honors in cross country, while eyeing a future in sports medicine.
Malverne teenage triathlete is a world champion
By JUAN l ASSo jlasso@liherald.com
Matteo Somma, a 17-year-old elite triathlon athlete from Malverne, follows his training plans with the discipline of a drill sergeant and the patience and foresight of a man twice his age. In the past few weeks, he’s been riding a victory high.
Last month, the Malverne resident captured the M16-19 age group world title for Team USA at the Sprint Triathlon World Championships in Torremolinos, Spain.
Closer to home, he finished 19th in the New York State Cross Country Championships. He says his relentless regiment, refined and compounded upon throughout the years, has led him to come this far.
“I really just enjoy the everyday aspect of training and getting up and having a structured plan to look forward to throughout the day,” said Somma. “I want to be the best.”
Somma, armed with his bicycle, flew thousands of miles to compete with other teen athletes from dozens of countries. He
Continued on page 7
‘High School Musical Jr.’!
By TAYloR GRAYSoN tgrayson@liherald.com
Seventh and eight-grade students at West Hempstead Secondary School put on a stirring theatrical performance of “High School Musical Jr.” last week, drawing rousing applause from audience members.
Disney Channel’s “High School Musical” is considered a childhood classic, and the junior version of the play is designed for students of a certain age, since they don’t quite meet the age requirement of the original play.
Tschool.
“I’ve done theater my whole life,” Gerbino, who has taught in schools for nearly 11 years, said. “I did theater in college as well. I taught at a couple of local community theaters for a few years, but this is my first time directing at a school I’ve taught at.”
he high school drama club is producing every curtain that’s opening ... It’s really amazing to have them incorporated in this.
ViCToRiA GERBiNo teacher, West Hempstead Secondary School
Students gave memorable performances of “High School Musical Jr.” on the nights of Nov. 21 and 22, under the direction of Victoria Gerbino, the school’s special education English teacher. For Gerbino, who is no stranger to community theater, this marks her second year of directing plays for the
At the West Hempstead Secondary School, the connection between literature and the arts continues to shine through.
On opening night, Gerbino noted that, “The show is run by high schoolers. We (junior crew) lead it onstage, but the high school drama club is producing every curtain that’s opening, light that’s flashing and sound you hear. It’s really amazing to have them incorporated in this.”
The entire production requires some important behind-the-scenes assistance, Continued on page 2
Courtesy Matteo Somma
Balancing elite athleticism with a rigorous training regimen and strong support network, Somma also earned all-State
Applause for youth ‘High School Musical’
including the stage director, stage manager, musical director and crew.
Natalia Antkowiak served as the musical director for this production, as well as for the previous year’s high school production of “Mamma Mia!” The direction team thanked the families of the students involved for “letting them live in the theater during the rehearsal process.”
“About 60 to 70 man hours went into the making of this show, plus Saturday rehearsals,” Antkowiak said. “There are 24 kids in the cast. We have about 25 crew members, with 15 of them working the show tonight.”
Crewmembers don’t just learn and design effects for the show, but sometimes they also move set pieces in scene changes, and are regarded as “stagehands.” Other times they sell refreshments and show merchandise to raise money for the theater that was previously spent to put on the production.
Quinn Betty DuPrey Anderson, a seventh grader at the school, was one of the concession handlers for this play, but she realizes that her role is constantly changing.
“Tomorrow I’m going to have to change the sets or still be in the snack bar,” the 12-year-old said. “This is my second time doing theater. I have four friends performing in the play. I think I might audition for one of the next ones.”
According to schooltheatre.org, 100 percent of school administrators agreed that theater programs strengthen students’ creativity skills, and that creative drama enhances fluent and flexible thinking in young students.
Francine Romeo, the stage director for last week’s performances, detailed her duties for the play, a role that is easily mistaken for stage manager, but is actual-
ly a step up.
“I plan what the set is going to look like, and we figure out how to build it with the kids,” Romeo said. “I get their input and they help with everything.”
Gerbino made sure to order the rights to the play in June, so nothing would fall behind schedule. It may
take a long time to acquire play rights, so she got a head start months in advance to avoid any time management issues.
Last week’s performances were met with rousing applause from audience members, as well as proud smiles and bows from those who graced the stage.
Taylor Grayson/Herald
all cast picture taking their final bow on opening night of High School musical jr. at West Hempstead Secondary School on nov. 21.
Malverne Holiday Lighting sparks cheer
Malverne village decorating is an annual day of activities that everyone can get involved in. For this year, the decorating commenced on Sat. Nov 23.
It is described as the preparation for the main event, the tree lighting that occurs on Dec. 7. Each day is more than just a lighting or a decorating ceremony. They both are jampacked events that start in the morning and end at night.
Some of the notable occurrences include the sharing of refreshments, music parties, scout appearances and the famous PBA barbecue. PBA stands for police benevolent association.
Apparently, they barbecue for the village of Malverne annually in honor of the initial holiday decorating ceremony.
Hundreds of people come out to the initial event, while thousands make their way to the follow-up event.
The holiday decorating covers all of downtown Malverne. This includes businesses, parks, the train station, village owned buildings, village hall, the police station, and the library.
It’s an event that precedes the reign of Mayor Sullivan, but he is very knowledgeable about it.
“It’s a good opportunity for people to get involved and feel like they have open interests that they’re apart of a bigger part of the community and what we celebrate,” he said.
–Taylor Grayson
Christine Rivera/Herald photos Brownie Troop 2400 spreading some holiday cheer.
Carl Prizzi, Malverne Village Trustee hanging holiday décor around the Malverne LIRR train station.
From left to right, Kathleen Kasal, Dawn Hayes, Malverne Youth Board Members selling merchandise.
Daisy Troop 2568 decorating with their families.
From left to right, Ivy Mastropietro (6) and Maddie Guilfoyle (6) helping to decorate their village.
HEMPSTEAD HERALD — November 28, 2024
Local restaurant owners under fire
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that the owners of a West Hempstead Mediterranean restaurant have been charged with allegedly underpaying employees by more than $60,000 over a sevenmonth period and failing to contribute to the New York State Unemployment Insurance program.
Mahmut “Max” Unver and Red Lions Food Corp., which operates as Anatolia Mediterranean & Grill, were arraigned on Nov. 13, 2024, before Judge Geoffrey Prime. They face charges including second-degree grand larceny (a Class C felony), first-degree scheme to defraud; failure to pay wages when due under Labor Law, and willful failure to pay contributions. Both pleaded not guilty and are due back in court on Jan. 6, 2025.
Co-defendant John “Canturk” Yilmaz was arraigned on the same charges on Nov. 21, 2024, before Judge Prime. Yilmaz pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Dec. 13, 2024.
If convicted, the defendants could face sentences of up to 5 to 15 years in prison.
This marks the first prosecution in Nassau County under an amended New York State grand larceny statute, which now includes “compensation for
My office does not tolerate the exploitation of hard-working employees.
Anne T. Donnelly Nassau County District Attorney
labor services” in its definition of property. The amendment, signed into law on Sept. 6, 2023, allows prosecutors to combine wage theft affecting an entire workforce into a single grand larceny charge, strengthening criminal penalties for such offenses.
“My office does not tolerate the exploitation of hard-working employees,” Donnelly said. “By allegedly underpaying their workers by more than $60,000 over just seven months, Mahmut Unver and John Yilmaz violated the law and undermined the dignity of those who helped build their business. This new statute reinforces our commitment to holding employers accountable and ensuring justice for employees who are deprived of their rightful wages.”
According to the charges, the aforementioned underpaid nine former employees of Anatolia Mediterranean & Grill, located at 183 Hempstead Ave.
in West Hempstead, between Sept. 6, 2023, and April 30, 2024. Two employees, a delivery driver and a food preparer, were allegedly underpaid by more than $10,000 and $11,000, respectively. The remaining employees’ underpayments ranged from $1,696 to $9,936.
Additionally, records from the New York State Department of Labor’s Unemployment Insurance Division show Red Lions Food Corp. allegedly failed to pay unemployment insurance contributions since September 2022. As of June 21, 2024, the business had reportedly underpaid approximately $13,989.11 in contributions.
Richard Balletta, Attorney-InCharge of Labor Crimes, of the Major Financial Frauds Bureau’s Crimes Against Revenue Unit, is prosecuting the case. He is working under the supervision of Bureau Chief Maureen McCormack and Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Division Rick Whelan.
