DEADLINE MARCH 3RD
Students at Martin Avenue Elementary School embraced Global School Play Day earlier this month, an annual tradition in which each class was given time to let loose and take part in unstructured play. Above, second graders Arbion Dedushi, left, and Aidan Stadmeyer had a blast playing with slime. Story, more photos, Page 23.
Seltzer, Emily
By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
Three juniors at John F. Kennedy High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District are teaming up to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2025 Student Visionary program.
Through a variety of programs, the trio will raise awareness and funds to support critical blood cancer research and enhance patient services.
Paige Seltzer, Emily Kesler and Kayla Indich, all 16, are the leaders of Battle 4 A Cure, and have assembled a team made up of friends and family to support their efforts in this year’s fund-
raising campaign, which officially kicked off on Feb. 6, and will close on March 27. Through personal asks and community engagement, the girls said they hoped to raise $50,000 over the sevenweek campaign.
The Student Visionary program is designed specifically for high school students who want to make a meaningful impact in the fight against blood cancers, empowering them to develop and execute their own fundraising campaigns to support LLS’s mission.
Kesler told the Herald that she was nominated by a former participant last fall to be a Student Visionary for 2025, and asked LLS if any other students were involved in her community. Both
By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies in East Meadow is partnering with the Town of Hempstead to provide specialized training for public safety officers and lifeguards focused on recognizing and responding to individuals experiencing a seizure.
The EPIC Family has been a lifeline for individuals facing epilepsy, intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges — offering personalized care and a supportive community — for more than six decades. The agency has three branches: EPIC Long Island, which supports individuals with disabilities; the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island; and the South Shore Guidance Center, a mental health and behavioral clinic in Freeport. The acronym, EPIC, stands for “Extraordinary People In Care.”
Clavin, members of the town board and a handful of lifeguards and public safety officials joined EPIC’s leadership to announce the training during a Feb. 10 news conference at the agency’s headquarters, at 1500 Hempstead Turnpike.
I think it is so important that we make an active push to raise awareness so that we can get more funding for research.
MISSY MIllER Councilwoman Town of
Hempstead
The lifeguards and public safety officers receive a breadth of training in multiple areas of emergency, but are not trained on how to respond to a seizure episode.
When Clavin was 16, he said, he worked as a lifeguard in a pool in Valley Stream when someone had suffered from a seizure, and he did not know how to respond.
“It was really intimidating,” he recounted. “I was trained for drowning (response), I trained for CPR, but I didn’t have (seizure training). This is something that takes place, and people need to have that training.”
More than 30,000 Long
Continued on page 12
Town Supervisor Don
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s second annual STEAM Expo,
STEAM education is essential because it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity— skills that are increasingly important in today’s rapidly evolving job market. By integrating science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, STEAM prepares students for careers in highdemand fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and biotechnology while also emphasizing the importance of design, communication, and collaboration.
Additionally, hands-on learning experiences, like those at Bellmore-Merrick’s STEAM Expo, help students make connections between classroom concepts and real-world applications.
This year’s expo provided students and families from Bellmore-Merrick’s elementary component districts with the opportunity to engage in interactive activities, such as coding drones and NAO
held on Jan. 30 at Grand Avenue Middle School, highlighted the district’s commitment to integrating science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics into engaging and interactive learning experiences. Here’s what made this year’s event special:
robots, operating Sphero bots, and testing studentbuilt robots. Participants created 3D art, explored advanced science research opportunities, and engaged in E-sports and gaming, showcasing the diverse opportunities available within the district.
The importance of STEAM nights lies in their ability to spark curiosity and inspire students to explore various fields in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. Events like this serve as a platform for young learners to discover their passions, gain hands-on experience, and see firsthand the possibilities available to them in the BellmoreMerrick district.
“The STEAM Expo would not have been the incredible event it was without the dedication of our teachers and the enthusiasm of our students,”
Sofia Tibaldi, Morgan Mogavero, Jessica Heine and Vivian Hannula of the Mepham Science Club.
organizer Danielle Caliendo said. “Their hard work and passion truly brought STEAM to life. It was inspiring to see our students and future students come together and have fun exploring all that Bellmore-Merrick STEAM has to offer.”
The expo was a collaborative effort, co-organized by Math and Computer Science Chairperson Danielle Caliendo and Science and Technology Chairperson Rob Soel. Nearly 20 teachers and dozens of students played a crucial role in ensuring the event was both educational and engaging. Their efforts underscored the district’s dedication to fostering a strong STEAM curriculum that extends beyond the classroom and into co-curricular clubs and competitions.
Bob and Laura were ready to move forward with their estate plan to save estate taxes and avoid probate. The only hitch was who would take care of their beloved pets, Samson, the dog and Delilah, the cat, after Bob and Laura passed away.
Under New York law, trusts for the care of our pets are valid and enforceable. You can set up a pet trust in either a trust or a will. A trust is a private document that generally does not go to court, so if you create a pet trust within your own trust, it’s a private affair. A will, once submitted to court, is a public document and the court oversees the directions in your will, including your pet trust provisions.
Bob and Laura created pet trusts in their own living trusts. After more searching and discussion, they chose Bob’s brother, Rich, to be the trustee, or manager, of the pet trusts, meaning Rich will oversee and keep account of the money allocated to care for Sampson and Delilah. Rich will also be the caretaker. The trustee and caretaker do not have to be the same person but often that is the arrangement.
A woman was arrested Monday afternoon after allegedly attempting to use fraudulent identification to open a business account in an East Meadow bank and withdraw money from a bank, according to Nassau County police.
Tomeka Barton, 46, entered Flagstar Bank at 1900 Hempstead Turnpike at 1:02 p.m. and presented identification that did not belong to her, police said. She also wore a mask to conceal her identity. Bank employees recognized Barton from a previous attempt at another location and contacted police. Officers arrested her at
the scene without incident.
Barton is charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, firstdegree identity theft, second-degree forgery, seconddegree attempted grand larceny, second-degree criminal impersonation, thirddegree unlawful possession of personal identification, and a violation of the Mask Transparency Act. She was arraigned on Feb. 11 Tuesday at the First District Court in Hempstead.
—Jordan
Three men were arrested on Feb. 13 as part of an investigation into the illegal sale of cannabis and THC products at local businesses, Nassau County police said.
According to their trusts, after Bob and Laura are both gone, they leave $10,000 for each of their surviving pets. The trust money is to be used for the “proper medical care, support and maintenance” of their pets until the last pet dies. Then, the remainder of the money, called the “trust balance,” is distributed according to Bob’s and Laura’s wishes.
Instead of leaving a specific amount of money, a technique developed by Ettinger Law Firm may be preferable. What we suggest is that an amount to care for the annual feeding and medical care of the pet be placed in a trust, based on the actuarial life expectancy of the pet as determined by a local veterinarian. After all, the amount needed varies greatly depending on the age of the pet. To that, an average of five thousand or more may be added for unseen expenses. Consideration should also be given as to what a fair fee may be for the trustee.
Our free review of your estate plan every three years assures that the pet trust will be updated as circumstances change.
According to detectives, the narcotics and vice squad conducted an investigation that led to the arrests at three separate locations. Mohammed Abdo Hamo Al Rawhani, 31, of Brooklyn, was taken into custody at Convenience Plus, located at 939 N. Broadway in Massapequa. Officers recovered 15 packages of a greenish-brown leafy substance believed to be cannabis, 13 packages of suspected THC, and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency.
Mohamed Gamil Hassan, 27, of New York City, was arrested at Farmer in the Deli Smoke Shop, located at 145 Merrick Ave. in Merrick. Police recovered four packages of suspected cannabis, 27 packages of suspected THC, 417 assorted illegal flavored vape products, and U.S. currency.
Nagmedeen R. Hassan, 27, of Valley Stream, was taken into custody at The
men were arrested last week in Nasasu County for the illegal sale of cannabis and THC products at local bossiness.
Koughty Shop Inc., located at 2740 Grand Ave. in Bellmore. Officers recovered U.S. currency.
All three defendants are charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful sale of cannabis. They were arraigned on Feb. 14 at the First District Court.
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Of the 26 finalists in last Sunday’s Nassau County Division 1 Wrestling Championships, sophomores Kai Tiringer of Massapequa and Harlan Chugerman of Bellmore-JFK were two of the biggest surprises to battle under the spotlight at Hofstra University.
Tiringer, the No. 8 seed, defeated sixth-seeded Chugerman, 13-6, in a Cinderella 138-pound title match. Both advance to the state championships Feb. 28 and March 1 at MVP Arena in Albany.
