Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald photos
Music teacher Jodi Abrams and the Theatre Within team led a class of fifth-graders through the verse they added to John Lennon’s song “Real Love.”
Celebrating John Lennon’s musical legacy
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com
West End Elementary welcomed musicians from Theatre Within, in Lynbrook, to celebrate John Lennon’s legacy with a songwriting workshop on Oct. 10, a day after what would have been the Beatles star’s 84th birthday.
for the workshop.
“It’s been a really valuable experience to have the teaching artists from JLRPL come in and remind students what life is really all about,” Abrams said, “which is finding love in every aspect of life.”
Beth and Scott Bierko explained important ingredients of song creation to West end students, including writing and rhyming lyrics, and rhythm.
During the workshop, called the John Lennon Real Love Project, fifth-grade students worked together to create their own lyrical verses inspired by Lennon’s song “Real Love,” and then instructors from Theatre Within recorded their performances. Recordings from different classes will be edited together into one montage, representing the unity that the song promotes.
I ’m really proud of my students for sharing their thoughts and ideas.
JoDI ABRAmS
Music and chorus teacher, West End Elementary School
Music and chorus teacher Jodi Abrams, who has taught music at West End for two years, prepared her students
A class taking part in JLRPL begins with teachers showing students a video about Lennon’s life and his impact on music, and introducing them to the song “Real Love.”
The Theatre Within organization has supported creative performers since 1962. In 1981, shortly after Lennon’s death, Theatre Within began holding tribute concerts to honor his musical vision. The group expanded this effort in 2021, creating the Real Love Project, which the Lynbrook School District fully embraced.
“I’m so grateful to be in a district like Lynbrook, where ConTinued on pAge 7
New high school record: 50 AP scholars
East Rockaway High School is celebrating a landmark achievement, as 50 students have earned the prestigious Advanced Placement Scholar distinction, setting a new record for the district. This milestone underscores the school’s commitment to academic excellence and the dedication of its students.
These wards are given to students who have demonstrated exceptional college-level achievement on AP exams. The tests are highly challenging, and earning this distinction is a testament to the students’ hard work, dedication, and intellectual growth.
Along with the standard AP Scholar recognition, several students have earned higher distinctions:
AP Scholars with Honor: Awarded to students who have averaged a score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scored 3 or higher on four or more exams.
AP Scholars with Distinction: Given to students who have averaged a score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scored 3 or higher on five or more exams.
East Rockaway High’s growing success in the AP program reflects the district’s efforts to expand AP course offerings and provide additional support for students striving for academic excellence.
The AP program allows students to engage in college-level coursework and earn college credit while still in high school, preparing them for the rigor of post-secondary education.
“Congratulations to our 50 AP Scholars,” school officials noted in a news release. “Your achieve -
ments make us proud and set a standard of excellence for future students. This record is a reflection of your hard work and determination.”
The 50 AP Scholars:
AP Scholars with Distinction
Braeden T. Abamonga ‘25, Isabella M. DeCunzo ‘25, Everett J. Gamache ‘24, Joey Lu ‘25, Kevin J. Lynch ‘24, Kieran E. Lynch ‘24, Hailey J. Velasquez ‘24, Louis S. Perri ‘24
AP Scholars with Honor
Anthony Becker ‘25, Sugar Helena A. Constant ‘25, Sarah-Kate M. Giarrizzo ‘24, Erin E. Lynch ‘25, Andres Mezquita ‘25, Katarina E. Nunez ‘25, Elizabeth Ruggiero ‘24, Gabriella M. Schaefer ‘25, Mickayla E. Sharkey ‘25
AP Scholars
Julia C. Agro ‘25, Nicholas A. Bey ‘26, Andrew Chen ‘26, Kylie R. Curtis ‘25, Jacob Eckstein ‘25, Julia A. Giannotti ‘25, Jehanie C. Jacquet ‘24, Peter Kaplan ‘24, Tristen J. Latchman ‘25, Ava M. LaVolpe ‘24, Colin P. Lazaro ‘24, James M. Lewald ‘25, Kaitlyn S. Lewald ‘25, William T. Lewald ‘24, Sarah Lonergan ‘25, Mia A. Monteleone ‘25, Sarah I. O’Moore ‘24, Leah I. Ortega Herrera ‘24, Christian M. Pannullo ‘24, Sophia Pappas ‘25, Timothy R. Poland ‘25, Johnna Rodriguez ‘24, Axel Ruiz ‘24, Jack P. Sauer ‘24, Shannon G. McMahon ‘25, Zain Tariq ‘24, Sheva Visarra ‘24, Yihan Wang ‘26, Madison Watson ’25, Olivia G. Yagnisis ‘24
— Jeffrey Bessen
Courtesy of East Rockaway Union Free School District East Rockaway High School has a record 50 Advanced Placement students. Above, Principal Richard Schaffer at the district meeting highlighting its achievements and plans for continued growth on Sept. 18.
Harvest Festival yields a fun time for all
The annual St. John-Incarnation Lutheran Church Harvest Festival in Lynbrook was a joyful gathering for the community last month. Families and children enjoyed flower sales, pumpkins, a photo booth, and a 50/50 raffle.
All proceeds and donations were directed to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the New Life Center, and other local organizations, making the event not only fun but also impactful for those in need.
Tunnel to Towers, also known as T2T, is a charitable organization founded to honor New York Fire Department firefighter Stephen Siller, who was killed on Sept. 11, 2001 during the 9/11 attacks. The foundation helps families of Sept. 11, first responders and veterans rebuild in part from funds raised through nationwide charity runs.
More than 5,000 babies are born each year at NYU Langone Hospital — Long Island’s New Life Center, according to the Mineola-based Hospital. The labor and delivery unit applies a family-centered approach to childbirth with care, officials noted on the medical facility’s website.
— Jeffrey Bessen
Judy Posimator painted colorful face paint designs
Jane French.
Maureen Lennon/Herald photos
Jacky and Steve Perazzo, vendors at the St. John-Incarnation Lutheran Church Harvest Festival, have some ‘Best Smelling’ scented soaps.
John Schmitt, owner of John’s Unique Birdhouses, handcrafts an assortment of diverse decorated birdhouses and bat houses from several different types of woods.
Raffle tickets sold well at the ticket table, with the help of Heidi Scalza, left, Janet Powell and Andrea Sommella.
The Prayer Tree Table had several types of comforting thoughts and prayers to share with loved one. The Gratitude Tree was growing with many words from loved ones. Pastor Alex Kennedy with Kerri Gercken, left, Margaret Plows, and Janet Pescatore
on
Tax credit initiative is saving newspapers
By AMANDA MOTT
Special
to the Herald
Earlier this year, the Lynbrook-East Rockaway Herald joined over 200 other local newspapers in New York State to launch the Empire State Local News Coalition, which successfully advocated for a state tax credit to support jobs in local newsrooms across the state.
Now, the fruits of this effort are paying off.
Spurred by the Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs Program — the nation’s first tax credit incentivizing hiring at local media outlets — three new local newspapers launched earlier this month in areas previously impacted by newsroom closures in Westchester and on Long Island.
Two of the three Westchester communities that lost their newspapers earlier this year saw the founding of the Rivertowns Dispatch (Ardsley, Hastings-On-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington) and The Recorder (Bedford, Lewisboro, Pound Ridge). A third newspaper, the Floral Park Villager, debuted on Long Island in a community that lost its own weekly paper during the Covid-19 pandemic, further demonstrating the program’s ability to revive local journalism and reestablish connections within these communities.
Karen Sabath and Ed Baum celebrate the successful printing of the Bedford Recorder’s first issue.
ties of Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Ardsley & Dobbs Ferry, New York after our old local newspaper closed earlier this year. We launched the Rivertowns Dispatch because we believe starting with a shared set of facts makes for richer community life, and that newspapers can be fun as well as useful. We are thrilled for the passage of the New York Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs Program because it makes it easier for us to hire full-time, quality journalists to share the news and information our communities want and need. We are so grateful to the Empire State Local News Coalition for its advocacy in bringing urgency to the challenges facing New York’s local media industry.”
“When we support local journalism, our communities win,” said Zachary Richner, founder of the Empire State Local News Coalition and director of Richner Communications, which owns the Long Island Herald newspapers.
“The launch of new local, independent news outlets in Westchester and Long Island is a testament to the momentum created by New York’s passage of the
Estate Planning for the Estranged Child (Part One)
too
with a sad tale about an estranged child. Naturally, they are at a loss as to what to do about the situation when it comes to leaving that child an inheritance.
Years ago, the famous advice columnist Ann Landers wrote that her all time most requested column for reprint was on this very subject. Ann wrote that an inheritance should be considered a gift and that if the gift is not deserved one should not be expected. While that may have been good advice at the time and perhaps still is in most cases, like many things it is more complicated today. In practice, we find that many of these once loving sons and daughters have married individuals with borderline or narcissistic personality disorders. Their spouses are manipulative and controlling. They seek to separate the loving son or daughter from their family so as to better control their spouse. The estranged child knows from experience that going against the wishes of their narcissistic spouse is like throwing gasoline on a fire
so they go along to get along.
Why does this happen? The manipulator has an enormous advantage over the clients’ son or daughter. The manipulator is a professional, having been this way all their life, honing their skills. The estranged son or daughter is an amateur — they have no experience in being manipulated. It may take years for them to even understand they are being manipulated and then more years, if ever, to build up defenses to the manipulation.
