Paul and Daniella Nunez of Rockville Centre with their son Tyler, 5, enjoy the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 3. A timehonored tradition in Rockville Centre, hundreds gathered at the Village Green on Maple Avenue to bask in the glow of the Christmas tree. Story, more photos Page 3.
By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com
The four-year legal battle between the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre and the survivors of more than 600 child sexual abuse allegations concluded last week.
Chief Judge Martin Glenn of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York approved the terms of the diocese’s Chapter 11 reorganization plan on Dec. 4. The plan includes the terms of a $323 million settlement to be paid out in a trust.
Tapproximately 80 percent of survivors eligible to vote participated. Those who did not vote or who voted “no” are not disenfranchised from taking part in the settlement.
he survivors, over four years of very litigious proceedings, showed great resiliency.
JAMEs sTANg
Attorney with Pachulski, Stang, Ziehl and Jones
“The survivors, over four years of very litigious proceedings, showed great resiliency,” James Stang, one of the lead attorneys representing the survivors, said. “Because of their resolve, we were able to make a deal that was fair to survivors.”
Stang said that Glenn confirmed the settlement after 99 percent of survivors who voted on the deal approved it. Overall,
The announcement comes following a recent objection made by William K. Harrington, a United States Trustee serving as a bankruptcy watchdog with the Department of Justice, who claimed the deal would improperly bind the survivors, represented by a Committee of Unsecured Creditors, to “expansive, overbroad and non-consensual releases and injunctions,” without consent, which he claims violates the 2024 U.S. Supreme Court’s Harrington v. Purdue Pharma decision made in June.
In a memorandum from Judge Glenn, issued Nov. 18, he explains in detail, “the Court is unpersuaded.”
“The UST Objection in this respect is also overruled,” Glenn Continued on page 2
stated in his decision. “For the reasons discussed, the motion is granted. The debtor’s (the Diocese of Rockville Centre) entry into the settlement agreements is approved.”
The diocese, which represents 134 parishes across Long Island, initially filed for Chapter 11 in October 2020, after hundreds of lawsuits were brought against it following former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s approval of the Child Victims Act in 2019, which extended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims.
Representatives of the survivors’ committee first proposed a reorganization plan for the diocese in January 2023, offering to settle the claims for $450 million. The diocese responded a month later with a $200 million counteroffer, with contributions to be made by the diocese, its parishes, co-insured parties, and other members of the ministry, not including insurance payouts.
The committee rejected the counteroffer in April 2023 and moved to dismiss the bankruptcy case, due to the unlikelihood of reaching a consensus, potentially remanding hundreds of the sexual abuse cases to the state civil courts.
Having determined that the attorneys for the survivors could not substantiate being unable to settle within a “reasonable amount of time,” Glenn rejected the committee’s motion, and in July 2023 he offered the diocese a 100-
day window to try to reach an agreement with the survivors.
The $200 million proposal, which the diocese referred to as its “best and final” attempt at a reorganization plan, was ultimately rejected by a supermajority vote of the survivors in April, for not providing adequate compensation for their suffering and lacking any child-protection measures.
In response, the diocese sought to dismiss the case, which prompted Glenn to bring in mediators to try to avoid remanding the individual cases to the state courts. His concern was that if the diocese were to oversee things on a caseby-case basis, a large payout in the early goings could risk leaving the diocese with no money for hundreds of other survivors.
Through the help of mediators, a deal was struck in October, outlining the terms of the $323 million settlement. In response, the diocese issued a statement on this historic settlement.
“We are grateful to God that on Dec. 4, the court confirmed the plan that resolves and ends the Bankruptcy case for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, all our parishes and related ministries,” an unnamed spokesperson stated on behalf of the diocese. “For the sake of abuse survivors and the Church’s mission on Long Island, we pray that the plan brings some measure of healing to survivors and allows the church to carry on
the saving mission of Jesus Christ. Victim survivors of child abuse deserve our respect, our prayers, and our pastoral support. The church is grateful for their courage and perseverance.”
Based on the terms of the approved reorganization plan, the settlement includes $234.8 million from the diocese, its assets, and the sale of diocesan property, parishes, and other entities. Insurance companies will kick in $85 million and the legal counsel for the creditors committee will contribute $3 million.
Parishes also completed an abbreviated Chapter 11 to secure release from any past liabilities. None of the parishes will close as a result of the process and no Catholic Ministries Appeal donations were used towards the settlement, according to diocesan officials.
“Parishes will now continue their ministry, free from historical lawsuits and free from bankruptcy,” the diocese spokesperson stated. “The diocese’s goal has always been the equitable compensation of survivors of abuse while allowing the church to continue (its) essential mission. We believe this plan has achieved those goals.”
Stang said funding for the trust is expected to begin immediately following the decision.
“I know the diocese hopes to be out of bankruptcy in the next day or so,” he said. “That means money is going to start flowing into the trust from the dio-
a federal bankruptcy court judge confirmed the terms of the diocese of rockville Centre’s Chapter 11 plans, which includes a $323 million settlement with survivors of alleged sexual abuse.
cese, parishes and other entities.”
While some claims are still being reviewed, Stang said that he hopes the diocese will start allocating money to individuals by the end of January.
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Hundreds gathered in festive harmony to celebrate a cherished holiday tradition in Rockville Centre.
The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Village Green on Dec. 3 brought families, friends, and neighbors together on a crisp winter evening to revel in the magic of twinkling holiday lights.
“On behalf of the entire village board we wish you a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and the best for all seasons,” Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray said. “May God bless you all and may he continue to bless our beloved Rockville Centre.”
To keep spirits high and hearts warm, hot cocoa was served courtesy of the Vineyard Experience Church, while the enchanting sound of music spread tidings of joy throughout the crowd.
The tree lighting ceremony featured musical performances by the South Side Middle School Chorale, led by Melissa Lagoudes; the South Side High School band and wind ensemble, led by conductor Barry LeBron; and the South Side High School Choraleers and South Side High School Chamber Singers, led by Doreen Fryling, which helped set the tone for this year’s holiday celebration.
Father Michael Duffy, rector of St. Agnes Cathedral, blessed the community in his invocation. “May this tree and nativity scene be a reminder to all that God is close to us,” Father Duffy said. “Lord, help us to open up our hearts this holiday season, this Christmas season, to love those around us and fill the civilization with love here in Rockville Centre.”
Anticipation built as Mayor Murray invited this year’s VIP guests — Marie, Tessa and Corinne Coghlan and their parents, Kate and Kevin — up to the stage, where they were given the honor of flipping the switch to illuminate the night sky in a dazzling display of lights, courtesy of the Rockville Centre Electric Department.
To add an extra touch of holiday magic to the festivities, Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer delighted guests by making a special appearance.
But the true highlight of the evening came when Santa Claus, himself, arrived in style, escorted by the Rockville Centre Fire Department, to bring smiles and joy to all the good children in the village.
Rabbi David Lerner of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David closed the ceremony with the benediction. “May this tree bath our surroundings in light, despite the increased darkness that comes in tandem with the coldness of winter,” Rabbi Lerner said. “The added warmth of the family, projecting our light out into the world, has the power of salvation and fortifies hope for a brighter world.”
The evening was a beautiful celebration of community, tradition, and holiday cheer for all ages.
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Rockville Centre police arrested Robert Sheldon, 26, of Vermont Street in Lindenhurst on Dec. 6. He has been charged with an active arrest warrant after being stopped on Sunrise Highway for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration.
Rockville Centre police arrested Kenneth Reiser, 72, of North Long Beach Road on Dec. 6. He has been charged with menacing and criminal possession of a weapon following an investigation on Sherman Avenue.
A pedestrian was struck by a motor vehicle on Dec. 2, at the intersection of Princeton Road and Buckingham Road. The pedestrian was transported to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital and a short time later was pronounced dead.
A resident of Maple Avenue reported on Dec. 3 that she has been getting unwanted phone text messages that are causing her to fear for her safety.
A local employee reported on Dec. 4 that a co-worker threatened her at her place of business in Rockville Centre.
A customer of CitiBank reported on Dec. 2 that an unknown person stole her debit card while she was at the bank and withdrew an undisclosed amount of money from her bank account.
A motorist reported on Dec. 2 that her vehicle was struck by another vehicle, while making a left turn into a parking lot. The other vehicle then fled the scene.
A motorist reported on Dec. 3 that her vehicle was struck by another vehicle, while driving on Merrick Road, which then fled the scene.
A resident of N. Village Avenue reported on Dec. 7 that an unknown person withdrew money from his bank account at a bank in Pennsylvania.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
The Rockville Centre Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just
Dec 1 – Dec 8
General Alarms – 10
Still Alarms – 10
Rescue – 5
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 47
Mutual Aid Fire – 0
Mutual Aid Rescue – 0
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 0
Total – 72
■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/rockvillecentre
have questions, please visit any firehouse on Sunday mornings and speak with one of the officers or call (516) 6789320. For emergencies dial 911 or (516) 766-0400.
