Mr. B’s Inclusive Playground is officially open
By DANIEl oFFNER
The unveiling of Mr. B’s Inclusive Playground last Sunday marked the culmination of a seven-year endeavor to create an accessible, state-of-the-art space that children of all abilities can enjoy. Located behind the John A. Anderson Recreation Centre,
ing alongside his peers to now training them,” Dodd said.
“That’s not just talent, that’s purpose, that’s passion, and that’s the kind of drive that transforms good officers into
ward to as members of the American Legion,” Paul Casazza, the post’s vice commander, said. “Our post takes great pleasure in honoring our law enforcement and our emergency personnel for their continued dedication and service to the
ments over the past three years.
“In our line of work, we often talk about what it takes to be an exemplary officer,” Police
Commissioner Randy Dodd said. “We think of commitment, courage, integrity and compassion. What does it look like
when those qualities are embodied in one individual? It looks like Officer Robinson, who stands before us today not
the force. Robinson’s dedication, skill and leadership led to his role as the lead training officer for the department.
“In a short span of time, this officer has gone from learning how to police in Rockville Centre to teaching how to police in
Robinson was presented with a custom-engraved firearm donated by Smith & Wesson, as well as proclamations from the village and the State Assembly.
“Being a police officer is something I always wanted to do,” Robinson said. “I grew up in a small town upstate, and I was fortunate to get a job with the SUNY police. I moved down
ROCKVILLE CENTRE
Mr. B’s Inclusive Playground is officially open
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
The unveiling of Mr. B’s Inclusive Playground last Sunday marked the culmination of a seven-year endeavor to create an accessible, state-of-the-art space that children of all abilities can enjoy. Located behind the John A. Anderson Recreation Centre, on North Oceanside Road, the $2.3 million project is the result of years of work to build the new playground and upgrade Centennial Park.
The playground features a sensory dome and play structures with ramps, and park upgrades include new ADA-compliant restrooms, LED lighting, a new walking track, exercise stations, and pickleball/tennis and basketball courts.
“The completion of this project is another milestone for our village in enhancing our community in an effort to achieve inclusion for all,” Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray said.
The playground is dedicated to the late Anthony Brunetta, the former village recreation superintendent, who died in 2016. During the grand opening, members of Brunetta’s family joined elect-
Rockville Centre veterans honor our finest and bravest
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Firefighters, police officers and EMTs were recognized for their service to the community at the annual Law and Order Night, hosted by American Legion Post 303.
“It’s one of the Post’s pinnacle events of the year, and it’s an event that we all look forward to as members of the American Legion,” Paul Casazza, the post’s vice commander, said. “Our post takes great pleasure in honoring our law enforcement and our emergency personnel for their continued dedication and service to the
Rockville Centre community.”
Friends, family, colleagues, elected officials and guests were in attendance last Friday night as members of the veterans organization presented the honorees with special gifts including plaques, flags and engraved memorabilia.
Police Officer Alfred Robinson was the first honoree, recognized for his accomplishments over the past three years.
“In our line of work, we often talk about what it takes to be an exemplary officer,” Police Commissioner Randy Dodd said. “We think of commitment, courage, integrity and compassion. What does it look like
I always wanted to police in a close-knit community like I grew up in, and I believe I’m fulfilling my dream by working for this community
Al RoBINSoN Rockville Centre Police Officer
when those qualities are embodied in one individual? It looks like Officer Robinson, who stands before us today not
only as a recipient of the Rockville Centre American Legion Law and Order award, but as an example to all law enforcement officers.”
Robinson, who came to Rockville Centre as a lieutenant with the State University of New York Police Department, was assigned to the highway unit, which Dodd said is reserved for only the best and brightest on the force. Robinson’s dedication, skill and leadership led to his role as the lead training officer for the department.
“In a short span of time, this officer has gone from learning how to police in Rockville Centre to teaching how to police in
Rockville Centre — from standing alongside his peers to now training them,” Dodd said.
“That’s not just talent, that’s purpose, that’s passion, and that’s the kind of drive that transforms good officers into great ones.”
Robinson was presented with a custom-engraved firearm donated by Smith & Wesson, as well as proclamations from the village and the State Assembly.
“Being a police officer is something I always wanted to do,” Robinson said. “I grew up in a small town upstate, and I was fortunate to get a job with the SUNY police. I moved down
Daniel Offner/Herald
Former Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, far left, Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley, Village Trustees Gregory Shaughnessy and Emilio Grillo, Mayor Francis X. Murray and the Brunetta family celebrate the opening of Mr. B’s Inclusive Playground.
In October 2022, Tamar Lemoine of Valley Stream felt a lump in her right breast and was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer. She had previously put o a biopsy after a mammogram in 2021 detected a suspicious mass, so she knew that this time she would need to act fast.
Tamar was referred to Dr. Christine Hodyl, Director of Breast Health Services at Mount Sinai South Nassau, who created a comprehensive treatment plan that included chemotherapy and breast-conserving lumpectomy surgery along with the removal of several lymph nodes. Her treatment ended with a month of radiation therapy sessions. Now cancer-free, Tamar urges women to get their annual mammograms.
Mount Sinai South Nassau’s cancer program is accredited by the Commission on Cancer and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, o ering patients a multidisciplinary approach to fight cancer without having to leave Long Island.
Rockville Centre reflects on Oct. 7 attacks
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
It has been one year since the unprovoked attacks carried out by the terrorist organization Hamas, which claimed the lives of more than 1,200 civilians who were brutally massacred in their homes, on the streets and at an outdoor music festival near the Gaza border.
The attacks, which included numerous missile strikes, were orchestrated as part of a coordinated assault on Israel during the Hebrew holiday Simchat Torah—a celebration marking the beginning of a new cycle of Torah readings, which takes place each year following the festival of Sukkot.
This surprise attack would ultimately send the region into war. It is the fifth military conflict in the Gaza region since 2008 and one of the most significant military engagements since the Yom Kippur War in 1973.
Just a few short days following Rosh Hashanah, members of the Rockville Centre community joined together at Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David on Sunday, Oct. 6, in a show of solidarity and support with the people of Israel. It was an afternoon of silent prayer for the safe release of the 101 hostages still in captivity and mourning for all those who lost their lives on that fateful day.
“The October 7th commemoration in Rockville Centre was a beautiful and inspiring demonstration of unity as three Jewish movements came together in solidarity to show support for our Israeli brothers and sisters,” Rabbi Michael Cohen of Central Synagogue Beth Emeth, said. “It was a profound reminder of the strength that emerges when our diverse community unites in the face of sorrow and adversity.”
Cohen said that the event emphasized the message of home, and together with congregants, residents and elected officials, they reflected on the resilience of the Jewish people and the importance of looking to the future with “eyes undimmed, and vigor unabated.”
“In our collective grief and existential angst, we find strength, and in our shared hope, we discover the power to triumph and rebuild,” Cohen said. “This gathering embodied the spirit of perseverance and the unwavering hope that sustains us.”
Over the past year of this ongoing military conflict there has been a surge of antisemitic hate speech. It has been seen on college campuses, at rallies, spread across social media, and used to deface Jewish institutions on Long Island and elsewhere across the nation.
The Anti-Defamation League, which fights antisemitism and hate speech, recently reported that there have been more than 10,000 antisemitic incidents across the United States since the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, representing a more than 200 percent increase compared the previous year. According to the ADL, it is the highest number of incidents recorded in a single year period since the League began tracking them in 1979.
Rabbi David Lerner of Congregation B’nai SholomBeth David in Rockville Centre invited the leaders of neighboring synagogues, including Rabbi Cohen and Rabbi Mendel Gurkov of the Chabad of Rockville Centre, who joined in participating in the Oct. 7 remembrance service. Together, the three rabbis joined on the bimah in a display of unity, reminding the community of the importance of togetherness in the face of such divisive and uncertain times.
“The Jewish people have a long memory,” Rabbi David Lerner of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David, said. “We gather today and blow the shofar as a rallying cry to the heavens, testifying that we will never forget our fight against evil that not only threatens us but all of humanity. We will never forget our hostages. We will never forget our fallen. And we will never forget our allies in this fight. Am Yisrael Chai. We will be victorious.”
All along the walls of the synagogue are the names and faces of the nearly 100 hostages who are still being held captive one year following the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Rabbi David Lerner of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David, left, Rabbi Michael Cohen of Central SynagogueBeth Emeth and Rabbi Mendel Gurkov of the Chabad of Rockville Centre blow the shofar during a special service on Sunday, Oct. 6, in a display of unity, solidarity and support for the people of Israel nearly one year after the attacks carried out by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, 2023.
Rockville Centre Village Trustee Emilio Grillo, Trustee Gregory Shaughnessy, Mayor Francis X. Murray and Assemblyman Brian Curran joined the congregation in solemn prayer on Oct. 6, nearly one year following one of the deadliest attacks on the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
Integrity and Gratitude
If we had to choose only two concepts as a prescription for a good life, they would be integrity and gratitude. While we usually associate integrity with honesty, the word also means “fits together” as in integrated or integration. Oddly enough, both meanings are also interrelated. When someone is honest, their life tends to “fit together”. It works. As one sage put it, if you’re honest you never have to remember what you said. People who have integrity are consistent. You can count on them. Wikipedia says “the word integrity evolved from the Latin adjective ‘integer’ meaning whole or complete. In this context, integrity is the inner sense of ‘wholeness’ deriving from qualities such as honesty and consistency of character.” If you or someone you know finds their life is “not working” there may be a lack of integrity somewhere that needs to be sought after and rooted out.
Gratitude has to do with appreciation. Appreciation means to add value to. Things that appreciate tend to grow, just as being
grateful for something or someone raises its or their value in our estimation. Even though, at any given time, countless more things are going right than going wrong in most of our lives, too many of us focus more on what’s going wrong and take for granted what’s going right — our health, our loved ones, our resources.
Grateful people tend to be giving people —and giving people are the happiest among us. Takers can never be as happy as givers because takers can never get enough. Givers already have more than enough, which is why they have some to give away. But having enough is not a state of fact, it is a state of mind. Once you can cultivate that state of mind you are on your way to a happy life.
