Bellmore Herald 09-26-2024

Jordan Vallone/Herald

In Reinhard Early Childhood Center’s art classes, art teacher Michelle Block instructed students how to create monochromatic dots in honor of International Dot Day — which celebrates creativity and self-expression.

Bellmore students at Reinhard leave their ‘mark’ on Dot Day

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

Students at Reinhard Early Childhood Center in the Bellmore School District celebrated International Dot Day last week — encouraging each of them to make a mark on the world, and make it a better place.

The special day is a global event inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ children’s book, “The Dot.” The book tells the story of a young girl named Vashti, who, with encouragement from her teacher, begins her artistic journey by simply making a dot on paper. This single dot opens her up to a world of creativity and self-expression, showing that even small efforts can lead to meaningful growth and change.

The day encourages creativity, courage and collaboration, urging people of all ages to make their mark and embrace their unique talents. Schools, libraries and communities around the world participate in various activities like art projects, storytelling and group collaborations to celebrate creativity and self-expression.

“The Dot” was published in 2003, and the celebration began as a grassroots movement in Iowa in 2009, when teacher Terry Shay introduced his students to Reynolds’ book and noticed its publishing date was Sept. 15. Shay and his students decided to celebrate the book’s birthday — launching a worldwide celebration that encourages all students to leave their mark on the world. Dot

Ahead of election, Women’s Alliance working on policy

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

The South Shore Women’s Alliance has reconvened ahead of the 2024 election, and held its re-establishment meeting at the Merrick Golf Course’s Clubhouse on Sept. 18. The nonpartisan group has previously worked on a variety of topics and policies, and hopes to educate voters about Proposition 1, which will be on New York ballots in November.

The women’s alliance was first formed in 2017, following the Women’s March in Washington D.C., which was held the day after former president Donald Trump’s inauguration. Originally founded as a democratic women’s caucus, the group transitioned into what it is today — a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates for issues important to not only women, but all voters in general. This is done through partnerships and activities with students, informative panels, and fundraisers for things that the group supports.

During the Sept. 18 meeting, Claudia Borecky, the group’s president, said that in the past, the group organized a response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018; hosted a speaker to discuss health care initiatives in New York; organized rallies against abortion bans; and held fundraisers for groups like Planned Parenthood.

Cl AuDiA BoRECky President

South Shore Women’s Alliance

Those who attended last week’s meeting hailed from the MerrickBellmore area, East Meadow, Baldwin, Freeport, Levittown, Wantagh, Seaford and the Five Towns. Borecky said that one highlight was when the group invited lawyers from the South Shore to sponsor a program called “Not Me,” which grew out of the “Me Too” movement, that had been gaining momentum at the time.

“(It) included three, strong, empowering women speakers who discussed how to have a healthy relationship, consent

ContInuED on pagE 2

Alliance works with other nonpartisan groups

and boundaries,” Borecky said.

Driving the re-establishment of the alliance, Borecky said, was Proposition 1, a state constitutional amendment to ensure equal rights.

The current equal protection clause in the state’s constitution already prohibits discrimination based on “race, color, creed or religion.” The amendment will allow New York voters to include additional classifications that people cannot be discriminated against, such as ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, sexual orientation and gender identity.

The decision to include the amendment on this year’s ballot came in midJune, and New York Attorney General Letitia James said it was “a huge victory in our efforts to protect our basics rights and freedoms.”

“We will continue to do everything in our power to protect these rights and ensure everyone can live safely and freely in the great State of New York,” James said at the time.

Being nonpartisan, the women’s alliance can work with groups like the New York Civil Liberties Union, the League of Women Voters, and New Yorkers for Equal Rights, spreading the word about the amendment and encouraging people to vote for it.

“Many women really want to push

during the re-establishment meeting of the South Shore Women’s alliance, fliers were distributed outlining what the group’s goals are ahead of the upcoming election. the group plans to advocate for the passing of proposition 1, which will be on new York ballots in november.

for this amendment,” Borecky said, “because most people don’t know about it.”

Borecky expressed hope that as the election approaches, members of the South Shore Women’s Alliance can begin connecting with different nonpartisan groups to see how they can get involved.

“Most of these groups are already

working on it,” Borecky said. “Now we’d like to help, and then we have action to take. It’ll be a coalition of all collations working together.”

On an agenda distributed to attendees, the alliance outlined some goals for outreach the group can take, including meeting with the civil liberties union, the League of Women Voters, New Yorkers for Equal Rights, LGBTQ groups

and Planned Parenthood. The alliance also wants to increase awareness of the proposition, by presenting it on lawn signs, fliers and facts sheets, as well as press releases, ahead of the November election.

The group cited the case of Amber Nicole Thurman — a 28-year-old woman from Georgia who died after a hospital was unable to perform necessary, lifesaving care following an abortion — as a reason why New Yorkers should support the amendment. Proposition 1 would ensure that women cannot be discriminated against based on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, and protect their access to reproductive health care by making sure that politicians can’t pass bans or restrict health care options.

“Turn the page, and vote ‘Yes’ on Proposition 1” is the message the alliance wants to get across. The proposition will be listed on the back of all ballots, meaning voters need to remember to flip it over to cast their decision.

Meeting attendees decided on responsibilities and plans of action, and the group has already begun to communicate with other organizations that support Proposition 1.

To stay up to date on the women’s alliance, and learn about the group’s plans, visit its Facebook page, South Shore Women’s Alliance at Facebook. com/SouthShoreWomensAlliance.

Curing a rare heart disorder with a short life expectancy.

Performing a life-changing brain surgery— without a single incision.

Helping a new mom give birth and receive a new liver.

At Northwell’s North Shore University Hospital, the nation’s most brilliant minds come here to conquer health care’s greatest challenges. So that whatever comes through our doors: challenge accepted.

North Shore University Hospital

Jordan Vallone/Herald

A somber day of community support

Bellmore-based Long Island Crisis Center holds annual suicide awareness walk on

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

The Bellmore-based Long Island Crisis Center held its annual suicide prevention walk on the Long Beach Boardwalk Sunday on Sep. 22, drawing out community members from all across the island. This year’s walk marked its 16th year of awareness.

It was probably our highest attended walk event we’ve ever had

TAwNI ENgEl Associate executive director, LICC

The event, which is known as “Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk ... Stepping Together to Prevent Suicide,” unites those impacted by suicide, and raises money so the crisis center can continue doing what it does best: remain a 24/7 center, that is there to help Long Islanders in times of need.

The Long Island Crisis Center is located in Bellmore, but Long Beach’s boardwalk has been the site of the walk for years. The event brings together countless families and individuals who have either been personally affected by suicide, or wish to see a world without it.

Each year, the center chooses a “person of the year” to honor at the walk for their commitment and effort. This year, it wasn’t just a person, but an entire foundation.

“We honored the Michael Diamond Foundation,” Associate Executive Director Tawni Engel said. “They gave out flowers and it was just such a beautiful thing to see everybody walking with the flowers.”

Michael Diamond, a long-time Long Beach resident, died in 2018. In honor of him, the Michael Diamond Foundation was formed, uniting the entire community, in his name. Since its inception, the foundation holds an annual golf outing and dinner fundraiser, and has raised well over $100,000.

L.B. boardwalk

The foundation supports numerous causes, but centers the majority of its support for suicide prevention, veterans, and scholarships for students and athletes in need. Money raised has gone to groups such as the Long Island Crisis Center, VFW Post 1384, the Long Beach Soup Kitchen, the Long Beach Christmas Angels, Toys for Tots, and helps pay for school costs of two students each year.

The foundation also presented the crisis center with a $7,500 donation before the walk.

“The day as a whole was amazing, it really was,” Engel said. “It was probably our highest attended walk event we’ve ever had in the 16 years.”

About 600 people walked, which Engel said was unprecedented. A lot of the people who came out, registered the day off. Only about 200 people there were pre registered, which shows how many people felt the need to walk and register that day.

The crisis center was founded in 1971, and offers a multitude of services to the many Long Island communities.

It operates several hotlines, including its generic crisis number, (516) 679-1111 and is the 988 for the Long Island region — which is the national suicide hotline number.

The crisis center also helps members of the LGBTQ community, through its subsidiary agency, PFY, which formerly stood for Pride For Youth. PFY, founded in 1993, is now known simply by its acronym.

As of press time, the crisis center has raised just under $80,000 from this

year’s fundraiser alone. People can still donate on the center’s website until Oct. 1. To donate or register for the walk, visit Wizathon.com/licc-walk. For more information on the crisis center, visit LongIslandCrisisCenter.org.

