Merrick Herald 09-26-2024

learning and fun at Merrick’s Touch-a-Truck event

Erika Schwarz-Cohen from Empire Hose Company No. 3 in the Merrick Fire Department met with Merrick resident Alexa Apar and her son Dawson, 11 months, at the Merrick Library’s Touch-aTruck event on Sept. 21. Story, photos Page 3.

South Shore Women’s Alliance reconvenes Group pushes Proposition 1 ahead of November election

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

The South Shore Women’s Alliance has reconvened ahead of the 2024 election, and held its reestablishment meeting at the Merrick Golf Course’s Clubhouse on Sept. 18. The nonpartisan group has previously worked on a variety of topics and policies, and hopes to educate voters about Proposition 1, which will be on New York ballots in November.

The women’s alliance was first formed in 2017, following the Women’s March in Washington D.C., which was held the day after former

president Donald Trump’s inauguration. Originally founded as a democratic women’s caucus, the group transitioned into what it is today — a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates for issues important to not only women, but all voters in general. This is done through partnerships and activities with students, informative panels, and fundraisers for things that the group supports.

During the Sept. 18 meeting, Claudia Borecky, the group’s president, said that in the past, the group organized a response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Park-

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This week’s Merrick Herald is being mailed to every home, and includes a copy of our popular annual magazine, Living In Merrick. It’s filled with great information you can use throughout the year and it features a look at what makes Merrick such a great community.

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If you’re new to the Merrick Herald, then you must know that our mission is to cover all the news of your neighborhood — from the schools to local sports, from houses of worship to philanthropic organizations. Enjoy the paper, and thanks for reading!

Jordan Vallone, Senior Editor

Tim Baker/Herald

Alliance to work with other nonpartisan groups

land, Florida in 2018; hosted a speaker to discuss health care initiatives in New York; organized rallies against abortion bans; and held fundraisers for groups like Planned Parenthood.

Those who attended last week’s meeting hailed from the Merrick-Bellmore area, East Meadow, Baldwin, Freeport, Levittown, Wantagh, Seaford and the Five Towns.

Borecky said that one highlight was when the group invited lawyers from the South Shore to sponsor a program called “Not Me,” which grew out of the “Me Too” movement, that had been gaining momentum at the time.

“(It) included three, strong, empowering women speakers who discussed how to have a healthy relationship, consent and boundaries,” Borecky said.

Driving the re-establishment of the alliance, Borecky said, was Proposition 1, a state constitutional amendment to ensure equal rights.

The current equal protection clause in the state’s constitution already prohibits discrimination based on “race, color, creed or religion.” The amendment will allow New York voters to include additional classifications that people cannot be discriminated against, such as ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, sexual orientation and gender identity.

The decision to include the amendment on this year’s ballot came in mid-June, and New York Attorney General Letitia James said it was “a huge victory in our efforts to protect our basics rights and freedoms.”

“We will continue to do everything in our power to protect these rights and ensure everyone can live safely and freely in the great State of New York,” James

Vallone/Herald

during the re-establishment meeting of the South Shore Women’s alliance, fliers were distributed outlining what the group’s goals are ahead of the upcoming election. the group plans to advocate for the passing of proposition 1, which will be on new York ballots in november.

said at the time.

Being nonpartisan, the women’s alliance can work with groups like the New York Civil Liberties Union, the League of Women Voters, and New Yorkers for Equal Rights, spreading the word about the amendment and encouraging people to vote for it.

“Many women really want to push for this amendment,” Borecky said, “because most people don’t know about it.”

Borecky expressed hope that as the election approaches, members of the South Shore Women’s Alliance can begin connecting with different nonpartisan groups to see how they can get involved.

“Most of these groups are already working on it,” Borecky said. “Now we’d like to help, and then we have action to take. It’ll be a coalition of all collations working together.”

On an agenda distributed to attendees, the alliance outlined some goals for outreach the group can take, including meeting with the civil liberties union, the League of Women Voters, New Yorkers for Equal Rights, LGBTQ groups and Planned Parenthood. The alliance also wants to increase awareness of the proposition, by presenting it on lawn signs, fliers and facts sheets, as well as press releases, ahead of the November election.

The group cited the case of Amber Nicole Thurman — a 28-year-old woman from Georgia who died after a hospital was unable to perform necessary, life-saving care following an abortion — as a reason why New Yorkers should support the amendment. Proposition 1 would ensure that women cannot be discriminated against based on pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, and protect their access to reproductive health care by making sure that politicians can’t pass bans or restrict health care options.

“Turn the page, and vote ‘Yes’ on Proposition 1” is the message the alliance wants to get across. The proposition will be listed on the back of all ballots, meaning voters need to remember to flip it over to cast their decision.

Meeting attendees decided on responsibilities and plans of action, and the group has already begun to communicate with other organizations that support Proposition 1.

To stay up to date on the women’s alliance, and learn about the group’s plans, visit its Facebook page, South Shore Women’s Alliance at Facebook.com/ SouthShoreWomensAlliance.

Jordan

Learning and exploring at the Merrick Library

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Families from near and far came out last weekend to enjoy a special Touch-aTruck experience at the Merrick Library — a perfect opportunity for the community to meet the heroes behind the wheels of law enforcement vehicles, Town of Hempstead service units, and so much more.

Touch-a-Truck events are familyfriendly gatherings that allow children to interact with various types of vehicles. Typically, these events feature a wide range of vehicles, including fire trucks, police cars, construction machinery, tow trucks, ambulances, buses, and even military vehicles. Attendees can explore the vehicles up close, sit inside, honk horns, and speak with the operators to learn more about their function.

Touch-a-Truck events provide a fun, hands-on experience while also serving as educational opportunities, especially for children curious about vehicles and machinery. Touch-a-Truck events often include additional activities, such as food trucks, face painting, and live entertainment, creating a festival-like atmosphere.

There’s many benefits of attending Touch-a-Truck events. Often an educational experience for youngsters, learning about different types of vehicles helps familiarize them with first responders in their communities. Interacting with emergency vehicles and speaking to first responders can teach kids important lessons about safety, such as the role of firefighters, police officers, and paramedics in keeping the community safe.

Children can learn about the vehicles and their functions, from emergency response vehicles to construction machinery. It provides hands-on learning about various professions, including police officers, firefighters, and truck drivers. Touch-a-Truck events also encourage kids to explore and ask ques-

tions, stimulating their curiosity about how things work. For some, it can spark interest in careers in public service, engineering, or other fields related to vehicles and machinery.

For younger children, Touch-a-Truck events allow them to physically explore vehicles, which can help with sensory development and fine motor skills.

Overall — like at the library last weekend — these events bring together local organizations and businesses, fostering community connection, and allowing families and people of all ages to meet and engage with local police officers, firefighters and public works employees, which helps build trust and awareness of community services.

Ultimately, the Touch-a-Truck event at the Merrick Library showcased the perfect blend of fun, education, and community engagement. It gave children a hands-on opportunity to explore the vehicles that keep our towns running smoothly, while also fostering valuable

and

connections between families

the local heroes who serve them.

Everyone was all smiles at last weekend’s Touch-a-Truck event at the Merrick Library. James Kessenides, 4, from Merrick with Anthony Tomeo of the Nassau County Police Highway Patrol.

Life was a highway outside of Cure of Ars Roman Catholic Church, where the event was held. Theodore Sullivan, 6 from Bellmore, checked out a Lightning McQueen replica.

Joseph Gutierrez, 4 from Wantagh, climbed up into the driver’s seat of a truck.

June and Jude Dsouza, from Baldwin. with their twins Jesse and Jayda, 2, had a blast walking around the Touch-aTruck event.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The Piscione family from Wantagh also enjoyed checking out a larger-than-life replica from the Pixar movie, ‘Cars.’

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The Joy of Living

Let us take a moment to remember that joy itself is a primary purpose of living.

“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”

— George Bernard Shaw

“Well, your greatest joy definitely comes from doing something for another, especially when it was done with no thought of something in return.”

— John Wooden

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”

— Leo Buscaglia

“A sense of humor...is needed armor. Joy in

D’Esposito may face ethics probe over hirings

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

U.S. Representative Anthony D’Esposito may have violated ethics rules in Congress, designed to combat nepotism and corruption, according to a story published by the New York Times on Sept. 23.

Shortly after taking the oath of office in 2023, D’Esposito hired his longtime fiancé’s daughter to work as a special assistant in his district office, where she earned $3,800 a month, according to payroll records. In April, D’Esposito hired an alleged mistress, Devin Faas, who earned $2,000 a month for a part-time job in the same district office. Payments to both women stopped in July 2023, the Times reported.

D’Esposito has not been accused of wrongdoing, but the employment of both women, which resulted in a payment of about $29,000 in taxpayer funds, could lead to disciplinary actions in the House of Representatives, according to the Times.

one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.”

—Hugh Sidey

“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.”

— Kahlil Gibran

“The three factors that seem to have the greatest influence on increasing our happiness are our ability to reframe our situation more positively, our ability to experience gratitude, and our choice to be kind and generous.”

—

Dalai Lama

“Things won are done, joy’s soul lies in the doing”

—

William Shakespeare

“As selfishness and complaint pervert the mind, so love with its joy clears and sharpens the vision.”

— Helen Keller

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Merrick

Tim Baker/Herald

U.S. Representative Anthony D’Esposito may have violated ethics rules in the House of Representatives, according to a report by the New York Times.

The allegations against D’Esposito come about 6-weeks ahead of Election Day. D’Esposito is being challenged by Democrat Laura Gillen, who he defeated two years ago. Early voting starts on Oct. 26. Election Day is Nov. 5.

