Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald 09-26-2024

HERALD SEA CLIFF/GLEN HEAD

A big win for North Shore High School

The North Shore School District celebrated their homecoming game with a day of games, sports clinics and events, culminating in a blowout win for the Vikings. More photos, Page 10.

Celebrating a life of service

Remembering the Rev. Kirtland Watkins

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The Rev. Kirtland Watkins, a long-time priest with the United Methodist Church in Sea Cliff and former chaplain of the Sea Cliff Fire Department, died on Aug. 28, leaving behind a legacy of service, community involvement, and spiritual guidance.

Watkins, who served his church and community with distinction, is remembered by family, colleagues, and friends as a man of deep compassion, unwavering faith, and dedication to helping others.

Kme,” Ray said. “He always raised us with the desire to serve.”

irt had a life of careers in service to others, whether it was in the military, teaching, or the church.

JESSE LEBUS

Chaplain, Sea Cliff Fire Department

Born in Oakdale, Watkins led a life defined by service in many forms. His daughter, Kira Ray, who serves as an EMT with the Sea Cliff Fire Department, recalls her father’s influence on her own path to serving others.

“He completely influenced

Ray is now a paramedic with the New York City Fire Department, a career she attributes directly to her father’s encouragement and example. She added that after high school, when she was deciding what to do with her life, her father brought her an application for the Sea Cliff Fire Department, where she has served for the last decade. Watkins’ dedication to service extended beyond his family. He was a Vietnam War veteran, having served in the Marine Corps during the conflict. According to Ray, he was injured in Vietnam, sustaining a gunshot wound to his leg. Though he did not speak often about his time in the military, she said that his service to his country was another testament CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Danica Reorden/Herald photos

Former fire department chaplain dies at 77

to his commitment to the greater good.

Following his military service, Watkins pursued a variety of careers, including teaching and bartending, before feeling a call to ministry. His decision to join the clergy came later in life, a transition that Ray said she believes was deeply connected to his inherent desire to help others.

“He had always been a religious person,” she said. “We grew up going to church, and after 9/11, he decided to pursue seminary. I think he felt a deep need to serve others in that way.”

Watkins completed his seminary training and took his first placement at a church upstate. However, it was in Sea Cliff where he found his true home. He served as the priest at the United Methodist Church for seven years, becoming a beloved figure in the community.

Jesse Lebus, Watkins’ successor as chaplain of the Sea Cliff Fire Department and rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, described his role as a natural extension of Watkins’ lifelong devotion to service.

“Kirt had a life of careers in service to others, whether it was in the military, teaching, or the church,” Lebus said. “Becoming the chaplain of the fire department made perfect sense.”

As chaplain, Watkins was a spiritual guide and support system for the firefighters, offering prayers at events, cere-

Throughout his long life, the Rev. Kirtland Watkins served as a soldier, a teacher, a bartender, a priest, and the chaplain for the Sea Cliff Fire Department.

monies, and during times of tragedy.

James Ajamien, former chief of the department, shared how Watkins’ presence at the firehouse was always deeply appreciated.

“He was the spiritual figurehead for the department,” Ajamien said. “He had this deep, commanding voice—he was also a DJ, so he knew how to speak with authority.”

Sea Cliff Mini Mart

Managed by North Shore Kiwanis

Sunday, October 6th (Rain or Shine)

10 am to 5 pm

Enjoy the Picturesque Village of Sea Cliff at it’s 52nd Art and Craft Festival on Sea Cliff Avenue.

One of Long Island’s largest fairs over 200 local exhibitors and food vendors.

FREE ADMISSION

For the safety of your dog, children, and vendors, no dogs permitted.*

*Except for service dogs

Although Watkins was not actively fighting fires in his later years, he remained deeply involved with the fire department. According to Ray, he initially participated in the physical firefighting duties but transitioned to focusing on his chaplaincy as he got older.

“He was always there to provide spiritual support,” Ray said.

Ray and Watkins shared a unique bond through their work with the fire department. Ray recalls fond memories of going on ambulance calls together.

“Sometimes he would drive the ambulance, and I’d be the tech in the back,” she said. “We would go to dinners and events together. It was fun, and I was always treated well because of who my dad was. He commanded a certain level of respect, and I think that carried over to me.”

Watkins’ commitment to the Sea Cliff community extended beyond the fire department and church. Despite his many responsibilities, Ray said her father never struggled to balance his roles as a husband, father, and community leader.

“It was never an issue,” she said. “He was always present. I don’t know how he balanced it all, but it helped that everything was so local, and Sea Cliff is such a small community. It never felt like he was gone or that we were lacking in any way.”

In his later years, Watkins retired

from the church and moved with his wife closer to her family in Holbrook. However, his influence on Sea Cliff remains strong. Ray, who still lives in the village, says that her love for the community kept her there, even after her parents moved.

“I love Sea Cliff. I started high school here, and it’s where I made my home,” she said.

Courtesy Kira Ray

The Rev. Kirtland Watkins, left, encouraged his daughter Kira Ray to join the Sea Cliff Fire Department, where she has been a member for the last decade as an EMT.

Artists paint ‘en plein air’ in Sea Cliff

The Sea Cliff Arts Council held its first Plein Air Festival from Sept. 21 to Sept. 22. The event invited residents to “Paint Sea Cliff,” finding their favorite spots or views from around town and recreating them on canvas.

Residents were required to stay within a one-square-mile boundary after registering for a canvas. Artists were given until 5 p.m. on Sept. 22 to finish their paintings and report back to the Arts Council. Chief Creative Officer Noelle Fiallo-Evans says that this event was not only a fun event for all but a competition as well.

“Painters were basically asked to come and register their canvases at the Arts Council first before painting, and then they were able to choose any location, as long as it was within sea cliffs, one-square-mile boundary and hand them by Sunday at 5 p.m.,” said FialloEvans “But besides just an event, it is a competition, the submissions will be judged by a gallery owner in New York, and we will be announcing the winners.”

The festival featured 45 canvases painted this year, with all paintings being available for sale as they are featured this months gallery at the Arts Council. Fiallo-Evans said she loved the turn out from not just Sea Cliff, but residents from all around the island.

“The quality of the of the work was, was outstanding. We actually had a lot of artists come from out of town, which is exciting. A lot of events we do, of course, always attracts local people, but people came from few different towns across Long Island,” said Fiallo-Evans. “We got a nice variety of places that they painted from also, and, you know, it really results in and all the works actually that were done will also be for sale at the Arts Council. We actually already sold two of the paintings so we’re hoping to continue that as well.”

This was the first year that the Arts

Artists came from all over to

Council hosted the Plein Air Festival and they are looking to make it an annual event. Many artists were thankful for the event as it was one of the only ones they have heard about on Long Island.

“The plein air painters that came from like across Long Island were so thankful. A lot of them commented that while there are plein air events in New York, many of them are based upstate and a few hours away, and this is one of the one of the first ones that they’ve seen on Long Island,” said Fiallo-Evans So that was a great thing to be able to bring it to local Nassau and Suffolk County Painters and the city too.

The Sea Cliff Arts Council will display all of the plein air paintings as a part of their October exhibit. The council also plans on announcing the winners of the festival at their two year anniversary on Oct. 18.

Chronicles of Yarnia welcomes new knitters

The Sea Cliff Village Library has been hosting the Chronicles of Yarnia, a knitting group focused on sharing their love for art with like minded individuals as well as bringing together the community.

The Chronicles of Yarnia have been coming to the Sea Cliff library for almost a year now and are open to the public and no prior experience in knitting is required. Although there is no specific instruction given at the event, library director Camille Purcell says everyone there is willing to give a helping hand.

“It is a very chill, open forum style program, where like minded people can come to knit or crochet,” Purcell said. “They can collaborate among each other, they can bring their works, they can come and ask questions and offer help if they have problems and there are people with more experience than others that come and lend a helping hand.”

Since the doors to the Chronicles of Yarnia opened, both Joanna Greespoon

and Sherry Zipp have been helping members of the community knit and crochet, as well as work on their own projects. Zipp, one of the longest standing members of the group, has been coming to the library to create art for many years as a part of the old Fiber Arts group at the library, and says it’s always good to lend a helping hand to like-minded individuals.

“There’s something about being with like-minded people who love to come together and knit and create art work,” Zipp said.

The group has brought in new participants each week, broadening its reach and creating new connections within the local knitting community. The relaxed atmosphere has helped create new friendships, while also allowing members to enhance their skills and share creative ideas.

Knitting has been around since the early 11th century in Egypt. It was widely regarded as one of the most popular art forms amongst men and women around

the 16th century. It’s continued popularity lasted until around the industrial revolution with the rise of machine-made textiles that made clothing production much faster and cheaper.

There has been a recent resurgence in the popularity of knitting recently. Many people have rediscovered the art form as a form of relaxation and self-expression. Research has shown that knitting has been enhance motor skills, reduce stress and anxiety, and even improve cognitive function.

Knitting continues to be appreciated as not only a practical skill but as a meaningful way to connect with others and contribute to ones mental well-being. Crafting groups like the Chronicles of Yarnia have played a crucial role in trying to preserving traditional skills while also encouraging social connections.

The Chronicles of Yarnia continue to meet every Friday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Sea Cliff public library.