Skye Margies/Herald photos

The Long Beach boardwalk was packed with community members from across the island for the Long Island Crisis Center’s annual suicide awareness walk.

The Michael Diamond Foundation was selected as this year’s honoree. Board President Tom Niland, LICC Executive Director Theresa Buhse, Michael Costelloe, Board President Lisa Veglia, and Walter Fowler presented a donation to the LICC.

People gathered to show their support for the crisis center, its mission, and all those around them who have been impacted by suicide.

Christine Callahan, left, was one of the many in attendance to buy a T-shirt in support of the crisis center.

Students embrace creativity in all forms

Day is now celebrated in schools on or around Sept. 15.

Reinhard celebrated Dot Day the week of Sept. 16, and throughout the week, students participated in Dot Day activities in their art, library and music classes. Students were encouraged to wear clothing with dots or circles on it to school on Monday.

In art classes, led by teacher Michelle Block, students participated in a schoolwide project. Students created their own monochromatic dot using patterns and shapes in a variety of mediums. Each piece was essential to an overall picture, as the dots were displayed in the hallway in rainbow order.

Using a camera tool on Block’s desk that projected to a screen in class, students followed along with her instructions. The dots created were all one color — but different types of drawing equipment, like crayons, markers and highlighters, were used to fill in their patterns.

In their library classes, librarian Julie Amoroso read “The Dot’” aloud to students along with the Novel Effect app, a soundscape that responds to voice with interactive music and sound effects. The students also viewed an interview with KidLitTV, featuring Reynolds, and drew dot inspired art with the author in the video “Ready Set Draw-ish!”

dot.’

During their library classes, some students asked Amoroso to explain why they celebrate Dot Day.

“When Peter Reynolds, the author, wrote this book a long time ago, it became a smash hit,” she said. “People loved this book so much, because the real message of the book is that it is possible for every one of us to leave a mark on this world, and we can do it in such a small like — like a dot.”

Finally, in their music classes, led by teachers Kelly Brandstadter, Maria Martucci and Joanna Rocco, Reinhard’s musicians learned a Dot Day-themed

song.

The second graders, who are the oldest grade of students at Reinhard, also created musical compositions with colored dots. Each dot represented a different pitch in the pentatonic scale — a musical scale featuring five notes per octave — and performed the compositions with a tubular melodic instrument, a “Boom Whacker.”

The Joy of Living

Let us take a moment to remember that joy itself is a primary purpose of living.

“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”

— George Bernard Shaw

“Well, your greatest joy definitely comes from doing something for another, especially when it was done with no thought of something in return.”

— John Wooden

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”

— Leo Buscaglia

“A sense of humor...is needed armor. Joy in

one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.”

—Hugh Sidey

“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.”

— Kahlil Gibran

“The three factors that seem to have the greatest influence on increasing our happiness are our ability to reframe our situation more positively, our ability to experience gratitude, and our choice to be kind and generous.”

— Dalai Lama

“Things won are done, joy’s soul lies in the doing”

— William Shakespeare

“As selfishness and complaint pervert the mind, so love with its joy clears and sharpens the vision.”

— Helen Keller

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in the library, students listened to a reading of ‘the dot,’ led by librarian Julie amoroso. She used the novel effect app, a soundscape that responds to voice with interactive music and sound effects.

Boomwhackers are colorful, hollow, plastic percussion instruments that produce musical tones when struck against surfaces, like the hand, a leg or the floor. Each tube is tuned to a specific pitch based on its length, with shorter tubes producing higher pitches and longer tubes producing lower ones.

Students worked hard to fill in their dots in art classes, featuring a variety of patterns and art mediums.

According to a notice sent to parents ahead of Dot Day festivities, the event was designed to explore the themes of “creativity, bravery and self-expression.”

“‘The Dot’ is a story of a perceptive and caring teacher who reaches a reluctant students who thinks she can’t draw by encouraging her to brave enough to ‘just make a mark and see where it takes you,’” the notice went on to say.

Jordan Vallone/Herald photos dot day is celebrated in honor of peter H. reynolds’ popular children’s book, ‘the

Democrats allege misuse of taxpayer dollars

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Democratic leaders in the Nassau County legislature have filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging that the Sept. 18 campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Nassau County amounted to an illegal, unreported campaign contribution from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, using taxpayer money.

Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the minority caucus’s leader, was joined by Legislator Debra Mulé and Legislator Seth Koslow, both Democrats, at a news conference on Sept. 19. The complaint sent says that taxpayer-funded resources, totaling over $1 million, were put towards supporting the partisan political event.

“It has come to our attention, and it has been verified, that over a million dollars in overtime was spent yesterday,”

DeRiggi-Whitton said. “This is hard earned taxpayer money from Nassau County families. This includes items for things like hundreds of police that attended the rally, as well as other municipal employees, ranging from the Department of Public Works to the Parks Department.”

DeRiggi-Whitton said the democratic caucus fully supported the idea of keeping the former president safe. “That is absolutely not in question,” she said.

“(But) this is taking money away from other services we really could use.”

At a security briefing ahead of Wednesday’s rally, Blakeman told reporters that the county budgets for large events — such as the rally — to mitigate the potential financial stress it could place on county resources, like police.

“It’s part of our job,” he said. “We don’t discourage big events in Nassau

County — we want to encourage them.”

The Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, where the rally was held, was leased for the day by the Trump campaign. Rallygoers began gathering at 8 a.m. on Wednesday for what would turn into a 12-hourlong event, by the time the former president finished speaking. DeRiggi-Whitton also said the campaign should also be reimbursing the county for the cost of its

resources, and told reporters that the Nassau County GOP used the event as a fundraising and voter registration event.

According to a story published in the New York Times, which DeRiggi-Whitton referenced, Joseph Cairo, the GOP chairman in Nassau County, organized a highdollar fundraiser “on the sidelines” of the rally.

“It’s clear that this was not just a rally,” Koslow said. “This was a political exercise to try and get more money. If they’re bringing all of this money in, why shouldn’t they reimburse the county and the taxpayers, who are not all Republicans — obviously. Why should undecided voters, independent voters, Democratic voters or Republican voters, foot the bill for this rally. That is our concern.”

When asked about the allegations, Blakeman, in a written statement sent to the Herald, said “Nassau County provides security and safety to all public figures and public events regardless of party affiliation. I guess Democrat leaders really do want Trump killed, but it ain’t happening in Nassau County.”

DeRiggi-Whitton said Blakeman’s remarks were “very concerning.”

“I’ve been an elected official for 18 years,” she said. “We didn’t agree to this expense, and that’s why we’re here today, to state that we think we should be reimbursed. But to get so personal — with such horrible suggestions or thoughts — I’m shocked by it and I’m offended by it.”

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Legislator Seth Koslow, with Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, left, and Legislator

Debra Mulé, right, said the Democratic caucus filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging the misuse of taxpayer money to fund the Sept. 18 Trump rally at the Nassau Coliseum.

JOEY DIESSO

Massapequa Senior Football

A YEAR AFTER THROWING for 20 touchdowns and helping lead Massapequa to a perfect 12-0 season, Nassau Conference I and Long Island Class I titles, Diesso passed for a pair of scores in each of the first two games this fall. On Sept. 13, he had a near-perfect performance in a 38-13 victory over Freeport. He completed all but one of his 11 pass attempts for 135 yards as the Chiefs got into the win column for the first time in 2024.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Sept. 26

Boys Soccer: Hewlett at Lawrence 4:30 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Baldwin at V.S. Central 4:45 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Clarke at V.S. North 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 27

Boys Soccer: Wantagh at Clarke 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Wantagh at Plainedge 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Seaford at North Shore 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Farmingdale at Baldwin 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Malverne/East Rock at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Oceanside 6 p.m.

Football: Garden City at Hewlett 6 p.m.

Football: Seaford at Plainedge 6:30 p.m.

Football: Hicksville at Freeport 6:30 p.m.

Girls Volleyball: Freeport at Baldwin 6:30 p.m.

Football: South Side at V.S. North 7 p.m.

Football: North Shore at Malverne 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 28

Football: Calhoun at Mepham 11 a.m.

Football: Carey at Sewanhaka 3 p.m.

Football: Farmingdale at Massapequa 3 p.m.

Football: Hempstead at Oceanside 3 p.m.

Football: Uniondale at V.S. Central 3 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight

Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall 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.

HERALD SPORTS

Kennedy gritty in tight matches

By GARRETT D. URIBE sports@liherald.como

If a few more bounces had gone its way in this season’s early going, the Kennedy girls’ soccer team might well be sitting unbeaten through its first five games.

