Lynbrook/east rockaway
l ucky kids got a closer look
Lynbrook children, including Dominic Pignataro, 1, and his brother, Frankie, 4, sat on the sidewalk to watch the Fouth Battalion fire engines. Story, more photos, Page 10.
Seven students are invited to state festival
By JoSEPH D’ AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com
Seven students from Lynbrook High School have earned spots in the 88th New York State School Music Association Winter Conference in Rochester, an annual gathering of the most talented musicians from schools across the state. The conference will take place Dec 5-8, and students will perform in the upstate city’s Eastman Theater.
audition at a regional NYSSMA solo festival, where they are assessed by judges who provide detailed feedback to help them grow as musicians. Those whose performances are rated highly are invited to participate in the state festival, at which they have the chance to connect with peers who share a passion for music.
I t makes me proud.
MATT WyNER
The Lynbrook students — a mix of juniors and seniors — will join a variety of musical ensembles. Eric Reilly will play violin in the symphony orchestra, and was accepted into the wind ensemble for English horn and is an alternate for the oboe as well. Brandon Haviken will play trombone in the symphonic band. Jack Ceglie and Gianna Longo will sing in the mixed chorus. Sophia Schoen was accepted into the treble chorus, and Liam Mylan and Molly Schutzman are alternates for chorus members who cannot perform during the ensemble.
Chorus teacher
Lynbrook High School
NYSSMA aspirants must
Lynbrook High chorus teacher Matt Wyner worked with all five students who will sing in Rochester.
“All five of them are really a joy to work with,” Wyner said. “They all were born with a great deal of talent, but they also worked really hard over the years. I’ve had a front-row seat to that progress, and it makes me proud to see them get rewarded by NYSSMA — it validates all the hard work that they’ve done.”
The students’ success comes after countless hours of practice and rehearsal — and musical teamwork. “All five of these kids really look to elevate the people around them,” Wyner said. “They really root for each other, which is something you
Continued on page 7
Christine Rivera/Herald Photos
Local fire departments participate in Battalion parade
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
The Nassau County Fourth Battalion, which consists of fire departments in Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Malverne, Rockville Centre and Lakeview, recently held its annual parade and invitational old-fashioned tournament.
Lakeview hosted this year’s festivities, which kicked off with the old-fashioned drill competition on Friday, Sept. 6. The tournament tests the skill, endurance and teamwork of volunteer firefighters as they compete in a series of races. Each race is broken into three categories — ladder, hose and bucket brigade. The winners are determined based on their overall time.
This year, the Rockville Centre Reliance Hose Company No. 3 “Bulldogs” took home the trophy with 10 points overall, tying with the Inwood/Meadowmere “Mud Ducks” for first place. Firefighters with the Third Battalion North secured third-place with eight points, while the Lakeview Fire Department finished fourth with seven points. The East Rockaway Fire Department rounded out the competition with one point.
The two-day event continued on Saturday, Sept. 7, with the annual Fourth Battalion Parade through the streets of Lakeview. A brief, yet torrential downpour would not dampen the spirit of participants as they set off down the parade route. Paradegoers returned outside once the skies clear, eagerly waving and cheering as the procession of fire companies, marching bands and antique fire engines continued down Woodfield Road.
During the parade, a panel of judges carefully evaluated members of participating departments based on the overall appearance of department members, the condition and presentation of the department’s vehicles and the uniformity of their formations. This year, mem-
bers of the Rockville Centre Fire Department earned the top prize for best overall appearance.
Following the parade, everyone was invited back to the Lakeview Fire Department headquarters where the celebration continued with live music, food and drink. It was also a chance for both firefighters and civilians alike to unwind and relax after a long weekend.
The celebration not only honored and recognized the efforts of local volunteer firefighters, it brought together friends, families and neighbors from surrounding communities making it a memorable occasion for everyone involved.
The East Rockaway Fire Department marched through the streets of Lakeview during the annual Nassau County Fourth Battalion Parade on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Christine Rivera/Herald Photos
Members of the Lynbrook Fire Department, led by junior firefighters, participate in the annual Nassau County Fourth Battalion Parade.
Bass player John Gitto of Mean Machine hits the stage.
Following the parade, crowds of people gathered outside Lakeview Fire Department headquarters to enjoy food, drinks and live music.