“Kai has unbelievable hips and is one of the most athletic kids I’ve ever coached in 25 years,” Massapequa coach Mike McCann said. “It was a wide-open bracket and he could care less where he was seeded. He’s been a star all season.”
Tiringer, who last season came within one win of earning All-County, turned the bracket upside down last Saturday when he advanced past top-seeded
Matthew Lichter of MacArthur due to injury default a little over three minutes into their quarterfinal matchup.
Tiringer had two pins leading up to the quarterfinals and kept his momentum going Sunday morning in the semis with a 12-4 major decision over East Meadow’s Matthew Motamedian, the No. 13 seed who made a similar run to the second day of the tournament.
Chugerman beat another darkhorse, Farmingdale’s Cole Riddiough, the No. 7 seed, in thrilling fashion in the semis taking a 12-11 decision. Riddiough pinned second-seeded Luke Armendariz of Manhasset in the quarterfinals.
“Harlan was losing 11-2 in the quarters and won and was down 7-0 in the semis and won,” Kennedy coach Brian DeGaetano said. “He has a short memory and does a lot of things to give opponents fits. He has a second gear of no other. He’s never out of a match no matter the score.”
Joining Chugerman in Albany for
the Cougars will be freshman Peter Mikedis, who took second at 152 with his lone defeat of the tournament coming to Farmingdale standout Eric Wolf in the final. Seeded third, Mikedis had four wins, including a pin of Clarke’s Sebastian Mejia in the semis.
“We were hoping our guys would do well, but Harlan and Peter both had outstanding tournaments,” DeGaetano said. “The thing about both of these kids is they wrestle the full six minutes. Peter is a very experienced wrestler who had the match of his life in the semifinals.”
Another freshman, Jason Brodack, earned All-County honors by finishing fourth at 101 pounds. He went 5-2 on the weekend with both defeats coming to Long Beach’s Casey Powers. Senior Vasilios Katranis was also All-County, placing fourth at 138.
“With the exception of Vasilios, we’ll have the whole starting lineup back next season,” DeGaetano said.
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
With MacArthur’s catalyst, junior forward Meghan Campbell, saddled with two early fouls in Tuesday’s Nassau Class AA girls’ basketball quarterfinal playoff matchup against Mepham, head coach Dave Radtke kept a close eye on the scoreboard and the clock.
“I just wanted to get to halftime either tied or in a one-possession game,” Radtke said. “I thought if we could do that, we’d be in pretty good shape.”
Thanks in large part to eighth grader Angelina Lopez, the Generals did more than just hang around. She scored all 10 of her points in the second quarter and they led by five at halftime of a 43-40 home victory that wasn’t secured until the Pirates barely missed a potential game-tying trey as time expired.
“It was tough watching most of the
first half, but everyone stepped up especially Angelina,” said Campbell, who played just 3:09 of 16 first-half minutes and finished with 9 points and 8 rebounds. “It was a tough game as we expected,” she added.
Junior Caitlin Kilian, who had a clutch 3 and a key steal in the fourth quarter, added 9 points for fourth-seeded MacArthur (17-4), which also got 9 points from junior Gabrielle Nicolini and advanced to face top-seeded Baldwin in the semifinals March 3 at Farmingdale College at 6 p.m.
“It’s the first time in program history we’re in the semifinals in consecutive seasons,” Radtke said. “It took everyone we put on the floor. We always have tight games with Mepham, but this is the first time we’ve met in the playoffs.”
Mepham senior Makayla Daube led all scorers with 14 points. Classmates Sophia Beck and Grace Skulavik added
9 apiece for the Pirates (16-6), who blew out Jericho in the first round.
“We ran practices with MacArthur this season and it’s always a great matchup,” Mepham head coach Jim Mulvey said. “I thought they did a nice job weathering the storm when Campbell was in foul trouble and that was probably the difference,” he added.
Campbell started the second half but the fifth-seeded Pirates rallied with a 16-point third quarter to pull even at 32 entering the fourth. Skulavik and Beck had six points apiece in the third.
Daube put Mepham ahead 33-32 with 7:!4 remaining and at the same time drew a fourth foul on Campbell. But Campbell scored the next five points, including a trey with 6:02 to go and the Generals never trailed again.
“We’re such a deep team,” Campbell said. “Even if you take out one piece, we’re more than fine.”
By SCOTT BRINTON
Special to the Herald
First in a series of stories on immigration through a partnership between Herald Community Newspapers and Hofstra University.
Sergio Jimenez, of Amityville, an activist with an immigrant rights coalition that includes the Workplace Project in Hempstead, was recently approached by an acquaintance with an unusual proposition: The man asked whether Jimenez would take over his car payments.
The Honduran man had had enough of the Trump administration’s treatment of the immigrant community, and planned to return to his home country. He needed someone to assume his car payments rather than abandon the vehicle.
“He’s going back to Honduras because he can’t stand all this suppression,” Jimenez said.
Jimenez spoke during a nearly twohour-long conversation on Feb. 5 that the Herald hosted at a restaurant down the street from Hempstead Town Hall, attended by 15 immigrants and advocates from the local community and beyond. They came to discuss President Trump’s immigration policy, with its increased focus on identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants.
To protect its owners’ privacy, the Herald is not naming the restaurant.
Trump, Jimenez said, is ignoring the potential economic impact of tens of thousands, perhaps millions, of undocumented and documented immigrants returning to their home countries, either because they are forced or choose to. If a growing number of immigrants leave, the economy will suffer, he said.
Immigrants comprise a third of Nassau County’s workforce and a third of its small-business owners, and New York’s immigrants, documented and undocumented, pay more than $3.1 billion annually in state and local taxes, according to the New York Immigration Coalition.
Nadia Marin-Molina, co-executive director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, which has an office at the Freeport Workers Justice Center, said she believes the Trump administration aims to “make people’s lives miserable and to scare people, to terrorize people into leaving themselves, because they can’t deport everybody that they say they’re going to deport.”
As of Feb. 3, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported nearly 8,800 arrests of immigrants from 121 countries, with almost 5,700 deportations and removals since Trump took office. As of 2022, an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants lived in the U.S., 3 percent of the population, according to the American Immigration Council.
Many immigrants were already on edge and thinking of returning to their homelands before Trump’s increased enforcement, according to Deyanira Barrow, who immigrated to the U.S. 35
An increasing number of immigrants are considering returning to their home countries because of the Trump administration’s “suppression” of immigrant rights, according to Hempstead-area activists. Advocates and 15 immigrants gathered to talk with the Herald on Feb. 5.
years ago following the Nicaraguan civil war from 1978 to 1990.
Theft is often why “our people say, no, no, I’m going back to my country. They know some people spend a lot of money for nothing,” Barrow, a Workplace Project activist from Baldwin Harbor who owns a cleaning business, said. An attorney might charge $3,000 to $5,000 to process an immigration claim and provide no services, she added.
According to the National Immigration Law Center, on Jan. 20, his first day in office, Trump signed executive orders calling for, among other measures:
■ A recommitment to mass detention of undocumented immigrants.
■ Potential punishment of municipalities that act as “sanctuaries” for them.
■ A DHS review and audit of federal grants and contracts with non-governmental agencies that aid them.
■ Possible reinstatement of countrybased immigration bans.
■ An examination of Temporary Protected Status designations that allow immigrants fleeing violence and natural disaster to remain in the U.S.
■ Expansion of the expedited removal policy that allows the federal government to deport undocumented immigrants without their day in court.
■ Authorization for local municipalities to act as immigration enforcement agents.
This final point was most disconcerting for a number of the immigrants interviewed by the Herald. They wonder whether local governments, such as the villages of Freeport, Hempstead and
Westbury, and area school districts might cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, signed an agreement with the Trump administration on Feb. 4 that deputized county police officers to carry out immigration enforcement in tandem with ICE.
Blakeman’s policy has received bipartisan support. Freshman U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, a Democrat, issued a statement on Feb. 6, saying, “Violent criminals with no legal right to be here should be deported in accordance with the law. Nassau County detectives now being able to work directly with ICE agents on targeted enforcement against known noncitizen criminals will help keep Long Islanders safe.”
Whether local governments and school districts will cooperate with ICE is an open question. Last month, Hempstead Board of Education President Victor Pratt told Newsday, “We will continue to comply with federal mandates, and the law is the law, whether we agree with it or not.”
That prompted the immigrant rights organization LatinoJustice PRLDEF to respond. “Allowing ICE into our schools or working with this federal agency jeopardizes the safety, rights and wellbeing of the district’s student body,” Lourdes Rosado, the group’s president and general counsel, said.
