Massapequa Herald 10_30_2024

HERALD Massapequa

Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge pOsT

Marc Herbst, executive director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, speaks on a proposed law to give Long Island autonomy in vying for federal infrastructure dollars. He is flanked by elected officials from Nassau and Suffolk County and labor leaders who support the measure.

Lawmakers fight for fair share of federal $$

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

With partisan politics heating up just two weeks before Election Day, Long Island politicians gathered in a bipartisan effort to advocate for increased federal funding for road and infrastructure projects in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“We are the most populated counties in the state and government and labor is going to fight hard for its fair share,” said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “We have a strong voice, projects that have to get done and the talent of workers

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Massapequa School Board opposes state regionalization mandate

By MIKE POLANSKY Correspondent

The Massapequa Board of Education has joined the opposition to a statemandated regionalization plan for all Nassau County school districts.

In a letter co-signed by Superintendent of Schools William Brennan and Massapequa Federation of Teachers President Malcolm Gilbert, the board said the plan could undermine local control over educational decisions and threaten district autonomy. It warns that this could lead to reduced opportunities for teachers and could potentially mean the consolidation of school districts. The letter requests comprehensive stakeholder engagement before proceeding with the plan.

The State Education Department reg-

ulation mandates that all 56 Nassau County school districts work with the Nassau BOCES Superintendent to create a county-wide plan aimed at addressing educational disparities, fiscal constraints, and operational inefficiencies. The move is intended to enhance student opportunities and operational efficiencies through shared resources.

Under the new regulation, the Nassau BOCES Superintendent will collect relevant data from all districts and monitor each district’s plan implementation through site visits and performance reviews. Notably, the superintendent has the authority to compel any district to modify its portion of the regionalization plan to achieve the desired outcomes.

At the Massapequa board meeting on

October 24, President Kerry Wachter pointed out that the regulations do not mention boards of education, even though they are the only ones authorized to oversee the sharing of services and the spending of taxpayer funds.

She expressed concern that the new state regulation could force districts like Massapequa to divert local resources to support students from other areas, ultimately jeopardizing opportunities for local students. “This sets the stage for the consolidation of all Nassau districts,” she said. “It’s very scary, but I’m hopeful we can unite and push back.”

The Board has encouraged PTAs and other local groups to voice their concerns to the State Education Department. Similar letters of opposition have been sent by school boards in Wantagh, Locust Valley, Cold Spring Harbor,

Island Trees, and other Nassau districts.

School districts cannot opt out of discussions or actions required by the regionalization plans. The regulation does not apply to the school districts of New York City, Buffalo, Syracuse, Yonkers, and Rochester.

The regionalization plan was adopted as an emergency rule and took effect immediately. But there is a 60-day comment period before the mandate is finalized in January.

The Massapequa Board encourages local groups and individuals to send their objections to the State Education Department at 89 Washington Avenue, Room 115 EB, Albany, NY 12234, or via email at REGCOMMENTS@nysed.gov.

Photo Credit/Herald

Dems and GOP come together to fight for more federal funding

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 to get them done and we are going to work as one team.”

During a press conference last week at the Long Island Welcome Center on the LIE in Dix Hills, Schaffer stressed that Nassau and Suffolk counties need an independent MPO to effectively tackle traffic congestion, expand public transit, and improve roadways, fostering real progress for communities and the economy.

“This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue, it is a state and federal issue,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi. “It is about government, labor, business, and people—everyone, regardless of party.”

As the sound of traffic provided an apt backdrop, he added, “It is about coming together.”

The gathering aimed to support a New York State bill sponsored by Assembly-

Fall into a good

man Steve Stern and Senator Monica Martinez that would enable Long Island to apply directly for federal transportation funds. Currently, the two counties get their infrastructure funding through the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, which includes Long Island, New York City, Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland counties. The proposed legislation would establish a separate Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Long Island to better address its specific infrastructure needs, officials said. Long Island lawmakers recognized the need for this autonomy several years ago, when federal funding allocations revealed a stark disparity: Long Island was initially slated to receive 23 percent

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of the federal funding allocated to New York but saw that figure drop to just 1 percent in the current package—approximately $300 million. Officials noted that nearly all of this funding is earmarked for renovations of electric signs and road repairs, leaving little for new projects or significant expansions.

Marc Herbst, executive director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, outlined some of the critical road projects needing attention, including the Oakdale merge, the Meadowbrook Parkway and Southern State Parkway intersection, the expansion of Sagtikos Parkway to four lanes, and work on the Southern State Parkway, which Herbst referred to as “blood alley.”

“How many more tragedies do we have to have along that roadway before we address those issues and others?” he asked.

“This is not an adversarial issue, and we are not asking for a divorce,” Herbst added, emphasizing the importance of an independent voice for Long Island in securing federal funding.

“Long Island is a place unlike any other, and with that distinction

comes the reality that we have unique needs,” said Martinez. “Our infrastructure and transportation systems must be as bold and resilient as the people who call this region home.”

Adam Levine, executive director of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, acknowledged the desire of Long Island officials to secure every available federal dollar and said the council recognized the bureaucratic challenges they face.

MSD to hold workshops on career counseling, IEP, special needs trusts and more November 14

The Massapequa School District will be hosting an information fair on Thurs., Nov. 14 at Massapequa High School.

The event will feature numerous workshops and include a general information session, career counseling services, information regarding attending college with an IEP and special needs trusts and guardianships. The fair is

open to all communities.

To register for workshops, visit shorturl.at/qFbey.

Massapequa High School is located at 4925 Merrick Rd., Massapequa. For more information, please contact Grace Hussey at ghussey@msd. k12.ny.us , Dr. Alyssa Elias at aelias@ msd.k12.ny.us, or call (516) 308-5000.

Photo Credit/Herald Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino speaksat the press conference.

Photo Credit/Herald

Congressman Tom Suozzi addresses the crowd.

Caught in the click: TikTok faces legal fallout over child safety concerns on social media

By CAROLYN JAMES

A federal lawsuit against TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, alleges that the company violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, COPPA. The suit, filed by the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission in August 2024, subjects the company to a court order requiring it to implement specific measures to comply with COPPA.

cjames@liherald.com on the backside” or “kiss a friend’s girlfriend in school,” clearly designed to disrupt or incite violence in school settings.

Although TikTok banned the “devious licks’” hashtag weeks after it emerged, similar trends have proliferated across multiple platforms since then.

According to the lawsuit, TikTok allowed children to create standard accounts, enabling them to create, view, and share short videos and messages with adults and others on the platform. “The defendants collected and retained a wide variety of personal information from these children without notifying or obtaining consent from their parents. Even for accounts created in ‘Kids Mode,’ a pared-down version of TikTok intended for users under 13, the defendants unlawfully collected and retained children’s email addresses and other personal information,” the suit alleges.

The lawsuit also states that when parents discovered their children’s accounts and requested that the company delete the information, TikTok frequently failed to honor those requests.

In October 2024, TikTok faced another lawsuit filed by a bipartisan coalition, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta. This suit claims that TikTok harms children’s mental health.

“Young people are struggling with their mental health because of addictive social media platforms like TikTok,” James said. “TikTok claims that their platform is safe for young people, but that is far from true. In New York and across the country, young people have died or been injured doing dangerous TikTok challenges, and many more are feeling sad, anxious, and depressed due to TikTok’s addictive features. Today, we are suing TikTok to protect young people and help combat the nationwide youth mental health crisis. Kids and families across the country are desperate for help, and we are doing everything in our power to protect them.”

In 2021, educators raised additional concerns about TikTok’s “devious licks” trend, which was linked to incidents of vandalism and even physical attacks on school personnel. One theme encouraged students to “smack a staff member

“When we look at the youth mental health crisis and the revenue machine TikTok has created, fueled by the time and attention of our young people, it’s devastatingly obvious: our children and teens never stood a chance against these social media behemoths,” Bonta said. “TikTok must be held accountable for the harms it has caused by taking away the time—and childhoods—of American children.”

A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that 41 percent of teens with the highest social media usage rate their overall mental health as poor or very poor, compared to 23 percent of those with the lowest usage. Additionally, 10 percent of the highest users expressed suicidal intent or self-harm in the past year, compared to 5 percent of the lowest users, and 17 percent of the highest users reported poor body image, compared to 6 percent of the lowest users. Therefore, monitoring and limiting access is critical.

“There is no question that young people today are under constant pressure to be online and connected,” said Jennifer Lopez, director of pupil personnel services at the Amityville School District. “Whenever I tell my own children to get off the phone, it feels like a punishment, and they go through withdrawals. But then they seem to relax and have permission to be kids again.”

Lopez, who also teaches at the college level, emphasized the need for parents and educators to stay ahead of technology, which often seems impossible.

“We cannot ignore technology; we have to stay one step ahead of it and teach young people how to use it,” she said. “They must learn to critically analyze information and use it to their advantage without letting it replace reasoning.”

