Kiwanis ushers in a new year, and leaders too
The Kiwanis Club of East Meadow, known for its commitment to community service, installed new officers during a special ceremony on Oct. 8 at the Coral House in Baldwin.
Melody Schiller was honored as incoming president, alongside Donna Goldstein as president-elect, Alba Dougherty as secretary, and Brian O’Flaherty as treasurer. Joseph Parisi, the outgoing president, was honored for his service.
By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
For over six decades, EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies has been a lifeline for individuals facing epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, and mental health challenges — offering personalized care and a supportive community.
The nonprofit organization, headquartered on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow, provides comprehensive services to Long Islanders, and its programs focus on improving the quality of life for clients through specialized care, education, and advocacy.
Tlocated in Freeport.
Lisa Burch, chief executive and president of the EPIC Family, said it operates a day habilitation center at its East Meadow location, which welcomes about 150 people daily who come from either EPIC’s residential homes or the community in general. EPIC also operates a clinic that provides occupational, physical, and speech therapy as well as other services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
here’s this wholeness to what we do, and I think that’s what makes us really special and unique.
lisA BURCh Chief executive and president, EPIC Family
of Human Service
Agencies
The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies has three branches: EPIC Long Island, which supports individuals with disabilities; the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island; and the South Shore Guidance Center, a mental health and behavioral clinic
The South Shore Guidance Center offers family therapy, individual therapy, mental health clinics, and behavioral counseling.
“And we do a lot of work in the local community with young people,” Burch added, “providing support services, enrichment services and just coordinated community mental health services.”
Each year, EPIC works with the East Meadow Fire Depart-
ment, who provides a safety program for individuals with disabilities.
“I don’t know anybody who doesn’t love sitting in a fire truck,” Burch said. “It’s one of those things that we love — and our folks love it too. The main goal, regardless of anybody’s ability, they should know how to stay safe. The fire department does a great job in providing that information.”
The fire department visited EPIC Long Island this year on Oct. 2, for an afternoon of fun, safety, and learning.
Burch said EPIC teaches the individuals it serves to recognize the “right helpers” — people like police officers and firefighters they know to trust. The program with the fire department further helps with that familiarization, she explained.
“Some folks are living on their own, or they’re living in their parents’ or family’s home, depending on their ability,” she said. “So, it’s important for them to recognize who’s coming to help.”
EPIC, Burch said, stands for “Extraordinary People In Care” — and the reach of its services grew out of its work with the epilepsy community.
“We provide education, we do training and certification for people in seizure safety, seizure first response,” Burch said of its epilepsy branch, “reaching thousands of people annually, providing support, guidance, resources
and information.”
Irene Rodgers, the associate executive director of development and epilepsy services with EPIC, said the likelihood of witnessing someone having a seizure is remarkably high — which are not always caused by epilepsy, a brain disease that causes seizures, or episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
“One in 10 people will experience a seizure in their lifetime,” she said. “It’s very important to know what to do when you see someone having a seizure, recognizing the signs and symptoms of seizures, and then also how to help a person after they have had a seizure.”
Some people may experience a seizure and quickly be able to continue normal life activities, while other seizures may require medical attention, Rodgers said.
“There are so many other types of seizures and syndromes,” she said. “Some are very subtle. It could be where someone is appearing to just daydream and not be aware of their surroundings, and then they’re right back to whatever they are doing. So, seizures can have a wide range of symptoms — they can have a wide range of impact on the individual and their day-to-day functioning.”
The Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island offers educational resources, free of charge, to individuals with epilepsy in need of information, referrals for doctors, or advocacy in sectors of their life. It also provides generalized information-
al programs for the public to learn more about seizures and epileptic conditions. Because services are free, Rodgers said they rely heavily on donations and fundraising activities — and the organization’s largest one is coming up this weekend. The 13th annual Walk to End Epilepsy is slated for Oct. 19 in Eisenhower Park, at Parking Field 1 off Merrick Avenue. Check in starts at 9 a.m., and the walk begins at 10 a.m. The foundation hopes to raise $100,000 and spread epilepsy awareness.
“People can see there is such a sense of community, which oftentimes people who are living with epilepsy feel alone, isolated,” Rodgers said. “When everyone
epiC family of Human Service a gencies, provides a breadth of services to Long islanders with special needs, epilepsy, and mental health conditions. the emfd delivered an informative program recently for individuals with disabilities at its day hab program.
comes together in the park, it’s just a great feeling — a feeling of community, of support.”
Despite EPIC’s various sectors, everything is connected, Burch said.
“You might come to us as a person with epilepsy, looking for resources, but if you’re struggling with mental health — we have that too,” she said. “There’s this wholeness to what we do, and I think that’s what makes us really special and unique.”
EPIC Long Island and the Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island are located at 1500 Hempstead Turnpike, East meadow. For more on the organization, its services, and the upcoming walk, visit EPICLI.org.
The Kiwanis Club of East Meadow is well known in the community for its good deeds. And last week, the club welcomed its new officers, while thanking the previous ones for their dedication to the club throughout the year.
The Kiwanis installed Melody Schiller as its president, Donna Goldstein as its president elect, Alba Dougherty as its secretary and Brian O’Flaherty as its treasurer. Joseph Parisi is the club’s immediate past president.
The board of directors for 2024 includes Matthew Kamper, Richie Krug Jr., Kara Lamendola, Steve LaSala, Rosa Principato, Tracy Rudd, Ted Rosenthal, Marian Schneider and Sharon Sokhey.
“It was a magical night at the Coral House as East Meadow Kiwanis celebrated its 73rd installation of officers,” the club wrote on Facebook. “Congratulations to our outgoing President Joseph Parisi and incoming President Melody Schiller.”
East Meadow residents know that year after year, the Kiwanis Club does what it can to give back to the community and its children. It’s a premier service organization in East Meadow, that distributes food during the holidays, backpacks and school supplies to children in need and provides scholarships, among several other initiatives.
The installation took place at the Coral House in Baldwin on Oct. 8.
The Kiwanis meets on Tuesday evenings at 7:15 p.m., and for more information on the club and its activities, visit EastMeadowKiwanis.org.
–Jordan Vallone
By AMANDA MOTT
Special to the Herald
Earlier this year, the East Meadow Herald joined over 200 other local newspapers in New York State to launch the Empire State Local News Coalition, which successfully advocated for a state tax credit to support jobs in local newsrooms across the state.
Now, the fruits of this effort are paying off.
Spurred by the Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs Program — the nation’s first tax credit incentivizing hiring at local media outlets — three new local newspapers launched earlier this month in areas previously impacted by newsroom closures in Westchester and on Long Island.
Two of the three Westchester communities that lost their newspapers earlier this year saw the founding of the Rivertowns Dispatch (Ardsley, Hastings-On-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington) and The Recorder (Bedford, Lewisboro, Pound Ridge). A third newspaper, the Floral Park Villager, debuted on Long Island in a community that lost its own weekly paper during the Covid19 pandemic, further demonstrating the program’s ability to revive local journalism and reestablish connections within these communities.
“When we support local journalism, our communities win,” said Zachary
too
Baum celebrate the successful printing of the Bedford Recorder’s first issue.
Richner, founder of the Empire State Local News Coalition and director of Richner Communications, which owns the Long Island Herald newspapers.
“The launch of new local, independent news outlets in Westchester and Long Island is a testament to the momentum created by New York’s passage of the
tale about an estranged child. Naturally, they are at a loss as to what to do about the situation when it comes to leaving that child an inheritance.
Years ago, the famous advice columnist Ann Landers wrote that her all time most requested column for reprint was on this very subject. Ann wrote that an inheritance should be considered a gift and that if the gift is not deserved one should not be expected. While that may have been good advice at the time and perhaps still is in most cases, like many things it is more complicated today. In practice, we find that many of these once loving sons and daughters have married individuals with borderline or narcissistic personality disorders. Their spouses are manipulative and controlling. They seek to separate the loving son or daughter from their family so as to better control their spouse. The estranged child knows from experience that going against the wishes of their narcissistic spouse is like throwing gasoline on a fire —
so they go along to get along.
