Rose Girone, who resides in the Belair Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Bellmore, turned 113 on Jan. 13. A Holocaust survivor, she’s the oldest living person in New York.
Bellmore’s Rose Girone turns 113
She’s the oldest living Holocaust survivor, New York resident
By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
According to Rose Girone — a 113-yearold Bellmore resident — the secret to a long, healthy life is simple: Live every day with a purpose, have amazing children, and eat lots of dark chocolate.
Girone, who has resided in the Belair Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Bellmore since she was 109, rung in her milestone 113th birthday on Jan. 13 or, coincidentally, 1/13. She’s the oldest person living in New York, the fifth oldest in the U.S., the 28th oldest in the world — and perhaps most impressively — the oldest living Holocaust survivor.
Girone was born on Jan. 13, 1912 in
Poland. Her family moved around a few times during her early life, and one of the places she lived was Vienna, Austria. In 1938, she married her first husband, Julius Mannheim, and they moved to Breslau, Germany, which is now Wroclaw, Poland — around the same time Nazi aggression towards Jews became prevalent. By 1939, the family knew they had to leave Germany, and fled to the only country that still had openings for immigrants — China. Girone and her family, including her young daughter, Reha, arrived in Shanghai’s international settlement after a month-long boat trek, and for a short while, there was peace in the city.
As World War II raged on and the Japa -
Rhoads takes oath of office in Albany
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
State Sen. Steve Rhoads, of Bellmore, took his oath of office at the New York State Capitol in Albany on Jan. 8, when he was sworn in to represent the 5th Senate District for a second term.
Rhoads, representing the communities of Wantagh, Seaford, Levittown, Merrick, Bellmore and East Meadow, expressed a dedication to making New York an affordable and safe state to live in.
IHe was reelected after defeating his democratic opponent Lisa Lin in the November election last year.
t’s time to liberate New York and build a better, safer, healthier, and more affordable tomorrow for all New Yorkers.
“Right now, whether it’s our seniors, young people — everyone seems to have their New York exit plan,” Rhoads, a Republican, told the Herald in a roundtable interview in October. “As a state government, as long as we continue to make New York state unaffordable and uncompetitive for businesses and for residents, we’re going to continue to suffer — and that has to change.”
StEVE RHoADS
New York State Senator
Rhoads said he wants to continue to address the needs of district residents, ensuring their concerns are heard all the way up to Albany. Two days after taking his oath, his office announced the return of the mobile office hours program, where Rhoads engages in one-onone conversations with residents at libraries throughout the district. During the past two years, Rhoads hosted more than a dozen mobile office hour sessions, speaking with residents about issues that matter most to them.
“From tackling issues from affordability to public safety and everything in between, I believe in transparency and open communication,” Rhoads said in a news release, “and it’s this connection to the community that truly drives my fight for com
CoNtiNued oN pAGe 13
Courtesy Gina Bennicasa
Hablamos Español
HERALD SchoolS
Teamwork adventure at Park Avenue school
Atrip to Project Adventure is an annual rite of passage for sixth graders in the North Bellmore School District. At Park Avenue Elementary School, the adventure is continuing in physical education classes.
The Project Adventure experience at Caumsett State Park each fall focuses on survival skills and team-building games. It is a highlyanticipated trip for all of the sixth grades students, who then return in June for a high ropes experience.
Park Avenue’s physical education teacher, Bill Green, had sixth
As Grace Calderone passed each rung, student moved from the back to the front to extend the ladder the entire length of the mats.
graders participate in a human ladder activity. In pairs, students held the rungs of a ladder horizontally over mats, while one student would climb across. As he or she crossed each rung, those students would then run to the other end to keep the ladder going until reaching the end of the mats.
Green said the human ladder focuses on the same skills that are emphasized in Project Adventure — building trust, communication and teamwork.
— Jordan Vallone
Thomas L. Kearns
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Courtesy North Bellmore School District
Park Avenue Elementary School physical education teacher Bill Green explained the human ladder activity to sixth graders, as Tyler Ashley prepared to take his turn.
Bellmore-Merrick marks annual MLK Week of Service
Leadership students across the high schools in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District visited social studies classes on Jan. 13 to kick off the district’s annual MLK Week of Service.
MLK Week of Service is a period of community service and civic engagement that takes place around Martin Luther King Jr. Day, observed on the third Monday of January. It extends Dr. King’s legacy of service and social justice by encouraging Americans, particularly students, to engage in volunteer work and community improvement projects.
Schools across the U.S. incorporate MLK Week of Service through various service projects tailored to different age groups. Alongside hands-on activities, teachers may integrate lessons about Dr. King’s life, philosophy, and the civil rights movement into their curriculum, including studying his speeches, writing reflections, and discussing concepts like nonviolence and social justice.
During visits to their peers, Bellmore-Merrick students presented lessons and led an activity about Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Students and staff across Bellmore-Merrick were also encouraged to continue to donate breakfast items for the Community Cupboard.
Throughout the week, students also have been participating in additional activities that aim to promote a caring and compassionate community.
— Jordan Vallone
Photos courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
Leadership students from Mepham High School address a social studies class on Jan. 13.
A leadership student from Calhoun High School addresses a social studies class on Jan. 13.
A Calhoun student works on an activity aimed at promoting kindness via Dr. King’s legacy.
Leadership students from John F. Kennedy High School address a social studies class on Jan. 13.
A student from Kennedy works on an activity aimed at promoting kindness via Dr. King’s legacy.
International Buddy Club connects through culture
Comprised of a diverse group of individuals, the International Buddy Club at Sanford H. Calhoun High School aims to further interconnect students of all ethnic and linguistic backgrounds.
Senior Marc Anthony Funez serves as the club’s president and has been a member for the last four years.
“It’s a fun club where we get to learn
about each other’s cultures that we previously knew little about,” he said.
“Through crafting and culinary tie-ins, we’re able to really dive into what makes each of our world’s so special.”
Recently, the club hosted an informative event to learn about the story of Hanukkah, complete with dreidel games and wax candle making. Prior to that, IBC hosted a Dia de Los Muertos
Intelitalk
event to learn about traditions, as well as a Thanksgiving potluck to learn about cuisines.
By educating one another on different cultures, values, and traditions, the club’s members strive to manifest a sense of belonging amongst students of various racial and ethnic roots, bridging the gap between minority and majority populations. Throughout the
year, they host a variety of interactive activities that allow students to experience food, belief systems and ways of life in different parts of the world, all while encouraging bonding and friendship.
The group is led by faculty advisor David Goldberg.
— Jordan Vallone
Subtitled Dying, Death and Wisdom in an Age of Denial, Dr. Mannix’s book is a series of true stories allowing readers to “experience” what happens when people are approaching the end of their lives: how they cope; how they live; what matters most; how dying evolves; what a deathbed is like; how families react. She finds that there is little to fear and much to prepare for.
While many people imagine dying to be agonizing and undignified, Dr. Mannix reassures us that this is rarely the case. Instead, people gradually sleep more often until unconsciousness sets in. This was common knowledge when death took place in the home – until about 1900 when funeral homes first came into being. Knowing what to expect can be immensely comforting to the dying person and their supporters.
Palliative care specialists believe that enabling people to be architects of their own solutions is key to respecting their dignity. They are only in a new phase of life; they have not abdicated their personhood.
The author advocates reclaiming “death” and
“dead” from modern day euphemisms such as “passed away” and “lost” and further that despite a well-lived and contented life, we often say they “lost their battle” instead of that they simply died. These attitudes disable us from having straightforward, unambiguous conversations about death. The conspiracy of silence about death often leads to the heartbreak of the dying being unable to convey their hopes and wishes.
“The dreadful reality, told with honesty and compassion, allows patients and their families to make choices based on truth, instead of encouraging the misleading, hopeless quest for a medical miracle that promotes futile treatment, protracts dying and disallows goodbyes.”
There are only two days with fewer than 24 hours in each lifetime, one is celebrated every year, yet it is the other than makes us see living as precious. Dr. Mannix points the way to what we can become: beacons of compassion, living in the moment, looking backwards with gratitude and forgiveness, and focused on the simple things that really matter.
Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
Senior Marc Anthony Funez, the International Buddy Club president, left, leads the group in a game of dreidel at their Dec. 19 meeting.
Book Review: by Kathryn Mannix, M.D.
News briefs
Seth Koslow named ranking member of Nassau’s Public Safety Committee
Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow, a Democrat representing parts of Merrick, Bellmore and Freeport, was appointed ranking member of the county Legislature’s Public Safety Committee on Jan. 3. The role positions Koslow to play a key part in overseeing and advocating for initiatives aimed at keeping Nassau County residents safe.
Koslow, who has experience as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, plans to draw on his legal background and his familiarity with the diverse communities of the Fifth District. He aims to work closely with law enforcement and community leaders to strengthen relationships, enhance public safety, and address issues such as gun law enforcement and hate crime prevention.
“As a father of three young children, it is my top priority as a public servant to fight for what every Nassau County resident deserves – a safe and welcoming community to raise our families in,” Koslow said. “The Public Safety Committee serves an instrumental role in equipping our police to serve and protect our communities, and as its ranking member, I am look-
ing
forward to applying my insights as an attorney toward advancing policies that will deliver effective, respectful community policing that keeps Nassau County the safest municipality of its size in America.”
— Jordan Vallone
Crime brief
Nassau police: Man charged in a $700K fraud scheme
An Illinois man has been arrested and charged with grand larceny after allegedly orchestrating a scheme to defraud a Nassau County law firm out of $709,000, police said Thursday.
