East Meadow Herald 11-14-2024

HERALD east meadow

Nassau County’s tribute to service

Veterans, auxiliary members, active servicemen and women and elected officials gathered at Eisenhower Park on Sunday for a moving ceremony. Story, more photos, Page 3.

Annual wellness walk returns to McVey Elementary School

By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com

As part of the school’s annual Wellness Walk last month at George McVey Elementary School, students and teachers stepped out of the classroom for an outdoor lesson.

“It’s the best,” kindergarten teacher Shana Jalfin said of the event.

“It’s so important that you instill in them that they need to be healthy, exercise, clean themselves, and eat healthy food. It encompasses so many things — and it’s not just this week, it’s every day.”

During the event, classes of students walked, jogged, and ran laps around the

school’s field, reinforcing lessons about eating good food, avoiding substance abuse, and exercising.

“One of the most important things to learn is fitness, making safe decisions, and living a healthy lifestyle,” said Leonard Minerva, assistant principal of McVey Elementary.

Students’ parents were in attendance, taking photos of their children adventuring across the field.

The Wellness Walk, part of a broader Wellness Week at McVey, helps raise awareness for personal health among students, and encourage families to talk to their chil-

School officials concerned by state’s plans

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

The East Meadow Board of Education expressed opposition to the State Department of Education’s newly implemented regionalization plan, which seeks to standardize educational services in schools across New York.

The education department presented the initiative as part of a collaborative planning process, and includes all school districts outside of Albany, Buffalo, Mount Vernon, New York City, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica and Yonkers, which are city school districts that are already consolidated.

I t just seemed like a lot of information, and we didn’t understand why they were asking for this information.

KENNEtH RoSNER Superintendent, East Meadow School District $1.00

The department’s stated goal is to expand educational opportunities, especially for smaller and financially strapped districts, by pooling resources across regions.

East Meadow’s board held a public meeting in late October to voice to the community and

stakeholders its opinions regarding the plan. Board President Jessica Ricco Simeone told those in attendance that board trustees and Kenneth Rosner, East Meadow’s superintendent of schools, recently attended a webinar to learn more about the plan, adding that it left them “more confused than when we entered.”

“I have questions that were posed that they seem to think they answered, but it still didn’t seem like we got an answer that made us feel better about it,” the board president said. “What you will hear tonight is all that we know as of right now, but I can say — and I’m speaking for myself, and my other trustees will chime in later — we are not okay with what we see so far.”

Rosner led a PowerPoint presentation, highlighting the plan, while also expressing concerns.

“This comes directly from the New York State Education Continued on page 11

Holden Leeds/Herald

Giving Birth? Look No Further than the South Shore’s

Only High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care

Mothers looking for a hospital at which to give birth should consider the quality indicators used by U.S. News & World Report ® to determine institutions deemed High Performing for Maternity care.

Mount Sinai South Nassau is the only South Shore hospital to earn the rating of High Performing based on eight key measures:

• Reduced C-section delivery rates

• Low early elective delivery rates

• Low overall unexpected newborn complication rates

• Increased routine VBAC rates

• Increased exclusive human milk feeding rates

• Low episiotomy rates

• Routine birthing-friendly practices

• Transparency on racial/ethnic disparities

If you want the best birthing experience for you and for your baby, look no further than Mount Sinai South Nassau.

Learn more at southnassau.org/maternity, or call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU.

Nassau County honors veterans, military

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Nassau County veterans, families and community members gathered in Eisenhower Park on Nov. 10 to honor those who served on Veterans Day, paying tribute to local heroes whose courage and sacrifice have protected the United States’ freedoms and values. In a poignant ceremony led by the United Veterans Organization at the county’s veterans memorial in the park, speakers focused on respect, courage and resilience — and of course, the importance of Veterans Day and veteran service agencies.

“On Veterans Day, we veterans remember our service — we think about friends that we made, and some of the friends that we’ve lost,” Morris Miller, who’s on the UVO’s board of directors, said during the ceremony’s opening remarks. “We served with distinction. We served with honor. And even though many of us are older, greyer, out of shape — we would not hesitate at a moment’s notice to serve our country, if asked.”

Following a convocation, given by Chaplain Eric Spinner of the United Veterans Organization, a Color Guard was presented by active servicemen and women, youth organizations, and various veteran organizations.

Following his convocation, Spinner offered remarks for those who are prisoners of war and those who are still listed as missing in action.

“As you entered these grounds today, you may have noticed this small table in place,” Spinner said, referencing a display in front of the lectern. “This table is our way of symbolizing the fact that members of our profession of arms are missing from our midst. They are com-

County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and State Senator Steve Rhoads carried a wreath to the POW-MIA memorial, and held their hands over their hearts during the presentation of ‘Taps.’

monly called POWs or MIAs — we call them brothers. They are unable to be with us at this time, and so we remember them.”

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, State Senator Steve Rhoads, State Assemblyman-elect Daniel Norber, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jen DeSena and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder all attended Sunday’s ceremony.

“We have enemies that hate our way of life, they hate our prosperity, they hate our spirit, they hate our love of country,” Blakeman said. “So today, we’re here to remember. May God bless our veterans, may God bless our active military, and may God bless America.”

Ryder said both veterans and police

offers have a bond over the word “service.”

“And what does it mean — unconditional service,” he said. “You didn’t ask for anything when you signed up to serve your country. You just went out to do it, and do it because you honored the flag, the constitution, the way of life here in the United States — that freedom we all get to enjoy.”

Among all of the speakers, perhaps no one is more involved directly with veteran affairs than Ralph Esposito, director of Nassau County’s Veterans Service Agency. There’s an office in East Meadow, right behind the main tower of the Nassau University Medical Center, which offers support, health care, food and other resources to veterans.

Morris Miller of the United Veterans Organization reflecting on the importance of Veterans Day at the ceremony in Eisenhower Park on Sunday.

“I feed 1,650 people a month that are veterans,” Esposito said of the office he runs. “That should not be. Veterans should not be hungry. Our veterans shouldn’t have to sleep in the park. There’s a lot more to be done, and as long as I’m living, I want to fight to get it done. I promise you that.”

The United Veterans Organization held a Veterans Day ceremony at the Long Island National Cemetery in East Farmingdale on Sunday as well. For more on veteran affairs and resources offered in Nassau County, visit NassauCountyNY.gov or call (516) 572-6565. Its headquarters are 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, Building ‘Q,’ East Meadow.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Veteran organizations from across Nassau County participated in Sunday’s ceremony at the county’s veterans memorial in Eisenhower Park. Above, Elmont Post No. 1033 Legion Riders with the Patriot Guard Riders of New York.

Questions we’ve been asked...

My mother may soon be applying for Medicaid. How does this affect funeral arrangements?

The latest Medicaid regulations now permit individuals to set aside a portion of their assets in an irrevocable trust account in order to have funds for future funeral expenses.

When an individual approaches the time when Medicaid coverage seems likely, social workers generally advise families to look into this funeral pre-funding option.

Here’s how we can help:

• The Family will make an appointment with us to discuss just what we are to do when the death occurs.

• We discuss options and record their wishes not just about preferred funeral home services but cemetery, church, monument inscription, newspaper notices, etc. We inform the family of exactly what the funeral home and third party costs are at the present time.

• Funds to cover those expenses can then deposited in our FDIC insured PRE - PLAN Trust. The Trust pays sufficient interest to allow us to guaranty those future funeral home costs into the future.

• While the funds remain in the name of the individual going on Medicaid, eligibility to receive Medicaid coverage is not affected.

If we can help you with this important matter, call us and our knowledgeable staff will answer your questions. Moreover, there is no cost involved in establishing a PRE-PLAN Trust.

Leo F. KEARNS, Inc. Funeral Directors

Thomas L. Kearns, Patrick J. Kearns, Paul C. Kearns-Stanley (516) 794-0500 or 1-800-640-9500 (NYS)

445 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow (across from the East Meadow Post Office) www.LEOFKEARNS.com

Planning for Single Relatives Living Alone

If you have a son, daughter, sister, brother or parent living alone for whom you are responsible, and they unfortunately become incapacitated or die, apart from the emotional and medical burdens, you may have significant legal and financial troubles. A little planning in advance for these contingencies will go a long way in making any such dire situation much easier to handle.

If they rent, then make sure they notify their landlord, in writing, that you have their permission to access the apartment. Also get a key to their apartment or home or at least know where you can get one (such as from a neighbor).

A power of attorney will allow you to handle their legal and financial affairs during any period of disability. However, a power of attorney automatically ceases on death. Once someone dies, only the executor under the will may handle legal and financial affairs and it may take months and sometimes years to become appointed executor by the Surrogate’s Court. A properly created and funded living trust, on the

other hand, gives you immediate control of their affairs upon death.

A health care proxy and living will allows you to gain access to their medical records, confer with medical professionals and make medical decisions for them if they are unable to, including termination of life support should there be no meaningful existence and no hope of recovery.

You should know where they keep records of their assets in their home or apartment. One of the benefits of a properly funded trust is that it will have a list of assets appended to the trust making it easy to locate what the decedent owned. A list of their assets, and any named beneficiaries, is also helpful.

Forms to provide personal information, such as who to contact in the event of death (friends, relatives, professional advisors), computer passwords, funeral and burial wishes and who is to receive which personal items, may be found on our website, trustlaw.com, under “Online Forms” clicking on “Final Instructions”.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

& Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid FREE CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com

The year of definition elevate the Conversation

Brands are not just for products like ketchup and beer. We ARE brands, constantly finetuning ways to define ourselves including how we can be memorable and leave a lasting legacy.

But there’s been a permanent change in the dynamic. We are not just defining ourselves to the ones immediately around us. We are defining ourselves at the speed of light, exposing ourselves in the social media universe at our own choosing and the results can be less than spectacular.

So in the last few weeks I’ve been thinking of this as my year of definition. Not building my social media presence so much as building my “in real life” presence.

express what I’m thinking after carefully listening to the other guy. Paying forward my good fortune and my mentor’s lessons to a new generation. Making a small difference with sometimes less disruption. Sometimes more.