Unver and Red Lions Food Corp. are represented by Mitchell Elman, Esq. Yilmaz is represented by Stacy AlbinLeone, Esq.
The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
–Taylor
Grayson
It is remarkable to us how many people we meet who have amassed signifcant wealth beyond their needs, yet have little or no inclination to share their good fortune with others, even their immediate families. It seems to us that the only value that any asset has is in its use — those who have assets they are unable to utilize are really no better off than those who don’t.
How much richer and happier many lives would be if only we learned to share more. Studies in psychology and neuroscience have demonstrated that acts of generosity trigger a release of endorphins, referred to as the “helper’s high”, leading to increased feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
Generous acts involve considering the needs of others, expanding one’s empathy and leading to deeper connections with others and a more meaningful and fulflling life. This may explain why those least able to give are sometimes the most generous. Generosity has less to do with what one has than the way one thinks.
Lakeview crash leads to serious injuries
A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a weekend crash in Lakeview, police said. This occurred on Nov. 9 around 4:45 p.m.
The 48-year-old male victim was riding a 2023 Yamaha northbound on Glen Road when he collided with a 2019 Acura SUV driven by a 42-year-old, police said.
The Acura driver remained at the scene, authorities said.
It has been reported that the Acura driver mace a turn in front of the motorcycle driver which resulted in the collision.
The motorcyclist sustained severe injuries before being taken to a nearby hospital.
Police are still investigating.
Fatal motor vehicle crashes increased almost 26% statewide between 2019 and 2022 and reached their highest levels in ten years, according to a report from state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
–Taylor Grayson
“A fght is going on inside me,” said an old man to his son. “It is a terrible fght between two wolves. One wolf is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. The same fght is going on inside you.”
The son thought for a minute and then asked, “Which wolf will win?”
The old man replied simply, “The one you feed.”
— Wendy Mass
Generosity may also involve giving of your time and attention. As theologian John Wesley put it three hundred years ago:
“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can,
To all the people you can, As long as you ever can.”
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Thanksgiving traditions and fan favorites
By TAYLOR GRAYSON tgrayson@liherald.com
Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday in the United States, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. Rooted in history and tradition, it is a time for family, gratitude, and reflection.
The origins of Thanksgiving date back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans shared a three-day feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to celebrate the Pilgrims’ first successful harvest.
My favorite dishes to see on this holiday are apple pie and ice cream.
I also enjoy leftover turkey, stuffing and gravy on a sandwich.
TiM SuLLivAN Mayor
After enduring a harsh winter marked by food shortages and disease, the Pilgrims experienced a successful harvest, largely thanks to the guidance of the Wampanoag, particularly Squanto, who taught them agricultural techniques Although the holiday’s historical context has been debated, its modern significance centers on expressing gratitude and spending quality time with loved ones. However, it was not initially an annual tradition.
Thanksgiving as we know it evolved over time. In colonial America, days of thanksgiving were declared sporadically to mark events such as military victories or bountiful harvests. By the late 18th century, certain states, particularly in New England, began observing annual Thanksgiving holidays. It was President George Washington who, in 1789, issued the first national Thanksgiving proclamation, encouraging Americans to express gratitude for the establishment of the Constitution.
The holiday became a permanent fixture in the national calendar during the Civil War. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as a day of national thanksgiving, partly influenced by the tireless lobbying of Sarah Josepha Hale, a writer and editor. This date was solidified as a federal holiday in 1941.
Thanksgiving traditions vary across households but often feature a grand feast. The centerpiece of the meal is typically a roasted turkey, accompanied by stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and an array of vegetables. Desserts such as pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and apple pie are also staples of the celebration. Some families infuse their heritage into the menu, adding dishes that reflect their cultural roots.
According to notable recipe website delish.com, green bean casserole is the most uniquely searched Thanksgiving side dish in the state of New York In terms of baked goods, delish.com reported that cornbread is the most uniquely
New York’s favorite baked good cornbread,
searched in New York.
Malverne’s Mayor Tim Sullivan, claims to be a big dessert guy himself. “My favorite dishes to see on this holiday are apple pie and ice cream. I also enjoy leftover turkey, stuffing and gravy on a sandwich.”
His friend Megan O’Rourke Schutta shared a similar sentiment. “Stuffing is my favorite dish. Who doesn’t like stuffing?” she said.
Beyond the food, Thanksgiving is marked by various activities. Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a beloved tradition since 1924, kicks off the holiday for many. The parade features floats, giant character balloons, and performances, attracting millions of viewers each year. Football games are another staple, with both professional and collegiate teams taking the field for special Thanksgiving matchups.
Thanksgiving is also a time for giving back. Many communities organize food drives, volunteer opportunities, and charity events to support those in need, emphasizing the holiday’s spirit of generosity.
As families gather around the table, they often share what they are thankful for, reinforcing the holiday’s core message of gratitude. Whether it’s appreciation for health, family, or life’s small joys, Thanksgiving encourages reflection on the positives amid life’s challenges.
In an era of busy schedules and digital distractions, Thanksgiving remains a meaningful opportunity to connect, express gratitude, and embrace the joy of togetherness. As families across the nation celebrate this year, the holiday reminds everyone of the importance of appreciation and community.
Taylor Grayson/Herald
alongside buffalo shrimp macaroni and cheese from Queens Bully.
Local leaders reject regionalization plan
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, other local elected officials, school district superintendents and school board trustees gathered in the Nassau County executive building on Nov. 21 to oppose the recent State Education Department Regionalization Plan.
The plan, introduced as an emergency rule on Sept. 25, directs school districts to pool resources, programs and services, which critics say threatens the independence of local districts. State Sen. Jack Martins, one of the plan’s main opponents, talked about fighting to preserve local control of districts.
“Long Island schools are regularly ranked among the very best in New York state,” Martins said. “That fact is due in large part to our local control and educational structure, which prioritizes our students’ success. We join our local communities in opposing any effort to force regionalization and fight to preserve local control.”
Blakeman echoed Martins’s sentiments, saying the plan was an attack on suburban school districts, and that he and others would continue to fight to keep power in the hands of the districts.
“Isn’t it interesting that cities such as Yonkers, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester and New York City are all excluded from their plan?” Blakeman said. “This is just
Sen. Jack Martins, along with other local elected officials, challenged the NYSED’s Regionalization Plan at a news conference on Nov. 21.
another attack on the suburbs by state government, which is completely controlled by left-wing politicians, and we will not stand by and let the Department of Education gut our school districts.”
Many opponents of the plan are questioning the decision to make it an emergency measure. State Sen. Steve Rhoads called it a rushed, and added that the language contained in it could lead to local districts’ complete loss of control of their operations.
“The State Education Department’s self-created emergency regionalization
mandate is vague and can lead to a complete usurpation of local control of schools budgets, tax dollars, and educational opportunities and resources vested in local boards of education,” Rhoads said. “Long Islanders pay some of the highest school taxes in the state, and their local and state officials should and must have a voice in where those dollars are being spent, and that voice is being jeopardized with the SED’s rushed, topdown regionalization plan.”
Sschool districts across Nassau and Suffolk counties are preparing to chal -
lenge the plan. Roslyn school board President Meryl Waxman encouraged other districts to join the fight.
“Superintendents including mine have been told that this is a great big nothing, but what one says and what one does have to align,” Waxman said. “If you take the time to read the regulations and see what they say, they should be self-explanatory. These are emergency regulations, but what was the emergency? Roslyn wasn’t having an emergency until they created one.”
Nonetheless, many people believe that the plan can be beneficial for Long Island school districts. Responding to a rally against the plan on Oct. 31 at Locust Valley High School, Assemblyman Chuck Lavine said that districts can voluntarily participate in shared services, and that the protest was nothing more than political theater.
“The State Education Department website makes it perfectly explicit that any district desiring to engage in shared services with any other district can do so completely voluntarily,” Lavine said. “Held on Halloween, the Oct. 31 rally was nothing more . . . than political theater designed to frighten the public.”
Under the plan, school districts are required to submit surveys to the state by Dec. 6, identifying areas for collaboration. There will also be a comment period before the plan becomes final in January.
Brian Norman/Herald
Somma sweeps win in triathlons & more
clocked the fastest overall time across all age groups with a blistering 1:04:06 in the 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike ride, and 5-kilometer run.
“In terms of specific training leading up to this specific event, I typically train about 20-hour training weeks, swimming six days a week, running six to seven days a week, and biking around five times a week,” said Somma. “Even on school days.”
