Amityville Herald 12_04_2024 by Richner Communications, Inc

HERALD AMITYvIlle

ReCORD

Also serving Amityville, North Amityville, Amity Harbor, Copiague, and East Massapequa

Amityville Village recognizes Ahmadya Muslim community on its anniversary

Photo Courtesty/Amityville Village

The Village of Amityville joined in honoring the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Amityviille on the occasion of their 20th Anniversary recently. Mayor Dennis Siry (center), Trustee Michael O’Neill (left) and Deputy Mayor Kevin Smith (right) presented a proclamation at a celebration for Baitul Huda, “House of Guidance,” and wished continued success to religious leaders

ASD launches community survey to gather information on new mascot

As the Amityville Union Free School District begins the process of identifying a new mascot, it has launched a survey for all community residents to offer input. The district encourages all residents, faculty, staff and students to participate in the survey which will help to identify those values and themes that the district’s new mascot should represent. The district is open to all suggestions and looks forward to the community’s input. The survey will remain open until

Friday, Dec. 13.

Links to the survey can be found on the district’s website, www.amityvilleschools.org and are also listed below: English Survey: https://forms.gle/s1QWXtzPhceHDQ6bA Spanish Survey: https://forms.gle/E1zFb4skDDAcZCT68 For more information, call the district at (631) 789-6230.

Copiague Fire Dept. commissioner race is set for December 10

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald. com

Voters in Copiague will head to the polls on Tues., Dec. 10 to elect a commissioner to the fire department board.

Running for another term is Copiague Fire Commissioner Angelo Licata, a member of the department for 37 years. He is seeking his fifth term and is unopposed. Licata began his career as a volunteer in the department’s Hook & Ladder and Rescue Company and has served as a Commissioner for 20 years. Professionally he is a plumber.

A focus of the department which begun several years ago, was to reach out and work more closely with the people and organizations in the Copiague Fire District, Amity Harbor, the American Venice, an incentive that he said he and the board has found to be highly successful and one that he would like to see continued.

“As a department, we have reached out to bring the community and the fire department closer,” said Licata.

“Our efforts over the last several years have been very

successful and we have built many sound relationships that has not only allowed us to get things done but also to bring the community together and make it stronger.”

Two recent projects include the completion of revitalizing two small parks in the hamlet, including construction of a memorial park, one at the corner of Great Neck Road and Dixon Avenue and the other at Wilson Ave and Montauk Highway where they adopted the corners and worked with the Copiague Chamber sprucing up the site.

“So far the community seems very grateful for this and as a board we look forward to completing even more projects in Copiague,” said Licata.

Like other volunteer departments, Copiague Fire Department is taking advantage of New York State legislation that allows them to recoup some of the costs for EMS services through individuals’ health care coverage. Funds received by the district are kept in a separate line item in the budget and go to pay for some of the expenses related to this service.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

OBITUARY

William Lauder, truly dedicated public servant, dies at 102

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

William T. Lauder, a prominent figure in Amityville Village and Babylon Town, died Nov. 17, 2024, at the age of 102. Lauder, whose life was marked by a deep commitment to public service and local history, will be remembered as a decorated World War II veteran, dedicated public official, and passionate advocate for preserving the heritage of “The Village by the Bay.”

“He was a man of intelligence and a loving family man,” said his daughter Jane on behalf of the family. “He had a gift of storytelling and a great sense of humor. He had boundless energy and found his own path and purpose right here in the community. He lived a remarkable life.”

“He was a wonderful man,” said Ellen Ricciuti, a longtime member of the Amityville Historical Society. “Vinny and I spent a lot of time with him, going out to dinner and working together at the historical society. He was both a friend and a colleague.”

Another longtime Historical Society colleague of Lauder’s, Joe Guidice, spoke about his generosity. “He gave many, including me, his time and wisdom,” said Guidice. “He was committed to sharing what he knew, to pass it on and preserve the Historical Society into the future.”

Lauder’s ties to the community were longstanding. A third-generation resident of Amityville, his legacy of public service spanned more than three decades, including roles as Babylon Town Supervisor, Special Deputy Attorney General of New York, and Village Attorney for Amityville, among many others. He was particularly proud of his efforts to preserve local parks and natural areas for future generations.

“As Town Supervisor, he was particularly proud of the efforts of his administration to acquire and preserve local parks and natural areas, including the acquisition of the 80-acre Indian Island preserve, and the then-remaining privately held wetlands of the Great South Bay,” said his daughter Jane.

Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer, who knew Lauder for many years, recalled the local leader’s quiet approach to public service. “Bill taught me how to carry myself with dignity and humility,” Schaffer said. “He showed me that titles weren’t important—what mattered was the commitment to public service.”

As Babylon Town Supervisor, Lauder championed the creation of walking “pocket parks” throughout the community, providing residents with easily accessible green spaces. Parks such as Laurel Road Park in North Lindenhurst, Scott Park in West Babylon, and Bolden Mack Park in North Lindenhurst stand as a testament to his vision of making parks accessible to all.

Born June 16, 1922, to William and Elizabeth G. Lauder, Lauder’s con-

nection to Amityville was cemented at birth. After graduating from high school in 1940, he entered Columbia University, but his education was interrupted when he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. Lauder served in Europe as a member of the 28th Infantry, and was awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, a Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, and four European Theater of Operations battle stars, among other honors.

After returning from the war, Lauder married Rose E. Abbe in October 1945. The couple would spend 64 years together until Rose’s passing in 2009. Lauder completed his education, earning a B.S. in Business Administration from Columbia University and a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School in 1950. He was admitted to the New York State Bar the same year and later opened his own law practice in Amityville.

In addition to his legal career, Lauder held numerous roles in public service, including acting as Suffolk County General Counsel, Justice of the Peace, and Special Counsel to the Suffolk County Board of Supervisors. Throughout his career, he worked tirelessly to improve his community.

A passionate historian, Lauder was a founding member of the Amityville Historical Society in 1969 and served as the director of the Lauder Museum, named in honor of his contributions. He also served as the village historian, ensuring that the history of Amityville was preserved and passed on to future generations. In 1999, he was recognized as one of the 10 most influential people of the 20th century in Babylon Town, and in 2010, he was awarded the “Key to the Town of Babylon” for his lifelong dedication to public service.

Beyond his professional life, Lauder was known for his love of the Great South Bay, spending many happy hours on the water with his family as Past Commodore of the Amityville Yacht Club and a member of the Unqua Corinthian Yacht Club. After retiring from law and public service in 1983, he and Rose enjoyed a fulfilling retirement that included travel, boating, and winters on Sanibel Island.

Lauder was also active in several civic organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and Amityville Rotary Club, where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. His quick wit and generous spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

In addition to his wife, Rose, he was predeceased by his daughter Victoria Rose Lauder. He is survived by his daughter, Jane Elizabeth, and her husband Stephen E. Kane, as well as his grandchildren: Laurie B. Yates and her husband, Jeremy; Thomas L. Kane and his wife, Jordan; and Stephen W. Kane and his fiancée, Alexandra.

The family received visitors on Fri., Nov. 22, 2024, at the Powell Funeral Home in Amityville. A funeral service

William T. Lauder

was held the following day at the funeral home.

The family requests that donations be made to the Amityville Historical

Society Endowment Fund in memory of William T. Lauder, 170 Broadway, Amityville, NY 11701.

CRIME WATCH

The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police Department’s First and Third Precincts and other fire and law enforcement agencies.

WOMAN DRIVER CHARGED AFTER CRASHING INTO BOAT

A West Babylon woman, who police said was driving while intoxicated, ran off the road and struck a boat at 270 East Main Street Babylon Sun., Nov. 24. Police gave this account: At approximately 10 p.m., Suffolk 911 received multiple calls about a vehicle that was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Route 231 in Babylon at approximately 10 p.m. The vehicle, a 2021 Kia Forte, then crossed over the median and continued south in the southbound lanes, striking road signs before driving through the intersection at East Main Street, over the median and through the fence in front of 270 East Main St. and then crashed

into a boat, The boat, which was parked on land, caught fire. The fire quickly spread to three other boats. Responding First Precinct patrol officers along with a bystander pulled the driver, Lorrie Ibe, from the vehicle. She was transported via ambulance to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Babylon Fire Department responded and extinguished the blaze. Ibe, 54, of 238 Neptune Ave., West Babylon, was charged with driving while intoxicated. She will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a time to be determined.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Amityville: Credit cards were stolen from 2002 Honda Odyssey that was parked on Rodney Place Nov. 15. The theft was reported to police at 2 .m.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts. They are presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Amityville’s Holiday Home Tour returns with ‘Christmas Cheer’

Once again, the Amityville Junior League is holding its annual Holiday Homes tour.

This year’s event, “Christmas Cheer: All wrapped Up in a Bow,” will be Sat., Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tour somebeautiful homes in the village and enjoy tea, cookies and raffles while greeting

your friends and neighbors.

For a list of homes and to buy tickets ($25 each), go to Eventbrite, https:// shorturl.at/3Uh7Q.

Tickets can also be purchased the day of the event at the Tea House, St. Mary’s Church, 175 Broadway. The Tea House will be open until 3:30 p.m. that day.

Copiague’s tree lighting and parade takes place

on Sunday, December 8

Copiague’s Holiday Light Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony will be taking place on Sun., Dec. 8. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. and the ceremony will be at 6 p.m. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, it’s all part of Copiague’s Hometown Holiday Magic and they welcoming everyone to join in the fun by sponsoring a holiday tree at Gateway Park. The decorated trees will be celebrated throughout the season to December 31.

Sign-up 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.

Please 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. Gateway Park is located at 2295 Great Neck Rd., Copiague.

■ WEB SITE: www.amityvillerecord.com / www.liherald.com/Amityville

The home of the Cecere family: 116 S. Ketcham Avenue.

The Tea House at St. Mary’s Church

The home of the Escobedo-Ansanelli family: 65 Franklin Street.

The home of the Thompson family: 200 Bayview Avenue.

The home of Joe Volkens and Aaron Eury: 141 Bayview Avenue.

BE A HERO

HERALD SPORTS

Hofstra hoops showing plenty of promise

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

With a largely new roster this season, fourth-year Hofstra men’s basketball head coach Speedy Claxton was expecting that the beginning of the new season could be a bit of a learning curve. The former standout Hofstra and NBA guard then saw quicker chemistry than he anticipated, providing hope that the 202425 campaign could culminate with a banner.

Hofstra won its first four games to start the new season with many new faces including a 49-48 upset victory against Big East foe Seton Hall at the Nassau Coliseum on Nov. 13. The hot start featured a number of scoring contributions with the Pride also finding ways to win games in a variety of fashions in three straight wins against Iona, Seton Hall and UMass after starting with

a blowout of Division III opponent SUNY Old Westbury.

“Those are three good wins and if you would have told me before the season we would get all three I’d be extremely happy and even if you told me I would only get one I would have been happy,” said Claxton, a former NBA guard who led Hofstra to the NCAA Tournament as a player in 2000. “It shows we can compete with anyone.”