Who am I, really? Who do I want to be right now? Who must I become? The titles of daughter, sister, wife, mother and friend still exist, but how can I give these roles real meaning?

This is uncomfortable territory. It demands time and practice to be the person I want to be. Finding out new ways to donate hours, money and effort in my small corner of the world. Apologizing quickly and (usually a little too) thoroughly for my bad behavior. Learning to reread and question the information before quoting it. Trying new ways to

I’m not looking for labels either complementary and insulting. Rather, I am releasing myself from a lifelong avoidance of confrontation and have come to realize that at the end of the day, all I have is my actions to speak out, encourage, or support in the best way possible.

If statistically it takes seven seconds to size up a person leading to a first impression, how will you really get to know one other? How do you really get to know me? And most importantly, how do we get to know ourselves? In a sea of humanity with those who fear to be posers and those who relish it, in the end only our deeds are our proof we were here. Defining us.

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.

CRIMe BRIef

Motorcyclist succumbs to injuries from crash

A motorcyclist involved in a severe accident last month has died from his injuries, police reported.

The incident occurred on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at approximately 6:55 p.m. when a black motorcycle, operated by 34-year-old Richard Sorrentino of Queens, was traveling westbound on Sunrise Highway near Rose Place. According to detectives, Sorrentino

struck a male bicyclist attempting to cross Sunrise Highway from south to north. The impact caused the motorcycle to catch fire.

He had been listed in critical condition before being pronounced dead on Friday, Nov. 8, by a hospital physician. The bicyclist was taken to a local hospital with trauma injuries and remains in stable condition.

ADVERTISING: (516) 569-4000 Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643

■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com

Lauren Lev

Thomas L. Kearns

National Art Honor Society unveils new mural

East Meadow High School’s National Art Honor Society unveiled a brand new mural in the school’s cafeteria last month.

District administrators and high school staff members gathered for the unveiling of honor society’s mural, “Come Together.” The idea for this mural came about during the pandemic, and after a few years of planning and collaborating, the project came to life when it was completed in June.

“The prominent placement in our school’s largest cafeteria ensures that not only current students, but future generations will enjoy this work for years to come,” said Art Department Chairperson Heather Anastasio.

Art teachers Cecelia Fisher, Brian O’Neill and Ryan Rochford recognized each member of the National Art Honor Society who contributed to the mural with a commemorative pin. Director of Music and Art Kelly Nixon also acknowledged the students and teachers who were involved in this project.

“These talented students have poured their hearts and souls into this project,” Nixon said. “Your hard work and collaboration have brought this vision to life and we’re all incredibly proud of you. This mural is a vibrant expression of our school community.”

–Jordan Vallone

Courtesy East Meadow Union Free School District

East Meadow High School’s National Art Honor Society unveiled a brand new mural in the school’s cafeteria.

How teachers keep their students healthy

dren about being healthy.

“We invited the families in, and we made it a celebration,” Minerva said. “We want to show health is important to us, and we want it to be important with the parents and make it an ongoing topic at home.”

The Wellness Walk is an annual tradition for schools in the East Meadow Union Free School District. It is inspired by Red Ribbon Week, the national anti-drug campaign by the National Family Partnership, which runs during a week in late October, usually ending on Halloween.

“This leads to Halloween, which, of course, is when people need to be safe, either with eating or other activities,” Minerva said. “This is a time of year when we always want to make sure we point out healthy and safe choices.”

e want to show health is important to us

Leonard Minerva Assistant principal, McVey Elementary School

At McVey, educators expanded the scope of the project to focus on health, according to Kerry Anne Dunne, principal of George McVey Elementary School.

“Red Ribbon Week is all about teaching children not to get involved in substance abuse,” Dunne said.

“What that really also means is they have to understand wellness. It’s really a week dedicated to positive choices and preventative measures so that students take what we’re giving them and are able to apply it later on.

“We celebrate the week to give all sorts of other coping skills. And this will bleed into our Mental Health Month in May where we celebrate strategies to promote mental health.”

Social Worker Theresa Arnone led anti-vaping initiatives for the school and brings in speakers for Mental Health Month. She helped organize the school’s plans for Wellness Week.

The Wellness Walk is “based on presentations that they’ve had during the course of the week, and enrichment that they’ve had from us, and assemblies that they’ve had over the years,” Arnone said.

“East Meadow is a really supportive community, they come together to support us educators and the children in all of our endeavors,” she said. “I love that the parents came together to celebrate these children that work hard every day.”

Prior walks have taken kids to march around the neighborhood, Arnone said. Since the coronavirus, walks have been confined to school grounds.

Kindergarten teacher Shana Jalfin led her class in this year’s Wellness

be more health conscious.

“Still, the same message is heard, whether it’s around the community or in our backyard,” she said.

The walk is made possible through cooperation with the Parent Teacher Association, which connects families to educators to create community events.

“A part of it is just an easy way for kids to get out and exercise and be heart healthy,” PTA Wellness Walk Chairperson Danielle Mathis said. “It’s something they can do no matter where they are.”

“It’s all about the kids,” PTA Past President Jennifer Reinhardt said. “There’s a ton of parents here today, and that’s very good engagement between the school and community. They love to participate, and we really love it here.”

mcVey mascot mighty mind appeared at the Wellness Walk to inspire students as they traveled across the school’s field.

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald photos

Walk, encouraging students and parents to

Hall sisters lead way for East Meadow

By MARC BERMAN sports@liherald.com

Where would the Jets girls’ cross-country team be without the Hall sisters?

Certainly not second to Syosset in the Nassau County Class I championships that was held Nov. 2 at Bethpage State Park.

With junior Zaria Hall winning the race altogether and her older sister, senior Anaya Hall, placing third, East Meadow’s team score wound up as second-best in the county meet. No other Jet placed in the top 25 for All-County honors.

Zaria won counties for the second straight year and has separated herself as the county’s superstar. She finished with a time of 18:52 – 13 seconds better than her sister, Anaya.

year.

“With my injuries, I didn’t know if I’d be able to perform when the time came,” she added. “But I’m really glad I followed my race strategy to win like I did last year.’’

Zaria had foot and calf issues early on. In a freak accident, at a meet in Eisenhower Park, she also sustained a swollen knee and sprained ankle after falling on concrete after getting her foot caught in a ditch covered by leaves. It happened right before the race started.

“I took quite a lot of days off in the season and was not able to practice,’’ Zaria said.

The sisters don’t consider themselves rivals and they will move onto the state meet in Queensbury after doing as well in the state qualifier Nov. 9. Zaria finished first while Anaya was third. It will be the third state appearance for both Halls.

“It’s not competitive at all,’’ Zaria said. “She’s very happy for me and what I accomplish. She doesn’t look at it as competition. She looks at it as a motivator for her to become better.’’

The older sister, Anaya, is being recruited by UConn, Georgetown and Syracuse. Though only a junior, Zaria has aimed at

three schools - University of Miami, University of Florida and Princeton.

“I don’t know if there’s much of a difference between the two, but things came a little easier for Zaria,’’ East Meadow coach Michael Ringhauser said. “Anaya has closed the gap with her strong work ethic. But together they’re just a tag-team. They do all workouts together. They have bought in as being a partnership.’’

Anaya and Zaria are tri-captains, along with Kaitlynn Slobodin.

East Meadow’s regular season was stellar as it captured its third straight Division IB championship. The Jets finished 12-1 in the regular season.

Additionally, eight others were anointed All-Conference. The list includes Slobodin, Maritsa Paul, Allie Twible, Marcheline Simbulan, Lila Doyle, Isabella Estrella, Anvi Bonanthaya and Ali Dela Cruz.

Ringhauser said on any given day, the Jets would have different finishers in the 3-4-5 spots behind Zaria and Anaya. “We had a lot of depth,” he said.

“It feels good to boost the team,’’ Zaria said. “A lot of my teammates are very supportive of me and look up to me and I love running with them.”

Grassini/Herald Senior Zaria Hall captured her second straight cross-country county championship, finishing in 18:52, to help the Jets place second in Class I.

Paul

• 6:00-9:00PM

The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale

TRAILBLAZER AWARD & KEYNOTE SPEAKER

MICHAEL J. DOWLING

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER NORTHWELL HEALTH

ACCOUNTING:

JOHN FITZGERALD

Managing Partner

Citrin Cooperman

GURJIT SINGH

Chief Information Officer

Prager Metis CPAs

DIANE L. WALSH

Chief Marketing Officer

Prager Metis CPAs

BANKING & FINANCE:

JOHN BURKE

Managing Director

Global Head of Business & Professional Services

Citi Commercial Bank

MICHELE DEAN

Chief Executive Officer

Suffolk Credit Union

STUART H. LUBOW

President & Chief Executive Officer

Dime Community Bank

DAVID A. PERLMUTTER

Managing Partner Forest Hills Financial Group

MARK SANCHIONI

Senior Vice President & Chief Banking Officer

Ridgewood Savings Bank

JOSEPH TEDESCO

President & Chief Executive Officer Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union

BIOPHARMA:

PATRICIA ECKERT, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Enzo Biochem, Inc.

COMMUNICATIONS:

ANDREW RAINONE

Senior Vice President, Business Sales

Optimum Business

EDUCATION:

MARIA CONZATTI, Ed.D.

Chief Administrative Officer

Nassau Community College

CHRISTINE M. RIORDAN, Ph.D.

President Adelphi University

TIMOTHY E. SAMS, Ph.D.

