Courtesy Patricia Beaumont
Students from Rockville Centre and Long Beach celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with an annual friendship feast.
Friendship feast fosters life skills
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Patricia Beaumont, a special education teacher at South Side Middle School, was living in Long Beach when Hurricane Sandy devastated the coastal community in October 2012.
“I was swimming in 4 feet of water,” Beaumont recalled. “When the water went down, there were fish and seashells in my house. We lost everything.” Many residents were without power for 50 days. “There were no streetlights, no electricity,” she said.
During that challenging time, Beaumont witnessed her neighbors come together to share resources and host community meals, including “guerrilla barbecues” and a fundraiser by Swingbellys Barbecue at the Long Beach Recreation Center.
These acts of solidarity inspired her to
create a meaningful event for her students, many of whom have developmental disabilities and require structure and routine in their day-to-day lives, which the storm had disrupted.
“To think of Thanksgiving in a happy moment was impossible for some families,” she said. But Beaumont was determined to offer her students and their families something to celebrate.
She organized a “friendship feast,” a collaboration between her Life Skills class and the Long Beach School District, which runs a similar program for students with developmental disabilities.
The idea is to unite students from both districts for a Thanksgiving meal while teaching valuable skills along the way. Beaumont took her students to Trader Joe’s to shop for ingredients, teaching budgeting and
Police to install cameras along
‘the bridge’
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Law enforcement officials in Rockville Centre are ramping up efforts to address a wellknown spot for underage drinking and illegal activities. The overpass on Peninsula Boulevard, between North Village Avenue and Hempstead Lake State Park — known locally as “the bridge” — has long been a popular gathering spot for teenagers taking part in late-night bonfires, weekend parties and other risky behavior.
In response, the Police Department, in collaboration with the Rockville Centre Coalition for Youth, is implementing a series of measures aimed at improving safety and curbing illicit activity.
area, part of a broader initiative to discourage crime and protect the community.
I am pleased to announce that we are currently in the process of installing security cameras at each of the three walk bridges in the area.
R ANDy DoDD
Rockville Centre police commissioner
Police Commissioner Randy Dodd recently announced the installation of security cameras at three footbridges in the
“I am pleased to announce that we are currently in the process of installing security cameras at each of the three walk bridges to deter crime, as well as enhance our patrol efforts,” Dodd said last week. “In the meantime, the Police Department continues to conduct intensified patrols of the walk bridges over Peninsula Boulevard during both daytime and nighttime hours to check for unsafe and illegal behaviors. As always, we ask parents to remind their children about the importance of obeying the law and making responsible decisions.”
The cameras will be installed along pedestrian pathways at Bulson Road, DeMott Avenue and Lakeside Drive. The initiative is part of a sustained effort by
ConTinued on page 12
Friends of Mercy prepares for 88th annual ball
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
For more than eight decades, the Friends of Mercy Hospital have kicked off the holiday season with their annual Mercy Ball, celebrating the compassionate care provided by Catholic Health’s Mercy Hospital to the surrounding communities.
The 88th annual Mercy Ball will take place on Friday, Dec. 6, at The Lannin in East Meadow, with more than 400 attendees expected.
“The Mercy Ball is officially underway, and we are thrilled to be looking ahead to a new night and a new location at The Lannin,” Dr. Xenophon Xenophontos, president of the Friends of Mercy, said in a statement.
The Friends of Mercy Hospital, which has supported projects enhancing the hospital’s medical and surgical care for nearly 90 years, will honor three individuals who exemplify their mission of service and excellence.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Keith Linsalata, the owner of Art Flower & Gift Shoppe in Rockville Centre, will receive the Bishop John R. McGann Lifetime Achievement Award. A dedicated member of the Friends of Mercy for over a decade, Linsalata has generously donated time, resources, and expertise to numerous events, including the Mercy
Ball and St. Patrick’s Dinner.
His contributions extend to the wider community through initiatives like “Pedal It Forward Day,” during which he distributes over 1,200 bouquets to spread goodwill, including to Mercy’s nurses and patients. Linsalata, a Farmingdale State College graduate, has owned his business for 34 years, maintaining its reputation as one of the longest-standing establishments in Rockville Centre.
Linsalata’s community spirit and commitment to Mercy Hospital makes him a worthy recipient of this honor.
Outstanding Achievement Award
Evelyn Morales, a physician assistant and Director of Mid-Level Practitioner Services at Mercy Hospital, will be recognized with the Theodore Roosevelt Award for Outstanding Achievement.
Morales, who has been with Mercy since 2008, has made significant contributions to critical care and medical leadership. A graduate of Fordham University and Touro College, Morales has earned advanced degrees in healthcare administration and medical science.
Her dedication to education and mentorship was acknowledged when she received the Preceptor of the Year award from Touro College in 2020. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Morales balances her clinical expertise with family life, as a proud mother of two and grandmother of six.
Emergency Department.
Her leadership shone during the COVID-19 pandemic, guiding her team through unprecedented challenges. De Setto also founded Mercy’s American Heart Association Training Center, where she has trained countless staff in life support techniques.
In recognition of her dedication, De Setto received the prestigious Daisy Lifetime Achievement Award this past May. Her many years of service reflect her unwavering commitment to Mercy’s mission.
Event traditions and details
Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray and Gloria DiSciullo of Muttontown will co-chair the event.
The evening will include the presentation of the Mercy Honor Guard, an annual tradition where high school students, preceded by a color guard from the U.S. Marine Corps, escort the Grand March of dignitaries into the ballroom, where they are presented to the bishop.
Service Excellence Award
Claire De Setto, a nurse at Mercy Hospital for more than 50 years, will receive the Sister Mary Nadine Casey Award. Starting her career in the Intensive Care Unit in 1971, De Setto has held various roles, including Director of Preoperative Services and interim Director of the
Proceeds from this year’s Mercy Ball will help support structural improvements for the Women’s Imaging Center at Mercy Hospital, which provides radiology and imaging services including ultrasound and mammography.
Tickets, sponsorships, and additional information are available at MercyBall. com, by calling (516) 705-2618, or by emailing Gloria.DiSciullo@chsli.org.
Herald File Photo
Keith Lasalata, the owner of Art Flower & Gift Shoppe in Rockville Centre, will be presented with the Bishop John McGann Lifetime Achievement Award for his
Foundation raises money for Shea Hubbard
Johnny Kilduff presented with the 2024 Courage and Resilience Award
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
The Tommy Brull Foundation raised $46,000 during its 17th annual fundraiser at the St. Agnes Parish Center on Nov. 23, providing support for a South Side Middle School student recovering from complex brain surgery.
“The charities were very close to home this year,” said Martin Brull, president of the foundation. “It was great to celebrate two people in our community in different ways.”
This year’s principal benefactor was sixth grader Shea Hubbard, a South Side Middle School student and avid New York Islanders and Mets fan.
Hubbard, who loves hockey and baseball, began experiencing difficulties on the ice in September. An MRI at the emergency room revealed a bleeding brain cavernoma, requiring complex surgery to remove the cancer.
He is currently recovering with challenges to coordination and strength on his left side, but his resilience has inspired his family and the community. Funds raised will help cover his medical and therapy expenses.
In addition to supporting Hubbard, the foundation fundraiser contributes to various local programs, including Centre Stage, Challenger Baseball, RVC Top Soccer, RVC Hoops For All, Achilles Kids, the Move Program at CP Nassau, and the Exceptional Artist Foundation. The foundation also funds its own initiatives, such as wrestling exhibits, the Ladybug Ball, and a surf program at Camp ANCHOR.
The event also honored South Side High School senior Johnny Kilduff with the 2024 Courage and Resilience Award.
Kilduff, who has Down syndrome, has overcome significant challenges to achieve his goals. He has participated in multiple school drama productions, the Centre Stage theater program, and the Backyard Players & Friends.
“He is a great guy who brings a lot of joy and happiness to people in the community,” Brull said.
Kilduff has also performed the national anthem at several varsity sporting events and received a U.S. flag flown over the Capitol from Congressman Anthony D’Esposito.
“Thank you to the Tommy Brull Foundation for honoring Johnny,” his mother, Trish Kilduff, said via Facebook. “Your love and devotion to the most deserving is so appreciated. Your foundation and this community has made Johnny the young man he is today. Thank you to the amazing friends and family who participated in celebrating Johnny.”
For the past decade, the Courage and Resilience Award has recognized individuals with physical, intellectual, or emotional disabilities who have overcome adversity to achieve their goals.
The Tommy Brull Foundation is named after the late Rockville Centre resident, who died in an accident on the Williamsburg Bridge in 1999. Tommy’s brother, Martin, started the charity in 2008 in
memory of his brother, who was a counselor at the Town of Hempstead’s Camp Anchor. Over the years, the foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for people with special needs and the organizations and programs that serve them.
For more information on the 17th annual fundraiser visit TommyBrullFoundation.org.
Guests enjoyed food, beverages, music and raffles at the annual Tommy Brull
Alice Moreno/Herald photos
Tommy Brull Foundation president Martin Brull, left, joins the 2024 Courage and Resilience Award recipient Johnny Kilduff at the 17th annual fundraiser at the St. Agnes Parish Center.
Anthony Paradiso, clockwise from left, Robin Webb, Mike Russo and Ron Webb with the Lions Club of Rockville Centre welcomed attendees to the 17th annual Tommy Brull Foundation fundraiser.
Charlie Josima, left, and Amy Selafano cheer and dance along to the music.
Foundation fundraiser on Saturday night.