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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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Rosh Hashanah, a time for gratitude
as we approach Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, we stand at the threshold of a time filled with reflection, renewal, and hope. This sacred season invites us to look back on the year that has passed, to consider our actions and to seek forgiveness from those we may have wronged. It is a time to evaluate our relationships—with ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us.
passion.
Rosh Hashanah is not just a commemoration of the past; it is the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance, a period that culminates in Yom Kippur. This is a unique opportunity for spiritual introspection and personal growth. We are called to embrace the practice of teshuvah, or repentance, which encourages us to turn back to our best selves. In this process, we acknowledge our shortcomings and commit to making amends, fostering healing in our relationships and within our communities.
Central to our Rosh Hashanah observance is the sound of the shofar, the ram’s horn, which calls us to awaken our spirits. Its blasts resonate with a profound message: we are being summoned to reflect deeply on our lives and the impact we have on those around us. The shofar serves as a reminder that change is possible; we can learn from our past and aspire to become better individuals. As the shofar’s echoes fill the air, may they inspire us to embrace new beginnings and challenge ourselves to grow in wisdom and com -
Rosh Hashanah is also a time to express gratitude. We reflect on the blessings in our lives — the gift of family, friendships, and the opportunities we have to make a difference. As we dip apples in honey, we symbolize our hope for a sweet new year, filled with joy, health, and prosperity. May this simple act remind us of the sweetness we can bring to the lives of others through kindness and generosity. As we enter this new year, let us also remember those in need within our communities. Acts of charity, compassion, and support for one another are fundamental to our tradition. Together, we can create a more just and loving world, embodying the values of our faith.
In this spirit, I wish you and your loved ones a year filled with peace, health, happiness, joy and fulfillment. May you find strength in community, joy in your endeavors, the courage to pursue your aspirations, the strength to overcome obstacles, the wisdom to recognize and seize opportunities for growth and inspiration in the journey ahead. Let us step into this new year with open hearts and a commitment to growth, as we work together to build a brighter future for all.
Shanah Tovah U’metukah — may it be a good and sweet year! May we all be inscribed for blessing in the Book of Life.
Rabbi Mickey Baum is the rabbi and director of education at Temple Beth Am of Merrick & Bellmore.
■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/lynbrook or www.liherald.com/eastrockaway
Rabbi Mickey bauM
Jordan Vallone/Herald
Working closely to help neighbors in need are, second from right, Randi Shubin Dresner, Island Harvest Food Bank president and chief executive officer; Legislator Samantha Goetz; Anissa Moore, the deputy county executive; Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman; and County Comptroller Elaine Phillips.
Island Harvest plays big role in food relief in Nassau County
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Randi Shubin Dresner, the president and chief executive officer of Island Harvest Food Bank, joined Nassau County officials last week to promote Hunger Action Month — and suggested ways that residents can give back to those facing food insecurity.
Shubin Dresner, who was named the East Meadow Herald’s Person of the Year in 2012 for her efforts in the community, has worked with Island Harvest since 2001.
Island Harvest is a leading hungerrelief organization, with a stout mission to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island while handling emergency responses for food and other resources across the region.
The organization directly supports a wide network of community-based nonprofit organizations, as well as individuals, veterans’ families and seniors who are in need of support.
“We are a very prosperous county,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said at a Sept. 10 news conference in Mineola, “but we have people in this county who are struggling. We are a county that takes care of those who need a little extra help.”
The county has run programs and held food drives in the past, featuring Long Island stars like Madison Beer, a singer and songwriter from Jericho. The county has also held drives catered around specific holidays, like Thanksgiving, to help those struggling to sit down for a traditional meal.
In addition to Blakeman, county officials who attended the news conference included Elaine Phillips, the county comptroller and a longtime supporter of Island Harvest, Legislator Samantha Goetz, and Anissa Moore, the deputy county executive.
Blakeman declared Sept. 10 “Hunger Action Day” in Nassau County, and provided Shubin Dresner with a citation for the occasion. September is considered Hunger Action Month, and the dome of the Theodore Roosevelt Executive Legisla-
tive Building was lit up in orange to signify the county’s commitment to combating food insecurity.
“Island Harvest is grateful for your partnership,” Shubin Dresner told Blakeman at the news conference. “We have received incredible amounts of funding that has ensured that we can provide important food and services to our neighbors all across Nassau County.”
Shubin Dresner said even though Nassau County has some of the wealthiest residents living within its zip codes in the country, Island Harvest helps more than 100,000 neighbors in need. This year, the food bank expects to distribute 10 millions pounds of food in Nassau County alone, as well as foods to its service partners.
