the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School district is under investigation by the u.S. department of education resulting from a ‘shared ancestry’ complaint. above, the entrance to the Brookside School, the district’s headquarters.
‘Shared ancestry’ investigation is open in Bellmore-Merrick schools
By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
According to the U.S. Department of Education, there is an open investigation of a “shared ancestry” complaint in the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District. It is one of two such investigations on Long Island, along with one in the Commack School District, in Suffolk County.
Shared ancestry investigations focus on possible violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which requires federally funded institutions to protect students from discrimination based on race, color or national origin. The Education Department has said that includes people of Jewish faith, Muslims and other ethnic and religious groups with
shared ancestry.
According to the department’s website, Ed.gov, the Bellmore-Merrick investigation was opened on Aug. 26, but there are no details about why it was initiated. Commack is being investigated because of a complaint about antisemitic and anti-Black graffiti at a district school.
The website explains that civil rights laws “protect all students from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age.” The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights can investigate complaints that students were subjected to ethnic or ancestral slurs; harassed for how they look, dress or speak in ways linked to ethnicity or ancestry; or stereotyped based on
Continued on page 9
Honoring a WWII veteran, U.S. Navy hero
By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com
The Jewish War Veterans Post 652 and the Merrick Jewish Centre recently memorialized a local hero, World War II veteran Ensign Lawrence D. Solowey. The ceremony at the MJC marked 79 years since Solowey gave his life in service to the Navy. MJC community members wore traditional tefillin and tallit, participated in prayers led by Rabbi Josh Dorsch, and listened to speakers from the JWV Post 652 who told Solowey’s story and the stressed the significance of remembering the veterans in our community.
Gary Glick has been the commander of JWV Post 652 for almost 15 years. The post encompasses Bellmore, Merrick, East Meadow, Wantagh, Seaford, and surrounding communities. The post’s formal name is Ensign Lawrence D. Solowey Post 652. The resurgence of Solowey’s story started when Glick began to collect information from community members about the post’s namesake.
Glick is a veteran whose time in the military allowed him to meet countless soldiers with powerful life stories.
“I went into the service in 1969 — even though I wanted to go to Vietnam, it wasn’t in the cards,” Glick said. “It ended up going from 1969 to ‘72, and I didn’t go to Vietnam. I ended up in Germany as a chapel’s assistant. I was working for a chapel rabbi, the priests and everything else.”
Glick takes pride in the camaraderie in Post 652, and the veteran community, which makes projects like this possible.
“The army changed me so much when I was in there,” Glick said. “As a veteran of the service, you’re taught to work as a team and in the army, with any range of people, most of the guys that come out of it would say the same thing: all bleed red. That is the truth.”
After his time in the army, Glick focused on helping fellow veterans through Post 652. “I became a commander to help
Continued on page 4
Bellmore-Merrick heads back to school
As the summer sun gradually gave way to a comfortable warmth, the streets of Bellmore, North Bellmore, Merrick, and North Merrick were filled with excitement and anticipation on Sept. 3. It was the first day of school, and students from elementary schools across these districts, as well as those attending the middle and high schools in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, were heading back to their classrooms.
For many, the first day of school is a mix of excitement and a touch of anxiety, but in the warm September air, there was an overwhelming sense of optimism. At elementary schools in Bellmore, North Bellmore, Merrick, and North Merrick, teachers greeted their students with warm smiles and welcoming words. The playgrounds, quiet during the summer break, were now alive with laughter and the joy of reunions as friends saw each other after a long vacation.
The middle and high schools in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District buzzed with a different kind of energy. For older students, the first day of school marked not only a return to their studies but also a reunion with friends, some of whom they hadn’t seen all summer. Hallways echoed with the sounds of lockers being opened, schedules being compared, and the excitement of what the new school year might bring.
As the day progressed, any first-day jitters quickly dissolved into the routine of the school day.
In all, the first day of school in the Bellmore, North Bellmore, Merrick, and North Merrick was a resounding success. It was a day filled with smiles, laughter, and the promise of a year filled with learning, growth, and new experiences.
—Jordan Vallone
Courtesy Jennifer Gaynor
Dylan, Owen and Avery, above with their grandmother, headed back to school on Sept. 3.
Courtesy Izzy Herns Mia, Zara and Reagan were ready for their first day of middle school.
Courtesy Renee Augusto Baylyn headed back to classes, and it’s her first year as a student in the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District.
courtesy Yari Santiago These brothers are heading back to Saw Mill Road this year, as first and second grade students.
Courtesy Emma Ciniglio-Autorino
This kindergartner was excited for her first day at Birch School.
Courtesy Michael Milaccio Gianna was ready for school, and posed with a fitting sign.
Synagogue, Post 652 remembers veterans
other people get their lives together, even when they’re 75, 80, 90 years old, and we’re all working together to try and help each other,” he said.
The post has been named after Solowey for a decade, but this year, he dug deeper into the story behind the name.
“For years, nobody really found out about who Ensign Solowey was, or if they did, they didn’t go deep into it,” Glick said.
The members of Post 652 pieced together Solowey’s story: He was a Merrick resident and graduate of Mepham High School in Bellmore. He had his Bah Mitzvah at the MJC and entered service in the U.S. Navy at the age of 18, where he trained as a pilot. He died at the age of 21, when his plane tragically crashed within two days of World War II concluding.
By chance, Glick spoke with a member of the Merrick Jewish Center, who revealed that the MJC had a plaque commemorating Solowey in one of its rooms for smaller gatherings.
Once the connection was found, Post 652 and the MJC agreed to expand the display to include a biography and a framed portrait of Solowey, which were revealed at the memorial service. The service was timed to be within a few days of the anniversary of Solowey’s passing on Aug. 13.
“I feel that history does tell you things,” Glick said. “We have a rich history here — so I try to get this out there.”
Veteran Hal Rosenfeld was an army engineer in Heidelberg, Germany during the 1960s. He still recalls his experiences with the Solowey family.
“When we moved to Merrick, we lived right down the street from the Soloweys,” Rosenfeld said. “They were special people.”
The Solowey family home still stands in the neighborhood.
The memorial service was made possible with contributions from the MJC’s
Peace of Mind
In the midst of abundance such as we have never known, why are so many people unhappy? It may be that pursuing happiness is too vague a concept. Instead, we recommend pursuing peace of mind. Peace of mind can be found by eliminating those persons or circumstances that are preventing you from achieving it. Impossible, you say? Not if you are determined to find a way. Someone once said, “Tell me what it is that you want that you can’t have, and I’ll ask you what it is you aren’t willing to do.”
Recently, a client contacted us for advice on a family matter. She was the executor of an estate where the decedent had been in a second marriage and the two families were bickering over an old motorcycle, some personal effects and a relatively small amount of money. She wanted out as executor but her brothers wanted to fight. I asked her brothers whether they wanted peace of mind or to be right, since they couldn’t have both. They finally relented.
Too many people want the thing but are
unwilling to pay the price. You want out of the relationship or situation but the other side is asking too much? Pay the price and get on with your life, it’s worth it. It doesn’t have to be fair, it just has to get done. Emerson said “Do the thing and you will have the power.”
Many of the issues we see people grappling with involve fighting something or someone in a way that resembles Don Quixote tilting at the windmill. They are fighting all by themselves. We say “stop fighting”. Let it go.
We also meet a great many worriers. Worried about everything all the time. Perhaps it is no more than a bad habit. Why do we say that? Whenever we solved a client’s worry, they immediately started worrying about something else! Churchill recounted a dying friend telling him, “You know, Winston, I had a lot of troubles in my life. Most of which never happened.”
Finally, from the Canadian thinker, Brian Tracy, “Set peace of mind as your highest goal, and organize your life around it”.
Men’s Club, which promotes brotherhood and community activity. Josh Diamond, president of the men’s club, was eager to support the Jewish veterans.
“When I came on as president of the men’s club, a new initiative I had was to
remember our Jewish war veterans,” Diamond said. “I wanted to have initiatives because I feel it’s very important to remember our Jewish War Veterans who proudly served us and keep them in our hearts and our souls every day.”
Veteran Hal Rosenfeld stands next to the new display commemorating Ensign Lawrence D. Solowey. He was a neighbor to the Solowey family.
Joseph D’Alessandro /Herald photos
Veterans, Merrick Jewish Center members and House Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, Senator Steve Rhoads and Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Schneider gathered to remember veterans and value their service.
CRIME bRIEfS
Patrick Martinez arrested for possession of a firearm, weapon
A Westbury man was arrested for criminal possession of a weapon on Aug. 31 at noon in Westbury.
According to detectives, a 42-year-old female contacted police after discovering a canvas bag containing a handgun in her Westbury residence. Upon arrival, officers determined that Patrick Martinez, 41, was illegally in possession of a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun. During the investigation, Martinez returned to the residence
and was taken into custody without incident. Police also recovered a bag containing loose .40 caliber ammunition in his possession.
