Lisa Dawn Romano/Herald
We’ll have what she’s having
Florence Adelle Madeo Hausman marked her 100th birthday last Saturday, with neighbors, friends and family gathering to celebrate the milestone. More photos, Pages 8 and 9.
L.B. Art League celebrates 72 years, and plans many more
By ANGElINA ZINGARIEllo azingariello@liherald.com
The Long Beach Art League is celebrating its 72nd anniversary this year, marking more than seven decades of promoting the arts and enriching the local community.
Founded in 1952 by artist Leona Post and a small group of her friends, the league has grown from a handful of members into an organization of over 100 artists.
Its current president, Lissette Resnick, who has been involved with the organization for three years and took over its leadership in June 2023, said she had looked forward to celebrating
this anniversary with the community.
“It’s an honor to lead an organization that has such a rich legacy in promoting the arts,” Resnick said. “It signifies the dedication and passion of many artists, volunteers and supporters who have contributed to fostering creativity over the decades. For the organization as a whole, this milestone highlights our enduring commitment to enriching Long Beach through the arts.”
The league held a special meeting on Sept. 4 to celebrate the anniversary, at which local leaders recognized the organization’s contributions to the community. State Sen. Patricia CanzoneriFitzpatrick presented a citation to the group, and
A crowd walks in support of Crisis Center
By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com
The Long Island Crisis Center held its annual suicide awareness walk on the Long Beach Boardwalk last Sunday, drawing people from across the Island. This year’s walk was the 16th.
The event, which is known as “Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk … Stepping Together to Prevent Suicide,” unites those who have been impacted by suicide, and raises money so the crisis center can continue to operate 24/7, helping Long Islanders in times of need.
community. That’s something that we have felt all of these years, and it’s very important that we maintain this presence in Long Beach for that reason.”
Each year, the center chooses a Person of the Year to honor at the walk for their commitment and effort. This year, it wasn’t just a person, but an entire foundation.
T he day as a whole was amazing, it really was.
TAWNI ENGEl Associate executive director, LICC
The center is based in Bellmore, but the boardwalk has hosted the walk for years. The event brings together families and individuals who have either been affected by suicide or want to see a world without it.
“Over the years, unfortunately, we have seen a lot of tragedy in Long Beach,” Tawni Engel, the center’s associate executive director, said. “It is a very tight-knit, very supportive
“We honored the Michael Diamond Foundation,” Engel said. “They gave out flowers, and it was just such a beautiful thing to see everybody walking with the flowers.”
Diamond, a longtime Long Beach resident and a former New York City police officer and firefighter, died in 2018. The foundation was created in his honor, and it holds an annual golf outing and dinner fundraiser. It has raised over $100,000, which it has donated to raising awareness of suicide, supporting veterans and funding scholarships for students and athletes in need. Money it has raised has gone to groups
Continued on page 10
Weisenberg donates $10K to Red Cross
The American Red Cross on Long Island recognized the Harvey and Ellen Weisenberg Special Needs Foundation of Long Beach, for its pledge of $10,000 to support military members, veterans and their families. With this commitment, the Weisenberg Special Needs Foundation helps ensure the organization can be there for U.S. military and their families anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“The military care for the health and safety of everyone. They are having difficult times and need more support. It is important to have more people feel comfortable in protecting and serving this country. These are special people who have needs we can and should support,” said Harvey Weisenberg, founder of the foundation. “Long Beach is a small city, a city of love. On behalf of the people of Long Beach and of our foundation, we are proud to support the Red Cross as they support these important families.”
For about 140 years, the Red Cross has helped veterans and their families from
230 chapters provides care and support, including services at veterans’ hospitals across the country. Red Cross staff is embedded on more than 35 military installations overseas, ranging from deployment zones to military hospitals.
“We are so grateful to Harvey and to the Harvey and Ellen Weisenberg Special Needs Foundation for his generous support of military families and the Red Harvey has dedicated a lifetime of service to helping people. His kindness is an inspiration,” said Stacey Sweet, vice-chair, American Red Cross
on Long Island Board of Directors.
“Every day across America, brave men and women answer our nation’s call to serve in the United States Armed Forces,” said Jose Dominguez, chapter CEO, American Red Cross on Long Island. “We cannot erase these difficulties, but we can ensure that service members, veterans and their families never face them alone, thanks to the support of partners like the Harvey and Ellen Weisenberg Special Needs Foundation.”
The Weisenberg Special Needs Foun
dation is a non-profit, IRS-approved organization that provides a unique resource for people all over the country, and advocates for people with special needs, their families and caregivers. The foundation is the brainchild of Harvey and Ellen Weisenberg, whose beloved son, Ricky, who recently passed away, was born with developmental disabilities. Harvey Weisenberg was a New York State Assemblyman for 25 years. He and Ellen formed this nonprofit to serve people who, like Ricky, live with disabilities, as well as their parents and caregivers. The Weisenberg Foundation is also an advocacy organization that advocates for people who have no voice. For more information, visit HarveyAndEllenWeisenberg.com.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow them on social media.
–Brendan Carpenter
Courtesy Desiree Ramos Reiner/American Red Cross
Harvey Weisenberg, front right, and his foundation donated $10,000 to the American Red Cross to support veterans.
A new tradition for L.B.’s Jewish community
In a demonstration of Jewish unity and celebration, hundreds gathered on the Long Beach Boardwalk on Sunday, Sept. 15 for the inaugural Kippah Walk. Organized by Chabad of the Beaches, the inspiring event saw men, women, and children, including a multitude of enthusiastic CTeeners, proudly displaying their Jewish identity. Men and boys donned exclusive “Kippah Walk” kippahs, while women and girls received commemorative visors, as they walked along the scenic shoreline. The crowd was entertained by the energetic performance of Hassidic rockstar, Barak Grossberg.
come together to celebrate their Jewish heritage and take a stand against hate was truly moving.”
Participants were also adorned in exclusive T-shirts, creating a vibrant tapestry of unity. Beyond its visual impact, the Kippah Walk served as a joyous celebration of Jewish heritage and observance, fostering a deep sense of community and connection.
W e are overjoyed with the community’s enthusiastic response.
Esteemed elected officials and community leaders graced the Kippah Walk with their presence, including Legislator Patrick Mullaney, Vice President, Chris Fiumara, and City Manager Dan Creighton, representing the City of Long Beach, as well as Rabbi Jack Zanerhaft of Temple Emanu-El. Assemblyman Ari Brown also joined the march at the finish line, highlighting the widespread support for this inspiring display of Jewish strength.
Rabbi Eli Goodman
“The atmosphere was absolutely electric,” said Rabbi Eli Goodman, director of Chabad of the Beaches. “To witness hundreds of our brothers and sisters, especially so many young individuals,
The resounding success of the first-ever Long Island Kippah Walk paves the way for an even more powerful event next year. Organizers are already eagerly anticipating welcoming an even larger crowd in 2025.
“We are overjoyed with the community’s enthusiastic response,” added Rabbi Goodman. “This is a testament to the strength and resilience of our people. The Kippah Walk will continue to grow, inspiring generations to embrace their Jewish identity and stand united against all forms of prejudice.”
The Kippah Walk is an annual event dedicated to combating antisemitism and celebrating Jewish heritage. It provides a platform for individuals of all ages to express their traditions, connect with their community, and stand united against hate. Proceeds go to programs that foster a strong sense of Jewish identity and community.
Community members showed their Jewish pride at the first-ever event.
Photos courtesy Rebbeca Weiss and Menucha Colish City Manager Dan Creighton helped kick off the inaugural Kippah Walk on Sept. 15.
Community members and religious leaders gathered on the boardwalk, starting a new event in Long Beach.
Protecting Your Future with Michael
The Joy of Living
Let us take a moment to remember that joy itself is a primary purpose of living.
“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”
— George Bernard Shaw
“Well, your greatest joy definitely comes from doing something for another, especially when it was done with no thought of something in return.”
— John Wooden
“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”
— Leo Buscaglia
“A sense of humor...is needed armor. Joy in
one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.”
—Hugh Sidey
“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.”
— Kahlil
Gibran
“The three factors that seem to have the greatest influence on increasing our happiness are our ability to reframe our situation more positively, our ability to experience gratitude, and our choice to be kind and generous.”
— Dalai Lama
“Things won are done, joy’s soul lies in the doing”
— William Shakespeare
“As selfishness and complaint pervert the mind, so love with its joy clears and sharpens the vision.”
