Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald 10-24-2024

Tie-dying T-shirts to fight hunger

By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com

To Tie-Dye for Clothing, a Lynbrook-based small business, partnered with the Helping Hand Rescue Mission of Huntington Station this October to raise money for food-insecure households in recognition this month’s designation as Tackling Hunger Month.

Flimited-edition tie-dyed shirts sporting the Helping Hand Rescue Mission’s slogan, “Love, Serve, Give.”

Schwaner became a tie-dye entrepreneur four years ago, after leaving New York City and setting aside her career in public relations to return to Lynbrook, her hometown, during the coronavirus pandemic.

ood is the greatest need.

the Helping Hand Rescue Mission Food pantry collects non-perishable food donations for needy families.

As the holiday season approaches, food insecurity affects over 97,000 people in Nassau County, according to a 2022 study by Feeding America, a nonprofit network of food banks across the country. That was what motivated Lynbrook resident Marion Schwaner, the founder of To Tie-Dye For Clothing, to take a stand.

THE REV KimBERly G AmBiNo President, Helping Hands Rescue Mission

TTDFC specializes in creating colorful clothing and merchandise for children, adults and pets. Until the end of the month, the business is selling

“At first I started doing orders for friends and family, and then it grew into doing wholesale orders for local boutiques,” she recalled. Local schools, businesses and aspiring artists became her clients as well.

“I was also teaching classes at different libraries,” Schwaner said.

“I was getting school superintendents’ permission to use their mascot logo on face masks — it was four schools: Massapequa, Lynbrook, Oceanside and Malverne.”

The popularity of ContinUed on page 8

Photos courtesy Kimberly Gambino

Food Rescue US volunteer Kimberle Lau, left, and Helping Hands Rescue Mission volunteer Caroline Fortemeyer recovered food that would have gone to waste and helped deliver it to people in need.

News briefs

Steve Grogan

Lynbrook Fire Department’s junior firefighters took a home a couple of trophies from the annual Fourth Battalion Parade and firematic competition. Junior firefighter 2nd Lt. Liam Carmichael, left, and Juniors Capt. Timothy Neri, far right, show off the awards and from left are First Assistant Chief Clayton Murphy, Third Assistant Chief Peter Festa, Second Assistant Chief James DiGiambattista, and Chief of Department Scott Bien.

Lynbrook juniors capture first place

Lakeview might hosted the annual Fourth Battalion Parade and firematic competition, but it was the Lynbrook junior firefighters who lit up the contest with a first place finishes last month.

— Jeffrey Bessen

East Rockaway’s Mansfield joins King Kullen as counsel

Christopher Mansfield, from East Rockaway, was named general counsel for Hauppauge-based King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc.

Bernard P. Kennedy, King Kullen’s executive vice president, chief administrative officer, and secretary, who has worked with Mansfield for more than 25 years in private practice, unveiled the appointment.

“A talented attorney with extensive litigation experience, Chris has handled King Kullen matters throughout his career,” Kennedy said in a news release. “He’s had the opportunity to interact with store management and employees, and most recently, he expressed enthusiasm to officially join the King Kullen team. I look forward to working directly with Chris again and welcome him on behalf of the entire organization.”

Mansfield previously served as a partner at Cullen and Dykman LLP, where he joined in 2020. Before that, he was senior counsel at Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC. Over his career, he has represented clients in construction, real estate development, and financial industries in both state and federal courts in New York, as well as before government agencies.

He is a member of the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Associ-

ation, Nassau County Bar Association, and Suffolk County Bar Association. He earned his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University. Founded in 1930, King Kullen is recognized by the Smithsonian Institution as America’s first supermarket.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Courtesy

Courtesy King Kullen

King Kullen, recognized as the nation’s first supermarket, named Christopher Mansfield, of East Rockaway, its general counsel,

Honoring the 1836 shipwreck victims in Lynbrook

A poignant tribute to those who perished while seeking a better life took place at the Bristol and Mexico Monument, which marks the mass grave of 139 of these victims.

The Oct. 19 ceremony honored the 215 victims, primarily Irish immigrants, who tragically lost their lives in two shipwrecks off the south shore of Hempstead in the winter of 1836.

The dual tragedies of the Bristol and Mexico occurred just within sight of the shore, serving as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by immigrants in the 19th century. The monument at 45 Merrick Road in Lynbrook stands as a testament to these lives lost, ensuring their memory endures.

“We gather not only to remember the lives lost but to acknowledge the collective efforts of our community to help ensure the memory and stories are not forgotten,” organizers said.

The hour-long ceremony included remarks from Ancient Order of Hibernians officials, reflecting on the lives of those affected by the shipwrecks and the historical significance of the tragic event.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians is an Irish Catholic fraternal organization established in New York City, the same year the shipwrecks occurred.

— Jeffrey

Bessen

Melissa Baptiste/Herald photos

Members if the Ancient Order of Hibernians, family and friends attended the annual remembrance for the 215 victims of the 1836 shipwrecks of the Bristol and Mexico.

Michael McCormack, from the Ancient Order of Hibernians state board and historian, who spoke about the 19th century tragedy.

The Glor na nGael Pipes and Drums Color Guard AOH McGuinnessFitzsimons Division 14n at the mariner ceremony.

The Bristol and Mexico Monument that pays tribute to the 215 people who lost their lives in the two shipwrecks.

Jack O’Brien, from the Nassau County board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, addressed the ceremony audience about the 1836 shipwrecks.

Estate Planning for the Estranged Child (Part Two)

Last week, we wrote about having compassion for the estranged son or daughter married to the narcissist when considering leaving an inheritance. But what about leaving an inheritance to the estranged child who is not in this situation.

The reasons for estrangement are as different as are families. As Tolstoy famously remarked, “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way”.

One of the keys to resolving what to leave the estranged child is determining who in the family are they estranged from and for how long and for what reasons (if known). Sometimes they are estranged from only one parent and the other parent does not wish to see that child disinherited. Sometimes they are estranged from the parents but not their siblings — or some but not all of their siblings. It’s complicated. Often, hope springs eternal that the estranged son or daughter will come back into the fold.

In cases like these we like to use a technique

Omarion McClean nominated for Heart of a Giant Award

Lynbrook’ High School’s varsity football player Omarion McClean was nominated for USA Football’s Heart of a Giant Award presented by the Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants.

McLean, a senior, was part of the Week 4 nominees. He was nominated by head coach David Yaker.

“In my 29 years of coaching, I have not had a player so committed to his teammates and himself as Omarion,” Yaker said in his nominating submission. “His father took him in 10 years ago when his mother could not adequately care for him. Omarion seeks no accolades ever and only wants the team to win.

“He is willing to do whatever it takes to be successful. Omarion has helped mentor our younger players and was instrumental in helping our first annual Lynbrook Youth Football Clinic get off the ground. He plays with passion and fire, is a gentleman in and around school, is the consummate teammate and has overcome a great deal of adversity in his personal life to get to where he is now.”

The outstanding Tri-State area high school football players, mascots, team managers, flag football players etc. were nominated for the award by their coaches for their commitment, teamwork, will, character and dedication.

The voting period for Week 4 nominees closed on Oct. 13. The final vote tally determines who will be named the weekly group’s finalist.

At the end of the six-week voting process, six finalists and five others based on work ethic and character will be named, for a total of 11 finalist honorees. Each finalist will receive $1,000

grant for their high school’s football program, with the grand prizewinner’s school getting an additional $9,000 equipment grant.

The grand prizewinner and his coach will be honored on the field at a future New York Giants game this season. The grand prizewinner will be selected based on video submissions stating why they have the Heart of a Giant.

— Jeffrey Bessen

we call “Schedule A”. Generally, in a trust or a will, you will find the dispositive provisions, i.e. who you are leaving it to and in what amounts, somewhere in the middle of the document.

When you amend the trust, or prepare a codicil to the will, you may legally change your wishes. Nevertheless, all of the parties can see what it was before and what the change was. For example, if you left someone out and now you are putting them back in, they will clearly see that they were left out before, and vice versa!

To avoid the hurt, confusion and possible litigation that these emotionally fraught situations may engender, we recommend using a “Schedule A” to the trust. Here, in the body of the trust we state that the wishes are provided in “Schedule A” annexed hereto which may be replaced from time to time with the same formalities as the execution of the trust. Now, when a change is made we destroy the old “Schedule A” replacing with the new one avoiding hurt feelings and misunderstandings.

SINCE 1991 trustlaw.com Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid FREE CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com 100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success

Let us

now

News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com

Sue Grieco/Herald Lynbrook’ High School senior football player Omarion McClean was nominated for USA Football’s Heart of a Giant Award.

Located in Rockville Centre, Molloy University is home to one of the premier NCAA Division II athletic programs in the East Coast Conference. Molloy is expanding its athletic offerings by introducing sprint football as its 23rd intercollegiate sport. The Lions will proudly compete as the newest member of the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL), with the inaugural season kicking off in fall 2024.

Molloy University combines

academic programs.

Chamber bets on a great casino night

Come out to the Craft Kitchen & Taphouse for the second annual Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce’s Casino Night that will benefit local charities from 6 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 6.

Chamber President Polly Talbott said the event is, “an opportunity for people in the community, both Chamber members and non-members alike, to get together to eat, drink and have some fun while enjoying the poker, roulette and craps tables.”

Table sponsors for the evening include The Bristal Assisted Living at Lynbrook, Touched By A Rose, Lynbrook/East Rockaway Soccer Club and Herald Community Newspapers.

“Everyone who attended last year enjoyed the night and went home feeling good that they had helped the Chamber contribute to several great local causes,” Talbott said.

There also will be raffles that include two 2-bedroom condos at a beach resort in Panama. Tickets are $95 per person.

Craft Kitchen & Taphouse is at 44 Stauderman Ave. in Lynbrook.

For information on tickets and sponsorships, go to LynbrookUsa. com.

leads the Legion

Miriam Carpio-Hospedales was sworn in as the new commander of Lynbrook’s American Legion Post 335, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the post’s 105-year history.

She was installed at the American Legion’s Oct. 3 meeting. Both Carpio-Hospedales and outgoing commander Bill Marinaccio were honored with citations from Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, Assemblyman Brian Curran, and Village Trustees Michael Hawxhurst and Robert Boccio.

A senior master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, Miriam currently serves as chief of staff for the 514th Mission Support Group at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. She oversees operations for more than 700 enlisted airmen and manages the group’s commander support staff, talent, training, and deployment managers.

Previously, she served as logistics superintendent for the 514th Security Forces Squadron, where she led the combat arms program and managed the armory, maintaining over 2,000 mobility weapons for training and deployment.

Carpio-Hospedales enlisted in the Air Force in 1997 and took part in Operation Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Freedom Eagle, and Allies Welcome. She also brings more than 30 years of banking experience and has been a Lynbrook resident for over a decade.

