Seaford Herald 08-08-2024

lining up the perfect shot

Dominic Romano played some ground-level table Hockey at Seaford Middle School at the Seaford Recreation program’s color war event on Aug. 1. Story, more photos, Page 3.

Town of Hempstead sues Florida sanctuary over unreturned dogs

By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

The Town of Hempstead is taking legal action to recover four dogs from an animal sanctuary in Florida, claiming the organization violated the town’s agreement plan to care for them. The dogs were originally placed in the town animal shelter in Wantagh.

On July 26, the town filed a lawsuit against PawsEver Home, a nonprofit facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to recover the dogs, which were transferred to the sanctuary by the town six months ago. The Town of Hempstead had given the dogs to PawsEver to provide them a better

life after years of unsuccessful adoptions. But in a June 17 letter addressed to Michael Breitsprecher, the sanctuary’s president, the town informed the sanctuary that it had terminated its agreement with PawsEver, and demanded that all town animals in its possession be returned.

The Florida rescue began caring for the dogs after Breitsprecher signed an agreement in February to become a “placement partner” with the town animal shelter. The partnership, according to the agreement, is “a collaborative program designed to provide dogs and cats a second chance in a loving home and to increase the save

Serving with kindness at L.I. Cares

By l ARA MURRAY-STERZEl

This is part two in a series about Seaford residents who provide assistance at Long Island Cares.

Seaford resident Debbie Mirer has displayed hard work while performing all of her tasks with kindness at the food bank run by Long Island Cares.

Mirer, who has volunteered with the organization’s independent support services, a special needs program, for 18 years, has teamed up with Matthew Magilavy, who has autism, as volunteers to assist clients at the food bank.

When Debbie comes in and organizes the stockroom, I think the work that she’s done in that sense is outstanding.

HARRiSoN SMiTH

Long Island Cares Inc. is a food bank with 200 sites scattered throughout the U.S. and is dedicated to feeding individuals and families in their communities.

Satellite and disaster relief coordinator, Long Island Cares

In 2016, Mirer was looking for volunteer work to keep Magilavy, whom she met

through the special needs program, busy, when she passed by the organization’s Huntington location and saw it needed volunteers. After doing some research, Mirer found the food pantry to be a great outlet to keep Magilavy engaged and active. Once they filled out the necessary paperwork, the two have volunteered there every week since then and have loved it. Their volunteer work includes a variety of different tasks, such as restocking shelves and picking up deliveries to be placed in the stockroom. The most important part of their job, Mirer said, is assisting customers in a mini-supermarket. The two would take customers down each aisle and show them the food they have on their shelves. Mirer spoke fondly of Magilavy and the assistance he provides at the food bank. With careful direction, Magilavy

Continued on page 2

Tim Baker/Herald

Mirer, Magilavy aid community at food bank

helps the clients on their way to a happy home and good food to eat.

Long Island Cares’ mission has remained combating food waste, food insecurities, and food sensitivities through the use of its food banks.

Harrison Smith, the organization’s satellite and disaster relief coordinator, spoke about ways to get customers to buy food by presenting them with recipes to try in the kitchen. Smith said he has been paying careful attention to feedback from clients, finding it to be essential to the growth and communication between clients in the food bank.

“It’s a combination of everything,” Mirer said. “They don’t have just one food, they have protein, they have grains, they have vegetables, fruits. We also have our own food garden in the Huntington site. It’s not one particular thing, they’re in need of everything.”

Mirer also spoke about the importance of receiving donations, such as pasta, milk, cheese and dairy products, which help the bank immensely. The food bank also provides kitchen supplies, which especially serve a purpose on the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Some of these donations come from big corporations that share the same cause as Long Island Cares.

Having experienced it first-hand, Mirer has seen people struggle with

food insecurity on Long Island since the pandemic. Some days, she said, homeless people arrive at the food bank seeking assistance.

Seeing how many people come in for food for different reasons has made her sad, she said, but it reminds her why volunteers are needed and how important their job is to those in need. Volunteering has also taught Mirer the meaning of kindness and giving back.

“When Debbie comes in and organizes the stockroom, I think the work that she’s done in that sense is outstanding,” Smith said. “She’s become the unofficial go-to organizer of the stockroom, because of the way that she puts everything together and makes everything accessible. I really appreciate that she does it.”

In addition, every Wednesday, Mirer goes to the food bank’s Bethpage location with Magilavy to pick up plastics to be recycled and turned into public benches. She also brings in donations for the Thanksgiving dinners and picks up food supplies when they’re low in stock at the supermarket. When she arrives at the food bank, Mirer said she is always ready to help the pantry and its clients.

Sing-songwriter Harry Chapin, the inspiration behind the food banks’ mission, died 43 years ago, but his work still stands because of dedicated people

“Harry Chapin started this years ago because of food insecurity, for anyone having a problem with having food

on their table and not being able to feed their family,’’ Mirer said. “That’s their basic mission: to help families in need of food.”

A warm welcome for new PPS assistant directors

The Seaford School District announced the appointment of two administrators in the Pupil Personnel Services department. Dana Battaglia is the elementary assistant director and Jamie Hermel has been named secondary assistant director.

Together, Battaglia and Hermel will serve about 425 students across the district’s four schools. They both bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their positions, and strive to make a positive difference for students who receive special services.

Battaglia comes to Seaford from the Westbury School District, where she was the committee on special education chair for the past two years. Prior to that, she spent 11 years as a faculty member and department chair of Adelphi University’s department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Her first position was in 1998 as teacher of speech and hearing handicapped at Nassau BOCES, followed by five years as a speech-language pathologist in the Northport-East Northport School District.

During her career as an educator, Battaglia has also worked with the Eden II programs at Genesis School in East Meadow to support children with autism. She holds a bachelor’s degree in speech language pathology from LIU Post, a master’s degree in speech language pathology from St. John’s University, a doctorate in philosophy in speech language hearing sciences from the CUNY Graduate Center and school building and district leadership certificates from Adelphi University.

In her previous position, Battaglia became familiar with Seaford’s special education programs, as Westbury cross-contracted with Seaford for student placements. She looks forward to supporting teachers, students and their families at Harbor and Manor elementary schools, including overseeing the launch of a new

viously worked in New York City schools as an administrator for special education at Bayside High School for eight years. Her career began as a grades 6-8 special education teacher at Robert F. Kennedy Middle School in Queens.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and English from Queens College, and master’s degrees in middle childhood general and special education from Touro College, educational leadership and administration from Touro College, and school and family counseling from Mercy College.

Hermel will support students at the high school and middle school. Her goal is to partner with building administrators and teachers to prepare students for their post-secondary lives using the Seaford Scholar skills. She wants to ensure that students have a wide range of pathways to meet success. In making these important decisions, it is essential to include parents as “thought partners,” she explained.

Seaford not only offers strong academic programs for special education students, Hermel noted, but there are many additional supports such as Best Buddies, Challenger athletics and the high school and middle school wellness centers. She said the comprehensive program is a testament to the collective vision of district leadership.

K-1 class at Manor.

“It’s such an honor to help enhance the great programs that are already in place,” Battaglia said. “I want to work collaboratively with the building administrators and pupil personnel services educators to continue to grow inclusive opportunities for all students.”

Hermel joins Seaford from the Jericho School District, where she was the curriculum associate of secondary pupil personnel services for two years. She pre-

“We offer a broad spectrum of services here in Seaford schools and we’re so lucky to be in a district has so many pupil personnel services structures,” Hermel said. “I’m really excited to be here.”

Hermel is particularly looking forward to working for Executive Director for Student Support Services Mary Catherine Culella-Sun, who she has met at several conferences. She and Battaglia both emphasized the warm welcome they have received since joining the administrative team at the beginning of the summer.

like Mirer.

Courtesy Long Island Cares

Seaford resident debbie mirer and matthew magilavy volunteer weekly at Long island Cares inc., assisting clients struggling with food insecurity.

Courtesy Seaford School District the Seaford School district welcomes two new assistant directors for the pupil personnel Services department, which serves about 425 students. dana Battaglia, left, will work with the elementary schools, and Jamie Hermel is working at the secondary level.

The Seaford Recreation program wrapped up its 19th anniversary last week. The program, according to its directors, is a community effort made up of staff that was once former participants.

Summer program celebrates 19 years of fun

For nearly two decades, the Seaford Recreation summer program has provided a fun space for children from kindergarten through sixth grade to engage in diverse activities.

Founded by Seaford teachers Ralph Pascarella and William Dietz, the program is now in its 19th year and continues to be a staple of the community. While not officially part of the Seaford School District, the district plays a supportive role, with many current and former students among the staff.

Pascarella, a physical education teacher at Seaford High School, and Dietz, a sixth-grade teacher at the middle school, have both been integral parts of the Seaford community for over 20 years. They launched the summer program to give back, offering an affordable camp experience for local families, according to Pascarella.