20 h ours of t raining, 15 s econds of v ictory
The relentlessly competitive demands of his sport stop Somma from becoming conceited about his win. He acknowledges his margin of victory against the runner-up, Javier Linares Olalla of Spain, was razor-thin — 15 seconds.
“Take a look at the first top 10 guys who did finish in that race. Any one of the 10 of us could have won that day,” said Somma. “It’s anyone’s game, anytime.”
The Valley Stream North High School senior was fresh off finishing the 5K event at Eisenhower Park last Saturday in 16 minutes flat when he finished second place at the county state qualifier meet for State Class B. Finishing second overall propelled him to a spot in the state championships.
“Placing 19th in the championship race allowed me to earn All-State honor, helping Nassau County win the championships in a really long time,” he said.
Champions aren’t made alone
To keep in tip-top shape, Somma relies on his
supportive net of mentors, family, friends, and fellow athletes.
“We used to have a nutritionist who kind of oversaw all my nutrition to make sure I was eating correctly,” he said, a task now delegated to his mom. “She balances all my different meals, and she makes sure that I’m recovering properly after my workouts. That way I don’t get burned out and I don’t get injured.”
But injuries inevitably occur at his level of intensity.
“I have dealt with my fair share of stress fractures,” noted Somma, tiny cracks in the series of bones that cause aches and inflammation, are relatively common among runners, who subject their feet to constant pressure.
Somma says a stress fracture can leave him on the mend for six to eight weeks. But rather than eschew training altogether, he finds creative workarounds. His coach and mentor, Ryan Siebert, oversees his training and has played an indispensable role in eliminating the uncertainty and guesswork of unsupervised workouts.
“He himself is a professional triathlete, so he is kind of an inspiration for me and other triathletes working jobs while also competing,” he said. “It shows the juggling game that they are doing and how much that they do.”
His fierce dedication spills over into other aspects of his life.
“I hope to go on to study pre-med at Wingate University with my eventual goal of becoming a doctor in sports medicine,” he said.
matteo Somma, a 17-year-old triathlon phenom, recently clinched the m16-19 age group world title at the Sprint triathlon World Championships in Spain, clocking the fastest time across all age groups.
Courtesy Matteo Somma
Matteo SoMMa elite teen triathlete
The stars are dimmed by light pollution
With each passing year — especially in areas like Nassau County — we see less of the night sky
By NICOLE FORMISANO
Special to the Herald
As a child, Ken Spencer would wait until the sun sank below the ocean horizon, and then ride his bike down to the beach and lie in the sand, staring up into the sky as the final streaks of pink and orange slipped from view. Then quietly, one by one, billions of stars would wink into existence — diamond dust, he said, scattered across a sea of black velvet.
Now, at 82, the Sea Cliff resident is lucky if he can spot even the brightest stars amid a night sky that has, over the years, morphed into a wall of light-polluted gray.
Nassau County suffers some of the worst light pollution in the world. It’s harming local wildlife, damaging human health, and marring something as seemingly inviolable as the very sky above.
The word “pollution” often evokes clouds of smog, or continental landfills; little do we think of light itself as a form of pollution. But when we are irresponsible about how we artificially light the world around us, that additional light impacts everything it touches.
Summer nights on Long Island, for example, used to mean a world illuminated by fireflies. That likely won’t be the case for the next generation. The bioluminescent beetles can’t find potential mates amid an overlit world, and are becoming increasingly endangered.
Light pollution is increasing by 10 percent every year, according to DarkSky International, a nonprofit fighting to mitigate the problem. And we’re already suffering the effects.
Losing the night sky
“I know nothing with any certainty,”
Vincent Van Gogh once wrote, “but the sight of the stars makes me dream.”
For as long as we have existed, humans have been linked inextricably to the stars. They served as beacons by which humanity navigated, charting new lands and waters; their movement led scholars to new mathematical and scientific discoveries; they have long captured the imaginations of philosophers, poets and artists; they encourage people of every age, race, class and ability to lift their eyes to the sky, wonder at the vast sea of the universe, and recognize the miracle it is to be alive.
“It feels primeval,” Spencer said of the night sky’s singular ability to pull our eyes upward. “It’s something within us.”
the sky. And little by little, it’s become harder and harder to see the Milky Way.”
More than 80 percent of people will not see the Milky Way in their lifetime, according to DarkSky International, and that number is climbing each year. We in Nassau County cannot see the Milky Way without traveling to the East End — and even that sight is a fading echo of what once was.
The amateur astronomer, originally from Milford, Connecticut, began studying the constellations with his daughter in 1989. He remembers looking at the constellation Hercules, identifying the globular cluster of 300,000 stars at the demigod’s side. He looked for that once-familiar sight recently, but the stars were simply impossible for him to see. He used to drive down to the Custer Institute and Observatory in Southold, which served as a refuge for starry skies on Long Island. But even that, he said, is slowly being encroached on.
“Over the years, now it’s all big-box stores,” Spencer said. “They’re all lit up, and they have big, giant lights in the parking lot, so that light bounces up into
The night sky is integral for interconnectedness, Susan Serven, a spokeswoman for DarkSky International, said. It helps us understand that we aren’t separate from the cosmos, but part of it.
“It’s just been the last generation or two where we’ve lost that privilege to view our starry skies,” Serven said. “If we lose the ability to go out under our night sky, we lose the awe and wonder that humanity has experienced for millennia.”
The health risks of light
When Valerie Giangrande, of Massapequa, says goodnight to her two teenage children, she sometimes has to ask, “Where are your glasses?” The teens will then put on what looks like orangetinted sunglasses before continuing to watch TV or scroll on their phone — sometimes with a sigh or an eye roll, but that’s OK with Giangrande. To the optometrist and applied quantum biology specialist, making sure her kids are shielded from the dangers of excess
blue light is worth a bit of teenage ire.
“It’s one of the biggest health risks that nobody thinks about,” said Giangrande, who is an eye doctor at Optical Concepts offices in Bellmore, Freeport and Patchogue. “Light literally controls every aspect of our bodies, which is a pretty big statement to make, but it controls everything. We’re wired by light.”
Just about every function of our body runs on our circadian rhythm, a natural 24-hour clock, she explains. And that clock is controlled by the sun. When the photoreceptors in our eyes take in the long red wavelengths of morning sun, our bodies understand that it is morning and start slowly producing cortisol. As the sun climbs in the sky, it gives off more shorter-wave blue light, which heightens cortisol production and tells our bodies that it’s midday. And after sunset, when our photoreceptors recognize darkness, our brains get the signal to produce melatonin, the sleep hormone, and go into repair mode.
These days, most of our natural clocks are running haywire. That’s because the vast majority of artificial light that contributes to light pollution — LEDs, phones, computers, televisions, billboards — emit blue light. Our bodies are constantly surrounded by signals that it is noon.
Overexposure to blue light is linked to what seems like every health risk under the sun, Giangrande said — insulin resistance and diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, insomnia and lower-quality sleep, and excess anxiety.
“Anyone who wakes up not refreshed, anyone who’s tired, anyone who can’t fall asleep, can’t stay asleep — blue light
Courtesy Ken Spencer
across the Long island Sound, the town of Clinton, Connecticut, illustrates just how much light is wasted by being projected straight into the air. it burdens taxpayers, contributes to energy waste and creates a visible sky glow that erases stars from the sky.
The more lights, the less we see of the sky
Continued from PreViouS Page
toxicity,” Giangrande said. “Say we eat dinner, and then an hour later we’re really hungry again. That’s blue light toxicity, hands down.”
Our digestive enzymes naturally go down at night, she explained. Often when we’re hungry at night, it’s because our blood sugar and insulin are still up because our body thinks it’s daytime.
There are some things people can do to reduce the harm done by light pollution, Giangrande said. To start your day, step outside — or even just open a window — to get exposure to the full light spectrum of the sun. Consider replacing blue-spectrum LEDs in your home with warmer, softer lighting. And perhaps most important, get 100 percent blue light-blocking glasses to use indoors after the sun has gone down.
“Light has to be regulated first before we do all the things,” Giangrande said. “Because there’s no supplement that can take over for the sunlight.”