Why does this happen? The manipulator has an enormous advantage over the clients’ son or daughter. The manipulator is a professional, having been this way all their life, honing their skills. The estranged son or daughter is an amateur — they have no experience in being manipulated. It may take years for them to even understand they are being manipulated and then more years, if ever, to build up defenses to the manipulation.
When young children are involved, the estranged child well knows the adverse consequences of having any normal relationship with their children should they seek a divorce from the narcissist.
Our advice is to try to understand and be compassionate with an estranged son or daughter in this situation. An Inheritance Protection Trust (IPT), that may only be used for them and your grandchildren, managed by either a sibling or a professional, may be the answer to such a heart-rending situation.
nation’s first tax credit for hiring at local media outlets. We started the Empire State Local News Coalition after some of these very communities lost vital news sources earlier this year and are thrilled by this resurgence in a shockingly short amount of time.”
The Empire State Local News Coalition, which represents over 200 New York newspapers, was instrumental in advocating for the program’s inclusion in the State budget, which offers a 50 percent refundable tax credit on the first $50,000 of each employee’s salary, with a cap of $300,000 per business over three years. The passage of this bill aims to help combat the state’s rapid decline in local journalism in New York. The state has lost nearly half of its newspapers and thousands of media jobs over the past two decades.
Publishers of the new newspapers shared their optimism and positive outlook for their industry in light of the Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs program. Allison Schulte, publisher of the Rivertowns Dispatch stated, “We launched the Rivertowns Dispatch to bring back local news to the
communities of Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Ardsley & Dobbs Ferry, New York after our old local newspaper closed earlier this year. We launched the Rivertowns Dispatch because we believe starting with a shared set of facts makes for richer community life, and that newspapers can be fun as well as useful. We are thrilled for the passage of the New York Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs Program because it makes it easier for us to hire full-time, quality journalists to share the news and information our communities want and need. We are so grateful to the Empire State Local News Coalition for its advocacy in bringing urgency to the challenges facing New York’s local media industry.”
Lloyd Trufelman, co-founder and publisher of The Recorder, highlighted the critical role of local news in preserving democracy: “The launch of The Recorder, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom, shows New Yorkers recognize that a healthy democracy depends on access to reliable, quality news sources to stay informed.” Trufelman expressed hope that similar policies would continue to bolster nonprofit news outlets and support a diversified local news ecosystem.
On Long Island, Meg Morgan Norris, publisher of the Floral Park Villager, emphasized the program’s importance in the decision to launch the new paper. “The loss of Floral Park’s longtime newspaper, the Gateway Bulletin, during the Covid-19 pandemic was devastating for this tight-knit community. With the tax credit, there is a path to long-term fiscal stability for outlets like ours,” Norris said.
As local journalism continues to face evolving challenges, the Empire State Local News Coalition and the East Meadow Herald remain committed to advocating for long-term sustainability in the industry so that communities like East Meadow and Salisbury have trusted local news sources. These new publications mark a hopeful step forward in the resurgence of local media across New York, with the coalition pushing for continued legislative support to ensure the long-term sustainability of local journalism.
■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/eastmeadow ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: emeditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: (516) 569-4000 Ext. 246 E-mail: emeditor@liherald.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS: (516) 569-4000 Press ”7”
NEW TO VARSITY soccer but no stranger to finding the scoresheet, Tesoriere is a big reason East Meadow is on the verge of earning the Nassau Conference AAA/AA4 crown with 11 wins through its first 12 games. Heading into this week’s action, the eighth-grader ranked tied for the county lead in goals with 22. She’s recorded eight multi-goal games and netted hat tricks against Valley Stream Central (both meetings), Hewlett and Glen Cove.
Thursday, Oct. 17
Boys Soccer: Baldwin at Mepham 4:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Sewanhaka at Carey 4:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer: V.S. Central at Long Beach 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Kennedy at South Side 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Uniondale at Freeport 5 p.m.
Boys Volleyball: Wantagh at Lawrence 5:30 p.m.
Boys Volleyball: Calhoun at South Side 6:45 p.m.
Boys Volleyball: Clarke at Plainedge 6:45 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Lawrence at V.S. South 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 18
Football: Hewlett at South Side 6 p.m.
Football: East Meadow at Oceanside 6 p.m.
Football: Baldwin at Jericho 6 p.m.
Football: Island Trees at West Hempstead 6 p.m.
Football: C.S. Harbor at Plainedge 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Football: North Shore at Wantagh 11 a.m.
Football: Lynbrook at Garden City 1 p.m.
Football: Clarke at V.S North 2 p.m.
Football: Farmingdale at Freeport 2 p.m.
Football: Westbury at Uniondale 3 p.m.
Football: Bethpage at Kennedy 3 p.m.
Football: Port Washington at Massapequa 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.
By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com
The task seems simple for the East Meadow boys’ soccer team, win or tie either of the last two games to return to the playoffs. The problem is those games are against the top two teams in the conference.
The defending AAA county champs (6-6-1, 6-5-1 Conference AA1) are 3-1-1 in their last five games to position itself for one of the final playoff spots. The three teams ahead of the Jets in the standings have already punched their postseason tickets, including first-place Jericho and second-place Valley Stream Central, whom they face this week to end the regular season.
The Jets allowed both goals in the opening 10:34 of a 2-0 defeat at Central on Sept. 20 and trailed 4-1 at halftime before falling 5-1 at Jericho four days later. East Meadow hosted Central on Tuesday and will entertain Jericho in the finale on Thursday.
“We have to limit the amount of mistakes that we make,” coach Brian Horrmann said. “We have to trust our players on the field and then play as a unit.”
Red-hot senior Dylan Wauchope helped the Jets get back on track by scoring six times in the next three games. He netted all three goals in a shutout win over Great Neck South on Sept. 26, added another in a 5-1 triumph the next day at MacArthur before collecting two more in a 4-3 victory over Mepham 4-3 on Oct. 1.
The surge gives him 14 goals and 20 points this season, including a stretch of eight tallies in five games last month. He scored eight times in 2023.
“He was a stud last year,” Horrmann said. “Now, he’s utilizing both feet, his left and right. He’s a little bit of a roamer, so it gives him the freedom of creativity. He’s all over the field where he sees fit.”
A 1-0 loss to Baldwin on Oct. 7 halted the run and the Jets trailed 1-0 at Long Beach two days later when junior Adel DelJannin converted a crossing feed from senior Andrew Velasquez with about seven minutes left in regulation
Stefanelli/Herald Senior Dylan Wauchope, left, scored six goals in a three-game span to help the Jets rise into Class AA playoff contention.
for a crucial 1-1 tie. It was the midfielder’s first goal of the season.
The assist was Velasquez’s team-leading 12th and sixth in the last five games. Horrmann moved him from center back to midfield this season and the switch has paid huge dividends.
“The one thing with him is he hustles,” he said. “He sees the field very good and he is a very knowledgeable player.”
There will also be some stability in goal this week. Original starting keeper
Jayden Cohen has been dealing with a finger injury since the opener and junior Matthew Rivas held down the fort nicely with over 50 saves in six starts. Cohen returned against South and started all three games of the winning streak before being held back in the last two contests in favor of Kenny Garcia. Cohen is expected to return this week and Horrmann is hoping that Rivas can continue his offensive prowess after scoring against MacArthur and Mepham.
Nassau University Medical Center hosted a heartfelt deployment on Oct. 8, as it prepared to send a medical relief team to North Carolina in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene.
The hurricane ravaged the southeastern United States, but inland North Carolina — particularly communities in and around Asheville — was one of the hardest-hit areas, suffering widespread destruction. Flooding from torrential rains submerged homes and businesses, while powerful winds downed trees and power lines, leaving thousands without electricity. Coastal communities elsewhere, like in western Florida, were severely impacted by storm surges, and many areas were left inaccessible due to road damage.
Hurricane Helene has resulted in several hundred deaths across multiple regions, with many more people still unaccounted for. Emergency services have been overwhelmed, with local hospitals and clinics struggling to meet the demand for medical care.