Year To Date
General Alarms – 539
Still Alarms – 293
Rescue – 175
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 2,277
Mutual Aid Fire – 79
Mutual Aid Rescue – 6
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 4
Total – 3,373
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Catholic Health Mercy Hospital
unveiled a new private infusion room on Dec. 6, in honor of George Glier, a beloved patient who left a lasting impression on staff and nurses during his cancer treatments.
The Glier family, who donated $10,000 to make the project possible, says they hope the room will provide comfort and peace to future patients.
George’s wife, Maggie, described the care her husband received at Mercy as compassionate and heartfelt.
“All of us witnessed the kindness and warmth of the staff,” Maggie said. “For something so difficult to go through, Mercy made it feel like a warm, kind, compassionate atmosphere.”
George, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, received chemotherapy at Mercy’s infusion center in 2022 and passed away on March 9, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. Known for his humor, curiosity, and love of family, he quickly became a favorite among staff.
Ihab Ibrahim, chief operating officer at Mercy, praised George’s resilience. “They say about cancer, it’s not about avoiding the storm; it’s learning how to dance in the rain,” Ibrahim said.
“George truly danced in the rain, and it’s our honor to dedicate this space in his memory.”
The newly dedicated “George’s Room” reflects his passions, with a beach-inspired design and touches that celebrate his love of cars and boats.
“They really captured him, especially
with the colors,” his son, Christopher Glier, said. “It’s a warm, inviting room that truly feels like him.”
Meghan Wagner, nurse manager at Mercy’s infusion center, shared how George impacted everyone who cared for him.
“Even on tough days, George bright-
ened the room,” Wagner said. “He always asked about us and our families, even while going through his own struggles. He brought such joy and optimism to our team.”
During the unveiling on Dec. 6, Wagner read a note from Jennifer Okoye, one of George’s nurses who couldn’t attend.
“George went above and beyond to make it easy for us to care for him,” Okoye wrote. “Even on tough days, he made us smile. He cheered me on when I struggled to place an IV, even though he was afraid of needles. He truly cared about everyone he met.”
Wagner recalled her own experiences as well. “I remember our last treatment session before he passed away,” she said. “At the end of that session, he seemed scared, like he knew it was our last time seeing him. But then he made jokes and danced out the door with Maggie and Regina. That’s just who George was. We all miss him.”
The dedication ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting, led by the Glier family and hospital staff. The family hopes George’s Room will serve as a comforting refuge for those undergoing treatment.
“George’s Room isn’t just a space; it’s a testament to the love, kindness, and life he shared,” Ibrahim said.
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
Hofstra women’s basketball is looking to provide the doubters wrong in the Coastal Athletic Association.
The Pride was picked to finish 12th in the 14-team league’s preseason poll after a 3-15 CAA season last year in which five e conference losses were in single digits. Hofstra returns five players from last year’s 11-21 team that caught fire at the end of the 2023/24 season to win two games in the CAA Tournament and reach the quarterfinal round and is looking to build off of that postseason run this winter.
“We know we’re better than that but just to say we know we’re better than what we are perceived at or expected to be is not enough,” said fifth-year head coach Danielle Santos Atkinson. “You’ve got to go and be better and go and show people that you’re better and you’ve got to go and prove that you’re capable of more and that’s where we are as a team now.”
After a hard-fought 63-58 season-opening loss to Sacred Heart, Hofstra responded with back-to-back wins against NJIT and Yale to provide some early-season confidence for the new campaign. The Pride improved to 3-5 on the young season with a 55-52 home win against Howard last Sunday.
Among the key returners determined to propel Hofstra toward its first winning season in nine years is junior guard Emma Von Essen, a Rockville Centre native who was the Pride’s leading scorer last season and knocked down 85 threes. The Long Island Lutheran product is off to another explosive start this season averaging 12.8 points per game so far with 24 threes.
“She’s just so consistent and that’s one of the things that we really appreciate about Emma is she’s going to be Emma every single day, and she’s not trying to do someone else’s job,” Santos Atkinson said. “ She works extremely hard and she knows what she does well, and she tries to do that every single time to the best of our ability.”
Santos Atkinson also returned graduate student center Zyheima Swint, who was the team’s fourth-leading scorer last year and led the team in rebounding. Zyheima Swint registered 14 points in a 75-61 victory against Yale on Nov. 12.
Hofstra also added a number of key newcomers aiding the Pride early this season.
Junior guard Chloe Sterling is the leading scorer through eight games after transferring from James Madison University. The Kennesaw, Ga. native earned CAA Player of the Week honors after tallying a careerhigh 21 points in a 74-69 win at NJIT on Nov. 8.
Freshman forward LaNae’ Corbett is showing promise early in her collegiate career by averaging 10.5 points per game including 15 in the Sacred Heart game to go along with 13 rebounds. She led Hofstra with 17 points in the Howard victory.
“The sky’s the limit for her,” said Satos Atkinson of Corbet, a mechanical engineering major who shined at one of the nation’s top-ranked high school girls basketball programs at Bishop McNamara in Maryland. “She’s one of the most consistent freshmen that I’ve coached in terms of her work ethic and how she shows up.”
Santos Atkinson pieced together some challenging non-conference games to prepare for CAA play that included a Dec. 2 trip to her alma mater the University of Florida where Hofstra trailed in single digits
at halftime to the SEC school before falling 75-48. The Pride will also host Big East foe St. John’s on Dec. 11. The CAA schedule commences on Jan. 3 at Monmouth and Jan. 5 at Delaware before the Pride host its league home opener on Jan. 10 against College of Charleston for a 6 p.m. tipoff. Hofstra concludes the conference schedule at home on March 6 against Long Island rival Stony Brook at 6 p.m. and a Saturday matinee versus Northeastern on March 8 at 2 p.m.
“Two things that we talk about to be successful this year for us is we’ve got to be the most competitive team in the CAA and we’ve got to be the most selfless team in the CAA, and I think we are capable of doing both of those things,” Santos Atkinson said. “And then we’ve got to compete through adversity through the good times and the bad.”
Nominate a student under 16 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.
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Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?
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By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Election Day was a whirlwind of excitement for Laura Gillen, the newly elected Democratic representative of New York’s 4th Congressional District.
“Election days are always very exciting, and a little bit nerve-racking as you wait for the results to come in,” she said.
Gillen, a former Hempstead town supervisor, was joined by her family and campaign team as the polls closed and the results began coming in. She said that once she felt confident enough in the numbers, she declared victory over the incumbent, U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito.
“I was pleased to declare the win, and so pleased to have the opportunity to represent the people of the district,” she said.
The victory capped a remarkable comeback for Gillen, who lost a bid for the congressional seat to D’Esposito in 2022.
Reflecting on the success of her 2024 campaign, she attributed her triumph to listening, communicating and articulating the needs of her district. “I spent the campaign really focusing on the race and the district,” she said. “The message really did resonate.”
Gillen credited her campaign’s success to its strong outreach efforts, which struck a chord among local voters.
“We had a much more robust field program than we had in 2022,” she explained. “We spent a lot of time knocking on doors and pounding the pavement to make sure voters knew the issues at stake.”
She also highlighted her team’s use of television
and digital platforms to broaden their message.
In preparation for her move to Washington, Gillen was invited to Capitol Hill for a congressional orientation. “It was really exciting,” she said. “It really brings it all home.”
The orientation, she said, gave her an opportunity to connect with members of Congress from both parties, which she indicated would be essential to passing important legislation starting in January.
“It was wonderful to also meet my future colleagues,” she said. “We’re in the minority, but the majority is a very narrow majority.”
Her visit to the Capitol also came with an unexpected highlight: Gillen drew the coveted No. 1 spot in the office lottery for incoming freshmen.
“I went in with a spirit of gratitude, thinking, you get what you get,” she said.
Much to her surprise, she secured an office in the recently renovated Cannon House Office Building. Although her office is still under construction, she is confident that it will be ready by the time she takes office.
At the local level, Gillen said she is still evaluating whether to maintain her current campaign office or establish a new space for constituent services, which would ensure accessibility for district residents.
Looking ahead to congressional committee assignments, she said the process is still unfolding, but her priority is clear.
“I want to serve on a committee where I can best deliver for the residents of the district,” she said.
Gillen will officially be sworn in on Jan. 6, 2025.
“I am looking forward to working in Washington to deliver results for this district,” she said.
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
More than 400 people gathered at The Lannin at Eisenhower Park on Friday, Dec. 6, for the Friends of Mercy Hospital’s 88th annual Mercy Ball.
This year’s gala raised more than $100,000 for the Women’s Imaging Center at Catholic Health Mercy Hospital, which is set to undergo a significant facelift aimed at enhancing its ambiance and creating a spa-like atmosphere.
Renovations will include a welcoming waiting room with carefully selected décor and examination rooms outfitted with new furnishings designed to promote a tranquil and peaceful environment for patients.
Each year, the Friends of Mercy Hospital honors three individuals for their commitment to advancing the hospital’s mission.