One of the best ways to rewire your brain from focusing on the negative to focusing on the positive, is to keep a “Gratitude Journal”, examples of which may be easily googled. The elusive “holy grail” of being happy can be found by cultivating integrity and gratitude in your life.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
Crime brief
Police catch suspect with stolen packages
Gia Kharshiladze, 38, of 18th Street, Brooklyn, was arrested by Garden City police on Oct. 2. He has been charged with petit larceny after allegedly stealing packages from residences in Nassau County. Investigators allege Kharshiladze stole a package from a home on Andover Road in Rockville Centre, as well as three others in the village and four packages in Garden City on Sept. 10.
Authorities said Old Westbury police stopped Kharshiladze’s 2023 Toyota Prius on Red Ground Road for a cracked
windshield. Detectives later connected the vehicle to multiple package thefts across the county.
Garden City, Rockville Centre, and Muttontown police departments, along with Nassau County’s second and sixth squads, linked Kharshiladze to thefts at seven other locations. He was charged with 11 counts of petit larceny and released on an appearance ticket. He is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Hempstead on Oct. 16.
–Daniel Offner
fire watCh
The Rockville Centre Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just
Sept. 29 – Oct. 6
General Alarms – 8
Still Alarms – 6 Rescue – 5
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 41
Mutual Aid Fire – 2
Mutual Aid Rescue – 0
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 0
Total – 62
have questions, please visit any firehouse on Sunday mornings and speak with one of the officers or call (516) 6789320. For emergencies dial 911 or (516) 766-0400.
Year To Date
General Alarms – 425
Still Alarms – 219 Rescue – 142
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 1,818
Mutual Aid Fire – 59
Mutual Aid Rescue – 6
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 3 Total – 2,738
Crime watCh assault
A 17-year-old juvenile reported on Oct. 3 that she was struck in the face by another juvenile with a can from an alcoholic beverage while inside Hempstead Lake State Park on Oct. 2 at approximately 10 p.m., while she was in the park after the park was closed to the public and were at a location outside of Rockville Centre Police Department’s jurisdiction. The New
York State Park Police have been notified of the incident.
Criminal misChief
A resident of Atkinson Road reported on Oct. 2 that someone damaged the window of his vehicle while it was parked in the driveway of his residence.
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.
rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643
■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com
NASSIR EDWARDS
Elmont Senior Football
A MAJOR PART of Elmont’s run to the Nassau and Long Island boys’ basketball championships last winter, Edwards is also one of the county’s top football wide receivers. Although he didn’t have a catch Sept. 28 in a driving rainstorm against Lynbrook, he did more than his share of damage on the defensive side of the ball. Edwards had a 40-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown and a 70-yard interception return for a score to lead an 18-7 victory.
GAMES TO WATCH
Thursday, Oct. 10
Football: V.S. North at Floral Park 2 p.m.
Football: MacArthur at Carey 2:15 p.m.
Football: Jericho at Mepham 2:15 p.m.
Football: Sewanhaka at Calhoun 2:15 p.m.
Football: South Side at Garden City 3 p.m.
Football: Plainedge at Wantagh 3 p.m.
Football: Kennedy at Lynbrook 4:30 p.m.
Football: New Hyde Park at Long Beach 4:30 p.m.
Football: Roosevelt at Baldwin 4:30 p.m.
Football: Malverne at Lawrence 4:30 p.m.
Football: East Meadow at Hempstead 4:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Hicksville at Freeport 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Lawrence at Plainedge 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Syosset at Uniondale 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Oceanside at MacArthur 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Malv/East Rockaway at Lynbrook 5:30 p.m.
Football: Elmont at Manhasset 6:30 p.m.
Football: Herricks at V.S. Central 6:45 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Seaford at Plainedge 6:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Wantagh at Long Beach 6:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Mepham at Lynbrook 6:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Mineola at South Side 6:45 p.m.
Boys Volleyball: Calhoun at Roslyn 6:45 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Plainedge at MacArthur 6:45 p.m.
Football: East Rockaway at Island Trees 7 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.
South Side jelling behind seniors
By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com
There is no universal recipe for a team’s growth, even if many of the ingredients carry over from one year to the next.
That’s the case for South Side girls’ soccer, whose 16 seniors a year ago guided the Cyclones to the Nassau Class AA title, the 30th county championship in program history.
Now, six seniors are looking to navigate this year’s squad to similar success.
They wear the same uniforms, but this journey is uniquely theirs.
“As the new group comes in, you tell them this has to become your identity,” coach Judi Croutier said. “Each team is definitely South Side, but it’s also, what are you gonna put into the team?”
The result is a 6-2-1 record (6-3-1 overall) while navigating the turbulent waters of Nassau’s power conference, where almost every opponent is a county championship contender.
As of Oct. 2, the Cyclones were three points behind Garden City in second place, with Oceanside, Syosset, MacArthur, Massapequa and Calhoun behind them.
“I think the team is jelling,” Croutier said. “They’re starting to believe in each other and hopefully, they keep peaking at the right time for playoffs. In the power league, every game is like a big playoff game. There are no freebies. Every game they have to be on.”
Among the six seniors who have taken ownership of this year’s squad are a pair of fouryear varsity players — hardworking midfielder Sienna Connolly, a Northwestern
lacrosse commit, and speedy Charlotte Rathjen, who will play lacrosse at the University of North Carolina.
Connolly and Rathjen share the captaincy with Sarah Schaefer, a forward with a strong work rate.
Sophomore Viv Haley anchors the defense with calm and composure in front of goalkeeper Abbey Grunner, while senior Taylor Hansman had to wait her turn behind last year’s seniors, but is now excelling on the backline.
“They believe in each other and they’re working together,” Croutier said. “We are finding ways to score. We are finding ways to pressure the other teams and play together.”
After a season-opening 3-2 win at MacArthur, the Cyclones fell to Garden City, 3-0 before playing Calhoun to a goalless draw.
And then South Side trailed Oceanside 2-0 in the first half and adversity had struck early.
The response was emphatic. Led by Rathjen’s brace, the Cyclones scored three unanswered goals to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory.
“The girls never gave up,” Croutier said. “We played well, we went out and we attacked them, we had all our chances and then we finished on the last two. We showed good resiliency.”
From that point, South Side won four of its next five league contests, not conceding a goal in wins over Massapequa, Syosset, MacArthur and Calhoun.
There are still matches against Oceanside, Massapequa and Syosset remaining in the regular season before this group of seniors looks to do what so many other seniors before them have done.
Eric Dunetz/Herald
Taylor Hansman is one of six seniors looking to lead the Cyclones to a repeat county championship in Nassau Class AA.
Veterans help RVC Titans kickoff the season
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
The Rockville Centre Titans youth football program kicks off another season, marking significant growth since its 2015 inception.
The nonprofit organization, part of the Nassau County Youth Football League, has expanded from five teams to nine, now serving over 300 athletes ages 7-12. The program has also added a flag football division for 5- and 6-year-olds, broadening its reach in the village.
Last year, the Titans’ impact became evident when the South Side Cyclones varsity football team clinched its first Nassau County title since 2004. Many of the varsity players were part of the inaugural Titans roster in 2015.
Franco Biancamano, coach and program director with NFL kicking experience, emphasized the volunteer-driven nature of the organization.
“The Titans is a fully volunteer-run organization— from the coaches, team moms, and parents working the sideline chains,” Biancamano said. “Together, we’re building more than just skills on the field. We’re shaping character, instilling values, and creating lifelong memories.”
To support the program’s growth, American Legion Post 303 of Rockville Centre have generously donated two Tackle Wheels to the program to help with training drills. The device is a tool used to help teach players proper tackling techniques with the goal of reducing the risk of injury on the gridiron.
“The legion, and veterans in general, are always looking for a way to continue to serve our community,” Post Commander Frank Colón Jr. explained. “Sports are such a great part of developing the future
leaders of our nation and we will continue to do whatever we can to support their growth and success.”
Sean Sheehan, coach for the 7-and-under Titans team, highlighted the program’s focus on life skills.
“The lessons the boys learn on the football field will pay dividends in their life. All of our Titans football coaches are teaching these young men so much more than a game. We are teaching them respect, team work, sportsmanship, and pride in the community,” Sheehan said.
The 7U Titans team recently hosted a pizza, film, and jersey night at the American Legion Post 303 and will be running in support of the American Legion Post 303 during the annual Run for Heroes 5K Walk/
Run on Saturday, Oct. 19 in Baldwin.
The organization will also be hosting its first annual Moms’ Flag Football Game fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 27 at 3 p.m. at Southside High School, followed by a post-game celebration at Centre Station from 5-7 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition. To help spread awareness of breast cancer, the Titans players will be wearing pink socks throughout the month of October.
Titans home games are played at Southside High School on Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The organization encourages the community to come out and support the team.
For more information, visit RVCTitans.com.
Courtesy Sean Sheehan
The Rockville Centre 7U Titans host a pizza, film, and jersey night at American Legion Post 303 in Rockville Centre.
Bynoe aims to use her experience in Albany
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
When Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe announced her campaign for the seat in the 6th State Senate District last December, she highlighted her decades of work in Mineola and emphasized that there is still more work to be done across the state.
During her visit to the Herald for a Roundtable session, Bynoe, 56, reflected on her time as a public servant — a path inspired by her parents, who were dedicated to serving their community.
“I believe that my parents, the way they raised my sister and I, it was to really do hard work,” she said. “They were public servants themselves, and they taught us the value of always making sure you work to make wherever you live or work a better place.”
Before becoming the legislator for District 2, Bynoe built a foundation in public service as commissioner of the North Hempstead Housing Authority, to which she was appointed by the North Hempstead Town Council in 2008. The Westbury native was elected to the Westbury Board of Education in 2010, where she served two terms and focused on educational policies. In 2014, she was elected to the County Legislature in a special election.
Despite being in the minority in Mineola, Bynoe said that many of the things she has accomplished — including the passage of the Ground Water and Public Supply Facts Report Law and implementation of police body cameras — could be advanced to the state agenda if she were elected to the Senate.
Hernesto Galdamez/Herald Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe is running for State Senate in the 6th District. With many years of public service, she wants to be a voice for all Long Islanders.
ly for folks who we want to ensure have access to health care; they could be right on the campus.”