“These are very serious allegations that demand further investigation and it’s clear that Anthony D’Esposito has abused his power in every position of trust he’s ever held,” Gillen said in a statement released by her press team on Tuesday. “As Hempstead Town Supervisor, I fought against corruption, nepotism and waste to help all Nassau County families, and I’ll bring that same common sense, ethical leadership to Congress. Together we can clean up the deep-seated corruption that clearly surrounds Anthony D’Esposito and restore transparency and accountability to New York’s Fourth Congressional District.”

According to the House’s Code of Official Conduct, “a member, delegate or resident commissioner may not

retain the relative of such individual in a paid position, and an employee of the House may not accept compensation for work for a committee on which the relative of such employees serves as a member. The House defines “relative” as someone related to the member, delegate or resident commissioner, including a parent, child, sibling, parent’s sibling, first cousin, sibling’s child, spouse, parent-in-law, child-in-law, sibling-in-law, stepparent, stepchild, stepsibling, halfsibling, or grandchild.

According to the Times, Matt Capp, a spokesperson for D’Esposito, did not deny that the congressman had a relationship with Faas, but declined to comment on the employment of either women.

In a statement shared with News12, D’Esposito said “My personal life has never interfered with my ability to deliver results for New York’s fourth district, and I have upheld the highest ethical standards of personal conduct.

“Voters deserve better than the Times’ gutter politics,” he added.

file

Thomas L. Kearns

Democrats allege misuse of taxpayer dollars

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Democratic leaders in the Nassau County legislature have filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging that the Sept. 18 campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Nassau County amounted to an illegal, unreported campaign contribution from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, using taxpayer money.

Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the minority caucus’s leader, was joined by Legislator Debra Mulé and Legislator Seth Koslow, both Democrats, at a news conference on Sept. 19. The complaint sent says that taxpayer-funded resources, totaling over $1 million, were put towards supporting the partisan political event.

“It has come to our attention, and it has been verified, that over a million dollars in overtime was spent yesterday,”

DeRiggi-Whitton said. “This is hard earned taxpayer money from Nassau County families. This includes items for things like hundreds of police that attended the rally, as well as other municipal employees, ranging from the Department of Public Works to the Parks Department.”

DeRiggi-Whitton said the democratic caucus fully supported the idea of keeping the former president safe. “That is absolutely not in question,” she said.

“(But) this is taking money away from other services we really could use.”

At a security briefing ahead of Wednesday’s rally, Blakeman told reporters that the county budgets for large events — such as the rally — to mitigate the potential financial stress it could place on county resources, like police.

“It’s part of our job,” he said. “We don’t discourage big events in Nassau

County — we want to encourage them.”

The Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, where the rally was held, was leased for the day by the Trump campaign. Rallygoers began gathering at 8 a.m. on Wednesday for what would turn into a 12-hourlong event, by the time the former president finished speaking. DeRiggi-Whitton also said the campaign should also be reimbursing the county for the cost of its

resources, and told reporters that the Nassau County GOP used the event as a fundraising and voter registration event.

According to a story published in the New York Times, which DeRiggi-Whitton referenced, Joseph Cairo, the GOP chairman in Nassau County, organized a highdollar fundraiser “on the sidelines” of the rally.

“It’s clear that this was not just a rally,” Koslow said. “This was a political exercise to try and get more money. If they’re bringing all of this money in, why shouldn’t they reimburse the county and the taxpayers, who are not all Republicans — obviously. Why should undecided voters, independent voters, Democratic voters or Republican voters, foot the bill for this rally. That is our concern.”

When asked about the allegations, Blakeman, in a written statement sent to the Herald, said “Nassau County provides security and safety to all public figures and public events regardless of party affiliation. I guess Democrat leaders really do want Trump killed, but it ain’t happening in Nassau County.”

DeRiggi-Whitton said Blakeman’s remarks were “very concerning.”

“I’ve been an elected official for 18 years,” she said. “We didn’t agree to this expense, and that’s why we’re here today, to state that we think we should be reimbursed. But to get so personal — with such horrible suggestions or thoughts — I’m shocked by it and I’m offended by it.”

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Legislator Seth Koslow, with Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, left, and Legislator Debra Mulé, right, said the Democratic caucus filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging the misuse of taxpayer money to fund the Sept. 18 Trump rally at the Nassau Coliseum.

JOEY DIESSO

Massapequa Senior Football

A YEAR AFTER THROWING for 20 touchdowns and helping lead Massapequa to a perfect 12-0 season, Nassau Conference I and Long Island Class I titles, Diesso passed for a pair of scores in each of the first two games this fall. On Sept. 13, he had a near-perfect performance in a 38-13 victory over Freeport. He completed all but one of his 11 pass attempts for 135 yards as the Chiefs got into the win column for the first time in 2024.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Sept. 26

Boys Soccer: Hewlett at Lawrence 4:30 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Baldwin at V.S. Central 4:45 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Clarke at V.S. North 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 27

Boys Soccer: Wantagh at Clarke 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Wantagh at Plainedge 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Seaford at North Shore 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Farmingdale at Baldwin 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Malverne/East Rock at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Oceanside 6 p.m.

Football: Garden City at Hewlett 6 p.m.

Football: Seaford at Plainedge 6:30 p.m.

Football: Hicksville at Freeport 6:30 p.m.

Girls Volleyball: Freeport at Baldwin 6:30 p.m.

Football: South Side at V.S. North 7 p.m.

Football: North Shore at Malverne 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 28

Football: Calhoun at Mepham 11 a.m.

Football: Carey at Sewanhaka 3 p.m.

Football: Farmingdale at Massapequa 3 p.m.

Football: Hempstead at Oceanside 3 p.m.

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

Nominate a “Spotlight

Athlete”

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

HERALD SPORTS

Kennedy gritty in tight matches

By GARRETT D. URIBE sports@liherald.como

If a few more bounces had gone its way in this season’s early going, the Kennedy girls’ soccer team might well be sitting unbeaten through its first five games.

An even likelier scenario, though, would have seen the Cougars compiling four losses after winning at league foe Division in the opener. But for a gutsy second-half stand against rival Baldwin Sept. 13, this would have been the case for Kennedy (1-3-1 in Conference AAA/AA3).

Coming off a 3-2 loss at Carey in its second game Sept. 11, Kennedy – sporting just four returning starters from last year’s breakout 7-4-4 squad – sensed an early slide rearing its head as Baldwin held a 2-0 lead late. Junior Kristin Lichtenstein’s tally with 10 minutes left pared the Bruins’ lead to a goal as Kennedy’s defense, backed by first-year sophomore goalie Samantha Lapidus, kept Baldwin at bay.

With 52 seconds remaining, All-County center back Abigayle Finkelstein broke downfield on a feed from Cougars midfielder Lindsay Nashtatik and finished at the net with her second goal of the season, securing the tie, 2-2, for host Kennedy.

The Cougars’ staunch effort was no surprise to sixth-year coach Christine DeFillipo, whose club would see three of its first four games (all but the tie against Baldwin) decided by a single goal.

“We’ve talked in practice about how we really should have only one loss in those four games,” said DeFillipo, pointing to Kennedy’s two-goal

comeback to even the score against Carey, only to see the first-place Seahawks retort with 27 seconds left to ice the contest.

“Losing like that is hard,” DeFillipo said. “To then come back again, like we did the next game against Baldwin, and not let it get away, shows they wouldn’t let a loss define them. They went back to the drawing board, maintaining a strong mindset and a lot of positivity.”

Kennedy, thus far, has hardly had occasion to feel much negativity toward its defense, in particular. Led by Finkelstein and fellow senior Jolie Yablon, a fourth-year varsity outside back, Cougars defenders have conceded 10 goals in five games, ranking fourth in the conference in goals allowed average.

“[Defensive success] starts with Abby and Jolie, our senior veterans in the back” DeFillipo said. “They’re vocal but they always stay positive, and the girls will listen to them.”

All-Conference forward Hailie Siegler shares the team goal lead with Finkelstein (2), her first of the season the difference-maker for Kennedy against Division, while Nashtatik and forward Alanna Schechtman have a pair of assists apiece.

With Kennedy breaking in first-year starters in both the backfield and on its attack, DeFillipo stressed senior midfielders Elizabeth Kamelhar and Ellie Gelman have been linchpins in terms of operation. “They’re both huge for us,” DeFillipo said. “Everything goes through the middle and they’ve controlled that for us. Hugely important.”

“Last year we had 12

seniors, this year we have four,” added DeFillipo, whose club meets Division and Roslyn this week before its rematch with Carey Sept. 30 .

“But it’s hard to compare. We’re younger, but I think these girls are showing they can’t be overlooked. The way they’ve fought has shown that.

Derrick Dingle/Herald

Junior Kristin Lichtenstein, left, began the comeback against Baldwin Sept. 13, getting the Cougars on the board in an eventual 2-2 stalemate.

A somber day of community support

Long Island Crisis Center holds annual suicide awareness walk on Long Beach boardwalk

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

The Long Island Crisis Center held its annual suicide prevention walk on the Long Beach Boardwalk Sunday on Sep. 22, drawing out community members from all across the island. This year’s walk marked its 16th year of awareness.

It was probably our highest attended walk event we’ve ever had

TAwNI ENgEl Associate executive director, LICC

The event, which is known as “Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk ... Stepping Together to Prevent Suicide,” unites those impacted by suicide, and raises money so the crisis center can continue doing what it does best: remain a 24/7 center, that is there to help Long Islanders in times of need.

The Long Island Crisis Center is located in Bellmore, but Long Beach’s boardwalk has been the site of the walk for years. The event brings together countless families and individuals who have either been personally affected by suicide, or wish to see a world without it.