— Helen Keller
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News brief
Students observe International Dot Day
Long Beach elementary students throughout the district participated in a global celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration on Sept. 13 by observing International Dot Day. The book “The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds, which illustrates people’s power to make their marks on the world, inspires the movement.
Throughout the district’s four ele -
mentary schools, classes read and discussed “The Dot” and other books related to its theme.
Students participated in Dot Day declarations, artwork and other activities, and many incorporated dots into their attire as well. Long Beach students also showcased their abilities to make their marks through illustrations and paper dots.
Courtesy Long Beach Public Schools
Long Beach students across the district observed International Dot Day on Sept. 13.
Art League celebrates 72nd anniversary
Assemblyman Ari Brown reflected on the importance of art, and how it has influenced his family.
The meeting marked the start of a series of anniversary-related events, including plans for a retrospective exhibit in 2025. The exhibit, a collaboration with the Long Beach Public Library and the city’s Historical Society, will showcase the league’s history and artwork created by its members.
The organization has evolved over the years, growing in both size and artistic variety and ambition. It now boasts a diverse membership, and welcomes artists of many media.
Tas children’s programs, ensuring that the organization continues to connect with and enrich the community through the arts. It would like to offer more, and is seeking funding so it can do so.
his milestone highlights our enduring commitment to enriching Long Beach through the arts
LisseTTe Resnick President, Long Beach Art League
“We now offer a wide range of exhibits — whether open, juried, themed or non-themed — which generates interest and helps us better support the diversity of our members and the broader community,” Resnick said. “Additionally, we’ve introduced many new programs, such as our scholarship for high school students, and we’re actively exploring more ways to give back.”
The league’s initiatives include arts and crafts workshops for seniors as well
In addition to community programs, the league maintains a presence in the city’s art scene with monthly exhibits at the library, a central space that invites both residents and visitors to engage with visual arts, as well as the Mount Sinai South Nassau Pavilion. It plans to expand further with upcoming exhibits at the Allegria Hotel, and partnerships with Temple Emanu-El and its Betzalel Art exhibits.
“These galleries are more than just exhibition spaces, they’re cultural hubs that foster a deeper appreciation for the arts,” Resnick said.
“They provide local artists with platforms to share their work, while also enriching the community by offering regular, accessible exposure to high-quality art. By supporting and maintaining these galleries, the league ensures that Long Beach continues to thrive as a creative, culturally enriched city.”
In addition to its retrospective next
State Sen. patricia Canzoneri-f itzpatrick, far
president Lissette resnick and former
year, the organization is preparing for an event at the Allegria in October, the Long Beach Fine Art Expo, which will provide a platform for photographers, painters and mixed-media artists to showcase and sell their work. The league hopes to turn this into an annual event.
And it hopes to continue expanding
Dedicated parking
its membership, recruiting more diverse and younger artists and strengthening its partnerships with local schools and other organizations. By offering new programs and collaborating with other local art groups, the league is actively working to ensure that the arts remain a vibrant part of the Long Beach community for years to come.
Long Island’s most anticipated new oceanfront rental community is now open. At The Breeze, each apartment opens you to a world of
Lisa Dawn Romano/Herald
left, presented Long Beach art League
president Kathryn ramsey with a citation.
JOEY DIESSO Massapequa Senior Football
A YEAR AFTER THROWING for 20 touchdowns and helping lead Massapequa to a perfect 12-0 season, Nassau Conference I and Long Island Class I titles, Diesso passed for a pair of scores in each of the first two games this fall. On Sept. 13, he had a near-perfect performance in a 38-13 victory over Freeport. He completed all but one of his 11 pass attempts for 135 yards as the Chiefs got into the win column for the first time in 2024.
GAMES TO WATCH
Thursday, Sept. 26
Boys Soccer: Hewlett at Lawrence 4:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Baldwin at V.S. Central 4:45 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Clarke at V.S. North 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27
Boys Soccer: Wantagh at Clarke 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Wantagh at Plainedge 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Seaford at North Shore 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Farmingdale at Baldwin 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Malverne/East Rock at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Oceanside 6 p.m.
Football: Garden City at Hewlett 6 p.m.
Football: Seaford at Plainedge 6:30 p.m.
Football: Hicksville at Freeport 6:30 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Freeport at Baldwin 6:30 p.m.
Football: South Side at V.S. North 7 p.m.
Football: North Shore at Malverne 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 28
Football: Calhoun at Mepham 11 a.m.
Football: Carey at Sewanhaka 3 p.m.
Football: Farmingdale at Massapequa 3 p.m.
Football: Hempstead at Oceanside 3 p.m.
Football: Uniondale at V.S. Central 3 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
Long Beach defeated by Carey
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
A ground attack buoyed by a stout offensive front and sophomore running back Justin DiPietro, combined with several red-zone defensive stands and three takeaways propelled Carey to a 34-14 victory at Long Beach last Saturday in a Nassau Conference II football matchup between the No. 1 and 3 preseason seeds.
DiPietro had touchdown runs in the second, third and fourth quarters, the last of which covered 43 yards and iced the Seahawks’ second win in as many weeks. Christian Todaro and Nicholas Medoro both had touchdowns and interceptions, and Mark Vera also picked off a pass.
“Both games so far we’ve had equally strong games from our offense and defense,” Carey head coach Mike Stanley said. “We put our defense in a few tough situations today and those guys came up big with inclose stops and turnovers. We have a few things we’d like to clean up, but we have two quality wins against good opponents.”
The Seahawks, who defeated Glen Cove by 19 in the opener, left school at 9 a.m. to head to Long Beach Middle School for the 11 a.m. kickoff at Veterans Field. Stanley had only positive things to say about the morning start. “We liked it because there was no waiting around,” he said. “We had our team breakfast, got on the bus, warmed up and played.”
Senior Wyatt Katzen (4-yard run) and sophomore Brody Riedel (53-yard run)
had touchdowns for the Marines, who opened with a win over Calhoun.
“Carey is big and strong, and more experienced than we are,” Long Beach head coach Scott Martin said. “They look like the team to beat in the conference. That’s not to say we didn’t have chances. We just couldn’t cash in. They did a good job jamming up our receivers and pressuring the quarterback.”
The Seahawks scored on their first two possessions and led 21-0 at halftime thanks in large part to a pair of second-quarter defensive stands. Todaro opened the scoring with a 30-yard touchdown run and Medoro caught a 6-yard scoring toss from senior quarterback Chris Obertis late in the first quarter.
It was 21-0 after DiPietro’s 4-yard touchdown early in the second. Long Beach was primed to answer that score once junior quarterback Charlie Conway raced 29 yards to the Carey 1. But after two negative yardage plays and an incomplete pass, Conway hit junior Max Schimmel inches from the goal line and the Seahawks took over on downs.
The Marines were back in the red zone just before halftime after junior Rocco Roda recovered a fumble, but Carey’s defense held again with Todaro getting an interception. The hosts got on the board early in the third when junior Jack Silva’s 51-yard catch set up Katzen’s touchdown.
But Carey’s all-senior offensive line of Ali Jouida, Howie Silverstein, Richie Metzger, Sean McNamee and
loss to
Mateo Squillante did the rest. They average nearly 275 pounds and paved the way for DiPietro’s 134 yards and three trips to paydirt.
“Justin is a special player on both sides of the ball,” Stanley said of DiPietro. “He was our leading tackler last year at linebacker and is so
tough to bring down as a runner.”
Carey heads to Sewanhaka next for another Saturday 11 a.m. kickoff. Long Beach is at Jericho Friday night at 6 p.m.
“It’s teamwork and we’re pushing every day,” Jouida said. “We play together and play for each other.”
Media Origin Inc./Herald Senior Wyatt Katzen had one of Long Beach’s two touchdowns in last Saturday’s 34-14 home
Carey.
Florence Adelle Madeo Hausman celebrated her 100th birthday on Sept. 21, and got to ride in a fire truck as part of the celebration.
Lisa Dawn Romano/Herald
Recognizing a milestone
The entire neighborhood, family and friends turned out to celebrate the milestone birthday with the Hausmans.
“Last year, this year, and next, I am fighting against antisemitism and standing strong for our entire Long Island community, even when few on the other side of the aisle will join me, Together, we will not back down.”
Dawn Romano/Herald
- Assemblyman Ari Brown
LICC holds annual suicide awareness walk
including the crisis center, VFW Post 1384, the Long Beach Soup Kitchen, the Long Beach Christmas Angels and Toys for Tots, and it covers the school-related expenses of two Long Beach students each year.
“Through their generous support, through their dedication to the same work that we do, and supporting our mission, we felt that they were definitely worthy of our Person of the Year award for this year,” Engel said.
