Republicans, Democrats Both Optimistic as Election Results Come In
By Christie Leigh Babirad and Carolyn James
cbabirad@liherald.com
cjames@liherald.com
The mood at Republican headquarters in Patchogue and the Democratic headquarters in Holtsville was cautiously optimistic as returns rolled in Tuesday night.
Early results showed Republican Congressman Andrew Garbarino won re-election in the 2nd Congressional District, defeating Democratic challenger Rob Lubin. Garbarino received 60 percent of the vote.
In the state Senate race, incumbent Republican Alexa Weik secured 67 percent of the vote, defeating her Democratic opponent, Francis R. Dolan. Suffolk County Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia said, “We have a red wave, and it’s right here in Suffolk County.”
Garbarino first greeted supporters at Republican headquarters in Nassau County, and later those in Suffolk. “This is an historic turnout in Suffolk County that bodes well for our country,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.
Democrats maintained a seat in Senate District 4, where incumbent Monica Martinez defeated Republican challenger
ReCORD
Officials to fight state on MTA housing plan
Locals challenging NY’s right to override zoning codes
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Babylon Village Mayor Mary Adams joined with local and state officials at the Babylon Long Island Railroad station on Sunday, Oct. 27 to challenge a state proposal that they said would eviscerate local zoning autonomy.
Theresa J. Bryant, winning 56 percent of the vote.
Both parties kept a close eye on the tight race in the 11th Assembly District, where Democrat Kwani O’Pharrow and Republican Joseph Cardinale were neck-and-neck.
“I’m feeling excited,” O’Pharrow said. “I’m excited about the election process and feeling confident.”
Cardinale, who expressed optimism despite the uncertainty, added, “I gave it my all, stuck to the issues, and ran on my
platform. That’s all I could do.”
Democratic supporters cheered as early returns showed some of their candidates were ahead, but there was also concern. “I hope it gets better,” said June Smith of Sayville. “I’m disappointed in some of the numbers coming in.”
Democratic supporter Christian Tully echoed those concerns. “It has been exciting, but we’re up against a lot of misinformation. The races are close.”
“We want local control not Hochul control,” said New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso, drawing raucous applause from approximately 500 residents who attended the event.
The controversy involves a feasibility study that is looking at construction of a state-operated multi-unit affordable housing project on MTA property currently used for railroad commuter parking.
“Babylon Village is already transit-oriented and with our new development moving forward on Deer Park Avenue and East Main Street, there is absolutely no need to pursue development on this parking lot location…not now; not ever,” said Adams.
The Village of Babylon was
notified several months ago of the study by the state, which is also considering other projects on MTA properties in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Gov. Kathy Hochul has set a goal of adding 800,000 transit-oriented housing units over the next 10 years, many slated for MTA properties on Long Island including Farmingdale, Melville, and other locations in addition to Babylon.
While the state owns the land, the projects would, like other building and constructions projects, require approvals from the local building and zoning boards, a precondition the state is reportedly looking to override.
“I have been told that since this is state property our local zoning control could possibly be overridden if the project is deemed important,” Adams said. She said a state official told her he was 90 percent certain that the project would not reach fruition and that the study “would end up in the bottom of a desk drawer and go nowhere.”
“It is the 10 percent that is concerning, and rightfully so, for all of us,” she added.
Herald file photo
Suffolk County Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia speaks to an excited crowd in Patchogue
They held an Addams Family themed wedding on Halloween
Babylon Town Clerk Gerry Compitello officiated at the Addams Family themed wedding of Daniel Matos and Lauren Schubert at Town Hall Park. The ceremony took place on Thurs.,
IN MEMORY OF
William Kretz USMC Iwo Jima Veteran and
2nd Lt. Tyrone S. Pannell USMC * November 1965
CPL Robert Roy USMC * February 1966
PFC Jerry Ramberger USMC * February 1966
SSgt/ Peter Connor Medal of Honor USMC * March 1966
PFC Edward Asip USMC * May 1967
SSgt Glennis Kellams USMC * April 1968
LCPL Michael Ferrara USMC * March 1968
Oct. 31, Halloween afternoon. The Deer Park couple were dressed as Gomez and Morticia Addams, from the popular 1990s TV series, as they exchanged vows surrounded by family and friends.
Amityville fire & police ‘throw’ annual charity softball game
The Amityville Fire Department and Amityville Police Department squared off in an exciting softball showdown, the “Battle of the Badges,” on Sunday, Oct. 27.
The lively event featured T-shirts for sale and a 50/50 raffle, with all proceeds going to local charities. In its second year, the game attracted a spirited crowd ready to cheer on their favorite first responders.
“It’s fantastic to see everyone from the community come out and have a good time while raising money,” said Amityville Police Lt. Frank Caramanica,
who had his mother-in-law, Ellen Gallagher, as part of his cheering team. “We’re all hoping he hits one out of the park!” she beamed.
Amityville Officer Paul Schmidt chimed in, “I’m really looking forward to the game. We want to show off our first responders, and we’re here to have fun—but let’s be real, we want to win this year since the fire department took the title last time.”
Fire Chief Stephen Juliano relished the friendly rivalry. “It’s nice to relax and enjoy the competition,” he said. Af
CRIME WATCH
The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police Department’s First and Third precincts and other local fire and law enforcement agencies:
PEDESTRIAN AND DOG KILLED IN
AMITYVILLE CRASH
Suffolk County police are investigating a motor vehicle crash that killed a pedestrian and his dog on Broadway and Louden Avenue on Wed. Oct. 30 at 6:30 a.m. Police gave this account:
Roy Mathes was walking his dog when he
Free Turkeys For All VETERANS
was struck by a 1999 Acura traveling north on Broadway. Mathes 52, of Amityville was transported to Good Samaritan University Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The dog died at the scene. The driver of the Acura, Kirkland Salmon, 47, of Amityville was not injured and no charges against him were filed. The vehicle was impounded for a safety check. Anyone with information is asked to contact First Squad Detectives at 631-854-8152.
CRIME PREVENTION COMMUNITY FORUM
The Suffolk County Police Department is hosting a forum to assist citizens in identifying and avoiding the dangers of scams. Learn about cyber bullying, sexting, protecting personal information and more. The event is Wed., Nov. 13, 6 to 8 p.m. at S.C. Community College, Grand Campus, Crooked Hill Rd., Brentwood.
To respond email Samantha.graviano2@
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
The Amityville Chamber of Commerce will be introducing a new tradition in which local businesses and families sponsor a festive lamppost for $50.
Your sponsorship will help decorate the village with holiday lights and garland. As a sponsor, your business name or who you wish to remember this season will be affixed to your sponsored lamppost. The chamber will provide each participant with garland, a string of lights, red bow, zip ties, instruction sheet and dedication tag.
Decorating will take place on Sun., Dec. 1 between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
If you would like to participate, the village would encourage you to take photos while decorating and tag #AmityvilleChamber or @amityvillechamber.
To join in the fun, visit shorturl.at/ P3NEI
For more information, call (631) 552-5673.
Photo Courtesy/Town of Babylon
LI Coalition Against Bullying hosts inaugural School Hero Awards
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying (LICAB) held its inaugural Long Island School Hero Awards cocktail reception on Monday, Oct. 21, at Stonebridge Golf and Country Club in Smithtown.
Founder and Executive Director Joseph Salamone reported an unexpectedly large turnout of 257 attendees, surpassing his goal of 100 guests.
The ceremony honored local educators who have taken significant steps to combat bullying and promote kindness and empathy among students. A particularly poignant moment for Salamone was the recognition of his former teacher, Kristen Wallace, who played a vital role in his life during a challenging time.
“When I was at my lowest, she somehow saw that I needed more help and changed my perspective,” Salamone said.
Wallace, who teaches English Language Arts and Dramatic Arts at Deer Park High School, expressed her gratitude for the honor.
“This recognition is a personal honor, but I am also so proud to be recognized by such an important organization,” she said. “Together, we can make a difference and empower the next generation to stand up for kindness and respect.”
Other honorees included Paul Defendini, superintendent of the Farmingdale School District; Allison Lepore, psychologist at Babylon Junior and Senior High School; and retired Lindenhurst Middle School administrators Frank Naccarato Jr. and Patricia Natale.
Defendini reflected on the significance of the award, stating, “It means a great deal to me, but not for the obvious reasons. I accept this award on behalf of so many, and I appreciate all the efforts that have brought us to a stronger place.”
Lepore shared her commitment to making an impact on students’ lives. “It’s incredibly meaningful work when you know you are making a positive and lasting
are
District; Paul
at the event included
Califano,former DRVC, Department of
impact,” she said, acknowledging the gratitude she receives from students.
Natale emphasized the importance of teaching antibullying principles. “It was overwhelming to find out that I was an honoree because it’s such a big part of me in teaching kids not to bully,” she said. “It’s rewarding to see some of the kids I worked with begin to understand the impact of bullying.”
Salamone noted the risks involved in planning the event but felt the turnout validated the honorees’ efforts. He added that many educators approached him after the ceremony, expressing renewed energy in their careers.
“They told me they were leaving with a renewed sense of energy, which made the event all the more poignant,” Salamone said.
Founded in September 2013, LICAB arose from Salamone’s experiences with bullying. He and seven like-minded individuals aimed to foster a more compassionate world through advocacy, education, and community outreach. The organization provides resources for those experiencing bullying and facilitates various programs for personal development and school assistance.
For more information, go to licab.org or call (516) 7777709.
Long Island man drowns in Bermuda after rescuing two people
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD
cbabirad@liherald.com
Value each day and moment together: that’s a lesson that became painfully real for the family of Jamie Lambros on October 7.
The 48-year-old son, brother, uncle, and friend drowned that day in Bermuda after heroically saving a 10-year-old boy and his mother during rough seas at Horseshoe Bay beach.
I n the wake of the tragic end to a family cruise vacation, the Lambros family from Deer Park is speaking out in hopes of preventing similar tragedies.
“ There should have been signs and flags prohibiting swimmers from entering the waters,” said Joey Pappas, Lambros’ younger brother.