On the topic of mental and behavioral health, Bynoe is a strong advocate of increasing access to mental health resources, a pressing issue in today’s society. In Mineola, she successfully passed legislation to conduct a study and recommend alternative police responses to calls about mental health crises.
Earlier this year, Baldwin Middle School unveiled an in-house wellness center on its campus. Asked if she would push for more in-house facilities at schools, Bynoe said that she would, in a thoughtful way.
“We should go to those community organizations, including schools, that can host those types of facilities on their campuses and have folks that are already doing the work, fund them, and go in and talk to the young people,” she said.
With years of experience in the legislature, Bynoe aims to be the voice for Long Island residents in Albany if she is elected, addressing their concerns and striving for balance.
“We need to turn the corner — it’s a public-benefit hospital that provides Trauma One care, and we have tons of people within the Senate district that rely on that hospital,” Bynoe said. “There are opportunities there for senior housing, workforce housing, especial-
Her top priority in Albany would be to preserve public benefits and resources like Nassau University Medical Center, which was on the brink of a financial collapse earlier this year. Another priority is the need for housing, particularly the potential for residential development on the NUMC campus.
“Making sure that we have a voice — a strong voice in the Senate that really has a pulse on the issues and the concerns of Long Islanders,” she said. “I also want to go to Albany to bring some balance and make sure that, despite the fact that we have fewer members, we are equally as important, and our issues need to be addressed.”
Montefinise targets rising crime, economy
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
The 6th State Senate District hasn’t had a Republican representative since 2018 — when then Sen. Kemp Hannon had occupied the seat for 29 years — but Thomas Montefinise aims to change that in November.
Montefinise, an Oceanside native, graduated from Oceanside High School, and then went to Nassau Community College before transferring to Hofstra University, where he earned a degree in history. He went on to finish a law degree at CUNY School of Law.
He has had a diverse career, with jobs ranging from repairing commercial kitchen equipment at a friend’s business to managing municipal contracts and real estate matters at the Nassau County attorney’s office. He has also practiced matrimonial, family and criminal law.
One of the key issues Montefinise is campaigning on is the rising crime that he says is affecting his neighborhood and communities across Long Island. He is particularly critical of the state’s bail reform law, which allows those charged with misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies to be released while awaiting their court dates.
“There’s a lot of crazy stuff that I see going on,” Montefinise said at a recent Herald Roundtable. “Bail reform, cashless bail — I mean, I represented criminal defendants, and everybody deserves to have their stories heard. (But) there’s a process. Everybody deserves a day in court, but you also need to give the tools to the prosecutors and police to be able to get their job done, because if people start feeling like they can’t call the police to help them, and feel like they can’t rely on the prosecutor to protect them, the system falls apart.”
Also on next month’s ballot is a proposed amendment to the state Constitution that would ban discrimination based on many types of discrimination, including age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
Montefinise said he read through the proposition once, and based his understanding on his law school education.
“I do think that there are legitimate reasons, sometimes, to make a categorization based on sex and gender,” he said. “This is based on the way I’ve been reading it, and kind of where I think they’re heading. They’re trying to elevate that to strict scrutiny, (and) strict scrutiny means no classification can ever be made.”
Montefinise said he was also concerned about the state of middle-class people living on Long Island, and described them as being “squeezed out.”
“I think one of the major things that we need to look at is making sure that we don’t increase spending and we reallocate spending,” he said. “We need to look at where the dead weight is. Where are we throwing money?”
He used the ongoing influx of migrants as an example.
“We need to raise and be able to lift up wages, and be able to incentivize programs,” Montefinise said. “That’s really what we need to do. We have to reallocate money. I think what we’re doing is we’re cutting money, and we’re spending it in all the wrong places.”
Engaging with constituents is essential for anyone running for public office, and Montefinise noted that he has been actively listening to district residents who share their concerns and needs, a process that has been new territory for him.
Hernesto Galdamez/Herald Thomas Montefinise is running on the Republican ticket for the seat in the 6th State Senate District, currently held by Democrat Kevin Thomas, who is not seeking re-election after serving since 2019.
“I’ve met a lot of people,” he said. “I’ve never done something like this before, but I’ve been hearing about the economy, prices of goods, inflation, and safety. It’s been an awesome experience.”
New playground honors Anthony Brunetta
ed officials and community leaders to cut the ceremonial ribbon.
“Mr. B served the village for nearly six decades, with an outstanding work ethic and devotion to our most precious population — our children,” Murray said. “He was a fixture here ... and today we honor his legacy, which is memorialized in the state-of-the-art playground that I know he would have loved.”
The journey to make the playground a reality has been a lengthy one: It began more than a decade ago, when Maureen Jordan, of the Lions Club, and Thomas Bucaria, of the RVC Little League Challengers Division, approached the mayor with the idea of creating a space where children of all different needs and abilities could play together. Since then, the project has gone through various planning and fundraising phases.
Plans for the playground were jumpstarted in 2015 by former State Sen. Dean Skelos, who provided $500,000 in state funding for the project, initially planned for the corner of North Forest Avenue and Sunrise Highway, east of Hickey Field. The project stalled, however, when Skelos was charged with corruption and forced to resign from the Senate.
After parents raised concerns about the safety of the location, the noise of passing Long Island Rail Road trains and the traffic on Sunrise Highway, the project was moved to the recreation center.
“Those were valid points,” Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley said during an update provided by the village in July. “Plus, there’s a lack of parking over there, and having to cross the street to get to the playground would be very dangerous.”
With the change of address, the village needed to reapply for funding, and as word spread about the project, there were more grants. The original $1 million projected cost rose due to delays and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tsignificant partner in Mr. B’s Playground.”
his project truly embodies what can happen when a community comes together.
Determined to see the project through, Murray sought support from then State Sen. Todd Kaminsky to secure funding through the State and Municipal Grant Program. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and former Assemblywoman Judy Griffin provided more financial support in the summer of 2022, announcing that their chamber would contribute an additional $1 million to complete the project. As well, several community organizations have collectively contributed more than $254,000 to the development of the playground.
Ed Asip
Past president, Lions Club of Rockville Centre
Through the grant provided by state lawmakers and the New York State Dormitory Authority, which together accounted for roughly 90 percent of the funding, and the generous donations of community organizations, including the Feil Foundation, the Lions Club, the RVC Little League, the Tommy Brull Foundation, Lindsay’s, the Rockville Centre PBA, RVC Blue Speaks, the Francis F. Wilson Elementary School and the Tim McMullan Memorial Fund, the village succeeded in raising the more than $2 million needed to bring the project to fruition. The playground was built at no cost to taxpayers and is now open to the public, with no proof of residency required.
Martin Brull, president and founder of the Tommy Brull Foundation, said he was thrilled with the idea of an inclusive playground when he first got a call about it in 2016.
with disabilities in her class. So it’s amazing to see people really come together, and how much it’s grown.”
The Tommy Brull Foundation — named for Martin’s brother, who died in 1999 — has been raising funds for people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities since 2008. In 2011 it began hosting benefit concerts featuring artists such as Deer Tick and Courtney Barnett and Kevin Morby. In total, Brull said, he hosted 18 benefit concerts for the playground.
“This playground is a labor of love for me,” Brull said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “I really put a lot of time and effort, and my foundation did, and I hope that people, for many generations in the future, can enjoy it.”
Ed Asip, past president of the Lion’s Club and acting president of the RVC Chamber of Commerce, explained how the organization has worked closely with the Brull Foundation, the Little League’s Challenger Division and the mayor’s office for many years to try and help make the vision of an inclusive playground a reality.
“There’s so many organizations that worked together to make this day and this playground happen,” Griffin said. “I’m thrilled to be here, and I’m thrilled to be a
“I’ve been entrenched in working with people with disabilities since I was a young boy,” Brull said. “When I was a child, inclusion didn’t really exist, and now today, my youngest daughter has play dates and goes out to lunch with people
“This project truly embodies what can happen when a community comes together,” Asip said. “Despite the many setbacks, location changes, Covid, political shifts, budget reasons and increasing costs, your playground is finally here. This is the power of a community that knows how to work together to get things done.”
Davis hosts food drive for Sharon’s Pantry
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Sharon’s Pantry at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center helps provide food to more than 115 families in need throughout the community. Open all-year round, the pantry relies on the generosity of others who donate food or money to help keep its shelves stocked.
In an effort to help support the pantry, Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis in coordination with Associated Supermarket and Island Harvest hosted a food drive on Sept. 29 in observation of Hunger Action Month. With their support, and the support of residents, Davis said the food drive collected 650 pounds of food to donate to the pantry.
“Most of it was just people walking in and coming out with something (to donate),” Davis said.
Its success was largely thanks to the support from individual shoppers and local organizations including the Lions Club of Rockville Centre, Rabbi David Lerner of Temple B’nai Sholom Beth David, Rabbi Michael Cohen of Central Synagogue Beth Emeth, Greystone Deli, the Cassidy family, Kookaburra Coffee, Gino’s Pizza, Ace Hardware and others.
“We are all better when we work together, and the outpouring of support we witnessed for Sharon’s Pantry beautifully illustrates the true spirit of Rockville Centre,” Davis said. “Your generosity will go a long way toward supporting Sharon’s Pantry as it pursues its mission, and I am thankful to Associated for hosting us, Island Harvest for making this possible, the Rockville Centre Public Library for joining us, and all of the community members who took the time to support a good cause.”
Sharon’s Pantry, named after the MLK Center’s Assistant Director, Sharon Sheppard, is dedicated to helping local residents faced with food insecurity. It was founded in the spring of 2020 in partnership with the Anti-Racism Project.
Food donations are often provided by community organizations, including the National Council of Jewish Women, Rockville Centre Boy Scout Troop 40, Temple B’Nai Sholom-Beth David, Sons of a Butcher in Oceanside, and the Sisterhood of Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth, which provides $300 worth of cereal each month. Produce is provided at cost by Fruit Tree Farms.
Island Harvest also supports the food pantry, especially during the holiday season, when it is busiest. In recent years, it has helped provide turkeys for local families hoping to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.
“We’re going to continue to do things in the future to provide donations,” Davis said, which includes collections at other events throughout the legislative district as well as future food drives.
Sharon’s Pantry is open Friday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 150 North Centre Ave. in Rockville Centre.