“As I begin my term as commander of Lynbrook American Legion Post 335, I am committed to honoring the legacy of those who came before me while continuing our growth and success,” she said in a news release. “We will uphold our values, serve our veterans, and strengthen our community.”

— Jeffrey Bessen and Steve Grogan

— Jeffrey Bessen

Rhonda Glickman/Herald

This year’s Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce’s Casino Night takes place on Nov. 6. Above, ‘gamblers’ play roulette at last year’s event.

GIANNA VENTURA East Meadow Junior Field Hockey

AN HONORABLE MENTION ALL-COUNTY in 2023 after scoring 12 goals and setting up 6 others in her first varsity field hockey season, Ventura ranks among Nassau’s leading offensive weapons this fall and has helped the 11-1 Jets to a conference title. A right wing forward, she has 20 goals and 13 assists through a dozen games. She scored at least one goal in all but one game and has eight multi-goal performances including one hat trick.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Oct. 24

Field Hockey: Sewanhaka District at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Football: G.N. South at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Boys Volleyball: Lawrence at Calhoun 5:45 p.m.

Girls Volleyball: South Side at Lynbrook 6:45 p.m.

Girls Volleyball: V.S. North at Malverne 6:45 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 25

Field Hockey: North Shore at Clarke 5 p.m.

Football: Plainedge at Island Trees 5 p.m.

Football: Massapequa at Westbury 5 p.m.

Football: Floral Park at Hewlett 6 p.m.

Football: Kennedy at Mineola 6 p.m.

Football: Carle Place at West Hempstead 6 p.m.

Football: Wantagh at Seaford 6 p.m.

Football: Oceanside at Farmingdale 6:30 p.m.

Football: Freeport at Port Washington 6:30 p.m.

Football: Floral Park at Lynbrook 3 p.m.

Football: Oceanside at Freeport 3 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 26

Football: Mepham at Sewanhaka 11 a.m.

Football: Carey at New Hyde Park 11 a.m.

Football: Garden City at Elmont 1 p.m.

Football: V.S. North at Lynbrook 3 p.m.

Football: V.S. Central at East Meadow 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.

Lynbrook comes through in clutch

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

The Lynbrook boys’ soccer team is locked in.

It’s the team’s mantra, but it’s also their reality. The Owls had a 4-6 record going into the final two games of the regular season. Only back-to-back wins would clinch a berth in the Nassau Class A playoffs.

Mission accomplished.

“They’ve risen to the occasion of being ready, especially in the last two games, knowing that their season is on the line,” Lynbrook coach Josh Berlin said.

They achieved their goal, but it wasn’t easy. To make the playoffs Lynbrook had to beat Bethpage and Wantagh, two teams that defeated them in the first half of the season.

On Oct. 8 the Owls went to Bethpage and immediately fell in a 1-0 hole following Ivan Zanki’s penalty kick.

The equalizer from Mike Werzinger came almost as quickly and the score remained tied through most of the second half. If the score remained that way, Lynbrook would be eliminated.

Berlin had to roll the dice, pushing his number forward desperately searching for that decisive goal.

And, with 1:46 left in the second half, Garrett Reid came through to keep the season alive.

“It didn’t feel like we stole it,” Berlin said. “We felt like we earned it.”

A week later, it was the regular season finale, Senior Night under the lights in front of a passionate crowd, including many from the football team.

The opponent was Wantagh, the same side that beat the Owls at home 3-1 earlier in the season.

But this time, Lynbrook was locked in from the opening kickoff.

Mike Werzinger had a pair of goals, Marco Pantano had a goal and two assists and the Owls raced out to a 3-0 halftime lead.

Steven Najera added a goal and, with the result well in hand, Berlin went to his bench in the second half, giving them a chance to experience playing in that atmosphere.

Two of those players combined for the final goal, with Dillon Augustin setting up Jake Palay.

“I couldn’t have been prouder of the way we came into that game,” Berlin said.

The Owls’ season got off to a slow start and, with a 2-4 record through their final six games, Berlin knew there had to be change.

He switched from a 4-4-2 formation to a 4-5-1 to flood the midfield with Reid as the lone striker and Nick Mignella moving to left back where he’s become a dangerous onetwo punch with Werzinger at left midfield.

“He doesn’t stop running,” Berlin said of Reid. “He doesn’t stop pressuring, and he’s winning the one-on-one battle, staying up on their last man and not allowing other teams to play out of their back at us because they’re being forced to make quicker decisions.”

Lynbrook earned the No. 9 seed, which sets up a second straight playoff meeting with Locust Valley with the Owls looking to avenge last year’s 3-0 defeat.

Brian Ballweg/Herald

Marco Pantano had a goal and two assists as the Owls rolled to a 5-0 win over Wantagh in the regular-season finale Oct. 16 to clinch a playoff spot.

FIGHTER FOR FIGHTER FOR FIGHTER

LONG ISLAND’S LONG ISLAND’S LONG ISLAND’S

FAMILIES FAMILIES

Voted

Allocated

Took action to keep guns out of the wrong hands, passed a bump stock ban and a full package of gun safety legislation Supported legislation to protect women’s rights to reproductive health care, including birth control and IVF

Rescue mission prepares for the holidays

Schwaner’s clothing caught the attention of Theresa Caputo, star of the reality TV show “Long Island Medium,” and other local influencers, which led to collaborations that shaped her business.

“I’ve always been creative my entire life,” Schwaner said. “I really enjoy creating different things for people that are handmade, one of a kind.”

She has partnered with charities to create limitededition products for fundraisers, supporting causes such as bullying prevention, domestic violence awareness, and breast cancer.

“Every October I do this,” Schwaner said. “I pick a charity where I would like to give money and awareness.”

This year she is working to help relieve food insecurity on Long Island. Many area families are unsure of where their next meal will come from as a result of poverty and unaffordable housing, according to Feeding America’s 2024 Elevating Voices: Insights Report.

“With rising costs, it’s hard for a lot of people just to eat on a day-to-day basis,” Schwaner said.

Helping Hand has helped people in need for almost 60 years, providing essential services and access to food, clothing and household supplies. The charity also sustains food pantries and community kitchens that support over 1,000 Long Island families.

The Rev. Kimberly Gaines-Gambino, president of the mission, has been involved with it since childhood.

“My parents started the organization,” GainesGambino said. “They started it as a place to provide food, clothing, household goods, holiday support and other needs, like housing referrals.”

Helping Hand currently serves about 250 families a week, and the need for its services has grown since 2020.

“We are working hard to meet the increased needs of the families since the pandemic,” Gaines-Gambino said. “The rising cost of food is challenging, but we’re there every day.”

“We need actual food donations at the mission or funds to purchase food,” she explained. “There are people struggling to feed their families. They’re working hard, but with the rising cost of rent, the rising cost of utilities — everything is more expensive right now.

“Food is the greatest need,” she continued. “To be

able to help people with food is one of the most important things that we can do.”

Helping Hand offers programs that provide extra support during the holiday season. “We have a program called ‘Fill a box, feed a family for Thanksgiving,’” Gaines-Gambino said. “The box contains enough for a family to have a Thanksgiving meal.”

The mission’s efforts to increase food availability also include a new community kitchen in Huntington Station in which families who don’t have access to stoves, ovens and other cooking appliances can cook and eat.

“We’re building this community kitchen that will provide a home-like space for people to come and eat, where we can prepare and serve meals,” Gaines-Gambino said.

“We’ve seen so much growth in the number of people that not only have food insecurity, but they don’t have a place to cook,” she said. “Not just homeless people, but people who are renting that don’t have access to a kitchen — they don’t get to cook food.”

Helping Hand’s community outreach is made possible by donations from community members and local businesses, from fresh produce from Whole Foods to harvests from local gardeners. All celebrated World Food Day on Oct. 16.

“We had our regular pantry distribution, but we had an extra abundance of fresh produce, and people brought donations of non-perishable foods,” GainesGambino said. “When people left with their bags full, they were full and overflowing.”

To learn about food scarcity on Long Island, To TieDye for Clothing and the Helping Hand Rescue Mission, go to ToTieDyeForClothing.com or HHRM.org.

Courtesy Kimberly Gambino

Hundreds attend Herald Senior Health Expo

Oceanside’s O’Connell Gardens hosts fourth highly anticipated event in series of 2024 gatherings

By Alexa Anderwkavich

The O’Connell Gardens in Oceanside welcomed eager attendees for the Herald’s Senior Health & Beyond Expo, produced by RichnerLIVE, on October 10 — the fourth in a series of exciting Expos for 2024.

The Expo is a community-loved event where diverse businesses and innovative services share their products and refined knowledge with Long Islanders.

“We are so thrilled with the turnout today — over 400 attendees!” stated Amy Amato, Executive Director at RichnerLIVE. “It offers valuable opportunities for companies and guests to learn, engage, and access essential screenings, benefitting both attendees and businesses. And we are so excited to expand this expo to Suffolk next month on Nov. 3.”

Over 45 vendors offering health, wellness, and personal care insights filled the hall. They provided guidance on enhancing lifestyle through new products and programs, as well as advice on senior living arrangements, financial security, and more.

Guests received free flu and COVID vaccines, courtesy of Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation and free COVID test kits from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s office.

Before noon, guests sat down for a panel discussion to hear experts discuss various topics, including consumer assistance programs and preparing for winter, advanced care directives, Medicaid asset protection trusts and estate planning, and the FCA Ombudsman Program. Guests also experienced an incredible segment from Mae Caime, CEO of aMAEzing Midlife & Beyond, called “Ageless Attitude,” — which got the crowd stretching and in motion!

“Never disappoints!” Caime said. “I love getting the crowd moving and grooving!”

Attendees received a goody bag — courtesy of Giftbag Sponsors Grandell Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Beach Terrace Care Center and Oceanside Care Center — filled with the special-event section, keepsakes and vital take-home information. At the end, the first 150 attendees also received a free to-go lunch provided by O’Connell Gardens and raffles winners were announced!

The Expo was made possible thanks to Silver Sponsors New York Department of Public Service, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, Centerlight Healthcare PACE and Long Beach Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (Cassena Care).

Guests and vendors are looking forward to the fifth and final expo of the year, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Suffolk Y JCC, at 74 Hauppauge Road in Commack, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pablo Rendon and team of the Parker Jewish Institute for Healthcare and Rehabilitation.

Alison Fenech, of the Long Beach Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, at the podium.

NYS Department of Public Service Utility Consumer Program Specialist Xenia Vega, right, and Jill Wasser.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Guests of the Expo enjoying their mindset, movement, and magic class guided by Mae Caime.

Speaker Daniel Miller, of Miller and Miller Law Group, with his wife.

A representative of the Oceanside Care Center with a vendor display.

Mae Caime, event host and CEO of aMAEzing Midlife and Beyond.

Kim Accardi and a colleague from FCA NYS Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman program.

A representative of Beach Terrace Care Center at its exhibitor table.