Let there (not) be light
So, besides our screens, where is excess artificial light coming from? A few of the primary offenders in Nassau County are entire towns and villages using unshielded streetlamps; empty fields, gas stations and parking lots lit up all night by glaring spotlights; and homeowners who illuminate their — and, by extension, their neighbors’ — property with floodlights out of the erroneous belief that it discourages crime. Multiple studies have found that lighting has no effect on crime. In fact, it encourages crimes like vandalism and graffiti, and the glare from harsh lights at night actually makes it more difficult to spot hazards in the dark.
If overlighting accomplishes anything, it wastes money — more than $3 billion in the U.S. each year, according to DarkSky, or as much as $7 billion, according to another study.
Take the Meadowbrook Parkway, for example. The 869 streetlights that line the road are activated by photocells, which turns the lights on at dusk and off at dawn, a spokesperson for the state Department of Transportation said. However, observant drivers will notice that long swaths of the parkway are peppered with orange lights even in the middle of the day. The NYSDOT did not respond to the Herald to answer whether this was intentional or indicative of faulty photocells, and how much energy and money is wasted by the lights each day.
But light pollution and its energy waste can be mitigated relatively easily by local governments. The Village of Oyster Bay, for example, has a lighting ordinance stipulating that all outdoor lighting be fully shielded. But despite such ordinances being demonstrably energy-efficient and cost-effective, few towns and villages have adopted them.
“The best way we recommend our advocates getting involved in changing actually how their backyards and their cities are lit,” said Chris Peterson, engagement director of DarkSky Inter -
an illustration of how much of the night sky is lost, and how much light is wasted, when it is ineffectively shielded — and, inversely, how well-directed, and timed, lighting can preserve our views of the stars.
Courtesy LightPollutionMap.Info this map, using data from naSa, observatories and the World alas 2015, shows light that is wasted, which is about 30 percent of all artificial light, darkSky international estimates.
national, “is to approach city councils, development offices, planning commissions, and propose an update to that lighting ordinance for the city.”
The nonprofit even provides a template for proposing such ordinances to local representatives, which illustrates the principles of responsible outdoor lighting. And if local reps are unswayed, individuals can still help by ensuring they are not overlighting their homes.
But if we don’t take action, we will soon live in a world where a starry night sky is a distant memory.
“It’s a terrible thing for children to not know the night sky,” Spencer said. “If you don’t know something, you don’t know what you’re missing.”
“The central core of me knows that night is important,” he said. “Important to us as a human species.”
Those looking to learn more can visit DarkSky.org.
Every man’s right
Amid skyscrapers and smartphones, what do we have in common with our ancestors? The answer is the stars; the vast swath of universe that serves as our celestial home address. When I look up and see Cygnus flying over me in the winter sky, I’m looking at the same stars as people halfway across the world, or from thousands of years ago, whose names I’ll never know. The night sky serves as a keystone of the human experience, and connects us across space and time in ways that would otherwise be impossible.
As the world around us charges forward unceasingly — always asking for bigger, better, more — we rarely think of the things we lose little by little, day by day. We may not even notice when the Little Dipper dims into oblivion; when each star of Orion’s belt blinks out, one by one; when, one day, even brilliant Jupiter is extinguished, and we are left with a lone moon in a gray sky. I’ll tell my grandkids stories of the firmament, how light traveled billions of light years to make its way to us, and all we had to do to see it was look up. I wonder if they’ll believe me.
I’m not ready to give up the night sky. Are you?
–Nicole Formisano
Courtesy DarkSky International
West Hempstead ENL student’s spotlight
West Hempstead Secondary School junior and ENL student Edin Morales-Gomez has overcome numerous obstacles in his journey to becoming a member of the West Hempstead school community.
A native of Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala, Morales-Gomez, 17, arrived to West Hempstead last year. Growing up in the rural part of Guatemala, he would walk two hours to school, and he worked four days a week harvesting corn and beans on his family’s farm. Between schoolwork and working on the farm, both helped him develop a sense of discipline and a strong work ethic. He had a difficult journey arriving to the West Hempstead School District last year, but he was amazed to see the outpouring of love and support from his teachers at West Hempstead Secondary School.
“I love that there’s so many teachers here in West Hempstead who want to help me achieve my goals and become successful,” he said. “All of our teachers pay close attention to us, and they provide us with everything that we need.”
Morales-Gomez, who also plays forward and midfield for the Rams varsity soccer team, said he enjoys interacting with his teachers, teammates and classmates who have helped to get him acclimated in the district. An avid learner, he quickly learned the basics of the English language.
“Edin demonstrates on a daily basis that anything becomes possible with a little grit and an open mind,” said ENL teacher Nick DiBenedetto. “He is inquisitive, and pushes his own learning forward, which often bolsters the educational experiences of those around him. Simply put, he is a learning sponge, and he exhibits the qualities most teachers would love to see in all of their students.”
Dr. Katie DiGregorio, the district’s director of ENL and instructional technology, said that she is impressed at Morales-Gomez’s willingness to pursue new challenges both in and outside the classroom.
“He’s always asking questions, he always wants to try something new, and he has really embraced being a part of our school community,” Dr. Gregorio said. “He has a love for learning and he wants to be involved in everything at the secondary school.”
Morales-Gomez, who now lives with his aunt and cousin, is currently taking four regents-level classes. While he is unsure about his career, he is confident
that his teachers will continue to guide him through his educational journey in West Hempstead.
“Edin is a delight to have in class,” said ENL teacher Lisa McCarthy. “He is always prepared and is an enthusiastic learner. He works well with his others and is willing to help his classmates better understand their algebra work. He is a very hard worker and just a model student.”
Edin Morales-Gomez, left, said that ENL teacher Nick DiBenedetto is one of his favorite teachers at West Hempstead Secondary School.
Edin Morales-Gomez also listed ENL teacher Lisa McCarthy as one of his favorite teachers at West Hempstead Secondary School.
Photos courtesy West Hempstead Union Free School District
West Hempstead Secondary School junior and ENL student Edin Morales-Gomez arrived to the district from Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala last year.
Mascia being investigated about shooting
By TAYLOR GRAYSON tgrayson@liherald.com
There are two ongoing investigations being conducted into the Oct. 30 shooting involving New York State Trooper Thomas Mascia.
These investigations were described as far from over by State Police at a news conference on Nov. 6. The investigations will be thorough and intend to prove whether or not Mascia’s gunshot wound is selfinflicted or not, officials said.
Mascia originally said an unidentified driver shot him along the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead. The incident supposedly occurred near Exit 17 by West Hempstead around 11:45 p.m.
After reports of several inconsistencies, it appears that that story is not true. Mascia, 27, said a motorist shot him after the trooper stopped to help what he thought was a person in distress. State police said the incident was not on Mascia’s body camera footage, which goes against policy.
Sources say a large sum of cash, steroids and multiple weapons were seized after the 19-hour search of Mascia’s home.
State trooper body cameras are set to start recording when the state police car’s emergency lights are turned on, state police said. State police officials said only Mascia’s rear emergency lights were activated during the shooting.
A member of the state police can be found to be in violation of our rules and regulations, even in the absence of a crime.
STepheN ULdice Troop L Commander Major
“Based on our investigation so far, we have reason to believe that the incident did not occur the way it was reported,” Troop L Commander Major Stephen Uldice said. Mascia was suspended without pay and his trooper ID, duty weapon and badge were taken from him.
State police searched Mascia’s home in West Hempstead to obtain his weapons, along with any other guns he might have had.
“A member of the state police can be found to be in violation of our rules and regulations, even in the absence of a crime,” Uldice said. Thomas Mascia was found to be violation of our rules and regulations.”
Police said they are no longer searching for the black Dodge Charger that was alleged to have been involved in the incident.
Mascia claims to have approached the motorist to help him, and heard several shots go off before realizing he was hit in the right leg. He said the alleged shooter then fled the scene.
Mascia also reports stopping the bleeding by applying his own tourniquet before he was taken to a nearby hospital.
He was released from the hospital on Nov. 1. Coming out of Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow in a wheelchair, Mascia was cheered by a few hundred of his fellow state troopers. He underwent surgery for his injuries.
Mascia’s father, with whom he shares a name, was once an NYPD officer. Thomas Sr. was fired from the
Thomas Mascia, a West Hempstead resident and New York state trooper, is under investigation for an Oct. 30 incident on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead.
force in ’93 after pleading guilty to a count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Of all the officers charged in this conspiracy, Thomas Sr. was one of the five who lived on Long Island.