“Who (are) our neighbors in need?” Shubin Dresner said. “Many of the people who are getting food from Island Harvest are working — working sometimes one and two and sometimes three jobs, just to make ends meet.
“Parents who are choosing to eliminate meals for themselves, so that their children can eat three meals a day, and sadly senior citizens who are having to choose between taking medicines or not, so they can save up those medicines and redress some of their funds to buy food for themselves,” she added.
Island Harvest is also dedicated to helping veterans and military families.
“It’s hard to believe there are many, many veterans who are struggling with food insecurity,” Shubin Dresner said.
Nassau County residents can help Island Harvest through its food donor program, which helps form partnerships with retailers to cut back on commercial food waste, by donating food and funds at drives and online, and by volunteering with the organization.
“We’re on the side of action,” Shubin Dresner said. “We are providing support, and importantly, we’re providing 10 million pounds of food so we can be sure that our neighbors don’t have to worry about where their next meal comes from.”
For more information about Island Harvest, and how it helps children, families, seniors and veterans, visit IslandHarvest.org.
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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.
Late heroics propel Lynbrook
By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com
Maybe the Lynbrook girls’ soccer team will change its nickname from the ‘Owls’ to the ‘Comeback Kids’ this season.
The Owls, er, Comeback Kids, are 3-0-1 in their last four games despite allowing the first goal in all of them. They even spotted Island Trees a 2-0 lead on Sept. 18 before rallying to tie on junior Leah Casolaro’s own rebound goal 17:28 into the second half.
Lynbrook moved down to Conference AB2 this season and the switch has worked wonders so far – especially for the offense. In another statistical oddity, the Owls won twice and tied two other contests last season despite scoring just three goals the entire season in AB1. They were shut out 10 times, including a loss to Plainedge in the playoff quarterfinals.
Lynbrook was blanked again 5-0 in the opener against Kellenberg on Sept. 4 but has since outscored the opposition 19-5 after a 6-1 shellacking of Mineola last Saturday.
“We have a really good core returning,” said first-year coach Jenna Crimmins, a former Owl assistant. “I think that helps with experience and maturity and when things get down, they have been stepping up. And overall, we show a lot of grit and don’t quit. And I think because we’ve done it once already, we know that we can come back.”
Casolaro doubled her goal total with a hat trick against Mineola to take over the team lead with six, one ahead of senior Anthonia Edobor. She will carry a fourgame goal scoring streak into this week’s action.
“When she gets the ball and puts her head down, she becomes a real core central force for us,” Crimmins said the day before the Mineola game. “She takes care of the ball and she runs through walls and can finish at the end of the day.”
Edobor also has a four-game goal streak while enjoying her first year as a full-time starter, sophomore Olivia Ramirez has four goals in her last three games – her and senior sister Gaby both scored against Mineola – and freshman midfielder Bella
Sue Grieco/Herald
Sophomore Olivia Ramirez has four goals in the last three games and the Owls have three wins and a draw in their last four.
Tjaden has also been a playmaker with three assists.
Senior midfielder Jacqueline Thayer has a goal and an assist so far and the position will be further bolstered with the return of senior Gabby Meszaros from a hamstring injury. Meszaros had two of the three Owl goals in 2023.
Junior Bella Medrano has a goal this season and sophomore Jessie Vuotto has shined at outside midfielder, while junior Gianna Marafioti provides a spark off the bench at forward/outside midfield. Senior Katy Gottlieb brings leadership to the team.
Junior Ella Carroll also scored against Friends and anchors a defense that also features juniors Addison DiFiore, Maggie Mattera and Payton Stalter and center midfielder Leah Pisano. Freshman Raquelle Vainroob (23 saves) has appeared in each game in goal this season, but senior Cate Jennings, last year’s starter, has also seen plenty of playing time and has stopped 10 shots.
Lynbrook visits first-place Cold Spring Harbor on Friday before hosting Carle Place on Saturday.
Lynbrook music education ranks high in nation
love to see in a group of artists.”
Some of the students have auditioned before, and not been accepted, but this year their commitment paid off.
“They’ve all endured experiences that were triumphant and, at times, humbling,” Wyner said. “They kept on going, and I think that speaks to the resilience that you need to have when pursuing your passion.”
Wyner sees their success as an opportunity to encourage future students to try their best.
“You like to see good things happen to good people,” he said. “These five are all high-quality individuals that make Lynbrook proud, and I hope that they serve as an inspiration to the younger students to keep pushing yourself.”