An even likelier scenario, though, would have seen the Cougars compiling four losses after winning at league foe Division in the opener. But for a gutsy second-half stand against rival Baldwin Sept. 13, this would have been the case for Kennedy (1-3-1 in Conference AAA/AA3).

Coming off a 3-2 loss at Carey in its second game Sept. 11, Kennedy – sporting just four returning starters from last year’s breakout 7-4-4 squad – sensed an early slide rearing its head as Baldwin held a 2-0 lead late. Junior Kristin Lichtenstein’s tally with 10 minutes left pared the Bruins’ lead to a goal as Kennedy’s defense, backed by first-year sophomore goalie Samantha Lapidus, kept Baldwin at bay.

With 52 seconds remaining, All-County center back Abigayle Finkelstein broke downfield on a feed from Cougars midfielder Lindsay Nashtatik and finished at the net with her second goal of the season, securing the tie, 2-2, for host Kennedy.

The Cougars’ staunch effort was no surprise to sixth-year coach Christine DeFillipo, whose club would see three of its first four games (all but the tie against Baldwin) decided by a single goal.

“We’ve talked in practice about how we really should have only one loss in those four games,” said DeFillipo, pointing to Kennedy’s two-goal

comeback to even the score against Carey, only to see the first-place Seahawks retort with 27 seconds left to ice the contest.

“Losing like that is hard,” DeFillipo said. “To then come back again, like we did the next game against Baldwin, and not let it get away, shows they wouldn’t let a loss define them. They went back to the drawing board, maintaining a strong mindset and a lot of positivity.”

Kennedy, thus far, has hardly had occasion to feel much negativity toward its defense, in particular. Led by Finkelstein and fellow senior Jolie Yablon, a fourth-year varsity outside back, Cougars defenders have conceded 10 goals in five games, ranking fourth in the conference in goals allowed average.

“[Defensive success] starts with Abby and Jolie, our senior veterans in the back” DeFillipo said. “They’re vocal but they always stay positive, and the girls will listen to them.”

All-Conference forward Hailie Siegler shares the team goal lead with Finkelstein (2), her first of the season the difference-maker for Kennedy against Division, while Nashtatik and forward Alanna Schechtman have a pair of assists apiece.

With Kennedy breaking in first-year starters in both the backfield and on its attack, DeFillipo stressed senior midfielders Elizabeth Kamelhar and Ellie Gelman have been linchpins in terms of operation. “They’re both huge for us,” DeFillipo said. “Everything goes through the middle and they’ve controlled that for us. Hugely important.”

“Last year we had 12

seniors, this year we have four,” added DeFillipo, whose club meets Division and Roslyn this week before its rematch with Carey Sept. 30 .

“But it’s hard to compare. We’re younger, but I think these girls are showing they can’t be overlooked. The way they’ve fought has shown that.

Derrick Dingle/Herald

Junior Kristin Lichtenstein, left, began the comeback against Baldwin Sept. 13, getting the Cougars on the board in an eventual 2-2 stalemate.

Mets’ Alvarez gives kids tips to remember

By ANTHONY DiCOCCO Special to the Herald

The energy was palpable as soon as the children began their infield and hitting drills, because in just moments, they would get the chance to learn from one of baseball’s rising stars.

Despite being in the thick of an intense playoff race, New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez volunteered 90 minutes of his time to coach dozens of lucky kids, ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade, at a free baseball clinic at the Lou Anthony Sports Complex in Massapequa on Sept. 5.

“This is awesome,” Rich Lopos, president of the Nassau County Police Activity League said. “This was something (Alvarez) called us about. He said, ‘I just want to come down and hang out with the kids for a little while,’ and these kids are loving it.”

Over the course of the clinic, kids decked out in Mets apparel rotated between stations that focused on the fundamentals of baseball, such as throwing, catching popups, running and infield work, before finally getting some hitting tips from Alvarez himself during tee drills. Following the clinic and a group photo, participants had the opportunity to pose for individual pictures with Alvarez and get his autograph.

Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez gave hitting pointers to the kids who attended the free baseball clinic at the Lou Anthony Sports Complex in Massapequa.

“This was really cool,” Brooklyn native Aiden Rodriguez, 11, said after the clinic run by the player he described as his idol. “I go to Mets games and meet a lot of players, and Alvarez is one of my favorite catchers in MLB. He made me want to be a catcher.”

Aiden’s brother, Austin, 8, said some of the key lessons Alvarez taught were to keep your eye on the ball and the ball on the barrel of your bat. And he taught the kids about the mental side of the game, as well. Throughout the clinic, he stressed the importance of putting all their mental energy into baseball and to always have fun while doing it.

As a young pro player who’s still learning what it takes to be a major leaguer, Alvarez said that the kids on the field were also teaching him valuable lessons.

“This definitely helps me relax,” he said. “I’m happier. I can see the kids smile, I see the kids’ emotion and I can see how hard they work here. It gives me a little more energy.”

The event was part of a stacked lineup of athlete-run clinics that has been made possible through a partnership between PAL and Pioneer Sports Long Island. Over the past year, Pioneer Sports, now its 14th year, has held clinics that featured former Rangers goalie Mike Richter, Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert, Mets third baseman Brett Baty and closer Edwin Diaz, and Yankees starting pitchers Nestor Cortes and Clarke Schmidt.

Tom Falcone, a co-founder of Pioneer Sports, helps facilitate all of the clinics.

“These kids are having a lifetime experience, and for me it’s a lifetime experience, too,” Falcone said. “Just to be able to have these guys come out here to the facility and give back to the community, we’re honored to do this.”

Anthony DiCocco is a reporter for the SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

Courtesy Anthony DiCocco

CRIME bRIEfS

James Ely arrested for robbing taxi driver

The Nassau County Police Department reported the arrest of a Baldwin man in connection with a robbery that occurred on Sept. 19 at 3:15 a.m. in East Meadow.

According to detectives, a 72-year-old male victim was working as a driver for Hub Taxi when he was dispatched to pick up a customer at Nassau County Medical Center.

Upon entering the victim’s vehicle, the defendant, James Ely, 23, of 2765 Park Ave., was informed of the fare, which was required prior to transport. Ely became irate and followed the vic -

tim after he exited the vehicle. He then allegedly poured an unknown liquid on the victim, punched him in the head and chest, and stole his cell phone.

Officers were called to the scene and located Ely hiding behind Mavis Discount Tires at 2250 Hempstead Turnpike. He was arrested without further incident.

Ely is charged with robbery in the third degree and was arraigned on Sept. 19 at First District Court in Hempstead.

Man arrested for assaulting police officer

A South Farmingdale man was arrested in East Meadow after allegedly assaulting a police officer during an incident at Nassau University Medical Center.

The arrest took place on Saturday, Sept. 14 at approximately 12:55 a.m.

According to detectives from the Third Squad, officers from the Third Precinct were called to the medical center, located at 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, to assist with a combative individual. Upon arrival, the officers encountered

Andrew Odonohue, 37, of 852 Main Street.

During the attempt to calm him down, Odonohue allegedly kicked and struck an officer in the face, causing substantial pain.

Officers were able to place Odonohue under arrest without further incident. He is now facing charges of seconddegree assault and will be arraigned when medically practical.

–Jordan Vallone

–Jordan Vallone

James ely

News brief

A one-car accident on Merrick Avenue claimed the life of its 17-year-old driver, Nassau police say. The car struck a tree on Sunday morning, around 2:20 a.m.

Deadly crash kills one on Merrick Avenue

The Nassau County Police Department is investigating a fatal vehicular accident that took place on Sunday, Sept. 22 around 2:20 a.m. on Merrick Avenue. Detectives report that a 17-year-old male was driving a 2021 Honda CRV southbound on Merrick Avenue when he collided with a tree.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

The name of the victim has not yet been released by police.

–Jordan Vallone

Courtesy John Scalesi

Steve Aoki fans ‘get caked’ at Eisenhower Park

Nassau County welcomed worldrenowned DJ Steve Aoki last weekend at its Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park — drawing a crowd of over 30,000 fans who came out for an energetic show that closed out the county’s summer concert series.

Aoki is a well-known music producer and entrepreneur — famous for his high-energy performances and crowd interaction. He’s known for throwing cakes into the audience, crowd-surfing on inflatable rafts, and delivering electric dance music sets. Aoki has released numerous studio albums, including “Neon Future” and “Kolony,” collaborating with artists from different genres. His style of music makes him a versatile figure in the EDM scene.

In addition to his music career, Aoki runs his own record label, Dim Mak,

which has launched the careers of several major artists. He’s also involved in philanthropic efforts, notably through the Aoki Foundation, which supports brain research and other charitable causes. Aoki’s concerts are usually packed with high-octane visuals, lights, and sounds that create a festival-like atmosphere.

