The Massapequa Philharmonic, Long Island’s pemiere symphony orchestra, will kick off its 2024-2025 season with Symphonic Soundworlds on Sun., Oct 27 at 3 p.m.. Shown above is Director David Bernard. Story page 4.
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Longtime Plainedge School Board Trustee Sonny Spagnuolo is stepping down after serving since 2017. The district is inviting residents interested in filling his seat until the next school board election in May to apply.
Spagnuolo’s term ends June 30, 2025, and the election for a new trustee will take
place during the district’s budget and trustee vote in May.
School Board President Joseph Babirudi recognized Spagnuolo for his service to the school board and community. “I thank Sonny for his assistance on the school board and in particular for being a strong advocate for special education which has helped make Plainedge
well know for its special education program,” he said. “He has worked hard and been dedicated over the years.”
Spagnuolo, a self-employed realtor and real estate investor, has lived in Plainedge for over 20 years. He has been involved in the community as a soccer coach since 2006 and as a member of the Plainedge Youth Baseball League. He
By MIKE POLANSKY Correspondent
Oyster Bay Town officials unveiled a proposed 2025 budget Oct. 15 that calls for a freeze on property taxes for the seventh year in a row.
Officials estimate a tax levy for the coming year of $232.9 million, which is $671 less than the 2024 adopted tax levy. The total budget for 2025 is $342.8 million, an increase of $3.3 million over the amended 2024 budget of $339.5 million.
Wfollowed by a presentation from Town Director of Finance Rob Darienzo.
e put our taxpayers first, and close behind ... is the quality of our services, which we are very, very proud of.
JOSEPH SALADINO Oyster Bay Town Supervisor
At both the morning and evening public hearing, there were no comments from the public.
Supervisor Joseph Saladino laid out an overview which was
“We put our taxpayers first, and close behind our taxpayers is the quality of our services, which we are very, very proud of,” said Saladino. He noted that the town has cut taxes, repaved roads, renovated fields, and replaced streetlights, all while freezing taxes and producing annual surpluses. “This proposed budget is fully balanced in every aspect and does not rely on any borrowing whatsoever,” he added.
He highlighted the proposed budget’s funding for the initiative “Oyster Bay Today,” aimed
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also founded “Rocco’s Voice for Autism,” a nonprofit organization supporting children on the autism spectrum and their families.
Spagnuolo was first elected in 2017, running unopposed to fill the seat previously held by Debra Grieci. He has been reelected consistently since then.
Those interested in applying for his seat must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, able to read and write, and living in the district for at least one year prior to the appointment.
In addition, an applicant:
•cannot be an employee of the school district;
•must be the only member of his/her family serving on the school board;
•may not simultaneously hold another public office;
•and must not have been removed from a school district office within a year preceding the date of appointment or election to the board.
Interested candidates must submit a resume and a statement detailing their reasons for applying by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6.
Applications can be mailed to the District Clerk, Plainedge School District Administration Building, 241 Wyngate Drive, Massapequa, NY 11758, or emailed to Maureen.ryan@plainedgeschools.org.
The school board will review all submissions, and selected candidates will be interviewed the week of November 19.
The board plans to appoint a new trustee at a special meeting on November 25.
An easy read with a storyline that takes place on Long Island; great mystery with vibrant characters, familiar places and intrigue that will capture your imagination from beginning to end.
“George’s morning runs were predictable and uneventful. This morning, however, George’s detective radar picked up on some unusual activity. Keeping his pace steady, he watched a tall Italian-looking lady, garyslavinauthor.com
driving a black Range Rover, stop three quarters around the vehicle pathway, step out, pick up four pebbles, and put them on the left side of the bench in front of the vehicle.”
Follow George’s journey through intrigue and suspense in this story set in scenes of familiar Massapequa.
Get your copy of Gary Slavin’s novel today.
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The Town of Oyster Bay will host the 2024 Talent Connection Job Expo, a unique event designed to unite Long Island’s employers with differentlyabled job seekers.
The expo will take place on Tues., Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, located at 1001 Stewart Ave, Bethpage.
“The 2024 Talent Connection Job Expo aims to provide an inclusive platform where differently-abled individuals can connect with recruiters from various industries, explore employment opportunities that match their skills and abilities, and engage with potential employers in a supportive environment,” Supervisor Joseph Saladino said.
He added, “We believe that every individual, regardless of ability, has something unique to offer. This job expo is about unlocking those possi-
bilities and creating pathways to success.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with recruiters representing several industries, ensuring a diverse range of job opportunities. Whether seeking a new career path or looking to take the next step in your professional journey, this expo is designed to help all differently-abled individuals succeed. Ken Kunken, a motivational speaker and author, will be the featured presenter.
Organizations partnering with the Town to make this event possible include: FREE (Family Residences and Essential Enterprises), ACLD, and the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing, & Consumer Affairs.
For more information about the 2024 Talent Connection Job Expo, contact Nicole Esposito at Nesposito@ familyres.org or call 516-870-1600 ext. 1697.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 at boosting tourism and the local economy. He expressed confidence in the town’s management saying, “President Theodore Roosevelt would be very proud to see where our town is at this time.”
Following Saladino, Darienzo reiterated that the 2025 budget closely mirrors that of 2024, maintaining the same tax levy without increases for local residents. He indicated that spending is up by $4 million, or roughly 1%, primarily due to rising medical benefits for town employees. This increase is offset by higher interest earnings.
Darienzo, a lifelong resident of the Town of Oyster Bay and a graduate of SUNY Binghamton, has served as the town’s Director of Finance since 2011. At the end of his presentation, Saladino thanked him for his “fine and talented work.”
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The budget will be formally adopted by the Board at its next public meeting on October 29, continuing the town’s practice of adopting the budget before Election Day—a practice that not all municipalities follow.
In other business at the October 15 meeting, the Board:
•Authorized the town’s annual Holiday Concert Series on November 25-26 at the Tilles Center.
•Granted the Massapequa Fire Department’s request for assistance with their annual Delano Strong Car Show fundraiser on October 19.
•Approved the Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas’ request for assistance with their annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony on December 7 at Klestinec Park.
B y CAROLYN JAMES
cjames@liherald.com
B oo! Halloween is just around the corner, and to capture this year’s chilling décor trends, LawnLove, a nationwide company, surveyed more than 1,000 adults across the country about their Halloween decorating plans, including budgets and pumpkin-carving habits.
T he survey revealed that people embrace the macabre by decorating their homes, donning scary costumes, trick-or-treating, and attending spooky parties. Among respondents, 96.95 percent of those aged 25 to 34 plan to celebrate, slightly surpassing the younger cohort (ages 18 to 24), which stands at 93.18 percent.
Younger adults are also more likely to host Halloween parties; 73.28 percent of those aged 25 to 34 plan to host a gathering, compared to 40.7 percent of those aged 45 to 54.
R egarding home décor, 32.43 percent of those surveyed said they use inflatable figures, while 30.3 percent prefer still sculptures or displays. Over half reported using Jack-o’-Lanterns, with 42.59 percent incorporating spider webs, 25.27 percent using scarecrows, and 45.79 percent putting up lights. The most popular locations for decorations
are outside on front lawns (59.93 percent), with 52 percent decorating porches and windows. Additionally, 44 percent extend their décor indoors.
Halloween Traditions and Income/ Education Trends
The survey found that income and education level impact Halloween traditions. Higher-income households are nearly twice as likely to host parties; 51.25 percent of those earning $150,000 or more plan to host a gathering, compared to 25.64 percent of those earning $20,000 to $34,999.
E ducation also plays a role; 58.11 percent of those with doctoral or advanced degrees plan to host a Halloween party, while only 36.08 percent of those with college degrees participate in the festivities.
F inally, the study indicated that men tend to decorate larger outdoor areas, such as front yards (63.89 percent), windows (45.23 percent), and doors (41.99 percent). BY contrast, women are more likely to invite Halloween inside, focusing on entry spaces, with 53.25 percent decorating porches and entryways and 48.05 percent decorating indoors.
For an in-depth look at the full survey results, including demographic-specific insights, go to: www.lawnlove.com/ blog/halloween-decor-survey/
T he Halloween tradition has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, during which people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints, leading to the incorporation of Samhain tra-
ditions into All Saints Day. The evening before became known as All Hallows Eve, eventually evolving into Halloween, a day filled with trick-or-treating, jack-o’-lantern carving, festive gatherings, costumes, and treats.
—History.com
The following incidents have been reported by the Nassau County Police Department’s 7th and 8th Precincts and other fire and law enforcement agencies: PETIT LARCENY
Massapequa: Someone was observed shoplifting at Dollar Tree, 4250 Jerusalem Ave., at 8:52, Oct. 11. When police arrived, they arrested Daniel Trager, 43, of Wantagh, charging him with shoplifting.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
Massapequa: A person or persons spray-painted graffitti on an exterior wall of Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace at 37 Hicksville Road.That incident was discovered shortly after 10 p.m., Oct. 11.
North Massapequa: The front door of a location at 67 S. Park Drive was damaged on Oct. 14 and reported at approximately 4:45 p.m., that day.
ARRESTS
Shoplifting: Julia Ruoccio, 23 of Massapequa was arrested and charged with shoplifting in an incident that occurred at Target, 3850 Hempstead Turnpike on Oct. 14; Tamika L. McGuire was arrested and charged with shoplifting on Oct. 14 in an incident that occurred at Marshall’s at 1240 Old Country Rd., Westbury.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
Oyster Bay officials and members of the town’s environmental team recently took to the waters off the North Shore to deposit half a million oyster seedlings, bringing the total to approximately 6 million oyster and clams planted in the town’s waterways this year.
The town grows the seedlings at its Shellfish Hatchery until they mature enough to be transferred to a Floating Upweller System (FLUPSY). These systems cultivate shellfish in open water while protecting them from predators until they are large enough to survive in shellfish sanctuaries. FLUPSYs provide increased water flow, promoting accelerated growth.
“Oyster Bay Harbor is one of the crown jewels of Oyster Bay, and we are proud to be doing more than ever before to improve its water quality,” said Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Programs like this help bolster the local economy while enhancing water quality. These efforts help preserve the natural beauty of our local waterways for generations to come.”
According to Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, more than half of the clams consumed in the U.S. came from Long Island just 50 years ago. However, decades of pollution have significantly impacted water quality and shellfish populations. The $6 billion clamming industry has seen a 93 percent reduction in harvests over the past 25 years, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
to seed some of the 6 million oyster and clam
In conjunction with the town’s efforts, Cornell Cooperative Extension-Suffolk County is leveraging its aquaculture expertise to rejuvenate Long Island’s waters by spawning millions of oysters and hard clams, which are then planted in five coastal sanctuaries across Nassau and
Suffolk counties. This initiative is part of the state’s $10.4 million Long Island Shellfish Restoration
Andrew Cuomo.
T he Massapequa Philharmonic, Long Island’s Premiere Symphony Orchestra, kicks off its 2024-2025 season with Symphonic Soundworlds on Sun., Oct 27 at 3 p.m.