Each year, the center chooses a “person of the year” to honor at the walk for their commitment and effort. This year, it wasn’t just a person, but an entire foundation.

“We honored the Michael Diamond Foundation,” Associate Executive Director Tawni Engel said. “They gave out flowers and it was just such a beautiful thing to see everybody walking with the flowers.”

Michael Diamond, a long-time Long Beach resident, died in 2018. In honor of him, the Michael Diamond Foundation was formed, uniting the entire community, in his name. Since its inception, the foundation holds an annual golf outing and dinner fundraiser, and has raised well over $100,000.

The foundation supports numerous causes, but centers the majority of its support for suicide prevention, veterans, and scholarships for students and athletes in need. Money raised has gone to groups such as the Long Island Crisis Center, VFW Post 1384, the Long Beach Soup Kitchen, the Long Beach Christmas Angels, Toys for Tots, and helps pay for school costs of two students each year.

The foundation also presented the crisis center with a $7,500 donation before the walk.

“The day as a whole was amazing, it really was,” Engel said. “It was probably our highest attended walk event we’ve ever had in the 16 years.”

About 600 people walked, which Engel said was unprecedented. A lot of the people who came out, registered the day off. Only about 200 people there were pre registered, which shows how many people felt the need to walk and register that day.

The crisis center was founded in 1971, and offers a multitude of services to the many Long Island communities.

It operates several hotlines, including its generic crisis number, (516) 679-1111 and is the 988 for the Long Island region — which is the national suicide hotline number.

The crisis center also helps members of the LGBTQ community, through its subsidiary agency, PFY, which formerly stood for Pride For Youth. PFY, founded in 1993, is now known simply by its acronym.

As of press time, the crisis center has raised just under $80,000 from this

year’s fundraiser alone. People can still donate on the center’s website until Oct. 1. To donate or register for the walk, visit Wizathon.com/licc-walk. For more information on the crisis center, visit LongIslandCrisisCenter.org.

Skye Margies/Herald photos

The Long Beach boardwalk was packed with community members from across the island for the Long Island Crisis Center’s annual suicide awareness walk.

The Michael Diamond Foundation was selected as this year’s honoree. Board President Tom Niland, LICC Executive Director Theresa Buhse, Michael Costelloe, Board President Lisa Veglia, and Walter Fowler presented a donation to the LICC.

People gathered to show their support for the crisis center, its mission, and all those around them who have been impacted by suicide.

Christine Callahan, left, was one of the many in attendance to buy a T-shirt in support of the crisis center.

Steve Aoki fans ‘get caked’ at Eisenhower Park

Nassau County welcomed worldrenowned DJ Steve Aoki last weekend at its Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park — drawing a crowd of over 30,000 fans who came out for an energetic show that closed out the county’s summer concert series.

Aoki is a well-known music producer and entrepreneur — famous for his high-energy performances and crowd interaction. He’s known for throwing cakes into the audience, crowd-surfing on inflatable rafts, and delivering electric dance music sets. Aoki has released numerous studio albums, including “Neon Future” and “Kolony,” collaborating with artists from different genres. His style of music makes him a versatile figure in the EDM scene.

In addition to his music career, Aoki runs his own record label, Dim Mak,

which has launched the careers of several major artists. He’s also involved in philanthropic efforts, notably through the Aoki Foundation, which supports brain research and other charitable causes. Aoki’s concerts are usually packed with high-octane visuals, lights, and sounds that create a festival-like atmosphere.

“30,000 people came out last last night for Steve Aoki at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater in Eisenhower Park,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman wrote on his Facebook page.

“Thank you to our sponsor NYU Langone Health. And thank you to our law enforcement and first responders for keeping everyone who attended safe during the concert.”

–Jordan Vallone

Justine Stefanelli/Herald photos

Over 30,000 fans packed into the fields around the theatre to watch the free show, sponsored by NYU Langone Health.

Hunter Auyeung and Manny Auyeung waited for an opportunity to possibly be ‘caked’ by Aoki.

Aoki is known for throwing cakes into the crowd at his shows, and eager fans lined up to be hit by an epic shot.

Legendary DJ, music producer and entrepreneur Steve Aoki took to the stage in Eisenhower Park last week — entertaining a packed house at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.

Merrick’s Penny Schneider releases her first book

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Merrick resident, Penny Schneider, is a high school art teacher at Massapequa High School by day, and an author by night.

“Since I’m little, I’ve always wanted to be a cartoonist and I only got into story telling when my daughter was little,” Schneider said. “I wanted to be Walt Disney in girl form.”

Schneider’s first children’s graphic novel, “Arty” was released on Sept. 10 and is available for purchase at Barnes & Noble, Amazon and Escape Pod Comics, a store in Huntington.

Her book follows the story of a purple beta fish named Arty, who is not your typical fighting beta fish. Arty knows who he’s supposed to be, but always felt different. Arty wishes for a friend, and along comes a silly sea slug that flips his world upside down, according to Schneider. She got into writing after joining the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators and began taking

writing classes 17 years ago.

“Arty is named after my dad, my dad was a teacher, a ninth degree black belt, and helped train police,”

Schneider said of her book’s titular character. “He was tough on the outside with a heart of gold on the inside. Arty has my dad’s green eyes.”

I want kids to know that whether you think you’re supposed to be mean, tough or whatever, no matter why you think that, it’s nice to be nice.

PENNy SchNEIdER Author

Schneider said that she always tries to make people smile, laugh and make them happy. Her book emulates those feelings and is full of comedy, along with a whole bloopers chapter at the end.

“I want kids to know that whether you think you’re supposed to be mean, tough or whatever, no matter why you think that, it’s nice to be nice,” Schneider said. “Whatever you feel like on the inside, that’s OK. The bloopers show that it’s OK to make mistakes.”

Schneider will be doing a meet -an-greet book signing at Barnes & Noble in West Hartford, Connecticut on Nov. 2, and one at the Barnes & Noble in Massapequa on Nov. 3.

Schneider will do a public read of

“Arty” on Oct. 17 at Massapequa High School for the Best Buddies club. Best Buddies is a club where special education students are paired with regular education students and they do activities with them. The club asked Schneider to do a special reading of “Arty” for the members.

She is currently working on the inking process for “Arty 2” and can’t wait to continue his story. “My publisher (is) Monarch Educational Services and she wants a series, so there will hopefully be more Arty,” Schneider said.

Photos courtesy Penny Schneider Merrick resident, Penny Schneider, just released her first book, ‘Arty.’ It was released on Sept. 10.

PENNy SchNEIdER

Merrick superintendent set to retire in June

After a decades long career in education, Dominick Palma is retiring as Merrick’s superintendent of schools as of June 30, 2025.

Palma’s educational path included positions such as a teaching assistant, school psychologist, preschool coordinator, director of special education and assistant superintendent for curriculum and student services.

For the last 13 years, he has led the Merrick Union Free School District.

“In Merrick, I have worked with an incredibly dedicated and talented team of administrators, faculty and support personnel to provide a wellrounded education to our students,” Palma said.

Highlights of Palma’s tenure include placing an emphasis on dignity and belonging.

“Teaching of social and digital skills while building a strong foundation of digital citizenship helped us to reinforce these initiatives,” he added.

Palma has also focused his advocacy within the district, as well as at the county and state level, on mental health and wellness, social and emo-

tional learning, school safety, special education, and instructional technology.

To add value to school programs with minimal impact on Merrick taxpayers, the district introduced a UPK program three years ago.

“We are also beginning to provide in-district special education services,” he said.

Palma served as the president of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents for the 2021-22 school year. He continues to serve as an integral member of the organization’s executive board, chairs the NCCSS Mental Health and Substance Abuse Committee and serves as a member of the organization’s safety and legislative committees.

The board officially approved Palma’s resignation during their Sept. 10 board meeting. In the coming months, the board will begin the process of hiring a search firm to aid them in conducting a thorough search for a replacement. This process will include contributions and input from all stakeholders.

Courtesy Merrick Union Free School District

The Merrick Union Free School District’s Superintendent Dominick Palma will retire at the end of the 2024-25 school year. He’s led the district for 13 years.

Holiday GreetinG

Rosh Hashanah, a time for gratitude

as we approach Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, we stand at the threshold of a time filled with reflection, renewal, and hope. This sacred season invites us to look back on the year that has passed, to consider our actions and to seek forgiveness from those we may have wronged. It is a time to evaluate our relationships—with ourselves, our loved ones, and the world around us.

Rosh Hashanah is not just a commemoration of the past; it is the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance, a period that culminates in Yom Kippur. This is a unique opportunity for spiritual introspection and personal growth. We are called to embrace the practice of teshuvah, or repentance, which encourages us to turn back to our best selves. In this process, we acknowledge our shortcomings and commit to making amends, fostering healing in our relationships and within our communities.

wisdom and compassion.

Rosh Hashanah is also a time to express gratitude. We reflect on the blessings in our lives — the gift of family, friendships, and the opportunities we have to make a difference. As we dip apples in honey, we symbolize our hope for a sweet new year, filled with joy, health, and prosperity. May this simple act remind us of the sweetness we can bring to the lives of others through kindness and generosity.

As we enter this new year, let us also remember those in need within our commu nities. Acts of charity, com passion, and support for one another are fundamental to our tradition. Together, we can create a more just and loving world, embodying the values of our faith.