The 4-0 start was followed up by stiff competition at Florida State and then 7th-ranked Houston. The Pride then headed to the Bahamas for three games over the Thanksgiving weekend and knocked off Rice in overtime 68-63 and edged Arkansas State 68-66 on a buzzer beater shot from graduate student forward Michael Graham.

Claxton added six transfers and two freshmen to the roster to go along with six returners from last year’s team that went 20-13 and fell to Long Island rival Stony Brook in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals.

Sophomore guard Jean Aranguren is one of the newcomers shining early as the team’s leading scorer. The Iona transfer registered a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds in Hofstra’s 75-71 overtime win at UMass on Nov. 16.

The addition of Big East transfers Cruz Davis (St. John’s) and Jaquan Sanders (Seton Hall) are also paying dividends early on this season. Sanders was clutch in the Seton Hall win against his old team with 10 second half points while Davis tallied 21 in the UMass victory.

“All three of those guys have been playing well,” Claxton said. “I think that is why we have been performing well in the early part of the season.”

Other transfers added to the roster include Graham (Loyola Marymount), senior guard TJ Gadsden (Canisius) and redshirt sophomore guard Eric Parnell (Eastern Florida State). Graham is the team’s fourth leading scorer and recorded 14 in the dramatic Arkansas State win.

The Pride are also getting a leadership boost from returning players Silas Sunday and German Plotnikov, who both

Newcomer

saw key minutes last season. The 7-1 Sunday provides a big presence in the paint while Plotnikov is a long-range shooting threat who connected on 47.4 percent of his three-pointers last season.

“They’re both benefiting from being here last year and knowing how we do things,” said Claxton of Sunday and Plotnikov.

Hofstra’s December schedule is highlighted by a Sunday afternoon home game against Temple on Dec. 15 starting at noon. It will also serve as Hofstra’s annual Jewish Heritage Day game.

The CAA home schedule gets under-

way on Jan. 2 against William & Mary at 7 p.m. which will honor the 25th anniversary of David S. Mack Arena. Hofstra’s annual winter homecoming game will take place on Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. against Stony Brook.

Hofstra was picked fourth in the CAA Men’s Basketball Preseason Poll behind Towson, defending champion College of Charleston and UNC-Wilimington.

“The conference is always going to be tough with some really good teams and really good coaches,” Claxton said. “It’s not gonna get any easier once we get into conference play”

photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications

Cruz Davis popped in 21 points for the Pride in a Nov. 16 victory over UMass.

Sophomore Jean Aranguren is leading Hofstra in scoring in the early going.

Congratulations to some of our local scholars...

The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:

•Nicholas Agosto of Amityville, attending Southern New Hampshire University, was recently named to the Dean’s List.

•Jay McKenzie of Amityville recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at Buffalo State and is majoring in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics.

•Lauren Becker of Amityville was among the members of the New York Institute of Technology’s Class of 2026 nursing program who recently received their white coats. The White Coat Ceremony signifies the transition from classroom learning to clinical training.

•Jason Chladek of Amityville, attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy, received a Doctorate of Philosophy, Health Services Research in Pharmacy.

•Kyle Stewart of Amityvile recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Cybersecurity (BS).

•Brooke Barnes of Amityville recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Biology (intended).

•Christopher Blanchard of Amityville recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Computer Science (combined-intended).

•Duke Agbleze of Amityville recently

matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Criminal Justice (intended).

•Jelani Harris of Amityville recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Political Science (intended).

•Bryce Benymon of Amityville recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Biology (intended).

•Jamir Smallwood of Amityville recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Psychology (intended).

•Lucas Francis of Amityville recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Business Administration (intended).

• Ajay Singh of Amityville recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in English (intended).

• Charles Greenfield of Amityville recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity (MS).

•Karsten Spencer of Copiague recently matriculated as a member of the Class of 2028 at the University at Albany and will be majoring in Political Science (combinedintended).

•Darius Mobley of Amityville, attending the New York Institute of Technology, serves as an officer for the NYC Leisure In-

clusive Fun Experience (L.I.F.E.)

•Stacy Pereira of Amityville, attending the New York Institute of Technology, serves as an officer for the NYC Latinx Student Union.

Celebrate the season of giving by donating Non-Perishable food items to the Rotary Club of Amityville’s Annual Food Drive to benefit Saint Martin of Tours Food Pantry. Bring your items

December 7, 2024 to the Amityville Tree Lighting celebration.

We will be collecting food on Park Avenue. Look for the VW Bus!

Suffolk police and DA heighten holiday enforcement of DWIs

Surrounded by survivors of drunk drivers, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, District Attorney Ray Tierney and Deputy Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina recently announced safety measures that the county is undertaking for a”Safely Home for the Holiday”push.

The Suffolk County police will implement DWI patrols and checkpoints throughout the county and during the

entire holiday season. Officers and prosecutors are also committed to the county’s zero-tolerance policy on impaired driving due to drugs or alcohol.

Patrols will be heightened near religious institutions on days of observance and near business districts during major consumer events.

For more information, go to scpd.org.

Santa coming to Amityville Dec. 13-15

The Amityville Fire Department’s annual Santa Runs will be taking place Fri., Dec. 13 at 6 p.m. north of Merrick Road and west of Broadway. On Sat., Dec. 14 at 11 a.m., Santa will be moving south of Merrick Road and West of Amityville River and on Sun., Dec. 15, Santa will be completing his tour through Amityville at 11 a.m. east

of the Amityville River and East of Broadway.

Santa requests that attendees consider donating a new unwrapped toy to the Toys for Tots program, sponsored by The Marine Corp. who will be collecting along the route.

For more information, call (631) 691-9081.

Ray Fleming, former Amityville Fire Chief, dies at 79

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Ray Fleming, a former Amityville Fire Department chief and a member of the Amityville Police Department’s Ma-

rine Unit, died Nov. 17, 2024, in Lynchburg, Virginia. He was 79.

Fleming grew up in Amityville on Oak Street, the son of Ruth and Vincent Fleming. He graduated from Amityville

Powell Funeral Home Inc.

Memorial High School and was a proud Eagle Scout.

Described as an integral part of both the fire and police departments, he was known for his generosity and willingness to lend a hand both professionally and personally.

“He was an all-around gentleman, always there for everybody,” said his daughter, Lisa. “Whether he was in Amityville or in Lynchburg, he made friends wherever he went.”

Fleming was an accomplished mechanic and problem solver. His expertise was so well-regarded that the question “Is Ray around?” was commonly heard by members of the police and fire departments seeking help.

A longtime colleague of Fleming’s from the Amityville Police Department described him as a great guy and an integral part of the department. “I have known Ray for approximately 40 years, and he was the kind of guy who could do almost anything,” said former Amityville Police Officer Brian Scott.

One of Scott’s fondest memories was a fishing trip they took together to Upstate New York. “He caught a trout and cooked it for us and it the most delicious fish dinner I ever had,” said Scott, noting that from that day on, cooking was another expertise he attributed to Flem-

ing’s long list of talents.

“In countless ways, ex-Chief Fleming was an invaluable asset to our organization,” said Stephen Juliano, Chief of Department, Amityville Fire Department. “He brought a wealth of knowledge to his craft, a passion for leadership, and, above all, a genuine friendship to everyone he encountered. His presence brought respect and admiration from all that knew him. As a mentor, he guided

Continued on page 9

Local Worship Schedules

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

ST. MARY’S CHURCH

175 Broadway, Amityville 631-264-0004

Fr. Randolph Jon Geminder, Rector www.facebook.com/ StMarysAmityville

Sunday: Matins

SIMPSON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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

• ROMAN CATHOLIC •

Amityville Kiwanis helped local families in need on Thanksgiving

The Amityville Kiwanis Club was busy donating turkeys with all the trimmings for a Thanksgiving dinner. They extended a thanks to the community for their response and to the community support committee for

organizing this holiday tradition and delivering to local churches and families.

In photo are Dave Heller, school social worker Allison deMario, Rick Licari and Gary Scherl.

Ray Fleming, former Amityville Fire Chief and APD officer, dies

Continued from page 8

many firefighters who continue to serve our community today. He was a protector of many, spending much of his time safeguarding residents along the Great South Bay. Our hearts go out to the Fleming family during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed by everyone in our department.”

Fleming moved to Lynand his wife Patricia formed a close friendship with Jim Martin and his wife, Catherine. The two met at a local restaurant when Catherine ordered the special of the day: shrimp. The waitress told her that there was no more shrimp; that the Flemings had ordered the last dinner. The two couples began talking after Catherine turned to the Flemings laughing and asked, “Did you take my shrimp?” The “shrimp” incident sparked a three-year friendship that continued until Fleming’s death.

“We’d get together and spend three or four hours talking and I found him to be a very interesting person,” said Martin.

Martin added that Fleming would frequently tell him about Amityville and showed him a DVD of the village that recognized its 100th anniversary. “It is just beautiful, and we want to take a trip there some day,” he said, adding

“He was an incredibly inquisitive man and we talked about everything under the sun from cars, hunting, fishing and politics. He will be sorely missed.”

Amityville Police Chief Byron Burton expressed sadness at Fleming’s passing. “He was a good friend to all of us,” said Burton. “We were sad when he retired and are even sadder now to learn of his passing.”

Fleming is survived by his wife, Patricia McCormick Fleming; his children, Adam and his wife, Vicky; David and his wife, Tammy; Frank Perna and his wife, Sue; Tim Perna and his wife, Shelia; Brian Perna and his wife, Kathy; Lisa Balsan and her husband , John. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Fleming’s memory to the Amityville Fire Department, P.O. Box 725, Amityville, 11701.

Photo/Courtesy of Amityville Kiwanis

REPORTS OF HIS DEATH WERE GREATLY EXAGGERATED:

Copiague resident and Amityville graduate spent war as POW

By JOHN F. BYRNE Guest Writer

In wartime, a “Missing in Action” report for a service member is a particularly dreadful casualty classification, especially for loved ones. With a classification of “Killed in Action” there is an amount of certainty and finality. With “Missing in Action,” however, there is no such certainty. There is always the hope that the service member is actually still alive, languishing incommunicado in some hospital or camp. This hope is seldom realized, but occasionally it is true. Such was the case for one local man in World War II, who was reported missing to his family but was really a prisoner of the Japanese.

Donald Ellsworth Austin was born on May 30, 1918 in Copiague. He graduated from Amityville High School as part of the class of 1934. He then attended Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. There, he was reputed to be a good student and very active on campus. He graduated from Dickinson in the class of 1938 and then attended two years of law school, first at Columbia University and then at St. John’s University. However, in August 1940 he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve. On February 28, 1941 he was commissioned as an Ensign and assigned to a destroyer, USS Pope (DD-225), stationed at Manila in the Philippines. USS Pope was assigned on neutrality duty; however, this changed after the Imperial Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941. USS Pope was ordered to the defense of the Dutch East Indies, with its valuable oil and other resources, and the ship and her crew were involved in heavy fighting throughout early 1942. USS Pope participated in several battles, until the ship was sunk during the disastrous Second Battle of the Java Sea on March 1, 1942.

