Teachers and staff at Reinhard Early Childhood Center entertained the school community during the annual Pep Rally on Oct. 11, showcasing their talents through a humorous performance inspired by ‘Zootopia.’
Coordinated by Kerri Ann Sanpietro, the show featured performers dressed as wild animals, with leads Michelle Block as Judy and Elia DeBlasio as Nick.
Above, pre-K teachers
Jennifer Comins and Kristen Peo, were in fitting attire for the Pep Rally performance.
Right, first-grade teacher
Victoria Mazur, on stage during the performance.
Story, more photos, Page 3.
Student finds support in new service dog
By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
John Paul Amato, a 16-yearold student at Sanford H. Calhoun High School’s COORE Program, has a new reason to smile — a furry friend who will stand by his side, providing him with the support and services he needs while he’s out in public.
John Paul and his family received a service dog, Sunny, at Newbridge Road Park on Oct. 3. And even though the animal has only been a part of his family for a few weeks, her arrival has already greatly impacted his demeanor, according to his mom, Kristen Amato.
goes to outdoor events, with regards to traveling, airport travel. If he’s in a large group, like at an amusement park, he’ll have a lot of anxiety. And she really did help ease that anxiety.”
Perky went everywhere with the family, Kristen said, like restaurants and as far away as Disney World in Florida, but she died in January at the age of 13.
KRiSTEN AmATo
John Paul’s
Kristen said her son, who has Fragile X Syndrome, a genetic disorder that can cause a wide range of developmental issues, including intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities and behavioral problems, received his first service dog, Perky, in 2016.
“She really did help him out with his anxiety,” she said of Perky. “He has anxiety when he
The Amatos reside in Bellmore, but John Paul attends Calhoun High School in Merrick, which houses some of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District’s special education services, including its COORE program, for students with special needs.
Melissa Rohr, Calhoun’s special education chairwoman, said John Paul is such a pleasure to be around.
“John Paul has such a vibrant personality,” she said. “He loves being at Calhoun. He’s like the life of the building — every single person knows him. He’s just an absolute plea-
Continued on page 2
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Sunny is a new part of the Amato family
sure and love to be around.”
Rohr said that after Perky died, John Paul’s educators did notice a change in his demeanor. “It was really hard on him,” she said. “There was a total shift in aspect — he was just sad.”
Kristen said the Amato family has planned a trip for next summer and noticed that some of John Paul’s social anxiety has returned following Perky’s death. They began looking into getting another service dog, but the first organization they had worked with no longer assisted families that were seeking a service animal for individuals with autism. Receiving a dog through certain agencies and services can cost upwards of $20,000, she explained.
Kristen’s husband, an NYPD officer, and the family contacted a group called LEO Weekend, a nonprofit organization that works with law enforcement families on a wide range of topics. They were able to contact the K9 Kitt Foundation, another nonprofit that provides relief to injured K9 teams across the country, and were able to help the Amato family receive Sunny.
“They found a breeder, they picked up the dog, and then within 10 days, she was certified and ready to go,” Kristen said. “From the minute that he met her, you know, he was in love with her. He said ‘She’s my girl.’ He was so happy when he first saw her.”
Sunny does not attend classes at Calhoun with John Paul, helping him more in his home life and while he’s out in public. Rohr said they’ve had other students with service dogs, and said it enforces a level of security in their lives.
“It is just such a level of comfort and companionship,” Rohr said. “It gives him this feeling of security. He sees that someone is always with him and taking care of him. He calls her ‘Sunny Girl’
and when I ask him what he loves about Sunny, he says that she takes care of me and that she comes with me everywhere.”
The Amato family is amazing to work with, Rohr added.
“We look for that partnership with families, and they give that to us,” she said. “They’re supportive of everything that we do here because they trust that we have the best interest of their kids at heart.
Sunny is John paul’s second service dog, and his first, perky, died earlier this year. Service animals have helped the 16-yearold with social anxiety, his parents said.
“Right now, in three years, he’s really made such great progress,” Rohr added of John Paul. “I’m excited to see what Sunny will do for him as he continues to grow and mature into adulthood.”
Courtesy Kristen Amato
John paul amato, a student at Calhoun High School, received a new service dog, Sunny, at newbridge road park earlier this month. family and friends are pictured alongside John paul, who is in the center with Sunny.
Inspiring students with Bellmore’s core values
Teachers and staff at Reinhard Early Childhood Center in the Bellmore School District entertained the entire school community on stage as they spread laughs and reinforced district values at the annual Pep Rally on Oct. 11.
Each year, Reinhard Star Polishers put on a dazzling show for Rising Star Leaders complete with costumes, songs and a story that reflects the district’s Core Values and Leadership Principles.
Assembled by coordinator for student services Kerri Ann Sanpietro, this year’s twist on “Zootopia” had performers dressed as wild animals.
The cast, which included leads Michelle Block as Judy and Elia DeBlasio as Nick, had students jumping with joy as they delivered a humorous performance. Throughout the pep rally, each grade stood to sing various Core Values and Leadership Principles songs led by music teacher Joanna Rocco.
The Reinhard Pep Rally is a much loved and highly anticipated event as it makes its return every year.
— Jordan Vallone
Tim Baker/Herald photos
The Reinhard Star Polishers, a cast and crew made up of teachers and staff at Reinhard Early Childhood Center in Bellmore, put on a show for Rising Star Leaders at the school, with costumes, songs and a story that reflects the district’s core values.
Assembled by coordinator for student services Kerri Ann Sanpietro, the year’s show was a twist on ‘Zootopia.’ Reinhard’s Principal Patti Castine, pre-K teacher Jennifer Comins, pre-K teacher Kristen Peo, and Sanpietro ahead of the performance last week.
Alison Ambort, an occupation therapist at Reinhard, on stage in costume.
Stella the Star is a fixture of Reinhard’s productions.
Students who filled the crowd were amazed with the performance.
Tim Baker/Herald
The Merrick Chamber of Commerce’s fair will take place from Friday to Sunday this weekend. Above, musical performances at last year’s festival.
Fall fun returns this weekend
The Merrick Chamber of Commerce’s Fall Festival returns this weekend along Merrick Avenue and in the Merrick Long Island Rail Road Station.
The fair opens Friday, Oct. 25 with rides and games at 6 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, the vendor fair returns. Rides open at 11 a.m., and the street fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
This vibrant event will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including live entertainment, local vendors, crafts, and delicious food options. Attendees can enjoy a day filled with family-friendly fun, shopping, and engaging activities that celebrate the autumn season.
For more information, visit MerrickChamber.org
—Jordan Vallone
Crime watCh
auto LarCeNy
Items were stolen from a car parked at Bit Path in Seaford on Oct. 3.
A man stole a front license plate from a car parked on Bellmore Road in Levittown on Oct. 1.
A box of Entenmann’s Little Bites were stolen from a car while parked on Nostrand Avenue in East
Petit LarCeNy
Items were stolen from a CVS on Jerusalem Avenue in North Bellmore on Oct. 9.
Items were stolen from a Walmart on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow on Oct. 9.
Items were stolen from a Stop & Shop on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown on Oct. 16.
arrests
Diego Paredes, 22, of Levittown, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at a Dicks Sporting Goods on Old Country Road in East Garden City on Oct. 3.
Andrew Downing, 25, of East Meadow, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at a Target on Union Turnpike in North New Hyde Park on Oct. 3.
Meleny Safaralizadeh, 37, of Wantagh, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at a Target on Corporate Drive in Westbury on Oct. 4. Trager was arrested again on Oct. 11, for allegedly shop-
lifting at a Dollar Tree on Jerusalem Avenue in Massapequa.
Daniel Trager, 43, of Wantagh, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at a Walgreens on Jericho Turnpike in Mineola on Oct. 10.
Bryan Pereira, 27, of Long beach, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at a Target on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown on Oct. 10.
Uzair Shahid, 18, of East Meadow, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at a JC Penney on Old Country Road in Garden City on Oct. 10.
Julia Ruocchio, 23, of Massapequa, was arrested for allegedly shoplifting at a Target on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown on Oct. 14.
CrimiNaL misChief
A man damaged the rear doorframe and doorknob with glue at North Jerusalem Road in East Meadow on Oct. 2.
Dwi
Kristy Khan, 39, of New Cassel, was arrested for an allegedly driving while intoxicated on the corner of Merrick and Stewart Avenue in East Meadow on Oct. 4.
Lavpreet Singh, 25, of South Richmond Hill, was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated on the corner of Jerusalem Avenue and Quail Lane in Levittown on Oct. 15.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused.
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• Specializing in: Anxiety, Anger Management, Depression, Marriage Counseling, ADHD, Addiction, Bereavement, Group Therapy and more!
Mention the Herald for a free 15-minute phone consultation with Dr. Morand
MERRICK FESTIVAL
GIANNA VENTURA East Meadow Junior Field Hockey
AN HONORABLE MENTION ALL-COUNTY in 2023 after scoring 12 goals and setting up 6 others in her first varsity field hockey season, Ventura ranks among Nassau’s leading offensive weapons this fall and has helped the 11-1 Jets to a conference title. A right wing forward, she has 20 goals and 13 assists through a dozen games. She scored at least one goal in all but one game and has eight multi-goal performances including one hat trick.
GAMES TO WATCH
Thursday, Oct. 24
Field Hockey: Sewanhaka District at East Meadow 5 p.m.
Football: G.N. South at Long Beach 5 p.m.
Boys Volleyball: Lawrence at Calhoun 5:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: South Side at Lynbrook 6:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: V.S. North at Malverne 6:45 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 25
Field Hockey: North Shore at Clarke 5 p.m.
Football: Plainedge at Island Trees 5 p.m.
Football: Massapequa at Westbury 5 p.m.
Football: Floral Park at Hewlett 6 p.m.
Football: Kennedy at Mineola 6 p.m.
Football: Carle Place at West Hempstead 6 p.m.
Football: Wantagh at Seaford 6 p.m.
Football: Oceanside at Farmingdale 6:30 p.m.
Football: Freeport at Port Washington 6:30 p.m.
Football: Floral Park at Lynbrook 3 p.m.
Football: Oceanside at Freeport 3 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26
Football: Mepham at Sewanhaka 11 a.m.
Football: Carey at New Hyde Park 11 a.m.
Football: Garden City at Elmont 1 p.m.
Football: V.S. North at Lynbrook 3 p.m.
Football: V.S. Central at East Meadow 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.
Calhoun cranks up the offense
By GARRETT D. URIBE sports@liherald.com
An effort to improve its hand this season had given Calhoun’s boys’ soccer team offensive firepower in spades.
But when the chips were down, turns out all it needed was its ace.
Boasting Nassau Conference AA2’s top defense for two years straight, the Colts – who had eight ties last season –“focused on finishing” this year, said coach Chris Vogel, who’d set a season scoring target of 30 goals for his squad, a mark it eclipsed overall (31) at a clip of two tallies per game, twice last season’s rate.
Forwards Jacob Bachrach, Liam Brown and Lucas Nangle, along with All-County midfielder Drew Lennon, were the leading lights in Calhoun’s offensive renaissance –Bachrach (six goals, seven assists) and Brown (eight, three) ranking fifth and sixth in the conference in points, respectively.
At rival Glen Cove Oct. 17, however, in the teams’ regularseason finale, it would be the Colts’ defense – perhaps fittingly – putting the bow on a breakthrough season.
Needing only a draw to secure its first league title since 2016, Calhoun saw its back line – led by All-Conference backs Matthew Borgese, Jack Gunn and Colin Friedman – along with first-year goalie Austin Sheehan, deliver its ninth shutout in a scoreless tie against the Knights, sending the freshly-crowned champion Colts to the county Class AA playoffs as the No. 2 seed (their opponent, at Herald press time, to be determined).
“Our [defenders] really
have benefitted from experience,” Vogel said. “They communicate and know each other so well, and what the team should be doing, it’s really like they coach themselves.”
“We were similar last year in not giving up many goals, so that carried over,” added Vogel, whose club (11-2-2, 10-2-2 in AA2) for a second straight season allowed a league-best half-goal per game. “And also, Austin Sheehan is a first-class talent. So with our returning center backs and a good goalie, that’s a good foundation for a defense. Plus, we had great support from our bench players, and we use them a lot.”
A season-opening 2-1 league loss at Roosevelt served as an early jolt for the Colts, who promptly recalibrated – if not to say vented – in a 5-0 nonleague romp over Wantagh (A1) followed by a 4-0 win against league foe Malverne/ East Rockaway, a nine-goal outburst to introduce Calhoun’s new offensive identity –the Colts, in two games, matching half of last year’s total production (18 goals).
