Maureen Lennon/Herald
Semi-pro race car driver Donna Manchin of Wanted Racing helps Theo Ward, 4, of Rockville Centre get behind the wheel during a visit with Hebrew school students at Central SynagogueBeth Emeth on Sunday. Story Page 13.
by DANIel oFFNer doffner@liherald.com
John C. “Jack” Banham visited SIBSPlace in Rockville Centre last week to donate two pieces of his original artwork to the Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital-affiliated nonprofit that provides cost-free programming for more than 300 Long Island children, between the ages of five and 18, who are coping with the life-threatening illness of a sibling or parent.
As a lifelong artist, Banham has been channeling what he sees into lavish works of art for as long as anyone can remember. Growing up during the Great Depression, he would carve Native American figures out of peach pits. Today, he creates scenic landscapes using only tiny strips of paper. The process is a tedious one, requiring weeks and sometimes months of layer-
ing different colors on top of one another. Through this unique approach, he adds depth and texture to his pieces.
“It’s possible that some of my work has two, three layers of paper to indicate shade,” Banham said.
Before discovering his creative niche for unique paper landscapes, he started at an early age by making art out of flour and water. From these early experiences, he began to explore different mediums, working with materials such as clay, wood, and stained glass. Through the years, his dedication to his craft has never waned.
“I was addicted to doing this work,” he admits. “I worked five, six, seven hours, sometimes two, three hours straight.”
Even now, at 99, Banham’s drive remains undiminished, although age has begun to affect his
by DANIel oFFNer doffner@liherald.com
The Diocese of Rockville Centre has reached a historic settlement with the survivors of more than 600 child sexual abuse allegations filed by a Committee of Unsecured Creditors, which will require the diocese to pay out more than $323 million in a trust.
The announcement comes after more than four years of negotiations, in which both parties have maintained their demands.
Was quickly as possible.”
According to the statement, made after the settlement was announced on Sept. 20, the payout includes insurance contributions, diocesan assets and the proceeds of the sale of diocesan property, as well as contributions from parishes and other related entities.
e commend the survivors and Judge Glenn ... sending a strong message that even the most powerful entities can be held accountable.
“The Diocese of Rockville Centre and its related ministries are grateful that preliminary terms have been agreed upon for the settlement of our bankruptcy case,” a statement from the diocese read. “For the sake of survivors and the Church’s mission on Long Island, we pray that the plan is approved and completed
JAsoN P. AmAl A Attorney, Committee of Unsecured Creditors
“All participated in order to help offer equitable compensation to survivors and move this difficult ordeal towards a conclusion,” the statement continued.
“Part of the settlement plan involves all parishes entering into an abbreviated Chapter 11 with the approval of the court and the parties to the case in order to secure a release from liability for the parishes. It is expected that parish Chapter 11s will be resolved within 48 hours of filing and will not interfere with
Continued on page 11
To commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis, in partnership with Nassau University Medical Center and the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition, will bring the mammography van to Rockville Centre on Oct. 9.
The “Mammovan” will be parked at the Municipal Lot No. 2, between North Village and Randall Avenues, to provide breast cancer screenings for women over the age of 40. Screenings will include a breast exam, a mammogram, and instructions for self-examinations. Mammograms will be provided free for uninsured women provided they meet the eligibility guidelines.
“The main idea is to bring resources and awareness to the community,” Davis said. “With it being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we just thought it was a great idea to provide an avenue to get it done and continue to partner with people and hospitals and make it something that just promotes the awareness of it.”
By teaming up with the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition, he hopes to help spread awareness to women in the community about the importance of early detection.
“We’re excited that we can bring some awareness to women in our community who haven’t had their mammograms,” Erin O’Sullivan, co-president of
the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition, said.
The Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition provides support services to those in the community who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer by pairing them with care counselors in the village, who are breast cancer survivors. Through their guidance, they help provide insight to coach them through their diagnosis.
“We are really focused on education and providing early detection for anyone, in any economic circumstance,” O’Sullivan said. “So this is an opportunity for people to get a free screening and free mammogram.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, aside from skin cancer.
Early detection remains the best defense in the fight against breast cancer. The American Cancer Society found that the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is roughly 90 percent when it is detected early.
The “Mammovan” will be parked at Municipal Lot No. 2 in Rockville Centre, between North Village Avenue and Randall Avenue, on Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration is required to participate. To RSVP contact Legislator Davis at (516) 571-6201.
–Xiomara Trinidad Perez
The St. Agnes Knights of Columbus Council No. 2548 recently held its third blood drive of 2024. This year, donors generously gave 98 pints of blood in support of the New York Blood Center. Coordinator John Madson thanks all of the donors who gave this year. The next blood drive will take place February 2025. For more information on how to donate visit NYBloodCenter.org.
Rockville Centre Fire Department’s Live Oak Engine Company No. 1 joined Assemblyman Brian Curran, Rockville Centre Village Trustee Emilio Grillo, Mayor Francis X. Murray, Congressman Anthony D’Esposito and Hempstead Town Councilwoman Laura Ryder on Sept. 22, for a ‘wet down’ to christen the addition of a new apparatus.
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
The Village of Rockville Centre was buzzing with anticipation as teams gathered for the Lions Club’s fourth annual Amazing Race. The event, formerly known as the Walking Rally, had quickly become the club’s biggest fundraising effort, drawing participants of all ages eager to compete for a cash prize.
Inspired by the 1981 film “The Cannonball Run,” starring Burt Reynolds and Dom Deluise, the event took on a new form in recent years, becoming a local take on the hit CBS reality show “The Amazing Race.” On Saturday morning, competitors arrived at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center, signed up in teams of two or more, and prepared to solve puzzles and search for clues scattered across the village’s businesses and landmarks.
Michelle Sewell, the driving force behind the event, reflected on how much it had grown since she first introduced the competition to members of the Lion’s Club four years ago.
“It’s a great way to bring the community together,” she said. “It’s something for all ages, as you can see.” Sewell’s passion for the race was clear as she explained how the event had expanded, now drawing more than 100 competitors.
The charitable aspect of the race added to its significance. This year, a portion of the proceeds would go to the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition, which supports women in the community diagnosed with breast cancer. The cause, combined with the excitement of the race, motivated participants to give it their all.
As the race began, teams set off in different directions, heading toward local landmarks and businesses. Each stop presented new challenges, from brain-teasing puzzles to physical activities, testing not just speed but strategy and teamwork. “We have teams of two to four people that go around and they look for clues or participate in activities, and the team that gets the most correct answers in the least amount of time wins,” Sewell explained.
The event also shone a spotlight on the village’s small businesses. “It’s a great way to show Rockville Centre in all its glory, also a great way to show support for our merchants,” Sewell said. Teams raced past shops and eateries, making stops at places like ParmaMarket, Associated Supermarket, Polka Dot Pound Cake, The New York Musician’s Center, Rockville Camera, The Storage Post, Professional Physical Therapy, Center Station and Maple Lanes. The race wasn’t just about competing—it was about engaging with the village’s heart and supporting local commerce.
The course spanned Long Beach Road, Maple Avenue, and N. Park Avenue, ending near the central business district on Sunrise Highway. As the day wore on, participants grew tired but exhilarated, pushing toward the finish
Team No. 477 Ken Nugent, Noreen McCarthy and Kathleen McCarthy purchase a non-perishable food item at Associated Supermarket, which will be donated to a local food pantry as part of the competition.
line with a sense of accomplishment.
This year’s Amazing Race saw two teams cross the finish line victorious.
Julia and Michael Murphy claimed victory on “Course A,” while the Price family triumphed on “Course B.” Following the race, all contestants were treated to a buffet lunch at Centre Station, giving everyone a chance to relax and celebrate the day’s achievements.
While there were winners, the true triumph of the event lay in the unity and joy it fostered. Once again, Rockville Centre’s community spirit was strengthened, thanks to the dedication of Michelle Sewell and the Lions Club. Another successful Amazing Race was in the books, and the village buzzed with pride and excitement, already looking forward to next year’s event.
Daniel Offner/Herald
Rebecca Oftring awaits incoming participants at the New York Musician’s Center, where they must take a photo of themselves playing different instruments.
Maureen Jordan challenges teams to participate in a duck pluck challenge at The Storage Post on
Thomas
One of the most common and devastating misconceptions about elder law estate planning is that it is too late to save money from nursing home costs. On the contrary, there are crisis planning tools that may save substantial assets from being spent on nursing home costs, even after the client has already entered the nursing home. Almost always, if there are assets left, much can be saved. There are only three ways to pay for nursing home costs – your own assets, long-term care insurance (owned by less than five percent of the population), or Medicaid provided by the government.
Many people know about the “five-year look-back period” and assume nothing can be done without advance planning. The fiveyear look-back rule means that if you gave any gifts away within the last five years, when asking for Medicaid to pay for nursing home costs, the gift amount creates a penalty period, which results in a period of ineligibility for Medicaid coverage.