The foundation presented the crisis center with a $7,500 donation before the walk.
“The day as a whole was amazing, it really was,” Engel said. “It was probably our highest-attended walk event we’ve ever had in the 16 years.”
About 600 people walked, roughly 400
of whom registered the day of the event.
The crisis center was founded in 1971, and offers a multitude of services to many Long Island communities. It operates several hotlines, including its main crisis number, (516) 679-1111, and is the 988 center — the national suicide hotline — for the Long Island region.
The center also helps members of the LGBTQ community through its subsidiary agency, PFY, formerly Pride For Youth. Founded in 1993, PFY is now known simply by its acronym.
As of press time, the crisis center had raised just under $80,000 from this year’s walk alone, and donations will continue to be accepted on the center’s website until Oct. 1. To donate, go to Wizathon.com/licc-walk. For more information on the crisis center, visit LongIslandCrisisCenter.org.
people gathered to show their support for the crisis center, its mission, and all those who have been impacted by suicide.
the michael diamond foundation was selected as this year’s honoree. its board president, and other volunteers, presented the Long island Crisis Center with a $7,500 donation before the walk began.
Skye Margies/Herald photos
the boardwalk was packed for the Long island Crisis Center’s annual suicide awareness walk last Sunday.
Christine Callahan, left, was one of the many in attendance who bought a t-shirt to support the crisis center.
D’Esposito faces ethics probe over hiring
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
U.S. Representative Anthony D’Esposito may have violated ethics rules in Congress, designed to combat nepotism and corruption, according to a story published by the New York Times on Sept. 23.
Shortly after taking the oath of office in 2023, D’Esposito hired his longtime fiancé’s daughter to work as a special assistant in his district office, where she earned $3,800 a month, according to payroll records. In April, D’Esposito hired an alleged mistress, Devin Faas, who earned $2,000 a month for a part-time job in the same district office. Payments to both women stopped in July 2023, the Times reported.
D’Esposito has not been accused of wrongdoing, but the employment of both women, which resulted in a payment of about $29,000 in taxpayer funds, could lead to disciplinary actions in the House of Representatives, according to the Times.
The allegations against D’Esposito come about 6-weeks ahead of Election Day. D’Esposito is being challenged by Democrat Laura Gillen, who he defeated two years ago. Early voting starts on Oct. 26. Election Day is Nov. 5.
“These are very serious allegations that demand further investigation and
it’s clear that Anthony D’Esposito has abused his power in every position of trust he’s ever held,” Gillen said in a statement released by her press team on Tuesday. “As Hempstead Town
Supervisor, I fought against corruption, nepotism and waste to help all Nassau County families, and I’ll bring that same common sense, ethical leadership to Congress. Together we can clean up
the deep-seated corruption that clearly surrounds Anthony D’Esposito and restore transparency and accountability to New York’s Fourth Congressional District.”
According to the House’s Code of Official Conduct, “a member, delegate or resident commissioner may not retain the relative of such individual in a paid position, and an employee of the House may not accept compensation for work for a committee on which the relative of such employees serves as a member. The House defines “relative” as someone related to the member, delegate or resident commissioner, including a parent, child, sibling, parent’s sibling, first cousin, sibling’s child, spouse, parent-in-law, child-in-law, sibling-inlaw, stepparent, stepchild, stepsibling, half-sibling, or grandchild.
According to the Times, Matt Capp, a spokesperson for D’Esposito, did not deny that the congressman had a relationship with Faas, but declined to comment on the employment of either women.
In a statement shared with News12, D’Esposito said “My personal life has never interfered with my ability to deliver results for New York’s fourth district, and I have upheld the highest ethical standards of personal conduct.
“Voters deserve better than the Times’ gutter politics,” he added.
Tim Baker/Herald file
U.S. Representative Anthony D’Esposito may have violated ethics rules in the House of Representatives, according to a report by the New York Times.
Trump is welcomed to L.I. by a sea of red
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ & KELSIE RADZISKI of the Herald
Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, vowed to the crowd at his rally on Sept. 18 at the Nassau Coliseum that he would win the vote in the state of New York in November’s election.
“It hasn’t been done in a long time,” Trump, referring to a decades-long losing streak of Republican presidential candidates in the state, “but we are going to win New York.”
Trump spoke for nearly 90 minutes at his first rally on Long Island since 2017, cheered by a sea of supporters wearing Make America Great Again hats and T-shirts and waving MAGA flags, thousands of them gathered outside the packed arena, watching on television monitors.
He denounced his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, and her policies, which he said would make New York “a Third World nation” if she were to win.
Trump highlighted Long Island issues and events, paying tribute to New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller, of Massapequa, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Queens in March. The former president noted the 2016 slaying of Long Island teenagers Nisa Mickens and Kayla Cuevas, and the influx of MS-13 gang members.
“Our country’s going down,” he said. “If you look at what’s happening with the Venezuelans taking over … They’ve taken over your buildings and your land. You got to do something about it.
“That wouldn’t happen with Bruce Blakeman, I can tell you that right now,” Trump added, referring to the Republican Nassau county executive, which sparked chats of “Bruce!” from the
crowd.
This was Trump’s first rally since a second assassination attempt was reported at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15. He credited the U.S. Secret Service for stopping the attempt.
He vowed to rebuild the subways, highways and bridges in New York and across the country. He promised to reinstate the income tax deduction for state and local taxes, which his administration backed legislation to cap during his presidency. He also announced that he would make the World Trade Center site, in Lower Manhattan, a national monument maintained by the federal government — a pronouncement that was met with an enthusiastic ovation.
“That hallowed ground and the memory of those who perished there will be preserved for all time,” he said, just a week after the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Trump also addressed global affairs. “I will settle the war in Ukraine,” he said. “I got along very well with Putin,” he said, referring to Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, “and I will end the chaos in the Middle East. A vote for Kamala Harris is a vote to obliterate Israel.”
Hours before the rally, County Legislator Carrié Solages, a Democrat, condemned statements made by Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, about Haitian migrants eating residents’ pets in Springfield, Ohio, at a counterprotest with Haitians from Long Island outside the Coliseum entrance.
County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs held a protest with elected officials hours before Solages’.
Before Trump took to the stage, others expressed their support for his campaign, including Republican U.S. Representatives Anthony D’Esposito and Nick LaLota, who represent the 4th and 2nd
congressional districts, respectively. The pair are being challenged by former Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen and John Avalon in closely watched contests in November that could determine the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
In an impassioned speech, D’Esposito denounced Harris, described the Democratic Party as “dangerous” and emphasized that he “stand(s) for what Donald Trump believes in.”
“I stand for a secure border, I stand for backing law enforcement, I stand for growing our economy, I stand for putting America first,” D’Esposito said.
The Republican nominee in the 3rd Congressional District, Mike LiPetri, who hopes to flip Rep. Tom Suozzi’s seat, said he was proud to endorse Trump and his goals for his presidency.
“This is our time to restore common sense, to create safe, secure and affordable communities …,” LiPetri said, “making sure we have secure borders, a safe America, making sure we have peace across the world, making sure we’re standing with the Jewish community, and making sure we stand with Israel.”
Blakeman spoke of his priority to keep the county safe, after Nassau was recently named the safest county in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
“Nassau County protects the integrity and safety of women’s sports, and Nassau County unmasked the criminals, antisemites and hate mongers,” he said.
Blakeman called for Trump’s election in November so the country could “get back to common sense.”
“Let’s save our country, and let it start right here,” he said. “Let it start on Long Island, and go throughout the whole state of New York and the state of New Jersey and roll across America.”
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Former President Donald Trump held a rally at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale on Sept. 18, and vowed to win the state of New York in the November election.
Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani was among those who enthusiastically supported the former president.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman spoke about his priority to keep the county safe.
Rally reflects Nassau’s deep political divide
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
The Nassau Coliseum parking lot was filled with vehicles displaying flags, banners and homemade posters before former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally last week. Attendees, eager to show their allegiance, dressed in MAGA hats, shirts and red, white and blue outfits, while chants of “Trump, Trump, Trump!” erupted sporadically.
For his supporters, Trump remains the best candidate to fix the nation’s economic problems and take a stand against traditional politicians. Tommy Mundy, a Trump impersonator from Long Beach, praised the former president’s record.
“He’s a great man,” Mundy said. “He’s been right on everything all along.”
Mundy also dismissed concerns about Trump’s divisive stance on social issues, including abortion.