Having received no contact with the ship since before the battle, the U.S. Navy presumed USS Pope to have been lost. All of her crew, including Donald Austin, were each reported as “missing following action in the performance of his duty and in the service of his country.”

Austin’s friends and family thought the worst. The Amityville Record reported on Austin as the second war death from the Amityville area, after Pete Hartman. Austin’s parents held a memorial service for their only child on March 29, 1942 at First Methodist Church. In actuality, only one man, Howard E. Davis, was killed in the sinking of USS Pope. The rest of the crew, including Austin, went into the water in a whaleboat and three rafts. After almost 60 hours in the water, the exhausted men of USS Pope were picked up by a Japanese destroyer and the crew then became prisoners of war. Austin was held in eight different camps, including in Batavia, Java. He would not be released until after the end of the war, on September 17, 1945.

During the war, Donald Austin’s true fate was slow to emerge. In late 1942, news about other survivors from USS Pope began to be reported, giving hope to Austin’s parents that their son, whom they had presumed dead, might actually still be alive. This hope began to solidify in April 1943, after they received word from shortwave radio listeners around the country that a Japanese broadcast had included a statement written by their son. Official U.S. confirmation of Austin’s survival, however, was slow to follow: it was not until November 1943 that his status was updated. Furthermore, no direct word was had from Austin until August 1944, when his family received a short typed note bearing his authentic signature. This was the only communication from Austin until after the end of the war, when he was liberated from captivity.

Austin returned to the U.S. in relatively good shape, despite his three and a half year ordeal. Soon after his return, Austin resumed his legal studies, and graduated from Columbia Law in 1948. He married Dorothy (Pat) Humphrey, and had three children: David, Jonathan, and Jeanne. He raised his family in White Plains, NY. For most of his legal career he worked for General Motors as an international attorney and manager for their Overseas Division. He retired to South New Berlin, NY and died at the age of 95 on April 14, 2014 at the NYS Veterans’ Home in Oxford, NY. His funeral, the second ever offered in his memory, was on April 17, 2014 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Norwich, NY.

As for Austin’s ship, USS Pope, she was later awarded two Battle Stars and the Presidential Unit Citation for her war service. USS

Pope’s wreck was identified at the bottom of the Java Sea in 2008 by MV Empress. However, it had already been found by illegal salvagers; so there was little more than a skeleton remains of the ship. Of her crew of 152, one was killed in action and 27 died as POWs. The rest, once considered missing, were all able to return home.

Amityville tree lighting on Sat., Dec. 7

The Village of Amityville will be holding its Holiday Tree Lighting on Sat., Dec. 7 at the Village Gazebo at 5 p.m.

The event will include carols, dance performances and a visit with Santa. Please bring a nonperishable food item for the Amityville Ro-

tary Club’s Food Drive to benefit the St. Martin of Tours Food Pantry. Rain date is scheduled for the following day, Sun., Dec. 8 at 5 p.m. Amityville Village Gazebo is located at Park Avenue and Broadway, Route 110. For more information, call (631) 264-6000.

Ho Ho Ho, Kiwanis wreaths for sale

The Amityville Kiwanis Club will be having its annual Christmas wreath sale on Sat., December 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Kiwanis Park parking lot (opposite First United Methodist Church on Broadway in Amityville). For $26 you receive a thick evergreen wreath with a handmade bow decorat -

ed by Kiwanians. Start the holidays by supporting the Amityville Kiwanis Club and their extensive community service. Free delivery available. Call Rick Licari 516.449.4571 or email: ralicari3@ aol.com to purchase your wreaths.

M ake a Gingerbread House picture frame with your toddler, Tues., Dec. 10

W. Babylon ex-chief to lead Fire Chiefs

A mityville Public Library is located at 19 John St., Amityville.

J oin Amityville Public Library for winter stories and the making of a gingerbread house picture frame on Tues., Dec. 10 from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. This program is for children 18 months through 3 years old. An Amityville Public Library Card is required to register for this program. T o register, visit shorturl.at/ YV4gQ. F or more information, call (631) 264-0567.

West Babylon Fire Department’s ExChief Eric Schumann was recently reelected President of the Town of Babylon Fire Chiefs Association. Schumann was elected to the post at a meeting held in West Babylon Fire Department Headquarters. He previously served as secretary and vice president of

the association, dating back to 2020. In addition Ex-Chief Pete McArdle of the West Babylon Fire Department was sworn in as a trustee of the association. Amityville Fire Department Ex-Chief Robert Waegerle, who had served as president, was thanked for his service.

Photo Courtesy/ West Babylon Fire Department. Newly elected Fire Chiefs Association president Eric Schumann and Pete McArdle.

Nominate a student under 16 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.

We want to hear about the extraordinary young individuals who are driving change in their communities.

The award will be presented at the 2025 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld in February.

Your nomination could inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps!

Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?

Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.

Celebrating Long Island’s Future Leaders: $2,500 Student Sustainability Prize Open for Nominations

By: Maureen Fitzgerald

Reworld™ is searching for Long Island’s next generation of environmental innovators to receive the first-ever 2025 Student Sustainability Champion Award. This prestigious award honors one outstanding student from Nassau County and one from Suffolk, with each winner receiving $2,500 to support their education or future sustainability projects – presented to the student recipients at the upcoming 2025 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island.

Nominations are now open, inviting the community to recognize young changemakers under 16 who are making a positive impact. Submissions should highlight the student’s leadership, innovative contributions, and dedication to sustainability. Entries should include a brief description of their achievements and motivation, along with a photo or example of their work—be it a community garden, recycling initiative, or creative environmental solution.

This award is part of the larger 2025 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island, presented by Reworld™ and hosted by the LI Herald and RichnerLIVE, which will take place on February 26th at The Heritage Club in Bethpage.

The event will bring together community leaders, advocates, and changemakers who are driving innovative environmental solutions and fostering sustainable tomorrows across Long Island.

Despite Long Island’s environmental challenges —coastal erosion, water quality, and balancing development with conservation—stories of innovation and hope thrive. Local nonprofits restore habitats, educators inspire, and leaders prioritize sustainability. From renewable energy to advanced recycling, these efforts showcase the region’s spirit. With Reworld™ fostering this innovation and community empowerment, they’re driving Long Island toward a greener future.

“Reworld™ is honored to partner with RichnerLIVE and the Herald to recognize the inspiring efforts of our young changemakers,” said Dawn Harmon, East Region Area Asset Manager at Reworld™. “This initiative aims to empower Long Island’s future leaders and celebrate the innovative strides our community is taking toward sustainability.”

For more information or to submit a student nomination, visit www.richnerlive.com/reworldcontest. Let’s celebrate the bright minds and groundbreaking innovations shaping Long Island’s sustainable future.

CFD race December 10th

“We only bill the insurance companies and if any residents do not have insurance coverage, we do not charge them,” said Licata, who added that this will help reduce costs for emergency medical services to taxpayers of the Fire commissioners generally serve five-year terms and are responsible for establishing policies and procedures within the department, working with the other members to assess and secure equipment and apparatus. They also formulate and are responsible for the district’s annual budget and expenses. Commissioners are all volunteers, but receive a stipend for attend -

Incumbent Copiague Fire District Commissioner, Angelo Licata who is running for another 5-year term and is unopposed.

The department will operate on a budget of $5.6 million in 2025. It has four full-time EMS employees. The new spending plan is within the New York State tax

The election will take place at fire headquarters, 320 Great Neck Rd., Copiague, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

OTHER LOCAL FIRE DISTRICT RACES

DEER PARK FIRE DISTRICT

Running for one seat on the board is Chairman Andrew Duguid. He is unopposed.

The district has a proposed budget of $5.4 million and is within the New York State tax cap. It has 12 full-time EMS employees.

The election will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at district offices, 94 Lake Ave., Deer Park.

Efforts to reach Duguid for an interview were unsuccessful.

and 9 p.m.

WEST ISLIP FIRE DISTRICT

There are two candidates vying for a five-year seat as commissioner: Albert Cinotti and Michael Cooper. Cinotti has been a resident of the district for 22 years. He was a member of Mohawk Company engine #5, and Union Hook and Ladder captain twice. He currently serves as department treasurer and is a trustee of the West Islip Firefighters Association.

“I believe the Board of Fire Commissioners is doing a great job of protecting the community and I want to continue in the same avenue,” said Cinotti, explaining why he is running. He and his wife, Christina, have three children, two in college and one in high school. “I have always thought of serving as a commissioner and now that we are ‘almost’ empty nesters, this is a good time for me to do that,” he said.

WEST BABYLON FIRE DISTRICT

There are two seats open on the West Babylon Fire District’s Board of Fire Commissioners, a four-year and five-year term. Running for the four-year term is Thomas Karn. Running for the five-year term is John Manzi. Both are unopposed.

The district budget for next year is $5.1 million and is within the New York State tax cap. The district serves a population of 38,000 and has five full-time EMS personnel.

The election will take place at two locations, 126 Arnold Avenue and 1033 Herzel Boulevard between 2 p.m.

Cinotti served in the Levittown Fire Department for 10 years and also the Brentwood Fire Department. He is currently the fire chief at Long Island MacArthur Airport.

Cooper, who served as a captain in the West Islip department from 20132015, did not respond to requests for an interview.

The district operates on a budget of $5.9 million and is within the New York State tax cap. It has five fulltime EMS employees and serves approximately 29,000 people

The election will be held from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at fire headquarters, 309 Union Blvd., West Islip.

STEPPING OUT

Five times the charm

Laurie Berkner returns with a rockin’ holiday concert for families

By Alyssa Seidman

The scarcity of sun that marks winter’s return often brings Laurie Berkner back to her musical roots. On cozy winter evenings her family would gather ’round a songbook to recite melodies reminiscent of Christmas and falling snow.

“Music always made me feel safe, happy, and loved, and all those feelings come together around [this] time of year,” Berkner says. “Holiday songs were always something that brought up a lot of really warm feelings for me.”

It’s no surprise, then, that Berkner’s discography includes two bestselling albums about the most wonderful time of the year. Families adore her — she still wears the known as the ‘Queen of Kindie Rock’ — and can tale in her festive originals alongside yuletide classics once again when “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour” arrives here at the Paramount, on Dec. 15.

Berkner is a veritable dynamo as singer/songwriter, author, lyricist, and founder of Two Tomatoes Records. With more than one billion total streams, over 500 million views on YouTube, and millions of albums, singles and DVDs sold, her songs have become beloved classics for families worldwide.

While working as a children’s music specialist at preschools and day care centers in New York City, she gained an instinctive understanding of kids’ natural rhythms and energy. This enabled her to launch the progressive “kindie rock” movement, a genre that is just as palatable to parents and caregivers.