Anyone interested in donating food can drop off items at the MLK Community Center on Friday mornings while the pantry is open. Monetary donations are also accepted. They can be sent by check to the Anti-Racism Project, 30 Seaman Ave. in Rockville Centre or electronically via Zelle at AntiRacismProjectLI@Gmail.com.
Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis, left, and Vivienne Cassidy, 10, check on the progress of the day’s collection.
Oktoberfest raises $50K for BYP programs
By XIOMARA TRINIDAD PEREZ Herald
More than 250 people packed inside the St. Agnes Parish Center on Sept. 28, for the Backyard Players & Friends’ second annual Oktoberfest fundraiser.
“We were just so pleasantly surprised with a number of people that showed up, bought raffles, made donations and supported us through the whole entire event,” Cristine Daly, director and cofounder of Backyard Players, said. “To have over 250 people show up … it proved to us that we have an important part in the community.”
The fundraiser, which is held in celebration of the traditional German beer festival and traveling carnival, is the organization’s largest event of the year.
This year’s festivities included a variety of dishes, prepared by local restaurants including Parmagianni and Churchills, drinks provided by local brewing companies, raffles, prizes and a live musical performance by Jerry and the Newcomers.
Thanks to the generosity and support of the community this year’s event raised $50,000 in proceeds to help support the various programs the organization offers.
Darcy/Herald
Backyard Players co-directors Ryan Delaney, left, Ellen White and Cristine Daly celebrate with MaryAnn Nesdill Legacy Award recipient James Baker, his wife, Regina, and daughter, Allison.
“We can’t do it alone,” Daly said. “and we’re grateful for the support of our community and the Backyard Players & Friends families.”
The MaryAnn Nesdill Legacy Award, which recognizes an individual’s help and dedication to the organization, was
presented this year to James Baker, for his work as a volunteer with the organization for the past four years.
Backyard Players & Friends are a non-profit organization based in Rockville Centre that supports neurodiverse teens and young adults by providing
classes on a range of subjects including art, music, photography, cooking and more—all of which are aimed to help teach social skills necessary to navigate through society.
The organization also operates programs such as the Front Porch Market and the Backyard Players & Friends.
The Front Porch Market, located just next door to the Backyard Players & Friends, on North Long Beach Road, provides unique gifts created by members of the organization, and other neurodiverse participants, which are put on display for people to purchase. It also helps provide a way for neurodiverse entrepreneurs to get first-hand retail experience, which can help lead to jobs and other future endeavors.
Love, Nana—located just around the corner from the Backyard Players location—is a community service project that collects donations of baby clothes, books, and any other baby accessories, in order to donate them to mothers and families in need in the community. The program also offers skills training and community experience programs for its participants.
For more information on the organization’s programs and fundraisers visit: www.bypandfriends.com.
Maureen Lennon/Herald
Intern
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RVC goes pink for breast cancer awareness
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
The Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition joined local officials on Oct. 2 for a pink tree-lighting ceremony to mark the start of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event highlighted the coalition’s ongoing efforts to support those diagnosed with breast cancer in the community.
Peg McDonald, co-president of the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition, expressed pride in the strides the organization has made over its eight years of service.
The nonprofit outreach program has grown into a key resource for local residents coping with breast cancer, providing both financial and emotional support to assist those diagnosed with breast cancer to make informed decisions regarding treatment.
“We’re always brainstorming,” McDonald said. “This is the time of year we really start pulling the community together for breast cancer awareness.”
The coalition has gained significant traction over the years, drawing support from local sponsors and community groups. McDonald emphasized the overwhelming involvement of these groups, stating, “Every time you turn around, another group is holding an event. The support is coming from all angles.”
Its next major event is the annual fashion show, a significant fundraiser that provides contributions to support Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital’s “Cold Cap” program, which provides scalp-cooling therapy to help reduce hair lose during chemotherapy treatment and alleviates the negative influence it can have on patients emotions and outlook. The fashion show, scheduled for Nov. 1 at the Garden City Hotel, is expected to attract around 400 attendees.
Cancer Coalition Co-President Erin O’Sullivan, Christina Belling, Debbie Vitale, Laura Altman, Lucy Cavanaugh, Susan Napolitano and Coalition Co-President Peg McDonald to light the tree pink for Breast Cancer Awareness
McDonald noted how much smoother organizing these events has become over time, as the coalition has grown. “We’re at a point now where we’re like, ‘Ok, this works,’” she said, reflecting on how the experience and support of the community have made planning easier.
The coalition’s success is supported by the dedication of local leaders, including Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray and Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley, who is a two-time breast cancer survivor herself and a member of the coalition.
During the tree-lighting event, Mayor Murray presented the coalition with a proclamation, recognizing its vital role in the community.
“This is a time to promote screening and prevention of breast cancer, a disease that affects more than two million women worldwide each year,” the mayor said.
Murray stressed the profound impact breast cancer
has on women and their families. “It’s one of the most common cancers and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women,” he said. “During this month, we honor those who have lost their lives to breast cancer and recognize the survivors who continue to fight.”
The mayor also highlighted the importance of early detection in reducing the mortality rate from breast cancer, and the importance of education in combating the disease. “Mammograms and X-ray images of the breast remain the most effective ways to detect cancer long before physical symptoms appear,” he said.
The Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition, bolstered by community support and the dedication of local officials, continues to grow in its mission to raise awareness and provide vital services to breast cancer patients.
Daniel Offner/Herald Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis, Rockville Centre Village Trustee Gregory Shaughnessy, Village Trustee Emilio Grillo, Village Trustee Katie Conlon, Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley, Mayor Francis X. Murray join Rockville Centre Breast
Month.
OBITUARIES
Jeanne King, 72, beloved mom, arts patron
Jeanne Ann King, 72, of Rockville Centre, died on Sept. 29, 2024.
She was born on Feb. 9, 1952, in Oceanside, New York. She is the daughter of Lorraine and Edward Warnke, a shipping executive. King grew up in Rockville Centre, graduating from South Side High School in 1969.
Michael T. Rampanelli of Syosset, died on Sept. 15, 2024 at the age of 21.
He was born in Manhasset on Aug. 26, 2003. Cherished by his loving parents Steven, Kim, and his big sister Nicole, and dog Coco. He was the beloved grandson of Thomas Farrell and the late Janice Farrell and the adored nephew of Kelli Farrell. He was deeply loved by his family and girlfriend, Sophia Mathon.
Ranpanelli graduated from Syosset High School in 2021, where he was captain of the varsity wrestling team and an All-County wrestler.
He went on to work for the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre’s Electric Department as an apprentice lineman. He loved his job and most of all his co-workers. He was a dedicated employee who left a mark on everyone
She was an avid fan of classic films and TV, literature, music and history, testing her knowledge each night by beating her family members at Jeopardy.
Visitation for Jeanne Ann King was held at Macken Mortuary in Rockville Centre on Oct. 2, followed by a funeral mass at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10:45 p.m., and burial at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury.
Jeanne went on to Vermont College, graduating with an associate’s degree in 1971. After living in various places including St. Barthelemy, Houston and Massachusetts, she returned to Rockville Centre where she remained until her death.
he encountered.
Michael was full of life. He was the funniest kid to be around and the most caring person to everyone. He was always full of energy and was the sweetest soul. Mikey didn’t have a bad bone in his body. He loved to work and save money. He most of all loved watching sunsets at Teddy Roosevelt Beach in Oyster Bay with his friends, or taking rides down to Bayville.
What he loved most was just hanging out at home in the basement with his friends. DJ Mikey would be mixing to his freestyle music, as songs like “Be my lover” and “Come into my Arms” made the entire house shake, sing and dance. In his yearbook from Syosset High School, his senior quote read, “Be who you are and let everyone love that person.”
NEwS BRIEf
RVC 2024 Fall Hydrant Flushing Schedule
The Rockville Centre Water Department will conduct routine hydrant flushing from Wednesday, Oct. 23, to Tuesday, Oct. 29. Hydrant flushing is essential for the general maintenance of the village’s water services and occurs twice a year, in the spring and fall. It ensures performance of fire hydrants for firefighting purposes, and quality water for residents and businesses.
Flushing the hydrants may cause temporary fluctuations in water pressure and discolored water to flow into homes and businesses. The water remains safe to drink, though it may stain laundry. Consumers are advised to avoid scheduling projects requiring clear water on or around the day assigned to their area. The water will be both chemically and bacteriologically safe for consumption.
Fall hydrant flushing will begin on
Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in all areas of the village north of DeMott Avenue. It will continue on Thursday, Oct. 24 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. in areas of the village between Lakeview and DeMott Avenue, west of Long Beach Road. On Friday, Oct. 25, flushing will take place between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. in areas between Sunrise Highway and DeMott Avenue, east of Long Beach Road. From Sunday, Oct. 27, at midnight to Monday, Oct. 28, at 8 a.m., flushing will take place in all areas of the village between Lakeview Avenue and Merrick Road. The program will conclude on Tuesday, Oct. 29, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the entire area of the Village south of Merrick Road. For more information contact the water department at (516) 678-9301.
Courtesy Village of Rockville Centre
Molloy kicks off the sprint football season
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Molloy University kicked off its inaugural Sprint Football season with its first home game on Friday, Sept. 27 against St. Thomas Aquinas College.
The Lions mounted a strong effort, but it wasn’t enough to break through the Spartans defense. Molloy fell to St. Thomas Aquinas College, 59-7, at Mitchel Field in Uniondale. Despite the loss, however, the enthusiastic crowd of supporters cheered on the Lions’ team through its rather rocky home opener.
Sprint football follows traditional college football rules, with players weighing 178 pounds or less. The addition of the Molloy Lions makes the university the ninth and newest addition to the Collegiate Sprint Football League, joining institutions like Army West Point, Cornell University, and the University of Pennsylvania. It is also the first and only team of its kind on Long Island.
“This is a fun and growing collegiate sport and we couldn’t be more excited,” Molloy University President James Lentini said. “Molloy is fortunate to have a thriving body of successful student-athletes, and sprint football is a positive addition that will enhance the campus experience for the entire University.”
The roster consists of 33 players that were recruited from all parts of Long Island and New York City. Brian
Hughes, a mainstay in the Long Island football community, with an accomplished career that spans more than 40 years, leads the Lions as the program’s head coach.