“It’s a way for the community to have an inexpensive four to five weeks of camp,” Pascarella said.

Held at Seaford Middle School, children gather for three hours each day to participate in a variety of activities. This year’s lineup included sessions with the Seaford Fire Department to learn about fire safety, a sign language class, and a range of sports, such as kickball and basketball. Other activities included bingo, bowling, wiffle ball and soccer. The program has evolved significantly over the years, becoming a much-anticipated event each summer.

“We have the luxury of changing it up,” Pascarella said of the program.

One of the highlights of the program is the final week, which features a Color War themed around the Olympics, coinciding with the games in Paris. Kids enjoy cold treats, cotton candy, and music as part of the festive finale, and participate in competitive games such as cornhole, soccer and water relay.

Looking ahead, Pascarella expressed excitement for the program’s 20th anniversary next year. He is particularly thrilled to see former participants return as staff members.

“We’re not really worried about what we’re doing,” Pascarella said about next year. “We’re just excited to be here 20 years. We’re going to do some silly stuff, some cool stuff, we haven’t really decided.”

— Charles Shaw

Angelina Romano getting her face painted during the recreation program’s Color War event.

Even the staff participated in the fun with an energetic game of Soccer.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

James Garcia, who is going into 4th grade in September, playing a game of water relay.

Staff members Leah Conklin, 13, and Gabriella Zanazzi, 15, handing out ice-cold treats during the final week of the Seaford Recreation program.

Four dogs are the subject of a legal battle

rate for the Town of Hempstead’s lost, abandoned, and surrendered animals.”

But Brian Devine, the town’s director of communications, said the town had cut ties with the shelter after discovering information about numerous legal proceedings initiated against PawsEver.

“Despite our numerous demands, PawsEver Home has refused to return the four dogs that were initially placed under their care based on the fraudulent information they provided to the Town during the screening process,” Devine said in a statement. “As such, the town has sued this organization to retrieve these dogs.”

The four dogs are Lenny, a Labrador retriever mix; Dexter, a retriever mix; Wally, a terrier mix; and Tucker, a hound.

Gty unable to provide sufficient care and shelter for the dogs.

PawsEver had not responded to requests seeking comment before the Herald went to press on Monday.

oing forward, the Town has instituted additional safeguards in our screening process for potential rescue partners to further protect the wellbeing of the dogs and cats in our care.

Brian Devine Town of Hempstead director of communications

According to the lawsuit, it was discovered that the Florida sanctuary was facing eviction after failing to pay its landlord $8,850 in rent, plus late fees, since February, which has left the facili-

As part of its agreement with the Florida shelter, the town shelter reserved the right to investigate and “reclaim any animal in the (placement partner organization’s) custody,” the suit states, “upon the discovery of evidence or allegations of inappropriate or insufficient care of an animal placed with a partnering organization.”

The suit alleges that PawsEver’s eviction would put the animals’ well-being in serious jeopardy because, if the sanctuary fails to make a settlement payment to its landlord, the sanctuary, and the town’s dogs, “would be forcibly removed from the premises.”

The lawsuit comes after a News12 investigation in May, which found 13 infractions of animal welfare laws against Breitsprecher, which included “operat-

the town of Hempstead is suing to reclaim four dogs from the pawsever Home

Lauderdale, florida, after the Wantagh shelter terminated its agreement with the florida sanctuary.

ing illegal animal boarding facilities without permits, violating dangerous dog regulations and hindering animal control investigations.” In addition, News12 reported that Florida court records revealed an incident in which animal-control officers investigated Breitsprecher for having a U-Haul filled

with over 20 dogs in crates and no ventilation.

“Going forward, the Town has instituted additional safeguards in our screening process for potential rescue partners to further protect the wellbeing of the dogs and cats in our care,” Devine’s statement read.

Leaving a Vacation Home to Family

We all know the road to you know where is paved with good intentions. Nowhere is this more true than leaving a vacation or beach home for the children to share after the parents have passed. We have often advised that if they are all happy and get along well this might very well lead to the end of those good feelings and relationships.

Inevitably, some will do more work on the premises than others, some will use the premises more than others, there will be disagreements as to maintenance and repairs. Some may never visit or use it at all.

Initially, all expenses tend to be shared equally, since all are equal owners. The foregoing issues, however, will quickly arise and then it will often be difficult or impossible to determine what each child’s fair share of the expenses should be. The one living across the country who never visits may insist that they be “bought out” or, if that’s unaffordable to the others, that the house be sold so that they can get their share.

Sooner or later, one of the siblings dies

and their share goes to a sister-in-law or brother-in-law who may remarry and bring a stranger into the shared arrangement. Or let’s say an owner of one-third of the house dies, and now their share goes to their four children. How is that going to work?

Vacation homes are an excellent example of why good estate planning is often more social work than legal work. In these cases we anticipate the problems and spend the time to figure out who wants and uses the home and perhaps leave it to those children only and compensate the others with money or other assets. If they all use and enjoy the home, we sometimes require that it be held jointly with the right of survivorship, allowing the last of the joint owners to decide who to leave it to.

While the possibilities are endless, each case should be looked at and thought through so as to keep harmony in the family by preempting any potential conflicts. Otherwise, it’s often a case of the old adage that “no good deed goes unpunished”.

wantagheditor@liherald.com

Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942

ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460

ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643

NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com

Herald file photo

in fort

AI helps level the educational playing field

Embracing new technologies like ‘adaptive learning’ is proving to be key to keeping

By Nicole Wagner & Danielle Schwab

Continuing a series exploring the presence of artificial intelligence in our schools — and, over time, in society as a whole. Thoughts? Questions? Ideas? Email us at execeditor@liherald.com.

While some educators have gotten acquainted with artificial intelligence hesitantly, many school districts across Nassau County have embraced the technological tool in the classroom. It’s no secret that AI is changing the academic landscape. Educators, parents and students are in a race to keep up with its abilities, and especially about how it can — and will — be used in education. A helpful visual representation of just how AI can help students is a ramp. Ramps are used in buildings to make different levels accessible to people who can’t climb steps. But many of those who can take the steps use ramps as well. AI can be seen as a tool that all students can use to make education more accessible and to serve their individual needs.

Meeting students where they are

The Franklin Square school district has embraced AI as a way to help individualize education for students from pre-K through sixth grade. District Superintendent Jared Bloom spoke with the Herald about the multitude of ways AI can help keep students engaged, tai-

loring lessons to their interests.

One tool that district students and parents have used is Goblin.Tools, an AI-powered site that can identify an essay’s key points if a student need to create a Power Point or poster board for a given assignment.

“You can even break those chunks into smaller chunks,” Bloom said. “So it really becomes manageable, and you can really understand what are the key components of that assignment.”

Another way in which AI can help teachers and students is by varying the reading level of a passage. This has been a welcome change for educators in Franklin Square, Bloom explained: 20 years ago, teachers had to find a handful of different reading passages for the various skill levels in their classrooms.

student’s interests, whether it be music, sports, art or anything else. “We know that when students are interested in a topic, they’re going to be more engaged and more open to learning,” Bloom said.

Nassau County BOCES’ Special Education Department, which serves 1,800 students at 10 Nassau BOCES schools, is exploring AI’s potential in special education. Ken Kroog, assistant director of the department, said that AI can help students through what’s known as “adaptive learning.” During online assessments, AI tailors questions based on a student’s performance in real time.

“Now you can take one passage and run it through AI, and be able to hand that reading out to kids all on the same topic without having to go out and get new material,” Bloom said. “And that’s very helpful for students.”

The promise of personalization in any subject excites Bloom about AI. A fourth-grade math problem can be plugged into AI and personalized to a

“So let’s say if I answer correctly or achieve a certain level of proficiency, the subsequent questions will challenge me at a greater level,” Kroog explained. “So you get a real clear picture of where, exactly, I’m performing across the different skill areas.”

Students who are visually or audibly impaired can use tools like Otter.ai to transcribe a lecture to better understand what is going on in the classroom.

Katherine Lewis, a disability counselor at Nassau Community College, said she uses this tool to help students. AI can be a great help for students who are strug-

kids engaged

gling to understand a topic — and for families who can’t afford a home tutor.

“To be able to sit with your child and utilize some of these tools that are out there, free of charge, helping support an understanding of a particular topic, is pretty magical,” Bloom said.

Students at NCC can benefit from AI when the college’s learning centers are unavailable. Genette Alvarez-Ortiz, vice president of academic affairs, said she hoped it could be used around the clock to help students when staff are not accessible.

“In terms of availability, there are challenges with the evening coverage and weekend coverage,” Alvarez-Ortiz said of the college’s learning centers. “We may be able to look at AI as a possibility to help support our learning centers.”

Benefits that AI offers educators Staff in the Franklin Square school district have reported that personalization and customization of lessons for students can “support students in new and different ways that we wouldn’t have been able to do as easily” without AI, according to Bloom. These tools help teachers save time when creating lesson plans.