Central to our Rosh Hashanah observance is the sound of the shofar, the ram’s horn, which calls us to awaken our spirits. Its blasts resonate with a profound message: we are being summoned to reflect deeply on our lives and the impact we have on those around us. The shofar serves as a reminder that change is possible; we can learn from our past and aspire to become better individuals. As the shofar’s echoes fill the air, may they inspire us to embrace new beginnings and challenge ourselves to grow in

In this spirit, I wish you and your loved ones a year filled with peace, health, happiness, joy and fulfill ment. May you find strength in commu nity, joy in your endeavors, the courage to pursue your aspirations, the strength to overcome obstacles, the wisdom to recognize and seize opportunities for growth and inspiration in the journey ahead. Let us step into this new year with open hearts and a commitment to growth, as we work together to build a brighter future for all.

Shanah Tovah U’metukah — may it be a good and sweet year! May we all be inscribed for blessing in the Book of Life.

Rabbi Mickey Baum is the rabbi and director of education at Temple Beth Am.

Rabbi Mickey bauM

Trump is welcomed to L.I. by a sea of red

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ & KELSIE RADZISKI of the Herald

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, vowed to the crowd at his rally on Sept. 18 at the Nassau Coliseum that he would win the vote in the state of New York in November’s election.

“It hasn’t been done in a long time,” Trump, referring to a decades-long losing streak of Republican presidential candidates in the state, “but we are going to win New York.”

Trump spoke for nearly 90 minutes at his first rally on Long Island since 2017, cheered by a sea of supporters wearing Make America Great Again hats and T-shirts and waving MAGA flags, thousands of them gathered outside the packed arena, watching on television monitors.

He denounced his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, and her policies, which he said would make New York “a Third World nation” if she were to win.

Trump highlighted Long Island issues and events, paying tribute to New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller, of Massapequa, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Queens in March. The former president noted the 2016 slaying of Long Island teenagers Nisa Mickens and Kayla Cuevas, and the influx of MS-13 gang members.

“Our country’s going down,” he said. “If you look at what’s happening with the Venezuelans taking over … They’ve taken over your buildings and your land. You got to do something about it.

“That wouldn’t happen with Bruce Blakeman, I can tell you that right now,” Trump added, referring to the Republican Nassau county executive, which sparked chats of “Bruce!” from the

crowd.

This was Trump’s first rally since a second assassination attempt was reported at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15. He credited the U.S. Secret Service for stopping the attempt.

He vowed to rebuild the subways, highways and bridges in New York and across the country. He promised to reinstate the income tax deduction for state and local taxes, which his administration backed legislation to cap during his presidency. He also announced that he would make the World Trade Center site, in Lower Manhattan, a national monument maintained by the federal government — a pronouncement that was met with an enthusiastic ovation.

“That hallowed ground and the memory of those who perished there will be preserved for all time,” he said, just a week after the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Trump also addressed global affairs. “I will settle the war in Ukraine,” he said. “I got along very well with Putin,” he said, referring to Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, “and I will end the chaos in the Middle East. A vote for Kamala Harris is a vote to obliterate Israel.”

Hours before the rally, County Legislator Carrié Solages, a Democrat, condemned statements made by Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, about Haitian migrants eating residents’ pets in Springfield, Ohio, at a counterprotest with Haitians from Long Island outside the Coliseum entrance.

County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs held a protest with elected officials hours before Solages’.

Before Trump took to the stage, others expressed their support for his campaign, including Republican U.S. Representatives Anthony D’Esposito and Nick LaLota, who represent the 4th and 2nd

congressional districts, respectively. The pair are being challenged by former Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen and John Avalon in closely watched contests in November that could determine the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

In an impassioned speech, D’Esposito denounced Harris, described the Democratic Party as “dangerous” and emphasized that he “stand(s) for what Donald Trump believes in.”

“I stand for a secure border, I stand for backing law enforcement, I stand for growing our economy, I stand for putting America first,” D’Esposito said.

The Republican nominee in the 3rd Congressional District, Mike LiPetri, who hopes to flip Rep. Tom Suozzi’s seat, said he was proud to endorse Trump and his goals for his presidency.

“This is our time to restore common sense, to create safe, secure and affordable communities …,” LiPetri said, “making sure we have secure borders, a safe America, making sure we have peace across the world, making sure we’re standing with the Jewish community, and making sure we stand with Israel.”

Blakeman spoke of his priority to keep the county safe, after Nassau was recently named the safest county in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

“Nassau County protects the integrity and safety of women’s sports, and Nassau County unmasked the criminals, antisemites and hate mongers,” he said.

Blakeman called for Trump’s election in November so the country could “get back to common sense.”

“Let’s save our country, and let it start right here,” he said. “Let it start on Long Island, and go throughout the whole state of New York and the state of New Jersey and roll across America.”

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Former President Donald Trump held a rally at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale on Sept. 18, and vowed to win the state of New York in the November election.

Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani was among those who enthusiastically supported the former president.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman spoke about his priority to keep the county safe.

Rally reflects Nassau’s deep political divide

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

The Nassau Coliseum parking lot was filled with vehicles displaying flags, banners and homemade posters before former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally last week. Attendees, eager to show their allegiance, dressed in MAGA hats, shirts and red, white and blue outfits, while chants of “Trump, Trump, Trump!” erupted sporadically.

For his supporters, Trump remains the best candidate to fix the nation’s economic problems and take a stand against traditional politicians. Tommy Mundy, a Trump impersonator from Long Beach, praised the former president’s record.

“He’s a great man,” Mundy said. “He’s been right on everything all along.”

Mundy also dismissed concerns about Trump’s divisive stance on social issues, including abortion.

“Politicians are wicked and evil, and he’s not a politician,” Mundy said. “I’m not too concerned about the abortion issue — let God take care of that. We’re going to do great things, and the economy’s going to get turned around.”

Edward Sass, of North Babylon, also voiced his dissatisfaction with career politicians, a common theme among the attendees. Sass said he sees Trump as a non-politician who speaks plainly and delivers results.

“You get a lot of these politicians saying, ‘We’re going to do this; we’re going to do that.’ They should have done it already,” Sass said. “Three and a half

years, and they haven’t done anything.”

Sass criticized what he described as Vice President Kamala Harris’s vague promises, as well as the growing population on Long Island.

“We’re Long Island, we’re an island, we’ve got too many people in a boat,” he said, suggesting that the region’s infra-

structure is being overwhelmed by unchecked development and population growth.

Outside the Coliseum, anti-Trump protests reflected the sharp divisions among voters. Protesters gathered just beyond the gates, holding signs and chanting, “We’re not going back,” sum-

ming up their opposition to the former president.

Ann Leahy, from Wantagh, was among them. “He’s a crook, and he’s a liar, and he’s a rapist,” she said of Trump. “He’s cruel and he’s just a horrible person. He should never get near the White House again.”

Leahy expressed disbelief at the continuing support for Trump. “He was there for four years, and he was a horror then,” she said. “He has no policies. He just repeats the same stuff over and over again, and people are falling for it. I don’t understand why people would even dream about voting for this lunatic.”

Another one of the protesters was Magalie Theodore, a Haitian immigrant from Elmont, who expressed deep frustration with Trump’s disproven claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing and eating residents’ pets.

“We are mad at Trump for the lies he has made about us,” Theodore said. “We don’t eat pets. We protect pets. As a citizen from Haiti, our country is a protector. We are the first Black republic. We don’t support bullies, and that’s what he’s been doing to immigrants.”

Theodore also criticized Trump’s approach to campaigning, accusing him of attacking ethnic groups to distract from his legal troubles. She also expressed disappointment in local leaders like Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for supporting Trump.

“I thought he was going to look out for all people, but apparently, he’s not,” Theodore said of Blakeman. “He’s supporting the biggest bully in America.”

Roksana Amid/Herald photos

Magalie Theodore and Magda Guillaune defiantly made clear their oppostion to former President Trump at last week’s rally. “We don’t support bullies,” Theodore said.

Edward Sass, of North Babylon, was eager to show his support for Donald Trump.

Are you driving yourself crazy? PERSON TO PERSON

Have you ever felt that you were on the verge of a nervous breakdown? If so, it’s time to examine how you think and feel. You probably view the cause of your problems as other people — the way they aggravate you, expect too much of you, and are constantly critical of you. And I’m sure you have a point.

But it’s not only them. It’s about you and how you interpret and respond to their actions, as well as how your own pressures and expectations contribute to your tension and anxiety.

Here are some ways you probably make life more difficult for yourself.

You’re sensitive and vulnerable, quickly feeling hurt or angry by others’ thoughtless remarks or actions. You have trouble letting go of the hurt. You feel justified in keeping a grudge. After all, it wasn’t nice for that person to do that to you. Though you perceive yourself as the victim, it feels wild when others claim that you’re the problem for making too big a deal out of something.

You have a strong need to control and do things “right.” I know it’s not easy to admit this, especially if you’re a perfectionist. All you want is for things to be done “the way they should be done.” Life should be easier, but it gets hard when others keep insisting on doing things their way. Constant arguing about how and when to take care of tasks saps your energy and turns potentially joyful times into heavy ones.

psychWisdom

You’re overly concerned with safety. Others think of you as too nervous, and suggest you need to relax. Your kids think you’re nuts. Chill out, they say. Ha! Easier said than done. You’re not a risk-taker. Your great capacity to feel for others and your lively imagination do you in when you live life as though every unknown is a potential tragedy, every problem a potential catastrophe.

You’re a responsible can-do person. You have valuable skills. People respect you and admire you for all you can do. Sometimes, however, it just feels like too much. Others are not pulling their weight. Hence, you resent all the obligations on your shoulders. Yet, you find it difficult to delegate or eliminate responsibilities. After all, “things must be taken care of.” “If you want something done right, you need to do it yourself.”

You’re too self-critical. You can’t seem to turn off that inner voice that keeps telling you--do more, do better, do it faster. Though you may be complimentary to others, those closest to you get the same critical treatment you give yourself. You like to think of your comments as “helpful criticism,” but if you’re honest with yourself, you’re aware that there’s a good deal of stress and turmoil in

your closest relationships.

