Oyster Bay Herald 10-11-2024

Assessing the state of the school district

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District Superintendent Francesco Ianni pre-

ease their transition to higher education.

The district has also garnered recognition for its achievements. In 2023 it reached Silver status on the AP School Honor Roll, and this year it earned a Gold rating, a step toward Ianni’s stated goal num status in the

He emphasized that these results are a reflection of ing students in achieving their

“If you have a dream, we’ll find a way to help you make it happen,” ing the district’s science research program, in which ducting innovative work. Robotics and business programs also appeal

age of students scoring 3 or higher on AP exams, from 21 percent in 2021 to over 70 percent this year. The improvement has not only elevated the district’s reputation, but also given students more college credit opportunities, helping to

ebrated the schools’ strong sense of community, describing it as “almost like a private school within the walls of a public school.” The close-knit atmosphere is fostered by initiatives and events such as the Summer Olympics, which brought students and the greater community together for a day of fun and competition. Another notable example

Starting the week with ‘Hello’

Ann MacArthur Primary School students Benjamin Greenblatt, far left, Roland Austin, Bryan Aguirre and Liam Powell celebrated Positivity Day by wearing colorful shirts representing all the emotions students experience during Locust Valley Central School District’s ‘Start with Hello Week.’ More photos, Page 11.

Town imposes six-month shellfish moratorium in harbor

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The Town of Oyster Bay has enacted a sixmonth moratorium on shellfishing in a 1,850acre section of Oyster Bay Harbor, marking the end of a century-long era in which private companies leased large portions of the bay’s underwater land for commercial shellfish harvesting. The decision, approved by the town board on Oct. 1, follows the expiration of a lease held by the shellfishing company Frank M. Flower & Sons, of Bayville.

The moratorium is designed to allow town officials to conduct a thorough study of the bay’s

Assessing the state of the school district

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District Superintendent Francesco Ianni presented a comprehensive update on the state of the district at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, highlighting the schools’ continued academic success, community involvement and positive atmosphere. The meeting, which also featured remarks by Erica Giglio Pac, the district’s director of fine, performing and media arts, offered a detailed snapshot of OBEN’s achievements and future goals.

Tease their transition to higher education.

The district has also garnered recognition for its achievements. In 2023 it reached Silver status on the AP School Honor Roll, and this year it earned a Gold rating, a step toward Ianni’s stated goal of reaching Platinum status in the coming year. He emphasized that these results are a reflection of the district’s dedication to supporting students in achieving their dreams.

he climate has been quite amazing, and you can feel it walking through the halls.

FRANCESCO IANNI Superintendent, Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District

underwater ecosystem, focusing on the impact of commercial fishing on shellfish populations and the overall health of the harbor. The study will examine shellfish density, sediment conditions, and ecosystem health to inform future decisions on shellfish harvesting and restoration efforts.

“This temporary moratorium will help us strengthen the health of the harbor while not impacting any current shellfish harvesting by local baymen on the more than 4,000 acres they currently fish,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said at last week’s meeting. “Harvesting in public waters will continue as currently allowed,

Ianni began by reflecting on the district’s progress over the past several years. One of his points of emphasis was the increasing number of students earning high scores on Advanced Placement exams.

“We are evaluated based on assessments,” he said, pointing to a steady rise in the percentage of students scoring 3 or higher on AP exams, from 21 percent in 2021 to over 70 percent this year. The improvement has not only elevated the district’s reputation, but also given students more college credit opportunities, helping to

“If you have a dream, we’ll find a way to help you make it happen,” Ianni said, also citing the district’s science research program, in which students are conducting innovative work. Robotics and business programs also appeal to those with diverse interests. Beyond academics, Ianni celebrated the schools’ strong sense of community, describing it as “almost like a private school within the walls of a public school.” The close-knit atmosphere is fostered by initiatives and events such as the Summer Olympics, which brought students and the greater community together for a day of fun and competition. Another notable example

Courtesy Locust Valley Central School District

District’s goal for ’25 is AP Platinum status

was the participation of sixth-graders in a ceremony honoring Billy Joel with a street-naming in downtown Oyster Bay, where they played a tribute to the renowned musician. The district’s commitment to building strong community spirit is also reflected in its Friday night games and the longstanding tradition of students working with veterans.

“The climate has been quite amazing,” Ianni said, “and you can feel it walking through the halls.”

As well, the district’s new broadcasting studio is helping students pursue their passions. Using stateof-the-art equipment, they learn media production and broadcasting, getting hands-on experience in a professional setting.

We have one more to go, which is Platinum, and that’s what we’re aiming for next year.

One recent highlight was the district’s participation in the American All-Star competition, where students showcased their talents on a national stage. The schools’ music programs also continue to thrive, with students performing at various events and competitions and earning accolades.

“Our students presented and played for the naming of the street of Billy Joel in downtown Oyster Bay,” Giglio Pac said, praising their hard work in preparing for the event.

FRANCESCO IANNI Superintendent, Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District

Giglio Pac gave an update on the district’s vibrant arts programs. She emphasized its commitment to nurturing creativity and artistic talent from an early age, when students are introduced to music and the arts. Many go on to achieve remarkable success.

Ianni concluded his presentation by emphasizing the district’s ongoing commitment to both academic and extracurricular excellence. He acknowledged that while there has been significant progress, there is still more work to be done to ensure that all students have the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.

“We have one more to go, which is Platinum,” he said, referring to the AP School Honor Roll program, “and that’s what we’re aiming for next year.”

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Will Sheeline/Herald

Superintendent Francesco Ianni delivered his State of the District speech on Tuesday, highlighting the district’s continued improvement after the coronavirus pandemic.

Using art to bring the community closer

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The youth group DUO, short for “Do Unto Others,” at St. John’s of Lattingtown Episcopal Church has been making a significant impact on the Glen Cove community through their collaborative art project, “Doors.” The project, now in its second year, brings together high school students from Glen Cove, North Shore, Locust Valley, and nearby private schools with homeless or formerly homeless men from Glen Cove. Together, they create art and build connections.

Courtney Callahan, the organizer of the DUO group, explained that the group’s mission is rooted in community service and interfaith collaboration.

“We have kids from all different high schools, and it’s really exciting to see how this mix of young people brings energy to everything they do,” she said.

“Doors” was inspired by the idea of new beginnings and opportunities. For the project, participants paint on actual doors, symbolizing transitions and the opening of new chapters in life.

Last year, the group worked on canvases, but this year they decided to take the concept to the next level by painting on doors.

Sammy Zarou, one of the youth leaders and a senior at Locust Valley High School, has been part of DUO since its early days.

“We wanted to do something meaningful with the men at the shelter, and after talking to them, we realized that art was a way to connect,” Zarou said.

Both the youth group members and the artists collaborated to create the central piece of the

“This project has helped integrate these men into the community. We talk to them, hear their stories, and now, when we see them on the street, we wave and we chat. It’s about building relationships and breaking down barriers.”

Riccardo Rodriguez, a formerly homeless man and one of the artists involved in the project, said he was grateful for

the opportunity to contribute.

“I was homeless once, so I understand what it’s like,” Rodriguez said.

“Even though I have a home now, I still identify with them. Painting on these doors gave me a way to express myself and tell my story.”

The collaboration has been impactful for both the students and the men they

work with. Callahan shared that DUO has about 40 participants, with students working on different aspects of the group’s projects throughout the year. Despite the challenges, Callahan said the youth group continues to grow and evolve, driven by a shared sense of purpose.

Will Sheeline/Herald photos

DUO members spent months working on the ‘Doors’ exhibition with homeless men from around Glen Cove.

David Nunez, left and Riccardo Rodriguez worked with members of St. John’s of Lattingtown’s youth group to create artistic pieces made from doors.

exhibit.

Oyster Bay Town Board adopts preliminary budget NEWS BRIEFS

By MIKE POLANSKY Correspondent

The Oyster Bay Town Board approved a preliminary budget calling for a tax freeze in the town’s real property tax levy for the coming year. The town’s budget will be formally presented at a public at a hearing on October 15.