In response, NUMC sent a team of 15 dedicated professionals, including EMTs, Environmental Services workers, nurses, and doctors, along with three fully equipped vehicles. Their mission is to provide vital medical
Nassau University Medical Center has lent its hand in relieving the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. A truck was packed last week by eager volunteers, who will be aiding relief efforts.
assistance and deliver essential supplies such as medical equipment, food, water, clothing, and even pet supplies to the affected communities.
This relief effort reflects NUMC’s strong commitment to aiding those in
crisis, ensuring that the people of North Carolina receive not only the medical care but also the resources that are desperately needed.
–Jordan Vallone
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The mood was somber at Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre last week, where hundreds gathered on Oct. 7 to commemorate the first anniversary of the attacks against Israel. As local and congressional leaders, alongside rabbinical figures from across Nassau County, stood united in reflection, the crowd listened to messages of resilience — an urgent call to combat rising antisemitism — and a collective resolve to move forward with strength and unity.
Prior to opening remarks, made by Congressmen Anthony D’Esposito, Tom Suozzi and Nick LaLota, a Color Guard was presented by members of the Nassau County Police Department and the Jewish War Veterans, while Shulem Lemmer, a well-known Hasidic recording artist, sang both the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Hatikvah,” the Israeli national anthem.
D’Esposito emphasized the need for the U.S. to fund Israel in its campaign against terrorism in the Middle East, as well as the need to combat antisemitism at home.
“We need leadership in the House of Representatives to begin to root out antisemitism and evil in every corner of this nation,” he said.
“Israel’s willingness to fight this is
battle, is a battle that they’re fighting not just for them and their survival,”
Suozzi said. “It’s for us as well, because the same people that want to kill the Jews, the same people that want to destroy Israel, also want to destroy the United States of America as well, and they’re fighting on our behalf.”
County Executive Bruce Blakeman recalled the moment he received word
of the attacks in Israel last year, and said he immediately instructed Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder to mobilize the Nassau County Police Department, and send them to every synagogue and “make sure they’re safe and secure.”
Several speakers remarked on the fact that there are still known hostages in Gaza — including Americans, and
Long Islanders, such as Omer Neutra, who’s from Plainview.
The event was coordinated through Nassau County’s work with the Jewish Community Relations Council, led by Mindy Perlmutter. She said 22 Jewish organizations — that make up the Long Island Jewish Coalition — meet regularly to share what they’re doing, and how they can support each other’s goals.
“This coalition, along with our county executive and his office, organized this evening’s program to recall, reflect and comfort each other as we remember those who were massacred — demand that our hostages be released — and emphasize that Israel has a right to exist and defend herself,” Perlmutter said.
Several Israel Defense Forces veterans spoke, including Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip, and Ira Kohler, who recently completed his military service in Israel. Kohler is a Schechter School graduate, and is friends with Neutra.
Even though it’s been a year since the attacks, Kohler said people — like his friend — are still living in a “dark day.”
“This day will only come to an end for him in one of two ways — he will either have the opportunity to run to his mother, or we will watch his mother bury him in the ground and say her final goodbyes,” he said. “And for that — we need to continue fighting, because we must see them home.”
An East Meadow man was arrested for a public lewdness incident that occurred on June 12, 2024 in East Meadow.
According to detectives, a 9-year-old female was in front of her Falcon Street residence when a white work van, with an orange ladder on top, parked across the street. The male operator motioned for the juvenile to come over to the vehicle. She approached him and he exposed himself.
Hempstead.
Further investigation conducted by the special victims squad resulted in Fuentes being found to have been in possession of child pornography. He was arrested on Oct. 11.
A few days later, Jhonathan Fuentes, 29 of East Meadow, was arrested for the incident and charged with public lewdness and endangering the welfare of a child under 17. He was arraigned on June 16 at the First District Court in
Fuentes was charged with ten counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child less than 16. He was issued an appearance ticket, returnable to the First District Court on Oct. 12.
Detectives are asking if anyone feels they have been victimizes by Fuentes to contact the special victims squad at (516) 573-4022. All callers will remain anonymous.
–Jordan Vallone
Two North Merrick men were arrested for their involvement in an attempted arson that occurred Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, at 2 a.m. in Uniondale.
Nassau County detectives said an unknown suspect placed propane tanks near the Nassau County Department of Social Services building, located at 60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., before throwing lit flares toward the tanks and fleeing the scene.
After an extensive investigation, James Luca, 46, and Jayson Anthony Reyes, 25, both of 2216 Van Nostrand
Ave., were arrested on Oct. 3 in connection with the incident. Both men are charged with first-degree attempted arson, obstruction of governmental
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A Bellmore man was arrested after becoming combative with officers following a car accident on Oct. 14, police said.
According to detectives, Charles Klimovich, 63, was involved in an auto accident near Bellmore Avenue and Merrick Road. When officers arrived to document the incident, Klimovich refused to provide his information, attempted to flee the scene, and became combative when officers tried to arrest him. Despite repeated commands, Klimovich continued to
Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn, NY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024
Ram pride was on full display during W.T. Clarke High School’s homecoming celebration in Salisbury last month.
Homecoming began with a parade up Stewart Avenue and then down Washington Avenue as the Rams marching band and flag corps, joined by school administrators, board members, faculty and students, led the march to Clarke High School. A steady crowd of parents, family members and district residents lining the sidewalk in front of the high school cheered when they saw the parade approaching. In addition to the marching band, the parade also featured cheerleaders, school organizations and class floats that were based on popular comic book superheroes.
After the parade, the high school held its biannual alumni Hall of Achievement ceremony, inducting its newest member, Daniel Zottarelli. Zottarelli was a member of Clarke’s wrestling, football and lacrosse teams who went on to become a teacher and wrestling coach. He finished his 31-year coaching career in 2002 with a record of 320-98-4, and he was later inducted to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Halftime festivities featured a performance from the marching band and the cheerleaders, along with recognition of the homecoming royal court. The Rams’ varsity football team played a hardfought game against the Manhasset Indians, but they lost with a final score of 33-7.
By Danielle Schwab
From a futuristic spaceship to a giant castle, there’s no limit to what can be created with blocks and a little creativity.
Young “builders” are invited to show off their skills at “Block Party,” a free-play exhibit for all ages to enjoy.
But be sure to visit soon — Long Island Children’s Museum’s seasonal exhibit is short-lived. It runs through Nov. 3.
“This new exhibit for the museum is so open-ended and encourages so many different modalities of learning and types of play within the space,” says Ashley Niver, the museum’s director of education.
While kids may play with smaller blocks at home, these big foam blocks come in larger-than-life proportions — so visitors can make their biggest creations yet.
• Now until Nov. 3
• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
fun.
“These are structures that they can build, that they can climb on, they can go through or under. They can use a lot of dramatic play with this since it’s all just open-ended play, which is what we love,” Niver says. “So there’s a lot of processes happening during this kind of play, and it really invites a lot of collaboration between the adults and the kids as well as peer-to-peer, to work together.”
From long, bendable cylinders to the stackable rectangles, the blocks can be used as the catalyst for an endless assortment of building projects. The results are limitless.
The blocks are all blue, intentionally so. The single block color creates a blank canvas for endless creative possibilities. By eliminating the distraction of multiple colors, children can immerse themselves fully in their designs, focusing on construction and creativity without worrying about matching hues. Thus children are able to immerse themselves fully in play, according to Niver.
“When you have a lot of visual distraction, it’s actually harder for kids to unleash their imagination and learn and have that creative output be as successful,” she explains. “So basically, having them all in one color allows a better opportunity for that to flourish.”
Prompts throughout the exhibit space guide the builders, if some inspiration for their block masterpieces is needed. Build a shelter for a real (or imaginary) pet or perhaps a robot that actually works. The exhibit even challenges everyone to see how high you can build.
For smaller creations, a table of hand-held blocks is available to play with as well.
“The appeal of this exhibit lies in its immersive quality,” Niver says. “While children are accustomed to playing with small blocks that fit in the palm of their hand, here they encounter a larger-than-life experience.”
Once the build is done, it’s time to put young imaginations to the test! Kids can put the spotlight on their creations and produce interesting shadows on the wall for interactive storytelling.