Despite the five-year look-back, New
York law allows people to protect assets from nursing home costs, even without pre-planning. For single applicants, you may be able to save about half of the assets through the “gift and loan” strategy. For married couples, where one spouse needs a nursing home, “spousal refusal” may protect substantial amounts of assets for the spouse at home. These techniques are discussed in detail at trustlaw.com, under “Practice Areas”, then “Medicaid Strategies”.
The five-year look-back rule does not affect eligibility of Medicaid home care, also known as “community” Medicaid. Currently, an applicant may transfer their assets out of their name and still qualify for home care in the next month.
Many assets, such as retirement accounts, rental properties and even the family home in certain cases, are exempt from Medicaid. The bottom line is that if someone you love is in failing health, the sooner you consult an elder law attorney the more you will likely be able to save assets.
Lisa Ann McLean, 50, of Old Mill Court in Rockville Centre was arrested on Sept. 24. She has been charged with aggravated assault, criminal mischief, forgery and petit larceny following an investigation.
Jamal Delancy, 40, of Arverne, Queens, was arrested on Sept. 25, following a traffic stop, which revealed his license had been suspended and there was an active warrant out for his arrest.
A resident of Meehan Lane in Rockville Centre reported being in a verbal and physical altercation with a neighbor on Sept. 23.
A resident of Hempstead Avenue in Rockville Centre reported on Sept. 24 that someone stole property from her unlocked motor vehicle, while it was parked in the driveway of her home.
An employee on Sunrise Highway reported on Sept. 26 that someone rented a vehicle with fraudulent identification and did not return it.
A motorist reported on Sept. 26 that her vehicle was struck by another vehicle while driving on Peninsula Boulevard, which then fled the scene.
A motorist reported on Sept. 26, that his vehicle was struck by another vehicle while driving on Oceanside Road, which then fled the scene.
A motorist reported on Sept. 27 that his vehicle was struck by another vehicle while driving on Sunrise Highway, which then fled the scene.
A resident of Brower Avenue reported on Sept. 26 that someone used his social security number without his permission.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
activities.
E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: rvceditor@liherald.com
EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 205 E-mail: rvceditor@liherald.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com
&
East Rockaway Senior Football
A RETURNING ALL-COUNTY selection, Grimaldi helped get the Rocks into the win column for the first time in 2024 on Sept. 21. He got East Rockaway’s 52-14 victory over Lawrence started with an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchddown and went on to make four more trips into the end zone. He had touchdown runs covering 45, 18, 75 and 1 yards and racked up 190 yards on the ground on 11 carries. He also leads the defense at linebacker.
Friday, Oct. 4
Football: Seaford at Malverne 7 p.m.
Football: V.S. South at Island Trees 7 p.m.
Football: Wantagh at East Rockaway
Saturday, Oct. 5
Boys Soccer: Academy Charter at Uniondale 10 a.m.
Boys Soccer: Seaford at Lawrence 10 a.m.
Girls Soccer: Clarke at V.S. South 10 a.m.
Girls Soccer: Uniondale at Malv/East Rockaway 10 a.m.
Girls Soccer: Elmont at Freeport 10 a.m.
Boys Soccer: Bellport at Kennedy 10 a.m.
Football: Mepham at Carey 11 a.m.
Football: New Hyde Park at Baldwin 11 a.m.
Girls Volleyball: Plainedge at Elmont 11:45 a.m.
Girls Soccer: Lawrence at V.S. North 12:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer: V.S. Central at Mepham 2 p.m.
Football: MacArthur at Calhoun 2 p.m.
Football: Plainedge at North Shore 2 p.m.
Football: Oyster Bay at West Hempstead 2:30 p.m.
Football: Floral Park at Lynbrook 3 p.m.
Football: Oceanside at Freeport 3 p.m.
Football: Hempstead at Uniondale 3 p.m.
Football: Massapequa at East Meadow 3 p.m.
Football: Long Beach at Glen Cove 6:30 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By ANDREW FANTUCCHIO sports@liherald.com
When the South Side boys’ volleyball team was first created, no one imagined the type of immediate success it’d experience.
With a combined record of 30-6 over the course of their first two seasons, the Cyclones quickly rose from the development ranks and into the upper echelon of Nassau County volleyball.
But now competing in Conference 2A, South Side, by its own standards, is struggling for the first time in its short history after returning only two players from last year’s roster.
Those two returners are junior captains John Pericolosi and Ryan Schmitt. Pericolosi, an All-County selection, currently leads the team in virtually every stat category, including kills, assists, aces, and digs. Schmitt, meanwhile, is one of the best blockers the Cyclones have and is relied upon as the team’s defensive anchor.
The two have been part of the South Side’s roster since the beginning. Now, coach Jerry D’Angelo needs them to usher in the program’s future.
“To try and help the other kids get ready, I’m putting a lot of emphasis on those two,” D’Angelo said. “Everywhere else, we’re just filling around with who we think gives us the best chance to win. We’ve tried different kids in different spots. We have to see what we got. It’s been a bit of a challenge so far.”
As much of a challenge as it has been, there’s an element that D’Angelo enjoys within the process of finding the right spot for each piece in this human jigsaw puzzle. Seeing players try, fail, and eventually succeed is a new type of satisfaction besides that of simply winning.
Some newcomers have found their roles. Setter Jack Bradley has been given the critical role of leading South Side’s offense while still only a freshman. Sophomore Jesse Kuo has settled in at outside hitter, and junior Kevin Rodriguez is getting accustomed to being the libero.
It seems, though, that South Side may have found the right balance this past week. After rattling off four straight wins against Hewlett, Valley Stream North, Wantagh, and most recently, Bellemore-JFK, the Cyclones are hitting their stride with a record of 5-2.
“I still think we’re going to be pretty good,” said D’Angelo. “I still think we could be a team that could catch a good run in the playoffs like we did last year, but we need a little bit more time right now. The kids are working hard. They’re getting better.”
Unlike experience, time is one thing
that South Side has in its favor, with 10 matches to play and more than a month to go in the regular season.
Where exactly the Cyclones will be at that time is anyone’s guess. But as hopes rise, so are expectations.
“I think we should be a top two or three team in our conference,” D’Angelo said. “We were making some bad mistakes and key points in our early games, and sometimes the difference between winning and losing those games is that little bit of experience. Will we have it in late October, when my boys have played 16 or 17 games? Yeah, I think so.”
By Anjolique Powell Correspondent
With Election Day, Nov. 5, as well as early voting, Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, rapidly approaching, this guide offers essential information about voting in Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as details on voter eligibility, registration, voting procedures, and absentee voting. Information for this guide was collected through the League of Women Voters of Nassau County and the Nassau and Suffolk County boards of elections.
Am I eligible to vote?
In order to be eligible to vote, you must:
■ Be a United States citizen.
■ Be at least 18 years old (you can pre-register at 16 or 17).
■ Live in the county, city, or village for at least 30 days before an election.
■ Not be incarcerated for a felony conviction
■ Not claim the right to vote elsewhere.
How do you vote in the general election?
In order to vote in a general election in the U.S., you must be registered before Election Day. To find your polling place in Nassau, go to NassauCountyNy. gov/566/Board-of-Elections. In Suffolk, SuffolkCountyNy.gov/Departments/BOE.
Where/how do I register?
You can register to vote by:
■ Filling out a voter registration form found on either county’s Board of Elections website or the New York State Board of Elections website (at least 25 days before the election)
■ Registering in person at some public agencies.
■ Visiting the Nassau County Board of Elections from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. You’ll receive a confirmation card within two to six weeks. If you don’t receive it, call (516) 571-2411 to check on your application.
There are three ways for voters to cast a ballot in this year’s elections:
■ In person, during early voting, at any one of the 28 early voting locations or on Election Day at your designated polling place.
■ By mail – By early mail ballot or by absentee ballot. To request a ballot, go to Eections.Ny.Gov/request-ballot.
■ For military and oversees voting, go to Elections. Ny.Gov/military-and-overseas-federal-voting.
Do I need to register every year?
No, you’re permanently registered once you’ve registered. However, you need to submit a new application if your name, address, or party changes. If you move, notify the County Board of Elections and re-register.
Should I register with one political party?
You are not obligated to join a political party, however, according to the League of Women’s Voters, “Declaring a party allows you to vote in that party’s primary election, which in New York State is open only to party members.” Enrolled party members can also sign nomination petitions. It’s also important to mention that registering with a party doesn’t mean you have to vote for that party’s candidates. You’re always free to vote for any candidate in general elections.
What is early voting?
Early voting allows people to cast their ballots before Election Day. Early voting also allows voters to go to locations that are closer, like public libraries, public buildings, or community centers. However,
these locations will be different from your assigned Election Day polling place.
When and where does early voting take place?
Hours are:
■ Most days: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
■ Oct. 28: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
■ Oct. 29 and 30: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Check each county’s Board of Elections website for specific locations or location changes.
How do I know where to vote on Election Day?