The proposed tax levy (that portion of the town’s budget funded by real property taxes) is $232,987,272 which is which is $671 less than what is in the 2024 budget. This marks the seventh consecutive year without an increase in the tax levy for town taxpayers, noted town officials.

The total 2025 town budget totals $342,846,303, an increase of $3,338,479 over the 2024 amended budget of $339,507,824.

At the board meeting, Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino expressed enthusiasm for the 2025 preliminary budget, voting “aye” on the resolution to adopt it for the hearing. “The tax freeze is once again possible thanks to the spending constraints, efficiencies, and debt reduction initiatives put in place by this Town Board,” he said.

“The proposed budget for 2025 continues to pay down debt while enhancing the delivery of quality town services,” Saladino continued. “The days of defi-

cits are long gone, and this budget contains no gimmicks or one-shot revenues. The proposed budget is fully balanced and does not rely on any borrowing for cash flow purposes.”

One area of increase in the proposed budget is Information Technology, with actual expenses in 2023 at $3,413,089, a budget set for 2024 at $4,215,572, and a proposed budget of $5,155,100 for 2025.

According to Town Director of Finance Rob Darienzo, “the answer is licenses.”

“We have more users using more programs along with Microsoft and other companies charging higher prices per user,” he noted.

The public hearing on the budget will take place on Tues., Oct. 15, at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay. There will be two sessions, one at 10 a.m. and the second at 7 p.m.

In other business at its October 1 meeting, the board:

■ Voted to extend the town’s Battery Energy Storage System moratorium for an additional six months, an action that was applauded by many Glen Head residents in attendance.

■ Voted to impose a six-month moratorium on shellfish harvesting in the 1,850 acres of underwater lands in Oyster Bay Harbor and Cold Spring Harbor formerly leased to Frank M. Flower and Sons, Inc.

Integrity and Gratitude

If we had to choose only two concepts as a prescription for a good life, they would be integrity and gratitude. While we usually associate integrity with honesty, the word also means “fits together” as in integrated or integration. Oddly enough, both meanings are also interrelated. When someone is honest, their life tends to “fit together”. It works. As one sage put it, if you’re honest you never have to remember what you said. People who have integrity are consistent. You can count on them. Wikipedia says “the word integrity evolved from the Latin adjective ‘integer’ meaning whole or complete. In this context, integrity is the inner sense of ‘wholeness’ deriving from qualities such as honesty and consistency of character.” If you or someone you know finds their life is “not working” there may be a lack of integrity somewhere that needs to be sought after and rooted out.

Gratitude has to do with appreciation. Appreciation means to add value to. Things that appreciate tend to grow, just as being

grateful for something or someone raises its or their value in our estimation. Even though, at any given time, countless more things are going right than going wrong in most of our lives, too many of us focus more on what’s going wrong and take for granted what’s going right — our health, our loved ones, our resources.

Grateful people tend to be giving people —and giving people are the happiest among us. Takers can never be as happy as givers because takers can never get enough. Givers already have more than enough, which is why they have some to give away. But having enough is not a state of fact, it is a state of mind. Once you can cultivate that state of mind you are on your way to a happy life. One of the best ways to rewire your brain from focusing on the negative to focusing on the positive, is to keep a “Gratitude Journal”, examples of which may be easily googled. The elusive “holy grail” of being happy can be found by cultivating integrity and gratitude in your life.

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A.M.E. Zion Church holds fundraiser

Hood A.M.E. Zion Church is hosting a fundraiser, “Raise the Roof Rally,” to help replace the roofs on the church and parsonage. The church is looking to raise money towards the $30,000 repair costs.

In 2023, the 1848 Church had structural damage repaired, $25,000 in total, that was paid for by the congregation to ensure the building was safe and secure. Now, the church and parsonage are ask-

ing community members to donate what they can.

Donations can be mailed to Hood A.M.E. Zion Church, 11 Summit Street, in Oyster Bay, or electronically through CashApp to $HoodAMEZionChurch.

The church was founded in 1848, and is the oldest continuous congregation holding services in its original church structure in Oyster Bay.

Volunteers needed for harbor cleanup

Town of Oyster Bay residents are invited to participate in an Oyster Bay Harbor Cleanup, scheduled for Oct. 26 at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay near the gazebo. Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Bay, this event offers volunteers – individuals, families, companies and organizations –an opportunity to give back to the environment by removing litter and debris from the shoreline.

Certificates are available upon request for students seeking to fulfill volunteer requirements.

“This is a great opportunity to roll up your sleeves, giveback to Mother Earth, and have fun while learning more about our local marine life and environment,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “I hope to see you at the Oyster Bay Harbor Cleanup.”

Volunteers are invited to participate in the cleanup, which will run from 9 a.m. to noon. The central meeting place will be Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park launching ramps and waterfront gazebo

off of Larrabee Avenue in Oyster Bay.

Additional cleanup locations include Stehli Beach in Bayville and Centre Island Beach in Bayville, however, all volunteers should check in at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park. Typically, in year’s past, harbor and beach clean-up events have resulted in 40,000 pounds of debris being collected by volunteers and town workers.

“Each year, countless amounts of paper, food, plastics and other trash are discarded on beaches or dumped overboard from recreational and commercial vessels,” Town Councilman Steve Labriola said. “Allowing this litter to remain on our shorelines will only lead to increasingly worse damage for the environment. We thank you in advance for participating in this event.”

Individuals and groups who are interested in registering for this environmental cleanup should contact the town’s Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943 or visit OysterBayTown.com/volunteer

Planting Fields to hold ribbon-cutting

Join Planting Fields Foundation as they celebrate the completion of phase one and two of the Main Entrance Drive Restoration with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 25. Check in begins at 11 a.m., followed by welcoming remarks, the cutting of the ribbon, and refreshments.

Over the last two years, the foundation has planted 101 native white oak trees, constructed a consolidated ADA accessible pathway system, and

installed brand-new multi-lingual wayfinding and interpretive signs throughout the 409-acres of Planting Fields. The purpose of this project is to ensure that Planting Fields remains inclusive, welcoming, and easy to navigate for all visitors, while also restoring the original monumentality, yet distinctive, pastoral design.

For questions, contact Lilly McGurk, stewardship director, at lmcgurk@ plantingfields.org or (519) 922-8676.

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I stand with you, working across party lines for commonsense solutions – from strengthening our border, and reinstating the SALT deduction, to protecting our air and water, I’ll always reject extremism and work to find solutions that make a difference for you and your family.

Endorsed by the Glen Cove and Nassau County PBAs

★ Secure the Border

★ Reinstate the SALT Deduction

★ Bringing Federal Dollars Back to Long Island

★ Help Heal the Divide in Congress

ANNIVERSARY

Celebrating 10 years of serving our community as The Safe Center!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024

Nassau County Museum of Art in Roslyn, NY

If you are unable to join us, please consider making a donation in honor of our 10th Anniversary!

Scan QR code, visit TSCLIGala.org, or call 516.465.4774 to donate or purchase tickets.

Studies planned to check health of the harbor

data collected during the moratorium will be crucial for restoring shellfish populations, which have declined in recent years due to predation, rising water temperatures and lower levels of oxygen in the aquatic environment.

Flower & Sons marks a significant turning point for Oyster Bay Harbor. For over a century, the town has leased portions of the bay to commercial shellfish companies, with Flower the last remaining company with such an arrangement. In recent years, however, questions have arisen about the sustainability of Flower’s operations, particularly after the company shut down its hatchery in 2019 while continuing to harvest shellfish in the bay.

Environmental groups like Friends of the Bay, which have been vocal about the need for change, supported the town’s decision to impose the moratorium.

This temporary moratorium will help us strengthen the health of the harbor while not impacting any current shellfish harvesting by local baymen on the more than 4,000 acres they currently fish

Town officials and environmental groups are optimistic about the potential long-term benefits of the moratorium. They argue that the pause in shellfishing is necessary to gather data that will help guide future restoration efforts. The moratorium is seen as a key step in rebuilding shellfish populations and restoring the bay’s overall health.