The exhibit was created in conjunction with “Worldwide Day of Play,” an initiative of Nickelodeon with the Association of Children’s Museums to get families engaged with their environment through screen-free play while fostering the benefits of skill-building activities.
“Block Party’” encourages children to develop their motor skills, enhance their muscle strength
“We think it’s really important for the kids to disconnect because they don’t have as many opportunities to do that these days. I find that screens are becoming so much more prevalent, and they’re so accessible in different areas,” Niver says.
“To really set the scene and just bring it down to the basics of building blocks, it’s so beneficial to them for their development, with a lot of social emotional learning happening.”
This is the first exhibit to be installed after the museum’s Fall Fix Up — the annual two-week closing period every September when the museum conducts maintenance and exhibit refresh, along with staff training.
“We go over different aspects of learning and play and try to educate our staff and empower them for when we reopen. We make sure that we reopen in a really impressive way for our visitors, to welcome them back,” Niver adds.
At the Block Party, no dream is too big, so it’s time to get building — one block at a time.
Photos courtesy LICM
Museum visitors are invited to an oversized “block” party where giant lightweight blocks turn playtime into extraordinary adventures. Stack them, crawl through them or team up to make dream designs come true. Construct castles, mazes, fantastical creatures or secret hideaways.
Icons, collaborators and dos amigos Steve Martin and Martin Short have a relationship that’s evolved in unexpected ways since their SNL days. Their comic prowess has surely reached new heights since their involvement in Hulu’s smash hit “Only Murders in the Building.” The pair takes another comic turn as special guests at Tilles Center’s 2024 Gala. These two funnyman display their impeccable talents as “The Dukes of Funnytown!” — a show that redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century. Their humor is often subversive, but it is always a joyous self-deprecating romp from two comedy masters driven to make each other laugh as much as the audience.
Saturday, Oct. 19, 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $70. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Anthony Rodia lets loose with his “Totally Reliable” tour. A firstgeneration Italian-American, Rodia came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path as finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. He hit the ground running and performed 100 shows in just nine months, and within three years gained a massive fan base online and around the country. In a short time, Anthony gained over 900,000 social media followers and his YouTube videos have amassed over 22 million views. Rodia’s comedy pulls from his real life and razor-sharp observations on marriage, parenthood and just about everything else.
Saturday Oct. 19, 7 and 9:30 p.m.
$89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Ambrosia, John Ford Coley and Peter Beckett (The Voice of Player), will come together for a magical night performing all of their 1970s and ‘80s Billboard Top 40 Hits, on the Tilles Center stage, Friday, oct. 25, at 8 p.m. 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.”Peter Beckett, Player’s original lead singer and songwriter. was voted by Billboard Magazine as Best New Single Artist in 1978 for Player’s hit “Baby Come Back.,” while Elliot Lurie is best known as the vocalist for Looking Glass, and sang lead on the band’s hit single “Brandy.” 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. What emerged primarily from southern California during one of the greatest periods of music is a classic rock radio staple across the U.S. You cannot turn on the radio without hearing many of these songs every day. As younger generations of music fans fall in love and embrace these classic rock/soft rock hits, everyone realizes that these songs are becoming bigger now than at any time since their heyday, which by common consent stretched between 1976 and 1983. Get ready to Rock the Dock! Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 2993100.
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 to get scared, 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) 764-0045 for more information.
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The dropin 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.
Enjoy an afternoon of Mah Jongg and canasta, every Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at East Meadow Beth El Jewish Center. $5 contribution per person. Snacks are provided. No outside food allowed due to dietary laws. Bring your own games and cards. Mah Jongg lessons available. 1400 Prospect Ave. For further information call (516) 428-3693.
Vocalist Lauren Jaimes performs at the Noon Inn, Friday, oct. 18, at 7 p.m. 382A East Meadow Ave., East Meadow. For more on the show, visit LaurenJaimesMusic.com.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, the Citizens Campaign for the Environment hosted its annual Environmental Equinox Awards Gala, celebrating over 35 years of grassroots advocacy and environmental achievements. The event highlighted the organization's tireless efforts to protect New York's natural resources and promote sustainable practices across the region.
Sands New York was a proud sponsor of the evening, underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of CCE, emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing environmental goals: “We are stronger when we all work together. Our community of advocates and supporters is essential to preserving our
who we are:
environment and our natural resources for future generations.
This year's honorees made a lasting impact in this fight, and we are grateful for all of our sponsors, including Sands New York, and their partnership in our mission.”
Tracey Edwards, Senior Vice President and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Sands New York, echoed the importance of community-driven initiatives:
“At Sands New York, we believe that sustainability isn’t just a corporate responsibility—it’s a collective one. We are proud to stand alongside Citizens Campaign for the Environment and support their incredible work to safeguard New York’s ecological future.”
The evening was filled with inspiring speeches and a shared dedication to continue fighting for cleaner air, water, and land.
Celebrating a bright future with S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth's 24th Anniversary Gala
This September, S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth celebrated its 24th Anniversary Gala, bringing together community leaders, advocates, and supporters to honor nearly a quarter-century of empowering at-risk youth and preventing gang violence in Long Island communities.
The event, themed "Stronger Together," highlighted the organization's ongoing efforts to create safer, more resilient neighborhoods through education, outreach, and advocacy.
Sands New York proudly served as a sponsor for the evening, reinforcing its support for organizations that foster positive change and community development.
Rahsmia Zatar, Executive Director of S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support:
"S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth has spent 24 years standing with young people, offering them the tools and support they need to build brighter futures. We are deeply appreciative of partners like Sands New York who share our vision of empowering youth and strengthening our communities."
Tracey Edwards, Senior Vice President and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Sands New York, reflected on the critical nature of investing in youth programs:
"We believe that strong communities start with strong youth.
S.T.R.O.N.G. Youth’s mission aligns with our core values, and we are proud to contribute to the incredible work they do to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to succeed."
The event celebrated not only the achievements of the past but also the ongoing work to create safer and more supportive environments for Long Island’s youth.
On Sept. 27, 2024, the Long Island Contractors’ Association hosted its annual legislative breakfast at the Hilton Long Island Hotel in Melville, New York. Featured speakers included former New York State Governor and Senior Vice President of Las Vegas Sands David Paterson, the cover feature on the election issue of LICA’s premier trade publication “Road Warriors” and guest speaker Jonathan Martin, Politics Bureau Chief and Senior Political Columnist, Politico where he delivered his keynote: Making Sense of Today’s
Politics.
Guests received a free copy of Jonathan Martin’s co-authored New York Times bestseller book
“This Will Not Pass.” LICA’s honorees included Hon. Steve Stern, New York State Assemblyman with the Leadership Award and the INN Interfaith Nutrition Network with the Partnership award.
More than 250 guests attended the event, including elected officials, principals of the heavy construction industry on Long Island, LICA’s board of directors and staff, and leading labor officials.
The Commercial Industrial Brokers Society of Long Island held their 2nd annual women’s golf outing at Stonebridge Country Club in Hauppauge. Sands was an event sponsor and Gina Coletti and Joanna Mikucki represented the project on the course.
CIBS was formed in 1992 out of the shared belief among the
region’s leading brokers that the region needed a unified voice. Since its formation, CIBS has helped upgrade the industry by offering hundreds of educational programs, seminars, and presentations; advocated professional standards and offered grievance resolution; provided informal mentoring relationships; raised tens of
The Long Island Children's Museum (LICM) hosted its annual Cupcakes & Cocktails fundraiser, a delightful evening filled with creativity, sweet treats, and community spirit. The event attracted supporters from across Long Island, all gathering to enjoy gourmet cupcakes and specialty cocktails, while raising vital funds for LICM’s educational programs and exhibits.
The evening was a perfect blend of fun and philanthropy, with attendees participating in hands-on activities, live entertainment, and auctions featuring unique experiences and local goods. Funds raised from the event will directly support LICM's mission to inspire children and families through interactive exhibits and programs.