According to detectives from the Fraud and Forgery Unit, the law firm received an email in February 2024, purportedly from a known business associate, requesting a change in payment instructions for an upcoming settlement. Believing the email to be legitimate, the firm wired $709,000 to the newly provided financial account.
Weeks later, the firm was contacted by the actual business associate, who reported that the settlement funds had not been received. Following an extensive investigation, authorities determined that the funds had been diverted to a business account belonging to the defendant, Robert Weathersby, 42, of Calumet City, Illinois.
Weathersby was arrested without incident by the Chicago Police Department and later extradited to Nassau County to face charges.
He is charged with grand larceny and was arraigned on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at Nassau County Court, 262 Old Country Road, Mineola.
Detectives remind the public to be cautious when receiving requests for changes to financial transactions and to verify the authenticity of such requests directly with the source. Cases like this highlight the importance of vigilance in preventing fraud.
—
Jordan Vallone
Grand Avenue
Middle School
Kevin Anderson
Youssef Badad
Kaitlyn Kuchynskas
Gabriella Leibowitz
Francesco Loccisano
Kelly McDonough
Elizabeth O’Toole
Andrew Reitzen
Brayden Salzman
Juliana Tice
Merrick Avenue
Middle School
Shmuel Abudarham
Shane Brown
Tristan Cetto
Elizabeth Chawla
Riley Chirico
Lucas DeMatteo
Kellan Mayoral
Yasmin Ramirez
Rachel Silkowitz
Sanford H. Calhoun High School
Madeline Chawla
Sophia Del cid
Jaxson DelRosario
Noah Mallalieu
John F. Kennedy High School
Samara Brewer
Jonathan Cheng
Ella Goldsmith
Zach Greenseid
Meadowbrook
Alternative Program
Christopher Murray
Prep Academy
Isabella Gonzalez
Wellington C. Mepham
High School
Samantha Balnis
Hamza Dar
Erin Gallagher
Ryan Marr
Seth KoSlow
MAKAYLA DAUBE
Mepham Senior Basketball
A FIFTH-YEAR VARSITY basketball player, Daube accomplished two rare milestones this season while leading the Pirates to 10 wins in their first 13 games. Mepham’s 2025 Valedictorian, she reached both the 1,000point and 1,000-rebound plateaus. On Jan. 9, in a 54-40 victory over Herricks, she also became the program’s single-game scoring leader with 34 points. In the fall, Daube helped Mepham to its first-ever volleyball county title.
GAMES TO WATCH
Friday, Jan. 24
Boys Basketball: Uniondale at Hempstead 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Kennedy at Elmont 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Plainedge at V.S. North 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Wantagh at Mineola 5
Girls Basketball: Long Beach at Baldwin 5
Girls Basketball: Mepham at Carey 5
Girls Basketball: Glen Cove at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Oceanside at Freeport 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Manhasset at Hewlett 7 p.m.
Boys Basketball: South Side at Clarke 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Girls Basketball: Floral Park at Lynbrook 10 a.m.
Boys Basketball: North Shore at Seaford 12 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Island Trees at Malverne
Boys Basketball: Mineola at Wantagh
Girls Basketball: Clarke at V.S. North 12 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Seaford at North Shore 12 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Wheatley at West Hempstead 12 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Uniondale at Farmingdale 12 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 27
Girls Basketball: Freeport at Oceanside 6:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Kennedy at South Side 7 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
Calhoun eager for second chances
By GARRETT D. URIBE sports@liherald.com
Second acts in movies generally introduce heightened conflict.
For Calhoun’s girls’ basketball team, this season’s second half presents the chance to settle some scores, said Colts head coach Dan Catapano – whose club at the midpoint has jelled, he said, in time to write its own major plot twist.
Following its 42-40 league loss at Sewanhaka Jan. 8, Calhoun (5-9 overall, 2-6 in Nassau Conference AA2) unloaded on league foe Glen Cove, blasting the visiting Big Red 61-26 at home Jan. 11 – the outburst an indication the young Colts offense, paced by junior Katie DiPaola (8.8 points per game), may have “turned a corner,” Catapano said, pointing as well to the Colts’ ensuing close league loss at Carey, 55-50.
“We’ve had four games where we’ve lost by one or two possessions, so everybody’s looking forward to getting a second chance at teams,” Catapano said. “I think we’re finally hitting our stride. Kids are finally trusting one another, communicating more. They’re becoming more confident in their roles.”
Berthoud/Herald Senior Lauren Rosario has heated up for the Colts at the offensive end, averaging a shade under 14 points per game over the pasts four contests.
A second-year starter at guard, DiPaola’s shown no lack of confidence in letting it fly from deep, her 17 threepointers tops on the team, while sophomore forward Angelica Kasimatis (8.3 points per game) seems to have taken a cue, sinking a team second-leading 13 threes, with six in the past four games.
per game), now a second-year starter in her third varsity season. “She’s been huge for us on the glass. And she’s someone else we trust when we need a timely shot.”
Healthy after a minuteslimiting early-season illness, senior Lauren Rosario has averaged 13.75 points to lead Calhoun over its past four games. The second-year-starting forward’s rise, alongside eighth-grade point guard Lia Biscardi’s continued acclimation and growing prowess as a distributor, would seem to support Catapano’s case.
“Lauren’s finding a way to help us in transition, helping us score more,” Catapano said.
“Lia kind of had to grow up fast for us,” Catapano said of Biscardi, whose varsity progression was abruptly fast-tracked upon slated starting point guard Julia Kopelman’s preseason injury. “But she loves the process and gets better every week. That’s important for her, but also for the team going forward.”
Senior center Sam Guida, while averaging five points, has been a steady force on the boards for Calhoun, grabbing eight rebounds per game. Since a 54-29 non-league loss at Division Jan. 4, the Colts have actually outscored opponents 197-183 (outlying Glen Cove included).
“I think (the three-point shooting) is due to a combination of the girls putting in the work and then during the season becoming confident taking those shots,” Catapano said. “Katie is definitely our shooter. When we’ve needed a big shot this year, she’s been able to find it.”
“As far as Angelica goes, she’s taken a huge leadership role as our do-it-all type of kid,” Catapano said of Colts rebound leader Kasimatis (10
“We’re a young team with an eighth-grader starting at point guard,” Catapano said. “Everyone’s had to find their way, helping each other. I think this group’s starting to figure it out. Now it’s just about putting together complete games. They’re very motivated to play everybody again.”
Donovan
LIRR record on-time rate isn’t whole story
By JUAN LASSO jlasso@liherald.com
With New York City’s new congestion pricing system now in place, Gov. Kathy Hochul rode the rails to Syosset earlier this year, urging city-bound Long Island commuters to leave their cars at home and embrace “world-class” public transit.
On Long Island, the tolling program is expected to increase commuters’ reliance on the Long Island Rail Road. Weekday ridership climbed from about 77 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2023 to roughly 80 percent last year.
Transit officials, meanwhile, are highlighting the improved service of the railway system, emphasizing a propublic transit message to court suburban commuters looking to avoid the $9 toll to enter Manhattan below 60th Street. LIRR President Rob Free boasted that a higher percentage of trains operated on time last year than ever before.
“Our 95.6 percent on-time performance in 2024 is our highest non-Covid year in the history that we’ve been tracking on-time performance,” Free said.
Three years of growth and growing pains
An analysis of LIRR data over the past three years, however, combined with riders’ firsthand accounts, paints a fuller — and undeniably more complicated — picture.
The number of late trains nearly doubled from 2022 to 2023, from 8,691 to 17,064. The surge, Free contends, resulted from the increase in post-pandemic service over the last two years amid landmarks like the opening of Grand Central Madison terminal in 2023.
“We operated over 77,000 more trains in 2023 than in 2022,” Free said. “We’ve operated a little over 316,000 trains in 2024, compared to 302,000 trains in 2023. That’s a huge lift.”
The new service into Midtown Manhattan brought with it a complete overhaul of the system’s train schedules. Some service lines and connections were cut, while others added more frequent service.
By the end of November 2024, the number of late trains for the year dropped to 11,480, as disruptions eased — although the number of delays remained higher than in 2022.
LIRR’s own operations are main culprit for delays
Despite fears of commuter frustrations and confusion with the opening of the new terminal, the main cause of train delays in 2023 and 2024 wasn’t passenger-related interruptions. Instead, it was train operations — issues like scheduling conflicts, slow boarding and late departures. These were problems largely within the transit agency’s control that ate into the time passengers needed to board and disembark.
Other problems, like delays caused by train door malfunctions in an aging fleet, were up 79 percent in the first half of 2024, compared with the same period in 2023. And the much-needed upkeep of the LIRR’s ailing infrastructure, from
According to state data, while the LIRR achieved a record 95.6 percent on-time performance in 2024, the number of delays remain higher than in 2022 due to operational issues, infrastructure maintenance, and the impact of increased service volume.
Riders report overall satisfaction with their service but, complained about missed connections, and weren’t happy about the possibility of another fare increase.
signal repairs to track maintenance, has also been a major contributor to train delays over the past two years.
For his part, Free said that a “heightened focus on infrastructure maintenance” has helped, cutting switch failures by 31 percent in 2024, with further work focusing on improving safety and efficiency planned for this year — even if that means more delays.
Historic on-time rate, but average delays stay the same
LIRR trains are more punctual overall, but the average delay of a late train hasn’t gotten any shorter. Rather, wait times have held steady — between 11 and 12 minutes — over the past three years.
Given what he described as an “explosion” of service since the beginning of 2023, Free views this consistency in lateness as a sign of a functioning
system. In the nation’s largest transit system, with lines of service so “interconnected that one hiccup on one of our branches can have systemwide impacts on our total operation, the on-time performance we are achieving is nothing short of a miracle,” he said.