Courtesy NYS police
HERALD SchoolS Collecting money to fight breast cancer
Students from Malverne’s Davison Avenue Intermediate School raised $1,148 for Pink Cans 4 Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women battling breast cancer through recycling, with support from the school community.
The third annual fundraiser is spearheaded by the fifth grade Davison Ambassadors, who worked hard to promote the fundraiser to students and families, as well as helped gather and organize over 4,000 cans and bottles that were collected and prepared them to be picked up by Pink Cans 4 Cancer.
Pink Cans 4 Cancer founders Robert John Schwendel and Tony Dean visited the students to thank them for their support. They expressed gratitude for this partnership and shared with the students how their efforts will directly help raise awareness for young women who are battling breast cancer in our community.
Since the start of the fundraiser in 2022, Davison Ambassadors have collected over 26,000 bottles and cans and donated a total of $4,886.70 to Pink Cans 4 Cancer.
Fifth grade Davison Ambassadors with Pink Cans 4 Cancer founders Robert and Tony who visited the school to thank the students for their donation of $1,148.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In the United States, 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 55,700 cases of non-invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women in 2024. Men are also affected, with about 2,700
cases projected in 2024.
On average, one in eight women (about 12.5 percent) in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. While advancements in early detection and treatment have improved survival rates, the disease remains significant, with an estimated 43,700 deaths anticipated in 2024.
According to the CDC, the risk increases with age, with most cases diagnosed in women over 50. Women with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who has breast cancer have nearly double the risk. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increase the risk. Obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity can contribute to higher risk.
Early detection is crucial. The fiveyear relative survival rate for localized breast cancer (confined to the breast) is 99 percent. However, this rate drops to 31 percent if the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer).
Regular mammograms are the best tool for early detection; reducing breast cancer mortality by about 20 percent Breast cancer awareness campaigns encourage screening and self-exams, aiming to catch the disease in its earliest stages when it is most treatable.
Ongoing research and advancements in treatments like immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and personalized medicine continue to improve outcomes for patients worldwide. –Taylor Grayson
Courtesy Malverne school district
STEPPING OUT
Don’t miss the beats, the energy and the vibe when Secret Agent 23
launches the museum’s Musical Explorers! Concert series.
Acclaimed husband-and-wife duo Andrés and Christina’s — known as 123 Andrés — catchy songs and lively concerts impart the joy of music, movement and language.
Memories with melodies at Long Island Children’s Museum
Reach for the rhythm in you with a colorful spectrum of musical performance
By Danielle Schwab
After everyone polishes off the turkey, families can embark on a musical adventure to usher in the holiday season, courtesy of Long Island Children’s Museum. The stage is set for a new concert series, “Musical Explorers!,” which kicks off this weekend, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
Young audiences are introduced to an excitingly diverse music scene, featuring an array of global sounds, culture, and artistic legends from the world of jazz, hip hop, Latin music, and more. Families will surely get in the groove at the museum’s inaugural series of concerts, which represent the vibrant genres of jazz, hip-hop and Latin music. Performers add their unique touch, blending imaginative storytelling into musical masterpieces.
“Music speaks to human nature, the human soul. Every culture has music. Everybody celebrates it. Everybody taps to the rhythm. So that’s what we’re looking to provide,” James Packard, the museum’s theater program director says. “Musical Explorers offers our audiences the opportunity to dive deeper into the many ways that music speaks to us.”
In curating the concerts, he selected Grammy-winning artists and top talents in family music so that a diverse range of genres reflecting the power of music are represented.
“We encourage families to use these performances to introduce their children to the rhythms of hip-hop, the soul of jazz, and the vibrant beats of contemporary Latin music,” he says.
The series begins this weekend with Grammy-winning hip-hop funk sensation Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. This dynamic three-person rap ensemble offers their young audience a fun and engaging introduction to hip-hop. Known for their electrifying blend of hip-hop with sci-fi-inspired storytelling and feel-good tunes, the band combines the raw energy of funk with the surreal magic of animation-inspired performance. Imagine a band with Jim Henson playing guitar or Shel Silverstein writing the bass lines and you’ve got Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. Prepare to get up and dance with larger-than-life stories through upbeat songs.
“We just came out with an album in collaboration with the Asheville Symphony. We took folk tales from around the world from various cultures and turned them into hip-hop songs to tell these stories,” Joel “Cactus” Sullivan, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo’s lead singer, says.
Sullivan and his bandmates journey back thousands of years, drawing from the rich traditions of Japan, West Africa and Persia to tell timeless life lessons.
And, it wouldn’t be hip-hop without some creative freestyle — with the help of members from the audience, of course.
“We get words from the crowd and then make up a song on the spot right there. There’s something magical about the improvisation that can happen with hip hop,” Sullivan adds.
Heading into New Year, everyone can jive to some outstanding jazz grooves with the iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center Quintet, on Jan. 19 and 20. The top-flight musicians swing into the sound of America. Their performances explore the Great Migration and the Harlem Renaissance, examining the great Louis Armstrong’s journey from New Orleans to Chicago and New York — all from the museum’s intimate stage.
“Lincoln Center is a new connection for us,” Packard notes. “It will be a more traditional concert style, but geared at school-age kids, with interactivity and conversation going on between the musicians and the audience.”
Another performance to keep an eye (and an ear) out for is husband-and-wife duo 123 Andrés. The pair — Latin Grammy winners for Best Children’s Music Album earlier this year —
Dark Star Orchestra
• Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1
• $11 with museum admission; available online at licm.org/ theater or in person at the museum box office
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
will arrive in June with their interactive bilingual performance that speak to the joy, energy and cultural richness of Latin America.
They’ll be sure to get everyone singing, clapping and dancing along to rhythms from across the Latin music spectrum.
“Music is a universal language the world over. It is a part of who we are spiritually. And so it goes on all the time, a thing that goes into your soul,” Packard adds.
The concert series reinforces the museum’s mission to bring musicians into kid-accessible spaces. It’s an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a world of rhythm, melody and cultural appreciation — all within the welcoming environment of the LICM Theater.
“Music is a form of social-emotional learning,” Packard continues. “You can let out happiness or sadness. Exposing children to different styles they might find, ‘Oh, I really like hip hop,’ or ‘I really like the Latin beat’, or ‘I really like the jazz,’ and that can have an impact where they go in life.”
The Grateful Dead have been resurrected in the form of Dark Star Orchestra. Formed in 1997, this tribute band came up with the novel idea of recreating complete sets from The Grateful Dead’s gigantic list of concerts. Over 3,100 shows later DSO continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience to acclaim. On any given night, the band performs based on a set list from the Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show. In this way DSO offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within the Dead’s musical canon. Honoring both the band and the fans, Dark Star Orchestra’s members seek out the unique style and sound of each era while simultaneously offering their own informed improvisations.
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30, 8 p.m. $99.50, $69.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Long Island
Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’
The holiday treat returns, Audiences will once again be transported by the Sugar Plum Fairy to The Land of Sweets in this familyfriendly classic, set to the music of Tchaikovsky. LIBT’s production opens “Nutcracker” season here, sparkling with a talented cast of adult professionals and aspiring young student dancers. This version is both narrated and abridged, to introduce youngster to the story of Clara, her magical nutcracker and her enchanting winter adventure..
Saturday, Nov. 30, noon and 4 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 1, 2 p.m. $37.50. Purchase tickets at liballettheatre. com or by phone at (631) 2714626. For more information, visit landmarkonmainstreet.org. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington.
Courtesy LICM
Skidoo
Courtesy Jazz at Lincoln Center
The Jazz at Lincoln Center quintet introduces young audiences to a cherished musical tradition.
Courtesy David Rugeles
THE Your Neighborhood
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer, visits the Paramount stage, Monday, dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. He showcases his musical journey and family legacy, celebrating his father’s legendary career, with a concert featuring hits from Led Zeppelin’s iconic albums, and highlighting Jason’s own notable contributions to rock history. Encompassing hits from the iconic band’s entire career, including albums “Led Zeppelin,” “Led Zeppelin II,” “Led Zeppelin IV,” and “Physical Graffiti,” the concert event is a dynamic tribute to Jason’s father, with “…a band that recreates Led Zeppelin’s music to such a degree that one can’t help but close their eyes and simply listen…” [-Classic Rock Revisited]. Jason displayed musical talent from a young age. By age five, he could skillfully play drums, and at 17, he joined the band Air Race. Over the years, he contributed to various musical projects, including a Led Zeppelin reunion in 1988, touring with Jimmy Page, and forming his band “Bonham.” He collaborated with notable artists, recorded successful albums, and participated in a Muddy Waters tribute that earned a Grammy nomination.