LICM Executive Director Erika Floreska expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support:
"Cupcakes & Cocktails is one of our favorite events because it brings together the whole community in a fun and engaging way, all for a great cause. The support we receive allows us to continue focusing on the well-being of children and families through the power of play by offering playful learning experiences for children from all backgrounds, abilities, and ages. We are so thankful to everyone who participated and made this night such a success."
The event proved to be both a sweet and significant way for the Long Island community to support the museum’s efforts in fostering creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning.”
thousands of dollars for local charities; and created social settings in which colleagues have become
friends, and competitors respected peers.
The Bellmore Street Festival took place from September 20-22, 2024, bringing together local businesses, vendors, and community members for a weekend of food, fun, and entertainment.
Sands New York had a tent where we did face painting and gave out all kinds of swag!
Despite some rain, the Sands team engaged with numerous local residents, business owners, and festival-goers who were excited to learn more about the Sands project and its potential impact on the local economy. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with the community, answer questions, and showcase Sands New York's investment in the region.
The Uniondale Fire Department marked a century of service with a lively parade and celebration on the afternoon of September 28th, 2024. Sands New York was on site to join the procession at the intersection of Park and Uniondale Avenues and to cheer on and thank Uniondale's brave first responders.
The event was a testament to the Department's dedication, with a strong turnout from local residents and supporters despite the rain. Following the parade, a ceremony was held inside the firehouse where Chief of Department George Martinez, alongside Assistant Chiefs Hicks and Rodriguez, received proclamations recognizing their leadership. The evening wrapped up with a festive block party behind the firehouse, where the community gathered to celebrate.
Tracey Edwards, Senior Vice President and Corporate Responsibility Officer at Sands New York, praised the event, saying, "It was inspiring to see so many young people and families come together to honor Uniondale’s true local heroes. The Fire Department's legacy of service and dedication to this community is an example for all of us."
Former New York State Governor and Sands Senior Vice President David Paterson delivered a powerful address to East Meadow Chamber of Commerce members during their Wednesday, Sept. 18 dinner meeting. The gathering, held at the locally-owned Mediterranean Restaurant, featured not only a delicious meal but also a strong show of support from the Chamber's executive board members, reinforcing the community’s commitment to local businesses and leadership.
The company’s support of the premier global leadership event represents its aligned commitment to addressing economic empowerment, diversity, hardship relief and climate change.
Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) was the presenting partner sponsor of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) meeting on Sept. 23-24 in New York City, building on the company’s commitment to addressing economic, social and environmental issues for the betterment of its regions around the world.
The CGI meeting coincided with the U.N. General Assembly and brought together business, government and civil society leaders to drive progress on climate resilience, inclusive economic growth and recovery, health equity, the full participation of women and girls, and humanitarian response efforts to crises around the globe. Since its inception, the CGI has driven more than 4,000 commitments to action in its priority areas, which have improved the lives of nearly 500 million people in more than 180 countries.
“This event has fostered important dialog and established ongoing, forward-thinking global action for tackling the world’s most pressing challenges,” Sands Chairman and CEO Robert G. Goldstein said. “Our support is indicative of our commitment to helping advance CGI priorities, as well as being part of the conversation to learn how our company can meaningfully contribute to these areas.”
“At CGI this year, we’re bringing together hundreds of leaders from across sectors to not only discuss pressing issues facing the world, but also to take action,” Greg Milne, CEO of the Clinton Global Initiative, said. “We’re grateful to Las Vegas Sands for helping to make the CGI 2024 Annual Meeting possible and supporting a community of organizations from the public and private sectors who are implementing solutions to our greatest challenges.”
Sands focuses its work to
who we are:
address global and regional challenges under the People, Communities and Planet pillars of its corporate responsibility program, which drives the company’s efforts to promote workforce development and economic empowerment; advance diversity, equity and inclusion; help eliminate barriers and uplift disadvantaged populations; and ensure ongoing progress in addressing climate change and preserving the planet’s vital resources.
Specifically, Sands has set actionable goals to make tangible progress under each pillar:
People – By 2025, the company aims to invest $200 million in workforce development, which encompasses Team Member advancement, local business and supplier development, and hospitality education in its regions. Since 2021, the company has spent $181 million toward its 2021-2025 workforce development ambition in support of advancing economic
empowerment.
Communities – Sands is committed to building resiliency and making its communities ideal places to live, work and visit through its Sands Cares community engagement program, which prioritizes addressing hardship relief and supporting disadvantaged populations, advancing education, building the capabilities of nonprofit organizations to solve pressing problems, and promoting the cultural and natural heritage of its local regions. By 2025, Sands aims to contribute 250,000 Team Member volunteer hours toward these priorities, augmenting its philanthropic investments.
Underpinning the company’s work in its People and Communities pillars is its dedication to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion through Team Member and supplier programs, along with supporting diverse community organizations to help remove systemic barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Planet – To address climate change, Sands has set a target to achieve a 17.5% reduction in emissions by 2025, as compared to a 2018 baseline. In 2023, the company reduced emissions by 50%, even as energy consumption increased with business returning to pre-pandemic levels. The reduction is representative of Sands’ persistent approach to energy-efficiency projects and commitment to renewable energy certificate purchases.
Under the Planet pillar, the company is focused on core environmental priorities in the areas of low-carbon transition, waste, materials and resources, and water stewardship, led by the Sands ECO360 global sustainability program.
The developer of a proposed multi-billion-dollar flagship hospitality and entertainment project on Long Island
performs at 18, at 7
Ave., East show,
‘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 and Saturday, Oct. 18-19, Oct. 25, 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 proprrty, 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.
Trunk or Treat
East Meadow Chamber of Commerce holds its 5th Annual Trunk-or-Treat at East Meadow Ball Fields, Saturday, Oct. 26, noon-3 p.m. Families can stop buy and get some goodies and celebrate Halloween in a safe and family-friendly way. 90 Merrick Ave., East Meadow For more, visit EastMeadowChamber.com.
Immerse yourself in the rich harmonies and lyrical beauty of a piano trio and solo vocal works, with Old Westbury Gardens ensemble-in-residence Poetic Musica, Saturday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m., with pre-concert talk at 7:30 p.m. Cellist Eugene Moye, violinist Erik Wyrick, pianist Yasmin Alami, and mezzo-soprano Eleanor Valkenburg perform works by Debussy, Mendelssohn and Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel. $30, $25 members, seniors, students. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048.
Adelphi’s Best of Broadway: Decades
Jump into the dazzling world of Broadway as Adelphi’s talented students bring to life the magic of shows that opened 10, 20, 30 or more years ago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 4 p.m. Enjoy modern and classic Broadway hits from shows like “Suffs” (2024); “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (2014); “Sunday in the Park with George” (1984) and “Anything Goes” (1934). Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi. edu/pac.
Get your game on at a weekly bingo game at East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center starting at 6 p.m. Prizes, progressive games, bell jar prizes and refreshments will be provided. Proof of vaccination is required. 1400 Prospect Ave., in East Meadow. For information, contact (516) 4834205.
the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
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 will 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.
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. Nassau Community College’s Little Theatre, Garden City. Tickets $12; NCC students free with valid ID; $10 veterans, alumni, seniors 60+, students and NCC employees. For tickets/information, visit nassau.booktix.com or NCC. edu or call (516) 572-7676.
here is nothing noteworthy or brilliant about an article that examines how to face up to your age and embrace it fiercely, but somehow I hope it might bear repeating with (dare I say) a fresh eye.
Despite working in the advertising industry which is all about youth and beauty and working with students who are one-third my age, it’s been easy (if not totally woke) to pretty much ignore the issues and signals. Until now.
I have sat through industry seminars and events where I recognize the speakers who are legends, referencing their careers and translating their traditional viewpoints to the polite millennials who sit near me.
And then there’s the boomers among us who embrace their “senior discounts”. Let’s not go there.
and even beat him in the Red light/ Green light sequence. So there.
On one end of the spectrum I am concerned with children, encouraged by social media, who are pursing skincare that has been designed for people four times their age.
On the other end of the spectrum, I am concerned with the wellbeing of people, creatures, nature and the planet. It just goes to show no matter how old you are, you still have to acknowledge the responsibilities of being a global citizen.