Courtesy Heidi Hunt

paint Sea Cliff

Samantha Samant/Herald Residents represented the Arts Council with aprons

Samantha Samant/Herald

Noelle Fiallo-Evans, right, and Meaghan Travis handed out gift bags to participants at the Sea Cliff Arts Council.

Courtesy Camille Purcell

Two of long standing members Joanna Greenspoon and Sherry Zipp with newest member Rosa Cella

Sea Cliff Mini Mart

ANNIRSARY Sea Cliff Mini Mart

Managed by North Shore Kiwanis

Managed by North Shore Kiwanis

Blessings for the High Holidays

Sunday, October 6th (Rain or Shine)

Sunday, October 6th (Rain or Shine) 10 am to 5 pm

Managed by North Shore Kiwanis

10 am to 5 pm

Enjoy the Picturesque Village of Sea Cliff at it’s 52nd Art and Craft Festival on Sea Cliff Avenue.

Sunday, October 6th (Rain or Shine) 10 am to 5 pm

Enjoy the Picturesque Village of Sea Cliff at it’s 52nd Art and Craft Festival on Sea Cliff Avenue.

AOne of Long Island’s largest fairs over 200 local exhibitors and food vendors.

Enjoy the Picturesque Village of Sea Cliff at it’s 52nd Art and Craft Festival on Sea Cliff Avenue.

One of Long Island’s largest fairs over 200 local exhibitors and food vendors.

FREE ADMISSION

For the safety of your dog, children, and vendors, no dogs permitted *

One of Long Island’s largest fairs over 200 local exhibitors and food vendors.

FREE ADMISSION

*Except for service dogs

For the safety of your dog, children, and vendors, no dogs permitted *

FREE ADMISSION

*Except for service dogs

For the safety of your dog, children, and vendors, no dogs permitted.*

*Except for service dogs

Free parking at Tappen Beach on Shore Road. Free shuttle buses will be available from 10 am to 6 pm.

The Joy of Living

Let us take a moment to remember that joy itself is a primary purpose of living.

“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.”

— George Bernard Shaw

“Well, your greatest joy definitely comes from doing something for another, especially when it was done with no thought of something in return.”

— John Wooden

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”

— Leo Buscaglia

“A sense of humor...is needed armor. Joy in

one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.”

—Hugh Sidey

“There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.”

— Kahlil

Gibran

“The three factors that seem to have the greatest influence on increasing our happiness are our ability to reframe our situation more positively, our ability to experience gratitude, and our choice to be kind and generous.”

— Dalai Lama

“Things won are done, joy’s soul lies in the doing”

— William Shakespeare

“As selfishness and complaint pervert the mind, so love with its joy clears and sharpens the vision.”

— Helen Keller

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s we prepare to enter the most sacred time of our Jewish calendar year, our hearts may feel heavier than usual. Jewish tradition teaches that during the month of Elul, which precedes the New Year, individuals should reflect on their deeds over the past year and strive to rectify any transgressions before Rosh Hashanah. This reflection allows us to enter the High Holy Days with a sense of purity and a lighter burden, enabling us to focus on our prayers and fostering greater integrity during the 10 Days of Repentance.

This year, our burden extends beyond ourselves to the entire community of Israel—both in terms of peoplehood and nationhood. We face rising global antisemitism and are weeks away from the anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis and the abduction of more than 240, many of whom remain unaccounted for. The ongoing conflict has led to countless additional casualties among terrorists, soldiers, and civilians.

“One year later, Israel still faces dangerous threats from Hamas, even though it has been demonstrably weakened, as well as from Hezbollah and Iran. Israelis continue to feel traumatized, and awareness grows regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. One year later, Netanyahu’s coalition remains in power with few signs of collapse. The hostages are still in captivity, and time is running out. Israel is not the same country it was before. I find hope in those who prioritize their country and society, those who protest for their loved ones, and those who recognize that peace cannot come until both peoples are acknowledged. One year later, I find hope in our perseverance and commitment as a Jewish people to care for one another.”

I often find comfort in the writings of Rabbi Josh Weinberg, Executive Director of the Association of Reform Zionists of America. In his latest column, he reflects on the anniversary with these words:

As we enter the Jewish New Year 5785, may we hold onto the hope of finding a path to end this conflict, bring the hostages home, and forge a true path toward peace with our neighbors. Let us work together to achieve shalom—peace—so we may experience the High Holy Days with sacredness, purity of spirit, and hope for our collective future.

L’shanah Tovah U’metukah—wishing you a good and sweet New Year.

Rabbi Michael S. Churgel, RJE North Country Reform Temple.

News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com

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Rabbi Michael chuRgel

I stand with you, working across party lines for commonsense solutions – from strengthening our border, and reinstating the SALT deduction, to protecting our air and water, I’ll always reject extremism and work to find solutions that make a difference for you and your family.

★ Secure the Border

★ Reinstate the SALT Deduction

★ Bringing Federal Dollars Back to Long Island

★ Help Heal the Divide in Congress

JOEY DIESSO

Massapequa Senior Football

A YEAR AFTER THROWING for 20 touchdowns and helping lead Massapequa to a perfect 12-0 season, Nassau Conference I and Long Island Class I titles, Diesso passed for a pair of scores in each of the first two games this fall. On Sept. 13, he had a near-perfect performance in a 38-13 victory over Freeport. He completed all but one of his 11 pass attempts for 135 yards as the Chiefs got into the win column for the first time in 2024.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Sept. 26

Boys Soccer: Hewlett at Lawrence 4:30 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Baldwin at V.S. Central 4:45 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Clarke at V.S. North 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 27

Boys Soccer: Wantagh at Clarke 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Wantagh at Plainedge 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Seaford at North Shore 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Farmingdale at Baldwin 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Malverne/East Rock at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Oceanside 6 p.m.

Football: Garden City at Hewlett 6 p.m.

Football: Seaford at Plainedge 6:30 p.m.

Football: Hicksville at Freeport 6:30 p.m.

Girls Volleyball: Freeport at Baldwin 6:30 p.m.

Football: South Side at V.S. North 7 p.m.

Football: North Shore at Malverne 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 28

Football: Calhoun at Mepham 11 a.m.

Football: Carey at Sewanhaka 3 p.m.

Football: Farmingdale at Massapequa 3 p.m.

Football: Hempstead at Oceanside 3 p.m.

Football: Uniondale at V.S. Central 3 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

North Shore rolls on Homecoming

By MARC BERMAN sports@liherald.com

North Shore celebrated its Homecoming game before a big crowd in its poundthe-rock style last Saturday.

Head coach Dan Agovino’s squad is notorious for its vaunted rush-oriented attack but the Vikings took it to a new level in throwing the ball just once all afternoon in wiping out rebuilding Valley Steam South, 53-12.

Everything that could’ve gone right went right on the home grassy field of the Sea Cliff/Glen Head program. North Shore moved to 2-1. Even its lone pass of the day was executed with precision – a 3-yard touchdown strike from quarterback James Camardella to Charles Godfrey.

All told, 10 Vikings carried the ballwhich had Agovino beaming afterward.

“I’m real excited,’’ he said. “We held ourselves very well up front. The big guys got the job done. Ten different ball-carriers. That’s a total team contribution.’’

Agovino, whose Vikings won the Long Island championship in 2021, has what he feels is the perfect backfield with a troika of Gianluca Sferrazza. Ryan Lau and Jack Damphouse. Plus, the quarterback Camardella, a transfer from Chaminade, can run the ball a bit, too.

In last Saturday’s win, Sferrazza rushed five times for 110 yards and a touchdown. Camardella kept the ball four times for two touchdowns scampers. Add in Christian Gisonda’s 53-yard touchdown run and it was a perfect afternoon along the shores of Hempstead Harbor.

“Our reputation is we run the ball the majority of the time - over 85 percent,’’ Agovino said. “We pass a bit to soften defenses here and there but our goal is to run the rock. We have a three-headed monster and can keep rotating to keep legs fresh.’’

And so the Vikings ran the ball through Valley Stream South’s young defense in building a 40-6 halftime lead. It erased the disappointment of its Sept. 14 14-7 loss to Locust Valley when the run-blocking was not up to par.

Defensively, the Vikings were led again by defensive end Mareo Abouel-

hassan, who blocked a punt that Sferrazza recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. Abouelhassan also excels on the offensive line.

“Marco has been outstanding for us this year,’’ Agovino said. “He had a decent, solid junior year. He really worked hard in the offseason – our best weight-room guy. He’s really been our most consistent player.’’

The Maroon are also relying heavily on the other defensive end, George Mansavasion. The tandem is expected to secure the edges and let the linebackers do the work inside, Agovino said.

North Shore started the season with a 35-0 romp over Oyster Bay and started Saturday’s Homecoming by making a big defensive play. Ian Frame intercepted a

pass on a third down.

The Vikings never let go of the momentum. The running clock was in place the entire second-half because of the 35-pointplus lead.

North Shore, coming off a 4-5 season and first-round playoff loss to Locust Valley, is seeded just sixth in Conference IV after an infusion of solid programs such as Plainedge and Wantagh. Ironically, Agovino’s son, Dominic, plays for Plainedge and they face off Oct. 5. Next up for North Shore is Friday night at Malverne at 7 p.m.