Under the direction of Music Director David Bernard, the program features Mahler’s monumental First Symphony, presented as part of “Beginnings and Endings”—a festival that includes performances of Mahler’s First and Ninth Symphonies in collaboration with the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony. The program also features Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto performed by brilliant violinist Austin Weber Perks, and the world premiere of “All Hallows’ Eve” by Jay Anthony Gach to celebrate Halloween.
This concert features the World Premiere of “All Hallows’ Eve” by renowned composer and Long Beach Resident Jay Anthony Gach as part of the Massapequa Philharmonic’s partnership with the Long Island Composers’ Alliance. As part of this partnership, each Massapequa Philharmonic concert this season will include a World Premiere by a member of the Long Island Composers’ Alli-
ance. “Partnerships with local arts organizations are absolutely critical in strengthening a region’s cultural identity,” said Maestro Bernard. “What better way to build Long Island’s cultural foundation than to feature the work of Long Island’s composers.”
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the David Bernard and the Massapequa Philharmonic to showcase the work of Long Island composers with Long Island’s premiere orchestra,” said Dana Richardson, President of the Long Island Composers’ Alliance. Performances of the Massapequa Philharmonic will take place at Berner Auditorium, 50 Carman Mill Rd., Massapequa, and at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd, Greenvale, NY.
T ickets to Symphonic Soundworlds include a post-concert reception with refreshments where the audience members meet the performers and are available on Eventbrite, bit.ly/MPO20242025SEASON. For additional information, visit www.massphil.com
AN HONORABLE MENTION ALL-COUNTY in 2023 after scoring 12 goals and setting up 6 others in her first varsity field hockey season, Ventura ranks among Nassau’s leading offensive weapons this fall and has helped the 11-1 Jets to a conference title. A right wing forward, she has 20 goals and 13 assists through a dozen games. She scored at least one goal in all but one game and has eight multi-goal performances including one hat trick.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Field Hockey: Sewanhaka District at East Meadow 5 p.m.
Football: G.N. South at Long Beach 5 p.m.
Boys Volleyball: Lawrence at Calhoun 5:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: South Side at Lynbrook 6:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: V.S. North at Malverne 6:45 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 25
Field Hockey: North Shore at Clarke 5 p.m.
Football: Plainedge at Island Trees 5 p.m.
Football: Massapequa at Westbury 5 p.m.
Football: Floral Park at Hewlett 6 p.m.
Football: Kennedy at Mineola 6 p.m.
Football: Carle Place at West Hempstead 6 p.m.
Football: Wantagh at Seaford 6 p.m.
Football: Oceanside at Farmingdale 6:30 p.m.
Football: Freeport at Port Washington 6:30 p.m.
Football: Floral Park at Lynbrook 3 p.m.
Football: Oceanside at Freeport 3 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26
Football: Mepham at Sewanhaka 11 a.m.
Football: Carey at New Hyde Park 11 a.m.
Football: Garden City at Elmont 1 p.m.
Football: V.S. North at Lynbrook 3 p.m.
Football: V.S. Central at East Meadow 3 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By MARC BERMAN sports@liherald.com
The good news is the Plainedge boys’ volleyball team is off to rousing 10-2 start in Conference 2C. The even better news for the Plainedge program comes from the JV.
At long last, veteran coach Joe Como has established a JV program after many years of trying. Two years ago, Como established a middle-school team.
Under those conditions, he’s supremely proud of his senior-laden Red Devils. This is the last group of seniors that didn’t have a school feeder program. For the most part, jumping to varsity as freshmen became their introduction to high-stakes volleyball
“We’ve built a program,’’ said Como, in his 23rd season as varsity coach. “I tried to get it for a long time. We’re finally there. These guys did not benefit from a feeder program. They haven’t had the longevity other seniors enjoy and are still playing at such a high level.’’
After losing key players and leaders to graduation in Dean Montagnino, Zaiden Antaki and Ryan Scarry, concern existed on whether Plainedge could better the12-4 record from last year.
The Red Devils are surging with new leaders in setter Thomas Lambrinon and exceptional hitters in Tobias Marandet and Matthew Oh. They are three of Plainedge’s seven seniors. ‘
On Oct. 18, Plainedge moved its record to 10-2 with a straight-set win over Clark as Lambrinon posted 22 assists and 5 aces and Marandet
recorded 12 kills and 8 blocks.
“We’ve been playing together since freshman (year),’’ Lambrinon said. “Going into senior year, I really had faith in our skills and had high expectations.’’
Lambrinon is averaging 32 assists per game – among the leaders in Nassau County. “He’s my court captain,’’ Como said. “He’s the guy on the court all the time. He’s a real court general.’’
Each season, Lambrinon has added an aspect of his game. This year, he said, he became better at “mental endurance”. “It’s a long game and you have to be really focused,’’ Lambrinon said.
Plainedge’s first loss came against Floral Park in early October and that’s when the Red Devils were missing their premier scorer, Marandet, battling pneumonia. The 6-foot-5 middle hitter is starting to feel 100 percent – which bodes well for the future. He averages 20 kills per game.
“Tobias is just a tremendous, big guy and can get up there,’’ Como said. “(Against Floral Park), we had to work around our best hitter at the last minute. He’s a huge presence the middle of the court.’
Plainedge’s finest victory this season came against a tough Oyster Bay squad in a five-setter when it had to also play without a key contributor in Logan Toschong, who tore his shoulder during the match. He’s only now making it back to the lineup.
Also a senior, Oh is their second-best killer, giving Plainedge a solid one-two punch with Marandet. Oh averages 12 kills a contest.
“He’s an all-around great player and very good passer,’’
Como said. “He’s on the court constantly. He’s also one of the captains so he’s a strong leader as well.’’
Plainedge’s most versatile volleyballer is senior Jake Lucido, who has played setter, libero and outside hitter. “He’s our Swiss Amry knife,’’ Como said. “Whatever I need him to do, he can do pretty darn good. He’s one of the glue kind of
guys who holds the team together - eager to do anything and everything.’’
The playoffs are about to commence. “We’re very capable of going far,’’ Lambrinon said. “Everyone on the team is so close and we’re all friends. A lot of top teams don’t know about us. Once playoffs start, they’ll see we’re a strong team.’’
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Kelly Mullooly, a Massapequa teen, has received the Girl Scout Gold Award from the Girl Scouts of Nassau County for her project teaching children about composting and sustainability.
“The smallest acts can create major change for our future environment,” she said.
The Gold Award is granted to scouts who demonstrate resilience and passion in addressing societal challenges. At Birch Lane Elementary School, Kelly explained how composting transforms food scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizer, effectively reducing waste.
She led students in creating their own compost bins and developed a “Caring for Your Compost” guide for families. Additionally, she presented her findings to Girl Scout Brownie and Junior troops, further inspiring change.
Through this project, Kelly not only acquired new skills but also deepened her understanding of environmental sustainability. Once an introvert, she said that she realized that embracing leadership was essential for her growth.
“Once I understood that I am the
only one who can make this project happen, it pushed me to take charge and channel my ambition into something that would help the world,” she said.
Her commitment to the environment dates back to her fifth-grade Bronze Award Project, where she initiated “No Trash Tuesdays” to encourage recycling and the use of reusable containers. “Since then, I wanted to continue working on projects that help the environment,” she said.
Kelly received heartfelt feedback from a parent of one of her students.
“She explained that my project had truly made a difference and sent me an image of her child’s certificate, which is now hanging on their refrigerator,” she said. “I felt the value of my work in that moment and am honored to have impacted these children.”
Currently a freshman at the University of New Haven majoring in Forensic Science, Kelly remains committed to sustainability. She has created a makeshift recycling bin in her dorm to encourage her suitemates to recycle rather than toss items in the trash.
Reflecting on her Girl Scout experience, she expressed pride in giving back to her community.
“It was rewarding to fully understand
the significance of my actions and fulfill the Girl Scout Law of ‘making the world a better place,’” she said. “My lessons have the ability to change lives and perspectives on sustaining our planet.”
Two other Massapequa teens, Alyssa Esposito and Olivia Asencio, also earned the Gold Award.
Alyssa taught young people the Heimlich maneuver and authored a children’s book titled “Tiny Hands Save Lives.”
Olivia created a welcoming space
at Kids Need More in Amityville for children facing serious diagnoses, fostering connections to combat isolation.
“We are immensely proud of each one of them for achieving their goals and making a lasting impact on their communities,” said Rande Bynum, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “Their commitment is undeniable, and their efforts have positively affected countless lives.”
By Alexa Anderwkavich
The O’Connell Gardens in Oceanside welcomed eager attendees for the Herald’s Senior Health & Beyond Expo, produced by RichnerLIVE, on October 10 — the fourth in a series of exciting Expos for 2024.
The Expo is a community-loved event where diverse businesses and innovative services share their products and refined knowledge with Long Islanders.
“We are so thrilled with the turnout today — over 400 attendees!” stated Amy Amato, Executive Director at RichnerLIVE. “It offers valuable opportunities for companies and guests to learn, engage, and access essential screenings, benefitting both attendees and businesses. And we are so excited to expand this expo to Suffolk next month on Nov. 3.”
Over 45 vendors offering health, wellness, and personal care insights filled the hall. They provided guidance on enhancing lifestyle through new products and programs, as well as advice on senior living arrangements, financial security, and more.
Guests received free flu and COVID vaccines, courtesy of Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation and free COVID test kits from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s office.
Before noon, guests sat down for a panel discussion to hear experts discuss various topics, including consumer assistance programs and preparing for winter, advanced care directives, Medicaid asset protection trusts and estate planning, and the FCA Ombudsman Program. Guests also experienced an incredible segment from Mae Caime, CEO of aMAEzing Midlife & Beyond, called “Ageless Attitude,” — which got the crowd stretching and in motion!
“Never disappoints!” Caime said. “I love getting the crowd moving and grooving!”
Attendees received a goody bag — courtesy of Giftbag Sponsors Grandell Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Beach Terrace Care Center and Oceanside Care Center — filled with the special-event section, keepsakes and vital take-home information. At the end, the first 150 attendees also received a free to-go lunch provided by O’Connell Gardens and raffles winners were announced!
The Expo was made possible thanks to Silver Sponsors New York Department of Public Service, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, Centerlight Healthcare PACE and Long Beach Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (Cassena Care).
Guests and vendors are looking forward to the fifth and final expo of the year, scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Suffolk Y JCC, at 74 Hauppauge Road in Commack, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place on Oct. 20 at Belmont Lake State Park in West Babylon, honoring Bud Harrelson, a former New York Mets shortstop and co-owner of the Long Island Ducks who lost his battle with the disease earlier this year at 79.
Organized by the Long Island chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, this event stands as the largest gathering dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.
After his diagnosis in 2018, Harrelson became the honorary chair of the Belmont Lake event, joining the board of the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter in 2019. His involvement brought awareness to the disease, encouraging others to fight for a cure and support those affected.
Kim Battaglia, Harrelson’s former wife, expressed gratitude for the resources and support her family received during his illness. “Bud was beloved in the Long Island community, and we enjoyed attending the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in his memory,” she said. “Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.”