Berkner has released 16 award-winning albums over the course of her decades-long career. She was the ﬁrst recording artist to perform in music videos on Noggin — appeared regularly on the network’s “Jack’s Big Music Show” — and helped develop the animated musical preschool series “Sing It, Laurie!” for Sprout TV, now Universal Kids.

Berkner has performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, and the White House, among many prestigious venues. She is regularly lauded by her peers, and has been dubbed “the Adele of the preschool crowd” (The New York Times), “the queen of kids’ music” (People), and “one of the most popular children’s performers in America” (Wall Street Journal).

Holiday hits

This is the ﬁfth time “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour” will grace The Paramount stage. She ﬁrst brought her holiday concert to Long Island in 2019, and has delighted kids — and kids at heart — every year since, aside from 2020.

“It feels really great to be able to come back each year and make it feel like a tradition,” Berkner says. “It’s that feeling of coming together and doing something that feels really good, fun, and joyous.

“Mostly what I try to do is hit a lot of people’s favorites and put the songs I can’t get to into a medley for the encore. I’ll also be playing my new song ‘Walking With The Penguins,’ so they’ll

Courtesy Jayme Thornton

DoLaurie Berkner is ready to share some holiday cheer with her fans — as only she can. Groove along to festive originals alongside yuletide classics at “The Greatest Holiday Hits Tour.

• Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m.

• Tickets start at $20.50; available at LiveNation.com

• A $1 donation to Little Shelter Animal Rescue is included in each ticket

• The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

hear that live for the ﬁrst time.”

Her concert features original tunes from her popular holiday albums, “A Laurie Berkner Christmas” and “Another Laurie Berkner Christmas.” She’ll also play treasured holiday classics like “Deck the Halls,” “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,” and more.

Of course Berkner’s greatest hits — “We Are The Dinosaurs,” “Waiting for the Elevator” and “Pig On Her Head” — are always in the mix. At that point everyone is sure to be singing and dancing along with their favorite stuffed animal on their head.

The hour-long show fully involves her audience from the get-go; yet two moments in particular stand out to Berkner.

“In every show I do ‘We Are The Dinosaurs,’ and it’s very hard to not start laughing while everyone is screaming. “When I sing ‘My Family’ I will ask people to hug the person they’re there with, and it’s amazing that they actually do it.”

Cultivating these shared experiences for her mixed-age audiences is Berkner’s aim for every performance, but especially at her holiday shows.

“Those events that feel exciting to the kids [yet] still fun and enjoyable for the parents are difficult to find, but my shows fit that bill. I feel really grateful to provide moments where they can connect with one another, and have a sweet, loving memory when they leave.”

New Year’s resolutions

With a new year on the horizon, Berkner shares some of her plans for 2025.

“I very likely will put out another album next year, but I also have a couple projects I can’t talk about yet,” she says.“There will be new music, new videos, and deﬁnitely some surprises — probably more on my plate than I should have!”

Her fans would expect nothing less.

Leggz Ltd.’s

‘The Nutcracker’ Visions of sugarplums await when Leggz Ltd. Dance, presents its annual full-length production. Helmed by longtime Artistic Director Joan Hope MacNaughton, it’s as always, accompanied by the South Shore Symphony Orchestra. This year’s production stars Violeta Angelova as the Sugar Plum Fairy, who’s appeared with the Vienna State Oper and Suzanne Farrell Ballet, with George Sanders, who has danced with New York Theatre Ballet and The Little Prince Broadway, as the Cavalier. The gifted young dancers who round out the cast include 9-year-old Vivian Ng as Clara and 11-year-old Matthew Carnaval as The Prince — both Rockville Centre residents.

Friday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7, 5 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444.

Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening

Jason Bonham, son of the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer, showcases his musical journey and family legacy when he visits the Paramount stage. He celebrates his father with hits from Led Zeppelin’s iconic albums, while highlighting his own contributions to rock history. Encompassing tunes from the iconic band’s entire career, including albums “Led Zeppelin,” “Led Zeppelin II,” and “Led Zeppelin IV,” the concert event is a dynamic tribute to a legend. Jason always ﬁnds himself at home behind the drumkit. From this spot, he has anchored the tempo of one of the legendary artists of all-time.

Monday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. $99.50, $89.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

THE Your Neighborhoo D

The Hot Sardines

The band brings their distinctive sound back to the Landmark stage, with a “Holiday Stomp,” Saturday, Dec. 14 , at 8 p.m. It’s a raucous Christmas celebration that includes timeless classics and original tunes. The Hot Sardines bring classic jazz standards with their own brassy horn arrangements, rollicking piano melodies and vocals from a chanteuse who transports listeners to a different era with the mere lilt of her voice. Emerging over a decade ago from the underground parties of Brooklyn to touring worldwide and recording a string of albums that’s racked up more than 60 million streams across digital platforms, the Hot Sardines’ own “potent and assured” (The New York Times), “simply phenomenal” (The Times of London) brand of reinvigorated classic jazz landed them at the center of a whirlwind. . In the last two years, the Hot Sardines have been featured at the Newport Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival, have sold out venues in New York City from Joe’s Pub to Bowery Ballroom and more than 150 tour dates from Chicago to London. They released two albums on Universal Music Classics to critical reviews and a #1 slot on the iTunes Jazz chart in the U.S. and internationally. Their unique recipe blends hot jazz and sultry standards from the ’20s, ’30s and ’40s, rich New Orleans sounds, a dash of ’40s Paris flavor, and vibrant musical surprises. It’s all steeped in salty stride piano and the music Louis Armstrong, Django Reinhardt and Fats Waller used to make. The result is straight-up foot-stomping jazz. Their name says it all: their iconic ‘hot’ styling will paint a vibrant picture with smoky sounds and audiences revel in the steamy, swanky influence of their art form. With their contagious brand of joy, grit, glamour and passion, the 8-piece band invokes the sounds of nearly a century ago, yet stay right in step with the current age. $65, $55, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or by calling (516) 767-6444.

Holiday Homes tour is back

Amityville Junior League and Women’s Club is preparing for the 2024 Holiday Homes Tour, Saturday, Dec. 7. This has been a tradition in the Village of Amityville for more than 56 years and the organizers are looking for sponsors. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor call Allie McGlone at (631) 3579762 or Meghan Chimienti at (631) 935-4194 or email amityvillejuniorleague@gmail.com. Proceeds from this ever-popular event go toward worthy causes in the community.

Light Keepers Behind the Scenes Tour

Follow a present-day Lighthouse Keeper on his rounds, Saturday, Dec. 14 , 10 a.m. This bottomto-top tour takes you from the auxiliary generator and the Light Keepers workshop in the basement of the Keeper’s Quarters to the beacon in the lantern room of the lighthouse tower. Learn how Lighthouse Keepers in the 1860s to 2024 maintained the light. Includes a tour of the Lens Building, which houses our original first order Fresnel Lens, and the Boat House. Tour takes approximately two and a half hours. $20, $15 for FILPS members. Reservations required. Limit 10 people. For more information call the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society at (631) 583-5327. 4640 Captree Island, Fire Island.

Train to New York City

Take the train to the city, Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8:20 a.m. for half the price at $10.50, with Copiague Library. You will meet a Copiague Library staff member at the Copiague train station in front of the ticket office at 8:20 a.m. Each person will receive their return ticket at this time. Be sure to download the LIRR app to view the train schedule and return home on the train of your choice. To register, call the library at (631) 691-1111. 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague.

St. Martin of Tours religious education

classes

St. Martin of Tours Church in Amityville offers religious education classes for grades 1-8. Classes meet once a week and sacrament preparation is offered for all ages, including high school level. Religious education begins in grade 1 and First Communion and First Reconciliation is a two-year preparation. Sacraments are received at the end of the second year. All are welcome to register. Online forms can be found at stmartinamityville.com/ religious-education/ 41 Union Avenue, Amityville. For information, call (631) 6911617.

Gingerbread House craft

Bring your toddler to Amityville Public Library for winter stories and a gingerbread house picture frame craft, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 9:30-10:15 a.m. This program is for children 18 months through 3 years old. An Amityville Public Library Card is required to register for this program. To register, visit shorturl.at/ YV4gQ. For more information, call (631) 264-0567. 19 John St., Amityville.

Woman’s Club Holiday Open House

Enjoy the annual Holiday Open House tour in Amityville, Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. This is a holiday tradition that has been a part of the village for more than 56 years. All proceeds from the tour go towards our scholarship award program and various local and charitable organizations,

This year’s event features the homes of the Thompson family, at 200 Bayview Ave; Joe Volkens and Aaron Eury,at 142 Bayview Ave.; the Escobedo-Ansanelli family, at 65 Franklin St.; and the Cecere family, at 116 S. Ketcham Ave. For more information call Allie McGlone at (631) 357-9762.

Family Nutcracker craft

Children in grades 2-4 are invited to create their own Nutcracker wooden spoons and other materials, at Amityville Public Library, Thursday, Dec 5 , 6-7 p.m. An Amityville Public Library Card is required to register for this program. Use your child’s card whenever possible to register for their individual programs. To register, visit shorturl.at/Z5Svq. For more information, call (631) 264-0567. 19 John St., Amityville.

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?

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, Saturdays, Jan. 4, 18 and Feb. 8 , 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 1-5 p.m., on Dec. 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.

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.

Holiday at Westbury House

Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House offers a festive glimpse of early 20th century holiday merriment, before it closes for the winter, Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.2 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Also Dec. 14-15.

The “Christmas at Westbury House” celebration reflects what the festive season was like during those opulent decades of the early 1900s when the Phipps family lived there. The period rooms in which John S. Phipps (the eldest son of Henry Phipps, Andrew Carnegie’s partner at Carnegie Steel) and his family resided are impeccably decorated with wreaths, mantelpiece drapes, plenty of greenery, and other horticultural arrangements. Take a self-guided tour through Westbury House and view specially decorated rooms for the holidays, have cookies and cider on the West Porch and meet and take photos with Santa while listening to ambient holiday music. The gardens will also be open, along with other special holiday events, including Holiday Flute Choir concert, Dec. 8, 2:30 p.m., holiday market, and more. $15, $13 ages 62+ and students, $8 ages 7-17. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or call (516) 333-0048.

Copiague Chamber of Commerce Night of Magic Copiague Chamber of Commerce presents Copiague’s Hometown Holiday Magic, Sunday, Dec. 8, at Gateway Park. A holiday light parade begins at 5 p.m., with tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun of making Copiague shine this holiday season by sponsoring a holiday tree at Gateway Park. Decorate your tree and your business logo will be celebrated throughout the season from Nov. 30 through Dec. 1. Sign up now as there are a limited number of trees available. Cost is $100.

The Chamber provides the tree and light; you provide the decorations. Please, no glass. Decorations are to be removed Jan. 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. 2295 Great Neck Road, Copiague.

Get to know the stars of the National Dog Show

Each November, I work at the Philadelphia Kennel Club Show, gathering the Best of Breed dogs and the best dog stories for the National Dog Show (NDS), which airs on NBC at noon on Thanksgiving, right after the Macy’s Parade.