Keith Linsalata, the owner of Art Flower & Gift Shoppe in Rockville Centre for more than 33 years, was presented with the Bishop John R. McGann Lifetime Achievement Award this year, for his continued dedication, support, and community service.
“It was a great night,” Linsalata said. “Everyone who supports Mercy, everyone who works at the hospital and all of the local dignitaries were there. It really shows you how tight-knit of a community it truly is. It’s not just a hospital — it’s a family.”
A member of the Friends of Mercy for over a decade, Linsalata has contributed his expertise to numerous committees, including the Mercy Ball and St. Patrick’s Dinner.
Linsalata, a native of Massapequa, has been a loyal supporter of Mercy Hospital for many years. He consistently participates in and sponsors all of the Friends of Mercy events and selflessly donates flowers for children’s parties and the hospital gift shop.
He also participates in “Pedal It Forward Day,” one of his most cherished projects, where he and his team distribute more than 1,200 bouquets to spread goodwill throughout the community, particularly to the many nurses and patients in Mercy’s care.
“It was a true honor to be recognized,” Linsalata said, “not just by any hospital, but by Mercy, especially.”
This year, the Friends of Mercy Hospital also honored Evelyn Morales, a physician assistant and the director of mid-level practitioner services, who was presented with the Theodore Roosevelt Award for Outstanding Achievement, and Claire De Setto, a registered nurse who was presented with the Sister Mary Nadine Casey CIJ Award for upholding the values of the hospital and founders.
Morales has made significant contributions to critical care and medical leadership. A graduate of Fordham University and Touro College, she has earned advanced degrees in health care administration and medical science.
She went on to spend 13 years with an
outpatient practice that specialized in family medicine, primary care, physiatry and neurology before joining Mercy in 2008. Morales began working in the intermediate care units, where she quickly rose through the ranks to become a medical-legal partnership coordinator, before transitioning into critical care medicine.
Through her many leadership roles, she remained dedicated to her clinical practice and procedural expertise in critical care, balancing her expertise with her family life as a mother of two and a grandmother of six.
Claire De Setto, a nurse at Mercy for more than 50 years, received the Sister Mary Nadine Casey Award this year. De Setto began her career in the intensive care unit in 1971 and has since held leadership roles, including director of perioperative services and interim director of the emergency department.
During the pandemic, De Setto guided her team through unprecedented challenges and founded Mercy’s American Heart Association Training Center, where she trained staff in life support
techniques.
Catholic Health Mercy Hospital was founded in 1913 by the Nursing Sisters of the Congregation of the Infant Jesus, and has remained devoted to the charitable care of the underserved in the region.
“Following the Mercy Ball, I am thrilled to share that it was truly a wonderful and beautiful evening, enjoyed by many that kicked off the holiday sea-
Friends of Mercy
President Dr. Xenophon Xenophontos, center, honors Doreen and Charles Baldwin for their contributions.
son,” said Mercy Ball co-chair Gloria DiSciullo. “It was an incredible opportunity to bring together the Rockville Centre and Mercy Hospital communities in celebration of three deserving individuals. Most importantly, we are proud to announce that the event was a success, raising crucial funds for the Women’s Imaging Center at Mercy Hospital. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this possible.”
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By XIOMARA TRINIDAD PEREZ Herald Intern
Guests were given a glimpse of Christmas past as they gathered inside the Phillips House Museum in Rockville Centre on Sunday, Dec. 8, for a heartwarming holiday tradition.
Stepping through the doors of this 19th-century Victorian home, the warm scent of hot cocoa filled the air. Upstairs, the pitter-patter of children’s laughter and footsteps could be heard as they participated in fun holiday-themed arts and crafts, which they took home as mementos, while teens volunteered to assist the younger children with their yuletide masterpieces.
In the background, the sound of chamber singers performing “Jingle Bells” echoed through the halls, enhancing the festive atmosphere. At the center of the living room stood a Christmas tree adorned with Victorian-era decorations reminiscent of those featured in the major motion picture adaptation of “Little Women.” The room came to life as students from South Side High School delivered beloved Christmas carols, spreading holiday cheer.
Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray also attended the event, taking the opportunity to connect with residents. This year’s festivities were made possible through the efforts of Historical Society trustees Jennifer Santos, Jim Belling, Matt Cliszis, and Tom Hodge.
“We love having the opportunity to host this event annually for the community,” Belling said. “We’re working hard to preserve the past while offering events like this that allow residents to see what the museum has to offer, which benefits the village overall.”
The event also introduced newcomers to the museum, including Rockville Centre resident Mary Ross, who visited the Phillips House for the first time. Encouraged by Hodge and her daughter, Ross came to experience the holiday spirit and learn more about the house’s history.
“This event is great for getting into the holiday spirit,” Debbie Fehringer, co-president of the RVC Historical Society, said. “That’s what this whole event is about — kicking off the season with a lot of goodwill and feeling good about
During the holiday open house, visitors enjoyed festive treats of cookies and punch, while children excitedly gathered to see Santa make his grand entrance aboard a fire truck, accompanied by firefighters from the Rockville Centre Fire Department’s Eureka Hook Ladder & Bucket Company No. 1.
the community we live in. Rockville Centre is, I have to say, truly a wonderful town.”
During the event, Sharon Batkin of Rockville Centre said how much she enjoyed getting to partake in the holiday fun this year. “It’s lovely to see all the little kids running around,” she said.
“I think history is very important, and it’s becoming more meaningful to me as I get older,” Ross said. “I’ve become more interested in who lived before us and how they lived, which makes me appreciate everything we have today.”
The event has become a local tradition in the community that combines the wonder and joy of the holidays with the rich tapestry of the village’s 130year history. For more information on the museum, visit RVCHS.org.
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Nassau County police officers could become front-line defenders against severe allergic reactions if legislation proposed by Legislator Seth Koslow becomes law. The bill would require patrol vehicles to be equipped with epinephrine auto-injectors, or EpiPens, and require officers to be trained to administer them in emergencies.
The bill was unveiled at a Dec. 5 news conference in Mineola, where Koslow, a Democrat from Merrick, was joined by local officials and advocates, including Georgina Cornago, whose son, Giovanni Cipriano, died in 2013 of a severe allergic reaction. Legislators Delia DeRiggiWhitton, Debra Mulè and Scott Davis were also in attendance.
Following her son’s death, Cornago led efforts in 2019 to pass Gio’s Law in New York state. It authorizes certain New York emergency service providers to be trained to treat anaphylaxis and carry EpiPens in their vehicles. The law previously mandated EpiPen training and stocking for first responders in counties with populations of less than 1 million, but it was recently expanded to counties with populations of up to 2 million — which means it can now be implemented in Nassau County.
Jordan Vallone/Herald
Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow spoke at a Dec. 5 news conference about a bill that would require police department patrol vehicles to carry EpiPens, which are administered to those who have life-threatening allergic reactions.
Suffolk County adopted Gio’s Law in 2023.
“This bill will save lives,” Koslow said at the news conference, “because it will give police officers the ability to provide life-saving treatment in an emergency situation. We trust them when it comes to Narcan. We trust them when it comes to CPR. This is a natural
progression, and a natural tool for them to have in their arsenal to provide the resources we expect them to provide on a day-to-day basis.”
Cipriano, who lived in Lawrence, was 14 in 2013, when he went into anaphylactic shock after eating a food he was allergic to. He didn’t have an EpiPen at
the time, so his mother drove him to the hospital, which took too long, leading to his death.
Police department ambulances in Nassau County are equipped with EpiPens, but patrol cars aren’t — and by putting them there, the lifesaving care could be more accessible in emergencies.
“This legislation has been nearly 12 years in the making,” Cornago said. “Its importance cannot be overstated. Just as AED machines have become standard in public spaces, it only makes sense to have epinephrine injectors readily available alongside them as another essential lifesaving device.”
If it passes, the bill will direct the Nassau County Police Department to equip all patrol vehicles with EpiPens within 120 days, and ensure that all officers receive the necessary training to administer the medication.
“The training is about 30 minutes long,” Koslow said. “As far as obtaining the EpiPens, it’s just a function of putting the order in and getting them delivered. They’re readily available.”
Koslow explained that food allergies affect 32 million people in the U.S., and over 1,500 people die every year as a result of food allergy reactions.
The legislators are requesting a vote on the bill before the final legislative session of the year, next Monday.
By XIOMARA TRINIDAD PEREZ Herald Intern
Rockville Centre student Ella Burbige was recognized as an “Everyday Young Hero” by Youth Service America, a nonprofit resource center that supports youth-led campaigns through grants, training and resources.
Burbige, 17, was inspired to spread awareness of sudden cardiac arrest among student athletes, after her good friend, PJ Kellachan, a former Chaminade High School basketball player, suddenly collapsed on the court, after a seizure caused his heart to stop, while he was running drills with his teammates in December 2022.