President

SUNY Old Westbury

ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION:

LOUIS BEKOFSKY

Principal, Managing Partner VHB

WILLIAM MAXWELL

Vice President The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

BILLY HAUGLAND II

Chief Executive Officer Haugland Group LLC

ANDREW J. SOLANO

Managing Partner

Emtec Consulting Engineers

GAS/UTILITIES:

CHRISTINA ARMENTANO

Chief Operating Officer & Executive Vice President Paraco

JOHN RHODES

Chief Executive Officer Long Island Power Authority (LIPA)

ROSS TURRINI

Chief Operating Officer, New York Gas National Grid

ENERGY:

JIM FLANNERY

Chief Operating Officer National Grid Ventures, US Northeast

HEALTHCARE:

MICHAEL GITMAN, MD President Long Island Jewish Medical Center

STACEY C. JACKSON-HARLEY

RN MA BSN

Chief Operating Officer

Harmony Healthcare

ANDREW MINTZ

Chief Executive Officer The Smilist

MICHAEL N. ROSENBLUT

President & Chief Executive Officer

Parker Jewish Institute For Healthcare and Rehabilitation

AMY SILVA-MAGALHAES

Chief Operating Officer The Bristal Assisted Living

JON SENDACH, FACHE President North Shore University Hospital

AMIT SHAH, MD

Partner & Vascular Surgeon PRINE Health

JOSEPH VERDIRAME

Chief Executive Officer

Alliance Homecare

HOSPITALITY:

MICHAEL LESSING

Chief Executive Officer Lessing's Hospitality Group

LEGAL:

NICOLE W. JOSEPH, MSc

Chief Operating Officer & Finance Director

CM Law PLLC

JULIE WYETZNER

Executive Director &

Chief Operating Officer

Cona Elder Law PLLC

MICHAEL H. SAHN

Managing Partner

Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano PLLC

HOWARD M. STEIN

Managing Partner & Co-Chair of the Real Estate Practice Group Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP

NOT-FOR-PROFIT:

PHIL ANDREWS

President Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce

LISA BURCH, MPH

President & Chief Executive Officer

EPIC Long Island, Inc.

RANDELL M. BYNUM

Chief Executive Officer Girl Scouts of Nassau County

MATTHEW COHEN

President & Chief Executive Officer Long Island Association, Inc.

ERIKA FLORESKA

President Long Island Children's Museum

JEFFREY FRIEDMAN

Chief Executive Officer

CN Guidance and Counseling Services

DAN LLOYD

Chief Executive Officer & Founder Minority Millennials, Inc.

DIANE MANDERS

Interim Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

Habitat for Humanity of LI

JOHN MCGUIGAN

Chief Executive Officer

AHRC Suffolk

JEFFREY L. REYNOLDS, Ph.D.

President & Chief Executive Officer

Family and Children's Association

LUIS VAZQUEZ

President & Chief Executive Officer

Long Island Hispanic

Chamber of Commerce

REAL ESTATE:

JOSEPH A. FARKAS

Chief Executive Officer & Founder Metropolitan Realty Associates LLC

RETAIL:

ROBERT KAY

Chief Executive Officer

Lifetime Brands, Inc.

SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT:

CHRIS R. VACCARO

President & Executive Officer

Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame

TECHNOLOGY:

AMY E. NEWMAN

Senior Vice President, Administration

Canon U.S.A, Inc.

TRANSPORTATION:

ROBERT FREE

Acting President

Long Island Rail Road

MARLON TAYLOR

President New York & Atlantic Railway

MICHAEL D. TORNABE

Chief Operating Officer

Guardian Bus Company

COREY J. MUIRHEAD

Executive Vice President

Guardian Bus Company

WASTE MANAGEMENT:

AZEEZ MOHAMMED

President & Chief Executive Officer

Reworld

*List still in formation

Hofstra students star in election broadcast

By XIOMARA TRINIDAD PEREZ Herald Intern

The Herbert School of Communications, at Hofstra University, had transformed overnight into a news station. Students were busy writing scripts and reporting live results on election night, on a program called “Hofstra Votes Live.”

The multi-platform broadcast brought together students from across the Herbert School and the university. They began planning the program months before the election in order to deliver comprehensive, real-time coverage — all under the mentoring and guidance of Hofstra faculty members. The broadcast aired from 8 p.m. to midnight, and reached audiences on campus, on YouTube and on 88.7 FM WRHU, Radio Hofstra University.

The program featured coverage with both a regional and national perspective, and included live reports from watch parties such as those for Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito and his Democratic challenger Laura Gillen, who ultimately defeated him. One of the standout moments was a live report from Vice President Kamala Harris’s watch party, at Howard University, in Washington, by student reporter Jake Epstein. Student anchors also interview guests such as former New York Gov. David Paterson on air.

The students gained hands-on experience in the fast-paced world of live news coverage, and learned about the behindthe-scenes work that goes into producing an important broadcast on a historic night. They also felt for themselves the excitement and intensity of covering a

ment puts on every two years, and I’m really excited to see how it comes together. I’m both excited and nervous just because it’s four hours long — that’s like, that would be the longest I’ve ever been on air live.”

Days before the broadcast, student anchors like Ng took part in a special workshop hosted by WABC reporter Chanteé Lans, who shared some of the secrets of being a good anchor during a live broadcast.

In the past, “HVL” has covered presidential and midterm elections as well as Super Tuesday during the presidential primaries. Last year the broadcast won the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Student Video Newscast for its coverage of the 2022 midterms.

“I’m really grateful, actually, to be one of the coordinating producers for ‘HVL’ for the 2024 presidential election,” junior Samantha Diamond said. “You know, seeing me as a freshman two years ago, I was one of the camera assistants. . . . And I was just, like, you know what? When I’m an upperclassmen and we do this again in two years, I want to be one of the leaders.”

presidential election.

“To be part of Hofstra Votes Live is a huge opportunity, and I feel so grateful being part of the team,” said Sarah Ng, a senior at Hofstra who served as one of the anchors of the national coverage.

“It’s a big production that the depart -

In addition to the main “HVL” broadcast, students also produced a special edition of “Hofstra News Now” that aired the day before Election Day. The broadcast examined key issues in the election, including reproductive rights, foreign affairs and inflation.

Courtesy Diego Olivras

Regional anchors Michael Dent and Camryn Bowden reporting the news for ‘Hofstra Votes Live’ on election night.

Enter if you dare: ChillerFest fun in E.M.

Lovers of comics, anime, sci-fi, and pop culture again had a place to enjoy everything and more at EMCon’s annual “ChillerFest,” held on Nov. 9 at the East Meadow Public Library.

ChillerFest at the library is an annual event that typically features a mix of spooky and horror-themed programming, drawing in fans of horror literature, films, and related activities. The library hosts author readings, film screenings, and sometimes workshops or discussions led by horror writers or enthusiasts. The event appeals to a broad range of ages and is designed to bring the community together over a shared love of the genre.

Despite occurring after Halloween this year, ChillerFest still drew a crowd of costumer-wearers, eager to compete in the costumer contest. ChillerFest is a smaller, themed version of EMCon, which is East Meadow’s version of a comic convention.

EMCon and ChillerFest bring together fans of comics, anime, manga, cosplay, and pop culture. Both local favorites, the events offer a range of activities, including panel discussions with comic artists and authors, cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, and workshops. EMCon also typically has an artist alley where local and independent artists display and sell their work, plus vendors with collectibles, comics, and other merchandise.

–Jordan Vallone

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Fans of comics, anime and more united at the East Meadow Public Library for ChillerFest last weekend, an annual convention that bridges the gap between all things spooky and comic related.

Other fun characters who were out and about on Sunday included Deadpool, a superhero, worn by Nicholas Galligan. Amelia Ford had her face painted during ChillerFest.

Lavie Martinez as Officer Jenny and Ryan DiGiovanni as Ketchum were this year’s Pokemon Group at the convention.

District officials could be left out of decisions

Department: Regionalization refers to a broad tool for addressing student needs and operational efficiencies through shared resources grounded in the process of continuous needs, assessment and cross-district coordination,” he said. “So we’re talking about things like shared staff, advanced coursework, extracurricular activities, industry partners, shared support services — this is all under what they feel a regionalization plan would look like.”

The education department’s published objective for the plan is to “create equitable educational opportunities for students and improve operational efficiencies” across the state. As described on the department’s website, the initiative is not intended to enforce mergers or consolidations, but rather to foster “cross-district conversations” and encourage shared programs and resources among component districts in each of the state’s 37 Board of Cooperative Educational Services, or BOCES, regions.

The regional superintendent, known as the BOCES superintendent, is tasked with leading these discussions and overseeing the resulting plans. Nassau BOCES, Western Suffolk BOCES and Eastern Suffolk BOCES are the three BOCES regions on Long Island.

According to the regionalization plan’s document, component districts, under the direction of the superintendent — in East Meadow’s case, Rosner — must work with Nassau BOCES, to develop regionalization plans in five steps by slated deadlines. The first requirement for the district to submit, labeled “Strengths and Needs Tool,” is due by early December, Rosner said.

“We have 56 school districts in Nassau County — all 56, right now, are in the process of filling out this first part of it,” he said. “When (we) first looked at it, some-

the east meadow Board of education held a meeting last month at the Salisbury Center to share its thoughts on a state regionalization plan they say could impact the school district’s autonomy.

thing just didn’t seem right with what we were filling out. It just seemed like a lot of information, and we didn’t understand why they were asking for this information.”

The district must file a report on items such as test scores, finances, transportation and special education services. “It’s an extensive, extensive survey,” he said.

Specific details about the regionalization plan began circulating in September, Rosner said, despite the state’s claims that conversations were being held about it since spring. An emergency ruling, which pushed the regionalization effort through, was used to bypass input from stakeholders, he added.

Rosner said he has a “serious concern” about the

emergency rule and how this plan was implemented, adding that “no conversations” were held.

Some of the plan’s language, Rosner said, suggests local control will be taken away from districts.

One section of the plan states: “The district superintendent (BOCES) shall act as an intermediary between the department, BOCES and component school districts (like East Meadow) to facilitate the successful execution of education initiatives within the sole supervisory district, including translating state educational priorities into actionable regionalization plans that align with the unique needs and resources of the component school districts.”

Rosner said he’s concerned how the plan will impact local district autonomy, particularly when it comes to budgeting, staffing and education programming decisions. Stakeholders — like district taxpayers — may be left out of formal decision-making, and school boards could be forced to use taxpayer resources on students outside their community.

The East Meadow board encouraged community advocacy regarding the subject, and suggested district residents contact their state legislators.

The board has drafted a letter, which was sent to David Frank, the assistant commissioner of the Office of Education Policy in New York, opposing the plan.