“After losing the first game, the kids didn’t just put their heads down,” Vogel said. “They kept asking, ‘What can we do to get better?’ It was a lesson, and they responded to it well.
Bachrach, whose three goals paced Calhoun during its two-game tornado of scoring, ranks second in AA2 with a team-best seven assists. Brown’s eight goals lead the team, with Lennon’s seven tallies ranking second on the Colts ahead of Bachrach’s six and Nangle’s five.
Sheehan’s goals-against average (0.5) tops the conference, while his 59 saves rank
Forward Liam Brown has racked up 11 points for the Colts, who finished 10-2-2 against Conference AA2 rivals.
third.
“We knew we had talent, and we wanted to win the conference” said Vogel, whose club starts playoffs at home
Oct. 25. “The boys appreciate what they’ve accomplished. But we keep it simple. They just want to stay focused on doing a good job.”
Eric Dunetz/Herald
Paws and applause: Barkfest fun at Stew Leonard’s
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
From cows to skeletons, and everything in between, four-legged contestants at Barkfest were dressed to impress — or maybe just to fetch treats — at the East Meadow Stew Leonard’s on Oct. 19. Pups from near and far came dressed in their best outfits, and competed in front of a panel of judges, for a chance to win a gift basket valued at $100, with fresh dog treats made inhouse at Stew Leonard’s.
There was no fee to participate in Barkfest, although shoppers were asked to bring a small bag or can of dog food, a new toy, or gently used blankets. The collected items were donated to Last Hope Animal Rescue, based in Wantagh.
Last Hope was established in 1981, and is a nonprofit organization, headquartered on Beltagh Avenue in Wantagh. It is committed to rescuing and rehabilitating rescue animals. The organization places over 600 cats and more than 100 dogs annually into carefully screened, loving homes. Through educational workshops, low-cost vaccination clinics, and financial assistance for veterinary care, Last Hope actively engages with the community to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
Over the years, Last Hope has evolved into a robust network of over
600 volunteers and supporters, all working towards reducing animal overpopulation on Long Island and promoting responsible pet ownership.
This year’s winner was Oakly, from
Deer Park, who came in a rodeo inspired-cow outfit. Stew Leonard’s most iconic character, synonymous with the grocery chain and known by many shoppers across the northeast, is
“Wow the Cow.”
If you missed Barkfest, there’s plenty of Halloween Happenings coming up at Stew Leonard’s throughout the rest of the fall, including a Spooktacular Costume Breakfast on Oct. 26 and a Trickor-Treat with Stew Leonard’s Characters on Oct. 29.
This Saturday, children and families are invited to enjoy a buffet-style breakfast, hosted by Wow the Cow. Children will receive a goodie bag and Halloween craft at the end of the event to take home. Costumes are encouraged. The breakfast begins at 10 a.m., and will cost $14.99 for children ages 11 and younger, and $16.99 for children ages 12 and older.
And next week, just before Halloween, youngsters are invited to come collect candy from stations around the store on Oct. 29, beginning at 4 p.m. Costumers are once again encouraged, and the event is free to attend.
To register for either event, and to learn more, visit EventBrite.com, and search “Stew Leonard’s,” or visit StewLeonards.com. The store is at 1897 Front Street, East Meadow.
Whether in cowboy hats or capes, the pups at Barkfest showed off their Halloween spirit, leaving everyone with wagging tails and full hearts. With Halloween festivities continuing at Stew Leonard’s, there are still plenty of chances to join the fun — costumes and candy bags in tow.
Tim Baker/Herald
At Stew Leonard’s Barkfest, dogs showed up in their best costumes, competing for a chance to win a $100 gift basket, filled with homemade treats. Above, Sunny from Bellmore sported some floral wear during the costume contest.
Students representatives on Board of Ed.
Students from Sanford H. Calhoun High School, Wellington C. Mepham High School, the Meadowbrook Alternative Learning Program/PREP Academy/Electrical Training Center and John F. Kennedy High School represented their respective buildings at the Oct. 9 Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Board of Education meeting.
The representatives presented school news and student achievements while offering personal anecdotes.
“It’s always a highlight of our meetings to hear about building happenings from a student perspective,” Superintendent Michael Harrington said. “We look forward to their monthly contributions and value their input.”
They will continue to serve as board liaisons at board meetings throughout the school year. Reporting from the dais each month will be Samantha Chaiken of Calhoun High School, Jake Classie of Mepham High School, Mia McGorty of the Brookside Building and Matthew Rowe of Kennedy High School.
— Jordan Vallone
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
Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
Samantha Chaiken of Calhoun High School, Jake Classie of Mepham High School, Mia McGorty of the Brookside Building and Matthew Rowe of Kennedy High School will serve as student representatives each month.
The chaos of cartoon characters elevate the Conversation
Recently while doing a physical inventory of my teeshirts I ended up with a mental inventory of the cartoons that I have always gravitated to and loved. Like seeing a pattern in ex-boyfriends, it shocked me to discover the cartoon heroes I have admired all have chaos, integrity and limited language to define their characters.
For example, when most fans would dedicate their Saturday morning to Looney Tunes’ Bugs Bunny or Road Runner, I rooted for the Tasmanian Devil known as Taz.
In his early life, Taz was that whirling dervish that said a lot quite passionately but no one knew what his gibberish meant. He was a favorite among males when it came to the Warner Brothers stable of personalities, but I didn’t learn that until after I grew to love him – a character with the right balance of confusion, empathy and hunger.
When Taz was given his own show from 1991 to 1995 called, “Taz-Mania”, I thought that the concept – filled
with a family of Tasmanian devils -was doomed from the start. Taz was always a lone character that stood apart – no family, far from home and with limited friendships. Putting him with a group of family members who spoke perfect English and helped him out of controversy was boring and illadvised. Before I even knew what the phrase meant, it was clear that Warner Brothers “jumped the shark” when that show got started.
drum-playing Muppet of film and television shows like The Muppet Show. Animal is off the chain (literally, see his necklace) and doesn’t speak English, he chants it. Often in single words or syllables.
As I grew, Snoopy, the beagle in Peanuts cartoons never wavered as my favorite WWI flying ace with the Sopwith Camel. Actually, I preferred Snoopy’s relationship with the yellow bird Woodstock to this dog’s flying capabilities and adventures: the smart, resourceful, soulful pup who wails on cue and can really dance like nobody is watching.
Along with Taz and Snoopy, I also always appreciated Animal, the
It was my understanding that he had an early stint on Sesame Street and could play his drum kit as well as the best of them. Furthermore, GEICO brought him back in a recent television commercial that played on the idea of homeowners with insurance having “an animal in the attic,” who was playing a mean beat. Honestly, any Muppet who can act in a television spot and consistently flustered Kermit the Frog is a Muppet of mine. Finally there are the Despicable Me movies’ amazing Minions. I don’t want to divide my admiration for Kevin, Stuart or Bob, but all three of these characters decked out in denim have reasons to be loved. They enjoy
Estate Planning for the Estranged Child (Part Two)
Last week, we wrote about having compassion for the estranged son or daughter married to the narcissist when considering leaving an inheritance. But what about leaving an inheritance to the estranged child who is not in this situation.
The reasons for estrangement are as different as are families. As Tolstoy famously remarked, “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way”.
One of the keys to resolving what to leave the estranged child is determining who in the family are they estranged from and for how long and for what reasons (if known). Sometimes they are estranged from only one parent and the other parent does not wish to see that child disinherited. Sometimes they are estranged from the parents but not their siblings — or some but not all of their siblings. It’s complicated. Often, hope springs eternal that the estranged son or daughter will come back into the fold.
In cases like these we like to use a technique
we call “Schedule A”. Generally, in a trust or a will, you will find the dispositive provisions, i.e. who you are leaving it to and in what amounts, somewhere in the middle of the document.
When you amend the trust, or prepare a codicil to the will, you may legally change your wishes. Nevertheless, all of the parties can see what it was before and what the change was. For example, if you left someone out and now you are putting them back in, they will clearly see that they were left out before, and vice versa!
To avoid the hurt, confusion and possible litigation that these emotionally fraught situations may engender, we recommend using a “Schedule A” to the trust. Here, in the body of the trust we state that the wishes are provided in “Schedule A” annexed hereto which may be replaced from time to time with the same formalities as the execution of the trust. Now, when a change is made we destroy the old “Schedule A” replacing with the new one avoiding hurt feelings and misunderstandings.
LAW FIRM
Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid FREE CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com 100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success
life, embrace adventure and listen and respond cult-like to their leader Gru. Here too, it is my understanding that they are all voiced by a single actor and there is little to no understanding of their language: a cross between ‘pigeon English” and Italian. Ironically, what they lack in words they make up in their joie de vivre –as well as their innovative plans and schemes.
At the end of the day, you would think I’m way too old for cartoons or the merchandise they render. But until I can explain why I completely relate to the “messy” Linda Belcher of Bob’s Burgers, I’ll hide behind the aforementioned heroes and rely on their escapades for a good laugh and a mindless escape.
A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.
Lauren Lev
Swinging for a cause, and supporting T1D research
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
For over 30 years, members of the Merrick and Bellmore communities have gathered annually for a softball game, but it’s no ordinary game. The group has been raising money for Breakthrough T1D, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to support research for Type 1 diabetes.
This tradition was started by Phillip Bank and his friend Brian Katz, whose daughter Lauren was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a baby.
“We were just a bunch of guys getting together to play softball,” Bank said. “But when Lauren was born and diagnosed with juvenile diabetes, we thought, why not make this an annual fundraiser?”
It is remarkable scientifically what they’ve done in 30 years, since we started to learn more about it.
PhILLIP BANk Organizer Softball Classic
Lauren Epstein, now 34, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes around her first birthday. Katz explained that Type 1 diabetes involves the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, diabetics must take daily insulin injections to metabolize glucose.
While Lauren is healthy today and recently welcomed her first son, managing diabetes is still a challenge.
“It’s a very tricky management, because you have to take into account the right amount of insulin, the right amount of food and activity level,” Katz said. “So you’re constantly juggling these three factors to survive on a daily basis. At this point, there is no cure. Management is a lot better than it was when my daughter was diagnosed in 1991, but there still is no cure.”
Technology like continuous glucose monitors has made managing blood sugar easier, but ongoing research is critical. That’s where organizations like Breakthrough T1D come in.
Bank praised the advancements made in diabetes care, noting the significant progress in technology like artificial pancreases and glucose monitors. “In softball terms, we’ve hit a lot of singles and doubles, but not a home run yet.”
Over three decades, the group has raised over $85,000 for diabetes research. The game, now intergenerational, brings together friends and families to support a cause that touches many lives.
This year’s Softball Classic took place on Sunday, Oct. 6, at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. The goal
was to raise an additional $4,000 for Breakthrough T1D.
“While technology has improved, the ultimate goal of research is to develop a way to transplant healthy beta cells into diabetics, allowing them to produce insulin naturally,” Katz said. “We hope that before Lauren reaches my age, there will be a cure.”
To donate to the cause and support the work of the Softball Classic, visit TinyURL.com/49duj4vy.
Mike Monahan/Herald photos
Players assembled for the annual Softball Classic in Eisenhower Park, which raises fund for Breakthrough T1D, formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
The event is organized by Brian Katz and Phillip Bank. Katz’s daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a baby.
Allen Schwartz, a participant in the Softball Classic on Oct. 6, stepped up to bat.
Phillip Bank tested his softball skills out on one Eisenhower’s fields.
Cory Granat took to the pitcher’s mound.
Project 2025 pushes controversial policies
By JENNA ZAZZA & LORI SAXENA Special to the Herald
Written by the conservative Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 is a 922-page book detailing overhauls of the executive branch and proposing what some consider as radical policy changes regarding the economy, culture, education and healthcare.
The controversial plans have Democrats in a tizzy, the Trump campaign distancing themselves from the ideas and saying they would embrace the mandate’s demise.
The Project would decimate the working and middle classes.
JOhN RIZZO Economist
Some of the project’s more significant policies include eliminating the Department of Education, transforming the Department of Health and Human Service into an antiabortionfocused “Department of Life,” and increasing the president’s control over independent agencies like the Department of Justice.
Despite Trump rejecting the project, six of his former Cabinet secretaries and over 140 people who played a role in the project also worked in his administration, according to a CNN report.
It’s clear that Project 2025 is an election year buzzword. It has both opponents and proponents. At its core, the initiative seeks to reshape the federal government, but its impact extends to the local level.