“ There should have been lifeguards,” Pappas continued. “This beach was advertised on the
He was a good kid, super intelligent, loved his family, and loved his country.
R ichard Gasparri, Jamie Lambros’ uncle
ship, and there were lifeguard stands, but no lifeguards; it was just pure negligence.”
P appas described losing his brother as losing a best friend and a father figure. “I lost three things in one,” he said, emphasizing Jamie’s selflessness. “He would give someone the shirt off his back and always put others before himself.”
L ambros’ uncle, Richard Gasparri, remembered him as the “rock” for his sister. He noted that Jamie had a deep love for his family, often moving together with his mother during life changes. Gasparri described the accident as a “nightmare” and praised his nephew’s big heart.
“ He was a good kid, super intelligent, loved his family, and loved his country,” Gasparri said.
A day trader with a passion for the environment, Lambros advocated for clean energy and
supported those around him, said his brother.
“He was always sending positive affirmations, texting me every day to say he was proud of me,” Pappas said, adding that Jamie was his hero. “He was courageous, deeply feeling, and loving.”
P appas noted that Jamie often spoke about legacy and would want them to make a difference amid this tragedy. “He was the one who always brought us all together,” he said.
T he family is raising funds to cover unexpected expenses stemming from Jamie’s death, as well as to support the installation of a rescue ski at Horseshoe Bay and to raise awareness about beach safety.
T he family has established a GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/f/JamieTheHero2024.
Statistics
on drownings in the United States
According to the CDC, more than 4,000 drowning deaths occur each year in the United States.
As many plan holiday vacations to warmer climates, it is crucial to remain vigilant about swimming safety. Avoid swimming in areas without lifeguards on duty.
Note: Bermuda does not keep statistics on drownings
Photo Courtesy/ LI Coalition Against Bullying Honorees
shown
Michael
Education; John DeBenedetto, William Floyd School
Defendini, Farmingdale School District; Michelle Dick, Commack School District; Jillian Edelman, Oceanside School District; Dr. James Foy, Sayville School District; Marjory Stoneman, Douglas HS, Florida; Vincent Healy, East Rockaway School District; Glen Johnson, Malverne School District; Caroline Kind, Levittown School District; Mary Kirby, Lynrook School District; Kathryn Lake, Northport-East Northport School District; Allison Lepore, Babylon School District; Michael Natale, Nassau BOCES; Patricia Natale, Lindenhurst School Distrrict, retired; Wendy Tepfer, Bellmore-Merrick CHS District; Kristen Wallace, Deer Park School District; Marisa Wanatick, Hauppauge School District and Dr. Sequoyah Wharton, Brentwood School District.
J amie Lambros with his mother Phyllis Gasparri
Local officials join forces to fight state on planned housing at MTA sites
two heavily trafficked streets, Railroad and North Carll avenues. The MTA is currently upgrading the LIRR station, which is expected to take two years to complete.
For some residents, the location was a concern.
“What about the safety of our kids?” asked Jared Wosleyer who was at the press conference with his wife, Jenn, and young daughters. “My 14-year-old daughter is going to school here and I am wondering if safety is part of the feasibility study.”
“There is plenty of land at the Pilgrim State site; why doesn’t the state look to putting apartments up there?” said another resident.
“Who is going to be responsible for the additional school taxes this would create?” said James Schlee, a 30-year village resident.
Bruce Humenik, chairman of the village’s Board of Appeals, said it would not be in the best interests of the village and its residents for the state to usurp control over local zoning and planning codes. In addition, he said, the village understands the need for transit-oriented apartments and has several projects already underway.
“The number of projects approved last year are more than we have approved in the past 20 years,” he said, noting that 150 units are either under construction or planned near the railroad station. “One hundred thirty years ago, the people of this Village decided that they wanted to define their own destiny and that desire continues to exist today.”
“On behalf of the Village and the entire Suffolk County Legislature, I want to say we are opposed to this plan by the state,” said S.C. Leg. and Presiding Officer Kevin
McCaffrey.
“Local control is the first line of defense and that is why we want to maintain local control,” said James Slack, chairman of the village’s planning board.
“We stand behind the Village of Babylon and will help provide what resources are necessary to make sure this never happens here or anywhere else in the Town of Babylon,” added Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer.
Support, too, came from New York State Sen. Alexis Weik, who said: “There is no reason for this, and we have no tolerance for state-mandated control over our (local communities) and services , and we are telling everyone in New York that Babylon is not the place for this.”
One resident, Tom DeSena, noted that constructing and operating housing is not within the jurisdiction of the MTA, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. “That is not why the MTA was created,” he said.
Another resident questioned where the 200 commuters who currently use the parking lot would park their vehicles. “We already have limited parking,” he said. “This is going to overcrowd our village and make our streets unsafe.”
There was, however, some dissent in the crowd. John Michno, who lives in lower-income housing on Long Island, said there are simply not enough apartments to meet the demand.
“We need more affordable apartments,” he said. “And the 10 percent municipalities demand that builders set aside for affordable housing when putting up new buildings should be increased to 30 percent.”
Adams said the village would be vigilant and continue to fight against any proposal by the MTA to move forward with the plan. She advised residents to go to the
NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso speaks as Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer and NYS Sen Alexis Weik stand behind him. Below, left to right, Durso, Weik, and Schaffer join Town Councilman Terence McSweeney, Babylon Village Trustee Dominic Bencivenga, Mayor Mary Adams and Village Trustees Frank Seibert and Tony Cardali.
Copiague Chamber of Commerce to present Hometown Holiday Magic event December 8
The Copiague Chamber of Commerce will be presenting Hometown Holiday Magic, and they welcome everyone to join in the fun in making Copiague shine this holiday season by sponsoring a holiday tree at Gateway Park.
The Holiday Light Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Sun., Dec. 8. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. followed by the ceremony at 6 p.m. Decorate your tree and your business logo will be celebrated throughout the sea-
son from November 30 to December 1. Signup now as there are a limited number of trees available. The cost is $100. The Chamber will provide the tree and lights and you provide the decorations. Please, no glass. Decorations are to be removed January 11. Make checks payable to: Copiague Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 8, Copiague, NY 11726, and include your name, business, phone number and email address. For more information, call (631) 226-2956.
■ WEB SITE: www.amityvillerecord.com
HERALD SPORTS
Amityville falls short in Class AA semifinals
By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com
The Amityville boys’ soccer team had its season come to an end Oct. 30 in a 2-1 overtime loss at home to Comsewogue in a Suffolk Class AA semifinal.
The Spartans jumped out to a 1-0 lead early on in the second half thanks to a goal from Rodrigo Rubio. Amityville answered with a goal from one of their four captains, Briam Rivera, to get even. Then, in extra time Nick Hurtado provided the heroices for No. 9 Comsewogue as it advanced to face No. 11 West Islip in the county championship game.
“We just had too many missed opportunities throughout the game,” Amityville coach Mike Abbondondolo said. “It was frustrating not being able to finish or find a goal. We made some silly mistakes and they took advantage of it.”
After starting the season 4-3-1, Amityville went on a five-game winning streak before losing the finale to fin -
ish its regular season 9-4-1, earning it a spot in the playoffs as the No. 4 seed.
That earned the Warriors multiple home playoff games, first against No. 5 Hauppauge in the Class AA quarterfinals, a game Amityville would win 2-1, thanks to goals from Rivera and junior forward Xavian Jackson.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Abbondondolo said. “This is now two years in a row that we have had a great regular season, but came up short in the playoffs.”
Despite coming up just short once again, this was still another good season for the program. Abbondondolo applauded the fight his team showed but wants to continue building forward. “I will always remember how much grit the players showed,” he said. “I am proud of the efforts and the direction that we were headed but we failed to execute enough so unfortunately, it ended here. We have to rebuild and rebuild the right way.”
The Warriors did have a couple of breakout seasons this year. Before the season began, Abbondonolo mentioned Javier Newman was a player to keep an eye on. Well, he was right. The senior forward finished the season with a team leading 20 points (16 goals and 4 assists). Captain midfielder John Arango also provided a bunch of offensive production with 19 points while leading the team in assists with 11.
Other senior captains, Denis Hernandez and Saul Fernandez played huge roles on defense. Those two, in front of sophomore goalkeeper, Christian Araque, were all crucial to the Warriors’ success. Tenof the 23 players on the roster this year are seniors so there will definitely be some changes coming in 2025. Abbondonolo hopes to continue building the program and even take the next step, which would be a championship.
The goal going forward is to learn from such a heartbreaking playoff loss.
Fall into a good book this Autumn...
An easy read with a storyline that takes place on Long Island; great mystery with vibrant characters, familiar places and intrigue that will capture your imagination from beginning to end.
“George’s morning runs were predictable and uneventful. This morning, however, George’s detective radar picked up on some unusual activity. Keeping his pace steady, he watched a tall Italian-looking lady,
driving a black Range Rover, stop three quarters around the vehicle pathway, step out, pick up four pebbles, and put them on the left side of the bench in front of the vehicle.”
Follow George’s journey through intrigue and suspense in this story set in scenes of familiar Massapequa.
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Erik Lee/Herald Javier Newman, left, and the Warriors won 10 games this fall including a 2-1 victory over Hauppauge in the playoffs.
Facts about Veterans Day
Each November, millions of people recognize the service and sacrifice of military veterans on Veterans Day. Initially commemorated as Armistice Day but renamed Veterans Day in the United States in 1954, the holiday is a federal holiday throughout the country.
The first Armistice Day was observed in 1919.
Despite that lengthy history, the general public may still have questions about Veterans Day.
How to help aging veterans
military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who lost their lives in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.
When is Veterans Day observed?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes that Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11, regardless of which day of the week that happens to be. In 2024, Veterans Day is Monday, November 11.
Why is November 11 so significant?
November 11 is a significant day in world history because it marks the signing of the armistice between the Allies of World War I and Germany at 5:45 a.m. on November 11, 1918. Though the formal peace treaty, the Treaty of Versailles, was not signed until 1919 and hostilities between the sides continued for hours after the armistice was signed, the day is still viewed as the end of World War I.