A representative of Silver Lining Home Care.

Rocking and rolling at ‘East Rockaway’s Got Talent’

East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School kicked off the night with vibrant performances, setting the tone for “East Rockaway’s Got Talent,” an annual showcase hosted by the Tri-M Music Honor Society on Oct. 10.

The auditorium buzzed with music, laughter and cheers as students from grades seven to 12, along with faculty, took the stage to display their talents. The event raised funds for the music department’s senior scholarship fund.

Students delivered a variety of performances, from heartfelt ballads to energetic rock numbers, highlighting the range of talent within the school community. However, one of the most anticipated acts came from “The Rock & Rolls,” a special faculty band featuring Peter Ceglio, director of fine arts; Superintendent James DeTommaso; Robert Kennedy Jr., assistant director of Pupil Services; and Noah Luft-Weissberg, a music teacher.

The group brought the house down with a highenergy rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.” Their performance received a standing ovation, with students and families cheering.

Organized by the Tri-M Honor Society, the talent show not only celebrated the arts but also served as a fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting the senior scholarship fund. The fund provides financial assistance to graduating seniors pursuing further education in music.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Photos courtesy of East Rockaway Union Free School District

The ‘Rock & Rolls — Director of Fine Arts Peter Ceglio, left, Superintendent James DeTommaso, Assistant Director of Pupil Services Robert Kennedy Jr., and music teacher Noah Luft-Weissberg paid tribute to Led Zeppelin and brought the house down at talent night.

Timothy Motherway whipped off his fur coat during a performance of ‘I’m Just Ken’ at ‘East Rockaway’s Got Talent.’

Talent nigh Emcee Megan Acuti waited in the wings to go onstage to introduce the next performer.

Kylie Curtis sang a song from the Disney movie ‘Frozen.’

Violinist Adam Kolakowski performed a stirring rendition of ‘Summer: Presto’ from Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons.’

Project 2025 pushes controversial policies

By JENNA ZAZZA & LORI SAXENA Special to the Herald

Written by the conservative Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 is a 922-page book detailing overhauls of the executive branch and proposing what some consider as radical policy changes regarding the economy, culture, education and healthcare.

The controversial plans have Democrats in a tizzy, the Trump campaign distancing themselves from the ideas and saying they would embrace the mandate’s demise.

The Project would decimate the working and middle classes.

JOhN RIZZO Economist

Some of the project’s more significant policies include eliminating the Department of Education, transforming the Department of Health and Human Service into an antiabortionfocused “Department of Life,” and increasing the president’s control over independent agencies like the Department of Justice.

Despite Trump rejecting the project, six of his former Cabinet secretaries and over 140 people who played a role in the project also worked in his administration, according to a CNN report.

It’s clear that Project 2025 is an election year buzzword. It has both opponents and proponents. At its core, the initiative seeks to reshape the federal government, but its impact extends to the local level.

In the plans forward, the Heritage Foundation notes: “Every hour the Left directs federal policy and elite institutions, our sovereignty, our Constitution, our families, and our freedom are a step closer to disappearing. Conservatives have just two years and one shot to get this right. With enemies at home and abroad, there is no margin for error. Time is running short. If we fail, the fight for the very idea of America may be lost.”

The economy

The mandate criticizes the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies, recommending a major reform of the agency. Even with major reform, the project argues the Federal Reserve, also known as The Fed, would still cause “inflationary and recessionary cycles.” The report calls for abolish it outright, replacing it with either a free-banking system or reimplementing the gold standard.

A free-banking system allows banks to issue their own notes without government oversight or regulation. The gold standard system fixes the value of currency to a specified amount of gold. Up until 1970, the U.S. operated under the gold standard.

“A gold standard imposes very tight constraints on the government to spend,

The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is a touchstone of controversy, proposing major changes to national policies.

especially in times of crisis like Covid,” said Stephanie Kelton, an economy and public policy professor at Stony Brook University. “This is why countries always go off the gold standard. There is a lot of economic instability in the gold standard.”

Kelton is a former chief economist on the U.S. Senate Budget Committee.

The project claims that the gold standard offers a more stable and less inflationary economy. It asserts that the gold standard will deter the government from arbitrarily issuing more money since a hard asset must back the dollars.

“When we were on a gold standard, the economy would have big booms and big crashes,” Kelton said. “You could say that it was stable if you look over a long period of time like a century or 50 years, but within that period of time, prices are crashing.”

According to economists, a free-banking system isn’t ideal either.

“We saw what unregulated banks did in 2008. It caused a great recession,”

John Rizzo, former Long Island Association chief economist, said. “If anything, we need more regulation not less.”

Long Island is among the top areas in New York state that was hit the hardest by the 2008 financial crisis. The state experienced the most subprime loans with either none or low documentation per 1,000 housing units, according to a report released by the state comptroller.

Long Island also had the most foreclosures, with one every 500 households or less, according to the same report. Congress created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to prevent another great recession and housing finance

bubble. Project 2025 also calls to eliminate the CFPB.

“A bunch of lending activity took place that never should have taken place. Banks steered people into buying homes that they couldn’t afford,” Kelton said. “So if we eliminate the CFPB, it just makes it more likely that something like that can and would happen again.”

Long Island’s unemployment rate is increasing, namely in Babylon town which follows the state rate of 4.9 by only 0.5 points, according to the state’s Department of Labor statistics. The entire region lags behind the state by 1.1 points. Unemployment insurance is also declining. As the rates climb, housing prices are too. The median sale price of a single-family home is nearly $800,000, up 11 percent from last year.

“The housing crisis nearly brought the global economy to its knees, it did, in fact,” Kelton said. “We need people whose job it is to watch out for stuff like this and to intervene and take action on behalf of consumers because, in many cases, people didn’t understand the risks they were taking.”

Project 2025 also proposes peeling back worker pay and protections, making fewer workers eligible for time-anda-half overtime pay by lowering the threshold, and permitting children to work in “hazardous jobs.”

“[The project] is an extreme antiworker agenda that’s more or less designed to allow employers to use and abuse workers as they see fit, pay them as little as possible, offer limited protections, unions, wages, benefits– the whole thing,” Kelton said.

All economists contacted for com-

ment had similar negative perspectives on the project’s economic plans.

The proposed income tax reform simplifies the system to a 15 percent rate for those earning up to about $168,000 and 30 percent for higher earners could have significant implications for Long Island’s middle-income residents. With median individual incomes of around $54,000 in Nassau County and $49,000 in Suffolk County, a large portion of Long Islanders would fall into the lower tax bracket, according to Census Bureau data.

However, many households are already struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, food, and transportation, according to a report by United Way of Long Island. Nearly 30 percent of households in Nassau and Suffolk County face financial hardship despite the region’s relatively low poverty rate of 6 percent.

“It’s blatantly in favor of large corporations and the 15 percent and 30 percent would have a devastating effect on lower and middle-income individuals’ financial situation and overall on the economy,” Rizzo said. “There will be an adverse impact on small businesses that account for 90 percent of the business on Long Island and the middle class. In fact there wouldn’t be a middle class any longer. The Project would decimate the working and middle classes.”

Jenna Zazza and Lori Saxena are reporters with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

Courtesy George Giokas

Justice of the Supreme Court 2024 JUDICIAL CANDIDATES

Andrew Crecca

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties

Age: 59

Legal career: Andrew Crecca, a figure in Suffolk County’s judicial system for nearly two decades, is looking to take on the state Supreme Court, next.

Appointed as administrative judge for Suffolk County, the 10th Judicial District of the Supreme Court in 2020, Crecca currently oversees operations. This role follows his tenure as supervising judge for matrimonial matters in the same court, from 2013 to 2020.

Crecca’s judicial career began in 2005 when he was elected to the county court in Suffolk. He has since served as an acting justice of the Suffolk Supreme Court from 2007 to 2010 and was elected as a justice of the Supreme Court in 2011, a position he will hold until 2024.

Along with his courtroom duties, Crecca has presided over the Integrated Domestic Violence Court in Suffolk County since 2007. He also served in the Suffolk Legislature.

James F. Matthews

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties

Legal career: James F. Matthews, a candidate for Justice of the Supreme Court in the 10th Judicial District, has over 40 years of legal experience.

Since 2015, he has served as an Acting County Court Judge in Suffolk County, presiding over civil and criminal cases, including business law disputes, personal injury matters and criminal trials.

He has also been an adjunct professor of law at Touro Law School His public service career includes a decade as Northport village attorney and nearly two decades as Huntington town attorney, responsible for municipal law, litigation and land use.

Matthews spent over 30 years in private practice, handling corporate and commercial law, litigation, and personal injury cases. He has a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law and a bachelor’s from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

Alfred C. Graf

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 66

Legal career: A Suffolk County District Court judge since 2018, Alfred Graf is now aiming for the state Supreme Court.

Born and raised on Long Island, Graf graduated from Farmingdale High School in 1976. He enlisted in the Navy that same year and rose to the rank of Operations Specialist Third Class Petty Officer. He received an honorable discharge four years later.

Graf earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from SUNY Plattsburgh and his law degree from Touro Law School. His professional experience includes serving as a NYPD officer. He has also worked as an alternative education schoolteacher and as an attorney with his own private firm.

His political experience includes serving two terms as supervisor of the upstate Town of Brighton and was an assemblyman from 2011 to 20118 representing A.D. 5 in Suffolk.

Terence P. Murphy

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties

Legal career: Terence Murphy was elected to serve as a Nassau County Court judge in 2014. He previously served as a Nassau County District Court judge where he presided over the Veterans Treatment Court from 2010 through 2014. He is a member of the Nassau County Bar Association.

Murphy is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served 26.5 years active and military service and was deployed to Bosnia, Iraq and Kuwait. His active duty experience began in 1973 with enlistment after high school. Murphy served as legal adviser to multiple commanders.

Paul E. Hennings

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 63

Legal career: Paul Hennings is a resident of Suffolk County and has served as a District Court judge since 2019 and Acting County Court judge since 2022. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Providence College in 1983 and went on to earn his law degree at Catholic University Law School three years later. After law school, he joined the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office where he was an assistant district attorney until 1989.

Hennings began his career in private practice in civil litigation, trials and appeals in State and Federal Courts. He first served as an associate with Wortman, Furmuso, Kelly (1989 to 1996). Then he joined the law office of Ted M. Toboias, until 2005. He then joined Devitt, Spellman and Barrett, LLP where he practiced as lead attorney until 2008. He then became a partner at Lawrence, Worden, Rainis, and Bard LLP.

Deanna D. Panico

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties

Legal career: Deanna Panico is a partner at Bee Ready Fishbein Hatter & Donovan, LLP. She has been in private practice since 2011, specializing in employment law.

Panico was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2011, the U.S. Eastern District of New York in 2012, the U.S. Southern District of New York in 2016, and the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals in 2014.