“We urge you to consider and pull back this emergency rule and commit to strengthening individual districts,” the board wrote in the letter, “while fostering a collaborative approach.”

Information regarding the meeting held in October and related documents, including the board’s letter, can be found on the district’s Board Docs page, accessible from EMUFSD.us. To view the meeting in full, a video is available on the Board of Education’s YouTube page, EMUFSD Board of Education.

Curing a rare heart disorder with a short life expectancy.

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

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

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

North Shore University Hospital

EAST MEADOW HERALD — November 14, 2024

He served the country. Now, the county.

Navy veteran Kerry Englander discusses his role as the American Legion’s Nassau commander

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Kerry Englander, a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime member of American Legion Post 1711 in Levittown, was appointed the Legion’s Nassau County commander in June. Representing nearly 30,000 veterans across 52 posts, he now oversees efforts to support those who served.

Englander, 79, joined Levittown Post 1711 in 2008, starting as historian before being named second vice commander. He became active in the Nassau County chapter of the American Legion in 2020, serving as vice commander of the second division, where he supervised 15 posts in central Nassau.

After three years in that role, he was promoted to adjutant. His journey toward leadership included training at American Legion College at SUNY Morrisville, where he strengthened his understanding of the organization’s mission.

“It’s so gratifying working with all the vets and vet services,” Englander said. “Helping veterans — that’s what the American Legion is. It’s vets helping vets and the community. We served our country, and now we’re serving our community — simple as that.”

Englander’s commitment to aiding

veterans was evident when he recently helped a fellow veteran with a staph infection transfer to the Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook for specialized care.

“He’s rehabilitating there, awaiting his hip replacement,” Englander said, highlighting his hands-on approach.

ment operations. Boys State has had many notable alumni throughout its 88-year history, including Neil Armstrong, Bruce Springsteen and Michael Jordan. Englander said that he sees this program as an essential way to teach leadership and civic responsibility.

Englander’s own leadership journey began with his military service. From 1966 to 1968, he served on the USS Talladega, a troop transport ship based in California, before ending his tour in Pearl Harbor, where he trained recruits. Starting as a boatswain’s mate, he fondly recalls early duties, including cooking for the chiefs.

“Everybody’s gotta start someplace,” he said with a laugh.

After his military service, Englander pursued a career in information technology with Con Edison and now runs a tax practice. He got married to his wife of 52 years, Elizabeth, and has a son, who is now 47, and a grandson, 11. His commitment to service, influenced by his family’s values and history, continues to shape his work with the Legion.

One of Englander’s proudest achievements as county commander has been the revival of the Nassau County oratorical contest, a constitutional speech competition for high school students. Contestants compete for up to $1,000 in scholarships by presenting an eight- to 10-minute speech on the U.S. Constitution, followed by a discourse on an assigned topic related to key amendments.

Englander’s advocacy has also extended to pushing for the reopening of the Mitchel Field commissary in Uniondale. In September, he joined other members of the American Legion, as well as Congressman Anthony D’Esposito and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, in urging the Department of Defense to repair the damaged facility. The commissary’s closure has forced local veterans to travel to Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn for discounted food.

“The veterans and current military need this facility, especially with the economy the way it is today,” Englander told the Herald at the rally. “I believe that if the military and veterans are putting this facility, it should be opened up.

The Nassau County Legion chapter continues to advocate for more state funding to expand opportunities for Long Island students to attend Boys State, a prestigious program that immerses high school juniors in govern-

In his role as county commander, Englander remains focused on growing membership and strengthening the Legion’s community outreach. He values the mentorship of past county commanders, acknowledging their support as essential to his success.

“When you get into the county, you’re dealing with many posts,” he said. “The past commanders are critical to the making of a county commander … I couldn’t do it without them.”

For Englander, the American Legion is about more than honoring service — it’s about actively supporting veterans and their families. His leadership embodies the Legion’s core values of commitment, service and community.

Daniel Offner/Herald

Nassau County American Legion Commander Kerry Englander shared some of his goals as the representative of the county’s nearly 30,000 veterans.

David Paterson steps into the ring with Sammy Chu

Sands New York Senior Vice President and Former Governor trains Long Island Fight for Charity Boxer

On Oct. 25, Sands New York's Senior Vice President David Paterson joined community leader and volunteer boxer Sammy Chu in the boxing ring to help raise awareness for the upcoming Long Island Fight for Charity. Sands is a sponsor of the Nov. 25 event that raises funds for charities across Long Island.

Recently titled the "Real Life Daredevil," former New York State Governor Paterson brought his fighting spirit to the ring, offering tips and even sparring with Chu.

Paterson, who recently made headlines for defending himself and his stepson during an attack in New York City, shared, “It’s inspiring to see dedicated individuals like Sammy step up for causes that truly make a difference. Sands is proud to back an event that amplifies community strength and supports so many critical organizations on Long Island.”

The training session took place at the Academy of Boxing in Huntington

just days before officials announced that the main event match-up will be between Chu and Rob “The Big Show” Madden. Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities chosen by the boxers, including Chu’s selections: EAC Network and the New York League of Conservation Voters.

Sands’ sponsorship of the event reinforces its commitment to supporting meaningful causes worth fighting for and strengthening the Long Island community through impactful partnerships.

To watch the promotional video visit Sands New York on Facebook. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit LIFightforCharity.org.

Scan this QR code to watch the promotional video of the Fight for Charity event or visit Sands New York on Facebook.

EAC Network’s Building Bridges Gala celebrates community champions with Sands’ Support

At the Garden City Hotel, the 2024 Building Bridges Gala came to life in a night of dancing, celebration, and fundraising for EAC Network’s essential work across Long Island and NYC. As a sponsor, Sands New York matched $25,000 in donations raised during the event’s table raise, helping to support EAC’s outreach to over 65,000 individuals through 100 critical programs.

Honoring community leaders, the gala spotlighted Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and NY State Senator Monica Martinez for their public service contributions, reinforcing the evening’s mission to strengthen local support networks.

“Sands is proud to partner with EAC Network to amplify their work in empowering families, protecting children, and supporting seniors across the region,” said Tracey Edwards, Senior Vice President and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer for Sands New York. “We’re honored to stand alongside such a dedicated organization and community-minded leaders.”

Photo provided by Sands Sands New York Senior Vice President David Patterson trains Long Island Fight for Charity boxer Sammy Chu.

Photos provided by Sands

Sands New York not only served as a sponsor of the EAC Network’s Building Bridges Gala but also matched $25,000 in donations raised during the event.

Celebrating local entrepreneurs at the Nassau Council of Chambers Legislative Breakfast

Sands New York proudly sponsored the 34th Annual Small Business Person of the Year and Legislative Breakfast, hosted by the Nassau Chamber of Commerce. This important event honored outstanding local entrepreneurs while providing a platform for discussion on the challenges facing small businesses today. Sands remains committed to empowering the local economy through collaboration and support for small businesses. The breakfast was a valuable opportunity for fostering connections that will help drive future growth in the community.

Taste of the Harvest marks a celebration of community, cuisine, and compassion

Island Harvest's annual Taste of the Harvest Celebration brought Long Island’s vibrant culinary scene together for an evening of exceptional flavors, all to support hunger relief and food rescue programs. Held at the spacious Crest Hollow Country Club, the event showcased a variety of tastings from top local chefs, restaurants, wineries, and breweries.

This year’s celebration not only highlighted delicious local fare but also underscored Island Harvest's critical mission to end hunger across Long Island, offering guests an opportunity to support a powerful cause while savoring unique dishes and beverages.

"Sands is honored to support this year’s Taste of the Harvest celebration, an inspiring gathering of Long Island’s food community coming together to fight hunger,” said Tracey Edwards of Sands New York. “Island Harvest’s impact across Long Island is invaluable, and we’re proud to be part of an event that celebrates local flavors while supporting such a critical mission.”

This year’s event honored outstanding community advocates and local leaders who have significantly contributed to advancing food security across the region, recognizing their tireless efforts in fighting hunger.

Sands New York hosted a booth at the Uniondale Community Fall Festival, held at the John J. Byrne Community Center on Sunday, October 20, 2024. The event was a day filled with fun, entertainment, and community spirit, featuring activities for all ages, local vendors, performances, and opportunities to support community organizations. The Sands booth included a pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting to festival goers.

Photo provided by Sands

Photo provided by Sands

Island Harvest’s annual Taste of the Harvest brings together Long Island to fight hunger relief and food programs.

Sands New York hosted a booth at the Uniondale Community Fall festival

Photo provided by Sands Sands New York hosted a booth at the Uniondale Community Fall festival and pumpkin patch, offering face painting to festival goers

Sands New York brings community spirit to Oyster Fest

The annual Oyster Fest in Oyster Bay drew in crowds from across the region, celebrating Long Island’s local heritage with fresh oysters, delicious food, and family-friendly activities. Sands New York returned as a proud sponsor for the second consecutive year, offering free give-aways, face painting, and hosting the event’s beer tent.

Tracey Edwards, Senior Vice President and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer for Sands said, “Oyster Fest is an iconic fall event for Long Island that really celebrates the spirit and history of our magnificent north shore—and Sands New York is thrilled to be a sponsor for the second year in a row. This event serves as a great time for families to come out and try all types of local treats, support local businesses, and enjoy the beautiful town of Oyster Bay. We are looking forward to getting to know more of our neighbors this year and shucking some oysters alongside them! “

This year’s festival offered carnival rides, live music, and a bustling arts-and-crafts fair, providing ample opportunities for residents and visitors alike to explore and support local businesses.

Sands New York sponsors AHRC Annual Candlelight Ball

Sands New York proudly served as a sponsor for the recent AHRC Annual Candlelight Ball, an event dedicated to celebrating and supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The ball brought together community leaders, families, and supporters to raise funds for AHRC Suffolk’s mission: to provide dynamic, innovative, and integrated services where children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities discover and define their own quality of life. The AHRC’s essential programs empower and enrich the lives of over 1,500 individuals across Long Island.

The evening was filled with heartfelt moments, showcasing the talent and achievements of those served by AHRC. Sands is committed to fostering community partnerships and contributing to meaningful initiatives that align with its values. This sponsorship reflects Sands' dedication to supporting local organizations that make a positive impact.