Hempstead Schools Superintendent Susan Johnson posted a message on the district website last week to reassure concerned parents and students: “We understand that there are concerns circulating in our community regarding the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. During these times, it is important to know that our schools are safe spaces where all children are valued, protected and supported.”
No village or school district could be reached by phone for comment at press time.
‘The struggle continues’
“We are in a dire situation, as I see it,” Jimenez said. “Part of it is the lack of cohesion in the community. There’s no one representing, working with us, except organizations” like the Workplace Project.
The immigrant community was very active politically during the 1980s, “but then somehow the community fell asleep, and we remain sleeping,” Emilio Alfaro Ruiz, national advertising director for La Tribuna Hispana, a Hempstead-based Spanish-language newspaper, said. “It’s a state of mind. We have to tell the people that the struggle continues.”
Elected leaders of both parties have disappointed the immigrant community, Ruiz said, adding, “We always hope the Democrats will do more.” In particular, he said, the community had hoped that President Barack Obama, with a Democratically controlled Congress from 2009 to 2011, would push through comprehensive immigration reform, but that never happened.
Many immigrant activists have grown tired of the fight, Ruiz said. As they see it, the “politicians don’t give a damn about us,” he said, “and I’m going to do my own business — self-care.”
Miguel Alas Sevillano, a community organizer with the Workplace Project and a Salvadoran immigrant, said the organization is holding a workshop series to help immigrants understand their rights under the law. “We prepare people in the community how to act in case ICE comes to our homes or our workplaces or any public area,” Sevillano said.
To learn more about the workshops, call (516) 565-5377.
The Bellmore-Merrick rifle squad clinched the Nassau County championship on Feb. 6. This is the highest level of competition for the team and the eight other teams Bellmore-Merrick competes against in the county.
Students must learn several skills to be successful at this sport.
“Concentration and focus, both mental and physical, are required to hit a dot the size of a period from 10 meters,” Coach Philip Schratwieser explained. “The decision-making process involves not only taking the shot – which is challenging enough – but also having the discipline to say ‘no’ to yourself when you realize you aren’t ready. To then be able to calm your heartrate, control your breathing, to steady your hand all before you try again.”
Schratwieser served 12 years in the military as a Squad Designated Marksman, a graduate of the Army’s Master Gunner course and perennial sharpshooter.
In addition to being an assistant and head coach for the last six years, he works in the district’s network operations team for the technology department.
There are 14 students on the squad from across the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s schools.
“I have been coaching some of these kids for four years and will miss them as they move onto the next phase of their lives,” Schratwieser said. “I am so very proud of them, their hard work and the recognition they bring to the sport and to themselves as a result.”
— Jordan Vallone
Seltzer and Indich were also in the midst of forming a team, so the three of them decided to partner to create an even bigger impact.
All three of the team’s leaders, Kesler said, are very involved in their school community and extracurricular activities.
“There was nothing of this magnitude that has such an impact on people,” she said. “We knew that if we did something like this, we can change the lives of people battling cancer, and I think that’s an incredible cause and we’re so happy to be part of it.”
“I think we wanted to do something bigger than for ourselves,” Indich added, “doing something to help other people.”
We want to raise money, but we’re doing it for the patients.
Battle 4 A Cure’s fundraising campaign kicked off on Feb. 6, with an ongoing online raffle opening. Prior to the beginning of the campaign, the girls collected hundreds of bags of clothing, which were compiled in front of one of the girl’s home on Feb. 8. Go Green Textile Recycling, an organization that provides the collectors money for each pound of clothing, then picked up the donations.
With help from their friends and family, the team received a plethora of clothing donations from the Bellmore-Merrick community.
“I think it was just a great opportunity for so many people to be involved,” Kesler said. “People got to clean out their closets — like it’s good for you, it’s good for us. They’re doing it for a great cause and people love it.”
Local businesses and organizations in their community also have been supportive, offering gift cards and other giveaways for the team’s online raffle and other upcoming events.
The girls will be hosting a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at Kennedy High School on March 1; a Zoom bingo on March 9; an OrangeTheory fundraising fitness class on March 14; a softball clinic at Coleman Country Day Camp on March 16; and a fundraising yoga class on March 23.
The raffle drawing is slated for March 24, and they are also planning to host various “kick back” nights — casual gatherings for fundraising and educational purposes — at local vendors and restaurants throughout the campaign.
Seltzer explained that they’re communicating with the community through different avenues. “We made an Instagram,” she said, “and we posted all of our events. We also sent out letters, and then all of our
paige Seltzer,
team members sent out letters and emails — advertising everything and saying what we’re doing.”
Battle 4 A Cure has decided that the money the team raises will go toward patient support.
Working with the Ronald McDonald House Charities, the girls organized a Valentine’s Day card donation with their teammates. The charity operates a home-like facility in New Hyde Park, where it provides support to families with children who are sick or injured, and enduring long hospital stays. The girls dropped off the card donations after the clothing drive on Feb. 8, and will be returning to the home to bake food for its residents during the campaign.
“It’s important to stay involved, and of course we want to raise money,” Kesler said, “but we’re doing it for the patients.”
The team’s mission and campaign goals have been spreading through word of mouth, the girls said, but they are also running an Instagram account and using social media in other capacities to solicit as much support as possible.
Visit Battle4acure_lls on Instagram, or linktr.ee/ battle4acure to donate directly to the campaign and to learn how to participate in upcoming fundraising events.
By ROKSANA AMID
ramid@liherald.com
Anna Sequoia had never had the flu before. At 79, the Glen Cove resident thought she knew what to expect when she developed a sore throat while on a Caribbean cruise last week. But by the time she got home, the illness had taken a frightening turn.
“By the third night, I could barely sleep because of the coughing,” Sequoia recounted. “The coughing was so horrible my chest really hurt.”
Sequoia, who has asthma, went to an emergency room after struggling to breathe. “I told them that I was short of breath,” she said. “I immediately told them that I had been out of the country. They always want to know that. And at that point, everybody put masks on.”
Doctors diagnosed her with the flu and prescribed multiple medications, including Tamiflu, prednisone and a nasal decongestant. They also told her to use a nebulizer every four to six hours to ease her breathing. Now recovering at home, she remains shaken by the experience.
“I was scared, actually,” she said. “It’s frightening to me that people are walking around now without masks.”
Flu cases in New York have surged to more than 53,000, with Long Island recording 11,862 cases in a single week — the highest in at least two seasons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that flu-related doctor visits nationwide are at a 15-year high. The CDC estimates that, so far this season, 24 million Americans have had the flu, resulting in 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths.
In New York, flu activity has reached its highest level in years. The number of flu-related doctor visits
Health
continue to stress the importance of vaccination as the number of flu cases remains high.
climbed 7 percent in the first week of February, approaching levels last seen during the 2009-10 flu pandemic.
Dr. Bruce Farber, chief of epidemiology at Northwell Health, said this year’s flu is being driven by low vaccination rates and changes in the virus strains.
“Flu seasons vary year by year, depending upon minor drifts in the virus,” Farber said. “Secondly, the population is under-vaccinated. Flu vaccination rates are much lower than they have been in years previous
… And then, of course, the matchup of the flu vaccine to this year’s strains is also always a prediction, at best.”
In New York, flu vaccination rates among children ages 6 months to 17 have dropped from 60 percent in 2020 to 49 percent this season, according to the CDC. Public health officials stress that the vaccine reduces the severity of illness and the likelihood of hospitalization, even if it doesn’t prevent infection entirely.
Health officials expect flu cases to remain high for several more weeks. “Rates have been very high the first week of February. They’re just starting to level off and fall,” Farber said. “It usually remains at high levels of infection for about eight to 10 weeks, and then slowly declines.”
Officials track the flu’s spread through hospital admissions, flu test positivity rates and emergency room visits.
The Nassau County Department of Health stressed the importance of flu vaccinations in an email to the Herald, noting that it is not too late in the season to get protected. In addition to vaccination, health officials recommend frequent hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces to reduce the spread of the virus. Those who are not feeling well should stay home from work, school and social gatherings until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
Those who need help finding a vaccine can call the county health department, at (516) 227-9697.
With between 20,000 and 60,000 flu-related deaths expected annually, Farber stressed the seriousness of the illness, particularly for vulnerable populations. “People should realize that this disease is responsible for a lot of mortality every year,” he said. “It’s not a cold.”
Islanders live with an epilepsy diagnosis, and nearly one out of 10 individuals are expected to experience a seizure at some point in their lifetime. Ensuring first responders and public-facing personnel are trained, the town said, is a critical step in promoting safety.