When young children are involved, the estranged child well knows the adverse consequences of having any normal relationship with their children should they seek a divorce from the narcissist.
Our advice is to try to understand and be compassionate with an estranged son or daughter in this situation. An Inheritance Protection Trust (IPT), that may only be used for them and your grandchildren, managed by either a sibling or a professional, may be the answer to such a heart-rending situation.
LAW FIRM
nation’s first tax credit for hiring at local media outlets. We started the Empire State Local News Coalition after some of these very communities lost vital news sources earlier this year and are thrilled by this resurgence in a shockingly short amount of time.”
The Empire State Local News Coalition, which represents over 200 New York newspapers, was instrumental in advocating for the program’s inclusion in the State budget, which offers a 50 percent refundable tax credit on the first $50,000 of each employee’s salary, with a cap of $300,000 per business over three years. The passage of this bill aims to help combat the state’s rapid decline in local journalism in New York. The state has lost nearly half of its newspapers and thousands of media jobs over the past two decades.
Publishers of the new newspapers shared their optimism and positive outlook for their industry in light of the Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs program. Allison Schulte, publisher of the Rivertowns Dispatch stated, “We launched the Rivertowns Dispatch to bring back local news to the communi-
Lloyd Trufelman, co-founder and publisher of The Recorder, highlighted the critical role of local news in preserving democracy: “The launch of The Recorder, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom, shows New Yorkers recognize that a healthy democracy depends on access to reliable, quality news sources to stay informed.” Trufelman expressed hope that similar policies would continue to bolster nonprofit news outlets and support a diversified local news ecosystem.
On Long Island, Meg Morgan Norris, publisher of the Floral Park Villager, emphasized the program’s importance in the decision to launch the new paper. “The loss of Floral Park’s longtime newspaper, the Gateway Bulletin, during the Covid-19 pandemic was devastating for this tight-knit community. With the tax credit, there is a path to long-term fiscal stability for outlets like ours,” Norris said.
As local journalism continues to face evolving challenges, the Empire State Local News Coalition and Lynbrook East Rockaway Herald remain committed to advocating for long-term sustainability in the industry so that communities like East Rockaway and Lynbrook have trusted local news sources. These new publications mark a hopeful step forward in the resurgence of local media across New York, with the coalition pushing for continued legislative support to ensure the long-term sustainability of local journalism.
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Courtesy Empire State Local News Coalition
Co-founders Lloyd Trufelman,
Doing what DOESN’T come naturally PERSON TO PERSON
Feeling miserable? It’s natural to wallow in your misery. Angry folks do it by obsessing about the wrongs others have done to them. Sad folks do it by recalling their hurts, disappointments and pain. Worried people do it by anguishing about the next trouble, before it even occurs.
Yes, there’s something to be said for feeling miserable from time to time. If these are your honest emotions, you need to feel them—not deny, repress, distort or suppress them. Indeed, good energy can flow from feeling hot under the collar about wrongs done to you. Though sadness is strongly felt after losing someone you truly care about, yet your sadness does not have to last a lifetime. Worrying about something may well serve the purpose of averting disaster, but only if you truly can do something about whatever concerns you.
That said, there are times when people hold on to these negative feelings too long. They don’t just feel them--they embrace them, cradle
them, exaggerate them---until the feelings transform themselves into an identity. When that happens, they do not just feel angry, sad or worried, they become folks with a chip on their shoulder, despair in their heart or fear in their soul.
If you believe it’s time for you to let go of emotions that have been robbing you of vital energy, I will now offer ideas to guide you on a new path. Do what doesn’t come naturally. Act in a way contrary to how you are feeling! Here are a few examples:
psychWisdom
little, if any, impact on the guilty party. Don’t let too much time elapse before you move from piss and vinegar to kindness and caring. Don’t waste your energy on the one who has wronged you. Instead, calm yourself down and use your energy to do something nice for yourself or someone you care for.
If your co-worker has gotten you so ticked off, that you’d like to wring his neck, you’re entitled to be boiling mad. There’s a time to have a hissy fit, blow a gasket, get bent out of shape. But then there’s a time to let go, to heal, to take care of yourself. If you don’t, your anger will destroy you but have
If you’re down in the dumps, dispirited, sad down to your core, it’s okay to feel this way- for a period of time. However, if you begin to notice that your sadness is transforming you into a pessimistic, depressed, joyless soul, it’s time to act. Though your heart may not be in it, push yourself to go, do, work, play, talk, anything that can get you to see the good in life and bring you peace of mind.
If you’re anxious, apprehensive and uneasy about an upcoming event or
decision, it’s okay to feel worried - for a period of time. However, if your worries are creating constant distress for you or if your comfort zone has shrunk to the size of a postage stamp, it’s time to act differently. Feelings often follow behavior. So, even if you’re on pins and needles about taking a risk, asking a question, taking an action, do it anyway. Do it even as you mutter to yourself, “I gotta be crazy to do this.” Courage is developed by taking an action, despite being frightened.
Yes, it feels counterintuitive to act contrary to the way you feel. But often, that’s exactly what you need to do.
©2024
Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach, and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives, and overcome debilitating anxiety, procrastination, and depression. Contact her at DrSapadin@aol.com. Visit her website at PsychWisdom.com.
Linda Sapadin
CHARLI tesoRIeRe East Meadow 8th grade Soccer
NEW TO VARSITY soccer but no stranger to finding the scoresheet, Tesoriere is a big reason East Meadow is on the verge of earning the Nassau Conference AAA/AA4 crown with 11 wins through its first 12 games. Heading into this week’s action, the eighth-grader ranked tied for the county lead in goals with 22. She’s recorded eight multi-goal games and netted hat tricks against Valley Stream Central (both meetings), Hewlett and Glen Cove.
GAMES TO WATCH
Thursday, Oct. 17
Boys Soccer: Baldwin at Mepham 4:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Sewanhaka at Carey 4:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer: V.S. Central at Long Beach 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Kennedy at South Side 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Uniondale at Freeport 5 p.m.
Boys Volleyball: Wantagh at Lawrence 5:30 p.m.
Boys Volleyball: Calhoun at South Side 6:45 p.m.
Boys Volleyball: Clarke at Plainedge 6:45 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Lawrence at V.S. South 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 18
Football: Hewlett at South Side 6 p.m.
Football: East Meadow at Oceanside 6 p.m.
Football: Baldwin at Jericho 6 p.m.
Football: Island Trees at West Hempstead 6 p.m.
Football: C.S. Harbor at Plainedge 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Football: North Shore at Wantagh 11 a.m.
Football: Lynbrook at Garden City 1 p.m.
Football: Clarke at V.S North 2 p.m.
Football: Farmingdale at Freeport 2 p.m.
Football: Westbury at Uniondale 3 p.m.
Football: Bethpage at Kennedy 3 p.m.
Football: Port Washington at Massapequa 3 p.m.
Nominate a “spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
HERALD SPORTS
Lynbrook claims conference title
By BRAIN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com
The Lynbrook girls’ tennis team recovered from its only mini slump just in time to hold off a surging division rival and claim another conference championship.
After the third doubles team of junior Sofia Svartz and sophomore Camilla Montano rallied to beat their South Side counterparts on Oct. 7 to help secure a 4-3 win, the Owls returned to their dominant selves and cruised past Oceanside and Massapequa by identical 6-1 scores to edge Calhoun for the Conference 2B title.
It was Lynbrook’s first division championship since 2021.
“Our three singles were pretty strong, so we felt like we always had those in the bag,” coach Shari Bowes said. “That kind of put us ahead, and then my doubles did their thing the whole season. It was kind of who was in the correct mindset at that given point and who wanted it more and we just needed to pull through with one doubles team.”
Calhoun finished with eight straight victories to also finish 12-2, but Lynbrook took the tiebreaker as the higher seed. The schools traded 4-3 victories during the regular season, with the Colts handing the Owls their first loss of the campaign during the latter matchup on Sept. 25 to drop them to 8-1.
The defeat sent Lynbrook on a small tailspin as it also lost 4-3 at Kennedy on Oct. 1. Six days later, Svartz and Montano lost the first set to South Side but bounced back to take the last two by 6-2 scores to earn the win.
“They played on clay, so I think that was another factor,” Bowes said. “It takes so many games to get used to clay, not slipping, being able to plant your feet appropriately. And then once you get the hang of it, you’re good to go. They pulled through for us for sure.”
Svartz and Montano went 7-2 this season when teamed together.
The victory would prove to be the difference in winning the conference. The Owls’ singles trio of junior Charlie Travis, senior Kelsey Roth and junior Addison Cooper continued their fine seasons by
Junior Charlie Travis didn’t lose a set this season at first singles en route to a perfect 14-0 record.
sweeping their remaining two matches while the doubles teams combined for three victories in each to clinch the title.
Travis didn’t lose a set this season en route to a perfect 14-0 record. Her play during the team’s preseason tryout tournament, in which she did not yield a single game, may have been a precursor to that performance.
“Tennis has been her life her whole childhood,” Bowes said. “She’s the youngest of three girls, and everyone of her sisters has played for me. Charli is definitely
the best at of all three of them.” Roth also went 14-0 while losing just two sets.