“I’m really hopeful that we’re going to be able to get to that point where we’re utilizing AI to make everybody’s life a little bit better and easier,” he said,

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

Nassau BOCES staffers have embraced the power of artificial intelligence to enhance student learning.

AI is changing education in so many ways

“and as a result of that, we’re customizing and personalizing for kids in ways that we wouldn’t have been able to do as quickly before.”

BOCES educators have not only used AI tools as time-savers when creating lesson plans, but have also used them as “thought partners,” Kroog said. “It allows special educators to differentiate learning for students, customizing instruction for specific learning needs and leveraging their strengths to give them a very personalized, individualized learning experience,” he said.

This helps teachers in the Special Education Department at BOCES as they work on time-demanding aspects of their jobs, such as report writing and individualized education programs, or IEPs.

kind of both.”

Student

reception

As an elementary-focused school district, Bloom said, Franklin Square’s students are using AI differently than a kindergarten-through-12th grade district would. However, the students who are able to use AI prompts have been very excited to embrace the tool. The district has been trying to give students a variety of opportunities to learn how to program, prompt AI, design video games and more to increase their exposure to different technologies.

e know that when students are interested in a topic, they’re going to be more engaged and more open to learning.

JAred Bloom Franklin Square superintendent

Rockville Centre school district Superintendent Matthew Gaven said he also believes AI can be used to tailor lessons to students’ needs.

“Computers and teachers have always given the diagnosis, but not always the prescription,” Gaven said. “Like, ‘How do you get better?’ So AI is

“That’s the world that they’re growing up in,” Bloom said. “We have to be preparing our kids for their future, for their tomorrow.”

In Rockville Centre, students in middle and high school have the chance to enroll in an elective AI course that uses the coding program kidOYO. Gaven said that students have embraced the elective courses that teach AI research at the middleschool level and prompting at the highschool level.

“Our students are going to have these tools embedded in their lives,” Gaven

said. “They need to know how to use them responsibly. They need to know what they’re good for and what they’re not good for. And then they need to know, you know, how do you take the stuff that AI generates and add value on top.”

What are its limitations?

AI does have its limitations. Teachers still need to vet its output to see what’s applicable and what’s not. It’s a process that Kroog believes requires human expertise to navigate.

The technology must comply with New York State Education Law 2-D, which protects students’ and teachers’ personal information.

“Educators need to know how to use them right for their own instruction, and then teach students how to use them responsibly to support their learning,” Kroog said. “And with that comes a lot of learning, a lot of training on our part, and then a lot of understanding of what AI can do and what it can’t do.”

Maintaining academic integrity while using AI is something Bloom is passionate about. “I believe that with enough support and with enough training, just like with the calculator, we’re going to be able to help students to see how it is a tool to improve learning, and not a tool to just get you the answer,” he said.

As Gaven sees it, the future looks

■ ChatForSchools.SkillStruck.com

■ Diffit.ai

■ Goblin.Tools

■ Firefly.Adobe.com

■ Canvas.com

■ Chat.Openai.com

■ Claude.ai

■ Gemini.Google.com

■ Perplexity.ai

■ Otter.ai

bright for the ways AI will be used to help students in the years to come. “If AI truly allows individual pathways for students — you know, really specifically tailored instruction, with the resources that support it,” he said, “then I think it’s going to be a tremendous help for all of our students, particularly our students with special needs.”

Long Island’s most anticipated new oceanfront rental community is now open. At The Breeze, each apartment opens you to a world of uncompromising luxury amenities & an active, adventurous lifestyle.

Beach wrestling returns to Long Beach

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Sunbathing, surfing and maybe even a few sandcastles took a back seat last Saturday as a wresting tournament with nearly 250 participants dominated a steamy summer day in Long Beach.

The [Reggie] Jones & [Paul] Gillespie East Coast Beach Wrestling Tournament, the second of its kind on the sand at Edwards Boulevard Beach since Superstorm Sandy in 2012, honored those two legendary coaches and “ran smoothly,” organizer Miguel Rodriguez said.

“It was such an incredible day and the city of Long Beach was a huge help,” said Rodriguez, a longtime member of the Long Beach High School wrestling program coaching staff who competed for the Marines from 1997-99 and took part in a handful of beach wrestling events himself.

“We were hoping for 100 wresters and ended up with close to 250,” he added. “It was a lot of work and took a lot of people to make it possible. The day turned out just perfect. We hadn’t hosted one in nine years, but this was the best-run tournament we’ve had in a long time and honored some special people.”

In addition to coaches Jones and Gillespie, the tournament was dedicated to late Long Beach wrestlers and graduates Lazar LaPenna, Joshua Encarnacion and Michael Berube. Three of the event’s four wrestling rings was named in their

honor, Rodriguez said.

While there was no shortage of high school varsity and JV, and middle school-aged competitors, Rodriguez noted the ages ranged from kindergartners through 55.

Dylan Martinsen, a 2019 Long Beach High School graduate, won the 172-pound weight group. His father, Kevin, 55, also competed. “I hadn’t wrestled since high school and it was really cool,” Dylan said. “Everyone did a great job putting it together, and honoring the memories of the guys we’ve recently lost was touching.”

Each match consisted one of three-minute period and began in the neutral position — both wrestlers stood opposite one another in the center of the ring and waited for the referee’s whistle to start grappling. That was also the case for any restart, Rodriguez said. The first wrestler to score three points advanced. In the event of a tie at the end of three minutes, the wrestler who scored the last point was declared the winner.

“Most matches didn’t last the full three minutes, but one of the finals did,” Rodriguez said. “We had 14 different categories and about 50 first-place medals handed out.”

The goal moving forward, Rodriguez said, is to take the tournament up a notch on the beach wrestling stage. “Not only do we want to make this an annual event, but we’re hoping it can be a qualifier for the Beach World Series,” he said.

Arianna Balsamo, left, and Matthew Sarro were two of the nearly 250 wrestlers to flock to Long Beach to grapple on the sand in the East Coast Beach Wrestling Tournament named after legendary coaches Reggie Jones and Paul Gillespie.

Michelle Ebel/Herald photos

Gregg LaPenna, left, and Kevin Martinsen were two of the elder competitors in last Saturday’s beach wrestling tournament.

Jack O’Grady, top, tussled with Tristan Doughertyse.

Mount Sinai’s emergency nurses are honored

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

The Emergency Nurses Association has awarded the prestigious 2024 Lantern Award to Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Emergency Department.

The department staff received the award for reducing wait times and for demonstrating commitment to exceptional and innovative leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.

The award is named in honor of Florence Nightingale, a trailblazing nurse and the founder of modern nursing, who was known by the nickname “Lady with the Lamp.”

MSSN’s Fennessy Family Emergency Department, along with emergency departments at Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West, are three of only 94 emergency departments across the United States that met the Lantern Award criteria this year, according to the hospital.

Colleen Schaefer, quality operations coordinator for South Nassau’s Emergency Department, submitted the application and the necessary data.

“This was brought forward by our former director, Christina Salucci, and another Mount Sinai emergency department received the award last year,” Schaefer said, “so we really pushed and came together as a department to apply for the award this year.”

Berman/Herald

For its teamwork and an enduring commitment to service excellence, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Emergency Department was awarded the Emergency Nurses Association’s Lantern Award for reducing wait times and for innovative leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.

The Emergency Department nurses found out they had won early last month.

“I think for both leadership and staff, it just signifies how hard we’ve worked together as a department, and we experience growth and change,” Schaefer

We are Zionists.

The 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av (Mon. night and Tues., Aug. 12-13) is the saddest in Jewish history, commemorating the destruction of the Jewish Temples (which were on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, now occupied by the Dome of the Rock). The Western [retaining] Wall, the Temple’s remnant, is the holiest place accessible to Jews today. Through the millennia, Jews have recited Psalm 137: ‘If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither; let my tongue stick to my palate if I cease to think of you, if I do not keep Jerusalem (Zion) in memory even at my happiest hour.’ Jews are not ‘settler colonial’ interlopers in the Land of Israel; Jews are the indigenous nation of the Land, having returned home to the Jewish state of Israel and to Zion (which is Jerusalem).

said. “Our staff is adapting excellent to that, and we’re making sure that we’re growing our team and providing safe patient care for all our patients.”

Dr. Jay Itzkowitz, clinical chair of the department, helped implement a series

in a key measurement of patient satisfaction and performance.

“This is a testament to the ED staff, especially the nurses, for the amazing work they do on a daily basis,” Itzkowitz said. “Talk about the care they provide to all the patients, the patient experience and the patients who want to come here. We are providing a service to the community that they want in that area.”

MSSN’s emergency room simultaneously reduced the “left without being seen” patient rate to below 2 percent and handled a significant increase in post-pandemic patient volume.

“It goes without saying how proud I am and excited to be part of this,” Itzkowitz added. “We know the amazing team that we have — it’s just a matter of time till we’re recognized for the amazing work that the nursing team provides.”