Martinez is charged with criminal possession of a firearm and criminal possession of a weapon. He was scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 1 at the First District Court in Hempstead.
–Jordan Vallone
Nassau County Crime Stoppers
Motorcycle accident leaves one man dead
The Homicide Squad is investigating a fatal vehicular accident that occurred on Sunday, Sept. 1, at 2:00 p.m. in North Bellmore.
According to detectives, an 18-yearold male was driving a 2019 white Volkswagen northbound on Bellmore Avenue, with an 18-year-old female passenger, when he attempted a U-turn at Garfield Street.
During the maneuver, the vehicle’s rear left quarter panel was struck by a 2002 yellow Suzuki motorcycle operated by a 53-year-old male.
The impact caused the motorcyclist to suffer severe trauma, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Volkswagen remained at the scene, and no other injuries were reported.
The motorcycle driver was later identified as David Kruger.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing.
–Jordan Vallone
Patrick Martinez
Courtesy John Scalesi
A man died in a motorcycle accident, prompting a police response.
Hofstra eyes return to national stage
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
Hofstra men’s soccer reached big heights in 2023, advancing to the NCAA Tournament’s third round stage for the second time in three years, but longtime head coach Richard Nuttall felt plenty was left on the table during the historic run.
The Pride led third-seeded North Carolina by a goal late in the second half before surrendering the equalizer with under five minutes remaining and eventually losing in penalty kicks following two scoreless overtimes. The heartbreaking loss was a big missed opportunity for Hofstra, who with a win would have hosted 11th-seeded Oregon State in the Elite Eight with a chance to punch a ticket to the prestigious College Cup.
“We are proud of what we accomplished, but we felt it was a lost opportunity,” said 35th-year head coach Richard Nuttall. “The reality is though we are punching way above our weight for what we are and I think we are the best midmajor in the country that is not a state school.”
Nuttall lost many key pieces from last year’s 14-3-5 team, but returns 12 players including All-America defender Pierce Infuso, a Merrick native who has returned for a fifth season as a graduate student. The Bellmore-JFK product was a third-team All-America honoree last season and an All-Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) First-Team selection.
“He is rock steady and does what he has to do,” Nuttall said of Infuso. “He is getting a lot of looks from MLS clubs and I believe that he has the ability to play at that level when he leaves here.”
Graduate student midfielder Roc Charles gived Hofstra an additional fiveyear veteran with Infuso returning for an extra year of eligibility. The Spain native is a co-captain with Infuso and scored a goal in Hofstra’s 4-1 win at American on Aug. 25.
Hofstra’s offense will be looking for new producers this season following the loss of leading leading scorers Ryan Carmichael and Eliot Goldthorp, who were both selected in the Major League Soccer
Super Draft. Also scoring in the American win with Charles were Pablo Hempelmann-Perez, Jacob Woznicki and Gabriel Pacheco with Laurie Goddard tallying an assist.
Woznicki, a graduate student who previously played at Stonehill College, then tallied two goals in Hofstra’s 2-0 win against Providence on Aug. 29.
Senior forward Teddy Baker, an England native, is expected to rejoin the team soon from injury after registering 11 points last season.
The backline led by Infuso, Pacheco, Eoin Farrell and Jack O’Malley posted a clean sheet in a season-opening 0-0 tie with Fordham on Aug. 22. Senior goalie Filippo Dadone, who replaced two time All-CAA keeper Wessel Speel in net, made five saves for his first career shutout.
Hofstra, which began the season ranked 17th nationally, was picked first in the CAA preseason coaches poll and is aiming for its fourth straight conference title, which would earn another automatic bid into the 48-team NCAA Tournament.
High expectations for Pride
The Hofstra women’s soccer team’s bid for its own three-peat last year and sixth CAA title in seven seasons fell short with
a heartbreaking overtime loss to Monmouth in the conference semifinals last November.
The Pride returned plenty of talent from last season’s 12-5-1 season and are fueled to write a better ending this fall. Hofstra was picked to finish second in the CAA behind Monmouth
“As much as it hurt, I think it was a valuable learning moment,” said 19thyear head coach Simon Riddiough of last year’s CAA semifinal defeat. “People sometimes underestimate the difficulty of winning championships.”
Hofstra lost last year’s leading scorer Wiktoria Fronc and will likely be relying on a scoring by committee this season rather than one dominant player, according to Riddiough. Potential offensive weapons who have emerged early this season include Millie Davies, Mathilde Braithwaite, Aimee Hodgson, Thorhildur Thorhallsdottir and Ellie Gough.
The bulk of last season’s defense is back in Olivia Pearse, Louise Hayden and
All-America defender Pierce Infuso, a Merrick native and graduate student, is one of a dozen returning players for the Pride.
Gabriella Marte. Pearse, a former standout at Seaford High School, proved to be a reliable leader of the backline with her tenacious play early in the season before a foot injury sidelined her in late August with timetable for a return to the field uncertain.
“I love her intensity and tenacity and her physicality,” Riddiough said. “I’m proud of the way she’s developed as a person as well and she’s becoming a really wonderful all round student athlete.”
The starting goalie spot was up for grabs entering the season following the departure of Skylar Kuzmich, who started in net for five seasons. Freshman Synne Danielsen of Norway and senior Mackenzie Sullivan of Arizona have both seen time in net so far.
Hofstra enters September unbeaten at 1-0-3 with a 2-1 win against Yale and ties against Ivy League contenders Brown and Columbia on its resume. The Pride kicks off the CAA schedule on Sept. 19 at home against College of Charleston at 7 p.m.
Former Seaford standout Olivia Pearse leads a talented and experienced Hofstra defensive corps.
Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications
Gillen outlines an antisemitic action plan
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Laura Gillen, the Democratic candidate in New York’s 4th Congressional District, announced an action plan to combat antisemitism outside a house in East Meadow last week. The district includes multiple communities with substantial Jewish populations.
Gillen was joined by residents, elected officials and Jewish leaders, including Rabbi Michael Stanger of the Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation.
Gillen’s action plan targets three areas of concern: Schools, synagogues and social media.
If elected, Gillen said she would work to leverage federal aid to colleges to force changes in codes of conduct, and increase funding to the U.S. Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights. For synagogues, she would fight to fully fund the FBI and the Department of Justice to help local police coordinate responses to threats to houses of worship. She added that she wants to enact content moderation requirements for social media platforms like X to remove hateful content.
East Meadow neighbors who joined Gillen at an Aug. 28 news conference said antisemitism is a problem in schools. Alisa Baroukh’s daughter attends Cornell University. Over the last school year — especially following Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack against Israel — her daughter was subjected to antisemitic incidents, she said.
“My daughter’s freshman year was marred by widespread antisemitic intimidation, which was hard considering we chose Cornell for the warm and inclusive environment that we saw during our tours,” Baroukh said. “This macro-level intimidation included online death threats toward Jewish students that resulted in the FBI swarming campus.”
Representatives have “moved to undermine key resources” that are needed to fight antisemitism.
“Congress has failed to address the surge in antisemitism in our schools, our synagogues and on social media,” she said. “Not one additional dollar has been spent or one law has been passed to combat this surge.”
Gillen said there had been “an unprecedented rise” in antisemitism nationwide, and that Congress has failed to pass policies that actually protect those of the
Jewish faith.
The Anti-Defamation League, which fights antisemitism, said that the number of antisemitic incidents in New York jumped 110 percent in 2023, according to an April 2024 report.
“I find it unacceptable how little we are doing to actually protect our Jewish residents from this hatred, and that is why I’m here alongside Jewish parents, leaders and other community members to say enough is enough,” she said. “It’s time for action.”
Gillen is challenging incumbent Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, a Republican who defeated her in the 2022 election. D’Esposito has denounced antisemitism, and according to his congressional website, introduced a resolution last November condemning the slogan “from the river to the sea.” The slogan refers to the liberation of land claimed by Palestinians between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, which is located in the modern state of Israel.
A spokesperson for D’Esposito told the Herald that the congressman has been to Israel several times, where he’s met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; is a board member of the U.S Holocaust Museum; and has been instrumental in passing several Israeli aid bills.
D’Esposito also introduced a Define to Defeat Act in April, which clarifies legislation, providing federal officers with an objective, contemporary definition of antisemitism, better helping them to assess and prosecute criminal and discriminatory incidents, motivated by antisemitism.
The act was introduced after D’Esposito said the U.S. and New York were continuing to endure “recordbreaking” levels of antisemitic attacks and hate. The legislation would “provide federal officials the tools they need to fully assess, investigate and prosecute this criminal behavior,” he said.
Jordan Vallone/Herald
Laura Gillen, the Democratic candidate in New York’s 4th Congressional District, outlined her action plan to combat antisemitism last week. Gillen wants to target antisemitism in schools, synagogues and social media.