“Politicians are wicked and evil, and he’s not a politician,” Mundy said. “I’m not too concerned about the abortion issue — let God take care of that. We’re going to do great things, and the economy’s going to get turned around.”
Edward Sass, of North Babylon, also voiced his dissatisfaction with career politicians, a common theme among the attendees. Sass said he sees Trump as a non-politician who speaks plainly and delivers results.
“You get a lot of these politicians saying, ‘We’re going to do this; we’re going to do that.’ They should have done it already,” Sass said. “Three and a half
years, and they haven’t done anything.”
Sass criticized what he described as Vice President Kamala Harris’s vague promises, as well as the growing population on Long Island.
“We’re Long Island, we’re an island, we’ve got too many people in a boat,” he said, suggesting that the region’s infra-
structure is being overwhelmed by unchecked development and population growth.
Outside the Coliseum, anti-Trump protests reflected the sharp divisions among voters. Protesters gathered just beyond the gates, holding signs and chanting, “We’re not going back,” sum-
ming up their opposition to the former president.
Ann Leahy, from Wantagh, was among them. “He’s a crook, and he’s a liar, and he’s a rapist,” she said of Trump. “He’s cruel and he’s just a horrible person. He should never get near the White House again.”
Leahy expressed disbelief at the continuing support for Trump. “He was there for four years, and he was a horror then,” she said. “He has no policies. He just repeats the same stuff over and over again, and people are falling for it. I don’t understand why people would even dream about voting for this lunatic.”
Another one of the protesters was Magalie Theodore, a Haitian immigrant from Elmont, who expressed deep frustration with Trump’s disproven claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing and eating residents’ pets.
“We are mad at Trump for the lies he has made about us,” Theodore said. “We don’t eat pets. We protect pets. As a citizen from Haiti, our country is a protector. We are the first Black republic. We don’t support bullies, and that’s what he’s been doing to immigrants.”
Theodore also criticized Trump’s approach to campaigning, accusing him of attacking ethnic groups to distract from his legal troubles. She also expressed disappointment in local leaders like Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for supporting Trump.
“I thought he was going to look out for all people, but apparently, he’s not,” Theodore said of Blakeman. “He’s supporting the biggest bully in America.”
Roksana Amid/Herald photos
Magalie Theodore and Magda Guillaune defiantly made clear their oppostion to former President Trump at last week’s rally. “We don’t support bullies,” Theodore said.
Edward Sass, of North Babylon, was eager to show his support for Donald Trump.
Mets’ Alvarez gives kids tips to remember
By ANTHONY DiCOCCO Special to the Herald
The energy was palpable as soon as the children began their infield and hitting drills, because in just moments, they would get the chance to learn from one of baseball’s rising stars.
Despite being in the thick of an intense playoff race, New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez volunteered 90 minutes of his time to coach dozens of lucky kids, ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade, at a free baseball clinic at the Lou Anthony Sports Complex in Massapequa on Sept. 5.
“This is awesome,” Rich Lopos, president of the Nassau County Police Activity League said. “This was something (Alvarez) called us about. He said, ‘I just want to come down and hang out with the kids for a little while,’ and these kids are loving it.”
Over the course of the clinic, kids decked out in Mets apparel rotated between stations that focused on the fundamentals of baseball, such as throwing, catching popups, running and infield work, before finally getting some hitting tips from Alvarez himself during tee drills. Following the clinic and a group photo, participants had the opportunity to pose for individual pictures with Alvarez and get his autograph.
Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez gave hitting pointers to the kids who attended the free baseball clinic at the Lou Anthony Sports Complex in Massapequa.
“This was really cool,” Brooklyn native Aiden Rodriguez, 11, said after the clinic run by the player he described as his idol. “I go to Mets games and meet a lot of players, and Alvarez is one of my favorite catchers in MLB. He made me want to be a catcher.”
Aiden’s brother, Austin, 8, said some of the key lessons Alvarez taught were to keep your eye on the ball and the ball on the barrel of your bat. And he taught the kids about the mental side of the game, as well. Throughout the clinic, he stressed the importance of putting all their mental energy into baseball and to always have fun while doing it.
As a young pro player who’s still learning what it takes to be a major leaguer, Alvarez said that the kids on the field were also teaching him valuable lessons.
“This definitely helps me relax,” he said. “I’m happier. I can see the kids smile, I see the kids’ emotion and I can see how hard they work here. It gives me a little more energy.”
The event was part of a stacked lineup of athlete-run clinics that has been made possible through a partnership between PAL and Pioneer Sports Long Island. Over the past year, Pioneer Sports, now its 14th year, has held clinics that featured former Rangers goalie Mike Richter, Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert, Mets third baseman Brett Baty and closer Edwin Diaz, and Yankees starting pitchers Nestor Cortes and Clarke Schmidt.
Tom Falcone, a co-founder of Pioneer Sports, helps facilitate all of the clinics.
“These kids are having a lifetime experience, and for me it’s a lifetime experience, too,” Falcone said. “Just to be able to have these guys come out here to the facility and give back to the community, we’re honored to do this.”
Anthony DiCocco is a reporter for the SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
Courtesy Anthony DiCocco
Holiday GreetinG
Rosh Hashanah: The Beauty of Diversity
on Wednesday evening, October 2, Jews worldwide will celebrate Rosh Hashanah, ushering in the new year on the Hebrew calendar. The origin of the festival is found in Leviticus (23:24).
“In the seventh month, on the first day, you shall observe complete rest, a sacred occasion commemorated with blasts of the shofar (ram’s horn).”
This appears confusing. How can you begin an annual cycle starting on month seven?
In ancient Israelite times it was not considered a new year holiday, rather it was a holy day that prepared you for Yom Kippur the Day of Atonement which always occurs ten days later. The transformation to a “New Year” designation happened in the sixth century BCE. In 587 BCE the Kingdom of Israel was conquered and exiled to Babylonia, where they remained for seventy years.
Upon their return to their homeland and capital of Jerusalem, they brought back various customs and language terms from the culture in which they resided for decades. For example the names of the Hebrew months were borrowed from their captor’s calendar. In addition, the Babylonians had a grand party and holiday celebrating the beginning of creation of the world, and hence a new beginning in your life on their seventh month--which happened to coincide with the biblical holiday of the shofar blast specified in Leviticus. These two events conflated and emerged as Rosh Hashonah, Judaism’s start of the new liturgical and spiritual year, and has been considered a solemn and joyful time ever since. Religions, especially the three major monotheistic ones, diverse cultures, and differing nations have cross influenced each other since the beginning of recorded history. Baptism was modeled
after the Jewish ritual bath mikvah, which predates Jesus by centuries. The Hebrew Bible contains many Egyptian words, particularly those used for weights and measures. The name Moses is Egyptian. Elements of Greek mythology are in Genesis, and the Great Flood of Noah was likely appropriated from the Sumerian legends of Gilgamesh. Pizza came from Italy, hot dogs from Germany. The word garage is French, and the snowshoe originated with Native American tribes.
The High Holidays therefore reminds us, at a time in our country and world when we are so divided, polarized, and violently vilifying anyone who is not the same as us, that really we are capable of embracing uniqueness and diversity in a beautiful, healthy, and positive way. Inclusion enriches our lives; it does threaten nor diminish us.
May this Rosh Hashonah inspire us, regardless of which faith community we belong, to work towards peace, harmony and respect for all humanity.
Rabbi Jack Zanerhaft is the spiritual leader at Temple Emanu-El of Long Beach.
AOH Irish Day celebration is on the horizon
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 17 will hold the 35th annual Irish Heritage Parade and Festival on Saturday, October 5. The parade steps off from Washington Boulevard and West Park Avenue at 11 a.m. and proceeds to Beech Street in the West End. This year’s Grand Marshal is the Michael Diamond Charitable Foundation. The aides to the Grand Marshals are James Dowling, Jean Duffy, Robert Prince & Greg Schmalenberger. The festival includes music, street vendors and food trucks.
If your organization is interested in marching, contact Jack at (631) 680-1946 or email lbaohevents@gmail.com. Vendors can contact Sean at (347) 4150951 or download the vendor application on the city website.