Lately, like those ads that are breaking the ageism mold, I have found myself a little more at ease in my own wrinkled skin. I understand and empathize better than I did in my youth, catching myself giving sincere ideas and compliments to new couples, parents or students just starting out on their journeys. I am, with still some typical caution seeking out new opportunities and events even if they don’t track with my persona.
Most recent example? I participated in “The Squid Game: The Experience NYC”, that is occurring in a storefront in Herald Square and is an immersive contest based on the Netflix series. And although I haven’t seen the series (which resulted in a look of surprised disgust on the random player in front of me on line), I survived for 60 minutes
Fortunately, I have had the privilege to have studied and worked with a chairperson of a college academic department who lived to 99 years of age and was recently eulogized by me and many others in the university he served. I used to ask him things like, “What is the meaning of life?” and although his “non-PG” answer cannot be reported in this respectful community newspaper his love of life was ever present.
Interestingly, his key to life was work and learning EVERY SINGLE DAY. He never wavered. This resonated with me, not just to uphold his memory but to model it.
“Never too old to …” isn’t just for the young. Fortunately an entire baby boomer community can still fill in that blank.
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.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HIS ASSET SECURITIZATION CORPORATION TRUST
2007-NC1, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2007-NC1, Plaintiff, Against MIRNA E. GUERRERO, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 12/07/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 11/13/2024 at 2:00PM , premises known as 352 Berg Avenue, East Meadow, New York 11554, And Described As Follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Hempstead, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 50 Block 60 Lot 72 And 73. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $549,080.77 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 614245/2019
Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee.
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Dated: 8/23/24 File Number: 36453 SH 149412
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 68-2024
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held October 1st, 2024, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 68-2024, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 68-2024, amending Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.
Dated: October 1, 2024
Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 149500
LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO.21527
RESOLUTION NO. 1003-2024
Adopted: October 1, 2024
Councilmember Ryder offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 998-2024, adopted September 17, 2024, a public hearing was duly held on the 1st day of October, 2024, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons:
LEVITTOWN
BALSAM LANE - north side, starting at a point 206 feet east opposite the southeast curbline of Cotton Lane, east for a distance of 22 feet.
(TH-403/24) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:
(NR) ISLAND PARK
VANDERBILT AVENUEnorth side, starting at a point 262 feet east of the east curbline of Broadway, east for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-210/10 - 10/05/10)
(TH-409/24)
; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead, and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting.
The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Miller and adopted upon roll call as follows:
AYES: SIX (6) NOES: NONE (0) 149502
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 10/23/2024 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 643/24. LEVITTOWNLVH Realty LLC, Renewal of grant to maintain one double-faced, detached pylon sign; overall size 33.4 sq. ft. (16.7 sq. ft. per face); setback 5’ from Hempstead Tpke. & 5’ from side property line., N/s Hempstead Tpke., 176’ E/o Loring Rd., a/k/a 2703 Hempstead Tpke. 649/24. EAST MEADOWAlexandra Jacqueline Garcia & Jorge Alberto Garcia Rivadeneira, Mother/Daughter Res. (2nd Kitchen)., N/E cor. Avis Dr. & Bette Rd., a/k/a 44 Avis Dr. 652/24. LEVITTOWNAnthony Shoot, Variances, side yard, side yards aggregate, rear yard, maintain awning attached to dwelling & detached garage., W/s Oaktree La., 166.35’ N/o Birch La., a/k/a 10 Oaktree La.
ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Levittown & East Meadow within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 149491
LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR LVS TITLE TRUST XIII, Plaintiff, v. ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, DISTRIBUTEES OR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE LATE JOHN MARKERT, ET AL, Defendants. NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT In pursuance of a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the Office of the County Clerk of Nassau County on January 6, 2023, I, Scott H. Siller, Esq., the Referee named in said Judgment, will sell in one parcel at public auction on November 19, 2024 at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Ct. Dr., Mineola, NY 11501, at 02:00 PM the premises described as follows: 1903 Chester Drive East Meadow, NY 11554
SBL No.: 50-456-11 ALL THAT TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND situate in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.
The premises are sold subject to the provisions of the filed judgment, Index No. 007407/2016 in the amount of $466,074.15 plus interest and costs. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the Court System’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale.
Woods Oviatt Gilman LLP
Attorneys for Plaintiff 500 Bausch & Lomb Place Rochester, NY 14604
Tel.: 855-227-5072 149536
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MASTR
ADJUSTABLE RATE
MORTGAGES TRUST
2007-1 MORTGAGE
PASS-THROUGH
CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2007-1, Plaintiff,
East Meadow Union Free School
W.T. Clarke Middle School seventh grader Emma Vulpi was selected as a recipient of the 17th Assembly District’s ‘Women of Distinction’Award for 2024. Vulpi, with W.T. Clarke Middle School Principal Elizabeth Dowling and Assistant Principal Ryan Catterson.
W.T. Clarke Middle School seventh grader Emma Vulpi was selected as a recipient of the 17th State Assembly District’s “Women of Distinction” Award for 2024, the East Meadow School District announced earlier this week.
This award highlights the extraordinary efforts made by women who make the community a better place to live. Vulpi has earned a reputation for con-
Against KAREN JONES A/K/A
KAREN B. JONES A/K/A
KAREN B. LICHTENSTIEN, ET AL, Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 03/24/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on 11/18/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 769 Van Buren Avenue, East Meadow, New York 11554, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being At East Meadow, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 50 Block 436 Lot 4
The approximate amount
of the current Judgment lien is $765,254.16 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 601311/2019 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancelx the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Peter Kramer, Esq., Referee. 516-510-4020 MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 10/7/2024 File Number: 16-301208 CA 149534
tributing to numerous causes throughout the East Meadow school community. One of her most notable contributions was a donation of $6,000 to children in local hospitals during the holiday season last year.
The district commends Emma on earning this distinction.
–Jordan Vallone
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST Alisa Lifshitz, as Executor and as Heir of the Estate of Sylvia Farber; Matthew Feldman as Heir of the Estate of Sylvia Farber, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 5, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 20, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 62 Haven Lane, Levittown, NY 11756. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and
State of New York, Section: 51 Block: 166 Lot: 4. Approximate amount of judgment $797,985.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008645/2016. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Administration (OCA) website (https://ww2.nycourts.gov /Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. Fred Lewis Pollack, Esq., Referee McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 420 Lexington Avenue-Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 21-08301NY 82658
park-Bellerose elementary school District
The DisT ric T is seeking various posiT ions for T he 2024-2025 school year
Teacher
Teacher Aides
We have openings for teacher aides for the 2022/23 school year. 10-month positions available immediately, starting at $15.00/hr.
School Nurse, Part-Time
We have an opening for a P/T school nurse, 2 days/wk mostly Wed & Thurs. Pro-rated salary, approx. $240.00/day. RN cert. required.
Teaching a ssistants $19.95/hr. s ecurity personnel .. $20-$25/hr. Bus Drivers..... $25.14-$26.87/hr. Bus Monitors $19.32/hr. food s ervice personnel and c afeteria Monitor $16.00/hr. nurses sub .................. $175/day cleaners ................. $40,454/year
Please apply for positions via OLAS at www.OLASjobs.org
After School Child Care opportunities are also available. Please apply through scope
scope online.us
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
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
EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable
Email Marketing Expert to join our team.
If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
REQUIREMENTS:
Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.
POSITION DETAILS: Flexible: Part-time or Full-time. Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.
Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com
JOURNEYMAN
COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL
Electrical Services. Traveling/ Valid License Required. 7-10yrs. Experience. $28-$34/ hourly. 516-739-3425, hrdepartment@valenteelectric.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 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
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
and
tep into a world where past elegance meets
innovation. This remarkable 1930s Tudor has been thoughtfully transformed for the 21st century, seamlessly
Q. I’m buying a sunroom for my breakfast room on the back of my split-level house, about 8 feet off the ground. I’m being told by the contractor that I need an architect and sealed plans. Since it’s basically a kit of parts that will go on my existing deck, why do I need this? It seems like a lot of extra expense the sunroom people didn’t tell me about. If I already have a permit for the deck, it should be allowed, right? I haven’t bought the sunroom yet. I’m just trying to be sure I know the whole story before I do this, probably by spring, when the weather is better for construction. Any advice would be helpful.