“30,000 people came out last last night for Steve Aoki at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater in Eisenhower Park,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman wrote on his Facebook page.

“Thank you to our sponsor NYU Langone Health. And thank you to our law enforcement and first responders for keeping everyone who attended safe during the concert.”

–Jordan Vallone

Justine Stefanelli/Herald photos

Over 30,000 fans packed into the fields around the theatre to watch the free show, sponsored by NYU Langone Health.

Hunter Auyeung and Manny Auyeung waited for an opportunity to possibly be ‘caked’ by Aoki.

Aoki is known for throwing cakes into the crowd at his shows, and eager fans lined up to be hit by an epic shot.

Legendary DJ, music producer and entrepreneur Steve Aoki took to the stage in Eisenhower Park last week — entertaining a packed house at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.

STEPPING OUT

From the ‘burbs to the

big stage

Rockville Centre native explores roots in new musical

By Iris Wiener

Shaun Taylor-Corbett has enjoyed a unique journey from his upbringing in Rockville Centre to working in New York theater. After becoming a household face with a stint on the hit children’s TV show “Hi-5,” he went on to star in the acclaimed Off-Broadway musical “Altar Boyz” and eventually was part of the original cast of Lin Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights.” Working on that Tony-Award winning musical showed him the importance of exploring community through musical theater; it set the stage for his most personal project to date: ”Distant Thunder,” which runs Sept. 25 through Oct. 27 at A.R.T./New York Theatres. Taylor-Corbett not only co-wrote the book and lyrics for the new Off-Broadway musical, he also co-produced and stars in the production, which he credits with helping him learn about his own background. His mother, acclaimed dancer-choreographer and director Lynne Taylor-Corbett, directed and co-wrote. At age 15, Taylor-Corbett decided he wanted to know more about his family’s background. “It was important to me to know where we came from,” he says.

His roots are Black, Scandinavian, Blackfeet Indigenous, and Irish. Realizing he wanted to know more about his Indigenous side, Taylor-Corbett’s mother proceeded to bring her son to Browning, Mont. There he met Darrell Robes Kipp, an educator and community leader responsible for saving the Blackfeet language.

“He really instilled in me the importance of language for a culture,” says Taylor-Corbett. “It was very impactful for me and it made me want to create a story about my experience being mixed race.”

“Distant Thunder”evolved into a story about a young person who returns to his roots after many years of being away. It goes on to explore the various ways in which he experiences community.

Taylor-Corbett’s first memory as a performer was recording himself singing to Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl.” He moved to Rockville Centre when he was 8-years-old, where he attended South Side Middle School and South Side High School. It was at South Side Middle School that he took on one of his first theatrical roles: Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof.” Looking back he appreciates having had a unique childhood growing up with his father [Columbia Records music executive Michael Corbett] and his mother.

Much of ‘Distant Thunder’ was inspired by Taylor-Corbett’s experience growing up mixed race. “I didn’t quite know where I fit in, so I was open and friendly with everybody,” he says. “There were some instances where I felt like an outsider and got made fun of, but I think what I got from being mixed and hanging out with people from different cultural identities is that I fell in love with learning about cultures.”

Taylor-Corbett travels frequently and studies international relations.“As one aspect of my identity — being Indigenous — got stronger, I realized I could take all of what I learned and try to do something in the U.S. I wanted to help the people that gave me so much.”

Taylor-Corbett still spends time in Rockville Centre with his mother in his childhood home. One of his favorite aspects of working on “Distant Thunder” has been collaborating with mom.

“I value having time with her and going through this adventure,” he says. “We’ve grown so much together as friends because of this. There’s a deeper meaning, and drive we have together because I was a kid when we started [this journey]. We don’t have that much time with our parents, so holding onto every moment doing this with her is a joy.”

He also appreciates the wealth of experience that Lynne brings to the project; the multi-talented ‘Broadway legend’ is known for her choreography of Broadway’s “Swing!” and the film “Footloose,” as well her direction and writing for “Cougar the Musical,” among other projects.

“I’m learning so much from her,” he says. “She passed on that legacy to me. I see myself growing in confidence because of her.”

Taylor-Corbett is proud that “Distant Thunder” honors the Blackfeet community that he holds close to his heart. He had never seen an Indigenous Broadway or Off-Broadway musical, and imagined how incredible it would be to have a large cast representing the Blackfeet and Indigenous communities performing an Indigenous story through powwow and pop music. Adding it to the American theater canon would break through barriers.

“We wanted to have the show be a portal into another world, into the magic that is Indian country,” he says, as he looks forward to opening night on Oct. 3. “I want people to leave the show uplifted and joyful about the future. I’m hoping that everyone feels represented, that people feel proud of what we’ve done, and that it inspires people who might be on a similar journey as they write their own stories.”

Tickets for ‘Distant Thunder’ can be purchased online at amasmusical.org or by calling (212) 563-2565.

Jessie’s Girl

Take out that neon yet again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those crazy days are back — as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off, on the Paramount stage, The band of NYC’s top rock/pop musicians and singers gets everyone into that “Back To The Eighties” vibe with the latest edition of their popular concert experience. With a lineup including four pop-rock vocalists dressing and performing as ‘80s icons, backed by a dynamic band, this is the definitive ‘80s experience. Jessie’s Girl has mastered overthe-top renditions of the some of world’s most unforgettable songs, all while dressed up as the iconic characters of that decade. This is theater meets live music, covered in ‘80s glitz. Some would say there’s no decade like the ‘80. So throw on your best neon, use extra hair spray on that hair and head to Back To The Eighties — because it’s time to party like it’s 1989.

Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 p.m. $45, $37.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Celebrity Autobiography

The Drama Desk Award-winning “Celebrity Autobiography” returns to Tilles Center with an entirely new show. Starring Richard Kind, pictured above (fresh off his comic turn in that Hulu sensation “Only Murders in the Building”), Jackie Hoffman, Craig Bierko, Lillias White, Mario Cantone, and show creators Eugene Pack and Dayle Reyfel, an ever-changing selection of tellalls and memoirs are performed verbatim. Celebrity tell-alls are perfectly entertaining on their own, as exclusive windows into the lives of famous personalities. But this smash-hit comedic masterpiece takes it a step further — as as outrageously true memoirs are acted out live on stage by some of the funniest people around.

Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Photo courtesy Michael Lee Stever

The cast rehearses “Distant Thunder” ahead of previews beginning Sept. 25.

Photo courtesy Caroline Grogan Shaun Taylor-Corbett with his co-writer, director and mother, Lynne Taylor Corbett.

Everclear

Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the ‘90s, led by vocalistguitarist-founder Art Alexakis, is back on the road, appearing on the Paramount stage, Sunday, oct. 6, 7 p.m. The band is joined by special guests Marcy Playground and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack. The setlist for this tour includes all the hits from throughout Everclear’s extraordinary three decades-long catalog, spotlighting tracks off their album “Songs From An American Movie Vol. One,” which they’ll release on vinyl later this year for the first time via Intervention Records.

Since forming in 1992, Everclear has enjoyed a lengthy career by any measure, spanning 11 studio releases, including four that have been certified Gold or Platinum, selling over 6 million records, and achieving 12 Top 40 Hit Singles on Mainstream Rock, Alternative, and Adult Top 40 radio, including “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” “I Will Buy You A New Life,” “Wonderful” and “Everything To Everyone,” as well as numerous videos, concerts, and various other accolades, including a 1998 Grammy nomination. The band’s 1993 debut album “World Of Noise,” released on the Portland independent label Tim/Kerr Records, paired with their significant efforts to break into college radio and the buzz they’d created within the Portland music scene, attracted the attention of major labels, including Capitol Records, which signed the group soon after. Beginning with their major-label debut, 1995’s platinum-selling album “Sparkle and Fade,” and its massive chart-topping hit “Santa Monica,” Everclear was soon a household name and catapulted into the masses. Alexakis was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2019; he’s since donated $1 from every ticket purchased from his performances to charities such as Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and National MS Society. In addition their numerous concerts over the band’s lengthy career, Alexakis created and runs the annual Summerland Tour, which features a package of popular ‘90s alt rock bands. $70.50, $50.50, $050, $25.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Fascinating Fungi

Bring the kids to make some discoveries about mushrooms at Long Island Children’s Museum’s drop-in program, Sunday, Sept. 29, 1-3 p.m. Did you know that some mushrooms can glow in the dark? Learn about the 113 species of mushroom that are considered bioluminescent, due to a chemical reaction that attracts bugs to help spread mushroom spores.