Zhang Yiming, the architect of TikTok, graduated from Nankai University in 2005 with a degree in software engineering. TikTok was introduced to a global audience in 2012 and is banned in mainland China, as well as in many other countries.

Studies have shown that excessive use of technology by young people leads to stress and psychological disorders.

technology by showing them how to be discriminatory and critical.

CRIME WATCH

The following incidents have been reported by the Nassau County Police Department’s 78th and 8th precincts and other local fire and law enforcement agencies:

STORE THEFTS

South Farmingdale: An employee of Bolla Market at 630 Main Street called police Oct. 21, shortly before 5 a.m., to report that an unknown person removed five cases of beer and left the store without paying for the items.

Farmingdale: Six energy drinks were shoplifted from the CVS Pharmacy at 450 Main Street Oct. 23. The incident was reported to police at 9:30 p.m.

ARRESTS

Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired:

Joe I. Hrzich, of 37 Topper La., Levittown; Larry D. Britt of 68 Muncy Ave., West Babylon; Thomas P. DiBuduo of 36 Park Ave., Massapequa; Jonathan Guillen Diaz, 29 Pioxi St. Copiague; Thomas Mancuso, 51 Broadway, Amityville; Peter Doscher Bruno, 29 Pecan St., Lindenhurst. Petit Larceny: Nehemiah Henderson, 38 Cedar Rd., Amityville; Frederick E. Kropp, 65 Centre Ave., Bellmore; Wesley C. Jones, 65 Canal Rd., Mt. Sinai; John Dixon, 61 Granny St., Medford; Marisa Toic, 67 Wilson Ave., Amityville; Michael A. Wheatley, 30 Trebor Rd., Massapequa; Maurice St. Aubyn Walker, 39 Gates Ave., Brooklyn.

Psychologists and educators say adults can help young people develop healthy habits using

Photos/Metro Creative

Massapequa Park Village honors the Little League champions

Mayor Daniel Pearl, Deputy Mayor Tina Schiaffino and Trustee Dana Durso recently congratulated the 2024 New York

State Champion Teams from the Massapequa International Little League (MILL) at the Oct. 7 Village Board meeting.

Photos courtesy/ Ed Cox

Softball 12U Team:Manager Rich Eaton, Coaches Dom Fontana and Joe Fackler, Players: Ava Antico, Samantha Cowan, Marisa Dukiet, Kailyn Eaton, Riley Erbis, Sophia Evans, Olivia Feldman, Alexis Phillips, Madison Skei, Avery Smar, Mia Victor and Charlotte Welsh.

Sollitto, Aria Val-

Applicants being

sought to fill vacancy on the Plainedge School Board

The Board of Education of the Plainedge School District invites interested individuals to apply for appointment to a vacant seat on the Board of Education. The term of appointment will end June 30, 2026 upon the election of a candidate by the voters of the Plainedge School District to fill the seat in May.

Applicants must possess the following qualifications: Be a citizen of the United States; be eighteen (18) years of age or older; be able to read and write; be a qualified voter of the District and a legal resident within the School District for a period of at least one (1) consecutive year immediately preceding the appointment.

Applicants cannot be an employee of the Plainedge School District; must be the only member of his/her family serving on the Plainedge School District Board; may not simultaneously hold another incompatible public office; and must not have been removed

from a school district office within one (1) year preceding the date of appointment or election to the Board.

In order to be considered, interested applicants must submit a resume and a statement setting forth the applicant’s reasons for applying to fill this vacancy no later than 4 p.m. on Wed., Nov 6, to: District Clerk , Plainedge School District Administration Building, 241 Wyngate Drive, Massapequa, NY 11758 or email Maureen.ryan@plainedge schools.org

The Board of Education is planning to review all resumes and statements and selected candidates will be interviewed during the week of November 19, 2024, with the intention of selecting a candidate and appointing him or her at the November 25, 2024 Special Meeting of the Board of Education.

For information concerning the District, please visit the Plainedge School District website at www.plainedgeschools.org.

T he Town of Oyster Bay is currently hosting their Spread the Love Peanut Butter Collection Drive to help stock local food pantries and support families in need. The drive will be taking place until Fri., Nov. 15, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

P articipants are welcome to drop-

off their jars at the following locations: Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay, Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa or the Ice-Skating Center at 1001 Stewart Ave., Bethpage.

F or more information, please call the Town of Oyster Bay at (516) 6246333 or (516) 797-7961.

Baseball Senior Team: Manager Keith Pignetti, Coaches Rob Savage and Gary Gardiner, Players: James Alonso, Salvatore Apap, Aidan Fierro, Thomas Lomonaco, Michael Mauceri, Nicholas Mauro, John Neary, Brendan Nolan, Ryan Pignetti, Ryan Savage, Matthew Sharon, Gennaro Trotta and Alex Van Schuyler.

Softball 10U Team: Manager Joe Sollitto, Coaches Pat Valentino and Jimmy Hasselmann, Players: Giuliana Cretty, Emily Cullinan, Kennedy Doumas, Ashley Larmann, Ashlin Lynam, Sofia Monahan, Sophia Nislow, Brook Sheinfeld, Adriana Sinatra, Milla

entino and Kaycee Weiss.

MYLES MUNRO

Seaford Senior Cross-country

MUNRO PLACED FIFTH in the Nassau County cross-country championships last fall and will look to top that performance at Bethpage State Park Nov. 2. He went on to earn All-State honors in 2023 as a Top 20 finisher in the state and posted a best 5k time of 15-minutes, 43-seconds. He’s three-time All-County in cross-country and as a junior competed in the state track and field championships in the 3200 and 1600 meter events.

GAMES TO WATCH

Friday, Nov. 1

Football: Manhasset at Kennedy 2 p.m.

Football: Oceanside at Port Washington

Football: Division at Hewlett

Football: West Hempstead at East Rockaway 6:30 p.m.

Football: Locust Valley at Plainedge 6:30 p.m.

Football: Syosset at Massapequa 6:30 p.m.

Football: Lynbrook at Bethpage 7 p.m.

Football: V.S. South at Malverne 7 p.m.

Football: Wantagh at C.S. Harbor 7 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 2

Cross-Country: Nassau County Class I, II and III championships at Bethpage State Park 10 a.m.

Football: Calhoun at Carey 11 a.m.

Football: Jericho at Sewanhaka 11 a.m.

Football: Island Trees at Lawrence 11 a.m.

Football: MacArthur at Baldwin 2 p.m.

Football: Long Beach at Mepham 2 p.m.

Football: Seaford at North Shore 2 p.m.

Football: South Side at Floral Park 3 p.m.

Football: Elmont at Clarke 3 p.m.

Football: Mineola at V.S, North 3 p.m.

Football: Uniondale at Freepprt 3 p.m.

Football: Westbury at V.S. Central 3 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

HERALD SPORTS

Plainedge tasting conference title

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

Colin Fratrik didn’t have to read the tea leaves to know the Plainedge girls’ volleyball team was going to have a successful season.

The coach just had to check his roster.

There he saw a lineup that barely changed from a year ago, when the Red Devils were 12-8 overall and 9-6 in Conference 3, good for a tie for second place, and won their first playoff game in seven years.

“There was a good amount of confidence as well as excitement,” Fratrik said. “We pretty much returned every player, we only graduated two seniors last year. So, everyone on the team pretty much had varsity experience, which has been very helpful to us this year.”

Preseason confidence has, in fact, turned into regular-season success, with Plainedge first in Conference 3 heading into their finale against Wheatley Tuesday, inching closer to a first conference title since 2017.

Proof of concept came against Calhoun in their second match of the season. The Colts raced out to a 10-0 lead in the first set, but the Red Devils bounced back to win the opening set, 25-23, en route to an impressive 3-0 win over the current second-place team in the conference.

“That was a big confidence boost for us, just to show us we could beat a team of that caliber and then be able to come back from being down 10-0,” Fratrik said. “I think that really gave our girls a lot of confidence in their abilities.”

The Red Devils also showed their mettle by rebounding from back-to-back losses to Calhoun and Elmont to rattle off seven straight victories heading into their regular-season finale.

That resolve usually coincides with experience and the Red Devils have a ton of that. Setter Ava Nitsch, who was AllCounty honorable mention as a freshman, is the table-setter, second in the county with 365 assists.

Then there’s fellow sophomore Savannah Speicher, who was an All-County

earned All-County honors as

where she left off with 250 digs and 164 kills.

selection last fall. The middle hitter is ninth in Nassau County in kills (164) and third in digs (250).

“We run our entire offense through Ava. She doesn’t come off the court, she’s just a tremendous player, she has great vision of the court. She has a tremendous sense of where the ball is going and where the ball needs to go as well,” the sixth-year head coach said. “And Savannah is another player who does not come off the court for us. She’s our number

and

one offensive threat and one of our best defensive players.”

Senior libero Gabrielle Bellocco has taken her defense to the next level, according to Fratrik, and Angelina Pugliesi, a newcomer to varsity, has jelled seamlessly with her teammates.