Ronan McLoughlin, 9, enjoys getting to try out the 360-degree video station.
News briefs
Cancer care center opens in RVC
New York Cancer & Blood Specialists has opened a state-of-the-art cancer care facility at 50 North Park Avenue in Rockville Centre.
“This new facility represents our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class cancer care,” Dr. Jeff Vacirca, chief executive officer of New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, said. “Our mission is not only to provide the most advanced treatments, but also to offer a compassionate, supportive environment, where patients and their families feel empowered. With the opening of our Rockville Centre location, we continue our dedication to transforming lives through innovative care, empathy and hope.”
Courtesy New York Cancer & Blood Specialists
New York Cancer & Blood Specialists have opened a new 8,500 square-foot cancer care center at 50 N. Park Ave. in Rockville Centre, in the former headquarters of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
Schoolapalooza auction returns
The RVC Education Foundation provides funds twice annually for educator inspired grants that contribute directly to student motivation and learning. Grants for the fall cycle are currently being reviewed and recipients will be announced in early January.
The Foundation raises funds several ways. Schoolapalooza, the annual online fundraising auction for the RVC Education Foundation, is one way to help the district, by bidding on one-of-a-kind prizes for students.
The auction will be held from Dec. 1 through Dec. 9. Those without children in the district can also take part by bidding on items for your neighbors or donate the item back to the school if you’re the winning bid.
Double your donation on Giving Tuesday. Thanks to the generosity of a Rockville Centre family, donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $5,000. Make the most of this first-ever matching donation to the RVC Education Foundation.
Don’t forget to save the date. The Rockville Centre Education Foundation’s 33rd annual gala, the largest of the foundation’s fundraising efforts, will take place on April 26, 2025 at Gatsby on the Ocean.
The auction will be provided online starting Dec. 1 at RVCEF.BetterWorld. org. For more information visit RVCEdFoundation.org.
— Daniel Offner
The 8,500-square-foot facility is designed to enhance the experience for patients navigating cancer care in the Rockville Centre area. Patients will have access to a wide range of cuttingedge treatments and services, including medical oncology, hematology, and participation in clinical trials.
The new cancer center features an on-site laboratory and support services to ensure the patients’ physical and mental well-being. It is staffed by local cancer hematologists and oncologists including Dr. Nolyn Nyatanga, Dr. Adam Hines, Dr. Joshua Harris and Dr. Mark Grand — who are dedicated to delivering exceptional care and improving patient outcomes For more information or to schedule an appointment call (516) 336-5255.
— Daniel Offner
Generosity
It is remarkable to us how many people we meet who have amassed signifcant wealth beyond their needs, yet have little or no inclination to share their good fortune with others, even their immediate families. It seems to us that the only value that any asset has is in its use — those who have assets they are unable to utilize are really no better off than those who don’t.
How much richer and happier many lives would be if only we learned to share more. Studies in psychology and neuroscience have demonstrated that acts of generosity trigger a release of endorphins, referred to as the “helper’s high”, leading to increased feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
Generous acts involve considering the needs of others, expanding one’s empathy and leading to deeper connections with others and a more meaningful and fulflling life. This may explain why those least able to give are sometimes the most generous. Generosity has less to do with what one has than the way one thinks.
“A fght is going on inside me,” said an old man to his son. “It is a terrible fght between two wolves. One wolf is evil. He is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego. The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. The same fght is going on inside you.”
The son thought for a minute and then asked, “Which wolf will win?”
The old man replied simply, “The one you feed.”
— Wendy Mass
Generosity may also involve giving of your time and attention. As theologian John Wesley put it three hundred years ago:
“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, To all the people you can, As long as you ever can.”
Sayage joins law firm’s real estate team
Forchelli, Deegan, Terrana law firm in Uniondale recently welcomed Jad S. Sayage of Rockville Centre to the firm’s real estate practice group as an associate.
Sayage previously served as managing attorney at Syage Law, where he concentrated exclusively on complex real estate matters such as commercian and
residential acquisitions, dispositions, contract negotiations, leasing and financing.
He received a Bachelor of Science from Molloy University and a Juris Doctorate from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra Unviersity.
— Courtesy Forchelli Law
rockville centre
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Requirements: Own professional-grade camera Flexibility to work evenings and weekends
Reliable transportation
Strong work ethic, punctuality,
Feast unites students across two districts
planning.
“We prepared and served it,” Beaumont said. “It was a traditional feast with everything.”
OThe inaugural feast served 70 people and included activities like bingo, dancing, and karaoke to encourage students to interact. It was such a success that the friendship feast became an annual tradition. The following year, it expanded to include 90 people.
ut of something horrible came something incredible.
Patricia BeaumOnt
South Side Middle School Teacher
Beaumont credited her former teaching assistant, Ali Wallace, who is now a full-time instructor at South Side Middle School, for her help in making the event such a success each year.
The Life Skills program focuses on helping students gain independence by combining academic learning with practical, real-world experiences.
“They’re learning real skills,” Beaumont said. “We have to practice it. Experience it. It’s three-dimensional learning. We have to learn through actionbased activities.”
In preparation for the feast, students practice cooking, including peeling potatoes, using sharp tools with verbal prompts, and setting timers for meals.
“We may not be able to tell time on analog clocks, but we’re pretty good
with tech,” Beaumont added.
Beyond cooking, students also learn to navigate public transportation, using buses like the N15 and N16 with the support of teachers.
“It’s about getting us into the commu-
nity,” she said. “They’re learning life skills and self-preservation skills.”
The program strengthened ties between South Side Middle School and Long Beach High School, fostering collaboration through events like buddy walks and inclusive pool days.
The Life Skills program also provides students with opportunities to learn about business, through entrepreneurial endeavors, such as pop-up shops where students sell coffee to staff members, practicing money exchanges and customer interaction.
“It’s been amazing for the kids,” Beaumont said. “It’s been great for the teachers as well. It’s about broadening their friendship circle.”
Reflecting on the origins of the feast, Beaumont sees it as a testament to resilience and community.
“Out of something horrible came something incredible,” she said.
The impact on students has been profound. During their most recent feast, students shared what they were thankful for, which included food, new friends and of course, Taylor Swift.
What began as a way to rebuild after Hurricane Sandy has become a cherished tradition at the middle school, transforming lives and strengthening communities.
For Beaumont, the feast is more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of resilience, gratitude, and possibility.
Courtesy Patricia Beaumont
Staff members help serve the students a full thanksgiving dinner.
Local leaders reject regionalization plan
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, other local elected officials, school district superintendents and school board trustees gathered in the Nassau County executive building on Nov. 21 to oppose the recent State Education Department Regionalization Plan.
The plan, introduced as an emergency rule on Sept. 25, directs school districts to pool resources, programs and services, which critics say threatens the independence of local districts. State Sen. Jack Martins, one of the plan’s main opponents, talked about fighting to preserve local control of districts.
“Long Island schools are regularly ranked among the very best in New York state,” Martins said. “That fact is due in large part to our local control and educational structure, which prioritizes our students’ success. We join our local communities in opposing any effort to force regionalization and fight to preserve local control.”
Blakeman echoed Martins’s sentiments, saying the plan was an attack on suburban school districts, and that he and others would continue to fight to keep power in the hands of the districts.
“Isn’t it interesting that cities such as Yonkers, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester and New York City are all excluded from their plan?” Blakeman said. “This is just
Brian Norman/Herald
Sen. Jack Martins, along with other local elected officials, challenged the NYSED’s Regionalization Plan at a news conference on Nov. 21.
another attack on the suburbs by state government, which is completely controlled by left-wing politicians, and we will not stand by and let the Department of Education gut our school districts.”
Many opponents of the plan are questioning the decision to make it an emergency measure. State Sen. Steve Rhoads called it a rushed, and added that the language contained in it could lead to local districts’ complete loss of control of their operations.
“The State Education Department’s self-created emergency regionalization
GREEN ACRES GIVES BACK
EMPOWERING FAMILIES IN NEED
Distributing over 1,000 regular, Kosher and Halal turkeys during the holiday season.
INVESTING IN EDUCATION
Donating over 1,000 backpacks and school supplies for students to thrive.
TRANSFORMING STUDENTS’ FUTURES
Supporting local schools and students through our School Cents program, sponsorships and scholarships.
ENRICHING CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES
Hosting free Kids Club and holiday events.
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
Proudly hosting remarkable community celebrations.
mandate is vague and can lead to a complete usurpation of local control of schools budgets, tax dollars, and educational opportunities and resources vested in local boards of education,” Rhoads said. “Long Islanders pay some of the highest school taxes in the state, and their local and state officials should and must have a voice in where those dollars are being spent, and that voice is being jeopardized with the SED’s rushed, topdown regionalization plan.”
Sschool districts across Nassau and Suffolk counties are preparing to chal -
lenge the plan. Roslyn school board President Meryl Waxman encouraged other districts to join the fight.
“Superintendents including mine have been told that this is a great big nothing, but what one says and what one does have to align,” Waxman said. “If you take the time to read the regulations and see what they say, they should be self-explanatory. These are emergency regulations, but what was the emergency? Roslyn wasn’t having an emergency until they created one.”
Nonetheless, many people believe that the plan can be beneficial for Long Island school districts. Responding to a rally against the plan on Oct. 31 at Locust Valley High School, Assemblyman Chuck Lavine said that districts can voluntarily participate in shared services, and that the protest was nothing more than political theater.
