Students throughout the Seaford School District showed their appreciation to the Board of Education at a board meeting on Oct. 23 at Seaford Manor Elementary School. Seaford High students announced that keychain sales from a school project had raised $600, which they are donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Students, staff and administrators in the Seaford School District showed their appreciation for members of the Board of Education during its Oct. 23 meeting, thanking them for providing innovative programs to better students’ education.
The meeting, held in part to celebrate School Board Recognition Week, took place in the all-purpose room at Seaford Manor Elementary School.
Adele Pecora, superintendent of schools, kicked off the meeting by thanking the board’s trustees for their dedication to improving the district for students.
“Each and every year, we just want to make things better and better for our students and make our schools places where our children can be the best versions of themselves,” Pecora said.
Administrators from schools throughout the district addressed the board, starting with Joann Krudis, principal of Seaford Manor Elementary School, who was accompanied by assistant principal Richard Schwartz. Krudis thanked the board, and introduced students in the Manor Morning news program, a student-produced broadcast at the school, led by fifth-graders covering school news and events. They presented a special episode of the news program dur-
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This week’s Herald is being mailed to every home, and includes a copy of our popular annual magazine, Living In Wantagh and Seaford. It’s filled with great information you can use throughout the year, and it features a look at what makes Seaford such a great community.
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Charles Shaw, Senior Reporter
ing the school board recognition night.
The episode served as part of an educational lesson to students about what the school board does, followed by students interviewing classmates and asking them what kind of appreciation they’d like to show the board. Students in the presentation thanked the board for providing their elementary school with “amazing teachers and staff” and making safety a top priority,.
Students at Seaford Harbor Elementary thanked the board for introducing innovative programs and improving infrastructure, such as the comfort station at Seaford High School’s athletic complex. The station, located between two turf fields, includes a snack shop and handicapped-accessible bathrooms.
Harbor students also thanked the board for introducing literacy programs, advanced technology initiatives and the LIFT program, an interdisciplinary initiative for K-5 students at Seaford’s Harbor and Manor schools, integrating library, innovation, fitness and technology skills.
Raphael Morey, Seaford Middle School principal, also addressed the board, accompanied by assistant principal Joseph Polite. Morey thanked the trustees for their support and highlighted the school’s new computer science program, with computer science teacher Alexander Merola.
“I’m really excited to be starting this new program at Seaford Middle School,” Merola said. “Students have been really excited about it, and I’m excited for them to get to share their project with you to say thanks.”
Nicole Schnabel, Seaford High School principal, showed gratitude toward the board for supporting many of the district’s initiatives. She introduced instructors and students in the farm-totable program, and each trustee was presented with samples of kale chips
and a chocolate chip cauliflower cake, made from ingredients from the program’s garden.
Also representing the high school were Christine Caserta and Michael Wimmer, co-instructors of Beyond Seaford High School, which teaches students life skills, such as preparing for job interviews, managing a business, and living on their own. Wimmer thanked the board for giving him the opportunity to run the class.
“It really is one of the more reward-
ing things I get to do every day,” Wimmer said.
Wimmer introduced high school students Jonathan Saboni and Joseph DeMaria, who detailed how the program has taught them skills in money management, cooking and public speaking, giving them a leg up when they enter adulthood.
“This course has provided us with valuable experiences that extend far beyond the traditional classroom,” DeMaria said.
While taking the course, Saboni and DeMaria came up with the idea to make and sell customizable wooden key chains as part of a Shark Tank challenge, where students devise a profitable business. Their project, Saboni added, had a meaningful impact on the community, as proceeds from their sales will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. According to Schnabel, the project raised $600, which will be donated to the hospital.
Lisa Herbert, school board president, said the trustees appreciated the presentations, not because of the recognition, but to see the results of the time and effort they put in to provide students with a well-rounded experience.
“It’s amazing,” Herbert said, “and we really are happy to see how much they’re enjoying their experience here at Seaford.”
The Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee hosted its inaugural Oktoberfest on Oct. 20 at Mulcahy’s Concert Hall and Pub in Wantagh, gathering Seaford High School alumni for a day filled with food, drinks, and remembrance.
The event, promoted as a multi-year class reunion, featured an auction led by John Thiessen, a 2013 Honorary Patriot Award recipient, with proceeds benefiting future community projects.