“The conference is real deep and we’re right in the mix,’’ Agovino said. “We have the ability if we take care of ourselves and limit mistakes, we can play with anyone in the conference.”

Eric Dunetz/Herald

Jack Damphouse is part of a three-pronged backfield attack for the Vikings, who take a 2-1 record into Malverne Friday night.

Glen Head firefighter named F.A.S.N.Y. director

Robert Ottaviano has been serving the Glen Head community for nearly 30 years as a volunteer firefighter. The former president of the department has advanced to the state level, being elected director of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York for the second time.

Growing up in East Northport, Ottaviano said was interested in serving the community since he was a teenager. However, when school and work interfered, Ottaviano put on his interest on hold until his 30s when he would join the Glen Head Fire Department.

“I wanted to join the Commack Fire Department when I was 18 with a buddy of mine, but with school and work getting in the way, I couldn’t find the time to do it,” Ottaviano said. “I ended up moving and moving to New York City for 15 years and when I finally came back to the island in my 30’s, I decided to see if I could help the community and become a volunteer fireman.”

Throughout his time as a volunteer firefighter, Ottaviano said he explored other options to continue helping his community. He became president of the Fifth Battalion Softball League, as well as president of the Nassau County Volunteer Fireman’s Association. From there Ottaviano would join the Southern New York Firefighters Association where he would once again rise in the rankings and become president.

Throughout his time as president in those

organizations, many encouraged Ottaviano to become a member of the New York State Firefighters Association. After a few months he received a call to become director, and he accepted.

“I became president of the fifth battalion softball league and through that, became president of the Nassau County Volunteer Fireman’s association from there I became a part of the Southern New York Firefighter’s Association,” Ottaviano said. “I met a lot of people along the way who introduced me to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York then, the Nassau County steering committee called me and asked me if I would become a director.”

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York, founded in 1872, represents more than 90,000 volunteer firefighters statewide. It advocates for legislation, training programs, and benefits to ensure the safety and rights of firefighters across the state.

Now coming up on 30 years of service as a volunteer firefighter, Ottaviano will once again serve as director of the association after taking a five-year break. He plans to continue the initiatives from his last run as director including fighting for the rights of Volunteers Firefighters across New York state.

“Volunteer firefighting is a very tough thing to do, it can be a very rewarding thing, but it also can be very detrimental.” Ottaviano said. “I enjoy fighting for the rights and benefits of volunteer firefighters.”

Family Meal

NEWS BRIEFS

Town

and county to host Oct. 7th ceremony

Town of Oyster Bay and Nassau County residents are invited to stand in solidarity with Israel while remembering the 1,200 people killed in the Hamas terrorist attacks, including over 40 Americans, and hundreds kidnapped on October 7, 2023. Together with religious leaders, attendees will pray for the safe return of over 100 hostages still held in captivity (including 7 Americans), reaffirm theirr support for the State of Israel, and denounce the heinous acts of terror committed against men, women, and children.

“We’re proud to stand united in solidarity with Israel and will host this remembrance ceremony in memory of the October 7th terror victims while remembering the lives lost and those still held captive,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman stated. “This ceremony offers residents a collective space for mourning,

ensuring that the memory of those lost is preserved and the impact of their loss is acknowledged by the wider community.”

“This remembrance ceremony fosters unity and resilience, allowing people to come together in solidarity against acts of terror, while promoting healing and a shared commitment to peace and security in the face of tragedy,” added Town Supervisor Joesphe In these troubled times, it is critical to remember that what divides us, pales in comparison to that what unites us.”

This October 7th Remembrance Ceremony will take place on Monday, October 7, 2024 at 6pm at Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, New York. State, Town and County officials will be joined by local religious leaders, families, community leaders and thousands of residents.

Chicken

Trump is welcomed to L.I. by a sea of red

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ & KELSIE RADZISKI of the Herald

Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, vowed to the crowd at his rally on Sept. 18 at the Nassau Coliseum that he would win the vote in the state of New York in November’s election.

“It hasn’t been done in a long time,” Trump, referring to a decades-long losing streak of Republican presidential candidates in the state, “but we are going to win New York.”

Trump spoke for nearly 90 minutes at his first rally on Long Island since 2017, cheered by a sea of supporters wearing Make America Great Again hats and T-shirts and waving MAGA flags, thousands of them gathered outside the packed arena, watching on television monitors.

He denounced his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, and her policies, which he said would make New York “a Third World nation” if she were to win.

Trump highlighted Long Island issues and events, paying tribute to New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller, of Massapequa, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Queens in March. The former president noted the 2016 slaying of Long Island teenagers Nisa Mickens and Kayla Cuevas, and the influx of MS-13 gang members.

“Our country’s going down,” he said. “If you look at what’s happening with the Venezuelans taking over … They’ve taken over your buildings and your land. You got to do something about it.

“That wouldn’t happen with Bruce Blakeman, I can tell you that right now,” Trump added, referring to the Republican Nassau county executive, which sparked chats of “Bruce!” from the

crowd.

This was Trump’s first rally since a second assassination attempt was reported at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sept. 15. He credited the U.S. Secret Service for stopping the attempt.

He vowed to rebuild the subways, highways and bridges in New York and across the country. He promised to reinstate the income tax deduction for state and local taxes, which his administration backed legislation to cap during his presidency. He also announced that he would make the World Trade Center site, in Lower Manhattan, a national monument maintained by the federal government — a pronouncement that was met with an enthusiastic ovation.

“That hallowed ground and the memory of those who perished there will be preserved for all time,” he said, just a week after the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Trump also addressed global affairs. “I will settle the war in Ukraine,” he said. “I got along very well with Putin,” he said, referring to Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, “and I will end the chaos in the Middle East. A vote for Kamala Harris is a vote to obliterate Israel.”

Hours before the rally, County Legislator Carrié Solages, a Democrat, condemned statements made by Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, about Haitian migrants eating residents’ pets in Springfield, Ohio, at a counterprotest with Haitians from Long Island outside the Coliseum entrance.

County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs held a protest with elected officials hours before Solages’.

Before Trump took to the stage, others expressed their support for his campaign, including Republican U.S. Representatives Anthony D’Esposito and Nick LaLota, who represent the 4th and 2nd

congressional districts, respectively. The pair are being challenged by former Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen and John Avalon in closely watched contests in November that could determine the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

In an impassioned speech, D’Esposito denounced Harris, described the Democratic Party as “dangerous” and emphasized that he “stand(s) for what Donald Trump believes in.”

“I stand for a secure border, I stand for backing law enforcement, I stand for growing our economy, I stand for putting America first,” D’Esposito said.

The Republican nominee in the 3rd Congressional District, Mike LiPetri, who hopes to flip Rep. Tom Suozzi’s seat, said he was proud to endorse Trump and his goals for his presidency.

“This is our time to restore common sense, to create safe, secure and affordable communities …,” LiPetri said, “making sure we have secure borders, a safe America, making sure we have peace across the world, making sure we’re standing with the Jewish community, and making sure we stand with Israel.”

Blakeman spoke of his priority to keep the county safe, after Nassau was recently named the safest county in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

“Nassau County protects the integrity and safety of women’s sports, and Nassau County unmasked the criminals, antisemites and hate mongers,” he said.

Blakeman called for Trump’s election in November so the country could “get back to common sense.”

“Let’s save our country, and let it start right here,” he said. “Let it start on Long Island, and go throughout the whole state of New York and the state of New Jersey and roll across America.”

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Former President Donald Trump held a rally at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale on Sept. 18, and vowed to win the state of New York in the November election.

Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani was among those who enthusiastically supported the former president.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman spoke about his priority to keep the county safe.

Rally reflects Nassau’s deep political divide

By ROKSANA AMID

ramid@liherald.com

The Nassau Coliseum parking lot was filled with vehicles displaying flags, banners and homemade posters before former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally last week. Attendees, eager to show their allegiance, dressed in MAGA hats, shirts and red, white and blue outfits, while chants of “Trump, Trump, Trump!” erupted sporadically.

For his supporters, Trump remains the best candidate to fix the nation’s economic problems and take a stand against traditional politicians. Tommy Mundy, a Trump impersonator from Long Beach, praised the former president’s record.

“He’s a great man,” Mundy said. “He’s been right on everything all along.”

Mundy also dismissed concerns about Trump’s divisive stance on social issues, including abortion.

“Politicians are wicked and evil, and he’s not a politician,” Mundy said. “I’m not too concerned about the abortion issue — let God take care of that. We’re going to do great things, and the economy’s going to get turned around.”

Edward Sass, of North Babylon, also voiced his dissatisfaction with career politicians, a common theme among the attendees. Sass said he sees Trump as a non-politician who speaks plainly and delivers results.

“You get a lot of these politicians saying, ‘We’re going to do this; we’re going to do that.’ They should have done it already,” Sass said. “Three and a half

years, and they haven’t done anything.”

Sass criticized what he described as Vice President Kamala Harris’s vague promises, as well as the growing population on Long Island.

“We’re Long Island, we’re an island, we’ve got too many people in a boat,” he said, suggesting that the region’s infra-

structure is being overwhelmed by unchecked development and population growth.