The emotional leader is Sarah Carter, the senior outside hitter who is a threeyear varsity starter, while Mia DiMarco, a junior middle hitter, has also provided a spark.

Derrick Dingle/Herald Savannah Speicher

a freshman in 2023

picked up

Be prepared: An app that lets you report and track power outages.

Power outages are a reality, especially during a storm or other weather events. One of the most frustrating issues can be not knowing when power will be restored.

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“Our intention is to reduce the stress and anxiety of an outage by enabling customers to closely track the progress of their restoration, all within the free, convenient PSEG Long Island mobile app,” says Larry Torres, Sr. Director, Emergency Preparedness and Logistics.

It’s as easy to use as it is to download. And once it’s installed on your device, if you have a power outage, you have access to report outages and track updates.

As PSEG Long Island begins the restoration process, you receive notifications on the Outage Tracker. These show everything from confirmation that your outage report was received, to damage assessments, to repair alerts and an estimate of when power will be restored.

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The PSEG Long Island Outage Tracker provides customers with:

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We live in a world where we have more information at our fingertips than ever before. It just follows that having some control and knowledge about power outages is critical to our peace of mind and ability to plan, be heard, and feel safe. So be prepared, and learn more about the free PSEG Long Island mobile app at psegliny.com/app.

Photo by Tony Lopez.

Photo by Fotostorm via Getty Images.

A power outage doesn’t have to leave you feeling powerless. Be prepared. Download our free mobile app with Outage Tracker. You can report outages and track restoration progress. Because knowing is power.

Farmingdale Spirit Week ends in victory against Syosset at Homecoming game

Don Snyder stadium was packed with fans cheering the Farmingdale High School varsity football team to victory at their Homecoming game on October 10. The Dalers beat Syosset by a score of 49-13. The halftime show was spectacular, courtesy of the Farmingdale High School Marching Band, cheerleaders, Daler Guard, and the Dalerettes.

The day’s celebrations started with an energetic pep rally in the school gym, led by Farmingdale High School’s principal, Jed Herman, and the beloved lion mascot, Dale.

As the lively sounds of the pep band and drumline filled the air, football team members were introduced, followed by stunning performances from the junior and varsity cheerleaders, the Dalerettes, and the Step-n-Dalers. Varsity captains representing all fall sports took center stage to receive a well-deserved applause. Fans were also wowed by an impressive party trick from the drumline—a blindfolded drum routine.

Adding to the excitement, the senior cheer, dance, and step mashup made a spectacular comeback, getting everyone on their feet.

The Homecoming game marked the grand finale of Farmingdale’s Spirit Week. This October tradition is a heartening occasion for students and faculty alike. Each day of the week boasted a unique theme, fostering creativity and inclusivity. The themes included Tropical Tuesday, Country vs. Country Club, Color Wars, and Daler Gear.

Spirit Week also included mini pep rallies at the elementary schools. The Farmingdale High School Cheerleaders, Dalerettes, and Step-n-Dalers treated the young students to electrifying performances. The school Mascot, Dale, greeted the children and shared a few high-fives with the enthusiastic crowd. Wrapping it up, the varsity football captains shared inspirational words about what it truly means to be a Daler.

As the students look back on this incredible Spirit Week, the sense of belonging and pride in their community is undeniable. Farmingdale School District has once again proven its spirit is alive and thriving.

For more information about the Farmingdale Union Free School District, visit the district’s website at https://www.farmingdaleschools.org and like our Facebook page: @ FarmingdaleSchoolDistrict.

Photos courtesy of the Farmingdale School District

By Danielle Schwab & Tim Baker

Havana Munsuz

Age 9, Locust Valley

My mom (Lenia Matias). I think she would make equal rights for every person. She supports LGBTQ rights, and she’s also a woman. All the presidents are boys, and we should have a girl as a president. We read a book about the election together.

If you could choose anyone, who would make a good president? Why?

Nicholas Kemp

Age 5, East Rockaway

I want Aaron Judge to be president but I (also) don’t want him because he’s playing baseball and he won’t hit any more home runs. If he was president I think he would be so happy.

Michael Lutz

Age 7, Rockville Centre

My dad (Eric Donohoe) because he’s basically like Donald Trump. Also, my mom (Shannon Donohoe) because she’s technically almost the same as my dad. She would get more jobs in America, put the prices down so if it was $3 it would be $2 and she would get more American-made products

Amelia Geraghty

Age 8, East Meadow

I think John F. Kennedy because if he ever did something wrong, his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy would have stood up for civil rights for women. I don’t think he would do anything wrong. And he was also young (when he was president). The older you are, the more you forget. I’ve read a lot of books about him and Jacqueline Kennedy.

Tasnim and Taha Laghroudi

Tasnim, age 8; Taha, age 10, Wantagh

My teacher Ms. Sanders (my third grade teacher) would make a good president because she’s really fun and she’s very serious so we do our work instead of just playing around the whole time. Teachers are hard working and they’ve been through a lot of lessons and teachings, and they’re responsible for people in their class.

L.I. schools threatened by Project 2025

By JENNA ZAZA & LORI SAXENA Special to the Herald

Project 2025’s agenda to restructure the government extends beyond the Fed and into education, proposing to completely eliminate the Department of Education. This is a contentious move that could have profound repercussions for public education on Long Island.

The DOE plays a significant role in supporting local education by providing funding to high-poverty schools and increasing programs designed to protect and serve vulnerable students, such as those with disabilities or in the LGBTQ+ community.

Eliminating the department means drastically reducing federal funding streams and eventually phasing out Title I, a federal program that provides financial assistance to schools with a high percentage of low-income students, according to a Chalkbeat report. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news organization focused on education issues.

Title I aims to ensure all children, regardless of socio-economic status, meet state academic standards by funding programs like after-school tutoring and teacher development. Schools can operate schoolwide improvement initiatives if they meet certain thresholds of low-income students.

“When you eliminate funding, the things that get cut are teacher salaries, teachers get laid off, class sizes get bigger, and you have less counseling services, less paraprofessional services ... all of that is eliminated when you don’t have Title I funding,” Jillian Gaeta, co-founder of the organization Roots to Revolution and a New York City public school teacher, said.

Nearly half of Suffolk County’s total public school enrollment is economically disadvantaged students at 44 percent, in Nassau County it is 32 percent, according to the State Education Department. Districts such as Huntington, Central Islip and Brentwood 63 percent, 66 and 88, of the students are from low-income households, respectively, according to state statistics.

Project 2025 also proposes to reduce eligibility for federally funded meal programs.

Funding impact

The potential rollback of programs like the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program under Project 2025 could exacerbate the lack of access to food on Long Island. In recent years, the number of food-insecure individuals on the island has surged, increasing by 58.3 percent since 2021, with an estimated 65,000 children affected, according to a Long Island Cares report.

Over 60 percent of students in lower-income districts like Brentwood and Hempstead qualify for free lunch and breakfast, indicating a substantial reliance on federal aid programs, according to Meals Count data. Meanwhile, wealthier districts like Jericho and Great Neck in Nassau County, where less than 10 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, would be less affected by federal cuts, according to state data.

“In the schools that I’ve worked in, 80 percent of students were receiving free and reduced lunch,” Gaeta said. “If you take away that ability, you now have 80 percent of your kids hungry. You can’t educate those kids; they’re struggling because all they’re focusing on is how their bellies aren’t full.”

Long Island is also seeing a surge in school lunch debt, according to a Healthy School Meals for All report. The Lindenhurst school district reported nearly $50,000 in unpaid school lunch fees and South Huntington said meal debt doubled from $20,000 after the pandemic. Wealthy districts often benefit from higher property tax revenues, which can be used to supplement educational programs. Low-income districts typically struggle with limited funding and resources, making it challenging to provide basic services, let alone additional support for meal programs.

But it’s not just lunch — early childhood education

A portion of Project 2025 aims to roll back progress made on programs and laws that are designed to protect and serve vulnerable people such as the LGBTQ community.

programs are also on the chopping block under Project 2025.

Whither Head Start?

Head Start is a federal initiative that promotes school readiness for young children from low-income families. It serves children aged 3 to 5, focusing on cognitive, social, and emotional development alongside health screenings and nutritious meals. The program is critical in preparing disadvantaged children for elementary school and fostering long-term academic success.

“Early education programs ... are foundational for a child’s ability to thrive in school, and also for their economic security, that they are able to read and write and develop those skills at an early age,” Gaeta said.

In Nassau County, the availability of Head Start programs is concentrated in districts with higher rates of low-income families. Out of eight Head Start locations, many are in areas with higher child poverty rates.

The Head Start programs in Hempstead, Freeport and Roosevelt illustrate this trend. Hempstead, with a child poverty rate of nearly 21 percent, and Roosevelt, where nearly 17 percent of children live in poverty, highlights communities that heavily rely on these educational resources. Freeport, with around 14 percent of children living in poverty, further emphasizes the critical need for support in these districts. The figures are based on Census Bureau data.