Few details about the investigation are available
perceived shared ancestral characteristics. Students of Hindu, Jewish, Muslim or Sikh faiths are examples of those who may be discriminated against based on shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics, according to the department.
We are fully committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students and staff.
Michael harrington Superintendent, Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
The agency currently has 153 shared ancestry investigations open, in school districts and universities across the country. A list of the investigations became available to the public last November, at the direction of the Biden-Harris administration, in response to an “alarming” rise in antisemitism, anti-Muslim and antiArab discrimination nationwide after the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.
“Hate has no place in our schools, period,” Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said. “When students are targeted because they are — or are perceived to be
District officials said they were not made aware of the investigation, and were contacting the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights to learn more. Superintendent Michael Harrington said the district is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all students.
— Jewish, Muslim, Arab, Sikh, or any other ethnicity or shared ancestry, schools must act to ensure safe and inclusive educational environments where everyone is free to learn.”
The Education Department updates the list of open investigations weekly.
According to an article in EdWeek, a news outlet that covers education, if the Office for Civil Rights moves toward resolving a complaint, it will do so with a resolution agreement that holds its recipients accountable to make changes the office mandates. The office can also offer
a resolution agreement to a district or college before an investigation concludes. If the recipient rejects the agreement or fails to comply with its terms, the office can refer the case to the U.S. Department of Justice for judicial proceedings.
According to a letter sent to families on Aug. 29 by Bellmore-Merrick Superintendent Michael Harrington, the district had “no knowledge” of the complaint, and was in contact with the Office of Civil Rights to obtain more information.
“Please be assured that our district takes any allegations regarding discrimi-
What is a ‘shared ancestry’ investigation?
these investigations focus on possible violations of t itle Vi of the Civil Rights act of 1964, which requires federally funded institutions to protect students from discrimination based on race, color or national origin. this includes people of Jewish faith, Muslims and other ethnic and religious groups with shared ancestry.
nation seriously,” Harrington wrote. “We are fully committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students and staff, regardless of background or heritage. Discrimination of any kind is strictly against our values and policies, and we are dedicated to addressing any concerns that may arise.”
Harrington added that as the district learned more about the situation, it would keep the community informed. The Herald contacted a district spokeswoman for comments, but as of press time there were no new details about the investigation.
On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 men and women perished at the World Trade Center in the worst terrorist attack on American soil. Twenty-four of the victims were from the Bellmore-Merrick area. 23 years later, we fondly remember them. To this day, our heartfelt condolences go out to the families.
Larry Beck
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Lonny Stone Brian Sweeney
Gary Box
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Bruce Gary
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Twin tribute lights are positioned behind Merrick’s firefighters’ memorial, which bears the names of the brave souls the community lost on that fateful day.
Senior H.O.P.E Fair
*Registration is required for a FREE meal ticket*
Veterans rally to reopen Mitchel commissary
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
The Mitchel Field commissary in Garden City has been closed since early July with structural damage, leaving some 80,000 veterans on Long Island with no choice but to travel to Fort Hamilton, in Brooklyn, to avail themselves of commissary services.
Commissaries provide veterans, active-duty and retired military personnel — many of whom live on fixed incomes — with a way to shop for groceries at a discount, with savings of up to 30 percent off compared with conventional supermarkets.
Kerry Englander, commander of the Nassau County American Legion, emphasized the challenges created by the sudden closure and the importance of the services the commissary provided.
“The veterans and current military need this facility, especially with the economy the way it is today,” Englander said. “I believe that if the military and veterans are utilizing this facility, it should be opened up.”
Frank Colón Jr., commander of American Legion Post 303 in Rockville Centre, said that by closing the commissary, the Department of Defense has created a major inconvenience for Long Island veterans, many of whom cannot travel to Fort Hamilton.
“It’s a hardship on the veterans. Especially in these times,” Colón told the Herald. “It shouldn’t be like that. You’ve got veterans from Suffolk and Nassau County that go here. You think a guy from Suffolk County is going all the way to Fort Hamilton? It’s a hike.”
John Meyer, of American Legion Post 246 in Baldwin, said he has been using the Mitchel Field commissary for the past 20 years because the “prices are right.”
“It’s one of the few benefits that we get,” Meyer said. “This (facility) is for the veterans, especially the ones
Frank Colón Jr., commander of American Legion Post 303 in Rockville Centre, spoke about the closing of the Mitchel Field commissary and what it means for veterans in Nassau
and Suffolk counties.
who are retired and did their time, and come here to get a third off of what they pay outside.”
He explained how at one point, it was restricted to only disabled or recently retired military servicemen and women. However, this has changed in recent years, opening up access to provide services to more veterans on Long Island.
“This is a godsend,” Meyer said. “For most people, this is the ideal place because it’s close to mid-Island. And with this closed, everybody’s got to go to Fort Ham-
ilton. That’s another 27 miles down the road. I used to work in Coney Island for transit. I’m not going down there for nothing.”
Ralph Esposito, director of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, noted the impact of the commissary’s sudden closure. “It’s a good place to go,” he said. “It saves vets lots of money. Right now, it’s hurting the veterans.” He also mentioned the increasing demand at the Veterans Food Pantry, known as Vet Mart, which has been in operation near Nassau University Medical Center since 2015.
“Because it’s closed, our numbers are getting bigger,” Esposito said. “I give away food for free, so now they’re all coming to me.”
The Vet Mart feeds about 600 people a month, including veterans and their families. The pantry also relies on volunteers, who deliver food to those unable to get to the offices in East Meadow.
In response to speculation that the facility could remain closed until early 2025, U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and representatives of Congressman Andrew Garbarino, Nick LaLota and Tom Suozzi rallied alongside local veterans outside the Garden City facility last week to demand that the Defense Department do everything in its power to expedite the repair and provide a clear-cut timeline for when they expect it to reopen.
“I am demanding that we have the Department of Defense answer our questions immediately,” D’Esposito said. “Leaving our local veteran community in the dark over the future of this commissary is wrong, and we will not stand for it.”
Blakeman added that food insecurity has been a priority of his administration. “Nassau County will work with Long Island Cares and Island Harvest to make sure that we can get food for our veterans,” he said.
Daniel Offner/Herald
New educators receive a warm welcome
First-year faculty members got a thorough introduction to the North Bellmore School District at new teacher orientation on Aug. 14. The 18 new hires will work across the district’s five schools and include classroom, special education and special area teachers, as well as nurses, social workers and speech language pathologists.
As they gathered in the Park Avenue Elementary School library, they learned about North Bellmore’s mission, core values, instructional program and technology resources. They met with several members of the district’s leadership team including Superintendent Marie Testa, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Janet Pollitt, Director of Educational Programs and Staff Development Tillie McNamara and Executive Director for Personnel Denise Fisher.
The program included breakout sessions for teachers to work on planning and programming with their colleagues. A few of the new hires are familiar faces, having served as leave placement or student teachers in the district.
“New teacher orientation is a special occasion dedicated to welcoming educators into our school district,” Fisher said. “It’s energizing to see these exceptional individuals come together, having been chosen for our belief in their dedication to supporting the emotional, social and academic well-being of our students. We are fortunate to have this day so that we can begin fostering a strong, supportive community among our teachers, just as we value community building with our students and families.”
— Jordan Vallone
Courtesy North Bellmore School District
North Bellmore’s leadership team welcomed newly hired faculty members at new teacher orientation on Aug. 14 at the Park Avenue Elementary School library in North Merrick.
Hosted by:
STEPPING OUT
Extraordinary
The Jackie Mason Musical
BLOOMS
By Karen Bloom
Do you enjoy spending time outside to take full advantage of the season? While we transition into fall, there’s no reason to give up on summer’s blossoms just yet. Colors abound and late summer delghts linger on — for a while longer.
With your favorite book, a nice container or cup of your favorite (iced) beverage and a gorgeous bunch of flowers on your patio table, you can brighten up your days on your deck, patio or balcony — or even inside — and enjoy it all with a capital E.
Color explosion
Fall approaches with plenty of color
Floral décor that lasts
Many (bulb) flowers are still available in all sorts of unbelievable colors and shapes. Of course you could always buy a beautiful ready-made bouquet. But why do that? Create a spectacular summer bouquet yourself with loose flowers, leaves, and branches Display it on your tables — indoors and out — and enjoy the beautiful colors of typical summer bloomers like dahlias, gladioli and lilies.
Be creative with your planters to reflect your style and personality. Start out by choosing a sturdy vase or pot that is suitable for outdoor use. Or go for smaller vases scattered around the table to set a playful atmosphere.