What distinguishes Veterans Day from Memorial Day?
The VA notes that Veterans Day honors all those individuals who served honorably in the miliary during both wartime and peacetime. Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember
What is the significance of red poppies?
Red poppies are ubiquitous on Memorial Day, but they’re also visible on Veterans Day. Though it’s not taboo to wear red poppies on Veterans Day, it’s a tradition that aligns more with Memorial Day. That’s because the poppies are typically worn to honor fallen military personnel. A 1915 poem written by a Canadian Lieutenant Colonel named John McCrae referred to the fields of poppies growing around the graves of World War I soldiers in Flanders.
Do other countries honor their military veterans?
Many countries across the globe honor their military veterans, and many do so on November 11 as well. For example, Canadians and Australians observe Remembrance Day in honor of their nation’s respective veterans on November 11. Great Britain observes Remembrance Day on the Sunday nearest to November 11.
Veterans Day is a day to honor and commemorate the brave men and women who have honorably served in the U.S. military during wartime and peacetime.
Source: Creative Metro
There were more than 18 million living military veterans in the United States by the end of 2023, according to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs and surveys from the Pew Research Center and the U.S. Census Bureau. Seventy-two percent of those veterans are age 50 or older, and many served during wartime.
Military personnel make significant sacrifices to protect the freedoms Americans enjoy each day, and it’s vital that those efforts are never forgotten, even if it’s been decades since service personnel have been on active duty.
Thirty-seven percent of living veterans are age 70 and older, and these brave individuals must face the challenges of aging as well as some, including chronic injuries, that might be traced to their time in the military. That makes helping aging veterans an especially worthy endeavor, and those interested in doing just that can consider the following ideas.
• Offer your expertise free of charge. Working professionals can help aging veterans by providing advice or services free of charge or at steep discounts. For example, accountants can offer to prepare and file aging veterans’ tax returns free of charge or, if the returns are complicated, at steep discounts. Financial advisors can visit a local veterans hall or home and speak to members or residents about managing money after retirement.
• Invite veterans over for special events or gatherings. The Department of Veterans Affairs reports that veterans who served in the last 30 years make up the largest number of living veterans. Though there are still plenty of veterans who served prior to 1994, they may no longer have extensive social networks as more and more aging veterans pass away. Social connections are vital to long-term health, and researchers at the Center for Healthy Aging at Penn State University found that adults between the ages of 70 and 90 who reported more frequent, pleas-
ant social interactions exhibited improved cognitive performance in the ensuing days. Individuals who want to help aging veterans can invite them over for special events, such as game watches, holiday gatherings or even weekly family meals.
• Pitch in around the house. Whether they suffered injuries during their time in the service or not, many aging veterans face the same physical limitations as others approaching or past retirement age. Offer to help aging veterans around the house. Mobility issues can make it hard to mow a lawn, tend a garden or clean the interior of a home. Such tasks are made much easier when others pitch in, and these gestures can be a great way for families to show their appreciation to the brave individuals who protected the freedoms Americans enjoy each day. There’s no shortage of ways to help aging veterans, many of whom could use a helping hand as they navigate their golden years.
Source: Creative Metro
You can honor veterans throughout the year
T he freedoms people living in the United States are afforded would not have been possible if not for the brave efforts and undying commitment of the many individuals who have served in the nation’s armed forces. American military personnel have played vital roles in securing freedoms for their fellow citizens as well as individuals overseas.
There are many ways to honor veterans, especially those who gave their lives in the name of freedom.
• Visit a local veterans cemetery. The United Service Organizations (USO) notes that most states have national veterans cemeteries. Though some veterans cemeteries are open only to family members of service
personnel, others are open to the general public.
• Help raise funds for veterans organizations. Fun runs or community Memorial Day walks may benefit local veterans organizations that help service members in need. Many service members may need help dealing with the deaths of friends or family members who died while serving in the armed forces, and veterans organizations may provide such help or direct funds to groups that do. That makes participation in events that benefit veterans organizations a great way to honor current military personnel and those who have served in the past, including those who died in service of their country.
• Teach youngsters about the role of the armed forces. There’s a lot competing for the attention of today’s young people, and that can make it easy to overlook the very freedoms that make the United States such a unique country throughout world history. Parents and guardians can emphasize the role the armed forces play in procuring and protecting freedoms in the United States and emphasize the significance of the sacrifices of those who gave their lives to ensure a higher quality of life for all U.S. residents.
Source: Creative Metro
S TORIES OF WWII
The Mayer family from Amityville contributes to the war effort
By John F. Byrne
The events surrounding World War II led to one of the worst refugee crises the world has ever known. As many as 65 million people in Europe alone were displaced by the effects of the war. The causes for this ranged from the intentional bombing of civilian areas to the ethnic cleansing of minority populations
. However, the issue of displaced persons started even before the fighting did. It began in Germany with the rise to power of Adolf Hitler and his Nazi Party in 1933. This led to a flood of refugees seeking safety in other countries. Some people left Germany for political reasons; many, however, were Jews. They left Germany, in the hundreds of thousands, as conditions there rapidly deteriorated for those of their race and religion. Events in Germany forced many to abandon their homes and livelihoods. Some fled to the United States, despite the immigration restrictions imposed by the quota system.
By 1939, 95,000 Jews had emigrated from Germany to the United States. Among this number was the Mayer family, who would find a home in Amityville during the war.
The first of the family to arrive in America was William Mayer, M.D. He was born Wilhelm Mayer on January 15, 1887 in Bavaria, Germany. He was of Jewish descent. By 1920 he was practicing as a medical doctor in Munich. In 1936, he decided it was necessary for him and his family to leave Germany and flee Nazi persecution. He arrived in the United States on June 16, 1936. Mayer was soon joined by his wife, Elizabeth, and their children.
William and Elizabeth had been married on March 22, 1916 in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Elizabeth had been born Elisabeth Wolff on April 6, 1884 in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. In Germany, she had worked as a translator of literature; in one instance, she had worked with D. H. Lawrence in 1927.
The Mayers’ children were Beata (born 1912), Michael (born 1917), Ulrica (born 1918), and John Christopher (born Christof, 1924). One author, Paul Kildea, has described how the Mayers played “a careful, defensive chess game with their family, moving individual pieces out of harm’s way, before reuniting in Amityville in 1937.”
Soon after arriving in the U.S., William Mayer took on the position of Senior Neurologist at the Long Island Home, now known as South Oaks Hospital. The Mayer family therefore took up residence in a cottage at 123 Louden Avenue, known at the time as “Stanton
Cottage.”
Elizabeth, as a translator, had been very involved in artistic circles in Germany, and she continued to be so in the United States. The Mayers’ cottage in Amityville thus became something of a salon, hosting many visiting artists. Some of these were fellow German exiles.
The two most famous visitors, however, were British: the poet W. H. Auden and the composer Benjamin Britten. Britten, in fact, stayed with the Mayers during 1939 and 1940, together with his partner Peter
Pears. In Amityville, Britten worked on several musical compositions. Auden visited Stanton Cottage frequently. Elizabeth’s hospitality had a deep impression on Auden and Britten: Auden wrote three poems either dedicated to or about her, and Britten dedicated two musical compositions to her.
After Pearl Harbor, the Mayer family would make contributions to the war effort. The family supported the American Red Cross and carefully observed rationing, and the two sons served in the military. Michael was called up to serve in the army as part of the peacetime draft in 1941. During the war, he served in the coastal artillery in Maine and as a supply sergeant in Alaska. John C. Mayer would also be drafted, entering the army in 1943. He was assigned as a combat medic to the 103rd Infantry Regiment, 43rd Infantry Division in the Pacific Theater. He served in New Guinea and the Philippines, and was wounded at Hill 600 during the invasion at Lingayen Gulf outside Luzon. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
In 1943, the Mayers moved away from Amityville to New York City, where William went into private practice. He passed away on December 11, 1956. In New York, Elizabeth continued to attract artists, and she carried on her work as a translator. She died on March 14, 1970. Her death was noted in the New York Times.
As for the Mayer children, Michael was ordained an Episcopal priest, and Beata, Ulrica, and John Christopher all married. Beata died on January 29, 2000 in Manhattan. Michael died on December 13, 2007 in Dover, Delaware. Ulrica died on March 20, 2011 in Gulfport, Mississippi. John Christopher died on June 22, 2018 in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania.
The Mayers’ one-time home, Stanton Cottage, was renamed “Sage House” in 1980 and would come to house South Oak’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation program for young men. The building, however, was demolished in 1989.
The Mayers had all been driven from their homeland, but had found welcome in Amityville. In turn,
T he writer is a docent at the Amityville Historical Society’s Lauder Museum, and was recently elected as a Trustee of the Society for the Class of 2027, taking effect in January 2025. A graduate of Fordham University, he is a NYS Certified social studies teacher currently employed as a permanent substitute at Copiague Public Schools.
Photo Courtesy/Amityville Village Historical Society
J ohn C. Mayer
Pence reflects on Jan. 6 at LIA luncheon
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
One week before Election Day, former Vice President Mike Pence spoke candidly to about 700 people at the Long Island Association’s annual fall luncheon at the Crest Hollow Country Club, in Woodbury. In an hour-long interview led by LIA President Matt Cohen, Pence, 65, spoke with conviction to a politically diverse crowd about the state of American politics, his break with Donald Trump, and the Republican Party’s future.
Pence didn’t mince words when expressing his views on the current political landscape, telling attendees he could not support the Democratic ticket of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, but he also acknowledged his decision not to endorse the Republican ticket.
“I could never support the Democrat ticket,” Pence said. “But I’m also not endorsing our ticket. I have real concerns about the direction of the Republican Party today.”
Pence’s remarks reflected his unease with what he described as a growing populist influence in the GOP, a shift he feels strays from the party’s conservative principles. He voiced worries about those in the party who, he believes, are increasingly willing to “walk away from our allies and American leadership in the world” and ignore the national debt,
while “marginalizing the sanctity of life.”