Thanks to the swift response from assistant coach Bob Paul and athletic trainer Jorge Vargas, who used both CPR and an automated external defibrillator, they were able to successfully resuscitate Kellachan.
This near-tragedy would lead Burbige to launch the Heart and Sole Foundation, a student-run nonprofit that provides training and equipment to help save lives should a similar situation occur.
The foundation, with the help of local health care professionals, also provides electrocardiogram screenings for young athletes to help identify and prevent any hidden heart conditions before they become critical. Thus far, it has screened more than 200 student athletes.
Since its inception, the foundation has been working within the community to identify and provide AED devices in locations with the greatest need. Through her efforts, Burbige has successfuly donated four AED devices to locations around the area.
“Being recognized as a YSA Everyday Young Hero is an honor,” Burbige said, “but the most meaningful thing to me is having the opportunity to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and the critical need for AEDs with 40,000 more people through the YSA newsletter.”
YSA empowers young people, between the ages of five and 25, to discover their voice, take initiative and develop civic skills as they address challenges in their communities. The organization’s campaigns and events have involved upwards of 3.2 million young people in the past decade.
“She’s proven that you are never too young to make a difference and has inspired others to make a positive impact,” her mother, Heidi Burbige, proudly told the Hearld.
Ella Burbige stays dedicated to her mission of trying to save lives. She has currently raised more than $10,000 and plans to donate another four AEDs to facilities in need.
One in 300 youth have an undiagnosed heart abnormality, according to the YSA, making sudden cardiac arrest one of the leading causes of death among teens.
“We are so proud of Ella,” South Side High School Principal Patrick Walsh said. “She embodies everything that it means to be a South Side High School Cyclone. She is hard-working, empathetic, and focused on making the world around her a better place...Congratulations to her on this wonderful and welldeserved recognition.”
Burbige said she is currently working on a five-year plan for the foundation that focuses on partnering with universities to make them HeartSafe certified campuses, by promoting rapid response by trained first responders and public
access to AED devices, early advanced care, and campus-wide CPR and AED training. To learn more, visit theheartandsolefoundation.com.
Custodians at Molloy University with the 32BJ SEIU union are on strike, after several attempts at returning to the bargaining table. The two sides have not met to negotiate since Nov. 25.
Workers with the labor union say they are seeking wage increases, after the terms of their contract expired back in October.
“Workers are striking because Molloy has not provided any additional bargaining dates,” Lenore Friedlaender, the Long Island director of 32BJ SEIU, said in a statement. “The University is not bargaining in good faith and workers are tired of the delays and being taken for granted. Workers want to be valued and fairly compensated for the work they do.”
Union leaders say that custodial staff earn as little as $16.50 per hour, with an average of just under $19 per hour depending on seniority, which is at least $3 less per hour than what other private universities in the area pay.
“The custodians love working at Molloy. They care about the students, the
staff, the professors and the entire Molloy community, but deserve to be fairly compensated,” Friedlaender said. “People shouldn’t have to work two jobs to support their families. We’re talking about single parents. People who cannot afford rent and have to live with family to get by. These wages are out of sync with nearby universities.”
In total there are 45 custodians, most of whom are full-time employees, that clean and maintain the campus. In 2018, they joined the 32BJ SEIU union.
“We value the work of our custodial staff,” an official statement sent on behalf of Molloy University said. “Negotiations are ongoing and we are working diligently to reach a fair agreement.”
Molloy University representatives said they will not be commenting further at this time.
The strike, which began early in the morning on Dec. 10, took place amid a campus-wide holiday party.
–Daniel Offner
The Center for Science, Teaching and Learning at the Tanglewood Preserve in Rockville Centre will host its third annual Dinosaur Carnival, from Saturday, Dec. 21, through Sunday, Dec. 31.
Families are invited to come and enjoy dinosaur-themed games, crafts, face painting, giveaways and more. The exhibit, which is the only of its kind on Long Island, offers guests the chance to get up-close with these prehistoric mar-
vels. Enjoy fun and educational interactions with animatronic dinosaurs, realistic skeleton casts and a variety of live animals, including owls, emus and reptiles.
Tickets are $12 for children under 12 and seniors over 65, and $15 for adults. Admission to the carnival is included with exhibit tickets, which are available at the door. For more information, visit www.cstl.org.
By REI WOLFSOHN Correspondent
The Art Studio in Rockville Centre will host its third annual Wonder Wall art show on December 14, celebrating students, teachers and local artists.
Danielle Barbaro, the owner of The Art Studio, said that this year’s event features a wide array of artists, ranging in skill from the professional to emerging new talent.
“There are some people that are professionals,” Barbaro said. “Everyone here is an artist. If you’ve made work and you’ve sold it, you’re an artist. Some people have done art shows and been in galleries. Then there are some people who are just starting out.”
She said the show is a great way for budding artists to network and meet others they may wish to emulate.
The show will also highlight different mediums, including paintings, sculptures, printing, and more.
“There’s a big variety,” Barbaro said. “Some are pen and ink. There’s oil paint. We have an artist who does assemblage — 3D objects configured together. So there is a little bit of everything for everyone, which is really cool.”
Deciding who and what gets featured in the show is a serious and time-con-
suming process. More than 35 artists submitted over 100 works of art, only 75 of which will be displayed in the show.
“We want to make sure that the Won-
der Wall is an affordable art fair,” Barbaro said. “So we want to find that Venn diagram of interesting, unique, something that people would want to hang in
their home and affordability at the same time.”
Barbaro said that this year’s event only took half the time to put together than it did the year before.
“What’s so great is that we really busted our butts last year,” Barbaro said. “It was much easier this time, because all the steps were put in place … it only took a month or two this time, versus four months (last year).”
This year’s event not only features art students, but the teachers and teaching assistants who helped them as well.
“I’ve seen it from start to current,” Zahra Rizvi, a teaching assistant and administrator with the studio, said. “I think it’s really heartwarming to see all the different teaching assistants, teachers or other roles go from one step to the next. It shows their continuity and it kind of makes you feel like you’re seeing a whole story come to life too.”
New, this year, guests are also invited to participate in a painting challenge, with an opportunity to donate to Love, Nana in Rockville Centre.
The third annual Wonder Wall art show will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 4 – 8 p.m. at The Art Studio, 221 N. Long Beach Road. As always the studio takes no commissions on the sale of artwork, with all proceeds going directly to local artists.
Citi Commercial Bank provides global banking solutions to mid-sized companies that are looking to grow rapidly and expand internationally. With our global network, comprehensive solutions, and industry expertise, we help these businesses succeed across a wide variety of industries and at most stages of their growth.
By Renee DeLorenzo
At this year’s annual Herald Top Chief Officers of Long Island Awards, hosted by RichnerLIVE on Nov. 20, Long Island’s top officers proved that leadership is much more than just calling the shots. Being a leader comes with a lot of responsibility, and it means a little something different to everyone who serves in such a position. But one thing is certain: No one can do it alone.
Nearly 300 people gathered at the Heritage Club at Bethpage to celebrate excellence in leadership. Representing a wide range of industries including health care, education, utilities, nonprofits and finance, the group of business influencers came together for a night of honor and recognition.
Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health and this year’s recipient of the prestigious Trailblazer Award, stepped on stage to a wave of applause, and spoke about the health care industry and what it means to come together as a community. “I don’t think there’s any substitute for being in a room together as a collective, because you share and you learn,” Dowling said.
For the other honorees at the ceremony, bringing communities together is vital to their success. Ross Turrini and Jim Flannery, of National Grid and National Grid Ventures, respectively, shared those sentiments. Being a leader, they said, means focusing on the people they serve.
For Turrini, chief operating officer of National Grid’s New York gas operations, that means communicating honestly. “You’ve got to be able to have honest communication and conversations,” he said. “Not only with your employees, but with policymakers, legislators, our customers, and folks in the community who you serve. You have to be able to build trust.”
Flannery, COO of National Grid Ventures, U.S. Northeast, said the very reason he was there was because of the community he has built at the company. “The nomination is really a reflection of the people I work with,” he said, adding that his role at the company is forming a workforce that feels like family. “A leader needs to be one who cares about people, listens to people, who can galvanize people around a cause,” he said.
Diane Walsh and Gurjit Singh, of Prager Metis, said that the reason they were there was the amazing people they are privileged to work with daily.
Walsh, chief marketing officer of Prager Metis, said, “I think it’s really important for the community, not only for personal recognition, but for recognition of the firm and everybody we work with every day. They all make us the top chiefs.”
Singh, Prager Metis’s chief information officer, agreed, saying the recognition goes beyond his accounting firm. The acknowledgment of everyone else in the room, Singh said, was just as important. “I think everyone’s deserving — no one’s really above or below,” he said.
The connection between leadership and community was evident throughout the night. The idea that personal recognition is only possible because of the communities top officers serve is a tenet of the best leadership. “It’s all about having good people around you,” Dowling said. “It’s not about an individual situation. It’s about who you put around you. You prove that you’re smarter when you hire people smarter than you.”