In the plans forward, the Heritage Foundation notes: “Every hour the Left directs federal policy and elite institutions, our sovereignty, our Constitution, our families, and our freedom are a step closer to disappearing. Conservatives have just two years and one shot to get this right. With enemies at home and abroad, there is no margin for error. Time is running short. If we fail, the fight for the very idea of America may be lost.”
The economy
The mandate criticizes the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies, recommending a major reform of the agency. Even with major reform, the project argues the Federal Reserve, also known as The Fed, would still cause “inflationary and recessionary cycles.” The report calls for abolish it outright, replacing it with either a free-banking system or reimplementing the gold standard.
A free-banking system allows banks to issue their own notes without government oversight or regulation. The gold standard system fixes the value of currency to a specified amount of gold. Up until 1970, the U.S. operated under the gold standard.
“A gold standard imposes very tight constraints on the government to spend,
The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is a touchstone of controversy, proposing major changes to national policies.
especially in times of crisis like Covid,” said Stephanie Kelton, an economy and public policy professor at Stony Brook University. “This is why countries always go off the gold standard. There is a lot of economic instability in the gold standard.”
Kelton is a former chief economist on the U.S. Senate Budget Committee.
The project claims that the gold standard offers a more stable and less inflationary economy. It asserts that the gold standard will deter the government from arbitrarily issuing more money since a hard asset must back the dollars.
“When we were on a gold standard, the economy would have big booms and big crashes,” Kelton said. “You could say that it was stable if you look over a long period of time like a century or 50 years, but within that period of time, prices are crashing.”
According to economists, a free-banking system isn’t ideal either.
“We saw what unregulated banks did in 2008. It caused a great recession,”
John Rizzo, former Long Island Association chief economist, said. “If anything, we need more regulation not less.”
Long Island is among the top areas in New York state that was hit the hardest by the 2008 financial crisis. The state experienced the most subprime loans with either none or low documentation per 1,000 housing units, according to a report released by the state comptroller.
Long Island also had the most foreclosures, with one every 500 households or less, according to the same report. Congress created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to prevent another great recession and housing finance
bubble. Project 2025 also calls to eliminate the CFPB.
“A bunch of lending activity took place that never should have taken place. Banks steered people into buying homes that they couldn’t afford,” Kelton said. “So if we eliminate the CFPB, it just makes it more likely that something like that can and would happen again.”
Long Island’s unemployment rate is increasing, namely in Babylon town which follows the state rate of 4.9 by only 0.5 points, according to the state’s Department of Labor statistics. The entire region lags behind the state by 1.1 points. Unemployment insurance is also declining. As the rates climb, housing prices are too. The median sale price of a single-family home is nearly $800,000, up 11 percent from last year.
“The housing crisis nearly brought the global economy to its knees, it did, in fact,” Kelton said. “We need people whose job it is to watch out for stuff like this and to intervene and take action on behalf of consumers because, in many cases, people didn’t understand the risks they were taking.”
Project 2025 also proposes peeling back worker pay and protections, making fewer workers eligible for time-anda-half overtime pay by lowering the threshold, and permitting children to work in “hazardous jobs.”
“[The project] is an extreme antiworker agenda that’s more or less designed to allow employers to use and abuse workers as they see fit, pay them as little as possible, offer limited protections, unions, wages, benefits– the whole thing,” Kelton said.
All economists contacted for com-
ment had similar negative perspectives on the project’s economic plans.
The proposed income tax reform simplifies the system to a 15 percent rate for those earning up to about $168,000 and 30 percent for higher earners could have significant implications for Long Island’s middle-income residents. With median individual incomes of around $54,000 in Nassau County and $49,000 in Suffolk County, a large portion of Long Islanders would fall into the lower tax bracket, according to Census Bureau data.
However, many households are already struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, food, and transportation, according to a report by United Way of Long Island. Nearly 30 percent of households in Nassau and Suffolk County face financial hardship despite the region’s relatively low poverty rate of 6 percent.
“It’s blatantly in favor of large corporations and the 15 percent and 30 percent would have a devastating effect on lower and middle-income individuals’ financial situation and overall on the economy,” Rizzo said. “There will be an adverse impact on small businesses that account for 90 percent of the business on Long Island and the middle class. In fact there wouldn’t be a middle class any longer. The Project would decimate the working and middle classes.”
Jenna Zazza and Lori Saxena are reporters with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
Courtesy George Giokas
Lisa Lin, advocating for proactive solutions
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Lisa Lin is a Merrick resident, a mom of two and an attorney — but she’s also a first-time Democratic candidate, running for the 5th State Senate District seat.
A graduate of John Jay College, where she worked with justice-involved youth to help reintegrate them into their communities through job training and educational programs, Lin went on to graduate from St. John’s University School of Law. For the last decade, she’s continued to work in public service, and is currently the supervising court attorney in Queens County Criminal Court.
Some priorities of Lin’s, if she is elected on Nov. 5, include protecting women’s access to reproductive health care, public safety and environmental protection measures.
Asked about Prop 1 on the ballot, which seeks to expand and codify an Equal Rights Amendment in the state Constitution, Lin said she feels there’s a lot of “fear” surrounding what it entails. It includes mention of pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes.
Because of the 2022 Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, she said this is what the federal government wants — for the people, in each state, to decide. “All of these protections in that amendment are things that New York already protects, and now it’s just making it a constitutional right,” she said.
Lin said it’s time New York “gets serious” about public safety. Nassau County was recently named the safest place to live, according to a U.S. News & World Report, and she said it is imperative it stays that way.
“But in addition to that, it’s not just about being reactive — it’s about being proactive,” she said. “We
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald
Lisa Lin is a first-time candidate and an attorney who lives in Merrick. If elected, she hopes to bring proactive solutions to the district that address the many concerns of its residents.
should talk about how get opportunities to people and address mental health and mental illnesses, drug abuse and substance addiction, so that they don’t end up in the system in the first place.”
In terms of the environment, Lin said, it’s impor-
tant that money is actually coming into the district, and seeing where funding can be directed accordingly. “There’s so much money that’s out there in Albany that is being underutilized by us in Nassau County, when it’s us who need it the most,” she said.
On the topic of affordability, Lin said that affordable housing developments could be tremendously helpful. Originally from Queens, she does not want to disrupt the suburban life that district residents love, but hopes to find solutions that could make affordable housing work. Through a state initiative called the Smart Growth Program, the City of Glen Cove was able to obtain $400 million in funding to build affordable housing units, she said.
“We have to have the money and those opportunities, so we can look into places in the community where we can build affordable housing,” she said. “It’s not just for young families or young people — it’s for senior citizens who are on a fixed income, and veterans.”
Lin said that being on the campaign trail for the last few months has been empowering — and has reinforced why she is running for public office.
“I feel like I am 100 percent one of the people in the community,” she said. “I have two little kids, and I just want a better and brighter future for them. That’s exactly why I’m running.”
Steve Rhoads, a ‘common sense’ candidate
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Steve Rhoads is a familiar face in the 5th State Senate District. A former Nassau County legislator for the 19th district, Rhoads took on his current position in 2022, winning the seat over the Democratic incumbent, John Brooks.
Rhoads’s legislative priorities this election cycle haven’t changed much, he told Herald reporters during a Roundtable interview, and a main point of concern for him is affordability. He was critical of the state’s cost of living and business climate.
“Right now, whether it’s our seniors, young people — everyone seems to have their New York exit plan,” Rhoads said. “As a state government, as long as we continue to make New York state unaffordable and uncompetitive for businesses and for residents, we’re going to continue to suffer — and that has to change. What I’ve been doing over the course of the last two years is trying to promote polices and legislation that will actually address those issues of affordability, of taxes.”
He called for “common sense” surrounding the issue of bail reform and cashless bail in New York, which has allowed many repeat offenders to be released from jail without paying bail. Rhoads opposed Prop 1 being put on the state ballot this year, which seeks to
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald
State Sen. Steve Rhoads, the incumbent in the 5th District, addressed key issues affecting Nassau County, including affordability and crime, at a Herald Roundtable.
expand the Equal Rights Amendment in New York’s Constitution. The proposition includes mention of pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, gender identity and gender expression.
He voted against it, he said, not because he doesn’t believe in protecting a woman’s access to abortion, but because he believes the bill is poorly drafted, and there are potential First Amendment violations to consider.
Rhoads said that the proposal’s passage could take autonomy away from health care organizations, like Catholic Health, which could be punished for violating the state Constitution if it refuses to support abortion care.
“You have parental rights considerations,” he added. “If a school refuses to allow a transgender male access to a girls’ bathroom, or to be able to play in girls’ sports, is that school district now
violating the state Constitution?”
New York, Rhoads said, has extremely liberal abortion policies. “So the idea that abortion is somehow in jeopardy in the state of New York is a fallacy,” he said.
Rhoads also said he worries that the legislation “creates more questions than answers.”
Another issue in the 5th District? Nassau University Medical Center, in East Meadow, the county’s only public hospital, which boasts a Level 1 trauma center, a burn center and other vital resources. The hospital has lost millions of dollars in state funding since 2019, and Rhoads has been an outspoken advocate for ensuring that it gets the money it needs to stay open, and to sustain its 2,600 health care workers.
As a Republican, Rhoads is in the minority in the State Legislature, and said that one-party rule, regardless of the party, doesn’t solve any problems. Conflict, he said, is sometimes a good thing, because it forces people to work together.
“That’s not what we’re seeing in Albany right now,” he said.
In general, Rhoads said, New York needs to find solutions that make sense for its residents. “I’m up there in Albany fighting for common-sense solutions that don’t favor one party or the other,” he said. “People want common-sense solutions to solve the real-world problems that they’re facing every day.”
Justice of the Supreme Court 2024 JUDICIAL CANDIDATES
Andrew Crecca
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 59
Legal career: Andrew Crecca, a figure in Suffolk County’s judicial system for nearly two decades, is looking to take on the state Supreme Court, next.
Appointed as administrative judge for Suffolk County, the 10th Judicial District of the Supreme Court in 2020, Crecca currently oversees operations. This role follows his tenure as supervising judge for matrimonial matters in the same court, from 2013 to 2020.
Crecca’s judicial career began in 2005 when he was elected to the county court in Suffolk. He has since served as an acting justice of the Suffolk Supreme Court from 2007 to 2010 and was elected as a justice of the Supreme Court in 2011, a position he will hold until 2024.
Along with his courtroom duties, Crecca has presided over the Integrated Domestic Violence Court in Suffolk County since 2007. He also served in the Suffolk Legislature.
James F. Matthews
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties
Legal career: James F. Matthews, a candidate for Justice of the Supreme Court in the 10th Judicial District, has over 40 years of legal experience.
Since 2015, he has served as an Acting County Court Judge in Suffolk County, presiding over civil and criminal cases, including business law disputes, personal injury matters and criminal trials.
He has also been an adjunct professor of law at Touro Law School His public service career includes a decade as Northport village attorney and nearly two decades as Huntington town attorney, responsible for municipal law, litigation and land use.
Matthews spent over 30 years in private practice, handling corporate and commercial law, litigation, and personal injury cases. He has a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law and a bachelor’s from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Alfred C. Graf
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 66
Legal career: A Suffolk County District Court judge since 2018, Alfred Graf is now aiming for the state Supreme Court.
Born and raised on Long Island, Graf graduated from Farmingdale High School in 1976. He enlisted in the Navy that same year and rose to the rank of Operations Specialist Third Class Petty Officer. He received an honorable discharge four years later.
Graf earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from SUNY Plattsburgh and his law degree from Touro Law School. His professional experience includes serving as a NYPD officer. He has also worked as an alternative education schoolteacher and as an attorney with his own private firm.
His political experience includes serving two terms as supervisor of the upstate Town of Brighton and was an assemblyman from 2011 to 20118 representing A.D. 5 in Suffolk.
Terence P. Murphy
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties
Legal career: Terence Murphy was elected to serve as a Nassau County Court judge in 2014. He previously served as a Nassau County District Court judge where he presided over the Veterans Treatment Court from 2010 through 2014. He is a member of the Nassau County Bar Association.
Murphy is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served 26.5 years active and military service and was deployed to Bosnia, Iraq and Kuwait. His active duty experience began in 1973 with enlistment after high school. Murphy served as legal adviser to multiple commanders.
Paul E. Hennings
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 63
Legal career: Paul Hennings is a resident of Suffolk County and has served as a District Court judge since 2019 and Acting County Court judge since 2022. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Providence College in 1983 and went on to earn his law degree at Catholic University Law School three years later. After law school, he joined the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office where he was an assistant district attorney until 1989.