Cooper won her last five matches to finish 10-3. Freshman sister Lily won six matches with junior Marissa Schiller in first doubles and another with Addison against Kennedy on Sept. 16. The second doubles team of junior Kate Shovsky and freshman Cathy Kim won eight times and sophomore Hayley Shapiro and junior Sophia Romanowski split 10 matches in fourth doubles.
Sue Grieco/Herald
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick seeks a second term
By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com
Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick was elected to represent Senate District 9 in 2022. Now she’s seeking re-election to a second term.
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, 58, began her career in public service well before becoming a senator. She’s spent time as a trustee in the Village of Malverne — where she lives — as Malverne’s police and fire commissioner, and as the village’s deputy mayor and budget director. Her late husband, Jim, was the inspiration for launching her political career, and her memories of him continue to drive her.
“He was the commissioner of emergency management for Nassau County, and he died very suddenly in 2011,” she said. “I was appointed to the Malverne Village Board, and I took his spot as a trustee. It launched my political career. He had a mission of public service, of helping people, and he truly is an inspiration.”
She’s proud of the work she’s done so far, but has things she would also like to tackle in a second term. One of them is supporting police.
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick says police need more funding, training, and trust based on their training. She feels her experience as Malverne’s police commissioner gives her insight and experi-
ence that makes her valuable in offering them support. Along those lines, one of the issues that motivated her to run two years ago, which is still a major discussion point, is bail reform and judges’ discretion, and she wants to
continue to work on it.
“One of the first bills I proposed was allowing judges to have discretion,” she said. “I understood that there was a need for the bail laws to change, and I applauded that, but I think they went
too far. So we need to bring it back a little bit toward the middle, so to speak, and give judges discretion.”
She also wants to support small businesses. She says they should be allowed to go on without increased utility rates and increased taxes from the state.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our community. It’s very important to support small businesses,” she said.
She also hopes to offer more support to veterans, more mental health support in schools, and to stop Nassau County from becoming a “sanctuary county” for illegal immigration. She’s also not opposed to offshore wind energy options, but thinks they have to be implemented in a more efficient way than previously attempted. Above all else, though, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick wants people to know who she is.
“I’m a real person, I’m a mom, I’m a business owner, I’m a person who’s lived here my whole life,” she said. “I am trying to help people, listen to their concerns. I do not vote on standard party lines; I vote based on what I think my district needs. My door is always open. If you need help, please come to me.”
Lynch’s campaign ‘has been an eye-opener’
By BRENDAN CARPENTER
bcarpenter@liherald.com
James Lynch is a longtime psychiatrist, helping those struggling with severe mental illness. He has an understanding of what it’s like to be poor, at risk of homelessness and underserved. That made him want to help even more.
Lynch, 59, moved to Stewart Manor in 2007. He spent time as a trustee and deputy mayor for the village, and enjoyed it, but decided he wanted to do more. He thought of Senate District 9, and threw his hat into the ring. Now, he has seen and met people he hadn’t known before, and it has opened his eyes.
“I’ve gone to places in my district that I have not known at all, streets I’ve not known at all, talked to people I’ve not known at all,” Lynch said. “This whole thing has been an eye-opener.”
He hopes to “end one party domination” in Nassau County politics. He hopes to join their ranks, and hold them accountable.
“I’d like to see a change in the tone and the dynamics that don’t exist in Nassau County,” he said. “I don’t think some people are serving us as well as they should.”
Lynch plans to combat climate
Tim Baker/Herald
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick’s challenger, James Lynch, has been active locally as well, as a trustee and deputy mayor of Stewart Manor.
change and the effects it has had on local communities. He supports the development of wind farms, but said he
understands there’s work to be done in terms of community response. He has met with resident of communities —
such as Long Beach — who have pushed back against wind farms, and after meeting with them, he said they have agreed be open to potential wind farms in the future.
He also plans to work to keep taxes from increasing. That’s easier said than done, but he says he is in support of instituting tax caps for homeowners and businesses.
“I support a tax cap,” he said. “Nassau County, Town of Hempstead, my school district, has a tax cap. New York state government, that’s a separate thing to deal with, but that’s how you solve it. It’s only slowing the rate of increase; it’s not stopping or lowering it. So I expect my taxes to stay the same.” Lynch is also against the development of the Sands Casino, and wants to create more jobs around our local universities. Some of the best ideas come from students, he says, and those ideas should be built up and given more opportunities to thrive. He wants to improve the livelihoods of those in the next generation, and wants voters to know he plans to work for everyone.
“I’m a public servant,” he said. “I love where I live, and I’d like to make it better for my kids, not for me. I’m hoping to turn the tide, and I’m not a politician. I’m hoping that that resonates with people.”
Tim Baker/Herald
State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick once served as a Malverne village trustee and as the village’s police and fire commissioner, inspired by her late husband, Jim.
Lynbrook students learn about a music legend
music is prioritized,” Abrams said. “The school community sees a lot of value in music, and how music can be a vehicle for students to explore kindness, respect, self-esteem, love for themselves and each other, and work together like a team.”
The workshop revealed great things about her students, she added.
“I’m really proud of my students for sharing their thoughts and ideas, and being so respectful as they collaborated with each other,” Abrams said. “I’m excited for them to feel accomplished when they get to see themselves in the music video, and to share their talents with the community.”
Theatre Within instructors Beth and Scott Bierko, of Sullivan County in the Catskills, have been married, and worked and performed together, for 32 years.
“It’s been fantastic,” Beth Bierko said. “We both had solo careers in different ways, but it’s been wonderful to find this niche of education, as well as music and songwriting. It’s just a wonderful weave of our talents and doing work that we feel is really meaningful.”
Scott Bierko said he found that the students at West End had an overwhelmingly positive story to tell — one that he hopes can make the future a brighter place.
“One of the things we see in Lynbrook is that this district is really giving kids the tools they need to resolve conflicts and to make those better choices,” he said. “The hope is that if they can do that as children, as they become adults, they can make the world more peaceful, and if we can do our part to reinforce what’s already being done here in the district, we’re very excited and proud
to do that.”
The heart of the workshop is seeing how students interpret Lennon’s lyrics and describe their own experiences in those terms.
“The kids brought up issues that they sometimes have on the playground when they disagree with one another,” Scott Bierko said. “What appeared in the song is how to resolve those — how to talk with one another, how to compromise, how to take turns.”
Theatre Within operates with the support of Yoko Ono and the Lennon estate, which gave the group permission to use Lennon’s recordings of “Real Love” for educational purposes.
“We feel very honored that Yoko has entrusted that to us,” Scott Bierko said. “We’re the only organization worldwide that has that permission.”
“We were big Beatles fans when we were kids, and so sharing John Lennon’s story and his music is important,” Scott added. “But even more important than that is the idea of people feeling comfortable creating, collaborating and writing about something.”
To the Bierkos, Lennon’s easy-going philosophy and positivity are just what young people need to hear. “John Lennon used his music to change the world, and we hope these kids know that their creativity and their collaboration can do the same,” Scott said. “I really think that the values that John espoused — love, peace and equality — are timeless. Any way that we can bring those back into communities is really meaningful.”
The JLRLP workshop program is offered not only to public elementary and middle schools, but also to crisis centers and cancer patients. To learn more, go to Theatrewithin.org.
help young
write and perform their own songs.
CONQUERING HEALTH CARE’S GREATEST OBSTACLES. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.
Curing a rare heart disorder with a short life expectancy.
Performing a life-changing brain surgery— without a single incision.
Helping a new mom give birth and receive a new liver.
At Northwell’s North Shore University Hospital, the nation’s most brilliant minds come here to conquer health care’s greatest challenges. So that whatever comes through our doors: challenge accepted.
North Shore University Hospital
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald Scott and Beth Bierko have been musicians for over 30 years, and use their singing skills to
people learn how to
County’s Jewish community unites for Israel
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
The mood was somber at Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre last week, where hundreds gathered on Oct. 7 to commemorate the first anniversary of the attacks against Israel. As local and congressional leaders, alongside rabbinical figures from across Nassau County, stood united in reflection, the crowd listened with to messages of resilience — an urgent call to combat rising antisemitism — and a collective resolve to move forward with strength and unity.
WPrior to opening remarks, made by Congressmen Anthony D’Esposito, Tom Suozzi and Nick LaLota, a Color Guard was presented by members of the Nassau County Police Department and the Jewish War Veterans, while Shulem Lemmer, a well-known Hasidic recording artist, sang both the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Hatikvah,” the Israeli national anthem.
e need to continue fighting, because we must see them home.
IRA KOhLER
Veteran Israel Defense Forces
D’Esposito emphasized the need for the U.S. to fund Israel in its campaign against terrorism in the Middle East, as well as the need to combat antisemitism at home.
“We need leadership in the House of Representatives to begin to root out antisemitism and evil in every corner of this nation,” he said.
“Israel’s willingness to fight this is battle, is a battle that they’re fighting not just for them and their survival,” Suozzi said. “It’s for us as well, because the same people that want to kill the Jews, the same people that want to destroy Israel, also want to destroy the United States of America as well, and they’re fighting on our behalf.”
County Executive Bruce Blakeman recalled the moment he received word of the attacks in Israel last year, and said he immediately instructed Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder to mobilize the Nassau County Police Department, and send them to every synagogue and “make sure they’re safe and secure.”