One of the most poignant moments of the luncheon came as Pence recounted his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, when a violent mob attacked the U.S. Capitol, some chanting threats against him. Pence explained that he was guided by the oath he took on President Reagan’s Bible, which he considered both a commitment to the American people and a promise to God.
“The Bible says in Psalm 15, ‘He keeps his oath even when it hurts.’ I know something about that,” Pence said, adding that it is against the spirit of the presidency to dictate what votes were or were not counted.
As Pence described it, his differences with Trump surfaced only in the final days of their administration, when Trump, influenced by a group of lawyers outside the administration, became convinced that Pence had the authority to
overturn the election results. Despite their disagreements, Pence recalled that he and Trump “never had a cross word” throughout their four years together, and even reconciled shortly after Jan. 6, parting “very amicably.” He noted, however, that as time went on, Trump returned to much of the same rhetoric that had fueled the events of Jan. 6, solidifying their separation.
Pence’s said that the Republican Party needed to return to what he described as “mainstream conservatism.” He spoke of the importance of maintaining strong American leadership on the world stage, fiscal responsibility, limited government and traditional values. As he sees it, the GOP must decide whether to adhere to those principles or follow “the siren song of populism unmoored to conservative principle.”
Beyond his concerns about his party’s trajectory, Pence expressed a broader worry for the nation’s divided politics. “Our politics are more divided than any time in my life,” he said. “But I’m not convinced the American people are as divided as their politics.” He added that he hoped we would ultimately unite to face common challenges.
Pence closed on an optimistic note, acknowledging that while many Americans feel their values are being “trampled on and disrespected,” the U.S. can still uphold its role as “the leader of the free world.”
Local Worship Schedules and Services
ST. PAUL’S
LUTHERAN CHURCH
147 Park Ave., Amityville Office Tel. 631-264-0763
Rev. Thomas W. Cusanelli
WORSHIP SERVICES: Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Worship 7:30 p.m.
Accessible to the Physically Challenged “The Friendly Church” www.stpaulsamityville.com
MARY’S CHURCH
175 Broadway, Amityville 631-264-0004
Fr. Randolph Jon Geminder, Rector www.facebook.com/ StMarysAmityville
Sunday: Matins 7:30 am Low Mass: 8:00 am Sung Mass 10:00 am (With Nursery
30 Locust Ave., Amityville 631-789-2569
Rev. Akio Iyoda, Pastor SUNDAY
Worship Service • 11:00 am “Here you are a stranger but once” Handicapped Accessible
Rev. Gerard Gordon Pastor Masses : Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 Noon, and 5:00 pm
Roksana Amid/Herald
Long Island Association President Matt Cohen spoke with former Vice President Mike Pence about a range of topics, including his break from Donald Trump, the future of the Republican Party and the importance of upholding constitutional values.
Amityville fire and police teams face off for arresting triple header
Police nab title in 2nd annual charity softball game
Craft Brewing Company.
ter last year’s win, he was eager to defend their title.
Longtime Amityville resident Nancy Satzinger came out to support the fire department at the invitation of her friend Michele Gosline, another baseball enthusiast. “I’m definitely rooting for the fire department,” Satzinger declared, while Gosline cheered for her boyfriend on the fire team.
“I’m excited for the fire department to win,” said Tara Scudlo, joining the chorus of enthusiastic fans.
After three thrilling games, the Amityville Police emerged victorious, clinching the title with a final score of 18 to 8. The MVPs of the day were Frank Caramanica and Alex Kulick from the fire department, each showcasing their skills in this community celebration.
The event was also a feast for the senses, featuring live music from DJ Matt Brustad of M&M Entertainment and a variety of food trucks, including Bella’s Empanadas, The Waffle Chic, and Small
The game was held at the Amityvville Village ballfield with the following players participating:
Amityville Fire Department: Captain PJ Gosline, Short Stop- 14; Firefighter Ryan Onderdonk, Right Field- 9; Firefighter Alex Kulick, Third Base- 00; Chief of the Department Stephen Juliano, Second Base- 11; Ex Captain Mac Flores, Left Center- 13; Ex Chief James Juliano, Designated Hitter- 4; Firefighter Eric Taylor, First Base- 3; Firefighter Cooper Perdikou, Left Field- 25; Captain Brett Devine, Right Center- 99; Firefighter Leo Aquaviva, Catcher- 26; Ex Captain Gregg Doerner, Pitcher- 63 and EMT Samantha Juliano, Extra Hitter- 38.
Amityville Police Department: Police Officer Charlie Taylor- 21; Lieutenant Frank Caramanica- 5; Police Officer Paul Schmidt- 4; Sergeant Jerry Blee- 11; Retired Police Officer Eric Onderdonk- 47; Police Officer Eric Kreuder- 51; Police Officer Mike Schwenzer- 7; Sergeant Mike Walters- 58; Sergeant Justin McElmoyl25; Detective Kyle Miller- 1 and Police Officer Will End- 12.
Top left: Michele Gosline, Nancy Satzinger and Vicki Carlson, cheering for the Amityville Fire Department-.
Bottom left: Paul, Kathy, Rylie and Peyton Schmidt
Top right: Runners hustle to get on base.
Middle right: Ellen Gallagher, Danny Gallagher, Natalie Caramanica, Nora Caramanica and Susan Caramanica.
Bottom right: Players line up in a show of camaraderie.
Photos/Herald
STEPPING OUT
Join the party with
Magical moments on ice and his pals
By Karen Bloom
Ailey II
The latest dose of Disney magic arrives with a rockin’ start to the holiday season. Disney On Ice glides into UBS Arena with “Let’s Dance,” on Nov. 13, to the delight of families who enthusiastically embrace every Disney moment. This time around Mickey and the gang are groovin’ at the DJ table and everyone’s on the guest list.
Audiences feel the electric atmosphere from the get-go as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy remix favorite tunes into colorful stories. “Wish,” an homage to Disney’s 100th anniversary that debuted in the show last fall before the film’s release in theaters — is back in a big way. Now, the entire Kingdom of Rosas is in the spotlight. Wish, Asha, Valentino, Star, and King Magnifico come together for “This Wish,” “I’m a Star” and “This Is The Thanks I Get?!” Go on a journey to Arendelle and the Enchanted Forest in “Frozen 2” with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf as they are reminded that “Some Things Never Change.”
Also escape to the Pride Lands with Simba and Nala. Audiences should “Be Prepared” as Scar and the hyenas plot to take over the throne. Timon and Pumbaa remind us it’s best just to say “Hakuna Matata” as everyone celebrates the “Circle of Life” as represented in “’The Lion King.”
Skilled maestro Sebastian strikes a chord “Under the Sea” when he conducts Ariel, her seven sisters and a colorful orchestra of sea creatures. Everyone will be singing along as Ariel serenades Prince Eric in “The Little Mermaid.”
And, of course, everyone will immediately “Know The Way” when Moana journeys from the island of Motunui to save her home from Te Ka.
These unforgettable characters and their adventures come alive as audiences are transported to world where imaginations soar — and in true Disney spirit “anything can happen if you just believe.”
So it goes with Mikaela Hyryläinen. The skater, who grew up and still makes her home in Finland, joined the Disney On Ice ensemble in 2019 after concluding her competitive skating career — and is living her dream. Proof that ‘Disney magic’ knows no boundaries.
A Disney fan since childhood, naturally, her first experience with the ice spectacle came about in 2006-07 when she attended a production as a young child with her Mom in Helsinki.
“I remember telling my mother that I enjoyed it so much that I would love to do something similar in the future. So that’s actually where everything started for me.”
Of course, Hyryläinen is quite partial to Elsa.
“Elsa’s my favorite since she comes from the Nordic countries like I do. She has these powers with snow and ice. It’s something that when I was growing up I really enjoyed, playing in the snow and all that. It’s cool that Disney has a character like her.”
As always the skating brings a new dimension to the stories we know so well. Solos, pairs, fast-paced ensemble numbers, along with acrobatic routines, keep everyone in awe of what they’re seeing.
awe of what they’re seeing. not
As Hyryläinen puts it: “We not only do the show on the ice, we also bring it into the air.”
She is especially enthusiastic about a segment in “The Little Mermaid” — Under the Sea — when the seven daughters of Triton ‘fly’ with aerial hoops.
Ailey II, which bills itself as “the next generation of dance,” continues its 50th anniversary of bringing “offthe-charts energy” to the stage. Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s outstanding and emerging choreographers. Founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble and led by Sylvia Waters for 38 seasons, Ailey II has advanced Alvin Ailey’s vision for more than five decades. The program includes Ailey’s Streams, an abstract exploration of bodies in space, danced to a percussion score; Houston Thomas’ world premiere Down the Rabbit Hole, a continuation of the choreographer’s Follow the White Rabbit (2022; also Francesca Harper’s Luminous, a work that pays homage to the 50th anniversary of Ailey II and the artists who paved the way for future generations.
“They do splits and spins and all sorts of exciting tricks in the air,” she explains.
Expect to see acrobatic stunts throughout the show.
“We have swaypoles, freestyle skaters leaping off ramps, also other kinds of aerial acts that are so special. They help us tell the stories on an even deeper level.”
• Wednesday through Sunday. Nov. 13-17; times vary
• Tickets start at $30; available at DisneyOnIce.com
• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont
While the entire production always gets an enthusiastic response, audiences are especially fond of the “Circle of Life.”
“We see Simba and Nala on the Pride Rock and there are all kinds of different animals. We have flamingos, giraffes, impalas, obviously Timon and Pumbaa and even Zazu. It’s a huge celebration of Simba and Nala and their new cub,” she notes.
In fact ‘celebration’ is an apt descriptive of the entire spectacle. The show encourages fans, as per the Mouse House, to “celebrate the magic of courage, love and adventure.”
And that pretty much sums it up for Hyryläinen.
“There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing young kids whose eyes light up when they see you and see certain characters on the ice,” she says. “They’re singing so loud, they’re clapping, they’re dancing, they’re having the best time. I’m so happy bringing the Disney magic to all the kids who attend our shows.