The Lantern Award also recognized the ongoing education and training of the nursing staff to provide the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt to societal needs.

Dr. Adhi Sharma, the hospital’s president, who is an emergency physician by background, said he was immensely proud of the ED staff and leadership.

“It’s very rewarding to see it — it’s a good reflection on the culture in the ED and organization,” Sharma said. “This award is a great milestone, but the best

Melissa

Bringing inventive ideas to summer camp

Teamwork and creative thinking were the themes for students from across the Levittown School District as they enjoyed a wide range of activities at Camp Invention and STEM Camp held at Wisdom Lane Middle School. At Camp Invention, third, fourth and fifth graders let their imaginations guide them as they completed tasks that required engineering-based solutions. For the “In the Game” activity, students used a variety of recycled materials to create a game that challenges players to roll a ball into goals with different point values. Additionally, they utilized paint markers and pieces of colored plastic to make lightboxes with functional LED lights, makeshift bubble-blowers to blow bubbles and craft toolboxes containing

various homemade tools.

STEM Camp took over the hallway for a series of races between teams’ robots. Partners worked together to develop code and build robots for racing to the finish line. They were also challenged to complete different tasks, such as picking up and stacking blocks. In another way, students used their STEM skills to inflate a balloon attached to a smaller four-wheeled vehicle, letting the release of air launch their creation forward.

Campers wrapped up the two weeks of fun with outdoor obstacle rings, assisted by older peer volunteers. The water-themed obstacles kept students cool in the summer sun.

Photos courtesy Levittown Public Schoolst

Students in the Levittown Camp Invention program created light boxes with functional LED lights using a variety of materials.

Madison Girgis crafted a challenging game with plenty of decorations.

Teams’ robots were built with a range of challenging tasks in mind.

Students and peer volunteers gathered after overcoming a series of obstacles.

Partially inflated balloons propelled students’ vehicles forward.

STEPPING OUT

Inside the hive at Long Island Children’s Museum

By Danielle Schwab

There’s a special “day” for everyone and everything it seems. So it’s certainly fitting that the helpful yet often misunderstood honey bee gets its due. And that brings us to Aug. 17, aka “National Honey Bee Day.” Long Island Children’s Museum goes all out to celebrate the hard-working insect with two days of “Honey Hoopla” activities, Aug. 16-17.

The museum has been home to over 20,000 honeybees year-round since 2012, when a hive was introduced to the Feast for Beasts exhibit, which opened in January of that year. The museum welcomed visitors to the first “Honey Hoopla” that year so that everyone could experience the first harvesting of honey from the then newly active hive.

Now Honey Hoopla returns — in a big way.

Families can check in on the busy bugs from an observational beehive, still located in the Feasts for Beasts exhibit. There, honeybees travel in and out of the hive, pollinating flowers in the museum’s pollinator garden and working together to create a productive thriving colony.

“They all have an important task to do, and they really stick to that role. And then, of course, there’s the queen, the leader of the hive,” says Ashley Niver, the museum’s director of education.

The fruit of their labors? Lots and lots of honey, of course Color, aroma, and taste can change based on the nectar of the flower. Families are welcome to taste many different varieties of honey, including, of course, from the museum’s honey harvest. And for those interested, the museum’s honey is available for purchase in the Museum Store.

“A lot of people maybe don’t know that honey can taste different from different varieties of flowers or the location. We’re offering different honey varieties that the kids can taste test and try to match up,” Niver says.

Bees certainly give us more than that sweet treat. Families become fully involved in exploring the role of honey bees in our ecosystem through hands-on activities.

• Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16-17, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.)

• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older

• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

Visitors will learn that honeybees are responsible for pollinating some of Long Island’s most abundant crops including melons, pumpkins, tree nuts, and berries; and that the honey bee population is in danger and decreasing rapidly. Without these pollinators, we would lose some of our favorite foods such as chocolate, grapes, apples, and pears.

‘Families can also explore the use of honeycombs, from which wax is made. The “Happy Beeday” activity is an opportunity to make and decorate beeswax birthday candles.

“They’ll have a strip of colored beeswax and wicks they’ll wrap and roll up to create the candle, and then any scrap pieces of wax can be used to decorate it,” says Niver.

A local beekeeper will be on hand to demonstrate how honey is harvested from those honeycombs. In addition, kids can get involved in bee-themed crafts throughout the galleries that highlight how we can help the bees so that our fruit and vegetable crops can be healthy.

After some time buzzing around, visitors might want to take a break, with a free theatrical reading of Gay Thomas’ book, “Beezy County Fair: A Bee Tale,” at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The charming story engages families with adorable illustrations and an uplifting message about cooperation and the great benefits of working together for a common goal, along with plenty of bee facts.

While we understand that honey bees do so much for our environment, climate change and pesticides put the insects at risk of colony collapse disorder, where worker bees will exhibit abnormal behavior that leads to the destruction of the colony.

“They’re in danger of continuing to decrease due to different environmental factors,” Niver explains. “If we don’t have the bees here to help us pollinate, then we don’t have the abundance of crops that we can use for our food, and we’ll lose the success of our crop.”

To that end, the museum has launched its Name a Honey Bee Campaign so that visitors can join in bee preservation efforts. A donation of $10 allows families to name one of the museum’s bees, to be recognized on a visual display featuring the bee’s new name and the donor’s name through year’s end.

“It’s very easy for people to feel fearful of bees because they don’t want to be stung, and maybe they assume that all bees are looking to sting and cause harm,” Niver adds. “But the reality is that the honey bees are very docile, and they are just looking to make their honey. They’re really our friends.”

Photos courtesy LICMl

The industrious honey bee buzzes into the spotlight to captivate museum visitors. Participate in a theatrical reading and meet Gay Thomas, author of the “Beezy County Fair: A Bee Tale,” and explore an observational beehive during the event.

Gladys Knight

Hop aboard that “Midnight Train to Georgia” when the legendary soul chanteuse brings her Farewell Tour to Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair. Gladys Knight is without a doubt one of the most influential, and beloved living singers on the planet. And while the Empress of Soul may have been in the business for more than 60 years now, that hasn’t stopped her from continuing to rock that beat as only she can do. She’s bringing her classic Motown-style R&B to fans one last time before she bids us farewell. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s fierce vocal power, elegant precision, and heartfelt performances have cemented her as one of music’s true icons. If you’re enjoy her classic Motown-style R&B, then you’ll surely want to see her perform — one more time. “That’s What Friends Are For,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” — you know the hits, now hear her bring them to life once again.

Friday, Aug. 9, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $63. Tickets available at LiveNation. com. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury.

Paula Poundstone

The iconic comedian Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit that’s become the stuff of legend. When she isn’t collecting hotel soaps while on tour or panel-ing on NPR’s #1 show, “Wait, Wait...Don’t Tell Me!,” she hosts the popular Maximum Fun podcast, “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.” “Nobody” is a comedy field guide to life, complete with taste tests, cats of the weeks and leading experts in everything from beekeeping to prosopagnosia. Her stand-up credentials are endless, along with numerous TV appearances. Her second book, “The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness,” in which she offers herself up as a guinea pig in a series of thoroughly unscientific experiments, was recognized a semi-finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor (the highest recognition of humor writing in the U.S.).

Friday, Aug. 9, 8 p.m. $55. $45, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

THE Your Neighborhood

Double Vision

The 1970s and ‘80s come alive when Double Vision brings their “Foreigner Experience” to the Paramount Stage, Saturday, Aug. 17, 8 p.m. Whether you’re a lifelong Foreigner enthusiast or a newcomer eager to experience the magic of their music, Double Vision promises a night of electrifying entertainment that will leave you singing along and craving more. Composed of some New York City’s top professional rock musicians, the band delivers the highest level of integrity and technical prowess in bring audiences all the hits from the band that you’ve come to love, while honoring Foreigner and its audience, with a show second to none. The spirit of rock ‘n’ roll lives on, one unforgettable performance at a time, with this group of talented musicians and die-hard Foreigner fans. Double Vision has perfected the art of bringing to life the unforgettable hits that have defined generations. From “I Want to Know What Love Is” to “Cold as Ice,” their renditions are a harmonious blend of passion, precision, and nostalgic energy.

Drawing inspiration from Foreigner’s unmistakable sound and stage presence, Double Vision delivers a performance that pays homage to the band’s legacy while infusing their own charisma and enthusiasm. Their commitment to authenticity is matched only by their unwavering dedication to creating an electrifying experience for every audience member. With an impressive catalog of classics at their fingertips, Double Vision transports audiences to an era when arena rock ruled and Foreigner reigned supreme. Each show is a testament to their musical prowess, transporting fans to a time when anthems were born and memories were made. Sing along to some of the greatest hit tunes , including “Juke Box Hero,” “Hot Blooded,” “Cold As Ice,” “I Want To Know What Love Is,” “Urgent,” “Double Vision,” “Head Games,” “Feels Like the First Time,” and more. $60, $40, $25, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Dramatic Play

Theatre Playground returns to Long Island Children’s Museum with “Dramatic Play!,” Monday Aug. 12, 1 p.m., taught by Lisa Rudin, Director of Theatre Playground. In this interactive, theater-inspired workshop, children will act out an original story and help choose how it unfolds. Music, props, and sound effects create a theatrical world where participants are immersed.

