Rockville Centre Superintendent Matt Gaven, left, joins South Side High School’s National Merit Commended students Elena Mingorance, Amelie McLaughlin, Alexander Mateo and Marina Ioannou, with Board of Education President Kelly Barry at the October board meeting. Not pictured Max Levine. Students who qualify finish in the top 2-3 percent nationally on the PSATs, placing them in the top 34,000 among all students who took the exam.
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Police said they are cracking down on disruptive and destructive behavior by youths in Rockville Centre, following an increase in complaints from local residents and business owners.
In a letter shared to the community online, Rockville Centre Police Commissioner Randy Dodd told residents and merchants that he’s aware of a significant increase in the troubling behavior by the village’s youths — and warned that the incidents would not be tolerated.
“Kids will be kids, and I understand that, but this is different,” Dodd said in the letter. “This
behavior is disrupting the daily life of our residents, guests and business owners, and it also poses serious safety risks for the youths and others in the community. This must stop immediately.”
Dodd detailed the incidents, including damaging public and private property, causing disturbances at local businesses, stopping traffic and biking dangerously in the streets. In response, he said the department is implementing stricter measures to ensure the safety of the community and to hold individuals accountable for their actions.
“Any youth found engaging in disruptive or
Save on your property taxes with Nassau County’s trusted tax reduction experts.
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
The Diocese of Rockville Centre submitted the terms of its Chapter 11 reorganization plans with the United States Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of New York on Oct. 7.
The filing was part of a historic $323 million settlement that will compensate more than 600 survivors of clergy sexual abuse represented by a Committee of Unsecured Creditors. The agreement comes after more than four years of negotiation, and is the largest of its kind in New York state history.
Tthe diocese following the approval of the Child Victims Act by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, which extended the statue of limitations for sexual abuse claims.
he Diocese of Rockville Centre and its related ministries are grateful that preliminary terms have been agreed upon for the settlement of our bankruptcy case
The settlement, announced on Sept. 20, aims to bring closure to this protracted legal battle, which has held up the diocese’s attempts at bankruptcy filing since October 2020. Hundreds of lawsuits were brought against
A STATEMENT oN BEhAlF oF ThE DIoCESE
The settlement includes $234.8 million from the diocese, its assets, the sale of diocesan property, parishes and other entities. Insurance companies will kick in $85 million, and counsel for the creditors committee will contribute $3 million.
Based on the terms of the reorganization plan, $176.8 million of the total will be contributed to a trust, which includes funds provided by Catholic Health Services; Catholic Charities; Catholic cemeteries, or CemCo; a seminary settlement agreement; the diocese’s Department of Education; and multiple insurers.
The diocese has also agreed
Continued on page 20
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Rockville Centre School District
Superintendent Matt Gaven sent a letter out to parents on Thursday, alerting them of a threatening message found inside one of the bathrooms at South Side High School. The letter indicated that the message made threats toward the school community at a future date.
In response, Gaven explains that the district immediately contacted the Rockville Centre Police Department and Homeland Security, who determined there are no additional security measures that need to be put in place at this time.
“Our students and faculty are safe and will continue to follow normal school routines,” Gaven said. “We will continue to cooperate with the police investigation to determine the origin of this threat and we will continue to follow the recommendations of the police and Homeland Security and the steps of our School Safety Plan. Please know that the continued health and safety of our students and faculty continues to be our highest priority.”
During the school board meeting on Oct. 10, Gaven followed-up with a few words for concerned parents regarding the threat posted at the high school.
“I just want to assure the community that we continue to work with the Rockville Centre Police Department and Homeland Security on two fronts,” Gaven said at the school board meeting on Oct. 10. “First, we continue to thoroughly investigate the incident to iden-
tify who did it. Second, we are trying to ensure that our students and faculty are safe every day.”
He informed attendees and those watching at home that an early dismissal drill was scheduled to take place the following day, sending students
home 20 minutes earlier than normal. Gaven also said that he wanted to explain what kind of information the school is at liberty to share. “I don’t share any information with the public where we would compromise any sort of police investigation,” he explained. “Other than that, I am as transparent as possible.”
Both Gaven and Deputy Superintendent Murphy were invited to attend a seminar with Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, where he addressed the rising number of security threats and incidents across public schools in Nassau County.
“The stats were alarming,” Gaven said. “Since the start of school, there have been over 100 security threats in the month of September to early October across Nassau County. Thankfully, these threats have not evolved into violence, and we are grateful to both the RVCPD and Homeland Security Lieutenant Rob Connolly for their continued partnership and support to try and keep our students and faculty safe.”
Commissioner Ryder said that NCPD anticipates employing advanced intelligence, analytics and other measures to help protect the more than 400 schools in the county in light of the volume of threats made in the last month-and-a-half.
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Catholic Health Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre marked a significant milestone on Tuesday, Oct. 15, with the unveiling of its newly renovated emergency department. The event, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a blessing by Bishop John O. Barres of the Rockville Centre Diocese, celebrated the completion of the first phase of a $6 million renovation project that began in November 2023.
Joseph Manopella, president of the hospital, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “It met all our expectations,” he said. “We are more than thrilled with the new space.” The project, completed in approximately nine months, transformed the department into a modern, efficient, and patient-centered space.
Renovations were executed in six subphases to minimize disruption to daily operations. The project focused on “functional changes” and improved “patient flow,” addressing long-standing issues in the department, which hadn’t seen a major renovation in over two decades.
“It’s a beautiful space,” Manopella said. “We now have a functional and efficient running department.”
Dr. Robert Bramante, chairman of emergency medicine at Mercy Hospital, highlighted the positive impact on patients and staff. “Patients are pleased with the aesthetics,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of creating a comforting environment for patients in distress. “People come to us at their worst moments,” he said explaining how modernization efforts significantly enhanced the department’s capabilities. “It allows us to work and have patients managed more rapidly through EMS and triage and back into the community.”
This improvement is crucial for a facility that receives an average of 35,000 patient visits per year.
“We’ve seen an uptick in volume at Mercy’s emergency department,” Manopella reported, attributing the surge to new efficiencies and functionality aimed at alleviating overcrowding through reconfigured patient flow and advanced triage systems.
Staff morale has also improved. “Morale is extremely high,” Bramante said, expecting this boost to translate into better patient care and job satisfaction.
Looking ahead, Phase 2 will focus on a full expansion of the department. “Phase 2 will involve expansion within the walls of the emergency department,” Manopella explained. “We’re looking at adding additional emergency department capacity, consolidating our express care piece, and adding another 20 or so private
patient suites.”
These suites, described as “one room individual patient spaces,” will enhance patient privacy and comfort while improving overall efficiency. While the exact cost of Phase 2 is undetermined, Manopella estimates it could range from $15 to $25 million.
“The next phase of the project will be contiguous to the existing renovation of the emergency department,” Manopella added, ensuring seamless integration between renovated areas and planned expansions.
Throughout both phases, the focus remains on improving patient care and staff efficiency. “The current state of the expansion improves functionality for our staff to help serve RVC and the surrounding area,” Bramante emphasized.
Manopella also highlighted the critical role of the emergency department staff: “We are very proud of the work our
staff does. They are the first line of defense for the community.”
The opening of the new emergency department and plans for future expansion is part of Mercy Hospital’s comprehensive approach to modernize and expand emergency services. Every aspect of the project is designed to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
As the hospital looks forward to the next phase, Manopella concluded, “We are excited about what’s to come.” Staff and community members who recognize the importance of a state-of-the-art emergency department in their area shared this excitement during the unveiling on Tuesday.
The renovations and planned expansions underscore the hospital’s dedication to providing top-tier emergency services and meeting the evolving healthcare needs of the community it serves.
By AMANDA MOTT
Special to the Herald
Earlier this year, the Rockville Centre Herald joined over 200 other local newspapers in New York State to launch the Empire State Local News Coalition, which successfully advocated for a state tax credit to support jobs in local newsrooms across the state.
Now, the fruits of this effort are paying off.
Spurred by the Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs Program — the nation’s first tax credit incentivizing hiring at local media outlets — three new local newspapers launched earlier this month in areas previously impacted by newsroom closures in Westchester and on Long Island.
Two of the three Westchester communities that lost their newspapers earlier this year saw the founding of the Rivertowns Dispatch (Ardsley, Hastings-On-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington) and The Recorder (Bedford, Lewisboro, Pound Ridge). A third newspaper, the Floral Park Villager, debuted on Long Island in a community that lost its own weekly paper during the Covid19 pandemic, further demonstrating the program’s ability to revive local journalism and reestablish connections within these communities.