“I’m living my best life, getting to bring the stories to life. Plus, this job has taken me to so many cool places in the world. I couldn’t be more grateful for the path I chose.”
A final takeaway from Hyryläinen: “As long as you believe in the magic, as long as you have goals, as long as you have dreams, there’s nothing to stop you.”
Photos courtesy Feld Entertainment
What starts out as a party transforms into an adventure with Mickey and his crew spinning tunes to get it all going.
Friday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
The Seven Wonders
The Seven Wonders “go [their] own way’ when the band brings their popular Fleetwood Mac show to the Madison Theatre. The concert features all your favorite Fleetwood Mac songs — “Go Your Own Way,” “Dreams,” “You Make Lovin’ Fun,” “Rhiannon,” and more — delivered in a powerful performance by a band whose chemistry is as electric as the original. Certainly not your average tribute band, these musicians take it to the next level. While their collective performance experience spans decades, their presence and energy are vivacious, paying homage to the live show of the original Fleetwood Mac. Their onstage charisma invokes the styles of the original band in its prime. It’s a true testament to music’s timelessness.Their performances have been turning heads since their inception.
Friday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m. $50-$60. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 3234444.
Model Train Show
The TMB Model Train Show opens Saturday, Nov. 30. It features its everexciting show of model trains running in dozens of interesting settings on Saturdays, Nov. 30, Jan. 4, 18 and Feb. 8 , 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 1-5 p.m., on Dec. 1, 15 and Jan. 5, 19 and Feb. 9, at the Upper Room Church. With new scenic areas to discover as well as familiar sights and a wide variety of trains from prewar to the most modern O gauge trains, all set in 6,500 square feet of fun for the entire family. Admission is free. So, mark your calendars now. 722 Deer Park Ave., Dix Hills. For more information go to tmbmodeltrainclub.com.
Kiwanis Field of Honor
Amityville Kiwanis Club sponsors a Field of Honor recognizing living and deceased veterans, Monday through Wednesday, Nov 2-Nov. 20. Sponsors have purchased American Flags, and they will be on display on the front lawn of Amityville Memorial High School on Merrick Road. A large portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local veterans’ organization.
Get your Amityville Flag
Did you know that the Amityville Historical Society, housed in the lauder Museum, has the famous Amityville Flags in stock? Museum is open every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday, 2-4 p.m. Cost is $65; if you are a member or join the Historical Society, you receive a 10% discount on not only the flags but all items in the gift shop. Stop by the museum at 170 Broadway, Amityville, to purchase one of these flags and tour the Museum. Admission is free. For questions,call (631) 598-1486.
Having an event?
Latin Mix and Ballroom Dancing
If you’ve ever wanted to learn Latin dancing the easy way, this is for you. These classes, Saturdays,now through Dec. 14, at Amityville Public Library, will cover Salsa, Merengue, Rumba and Cha Cha. In addition to simple and exciting Latin steps, this course will be covering styling, timing, and musicality. $10 check, cash or money order made payable to the Amityville Public Library is due at registration. 19 John St., Amityville. For information, visit amityvillepubliclibrary. org or call (631) 264-0567.
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.
Beginners Mah Jongg
Want to learn to play Mahjongg? Join experienced instructor Jill Zoccoli at Amityville Public Library, Wednesdays: Nov.13, 20, and Dec. 4, 11. 10 a.m.-noon. She will introduce players to the basics of understanding the tiles and the current Mah Jongg card, and how to select a hand. Rules and strategies of play as well as game etiquette will be covered. Review sheets will be provided as well. And this includes the 2024 National Mahjong Card (which lasts until April 2025 Fee is $5 check, or money order, made payable to the Amityville Public Library, due at registration. For more information, visit amityvillepubliclibrary.org or call (631) 264-0567. 19 John St., Amityville.
Copiague Kiwanis holds Annual Auction
Kiwanis Club of Copiague invites all to an auction, Friday, Nov. 15, at 6:30 p.m., at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School. There will be restaurant gift certificates, a Lotto board, baskets galore, family amusement certificates and hundreds of new items. Admission is $10 and includes a sheet of tickets, free coffee, tea, and cake. Funds raised will go to scholarships and children in the community. 1100 Dixon Ave., Copiague. For more information call the Chamber at (631) 275-0439 or go to copiaguechamber.org.
Movie showing
Nov. 9
Enjoy and afternoon of movie and pizza at Copiague Memorial Library, Saturday, Nov. 9, 3-5 p.m. See 2024 action caper “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.” Based upon recently declassified files of the British War Department and inspired by true events, the action-comedy, starring Henry Cavill, tells the story of the first-ever special forces organization formed during World War II by UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill and a small group of military officials including author Ian Fleming. The top-secret combat unit, composed of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks, goes on a daring mission against the Nazis using entirely unconventional and utterly “ungentlemanly” fighting techniques. Rated R. Feel free to bring a beverage and snack; pizza provided. Registration required. To register, visit copiague.librarycalendar.com/ event or call (631) 691-1111. 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague.
Special Needs Shelter Pets Inspire Rescue Volunteers
Special needs shelter pets can bring out the best in rescue volunteers, as demonstrated by Greyly, a cat with a rare condition at Last Hope Animal Rescue. Last week, Greyly donned a bumblebee Halloween costume for a brief moment and serenaded his caretakers with a playful twist on Paul McCartney’s lyrics:
“Let It BEE — When I find myself in times of trouble, Last Hope volunteers com-
Greyly’s journey at Last Hope began like many kittens. In 2023, he and his seven-week-old littermate were rescued from an industrial area in Amityville, alongside their feral mother, who was later Trap/Neutered/Returned after weaning her
Pets, Pets, Pets...
JOANNE ANDERSON
However, after several months, Greyly developed a serious digestive issue that prevented him from keeping food down. Despite his struggles, he remained a loving and friendly companion. Veterinary tests revealed he suffers from a congenital defect known as megaesophagus.
Wearing his bumblebee costume, Greyly sings “Let It BEE.”
Understanding Megaesophagus in Cats
Megaesophagus occurs when a cat’s esophagus fails to move food properly into the stomach, resulting in an enlarged and weakened esophagus. Affected cats often regurgitate undigested food shortly after eating. The condition may stem from various causes, including genetic abnormalities, nerve damage, or trauma, though the exact cause can sometimes be unknown.
Congenital megaesophagus, like Greyly’s, is extremely rare. It typically becomes apparent when kittens are weaned and begin eating solid food. While some breeds, such as Siamese and Abyssinians, may be predisposed to inherited forms, Greyly is a solid gray domestic shorthair, possibly part Russian Blue.
an upright position.
Leslie, a retired RN and former medical worker with Volunteers for Wildlife, made Greyly her priority, drawn to his wonderful disposition. After a year of trial and error, his feeding plan has been refined. He now enjoys small meals multiple times a day and is carried upright by volunteers post-meal for gentle “burping.” His many feline fans love taking turns as “Greyly Burpers,” providing him with the TLC he adores.
Courtney, one of Greyly’s biggest advocates, decided he should wear a costume for Halloween. Though he was not thrilled, he cooperated long enough for a photo session, marking the beginning of his singing career at Last Hope. Greyly is proof that special needs pets are resilient and appreciative despite major medical CATastrophes.
Greyly is a testament to special needs pets, showing that even amid significant medical challenges, they can thrive and bring joy to those around them.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631)-972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Cats with megaesophagus face a high risk of aspiration pneumonia, which can present as coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, fever, and rapid respiratory rates. This condition can be life-threatening, resulting from food or water being inhaled into the respiratory tract.
Treatment for megaesophagus often requires lifelong management, including specialized feeding methods and medications to ensure proper nutrition and avoid complications. Although some cases may be treated surgically, ongoing care and monitoring are usually necessary.
Greyly’s Journey
For months, Greyly was kept in a cage under strict supervision while various feeding strategies were tested. He required canned or soaked kibble, small meals, and elevated, tilted dishes to aid swallowing. Volunteers experimented with different feeding stations, including a kitten version of a Bailey chair, which allows pets to eat in
•Town of Babylon Accessory Apartment Review Board Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy., Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 9577468.
•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631)-332-0552 or Jill at (516)-220-7808. All calls are confidential. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
•Copiague School District Board of Education Meeting: 7 p.m., Everett E. Newmann III Administrative Offices at Copiague Middle School, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague. For more information, please call (631)-842-4015.
•Town of Babylon Rental Board Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy., Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-4434.
NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Village of Amityville will hold a Public Hearing in the Court Room of Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY at 7:00 P.M. on THURSDAY, November 21st, 2024, to consider the following applications:
Application of Richard Handler on behalf of Amity GP Corp. Applicant seeks a special exception to convert an existing commercial building to a mixed-use building consisting of 1 retail unit on the first floor and 1 residential dwelling unit on the second floor pursuant to Section 183-82 A. (10) (a) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the North side of Merrick Road approximately 165 feet West of Ketcham Avenue in a “B-2 Business” District known as 40-42 Merrick Road a/k/a SCTM# 101-71-28.
Application of Richard Handler on behalf of Amity Village Apartments. Applicant seeks multiple variances associated with alterations to the existing mixed-use structures. Variance 1 is a use variance to convert an existing Mixed-Use Dwelling consisting of 2 commercial units and 1 residential unit to a 3 family dwelling pursuant to Section 183-68 of the Village of Amityville Code. Variance 2 is a special exception to convert an existing Mixed-Use Dwelling from 3 commercial units and 1 residential unit to 2 commercial units and 2 residential units pursuant to Section 183-68 of the Village Code. Variance 3 is a special exception to reduce the required amount of parking spaces from 35 to 26 spaces pursuant to Section 183129 of the Village Code. Premises located on the West side of Broadway (Route 110) approximately 158 feet South of Wanser Place in a “Historic” District known as 80-86 Broadway a/k/a SCTM# 101-7-3-9 and 1017-3-10.