His daughters shared poignant reflections on the day. Kimberly Harrelson described the walk as an emotional tribute, emphasizing her father’s belief in transparency during his Alzheimer’s journey. “He wanted others to know they are not alone,” she said. “Every day is a gift, and it’s important to seek help and use available resources.”
Kassie Harrelson echoed these sentiments, expressing her humility at the event’s tribute to their father. “He would have hoped to share this honor with everyone affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia,” she said. “We are all going through this together.”
Approximately 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s disease, which is a leading cause of death in the United States. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s aims to raise crucial funds for research and support programs, fostering hope for families navigating this challenging journey.
For more information on Alzheimer’s, go to the Alzheimer’s Foundation at alzfdn.org.
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD
cbabirad@liherald.com
Edward Miller, a resident of Babylon Village for 59 years and member of the Babylon Rotary Club and Babylon Yacht Club, died on Aug. 4, 2024. He was 88 years old.
Miller was born in Bay Shore on July 19, 1936 to Mildred Bauer Miller and Edward Miller. He is a graduate of Lindenhurst High School and received his Electrical Engineering degree from Pratt Institute of Technology and pursued his graduate studies at Brooklyn Poly.
He met his wife, Jacquelyn Lang, in the summer of 1956 through mutual friends and they were married on June 24, 1961 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Lindenhurst.
Miller worked for 40 years as an electrical engineer for Grumman, which later became Northrop Grumman. He was also a member of the Babylon Yacht Club with his wife from 1978 to 2021 and a loyal member of the Babylon Rotary Club for many years.
“He was very proud to be a Babylon Rotarian,” said his wife.
“He was a very good friend,” added fel-
low Rotarian Frank Seibert, noting that Miller was a dedicated member of Rotary and remained active even when he became ill.
“He was a really nice and remarkable guy who was held in high regard by all of us Rotarians,” said Seibert.
Miller also enjoyed taking vacations and going out with his friends, and “he loved fishing and the South Shore of Long Island,” said his wife. She said that what she loved about her husband was that he was dependable and someone you could always count on.
Miller was predeceased by his parents
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister Joyce Miller Hoene of South Abington Township, Pennsylvania; his niece Diane Hoene Grasso and her husband, Joseph, of Dalton, Pennsylvania; his nephew, Edward Hoene and his wife, Carla, of Hicksville, and his sister-in-law ,Norma Lang Gruetter of West Babylon.
He reposed at Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home with a private funeral on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, 448 West Main Street, Babylon, followed by burial at Pinelawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Farmingdale.
Family members and funeral directors may submit obituary notices to us at: Massapequa Post Herald Newspaper, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 or may call us at 516-569-4000 ext. 329 We will also consider publishing clear photos with the articles.
Broadway, Amityville, NY 11701 (Route 110, Just North of Merrick Road, In the Heart of the
We hear kind words consistently.We’re proud that people feel comfortable enough with us to openly tell us how much they appreciate what we did for them. In fact,it’s this appreciation that drives us to offer the very best in comfort,compassion and service.
Halloween is less than a week away, and dressing dogs in costumes has become increasingly popular.
For over 40 years, I have created canine couture to highlight shelter dogs and enhance their adoptability or to have fun with my six Afghan Hounds and English Toy Spaniel.
Here are some practical and safety tips for dressing your dogs.
Originality:
Costumes from pet stores and catalogs can be cute but are often a dime a dozen. No dog wants to show up at a party in the same outfit as another. If your dog is large, consider customizing clothing from your own closet or visiting a thrift store. Some of my best finds come from garage sales and vintage shops, where I discovered Edgar Afghan Poe’s sombrero, ladies’ hats from the 1940s, and kimonos. Short cropped tops—sequins, lamé, and satin—work best as evening wear.
My late Afghan Trevor, born in a show kennel, was my supermodel, and his vast wardrobe was passed down to my future Afghans. I often borrowed from Trevor’s stash for myself. Small dogs can often wear children’s or doll clothes. I once tried a store-bought costume, which turned out to be a fashion and physiological faux pas. I still regret the Halloween in the ‘90s when I showed up at my vet with Alan, a large black Afghan wearing a skeleton leotard. My vet, adept at deadpan responses, took one look at Alan and quipped, “He’s not anatomically correct.”
Tailoring:
her in a Super Girl outfit with a cape and crinoline. The crinoline was too tasty for Cinnabun, so we cut off the tempting trim. Hats and Headpieces:
Your pet must be able to walk comfortably in his costume. Ensure leggings are not too long or tight, and remember to make adjustments for bathroom breaks. For tee-shirts or dresses, a rubber band gathered at the dog’s side can protect the garment while giving your pooch freedom to “express” himself. Velcro straps can secure the costume to the collar and around the rib cage; just be careful that Velcro does not tangle with long fur. When dressing young dogs, check that your pup does not find any part of his disguise edible. For example, when Cinnabun, a Last Hope scruffy Terrier, was preparing for a costume contest, we dressed
Most dogs dislike elastic and will shake off headgear. However, visors with ear holes and snoods tend to stay on, looking best on dogs with long, silky ears (Afghans rule here). Reindeer antlers made for dogs are often top-heavy and tip over; for better results, buy the antlers made for cats. Dogs with larger heads are photogenic in hats, and shy shelter dogs often make the most cooperative models, tolerating this “temporary torture” long enough for a picture. Bandanas are versatile; try tying knots in various ways, as subtle positioning can change the desired look. Years ago, shy “Santana” at Babylon Shelter was extremely obliging during his celebrity namesake photo session. He allowed me to adjust his bandana until he looked like a rock star. This gentle Shepherd-Retriever mix had a tough life—surrendered by an elderly lady, he lived on a chain outside with no doghouse. Yet, Santana remained loving and would bury his head in your lap. The 2007 photo prompted his adoption into a wonderful forever home.
Accessories:
Less is more when it comes to dog accessories. Most dogs, except for goofy Retrievers, will not carry a prop, so be prepared to hold any items for them. It’s essential to avoid anything that restricts their movement or vision. My Afghan Trevor was an exception; he would wear a long string of pearls over his fuchsia Gloria Swanson outfit and bark at passersby who stopped to admire him in the yard. He may have been “ready for his close-up, Mr. DeMille,” but no one ever took him seriously—they were too busy laughing.
For Adoption at Last Hope, 3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh 11793:
Super Girl Cinnabun is an 18-pound, oneyear-old scruffy Terrier who gets along with everyone.
Berry the Pumpkin is an eight-month-old Shepherd-Lab mix who loves to play with other dogs. For more information, call (631) 671-2588.
The following are a list of public meetings and special events for the coming week: Please note: All meetings are subject to change without notice.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
•Massapequa School District Board of Education Meeting: 8 p.m., Board Room, 4925 Merrick Rd., Massapequa.
• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631)-972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631)-972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569.
•Farmingdale Farmers Market on the Village Green by Schneider’s Farm: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 361 Main Street, Farmingdale. For more information, call (516)249-0093.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29
•Town of Oyster Bay Town Board Meeting: 10 a.m., Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information, call (516) 624-6380.
•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631)-332-0552 or Jill at (516)-220-7808. All calls are confidential.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30
• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631)-332-0552 or Jill at (516)-2207808. All calls are confidential.
• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. TFor more information call (631)-972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org
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Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties
Age: 59
Legal career: Andrew Crecca, a figure in Suffolk County’s judicial system for nearly two decades, is looking to take on the state Supreme Court, next.
Appointed as administrative judge for Suffolk County, the 10th Judicial District of the Supreme Court in 2020, Crecca currently oversees operations. This role follows his tenure as supervising judge for matrimonial matters in the same court, from 2013 to 2020.
Crecca’s judicial career began in 2005 when he was elected to the county court in Suffolk. He has since served as an acting justice of the Suffolk Supreme Court from 2007 to 2010 and was elected as a justice of the Supreme Court in 2011, a position he will hold until 2024.
Along with his courtroom duties, Crecca has presided over the Integrated Domestic Violence Court in Suffolk County since 2007. He also served in the Suffolk Legislature.
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties
Legal career: James F. Matthews, a candidate for Justice of the Supreme Court in the 10th Judicial District, has over 40 years of legal experience.
Since 2015, he has served as an Acting County Court Judge in Suffolk County, presiding over civil and criminal cases, including business law disputes, personal injury matters and criminal trials.
He has also been an adjunct professor of law at Touro Law School His public service career includes a decade as Northport village attorney and nearly two decades as Huntington town attorney, responsible for municipal law, litigation and land use.
Matthews spent over 30 years in private practice, handling corporate and commercial law, litigation, and personal injury cases. He has a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law and a bachelor’s from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 66
Legal career: A Suffolk County District Court judge since 2018, Alfred Graf is now aiming for the state Supreme Court.
Born and raised on Long Island, Graf graduated from Farmingdale High School in 1976. He enlisted in the Navy that same year and rose to the rank of Operations Specialist Third Class Petty Officer. He received an honorable discharge four years later.
Graf earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education from SUNY Plattsburgh and his law degree from Touro Law School. His professional experience includes serving as a NYPD officer. He has also worked as an alternative education schoolteacher and as an attorney with his own private firm.
His political experience includes serving two terms as supervisor of the upstate Town of Brighton and was an assemblyman from 2011 to 20118 representing A.D. 5 in Suffolk.
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties
Legal career: Terence Murphy was elected to serve as a Nassau County Court judge in 2014. He previously served as a Nassau County District Court judge where he presided over the Veterans Treatment Court from 2010 through 2014. He is a member of the Nassau County Bar Association.
Murphy is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. He served 26.5 years active and military service and was deployed to Bosnia, Iraq and Kuwait. His active duty experience began in 1973 with enlistment after high school. Murphy served as legal adviser to multiple commanders.
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 63
Legal career: Paul Hennings is a resident of Suffolk County and has served as a District Court judge since 2019 and Acting County Court judge since 2022. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Providence College in 1983 and went on to earn his law degree at Catholic University Law School three years later. After law school, he joined the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office where he was an assistant district attorney until 1989.
Hennings began his career in private practice in civil litigation, trials and appeals in State and Federal Courts. He first served as an associate with Wortman, Furmuso, Kelly (1989 to 1996). Then he joined the law office of Ted M. Toboias, until 2005. He then joined Devitt, Spellman and Barrett, LLP where he practiced as lead attorney until 2008. He then became a partner at Lawrence, Worden, Rainis, and Bard LLP.
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties
Legal career: Deanna Panico is a partner at Bee Ready Fishbein Hatter & Donovan, LLP. She has been in private practice since 2011, specializing in employment law. Panico was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2011, the U.S. Eastern District of New York in 2012, the U.S. Southern District of New York in 2016, and the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals in 2014.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Stony Brook University in 2007 and her law degree from St. John’s University School of Law in 2010.