Hennings began his career in private practice in civil litigation, trials and appeals in State and Federal Courts. He first served as an associate with Wortman, Furmuso, Kelly (1989 to 1996). Then he joined the law office of Ted M. Toboias, until 2005. He then joined Devitt, Spellman and Barrett, LLP where he practiced as lead attorney until 2008. He then became a partner at Lawrence, Worden, Rainis, and Bard LLP.
Deanna D. Panico
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties
Legal career: Deanna Panico is a partner at Bee Ready Fishbein Hatter & Donovan, LLP. She has been in private practice since 2011, specializing in employment law. Panico was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2011, the U.S. Eastern District of New York in 2012, the U.S. Southern District of New York in 2016, and the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals in 2014.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Stony Brook University in 2007 and her law degree from St. John’s University School of Law in 2010.
Paul Hensley
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 63
Legal career: Paul Hensley was a judge for the district court of Suffolk County in New York. He was appointed to the court in 2002, elected in 2003 and re-elected in 2008. Hensley lost the 2014 election. Before his judicial appointment, Hensley served as a principal law clerk. His current titles are County Court judge, District Court judge and acting Supreme Court justice. Hensley has served as an acting Suffolk County Court judge since 2006, and was a law clerk for County Court Judge James Hudson from January 2001 until July 2002. From January 1999 to January 2001, Hensley was a law clerk for State Supreme Court Justice Leonard B. Austin. From March 1998 until January 1999, he worked as an assistant Huntington Town attorney.
Before that, Hensley worked for the Robert Plan Corp., and also served as a Suffolk County assistant district attorney. He received his law degree from SUNY Buffalo.
Gregg Roth
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties
Legal career: Gregg Roth is an attorney with over 30 years of experience in many sectors of law, including civil rights law, employment law, personal injury law, social security disability law and workers’ compensation law.
Roth received his law degree at Hofstra University’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law in 1993, and has been a member of the New York State Bar since 1994. He has served as a state principal law clerk for the past 11 years, and previously was the associate director for Drug Court programs February 2011 to April 2014.
An extremely accomplished legal professional for decades, according to people who know him, he’s been crossendorsed by the Democratic, Republican and Conservative parties in Nassau County as a nominee for the New York State’s Supreme Court.
Ryan E. Cronin
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties
Age: 43
Legal career: Ryan Cronin is a practicing attorney from Garden City. He received his law degree from the Washington University School of Law in 2008. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Loyola College. He was the Democratic candidate for Senate District 6 in 2012 and 2016, losing both times to incumbent Republican Kemp Hannon. He ran for Nassau County Comptroller in 2021 and lost to Republican Elaine Phillips. During his campaigns, Cronin focused on issues such as community safety, justice reform and access to legal resources. He emphasized a commitment to fairness and integrity in the judicial process.
2nd District Court Judge Family Court Judge 2024 JUDICIAL CANDIDATES
Chris J. Coschignano
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 60
Legal career: Chris J. Coschignano is a seasoned attorney and a candidate for family court judge, practicing law since 1990. As a member and partner at his firm — Sahn Ward — he specializes in zoning and land use planning, real estate law, municipal law, economic development, and family law. His extensive experience includes managing complex zoning projects on Long Island, earning recognition for smart growth initiatives. He served as a councilman for the Town of Oyster Bay from 2001 to 2017 and has held various municipal roles since 1995, including counsel to the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals.
Coschignano is active in community service, serving on multiple boards, including the Nassau County Bar Association and the Touro Law Center. He co-founded the St. Edward the Confessor Church’s Annual Summer Festival and coaches youth ice hockey. A recipient of numerous awards, he is committed to public service and education
Veronica Renta Irwin
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 50
Legal career: Judge Veronica Renta Irwin, currently serving on the Nassau County District Court, is running for re-election in the 2nd District.
Renta Irwin completed her early education at Brentwood High School before earning her degree from SUNY Albany and graduating from Hofstra Law School in 1999.
Starting her legal career in private practice, she founded her own firm, Irwin & Streiner, LLC, in Great Neck in 2001, focusing on personal ijury, guardianship and constitutional violations. Renta Irwin also has experience as principal law clerk for Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Sharon M.J. Gianelli from 2020 to 2024. She has also been involved in various legal organizations, including theLong Island Hispanic Bar Association, where is a past president, and as a board member of the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association. She also teaches at the School of Law at Hofstra University.
Andrea C. Phoenix
Democrat
Age: 59
Legal career: Phoenix has served as a Nassau County District Court judge in the Tenth Judicial District since 2007, where she presides over the Nassau County Mental Health Court and the Drug Treatment Court. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University, a master’s degree in communication and education from The Ohio State University, and a J.D. from the Hofstra University, Maurice A. Deane School of Law.
Before her election, Phoenix practiced family law in private practice from 1992 to 2006 and was a staff attorney with Nassau Suffolk Law Services. She has led the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York and the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, and she served on the New York State Unified Court System Family Violence Task Force.
She is also involved with the Amistad Black Bar Association, Theodore Roosevelt American Inn of Court, and community groups, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and The Links, Incorporated.
Lisa Daniels
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 58
Legal career: Lisa Daniels has over 25 years of legal experience, focusing on family litigation and guardianship cases.
Daniels holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations and a Brooklyn Law School law degree She has been an adjunct professor, teaching family law and litigation at Hofstra University and Queens College from 1997 to 2001. Daniels is a member of the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Children and the Law and serves on its legislation subcommittees. She is also a member of the Nassau County Bar Association Family Court Advisory Committee. Daniels ran for county legislator in 2013 and eight years later. In 1998, Daniels founded her law firm, addressing a wide range of family law issues, such as juvenile delinquency actions, abuse and neglect matters. She is listed on the New York State Court Part 36 Fiduciary List, serving as a court examiner, evaluator and guardian for incapacitated individuals.
Joseph Nocella Jr.
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 60
Legal career: Joseph Nocella Jr. currently serves as a Nassau County District Court judge, having been elected to the position for the 2023 to 2028 term. County Executive Bruce Blakeman initially appointed him to the court in 2022.
Before becoming a judge, Nocella served as the town attorney for Hempstead from 2021 to 2022 and as chief of staff to the Hempstead Town Supervisor from 2020 to 2021.
From 2017 to 2020, he was the town attorney for Oyster Bay. Within Nassau County government, Nocella has an extensive background, including positions as Counsel to the Office of Housing & Community Development from 2014 to 2017, Managing Attorney in the County Attorney’s Office from 2011 to 2014, and Counsel to both the County Executive and the Nassau County Legislature from 2006 to 2008 and again from 2010 to 2011.
Sean Wright
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 54
Legal career: Sean Wright, a longtime Valley Stream resident, is running for District Court Judge in the 2nd District, bringing decades of legal experience and community service to his campaign.
Wright has spent more than seven years as a prosecutor for Valley Stream, where he handled ticket and building violation cases. Inn 2011 when he became a Hempstead Town attorney and worked as an arbitrator for both Queens and Nassau County. He has served as treasurer for the Friends of Bridge, a substance abuse counseling center, and has volunteered as an attorney adviser for High School Mock Trial, where he helped teacha new generation of legal minds. His dedication to local youth extended to the sports field as an assistant coach for the Valley Stream Green Hornets.
In 2016, Wright was appointed to the Valley Stream village board by Mayor Ed Fare after the resignation of Virginia ClavinHiggins
County Court Judge
Jeffrey A. Goodstein
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 57
Legal career: Jeffrey A. Goodstein is running for Nassau County Court Judge. Goodstein has served as an acting justice of the Nassau County Supreme Court in the 10th Judicial District since 2012, appointed by Chief Administrative Judge A. Gail Prudenti. He also holds a position as a judge in the New York Court of Claims, appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2012 and reappointed in 2014. Goodstein earned his law degree from Touro Law School and has served in various legal capacities throughout his career. He is also an adjunct professor at St. John’s University School of Law.
On the issues:
Anthony D’Esposito, a Republican and former NYPD detective, won the district in the 2022 midterm elections defeating Laura Gillen, and flipping the seat from Democratic to the GOP control for the first time in 25 years.
He said he is working hard noting as there are 75,000 more Democrats in the district than Republicans.
4th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Anthony D’Esposito Party: Republican
D’Esposito’s platform continues to emphasize affordability, increased funding for local schools, and opposes “cashless bail” policies, which he says have contributed to rising crime. He also suports eliminating the cap on state and local tax deductions.
D’Esposito noted his work to retun money to the district for water cleanup in Hempstead village and to mitigate flooding in low-lying South Shore communities, a majority of the district, including his hometown of Island Park. Along with partnering with local elected officials to make the communities more sustainable, considering the damage the area suffered after
Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
He said he is opposed to a federal ban on abortion.
On immigration he supported the House bill known as H.R. 2 that addressed issues regarding immigration and border security, including by imposing limits to asylum eligibility, but points to the Democratic-led Senate that did not put the measure up for a vote.
D’Esposito said he prioritizes public safety and said he strongly support Israel and Ukraine.
His re-election bid has been overshadowed by an ethics complaint.
A Democratic action committee has accused him of hiring his fiancée’s daughter and a woman he allegedly had a personal relationship with for taxpayer-funded positions in his district office.
The allegations have prompted calls for an expedited investigation, though D’Esposito has denied any wrongdoing and views it as a personal, private matter.
Laura Gillen is mounting a campaign centered on supporting middle-class families, defending women’s rights, and tackling pressing social justice issues.
As a former Town of Hempstead Supervisor, Gillen made history in 2017 as the first Democrat to hold the office in over a century. Her tenure was marked by key accomplishments, including passing transparency reforms, modernizing the town’s digital infrastructure, and allocating over $59 million to repair local roads. She lost her re-election bid in 2019, but remained an active figure in Nassau County politics.
On the issues:
wake the Supreme Court overturning Roe V. Wade. She criticized D’Esposito’s support for anti-abortion policies, arguing that his stance is out of touch with the values of Long Island voters. She said she stands strong stand against the rise of antisemitism, particularly in the wake of increasing incidents in schools, synagogues and on social media. Her action plan is aimed at combating hate, which includes leveraging federal resources to improve safety in schools, providing more protection for synagogues, and increasing oversight of social media platforms to prevent the spread of hateful content.
Gillen has made it clear that her campaign is focused on delivering for Long Island families. She has emphasized her commitment to reinstating the State and Local Tax deduction, a key economic issue for many county residents.
Gillen is a staunch advocate for reproductive rights, vowing to fight for the restoration of legal abortion in the
Senate DiStrict 5
On the issues:
Steve Rhoads is a familiar face in the 5th State Senate District.
A former Nassau County Legislator, Rhoads was first elected to the state senate in 2022, defeating the incumbent John Brooks.
Affordability is a major problem heading into this year’s election, Rhoads said.
“As a state government, as long as we continue to make New York state unaffordable and uncompetitive for businesses and for residents, we’re going to continue to suffer — and that has to change,” he said. “What I’ve been doing over the course of the last two years is trying to promote polices and legislation that will actually address those issues of affordability, of taxes.”
Rhoads has been an outspoken opponent of the state’s cashless bail system, advocating for “common sense” discretion for judges to decide which offenders should be kept on bail.
He expressed concerns for environmental issues impacting the district, including Grumman — the former energy plant in Bethpage — that’s a known source of toxic pollutants.
Rhoads said New York needs to find solutions that make sense for its residents.
“I view what’s happening today to be sort of a common sense versus chaos issue,” he said. “I’m up there in Albany fighting for common sense solutions that don’t favor one party or the other. People want common sense solutions to the solve the real world problems that they’re facing every day.”
On
the issues:
Lisa Lin is a first time candidate, a Merrick resident, and the supervising court attorney in the Queens County Criminal Court. Lin said she is deeply engaged in her community, and believes she possesses the knowledge and experience needed to lead the 5th State Senate District to a brighter future.
As a mother of four, Gillen said she brings a personal connection, emphasizing that she understands the challenges facing families in her district. She believes that her bipartisan approach as town supervisor, where she worked with a GOP-majority board, demonstrates her ability to get things done while staying true to her principles.
border to Seaford.
electiOn ‘24
Lin has taken a strong stance on protecting women’s access to reproductive health care, ensuring affordability for future generations, protecting the environment and keeping communities safe.
Nassau County’s always been safe, Lin said, but it need to stay that way. “It’s not just about being reactive, it’s about being proactive,” she said. “We should talk about how get opportunities to people and address mental health and mental illnesses, drug abuse and substance addiction, so that they don’t end up in the system in the first place.”