Kids express themselves as they create characters, stretch their imaginations and build selfconfidence.This week’s theme: The Amazing World of Bugs and Butterflies. $5 with museum admission. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

League of Women Voters East Nassau General Meeting

The League of Women Voters of East Nassau invites all to its next general meeting, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m., at Levittown Public Library. Join the league as an opportunity to learn about the organization and its mission. Learn about the Equal Rights Amendment and how to ensure that it will be passed. Refreshments will be served. 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown. For more information, visit LWVEastNassau.org.

Movie Night

Enjoy a family film outdoors on Eisenhower Park’s big screen, Wednesday, Aug. 14, dusk, at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. See Disney’s recent animated musical comedy “Wish.” Audiences are welcomed to the magical kingdom of Rosas, where Asha, a sharp-witted idealist, makes a wish so powerful that it is answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy called Star. Together, Asha and Star confront a most formidable foe, the ruler of Rosas, King Magnifico, to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen. Eisenhower Park, Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

Food drive

Kiwanis Club of Wantagh hosts a food drive at King Kullen, Saturday, Aug. 24, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Non-perishable foods and baby essentials are all needed. A list will be given out before entering the store to residents that are interested in participating. Cash donations are welcome. The food drive benefits St. Francis Food Pantry and St. Jude Episcopal Food Pantry in Wantagh. 1340 Wantagh Ave.

Seasonal Sprouts

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a Seasonal Sprouts session, Wednesday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m.-noon. Children (ages 4 to 6) can tour the gardens with guided activities exploring smells, sight, sound, and touch, even taste in planting a tasty veggie. $8 per child, $15 adult. Registration required. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information, visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

Summer tunes

Enjoy a tribute to ‘70s radio hits with 45 RPM, at Eisenhower Park, Friday, Aug. 9, 8 p.m.

The New York City-based band of vocalists and musicians recreates the songs and their era with the C’mon Get Happy show, an entertaining and visually engaging evening that has you singing and dancing along. It’s a whole night of “wow, I remember that one” moments. Get “hooked on a feeling” with 45 RPM. Bring seating Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

Circus antics

Get in on the action with I.

FLY Trapeze, Long Island’s only flying trapeze and circus arts school. Families will enjoy “Wild West Circus,” Saturday, Aug. 17, at 8 p.m., at Eisenhower Park. I.FLY Trapeze puts spectators up close to the aerialists who perform amazing feats of athleticism and agility 25 feet in the air. Performances include Chains, Silk and Lyra, with comedy and on the grounds acts with Balancing and Baton, also a Flying Trapeze Finale. Next to the Nassau County Aquatic Center off Merrick Ave., East Meadow. Free parking available in lot 1A adjacent to the trapeze. For more information, visit IFlyTrapeze.com.

Bingo at Temple B’Nai Torah

Temple B’nai Torah hosts a fun-filled bingo session, every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-1p.m., and every Thursday, 7:15 -10 p.m. Prizes, progressive games and refreshments available. 2900 Jerusalem Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, call (516) 2212370.

Having an event?

Shabbat on the Beach

To welcome in Shabbat, members of the Congregation Beth Tikvah Band will perform at Friday night singalongs. All are welcome to join Congregation Beth Tikvah for the season’s final musical Shabbat experience, Aug. 23, 6-6:45 p.m., at Jones Beach Field 6. These free services follow traditional Jewish Shabbat rituals and are open to anyone who calls Long Island their home.

Park on the west side of the comfort station and meet members of Congregation Beth Tikvah on the boardwalk. Bring seating. There is no parking fee after 4 p.m. 1 Ocean Pkwy., in Wantagh. For more information, call the office at (516) 785-2445.

Game time

Enjoy Mah Jongg and Canasta, every Thursday, noon to 4 p.m., at Congregation Beth Tikvah, $5 contribution, no outside food, as snacks and drinks will be supplied. Bring your games and cards, lessons available. 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh. For more information, email mahjonggCBT@yahoo.com or call (516) 785-2445.

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.

NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!

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.

‘Walkin’ After Midnight’

Plaza Theatrical presents a showstopping tribute to the legendary Patsy Cline, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2:30 p.m. Through a colorful tapestry of iconic songs and witty personal storytelling, Carter Calvert uses her award-winning vocal talents to create this captivating musical tribute. Calvert, a Broadway star and title character in Always… Patsy Cline (opposite Emmy Award winner Sally Struthers), has gained rave reviews and triumphant accolades for her heartfelt portrayal of this legendary country recording artist.

She vocally captures Cline’s musical stylings pitch-perfectly in mega hits including “Crazy,” “I Fall To Pieces,” “She’s Got You” and “Walkin’ After Midnight.” Both captivating and endearing, this fastpaced entertainment delights audiences of all ages. It’s performed at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Task force focuses on human trafficking

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Law enforcement agents, state legislators and experts on human trafficking met at a conference at Nassau Community College on July 31.

The Assembly Minority Conference Task Force on Human Trafficking was created to help Nassau and Suffolk investigators, policy makers and safe houses share what they need to protect victims.

The Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking — the state organization responsible for providing annual reports on the topic — is three years out of date, resulting in a critical lack of data since coronavirus lockdowns eased. Since then, organizations that help victims have strained to mitigate the harm done by human traffickers.

“It is a problem that is everywhere, but nobody is actually seeing it,” Assemblyman Brian Curran said.

The participants discussed state financial support, law enforcement tools, aid for exploited migrants, and educational programs to help New Yorkers recognize when someone is a victim of trafficking.

Attorneys and law enforcement personnel considered the effects of changes in trafficking-related charges — some are not officially “sex crimes,” so perpetrators don’t end up on the state’s Sex Offender Registry — and proving a victim was exploited is difficult for prosecutors, Christine Guida, deputy chief of the Nassau County Special Victims Bureau, explained.

The difficulty of bringing cases to trial can begin much earlier. Trafficking victims are often young — high school and college students — or struggle to communicate due to a language barrier. In virtually every case, they are threatened by traffickers not to come forward.

“People think that in order to do the unthinkable, there has to be some kind of torture involved,” defense

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

The task force is composed of local law enforcement, legislators and members of organizations that provide services to people in need, representing a range of groups that deal with different aspects of human trafficking.

attorney Diane Clarke said. “That’s not the case.”

The goal of training and education programs is to demystify what human trafficking is and how it works. Deepening the public’s understanding of trafficking can make tools such as simple hand signals for help increasingly viable for victims to escape their captors.

The Empower, Assist and Care Network is one of many organizations that provide housing, case management and other forms of aid to victims across Long Island and New York City.

“It is my hope that these conversations are going to continue in a way that is coordinating and enhancing our services, and advocating for funding,” said Neela Mukherjee Lockel, president and CEO of the EAC Network. “We’re going up against giant criminal enterpris-

es. That’s what human trafficking is, and we need money and resources to do that.”

Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds is president and CEO of the Family and Children’s Association, which has been providing shelter for runaway, homeless and trafficked children for over 140 years. It also has a mental health program that serves about 400 young people, in addition to programs for those suffering from addiction.

“We’re here today to make a couple suggestions about ways to improve systems of care,” Reynolds said. “This would include educating health and human service workers about how to spot the signs of trafficking, what to do about it, and how to intervene.”

The conference was the first step in renewing the fight against trafficking, Assemblyman Brian Maher said.

Rabies case prompts clinic expansion

By Melissa Berman & Charles Shaw of the Wantagh & Seaford Herald

The first feral cat case of rabies in the Town of Hempstead since 2016 was found in Cedarhurst on July 19, and is potentially raccoon-based, according to Supervisor Don Clavin.

We don’t want residents to panic, but we want them to be aware that there is an issue in this region.

The town’s animal control received a call about a feral cat and it was taken to an afterhours technician who sent blood work to the Nassau County Board of Health. A week later, the Board of Health confirmed the cat had rabies.

Clavin along with Councilwomen Melissa Miller and Dorothy Goosby and Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter

Head Veterinarian Dr. Jeffery Siegel spoke outside the town’s animal shelter in Wantagh on July 29.

Melissa Berman/Herald Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter Head Veterinarian

What are the signs of a rabid animal?

■ Appearing skinny/malnourished

■ The animal is salivating at the mouth

■ Has seizures

■ Unable to walk properly

■ Appear disoriented

■ Animal Shelter Head Veterinarian Dr. Jeffrey Siegel

DonalD Clavin Town of Hempstead supervisor

“Our team down here at our town animal shelter do a tremendous job and work very, very hard,” Clavin said. “Individuals went down there and the symptoms were there, it was erratic and not doing well.”