“The State Education Department website makes it perfectly explicit that any district desiring to engage in shared services with any other district can do so completely voluntarily,” Lavine said. “Held on Halloween, the Oct. 31 rally was nothing more . . . than political theater designed to frighten the public.”
Under the plan, school districts are required to submit surveys to the state by Dec. 6, identifying areas for collaboration. There will also be a comment period before the plan becomes final in January.
Thanksgiving community dinner at MLK
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
More than a hundred people gathered at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center on Thursday, Nov. 21, for its annual Thanksgiving community dinner — a cherished tradition that brings neighbors, friends, and families together to celebrate the season of gratitude.
“The energy at the MLK Center was amazing for their Thanksgiving dinner,” Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis said. “I have made so many great friends there over the years, and it is so wonderful to see our community come out, give thanks, and have fun together as I worked the food line. Special events like these remind us just how close we are as neighbors and fellow citizens and that our shared values and common goals are more within reach than they sometimes seem.”
Village Trustee Katie Conlon also volunteered to help serve food during the annual community feast, which she praised for capturing the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday.
“The MLK Center Thanksgiving Day celebration was a wonderful event that drew family and friends from across our community and allowed for all to share in a delicious feast,” Conlon said. “It’s truly what Thanksgiving is all about.”
Betty Walker, left, Chauncey
The dinner, which has been a community staple for more than 15 years, featured a hearty meal served to more than 125 attendees, according to Sharon Sheppard, assistant director of the MLK Center and founder of Sharon’s Pantry.
“The event was a success,” Sheppard said. “We fed over 125 people, and with the turkey giveaway, Sharon’s Pantry served over 230 families this weekend.”
Sharon’s Pantry, established in March 2020 during the height of the
coronavirus pandemic, was created to meet the growing needs of the community. Since then, it has expanded from serving just 22 families to assisting more than 100 individuals weekly. The pantry relies entirely on donations to provide essential food items, serving not only families with limited incomes but also anyone struggling to secure their next meal.
Following the dinner, the pantry distributed hundreds of turkeys to families
in the area to help them prepare a proper holiday meal.
Community members who wish to support Sharon’s Pantry can drop off food donations at the MLK Center, located at 150 N. Centre Avenue, on Friday mornings from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Monetary contributions can be made via check, payable to the Anti-Racism Project, at 30 Seaman Ave., Rockville Centre, or electronically through Zelle at AntiRacismProjectLI@gmail.com.
Courtesy Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis
Mitchell, State Senator-elect Siela Bynoe, Karen Mobley, MLK Center Assistant Director Sharon Sheppard, Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis, Anti-Racism Project co-founder Rena Riback, Co-director of Public Works Gwynne Feiner, State Assemblywoman-elect Judy Griffin, Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth Rabbi Michael Cohen, Village Trustee Katie Conlon, MLK Center Director Patrick Morris and Recreation Department Superintendent Karen Polito help out during the annual Thanksgiving community dinner.
ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD — November 28, 2024
The stars are dimmed by light pollution
With each passing year — especially in areas like Nassau County — we see less of the
By NICOLE FORMISANO
Special to the Herald
As a child, Ken Spencer would wait until the sun sank below the ocean horizon, and then ride his bike down to the beach and lie in the sand, staring up into the sky as the final streaks of pink and orange slipped from view. Then quietly, one by one, billions of stars would wink into existence — diamond dust, he said, scattered across a sea of black velvet.
Now, at 82, the Sea Cliff resident is lucky if he can spot even the brightest stars amid a night sky that has, over the years, morphed into a wall of light-polluted gray.
Nassau County suffers some of the worst light pollution in the world. It’s harming local wildlife, damaging human health, and marring something as seemingly inviolable as the very sky above.
The word “pollution” often evokes clouds of smog, or continental landfills; little do we think of light itself as a form of pollution. But when we are irresponsible about how we artificially light the world around us, that additional light impacts everything it touches.
Summer nights on Long Island, for example, used to mean a world illuminated by fireflies. That likely won’t be the case for the next generation. The bioluminescent beetles can’t find potential mates amid an overlit world, and are becoming increasingly endangered.
Light pollution is increasing by 10 percent every year, according to DarkSky International, a nonprofit fighting to mitigate the problem. And we’re already suffering the effects.
Losing the night sky
“I know nothing with any certainty,”
Vincent Van Gogh once wrote, “but the sight of the stars makes me dream.”
For as long as we have existed, humans have been linked inextricably to the stars. They served as beacons by which humanity navigated, charting new lands and waters; their movement led scholars to new mathematical and scientific discoveries; they have long captured the imaginations of philosophers, poets and artists; they encourage people of every age, race, class and ability to lift their eyes to the sky, wonder at the vast sea of the universe, and recognize the miracle it is to be alive.
“It feels primeval,” Spencer said of the night sky’s singular ability to pull our eyes upward. “It’s something within us.”
the sky. And little by little, it’s become harder and harder to see the Milky Way.”
More than 80 percent of people will not see the Milky Way in their lifetime, according to DarkSky International, and that number is climbing each year. We in Nassau County cannot see the Milky Way without traveling to the East End — and even that sight is a fading echo of what once was.
The amateur astronomer, originally from Milford, Connecticut, began studying the constellations with his daughter in 1989. He remembers looking at the constellation Hercules, identifying the globular cluster of 300,000 stars at the demigod’s side. He looked for that once-familiar sight recently, but the stars were simply impossible for him to see. He used to drive down to the Custer Institute and Observatory in Southold, which served as a refuge for starry skies on Long Island. But even that, he said, is slowly being encroached on.
“Over the years, now it’s all big-box stores,” Spencer said. “They’re all lit up, and they have big, giant lights in the parking lot, so that light bounces up into
The night sky is integral for interconnectedness, Susan Serven, a spokeswoman for DarkSky International, said. It helps us understand that we aren’t separate from the cosmos, but part of it.
“It’s just been the last generation or two where we’ve lost that privilege to view our starry skies,” Serven said. “If we lose the ability to go out under our night sky, we lose the awe and wonder that humanity has experienced for millennia.”
The health risks of light
When Valerie Giangrande, of Massapequa, says goodnight to her two teenage children, she sometimes has to ask, “Where are your glasses?” The teens will then put on what looks like orangetinted sunglasses before continuing to watch TV or scroll on their phone — sometimes with a sigh or an eye roll, but that’s OK with Giangrande. To the optometrist and applied quantum biology specialist, making sure her kids are shielded from the dangers of excess
night sky
blue light is worth a bit of teenage ire.
“It’s one of the biggest health risks that nobody thinks about,” said Giangrande, who is an eye doctor at Optical Concepts offices in Bellmore, Freeport and Patchogue. “Light literally controls every aspect of our bodies, which is a pretty big statement to make, but it controls everything. We’re wired by light.”
Just about every function of our body runs on our circadian rhythm, a natural 24-hour clock, she explains. And that clock is controlled by the sun. When the photoreceptors in our eyes take in the long red wavelengths of morning sun, our bodies understand that it is morning and start slowly producing cortisol. As the sun climbs in the sky, it gives off more shorter-wave blue light, which heightens cortisol production and tells our bodies that it’s midday. And after sunset, when our photoreceptors recognize darkness, our brains get the signal to produce melatonin, the sleep hormone, and go into repair mode.
These days, most of our natural clocks are running haywire. That’s because the vast majority of artificial light that contributes to light pollution — LEDs, phones, computers, televisions, billboards — emit blue light. Our bodies are constantly surrounded by signals that it is noon.
Overexposure to blue light is linked to what seems like every health risk under the sun, Giangrande said — insulin resistance and diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, insomnia and lower-quality sleep, and excess anxiety.
“Anyone who wakes up not refreshed, anyone who’s tired, anyone who can’t fall asleep, can’t stay asleep — blue light
Courtesy Ken Spencer
across the Long island Sound, the town of Clinton, Connecticut, illustrates just how much light is wasted by being projected straight into the air. it burdens taxpayers, contributes to energy waste and creates a visible sky glow that erases stars from the sky.
The more lights, the less we see of the sky
Continued from PreViouS Page
toxicity,” Giangrande said. “Say we eat dinner, and then an hour later we’re really hungry again. That’s blue light toxicity, hands down.”
Our digestive enzymes naturally go down at night, she explained. Often when we’re hungry at night, it’s because our blood sugar and insulin are still up because our body thinks it’s daytime.
There are some things people can do to reduce the harm done by light pollution, Giangrande said. To start your day, step outside — or even just open a window — to get exposure to the full light spectrum of the sun. Consider replacing blue-spectrum LEDs in your home with warmer, softer lighting. And perhaps most important, get 100 percent blue light-blocking glasses to use indoors after the sun has gone down.
“Light has to be regulated first before we do all the things,” Giangrande said. “Because there’s no supplement that can take over for the sunlight.”
Let there (not) be light
So, besides our screens, where is excess artificial light coming from? A few of the primary offenders in Nassau County are entire towns and villages using unshielded streetlamps; empty fields, gas stations and parking lots lit up all night by glaring spotlights; and homeowners who illuminate their — and, by extension, their neighbors’ — property with floodlights out of the erroneous belief that it discourages crime. Multiple studies have found that lighting has no effect on crime. In fact, it encourages crimes like vandalism and graffiti, and the glare from harsh lights at night actually makes it more difficult to spot hazards in the dark.
If overlighting accomplishes anything, it wastes money — more than $3 billion in the U.S. each year, according to DarkSky, or as much as $7 billion, according to another study.