Cut off the bottom of the flower stems diagonally, to help the flowers absorb water better and stay fresh longer. You’ll want to place your vase with flowers in the shade for best results. Regularly water your flowers to keep them fresh. Of course, on warmer days — and we’ll still have some of those remaining — you may need to do this every day. Also, if necessary, use rocks or sand to stabilize the vase and prevent it from toppling in windy weather. Complete the look of your patio table with a few cozy candles, lanterns or other seasonal items.
Nature thrives in the home garden
Thanks to their long flowering period, you can enjoy your florals for weeks or even months. Summer-flowering bulbs often attract pollinating insects as well, and thus contribute to biodiversity in your garden. Remove wilted flowers to extend the flowering period. Some summer bulbs, such as gladioli and dahlias, can be dug up after flowering and stored frost-free. You can then plant them again the following spring.
Certainly, there are so many choices. As you start to think about ideas for next year, that will add to your floral assortment, think beyond the summer bulbs gladioli, dahlias, lilies, and begonias. You might want to check out other unusual bulbous plants such as calla (Zantedeschia), pineapple lilies (Eucomis), freesias (Freesia) or blazing star (Liatris)
If you’ve planted lilies, you’ve got something special to delight your family and friends. If not,
consider doing so. The majestic blooms of lilies create an elegant look, whether on the balcony, terrace, or indoors. The variety of colors, from pure white and creamy yellow to deep red and purple, make them a great match for any style and taste. With their compact growth habit, potted lilies are perfect for use outdoors and indoors.
A bouquet of lilies always looks fabulous. With their rich range of colors, shapes, and fragrances, you’ll have plenty of choices every time, whether for yourself or to give as a gift.
And they move with the seasons. Lilies combine beautifully with seasonal flowers. Try lilies in combination with typical spring bloomers in spring, and with dahlias and gladioli in (late) summer. In fall and winter, for example, a bouquet of lilies with some added branches looks great (and will last a long time). In other words: you can vary endlessly with lilies.
Little rays of happiness
Flowers instantly bring color into your home, but also do so much more. They make people happy. And you will notice this straight away.
The simple act of putting them in the vase will trigger a dose of happy hormones. In fact, flower arranging has been shown to reduce stress. Taking a good look at every single one of the flowers before arranging them in a vase (and don’t forget to smell them!) will get you feeling all Zen.
Keep summer’s colors going as we transition into fall and enjoy the season’s last moments around your home.
Laughs abound on the Landmark stage,The show, based on the playwright’s 10-year whirlwind romance with comedy legend Jackie Mason, featuring a hilarious cast of characters. It begins at a deli in Miami Beach in 1977, where Mason — then a 46-year-old comedian — spots college girl Ginger (played by Jackie and the playwright’s real life daughter Sheba Mason in the Off-Broadway production). Along for the ride is her overbearing mom, Mrs. Olivier, and five more off-beat characters. Soon Jackie is wooing Ginger each winter whenever he’s in South Florida churning up laughs with the South Beach set. The trouble is, he’s also wooing a ravishing young Latina server, and also someone else. Come along and join in on Mason’s romantic misadventures as Broadway stardom emerges and Sheba is born.
Friday, Sept. 7, 8 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 8, 3 p.m. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Visit LandmarkOnMainStreet.org for tickets and information, or call (516) 767-6444.
Classical Mystery Tour
Imagine The Beatles playing in concert with a symphony orchestra. What would that have sounded like? Find out for yourself when Classical Mystery Tour performs, joined by the Massapequa Philharmonic. The four musicians who comprise the CMT band look and sound just like The Beatles, but Classical Mystery Tour is more than just a rock concert. The full show presents some two dozen Beatles tunes sung, played, and performed exactly as they were written. Hear “Penny Lane” with a live trumpet section; experience the beauty of “Yesterday” with an acoustic guitar and string quartet; enjoy the rock/ classical blend on the hard edged “I Am the Walrus.” From early Beatles music on through the solo years, Classical Mystery Tour is the best of The Beatles like you’ve never heard them: totally live.
Saturday, Sept. 21, 8 p.m. 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.
THE
Sept.
19
Killer Queen
Queenmania keeps on
rockin’ as Killer Queen returns to the Paramount stage, Thursday, Sept. 19, at 8 p.m., with their homage to the beloved band.
Formed in the UK in 1993, Killer Queen played their first public shows at London University, following in the footsteps of the real Queen who had their first shows there 22 years earlier. By 1995 Killer Queen’s UK popularity had grown to such an extent they secured a residency in London’s Strand Theatre attracting nationwide BBC coverage — the first tribute to have a show in the West End. Even though the band never had any connection to Queen officially their reputation continued to grow both in the UK and abroad. In 1999 they returned from a tour of Europe and Russia for an awards ceremony hosted by Suggs from Madness. He announced they had won the award for “Worldwide Best Tribute Band” Fronted by Patrick Myers as Freddie Mercury, critics have described Myers’ resemblance to Freddie Mercury as “spooky;” his uncanny likeness was further proven when he recorded a #1 hit single singing as Freddie Mercury on Fat Boy Slim’s record “The Real Life.” Their expert musicianship, extraordinary energy, and accurate portrayal of the world’s greatest live band has rightfully earned them the title of Queen Royalty! Thrilling sell-out audiences across the globe the band recreates the high energy, powerful phenomenon that was Queen live. This quality, combined with Myers’ powerful threeand-a-half octave tenor range, expert musicianship and dynamic stage presence, has captivated audiences the world over. $54.50, $44.50, $39.50, $29.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Hempstead House tour
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Wednesday, Sept. 11, noon-1 p.m.; also Sept. 25. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Breastfeeding Support
Mercy Hospital offers a peer-topeer breastfeeding support and resources, Thursdays, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. Call counselor Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 7052434 to secure your spot. St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Visit CHSLI.org for more.
Friday Night Car Show
The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores holds its Friday Night Car Show, through oct. 4, at the Bellmore LIRR parking lot. Show opens at 6 p.m., closes at 10 p.m. Free for all spectators; admission for cars is $5. For more, visit BellmoreChamber.com.
FCA TO HOST SENIOR H.O.P.E FAIR
Family & Children’s Association, one of Long Island’s largest nonprofit health and human services organizations, with funding made possible through the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will host a free senior H.O.P.E Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Samanea N.Y. mall in Westbury, center court, second floor.
H.O.P.E., which stands for Happiness, Opportunity, Positive, Energy, is geared towards older adults and their families. Attendees can receive information from over 50 vendors on agerelated mental health and substance abuse services.
“It’s no secret that Long Island’s population is aging,” FCA President and CEO Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds said. “Every year, our senior division helps more than 10,000 seniors improve their quality of life. The H.O.P.E Fair will allow us to share these resources, and so many others, with the greater Long Island community.”
Lisa Stern, FCA’s Assistant Vice President for Senior & Adult Services, added, “We’re thrilled to bring the H.O.P.E Fair to Long Island’s senior population and their families. We couldn’t do this without our valued community partners and are happy to have vendors from diverse backgrounds participating and offering a multitude of help and services to the senior community.
The fair will also feature technology training for seniors in a friendly, relaxed environment, and four educational workshops will be held throughout the day on topics ranging from Medicare to scam prevention, mental health and substance use awareness, as well as caregiver support.
Additionally, any senior who registers prior to the event will receive a free boxed lunch and raffle ticket. Samanea N.Y. is located at 1500 Old Country Rd. in Westbury. Additional details on FCA’s Senior H.O.P.E Fair, including how to register, vendors and workshops, can be found on www.fcali.org or by contacting Kim L. Como at (347) 573-1044
Tribute concert Plaza
Theatricals continues its tribute series, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2:30 p.m., with “Mirror of Mathis.” Vocalist-impressionist David Robbins thrills audiences with his 90-minute tribute to Johnny Mathis. His uncanny likeness and vocals that sound just like Mathis will leave you spellbound.
Singing along with Johnny Mathis since he was a youngster, by age 12 he was imitating Mathis and has been doing it ever since, delighting all. He performs at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.
Bellmore Festival
The widely popular Bellmore Family Street Festival returns to Bedford and Pettit Avenues, Broadway and in the LIRR lots, Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 26-29. With crafters, vendors, live music, food, entertainment and carnival rides. The carnival is open 6-10 p.m., Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday. Street festival is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Visit BellmoreChamber. com. for more.
Storybook Stroll
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for another storybook adventure, Saturday, Sept. 7, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Jen Arena’s “Acorn Was A Little Wild!” Later create a unique take home craft. The stroll starts at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), ending at the Thatched Cottage. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
In concert
Rewind time and immerse yourself outdoors in iconic tunes with Radio Flashback at Bellmore Memorial Library, Friday, Sept. 6, 6-8:30 p.m. The four-piece band’s signature harmonies along with their legendary high-energy performances will captivate everyone. Rock on with ‘70s and ‘80s songs including Journey, Aerosmith, The Doobie Brothers, Foreigner, and more. Registration required. Bring seating. 2288 Bedford Ave. Visit bellmorelibrary.org to register and for more info.