Several speakers remarked on the fact that there are still known hostages in Gaza — including Americans, and Long Islanders, such as Omer Neutra, who’s from Plainview.
The event was coordinated through Nassau County’s work with the Jewish Community Relations Council, led by Mindy Perlmutter. She said 22 Jewish organizations — that make up the Long Island Jewish Coalition — meet regularly to share what they’re doing, and how they can support each other’s goals.
“This coalition, along with our county executive and his office, organized this evening’s program to recall, reflect and comfort each other as we remember those who were massacred — demand that our hostages be released — and emphasize that Israel has a right to exist and defend herself,” Perlmutter said.
Several Israel Defense Forces veterans spoke, including Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip, and Ira Kohler, who recently completed his military service in Israel. Kohler is a Schechter School graduate, and is friends with Neutra.
Even though it’s been a year since the attacks, Kohler said people — like his friend — are still living in a “dark day.”
“This day will only come to an end for him in one of two ways — he will either have the opportunity to run to his mother, or we will watch his mother bury him in the ground and say her final goodbyes,” he said. “And for that — we need to continue fighting, because we must see them home.”
Bruce Blakeman, the first Jewish county executive in Nassau County, reflected on the county’s ability to mobilize first responders immediately after the attacks, to ensure the safety of Jewish constituents.
Ira Kohler, an Israel Defense Forces veteran, reflected on why the campaign must continue in the Middle East, to ensure the safety of the Israeli people and the release of hostages taken by Hamas.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Hundreds packed onto the fields of Eisenhower Park last week to reflect on the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 attacks against Israel. Many held Israel flags in support.
Hasidic recording artist Shulem Lemmer sang the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ and ‘Hatikvah,’ the Israeli national anthem.
During moving musical performances and ceremonial interludes, gatherers held candles in solidarity with Israel.
Dribbling towards another championship
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
The Lawrence Woodmere Academy’s boy’s varsity basketball team is now seeing double.
Coming off of a victory in the Private School Athletic Association basketball championship in February, Coach and Director of Woodmere’s LWA Hank Williams Sr. created another varsity basketball team.
“I brought in Tiny to coach another team to bring in enrollment and to recruit good players, I had to rebuild most of my team but his team will be entirely new,” Williams Sr. said. “The two teams will play at the same varsity level and have opportunities to play better teams.”
The team beat Stony Brook School 66-54 at Stony Brook University, taking home their ninth PSAA championship and the first in seven years.
Hank Williams Jr., who was a freshman at the time, took home the PSAA playoff Most Valuable Player award.
“The best part about winning the championship, is being recognized for our skill set individually, as a team and our coaches leadership,” Williams Jr. said.
Having this experience as a freshman will help Williams Jr. grow as a player and lead the new players on the team, he said.
“The comparison from last year and this year is developing with new players with the same excitement to win,” Williams Jr. said. “We get to set examples as a championship team through hard work and discipline.”
The two basketball teams will not be participating in the PSAA this season, but instead as independent teams, which will open up the opportunity to play new teams they have never faced before, Williams Sr. said.
“Our goal this year is to be undefeated, I want to raise the bar for our school’s competitive reputation,” Wil-
liams Jr. said.
Hank Williams Sr. will continue coaching the team, and Dwayne “Tiny” Morton will coach the new team.
Morton comes from being head coach at Abraham Lincoln High School for 19 seasons and teaching math in New York City for 27 years.
“I am looking forward to playing alongside some of the best new players from LI and the city and to be undefeated again,” Williams Jr. said. “It’s exciting to have coach Tiny with my dad (Williams Sr.), it will be next level basketball with both of their experiences this year.”
Williams Sr.’s team will consist of eight players, while Morton’s has 11.
“We lost five seniors, but we have a good nucleus com-
ing back to play again, which puts us in the position to play good again,” Williams Sr. said.
William’s Sr. reached out to Morton to come and recruit new players, create his own team, increase enrollment and bring positive attention to Lawrence Woodmere Academy.
“He’s already recruited one of the top New York City guards, transfers from the Bronx, and the brother of Jonathan Kuminga, who plays for the Golden State Warriors,” Williams Sr. said.
Both teams are stacking up and working hard to be the best they can, Williams Sr. said.
“Lawrence Woodmere Academy is the best kept secret in the Five Towns,” Williams Sr. said.
Courtesy Hank Williams Sr.
Hank Williams Sr., director of Lawrence Woodmere Academy, second from left, with the 2023-2024 Lawrence Woodmere Academy varsity basketball team. The team took home the championship for the Private School Athletic Association in Feb. 2024.
Curran talks taxes, crime and affordability
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Assemblyman Brian Curran is looking to extend his tenure as the representative for New York’s 21st Assembly District in next month’s election. A lifelong resident of Lynbrook, he took office in 2022, after narrowly defeating thenincumbent Judy Griffin by a margin of just 138 votes.
During his time in office, Curran has been active in negotiating a new inflation factor for foundation aid funding, which is essential for public school districts across the state. His efforts were particularly vital when Gov. Kathy Hochul’s executive budget proposal threatened to reduce aid and eliminate the “save harmless” program, potentially impacting schools in East Rockaway and Oceanside. Additionally, Curran has successfully advocated for funding to expand universal pre-K programs and enhance public safety and mental wellness initiatives.
At a roundtable discussion hosted by the Herald on Oct. 4, Curran identified his top priorities as taxes, crime, affordability, and quality-of-life issues. He highlighted concerns over rising utility costs, child care expenses, and inflation, which he believes have significantly impacted residents’ financial stability.
Curran pointed to recent utility rate hikes by National Grid, Liberty Water, and PSEG, attributing them to policies established in Albany, particularly the
2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. He criticized the act for its “unrealistic” timeline and expectations, stating, “Everybody wants clean water, air, and environment. I think it was a bad plan with the best of intentions, but it’s a bad plan.”
Addressing other local issues, Curran expressed concerns over increasing airplane noise and congestion pricing. He noted that air traffic over his district has surged, with the FAA reporting a fourfold increase in flights compared to the previous year. “They couldn’t explain why,” he said, emphasizing the frustration among residents. Curran has supported legislation for a health study on airplane noise, although he noted that findings have yet to be released.
On school safety, Curran advocates for increased funding for resource officers.
“You should always have a presence at the school that can detect, alert, and respond to emergencies,” he asserted. He has collaborated with local mayors to secure grants for upgrading school security systems.
Curran has long opposed congestion pricing, which would impose a $15 fee on drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street, calling it an unfair burden on middle-class workers. He criticized the law for its lack of exemptions for firefighters, police and teachers, saying, “That’s going to cost them close to $3,500 a year.” He also expressed his disappointment over the fact that Hochul’s decision to pause
Tim Baker/Herald Assemblyman Brian Curran discussing his goals, if he is re-elected next month, during a recent Herald roundtable.
the implementation of the pricing plan came after the expenditure of $200 million in taxpayer funds. “That really is a spit in the face of the taxpayer,” he said.
He acknowledged that property taxes on Long Island have always been high, but noted that in the last decade, New York has lost more than a million residents to outward migration.
“We’ve led every state in that category for three out of the last four years,” he said, “to the point where even Governor Hochul said we can’t ignore this anymore.” He said he plans to continue to advocate for expanding STAR exemp -
tions, which help reduce school taxes for homeowners, particularly seniors.
Curran also addressed bail reform, which he opposed in 2018, citing concerns raised by police and district attorney organizations. “I never questioned the intent of the people trying to pass that bill,” he said. “If you look at it, bail, in and of itself, is a rich-poor issue.”
He said that he understands that it is fundamentally unfair if a person who can pay bail gets out, while a poorer individual arrested on the same charges cannot. “But what they did in 2019 … took the entire bail system and just threw it out.” He said that after four attempts at fixing the legislation, Albany should provide judges more discretion to determine whether to set bail for offenders deemed a danger to the community.
“Public safety has to come first,” he said.
In addition to these issues, Curran discussed mental health initiatives and infrastructure funding. He also opposed Hochul’s 2023 proposal to require the construction of 2,500 housing units around LIRR stations within three years, arguing that local zoning regulations should guide such projects instead of state mandates.
Griffin focuses on education and equal rights
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Former State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin is looking forward to her rematch with the incumbent, Brian Curran. After she lost the race in 2022 by a slim 138-vote margin, she hopes to reclaim her seat in Albany.
Griffin has lived in Rockville Centre for more than 30 years, initially working in the financial industry before taking on roles as a lifestyle coach and corporate wellness educator. In 2016, she served as director of community outreach for former State Sen. Todd Kaminsky. Two years later, in 2018, she became the first Democrat to win the seat in more than 40 years. She served two terms before being unseated by Curran.
During her time in office, Griffin secured more than $8 million in funding from the state for local police and fire departments, schools, libraries, veterans’ halls, and non-profit organizations in her district. If elected, she hopes to continue her work as an advocate for education, mental health initiatives, reproductive rights, and local law enforcement.
Foundation aid, one of the largest sources of funding for public school districts, will likely be a major concern for Nassau County residents following Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2024-25 executive budget proposal, which, if it were approved,
would have reduced the anticipated aid increase by more than $400 million statewide, leaving schools to face more than $23 million in proposed cuts.