Stop by to learn about these amazing fungi and make a glowing mushroom craft to bring home. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Hempstead House tour

Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Wednesday, oct. 9, noon-1 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudorstyle 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.

2

Chamber Board meeting

The Board of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores will meet on Wednesday, oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. A location is still to be determined. For more information, and to learn more about the chamber, visit BellmoreChamber.org.

Touch a Truck

Experience what it is like to be a firefighter at Bellmore Memorial Library, Saturday, oct. 5, at 11 a.m., during a Touch A Truck presentation. Children will learn about fire safety and explore vehicles up close. Registration required. 2288 Bedford Ave. Visit BellmoreLibrary.org for more information.

Friday Night Car Show

The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores holds its Friday Night Car Show, through oct. 4, at the Bellmore LIRR parking lot. Show opens at 6 p.m., closes at 10 p.m. Free for all spectators; admission for cars is $5. For more, visit BellmoreChamber.com.

Spooky Fest is back

A Halloween experience not to be missed, Spooky Fest is an outdoor adventure perfect for families, whether you want to be scared — or prefer seasonal fun of the non-scary kind. Join in the fun at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. Along the way in the updated and beautifully lit up, Enchanted Walk you will see dinosaurs, aliens and friendly witches, costumed characters and more, including the Mystical Garden. Get your fortune told, make a craft and dance with the Halloween DJ, along with face painting and the Amazing Glow tent. For those who want a scare, venture into the Haunted Woods, where zombies and dinosaurs hang out.. Admission starts at $22. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit CSTL.org for call (516) 7640045 for more information.

Bellmore Festival

The widely popular Bellmore Family Street Festival returns to Bedford and Pettit Avenues, Broadway and in the LIRR lots, Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 26-29. With crafters, vendors, live music, food, entertainment and carnival rides. The carnival is open 6-10 p.m., Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday. Street festival is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Visit BellmoreChamber.com. for more.

Alzheimer’s Walk in the Park

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America hosts its annual Walk in the Park fundraiser, at Eisenhower Park, Saturday, Sept. 28. The walk kicks off with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. at the park’s Field 6. Those who raise $100 or more will have an opportunity to meet retired baseball player Dwight Gooden, who’s joining the walk’s efforts as an ambassador. For more information, visit ALZFdn.org/ walk.

Having an event?

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program returns for a new season, Saturday, Sept. 28, 9, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.

Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.

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

“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition spans various world cultures through a range of media.

It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

On stage

Adelphi University’s Theatre Department present two one-act plays from icons of the American Little Theater movement, of the early 20th century, now through Sunday, Sept. 29. See “Suppressed Desires” by Susan Glaspell and “George Cram Cook and Seaweed” by Alice Gerstenberg, Sept. 26-27, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 28, 2 and 7:30 p.m. (livestream available); Sept. 29, 2 p.m. Gerstenberg’s Seaweed explores the future prospects and dating escapades of 20somethings in the 1920s. It’s “Sex and the City” but only four years after women received the right to vote. Suppressed Desires brings the audience into a 1914 marriage where a husband, wife, and her sister interrogate the psychological meaning of every conscious and unconscious utterance. All shows take place in Adelphi’s Performing Art Center’s Black Box Theatre. $25, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

COMMUNITY with

Trump is welcomed to L.I. by a sea of red

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ & KELSIE RADZISKI of the Herald

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, vowed to the crowd at his rally on Sept. 18 at the Nassau Coliseum that he would win the vote in the state of New York in November’s election.

“It hasn’t been done in a long time,” Trump, referring to a decades-long losing streak of Republican presidential candidates in the state, “but we are going to win New York.”

Trump spoke for nearly 90 minutes at his first rally on Long Island since 2017, cheered by a sea of supporters wearing Make America Great Again hats and T-shirts and waving MAGA flags, thousands of them gathered outside the packed arena, watching on television monitors.

He denounced his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, and her policies, which he said would make New York “a Third World nation” if she were to win.

Trump highlighted Long Island issues and events, paying tribute to New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller, of Massapequa, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Queens in March. The former president noted the 2016 slaying of Long Island teenagers Nisa Mickens and Kayla Cuevas, and the influx of MS-13 gang members.

“Our country’s going down,” he said. “If you look at what’s happening with the Venezuelans taking over … They’ve taken over your buildings and your land. You got to do something about it.

“That wouldn’t happen with Bruce Blakeman, I can tell you that right now,” Trump added, referring to the Republican Nassau county executive, which sparked chats of “Bruce!” from the

crowd.

This was Trump’s first rally since a second assassination attempt was reported at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15. He credited the U.S. Secret Service for stopping the attempt.

He vowed to rebuild the subways, highways and bridges in New York and across the country. He promised to reinstate the income tax deduction for state and local taxes, which his administration backed legislation to cap during his presidency. He also announced that he would make the World Trade Center site, in Lower Manhattan, a national monument maintained by the federal government — a pronouncement that was met with an enthusiastic ovation.

“That hallowed ground and the memory of those who perished there will be preserved for all time,” he said, just a week after the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Trump also addressed global affairs. “I will settle the war in Ukraine,” he said. “I got along very well with Putin,” he said, referring to Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, “and I will end the chaos in the Middle East. A vote for Kamala Harris is a vote to obliterate Israel.”

Hours before the rally, County Legislator Carrié Solages, a Democrat, condemned statements made by Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, about Haitian migrants eating residents’ pets in Springfield, Ohio, at a counterprotest with Haitians from Long Island outside the Coliseum entrance.

County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs held a protest with elected officials hours before Solages’.

Before Trump took to the stage, others expressed their support for his campaign, including Republican U.S. Representatives Anthony D’Esposito and Nick LaLota, who represent the 4th and 2nd

congressional districts, respectively. The pair are being challenged by former Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen and John Avalon in closely watched contests in November that could determine the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

In an impassioned speech, D’Esposito denounced Harris, described the Democratic Party as “dangerous” and emphasized that he “stand(s) for what Donald Trump believes in.”

“I stand for a secure border, I stand for backing law enforcement, I stand for growing our economy, I stand for putting America first,” D’Esposito said.

The Republican nominee in the 3rd Congressional District, Mike LiPetri, who hopes to flip Rep. Tom Suozzi’s seat, said he was proud to endorse Trump and his goals for his presidency.

“This is our time to restore common sense, to create safe, secure and affordable communities …,” LiPetri said, “making sure we have secure borders, a safe America, making sure we have peace across the world, making sure we’re standing with the Jewish community, and making sure we stand with Israel.”

Blakeman spoke of his priority to keep the county safe, after Nassau was recently named the safest county in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

“Nassau County protects the integrity and safety of women’s sports, and Nassau County unmasked the criminals, antisemites and hate mongers,” he said.

Blakeman called for Trump’s election in November so the country could “get back to common sense.”

“Let’s save our country, and let it start right here,” he said. “Let it start on Long Island, and go throughout the whole state of New York and the state of New Jersey and roll across America.”

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Former President Donald Trump held a rally at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale on Sept. 18, and vowed to win the state of New York in the November election.

Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani was among those who enthusiastically supported the former president.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman spoke about his priority to keep the county safe.

Rally reflects Nassau’s deep political divide

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

The Nassau Coliseum parking lot was filled with vehicles displaying flags, banners and homemade posters before former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally last week. Attendees, eager to show their allegiance, dressed in MAGA hats, shirts and red, white and blue outfits, while chants of “Trump, Trump, Trump!” erupted sporadically.

For his supporters, Trump remains the best candidate to fix the nation’s economic problems and take a stand against traditional politicians. Tommy Mundy, a Trump impersonator from Long Beach, praised the former president’s record.

“He’s a great man,” Mundy said. “He’s been right on everything all along.”

Mundy also dismissed concerns about Trump’s divisive stance on social issues, including abortion.

“Politicians are wicked and evil, and he’s not a politician,” Mundy said. “I’m not too concerned about the abortion issue — let God take care of that. We’re going to do great things, and the economy’s going to get turned around.”

Edward Sass, of North Babylon, also voiced his dissatisfaction with career politicians, a common theme among the attendees. Sass said he sees Trump as a non-politician who speaks plainly and delivers results.

“You get a lot of these politicians saying, ‘We’re going to do this; we’re going to do that.’ They should have done it already,” Sass said. “Three and a half

years, and they haven’t done anything.”

Sass criticized what he described as Vice President Kamala Harris’s vague promises, as well as the growing population on Long Island.

“We’re Long Island, we’re an island, we’ve got too many people in a boat,” he said, suggesting that the region’s infra-

structure is being overwhelmed by unchecked development and population growth.