Take the Meadowbrook Parkway, for example. The 869 streetlights that line the road are activated by photocells, which turns the lights on at dusk and off at dawn, a spokesperson for the state Department of Transportation said. However, observant drivers will notice that long swaths of the parkway are peppered with orange lights even in the middle of the day. The NYSDOT did not respond to the Herald to answer whether this was intentional or indicative of faulty photocells, and how much energy and money is wasted by the lights each day.
But light pollution and its energy waste can be mitigated relatively easily by local governments. The Village of Oyster Bay, for example, has a lighting ordinance stipulating that all outdoor lighting be fully shielded. But despite such ordinances being demonstrably energy-efficient and cost-effective, few towns and villages have adopted them.
“The best way we recommend our advocates getting involved in changing actually how their backyards and their cities are lit,” said Chris Peterson, engagement director of DarkSky Inter -
an illustration of how much of the night sky is lost, and how much light is wasted, when it is ineffectively shielded — and, inversely, how well-directed, and timed, lighting can preserve our views of the stars.
Courtesy LightPollutionMap.Info
this map, using data from naSa, observatories and the World alas 2015, shows light that is wasted, which is about 30 percent of all artificial light, darkSky international estimates.
national, “is to approach city councils, development offices, planning commissions, and propose an update to that lighting ordinance for the city.”
The nonprofit even provides a template for proposing such ordinances to local representatives, which illustrates the principles of responsible outdoor lighting. And if local reps are unswayed, individuals can still help by ensuring they are not overlighting their homes.
But if we don’t take action, we will soon live in a world where a starry night sky is a distant memory.
“It’s a terrible thing for children to not know the night sky,” Spencer said. “If you don’t know something, you don’t know what you’re missing.”
“The central core of me knows that night is important,” he said. “Important to us as a human species.”
Those looking to learn more can visit DarkSky.org.
Every man’s right
Amid skyscrapers and smartphones, what do we have in common with our ancestors? The answer is the stars; the vast swath of universe that serves as our celestial home address. When I look up and see Cygnus flying over me in the winter sky, I’m looking at the same stars as people halfway across the world, or from thousands of years ago, whose names I’ll never know. The night sky serves as a keystone of the human experience, and connects us across space and time in ways that would otherwise be impossible.
As the world around us charges forward unceasingly — always asking for bigger, better, more — we rarely think of the things we lose little by little, day by day. We may not even notice when the Little Dipper dims into oblivion; when each star of Orion’s belt blinks out, one by one; when, one day, even brilliant Jupiter is extinguished, and we are left with a lone moon in a gray sky. I’ll tell my grandkids stories of the firmament, how light traveled billions of light years to make its way to us, and all we had to do to see it was look up. I wonder if they’ll believe me.
I’m not ready to give up the night sky. Are you?
–Nicole Formisano
Courtesy DarkSky International
Molloy University hosts annual gala fundraiser
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Molloy University celebrated its annual gala fundraiser on Nov. 22 at The Lannin in Eisenhower Park, offering “a swinging good time” with music and dancing provided by the South Shore Symphony and Swingtime Big Band.
The highly anticipated event brought together members of the university community and beyond for an evening of celebration and philanthropy.
“The Molloy Gala is a great example of why our university is such a special place,” Molloy University President James Lentini said. “This year, a capacity crowd included donors, friends, board members, faculty and staff.”
The proceeds from the gala support Molloy University’s commitment to providing scholarship funding for its students, furthering its mission of transforming lives through education.
“As a special touch, several of our students were on hand, as the evening is dedicated to raising funds for student scholarships,” Lentini added. “We are delighted that we reached our goal and had the opportunity to bring our amazing community together to celebrate Molloy University.”
This year’s gala recognized three individuals whose accomplishments, leadership, and dedication reflect the university’s values and mission.
The Very Rev. Enrique Salvo, rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and unwavering dedication to his parish. A native of Nicaragua, Salvo initially worked in finance before answering his calling to join the priesthood. He moved to New York City in 2003 and entered the seminary for the Archdiocese of New York in 2005.
Joanne O’Brien, the former dean of Molloy’s School of Education and Human Services, was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Her more than 14 years of service to the university were marked by her commitment to fostering excellence in education and human services.
Pauline M. Koller, a 1964 graduate of what was then Molloy College, was presented with the Distinguished Alumni Award. Her ongoing support of her alma mater has made a lasting impact on the university community.
For the first time, the gala featured a live online silent auction, allowing participants to bid on an array of unique prizes. Items included a Kentucky bourbon trail adventure, a Long Island winery tour, a collectible from “The Karate Kid,” a framed display of Beatles albums, a Molloy University blanket and picture frame set by Julia Gash, a signed Chevy Chase Christmas print, and more. The online format enabled both attendees and non-attendees to participate in the auction, further boosting the evening’s fundraising efforts.
Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, Molloy University continues its mission to provide students with transformative educational opportunities and foster positive change in the communities where its graduates live and work.
Nicolette Fiore-
Susan Santoro, President James Lentini and Board Chairman John McEntee
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Zack Alexander, left, with Bobbie Ruth and Band Leader Steve Shaiman of the Swingtime Big Band get ready to perform at the 2024 Molloy Gala.
Molloy Gala honorees Joanne O’Brien, left, the very Rev. Enrique Salvo, rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Pauline M. Koller.
Molloy University President James Lentini welcomes guests to the 2024 Molloy Gala at The Lannin at Eisenhower Park.
The Very Rev. Enrique Salvo of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, second from right, is presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award from Molloy University Vice President Edward Thompson, left, Gala co-chairs
Lopez,
at the 2024 Molloy Gala.
American Legion Post 303 members Joe Scarola, left, Frank Colon Jr., Rockville Centre Recreation Department Superintendent Karen Polito,
socks for soldiers.
Homemakers donate socks to local veterans
Each year, as the winter weather approaches, the Rockville Centre Homemakers pitch in to help donate much-needed socks and personalized holiday greeting cards to veterans.
The organization, composed of approximately 60 women from the surrounding area, has been giving back to local veterans for more than a decade. This year the Homemakers donated 200 pairs of socks, during its
annual Socks for Soldiers drive at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center on Nov. 19.
Each pair of socks was rolled up, wrapped in red, white and blue ribbons and sent with a note attached thanking the veterans for their service. They were then packaged and donated to American Legion Post 303 Commander Frank Colon Jr. and Joseph Scarola, who help deliver them to the Nassau County Veterans Service
Agency.
In prior years, the socks were distributed to veterans at the Northport VA Medical Center, the A. Holly Patterson Extneded Care Facility in Uniondale and troops overseas.
This year, the RVC Homemakers also provided more than 300 Christmas cards that will be distributed to service men and women overseas.
Courtesy Denise Walsh
MaryAnn Grandazza, Virginia Grandazza, Patty Gaffney, Barbara Lehman, Karen Alterson , Jean Joyce, and Denise Walsh donated 200
Cameras to deter teens from illicit behavior
the Coalition for Youth, a community organization comprising school staff, parents, students and residents dedicated to combating substance abuse among minors.
On Nov. 19, the coalition held a community discussion at the St. Agnes Parish Center to address teen alcohol and drug use. Two South Side High School students shared candid accounts of the dangerous behavior they had seen among their peers. Their stories highlighted the low perception of risk of such activities, particularly in familiar hangouts like the bridge.
“What these boys were saying was quite eye-opening and alarming,” Ruthanne McCormack, the coalition’s project coordinator, said. “The perception of risk is very low, but these students are tempting fate before the holidays.”
McCormack explained that the two students had initially reached out to the Rev. Matt Browne, of St. Agnes Cathedral, to discuss the patterns of destructive behavior they had observed. These conversations helped the boys rediscover their Christian faith, and inspired them to make positive changes in their lives.
Their renewed sense of purpose spurred them to host a weekly Sunday gathering, drawing more than 60 local teens. The meetings, which feature pizza and discussions of scripture, life
Daniel Offner/Herald
Cameras will soon be installed along the overpass crossing peninsula Boulevard, between north Village avenue and Hempstead Lake State park, which has been a well-known spot for underage drinking for years.
challenges and the participants’ aspirations, provide a safe and supportive outlet for area young people.
The students’ efforts also led to the formation of a Christian club at South Side, aimed at fostering a sense of community and offering additional support to their peers.
ber of summonses issued to students caught drinking or trespassing in nearby parks after hours. But the problem resurfaced during the coronavirus pandemic, when police reported a 25 percent increase in hospitalizations linked to underage drinking.
For McCormack, the recent surge illustrates the need for continued efforts to address substance abuse among minors. By combining security measures like patrols and cameras with proactive community outreach, officials hope to create a safer environment for Rockville Centre youth.
The Coalition for Youth represents more than 20 community groups, including the School District, the Police Department, the PTA Council, the Lions Club, the Hispanic Brotherhood, St. Agnes Parish, Vineyard Church, the Chamber of Commerce, the National Guard Counter Drug Task Force and others.
McCormack noted that while the cameras are a significant step forward, the funding for the project was secured years ago.
This isn’t the first time law enforcement has focused on the bridge as a site of concern. In 2018, increased police patrols significantly reduced the num-
“The district has always enjoyed a cooperative and supportive relationships with the Rockville Centre Police Department,” Schools Superintendent Matt Gaven wrote in an email. “We have cooperated on a number of issues in the past and will continue to do so.”
For more information, or to get involved in the RVC Coalition for Youth’s efforts, contact McCormack at ramccormack@rvccoalitionforyouth. org, or (516) 313-9041.