Spooktacular Trunk or Treat in East Meadow

Sands New York was excited to sponsor the East Meadow Trunk or Treat, where families gathered for a festive Halloween celebration. This fun-filled event featured creatively decorated vehicles offering treats, creating a safe and exciting environment for kids. Sands is dedicated to supporting community events that bring families together and celebrate local traditions. With laughter and joy in the air, the event was a fantastic way for families to connect and enjoy the Halloween spirit in East Meadow.

Photos provided by Sands

For the second year running, Sands New York served as a proud sponsor of Oyster Fest.

Photo provided by Sands

The AHRC Annual Candlelight Ball is an event that supports individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Photo provided by Sands Sands New York sponsored this year’s Trunk or Treat in East Meadow.

Las Vegas Sands awards hospitality scholarships

Sands teams with Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities to select 13 recipients

Las Vegas Sands announced it partnered with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities to award 13 students at HACU-member schools with Sands Hospitality Advancement Scholarships in support of their preparation for careers in the travel, tourism, and leisure industry.

“HACU is excited to partner with Las Vegas Sands in this scholarship supporting students who are working towards a career in the hospitality industry,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “Our nation’s HispanicServing Institutions have always been conduits for talent to all industries and these scholarships provide financial assistance to students who show promise and commitment to their future success.”

Sands established the Sands Hospitality Advancement Scholarships with HACU, the only national association representing Hispanic-serving Institutions, as part of the company’s commitment

to building a thriving hospitality industry workforce.

“We want to help cultivate diverse and highly capable talent to support the strength of our industry,” Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, who spearheads corporate responsibility initiatives at Sands, said. “This program joins a number of initiatives we have to help ensure the hospitality industry can best capitalize on its continued growth with a solid pipeline of future talent, while empowering people from different backgrounds to enter the field.”

Sands’ broad array of hospitality education initiatives include the Sands Hospitality Immersion Program with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the Sands Hospitality Scholarship Program in Singapore, underwriting for the 2024 University of North Texas Las Vegas Study Tour, other scholarship funding and partnerships with higher education

institutions, on-property and industry-supported training opportunities for students and hospitality professionals, and mentorship and instruction from company leaders.

The company’s focus on hospitality education is a core component of its 2021-2025 ambition to invest $200 million in

Sands Brings the Fun to Merrick Street Fair

The Merrick Street Fair, held Oct. 26-27, was a blast, and Sands New York was right there cheering on the festivities! With a lively atmosphere filled with tasty food, local crafts, and fantastic entertainment, the fair brought the community together. Families and friends enjoyed live music and fun activities, creating lasting memories. Sands is thrilled to support events like this that celebrate the spirit of local communities and encourage everyone to come together and have a great time.

workforce development. At the end of 2023, Sands had contributed $181 million toward achieving this target.

Funding for the Sands Hospitality Advancement Scholarships comes through the Sands Cares global community engagement program.

Photo provided by Sands

The Sands Hospitality Advancement Scholarship is just one of many hospitality education initiatives, including the Sands Hospitality Immersion Program with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

Photo provided by Sands Sands New York was proud to participate in this year’s Merrick Street Fair.

Light

the night with sweet

LuminoCity unwraps a colorful world of wonder

By Danielle Schwab

The holiday season is quickly approaching, so bundle up, grab some hot cocoa, and experience holiday magic at 14 acres of enchanting displays in Eisenhower Park.

Now in its fifth year, the popular holiday festival LuminoCity, which runs through Jan. 5, welcomes guests to a wonderland filled with giant lantern creations.

“It’s a really cool combination of light and art and a little sprinkle of holiday magic with this event,” John Baiata, LuminoCity’s onsite manager. Eisenhower Park is our signature event.”

All of the displays are new to Eisenhower Park this year.

The idea started with the founder Xiaoyi Chen, who grew up in China and was inspired by traditional Chinese lantern festivals as a child.

“She came to New York, went to art school here, and founded LuminoCity in 2018 with the idea to reimagine the traditional Chinese lantern festival into something that combined her acumen with the art world,” Baiata explains.

As you stroll along the paths, LuminoCity’s mascot, Lumi, lights you along the way. Visitors will see Lumi in various outfits as your glowing tour guide throughout your visit.

This year’s theme “Sweet Dreams,” stirs up a delightful blend of sugar and imagination into a candy-coated world of desserts and confections.

“Who doesn’t like a giant donut tunnel, or a forest made entirely of sweets?” asks Baiata. Kids have added their own “Sweet Dreams” to the walk-through as part of Lumi’s Utopia, in partnership with Long Island Children’s Museum.

“We hold an art contest for children of different age categories. They submit works of art with a pre-agreed theme — this year’s theme was Sweet Dreams, such as candy and sweets — and the museum and our founder picked the winners,” Baiata says.

LuminoCity’s team acquires kids’ 2-D artwork that is brought to life as a 3-D light display for all to enjoy.

“The best part is the children seeing, for the first time, their pieces of art come to life. There’s this visceral excitement and just a gushing pride that you see from them and their parents as well,” Baiata adds.

“Art enriches our lives in so many ways that we take for granted sometimes. This really reminds us that imagination and art are central to our purpose here.”

Other can’t-miss attractions include a 50-foot Christmas tree and a majestic ice castle, which is

• Now through Jan. 5; weekdays 4:30-9:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday, 4:30-10 p.m.

• Tickets priced $24-$32 per person, children 3 and under free

• Purchase tickets at luminocityfestival.com or on-site.

• Eisenhower Park , East Meadow

described as bigger than a residential home. And, of course, a lantern Santa Claus returns to spread holiday cheer .

“I think that it creates this sense of wonder and adventure because as you approach, you’re looking up and you’re just kind of awed,” Baiata says.

Unlike Old Saint Nick, this process certainly can’t be completed in just one night. With a team of 40 members, the spectacle has been months in the making.

“It’s a big production staff required to get this all done. And it’s not just the creation. It’s also the maintenance because we’re outdoors, so we are beholden to the elements,” Baiata adds.

For an exciting twist, the festival also offers theme nights. Check out the website for additional ways to join in the fun.

When it’s time for a break, seek out the food truck nearby, with tempting eats and treats.

Whether you have been before, or it’s your first time, LuminoCity’s Holiday Light festival promises a night of memory-making experiences with friends and family.

“One of the most precious things in children is seeing the wonder in their eyes. And you want to cultivate that sense of wonder with your children; not just your children, but also your inner child,” Baiata enthuses.

“For the families who have already made (our festival) a tradition, we’re so grateful.”

Madeleine Peyroux

The acclaimed jazz singer, songwriter and interpreter brings her tour to the Landmark stage, following spring’s release of “Let’s Walk,” her first album in six years. Peyroux is acclaimed for her dusky, lyrical style and affinity for reinterpreting classic jazz, blues, and folk standards. Her extraordinary journey is one of the music industry’s most compelling. Emerging in her teens, much like songbird Edith Piaf, Peyroux spent her teenage years busking the busy streets of Paris. Years later, Peyroux would cite Piaf as an influence on her music and record a rendition of the classic La Vie En Rose, soulfully capturing the tune’s romanticism and melancholy. Madeleine’s thirst for creative exploration is unfading and her willingness to face creative challenges remains as solid now as it was three decades ago.

Sunday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m. $70, $65, $58. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

‘Come and play”… on Sesame Street

Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! At Sesame Street Live! Say Hello everyone’s invited to sing, dance and play alongside some of their favorite friends, all while you follow Elmo’s puppy, Tango, in a fun game of hide and seek. Elmo, his pals and other Muppets lead dances, songs, and games from the stage while you and your little ones participate in the audience. Join in lively dances, sing along to catchy tunes and interact with your favorite Muppets, As they say on Sesame Street: “Come and play, Everything’s A-Okay, Friendly neighbors there, That’s where we meet…”.

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Photos courtesy LuminoCity Eisenhower Park glitters throughout the holiday season with the arrival of LuminoCity.

THE Your Neighborhood

The Weight Band

In concert

Tea time

The Weight Band — helmed by by Jim Weider, a 15-year former member of The Band, and the guitarist who replaced Robbie Robertson — pays tribute to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ensemble’s iconic, timeless and enduring 1968 album “Music from Big Pink.,” on the Paramount stage, Sunday, Nov. 24, 7 p.m. The Weight Band, named for the classic The Band song “The Weight,” performs a rare and historic show showcasing the album in its entirety, along with outtakes and other favorites by The Band. The concert also include cuts from their latest album “Shines Like Gold,” a dynamic set of classic Americana that draws upon roadhouse rock, funky swamp pop, blues, country soul, and folk music. The band interprets and honors the legacy of “Music from Big Pink,” which changed rock and roll forever. The Band drummer Levon Helm inspired Weider to launch The Weight Band in 2013, as a vehicle for carrying on The Band’s iconic sound. Frontman Weider, a Woodstock native who joined The Band in 1985 and was a member until 2000, was also a member of the Levon Helm Band.

Originating inside Helm’s famed Woodstock barn Weider was inspired to carry on the musical legacy of the iconic group. Years of touring have seen The Weight Band revive “The Woodstock Sound,” keeping the spirit of Americana/Roots Rock alive. He is joined by keyboardist Brian Mitchell (Helm’s Midnight Ramble Band), bassist Albert Rogers (Jim Weider Band, Jimmy Vivino), drummer Michael Bram (Jason Mraz) and keyboardist Matt Zeiner (Dickey Betts). The veteran quintet shares a deep appreciation and knowledge for this music, which Weider describes as the “Woodstock Sound.” The Weight Band continues to serve as its torchbearer, with “Shines Like Gold” representing a sublime example of these masterful roots musicians at work. They continue to keep the sound vibrant by releasing new music. Replicating the music of The Band would be a tall order, but interpreting it is an art. The songs The Band created have pleased audiences for decades, and The Weight Band has found a way to honor the legacy while creating its own sound with original works that complement that legacy. $45, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. Nov. 24

Plaza Theatricals’ welcomes Andy Cooney with his “Irish Celebration,” Sunday, Nov. 17, 2:30 p.m. Cooney’s outstanding voice and dynamic stage have filled the rafters of Lincoln Center and The National Concert Hall in Dublin, Ireland. His talent and versatility provide the ability to deliver a variety of songs directly to the hearts of the audience.