Child poverty rates in Westbury (14 percent), Lawrence (10 percent), and Long Beach (6 percent) demonstrate a varied landscape where families may still benefit from Head Start programs, although the urgency may differ.

More affluent districts like Garden City, Syosset, and East Williston, which report child poverty rates of less than 5 percent, do not have any Head Start locations. Wealthier families often have access to private preschools and other early childhood programs.

Title IX fallout

Another proposal of Project 2025 includes a rollback of Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, including sports.

“Title IX, which allows girls to play sports and opens up opportunities for young girls, is also supported and protected by the federal government,” Gaeta said. “So if you eliminate the Federal Department of Education, you’re eliminating all those benefits that our kids need to have successful schools.”

Rolling back Title IX could also disproportionately

impact non-binary and transgender students as the project aims to “define ‘sex’ under Title IX to mean only biological sex.”

“Long Island is already seeing pieces of Project 2025 being enacted,” Kiana Abbady, board chair of Long Island Progressive Coalition, said. “[Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman] already passed a transban, where individuals cannot play sports if they identify as transgender.”

In Nassau County 10 school districts — Island Park, Jericho, Lawrence, Locust Valley, Long Beach, Mineola, New Hyde Park, Oceanside, Oyster Bay and Port Washington — are set to lose funding, based on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2025 executive budget.

“If any parts of Project 2025 are enacted, we will see large swaths of Long Island’s communities, predominantly black and brown, predominantly working class, lose significant funding for public schools,” Abbady said. “We already see that. ”

Extracurricular activities, such as sports, are typically the first to be cut when schools experience dips in funding, and this could have adverse effects on students. Research indicates that participation in sports is linked to numerous benefits for both girls and transgender youth, including improved academic performance, higher self-esteem, and greater overall well-being.

In underfunded districts, girls often have 1.3 million fewer opportunities than boys to engage in athletic programs, according to the National Women’s Law Center. Exclusionary policies for trans youth like Nassau County’s Legislature and Project 2025 Title IX reforms could exacerbate rates of depression, school absenteeism and suicide in trans students, which are already significantly higher than for cis-gender students.

Without the federal enforcement of Title IX and adequate funding, the gap in opportunities between wellfunded and underfunded schools could widen, leaving many girls and LGBTQ youth without access to the necessary resources for their athletic and educational advancement.

Gaeta said this is ultimately the goal of Project 2025.

“It is designed to benefit wealthy, wealthy white men,” she said. “All of the projects, all the policies in Project 2025, will hurt low-income families, will hurt middle-class families, will hurt women and girls, will hurt LGBTQ families, will hurt people of color. It is designed that way.”

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

Courtesy George Giokas

Veteran's Column By Sal Polito

Flag retirement ceremony held at American Legion Post 1066

Glad to be back at the Nassau County Veterans advisory meeting, held on the first Tuesday of the month at the Garden City Cradle of Aviation, led by Director Ralph Esposito.

After a recent medical procedure, I want to remind veterans to always mention the VA, even if you have Medicare, when asked about your insurance coverage. It’s crucial to inform them that you are serviceconnected. Be sure to carry your VA ID card, because the VA will cover all bills if you are on Medicare or Social Security Disability. Even if you have secondary insurance, the VA takes precedence, including for any urgent care you may need. For assistance, call the VA at (800) 827-1000 or the emergency line at (844) 7247842, available 24/7.

Another important resource is the VA Office of Integrated Veterans Care in Florida, which manages outstanding bills. In my case, I faced a bill of $130,000, but I paid nothing.

After my surgery, I had a scratchy throat and suspected I had COVID. A visit to an urgent care center was covered by the VA Community Care Act, including medication costs. Veterans can contact the Office of Integrated Veterans Care at (877) 881-7618 for guidance.

During the meeting, we had over 40 veterans in attendance, along with representatives from various organizations providing updates and insights.

Flag retirement ceremony

On September 21, the Massapequa American Legion Post 1066 held a flag retirement ceremony, where individuals could bring old, tattered flags for respectful disposal. Commander John Nolan III, along with Vice Commanders Gerard Ford and Christopher Zeller, and other Post 1066 officers, were joined by elected officials,

including Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso, Town Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato, Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand, Assemblyman John Mikulin, and County Legislator James Kennedy. The ceremony honored the flags with dignity.

The writer is a member of American Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa and works in the Town of Oyster Bay Veterans Service Office at 977 Hicksville Rd, Massapequa. For information on veteran services and benefits, call (516) 797-7875.

hoto Courtesy/ Town of Oyster Bay

GENERAL ELECTION Candidates

GENERAL ELECTION Candidates

Democratic Electors

Amendment to Protect Against Unequal Treatment

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

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

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

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

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

Electores para Presidente y Vicepresidente

Kamala D. Harris (For President)

Republican Electors

Tim Walz (For Vice President)

Electores para Presidente y Vicepresidente

Donald J. Trump (For President)

JD Vance (For Vice President)

Representative in Congress District 2

Representante en el Congreso Distrito 2

(1) Rob Lubin (D,WF) Andrew R. Garbarino (R,C)

United States Senator

Senador Estatal, Distrito

Kwani

(1)

State Senator District 8

Senador Estatal, Distrito 8

(1) Francis R. Dolan (D) Alexis Weik (R,C)

Harpreet

Justice

Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D,WF) Diane Sare (L) Michael D. Sapraicone (R,C) Member

de la James Gregg Deanna Terence

ELECTIon’24

ELECTIon’24

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

B. O’Pharrow (D) Joseph R. Cardinale (R,C)

Member of Assembly District 17

de la Asamblea Distrito 17

Harpreet S. Toor (D)

John K. Mikulin (R,C)

Justice of the Supreme Court

la Corte Suprema

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

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)

County Court Judge

(D,R,C)

Family Court Judge

District Court Judge District 2

Juez del Tribunal de Distrito

James A. Mc Donaugh (D,R,C)

Brocato (R,C)

R. Mc Greevy (D,R,C)

Compassion in action brings handcrafted blankets to homeless pets

To paraphrase Three Dog Night— ”Tie” a Little Tenderness.

This tenderness came from residents at Our Lady of Consolation Nursing Home in West Islip who tied the fringed edges of fleece fabric to make hundreds of beautiful, comfortable blankets as gifts to homeless dogs and cats at shelters all over Long Island.

The tag on each completed blanket (directed to the homeless pet) will tug at your heartstrings. Each tag says:

“Handmade for You - We tied these two pieces together as a symbol that you, the angel with four paws, will soon be together with your forever family. Much love. the residents at Our Lady of Consolation N. H.”

These fringe-tied blankets are a popular pet project with teen library groups and Scout troops because no sewing is involved.

Two weeks ago, two boxes of these lovely blankets were quietly left on the bench as you enter Last Hope in Wantagh. Pat, a cat volunteer, opened a box before putting them away, and discovered the notes attached to each blanket. She also saw writing on the boxes, explaining that Consolation residents made the blankets in two sizes; cat/ tiny dog and medium-size dog.

She called me to make sure I knew about the blankets before they were hidden away. Pat read a tag to me. I got goosebumps when I realized the impact of the message , the symbolism of tying the fringe knots paired with tying orphan pets to their forever families. I asked her to send me photos of the blankets and a close-up of the tag.

The next week, I called Consolation and spoke to Christine Centrone, their director of Therapeutic Recreation. She explained the blankets had been a huge group project on September 11th which is also the National Day of Service.

Pets, Pets, Pets...

JOANNE ANDERSON

Never had Last Hope received any handmade crafts from a nursing home, and never such a poignant tag on any craft for our pets. Finished blankets were separated to be delivered to various animal shelters and rescues. Last Hope has at least thirty, which shows the residents and staff were remarkably busy.

Last Hope’s blankets will become GO HOME gifts for our adopted cats, kittens, puppies, small and medium size dogs. We hope the new owners will remove the tags to save them as mementos of their pet’s first “Gotcha Day.”

on each fringe-tied blanket.

She said Kristy Duran, CTRS, ATR, who arranged the project would call me to give more details, and photos of residents working on the blankets. The creative wording of the tags was Kristy’s brainstorm. It was also great to learn we did have permission to use the photos of residents at Consolation in the newspaper.

Back to Consolation on Sept. 11, 2024: Between 40-50 Consolation female and male residents, many in wheelchairs, some with memory impairment, took over their auditorium. They worked together at tables to tie knots, create the blankets, and add the beautiful tags.

Our Lady of Consolation has a special place in my heart because my mother, who passed 17 years ago, spent several months there after a hospital stay. Her Alzheimer’s had already progressed. She would have loved to participate in an activity making blankets for pups and kittens because she had been adept at crafts- crocheting, knitting, macrame, caning chairs and more. The facility allowed me to bring my late Afghan Hound Halle to visit her, and then make the rounds stopping to greet other residents. I accompanied a friend to the auditorium when her parrots visited and conversed with the residents, years before my mom’s stay.

On another level, it is so refreshing to learn of a community service project done by seniors in nursing homes. Typically, service projects are done FOR them - not BY them.