Throughout the years, Jason collaborated with different artists, recorded with Foreigner, and participated in the highly anticipated Led Zeppelin reunion in 2007 at London’s O2 arena. His musical journey showcases a blend of family legacy, collaborations with rock legends and a commitment to preserving and celebrating iconic rock history. Jason always finds himself at home behind the drumkit. From this spot, he has anchored the tempo for a myriad of the most legendary artists of all-time. It’s the place where he initially realized his destiny as a kid. It’s a triedand-true safe harbor for the expression of his purest emotions. Ultimately, Jason remains forever at home on the drums. $99.50, $89.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
In concert
Plaza
Theatricals’ welcomes everyone to a “Motown Holiday Dance Party,” Sunday, dec. 8, 4 p.m. Celebrate the holidays in true Motown style. Enjoy a sensational afternoon of soulful tunes, joyful dancing, and nostalgic vibes at the electrifying concert. Get ready to groove, spread the festive cheer and make unforgettable memories. See the show at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.
Bird walk
See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, at Mill Pond Park in Wantagh, Sunday, dec. 1, starting at 9 a.m. The park is on the north side of Merrick Road, four blocks west of Wantagh State Parkway. The group meets at the gazebo.
Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. Rain, snow or temperature below 25 degrees will cancel the bird walk. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon.org.
Tea time
The festive season is underway at Old Westbury Gardens. Enjoy a cream tea (featuring scones, Devonshire cream, assorted sweets, and tea), then a guided tour of decorated Westbury House, Tuesday, dec. 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.; Wednesday, dec. 4, 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Thursday, dec. 5, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. $22.50 per person. Advance registration suggested. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.
Malverne SEPTA Winterfest at Crossroad Farms
Enjoy seasonal festivities at SEPTA’s Winterfest, Thursday, dec. 5, 6-8 p.m., at Crossroad Farms. With crafts, hot cocoa, games, snacks and more. SEPTA members $25 per family per or $10 per person for SEPTA members, $15 per person nonmembers. Space is limited. 480 Hempstead Ave., Malverne. Call (516) 341-0075 for more information.
Holiday Tales At The Hearth
1863 Thanksgiving
On exhibit
Let’s Skate
Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, through Jan. 7. Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades.
Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.
Visit Sands Point Preserve’s Hempstead House and join in the holiday cheer, Sunday, Dec. 8, 1-4 p.m. The familyfriendly event includes activities for all ages. Meet and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy jazz and holiday music with Port Jazz Project, along with seasonal crafts, Dreidel Corner, “nutty” holiday scavenger hunt, reading nook with holiday and winter stories, and puppet shows with Wonderspark Puppets at 2 and 3 p.m. 127 Middle Neck Road. Admission is $40/car, members; $45/ car nonmembers, includes parking. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Having an event?
Partake of Thanksgiving traditions from days gone by during Old Bethpage Village Restoration’s annual holiday event, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec.1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Journey back to the 19th century as old-fashioned wood burning stoves, beehive ovens and hearths are all fired up as “villagers” prepare a variety of foods and baked goods, using historical recipes. Of course, a fat turkey is spitted and roasted, along with pie making and a demonstration of food preservation methods. With fiddle music, entertainment and children’s activities, including storytelling, and more. $15, $12 children 5-12 and seniors. 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage. Visit oldbethpagevillagerestoration.org or call (516) 572-8409 for more information.
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.
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.
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 5-6, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 10-12, 10:-15 a.m. and noon. Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day & Other Stories” celebrates the joy in the small moments of a child’s world. Experience the wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, and the awe of finding a special treasure. In this childhood adventure, Keats’ classic books come to life, featuring live actors and shadow puppets telling the stories of “The Snowy Day,” “Goggles!,” “Whistle for Willie,” and “A Letter to Amy.” $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm. org.
Pearl Harbor Memorial set for Dec. 7
December 7 will mark the 83rd anniversary of the Japanese attack on the U.S. naval fleet at Pearl Harbor.
To mark the date, the Long Island Air & Space Force Association will be offering “Dropping of the Roses,” featuring a vintage World War II AT-6D Texan military aircraft.
The plane will take off at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 7 from Hangar 3 at the American Airpower Museum in Farmingdale and fly to the Statue of Liberty to drop roses at 12:55 p.m., the exact time in New York that Pearl Harbor was attacked.
Pearl Harbor is a U.S. naval base located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. On December 7, 1941, it was attacked by the Japanese Imperial Navy, leading to the United States’ entry into World War II. The surprise assault killed over 2,400 Americans and damaged numerous ships and aircraft.
The attack targeted military installations, including battleships, destroyers, and planes. In response, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan the following day. Pearl Harbor remains a symbol of American resilience, with a memorial commemorating those who died in the attack and the events that reshaped global history.
At the museum there will be a solemn ceremony remembering all who served and those who perished at Pearl Harbor, including the honoring of WWII veterans, plus a Color Guard from the Navy Reserves and veterans’ organizations. Guests will watch the chaplain conducts the blessing of 83 American Beauty Roses (including one extra white rose for 9/11) to commemorate the attack in 1941.
Taps will be played and the roses will be given to the pilot who departs for the Statue of Liberty.
The event is free and open to the public, but attend-
ees must arrive between 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. After 12 p.m., admission to AAM is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, and $10 for children ages 5 to 12. Pre-registration is not required.
The American Airpower Museum at Republic Air-
port is at 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale. For more information about this historic event, contact Fred DiFabio, President of the Long Island Air & Space Force Association, (631) 754-6383, fdifabioafa202@hotmail.com.
Courtesy The American Airpower Museum
The honorary Pearl Harbor display from last year’s ceremony at The American Airpower Museum at Republic Airport.
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
Amityville UFSD
Substitute/Permanent Substitute Teachers Elementary & Secondary Level
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CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
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Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
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Flexible: Part-time or Full-time.
Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.
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MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT
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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
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doesn’t look serious to us’
Luxury Beach Living
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Q. We are buying a house and got an engineer’s report that said there are several problems, including the worst, a crack in the foundation wall. It is parallel to the floor of the basement, but there’s no crack on the outside, either because the outside wall was painted or because the crack is below ground. The engineer made it sound very serious, but it doesn’t look serious to us, just concerning. Do we get another engineer or architect — is there a difference? What should we do to decide if the house is worth the hassle? We really want the house, and made a commitment, since there are several offers and ours is the highest — above the asking price.
A. I have dealt with this problem more lately than at any other time in my career, because it’s being used a lot as a bargaining tool, since house prices are in the stratosphere. In most cases, the wording from the home inspector makes it sound extremely dire.
I make two observations when reading these reports or hearing about the problem: 1) The report wording or buyer’s explanation is often not specific, but recommends a structural engineer, not an architect, and 2) the problem, when I review it, is most often not as serious as it is made out to be. By that I mean that except for about one out of every thousand cases, the wall is not imminently going to fail, and the person who wrote the report is not a licensed engineer or architect. They generally lack the structural training and testing, and therefore the credentials, to represent themselves as qualified to make specific recommendations, only to bring the condition to your attention, although you may already have noticed it.
As for whether you choose an architect or engineer, they both have training and credentials in this area of expertise. The engineer, if he or she is specifically a “structural” engineer, is more qualified for much more specialized and sophisticated structural design, but an architect must have formal structural training and testing in order to be licensed and registered. You can verify the licensure by searching the office of professions at op. nysed.gov and inserting their name and the field of practice. I often do this for clients, and have discovered that many home inspectors aren’t “engineers,” but do have home inspection credentials.
Again, in most cases, whether in or out of a flood zone, I have seen this condition, and the repair is often, but not always, to remove broken or exposed areas around the cracking and to inject structural repair epoxy specifically formulated for masonry or concrete repair. You most definitely should get qualified licensed professionals to look at the wall, since anyone else could not legally call themselves licensed to take responsibility for carrying out the work or its lasting result, and could be held liable for costs if a failure occurs, and you certainly want to avoid failure. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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SI look forward to representing you again
erving New York’s 4th Congressional District has been an honor. Indeed, being entrusted with the sacred honor of representing my Long Island neighbors on Capitol Hill is a duty I have taken extraordinarily seriously every day. I am grateful to the people of this district for placing their faith in me, and look forward to representing you again. It has certainly been a consequential and active 118th Congress, and I am proud of the accomplishments I was able to achieve on behalf of the 4th District. As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I worked tirelessly to help pass House Republicans’ signature H.R. 2 border security legislation — a sweeping plan to end the border security crisis, which is in stark contrast to the disaster Democrats have allowed to fester along America’s southern border.