“When the governor is delivering the State of the State and putting out a budget, to me, that is not the time to say ‘We’re going to reimagine foundation aid,’” Griffin said during a Herald roundtable discussion. Instead, she emphasized an idea for a more collaborative approach between state lawmakers, the governor’s staff and various stakeholders, meeting before the legislative session begins in January to discuss foundation aid.
Griffin also championed the establishment of health and wellness centers within school districts in Baldwin and Freeport, which provide support for both physical and mental well-being.
“It’s so helpful for students and families,” she said. “With so many working families it makes it more difficult … I think in today’s world, kids can get lost in the shuffle.”
In regard to public safety and criminal justice, the GOP has been very critical of bail reform — a state law passed in 2019 ending the use of cash bail for misdemeanors and minor offenses. Republicans criticize the law, arguing that it has created a “revolving door” for the convicted. Griffiin challenged this narrative for weaponizing criminal justice reform, and said she remains committed to ensuring
equality in the legal system.
“First of all, I find that much of what the GOP says on this issue is not even true,” she said. “That’s not saying we don’t need to look at things and make sure we have the safest communities possible. But there’s a lot of rhetoric behind this.”
Griffin said she has worked closely with police unions and the District Attorneys Association on a series of revisions to make sure the law appropriately categorizes non-violent offenses. She also played a big role in the Red Flag Gun Law, which aims to prevent individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others from obtaining firearms, and the “teacher gun law,” ensuring that educators would never be compelled to carry weapons in schools.
She is a staunch supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, which she previously co-sponsored and voted for in 2022. She emphasized that it not only affirms fundamental rights, but also provides legal protection against discrimination of marginalized communities.
Griffin said her commitment to reproductive rights is evident in her support for the state’s codification of Roe v. Wade in 2019.
“It is possible that (Donald) Trump could be our new president, and if he invokes the Comstock Act, which could make anything used for abortion — equipment, medicine, any of it — banned across our country,” Griffin said. She said
Tim Baker/Herald Former state Assemblywoman Judy Griffin discussed her stance on state issues during a Herald roundtable on Oct. 2.
she is concerned about how restrictions on reproductive health could jeopardize women’s health and wellbeing.
Regarding housing, she said that while there is a great need, it is also something that needs to be addressed strategically, providing suburban municipalities the ability to weigh in. Griffin believes we can build a better future for Nassau County by fostering collaboration and addressing disparities.
School brief
Vincent Healy is an anti-bullying hero
For his ongoing efforts to combat bullying and promote student well-being in schools throughout the region, Vincent Healy, director of Pupil Personnel Services for East Rockaway school district, is being recognized as a Long Island Hero by the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying.
Through his position, Healy has spearheaded multiple initiatives aimed at creating a safer, more supportive environment for students. His leadership in launching the RULER and Sources of Strength programs has significantly influenced students’ mental health and emotional development. The initiatives, combined with his work in expanding the Second Step program, have been instrumental in fostering social skills and personal growth among students.
The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying, a nonprofit focused on combating bullying through advocacy and education, commended Healy for his dedication and advocacy in addressing bullying. His work has made a lasting impact on the culture of safety in East Rockaway schools and across Long Island.
The district encourages the East Rockaway community to join in congratulating Healy for this achievement. He will be honored at the Long Island
The Long Island Coalition Against Bullying is honoring Vincent Healy, director of Pupil Personnel Services with the East Rockaway school district, as a Long Island Hero.
School Hero Awards dinner, hosted by the Long Island Coalition Against Bullying at the StoneBridge Golf & Country Club on Oct. 21.
— Jeffrey Bessen
Courtesy of East Rockaway Union Free School District
Spooky Fest celebrates 13 years of haunting family fun
By ABIGAIL GRIECO Herald Intern
Rockville Centre’s Spooky Fest is in full swing this October. Every Friday to Sunday during the month, people across Long Island attend the seasonal festivities at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning at the Tanglewood Preserve.
This annual tradition is not only a highlight of the Halloween season, it’s also the nonprofit’s most significant fundraising effort of the year, with all proceeds dedicated to advancing STEM education for students along with providing essential care to their rescue animals.
Dr. Ray Ann Havasy, executive director of the center, emphasized the importance of the festival.
“We get so many visitors in the spring and summer, but not so much in the winter,” Havasy said. “This is our biggest fundraiser, and its funds help us to make sure our animals are okay and taken care of over the winter.”
Spooky Fest provides an array of attractions, ensuring thrills for both thrill-seekers and the entire family.
The “Haunted Woods Walk,” a quarter-mile trail through Tanglewood Preserve, allows participants to be met with jump scares from a variety of ghoulish characters including creepy monsters and zombie dinosaurs.
For those seeking a lighter experience, the “Mystic Garden Walk” provides a whimsical alternative.
This well-lit enchanted walk immerses families in a beautiful fantasy garden and features colorful Halloween displays.
Here, friendly characters — like butterflies, friendly ghosts, happy scarecrows, dinosaurs, aliens, Cinderella, and good witches — hand out candy, stickers, and other festive surprises to children.
In addition to these main attractions, Spooky Fest offers a wealth of activities designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Children can enjoy crafting sessions, face painting, fortune telling, and the
popular glow-in-the-dark tent, where they can create their own slime. Classic Halloween hits play throughout the event, coupled with various food and toy vendors, adding to the festive atmosphere and creating a sense of community that keeps families coming back for the 13th annual Spooky Fest.
Spooky Fest is held every weekend in October at the Center’s Tanglewood Preserve, located at 1450 Tanglewood Road. The event runs from 6-9:30 p.m., rain or shine.
Tickets are available online or at the entrance tent, with prices set at $22 for access to non-scary attractions only and $27 for an all-inclusive ticket that includes the Haunted Woods Walk. Admission is required for all attendees aged two and older.
With its blend of fright and fun, Spooky Fest stands out as a community favorite, bringing families together while supporting a worthy cause.
“We welcome all attendees to enjoy the sights and sounds of the fall season and share their Halloween spirit with us,” Havasy said.
Be sure to join in the Halloween festivities before the month is over.
Skye Margies/Herald Sisters Adriana, 4, right, and Gabriella Osgood, 18 months, wore matching Halloween outfits for Spooky Fest.
STEPPING OUT
Back to the basics:
Building with BLOCKS
Young imaginations reach new heights at ‘Block Party’
By Danielle Schwab
From a futuristic spaceship to a giant castle, there’s no limit to what can be created with blocks and a little creativity.
Young “builders” are invited to show off their skills at “Block Party,” a free-play exhibit for all ages to enjoy.
But be sure to visit soon — Long Island Children’s Museum’s seasonal exhibit is short-lived. It runs through Nov. 3.
“This new exhibit for the museum is so open-ended and encourages so many different modalities of learning and types of play within the space,” says Ashley Niver, the museum’s director of education.
While kids may play with smaller blocks at home, these big foam blocks come in larger-than-life proportions — so visitors can make their biggest creations yet.
Steve Martin and Martin Short
• Now until Nov. 3
• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
fun.
“These are structures that they can build, that they can climb on, they can go through or under. They can use a lot of dramatic play with this since it’s all just open-ended play, which is what we love,” Niver says. “So there’s a lot of processes happening during this kind of play, and it really invites a lot of collaboration between the adults and the kids as well as peer-to-peer, to work together.”
From long, bendable cylinders to the stackable rectangles, the blocks can be used as the catalyst for an endless assortment of building projects. The results are limitless.
The blocks are all blue, intentionally so. The single block color creates a blank canvas for endless creative possibilities. By eliminating the distraction of multiple colors, children can immerse themselves fully in their designs, focusing on construction and creativity without worrying about matching hues. Thus children are able to immerse themselves fully in play, according to Niver.
“When you have a lot of visual distraction, it’s actually harder for kids to unleash their imagination and learn and have that creative output be as successful,” she explains. “So basically, having them all in one color allows a better opportunity for that to flourish.”
Prompts throughout the exhibit space guide the builders, if some inspiration for their block masterpieces is needed. Build a shelter for a real (or imaginary) pet or perhaps a robot that actually works. The exhibit even challenges everyone to see how high you can build.
For smaller creations, a table of hand-held blocks is available to play with as well.
“The appeal of this exhibit lies in its immersive quality,” Niver says. “While children are accustomed to playing with small blocks that fit in the palm of their hand, here they encounter a larger-than-life experience.”
Once the build is done, it’s time to put young imaginations to the test! Kids can put the spotlight on their creations and produce interesting shadows on the wall for interactive storytelling.
The exhibit was created in conjunction with “Worldwide Day of Play,” an initiative of Nickelodeon with the Association of Children’s Museums to get families engaged with their environment through screen-free play while fostering the benefits of skill-building activities.
“Block Party’” encourages children to develop their motor skills, enhance their muscle strength
“We think it’s really important for the kids to disconnect because they don’t have as many opportunities to do that these days. I find that screens are becoming so much more prevalent, and they’re so accessible in different areas,” Niver says.
“To really set the scene and just bring it down to the basics of building blocks, it’s so beneficial to them for their development, with a lot of social emotional learning happening.”
This is the first exhibit to be installed after the museum’s Fall Fix Up — the annual two-week closing period every September when the museum conducts maintenance and exhibit refresh, along with staff training.