She earned her undergraduate degree from Stony Brook University in 2007 and her law degree from St. John’s University School of Law in 2010.

Paul Hensley

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 63

Legal career: Paul Hensley was a judge for the district court of Suffolk County in New York. He was appointed to the court in 2002, elected in 2003 and re-elected in 2008. Hensley lost the 2014 election.

Before his judicial appointment, Hensley served as a principal law clerk. His current titles are County Court judge, District Court judge and acting Supreme Court justice. Hensley has served as an acting Suffolk County Court judge since 2006, and was a law clerk for County Court Judge James Hudson from January 2001 until July 2002. From January 1999 to January 2001, Hensley was a law clerk for State Supreme Court Justice Leonard B. Austin. From March 1998 until January 1999, he worked as an assistant Huntington Town attorney. Before that, Hensley worked for the Robert Plan Corp., and also served as a Suffolk County assistant district attorney. He received his law degree from SUNY Buffalo.

Gregg Roth

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties

Legal career: Gregg Roth is an attorney with over 30 years of experience in many sectors of law, including civil rights law, employment law, personal injury law, social security disability law and workers’ compensation law.

Roth received his law degree at Hofstra University’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law in 1993, and has been a member of the New York State Bar since 1994. He has served as a state principal law clerk for the past 11 years, and previously was the associate director for Drug Court programs February 2011 to April 2014.

An extremely accomplished legal professional for decades, according to people who know him, he’s been crossendorsed by the Democratic, Republican and Conservative parties in Nassau County as a nominee for the New York State’s Supreme Court.

Ryan E. Cronin

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties

Age: 43

Legal career: Ryan Cronin is a practicing attorney from Garden City. He received his law degree from the Washington University School of Law in 2008. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Loyola College. He was the Democratic candidate for Senate District 6 in 2012 and 2016, losing both times to incumbent Republican Kemp Hannon. He ran for Nassau County Comptroller in 2021 and lost to Republican Elaine Phillips.

During his campaigns, Cronin focused on issues such as community safety, justice reform and access to legal resources. He emphasized a commitment to fairness and integrity in the judicial process.

2nd District Court Judge Family Court Judge 2024 JUDICIAL CANDIDATES

Chris J. Coschignano

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 60

Legal career: Chris J. Coschignano is a seasoned attorney and a candidate for family court judge, practicing law since 1990. As a member and partner at his firm — Sahn Ward — he specializes in zoning and land use planning, real estate law, municipal law, economic development, and family law. His extensive experience includes managing complex zoning projects on Long Island, earning recognition for smart growth initiatives. He served as a councilman for the Town of Oyster Bay from 2001 to 2017 and has held various municipal roles since 1995, including counsel to the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals.

Coschignano is active in community service, serving on multiple boards, including the Nassau County Bar Association and the Touro Law Center. He co-founded the St. Edward the Confessor Church’s Annual Summer Festival and coaches youth ice hockey. A recipient of numerous awards, he is committed to public service and education

Veronica Renta Irwin

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 50

Legal career: Judge Veronica Renta Irwin, currently serving on the Nassau County District Court, is running for re-election in the 2nd District.

Renta Irwin completed her early education at Brentwood High School before earning her degree from SUNY Albany and graduating from Hofstra Law School in 1999.

Starting her legal career in private practice, she founded her own firm, Irwin & Streiner, LLC, in Great Neck in 2001, focusing on personal ijury, guardianship and constitutional violations. Renta Irwin also has experience as principal law clerk for Nassau County Supreme Court Justice Sharon M.J. Gianelli from 2020 to 2024. She has also been involved in various legal organizations, including theLong Island Hispanic Bar Association, where is a past president, and as a board member of the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association. She also teaches at the School of Law at Hofstra University.

Andrea C. Phoenix

Democrat

Age: 59

Legal career: Phoenix has served as a Nassau County District Court judge in the Tenth Judicial District since 2007, where she presides over the Nassau County Mental Health Court and the Drug Treatment Court. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Hampton University, a master’s degree in communication and education from The Ohio State University, and a J.D. from the Hofstra University, Maurice A. Deane School of Law.

Before her election, Phoenix practiced family law in private practice from 1992 to 2006 and was a staff attorney with Nassau Suffolk Law Services. She has led the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York and the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, and she served on the New York State Unified Court System Family Violence Task Force.

She is also involved with the Amistad Black Bar Association, Theodore Roosevelt American Inn of Court, and community groups, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and The Links, Incorporated.

Lisa Daniels

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 58

Legal career: Lisa Daniels has over 25 years of legal experience, focusing on family litigation and guardianship cases. Daniels holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations and a Brooklyn Law School law degree She has been an adjunct professor, teaching family law and litigation at Hofstra University and Queens College from 1997 to 2001. Daniels is a member of the New York State Bar Association’s Committee on Children and the Law and serves on its legislation subcommittees. She is also a member of the Nassau County Bar Association Family Court Advisory Committee. Daniels ran for county legislator in 2013 and eight years later. In 1998, Daniels founded her law firm, addressing a wide range of family law issues, such as juvenile delinquency actions, abuse and neglect matters. She is listed on the New York State Court Part 36 Fiduciary List, serving as a court examiner, evaluator and guardian for incapacitated individuals.

Joseph Nocella Jr.

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 60

Legal career: Joseph Nocella Jr. currently serves as a Nassau County District Court judge, having been elected to the position for the 2023 to 2028 term. County Executive Bruce Blakeman initially appointed him to the court in 2022.

Before becoming a judge, Nocella served as the town attorney for Hempstead from 2021 to 2022 and as chief of staff to the Hempstead Town Supervisor from 2020 to 2021.

From 2017 to 2020, he was the town attorney for Oyster Bay. Within Nassau County government, Nocella has an extensive background, including positions as Counsel to the Office of Housing & Community Development from 2014 to 2017, Managing Attorney in the County Attorney’s Office from 2011 to 2014, and Counsel to both the County Executive and the Nassau County Legislature from 2006 to 2008 and again from 2010 to 2011.

Sean Wright

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 54

Legal career: Sean Wright, a longtime Valley Stream resident, is running for District Court Judge in the 2nd District, bringing decades of legal experience and community service to his campaign.

Wright has spent more than seven years as a prosecutor for Valley Stream, where he handled ticket and building violation cases. Inn 2011 when he became a Hempstead Town attorney and worked as an arbitrator for both Queens and Nassau County.

He has served as treasurer for the Friends of Bridge, a substance abuse counseling center, and has volunteered as an attorney adviser for High School Mock Trial, where he helped teacha new generation of legal minds. His dedication to local youth extended to the sports field as an assistant coach for the Valley Stream Green Hornets.

In 2016, Wright was appointed to the Valley Stream village board by Mayor Ed Fare after the resignation of Virginia ClavinHiggins

County Court Judge

Jeffrey A. Goodstein

Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 57

Legal career: Jeffrey A. Goodstein is running for Nassau County Court Judge. Goodstein has served as an acting justice of the Nassau County Supreme Court in the 10th Judicial District since 2012, appointed by Chief Administrative Judge A. Gail Prudenti. He also holds a position as a judge in the New York Court of Claims, appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2012 and reappointed in 2014. Goodstein earned his law degree from Touro Law School and has served in various legal capacities throughout his career. He is also an adjunct professor at St. John’s University School of Law.

On the issues:

Anthony D’Esposito, a Republican and former NYPD detective, won the district in the 2022 midterm elections defeating Laura Gillen, and flipping the seat from Democratic to the GOP control for the first time in 25 years.

He said he is working hard noting as there are 75,000 more Democrats in the district than Republicans.

4th CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Anthony D’Esposito

Party: Republican

D’Esposito’s platform continues to emphasize affordability, increased funding for local schools, and opposes “cashless bail” policies, which he says have contributed to rising crime. He also suports eliminating the cap on state and local tax deductions.

D’Esposito noted his work to retun money to the district for water cleanup in Hempstead village and to mitigate flooding in low-lying South Shore communities, a majority of the district, including his hometown of Island Park.

Along with partnering with local elected officials to make the communities more sustainable, considering the damage the area suffered after

Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

He said he is opposed to a federal ban on abortion.

On immigration he supported the House bill known as H.R. 2 that addressed issues regarding immigration and border security, including by imposing limits to asylum eligibility, but points to the Democratic-led Senate that did not put the measure up for a vote.

D’Esposito said he prioritizes public safety and said he strongly support Israel and Ukraine.

His re-election bid has been overshadowed by an ethics complaint. A Democratic action committee has accused him of hiring his fiancée’s daughter and a woman he allegedly had a personal relationship with for taxpayer-funded positions in his district office.

The allegations have prompted calls for an expedited investigation, though D’Esposito has denied any wrongdoing and views it as a personal, private matter.

Laura Gillen is mounting a campaign centered on supporting middle-class families, defending women’s rights, and tackling pressing social justice issues.

As a former Town of Hempstead Supervisor, Gillen made history in 2017 as the first Democrat to hold the office in over a century. Her tenure was marked by key accomplishments, including passing transparency reforms, modernizing the town’s digital infrastructure, and allocating over $59 million to repair local roads. She lost her re-election bid in 2019, but remained an active figure in Nassau County politics.

On the issues:

wake the Supreme Court overturning Roe V. Wade. She criticized D’Esposito’s support for anti-abortion policies, arguing that his stance is out of touch with the values of Long Island voters. She said she stands strong stand against the rise of antisemitism, particularly in the wake of increasing incidents in schools, synagogues and on social media. Her action plan is aimed at combating hate, which includes leveraging federal resources to improve safety in schools, providing more protection for synagogues, and increasing oversight of social media platforms to prevent the spread of hateful content.

Gillen has made it clear that her campaign is focused on delivering for Long Island families. She has emphasized her commitment to reinstating the State and Local Tax deduction, a key economic issue for many county residents.

Gillen is a staunch advocate for reproductive rights, vowing to fight for the restoration of legal abortion in the

Senate DiStrict 9

As a mother of four, Gillen said she brings a personal connection, emphasizing that she understands the challenges facing families in her district. She believes that her bipartisan approach as town supervisor, where she worked with a GOP-majority board, demonstrates her ability to get things done while staying true to her principles.

On the issues:

Patricia CanzoneriFitzpatrick is a familiar face, being elected to represent Senate District 9 in 2022. She’s seeking a re-election for a second term.

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick began her career in public service well before becoming senator.

She’s spent time as a Malverne village 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.

too far. So, we need to bring it back a little bit toward the middle, so to speak, and give judges discretion.”

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick also wants to support small businesses.

She says they should be allowed to operate 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.

On the issues:

James Lynch, a longtime psychiatrist, has been helping those struggling with severe mental illness.

He saw firsthand what it was like to be poor, at risk of homelessness and underserved. A newcomer for this position, he aims to do more.

Lynch spent time as a trustee and deputy mayor for Stewart Manor village, and said he enjoyed it, but decided he wanted to do more.