He urges people to be cautious and not approach any stray animal whether it is cat or dog, and if one bites you take precautions and seek medical attention.

“We don’t want residents to panic, but we want them to be aware that there is an issue in this region,” Clavin said. “This is the first sighting and I hope this is the only sighting of rabies we have here.”

Dr. Jeffery Siegel, left, Councilwoman Melissa Miller, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Donald Clavin, and Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, right, spoke outside the animal shelter in Wantagh about the rabid feral cat found in Cedarhurst.

“We’re hoping this is an isolated incident and we’d like to keep it that way,” he added.

Clavin unveiled an expansion to the town’s free rabies clinic. The town runs the clinic in October, where residents can bring their dogs and cats in for a free rabies shot. This year, the free clinic will kick off on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for all residents in Nassau County.

In all the years of doing trap, neuter, release at the animal shelter, this is the first case that has come back positive for rabies, Siegel said.

“It’s very important when you see an animal like this,

the best thing to do is call the Town of Hempstead, we will make sure the animal receives the attention it needs,” Siegel said.

Infiltration can come in from other counties and towns infecting the animals in Hempstead town.

“Rabies is not only dangerous to an animal but to the residents, let’s be a little bit cautious,” Clavin said.

Miller, who said her family just got a puppy, said a cat jumped on the young dog and scratched it. Rabies can be transmitted through scratches or a bite.

“We’re trying to avoid something like that happening, if you’re walking your dog and it’s friendly and sees a cat, just because the cat is sitting there, doesn’t mean the cat isn’t sick or infected with something,” she said.

To report a stray cat or dog, call the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter at (516) 538-1900.

Butcher/Counter Person Requirements: Friendly, Knowledgeable, Reliable, Phone Skills, Custom Cutting $18-$20 Per Hour

Salary Based On Experience Contact Bill 516-766-3523, Days

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!

$20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST: PART TIME, Must be Fluent in English and Spanish, Must Have Good Computer Skills, Able to Learn New Programs, Pleasant Phone Voice, Good People Skills, Salary Negotiable. 516-726-0309 or Email Resume to coreybickoff294@gmail.com

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!! HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides Childcare, Housekeeping Day Workers No Fee To Employers Serving The Community Over 20 Years Evon's Services 516-505-5510

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT AVAILABLE To Work For You FT/PT Immediately. Experienced. Rockville Centre Vicinity. Call 516-536-6994

SANTA CRUZ SERAG Caregivers Provide The Best Male/ Female Caregivers In America. Certified HHA's, Professional. Experts In Dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons Cases. Live-in/Out. Gertrude 347-444-0960

HEALTHCARE WORKER WITH: 40 years of experience working with the aging and geriatric population in various settings. Seeking a companionship position with flexible scheduling. 516-640-4204

Living A Dream

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA East Pointe Country Club. Gorgeous 3BRs, 3Bths, Golf, Double Kitchen, High Ceilings. MLS#RX-10977928 $889,000 Jill 561-373-2724 CEDARHURST NO FEE trance, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

room and home office, also wet bar. Guest quarters. Taxes: $12,508.44 Franklin Square $905,000 Hoffman Street. Duplex. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. First floor master bedroom. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight. Taxes: $12,430.17

Lido Beach $1,289,000

Gerry Avenue. Hi Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Den/family room and home office, also wet bar and guest quarters. Master bedroom with walk-in closet. High end finishes include skylight. Security system.

Taxes: $15,290.87

Malverne $692,000

Morris Avenue. Colonial. Fully renovated and move-in ready. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. New eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. New bathrooms, roof and windows.

Taxes: $14,800

PLOT FOR SALE at Beth David’s in Elmont. Asking for $6,500. Please contact Michele Flanigan at 518-546-9550

Merrick $1,350,000

Valerie Court. Split Level. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Large custom eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and high-end stainless steel appliances. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Custom upgrades include 2 fireplaces, skylight and radiant heated flooring in main bathroom. All large rooms. Upper level Trex deck leads to paved yard with built-in pool. Security system.

Taxes: $29424.24

Oceanside $1,212,500

Oceanside Parkway. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Master bathroom with walk-in closet. High end finishes include cathedral ceiling. Security system.

Taxes: $23,265.16

Rockville Centre $850,000

Hamilton Road. Split Level. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Partial finished basment. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Expansive home on a beautiful block is meticulously maintained and filled with period charm and elegance. It features four spacious levels of living space, including all oversized bedrooms and light filled sunroom with backyard access. Ensuite master bedroom. Private backyard with pavered patio and mature landscaping throughout.

Can we just elevate, or do we need to rebuild?

Q. We’re doing a major house lift, making changes to our existing first floor and adding a second floor. We thought it made sense to get a design and then stop, because this way we didn’t spend a lot of money on full construction plans and then end up disappointed that it was over our budget. Simple turned into complicated, as it often does. The contractor and the architect agreed that the house should just be reconstructed (nothing saved) and the estimators insisted on much more information to give us a price. Are we going about this the right way? We’re already disillusioned that we aren’t going to be able to build within our budget, and we don’t even have numbers to make a decision. What should we do?

Ask The Architect

A. Your house project isn’t sounding too “uplifting,” and frankly, from your description, you shouldn’t be lifting the original house. You may spend more than $50,000 just trying to save the little bit of the original house, moving plumbing and wiring, trying to work around the existing materials and reconstructing old ones. Money is the driving factor in most construction projects, and although it’s frustrating, you must either politely persist with evaluating costs with the contractor, or get to the finish line with plans to give estimators something to work with.

First, though, you should recognize that the current first floor will become a second floor, and the new floor above will be a third floor if you plan to have a lowest level high enough to park cars underneath or use for accessible, stand-up storage. Federal guidelines require that the new lowest level not be used for anything but car or general storage, and the state requires indoor sprinklers.

It’s really up to the contractor working with you, and the architect, to reach predictable costs for the total project. You need to pay both of them to spend the time necessary to hit a targeted budget. The contractor will then work with getting together material, labor and overhead costs, with profit and a cushion for issues that can arise, like weather, material delivery delays and scrambling when something isn’t available or a truck breaks down.

While it’s not completely unreasonable for estimators to want more information, putting together a preliminary budget isn’t a mysterious, unheardof request. My concern when this happens is that all parties need to cooperate. The reason for the architect’s involvement is to answer questions and guide decision-making about sizes of structure, material choices and code compliance. If the contractor or a subcontractor makes projections on the design of structure, for example, it must be understood that the architect makes the final decision about wall thicknesses, insulation values, structural components, and even window and door sizes. These are safety and code-related conditions that are governed by law.

The costs can escalate when plans are completed, so reducing the project to meet a budget, up front, is important. Good luck!

NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

HEWLETT ESTATE SALE 44 Prospect Avenue. Friday-Sunday August 16, 17, 18, August 23, 24, 25. Collectibles, Paintings, Vases, Outdoor Furniture and much more. Excellent.Condition. Something For All!

FRANKLIN SQUARE 8/10, 8/11

9AM-3:30PM. 1016 Vanburen Avenue. Moving Sale! Furniture, Tools, Clothing, Bric-a-Brac, More... Everything Must Go!

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

THANK YOU ST. JUDE For Answering My Prayers Regarding My Procedures. P.A.R.

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

SOFA CHAIR: GREEN, Comfortable, $100. Call 303-520-8748 Baldwin

YOUTH WETSUIT, AKONA shorty size 7/8, 2 mm. Worn twice, $30. Call 516-695-8360.

2 GOLDTONE LIGHTER by Colbri- brand new butane fuel refill Vintage, take all $20.00 (516)579-9089

32X32 MIRROR BEVELED edge etchings in corners, hardware attached for hanging. Excellent condition $60. 516-579-9089

BISELL RUG SHAMPOO MACHINE: with all Attachments & Cleaning Supplies. $85. Like New. 516-486-7941

FLOWER POTS DECORATIVE and clay with saucers. 14 various sizes, indoor & outdoor. $75. 516-965-0982

HAMILTON ALTO TENOR Saxophone stand with Clarinet Peg, VGC. $40. Jack Taylor (516) 486-2363

IKEA SOLID OAK: Media Cabinets, New in Box: DVD, CD VCR $50 each. 516-486-7941

SCUBA WATER SHOES, Aqualung, size 6, excellent condition. $15. Call 516-695-8360.