The committee, a nonprofit organization, was established to honor the memory of five Seaford High School graduates who died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks: Thomas and Timothy Haskell, Robert Sliwak, John William Perry, and Michael Wittenstein. The committee is dedicated to preserving their legacy through community service, remembrance, and education, hosting annual events such as a memorial candle-lighting ceremony and providing scholarships through its Patriot Award.
Attendees at the Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee Oktoberfest at Mulcahy’s were treated to a dinner buffet, music and auctions.
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
A new “sensory space” at Forest Lake Elementary School, in Wantagh, will offer students a peaceful, calming environment where they can relax and relieve the stresses of a day at school.
The new facility, called Sara’s Sensory Space, in honor of a late faculty member, was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting at the school last Friday. Forest Lake Principal Thomas Burke led the ceremony, and was joined by students and members of the school’s PTA and Special Education PTA. According to Burke, the purpose of the space is to help students calm their senses and return to class more focused.
“It’s just for kids to come to have a place to go to kind of chill out, calm down and take their mind off of things that are going on in other places,” Burke said.
The space is designed to be a soothing environment. Christine Fernandez, Forest Lake’s occupational therapist, said the room can benefit any student, whether he or she wants to move around or just relax.
“If they need a motor break, there’s things in there that allow them to do that, and there’s a space for it,” Fernandez said. “If they’re overstimulated and they need a break, you can make the environment a little more soothing and calming.”
The sensory space features dim lighting, which Fernandez said helps to create a relaxing environment for an overstimulated child. There’s also a hammock, which offers a cozy space that makes students feel as if they’re being hugged, as well as a small trampoline to
As estate planning lawyers, we experience the lives — and deaths — of a great many of our clients. Being exposed to death on a regular basis prevents us from “sleepwalking” through life and fosters a keen awareness of our being alive.
“In our Western culture, although death has come out of the closet, it is still not openly experienced or discussed. Allowing dying to be so intensely present enriches both the preciousness of each moment and our detachment from it.”
— Ram Dass
“If we’re not reflecting on the impermanent nature of life, then there are a lot of unimportant things that seem important.”
— Allison Choying Zangmo
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life.”
— Steve Jobs
“Think of yourself as dead. You have lived your life. Now, take what’s left and live it properly.”
— Marcus Aurelius
”We drift on a chartless, resistless sea. Let us sing while we can, and forget the rest.”
—
H. P. Lovecraft
“Death is not waiting for us at the end of a long road. Death is always with us, in the marrow of every passing moment. She is the secret teacher hiding in plain sight, helping us to discover what matters most.”
— Frank Ostaseski
“Never mind. Never mind. In this brief life, one cannot always be counting the cost.”
— Christopher Isherwood
Oddly enough, contemplating death may be one of the most life-affirming experiences one can have.
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help awaken the senses. There are plans to expand the room’s offerings, Burke said, with things like a climbing wall, in the future.
According to SEPTA Co-president Marybeth Reynolds, the idea for the sensory space came from Fernandez and phys. ed. teacher Christine Moran.
“We needed this space for a long time,” Fernandez said. “Christine really took the initiative, and she spoke to (Burke) about it and got the first grants.”
Fernandez and Moran each got $250 grants from SEPTA, Reynolds said, and Forest Lake PTA matched those contributions, bringing the total to $1,000.
The space is named in honor of Serafina “Sara” Farb, a teacher aide who worked with special education students at Forest Lake for 10 years. Farb died of lung cancer in March 2023, and the room was named after her as a tribute to her work in the school.
“She worked with so many children and touched so many children,” Burke said, “and that’s why we want to dedicate this space to her.” Sharon Mahoney,
a teacher aide at the school and a friend of Farb’s, came to SEPTA with that idea. Reynolds described Farb as an inclusive person who was the definition of love, nurturing and caring, and Moran added that Farb represented everything that the sensory room is intended to be: calming and comforting.
“It’s so important that we dedicated this space to Sara,” Fernandez said. “We all loved her, and it’s really special. We are so thankful to have Mr. Burke, the PTA and SEPTA be so supportive to put this together.”
Sara’s husband, Marc Farb, attended the ribbon-cutting, and hung a wooden sign above the door of the new room inscribed, “Sara’s Sensory Space.” The highlight of his late wife’s typical day, Farb said, was coming to work at Forest Lake and being with the children. For Marc, seeing the space dedicated to her was comforting and emotional.