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties Age: 63
Legal career: Paul Hensley was a judge for the district court of Suffolk County in New York. He was appointed to the court in 2002, elected in 2003 and re-elected in 2008. Hensley lost the 2014 election. Before his judicial appointment, Hensley served as a principal law clerk. His current titles are County Court judge, District Court judge and acting Supreme Court justice. Hensley has served as an acting Suffolk County Court judge since 2006, and was a law clerk for County Court Judge James Hudson from January 2001 until July 2002. From January 1999 to January 2001, Hensley was a law clerk for State Supreme Court Justice Leonard B. Austin. From March 1998 until January 1999, he worked as an assistant Huntington Town attorney. Before that, Hensley worked for the Robert Plan Corp., and also served as a Suffolk County assistant district attorney. He received his law degree from SUNY Buffalo.
Endorsed by Republican, Conservative, and Democratic parties
Legal career: Gregg Roth is an attorney with over 30 years of experience in many sectors of law, including civil rights law, employment law, personal injury law, social security disability law and workers’ compensation law.
Roth received his law degree at Hofstra University’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law in 1993, and has been a member of the New York State Bar since 1994. He has served as a state principal law clerk for the past 11 years, and previously was the associate director for Drug Court programs February 2011 to April 2014.
An extremely accomplished legal professional for decades, according to people who know him, he’s been crossendorsed by the Democratic, Republican and Conservative parties in Nassau County as a nominee for the New York State’s Supreme Court.
Democrat Age: 60
Legal career: Stuart P. Besen is running for Family Court Judge and is endorsed by the Democratic and Conservative parties. He is a partner at Milber Makris Plousadis and Seiden, LLP and received his law degree from New York Law School in 1990.
He is admitted to practice in both New York and New Jersey, as well as the United States District Court, Eastern District of New York and the United States District Court, Southern District of New York.
His practice is focused on all aspects of litigation, real estate, planning and zoning and he represents a variety of municipalities and private clients.
He is also a former town councilman for Huntington and believes that this position supplied him a unique perspective and significant knowledge on the essential issues facing municipalities and he prides himself on having much success as a trial attorney who has brought numerous cases to verdict.
Democrat Age: 57
Legal career: Honorable Jordan S. Katz is a graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans and obtained his law degree from the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center at Touro College. He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1991. He has been the fractional chief operating officer at Vallely Law PLLC in Syosset and since 2019 and is president of his firm, Jordan S. Katz and Associates in Melville. Working within the realm of litigation and consulting, his firm caters to private investors and real estate firms in the mortgage industry. He was previously a managing partner at Aldridge Pite LLC in Melville and at Kozeny, McCubbin and Katz LLP.
Democrat Age: 56
Legal career: Honorable Darlene Jorif-Mangane is an attorney in Central Islip. She was admitted to the Bar in New York State in 1994. She is a graduate of New York University School of Law and most recently has been the Suffolk County Family Court attorney referee and support magistrate since 2015. Previously, she worked for the Center for Family Representation as a litigation supervisor and as a supervising attorney for the Neighborhood Defender Service. She was also the director of operations at the New York City Department of Juvenile Justice and an assistant attorney for Legal Aid Society’s Juvenile Rights Division. She is also a part of the adjunct faculty at Touro Law School.
Conservative Age: 64
Legal career: Philip Goglas is running for re-election for Suffolk County Court Judge. He has been serving since 2014 and is endorsed by both the Republican and Conservative Parties.
Receiving his law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1987, he also served as an assistant town attorney, assistant county attorney for Suffolk County and was a New York City Transit Authority officer Goglas is a member of the Suffolk County Bar Association, a founding member and past president of the Long Island Hispanic Bar Association and a member of the Hispanic National Bar Association. His was also a volunteer firefighter for the Central Islip Fire Department, and a member of the Knights of Columbus of the Fourth Degree Our Lady of Fatima Assembly.
While on the county court bench, Goglas has led the Judicial Diversion Program in Suffolk County, which helps felony offenders of non-violent crimes, who are also dealing with alcohol and drug addition, to receive substance treatment in lieu of jail time or probation.
Republican Age: 57
Legal career: Peter R. McGreevy is running for Suffolk County Court Judge and is endorsed by the Republican and Conservative parties.
He is an attorney with McGreevy and Henley, LLP and graduated cum laude from Western New England Law School in 1996. He was admitted in New Jersey and New York.
He previously served as Southold Town GOP Chairman. His areas of practice have included negligence, litigation, insurance defense, arbitration, personal injury, appeals, products liability, and election campaigns and political law.
Republican Age: 67
Legal career: Honorable Carl J. Copertino served as judge of the Suffolk County District Court from 2013 through 2019. He is a graduate of Fordham University School of Law, class of 1981 and was admitted to the New York State Bar that same year. Previously, he served for five years as an attorney with the New York City Transit Authority.
Republican Age: 54
Legal career: Honorable Christopher C. Brocato is a defense attorney at his firm, Christopher Charles Brocato Esq. since 2019. He has also been serving since 2023 on the Brookhaven Board of Zoning Appeals. Previously, he was a partner at Brocato and Byrne LLP and as a Suffolk County assistant district attorney, serving in several bureaus including the District Court Bureau, Domestic Violence Bureau, Case Advisory Bureau and in the Major Crimes Bureau. He is a graduate of New York Law School, class of 2002, and was admitted to the New York State Bar the following year.
Republican Age: 55
Legal career: James Andrew McDonaugh is running for 2nd District Court Judge and is endorsed by the Democratic, Republican and Conservative parties. He received his law degree from the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 1994 and previously served as a Suffolk County District Judge. He also served, as a judge for the Lindenhurst Village Court, was a private practice attorney and an assistant district attorney for Suffolk County. In private practice, he particularly handled criminal defense, personal injury and commercial litigation cases. He is a member of the Suffolk County Bar Association, the Suffolk County Criminal Bar Association, the Suffolk County Brehon Society, the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
This proposal would protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. It also protects against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy.
A “YES” vote puts these protections in the New York State Constitution.
A “NO” vote leaves these protections out of the State Constitution.
Enmienda para Proteger Contra el Trato Desigual
Esta propuesta protegería contra el trato desigual basado en la etnicidad, el origen nacional, la edad, la discapacidad y el sexo, incluida la orientación sexual, la identidad de género y el embarazo. También protege contra el trato desigual basado en la salud y la autonomía reproductiva.
Un voto “SÍ” coloca estas protecciones en la Constitución del Estado de Nueva York. Un voto “NO” deja estas protecciones fuera de la Constitución del Estado.
Electores para Presidente y Vicepresidente
Kamala D. Harris (For President)
This is not an actual by your edition of the Herald. Specifi Herald may be found at LIHerald.com
Tim Walz (For Vice President)
Electores para Presidente y Vicepresidente
Donald J. Trump (For President)
JD Vance (For Vice President)
Representante en el Congreso Distrito 2
for One (1) Rob Lubin (D,WF) Andrew R. Garbarino (R,C)
Senador Estatal, Distrito
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D,WF) Diane Sare (L)
Senador Estatal, Distrito 8
for One (1)
Michael D. Sapraicone (R,C)
Francis R. Dolan (D) Alexis Weik (R,C)
for One (1)
Kwani
Harpreet
Justice Juez de la James Gregg Deanna Terence
actual ballot, but a composite of several sample ballots so as to reflect all the districts within the communities covered Specific candidates for individual communities are identified in blue. Complete reporting on candidates running in districts covered by the LIHerald.com under the Elections ’24 tab. For election results after the polls close Tuesday night, go to LIHerald.com
Member of Assembly District 9
de la Asamblea Distrito 9 Vote for One (1)
Steven J. DellaVecchia (D) Michael A. Durso (R,C)
Member of Assembly District 11
de la Asamblea Distrito 11
Vote for One (1)
Kwani B. O’Pharrow (D) Joseph R. Cardinale (R,C)
Member of Assembly District 17
de la Asamblea Distrito 17
Harpreet S. Toor (D)
Vote for One (1)
John K. Mikulin (R,C)
Justice of the Supreme Court
la Corte Suprema (Vote for up to Eight) (8)
James F. Matthews, Jr. (D,R,C)
Gregg Roth (D,R,C)
Deanna D. Panico (D,R,C)
Terence P. Murphy (D,R,C)
Alfred C. Graf (D,R,C)
Paul E. Hennings (D,R,C)
Paul M. Hensley (D,R,C)
Andrew A. Crecca (D,R,C)
Juez del Tribunal del Condado Vote for One (1)
Philip Goglas (D,R,C)
Juez del Tribunal de Familia
Stuart P Besen (D,C)
Darlene Jorif Mangane (D)
Carl J. Copertino (R,C)
Peter R. Mc Greevy (D,R,C)
Jordan S. Katz (D)
JChristopher C. Brocato (R,C)
Juez del Tribunal de Distrito James A. Mc Donaugh (D,R,C)
Incumbent Republican Andrew Garbarino is seeking a third term to represent New York’s 2nd Congressional District.
On the issues:
A strong NATO supporter, Garbarino stresses the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine amid Russian aggression and backs Israel as a key ally. He is committed to preserving Taiwan’s independence and addressing health care economics.
On immigration, Garbarino calls for securing U.S. borders and reinstating the “remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers. He recognizes the challenges migrants face but insists on following legal processes.
Additionally, he advocates for the 9/11 Health Care bill to replenish the 9/11 Health Care Fund and aims to tackle the shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the U.S. Garbarino, 40, was born and raised in Sayville and graduated from Sayville High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from George Washington University
in 2006 and a Juris Doctor from Hofstra Law School in 2009. He now resides in Bayport and is active in the Sayville Rotary Club and the Knights of Columbus.
After working at his family law firm, Garbarino was elected to the State Assembly in 2012, winning re-election in 2014, 2016, and 2018. He first secured a congressional seat in 2020, succeeding longtime Congressman Peter King.
He serves on the Committees on Ethics, Financial Services, and Homeland Security, chairs the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection Subcommittee, and is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus.
Garbarino was one of 35 Republicans who voted with Democrats to establish the January 6 Committee investigating the storming of the Capitol in 2021.
He also supported the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and opposed Jim Jordan’s nomination for House Speaker three times.
Democrat Rob Lubin is seeking to deny incumbent Republican Andrew Garbarino a third term as Congressman representing New York’s 2nd C.D.
At 29, Lubin is the youngest congressional candidate in New York state. He graduated from the Riverdale Country School in the Bronx and earned his degree from George Washington University in 2017.
(Garbarino is also a GWU graduate.)
On the issues:
Rob Lubin Party: Democrat
Lubin said he is in favor of continuing strong U.S. involvement with NATO and supports ongoing assistance for Ukraine against the Russian invasion. He favors lifting current restrictions on the use of American-supplied long-range missiles by Ukraine.
While he encourages efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and believes that outside humanitarian aid is important to relieve suffering there.
Lubin said he is a strong proponent of women’s reproductive rights and would
support legislation to restore the constitutional right for a woman to choose to have an abortion that was overturned by the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision.
He is equally strong on the need for federal legislation that would ban the manufacture or sale of semi-automatic assault weapons
Lubin said he agrees with proposals for federal legislation aimed at cracking down on price gouging in grocery stores.