Outside the Coliseum, anti-Trump protests reflected the sharp divisions among voters. Protesters gathered just beyond the gates, holding signs and chanting, “We’re not going back,” sum-

ming up their opposition to the former president.

Ann Leahy, from Wantagh, was among them. “He’s a crook, and he’s a liar, and he’s a rapist,” she said of Trump. “He’s cruel and he’s just a horrible person. He should never get near the White House again.”

Leahy expressed disbelief at the continuing support for Trump. “He was there for four years, and he was a horror then,” she said. “He has no policies. He just repeats the same stuff over and over again, and people are falling for it. I don’t understand why people would even dream about voting for this lunatic.”

Another one of the protesters was Magalie Theodore, a Haitian immigrant from Elmont, who expressed deep frustration with Trump’s disproven claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were stealing and eating residents’ pets.

“We are mad at Trump for the lies he has made about us,” Theodore said. “We don’t eat pets. We protect pets. As a citizen from Haiti, our country is a protector. We are the first Black republic. We don’t support bullies, and that’s what he’s been doing to immigrants.”

Theodore also criticized Trump’s approach to campaigning, accusing him of attacking ethnic groups to distract from his legal troubles. She also expressed disappointment in local leaders like Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for supporting Trump.

“I thought he was going to look out for all people, but apparently, he’s not,” Theodore said of Blakeman. “He’s supporting the biggest bully in America.”

Roksana Amid/Herald photos

Magalie Theodore and Magda Guillaune defiantly made clear their oppostion to former President Trump at last week’s rally. “We don’t support bullies,” Theodore said.

Edward Sass, of North Babylon, was eager to show his support for Donald Trump.

North Shore celebrates Homecoming

The North Shore Schools held their Homecoming Celebration on Sept. 21, bringing together students, families, alumni, and community members. The day kicked off with a lively Homecoming Carnival, featuring games for all ages and participation from Pre-K through 12th grade students, faculty, and parents.

Superintendent Chris Zublionis and other administrators engaged with the youngest Vikings, while the community rallied to support the North Shore Vikings Football team, which triumphed over Valley Stream South, 53-12. The festivities included sports clinics led by older students, a pre-game show with performances from the Pulse dancers and cheerleaders, and a band that energized the crowd.

Halftime featured a gathering of alumni, including Mr. Richie Lindlom from the Class of 1958. Special thanks were extended to the Viking Booster Club and all those involved in making Homecoming 2024 a memorable success.

Danica Reorden/Herald photos

North Shore High School’s cheerleading team got the crowd hyped for North Shore’s dominating win over Valley Stream.

The football team ran a clinic for younger students before the homecoming game. Games featured at the homecoming fair included sack racing.

3rd grader Anastasia Dressier got the chance to ride a mechanical shark. North Shore’s cheerleaders led younger students in school spirit and bonding exercises.

Mini Mart returns to S.C. for 52nd year

The North Shore Kiwanis Club will host its annual Mini Mart event on Oct.6. A staple of the town for the past 50 years, the fair aims to build on its continued success this year.

Mini Mart is an all-day street fair that runs from Prospect Avenue to Carpenter Avenue right in the heart of Sea Cliff. The event has been running for the last 52 years but was taken over by the North Shore Kiwanis Club 40 years ago. It features a wide array of local vendors including restaurants, jewelers, artists and nonprofits.

“This will be the fifty-second year of Mini Mart this year, but the Kiwanis Club is very proud to have been running the event for the past 40 years,” said event co-director Lisa Larsen Hill. “It’s kind of an institution, and we’re really excited again this year, we have an amazing array of you know local vendors, the restaurants, nonprofits, and artistic vendors and live music that just make it a great vibe that people enjoy.”

The purpose of the Mini Mart event is to give back to the community. All proceeds from the event are given and redistributed amongst the nonprofits. Larsen Hill said that this is the largest fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club and they always appreciate how the community rallies together for the event.

“It’s the largest fundraiser certainly for Kiwanis, but also for many nonprofits in the local area,” said Larsen Hill. “It’s the Children’s Library, the Boy Scouts, the Kiwanis Key Club, the Hempstead Harbor Protection, there will be a number of things about pet care, medical situations, massages. So it’s just, it’s just a really lovely community event in that way.”

In years past the event has attracted up to 12,000 people and is considered the biggest event that the Kiwanis Club holds. Although they did not specify, the club says they have been in talks with local fire

Previous Mini-Marts have seen as many as 12,000 visitors come to Sea Cliff.

departments EMS and police to put good safety measures in place.

“We have good safety measures in place, we have been working with the village, the fire departments, the EMS and the police,” Larsen Hill said. “When you have that many people, you really have to have that safety protocols and emergency process.”

The Kiwanis Club has been able to hold multiple charitable events using the money raised from Mini Mart in previous years including children’s clothing events, bike riding events, and sneaker events of chil-

dren, the club has made it a priority to redistribute every penny made into local charities.

“That’s especially true with the whole North Shore area, and it obviously boosts the town of sea cliff with the local restaurants and local nonprofits,” said Kiwanis President Roger Hill. “It’s also a family event, a lot of activities for kids and stuff. So it’s a gelling of the community, its almost like a gigantic block party.

Mini Mart will take place all day on Oct. 6, the Kiwanis Club also requests that residents do not bring any pets due to large amounts of people attending.

Photos courtesy John Kle

Parker Jewish Institute hosts Indian Cultural Wing Plaque Dedication

More than 150 guests, including honorees and dignitaries, attended Parker Jewish Institute’s Indian Cultural Wing Plaque Dedication on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at Parker’s auditorium. The dedication was held in honor of Saroj Shah, M.D., and I.C. Shah, M.D., longtime supporters of Parker and co-founders of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit.

Parker’s pioneering Indian Cultural Unit is the first of its kind in the region. The Indian Cultural Unit accommodates the rehabilitation, medical care and cultural needs of older adults, in New York’s growing Indian population, helping them achieve the best level of health possible.

“We are so tremendously grateful to Dr. Saroj Shah and Dr. I.C. Shah, co-founders of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. Their support and vision enhances Parker’s long-established mission to provide, with compassion and dedication, superior quality health care and rehabilitation,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, Parker Jewish Institute’s President and CEO.

Queens-LongIslandRenalInstituteParkerJewishInstitutehostedtheIndianCulturalWingPlaqueDedication. ShownhereareI.C.Shah,M.D.;SarojShah,M.D.;RobertS.Sterling,ChairmanoftheBoardTrusteesatParker JewishInstitute;FaithSterling;andMichaelN.Rosenblut,ParkerJewishPresidentandCEO.locatedattheParker Jewish Institute

About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation

The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is

a leading provider of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. At the forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research.

Parker Jewish Institute • (718) 289-2212 • lscacco@parkerinstitute.org

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

HEALTH MEMO

Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI) - providing patients with safe, comfortable Hemodialysis treatments in a relaxed setting – as well as PRINE Health – a Vascular Center offering advanced vascular services. The Center and QLIRI further Parker’s ability to expand access to essential health-care services to adults in the greater New York metropolitan area. For more information, please visit parkerinstitute.org or call 877-727-5373.

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute Offers Home Hemodialysis; Certified Home

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), located at The Parker Jewish Institute, now offers a state-of-the-art Home Hemodialysis Program. Those patients who also require Certified Home Health Care can access it conveniently through QLIRI’s affiliate, Parker Jewish Institute.

QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program allows patients to transition from an in-center setting to receiving hemodialysis from the comfort of their home, using the Tablo Hemodialysis System. Enrolled patients are first trained by a registered nurse. The nurse provides step-by-step guidance four days a week over the course of four weeks, or longer if necessary. Through training, patients learn to use the system before transitioning to home hemodialysis.

If needed, patients of Parker’s Certified Home Health Care Agency receive individualized nursing, medical, and

Health Care available through Parker Jewish Institute

rehabilitation services, so they can maintain maximum independence in the comfort of their homes. Home-care services can include skilled-nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; home-health aides; medical social services; medical supplies; and 24-hour telephone availability. Call with questions! 718-289-2600. To learn more about QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, visit qliri.org. For more on Parker’s Certified Home Health Care, visit parkerinstitute.org.

The Queens-Long Island Renal Institute, Inc., offers the finest quality of care, state-of-the-art technology and uncompromised dignity, in a bright, ultra-modern setting.

QLIRI provides:

• In-Center Chronic Hemodialysis

• Home Dialysis

• Ex perienced Nephrologists and Dialysis Registered Nurses

• Comfortable, State-of-the-Art, Private Treatment Stations

• Personal TV/DVD and Free Wireless Access

• Homelike Reception Area

• Social Work Services

• Nutrition Counseling

• Individual and Family Health Education

• St retcher Capability

• Va let Parking and Medical Transportation Available

• Quality Start

STEPPING OUT

From the ‘burbs to the

big stage

Rockville Centre native explores roots in new musical

By Iris Wiener

Shaun Taylor-Corbett has enjoyed a unique journey from his upbringing in Rockville Centre to working in New York theater. After becoming a household face with a stint on the hit children’s TV show “Hi-5,” he went on to star in the acclaimed Off-Broadway musical “Altar Boyz” and eventually was part of the original cast of Lin Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights.”