If you’re relating to this article and feel like you could be headed toward a nervous breakdown, stop before you drop! Feeling overly stressed is a warning. It’s like a circuit breaker going off because it’s overloaded. You need to ease up on yourself. Eliminate some pressures. Today, right now, say out loud, “Relax and let go! Breathe.” Now take four deep breaths, inhaling slowly, exhaling slowing. Feel yourself relaxing. Say something nice to yourself. Smile. And remember, it’s okay to seek professional help to help you accomplish your goals.

©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.

Linda Sapadin

Island Harvest plays big role in food relief

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Randi Shubin Dresner, the president and chief executive officer of Island Harvest Food Bank, joined Nassau County officials earlier this month to promote Hunger Action Month — and suggested ways that residents can give back to those facing food insecurity.

Island Harvest is a leading hungerrelief organization, with a stout mission to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island while handling emergency responses for food and other resources across the region.

The organization directly supports a wide network of community-based nonprofit organizations, as well as individuals, veterans’ families and seniors who are in need of support.

“We are a very prosperous county,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said at a Sept. 10 news conference in Mineola, “but we have people in this county who are struggling. We are a county that takes care of those who need a little extra help.”

The county has run programs and held food drives in the past, featuring Long Island stars like Madison Beer, a singer and songwriter from Jericho. The county has also held drives catered around specific holidays, like Thanksgiving, to help those struggling to sit down

Vallone/Herald

Working closely to help neighbors in need are, second from right, Randi Shubin Dresner, Island Harvest Food Bank president and chief executive officer; Legislator Samantha Goetz; Anissa Moore, the deputy county executive; Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman; and County Comptroller Elaine Phillips.

In addition to Blakeman, county officials who attended the news conference included Elaine Phillips, the county comptroller and a longtime supporter of Island Harvest, Legislator Samantha Goetz, and Anissa Moore, the deputy county executive.

Blakeman declared Sept. 10 “Hunger Action Day” in Nassau County, and provided Shubin Dresner with a citation for the occasion. September is considered Hunger Action Month, and the dome of

the Theodore Roosevelt Executive Legislative Building was lit up in orange to signify the county’s commitment to combating food insecurity.

“Island Harvest is grateful for your partnership,” Shubin Dresner told Blakeman at the news conference. “We have received incredible amounts of funding that has ensured that we can provide important food and services to our neighbors all across Nassau County.”

sau County has some of the wealthiest residents living within its zip codes in the country, Island Harvest helps more than 100,000 neighbors in need. This year, the food bank expects to distribute 10 millions pounds of food in Nassau County alone, as well as foods to its service partners.

“Who are our neighbors in need?” Shubin Dresner said. “Many of the people who are getting food from Island Harvest are working — working sometimes one and two and sometimes three jobs, just to make ends meet.

“Parents who are choosing to eliminate meals for themselves, so that their children can eat three meals a day, and sadly senior citizens who are having to choose between taking medicines or not, so they can save up those medicines and redress some of their funds to buy food for themselves,” she added.

Nassau County residents can help Island Harvest through its food donor program, which helps form partnerships with retailers to cut back on commercial food waste, by donating food and funds at drives and online, and by volunteering with the organization.

Shubin Dresner said even though Nas-

“We’re on the side of action,” Shubin Dresner said. “We are providing support, and importantly, we’re providing 10 million pounds of food so we can be sure that our neighbors don’t have to worry about where their next meal comes from.”

Jordan

17 MERRICK HERALD — September 26, 2024

Mets’ Alvarez gives kids tips to remember

By ANTHONY DiCOCCO

Special to the Herald

The energy was palpable as soon as the children began their infield and hitting drills, because in just moments, they would get the chance to learn from one of baseball’s rising stars.

Despite being in the thick of an intense playoff race, New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez volunteered 90 minutes of his time to coach dozens of lucky kids, ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade, at a free baseball clinic at the Lou Anthony Sports Complex in Massapequa on Sept. 5.

“This is awesome,” Rich Lopos, president of the Nassau County Police Activity League said. “This was something (Alvarez) called us about. He said, ‘I just want to come down and hang out with the kids for a little while,’ and these kids are loving it.”

Over the course of the clinic, kids decked out in Mets apparel rotated between stations that focused on the fundamentals of baseball, such as throwing, catching popups, running and infield work, before finally getting some hitting tips from Alvarez himself during tee drills. Following the clinic and a group photo, participants had the opportunity to pose for individual pictures with Alvarez and get his autograph.

As a young pro player who’s still learning what it takes to be a major leaguer, Alvarez said that the kids on the field were also teaching him valuable lessons.

“This definitely helps me relax,” he said. “I’m happier. I can see the kids smile, I see the kids’ emotion and I can see how hard they work here. It gives me a little more energy.”

The event was part of a stacked lineup of athlete-run clinics that has been made possible through a partnership between PAL and Pioneer Sports Long Island. Over the past year, Pioneer Sports, now its 14th year, has held clinics that featured former Rangers goalie Mike Richter, Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert, Mets third baseman Brett Baty and closer Edwin Diaz, and Yankees starting pitchers Nestor Cortes and Clarke Schmidt.

Tom Falcone, a co-founder of Pioneer Sports, helps facilitate all of the clinics.

“This was really cool,” Brooklyn native Aiden Rodriguez, 11, said after the clinic run by the player he described as his idol. “I go to Mets games and meet a lot of players, and Alvarez is one of my favorite catchers in MLB. He made me want to be a catcher.”

of the key lessons Alvarez taught were to keep your eye on the ball and the ball on the barrel of your bat. And he taught the kids about the mental side of the game, as well. Throughout the clinic, he stressed the importance of putting all their mental energy into baseball and to

Aiden’s brother, Austin, 8, said some

“These kids are having a lifetime experience, and for me it’s a lifetime experience, too,” Falcone said. “Just to be able to have these guys come out here to the facility and give back to the community, we’re honored to do this.”

Anthony DiCocco is a reporter for the SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

Courtesy Anthony DiCocco

Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez gave hitting pointers to the kids who attended the free baseball clinic at the Lou Anthony Sports Complex in Massapequa.

Anthony Fauci joins Birch School in Merrick

Anthony Fauci was appointed as the new assistant principal at Birch School in Merrick, beginning with the current school year.

“As the assistant principal, I want all children to feel empowered to ask questions and develop a strong love of learning that will last for years to come,” he said of his goals for Birch. “I am committed to the continuous growth of our students through educational equity and access for all.”

Hailing from Plainedge, Fauci has been an educator for 16 years and was previously a fifth grade special education teacher in an integrated co-teaching class in the South Huntington School District.

“I am a lifelong learner,” added Fauci. “I believe in putting our kids first, creating a warm, welcoming, and safe environment, where children feel valued and respected.”

Fauci received his Bachelor of Arts from St. Joseph’s University, a master’s in special education from Dowling College and New York State administrator and supervisor certificate from Stony Brook University.

He replaces Meredith Kelly, who was assigned to Birch School for the 2023-24 school year.

–Jordan Vallone

Courtesy Merrick Union Free School District

Anthony Fauci was named the new assistant principal at Birch School in Merrick.

STEPPING OUT

From the ‘burbs to the

big stage

Rockville Centre native explores roots in new musical

By Iris Wiener

Shaun Taylor-Corbett has enjoyed a unique journey from his upbringing in Rockville Centre to working in New York theater. After becoming a household face with a stint on the hit children’s TV show “Hi-5,” he went on to star in the acclaimed Off-Broadway musical “Altar Boyz” and eventually was part of the original cast of Lin Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights.” Working on that Tony-Award winning musical showed him the importance of exploring community through musical theater; it set the stage for his most personal project to date: ”Distant Thunder,” which runs Sept. 25 through Oct. 27 at A.R.T./New York Theatres. Taylor-Corbett not only co-wrote the book and lyrics for the new Off-Broadway musical, he also co-produced and stars in the production, which he credits with helping him learn about his own background. His mother, acclaimed dancer-choreographer and director Lynne Taylor-Corbett, directed and co-wrote. At age 15, Taylor-Corbett decided he wanted to know more about his family’s background. “It was important to me to know where we came from,” he says.

His roots are Black, Scandinavian, Blackfeet Indigenous, and Irish. Realizing he wanted to know more about his Indigenous side, Taylor-Corbett’s mother proceeded to bring her son to Browning, Mont. There he met Darrell Robes Kipp, an educator and community leader responsible for saving the Blackfeet language.

“He really instilled in me the importance of language for a culture,” says Taylor-Corbett. “It was very impactful for me and it made me want to create a story about my experience being mixed race.”

“Distant Thunder”evolved into a story about a young person who returns to his roots after many years of being away. It goes on to explore the various ways in which he experiences community.

Taylor-Corbett’s first memory as a performer was recording himself singing to Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl.” He moved to Rockville Centre when he was 8-years-old, where he attended South Side Middle School and South Side High School. It was at South Side Middle School that he took on one of his first theatrical roles: Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof.” Looking back he appreciates having had a unique childhood growing up with his father [Columbia Records music executive Michael Corbett] and his mother.

Much of ‘Distant Thunder’ was inspired by Taylor-Corbett’s experience growing up mixed race. “I didn’t quite know where I fit in, so I was open and friendly with everybody,” he says. “There were some instances where I felt like an outsider and got made fun of, but I think what I got from being mixed and hanging out with people from different cultural identities is that I fell in love with learning about cultures.”