The number of Lynbrook High students who are heading to Rochester is impressive, but not unexpected, according to Principal Matt Sarosy.
“To have so many students representing LHS . . . it is something that we’re really quite proud of,” he said.
Lynbrook consistently ranks among the best school districts in the country for music education, according to the National Association of Music Merchants’ 2024 report, which recognizes fewer than 1,000 districts
across the nation.
“For 12 years in a row, Lynbrook has been named as one of the best communities for music education, which is a very impressive national recognition,” Sarosy said.
The school’s Fine and Performing Arts program encompasses orchestra, band and chorus as well as music theory and traditional and digital art.
“It’s not only the traditional band, orchestra and chorus,” Wyner said.
“We’re also very much in the 21st century with this music theory class, where students work on computers to create music.”
Program Director Adrianna Schaefer attributes the students’ success to the efforts of school staff and the support of the Lynbrook community.
“We have a very robust program at Lynbrook High School — we have six different performing ensembles, and top-notch teachers at the helm of each of those courses,” Schaefer said.
“The support of the community, the parents, the interest of the students and the teachers has consistently allowed our students to shine in the music department.”
And, she added, “Lynbrook has a strong past of students being selected to go up to the All-State conference. We’re very proud of that past, and we look forward to continuing it.”
Courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools
the Winter Conference invitees from LHS are, clockwise from upper left, Liam mylan, eric reilly, Jack Ceglie, Brandon Haviken, Sophia Schoen, gianna Longo and molly Schutzman.
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.
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.
Aiden’s brother, Austin, 8, said some
“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.”
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.
“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 Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez gave hitting pointers to the kids who attended the free baseball clinic at the Lou Anthony Sports Complex in Massapequa.
Over 30,000 fans packed into the fields around the theatre to watch the free
Steve Aoki fans ‘get caked’ at Eisenhower Park
Nassau County welcomed worldrenowned DJ Steve Aoki last weekend at its Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park — drawing a crowd of over 30,000 fans who came out for an energetic show that closed out the county’s summer concert series.
Aoki is a well-known music producer and entrepreneur — famous for his highenergy performances and crowd interaction. He’s known for throwing cakes into the audience, crowd-surfing on inflatable rafts, and delivering electric dance music sets. Aoki has released numerous studio albums, including “Neon Future” and “Kolony,” collaborating with artists from different genres. His style of music makes him a versatile figure in the EDM scene.
In addition to his music career, Aoki runs his own record label, Dim Mak,
which has launched the careers of several major artists. He’s also involved in philanthropic efforts, notably through the Aoki Foundation, which supports brain research and other charitable causes. Aoki’s concerts are usually packed with high-octane visuals, lights, and sounds that create a festival-like atmosphere.
“30,000 people came out last night Steve Aoki at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater in Eisenhower Park,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman wrote on his Facebook page. “Thank you to our sponsor NYU Langone Health. And thank you to our law enforcement and first responders for keeping everyone who attended safe during the concert.”
—Jordan Vallone
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Justine Stefanelli/Herald Photos
Legendary DJ, music producer and entrepreneur Steve Aoki took to the stage in Eisenhower Park last week — entertaining a package house at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.
show, sponsored by NYU Langone Health.
Climb aboard
Children of all ages got to climb on and in multiple first responder vehicles at Touch a Truck Day at Greis Park in Lynbrook on Sept. 14.
Ambulances, fire and police trucks where there for fun and to
and in all the trucks
learn as the corresponding emergency medical technicians, firefighters and law enforcement officials explained the intricacies of each vehicle.
— Jeffrey Negrin
Holden Leeds/Herald photost
The Monaco family, James, left, Lucas, 4, Chase, 2, Brady, 1and Jamie by the Lynbrook Fire Department’s hook and ladder truck.
Alex Laporte, 7, got a birds eye view of what it look like from the driver’s seat of a Lynbrook Police Department vehicle with officer Robinson.
Paul Luzzi, 8, got to know what it feels like inside the cabin of a construction vehicle at Touch a Truck Day.
New York State police officer Rabul Allen showed Gaeille Alcivar, 9, and Zehavah Alcivar his patrol vehicle.
Benjamin Miller, 8, and Harrison Miller, 3, appeared to be having fun inside a Freeport village police vehicle.
Freeport officer Michael Kennedy and Lynbrook Police Chief Brian Paladino kept on eye on the kids.