Outside the Coliseum, anti-Trump protests reflected the sharp divisions among voters. Protesters gathered just beyond the gates, holding signs and chanting, “We’re not going back,” sum-

ming up their opposition to the former president.

Ann Leahy, from Wantagh, was among them. “He’s a crook, and he’s a liar, and he’s a rapist,” she said of Trump. “He’s cruel and he’s just a horrible person. He should never get near the White House again.”

Leahy expressed disbelief at the continuing support for Trump. “He was there for four years, and he was a horror then,” she said. “He has no policies. He just repeats the same stuff over and over again, and people are falling for it. I don’t understand why people would even dream about voting for this lunatic.”

Another one of the protesters was Magalie Theodore, a Haitian immigrant from Elmont, who expressed deep frustration with Trump’s disproven claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing and eating residents’ pets.

“We are mad at Trump for the lies he has made about us,” Theodore said. “We don’t eat pets. We protect pets. As a citizen from Haiti, our country is a protector. We are the first Black republic. We don’t support bullies, and that’s what he’s been doing to immigrants.”

Theodore also criticized Trump’s approach to campaigning, accusing him of attacking ethnic groups to distract from his legal troubles. She also expressed disappointment in local leaders like Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for supporting Trump.

“I thought he was going to look out for all people, but apparently, he’s not,” Theodore said of Blakeman. “He’s supporting the biggest bully in America.”

Roksana Amid/Herald photos

Magalie Theodore and Magda Guillaune defiantly made clear their oppostion to former President Trump at last week’s rally. “We don’t support bullies,” Theodore said.

Edward Sass, of North Babylon, was eager to show his support for Donald Trump.

26,

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Bare Hair Removal, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 06/04/24. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: Dana Schimmenti 784 Cypress Drive Franklin Square, NY 11010 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 148604

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS-SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAU - PROVIDENT FUNDING ASSOCIATES, L.P., Plaintiff, -againstDAWN P. SEARS, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF NOELLA B. ASHWORTH; SHARI A. SHWORTH-WENZ, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF NOELLA B. ASHWORTH; KENNETH ASHWORTH, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF NOELLA B. ASHWORTH; ANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF NOELLA B. ASHWORTH; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #10,” said names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, intended to be possible tenants or occupants of the premises, or corporations, persons, or other entities having or claiming a lien upon the mortgaged premises, DefendantsIndex No.: 609874/2023 Plaintiff Designates Nassau County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Nassau County. To the above named Defendants-YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of

your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated May 31, 2024. NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME - If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (PROVIDENT FUNDING ASSOCIATES, L.P.) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Jeffrey A. Goodstein, A.J.S.C. Dated: May 31, 2024 Filed: June 26, 2024. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 2765 Marion Street, Bellmore, NY 11710. Dated: November 20, 2023 Filed: August 22, 2024. Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Raspreet Bhatia, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 P: (212) 524-5000 F: (212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954) 343-6982 148768

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU Cascade Funding RMI Acquisitions Grantor Trust, Plaintiff v. Richard W. Ross a/k/a Richard Warren Ross as Executor of the Estate of Evelyn Ross, deceased, et al., Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale (the “Judgment”) entered on January 19, 2023. I, the undersigned Referee will sell in one parcel at public auction to be held at the North Side steps of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York on October 17, 2024 at 2:00p.m., the premises described by said Judgment to be sold and therein described as follows: ALL that certain

plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected situate, lying and being at Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Lots No. 58 in Block 284 on a certain map entitled, “Map of Ocean Village Section No. 8, situated at Bellmore, Nassau County, New York, surveyed August, 1959 Baldwin & Cornelius Co., Civil Engineers and Surveyors, Freeport, N.Y.”, and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau May 9, 1962 as Map No. 7580. Said Premises known as 3142 Shore Road, Bellmore, New York 11710.

(Section 63 Block 284 Lot 58)

Approximate amount of lien $2,301,533.06, plus interest and Plaintiff’s advances, costs and expenses, all due as per the Judgment. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the Judgment and terms of sale.

Index No.: 000119/2014; Tony L. D’Anzica, Esq., Referee Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP

Robert J. Malatak, Esq. Attorney(s) for Plaintiff Cascade Funding RMI Acquisitions Grantor Trust 156 West 56th Street New York, New York 10019 Tel: (212) 237-1000 149060

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff AGAINST SHAWN WHALEN, JANET WHALEN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 7, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 22, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 402 Marle Place, 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 and State of New York, Section 56, Block 351, Lot 87-89. Approximate amount of judgment $417,139.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600417/2020. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the

NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-007424 82376 148980

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NORTH BELLMORE FIRE DISTRICT ANNUAL BUDGET FOR 2024

WHEREAS, on the 9th day of September 2024, pursuant to Sections 105 and 181 of the Town Law, the Board of Fire Commissioners of the North Bellmore Fire District confirmed that the Annual Fire District Budget Hearing will be conducted with reference to the Annual Fire District Budget for fiscal year 2025 on Monday October 14, 2024 commencing at 6:00 p.m. at the Fire District Office located at 1500 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore, New York and WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners is required to adopt a proposed budget at least 21 days before October 14, 2024 so that it is available for inspection prior to the budget hearing.

NOW, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the North Bellmore Fire District has adopted a proposed Annual Fire District Budget for 2025 as of this date for purposes of discussion and review at the Budget Hearing to be held on October 14, 2024 and a copy of the proposed budget is available at the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead and at the office of the North Bellmore Fire District at 1500 Newbridge Rd, North Bellmore, NY where it may be inspected by any interested person during normal business hours. In addition, copies of the proposed budget will be available for those in attendance on the night of said hearing.

NOW, therefore, BE IT

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the North Bellmore Fire District will hold the Annual Fire District Budget Hearing to be conducted with reference to the Annual Fire District Budget for fiscal year 2025 on Monday October

D’Esposito may face ethics probe over hirings

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

U.S. Representative Anthony D’Esposito may have violated ethics rules in Congress, designed to combat nepotism and corruption, according to a story published by the New York Times on Sept. 23.

Shortly after taking the oath of office in 2023, D’Esposito hired his longtime fiancé’s daughter to work as a special assistant in his district office, where she earned $3,800 a month, according to payroll records. In April, D’Esposito hired an alleged mistress, Devin Faas, who earned $2,000 a month for a parttime job in the same district office. Payments to both women stopped in July 2023, the Times reported.

sor, I fought against corruption, nepotism and waste to help all Nassau County families, and I’ll bring that same common sense, ethical leadership to Congress. Together we can clean up the deep-seated corruption that clearly surrounds Anthony D’Esposito and restore transparency and accountability to New York’s Fourth Congressional District.”

D’Esposito has not been accused of wrongdoing, but the employment of both women, which resulted in a payment of about $29,000 in taxpayer funds, could lead to disciplinary actions in the House of Representatives, according to the Times.

The allegations against D’Esposito come about 6-weeks ahead of Election Day. D’Esposito is being challenged by Democrat Laura Gillen, who he defeated two years ago. Early voting starts on Oct. 26. Election Day is Nov. 5.

“These are very serious allegations that demand further investigation and it’s clear that Anthony D’Esposito has abused his power in every position of trust he’s ever held,” Gillen said in a statement released by her press team on Tuesday. “As Hempstead Town Supervi-

According to the House’s Code of Official Conduct, “a member, delegate or resident commissioner may not retain the relative of such individual in a paid position, and an employee of the House may not accept compensation for work for a committee on which the relative of such employees serves as a member. The House defines “relative” as someone related to the member, delegate or resident commissioner, including a parent, child, sibling, parent’s sibling, first cousin, sibling’s child, spouse, parent-in-law, child-in-law, sibling-in-law, stepparent, stepchild, stepsibling, halfsibling, or grandchild.

According to the Times, Matt Capp, a spokesperson for D’Esposito, did not deny that the congressman had a relationship with Faas, but declined to comment on the employment of either women.

In a statement shared with News12, D’Esposito said “My personal life has never interfered with my ability to deliver results for New York’s fourth district, and I have upheld the highest ethical standards of personal conduct.

“Voters deserve better than the Times’ gutter politics,” he added.