“This is a brand-new concept on
Long Island, this is a new situation for me as a head coach and the support and enthusiasm from the Molloy community makes its all the more special,” Hughes said. “I am beyond excited to get to work building this program on the foundation
of the Molloy University mission.”
After nearly a scoreless first quarter, the Spartans’ Jeremy Schucker scored a 28-yard field goal to put his team on the board.
In the following possession, the Spartans put together a nearly seven minute drive that resulted in a three-yard touchdown pass from Ryan Kenny to Jayden Bennermon.
St. Thomas Aquinas quarterback Ryan Kenny later connected with Jayden Bennermon for a 3-yard touchdown pass, putting the Spartans up 17-0 at halftime.
Molloy’s lone touchdown came during the final possession of the game. Junior quarterback Paulie Drummond, who finished with 91 passing yards and 46 rushing yards, threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to freshman Peter von Schoenermarck. Freshman Timmy Stosko successfully kicked the extra point.
The Lions’ running back Jovanni Elysee contributed 32 rushing yards and recorded five tackles and a sack on defense, while freshmen Marquis Dixon and Max Kraemer led the Lions’ defense with six tackles each.
The Lions, now 0-3 on the season, will face the University of Pennsylvania on Oct. 18 at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.
For tickets and more information visit MolloyLions.com.
Tim Baker/Herald
The Molloy Lions kicked off its inaugural football season against the St. Thomas Aquinas Spartans on the gridiron at Mitchel Field in Uniondale on Friday, Sept. 27.
Honoring Long Island’s best in health care
By Melissa Berman
Health care professionals traded their scrubs and lab coats for suits and cocktail dresses at the third annual Herald Excellence in Healthcare Awards at the Heritage Club, in Bethpage, on Sept. 18, which honored the best in their field.
The event, organized by the RichnerLIVE team at the Long Island Herald, drew more than 300 attendees, and recognized more than 10 health care professions.
“Tonight is not only a celebration of achievement, but also a sincere expression of gratitude to those who tirelessly safeguard the health and well being of our community,” Amy Amato, Richner Communications’ executive director of corporate relations and events, said. “Your dedication, resilience and passion are truly inspiring.”
Awards were presented to 46 health professionals, including three special honors: Distinguished Visionary, Organization of Excellence and Excellence in Nursing Advocacy.
“From dedicated doctors and nurses to visionary hospital executives and inspiring educators, these honorees are the backbone of our communities’ health,” Stuart Richner, chief executive of Richner Communications, said.
Michelle Ballan, of the Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center, who received an Excellence in Healthcare award, expressed her gratitude for being recognized for her hard work.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be here and to be celebrated, because I’m just a liaison for individuals with disabilities to eradicate and minimize the health care disparities that exist in different settings,” Ballan said. “To be honored for the health care award, it’s really just an extension of the work that my team does for individuals with disabilities, who are the true experts.”
Having worked in the home care field for 20 years, Joseph Verdirame, CEO of Alliance Homecare/TrustHouse, has learned that there are no shortcuts, and you need to provide exceptional care for the patient, he said.
“We’ve spent a lot of time building and developing our business model to really enhance the way home care is provided in the industry,” Verdirame, who also won the Excellence in Healthcare award, said. “We’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished today for all the work we’ve put in.”
According to Luis Fandos, of Alluring Age: Anti-Aging and Wellness Center, who won an Excellence in Healthcare award, it was a dream come true to be honored, and he finally feels that all the effort, sweat and tears he put into his work has come to fruition.
“When you have other people recognize what you do, and appreciate that, it’s priceless,” Fandos said.
The keynote speaker was Stanley M. Bergman, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Henry Schein and the winner of the Distinguished Visionary Award. “Health care is local, and it is critical that we maintain an outstanding quality of health care system here on Long Island,” Bergman said, and
told the crowd, “Thank you for what you do, being amongst the nation’s best health care systems.”
The major sponsors of the awards included Alliance Homecare, Henry Schein, Nassau University Medical Center, the New York State Nurses Association, Northwell Orthopedics, Stony Brook Medicine, The Aspen Group and Trusthouse.
Muriel Donnelly, VP of PR at Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, with Stuart Richner of Richner Communications.
Honoree Jennifer Lazzaro, of Hearing and Brain Centers of America, Long Island.
Honoree Denis Nankervis, of Peconic Bay Medical Center Northwell Health.
Honoree Dr. Howard Goodman, the Long Island Weight Loss Doctor, with Jessica Kleiman of the Long Island Herald.
Jason Thomas/Herald photos
Honoree Michelle Ballan, of Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center, with her family and friends.
Jason Thomas/Herald photos
Honoree John McGuigan, of AHRC Suffolk, right, with Stuart Richner.
Honoree Dr. Brian Mayrsohn, of Maywell Health.
Dr. Jill Kaman, of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Keynote and Distinguished Visionary recipient Stanley Bergman, of Henry Schein.
Honorees Roxanne Carfora, of AgelessMD, and Dr. Luis Fandos, of Alluring Age: Anti-Aging and Wellness Center.
Honorees from Aspen Dental, Lina Patino, DDS, and Roumiana Tzvetkova, DMD.
Honoree Megan C. Ryan, of Nassau University Medical Center.
Honoree Catherine Canadeo, center, of Catherine Canadeo Health & Wellness Corp.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Dr. Todd J. Cohen, of New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Melissa Schachter, of the Speech Language Place.
American Legion hosts Law &
here, met my wife in the police academy, so I ended up staying down here, and I always wanted to police in a close-knit community like I grew up in, and I believe I’m fulfilling my dream by working for this community, so thank you.”
Honorary Chief Carl Weeks, of the Rockville Centre Fire Department, was recognized for his seven decades of service. Weeks joined the Eureka Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company No. 1 on May 27, 1954, and then joined Woodland Engine Company No. 4 in 1962.
He wanted to take on a larger role, and was eventually elected second lieutenant, first lieutenant and, ultimately, captain, from 1969 to 1971. He also served as secretary, warden, chairman of the truck committee and chief chauffeur, training other volunteer firefighters how to drive and operate the department’s apparatuses.
Through the years, Weeks has continued to be a familiar face at department functions. His dedication earned him the title of honorary chief, and he was the grand marshal of the 2023 Nassau County Fire Parade.
“Carl was always looking to stay involved and help better his company and this department, whenever and however he could,” Woodland Capt. Kevin Kutcher said. “Even after 70 years of service to this department and to the village of Rockville Centre, Carl is one of
the most active and dedicated members of Woodland. He still attends meetings and training, where he shares his vast knowledge that he has acquired through the years. Just as importantly, Carl still responds to a great number of alarms, always being the first member at the firehouse, so we can open the truck room door, so that our other members can respond more quickly and efficiently.”
Weeks was presented with an
engraved ax that was mounted and framed.
“I want to thank Frank Colón and all the members of the American Legion for this honor,” Weeks said. “I would also like to thank the Rockville Centre Fire Department for all your time, effort, dedication and support. It’s been an honor working alongside each of you during my 70 years in the Fire Department.”
The final award of the evening was
presented to members of Floodlight Rescue Company No. 1’s Information Technology team for its successful rollout of the Sansio Electronic Patient Care Reporting system, which will significantly enhance capabilities and improve patient care.
“The implementation of this advanced system marks a new era in our operations,” Floodlight Lt. Mike Woram said. “It’s not just a technological upgrade, it’s a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation.”
Woram explained that the EPCR system will help streamline processes, ensure accuracy and timely reporting, and ultimately save lives by providing health care professionals with what they need to give the highest standard of care.
He added that the achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication and expertise of the IT committee’s hard work, problemsolving skills and relentless pursuit of perfection.
“We have navigated the challenges, overcome the obstacles, and delivered a system that will serve our community for years to come,” Woram said. “To each member of the committee, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your contributions have not gone unnoticed, and today we celebrate you. Your work embodies the spirit of service and the pursuit of excellence that defines the American Legion.”
Daniel Offner/Herald
police Commissioner randy dodd, left, joined american Legion post 303 Commander frank Colón Jr. and Vice Commander paul Casazza in recognizing officer alfred ‘al’ robinson for his dedication and service to the community.
STEPPING OUT
Fl!ppin’ out at the circus
It’s all a thrill with daredevils under the Big Top
By Danielle Schwab
The Big Top has sprung up on Long Island once again for a Fl!p Circus spectacular that brings audiences up close to the action.
The circus spectacle, which wowed audiences here earlier in the spring, brings its intimate Big Top experience back, now through Oct. 15, to Hicksville’s Broadway Commons.
Fl!p Circus was started by the Vazquez family, a long line of circus performers dating back over 50 years. Its older counterpart, the Circus Vazquez, originated in Mexico City in 1969 and has since ventured to the U.S.
While Circus Vazquez has one of the largest tents in America, Fl!p Circus has one of the smallest with around 800 seats. It brings a refreshing, more intimate look at the circus experience with no seat more than 50 feet from the ring.
“It makes it very different and very unique. We wanted to create a show that appealed more to the traditional side of the circus,” says Alexa Vazquez, a fourth-generation performer.
“The seats are made for a 360-degree view, so wherever
• Now through Oct. 15
• Weekdays, 7 p.m.; Saturday, 1 and 4 p.m.; Sunday, noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m.
• Tickets start at $50 adult, $30 children; available at flipcircus.com or can be purchased in person at box office
• Broadway Commons, 358 N. Broadway, Hicksville
you’re sitting, you’re getting the best view. You feel like a part of the performance,” she continues.
Training since she was 15, Vazquez showcases her acrobatic skills in her mesmerizing Hula Hoop gymnastics act. She weaves various hoops together simultaneously, including a giant hoop, the Cyr Wheel.
“It’s something where, if you lose concentration very quickly, it can go very wrong,” Vazquez explains.
“But at the same time it’s fun because people see a gigantic wheel, but then they see a smaller one. It’s confusing for them, but fun at the same time.”
Fl!p Circus takes traditional acts and gives them a contemporary twist with — in the grand circus tradition — an international flair. Jugglers, trapeze artists and daredevils from throughout the world — including Brazil, India, Chile, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Mexico, and the U.S. — live and travel together from location to location.