He added that success is about the relationships with the people he works with, the people he serves, and the people he meets who share these values, such as those at the Heritage Club that night. “Everyone is going to leave here better than they did when they came in because of the relationships they’re making,” he said.
Stuart Richner, chief executive of Richner Communications and publisher of Herald Community
Media, noted the importance of bringing the leaders together and recognizing the value of what they do. “Leadership is about more than reaching goals,” Richner said. “It’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change in the organizations and communities we serve. The individuals we honor tonight exemplify
that spirit, making Long Island a better place for all.” A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Michael Magro Foundation, which supports children with cancer and other pediatric illnesses.
For a full list of sponsors and honorees, go to RichnerLive.com/2024TCOA.
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Veterans and community leaders gathered at Molloy University on Monday, Dec. 2, to unveil its new Military and Veterans Student Lounge, which has been hailed as a groundbreaking addition to the college’s Public Square.
The new facility, described as “the first of its kind” for the university, aims to provide a vital resource for veterans enrolled as students.
“We opened a veterans center to provide a resource and a meeting place for veterans in our student body,” Edward Thompson, the vice president for advancement at Molloy University, said. “We are proud to have veterans as part of the Molloy community and understand the close bond veterans have with one another. We wanted to honor that bond with their own dedicated space on campus.”
The new Military and Veterans Student Lounge was designed to foster camaraderie while addressing practical needs.
“It’s a place where veterans can meet and talk and seek information about any benefits they need,” Frank Colón, commander of American Legion Post 303 in Rockville Centre, said. “They’re taking the lead from other colleges and schools. I think it’s fantastic. It’s a great program.”
Local American Legion members, including those from Post 303, were instrumental in supporting the event.
The post also provides $500 annually toward nursing training scholarships for students entering the program, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to education and community service.
Several key figures were in attendance for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Jacqueline Gordon,
Nassau County Director of Veterans Affairs Ralph Esposito and Dr. Samin Shah of Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital. Each commended the university’s efforts to enhance the lives of veteran students.
Janine Biscari, the vice president of student affairs at Molloy University, highlighted the importance of the lounge.
“The opening of the military and veteran student lounge has been a wonder-
ful addition to the Molloy campus, and has been utilized daily by our Molloy veterans,” Biscari said. “We are so thankful for the opportunity to support our veterans with a dedicated space.”
Since its grand opening, the Military and Veterans Student Lounge is already fulfilling its mission as a hub for resources and a space for veterans to connect, fostering a supportive environment for the brave men and women who have served.
Curing a rare heart disorder with a short life expectancy.
Performing a life-changing brain surgery without a single incision.
Helping a new mom give birth—and receive a new liver.
At Northwell’s North Shore University Hospital, the nation’s most brilliant minds come here to conquer health care’s greatest challenges. So that whatever comes through our doors: challenge accepted.
North Shore University Hospital
By Karen Bloom
‘Tis the season when Sugar Plum Fairies and various figments of a young girl’s imagination come alive. The beloved holiday confection is forever in style.
New York Dance Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ New York Dance Theatre offers its 42nd season of the holiday classic, presented in the style of the legendary George Balanchine, returning to the John Cranford Adams Playhouse stage at Hofstra University. This production wraps up the company’s celebration of its 50th anniversary on Long Island.
NYDT closely follows the George Balanchine tradition — from storyline through choreography, sets and costumes. It’s the largest production on Long Island, according to Artistic Director and NYDT alumna Nicole Loizides Albruzzese. Her version keeps to the tone set by the company’s founder Frank Ohman, which remains true to the spirit of New York City Ballet’s Lincoln Center production. As a former student and New York City Ballet soloist under George Balanchine, Ohman was one of a select few authorized to use his mentor’s original pas de deux choreography, which continues to distinguish this production, along with costumes and props gifted by Balanchine.
Through the years Ohman supplemented Balanchine’s iconic vision with original dances and scenes. Loizides Albruzzese — who was a student at Ohman School of Ballet (a division of NYDT) under Ohman and performed most of the children’s roles in “The Nutcracker” during her time there (returning as a professional dancer in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy before her international dance career) — faithfully follows in her mentor’s footsteps in keeping to the Balanchine standard.
“This year has been about celebrating our roots and expanding the reach of the company and the Ohman School of Ballet, also marking a milestone at 45 years,” Loizides Albruzzese says. She returns to the NYDT stage as Frau Silberhaus in the opening Party Scene, alongside Glen Cove’s North Shore Village Theatre Founder-Artistic Director Christopher Moll as Herr Silberhaus. New York City Ballet soloist Erica Pereira and principal dancer Daniel Ulbricht return as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. Joseph J. Simeone, whose credits include City Center’s “A Chorus Line” and Susan Stroman’s Degas-inspired “Little Dancer” at the Kennedy Center, joins NYDT this year as the mysterious Herr Drosselmeier.
In all, a cast of 80 children, pre-professional and professional dancers bring this classic story ballet to life. The kids’ roles are performed by Frank Ohman School of Ballet and the School of American Ballet (the home school of New York City Ballet) students.
As an added treat, audiences can enter into the 1820s German family’s household where “The
The Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier are an enchanting pair as seen in Eglevesky Ballet’s production.
Nutcracker” unfolds during the semi-immersive pre-show experience. Everyone is invited into the Silberhaus home before the curtain rises, with the sights, smells and sounds of the Christmas Eve party that is the setting for Clara’s dream.
Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21-22, noon and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $33. Hofstra University, John Cranford Adams Playouse, Hempstead. For tickets, visit NYDTNutcrackerTickets or call (631) 462-0964.
Eglevsky Ballet’s reimagined ‘The Nutcracker’ Long Island’s professional dance company, the Eglevsky Ballet, welcomes all to its inventive staging of Clara’s delightful journey, at the Tilles Center. Boston Ballet principals Ji Young Chae and Jeffrey Cirio Miller reprise their roles as the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, Also of note, star of ballet, Broadway and screen Georgina Pazcoguin appears as the Dew Drop Fairy.
The beloved story — featuring additional choreography by Executive Artistic Director Maurice Brandon Curry — is danced with inventive staging enhanced by Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score, stunning costumes and a cast of over 60 students and professional dancers. The longest, continuously running ‘Nutcracker’ on Long Island, Eglevsky Ballet has presented it as a holiday gift to audiences since 1961. This exciting production, accompanied by Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, is a vibrant representation of the trajectory in which Curry is leading the organization.
Among his innovations, Curry has reinterpreted the central first act pas de deux in the prelude to “Waltz of the Snowflakes,” which is usually danced by the Snow Queen and Snow King. Instead Curry has the music (his personal favorite in the ballet) performed by Clara, danced by Eglevesky Ballet’s Ayne Kim and Enzo Castillo as The Nutcracker Prince.
“Having this pas de deux danced by these two intensifies the connection between the two characters,” Curry says. “We see the arc of their relationship and gives the opportunity for Clara’s dream to have a more poignant and personal effect on our audiences.”
Saturday, Dec. 21, 1 and 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m.
$59-$89. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, Rte. 25A, Brookville. For tickets, visit tillescenter.org or ticketmaster.com or call (516) 299-3100.
The band brings their distinctive sound back to the Landmark stage, with a “Holiday Stomp,” a raucous Christmas celebration that includes timeless classics and original tunes. The Hot Sardines reinvents jazz standards with their own brassy horn arrangements, rollicking piano melodies and vocals from a chanteuse who transports listeners to a different era with the mere lilt of her voice. Emerging over a decade ago from the underground parties of Brooklyn to touring worldwide and recording a string of albums landed them at the center of a whirlwind. Audiences revel in the steamy, swanky influence of their art form. With their contagious brand of joy, grit, glamour and passion, the 8-piece band invokes the sounds of nearly a century ago, yet stay right in step with the current age.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 8 p.m. $65, $55, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or by calling (516) 767-6444.
The Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum Irish-singing sensation rings in the holidays with their inimitable style. This is a rare opportunity to hear Celtic Woman’s harmonies with a full symphony orchestra. Hear their favorite Yuletide songs: “Silent Night,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Deck the Halls,” and more, along with Celtic Woman favorites “Danny Boy,” “Amazing Grace” and “You Raise Me Up.” In the 20 years since their debut, Celtic Woman has introduced some of Ireland’s most talented singers and musicians to the world stage. Their fresh fusion of traditional Irish music and contemporary songcraft celebrates Ireland’s history while reflecting its modern vibrant spirit.