Pets, Pets, Pets...

This year, more than 1,900 dogs were entered in the NDS. Vito, a Pug, won Best in Show. David Frei, the “dog guy” voice of NDS for 23 years, also has been the lead commentator for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for 27 years. I’ve had the pleasure of assisting him since 2011. Before each show, my computer overflows with forms submitted by owners and handlers about hundreds of “hopeful” dogs. We scrutinize these forms to uncover the most poignant and unique background stories.

JOANNE ANDERSON

These show dogs are more than just beautiful representations of their breeds. The entry forms paint portraits of dogs closely bonded with their people, assisting others in numerous ways, earning performance titles in various canine events, and expressing empathy or humor with those closest to them.

Here are a few examples:

Service Dogs Tuned Into Their Owners or Handlers

• Lark, a Colored Bull Terrier from Delaware, is a service dog for her breeder-owner-handler, who is undergoing chemotherapy. Lark helps by sensing the effects of chemotherapy: “She knows before I do if it’s getting the better of me.”

• Xavier, a 15-inch Beagle, is an emotional support dog for his owner, who has ALS. Xavier was bred in Romania and came to his new family in North Carolina as a Christmas present.

• Mylo, a Vizsla from New Jersey, loves to swim. When his family goes kayaking, Mylo prefers to swim alongside the kayak rather than ride in the boat. He is also a good companion to the family’s autistic son.

• Cody, a Golden Retriever from New Jersey, is a task-trained service dog. His owner suffers from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Cody is trained to alert her to changes in heart rate and to respond if she faints. “He may seem like a crazy goofball, but he’s helped me in so many ways over the years.”

Therapy Dogs Who Help Other

• Manus (Celtic for “great”), a Wirehaired Dachshund from Pennsylvania, is a therapy dog who regularly visits a memory care center. He calms even the most agitated residents and helps them recall their own dogs from the past. He is also a close companion to a woman with developmental disabilities, who calls herself a “dog whisperer” because of how Manus responds to her.

• Feargas, an Irish Wolfhound, belongs to a specialed teacher of animal science in Brookhaven, LI. Fearghas has attended school every day since he was 11 weeks old. He visits the office for a treat from the secretaries and sees students off at dismissal, escorting them to their buses. He also watches over his family’s flock of sheep at home.

• Strider (Best of Breed) and his daughter Syah, Beaucerons from Pennsylvania, accompany their owner to her chiropractic office each day, mingling with patients. Syah insists on sitting in the front seat of the car and is strapped in. She is a huge Elvis fan who “allegedly” changes the radio station to the Elvis station with her nose.

Dogs With Unusual Jobs

• Rufus, a Bull Mastiff from Pennsylvania, has taken on the role of Rocky’s dog, Butkus, in the publicity

for the Philadelphia Visitor Center’s “Rockyfest,” celebrating the movie’s 50th anniversary on December 3.

• Declan, an Irish Terrier from New Hampshire, lives on a certified tree farm where his primary job is to protect the beehives from black bears.

• Edgar, a Toy Manchester Terrier, works as an attendance improvement incentive at a Washington, D.C., public school, where his owner is a high school science teacher. Edgar’s visits promote social well-being among students.

Poignant Moment at the Show

A World War II veteran in a wheelchair came to watch the Doberman judging, recalling his own military Doberman while serving in Germany. After Jax won the breed, a crowd gathered around him. Jax found the veteran among the group and placed his head in the man’s lap.

HERALD CALENDAR

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5

•Suffolk County Police Department First Precinct Community Meeting: 7 p.m., Lindenhurst Public Library, 1 Lee Ave., Lindenhurst. For more information call (631)-854-8100.

•Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy., Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-3012

•Amityville Rotary Club Meeting: 8 a.m., Brownstones Coffee, 55 Merrick Road, Amityville. For more information, please call President Michele Camilleri at (631) 598-1700 or email amityvillerotaryclub@gmail. com

• 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. Tubers will be available for sale in April. For more information call (631)-972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org Also meets Dec. 11

•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631)-264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com. Also open December 11.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569

•St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville, enter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631)-464-4899.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631)-264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com.

•St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville, enter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631)-464-4899.

• 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.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9

•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 Planning Board Meeting: 7 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy., Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-3103.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10

•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.

•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631)-264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11

•Amityville School District Board of Education Combined Session Meeting: 7:30 p.m., Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School, 140 Park Ave., Amityville. For more information, please call (631)-565-6000

Vito the Pug won Best In Show at the 2024 National Dog Show.

Yorkie visits our Best of Breed table when her owner turns in her form.

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Amityville UFSD Food Service Workers PT/FT

Responsibilities- Food preparation & service, sanitation awareness, other duties as assigned by the District.

Qualifications- Knowledge and experience with cooking, inventory, cashiering, recordkeeping, customer service, computer skills **Suffolk County Food Manager's Certificate preferred. Salary range starting at $20,980. Email resume to: humanresources@amityvilleufsd.org or apply online at www.olasjobs.org/longisland

Amityville UFSD

Substitute/Permanent Substitute Teachers

Elementary & Secondary Level

Qualifications: NYS Certification Salary: $150 per day

Application: Interested candidates please apply online at www.olasjobs.org/longisland

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST

Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.

REQUIREMENTS:

Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.

POSITION DETAILS:

Flexible: Part-time or Full-time.

Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.

Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com

HBCI SUPERVISOR FT: Seeking LCSW or LMSW for Crisis Intervention Program, Cedarhurst NY. 3+ yr exp, Supervision exp. $80K Annually + benefits Claufer@hamaspikkings.org 516-875-8400 x144

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.

Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000

Yes, those tall buildings really sway

Waterfront Luxury

Q. We were in Manhattan recently, and learned that tall buildings actually sway back and forth. We stared at the tallest apartment building in the Western Hemisphere, at 432 Park Ave., but couldn’t really tell. Do these buildings sway? How far? Wouldn’t that be dangerous, and how come we don’t hear about it? Why would people put up with that for so much money?

A. Yes, for anywhere from $2 million upward (pun intended) to around $200 million, you, too, can get a continuous amusement ride, or the sensation of always being on a cruise, if you like that sort of thing. When people, mostly at parties, ask me whether I have designed anything tall or famous, I wince, because I’d rather be asked if I’ve ever done anything that people enjoyed seeing or being in.

Few people ever discuss the failings of the most well-known architects. Most of the buildings Frank Lloyd Wright designed leaked. Wright never really was a trained or licensed architect, but he made it to postage stamp status. When the 500-pound windows began flying out of I.M. Pei’s Hancock Tower in Boston, most people, except those who either nearly died or had to clean up the mess, never noticed. The list of the ways in which we learn from building design “aberrations” is endless, but the important thing is that we learn.

People who can afford to live in those tall buildings, above the crowds of common folk, must have to accept the soft sway of the windswept towers they rest their weary heads in. I have read many articles in technical magazines, and reports about how engineers have been tasked with trying to resolve the problems. In the case of 432 Park Avenue, two “dampers” were designed into the center of the tower, even though there is currently no code requirement for them.

The Burj Khalifa, in Dubai, which is much taller than 432 Park Avenue, has features including an aerodynamic shape to cut the wind, and a massive 660-ton pendulum that sways from cables in the core of the building. Even so, on the 163rd floor, the building sways 6½ feet back and forth. There are many different damper systems, flexible, viscoelastic collars and inserts between the rigid steel frame connections that transfer the forces by taking the heat away from the strain of the otherwise rigid joints. Without all of these shock-reducing components, sections would crack and crumble.

As it is, the residents of 432 Park Avenue have complained of air conditioning and heating malfunctions and acoustical discomfort from the creaking walls, whistling wind and stalled elevators. Most of the units are purchased for the beautiful vistas, and you can sell anything to someone who doesn’t do their homework. Many units have been leased and re-leased, bought and sold several times in the three years since the tower opened, with the prices going up and up. Better than buying the Brooklyn Bridge, right?

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to

Stuff HERALD

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AUTOMOBILE

LAMI1

Pursuant to Chapter 213, Article II of the Building Zone Ordinance of the Town of Babylon, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing at TOWN BOARD ROOM

(Located in the East Wing) at Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024

BEGINNING AT 6:00 P.M.

6:00 p.m.

1.Application #24-232

Michael Goodbody as Trustee of the Goodbody House Trust, 98 West 9th Street, Deer Park, NY. Permission to diminish north side yard setback from 10’ to 8’; diminish distance to south side lot line from 6’ to 3.6’ (for accessory building (shed)). All in connection with legally maintaining a roofed over rear deck and a shed. Property located on the west side of West 9th Street, 100.20’ north of Grand Boulevard, Deer Park, NY.

SCTM#0100-62-2-29

Zoning District: Residence C

6:05 p.m.

2.Application #24-226

Maritza Rosado, 35 Belmont Avenue, West Babylon, NY. Permission to diminish north side yard setback from 15’ to 10.33’ (for proposed exterior staircase); increase total building area from 15% to 17.7% (over by 242.25 sq. ft.); diminish distance to north side lot line from 10’ to 1.3’ (for accessory building (shed)). All in connection with the erection of an exterior staircase to the 2nd floor and to legally maintain a shed. Property located on the northeast corner of Belmont Avenue and Old Farmingdale Road, West Babylon, NY.

SCTM#0100-158-3-35

Zoning District: Residence A

6:10 p.m.

3.Application #24-227

Michael and Heidi Maher, 36 Park Place, Copiague, NY. Permission to diminish distance to west side lot line from 6’ to 3.3’; diminish distance to rear lot line from 6’ to 4.2’. All in connection with the replacement of a detached garage. Property located on the south side of Park Place, 170.23’ west of

Public Notices — Your right to know

Trouville Road, Copiague, NY.

SCTM#0100-180-1-26

Zoning District: Residence C

6:15 p.m.

4.Application #24-234 Dunkin’ Donuts (tenant)/ Gazza Family Fund, LLC (prop. owner), 9 Merrymeeting Lane, Lloyd Harbor, NY. Renewal of a special exception permit for retail use. All in connection with an existing Dunkin’ Donuts (previously approved for five (5) years; expired November 1, 2023). Property located on the northeast corner of Milbar Boulevard and Broadhollow Road (NYS Route 110), Farmingdale, NY.

SCTM#0100-3-1-20.001

Zoning District: Industry G

Subject Premises: 2109 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735

6:20 p.m.

5.Application #24-228 All My Sons Realty Corp. (applicant)/Family Paws LLC

D/B/A/ (Hands Town) (prop. owner), 1158-C Suffolk Avenue, Brentwood, NY. Requesting a special exception permit to allow dog grooming and boarding; diminish off-street parking from fifteen (15) parking spaces required to twelve (12) parking spaces provided. All in connection with a portion of an existing building (previously approved for one (1) year; expired December 5, 2020). Property located on the west side of Commack Road, 635.12’ south of Grand Boulevard, Deer Park, NY.