Taylor-Corbett travels frequently and studies international relations.“As one aspect of my identity — being Indigenous — got stronger, I realized I could take all of what I learned and try to do something in the U.S. I wanted to help the people that gave me so much.”

Taylor-Corbett still spends time in Rockville Centre with his mother in his childhood home. One of his favorite aspects of working on “Distant Thunder” has been collaborating with mom.

“I value having time with her and going through this adventure,” he says. “We’ve grown so much together as friends because of this. There’s a deeper meaning, and drive we have together because I was a kid when we started [this journey]. We don’t have that much time with our parents, so holding onto every moment doing this with her is a joy.”

He also appreciates the wealth of experience that Lynne brings to the project; the multi-talented ‘Broadway legend’ is known for her choreography of Broadway’s “Swing!” and the film “Footloose,” as well her direction and writing for “Cougar the Musical,” among other projects.

“I’m learning so much from her,” he says. “She passed on that legacy to me. I see myself growing in confidence because of her.”

Taylor-Corbett is proud that “Distant Thunder” honors the Blackfeet community that he holds close to his heart. He had never seen an Indigenous Broadway or Off-Broadway musical, and imagined how incredible it would be to have a large cast representing the Blackfeet and Indigenous communities performing an Indigenous story through powwow and pop music. Adding it to the American theater canon would break through barriers.

“We wanted to have the show be a portal into another world, into the magic that is Indian country,” he says, as he looks forward to opening night on Oct. 3. “I want people to leave the show uplifted and joyful about the future. I’m hoping that everyone feels represented, that people feel proud of what we’ve done, and that it inspires people who might be on a similar journey as they write their own stories.”

Tickets for ‘Distant Thunder’ can be purchased online at amasmusical.org or by calling (212) 563-2565.

Jessie’s Girl

Take out that neon yet again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those crazy days are back — as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off, on the Paramount stage, The band of NYC’s top rock/pop musicians and singers gets everyone into that “Back To The Eighties” vibe with the latest edition of their popular concert experience. With a lineup including four pop-rock vocalists dressing and performing as ‘80s icons, backed by a dynamic band, this is the definitive ‘80s experience. Jessie’s Girl has mastered overthe-top renditions of the some of world’s most unforgettable songs, all while dressed up as the iconic characters of that decade. This is theater meets live music, covered in ‘80s glitz. Some would say there’s no decade like the ‘80. So throw on your best neon, use extra hair spray on that hair and head to Back To The Eighties — because it’s time to party like it’s 1989.

Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 p.m. $45, $37.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Celebrity Autobiography

The Drama Desk Award-winning “Celebrity Autobiography” returns to Tilles Center with an entirely new show. Starring Richard Kind, pictured above (fresh off his comic turn in that Hulu sensation “Only Murders in the Building”), Jackie Hoffman, Craig Bierko, Lillias White, Mario Cantone, and show creators Eugene Pack and Dayle Reyfel, an ever-changing selection of tellalls and memoirs are performed verbatim. Celebrity tell-alls are perfectly entertaining on their own, as exclusive windows into the lives of famous personalities. But this smash-hit comedic masterpiece takes it a step further — as as outrageously true memoirs are acted out live on stage by some of the funniest people around.

Saturday, Sept. 28, 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.

Photo courtesy Michael Lee Stever

The cast rehearses “Distant Thunder” ahead of previews beginning Sept. 25.

Photo courtesy Caroline Grogan Shaun Taylor-Corbett with his co-writer, director and mother, Lynne Taylor Corbett.

THE

Everclear

Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the ‘90s, led by vocalistguitarist-founder Art Alexakis, is back on the road, appearing on the Paramount stage, Sunday, oct. 6, 7 p.m. The band is joined by special guests Marcy Playground and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack. The setlist for this tour includes all the hits from throughout Everclear’s extraordinary three decades-long catalog, spotlighting tracks off their album “Songs From An American Movie Vol. One,” which they’ll release on vinyl later this year for the first time via Intervention Records.

Since forming in 1992, Everclear has enjoyed a lengthy career by any measure, spanning 11 studio releases, including four that have been certified Gold or Platinum, selling over 6 million records, and achieving 12 Top 40 Hit Singles on Mainstream Rock, Alternative, and Adult Top 40 radio, including “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” “I Will Buy You A New Life,” “Wonderful” and “Everything To Everyone,” as well as numerous videos, concerts, and various other accolades, including a 1998 Grammy nomination. The band’s 1993 debut album “World Of Noise,” released on the Portland independent label Tim/Kerr Records, paired with their significant efforts to break into college radio and the buzz they’d created within the Portland music scene, attracted the attention of major labels, including Capitol Records, which signed the group soon after. Beginning with their major-label debut, 1995’s platinum-selling album “Sparkle and Fade,” and its massive chart-topping hit “Santa Monica,” Everclear was soon a household name and catapulted into the masses. Alexakis was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2019; he’s since donated $1 from every ticket purchased from his performances to charities such as Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and National MS Society. In addition their numerous concerts over the band’s lengthy career, Alexakis created and runs the annual Summerland Tour, which features a package of popular ‘90s alt rock bands. $70.50, $50.50, $050, $25.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Fascinating Fungi

Bring the kids to make some discoveries about mushrooms at Long Island Children’s Museum’s drop-in program, Sunday, Sept. 29, 1-3 p.m. Did you know that some mushrooms can glow in the dark? Learn about the 113 species of mushroom that are considered bioluminescent, due to a chemical reaction that attracts bugs to help spread mushroom spores.

Stop by to learn about these amazing fungi and make a glowing mushroom craft to bring home. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Hempstead House tour

Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Wednesday, oct. 9, noon-1 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudorstyle 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.

Chamber Board meeting

The Board of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores will meet on Wednesday, oct. 2, 6:30 p.m. A location is still to be determined. For more information, and to learn more about the chamber, visit BellmoreChamber.org.

Touch a Truck

Experience what it is like to be a firefighter at Bellmore Memorial Library, Saturday, oct. 5, at 11 a.m., during a Touch A Truck presentation. Children will learn about fire safety and explore vehicles up close. Registration required. 2288 Bedford Ave. Visit BellmoreLibrary.org for more information.

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.

Spooky Fest is back

A Halloween experience not to be missed, Spooky Fest is an outdoor adventure perfect for families, whether you want to be scared — or prefer seasonal fun of the non-scary kind. Join in the fun at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. Along the way in the updated and beautifully lit up, Enchanted Walk you will see dinosaurs, aliens and friendly witches, costumed characters and more, including the Mystical Garden. Get your fortune told, make a craft and dance with the Halloween DJ, along with face painting and the Amazing Glow tent. For those who want a scare, venture into the Haunted Woods, where zombies and dinosaurs hang out.. Admission starts at $22. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit CSTL.org for call (516) 7640045 for more information.

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.

Alzheimer’s Walk in the Park

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America hosts its annual Walk in the Park fundraiser, at Eisenhower Park, Saturday, 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. 28, 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 spans various world cultures through a range of media.

It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

On stage

Adelphi University’s Theatre Department present two one-act plays from icons of the American Little Theater movement, of the early 20th century, now through Sunday, Sept. 29. See “Suppressed Desires” by Susan Glaspell and “George Cram Cook and Seaweed” by Alice Gerstenberg, Sept. 26-27, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 28, 2 and 7:30 p.m. (livestream available); Sept. 29, 2 p.m. Gerstenberg’s Seaweed explores the future prospects and dating escapades of 20somethings in the 1920s. It’s “Sex and the City” but only four years after women received the right to vote. Suppressed Desires brings the audience into a 1914 marriage where a husband, wife, and her sister interrogate the psychological meaning of every conscious and unconscious utterance. All shows take place in Adelphi’s Performing Art Center’s Black Box Theatre. $25, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

HERALD SchoolS

Sixth-graders emerge as leaders at Saw Mill Road

Although their age is in the low double digits, sixth graders at Saw Mill Road Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District are the elders of the student body. With that age and experience comes great responsibility.

This year, Principal Jeffrey Rosof and Assistant Principal Daniel Madden start-

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

ed the year off by meeting with each sixth grade class. They engaged students in dialogue on how they can serve as role models for the rest of the school.

Each session began with an ice breaker activity. Students were split into two groups and formed two circles. The two students across from each other then

Public Notices

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTION ONE MORTGAGE

LOAN TRUST 2003-3, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2003-3, Plaintiff, vs.

KEVIN P. MURPHY A/K/A

KEVIN MURPHY, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale After Inquest and Appointment of Referee duly entered on January 31, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 16, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 1811 Bedford Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 123 and Lots 61-63 & 108. Approximate amount of judgment is $321,049.80 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #007487/2012.

George Esernio, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 180558-1 148885

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT.

NASSAU COUNTY.

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, Pltf. vs. CIRO CINIGLIO, et al, Defts. Index #607176/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Aug. 15, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme

Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on October 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 108 Kenny Ave., Merrick, NY 11566 a/k/a Section 63, Block 133, Lot 14. Approximate amount of judgment is $320,426.23 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. JANE P. SHRENKEL, Referee. BALLARD SPAHR, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 1675 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10019. #101794 149040

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR RMAC REMIC TRUST, SERIES 2009-9, Plaintiff, vs. CLAUDIO JOVELL, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 25, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1720 Montague Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 24 and Lot 120. Approximate amount of judgment is $633,799.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003996/2014. Cash will not be accepted. Jeffrey Halbreich, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 149014

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF BUDGET

HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE PROPOSED 2025 BUDGET OF THE NORTH MERRICK FIRE DISTRICT, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS, FOR ITS CONSIDERATION.