Rabbi Jack ZaneRhaft
STEPPING OUT
From the ‘burbs to the
big stage
Rockville Centre native explores roots in new musical
By Iris Wiener
Shaun Taylor-Corbett has enjoyed a unique journey from his upbringing in Rockville Centre to working in New York theater. After becoming a household face with a stint on the hit children’s TV show “Hi-5,” he went on to star in the acclaimed Off-Broadway musical “Altar Boyz” and eventually was part of the original cast of Lin Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights.” Working on that Tony-Award winning musical showed him the importance of exploring community through musical theater; it set the stage for his most personal project to date: ”Distant Thunder,” which runs Sept. 25 through Oct. 27 at A.R.T./New York Theatres. Taylor-Corbett not only co-wrote the book and lyrics for the new Off-Broadway musical, he also co-produced and stars in the production, which he credits with helping him learn about his own background. His mother, acclaimed dancer-choreographer and director Lynne Taylor-Corbett, directed and co-wrote. At age 15, Taylor-Corbett decided he wanted to know more about his family’s background. “It was important to me to know where we came from,” he says.
His roots are Black, Scandinavian, Blackfeet Indigenous, and Irish. Realizing he wanted to know more about his Indigenous side, Taylor-Corbett’s mother proceeded to bring her son to Browning, Mont. There he met Darrell Robes Kipp, an educator and community leader responsible for saving the Blackfeet language.
“He really instilled in me the importance of language for a culture,” says Taylor-Corbett. “It was very impactful for me and it made me want to create a story about my experience being mixed race.”
“Distant Thunder”evolved into a story about a young person who returns to his roots after many years of being away. It goes on to explore the various ways in which he experiences community.
Taylor-Corbett’s first memory as a performer was recording himself singing to Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl.” He moved to Rockville Centre when he was 8-years-old, where he attended South Side Middle School and South Side High School. It was at South Side Middle School that he took on one of his first theatrical roles: Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof.” Looking back he appreciates having had a unique childhood growing up with his father [Columbia Records music executive Michael Corbett] and his mother.
Much of ‘Distant Thunder’ was inspired by Taylor-Corbett’s experience growing up mixed race. “I didn’t quite know where I fit in, so I was open and friendly with everybody,” he says. “There were some instances where I felt like an outsider and got made fun of, but I think what I got from being mixed and hanging out with people from different cultural identities is that I fell in love with learning about cultures.”
Taylor-Corbett travels frequently and studies international relations.“As one aspect of my identity — being Indigenous — got stronger, I realized I could take all of what I learned and try to do something in the U.S. I wanted to help the people that gave me so much.”
Taylor-Corbett still spends time in Rockville Centre with his mother in his childhood home. One of his favorite aspects of working on “Distant Thunder” has been collaborating with mom.
“I value having time with her and going through this adventure,” he says. “We’ve grown so much together as friends because of this. There’s a deeper meaning, and drive we have together because I was a kid when we started [this journey]. We don’t have that much time with our parents, so holding onto every moment doing this with her is a joy.”
He also appreciates the wealth of experience that Lynne brings to the project; the multi-talented ‘Broadway legend’ is known for her choreography of Broadway’s “Swing!” and the film “Footloose,” as well her direction and writing for “Cougar the Musical,” among other projects.
“I’m learning so much from her,” he says. “She passed on that legacy to me. I see myself growing in confidence because of her.”
Taylor-Corbett is proud that “Distant Thunder” honors the Blackfeet community that he holds close to his heart. He had never seen an Indigenous Broadway or Off-Broadway musical, and imagined how incredible it would be to have a large cast representing the Blackfeet and Indigenous communities performing an Indigenous story through powwow and pop music. Adding it to the American theater canon would break through barriers.
“We wanted to have the show be a portal into another world, into the magic that is Indian country,” he says, as he looks forward to opening night on Oct. 3. “I want people to leave the show uplifted and joyful about the future. I’m hoping that everyone feels represented, that people feel proud of what we’ve done, and that it inspires people who might be on a similar journey as they write their own stories.”
Tickets for ‘Distant Thunder’ can be purchased online at amasmusical.org or by calling (212) 563-2565.
Jessie’s Girl
Take out that neon yet again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those crazy days are back — as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off, on the Paramount stage, The band of NYC’s top rock/pop musicians and singers gets everyone into that “Back To The Eighties” vibe with the latest edition of their popular concert experience. With a lineup including four pop-rock vocalists dressing and performing as ‘80s icons, backed by a dynamic band, this is the definitive ‘80s experience. Jessie’s Girl has mastered overthe-top renditions of the some of world’s most unforgettable songs, all while dressed up as the iconic characters of that decade. This is theater meets live music, covered in ‘80s glitz. Some would say there’s no decade like the ‘80. So throw on your best neon, use extra hair spray on that hair and head to Back To The Eighties — because it’s time to party like it’s 1989.
Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 p.m. $45, $37.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Celebrity Autobiography
The Drama Desk Award-winning “Celebrity Autobiography” returns to Tilles Center with an entirely new show. Starring Richard Kind, pictured above (fresh off his comic turn in that Hulu sensation “Only Murders in the Building”), Jackie Hoffman, Craig Bierko, Lillias White, Mario Cantone, and show creators Eugene Pack and Dayle Reyfel, an ever-changing selection of tellalls and memoirs are performed verbatim. Celebrity tell-alls are perfectly entertaining on their own, as exclusive windows into the lives of famous personalities. But this smash-hit comedic masterpiece takes it a step further — as as outrageously true memoirs are acted out live on stage by some of the funniest people around.
Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Photo courtesy Michael Lee Stever
The cast rehearses “Distant Thunder” ahead of previews beginning Sept. 25.
Photo courtesy Caroline Grogan Shaun Taylor-Corbett with his co-writer, director and mother, Lynne Taylor Corbett.
Everclear
Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the ‘90s, led by vocalistguitarist-founder Art Alexakis, is back on the road, appearing on the Paramount stage, Sunday, oct. 6, 7 p.m. The band is joined by special guests Marcy Playground and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack. The setlist for this tour includes all the hits from throughout Everclear’s extraordinary three decades-long catalog, spotlighting tracks off their album “Songs From An American Movie Vol. One,” which they’ll release on vinyl later this year for the first time via Intervention Records.
Since forming in 1992, Everclear has enjoyed a lengthy career by any measure, spanning 11 studio releases, including four that have been certified Gold or Platinum, selling over 6 million records, and achieving 12 Top 40 Hit Singles on Mainstream Rock, Alternative, and Adult Top 40 radio, including “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” “I Will Buy You A New Life,” “Wonderful” and “Everything To Everyone,” as well as numerous videos, concerts, and various other accolades, including a 1998 Grammy nomination. The band’s 1993 debut album “World Of Noise,” released on the Portland independent label Tim/Kerr Records, paired with their significant efforts to break into college radio and the buzz they’d created within the Portland music scene, attracted the attention of major labels, including Capitol Records, which signed the group soon after. Beginning with their major-label debut, 1995’s platinum-selling album “Sparkle and Fade,” and its massive chart-topping hit “Santa Monica,” Everclear was soon a household name and catapulted into the masses. Alexakis was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2019; he’s since donated $1 from every ticket purchased from his performances to charities such as Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and National MS Society. In addition their numerous concerts over the band’s lengthy career, Alexakis created and runs the annual Summerland Tour, which features a package of popular ‘90s alt rock bands. $70.50, $50.50, $050, $25.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Walk to End Domestic Violence
The Salva Domestic Violence Project Círculo de la Hispanidad hosts their Walk to End Domestic Violence, Saturday, Sep. 28, at 10 a.m. on the boardwalk at Laurelton Boulevard. For more information and to register, call (516) 431-1135 or email Circulo@ cdlh.org
Juxtaposition Art Show Reception
Magnolia Senior Center hosts a reception to meet the artists involved with the Juxtaposition Art show, Wednesday, oct. 23, 5-7 p.m. The exhibit is on view through Oct. 30. 650 Magnolia Blvd. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov.
Halloween Costume Parade
The City of Long Beach Department of Parks and Recreation invites families to the Annual Kids Halloween Costume Parade, Saturday, oct. 12, at noon. The costume parade, in existence for almost 50 years, is an enjoyable event for children to dress in their favorite costume and parade from the recreation center to Kennedy Plaza. Awards for best costumes and other categories will be given and each child in costume will receive special treats. 1 W. Chester Street. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov.
Spooky Fest is back
A Halloween experience not to be missed, Spooky Fest is an outdoor adventure perfect for families, whether you want to be scared — or prefer seasonal fun of the non-scary kind. Join in the fun at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. Along the way in the updated and beautifully lit up Enchanted Walk you will see dinosaurs, aliens and friendly witches, costumed characters and more, including the Mystical Garden. Get your fortune told, make a craft and dance with the Halloween DJ, along with face painting and the Amazing Glow tent. For those who want a scare, venture into the Haunted Woods, where zombies and dinosaurs hang out. Admission starts at $22. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit CSTL.org for call (516) 7640045 for more information.