That global flavor is led by Brazil’s favorite clown, Bubi Guiner, who brings his classic comedic routines and side-splitting antics to the U.S. for the first time. He may even invite you on stage as part of the show.
From India, watch as Hasan Ansari thrills audiences with his flexibility, performing body-bending maneuvers on a wooden pole, leaving you wondering how a human body can do that. Ukraine’s Anastasia & Misha present a stunningly synchronized and poetic presentation of dance and acrobatics. Also Pavel Valla Bertini, a fifth-generation performer from the Czech Republic, keeps everyone on the edge of their seats
with his unparalleled one, three and even 15-wheeled unicycle skills.
Others delight audiences with their fast-paced juggling skills, energetic roller skating feats, graceful dancing and acrobatics.
There’s always something new to enjoy, no matter how many times you go, according to Vasquez.
“Every year that it comes to town, you’re going to see a different show,” she says.
Every act brings a different culture to the stage. Each is accompanied by a special musical score, played by the Fl!p Circus Band. The versatile soundtrack ranges from classic instrumental to upbeat rock.
“I always like to say, with Flip to expect the unexpected,” says Vazquez. “As you walk into the stands — (with) the music, the lights, and the way the atmosphere is set — you’re inside a different world, and it’s something that you have to experience yourself.”
And, of course, there’s an assortment of tasty circus treats to munch on from the concession stand.
Capturing over 200 years of circus tradition into high-energy show, Fl!p Circus invites everyone to immerse themselves in the experience.
“We just want the audience to enjoy the show, and we want them to be transformed into what we’re doing,” says Vasquez. “We want the audience, when they come in, to feel welcome, to feel like they’re a part of the family.”
Tom Colicchio on ‘why he cooks’
Get an unprecedented insights into the life of one of America’s top chefs when Tom Colicchio brings his “Why I Cook” book tour to the Paramount stage. Part memoir-part cookbook, Colicchio’s newest book shares an exclusive look inside the mind and kitchen of the beloved multiple-Awardwinning chef, restaurateur, and television personality. Colicchio cooked his first recipe at 13-yearsold — a stuffed eggplant from an issue of Cuisine magazine that he picked up out of boredom — and it changed his life. Through 10 memoir chapters and 60 recipes, “Why I Cook” shares Colicchio’s personal reflections of more than 40 years behind the stove. From pre-dawn fishing excursions with his grandfather to running the flat-top at the snack shack of the local swim club, to finding his way as a young chef in New York City, into Tom’s life yet.
Saturday, Oct. 12, 2 p.m.$95, $65, $54, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Anthony Pascal and Anthony Rapp
Get ready to be swept away with Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, the original stars of “Rent.” Their enduring friendship, spanning three decades, forms the heart and soul of this duo show, promising an evening filled with music, anecdotes and laughter. Pascal and Rapp’s friendship and history create an unforgettable evening of music, stories and fun. Expect songs from highlights throughout their careers, music that has influenced their lives, and of course some of the iconic hits from where it all began — meeting on the stage of “Rent.” Jonathan Larson’s iconic show, remains an international phenomenon, contuing a trajectory that began with it’s Off-Broadway opening all those years ago.
Thursday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m. $69, $64, $54. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Visit landmarkonmainstreet.org for tickets and information, or call (516) 7676444.
Photos courtesy Fl!p Circus
yet vintage describes the Fl!p Circus experience.
THE Your Neighborhood
Steve Martin and Martin Short
Icons, collaborators and dos amigos Steve Martin and Martin Short have a relationship that’s evolved in unexpected ways since their SNL days. Their comic prowess has surely reached new heights since their involvement in Hulu’s smash hit “Only Murders in the Building.” The pair takes another comic turn as special guest performers at Tilles Center’s 2024 Gala, Saturday, oct. 19, 8:30 p.m. These two funnyman display their impeccable talents as “The Dukes of Funnytown!” — a show that redefines the form in unexpected and profound ways, from two of the most influential and acclaimed talents of the past century. Their humor is often subversive, but it is always a joyous self-deprecating romp from two comedy masters driven to make each other laugh as much as the audience. The jokes come at you at a rapid-fire pace with little set-up and big punch lines as they mock Hollywood and the fickle nature of celebrity, but the comedy truly soars when they lovingly (and relentlessly) roast each other. Martin and Short’s chemistry and timing on stage reflects a friendship forged over three decades which developed when they met for the first time on the set of the 1986 film “Three Amigos.” These two titans of comedy have been touring together since 2015, when they launched their first live show entitled “A Very Stupid Conversation.” Tickets start at $70. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
‘The Birthday Party’ Looking for something to do this Halloween season that isn’t just for kids? Visit Sands Point Preserve for an exclusive, immersive theatrical production, “The Birthday Party,” held in a secluded, opulent mansion, Saturday, oct. 12, 7-8:30 p.m. and 9-10:30 p.m.; also oct. 18-19, oct. 25, oct. 31, and Nov. 1. For those who attended Archie’s last “Birthday Party,” rest assured, there are new surprises in store. Guests will be blindfolded and escorted to a secret location on the property, Villa Vanitas, to celebrate the enigmatic Lord Archibald Axel Von Finkelshorn Chatterton’s 30th birthday. He is a witless charmer on the cusp of a life-changing revelation, and everyone’s invited to witness his journey on a night that promises to be unforgettable and delightfully unpredictable. Cocktail attire preferred. $175 per person. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.
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.
SIBSPlace Masquerade Gala
SIBSPlace, a Rockville Centre-based nonprofit organization affiliated with Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, will host its annual fundraiser, dinner and auction event, Saturday, Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Seawane Country Club. Gala honorees include the Peninsula Kiwanis and Naginder Singh, who will be presented with the Helene Wrenn Memorial Award. Featuring music provided by The Jazz Senders. Cocktail attire required. 1300 Club Drive, Hewlett. For more information call (516) 374-3000 or email Joanna. Formont@SNCH.org.
Adelphi’s Best of Broadway: Decades Jump into the dazzling world of Broadway as Adelphi’s talented students bring to life the magic of shows that opened 10, 20, 30 or more years ago, Sunday, Oct. 20, 4 p.m. Enjoy modern and classic Broadway hits from shows like “Suffs” (2024); “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (2014); “Sunday in the Park with George” (1984) and “Anything Goes” (1934). Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi. edu/pac. Hewitt Fair
Riverside FUNd Run
Students at Riverside Elementary School will help raise money for a cause on Friday, Oct. 11, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 110 Riverside Drive.
Run for Heroes 5K
Assemblyman Brian Curran hosts the 2024 Run for Heroes 5K run/walk to raise money for local American Legions and VFWs in the district, Saturday, Oct. 19, at 9 a.m,. at Baldwin Harbor Park. 3219 Grand Ave., Baldwin.
The Hewitt Fair returns to Rockville Centre, Saturday, Oct. 19,11 a.m.- 4 p.m., at the Jennie E. Hewitt Elementary School. There will new games, prizes, raffles, food and fun for everyone. 446 DeMott Ave.
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program returns for a new season, Saturday, Oct. 12, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition spans various world cultures through a range of media.
It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Tribute concert
Plaza Theatricals’ tribute series continues, Sunday, Oct 20, 2:30 p.m., with Shades of Grey. From his best-remembered role as the iconic Master of Ceremonies in “Cabaret,”both on Broadway and in the film version, to his more recent portrayal as the Wizard of Oz in “Wicked,” Joel Grey continues to entertain audiences of all ages. And now, continuing his own tradition of creating unique and memorable performances, Bob Spiotto takes to the boards once again, in both story and song, to educate and entertain, as he pays tribute to this legendary performer. See the concert at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.
Keeping Up with the Schools
and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
The next monthly meeting of the Rockville Centre Board of Education is on Thursday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m., in the Commons Room at South Side High School. 140 Shepherd St.
South Side students weigh their options
South Side High School hosted its annual college and post-secondary school fair on Thursday, Sept. 26, offering students and families a chance to explore options beyond graduation.
The event featured admissions counselors from various colleges, trade schools, and vocational programs, who filled the South Side High School gymnasium, to provide assistance and information for students about their respective institutions.
“The Post-Secondary Fair is always a great opportunity for our students and their families to gain more insight on college, universities and trade school they might be interested in,” South Side High School Principal Patrick Walsh said, emphasizing the importance of student’s decisions. “Giving students a chance to learn more about their options after South Side has always been a top priority of ours.”
Prior to the fair, school counselors provided students and families with a presentation on the college application process to help prepare graduating seniors for the upcoming months.
Kelly Ramsey, director of school counseling for the Rockville Centre
LEGAL NOTICE
School District, highlighted the fair’s role in students’ future planning.
“The College and Post-Secondary fair is always filled with great energy and excitement as the students and their families meet with representatives from
Public Notices
Public Notice to Bidders
Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on October 24, 2024 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for:
FRONT STREET / SOUTH STATION PLAZA PARKING FIELD IMPROVEMENTS
Bid No. 2410CP1(1131)
The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check or bid bond payable to the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre in the amount of five (5%) percent of the gross amount of the bid.
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 17, 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 Purchasing Department
Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 149420
LEGAL NOTICE
FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU In the Matter of an Article 10 Neglect Proceeding File#:634865
Docket#:NN-05728-24
Nassau County Department of Social Services (Petitioner) Victoria Nolan (Respondent) Baby Girl Nolan (DOB: 07/07/2024) SUMMONS-PUBLICATION (IN PERSON)
To:Victoria Nolan A petition under Article 10 of the Family Court Act has been filed with this Court requesting the following reliefs: Neglect. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear IN PERSON before this Court on: Date/Time/Part:November 19, 2024 at 09:00 AM in Part 2
Purpose:Conference Presiding:Hon. Robin M. Kent
Location: Courthouse, 1200 Old Country Rd., Westbury, NY 11590
Floor:3
Room:303 to answer the attached petition and to be dealt with in accordance with the Family Court Act. Please bring this notice with you and check in
with the Court Officer in the Part.