These seniors represent a large group of elderly people coming together with their combined decades of talent and expertise. Their life skills are often overlooked since many residents are viewed as helpless now due to their advanced age.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2

• 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. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. For more information call (631)972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia. org

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3

•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, NOVEMBER 5

•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, inperson 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, NOVEMBER 6

•Farmingdale School District Board of Education Meeting: 8 p.m., Welden E. Howitt Middle School, 70 Vancott Ave., Farmingdale.

LMAS2

Public Notices

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

Instead, at Consolation during the National Day of Service, these seniors, who are away from home, worked together to bring comfort to helpless pets who need hope and a home. How touching! Thank You, residents, and recreation staff at Our Lady of Consolation!

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

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: FRONTLINE PERFORMANCE, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 10/21/2024.

NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent  of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: KHEMCHAN SEWNARINE 712 LINCOLN STREET BALDWIN NY 11510

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 24-674. 10/30, 11/6, 13, 20, 27, 12/4

A close-up of the poignant tag

Men at Our Lady of Consolation participated in the pet blanket project too.

STEPPING OUT

Looking

outward

from an artistic

Local talents on view at

perspective Museum’s Long Island Biennial

By Danielle Schwab

A tradition since 2010, the popular Long Island Biennial at Hecksher Museum returns with “The Body Politic,” shining the spotlight on our diverse artistic talent throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The latest edition of the juried exhibition — now on view through mid-January — offers an exciting look at what is happening artistically here in our area.

Out of 313 submissions, 79 were accepted from 60 artists, resulting in a vivid assortment of mediums, styles and focuses on exhibit. Curated by Meredith A. Brown, the museum’s consulting curator of Contemporary Art, each piece was reviewed by an expert jury team. The panel included Ian Alteveer, department chair of contemporary art at the Museum of Fine Arts; Patricia Cronin, artistic director of the LGBTQ+ VR Museum, art professor and sculptor; Grace Hong, assistant director of Galerie Lelong & Co.

The exhibit takes on a theme for the first time — examining contemporary social, cultural and political issues. It’s a snapshot of some of the major national, local and even international matters that compel artists in this important election year.

“Sixty countries — taken together, representing half the world’s population, including the United States — will have held major elections by the end of this year,” Brown says.

“It’s a crucial year. And we thought it would be interesting to see how the people, the artists in our communities, are thinking about these political, social, cultural issues — and representing them through art.”

The exhibit represents a remarkable variety of media, with styles spanning abstraction to hyperrealism, including sculpture, painting, photography, and collage. One pieceis even composed with cut plastic straws and lighters found on a beach.

“I’m always interested in the way artists can combine things that I wouldn’t have thought of, sometimes materials that are ‘non-art’ materials,” Brown adds.

East Meadow’s Karen Kirshner is among the artists featured. Her abstract acrylic painting “The Mission, 2022” employs a “direct painting” technique that enables her to use her emotions to paint onto the canvas.

“I never know what I’m going to paint. I paint in the moment, moment to moment, and then

Karen

“The Mission” was inspired by the war in Ukraine. It conveys the frantic rush to safety by and for the Ukrainians.

review and evaluate and adapt and improve,” Kirshner explains.

She was influenced by the war in Ukraine, with so many trying to flee. Her movement of lines, shapes and vibrancy of colors expresses the Ukrainians’ frantic energy.

“I felt in my soul,” Kirshner says. “The mission is to get people out.”

Maria Spector, of Babylon, is represented with two paintings: “Candy Girls and Boys Under the Jellybean Tree, 2022 ” and “Candy Girls Under the Sugar-Plum Tree with Boy and the Artists that Painted Women 2020-22.”

In “Candy Girls and Boys Under the Jellybean Tree“ contemporary figures of children are mixed with images from art history, fine art and popular culture — all under a tree ‘ripe’ with various candies.

• Now through Jan. 19

• Open Thursday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

• Heckscher Museum of Art,

2 Prime Ave., Huntington

• Visit Heckscher.org for more information or call (631) 380-3230

“By incorporating pop culture, I explore issues of femininity and masculinity through both history and today. The work is meant to challenge our own biases and beliefs,” Spector says.

Another standout, Lynbrook’s Susan Kozodoy Silkowitz captures her vision through photography. “Pink Shoes, 2022” is a testament to freedom of expression without discrimination. The male in pink platform shoes was snapped outside of Fashion Institute of Technology.

“I’ve been photographing people for 50 years. It took me many years to be able to do what I do, which is approach and photograph people on the street,” Kozodoy Silkowitz says. “I think it’s a wonderful thing to see people who are unafraid to express who they are, although some people may disapprove.”

Visitors can contribute their own voice to what’s on view and how they relate to community and identity through a collage of messages on the response wall.

It’s all part of the museum’s effort to encourage artistic reflection through times of great change, inspiring us to engage with narratives in a new light.

As Brown puts it: “It helps the artists and it helps those of us who are not artists to think about the diversity of artists and viewpoints and opinions in these communities in which we live, and in that way, hopefully it can broaden people’s views of their communities, of where we are.”

As always, the exhibit experience is enhanced by related programming. The participating artists will be in the galleries on select Sundays throughout the exhibition period to engage with visitors, as well as taking part in upcoming museum and community events.

Mike DelGuidice’s Concert Weekend for Veterans

Mike DelGuidice, one of Long Island’s celebrated singersongwriters returns to The Paramount, with special guests. The band always gives it their all, especially when playing the iconic Billy Joel songs. DelGuidice leads his ensemble in a rousing concert that highlights the Piano Man’s decades of hits. Like his idol, DelGuidice grew up mastering several instruments including bass guitar, guitar, piano, and drums. He’s renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge of the Joel catalog, which caught the attention of Joel himself, who ultimately brought him on stage with him. DelGuidice and his band pack hit after charttopping hit in a high energy show that’s always a crowd pleaser. The concert delights audiences with renditions of classic rock favorites and his own eclectic originals.

Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2, 8 p.m. $60, $40, $25, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

America

The perennial classic rock favorite is back on the road again as founding member Dewey Bunnell celebrates the band’s 54th anniversary, appearing on the Tilles Center stage. Billed as “Ride On Tour 2024, it draws on the band’s deep catalog of hits including signature song “A Horse With No Name,” a #1 hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1972. Bunnell and America’s co-founder Gerry Beckley (along with former bandmate 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.

Saturday, Nov. 2, 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Susan Kozodoy Silkowitz’s Pink Shoes gives a voice to personal expression.

Photos courtesy Heckscher Museum

Maria Spector’s collage “Candy Girls and Boys Under the Jellybean Tree,” is part of a series that explore issues of consumerism, sexuality, femininity, and masculinity — merging the ideas and works of the past with the present.

Kirshner’s

THE Your Neighborhood

Ailey II

Ailey II, which bills itself as “the next generation of dance,” continues its 50th anniversary of bringing “off-the-charts energy” to the stage, with a performance at Tilles Center, Friday, Nov. 8 , at 8 p.m. Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s outstanding and emerging choreographers.

The 2024-25 repertory features two world premieres by former Ailey II member Alia Kache and by Houston Thomas, as well as repertory favorites and beloved classics. Founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble and led by Sylvia Waters for 38 seasons, Ailey II has advanced Alvin Ailey’s vision for more than five decades by giving early-career dancers a bridge from world-class training at The Ailey School to the professional stage. Led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper, Ailey II’s dancers bring their technical mastery and emotional depth to works by the most daring established and emerging choreographers. Just as Ailey envisioned, the company continues to develop the next generation of performers and dancemakers while expanding audiences through global touring and community-based performances.

Nov. 6

Island Medicaid of Massapequa to attend fair

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.

Community Service Project

Holiday Fair

Massapequa Chamber of Commerce presents its 4th Annual Holiday Fair, Sunday, Nov. 24, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at the Memorare Club. Santa will be on hand for free photos from noon-2 p.m. Other activities include a magic show with John Lepre, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and free face painting. To top all of that off there will be raffles, hot chocolate and more. The first 200 families will receive a gift and attendees are asked to donate a toy for the annual Toys for Tots program. 2183 Jackson Ave., Seaford.

The program includes Alvin Ailey’s Streams, an abstract exploration of bodies in space, danced to a percussion score by Miloslav Kabelac; Houston Thomas’ world premiere Down the Rabbit Hole, a continuation of the choreographer’s Follow the White Rabbit (2022) that expands on its themes, examining the relationship between humans and technology; also Francesca Harper’s Luminous, a work that pays homage to the 50th anniversary of Ailey II and the artists who paved the way for future generations. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Youth in grades 6-12 can earn an hour of community service by decorating a plaque to thank a local veteran for their service, at the Plainedge Library, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7-8 p.m. The event is in the library community room. 1060 Hicksville Road, North Massapequa. For more information, visit plainedgelibrary.org or call (516) 735-4133.

Fall Tree Painting

Massapequa Library holds a fall tree painting session at Bar Harbour branch, Monday, Nov. 4. 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Use paint and Q-Tips to create a colorful painting of a tree in fall. 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park. For more information call (516) 7990770.