“When we support local journalism, our communities win,” said Zachary
successful printing of the Bedford Recorder’s first issue.
Richner, founder of the Empire State Local News Coalition and director of Richner Communications, which owns the Long Island Herald newspapers.
“The launch of new local, independent news outlets in Westchester and Long Island is a testament to the momentum created by New York’s passage of the
tale about an estranged child. Naturally, they are at a loss as to what to do about the situation when it comes to leaving that child an inheritance.
Years ago, the famous advice columnist Ann Landers wrote that her all time most requested column for reprint was on this very subject. Ann wrote that an inheritance should be considered a gift and that if the gift is not deserved one should not be expected. While that may have been good advice at the time and perhaps still is in most cases, like many things it is more complicated today.
In practice, we find that many of these once loving sons and daughters have married individuals with borderline or narcissistic personality disorders. Their spouses are manipulative and controlling. They seek to separate the loving son or daughter from their family so as to better control their spouse. The estranged child knows from experience that going against the wishes of their narcissistic spouse is like throwing gasoline on a fire —
so they go along to get along.
Why does this happen? The manipulator has an enormous advantage over the clients’ son or daughter. The manipulator is a professional, having been this way all their life, honing their skills. The estranged son or daughter is an amateur — they have no experience in being manipulated. It may take years for them to even understand they are being manipulated and then more years, if ever, to build up defenses to the manipulation.
When young children are involved, the estranged child well knows the adverse consequences of having any normal relationship with their children should they seek a divorce from the narcissist.
Our advice is to try to understand and be compassionate with an estranged son or daughter in this situation. An Inheritance Protection Trust (IPT), that may only be used for them and your grandchildren, managed by either a sibling or a professional, may be the answer to such a heart-rending situation.
nation’s first tax credit for hiring at local media outlets. We started the Empire State Local News Coalition after some of these very communities lost vital news sources earlier this year and are thrilled by this resurgence in a shockingly short amount of time.”
The Empire State Local News Coalition, which represents over 200 New York newspapers, was instrumental in advocating for the program’s inclusion in the State budget, which offers a 50 percent refundable tax credit on the first $50,000 of each employee’s salary, with a cap of $300,000 per business over three years. The passage of this bill aims to help combat the state’s rapid decline in local journalism in New York. The state has lost nearly half of its newspapers and thousands of media jobs over the past two decades.
Publishers of the new newspapers shared their optimism and positive outlook for their industry in light of the Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs program. Allison Schulte, publisher of the Rivertowns Dispatch stated, “We launched the Rivertowns Dispatch to bring back local news to the
communities of Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Ardsley & Dobbs Ferry, New York after our old local newspaper closed earlier this year. We launched the Rivertowns Dispatch because we believe starting with a shared set of facts makes for richer community life, and that newspapers can be fun as well as useful. We are thrilled for the passage of the New York Newspaper and Broadcast Media Jobs Program because it makes it easier for us to hire full-time, quality journalists to share the news and information our communities want and need. We are so grateful to the Empire State Local News Coalition for its advocacy in bringing urgency to the challenges facing New York’s local media industry.”
Lloyd Trufelman, co-founder and publisher of The Recorder, highlighted the critical role of local news in preserving democracy: “The launch of The Recorder, a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom, shows New Yorkers recognize that a healthy democracy depends on access to reliable, quality news sources to stay informed.” Trufelman expressed hope that similar policies would continue to bolster nonprofit news outlets and support a diversified local news ecosystem.
On Long Island, Meg Morgan Norris, publisher of the Floral Park Villager, emphasized the program’s importance in the decision to launch the new paper. “The loss of Floral Park’s longtime newspaper, the Gateway Bulletin, during the Covid-19 pandemic was devastating for this tight-knit community. With the tax credit, there is a path to long-term fiscal stability for outlets like ours,” Norris said.
As local journalism continues to face evolving challenges, the Empire State Local News Coalition and the Rockville Centre Herald remain committed to advocating for long-term sustainability in the industry so that communities like the Village of Rockville Centre have trusted local news sources. These new publications mark a hopeful step forward in the resurgence of local media across New York, with the coalition pushing for continued legislative support to ensure the long-term sustainability of local journalism.
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By XIOMARA TRINIDAD PEREZ Herald Intern
The second annual Play4Mary Softball Classic took place on Sunday, Oct. 6, at Klein Field in Rockville Centre.
Thanks to the efforts of volunteers, parents and organizers, the event raised $3,000 for pediatric cancer research through is bake sale, merchandise and raffles. All of the proceeds were donated to help benefit the Mary Ruchalski Foundation.
The day began with a game played by the girls from the Machine Pitch division, followed by a Home Run Derby, and softball game featuring players from the combined minor and major league divisions.
“The event has been a success for the past two years thanks to the efforts of organizers Emily McKenna and Liz Parliman, along with numerous parent and former player volunteers,” said Colin Connelly, longtime Rockville Centre softball coach and the day’s master of ceremonies.
“It’s always inspiring to hear Carol Ruchalski share stories about her daughter Mary and her love for softball. Rockville Centre softball will always Play4Mary,” Connelly added.
The Mary Ruchalski Foundation was created by the Ruchalski family in honor of their daughter, Mary, who passed away in 2018 from rhabdomyosar-
coma—a rare form of pediatric cancer.
The foundation aims to raise funds for pediatric cancer research being conducted at Cold Spring Harbor laboratories. This annual event is held each year in honor of her memory, as Mary had a passion for playing softball.
“Mary was such a great athlete,” said Carol Ruchalski, Mary’s mother and president of the foundation. “She loved softball. She played on a state championship softball team when she was 11 years old, so she really was on her way.
So I think this event is something Mary would’ve really loved.”
The Softball Classic is part of the Play 4 Mary campaign, which was started by the foundation, in collaboration with local sports teams, which host fundraiser games in a variety of different sports that Mary enjoyed, including lacrosse, soccer, basketball and swimming.
“We started the foundation because we were really frustrated with the lack of funding, with the lack of new medicines, new treatments for her cancer,”
Carol said.
According to the National Cancer Institute, pediatric cancer is rare, since this type of cancer only occurs in children between birth and 14 years of age–making the search and availability for treatments scarce.
Not only does this event raise money for a worthy cause, it also helps raise awareness of pediatric cancer.
Please visit themaryruchalskifoundation.org to learn more about the foundation’s mission.
In the heart of our community, we cherish the bonds of loved ones, friendship and support. This October, as we observe Breast Cancer Awareness month, let’s come together to support those affected by this disease and promote early detection. Keep fighting!
NEW TO VARSITY soccer but no stranger to finding the scoresheet, Tesoriere is a big reason East Meadow is on the verge of earning the Nassau Conference AAA/AA4 crown with 11 wins through its first 12 games. Heading into this week’s action, the eighth-grader ranked tied for the county lead in goals with 22. She’s recorded eight multi-goal games and netted hat tricks against Valley Stream Central (both meetings), Hewlett and Glen Cove.
Thursday, Oct. 17
Boys Soccer: Baldwin at Mepham 4:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Sewanhaka at Carey 4:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer: V.S. Central at Long Beach 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Kennedy at South Side 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Uniondale at Freeport 5 p.m.
Boys Volleyball: Wantagh at Lawrence 5:30 p.m.
Boys Volleyball: Calhoun at South Side 6:45 p.m.
Boys Volleyball: Clarke at Plainedge 6:45 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Lawrence at V.S. South 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 18
Football: Hewlett at South Side 6 p.m.
Football: East Meadow at Oceanside 6 p.m.
Football: Baldwin at Jericho 6 p.m.
Football: Island Trees at West Hempstead 6 p.m.
Football: C.S. Harbor at Plainedge 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 19
Football: North Shore at Wantagh 11 a.m.
Football: Lynbrook at Garden City 1 p.m.
Football: Clarke at V.S North 2 p.m.
Football: Farmingdale at Freeport 2 p.m.
Football: Westbury at Uniondale 3 p.m.
Football: Bethpage at Kennedy 3 p.m.
Football: Port Washington at Massapequa 3 p.m.
Nominate a “spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
Despite battling a slew of injuries, South Side’s boys’ soccer enters the end of the regular season in prime position to compete for a championship.
The Cyclones commenced the final week before the start of the playoffs at 10-3-1 with only one loss since beginning 0-2. The nearly unbeaten stretch over the past five weeks has occurred despite playing without key pieces of the starting lineup for much of the stretch.