Nassau Democrats allege misuse of taxpayer dollars
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Democratic leaders in the Nassau County legislature have filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging that the Sept. 18 campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Nassau County amounted to an illegal, unreported campaign contribution from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, using taxpayer money.
Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the minority caucus’s leader, was joined by Legislator Debra Mulé and Legislator Seth Koslow, both Democrats, at a news conference on Sept. 19. The complaint sent says that taxpayer-funded resources, totaling over $1 million, were put towards supporting the partisan political event.
“It has come to our attention, and it has been verified, that over a million dollars in overtime was spent yesterday,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “This is hard earned taxpayer money from Nassau County families. This includes items for things like hundreds of police that attended the rally, as well as other municipal employees, ranging from the Department of Public Works to the Parks Department.”
DeRiggi-Whitton said the democratic caucus fully supported the idea of keeping the former president safe. “That is absolutely not in question,” she said. “(But) this is taking money away from other services we really could use.”
At a security briefing ahead of Wednesday’s rally, Blakeman told reporters that the county budgets for large events — such as the rally — to mitigate the potential financial stress it could place on county resources, like police.
Jordan Vallone/Herald Legislator Seth Koslow, with Legislator Delia DeRiggiWhitton, 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.
“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-hour-long 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.”
“I’ve been an elected official for 18 years,” she said. “We didn’t agree to this expense, and that’s why we’re here today, to state that we think we should be reimbursed. But to get so personal — with such horrible suggestions or thoughts — I’m shocked by it and I’m offended by it.”
Wishing Our friends and Neighbors a Joyous and Sweet New Year
Mayor Alan Beach
Deputy Mayor Michael Hawxhurst
Trustee Ann Marie Reardon
Trustee Robert Boccio
Trustee Michael Habert
News briefs
Reilly named a scholar artist
The Long Island Arts Alliance named Lynbrook High School senior Eric Reilly a Scholar Artist for the 2024-2025 school year. He was recognized at the Sept. 4 Board of Education meeting.
The alliance is dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts and culture sector across Long Island. Advocating for the arts, educating people on the
arts and by holding public program, the LIAA aims to enhance what the organization called “the cultural vitality of the region,” helping to ensure that arts and creativity are essential to the lives of all Long Islanders.
— Jeffrey Bessen
Courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools
Lynbrook High School senior Eric Reilly was named a Long Island Arts Alliance Scholar Artist. At the far left is Superintendent Paul Lynch, reilly, and Board of Education Trustees Leslie Deninno and Andrew Lewner.
Unreserved J U dgment
Sounds of (non) Silence
In my day, before both items became obsolete, it was chalk scratching across a blackboard. Now, it’s a cell phone (or watch) going off during a concert or show. Either way, each is an example of a sound found universally annoying by those forced to endure what is collectively deemed “noise pollution.”
While some sounds, like the above, are obvious and include dripping faucets and metal garbage cans rattling in the early morning and printers continuously beeping to let you know they’re out of ink ‘till you’re out of your “beeping” mind, most annoying sounds are more subtle; yet often, just as annoying.
on G oldman
Such audio agonies include: sheets of paper being torn from a notebook... snoring... predawn leaf blowers ... cicadas ... each whistling breath drawn by the guy next to you who needs to blow his nose ... cars (and babies) without mufflers ... audible, but indiscernible, conversations ... trucks backing up ... broken doorbells ... whining ... car alarms that nobody shuts and to which nobody responds... dentists’ drills... glass breaking ... drawers that need oil ... construction before eight a.m. ... singing along by those who do, but shouldn’t ... squirrels on the roof (or worse, in the attic)
Subways screeching to a halt ... vacuum cleaners ... the ticking of a clock (for those who remember when clocks ticked and tocked) ... cats crying in the night ... katz crying in the day ... motorcycles in residential areas ... sneakers on a gym floor... untuned instruments tuning ... windshield wipers on a dry windshield ... little kids banging on the piano (or drum or plate or other little kids) ... hairdryers ... radio stations fading as you drive beyond the range of frequency... train horns ... Jack hammers ... squeaky shoes ... mumbling ... sirens at twelve-noon ... newspaper pages being turned ... your neighbor’s pool equipment (never your own) ... music played (and replayed and replayed) when you’re placed on hold ... wedding bands (the orchestra, not the rings) ... too loud or too close ... the snapping of chewing gum... the clicking of pens (by those who still use them)... unanswered tea kettles... people yelling “hello, hello” into an obviously disconnected telephone line... and perhaps, the most annoying of all:
The ‘yes” of the coward, the ‘no” of a loved one, and the politicians “maybe.”