Working on that Tony-Award winning musical showed him the importance of exploring community through musical theater; it set the stage for his most personal project to date: ”Distant Thunder,” which runs Sept. 25 through Oct. 27 at A.R.T./New York Theatres. Taylor-Corbett not only co-wrote the book and lyrics for the new Off-Broadway musical, he also co-produced and stars in the production, which he credits with helping him learn about his own background. His mother, acclaimed dancer-choreographer and director Lynne Taylor-Corbett, directed and co-wrote.

At age 15, Taylor-Corbett decided he wanted to know more about his family’s background. “It was important to me to know where we came from,” he says.

His roots are Black, Scandinavian, Blackfeet Indigenous, and Irish. Realizing he wanted to know more about his Indigenous side, Taylor-Corbett’s mother proceeded to bring her son to Browning, Mont. There he met Darrell Robes Kipp, an educator and community leader responsible for saving the Blackfeet language.

“He really instilled in me the importance of language for a culture,” says Taylor-Corbett. “It was very impactful for me and it made me want to create a story about my experience being mixed race.”

“Distant Thunder”evolved into a story about a young person who returns to his roots after many years of being away. It goes on to explore the various ways in which he experiences community.

Taylor-Corbett’s first memory as a performer was recording himself singing to Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl.” He moved to Rockville Centre when he was 8-years-old, where he attended South Side Middle School and South Side High School. It was at South Side Middle School that he took on one of his first theatrical roles: Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof.” Looking back he appreciates having had a unique childhood growing up with his father [Columbia Records music executive Michael Corbett] and his mother.

Much of ‘Distant Thunder’ was inspired by Taylor-Corbett’s experience growing up mixed race.

“I didn’t quite know where I fit in, so I was open and friendly with everybody,” he says. “There were some instances where I felt like an outsider and got made fun of, but I think what I got from being mixed and hanging out with people from different cultural identities is that I fell in love with learning about cultures.”

Taylor-Corbett travels frequently and studies international relations.“As one aspect of my identity — being Indigenous — got stronger, I realized I could take all of what I learned and try to do something in the U.S. I wanted to help the people that gave me so much.”

Taylor-Corbett still spends time in Rockville Centre with his mother in his childhood home. One of his favorite aspects of working on “Distant Thunder” has been collaborating with mom.

“I value having time with her and going through this adventure,” he says. “We’ve grown so much together as friends because of this. There’s a deeper meaning, and drive we have together because I was a kid when we started [this journey]. We don’t have that much time with our parents, so holding onto every moment doing this with her is a joy.”

He also appreciates the wealth of experience that Lynne brings to the project; the multi-talented ‘Broadway legend’ is known for her choreography of Broadway’s “Swing!” and the film “Footloose,” as well her direction and writing for “Cougar the Musical,” among other projects.

“I’m learning so much from her,” he says. “She passed on that legacy to me. I see myself growing in confidence because of her.”

Taylor-Corbett is proud that “Distant Thunder” honors the Blackfeet community that he holds close to his heart. He had never seen an Indigenous Broadway or Off-Broadway musical, and imagined how incredible it would be to have a large cast representing the Blackfeet and Indigenous communities performing an Indigenous story through powwow and pop music. Adding it to the American theater canon would break through barriers.

“We wanted to have the show be a portal into another world, into the magic that is Indian country,” he says, as he looks forward to opening night on Oct. 3. “I want people to leave the show uplifted and joyful about the future. I’m hoping that everyone feels represented, that people feel proud of what we’ve done, and that it inspires people who might be on a similar journey as they write their own stories.”

Tickets for ‘Distant Thunder’ can be purchased online at amasmusical.org or by calling (212) 563-2565.

Jessie’s Girl

Take out that neon yet again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those crazy days are back — as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off, on the Paramount stage, The band of NYC’s top rock/pop musicians and singers gets everyone into that “Back To The Eighties” vibe with the latest edition of their popular concert experience. With a lineup including four pop-rock vocalists dressing and performing as ‘80s icons, backed by a dynamic band, this is the definitive ‘80s experience. Jessie’s Girl has mastered overthe-top renditions of the some of world’s most unforgettable songs, all while dressed up as the iconic characters of that decade. This is theater meets live music, covered in ‘80s glitz. Some would say there’s no decade like the ‘80. So throw on your best neon, use extra hair spray on that hair and head to Back To The Eighties — because it’s time to party like it’s 1989.

Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 p.m. $45, $37.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Celebrity Autobiography

The Drama Desk Award-winning “Celebrity Autobiography” returns to Tilles Center with an entirely new show. Starring Richard Kind, pictured above (fresh off his comic turn in that Hulu sensation “Only Murders in the Building”), Jackie Hoffman, Craig Bierko, Lillias White, Mario Cantone, and show creators Eugene Pack and Dayle Reyfel, an ever-changing selection of tellalls and memoirs are performed verbatim. Celebrity tell-alls are perfectly entertaining on their own, as exclusive windows into the lives of famous personalities. But this smash-hit comedic masterpiece takes it a step further — as as outrageously true memoirs are acted out live on stage by some of the funniest people around.

Saturday, Sept. 28, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Photo courtesy Michael Lee Stever

The cast rehearses “Distant Thunder” ahead of previews beginning Sept. 25.

Photo courtesy Caroline Grogan Shaun Taylor-Corbett with his co-writer, director and mother, Lynne Taylor Corbett.

Everclear

Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the ‘90s, led by vocalistguitarist-founder Art Alexakis, is back on the road, appearing on the Paramount stage, Sunday, oct. 6, 7 p.m. The band is joined by special guests Marcy Playground and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack. The setlist for this tour includes all the hits from throughout Everclear’s extraordinary three decades-long catalog, spotlighting tracks off their album “Songs From An American Movie Vol. One,” which they’ll release on vinyl later this year for the first time via Intervention Records.

Since forming in 1992, Everclear has enjoyed a lengthy career by any measure, spanning 11 studio releases, including four that have been certified Gold or Platinum, selling over 6 million records, and achieving 12 Top 40 Hit Singles on Mainstream Rock, Alternative, and Adult Top 40 radio, including “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” “I Will Buy You A New Life,” “Wonderful” and “Everything To Everyone,” as well as numerous videos, concerts, and various other accolades, including a 1998 Grammy nomination. The band’s 1993 debut album “World Of Noise,” released on the Portland independent label Tim/Kerr Records, paired with their significant efforts to break into college radio and the buzz they’d created within the Portland music scene, attracted the attention of major labels, including Capitol Records, which signed the group soon after. Beginning with their major-label debut, 1995’s platinum-selling album “Sparkle and Fade,” and its massive chart-topping hit “Santa Monica,” Everclear was soon a household name and catapulted into the masses. Alexakis was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2019; he’s since donated $1 from every ticket purchased from his performances to charities such as Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and National MS Society. In addition their numerous concerts over the band’s lengthy career, Alexakis created and runs the annual Summerland Tour, which features a package of popular ‘90s alt rock bands. $70.50, $50.50, $050, $25.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Oct. 9

Hempstead House tour

Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Wednesday, oct. 9, noon-1 p.m.

Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.

Game Time

Drop by Bayville Free Library, Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m., for casual table games. Bring your own games or use games offered by the library such as; cards, Canasta, Mah Jongg, Scrabble, chess, checkers, backgammon, and jigsaw puzzles. No registration required. 34 School St. For more information, visit BayvilleFreeLibrary.org or call (516) 628-2765.

Fascinating Fungi

Bring the kids to make some discoveries about mushrooms at Long Island Children’s Museum’s drop-in program, Sunday, Sept. 29, 1-3 p.m. Did you know that some mushrooms can glow in the dark? Learn about the 113 species of mushroom that are considered bioluminescent, due to a chemical reaction that attracts bugs to help spread mushroom spores.

Stop by to learn about these amazing fungi and make a glowing mushroom craft to bring home. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.

Concert time

Now & Then Trio performs at the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Library, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2 p.m. Vocalist Esther Beckman and her bandmates perform classics, swing, country, Latin and soft pop. 89 E. Main St., Oyster Bay. Visit oysterbaylibrary.org for more information.

Spooky Fest is back

A Halloween experience not to be missed, Spooky Fest is an outdoor adventure perfect for families, whether you want to be scared — or prefer seasonal fun of the non-scary kind. Join in the fun at the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. Along the way in the updated and beautifully lit up Enchanted Walk you will see dinosaurs, aliens and friendly witches, costumed characters and more, including the Mystical Garden. Get your fortune told, make a craft and dance with the Halloween DJ, along with face painting and the Amazing Glow tent. For those who want a scare, venture into the Haunted Woods, where zombies and dinosaurs hang out. Admission starts at $22. 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit CSTL.org for call (516) 7640045 for more information.

Guided By The Cosmos

Come have a magical afternoon with Jennifer Alexander, astrometaphysician, tarot & oracle card reader, quantum healing hypnotherapist, and intuitive guide for eclipse season on Sunday, at Hive Market, Sept. 29, 4–6 p.m. Share what you’re experiencing, ask questions, or simply listen, receive, and be present within this safe, non-judgmental space to be yourself. Book ahead to secure your space. Walk-ins welcome! Hive Market and Gallery, 100102 Audrey Ave. Oyster Bay. Tickets cost $40. To purchase tickets or to find out more visit www.hivemarketob.com or contact (516) 588-9400.