Fascinating Fungi
Bring the kids to make some discoveries about mushrooms at Long Island Children’s Museum’s drop-in program, Sunday, Sept. 29, 1-3 p.m.
Did you know that some mushrooms can glow in the dark? Learn about the 113 species of mushroom that are considered bioluminescent, due to a chemical reaction that attracts bugs to help spread mushroom spores.
Stop by to learn about these amazing fungi and make a glowing mushroom craft to bring home. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
Rock for Recovery
Long Island Reach hosts a “Rock for Recovery” music festival, Thursday, Oct. 17, starting at 7 p.m., at the Allegria Hotel. $100 per person, includes food and an open bar. 80 W. Broadway. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit LongIslandReach.org.
Hempstead House tour
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Wednesday, Oct. 9,, noon-1 p.m.
Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-squarefoot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.
Ask the tech guy
Do you have questions about your computer or laptop?
Want to learn more about Zoom, streaming movies, or downloading ebooks to your device? Join Long Beach Library’s Tech Guy, every Wednesday, 2-3 p.m., to get answers to your pressing tech questions. 111 W. Park Ave. For information, visit LongBeachPL.org.
Having an event?
Walk for Apraxia
Apraxia Kids holds its 2024 Walk for Apraxia, Saturday, Oct. 19. The walk starts at the Allegria Hotel and boardwalk. Check in is at 10 a.m., the ceremony begins at 11 a.m. 80 W. Broadway. For more information or to register, visit Apraxia-Kids. org.
Fall Festival
Enjoy the annual Fall Festival at Kennedy Plaza, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 12-13, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. All are invited to attend this family friendly Long Beach tradition and to stroll through Kennedy Plaza taking in the sights, sounds and smells of autumn. The event offers something for everyone! The weekend’s centerpiece is the pumpkin patch filled with thousands of pumpkins waiting to be picked. 1 W Chester Street. Admission to the festival is free to the public. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov.
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.
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program returns for a new season, Saturday, Sept. 21, 9, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Irish Day Parade and Festival
See green and wear green for the annual Long Beach Irish Day Parade and Festival, Saturday, Oct. 5. Beech Street will be closed and filled with food trucks, games and live music. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov.
On stage
Adelphi University’s Theatre Department present two one-act plays from icons of the American Little Theater movement, of the early 20th century, now through Sunday, Sept. 29. See “Suppressed Desires” by Susan Glaspell and “George Cram Cook and Seaweed” by Alice Gerstenberg, Sept. 26-27, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 28, 2 and 7:30 p.m. (livestream available); Sept. 29, 2 p.m. Gerstenberg’s Seaweed explores the future prospects and dating escapades of 20somethings in the 1920s. It’s “Sex and the City” but only four years after women received the right to vote. Suppressed Desires brings the audience into a 1914 marriage where a husband, wife, and her sister interrogate the psychological meaning of every conscious and unconscious utterance. All shows take place in Adelphi’s Performing Art Center’s Black Box Theatre. $25, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
A non-profit organization in Oceanside, NY is seeking interested resources to provide bids for sale and installation of components and equipment to enhance our security infrastructure. These include bollards & barriers, fire resistant entry doors and enhanced bullet resistant glass.
Selection of providers in each category will be based on knowledge of each of the above noted components and their integration in our security system framework. Additionally, relevant prior experience, problem resolution expertise, adherence to projected work schedules, agreed upon budget/cost estimates and references will play an important role in the evaluation process.
Next steps and requisite details can be obtained by contacting us by phone at (516)766-6809 ext. 2 or via email at: security@avodah.org with your company name, point of contact & email and/or phone information. Responses will be provided and accepted until ___ (Date to follow). Work will commence by ____ (Date to follow) and be completed by ____ (Date to follow). All information will remain confidential. 149126
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, -againstDANIEL ANGEL, IF LIVING, AND IF SHE/HE BE DEAD, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on February 15, 2024, wherein LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC is the Plaintiff and DANIEL ANGEL, IF LIVING, AND IF SHE/HE BE DEAD, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 8, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 345 EAST HUDSON STREET, LONG BEACH, NY 11561; and the following tax map identification: 59-136-61 & 62. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 606278/2022. John P. Clarke, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 148815
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to:
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 12/22/2016, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 10/24/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 28 East Hudson Street, Long Beach, New York 11561, A.K.A. 28 Hudson Street, Long Beach, New York 11561, And Described As Follows:
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $516,115.18 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 15199/12 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Jordan Vallone/Herald
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, vs. GLORIA MICHELL, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 29, 2008 and an Order duly entered on May 2, 2022, 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 October 9, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 26 East Market Street, Long Beach, NY 11561 a/k/a 26 Market Street, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 96 and Lot 218. Approximate amount of judgment is $647,819.24 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #023192/2007.
Melissa Levin, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 148762
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL
516-569-4000 x 232
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LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHMAPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, Against JUANITA SLADE, JOSEPH DAMBRA, ET AL., Defendant(s)
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in The City Of Long Beach, County Of Nassau and State of New York Section 59 Block 94 Lot 17, 18 And 19. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $495,395.75 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 13-014225 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Scott H Siller, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 8/16/24 File Number: 548-0119 SH 149034
PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“FANNIE MAE”), Plaintiff, Against RAMJEET RAMJATTAN, SANIETTA MOHESS, ET AL., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 11/08/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 10/23/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 517 Laurelton Boulevard, Long Beach, New York 11561, And Described As Follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in The City Of Long Beach, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 59 Block 44 Lot 137
Michael Alpert, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 8/16/24 File Number: 560-6190 SH 149032
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. Search by publication name at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff, vs. DONOVAN CAMPBELL, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Amending Caption, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 6, 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 October 28, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 22 East Hudson Street A/K/A 22 Hudson Street, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 94 and Lots 14, 15 and 16. Approximate amount of judgment is $435,012.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003172/2017. Cash will not be accepted. Frank Bruno, Jr., Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 149172
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232
County Dems allege Trump taxpayer misuse
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Democratic leaders in the Nassau County legislature have filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging that the Sept. 18 campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Nassau County amounted to an illegal, unreported campaign contribution from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, using taxpayer money.
Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the minority caucus’s leader, was joined by Legislator Debra Mulé and Legislator Seth Koslow, both Democrats, at a news conference on Sept. 19. The complaint sent says that taxpayer-funded resources, totaling over $1 million, were put towards supporting the partisan political event.
“It has come to our attention, and it has been verified, that over a million dollars in overtime was spent yesterday,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “This is hard earned taxpayer money from Nassau County families. This includes items for things like hundreds of police that attended the rally, as well as other municipal employees, ranging from the Department of Public Works to the Parks Department.”
DeRiggi-Whitton said the democratic caucus fully supported the idea of keeping the former president safe. “That is absolutely not in question,” she said. “(But) this is taking money away from other services we really could use.”
At a security briefing ahead of Wednesday’s rally, Blakeman told reporters that the county budgets for large events — such as the rally — to mitigate the potential financial stress it could place on county resources, like police.
“It’s part of our job,” he said. “We don’t discourage big events in Nassau County — we want to encourage them.”
“We all know that Bruce Blakeman idolizes Donald Trump,” Koslow said.
“We all know that he wants to get his attention, but he shouldn’t do that with taxpayer funds.
“Simply because you have a budget, doesn’t mean you have to spend the money,” he added.
The Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, where the rally was held, was leased for the day by the Trump campaign. Rallygoers began gathering at 8 a.m. on Wednesday for what would turn into a 12-hourlong event, by the time the former president finished speaking. DeRiggi-Whitton also said the campaign should also be reimbursing the county for the cost of its resources, and told reporters that the Nassau County GOP used the event as a fundraising and voter registration event.
According to a story published in the New York Times, which DeRiggi-Whitton referenced, Joseph Cairo, the GOP chairman in Nassau County, organized a highdollar fundraiser “on the sidelines” of the rally.
“It’s clearly a partisan effort,” she said. “They did take the opportunity to raise probably a good amount of funds. However, whatever they raise, there should be a portion of that coming back to the county.”
“It’s clear that this was not just a rally,” Koslow said. “This was a political exercise to try and get more money. If they’re bringing all of this money in, why shouldn’t they reimburse the county and the taxpayers, who are not all Republicans — obviously. Why should undecided voters, independent voters, Democratic voters or Republican voters, foot the bill for this rally. That is our concern.”