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

MARINA'S CLEANING SERVICES: Cleaning Homes, Apartments, Condos, Offices. Experienced. FREE Estimates. 10% Off With This Ad. Serving Long Island. 516-670-7764

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

HANDYMAN

Repairs and Installations for the Household. Careful and Reliable and Vaccinated. Licensed and Insured. 30-Year Nassau County Resident. Friendly Frank Phone/Text 516-238-2112 E-mail-Frankcav@optonline.net

P.E.B. CRACKERJACK HANDYMAN: Repairs In Carpentry, Roofing, Masonry, Sheetrocking, Chimney. Small Paint Jobs. General Maintenance. No Job Too Small. Licensed/ Insured. Lic#H0101670000. Mike Cleburne 516-830-1316

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. 24 Hour Emergency Response. 516-599-1011.

POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: Houses, Fences, Concrete/ Brick, Decks/Sealing. . ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855-399-2719

Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-399-2582

HEARING AIDS!! HIGH-QUALITY rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060

FREEDOMCARE. LET YOUR loved ones care for you and get paid! Paid by Medicaid. Choose family or friends as your paid caregiver. Check your eligibility today! Call FreedomCare now! 1-855-385-7556

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider

AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-855-399-2803

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK 4, 1974. All Black, 80K Miles. Best Offer. Call 516-242-3635

LINCOLN SUBURBAN NAVIGATOR 2002. 8 Passengers, Looks/ Runs Good. 79,000 Miles. $5,800. 516-606-3252

MERCEDES BENZ CLK550 2007: 2dr, 5 passengers, 42,500 Miles, Looks/ Runs New. Sunroof. $13,900. 516-606-3252

FRANCISCO'S TREE SERVICE AND LANDSCAPING: Tree Removal, Stumps, Fertilization, Planting, Land Clearing, Topping. Free Estimates. Lic# H206773000. Office 516-546-4971, Cell 516-852-5415

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

“WTime to prevent a flashover

atch for the warning signs of a flashover” is one of the most important lessons I learned in the Nassau County Fire Service Academy when I began active service with the Wantagh Fire Department over 30 years ago. Flashovers — when combustible materials in a room all ignite nearly simultaneously — are one of the most dangerous situations a firefighter can encounter. Recognizing the warning signs — rapidly rising temperatures and certain smoke and flame patterns — and acting to vent and lower the temperature before a flashover occurs can mean the difference between safety and a tragedy.

Our country had a giant flashover warning sign a few weeks ago in Pennsylvania, where a lone gunman shot and injured former President Donald

Trump while he was speaking at a political rally. While, thankfully, he survived, a father and volunteer firefighter was killed, and two others were critically wounded.

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Like any unchecked fire, it builds over time before it gets out of control.

while we all pose around like we just made the world’s biggest drug bust.” Fortunately, law enforcement foiled the plot before it could be implemented, arrested the perpetrators and kept Whitmer safe.

When the passion of debating and voicing opinions turns to violence, we all lose.

Congressman Steve Scalise, a Republican from Louisiana, was shot and nearly killed in 2017 by a left-wing extremist at a practice for the bipartisan congressional baseball game. Thankfully, Scalise survived and recovered after spending weeks in the hospital and undergoing a number of surgeries.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat from Michigan, was the target of a 2020 kidnapping plot by a group with ties to far-right paramilitary militia organizations that was upset about Whitmer’s Covid-19 policies. One of the plot leaders was chillingly recorded on FBI surveillance saying, “I want to have the governor hog-tied, laid out on a table,

These abhorrent incidents and plots should be cause for alarm, regardless of what candidates or political parties you support. Overheated and hyperbolic rhetoric is unfortunately becoming more commonplace, on both sides of the aisle.

Elected officials, candidates, media outlets and even everyday people have all contributed to this. It’s up to all of us to help lower the temperature.

Disagreements are a function of our political system. In fact, they’re encouraged. Debating and voicing opinions and positions, then voting on a choice, is the foundation of democracy. Usually there are winners and losers, but when that passion turns to violence, we all lose.

One of the best ways to lower the

temperature is to work together and find ways to respectfully collaborate across party lines without compromising core values. Government’s primary role is to function and get things done, in spite of political differences.

Here in New York, despite fundamental and deep divisions on many critical issues, Democrats and Republicans came together to pass groundbreaking new legislation dedicated to prioritizing our children’s mental health and safeguarding them from the potential dangers posed by social media. It’s a great example of the progress that’s still possible.

The reaction from an overwhelming number of Republicans and Democrats to the attempted assassination in Pennsylvania was united and encouraging: condemnation of the violence, relief that Trump was OK, and calls to bring the temperature down. Let’s hope all sides do so.

The warning signs are there. It’s up to all of us, but particularly our leaders, to take action to prevent a flashover that can have catastrophic consequences.

Steve Rhoads represents the 5th Senate District.

Momalas for Kamala, a thread to unite us

In a world where news breaks instantly on our phones, cracking the world open in an instant, behold the weekly newspaper, the tortoise of the news business. As I write, I realize it’s not all bad to have time to think between 72-point headlines.

When I wrote last, almost a month ago, President Biden was still the presumptive Democratic nominee, although there was plenty of chatter about his slow walk and whispery talk. He was adamant: He would not step down. He was ready to fight.

Many of us who think Biden has done an outstanding job in office came to believe he was not up to another four years. He looked frail. He appeared to overestimate his ability, at age 81, to meet the demands of the job. It felt disloyal to urge him to make way for a younger contender, but loyalty to our democracy had to come first. I celebrated his willingness to relinquish power, wished it had come sooner, but we had a potential new candidate.

Three weeks ago, Kamala Harris was (and still is) the vice president, and at that point her own presidential dreams were on hold. Donald Trump was salivating like a lion at the Roman Forum, waiting to take on Biden in the next debate. After the president’s shockingly poor performance in the first one, the Donald was closing in for the kill.

J.D. Vance? Barely a twinkle in Trump’s eye a month ago. He’s the guy who wrote “Hillbilly Elegy.” Suddenly he morphed into a megaMAGA, with extreme, creepy ideas about women’s rights and personal freedoms. Trump thought Vance would make a perfect addition to the ticket.

on the Republican National Convention, just days after the attempted assassination, with a buoyant Trump telling the world he was still standing.

Those were enough big news items for five years, compressed and pounded under pressure into just days, until the whole country, burnished like a diamond, seemed brilliant and raw. You could hear us, an entire nation, sucking in deep calming breaths, trying to steady ourselves.

I hope all the disparate political identities will form a cohesive movement.

Then, on July 21, Biden announced that he was stepping out of the presidential campaign and endorsing Harris to be the Democratic nominee.

That’s where I lost the thread. Aren’t we all supposed to be coming together as Americans to choose our president? Can’t we be Citizens for Kamala? Am I a Short Woman for Kamala or a CR-V Driver for Kamala or a Yasso Pop Fanatic for Kamala? We’re dividing and subdividing into micro cells.

Then that changed, too. I decided to embrace the political moment.

Momalas for Kamala is born. Momala is Harris’s nickname in her family, but it’s more than that. According to the Urban Dictionary, “A momala is a trusted guardian. Outside of the family, a momala is the mother of a neighborhood. In a village, she is mother and healer. In a state, she is the mother of health, knowledge and creativity. For a country, she is the mom of compassion and strength.”

A few weeks back, Thomas Matthew Crooks was a shy kid from rural Pennsylvania who got it into his head to kill the former president. And he nearly did, grazing Trump’s ear as he stood at the podium at an outdoor rally. I saw it happen, and time stopped until Trump was hustled to safety. I lived through the years of JFK, MLK and RFK dying in heartbreaking eruptions of political violence. Those murders scarred the political landscape forever.

That was July 13. Then, curtains up

I’m writing this all down because after some amount of time, nobody will believe that it all happened just like this over the past few weeks.

Then the head of the Secret Service stepped down because of her agency’s failure to stop the assassination attempt.

Then a kind of organic political wave swelled out of nowhere, pushing people forward to support Harris in a tsunami of relief and joy. Black women for Kamala. White Dudes for Kamala. White Women for Kamala.

We all have mothers or are mothers or value mothers. Momalas are us, men and women, young and old.

I hope all the disparate political identities will form a cohesive movement to elect Harris president. I hope Trump will summon the courage to meet her toe to toe in a debate. I hope the young voters in this country will shed their indifference and get into the fray.

Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

RANDI KREISS

HERALD

On Friday, honor our Indigenous heritage

as we mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on Friday, it’s crucial for us here on Long Island to reflect on the rich indigenous history that shapes our communities and landscapes. From the Shinnecock and Montaukett to the Unkechaug and Setauket, Native American tribes have been integral to Long Island’s story since long before European settlers arrived.

The names of our towns and landmarks echo this heritage: Montauk, Quogue, Peconic, Ronkonkoma, Hauppauge, Patchogue, and many more. These names aren’t just relics of the past, but living reminders of the peoples who stewarded this land for millennia. They represent a deep connection to the environment and a complex cultural tapestry that continues to influence our region today.

But we must also confront the painful history of exploitation and displacement that followed European settlement. The original inhabitants of Long Island, like indigenous peoples across the Americas, faced immense challenges as their lands were seized, their populations decimated by disease, and their cultures suppressed. The Shinnecock Nation, for instance, was engaged in a long struggle for federal recognition, and continues to make its case for the return of ancestral lands.