Guns & Hoses

Come cheer on our GCPD vs. GCFD in the annual Guns & Hoses softball game, Friday, Sept. 27, 7 p.m., at John Maccarone Memorial Stadium in Glen Cove. Show your support for our local heroes at the free family event. Don’t miss out! Morris Ave., Glen Cove.

Having an event?

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program returns for a new season, Saturday, Sept. 21, 9, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.

Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition

“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition will span 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.

On stage

Adelphi University’s Theatre Department present two one-act plays from icons of the American Little Theater movement, of the early 20th century, now through Sunday, Sept. 29. See “Suppressed Desires” by Susan Glaspell and “George Cram Cook and Seaweed” by Alice Gerstenberg, Sept. 26-27, 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 28, 2 and 7:30 p.m. (livestream available); Sept. 29, 2 p.m. Gerstenberg’s Seaweed explores the future prospects and dating escapades of 20somethings in the 1920s. It’s “Sex and the City” but only four years after women received the right to vote. Suppressed Desires brings the audience into a 1914 marriage where a husband, wife, and her sister interrogate the psychological meaning of every conscious and unconscious utterance. All shows take place in Adelphi’s Performing Art Center’s Black Box Theatre. $25, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

Mets’ Alvarez gives kids tips to remember

By ANTHONY DiCOCCO Special to the Herald

The energy was palpable as soon as the children began their infield and hitting drills, because in just moments, they would get the chance to learn from one of baseball’s rising stars.

Despite being in the thick of an intense playoff race, New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez volunteered 90 minutes of his time to coach dozens of lucky kids, ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade, at a free baseball clinic at the Lou Anthony Sports Complex in Massapequa on Sept. 5.

“This is awesome,” Rich Lopos, president of the Nassau County Police Activity League said. “This was something (Alvarez) called us about. He said, ‘I just want to come down and hang out with the kids for a little while,’ and these kids are loving it.”

Over the course of the clinic, kids decked out in Mets apparel rotated between stations that focused on the fundamentals of baseball, such as throwing, catching popups, running and infield work, before finally getting some hitting tips from Alvarez himself during tee drills. Following the clinic and a group photo, participants had the opportunity to pose for individual pictures with Alvarez and get his autograph.

Anthony

Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez gave hitting pointers to the kids who attended the free baseball clinic at the Lou Anthony Sports Complex in Massapequa.

As a young pro player who’s still learning what it takes to be a major leaguer, Alvarez said that the kids on the field were also teaching him valuable lessons.

“This definitely helps me relax,” he said. “I’m happier. I can see the kids smile, I see the kids’ emotion and I can see how hard they work here. It gives me a little more energy.”

The event was part of a stacked lineup of athlete-run clinics that has been made possible through a partnership between PAL and Pioneer Sports Long Island. Over the past year, Pioneer Sports, now its 14th year, has held clinics that featured former Rangers goalie Mike Richter, Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert, Mets third baseman Brett Baty and closer Edwin Diaz, and Yankees starting pitchers Nestor Cortes and Clarke Schmidt.

Tom Falcone, a co-founder of Pioneer Sports, helps facilitate all of the clinics.

Aiden’s brother, Austin, 8, said some

“This was really cool,” Brooklyn native Aiden Rodriguez, 11, said after the clinic run by the player he described as his idol. “I go to Mets games and meet a lot of players, and Alvarez is one of my favorite catchers in MLB. He made me want to be a catcher.”

of the key lessons Alvarez taught were to keep your eye on the ball and the ball on the barrel of your bat. And he taught the kids about the mental side of the game, as well. Throughout the clinic, he stressed the importance of putting all their mental energy into baseball and to always have fun while doing it.

“These kids are having a lifetime experience, and for me it’s a lifetime experience, too,” Falcone said. “Just to be able to have these guys come out here to the facility and give back to the community, we’re honored to do this.”

Anthony DiCocco is a reporter for the SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

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DiCocco

DTHE GREAT BOOK GURU

Missing Link?

ear Great Book Guru, My friends and I have decided to tackle reading the latest Booker Prize winners and I see that the group has just published their “short list” of winners. Could you suggest a favorite of yours from this list?

Reader of Winners

Dear Reader of Winners, There are six books on this year’s list and all are great, but my favorite by far was Rachel Kushner’s CREATION LAKE. Kushner’s novel is a fascinating combination of mystery, humor, science, and spy antics.

ANN DIPIETRO

Set in the present, it is the story of “Sadie Smith” a pseudonym for a thirty-four-year-old woman who has acted as a government agent for many years until a botched case involving a young man, five hundred pounds of explosives, and charges of entrapment cause her to be fired by the FBI. She then sets out on a very lucrative career path as a spy-for-hire. Her first assignment is working for a

huge unnamed industrial complex that is eager to shut down an environmentalist farming commune with a long history of violence. The mastermind/ puppeteer is Bruno who had been involved in the May 1968 Paris riots. He subsequently disappeared from public view, communicating his radical ideas in emails from underground caves. His messages are perhaps the most fascinating part of the book as he lays out his beliefs about human evolution and the superiority of the Neanderthals or Thals as he calls them.

According to him, much of present-day discord and misery lies in the demise of the Thals and the ascension of the Sapiens. Sadie finds herself rethinking her mission as she grapples with Bruno and his disciples. A very different take on spy craft and highly recommended!

Would you like to ask the Great Book Guru for a book suggestion? Contact her at annmdipietro@gmail.com.

NEWS BRIEFS

Northwell expands behavioral services

Northwell Health has expanded access to behavioral health services for Long Island residents through a new affiliation with Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling Services and Family Service League. The partnerships aim to address the growing demand for mental health and substance use care by creating a more integrated and comprehensive network of services across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

As New York State’s largest health care provider, Northwell operates two specialty behavioral health hospitals—South Oaks Hospital in Amityville and Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, Queens— offering a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services throughout the greater New York region. The affiliation with CN Guidance and FSL will enhance referral processes and allow patients to access more specialized care when needed. Both organizations are also setting up 24-hour crisis stabilization centers, with FSL’s already in operation and CN Guidance’s center expected to open in 2025.

This collaboration will enable patients being treated by CN Guidance and FSL to be referred to Northwell’s extensive roster of services for more complex and coordinated care. Northwell plans to launch a Virtual Navigation Hub to further streamline connections between patients and the most appropriate services, ensuring time-

ON THE ROAD WITH A TAKEOUT

‘Swalloween’ Takeout

The end of September marks my favorite takeout holiday, “Swalloween,” when takeout foods don their Halloween costumes. This month, I enjoyed Swalloween delicacies at a new restaurant, a fair, and three cafés featuring fall menus. I tasted pumpkins and apples disguised as smoothies, scallion pancakes dressed as pizza, spaghetti squash masquerading on a pasta-style plate, and more. Check out these fun foods that taste like autumn:

SoBol Oyster Bay (14 E. Main St., Oyster Bay)

Pizza that bakes in 90 For a limited time, pumpkins are transformed into Pumpkin Pie Smoothies. These creamy blends of pumpkin, banana, cookie butter, oat milk, and pumpkin spice highlight the pumpkin flavor while allowing the other ingredients to shine. The result is a refreshing, wellbalanced sip of fall. Apples also take on the guise of apple pie smoothies and are equally delicious.

like Japanese eel rice, lotus roots, or green-lipped New Zealand mussels, this could be an exciting culinary adventure. Maldon & Mignonette (243 Glen Cove Ave., Sea Cliff)

Chef Occhipinti’s fall menu showcases dishes dressed in Swalloween costumes. The Spaghetti Squash Arrabbiata was so well-prepared that I forgot it wasn’t pasta. Elegant strands of squash mingled with a sauce of sausage, bacon, and thyme, creating a delightful flavor combination. Another standout dish is the Crescent Duck, served with a side of apple slaw made of paper-thin apple slices and fresh arugula, all tossed in a light sauce—a memorable Swalloween performance.

Carvel (181 Forest Ave., Glen Cove; 2 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay)

ly care delivery.

“The need for behavioral health care on Long Island is enormous, with many people unable to access the right services at the right time,” said Dr. John Q. Young, Northwell’s senior vice president and chair for Behavioral Health Services.

“Working together, Northwell, CN Guidance, and FSL will better meet the escalating needs of our communities for mental health care and substance use disorder treatment.”

Family Service League, founded in 1926, serves over 50,000 people annually through 60 mental health programs at 20 locations/ CN Guidance, based in Hicksville, serves all of Long Island and offers over 60 programs for mental health and substance use, with more than 34,000 patient encounters in 2023 alone.

Leaders from both CN Guidance and FSL highlighted how the partnership with Northwell will help expand services, reduce wait times, and improve outcomes for the most vulnerable populations. These agreements come during National Recovery Month and Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, emphasizing the critical need for expanded mental health services. For more information or appointments, visit Northwell’s behavioral health website Northwell.edu/BehavioralHealth or call their hotline at (888) 321-DOCS.