“Now that Flower is gone,” a statement from Friends of the Bay read, “there is an opportunity to do something new that should help the bay recover after the town and others study conditions on the former leased lands and throughout the bay during (the) moratorium.”

JOSEPH SALADINO Supervisor, Town of Oyster Bay

Friends of the Bay and other environmental advocates contend that the moratorium provides a critical opportunity to study the effects of decades-long harvesting on the bay’s ecosystem, and to develop a more sustainable approach to shellfishing. In the statement, the organization added that it believes the

In recent years, the shellfish industry on Long Island, like many other coastal areas, has shifted toward using off-bottom cages to grow shellfish. The cages protect shellfish from predators and avoid disturbing the sea bottom, which can have detrimental effects on the ecosystem. Environmental groups have also advocated for the restoration of oyster reefs, which can help reduce nitrogen levels in the water, mitigate coastal erosion, and provide habitat for other marine species.

Looking ahead, the town plans to work with organizations such as Stony Brook and Adelphi universities and the Nature Conservancy to determine the best strategies for rebuilding shellfish populations in the harbor. The town has also established new shellfish sanctuary areas, where oyster and clam populations can remain protected and help restore the broader ecosystem.

Herald file photo

The Town of Oyster Bay has imposed a six-month moratorium on shellfishing in part of Oyster Bay Harbor while it conducts a study of the harbor’s health.

“The

—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown

Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.

*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project. psegliny.com/EcoDev

Town approves contract for geese control

By MIKE POLANSKY Correspondent

In a move that proves barking is more effective than honking, the Oyster Bay Town Board has authorized a new contract with Haulin Auss Geese Control LLC to employ highly trained dogs to patrol parks and keep pesky geese at bay. The dogs will take on this noble mission at the town’s various parks and facilities, including the Oyster Bay Golf Course and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial and John J. Burns parks.

HAGC was first hired by the town in April on an emergency basis to use Australian Shepherds to humanely chase away unwanted geese.

The newly approved contract runs from Sept. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2027, with options for two one-year extensions by mutual agreement. HAGC will receive $160,000 annually for its services.

With a staff of four handlers and six dogs, HAGC will provide at least two daily patrols at all town parks.

“We go to each park at least twice a day, and up to five times at busy locations like John J. Burns and Marjorie Post in Massapequa,” a spokesperson for HAGC said. It is noted that each goose can produce up to four pounds of droppings daily—something the dogs are eager to prevent.

Egg oiling is another crucial service

Dogs are a more humane way to prevent geese from pooping on town property.

provided by HAGC. Corn oil is used to cover the eggs to prevent them from hatching. HAGC has assured the town that during the next nesting period, it “will do everything possible to oil every nest on all Town park properties” and will use kayaks and jon boats as needed to access nests in waterways or marshes.

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Previously, the town purchased purebred border collies and utilized employees to chase geese from parks, but after the last town-owned dog passed away in 2023, officials decided to outsource the effort.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino advocated for the program.

“This program provides a humane and environmentally friendly method to keep our facilities clean and safe for residents,” he said. “Managing geese populations not only protects the health and safety of our residents but also helps preserve local ecosystems and prevent damage to our parks.”

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, November 17 at 1 PM

Photos courtesy Town of Oyster Bay HAGC owner Amanda Ackerly prepares to chaseoff geese with her Australian Shepherd, Yeti.

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of vendors

Another year, another successful Mini Mart

Mini Mart, Sea Cliff’s biggest street fair and one of the most anticipated events of the year, took over the village on Oct. 6 as vendors, musicians, residents and visitors enjoyed a beautiful day of food, fun and community.

Representatives from the North Shore Kiwanis Club, who organize the event,

Joanne Yee/Herald photos

Dozens

took over the streets of Sea Cliff.

Ellen Andriello, right, and her husband Paul made sure their dog Ollie had the most comfortable seat in the house at Mini Mart.

Thousands of people from across Long Island visited Sea Cliff for this year’s Mini Mart.

Ezra White, 2, attended his first Mini Mart with his dad, Michael.

North Shore Kiwanis volunteers like Vincent Labbate, left, Jessica Labbate, Delia Verna and Lisa Larsen Hill organized another successful Mini Mart.

L.V. schools celebrate ‘Start with Hello Week’

After a few weeks of school, Locust Valley Central School District students from grades pre-K to 5 learned more about their classmates with themed days during Start with Hello Week from Sept. 23-27.

Throughout the week, students showcased their individuality and discovered common ground to make new friends. On Sept. 23, students wore name tags around their schools and were encouraged to say hello to as many people as possible. Students

Bayville Intermediate School students

Annabel Barlowe, left, Emily Chirchella and Amaya Lominy wore their name tags to meet new friends on Hey Day.

wore rainbow colors and tie-dye on Sept. 24 to represent the gamut of emotions we experience throughout life.

For Mix It Up Wednesday, students wore mismatched, backward or insideout clothing. Sept. 26 was Jersey Day where students wore the jerseys of their favorite teams to represent teamwork and cooperation. To close out the week, students celebrated Falcon Friday by wearing green or Locust Valley gear to show off their school pride.

Photos courtesy Locust Valley Central School District

Bayville Primary School students Troy Schneider, left, Dominick Saviano, Carson Testa, Matthew Marauli, Theodore Marks and William Hotinewearing their Hey Day name tags so they can introduce themselves to new people during Start with Hello Week.

Honoring Long Island’s best in health care

By Melissa Berman

Health care professionals traded their scrubs and lab coats for suits and cocktail dresses at the third annual Herald Excellence in Healthcare Awards at the Heritage Club, in Bethpage, on Sept. 18, which honored the best in their field.

The event, organized by the RichnerLIVE team at the Long Island Herald, drew more than 300 attendees, and recognized more than 10 health care professions.

“Tonight is not only a celebration of achievement, but also a sincere expression of gratitude to those who tirelessly safeguard the health and well being of our community,” Amy Amato, Richner Communications’ executive director of corporate relations and events, said. “Your dedication, resilience and passion are truly inspiring.”

Awards were presented to 46 health professionals, including three special honors: Distinguished Visionary, Organization of Excellence and Excellence in Nursing Advocacy.

“From dedicated doctors and nurses to visionary hospital executives and inspiring educators, these honorees are the backbone of our communities’ health,” Stuart Richner, chief executive of Richner Communications, said.

Michelle Ballan, of the Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center, who received an Excellence in Healthcare award, expressed her gratitude for being recognized for her hard work.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be here and to be celebrated, because I’m just a liaison for individuals with disabilities to eradicate and minimize the health care disparities that exist in different settings,” Ballan said. “To be honored for the health care award, it’s really just an extension of the work that my team does for individuals with disabilities, who are the true experts.”

Having worked in the home care field for 20 years, Joseph Verdirame, CEO of Alliance Homecare/TrustHouse, has learned that there are no shortcuts, and you need to provide exceptional care for the patient, he said.

“We’ve spent a lot of time building and developing our business model to really enhance the way home care is provided in the industry,” Verdirame, who also won the Excellence in Healthcare award, said. “We’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished today for all the work we’ve put in.”

According to Luis Fandos, of Alluring Age: Anti-Aging and Wellness Center, who won an Excellence in Healthcare award, it was a dream come true to be honored, and he finally feels that all the effort, sweat and tears he put into his work has come to fruition.

“When you have other people recognize what you do, and appreciate that, it’s priceless,” Fandos said.

The keynote speaker was Stanley M. Bergman, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Henry Schein and the winner of the Distinguished Visionary Award. “Health care is local, and it is critical that we maintain an outstanding quality of health care system here on Long Island,” Bergman said, and

told the crowd, “Thank you for what you do, being amongst the nation’s best health care systems.”