She says police need more funding, training, and trust based on their training and wants to continue working on bail reform and increasing discretion for judges.

“One of the first bills I proposed was allowing judges to have discretion,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “I understood that there was a need for the bail laws to change, and I applauded that, but I think they went

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 it has to be implemented in a more efficient way than previously attempted.

He thought of Senate District 9, and threw his hat into the ring.

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 change and the effect it’s had on local

communities. He’s for wind farms, for said he understands there’s work to be done in terms of community response.

He’s met with community members that have pushed back against wind farms — and found that the residents agreed be open to potential wind farms in the future.

Lynch said he also plans to work to keep taxes from increasing.

“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.”

Laura Gillen Party: Democrat

Congressional District 4 includes the South Shore Nassau County communities from the western county border to Seaford.

James Lynch Party: Democrat

Patricia CanzoneriFitzpatrick Party: Republican

GENERAL ELECTION Candidates

Democratic Electors

Amendment to Protect Against Unequal Treatment

This proposal would protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. It also protects against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy.

A “YES” vote puts these protections in the New York State Constitution.

A “NO” vote leaves these protections out of the State Constitution.

Enmienda para Proteger Contra el Trato Desigual

Esta propuesta protegería contra el trato desigual basado en la etnicidad, el origen nacional, la edad, la discapacidad y el sexo, incluida la orientación sexual, la identidad de género y el embarazo. También protege contra el trato desigual basado en la salud y la autonomía reproductiva.

Un voto “SÍ” coloca estas protecciones en la Constitución del Estado de Nueva York. Un voto “NO” deja estas protecciones fuera de la Constitución del Estado.

Electores para Presidente y Vicepresidente

Kamala D. Harris (For President)

Republican Electors

Tim Walz (For Vice President)

Electores para Presidente y Vicepresidente

Donald J. Trump (For President)

James

Member

JD Vance (For Vice President)

Representative in Congress District 4

Representante en el Congreso Distrito 4

Laura Gillen (D,CS)

United States Senator

Senador Estatal, Distrito

Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D, WF)

Diane Sare (L)

Vote for One (1)

Anthony D’Esposito (R,C)

Vote for One (1)

Michael D. Sapraicone (R,C)

Justice

la James Gregg Deanna Terence

County

Jeffrey

Miembro de

Judy Griffi

Juez de

Juez del Tribunal

State

Senador Estatal,

ELECTIon’24

actual ballot, but a composite of several sample ballots so as to reflect all the districts within the communities covered Specific candidates for individual communities are identified in blue. Complete reporting on candidates running in districts covered by the LIHerald.com under the Elections ’24 tab. For election results after the polls close Tuesday night, go to LIHerald.com

Senator District 9

Estatal, Distrito 9

James Lynch (D)

Vote for One (1)

Patricia CanzoneriFitzpatrick (R,C)

Member of Assembly District 21

de la Asamblea Distrito 21

Vote for One (1) Griffi n (D) Brian Curran (R,C)

Justice of the Supreme Court

la Corte Suprema (Vote for up to Eight) (8)

F. Matthews, Jr. (D,R,C)

Roth (D,R,C)

Deanna D. Panico (D,R,C)

Terence P. Murphy (D,R,C)

County Court Judge

Tribunal del Condado

Jeffrey A. Goodstein(D,R,C)

Alfred C. Graf (D,R,C)

Paul E. Hennings (D,R,C)

Paul M. Hensley (D,R,C) Andrew A. Crecca (D,R,C)

Family Court Judge

Juez del Tribunal de Familia

Lisa Daniels (D,R,C)

Chris J. Coschignano (D,R,C)

Vote for Three (3)

Joseph Nocella, Jr. (D,R,C)

District Court Judge District 2

Juez del Tribunal de Distrito

Andrea C. Phoenix (D,R,C) Veronica Renta Irwin (D,R,C)

Vote for Four (4)

Ryan E. Cronin (D,R,C) Sean Wright (D,R,C)

Brian Curran, after serving in the Assembly from 2010 to 2018, returned to the Legislature in 2022, representing the 21st A.D.

During his earlier tenure, Curran was a key figure on several committees.

Previously he was mayor of Lynbrook and is admitted to practice law in New York and Connecticut, which he believes strengthens his legislative work.

On the issues:

Assembly District 21

Brian Curran Party: Republican

He is a proponent of the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Noting that its time and expectations are “unrealistic.” “Everybody wants clean water, air, environment. I think it was a bad plan with the best of intention’s, but it’s a bad plan.”

The measure addresses climate change to reach net zero emissions in the state. It sets the goals to reduce emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and then to 85 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

He is concernd for what he called a surge of air traffic over his district, noting

the Federal Aviation Agency’s report of a fourfold increase. Curran said he supported legislation for a health study on airplane noise. He said that findings have yet to be released

Curran said he has advocated for increasing funding for school resource officers and has partnered with his village mayors to attain grants for upgrading school security systems.

An opponent of the congestion pricing plan that was halted by Gov. Kathy Hochul, Curran called an unfair burden on middle-class workers. While simultaneously saying that Hochul’s pause came after $200 million in tax dollars were spent.

He said he aims to continue supporting expansion the STAR exemptions, which help reduce school taxes for homeowners, especially seniors. He opposed the bail reforms that became law in 2018, saying that after four failed attempts to rectify the measure, judges should be give more discretion to determine whether bail should be set. “Public safety has to come first,” Curran said.

Judy Griffin is hoping to reclaim the 21st Assembly District seat Griffin narrowly lost the seat to incumbent Assemblyman Brian Curran in 2022 by 138 votes. Griffin initially defeated Curran in 2018, marking the first time a Democrat and a woman held the seat in 42 years.

On the issues:

During her tenure from 2019 to 2022, she secured over $8 million in funding for local services, including schools, libraries, and emergency services.

Griffin Party: Democrat

She disagreed with fellow Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul on Hochul’s take about reimagining foundation aid, which would have cut more than $400 million statewide, leaving schools to face more than $230 million in proposed cuts.

Griffin said she would stress a more collaborative approach with state lawmakers, the governor’s staff and various stakeholders, and meet before legislative session begins in January.

She challenged the GOP view that bail reform created a “revolving door” for the convicted. She remains committed to ensuring equality in the legal system,

Griffin said she has worked closely with district attorneys and police unions in a series of revisions to help ensure the law appropriately categorizes non-violent offenses.

She noted her role in the Red Flag Gun Law, which aims to prevent people who pose a threat to themselves or others from obtaining firearms. A supporter of the proposed Prop 1 amendment, Griffin stressed that it not only affirms fundamental rights but also provides legal protections against discrimination of marginalized communities.

She said that housing is a great need, but needs to be addressed strategically, providing suburban municipalities the opportunity to weigh in. Collaboration and addressing disparities would help build a better future in Nassau County, she said.

Griffin has championed the creation of health and wellness with-in school districts in Baldwin and Freeport, which provide support for physical and mental wellbeing.

Assembly District 21 includes East Rockaway, Freeport, Lynbrook, Rockville Centre, parts of Baldwin, and other nearby communities.

Town approves preliminary 2025 budget

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Town of Hempstead residents are expecting to pay more taxes next year — $5 more for those who live in villages, and $65 more for those who live in unincorporated areas.

The Town Board approved the preliminary 2025 budget on Oct. 1, adopting a $549 million spending plan, an increase of 4.9 percent. The tax levy will increase from $346 million to $389 million — a jump of over 12 percent that will far exceed the state tax cap of roughly 2 percent.

Town Comptroller John Mastromarino stated at a budget hearing on Oct. 15 that the town has managed to postpone tax increases over the past few years by utilizing reserve funds. But, he said, those funds are now running low, which is necessitating the tax increase.

“The town hasn’t had a tax increase in four years,” Mastromarino said. During that time, he added, the cost of living across the country increased by almost 28 percent, “and what we were doing was utilizing the reserves to protect our taxpayers,” Mastromarino said.

“The reserves were used, the taxpayers were protected, and it’s now at a point where we just can’t do it anymore,” he said.

Mastromarino said that the town used $22 million of reserve funds.

Where your tax dollars could go

School districts: 64 percent

Nassau County: 14 percent

Special districts: 10 percent

Villages: 7 percent

Towns: 4 percent

Cities: 1 percent

Before the budget hearing, community members rallied outside Town Hall, organized by members of the Nassau County Legislature’s Democratic caucus, who oppose the proposed tax increases. They accused the board of lacking transparency and failing to adequately inform the public about budgetary changes.

Attendees highlighted the already high cost of living that many residents are struggling with as they face the need to find additional funds to meet their tax obligations.

Former County Legislator Kevan Abrahams, who is challenging Republican Town Councilman Christopher Schneider to serve the balance of the term of Christopher Carini, who died in July,

spoke at the rally.

“There’s no transparency — there’s no visibility,” Abrahams said of the board’s budgeting process. “They try to do this in the cloak of darkness and they’re trying to squeak it past you. It’s called a sneaky weasel tax.”

In a letter about the budget proposal distributed among those who attended the hearing, Town Supervisor Donald Clavin stated that the spending plan was “fiscally responsible” and would enhance the town’s quality of life.

“Residents love the Town of Hemp -

Town Supervisor Donald Clavin addressed board members during a budget hearing on Oct. 15, at which they discussed the preliminary 2025 budget of $549 million.

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald

stead, and for many good reasons,” Clavin wrote. “Our beaches, parks, and nature preserves are second to none. We have some of the finest restaurants, shops, and small businesses around. Our schools, athletic programs, community organizations, senior centers, and other public resources are among the best in the nation.

“This superlative quality-of-life experience paired with top-notch government services is what continues to make Hempstead Town a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” he added.

Judy

Spooky Fest celebrates 13 years of frights

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,

COnTinuEd On PAGE 26

High ceilings

Long Island’s most anticipated new oceanfront rental community is now open. At The Breeze, each apartment opens you to a world of

Sisters Adriana, 4, and Gabriella Osgood, 18 months, got dressed up in matching Halloween outfits for Spooky Fest.

Skye Margies/Herald photos

Volunteers Brynn Ramsey, left, and Erica Hartley light the trail along the ‘Mystic Garden Walk’ at the Tanglewood Preserve.

The frights and sounds of Spooky Fest

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.

Volunteers angelina Cardenas, left, dressed as prince Charming, and Lily motherwell, dressed as Cinderella, provide the young children with a little disney magic. the Kellymorrison family: ariana, 5, left, matt, Larry, CJ, 14, and Chrissy enjoy celebrating the spooky season.

STEPPING OUT

Ghoul out with some festive merrymaking Get your scare on with Halloween-inspired shindig

By Karen Bloom

The countdown is now on to spooking and assorted revelry. The signs of that festive day are all around us as all those ghouls, witches and wizards look forward to Oct. 31.