Be sure to arrive at the courthouse prior to the time listed above. Do not be late as there is a limited window of time for your case to be heard. If you fail to appear as directed, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
Dated: October 7, 2024
John Aiken, Chief Clerk TO THE ABOVENAMED RESPONDENT: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Robin M. Kent of the Family Court, Nassau County, dated and filed with the petition and other papers in the Office of the Clerk of the Family Court, Nassau County. 149428
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Mortgage Assets Management, LLC,, Plaintiff AGAINST Nassau County Public Administrator, as Limited Administrator of the Estate of Yolande E. Bayard-Gaston a/k/a Yolande Gaston; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 17, 2023 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on
November 14, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 1180 Woodfield Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 38 Block 105 Lot 153. Approximate amount of judgment $506,388.47 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 607221/2017. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District.
Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Peter Kramer, Esq., Referee- (516) 510-4020 LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: September 25, 2024 149408
colleges, universities and trade schools,” Ramsey said. “We believe that providing them with this opportunity is an important part of the post-secondary planning process as we help them navigate their path to success after they
graduate from South Side.”
The fair aimed to help students make informed decisions about their post-secondary education and career paths.
–Daniel Offner
South Side students hear from representatives at Hofstra University at the annual college and post-secondary school fair.
Photos courtesy Rockville Centre School District Representatives with Molloy University, located here in Rockville Centre, offer South Side students opportunities close to home.
South Side students sign-up to learn more about what The University of Alabama has to offer.
Members of the USMC Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps speak with students about how service in the United States military can provide alternative pathways for career advancement and higher learning.
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.
Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
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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
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com
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
JOURNEYMAN
COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL
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MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Medical Reception/Accounts Receivable
Part Time- back-office work. Rockville Centre. Must be friendly, well-spoken. Computer literacy necessary. Back office includes collections/account receivable, verifying insurance and researching claims and some billing. Must be flexible (days/evenings). $18-$19/ Hourly. Email resume drsmnw@optonline.net or fax resume 516-763-4218.
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Should we avoid cedar for siding, too?
Nestled on a
Q. We want to replace our cedar siding, and you wrote about not using cedar. Is that just for decks, or also for siding? Our community in Massachusetts insists on cedar siding, but has been accepting lookalikes if they meet their appearance standards at the community review. It wouldn’t make sense for us to consider cedar if it’s as much of a problem as you stated. Please let us know your opinion on what we should do, since we want to try to get the siding done before the winter.
A. In my column, answering the question about decks, I wrote that I don’t recommend cedar as either a structural material or finish board material because of its instability and maintenance issues, for decks, specifically. Natural wood is more reactive to the environment, because it used to be in the middle of a tree, and wasn’t intended to be exposed to the weather in its natural state.
The stronger, solid hardwoods are less reactive, but cedar is a soft wood that easily expands and contracts. Although it’s resistant to insects, it doesn’t last as long as other products. As a siding material, it’s not as big a problem, and it’s reminiscent of the original New England historical architecture it was employed for. It’s very attractive, and the issue of stability and durability is different for its use as a siding material.
There are two basic kinds of natural cedar siding, cedar shakes and cedar shingles. Shingles are cut with blades and shaped uniformly, while shakes, also called “split” shakes, are cut to size at double the thickness (or more) and then split in half. That mimics the rustic and non-uniform look our first settlers developed for making the homes and meeting houses they constructed as weatherresistant as they could manage. The techniques and original tools are still used today.
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You may want to reconsider when to do the work, whichever style you choose, because cedar is generally harvested in the winter and early spring, and you’ll get better-quality material to work with in the spring than in the fall. The reason the wood is harvested when it is is because the ground around cedar trees is boggy and swampy, and heavy equipment can’t get to the trees until the ground is hard and stable. (Incidentally, foresting requirements dictate that for every tree harvested, two trees must be planted, and about 1 percent of all cedar trees are taken in a season, meaning there will be plenty of cedar for you when you need it.)
Make sure you have an installer who knows to use a waterproofing membrane and drainage filter fabric first, before the cedar is applied, so the shingles or shakes don’t constantly sit against a wet wall after they’re attached. The original settlers understood this, and used strips of cedar to keep the shakes off the wall to drain and dry. Wetting and drying cycles cause accelerated decay. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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Remembering a cherished friendship with Nelson DeMille
The bestselling, superbly gifted novelist Nelson DeMille recently died. The author of 23 books, including 17 bestsellers, DeMille was so much more than a brilliant writer. He was first and foremost an outstanding human being and a loyal friend.
The first book of his that I read was “Cathedral,” in the early 1980s. It was a gripping tale of an attack on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. I was hooked. Among all of Demille’s books, I found “Gold Coast,” a satiric depiction of Long Island’s North Shore, to be a true classic. My wife, Rosemary, became an almost obsessive reader of his works.
I didn’t actually meet DeMille until the early 2000s, when I was privileged to be invited to several lunches hosted by Mets owner Fred Wilpon and New York jurist Sol Wachtler at which DeMille was also a guest. I was struck immediately by what a regular guy he was. Totally unassuming and down-to-earth. Humorous. Extremely intelligent, and
knowledgeable on so many topics. Never once telling us how many bestsellers he authored, or mentioning his service in Vietnam as an infantry commander, for which he was awarded a Bronze Star.
Those early gatherings opened the way for lunches, dinners and social gatherings at which Rosemary and I would see Nelson and his wife, Sandy, as well as get-togethers he and I would have with guys we each knew. I distinctly recall the wonderful evening Rosemary and I enjoyed at DeMille’s home, celebrating his 75th birthday with his family and a multitude of friends.
TRosemary, who, in what turned out to be Sandy’s final social event, invited her to a formal congressional lunch in Washington honoring then first lady Melania Trump.
That evening, Sandy joined Rosemary, our daughter, Erin, and me for dinner at a Capitol Hill restaurant, and she was as outgoing and upbeat as ever. Just months later, in September 2018, she died. As devastated as he was, Nelson never showed even the slightest bit of self-pity.
he bestselling author was still the blue-collar guy who grew up in Elmont.
Conversations with him ran the gamut of his varied interests, including dedication to his family and his concern for others. Nothing was more saddening or distressing than when Sandy, a nonsmoker, was stricken with lung cancer. The years following her diagnosis in 2014 were marked by peaks of hope, but then by the darkest valley in 2018, when Sandy succumbed after waging a courageous, uncomplaining struggle.
She was an absolute delight to be with. Intelligent and always upbeat. Sandy was the center of her husband’s life. She was especially friendly with
TRosemary and I continued to get together with DeMille and, if anything, our friendship and admiration for him only deepened. More than ever, I realized that, with all his fame and success, he was, at heart, still the blue-collar guy who grew up in Elmont. Though he moved easily with the socially upscale and the movers and shakers, he very much identified with cops, firefighters, construction workers and military veterans. Those were the people who, through guts and dedication, make our nation work with little recognition or acclaim.
DeMille also never left Long Island. His roots were here, and this was where he stayed.
He continued his literary efforts,
writing, as always, in longhand on yellow legal pads, and rushing feverishly to meet his publisher’s deadlines. His final work was “Blood Line,” published in 2023, which he co-wrote with his son, Alex. Last Oct. 11 I had the privilege of moderating a discussion of “Blood Line” with the two of them before a large audience at LIU Post.
Weeks later, on Oct. 28, Rosemary, and I got together with DeMille at the Paramount, in Huntington, at a reception prior to a performance by Bill O’Reilly and Sid Rosenberg. DeMille was in good spirits, and seemed entirely healthy, but that was the last time we were with him. Soon after, he let us know he was being treated for cancer, but was confident all would be well.
This went on for months. On June 6, Rosemary received an email from him, saying he had just one procedure left, and then we’d be getting together for dinner. That was the last we heard from him. Nelson died of esophageal cancer on Sept. 17.
His wake and funeral, attended by hundreds of admirers and friends, were a celebration of a wonderful man of great accomplishment. He will be missed. Nelson DeMille, R.I.P.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
A historic election for all the wrong reasons
his has been a political year like no other in my lifetime. It may be the only year that was dominated by mean-spirited and ugly conduct, all in the name of winning an election. I am not naïve, having run 12 successful campaigns for public office. But the desperate campaign being run by Donald Trump, in his quest for renewed power, will stand out in the history books for many years to come.
Let’s start with this backdrop.
Trump lost the 2020 election by 7 million votes. His years of claims that his success was “stolen” are fake by any measure. He admitted that he was beaten by challenging the election results in Georgia. If you lost an election, why would you be asking the Georgia secretary of state to “find 11,780 votes”? What is sad is that there are millions of Americans who have fallen for that charade.
The second historical event that
taints the Trump re-election effort is the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill. Trump once told Americans that they shouldn’t believe what they saw with their own eyes. Whether you’re blind or able to see, at Trump’s urging, hundreds of people broke down the doors to the Capitol and destroyed government property, and their actions contributed to the death of five people. That is not my conclusion. It is the findings of countless jurors who heard the facts after weeks and weeks of criminal trials.
Donald Trump’s vision of the nation is depressing and false.
And so, with the blemish of a torrent of facts that would undo any reelection effort, Trump commenced his 2024 campaign. He once claimed he would “drain the swamp,” but instead he has created a new swamp by conducting a campaign heavy with racial undertones, vicious personal attacks and attacks on the American court system.
There have been so many vitriolic assaults that it would take more than one column to adequately describe all of them. One of the current ones that deserves public scorn is his attacks on
the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio. Despite the pleas of the Republican governor of Ohio, the mayor of Springfield and many other elected officials, both Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, have continued to spread false charges about Haitians eating dogs and cats.
I long ago learned that personal attacks on your opponent don’t get much voter applause. Trump has decided that calling his challenger, Vice President Kamala Harris, “mentally impaired” is a way to get voter support. He also thinks that attacking her appearance is a way to win over skeptical women voters. These tasteless tactics are not the way to get the support of the fast-shrinking independent vote.
One of the winning ways to get voters to be your boosters is to offer solid policy proposals and to give the public a chance to hear your vision for the next 10-plus years. Trump has offered little in way of new ideas, but has Project 2025 as his policy proposal. That 900-plus-page volume, drafted by former officials of his administration, calls for
dismantling the federal government as we know it and turning it over to prescreened loyalists who will complete a menu of bureaucratic horrors. Perhaps the most vexing part of the current Trump effort is his constant harping on what he thinks our country looks like. He describes America as a “failed state.” His vision of the nation is depressing and false. He claims that many thousands of the migrants who have come to America have committed major crimes. Any honest presidential contender would not tear down the country at a time when it wants a leader with a brighter view of the nation.