A. Do things once, the best way. A deck isn’t habitable, but a sunroom is, and a permit is required. Plans have to show structural support, energy and building code compliance. Rain, moisture and ice are your primary concerns.
You need the whole story without the sales part. Just like any purchase, issues you might not expect are still important, like finding out what kind of oil to add to your snow blower before the engine seizes or that windows without factory tinting can allow ultra-violet sunlight rays to fade your carpet. As an architect for a largely popular sunroom manufacturer in the 1980s and ’90s, I experienced many issues with their construction.
Pre-engineered panel systems are designed by the company, hopefully by engineers, and should come with plans, from the manufacturer, that can be sealed and signed by their in-house engineer. If not, plans may need to be drawn from scratch by an architect or engineer that you hire so those plans can be integrated with your house. Integrated means that the company generally just sells you a product and doesn’t necessarily give any indication of how to support the unit or how to attach the unit system to your house so that it won’t leak or move.
This is the general failing of the system, since, as I experienced with most of the installations, the part I could detail was free of leaking or movement, but the units themselves leaked nearly every time. We could detail how the edges of the unit could be sealed and redundantly weather-stripped and flashed, but the frames around the glass and wall edges would unseal and leak. I even met with the corporate president/owner and identified the specific problems. Promises to correct leak issues were made but not kept, and eventually I gave up.
I looked at a two-year-old system while discussing other work for a home recently. The owner described the back-and-forth misery he and his family were experiencing with their sunroom and the company. Even 25 years after I gave up, the same company is still doing things the same way. You need a detail-oriented architect and installer, even if you think you don’t. The cost of doing things twice is much greater. Good luck.
2024 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden
AMITYVILLE: SATURDAY 10/19/24 and Sunday 10/20/24 10am-5pm. 68 Stuart Avenue. Multi- family! Estate/ Yard Sale!
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The Herald and other publications have detailed the negative impacts of the invasive spotted laternfly on Long Island, and while the population of these unwelcome insects continues to require intervention to prevent their unchecked spread across our region, there are steps that every Long Islander can take in their own backyard to protect against them.
FRAnK piccininni
At the Long Island Conservancy, we are eager to share some tips that will make a positive impact — and in some cases, multiple positive outcomes by eradicating not only this invasive insect, but also invasive plants that serve as the lanternfly’s primary food source.
First off, much like the MTA’s famous slogan, if you see something, squish something! This fall, keep your eyes peeled for egg masses, and make sure to destroy them through the spring.
Removing the tree of heaven, an invasive non-native plant, is a top priority when it comes to proactive ways to erad-
icate the lanternfly. The tree of heaven is a fast-growing, invasive species across North America that you may not recognize by sight, but you certainly can by scent — it’s also known as the stinking sumac, stink tree, stink weed, and a variety of other names including “stink.”
The plant is spreading with the same vigor as the lanternfly, and removing it eliminates the insect’s favorite food. Mechanical removal is possible: Girdle it, rip it out and remove it; whatever you can do to set them back. Make sure to follow up to ensure it doesn’t regrow.
a species displaced halfway across the world.
S quash them, plant milkweed, and yank out all the tree of heaven you can find.
Many land managers and conservation professionals have warned against mechanical removal, encouraging the use of herbicides instead. In our experience, this isn’t necessary; while the removed/damaged trees will sucker up, if you pull the suckers biweekly for a growing season, the roots will give up the ghost and the problem can be eliminated.
The tree of heaven is a significant problem in our region, not just because of the smell, but because it chokes out beneficial native plants. In the case of the lanternfly, the plant is essentially the closest thing to “home cooking” for
If getting rid of that awful smell isn’t enough incentive, early scientific research suggests that lanternflies that feed on the tree of heaven sequester toxins, called quassinoids, that make our native birds extremely less likely to eat them. So the lanternflies are essentially exempt from the food chain, another reason why so many have managed to thrive in our competitive environment. This is, by the way, why they have those bright red warning colors!
And the tree of heaven isn’t the only invasive species of plant that supports the lanternfly population. Porcelainberry and other species that originated in Asia are key sources of food. Every pernicious invasive species removed means more available space for native, healthy species to grow and thrive on Long Island.
When it comes to native species, there are a few to consider planting, like milkweed. I’ve seen dead lanternflies on milkweed plants — it appears that the dopey insects feed on them and poison themselves. (If you need a bonus reason to plant milkweed, the influx of mon-
arch butterflies is lovely!)
While taking steps to remove invasive plants in your yard and replace them with native species is proactive, some people are well past that point — they’re dealing with infestations. In that case, you may be ready to set up a trap around a native host tree.
Observe where the lanternflies congregate most on your land and set your trap up there. While they tend to like walnut and sumac the best, they’ve been seen on maples, birches, sycamore and other trees. Building a trap is easy — you can find a step-by-step guide at https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-builda-spotted-lanternfly-circle-trap.
For saplings that aren’t big enough for a proper trap, just knock the bugs into a soapy dish. Some will hop away, but they’re quite easy to catch this way, and if you do this once a day, over time you’ll see fewer of them returning.
While combating the spotted lanternfly has been compared to trying to keep water off the beach because there are so many, by eradicating invasive species like the tree of heaven, we are helping to protect our environment now and for years to come.
Frank Piccininni is the president of Spadefoot Design and Construction and a co-founder of the Long Island Conservancy.
Every four years, citizens of the United States have the privilege of voting in the presidential election. It is one of the most sacred and awesome responsibilities of being an American citizen. Reflecting on the ideals set forth in the Constitution, it is crucial that we engage our students in conversations about the election process to help them understand and appreciate the significance of voting. Although discussing politics in public schools can be uncomfortable for some, particularly in today’s polarized environment, remaining silent on these issues is actually detrimental. Educators have a responsibility to help develop young people into informed, active participants in the democratic process and, hopefully, the next generation of civic leaders.
As a former high school social stud-
ies teacher, I believe the election season is the perfect opportunity to make learning more relevant by bringing textbooks to life. There are so many invaluable skills students can learn during local and national election cycles. First, they should be taught about the election process. Many of our students come from other countries, including those that do not have participatory democracies. Teachers can use the upcoming elections as a time to provide a refresher on the branches of government and how elections function in the U.S.
We need to help students understand the significance of voting.
developed guidelines for identifying news media bias, which includes differentiating news from opinion, understanding that bias is a spectrum and recognizing our own biases. These are all extremely valuable skills that students will benefit from even after the election cycle has passed.
Additionally, we can teach students how to navigate the media landscape and identify bias in the media. With the widespread use of social media as primary news sources, it is often difficult for young people and adults alike to differentiate fact from fiction or evaluate the credibility of a news source.
The News Literacy Project, an organization devoted to ensuring that all students are skilled in news literacy,
Another critical skill students can develop when learning about elections is how to consider different perspectives. With the explosion of the internet and social media algorithms, it is very likely that young people who get their news from online media sources are never confronted with opinions or values that are different from their own. In order for students to successfully navigate life after high school and become leaders in the global workforce, however, they must be able to listen to the opinions of others, seek to understand a variety of perspectives and engage in civil discourse and debate. These skills are essential for navigating real-world challenges.
Finally, teaching about elections
offers an excellent opportunity to discuss with young people the importance of voting. As educators, we counter voter apathy by teaching students about the historical struggle for voting rights in this country, particularly for historically marginalized groups, such as women and African-Americans. These discussions may evoke strong emotions, but they are vital to helping students understand why voting matters and how our country has evolved.
We should remind students of the importance of taking part in local elections in addition to the national presidential elections. We should also explore ways for young people to practice exercising the right to vote in school, and provide opportunities for them to voice their opinions on local issues in the community.
This is a really exciting and pivotal time in our country, with history unfolding before our eyes. It is our duty to ensure that the next generation is not only witnessing these moments, but is engaged with and prepared to shape them.