“We go over different aspects of learning and play and try to educate our staff and empower them for when we reopen. We make sure that we reopen in a really impressive way for our visitors, to welcome them back,” Niver adds.
At the Block Party, no dream is too big, so it’s time to get building — one block at a time.
Photos courtesy LICM
Museum visitors are invited to an oversized “block” party where giant lightweight blocks turn playtime into extraordinary adventures. Stack them, crawl through them or team up to make dream designs come true. Construct castles, mazes, fantastical creatures or secret hideaways.
Icons, collaborators and dos amigos Steve Martin and Martin Short have a relationship that’s evolved in unexpected ways since their SNL days. Their comic prowess has surely reached new heights since their involvement in Hulu’s smash hit “Only Murders in the Building.” The pair takes another comic turn as special guests at Tilles Center’s 2024 Gala. These two funnyman display their impeccable talents as “The Dukes of Funnytown!” — a show that redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century. Their humor is often subversive, but it is always a joyous self-deprecating romp from two comedy masters driven to make each other laugh as much as the audience.
Saturday, Oct. 19, 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $70. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Anthony Rodia
Anthony Rodia lets loose with his “Totally Reliable” tour. A firstgeneration Italian-American, Rodia came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path as finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. He hit the ground running and performed 100 shows in just nine months, and within three years gained a massive fan base online and around the country. In a short time, Anthony gained over 900,000 social media followers and his YouTube videos have amassed over 22 million views. Rodia’s comedy pulls from his real life and razor-sharp observations on marriage, parenthood and just about everything else.
Saturday Oct. 19, 7 and 9:30 p.m.
$89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
THE Your Neighborhood
Rock the Dock
Ambrosia, John Ford Coley and Peter Beckett (The Voice of Player), will come together for a magical night performing all of their 1970s and ‘80s Billboard Top 40 Hits, on the Tilles Center stage, Friday, oct. 25, at 8 p.m. Yacht Rock the Dock shines the spotlight on the original artists, with Elliot Lurie, as they reinvigorate their many beloved tunes. Enjoy Ambrosia’s everlasting hits including “How Much I Feel,” “You’re the Only Woman” and “Biggest Part of Me.” John Ford Coley, most known as half of the Grammy-nominated duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, performs many memorable hits, including “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” “Love Is The Answer” and “Nights Are Forever Without You.”Peter Beckett, Player’s original lead singer and songwriter. was voted by Billboard Magazine as Best New Single Artist in 1978 for Player’s hit “Baby Come Back.,” while Elliot Lurie is best known as the vocalist for Looking Glass, and sang lead on the band’s hit single “Brandy.” These songs are the soundtrack to a generation. Today’s so-called smooth yacht rock music scene would not be yacht rock without the contributions of these Grammy winning artists. What emerged primarily from southern California during one of the greatest periods of music is a classic rock radio staple across the U.S. You cannot turn on the radio without hearing many of these songs every day. As younger generations of music fans fall in love and embrace these classic rock/soft rock hits, everyone realizes that these songs are becoming bigger now than at any time since their heyday, which by common consent stretched between 1976 and 1983. Get ready to Rock the Dock! Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 2993100.
‘The Birthday Party’ Looking for something to do this Halloween season that isn’t just for kids? Visit Sands Point Preserve for an exclusive, immersive theatrical production, “The Birthday Party,” held in a secluded, opulent mansion, Friday and Saturday, oct. 18-19, oct. 25, oct. 31, and Nov. 1. For those who attended Archie’s last “Birthday Party,” rest assured, there are new surprises in store. Guests will be blindfolded and escorted to a secret location on the property, Villa Vanitas, to celebrate the enigmatic Lord Archibald Axel Von Finkelshorn Chatterton’s 30th birthday. He is a witless charmer on the cusp of a life-changing revelation, and everyone’s invited to witness his journey on a night that promises to be unforgettable and delightfully unpredictable. Cocktail attire preferred. $175 per person. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit
Adelphi’s Best of Broadway: Decades
Jump into the dazzling world of Broadway as Adelphi’s talented students bring to life the magic of shows that opened 10, 20, 30 or more years ago, Sunday, oct. 20, 4 p.m. Enjoy modern and classic Broadway hits from shows like “Suffs” (2024); “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (2014); “Sunday in the Park with George” (1984) and “Anything Goes” (1934). Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
Casino Night
Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce hosts the 2nd Annual Casino Night, Wednesday Nov. 6, 6-9 p.m., at Craft Kitchen and Taphouse. Enjoy an evening of gaming, delicious food, and drinks and great company. Try your luck at the poker table, roll the dice at the craps table or spin the wheel at the roulette table. Don’t miss out out on a great evening! For tickets and sponsorships information, visit lynbrookua.com or call Polly at (516) 317-2075. 44 Stauderman Ave.
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.
Oct.
19
Memorial Ceremony for Shipwreck Victims
The Historical Society of East Rockaway and Lynbrook and the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Nassau County holds the annual memorial ceremony for shipwreck victims at the Bristol and Mexico Monument in the Rockville Cemetery, Saturday, Oct. 19, 1 a.m. The monument, at the corner of Merrick Road and Ocean Avenue in Lynbrook, which was given landmark status by the Town of Hempstead back in March, is the site of a mass grave of 139 victims — most of them Irish immigrants — who perished in two mid19th Century shipwrecks off the south shore of Long Island. For more information, call (516) 593-5791.
Having an event?
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, Nov. 2, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.
Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition spans various world cultures through a range of media.
It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
On stage
See Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull,” presented by Nassau Community College Theater and Dance Department, opening Friday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.; also Saturday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 29-30, 7;30 p.m. Delve into the lives of Arkádina, a famous — but fading — actress, and that of her lover, Trigórin, a well-known author. They arrive at her brother Sórin’s country estate for the summer, just as son Konstantín is staging an experimental new play he’s written and directed, starring his girlfriend, Nína. Chekhov’s first successful naturalist play follows the lives of young artists as they navigate life. Thematically, it’s a study of the arts and the artist, the lack of real satisfaction to be found there, the pretense and mediocrity that pervade the practice, and yet the power and mystery that are possible. Nassau Community College’s Little Theatre, Garden City. Tickets $12; NCC students free with valid ID; $10 veterans, alumni, seniors 60+, students and NCC employees. For tickets/information, visit nassau.booktix.com or NCC. edu or call (516) 572-7676.
NUMC lends a hand to N.C. Helene victims
Nassau University Medical Center hosted a heartfelt deployment on Oct. 8, as it prepared to send a medical relief team to North Carolina in response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene.
The hurricane ravaged the southeastern United States, but inland North Carolina — particularly communities in and around Asheville — was one of the hardest-hit areas, suffering widespread destruction. Flooding from torrential rains submerged homes and businesses, while powerful winds downed trees and power lines, leaving thousands without electricity. Coastal communities elsewhere, like in western Florida, were severely impacted by storm surges, and many areas were left inaccessible due to road damage.
Hurricane Helene has resulted in several hundred deaths across multiple regions, with many more people still unaccounted for. Emergency services have been overwhelmed, with local hospitals and clinics struggling to meet the demand for medical care.
In response, NUMC is sending a team of 15 dedicated professionals, including EMTs, Environmental Services workers, nurses, and doctors, along with three fully equipped vehicles. Their mission is to provide vital medical assistance and deliver essential supplies such as medical equipment, food, water, clothing, and even pet supplies to the affected communities.
This relief effort reflects NUMC’s strong commitment to aiding those in cri-
LEGAL NOTICE
sis, ensuring that the people of North Carolina receive not only the medical care but also the resources that are desperately needed.
— Jordan Vallone
NUMC employees packed supplies and food into the truck. A team of 15 volunteers traveled nonstop to North Carolina, beginning on Oct. 8.
Public Notices
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 November 1, 2024. All information will remain confidential. 149432
LEGAL NOTICE
The Board of Education of the Lynbrook Union Free School District, Lynbrook, New York, hereby invites the submission of:
SEALED BIDS Transportation (Buses, Shuttles, Field Trips, Athletic Trips, and Bus Matrons)
Bids will be received until 2 p.m. on November 1, 2024, in the Office of the Board of Education, 111 Atlantic Avenue, Lynbrook, New York, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read. Specifications and
instructions to bidders may be obtained from Patricia Jung at 516-887-6563 or on the Lynbrook UFSD website at www.lynbrookschools.org /District/Bids.
The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids when it is in the best interest of the School District to do so.
Theresa Moran District Clerk
Lynbrook Union Free School District
516-887-6558
Dated:October 17, 2024 149532
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
Nassau University Medical Center has lent its hand in relieving the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. A truck was packed last week by eager volunteers, who will be aiding relief efforts.
Steve Sachs/Herald photos
Meg Ryan, the hospital’s interim president and chief executive, spoke ahead of the send off, surrounded by the 15 volunteers, including EMTs, Environmental Services workers, nurses, and doctors,
floral park-Bellerose elementary school District
The DisT ric T is seeking various posiT ions for T he 2024-2025 school year
Teacher a ides $17.95/hr.
Floral Park-Bellerose
Teaching a ssistants .... $19.95/hr.
Elementary School District
s ecurity personnel .. $20-$25/hr.
Teacher Aides
Bus Drivers..... $25.14-$26.87/hr.