Sept. 10
Stand-Up University
Want to learn how to make people laugh?
Sign up for a seven-week course at the Brokerage in Bellmore, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 10, to learn the art of stand-up comedy. Fee is $295. Register online at standupu. com. Classes are only held at the Bellmore location, 2797 Merrick Road. Call (516) 8105447 for more.
Alzheimer’s Walk in the Park
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America hosts its annual Walk in the Park fundraiser, at Eisenhower Park, Thursday, Sept. 28. The walk kicks off with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m. at the park’s Field 6. Those who raise $100 or more will have an opportunity to meet retired baseball player Dwight Gooden, who’s joining the walk’s efforts as an ambassador. For more information, visit ALZFdn.org/ walk.
Having an event?
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program returns for a new season, Saturday, Sept. 21, 9, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition 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.
Art League of L.I. exhibit
Sept. 28
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Art League of Long Island presents “Retrospect - The Individual Art of Collaboration in Reconstructive Surgery.” The exhibit delves into the interplay between personal artistry and collaborative efforts in the context of breast reconstruction, showcasing how the healing process can transcend medicine to become an inspiring narrative of restoration and personal resilience. This unique exhibition explores the intersection of medicine and art through the lens of two accomplished breast reconstruction surgeons, Dr. Ron Israeli and Dr. Jonathan Bank, whose careers and artistic endeavors are deeply intertwined.
The works on display show the multifaceted nature of artistic expression in medicine and surgery. Their work emphasizes the importance of collaborative creativity in the healing process, offering viewers a unique perspective on the emotional and physical aspects of breast reconstruction. On view Sept. 28 through Oct. 18. Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery at Art League of Long Island, 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills. Visit artleagueli.org for more information.
BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Brainstorming: In the opposite direction PERSON TO PERSON
hate my job,” Marianne said. “I’d love to quit but I’m afraid. My job pays the bills. It provides health insurance, status, and respectability. I’d be so nervous giving up those benefits, so I err on the side of caution.”
“What if you didn’t err on the side of caution?” I asked, “But erred on the side of risk? Then what would you do?”
With an impish smile, she replied, “I’d quit my job today and travel for a month. Then, I’d start my own business.”
Marianne didn’t quit her job that day, but after reviewing her financial situation and responsibilities, she did six months later. She had had enough of “settling,” of playing it safe. She was tired of erring on the side of caution.
Always the dutiful daughter and willing worker, she was finally
ready to take a gigantic risk. Throwing off the shackles of always doing what was expected of her, she gave two weeks’ notice, then booked her trip to Europe. “This move,” Marianne reflected, “was not simply a career move; it was about saving my soul.”
psychWisdom
Three years later, when I saw Marianne, she was elated that she had decided to leave her job. “Not only was starting my own business what I longed to do, but it also, strangely enough, left me in a safer position than some of my former colleagues. When the economy went south, several of my co-workers were let go.”
To make her momentous decision, Marianne had to brainstorm.
Brainstorming encourages thinking in the opposite way to your usual way of thinking. For Marianne, this meant erring on the side of risk, instead of caution. Most brainstorming, however, is more complex. It’s a way to problem-solve by rapidly generating a variety of possible solutions, without censoring or telling yourself, “That’s impossible.”
Often, brainstorming is done in a small group, in which all members contribute their ideas. The goal is to generate possible, though not necessarily realistic or probable solutions. It’s important not to reject an idea early on because it sounds silly, or you don’t believe it’ll work. By counter-
acting the tendency to ditch an idea before you examine its possibilities, you’ll expand and enrich your life. So, next time you feel stuck, envisioning only one possible solution to a problem, try brainstorming — by yourself, or better yet, with others. The process will expand your creativity and energize your spirit. It’s fun to do. It doesn’t bite. It has zero calories. And it’s free. How many things do you know that satisfy all these criteria?
©2024
Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach, and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives, and overcome debilitating anxiety, procrastination, and depression. Contact her at DrSapadin@aol. com. Visit her website at PsychWisdom.com.
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following:
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Linda Sapadin
The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale, New York
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
STANLEY M. BERGMAN CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD & CEO
HENRY SCHEIN
DISTINGUISHED VISIONARY
STANLEY M. BERGMAN
Chairman of the Board and CEO Henry Schein
ORGANIZATION OF EXCELLENCE
LONG ISLAND SELECT HEALTHCARE
EXCELLENCE IN NURSING ADVOCACY
NEW YORK STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION (NYSNA)
MICHELLE BALLAN, PhD, MSW
Professor and Associate Dean for Research, School of Social Welfare Professor, Renaissance School of Medicine Stony Brook University Health Services
KIMON BEKELIS, MD
Director Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island
JORDAN BRODSKY, MD
Medical Doctor & Rheumatologist Rheumatology Consultants
MICHAEL N. BROWN
CEO Fellow Health Partners
ALANNA M. CARCICH, MBA
Senior Director, Operations Northwell Health Orthopedics
CATHERINE CANADEO
Founder & CEO
Catherine Canadeo Health & Wellness Corp
ROXANNE CARFORA, DO CEO, Founder & Physician AgelessMD
MEET THE 2024 AWARD WINNERS*
NICOLE CHRISTENSEN, BCPA
Founder & CEO Award-Winning Patient Advocate & Care Coordinator
Care Answered
TODD J. COHEN, MD Chief of Cardiology, Director of Medical Device Innovation New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
TORI COHEN
Executive Director
Long Island Alzheimer's & Dementia Center
CATHY SUE CUTLER, PHD Chair, Isotope Research and Production Brookhaven National Laboratory
CAROLYNN EIPEL
Founder CareFirst Home Solutions
HEIDI FELIX
Vice President of Sales LifeVac
NICK FITTERMAN, MD, MACP, SFHM
Executive Director Huntington Hospital Northwell Health
MARY GMITEREK-APAT, D.C. Chiropractor Dr. Mary's Chiropractic and Wellness Center
DOUG GOLUB
Principal Consultant Data Potato
CAROL GOMES Chief Executive Officer & Chief Operating Officer Stony Brook University Hospital
AARON GROTAS, MD
Board-Certified Urologist PRINE Health
LORI GOODSTONE, DHEd., RN Professor, Department of Nursing Farmingdale State College
HOWARD GOODMAN, DC Executive Director Long Island Weight Loss Doctor
RENEE HASTICK-MOTES, MPA
Senior Vice President/ Chief External Affairs Officer
Episcopal Health Services President
St. John's ICARE Foundation
ROBYN JOSEPH, DPM, FACFAS, CWSP, PMP
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine & Surgery / Founder & President Northern Ankle Foot Associates
JILL KALMAN, MD
Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, and Deputy Physician-In-Chief Donald & Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
FELICIA KASOW Managing Director PURE Mammography
JENNIFER LAZZARO, AUD. Doctor of Audiology Hearing and Brain Centers of America, Long Island
NANCY C. LEGHART
BRIAN MAYRSOHN, MD CMO & Founder Maywell Health
JOHN MCGUIGAN CEO AHRC Suffolk
PARUL DUA MAKKAR, DDS
Owner
PDM Family Dental
DENIS NANKERVIS, DO Trauma Medical Director/Assistant Professor of Surgery at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Peconic Bay Medical Center Northwell Health
LILLIAN PALEY
LINA PATINO, DDS
Owner Aspen Dental - Riverhead
CAROLYN K. QUINN
Executive Director
Cohen Children's Medical Center SVP Pediatrics Northwell Health
MEGAN C. RYAN, ESQ.