“We’ve been grinding it out,” fourth year coach Patrick Corvetti said. “We have put some guys in some different positions and some bench guys have had to step up.”
One of the key injuries the Cyclones have faced this season was the absence of senior striker Luca Tarulli for a two week period starting in late September. Tarulli returned for South Side’s Oct. 7 match at Division and scored two goals in a commanding 8-0 win. He then registered another two goals in South Side’s 4-0 victory at Elmont last Friday and has the lone goal in a 1-0 non-league victory against Lawrence last Sunday.
The injury bug has also hit the defense hard with half of the starting backline out of the lineup first the first month of the season prompting Corvetti to move senior co-captain Mike Benfanti from forward to sweeper. Corvetti credits the versatile Benfanti with volunteering to change positions for the betterment of the team.
The defense, which is anchored by senior co-captain TJ Brull, recently returned sophomore Coline Levine and junior Travis Rose from early-season injuries. The backline, which has produced four clean sheets this season, has also gotten contributions from Christian Hackett, John Kufta, Michael Baum and Damien D’antonio.
Junior goalkeeper Gavin McDaid has shined in net this season and recorded five saves in the shutout win at Emont and six stops in a 2-1 win against Hewlett on Oct. 1 The victory featured goals from Jack Darlington and Michael
TJ Brull
their first 14 games.
Forker along with assists by Jonah Drew and Connor Fernandez.
South Side closes the regular season schedule on Thursday at home against Kennedy for a 5 p.m. kickoff at Darcy Field. The Cyclones stormed past JFK in the teams’ first meeting on Sept. 26 with a 6-0 win that featured two goals by Fernandez with John Kufta, Karter Kasschau, Forker and Drew also finding the net.
Corvetti said the team will likely have anywhere from a six to a nine seed in the upcoming Class AA playoffs and are capable of going on a deep run. The Cyclones are in third place in the Con-
ference AA3 standings behind unbeaten Garden City and a one-loss Manhasset team that South Side went toe-to-toe within a 1-0 season-opening loss decided on a controversial penalty kick call.
“Garden City and Manhasset are two of the better teams in the county and we’ve competed against both of them so I think we’re in a good position to compete against anybody,” Corvetti said.
“When the playoffs come around we should definitely have a deeper team because we’ve had a lot of guys that have gotten a lot of playing time that might not have if we didn’t have those injuries.”
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Assemblyman Brian Curran is looking to extend his tenure as the representative for New York’s 21st Assembly District in next month’s election. A lifelong resident of Lynbrook, he took office in 2022, after narrowly defeating thenincumbent Judy Griffin by a margin of just 138 votes.
During his time in office, Curran has been active in negotiating a new inflation factor for foundation aid funding, which is essential for public school districts across the state. His efforts were particularly vital when Gov. Kathy Hochul’s executive budget proposal threatened to reduce aid and eliminate the “save harmless” program, potentially impacting schools in East Rockaway and Oceanside. Additionally, Curran has successfully advocated for funding to expand universal pre-K programs and enhance public safety and mental wellness initiatives.
At a roundtable discussion hosted by the Herald on Oct. 4, Curran identified his top priorities as taxes, crime, affordability, and quality-of-life issues. He highlighted concerns over rising utility costs, child care expenses, and inflation, which he believes have significantly impacted residents’ financial stability.
Curran pointed to recent utility rate hikes by National Grid, Liberty Water, and PSEG, attributing them to policies established in Albany, particularly the
2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. He criticized the act for its “unrealistic” timeline and expectations, stating, “Everybody wants clean water, air, and environment. I think it was a bad plan with the best of intentions, but it’s a bad plan.”
Addressing other local issues, Curran expressed concerns over increasing airplane noise and congestion pricing. He noted that air traffic over his district has surged, with the FAA reporting a fourfold increase in flights compared to the previous year. “They couldn’t explain why,” he said, emphasizing the frustration among residents. Curran has supported legislation for a health study on airplane noise, although he noted that findings have yet to be released.
On school safety, Curran advocates for increased funding for resource officers.
“You should always have a presence at the school that can detect, alert, and respond to emergencies,” he asserted. He has collaborated with local mayors to secure grants for upgrading school security systems.
Curran has long opposed congestion pricing, which would impose a $15 fee on drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street, calling it an unfair burden on middle-class workers. He criticized the law for its lack of exemptions for firefighters, police and teachers, saying, “That’s going to cost them close to $3,500 a year.” He also expressed his disappointment over the fact that Hochul’s decision to pause
Tim Baker/Herald
Assemblyman Brian Curran discussing his goals, if he is re-elected next month, during a recent Herald roundtable.
the implementation of the pricing plan came after the expenditure of $200 million in taxpayer funds. “That really is a spit in the face of the taxpayer,” he said.
He acknowledged that property taxes on Long Island have always been high, but noted that in the last decade, New York has lost more than a million residents to outward migration.
“We’ve led every state in that category for three out of the last four years,” he said, “to the point where even Governor Hochul said we can’t ignore this anymore.” He said he plans to continue to advocate for expanding STAR exemp -
tions, which help reduce school taxes for homeowners, particularly seniors.
Curran also addressed bail reform, which he opposed in 2018, citing concerns raised by police and district attorney organizations. “I never questioned the intent of the people trying to pass that bill,” he said. “If you look at it, bail, in and of itself, is a rich-poor issue.”
He said that he understands that it is fundamentally unfair if a person who can pay bail gets out, while a poorer individual arrested on the same charges cannot. “But what they did in 2019 … took the entire bail system and just threw it out.” He said that after four attempts at fixing the legislation, Albany should provide judges more discretion to determine whether to set bail for offenders deemed a danger to the community.
“Public safety has to come first,” he said.
In addition to these issues, Curran discussed mental health initiatives and infrastructure funding. He also opposed Hochul’s 2023 proposal to require the construction of 2,500 housing units around LIRR stations within three years, arguing that local zoning regulations should guide such projects instead of state mandates.
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Former State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin is looking forward to her rematch with the incumbent, Brian Curran. After she lost the race in 2022 by a slim 138-vote margin, she hopes to reclaim her seat in Albany.
Griffin has lived in Rockville Centre for more than 30 years, initially working in the financial industry before taking on roles as a lifestyle coach and corporate wellness educator. In 2016, she served as director of community outreach for former State Sen. Todd Kaminsky. Two years later, in 2018, she became the first Democrat to win the seat in more than 40 years. She served two terms before being unseated by Curran.
During her time in office, Griffin secured more than $8 million in funding from the state for local police and fire departments, schools, libraries, veterans’ halls, and non-profit organizations in her district. If elected, she hopes to continue her work as an advocate for education, mental health initiatives, reproductive rights, and local law enforcement.
Foundation aid, one of the largest sources of funding for public school districts, will likely be a major concern for Nassau County residents following Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2024-25 executive budget proposal, which, if it were approved,
would have reduced the anticipated aid increase by more than $400 million statewide, leaving schools to face more than $23 million in proposed cuts.
“When the governor is delivering the State of the State and putting out a budget, to me, that is not the time to say ‘We’re going to reimagine foundation aid,’” Griffin said during a Herald roundtable discussion. Instead, she emphasized an idea for a more collaborative approach between state lawmakers, the governor’s staff and various stakeholders, meeting before the legislative session begins in January to discuss foundation aid.
Griffin also championed the establishment of health and wellness centers within school districts in Baldwin and Freeport, which provide support for both physical and mental well-being.
“It’s so helpful for students and families,” she said. “With so many working families it makes it more difficult … I think in today’s world, kids can get lost in the shuffle.”
In regard to public safety and criminal justice, the GOP has been very critical of bail reform — a state law passed in 2019 ending the use of cash bail for misdemeanors and minor offenses. Republicans criticize the law, arguing that it has created a “revolving door” for the convicted. Griffiin challenged this narrative for weaponizing criminal justice reform, and said she remains committed to ensuring
equality in the legal system.
“First of all, I find that much of what the GOP says on this issue is not even true,” she said. “That’s not saying we don’t need to look at things and make sure we have the safest communities possible. But there’s a lot of rhetoric behind this.” Griffin said she has worked closely with police unions and the District Attorneys Association on a series of revisions to make sure the law appropriately categorizes non-violent offenses. She also played a big role in the Red Flag Gun Law, which aims to prevent individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others from obtaining firearms, and the “teacher gun law,” ensuring that educators would never be compelled to carry weapons in schools.