“I think it’s a great idea,” he said. “Community is huge, schools are important, and children’s health and welfare are immensely important. This is a great, natural way to heal.”
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Tim Baker/Herald photos
The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce highlighted the honorees from all the participating chambers. Among those celebrated were Ann Durkin and Ellen Curran of the Olde Towne Garden Irish & Victorian Gift Shop in Wantagh.
Gary Tarlov, a member of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce since 2016, was honored as a Businessperson of the Year by the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce at its 39th annual Legislative Breakfast.
Gary Tarlov of Levittown, along with Ann Durkin and Ellen Curran of Wantagh and Mike Timko of Seaford, were honored as Businesspersons of the Year by the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce at its 39th annual Legislative Breakfast on Oct. 25 at the Crest Hollow Country Club. They joined 36 other honorees recognized for their civic efforts and commitment to the communities they serve.
Tarlov, a member of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce since 2016, serves as 2nd vice president of the chamber’s board of directors. As a seasoned travel professional and Cruise Planners franchise owner, Tarlov specializes in river cruises and luxury getaways.
Sisters Durkin and Curran, owners of the Olde Towne Garden Irish & Victorian Gift Shop, have been a part of the Wantagh community for 30 years. Originally from Galway, Ireland, they established their shop in 1994 to bring a touch of Irish heritage and charm to Long Island. Located in an old Victorian building, Olde Towne Garden is known
for its curated selection of imported Irish goods, Claddagh jewelry and Aran knitwear.
Timko, owner of Fun Stuff Toys in Seaford, has been a prominent figure in the community since opening his toy store over two decades ago. Originally started in Ronkonkoma 37 years ago, Fun Stuff Toys moved to Seaford in 2001, where it quickly became a destination for families. An active supporter of Seaford’s events, PTAs, and community initiatives, Timko’s contributions reflect his commitment to the town. He has also been a member of the Seaford Chamber of Commerce since opening his store.
Established in 1979, the Nassau Council seeks to address the business issues that members consider critical. The current president is Franklin A. Camarano Jr.
The council is at 1576 Front St. in East Meadow. The number is (516) 2530124. The email is info@ncchambers.org and the website is NCChambers.org.
–Charles Shaw
Fighting in Albany to make our communities a better and safer place to live!
• Member of the Assembly for 21 years
• Chairman of Task Force for Public Safety
• Chairman of Task Force for Public Safety
Working with Local, State and Federal Agencies
Working with Local, State and Federal Agencies
• Changed the Education Law to Protect All Private School Students
• Changed the Education Law to Protect All Private School Students
• New York State United Teachers
• New York State United Teachers
• NY State Civil Service Employees Assoc.
• NY State Civil Service Employees Assoc.
• NY State Public Employees Federation
• NY State Public Employees Federation
• New York State AFL-CIO
• New York State AFL-CIO
• Nassau County PBA
• Nassau County PBA
• Nassau County Superior Officers Assoc.
• Nassau County Superior Officers Assoc.
• Nassau County Detectives Association
• Nassau County Detectives Association
• Nassau County Correction Officers Assoc
• Nassau County Correction Officers Assoc
• Newsday
• LI Federation of Labor of the Assembly for 23 years
On Tuesday, November 5th, Please vote on the Republican or Conservative
MUNRO PLACED FIFTH in the Nassau County cross-country championships last fall and will look to top that performance at Bethpage State Park Nov. 2. He went on to earn All-State honors in 2023 as a Top 20 finisher in the state and posted a best 5k time of 15-minutes, 43-seconds. He’s three-time All-County in cross-country and as a junior competed in the state track and field championships in the 3200 and 1600 meter events.
Friday, Nov. 1
Football: Manhasset at Kennedy 2 p.m.
Football: Oceanside at Port Washington 5:30 p.m.
Football: Division at Hewlett 6 p.m.
Football: West Hempstead at East Rockaway 6:30 p.m.
Football: Locust Valley at Plainedge 6:30 p.m.
Football: Syosset at Massapequa 6:30 p.m.
Football: Lynbrook at Bethpage 7 p.m.
Football: V.S. South at Malverne 7 p.m.