Lin is supportive of Prop 1, which
would codify an Equal Rights Amendment into the state’s constitution. “All of these protections in that amendment are things that New York already protects, but now it’s just making it a constitutional right,” she said.
At first nervous to get out on the campaign trail, Lin said she’s felt empowered over the last few months. “I feel like I am 100 percent one of the people in the community,” she said. “I have two little kids, and I just want a better and brighter future for them. That’s exactly why I’m running.”
Laura Gillen Party: Democrat
Congressional District 4 includes the South Shore Nassau County communities from the western county
Lisa Lin Party: Democrat
Steven D. Rhoads Party: Republican, Conservative
GENERAL ELECTION Candidates
Amendment to Protect Against Unequal Treatment
This proposal would protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. It also protects against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy.
A “YES” vote puts these protections in the New York State Constitution.
A “NO” vote leaves these protections out of the State Constitution.
Enmienda para Proteger Contra el Trato Desigual Esta propuesta protegería contra el trato desigual basado en la etnicidad, el origen nacional, la edad, la discapacidad y el sexo, incluida la orientación sexual, la identidad de género y el embarazo. También protege contra el trato desigual basado en la salud y la autonomía reproductiva.
Un voto “SÍ” coloca estas protecciones en la Constitución del Estado de Nueva York.
Un voto “NO” deja estas protecciones fuera de la Constitución del Estado.
Democratic Electors
Electores para Presidente y Vicepresidente
Kamala D. Harris (For President)
Republican Electors
Tim Walz (For Vice President)
Electores para Presidente y Vicepresidente
Donald J. Trump (For President)
JD Vance (For Vice President)
Representative in Congress District 4
Representante en el Congreso Distrito 4
Laura Gillen (D,CS)
United States Senator
Vote for One (1)
Anthony D’Esposito (R,C)
Senador Estatal, Distrito Vote for
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D, WF)
Diane Sare (L)
(1)
Michael D. Sapraicone (R,C)
James
Member
Miembro de Michaelle
Justice
Juez de la James Gregg Deanna Terence
County
Juez
Jeffrey State
ELECTIon’24
actual ballot, but a composite of several sample ballots so as to reflect all the districts within the communities covered Specific candidates for individual communities are identified in blue. Complete reporting on candidates running in districts covered by the LIHerald.com under the Elections ’24 tab. For election results after the polls close Tuesday night, go to LIHerald.com
Senator District 9
Estatal, Distrito 9
James Lynch (D)
Patricia CanzoneriFitzpatrick(R,C)
Member of Assembly District 22
de la Asamblea Distrito 22 Vote for One (1) Michaelle Solages (D) Ian Bergstrom (R,C)
Justice of the Supreme Court
la Corte Suprema (Vote for up to Eight) (8)
F. Matthews, Jr. (D,R,C)
Roth (D,R,C)
Deanna D. Panico (D,R,C)
Terence P. Murphy (D,R,C)
County Court Judge
Tribunal del Condado
Jeffrey A. Goodstein(D,R,C)
Alfred C. Graf (D,R,C)
Paul E. Hennings (D,R,C)
Paul M. Hensley (D,R,C) Andrew A. Crecca (D,R,C)
Family Court Judge
District Court Judge District 2
Andrea C. Phoenix (D,R,C) Veronica Renta Irwin (D,R,C)
Ryan E. Cronin (D,R,C) Sean Wright (D,R,C)
The incumbent representative for Assembly District 14 has been in office for 22 years, working closely with county, state and federal officials.
On the issues:
McDonough prioritizes helping individual members of the community. His office organizes several community drives to deliver supplies to people in need. These drives collect toys, coats, school supplies, pet food, and most recently, hurricane relief for those affected by Hurricane Helene and Milton.
Assembly District 14
David McDonough Party: Republican
“I have a big sign in my office: ‘help someone today,’ that’s our motto,” McDonough said.
He has secured grants to fund local law enforcement and safety projects, including the installation of speed cameras on Northern State Parkway and the Long Island Expressway.
In the Assembly, McDonough is a part of several committees to improve the
quality of life in Nassau County.
“I’m on the Education Committee, the Transportation Committee, the Consumer Affairs Committee and I chair a task force on the Public Safety Committee,” McDonough said.
“I’m responsible for us changing the education law for over 500,000 students in high schools,” McDonough said.
He worked with Democrats to pass a bill that makes all schools — public and private — obligated to report instances of sexual assault and abuse.
McDonough wants to address the affordability crisis in Nassau County. He hopes to work with banks to lower the mortgage rates, correlating with the federal reserve’s rate cut.
If McDonough wins reelection, McDonough offers time-tested strategies that have supported Assembly District 14 for the past 22 years.
“Get it done — That’s my policy,” McDonough said.
Ellen LedererDeFrancesco is running for office for the first time to address key concerns for Assembly District 14 residents and create a cleaner, more affordable future, she said.
Lederer-DeFrancesco, 54, has lived in Oceanside for 14 years with her two teenage daughters, her two rescue dogs and her husband, an Air Force veteran. She has two master’s degrees and a doctoral degree in education, teaching young people for seven years.
On the issues:
Ellen LedererDeFrancesco Party: Democrat
“I am running because my opponent has been in office for over 22 years and no longer goes to Albany,” Lederer-DeFrancesco said. “We pay for him to stay at home and collect a paycheck — we have no representation.”
Lederer-DeFrancesco hinks that some of the most important problems in her district are the high cost of living, air and water quality, and women’s
Assembly District 14 includes Bellmore, Merrick, Seaford and Wantagh.
reproductive rights.
“We all deserve better,” she said. “We deserve to have somebody up there who is fighting for us.”
To help make life in A.D. 14 more affordable, LedererDeFrancesco said she ound an opportunity to reduce utility bills by taking electric and water companies into public ownership.
She supports Prop 1, which would revise the first amendment to the state constitution to protect the civil rights of people based on their pregnancy status.
Lederer-DeFrancesco aspires to work with local Republicans to achieve her policy goals. To voters and policy makers across the aisle, LedererDeFrancesco has a message: “We are more alike than we are different,” she said.
Lederer-DeFrancesco said she is advocating for women to make their voices heard in this election.
eleCtion ‘24
Hempstead CounCil member distriCt 5
Chris Schneider, the newly appointed Town of Hempstead Councilman for the 5th District, is running in the November special election to continue his decades-long commitment to public service.
He was unanimously appointed to the board in August after the death of Chris Carini in July.
A Seaford resident and Wantagh High School graduate, Schneider’s career in government began in 2002, with roles in the Nassau County Legislature and the New York State Senate. He also held a senior leadership position at the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.
Schneider, 45, said replacing Carini was bittersweet, as Carini had been a close friend and collaborator for years. on the issues:
One of Carini’s legacies that Schneider is eager to support is the town’s Quality of Life Task Force, which addresses community issues such as
graffiti and illegal ads.
Schneider said he plans to expand and strengthen the task force, as he believes preserving a community’s appearance has a direct impact on residents’ quality of life.
Schneider has also represented Seaford on the Nassau County Police Commissioner’s Community Council since 2022, advocating for school safety, monitoring illegal smoke shops, and ensuring police stay responsive to community concerns. He supports the town’s efforts to remain fiscally responsible and says he is committed to finding ways to “do more with less” amid rising costs. He emphasizes the importance of communication and accessibility. He has connected with local civic leaders, fire departments, clergy, and veterans’ organizations to understand their needs and ensure he’s available to address community concerns.
“I’m accessible if they have a problem,” he said.
Former Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams is returning to politics with a clear focus on making the Town of Hempstead more affordable for all residents. on the issues:
The Democrat and Freeport resident, sees affordability as the town’s most pressing issue.
Abrahams, 50, served in the Nassau County Legislature for over two decades, where he said he helped stabilize the county’s finances and spearheaded infrastructure projects.
His time in office focused on keeping parks safe, maintaining roads, and ensuring that communities thrived. Now, his top priority is addressing the rising cost of living in Hempstead, particularly the lack of affordable housing for young people and middleaged families.
He expressed concern about the town’s recent $2 million tax levy increase, arguing that rising fees for services like pool passes, parking
permits, and sports leagues are unfairly burdening residents. He has vowed to scrutinize any proposed tax hikes and fiscal decisions to ensure they benefit taxpayers.
Abrahams also highlighted the importance of infrastructure, noting his past work in mitigating flooding in Freeport. He plans to focus on maintaining town roads and improving drainage systems to prevent flooding and disrepair.
He also said he wants to ensure that residents have access to essential services, like safe roads, well-maintained parks, and reliable public safety. His campaign aims to provide an alternative voice on the Town Board, advocating for policies that lower costs for residents.
“We cannot have a blind eye to what we do in the town, in regards to the increasing of tax or park fees or anything along those lines,” he said. “We have to lessen the burden, not add to it.”
Kevan Abrahams Party: Democrat
Chris Schneider Party: Republican
Counselmanic District 5 includes Bellmore, Freeport, Leittown, Lido Beacg Point Lookout and Seaford.
Town approves preliminary 2025 budget
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Town of Hempstead residents are expecting to pay more taxes next year — $5 more for those who live in villages, and $65 more for those who live in unincorporated areas.
The Town Board approved the preliminary 2025 budget on Oct. 1, adopting a $549 million spending plan, an increase of 4.9 percent. The tax levy will increase from $346 million to $389 million — a jump of over 12 percent that will far exceed the state tax cap of roughly 2 percent.
Town Comptroller John Mastromarino stated at a budget hearing on Oct. 15 that the town has managed to postpone tax increases over the past few years by utilizing reserve funds. But, he said, those funds are now running low, which is necessitating the tax increase.
“The town hasn’t had a tax increase in four years,” Mastromarino said. During that time, he added, the cost of living across the country increased by almost 28 percent, “and what we were doing was utilizing the reserves to protect our taxpayers,” Mastromarino said.
“The reserves were used, the taxpayers were protected, and it’s now at a point where we just can’t do it anymore,” he said.
Mastromarino said that the town used $22 million of reserve funds.
Where your tax dollars could go
School districts: 64 percent
Nassau County: 14 percent
Special districts: 10 percent
Villages: 7 percent
Towns: 4 percent
Cities: 1 percent
Before the budget hearing, community members rallied outside Town Hall, organized by members of the Nassau County Legislature’s Democratic caucus, who oppose the proposed tax increases. They accused the board of lacking transparency and failing to adequately inform the public about budgetary changes.
Attendees highlighted the already high cost of living that many residents are struggling with as they face the need to find additional funds to meet their tax obligations.
Former County Legislator Kevan Abrahams, who is challenging Republican Town Councilman Christopher Schneider to serve the balance of the term of Christopher Carini, who died in July,
Grand Avenue
Middle School
James Carroll
Jackson DiPasquale
Matias Cabrera Mariscal
Melia Martinez
Margarita Miller
Deanna Riomao
Ethan Rodriguez
Zoe Rodriguez
Ava Rothschild
Ryan Rothschild
Merrick Avenue
Middle School
Austin Bird
Lia Biscardi
Evan Brass
Omar Del cid
Gabriella Hassett
Vincent Luparello
Emma Makowsky
Yamileth Munguia Valle
Andrew Yan
Sanford H. Calhoun High School
Sophia Centanni
Jared Guber
John Nevin
Maria Rios
John F. Kennedy High School
Emily Greco
Justin Gusmano
Farah Khan
Jordana Wohlleben
Meadowbrook
Alternative Program
Kayleigh Reilly
Wellington C. Mepham High School
Jonathan Bakay
Avery Bentacourt
Lily Mach
Lauren Torres
spoke at the rally.
“There’s no transparency — there’s no visibility,” Abrahams said of the board’s budgeting process. “They try to do this in the cloak of darkness and they’re trying to squeak it past you. It’s called a sneaky weasel tax.”
In a letter about the budget proposal distributed among those who attended the hearing, Town Supervisor Donald Clavin stated that the spending plan was “fiscally responsible” and would enhance the town’s quality of life.
Town Supervisor Donald Clavin addressed board members during a budget hearing on Oct. 15, at which they discussed the preliminary 2025 budget of $549 million.
Hernesto Galdamez/Herald
stead, and for many good reasons,” Clavin wrote. “Our beaches, parks, and nature preserves are second to none. We have some of the finest restaurants, shops, and small businesses around. Our schools, athletic programs, community organizations, senior centers, and other public resources are among the best in the nation.
“This superlative quality-of-life experience paired with top-notch government services is what continues to make Hempstead Town a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” he added.