SCTM#0100-66-2-18.001

Zoning District: Industry

Subject Premises: 356 Commack Road, Deer Park, NY 11729

6:25 p.m.

6.Application #24-231

Autopro Automotive Services Inc. (tenant)/Airport Industrial Park, LLC (prop. owner), 770-7 Grand Boulevard, Deer Park, NY. Renewal of a special exception permit to allow a public garage for auto repair. All in connection with a portion of an existing building (previously approved for one (1) year; expired December 1, 2023).

Property located on the south side of Grand Boulevard, 390’ east of Commack Road, Deer Park, NY.

SCTM#0100-67-1-10.028

Zoning District: Industry

6:30 p.m.

7. Application #24236 CTE Properties LLC (tenant)/JAD Rentals Inc. (prop. owner), 118 Wyandanch Avenue, Wyandanch, NY. Requesting a special exception permit to operate a public garage for auto body and repair shop; diminish off-street parking from eighty-two (82) parking spaces required to fifty-six (56) parking spaces provided; permission to allow outdoor storage of trucks and cars in two (2) front yards. All in connection with an existing building. Property located on the southeast corner of Wyandanch Avenue and King Street, Wyandanch, NY.

SCTM#0100-80-2-169.006

Zoning District: Industry Ga

6:35 p.m.

8.Application #24-219 Bo’s Buds LLC dba Joyful Shores (tenant)/108 Lamar LLC (prop. owner), 156-162 East Main Street, Bayshore, NY. Requesting a special exception permit to allow retail sales for a marijuana dispensary; diminish off-street parking from seventeen (17) parking spaces required to sixteen (16) parking spaces provided; permission to allow outdoor storage of delivery vehicle as per site plan; allow outdoor storage without fencing. All in connection with an existing building. Property located on the west side of Lamar Street, approximately 500’ south of Patton Avenue, West Babylon, NY.

SCTM#0100-76-2-23.001

Zoning District: Industry G

Subject Premises: 108 Lamar Street, West Babylon, NY 11706

6:40 p.m.

9.Application #24-235 Tanger Outlets (applicant)/ Town of Babylon Industrial Development Agency and Deer Park Enterprise, LLC (prop. owner), 3200 Northline Avenue, Greensboro, NC. Requesting a special exception permit for a place of amusement and commercial video game center (for Main Event); requesting a special exception permit for a place of amusement (for “Christmas Experience). All in connection with a 46,189 sq. ft. portion of an existing building for a new 475 seat restaurant, place of amusement and commercial video game center (Main Event), and a 32,000 sq. ft. portion of an existing building for an existing place of amusement

(“Christmas Experience”). Property located on the north side of Grand Boulevard, 1,660’ east of Commack Road, Deer Park, NY.

SCTM#0100-68-1-46.020

Zoning District: Industry Ga

Subject Premises: 455 Commack Road, Deer Park, NY 11729

6:20 p.m.

10.Application #24-229 Taco Bell of America, LLC (applicant)/Sundel Auto Service Centers Corp. (prop. owner), 1 Glen Bell Way, Irvine, CA. Requesting permission to allow an outdoor seating canopy for twelve (12) seats (accessory building). All in connection with a proposed 2,180 sq. ft., 30 seat Taco Bell restaurant with outdoor seating and drive thru. Property located on the south side of Sunrise Highway, between North Delaware Avenue and North Erie Avenue, Lindenhurst, NY.

SCTM#0100-208-4-1

Zoning District: Business Eb

Subject Premises: 85 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757

6:15 p.m.

11.Application #24-230 Taco Bell of America, LLC (applicant)/Sundel Auto Service Centers Corp. (prop. owner), 1 Glen Bell Way, Irvine, CA. Permission to increase number of ground signs per parcel from one (1) to eight (8); increase area of ground sign from 32 sq. ft. to 72.4 sq. ft. (for order canopy); increase area of ground sign from 32 sq. ft. to 35.1 sq. ft. (for clearance bar); diminish distance from front property line from 10’ to 4’ (on East Sunrise Highway); allow wall sign to extend above the roofline (on front southwest elevation); increase area of wall sign from 75.1 sq. ft. to 86 sq. ft. (on northwest elevation); increase area of wall sign from 29.5 sq. ft. to 128 sq. ft. (on northeast elevation); increase height of wall sign from 6’ to 8’ (on northeast elevation). All in connection with the erection of non-conforming ground and wall signs. Property located on the south side of Sunrise Highway, between North Delaware Avenue and North Erie Avenue, Lindenhurst, NY.

SCTM#0100-208-4-1

Zoning District: Business Eb

Subject Premises: 85 East Sunrise Highway, Linden -

hurst, NY 11757 6:55 p.m. 12. Application #24-233 Acadia Republic Farmingdale LLC, 411 Theodore Fremd Avenue, Rye, NY. Requesting permission to diminish off-street parking from two hundred sixty-two (262) parking spaces required to ninety-seven (97) parking spaces provided; allow outdoor storage in the front and side yard as per site plan; increase number of buildings from one (1) to three (3); allow parking in the front yard (on Broadhollow Road); increase number of loading berths from six (6) to thirteen (13) (for Building ‘A’); allow a 6’ high fence on top of a 6’ man made berm for a total height of 12’. All in connection with the erection of two warehouse buildings and one leasing office to develop a trucking logistics and storage yard, along with associated site improvements. Property located on the west side of Broadhollow Road, 94’ south of Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY.

SCTM#0100-49-21,4,5,6,7,8,10,11, & 14

Zoning District: Industry G

Subject Premises: 1300 Broadhollow Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735

ALL PERSONS OR THEIR DULY APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE MUST APPEAR IN PERSON AT THE ABOVE HEARING. ALL CASES WILL BE HEARD IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE ADVERTISED, TO BE FOLLOWED BY ADJOURNED CASES.

BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

MICHAEL KANE, CHAIRMAN

Dated:

Babylon Town Hall

Lindenhurst, New York

November 18, 2024 24-553 12/4

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, December 11, 2024 at 6:00pm NEW APPLICATION

1. Pedro Medina 674 Deer Park Ave. North Babylon NY 11703

SCTM NO: 0100161-2-22

2. 471 Oak St LLC

477 Oak St. Copiague NY 11726

SCTM NO: 0100-1781-47

3. Michelle Scantlebury 42 Benburb St. N. Amityville NY 11701

SCTM NO: 0100-1632-41

4. 24 Autumn Lane LLC 24 Autumn Lane Amityville NY 11701

SCTM NO: 0100-1731-43

RENEWALS

1. Amado Almonte 53 Liberty Ave. North Babylon NY 11703

SCTM NO: 0100-1463-31

2. John & Anther Davis 97 Albany Ave. Amityville NY 11701

SCTM NO: 0100-1681-49

3. Paula Inocent 65 Parkway Blvd. Wyandanch NY 11798

SCTM NO: 0100-801-14

4. Thomas Manetta 34 Gleeland St Deer Park NY 11729

SCTM NO: 0100-21-4-58

5. Thomas Manetta 22 Livingston St. Deer Park NY 11729

SCTM NO: 0100-25-36 24-555 12/4

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, December 23, 2024 to consider the following: Introductory Local Law No. 6 of the Year 2024, a local law to increase the Senior Citizens Tax Exemption as authorized by the Real Property Tax Law and Introductory Local Law No. 7 of the Year 2024, a local law to increase the Veterans Tax Exemption as authorized by Section 458-a of the Real Property Tax Law.

By Order of the Board of Trustees

Catherine Murdock Clerk/Treasurer 21 Ireland Place Amityville, NY 11701 December 5, 2024 24-554. 12/4, 11

(Located in the East Wing) at Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024

BEGINNING AT 6:00 P.M.

6:00 p.m.

1. Application #24215 David and Bozena Ordenana, 287 Beachview Street, Copiague, NY. Permission to diminish the rear yard setback from 30’ to 15’ (for second story deck); diminish north side yard setback from 10’ to 6’ (for second story deck); increase total building area from 30% to 35.5% (over by 220.58 sq. ft.); diminish distance to north side lot line from 2’ to 1’ (for shed); increase area of front yard used as a driveway from 40% to 46.26% (over by 79.72 sq. ft.). All in connection with the erection of a secondfloor deck extension with stairs and to legally maintain a shed. Property located on the northwest corner of Manor Avenue and Beachview Street, Copiague, NY.

SCTM#0100-178-2-74

Zoning District: Residence C

6:05 p.m.

2. Application #24245 Wanda Smith, 283 41st Street, Copiague, NY. Permission to diminish front yard setback from 30’ to 25’ (for porch); diminish rear yard setback from 40’ to 37’. All in connection with the demolition of an existing dwelling due to fire damage and the proposed erection of a new two-story, singe family dwelling. Property located on the north side of 41st Street, 125’ west of Pacific Street, Copiague, NY.

SCTM#0100-174-2-91

Zoning District: Residence B

6:10 p.m.

3. Application #24243 Shude Hibberts, 157 West 22nd Street, Deer Park, NY. Permission to diminish front yard setback from 30’ to 24’ – 10” (for covered porch); diminish south side yard setback from 10’ to 9’3”. All in connection with le-

Public Notices — Your right to know

gally maintaining a covered front porch and rear dormer and the proposed erection of a rear addition. Property located on the east side of West 22nd Street, 460.90’ south of Grand Boulevard, Deer Park, NY.

SCTM#0100-59-3-55

Zoning District: Residence C

6:15 p.m.

4. Application #24241 Gerson and Flor Donis, 10 Locust Avenue, Wheatly Heights, NY. Permission to diminish east side yard setback from 10’ to 6.5’; diminish total side yards from 25’ to 22’. All in connection with a proposed two-story addition. Property located on the south side of Locust Avenue, 258.3’ east of Andrews Avenue, Wheatly Heights, NY.

SCTM#0100-14-5-58

Zoning District: Residence C

6:20 p.m.

5. Application #24242 Hamayun T. and Sumera H. Malik, 250 Adams Street, Deer Park, NY. Permission to diminish front yard setback from 30’ to 17.5’ (for portico); diminish rear yard setback from 40’ to 11.75’; increase total building area from 20% to 29.1% (over by 431 sq. ft.). All in connection with a proposed one-story addition and to legally maintain an outside basement entrance. Property located on the south side of Adams Street, 600’ west of Somerset Place, Deer Park, NY.

SCTM#0100-60-1-3

Zoning District: Residence B

6:25 p.m.

6. Application #24240 Cynthia and John Simonetti, 89 West 22nd Street, Deer Park, NY. Permission to increase total building area from 30% to 51.82% (over by 2,380.4 sq. ft.); diminish distance to south side lot line from 6’ to 4.3’ (for accessory building (shed)); diminish distance to rear lot line from 6’ to 2’ (for accessory building (shed)); diminish distance to north side lot line from 2’ to 1.5 (for accessory structure (deck)). All in connection with a proposed in-ground pool and paver patio and to legally maintain an existing wood deck, paver patio, and shed. Property located on the east side of 22nd Street, 225.45’ north of Grand Boulevard, Deer Park, NY.