Cooney is surely one of the greatest singing sensations on the Irish music scene today. Christened “Irish America’s Favorite Son” by The New York Times, it is a title he richly deserves. See the show at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont.

$40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Mah Jongg

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.

The festive season is underway at Old Westbury Gardens. Enjoy a cream tea (featuring scones, Devonshire cream, assorted sweets, and tea), then a guided tour of decorated Westbury House, Tuesday, dec. 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.; Wednesday, dec. 4, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Thursday, dec. 5, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. $22.50 per person. Advance registration suggested. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

Senior Thanksgiving dinner

Seniors will be treated to a home-cooked Thanksgiving dinner, by the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow, Sunday, Nov. 24 , 10 a.m., at East Meadow High School. 101 Carman Ave., East Meadow. To learn how to get involved or more on the event, email KiwanisClubOfEastMeadow@ gmail.com.

Let’s Skate

Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, opening Saturday, Nov. 16, through Jan. 7. Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades. Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues Saturday, Nov. 16, 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.

Bingo at Beth-El

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) 483-4205.

Having an event?

Nassau BOCES Barry Tech Open House

Nassau BOCES Barry Tech, Long Island’s state-of-the arts career and technical education (CTE) high school, is opening its doors to all students with a passion for a hands-on career. Come and get a “Taste of Tech” at an open house at Joseph M. Barry Career & Technical Education Center, Thursday, Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m. Following an introduction to the school led by administrators, there will be self-guided tours of the facility.

Additional open house sessions are offered in January and February. Interested students and families can register at nassauboces.org/ barrytech or call (516) 6226812 for more information. 1196 Prospect Ave., Westbury.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition

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

Kiwanis meeting

East Meadow Kiwanis meets on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m., at Borrelli’s in East Meadow. 1580 Hempstead Tpke. For more on the club and future events, visit EastMeadowKiwanis.org.

Owl Prowl

Check out Sands Point Preserve’s native owls calling in the woods at night, with biologist and ranger Eric Powers, Friday, Nov. 15, 7-8:30 p.m. Learn how to identify owls by sight and sound, and attract these beneficial birds to your own backyard. Then head out to the woods for a very quiet guided night walk in search of owls and other nighttime wildlife. Families welcome. Spaces are limited and registration required. $24 adult, $12 child, 8+; $18 adult, $6.50 child, 8+ members. 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Public Notices

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 11/20/2024 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.

681/24. - 682/14. NR

WESTBURY - Kiren Singh, Variance, lot area occupied, construct addition & partial roofed over patio both attached to dwelling; Variances, lot area occupied, front yard average setback, maintain roofed over open porch attached to dwelling., W/s Kensington Dr., 128.24’ N/o Birchwood Dr., a/k/a 703 Kensington Dr. 663/24. - 664/24. NR

WESTBURY - Erica & David Follick, Barbara Cohen, Mother/Daughter Res. (2nd kitchen); Maintain shed not permitted in the side yard., S/s Fairview Ave., 125.63’ N/o Ladenburg Dr., a/k/a 671 Fairview Ave. 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 Westbury 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.

149973 LEGAL NOTICE Legal Notice for Fire District Election

Annual Election of the Wantagh Fire District

December 10, 2024

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the annual election of the Wantagh Fire District shall be held on Tuesday December 10, 2024 beginning at 2:00 o’clock P.M., voting to be at the following polling places:

Station No. 1 - 3470 Park Avenue, Wantagh, New York

Station No. 2 - 844

Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York

Station No. 3 - 2529

Neptune Avenue, Seaford, New York

Station No. 4 - 1191

Alken Avenue, Seaford, New York

Station No. 5 - 2895

Merrick Road, Wantagh, New York

The polls shall remain open until 9:00 o’clock p.m., or as much longer as necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their votes for the purpose of electing a Fire District Commissioner of said Fire District for a term of five years, commencing January 1, 2025, to succeed Commissioner William K. Field IV, whose term of office expires on December 31, 2024. Only residents registered to vote with the Nassau County Board of Elections on or before November 18, 2024 shall be eligible to vote.

Further notice is hereby given that nominations for the office of Fire Commissioner, for the previously mentioned position, shall be submitted in petition form subscribed to by at least twenty-five (25)-qualified voters of the Wantagh Fire District. Said petitions shall set forth the name of the candidate and their address and the office for which they are nominated. Such nominating petitions shall be filed with Kevin J. Regan, District Secretary, at Wantagh Fire District, 2045 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York on or before the 20th day of November 2024.

Brendan J. Narell Superintendent Wantagh Fire District

Aviso Legal para la Elección del Distrito de Bomberos

Elección Anual del Distrito de Bomberos de Wantagh

10 de diciembre de 2024 POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA que la elección anual del Distrito de Bomberos de Wantagh se llevará a cabo el martes 10 de diciembre de 2024 a partir de las 2:00 p. m., votando en los siguientes lugares de votación:

Estación No. 1 - 3470

Park Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York

Estación No. 2 - 844

Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York

Estación No. 3 - 2529

Neptune Avenue, Seaford, Nueva York

Estación No. 4 - 1191

Alken Avenue, Seaford, Nueva York

Estación No. 5 - 2895

Merrick Road, Wantagh,

Nueva York

Las urnas permanecerán abiertas hasta las 9:00 p.m., o tanto tiempo como sea necesario para permitir que los votantes presentes en ese momento emitan sus votos con el fin de elegir un Comisionado del Distrito de Bomberos de dicho Distrito de Bomberos por un período de cinco años, a partir del 1 de enero de 2025, para suceder al comisionado

William K. Field IV, cuyo mandato vence el 31 de diciembre de 2024. Solo los residentes registrados para votar en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau el 18 de noviembre de 2024 o antes serán elegibles para votar. Por la presente se da aviso adicional de que las nominaciones para el cargo de Comisionado de Bomberos, para el puesto mencionado anteriormente, se presentarán en forma de petición suscrita por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes calificados del Distrito de Bomberos de Wantagh. En dichas peticiones se hará constar el nombre del candidato y su dirección y el cargo para el cual se postula. Dichas peticiones de nominación se presentarán ante Kevin J. Regan, distrito secretaria, en el distrito de bomberos de Wantagh, 2045 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York, el 20 de noviembre de 2024 o antes. Brendan J. Narell Superintendente Distrito de Bomberos de Wantagh 149975

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Hearing

Kennebec County Register of Probate Court Filing: May 29, 2024 Docket Number: 2024-0384

State of Maine

Kennebec ss. IN Re: Elena Heim Hearing is the 4th day of December 2024 at 3:00pm at the Kennebec County Probate Court, 95 State Street, Augusta, ME 04330 MOTION FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

Pursuant to M.R. PROB. P.4(d) (1)(B) & 4(e) Now comes the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (hereinafter “the Department”), the petitioner in this case, and requests that this court permit the Department to serve Robert Farley by publication, pursuant to M.R. PROB. P.4(d) (1)(B) & 4(e). In support thereof, the Department states as follows:

1. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services filed a Petition for Appointment of Guardian for Adult for Elana Heim with this court on May 29, 2024.

2. Robert Farley is a person who requires notice of the Petition

under the Maine Probate Code.

3. The Department has completed a diligent search, as outlined in the affidavit of Diligent Search attached hereto, and after such diligent search has not been able to ascertain Robert Farley’s address or current whereabouts. The Department is therefore unaware of any method available to serve Robert Farley except via publication.

4. Pursuant to M.R. PROB. P.4(d) (1)(B) & 4(e), and in the interests of Justice, this Court may order that Robert Farley be served notice via publication in a designated newspaper of general circulation. WHEREFORE, the Department requests that Robert Farley be served notice via publication in a designated newspaper of general circulation pursuant to M.R. PROB. P.4(d) (1)(B) & 4(e). Person being served has the right to attend the hearing and to speak at the hearing.

Dated: October 1, 2024 Judge, Kennebec County Probate Court 149929

Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, ARVEST BANK, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST BY MERGER TO ARVEST CENTRAL MORTGAGE COMPANY FKA CENTRAL MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs. JOSE CANAS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 26, 2024 and an Order Assigning Substitute Referee duly entered September 26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on December 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 9 Grayston Street, Westbury, NY 11590. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Westbury, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 10, Block 199 and Lot 43. Approximate amount of judgment is $890,821.82 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #012788/2013.

Ronald James Ferraro, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 232116-1 150013

Doing what DOESN’T come naturally PERSON TO PERSON

Feeling miserable? It’s natural to wallow in your misery. Angry folks do it by obsessing about the wrongs others have done to them. Sad folks do it by recalling their hurts, disappointments and pain. Worried people do it by anguishing about the next trouble, before it even occurs.

Yes, there’s something to be said for feeling miserable from time to time. If these are your honest emotions, you need to feel them—not deny, repress, distort or suppress them. Indeed, good energy can flow from feeling hot under the collar about wrongs done to you. Though sadness is strongly felt after losing someone you truly care about, yet your sadness does not have to last a lifetime. Worrying about something may well serve the purpose of averting disaster, but only if you truly can do something about whatever concerns you.

any, impact on the guilty party. Don’t let too much time elapse before you move from piss and vinegar to kindness and caring. Don’t waste your energy on the one who has wronged you. Instead, calm yourself down and use your energy to do something nice for yourself or someone you care for.

If you’re down in the dumps, dispirited, sad down to your core, it’s okay to feel this way- for a period of time. However, if you begin to notice that your sadness is transforming you into a pessimistic, depressed, joyless soul, it’s time to act. Though your heart may not be in it, push yourself to go, do, work, play, talk, anything that can get you to see the good in life and bring you peace of mind.