He said he understands the necessity of efforts to protect the southern border and states that he would have voted for the bipartisan Senate bill that was derailed by Trump.
Lubin stressed the need to continue improving and expanding the Affordable Care Act to ensure that all Americans have affordable options for care. He is also an advocate for environmental protection saying we only get one chance in life to protect our environment.
The 2nd Congressional District includes Amityville, Babylon, Lindenhurst, Massapequa and a portion of Seaford and stretches along Long Island’s South Shore from East Moriches and Manorville out east through Bellport, Patchogue, Sayville and the Islip area.
Joseph Cardinale is running for the seat held by Kimberly Jean-Pierre, who is stepping down. Cardinale is promoting a common-sense approach to key issues.
on the issues:
A retired lieutenant commander with 21 years in the NYPD, Cardinale is focused on bail reform, illegal migration and the fentanyl crisis.
examples of bipartisan cooperation.
“I think everybody benefits from that,” he said, criticizing New York’s current one-party dominance. He called for renewed bipartisanship to address pressing issues, emphasizing the need for lawmakers to prioritize their constituents over party lines.
Kwani O’Pharrow is campaigning to replace Kimberly Jean-Pierre in the a race in which he faces Republican Joseph Cardinale.
He argues that declaring New York City a sanctuary city has serious implications, especially for Long Island, where he claims illegal migration poses threats to local communities.
“Some come out here and commit crimes,” Cardinale said, noting that the lack of data from migrants’ countries of origin complicates law enforcement efforts. He supports strict federal immigration policies, insisting that those with criminal backgrounds should be deported immediately.
Cardinale looks to historical figures like President Ronald Reagan and former House Speaker Thomas P. O’Neill as
Repealing bail reform is a central tenet of Cardinale’s campaign. He views current measures as driven by race and criticizes lawmakers for being unwilling to acknowledge their mistakes.
“The Democrats in Albany don’t deviate from it because it would be an admission of wrongdoing,” he stated.
Cardinale is also concerned about the fentanyl crisis, advocating for transparency in political communication and increased funding for Long Island’s infrastructure and environmental preservation.
An Amityville resident for six years, Cardinale has four children and two grandchildren.
O’Pharrow is a first-time candidate, and his platform focuses on the unique needs of the district, particularly when it comes to children and community issues.
A former detective in the New York City Police Department and an active community member, O’Pharrow, said he believes his background equips him well for the role. He has identified the cost of living, housing and public safety as the top issues facing the district.
O’Pharrow said he plans to bridge this gap through community meetings and innovative outreach strategies aimed at engaging working families. Public safety is another key focus for O’Pharrow. He highlights the importance of understanding the community’s needs and culture to effectively support both law enforcement and residents.
As a U.S. Navy veteran, O’Pharrow is committed to supporting fellow veterans. His NYPD career provided extensive experience in community engagement, he said, because he served in various roles, including school officer, community patrol officer, domestic violence officer, and gang investigations officer. He also worked in the Intelligence Bureau, protecting dignitaries such as Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
Co- founding Cops N’ Kids Long Island Inc., he focuses on mentoring youth and fostering positive relationships between children and law enforcement. He oversees the Student and Community Relations Officers program in the Brentwood School District, which aims to connect students, communities and law.
O’Pharrow and his wife, Cindy, have four children — Danielle, Benni, Kwani and Shirley — as well as five grandchildren.
Incumbent Republican
Michael Durso is running for his third term.
His Democratic opponent, Steven DellaVecchia is not actively campaigning.
on the issues:
He said he opposes the Equal Rights Amendment to the state Constitution (Prop 1), that is on the ballot, arguing it addresses multiple unrelated issues and lacks clarity.
He supports transgender rights, but he is against allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports.
Durso began his career as a Town of Oyster Bay sanitation worker, and later was supervisor. As a public safety officer at Hofstra University, he was involved with CSEA Local 881 and Teamsters Local 553, identifying as a “Labor Republican.”
Recently, Durso opposed a state law to shift local town and county elections from odd to even-numbered years. He said it will not save money and could complicate
ballots, causing local races to be overlooked.
Durso aims to ensure adequate state funding for local schools. He says he’s opposed a proposal to eliminate the state’s hold harmless rule, which guarantees that districts receive the same amount of foundation aid as the previous year.
Durso noted he is a vocal supporter of the Massapequa school district’s fight against the State Education Department’s mandate to remove specific school logos. It is part of a state initiative against the use of Native American imagery in school mascots, driven by the National Congress of American Indians.
He also has been outspoken on the migrant crisis. He criticizes the federal government for its handling of illegal border crossings and the expenditure of $4.3 billion on migrant issues, arguing it diverts funds from essential services such as education and school security.
Democrat opponent Steve DellaVecchia did not come in for roundtable.
A. D. 9 includes Amityville, Copiague, Deer Babylon, Lindenhurst, Masspequa, West Babylon and West Islip.
Incumbent State Senator Alexis Weik is campaigning for re-election against Democrat Francis R. Dolan, who is reportedly not running an active campaign.
on the issues:
Weik prioritizes constituent engagement, adapting her voting record to reflect the views of her district. Including her stance on the Equal Rights Amendment (Prop 1), where she shifted from supporting it in a more liberal district to opposing it in her current, more conservative district.
She is concerned about the transgender provisions of the amendment and advocates for the revitalization of Long Island’s wetlands, working to replace invasive species with native plants.
Weik has criticized New York’s status as a “Sanctuary State” for illegal immigrants, calling it fiscally irresponsible.
She opposes recent state education policies, including the removal of the “hold harmless” provision for school funding and the mandate for electric school buses by 2035.
Weik and her Republican colleagues voted against a new law moving local elections from odd-numbered years to even-numbered years. She has voiced strong objections to bail reform legislation, asserting it undermines law enforcement and community safety.
Weik served as Receiver of Taxes for the Town of Islip from 2011 to 2020, focusing on customer service and operational efficiency. Now in her second full term as a senator, she is a member of several committees, including Civil Service and Pensions, Women’s Issues, Education, and Veterans Affairs.
A lifelong Suffolk County resident, Weik grew up in Ronkonkoma and Oakdale.
Democratic opponent Francis R. Dolan did not come in for a roundtable.
Senate District 8 includes Amityville, Babylon, Lindenhurst and parts of Massapequa.
By JENNA ZAZZA & LORI SAXENA Special to the Herald
Written by the conservative Heritage Foundation, Project 2025 is a 922-page book detailing overhauls of the executive branch and proposing what some consider as radical policy changes regarding the economy, culture, education and healthcare.
The controversial plans have Democrats in a tizzy, the Trump campaign distancing themselves from the ideas and saying they would embrace the mandate’s demise.
The Project would decimate the working and middle classes.
JOhN RIZZO Economist
Some of the project’s more significant policies include eliminating the Department of Education, transforming the Department of Health and Human Service into an antiabortionfocused “Department of Life,” and increasing the president’s control over independent agencies like the Department of Justice.
Despite Trump rejecting the project, six of his former Cabinet secretaries and over 140 people who played a role in the project also worked in his administration, according to a CNN report.
It’s clear that Project 2025 is an election year buzzword. It has both opponents and proponents. At its core, the initiative seeks to reshape the federal government, but its impact extends to the local level.
In the plans forward, the Heritage Foundation notes: “Every hour the Left directs federal policy and elite institutions, our sovereignty, our Constitution, our families, and our freedom are a step closer to disappearing. Conservatives have just two years and one shot to get this right. With enemies at home and abroad, there is no margin for error. Time is running short. If we fail, the fight for the very idea of America may be lost.”
The mandate criticizes the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies, recommending a major reform of the agency. Even with major reform, the project argues the Federal Reserve, also known as The Fed, would still cause “inflationary and recessionary cycles.” The report calls for abolish it outright, replacing it with either a free-banking system or reimplementing the gold standard.
A free-banking system allows banks to issue their own notes without government oversight or regulation. The gold standard system fixes the value of currency to a specified amount of gold. Up until 1970, the U.S. operated under the gold standard.
“A gold standard imposes very tight constraints on the government to spend,
The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 is a touchstone of controversy, proposing major changes to national policies.
especially in times of crisis like Covid,” said Stephanie Kelton, an economy and public policy professor at Stony Brook University. “This is why countries always go off the gold standard. There is a lot of economic instability in the gold standard.”
Kelton is a former chief economist on the U.S. Senate Budget Committee.
The project claims that the gold standard offers a more stable and less inflationary economy. It asserts that the gold standard will deter the government from arbitrarily issuing more money since a hard asset must back the dollars.
“When we were on a gold standard, the economy would have big booms and big crashes,” Kelton said. “You could say that it was stable if you look over a long period of time like a century or 50 years, but within that period of time, prices are crashing.”
According to economists, a free-banking system isn’t ideal either.
“We saw what unregulated banks did in 2008. It caused a great recession,”
John Rizzo, former Long Island Association chief economist, said. “If anything, we need more regulation not less.”
Long Island is among the top areas in New York state that was hit the hardest by the 2008 financial crisis. The state experienced the most subprime loans with either none or low documentation per 1,000 housing units, according to a report released by the state comptroller.
Long Island also had the most foreclosures, with one every 500 households or less, according to the same report. Congress created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to prevent another great recession and housing finance
bubble. Project 2025 also calls to eliminate the CFPB.
“A bunch of lending activity took place that never should have taken place. Banks steered people into buying homes that they couldn’t afford,” Kelton said. “So if we eliminate the CFPB, it just makes it more likely that something like that can and would happen again.”
Long Island’s unemployment rate is increasing, namely in Babylon town which follows the state rate of 4.9 by only 0.5 points, according to the state’s Department of Labor statistics. The entire region lags behind the state by 1.1 points. Unemployment insurance is also declining. As the rates climb, housing prices are too. The median sale price of a single-family home is nearly $800,000, up 11 percent from last year.
“The housing crisis nearly brought the global economy to its knees, it did, in fact,” Kelton said. “We need people whose job it is to watch out for stuff like this and to intervene and take action on behalf of consumers because, in many cases, people didn’t understand the risks they were taking.”
Project 2025 also proposes peeling back worker pay and protections, making fewer workers eligible for time-anda-half overtime pay by lowering the threshold, and permitting children to work in “hazardous jobs.”
“[The project] is an extreme antiworker agenda that’s more or less designed to allow employers to use and abuse workers as they see fit, pay them as little as possible, offer limited protections, unions, wages, benefits– the whole thing,” Kelton said.
All economists contacted for com-
ment had similar negative perspectives on the project’s economic plans.
The proposed income tax reform simplifies the system to a 15 percent rate for those earning up to about $168,000 and 30 percent for higher earners could have significant implications for Long Island’s middle-income residents. With median individual incomes of around $54,000 in Nassau County and $49,000 in Suffolk County, a large portion of Long Islanders would fall into the lower tax bracket, according to Census Bureau data.
However, many households are already struggling to afford basic necessities like housing, food, and transportation, according to a report by United Way of Long Island. Nearly 30 percent of households in Nassau and Suffolk County face financial hardship despite the region’s relatively low poverty rate of 6 percent.