Football: Wantagh at C.S. Harbor 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 2
Cross-Country: Nassau County Class I, II and III championships at Bethpage State Park 10 a.m.
Football: Calhoun at Carey 11 a.m.
Football: Jericho at Sewanhaka 11 a.m.
Football: Island Trees at Lawrence 11 a.m.
Football: MacArthur at Baldwin 2 p.m.
Football: Long Beach at Mepham 2 p.m.
Football: Seaford at North Shore 2 p.m.
Football: South Side at Floral Park 3 p.m.
Football: Elmont at Clarke 3 p.m.
Football: Mineola at V.S, North 3 p.m.
Football: Uniondale at Freepprt 3 p.m.
Football: Westbury at V.S. Central 3 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
The MacArthur girls’ soccer team punched its ticket to the Nassau County Class AA semifinals with a commanding performance from multiple contributors.
The third-seeded Generals knocked off Bethpage 4-1 last Friday led by two goals from junior striker Ysabelle Perillo. The convincing win also featured corner kick goals from Gina Iannuzzi and Bella Calabro that were serviced by Caitlin Barry.
Calabro opened the scoring with a header off a corner kick from Barry midway through the first half followed shortly after by Perillo finding the corner of the net for a 2-0 lead. Perillo, who early on the season was playing central midfield due to injuries, has thrived at the forward spot with her second consecutive multi-goal game.
“She is a great athlete,” said third-year MacArthur coach Steve Costello of Perillo, who also had two goals in the Generals’ 3-1 first round playoff win against East Meadow on Oct. 22. “Since she has been settling in at striker where she should be she has been playing really fantastic.”
Iannuzzi gave MacArthur further breathing room in the second half by heading in another corner kick from Calabro. Perillo then made it 4-0 off an assist from Mia Rodriguez from the left wing.
The win marked MacArthur’s sixth in seven matches with the Generals striking for 19 goals during the run. Costello said midfielders Amanda Lora and Alexa Coppola with setting up many of
the scores by controlling possession on 50-50 balls away from the goal.
The defense has also shined during the Generals recent winning stretch led by Barry, a four-year starter in the backline. She has led a unit that has featured many newcomers this season including sophomore Abigail Zazulka along with Nikki Magnozzi and Iannuzzi, who both switched positions earlier in the season due to injuries. Sophomore center Gianna Winkler is working her way back from injury and played around 10 minutes against Bethpage.
Senior goalie Jocelyn Cleary has stood strong in her second season patrolling the net and recorded seven saves in the quarterfinal victory.
“In her two years as a starter she really only given up one soft goal,” said Costello of his netminder. “She has been really solid back there.”
The Bethpage win set up a semifinal match against longtime defending AA champion South Side, who the Generals lost twice to this season by 2-1 and 2-0 scores. It marks the second straight season the local rivals have met on the semifinal stage with the Trojans edging MacArthur 1-0 last year.
A win against second-seeded Garden City would advance MacArthur to the county finals on Friday evening against the winner of the other semifinal contest between top-seeded Garden City and fourth-seeded Calhoun. The Generals are seeking their second county crown in three seasons in the face of very stiff competition
“The bottom line is South Side, MacArthur and Garden
City are probably among the five best teams in the state, “ Costello said. “Getting off the
is hard
those
teams but that’s the task ahead of us.”
Power outages are a reality, especially during a storm or other weather events. One of the most frustrating issues can be not knowing when power will be restored.
The good news is that, for PSEG Long Island customers, a power outage doesn’t have to leave you completely in the dark. That’s because the Long Island company created a free Outage Tracker, accessible from any smartphone or mobile-enabled device on our mobile app.
PSEG Long Island used customer feedback from J.D. Power surveys, research, and focus groups to help them design the app.
“Our intention is to reduce the stress and anxiety of an outage by enabling customers to closely track the progress of their restoration, all within the free, convenient PSEG Long Island mobile app,” says Larry Torres, Sr. Director, Emergency Preparedness and Logistics.
It’s as easy to use as it is to download. And once it’s installed on your device, if you have a power outage, you have access to report outages and track updates.
As PSEG Long Island begins the restoration process, you receive notifications on the Outage Tracker. These show everything from confirmation that your outage report was received, to damage assessments, to repair alerts and an estimate of when power will be restored.
“The sooner we know about specific outages, the quicker we can react and restore power,” says Michael Presti, Director, Customer Experience and Marketing.