In order to know where to vote you must look up your polling place, which can be found by entering your county, first and last name, date of birth, and zip code on the New York State Poll Site Search website. This site also tracks voter registration and absentee ballots.
Linda Devin-Sheehan, a board member of the Suffolk League of Women Voters, at the voter registration drive on the Stony Brook University campus on Sept. 11.
Can I still vote if I won’t be able to go to a polling place?
Yes, you can vote by absentee ballot if you’re unable to vote in person due to:
■ Not being in the county or New York City on Election Day
■ Temporary or permanent illness or physical disability
■ Primary care duties for ill or physically disabled individuals
■ Being a patient or inmate in a Veterans’ Administration Hospital
■ Detention in jail/prison (awaiting trial, grand jury action, or serving time for a non-felony conviction).
What is an absentee ballot?
An absentee ballot allows you to cast your vote if you can’t make it to your polling place on Election Day. It’s the same ballot you would receive if you voted in person. However, you can fill it out at home and mail it back or drop it off at the County Board of Elections or at an early polling place.
How do I request an absentee ballot?
To request an absentee ballot you can:
■ Download and fill out the Absentee Ballot Application from the New York State Board of Elections website.
■ Send a letter by mail to: Nassau County Board of Elections at P.O. Box 9002, Mineola, NY 11501 or Suffolk County Board of Elections PO Box 700, Yaphank, NY 11980.
■ In the letter, you must include:
■ Your name and date of birth.
■ The address where you are registered.
■ The reason for the request.
Remember, the Nassau County Board of Elections will take absentee ballots up to 10 days before the election. Under normal circumstances, the Suffolk County Board of Elections will send out ballots between one and three days after receiving an application.
Anjolique Powell is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
It’s shaping up to be quite a year for Rockville Centre native Crystal Dunn.
Already with an Olympic gold medal for helping lead the U.S. women’s national soccer team to victory in Paris this summer, and a playoff spot secured for her Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League, Dunn is now a member of the Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame.
The former South Side High School star was a major part of three state championship teams (2006, 2007 and 2009) and racked up 46 goals and assisted on 35 others playing midfield and forward. She missed her junior season with the Cyclones because she played for the U.S. U-17 team in New Zealand.
“I’ve gone on to play a lot of soccer since high school — more than I could’ve ever dreamed of,” said Dunn, who was one of 28 inductees honored at the Nassau Athletics HOF banquet Sept. 25 at Crest Hollow Country Club in Westbury. “I think a lot about high school sports, especially soccer because in this day and age so many kids have to choose between playing high school and travel. I was fortunate to be able to do both,” she added.
Widely considered the finest Long Island girls high school soccer player to ever lace up a pair of cleats, Dunn scored four goals including three in the first 20 minutes of the 2009 state title game.
“High school was such an amazing time,” Dunn
said. “So many great memories and growing up in a community where soccer was the sport. I’ll never forget the state championships upstate in the freezing cold and I also remember how intense it was going up against Massapequa and Garden City every year.”
By the end of her high school career, the accolades for Dunn kept rolling in. She was a Parade Magazine All-American and the Gatorade New York State Player of the Year. As a senior, she was the New York State Sportswriters Class A Player of the Year.
“One thing high school soccer taught me was to be fit,” Dunn said. “Coach [Judi] Croutier always talked to us about being fit and conditioned to be the best you could be. That really prepared me for the college level.”
Little changed when Dunn arrived at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A standout for the Tar Heels, she was a two-time All-American and won the Herman Trophy and the Honda Award as the top collegiate player in the country.
The eventual two-time Olympian switched to defense for the United States National Team in the 2019 and 2023 World Games. She is now a forward for Gotham FC, which is seeking to repeat as NWSL champions, and still beaming from the USWNT 1-0 victory over Brazil in the gold medal game at the Paris Olympics Aug. 10.
“It’s really nice to be recognized and remembered by Nassau County,” Dunn said. “This is where it all started for me and I’m honored to share the stage with all of the other inductees.”
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
In a display of generosity, the 37th annual Rockville Centre Mayor’s Golf and Dinner Classic raised a record-breaking $75,000 to benefit the village’s Community Fund, which has been supporting residents in financial distress for more than 30 years.
Held each September at the Rockville Links, the event serves as the primary fundraiser for the Community Fund, which has raised more than $1.9 million to help neighbors with the greatest need.
“I consider myself extremely fortunate to be born and raised in our great village,” Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray said. “While our village has a lot to offer, it is the people that make Rockville Centre special.”
This year, Ed Asip was recognized for his long-standing commitment to the community. In 2003, Asip joined the Lion’s Club of Rockville Centre. He served as president of the organization for three years, and has continued to serve as manager of the club’s website.
Lions Club International is a global leader in humanitarian service. It consists of dedicated volunteers who work hard to try and help improve the community.
Asip currently serves as president of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce, where he plays a vital role by bringing local businesses together with the goal of fostering growth in the local economy.
In his acceptance speech, on Monday night, Asip highlighted the importance of community service, particularly through the Lions Club’s mission.
“The Lions Club, named by Helen Keller as the ‘Knights of the Blind,’ focuses on fighting blindness and diabetes globally while providing vital services to those affected locally,” he said. “Our club of about 70 members works tirelessly to support people in need and improve our community.”
He was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship in 2018, the highest honor from the Lions International Foundation, and in 2023, the Chamber of Commerce named him Rockville Centre Businessperson of the Year.
Reflecting on the community’s evolution, he fondly recalled his childhood days at Veterans Park, the future site of Mr. B’s Inclusive Playground, a project that the Lions Club, Rockville Centre Little League Challenger Division, the Tommy Brull Foundation and the office of Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray have been working toward it for many years.
“I grew up playing at Veterans Park when it was just an open field,” he said. “Fast forward 70 years, and I get to witness that same area being completely transformed with the addition of Mr. B’s—an inclusive, state-of-the-art playground.”
Mayor Murray praised Asip for his enduring service to the community. “Rockville Centre is home to many that put the needs of others over their own, those that go above and beyond to help their fellow neighbors in need, and those that consistently give back for the greater good of our community,” Murray said. “Tonight, we get to honor one such individual. Whether it was on the field coaching or serving as an active member of the Rockville Centre Lions Club, Ed Asip has made a meaningful difference for countless residents.”
Following the award presentation, Asip announced that Donna O’Reilly Einemann, an associate broker at Douglas Elliman Realty and acting vice president of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce, has been voted the 2024 Rockville Centre Businessperson of the Year. Einemann, recognized for her dedication as chair of the membership committee and her leadership as a member of the executive board, will be honored at the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce’s annual breakfast later this month.
Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce President Ed Asip accepts his award at
Mayor’s Golf and Dinner Classic.
The golf and dinner classic also recognized Harold Reese Jr., who was presented with the Eugene J. Murray Outstanding Service Award for his 37 years of service on the RVC Community Fund committee. Reese, president of Harrontine Realty Corp., which owns Audi Lynbrook and Il Luogo Restaurant on Sunrise Highway, has deep roots in the community. He has been a resident of Rockville Centre for the last 35 years. His father, the late Harold A. Reese, was the former owner of Reese Bros. Dodge on Merrick Road and later Sunrise Highway in Lynbrook, which he purchased in 1989 and later sold in 2003.
He previously served as president of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce from 1990-1994, where he remains active as a director. Reese has been a memebr of the Community Fund since its inception in 1987. He is also a proud supporter of the RVC, Lynbrook and Molloy University annual golf outings.
Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray shares a few words about this year’s Golf Classic honorees—Ed Asip and Harold Reese, Jr.
Reese, Jr., fourth from left, joins Rockville Centre Village Trustee Emilio Grillo, left, Village Trustee Katie Conlon, Mayor Francis X. Murray, Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley and Village Trustee Gregory Shaughnessy at the Rockville Links on Monday night where he was presented with the Eugene J. Murray Outstanding Service Award for his 37 years of service with the Community Fund.
parish work and ministries. No parishes are closing as a result of this process. The Diocese’s goal has always been the equitable compensation of survivors of abuse while allowing the Church to continue her essential mission. We believe that this plan will achieve those goals.”
The terms of the final Chapter 11 reorganization plan must be filed in federal bankruptcy court by Oct. 7.
James Stang, one of the lead attorneys representing the survivors, told the Herald that despite the time that had passed and mounting legal fees, the committee seems to have hammered out a deal with the diocese that will be mutually beneficial for both parties.
“The best settlement is one that nobody’s happy with. I think Judge Glenn alluded to that in court,” Stang said, referring to U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Martin Glenn. “Everyone would have liked to have more money. With the Arrowood (claims) on top, it should be viewed as a fair settlement.”
Stang explained that the settlement amount will likely increase, based on the claims covered by Arrowood Indemnity, an insurance company for the diocese.
Once a reorganization plan is filed, Stang added, it must go back to the Committee of Unsecured Creditors for a final vote. To proceed with the plan, the church is required to receive the approval of 75 percent of the creditors.
For now, he said, the creditors’ legal team will continue looking through the legal documents to make sure everything being presented in a final plan is reflective of the recent negotiations.