Town Councilwoman Missy Miller spoke about her experience caring for someone who suffers from the condition — her son Oliver. Epilepsy is a brain disease that causes seizures, or episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
“Many people have absolutely no idea (what epilepsy is), or they think it’s a condition that you just take medication and it’s controlled, or you have a surgical procedure and it’s fixed,” Miller said. “For a lucky percentage, that is the case. But for many like my child, there is no relief. I’ve been advocating for that relief for all of Oliver’s life.”
Oliver has been profoundly affected by his condition, Miller said. Reading a letter “addressed” to epilepsy, that she was asked to write for an advocacy research program, Miller shared insight into how epilepsy has changed her family’s life.
“You were the one diagnosis,” Miller read, “and my son has many diagnoses, that changed our lives, because you took so much from us. You took Oliver’s words, little by little. You took his abili-
■ Over 30,000 Long Island residents currently live with epilepsy
■ Nearly 1 in 10 people will experience a seizure in their lifetime
■ The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies has served the community for 60+ years
■ 100+ Town of Hempstead lifeguards will receive seizure response training
■ 50+ public safety officials will participate in the training program
■ Training sessions are conducted monthly in 1-hour online courses
ty to pull himself up, to sit and stand, his ability to walk, and eventually, his ability to even sit unsupported.”
Miller expressed pride in the town board for taking a step in the right direction to support seizure care. “I think it is so important that we make an active push to raise awareness so that
we can get more funding for research,” she said.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island is a member of the National Epilepsy Foundation, and has been serving Nassau and Suffolk counties since 1953, according to Lisa Burch, president and chief executive of the EPIC Family. Through a myriad of services, the foundation provides support, home visits, school advocacy, legislative advocacy and educational resources to individuals with epilepsy and their families or caregivers.
“Raising awareness and providing proper training can make all the difference in an emergency situation,” Burch said. “The EPIC Family thanks the Town of Hempstead for this incredible partnership and is proud to collaborate with them on this outstanding initiative.”
Irene Rodgers, chief development and engagement officer with the Epilepsy Foundation, said the training program is designed specifically for law enforcement and safety officials, who are often first on the scene of emergencies. The training equips them with the
knowledge to recognize and properly respond to seizures.
“Our training is free,” she said. “It’s a professional development program that helps law enforcement and public safety officers understand the many ways seizures can present. By partnering with the Town of Hempstead, we are lucky to have the opportunity to provide this crucial education to public safety officials, expanding awareness and preparedness.”
The seizure awareness training is an hour-long course, offered once a month online, making it accessible to the town’s employees. More than 100 lifeguards will receive the training, and just over 50 public safety officials, Clavin said.
“Through this partnership, we aim to ensure that individuals experiencing a seizure receive the appropriate care they need, ultimately fostering a safer community for everyone,” he said. For more information on services provided by the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies and the Epilepsy Foundation, visit EPICLI.org.
with a focus on programs and activities
The day’s not over once the school bell rings
Kids nowadays are certainly busier than ever before. The increasingly competitive nature of scholastic life combined with the increase of outside of classroom options available to kids means that kids nowadasys are much busier than their school-aged counterparts of yesteryear.
Can after-school programs give your children an academic boost? According to a recent study of after-school programs serving low-income elementary and middle school students, the answer is yes. Students who regularly participated in after-school programs surpassed their peers in academic performance. They also exhibited notable improvements in work habits and behavior.
“These findings underscore the importance of high quality after-school programs and activities for both elementary and middle school youth,” explains Deborah Lowe Vandell, PhD, Chancellor’s Professor Emerita, University of California at Irvine’s Department of Education, and the study’s lead author.
It’s no surprise that after-school programs can do much more than keep your children occupied during the afternoon. In fact, afterschool activities can help them in a variety of ways. Children develop time-management skills, build self-esteem, and practice goal-setting. While it may be tough to squeeze in afterschool activities for your children, the benefits
are well worth the extra effort.
Time management and prioritizing. Extracurricular activities teach children how to manage their time and prioritize various tasks and commitments.
Exploring diverse interests. The school band, drama club, or any sport may be an activity your children are interested in joining. By allowing your children the opportunity to explore diverse interests, you give them the opportunity to discover what they are passionate about. Once your children find an activity that they enjoy, succeeding in the activity could ultimately build their confidence and self-esteem.
Making a contribution. Extracurricular activities allow your children to make a contribution to their school or community, which is an important step in preparing them for life outside of academics.
Building self-esteem. Mastering new skills can help create confident kids. By participating in after-school activities, they can build their self-esteem in a relaxed setting as their activities provide the opportunity to be successful in something that they are passionate about.
Setting goals. Participation in extracurricular activities and programs present opportunities for your children to develop their goal-setting skills. Most involve reaching or
achieving a goal, whether it be the lead actor in the school play, winning the state championship or coming in first place in the science fair. As a result, these activities help encourage students to work toward achieving those goals, while having fun at the same time.
Teamwork. Sports teams, clubs and activities, like dancing and music, all require children to work together toward a common goal. By participating in these activities, your children develop the skills they need in order to successfully work with others. In addition, extracurricular activities let children to build
relationships and socialize with peers who share their interests.
College applications. And, of course, after-school activities look great on college applications. In addition to academic performance, colleges want a well-rounded student and look at what activities students are involved in outside of school as a way to fully understand each student.
Recent studies show a correlation between improved grades, behavior and work habits as a result of students’ involvement in after-school activities.
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In years past, the onset of spring signaled to students the beginning of the end of the school year. Today, this season has increasingly become one of the most stressful times of the year due to the convergence of extracurricular activities, sports, end-of-year assessments, projects and, for high-school students, college admissions.
“As stress builds for students during the second half of the school year, the best release to this ‘academic pressure cooker’ may also be the most simple —time,” says education expert Dr. Richard E. Bavaria. “Through effective time management and other strategies, students can create ‘found time’ and find themselves better prepared for all of the activities and challenges that come along with the final months of the school year.”
Inside and outside of the classroom, there are many ways that students can manage their workload and create time for stress-reducing activities at home.
Implement some recommended strategies to help your kids achieve academic success.
Spring cleaning: Organization both at home and at school will save students time by eliminating the need to search for homework assignments, books and other items necessary for spring success. Create a “homework zone” that houses study tools and allows students to study without distraction.
Organized kids do better in school than haphazard kids. Help them to set up their planners (written or electronic), to keep their notebooks and backpacks neat and orderly, to break up large assignments into smaller ones so they don’t seem overwhelming, to maintain a work space at home that’s actually workable and not a disaster area, and to stick to the goals you’ve set together.
Also establish or re-establish helpful routines. Give your kids the consistency of fairly regular routines (weekends and holidays can be breaks). Bedtime, wake-up, study, homework, play, family time kids rely on these routines, and the structure helps them to feel safe, know what’s expected of them and be successful.
Spring check-up: Stay informed about the end-of-school activities for which your child will be responsible. Encourage students to use plan-
ners to create timelines, or place a large calendar with deadlines and test dates in a visible area of the house.
Spring tune-up: Help your child evaluate the subjects or areas that she finds most challenging. Assigning a priority to homework items according to their level of difficulty will save time by ensuring your child devotes the most energy to the areas that require extra focus and attention.
Spring in your step: Exercise is a great way to alleviate stress and stimulate the mind. Taking short exercise breaks between assignments can refresh a student’s energy level and renew focus. Maintain healthy habits since healthy kids are better learners. Help your children by making sure they’re getting enough sleep, insisting on their good eating habits, and making sure they’re involved in regular and aerobic exercise.
Spring break: Compressing study time into one all-nighter may seem like a good way to save time, but the brain is less efficient without taking a break to rest, and a student’s memory can be affected. A better alternative is to ensure your child obtains the recommended amount of sleep by spreading study efforts out over a period of time.
Spring forward: Use your family’s “found time” to celebrate spring successes! Show your child that you are confident in her academic abilities, and reward the little things, such as improved concentration while studying or proactively organizing her homework space.
Recommit to learning: With your children, come up with one or two major goals that they want to accomplish for the remainder of this school year. Raising that algebra grade? Getting homework done on time and turning it in the next day? Organizing a study area at home? Using a planner regularly and efficiently?
Agree on some age-appropriate rewards and consequences. Commit to a family-centered
that education is important to all of you, and work together to support, encourage and help each other.
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If camp is in your family’s summer plans, now’s the time to select one
Although the chill and snow has us bogged down right now, it’s never too early to being thinking about summer camp. Since the most popular camps typically fill their rosters long before the first signs of spring, the earlier you begin the process, the more options your family will have available.