“It’s blatantly in favor of large corporations and the 15 percent and 30 percent would have a devastating effect on lower and middle-income individuals’ financial situation and overall on the economy,” Rizzo said. “There will be an adverse impact on small businesses that account for 90 percent of the business on Long Island and the middle class. In fact there wouldn’t be a middle class any longer. The Project would decimate the working and middle classes.”
Jenna Zazza and Lori Saxena are reporters with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
By Karen Bloom
The countdown is now on to spooking and assorted revelry. The signs of that festive day are all around us as all those ghouls, witches and wizards look forward to Oct. 31.
So throw on a costume and act like a kid — with or without the kids. Transform your house into a spooky (or mildy spooky lair) with party tricks and Halloween treats. Set the scene with a mad scientist-themed sweets table and carry it home with a crazy good menu featuring frightfully yummy appetizers, some mocktails for the kids (and non-drinkers in your crowd) and, of course, treats.
Dress up the details: Many folks can’t wait to dress up for a Halloween party, but that’s not so for everyone. Don’t make costumes mandatory. Instead offer a table of accessories that anyone can borrow and use to alter their appearance. Goofy glasses, strange hats, adhesive mustaches, or masks can be fun.
Have fun with Halloween cuisine. Cookie cutters can turn sandwiches, desserts, biscuits — just about anything — into different shapes. Foods also can be made a tad more spooky simply by renaming them or presenting them in interesting containers. Beverages can be offered in jugs or old bottles and labeled “potions.”
Try these tricked-out treats for same tasty spooking.
Entice guests into your lair with some witchy fingers
• 1 (11-oz.) can refrigerated breadsticks
• 6 small slices pepperoni
• 12 (2/3-oz.) slices cheese
• 3/4 cup finely shredded lettuce
Heat oven to 375°F. Separate dough into 12 strips. Place flat on ungreased cookie sheet; do not twist. With sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut 2 small triangles from one end of each dough strip to form a point that resembles a fingertip. Lightly score breadsticks in center to resemble knuckles. Cut each pepperoni slice into 2 pointed ovals to resemble 2 fingernails. Place 1 pepperoni piece on each breadstick.
Bake at 375°F. for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. If necessary, reapply “fingernails” with small dot of ketchup.
puffs to resemble ghosts onto the remaining baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven until dried and firm, about 1 hour. Turn off the oven, close the door, and cool until completely dried, about 1 hour more.
Dip the tip of a toothpick into melted chocolate and dot chocolate “eyes” on each of the ghosts.
Snare your guests with some spider web cheesecake. Use your favorite 9” cheesecake recipe.
Topping:
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
• 1/3 cup milk, cream, sour cream or ricotta cheese
Web:
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chunks or chips
First, make your favorite 9” cheesecake, one using a graham cracker crust. Add 1/4 cup black cocoa to the crust, before pressing it into the pan. Bake the cake as directed; remove from the oven, and let it cool.
To make the topping: Whip the heavy cream with the sugar just until soft peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the sour cream just until combined.
Spread the topping over the cooled cheesecake.
Ambrosia, John Ford Coley and Peter Beckett (The Voice of Player), come together for a magical night performing all of their 1970s and ‘80s Billboard Top 40 Hits, on the Tilles Center stage, Yacht Rock the Dock shines the spotlight on the original artists, with Elliot Lurie, as they reinvigorate their many beloved tunes. Enjoy Ambrosia’s everlasting hits including “How Much I Feel,” “You’re the Only Woman” and “Biggest Part of Me.” John Ford Coley, most known as half of the Grammy-nominated duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, performs many memorable hits, including “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” “Love Is The Answer” and “Nights Are Forever Without You.” These songs are the soundtrack to a generation.Today’s so-called smooth yacht rock music scene would not be yacht rock without the contributions of these Grammy winning artists.
Friday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Split each breadstick. Cut each cheese slice into strips and place in breadstick, overlapping strips. Top each with lettuce. If desired, serve with mustard, mayonnaise or ketchup. Serve warm or cold. Note: Place leftover small triangular dough pieces on cookie sheet; bake until crisp. Use as croutons or nibblers.
Chase the demons away with a few “bones.”
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 drops fresh lemon juice, or more to taste
• 7 tablespoons white sugar, or more to taste
• 2 chocolate chips, melted, or as needed
Preheat oven to 225°F. Line 2 baking sheets with silicone baking mats.
Whisk eggs whites and lemon juice together in a bowl until thick, white, and foamy. Add sugar a spoonful at a time, whisking constantly, until meringue is shiny, thick, and holds its shape.
Transfer meringue to a piping bag. Pipe 12 bone shapes onto a prepared baking sheet. Pipe 12
To make the chocolate web: Heat the cream until it begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate and stir. The chocolate will begin to form one mass. Keep stirring until all the chocolate has melted — the cream should be hot enough to melt all the chocolate. If not, reheat briefly.
Transfer the melted chocolate to a piping bag fitted with a small tip (or a zip-top bag with one corner cut to form a 1/8” opening). Pipe one central dot onto the cream topping, then six concentric circles around the dot, spaced 1/2” apart.
Beginning with the center circle, gently pull a toothpick through all the circles toward the outer edge. Wipe the toothpick clean and repeat, moving clockwise and dragging the toothpick through at every eighth segment of the circle to complete the web pattern.
Peter Lemongello, Jr., the son of Long Island’s legendary star, returns to the Landmark stage. He takes his audience on a nostalgic musical journey from the 1960s through the’ 80s with his “Old Time Rock ‘N Roll” show. Accompanied by his eight-piece band, Peter delivers an engaging performance that evokes pure emotion. He continues to honor his father’s legacy — Peter Lemongello was the first artist to sell over a million albums on TV, through an innovative TV commercial campaign that paved the way for music video infomercials and MTV. A special highlight is Peter Jr.’s heartfelt tribute to his father, performing the hit “Do I Love You,” written by Paul Anka, which his Dad debuted on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.”
Friday, Oct. 25, 8 p.m. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or by contacting Gene DiNapoli at (917) 567-5842.
The perennial classic rock favorite is back on the road again as founding member Dewey Bunnell celebrates the band’s 54rd anniversary, appearing on the Tilles Center stage, Saturday, Nov. 2, at 8 p.m. Billed as “Ride On Tour 2024, will draw on the band’s deep catalog of hits including signature song “A Horse With No Name,” a Number One hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1972. Bunnell and America’s co-founder Gerry Beckley (along with former band mate Dan Peek), who met in high school in London in the late 1960s, quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of that tune. Forty plus years later, these friends continue to make music together (although Beckley has now retired from touring) thrilling audiences with their timeless sound. Yet beyond their impressive catalog of hits, listeners discovered there was always much more to America than surface perceptions. The combination of Beckley’s melodic pop rock and Bunnell’s use of folk-jazz elements, slinky Latin-leaning rhythms and impressionistic lyric imagery contrasted well with Peek’s more traditional country-rock leanings and highly personal lyrics.
On their way to becoming a global household name, America’s journey found them exploring a wide variety of musical terrain. Their best-known tunes, including “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don’t Cross The River,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” and “Sister Golden Hair” were beloved as cornerstones of 1970s Top 40 and FM rock radio. From their formative years, America has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America’s audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group’s enduring appeal. Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Theodore Roosevelt’s 166th birthday
Oyster Bay Town hosts a daylong celebration to honor President Theodore Roosevelt on what would have been his 166th birthday, Sunday, oct. 27, 10 a.m. The event begins at Youngs Memorial Cemetery where residents can pay respects at Theodore Roosevelt’s burial site and continues through local historical sites such as Sagamore Hill and downtown Oyster Bay. It concludes with a speech delivered by renowned Theodore Roosevelt Reenactor Joe Wiegand at the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum. Youngs Memorial Cemetary, 134 Cove Road. For more information, visit oysterbaytown.com or call (516) 624-6380.
Mark your calendars. The annual Massapequa Park Turkey Trot, benefiting YES Community Counseling Center, takes place Saturday, Nov. 23, in Brady Park, Massapequa Park. Sponsorships are requested. For information call YES at (516) 799-3203 or go to yesccc.org.
AFSP Out of the Darkness Community Walk
Long Island Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) encourages everyone to participate in the annual Long Island Out of the Darkness Community Walk, Sunday, o ct. 27 at Jones Beach Field 5 in Wantagh. The walk, which begins at 10 a.m., will raise funds to support suicide awareness and prevention and is one of the top fundraising walks in the country for AFSP, with over 4,000 participants. Past walks have raised in excess of $500,000. For more information, visit afsp.org/ longislandwalkwest.
Massapequa Public Library invites teens in grades 6-12 to a Halloween Party, Wednesday, oct. 30, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy Halloween fun in the BH Auditorium, including ghoulish goodies, monstrous music and a creepy craft. For more information, visit massapequalibrary.org or call (516) 799-0770. 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park.
Manga Book Club Monday will be held on Monday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Farmingdale Public Library. Online registration is underway. Students in grades 6-8 can discuss the iconic band of straw-hat pirates in the first three volumes of the manga, One Piece (1: Romance Dawn, 2: Buggy the Clown, and 3: Don’t Get Fooled Again) by Eiichiro Oda. Copies available at the Reference Desk and on Overdrive/Libby. 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale. For more information, visit farmingdalelibrary.org or all (516) 249-9090.
Island Medicaid Consulting of Massapequa will be at the Community Resource Fair & Fall Festival, at the Residences at Plainview on Wednesday, Nov. 6 , 1-4 p.m. With raffles and prizes and a complimentary afternoon offering vital information and support for individuals 55 years of age and older. The Residences at Plainview, 9 Gerhard Road, Plainview. For more information call Island Medicaid Consulting at (516) 308-8131.
Get in the spooky spirit with a Halloween movie marathon, at the Plainedge Public Library, Monday, Oct. 28 , 1-8 p.m. See “Halloweentown,” at 1 p.m.; “Psycho,” at 2:30 p.m.; “Hocus Pocus,” at 4:30 p.m.; “M3GAN,” at 6:15 p.m. Snacks will be served, as well as a few surprises. Please plan accordingly for your age group, as not all the movies are appropriate for children. To register, visit shorturl.at/jWDMi. For more information, call (516) 7354133. 1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa.
Having an event?
Improve your driving and obtain insurance discounts at the New York State DMVapproved 6-hour Defensive Driving Course sponsored by AARP, Monday, Oct. 28, 9:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at Massapequa Public Library. Save 10% on your auto insurance each year for three years, also may reduce up to 4 points off the license. Registration required. Register in person in the adult reference department at either library building. For more information, visit massapequalibrary.org or call (516) 799-0770. 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park.
Massapequa Chamber of Commerce holds a Breast Cancer Walk, sponsored by Masone Masonry and honoring Patricia Orzano, a longtime chamber member who died of breast cancer. Join in at Marjorie Post Park, Sunday, Oct. 27. Participants should arrive at 9:30 a.m.; walk begins at 10 a.m. $25 per person; proceeds go to Mondays Cancer Cares and Hewlett House.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span 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.