STEPPING OUT
Don’t miss the beats, the energy and the vibe when Secret Agent 23 Skidoo launches the museum’s Musical Explorers! Concert series.
Acclaimed husband-and-wife duo Andrés and Christina’s — known as 123 Andrés — catchy songs and lively concerts impart the joy of music, movement and language.
Memories with melodies at Long Island Children’s Museum
Reach for the rhythm in you with a colorful spectrum of musical performance
By Danielle Schwab
After everyone polishes off the turkey, families can embark on a musical adventure to usher in the holiday season, courtesy of Long Island Children’s Museum. The stage is set for a new concert series, “Musical Explorers!,” which kicks off this weekend, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.
Young audiences are introduced to an excitingly diverse music scene, featuring an array of global sounds, culture, and artistic legends from the world of jazz, hip hop, Latin music, and more. Families will surely get in the groove at the museum’s inaugural series of concerts, which represent the vibrant genres of jazz, hip-hop and Latin music. Performers add their unique touch, blending imaginative storytelling into musical masterpieces.
“Music speaks to human nature, the human soul. Every culture has music. Everybody celebrates it. Everybody taps to the rhythm. So that’s what we’re looking to provide,” James Packard, the museum’s theater program director says. “Musical Explorers offers our audiences the opportunity to dive deeper into the many ways that music speaks to us.”
In curating the concerts, he selected Grammy-winning artists and top talents in family music so that a diverse range of genres reflecting the power of music are represented.
“We encourage families to use these performances to introduce their children to the rhythms of hip-hop, the soul of jazz, and the vibrant beats of contemporary Latin music,” he says.
The series begins this weekend with Grammy-winning hip-hop funk sensation Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. This dynamic three-person rap ensemble offers their young audience a fun and engaging introduction to hip-hop. Known for their electrifying blend of hip-hop with sci-fi-inspired storytelling and feel-good tunes, the band combines the raw energy of funk with the surreal magic of animation-inspired performance. Imagine a band with Jim Henson playing guitar or Shel Silverstein writing the bass lines and you’ve got Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. Prepare to get up and dance with larger-than-life stories through upbeat songs.
“We just came out with an album in collaboration with the Asheville Symphony. We took folk tales from around the world from various cultures and turned them into hip-hop songs to tell these stories,” Joel “Cactus” Sullivan, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo’s lead singer, says.
Sullivan and his bandmates journey back thousands of years, drawing from the rich traditions of Japan, West Africa and Persia to tell timeless life lessons.
And, it wouldn’t be hip-hop without some creative freestyle — with the help of members from the audience, of course.
“We get words from the crowd and then make up a song on the spot right there. There’s something magical about the improvisation that can happen with hip hop,” Sullivan adds.
Heading into New Year, everyone can jive to some outstanding jazz grooves with the iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center Quintet, on Jan. 19 and 20. The top-flight musicians swing into the sound of America. Their performances explore the Great Migration and the Harlem Renaissance, examining the great Louis Armstrong’s journey from New Orleans to Chicago and New York — all from the museum’s intimate stage.
“Lincoln Center is a new connection for us,” Packard notes. “It will be a more traditional concert style, but geared at school-age kids, with interactivity and conversation going on between the musicians and the audience.”
Another performance to keep an eye (and an ear) out for is husband-and-wife duo 123 Andrés. The pair — Latin Grammy winners for Best Children’s Music Album earlier this year —
Dark Star Orchestra
• Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1
• $11 with museum admission; available online at licm.org/ theater or in person at the museum box office
• 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
will arrive in June with their interactive bilingual performance that speak to the joy, energy and cultural richness of Latin America.
They’ll be sure to get everyone singing, clapping and dancing along to rhythms from across the Latin music spectrum.
“Music is a universal language the world over. It is a part of who we are spiritually. And so it goes on all the time, a thing that goes into your soul,” Packard adds.
The concert series reinforces the museum’s mission to bring musicians into kid-accessible spaces. It’s an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in a world of rhythm, melody and cultural appreciation — all within the welcoming environment of the LICM Theater.
“Music is a form of social-emotional learning,” Packard continues. “You can let out happiness or sadness. Exposing children to different styles they might find, ‘Oh, I really like hip hop,’ or ‘I really like the Latin beat’, or ‘I really like the jazz,’ and that can have an impact where they go in life.”
The Grateful Dead have been resurrected in the form of Dark Star Orchestra. Formed in 1997, this tribute band came up with the novel idea of recreating complete sets from The Grateful Dead’s gigantic list of concerts. Over 3,100 shows later DSO continues the Grateful Dead live concert experience to acclaim. On any given night, the band performs based on a set list from the Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring or use their catalog to program a unique set list for the show. In this way DSO offers a continually evolving artistic outlet within the Dead’s musical canon. Honoring both the band and the fans, Dark Star Orchestra’s members seek out the unique style and sound of each era while simultaneously offering their own informed improvisations.
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30, 8 p.m. $99.50, $69.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Long Island Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’
The holiday treat returns, Audiences will once again be transported by the Sugar Plum Fairy to The Land of Sweets in this familyfriendly classic, set to the music of Tchaikovsky. LIBT’s production opens “Nutcracker” season here, sparkling with a talented cast of adult professionals and aspiring young student dancers. This version is both narrated and abridged, to introduce youngster to the story of Clara, her magical nutcracker and her enchanting winter adventure..
Saturday, Nov. 30, noon and 4 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 1, 2 p.m. $37.50. Purchase tickets at liballettheatre. com or by phone at (631) 2714626. For more information, visit landmarkonmainstreet.org. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington.
Courtesy LICM
Courtesy Jazz at Lincoln Center
The Jazz at Lincoln Center quintet introduces young audiences to a cherished musical tradition.
Courtesy David Rugeles
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
Jason Bonham, son of legendary Led Zeppelin drummer, visits the Paramount stage, Monday, dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. He showcases his musical journey and family legacy, celebrating his father’s legendary career, with a concert featuring hits from Led Zeppelin’s iconic albums, and highlighting Jason’s own notable contributions to rock history. Encompassing hits from the iconic band’s entire career, including albums “Led Zeppelin,” “Led Zeppelin II,” “Led Zeppelin IV,” and “Physical Graffiti,” the concert event is a dynamic tribute to Jason’s father, with “…a band that recreates Led Zeppelin’s music to such a degree that one can’t help but close their eyes and simply listen…” [-Classic Rock Revisited]. Jason displayed musical talent from a young age. By age five, he could skillfully play drums, and at 17, he joined the band Air Race. Over the years, he contributed to various musical projects, including a Led Zeppelin reunion in 1988, touring with Jimmy Page, and forming his band “Bonham.” He collaborated with notable artists, recorded successful albums, and participated in a Muddy Waters tribute that earned a Grammy nomination. Throughout the years, Jason collaborated with different artists, recorded with Foreigner, and participated in the highly anticipated Led Zeppelin reunion in 2007 at London’s O2 arena. His musical journey showcases a blend of family legacy, collaborations with rock legends and a commitment to preserving and celebrating iconic rock history. Jason always finds himself at home behind the drumkit. From this spot, he has anchored the tempo for a myriad of the most legendary artists of all-time. It’s the place where he initially realized his destiny as a kid. It’s a triedand-true safe harbor for the expression of his purest emotions. Ultimately, Jason remains forever at home on the drums. $99.50, $89.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Bird walk
See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, at Mill Pond Park in Wantagh, Sunday, dec. 1, starting at 9 a.m. The park is on the north side of Merrick Road, four blocks west of Wantagh State Parkway. The group meets at the gazebo.
Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 467-9498. Rain, snow or temperature below 25 degrees will cancel the bird walk. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon.org.
In concert
Plaza Theatricals’ welcomes everyone to a “Motown Holiday Dance Party,” Sunday, dec. 8, 4 p.m. Celebrate the holidays in true Motown style. Enjoy a sensational afternoon of soulful tunes, joyful dancing, and nostalgic vibes at the electrifying concert. Get ready to groove, spread the festive cheer and make unforgettable memories. See the show at 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical. com.
Holiday Tales At The Hearth
Visit Sands Point Preserve’s Hempstead House and join in the holiday cheer, Sunday, dec. 8, 1-4 p.m. The family-friendly event includes activities for all ages. Meet and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy jazz and holiday music with Port Jazz Project, along with seasonal crafts, Dreidel Corner, “nutty” holiday scavenger hunt, reading nook with holiday and winter stories, and puppet shows with Wonderspark Puppets at 2 and 3 p.m. 127 Middle Neck Road. Admission is $40/car, members; $45/car nonmembers, includes parking. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony
American Legion Post 303 in Rockville Centre hosts a ceremony at Mill River Complex Park, Thursday, dec. 7, at 11 a.m., to honor those who lost their lives during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 5 Chester Road.
Let’s Skate
Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, through Jan. 7. Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades. Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.
Tea time
The festive season is underway at Old Westbury Gardens. Enjoy a cream tea (featuring scones, Devonshire cream, assorted sweets, and tea), then a guided tour of decorated Westbury House, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:303 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 5, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. $22.50 per person. Additional December dates available. Advance registration suggested. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.
Having an event?
Annual Snowman Hunt
The Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce’s ninth annual Snowman Hunt returns to the village, Saturday, Nov. 30, through Dec. 23. The community-wide scavenger hunt is open to kids 12 and younger. Participating businesses will be listed on a community-wide map and will display snowman decals prior to the event to help build anticipation.