She is a staunch supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment, which she previously co-sponsored and voted for in 2022. She emphasized that it not only affirms fundamental rights, but also provides legal protection against discrimination of marginalized communities.
Griffin said her commitment to reproductive rights is evident in her support for the state’s codification of Roe v. Wade in 2019.
“It is possible that (Donald) Trump could be our new president, and if he invokes the Comstock Act, which could make anything used for abortion — equipment, medicine, any of it — banned across our country,” Griffin said. She said
Tim Baker/Herald Former state Assemblywoman Judy Griffin discussed her stance on state issues during a Herald roundtable on Oct. 2.
she is concerned about how restrictions on reproductive health could jeopardize women’s health and wellbeing.
Regarding housing, she said that while there is a great need, it is also something that needs to be addressed strategically, providing suburban municipalities the ability to weigh in. Griffin believes we can build a better future for Nassau County by fostering collaboration and addressing disparities.
destructive behavior will be taken to the police station, and parents will be notified to come and pick up their child,” the police commissioner said. “Repeated offenses may lead to further consequences.
“RVCPD is committed to keeping Rockville Centre a safe and respectful place for everyone, and we need your support,” he added. “Please speak with your children about the importance of respecting others, following the rules, and understanding the consequences of their actions.”
The letter was sent following a recent incident at one of the local businesses on North Long Beach Road.
Ronni Truitt, the owner of SST Embroidery told News 12 last week that kids have come into her store, throwing things and cursing at her employees. “It’s been a bit intense,” she said. Truitt could not be reached for further comment as of press time on Tuesday.
Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray supported the commissioner’s commitment to cleaning up the stretch of North Long Beach Road, where the incidents have been occurring, and maintaining the safety of the community.
“Our village has long been considered one of the safest communities in the country,” Murray said in a statement. “We pride ourselves in being proactive and deterring bad behavior before it happens to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.”
Neighboring business owners, some of whom have witnessed this behavior for years, also voiced their concerns regarding youth in the area. Joe Cosar, an employee at Gino’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant on North Long Beach Road, said he was worried about the dangers of reckless biking exhibited by the youths.
“The bike thing is out of control,” Cosar said. “It’s a busy street. If someone falls, you don’t know what’s
going to happen. There are so many bikes everywhere. Kids have been coming here for years. It used to be different.”
Much of the concern within the business district known as “little town” in Rockville Centre stems from the danger and concern of kids riding their bikes without protective gear and doing elaborate tricks like wheelies on a busy roadway.
Rick Daukenbrink, the owner of Gino’s, noted that bike-related disturbances have been a long-standing issue.
“A lot of kids on bikes drop their bicycles and leave them there,” Daukenbrink said, adding that the bikes often block entrances and make it difficult for parents
with strollers to navigate. “I’m surprised the police are talking about it now. They’ve been doing it for years — every Friday for the past 10 years.”
Kevin B., the owner of Rockville Bagels on North Long Beach Road, said he has seen it become an issue from time to time when things have gotten out of hand.
“It wasn’t just one specific incident,” he said. “I don’t know exactly where they are coming from. Kids are kids. Some of them may say something disrespectful. All I can do is say, ‘Stop or I’m kicking you out.’”
He added that the youths act disrespectful to the storeowners and their places of business, leaving trash, as well as their bikes, outside on the curb in front of the doorways.
“Maybe 20 of them will throw their bikes out front,” he said. “I think it’s dangerous. People got to walk on the sidewalks, right?”
Other businesses said that while they have noticed the uptick in the number of kids riding bicycles in the area, that they are generally well behaved. Dimitri K. of T&V Automotive Concepts, located just across the street from the aforementioned storefronts, said that he understands the concern but that he doesn’t have an issue with kids doing wheelies and having fun.
Matt Gaven, superintendent of the Rockville Centre School District, responded that the schools are working hand-in-hand with police in full support of their crackdown.
“I think the commissioner has really worked to put that (letter) out,” Gaven said. “We’ve been in contact with the village, and we’re working with them on it as partners.”
As stricter enforcement takes effect, residents and business owners expressed hope that these measures will curb the disruptive behavior and restore order in Rockville Centre.
By ABIGAIL GRIECO
Herald Intern
Rockville Centre’s Spooky Fest is in full swing this October. Every Friday to Sunday during the month, people across Long Island attend the seasonal festivities at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning at the Tanglewood Preserve.
This annual tradition is not only a highlight of the Halloween season, it’s also the nonprofit’s most significant fundraising effort of the year, with all proceeds dedicated to advancing STEM education for students along with providing essential care to their rescue animals.
Dr. Ray Ann Havasy, executive director of the center, emphasized the importance of the festival.
“We get so many visitors in the spring and summer, but not so much in the winter,” Havasy said. “This is our biggest fundraiser, and its funds help us to make sure our animals are okay and taken care of over the winter.”
Spooky Fest provides an array of attractions, ensuring thrills for both thrill-seekers and the entire family.
The “Haunted Woods Walk,” a quartermile trail through Tanglewood Preserve, allows participants to be met with jump scares from a variety of ghoulish characters including creepy monsters and zombie dinosaurs.
For those seeking a lighter experience, the “Mystic Garden Walk” provides a whimsical alternative.
This well-lit enchanted walk immerses families in a beautiful fantasy garden and features colorful Halloween displays.
Here, friendly characters — like butterflies, friendly ghosts, happy scarecrows, dinosaurs, aliens, Cinderella, and good witches — hand out candy, stickers, and other festive surprises to children.
In addition to these main attractions, Spooky Fest offers a wealth of activities designed to engage visitors of all ages.
Children can enjoy crafting sessions, face painting, fortune telling, and the popular glow-in-the-dark tent, where they can create their own slime. Classic Halloween hits play throughout the event, coupled with various food and toy vendors, adding to the festive atmosphere and creating a sense of community that keeps families coming back for the 13th annual Spooky Fest.
Spooky Fest is held every weekend in October at the Center’s Tanglewood Preserve, located at 1450 Tanglewood Road. The event runs from 6-9:30 p.m., rain or shine.
Tickets are available online or at the entrance tent, with prices set at $22 for access to non-scary attractions only and $27 for an all-inclusive ticket that includes the Haunted Woods Walk. Admission is required for all attendees aged two and older.
With its blend of fright and fun, Spooky Fest stands out as a community favorite, bringing families together while supporting a worthy cause.
“We welcome all attendees to enjoy the sights and sounds of the fall season and share their Halloween spirit with us,” Havasy said. Be sure to join in the Halloween festivities before the month is over.
Nancy Codispoti and Rena Riback of Rockville Centre were both recognized by Assemblyman Brian Curran as “Women of Distinction” on Sept. 29 for their service to the community.
Codispoti started her own fitness business at 16. Today, she serves as the director of senior services at the Sandel Center, where she develops programs to help improve the lives of seniors in the community.
“It is my great honor to recognize these amazing and inspiring women,” Curran said.
–Daniel Offner
Riback began her career as general counsel for the New York State Human Rights Appeal Board and was a supervising attorney for the New York City Department of Child Welfare. In 2017, Riback founded the Anti-Racism Project to combat hate and in 2020, partnered with Sharon Sheppard, assistant director of the MLK Community Center, to create Sharon’s Pantry, which helps provide food to those in need.
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Assistant Superintendent Robert Bartels will be retiring in December, after nearly 25 years with the Rockville Centre School District.
“Tonight we are accepting Mr. Bartel’s resignation for the purpose of retirement,” Superintendent Matthew Gaven announced at the school board meeting on Oct. 10. “As our assistant superintendent for finance and operations, he, over his career here, has built an extraordinarily strong foundation of fiscal and budgetary health, which allows our educators to build a robust and strong educational program for our kids.”
The announcement came following a presentation provided by external auditors with the EFPR group, who noted that thanks to Bartels, the district’s financial records appear to be in “great shape.”
“We just heard that again tonight,” Gaven said. “We just heard that our financial statements and financial health are beyond reproach.”
Following the sudden news of former Superintendent June Chang’s departure from the Rockville Centre District — after only a year into his five-year contract — Bartels officialyl stepped in as the acting superintendent of the district in December 2021.
Under his leadership, he helped steer the district through the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic. “The Covid pandemic has provided some challenging obstacles over the past year and a half, and the district has met those challenges head on,” Bartels wrote in a letter at the time. In January 2022, as Nassau County was experiencing a spike in coronavirus cases, due to the Omicron variant, he maintained that students were better suited to return to school under Department of Health guidelines rather than attending class
remotely.