Thursday, Dec. 19, 8 p.m. $129.50, $99.50, $79.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Groove to the vibe at this one-of-a-kind performance where these two talents go head-tohead as Elton John and Billy Joel delivering unforgettable music and showmanship. Whether you’re a fan of Billy’s heartfelt ballads or Elton’s electrifying anthems, this tribute concert is sure to leave you feeling like you’ve seen the real thing! Tickets start at $28. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com. Dec. 27
Relive the classic songs that define generations when Yellow Brick Joel brings you the ultimate Elton John and Billy Joel experience, on the Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair stage, Friday, dec. 27, 8 p.m. David Clark performs as Billy Joel along with Bill Connors as Elton John in this thoroughly entertaining and faithful tribute to the Face To Face/Face 2 Face tours of the 1990s and 2000s. Experience a spirited concert celebrating the two greatest ‘Piano Men’ of our generation with hits like “I’m Still Standing,” “Rocket Man,’ “Piano Man” and “You May Be Right” along with some deeper fan performances like “Honky Cat”, “Funeral For A Friend”, “Miami 2017”, and “Captain Jack”! A tribute to two of the greatest piano players and performers of all time couldn’t be set up any other way! On one side of the stage, you’ll have Clark playing the role of Billy Joel for the night. Opposite him is Connors as Elton John with Elton’s requisite flamboyant style. Enjoy an incredible night as two of the greatest musical icons come to life in this special concert!
Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House offers a festive glimpse of early 20th century holiday merriment, before it closes for the winter, Saturday, and Sunday, d ec. 14-15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The “Christmas at Westbury House” celebration reflects what the festive season was like during those opulent decades of the early 1900s when the Phipps family lived there. The period rooms in which John S. Phipps (the eldest son of Henry Phipps, Andrew Carnegie’s partner at Carnegie Steel) and his family resided are impeccably decorated with wreaths, mantelpiece drapes, plenty of greenery, and other horticultural arrangements.
Take a self-guided tour through Westbury House and view specially decorated rooms for the holidays, have cookies and cider on the West Porch and meet and take photos with Santa while listening to ambient holiday music. The gardens will also be open, along with other special holiday events, including holiday market, and more. $15, $13 ages 62+ and students, $8 ages 7-17. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or call (516) 333-0048.
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, dec. 13, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Tuesday through Thursday, Dec. 17-19, 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.
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.
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, the west end of Jones Beach State Park, Sunday, Dec. 16, starting at 9 a.m. The group will meet at the Jones Beach Coast Guard Station Parking Area. The entrance for the Coast Guard Station and West End Boat Basin is on Bay Drive going west. 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.
Wonder Wall: An Affordable Art Fair
Celebrate the season with The Art Studio hosts the third annual Wonder Wall Holiday Art Fair, Saturday, Dec. 14, 4-8 p.m. Come meet and support some local artists, while you shop for the perfect holiday gift. Attendees can also participate in the Paint Chip Challenge and donate to a local charity. For more information about the event, lessons or the art community visit TheArtStudioRVC.com. 221 N. Long Beach Road
Rockville Centre Recreation Department hosts the North Pole Calling program every year before the holidays to provide kids ages 4 to 8 with an opportunity to speak with Santa Claus. To receive a phone call from Santa, registration is required via RockvilleCentre.RecDesk.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.
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.
The Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce’s ninth annual Snowman Hunt returns to the village, through Dec. 23. The communitywide 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.
Backyard Players & Friends hosts their second annual Holiday Market, Saturday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Celebrate the holiday season with a festive day filled with hot cocoa, delicious treats and unique holiday gifts. Don’t miss this opportunity to shop with purpose, enjoy holiday cheer and connect with our amazing community. 215 N. Long Beach Road.
Daniel Offner/Herald photos
Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis, left, American Legion Post 303 Commander Frank Colón, Father Michael Duffy, Rockville Centre Village Trustee Emilio Grillo, 2nd Assistant Chief of the Rockville Centre Fire Department Pat Healey and Village Trustee Gregory Shaughnessy honored the more than 2,400 Americans who lost their lives during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
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Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 10/16/24. NY Office 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
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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 Office, 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 finds 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 Office 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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By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Veterans with American Legion Post 303 in Rockville Centre gathered at the Mill River Park Complex on Saturday to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The ceremony honored the 2,403 Americans who lost their lives on Dec. 7, 1941, and celebrated the resilience of the United States in the face of the tragedy that propelled the nation into World War II.
The surprise attack by Japanese forces struck the U.S. naval base in Hawaii just before 8 a.m., killing more than 2,400 Americans and wounding nearly 1,200. Eight battleships were damaged, four of which sank, including the USS Arizona, which remains underwater as a memorial to the officers and crew who perished.
Father Michael Duffy, rector of St. Agnes Cathedral, opened the ceremony with an invocation, urging attendees to reflect on the day’s significance.
spirit. For even though we mourn, our nation rose up and fought back. We showed the world why the United States of America is the greatest nation on Earth.”
He also reminisced about former Mayor Eugene Murray’s memories of hearing Roosevelt’s address.
“Very soon after, he, along with others of the Greatest Generation, responded with strength and resolve to defend our country,” Shaughnessy said.
Frank Colón, commander of American Legion Post 303, emphasized the courage displayed during and after the attack.
“This day should be equally recalled as a date of bravery,” Colón said. “Efforts are still being made to identify the remains of those who were lost, ensuring they may be returned to their families. We honor the survivors and the brave men whose numbers are so few today.”
THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-HE3, Plaintiff, Against FOLAREMI ABIOLA; ET AL, Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 02/01/2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 1/9/2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 1288 Dekoven Street, Rockville Centre, New York 11570, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, being at Rockville Centre, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York.
Section 38 Block 114 Lot 905, 906, and 907. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $557,690.22 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 15-010953 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Janine Lynam, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 MIDLAND AVENUE, SUITE 205, PORT CHESTER, NY
10573
Dated: 11/11/2024 File
Number: 15-315268 mbayram 150331
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notice to Bidders
Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Room 204, Rockville Centre, New York 11570 for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on JANUARY 9, 2025 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for:
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR GRID
MODERNIZATION
Bid No. 2412E1 (1134)
The bid specifications can be obtained/examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than January 2, 2025. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law. Purchasing Department Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 150451
“We remember those who died on this awful day and their service to this great nation of ours,” Duffy said. “May their memory be a source of comfort to those of us who remain, and may we carry on the mantle of service to our nation.”
Rockville Centre Village Trustee Gregory Shaughnessy reflected on the enduring impact of Pearl Harbor and the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
“President Roosevelt stood before Congress and called December 7, 1941, ‘a date which will live in infamy,’” Shaughnessy said. “Those words seared into the hearts of Americans, as our innocence and sense of security were ripped from us. An enemy had come into our home and attacked us as we slept, and our national innocence was lost.”
Shaughnessy described Pearl Harbor not just as a moment of tragedy but as a defining turning point in American history.
“Today, we come together to remember and honor all those who were lost during that brief but deadly attack,” he said. “However, we also come together to honor the resilience of the American
Colón highlighted the numerous medals of valor awarded to servicemen after the attack, including 15 Medals of Honor, 51 Navy Crosses, and 53 Silver Stars.
The ceremony concluded with a benediction from Chaplain Mark Gettman, who urged future generations to carry forward the lessons of Pearl Harbor.
“As we reflect on December 7, 1941, we pray for the wisdom to carry forward the lessons of that day into our future,” Gettman said. “Help us to see in the story of Pearl Harbor not just a moment of tragedy, but a testament to human resilience, to the power of unity, and to the triumph of hope over despair.”
He called on educators, families, and communities to ensure the memory of Pearl Harbor remains alive.
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is not a federal holiday but is observed nationwide by flying the American flag at half-staff until sunset. The annual observance serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made that day and the resilience that followed.
To learn more about Pearl Harbor, World War II, and the memorials dedicated to the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma, and USS Utah, visit NPS.gov or NationalWW2Museum.org.
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department.
Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
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Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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
EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
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Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
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Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.
POSITION DETAILS: Flexible: Part-time or Full-time. Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.
Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com
HBCI SUPERVISOR FT: Seeking LCSW or LMSW for Crisis Intervention Program, Cedarhurst NY. 3+ yr exp, Supervision exp. $80K Annually + benefits Claufer@hamaspikkings.org 516-875-8400 x144
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off.
Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
ROCKVILLE CENTRE SCHOOL Crossing Guard P/T position 10 hrs. a week. $25 per hour. Must pass background check and Nassau County Civil Service hearing test. Contact Human Resources 516-678-9227 SANTA CRUZ SERAG Caregivers Provide The Best Male/ Female Caregivers In America. Certified HHA's, Professional. Experts In Dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons Cases. Live-in/Out.
What good is ‘grandfathered’ if we still need permits?
Q. We have an old home, built in the 1940s, that we just found out needs permits for a garage and a back family room. We don’t understand why we need this. The house was sold to us this way, cleared title, and we were told the garage was grandfathered in and the back room was “part of the house.” Why is it that if we bought it that way and it’s been there for so many years, it still needs plans, permits and, as we are finding out, a possible zoning hearing just to avoid fines? Are there rules about grandfathering over some period of time, like a statute of limitations or something?
A. No, there is actually no provision for grandfathering. When meeting with potential clients, we often check public records if we can’t find anything in the homeowners’ closing papers. The reason why this is missed is because, most of the time, a title company searches records but doesn’t set foot in the house. Also, because it’s rare to have anyone who is qualified to look at the house conditions to compare them with codes and records, things like your garage and rear addition are assumed and not confirmed.