The PSEG Long Island Outage Tracker provides customers with:
Accessibility: Even if someone loses power, they can access the Outage Tracker on their mobile device as long as they have cell service. However, they need to download it before an event to ensure they’re prepared.
Reporting capability: Customers can report partial or full power outages. In the case of downed lines, the app provides a phone number to call. This immediate reporting helps PSEG Long Island respond more efficiently to restore service.
Year-round reliability: Because outages can sometimes occur even when the weather is not a contributing factor, the Outage Tracker helps people stay connected and able to report issues at any time.
We live in a world where we have more information at our fingertips than ever before. It just follows that having some control and knowledge about power outages is critical to our peace of mind and ability to plan, be heard, and feel safe. So be prepared, and learn more about the free PSEG Long Island mobile app at psegliny.com/app.
A power outage doesn’t have to leave you feeling powerless. Be prepared. Download our free mobile app with Outage Tracker. You can report outages and track restoration progress. Because knowing is power.
Maria Regina Catholic School in Seaford held its 5th Annual Royal Run on Friday, Oct. 18, raising over $83,000, nearly tripling their initial goal of $30,000. Proceeds will support the school and celebrate its strong community.
As part of the fundraising incentives, students earned a variety of rewards, including a Gatorade station, spirit accessories, and All American lunch for the entire school. The principal even donned a lion costume.
Additionally, a special assembly took place, where top fundraisers and raffle winners got to turn the principal and pastor into human tacos.
— Charles Shaw
3-year-old Cooper Klaus shows his excitement to participate in
By Danielle Schwab & Tim Baker
Havana Munsuz
Age 9, Locust Valley
My mom (Lenia Matias). I think she would make equal rights for every person. She supports LGBTQ rights, and she’s also a woman. All the presidents are boys, and we should have a girl as a president. We read a book about the election together.
Nicholas Kemp
Age 5, East Rockaway
I want Aaron Judge to be president but I (also) don’t want him because he’s playing baseball and he won’t hit any more home runs. If he was president I think he would be so happy.
Michael Lutz
Age 7, Rockville Centre
My dad (Eric Donohoe) because he’s basically like Donald Trump. Also, my mom (Shannon Donohoe) because she’s technically almost the same as my dad. She would get more jobs in America, put the prices down so if it was $3 it would be $2 and she would get more American-made products
Amelia Geraghty
Age 8, East Meadow
I think John F. Kennedy because if he ever did something wrong, his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy would have stood up for civil rights for women. I don’t think he would do anything wrong. And he was also young (when he was president). The older you are, the more you forget. I’ve read a lot of books about him and Jacqueline Kennedy.
Tasnim and Taha Laghroudi
Tasnim, age 8; Taha, age 10, Wantagh
My teacher Ms. Sanders (my third grade teacher) would make a good president because she’s really fun and she’s very serious so we do our work instead of just playing around the whole time. Teachers are hard working and they’ve been through a lot of lessons and teachings, and they’re responsible for people in their class.
By JENNA ZAZA & LORI SAXENA Special to the Herald
Project 2025’s agenda to restructure the government extends beyond the Fed and into education, proposing to completely eliminate the Department of Education. This is a contentious move that could have profound repercussions for public education on Long Island.
The DOE plays a significant role in supporting local education by providing funding to high-poverty schools and increasing programs designed to protect and serve vulnerable students, such as those with disabilities or in the LGBTQ+ community.
Eliminating the department means drastically reducing federal funding streams and eventually phasing out Title I, a federal program that provides financial assistance to schools with a high percentage of low-income students, according to a Chalkbeat report. Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news organization focused on education issues.
Title I aims to ensure all children, regardless of socio-economic status, meet state academic standards by funding programs like after-school tutoring and teacher development. Schools can operate schoolwide improvement initiatives if they meet certain thresholds of low-income students.
“When you eliminate funding, the things that get cut are teacher salaries, teachers get laid off, class sizes get bigger, and you have less counseling services, less paraprofessional services ... all of that is eliminated when you don’t have Title I funding,” Jillian Gaeta, co-founder of the organization Roots to Revolution and a New York City public school teacher, said.
Nearly half of Suffolk County’s total public school enrollment is economically disadvantaged students at 44 percent, in Nassau County it is 32 percent, according to the State Education Department. Districts such as Huntington, Central Islip and Brentwood 63 percent, 66 and 88, of the students are from low-income households, respectively, according to state statistics.