Application of Michael O’Lear and Timothy Distler. Applicants seek to renew a previously approved special exception for a nonowner occupied two family dwelling pursuant to Section 183-82 A. (10) (c) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the North side of Ireland Place
Public Notices — Your right to know
approximately 365 feet East of Ketcham Avenue in a “B-2 Business” District known as 35 Ireland Place a/k/a SCTM# 101-5-2-31.
Application of Pamela Knauf. Applicant seeks a variance to install a 6 foot vinyl fence pursuant to Section 183-189 of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the South side of Franklin Street approximately 345 West of Richmond Avenue in a “Residential BB” District known as 30 Franklin Street a/k/a SCTM# 101-9-9-10.
Application of Marie Bordes. Applicant seeks to renew a previously approved special exception for an owner occupied two family dwelling pursuant to Section 183-43 C. (6) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the East side of County Line Road approximately 188 feet South of Willis Avenue in a “Residential B” District known as 265 County Line Road a/k/a SCTM# 101-33-56.
Application of John Palermo. Applicant seeks a special exception to maintain a solid 4 foot vinyl fence on a waterfront parcel pursuant to Section 183-139 A. (1) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the East side of Ocean Avenue approximately 285 feet South of Grace Court in a “Residential A” district known as 78 Ocean Avenue a/k/a SCTM# 101-9-7-11.
Application of Richard Fiore. Applicant seeks a special exception to maintain portions of an existing 6 foot vinyl fence and install new portions of 6 foot vinyl fence pursuant to Section 183139 A. (3) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the East side of Lewis Street approximately 370 feet South of Willis Avenue in a “Residential B” district known as 26 Lewis Street a/k/a SCTM# 101-33-41.
Application of Giovanni D’Avanzo. Applicant seeks a Use Variance to expand a commercial parking lot into a residential district pursuant to Section 183-26 of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the South side of Merrick Road approximately 300 feet East of South Ketcham Avenue partially in a “B-2 Business” district and partially in a “Residential BB” district known as 69-71 Merrick
Road a/k/a SCTM# 101-76-25.2.
Application of Paul Muhs. Applicant seeks a special exception to convert a portion of an existing accessory building to habitable space for a home office pursuant to Section 183-55 of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the South side of Oak Street approximately 430 feet West of Bayview Avenue in a “Residential B” district known as 131 Oak Street a/k/a SCTM# 101-6-1-9.
By order of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Village of Amityville Catherine Murdock, Clerk/Treasurer 24-541. 11/6, 13
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON ACCESSORY APARTMENT REVIEW BOARD
Pursuant to provisions of Local Law # 9 of the Babylon Town Code, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Accessory Apartment Review Board will hold a public hearing in the Town Board Meeting Room in the East Wing of Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York on Tuesday eve, November 12, 2024. Public hearings begin 6:00pm.
NEW APPLICATIONS:
•Sondra Malone
63 S. 26th Street Wyandanch, NY 11798 /
SCTM#0100-55-1-76
•Gleni & Jose Pena 58 Broadway West Babylon, NY 11704/
SCTM#0100-140-3-73.001
•Neftali R. Godinez 1429 7th Street
West Babylon, NY 11704/ SCTM#0100-135-4-5.002
•Andrea Swaby-Richards 590 Outlook Avenue
West Babylon, NY 11704 / SCTM#0100-141-4-49
•Ryan Andrew Sue 343 W. 21st Street Deer Park, NY 11729/ SCTM#0100-85-3-12
William Rodriguez
•50 Anchor Court West Babylon, NY 11704 / SCTM#0100-214-3-28
Printing Instructions: RENEWALS BY AFFIDAVIT APPLICANTS, ARE NOT REQUIRED TO APPEAR. ALL NEW CASES WILL BE HEARD IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE ADVERTISED.
All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Sandra Thomas, Chairperson,
Accessory Apartment Review Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York. Amityville Record: Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 24-542. 11/6
The Town of Babylon Rental Review Board will hold a Public Hearing at The Town of Babylon, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York (East Wing Board Room) on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 6:00pm
NEW APPLICATION
1. CB1D LLC
35 Winter Ave. Wheatley Heights NY 11798
SCTM NO: 0100-40-1-132
2. CB 1B LLC
63 Irving Ave. Wyandanch NY 11798
SCTM NO: 0100-58-150.001
3. Moosa Property Inc. 51 Cedar Ave. Farmingdale NY 11735
SCTM NO: 0100-47-2-43
4. Adriano Almonte
216 Beachview St.
Copiague NY 11726
SCTM NO: 0100-179-3-3
5. Joseph & Maria Priole 11 Laurel Rd.
Lindenhurst NY 11757
SCTM NO: 0100-128-3-49
6. Bobby Blassingame 124 S. 26th St.
Wyandanch NY 11798
SCTM NO: 0100-56-1-73
7. 479 Oak St. LLC 479 Oak St. Copiague NY 11726
SCTM NO: 0100-178-1-48
8. Mary Ann Murphy 807 Centre Ave.
Lindenhurst NY 11757
SCTM NO: 0100-1562-76
RENEWALS
1. Desmond D’Souza 31 New Ave. Wyandanch NY 11798
SCTM NO: 0100-801-103
2. Corona Management LLC 975-977 Little East Neck Rd. West Babylon NY 11704
SCTM NO: 0100-138-436.001 24-543. 11/6
Board of Trustees
LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Amityville will hold a Public Hearing in the 3rd floor court room of Village Hall, 21 Ireland Pl., Amityville, NY at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, November 25, 2024 to consider the following: Introductory Local Law No. 5 of the Year 2024, a local law to establish stop intersections at Grand Central Avenue at Cooper Avenue.
By Order of the Board of Trustees
Catherine Murdock Clerk/Treasurer
21 Ireland Place
Amityville, NY 11701
November 6, 2024 24-544 11/6, 13
Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter to host Alzheimer’s and
The Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter will be hosting an Alzheimer’s and Dementia conference on Fri., Nov. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Hilton Long Island in Melville. Registration is free for all attendees. Limited Respite care is provided by Home Companion Services, Long Island Alzheimer’s and Dementia Center and The Long Island Museum.
“November is National Family Caregivers Month and we are here to provide resources to families affected by dementia and to show that nobody is alone,” said Lori Maldavir, Director of Program Outreach for the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter. She explained that the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Conference is an opportunity for caregivers to share knowledge and uplift each other.
The conference will be a day of education and support for caregivers who will receive information about dementia and local resources. Throughout the day, educational workshops will be tailored to provide practical skills and resources for caregivers and people with dementia. The educational workshop topics include understanding the link between hearing loss and Alzheimer›s, resiliency and support amid the losses of dementia caregiving, the treatments that are best for agitation in Alzheimer’s patients, dementia and driving, patient advocacy and ensuring the caretaker’s care.
“We want our attendees connected to the wealth of information and resources available at the conference to support them
Dementia Conference
on their journey,” said Adesuwa Watson, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Conference committee member. “There will be a nice array of educational workshops for the caregiver and the person living with the disease.”
Doris Green, Director of the New York State Caregiving and Respite Coalition, will be the morning keynote speaker. Green is working to increase awareness and education among business, government and nonprofit entities. Daryl Diaz, a member of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Early-Stage Advisory Group, will be the afternoon keynote speaker. Diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease at the age of 60, Diaz wants to increase support for youngeronset dementia and encourage others to be proactive in addressing cognitive concerns.
To register for the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Conference, visit alz.org/ longisland or call the Alzheimer›s Association 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900. Based in Melville, the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter serves Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The chapter helps all those facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias by providing support groups and educational resources while advancing crucial research and public policy initiatives. There are currently 426,500 New Yorkers living with Alzheimer’s and more than 543,000 caring for them.
The Hilton Long Island is located at 598 Broadhollow Rd., Melville.
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PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop
Spectacular Tutor
Replacing concrete with glass in a high-rise condo?
Q. We have a condo in Florida, and read your column even when we’re there, which is half the year. Our condo board is proposing “improvements,” aside from all the regulatory issues we’ve been hit with due to building collapses and storms. Our building faces the ocean and is 17 stories tall. It has spectacular views and large balconies. One proposed renovation is to remove the concrete walls between the balconies, which we were told are not structural, and replace them with glass walls to improve our views and modernize the building. Aside from the huge cost increase we will be forever paying, do you think that’s a good idea? The board hired engineers to look at it, and they say it can be done. We are concerned about glass not holding up to hurricanes, since all of the balcony doors and windows had to be replaced with specially made strong frames and glass. What should we tell our board?
A. Your address helped me look at the satellite view from my computer. I’m skeptical about whether this would be an improvement. Certainly it would add glitz and glamour to the building, probably making the value as sky-high as the cost and the height. I understand why you live on a high floor, considering the views.
But any building has to be examined as the sum of its many parts. Its appearance is only part of the equation. There are three basic components to what is defined as “architecture”: appearance, function and structure. To a trained professional, the composition will fail if the three components aren’t working together in a harmonious way.
In your building’s case, there are certain aspects that are taken for granted, but to an engineer or architect, the placement of those vertical fin walls not only accentuates the “verticality,” giving the building an illusion of greater height, but the fins act as a wind break to the balconies, which reduces the tendency for the wind to whip across the face of the building. This whipping wind is, at times, dangerous, and is referred to as the Bernoulli effect. This phenomenon sucks roof shingles off homes and gives lift to airplanes. It’s also the reason your toilet draws waste down the pipes when water flows from above the bowl downward.
In your case, the removal or replacement of those walls may actually negatively alter the function of the building’s integrity to withstand high winds in the name of glitzy appearance. I wouldn’t recommend the jack-hammering and saw-cutting of the fins unless I first spoke to the original designers to find out if it was their intention to have those spines on the outside of the building to strengthen against natural horizontal movement, and whether they intended them to break up the high winds in extreme hurricane events. Sometimes it’s better to leave a design alone when the conclusions are better but not well understood than to tinker and ruin the integrity.