Interim CEO & President
Chief Legal Officer NHCC Nassau University Medical Center
MICHAEL N. ROSENBLUT
President and CEO
Parker Jewish Institute For Rehabilitation & Healthcare
DEAN RISKIN
Co-Founder & CEO
Hair We Share
CAROLYN SANTORA, MS, RN Chief Nursing Officer & Chief Regulatory Officer Stony Brook University Hospital
MELISSA SCHACHTER, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD Speech Language-Pathologist & Director The Speech Language Place
MARY SILBERSTEIN, LCSW-R Senior Director of Strategic Alliances and Special Projects Central Nassau Guidance and Counseling Services, Inc
LISA STERN, LCSW-R AVP of Senior & Adult Services Family & Children's Association
AMYEE ST. PIERRE
Vice President, Senior Consultant, Health & Performance HUB International
ROUMIANA TZVETKOVA, DMD
Owner
Aspen Dental - Deer Park
JOSEPH VERDIRAME
Managing Partner & CEO Alliance Homecare / TrustHouse
Executive Director St. John's ICARE Foundation *LIST IN FORMATION
Vice President of Clinical Services & Recruitment Silver Lining Homecare Agency
the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, various colors represent how a family member is affected by dementia. The Promise Garden Ceremony is where families raise the flowers high to show they are not alone.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. DB TL HOLDCO 2018 LLC, Pltf. vs. WILLIAM GROSS, et al, Defts. Index
#608383/2020. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered October 18, 2023 and order to appoint substitute referee entered July 24, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the north front steps of Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on September 24, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a 1758 John Street, Merrick, New York a/k/a School District 25, Section 62, Block 211, Lot 17. Approximate amount of judgment is $78,086.83 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
BRIAN CARMODY, Referee. BRONSTER, LLP, 156 West 56th Street, Ste. 703, New York, NY 10019. File No. 305409.472. #101671 148506
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPPLMENTAL
ACCOUNTING CITATION
SURROGATE’S COURT, NASSAU COUNTY
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,
By the Grace of God Free and Independent
TO:Grassi & Co
USI Insurance Services
LLC
Maxine Freiberg
Hauptman
Donni Lee Cochran
Ralph Kostant
Susan Kostant
Walk to End Alzheimer’s coming back to Eisenhower
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
The 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer’s — the Alzheimer’s Association’s largest annual fundraiser — will return to Eisenhower Park to support breakthrough research and quality-of-life care for people with dementia on Oct 6.
The walk in Eisenhower Park is one of about 600 happening nationwide. Last year’s walk involved 1,000 participants divided into 175 teams. Together, the Long Island community raised over $330,000.
Family members take part in Walk to End
The Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter provides a community and support system for people with Alzheimer’s, their families, friends and caretakers, while raising awareness of the importance of brain health, said Community Educator Francesca Todaro.
and any and all unknown persons whose names or parts of whose names and whose place or places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, distributees, heirs-at-law and next-ofkin of the said ERIC COHEN deceased, and if any of the said distributees named specifically or as a class be dead, their legal representatives, their husbands or wives, if any, distributees and successors in interest whose names and/or places of residence and post office addresses are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained
A petition and an amended petition having been duly filed by Public Administrator of Nassau County, who is domiciled at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York 11501.
YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, on October 2, 2024, at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why the account of Public Administrator of Nassau County, a summary of which has been served herewith, as Administrator of the estate of Eric Cohen, should not be judicially settled.
[X] Further relief sought (if any):
1.Releasing and discharging the Petitioner from all liability, responsibility, and accountability as to all matters set forth in the
account of proceedings;
2.Allowing the commissions of the Petitioner in the amount of $5,191.01 pursuant to SCPA 2307(1) and the reasonable and necessary expenses of the office in the amount of $1,038.20 pursuant to SCPA 1207(4);
3.Fixing and determining the attorney’s fees of Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC attorney for petitioner in the amount of $27,250.00 of which $2,250.00 has been paid and $25,000.00 is unpaid;
4.Fixing and determining the accounting fees of Grassi & Co, CPA’s, PC in the amount of $7,537.50 of which $1,537.50 has been paid and $6,000.00 is unpaid;
5.Releasing and discharging the surety;
6.And why each of you claiming to be a distributee of the decedent should not establish proof of your kinship; and why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship, or deposited with the New York State Comptroller on account for the unknown next of kin of ERIC COHEN, decedent should said alleged distributees default herein, or fail to establish proof of kinship;
7.Granting such other and further relief as to the Court is just and proper. Dated, Attested, and Sealed, August 21, 2024
Seal HON. HON. MARGARET C. REILLY
Margaret C. Reilly, Surrogate s/ Debra Keller Leimbach
Debra Keller Leimbach, Chief Clerk
Richard T. Kerins, Esq.
Attorney Name Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC
Firm (516) 538-1111
Telephone 254 Nassau Blvd. South, Garden City South, New York 11530 Address rkerins@mmkolaw.com
Email (optional)
NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you, and you or your attorney may request a copy of the full account from the petitioner or petitioner’s attorney. 148682
“I feel like a lot of people that have Alzheimer’s or are confused about Alzheimer’s and other dementias, really could use the education and resources that the association can help them with,” said Todaro.
Before the walk, a Promise Garden ceremony is held, displaying solidarity where walkers carry color coordinated flowers that represent how Alzheimer’s affected their lives and the people around them.
“It is very touching to hear the stories of how people are personally affected by this disease,” Nassau Walk Committee Member Michele Targovnik said in a news release. “The Promise Garden Ceremony is special because when you see everyone around you holding different color flowers it makes you feel so supported and wonderful to be standing next to the person next to you.”
Ed Miller, the vice chair for the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter Board of Directors, has a leading role in making the past two year’s walk a success in Nassau County.
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that a license, under Legacy ID 0524-24-21737, Serial Number 6030160 for Restaurant On-Premises Liquor (OP 252 Restaurant) has been applied for by the undersigned* to sell/serve liquor, wine, beer, and cider at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 2008 Merrick Road, Merrick, NY 11566 for on premises consumption. *Bottega Boyz Inc. d/b/a Tony & Luigi’s 148796
Miller joined the Long Island chapter after his father was diagnosed with dementia in 2019. Miller, his sister, and mother faced challenges in providing the care an individual with dementia requires, so he began to participate in fundraisers like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
“I did my first walk in 2022 — it moved me, and it kept moving me,” Miller said. “It’s an absolute honor to come together at Eisenhower Park for this event, and to walk together and to see a sea of purple.”
There are 426,500 people in New York aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s Dementia, and over 7 million across the country, according to the Long Island Chapter. While symptoms become severe later in life, the brain changes
at Eisenhower Park in October 2023.
that cause Alzheimer’s can begin decades before symptoms start. This period of time is a critical opportunity for people at risk of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to reduce the risk of the disease and catch its symptoms as early as possible.
Alzheimer’s researchers have made significant progress in treatments that improve the quality of life of Alzheimer’s patients and caretakers.
“There’s results that are getting published which show the need to continue to fund them,” Miller said.
The breakthroughs — such as a blood test that can help identify Alzheimer’s early — allow for intervention before symptoms escalate.
“There’s been a lot of breakthroughs that have come out in the news over the course of the last couple of years,” Miller said. “These are treatments that aren’t going to eradicate the disease at this point, but they are treatments, and there is hope.
“The more and more that people participate, the more funds that we could raise towards research by these outstanding doctors that have made a lot of breakthroughs,” Miller said. “I think it’s absolutely a critical time. We’re at this kind of inflection point where it’s not just an idea that’s out in the future. It’s getting more and more tangible, from my perspective.”
In addition to research, the funds raised go towards many causes that aid in the fight against illness and the challenges of seeking treatment, such as support groups, help lines and advocacy.
“This is a pivotal moment in the fight against Alzheimer’s,” Tinamarie Hardekopf, Development Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter said. “There are now FDAapproved treatments that change the course of the disease. We invite everyone to join the walk so we can build on this momentum.”
To register for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, learn more about the Long Island event, and view other events, visit Alz.org or call 800-272-3900.
Photos courtesy Alzheimer’s Association
At
Alzheimer’s
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HEWLETT-WOODMERE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Assistant Director for Special Education Services
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools (HWPS) is located on the south shore of Long Island and is consistently ranked as one of the highest performing Districts on both state and national levels. The District educates approximately 2800 Pre-K through 12th grade students across five schools. Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools is dedicated to providing all students with enriching and exciting educational experiences in caring, student-centered environments.
We are seeking an innovative, experienced, and collaborative administrator to provide support and guidance to the District's P-12 special education programs.
Required qualifications: NYSED certification in administration (SDA/SDL).
Preferred qualifications: Minimum eight years' experience as a building level/district administrator; requires extensive knowledge of current special education law, non-public school mandates, and STACs; experience chairing CSE meetings, budget process, and supervision and observation of staff; the ability to communicate effectively with students, parents, staff, and community members.
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
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 mhinman@liherald.com
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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.
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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
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MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
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Preparing to sell in an area that flooded
Q. We live in an area that was flooded, and have a few items to take care of before we sell. My husband put in a deck when we first moved in, around 1982. It has been there so long, but the real estate people told us it still needs a permit. It’s only 24 inches off the ground. They also mentioned that it’s too close to our back property line, but we’re next to a waterway and have no neighbors behind us. Is that still the same problem? Our fences are new and so are the front steps, which we rebuilt to add planters and a bench. What can you tell us about what we should do before we sell?
A. Take a lovely vacation and relax, enjoy yourself and then prepare for a lot of minutia that will likely delay your ability to sell, unless you negotiate the price down for a buyer who can persuade a lender that they will take over the list of items you mentioned. In situations like this, there are many peripheral issues.
For example, the waterway may be either a local or state jurisdiction that limits how close you can build to a “protected” environment. As if that’s not enough, your municipality is one of the few that has many outstanding requirements that it claims it notified every homeowner about right after Hurricane Sandy. Prepare for the ambush of having to get a “proof of loss statement from the National Flood Insurance Program.”