Mr. KEKE Ramen (2 Glen St., Glen Cove)

At this new Asian restaurant, the triangle-shaped Taiwanese scallion pancakes made me think I was enjoying little slices of pizza. With layers of garlic, salt, and vegetable oil atop the thin, crispy pancakes, the dish is a great Swalloween costume. The restaurant also features hot pots, allowing you to select a broth and cook a bowl of ingredients at your table. I preferred the pot stickers, dim sum, ramen soups, salads, and appetizers on the menu. If you’ve never tried ingredients

As a child, whenever I scraped my knee or had any kind of day, my mother would take me to Carvel. So, it warms my heart to share that the monthly special is pumpkin cheesecake. Soft ice cream that tastes like pumpkins swirled with cheesecake creates the perfect Swalloween experience.

Creamy Dreamy Fudge & Tasty Treats (creamydreamyfudge@gmail.com)

At the Oyster Bay Street Fair, I enjoyed homemade apple pie fudge—apples dressed as fudge for Swalloween. You can find this fudge at the Oyster Festival, or call Larry Junda at 516-578-5228 for more information.

See you next month!

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. WALTER F. VON HOLT, III, et al, Defts. Index #607341/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered October 23, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the north side front steps of Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on October 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 21, Block 94, Lot 5, 17. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The sale will take place “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure

auction. JUDGE SCOTT H. SILLER, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #101796 149042

LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR Village of Sea Cliff Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Comprehensive Safety Action Plan PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Proposals for the Village of Sea Cliff Safe Street and Roads for All (SS4A) Comprehensive Safety Action Plan will be received by the Village at Village Hall, 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, N.Y. 11579 until 3:00 p.m. on Friday November 1, 2024.

Request for Proposals documents may be obtained online at www.seacliff-ny.gov beginning September 27, 2024.

Interested parties will confirm their intent to submit a proposal in response to this Request for Proposal by emailing Erinn McDonnell at emcdonnell@seacliffny.gov . Each Proposal must be enclosed in a sealed envelope marked on the outside with the name and address of the submitter and the words “attn: Traffic and Safety Committee, Safe Street and Roads for All (SS4A) Comprehensive Safety Action Plan”. All questions related to this project or request for proposals shall be submitted in writing by email to Erinn McDonnell at emcdonnell@seacliffny.gov.

The Village reserves the right to reject any or all of the Proposals received, to re-advertise for Proposals, to abandon the project, to waive any or all informalities in any Proposals received and to accept any Proposals which the Village decides to be for the best interest of the Village, so long as such decision is in accordance with the provisions of the General Municipal Law.

By: Sarah Beaudin

Village Clerk

DATED: September 24, 2024 149187

LEGAL NOTICE

The annual meeting for the Brookville

OPINIONS

After all the drama,

it’s a dead

heat

It seems as if barely a week goes by in the presidential campaign without one more otherwise once-in-adecade, totally unexpected event occurring.

Almost relegated to the background in all this tumult are the multitude of criminal charges brought against Donald Trump, including 34 felony convictions in one case alone, which have only increased his favorability ratings to their highest level ever.

For starters, there was the Biden-Trump CNN debate fiasco in late June, in which President Biden virtually self-destructed in real time before a nationwide audience. At times incoherent and appearing hopelessly confused, Biden had no sooner left the debate stage than Democratic Party leaders, consultants and media types displayed their own levels of incoherence in expressing their shock and dismay over how poorly Biden had performed and their fear of his impending defeat in November, especially contrasted with Trump’s relatively effective performance. Biden insisted he was going for-

ward, and conducted a media tour to rescue his terminally wounded candidacy.

While all this was taking place, Trump barely escaped death in Butler, Pennsylvania, when an attempted assassin’s bullet missed his skull by an inch, clipping his right ear and resulting in the iconic photo of his bloody defiance. Then there was the Republican Convention in Milwaukee, which, except for an overly long acceptance speech by Trump, worked to perfection. Trump’s path to victory seemed clear.

TThen, out of nowhere on a Sunday afternoon, Biden announced that he would not run for re-election. Though he had won the overwhelming majority of delegates to the impending Democratic National Convention, he couldn’t withstand the coordinated move against him from all sides of the Democratic Party, from the actor George Clooney to party leaders Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries. Almost simultaneously with his withdrawal statement, Biden announced his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. Though her favorability numbers had been lower than Biden’s, she unexpectedly surged into a dead heat with Trump. This was followed by a

Bigotry

With precious weeks to go before the November election, I had hoped that we would be having a real debate about the issues that should dominate in a federal election year. I refer to such things as election integrity, a woman’s right to choose, the economy and other relevant subjects in such a crucial year. But instead, it seems that for some of the candidates, the only issue is race.

When Vice President Kamala Harris became the nominee of the Democratic Party, I understood that her mixed-race history would be a boon to some bigots who considered her selection a chance to vent against all people of color. And with every passing day, we hear about some politician openly venting about her color. The chief culprit has been former President Donald Trump, who seizes every opportunity he can to stoke the culture wars.

carefully choreographed Democratic Convention in Chicago, at which Harris appeared to make headway by repositioning herself as a moderate, not the progressive she had always been.

rump can’t just criticize current policies, and Harris can’t just say she’s not Joe Biden.

Seemingly caught off guard by Harris’s emergence, Trump made a number of unforced errors, including saying he hadn’t known until recently that Harris was black. He was clearly off his game. Polls showed Harris with a slight but growing edge. This was followed by their debate, in which Harris was acknowledged to be the victor.

Yet in another surprise development, the postdebate polls not only showed almost no real gain by Harris, but also found increased voter doubts about her on gut issues like immigration and the economy. It was now a horse race, and both sides were gearing up for the stretch run.

Then again came the unexpected: another assassination attempt against Trump, this time while he was playing the fifth hole of his Mar-a-Lago golf course. For days the media focused on this almost-tragedy. How did the Secret Service allow the would-be assassin to get so close to Trump so soon after the attempt in Butler in July? How much

did incendiary rhetoric contribute to this political violence?

This tumultuous, unprecedented 2024 campaign is now in its final six weeks, and is back where it started in earnest almost a year ago. Despite all that has happened along the way, the polls show the race is too close to call. Hopefully the candidates and voters will use the time between now and Nov. 5 to focus on the issues.

Real people are hurt by high prices for groceries. It’s difficult for young people to obtain a mortgage to buy a home. Crime is real, and repeat offenders are back on the streets. Illegal immigration is rampant, and attacks by criminal gangs are increasing.

Overseas, Israel is fighting for its survival. The Russia-Ukraine war rages unabated, while China continues to expand its military and threaten its neighbors, particularly Taiwan and the Philippines.

Trump must do more than criticize current policies, and detail what measures he would take. Harris must do more than just say that she’s not Joe Biden. And all of us must live up to the responsibilities and challenges of living in a democracy.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

must not dominate this election

One of his first shots in the current hate debate was his questioning of Harris’s race. At one of his campaign rallies, he asked if she really was Black. Eventually, when Trump found that this diatribe wasn’t catching on with his voters, he moved on to other highly sensitive racial areas.

T

Keep in mind that he has often played the race card. One of his most memorable racist comments concerned the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Despite his continuous denials, there were multiple press stories that quoted him as saying there were “very fine people, on both sides.”

Their most recent target was the Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. It’s a fact that various groups that cross the border often seek to settle in places that other immigrants have chosen as their home.

he governor of Ohio and the mayor of Springfield have denied vile claims.

In order to keep the racial flames burning, both Trump and his running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance, have made immigration the focal point of their campaign. There is no doubt that the border issue has legitimacy, but the TrumpVance approach is to stoke the racial fires with claims that mental patients and convicts are invading the country. Neither man has come up with any proof that these claims are legitimate.

The Haitians in Springfield are in this country as part of a program that allows immigrants to seek asylum based on violence in their countries. That program was created by President Ronald Reagan, and has been honored by all subsequent presidents, with the exception of Trump. This same program allows in residents of Ukraine and Venezuela, whose countries are experiencing great turmoil. Trump and Vance continue to spread the lie that members of Springfield’s Haitian community are stealing people’s pets and eating them. Their claims have caused massive angst in that city, where schools and municipal activities have shut down. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, the mayor of Springfield and other city officials have vehemently denied that such activities have taken place, but the Trump-Vance meanness continues unabated. There is no doubt that Spring-

field is dealing with an influx of Haitians who are trying to find work there, but the false rumors continue.

Adding to the venom were remarks Vance made on the Sunday talk shows on Sept. 15. He was challenged for continuing to assert the false pet-eating claims. “If I have to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people, then that’s what I’m going to do,” he told Dana Bash on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

The latest attempt to assassinate Trump should have resulted in his toning down the incendiary talk coming from him and his campaign team. But after a soft comment expressing his appreciation for the public’s support, he claimed that the Democrats were responsible for the assassination attempts “with their ugly rhetoric about me.” That kind of response can only bring about more toxic threats at a time when calm should be the byword.

Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

PETER KING

JERRY KREMER

2

ODeadly Wild West in our backyard

ne year ago, the Herald published the editorial below, about a spate of reckless driving on the Southern State Parkway. Unfortunately, in light of the devastating news that a number of Long Island teens have lost their lives in several recent crashes, we are once again somberly reminded that reckless drivers put at risk not only their own lives, but also the lives of others. We recommend that local municipalities and law enforcement agencies schedule town halls to discuss how best to stem the tide of reckless driving on Long Island — from speeding to texting, and everything in between, whether on a parkway or a local street. In the meantime, we reprint our editorial from the Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2023, issue.