Massapequa Chamber of Commerce hosts a Halloween Networking Party, Thursday, Oct. 24, beginning at 6 p.m., at Zona. The event gives local business owners and Chamber members an opportunity to become more acquainted with one another. The cost is $40 for members.
4883 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park. Go to massapequachamber. org to register.
Meet the Class of 2025’s Brightest Stars: Farmingdale High School Announces Valedictorian and Salutatorian Farmingdale High School recently named its Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2025: Shea Hiotidis and Jaylyn Umana.
Shea earned the highest cumulative GPA among 390 students, while Jaylyn secured the rank of Salutatorian.
High School Principal Jed Herman congratulated both students, expressing admiration for their dedication to learning.
“It is truly inspiring to witness students like Shea and Jaylyn diligently working to fulfill their aspirations,” Herman said. “Congratulations to both students on this remarkable accomplishment, and we wish them the best in their future
pursuits.”
As Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Shea and Jaylyn will have the honor of delivering speeches at the Farmingdale High School graduation ceremony on June 17, 2025. They will also enjoy a breakfast with their families, hosted by the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents, with Principal Herman and Superintendent Paul Defendini in attendance.
As the Class of 2025 prepares for new adventures, Shea and Jaylyn stand as shining examples of what can be achieved through dedication, hard work, and community support. Their stories inspire their peers and future students at Farmingdale High School, encouraging them to dream big and strive for excellence.
LEGAL NOTICE
UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation
1. Publication Title: MASSAPEQUA POST HERALD.
2. Publication No. 333440.
3. Filing Date: October 1, 2024
4. Issue Frequency: Weekly.
5. No. of Issues Published Annually 52.
6. Annual Subscription Price: $39.
7. Complete Mailing
Address of Known Office of Publication: 2 ENDO BLVD, GARDEN CITY, NY 11530
8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530.
9 Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor. Publisher: Richner Communications, Inc., Stuart Richner, 2 ENDO BLVD, GARDEN CITY, NY 11530. Editor: CAROLYN JAMES 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530. Managing Editor: JEFF BESSEN, 2 ENDO BLVD, GARDEN CITY, NY 11530.
10. Owner: Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530; Clifford Richner, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530; Stuart Richner, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530.
11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. 12 Not applicable.
13. Publication Title: MASSAPEQUA POST HERALD.
14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: SEPTEMBER 26,2024,.
15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: a. Total No. Copies: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 2500; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue
Published Nearest to Filing Date, 2200. b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 165; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 181. (2) Mailed InCounty Paid Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 1474
Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 1471. (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, and Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 225; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 250. (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes
of Mail Through the USPS: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0.
c. Total Paid Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 1864; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue
Published Nearest to Filing Date, 1902.
d. Free or Nominal Rate
Distribution( by Mail and Outside the Mail) : (1) Free or Nominal Rate OutsideCounty as Stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0 (2)Free or Nominal In-County as Stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 222 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0 (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other classes Mailed Through the USPS: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0. (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 100; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue
Published Nearest to Filing Date, 222.
e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 100; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to
Filing Date, 100
f. Total Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 2186 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 2002.
g. Copies Not Distributed: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 314; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 198
h. Total: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 2500 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 2200.
i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 85.27%; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 95.00%.
16. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the October 24, 2024 issue of this publication.
17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Stuart Richner, Owner; Date: October 1, 2024 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material information requested on the form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).
Notice of formation of: Gina Pelle, LLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/02/2024
Office location, County of Nassau.
SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.
SSNY shall mail a process served to: Gina Pelle LLC, 140 Meyer Ave., Valley Stream, NY 11580
Purpose: any lawful act (Real Estate)
24-668 10/9, 16, 23, 30, 11/6, 13
LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS OF THE MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT:
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 14h day of October, 2024, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal Law.
An extract of the resolution is as follows: THE MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT SHALL PURCHASE FOUR POWER PRO 2- POWER STRETCHERS AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT AT A COST, INCLUDING COSTS AS -
SOCIATED WITH SUCH TRANSACTION NOT TO EXCEED ONE HUNDRED FORTY-FIVE THOUSAND ($145,000.00) DOLLARS WITH FUNDS FROM THE FIRE APPARTUS & EQUIPMENT RESERVE FUND. This resolution shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, unless in the meanwhile a permissive referendum as provided by the General Municipal Law is required to be held.
Dated: October 15, 2024 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS MASSAPEQUA FIRE DISTRICT TOWN OF OYSTER BAY ATTEST: JOANNE RIGGIO Secretary 24-672. 10/23
Notice of formation of ENGLIFI LLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/06/2024 Office location, County of Nassau. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a process served to: Englifi LLC, 3683 Carrel Blvd., Oceanside, NY 11572. Purpose: any lawful act. 24-673. 10/23, 30, 11/6, 13, 20, 27
CIRCULATION
ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.
Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable
Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
REQUIREMENTS:
Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.
POSITION DETAILS:
Flexible: Part-time or Full-time.
Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.
Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
JOURNEYMAN
COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL
Electrical Services. Traveling/ Valid License Required. 7-10yrs. Experience. $28-$34/ hourly. 516-739-3425, hrdepartment@valenteelectric.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Medical Reception/Accounts
Receivable
Part Time- back-office work. Rockville Centre. Must be friendly, well-spoken. Computer literacy necessary. Back office includes collections/account receivable, verifying insurance and researching claims and some billing. Must be flexible (days/evenings). $18-$19/ Hourly. Email resume drsmnw@optonline.net or fax resume 516-763-4218.
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
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for
Q. Our home in Asheville, North Carolina, was damaged by Hurricane Helene. The insurance company was contacted, and several busy contractors have looked at the property as they passed by. One commented that many homes need to be completely rebuilt, because they’re missing parts that protect them from hurricanes, such as “tecos.” What are tecos, and why do they make a difference? Can they be added without tearing our house down? This may push us to just sell, as is, and move on, at a large loss. What can we do?
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A. . First, Teco is a brand name for metal connectors that hold lumber building parts together, giving any home greater resistance to being pulled apart by wind. Unfortunately, the company went out of business in the 1990s. It’s a brand name, not a generic term — it’s like saying Kleenex instead of facial tissue. But the name stuck, and is often used by people who have no idea that you can’t get a Teco anymore, but it’s easier than saying joist hanger or connector.
The most-used brand today is Simpson, which is far more sophisticated, for a much wider variety of engineered connections. The key word is “engineered,” and I emphasize it because most users of these products often use the wrong connectors for the wrong purposes. For example, your home, if it’s not completely in splinters, can be saved, but you have to use the right connectors, utilizing manufacturer charts and selecting the right ones based on wind resistance calculations. I’m sure I just lost most readers, because almost nobody actually calculates, or desires to respect, the right use of the right connector, so people go to the store and buy a box of what looks best, what is most available or what costs the least.
While filming the documentary “Hell or High Water,” which never got released due to lack of funding, I got to meet with officials, from (the equivalent of) the mayor to the head of the building department in Moore, Oklahoma, after third-graders were killed in their concrete elementary school by the fastest winds ever recorded, 313 miles per hour. The neighborhood was gone. People were rebuilding. I questioned why building permits were issued and yet nobody was using the connectors to reconstruct. The superintendent of the building department answered with frustration, knowing that it’s a code requirement, that “most people can’t afford the cost of the connectors.” Nine years later, I saw an article about the state of Oklahoma now strictly enforcing connector requirements.
You don’t have to walk away from your home. The base and top of the wall studs, the roof rafter connections and the corner hold-downs can be retrofitted, which will give you additional wind resistance of approximately 30 mph, and as a nationally certified damage assessor, I have seen firsthand that the right connectors save property and lives. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the
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Few possessions in life are more valuable than lasting friendships. I’ve been more than blessed with friendships that began almost 60 years ago, when I was a student at Notre Dame Law School, and remain strong all these decades later. That was clear when we got together again at Notre Dame last week. I entered Notre Dame in 1965. From my home in Queens to the campus in South Bend, Indiana, was about 800 miles by car. In life experience, the distance was light years. I had no clue what to expect. My life up to then had been almost entirely confined to Queens, where I grew up; Brooklyn, where I went to high school and college; and Manhattan, where I was born, and where, during my last two years of college, I worked loading and unloading trucks and freight cars at the Railway Express Terminal on 10th Avenue. My out-of-state ventures had been limited to New Jersey: a two-week summer rental when I was 9, a handful of one-day visits to relatives and two nights at Palisades Amusement Park. In
New York, I took the ferry once to Staten Island, made the occasional trip to Jones Beach and journeyed to the Bronx for a handful of Yankees games and once to watch the football Giants practice at Fordham. I had never eaten in an actual restaurant, my dining experience limited to White Castle and pizza joints.
The Notre Dame campus was as impressive as advertised, with its famed Golden Dome glistening in the Indiana sun and more trees and manicured grass than I’d seen anywhere except Central Park. The law school was a three-story Gothic structure that radiated seriousness of purpose. I opted to live in Fisher Hall, the graduate student dorm, rather than an off-campus apartment mainly for convenience: It was a two-minute walk from the law school and next door to the dining hall.
had gone away to college, and I had no idea what dorm life was like.
C atching up with four longtime, far-flung friends from Notre Dame.
We were all willing to work together and help one another out — very different from the cutthroat competition at many law schools. That was a great defense against the dean of the law school, who took pride in the number of first-year students who flunked out or bailed out. His welcoming greeting to us had set the tone: “Look at the man on your left and the man on your right. Before long, one of you won’t be here. And damned be he who first cries, ‘Enough, enough!’”
Fortunately, the six of us survived the dean’s first-semester bloodletting, with Ward and Weiss doing exceptionally well and the rest of us doing well enough.
Rosemary, who was a student at neighboring St. Mary’s, during my first semester, and her becoming an integral part of our group. We got married at the start of my final semester before graduation.
After graduation, everyone did well: Manning in Chicago, Ward in Maine, Curtin in New Jersey, Weiss in St. Louis and Bonenberger in West Virginia.
Though we were many miles apart, we stayed in close contact over the years, including at five-year class reunions, even holding weekly Zoom meetings during Covid.
Then, last summer, Manning, who was in many ways our magnet, died, and we decided to have our own minireunion. So last week we were together again in South Bend.
Most important, the law students living around me in Fisher Hall were great guys. Dick Manning, Tom Curtin, Tom Ward, Charlie Weiss and Lanny Bonenberger became lifelong friends. For the most part we all had similar upbringings, Catholic school-educated. Every one of us except Ward, whose father was a doctor, was the first in our family to go to college. And every one of the others
FWhyor the past year, politicians and political commentators have described the upcoming election as the most consequential in American history. To be realistic, all elections have consequences, but there is no doubt that this one will have a dramatic impact on my family, and countless others, for years to come. With less than two weeks to go until Nov. 5, I am weary from the back-and-forth discussions I have had with family members, friends, neighbors, and political allies and adversaries. Happily, all of those talks have been cordial, and it has been worthwhile to listen to all opinions. These exchanges have better prepared me to explain why I will vote for Kamala Harris for president. Before explaining the basis for my vote, I need to rebut some of the arguments that I have heard from supporters of Donald Trump. Some have made the claim that Harris is “anti-Israel.”