We have openings for teacher aides for the 2022/23 school year. 10-month positions available immediately, starting at $15.00/hr.
School Nurse, Part-Time
Bus Monitors $19.32/hr. food s ervice personnel and c afeteria Monitor $16.00/hr. nurses sub $175/day cleaners
We have an opening for a P/T school nurse, 2 days/wk mostly Wed & Thurs. Pro-rated salary, approx. $240.00/day. RN cert. required.
Please apply for positions via OLAS at www.OLASjobs.org
After School Child Care opportunities are also available. Please apply through
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CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
REQUIREMENTS:
Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.
POSITION DETAILS: Flexible: Part-time or Full-time.
Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.
Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com
Financial Manager . Compile & submit. rpts, generate fin. data, analyze trends & assess fin. health of co.; oversee ops. & devel. of co.’s fin. depts; prep quarterly & annual acct. reconcil., monitor & enforce compliance w/ tax & fin. rpt. standards; & superv. docu. of co’s fin. status & forecasts. Sal. $139,922/yr. BA in Fin.,Bz, Analytics or rel. Send ltt/res to: Attn: HR, Kiss Nail Products, Inc. 25 Harbor Park Dr. Port Washington, NY 11050.
JOURNEYMAN COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL Electrical Services. Traveling/ Valid License Required. 7-10yrs. Experience. $28-$34/ hourly. 516-739-3425, hrdepartment@valenteelectric.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
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Apartments For Rent
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An architect for a sunroom?
Q. I’m buying a sunroom for my breakfast room on the back of my split-level house, about 8 feet off the ground. I’m being told by the contractor that I need an architect and sealed plans. Since it’s basically a kit of parts that will go on my existing deck, why do I need this? It seems like a lot of extra expense the sunroom people didn’t tell me about. If I already have a permit for the deck, it should be allowed, right? I haven’t bought the sunroom yet. I’m just trying to be sure I know the whole story before I do this, probably by spring, when the weather is better for construction. Any advice would be helpful.
A. Do things once, the best way. A deck isn’t habitable, but a sunroom is, and a permit is required. Plans have to show structural support, energy and building code compliance. Rain, moisture and ice are your primary concerns.
You need the whole story without the sales part. Just like any purchase, issues you might not expect are still important, like finding out what kind of oil to add to your snow blower before the engine seizes or that windows without factory tinting can allow ultra-violet sunlight rays to fade your carpet. As an architect for a largely popular sunroom manufacturer in the 1980s and ’90s, I experienced many issues with their construction.
Pre-engineered panel systems are designed by the company, hopefully by engineers, and should come with plans, from the manufacturer, that can be sealed and signed by their in-house engineer. If not, plans may need to be drawn from scratch by an architect or engineer that you hire so those plans can be integrated with your house. Integrated means that the company generally just sells you a product and doesn’t necessarily give any indication of how to support the unit or how to attach the unit system to your house so that it won’t leak or move.
This is the general failing of the system, since, as I experienced with most of the installations, the part I could detail was free of leaking or movement, but the units themselves leaked nearly every time. We could detail how the edges of the unit could be sealed and redundantly weather-stripped and flashed, but the frames around the glass and wall edges would unseal and leak. I even met with the corporate president/owner and identified the specific problems. Promises to correct leak issues were made but not kept, and eventually I gave up.
I looked at a two-year-old system while discussing other work for a home recently. The owner described the back-and-forth misery he and his family were experiencing with their sunroom and the company. Even 25 years after I gave up, the same company is still doing things the same way. You need a detail-oriented architect and installer, even if you think you don’t. The cost of doing things twice is much greater. Good luck.
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OpINIONS After reforms, NUMC is on the upswing
For decades, Nassau University Medical Center has towered above the landscape, representing our community’s commitment to quality health care — for everyone. Public hospitals across the state face enormous challenges, and NUMC is no different. But as we close in on two years of executing substantial reforms, this irreplaceable institution is proving resilient and improving.
At Long Island’s largest public safety-net hospital and Level 1 trauma center, each year the unwavering dedication of our staff provides $1 billion in services to more than 270,000 patients. Many of those patients are from our most at-risk populations, who can’t afford to pay for care and otherwise wouldn’t receive treatment.
Leveraging new financial standards and practices, more-efficient systems and a renewed commitment to the patient and visitor experience, we are proving that we can be a model for success. Our dedication to strengthening the foundations of the facility has recently been recognized by top health care organizations.
In August, after a rigorous evalua-
Etion, NUMC earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its high-performance standards. To achieve this accreditation, NUMC underwent an indepth, multi-day, unannounced onsite review by a team that judged compliance standards in several key areas, including patient rights, infection control, surgical services and patient safety.
TJust days later, NUMC’s team was again recognized, receiving two prestigious awards from the American Heart Association. The hospital was honored with AHA’s Get With The Guidelines and Mission: Lifeline achievement awards, reflecting our team’s adherence to the latest evidence-based treatment guidelines for heart disease and stroke.
Newsday on the crisis of long emergency room wait times on Long Island, NUMC’s was ranked second out of all hospitals for average patient wait time, despite the fact that we serve more than 65,000 emergency patients each year.
he hospital received two prestigious awards from the American Heart Association.
These recognitions required strategic planning, rigorous training and a culture of excellence that permeates every level of our organization. Our staff of more than 3,600 undergo continuous evaluations and specialized training to ensure that we meet the highest standards of care, which is particularly crucial because we serve a diverse community with unique health needs.
new Community Engagement Center, our first public open house, our recent Back-to-School program and other initiatives are also part of our effort to ensure that NUMC remains a hub for the broader community.
NUMC has long been a cornerstone of health care in Nassau County — more than just a hospital, we are a trusted partner and a critical lifeline for our neighbors. Our hospital is often the first place people turn in times of need. We take our unique responsibility very seriously.
These certifications, initiatives and facility upgrades are just a small sample of the exciting results from nearly two years of management and operational reforms.
The AHA also noted that our efforts have led to improved patient outcomes, including more lives saved, shorter recovery times and reduced hospital readmissions. These awards come as we prepare for the construction and opening of a new Cath Lab in 2025 that will enable the hospital to perform more lifesaving heart procedures on site.
Our Emergency Room staff also continues to demonstrate excellence and success under the stress of a growing patient population. In September, after an in-depth investigative report by
While previous leadership spent money on new executive offices, we’re focusing on enriching the patient experience and expanding our services. We recently extended our onsite clinical office hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 9 p.m. for our pediatric, women’s health, general medicine and physical therapy services. Starting this month, we will have Saturday clinic hours as well for the first time.
This expansion helps make prevention and treatment more convenient for working families, and reduces emergency room visits. Our first NUMC van was just delivered to help those with transportation needs. The opening of our
While NUMC continues to face financial challenges due to drastic state funding cuts that have not been restored, we are committed to building on the success of our recent fiscal reforms to safeguard this vital community resource.
NUMC is a beacon of hope and a testament to the strength of our community. It represents our commitment to caring for one another. Our collective support for the hospital means that our area will avoid the health care crises that plague other communities across the nation. Residents will have the peace of mind knowing they have a public hospital ready to meet any challenge.
Megan C. Ryan is interim president and CEO of Nassau University Medical Center.
How to talk to young people about elections
very four years, citizens of the United States have the privilege of voting in the presidential election. It is one of the most sacred and awesome responsibilities of being an American citizen. Reflecting on the ideals set forth in the Constitution, it is crucial that we engage our students in conversations about the election process to help them understand and appreciate the significance of voting. Although discussing politics in public schools can be uncomfortable for some, particularly in today’s polarized environment, remaining silent on these issues is actually detrimental. Educators have a responsibility to help develop young people into informed, active participants in the democratic process and, hopefully, the next generation of civic leaders.
As a former high school social stud-
ies teacher, I believe the election season is the perfect opportunity to make learning more relevant by bringing textbooks to life. There are so many invaluable skills students can learn during local and national election cycles. First, they should be taught about the election process. Many of our students come from other countries, including those that do not have participatory democracies. Teachers can use the upcoming elections as a time to provide a refresher on the branches of government and how elections function in the U.S.
We need to help students understand the significance of voting.
developed guidelines for identifying news media bias, which includes differentiating news from opinion, understanding that bias is a spectrum and recognizing our own biases. These are all extremely valuable skills that students will benefit from even after the election cycle has passed.
Additionally, we can teach students how to navigate the media landscape and identify bias in the media. With the widespread use of social media as primary news sources, it is often difficult for young people and adults alike to differentiate fact from fiction or evaluate the credibility of a news source.
The News Literacy Project, an organization devoted to ensuring that all students are skilled in news literacy,
Another critical skill students can develop when learning about elections is how to consider different perspectives. With the explosion of the internet and social media algorithms, it is very likely that young people who get their news from online media sources are never confronted with opinions or values that are different from their own. In order for students to successfully navigate life after high school and become leaders in the global workforce, however, they must be able to listen to the opinions of others, seek to understand a variety of perspectives and engage in civil discourse and debate. These skills are essential for navigating real-world challenges.
Finally, teaching about elections
offers an excellent opportunity to discuss with young people the importance of voting. As educators, we counter voter apathy by teaching students about the historical struggle for voting rights in this country, particularly for historically marginalized groups, such as women and African-Americans. These discussions may evoke strong emotions, but they are vital to helping students understand why voting matters and how our country has evolved.