Unfortunately, the conditions may need upgrading if they don’t meet current codes, although some building departments are more reasonable if you can prove the year of the work to them. Others will ask for windows to be changed to meet light, ventilation and fire escape requirements in bedrooms, or to have air conditioning units and basement escape wells addressed. It’s not unusual to need plans, a building application, zoning approval and, finally, a permit for the air conditioning condenser unit in your side yard, or for an escape well that restricts the only side yard available to get out of a basement.
I know that I’m saving people money and aggravation by explaining these things before they buy the house or do a new project, just because they’re aware of how to address the issue, but it’s rare to be asked, before a sale, to even look at the issues, because it would thwart the sale in many cases if this condition was revealed. It’s assumed that a title search is all you need, and yet I often find that in the process of doing the new project people want, we professionals get bogged down with the other things that create friction, delays and feelings of despair. It’s not unusual to hear people say they never would have started the project if they knew it was going to be this difficult, usually with the phrase, “can of worms” attached.
Depending on the need for a zoning variance, which in some municipalities can add many months to the process, you will need to have plans professionally generated by an architect or engineer, code, zoning and energy analysis to obtain permits, final inspections and certification. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com,
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Gov. Kathy Hochul has been presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save one of our planet’s greatest unsung heroes, the horseshoe crab. Earlier this year, the State Senate and Assembly passed a bill that would prohibit taking horseshoe crabs from New York waters for bait or for biomedical use.
Hochul has until the end of the month to sign the bill into law, and time is running out for us to persuade her to do so.
Horseshoe crabs have existed relatively unchanged for roughly 450 million years — 200 million years longer than dinosaurs — and they have survived five mass extinctions. They are a keystone species, which means that if their populations were to dwindle to numbers that are unsustainable, the repercussions for other species would be devastating. Every year, numerous species of migratory shorebirds rely on horseshoe crab eggs for food on their long journey to
Titheir breeding grounds in the Arctic. For half a century, humans have depended on horseshoe crabs for our survival, because they have played a major role in modern medicine. Their unique copper-based blue blood contains a clotting agent that immediately forms a clot when it comes into contact with bacteria. Because of this, horseshoe crab blood has been used for decades by the biomedical industry to test for infection-causing bacteria in injectable drugs, intravenous solutions, vaccines and medical implants. Their blood was also used to develop the Covid-19 vaccines that have saved millions of lives. Luckily, a synthetic alternative to horseshoe crab blood has been developed and approved for biomedical use, but the changeover in the industry has been slow.
sive animals, grazing across the seafloor like ancient vacuum cleaners, looking for the small aquatic insects, mollusks and detritus on which they feed.
There are four species of horseshoe crabs, and the Atlantic coast is the only place in the Western Hemisphere that is home to one of those species, the Atlantic horseshoe crab, or Limulus polyphemus
his keystone species helped scientists develop the Covid vaccines.
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s benchmark stock assessment of horseshoe crabs in 2019, and the recently updated stock assessment in 2024, both show the crabs’ stock status in New York as poor. Of all the states on the Atlantic coast, New York is the only one where that is the case, and there is no evidence that the population is rebounding.
the crabs, which puts even more pressure on the New York stock and puts them at a higher risk of poaching by outof-state fishermen. Bait alternatives exist, but fishermen won’t be compelled to use them unless a ban is enacted.
Entrusting the state Department of Environmental Conservation to regulate the harvesting of horseshoe crabs is a mistake. Regulation depends on enforcement, and with only 30 to 40 environmental conservation officers patrolling the entire Long Island coastline, there is ample opportunity for overharvesting and poaching to take place.
Although there are misconceptions that they are poisonous or that they use their tails as weapons, horseshoe crabs are completely harmless. The tail serves a very important purpose: to flip a crab over if it gets turned upside down. That’s why you should never pick one up by its tail. They are completely pas-
Horseshoe crabs cannot legally be harvested for biomedical use in New York state. Their dwindling population here is due mostly to their harvesting for use as bait in the eel and conch fisheries as well as the loss of their spawning grounds due to sea level rise and shoreline hardening. New Jersey and Connecticut have both banned the harvest of
Friends of the Bay is asking you to urge Governor Hochul to sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act into law Friends of the Bay is an environmental conservation and advocacy organization headquartered in Oyster Bay. Our mission is to preserve, protect and restore the ecological integrity and productivity of the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Estuary and the surrounding watershed. Please visit friendsofthebay.org/ horseshoe-crab-protection-act to learn how you can help, and to get a copy of a sample letter that you can sign and mail, or email, to the governor.
Christine Suter is executive director of Friends of the Bay.
unwrapped the holiday gift I received from my son, Matthew, last year and found a New York Mets tear-off calendar for 2024. Six days a week (weekends were combined), there was either a question about Mets history or a fun fact.
Jan. 1: “In 2019, Pete Alonzo blasted 53 home run, setting a record for an MLB rookie.”
Feb. 13: “Who was the first player in Mets history to steal home more than once in a single season?
Hubie Brooks, 1991.”
March 27: “In 2022, Francisco Lindor became the first shortstop in Mets history to hit at least 20 home runs in consecutive seasons.”
I don’t know why, but from New Year’s Day through the following 12 months, I wrote notes on the back of each page I tore off.
Jan. 3: “Fast day @ work. Much to do. Zone meeting. Job interview. Freeport production. NYPA.”
Feb. 13: “Snow day. Everyone home. Matt visited. Workers upstairs. Chocolate chip p–cakes/bacon dinner.
March 26: “@ office. Production Nas-
sau early. Closed papers early.”
Early in the year, I debated whether to leave the calendar at home or bring it in to the office. I sided with keeping it on the desk in my man-cave-libraryoffice at home, in what used to be my son’s bedroom.
April 8: “On this date in 1954, future Mets catcher Gary Carter was born in Culver City, CA.” (Additional fun fact: Carter’s jersey number was 8.)
May 14: “In 1972, who did the Mets trade to the Giants in exchange for Willie Mays? RHP Charlie Williams (along with $50,000).”
previous day, or over the weekend. It’s been interesting to compare what I wrote in the first few months of the year with my notes later in the year. The Mets had a horrible start, but then, on Oct. 9: “Mets win NLDS Series 3-1.”
o n one side, a landmark in Mets history. On the other, my daughter’s birthday.
Every morning this year, after getting dressed, I’ve put off going downstairs for breakfast for a few minutes, sat down and noted the highlights of the previous day.
April 1: “Edited stories. Set up paper. Tuna for dinner. Two great hoops games. Mets 0-4/good job.
May 16: “Got sale docs signed/ mailed. C/U backyard. Rangers clinched semi series.”
June 29/30: “Sat. — errands/clean up. Relax/game nite/pizza. Sun. — a little work/relax. Pulled pork @ Les’s/dinner. Spoke with Stuart/plan.”
Writing these brief notes was a way to remember what had happened the
The thoughts trickle back as snapshot memories that I either want to cherish, like Sept. 25 — “White House Tavern dinner 30 yrs.” — Or try to forget, like Oct. 27: “Mr. G’s wake.”
July 19: “Mike Piazza was the first player in Mets history to have four different seasons with at least 30 home runs.”
Sept. 3: “On this date in 1978, who became the first Mets player to hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the same game? Lee Mazzilli. Time is fleeting, it is precious, and God is not making more of it. These are among the many, many things that have been written about time. Clearly, we should be making the most of it.
July 23: “Office. Production mostly on time. Nautilus for dinner.”
Aug. 6: “Office. Production — Lyn, Nassau, Uniondale & South Shore Record computer glitches/rain storm.
Sept. 14/15: “A little work/errands relaxed. Laundry — work relaxed. Wendy’s w/Liz. Chris out with the ladies.”
Snapshots of nearly 365 days of another year in a life. I wonder what other people’s notes would look like.
Oct. 4: “On this date in 1999, Al Leiter threw a two-hit shutout to propel the Mets over the Reds in a one-game playoff berth for the NL Wild Card berth.”
Dec. 3: “What ballpark was the first to allow fans to keep the foul balls that landed in the stands? Wrigley Field.”
Who knows what the next year will bring? I hope it’s more memories like these.
Oct. 19/20: “Sat. — Errands/watched college FB. B&B Fish and Clam tilapia/ onion rings. Sun. — Read stories/laundry. Watched football. Houlihan’s for Liz’s 19th B-day!
Nov. 16/17: “Sat. — Errands, dinner Alan’s B-day, Austin’s Ale House. Sun. — open house. Football. Pasta/sauce/ bread dinner.”
Dec. 4: “Office. Asked to write op-ed to fill hole. Valley Stream 100 mtg. Dinner w/Liz, buffalo chicken roll/ CParm.”
Time moves quickly, and while details of my daily life may not match the scale of the Mets’ landmark events, they hold deeper significance. My team — my family and friends — far outshines even my favorite baseball squad in importance.