So throw on a costume and act like a kid — with or without the kids. Transform your house into a spooky (or mildy spooky lair) with party tricks and Halloween treats. Set the scene with a mad scientist-themed sweets table and carry it home with a crazy good menu featuring frightfully yummy appetizers, some mocktails for the kids (and non-drinkers in your crowd) and, of course, treats.

Dress up the details: Many folks can’t wait to dress up for a Halloween party, but that’s not so for everyone. Don’t make costumes mandatory. Instead offer a table of accessories that anyone can borrow and use to alter their appearance. Goofy glasses, strange hats, adhesive mustaches, or masks can be fun.

Have fun with Halloween cuisine. Cookie cutters can turn sandwiches, desserts, biscuits — just about anything — into different shapes. Foods also can be made a tad more spooky simply by renaming them or presenting them in interesting containers. Beverages can be offered in jugs or old bottles and labeled “potions.”

Try these tricked-out treats for same tasty spooking.

Witches Finger Sandwiches

Entice guests into your lair with some witchy fingers

• 1 (11-oz.) can refrigerated breadsticks

• 6 small slices pepperoni

• 12 (2/3-oz.) slices cheese

• 3/4 cup finely shredded lettuce

Heat oven to 375°F. Separate dough into 12 strips. Place flat on ungreased cookie sheet; do not twist. With sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut 2 small triangles from one end of each dough strip to form a point that resembles a fingertip. Lightly score breadsticks in center to resemble knuckles. Cut each pepperoni slice into 2 pointed ovals to resemble 2 fingernails. Place 1 pepperoni piece on each breadstick.

Bake at 375°F. for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. If necessary, reapply “fingernails” with small dot of ketchup.

puffs to resemble ghosts onto the remaining baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until dried and firm, about 1 hour. Turn off the oven, close the door, and cool until completely dried, about 1 hour more.

Dip the tip of a toothpick into melted chocolate and dot chocolate “eyes” on each of the ghosts.

Spiderweb Cheesecake

Snare your guests with some spider web cheesecake. Use your favorite 9” cheesecake recipe.

Topping:

• 1/3 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar

• 1/3 cup milk, cream, sour cream or ricotta cheese

Web:

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chunks or chips

First, make your favorite 9” cheesecake, one using a graham cracker crust. Add 1/4 cup black cocoa to the crust, before pressing it into the pan. Bake the cake as directed; remove from the oven, and let it cool.

To make the topping: Whip the heavy cream with the sugar just until soft peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the sour cream just until combined.

Spread the topping over the cooled cheesecake.

Rock the Dock

Ambrosia, John Ford Coley and Peter Beckett (The Voice of Player), come together for a magical night performing all of their 1970s and ‘80s Billboard Top 40 Hits, on the Tilles Center stage, 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.” 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.

Friday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

‘Old Time Rock’

Split each breadstick. Cut each cheese slice into strips and place in breadstick, overlapping strips. Top each with lettuce. If desired, serve with mustard, mayonnaise or ketchup. Serve warm or cold. Note: Place leftover small triangular dough pieces on cookie sheet; bake until crisp. Use as croutons or nibblers.

Spooky Bones and Ghosts

Chase the demons away with a few “bones.”

• 2 large egg whites

• 2 drops fresh lemon juice, or more to taste

• 7 tablespoons white sugar, or more to taste

• 2 chocolate chips, melted, or as needed

Preheat oven to 225°F. Line 2 baking sheets with silicone baking mats.

Whisk eggs whites and lemon juice together in a bowl until thick, white, and foamy. Add sugar a spoonful at a time, whisking constantly, until meringue is shiny, thick, and holds its shape.

Transfer meringue to a piping bag. Pipe 12 bone shapes onto a prepared baking sheet. Pipe 12

To make the chocolate web: Heat the cream until it begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate and stir. The chocolate will begin to form one mass. Keep stirring until all the chocolate has melted — the cream should be hot enough to melt all the chocolate. If not, reheat briefly.

Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag fitted with a small tip (or a zip-top bag with one corner cut to form a 1/8” opening). Pipe one central dot onto the cream topping, then six concentric circles around the dot, spaced 1/2” apart.

Beginning with the center circle, gently pull a toothpick through all the circles toward the outer edge. Wipe the toothpick clean and repeat, moving clockwise and dragging the toothpick through at every eighth segment of the circle to complete the web pattern.

Peter Lemongello, Jr., the son of Long Island’s legendary star, returns to the Landmark stage. He takes his audience on a nostalgic musical journey from the 1960s through the’ 80s with his “Old Time Rock ‘N Roll” show. Accompanied by his eight-piece band, Peter delivers an engaging performance that evokes pure emotion. He continues to honor his father’s legacy — Peter Lemongello was the first artist to sell over a million albums on TV, through an innovative TV commercial campaign that paved the way for music video infomercials and MTV. A special highlight is Peter Jr.’s heartfelt tribute to his father, performing the hit “Do I Love You,” written by Paul Anka, which his Dad debuted on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.”

Friday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or by contacting Gene DiNapoli at (917) 567-5842.

Witches Finger Sandwiches

Spooky Bones and Ghosts Spiderweb Cheesecake

THE Your Neighborhood

America

The perennial classic rock favorite is back on the road again as founding member Dewey Bunnell celebrates the band’s 54rd anniversary, appearing on the Tilles Center stage, Saturday, Nov. 2, at 8 p.m. Billed as “Ride On Tour 2024, will draw on the band’s deep catalog of hits including signature song “A Horse With No Name,” a Number One hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1972. Bunnell and America’s co-founder Gerry Beckley (along with former band mate Dan Peek), who met in high school in London in the late 1960s, quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of that tune. Forty plus years later, these friends continue to make music together (although Beckley has now retired from touring) thrilling audiences with their timeless sound. Yet beyond their impressive catalog of hits, listeners discovered there was always much more to America than surface perceptions. The combination of Beckley’s melodic pop rock and Bunnell’s use of folk-jazz elements, slinky Latin-leaning rhythms and impressionistic lyric imagery contrasted well with Peek’s more traditional country-rock leanings and highly personal lyrics.

On their way to becoming a global household name, America’s journey found them exploring a wide variety of musical terrain. Their best-known tunes, including “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don’t Cross The River,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” and “Sister Golden Hair” were beloved as cornerstones of 1970s Top 40 and FM rock radio. From their formative years, America has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America’s audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group’s enduring appeal. Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Dog Days Weekend

Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), Saturday and Sunday, oct. 26-27, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. With dog parade and costume contest on Sunday, 3-5 p.m. Prizes awarded to best dog costumes, including Prettiest, Most Handsome, Most Original, Best Duo or Group, Funniest. Costume contest participants must register. Advance ticket purchase for weekend events required. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information, visit oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048.

Chamber Casino Night

Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce hosts its 2nd Annual Casino Night, Wednesday Nov. 6, 6-9 p.m., at Craft Kitchen and Tap House. Enjoy an evening of gaming, delicious food, drinks and great company. Try your luck at real poker, craps and roulette tables and help give to the community during this fun event. There will be amazing raffle prizes, including a two-bedroom condo in Panama, a nine-acre swimming pool, jewelry, massages and more. $95 per person. Registration includes food, drinks and $200 in chips. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit lynbrookua. com or call Polly at (516) 317-2075. 44 Stauderman Ave.

‘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, oct. 25, also 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 SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

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.

Fall Fest

Enjoy the season at the East Rockaway Village Fall Festival at Memorial Park, Friday through Saturday, Oct. 25-26. The historic haunted Grist Mill sets the spooky stage amid a family-friendly activities. With vendors offering unique treasures, while lively music fills the air. 344 Atlantic Ave.

Halloween Havoc

Lynbrook Recreation Center hosts its annual Halloween Havoc at Greis Park, Saturday, 26. Enjoy a spooky walk, games and treats, also a Halloween costume parade.To participate, registration is required via Lynbrook.RecDesk.com. Line up for the parade at 5 p.m. at the gazebo. 55 Wilbur St.

Harvest Festival

Centre Avenue Elementary School

PTA hosts its annual Harvest Festival, Sunday,Oct. 27, 1-4 p.m. With music, festive food, games, crafts, and more. Admission is free and all are welcome. Activities are outdoors weather permitting. School-appropriate costumes encouraged. 55 Centre Ave., East Rockaway.

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. $12; NCC students free $10 veterans,

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or

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11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE

VILLAGE OF EAST ROCKAWAY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Nassau County, New York, will hold a Public Hearing at the Village Hall, 376 Atlantic Avenue, East Rockaway, NY on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 8:00 PM on the following application: #08-2024 Application of 42 Williamson Street LLC, Owner, requesting a variance of:

Section 288-18 Lot area. of the Village Zoning Code, to construct a twofamily house in a lot with a 47 foot front, where a minimum of 50 feet is required.

Section 288-21 Front yards. of the Village Zoning Code, to construct a two- family house with a front yard setback of 22 feet, where a minimum of 25 feet is required.

Section 288-19 Side yards. A. of the Village Zoning Code, to construct a two- family house with side yard setbacks of 9 Ω feet and 7 Ω feet, where minimums of 10 feet and 4 feet are required. The premises are located at 42 Williamson Street, as described on the Official Tax Map as Section 26, Block 3, Lot 107. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested parties will have the opportunity to be heard at the aforesaid time and place.

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BY ORDER OF the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway. John F. Felbinger Superintendent Department of Buildings

Dated: October 24, 2024 149626

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Inc. Trust 2006-WMC2, Plaintiff AGAINST Nassau County Public Administrator, as the Limited Administrator of the Estate of Carole Denise Seifert; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 17, 2022 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 25, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 73 Peterson Place, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section: 42 Block: 126 Lot: 14. Approximate amount of judgment $1,024,415.54 plus interest and costs.

Months, 3646 Actual No.

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Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 005723/2012. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District and will be held “Rain or Shine” Richard M. Langone, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: September 27, 2024

For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 149613

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST GEORGE R. ERCOLE JR A/K/A GEORGE ERCOLE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 4, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 26, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known

The chaos of cartoon characters Column Guest

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17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Stuart Richner, Owner; Date: October 1, 2024 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material information requested on the form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). 1275286 Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

as 169 Spencer Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 441, Lot 232. Approximate amount of judgment $367,743.07 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008271/2009. 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”. Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-002974 82469 149572

ecently while doing a physical inventory of my tee-shirts I ended up with a mental inventory of the cartoons that I have always gravitated to and loved. Like seeing a pattern in ex-boyfriends, it shocked me to discover the cartoon heroes I have admired all have chaos, integrity and limited language to define their characters.

For example, when most fans would dedicate their Saturday morning to Looney Tunes’ Bugs Bunny or Road Runner, I rooted for the Tasmanian Devil known as Taz.

In his early life, Taz was that whirling dervish that said a lot quite passionately but no one knew what his gibberish meant. He was a favorite among males when it came to the Warner Brothers stable of personalities, but I didn’t learn that until after I grew to love him – a character with the right balance of confusion, empathy and hunger.