SCTM#0100-59-1-24

Zoning District: Residence C

6:30 p.m.

7. Application #24-238

Justin Londono and Marina Garay JTWROS, 803 North Delaware Avenue, Lindenhurst, NY. Permission to diminish distance to front street line from 40’ to 5.9’ on Frank Street (for detached garage); diminish distance to front street line from 40’ to 32.9’ on North Delaware Avenue (for detached garage); allow a 6’ high fence beyond front building line on Frank Street; allow a 6’ high fence within 10’ of the edge of a driveway on Frank Street. All in connection with the proposed erection of a detached garage and to legally maintain a 6’ fence in the front yard. Property located on the southeast corner of North Delaware Avenue and Frank Street, Lindenhurst, NY.

SCTM#0100-208-4-9

Zoning District: Residence C

6:35 p.m.

8. Application #24-246

Brian Jagnanan and Rajin Mohammed, 225 East Drive, Copiague, NY. Permission to diminish north side yard setback from 15’ to 12’; diminish total side yards from 35’ to 18.9’; diminish rear yard setback from 40’ to 36’; increase total building area from 15% to 34.25% (over by 960 sq. ft.); diminish distance to south side lot line from 10’ to 2.3’ (for accessory building (shed)); diminish distance to south side lot line from 2’ to 0’ (for rear deck); diminish distance to north side lot line from 2’ to 0’ (for accessory structure (shed)). All in connection with the erection of a proposed sunroom and to legally maintain a rear deck and two (2) sheds. Property located on the east side of East Drive, 1,290.14’ south of Great Neck Road, Copiague, NY.

SCTM#0100-191-1-44

Zoning District: Residence A 6:40 p.m.

9. Application #24244 8020 Flatlands Property LLC, 280 Smith Street, Farmingdale, NY. Requesting permission to diminish off-street parking from thirty-nine (39) parking spaces required to eighteen (18) parking spaces provided. All in connection with the renovation of an existing building for a retail

storage facility. Property located on the south side of Smith Street, approximately 675’ east of New Highway, Farmingdale, NY.

SCTM#0100-4-1-6

Zoning District: Industry G ALL PERSONS OR THEIR DULY APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE MUST APPEAR IN PERSON AT THE ABOVE HEARING. ALL CASES WILL BE HEARD IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE ADVERTISED, TO BE FOLLOWED BY ADJOURNED CASES. BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

MICHAEL KANE, CHAIRMAN

Dated:

Babylon Town Hall Lindenhurst, New York November 22, 2024 25-558. 12/14

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, December 19th 2024, to consider the following applications:

Application of Donald Charles on behalf of James & Jennifer Errante. 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 East side of Bayview Avenue approximately 475 North of Merrick Road in a “Residential A” District known as 43 Bayview Avenue a/k/a SCTM# 101-8-2-22.

Application of Megan Richardson on behalf of Deidre Richardson Irrevocable Trust. Applicant seeks to renew a previously approved special exception for a nonowner occupied two family dwelling pursuant to Section 183-43 C. (6) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the Southeast corner of Austin Avenue and Lake Street in a “Residential B” District known as 29 Lake Street a/k/a SCTM# 101-4-4-21.

Application of David Duval on behalf of Matt Kagiwada. Applicant seeks a variance to exceed the allowed maximum height of an accessory building

from 14 feet to 16 feet associated with the proposed construction of a new garage pursuant to Section 183-55 of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the East side of County Line Road approximately 110 feet South of Sterling Place in a “Residential B” District known as 293 County Line Road a/k/a SCTM# 101-33-61.

Application of A.J.G Associates on behalf of Virginia M. D’Andrea Revocable Trust. Applicant seeks multiple variances in association with the proposed construction of two (2) Multiple Dwellings. Variance 1 is a Use Variance to erect two (2) Multiple Dwellings in the Historical District pursuant to Section 183-68 of the Village of Amityville Code. Variance 2 is a Use Variance to erect two (2) Multiple Dwellings in the Residential A District pursuant to Section 183-9 of the Village Code. Variance 3 is to reduce the required front yard setback on the Front Building from the existing front yard average to less than 1 foot pursuant to Section 183-75 of the Village Code. Premises located on the West side of Broadway approximately 36 feet South of Avon Place partially in a “Historical” District and partially in a “Residential A” District known as 137157 Broadway a/k/a SCTM # 101-5-9-2.

By Order of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Village of Amityville Catherine Murdock, Clerk/Treasurer 24-558. 12/4, 11

Notice of formation of: Hair Life Regeneration LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on: 11/17/2024

Office location, County of Suffolk.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a process served to:

Hair Life Regeneration LLC (Hazel de Guzman), 125 Cabota Ave., Copiague, NY 11726

Purpose: any lawful act. 24-556. 12/4, 11, 18, 25/24; 1/1, 8/25

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AND/OR INFORMATIONAL HEARINGS BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON PLANNING BOARD

Pursuant to Chapter 186, Site Plan Review, and Chapter 213, Zoning, of the Babylon Town Code and Section 276 of the Town Law, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Planning Board will hold public and/or informational hearings(s) at the Babylon Town Hall, Town Board Room, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York, on the Monday, December 9, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time or as soon thereafter as can be heard to consider the following application(s): PUBLIC HEARING/SITE PLAN REVIEW

JOB# 24-29A; Joe’s Complete Tree Service: SCTM# 0100-080-02-154, 0100-08002-155 & 0100-080-02-142: Zone – GA Industry: SEQRA – Type II Action: Applicant proposes to develop a vacant, undeveloped parcel by constructing a 300sf office building & outdoor storage of up to six trucks for a tree removal company, along with associated site improvements.: Property is located on the northwest corner of Wyandanch Avenue and Mount Avenue, Wyandanch, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Patrick Halpin, Chairperson of the Planning Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS

Amityville Record: 12/04/24 24-557 12/4

Notice of Formation of HEALING ISLE LLC

Articles of Organization filed with NY Secretary of State (SSNY) on 8/1/24. Office: Suffolk County. SSNY designated as agent for service of process. SSNY shall mail process to: 47 Woodland Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

Purpose: Any lawful act. 24 -560. 12/4, 11, 18, 2/245, 1/1,9/25

Remembering Jimmy Breslin, a legend in New York journalism

Ihave always been an avid reader of newspapers, and have a great admiration for columnists, particularly Jimmy Cannon, and then Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill. That’s why I so appreciate the opportunity to write a column for the Heralds.

All of this came rushing back at me as I was reading the recently published biography “Jimmy Breslin,” by Richard Esposito. Breslin was a unique character. No one understood New York’s people, neighborhoods and streets like him.

Breslin’s New York was Queens Boulevard, not Park Avenue. It was cops, prizefighters, bookies and cold beer (until he stopped drinking, anyway). I started reading his columns years ago, in the old Journal-American, and continued with him through the Herald Tribune, the Daily News and Newsday.

I first met Breslin in the 1980s, and we became close friends in the late 1990s. My wife, Rosemary, and I would go to dinner with Jimmy and his wife, Ronnie, at least once a month, and he and I would talk at least once a day. When Jimmy wanted to talk, he wouldn’t stop, and it was almost impossible to get off the phone with him, even if you had work to do. I found that the one way to close out a conversation was to compliment him on something. In true Irish fashion, he would get flustered, mumble a rushed goodbye and slam down the phone.

support in an Irish sort of way. He came to my daughter Erin’s wedding and reception, and stayed to the very end — and that was long after he’d stopped drinking!

When he wanted to talk, it was impossible to get off the phone with him.

Breslin was a great guy to be with. He was tough and cynical, but had endless stories and was a true friend — when he was still your friend. He wrote several columns about me during President Bill Clinton’s impeachment that I will always cherish, and he wrote a great blurb for my first novel (which he probably never read). We commiserated after the 9/11 attacks, attending funerals of mutual friends, giving each other

During these good times, though, I would have in the back of my head columns Breslin used to write when he was living in Baldwin, listing people he would no longer speak with. Though he stopped issuing those lists, I wondered when my number would be up. I found out in March 2003, when Rosemary sent him a heated note, blasting him for comparing President George W. Bush to Adolf Hitler.

That ended it. It was curtain time. No more phone calls or dinners. I did call him once when I heard there was a serious illness in his family.

“Jimmy, I heard the news,” I said. “I’m sorry. I’m thinking of you.”

“Yeah,” he replied, “I’ll be thinking of you, too. Goodbye.”

Later I saw him at the renowned journalist Jack Newfield’s funeral, and

we had a quick handshake. Several years after that, in 2009, Rosemary and I went to the funeral of Breslin’s daughter Kelly at an old church in Lower Manhattan. Afterward we sat and talked with him at a table in the churchyard for 10 or 15 minutes. The conversation was warm and friendly, almost like it used to be. When it was time to say so long, I said, “Jimmy, we should get together.”

“Yeah,” he said. “We should. That’d be good.” We shook hands.

We never got together. I wish we had. Breslin died in 2017, and a large part of New York died with him.

Esposito’s biography brings back the memories not just of Breslin, but of the days when newspapers and their columnists — and the written word — had such a vital role to play in our society. While much of that has died, I commend the Herald for keeping the tradition alive for the people of Long Island.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

No matter who’s president, L.I.’s middle class struggles

Eight years ago, about four months into Donald Trump’s first term as president, the Herald published an op-ed I wrote entitled “What American Dream?” in which I lamented the ever-growing financial burden on Long Island’s middle class.

Despite all the hard work I put in, I wrote, I was decidedly worse off than my mother and father were a generation earlier. I laid equal blame on Democrats and Republicans, who had rotated in and out of Washington all my life and done little to stop the downward spiral. “And his promises notwithstanding,” I added, “President Trump will likely do little to change our trajectory.” He did not.

And, in all fairness, neither did President Biden.

Eight years ago I noted that my wife and I worked full time as teachers, but that she had to care for our kids alone during the week, while I tutored after school to keep up with ever-rising expenses.

Today I tutor two to three times as much as I did then. Not out of greed, but necessity. My wife continues to do the lion’s share of the work with the kids, but she, too, has taken on a second job, doing early intervention for specialneeds 2-year-olds. So, eight years ago, we basically needed three incomes to make it. Now we need four.

B

Some of my colleagues at school were elated after Election Day that we have another four years of Trump coming, almost as if their team had won the Super Bowl. It has always surprised me how any teacher can support the guy whose Supreme Court appointee, Neil Gorsuch, rendered the decisive vote in Janus v. AFSCME, a case that weakened public-sector unions like the ones we belong to.

House — our lives here on Long Island are not going to get any easier.

That’s because we’ve witnessed a steady erosion of the middle class since 1973, when real wages started to fall against the backdrop of an energy crisis and pronounced inflation. The true death knell was President Ronald Reagan’s taking office in 1980. Reagan slashed taxes for corporations and the wealthy with the idea that the financial benefits at the top of the economic food chain would trickle down to the rest of us. Only they didn’t.

y the time I graduated from eighth grade in 1992, working moms were the norm.