“His willingness to take responsibility head-on during this highly stressful time, speaks to his character and speaks to the person that he is,” Gaven said. “We wish him well in his next chapter, as he looks forward to spending more time with his family and maybe even a little golf … congratulations.”
Kelly Barry, president of the Rockville Centre Board of Education said, “on behalf of the Rockville Centre Board of Education, we would like to thank you for your many years of service and dedication to our dis
trict and the Rockville Centre community as a whole.” School board trustees, in recognition of his many years of service to the district, echoed the sentiment by sharing a few words.
“Your many years of dedication and service to the district have made a lasting impact,” Trustee Erica Messier said. “Your hard work and commitment have been invaluable, and you truly leave behind a legacy of excellence. I will certainly miss you.”
Tara Hackett, joked that she had a hard time accepting Bartels resignation. Having served on the Board of Education for the past eight years, she said she learned so much about the district through his guidance.
“I have to tell you how absolutely floored I’ve been by you year by year,” Hackett said. “You’ve taught me so many things as a board member, as a person, as a leader and the years that you stepped into the Interim Superintendent role, I believe, will be one of the highlights of your career … that being said, the rest of it has just been so phenomenal. What you’ve done has put us on such a great track for this district. I know from outside people, in other districts, you’re a very well-known and revered business official, and I just want our Rockville Centre community to know that we’ve had literally an expert in his field with us for 25 years. We’ve been so, so lucky. So thank you for that.”
Bartels attended Villanova University, from 1982 to 1986, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering. He later went on to receive his master’s in finance at Adelphi University in 1991 and a professional diploma in school business administration from LIU Post in 1994. Bartels was hired by the Rockville Centre School District in August 2000.
The girls’ tennis squads from East Meadow and Lynbrook high schools teamed up to host a breast cancer awareness “Pink Match” on Sept. 30. Proceeds will go to Mondays Cancer Care at Ambience Salon in Hewlett, which offers several free services every third Monday to upwards of 30 women and men undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, and the Rockville Centre Breast Coalition, a nonprofit that pro -
vides support services and education for patients diagnosed with breast cancer.
“It was inspiring to see our teams come together to kick off breast cancer awareness month with our pink match and to raise money for charities in our community” Lynbrook’s senior captain, Kelsey Roth, said.
Marquis Wells, 30, of Terrace Avenue in Hempstead was arrested and chanrged with assault after an investigation at CVS.
An employee of BP gas station reported on Oct. 8 that someone damaged the window of his business.
A student at Molloy University reported on Oct. 8 someone damaged a window on her vehicle while parked in the school parking lot.
A resident of Ardley Circle reported on Oct. 12, someone damaged a fence in her yard.
A resident of Old Mill Court reported on Sept. 30 that someone stole his vehicle from the parking lot of his apartment building. The vehicle was recovered, unoccupied, the next day.
A resident of Tarance Street reported on Oct. 1 that someone stole a package from outside his residence.
A resident of Reeve Road reported
on Oct. 2 that someone stole property from his vehicle while parked outside his residence.
An employee of King Kullen reported on Oct. 3 that someone stole merchandise from the store.
A resident of N. Centre Avenue reported on Oct. 5 that someone stole property from her vehicle while it was parked outside her residence.
A Citibank customer reported on Oct. 5 that someone stole money from his vehicle after withdrawing it from an ATM while his vehicle was parked in Municipal Parking Field No. 1.
A motorist reported on Sept. 30 that his vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which then fled the scene while driving along Sunrise Highway.
An employee of U-Haul reported on Oct. 2, that someone did not return a rental vehicle.
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.
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
Oct. 6 – Oct. 13
General Alarms – 13
Still Alarms – 10
Rescue – 5
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 55
Mutual Aid Fire – 0
Mutual Aid Rescue – 0
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 0
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.
General Alarms – 438 Still Alarms – 229
Rescue – 147
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 1,873
Mutual Aid Fire – 59
Mutual Aid Rescue – 6
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 3
Total – 2,821
Total – 83 Year To Date
By Danielle Schwab
From a futuristic spaceship to a giant castle, there’s no limit to what can be created with blocks and a little creativity.
Young “builders” are invited to show off their skills at “Block Party,” a free-play exhibit for all ages to enjoy.
But be sure to visit soon — Long Island Children’s Museum’s seasonal exhibit is short-lived. It runs through Nov. 3.
“This new exhibit for the museum is so open-ended and encourages so many different modalities of learning and types of play within the space,” says Ashley Niver, the museum’s director of education.
While kids may play with smaller blocks at home, these big foam blocks come in larger-than-life proportions — so visitors can make their biggest creations yet.
• Now until Nov. 3
• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
fun.
“These are structures that they can build, that they can climb on, they can go through or under. They can use a lot of dramatic play with this since it’s all just open-ended play, which is what we love,” Niver says. “So there’s a lot of processes happening during this kind of play, and it really invites a lot of collaboration between the adults and the kids as well as peer-to-peer, to work together.”
From long, bendable cylinders to the stackable rectangles, the blocks can be used as the catalyst for an endless assortment of building projects. The results are limitless.
The blocks are all blue, intentionally so. The single block color creates a blank canvas for endless creative possibilities. By eliminating the distraction of multiple colors, children can immerse themselves fully in their designs, focusing on construction and creativity without worrying about matching hues. Thus children are able to immerse themselves fully in play, according to Niver.
“When you have a lot of visual distraction, it’s actually harder for kids to unleash their imagination and learn and have that creative output be as successful,” she explains. “So basically, having them all in one color allows a better opportunity for that to flourish.”
Prompts throughout the exhibit space guide the builders, if some inspiration for their block masterpieces is needed. Build a shelter for a real (or imaginary) pet or perhaps a robot that actually works. The exhibit even challenges everyone to see how high you can build.
For smaller creations, a table of hand-held blocks is available to play with as well.
“The appeal of this exhibit lies in its immersive quality,” Niver says. “While children are accustomed to playing with small blocks that fit in the palm of their hand, here they encounter a larger-than-life experience.”
Once the build is done, it’s time to put young imaginations to the test! Kids can put the spotlight on their creations and produce interesting shadows on the wall for interactive storytelling.
The exhibit was created in conjunction with “Worldwide Day of Play,” an initiative of Nickelodeon with the Association of Children’s Museums to get families engaged with their environment through screen-free play while fostering the benefits of skill-building activities.
“Block Party’” encourages children to develop their motor skills, enhance their muscle strength
“We think it’s really important for the kids to disconnect because they don’t have as many opportunities to do that these days. I find that screens are becoming so much more prevalent, and they’re so accessible in different areas,” Niver says.
“To really set the scene and just bring it down to the basics of building blocks, it’s so beneficial to them for their development, with a lot of social emotional learning happening.”
This is the first exhibit to be installed after the museum’s Fall Fix Up — the annual two-week closing period every September when the museum conducts maintenance and exhibit refresh, along with staff training.
“We go over different aspects of learning and play and try to educate our staff and empower them for when we reopen. We make sure that we reopen in a really impressive way for our visitors, to welcome them back,” Niver adds.
At the Block Party, no dream is too big, so it’s time to get building — one block at a time.
Photos courtesy LICM
Museum visitors are invited to an oversized “block” party where giant lightweight blocks turn playtime into extraordinary adventures. Stack them, crawl through them or team up to make dream designs come true. Construct castles, mazes, fantastical creatures or secret hideaways.
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 guests at Tilles Center’s 2024 Gala. 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.
Saturday, Oct. 19, 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $70. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Anthony Rodia lets loose with his “Totally Reliable” tour. A firstgeneration Italian-American, Rodia came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path as finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. He hit the ground running and performed 100 shows in just nine months, and within three years gained a massive fan base online and around the country. In a short time, Anthony gained over 900,000 social media followers and his YouTube videos have amassed over 22 million views. Rodia’s comedy pulls from his real life and razor-sharp observations on marriage, parenthood and just about everything else.
Saturday Oct. 19, 7 and 9:30 p.m.