Jeffrey Bessen is the deputy editor of Herald Community Newspapers, and a dedicated note taker.
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Yellow school buses are an iconic image of education in America, transporting millions of children each day. But in New York state, the question of whether buses are equipped with seat belts is left to individual school districts.
The Briarcliff, Elmsford and Yonkers districts have embraced the added security of seat belts in a limited form, but others have opted out, leaving a patchwork system that prioritizes local discretion over consistent safety standards.
On the crowded roads of 2024, this approach is no longer acceptable. It is time for the state to mandate seat belts on all school buses in every district, ensuring the safety of every child who steps aboard.
School buses are generally recognized as one of the safest modes of transportation, thanks to their design and the principle of “compartmentalization.” High-backed, closely spaced seats create a buffer that helps absorb the force of a collision.
Simple compartmentalization is far from foolproof, however, particularly in side-impact crashes or rollovers. Seat belts add a crucial layer of protection in these scenarios. Without them, children can be thrown from their seats, increasing the likelihood of serious injury or even death.
A statewide mandate would align New York with the growing national consensus on school bus safety. Several
To the Editor:
states, including New Jersey, Florida, and California, already require seat belts on buses. These mandates reflect the recommendations of safety organizations like the National Transportation Safety Board, which has advocated for the installation of lap-and-shoulder belts on all new large buses. By following suit, New York would reaffirm its commitment to children’s safety and set an example for still more states to follow.
One argument often made by opponents of mandatory seat belts is that they’re too costly to install. Retrofitting existing buses or buying new models equipped with seat belts is a significant investment, but when the expense is weighed against the potential cost of injuries or fatalities, the financial argument falls flat.
The state Department of Transportation could work with school districts to phase in the requirement over time, offsetting the cost with the help of state funding or federal grants. But again, the safety benefits of seat belts far outweigh the expense. Protecting children should never hinge on budgetary constraints.
Another concern is enforcement of seat belt requirements. Critics argue that younger children might not consistently buckle up. While this concern is valid, it is not insurmountable. Bus drivers can incorporate quick visual checks into their routine, and schools can implement safety education pro-
Re U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s recent op-ed, “I look forward to representing you again”: D’Esposito said some things that were far from the truth. As president of the Long Island chapter of the New York Alliance for Retired Americans, I represent over 10,000 members Islandwide, which includes more than 3,000 members in his district.
I was assigned to secure a meeting with the congressman, as I had done with Peter King several years ago. King gave the alliance’s statewide president and me about 20 minutes, and that was two days after a major snowstorm. I would have been happy with 20 minutes with D’Esposito, but despite numerous calls, I was given the runaround by both his district and Washington offices. Maybe if he had met with us, more of those 3,000-plus members would have voted for him. After all, everyone agrees that senior citizens vote in higher percentages than the general population.
He was also inaccurate about his voting for an immigration bill, because he left out the part where he voted against the bipartisan bill
grams to teach students the importance of being protected while on the bus. These measures would foster a culture of compliance and ensure that seat belts serve their intended purpose.
Beyond the practical and financial considerations, the best argument for seat belts is a moral one. Parents trust that when their children board a bus, they are as safe as possible. By leaving the decision to individual districts, New York sends a troubling message: that children’s safety may vary depending on their Zip code. This undermines the model of equal protection and fairness that public education is supposed to embody.
In the end, the case for mandatory seat belts on school buses is clear. The technology exists, the safety benefits are well documented, and the moral imperative is undeniable. New York has long been a leader in progressive public policy. Requiring seat belts on school buses would not only safeguard the state’s most vulnerable residents, but also reaffirm its commitment to equity and safety.
It’s time for the state to take the wheel on this issue and drive meaningful change. Safety is not optional — it’s a necessity. With an annual budget of nearly a quarter-trillion dollars, New York has no excuse for not providing money to add seat belts to school buses. Children are our most precious passengers, and the time to act is now.
that would have solved many immigration problems. But his party leaders wanted him to help kill that bill so it could be used as an issue in the November election.
Representative D’Esposito speaks out
of both sides of his mouth, like many politicians do. All I can say about that is, you reap what you sow.
among the top priorities of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority is ensuring that Nassau University Medical Center remains open, returns to financial health and is available to serve the people who need it most. A recent op-ed in the Herald by NUMC leadership (“After reforms, NUMC is on the upswing,” Oct. 10-16) caught our eye, because it painted a rosy picture of the hospital’s financial situation, even though the facts say the opposite.
Despite the platitudes offered in the op-ed, the fundamental issue remains that the Nassau Health Care Corporation, the state public authority that manages NUMC and related facilities, continues to operate at a tremendous deficit while making no meaningful changes to work toward financial stability. NHCC’s oper-
ating losses (before certain actuarial adjustments) were approximately $77 million in 2023 and roughly $108 million in 2022. NIFA is projecting an operating loss for NHCC of around $120 million in 2024.
tEarlier this year, NHCC made a unilateral demand for substantial additional funding from the state. In response, the State Department of Health requested that NHCC provide certain required information and take particular actions to achieve balanced operations in order to be considered for extraordinary relief. Amazingly, NHCC has resisted complying adequately with the Health Department’s reasonable conditions that it must impose to ensure that NHCC would manage the state’s scarce resources appropriately.
of $7 million. Over the past four and a half years, the total that NHCC owes NYSHIP has ballooned to roughly $380 million.
Finance Authority has made the troubled hospital a priority.
That isn’t just some enormous number sitting in a filing cabinet in Albany: It’s a tremendous cost that is being passed on to other municipal organizations in Nassau County and throughout the state. This means that these costs are being subsidized by entities like local governments and school districts, and thus, taxpayers. The increased burden on Nassau County and other taxpayers will only get worse if the hospital’s ineffective leadership is not changed for the better.
the past three years alerting leadership that the health care corporation is at risk of termination by NYSHIP due to these unpaid amounts. It is the negligence of NHCC’s executives that has led it to this point.
At the core of its financial instability is the fact that NHCC owes the New York State Health Insurance Program, or NYSHIP, $9 million per month in premiums. NHCC pays only $2 million each month, creating a monthly deficit
To the Editor:
I found Anthony D’Esposito’s piece confusing, because it sounded more like his first campaign speech to regain his lost seat rather than an opinion. In a county that voted favorably for the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, Mr. D’Esposito was unable to ride Mr. Trump’s coattails and defeat Laura Gillen in New York’s 4th Congressional District. In the majority opinion, the best candidate won.
JOHN P. FITzSIMONS Rockville Centre
To the Editor:
After reading in the Herald about the emergency regionalization plan proposed by the State Education Department, I see this as an attempt by the department to integrate all of the Nassau County school districts and their systems. That would eliminate local control of schools and centralize their supervision.
This new “emergency” approach would improve the education results in the Hempstead and Roosevelt districts, to name just a few, but by signing on to the plan, school districts will lose all local control. I advise districts to move
forward with caution. I smell a rat here.
RUTH HIRSCH Hewlett
To the Editor:
Long Island Rail Road and New York City Transit riders should hold accountable any public official, Metropolitan Transportation Authority board member or transit advocate who opposes the planned 4 percent fare hikes in 2025 for missing why the increases are needed. They were part of the MTA’s $51 billion 2020-2024 Five Year Capital Plan.
Quality and frequency of service depends on secure revenue streams. We will all have to contribute — be it with fares or tax revenue redistributed to the MTA. Fare hikes are periodically required if the authority’s operating agencies, including the LIRR, are to provide the services millions of New Yorkers count on daily. They are inevitable due to increasing costs of labor, power, fuel, supplies, materials, routine safety, state of good repair, replacement of worn-out rolling stock, and upgrades to stations, yards and shops necessary to run any transit system.
In 2023, the MTA lost $700 million to fare evasion and spent $1.3 billion on employee overtime. There is little reason to believe that the 2024 numbers will significantly change. So, in return for honest riders paying the new higher fares
NHCC executives are potentially placing an even greater financial strain on the shoulders of their over 3,500 employees (along with retirees), all of whom are at risk of losing their health insurance should these arrears on NYSHIP payments continue. The New York State Civil Service Commission has sent NHCC numerous letters over
The hospital’s problems are the result of poor management and an ineffective board, whose members must be replaced in order for the situation to improve. NIFA knows for certain that, in order for NUMC to continue serving our community, its existing leadership must change, and soon. NHCC’s current board leadership and management have shown that they are ill-equipped to oversee such a delicate operation. Their lack of ability shows, and it could ultimately result in the hospital shutting down entirely. Thousands of people would be out of jobs, and all of us would lose a crucial medical resource in our community.
The last thing we want is for NUMC is to close its doors. Along with Gov. Kathy Hochul and her top staff, NIFA is working hard with all stakeholders to keep them open.
Richard Kessel is chairman of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority.
Framework by Tim Baker
next year, the MTA must step up and reduce annual fare evasion by several hundred million dollars and employee overtime to well below $1 billion. A fare increase requires MTA reforms.
LARRY PENNER
Great Neck
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.
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