The major sponsors of the awards included Alliance Homecare, Henry Schein, Nassau University Medical Center, the New York State Nurses Association, Northwell Orthopedics, Stony Brook Medicine, The Aspen Group and Trusthouse.

Muriel Donnelly, VP of PR at Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, with Stuart Richner of Richner Communications.

Honoree Jennifer Lazzaro, of Hearing and Brain Centers of America, Long Island.

Honoree Denis Nankervis, of Peconic Bay Medical Center Northwell Health.

Honoree Dr. Howard Goodman, the Long Island Weight Loss Doctor, with Jessica Kleiman of the Long Island Herald.

Jason Thomas/Herald photos

Honoree Michelle Ballan, of Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center, with her family and friends.

Jason Thomas/Herald photos

Honoree John McGuigan, of AHRC Suffolk, right, with Stuart Richner.

Honoree Dr. Brian Mayrsohn, of Maywell Health.

Dr. Jill Kaman, of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

Keynote and Distinguished Visionary recipient Stanley Bergman, of Henry Schein.

Honorees Roxanne Carfora, of AgelessMD, and Dr. Luis Fandos, of Alluring Age: Anti-Aging and Wellness Center.

Honorees from Aspen Dental, Lina Patino, DDS, and Roumiana Tzvetkova, DMD.

Honoree Megan C. Ryan, of Nassau University Medical Center.

Honoree Catherine Canadeo, center, of Catherine Canadeo Health & Wellness Corp.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Dr. Todd J. Cohen, of New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Melissa Schachter, of the Speech Language Place.

Narcan training aims to curb fentanyl deaths

By ROKSANA AMID & BRIAN NORMAN Special to the Herald

The urgency of educating the public about how to reverse fentanyl overdoses has never been more critical, as fentanyl-related deaths continue to rise across the country. Narcan training sessions provide essential skills, equipping people with the knowledge and tools to save lives. Participants at the Oct. 8 training session at the Glen Cove High School learned how to recognize the signs of an overdose and administer Narcan, a life-saving drug that can counteract the effects of opioids.

“I think this is one of the most important things that my office has done,” said Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton. “We have trained somewhere close to 1,000 people, and I am very proud of that.”

Corrine Kaufman, a Glen Cove grandmother became an advocate for overdose awareness after granddaughter, Paige Gibbons, died of an overdose in 2022, unaware a Percocet pill was laced with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid. Since the loss of her granddaughter, Kaufman and her family have worked to spread awareness about fentanyl’s dangers and the importance of knowing how to use Narcan.

“Fentanyl is ravaging our young people in the 18 to 45 age group,” Kaufman said. “They are the most vulnerable, but not the only ones. This demon drug knows no boundaries, and it’s taken people of all ages from all walks of life. It’s infiltrated our society right now. Knowledge and Narcan are the only weapons.”

People suffering from the effects of fentanyl have constricted pupils, and will fall asleep or lose consciousness. They will have slow or weak breathing and a limp body. They may make choking or gurgling sounds and have discoloration around their lips and

nails. In the event of an overdose, a 911 call should be followed by the administration of naloxone in one of the victim’s nostrils. Bystanders should keep the victim awake and turn them on their side to prevent choking until paramedics arrive.

Following Kaufman’s emotional testimony, Calle Panakos, the coordinator of education and training at the Nassau County Office of Mental Health, took the stage to provide detailed instructions on how to use

Narcan in an emergency. Panakos stressed the importance of early intervention and educating oneself on the dangers of fentanyl.

“Please educate yourself,” Panakos urged. “One pill can kill, and every time I say that, it touches my heart. Losing someone that you love because of this infectious disease affects the user and the loved ones behind, so intervene early.”

During her presentation, Panakos shared the increase in fentanyl-related deaths, noting the number of Americans dying from overdoses had tripled since 2021, and emphasized the importance of continued education and intervention.

“In 2021, almost 130 Americans died every day to overdoses. Now in 2024, that number has tripled, and one in 16 Americans who suffer from drug abuse will ask for help,” said Panakos. “So, continuous education is key. You’re going to say the same thing until you’ve made that impact on that person. Sometimes, you have to hand-hold them to take them where they want to go, but recovery is sweet.”

Some participants suggested expanding the program to include students during school hours.

“I think this could be a really great event to have during the school day, during students’ free periods,” said Vita Pipitone, a Glen Cove resident. “Things like Narcan training and CPR training are always very important and would be great for students to learn during the day as an extra educational benefit.”

DeRiggi-Whitton encouraged attendees to reach out if they were interested in hosting additional Narcan training sessions in their communities.

“We hope to have many more training sessions in the future, and if anyone is interested in having a training, just reach out to my office, and I would love to be able to set that up,” said DeRiggi-Whitton.

Brian Norman/Herald

Corrine Kaufman, left, Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and Superintendent Maria Rianna led the event.

STEPPING OUT

Fl!ppin’ out at the circus

It’s all a thrill with daredevils under the Big Top

By Danielle Schwab

The Big Top has sprung up on Long Island once again for a Fl!p Circus spectacular that brings audiences up close to the action.

The circus spectacle, which wowed audiences here earlier in the spring, brings its intimate Big Top experience back, now through Oct. 15, to Hicksville’s Broadway Commons.

Fl!p Circus was started by the Vazquez family, a long line of circus performers dating back over 50 years. Its older counterpart, the Circus Vazquez, originated in Mexico City in 1969 and has since ventured to the U.S.

While Circus Vazquez has one of the largest tents in America, Fl!p Circus has one of the smallest with around 800 seats. It brings a refreshing, more intimate look at the circus experience with no seat more than 50 feet from the ring.

“It makes it very different and very unique. We wanted to create a show that appealed more to the traditional side of the circus,” says Alexa Vazquez, a fourth-generation performer.

“The seats are made for a 360-degree view, so wherever

• Now through Oct. 15

• Weekdays, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 1 and 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m.

• Tickets start at $50 adult, $30 children; available at flipcircus.com or can be purchased in person at box office

• Broadway Commons, 358 N. Broadway, Hicksville

you’re sitting, you’re getting the best view. You feel like a part of the performance,” she continues.

Training since she was 15,

Vazquez showcases her acrobatic skills in her mesmerizing Hula Hoop gymnastics act. She weaves various hoops together simultaneously, including a giant hoop, the Cyr Wheel.

“It’s something where, if you lose concentration very quickly, it can go very wrong,” Vazquez explains.

“But at the same time it’s fun because people see a gigantic wheel, but then they see a smaller one. It’s confusing for them, but fun at the same time.”

Fl!p Circus takes traditional acts and gives them a contemporary twist with — in the grand circus tradition — an international flair. Jugglers, trapeze artists and daredevils from throughout the world — including Brazil, India, Chile, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Mexico, and the U.S. — live and travel together from location to location.

That global flavor is led by Brazil’s favorite clown, Bubi Guiner, who brings his classic comedic routines and side-splitting antics to the U.S. for the first time. He may even invite you on stage as part of the show.

From India, watch as Hasan Ansari thrills audiences with his flexibility, performing body-bending maneuvers on a wooden pole, leaving you wondering how a human body can do that. Ukraine’s Anastasia & Misha present a stunningly synchronized and poetic presentation of dance and acrobatics. Also Pavel Valla Bertini, a fifth-generation performer from the Czech Republic, keeps everyone on the edge of their seats

with his unparalleled one, three and even 15-wheeled unicycle skills.

Others delight audiences with their fast-paced juggling skills, energetic roller skating feats, graceful dancing and acrobatics.

There’s always something new to enjoy, no matter how many times you go, according to Vasquez.

“Every year that it comes to town, you’re going to see a different show,” she says.

Every act brings a different culture to the stage. Each is accompanied by a special musical score, played by the Fl!p Circus Band. The versatile soundtrack ranges from classic instrumental to upbeat rock.

“I always like to say, with Flip to expect the unexpected,” says Vazquez. “As you walk into the stands — (with) the music, the lights, and the way the atmosphere is set — you’re inside a different world, and it’s something that you have to experience yourself.”