Monique Darrisaw-Akil, Ed.D., is superintendent of the Uniondale Union Free School District.
sports often provide the most visible examples of overcoming the odds. Take, for example, the New York Mets, who, in late May, suffered a crushing loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, leaving them 11 games under .500. Many fans and baseball insiders had all but written them off, but the Mets didn’t quit.
Instead the ball club made strategic lineup changes and, most important, held firm in their belief that they were still a great team. The result? A remarkable turnaround that put them 30 games over .500 and propelled them into this week’s National League Championship series.
Pitcher Jim Abbott is another powerful example of overcoming adversity. Born without a right hand, Abbott faced enormous challenges from an early age, but refused to let his physical difference define or limit him. He eventually reached the major leagues, and not only pitched at the highest level, but tossed a no-hitter for the Yankees in 1993.
This lesson isn’t just for athletes. Struggling students can reassess their study habits, ask for extra help, and find the support they need. A professional facing new challenges at work can seek out training, lean on colleagues for advice, and even turn frustration into motivation. Teachers, mentors and coaches thrive on helping others succeed, so seeking help isn’t a weakness — it’s a smart move.
To the Editor:
As the election draws closer, we cannot ignore the growing impact of climate change on our communities. Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton, along with dozens of wildfires this past summer, are all clear warning signs of a very real climate crisis.
This issue deserves more attention than it has received so far this election cycle. During the presidential debate, only one brief question was asked about climate at the very end.
The fact is, the climate crisis impacts us all, no matter where we live or how much money we make. Americans are being told to flee their homes and risk losing everything. Meanwhile, Big Oil continues to put profits over people by prioritizing fossil fuels that continue to destroy our environment.
We cannot afford to lose any more time in the fight against the climate crisis. We need leaders — at the federal, state and local level — who believe in the science of climate change and are
Overcoming adversity isn’t just about persistence, but is about a mindset of constant learning and growth. Whether you’re falling behind in school, at work or on a sports team, the temptation to surrender can be overwhelming. But those who thrive amid adversity don’t see challenges as walls; they see them as steppingstones to progress.
If you’re a student struggling to grasp difficult concepts, feeling like you’re always two steps behind, it’s easy to lose hope. At work, new technologies and methodologies might feel like waves crashing over you, leaving you disoriented. And for an athlete, the weight of defeat can make the rest of the season feel like an uphill climb that’s no longer worth making.
So how does a person, or a team, regroup and find success after falling behind?
While determination is key, succeeding isn’t just about plowing through. It’s about strategic adaptation. It’s about identifying what’s important, what’s holding you back, and making meaningful changes — sometimes inspired by others, and sometimes by digging deep into yourself.
The first step often is simply asking for help. And that’s nothing to be ashamed of. We’ve all been there!
Adversity isn’t a dead end. It’s a detour that offers new pathways to growth and success, but only if we’re willing to stay the course, make adjustments, and push beyond the initial
impulse to give up. And real-life stories of overcoming adversity can be powerful sources of inspiration, because they demonstrate that success is often born from struggle, resilience and perseverance.
J.K. Rowling’s journey to becoming the world-famous author of the Harry Potter series is a classic example. Before Harry Potter became a household name, Rowling was a struggling single mother living on welfare. She wrote the first Harry Potter book in coffee shops, often battling self-doubt and rejection. No fewer than 12 publishers rejected the manuscript before Bloomsbury finally took a chance on it.
Thomas Edison, one of history’s greatest inventors, failed over a thousand times before making the first light bulb work. When asked about his repeated failures, Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” His relentless drive and ability to see failure as a learning opportunity helped him change the world.
Real-life stories such as these are just a sample of what people can achieve while illustrating that the journey to success is rarely smooth. At press time, the Mets had come back to tie the NLCS with the Dodgers at one game apiece. The team has shown its fans what it means to push through, learn, adapt, and remain focused on the next game all season long. Here’s hoping that inspiring lesson will continue.
in recent months, nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman has pursued a number of controversial measures that, in addition to likely being unconstitutional, bring with them a number of unintended consequences that will negatively impact our police and first responders.
the most glaring of those actions is Blakeman’s provisional emergency special deputy sheriff program. known more commonly as the “militia,” this misguided initiative has sparked tremendous concern in a number of local police departments. even as the first classes of “militia” cadets have now graduated and are in the process of being activated, our concerns about their training, how they will be identified, and how and when these “deputies” can and will be deployed remain unaddressed by the Blakeman administration, which continues to stonewall
the County legislature’s Democratic minority and the public.
the republican majority’s public mask ban, which Blakeman eagerly signed into law, is another piece of legislation that puts our police officers in highly precarious situations. Under this measure, it’s up to an officer to determine the “intent” of a person wearing a mask. this would expose our officers to thorny constitutional and medical privacy issues under the Fifth amendment and HIPaa laws. Moreover, there’s the risk that a sick person could feel pressured to remove their mask, thereby exposing the officers and the public to Covid or some other airborne disease. to address concerns about constitutionality and practicality, the minority caucus proposed a more narrowly tailored mask law — the Masked Crime accountability act — that would reduce the burden on our law enforcement officers by focusing specifically on punishing those who use masks while committing crimes. While our bill is a clearer
Hdeterrent to crime, the republican majority pushed through its version of the law without considering public concerns or the potential consequences.
ow will a police officer verify a claim of an exception to the mask ban?
For both of these measures, there is the issue of how effectively they can be enforced, if at all. the same goes for Blakeman’s banning of transgender female athletes using county sports facilities, which, like the mask ban, is being challenged in court. How is an officer, having been called to one of the situations created by these laws, expected to proceed? How rigorously should an officer attempt to verify someone’s claim that they qualify for an exemption under the mask ban? How can an officer navigate a heated confrontation over claims that a young athlete is violating the ban on trans athletes? are we going to start interrogating athletes over their gender identity? It’s all a recipe for disaster, and even more lawsuits against the county — litigation that you, the taxpayer, will end up footing the bill for.
With budget season now upon us, I
willing or can be convinced to take bold action before it’s too late. So I urge everyone: When you cast your ballot next month, think of our planet and the people that call it home.
MartIn MelkonIan Uniondale
The MTA’s capital plan doesn’t have a chance
to the editor:
long Island rail road riders should be concerned that the Metropolitan t ransportation authority’s $68 billion, five-year, 2025-2029 Capital Plan isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. Gov. kathy Hochul claims she can find additional state and federal funding to make up for the missing $15 billion in congestion pricing revenue from the current $51 billion 2020-2024 capital plan. She promises the same for making up the $33 billion shortfall in the proposed plan. t his leaves the M ta with a record $48 billion shortfall in funding! the plan will be dead on arrival.
a llocation of funding for advancing toward a state of good repair in all capital asset categories should be a higher priority than any system expansion projects. Funding for the $7.7 billion Second avenue Subway Phase 2 and the $5.5 billion Brooklyn/Queens Interboro express light rail Connector would be better spent on repair projects. Metro north railroad’s $3.1 billion Bronx east Penn Station access project should be put on hold. Forget about the $7.5 billion Second avenue Subway Phase 3, the 125th Street Crosstown extension, as well.
Don’t be surprised in 2025 when both the governor and the legislature reduce the proposed $68 billion plan by billions. I predict it will end up somewhere in the $50s billion range, to deal with more realistic future funding availability.
larry Penner Great Neck
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.
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.
believe it is essential to analyze these controversial measures through another lens — police overtime. When we consider possible impacts on law enforcement professionals, we must factor in how these measures could further burden our officers and increase their workloads — especially as we ponder other proposals that could elevate overtime costs. Before the county clears the way for a casino or any other major development or legislative initiative that could be a significant driver of overtime, we would be wise to commission a thorough evaluation.
Specific to the casino, initial projections of $1.8 million being sufficient to cover the resulting overtime — which is just one quarter of 1 percent of our current overtime budget — seem farfetched. a rigorous review would go a long way toward revealing the true and accurate costs, so that law enforcement agencies serving not only the county, but also its cities and villages, can budget wisely and gear their training resources toward addressing every one of these new endeavors.
Delia DeRiggi-Whitton represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the minority leader of the Legislature.