© 2024 Ron Goldman
news brIefs
New educators welcomes to Lynbrook
Shanah Tovah
Wishing You a Happy, Healthy New Year
fr om the HERJC Family
Rabbi Michel Schlesinger
Hazzan Bonnie Zakarin
Jason Melzer, President
New hires — Alyssa Andjelovic, Amanda O’Sullivan, Ashley Martin, Carly Tansky, Ciara Gordon, Jessica Doria, Kara Maguire, Kerrin Barry, Kristin Ryan, Kyle Sliwak, Marisa McKay, Michelle Wang, Natacha Boyce, Rachel Cassano, Susan Moscheni, Matthew Renz, Michael Cerbelli and Thomas Rochford — 18 — were individually introduced by Lynbrook school district trustees at the Board of Education meeting on Sept. 4.
Rosh
— Jeffrey Bessen
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.
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.
THE Your Neighborhood
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.
Tribute concert Plaza
Theatricals’ tribute series continues, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2:30 p.m., with Shades of Buble. An exciting trio brings the swinging standards and pop hits of Michael Bublé to the stage in an unforgettable high-energy event. This act consistently wows audiences with their harmonies, smooth choreography and charming good looks.
Enjoy big-band standards from the jazz era, classic hits from the 1950 through ‘70s, as well as today’s chart toppers in this high-energy show that generates standing ovations from sold-out crowds. See the show at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.
Hempstead House tour
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Wednesday, oct. 9, noon-1 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot 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.
Oktoberfest Kids Fun Run
Participate in the inaugural Lynbrook Fun Run, sponsored by Assemblyman Brian Curran, Saturday, Sept. 28, at 2 p.m. Register at the Lynbrook Fire Department headquarters on Wright Ave. Cost is $20 per runner. Every runner receives a free t-shirt and admission into the Oktoberfest festivities at Greis Park. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Mary Ruchalski Foundation.
East Rockaway Homecoming
Experience the spirit of community pride and tradition at East Rockaway High School Homecoming, as students, alumni, and the community gather together to celebrate. The festivities kick off with the High School Pep Rally, Friday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m., followed by the annual Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Sept. 28, starting from Memorial Park.
The parade features ERHS cheerleaders, marching bands and many enthusiastic students, parents and boosters. Then watch student-athletes with the ERHS varsity football team take on Carle Place in the annual Louis Cosenza Scholarship Game at 3 p.m. at the East Rockaway High School Sports Complex. 443 Ocean Ave., East Rockaway.
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. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.
Lynbrook
Village presents Oktoberfest
Celebrate the German tradition of Oktoberfest, Saturday, Sept. 28, 3-8 p.m. at Greis Park. With bands, brats, beers, rides, games and kids activities. Admission is $10 per adult and $5 per child. Cash only. 55 Wilbur St. For more information visit LynbrookVillage.net.
Having an event?
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program returns for a new season, Saturday, Sept. 28, 9, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.
Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition spans various world cultures through a range of media.
It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
On stage
Adelphi University’s Theatre Department present two one-act plays from icons of the American Little Theater movement, of the early 20th century, now through Sunday, Sept. 29. See “Suppressed Desires” by Susan Glaspell and “George Cram Cook and Seaweed” by Alice Gerstenberg, Sept. 26-27, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 28, 2 and 7:30 p.m. (livestream available); Sept. 29, 2 p.m. Gerstenberg’s Seaweed explores the future prospects and dating escapades of 20somethings in the 1920s. It’s “Sex and the City” but only four years after women received the right to vote. Suppressed Desires brings the audience into a 1914 marriage where a husband, wife, and her sister interrogate the psychological meaning of every conscious and unconscious utterance. All shows take place in Adelphi’s Performing Art Center’s Black Box Theatre. $25, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
CELEBRATING
At the re-establishment meeting of the South Shore Women’s Alliance, fliers were distributed outlining what the group’s goals are ahead of the upcoming election. The group plans to advocate for the passing of Proposition 1, which will be on New York ballots this November.