And, of course, there’s an assortment of tasty circus treats to munch on from the concession stand.

Capturing over 200 years of circus tradition into high-energy show, Fl!p Circus invites everyone to immerse themselves in the experience.

“We just want the audience to enjoy the show, and we want them to be transformed into what we’re doing,” says Vasquez. “We want the audience, when they come in, to feel welcome, to feel like they’re a part of the family.”

Tom Colicchio on ‘why he cooks’

Get an unprecedented insights into the life of one of America’s top chefs when Tom Colicchio brings his “Why I Cook” book tour to the Paramount stage. Part memoir-part cookbook, Colicchio’s newest book shares an exclusive look inside the mind and kitchen of the beloved multiple-Awardwinning chef, restaurateur, and television personality. Colicchio cooked his first recipe at 13-yearsold — a stuffed eggplant from an issue of Cuisine magazine that he picked up out of boredom — and it changed his life. Through 10 memoir chapters and 60 recipes, “Why I Cook” shares Colicchio’s personal reflections of more than 40 years behind the stove. From pre-dawn fishing excursions with his grandfather to running the flat-top at the snack shack of the local swim club, to finding his way as a young chef in New York City, into Tom’s life yet.

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2 p.m.$95, $65, $54, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Anthony Pascal and Anthony Rapp

Get ready to be swept away with Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, the original stars of “Rent.” Their enduring friendship, spanning three decades, forms the heart and soul of this duo show, promising an evening filled with music, anecdotes and laughter. Pascal and Rapp’s friendship and history create an unforgettable evening of music, stories and fun. Expect songs from highlights throughout their careers, music that has influenced their lives, and of course some of the iconic hits from where it all began — meeting on the stage of “Rent.” Jonathan Larson’s iconic show, remains an international phenomenon, contuing a trajectory that began with it’s Off-Broadway opening all those years ago.

Thursday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. $69, $64, $54. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Visit landmarkonmainstreet.org for tickets and information, or call (516) 7676444.

Photos courtesy Fl!p Circus Modern yet vintage describes the Fl!p Circus experience.

THE Your Neighborhood

Steve Martin and Martin Short

Icons, collaborators and dos amigos Steve Martin and Martin Short have a relationship that’s evolved in unexpected ways since their SNL days. Their comic prowess has surely reached new heights since their involvement in Hulu’s smash hit “Only Murders in the Building.” The pair takes another comic turn as special guest performers at Tilles Center’s 2024 Gala, Saturday, oct. 19, 8:30 p.m. These two funnyman display their impeccable talents as “The Dukes of Funnytown!” — a show that redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century.

Their humor is often subversive, but it is always a joyous self-deprecating romp from two comedy masters driven to make each other laugh as much as the audience. The jokes come at you at a rapid-fire pace with little set-up and big punch lines as they mock Hollywood and the fickle nature of celebrity, but the comedy truly soars when they lovingly (and relentlessly) roast each other. Martin and Short’s chemistry and timing on stage reflects a friendship forged over three decades which developed when they met for the first time on the set of the 1986 film “Three Amigos.” These two titans of comedy have been touring together since 2015, when they launched their first live show entitled “A Very Stupid Conversation.” Tickets start at $70. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

‘The Birthday Party’ Looking for something to do this Halloween season that isn’t just for kids? Visit Sands Point Preserve for an exclusive, immersive theatrical production, “The Birthday Party,” held in a secluded, opulent mansion, Saturday, oct. 12, 7-8:30 p.m. and 9-10:30 p.m.; also oct. 18-19, oct. 25, oct. 31, and Nov. 1. For those who attended Archie’s last “Birthday Party,” rest assured, there are new surprises in store.

Guests will be blindfolded and escorted to a secret location on the property, Villa Vanitas, to celebrate the enigmatic Lord Archibald Axel Von Finkelshorn Chatterton’s 30th birthday. He is a witless charmer on the cusp of a life-changing revelation, and everyone’s invited to witness his journey on a night that promises to be unforgettable and delightfully unpredictable. Cocktail attire preferred. $175 per person. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.

Adelphi’s Best of Broadway: Decades

Jump into the dazzling world of Broadway as Adelphi’s talented students bring to life the magic of shows that opened 10, 20, 30 or more years ago, Sunday, oct. 20, 4 p.m. Enjoy modern and classic Broadway hits from shows like “Suffs” (2024); “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (2014); “Sunday in the Park with George” (1984) and “Anything Goes” (1934). Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi. edu/pac.

Circle of Friends

Glen Cove Circle Senior Center hosts its annual Circle of Friends. Wednesday, oct. 16, 6-8 p.m. Enjoy a nice dinner, live music and dancing with friends. Open to all residents. $10. Call (516) 759-9610 or email Eric Shuman at eshuman@ glencoveny.gov for more information or to purchase tickets. 30 Glen St. Unit A, Glen Cove.

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.

Raynham Hall Tour of Oyster Bay

Raynham Hall Museum invites all to stroll along the two-hour Oyster Bay Historic Walk, Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-noon. The oneand-a-half mile loop takes you to multiple historic sites, each whispering stories of the town’s vibrant colonial roots and its role in America’s formative years. $20 members; $25 for general admission. 30 W. Main St., Oyster Bay. Visit raynhamhallmuseum.org for tickets and information.

Game

Time

Drop by Bayville Free Library, Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m., for casual table games. Bring your own games or use games offered by the library such as; cards, Canasta, Mah Jongg, Scrabble, chess, checkers, backgammon, and jigsaw puzzles. No registration required. 34 School St. For more information, visit BayvilleFreeLibrary.org or call (516) 628-2765.

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. 12, 9, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition

“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span various world cultures through a range of media.

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

Tribute concert

Plaza Theatricals’ tribute series continues, Sunday, Oct 20, 2:30 p.m., with Shades of Grey. From his best-remembered role as the iconic Master of Ceremonies in “Cabaret,”both on Broadway and in the film version, to his more recent portrayal as the Wizard of Oz in “Wicked,” Joel Grey continues to entertain audiences of all ages. And now, continuing his own tradition of creating unique and memorable performances, Bob Spiotto takes to the boards once again, in both story and song, to educate and entertain, as he pays tribute to this legendary performer. See the concert at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

In concert

Veteran singer-songwriter and Sea Cliff resident, Nini Camps hosts longtime friends/touring partners, Edie Carey and Sarah Sample, at Sea Cliff Arts Council, performing songs from their new album, “Lantern in the Dark,” Thursday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. 86 Roslyn Ave., Sea Cliff. Get tickets at seacliffartscouncil.org.

THE GREAT BOOK GURU

The Play’s the Thing

Dear Great Book Guru, Last week at the Sea Cliff Mini Mart, I met up with so many friends from long ago and one of them mentioned an intriguing book about family dynamics set on a London stage. Does it sound familiar?

Fan of Family Tales

Dear Fan of Family Tales, “The Hypocrite” by Jo Hamya is set in Sicily and London and takes place in 2010 and 2020. Sophia is a twenty-seven-year-old successful playwright whose latest work is about a month she had spent in Sicily ten years before with her novelist father.

and his reaction to seeing his past come to life on the stage - the kitchen in Sicily, his favorite purple shirt, and most importantly the many women he entertained while his daughter slept nearby…. to the mother-daughter conversation about the play.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF10 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, -againstKIMBERLY CHARON, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

ANN DIPIETRO

Her father is in the audience for a matinee performance of her play, having no idea the play is about him - he has carefully avoided reading reviews. Sophia and her mother are having lunch above in the terrace restaurant of the playhouse.

The storyline shifts from the father

Her memories of the conversations she overheard, the lies and exaggerations, half truths are all acted out on stage and her father - to his horror - is portrayed as a mediocre writer and latent misogynist. Meanwhile as Sophia and her mother lunch, a variety of characters appear to discuss the play going on in the theater below.