$89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Ambrosia, John Ford Coley and Peter Beckett (The Voice of Player), will come together for a magical night performing all of their 1970s and ‘80s Billboard Top 40 Hits, on the Tilles Center stage, Friday, oct. 25, at 8 p.m. Yacht Rock the Dock shines the spotlight on the original artists, with Elliot Lurie, as they reinvigorate their many beloved tunes. Enjoy Ambrosia’s everlasting hits including “How Much I Feel,” “You’re the Only Woman” and “Biggest Part of Me.” John Ford Coley, most known as half of the Grammy-nominated duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, performs many memorable hits, including “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” “Love Is The Answer” and “Nights Are Forever Without You.”Peter Beckett, Player’s original lead singer and songwriter. was voted by Billboard Magazine as Best New Single Artist in 1978 for Player’s hit “Baby Come Back.,” while Elliot Lurie is best known as the vocalist for Looking Glass, and sang lead on the band’s hit single “Brandy.”
These songs are the soundtrack to a generation. Today’s so-called smooth yacht rock music scene would not be yacht rock without the contributions of these Grammy winning artists. What emerged primarily from southern California during one of the greatest periods of music is a classic rock radio staple across the U.S. You cannot turn on the radio without hearing many of these songs every day. As younger generations of music fans fall in love and embrace these classic rock/soft rock hits, everyone realizes that these songs are becoming bigger now than at any time since their heyday, which by common consent stretched between 1976 and 1983. Get ready to Rock the Dock! Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 2993100.
‘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,Friday and Saturday, 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.
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.
Chamber concert
Immerse yourself in the rich harmonies and lyrical beauty of a piano trio and solo vocal works, with Old Westbury Gardens ensemble-in-residence Poetica Musica, Saturday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m., with pre-concert talk at 7:30 p.m. Cellist Eugene Moye, violinist Erik Wyrick, pianist Yasmin Alami, and mezzo-soprano Eleanor Valkenburg perform works by Debussy, Mendelssohn and Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel. $30, $25 members, seniors, students. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048.
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.
Celebrate 45 years since graduation from starting Friday, Oct. 18, with an afternoon tour of the high school followed by a casual gathering in the evening.
The centerpiece of the occasion will be a reunion dinner on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at OMC at the Freeport Yacht Club. The festivities will conclude the following morning with a farewell breakfast on Sunday, Oct. 20. Cost is $100 per person. For tickets and more information contact Meredith Lupion at (631) 748-1173.
event?
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues Saturday, Nov. 2, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.
Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
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.
See Anton Chekhov’s “The Seagull,” presented by Nassau Community College Theater and Dance Department, opening Friday, Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m.; also Saturday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 29-30, 7;30 p.m. Delve into the lives of Arkádina, a famous — but fading — actress, and that of her lover, Trigórin, a well-known author. They arrive at her brother Sórin’s country estate for the summer, just as son Konstantín is staging an experimental new play he’s written and directed, starring his girlfriend, Nína. Chekhov’s first successful naturalist play follows the lives of young artists as they navigate life. Thematically, it’s a study of the arts and the artist, the lack of real satisfaction to be found there, the pretense and mediocrity that pervade the practice, and yet the power and mystery that are possible. Nassau Community College’s Little Theatre, Garden City. Tickets $12; NCC students free with valid ID; $10 veterans, alumni, seniors 60+, students and NCC employees. For tickets/information, visit nassau.booktix.com or NCC. edu or call (516) 572-7676.
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to additional contributions, including a commitment of $6.25 million annually for the next four years from additional debtors.
The settlement plan will also involve all parishes entering into an abbreviated Chapter 11, with the approval of the court and the parties to the case, to secure a release from liability for the parishes. The agreement is not expected to interfere with parish work, and none will close as a result.
“The Diocese of Rockville Centre and its related ministries are grateful that preliminary terms have been agreed upon for the settlement of our bankruptcy case,” a statement made on behalf of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, said. “For the sake of survivors and the Church’s mission on Long Island, we pray that the plan is approved and completed as quickly as possible.”
LEGAL NOTICE
A non-profit organization in Oceanside, NY is seeking interested resources to provide bids for sale and installation of components and equipment to enhance our security infrastructure. These include bollards & barriers, fire resistant entry doors and enhanced bullet resistant glass.
Selection of providers in each category will be based on knowledge of each of the above noted components and their integration in our security system framework. Additionally, relevant prior experience, problem resolution expertise, adherence to projected work schedules, agreed upon budget/cost estimates and references will play an important role in the evaluation process. Next steps and requisite details can be obtained by contacting us by phone at (516)766-6809 ext. 2 or via email at: security@avodah.org with your company name, point of contact & email and/or phone information. Responses will be provided and accepted until November 1, 2024. All information will remain confidential. 149432
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
To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE
AUDIT REPORT
Notice is hereby given that the fiscal affairs of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District for the period beginning on July 1, 2023 and ending on June 30, 2024, have been examined by EFPR Group LLC and that the report of the external auditor has been filed in my office and posted on the district’s website where it is available as a public record for inspection by all interested persons. Pursuant to section thirtyfive of the General Municipal Law and section twenty-one sixteen-a (3) (c) of the Education Law, the governing board of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District shall prepare a written response to the examination performed by the external Auditor, EFPR Group LLC, and file any such response in my office as a public record for inspection by all interested persons not later than January 14, 2025.
Based on the agreement, compensation will be determined using a point system. Judge William Bettinelli, who will serve as the independent abuse claims reviewer, will evaluate each of the claims, on two key factors — the nature of the sexual abuse and the impact on the survivor.
According to a supplemental document provided by the courts, each claim will be scored on a 100-point system, with the individual payout of the settlement determined by the points awarded by Bettinelli.
The diocese has also committed to implementing stronger child-protection protocols as part of its reorganization.
They include compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and the Essential Norms for Diocesan Policies, promulgated by the Catholic which set strict standards for handling allegations of abuse.
Key measures include a zero-tolerance policy for clerics found guilty of abuse, mandatory reporting of allegations to law enforcement, and continued background checks for all employees and volunteers.
The diocese will also oversee childprotection efforts and continue educational programs aimed at teaching children and parents how to recognize and report abuse; utilize the Virtus program, which assists the church in being a safe haven for children and a messanger for preventing child sexual abuse within the Church and society in general; and continue annual audits to ensure compliance with child-protection protocols.
Compensation in each case will be awarded based on a points system. Claims will be scored on a scale of 100 points, based on two factors.
The first is the nature of the sexual abuse, which takes into consideration frequency, duration and other factors. The second factor is the impact of the abuse — behavioral problems, loss of faith, and other mental health ailments.
The point value is determined by dividing the total amount of money funded to the trust by the total number of points awarded among the individual claims.
To illustrate the process, the courts have provided an example: “If there are 50 claimants awarded 10,000 points within a claimant pool, with a total settlement fund of $2 million, each point would be valued at $200.”
them for coming forward.
And depending on his availability, Barres has also agreed to meet with survivors individually.
The diocese, as part of its reorganization, will continue to post the names of clergy who were credibly accused of abuse on its website for at least five years, and regularly reaffirm its commitment to child protection in a letter to parishioners.
Survivors will not be bound by confidentiality agreements, and may speak openly about their experiences.
The settlement also makes provisions for future abuse claimants who may come forward after the initial distributions. Future claims can be submitted annually, and any successful claimants will receive compensation based on the same point system used for current survivors.
Additionally, survivors whose claims involve non-settling insurers will be able to pursue further compensation through the courts. If successful, these claimants may receive a Claim Enhancement, or an increase in their compensation.
Rockville Centre Union Free School District Rockville Centre, New York By:
Marylou Celiberti,
District Clerk 149533
Upon execution of the plan, Bishop John O. Barres of the Rockville Centre Diocese will issue a public apology. If requested by any of the survivors, the bishop is also required to provide a signed letter acknowledging that the survivor was not at fault and thanking
With the reorganization plan, the church moves closer to resolving the claims while maintaining its mission of serving the local community.
park-Bellerose elementary school District
The DisT ric T is seeking various posiT ions for T he 2024-2025 school year
Teacher a ides
$17.95/hr.
Elementary School District
Teacher Aides
We have openings for teacher aides for the 2022/23 school year. 10-month positions available immediately, starting at $15.00/hr.
School Nurse, Part-Time We have an opening for a P/T school nurse, 2 days/wk mostly Wed & Thurs. Pro-rated salary, approx. $240.00/day. RN cert. required.