Turkey Trot

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.

Model Train Show

The TMB Model Train Show opens Saturday, Nov. 30. It features its ever-exciting show of model trains running in dozens of interesting settings on Saturdays, Nov. 30, Jan. 4, 18 and Feb. 8, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 1-5 p.m., on Dec. 1, 15 and Jan. 5, 19 and Feb. 9, at the Upper Room Church. With new scenic areas to discover as well as familiar sights and a wide variety of trains from prewar to the most modern O gauge trains, all set in 6,500 square feet of fun for the entire family. Admission is free. So, mark your calendars now. 722 Deer Park Ave., Dix Hills. For more information go to tmbmodeltrainclub.com.

Turkey Time Craft

Farmingdale Public Library invites families with children ages 1 through 4, to a holiday themed craft session, Wednesday, Nov. 6 , 10:3011:30 a.m. Make a special turkey craft and enjoy Thanksgiving and turkeythemed stories. This program is for children residing in UFSD #22 only. You must use your child’s library card to register. To register, visit shorturl.at/leMLT. For more information, call (516) 2499090. 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale.

Having an event?

Massapequa Historical Society Meeting

Massapequa Historical Society presents Angela Reich who speaks on her book, “Storms, Shipwrecks, Lifesavers and Light Keepers: The History” of the Fire Island Lighthouse, Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m., at Old Grace Church.4755 Merrick Road., Massapequa. Books will be available for purchase, $20, cash only. For information email pequahistory@gmail.com or call (516) 510-3024.

Historical Society Raffle

The Massapequa Historical Society is holding a 50/50 raffle with a drawing on Sunday, Nov. 17. Raffles are $10 each or six for $50. For information on purchasing a raffle email pequahistory@ gmail.com or call (516) 5103024.

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.

Cooking with Naela

Join Naela at Plainedge Public Library, Monday, Nov. 4 , 6:30-8 p.m., for a cooking demonstration and tasting. She’ll demonstrate how to make ground beef and onions and tomatoes on flatbread, a Fattoush salad and crispy pita chips and date cookies for dessert. Registration is $3 and non-refundable. Payment can be made at the library by cash or check and is due within 7 days of the registration sign-up date. To register, visit shorturl.at/Mfw2w. Please remember that your spot is not reserved, however, until payment is made. This event is for those 18 years of age and older. Plainedge Public Library, 1060 Hicksville Road, North Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 735-4133.

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF MASSAPEQUA

PARK NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the provision of the State of New York, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals in the Incorporated Village of Massapequa Park on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, 151 Front Street, Massapequa Park, New York 11762 for the following purposes:

Case No. 4459 To consider the variance application of Ms. Sarah Mahan, 239 Tyrconnell Avenue, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to erect a six (6) foot fence in the second front yard in violation of Village Code.

Such proposal is in violation of Chapter 345-40 (B1) Fences and Similar Obstructions which states: On corner plots, the front shall be limited to non- opaque, not solid fences no higher than 48 inches. The street side (side yard) shall be entitled to a six (6) foot opaque (solid) fence, provided a minimum 13 foot setback from the property line is maintained.

Proposed six (6) foot fence to start at southeast corner foundation and run and stop at east property line with a zero (0) foot setback and continue along same stopping at north property line and then proceeding west to enclose second front yard.

Case No. 4460 To consider the variance application of Ms. ToniAnn Chorzepa, 250 Michigan Avenue, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to install an inground pool deficient in side yard and house setback for pool and pavers, maintain two (2) A/C units all deficient with rear yard setback and install pool equipment, heater and fence all deficient in front yard setback in violation of Village Code.

Such proposals are in violation of the following Village Codes:

Chapter 345-41 (H,J) Pools, Walkways Distances, which states an unobstructed walk area of not less than 24 inches wide shall be provided to extend entirely around pools below grade. Also, no portion of a pool, including walkways, pump, filters, showers, accessories or pool water disinfectants

Public Notices — Your right to know

shall be located at a distance less than five (5) feet from any side or rear property lines or building setback line. Proposed pool to be located five (5) feet and paving to be placed with a zero (0) foot setback to side property line deficient by two (2) feet and five (5) feet, respectively. Pool equipment to be located in line with front foundation deficient by five (5) feet. Pool to be located four point nine two (4.92) feet from west foundation.

Chapter 345-40 (A) Fences and Similar Structures which states: Only allowed a four (4) foot open picket fence in the front yard and allowed a six (6) foot solid fence only in line with or behind front foundation. Proposed six (6) foot fence to be located one point eight (1.8) feet forward of front house foundation.

Chapter 345-31 Rear and Side Yards which states: Must maintain a 15 foot rear yard setback to all structures. Existing ductless and central air conditioning condensers are located 12.53 feet from rear property line deficient by two point four seven (2.47) feet.

Case No. 4461 To consider the variance application of Mr. John Tosches, 61 Eastlake Avenue, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 for a proposed rear addition with finished basement and basement entrance and a roof over existing raised patio exceeding lot coverage in violation of Village Code.

Such proposal is in violation of Chapter 345-28 (C) Lot and Building Area which states: In a Residential district the maximum lot coverage permitted shall be 30%.

Proposed lot coverage to be 32.98%.

Case No. 4462 To consider the variance application of Ms. Melissa Mauceri, 136 Atlantic Avenue, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to erect a two story addition in the second front yard in violation of Village Code.

Such proposal is in violation of Chapter 345-30 (A) Front Yards which states: Minimum front yard setback shall be 25 feet.

Proposed addition to be located 12.2 feet to north property line.

By order of the Zoning Board of Appeals October 24, 2024 24-676 10/30

Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals

TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592

- TELEPHONE: (516) 6246232 – FAX: (516) 624-6149

RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman – LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman –KATHLEEN MULLIGAN

REBECCA M. ALESIA

–ANDREW MONTELEONE – LISA CICCOLELLA – FLORESTANO GIRARDI

*************************

PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on NOVEMBER 7, 2024, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 24-340

MASSAPEQUA

SUZANNE MITCHELL:

(A) Variance to allow existing shed with pool equipment inside having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing second story deck on top of garage roof having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing roof over garage and second floor having less front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o Iroquois St. E., 148.11 ft. W/o E. Shore Dr., a/k/a 49 Iroquois St. E., Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-345

MASSAPEQUA

JOSE ONORO: (A) Variance to allow existing 8.4 ft. by 12.15 ft. shed having less side yard setback and rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing driveway having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance for the reduction of off-street parking spaces. Reduction of spaces to 1 when 2 parking spaces are required.

E/s/o Pepper Cir. E., 224.53 ft. S/o Pepper Cir. N., a/k/a 7 Pepper Circle E., Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-349

MASSAPEQUA

MASSAPEQUA CENTER

OWNERS LLC: Variance to allow existing 10 ft. by 13.42 ft. illuminated freestanding sign located at corner of Merrick Road and Hicksville Road exceeding maximum area than permitted by Ordinance.

SE/ cor. of Hicksville Rd. & School St., a/k/a 37 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-350

MASSAPEQUA

TARA LERCH: (A) Variance to allow existing cellar entrance having less average front yard setback (Beverly Road) than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing 8.1 ft. by 10.1 ft. shed having less front yard setback (Beverly Road) than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing front portico and platform with steps to grade having less average side/ front yard setback (Brewster Road W.) than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to allow existing rear masonry pool deck with masonry pool surrounding having less side yard setback and rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (E) Variance to allow existing 6 ft. high PVC fence exceeding maximum height across front yard (Beverly Road) and having less setback from pool than permitted by Ordinance.

NE/ cor. Brewster Rd. W. & Beverly Rd., a/k/a 27 Brewster Road W., Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-352

MASSAPEQUA

MARIO GIURIA: (A)

Variance to allow existing rear roof over open porch having less aggregate side yards than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing rear roof over open porch and enclosed breezeway exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing driveway having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

W/s/o Massapequa Ave., N/o St. Marks Pl., a/k/a 94 Massapequa Avenue, Massapequa, NY

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING OF 11/07/24 PAGE 2

APPEAL NO. 24-362

MASSAPEQUA

STEPHEN GARRY: (A)

Variance to allow existing one-story addition having less rear yard setback and exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing one-story addition and roof-over porch exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 95-402 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated November 16, 1995.

SE/ cor. of Lagoon Blvd. & Cedar Shore Dr., a/k/a 126 Lagoon Boulevard, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-366

MASSAPEQUA

MARY ZAREK: (A) Variance to allow existing rear one story addition having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters. (B) Variance to allow existing 8 ft. by 12 ft. shed and 7 ft. by 7 ft. shed having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing 8 ft. by 12 ft. shed having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to allow existing rear one story addition and rear roof over deck exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o Barbara Cir., 135.75 ft. W/o Pepper Cir. E., a/k/a 6 Barbara Circle, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-421

MASSAPEQUA

DAVID JASKOLSKI: (A) Variance to allow existing one-story addition, covered patio with balcony above, outside shower and concrete patio having less side yard setback and aggregate side yards than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters. (B) Variance to allow existing one-story addition, outside shower and covered patio with balcony above exceeding maximum building coverage and gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance.