Public Notices

14, 2024 commencing at 6:00 p.m. at the Fire District Office located at 1500 Newbridge Rd, North Bellmore, NY . NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the aforementioned budget will be presented to the residents and taxpayers of the North Bellmore Fire District and to the Board of Fire Commissioners of the North Bellmore Fire District, for their respective consideration at this public hearing and for the purpose of considering the said resolution and hearing all persons interested in the subject concerning same on Monday October 14, 2024 commencing at 6:00 p.m. at the Fire District Office located at 1500 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore, NY . Dated: September 10, 2024 North Bellmore NY Board of Fire

Commissioners North Bellmore Fire District Town of Hempstead ATTEST: George V. Kern Superintendent 149151

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I LLC, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AQ2, Plaintiff AGAINST NEIL ASTROW,

ANDREW J. WEILAND, MD, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 9, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 29, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 915 Iris 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 North Bellmore, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 529, Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment $834,093.39 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index

#007647/2016. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 16-003740 82323 149116

ANthONy D’EspOsitO

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‘We did everything right, or so we thought’

Q. We are trying to understand why we did everything right, or so we thought, and now have to start over with getting a permit and inspections so we can move on. First, we thought the whole construction process was over a year ago, but now find that we got an ultimatum, in the form of a notice that we will get a summons to appear in court if we don’t respond, and the inspector said that the plans we have are no longer good. We read your column about this and it created even more questions, like: What if we just drop it and don’t respond, and why do we have to make new plans? We did make some changes, but isn’t that normal? We wanted to get it right, and the changes were hardly noticeable to anyone else. What do you think we should do?

A.Do something, as opposed to doing nothing. If you do nothing, you may get the summons to appear in court, and after the appearance, you more likely will receive a judgment in addition to a fine, plus an order to still follow through or receive more fines and judgments. The timing of all of this is up to your building inspector and your building department as to the amount of time that will pass before any of this happens. I have clients who have done nothing for 20 years, and several who sold their property to unsuspecting buyers who still have to follow through, someday.

The fine may be affordable, but it’s still a fine. The judgment either forces you to comply or appeal. An appeal can cost as much or more in legal and court fees than just complying.

The only cases in which there were serious legal consequences that I have any experiences with both ended badly. Both involved much more serious problems, with building violations of a dangerous condition, and both ended with the building being condemned and bulldozed. Each was seriously structurally deficient and had multiple code violations. While your situation may not be like these, you should consult an attorney about your options, since resisting compliance changes from a building permit to a legal matter.

In most jurisdictions, when you make changes to the house that no longer match the plans, the building department may only ask for a letter from the design professional, as I recently mentioned in an earlier column. That would be a lie if you made so many changes or the changes were significant. I’ve often dealt with situations in which the owner and contractor made changes that moved the load-bearing walls off of the structural load path, and now the second floor is bowing. That type of change is significant, and could lead to irritating cracking that will not go away no matter how many times repairs are made.

Changes without communication are a bad idea. Your officials are trying, indirectly, to confirm safety and code compliance. Good luck!

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After

all the drama, it’s a dead heat

It seems as if barely a week goes by in the presidential campaign without one more otherwise once-in-adecade, totally unexpected event occurring.

Almost relegated to the background in all this tumult are the multitude of criminal charges brought against Donald Trump, including 34 felony convictions in one case alone, which have only increased his favorability ratings to their highest level ever.

For starters, there was the Biden-Trump CNN debate fiasco in late June, in which President Biden virtually self-destructed in real time before a nationwide audience. At times incoherent and appearing hopelessly confused, Biden had no sooner left the debate stage than Democratic Party leaders, consultants and media types displayed their own levels of incoherence in expressing their shock and dismay over how poorly Biden had performed and their fear of his impending defeat in November, especially contrasted with Trump’s relatively effective performance. Biden insisted he was going for-

ward, and conducted a media tour to rescue his terminally wounded candidacy.

While all this was taking place, Trump barely escaped death in Butler, Pennsylvania, when an attempted assassin’s bullet missed his skull by an inch, clipping his right ear and resulting in the iconic photo of his bloody defiance. Then there was the Republican Convention in Milwaukee, which, except for an overly long acceptance speech by Trump, worked to perfection. Trump’s path to victory seemed clear.

TThen, out of nowhere on a Sunday afternoon, Biden announced that he would not run for re-election. Though he had won the overwhelming majority of delegates to the impending Democratic National Convention, he couldn’t withstand the coordinated move against him from all sides of the Democratic Party, from the actor George Clooney to party leaders Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. Almost simultaneously with his withdrawal statement, Biden announced his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. Though her favorability numbers had been lower than Biden’s, she unexpectedly surged into a dead heat with Trump. This was followed by a

Bigotry

With precious weeks to go before the November election, I had hoped that we would be having a real debate about the issues that should dominate in a federal election year. I refer to such things as election integrity, a woman’s right to choose, the economy and other relevant subjects in such a crucial year. But instead, it seems that for some of the candidates, the only issue is race.

When Vice President Kamala Harris became the nominee of the Democratic Party, I understood that her mixed-race history would be a boon to some bigots who considered her selection a chance to vent against all people of color. And with every passing day, we hear about some politician openly venting about her color. The chief culprit has been former President Donald Trump, who seizes every opportunity he can to stoke the culture wars.

carefully choreographed Democratic Convention in Chicago, at which Harris appeared to make headway by repositioning herself as a moderate, not the progressive she had always been.

rump can’t just criticize current policies, and Harris can’t just say she’s not Joe Biden.

Seemingly caught off guard by Harris’s emergence, Trump made a number of unforced errors, including saying he hadn’t known until recently that Harris was black. He was clearly off his game. Polls showed Harris with a slight but growing edge. This was followed by their debate, in which Harris was acknowledged to be the victor.

Yet in another surprise development, the postdebate polls not only showed almost no real gain by Harris, but also found increased voter doubts about her on gut issues like immigration and the economy. It was now a horse race, and both sides were gearing up for the stretch run.

Then again came the unexpected: another assassination attempt against Trump, this time while he was playing the fifth hole of his Mar-a-Lago golf course. For days the media focused on this almost-tragedy. How did the Secret Service allow the would-be assassin to get so close to Trump so soon after the attempt in Butler in July? How much

did incendiary rhetoric contribute to this political violence?

This tumultuous, unprecedented 2024 campaign is now in its final six weeks, and is back where it started in earnest almost a year ago. Despite all that has happened along the way, the polls show the race is too close to call. Hopefully the candidates and voters will use the time between now and Nov. 5 to focus on the issues.

Real people are hurt by high prices for groceries. It’s difficult for young people to obtain a mortgage to buy a home. Crime is real, and repeat offenders are back on the streets. Illegal immigration is rampant, and attacks by criminal gangs are increasing.

Overseas, Israel is fighting for its survival. The Russia-Ukraine war rages unabated, while China continues to expand its military and threaten its neighbors, particularly Taiwan and the Philippines.

Trump must do more than criticize current policies, and detail what measures he would take. Harris must do more than just say that she’s not Joe Biden. And all of us must live up to the responsibilities and challenges of living in a democracy.

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

must not dominate this election

One of his first shots in the current hate debate was his questioning of Harris’s race. At one of his campaign rallies, he asked if she really was Black. Eventually, when Trump found that this diatribe wasn’t catching on with his voters, he moved on to other highly sensitive racial areas.

TKeep in mind that he has often played the race card. One of his most memorable racist comments concerned the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Despite his continuous denials, there were multiple press stories that quoted him as saying there were “very fine people, on both sides.”

Their most recent target was the Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. It’s a fact that various groups that cross the border often seek to settle in places that other immigrants have chosen as their home.

he governor of Ohio and the mayor of Springfield have denied vile claims.

In order to keep the racial flames burning, both Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, have made immigration the focal point of their campaign. There is no doubt that the border issue has legitimacy, but the TrumpVance approach is to stoke the racial fires with claims that mental patients and convicts are invading the country. Neither man has come up with any proof that these claims are legitimate.

The Haitians in Springfield are in this country as part of a program that allows immigrants to seek asylum based on violence in their countries. That program was created by President Ronald Reagan, and has been honored by all subsequent presidents, with the exception of Trump. This same program allows in residents of Ukraine and Venezuela, whose countries are experiencing great turmoil. Trump and Vance continue to spread the lie that members of Springfield’s Haitian community are stealing people’s pets and eating them. Their claims have caused massive angst in that city, where schools and municipal activities have shut down. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, the mayor of Springfield and other city officials have vehemently denied that such activities have taken place, but the Trump-Vance meanness continues unabated. There is no doubt that Spring-

field is dealing with an influx of Haitians who are trying to find work there, but the false rumors continue.

Adding to the venom were remarks Vance made on the Sunday talk shows on Sept. 15. He was challenged for continuing to assert the false pet-eating claims. “If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what I’m going to do,” he told Dana Bash on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

The latest attempt to assassinate Trump should have resulted in his toning down the incendiary talk coming from him and his campaign team. But after a soft comment expressing his appreciation for the public’s support, he claimed that the Democrats were responsible for the assassination attempts “with their ugly rhetoric about me.” That kind of response can only bring about more toxic threats at a time when calm should be the byword.