When asked about the allegations, Blakeman, in a written statement sent to the Herald, said “Nassau County provides security and safety to all public figures and public events regardless of party affiliation. I guess Democrat leaders really do want Trump killed, but it ain’t happening in Nassau County.”
DeRiggi-Whitton said Blakeman’s remarks were “very concerning.”
Legislator Seth Koslow, with Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, left, and Legislator Debra Mulé, right, said the Democratic caucus filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging the misuse of taxpayer money to fund the Sept. 18 Trump rally at the Nassau Coliseum.
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L‘We did everything right, or so we thought’
Q. We are trying to understand why we did everything right, or so we thought, and now have to start over with getting a permit and inspections so we can move on. First, we thought the whole construction process was over a year ago, but now find that we got an ultimatum, in the form of a notice that we will get a summons to appear in court if we don’t respond, and the inspector said that the plans we have are no longer good. We read your column about this and it created even more questions, like: What if we just drop it and don’t respond, and why do we have to make new plans? We did make some changes, but isn’t that normal? We wanted to get it right, and the changes were hardly noticeable to anyone else. What do you think we should do?
A.Do something, as opposed to doing nothing. If you do nothing, you may get the summons to appear in court, and after the appearance, you more likely will receive a judgment in addition to a fine, plus an order to still follow through or receive more fines and judgments. The timing of all of this is up to your building inspector and your building department as to the amount of time that will pass before any of this happens. I have clients who have done nothing for 20 years, and several who sold their property to unsuspecting buyers who still have to follow through, someday.
The fine may be affordable, but it’s still a fine. The judgment either forces you to comply or appeal. An appeal can cost as much or more in legal and court fees than just complying.
The only cases in which there were serious legal consequences that I have any experiences with both ended badly. Both involved much more serious problems, with building violations of a dangerous condition, and both ended with the building being condemned and bulldozed. Each was seriously structurally deficient and had multiple code violations. While your situation may not be like these, you should consult an attorney about your options, since resisting compliance changes from a building permit to a legal matter.
In most jurisdictions, when you make changes to the house that no longer match the plans, the building department may only ask for a letter from the design professional, as I recently mentioned in an earlier column. That would be a lie if you made so many changes or the changes were significant. I’ve often dealt with situations in which the owner and contractor made changes that moved the load-bearing walls off of the structural load path, and now the second floor is bowing. That type of change is significant, and could lead to irritating cracking that will not go away no matter how many times repairs are made.
Changes without communication are a bad idea. Your officials are trying, indirectly, to confirm safety and code compliance. Good luck!
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After
all the drama, it’s a dead heat
It seems as if barely a week goes by in the presidential campaign without one more otherwise once-in-adecade, totally unexpected event occurring.
Almost relegated to the background in all this tumult are the multitude of criminal charges brought against Donald Trump, including 34 felony convictions in one case alone, which have only increased his favorability ratings to their highest level ever.
For starters, there was the Biden-Trump CNN debate fiasco in late June, in which President Biden virtually self-destructed in real time before a nationwide audience. At times incoherent and appearing hopelessly confused, Biden had no sooner left the debate stage than Democratic Party leaders, consultants and media types displayed their own levels of incoherence in expressing their shock and dismay over how poorly Biden had performed and their fear of his impending defeat in November, especially contrasted with Trump’s relatively effective performance. Biden insisted he was going for-
ward, and conducted a media tour to rescue his terminally wounded candidacy.
While all this was taking place, Trump barely escaped death in Butler, Pennsylvania, when an attempted assassin’s bullet missed his skull by an inch, clipping his right ear and resulting in the iconic photo of his bloody defiance. Then there was the Republican Convention in Milwaukee, which, except for an overly long acceptance speech by Trump, worked to perfection. Trump’s path to victory seemed clear.
TThen, out of nowhere on a Sunday afternoon, Biden announced that he would not run for re-election. Though he had won the overwhelming majority of delegates to the impending Democratic National Convention, he couldn’t withstand the coordinated move against him from all sides of the Democratic Party, from the actor George Clooney to party leaders Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. Almost simultaneously with his withdrawal statement, Biden announced his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. Though her favorability numbers had been lower than Biden’s, she unexpectedly surged into a dead heat with Trump. This was followed by a
Bigotry
With precious weeks to go before the November election, I had hoped that we would be having a real debate about the issues that should dominate in a federal election year. I refer to such things as election integrity, a woman’s right to choose, the economy and other relevant subjects in such a crucial year. But instead, it seems that for some of the candidates, the only issue is race.
When Vice President Kamala Harris became the nominee of the Democratic Party, I understood that her mixed-race history would be a boon to some bigots who considered her selection a chance to vent against all people of color. And with every passing day, we hear about some politician openly venting about her color. The chief culprit has been former President Donald Trump, who seizes every opportunity he can to stoke the culture wars.
carefully choreographed Democratic Convention in Chicago, at which Harris appeared to make headway by repositioning herself as a moderate, not the progressive she had always been.
rump can’t just criticize current policies, and Harris can’t just say she’s not Joe Biden.
Seemingly caught off guard by Harris’s emergence, Trump made a number of unforced errors, including saying he hadn’t known until recently that Harris was black. He was clearly off his game. Polls showed Harris with a slight but growing edge. This was followed by their debate, in which Harris was acknowledged to be the victor.
Yet in another surprise development, the postdebate polls not only showed almost no real gain by Harris, but also found increased voter doubts about her on gut issues like immigration and the economy. It was now a horse race, and both sides were gearing up for the stretch run.
Then again came the unexpected: another assassination attempt against Trump, this time while he was playing the fifth hole of his Mar-a-Lago golf course. For days the media focused on this almost-tragedy. How did the Secret Service allow the would-be assassin to get so close to Trump so soon after the attempt in Butler in July? How much
did incendiary rhetoric contribute to this political violence?
This tumultuous, unprecedented 2024 campaign is now in its final six weeks, and is back where it started in earnest almost a year ago. Despite all that has happened along the way, the polls show the race is too close to call. Hopefully the candidates and voters will use the time between now and Nov. 5 to focus on the issues.
Real people are hurt by high prices for groceries. It’s difficult for young people to obtain a mortgage to buy a home. Crime is real, and repeat offenders are back on the streets. Illegal immigration is rampant, and attacks by criminal gangs are increasing.
Overseas, Israel is fighting for its survival. The Russia-Ukraine war rages unabated, while China continues to expand its military and threaten its neighbors, particularly Taiwan and the Philippines.
Trump must do more than criticize current policies, and detail what measures he would take. Harris must do more than just say that she’s not Joe Biden. And all of us must live up to the responsibilities and challenges of living in a democracy.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
must not dominate this election
One of his first shots in the current hate debate was his questioning of Harris’s race. At one of his campaign rallies, he asked if she really was Black. Eventually, when Trump found that this diatribe wasn’t catching on with his voters, he moved on to other highly sensitive racial areas.
TKeep in mind that he has often played the race card. One of his most memorable racist comments concerned the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Despite his continuous denials, there were multiple press stories that quoted him as saying there were “very fine people, on both sides.”
Their most recent target was the Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. It’s a fact that various groups that cross the border often seek to settle in places that other immigrants have chosen as their home.
he governor of Ohio and the mayor of Springfield have denied vile claims.
In order to keep the racial flames burning, both Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, have made immigration the focal point of their campaign. There is no doubt that the border issue has legitimacy, but the TrumpVance approach is to stoke the racial fires with claims that mental patients and convicts are invading the country. Neither man has come up with any proof that these claims are legitimate.
The Haitians in Springfield are in this country as part of a program that allows immigrants to seek asylum based on violence in their countries. That program was created by President Ronald Reagan, and has been honored by all subsequent presidents, with the exception of Trump. This same program allows in residents of Ukraine and Venezuela, whose countries are experiencing great turmoil. Trump and Vance continue to spread the lie that members of Springfield’s Haitian community are stealing people’s pets and eating them. Their claims have caused massive angst in that city, where schools and municipal activities have shut down. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, the mayor of Springfield and other city officials have vehemently denied that such activities have taken place, but the Trump-Vance meanness continues unabated. There is no doubt that Spring-
field is dealing with an influx of Haitians who are trying to find work there, but the false rumors continue.