The settlement comes only a few months after Glenn appointed two high-powered mediators — U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Shelley Chapman and attorney Paul Finn — to help iron out a deal after numerous
failed attempts to reach a solution that both sides deemed equitable.
The diocese, the eighth-largest in the nation, first filed for bankruptcy in October 2020, after hundreds of lawsuits were filed against it following the approval of the Child Victims Act in 2019 by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, which extended the statue of limitations for sexual abuse claims.
The survivors proposed a Chapter 11 reorganization plan for the diocese in January 2023, offering to settle their claims for $450 million. The diocese countered a month later with a $200 million offer, with contributions to be made by the diocese, its 132 parishes, coinsured parties and other members of the ministry, not
including insurance payouts.
That proposal, which the diocese later described as its “best and final” attempt at a settlement, was ultimately rejected by a supermajority vote of survivors in April 2024, who said that it did not provide adequate compensation for their suffering and lacked any childprotection measures.
In response, the diocese sought to dismiss the case, prompting Glenn to move to mediation to avoid remanding the individual cases to the state courts, which could potentially have yielded large payouts in the early going, putting the diocese at risk of having no money for hundreds of other survivors.
Adam Slater, a founding and managing partner of Slater, Slater, Schulman LLP, a law firm representing roughly 100 of the survivor claimants, said that the majority of them are in their 60s and 70s and have waited decades for justice.
“We are extremely pleased to reach this settlement on their behalf,” Slater said in a release. “Importantly, this is the largest Diocese settlement in the history of New York State and the first Diocese settlement to be reached nationwide following the Supreme Court’s recent ‘Purdue Pharma’ decision relating to non-consensual third-party releases. We hope it will serve as a model for other pending cases around the country.”
Jason P. Amala, an attorney with the firm Pfau, Cochran, Vertetis, Amala, represents more than a dozen survivors.
“The timing of this settlement speaks volumes,” Amala said in a news release, noting that the announcement came only two weeks before the first jury trial was scheduled. “We commend the survivors and Judge Glenn for staying the course, making the deal happen, and sending a strong message that even the most powerful entities can be held accountable.”
By ABIGAIL GRIECO
Herald Intern
More than 300 supporters gathered at the St. Agnes Parish Center on Sept. 14 for the Mary Ruchalski Foundation’s second annual Heart of Gold Gala, an event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research, particularly on Long Island.
The event, organized by Carol Ruchalski, honors the memory of her daughter, Mary Ruchalski, a seventhgrader at St. Agnes Cathedral School who died after battling rhabdomyosarcoma—a rare form of pediatric cancer that affects muscle tissue.
“We knew we had to do something to bring awareness to rhabdomyosarcoma,” Ruchalski said during the gala.
Since its inception in 2018, the Mary Ruchalski Foundation has raised more than $640,000 for pediatric cancer research initiatives at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and provided support to families dealing with cancer.
Ruchalski’s commitment to the cause stems from the challenges her daughter and other families with pediatric cancer have faced, noting that there has been no new treatment for childhood cancers since 1982.
“Mary’s treatment was harsh and toxic,” she said. “Our goal is to provide any aid we can for families that have a child stricken with pediatric cancer.”
In the past year, the foundation has provided $100,000 to families with sick children. Unfortunately, none of those children survived— a sobering reminder about the critical need for pediatric cancer research funding.
Ruchalski said the idea for the Heart of Gold Gala came about a year ago, when Assemblyman Brian Curran asked her if they could do more during September for Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.
“We have collaborated closely ever since,” she said, expressing gratitude for Curran’s support, along with that of Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach. “They both provide constant support, and I couldn’t ask for more.”
For the past six years, the Mary Ruchalski Foundation has worked with local officials to host gold tree-lighting ceremonies, raising awareness for pediatric cancer research across Long Island.
The effort began in Rockville Centre and has spread to neighboring communities including Lynbrook, Malverne, East Williston and Mineola, with each holding its own event.
Curran said he approached Ruchalski at the tree-lighting ceremony in Lynbrook last year to discuss new ways to help raise donations towards the foundation’s fight against Pediatric Cancer.
“There is such a discrepancy in funding for pediatric cancer, and we had to do something to make a change,” Curran said.
According to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, only 4 percent of federal funding for cancer research is allocated to pediatric cancer.
Curran credits Ruchalski, along with the support of elected officials, including Mayor Beach, Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray, East Rockaway Mayor Gordon J. Fox and Malverne Mayor Timothy Sullivan, for making the Heart of Gold Gala possible.
“Everyone’s been phenomenal, and there’s been so much work put into hosting this gala,” Curran said.
Every September, the Mary Ruchalski Foundation sells gold bows and luminarias to further its fundraising efforts, along with hosting raffles and a 50/50 at the gala. With sponsor support, the Heart of Gold Gala continues to further the foundation’s mission of funding lifesaving pediatric cancer research.
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Long Island natives Warren McCabe and Donna Manchin of Wanted Racing have a passion for the high-speed thrill of drag racing.
The two semi-pro racecar drivers from South Hempstead visited with Hebrew school students at Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth in Rockville Centre on Sunday morning, to discuss how they got involved in the high-octane motorsport.
“A lot of people think its just going straight,” McCabe, 65, said. “You’re taking a car when it’s out of control and basically controlling it.”
McCabe started racing in 1977, when he was just a teenager. He said that as a youth, he was constantly getting into trouble and racing became an outlet for him.
“In a quarter-mile (race) you have no time to think about anything. Your mind is empty,” he said. “Most guys are a nervous wreck. Before you get to the light they put your rear tires in a burnout. It’s where you wet the tires to make them slick. Then you literally burn the rubber, which helps them grab the track because it’s so hot.”
Donna Manchin, who grew up in West Islip, said she started racing nine years ago, when Warren put her behind the wheel.
“He told me to let go of the break and hit the gas as hard as you can,” she explained. “I got hooked on racing.”
Manchin said that 95 percent of the people at the racetrack are men, with very few women drivers in the sport.
“A lot of guys still don’t believe that a woman can drive,” she said. “I once beat a guy and his buddies were making fun of him for getting beat by a girl.”
Wanted Racing participates in both quarter-mile and eighth of a mile races
at the “Race Track Not Street” drag strip at the Calverton Executive Airpark, which is an officially sanctioned drag strip with National Hot Rod Association.
Racing can be a quite expensive endeavor, as the motor alone costs in the ballpark of $40,000 and refueling can cost around $45 per gallon. Thanks to the support of their sponsor, Tim Daniels Plumbing and Heating, the Wanted Racing team are able to afford to main-
tain their vehicles so that they are in peak racing condition.
McCabe added that while he finds racing to be very rewarding, it could also be extremely dangerous. For this reason, he explains, track officials check to make sure the springs are correct on the carburetor and that crash helmets and seatbelts used are up to date, as they can expire. If they are past their expiration date, the car is not allowed to compete.
Trying to control a vehicle at such high speed can sometimes be unwieldy, which is why McCabe said it’s important to remember to take your foot off the pedal when the car starts to spin out to avoid flipping the car. He explained that more inexperienced drivers have a hard time remembering to do that.
In the event the car starts to flip over, he said, the goal is for the driver to stay put—otherwise they can get really hurt.
“If you’re just starting out, you have to work your way up. This didn’t happen overnight,” he said. “We put a lot of time and a lot of work into it.”
Illegal drag racing has been a major issue on Long Island for many years. The goal of “Race Track Not Street” is to encourage young drivers to participate in drag racing in an official supervised capacity instead of putting themselves and other drivers at risk by racing on busy roadways where the consequences can be lethal.
eyesight. Despite these challenges, his passion for art persists. “It affected my eyes, and they became shadowy. It was hard even with glasses that I put on.”
He said his inspiration for much of his work came from just walking and looking. “When I see something, I liked, I’d stop, take pictures of it from different angles. Then I would go back home and
special services unit, where he played alongside other entertainers, boosting
Following his service, Banham returned home and soon found the love of his life. He met Teresina “Terry” at a Sadie Hawkins dance at a nightclub on 86th Street. “The way she danced, I thought she was beautiful,” Banham recalled. “It was love right then and there.” They married shortly afterward and spent 62 years together until Teresi-
They eventually settled down in a home on Mulberry Avenue in Flushing Queens, where they raised four children together, Russell, Eva, Susan, and Johnny. The Banham family has always been a pillar of support for him and has taken an active role in preserving their father’s artistic legacy.
In addition to his artistic career, Banham discovered a passion for running later in life. Watching the New York Marathon inspired him to start training, and in his 50s, he completed the race in just over four hours—a remarkable achievement for someone who had never run competitively before. “I watched them, and I said, ‘I can do that,’” he remembered.
Banham’s artistic achievements are just as impressive. Before focusing on paper art, he experimented with stained glass, oil painting, chess set designs, and woodworking. His dedication to each medium reflected his deep love for the creative process, no matter the form it took.