Participants will receive a stop for each snowman found. Those who collect all of the stamps will be entered into a drawing for a shot at a gift certificate. New, this year, the chamber will also host meet-and-greet opportunities with Mr. Snowman on Saturdays throughout the month of December. For more information, visit RockvilleCentreChamberOf Commerce.com.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition spans various world cultures through a range of media. It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 5-6, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 10-12, 10:-15 a.m. and noon. Ezra Jack Keats’ “The Snowy Day & Other Stories” celebrates the joy in the small moments of a child’s world. Experience the wonder of a fresh snowfall, the delight of whistling for the first time, and the awe of finding a special treasure. In this childhood adventure, Keats’ classic books come to life, featuring live actors and shadow puppets telling the stories of “The Snowy Day,” “Goggles!,” “Whistle for Willie,” and “A Letter to Amy.” $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm. org.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY
COMPANY. NAME: Curated Concierge, LLC.
Articles of Organization were fled with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 10/11/24. location: Nassau County.
SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to:12 Vanderveer Court,RVC NY 11570
Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 149581
or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE’S FINANCIAL REALTY
MORTGAGE SECURITIES
TRUST, SERIES 2006-1, -againstFRANCISCO M.
RODRIGUEZ, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Offce of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 13, 2023, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE’S FINANCIAL REALTY
MORTGAGE SECURITIES
TRUST, SERIES 2006-1 is the Plaintiff and FRANCISCO M.
RODRIGUEZ, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY
SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on December 10, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 394 PINEBROOK AVE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570; and the following tax map identifcation: 35-415-895.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index No.: 011891/2008. Mark Ricciardi, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 149858
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: THE IMAGE AND STYLE CONNECTION, LLC. Articles of Organization were fled with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 10/16/24. NY Offce location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 189 Raymond St, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 149777
LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE ELECCIONES ANUALES DISTRITO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE LAKEVIEW DE LA CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK A LOS ELECTORES CUALIFICADOS DEL DISTRITO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE LAKEVIEW POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con el Capítulo 403 de las Leyes del Estado de Nueva York de 1977, se llevará a cabo una elección en el Distrito de la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview el día 3 de diciembre de 2024. Las urnas estarán disponibles desde las 16:00 horas hasta las 22:00 horas, hora estándar, en la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview, ubicada en 1120 Woodfeld, Rockville Centre, Nueva York, dentro del mencionado Distrito. El propósito de esta elección es designar a dos (2) Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca, uno (1) para un período de cinco (5) años en sustitución de Marlene Tapley, cuyo mandato concluye el 31 de diciembre de 2029, y otro (1) para un mandato de aproximadamente un año para completar el período no concluido de Andrea Maddison, que inicia el 3 de diciembre de 2024 y fnaliza el 31 de diciembre de 2025. La votación se realizará mediante papeleta. Las urnas abrirán a las 16:00 horas y se mantendrán abiertas hasta las 22:00 horas, o más tiempo si es necesario para permitir que todos los votantes presentes en ese momento puedan emitir su voto.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, según una resolución aprobada en la reunión de los Fideicomisarios del Distrito de la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview el 16 de octubre de 2024, los aspirantes a Fideicomisario de la Biblioteca deben registrar sus candidaturas en la ofcina del Secretario del Distrito, situada en la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview, 1120 Woodfeld Road, Rockville Centre, Nueva York. Esto
debe hacerse al menos diez (10) días antes de la elección, acompañados de las frmas de veinticinco (25) electores cualifcados (defnidos a continuación) del Distrito. Un elector cualifcado es una persona que está registrada para votar y que ha residido en el Distrito de la Biblioteca por al menos 30 días antes de la elección del Distrito de la Biblioteca. Solo los electores cualifcados que residan en el distrito son elegibles para postularse como Fideicomisario de la Biblioteca o para votar en las elecciones del Distrito de la Biblioteca. Los formularios de petición están disponibles en la Biblioteca.
SE NOTIFICA TAMBIÉN que las solicitudes para obtener papeletas de voto en ausencia para las elecciones de la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview pueden entregarse en la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview, ubicada en 1120 Woodfeld Road, Rockville Centre, Nueva York 11570. Las solicitudes completadas deben ser entregadas a la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview al menos siete (7) días antes de la fecha de la elección si la papeleta se enviará por correo al votante, o un (1) día antes si la papeleta se entregará en persona al votante. Las papeletas de voto en ausencia deben llegar a la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview a más tardar a las 17:00 horas del 3 de diciembre de 2024. Una relación de todas las personas a quienes se les haya enviado papeletas de voto en ausencia estará disponible para consulta en la ofcina administrativa de la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview de 10:00 a 17:00 horas en los cinco (5) días laborales previos a la elección, excepto los domingos, y de 10:00 a 12:00 horas el sábado anterior a la elección. Esta lista también estará disponible para consulta en el lugar de votación durante la elección de los miembros del Consejo de Administración. Por orden de la Junta Directiva del Distrito de la Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview. Fechado: 16 de octubre de 2024_____ Rockville Centre, Nueva York Biblioteca Pública de Lakeview Secretario de distrito 149962
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF ANNUAL ELECTION LAKEVIEW
PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE LAKEVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIIVEN that in accordance with Chapter 403 of the Laws of the State of New York for 1977, an election will be held in the Lakeview Public Library District on December 3, 2024, the polls to be opened between the hours of 4 p.m. o’clock and 10 o’clock p.m. standard time, at the Lakeview Public Library, 1120 Woodfeld, Rockville Centre, New York , in said District for the purpose of electing two (2) Library Trustees, one (1) for a term of fve (5 ) years to succeed Marlene Tapley which term expires on the 31st day of December 2029 and one (1) term for approximately one year to fll the unexpired term of Andrea Maddison which commences on December 3, 2024 and expires on the 31st day of 2025. The voting will be by paper ballot The polls will opened at 4:00 p.m. and remain opened until 10:00 p.m. and as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballot.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to a resolution adopted at a meeting of the Trustees of the Lakeview Public Library District held on the 16th day of October 2024, candidates for Library Trustee shall fle their names with the District Clerk at the Lakeview Public Library, 1120 Woodfeld Road, Rockville Centre, New York, at least ten (10) days prior to the date of such election, subscribed by twenty-fve (25) qualifed electors (as defned below) of the District. A qualifed elector is a person who is registered to vote and who has resided in the Library District at least 30 days prior to the Library District election. Only resident qualifed electors are eligible to hold offce of Library Trustee or to vote at a Library District election. Petition forms are available at the Library.
NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots for the Lakeview Public Library election may be made at the Lakeview Public Library at 1120 Woodfeld Road, Rockville Centre, New York 11570. Completed applications must be received by the Lakeview Public Library at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or one (1) day before the election; if the ballot is to be personally delivered to the voter. Absentee ballots must be received at the Lakeview Public Library no later than 5:00 p.m. on December 3, 2024. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection in
Celebrated educator dies at 102
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Charlotte Pickman Gertz, a trailblazer in academia, business and the arts, died on Nov. 13, 2024, at her home in Manhattan. She was 102.
Born in Brooklyn to Celia and Joseph Kess, Gertz was the eldest of two daughters. Her younger sister, Phylis, Schwartz, presently resides in Manhattan. Gertz was married to Morton Pickman for 30 years, and later to Stanely Gertz for 22 years, both of whom preceded her in death.
Gertz had a lifelong passion for education. She graduated summa cum laude from C.W. Post College, now Long Island University, where she earned her Master’s degree and completed a teaching fellowship.
For 21 years, she worked as an associate professor at Molloy University in Rockville Centre. She also authored textbooks including “Practical Spoken French,” “Practical Spoken Italian,” and an adapted version of “Practical Spoken Spanish,” which she often used to teach.
Sister Alexandria Wolochuk, an associate professor at Molloy, said that while she did not receive any formal awards or serve as department chair, her teaching left a lasting impression on students and colleagues alike.
“She loved her students and she did all that she could to make language come alive for them by bringing in ethnic foods, French and Italian music and pieces of literature,” Wolochuk said. “Her students adored her. Charlotte was one in a million in style, manner and dress. She never forgot her colleagues when it came to Christmas time and was so gener -
ous.”
Gertz eventually capped her academic journey in 2009, when she achieved a milestone — earning a Doctor of Philosophy in French Literature from the City University of New York Graduate Center at age 85.
Outside her work in academia, Gertz had a successful tenure in highend fashion and interior design. She was a licensed decorator and a collector of American furniture. She also managed three Saint Laurent Rive Gauche boutiques in Manhasset, Southampton and Palm Beach, Florida, as well as a Hermès boutique in Manhasset.
Her love of art and history later led her to serve on the boards of the Metropolitan Museum of Arts’ Friends of the American Wing, the Historic House Trust of New York City and the King Manor Museum in Jamaica, Queens.
But her proudest accomplishment was her family. Gertz is survived by her three children, James, Patricia and Teresa; her younger sister, Phyllis Schwartz; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Wolochuk described Gertz as a warm, thoughtful friend who cherished connection and routine. Over the years, she kept in touch with Gertz, who invited her to attend her doctoral party in Manhattan. She said that they were just making plans to see each other before Christmas.
“She lived a full life until the end of her days,” Wolochuk said. “She was an amazing woman and I know I have lost a good friend.”
Her family, friends, and colleagues will remember her for her intelligence, generosity, and enduring spirit.