What’s more, I was proud that the House passed legislation I introduced to formally condemn the antisemitic chant, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which is used by antisemitic actors to call for the destruction of Israel. My commitment to combating antisemitism also extends to my tenure as a member of the Holocaust Memorial Museum board and my work to help found the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group — a panel created to foster stronger ties between the U.S. House of Representatives and Israel’s legislature, the Knesset.
I’m proud of everything I accomplished in Congress, from bills to committee work.
As a retired New York City Police Department detective, I also endeavored to support law enforcement professionals across the country with such legislation as my Police Our Border Act, which passed in the House and will help law enforcement agencies across the country better respond to the ongoing border crisis.
These are only a few of the 37 pieces of legislation I introduced, the 448 bills I co-sponsored and the thousands of
Bhours of committee work I engaged in through my seats on the House Homeland Security, Transportation & Infrastructure, and House Administration committees. What’s more, my leadership role as chairman of the House Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology allowed me to conduct important oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency — an organization that is extraordinarily important to South Shore communities that are prone to flooding emergencies, like many in our district.
In addition to my legislative and committee work, I successfully secured over $20 million in direct funding for community projects across the 4th District to benefit our neighbors. These secured federal resources funded a new Nassau County Police Department training village, important flood-mitigation infrastructure in the Village of Floral Park, technology upgrades for the Freeport, Lynbrook and Rockville Centre police departments, and more.
Governing is difficult, and requires coalition building, compromise, and a willingness to reach across the aisle — a fact I understand after being named the 11th-most bipartisan member of Congress and serving as a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus.
My successor, Laura Gillen, will need to navigate these challenges while serving in the House Democratic minority, which will prove difficult. Indeed, the fact that Gillen will be in the minority lends itself well to being a vocal partisan critic of the House Republican majority and the incoming Trump administration, because both will be working in overdrive to correct the many mistakes of the Biden administration and Democrats across the country who forced Americans to endure crippling inflation and a border crisis. Gillen’s position in the House minority does not lend itself well to delivering for 4th District neighbors like I was able to do by leveraging my position in the majority.
Gillen made bold, empty promises, and now it is time for her to deliver. Voters will be watching.
Anthony D’Esposito is completing his term in the 118th Congress.
Dear readers, we can’t keep it in neutral
efore the presidential election, the Herald published an editorial explaining why the familyowned newspapers would not be endorsing political candidates.
If I had read the piece in a vacuum, I would agree with it entirely. It states, in part, “Our focus is not on swaying voters toward a particular candidate, but on delivering comprehensive and unbiased information about the issues that matter most to Long Islanders. We are not here to tell our readers how to vote for political candidates; rather, we are here to arm readers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box.” Sounds perfect. But we are living through an unprecedented and exceedingly imperfect time in our nation’s history. This year, not endorsing meant keeping silent when silence may have implied that both presidential candidates met minimal standards for serving in the nation’s highest office. By any standard, that is not true of President-elect Donald Trump. Media across our country have some-
how made it seem as if a convicted felon with a rich history of lying and a refusal to take on the serious issues of governance is a reasonable choice. But in our president-elect, we have an aspiring autocrat, a morally bankrupt man with a vengeful heart.
He has already begun fulfilling his promise to dismantle the government by selecting big donors, MAGA loyalists and inexperienced toadies for his new cabinet. None of this is a surprise. He said he would do it, and he is. Whether they get confirmed is dependent on the ever-weakening backbone of Republican senators, who live and die, politically, at the whim of the man they follow.
tarian government.
D onald Trump did not meet the presidency’s minimal
I understand the dilemmas. Do endorsements really affect voters’ choices? Historians, psychologists and journalists bat the question around, with no clear answer. Do endorsements alienate too many readers? In the world of newspapers, these issues loom much larger on the local level than with big newspapers like the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, which also declined to endorse this year.
standards.
We are in the beginning days of DJT’s revenge tour, fulfilling his promise to punish those who opposed him, challenged him and tried to bring him to justice. He wants people at the table whose loyalty is to him. Their expertise and leadership qualities seem incidental to the main qualification: unquestioning obeisance to the leader.
So the idea of not endorsing candidates, this extraordinary year in particular, does not sit well. The fallout from the coming Trump presidency could be a catastrophic shift toward an authori-
Local papers live in the community. They have responsibilities to their readers, to the truth and to the realities of just staying in business. With local newspapers closing every week across the country, conflicting interests must be reconciled, very carefully.
I started at the Nassau Herald more than 30 years ago, and for many years it did endorse candidates, from local officials to the presidency. Leatrice Spanierman, my mentor and colleague and the Heralds’ longtime executive editor, interviewed candidates every fall and wrote endorsements. The candidates, including member of the U.S. House and Senate, came to her office; they knew the value of local newspapers’ endorsement. The Heralds had a voice, and used
it as a means of informing readers.
The editorial in the Oct. 31-Nov. 6 issue, explaining why the Heralds were not offering endorsements, stated that “the one place where you might see opinions about local and national political candidates … is in columns in our editorial pages, like those written by Randi Kreiss and Peter King. These essays are distinguished from Herald news content by featuring photos of the authors, making it clear that they reflect the writers’ perspectives and not the views of the Herald.”
I understand the need to create distance. I like the distance, too. I don’t speak for the Heralds. No one high on the masthead has ever tried to influence what I write or don’t write. The paper stays above the fray by giving King and me platforms for different points of view.
I would be fine with any newspaper’s no-endorsement policy if this election had been like any other in America’s long history. But it was not. Nothing about this race was normal. The times demanded speaking up for democracy. For the immediate future and for as long as it can, the press must use its voice to call out the bad guys and amplify justice. This Thanksgiving, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my views. Our free press never seemed so precious.
Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
AnTHonY D’ESpoSITo
RAnDI KREISS
A season for giving back on Long Island
With the holiday season upon us, our minds turn to traditions — Thanksgiving meals filled with comfort and gratitude, and other gatherings of family and friends over the coming weeks.
These moments of celebration are precious, but they also give us an opportunity to reflect on what it means to give back. Thanksgiving, rooted in the idea of gratitude, serves as a poignant reminder of our privilege and the responsibility to extend a hand to others. Here on Long Island, where vibrant communities thrive amid significant challenges, there is no shortage of causes deserving our time, attention and generosity.
Friendsgiving, a relatively recent tradition, embodies the spirit of connection by bringing friends together to share a meal and express their appreciation for one another. It can also be an occasion to unite for a greater purpose. By turning these gatherings into opportunities to collect donations or volunteer, we can channel collective energy into tangible support for those in need. Whether it’s hosting a food drive or organizing a group to serve at a local soup kitchen, Friendsgiving can be a powerful reminder of the broader community we’re all a part of.
On Long Island, the contrast between abundance and need is striking. While many of us prepare for feasts, thousands struggle to put food on the table. Nearly 284,000 people will suffer from hunger on Long Island at some point this year, according to Community Solidarity, a nonprofit that provides groceries, fresh produce and warm vegan meals to lowincome communities.
Organizations like Island Harvest and Long Island Cares work tirelessly to combat food insecurity in our neighborhoods. A donation of non-perishable items, a financial contribution, or volunteering for a few hours can make a profound difference to families facing hun-
letters
Where is this ship of state sailing?
To the Editor:
Re Peter King’s column last week, “Trump makes the comeback of all comebacks”: It’s fair for Mr. King to celebrate Donald Trump’s “comeback,” and to take his share of reflected glory for strongly supporting him. But, weeks into the transition, is there no trepidation over what is being wrought?
Mr. King long served honorably
Organizations that welcome your help
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island: BBBsli.org
Citizens Campaign for the Environment: CitizensCampaign.org
Community Solidarity: CommunitySolidarity.org
Family & Children’s Association: FCAli.org
Interfaith Nutrition Network: The-Inn.org
Island Harvest: Island Harvest.org
Long Island Cares: LICares.org
Save the Great South Bay: SaveTheGreatsouthbay.org
ger this season.