Teaching a ssistants $19.95/hr. s ecurity personnel .. $20-$25/hr. Bus Drivers..... $25.14-$26.87/hr. Bus Monitors $19.32/hr. food s ervice personnel and c afeteria Monitor $16.00/hr. nurses sub .................. $175/day cleaners $40,454/year
Please apply for positions via OLAS at www.OLASjobs.org
After School Child Care opportunities are also
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
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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
JOURNEYMAN
COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL
Electrical Services. Traveling/ Valid License Required. 7-10yrs. Experience. $28-$34/ hourly. 516-739-3425, hrdepartment@valenteelectric.com
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.
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
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and
CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978
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Step into a world where past elegance meets modern innovation. This remarkable 1930s Tudor has been thoughtfully transformed for the 21st
Q. I’m buying a sunroom for my breakfast room on the back of my split-level house, about 8 feet off the ground. I’m being told by the contractor that I need an architect and sealed plans. Since it’s basically a kit of parts that will go on my existing deck, why do I need this? It seems like a lot of extra expense the sunroom people didn’t tell me about. If I already have a permit for the deck, it should be allowed, right? I haven’t bought the sunroom yet. I’m just trying to be sure I know the whole story before I do this, probably by spring, when the weather is better for construction. Any advice would be helpful.
A. Do things once, the best way. A deck isn’t habitable, but a sunroom is, and a permit is required. Plans have to show structural support, energy and building code compliance. Rain, moisture and ice are your primary concerns.
You need the whole story without the sales part. Just like any purchase, issues you might not expect are still important, like finding out what kind of oil to add to your snow blower before the engine seizes or that windows without factory tinting can allow ultra-violet sunlight rays to fade your carpet. As an architect for a largely popular sunroom manufacturer in the 1980s and ’90s, I experienced many issues with their construction.
Pre-engineered panel systems are designed by the company, hopefully by engineers, and should come with plans, from the manufacturer, that can be sealed and signed by their in-house engineer. If not, plans may need to be drawn from scratch by an architect or engineer that you hire so those plans can be integrated with your house. Integrated means that the company generally just sells you a product and doesn’t necessarily give any indication of how to support the unit or how to attach the unit system to your house so that it won’t leak or move.
This is the general failing of the system, since, as I experienced with most of the installations, the part I could detail was free of leaking or movement, but the units themselves leaked nearly every time. We could detail how the edges of the unit could be sealed and redundantly weather-stripped and flashed, but the frames around the glass and wall edges would unseal and leak. I even met with the corporate president/owner and identified the specific problems. Promises to correct leak issues were made but not kept, and eventually I gave up.
I looked at a two-year-old system while discussing other work for a home recently. The owner described the back-and-forth misery he and his family were experiencing with their sunroom and the company. Even 25 years after I gave up, the same company is still doing things the same way. You need a detail-oriented architect and installer, even if you think you don’t. The cost of doing things twice is much greater. 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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For decades, Nassau University Medical Center has towered above the landscape, representing our community’s commitment to quality health care — for everyone. Public hospitals across the state face enormous challenges, and NUMC is no different. But as we close in on two years of executing substantial reforms, this irreplaceable institution is proving resilient and improving.
At Long Island’s largest public safety-net hospital and Level 1 trauma center, each year the unwavering dedication of our staff provides $1 billion in services to more than 270,000 patients. Many of those patients are from our most at-risk populations, who can’t afford to pay for care and otherwise wouldn’t receive treatment.
Leveraging new financial standards and practices, more-efficient systems and a renewed commitment to the patient and visitor experience, we are proving that we can be a model for success. Our dedication to strengthening the foundations of the facility has recently been recognized by top health care organizations.
In August, after a rigorous evalua-
Etion, NUMC earned the Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Hospital Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its high-performance standards. To achieve this accreditation, NUMC underwent an indepth, multi-day, unannounced onsite review by a team that judged compliance standards in several key areas, including patient rights, infection control, surgical services and patient safety.
TJust days later, NUMC’s team was again recognized, receiving two prestigious awards from the American Heart Association. The hospital was honored with AHA’s Get With The Guidelines and Mission: Lifeline achievement awards, reflecting our team’s adherence to the latest evidence-based treatment guidelines for heart disease and stroke.
Newsday on the crisis of long emergency room wait times on Long Island, NUMC’s was ranked second out of all hospitals for average patient wait time, despite the fact that we serve more than 65,000 emergency patients each year.
he hospital received two prestigious awards from the American Heart Association.
These recognitions required strategic planning, rigorous training and a culture of excellence that permeates every level of our organization. Our staff of more than 3,600 undergo continuous evaluations and specialized training to ensure that we meet the highest standards of care, which is particularly crucial because we serve a diverse community with unique health needs.
new Community Engagement Center, our first public open house, our recent Back-to-School program and other initiatives are also part of our effort to ensure that NUMC remains a hub for the broader community.
NUMC has long been a cornerstone of health care in Nassau County — more than just a hospital, we are a trusted partner and a critical lifeline for our neighbors. Our hospital is often the first place people turn in times of need. We take our unique responsibility very seriously.
These certifications, initiatives and facility upgrades are just a small sample of the exciting results from nearly two years of management and operational reforms.
The AHA also noted that our efforts have led to improved patient outcomes, including more lives saved, shorter recovery times and reduced hospital readmissions. These awards come as we prepare for the construction and opening of a new Cath Lab in 2025 that will enable the hospital to perform more lifesaving heart procedures on site.
Our Emergency Room staff also continues to demonstrate excellence and success under the stress of a growing patient population. In September, after an in-depth investigative report by
While previous leadership spent money on new executive offices, we’re focusing on enriching the patient experience and expanding our services. We recently extended our onsite clinical office hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 9 p.m. for our pediatric, women’s health, general medicine and physical therapy services. Starting this month, we will have Saturday clinic hours as well for the first time.
This expansion helps make prevention and treatment more convenient for working families, and reduces emergency room visits. Our first NUMC van was just delivered to help those with transportation needs. The opening of our
While NUMC continues to face financial challenges due to drastic state funding cuts that have not been restored, we are committed to building on the success of our recent fiscal reforms to safeguard this vital community resource.
NUMC is a beacon of hope and a testament to the strength of our community. It represents our commitment to caring for one another. Our collective support for the hospital means that our area will avoid the health care crises that plague other communities across the nation. Residents will have the peace of mind knowing they have a public hospital ready to meet any challenge.
Megan C. Ryan is interim president and CEO of Nassau University Medical Center.
very four years, citizens of the United States have the privilege of voting in the presidential election. It is one of the most sacred and awesome responsibilities of being an American citizen. Reflecting on the ideals set forth in the Constitution, it is crucial that we engage our students in conversations about the election process to help them understand and appreciate the significance of voting. Although discussing politics in public schools can be uncomfortable for some, particularly in today’s polarized environment, remaining silent on these issues is actually detrimental. Educators have a responsibility to help develop young people into informed, active participants in the democratic process and, hopefully, the next generation of civic leaders.
As a former high school social stud-
ies teacher, I believe the election season is the perfect opportunity to make learning more relevant by bringing textbooks to life. There are so many invaluable skills students can learn during local and national election cycles. First, they should be taught about the election process. Many of our students come from other countries, including those that do not have participatory democracies. Teachers can use the upcoming elections as a time to provide a refresher on the branches of government and how elections function in the U.S.
W e need to help students understand the significance of voting.
developed guidelines for identifying news media bias, which includes differentiating news from opinion, understanding that bias is a spectrum and recognizing our own biases. These are all extremely valuable skills that students will benefit from even after the election cycle has passed.
Additionally, we can teach students how to navigate the media landscape and identify bias in the media. With the widespread use of social media as primary news sources, it is often difficult for young people and adults alike to differentiate fact from fiction or evaluate the credibility of a news source.
The News Literacy Project, an organization devoted to ensuring that all students are skilled in news literacy,
Another critical skill students can develop when learning about elections is how to consider different perspectives. With the explosion of the internet and social media algorithms, it is very likely that young people who get their news from online media sources are never confronted with opinions or values that are different from their own. In order for students to successfully navigate life after high school and become leaders in the global workforce, however, they must be able to listen to the opinions of others, seek to understand a variety of perspectives and engage in civil discourse and debate. These skills are essential for navigating real-world challenges.
Finally, teaching about elections
offers an excellent opportunity to discuss with young people the importance of voting. As educators, we counter voter apathy by teaching students about the historical struggle for voting rights in this country, particularly for historically marginalized groups, such as women and African-Americans. These discussions may evoke strong emotions, but they are vital to helping students understand why voting matters and how our country has evolved.