When Taz was given his own show from 1991 to 1995 called, “Taz-Mania”, I thought that the concept – filled with a family of Tasmanian devils -- was doomed from the start. Taz was always a lone character that stood apart – no family, far from home and with limited friendships. Putting him with a group of family members who spoke perfect English and helped him out of controversy was boring and ill-advised. Before I even knew what the phrase meant, it was clear that Warner Brothers “jumped the shark” when that show got started.

As I grew, Snoopy, the beagle in Peanuts cartoons never wavered as my favorite WWI flying ace with the Sopwith Camel. Actually, I preferred Snoopy’s relationship with the yellow bird Woodstock to this dog’s flying capabilities and adventures: the smart, resourceful, soulful pup who wails on cue and can really dance like nobody is watching.

Along with Taz and Snoopy, I also

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALTS, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2004-24CB, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-24CB, Plaintiff -against- CRISTA A. BELLEAU, MICHAEL D. BELLEAU; MARIA NUNEZ,

et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 26, 2024 and entered on September 5, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on November 19, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in

always appreciated Animal, the drumplaying Muppet of film and television shows like The Muppet Show. Animal is off the chain (literally, see his necklace) and doesn’t speak English, he chants it. Often in single words or syllables.

It was my understanding that he had an early stint on Sesame Street and could play his drum kit as well as the best of them. Furthermore, GEICO brought him back in a recent television commercial that played on the idea of homeowners with insurance having “an animal in the attic,” who was playing a mean beat. Honestly, any Muppet who can act in a television spot and consistently flustered Kermit the Frog is a Muppet of mine.

Finally there are the Despicable Me movies’ amazing Minions. I don’t want to divide my admiration for Kevin, Stuart or Bob, but all three of these characters decked out in denim have reasons to be loved. They enjoy life, embrace adventure and listen and respond cultlike to their leader Gru. Here too, it is my understanding that they are all voiced by a single actor and there is little to no understanding of their language: a cross between ‘pigeon English” and Italian. Ironically, what they lack in words they make up in their joie de vivre – as well as their innovative plans and schemes.

At the end of the day, you would think I’m way too old for cartoons or the merchandise they render. But until I can explain why I completely relate to the “messy” Linda Belcher of Bob’s Burgers, I’ll hide behind the aforementioned heroes and rely on their escapades for a good laugh and a mindless escape.

A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/ advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.

the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, County of Nassau and State of New York; known and designated as SBL# 42-21203-5. Said premises known as 3 DOROTHY PLACE, LYNBROOK, NY 11563 Approximate amount of lien $418,018.83 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.

Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.

STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.

Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

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

Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

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Q. Our home in Asheville, North Carolina, was damaged by Hurricane Helene. The insurance company was contacted, and several busy contractors have looked at the property as they passed by. One commented that many homes need to be completely rebuilt, because they’re missing parts that protect them from hurricanes, such as “tecos.” What are tecos, and why do they make a difference? Can they be added without tearing our house down? This may push us to just sell, as is, and move on, at a large loss. What can we do?

A. . First, Teco is a brand name for metal connectors that hold lumber building parts together, giving any home greater resistance to being pulled apart by wind.

Unfortunately, the company went out of business in the 1990s. It’s a brand name, not a generic term — it’s like saying Kleenex instead of facial tissue. But the name stuck, and is often used by people who have no idea that you can’t get a Teco anymore, but it’s easier than saying joist hanger or connector.

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The most-used brand today is Simpson, which is far more sophisticated, for a much wider variety of engineered connections. The key word is “engineered,” and I emphasize it because most users of these products often use the wrong connectors for the wrong purposes. For example, your home, if it’s not completely in splinters, can be saved, but you have to use the right connectors, utilizing manufacturer charts and selecting the right ones based on wind resistance calculations. I’m sure I just lost most readers, because almost nobody actually calculates, or desires to respect, the right use of the right connector, so people go to the store and buy a box of what looks best, what is most available or what costs the least.

While filming the documentary “Hell or High Water,” which never got released due to lack of funding, I got to meet with officials, from (the equivalent of) the mayor to the head of the building department in Moore, Oklahoma, after third-graders were killed in their concrete elementary school by the fastest winds ever recorded, 313 miles per hour. The neighborhood was gone. People were rebuilding. I questioned why building permits were issued and yet nobody was using the connectors to reconstruct. The superintendent of the building department answered with frustration, knowing that it’s a code requirement, that “most people can’t afford the cost of the connectors.” Nine years later, I saw an article about the state of Oklahoma now strictly enforcing connector requirements.

You don’t have to walk away from your home. The base and top of the wall studs, the roof rafter connections and the corner hold-downs can be retrofitted, which will give you additional wind resistance of approximately 30 mph, and as a nationally certified damage assessor, I have seen firsthand that the right connectors save property and lives. Good luck!

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opinions

Law school bonds formed decades ago are still strong

Few possessions in life are more valuable than lasting friendships. I’ve been more than blessed with friendships that began almost 60 years ago, when I was a student at Notre Dame Law School, and remain strong all these decades later. That was clear when we got together again at Notre Dame last week.

I entered Notre Dame in 1965. From my home in Queens to the campus in South Bend, Indiana, was about 800 miles by car. In life experience, the distance was light years. I had no clue what to expect. My life up to then had been almost entirely confined to Queens, where I grew up; Brooklyn, where I went to high school and college; and Manhattan, where I was born, and where, during my last two years of college, I worked loading and unloading trucks and freight cars at the Railway Express Terminal on 10th Avenue.

My out-of-state ventures had been limited to New Jersey: a two-week summer rental when I was 9, a handful of one-day visits to relatives and two nights at Palisades Amusement Park. In

New York, I took the ferry once to Staten Island, made the occasional trip to Jones Beach and journeyed to the Bronx for a handful of Yankees games and once to watch the football Giants practice at Fordham. I had never eaten in an actual restaurant, my dining experience limited to White Castle and pizza joints.

The Notre Dame campus was as impressive as advertised, with its famed Golden Dome glistening in the Indiana sun and more trees and manicured grass than I’d seen anywhere except Central Park. The law school was a three-story Gothic structure that radiated seriousness of purpose. I opted to live in Fisher Hall, the graduate student dorm, rather than an off-campus apartment mainly for convenience: It was a two-minute walk from the law school and next door to the dining hall.

had gone away to college, and I had no idea what dorm life was like.

C atching up with four longtime, far-flung friends from Notre Dame.

We were all willing to work together and help one another out — very different from the cutthroat competition at many law schools. That was a great defense against the dean of the law school, who took pride in the number of first-year students who flunked out or bailed out. His welcoming greeting to us had set the tone: “Look at the man on your left and the man on your right. Before long, one of you won’t be here. And damned be he who first cries, ‘Enough, enough!’”

Fortunately, the six of us survived the dean’s first-semester bloodletting, with Ward and Weiss doing exceptionally well and the rest of us doing well enough.

Rosemary, who was a student at neighboring St. Mary’s, during my first semester, and her becoming an integral part of our group. We got married at the start of my final semester before graduation.

After graduation, everyone did well: Manning in Chicago, Ward in Maine, Curtin in New Jersey, Weiss in St. Louis and Bonenberger in West Virginia. Though we were many miles apart, we stayed in close contact over the years, including at five-year class reunions, even holding weekly Zoom meetings during Covid.

Then, last summer, Manning, who was in many ways our magnet, died, and we decided to have our own minireunion. So last week we were together again in South Bend.

Most important, the law students living around me in Fisher Hall were great guys. Dick Manning, Tom Curtin, Tom Ward, Charlie Weiss and Lanny Bonenberger became lifelong friends. For the most part we all had similar upbringings, Catholic school-educated. Every one of us except Ward, whose father was a doctor, was the first in our family to go to college. And every one of the others

Why I’m voting

FSometime in the spring of our first year, there was a climactic power struggle between the dean and the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, president of the university, over the starting date for the law school in the fall. Their grand compromise was to give the dean his starting date, but to throw the law students off campus. It was my first experience as collateral damage! But the six of us found a house to rent in South Bend, and our friendships grew stronger than ever.

Adding to all this was my meeting

There were changes. Fisher Hall and the house we rented have been demolished. The law school building is many times larger than it was. But among us, nothing had changed. We walked the campus, reliving good memories, retelling old stories, talking about our children and grandchildren. We were thankful for our bonds of friendship, which had been forged in another century and have grown only stronger over seven decades. A great gift.

Go, Irish!

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

for Kamala Harris

or the past year, politicians and political commentators have described the upcoming election as the most consequential in American history. To be realistic, all elections have consequences, but there is no doubt that this one will have a dramatic impact on my family, and countless others, for years to come. With less than two weeks to go until Nov. 5, I am weary from the back-and-forth discussions I have had with family members, friends, neighbors, and political allies and adversaries. Happily, all of those talks have been cordial, and it has been worthwhile to listen to all opinions. These exchanges have better prepared me to explain why I will vote for Kamala Harris for president. Before explaining the basis for my vote, I need to rebut some of the arguments that I have heard from supporters of Donald Trump. Some have made the claim that Harris is “anti-Israel.”

They point to the fact that then-President Trump moved the American embassy to Jerusalem, but they have not offered any proof that as a candidate, Harris has failed to support Israel. She has shown her unhappiness with its prime minister, but Benjamin Netanyahu is not Israel.

itrust her, and believe she is the best choice for challenges both at home and abroad.

Three months into the election madness, some people tell me they “don’t know enough about Kamala.” I view that as an excuse not to vote for a woman. My response to them is, “Where does Trump stand on abortion, child care tax cuts, more housing opportunities for people of modest means and tax breaks for middleincome families?”

I frequently hear people describe the vice president as “too liberal.” They reference her former support for Medicare for All and her past opposition to fracking. Harris has modified her positions on a number of issues, as has Trump’s vice presidential nominee, J.D. Vance, who is now in lockstep with Trump — after once calling him a “Hitler.”

I choose Harris over Trump for a

number of reasons. I trust her, and believe that she will be an honest president. I don’t believe that she will make private deals with campaign donors, or craft laws that will favor a handful of wealthy donors like Elon Musk. Above all, she won’t lie, lie and lie some more at every opportunity.

Thanks to President Biden’s hard work, America has the respect of world leaders once again. NATO is once more a united force in Europe, and the only firewall we have against Russia and Vladimir Putin. Harris will be a strong supporter of NATO and Ukraine. That will make our country safer. She will uphold our alliances with Asian nations and oppose China’s efforts to harm Taiwan.

Harris will appoint qualified people to major positions in her cabinet, and has pledged to seek bipartisan advice on key issues. There are countless thought leaders in America who would gladly give their time to the government if they thought their views would be respected. Above all, she will not sell out the nation to domestic or foreign

interests.