Despite these hardships, indigenous communities have shown remarkable resilience. The Shinnecock Nation continues to maintain its cultural practices

Letters

D’Esposito shouldn’t meddle in NYC’s business

To the Editor:

and advocate for its rights. The Unkechaug people, on the Poospatuck Reservation in Mastic, have preserved their language and traditions. These communities serve as a living link to Long Island’s past and as vital contributors to its present and future.

Nationally, Native Americans have made countless contributions to American society, often unrecognized. From agricultural techniques that feed millions to democratic principles that influenced the U.S. Constitution, indigenous knowledge and practices have shaped the nation in profound ways. Native American code talkers played a crucial role in World War II, using their languages to create unbreakable codes. In science, medicine, arts, and sports, indigenous Americans continue to excel and innovate.

Globally, indigenous peoples are at the forefront of environmental protection efforts. Their traditional knowledge and sustainable practices offer valuable insights for addressing climate change and preserving biodiversity. From the Amazon rainforest to the Arctic tundra, indigenous communities are often the most effective guardians of critical ecosystems.

As we commemorate this international day — which is followed in October by Indigenous Peoples’ Day, observed just in the United States — it’s essential to move beyond mere recognition to active support and engagement. On Long Island, we can:

1. Educate ourselves about local indige-

Imagine if residents of the five boroughs dumped tons of toxic wastes in the South Shore district represented by Congressman Anthony D’Esposito. Imagine further that a New York City politician loudly denounced a plan to protect the health of D’Esposito’s constituents.

The congressman would surely be outraged. So why does he support a permanent ban on congestion pricing in Lower Manhattan? (“Congestion pricing may be paused, but the fight continues,” July 25-31.)

Car commuters whom D’Esposito defends spew pollutants every day in the congestion-pricing zone. The fact that these tailpipe emissions are invisible does not make them less deadly than mounds of toxic garbage.

Studies suggest that 153,000 fewer cars would enter the zone once congestion pricing takes effect. And that will result in sharp decreases in nitrogen oxide emissions and particulate matter.

nous history and current issues facing Native communities.

2. Support indigenous-owned businesses and cultural events.

3. Advocate for the protection of sacred sites and the return of ancestral lands.

4. Incorporate indigenous perspectives in local decision-making, especially when it comes to environmental issues.

5. Promote the teaching of Native American history and cultures in our schools.

Recognizing indigenous peoples isn’t about dwelling in the past, but rather about creating a more inclusive and just future. It’s about acknowledging that the first inhabitants of this land have valuable knowledge, perspectives, and rights that deserve respect and consideration. As Long Islanders, we have a unique opportunity to honor the indigenous heritage that surrounds us daily. From the shores of Peconic Bay to the bluffs of Montauk, we walk in the footsteps of those who came before us. Let’s ensure that their stories, struggles and triumphs are not forgotten, but celebrated as an integral part of our shared history. This International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, let’s commit to building stronger relationships with Native communities, supporting their rights and aspirations, and benefiting from their wisdom. In doing so, we enrich our own lives and communities while taking a step toward healing historical wounds and creating a more equitable society for all.

opinions Students learn history in English, too

my love of reading and history began when I was about 16. Enrolled in an Advanced Placement English class at my high school, I was blessed to have an amazing teacher who taught me how to make sense of the things I read, and consequently fostered my love of writing. It was around then that I began to develop an understanding of things I could never relate to, of experiences I could never begin to comprehend.

A book, or rather a memoir, that left a lasting impression on me was “Black Boy,” by Richard Wright, published in 1945. It depicts Wright’s upbringing in the South and his eventual move to Chicago, where he embarks on a writing career and becomes involved with the Communist Party of the United States.

It’s a difficult but impressive read that dives into Wright’s honest and poignant depiction of racism in the U.S. It pulls at your heartstrings as you read about the considerable distress that Wright experienced — physically, men-

tally and emotionally — throughout his early life.

The book was both critically acclaimed and strongly disliked. It has frequently ended up on banned-book lists in schools and libraries in a number of states, with those opposed to it arguing that its raw depiction of racism is worthy of censorship.

An early challenge to the book came in 1972 in Michigan, as parents claimed it was unsuitable for teens. A few years later, it was challenged by schools in Louisiana and Tennessee.

some subject matter should make us uncomfortable, but that’s OK.

It was one of the books that parents of students at Island Trees High School — right here on Long Island — wanted removed from the school’s library in 1975. They characterized “Black Boy” and 10 other books as “anti-American, anti-Christian, anti-Semitic, and just plain filthy.”

That, of course, eventually led to a landmark case in the Supreme Court, the first of its kind to consider the right to receive information in a library under the First Amendment. The court’s decision in 1982 was split, leaving the scope of the right unclear even today.

Across the U.S., there have been more

Letters

Levels of that latter type of pollution are now 60 percent higher in Manhattan than the upper limit recommended by the World Health Organization.

The congressman shows no respect for the New York City elected officials who decided, after years of debate and voluminous research reports, to impose a fee on drivers who poison the air breathed by Manhattan residents and workers.

D’Esposito should practice goodneighborliness by dropping his opposition to an initiative that will save many lives.

KEvIN J. KELLEY Atlantic Beach

We were honored to care for Rosemary King

To the Editor:

As the administrator for the Emergency Department at North Shore University Hospital, I would like to extend our heartfelt wishes to Rosemary King for a swift recovery following her recent surgery with Dr. Tamayo. Additionally, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the kind words her husband, former Congressman Peter King, shared in his column in the July 18-24 issue of the Herald, “In a medical emergency, we were in experts’ hands.”

frequent reports in recent years of books being removed from school shelves, many with content that revolves around race, sexual orientation and gender identity. In Florida alone in 2021 and 2022, school districts instituted 357 bans, according to PEN America, the organization that promotes free expression and protects writers and artists.

As a reader, and a huge supporter of public education, I find the subject of book bans tricky.

I think schools set appropriate standards for what students read throughout the course of their education. The content of books they’re assigned often corresponds well with what they’re learning in history classes, thus fostering a well-rounded understanding of a variety of subjects. By the time most students are in late middle school and high school, their brains are developed enough to understand themes, identify imagery and symbolism, and analyze and evaluate ideas they’ve found in texts. No matter how intense a book’s subject, a student should be able to not only make sense of it, but learn from it.

That’s the magic of reading.

When I think about books like “Black

Boy,” and why they’ve resonated with me all these years later, much of it has to do with comfort. Reading about the atrocities of our past is never easy. Simply put: Some subject matter should make us uncomfortable, but that’s OK. It’s through reading that we learn, and how can we ever learn if censorship runs rampant?

The New York State Legislature has fought book bans, introducing legislation that protects a child’s right to read. There have been no fewer than 13 book bans in four school districts, and the issue has played out in school board meetings and social media, even here on Long Island.

Understanding today’s societal and political landscape is tough, but the foundations of the past can help us make sense of it. As students and young people begin to navigate the complexities of society, it is crucial that their freedom to read, and to be exposed to diverse perspectives, is protected. It is only through understanding our past and confronting uncomfortable truths that we can move toward building a more inclusive, and more informed, future.

Jordan Vallone is a senior editor who writes for the Bellmore, Merrick and East Meadow Heralds. Comments? jvallone@ liherald.com.

Framework by Tim Baker

Our team was deeply moved by Mr. King’s account of his family’s experience.

LANDON WITz, MHA Senior manager, Operations Emergency Medicine North Shore University Hospital Manhasset

Jerry’s right: Project 2025 is a horror story

To the Editor:

Thanks to Jerry Kremer for his op-ed, “If you like horror stories, read Project 2025,” in the July 18-24 issue. I am so grateful when our local newspapers are able to bring national issues to the forefront. It’s so important to get this kind of information to local communities that are sometimes insulated within their own little world.

Project 2025 hasn’t received much attention until recently — despite the Heritage Foundation’s in-depth involvement in the Trump presidency and this year’s Trump campaign. It is so important that trusted local public servants sound the alarm on this extremely dangerous agenda, and that people are made to realize it is indeed very real.

ELIzABETH MURPHY Franklin Square

Three-on-three basketball draws all kinds of fans — Hempstead

JorDan VaLLone

Mount Sinai South Nassau Recognized for Excellence in Emergency Nursing Mount

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Emergency Department has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Emergency Nurses Association’s 2024 Lantern Award for outstanding patient care and reducing wait times, and for excellence in nurse retention, achieving a zero vacancy rate and one percent turnover rate.

The Lantern Award also recognizes nursing sta commitment to ongoing education and training and fostering an environment of learning and professional growth.

We congratulate Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Emergency Department nursing sta for their commitment to patient care, quality, safety and a healthy work environment.

Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau 877-SOUTH-NASSAU.