Public Notices
the administrative offce of the Lakeview Public Library between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on each of the fve (5) days prior to the day of the election except Sundays, and between the hours of 10a.m. and 12 noon on the Saturday prior to the election, and such list will also be available for inspection at the polling place at the election of members of the Board of Trustees.
By Order of the Board of Trustees of the Lakeview Public Library District. Dated: October 16th, 2024________________ Rockville Centre, New York Lakeview Public Library District Clerk 149960
LEGAL NOTICE SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION, CARE AND PROTECTION, TERMINATION OF PARENTAL RIGHTS, DOCKET NUMBER 23CP0211HO, Trial Court of Massachusetts, Juvenile Court Department, COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, Clerk Magistrate’s Offce, Hampden County Juvenile Court, 121 Elm Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. (413) 322-6700. TO: The father of Niamonnie Ariah G-G Artis Fountain, born on 02/13/2008 to Camelia Artis in Village of Rockville Centre, NY: A petition has been presented to this court by DCF Holyoke, seeking as to the following child: Niamonnie Ariah G-G
Artis Fountain, that said child be found in need of care and protection and committed to the Department of Children and Families. The court may dispense the rights of the person(s) named herein to receive notice of or to consent to any legal proceeding affecting the adoption, custody, or guardianship or any other disposition of the child named herein, if it fnds that the child is in need of care and protection and that the best interests of the child would be served by said disposition. You are hereby ORDERED to appear in this court, at the court address set forth above, on the following date and time: 01/03/2025 at 09:00 AM Other Hearing
You may bring an
attorney with you. If you have a right to an attorney and if the court determines that you are indigent, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you. If you fail to appear, the court may proceed on that date and any date thereafter to a trial on the merits and adjudication of this matter. For further information call the Offce of the Clerk-Magistrate at (413) 322-6700.
WITNESS: Hon. David B. Paradis, FIRST JUSTICE, DATE ISSUED: 11/15/2024, Michele Dunn, Clerk-Magistrate. 150132
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Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
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EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
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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!
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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
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MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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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
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opInIonS
I look forward to representing you again
Serving New York’s 4th Congressional District has been an honor. Indeed, being entrusted with the sacred honor of representing my Long Island neighbors on Capitol Hill is a duty I have taken extraordinarily seriously every day. I am grateful to the people of this district for placing their faith in me, and look forward to representing you again. It has certainly been a consequential and active 118th Congress, and I am proud of the accomplishments I was able to achieve on behalf of the 4th District. As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I worked tirelessly to help pass House Republicans’ signature H.R. 2 border security legislation — a sweeping plan to end the border security crisis, which is in stark contrast to the disaster Democrats have allowed to fester along America’s southern border.
What’s more, I was proud that the House passed legislation I introduced to formally condemn the antisemitic chant, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” which is used by antisemitic actors to call for the destruction of Israel. My commitment to combating antisemitism also extends to my tenure as a member of the Holocaust Memorial Museum board and my work to help found the House-Knesset Parliamentary Friendship Group — a panel created to foster stronger ties between the U.S. House of Representatives and Israel’s legislature, the Knesset. As a retired New York City Police Department detective, I also endeavored to support law enforcement professionals across the country with such legislation as my Police Our Border Act, which passed in the House and will help law enforcement agencies across the country better respond to the ongoing border crisis.
I’m proud of everything I accomplished in Congress, from bills to committee work.
hours of committee work I engaged in through my seats on the House Homeland Security, Transportation & Infrastructure, and House Administration committees. What’s more, my leadership role as chairman of the House Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology allowed me to conduct important oversight of the Federal Emergency Management Agency — an organization that is extraordinarily important to South Shore communities that are prone to flooding emergencies, like many in our district.
Governing is difficult, and requires coalition building, compromise, and a willingness to reach across the aisle — a fact I understand after being named the 11th-most bipartisan member of Congress and serving as a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus.
These are only a few of the 37 pieces of legislation I introduced, the 448 bills I co-sponsored and the thousands of
Dear readers,
Before the presidential election, the Herald published an editorial explaining why the familyowned newspapers would not be endorsing political candidates.
If I had read the piece in a vacuum, I would agree with it entirely. It states, in part, “Our focus is not on swaying voters toward a particular candidate, but on delivering comprehensive and unbiased information about the issues that matter most to Long Islanders. We are not here to tell our readers how to vote for political candidates; rather, we are here to arm readers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box.”
Sounds perfect. But we are living through an unprecedented and exceedingly imperfect time in our nation’s history. This year, not endorsing meant keeping silent when silence may have implied that both presidential candidates met minimal standards for serving in the nation’s highest office. By any standard, that is not true of President-elect Donald Trump.
Media across our country have some-
In addition to my legislative and committee work, I successfully secured over $20 million in direct funding for community projects across the 4th District to benefit our neighbors. These secured federal resources funded a new Nassau County Police Department training village, important flood-mitigation infrastructure in the Village of Floral Park, technology upgrades for the Freeport, Lynbrook and Rockville Centre police departments, and more.
we can’t keep it
how made it seem as if a convicted felon with a rich history of lying and a refusal to take on the serious issues of governance is a reasonable choice. But in our president-elect, we have an aspiring autocrat, a morally bankrupt man with a vengeful heart.
He has already begun fulfilling his promise to dismantle the government by selecting big donors, MAGA loyalists and inexperienced toadies for his new cabinet. None of this is a surprise. He said he would do it, and he is. Whether they get confirmed is dependent on the ever-weakening backbone of Republican senators, who live and die, politically, at the whim of the man they follow.
tarian government.
D onald Trump did not meet the presidency’s minimal standards.
We are in the beginning days of DJT’s revenge tour, fulfilling his promise to punish those who opposed him, challenged him and tried to bring him to justice. He wants people at the table whose loyalty is to him. Their expertise and leadership qualities seem incidental to the main qualification: unquestioning obeisance to the leader.
So the idea of not endorsing candidates, this extraordinary year in particular, does not sit well. The fallout from the coming Trump presidency could be a catastrophic shift toward an authori-
My successor, Laura Gillen, will need to navigate these challenges while serving in the House Democratic minority, which will prove difficult. Indeed, the fact that Gillen will be in the minority lends itself well to being a vocal partisan critic of the House Republican majority and the incoming Trump administration, because both will be working in overdrive to correct the many mistakes of the Biden administration and Democrats across the country who forced Americans to endure crippling inflation and a border crisis. Gillen’s position in the House minority does not lend itself well to delivering for 4th District neighbors like I was able to do by leveraging my position in the majority.
Gillen made bold, empty promises, and now it is time for her to deliver. Voters will be watching.
Anthony D’Esposito is completing his term in the 118th Congress.
in neutral
I understand the dilemmas. Do endorsements really affect voters’ choices? Historians, psychologists and journalists bat the question around, with no clear answer. Do endorsements alienate too many readers? In the world of newspapers, these issues loom much larger on the local level than with big newspapers like the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, which also declined to endorse this year.
Local papers live in the community. They have responsibilities to their readers, to the truth and to the realities of just staying in business. With local newspapers closing every week across the country, conflicting interests must be reconciled, very carefully.
I started at the Nassau Herald more than 30 years ago, and for many years it did endorse candidates, from local officials to the presidency. Leatrice Spanierman, my mentor and colleague and the Heralds’ longtime executive editor, interviewed candidates every fall and wrote endorsements. The candidates, including member of the U.S. House and Senate, came to her office; they knew the value of local newspapers’ endorsement. The Heralds had a voice, and used
it as a means of informing readers. The editorial in the Oct. 31-Nov. 6 issue, explaining why the Heralds were not offering endorsements, stated that “the one place where you might see opinions about local and national political candidates … is in columns in our editorial pages, like those written by Randi Kreiss and Peter King. These essays are distinguished from Herald news content by featuring photos of the authors, making it clear that they reflect the writers’ perspectives and not the views of the Herald.”
I understand the need to create distance. I like the distance, too. I don’t speak for the Heralds. No one high on the masthead has ever tried to influence what I write or don’t write. The paper stays above the fray by giving King and me platforms for different points of view. I would be fine with any newspaper’s no-endorsement policy if this election had been like any other in America’s long history. But it was not. Nothing about this race was normal. The times demanded speaking up for democracy. For the immediate future and for as long as it can, the press must use its voice to call out the bad guys and amplify justice. This Thanksgiving, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my views. Our free press never seemed so precious.
Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
AnTHonY D’ESpoSITo
RAnDI KREISS
Rockville centRe
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Incorporating The News & Owl of Rockville Centre 1928-2001
Daniel Offner
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rObert Palma
Multi Media Marketing Consultant
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HERALD
A season for giving back on Long Island
With the holiday season upon us, our minds turn to traditions — Thanksgiving meals filled with comfort and gratitude, and other gatherings of family and friends over the coming weeks.
These moments of celebration are precious, but they also give us an opportunity to reflect on what it means to give back. Thanksgiving, rooted in the idea of gratitude, serves as a poignant reminder of our privilege and the responsibility to extend a hand to others. Here on Long Island, where vibrant communities thrive amid significant challenges, there is no shortage of causes deserving our time, attention and generosity.
Friendsgiving, a relatively recent tradition, embodies the spirit of connection by bringing friends together to share a meal and express their appreciation for one another. It can also be an occasion to unite for a greater purpose. By turning these gatherings into opportunities to collect donations or volunteer, we can channel collective energy into tangible support for those in need. Whether it’s hosting a food drive or organizing a group to serve at a local soup kitchen, Friendsgiving can be a powerful reminder of the broader community we’re all a part of.