Sometime in the spring of our first year, there was a climactic power struggle between the dean and the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, president of the university, over the starting date for the law school in the fall. Their grand compromise was to give the dean his starting date, but to throw the law students off campus. It was my first experience as collateral damage! But the six of us found a house to rent in South Bend, and our friendships grew stronger than ever. Adding to all this was my meeting
There were changes. Fisher Hall and the house we rented have been demolished. The law school building is many times larger than it was. But among us, nothing had changed. We walked the campus, reliving good memories, retelling old stories, talking about our children and grandchildren. We were thankful for our bonds of friendship, which had been forged in another century and have grown only stronger over seven decades. A great gift.
Go, Irish!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
They point to the fact that then-President Trump moved the American embassy to Jerusalem, but they have not offered any proof that as a candidate, Harris has failed to support Israel. She has shown her unhappiness with its prime minister, but Benjamin Netanyahu is not Israel.
itrust her, and believe she is the best choice for challenges both at home and abroad.
Three months into the election madness, some people tell me they “don’t know enough about Kamala.” I view that as an excuse not to vote for a woman. My response to them is, “Where does Trump stand on abortion, child care tax cuts, more housing opportunities for people of modest means and tax breaks for middleincome families?”
I frequently hear people describe the vice president as “too liberal.” They reference her former support for Medicare for All and her past opposition to fracking. Harris has modified her positions on a number of issues, as has Trump’s vice presidential nominee, J.D. Vance, who is now in lockstep with Trump — after once calling him a “Hitler.”
I choose Harris over Trump for a
number of reasons. I trust her, and believe that she will be an honest president. I don’t believe that she will make private deals with campaign donors, or craft laws that will favor a handful of wealthy donors like Elon Musk. Above all, she won’t lie, lie and lie some more at every opportunity.
Thanks to President Biden’s hard work, America has the respect of world leaders once again. NATO is once more a united force in Europe, and the only firewall we have against Russia and Vladimir Putin. Harris will be a strong supporter of NATO and Ukraine. That will make our country safer. She will uphold our alliances with Asian nations and oppose China’s efforts to harm Taiwan.
Harris will appoint qualified people to major positions in her cabinet, and has pledged to seek bipartisan advice on key issues. There are countless thought leaders in America who would gladly give their time to the government if they thought their views would be respected. Above all, she will not sell out the nation to domestic or foreign
interests.
Harris will protect a woman’s right to choose. She has pledged to reinstate Roe v. Wade, and will appoint judges to the Supreme Court who will protect women’s rights. She will appoint an attorney general who will follow the Constitution, and be the people’s lawyer and not the president’s lap dog.
Harris will maintain our support for Israel. She has seen the powerful support that Biden has provided, including his latest pledge to give Israel guided missiles and U.S. military support to back them up. She will honor those commitments.
Rather than recite the reasons why I do not support Trump, I’ll defer to America’s top generals, who have called him dangerous and unfit to be commander in chief. To add to their opposition, I could further quote all of Trump’s former cabinet members who oppose his re-election.
Enough said.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
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as we approach a pivotal election that portends high political drama, there’s never been a better time to stress the importance of voting. Every vote counts, and participation is more than a right — it’s a crucial responsibility that shapes this nation’s democracy.
This is not about whom to vote for. It’s about making the most of the privilege of voting.
Early voting is now underway in parts of the country, and in the state of Georgia, the turnout has already made headlines. On the first day of early voting, more than 300,000 Georgians cast their ballots — more than double the number who voted that day in 2020.
That could signal the beginning of another record turnout for the presidential election. Four years ago, both eventual President Joe Biden and the incumbent, Donald Trump, garnered the most votes ever in a presidential election. Biden won with some 81 million.
The heightened enthusiasm, to put it most politely, for next month’s election underscores why every eligible voter should make his or her voice heard.
This year, Election Day falls on Nov. 5, but early voting provides flexibility for those who may not be able to vote on that day. In New York, early voting gets under way this Saturday and ends on Nov. 3.
Early voting gives voters the chance to skip the long lines and cast their ballots at a time and place that is convenient for them. It’s a safeguard against last-minute emergencies or unforeseen obstacles that might occur on Election Day.
The surge in early voting is a promising sign for democracy, but it also sends a larger message about civic engagement in today’s highly charged political climate. Voting is one of the most direct ways individuals can influence the policies that shape their lives.
Whether the issues voters are focused on are health care, education, the economy, social justice or abortion access, the winning candidates, and measures on the
To the Editor:
As New York voters prepare for the Nov. 5 elections, it is apparent that candidate choices are limited now more than ever. The Herald Roundtable articles, for example, are limited to coverage of Democratic and Republican candidates. The anti-democratic impact of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s
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ballot, will help determine the future of those issues. By casting your vote, you become part of the collective decisionmaking process that steers the direction of the country.
For those who feel disillusioned or disengaged, it’s important to remember that democracy works best when it’s fully inclusive. Every election offers the opportunity to hold public officials accountable, to approve or reject ballot measures, and to influence the future of local, state and national policies.
When large numbers of people opt out of the process, fewer voices shape the policies that affect everyone. Voting is a way to speak up, even when the system feels
electoral “reforms” has become abundantly clear with this year’s elections in our state. Having made it virtually impossible for independent third-party candidates to appear on the ballot, drastically changing longstanding ballot access laws and regulations in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, this fall we find ourselves with only Democrats and Republicans listed on our ballots. In a manner similar to what Republicans have done elsewhere, New York Democrats have suppressed the vote and stifled
imperfect or frustrating. By casting your vote — whether early or on Election Day— you are exercising a power that should never be taken for granted. “My vote doesn’t matter” is simply not the case. So if you can’t vote on a busy Tuesday, Nov. 5, make a plan to do so between now and the Sunday before Election Day. Or take advantage of the time you still have to register to vote and request an absentee ballot. Be part of the conversation, have a say in the issues that matter to you, and help ensure a future that reflects the will of all Americans.
Voting isn’t just a privilege; it’s a duty that upholds the foundation of our democracy. Your voice matters. Let it be heard.
meaningful political debate on the issues that face us all. We urge Gov. Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature to reverse these draconian changes to our election law as soon as possible. New Yorkers deserve more voter choice, more democracy.
Thanks to the Cuomo “reforms,” New York is the only state to have just two candidates for president appearing on the ballot. This has happened in only one other state in the past 40 years, Oklahoma. Many voters now feel faced with two unsatisfactory
For over a century, school boards have been crucial in shaping education across the country, and particularly on Long Island. Their governance originated in the early 1800s, according to the New York State School Boards Association, when New York state established school districts and allowed citizens to elect boards of education that were responsible for levying taxes. By the mid19th century, these local bodies aimed to give citizens a direct voice in the education system. In the early 20th century, educator Jesse H. Newlon advocated for a separation of roles, positioning school boards as legislative entities and superintendents as executives, according to the association. Over time, school boards have included parents and community leaders focused on school success.
aOne group, however, was often excluded from this process: the students themselves. Despite being directly affected by board members’ decisions, students rarely had the chance to influence them. Recently, the idea of including a student member on school boards gained traction in New York. Districts recognized that students could offer invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities in their schools.
This topic resonates deeply with me due to my personal experience in high school, because I attended a school that truly valued student voices. I cherish my time as student government president, where I collaborated closely with the school administration to implement meaningful improvements in our district. This role not only boosted my confidence, but also provided me with valuable insights into the complexities of school governance. It served as a catalyst for my later pursuits in public service, igniting a passion for advocacy
choices: a candidate who is engaged in sowing pernicious and deadly seeds of ethnic and ideological conflict, and another who supports wars and continuing our nation’s complicity in an ongoing genocide.
The Green Party urges all progressive voters to write in “Jill Stein” in this year’s election. Don’t stay home, and don’t waste your vote!
JIm BROWN Chair, Green Party of Nassau County Island Park
To the Editor:
In his Oct. 10-16 column, “A historic election for all the wrong reasons,” Jerry Kremer presents several compelling reasons to reject Donald Trump’s “desperate campaign” for president.
But voters should consider other factors as well. Conservatives, in particular, ought to ask whether Trump adheres to three principles they surely hold dear: family values, law and order, and patriotism. Do Republican parents really want their children to view this potential president as a role model?
and leadership.
Even though I wasn’t an official school board member, I understood the importance of having a voice in decision-making processes. The experience solidified my belief in the power of student involvement and the positive impact it can have on shaping educational policies and fostering a sense of community.
nyone who’s attended high school for at least a year can sit on a school board.
Historically, student board members were required to be seniors, limiting representation from younger students with fresh perspectives. A law recently signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul changes this requirement, allowing any student who has attended high school for at least a year to serve on a board. This broadens the potential for diverse representation, and emphasizes that all students have valuable contributions to make. Additionally, the law removes the requirement that a student member seat be authorized by popular vote. While student members cannot vote on decisions, they can still voice concerns, ensuring
that their perspectives are heard starting as early as age 14 or 15.
This is a significant win for New York state education and Long Island. The new law encourages innovative thinking in shaping our educational system, and fosters leadership and civic engagement from an early age. By involving students in discussions about grading policies, curriculum changes, disciplinary actions and mental health concerns, we empower them to influence aspects of school life that directly affect them.
Overall, this is a fantastic opportunity for young voices in our community to be heard and valued. As an assemblywoman who proudly supported this transformative bill, I am excited about its future positive impact on our schools and communities. The law is a major step in empowering students, and I hope it inspires future policies that further enhance their role in shaping their educational experiences and nurturing the next generation of leaders. I look forward to seeing the contributions from these young board members.
Taylor Darling represents the 18th Assembly District.
Should kids seek to emulate a philanderer and a vulgarian incapable of telling the truth?
How do those professing to “back the blue” square that stance with support for a convicted felon? Is someone charged with racketeering and 51 other criminal offenses a credible champion of the rule of law?
Are red-white-and-blue all-Americans OK with a candidate who orchestrated the attempted overthrow of the country’s constitutional order? Does denigrating members of the U.S. armed forces demonstrate love of country?
Trump defiles all three of the values most Americans regard as sacrosanct.
This is not to say that Kamala Harris is without personal flaws of her own. She’s imperfect, both as a candidate and a human being. Besides, voters should be assessing a candidate’s policy positions, not only his or her personal behavior. And Harris’s record and her proposals can be fairly criticized from a conservative perspective.
But character does matter. And on that score, Donald Trump is utterly unqualified to hold the nation’s highest office.
KEvIN J. KELLEY Atlantic Beach
In the interest of fairness and transparency during the election season, we will not publish letters in the Oct. 31-Nov. 6 issue, the final one before Election Day, that criticize a candidate or a specific issue. This is to ensure that no last-minute submissions are published without sufficient opportunity for rebuttal. Readers are encouraged to send letters to execeditor@liherald.com.