I have heard time and time again, “Oh, we had no damage,” which is great, since the national clearinghouse that compiles records about every property will prove that. If it turns out that there was a large payout from private insurance or public funding, the NFIP letter will show that more is needed, including recent building plans, a possible plumbing permit, electrical inspection and documents to close out a repair permit — yes, even from over a decade ago.
When I arrive at a home and have to go into detail about how many requirements there are and how strict they’ve become, I always think of our custodian in elementary school. His name was Gus, and I remember his large, round face and how disgusted he was when he was called to a classroom where a child had thrown up lunch from the cafeteria. I identify with Gus, because mopping up these not-so-simple messes, the ones that someone told you were simple, is getting more complicated the longer people wait.
This doesn’t seem to be the case in every jurisdiction, mostly the largest ones. Many decks built long ago don’t meet recent code standards, and there’s no such thing as “grandfathered.” The hours spent explaining these things, and then reexplaining them when a handyperson doesn’t install the correct connectors or takes a shortcut with a required footing support, add up to more cost and animosity. Good luck!
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Your lawn may be killing you — and many other creatures
You know those little yellow flags stuck on lawns in your neighborhood? Think of them as tombstones.
Those markers signify a recent application of pesticides, a broad category of chemicals designed to kill insects, weeds and fungi. There’s some evidence that they can kill animals and people, too.
Roundup, one of the most common herbicides, has been banned or restricted in some states and countries due to fears of its impact on human health and the environment. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is listed by the World Health Organization as a probable carcinogen.
Pesticides like this one are being applied with abandon on Long Island’s lawns, endangering the Island’s only aquifer while threatening the health of its human residents as well as the birds, bees and household pets that share our biosphere.
“Several types of cancer, immune-
response deficiencies, neurological diseases and birth defects have been associated with exposure to lawn chemicals,” a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency publication states.
Suffolk County registered by far the heaviest doses of pesticides used among New York counties in 2021 — 6.5 million pounds, according to the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation. Nassau ranked as the sixth most chemically doused county, with 1.6 million pounds of pesticides used to keep homeowners’ grass weed- and bug-free.
PSociety of the United States, which included Trepanier’s comment in a report last year.
“Rates of lymphoma in pets of pesticide users are significantly higher than occurrences in the pets of non-chemical users,” the Mid-America Research Council added.
esticides are being applied with abandon on Long Island’s yards.
In reporting on the DEC finding, Newsday observed, “Far too much pesticide is poured to attain lawns that could be mistaken for putting greens, with far too little concern for the environment, experts say.”
Research shows clear links between herbicide exposure and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and bladder cancer in humans, Lauren Trepanier, professor of internal medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, says. Both of those cancers are also common in dogs, notes the Human
Pretty much no living things — except lawn grass — co-exist well with pesticides. Butterflies, lightning bugs and honeybees, along with every other type of insect, are killed by chemicals that are advertised as fatal to mosquitoes.
In fact, scientists say we’re in the throes of an “insect apocalypse.” And if present death rates continue, they add, there won’t be any insects left alive a century from now. That will be bad news not only for the bugs themselves, but also for birds, flowers and food. Insects are responsible for pollinating 75 percent of all flowering plants, including about onethird of the crops consumed by humans.
Birds are experiencing just as precipitous a population decline as bugs. A study published in 2019 by Science, a research journal, found that 3 billion North American birds have died off
since 1970 — a loss of nearly 30 percent of their total numbers.
Pesticides kill birds both directly and indirectly. Birds ingest poisonous chemicals when they mistake pesticide granules for food, the New York Audubon Society points out. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute adds, “Birds that eat insects are literally at a loss when insecticides cause a drop in the number of insect prey available, especially when they have young to feed.”
But here’s some good news: The damage pesticides are doing to suburban environments, and the entire planet, can be greatly mitigated if homeowners like those on Long Island make a simple choice. They can replace their lawns (which are pretty to look at but otherwise useless) with shrubs, trees and native plant species that are well adapted to the local climate and pests. And they can save lots of time and money as well if they give Mother Nature the chance to reproduce benignly.
Kevin J. Kelley was a congressional staff member in the 1980s, and is a retired journalist and journalism professor who worked for newspapers in New York, Vermont and Kenya and taught at St. Michael’s College in Vermont. He lives in Atlantic Beach.
Reading about local schools? Consider yourself lucky.
i’ve been in the local news business a long time. Not long enough to remember the first handwritten newspaper, distributed in Venice in 1566, or the first printed news sheets, published in Germany in 1605, but I go back.
I can recall cutting and pasting printed stories on boards, each one a page of the paper. If the story didn’t fit, you just cut a paragraph or two from the bottom.
Thus the importance of the first sentence or two, known as the lede, and the first three paragraphs, which basically told the story. We used typewriters and yellow paper to write, which my editor would periodically rip up, declaring, “You have no right to desecrate the language of Shakespeare.” She was a stickler. We had no computers — until the morning we came in to work and found that our Smith Coronas had been replaced by Kaypros.
I was hired away from the late South Shore Record, owned by the indomitable Florence Schwartzberg, by Leatrice Spa-
nierman, a brilliant editor and a natural newspaperwoman. Leatrice, who recently celebrated a fabulous birthday, was socially, intellectually and emotionally intertwined with the Herald brand. We turned out big local papers in those days at our Lawrence headquarters.
Our team wrote 10 to 20 local stories every week, and our motto was, “Everything that happens anywhere in the world has a Five Towns angle.” And it was true. If a ship hit an iceberg in Antarctica, for sure there was someone who knew someone on board.
W ay too many American towns and cities have lost newspapers in recent years.
Local lowlifes freaked out more if they landed in the Nassau Herald police blotter than if their mug shot had appeared in The New York Times, because their kids might see the paper. We journalists lived and worked in town. Our reporters went to all the village and school board meetings. We covered football games and charity balls. Everything was copy.
This is all to say that local newspapers are essential to a functioning democracy, and I am grateful to have enjoyed this golden age of local journalism. This is also to say that across the country, small papers are closing. As reported on CBS News recently, “Accord-
ing to an Associated Press analysis of data compiled by the University of North Carolina, more than 1,400 towns and cities in the U.S. have lost a newspaper over the past 15 years. The loss of a reliable local news source has many consequences for the community. One of them is the inability to watchdog the actions of government agencies and elected officials.”
This is also to say, stay true. Subscribe to and read and advertise in our papers. We need to mind what’s going on in our schools, and to do that we need reporters to monitor the board meetings, and to do that we need to pay them.
The local paper covers everything from potholes to parades. If you want the scoop on former Congressman George Santos, read about it in the Herald. Are you concerned about County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s idea for a kind of armed militia to prepare for emergencies? The ongoing debate over a casino license for the county? These stories need to be covered in our local newspapers, and we need the staff and the readership to support our efforts.
The dailies look at news through a wide-angle lens; our focus is more intense.
The North Shore Coalition Against Substance Abuse’s annual golf outing was in one of our papers last week, and I saw a story out of Freeport about Petros Mestheneas, who was named Firefighter of the Year. And to prove my point about there being a local angle to every story in the world, Boston’s new archbishop is a Valley stream native and a former auxiliary bishop of Rockville Center.
In the Nassau Herald, Melissa Berman wrote the quintessential local news story about a 100-year-old oak tree that was cut down to build a parking lot. It’s a terrific local story, with ties to larger issues of overdevelopment and housing needs vs. parking needs.
In recent Heralds there was coverage of the county’s Jimmy Buffett tribute at Eisenhower Park, the clam-eating contest in Island Park and the Chabad Hebrew School of Merrick, Bellmore and Wantagh accepting enrollments for the new school year. There were obituaries of Ana Mercedes Hernandez, Joseph C. Smetana, Robert “Bob” Heggy and Joyce Marino Corso.
The obituaries are the guiding light of local newspapers, reflecting the past of the community and its people, reminding us of the special ties that bind friends and neighbors together.
Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
KEVin J. KELLEY
RAnDi KREiss
HeraLd editoriaL
As schools reopen, drivers know the drill
“school’s Open — Drive Carefully” has been the annual refrain in a back-to-school safety-awareness campaign that is now nearly 80 years old. But it’s worth repeating every September.
Driving carefully in and around school zones is crucial in the effort to ensure the safety of children, parents and school staff. School zones are areas in which there are likely to be children crossing streets, walking along sidewalks, riding bikes and meandering as only kids do. They are less aware of traffic dangers, and their presence necessitates heightened caution from drivers.
A study by Safe Kids Worldwide found that 25,000 children are injured every year in school zone accidents nationwide. The Transportation Research Board found that vehicles near schools account for 43 percent of all pedestrian accidents involving children ages 5 to 9.