Drive a mere exit or two on any of Long Island’s main thoroughfares and you are sure to see at least one roadside shrine remembering the victim of a fatal car crash.

These memorials — already too commonplace — will only become more ubiquitous if nothing is done to stem the rising tide of dangerous drivers on these roads. In fact, just last week, sadly, Peninsula Boulevard was the site of two

LETTERS

The utilities thrive on environment-damaging fossil fuels

To the Editor:

As the country and the rest of the world have experienced another year of scorching heat waves, private, for-profit utility companies — which we rely on for our basic necessities, like heating, cooling and electricity — are keeping us reliant on climate-wrecking fossil fuels while reporting record profits. When they work well, utilities exist in the background of our lives: They power our homes, cool us down when it’s hot, and give us heat when it’s cold. But too often they are sources of aggravation: The power goes off when it’s dangerously hot or cold out, our bills skyrocket, and these for-profit companies threaten to shut off services when we’re unable to pay.

We know that climate change raises those stakes even higher, and utility companies themselves play a massive role in exacerbating the climate crisis: 80 percent of the electric utilities in the U.S. run on fossil fuels.

Shifting utilities to clean energy is integral to working toward a safer climate, but these companies would rather maintain the status quo and keep the public in the dark.

separate fatal accidents. On the same day.

We have all seen the tricked-out cars and motorcycles that zig and zag through traffic — exceeding the speed limit in spades — with no concern about repercussions from law enforcement or consequences for the lives of others.

That sickening feeling you get when your heart skips a beat, and you thank heaven to be alive, because yet another vehicle comes out of nowhere at 100 mph to cut you off, and then does the same thing to the next car? And the next? Too many of us Long Islanders know this feeling all too well.

Reckless (and noisy) drivers — threatening both public safety and community tranquility — are operating with impunity. And they know it.

Their cars are hard to miss, with their illegally modified mufflers that can be heard miles away at all hours of the day and night. Illegal license plate covers and fake temporary tags protect their callous disregard for law and order by making it impossible for anyone to identify them, including law enforcement tools like speed cameras. And their friends are now sometimes even setting up lawn chairs on the side of the high-

way to watch cars race in broad daylight — missing the irony that a crash victim’s memorial is often just over their shoulders.

More than 75 people lost their lives, and another 13,000 were injured, in nearly 37,000 traffic accidents in Nassau County last year. Those are unacceptable numbers.

It’s difficult to find law enforcement on these central thruways, especially on the Southern State Parkway — one of Nassau County’s deadliest roads — between the Cross Island Parkway and Heckscher State Park.

We need more, not less, patrolling of our roads. We need more, not less, enforcement of sensible laws already on the books. We need more, not less, coordination between state and local law enforcement. And we need more stringent laws and harsher penalties coming out of Albany so that we can make these reckless drivers as scared to continue these dangerous activities as we are to witness them.

We implore all jurisdictions to work together to rein in the scourge of irresponsible, dangerous and selfish drivers. Because even one more roadside shrine is one too many.

our money to burn our future while individuals and families struggle. We deserve an energy system that allows everyone to have access to clean and affordable

LISA KONRAD Rockville Centre

We badly need congestion pricing

Ibelieve congestion pricing is an absolute necessity, for several reasons. First of all, traffic in the metropolitan area is an absolute nightmare. You can’t get into New York City in a reasonable amount of time unless you leave at 5 a.m. or after 9 p.m. most days from any direction — Long Island, Westchester, Connecticut or New Jersey.

Once you get to Manhattan, traffic is so bad that you can walk faster than you can drive. I know, because I work on the Upper East Side and often walk to appointments and meetings. It’s faster than waiting endlessly in a taxi or Uber.

The rafts of Citi Bikes, bike lanes, bus-only lanes and outdoor restaurants built during and after the coronavirus pandemic make Manhattan more intolerable for driving than ever before. According to a TomTom report, New York tops the list of cities with the worst traffic in America. The average commuter spent just under 25 minutes driving about six miles in 2023.

Secondly, our mass transit system has been allowed to deteriorate over the decades, because politicians have always kicked the can down the road. The Second Avenue subway was originally proposed over 100 years ago. Today, three stations have been built, and the extension to Harlem has been put off, because congestion pricing, which was supposed to help pay for it, has been halted.

IThe 7 Subway line was to have had a stop in Hell’s Kitchen, the “10th Avenue station,” to alleviate passenger congestion on the West Side and serve the growing neighborhood, but that, too, was killed for lack of funds and political will.

regional train service and rehabilitating the century-old subway system. The more comfortable and convenient the train system, the more people will use it, and the more drivers will opt out of the maddening rush to get to the city.

f only we could come up with a way to charge people based on their net worth.

Much of the current subway system is antiquated, some of it was damaged by saltwater intrusion during Superstorm Sandy, and the signal system is a hazard unto itself, slowing the system down and causing accidents.

So how do we resolve our urban traffic nightmare? There is no doubt that rail lines into Manhattan should be the No. 1 priority. They move the most people at the fastest speeds into and out of the city. Congestion pricing would be of enormous benefit in funding better

LETTERS

Does the proposed Equal Rights Amendment go too far?

To the Editor:

After reading Sasha Ahuja’s letter (“Curran’s wrong about the ‘war on women,’” Sept. 5-11), in support of the proposed Equal Rights Amendment, which will be on New York ballots in November, I decided to ask Google to tell me exactly what the proposed constitutional amendment says. This is what I learned:

“No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws of this state or any subdivision thereof. No person shall, because of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, or religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy, be subjected to any discrimination in their civil rights by any other person or by any firm, corporation, or institution, or by the state or any agency or subdivision of the state pursuant to law.”

I’m wondering if the amendment might go too far or be too broad in its scope. Adding anything to the Consti-

tution is a very big deal, since changing our minds after the fact may be very difficult in practice. Voters need to understand the complexities before casting a vote.

Personally, I’d have no issue with the amendment if it granted equal rights and equal protection to everyone regardless of “race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, creed, or religion, or sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression” — but it doesn’t stop there. The final clause gives women an unlimited right to abortion on demand, regardless of the stage of gestation.

While many argued for or against the removal of “reproductive freedom” as guaranteed by Roe v. Wade, most would agree that abortion has been a hotly debated topic. As such, I do not feel it should be part of a bigger amendment like Prop 1. Instead, let’s get Prop 1 passed without its final clause, and then allow ample discussion time before trying to get a separate amendment passed that deals exclusively with whether a woman’s “right to privacy” trumps the right to life of the unborn, and if so, when?

Now, there are valid reasons why congestion pricing is unfair. If I’m a millionaire, I don’t care about paying $15 to drive below 60th Street, but if I make $50,000 a year, it’s putting a huge dent in my wallet. Box trucks or moving vans would pay $24, large trucks $36, which would make goods and services cost more for New Yorkers.

It’s unfortunate that we can’t devise a methodology that could charge people based on their net worth. If a license tag could be connected to an IRS filing, we could charge wealthy people a different rate than those of more modest means.

Beyond a system like that, we must resurrect the congestion pricing program to start to reduce traffic into Manhattan, and use those funds to upgrade MTA trains, subways and buses. If we do nothing, we will have wasted $500 million installing the apparatus to track vehicular traffic into the city, while

doing nothing to reduce traffic and pollution and build a city for the future. It is also unconscionable that fare evasion cost the MTA an estimated $690 million in 2022, including $315 million from buses and $285 million from subways — 10 percent of the MTA’s annual budget.

And beyond the dollars and cents, New York City now ranks as one of the most ozone-polluted cities in the world thanks to the millions of cars, trucks and buses in stop-and-go gridlock traffic, with drivers endlessly circling for parking spaces and taxis, Ubers and Lyfts driving nonstop, looking for their next fare.

So how to move the massive number of people in the metropolitan area from destination to destination? Make the best use of the advanced train system that enlightened people built 120 years ago, and that provided 2 billion rides in 2023, on over hundreds of miles of track, picking up and dropping off people at 472 stations. But you can’t build out and upgrade the system without money, and congestion pricing is the ticket.

Jim Paymar is a veteran New York television anchor and reporter who has worked at CNBC, WNBC and WABC. He anchors a podcast, “The Big Shift with Jim Paymar.”

FRAMEWORK courtesy Peter Moran

Soaking in the Secret Lagoon hot springs — Fludir, Iceland

JIM PAYMAR

Meet Us at Mini Mart!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6TH | 10AM - 5PM

Enjoy music, food, shopping and fun at the 52nd Anniversary on Sea Cliff Ave!

by our booth in front of our Sea Cliff Office to enter the raffle and grab a giveaway!

We will be collecting donations on behalf of our Daniel Gale Charitable Foundation, which supports over 25 Organizations throughout Long Island and Queens including Island Harvest, City Harvest, Pink Aid, America’s Vet Dogs, North Shore Land Alliance, and many more.

For more information about our mission, our team, events and organizations we support, visit danielgalefoundation.org. See you at Mini Mart!