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.

HERALD

OHeraLd editoriaL

Deadly Wild West in our backyard

ne year ago, the Herald published the editorial below, about a spate of reckless driving on the Southern State Parkway. Unfortunately, in light of the devastating news that a number of Long Island teens have lost their lives in several recent crashes, we are once again somberly reminded that reckless drivers put at risk not only their own lives, but also the lives of others. We recommend that local municipalities and law enforcement agencies schedule town halls to discuss how best to stem the tide of reckless driving on Long Island — from speeding to texting, and everything in between, whether on a parkway or a local street. In the meantime, we reprint our editorial from the Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2023, issue.

Drive a mere exit or two on any of Long Island’s main thoroughfares and you are sure to see at least one roadside shrine remembering the victim of a fatal car crash.

These memorials — already too commonplace — will only become more ubiquitous if nothing is done to stem the rising tide of dangerous drivers on these roads. In fact, just last week, sadly, Peninsula Boulevard was the site of two

Letters

The utilities thrive on environment-damaging fossil fuels

To the Editor:

As the country and the rest of the world have experienced another year of scorching heat waves, private, for-profit utility companies — which we rely on for our basic necessities, like heating, cooling and electricity — are keeping us reliant on climate-wrecking fossil fuels while reporting record profits. When they work well, utilities exist in the background of our lives: They power our homes, cool us down when it’s hot, and give us heat when it’s cold. But too often they are sources of aggravation: The power goes off when it’s dangerously hot or cold out, our bills skyrocket, and these for-profit companies threaten to shut off services when we’re unable to pay.

We know that climate change raises those stakes even higher, and utility companies themselves play a massive role in exacerbating the climate crisis: 80 percent of the electric utilities in the U.S. run on fossil fuels.

Shifting utilities to clean energy is integral to working toward a safer climate, but these companies would rather maintain the status quo and keep the public in the dark.

separate fatal accidents. On the same day.

We have all seen the tricked-out cars and motorcycles that zig and zag through traffic — exceeding the speed limit in spades — with no concern about repercussions from law enforcement or consequences for the lives of others.

That sickening feeling you get when your heart skips a beat, and you thank heaven to be alive, because yet another vehicle comes out of nowhere at 100 mph to cut you off, and then does the same thing to the next car? And the next? Too many of us Long Islanders know this feeling all too well.

Reckless (and noisy) drivers — threatening both public safety and community tranquility — are operating with impunity. And they know it.

Their cars are hard to miss, with their illegally modified mufflers that can be heard miles away at all hours of the day and night. Illegal license plate covers and fake temporary tags protect their callous disregard for law and order by making it impossible for anyone to identify them, including law enforcement tools like speed cameras. And their friends are now sometimes even setting up lawn chairs on the side of the high-

way to watch cars race in broad daylight — missing the irony that a crash victim’s memorial is often just over their shoulders.

More than 75 people lost their lives, and another 13,000 were injured, in nearly 37,000 traffic accidents in Nassau County last year. Those are unacceptable numbers.

It’s difficult to find law enforcement on these central thruways, especially on the Southern State Parkway — one of Nassau County’s deadliest roads — between the Cross Island Parkway and Heckscher State Park.

We need more, not less, patrolling of our roads. We need more, not less, enforcement of sensible laws already on the books. We need more, not less, coordination between state and local law enforcement. And we need more stringent laws and harsher penalties coming out of Albany so that we can make these reckless drivers as scared to continue these dangerous activities as we are to witness them.

We implore all jurisdictions to work together to rein in the scourge of irresponsible, dangerous and selfish drivers. Because even one more roadside shrine is one too many.

our money to burn our future while individuals and families struggle. We deserve an energy system that allows everyone to have access to clean and affordable energy.

LISA KONRAD Rockville Centre

opinions

Buried in our uniforms: a call to protect firefighters

Beyond law enforcement and the military, few professions are so deeply ingrained in one’s soul and evoke such a profound connection that members would choose to be buried in their uniforms. Fire service members’ love for their profession is part of their DNA, and integral to their very being.

I write this with a sense of frustration. Far too often, we get news of another firefighter’s death from cancer. These dedicated servants, in all likelihood, were or will be buried in their uniforms.

We must do better, and prevent the lives of our brothers and sisters from being cut short.

At what point do we say, ‘Enough’? When do we take a stand to ensure the future health of firefighters? Cancer has been an increasingly common diagnosis among them for a while now, and it’s time for leadership to take the steps that are needed to address this issue head on. We are all aware that firefighters are exposed to myriad harmful substances during their service. These dangers

range from toxic fumes to hazardous chemicals, and they accumulate in our bodies, taking a toll on our health. Despite advancements in safety gear and procedures, the risks remain significant, and acknowledging them isn’t enough. We must take definitive action to mitigate them.

Leadership in fire departments and governmental bodies must prioritize the health and safety of their firefighters. This includes implementing common-sense procedures that account for firefighters’ long-term health and well-being, and that ensure policy accountability.

Screenings, training, culture

L

firefighters to better protect themselves, reducing the likelihood of exposure and subsequent health issues.

Fostering a culture that prioritizes long-term health within the fire service is essential. Firefighters often prioritize the immediate mission over their health, but shifting this mindset to one that also values ongoing health is critical. Promoting a culture of health awareness encourages firefighters to take proactive steps to protect their health, both on and off the job.

eadership in fire departments must prioritize firefighters’ safety.

Regular and thorough health screenings should be mandatory to catch potential issues early. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. If their health problems are identified earlier, firefighters have a better chance of successful treatment and recovery, ultimately saving lives.

Firefighters need detailed training on the risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances and on best practices to minimize those risks. That includes using firefighting gear correctly and understanding decontamination procedures. Proper training empowers

Letters

Does the proposed Equal Rights Amendment go too far?

To the Editor:

After reading Sasha Ahuja’s letter (“Curran’s wrong about the ‘war on women,’” Sept. 5-11), in support of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment, which will be on New York ballots in November, I decided to ask Google to tell me exactly what the proposed constitutional amendment says. This is what I learned:

“No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, or religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in their civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state pursuant to law.”

I’m wondering if the amendment might go too far or be too broad in its

scope. Adding anything to the Constitution is a very big deal, since changing our minds after the fact may be very difficult in practice. Voters need to understand the complexities before casting a vote.

Personally, I’d have no issue with the amendment if it granted equal rights and equal protection to everyone regardless of “race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, or religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression” — but it doesn’t stop there. The final clause gives women an unlimited right to abortion on demand, regardless of the stage of gestation.

While many argued for or against the removal of “reproductive freedom” as guaranteed by Roe v. Wade, most would agree that abortion has been a hotly debated topic. As such, I do not feel it should be part of a bigger amendment like Prop 1. Instead, let’s get Prop 1 passed without its final clause, and then allow ample discussion time before trying to get a separate amendment passed that deals exclusively with whether a woman’s “right to privacy” trumps the right to life of the unborn, and if so, when?

PAm

SINGER

Malverne

ter, and to make informed tactical and strategic decisions that will benefit future generations of firefighters. Simply stated, we assist in size-up by joining the NFR.

Protecting our health

We are buried in our uniforms. This must not just be a symbol of our dedication, but a call to protect ourselves. It’s time to say ‘Enough’ and make the changes that will ensure the future health of our firefighters.

More is needed

We also must be part of the solution, and provide the information that’s needed to develop better strategies and tactics for combating cancer in the fire service. That’s why today, I ask you, whether you are a career or volunteer firefighter, active or retired, to join the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer.

Firefighters understand the value of size-up on the fireground. The information that we gain is critical to informing our strategies and tactics, leading to successful outcomes and lives saved. This is the same way that the NFR aims to “size up” and assess cancer risks.

This information will be used to help us understand occupational cancer bet-

Please join the NFR today. The sacrifices that were made by those who were diagnosed with cancer are a stark reminder of the urgency of this issue. Let’s honor them by taking action. Sign up at cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/registry.html.

Frank Leeb is the managing director of the First Responder Center for Excellence. He previously served as a deputy assistant chief in the New York City Fire Department, and retired in June after more than 30 years. During his tenure with the FDNY, he held several senior staff positions, including chief of the fire academy, chief of training and chief of safety. He has also been a member of the East Farmingdale Fire Department since 1983. He can be contacted at firstresponderconsultant@gmail.com. This article first appeared in Firehouse magazine (firehouse.com) in August.

Framework courtesy Peter Moran

Soaking in the Secret Lagoon hot springs — Fludir, Iceland

Frank LeeB