Located in Rockville Centre, Molloy University is home to one of the premier NCAA Division II athletic programs in the East Coast Conference. Molloy is expanding its athletic offerings by introducing sprint football as its 23rd intercollegiate sport. The Lions will proudly compete as the newest member of the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL), with the inaugural season kicking off in fall 2024.
Molloy University combines academic excellence and leadership with personal mentoring in over 70 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral academic programs.
Here you’ll think about your future in a whole new way.
OPEN HOUSE Sunday, November 17 at 1 PM
STEPPING OUT
Get your scare on with Halloween-inspired shindig
Ghoul out with some festive merrymaking
By Karen Bloom
The countdown is now on to spooking and assorted revelry. The signs of that festive day are all around us as all those ghouls, witches and wizards look forward to Oct. 31.
So throw on a costume and act like a kid — with or without the kids. Transform your house into a spooky (or mildy spooky lair) with party tricks and Halloween treats. Set the scene with a mad scientist-themed sweets table and carry it home with a crazy good menu featuring frightfully yummy appetizers, some mocktails for the kids (and non-drinkers in your crowd) and, of course, treats.
Dress up the details: Many folks can’t wait to dress up for a Halloween party, but that’s not so for everyone. Don’t make costumes mandatory. Instead offer a table of accessories that anyone can borrow and use to alter their appearance. Goofy glasses, strange hats, adhesive mustaches, or masks can be fun.
Have fun with Halloween cuisine. Cookie cutters can turn sandwiches, desserts, biscuits — just about anything — into different shapes. Foods also can be made a tad more spooky simply by renaming them or presenting them in interesting containers. Beverages can be offered in jugs or old bottles and labeled “potions.”
Try these tricked-out treats for same tasty spooking.
Witches Finger Sandwiches
Entice guests into your lair with some witchy fingers
• 1 (11-oz.) can refrigerated breadsticks
• 6 small slices pepperoni
• 12 (2/3-oz.) slices cheese
• 3/4 cup finely shredded lettuce
Heat oven to 375°F. Separate dough into 12 strips. Place flat on ungreased cookie sheet; do not twist. With sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut 2 small triangles from one end of each dough strip to form a point that resembles a fingertip. Lightly score breadsticks in center to resemble knuckles. Cut each pepperoni slice into 2 pointed ovals to resemble 2 fingernails. Place 1 pepperoni piece on each breadstick.
Bake at 375°F. for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. If necessary, reapply “fingernails” with small dot of ketchup.
puffs to resemble ghosts onto the remaining baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until dried and firm, about 1 hour. Turn off the oven, close the door, and cool until completely dried, about 1 hour more.
Dip the tip of a toothpick into melted chocolate and dot chocolate “eyes” on each of the ghosts.
Spiderweb Cheesecake
Snare your guests with some spider web cheesecake. Use your favorite 9” cheesecake recipe.
Topping:
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
• 1/3 cup milk, cream, sour cream or ricotta cheese
Web:
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chunks or chips
First, make your favorite 9” cheesecake, one using a graham cracker crust. Add 1/4 cup black cocoa to the crust, before pressing it into the pan. Bake the cake as directed; remove from the oven, and let it cool.
To make the topping: Whip the heavy cream with the sugar just until soft peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the sour cream just until combined.
Spread the topping over the cooled cheesecake.
Rock the Dock
Ambrosia, John Ford Coley and Peter Beckett (The Voice of Player), come together for a magical night performing all of their 1970s and ‘80s Billboard Top 40 Hits, on the Tilles Center stage, Yacht Rock the Dock shines the spotlight on the original artists, with Elliot Lurie, as they reinvigorate their many beloved tunes. Enjoy Ambrosia’s everlasting hits including “How Much I Feel,” “You’re the Only Woman” and “Biggest Part of Me.” John Ford Coley, most known as half of the Grammy-nominated duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, performs many memorable hits, including “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” “Love Is The Answer” and “Nights Are Forever Without You.” These songs are the soundtrack to a generation.Today’s so-called smooth yacht rock music scene would not be yacht rock without the contributions of these Grammy winning artists.
Friday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
‘Old Time Rock’
Split each breadstick. Cut each cheese slice into strips and place in breadstick, overlapping strips. Top each with lettuce. If desired, serve with mustard, mayonnaise or ketchup. Serve warm or cold. Note: Place leftover small triangular dough pieces on cookie sheet; bake until crisp. Use as croutons or nibblers.
Spooky Bones and Ghosts
Chase the demons away with a few “bones.”
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 drops fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
• 7 tablespoons white sugar, or more to taste
• 2 chocolate chips, melted, or as needed
Preheat oven to 225°F. Line 2 baking sheets with silicone baking mats.
Whisk eggs whites and lemon juice together in a bowl until thick, white, and foamy. Add sugar a spoonful at a time, whisking constantly, until meringue is shiny, thick, and holds its shape.
Transfer meringue to a piping bag. Pipe 12 bone shapes onto a prepared baking sheet. Pipe 12
To make the chocolate web: Heat the cream until it begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate and stir. The chocolate will begin to form one mass. Keep stirring until all the chocolate has melted — the cream should be hot enough to melt all the chocolate. If not, reheat briefly.
Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag fitted with a small tip (or a zip-top bag with one corner cut to form a 1/8” opening). Pipe one central dot onto the cream topping, then six concentric circles around the dot, spaced 1/2” apart.
Beginning with the center circle, gently pull a toothpick through all the circles toward the outer edge. Wipe the toothpick clean and repeat, moving clockwise and dragging the toothpick through at every eighth segment of the circle to complete the web pattern.
Peter Lemongello, Jr., the son of Long Island’s legendary star, returns to the Landmark stage. He takes his audience on a nostalgic musical journey from the 1960s through the’ 80s with his “Old Time Rock ‘N Roll” show. Accompanied by his eight-piece band, Peter delivers an engaging performance that evokes pure emotion. He continues to honor his father’s legacy — Peter Lemongello was the first artist to sell over a million albums on TV, through an innovative TV commercial campaign that paved the way for music video infomercials and MTV. A special highlight is Peter Jr.’s heartfelt tribute to his father, performing the hit “Do I Love You,” written by Paul Anka, which his Dad debuted on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.”
Friday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or by contacting Gene DiNapoli at (917) 567-5842.
Witches Finger Sandwiches Spooky Bones and Ghosts Spiderweb Cheesecake
Nov. 2
America
The perennial classic rock favorite is back on the road again as founding member Dewey Bunnell celebrates the band’s 54rd anniversary, appearing on the Tilles Center stage, Saturday, Nov. 2, at 8 p.m. Billed as “Ride On Tour 2024, will draw on the band’s deep catalog of hits including signature song “A Horse With No Name,” a Number One hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1972. Bunnell and America’s co-founder Gerry Beckley (along with former band mate Dan Peek), who met in high school in London in the late 1960s, quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of that tune. Forty plus years later, these friends continue to make music together (although Beckley has now retired from touring) thrilling audiences with their timeless sound. Yet beyond their impressive catalog of hits, listeners discovered there was always much more to America than surface perceptions. The combination of Beckley’s melodic pop rock and Bunnell’s use of folk-jazz elements, slinky Latin-leaning rhythms and impressionistic lyric imagery contrasted well with Peek’s more traditional country-rock leanings and highly personal lyrics.
On their way to becoming a global household name, America’s journey found them exploring a wide variety of musical terrain. Their best-known tunes, including “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don’t Cross The River,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” and “Sister Golden Hair” were beloved as cornerstones of 1970s Top 40 and FM rock radio. From their formative years, America has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America’s audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group’s enduring appeal. Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
‘The Birthday Party’
Looking for something to do this Halloween season that isn’t just for kids? Visit Sands Point Preserve for an exclusive, immersive theatrical production, “The Birthday Party,” held in a secluded opulent mansion, Friday , oct. 25, also oct. 31 and Nov. 1. For those who attended Archie’s last “Birthday Party,” rest assured, there are new surprises in store.
Guests will be blindfolded and escorted to a secret location on the property, Villa Vanitas, to celebrate the enigmatic Lord Archibald Axel Von Finkelshorn Chatterton’s 30th birthday. He is a witless charmer on the cusp of a life-changing revelation, and everyone’s invited to witness his journey on a night that promises to be unforgettable and delightfully unpredictable. Cocktail attire preferred. $175 per person. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.
Dog Days Weekend
Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), Saturday and Sunday, oct. 26-27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. With dog parade and costume contest on Sunday, 3-5 p.m. Prizes awarded to best dog costumes, including Prettiest, Most Handsome, Most Original, Best Duo or Group, Funniest. Costume contest participants must register. Advance ticket purchase for weekend events required. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information, visit oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048.
Merrick Fall Festival
The Merrick Chamber of Commerce’s Fall Festival returns this year, Friday through Sunday, oct. 25-27 Rides open on Friday night at 6 p.m. in the LIRR parking lot in Merrick. The street fair is open on Saturday and Sunday on Merrick Ave., beginning at 10 a.m. Stop by to shop for local goods, and meet dozens of local faces. Visit MerrickChamber.org for more information.
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.
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues Saturday, Nov. 2, 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.
Having an event?
Drug Take Back
Bellmore-Merrick Community Coalition hosts a Drug Take Back event, Saturday, Oct. 26, starting at 10 a.m., at the Brookside School in North Merrick. Thermometers, IV bags, liquids or chemotherapy drugs are not accepted. For more, contact the Community Parent Center at (516) 9921086. 1260 Meadowbrook Road, N. Merrick.
Barkfest
Nassau County’s Barkfest returns, Sunday, Oct. 27, 1- 3 p.m., at Eisenhower Park. The event features a pet parade and costume contest, and hundreds of dogs in cute costumers. Dogs must be leashed. For more information, call (516) 5720013.
Boo Bash
Bellmore-Merrick EMS hosts its annual Boo Bash, Sunday, Oct. 27, noon-3 p.m. Families can enjoy safe trick-or-treating, along with fall activities and more. 2434 Grand Ave. Any questions, email boobash@ bmems.org.
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
See Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull,” presented by Nassau Community College Theater and Dance Department, opening Friday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.; also Saturday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 29-30, 7;30 p.m. Delve into the lives of Arkádina, a famous — but fading — actress, and that of her lover, Trigórin, a well-known author. They arrive at her brother Sórin’s country estate for the summer, just as son Konstantín is staging an experimental new play he’s written and directed, starring his girlfriend, Nína.
Chekhov’s first successful naturalist play follows the lives of young artists as they navigate life. Thematically, it’s a study of the arts and the artist, the lack of real satisfaction to be found there, the pretense and mediocrity that pervade the practice, and yet the power and mystery that are possible. $12; NCC students free $10 veterans,
psychWisdom
Are you driving yourself crazy? PERSON TO PERSON
Have you ever felt that you were on the verge of a nervous breakdown? If so, it’s time to examine how you think and feel. You probably view the cause of your problems as other people — the way they aggravate you, expect too much of you, and are constantly critical of you. And
I’m sure you have a point.
But it’s not only them. It’s about you and how you interpret and respond to
their actions, as well as how your own pressures and expectations contribute to your tension and anxiety.
Here are some ways you probably make life more difficult for yourself.
■ You’re sensitive and vulnerable, quickly feeling hurt or angry by others’ thoughtless remarks or actions. You have trouble letting go of the hurt. You feel justified in keeping a grudge. After all, it
wasn’t nice for that person to do that to you. Though you perceive yourself as the victim, it feels wild when others claim that you’re the problem for making too big a deal out of something.
■ You have a strong need to control and do things “right.” I know it’s not easy to admit this, especially if you’re a perfectionist. All you want is for things to be done “the way they should be done.” Life should be easier, but it gets hard when others keep insisting on doing things their way. Constant arguing about how and when to take care of tasks saps your energy and turns potentially joyful times into heavy ones.
■ You’re overly concerned with safety. Others think of you as too nervous, and suggest you need to relax. Your kids think you’re nuts. Chill out, they say. Ha! Easier said than done. You’re not a risk-taker. Your great capacity to feel for others and your lively imagination do you in when you live life as though every unknown is a potential tragedy, every problem a potential catastrophe.
■ You’re a responsible can-do person. You have valuable skills. People respect you and admire you for all you can do. Sometimes, however, it just feels like too much. Others are not pulling their weight. Hence, you resent all the obligations on your shoulders. Yet, you find it difficult to delegate or eliminate responsibilities. After all, “things must be taken care of.” “If you want something done right, you need to do it yourself.”