Still, critics point out that the data on train delays misses a key detail: the agency’s “on or close to schedule” standard allows for a grace period of up to six minutes. Delays under six minutes aren’t counted, masking a significant portion of minor setbacks that can still disrupt commuters’ plans.
Riders like Sasha Hanson, who commutes from Valley Stream to her interior design job at Stonehill Taylor in Manhattan, contends that these unofficial hold-ups can be just as vexing when they cause missed connections, particularly at Jamaica Station.
“It gets obnoxious, especially when transfer delays hit at the last minute— usually right as you’re getting off the train,” Hanson said. “It’s not like you can avoid it ahead of time on your commute.”
The “amount of trains that we operate through this terminal is a huge impediment to our operation,” admits Free. “We are looking to improve this situation by putting in higher speed switches, lengthening the platform, and installing a new signal system among other capacity improvements.”
Riders give LIRR high marks — but not for fares
Despite delays, last fall’s MTA survey found that 76 percent of nearly 22,000 commuters surveyed were satisfied overall with their service. Yet some commuters who speak well of the railway also balk at the idea of higher fares.
“I don’t think fares should increase, because it’s costing me a lot of money just to get to school,” said Raya Adiva, a Valley Stream resident and high school senior who depends on the LIRR to get to school in the city.
The specter of more expensive fares looms over commuters as the MTA Board approves a $19.9 billion budget for 2025, which includes plans for a potential 4 percent hike in fares and tolls.
“What’s important to keep in mind is that the price of a monthly ticket is still cheaper now than it was in 2019,” Free said. “The way we institute fares is predictable, so our customers know when it’s coming. We’ve done an incredible job of maintaining cost and giving people good value for their money.”
Data Wrapper Illustration by Juan Lasso/Herald
Tim Baker/Herald
Merrick Library hosts Joseph Reboli art exhibit
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
The Merrick Public Library features a new display with 15 slice-of-life paintings from the late Long Island artist Joseph Reboli, celebrating his legacy until the end of January.
Library Director Dan Scuzmir was encouraged to host this exhibit after seeing Joseph’s work in Suffolk County.
“I had seen one of his pieces and really loved it,” he said. “My family and I went out to Stony Brook and visited the Reboli Center and saw some more of his art. It was great, and I thought it would be good to introduce it to the people here in Merrick.”
The exhibit opened on Dec. 30 and will remain open until Jan. 31.
Christina Bonfiglio-Scali, community relations director for the Merrick Public Library, is responsible for bringing talented creators to the library for events and exhibits.
“The reception has been great,” she said. “People remark on the artwork in there all the time, saying how wonderful it is. They love seeing it in there.”
The program platforms both new and established artists, offering a mix of Long Island history and the forefront of its creative scene.
“We try to get a mix of artists at the Merrick library, and it’s always artists
Joseph’s paintings frequently sell for $10,000 or more — for security purposes, the exhibit uses 15 high quality Giclée replicas on display in the community room, providing a faithful sample of his work without putting his original pieces at risk.
The gallery’s paintings feature depictions of everyday sights on Long Island: natural landscapes, noteworthy buildings, and everyday tools and appliances.
Born in 1945, Joseph grew up on Long Island, developing his skills as a painter at the Paier School of Art in Connecticut. He became a realist painter, capturing the beauty of everyday scenes in Long Island and hosted exhibits around the country and Europe.
After his death in 2004, his wife Lois Reboli founded the Joseph Reboli Center to share his artwork with the Long Island community.
“After he died, we had some paintings left, and I just wanted there to be a place where people could continue to see his work because he loved that area so much,” Lois said.
Lois has been an art teacher for over 30 years. An appreciation of art was a passion she shared with her husband — and it’s what motivates her to preserve his works.
“My husband was a wonderful, wonderful man, and everybody enjoys this work because it’s so positive,” Lois said.
“He can take something like a picture
light is on it, it makes you stop and look at the beauty in it,” she explained.
In a conversation with former State Assemblyman Steve Engelbright, he suggested that Lois create a nonprofit that could preserve and share Joseph’s works.
Lois and her teammates found a location that would become the Joseph Reboli Center — a former bank building up for sale by Capital One. The building was expensive at $1,600,000.
Engelbright connected Lois with state grants that covered the majority of the
building’s costs and the remainder was raised in a crowdfunding campaign.
“The whole thing is a miracle,” Lois said. “From the goodness of everyone’s heart, everyone has helped us in one way or another. The community backed us, and we’re just so grateful.”
The Joseph Reboli Center frequently partners with community organizations and other nonprofits to promote Long Island’s culture and history.
“They were so enthusiastic to bring Mr. Reboli’s art out west here to Merrick,” Bonfiglio-Scali said. “That they offered for Lois Reboli to come all the way out here to do a lecture, was wonderful.”
On Jan. 18, Lois Reboli came to the Merrick Library to give a lecture about the foundation’s art and its meaning to the Long Island community.
Later this year, the library will host a 100th anniversary for the publication of The Great Gatsby and hold a five-part lecture series titled Live Long Island themed on local maritime history and host the next annual “Touch a Truck” event.
“Our library gets such great use in Merrick, but there’s always more people who could find something that appeals to them, and we hope to reach them in 2025,” Scuzmir said.
To learn more about the Merrick Library’s upcoming events, visit MerrickLibrary.org.
To learn more about Joseph Reboli’s artwork, visit ReboliCenter.org.
The Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital at North Shore University Hospital delivers the nation’s best cardiac care.
Our team offers a full range of exceptional care, from minimally invasive procedures to lifesaving transplants—all while tackling the greatest challenges in medicine.
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Lois Reboli spoke at the Merrick Library on Jan 18. She held a painting by her husband, the late artist Joseph Reboli.
Rose Girone lives everyday with a purpose
nese eventually occupied Shanghai, the Jewish community was forced into a ghetto within the city. Girone’s family lived in a small room, which was originally a bathroom. Food was scarce and rationed, and hot water had to be purchased from vendors on the street. Girone would buy water, bathe her daughter, wash clothes and then the floor of their living quarters — all with the same bucket. They had no heat or stove, but lots of rats and vermin.
She always said to me, ‘Always have a purpose in life.
Girone’s granddaughter, Gina Bennicasa, who resides in Merrick with her husband, Joe Gallart, said Girone was a proficient knitter, and started a small business while in the ghetto to earn some money. By 1947, visas were arranged so the family could come to the United States. No one was allowed to bring more than $10 with them, Bennicasa explained, but Girone — who is affectionately referred to as “Oma” — had earned $80 through her knitting ventures.
“Oma knit buttons around the money and put them on a sweater,” Bennicasa explained. “She took her hard-earned money with her — nobody was going to tell her she couldn’t take more than $10.”
Arriving in New York after their visas were arranged, the family met Girone’s mother, grandmother, aunt and uncle, who were in Brooklyn. Girone divorced her first husband, who Bennicasa refers to as “Opa,” and married her second husband, Jack Girone, in 1968.
“She went on her first date with my grandfather, Jack Girone, on the day I was born,” Bennicasa said. “He lived till he was 76, but they had this beautiful life together. They went sailing — went on great trips. He was just the greatest grandfather.”
Girone’s ventures in knitting never wavered throughout her life, and she worked at various shops. At one point, she even opened a knitting concession stand at the Sagamore Hotel in upstate Lake George.
Girone saved money until she was able to open two shops with a partner — one in Rego Park, Queens, and the other in Forest Hills. Eventually, she split from her business partner, and became the sole owner of Rose’s Knitting Studio, in a Forest Hills storefront on Austin Street. Her expertise in knitting made her a standout in the industry, and the shop remained successful for 40 years, until it was sold in 1980.
Even after the business
closed, Girone kept knitting — volunteering and teaching the art at libraries, and in other capacities — for many years to come.
Girone lived alone at her apartment in Beechhurst, Queens until she was 103, at which point, her daughter, Reha, son-in-law, Frank Bennicasa, and Gina, decided to get her an in-home aid. After a fall that caused an injury at 109, Girone moved to Belair for rehabilitation services — which is very close to where her family members live in Merrick — and has resided at the nursing home ever since.
Girone doesn’t knit anymore, but Bennicasa said she still catches her Oma counting in German, as though she is knitting, while she’s sleeping. In good health, Girone can still hold a conversation, and is somewhat of a celebrity around Belair.
“It’s pretty incredible,” Bennicasa said of her Oma. “She’s always been so positive.”
Girone’s strength and resilience have never wavered, Bennicasa said.
“She always says the secret to her longevity is she loves to eat dark chocolate,” her granddaughter said, “she has good children, and she has a purpose. She always said to me, ‘Always have a purpose in life. Get up, and always have a purpose.’”
Photos courtesy Gina Bennicasa
rose girone rang in her 113th birthday, surrounded by her family. above, girone with her granddaughter, gina, and daughter, reha.
rose girone says the secret to her longevity is her family. She was also joined by her grandson-in-law, Joe, and son-in-law, frank, at her 113th birthday celebration.
rose girone revealed another secret to a long life — eat lots of dark chocolate. Her birthday cake for the milestone birthday reflected that advice.
rose girone, a lifelong knitter, in front of many spools of yarn.
Gina BennicaS a Rose Girone’s granddaughter
A modern approach to traditional values
‘Character Education’ has a new name: Social and Emotional Learning
Catholic education has always been unique because it is values-based, and places a high level of importance on personal and interpersonal skills. This difference has been realized through the expectation of certain kinds of conduct in a Catholic school that reflects a student’s self-respect, and respect for others. Responsibility, and accountability for one’s actions have always been part of the higher expectation in Catholic school.