As her mother becomes more and more drunk and belligerent, Sophia continues to deny the play is about her family, leaving the reader to question who indeed is the hypocrite? Recommended!

Would you like to ask the Great Book Guru for a book suggestion? Contact her at annmdipietro@gmail.com.

OBITUARIES

Dolores M. Giddens, beloved sister

Dolores M. Giddens, 87, of Oyster Bay, died on Sep. 22. Beloved sister of Dorothy and the late Henrietta Orr, Leonard Walters, Gerald, William, Richard, and Charlene.

Also survived by many loving nieces,

nephews, relatives and friends.

Visiting was held at Oyster Bay Funeral Home, 261 South St., Oyster Bay, on Sept. 26. Interment followed at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

Helen Restaino, loving mother

Helen Restaino, 96, of New York City, formerly of Brookville, died on Sep. 28. Beloved mother of Claire Hochheiser. Loving mother in law of Robert Hochheiser.

Cherished grandmother of Jessica Hochheiser and Justyn Hochheiser.

Proud great grandmother of Andie Zellie.

Visiting held at Oyster Bay Funeral Home, 261 South St., Oyster Bay, on Oct. 3. Funeral Mass held at St. Paul The Apostle Church, Brookville, on Oct. 4. Interment Nassau Knolls Cemetery.

Paul Symanski, cherished husband

Paul Symanski, 61, of Bayville, died on Oct. 6. Beloved husband of Lisa. Loving father of Jason, Kelly Fay, and Jack.

Cherished son of Diane and the late Mike. Dear brother of Michael, and Karen Garces. Proud uncle of Diana, Donald, Matthew, Krystina, Kevin, and Timmy.

Loving son in law of Peter Sr. and Barbara Vasecchi. Cherished brother in law of Peter Valsecchi, Jr. (Sandra) Valsecchi.

Also survived by many loving rela -

tives and friends. Devoted member of Bayville Fire Co., No. 1. for 38 years.

Visiting held at Oyster Bay Funeral Home, 261 South St., Oyster Bay, on Oct. 8 with Firematic Services. Prayer Service held at Oyster Bay Funeral Home at, last Firemen’s Service held at Bayville Fire Co.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to Bayville Fire Co., No.1, 259 Bayville Ave, Bayville, NY 11709.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 30, 2023, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF10 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST is the Plaintiff and KIMBERLY CHARON, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on November 6, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 6 CHARLES PLACE, BAYVILLE, NY 11709; and the following tax map identification: 28-1-40 & 41.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF BAYVILLE, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 604057/2020. John P. Clarke, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 149339

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE: INC. VILLAGE OF LAUREL HOLLOW - PLANNING BOARD

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a public meeting and hearing will be held by and before the Planning Board of the Inc. Village of Laurel Hollow, Nassau County, New York, on Wednesday October 30, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. at the Village Hall located at 1492 Laurel Hollow Road, Laurel Hollow, NY to consider the following: “P-11-2024/T-35-2024Public hearing on the application of Albert and Deborah Cirignano of 1 Birch Court to remove 16 trees from their property in connection with building permit 3600 to construct a swimming pool in the rear yard. This parcel of land is known as Section 26, Block 1, Lot 6 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map. All relevant documents submitted in connection with this application are on file at the Village Clerk’s Office in the Village Hall. If you wish to inspect the documents, please email the Deputy Clerk at Deputy@laurelhollow.org in advance of the meeting to make arrangements. All persons interested will be given an opportunity to be heard at said time and place. By Order of the Planning Board Christopher Hadjandreas, Chairman October 7, 2024 149441

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO LEGAL DISTRITO DE AGUA JERICHO POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA a los votantes calificados registrados del DISTRITO DE AGUA DE JERICHO en el Pueblo de Oyster Bay, Condado de Nassau, Estado de Nueva York, que se llevará a cabo una elección dentro de dicho Distrito en el Complejo de Operaciones del Distrito de Agua de Jericho de dicho Distrito ubicado en 125 Convent Road, Syosset, Long Island, Nueva York, el martes 10 de diciembre de 2024 entre las cuatro (4:00) p. m. y las nueve (9:00) de la noche para la elección de un Comisionado de Aguas para dicho Distrito por un término de tres (3) años a partir del 1 de enero de 2025 y expirando el 31 de diciembre de 2027.

Dicha elección se convoca de conformidad con la Sección 212, Articulo 13 de la Ley Municipal del Estado de Nueva York, según enmendada. Para tener derecho a votar por el Comisionado del Distrito de Mejora, cada votante debe estar registrado para votar en la Ciudad bajo un registro permanente desde la dirección desde la que desea votar. Además, dicho votante deberá haber residido en el Distrito del Agua durante al menos treinta (30) días después de la elección y ser ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, de dieciocho (18) años o más.

De conformidad con las disposiciones y requisitos de la Subdivisión 20 de la Sección 215 del Artículo 13 de la Ley del Pueblo del Estado de Nueva York, según enmendada, los candidatos para el cargo de Comisionado de Agua deberán presentar sus nombres y nominaciones en forma de petición ante el Secretario del Junta de Comisionados del Agua del Distrito del Agua de Jericó en su sede en 125 Convent Road, Syosset, Nueva York, a más tardar al cierre de las actividades a las 4:00 p.m. el viernes 8 de noviembre de 2024 y que tales peticiones de nominación deben ser suscritas por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes registrados del Distrito de Agua de Jericho. Visite y revise el sitio web del distrito para obtener instrucciones electorales actualizadas en https://www.jerichowater .org/ para obtener detalles adicionales. Por orden de la Junta de Comisionados de Agua del Distrito de Agua de Jericho.

JAMES ASMUSSecretario

Anticuada: Syosset, Nueva York 11 de octubre de 2024 149440

LEGAL NOTICE

JERICHO WATER

DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to the qualified and registered voters of the JERICHO WATER DISTRICT in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York, that an election will be held within said District at the Jericho Water District Operations Complex of said District

located at 125 Convent Road, Syosset, Long Island, New York, on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 between the hours of four (4:00) o’clock P.M. and nine (9:00) o’clock P.M. for the purpose of the election of a Water Commissioner for the said District for a term of three (3) years beginning January 1, 2025 and expiring December 31, 2027. Said election is called pursuant to Section 212, Article 13 of the Town Law of the State of New York, as amended. To be entitled to vote for Improvement District Commissioner, every voter must be registered to vote in the Town under permanent registration from the address from which he/she wishes to vote. Further, said voter shall have been a resident in the Water District for at least thirty (30) days next preceding the election and be a citizen of the United States, eighteen (18) years or over in age. Pursuant to the provisions and requirements of Subdivision 20 of Section 215 of Article 13 of the Town Law of the State of New York, as amended, candidates for the office of Water Commissioner shall file their names and nominations in petition form with the Secretary of the Board of Water Commissioners of the Jericho Water District at its headquarters at 125 Convent Road, Syosset, New York no later than the close of business at 4:00 p.m. on or before Friday, November 8, 2024 and that such Nomination petitions must be subscribed by at least twenty-five (25) registered voters of the Jericho Water District. Please visit and review the District’s Website for up-to-date Election instructions at https://www.jerichowater .org and for additional details.

By Order of the Board of Water Commissioners of the Jericho Water District.

JAMES ASMUSSecretary

Dated:Syosset, New York October 11, 2024 149439

OPINIONS

Remembering a cherished friendship with Nelson DeMille

The bestselling, superbly gifted novelist Nelson DeMille recently died. The author of 23 books, including 17 bestsellers, DeMille was so much more than a brilliant writer. He was first and foremost an outstanding human being and a loyal friend.

The first book of his that I read was “Cathedral,” in the early 1980s. It was a gripping tale of an attack on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I was hooked. Among all of Demille’s books, I found “Gold Coast,” a satiric depiction of Long Island’s North Shore, to be a true classic. My wife, Rosemary, became an almost obsessive reader of his works.