■ You’re too self-critical. You can’t seem to turn off that inner voice that keeps telling you--do more, do better, do it faster. Though you may be complimentary to others, those closest to you get the same critical treatment you give yourself. You like to think of your comments as “helpful criticism,” but if you’re honest with yourself, you’re aware that there’s a good deal of stress and turmoil in your closest relationships.
Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach, and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives, and overcome debilitating anxiety, procrastination, and depression. Contact her at DrSapadin@ aol.com. Visit her website at www.PsychWisdom.com.
Linda Sapadin
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Published Nearest to Filing Date, 4. (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 134;Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 180. (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, and Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 456; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue
Published Nearest to Filing Date, 482. (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published
them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO NATIONAL CITY BANK; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; HECTOR CHAVEZ, “JOHN DOE #2” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last eleven names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.
Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Mortgaged Premises: 25-33 PARK PLACE, BELLMORE, NY 11710
Section: 63, Block: 203, Lot: 155
To the above named Defendants
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and
Copies of Single Issue
Published Nearest to Filing Date, 1066. g. Copies Not Distributed:
Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 443; Actual No.
Copies of Single Issue
Published Nearest to Filing Date, 434.
h. Total: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 1400; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 1500.
i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation:
Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 62.17 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 62.48%.
Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0 (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other classes Mailed Through the USPS: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue
Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0. (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail: Average No. Copies
Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 250; Actual No.
Copies of Single Issue
Published Nearest to Filing Date, 400. e. Total Free or Nominal Rate
Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 362; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 400.
f. Total Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 957; Actual No.
to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF
SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $520,000.00 and interest, recorded on March 09, 2007, in Liber M31644 at Page 1, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 25-33 PARK PLACE, BELLMORE, NY 11710. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.
NASSAU County is designated as the place
16. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the October 24, 2024 issue of this publication.
17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Stuart Richner, Owner; Date: October 1, 2024 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material information requested on the form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).
1275279
Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
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 (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Orit Avraham, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 149295
News briefs
Temple Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore hosted a series of special events last month, which welcomed guests into a newly renovated social hall. A memorial, seen above, was also unveiled.
An evening of celebrations at
Merrick’s Temple Beth Am
Temple Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore hosted a series of special events last month that brought the congregation together for a night of reflection and celebration.
After extensive renovations, congregants were welcomed into the newly refurbished social hall during a celebratory reception.
The evening continued with a cocktail party, where guests admired the redesign and praised the elegant transformation.
The crowd then moved to the lobby for the unveiling of the temple’s newly designed Holocaust Memorial. The memorial, created by WL Concepts & Production, Inc., was funded by Bill and Audrey Levine, along with their sons, James and Robert. Rabbi Michael Baum spoke passionately about the memorial’s design and its lasting significance, stressing the importance of its legacy for future generations. The
LEGAL NOTICE
A non-profit religious organization located in Merrick, NY is seeking sealed bids for sales and installation of security related enhancements. The project includes obtaining and installation of:
1.Physical access control equipment (card readers, door strikes, panic bars), to enable remote lock release capability that is compatible with our current systems for selected interior doors.
2.Doorbell / buzzer compatible with our existing physical access control equipment to enable remote release of entry lock for one interior office.
3. Acquire and install additional highdefinition security cameras compatible with our existing video surveillance system. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge and demonstrated experience with security cameras and access control systems,
unveiling, assisted by Cantor Daniel Rosenfeld and temple presidents Rob Stolberg and Mark Spivack, gave attendees a moment to reflect on the reminder to “Never Forget.”
From there, guests proceeded to the sanctuary, where Donna Rosenblum, Director of Education at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, delivered a lecture on Jewish resistance at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and the enduring resilience of the human spirit. The lecture set the tone for the Selichot services that followed.
Selichot, a Jewish service of penitential prayers and poems, marks the period leading up to the High Holy Days. The word “selichot” comes from the Hebrew term for “forgiveness.” The service, led by Baum and Rosenfeld, served as a spiritual prelude to Rosh Hashanah, which began on the evening of Oct. 2.
adherence to projected work schedules, prior experience, references, and cost. Bids will be accepted for either individual items listed above or any combination of those items. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at bidstbame@gmail.com. All firms who intend to bid and are interested in receiving the bid requirements must provide the following
information in your email request: firm name, owners’ names, business address, primary contact, telephone, fax, and email address by no later
Courtesy Temple Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.
Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
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EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
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Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable
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Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com
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MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Medical Reception/Accounts
Receivable
Part Time- back-office work. Rockville Centre. Must be friendly, well-spoken. Computer literacy necessary. Back office includes collections/account receivable, verifying insurance and researching claims and some billing. Must be flexible (days/evenings). $18-$19/ Hourly. Email resume drsmnw@optonline.net or fax resume 516-763-4218.
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
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Victorian Colonial Fixer-Upper
What can we do with our Helene-damaged home?
Q. Our home in Asheville, North Carolina, was damaged by Hurricane Helene. The insurance company was contacted, and several busy contractors have looked at the property as they passed by. One commented that many homes need to be completely rebuilt, because they’re missing parts that protect them from hurricanes, such as “tecos.” What are tecos, and why do they make a difference? Can they be added without tearing our house down? This may push us to just sell, as is, and move on, at a large loss. What can we do?
A. . First, Teco is a brand name for metal connectors that hold lumber building parts together, giving any home greater resistance to being pulled apart by wind. Unfortunately, the company went out of business in the 1990s. It’s a brand name, not a generic term — it’s like saying Kleenex instead of facial tissue.
But the name stuck, and is often used by people who have no idea that you can’t get a Teco anymore, but it’s easier than saying joist hanger or connector.
The most-used brand today is Simpson, which is far more sophisticated, for a much wider variety of engineered connections. The key word is “engineered,” and I emphasize it because most users of these products often use the wrong connectors for the wrong purposes. For example, your home, if it’s not completely in splinters, can be saved, but you have to use the right connectors, utilizing manufacturer charts and selecting the right ones based on wind resistance calculations. I’m sure I just lost most readers, because almost nobody actually calculates, or desires to respect, the right use of the right connector, so people go to the store and buy a box of what looks best, what is most available or what costs the least.
While filming the documentary “Hell or High Water,” which never got released due to lack of funding, I got to meet with officials, from (the equivalent of) the mayor to the head of the building department in Moore, Oklahoma, after third-graders were killed in their concrete elementary school by the fastest winds ever recorded, 313 miles per hour. The neighborhood was gone. People were rebuilding. I questioned why building permits were issued and yet nobody was using the connectors to reconstruct. The superintendent of the building department answered with frustration, knowing that it’s a code requirement, that “most people can’t afford the cost of the connectors.” Nine years later, I saw an article about the state of Oklahoma now strictly enforcing connector requirements.
You don’t have to walk away from your home. The base and top of the wall studs, the roof rafter connections and the corner hold-downs can be retrofitted, which will give you additional wind resistance of approximately 30 mph, and as a nationally certified damage assessor, I have seen firsthand that the right connectors save property and lives. Good
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INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Ac-
Don’t miss your chance — get out and vote
as we approach a pivotal election that portends high political drama, there’s never been a better time to stress the importance of voting. Every vote counts, and participation is more than a right — it’s a crucial responsibility that shapes this nation’s democracy.
This is not about whom to vote for. It’s about making the most of the privilege of voting.
Early voting is now underway in parts of the country, and in the state of Georgia, the turnout has already made headlines. On the first day of early voting, more than 300,000 Georgians cast their ballots — more than double the number who voted that day in 2020.
That could signal the beginning of another record turnout for the presidential election. Four years ago, both eventual President Joe Biden and the incumbent, Donald Trump, garnered the most votes ever in a presidential election. Biden won with some 81 million.
The heightened enthusiasm, to put it most politely, for next month’s election underscores why every eligible voter should make his or her voice heard.
This year, Election Day falls on Nov. 5, but early voting provides flexibility for those who may not be able to vote on that day. In New York, early voting gets under way this Saturday and ends on Nov. 3.
Early voting gives voters the chance to skip the long lines and cast their ballots at a time and place that is convenient for them. It’s a safeguard against last-minute emergencies or unforeseen obstacles that might occur on Election Day.
The surge in early voting is a promising sign for democracy, but it also sends a larger message about civic engagement in today’s highly charged political climate. Voting is one of the most direct ways individuals can influence the policies that shape their lives.
Whether the issues voters are focused on are health care, education, the economy, social justice or abortion access, the winning candidates, and measures on the
New York state elections are all about the major parties
To the Editor:
As New York voters prepare for the Nov. 5 elections, it is apparent that candidate choices are limited now more than ever. The Herald Roundtable articles, for example, are limited to coverage of Democratic and Republican candidates. The anti-democratic impact of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s electoral “reforms” has become abundantly clear
■ Oyster Bay Ice Rink
Early voting locations
1001 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714
■ Elmont Public Library 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont, NY 11003
■ Floral Park Recreation Center 124 Stewart Ave., Floral Park, NY 11001
■ Freeport Recreation Center 130 East Merrick Rd., Freeport, NY 11520
■ St. Paul’s Recreation Center 295 Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY 11530
■ Glen Cove City Hall 9 Glen St., Glen Cove, NY 11542
■ Great Neck House 14 Arrandale Ave., Great Neck NY 11023
■ Hempstead Rec. Center/Kennedy Park 335 Greenwich St., Hempstead, NY 11550
■ Hofstra University 1000 Fulton Ave., Hempstead, NY 11549
■ Hicksville Levittown Hall 201 Levittown Pkwy., Hicksville NY 11801
■ South Shore Jewish Center 191 Long Beach Rd., Island Park, NY 11558
■ Lawrence Country Club 101 Causeway, Lawrence, NY 11559
■ Long Beach City Hall 1 West Chester St., Long Beach, NY 11561
■ Massapequa Town Hall South 977 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa, NY 11758
■ Temple Beth Am 2377 Merrick Ave., Merrick NY 11566
■ Nassau County Board of Elections 240 Old Country Rd., Mineola NY 11501
■ Michael J. Tully Park 1801 Evergreen Ave., New Hyde Park, NY 11040
■ Plainview Mid-Island Y JCC 45 Manetto Hill Rd., Plainview, NY 11803
■ Port Washington Library 1 Library Dr., Port Washington, NY 11050
■ Rockville Centre Recreation Center 111 N. Oceanside Rd., Rockville Centre, NY 11570
■ Gayle Community Center 53 Orchard St., Roslyn Heights, NY 11577
■ Syosset Public Library 225 S. Oyster Bay Rd., Syosset NY 11791
■ Valley Stream Presbyterian Church 130 S. Central Ave., Valley Stream, NY 11580
■ St. Francis De Chantal Church 1309 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, NY 11793
■ West Hempstead Public Library 500 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead NY 11552
■ Yes We Can Community Center 141 Garden St., Westbury, NY 11590
■ Williston Park American Legion 730 Willis Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596
ballot, will help determine the future of those issues. By casting your vote, you become part of the collective decisionmaking process that steers the direction of the country.
For those who feel disillusioned or disengaged, it’s important to remember that democracy works best when it’s fully inclusive. Every election offers the opportunity to hold public officials accountable, to approve or reject ballot measures, and to influence the future of local, state and national policies.
When large numbers of people opt out of the process, fewer voices shape the policies that affect everyone. Voting is a way to speak up, even when the system feels
letters
with this year’s elections in our state. Having made it virtually impossible for independent third-party candidates to appear on the ballot, drastically changing longstanding ballot access laws and regulations in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, this fall we find ourselves with only Democrats and Republicans listed on our ballots. In a manner similar to what Republicans have done elsewhere, New York Democrats have suppressed the vote and stifled meaningful political debate on the issues that face us all. We urge Gov. Kathy Hochul
imperfect or frustrating. By casting your vote — whether early or on Election Day— you are exercising a power that should never be taken for granted. “My vote doesn’t matter” is simply not the case. So if you can’t vote on a busy Tuesday, Nov. 5, make a plan to do so between now and the Sunday before Election Day. Or take advantage of the time you still have to register to vote and request an absentee ballot. Be part of the conversation, have a say in the issues that matter to you, and help ensure a future that reflects the will of all Americans.
Voting isn’t just a privilege; it’s a duty that upholds the foundation of our democracy. Your voice matters. Let it be heard.
and the State Legislature to reverse these draconian changes to our election law as soon as possible. New Yorkers deserve more voter choice, more democracy.