On Long Island, the contrast between abundance and need is striking. While many of us prepare for feasts, thousands struggle to put food on the table. Nearly 284,000 people will suffer from hunger on Long Island at some point this year, according to Community Solidarity, a nonprofit that provides groceries, fresh produce and warm vegan meals to lowincome communities.
Organizations like Island Harvest and Long Island Cares work tirelessly to combat food insecurity in our neighborhoods. A donation of non-perishable items, a financial contribution, or volunteering for a few hours can make a profound difference to families facing hun-
letters
Where is this ship of state sailing?
To the Editor:
Re Peter King’s column last week, “Trump makes the comeback of all comebacks”: It’s fair for Mr. King to celebrate Donald Trump’s “comeback,” and to take his share of reflected glory for strongly supporting him. But, weeks into the transition, is there no trepidation over what is being wrought?
Mr. King long served honorably
Organizations that welcome your help
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island: BBBsli.org
Citizens Campaign for the Environment: CitizensCampaign.org
Community Solidarity: CommunitySolidarity.org
Family & Children’s Association: FCAli.org
Interfaith Nutrition Network: The-Inn.org
Island Harvest: Island Harvest.org
Long Island Cares: LICares.org
Save the Great South Bay: SaveTheGreatsouthbay.org
ger this season.
Beyond food insecurity — limited or uncertain access to adequate food — there are numerous other causes that need our support. The holiday season can be especially difficult for those without homes. Groups like the Interfaith Nutrition Network, in Hempstead, provide shelter, meals and supportive services to help the unhoused regain some sense of stability. Contributing to these efforts — whether through monetary donations, clothing drives, or simply offering your time — can help others who are less fortunate experience the warmth of the season.
At this time of year, we also highlight the importance of supporting our local youth. Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island and the Family & Children’s Association offer mentorships and resources to empower young people. By donating to these programs or
becoming a mentor yourself, you can have a lasting impact on a young person’s life.
And let’s not forget our environment, which sustains us all. As we celebrate the bounty of the land, consider supporting groups like Citizens Campaign for the Environment or Save the Great South Bay. Their work to protect Long Island’s natural beauty ensures that future generations can enjoy the landscapes and waterways we too often take for granted.
Of course, there’s also local news, which continues to face economic headwinds. Organizations like the Empire State Local News Coalition help sustain New York’s local news organizations — like the Herald — so reporters can tell the important stories about your friends and families, and shine a light on all of the issues mentioned here.
The beauty of giving back is that it doesn’t always have to be monetary — your time and skills can be just as valuable. Many local nonprofits, shelters and community centers are in dire need of extra hands during the holidays. A few hours spent wrapping gifts for underprivileged children, serving meals to veterans, or taking part in a community cleanup can ripple outward in meaningful ways.
Finally, don’t forget Dec. 3, Giving Tuesday, the annual nationwide day of charitable giving. For more information on this growing grass-roots effort, go to givingtuesday.org.
As we gather around dinner tables this season, let’s remember that gratitude is most powerful when it inspires action. Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving remind us of our interconnectedness — our shared humanity and the strength of our communities. Together we can ensure that everyone, in every corner of Long Island, feels the gratitude of the holidays. Each of us has the power to make the season brighter for others. This year, let’s not just celebrate; let’s give.
in a Congress that will now be directed to self-emasculate. There are threats of courts-martial, military-assisted deportations, even gender tests for House members. Furors will multiply over staff, from cabinet positions on down. Promises are made of $2 trillion in budget cuts. Mr. King’s experience-based thoughts might be useful.
We sail soon into heavy seas aboard the USS “Caine Mutiny,” with Captain Queeg in command.
BRIAN KELLY Rockville
Centre
opinions
Why do we still doubt a woman’s ability to lead?
acouple of weeks ago, I was sitting in the waiting room of a car repair shop with my dad, minding my own business, as one does while waiting to pick up a car that’s being worked on. There were a few other customers there, most of them quiet and keeping to themselves, but one man, sitting to my right, was running his mouth about politics. obviously happy that Donald Trump had won the presidential election, the man said something along the lines of, “It’s a good thing kamala harris didn’t win, because no one would ever respect her” — due simply to the fact that she’s a woman.
If I’d been in the mood for an argument, I probably would’ve said something like, “I sure hope you don’t have any daughters or a wife at home who’d love to hear you say that.” But alas, I didn’t want to get into a conflict with a stranger, so I kept my mouth shut, and
on the way out the door a few minutes later, my dad and I laughed to ourselves about how ridiculous the guy sounded.
Like everyone else, I had my thoughts going into this election cycle, and truthfully, it doesn’t matter whom I voted for, because it’s a done deal at this point.
Sure, there are men, like the one we encountered, who have their misogynistic beliefs that women are unfit for office. But I’ve found that it’s not just men who are dismissing the ability of a likely qualified and certainly accomplished woman to run a country.
ier, many aunts and lots of cousins, who are successful and honest and righteous people.
It’s a shame, I think, that somewhere along the way, the man at the shop and the women who are reinforcing such a negative, internal bias didn’t have that same guidance. And if they did, then something else has failed them.
’ve heard too many women say that they could never vote for a woman for president.
It’s women, just like me, who have serious doubts about their own gender. I’ve seen and heard from many of them, “I’m a woman, and I could never vote for a woman.”
I’m seldom at a loss of words, but that has stumped me. I am extraordinarily thankful that my sister and I grew up in a household in which we were told that we could accomplish anything, so long as we set our minds to it and put in the work. I am so thankful to be surrounded by extraordinary women, like my mother, my grandmoth-
Letters
The Sands proposal: nothing but trouble
To the Editor:
The Las Vegas Sands proposal to spend $6 billion — that’s billion with a B, folks — had me wondering from where Sands expected to recover their investment plus the daily cost of operations and the profit from the project. It wasn’t really a wonder, more of a fact, given all the expected losses the gambling public would be leaving behind.
A real concern is the draining of huge amounts of our underground aquifer to feed this unnecessary beast, a waste of our local water supply.
The proposal is now also offering an expansion of lanes on the Meadowbrook Parkway from three to four. All this would accomplish would be the removal of the mature trees and greenery along that stretch of parkway, leaving no shoulder.
Yes, it’s a parkway, meaning there are no commercial vehicles. So without an adjacent commercial highway, all the daily delivery trucks that would be needed to supply this property would be feeding off the Long Island Expressway, the only commercial road, for miles through our local streets. That would be an unneeded burden on our local streets and neighborhoods, 24/7.
We do not need this disaster in the making.
Lastly, the Sands has been spending a
lot of money locally on public relations, newspapers inserts, etc., to make the proposal sound appealing. Don’t believe the wizardry, which, when you look behind the curtain, is really a corporate giant taking local amenities and infiltrating our local environment, all in the name of a profit to feed its own goals.
MIchAEL LEfkoWITz Accountants + Advisors East Meadow
How about sharing a holiday meal at a diner?
To the Editor:
This holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, if you’re too tired to cook, consider sharing a meal with family, friends or neighbors and patronize your local diner or restaurant. for decades I have enjoyed many excellent meals at many local diners.
Diners have been part of my life since I was a teenager. Eating out is a periodic ritual, and their portions are generous. Between the soup, salad, rolls, coleslaw and pickles, along with the main course, diner dinners satisfy the heartiest appetites. Who’s never taken a doggie bag home with leftovers to eat the next day? Many times we’ve bagged our desserts to go.
Many Long Island neighborhoods have seen changes over the years. New immigrant groups sometimes favor
My entire life, I’ve been inspired by the people around me, as well as the women — the trailblazers — who are making our world a better, more inclusive place. And it really is a shame that a large chunk of our population still believes that someone who’s deserving of a prestigious role, like the presidency, should be denied that simply because she’s a woman.
If you voted for Donald Trump because you believe in his policies and his vision for America, that’s fine — and that’s your right as an American. But if you voted for him simply because you found yourself unable to support a woman, for whatever reason, then, boy, are we in serious trouble. That’s an insult to every woman who’s come
before you — every woman who’s willed her way through glass ceilings, and endured hardship after hardship, solely on the basis of sex.
I’m a big reader and thinker, and I implore anyone who thinks so negatively about the abilities and strength of women to pick up a book. Read “The Nightingale,” by kristin hannah, and be blown away by a tale of courage. Read “The Dressmakers of Auschwitz,” by Lucy Adlington, and learn a true story of sewing for survival. Read “The handmaid’s Tale,” by Margaret Atwood, and think about what life could be like if we let misogyny win.
In a world where the impossible can become possible, little girls should know that they can be whoever they want to be, career women, moms, a blend of both — or the top candidate on a presidential ticket.
The election results aside, women soldier on. We must actively challenge the biases, in ourselves and others, that continue to hold us back. only then can we create a future in which every woman knows that her voice matters and her potential has no limits.
Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.
Framework by Francine Berman
their own ethnic foods and restaurants. Diners have also lost customers over time to fast-food restaurants. Remember, these people are our neighbors. our local entrepreneurs who own and operate diners have continued to invest in our communities, creating new employment opportunities without the assistance of federally funded taxpayers’ stimulus dollars. They work long hours, pay taxes and provide local
employment. If we don’t patronize our local restaurants, these workers don’t eat, either.
Why not honor the fond memories of some our favorite diners that have come and gone by continuing to patronize those that remain? h ere’s hoping that diners don’t go the way of the dinosaurs.
LARRY PENNER Great Neck
At the ‘Wicked’ Experience — Universal Orlando Resort
JorDan VaLLone