After years of experimenting with the latest educational fads, schools of all types across the nation are recognizing that investing in the social and emotional management skills of students will have a greater effect on the trajectory of their lives. Public, private and Catholic schools have all shown greater interest in what is now known as Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Catholic schools, because they have never lost sight of this, are further along in the development and implementation of SEL programs.
Catholic schools across the Diocese of Rockville Centre have maintained their focus on the ‘character education’ of students, even as more permissive educational models were being implemented elsewhere. While currentday Catholic school has embraced the integration of new educational technologies, personalized learning and new curriculum elements, the commitment to traditional values and religious tradition have never wavered. Catholic school has continued to teach biblical principles and traditional values, focusing imparting spirituali-
ty and self-discipline. In doing so, character education has systematically, yet seamlessly, been an integral part of the educational experience of generations of students.
Today, the heightened interest in SEL makes it clear that Catholic schools were on the right track all along.
Why Social Emotional Learning matters
Social Emotional Learning is viewed as attentiveness to the whole child’s needs. It is comprised of five major components: selfawareness, self-management, decision-making, relationship skills and social awareness.
Self-Awareness: A self-aware student will recognize how his or her thoughts, emotions, actions, and values impact their behavior.
Students are encouraged to embrace a growth mindset, recognizing that change is possible, and that they have the ability to become selfsufficient and confident.
Self-Management: Students are taught to regulate their own thoughts, emotions, and actions to align with their values. Selfmanagement emphasizes motivation, impulse control, organizational skills, and goal-setting.
Responsible Decision-Making: Students are encouraged to make responsible decisions within an ethical framework. Being a responsible decision maker requires problem identification, analysis, self-evaluation, and reflection.
Relationship Skills: Development of skills like communicating effectively, engaging in
appropriate social behavior, and participation in group and collaborative activities.
Social Awareness: The ability to empathize with others, including those with whom they disagree, as well as those from different moral, cultural, and ethical backgrounds.
As everyone who has attended Catholic school can attest, these five principles are traditional parts of a Catholic education. In fact, these characteristics are often the most easily
distinguishable differences in the way a young man or woman ‘carries themselves’ in their daily interactions with others. They are the characteristics that we subconsciously recognize and silently attribute to the student being ‘a Catholic school kid’.
Photo: Faith-based rigorous academics are enhanced by innovative teaching practices that prepare students for the modern tech-based world in which we live.
The governor assesses the state of the state
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Gov. Kathy Hochul kicked off her fourth year in office on Jan. 14 by outlining her proposed 2025 agenda in her State of the State address. That agenda includes more than 200 initiatives, many of which would have an impact on Long Island.
Here are some of the key proposals Hochul discussed.
Affordability
Unsurprisingly, Hochul began the address with the issue on every New Yorker’s mind: the cost of living. New Yorkers have seen rising prices in housing, food, utilities, transportation and health care. According to RentCafe, the cost of living in New York is 26 percent higher than the national average.
The governor proposed tax cuts, rebate checks and savings from free school lunches, an initiative that could save a family of five $5,000 a year.
“I’m calling for a sweeping middle-class income tax cut benefitting 8.3 million taxpayers making less than $323,000,” she said. “The tax cut I propose today and will fight for in the coming months will deliver the lowest tax rates in seven decades and save hardworking taxpayers $1 billion.
“But that’s just the start,” she added.
Tim Baker/Herald
Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered her State of the State address on Jan. 14, discussing a wide range of policies. Above, the governor appeared at the Long Island Association’s State of the Region Breakfast on Jan. 10.
Education
Hochul unveiled a proposal that would offer free tuition to New Yorkers pursuing associate’s degrees in high-demand fields such as nursing, teaching, technology and engineering. The initiative would build on the state’s existing financial aid programs, and target residents between 25 and 55 seeking to learn new skills to look for jobs in essential industries.
Nearby states, including Massachusetts, have launched similar tuition-free college programs to address labor shortages and promote economic mobility.
Hochul also announced her support for universal free school meals. That would mean boosting state funds to expand an existing program that could reach 280,000 students who aren’t already covered.
Mental Health
Hochul, who is expected to seek re-election in 2026, took office in 2021 when residents statewide were grappling with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Many students faced — and continue to face — mental health challenges.
That has been a central focus throughout her administration. In her latest initiative, she aims to address concerns about random acts of violence committed by those with severe, untreated mental illness. Her agenda includes strengthening Kendra’s Law, which mandates outpatient treatment for certain people with mental illnesses who are not receiving care.
She governor also proposed that households making up to $323,200 — roughly 77 percent of taxpayers — would be given an income tax break that could save households hundreds of dollars a year for roughly.
A proposed $3 billion in inflation relief rebates would provide one-time payments of $300 or $500 based on income level and tax filing status. The initiative would have to be approved by the State Legislature. Hochul’s budget also includes expanding the state’s child tax credit. Under the proposal, families could see the credit increase by as much as three times the current amount — up to $1,000 per child under age 4, and $500 for children ages 4 to 16. The changes would be phased in over two years.
Additionally, Hochul is advocating for a Teen Mental Health First Aid program, to equip high school students with the skills to maintain their mental health and offer support to their peers. She also promoted mental health resources for after-school programs, to ensure students access to licensed health care facilities through state-funded programs.
Takes on second term with ‘common sense’
mon sense in Albany.”
According to his office, the senator will continue to “prioritize common sense” and build a better future for all New Yorkers. In Albany on Jan. 13, Senate Republicans joined Rhoads in unveiling the “Liberate New York” legislative agenda for 2025, prioritizing affordability and creating safer and healthier neighborhoods in the state. It proposes cutting taxes for residents and small businesses, reducing housing costs, and repealing congestion pricing. To enhance public safety, the agenda aims to reverse criminal justice reforms, prioritize victims over criminals, and combat hate crimes.
“It’s time to liberate New York and build a better, safer, healthier, and more affordable tomorrow for all New Yorkers,” Rhoads said.
The agenda also focuses on ending the migrant crisis by opposing “sanctuary status” and prohibiting taxpayer funds from benefiting undocumented migrants. Additionally, they advocate for protecting parental rights in education and implementing term limits to promote government transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Senate Republican leader Rob Ortt joined Rhoads and other colleagues in calling for a renewed focus on addressing the state’s affordability crisis and public safety concerns. Citing what he described as the detrimental impact of
State Sen. Steve rhoads speaking with residents of the 5th Senate district, which he represents, during last year’s mobile office hours program. rhoads said he prioritizes common sense as a state senator, reaching out directly with residents of his district to address their needs.
policies such as congestion pricing and unfunded mandates, Ortt criticized the current administration’s priorities.
“From endless taxes and migrant spending to out-of-touch energy mandates, we’ve seen Democrat-driven policies prioritize political agendas over the needs of hardworking New Yorkers,” Ortt said. “These policies have led to affordability challenges, public
lion taxpayers in the state. According to her office, cutting the rates across five of the state’s nine tax brackets would bring rates down to their lowest levels in 70 years.
“Families shouldn’t have to worry about whether or not they can afford to put food on the table because of the rising cost of groceries,” Hochul said in a news release. “Making New York more affordable has been one of my top priorities, and to continue this commitment, I am proposing a substantial tax cut for middle class New Yorkers to lighten the burdens of inflation.”
Hochul also has introduced the firstever inflation refund, designed to return $3 billion to 8.6 million taxpayers by the end of 2025. Under this initiative, joint filers earning $300,000 or less will receive $500, while single filers earning $150,000 or less will receive $300.
safety concerns, and economic struggles across urban and rural communities alike.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul has outlined her own measures to provide relief to New Yorkers.
During her State of the State address on Jan. 14, Hochul proposed a middle-class tax cut to bring around $1 billion in tax relief to more than 8 mil-
In addition, she proposed an expansion of the child tax credit, which will double or triple benefits for many families, according to the governor’s office. The plan offers up to $1,000 annually per child under 4 years old and up to $500 for older children. Hochul’s office claims these measures are expected to reduce child poverty by 17.7 percent and provide critical relief for middle-class families.
Additional reporting by Jordan Vallone
Courtesy Office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads
Arena Football team to call Coliseum home
By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com
Arena Football is coming back to Nassau County, and this time it’s in a brand-new league in the form of the ENTFLA – the Entertainment Football Association.
Spearheaded by Hall of Famer and former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Andre Reed, flanked by league owner Doug Freeman with a slight style different: other than the fact that it will be indoors, is that it will be on 7-on-7 format with a reduced play clock, along with the elimination of kicking on fourth down, leading to overall higher-scoring and higher-paced games.
Uniondale and Nassau Coliseum will be the home of one of four teams in the ENTFLA, with the other teams based in Morristown, NJ, Danbury, CT and Fitchburg, MA. The season is projected to run from June to August.
The emphasis of the new league in the land of Billy Joel and bagels was to bring professional sports to local, blue-collar families without breaking the bank, with an added emphasis on entertainment appropriate for the entire family while at a pro game, confirmed by its mission statement.
League advisor Tommy Benizio said the real purpose is to bring something that’s affordable, fun and entertaining, giving families in Long Island a place to come without driving hours and pay hundreds of dollars in tickets and parking passes to watch football live in an arena.
Plus, it’s meant to be fun.
“Between the players flying over the wall, landing in your lap and knocking your hotdog out of your hand, you catch a football you get to keep it, the cheerleaders, the mascot, the dancing and T-shirt canons, it is a fun and entertaining thing for three or four hours on Sat-
urday nights,” Benizio said. “So before you can come into the building we want live music and jumping castles for kids and a beer garden, it’s a party.”