W/s/o Jomarr Ct., 220 ft. S/o Jomarr Pl., a/k/a 14 Jomarr Court, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-455

MASSAPEQUA

CHRISTOPHER & NI -

COLE ROGERS: Variance to erect 6 ft. high PVC fence

exceeding maximum height across side/front yard (Cedar Drive) than permitted by Ordinance. NE/ cor. of Cedar Dr. & Highland St. E., a/k/a 160 Cedar Drive, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-342 FARMINGDALE

STUART FURBUSH: (A) Variance to allow existing front wood deck with steps to grade having less average front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing rear wood deck having less side yard setback and aggregate side yards than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters. (C) Variance to allow existing second story addition having less roof pitch than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to allow existing rear roof over patio attached to detached garage having less rear yard setback and exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance.

S/s/o Plitt Ave., 169.60 ft. W/o Powell St., a/k/a 28 Plitt Avenue, Farmingdale, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-373

FARMINGDALE

DEBORAH RUBIN: (A) Variance to allow two (2) existing sheds having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing roof over patio having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow two (2) existing 12.5 sq. ft. closet additions having less aggregate side yards than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to allow existing roof over patio, two (2) 12.5 sq. ft. closet additions and two (2) sheds exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o Third Ave., 460 ft. E/o Woodward Pkwy., a/k/a 3 Third Avenue, Farmingdale, NY

OCTOBER 29, 2024 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 24-675 10/30

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.

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

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!

$20 - $25/ Hour

Bell Auto School

516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST

Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable

Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!

RESPONSIBILITIES: Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.

REQUIREMENTS:

Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.

POSITION DETAILS: Flexible: Part-time or Full-time. Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.

Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City.

We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.

Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OFFICE COORDINATOR

To Handle Daily Office and Clerical Tasks at a Conservative Synagogue on the South Shore. 35 Hours per Week. Salary Ranges From $20-$24 per Hour Commensurate with Experience. Email Resume to: office@congbt.org or Call 516-785-2445 for more info

OUTSIDE SALES

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

To place an ad call

Will housing ever be more affordable?

A Buyers Dream Home

WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670 BETH MOSES CEMETERY- Babylon 2 Plots. Priced To Sell. Dennis. 914-806-2397. deni2time@aol.com.

Real Estate

Q. I’m looking to sell my home, and I’m stunned by the cost of homes these days. My daughter’s family had to move out of the area, not because they needed better jobs, but because their jobs couldn’t pay enough to afford a home, and my wife and I could only help a little. Do you see any hope for housing to be made more affordable? Are there less costly ways to build that could help young people get a foothold on the American Dream? What do you think?

Welcome to 7 Granada Pl in Massapequa. This stunning Fort Lauderdale-style waterfront colonial, newly constructed in 2023, epitomizes luxurious living. Offering 4 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 elegantly designed baths, this property showcases top-tier upgrades throughout. Inside, you’ll find exquisite 6” white oak floors and a show stopping Calacatta quartz infinity island in a gourmet kitchen outfitted with Wolf and Miele appliances. The master suite includes

A. Yes, there are many ways to make homes more affordable, but the way to make it happen is very complicated, and I doubt that you’ll see it happen. Think of people, our economy, our system of living arrangements, our communities, separately or combined into large entities, as being like a large woven fabric. There are many threads in this fabric, many colors and textures and many ways the threads are woven, some over, some under and some straight through. Pull at one part of the fabric, poke at another, and the whole composition ruffles, wrinkles, even tears and starts to unravel.

Now, think of how much each thread costs, how someone puts a price on that thread because of its location, its color, its finish within the fabric. That one thread is now thought of as more expensive, special and exclusive. Others see that thread and decide their threads are pretty darn special, too. Soon every thread goes up in value, and anyone trying to weave a new thread into the fabric, or trying to buy that thread, must be in compliance with the costs, rules and location.

Regulators who decide where different threads can be placed, how big or small those threads can be and what they can look like, are people. People are threads in the fabric. Your kids are threads who may or may not find a way to be woven into the fabric as other threads disintegrate or are pulled away. Government, financial institutions, property associations, neighbors and you have to all cooperate to make the fabric stay together.

It’s possible that when enough people refuse to buy a thread or be a thread, then the value of threads diminishes. The cost of making a thread — a home or a commercial building — keeps increasing, so the cost of the components has to be brought down. But the people who make those components have to get paid. Do we cut their salaries? It’s all connected, like a complicated woven fabric in which everything has to work together.

There’s currently a nationwide shortage of housing units and a limited inventory of homes for sale, possibly because it costs more for less, so people are reluctant to move. Prices, the cost of materials, the regulated size of homes, and profit margins for sellers and lenders all need to be reduced. Does anyone see that happening, or do we wait for the fabric to become brittle and start to come apart to respond? Good luck!

© 2024 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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Join the necessary fight against spotted lanternflies

The Herald and other publications have detailed the negative impacts of the invasive spotted laternfly on Long Island, and while the population of these unwelcome insects continues to require intervention to prevent their unchecked spread across our region, there are steps that every Long Islander can take in their own backyard to protect against them.

At the Long Island Conservancy, we are eager to share some tips that will make a positive impact — and in some cases, multiple positive outcomes by eradicating not only this invasive insect, but also invasive plants that serve as the lanternfly’s primary food source.

First off, much like the MTA’s famous slogan, if you see something, squish something! This fall, keep your eyes peeled for egg masses, and make sure to destroy them through the spring.

Removing the tree of heaven, an invasive non-native plant, is a top priority when it comes to proactive ways to erad-

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

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

a species displaced halfway across the world.

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

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

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

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

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

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

arch butterflies is lovely!)

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

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

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

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

Hurricanes shred lives and property

e did the stupid thing, and we survived.

We did not evacuate our home on a barrier island on the west coast of Florida when Hurricane Helene blasted through in the early-morning hours of Sept. 26.

The first alerts about Helene seemed exaggerated and alarmist: A disorganized low-pressure system, percolating quietly near the Yucatan Peninsula, would gather fearsome energy over the Gulf of Mexico and slam into Florida’s Gulf coast, as a Cat 4 or 5 killer. It was an unusual setup for hurricane in these parts. My part-time residence was long said to be safe by the indigenous people who lived here, protected geographically because of a twist in the coastline. Maybe the ancients are exacting revenge for our careless guardianship of their land.

We are on the eighth floor of a building on the beach, and we have metal wind shutters. So, considering the laborious process of gathering our belong-

ings and food and driving to a safe haven, we decided to stay. Besides, once a storm is on its way, not much time remains before landfall, and it isn’t clear which way to run. Hurricanes often wobble or weaken or, in the case of Helene, turn left over Georgia and North Carolina, destroying everything in their path.

We had water for a week, and food that didn’t need to be refrigerated or heated. We had each other and Lillybee the dog, who had been skulking in our shadows for days. We also felt somewhat jaded by overhyped weather alarms in the past. Epic snowfalls, tornadoes sprouting everywhere, on-again-off-again water spout watches. We would probably be OK.

tioned. Then I walked up. Then I did the same walk, down and up eight flights, for five days, until power was restored. Both of our cars, parked “safely” in the garage, were engulfed by the tidal surge and totaled.

W e were scared straight by Helene, and will never try to ride one out again.

Sometime after midnight on the 26th, the rain and wind came on like a freight train, hammering the shutters against our windows. Within an hour we had no electricity and no internet. Officials on the mainland turned off all water service to the island. The bridge to the rest of the world was closed.

The dog needed to go out, so I grabbed a flashlight and walked down eight dark flights of stairs to get outside. Building generators malfunc-

But we were lucky. We lived through the storm without a medical crisis and with replaceable losses.

We vowed never to stay when the authorities tell us to evacuate. What if one of us got sick during the hurricane? What if the windows blew in, even with the shutters?

Less than two weeks later, we had another shot at hurricane survival. Hurricane Milton developed on the east coast of Mexico, and got himself together in record speed, exploding from Category 1 to Category 5 in one day and taking direct aim at our island as he charged up the west coast of Florida.

This time we obeyed the evacuation orders and moved to a hotel on the mainland with Lillybee. One day later, the hotel was evacuated, sending us on a drive across the state, with thousands of other people. We took refuge with family on the East Coast. And we waited and waited for the hurricane to hit and

do its work so we could begin to build back. Like waiting for surgery.

Milton made landfall on Oct. 9 on the tiny barrier island south of us, wiping it clean of all the charming old Florida cottages that have survived for so long on a spit of land. Cars floated out into the Gulf. A man was rescued clinging to a large cooler from his sunken boat. We came back to our condo four days later. The property was a mess, but we had power and internet. We were on a boilwater advisory, stores were closed, and piles of household belongings and soaked furnishings are piled up along the roads.