That said, there are times when people hold on to these negative feelings too long. They don’t just feel them--they embrace them, cradle them, exaggerate them---until the feelings transform themselves into an identity. When that happens, they do not just feel angry, sad or worried, they become folks with a chip on their shoulder, despair in their heart or fear in their soul.

If you believe it’s time for you to let go of emotions that have been robbing you of vital energy, I will now offer ideas to guide you on a new path. Do what doesn’t come naturally. Act in a way contrary to how you are feeling! Here are a few examples:

If your co-worker has gotten you so ticked off, that you’d like to wring his neck, you’re entitled to be boiling mad. There’s a time to have a hissy fit, blow a gasket, get bent out of shape. But then there’s a time to let go, to heal, to take care of yourself. If you don’t, your anger will destroy you but have little, if

If you’re anxious, apprehensive and uneasy about an upcoming event or decision, it’s okay to feel worried - for a period of time. However, if your worries are creating constant distress for you or if your comfort zone has shrunk to the size of a postage stamp, it’s time to act differently. Feelings often follow behavior. So, even if you’re on pins and needles about taking a risk, asking a question, taking an action, do it anyway. Do it even as you mutter to yourself, “I gotta be crazy to do this.” Courage is developed by taking an action, despite being frightened.

Yes, it feels counterintuitive to act contrary to the way you feel. But often, that’s exactly what you need to do.

©2024

Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach, and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives, and overcome debilitating anxiety, procrastination, and depression. Contact her at DrSapadin@ aol.com. Visit her website at PsychWisdom.com.

Linda Sapadin

Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen

Assistant Business Administrator Position

The Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen is seeking an Assistant Business Administrator for an immediate opening. The successful candidate must possess a valid NYS SBA, SDBL, SDA, or SDL certification. The incumbent will assist the Assistant Superintendent for Business & Human Resources in all aspects of school business administration. The primary responsibilities include:

• Managing the District’s financial accounting system and procedures, processing accounting transactions, and preparing related month end/year end reports.

• Assisting in the preparation of the annual budget and related reports, responsible for grant recording and reporting.

• Managing the transportation process and responsible for the day-to-day transportation administration of the district.

• Maintain capital project files and ensure reporting of state aid forms on a timely basis for state aid. Coordinating all required reporting for audits and ST-3 filings. They assist in tuition billing, preparing cash flows as needed for necessary borrowings, develop regulations and processes to support Board of Education policies, assist in the supervision of certified and classified staff. Administrative experience and Certified Public Accountant Preferred; proficiency in Microsoft products is required, incumbent should be an independent thinker and motivated self-starter.

All interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to stayal@valleystream13.com or apply on OLAS.

EMPLOYMENT

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

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.

Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST

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

RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

REQUIREMENTS:

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

POSITION DETAILS: Flexible: Part-time or Full-time.

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

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

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OFFICE COORDINATOR

To Handle Daily Office and Clerical Tasks at a Conservative Synagogue on the South Shore. 35 Hours per Week. Salary Ranges From $20-$24 per Hour

Dealing with the postSandy bureaucracy

Sun-Filled Gracious Colonial

Q. I saw an article about auditing government by our state comptroller and wondered if you saw how he outlined waste and mishandling federal and state funds, in recovering from Superstorm Sandy. He cited gaps in program “oversight.” Were you aware of problems? We got funds from the New York Rising program. It was an ordeal we hope to never repeat. Like our neighbors, our house was raised, but they got more money without questions. We received a letter demanding $20,000 back, claiming funds were misused. Our neighbor built an illegal ground-floor family room with a wet bar, yet we were told we could only have storage, for example, and the state didn’t even say anything when they passed inspection. Did you see that people were treated differently, and is there any recourse?

A. Since the program has ended, I doubt that you can appeal. For 10 years after the storm I made many observations of the ways in which the officials at each level handled the specifics of insisting on everything from plastic laminate countertops versus quartz or granite, the waste of every property separately surveyed for groundwater depth, the use of the ground floor and the changes in whether you could have a window or door opening, and even whether you could have masonry steps when the program only allowed for wood steps, which were destined to need maintenance or replacement in a short period of time. There were many ways a design professional like me, working with the recipients of the funds, like you, could have helped to make the programs more efficient, safer, and less expensive for the government, but each time I tried to contact the fund management, my input was ignored. I met with the national head of FEMA while I was filming a documentary about disasters in Moore, Oklahoma, as well state legislators and our local New York Rising program director. In each case I got a business card and a “Shoot me an email and we’ll talk,” but never any follow-up.

I saw that it was a complete waste to ask homeowners to separately pay for groundwater testing on their property, for $1,000 to $2,500, in order to qualify for house-raising when an organized agency could have saved millions of dollars by getting testing done up and down entire blocks, mobilizing the testing company to come to a block once instead of randomly testing next-door neighbors’ properties a day apart. I was working with five neighbors at one time, and tried to get a state and local adviser to review procedures and applications in a single meeting, only to be told that one would meet on a Wednesday, the next the following week and squeeze another in by the month’s end. And, yes, I witnessed many differences in people’s treatment and how cases were handled, and I could not get an explanation when appealing on behalf of a homeowner. Perhaps the Homes and Community Renewal Agency can advise. Good luck!

(516) 287-7027 call/text

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A call for tolerance amid the acrimony

Aweek and a half removed from the conclusion of the profoundly exasperating 2024 election cycle, it is abundantly clear that the political temperature remains at an unprecedented high.

sCoTT M. DAVis

Constructive discourse seems nonexistent. Divisive rhetoric and finger-pointing have emerged as the standards of the day, and the pendulum has swung far away from working together across the political spectrum to build consensus for the greater good. This unsustainable climate is driving us down the dead-end road of acrimony and dysfunction.

We must all recognize this moment as a time for introspection and taking personal responsibility for the direction in which we move forward. As our emo-

tions settle, we should consider the legacy that we will leave for the next generation and reflect on what we can do to create a better path of promise for the future for those who follow.

In recognizing the magnitude of this moment in our political history, it is imperative to consider focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us. At our core, I believe we all share similar fundamental desires: to be able to live in an affordable, safe community where we, our families, and loved ones are treated with dignity and respect and can thrive, live authentically, and become the best versions of ourselves. We may have different customs, attend different religious institutions or celebrate in different ways, but the reality is this: We share more similarities than differences.

We must tamp down the divisive rhetoric that permeates our discourse.

ideals of tolerance and constructive problem-solving. Developing a willingness to listen and consider the possibility that an alternate way of thinking on an issue may have value is essential, and as a first step, I encourage everyone across the political spectrum to see how we can do better and contribute toward achieving this outcome.

seize on the work of forging a positive path for the next generation. Everyone is exhausted by the current political climate. We can and must do our part to work together, in order to give us all a better chance to live our best lives in a society where everyone is valued and protected.

Changing the toxic political climate starts with each one of us taking a long look in the mirror and embracing the

At this time of tremendous division, we must all renew our willingness to consider the legitimacy of differing perspectives and seek common ground on which reasonable people can begin to build a consensus. Start by focusing on something you can agree on and build from there. This isn’t an easy task, but it is a necessary one. We won’t always agree, but we must not always disagree. Even within our own families, we don’t concur on everything, but we move forward together.

With the holiday season fast approaching, now is an ideal time to

Our first task in this vital pursuit is tamping down the divisive rhetoric and intolerance that permeates our discourse. By focusing on understanding, empathy and bridge-building, we can pave the way for more united communities as we build a future that is inclusive, respectful of differences, and focused on creating solutions that benefit everyone.

Let’s come together — not as adversaries, but as neighbors and fellow citizens — and work toward a future in which our shared values and common goals guide us to a stronger and more resilient future. We are all better when we work together.

Scott M. Davis, of Rockville Centre, represents Nassau County’s 1st Legislative District.

Congestion pricing won’t solve the MTA’s problems

Halloween is over, but Gov. Kathy Hochul’s congestion pricing plan is still haunting New Yorkers. This might even feel like Groundhog Day to those who read my column on congestion pricing in June, when we celebrated the delay but also exposed the true political motivations behind the proposal.

The governor’s decision to “pause” congestion pricing this summer temporarily stopped tolls that would have made travel into Manhattan’s busiest areas even more costly. Now, with state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli warning of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s worsening financial troubles, congestion pricing is back on the table, threatening to add yet another burden to New Yorkers already facing record-high costs.

When the governor announced the delay in June, I called for the Legislature to hold hearings. We had a real opportunity to hear directly from those affected and find a path forward for MTA fund-

ing that didn’t involve hiking fees for middle-class commuters. Instead, we wasted valuable time while the MTA’s financial troubles have only deepened.

The comptroller now reports a massive authority shortfall in its operating budget of at least $211 million this year, and DiNapoli is warning of a potential $1.5 billion gap next year if no action is taken. These operating budget shortfalls will add to the MTA’s financial crisis, especially when you couple this with its massive $68 billion capital plan.

T he Legislature shouldn’t be a rubber stamp for closed-door deals.

On top of these challenges, new taxes and fees — like last year’s payroll mobility tax hike — have only placed additional financial burdens on New Yorkers without achieving the intended results. Despite this tax increase aimed specifically at supporting the MTA, the agency is still running a deficit. The shortfall underscores a deeper issue: Even with new revenue from the proposed congestion tolls, the MTA continues to struggle with high operating costs and budgetary mismanagement.

This measure unfairly targets hardworking, middle-class commuters and imposes harmful extra fees on taxis and

for-hire drivers, effectively taxing their means of making a living. We can’t keep piling on taxes and fees without addressing these underlying problems, or we risk pushing families, workers and businesses out of New York altogether. There are too many questions about the agency’s budget management to make congestion pricing the default solution.

We have seen firsthand the inefficiency and lack of transparency in the MTA. The agency has consistently over-promised and under-delivered, costing taxpayers more with each misstep. Pushing for increased use of public transportation over private vehicles without addressing the MTA’s well-known reliability issues will only increase congestion in an already troubled system. The public deserves a clear accounting of where these funds are going and how decisions are being made. Lawmakers, too, deserve the chance to ask hard questions and consider practical solutions. The answer is not to rush into congestion pricing to cover up a failing system, but rather to bring forward a thoughtful, public process that thoroughly examines the MTA’s spending and governance.