When choosing a camp or summer program, reputation and word of mouth are meaningful resources; however, a terrific match for one child and family might not be the best match for your child or family. The best advice is to think about your child’s interests and temperament, and make a list of camp features that are most important to your family and child.
Staff: The staff will play a crucial role in how much your child enjoys himself over the summer. A qualified staff is adept at making all children feel welcome, and will be experienced in making everyone’s time at camp as enjoyable as possible.
When connecting with camps, ask about staff and how the staff is assembled. What education and training is required of the staff? Does the camp run criminal background checks on its staff? A good staff will be trained in first aid and have some type of background in child counseling or education. Camps that simply hire recommends that 80 percent of a camp’s staff should be 18 or older.
Camp goals: Camps can differ greatly with
what they hope to offer a child. Camps can focus on religion, sports, music, recreation, or a host of other interests. If you’re looking for a sports camp, ask about affiliations with any local colleges or professional teams. If it’s a musical camp, ask about what your child can expect to learn from staff.
It’s also important to determine the general temperament of a camp. Does the camp foster a laid back or more competitive environ-
ment? This can be a big help in choosing the right camp for your child. For example, a child who isn’t very competitive likely will not enjoy a camp where competition is heavily emphasized, whereas a child who is competitive might not get much out of a camp that is more recreational.
Daily schedule: While some camps might be specialized, most parents send their children to recreational camps that they hope
offer their kids a well-rounded experience. Ask to see the schedule from a typical day, and ask about how flexible that schedule is. Will kids be able to choose from different activities each day, or is every day regimented? Remember, kids will be spending their summer vacations at camp, and for many kids camp is an opportunity to relax and spend some time doing what they want. Camps that feature strict schedules might not be the best fit.
Referrals: Chances are some of your child’s classmates attend camp in the summer. Ask around and seek some advice on what are the top options. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to send your child to a summer camp that some of his classmates also attend, which should make it easier for your child to adapt to camp, especially if it’s a first summer away from home.
If you can’t find any personal referrals, ask a camp for a list of references. These references shouldn’t weight too heavily in your decision, as a camp director is obviously not going to give you names of parents whose children didn’t have a good time. But the parents should be able to provide an accurate portrayal of how the camp conducts itself and how your child might fare should he attend that camp.
Photo: It’s much more than s’mores and sing-alongs: Camps can provide lifelong memories and skills.
For many families, the morning rush isn’t the most chaotic time of the day. Instead, the sanitybuster is that long stretch from the time school lets out until the final activity ends and everyone is home.
Surviving the afternoon activities juggle is all about planning and time management and it’s also an opportune time to teach kids some valuable skills.
“The opportunity with activities is it’s a great time for kids to learn time management,” says Carolyn Dalgliesh, a professional organizer who specializes in helping kids who are anxious or distracted.“It’s a skill that will help them throughout their lives.”
Without preparation, the activities crunch can get kids and parents on a quick path to burnout and exhaustion.
Consider these tips from the experts for making your child’s after-school activities a fun and rewarding part of childhood and for teaching your child the skill of time management.
Choose the right activities. There is no need for everyone to run ragged getting to volleyball practice if your child no longer enjoys it. “We talk about mindful choices,” Dalgliesh says. “You want your child to get value out of any activity, whether it’s a great social outlet or a chance to run off a lot of energy.”
Consider timing. If you’re lucky enough to have choices in times, choose wisely. “Think about how well your child does with transitions,” Dalgliesh says. “For some kids, coming home triggers wind-down time, [so] parents may want to go to the library after school to do homework instead of stopping by the house.”
Honor the family meeting. There is a central principle when it comes to family time management: Everyone must get together once a week, with calendars in hand, to plan out the next week. Figure out how each kid will get to and from each activity, and make plans for meals and snacks. When doing the planning, try to carve out at least one night when the family can have dinner together. Make your weekly meeting fun by following it with a family movie or
game night. Or, suggests Grey, dole out allowance and lunch money at the end of the meeting.
Maintain a family calendar. Each family member needs his or her own week-at-a-glance calendar, and you also need a family calendar. Yes, that’s a lot of calendars, but it will help ensure all activities are well-planned.
Get the activity bags ready. Get your kids in the habit of packing their activity bags Sunday night. Designate a place for them hang or store their bags. For activities requiring a lot of gear, use a checklist to make sure noth ing gets left behind.
Embrace meal planning. It’s important plan simple, consistent meals, especially if you’re a busy family with a lot of activities. For example, kids love theme dinners such as “Taco Tuesday,” and can help with preparation and assembly. Also plan snacks, making sure to have high-pro tein nibbles available for kids before they embark on a strenuous activity.
Make car time special. If you spend a lot time driving to and from activities, make that time count. Try an audiobook, choosing a story everyone in the family can enjoy. Dalgliesh plays a conversation game with her children.
She has a set of cards with prompts such “What is the worst meal you ever had in a restau rant?” or “What is your favorite vacation memo ry?” She passes the deck to her kids has them pick one. “It’s about finding those moments connect,” she says.
Be flexible. Even the most carefully made plans can be rendered useless by a thunder storm that cancels soccer practice, a sick child, an unexpected work disaster.
Empower your kids. Give your kids much control over their own planning and scheduling as they can handle. Different kids need different tools. Especially as kids get older, they need to own their organization system.
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Director Billy Bustamante, whose credits include Broadway and off-Broadway, brings his flair to the Madison Theatre’s latest production.
The stage is set for a steamy
By Danielle Schwab
t’s “the party to end all parties” and everyone’s on the guest list. You’re invited to travel back to the decadent world of 1920s Prohibition-era Manhattan when the roaring musical production of Andrew Lippa’s “The Wild Party,” arrives on the Molloy University campus shortly, March 7-9.
Audiences can expect a lively show filled with vibrant jazz and eclectic guests — also some uninvited “surprises” — that’s sure to keep the joint buzzing.
Observing the talented young performers involved with Molloy’s renowned CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, guided by Director-Choreographer Billy Bustamante, you’ll surelly be thinking: ‘Let’s raise the roof, let’s make a scene!’
Set in the Roaring Twenties, it tells the tale of two vaudevillians, Queenie and Burrs, as they throw the party to end all parties. Jealousy and decadence abound in this spicy concoction whose tasty musical stew of jazz, blues, gospel, and Tin Pan Alley sounds remarkably contemporary.
Vaudeville dancer Queenie, (played by senior Jessica Olexy) and her intense partner Burrs (senior Cade Eller) host an evening of delight only to see it spiral into chaos with every twist and turn.
• Friday through Sunday, March 7-9; times vary
• Tickets start at $35; available at madisontheatreny.org or the box office at (516) 323-4444
• Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
Sondheim’s “Here We Are” (choreographer). Now Molloy’s theater students can benefit from his talents.
“I have history with this story,” Bustamente says. “I directed an off-Broadway production of the other version back in 2016, so this feels like a full circle moment, getting to explore this story again through different writers.”
There’s even a ‘show within a show’ musical number, “ A Wild, Wild Party,” a favorite of senior Angelo Domingo, who appears as a party guest, the rambunctious boxer Eddie.
Shiver me timbers! Book your passage to the Madison Theatre when Molloy University’s renowned CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, stages the classic musical, accompanied by the South Shore Symphony, Sail away to the whimsical world of Gilbert & Sullivan’s beloved operetta, where a merry band of parading pirates — led by their Pirate King — clash swords and nightsticks with the bumbling Bobbies on the shores of Cornwall. The story revolves around Frederic, who was apprenticed by mistake to a band of tenderhearted pirates. He meets the daughters of Major-General Stanley, including Mabel, and the two young people instantly fall in love. With its humorous blend of romantic entanglements and memorable melodies, this delightful production promises an evening of laughter and theatrical magic.
Friday through Sunday, Feb. 2123, times vary. Tickets start at $35. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 3234444.
“At this party, everyone has a secret and something to hide. This show explores what happens when those secrets and the masks — that we all wear — get ripped off,” Bustamante says.
Based on Joseph Moncure March’s 1928 poem of the same name, the award-winning off-Broadway musical wowed audiences with its look into love in a messy and exciting fashion when it debuted 25 years ago.
the award-winning off-Broadway musical wowed audiences with its the score,” Bustamante says. “The nature of the music
While the narrative poem is almost a century old, Lippa’s adaptation brings a modern take to the story, blending the captivating allure of the 1920s with a modern feel.
“The music is a lot more contemporary and eclectic, all while being rooted in jazz. There are some really exciting pop, Latin and contemporary musical theater elements in the score,” Bustamante says. “The nature of the music allows audiences today to engage with the story and see themselves in the characters’ experiences in a really impactful way.”