A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 15, 2024 AT 7 PM. THE MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE NORTH MERRICK FIRE DEPARTMENT

HEADQUARTERS BUILDING LOCATED AT 2095 CAMP AVENUE, NORTH MERRICK, NEW YORK 11566.PURSUANT TO TOWN LAW SECTION 181, THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS MUST HOLD A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE BUDGET, MAKE THE PROPOSED BUDGET AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING, AND ALLOW THE PUBLIC TO COMMENT IN FAVOR OF, OR AGAINST, AS IT IS SUBMITTED, OR FOR, OR AGAINST, ANY ITEM, OR ITEMS CONTAINED THEREIN. COPIES OF THE 2025 PROPOSED BUDGET, WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO ANY PERSON(S) AT NO COST, AT THE FIRE DISTRICT OFFICE, 2095 CAMP AVENUE, NORTH MERRICK, NEW YORK 11566. OFFICE HOURS, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 8 AM TO 4PM. COPIES OF THE PROPOSED BUDGET ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT www.northmerrickfd.org AND AT THE OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK, OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, ONE WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK 11550. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS DAVID WARD DISTRICT CLERK NORTH MERRICK FIRE DISTRICT

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

149152

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST

Alys Balbes; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 5, 2018 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 31, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2599 Orr Street, Merrick, NY 11566-4745. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 63 Block 135 Lot 861. Approximate amount of judgment $588,637.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 014715/2013. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Irene Villacci, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP

f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

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

Dated: September 9, 2024

For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 149156

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

spoke, answering a prompt from either Rosof or Madden. After each question, one circle would rotate so the students got to talk to different classmates. The purpose was to foster communication and emphasize the importance of listening to one another.

Gathering back in one large circle, it was time to talk about their role as the student leaders of the school. Mr. Rosof reminded them what it was like to be younger and looking up to the sixth graders then as role models. He emphasized the importance of setting a good example wherever they are, such as in class, in the hallways or on the playground. Students

were also reminded that they have a responsibility to make others feel welcome in school, and that their words can have great impact.

The goal of the sessions were to “set the stage for a great sixth grade year,” Rosof said, noting some of the special events coming up exclusively for them.

“This was a chance to let the sixth graders have some time with us, set expectations and recognize what it means to be a leader in school,” Rosof said. “I hope they hear that they’re special as our sixth graders. That comes with privilege and responsibility, and we want them to reflect on that.”

Photos courtesy North Bellmore School District

Saw Mill Road Elementary School Principal Jeffrey Rosof and Assistant Principal Daniel Madden, right, met with a sixth grade class on Sept. 17 to converse with them about being the student leaders of the school.

Sixth graders Bilal Ahmed, left, and Juan Duran chatted during an icebreaker activity.

Principal Jeffrey Rosof facilitated a conversation about how sixth graders can serve as role models for the rest of the school.

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‘We did everything right, or so we thought’

Q. We are trying to understand why we did everything right, or so we thought, and now have to start over with getting a permit and inspections so we can move on. First, we thought the whole construction process was over a year ago, but now find that we got an ultimatum, in the form of a notice that we will get a summons to appear in court if we don’t respond, and the inspector said that the plans we have are no longer good. We read your column about this and it created even more questions, like: What if we just drop it and don’t respond, and why do we have to make new plans? We did make some changes, but isn’t that normal? We wanted to get it right, and the changes were hardly noticeable to anyone else. What do you think we should do?

A.Do something, as opposed to doing nothing. If you do nothing, you may get the summons to appear in court, and after the appearance, you more likely will receive a judgment in addition to a fine, plus an order to still follow through or receive more fines and judgments. The timing of all of this is up to your building inspector and your building department as to the amount of time that will pass before any of this happens. I have clients who have done nothing for 20 years, and several who sold their property to unsuspecting buyers who still have to follow through, someday.

The fine may be affordable, but it’s still a fine. The judgment either forces you to comply or appeal. An appeal can cost as much or more in legal and court fees than just complying.

The only cases in which there were serious legal consequences that I have any experiences with both ended badly. Both involved much more serious problems, with building violations of a dangerous condition, and both ended with the building being condemned and bulldozed. Each was seriously structurally deficient and had multiple code violations. While your situation may not be like these, you should consult an attorney about your options, since resisting compliance changes from a building permit to a legal matter.

In most jurisdictions, when you make changes to the house that no longer match the plans, the building department may only ask for a letter from the design professional, as I recently mentioned in an earlier column. That would be a lie if you made so many changes or the changes were significant. I’ve often dealt with situations in which the owner and contractor made changes that moved the load-bearing walls off of the structural load path, and now the second floor is bowing. That type of change is significant, and could lead to irritating cracking that will not go away no matter how many times repairs are made.

Changes without communication are a bad idea. Your officials are trying, indirectly, to confirm safety and code compliance. Good luck!

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After

all the drama, it’s a dead heat

It seems as if barely a week goes by in the presidential campaign without one more otherwise once-in-adecade, totally unexpected event occurring.

Almost relegated to the background in all this tumult are the multitude of criminal charges brought against Donald Trump, including 34 felony convictions in one case alone, which have only increased his favorability ratings to their highest level ever.

For starters, there was the Biden-Trump CNN debate fiasco in late June, in which President Biden virtually self-destructed in real time before a nationwide audience. At times incoherent and appearing hopelessly confused, Biden had no sooner left the debate stage than Democratic Party leaders, consultants and media types displayed their own levels of incoherence in expressing their shock and dismay over how poorly Biden had performed and their fear of his impending defeat in November, especially contrasted with Trump’s relatively effective performance. Biden insisted he was going for-

ward, and conducted a media tour to rescue his terminally wounded candidacy.

While all this was taking place, Trump barely escaped death in Butler, Pennsylvania, when an attempted assassin’s bullet missed his skull by an inch, clipping his right ear and resulting in the iconic photo of his bloody defiance. Then there was the Republican Convention in Milwaukee, which, except for an overly long acceptance speech by Trump, worked to perfection. Trump’s path to victory seemed clear.

TThen, out of nowhere on a Sunday afternoon, Biden announced that he would not run for re-election. Though he had won the overwhelming majority of delegates to the impending Democratic National Convention, he couldn’t withstand the coordinated move against him from all sides of the Democratic Party, from the actor George Clooney to party leaders Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. Almost simultaneously with his withdrawal statement, Biden announced his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. Though her favorability numbers had been lower than Biden’s, she unexpectedly surged into a dead heat with Trump. This was followed by a

Bigotry

With precious weeks to go before the November election, I had hoped that we would be having a real debate about the issues that should dominate in a federal election year. I refer to such things as election integrity, a woman’s right to choose, the economy and other relevant subjects in such a crucial year. But instead, it seems that for some of the candidates, the only issue is race.

When Vice President Kamala Harris became the nominee of the Democratic Party, I understood that her mixed-race history would be a boon to some bigots who considered her selection a chance to vent against all people of color. And with every passing day, we hear about some politician openly venting about her color. The chief culprit has been former President Donald Trump, who seizes every opportunity he can to stoke the culture wars.

carefully choreographed Democratic Convention in Chicago, at which Harris appeared to make headway by repositioning herself as a moderate, not the progressive she had always been.

rump can’t just criticize current policies, and Harris can’t just say she’s not Joe Biden.

Seemingly caught off guard by Harris’s emergence, Trump made a number of unforced errors, including saying he hadn’t known until recently that Harris was black. He was clearly off his game. Polls showed Harris with a slight but growing edge. This was followed by their debate, in which Harris was acknowledged to be the victor.

Yet in another surprise development, the postdebate polls not only showed almost no real gain by Harris, but also found increased voter doubts about her on gut issues like immigration and the economy. It was now a horse race, and both sides were gearing up for the stretch run.

Then again came the unexpected: another assassination attempt against Trump, this time while he was playing the fifth hole of his Mar-a-Lago golf course. For days the media focused on this almost-tragedy. How did the Secret Service allow the would-be assassin to get so close to Trump so soon after the attempt in Butler in July? How much

did incendiary rhetoric contribute to this political violence?

This tumultuous, unprecedented 2024 campaign is now in its final six weeks, and is back where it started in earnest almost a year ago. Despite all that has happened along the way, the polls show the race is too close to call. Hopefully the candidates and voters will use the time between now and Nov. 5 to focus on the issues.

Real people are hurt by high prices for groceries. It’s difficult for young people to obtain a mortgage to buy a home. Crime is real, and repeat offenders are back on the streets. Illegal immigration is rampant, and attacks by criminal gangs are increasing.

Overseas, Israel is fighting for its survival. The Russia-Ukraine war rages unabated, while China continues to expand its military and threaten its neighbors, particularly Taiwan and the Philippines.

Trump must do more than criticize current policies, and detail what measures he would take. Harris must do more than just say that she’s not Joe Biden. And all of us must live up to the responsibilities and challenges of living in a democracy.

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

must not dominate this election

One of his first shots in the current hate debate was his questioning of Harris’s race. At one of his campaign rallies, he asked if she really was Black. Eventually, when Trump found that this diatribe wasn’t catching on with his voters, he moved on to other highly sensitive racial areas.

TKeep in mind that he has often played the race card. One of his most memorable racist comments concerned the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Despite his continuous denials, there were multiple press stories that quoted him as saying there were “very fine people, on both sides.”

Their most recent target was the Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. It’s a fact that various groups that cross the border often seek to settle in places that other immigrants have chosen as their home.

he governor of Ohio and the mayor of Springfield have denied vile claims.

In order to keep the racial flames burning, both Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, have made immigration the focal point of their campaign. There is no doubt that the border issue has legitimacy, but the TrumpVance approach is to stoke the racial fires with claims that mental patients and convicts are invading the country. Neither man has come up with any proof that these claims are legitimate.