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
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
WILMINGTON TRUST, NA, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE F/B/O HOLDERS OF STRUCTURED ASSET
MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II INC., BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST 2007-3, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3, Plaintiff AGAINST SONIA F. GARNES AKA SONIA GARNES, ORLANDO FINDLAYTER
INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF YVETTE FINDLAYTER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 23, 2019, I, the
undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 22, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 67 Lawrence Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 54, Lot 219. Approximate amount of judgment $516,776.20 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index
South Shore Women’s Alliance holds re-es tablishment meeting
Taking on nonpartisan issues ahead of election
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The South Shore Women’s Alliance has reconvened ahead of the 2024 election, and held its re-establishment meeting at the Merrick Golf Course’s Clubhouse on Sept. 18. The nonpartisan group has previously worked on a variety of topics and policies, and hopes to educate voters about Proposition 1, which will be on New York ballots in November.
The women’s alliance was first formed in 2017, following the Women’s March in Washington D.C., which was held the day after former president Donald Trump’s inauguration. Originally founded as a democratic women’s caucus, the group transitioned into what it is today — a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates for issues important to not only women, but all voters in general. This is done through partnerships and activities with students, informative panels, and fundraisers for things that the group supports.
June. New York’s Attorney General Letitia James said it was “a huge victory in our efforts to protect our basics rights and freedoms.”
“We will continue to do everything in our power to protect these rights and ensure everyone can live safely and freely in the great State of New York,” James said.
Because the women’s alliance is nonpartisan, it can work with groups like the New York Civil Liberties Union, the League of Women Voters, and New Yorkers for Equal Rights, to spread the word about the amendment, and encourage people to vote to pass it.
“Many women really want to push for this amendment,” Borecky said, “because most people don’t know about it.”
Borecky’s hope is that as the election quickly approaches, members of the South Shore Women’s Alliance can begin connecting with different, nonpartisan groups, and see how it can get involved.
#003213/2017. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. George Esernio, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-000730 82244 148978 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE CWABS, INC., ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-4, Plaintiff AGAINST NATASHA GAY SWAN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 1, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on
October 29, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 570 Broadway, Apt. 19B AKA 570 Broadway, Apt. 19B, Unit 116, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, State of New York, Section 42, Block E, Lot 134.11/116. Approximate amount of judgment $372,223.43 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611022/2018. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-003883 82413 149122
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at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
At the meeting, Claudia Borecky, the group’s president, said in the past, the group organized a response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018; hosted a speaker to discuss health care initiatives in New York; organized rallies against abortion bans; and held fundraisers for groups like Planned Parenthood.
Attendees at last week’s meeting hailed from the Merrick-Bellmore area, East Meadow, Baldwin, Freeport, Levittown, Wantagh, Seaford and the Five Towns.
A highlight of previous work, Borecky said, was when the group invited lawyers from the South Shore to sponsor a program called “Not Me,” which grew out of the “Me Too” movement, that had been gaining momentum at the time.
“(It) included three, strong, empowering women speakers who discussed how to have a healthy relationship, consent and boundaries,” Borecky recounted.
What drove the re-establishment of the South Shore Women’s Alliance, Borecky said, is Proposition 1. It’s an amendment to the state’s constitution, aimed at ensuring equal rights to all under law.
The current equal protection clause in the state’s constitution already prohibits discrimination based on “race, color, creed or religion.” The amendment will allow New York voters to include additional classifications that people cannot be discriminated against, such as ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
The decision to include the amendment on this year’s ballot came in mid-
“Most of these groups are already working on it,” Borecky said. “Now we’d like to help, and then we have action to take. It’ll be a coalition of all collations working together.”
On an agenda distributed to attendees, the alliance outlined some goals for outreach the group can take, including meeting with the civil liberties union, the League of Women Voters, New Yorkers for Equal Rights, LGBTQ groups and Planned Parenthood. The alliance also wants to increase visibility for the proposition, through things like lawn signs, fliers and facts sheets, and press releases ahead of the election in November.
The group cited Amber Nicole Thurman’s case — a 28-year-old from Georgia — that died after a hospital was unable to perform necessary, life-saving care following an abortion, as a reason why New Yorkers should support the amendment. Proposition 1 would codify that women cannot be discriminated against based on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, and protect access to reproductive health care, by making sure that politicians can’t pass bans or restrict health care options.
The message the women’s alliance wants to put out is simple: “Turn the page, and vote ‘Yes’ on Proposition 1.” The proposition will be listed on the back of all ballots, meaning voters need to remember to flip it over and vote on a decision.