Beyond food insecurity — limited or uncertain access to adequate food — there are numerous other causes that need our support. The holiday season can be especially difficult for those without homes. Groups like the Interfaith Nutrition Network, in Hempstead, provide shelter, meals and supportive services to help the unhoused regain some sense of stability. Contributing to these efforts — whether through monetary donations, clothing drives, or simply offering your time — can help others who are less fortunate experience the warmth of the season.
At this time of year, we also highlight the importance of supporting our local youth. Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island and the Family & Children’s Association offer mentorships and resources to empower young people. By donating to these programs or
in a Congress that will now be directed to self-emasculate. There are threats of courts-martial, military-assisted deportations, even gender tests for House members. Furors will multiply over staff, from cabinet positions on down. Promises are made of $2 trillion in budget cuts. Mr. King’s experience-based thoughts might be useful.
We sail soon into heavy seas aboard the USS “Caine Mutiny,” with Captain Queeg in command.
BRIAN KELLY Rockville Centre
becoming a mentor yourself, you can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life.
And let’s not forget our environment, which sustains us all. As we celebrate the bounty of the land, consider supporting groups like Citizens Campaign for the Environment or Save the Great South Bay. Their work to protect Long Island’s natural beauty ensures that future generations can enjoy the landscapes and waterways we too often take for granted.
Of course, there’s also local news, which continues to face economic headwinds. Organizations like the Empire State Local News Coalition help sustain New York’s local news organizations — like the Herald — so reporters can tell the important stories about your friends and families, and shine a light on all of the issues mentioned here.
The beauty of giving back is that it doesn’t always have to be monetary — your time and skills can be just as valuable. Many local nonprofits, shelters and community centers are in dire need of extra hands during the holidays. A few hours spent wrapping gifts for underprivileged children, serving meals to veterans, or taking part in a community cleanup can ripple outward in meaningful ways.
Finally, don’t forget Dec. 3, Giving Tuesday, the annual nationwide day of charitable giving. For more information on this growing grass-roots effort, go to givingtuesday.org.
As we gather around dinner tables this season, let’s remember that gratitude is most powerful when it inspires action. Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving remind us of our interconnectedness — our shared humanity and the strength of our communities. Together we can ensure that everyone, in every corner of Long Island, feels the gratitude of the holidays. Each of us has the power to make the season brighter for others. This year, let’s not just celebrate; let’s give.
in our nation’s intensified max on
here to share have wholeheartedly Trumpist may be some what the that Americans economic flict, afraid
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sHeeline
opinions
What comes next? How about our neglected unity?
For me, like so many Americans, the last six months have been a whirlwind of emotions, as arguably the most historic election in our nation’s history built momentum, intensified and eventually reached a climax on election night. While I’m not here to share my opinion on the outcome, the big question facing every citizen and resident of our country is: What next?
It can be tempting to see the outcome of the election as the ultimate refutation of the left — proof that Americans have rejected progressive values and policies and have wholeheartedly embraced modern Trumpist conservatism. While there may be some truth to this, I believe that what the result ultimately showed was that Americans are afraid. Afraid of economic disaster, afraid of global conflict, afraid of violence at home. These are reasonable fears. Even for the many Americans who lived through the final throes of the cold War or watched the twin towers fall on Sept. 11,
2001, our country has never seemed more like a powder keg ready to explode.
Which is why, now more than ever, we need to come together not just as liberals and conservatives, but as Americans. The United States has always been strongest when we’ve been united, and our darkest moments come when we turn on one another and lay blame at our neighbors’ doorsteps.
As Abraham Lincoln famously said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” and those words are as true today as they were 166 years ago.
m y dad will never forget the kind strangers far from home after the 9/11 attacks.
While conservatives may claim, rightly or wrongly, that progressives are softhearted dopes who focus on issues that don’t matter to real Americans, progressives may claim, rightly or wrongly, that conservatives are coldhearted dopes who focus on issues that don’t matter to real Americans. Perspective is everything, and trying to work together and understand not only what our differences are, but also why they exist, is the quintessential heart of the American experiment.
The intersection of our political and social culture has always been an uneasy compromise. This extends to
Letters
The Sands proposal: nothing but trouble
To the Editor:
The Las Vegas Sands proposal to spend $6 billion — that’s billion with a B, folks — had me wondering from where Sands expected to recover their investment plus the daily cost of operations and the profit from the project. It wasn’t really a wonder, more of a fact, given all the expected losses the gambling public would be leaving behind.
A real concern is the draining of huge amounts of our underground aquifer to feed this unnecessary beast, a waste of our local water supply.
The proposal is now also offering an expansion of lanes on the Meadowbrook Parkway from three to four. All this would accomplish would be the removal of the mature trees and greenery along that stretch of parkway, leaving no shoulder.
Yes, it’s a parkway, meaning there are no commercial vehicles. So without an adjacent commercial highway, all the daily delivery trucks that would be needed to supply this property would be feeding off the Long Island Expressway, the only commercial road, for miles through our local streets. That would be an unneeded burden on our local streets and neighborhoods, 24/7.
We do not need this disaster in the making.
everything from political rivals being forced to work together in government — such as when Alexander hamilton and Thomas Jefferson collaborated to create our financial system while simultaneously establishing Washington, D.c., as the nation’s capital — to having uncomfortable Thanksgiving dinners with relatives who have radically different political values.
The idea that people who disagree politically could do so without resorting to violence is what separated our country from nearly all others when we declared our independence. It is one of the most sacred responsibilities that we as Americans must honor and hold dear, or risk losing the dream of a more just, more equitable society as envisioned by our founding fathers.
So while it’s easy to feel emotional following this election, remember that we need to heal the nation’s wounds, not worsen them. Think next time before you gloat to a “bleeding heart liberal” about winning the election — or calling every conservative voter you know a fascist. Are you really saying it because you believe it, or because emotions are running high and you feel like you need
to show the world how strongly you hold your beliefs?
In the days after the Sept. 11 attacks, my father was in california, desperately trying to get back home to my family. With all flights grounded, he and a friend rented a car and tried to make a cross-country drive.
Running on fumes on a remote stretch of highway, they came to a gas station that, unfortunately, was out of business. Stranded and worried about their loved ones, my dad and his friend were lucky enough to be found by some locals in a pickup truck. The saviors had a spare five-gallon tank of gas for the dirt bikes in the bed of the truck.
My dad always talked about how, while thanking them, he explained how and his friend were New Yorkers trying to get home to their families. Without missing a beat, one of the men responded, “We’re all New Yorkers today.”
That is what makes America great, not rhetoric or political stunts or moral grandstanding. And that is what we need to keep hold of in the aftermath of this election: that no matter what, we are all Americans, and that we’re all stronger when we work together.
Will Sheeline is an editor covering Glen Head, Locust Valley, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff. Comments? WSheeline@liherald.com.
Framework by Francine Berman
Lastly, the Sands has been spending a lot of money locally on public relations, newspapers inserts, etc., to make the proposal sound appealing. Don’t believe the wizardry, which, when you look behind the curtain, is really a corporate giant taking local amenities and infiltrating our local environment, all in the name of a profit to feed its own goals.
MIchAEL LEfkoWITz Accountants + Advisors East
Meadow
How about sharing a holiday meal at a diner?
To the Editor:
This holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, if you’re too tired to cook, consider sharing a meal with family, friends or neighbors and patronize your local diner or restaurant. for decades I have enjoyed many excellent meals at many local diners.
Diners have been part of my life since I was a teenager. Eating out is a periodic ritual, and their portions are generous. Between the soup, salad, rolls, coleslaw and pickles, along with the main course, diner dinners satisfy the heartiest appetites. Who’s never taken a doggie bag home with leftovers to eat the next day? Many times we’ve bagged our desserts to go.
Many Long Island neighborhoods
have seen changes over the years. New immigrant groups sometimes favor their own ethnic foods and restaurants. Diners have also lost customers over time to fast-food restaurants. Remember, these people are our neighbors. our local entrepreneurs who own and operate diners have continued to invest in our communities, creating new employment opportunities without the assistance of federally funded taxpayers’ stimulus dollars. They work
long hours, pay taxes and provide local employment. If we don’t patronize our local restaurants, these workers don’t eat, either.
Why not honor the fond memories of some our favorite diners that have come and gone by continuing to patronize those that remain? h ere’s hoping that diners don’t go the way of the dinosaurs.
At the ‘Wicked’ Experience — Universal Orlando Resort
LARRY PENNER Great Neck
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