We love it here, but it’s crazy to build on barrier islands. Nature always reclaims her own. We were scared straight by the first hurricane, and will never try to ride one out again. We look around at neighbors who have lost everything they own. And we know we are part of a bigger, more frightening human-made disaster called climate change.

Who will gather the will and willingness to stop the rising tides and temperatures? Who will stop the awful gathering storm of wind, rain and fire that sweep across our nation in every season?

RANDI KREISS

FRANK pIccININNI

Massapequa

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iHerald editorial

The Herald’s pact with you

n recent days, two of the most prominent national newspapers, The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, announced that they would not endorse a presidential candidate in Tuesday’s election, breaking from decades of precedent. Many have speculated on the reasons behind these decisions, suggesting that the newspapers favored Kamala Harris but ultimately chose not to upset Donald Trump for fear of retribution if the former president returns to the Oval Office.

For those of us in the news business, these decisions raise questions about the role of newspapers in a charged political climate. We at the Long Island Herald, a proud local newspaper company family-owned for three generations, see this as an opportunity to reaffirm our mission to serve the people of Long Island.

Unlike many national publications, the Herald does not make endorsements of candidates seeking political office, and our reasons are simple yet vital. Our focus is not on swaying voters toward a particular candidate, but on delivering comprehensive and unbiased information about the issues that matter most to Long Islanders. We are not here to tell our readers how to vote for political candidates; rather, we are here to arm readers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions at the

letters

‘Harris shouldn’t even be on the ticket’

To the Editor:

ballot box. For us, the true measure of success is when readers feel empowered to draw their own conclusions based on facts, insights and perspectives they can trust.

Our mission is grounded in the local stories that directly impact your day-today lives — stories about Long Island schools, roads, parks, businesses and community events. It’s easy for national headlines to overshadow these essential local matters, especially in a polarized political landscape. Yet we firmly believe that our responsibility is to stay rooted in the issues affecting our neighborhoods and families. From zoning changes and public safety to neighborhood events and high school sports, we are here to cover what is relevant and timely for our readers.

The one place where you might see opinions about local and national political candidates, however, is in columns on our editorial pages, like those written by Randi Kreiss and Peter King. These essays are distinguished from Herald news content by featuring photos of the authors, making it clear that they reflect the writers’ perspectives and not the views of the Herald. We strive to showcase a diverse array of local voices across the ideological spectrum in these opinion pieces.

In a world saturated with news from national outlets, social media platforms and pundits, local newspapers play a

I couldn’t disagree more with Jerry’s Kremer’s viewpoint in his column last week, “Why I’m voting for Kamala Harris.” Harris shouldn’t even be on the ticket. If the Democrats had held an open primary after President Biden was pushed aside, she wouldn’t even have been considered. Her word-salad responses to questions are baffling and her knowledge of the issues is inept. The only thing that rings in her favor is the Roe v. Wade debate. Harris is clueless on the economy, the border, which is a travesty, and her ability to engage with world leaders. Donald Trump is far from perfect, but he’ll put America first, and Kamala, in my opinion, will not.

KEnnY

CULLEn Franklin Square

And Jerry left something out

To the Editor:

In “Why I’m voting for Kamala Harris,” Jerry Kremer forgot to mention what our open south -

unique and irreplaceable role. Our newspaper is here to highlight the concerns and successes of Long Island, to act as a mirror to our community, and to bring a sense of belonging and understanding that no national publication can provide. But to achieve this, we need to hear from you, our readers. What are the topics you care about? What issues are not getting the coverage they deserve? Are there people in our community doing extraordinary things whom we should feature? We encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas and feedback with us. Let us know what you’re curious about, what you feel needs to be addressed, and where you think we can improve. Your voices are essential to shaping a Herald that genuinely reflects and serves your community.

Reach out to us at execeditor@liherald.com, and let us know what matters to you!

As the election approaches, we understand the intense focus on national races, but our mission remains to illuminate the issues closest to home. We will continue to be your trusted source for local news, not by endorsing political candidates but by informing, listening, and responding to the needs of Long Island.

Together, let’s keep our community well-informed, engaged and vibrant — one local story at a time.

opinions

When did we become so unkind?

ispent a lot of my childhood, and now, consequently, a lot of my adulthood, at my uncle’s lake house in Pennsylvania.

Some of my fondest memories revolve around being there — whether I was fishing with my grandfather, exploring the outdoors with my cousins or curled up with a good book on the beach, taking in my surroundings.

As I’ve gotten older, I find that I love the area for different reasons. I still like to fish and spend time outside with my family and my dogs. But I also love exploring the Poconos communities around the house, which, in many ways, feel like a second home to me.

Readers of the Bellmore, Merrick and East Meadow Heralds have likely seen my name pop up on their community Facebook pages throughout the almost three and a half years that I’ve been working here. I like to stay involved with community forums,

because they’re not only a great source of information, but also a great place for me to network, and meet the people in the communities that I cover and love.

So just as I do here at home and when I’m working, I’ve joined a few community social media pages in the Pennsylvania region I travel to. Again, I find that it’s a great way to stay in the loop, find new spots to visit, and again, receive a variety of information that I might not know otherwise.

the world often feels overwhelmingly negative, but we don’t have to make it worse.

A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through a page that I check frequently, and came across a post from a page contributor that read: “NY Trash Destroyed The Poconos.”

It took me a moment to really wrap my head around what I was reading, because for one, the region is economically very reliant on tourism from places like New York, and because I couldn’t believe that people actually felt that way. I’d imagine that everyone has had their own experiences with “outsiders,” but I’d venture to guess that the vast majority of the people who’ve found second

Letters

ern border has done to our country. Maybe that’s because Harris was in charge of the border.

FRANk

VENIS East Rockaway

Harris looks like the smart choice

To the Editor:

Vice presidents are very limited in what they can do in that job. Their job is to support the president’s policies. Think of former Vice President Mike Pence.

Vice President Harris is her own strong person, and she will take what she perceives to be the best aspects of President Biden’s policies, but no vice president is ever a carbon copy of their predecessor. In terms of the southern border, Harris says that she supports having both parties in Congress work together and compromise on solutions, as was recently done with the strict border bill that both parties agreed on. However, Trump intervened and told Republicans to back out.

Trump and his MAGA Republicans prefer a dictatorial approach to solving our country’s problems. They tell us that we are a failing nation that only one man can fix. Beware. That is not democracy.

Concerning our economy, economists

homes in Pennsylvania are just like me and my family — kind, courteous and respectful. Fellow commenters on the thread confirmed my beliefs. Whatever reasons he had to make that post didn’t matter in the long run. In the grand scheme of things, it was just another blip on the social media timeline. It didn’t make any waves, and it certainly didn’t stop “outsiders” from visiting the area, or going to homes that they own.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve thought a lot about that post, not because I took insult in his words, but because I can’t imagine ever going out of my way to post such a ridiculous, negative thing — on any platform, for any reason.

It’s like the age-old saying: “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.”

It doesn’t matter that the post came from a place other than Long Island, because I’m sure we can all think of similar ones. Comments become vicious and people start attacking one another, while ignoring the actual problem: We,

as a society, can be extraordinarily unkind.

There’s a lot going on these days. Things are polarized, and I feel it — the agitation, the stress about the way things are. The world we live in today isn’t perfect, but was it ever?

The point I’m trying to make is, if you have to go out of your way to say something completely unnecessary, take a moment and ask yourself: Is it worth it?

The world today may not be perfect, and often it feels overwhelmingly negative. We don’t have to make it worse. When things feel harsh and disconnected, kindness is a quiet strength, as is thinking about the things we say, or write, before we say them.

We can choose to be mindful of what we say, understanding that our words have consequences. The world may not be perfect, but each of us can make it a little better by simply pausing, reflecting, and opting for kindness whenever we can, because in a time when so much feels out of our control, this is one thing that isn’t.

Jordan Vallone is a senior editor who writes for the Bellmore, Merrick and East Meadow Heralds. Comments? jvallone@ liherald.com.

Framework by Tim Baker

report that it is doing well. Gas prices are down, unemployment is down and the stock market is flourishing.

One would expect that food and housing costs would continue to improve under Harris. Economists say that Trump’s tariffs would backfire and increase the cost of goods. Also, it seems that most people agree with the Harris plan to have large corporations pay their fair share of taxes, but she will need a Democratic Congress to achieve this.

ELAINE RAuCH Lynbrook

On Election Day, keep it all in perspective

To the Editor:

Beware of all the promises of goodies — or, as I call them, Halloween tricks and treats — promised by candidates running for public office. There is no such thing as a free lunch, or, in this case, free government programs offering benefits to you. Taxpayers always end up picking up the tab.

That’s a good reason why politicians should be changed often, like diapers, because most are full of you know what! Remember this next Tuesday before you vote.

LARRY PENNER Great Neck

At Falcon’s Halloween Yard Haunt — Pierce Avenue, North Bellmore

JorDan VaLLone