Stuff HERALD
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If only politics could emulate Notre Dame-Navy football
I’ve been a lifelong lover of sports, particularly baseball and college football. The rivalries. The tension. The thrill of victory. The agony of defeat. Watching warriors in the arena.
Having said that, I’m generally not one of those guys who equate the gridiron, the playing field, the rink, the tennis court or the boxing ring with the challenges of everyday life or those facing the nation. But there are exceptions. One in particular. I truly wish that the almost century-long football rivalry between the U.S. Naval Academy
Midshipmen and Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish could serve as a model for the world of politics and government.
Beginning in 1927, Navy and Notre Dame have played each other 98 times on the gridiron, missing only the 2020 season because of the coronavirus pandemic. While Notre Dame has pretty much dominated the series, winning 82 of the games, this rivalry transcends so much of what passes for college sports
and “student-athletes” today.
While every Notre Dame-Navy game is intense and hard-fought, there is no trash talk or demeaning the other team or its players. At the end of the game, no matter who wins or loses, the players on both teams stand respectfully together for the playing of their respective alma maters.
At the end of the game, no matter who wins, the players on both teams stand together.
A further differential between this and other rivalries is that these players are truly students, who must meet academic standards. Notre Dame always ranks at or near the top of colleges across the country in the percentage of athletes who graduate and receive degrees. Navy has similar standards, and its graduates are also obligated to serve five years of active military duty after graduation. Understandably, this has made it increasingly difficult to recruit top high school players who have dreams of going on to make millions of dollars in the National Football League rather than being shot at in combat. Certainly since the Vietnam War, Navy hasn’t been the football powerhouse it was during the 1940s and ’50s.
While Notre Dame has managed dur-
ing most of these years to compete at a high level, it has never considered dropping Navy from its schedule, thanks to a commitment it made after World War II, which Notre Dame survived only because of Navy. As a private Midwest school with no large benefactors at the time and so many students being drafted into the war effort, Notre Dame was faced with imminent financial collapse. The Naval Academy saved the day by setting up a major training base on the Notre Dame campus, providing the university with fiscal solvency and ensuring its survival as an academic institution — and a football colossus.
The Fighting Irish won the national championship in three of the four years following the end of the war.
Realizing and appreciating how obligated it was to Navy for its very survival, Notre Dame made a solemn commitment to keep Navy on its football schedule for as long as Navy wanted. So the rivalry and the series have continued all these years. But it goes beyond a financial obligation. There is a mutual respect between the schools that’s reflected at every level, including Notre
Dame’s emulation of Navy with its firstrate naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.
No matter how often I’ve seen it, I am always moved by the pregame ceremonies, with each school acknowledging the other’s traditions, and the postgame alma mater camaraderie among the players, no matter how hard the battle or how bitter the defeat.
Think how gratifying it would be if our national leaders could follow the lead of Notre Dame and Navy. Fight hard but respect the other side. Look for common ground in the national interest without fear of being labeled a Republican In Name Only or a traitor by your own party.
No, politics is not college football. But our political leaders could learn something by emulating the best of college football, exemplified by the Fighting Irish and the Midshipmen.
And yeah, Notre Dame did beat Navy in this year’s game, 51-14, on Oct. 26. But even in the win-at-all-costs world of college football, the score was almost secondary in this unique traditional rivalry. Go Irish! Go Navy!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
EIt’s
time for a new era of political civility
lection Day has come and gone. While the results are unofficial or pending, the passing of this period is the happiest thing that has happened to me in years. By any measure, the 2024 election season has been a brutal, emotional and unsettling time. Our nation has been bruised, battered and ripped apart by the tensions that elections can cause, and now, happily, the campaigns have come to an end. Depending on the results, we will soon either be talking about the winners’ plans for the future or steeling ourselves for days and weeks of bitter court battles. It may be that the lawyers will be fully engaged in what they do best, but it’s long past time for the country to begin thinking about how we can start the healing process that is so badly needed.
So much of the division that we have been experiencing is the product of a political system that has no referee to stop any foul play or ugly communica-
tion. I have witnessed many campaigns over the years, and I have been involved in my own. But more recent campaigns have sunk to levels of conflict that previously were impossible to imagine.
The root cause of the bitterness can be attributed to the candidates, but the real cause is money, money and money. Since the U.S. Supreme Court allowed unlimited expenditures in elections, billions of dollars have poured into shadow committees, none of which care about dignity, decency or fair play. These “dark” committees, whose backers are unknown and well hidden, are not reluctant to drag campaigns into the gutter.
Rlaw that would change how the political system is funded. But there are too many elected officials who like the current system and have no desire to clean it up. Many of them represent safe districts, and are happy to be able to beat up a challenger using phantom funding.
ecent campaigns have sunk to levels of conflict previously unimagined.
The average voter has no idea who or what is behind a political television commercial, except those that mention a candidate by name and voice that candidate’s approval. But there are countless commercials, mailings and social media postings that are misleading. They may mention some committee, but you will never know who is really behind the presentation.
You would think that members of Congress, who are often the object of smear campaigns, would want to pass a
The use of untraceable money isn’t just something that is connected to the campaign process. The same donors spend fortunes throughout the year, wining and dining legislators, favoring them with extravagant trips and coming up with countless other imaginative ways to curry favor with members of Congress. Some legislators get so much financial support from some industries or special-interest groups that it’s fair to say that they’ve been captured and are fully owned by them.
If the divisions in our country are linked to too much money in the system, how can America be healed? The answer is in the hands of the public. It may be unfair to suggest that the voters have any responsibility for the bitterness that we have experienced, but voters can’t be excused from helping to cure a government evil.
The thing that makes certain elected officials happy is the fact that average citizens are too busy to monitor the conduct of their legislators. Over the course of a typical year in office, members of Congress vote on dozens of bills, and the people back at home have no knowledge of how they vote. It’s the responsibility of the media to devote more space to reporting on how our representatives vote.
But to make our world a little more civil, voters must demand that Congress make a serious effort to clean up our corrupt campaign system. At least once or twice a year, call your congressman or congresswoman and ask what he or she is doing to change how we elect our officials. Don’t talk to a staff member. Insist on talking to the person who represents you.
It isn’t a hopeless task to seek changes in the election process. Nothing is written in stone, and you can make things happen. It’s time for an American political climate change.
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.
Amityville
RecoRd
CHARLES DELANO - Founder
Established 1904
Incorporating
Amityville Record
CAROLyN JAmES
Associate Publisher / Editor Donna Consola JessiCa Kleiman maryann Heins
offiCe
2 Endo Boulevard
City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 569-4000
Fax: (516) 569-4942
Web: www.liherald.com
aNow the real work begins
s the Herald reaches your mailbox, the election results may or may not be fully tallied.
Regardless of outcomes, one truth remains constant: Long Island is our shared home, and its future depends far more on what unites us than what divides us.
Although the voting machines are making their way from the gymnasiums of schools and recreation centers back into storage, democracy doesn’t pack up and leave town when the polls close. The real measure of our community’s strength is found in how we work together on the other 364 days of the year. And on that score, Long Island’s story is nothing short of remarkable.
Look around our communities. The volunteer firefighter rushing to an emergency call isn’t asking whether the home in danger voted red or blue. The teacher staying late to help struggling students isn’t checking their parents’ party registration. The civic association working to preserve local wetlands isn’t conducting political litmus tests at its meetings.
What binds our communities together runs deeper than partisan politics. We
letters
Peter King always fought for us
To the Editor:
I enjoy former Congressman Peter King’s commentary in the Herald, and I’ve appreciated his efforts to support Long Island through the years.
The various natural disasters that have recently occurred across the country bring back memories of Superstorm Sandy and Sept. 11, and the many federal and state officials who fought King’s efforts for relief. I think it would make an interesting column to see how many of those elected officials are now clamoring for similar relief in their jurisdictions.
ToM JAffA Rockville Centre
So who collects all those lawn signs?
To the Editor:
Election Day has come and gone. It reminds me of the 1960s television show “The outer Limits.” With the end of around-the- clock commercials by politicians, political parties, political
all want our children to thrive in Long Island’s excellent schools. We share concerns about protecting our sole-source aquifer — the water beneath our feet that sustains every one of us. We worry about young families being priced out of our neighborhoods, and about our seniors being able to age in place in the communities they helped build. We take pride in our beautiful shorelines and want to preserve them for future generations.
These challenges don’t come with party labels attached. Potholes don’t care how you voted. High property taxes affect everyone’s wallet. Delays on the Long Island Rail Road don’t discriminate based on political affiliation. The solutions to these shared challenges won’t come from political grandstanding, but rather from the often unsung work of community engagement: attending town halls, participating in school board meetings, joining civic associations, supporting local businesses, and staying informed about local issues.
Whether it’s addressing water quality concerns, tackling the housing crisis, preparing for rising sea levels or ensuring that our downtowns remain vibrant,
the solutions will come from sustained community engagement, not just periodic trips to the polls. This means neighbors working with neighbors, towns collaborating with towns, and citizens engaging with their government at all levels.
As your community newspaper, the Herald has chronicled Long Island’s journey through countless election cycles. We’ve seen the political pendulum swing back and forth, but we’ve also witnessed something more fundamental: the enduring strength of our communities when residents commit to the daily work of democracy.
So whether you’re pleased or disappointed with Tuesday’s results, remember that the most important work happens between elections. Get involved. Stay informed. Attend local meetings. Join community organizations. Talk with neighbors who see things differently than you do. Model behavior you’d be proud for your children to emulate.
The ballot you cast on Tuesday mattered. But what you do today, tomorrow, and every day after could matter even more. Let’s all work together for a prosperous Long Island.
groups and special-interest groups, we now return control of your TV to you — until the next election cycle. No more telephone robo
N.Y. state service members are struggling with expenses
as Veterans Day approaches, the financial challenges facing American military households come into sharp focus. The holiday not only honors veterans, but also highlights the ongoing struggles of current service members, especially amid rising costs for essentials. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey revealed that military families are increasingly finding it difficult to cover basic expenses like food, housing and transportation compared with the average American.