We should remind students of the importance of taking part in local elections in addition to the national presidential elections. We should also explore ways for young people to practice exercising the right to vote in school, and provide opportunities for them to voice their opinions on local issues in the community.
This is a really exciting and pivotal time in our country, with history unfolding before our eyes. It is our duty to ensure that the next generation is not only witnessing these moments, but is engaged with and prepared to shape them.
Monique Darrisaw-Akil, Ed.D., is superintendent of the Uniondale Union Free School District.
MEGAN C. RYAN
HeraLd editoriaL
The Mets are a case study in grit
sports often provide the most visible examples of overcoming the odds. Take, for example, the New York Mets, who, in late May, suffered a crushing loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, leaving them 11 games under .500. Many fans and baseball insiders had all but written them off, but the Mets didn’t quit.
Instead the ball club made strategic lineup changes and, most important, held firm in their belief that they were still a great team. The result? A remarkable turnaround that put them 30 games over .500 and propelled them into this week’s National League Championship series.
Pitcher Jim Abbott is another powerful example of overcoming adversity. Born without a right hand, Abbott faced enormous challenges from an early age, but refused to let his physical difference define or limit him. He eventually reached the major leagues, and not only pitched at the highest level, but tossed a no-hitter for the Yankees in 1993.
This lesson isn’t just for athletes. Struggling students can reassess their study habits, ask for extra help, and find the support they need. A professional facing new challenges at work can seek out training, lean on colleagues for advice, and even turn frustration into motivation. Teachers, mentors and coaches thrive on helping others succeed, so seeking help isn’t a weakness — it’s a smart move.
Letters
Climate change should be on voters’ minds
To the Editor:
As the election draws closer, we cannot ignore the growing impact of climate change on our communities. Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton, along with dozens of wildfires this past summer, are all clear warning signs of a very real climate crisis.
This issue deserves more attention than it has received so far this election cycle. During the presidential debate, only one brief question was asked about climate at the very end.
The fact is, the climate crisis impacts us all, no matter where we live or how much money we make. Americans are being told to flee their homes and risk losing everything. Meanwhile, Big Oil continues to put profits over people by prioritizing fossil fuels that continue to destroy our environment.
We cannot afford to lose any more time in the fight against the climate crisis. We need leaders — at the federal, state and local level — who believe in the science of climate change and are
Overcoming adversity isn’t just about persistence, but is about a mindset of constant learning and growth. Whether you’re falling behind in school, at work or on a sports team, the temptation to surrender can be overwhelming. But those who thrive amid adversity don’t see challenges as walls; they see them as steppingstones to progress.
If you’re a student struggling to grasp difficult concepts, feeling like you’re always two steps behind, it’s easy to lose hope. At work, new technologies and methodologies might feel like waves crashing over you, leaving you disoriented. And for an athlete, the weight of defeat can make the rest of the season feel like an uphill climb that’s no longer worth making.
So how does a person, or a team, regroup and find success after falling behind?
While determination is key, succeeding isn’t just about plowing through. It’s about strategic adaptation. It’s about identifying what’s important, what’s holding you back, and making meaningful changes — sometimes inspired by others, and sometimes by digging deep into yourself.
The first step often is simply asking for help. And that’s nothing to be ashamed of. We’ve all been there!
Adversity isn’t a dead end. It’s a detour that offers new pathways to growth and success, but only if we’re willing to stay the course, make adjustments, and push beyond the initial
impulse to give up. And real-life stories of overcoming adversity can be powerful sources of inspiration, because they demonstrate that success is often born from struggle, resilience and perseverance.
J.K. Rowling’s journey to becoming the world-famous author of the Harry Potter series is a classic example. Before Harry Potter became a household name, Rowling was a struggling single mother living on welfare. She wrote the first Harry Potter book in coffee shops, often battling self-doubt and rejection. No fewer than 12 publishers rejected the manuscript before Bloomsbury finally took a chance on it.
Thomas Edison, one of history’s greatest inventors, failed over a thousand times before making the first light bulb work. When asked about his repeated failures, Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” His relentless drive and ability to see failure as a learning opportunity helped him change the world.
Real-life stories such as these are just a sample of what people can achieve, while illustrating that the journey to success is rarely smooth. At press time, the Mets were tied 1-1 with the Dodgers in the NLCS — once again rallying. The team has shown its fans what it means to push through, learn, adapt, and remain focused on the next game all season long. Here’s hoping that valuable lesson continues.
opinions
Blakeman’s actions bring serious risks for first responders
in recent months, nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman has pursued a number of controversial measures that, in addition to likely being unconstitutional, bring with them a number of unintended consequences that will negatively impact our police and first responders.
the most glaring of those actions is Blakeman’s provisional emergency special deputy sheriff program. known more commonly as the “militia,” this misguided initiative has sparked tremendous concern in a number of local police departments. even as the first classes of “militia” cadets have now graduated and are in the process of being activated, our concerns about their training, how they will be identified, and how and when these “deputies” can and will be deployed remain unaddressed by the Blakeman administration, which continues to stonewall
the County legislature’s Democratic minority and the public.
the republican majority’s public mask ban, which Blakeman eagerly signed into law, is another piece of legislation that puts our police officers in highly precarious situations. Under this measure, it’s up to an officer to determine the “intent” of a person wearing a mask. this would expose our officers to thorny constitutional and medical privacy issues under the Fifth amendment and HIPaa laws. Moreover, there’s the risk that a sick person could feel pressured to remove their mask, thereby exposing the officers and the public to Covid or some other airborne disease. to address concerns about constitutionality and practicality, the minority caucus proposed a more narrowly tailored mask law — the Masked Crime accountability act — that would reduce the burden on our law enforcement officers by focusing specifically on punishing those who use masks while committing crimes. While our bill is a clearer
H
deterrent to crime, the republican majority pushed through its version of the law without considering public concerns or the potential consequences.
ow will a police officer verify a claim of an exception to the mask ban?
For both of these measures, there is the issue of how effectively they can be enforced, if at all. the same goes for Blakeman’s banning of transgender female athletes using county sports facilities, which, like the mask ban, is being challenged in court. How is an officer, having been called to one of the situations created by these laws, expected to proceed? How rigorously should an officer attempt to verify someone’s claim that they qualify for an exemption under the mask ban? How can an officer navigate a heated confrontation over claims that a young athlete is violating the ban on trans athletes? are we going to start interrogating athletes over their gender identity? It’s all a recipe for disaster, and even more lawsuits against the county — litigation that you, the taxpayer, will end up footing the bill for.
With budget season now upon us, I
Letters
willing or can be convinced to take bold action before it’s too late. So I urge everyone: When you cast your ballot next month, think of our planet and the people that call it home.
MartIn MelkonIan Uniondale
The MTA’s capital plan doesn’t have a chance
to the editor:
long Island rail road riders should be concerned that the Metropolitan t ransportation authority’s $68 billion, five-year, 2025-2029 Capital Plan isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. Gov. kathy Hochul claims she can find additional state and federal funding to make up for the missing $15 billion in congestion pricing revenue from the current $51 billion 2020-2024 capital plan. She promises the same for making up the $33 billion shortfall in the proposed plan. t his leaves the M ta with a record $48 billion shortfall in funding! the plan will be dead on arrival.
a llocation of funding for advancing toward a state of good repair in all capital asset categories should be a higher priority than any system expansion projects. Funding for the $7.7 billion Second avenue Subway Phase 2 and the $5.5 billion Brooklyn/Queens Interboro express light rail Connector would be better spent on repair projects. Metro north railroad’s $3.1 billion Bronx east Penn Station access project should be put on hold. Forget about the $7.5 billion Second avenue Subway Phase 3, the 125th Street Crosstown extension, as well.
Don’t be surprised in 2025 when both the governor and the l egislature reduce the proposed $68 billion plan by billions. I predict it will end up somewhere in the $50s billion range, to deal with more realistic future funding availability.
larry Penner Great Neck
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.
Election Letters to the Editor policy
In the interest of fairness and transparency during the election season, we will not publish letters in the Oct. 31-Nov. 6 issue, the final one before Election Day, that criticize a candidate or a specific issue. This is to ensure that no last-minute submissions are published without sufficient opportunity for rebuttal. Readers are encouraged to send letters to execeditor@liherald.com.
believe it is essential to analyze these controversial measures through another lens — police overtime. When we consider possible impacts on law enforcement professionals, we must factor in how these measures could further burden our officers and increase their workloads — especially as we ponder other proposals that could elevate overtime costs. Before the county clears the way for a casino or any other major development or legislative initiative that could be a significant driver of overtime, we would be wise to commission a thorough evaluation.
Specific to the casino, initial projections of $1.8 million being sufficient to cover the resulting overtime — which is just one quarter of 1 percent of our current overtime budget — seem farfetched. a rigorous review would go a long way toward revealing the true and accurate costs, so that law enforcement agencies serving not only the county, but also its cities and villages, can budget wisely and gear their training resources toward addressing every one of these new endeavors.
Delia DeRiggi-Whitton represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the minority leader of the Legislature.
Framework by Harriet Katz
On a trip to Ohio, visiting the Cleveland Botanical Garden.
DeLia
DeriGGi-wHitton