With over 100 high school football teams on the island, the league’s owners hope for a close connection between the youth of Long Island growing in the sport they love, and the professionals engaged in it. Roosevelt High School football head coach Joe Vito is excited to see how a local pro football team will create an additional positive influence for his players.
“I’m excited to be able to have my team come here and see and maybe dream about maybe being this one day,” Vito said. “I try to expose our kids to a lot of things and coming to this is will be something they’ll be exposed to, so they’re excited to get the opportunity to come.”
Reed, the league commissioner, is key on the possibility of giving all types of NCAA football players another avenue to play the sport they love even if they don’t make it to the Show.
“We’re gonna be pulling kids from college, that pool, and a lot of these that are going to play in this league, when they play in this league, it’s another avenue for them to get to the Big Time,” Reed said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re at, if you’re good enough and display those attributes that a team might want, you can find somewhere to go and get a chance. We feel this league is about that.”
Each team will play 8 regular-season games.
“Anytime that we could have another opportunity to have more of our kids play professional football, is a great opportunity that we love as we coach the youth,” Vito said.
The nickname for the “Long Island” or “New York” franchise will be determined through a naming contest. Visit goentfla.com for more information.
Courtesy ENTFLA Buffalo Bills legend Andre Reed is commissioner of the new Entertainment Football Association, which debuts in June with four franchises including Long Island.
Poetry and performance: An open mic night at the library
By REI WOLFSOHN Correspondent
The Merrick Public Library will be hosting its recurring Open Mic Night on Jan. 27 as a space for locals to enjoy poets, songwriters and spoken word artists expressing themselves.
The library has been doing poetry open mic nights regularly since the summer of 2023. Jessica Vanore, is a new face organizing next week’s, along with the administrative help of Rachel Sferlazza and the marketing support of Christina Bonfiglio-Scali. The current and most recent Nassau County Poet Laureates, Alan Semerdijan and Paula Curci, will be there.
“The mantle has kind of passed to me recently,” Vanore said of her role. “One of my predecessors was in charge. Now me and Rachel are the crew for it. I helped our previous head of the open mic, so I have been a part of all the ones we’ve done so far. This is my first time introducing things.”
Courtesy Merrick Library
The Merrick Library is hosting an installment of its recurring Open Mic Night on Jan. 27, meant for locals to enjoy the work of poets and songwriters.
The open mic nights happen almost every quarter, about three to four times per year, depending on local school breaks. People of all ages participate.
“It’s a really good place to help poets, song writers, spoken words make connections and build community,” Vanore said. “I want people to start coming and just build a place for them to speak and get their creativity out.”
Bonfiglio-Scali said that they usually get a larger turnout in the summer months because of the location.
“During the warmer months we do this in the garden outdoors, so it really sets a nice ambiance,” Bonfiglio-Scali said. “During the colder months we do this in the community room.”
While the open mics have been happening regularly for about a year-and-ahalf, the organizers actually don’t know when the very first one was.
“It was something that was run sporadically,” Sferlazza said. “The first one I know of was in the very early summer of 2023. There could’ve been more before that, but if so I’m not aware of the exact date.”
The three organizers generally agree on what makes good poetry, though they each have a different viewpoint.
“There’s a couple different ways you could consider good poetry,” Sferlazza said. “Good is subjective, of course, to anyone. Overall you could look at a good poem in terms of its technical perfection — does it use a particular form or style well. Is the language particularly beautiful and sounds nice such as with alliteration, like ‘green grass.’ Then the other portion I would consider is whether the
subject is expressed in a way that is artistic and speaks to people. The whole point of poetry is to convey a message or something about the human experience. So does the poem convey that in a way that other people understand and appreciate.”
And to all three library organizers, there’s more to it than just meter or rhyme.
“It’s something that I think creates an image in your mind, that you can really picture it,” Vanore said. “And it really just speaks to you.”
“I think that the real meat of what good poetry is for most people is, ‘Am I moved by this?’ ‘Is it thought provoking?’” Bonfiglio-Scali said. “It’s just something that strikes a chord emotionally. Like Rachel said, it’s subjective. But good poetry can be interpreted a million different ways by a million different people.”
The organizers are very excited about bringing poets in for the open mic, and want everyone to know they can feel like it’s a safe space.
“We’re encouraging an environment where people will feel comfortable sharing their creativity,” Bonfiglio-Scali said. “Just come to the library and utilize the space that we have to put their work out in the spotlight and to talk to people who are like-minded about poetry and creativity.”
But they want people to know that they don’t have to read any work to come to the open mic.
“And also just come in if you want to listen to poetry too,” Sferlazza said. “You don’t have to be a writer.”
The open mic will commence at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 27. The Merrick Library is at 2279 Merrick Ave., Merrick. For more, visit MerrickLibrary.org.
*MEET THE 2025 HONOREES*
REAL ESTATE DEAL OF THE YEAR
Joseph Farkas
EXCELLENCE IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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Managing Partner
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IMEG
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President Heatherwood Luxury Rentals
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AWARD
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Chief Development Officer Breslin Realty
PIONEER IN RESTORATION & RECOVERY
Jeremy Longo
General Manager Belfor Property Restoration
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP
Sheldon L. Shrenkel
Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director Nassau County IDA
TOP MORTGAGE BROKER OF THE YEAR
Nicholas Ceccarini
President Weatherstone Mortgage Corp
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN EXCELLENCE
Willy Zambrano, FAIA, LEED AP, NCARB
Founder & Design Principal in Charge Zambrano Architectural Design LLC
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Chief Executive Officer Consumer Direct Title
EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE FINANCE
Vito Giannola
Executive Vice President & Chief Banking Officer Provident Bank
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John Starck
President & Chief Executive Officer Showcase Kitchens
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Paula Parrino, Esq
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STEPPING OUT
Photos courtesy LICM
In the Orion spacecraft, future astronauts interact with buttons, levers and sounds as they learn facts about what it takes to bring humans to the Moon, and eventually to Mars.
Space explorers need to utilize limited resources on the moon to live and survive. At this work station, children transport objects to and from the surface using foam blocks.
for an out-of-this-world adventure
‘Moon to Mars’ touches down at Long Island Children’s Museum
By Danielle Schwab
Calling all future space explorers! It’s time to set course to the moon, and beyond, with opportunities for kids to fuel their imaginations and dream bigger — and farther — than ever before.
“Moon to Mars” has rocketed into Long Island Children’s Museum, on view through May 4. The traveling exhibit, — created by Omaha Children’s Museum and designed with support from NASA’s Deep Space Exploration Systems at Johnson Space Center — brings the wonders of space to life for young learners. Through six immersive play zones, future explorers get a first-hand look at current space technology and discover the possibilities of future missions.
“We have the resources to bring a really complex topic to life for children, where they can understand what makes a mission possible like what tools are used or why astronauts need to wear protective clothing,” says Ashley Niver, the museum’s director of education.
Inspired by the current realities and the future dreams of space travel, the exhibit’s connection to real NASA technology is what makes it so compelling. Kids can climb aboard the Orion Spacecraft, designed to carry astronauts on future Artemis missions — using buttons, levers and sounds — or take the wheel of the Lunar Rover to explore the moon’s rugged surface.
“With the recent advancements in space exploration, like the launch of the James Webb telescope and the evolution of SpaceX, it’s the perfect time to introduce an exhibit focused on the future Artemis Mission,” Niver says. “We have so many leaps in space exploration and so many new things on the horizon.”
Clearly, creating advanced space technology is no simple feat. It involves creativity, problem-solving and much trial and error on the part of a diverse team. Young space explorers have the chance to dive into that engineering process, designing and building their very own rockets, and then launching their creations across the room.
“There’s a lot of engineering components that come into this, involving critical thinking for kids. These people [the spacecraft systems developers] have an incredible amount of skill and knowledge about space and creating these structures, but there are still things that they might realize don’t work, and to solve the problem,” Niver adds.
“The exhibit offers children endless opportunities to nurture their curiosity through the most effective way we know they learn: play. It also provides a valuable opportunity for parents to discover ways to incorporate big concepts like space exploration, physics and engineering into play at home. Whether it’s building a Martian landscape with pillows or creating a rocket ship out of a cardboard box, these activities spark storytelling that encourages imagination and inspires the ‘big thinkers’ of tomorrow.”
After young “explorers” have landed at their destination, there’s still much to be discovered. Visitors can get geared up in a spacesuit and explore a new world.
Among the components, kids can construct a new base using pulleys and blocks at the Moon Base Builder to make the planet or moon inhabitable.
Once the base is complete, step through the lunar leaps and feel the changes in gravity as you walk — or jump.
• Now until May 4
• $18 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
“You could take a leap and you have to work really hard to jump far on the moon. You wouldn’t have to do that because you don’t have the gravitational force pulling you as strong,” Niver explains.
Additional learning opportunities are found at the Space Academy Kiosk video display. It covers all things space exploration such as life in space, spacesuits, and real-life astronauts.
Each activity shows the boundless nature of space in kidfriendly fashion, perhaps even inspiring some future astronauts and space engineers.
“They can step into the role. It helps kids to connect to something that isn’t exactly what they know, they could put on a costume or a spacesuit and really embody that character. Hands-on play is a great way to engage them in content or topics that may be a little bit more foreign to them,” Niver says.
“The astronauts, at one point, were kids too. They dreamed of the same thing as you. You can understand the path that they went through that led them to their current career,” she adds.
As always, related programming enhances the exhibit experience. This time around, the museum is partnering with its Museum Row neighbor, Cradle of Aviation Museum.The Cradle’s portable, inflatable planetarium dome, the Digitalis Planetarium, will be in residence Feb. 17-21, for more space exploration. Families can discover the majesty of the stars and our universe during a 30-minute presentation led by a trained Cradle of Aviation educator. Four planetarium performances will be offered each day.