Harris will protect a woman’s right to choose. She has pledged to reinstate Roe v. Wade, and will appoint judges to the Supreme Court who will protect women’s rights. She will appoint an attorney general who will follow the Constitution, and be the people’s lawyer and not the president’s lap dog.

Harris will maintain our support for Israel. She has seen the powerful support that Biden has provided, including his latest pledge to give Israel guided missiles and U.S. military support to back them up. She will honor those commitments.

Rather than recite the reasons why I do not support Trump, I’ll defer to America’s top generals, who have called him dangerous and unfit to be commander in chief. To add to their opposition, I could further quote all of Trump’s former cabinet members who oppose his re-election.

Enough said.

Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

Don’t miss your chance — get out and vote

as we approach a pivotal election that portends high political drama, there’s never been a better time to stress the importance of voting. Every vote counts, and participation is more than a right — it’s a crucial responsibility that shapes this nation’s democracy.

This is not about whom to vote for. It’s about making the most of the privilege of voting.

Early voting is now underway in parts of the country, and in the state of Georgia, the turnout has already made headlines. On the first day of early voting, more than 300,000 Georgians cast their ballots — more than double the number who voted that day in 2020.

That could signal the beginning of another record turnout for the presidential election. Four years ago, both eventual President Joe Biden and the incumbent, Donald Trump, garnered the most votes ever in a presidential election. Biden won with some 81 million.

The heightened enthusiasm, to put it most politely, for next month’s election underscores why every eligible voter should make his or her voice heard.

This year, Election Day falls on Nov. 5, but early voting provides flexibility for those who may not be able to vote on that day. In New York, early voting gets under way this Saturday and ends on Nov. 3.

Early voting gives voters the chance to skip the long lines and cast their ballots at a time and place that is convenient for them. It’s a safeguard against last-minute emergencies or unforeseen obstacles that might occur on Election Day.

The surge in early voting is a promising sign for democracy, but it also sends a larger message about civic engagement in today’s highly charged political climate. Voting is one of the most direct ways individuals can influence the policies that shape their lives.

Whether the issues voters are focused on are health care, education, the economy, social justice or abortion access, the winning candidates, and measures on the

New York state elections are all about the major parties

To the Editor:

As New York voters prepare for the Nov. 5 elections, it is apparent that candidate choices are limited now more than ever. The Herald Roundtable articles, for example, are limited to coverage of Democratic and Republican candidates. The anti-democratic impact of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s electoral

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■ Elmont Public Library 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont, NY 11003

■ Floral Park Recreation Center 124 Stewart Ave., Floral Park, NY 11001

■ Freeport Recreation Center 130 East Merrick Rd., Freeport, NY 11520

■ St. Paul’s Recreation Center 295 Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY 11530

■ Glen Cove City Hall 9 Glen St., Glen Cove, NY 11542

■ Great Neck House 14 Arrandale Ave., Great Neck NY 11023

■ Hempstead Rec. Center/Kennedy Park 335 Greenwich St., Hempstead, NY 11550

■ Hofstra University 1000 Fulton Ave., Hempstead, NY 11549

■ Hicksville Levittown Hall 201 Levittown Pkwy., Hicksville NY 11801

■ South Shore Jewish Center 191 Long Beach Rd., Island Park, NY 11558

■ Lawrence Country Club 101 Causeway, Lawrence, NY 11559

■ Long Beach City Hall 1 West Chester St., Long Beach, NY 11561

■ Massapequa Town Hall South 977 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa, NY 11758

■ Temple Beth Am 2377 Merrick Ave., Merrick NY 11566

■ Nassau County Board of Elections 240 Old Country Rd., Mineola NY 11501

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■ Syosset Public Library 225 S. Oyster Bay Rd., Syosset NY 11791

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■ St. Francis De Chantal Church 1309 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, NY 11793 ■ West Hempstead Public Library

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Garden St., Westbury, NY 11590 ■ Williston Park American Legion 730 Willis Ave., Williston Park, NY 11596

ballot, will help determine the future of those issues. By casting your vote, you become part of the collective decisionmaking process that steers the direction of the country.

For those who feel disillusioned or disengaged, it’s important to remember that democracy works best when it’s fully inclusive. Every election offers the opportunity to hold public officials accountable, to approve or reject ballot measures, and to influence the future of local, state and national policies.

When large numbers of people opt out of the process, fewer voices shape the policies that affect everyone. Voting is a way to speak up, even when the system feels

letters

“reforms” has become abundantly clear with this year’s elections in our state. Having made it virtually impossible for independent third-party candidates to appear on the ballot, drastically changing longstanding ballot access laws and regulations in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, this fall we find ourselves with only Democrats and Republicans listed on our ballots. In a manner similar to what Republicans have done elsewhere, New York Democrats have suppressed the vote and stifled

imperfect or frustrating. By casting your vote — whether early or on Election Day— you are exercising a power that should never be taken for granted. “My vote doesn’t matter” is simply not the case.

So if you can’t vote on a busy Tuesday, Nov. 5, make a plan to do so between now and the Sunday before Election Day. Or take advantage of the time you still have to register to vote and request an absentee ballot. Be part of the conversation, have a say in the issues that matter to you, and help ensure a future that reflects the will of all Americans.

Voting isn’t just a privilege; it’s a duty that upholds the foundation of our democracy. Your voice matters. Let it be heard.

meaningful political debate on the issues that face us all. We urge Gov. Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature to reverse these draconian changes to our election law as soon as possible. New Yorkers deserve more voter choice, more democracy. Thanks to the Cuomo “reforms,” New York is the only state to have just two candidates for president appearing on the ballot. This has happened in only one other state in the past 40 years, Oklahoma. Many voters now feel faced with two unsatisfactory

opinions

Join the necessary fight against spotted lanternflies

the Herald and other publications have detailed the negative impacts of the invasive spotted laternfly on long island, and while the population of these unwelcome insects continues to require intervention to prevent their unchecked spread across our region, there are steps that every long islander can take in their own backyard to protect against them. At the long island Conservancy, we are eager to share some tips that will make a positive impact — and in some cases, multiple positive outcomes by eradicating not only this invasive insect, but also invasive plants that serve as the lanternfly’s primary food source.

First off, much like the mTA’s famous slogan, if you see something, squish something! This fall, keep your eyes peeled for egg masses, and make sure to destroy them through the spring. removing the tree of heaven, an invasive non-native plant, is a top priority when it comes to proactive ways to erad-

icate the lanternfly. The tree of heaven is a fast-growing, invasive species across north America that you may not recognize by sight, but you certainly can by scent — it’s also known as the stinking sumac, stink tree, stink weed, and a variety of other names including “stink.”

The plant is spreading with the same vigor as the lanternfly, and removing it eliminates the insect’s favorite food. mechanical removal is possible: Girdle it, rip it out and remove it; whatever you can do to set them back. make sure to follow up to ensure it doesn’t regrow.

a species displaced halfway across the world.

s quash them, plant milkweed, and yank out all the tree of heaven you can find.

many land managers and conservation professionals have warned against mechanical removal, encouraging the use of herbicides instead. in our experience, this isn’t necessary; while the removed/damaged trees will sucker up, if you pull the suckers biweekly for a growing season, the roots will give up the ghost and the problem can be eliminated.

The tree of heaven is a significant problem in our region, not just because of the smell, but because it chokes out beneficial native plants. in the case of the lanternfly, the plant is essentially the closest thing to “home cooking” for

Letters

choices: a candidate who is engaged in sowing pernicious and deadly seeds of ethnic and ideological conflict, and another who supports wars and continuing our nation’s complicity in an ongoing genocide.

The Green Party urges all progressive voters to write in “Jill Stein” in this year’s election. Don’t stay home, and don’t waste your vote!

Jim Brown Chair, Green Party of Nassau County Island Park

Kremer summed up Trump, but there’s more

To the Editor:

in his oct. 10-16 column, “A historic election for all the wrong reasons,” Jerry Kremer presents several compelling reasons to reject Donald Trump’s “desperate campaign” for president.

But voters should consider other factors as well. Conservatives, in particular, ought to ask whether Trump adheres to three principles they surely hold dear: family values, law and order, and patriotism.

Do republican parents really want their children to view this potential president as a role model? Should kids

if getting rid of that awful smell isn’t enough incentive, early scientific research suggests that lanternflies that feed on the tree of heaven sequester toxins, called quassinoids, that make our native birds extremely less likely to eat them. So the lanternflies are essentially exempt from the food chain, another reason why so many have managed to thrive in our competitive environment. This is, by the way, why they have those bright red warning colors!

And the tree of heaven isn’t the only invasive species of plant that supports the lanternfly population. Porcelainberry and other species that originated in Asia are key sources of food. Every pernicious invasive species removed means more available space for native, healthy species to grow and thrive on long island.

when it comes to native species, there are a few to consider planting, like milkweed. i’ve seen dead lanternflies on milkweed plants — it appears that the dopey insects feed on them and poison themselves. (if you need a bonus reason to plant milkweed, the influx of mon-

arch butterflies is lovely!) while taking steps to remove invasive plants in your yard and replace them with native species is proactive, some people are well past that point — they’re dealing with infestations. in that case, you may be ready to set up a trap around a native host tree.

observe where the lanternflies congregate most on your land and set your trap up there. while they tend to like walnut and sumac the best, they’ve been seen on maples, birches, sycamore and other trees. Building a trap is easy — you can find a step-by-step guide at https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-builda-spotted-lanternfly-circle-trap.

For saplings that aren’t big enough for a proper trap, just knock the bugs into a soapy dish. Some will hop away, but they’re quite easy to catch this way, and if you do this once a day, over time you’ll see fewer of them returning. while combating the spotted lanternfly has been compared to trying to keep water off the beach because there are so many, by eradicating invasive species like the tree of heaven, we are helping to protect our environment now and for years to come.

Frank Piccininni is the president of Spadefoot Design and Construction and a co-founder of the Long Island Conservancy.

Framework by Tim Baker

seek to emulate a philanderer and a vulgarian incapable of telling the truth?

How do those professing to “back the blue” square that stance with support for a convicted felon? is someone charged with racketeering and 51 other criminal offenses a credible champion of the rule of law?

Are red-white-and-blue all-Americans oK with a candidate who orchestrated the attempted overthrow of the country’s constitutional order? Does denigrating members of the U.S. armed forces demonstrate love of country?

Trump defiles all three of the values most Americans regard as sacrosanct.

This is not to say that Kamala Harris is without personal flaws of her own. She’s imperfect, both as a candidate and a human being. Besides, voters should be assessing a candidate’s policy positions, not only his or her personal behavior. And Harris’s record and her proposals can be fairly criticized from a conservative perspective.

But character does matter. And on that score, Donald Trump is utterly unqualified to hold the nation’s highest office.

KEvin J. KEllEy Atlantic Beach

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.

A crisp, patriotic day in Eisenhower Park - East Meadow

Frank piccininni