From larger-than-life dancing sequences such as “Juggernaut,” to soulful reflections as in “What Is It About Her?,” the production traverses the range of human emotions and complicated identities those vaudeville entertainers of that era.
“All these people at the party are people who don’t belong in other places. The nature of what it meant to be a vaudevillian performer was you were uplifted and applauded at one moment and then not allowed certain restaurants or rooms at the next,” Bustamante explains.
“At its core, it’s something really beautiful. But on the
“At its core, it’s something really beautiful. But on the other hand, these are all damaged people because of the lives that they’ve had to leave, and that sets the stage for an evening where a lot can really go down.”
This isn’t the first time that Bustamante has helmed the story. In fact, he was involved with a different musical adaptation of the famous poem, created by Michael John LaChiusa. His resume includes acting in productions such as Broadway Theatre’s “Miss Saigon” in addition to his directorial turns in “Here Lies Love” (assistant director) and Stephen
as a party guest, the rambunctious boxer Eddie. says.
“It was the number that introduced me to the show, and it has just a very fun, infectious vibe,” Domingo
an
opportunity to hone their performing skills before
For the cast of 25, this production is an opportunity to hone their performing skills before going forward professionally.
“The [CAP21] program teaches you a lot about how to be an individual in theater. Because we’re in New York, you get the experience of [being with] working professionals who are working on Broadway, Off Broadway and developing musicals,” Domingo continues.
[being with] working professionals who are
“I’ve grown in more ways than I thought I ever would. And when it comes to my training, I achieved things that I thought would take way longer to achieve already.”
So get ready to head to the theater — it’s time to join the party.
I thought I ever would. And when it head theater — it’s time to join the party.
audience Party” feeling
“I hope that our audience can leave “The Wild Party” feeling entertained, but at the same time a little educated and with a deeper understanding of themselves,” Bustamante
understanding of themselves,” Bustamante says.
masks serve you, and what masks might you
“And our version of the show can really help ask the question of our audience: ‘What masks serve you, and what masks might you be ready to let go.’
Recognized as one of Europe’s first-rank symphonic ensembles and renowned for its versatility, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra brings its current U.S. tour to Long Island, under the baton of music director Steven Mercurio. Dynamic guest soloist Maxim Lando, an American pianist and winner of the 2022 New York Franz Liszt International Competition, joins CNSO. He and violinist Sandy Cameron perform beloved works from the Romantic repertoire — Jan Václav Hugo Voríšek’s Sinfonia Re Maggiore, Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 and selected works from Antonín Dvorák, including Piano Concerto in G minor, Op. 33 and Czech Suite.
The Wild Party contains mature themes.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21,22, 11 a.m and 1:30 p.m.; also Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 26-27, 10:15 a.m. and noon. It is 3017 in this futuristic, musical retelling of “Cinderella.” She’s now a space engineer looking to revolutionize space travel. When the Prince holds a space parade, Cinderella helps fix the Prince’s spaceship. Cinderella knows it’s the perfect opportunity to show her new hyper warp speed engine. But first, she’ll have to keep her evil stepmother from throwing a wrench in her plans! $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Learn safe driving strategies and earn a discount on your auto insurance with the AARP Smart Driver course, Friday, Feb. 21, at North Bellmore Library. Class begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. $25 AARP members; $30 nonmembers. Visit northbellmorelibrary.org to register or call (516) 7856260. 1551 Newbridge Road, N. Bellmore.
concert
Jupiter String Quartet returns to Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The intimate group of violinists Nelson Lee and Meg Freivogel, violist Liz Freivogel (Meg’s older sister), and cellist Daniel McDonough (Meg’s husband, Liz’s brotherin-law) are brought together by ties both familial and musical.
The ensemble brings its well-honed musical chemistry to three works shaped by bold musicality and deeply meaningful thematic inspirations, including Warmth from Other Suns by Carlos Simon; String Quartet No. 3, Glitter, Doom, Shards, Memory by Shulamit; and String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat Major, Op. 130 with the Grosse Fuge by Ludwig van Beethoven. 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
Having an event?
A Band Called Honalee
Plaza Theatricals welcomes the modern-day folk trio, Sunday, Feb. 23 , 2:30 p.m. Inspired by the music and legacy of Peter, Paul & Mary, the ensemble offers up an energetic interactive tribute. Satisfying diehard PPM lovers as well as newcomers to this wonderful era of music, their concer features all of PPM’s beloved hits, including “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Blowing in the Wind,” and of course “Puff The Magic Dragon.”
With stirring vocal harmonies and polished showmanship, they also offers favorites from Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell, The Mamas & The Papas, Joan Baez, The Weavers, and more. $40, $35 seniors. Groove along at Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit plazatheatrical. com.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 23, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
The Our Story Finance special supplement is a dedicated exploration of how community businesses drive local economies, foster financial resilience, and create lasting social impact. This edition highlights the power of collective entrepreneurship, showcasing how locally owned enterprises shape thriving neighborhoods through shared resources, ethical finance, and community investment.
This edition spotlights the individuals driving positive change, from revitalizing neighborhoods to pioneering sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. This edition features in-depth profiles, and takes a look behind-the-scenes at how community-focused real estate and business leaders are reshaping local communities.
Higher education is more than just earning a degree— it’s a gateway to personal growth, career success, and community development. This special supplement explores the transformative impact of colleges and universities on individuals and society, highlighting the latest trends, opportunities, and resources available to students and lifelong learners.
Kids Camp and School is an in-depth guide on summer camps, after-school programs, and educational institutions, ensuring families have all the information they need to make informed decisions.
Martin Avenue Elementary School fifth graders Jaxon Carlton and Emily
faced off in a game of ping pong for Global School Play Day on
The smiles and laughter from both children and adults showed that it was mission accomplished for Global School Play Day at Martin Avenue Elementary School on Feb. 5. The North Bellmore School District embraced the annual initiative nearly a decade ago as a reminder that learning can be fun.
Each class at Martin Avenue blocked out time for unstructured play. In many rooms, students played with games and toys they brought from home.
Second grade teacher Mary Carrea said no electronics were allowed as she wanted her students to play the old-fashioned way. She noted the many benefits of playing board games like teaching compromise, fair play and sportsmanship.
Fifth graders in Ashley Vella’s class played bingo and charades before unstructured free play began. All of the desks were pushed to the edge of the room to create a wide-open space for play. Even the back table was transformed into a ping-pong table. In addition to board games, her students could be found drawing and playing with action figures.
“It’s always a fun day,” Vella said, adding that it’s a good chance for her students to tap into their creativity, bond over common interests and expand their friend groups.
First grade teacher Nicole Huttner had her students rotate through stations with different games that students brought in from home. Rachel Graber’s sixth graders
hosted their buddies from Antonietta Fischetti’s second grade class. While the older students usually serve as the leaders, this time it was flipped as it was the second graders who brought in their games and taught others the rules.
“Unstructured play provides students the opportunity to develop their communication, critical thinking and problemsolving skills,”. Michael Yannucci said. “It supports the ongoing efforts of our teachers to build caring and compassionate classrooms.”
— Jordan Vallone
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The students in the Leadership III class at John F. Kennedy High School presented their CougarTalks on Jan. 15.
CougarTalks is a speaker series inspired by the concept of TED Talks. It features students, staff, and guest speakers sharing insightful, motivational, and thought-provoking presentations. The topics can range widely but often focus on personal experiences, overcoming challenges, spreading awareness, or promoting innovative ideas. It provides a platform for the school community to inspire and educate one another while fostering a sense of connection and understanding.
“The students wrote, rehearsed, refined, and memorized their speeches over the last month and a half of their leadership class,” teacher Brad Seidman explained. “They presented on topics that varied from personal reflections on family connections and past obstacles, to overcoming insecurities and living in the moment.”
The program is one of the culminating projects in the school’s leadership program, which focuses on developing students’ personal growth, confidence and public speaking skills.
— Jordan Vallone
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2005-D, MORTGAGE-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-D, Plaintiff, Against MICHAEL BROWN, ET AL., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 10/09/2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court
Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 3/21/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1855 Madison Avenue, Bellmore, New York 11710, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bellmore, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 56 Block L Lot 21
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $992,729.74 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 5261/09
Than Just
If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 2/11/2025 File Number: 17-300073 CA 151734
Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 02/07/2025. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to 2286 Logue Street, North Bellmore, NY 11710. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 151740
Q. I am interested in leasing a building that I am certain was flooded during several recent storms. The landlord says the sheetrock and insulation were replaced, and there were only a “few inches of water.” I doubt that. The metal building is stained around the bottom 4 feet, in between tall weeds, since nobody takes care of it. It’s in an industrial area. I wonder why I had to lift my house, but these buildings, which clearly were seriously flooded, never had to make changes to deal with future flooding. I can’t risk losing inventory, and I don’t see where there was much done to prevent water from getting in. I probably won’t take the lease, but I still wonder why these buildings didn’t either have to be raised or make changes for better flood protection.