The Haitians in Springfield are in this country as part of a program that allows immigrants to seek asylum based on violence in their countries. That program was created by President Ronald Reagan, and has been honored by all subsequent presidents, with the exception of Trump. This same program allows in residents of Ukraine and Venezuela, whose countries are experiencing great turmoil. Trump and Vance continue to spread the lie that members of Springfield’s Haitian community are stealing people’s pets and eating them. Their claims have caused massive angst in that city, where schools and municipal activities have shut down. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, the mayor of Springfield and other city officials have vehemently denied that such activities have taken place, but the Trump-Vance meanness continues unabated. There is no doubt that Spring-

field is dealing with an influx of Haitians who are trying to find work there, but the false rumors continue.

Adding to the venom were remarks Vance made on the Sunday talk shows on Sept. 15. He was challenged for continuing to assert the false pet-eating claims. “If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what I’m going to do,” he told Dana Bash on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

The latest attempt to assassinate Trump should have resulted in his toning down the incendiary talk coming from him and his campaign team. But after a soft comment expressing his appreciation for the public’s support, he claimed that the Democrats were responsible for the assassination attempts “with their ugly rhetoric about me.” That kind of response can only bring about more toxic threats at a time when calm should be the byword.

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

HeraLd editoriaL

Deadly Wild West in our backyard

One year ago, the Herald published the editorial below, about a spate of reckless driving on the Southern State Parkway. Unfortunately, in light of the devastating news that a number of Long Island teens have lost their lives in several recent crashes, we are once again somberly reminded that reckless drivers put at risk not only their own lives, but also the lives of others. We recommend that local municipalities and law enforcement agencies schedule town halls to discuss how best to stem the tide of reckless driving on Long Island — from speeding to texting, and everything in between, whether on a parkway or a local street. In the meantime, we reprint our editorial from the Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2023, issue.

Drive a mere exit or two on any of Long Island’s main thoroughfares and you are sure to see at least one roadside shrine remembering the victim of a fatal car crash.

These memorials — already too commonplace — will only become more ubiquitous if nothing is done to stem the rising tide of dangerous drivers on these roads. In fact, just last week, sadly, Peninsula Boulevard was the site of two

Letters

The utilities thrive on environment-damaging fossil fuels

To the Editor:

As the country and the rest of the world have experienced another year of scorching heat waves, private, for-profit utility companies — which we rely on for our basic necessities, like heating, cooling and electricity — are keeping us reliant on climate-wrecking fossil fuels while reporting record profits. When they work well, utilities exist in the background of our lives: They power our homes, cool us down when it’s hot, and give us heat when it’s cold. But too often they are sources of aggravation: The power goes off when it’s dangerously hot or cold out, our bills skyrocket, and these for-profit companies threaten to shut off services when we’re unable to pay.

We know that climate change raises those stakes even higher, and utility companies themselves play a massive role in exacerbating the climate crisis: 80 percent of the electric utilities in the U.S. run on fossil fuels.

Shifting utilities to clean energy is integral to working toward a safer climate, but these companies would rather maintain the status quo and keep the public in the dark.

separate fatal accidents. On the same day.

We have all seen the tricked-out cars and motorcycles that zig and zag through traffic — exceeding the speed limit in spades — with no concern about repercussions from law enforcement or consequences for the lives of others.

That sickening feeling you get when your heart skips a beat, and you thank heaven to be alive, because yet another vehicle comes out of nowhere at 100 mph to cut you off, and then does the same thing to the next car? And the next? Too many of us Long Islanders know this feeling all too well.

Reckless (and noisy) drivers — threatening both public safety and community tranquility — are operating with impunity. And they know it.

Their cars are hard to miss, with their illegally modified mufflers that can be heard miles away at all hours of the day and night. Illegal license plate covers and fake temporary tags protect their callous disregard for law and order by making it impossible for anyone to identify them, including law enforcement tools like speed cameras. And their friends are now sometimes even setting up lawn chairs on the side of the high-

way to watch cars race in broad daylight — missing the irony that a crash victim’s memorial is often just over their shoulders.

More than 75 people lost their lives, and another 13,000 were injured, in nearly 37,000 traffic accidents in Nassau County last year. Those are unacceptable numbers.

It’s difficult to find law enforcement on these central thruways, especially on the Southern State Parkway — one of Nassau County’s deadliest roads — between the Cross Island Parkway and Heckscher State Park.

We need more, not less, patrolling of our roads. We need more, not less, enforcement of sensible laws already on the books. We need more, not less, coordination between state and local law enforcement. And we need more stringent laws and harsher penalties coming out of Albany so that we can make these reckless drivers as scared to continue these dangerous activities as we are to witness them.

We implore all jurisdictions to work together to rein in the scourge of irresponsible, dangerous and selfish drivers. Because even one more roadside shrine is one too many.

our money to burn our future while individuals and families struggle. We deserve an energy system that allows everyone to have access to clean and affordable

LISA KONRAD Rockville Centre

opinions

Buried in our uniforms: a call to protect firefighters

Beyond law enforcement and the military, few professions are so deeply ingrained in one’s soul and evoke such a profound connection that members would choose to be buried in their uniforms. Fire service members’ love for their profession is part of their DNA, and integral to their very being.

I write this with a sense of frustration. Far too often, we get news of another firefighter’s death from cancer. These dedicated servants, in all likelihood, were or will be buried in their uniforms.

We must do better, and prevent the lives of our brothers and sisters from being cut short.

At what point do we say, ‘Enough’? When do we take a stand to ensure the future health of firefighters? Cancer has been an increasingly common diagnosis among them for a while now, and it’s time for leadership to take the steps that are needed to address this issue head on. We are all aware that firefighters are exposed to myriad harmful substances during their service. These dangers

range from toxic fumes to hazardous chemicals, and they accumulate in our bodies, taking a toll on our health. Despite advancements in safety gear and procedures, the risks remain significant, and acknowledging them isn’t enough. We must take definitive action to mitigate them.

Leadership in fire departments and governmental bodies must prioritize the health and safety of their firefighters. This includes implementing common-sense procedures that account for firefighters’ long-term health and well-being, and that ensure policy accountability.

Screenings, training, culture

L

firefighters to better protect themselves, reducing the likelihood of exposure and subsequent health issues.

Fostering a culture that prioritizes long-term health within the fire service is essential. Firefighters often prioritize the immediate mission over their health, but shifting this mindset to one that also values ongoing health is critical. Promoting a culture of health awareness encourages firefighters to take proactive steps to protect their health, both on and off the job.

eadership in fire departments must prioritize firefighters’ safety.

Regular and thorough health screenings should be mandatory to catch potential issues early. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. If their health problems are identified earlier, firefighters have a better chance of successful treatment and recovery, ultimately saving lives.

Firefighters need detailed training on the risks associated with exposure to hazardous substances and on best practices to minimize those risks. That includes using firefighting gear correctly and understanding decontamination procedures. Proper training empowers

Letters

Does the proposed Equal Rights Amendment go too far?

To the Editor:

After reading Sasha Ahuja’s letter (“Curran’s wrong about the ‘war on women,’” Sept. 5-11), in support of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment, which will be on New York ballots in November, I decided to ask Google to tell me exactly what the proposed constitutional amendment says. This is what I learned:

“No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, or religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in their civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state pursuant to law.”

I’m wondering if the amendment might go too far or be too broad in its

scope. Adding anything to the Constitution is a very big deal, since changing our minds after the fact may be very difficult in practice. Voters need to understand the complexities before casting a vote.

Personally, I’d have no issue with the amendment if it granted equal rights and equal protection to everyone regardless of “race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, or religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression” — but it doesn’t stop there. The final clause gives women an unlimited right to abortion on demand, regardless of the stage of gestation.

While many argued for or against the removal of “reproductive freedom” as guaranteed by Roe v. Wade, most would agree that abortion has been a hotly debated topic. As such, I do not feel it should be part of a bigger amendment like Prop 1. Instead, let’s get Prop 1 passed without its final clause, and then allow ample discussion time before trying to get a separate amendment passed that deals exclusively with whether a woman’s “right to privacy” trumps the right to life of the unborn, and if so, when?

PAm

SINGER

Malverne

ter, and to make informed tactical and strategic decisions that will benefit future generations of firefighters. Simply stated, we assist in size-up by joining the NFR.

Protecting our health

We are buried in our uniforms. This must not just be a symbol of our dedication, but a call to protect ourselves. It’s time to say ‘Enough’ and make the changes that will ensure the future health of our firefighters.

More is needed

We also must be part of the solution, and provide the information that’s needed to develop better strategies and tactics for combating cancer in the fire service. That’s why today, I ask you, whether you are a career or volunteer firefighter, active or retired, to join the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer.

Firefighters understand the value of size-up on the fireground. The information that we gain is critical to informing our strategies and tactics, leading to successful outcomes and lives saved. This is the same way that the NFR aims to “size up” and assess cancer risks.

This information will be used to help us understand occupational cancer bet-

Please join the NFR today. The sacrifices that were made by those who were diagnosed with cancer are a stark reminder of the urgency of this issue. Let’s honor them by taking action. Sign up at cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/registry.html.

Frank Leeb is the managing director of the First Responder Center for Excellence. He previously served as a deputy assistant chief in the New York City Fire Department, and retired in June after more than 30 years. During his tenure with the FDNY, he held several senior staff positions, including chief of the fire academy, chief of training and chief of safety. He has also been a member of the East Farmingdale Fire Department since 1983. He can be contacted at firstresponderconsultant@gmail.com. This article first appeared in Firehouse magazine (firehouse.com) in August.

Framework courtesy Peter Moran

Soaking in the Secret Lagoon hot springs — Fludir, Iceland

Frank LeeB