I didn’t actually meet DeMille until the early 2000s, when I was privileged to be invited to several lunches hosted by Mets owner Fred Wilpon and New York jurist Sol Wachtler at which DeMille was also a guest. I was struck immediately by what a regular guy he was. Totally unassuming and down-to-earth. Humorous. Extremely intelligent, and

A

Tknowledgeable on so many topics. Never once telling us how many bestsellers he authored, or mentioning his service in Vietnam as an infantry commander, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star.

Those early gatherings opened the way for lunches, dinners and social gatherings at which Rosemary and I would see Nelson and his wife, Sandy, as well as get-togethers he and I would have with guys we each knew. I distinctly recall the wonderful evening Rosemary and I enjoyed at DeMille’s home, celebrating his 75th birthday with his family and a multitude of friends.

TRosemary, who, in what turned out to be Sandy’s final social event, invited her to a formal congressional lunch in Washington honoring then first lady Melania Trump.

That evening, Sandy joined Rosemary, our daughter, Erin, and me for dinner at a Capitol Hill restaurant, and she was as outgoing and upbeat as ever. Just months later, in September 2018, she died. As devastated as he was, Nelson never showed even the slightest bit of self-pity.

he bestselling author was still the blue-collar guy who grew up in Elmont.

Conversations with him ran the gamut of his varied interests, including dedication to his family and his concern for others. Nothing was more saddening or distressing than when Sandy, a nonsmoker, was stricken with lung cancer. The years following her diagnosis in 2014 were marked by peaks of hope, but then by the darkest valley in 2018, when Sandy succumbed after waging a courageous, uncomplaining struggle.

She was an absolute delight to be with. Intelligent and always upbeat. Sandy was the center of her husband’s life. She was especially friendly with

Rosemary and I continued to get together with DeMille and, if anything, our friendship and admiration for him only deepened. More than ever, I realized that, with all his fame and success, he was, at heart, still the blue-collar guy who grew up in Elmont. Though he moved easily with the socially upscale and the movers and shakers, he very much identified with cops, firefighters, construction workers and military veterans. Those were the people who, through guts and dedication, make our nation work with little recognition or acclaim.

DeMille also never left Long Island. His roots were here, and this was where he stayed.

He continued his literary efforts,

writing, as always, in longhand on yellow legal pads, and rushing feverishly to meet his publisher’s deadlines. His final work was “Blood Line,” published in 2023, which he co-wrote with his son, Alex. Last Oct. 11 I had the privilege of moderating a discussion of “Blood Line” with the two of them before a large audience at LIU Post.

Weeks later, on Oct. 28, Rosemary, and I got together with DeMille at the Paramount, in Huntington, at a reception prior to a performance by Bill O’Reilly and Sid Rosenberg. DeMille was in good spirits, and seemed entirely healthy, but that was the last time we were with him. Soon after, he let us know he was being treated for cancer, but was confident all would be well.

This went on for months. On June 6, Rosemary received an email from him, saying he had just one procedure left, and then we’d be getting together for dinner. That was the last we heard from him. Nelson died of esophageal cancer on Sept. 17.

His wake and funeral, attended by hundreds of admirers and friends, were a celebration of a wonderful man of great accomplishment. He will be missed. Nelson DeMille, R.I.P.

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

historic election for all the wrong reasons

his has been a political year like no other in my lifetime. It may be the only year that was dominated by mean-spirited and ugly conduct, all in the name of winning an election. I am not naïve, having run 12 successful campaigns for public office. But the desperate campaign being run by Donald Trump, in his quest for renewed power, will stand out in the history books for many years to come.

Let’s start with this backdrop. Trump lost the 2020 election by 7 million votes. His years of claims that his success was “stolen” are fake by any measure. He admitted that he was beaten by challenging the election results in Georgia. If you lost an election, why would you be asking the Georgia secretary of state to “find 11,780 votes”? What is sad is that there are millions of Americans who have fallen for that charade.

The second historical event that

taints the Trump re-election effort is the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill. Trump once told Americans that they shouldn’t believe what they saw with their own eyes. Whether you’re blind or able to see, at Trump’s urging, hundreds of people broke down the doors to the Capitol and destroyed government property, and their actions contributed to the death of five people. That is not my conclusion. It is the findings of countless jurors who heard the facts after weeks and weeks of criminal trials.

D onald Trump’s vision of the nation is depressing and false.

And so, with the blemish of a torrent of facts that would undo any reelection effort, Trump commenced his 2024 campaign. He once claimed he would “drain the swamp,” but instead he has created a new swamp by conducting a campaign heavy with racial undertones, vicious personal attacks and attacks on the American court system.

There have been so many vitriolic assaults that it would take more than one column to adequately describe all of them. One of the current ones that deserves public scorn is his attacks on

the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio. Despite the pleas of the Republican governor of Ohio, the mayor of Springfield and many other elected officials, both Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, have continued to spread false charges about Haitians eating dogs and cats.

I long ago learned that personal attacks on your opponent don’t get much voter applause. Trump has decided that calling his challenger, Vice President Kamala Harris, “mentally impaired” is a way to get voter support. He also thinks that attacking her appearance is a way to win over skeptical women voters. These tasteless tactics are not the way to get the support of the fast-shrinking independent vote.

One of the winning ways to get voters to be your boosters is to offer solid policy proposals and to give the public a chance to hear your vision for the next 10-plus years. Trump has offered little in way of new ideas, but has Project 2025 as his policy proposal. That 900-plus-page volume, drafted by former officials of his administration, calls for

dismantling the federal government as we know it and turning it over to prescreened loyalists who will complete a menu of bureaucratic horrors. Perhaps the most vexing part of the current Trump effort is his constant harping on what he thinks our country looks like. He describes America as a “failed state.” His vision of the nation is depressing and false. He claims that many thousands of the migrants who have come to America have committed major crimes. Any honest presidential contender would not tear down the country at a time when it wants a leader with a brighter view of the nation. Obviously, my view of the Trump campaign is not a flattering one. Am I a partisan? I have spent all of my life cultivating relationships with my Republican counterparts, and have succeeded because of our mutual respect. But I draw the line when it comes to Donald Trump. I just don’t think he is the true face of America.

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.

PETER KING

JERRY KREMER

Calling for fire safety, honoring local volunteers

With Fire Prevention Week — Oct. 6-12 — upon us, it’s important to reflect on the significance of fire safety in our communities, and to recognize the extraordinary contributions of the volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians who keep us safe.

These men and women are truly local heroes, but they are also neighbors just a phone call away who risk their lives in hazardous situations that include fires and floods. They should never be taken for granted, and this annual observance serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing fires and responding to emergencies of all kinds.

There are 71 fire departments in Nassau County — 69 all-volunteer, and two with both professionals and volunteers — along with six volunteer ambulance corps that provide fire, technical rescue and emergency medical help, all serving 1.3 million residents. In Suffolk, more than 125 volunteer fire and EMS agencies serve that county’s population of more than 1.5 million.

Fire Prevention Week is a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness of fire hazards and promoting practices that can saves lives. President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed it a national observance in 1925 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which devastated much of the city and claimed hundreds of lives.

“Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!” is this year’s theme. The goal is to

LETTERS

educate people about the crucial role smoke alarms play in preventing injury and death when a fire breaks out in a home.

Three of every five home fire deaths occur in properties without working smoke alarms, and the risk of dying in a house fire is cut in half when there are functioning alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association. This underscores the fact that fire prevention isn’t just about avoiding accidents — it’s about saving lives.

The American Red Cross also stresses the importance of installing smoke alarms. At the organization’s Sound the Alarm events, volunteers install smoke alarms for free. For more information, go to RedCross.org.

Education is paramount, too. Children, adults and seniors benefit from learning how to prevent fires and to respond appropriately if one breaks out. Teaching children not to play with matches, encouraging adults to avoid being distracted while cooking and reminding seniors to be mindful of electrical appliances are just a few essential lessons that can reduce the likelihood of fires.