A. Most commercial buildings were not considered “substantially damaged,” a definition by the Federal Emergency Management Agency requiring flood-prevention implementation. In most cases, only when renovating, waterproofing materials were required to be added to either the inside or outside of buildings, but this was not enforced uniformly with required permits. Part of the reason that flood-proof materials were added was, just as you said, to prevent loss of inventory, but also because businesses can’t be out of commission for very long without losing money.
Flood protective panels that attach at the exterior doors and windows, membranes placed on interior walls behind new finishes, and waterproofing of exterior walls up to 2 feet above the flood elevation, designated by FEMA for your area, have become standard practice for projects where people are concerned about their businesses continuing to operate after the next serious storm. The owner or tenant has to be concerned enough to implement these safeguards, because most commercial buildings in flood-prone areas were either not considered damaged enough to lift or not required to flood-proof unless brought to the attention of officials.
The issue comes down to one thing: insurance. Many people think of FEMA as just a federal government program, but it’s much more than that. It’s a large insurance company, one of the largest in the world. Because there are so many disasters to handle each year — roughly $200 billion worth of damage — most insurance companies stopped insuring coastal communities around the country. There’s just too much risk. So FEMA is designated to cover the high risk, backed by taxpayers to pay for the gaps and losses. That falls to taxpayers because otherwise-thriving communities would cease to exist, tax revenue would be lost, bonds and debt failures would occur and the economy could collapse. It’s all tied together. So even though evaluation or enforcement may not have been done, taking steps as a tenant may be your only recourse. Consult with experienced professionals to create a flood-proof building. Water gets through floors, gaps in walls and places you may not have thought of. Good luck!
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As we celebrated Presidents’ Day on Monday, I thought back on presidents I’ve had the opportunity to meet over the years.
Except for my first meeting with Richard Nixon in 1967, before he was president, all of those meetings resulted from my involvement in politics.
In the summer of 1967, between my second and third years of law school, I worked as an intern in Nixon’s Wall Street law firm. (The fellow intern I was assigned to work with that summer was Rudy Giuliani — who was then a liberal Democrat.)
In addition to the chance encounters we had with Nixon in the hallway or elevator, we interns had a long lunch discussion with him, during which he demonstrated his expansive knowledge of foreign and domestic issues. Surprisingly, he also displayed a certain shyness.
A quarter-century later, in 1993, the then former president was in Washington to address Republicans in Congress, where I told him how much I appreciated the long-ago internship. He was no longer shy, but seemingly at peace. The following year, I attended his funeral in
California.
President Gerald Ford was in the closing days of his 1976 campaign against Jimmy Carter when he spoke at a massive rally at the Nassau Coliseum. At a reception afterward, Ford was gracious and friendly, a class act.
The next time I saw him was in 1998, at Sonny Bono’s funeral in California.
From Nixon to Trump, there have been 10, and each left a different impression.
I had just two brief encounters with Jimmy Carter, the first an introduction at Yitzhak Rabin’s funeral in Jerusalem in 1995. The second was about 10 years ago, when I was on a Delta Shuttle, waiting to take off for Washington, when Carter got on the plane, recognized me, shook my hand and gave me a warm hello and a big smile — an awkward moment for me, since I had attacked him for something on national TV just the day before!
Except for a White House briefing for New York Republicans in 1987, my dealings with President Ronald Reagan consisted of handshakes and photos at political events in Nassau County and Manhattan. I was always struck by his sense of dignity and leadership. He never disappointed.
President George Bush 41 was the last of the old-school presidents, in the best sense of that term. He was very knowl-
edgeable and always respectful of his office. In addition to greeting him at political events before and after his presidency, I was invited, along with other newly elected Republicans, to meet with him in the Oval Office in his final days as president in January 1993. It was inspiring and memorable. He didn’t have a word of regret or complaint. True stature.
Though President Barack Obama offered to appoint me ambassador to Ireland, my dealings with him were infrequent and businesslike. He was always polite, and always “no drama Obama.”
My contacts with Joe Biden were when he was senator and vice president, primarily at social events in Washington. He was invariably cordial and humorous. Always greeted me with a big grin, and would kid me that Irish guys should always be Democrats. He was sharp; very different from how he was as president.
The presidents I spent the most time with were Bill Clinton, George Bush 43 and Donald Trump, all of whom are within two years of me in age. I worked closely with Clinton on the Irish peace process, traveling with him on his historic visits to Northern Ireland. I stood with him during his impeachment. He
couldn’t have been more gracious and friendly to my family. He and Hillary were the first to call the night my mother died. We remain friends.
I saw up close how dedicated the younger George Bush was to helping New York and defeating Islamist terrorism following the horrific Sept. 11 attacks. I was with him in the ruins of the World Trade Center three days afterward, and over the succeeding months and years was at numerous meetings he had with cops, firefighters and 9/11 victims’ family members. A true patriot. Great sense of humor.
Donald Trump was and is one of a kind. He and I grew up in Queens at the same time. Though we lived in different Zip codes, one on one he was like the guys I grew up with, totally down to earth. Despite his public persona, he could be caring and concerned, like when he reached out to my daughter when she was sick, or when he invited my grandchildren to the White House. Most significantly, I’ll always be appreciative of his visits to Long Island, where he led the effort to crush MS-13. These are just some of the recollections from my front-row seat of the 10 men who led our nation over the past six decades.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
As best I can remember when I was in fourth grade, we were taught that there are three branches of government — the legislative, the judicial and the executive. And we were taught that they were co-equals, with each possessing powers that the other branches couldn’t interfere with.
To make it simple, our teacher stated that the legislative branch, represented by Congress, is responsible for making laws. The executive branch, headed by the president, enforces laws made by Congress and oversees federal agencies. The judicial branch, led by the Supreme Court, interprets laws and ensures that they comply with the Constitution. In my lifetime, over many decades, I have seen how the wishes of our Founding Fathers were complied with. While I was too young to understand the maneuvers of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, when he stepped over the line, the
Supreme Court reversed a number of his actions. In blunt terms, he was told that some of his actions violated the Constitution.
Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama saw their controversial legislation overridden by a vote of three-fourths of Congress. And on quite a few occasions, the Supreme Court told Congress that it had violated the Constitution and its actions were null and void. That seemed to be in line with what I learned at Public School 26 in Brooklyn.
cal issues. Some are consistent with campaign promises Trump made, but others clearly step on the toes of the 435 members of Congress.
W e once learned that the White House, Congress and the courts were co-equals.
Having served in the State Assembly for 23 years, I am very much aware of how the systems work in both Washington and Albany. I have seen the Legislature in Albany flex its muscles and override the governor on many occasions. I have seen the courts tell the Legislature that it has stepped over the line and violated the state Constitution.
On Jan. 20, President Trump issued an avalanche of executive orders. Many of them have escaped public attention, because voters don’t spend all their time watching the news and following politi-
Under Article I of the Constitution, Congress is given the sole authority to appropriate money for the operation of the government. There is no language that allows the president to impound funding authorized by Congress. The president campaigned on the promise of abolishing the U.S. Department of Education, but only Congress can dissolve a federal agency.
Some of the most challenging developments in the new Trump term are the actions taken by Elon Musk. He may have been given a blanket direction to cut government waste, but he is not allowed to abolish any federal agency that has been created by Congress. Musk has effectively shut down one agency already by restricting funding, but his powers will no doubt be challenged in the federal courts.
The biggest surprise to me, as a former state and local official, is how civil service protections are being totally ignored. Notices have been sent to thou-
sands of federal workers offering them buyouts with no guarantees that they will keep their jobs if they don’t take them. Actions taken by the administration to force career employees out of their jobs defy what the civil service system is about.
The most eye-popping development is the failure of any Republican member of Congress to complain about the impact of the funding impoundments on their own home communities. Major cancer research hospitals in Louisiana, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas have made urgent cries about the loss of anticipated dollars. Special drugs for serious diseases can’t be purchased without assurances that the money will be available. Rather than free up these dollars, the White House is focusing on efforts like halting the production of pennies that are popular with the public. There seem to be no people in Washington who are echoing the voices of the Founding Fathers. That is our loss.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
in February we celebrate Black History Month, honoring the achievements, resilience and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. In March we recognize Women’s History Month, acknowledging the pivotal role of women in shaping our society. Throughout the year, we take time to celebrate mothers, fathers, military veterans, educators, grandparents and others who have made an impact on of our lives, and continue to.