Obviously, my view of the Trump campaign is not a flattering one. Am I a partisan? I have spent all of my life cultivating relationships with my Republican counterparts, and have succeeded because of our mutual respect. But I draw the line when it comes to Donald Trump. I just don’t think he is the true face of America.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
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Calling for fire safety, honoring local volunteers
With Fire Prevention Week — Oct. 6-12 — upon us, it’s important to reflect on the significance of fire safety in our communities, and to recognize the extraordinary contributions of the volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians who keep us safe.
These men and women are truly local heroes, but they are also neighbors just a phone call away who risk their lives in hazardous situations that include fires and floods. They should never be taken for granted, and this annual observance serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing fires and responding to emergencies of all kinds.
There are 71 fire departments in Nassau County — 69 all-volunteer, and two with both professionals and volunteers — along with six volunteer ambulance corps that provide fire, technical rescue and emergency medical help, all serving 1.3 million residents. In Suffolk, more than 125 volunteer fire and EMS agencies serve that county’s population of more than 1.5 million.
Fire Prevention Week is a nationwide campaign aimed at raising awareness of fire hazards and promoting practices that can saves lives. President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed it a national observance in 1925 to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which devastated much of the city and claimed hundreds of lives.
“Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!” is this year’s theme. The goal is to
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educate people about the crucial role smoke alarms play in preventing injury and death when a fire breaks out in a home.
Three of every five home fire deaths occur in properties without working smoke alarms, and the risk of dying in a house fire is cut in half when there are functioning alarms, according to the National Fire Protection Association. This underscores the fact that fire prevention isn’t just about avoiding accidents — it’s about saving lives.
The American Red Cross also stresses the importance of installing smoke alarms. At the organization’s Sound the Alarm events, volunteers install smoke alarms for free. For more information, go to RedCross.org.
Education is paramount, too. Children, adults and seniors benefit from learning how to prevent fires and to respond appropriately if one breaks out. Teaching children not to play with matches, encouraging adults to avoid being distracted while cooking and reminding seniors to be mindful of electrical appliances are just a few essential lessons that can reduce the likelihood of fires.
It’s also important to honor the brave people who respond when fires and other emergencies occur. Volunteer firefighters often juggle full-time jobs and family responsibilities, yet they still make time to respond to calls for help — whether it’s a house fire, a car accident or a medical emergency.
Letter writer defending D’Esposito was ‘splitting hairs’
To the Editor:
In his letter last week, “Is D’Esposito vulnerable to a House probe?” Christopher Kane complained that the Herald owes Congressman Anthony D’Esposito an apology for an article about the hiring of his mistress and the daughter of his fiancée that was headlined “D’Esposito faces ethics probe over hiring.” Kane argued, in part, that D’Esposito didn’t violate any ethics rules because he wasn’t married to his fiancée.
However, according to a Sept. 23 article in The New York Times, “The House code of conduct prohibits members of Congress from employing spouses or relatives, including stepchildren. Though Mr. D’Esposito has never married, congressional ethics experts said that employing a woman akin to his stepdaughter, who shared a home with him, could breach the requirement that members of Congress ‘adhere to the spirit and the letter of the rules.’”
The Times article continued, “A separate provision adopted in the wake of the #MeToo movement explicitly states that lawmakers ‘may not engage in a sexual relationship with any employee of the House who works
They undergo extensive training to ensure that they are equipped to handle the myriad dangerous conditions that can arise in an emergency, and they are often the only line of defense when a home catches fire and lives are on the line. It’s no wonder that so many people find firefighters’ dedication so inspiring.
The same is true for volunteer EMTs, who provide critical care during medical emergencies, administering life-saving treatment before a victim can be transported to a hospital. Their swift action and expertise often mean the difference between life and death.
A former Long Island volunteer firefighter and EMT who continues to serve as a paid paramedic and a New York City police officer explained why he became a first responder.
“I wanted to participate in something that allowed me to help my neighbors at their most vulnerable points in life, while also providing me with valuable life experience and training,” he told the Herald. “The fire department put me on a path to serve the people and communities that I live and work in, as well as (having) a second family I know would come to my aid should my family or I need it.”
We strongly urge you to be there for your local fire department’s next fundraiser or open house, salute the volunteers at their next holiday parade and, if you’re able, consider becoming one of them. under the supervision of the member.’”
Although
while he criticizes Laura
D’Esposito was not married to his fiancée, with whom he was
allegedly cohabiting, it appears that in his letter, Kane was doing nothing more than splitting hairs! Lastly,
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Everything you wanted to know about Irving Place
Fall has arrived, and with it comes our exciting lineup of fall programs. We kicked off the season with a virtual workshop on Sept. 25, focused on uncovering the history behind Rockville Centre homes. the research and techniques displayed in the workshop continue to reveal fascinating details about the village’s history, including stories about Irving Place.
Irving Place had a lot of activity at the turn of the 20th century. No. 28 was the first house built on Irving Place, circa 1903. by 1914, however, there were eight other new homes on the block. When it was built, No. 28 was originally No. 15, but it was changed after the village renumbering mess in 1919.
(Please visit our website for the story!) the likely original owner was S.M. Willetts, who was highly involved with the Methodist Church. Willetts was also
ivery friendly with Henry DeMott, who lived just down the block, on the corner of Roosevelt Place. originally, 28 Irving was on a larger property, but it was subdivided around 1919, when No. 24 was built next door. In 1920, the village trustees voted to pave Irving Place with gravel, because it was considered one of the more heavily used streets in the village. by the 1920s, the house was owned by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hitzigrath. He was an inventor, and patented a new hair curler in 1925. It must have been a success: the Hitzigraths had a livein housekeeper and a summer home in Sayville. Irving Place has many beautiful homes, but No. 28 represents a notable example of the american Foursquare design so popular in the early 20th century.
bought an old garage at the corner of Merrick Road and what is now Sunrise Highway, and founded the Gardner Garage & Motor Company.
n 1920 the trustees voted to pave it with gravel, because it was one of the busiest streets.
Starting as a dealer of Maxwell automobiles, Gardner expanded to Packards, Hudsons and a range of other makes. He soon moved to town and purchased a beautiful home at 77 Hempstead ave. this property, at the corner of Irving Place, was built around 1907 by E.R. Van tassel. the house number was later changed to 80. the home stood for over 70 years, but was demolished in 1973, when the b’nai Sholom temple bought the property and built a new home for its rabbi.
Frank b. Gardner and his wife, Virginia, moved to Rockville Centre around 1911 from alabama. they were tired of the South, and were looking for a better opportunity. Frank was self-starter who excelled in business, politics and golf. While living in New York City, he
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Gillen, who “identifies as a Catholic,” apparently Kane is not that troubled by D’Esposito’s reported affair with a married woman (which ended her marriage) while he was engaged to someone else. Do we really want to be represented by someone who is so ethically challenged?
RobERt tollE Cedarhurst
Abortion rights must be enshrined in N.Y.’s Constitution
to the Editor:
I was unclear about Proposition 1, and my concern grew when I learned that women in states with abortion bans are dying. I wondered if New York’s abortion laws could withstand the radical extremists influencing our Supreme Court, Congress and potentially the White House. Despite Republican assurances against a national abortion ban, I remain skeptical, especially since the Supreme Court previously deemed Roe v. Wade settled law.
Moreover, the GoP made no effort to block the proposed ban on the abortion pill. While an outright abortion ban may not be imminent, without enshrining abortion rights in New York’s Constitution, it’s plausible that there will be attempts to erode women’s rights gradu-
ally. For these reasons, it’s crucial to condemn the fear-mongering falsehoods spread by the radical right about the ballot initiative and to vote “yes” on Proposition 1.
StEPHaNIE CaPuaNo Wantagh
Now Trump will approve the SALT deduction?
to the Editor:
t hen-President Donald t rump and the Republicans limited our income tax deduction for state and local taxes. For two years the Republicans have controlled the House, so why haven’t Congressman anthony D’Esposito and the MaGa Republicans in the House introduced legislation to give us back our Salt deductions?
Now, in a desperate attempt to help D’Esposito keep his House seat, trump comes to New York and tells us he’s going to give us back the S alt deduction. He’ll do that right after he finishes building the wall and Mexico pays for it. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
It won’t be all bad when D’Esposito loses the election. His friends in the town of Hempstead will give him a good job.
DENNIS PatRICK bRaDY Rockville Centre
Please visit the museum (by appointment) or join us for our upcoming programs:
Wednesday, oct. 23, at 7 p.m., at the Phillips House Museum: the Nuts and bolts of Historic Preservation. Join us for a lecture by tara Cubie, Director of Preservation long Island, as she leads a discussion on preserving historic resources on long Island.
thursday, Nov. 7, time tbD, at Phillips House: long Island author Series. Dr. Paul van Wie, history professor at Molloy university and editor of the Natural and Human History of the Hempstead Plains, will speak about ecology and historic events that occurred on the Plains, an area that encompassed 40,000 acres in Nassau County.
Visit our website, rvchs.org, email us at rvchistoricalsociety@gmail.com, or call (516) 670-5737 for more information about these and other upcoming events.
Jim Belling is a member of the board of trustees of the Phillips House Museum and the Rockville Centre Historical Society.
aside from his car business, Gardner was a trustee for the village from 1918 to 1921. and, while he was not a founding member of the First National bank of Rockville Centre, which opened in 1907, he served on its board in the 1920s, and was its president from 1929 to 1931. an avid golfer, Gardner served on the board of the Rockville links Country Club (then called the Rockville Centre Country Club) and the lido and Hempstead golf clubs. He died in July 1957, but he greatly contributed to the village’s early development.
Election Letters to the Editor policy
In the interest of fairness and transparency during the election season, we will not publish letters in the Oct. 31-Nov. 6 issue, the final one before Election Day, that criticize a candidate or a specific issue. This is to ensure that no last-minute submissions are published without sufficient opportunity for rebuttal. Readers are encouraged to send letters to execeditor@liherald.com.
JiM BeLLing
FraMework by Tim Baker
At the Family Street Festival — Bellmore