His creativity remains as vibrant as ever and his donation to SIBSPlace underscores his generous spirit and a desire to share his art with others. One of his donated works will grace the walls of the children’s art room at SIBSPlace, inspiring future generations of artists, while the other will be put up for auction at SIBSPlace’s annual fall fundraiser later this month.
‘The Princess Bride’
Spectacular pumpkins light up the night for the Great Jack
By Danielle Schwab
As Halloween approaches, jack-o’-lanterns are making their appearance throughout our neighborhoods with their unique carvings once again. While we think of it as fall fun, in fact pumpkin carving dates back centuries as a way to ward off evil spirits with their spooky faces.
The beloved tradition gets a unique twist at the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze, opening tomorrow at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. See pumpkins transformed into magnificent jack-o’lantern creations, illuminating a trail through the historic restored village for all to admire.
It all began in the Hudson Valley — at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson 19 years ago — conceived by the Westchester County cultural organization Historic Hudson Valley.
“About 20 years ago, we hit upon this idea of a display of jack-o’-lanterns, and we weren’t sure how people would respond to it. It was hugely popular. And so it has just expanded in a big way since then,” says Rob Schweitzer, Historic Hudson Valley’s vice president of communications and commerce.
• Friday through Sunday, Oct. 4-Nov. 3.
• Adult tickets start at $32; $10 children (ages 3-17)
• With limited capacity, entry is available only through advance online purchase of timed tickets or FLEX anytime tickets; no tickets are sold at the venue
• Purchase tickets at pumpkinblaze.org
Certainly a must-see during the season, the pumpkin trail is now in its fifth year on Long Island, with over 30 different installations. Over 7,000 jack-o’-lanterns carved by local artisans resulting in a larger-than-life themed pumpkin showcase — a mix of real and carvable foam — spanning a half-mile loop, enhanced with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack for a fully immersive experience.
• Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage
“We have a team, 10 to 12 of us, that work together to make sure that we’re keeping the same consistency, the same quality, throughout the carvings,” Carol Hough, lead pumpkin carver, says.
Her team carves each week, swapping out old pumpkins with fresh ones. Carvers are creative with their tools to accommodate the high volume of pumpkins, using sheetrock knives and ice cream spades to get the job done, according to Hough.
Long Island history and culture are incorporated into the Blaze experience. Guests are welcomed by a 12-foot tall retro-style “Greetings from a Long Island” postcard made up of individually carved jack-o’-lanterns.
“What we like to do is really focus on the heritage of the location,” Schweitzer says.
Ever wonder what your favorite Long Island celebrity looked like as a pumpkin? The Blaze is the place to check out some pumpkin-face renderings of local personalities. Icons such as Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Jerry Seinfeld and Natalie Portman are on display.
“We have a Long Island Hall of Fame. These are large portraits, rendered in jack-o’-lanterns , of folks from Long Island that have done great things,” Schweitzer explains.
Among the locally themed installations, a functioning lighthouse replica of the Montauk Point Lighthouse, complete with a flashing beacon to light the way, is sure to attract attention. With history as a focus, it comes to no surprise that the Blaze would find its way to the historic village.
“We’ve looked at a lot of sites over the years and a lot of them have some good characteristics, but don’t have everything. Old Bethpage Village Restoration really had
everything,” Schweitzer says.
Of course, there are plenty of what one would consider Halloween staples that celebrate the spirit of the season, such as a 25-foot giant spider web and the Day of the Dead installation.
Hough is particularly fond of the Day of the Dead jack-o’-lantern tribute, among the new displays along this year’s trail.
“There are some skeletons and some sugar skulls. It’s really beautiful. I absolutely love it,” Hough says.
Other showstoppers include a thrilling pumpkin circus, a glowing Statue of Liberty, a pumpkin-filled Ferris wheel, and a planetarium. Plus, see a tribute to First Responders. This display involves carved jack-o’-lanterns depicting a firefighter heroically putting out a flame, honoring the bravery and dedication of our local heroes.
“The concept for that really came out of the early period of the pandemic, there was a lot of focus on First Responders and our healthcare workers and those on the front lines of dealing with the pandemic. It’s something that we’ve continued to celebrate,” says Schweitzer.
There’s so more to the trail than just carvings. Lighting and sound are integral to the Blaze experience. Each installation is depicted with an original score to create the perfect ambience.
Volunteers from local scout troops and high school honor societies are also involved, assisting in lighting the lanterns that line the path.
Also new this year, the Blaze is offering custom-made pumpkins to order. Surprise a special someone with a custom-carved pumpkin, displayed at the new Celebration Arch. Reservations are limited and must be made seven days in advance.
So carve out some time, there’s a pumpkin creation for everyone at the Blaze.
As Schweitzer says: “It’s really an event you can just go and relax and smile at. It genuinely is something that appeals to all ages.”
For an extra fall treat, stop by the Café Blaze for some yummy cider donuts and pumpkin beer. And check out the nightly pumpkin carving. It may inspire you to do create you own special seasonal décor at home.
One of Mandy Patinkin’s memorable roles — certainly one that lives on as beloved piece of pop culture — is his turn in the 1987 fantasy “The Princess Bride.” He played a man bent on revenge (“Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!”). It performed only so-so at the box office back then, but it’s come to be one of the most beloved movies of the 1980s. Relive all the fun — and Patinkin’s masterful portrayal of the Spanish swordsman — when the actor pops by Tilles Center for a special film screening, followed by a 45-minute conversation. His son Gideon Grody-Patinkin — who has contributed to the family legacy since he began filming his father and mother, actress-writer Kathryn Grody, during the pandemic and posting their interactions on TikTok — moderates.
Saturday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd. Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org.
Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the ‘90s, led by vocalist-guitarist-founder Art Alexakis, is back on the road. The band is joined by special guests Marcy Playground and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack. The setlist for this tour includes all the hits from their extraordinary three decades-long catalog, spotlighting tracks off their album “Songs From An American Movie Vol. One,” to be released 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, beginning with their major-label debut, 1995’s platinumselling album “Sparkle and Fade,” and its massive chart-topping hit “Santa Monica,” Everclear was soon a household name and catapulted into the masses.
Sunday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. $70.50, $50.50, $30.50, $25.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Tom Colicchio on ‘why he cooks’
Get an unprecedented look insights into the life of America’s top chef when Tom Colicchio brings his “Why I Cook” book tour to the Paramount stage, Saturday, oct. 12, 2 p.m. Part memoir-part cookbook, Colicchio’s newest book shares an exclusive look inside the mind and kitchen of the beloved restaurateur multipleJames Beard and Emmy Award-winning chef, restaurateur, and television personality. Colicchio cooked his first recipe at 13-years-old — 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 Tom’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, Tom chronicles the dishes and memories that have shaped him as a person and chef.
Through these meaningful dishes, gorgeous recipe shots, and images from Tom’s childhood, “Why I Cook” is the most personal look into Tom’s life yet. He recounts the extraordinary personal journey that brought him from his working-class Italian background in Elizabeth, N.J., to the award-winning kitchens of New York City’s best restaurants, to the set of “Top Chef” and the stage of the Emmy Awards, among his many endeavors. $95, $65, $54, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
BUSINESS HOURS
MON.-SAT: 11AM - 9PM | SUNDAY: 12PM - 9PM LAST ORDER ACCEPTED 15 MIN PRIOR TO CLOSING
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program returns for a new season, Saturday, oct. 5, 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. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.
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.
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.
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for another storybook adventure, Saturday, Oct. 5, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Beth Ferry’s “The Scarecrow.” Later create a unique take home craft. The stroll starts at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), ending at the Thatched Cottage. For ages 3-5. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
American Legion Post No. 303 in Rockville Centre celebrates local law enforcement and first responders in the village during a special ceremony, Friday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m. 197 Maple Ave.
The next meeting of the Village of Rockville Centre Board of Trustees takes place at Village Hall on Monday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. 1 College Place.
See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, at Point Lookout Town Park, Sunday, Oct. 6, starting at 9 a.m. Meet in the southeast corner of the large parking lot on the south side of Point Lookout Town Park and will walk east along the beach toward Jones Inlet. After the beach walk, everyone will return to the parking lot, and drive west on Lido Boulevard to Lido Beach Passive Nature Preserve to walk through the bay marsh. Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. No walk if rain. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon. org.
Having an event?
The Village of Rockville Centre celebrate the grand opening of Mr. B’s Inclusive Playground, a new state-ofthe-art playground designed for children of all abilities, Sunday, Oct. 6, at 4 p.m. behind the John A. Anderson Recreation Center. 111 N. Oceanside Road.
Enjoy the 47th annual Garden Potpourri fundraising event at St. Agnes Cathedral School’s Field of Dreams, Sunday, Oct. 6, 10:30 a.m.noon. It promises to be a day full of fall fun that will include hand painted pumpkins, a Christmas market, local vendors, food at the Calico Café, homemade baked goods, STAGS Spiritwear, raffles, flowers, hot pepper jam, and a kids corner with games, pumpkin decorating and a DJ. The event is open to all, rain or shine.29 Quealy Place.