Adding to the venom were remarks Vance made on the Sunday talk shows on Sept. 15. He was challenged for continuing to assert the false pet-eating claims. “If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what I’m going to do,” he told Dana Bash on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
The latest attempt to assassinate Trump should have resulted in his toning down the incendiary talk coming from him and his campaign team. But after a soft comment expressing his appreciation for the public’s support, he claimed that the Democrats were responsible for the assassination attempts “with their ugly rhetoric about me.” That kind of response can only bring about more toxic threats at a time when calm should be the byword.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
HERALD
OHeraLd editoriaL
Deadly Wild West in our backyard
ne year ago, the Herald published the editorial below, about a spate of reckless driving on the Southern State Parkway. Unfortunately, in light of the devastating news that a number of Long Island teens have lost their lives in several recent crashes, we are once again somberly reminded that reckless drivers put at risk not only their own lives, but also the lives of others. We recommend that local municipalities and law enforcement agencies schedule town halls to discuss how best to stem the tide of reckless driving on Long Island — from speeding to texting, and everything in between, whether on a parkway or a local street. In the meantime, we reprint our editorial from the Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2023, issue.
Drive a mere exit or two on any of Long Island’s main thoroughfares and you are sure to see at least one roadside shrine remembering the victim of a fatal car crash.
These memorials — already too commonplace — will only become more ubiquitous if nothing is done to stem the rising tide of dangerous drivers on these roads. In fact, just last week, sadly, Peninsula Boulevard was the site of two
Letters
The utilities thrive on environment-damaging fossil fuels
To the Editor:
As the country and the rest of the world have experienced another year of scorching heat waves, private, for-profit utility companies — which we rely on for our basic necessities, like heating, cooling and electricity — are keeping us reliant on climate-wrecking fossil fuels while reporting record profits. When they work well, utilities exist in the background of our lives: They power our homes, cool us down when it’s hot, and give us heat when it’s cold. But too often they are sources of aggravation: The power goes off when it’s dangerously hot or cold out, our bills skyrocket, and these for-profit companies threaten to shut off services when we’re unable to pay.
We know that climate change raises those stakes even higher, and utility companies themselves play a massive role in exacerbating the climate crisis: 80 percent of the electric utilities in the U.S. run on fossil fuels.
Shifting utilities to clean energy is integral to working toward a safer climate, but these companies would rather maintain the status quo and keep the public in the dark.
separate fatal accidents. On the same day.
We have all seen the tricked-out cars and motorcycles that zig and zag through traffic — exceeding the speed limit in spades — with no concern about repercussions from law enforcement or consequences for the lives of others.
That sickening feeling you get when your heart skips a beat, and you thank heaven to be alive, because yet another vehicle comes out of nowhere at 100 mph to cut you off, and then does the same thing to the next car? And the next? Too many of us Long Islanders know this feeling all too well.
Reckless (and noisy) drivers — threatening both public safety and community tranquility — are operating with impunity. And they know it.
Their cars are hard to miss, with their illegally modified mufflers that can be heard miles away at all hours of the day and night. Illegal license plate covers and fake temporary tags protect their callous disregard for law and order by making it impossible for anyone to identify them, including law enforcement tools like speed cameras. And their friends are now sometimes even setting up lawn chairs on the side of the high-
way to watch cars race in broad daylight — missing the irony that a crash victim’s memorial is often just over their shoulders.
More than 75 people lost their lives, and another 13,000 were injured, in nearly 37,000 traffic accidents in Nassau County last year. Those are unacceptable numbers.
It’s difficult to find law enforcement on these central thruways, especially on the Southern State Parkway — one of Nassau County’s deadliest roads — between the Cross Island Parkway and Heckscher State Park.
We need more, not less, patrolling of our roads. We need more, not less, enforcement of sensible laws already on the books. We need more, not less, coordination between state and local law enforcement. And we need more stringent laws and harsher penalties coming out of Albany so that we can make these reckless drivers as scared to continue these dangerous activities as we are to witness them.
We implore all jurisdictions to work together to rein in the scourge of irresponsible, dangerous and selfish drivers. Because even one more roadside shrine is one too many.
our money to burn our future while individuals and families struggle. We deserve an energy system that allows everyone to have access to clean
LISA KONRAD
it’s that time of year again. As the air began to mix the scent of brand new crayons with the first hints of pumpkin and cinnamon, thousands of children returned to school this month. This familiar ritual comes at a time when schools, particularly at the secondary level, are wrestling with the need to change to better prepare our students for their futures.
The world, and the workplace our children will enter, looks very different today than in the past, and yet high schools in many ways look like those our grandparents attended.
Over the past five years, educators nationwide have seen an increase in chronic absenteeism at the high school level. In early 2020, a Yale University survey of U.S. high school students found that 75 percent reported negative feelings about school: “tired,” “stressed” and “bored” were the words students used most often to describe how they felt about school. The pandemic only exacerbated these issues. So, what can we do as educators and
opinions
What school could be
parents? First, we need to have brave, bold hearts in examining a system that needs to change. As New York state begins to back away from the antiquated Regents exams that have so long defined our high school curriculum, we need to find ways to engage our students and give them agency in doing work that matters to them.
w
High school students have information at their fingertips instantly; schools are no longer the primary “imparters of knowledge.” The challenge for “future ready” schools is to help students find, evaluate and use that knowledge creatively and ethically. My oldest daughter is a freshman in college. In her high school, ChatGPT was banned, but now she has several professors who are requiring students to use ChatGPT and other forms of artificial intelligence, and are demonstrating how to use these tools in an ethical way. One has asked the students to write an essay, ask ChatGPT to make it better, and then write an analysis of exactly why the revised version is better (or not). AI will continue to transform learning, and educators need to be ahead of the curve — not behind it — in helping our children navigate this
Letters
Does the proposed Equal Rights Amendment go too far?
To the Editor:
After reading Sasha Ahuja’s letter (“Curran’s wrong about the ‘war on women,’” Sept. 5-11), in support of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment, which will be on New York ballots in November, I decided to ask Google to tell me exactly what the proposed constitutional amendment says. This is what I learned:
“No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, or religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in their civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state pursuant to law.”
I’m wondering if the amendment might go too far or be too broad in its scope. Add-
new world.
By providing high school students with curriculum that addresses important topics, and experiences that mimic real-world work, we can make school more relevant to them. Writing an extended essay, doing real research, designing and giving presentations — these are all “real life” assessments that help students make connections and study key topics.
e need to find ways to make high school fit the life of a teen in 2024.
In Long Beach, we’re expanding student access to internships that encourage them to explore career options. We also hope to introduce new career and technical education courses like aquaculture, vessel operations, scuba diving and construction. These courses, along with our current career and technical education programs in automotive technology, TV and film production, metalworking, engineering design, and medical assisting, give students “buildable” credentials that they can use to explore career choices as they work through post-secondary programs.
We also need to examine the basic structure of high schools: 40-minute periods, nine periods a day, early start times. Between sports, extracurricular activi-
ing anything to the Constitution is a very big deal, since changing our minds after the fact may be very difficult in practice. Voters need to understand the complexities before casting a vote.
Personally, I’d have no issue with the amendment if it granted equal rights and equal protection to everyone regardless of “race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, or religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression” — but it doesn’t stop there. The final clause gives women an unlimited right to abortion on demand, regardless of the stage of gestation.
While many argued for or against the removal of “reproductive freedom” as guaranteed by Roe v. Wade, most would agree that abortion has been a hotly debated topic. As such, I do not feel it should be part of a bigger amendment like Prop 1. Instead, let’s get Prop 1 passed without its final clause, and then allow ample discussion time before trying to get a separate amendment passed that deals exclusively with whether a woman’s “right to privacy” trumps the right to life of the unborn, and if so, when?
PAM SINGER Malverne
ties, jobs and home responsibilities, our students are over-scheduled, stressed and often sleep-deprived. Changing that structure is a complicated task, but we need to prioritize their mental health over all else, and find ways to make high school fit the life of a teen in 2024.
One of the most powerful educationrelated books I have read recently is “What School Could Be,” by venture capitalist Ted Dintersmith, published in 2018. Dintersmith spent a year traveling around the country, chronicling exciting, innovative teachers who were changing the conversation about education. In my district, our entire leadership team read the book, and we led community discussions focusing on its ideas and those of the related film, “Most Likely to Succeed.”
As this new school year begins, I’m excited to continue building schools students can love, with programs that engage and inspire. Last year I wrote an online blog post for ASCD about returning joy to learning. High schools of the future can radiate the same joy and curiosity that we see when we walk into a pre-K class! Somehow, over the years, we have replaced that joy with compliance, but that is changing, and in Long Beach, I’m excited to see what school could be.
Jennifer Gallagher, Ed.D., is superintendent of Long Beach Public Schools.
Framework courtesy Peter Moran
Soaking in the Secret Lagoon hot springs — Fludir, Iceland
JenniFer