Thanks to the Cuomo “reforms,” New York is the only state to have just two candidates for president appearing on the ballot. This has happened in only one other state in the past 40 years, Oklahoma. Many voters now feel faced with two unsatisfactory choices: a candidate who is engaged in sowing pernicious and deadly seeds of ethnic and ideological conflict, and another who
opinions Fentanyl is taking too many lives
the other day, I was browsing my LinkedIn feed and came across an illustration that caught my eye. There were three glass jars, all the same size, each containing a black ball. The first jar’s ball filled the jar. The second jar’s ball was smaller, and the third was tiny. A caption read, “People tend to believe that grief shrinks over time.”
Underneath was another set of jars, increasing from small to large. This time the balls were the same size, filling the first jar entirely, and as the jars grew larger, it was as if the jar was growing around the ball. The caption read, “What really happens is that we grow around our grief.”
Grief is universal. Some grieve when a favorite restaurant closes, while others mourn a pet or a relationship. But what about a parent grieving the loss of a child? As a father of two daughters, I can’t fathom losing one of them. The thought gives me a pit in my stomach. I can only imagine the pain becoming part of me, like an organ or an appendage.
In theory, I agree with the illustra-
supports wars and continuing our nation’s complicity in an ongoing genocide.
The Green Party urges all progressive voters to write in “Jill Stein” in this year’s election. Don’t stay home, and don’t waste your vote!
JIM BRoWN
Chair, Green Party of Nassau County Island Park
Kremer summed up Trump, but there’s more
To the Editor:
In his oct. 10-16 column, “A historic election for all the wrong reasons,” Jerry Kremer presents several compelling reasons to reject Donald Trump’s “desperate campaign” for president.
But voters should consider other factors as well. Conservatives, in particular, ought to ask whether Trump adheres to three principles they surely hold dear: family values, law and order, and patriotism.
Do Republican parents really want their children to view this potential president as a role model? Should kids
tion’s message. It offers context to the unfathomable. But what if your child were murdered? Would that change things? What if the murder were preventable? I hope to never find out. Unfortunately, it’s a reality for many families, especially because of fentanyl.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve heard of fentanyl. Most likely, you know someone who has died from it or has been affected in some way. Kids are dying, and families are being torn apart. You might be mistaken if you think it’s not happening in your neighborhood.
iHere are some sobering facts from the CDC:
■ Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine.
■ In 2022, it caused more than 73,800 preventable deaths.
n my years of recovery work, I’ve attended too many wakes and funerals.
Many associate overdoses with rock stars or homeless junkies, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Your child doesn’t need to be a drug addict to die from fentanyl poisoning — it’s everywhere. Complacency is fentanyl’s greatest ally. It’s being found in drugs like marijuana. Unless drugs are prescribed by a doctor or come from a reputable dispensary, you’re playing Russian roulette.
Consider that scene in “The Deer Hunter”: Your child is Christopher Walken, the gun he’s holding to his head is the party your child is attending, and the lone bullet is that Xanax laced with fentanyl that they’re trying for the first time.
seek to emulate a philanderer and a vulgarian incapable of telling the truth?
How do those professing to “back the blue” square that stance with support for a convicted felon? Is someone charged with racketeering and 51 other criminal offenses a credible champion of the rule of law?
Are red-white-and-blue all-Americans oK with a candidate who orchestrated the attempted overthrow of the country’s constitutional order? Does denigrating members of the U.S. armed forces demonstrate love of country?
Trump defiles all three of the values most Americans regard as sacrosanct.
This is not to say that Kamala Harris is without personal flaws of her own. She’s imperfect, both as a candidate and a human being. Besides, voters should be assessing a candidate’s policy positions, not only his or her personal behavior. And Harris’s record and her proposals can be fairly criticized from a conservative perspective.
But character does matter. And on that score, Donald Trump is utterly unqualified to hold the nation’s highest office.
KEvIN J. KELLEY Atlantic Beach
■ Accidental overdose is now the second-leading cause of death among young people.
In Texas, law enforcement has seized over 505 million lethal doses of fentanyl. That’s enough to kill every person in the U.S. It’s simple math: Fentanyl = death.
In my profession, I facilitate free Narcan training. Narcan reverses opioid overdoses. It saves lives.
People often ask, “Why would a drug dealer want to kill their clients?” The answer is simple: fentanyl is cheap and highly addictive. That translates to higher profits and return customers: high risk but high reward.
In my almost 15 years of recovery, I’ve attended too many wakes and funerals for kids and adults. There’s an expression in recovery: Sometimes you have to step over the bodies. That should be reserved for battlefields, yet we live on a battlefield where fentanyl is a weapon of mass destruction.
I serve on a Community Prevention
Coalition working to educate our kids about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. It includes school administrators, social workers, police officers, local merchants, and parents who have lost loved ones to fentanyl. We focus on combating the spread of this deadly drug through our communities.
Grief shouldn’t be part of a parent’s job description, yet it often is. While it’s impossible to avoid all grief, we can reduce the chances of preventable loss. We must act to effect change. You don’t have to be a crusader, but sitting on our hands isn’t an option. We can spread awareness to prevent more fentanyl poisonings.
A mentor once told me, “If you’re not part of the solution, then you’re part of the problem.” Here’s the call to action: Join your local community coalition. Get trained to administer Narcan. Talk to your kids about substance dangers. Write to local officials about their plans for the opioid crisis, and consult professionals about prevention strategies. Pick one action, and you’ll be part of the solution. A community that works together always wins.
Jason Mayo is a certified recovery peer advocate at a nonprofit community recovery and outreach center on Long Island. He is a contributing writer for The Sober Curator, has written for the Forbes Business Council and is the author of the children’s books “Do Witches Make Fishes?” and “The Boy and the Billy Goat.”
Election Letters to the Editor policy
In the interest of fairness and transparency during the election season, we will not publish letters in the Oct. 31-Nov. 6 issue, the final one before Election Day, that criticize a candidate or a specific issue. This is to ensure that no last-minute submissions are published without sufficient opportunity for rebuttal. Readers are encouraged to send letters to execeditor@liherald.com.
Framework by Tim Baker
A crisp, patriotic day in Eisenhower Park - East Meadow
Jason maYo
Law school bonds formed decades ago are still strong
Few possessions in life are more valuable than lasting friendships. I’ve been more than blessed with friendships that began almost 60 years ago, when I was a student at Notre Dame Law School, and remain strong all these decades later. That was clear when we got together again at Notre Dame last week. I entered Notre Dame in 1965. From my home in Queens to the campus in South Bend, Indiana, was about 800 miles by car. In life experience, the distance was light years. I had no clue what to expect. My life up to then had been almost entirely confined to Queens, where I grew up; Brooklyn, where I went to high school and college; and Manhattan, where I was born, and where, during my last two years of college, I worked loading and unloading trucks and freight cars at the Railway Express Terminal on 10th Avenue. My out-of-state ventures had been limited to New Jersey: a two-week summer rental when I was 9, a handful of one-day visits to relatives and two nights at Palisades Amusement Park. In
New York, I took the ferry once to Staten Island, made the occasional trip to Jones Beach and journeyed to the Bronx for a handful of Yankees games and once to watch the football Giants practice at Fordham. I had never eaten in an actual restaurant, my dining experience limited to White Castle and pizza joints.
The Notre Dame campus was as impressive as advertised, with its famed Golden Dome glistening in the Indiana sun and more trees and manicured grass than I’d seen anywhere except Central Park. The law school was a three-story Gothic structure that radiated seriousness of purpose. I opted to live in Fisher Hall, the graduate student dorm, rather than an off-campus apartment mainly for convenience: It was a two-minute walk from the law school and next door to the dining hall.
had gone away to college, and I had no idea what dorm life was like.
C atching up with four longtime, far-flung friends from Notre Dame.
We were all willing to work together and help one another out — very different from the cutthroat competition at many law schools. That was a great defense against the dean of the law school, who took pride in the number of first-year students who flunked out or bailed out. His welcoming greeting to us had set the tone: “Look at the man on your left and the man on your right. Before long, one of you won’t be here. And damned be he who first cries, ‘Enough, enough!’”
Fortunately, the six of us survived the dean’s first-semester bloodletting, with Ward and Weiss doing exceptionally well and the rest of us doing well enough.
Rosemary, who was a student at neighboring St. Mary’s, during my first semester, and her becoming an integral part of our group. We got married at the start of my final semester before graduation.
After graduation, everyone did well: Manning in Chicago, Ward in Maine, Curtin in New Jersey, Weiss in St. Louis and Bonenberger in West Virginia. Though we were many miles apart, we stayed in close contact over the years, including at five-year class reunions, even holding weekly Zoom meetings during Covid.
Then, last summer, Manning, who was in many ways our magnet, died, and we decided to have our own minireunion. So last week we were together again in South Bend.
Most important, the law students living around me in Fisher Hall were great guys. Dick Manning, Tom Curtin, Tom Ward, Charlie Weiss and Lanny Bonenberger became lifelong friends. For the most part we all had similar upbringings, Catholic school-educated. Every one of us except Ward, whose father was a doctor, was the first in our family to go to college. And every one of the others
Why
For the past year, politicians and political commentators have described the upcoming election as the most consequential in American history. To be realistic, all elections have consequences, but there is no doubt that this one will have a dramatic impact on my family, and countless others, for years to come. With less than two weeks to go until Nov. 5, I am weary from the back-and-forth discussions I have had with family members, friends, neighbors, and political allies and adversaries. Happily, all of those talks have been cordial, and it has been worthwhile to listen to all opinions. These exchanges have better prepared me to explain why I will vote for Kamala Harris for president. Before explaining the basis for my vote, I need to rebut some of the arguments that I have heard from supporters of Donald Trump. Some have made the claim that Harris is “anti-Israel.”
Sometime in the spring of our first year, there was a climactic power struggle between the dean and the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, president of the university, over the starting date for the law school in the fall. Their grand compromise was to give the dean his starting date, but to throw the law students off campus. It was my first experience as collateral damage! But the six of us found a house to rent in South Bend, and our friendships grew stronger than ever. Adding to all this was my meeting
There were changes. Fisher Hall and the house we rented have been demolished. The law school building is many times larger than it was. But among us, nothing had changed. We walked the campus, reliving good memories, retelling old stories, talking about our children and grandchildren. We were thankful for our bonds of friendship, which had been forged in another century and have grown only stronger over seven decades. A great gift.
Go, Irish!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
I’m voting for Kamala Harris
They point to the fact that then-President Trump moved the American embassy to Jerusalem, but they have not offered any proof that as a candidate, Harris has failed to support Israel. She has shown her unhappiness with its prime minister, but Benjamin Netanyahu is not Israel.
itrust her, and believe she is the best choice for challenges both at home and abroad.
Three months into the election madness, some people tell me they “don’t know enough about Kamala.” I view that as an excuse not to vote for a woman. My response to them is, “Where does Trump stand on abortion, child care tax cuts, more housing opportunities for people of modest means and tax breaks for middleincome families?”
I frequently hear people describe the vice president as “too liberal.” They reference her former support for Medicare for All and her past opposition to fracking. Harris has modified her positions on a number of issues, as has Trump’s vice presidential nominee, J.D. Vance, who is now in lockstep with Trump — after once calling him a “Hitler.”
I choose Harris over Trump for a
number of reasons. I trust her, and believe that she will be an honest president. I don’t believe that she will make private deals with campaign donors, or craft laws that will favor a handful of wealthy donors like Elon Musk. Above all, she won’t lie, lie and lie some more at every opportunity.
Thanks to President Biden’s hard work, America has the respect of world leaders once again. NATO is once more a united force in Europe, and the only firewall we have against Russia and Vladimir Putin. Harris will be a strong supporter of NATO and Ukraine. That will make our country safer. She will uphold our alliances with Asian nations and oppose China’s efforts to harm Taiwan.
Harris will appoint qualified people to major positions in her cabinet, and has pledged to seek bipartisan advice on key issues. There are countless thought leaders in America who would gladly give their time to the government if they thought their views would be respected. Above all, she will not sell out the nation to domestic or foreign
interests.
Harris will protect a woman’s right to choose. She has pledged to reinstate Roe v. Wade, and will appoint judges to the Supreme Court who will protect women’s rights. She will appoint an attorney general who will follow the Constitution, and be the people’s lawyer and not the president’s lap dog. Harris will maintain our support for Israel. She has seen the powerful support that Biden has provided, including his latest pledge to give Israel guided missiles and U.S. military support to back them up. She will honor those commitments.
Rather than recite the reasons why I do not support Trump, I’ll defer to America’s top generals, who have called him dangerous and unfit to be commander in chief. To add to their opposition, I could further quote all of Trump’s former cabinet members who oppose his re-election.
Enough said.
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.