To be fair, others at school were crestfallen.

I, on the other hand, for the first time in my adult life, paid absolutely no attention to this election, and did not watch one minute of election night coverage. Although I voted for Kamala Harris, I did not shed a tear.

That’s because I’ve heard this song before. I know how this movie ends. It doesn’t matter who’s in the White

I’m by no means an economist, but consider this: When I entered kindergarten in 1983, my mother was one of a few moms who needed to get a job to help make ends meet. The embarrassment of getting picked up by another classmate’s mother will forever be etched in my memory. Years later, my mother told me how the guilt I laid on her at the time absolutely broke her heart. Sorry, Mom. I love you.

But by the time I graduated from eighth grade in 1992, working moms were the norm. I can only recall one or two classmates whose mothers didn’t work. Things had certainly changed, and they only continued to get worse.

I’m not piling on Republicans, because there were 20 years of Democratic presidents as well between then and now. My colleagues, both jubilant and dejected after this past Election Day, might remember that the roles were reversed in 2008, when Barack Obama was first elected. Regardless of who has led the country, things haven’t gotten a whole lot better.

That’s because the people at the top — the corporate interests that really run America — don’t want them to. As the late, great comedian George Carlin said, “Our country’s a big club … and you ain’t in it!”

Nobody should have been surprised that Trump trounced the incumbentbacked Harris. Middle class voters have been drowning for 50 years, desperately hoping someone would toss them a life vest that never seems to come.

I wish I shared my Trump-supporting colleagues’ optimism, or even the Harris supporters’ melancholy, but I just don’t. I don’t think any real help is coming, regardless of who is in office.

I will gladly eat my words in four years if my wallet is fatter and prices are lower. But I doubt that’s going to happen.

Nick Buglione is a teacher, a freelance journalist and a former editor of the East Meadow Herald.

Amityville

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In Long Islanders we trust

eginning with the birth of our nation, Long Islanders have shaped the policies of America as well as our country’s impact on the world. Suffolk County’s William Floyd was one of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. President Theodore Roosevelt, who made his home in Oyster Bay, is often cited as one of our greatest leaders. Bellmore’s William Casey served as President Ronald Reagan’s CIA director during an era fraught with Cold War tensions.

As the Biden administration sunsets and President-elect Donald Trump’s second administration begins to take shape, Long Islanders are once again positioned to influence our nation and the course of human history.

Trump has nominated Howard Lutnick, from Jericho, to serve as secretary of commerce. Lutnick, the chairman and chief executive of the global financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, strongly supports the president-elect’s plans to impose tariffs on Canada, China and Mexico, which would have dramatic impacts on the global economy.

Trump has chosen Dr. Dave Weldon, a Farmingdale High School and Stony Brook University graduate, to head the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Weldon, a former congressman from Florida, would succeed fellow Long Islander Dr. Mandy Cohen, a Baldwin native whom President Biden appointed to the role last year. (Another Baldwin native, Karine Jean-Pierre, has served as President Biden’s White House press secretary since 2022.)

Given the recent politicization of the CDC, as well as the anti-establishment views of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom

letters

Trump has selected as his secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services — which oversees the CDC — Weldon is set to wield unique power in setting public health policy.

Biden named Dr. David Kessler, a graduate of Woodmere Academy (now the Lawrence Woodmere Academy) as the lead scientist on the coronavirus vaccine distribution efforts. Kessler formerly headed the Food and Drug Administration under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Trump has also named Steve Witkoff to be special envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff, who was raised in Baldwin Harbor and Old Westbury, is a successful real estate developer and a major benefactor of Hofstra University, where he earned a law degree. (He shares that law school alma mater with Charles Kushner, the father of Trump’s son-inlaw, Jared Kushner, and a convicted felon whom Trump has selected as ambassador to France.) Witkoff’s appointment continues Trump’s selection of Long Islanders for critical Middle East policy roles.

In Trump’s first term, the U.S. ambassador to Israel was David Friedman, who grew up in North Woodmere. The son of Rabbi Morris Friedman, who led Temple Hillel for 33 years and brought Reagan to the synagogue in 1984, David Friedman played a pivotal role in promoting Trump’s Middle East policies, from the decision to relocate the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, to supporting the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Trump also announced his choice of Garden City’s Kash Patel as director of

Randi just won’t stop with Trump

To the Editor:

I just finished reading Randi Kreiss’s column, “Dear readers, we can’t keep it in neutral” (Nov. 28-Dec. 4). It seems that Randi is totally consumed by Trump derangement syndrome. Donald Trump is a deeply flawed soul to be sure, but when compared with Hillary and Harris, he is Abe Lincoln.

When he left office, but for the horror of Covid, the country was at peace and the economy was in great shape. Could this country endure four more years of what we just went through? Obviously not! The fake dossier, the disgraceful lawfare, and it goes on and on.

Trump establishes the Depar tment of Government Efficiency and the left mocks him unendingly. When it pays enormous dividends, they will ignore it, as they always do. Thank God the country was sickened by the last four years and overwhelmingly decided to reject it!

RICHARD LAND Woodmere

the FBI. Leaders on both sides of the aisle, however, have expressed concerns about that choice, because of what they perceive to be Patel’s desire to dismantle the very institution he has been tapped to lead, as well as his lack of relevant experience.

“I categorically opposed making Patel deputy FBI director,” William Barr, who served as attorney general under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Trump, wrote in his 2022 book, “One Damn Thing After Another.” “I told Mark Meadows,” Barr added, referring to Trump’s White House chief of staff, “it would happen ‘over my dead body.’ Someone with no background as an agent would never be able to command the respect necessary to run the day-to-day operations of the bureau.”

Finally, there’s former U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, who, in 2022, unsuccessfully challenged Gov. Kathy Hochul in New York’s gubernatorial election. Zeldin, an Army veteran who represented New York’s 1st Congressional District from 2015 to 2023, is poised to become Trump’s administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. In that role, Zeldin would have wide-ranging powers to create or eliminate regulations that protect the environment.

Many of Trump’s selections must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. We expect most of them will be, or will serve in interim roles. Regardless, these Long Islanders are a testament to the region’s diverse influence on national politics and international diplomacy. We hope they don’t forget where they came from, and make decisions that uplift not only our country, but also the Long Island communities they once called home.

The fentanyl crisis: why New York needs to act now

ouNew york state is facing a public health catastrophe, and it’s one that demands immediate and sustained attention. The fentanyl crisis has reached a point where the loss of life, particularly among young people, can no longer be ignored; we are in a state of emergency. Fentanyl is now the single deadliest drug threat this country has ever encountered, and the time for action is long overdue.

Fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin, and it’s increasingly being mixed into other illicit drugs, often without users’ knowledge. sold as powders, nasal sprays, and counterfeit pills designed to look like prescription opioids, these substances are far more lethal than people realize. What makes the fentanyl crisis so particularly insidious is that even a tiny dose can be fatal. And it’s everywhere — taking lives in every corner of this country, with no demographic untouched.

The numbers are harrowing: Opioid-

Letters

Shop safely during the holidays

To the Editor:

The Nassau County Police Department advises shoppers to be vigilant for their safety and the safety of others this holiday season.

Before leaving home, secure and engage alarms, and leaving lights on in frequented rooms to give the appearance that people are home.

Plan your shopping trips, know where you’re going and, if possible, go with someone else. Let someone know where you’re going. Park in an area that’s well lit, and make sure your valuables are out of sight. Avoid parking near vans or other vehicles with covered cargo areas. Don’t get out of your car unless you feel safe, lock your vehicle, and remember where you’ve parked.

As you shop, keep money and credit/debit cards in a front pocket, and limit the

related overdose deaths have surged, driven primarily by fentanyl. We are losing a generation, and the devastating toll is felt by families and communities across New york state. But there is hope. The introduction of opioid antagonists, such as naloxone (Narcan), has been a lifesaver, literally. Narcan has reversed countless overdoses, and it’s one of the key tools saving lives every day.

tAs first responders and medical professionals have increasingly pointed out, however, the standard 4 milligram dose of Narcan is proving less effective against fentanyl overdoses, which often require doses of 6 or 8 milligrams to fully reverse the effects. This is an alarming trend, and it underscores the urgency of addressing this crisis with even more robust solutions.

oids, and where to access substance-use treatment services. This is an important step, because knowledge is power when it comes to preventing overdose deaths, and it could help individuals and families make informed decisions about opioid use.

he problem isn’t going away, and we can’t afford to lose any more lives.

i am stepping up with a series of legislative measures that could help turn the tide. One of my bills, A7520, would require opioid distributors to include educational materials with opioid prescriptions. These materials would cover essential topics such as how to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose, how to safely store and dispose of opi-

number of cards and the cash you carry. To avoid identity theft, be careful when exposing your cards and other identification at cash registers and ATMs. Be aware that thieves use cellphones to capture card and identity information. Be cognizant of distractions that could be staged to avert your attention.

When you return to your vehicle, don’t do so with your arms full of packages. Use a cart. Be ready to unlock your car door. Check the parking lot for suspicious-looking people, and if you see anyone loitering nearby, don’t go to your vehicle.

Carry a whistle or other audible device, and if you feel threatened, use it. Before getting into your vehicle, look around and inside it. Once inside, lock the doors, and if you have to, use your horn to attract attention.

Always be aware of your surroundings.

NAssAU COUNTy POLiCE DEPArTMENT

Another crucial piece of legislation, A09841 would require physicians and pharmacists to counsel patients about the addictive potential of opioids before prescribing or dispensing them. This bill emphasizes the importance of patient education in preventing opioid misuse. similarly, another bill, A7306, would allow health care providers to access opioid history data for their patients, enabling them to make better-informed decisions about treatment, and protecting those with a history of substance abuse from unnecessary risks.

The most timely of the bills, A10193, would expand the state’s definition of “opioid antagonists” to include all FDAapproved medications, not just Narcan. This would open the door for a broader range of treatment options to reverse opioid overdoses, potentially saving even more lives. it’s a simple but effec-

Framework

by Tim Baker

tive measure that would put more tools in the hands of those fighting this epidemic.

While these bills represent a step in the right direction, it’s clear that the state’s focus must remain fixed like a laser beam on this crisis. The fentanyl epidemic is not going away, and we can’t afford to lose any more lives to preventable overdoses. The Legislature must continue to prioritize this issue and make it a central part of its agenda. A coordinated effort across state and local governments, public health organizations and first responders is needed to tackle this crisis head-on.

it’s time for all of us — lawmakers, health care professionals, educators and the general public — to unite in the fight against fentanyl. Through focused legislation, increased education, and better access to life-saving medications, we can begin to reverse the devastating trends we’re seeing. New york can and must lead the way in addressing this deadly epidemic. The stakes are too high, and too many lives are at stake, for us to do otherwise.

Brown represents the 12th Assembly District.