These moments of recognition remind us of something fundamental: Every person, the members of every ethnic and demographic group, and those of every faith deserve R-E-S-P-E-C-T, as the great Aretha Franklin sang. Yet in today’s world, respect often seems to be in short supply. This reality is magnified by the noise blasting from social media, the nonstop discourse on television and radio masquerading as news, and the constant barrage of opinions that seek to divide rather than unite.
We can, and should, engage in constructive discussions on pressing issues such as climate change, education, housing, economic opportunity and social justice without resorting to dehumanization. It is possible to stand firm in our
To the Editor:
Re Jerry Kremer’s op-ed in the Feb. 6-12 issue, “Cleaning the 2024 slate is comforting”: While we don’t share the same political philosophy, I respect Mr. Kremer’s career and his accomplishments. He was known in Albany as a fellow who actually did the people’s business.
His piece had a regular-guy ring to it. His protestations were mine, as were the laments. I no longer go to Yankee Stadium. I do get to Citi Field for a game or two, but the Mets are moving into the high-priced arena as well. I’ll still go, but I do mourn the old days.
Supermarkets are on my canceled list. I have throwback moments at Costco now.
Jerry’s recollection of the movies took me back to a story my father told me when I was a kid. The son of Sicilian immigrants who didn’t have much, he told me that one day, as a 14-year-old, he found a quarter on the street. With that quarter he got a trolley ride, a hero sandwich and a triple feature. It was 1934, and a quarter got you somewhere in Brooklyn.
Jerry did skip over my major annoyance, property taxes. Last October, the Herald printed my op-ed, “Nassau is no county for old
beliefs while recognizing the humanity of those who see the world differently. Diversity of thought is essential to a thriving society. Healthy debate strengthens our communities, fosters new ideas and leads to meaningful progress. But progress is only possible when conversations are grounded in mutual respect.
As we address the challenges facing our nation, we must acknowledge that the path forward is not always clear. Intelligent, clear-thinking people will advocate different solutions based on their experiences and beliefs. That is to be expected. But what should never change is our commitment to engaging with one another as individuals deserving of respect, regardless of our differences.
It isn’t enough to simply argue about policies or demand that others see the world exactly as we do. True progress requires dialogue. It requires the humility to recognize that none of us has all the answers, and we must be open-minded enough to find solutions together, even when our collective problems seem impossibly difficult.
We must also reject the idea that disagreement makes those who disagree
into enemies. Too often, political and social divisions are deepened by rhetoric that seeks to demonize rather than understand. But a just and equitable society cannot be built on division. Rather, it requires the recognition that, despite our differences, we are all part of the same human family.
In the year ahead, let’s recommit to fostering a culture in which mutual respect is not an afterthought, but instead a guiding principle. Let’s teach our children — not just with words, but also with actions — that disagreement is not a reason to hate, but an opportunity to learn. Let’s model the kind of civil discourse that allows communities to grow stronger rather than splinter apart.
Black History Month, Women’s History Month and all the other days on which we honor those who have shaped our communities serve as indelible reminders of the R-E-S-P-E-C-T everyone deserves, every day. Despite the challenges we face, a just, equitable society remains within our reach — one in which opportunity isn’t determined by race or Zip code, where debate isn’t defined by hostility, and where respect is a cornerstone of its foundation.
men.” I’ll be 80 this summer, and my property taxes, which I’ve been paying for 47 years, are now north of $30,000. I hope that in his editorial role, Jerry can advocate for seniors who want to stay in their homes.
aroBerT
fter the congressional hearings that challenged university presidents on campus activism amid allegations of antisemitism, many institutions adopted policies of “institutional neutrality.” Boards of trustees resolved that they would not comment on political issues such as international conflicts, investments in certain countries, and policies proposed by elected officials. Many of the resolutions cited principles enunciated by the University of Chicago. According to the Chicago principles, university leaders should not engage in speech that would appear to infringe on others’ speech. The university should be a protected, neutral place for the expression of all ideas, a safe space for “strong disagreement, independent judgment, and the questioning of stubborn assumptions.”
(“Report on the University’s Role in Political and Social Action,” University of Chicago, 1967.)
There are good reasons for this. When a board or president issues a statement, it can stifle contrary views; it can suppress debate. This would violate the university’s responsibility to foster
critical thinking. Making statements about some issues, but not others, could indicate that some deserve comment but others do not.
But the Kalven Report, which affirmed the University of Chicago’s mission of free inquiry and independence, did not prohibit leaders from commenting on public policies that would affect institutional autonomy and the freedom of scholars to pursue truth no matter where that pursuit may lead. So, “no” to taking partisan positions, but “yes” to evaluating proposals such as those in the much-discussed Project 2025, prepared by the Heritage Foundation, that infringe on the purposes of education.
TAnd it is the home for critical thinking and critics who ask “why?” and “why not?” In these ways, a university is as much about the advancement of ethical character and engaged citizenship as it is about preparation for careers and commerce.
he muchdiscussed Project 25 infringes on the purposes of education.
I agree with these principles. Neutrality does not mean silence. A campus president should not remain silent in the face of proposals that would undermine free speech. A university president has an obligation to question proposals that would undercut quality controls. It is the responsibility of a president and the board to protect the university as the home of critics even as it is not itself a voice of criticism.
A university has three fundamental roles. It is the creator of new knowledge as well as of new professionals. It is the curator of knowledge in all its forms.
To the Editor:
Re Randi Kreiss’s recent column, “When was the last time your read a book?”: I was happy to be informed about Randi’s impressions of the reading habits of children and young adults. This is a subject that I have a firsthand knowledge of.
Over the past 10 to 15 years, I have observed a tendency among my paying customers, most of whom are, in fact, 16 to 30 years old. Most come to me to fill a gap in their knowledge of classics, science fiction, general fiction, mystery and other literary genres. It seems that high schools and colleges assign them books that are online, but those who come to me seem to prefer hard copies. For me the trend is notable and rewarding, and boosts my hope that reading physical books, particularly classics, has not lost its luster in our over-technological, disgustingly over-computerized society.
AMNON TISHLER
Booklovers Paradise Bellmore
To the Editor:
I am alarmed at the lack of alarm in Nassau County in response to County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s outrageous behavior.
First he organized an independent local armed security force, and denied it was a “militia.” It actually fits the dictionary definition of a militia, which means Blakeman is either uninformed or disingenuous — or both.
Then he declared that the New York Post, a tabloid owned by Rupert Murdoch, is the official publication of Nassau County, because Blakeman doesn’t like the leanings of Newsday, which, for better or worse, has been a Long Islandcentric publication for decades.
Both moves are autocratic and partisan, and both are indefensible — but the public outcry has been muted, at best. I believe we need to react to — and reject — this sort of overreach, which I do not believe represent either the feelings or the interests of many Nassau County residents.
RICHARD SCHWARz Bayville
Across the country, governors and state legislators promote policies that proscribe what subjects can be taught and what books can be read. Project 2025 is a “blueprint” for multiple changes in federal policy related to knowledge and expertise. It alleges, without evidence, a radical leftwing bias in university teaching. At the same time, it would require a selective teaching of American history by omitting mention of race and slavery. It also would substitute religious belief for scientific evidence, including weather forecasting and study of the environment. It would substitute political tests for professional expertise, stifling critical thinking and free speech.
The Project calls for the abolition of the U.S. Department of Education, and reclassifying federal scientists as political appointees. It would turn over consumer protections from predatory proprietary schools to the states and retract the “borrower-defense” provisions of the federal loan system put in place to protect students from for-profit schools and lenders.
Project 2025 also calls for eliminating Head Start; overhauling the educational accreditation system, reducing its political neutrality; and rolling back Title IX protections for sexual assault survivors and LGBTQ students. It calls for prosecuting all government agencies, colleges, corporations and other private employers that maintain diversity policies.
Public education was established to ensure an informed citizenry, essential to a functioning democracy. Project 2025 would deny freedoms in favor of authoritarian dictates. Instead of supporting public education, it would allow for the banning of books and restrictions on independent inquiry.
Project 2025 should be studied and debated. We should affirm the purpose and benefits of education to society and the individual. Project 2025 limits rights, opposes inconvenient history and science, and would impose biased views. We can be passionate in the defense of academic values without becoming politically partisan. Only by advocating for freedom of inquiry and free speech will we preserve them, and our democracy. On this, university leaders should not be neutral.
Dr. Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate,” Rowman & Littlefield, 2024.