The survey raised three key issues:
Difficulty covering household expenses. Respondents were asked about the difficulty of covering usual expenses, defined as “somewhat difficult” or “very difficult.”
Stress due to price increases. Participants reported on the stress related to recent price increases, defined as “moderately stressful” or “very stressful.”
Concern about future price increases. Respondents indicated their level of concern about future price hikes, defined as “somewhat concerned” or “very concerned.”
(52.9 percent) and Alaska (52.8 percent).
Other states where over half of service members report financial difficulties include Indiana (52.0 percent), Tennessee (51.2 percent), New York (50.8 percent) and Florida (50.3 percent).
mThe Household Pulse Survey showed that military personnel are experiencing greater financial strain than the general population. It revealed that over 40 percent of service members report difficulty covering their usual household expenses, compared to 36.6 percent of all adults in the U.S. Additionally, nearly 80 percent of military personnel express anxiety about rising prices, exceeding the 71.8 percent of all adults with similar feelings. Moreover, 81.8 percent of service members say they are concerned about future price hikes, indicating widespread uncertainty about inflation’s long-term impact.
ilitary families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford the basics.
The financial burden on military families varies significantly by state, largely due to local economic conditions. Data reveals that Utah has the highest percentage of service members struggling to cover basic expenses, 53.7 percent, followed closely by Louisiana
Letters
Finally, some peace and quiet! Candidates who claimed they cared about the environment should now do their part. Winners and losers should have their campaign staff and volunteers pick up all the thousands of campaign signs that litter our roads and highways. Perhaps they could use leftover campaign funds to hire homeless or unemployed people to collect this litter, along with people who have been sentenced to perform community service.
If candidates refuse to clean up after themselves, your local village, town or county department of highways or public works should do the job and send candidates the bill.
LARRY PeNNeR Great Neck
Let’s turn the seasonal page, not just on weather
To the editor:
We are entering a different season in America. It’s not a season everyone
Comments
likes or voted for, but it’s changing. For some it’s better, for some it’s worse. For some it’s good news, and for some it’s bad.
Your perspective colors your season. If you love autumn, then you have enjoyed the current season in much of America. You haven’t enjoyed it if you’ve been in the path of a hurricane, but you’ve enjoyed it if you live in most any other place in America. We’ve had a dry fall, but it’s been beautiful.
Political seasons are hard on the nation. We’ve been inundated by political advertisements for months. The presidential campaign went on forever. We are so ready to move on.
There’s always a new season around the corner. It’s best for all of us if we can make the best of each one. They pass by, so enjoy them, love them, roll with them.
Try to make the best of your current season in life. It’s not always easy. We don’t like the seasons when we’re sick, and seasons that are difficult, and even harsh and cruel, come to us all if we live long enough. So, enjoy the good ones.
DR. GLeNN MOLLeTTe
A significant issue is that the Basic Allowance for Housing has not kept pace with rising housing costs. In states like Utah, Indiana, Tennessee and Florida, home price increases have far exceeded the national average, exacerbating financial strain.
Another critical factor affecting military families is the high unemployment rate among military spouses. According to the Department of Defense, the military spouse unemployment rate was 21 percent in 2023, compared with the national rate of 4.3 percent. Many military bases are in rural areas with limited job opportunities, particularly in specialized fields. As well, frequent relocations make it challenging for spouses to maintain long-term careers, especially in professions requiring state licenses. Service members are also more like-
ly to report financial difficulties in states with higher unemployment rates, such as Louisiana, Alaska and New York. Conversely, in nine of the 10 states in which service members report the least financial difficulty, unemployment rates are below average. This suggests that strong local job markets, particularly for spouses, significantly ease the financial burden on military households.
The analysis utilized data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey Phase 4.0–4.2, from Jan. 9 to Sept. 16, 2024. Service members were defined as adults currently serving in the U.S. armed forces (active duty, reserve or National Guard) and their spouses. You can read the full study at https://upgradedpoints.com/news/ states-service-members-struggle-mosthigh-prices/.
It is crucial to recognize not only the sacrifices made by military members, but also the financial struggles they face. With rising costs and ongoing economic challenges, addressing these issues is vital to ensuring the wellbeing of those who serve.
Alex Miller is the founder and CEO of Upgraded Points, which provides indepth content on a variety of topics.
Framework by Lisa LaMagna & Billy Reyes
In between changings of the guard at Buckingham Palace — London
Project 2025 plan for culture, health care
By Jenna ZaZa & Lori Saxena Special to the Herald
Third in a series.
Written by the conservative Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 is a 922-page book detailing overhauls of the executive branch and proposing radical policy changes regarding the economy, culture, education and health care.
The controversial plans have Democrats in a tizzy, the Trump campaign distancing itself from the ideas and saying they would embrace the mandate’s demise. However, six of his former Cabinet secretaries and more than 140 people who played a role in the project also worked in his administration, according to a CNN report.
At its core, the initiative seeks to reshape the federal government, but its impact extends to the local level.
“The next President has a moral responsibility to lead the nation in restoring a culture of life in America again,” Heritage Foundation officials wrote in the project foreword.
Culture
Project 2025 is steeped in dividing culture wars saying, “The next conservative President must make the institutions of American civil society hard targets for woke culture warriors.” Its top goal is to prioritize the nuclear family model “as the centerpiece of American life” by rolling back hard-fought LGBTQ+ and Black rights.
It calls for the reversal of the 2015 Supreme Court case that legalized samesex marriage in all 50 states. Widespread anti-LGBTQ+ policies could significantly erode cultural and familial support for queer individuals.
“This policy document gives extended protections that violate individual civil and human rights,” Kiana Abbady, board chair of Long Island Progressive Coalition, said. “There would be no such thing as non-traditional families, that would only be the nuclear family, and that goes back to the denial of LGBTQ rights.”
Child protection rhetoric of antiLGBTQ+ has a long history but the ideology behind the project’s “optimal childrearing” family structure emerged in the late 1990s from religious conservative groups. Saying that children grew up best in households with both a man and woman parental figure. That argument is considered to be false, according to the American Psychological Association.
“So when [the project] says they want to prioritize nuclear family values, that is coded language,” said Jillian Gaeta, co-founder of Roots to Revolution and a New York City public school teacher. “What that means is they think that women who don’t have children … that couples who are gay and adopting children also have less value in our society.”
The project proposes limiting opportunities for people of color by stamping out all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at the federal, state and local
Project 2025, a plan conceived by the conservative Heritage Foundation, could change the U.S. if Donald Trump is
level. DEI creates jobs, boosts the bottom line for companies and contributes significantly to the economy, according to research by McKinsey & Company.
According to a Suffolk County disparity study final report, persons of color “experience the greatest disparity, as they are significantly less likely to own a business.” It also discovered that there are statistically “significant disparities” in business earnings for minorities.
“The elimination of these programs that encourage economic advancement and economic opportunity for hard working Americans based on the color of their skin is abhorrent and it’s disappointing,” Abbady said.
Critics of the mandate argue that the proposed policies risk overextending government power to enforce rigid gender binaries and strip away support for marginalized communities.
“It was working on, for decades, to have the United States be a white, Christian, authoritarian nation,” Claudia Borecky, president of the Bellmore-Merrick Democratic club, said.
Health care
Project 2025 proposes decentralization of federal programs like Medicaid, increasing privatization, and implementing grant caps on health care.
A 2023 study in the international Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health of 1,695 healthcare facilities in Nassau County, revealed a disproportionate distribution of services, with the majority of facilities clustered in two affluent zip codes. Areas with high social vulnerability have a significantly sparser distribution of healthcare services.
Parts of Suffolk County are federally designated Medically Underserved
Areas due to insufficient access to primary care, according to the Health Resources and Services Administration. These regions rely on federally qualified health centers and federal programs such as Medicaid.
Project 2025 aims to encourage health care funding that is specific to the needs of local communities and competition with private insurers. Decentralization could lead to reducing federal funding and limitations on Medicaid, which could exacerbate barriers in accessing medical care for vulnerable populations.
Currently, just over 25 percent of Suffolk County residents and a little more than 23 percent of Nassau County residents are enrolled in Medicaid, according to a United Hospital Fund report.
Michelle Jones, a nurse at Flushing Hospital, who is on the board of directors for the New York State Nurses Association, said these proposals would substantially increase the cost of health care if implemented.
“The cost of health care is going to skyrocket, and so is the cost of medication,” she said. “This, is going to put profit over patients and over the frontline workers who take care of these patients. This project will erode people.”
The project’s proposed health care policies also include reforming the Department of Health and Human Services into an anti-abortion-focused Department of Life.
Liberal organizations, such as EMILY’s List, have pledged to invest money and resources into flipping House seats currently held by anti-abortion Republicans.
“Project 2025 outlines tracking women’s pregnancies, including abortion, miscarriages, stillbirths ... dismantling sex education, and replacing birth con-
trol programs,” Yari Aquino, an EMILY’s List representative, said. “The way to stop Project 2025 from happening is to elect … Democratic pro-choice women up and down the ballot.”
The Long Island Coalition for Life remains determined to influence public policy in a direction that bans abortion statewide with no exceptions.
“Our ultimate goal is to protect every preborn son and daughter in the womb, to end abortion and to bring back respect for the right to life of all people,” Celeste Broyles, a representative of the Coalition, said. “We don’t discriminate against babies who may have been conceived in rape … all babies deserve the right to life.”
In 2022, former State Sen. Anna M. Kaplan and Assemblywoman Gina L. Sillitti highlighted ongoing local abortion restrictions. Several communities still had “trigger laws” on the books that were passed in the early 1970s and were intended to limit the establishment of abortion clinics and impose stringent regulations on access. Hempstead, Huntington and Oyster Bay towns and the villages of Freeport and Williston Park had local abortion restrictions.
“Every person should have autonomy over their body and have the right to discuss that with their provider.” Jones said. “Under the project, people are defined by their role in their family, but even then they are a single person with the right to make decisions.”
Jenna Zaza and Lori Saxena are reporters with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
Jenna Zaza/Herald
elected president.