The LICM stage also gets in on the act with the futuristic production of “Interstellar Cinderella,” Feb. 7-March 21. Set in 3017, Cinderella is a space engineer who is looking to revolutionize space travel with her new invention.
While the exhibit is “in orbit” be sure to check out more related programming; information is on the museum’s website.
Acrobats of Cirque-tacular
Families will enjoy a new take on circus-style thrills when the Acrobats of Cirque-tacular visits the Landmark stage,. Cirque-tacular features one dazzling circus feat after another in a high-energy, family-friendly flurry of fun. Indulge your curiosity and celebrate your senses as this troupe of acrobats, aerialists and circus specialty artists bend, twist, flip, and fly into everyone’ hearts. Cirque-tacular’s performers — an ever-changing cast of elite aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, jugglers, specialty acts and world-record holders from Broadway and Las Vegas stages — are hailed as “mesmerizing”, “incredible”, and “truly impressive.” The performers are revered as cutting edge leaders of the new American vaudeville movement. Explosive music that complements the performance and act adds to the fun.
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2 p.m. $38. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
‘Dancing with the Stars’
Dancing with the Stars is back on tour to heat up winter with a dazzling live production. See the ballroom brought to life in this new edition featuring everyone’s favorite Dancing with the Stars pros and special guests. They’ll perform glittering new numbers as well as some of the unbelievable showstoppers featured in season 33. The high-energy show puts the dancers in the spotlight, showcase their dynamic moves as seen during the series, along with some lively new twists. The tour delivers an unforgettable night of electrifying dance performances from worldrenowned dancers who topped the leaderboard.
Tuesday, Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com, tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Intergalatic adventures take flight.
Your Neighborhood
THE
‘Easy
Feb.
1
come, easy go’
Queen-mania rocks on. Almost Queen returns to the Paramount stage with their homage to the beloved band, Saturday, Feb. 1 , 8 p.m. They don’t just pay tribute to the legendary band, Almost Queen transports you back in time to experience the magic and essence of Queen themselves. The band — featuring Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon, and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor — is “guaranteed to blow your mind” with iconic four-part harmonies and expertly executed musical interludes. dynamic live performance showcasing signature four-part harmonies and intricate musical interludes. The band’s authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision captivates fans of all ages with an unforgettable concert experience. Almost Queen’s concerts are a true testament to the band’s love for Queen’s music.
The carefully curated setlist featuring Queen’s best-loved songs, like “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” and “Radio Ga Ga,” along with lesser known tracks. And of course, no Queen tribute concert would be complete without classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more. $79.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $34.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Icebreaker Marathon
Start off the New Year on the right foot with a series of races at Eisenhower Park, Saturday, Jan. 25. The Icebreaker marathon, half marathon and 5K are slated to begin around 9 a.m. in the park’s Field 2, near Parking Lot 2. To register and for more information, visit EliteFeats. com/25icebreaker.
Art Explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, Feb. 1, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and making art together. While there, enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to the collaborative Lobby Project. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Bellmore Hose Co. 1
Fundraiser
Bellmore Hose Co. 1 hosts a fundraiser at the Lunchbox Brewery in Bellmore, Tuesday, Jan. 25. $50 fee includes three hours of beer, cider and wine on tap. Time slots begin at noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Parking is free. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit EventBrite.com and search “Bellmore Hose.” 308 Bedford Ave., Bellmore.
Comic showcase
Plaza Theatricals’ rolls into 2025 with the latest edition of the 50+ Comedy Tour, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2:30 p.m. Laugh along with an all new lineup of some of the funniest comedians on the scene. And, they all have one thing in common : they’re all over age 50!
Hosted by Long Island Comedy Festival’s Paul Anthony, the lineup includes “Banjo” Les Bayer and Chris Monty. $40, $35 seniors. Get in on the fun at Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical. com.
Rockville Centre Choral Society Recruitment
Like to sing? The Rockville Centre Choral Society wants you! The non-sectarian chorus sings in Lynbrook and around the South Shore. New members are welcome. The chorus sings a variety of genres — pop, folk, showtunes, light classical and standards. All voices are welcome. No experience necessary. RCCS meets Wednesdays, 7:45-9:30 p.m., and performs two concerts yearly. Rehearsals are held at St. James United Methodist Church, 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook. For more information, email rvcchorus@ gmail.com or call (516) 599-5705.
Nassau BOCES Barry Tech Open House
Nassau BOCES Barry Tech, Long Island’s state-of-the arts career and technical education (CTE) high school, is opening its doors to all students with a passion for a hands-on career. Come and get a “Taste of Tech” at an open house at Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center, Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m. Following an introduction to the school led by administrators, there will be self-guided tours of the facility. Additional open house sessions are offered in February. Interested students and their families can register for the Open House at nassauboces. org/barrytech or call (516) 6226812 for more information. 1196 Prospect Ave., Westbury.
Merrick Chamber installation
Merrick Chamber of Commerce hosts its 89th annual Installation Dinner and Awards Celebration, Thursday, Jan. 30, at Mio Posto, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The chamber will celebrate a year of business and honor its Woman of the Year, Man of the Year, Professional of the Year and Merchant of the Year. To register, visit merrickchamber.org. 16
Merrick Ave.
Lunar New Year
Welcome the Year of the Snake at Long Island Children’s Museum, Saturday and Sunday, Jan 25-26, noon-4 p.m. Stop by to learn all about the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival and learn about this special year, which is believed to bring an abundance of opportunities and fortune. everyone.
Enjoy dance and musical performances, on the LICM stage, view live artisan demonstrations and create themed take-home crafts. For ages 3 and up. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Having an event?
Breastfeeding Support Group
Mercy Hospital offers a peer-to-peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.
Afternoon of Comedy
Gary Smith’s NY Entertainment Club presents “An Afternoon of Comedy,” at the North Bellmore Public Library, Saturday, Jan. 25, starting at 2:30 p.m. Stop by for laughs and a good time. 1551 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore. Visit NorthBellmoreLibrary.org for more.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.
Hempstead House tour
Feb. 16
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 16, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
23, 2025 —
January
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
Public Notices
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christiana Trust, not individually but as trustee for Pretium Mortgage Acquisition Trust, Plaintiff AGAINST
Daniel Forth; April Forth a/k/a April Irene Forth a/k/a April I. Forth; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 26, 2023 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 4, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 2518 Bristol Drive, North Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 56 Block 239 Lot 62. Approximate amount of judgment $246,159.26 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 612468/2018. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Melissa D. Mohan, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: December 13, 2024 150760
LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S
SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE
Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 18th, 2025, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 13th, 2025 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total
amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucount yny.gov/526/CountyTreasurer
Should the Treasurer determine that an inperson auction shall be held, same will commence on the 18th day of February 2025 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer. A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucount yny.gov/527/Annual-TaxLien-Sale
A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 06th, 2025. Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audiotape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.
Dated: January 23, 2025
THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, NewYork
TERMS OF SALE
Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the
Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.
However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.
The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.
The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed.
The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk. The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days
after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale. Furthermore, as to the bidding,
1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.
2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.
3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.
4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have
Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow has launched two new specialty clinics for colorectal screenings and reflux treatment.
New clinics open at Nassau University Medical Center
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Nassau University Medical Center has launched two specialty clinics to expand access to vital care for the community.
The Colorectal Screening Clinic, now open on Monday mornings, focuses on early detection and prevention of conditions such as colon cancer. The clinic, located on the first floor with NUMC’s other surgical clinics, performs endoscopies under sedation by appointment. Colon cancer affects approximately 150,000 people annually in the United States, with one-third of cases resulting in death. Early screenings are key to improving survival rates. For appointments, call (516) 572-6703.
The new Reflux Clinic operates Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings on the hospital’s sixth floor. Under the leadership of Dr. Venkatesh, the clinic provides diagnosis, treatment, and longterm support for patients experiencing acid reflux and related conditions. Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can lead to serious complications such as esophageal cancer if untreated. Patients with frequent reflux symptoms are encouraged to seek care. Appointments can be scheduled at (516) 572-6703.
“These new clinics have the potential to serve thousands of patients to help detect both common and life-threatening conditions,” said Megan Ryan, president,
violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.
Dated: January 23, 2025
Specialty clinics at NUMC
Colorectal Screening Clinic
■ Mondays: Morning appointments
Reflux Clinic
■ Tuesdays: Afternoon appointments
■ Thursdays: Morning appointments
For Appointments: Call (516) 5726703
chief executive, and chief legal officer of Nassau Health Care Corporation. “NUMC is joining the fight against colon cancer with this new capability, and as so many struggle with maintaining a healthy diet, conditions affecting the digestive tract are on the rise. These new services are yet another example of NUMC’s continuing efforts to increase its capabilities for our growing patient population.”
The hospital has also enhanced its services with a new Community Outreach Center, launched in August, and expanded evening hours for general, pediatric, and women’s health clinics on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m.
Courtesy NUMC
LONG B EACH PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Exciting and growing Merrick company looking for a detail-oriented, motivated individual to join our team, part-time. Primary responsibilities include order processing and ful llment in a modern, comfortable o ce environment, not a warehouse. Opportunity to grow and take on more responsibilities as the business expands. Perfect for a stay-at-home parent.
Blomdahl USA Call Dave 516-868-7149 9am-3pm M-F Resume: dave@blomdahlusa.com
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Help Wanted
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 $16.50 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
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
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
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 $16.50 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 $34,320 + 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 X286
OFFICE ASSISTANT PT
Flexible Hours. General Office Duties. Phones, Filing, Light Bookkeeping. $20$25/ Hour. Salary Commensurate With Experience. Email info@cousinsmetal.com Or Call 516-536-7755
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing
NYU Langone Health is recruiting participants for an exciting new study exploring why and how some people with dementia experience a return of mental clarity as they approach the end of life.