And it’s no surprise that speeding is a significant factor in school-zone accidents. The risk of a pedestrian fatality increases dramatically with vehicle
Letters
Curran’s wrong about the ‘war on women’
To the Editor:
speed. The American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that someone on foot who is struck by a vehicle traveling 25 mph has a 25 percent chance of sustaining serious injury or dying, but that risk increases to 50 percent if the vehicle is traveling just 10 mph faster. School zones commonly have speed limits of 20 mph or less, so adhering to those limits is vital to minimize those risks.
Distracted driving is another major concern near schools. A study by the National Safety Council found that distracted drivers cause one in every four car crashes nationwide. In school zones, texting or talking on a phone or fiddling with dashboard technology can have catastrophic consequences for a child who may suddenly dart into the street or cross without warning.
School zones are most congested during drop-off and pick-up times. According to the National Center for Safe Routes to School, parents driving their children to school account for 25 percent of morning traffic. The volume increases the likelihood of accidents, particu-
In his recent column, “The real war on women in New York,” Assemblyman Brian Curran suggests that “the fate of women’s reproductive health” in New York will not be affected whether or not Prop 1, the New York Equal Rights Amendment, passes in November. Simply put, this is not true, and echoes the same reassurances we heard right before Roe v. Wade was overturned.
Prop 1 is in fact our crucial opportunity to ensure that the fate of reproductive health care is secure in New York. It’s an opportunity we cannot let go to waste.
Prop 1 will guarantee access to reproductive health care — including abortion, birth control, and in vitro fertilization — in the New York Constitution so it is permanently shielded from government interference.
Before Roe v. Wade was overturned, many of us took for granted that our reproductive freedom would always be protected. Since then, reproductive health care like abortion, contraception, and IVF has been under attack across the country. While New Yorkers may assume that we are insulated from these battles, the reality is that the state law covering our reproductive rights can be repealed or changed based on who is in the State Legislature or the governor’s mansion. That’s why we need to pass Prop 1: to cement our reproductive rights in the State Constitution so they can’t be rolled back by politicians down the line.
Further, Prop 1 will close loopholes in the Constitution that could allow government discrimination
larly when drivers are in a rush. Along with potential injuries, there are legal consequences for school-zone scofflaws, starting with hefty fines for speeding in those zones, often doubled or tripled during school hours. And here on Long Island, red-light cameras have been installed at busy intersections near schools, and more buses are being equipped with cameras to catch one of the most potentially dangerous vehicular infractions of all, passing a stopped bus with its red lights flashing — in either direction.
Whether you’ve seen “Schools Open — Drive Carefully” for dozens of years or are a new driver, common sense dictates that following that single instruction is key to helping ensure that children arrive at school safely and return home safely each day, along with the administrators, teachers and other staff to whom we entrust them. Do your part by slowing down and keeping your eyes on the street and the crosswalks — in other words, giving school zones your undivided attention when you’re at the wheel.
against people based on their age, disability, ethnicity, whether they are pregnant, or whether they’re LGBT — because those in power shouldn’t be able to take advantage of any New Yorker, especially the most vulnerable among us.
All New Yorkers deserve the freedom to control our own bodies, lives and futures. Prop 1 puts the power to stand up for these freedoms in the voters’ hands.
Long Islanders can’t fight climate change alone
To the Editor:
SAShA AhujA Campaign director, New Yorkers
for Equal Rights
Every time someone writes a column against fossil fuels, such as Lauren Krueger’s “To beat the heat on Long Island, we must fight fossil fuels,” I cannot believe what I’m reading. It’s total nonsense! Nothing that the united States does will impact climate change, global warming or whatever else you want to
See something, say something: Your vigilance is vital
In a world where unpredictable events can unfold in the blink of an eye, it has never been more important for every member of our communities to play an active role in maintaining their safety and security. The longstanding “See Something, Say Something” campaign is a vital reminder of the responsibility we all share for safeguarding our neighborhoods. The simple act of noticing something unusual and reporting it can be the key to preventing a crime, averting a disaster, or saving a life.
At the heart of this campaign is a straightforward principle: If you see something that doesn’t seem right, speak up, and don’t assume someone else has reported it. The police should always be your first call, by dialing 911. Law enforcement officers are trained to evaluate potential threats, assess the level of danger, and respond accordingly. Their experience and expertise allow them to determine
what constitutes an emergency and what doesn’t. Our role is not to make that judgment, but rather to ensure that the information reaches the right hands as quickly as possible.
police are there to help, and they would rather investigate a false alarm than miss an opportunity to prevent a crime or avert a disaster.
wImagine you’re walking through your neighborhood and you notice a car parked in an unusual spot, the driver acting nervously. Or perhaps you spot a package left unattended in a public place. It’s easy to brush off such observations as insignificant, but it’s important to remember that what might seem trivial to you could be a critical piece of information for law enforcement. The police rely on citizens to be their eyes and ears; by reporting what you’ve witnessed, you’re helping them do their job effectively.
hat might seem trivial to you could be critical info for the police.
The instinct to hesitate or secondguess oneself is natural. We live in a society in which privacy is valued, and the fear of being labeled as paranoid or overreacting can be a strong deterrent. When it comes to public safety, however, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If something feels off, trust your instincts and make that call. The
Letters
call it, and “beat the heat on Long Island.” Nothing!
According to Google, as of November 2023, the top five countries, by percentage of carbon emissions, were: China, 30.9 percent; the U.S., 13.5 percent; India, 7.9 percent; Russia, 4.7 percent; and Japan, 2.9 percent. China and India are responsible for almost three times the carbon emissions of the U.S. In addition, China continues to put new coalfired electric generating plants online. China is laughing at us!
China gets nearly 60 percent of its electricity from coal, the U.S., 16 percent. If the U.S. gets rid of fossil fuels for our cars and electrical generation facilities, it will have a very limited effect, or no effect, on beating the heat on Long Island. All it will do is drain our wallets and pocketbooks, and make some people feel good. “Look at me! I’m saving the environment!”
ROBERT KRALICK Glen Head
Vance, and Trump, demean military service
To the Editor:
Nothing raises this veteran’s ire more than candidates who demean veterans, and by extension, those on active duty. On Aug. 8, the Republican vice presidential nominee, J.D. Vance,
accused Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz — with little evidence — of “stolen valor,” saying he lied about seeing combat “in war.” Then Vance drew a comparison between his four years of service, during which he was a combat correspondent in the Marine Corps, and Walz’s 24 years of service, during which he achieved the highest enlisted rank in the Army National Guard.
Neither Walz nor Vance has seen, as Vance says, “any real fighting.” In either case, their choice to serve was commendable and should not be a topic of criticism. The underlying issue is the one that deserves every patriot’s attention: the disdain for those in uniform by the draft dodger at Mar-A-Lago.
There is well-cited evidence of former President Donald Trump demeaning veterans, including remarks made about the sacred grounds of U.S. military cemeteries in Normandy, France, and Arlington, Virginia. He categorizes us as suckers and losers. He is the last person this apolitical veteran would choose to be commander in chief of our armed forces.
WILLIAM (COTY) KELLER Freeport
William Keller is a 21-year Navy veteran who served in Vietnam and on six ships, two of which he commanded. He was also a professor of national security affairs at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.
After you’ve contacted the police, there is another important step you can take: Follow up with your local town or county representative. Elected officials have a vested interest in the well-being of their constituents, and they can be powerful allies in ensuring that your concerns are taken seriously. By informing your representative about the situation, you’re adding an additional layer of oversight and accountability. This can be particularly important in cases in which the response from law enforcement may not be immediate, or when you feel that further attention is warranted.
Your local representative can follow up with the police, ensuring that your report doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. He or she can also advocate for increased safety measures in your neighborhood if a pattern of suspicious activity emerges. This collaborative approach among citizens, law enforcement, and
elected officials creates a robust framework for community safety. It ensures that no concern is too small to be addressed, and that the collective wellbeing of the community is prioritized.
It’s important to understand that your vigilance isn’t just about individual safety; it’s about protecting the entire community. When you take the time to report something suspicious, you’re contributing to a safer environment for everyone. What might seem insignificant to you could be a piece of a larger puzzle that law enforcement is working to solve. Your actions could prevent a crime from happening, or help catch perpetrators before they strike.
The “See Something, Say Something” campaign is more than just a slogan — it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that each of us has a role to play in keeping our communities safe. By making the police your first call when something doesn’t seem right, and by following up with your local representative, you’re helping to create a safer, more secure environment for everyone. If something is important to you, it’s important to all of us. Don’t hesitate — if you see something, say something.
Michael Giangregorio represents Nassau County’s 12th Legislative District.
Framework by Tim Baker
The hats were courtesy of Let’s Sing Taylor — Eisenhower Park, East Meadow
mICHaeL GIanGreGorIo