We should remind students of the importance of taking part in local elections in addition to the national presidential elections. We should also explore ways for young people to practice exercising the right to vote in school, and provide opportunities for them to voice their opinions on local issues in the community.
This is a really exciting and pivotal time in our country, with history unfolding before our eyes. It is our duty to ensure that the next generation is not only witnessing these moments, but is engaged with and prepared to shape them.
Monique Darrisaw-Akil, Ed.D., is superintendent of the Uniondale Union Free School District.
ports often provide the most visible examples of overcoming the odds. Take, for example, the New York Mets, who, in late May, suffered a crushing loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, leaving them 11 games under .500. Many fans and baseball insiders had all but written them off, but the Mets didn’t quit.
Instead the ball club made strategic lineup changes and, most important, held firm in their belief that they were still a great team. The result? A remarkable turnaround that put them 30 games over .500 and propelled them into this week’s National League Championship series.
Pitcher Jim Abbott is another powerful example of overcoming adversity. Born without a right hand, Abbott faced enormous challenges from an early age, but refused to let his physical difference define or limit him. He eventually reached the major leagues, and not only pitched at the highest level, but tossed a no-hitter for the Yankees in 1993.
This lesson isn’t just for athletes. Struggling students can reassess their study habits, ask for extra help, and find the support they need. A professional facing new challenges at work can seek out training, lean on colleagues for advice, and even turn frustration into motivation. Teachers, mentors and coaches thrive on helping others succeed, so seeking help isn’t a weakness — it’s a smart move.
To the Editor:
As the election draws closer, we cannot ignore the growing impact of climate change on our communities. Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton, along with dozens of wildfires this past summer, are all clear warning signs of a very real climate crisis.
This issue deserves more attention than it has received so far this election cycle. During the presidential debate, only one brief question was asked about climate at the very end.
The fact is, the climate crisis impacts us all, no matter where we live or how much money we make. Americans are being told to flee their homes and risk losing everything. Meanwhile, Big Oil continues to put profits over people by prioritizing fossil fuels that continue to destroy our environment.
We cannot afford to lose any more time in the fight against the climate crisis. We need leaders — at the federal, state and local level — who believe in the science of climate change and are
Overcoming adversity isn’t just about persistence, but is about a mindset of constant learning and growth. Whether you’re falling behind in school, at work or on a sports team, the temptation to surrender can be overwhelming. But those who thrive amid adversity don’t see challenges as walls; they see them as steppingstones to progress.
If you’re a student struggling to grasp difficult concepts, feeling like you’re always two steps behind, it’s easy to lose hope. At work, new technologies and methodologies might feel like waves crashing over you, leaving you disoriented. And for an athlete, the weight of defeat can make the rest of the season feel like an uphill climb that’s no longer worth making.
So how does a person, or a team, regroup and find success after falling behind?
While determination is key, succeeding isn’t just about plowing through. It’s about strategic adaptation. It’s about identifying what’s important, what’s holding you back, and making meaningful changes — sometimes inspired by others, and sometimes by digging deep into yourself.
The first step often is simply asking for help. And that’s nothing to be ashamed of. We’ve all been there!
Adversity isn’t a dead end. It’s a detour that offers new pathways to growth and success, but only if we’re willing to stay the course, make adjustments, and push beyond the initial
impulse to give up. And real-life stories of overcoming adversity can be powerful sources of inspiration, because they demonstrate that success is often born from struggle, resilience and perseverance.
J.K. Rowling’s journey to becoming the world-famous author of the Harry Potter series is a classic example. Before Harry Potter became a household name, Rowling was a struggling single mother living on welfare. She wrote the first Harry Potter book in coffee shops, often battling self-doubt and rejection. No fewer than 12 publishers rejected the manuscript before Bloomsbury finally took a chance on it.
Thomas Edison, one of history’s greatest inventors, failed over a thousand times before making the first light bulb work. When asked about his repeated failures, Edison famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” His relentless drive and ability to see failure as a learning opportunity helped him change the world.
Real-life stories such as these are just a sample of what people can achieve, while illustrating that the journey to success is rarely smooth. At press time, the Mets were down 1-0 to the Dodgers in the NLCS — down, but far from out. The team has shown its fans what it means to push through, learn, adapt, and remain focused on the next game all season long. Here’s hoping that valuable lesson continues.
in recent months, nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman has pursued a number of controversial measures that, in addition to likely being unconstitutional, bring with them a number of unintended consequences that will negatively impact our police and first responders.
the most glaring of those actions is Blakeman’s provisional emergency special deputy sheriff program. known more commonly as the “militia,” this misguided initiative has sparked tremendous concern in a number of local police departments. even as the first classes of “militia” cadets have now graduated and are in the process of being activated, our concerns about their training, how they will be identified, and how and when these “deputies” can and will be deployed remain unaddressed by the Blakeman administration, which continues to stonewall
the County legislature’s Democratic minority and the public.
the republican majority’s public mask ban, which Blakeman eagerly signed into law, is another piece of legislation that puts our police officers in highly precarious situations. Under this measure, it’s up to an officer to determine the “intent” of a person wearing a mask. this would expose our officers to thorny constitutional and medical privacy issues under the Fifth amendment and HIPaa laws. Moreover, there’s the risk that a sick person could feel pressured to remove their mask, thereby exposing the officers and the public to Covid or some other airborne disease. to address concerns about constitutionality and practicality, the minority caucus proposed a more narrowly tailored mask law — the Masked Crime accountability act — that would reduce the burden on our law enforcement officers by focusing specifically on punishing those who use masks while committing crimes. While our bill is a clearer
Hdeterrent to crime, the republican majority pushed through its version of the law without considering public concerns or the potential consequences.
ow will a police officer verify a claim of an exception to the mask ban?
For both of these measures, there is the issue of how effectively they can be enforced, if at all. the same goes for Blakeman’s banning of transgender female athletes using county sports facilities, which, like the mask ban, is being challenged in court. How is an officer, having been called to one of the situations created by these laws, expected to proceed? How rigorously should an officer attempt to verify someone’s claim that they qualify for an exemption under the mask ban? How can an officer navigate a heated confrontation over claims that a young athlete is violating the ban on trans athletes? are we going to start interrogating athletes over their gender identity? It’s all a recipe for disaster, and even more lawsuits against the county — litigation that you, the taxpayer, will end up footing the bill for.
With budget season now upon us, I
willing or can be convinced to take bold action before it’s too late. So I urge everyone: When you cast your ballot next month, think of our planet and the people that call it home.
MartIn MelkonIan Uniondale
The MTA’s capital plan doesn’t have a chance
to the editor:
long Island rail road riders should be concerned that the Metropolitan t ransportation authority’s $68 billion, five-year, 2025-2029 Capital Plan isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. Gov. k athy Hochul claims she can find additional state and federal funding to make up for the missing $15 billion in congestion pricing revenue from the current $51 billion 2020-2024 capital plan. She promises the same for making up the $33 billion shortfall in the proposed plan. t his leaves the M ta with a record $48 billion shortfall in funding! the plan will be dead on arrival.
a llocation of funding for advancing toward a state of good repair in all capital asset categories should be a higher priority than any system expansion projects. Funding for the $7.7 billion Second avenue Subway Phase 2 and the $5.5 billion Brooklyn/Queens Interboro express light rail Connector would be better spent on repair projects. Metro north railroad’s $3.1 billion Bronx east Penn Station access project should be put on hold. Forget about the $7.5 billion Second avenue Subway Phase 3, the 125th Street Crosstown extension, as well.
Don’t be surprised in 2025 when both the governor and the l egislature reduce the proposed $68 billion plan by billions. I predict it will end up somewhere in the $50s billion range, to deal with more realistic future funding availability.
larry Penner Great Neck
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.
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.
believe it is essential to analyze these controversial measures through another lens — police overtime. When we consider possible impacts on law enforcement professionals, we must factor in how these measures could further burden our officers and increase their workloads — especially as we ponder other proposals that could elevate overtime costs. Before the county clears the way for a casino or any other major development or legislative initiative that could be a significant driver of overtime, we would be wise to commission a thorough evaluation.
Specific to the casino, initial projections of $1.8 million being sufficient to cover the resulting overtime — which is just one quarter of 1 percent of our current overtime budget — seem farfetched. a rigorous review would go a long way toward revealing the true and accurate costs, so that law enforcement agencies serving not only the county, but also its cities and villages, can budget wisely and gear their training resources toward addressing every one of these new endeavors.
Delia DeRiggi-Whitton represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the minority leader of the Legislature.