NYU Langone Health is recruiting participants for an exciting new study exploring why and how some people with dementia experience a return of mental clarity as they approach the end of
These episodes are known as paradoxical lucidity. If you have a loved one suffering from advanced
These episodes are known as paradoxical lucidity. If you have a loved one suffering from advanced dementia, they may eligible for this study.
they may eligible for this study.
If interested, please contact the Parnia Lab research team at 917-227-0932 or pl@nyulangone.org.
If interested, please contact the Parnia Lab research team at 917-227-0932 or pl@nyulangone.org
The fires in L.A. got us wondering
Cozy Cape: Your Dream Home
Q. I, like many others, am upset about the terrible fires happening in California. We were discussing it the other day, and are wondering what your opinion is about how these fires spread so quickly, considering that we were also having high winds at the same time. Are our homes safe? Do we have better building regulations? Could the same thing happen to us that’s happening in California? What can we do to prevent this and what do you think California should do?
A. It can happen here. We must all listen, observe and learn from this tragedy to avoid repeating it in our own communities. I have often written about the beginnings of rules and regulations, which began after the great fire of London in 1666 and, in this country, after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. It took many decades and many lives lost to recognize that building codes were needed, however.
Unfortunately, the typical response, historically, is to immediately express horror, but as time goes on, become complacent that something that bad couldn’t happen here. Yes, it can happen anywhere, and certainly in communities where the buildings are closer together. So we need to listen when we’re told that it could happen, and realize why fire could burn down any community where nature’s forces work against our best planning.
We have seen the devastation, and some of us realize the many elements that contribute to disaster, such as drought, high winds, finish materials that combust and lack of ability to escape, to name a few. Our building codes are focused on life safety and limiting fire spread. At the right temperature, nearly everything burns.
California has similar codes, but many buildings were constructed prior to the newest, more stringent codes and did not have safety requirements for one- or two-hour resistive surface materials, interior sprinklers or opening protective devices like special shutters that drop to enclose spaces and reduce fire spread. Our roofs, siding, fences and interior materials, just like California’s, can ignite readily when hot embers land on them.
Rebuilding in California will have to include interior sprinklers, non-combustible exterior materials and community training in what to take, when to evacuate and how to do so safely without blocking the path of emergency responders. I expect that we will see greater distances between dwellings and backyard structures, less vegetation, cannons mounted on utility poles to shoot fire-retardant and fire break walls that can lift out of the ground to separate buildings. There are products on the market to do all of these things, though most have been developed for flood prevention or highly flammable building conditions. More people will choose cement board siding that mimics everything from stone to wood siding to preserve styles that are consistent with the building shape, and metal, cement or ceramic tile roofs that will not combust if a hot ember or coat lands on it, and metal window frames. Remember to choose safe materials. Good luck!
Monte Leeper
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T“he Sopranos” revolutionized television entertainment when it made its debut on HBO in 1999, and continued through 2007. On the surface, it was an organized-crime story centered on a mob guy in New Jersey named Tony Soprano. Below the surface, however, “The Sopranos” explored new levels of the complexity of human nature.
Yes, Tony Soprano was a monster capable of vicious brutality. But he was also an uppermiddle-income family man living in suburbia with a wife, Carmela, and two children he truly loved. Sure, he had his goomba, but he genuinely cared about and provided for Carmela, and would say hardly a bad word about her. He was a doting father who would take his daughter, Meadow, to visit prospective college campuses while taking time out along the way to murder
opinions
‘Woke up this morning . . .’
someone who had crossed him. All in a day’s work.
Then there was Tony’s mother, who had also plotted to kill him. Underlying all these contradictions was the reality that this vaunted tough guy and super stud was in therapy with Dr. Melfi, who treated him for anxiety and depression.
There was also a supporting cast of rogues and characters that would cause anyone anxiety. Big
TPussy was Tony’s loyal friend, who turned out to be an FBI informer — a “rat.” Tony killed him, and dumped his body off the family boat so he could swim with the fishes. Bobby Bocola was an overweight killer who could play Santa Claus, and got himself shot to death in Trainland, the model train store on Sunrise Highway in Lynbrook.
Uncle Junior was an aging mob leader and family patriarch who was capable of casual cruelty.
hree of the stars of ‘The Sopranos’ offer their takes on what made the show special.
Recently, my wife, Rosemary, and I went to the historic Patchogue Theater for the Performing Arts to see “In Conversation With the Sopranos,” with Steve Schirripa (Bobby Bocola), Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti) and Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy), who reminisced about their experiences on the show and answered questions from the capacity crowd. The audience was made up of real people — middle-income Long Island families, many of whom, no doubt, had moved out here from New York City. Listening to the questions they asked, you’d conclude that they must have watched and rewatched every “Sopranos” episode.
discussing how they got their parts and their opinions of the other actors. James Gandolfini — Tony Soprano — was the glue that made “The Sopranos” work so well, and was extremely generous and always supportive. Dominick Chianese (Uncle Junior) was an exceptional actor and a totally mild-mannered gentleman off screen. Tony Sirico, who played Paulie Walnuts, was a psycho on and off screen but a loyal friend.
Christopher, Tony’s young protégé, killed his girlfriend, Adriana, when he found out that she, too, was an informer. Paulie Walnuts smothered his mother’s friend to death with a pillow when she caught him stealing her money.
Schirripa is a good friend and a truly great guy, totally down to earth. I’d met Imperioli and Pastore when they did a similar show with Steve about six years ago in Westbury. Both are very talented but regular guys. The show was terrific, with the trio
Particularly funny was Pastore’s story about how a real-life mob-connected restaurant in the Bronx had proudly displayed his framed photo on the wall — but because the show depicted him as a “rat,” the picture was taken off the wall and destroyed. Their presentations were terrific, as was the question-and-answer session. They had a great rapport with the audience. After the show I met briefly with them, and told them “The Sopranos” would never grow old. Schirripa and I said we’d connect again soon. I’m looking forward to it.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
When was the last time you read a book?
iam a minority in so many ways that I never realized I’m part of a shrinking population of people who read books for fun. We read because we want to. We read because, for some of us, there’s no better way to spend our time. We read because there’s no other human experience that can transport us to another time and place, completely immersing us in the joys and tribulations of people who are the invention of a writer’s mind. I’ve known for some time that young people aren’t choosing to read books when the competition is TV or social media. I don’t need studies to tell me that, head to head, when it’s reading vs. streaming, reading loses with most teens most of the time.
The Atlantic recently ran a piece by Rose Horowitch revealing that at some of the country’s “elite” colleges, many students are neither willing nor able to read the books they’re assigned for classes. They say they just can’t do it — can’t concentrate for so long, can’t stay
with a narrative. Classes that once required some 10 books for the year now assign “excerpts.”
The students aren’t failing to perform. We have failed in preparing them to read properly.
When Horowitch investigated further, she discovered that the problem begins in high school. In recent years, with the ascendance of social media and smartphones, there has been a parallel decline in reading. More disturbing, many teachers are accommodating the change by dumbing down the curriculum, assigning summaries or chapters instead of whole books.
GPT to see what AI could do with the assignment.
Damn good is the answer. Plot summary, excellent. Discussion of themes, better than I could do. Analysis of language, good enough.
A re parents of young kids reading to them, or are they, too,distracted by phones?
Last week I began teaching a book group for adults. We do a book a week for eight weeks; they’ve had the syllabus since May, so there has been ample time to prepare. These folks are in the class for the pure joy and intellectual stretch of abandoning themselves to a narrative imagined by someone else.
I realize that high school and college kids can probably get by with ChatGPT to find summaries and analyses of the books they’re assigned in class. So, after I had reread the first book for my class and completed my notes, I went to Chat-
But what is missing entirely is any discussion of the emotional component of reading. The summaries can inform you, but they can’t make you feel. I’m remembering reading “Sophie’s Choice” in 1982, my heart twisted around the character as she chose which of her children would live. I’m talking about reading “Beloved” as a teen and perceiving racism in a profoundly new way. When I discovered “Lonesome Dove,” I disappeared for days into the Old West, way past the clichés of cowboys and cattle drives.
This isn’t just a woe-is-me essay. There’s an answer to the problem, and it is to limit or ban smartphone use and social media for children and young teenagers. We limited cigarette smoking and we demanded seat belts. Enlightened and committed leaders can do this. Informed parents can do this.
Kids read before they could Google. They picked up books before they could stream. Living in a world where high
school and college students don’t or can’t find the intellectual bandwidth to read a book is tragic for them personally and for our country. I wonder if parents of young children are regularly reading to them and introducing books, or if they, too, are distracted by phones.
Children who don’t read books grow up to be adults who don’t read, and never learn the subtleties of language and the possibilities of lives and worlds other than their own.
As we begin a new year, here are the books that I’m teaching. Maybe you’ll read one or two. If you do, write to me and we can share our impressions.
“Migrations,” by Charlotte McConaughy; “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” by Oscar Wilde; “Something I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You,” by Alice Munro; “The Matrix,” by Lauren Groff; “Slow Horses,” by Mick Herron; “The Wren, the Wren,” by Anne Enright; “A Day in the Life of Abed Salama,” by Nathan Thrall; “Of Mice and Men,” by John Steinbeck.
We worry about the rise of book banning in today’s America. Remember the horrific dystopia of “1984”? The irony is that book banning and book burning aren’t necessary in a culture that doesn’t read books.
Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
RAnDi KREiss
HERALD
eeditorial
Serve the constituents, not the parties
arlier this month, those who were elected and re-elected in November took their oaths of office.
Long after the last ballot is counted, and as soon as the oaths are administered, the most important chapter begins — the work of governing. And now that Gov. Kathy Hochul has delivered her State of the State address and the legislative session is underway, New York’s elected officials face an urgent challenge: to move beyond partisan rhetoric to deliver for the people who entrusted them with power. While the election season is often defined by fiery speeches and ideological divides, the responsibilities of governing require cooperation, compromise and a steadfast focus on serving the taxpayers.
Hochul laid out her vision for the year in her address last week, touching on issues that transcend party lines, including affordable housing, public safety, economic growth and climate adaptability.
These are not Democratic or Republican issues; they are New York issues, and they demand solutions from leaders on both sides of the aisle. Yet the immediate responses to Hochul’s proposals
letters
Peter King walks a tightrope with Trump
To the Editor:
showed how entrenched partisanship can overshadow a shared commitment to progress.
Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but some of the reactions to the State of the State were all too predictable, either filled with vitriol for Hochul’s policies or unquestioningly agreeing with everything she said.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of divisiveness. The political climate in New York, as in much of the country, is polarized, with both parties often more focused on scoring points than solving problems. But taxpayers deserve better. They expect their representatives to work together — less as Democrats and Republicans than as public servants dedicated to improving the quality of life in their communities.
Addressing housing affordability, for example, isn’t merely a policy discussion — it’s a pressing issue for families struggling to make ends meet. Likewise, public safety can’t be reduced to talking points; it affects the lives of residents of cities, towns and villages across the state. And economic growth isn’t about partisanship — it’s about creating jobs, supporting small businesses and helping communities thrive. These priori-
Re Peter King’s column “Once again, there’s a New Yorker in the White House” (Jan. 9-15): King should be commended for his once again skilled sleight of hand when it comes to comments about President Donald Trump. King managed to call him an “overlord” while at the same time showering him with praise for his supposedly singlehanded eradication of MS-13 on Long Island. King can certainly walk the tightrope very well. Lest we forget, Trump’s focus on the gang was a convenient opportunity for him to launch his narrative that all migrants are criminals, murderers or rapists. The FBI, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, most important, Long Island law enforcement should be praised for their diligent, exhausting work on this scourge. And any child could see through Trump’s blatant politicization last year of Officer Jonathan Diller’s murder. Really, Peter. How amusing that King chooses to focus on Trump’s New York roots, his beginnings in Queens and King’s memory of a smiling Trump appreciating King’s New York accent. As if these things could overshadow our new president’s slew of bankruptcies, criminal indictments, multiple accusations of sexual abuse and documented perpetration of fraud on the public via Trump University and the Trump Foundation. King also
ties require collaboration, creativity and the willingness to engage in tough but constructive dialogue.
The stakes are high. Trust in government is fragile, and elected officials must demonstrate that they can deliver results. That means setting aside political differences to focus on what unites us: a shared desire for a prosperous, safe and equitable New York. It means finding common ground on key issues while respecting differing perspectives.
As the state’s leaders embark on this legislative session, they must remember that their duty is not to a political party, but to the people they represent. Voters have made it clear time and again that they don’t want endless gridlock or partisan posturing; they want solutions. They want leaders who prioritize progress over politics.
The work of governing is not glamorous, and most of the time it doesn’t make headlines. But it is the foundation of a functioning democracy. Now that the campaigns, the election and the swearing-in ceremonies are behind us, it’s time for the winners to roll up their sleeves, put the rhetoric aside and get to work. The future of our state — and the trust of its people — depend on it.
notes that Trump has made friends with County Executive Bruce Blakeman, former Congressman Lee Zeldin and county Republican Party Chairman Joe Cairo — MAGA supporters all. Birds of a feather flock together.
Of course, King is afraid that he and all the other Long Island MAGA tools that
Trump used while campaigning will be discarded in his junk heap of no-longeruseful sycophants now that the election is over. King is genuflecting to Trump again in an attempt to garner favor for New York in light of Trump’s continuing belligerent rhetoric about blue states and big cities. Most importantly, Long Islanders need a
opinions Rubbing elbows with three great men
Columnists generally like to write about happy things, or at least not dwell on the subject of death. But over the past few weeks, three very significant people have died, and in some or many ways, I had direct contact with all of them. I refer to the late President Jimmy Carter, Chuck Dolan and Dick Parsons.
I don’t claim to have been a buddy of President Carter’s, but I had one interesting experience with him that is still fresh in my memory. During my years in the Assembly leadership, there was a custom that all potential Democratic candidates for president be introduced to the members of both houses of the Legislature. It was the job of an assigned member to escort the potential candidate around the Capitol for the meet-and-greet.
Apparently, nobody in the leadership offered to take then Governor Carter to
meet the elected members. Almost by default, I raised my hand and offered to do the escort work. My first task was to meet Carter at the Albany airport. At the stroke of noon, he arrived in the waiting area, looking to find his good shepherd. I greeted him and drove him to the Capitol so he could make his pitch for why New York should support his candidacy.
it was the White House operator, and to my surprise, President Jimmy Carter was calling.
During the following three hours, Carter made his case for being the next president. Late that afternoon, we returned to the airport, and I wished him the best of luck. He wasn’t convinced that he could win over doubting Democrats, but he was determined to go to all of the key delegate-rich states to convince the doubters that he was the man for the job.
Two years later, the modest and humble Georgian was the president. On a February afternoon, our home phone rang, and the woman calling said she was the White House operator. Despite being skeptical, I took the call, and to my surprise it was Carter calling.
Letters
repeal of the state and local tax write-off cap imposed as punishment by Trump during his first term. Former Congressman Anthony D’Esposito promised to get that done, but caved in the end. Maybe the recent visit to Mar-a-Lago by Reps. Andrew Garbarino, Nick Lalota, Mike Lawler and the rest was enough to satiate Trump’s need for sucking up from his MAGA crew, and we’ll see a lifting of the SALT cap.
New Yorkers don’t need to “work to find common ground with the president” to become great again. We are one of the most beautiful and economically stable states in the country, with resources and opportunities not available in any other part of the nation. Do we have problems to be addressed? Sure we do. But we’re still great.
ELIzABETH MuRPHY Franklin Square
Town hikes taxes, and mailers, ads keep coming
To the Editor:
Nassau Republican officials at every level shamelessly waste taxpayer money on mailers and op-ed pieces that are purely partisan attacks on Democrats, and they cite one-party rule in Albany, overlooking the stark reality that Nassau County, its cities, towns and most villages, is currently ruled by a single-party GOP machine, as it has been for most of
He told me that he would be making a number of public-works grants on Long Island, and asked if I had any preferences for a grantee. I recommended my hometown of Long Beach as the recipient of federal dollars — but I never heard from Carter again.
On a note closer to home, I was one of thousands of people who had a chance to know Charles Dolan, who created Cablevision and countless other innovations. He was a giant in the communications industry, but he was just plain Chuck in private.
I had the good fortune to be invited to his Christmas receptions and his famous July Fourth parties. On every occasion, he had the ability to make you feel like you were the only person at the event.
One August, Chuck invited my wife and daughters to the Hampton Classic, a major event for equine aficionados. Chuck had acquired a new camera and took pictures of my family, which I used on our family holiday card that year. I credited him as the photographer, and I got a call from him, thanking me for giv-
ing him the recognition. At all times, Charles, the titan of the industry, was just plain Chuck.
My last tribute is to the late Dick Parsons, a giant in so many businesses who was known for his great negotiating skills. I met him in the late 1960s, when he was a counsel to Gov. Nelson Rockefeller. He eventually went into the private sector, as chairman of the Dime Community Bank and Time Warner.
I still fondly remember a lunch appointment of ours on the afternoon of the O.J. Simpson trial verdict. We spent an hour discussing how Simpson could avoid a conviction, but at all times he was just Dick Parsons, a regular guy talking about a world of issues.
After decades of meeting great people, I very much miss those who were humble and gracious, never making a big deal of the power and influence they were lucky to possess. There aren’t many of those people left on this planet.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
Framework by Tim Baker
our lives.
We all suffer from the Nassau and Town of Hempstead GOP’s relentless crusade to stay in power by gerrymandering, doling out patronage and perks to friends and family in the town’s employ, spending millions of taxpayer dollars on partisan mailers and television ads while imposing double-digit tax increases and fees on beleaguered taxpayers.
While Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin gave generous raises to his inner circle, again, he and his Town Board socked every town homeowner with a double-digit tax increase, sneaking in a 12.1 percent tax hike in December and over $850,000 in raises this month without mentioning it in any of the town’s famous and constant mailers. And this year the town refuses to post the names of those receiving raises. What are they hiding?
The town’s devious attempt to hide this nepotistic, self-serving resolution to give themselves, their families and friends substantial raises epitomizes Clavin’s resolve to hide the truth from voters. Or is this just a way to avoid recusing themselves from voting on raises to relatives?
It’s time for this charade to end. Clavin must stop raising our taxes in years he isn’t running, and then sending out tax-paid mailers at $80,000 a pop, claiming he is freezing taxes in an election year.
DAvE DENENBERG Merrick
In last week’s brief “Gillen sworn in as a Congresswoman,” a few of the people in the accompanying photograph were misidentified. Those in the photo included Owen Finegan, Myles
The view from the Nassau University Medical Center — East Meadow
JerrY kremer
Finegan, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Chris Finegan, u.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, Austen Finegan and Laine Finegan. The date of Gillen’s swearing-in was Jan. 3.