Responsibilities and plans of action were decided on among meeting attendees, and the group has already begun to communicate with other organizations that are supportive of Proposition 1. To stay up to date on the women’s alliance, and learn about the group’s plans moving forward, visit its Facebook page, South Shore Women’s Alliance at Facebook.com/SouthShoreWomensAlliance.
Jordan Vallone/Herald
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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
Wcarefully 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
Bigotry must not
ith 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.
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.
dominate
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.”
this election
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.
JERRY KREMER
HeraLd editoriaL
Deadly Wild West in our backyard
One 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.
to burn our future while individuals
gy system that allows everyone to
LISA KONRAD
A better idea than the original congestion pricing plan
Yes, I think we can all agree that New York City’s roads are too crowded, the air is too polluted, and a lot of money is needed to improve mass transit, but the plan to charge commuters $15 to enter manhattan — on top of the tolls they’re already paying — that was recently put on hold by Gov. Kathy Hochul isn’t the way to go. The additional expense wouldn’t affect the rich, but it would clobber the middle class and working poor, who are already overburdened by high taxes.
Proponents say that the plan would push commuters to take the train. Well, have you seen how much train tickets cost these days? From my village of Sea Cliff, a round-trip ticket to manhattan
is $29. And, of course, that fee doesn’t include parking. And for some folks, like my friend Charlotte Abelson, who owned an upholstery business and worked into her 80s, commuting daily into the city, it was not feasible for her to lug her wares onto the Long Island Rail Road.
And there are some communities that don’t have train service at all.
HThe original congestion pricing plan would create a staggering bureaucracy. Since it was announced, more than 130 groups have petitioned to be exempt or to be charged a reduced fare. (If their claims are accepted, who would make up the difference for revenue lost?). Small businesses and Broadway producers have testified that the plan would hurt. Companies have declared that they would send their trucks through Bronx neighborhoods to avoid paying the new tolls — which I am sure would not delight the people
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
living there.
But there is a solution: Instead of the original congestion pricing plan, let’s severely cut the price of a train ticket. I can testify from personal experience how this would be a success. I’ve always loved manhattan, but the cost to go into the city became too prohibitive, so I limited my jaunts to special occasions.
ow about drastically reducing the price of an LIRR ticket instead of hiking tolls?
But then, three years ago, I turned 65. While I wasn’t ecstatic about becoming a senior citizen, it did have a nice benefit: half-price tickets on the LIRR! So my old $29 ticket is now $14.50 — still a tad high, but much better. I go in to manhattan at least once a week now. And I’m helping the city’s economy: I see a show, I eat in a restaurant, I attend concerts and book signings. Indeed, since I’m going in more often than I did before, I’m adding more money to help rebuild mass transit.
And it seems that Governor Hochul likes my plan — though she might not realize it. Traffic around Kennedy Airport has gotten worse because of construction going on, so Hochul has cut the price of an AirTrain ticket in half, from $8.50 to $4.25, as a way to induce travelers to leave their vehicles at home and reduce the traffic around the airport. And it’s working. Way to go, Governor!
So let’s extend this idea to the railroad: Dramatically cut the price of an LIRR ticket. Commuters would leave their cars at home, traffic entering the city would be reduced, air pollution would decrease, and there would be lots of revenue to improve mass transit. A win-win for everyone.
Saul Schachter is a retired social studies teacher and freelance writer whose essays have appeared in Newsday, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and The Miami Herald as well as in a 2020 collection entitled, “Why Does My Social Life Pick Up When I Leave the Country?”
Framework courtesy Peter Moran
scope. Adding anything to the Constitution is a very big deal, since changing our minds after the fact may be very difficult in practice. Voters need to understand the complexities before casting a vote.
Personally, I’d have no issue with the amendment if it granted equal rights and equal protection to everyone regardless of “race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, or religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression” — but it doesn’t stop there. The final clause gives women an unlimited right to abortion on demand, regardless of the stage of gestation.
While many argued for or against the removal of “reproductive freedom” as guaranteed by Roe v. Wade, most would agree that abortion has been a hotly debated topic. As such, I do not feel it should be part of a bigger amendment like Prop 1. Instead, let’s get Prop 1 passed without its final clause, and then allow ample discussion time before trying to get a separate amendment passed that deals exclusively with whether a woman’s “right to privacy” trumps the right to life of the unborn, and if so, when?
PAm SINGER Malverne
Soaking in the Secret Lagoon hot springs — Fludir, Iceland