It’s also important to honor the brave people who respond when fires and other emergencies occur. Volunteer firefighters often juggle full-time jobs and family responsibilities, yet they still make time to respond to calls for help — whether it’s a house fire, a car accident or a medical emergency.

Letter writer defending D’Esposito was ‘splitting hairs’

To the Editor:

In his letter last week, “Is D’Esposito vulnerable to a House probe?” Christopher Kane complained that the Herald owes Congressman Anthony D’Esposito an apology for an article about the hiring of his mistress and the daughter of his fiancée that was headlined “D’Esposito faces ethics probe over hiring.” Kane argued, in part, that D’Esposito didn’t violate any ethics rules because he wasn’t married to his fiancée.

However, according to a Sept. 23 article in The New York Times, “The House code of conduct prohibits members of Congress from employing spouses or relatives, including stepchildren. Though Mr. D’Esposito has never married, congressional ethics experts said that employing a woman akin to his stepdaughter, who shared a home with him, could breach the requirement that members of Congress ‘adhere to the spirit and the letter of the rules.’”

The Times article continued, “A separate provision adopted in the wake of the #MeToo movement explicitly states that lawmakers ‘may not engage in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House who works

They undergo extensive training to ensure that they are equipped to handle the myriad dangerous conditions that can arise in an emergency, and they are often the only line of defense when a home catches fire and lives are on the line. It’s no wonder that so many people find firefighters’ dedication so inspiring.

The same is true for volunteer EMTs, who provide critical care during medical emergencies, administering life-saving treatment before a victim can be transported to a hospital. Their swift action and expertise often mean the difference between life and death.

A former Long Island volunteer firefighter and EMT who continues to serve as a paid paramedic and a New York City police officer explained why he became a first responder.

“I wanted to participate in something that allowed me to help my neighbors at their most vulnerable points in life, while also providing me with valuable life experience and training,” he told the Herald. “The fire department put me on a path to serve the people and communities that I live and work in, as well as (having) a second family I know would come to my aid should my family or I need it.”

We strongly urge you to be there for your local fire department’s next fundraiser or open house, salute the volunteers at their next holiday parade and, if you’re able, consider becoming one of them.

under the supervision of the mem -

Although D’Esposito was not married to his fiancée, with whom he was allegedly cohabiting, it appears that

in his letter, Kane was doing nothing more than splitting hairs! Lastly, while he criticizes Laura Gillen, who “identifies as a Catholic,” apparently Kane is not that troubled

OPINIONS

America’s support of Israel is vital — now more than ever

Last Oct. 7, Israel was plunged into a crisis that has demanded both our attention and our action. As a rabbi and a proud Zionist, I’ve traveled to Israel twice since that tragic day — once to volunteer, and once to witness the devastation firsthand.

The scale of loss is staggering. Israel’s top priority must be the rescue and safe return of the hostages, who have endured unimaginable trauma, and Israel must do everything in its power to secure their release. This aligns with pikuach nefesh, the Jewish principle that preserving life overrides almost all other considerations. Still, the mission of rescuing the hostages cannot justify widespread destruction. Ensuring the safety of innocent people on all sides of this conflict is essential for Israel, not just strategically but morally.

America’s support for Israel, especially in this moment, must be resolute but also thoughtful. Historically, the U.S.

has been Israel’s strongest ally, providing military, financial and diplomatic backing. That partnership has helped Israel withstand threats, grow as a nation and secure its future. But in this current conflict, American support should also reflect the shared values of democracy and human rights. While Israel defends itself, it must do so in a way that seeks to minimize harm to civilians. The U.S. can play a role in pushing for that balance.

Its fight for survival must not lead it down a path that betrays its core values.

The American Jewish community is wrestling with this tension. For decades, many American Jews have offered unconditional support for Israel, rooted in a deep connection to the land and the need for Jewish survival. But in recent years, there’s been a shift. Many, especially younger generations, are questioning Israel’s policies, particularly in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This doesn’t mean turning away from Israel, but rather engaging in more critical conversations about its actions, while still standing firmly against terrorism.

We cannot ignore the growing divide within the American Jewish community, where progressive voices are

LETTERS

by D’Esposito’s reported affair with a married woman (which ended her marriage) while he was engaged to someone else.

Do we really want to be represented by someone who is so ethically challenged?

ROBERT TOLLE

Cedarhurst

Abortion rights must be enshrined in N.Y.’s Constitution

To the Editor:

I was unclear about Proposition 1, and my concern grew when I learned that women in states with abortion bans are dying. I wondered if New York’s abortion laws could withstand the radical extremists influencing our Supreme Court, Congress and potentially the White House. Despite Republican assurances against a national abortion ban, I remain skeptical, especially since the Supreme Court previously deemed Roe v. Wade settled law. Moreover, the GOP made no effort to block the proposed ban on the abortion pill. While an outright abortion ban may not be imminent, without enshrining abortion rights in New York’s Constitution, it’s plausible that there will be attempts to erode women’s rights gradually. For these reasons, it’s crucial to condemn the fear-

demanding that Israel adhere to the same human rights values they champion in other contexts. These concerns are real and important. Yet it’s possible to support Israel’s right to defend itself while also holding it accountable to ethical standards. This dual approach — support coupled with honest critique — strengthens, rather than weakens, the bond between Israel and American Jews. America’s involvement is more than just providing military aid and diplomatic cover. It’s about ensuring that Israel’s fight for survival doesn’t lead it down a path that betrays its core values. The principle of tohar haneshek, the purity of arms, demands that Israel’s military actions avoid unnecessary harm. It’s a concept deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, calling for restraint even in the heat of conflict. American influence, if used wisely, can help Israel stay true to this principle.

In a broader sense, America’s continued support for Israel must remain strong, but it also needs to reflect the complexities of the situation. This isn’t a black-and-white conflict, and American leadership should encourage Israel to seek not just victory but a path to

mongering falsehoods spread by the radical right about the ballot initiative and to vote “yes” on Proposition 1.

STEPHANIE

CAPUANO Wantagh

Now Trump will approve the SALT deduction?

To the Editor:

Then-President Donald Trump and the Republicans limited our income tax deduction for state and local taxes. For two years the Republicans have controlled the House, so why haven’t Congressman Anthony D’Esposito and the MAGA Republicans in the House introduced legislation to give us back our SALT deductions?

Now, in a desperate attempt to help D’Esposito keep his House seat, Trump comes to New York and tells us he’s going to give us back the SALT deduction. He’ll do that right after he finishes building the wall and Mexico pays for it. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. It won’t be all bad when D’Esposito loses the election. His friends in the Town of Hempstead will give him a good job.

DENNIS PATRICK BRADY Rockville Centre

lasting peace. The rescue of hostages is crucial, but so is preventing a cycle of violence that further destabilizes the region.

At the same time, America must recognize that support for Israel isn’t just about defense. It’s about protecting a democratic ally that shares common values of human rights and justice. While military might is necessary, it must be tempered by the moral responsibility to minimize harm to civilians — Israeli and Palestinian alike.

In the end, America’s support for Israel is essential not just for Israel’s survival, but for upholding the values we hold dear. This is a moment of reckoning, when the stakes are high and the consequences of every decision are profound. The U.S. must stand by Israel, but also guide it in a way that ensures the preservation of life and the pursuit of peace. The hostages must come home, and this conflict must end with the preservation of the values that have always been at the heart of both nations’ aspirations.

Rabbi Michael Cohen is the clergical leader of Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth in Rockville Centre. He served in the U.S. Army for over a decade, and is a member of the Long Island Board of Rabbis, the New York Board of Rabbis and the Central Conference of American Rabbis.

Election Letters to the Editor policy

In the interest of fairness and transparency during the election season, we will not publish letters in the Oct. 31-Nov. 6 issue, the final one before Election Day, that criticize a candidate or a specific issue. This is to ensure that no last-minute submissions are published without sufficient opportunity for rebuttal. Readers are encouraged to send letters to execeditor@liherald.com.

MICHAEL COHEN

FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker

At the Family Street Festival — Bellmore