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.
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.
Washington, D.C.’s premier political satire group Capitol Fools bring their musical parody show to the Adelphi University stage, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m. The Capitol Fools hold up a mirror to today’s crazy political culture, providing hilarious song parodies and reflections that continue to inspire laughter amid the contentious presidential election season. Former members of the Capitol Steps perform all their beloved bits, along with backward-talking spoonerisms, breakneck costume changes, over-the-top impressions and all-new song parodies reflecting today’s news headlines. $20. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/ pac.
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
More than 500 employees with National Grid, a natural gas and energy utility provider, stepped away from their day jobs last week to volunteer with community organizations across Long Island.
The company’s “Project C” day of service initiative, began in 2020 with the goal of creating meaningful, permanent change and strengthening relationships within the communities it serves. It has since expanded from a one-day initiative into an entire week of service, featuring several events across the state.
National Grid partnered with local organizations, including Northwell Health, the St. Paul AME Church, Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David in Rockville Centre and the Campaign Against Hunger on Friday, Sept. 20, for its annual community resource fair and pop-up food pantry.
“We partnered with local houses of worship to show the community we are here,” Carla Hunter Ramsey, the director of external affairs and community engagement with National Grid, told the Herald. “National Grid is determined to leave no one behind as we achieve our clean energy vision.”
Nearly 200 residents in the surrounding area gathered at the St. Paul AME Church on Pershing Boulevard in
Lakeview to see all that it had to offer.
“We are delighted to welcome you to the Saint Paul AME Church, where we’re touching lives, impacting generations and empowering communities,” Rev Tristan Salley said. “Partnerships are extremely important to us here, not only in what we do on behalf of God and God’s people, but more importantly, what we’re looking to do on behalf of our community.”
The Campaign Against Hunger started in 1998, when founder Dr. Melony Samuels, was led to help provide food
for a struggling single mother. What began with serving one family has since expanded to serving more than 14,000 families across New York City and beyond.
O’Cheal Russell, interim warehouse manager with TCAH said the organization loaded up its trucks with 40 varieties of fruits and vegetables to provide local families with fresh produce at below market price.
“We’ve been open for 26 years and our mission is to empower our neighbors to lead healthy, self-sufficient and
nutritious lives by providing food and related resources,” Russell said.
In addition to food, National Grid provided energy efficiency kits and information on heating grants for lowand moderate-income families, Northwell provided information on a variety of services including cancer screenings, overdose awareness, weight loss, and more. The NAACP of Lakeview and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity also assisted residents to register to vote.
Rabbi David Lerner said that Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David came out to support the community by providing kosher food items ahead of the Rosh Hashanah holiday.
“We have to go out and do good in this world, especially in this time when there are so many forces of division out there,” Lerner said.
Nassau County Legislators Bill Gaylor and Samantha Goetz, Vision Long Island Director Eric Alexander, Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray and National Grid Vice President of Gas Network Operations Aaron Choo.
“When we think about Project C — it’s about this,” Choo said. “It’s about the community in terms of how we partner. How we help those in need. Helping revitalize neighborhoods. Partnering with our faith-based institutions, our local communities, social justice, climate justice, equity programs and small businesses.”
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Rockville Centre native Doris Kearns Goodwin will be honored by the American Academy of Arts and Letters this year. She was selected by the academy last week as the recipient of the prestigious Gold Medal for literature.
Goodwin, who has been dubbed “America’s Historian-in-Chief,” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, journalist and commentator who is renowned for her biographical works on former Presidents of the United States.
LEGAL NOTICE
“There is something magical about this thing called history,” Goodwin told the Herald in a 2018 interview, discussing her formative years in Rockville Centre. In her 1997 memoir, “Wait Till Next Year,” she details her Irish-Catholic upbringing and her time at South Side High School. “Don’t take Rockville Centre for granted,” she said. “Looking back on it now, I realize how lucky I was.”
After high school, she went on to attend Colby College in Maine and later received a doctorate in government from Harvard University in 1968.
Goodwin was accepted into a White
Notice of Public Hearing
Village of Rockville Centre
Nassau County, New York
Meeting Date: October 7, 2024
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 330
Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Exterior Design Review Board of the Village of Rockville Centre will have a Public Hearing at the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall, 1 College Place, Rockville Centre
LEGAL NOTICE
October 7th, 2024 at 7:00
PM Case No. 10-2024
Brian Lally
11 DeMott Pl Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Description: Second story addition with interior alterations and renovations.
Premises known as:
11 DeMott Place
The Exterior Design Review Board OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE
Eugene Murray Village Hall, Rockville Centre, New York
George Bella, Chairperson of the consultants to The Exterior Design Review Board
Thomas Domanico, Secretary to The Consultants
Information and records for Exterior Design Review cases are available the Office of the Secretary, 110 Maple Avenue, RVC 149277
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notice to Bidders
Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Room 204, Rockville Centre, New York 11570 for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on OCTOBER 17, 2024 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for:
HEAVY HAULER RACK TRUCK
Bid No. 2410E1(1130)
The bid specifications can be obtained/examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than October 11, 2024. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.
Purchasing Department
Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 149278
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Public Meeting
Nassau County, New York
Meeting Date: October 15, 2024
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 330
Rockville Centre Village Code
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Board Of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a hearing in the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall 1 College Place, Rockville Centre at 7:00 p.m.
LEGAL NOTICE
October 15, 2024 at 7:00
PM Case No.: 02-2024
Rockville Manor LLC
Modification of a previously approved site plan for Planning Board case #01-2019, and exterior design review.
Property Location: 579
Merrick Road
Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre
Nassau County, New York
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on this specific date, the Rockville Centre Planning Board will conduct a public hearing to conduct a Site Plan and Exterior Design review for these subject properties.
Anyone interested shall have an opportunity to be heard on the application.
Dated: September 24, 2024
PLANNING BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK
Donna Joyce, Chairperson Casey Murphy, Esq, Board Counsel
Patrick D. O’Brien, Corresponding Secretary Information and records for Planning Board Cases are available at 110 Maple Ave, RVC 149275
LEGAL NOTICE
Village of Rockville Centre
Nassau County, New York Notice of Board of Zoning Appeals
Hearing Date: October 9, 2024 Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 340 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a Zoning Appeals Hearing at the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall 1 College Place, Rockville Centre at 7:00 p.m.
LEGAL NOTICE October 9th, 2024 at 7:00 PM Case # 31-2024 - Joseph DiFigueroa
To construct a mixed-use building within a “Business A District” which requires a ten foot (10’) front yard setback where zero feet (0’) front yard is proposed, fifty six (56) parking spaces required for the medical office use where zero(0) parking spaces are provided, where roof top dining is proposed which requires approval of the Board of Appeals and is subject to a substantial Occupancy Permit from the Board of Appeals.
Premises known as 24
South Park Avenue
Case # 32-2024Stoneville LLC Application for an extension of time for renewal of a permit for the parking of vehicles in a Residence A District which abuts Business A property pursuant to Case # 46-2014 which states
House Fellowship program in 1967, during the Lyndon B. Johnson administration. She was brought in as a member of his staff, after Johnson decided not to run for reelection, during which time she worked on domestic anti-poverty efforts.
She later went on to teach a course on the American precedence at Harvard, while at the same time working with Johnson on drafting his memoirs. Based on her own experiences at the White House, she went on to pen her own biography about the Johnson administration, “Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream,” which was a New York Times bestseller when it was published in 1977.
But it was the success of her third biography, “No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front During World War II,” that won her the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1995.
the permit renewal is for a twelve (12) month period.
Premises known as 82-96 South Long Beach Road
Case # 33-2024 - Gregory Stanclik
To construct a one-story addition, second story addition over existing, open front porch and rear pavilion with a proposed lot coverage of 32.4% where 30.0% is the maximum allowable, and a side yard setback of 4.9 feet where 8.0 feet is the minimum required within a Residence A district.
Premises known as 29 Allen Road
Case # 35-2024 - Gregory Stanclik
To construct an 18’ x 12’ in-ground pool with a proposed lot coverage of 34.6% where 30.0% is the maximum allowable within a Residence A district.
Premises known as 29 Allen Road Case # 36-2024 - Andrew and Laurel Lamanno
To construct a one-story rear addition with a proposed rear yard setback of 20.0 feet where 25.0 feet is the minimum required, and a setback from the garage to the main dwelling of 5.7 feet where 8.0 feet is the minimum required within a Residence A district.
Premises known as 5 Shelton Court Public work session: Case # 32-2023 - Richard and Michelle Freel
Extension of time request to obtain permits.
Premises known as 16 Blenheim Court
Dated: September 27, 2024
BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, Rockville Centre, New York
J. Robert Schenone, Chairman Patrick D. O’Brien, Secretary Information and records for appeals cases are available at the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Appeals, 110 Maple Avenue, RVC, NY 149276
She was also honored with the Lincoln Prize a decade later for her book “Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln,” about the 16th president’s cabinet. It also won the American History Book Prize from the New-York Historical Society. Stephen Spielberg’s 2012 film, “Lincoln,” which received 12 Academy Award nominations, was based in part on her book as well.