Hochul suggested that the delay was intended to protect New York City’s delicate economic recovery from the impact of reduced commuter-driven business. But it was really a strategic decision to curry favor in suburban areas where the plan faces significant opposition, particularly before a key election. The socalled “indefinite” delay was set to last only until Nov. 6. Now that election season is over, congestion pricing will likely return during the upcoming state budget cycle, because the plan was ultimately designed to generate revenue, not to solve the fundamental problems with our transportation system.

The Legislature should not be a rubber stamp for closed-door deals that impact millions of lives. It’s time to bring this conversation out into the open, hear from stakeholders and make the MTA’s fiscal health a topic of thorough public debate. Without accountability, New Yorkers will just keep paying more for the same services. Rather than “unpausing” a broken solution and rushing into a costly toll scheme, let’s focus on addressing the root issues in a way that doesn’t sacrifice our workers and families to endless new taxes.

Ed Ra represents the 19th Assembly District, and is the ranking Republican member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

Herald editorial

Delivering quality journalism matters most

last week’s news that The Newark Star-Ledger will cease its print edition and become digitalonly in February offers an opportunity to reflect on how quality journalism best serves our communities today.

The Star-Ledger’s shift, along with similar moves by other newspapers in New Jersey, reflects the complex reality facing modern newsrooms. But rather than seeing this as a choice between print and digital, let’s focus on what research consistently shows: Different formats serve different purposes, and many readers benefit from both.

Print newspapers continue to command exceptional trust and engagement. Studies repeatedly demonstrate that readers retain information better from print, and advertisers see stronger results from print campaigns. There’s something uniquely focused about the experience of reading a physical newspaper — the thoughtful progression through its pages, the serendipitous discoveries, the natural hierarchy that helps readers understand what matters

letters

Affordable housing tops the list of L.I.’s problems

To the Editor:

I’m writing in response to the editorial “The Herald’s pact with you” (Oct. 31-Nov. 6), in which you ask, “What are the topics you care about?”

There are many problems affecting Nassau County, Long Island, New York state and the United States that I care about, but the one I find myself coming back to more than any other is housing, specifically the availability of affordable housing.

I live in Point Lookout, a community that has gentrified enormously since my parents bought a home here in 1957, for which they paid $17,500, taking a 10-year mortgage. It’s great for me, I guess, that my home has appreciated in value astronomically, but, in my opinion, not so good overall for the people of Long Island.

One of my daughters struggled to find somewhere to live on her own nearby, finally settling into part of a home in another Nassau County community, paying rent that’s at the very limit of what she can afford. And this is typical. As individuals and families struggle to pay their mortgages and property taxes, there are close to zero apartments and mixed-use developments being built.

In Long Beach, just down the road from Point Lookout, there are innumerable, mostly illegal apartments in homes, despite the periodic statements of various Long Beach officials

most. Digital platforms, meanwhile, excel at breaking news and interactive graphics.

The most successful news organizations today recognize that different stories, and different moments, call for different platforms.

At the Herald, we see firsthand how print and digital complement each other. Breaking news might first appear online, and then our print editions provide the context, analysis and depth that help readers truly understand issues affecting their communities. Each platform serves its purpose, and together they create a more informed community.

The future of news isn’t about choosing digital over print, or vice versa — it’s about delivering quality journalism through whatever channels best serve you, our readers. There’s no doubt that news will eventually be delivered by a technology that doesn’t even exist yet, and that’s OK.

Local newspapers, regardless of format, serve as champions of community achievements, watchdogs of public officials and chroniclers of the stories that

matter most to our readers. Whether you’re holding a printed page or scrolling on a screen, what matters most is the quality of the journalism you’re reading.

At the Herald, our commitment has remained unchanged for many decades: to provide trustworthy, impactful journalism that serves the people of Long Island. We’ll continue investing in both print and digital delivery, recognizing that our readers benefit from having choices in how they consume news. And, of course, we always want to hear from you about how we can serve you and your communities better.

The future of journalism depends not on the medium but on the continued support of readers who value quality local news. Whether you prefer print or digital, or both, your engagement helps ensure that professional journalism continues to thrive in our communities. Tell your friends and family to subscribe to their local newspapers, wherever in the world they live.

We look forward to being your trusted source of local news for years to come.

promising a crackdown on such apartments.

The opposition to building more housing on Long Island is fierce. Look what happened last year to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s attempt to encourage the construction of more housing throughout the state.

Local politicians rant and rave about how apartments and multi-unit developments near transit hubs will destroy the suburban character of Nassau County — as if developers were looking to build huge apartments in residential neighborhoods!

Fin our intensified max on here to have wholeheartedly Trumpist may be what the that Americans economic flict, afraid These the many the final watched

— while our young people and families who cannot afford to buy homes have almost no options for housing. Cowardly town, county and state politicians serve only their own self-interest in being re-elected, and do nothing to address this problem. And our young people, and others, continue to leave Long Island due to the lack of housing options.

MICHAEL CrAvEN Point Lookout

What comes next? How about our neglected unity?

For me, like so many Americans, the last six months have been a whirlwind of emotions, as arguably the most historic election in our nation’s history built momentum, intensified and eventually reached a climax on election night. While I’m not here to share my opinion on the outcome, the big question facing every citizen and resident of our country is: What next?

It can be tempting to see the outcome of the election as the ultimate refutation of the left — proof that Americans have rejected progressive values and policies and have wholeheartedly embraced modern Trumpist conservatism. While there may be some truth to this, I believe that what the result ultimately showed was that Americans are afraid. Afraid of economic disaster, afraid of global conflict, afraid of violence at home. These are reasonable fears. Even for the many Americans who lived through the final throes of the Cold War or watched the twin towers fall on Sept. 11,

2001, our country has never seemed more like a powder keg ready to explode.

Which is why, now more than ever, we need to come together not just as liberals and conservatives, but as Americans. The united States has always been strongest when we’ve been united, and our darkest moments come when we turn on one another and lay blame at our neighbors’ doorsteps.

As Abraham Lincoln famously said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” and those words are as true today as they were 166 years ago.

my dad will never forget the kind strangers far from home after the 9/11 attacks.

While conservatives may claim, rightly or wrongly, that progressives are softhearted dopes who focus on issues that don’t matter to real Americans, progressives may claim, rightly or wrongly, that conservatives are coldhearted dopes who focus on issues that don’t matter to real Americans. Perspective is everything, and trying to work together and understand not only what our differences are, but also why they exist, is the quintessential heart of the American experiment.

The intersection of our political and social culture has always been an uneasy compromise. This extends to

Letters

Not giving in to ‘our season of despair’

To the Editor:

I hope that Nov. 5, 2024, is not a date that will live in infamy, but I must express my justifiable concerns. I don’t fear the boogeyman in the closet. I fear a reality that may occur.

Hello, America: This is the time to say, “Oops, shoulda not done that.” This may be the season of our regret and despair. At the risk of sounding Cassandra-like, I fear for our democratic nation, I fear for our personal safety and I fear for our future.

Let’s start with our new leader, Donald Trump, awaiting sentencing on his criminal charges. How will the judicial system honor the decisions of the jurors? What will he do in the cases of the Capitol rioters? He could grant all or some of them pardons. What actions might he take on his first day in office? Which programs will he sign into law?

At risk are female reproductive rights, tariffs that could possibly raise the price of marketplace goods, more laws against vulnerable and targeted populations and the empowering of those who promote false science and other highly dubious theo-

everything from political rivals being forced to work together in government — such as when Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson collaborated to create our financial system while simultaneously establishing Washington, D.C., as the nation’s capital — to having uncomfortable Thanksgiving dinners with relatives who have radically different political values.

The idea that people who disagree politically could do so without resorting to violence is what separated our country from nearly all others when we declared our independence. It is one of the most sacred responsibilities that we as Americans must honor and hold dear, or risk losing the dream of a more just, more equitable society as envisioned by our Founding Fathers.

So while it’s easy to feel emotional following this election, remember that we need to heal the nation’s wounds, not worsen them. Think next time before you gloat to a “libtard” about winning the election — or calling every conservative voter you know a fascist. Are you really saying it because you believe it, or because emotions are running high and you feel like you need to show the

Framework

ries. Many of us are concerned about what could happen to our health care and Social Security benefits. Will they change, possibly with decreases that will seriously impact an aging population? And, of course, there is the issue of border security, with its parallel implications of a ready labor market.

Like many of my fellow citizens, I hope that President-elect Trump doesn’t violate long-held democratic traditions and implement authoritarian governance.

I am worried about him using his platform to praise authoritarian leaders while demeaning our democratic allies. I am also concerned about him using pejorative and threatening language with his perceived enemies. We who feel abandoned and in despair must stand strong, and must continue to make our voices heard through democratic means and processes. We must persist in speaking for the disenfranchised, so the liberties we have known and hope to preserve for future generations are not deserted and forgotten. This is our America — let us continue to carry the torch illuminating a better life for all, and not give in to our season of despair.

MIrEILLE TAub Freeport

world how strongly you hold your beliefs?

In the days after the Sept. 11 attacks, my father was in California, desperately trying to get back home to my family. With all flights grounded, he and a friend rented a car and tried to make a cross-country drive.

running on fumes on a remote stretch of highway, they came to a gas station that, unfortunately, was out of business. Stranded and worried about their loved ones, my dad and his friend were lucky enough to be found by some locals in a pickup truck. The saviors had a spare five-gallon tank of gas for the dirt bikes in the bed of the truck.

My dad always talked about how, while thanking them, he explained how and his friend were New Yorkers trying to get home to their families. Without missing a beat, one of the men responded, “We’re all New Yorkers today.”

That is what makes America great, not rhetoric or political stunts or moral grandstanding. And that is what we need to keep hold of in the aftermath of this election: that no matter what, we are all Americans, and that we’re all stronger when we work together.

Will Sheeline is a senior reporter covering Glen Cove, Glen Head, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff. Comments? WSheeline@ liherald.com.

by Tim Baker

Bellmore Girl Scout Troop 965 visits the Herald — Garden City