She will be presented with the Gold Medal in literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters for her latest work, “An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s.” The book—part memoir, part biography—follows her late husband, Richard “Dick” Goodwin, during the tenuous political climate in the 1960s. Dick was an influential advisor for President John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Senator Eugene McCarthy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Together they reflect on the times, combing through a series of keepsakes including letters, photos, diaries, and drafts of speeches including JFK’s inaugural address and Johnson’s “Great Soci-
ety” and “We Shall Overcome” speeches. It is also a deeply personal reflection on her final moments with her late husband before his death in 2018.
“It means more to me than anything I’ve ever written,” she told the Briscoe Center for American History in Texas. The Center, one of the country’s leading research centers for historical study, will feature an exhibition “History and Fate: The Goodwins and the 1960s,” in October that will explore key moments that defined the times from presidential campaigns, the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War.
Doris Kearns Goodwin will be presented with the award in May when the academy will induct its new members. The American Academy of Arts and Letters has presented the Gold Medal, its highest honor, since 1909. They are presented in recognition of the recipients’ entire works. To learn more about this year’s award recipients visit ArtsandLetters.org.
In recognition of National Suicide Awareness Month, the Town of Hempstead partnered with the Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation of Rockville Centre to host its second annual suicide prevention and awareness event on Sept. 12 at Hempstead Town Hall.
The DisT ric T is seeking various posiT ions for T he 2024-2025 school year
Teacher a ides
Elementary School District
$17.95/hr. Teaching a ssistants .... $19.95/hr. s ecurity personnel .. $20-$25/hr.
Bus Drivers
Teacher Aides
$25.14-$26.87/hr.
We have openings for teacher aides for the 2022/23 school year. 10-month positions available immediately, starting at $15.00/hr.
School Nurse, Part-Time
We have an opening for a P/T school nurse, 2 days/wk mostly Wed & Thurs. Pro-rated salary, approx. $240.00/day. RN cert. required.
Bus Monitors .............. $19.32/hr. food s ervice personnel and c afeteria Monitor $16.00/hr. nurses sub $175/day cleaners ................. $40,454/year
Please apply for positions via OLAS at www.OLASjobs.org
After School Child Care opportunities are also available. Please apply through scope www. scope online.us
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
• Facilitate connections between families, students, and various community agencies and government offices to ensure families receive the support they need.
• Assist families and students in navigating social services and community resources, providing guidance and support throughout the process.
• Conduct outreach to our school community to ensure equitable access to services and resources.
• QUALIFICATIONS: As per Civil Service
• SALARY: $40,525 - $55,000
Interested candidates should apply on www.olasjobs.org
You should address your letter of interest and resume to: Ms. Sherina Lucas Administrative Officer, HR Valley Stream UFSD Thirty 175 N. Central Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580 humanresources@VS30.org
Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
REQUIREMENTS:
Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.
POSITION DETAILS:
Flexible: Part-time or Full-time.
Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.
Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
To Deliver Papers To Businesses in Massapequa, Amityville and Babylon 2 Days Per Week
Must Have Own Vehicle/Van
This is an independent contractor role for Richner Communications Compensation based on stops starting at $275/week If Interested contact Jim at jrotche@liherald.com or 516-569-4000 x211
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative
W‘We want our deck back’
Q. We have a large deck that finally needs to be repaired, and some parts replaced. It is wood with some steel beams, and we wanted to do the boards that look like wood but are made from plastics and supposedly last longer. We looked at several brands and aren’t sure what is best, but it probably doesn’t matter now. The prices came in very high for the work, and each contractor we have spoken to said we were only going to save money if we use all wood, including the beams. The beams are steel, as we understand, since they extend farther without as many columns. The funny thing is that we were replacing the wood because it started rotting and twisting after 15 years, bad enough that we don’t feel comfortable using the deck — it’s on our second floor, which is why we want fewer columns, so we can continue to use the ground level as an outdoor dining space. What can you recommend that we do? The costs make it impossible to move forward, and we really want our deck back.
A. I like to quote the oil filter commercial we used to hear all the time: “You can pay me now or pay me later.” In this case, you can spend the money on the less-costly wood, and then spend more money on re-treating the wood and repairs. As for the steel beams being replaced, it should be understood that steel is more compact for its strength, and the equivalent ability to span longer distances with wood requires much more wood, and it will more than likely be taller, meaning the beams will extend lower.
The synthetic decking materials are a much better choice, and the ones that are recycled resinbased, without the wood component parts in their composition, are at the top of the list of low maintenance, deterioration and replacement that you have with wood mixtures and wood deck materials. I have seen the difference many times over the years, including the landing deck in my own yard.
I originally built it out of cedar, which was supposed to be resistant to insects and, if stained properly, would last a long time, or so I thought. After just four years, the wood posts and the properly stained decking had become distorted with warping, twisting and some end rotting. I replaced the materials with synthetic decking and rails, and after 24 years, it’s still in great condition.
This problem of not factoring in the cost of maintenance, accessibility and the increase in material costs over time has often led to much greater expense in the life of buildings. You have to question yourself as to which is more affordable, the continued maintenance or initial costs. Remember that the people you are speaking to will do either system, wood or synthetic, because for them it’s a current job that they will leave behind and that you have to live with. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send
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support
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
Abeen 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.
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 demanding
s women ascend, does misogyny spike?
Let’s start with a quiz: Exactly what part of their bodies are men willing to enlarge or remove or bleach or burn or exfoliate or liposuction or disfigure with waxes and curling irons and injections and dyes? How many guys spend their time and money putting fat in and taking fat out in a never-ending pursuit of physical perfection? Do they obsess about injecting fat into their thinning lips or sucking fat out of their expanding behinds?
The answer is, not that many, especially when compared with the number of girls and women who willingly undergo painful medical procedures to meet standards of beauty promulgated by social media and a hard-to-change culture in which men often decide how women should look. Some women say they were miserable growing up because boys called them flat-chested. Others say all the guys did was stare at their big breasts. Some wanted enhancements. Some wanted reductions. But the frame of reference often was the approval of
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.
I ts fight for survival must not lead it down a path that betrays its core values.
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 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.
boys and men.
This is not a new story, but there are new threads.
Now, apparently, small breasts are “in.” According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2023, more than 76,000 American women had elective breast-reduction surgery, a 64 percent increase from 2019. Who sets the standard? Often the values come from men rather than the women themselves. Influencers who have enormous power over our teenagers send messages subliminal and overt, saying: You are not OK as you are. Something needs fixing.
TI hope the increasing numbers of patients are seeking the surgery for sound reasons, not as a fashion statement.
hey are empowered like never before, and being attacked like never before.
The New York Times ran a story last week, “The Power (and Relief) of a Smaller Bosom,” reporting that the number of women seeking breast-reduction surgery has increased, especially among those under 30.
Why are more and more young girls choosing surgery?
To be clear: Breast reduction is often necessary. Ultimately, it is a decision between a woman and her doctor. It’s a big deal; the procedure can cause scarring and loss of sensation, and it requires anesthesia. For many teenagers and women, it greatly changes their life for the better, but results are not guaranteed.
Looking out at the political and cultural panorama at this time and date, I see women empowered in unprecedented ways. And perhaps because of that new power, they are being attacked, also in unprecedented ways. As women ascend, as we elect women to Congress and perhaps the White House, there is a companion piece: a significant movement to keep women down, to deny them their rights, especially reproductive freedom. Much of the misogynistic rhetoric begins at the top, with a presidential candidate and his acolytes who demand laws that control women’s bodies and choices.
When I was 24, married three years, I became pregnant, had a miscarriage and a D and C — dilation and curettage — at a local hospital. Emotionally, it was wrenching. But from a medical point of view, it went smoothly. The doctor met us at the hospital. He did the procedure and I went home. I was healthy enough to have two healthy children in the following years.
Today, because of draconian abortion bans passed by mostly male politicians
in a number of states, and the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed the right to abortion, women who miscarry risk bleeding to death or suffering for hours before they can access basic life-saving treatment. Doctors are afraid to treat them. These measures are antiwoman, archaic and cruel.
By an accident of the time in which I lived my reproductive years, I had a safe post-miscarriage D and C. Now, 50 years later, we have fallen back to restrictive practices controlled by politicians, led by Donald Trump.
These threads connect in a tapestry of what it feels like to be a girl or woman today.
We need to be strong within ourselves to reject any messaging that tells us our bodies need fixes and surgeries. We have to be fiercely committed to women’s freedom to choose if and when to have children.
Pay attention to the messaging targeting women. Don’t sign up for surgery that alters your body without thoughtful screening and counseling. Don’t go for shortcuts, or any other kind of cuts, to achieve someone else’s standard of beauty.
Support individuals, and vote for individuals who see the ascendancy of women as fulfilling the promise of democracy.
Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
s the Nov. 5 election approaches, we urge every eligible Long Islander to exercise his or her fundamental right, and fulfill a crucial civic duty, by voting. The importance of registering to vote and casting your ballot cannot be overstated, especially in an election year when so much is at stake — from immigration policy to a woman’s right to choose.
While it’s easy to assume that New York state’s presidential electoral votes are a foregone conclusion for Vice President Kamala Harris — the state has not voted in the majority for a Republican presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan in 1984 — this election is about far more than just the race for the White House. Our state and local races have profound implications not only for our daily lives and communities, but also for the future of the country.
Take for instance the race in the 4th Congressional District, right here on the South Shore of Nassau County, where incumbent U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, a Republican, faces former Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen, a Democrat. Experts consider this race to be one of the — if not the — most competitive in the entire country. The outcome of this single race could determine which party controls the House of Representatives. Yes, you read that correctly: Your vote in this local race could have national ramifications,
To the Editor:
Re Peter King’s column last week, “After all the drama, it’s a dead heat”: After a list of “totally unexpected” events, Mr. King, seemingly surprised, declares the presidential campaign to be a “horse race.” It is not, however, despite these events but because of them that the race is too close to call. The issues that are on the ballot have been submerged by the media’s excessive focus on those that are not.
Mr. King’s call for voters to focus is correct, though his recitation of the issues omits many and misplaces others. Missing, for example, are abortion, gun legislation, disinformation, voter suppression/ballot diversion, Project 2025 and DeSantis-Blakeman-style personal militias. Crime is real, Mr. King says, an indisputable statement, but as the evidence shows, ought not to head the list.
I share Mr. King’s sentiment about living up to “the responsibilities and challenges of living in a democracy” which should begin
helping determine the makeup of the legislative body that decides both national and international policies.
And your influence doesn’t stop there. State Senate and Assembly races, as well as local elections, will shape policies that affect our schools, taxes, infrastructure, and quality of life. These are the decisions that impact us most directly, yet they often receive the least attention from voters.
The power to influence these outcomes is in your hands, but only if you’re registered and ready to vote. If you haven’t registered yet, or if you need to update your registration, visit vote.gov by the registration deadline, Oct. 26. Not sure if you’re registered? Vote.gov can tell you that, too. The userfriendly website simplifies the process, ensuring that you’re prepared to make your voice heard on Election Day. You can also register at the county Board of Elections, at 240 Old Country Road in Mineola.
For those who can’t make it to the polls on Nov. 5, New York offers several alternatives. Early voting runs from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, providing ample opportunity to cast your ballot at your convenience. Early voting locations can be found at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.
If you’re unable to vote in person, absentee voting is an option. You can request an absentee ballot by Oct. 26, at elections.ny.gov/request-ballot, or in
person, at the county Board of Elections, and return it by mail (postmarked by Nov. 5), or in person, at a polling location, by 9 p.m. on Election Day.
Democracy thrives on participation. When voter turnout is low, a small minority ends up making decisions for the entire community. By registering and voting, you ensure that your interests and values are represented at all levels of our government. Moreover, voting is a hard-won right that generations before us fought to secure and expand. Participating in elections honors their sacrifices and continues the work of strengthening our democracy.
In these politically charged times, it’s easy to believe that our individual votes don’t matter. Nothing could be further from the truth. Close races are sometimes decided by handfuls of votes, and every ballot cast sends a message about the issues that matter to our community.
You can educate yourself on the local issues and the candidates by reading the Herald. In the coming weeks, we will publish interviews with all of the candidates that are seeking your vote, so that you can cast an informed one.
Make your voice heard. Register to vote, encourage your friends and family to do the same, and show up to cast your ballot. Whether you choose to vote early, by mail or on Election Day, what matters most is that you participate.
iwas a junior at plainedge High School, in North Massapequa, in 2018, when 17 people died and 17 others were injured in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre in parkland, Florida.
After the shooting, we wore orange to school — the color for protesting gun violence — and staged a walkout in solidarity with the school. We ran a fundraiser through the National Honor Society, from plainedge to parkland, to help a grieving community over a thousand miles away. And yet, it didn’t seem like enough. What words do you have to offer, thoughts you have to think, when something so senseless happens to people your age?
That year, everything changed. When we returned to classes in the fall of 2018, the front doors at plainedge High had been changed to fortify the exterior. We weren’t permitted to enter or leave through any entrance except the main one, and we carried I.D. cards at all times.
But as demonstrated earlier this
month at Apalachee High School in Winder, georgia, sometimes no level of security is enough. It wasn’t enough at the Covenant School in Nashville last spring; it wasn’t enough in uvalde, Texas, the year before. The list of schools and communities tarnished by acts of violence against children goes on and on, and at some point, I think we all can’t help but wonder: How many more?
Many will argue that guns aren’t the problem in America, and that instead we have a mental health crisis. I agree — we do. But the two are not mutually exclusive.
erus pandemic, 1 in 5 children had a diagnosed mental health disorder. After 2020, surveys showed that 71 percent of parents said the pandemic had taken a toll on their child’s mental health — and things haven’t gotten much better since.
verything changed at Plainedge High in 2018 — but security isn’t enough.
gun violence, and deaths related to it, have been on the rise. In 2020, gun violence claimed more lives than it had during any other year on record — more than 45,000. In 2022 it was the leading cause of death among u.S. children and teens between ages 1 and 19. guns are a problem. But so is mental health.
The “mental health crisis” has long been Republicans’ scapegoat — their explanation for school shootings — and yet the party has done almost nothing to address their supposed concerns.
According to the American psychological Association, before the coronavi-
To the Editor:
Soon after Anthony D’Esposito was sworn into Congress, I wrote to him, suggesting that he take a leadership role by introducing legislation to require universal background checks to purchase guns, and ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. I assumed that as a former police officer with direct knowledge of the frequency of gun violence and the understanding that the majority of his constituents favor gun control, he would consider my proposal.
I was wrong. In his response, D’Esposito circumvented the issue entirely. Obviously, he is more beholden to the NRA than to his constituents. That has not stopped him from asking for donations from me every day.
Now I read that, contrary to House of Representatives ethics rules, he hired his mistress and his fiancée’s daughter to positions in his local congressional office. That’s the last straw. I doubt he will resign, but certainly he should not be re-elected to Congress.
DOuglAS MElzER Merrick
To the Editor:
It appears that the Herald may owe u.S. Rep Anthony D’Esposito and your readers a correction and an apology. last week’s issue had a story with the headline “D’Esposito faces ethics probe over hiring.” It cited the House of Representatives’ code of conduct’s list of relatives who cannot be hired by anyone serving in the House. Neither a former fiancée (no longer a fiancée at time of hiring) nor an alleged mistress is on the list.
Why did the Herald have an incendiary headline that was contradicted in the sixth paragraph of the story?
Because D’Esposito’s holier-than-thou opponent, l aura g illen, needed an opportunity to pontificate?
g illen identifies as a Catholic who worked with Mother Theresa for about five minutes long ago. g illen is proabortion because of her “own experience.” As she wrote in a Daily News op-ed piece in 2022, she had a medically necessary dilation and evacuation. Her experience was most unfortunate. But apparently she doesn’t know the difference between the termination of a human life through abortion and the removal of an already dead child.
Despite the fact that the data supports what we already know, 193 House Republicans voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which provided $2.35 billion to expand vital school mental health services; 210 voted against the American Rescue plan Act, which provided $12 billion to address mental health needs arising from the pandemic; and 205 voted against the Mental Health Matters Act, which would provide grants for schools to hire more mental health experts and grow their mental health services.
America has a problem, and the longer we wait to address it, the more people will die. School shootings should have ended after Columbine, after Sandy Hook, after Oxford High School in Michigan. Students shouldn’t be afraid to go to school.
“life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” is written in our Declaration of Independence, codifying the unalienable rights of all Americans. But as it turns
out, the children who have been senselessly murdered while their government stood by didn’t have those rights. Because if they did, they’d still be alive. Right?
Colt gray, the 14-year-old charged with four murders for the shooting in georgia, shouldn’t have had access to a gun. He displayed serious mental health concerns and had made threats in the past, and yet he carried out an act of extreme violence, with a weapon his father purchased for him.
The problem isn’t isolated to georgia. Two weeks ago, right here on long Island, a Bayville man was arrested because his 11-year-old son wandered out of his house carrying his father’s shotgun.
We can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines and hope things will change. The time for thoughts and prayers has passed. What we need is decisive action — action that addresses both gun control and mental health, because either one without the other is no solution.
The safety of children, the preservation of their future, depends on our ability to enact meaningful reforms. The question is no longer how many more tragedies we can endure, but when we will finally say, “Enough.”
Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.
Framework by Tim Baker
As with her quick condemnation of D’Esposito for supposed violation of House ethics rules that do not apply, gillen is ignorant of science and the law with regard to abortion. We do not need another addition to the idiocracy in D.C.
gillen must not be elected. And the Herald apparently owes some apologies.