Project 2025 also proposes to reduce eligibility for federally funded meal programs.
Funding impact
The potential rollback of programs like the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program under Project 2025 could exacerbate the lack of access to food on Long Island. In recent years, the number of food-insecure individuals on the island has surged, increasing by 58.3 percent since 2021, with an estimated 65,000 children affected, according to a Long Island Cares report.
Over 60 percent of students in lower-income districts like Brentwood and Hempstead qualify for free lunch and breakfast, indicating a substantial reliance on federal aid programs, according to Meals Count data. Meanwhile, wealthier districts like Jericho and Great Neck in Nassau County, where less than 10 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, would be less affected by federal cuts, according to state data.
“In the schools that I’ve worked in, 80 percent of students were receiving free and reduced lunch,” Gaeta said. “If you take away that ability, you now have 80 percent of your kids hungry. You can’t educate those kids; they’re struggling because all they’re focusing on is how their bellies aren’t full.”
Long Island is also seeing a surge in school lunch debt, according to a Healthy School Meals for All report. The Lindenhurst school district reported nearly $50,000 in unpaid school lunch fees and South Huntington said meal debt doubled from $20,000 after the pandemic. Wealthy districts often benefit from higher property tax revenues, which can be used to supplement educational programs. Low-income districts typically struggle with limited funding and resources, making it challenging to provide basic services, let alone additional support for meal programs.
But it’s not just lunch — early childhood education
programs are also on the chopping block under Project 2025.
Whither Head Start?
Head Start is a federal initiative that promotes school readiness for young children from low-income families. It serves children aged 3 to 5, focusing on cognitive, social, and emotional development alongside health screenings and nutritious meals. The program is critical in preparing disadvantaged children for elementary school and fostering long-term academic success.
“Early education programs ... are foundational for a child’s ability to thrive in school, and also for their economic security, that they are able to read and write and develop those skills at an early age,” Gaeta said.
In Nassau County, the availability of Head Start programs is concentrated in districts with higher rates of low-income families. Out of eight Head Start locations, many are in areas with higher child poverty rates.
The Head Start programs in Hempstead, Freeport and Roosevelt illustrate this trend. Hempstead, with a child poverty rate of nearly 21 percent, and Roosevelt, where nearly 17 percent of children live in poverty, highlights communities that heavily rely on these educational resources. Freeport, with around 14 percent of children living in poverty, further emphasizes the critical need for support in these districts. The figures are based on Census Bureau data.
Child poverty rates in Westbury (14 percent), Lawrence (10 percent), and Long Beach (6 percent) demonstrate a varied landscape where families may still benefit from Head Start programs, although the urgency may differ.
More affluent districts like Garden City, Syosset, and East Williston, which report child poverty rates of less than 5 percent, do not have any Head Start locations. Wealthier families often have access to private preschools and other early childhood programs.
Another proposal of Project 2025 includes a rollback of Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational program or activity receiving federal financial assistance, including sports.
“Title IX, which allows girls to play sports and opens up opportunities for young girls, is also supported and protected by the federal government,” Gaeta said. “So if you eliminate the Federal Department of Education, you’re eliminating all those benefits that our kids need to have successful schools.”
Rolling back Title IX could also disproportionately
impact non-binary and transgender students as the project aims to “define ‘sex’ under Title IX to mean only biological sex.”
“Long Island is already seeing pieces of Project 2025 being enacted,” Kiana Abbady, board chair of Long Island Progressive Coalition, said. “[Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman] already passed a transban, where individuals cannot play sports if they identify as transgender.”
In Nassau County 10 school districts — Island Park, Jericho, Lawrence, Locust Valley, Long Beach, Mineola, New Hyde Park, Oceanside, Oyster Bay and Port Washington — are set to lose funding, based on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2025 executive budget.
“If any parts of Project 2025 are enacted, we will see large swaths of Long Island’s communities, predominantly black and brown, predominantly working class, lose significant funding for public schools,” Abbady said. “We already see that. ”
Extracurricular activities, such as sports, are typically the first to be cut when schools experience dips in funding, and this could have adverse effects on students. Research indicates that participation in sports is linked to numerous benefits for both girls and transgender youth, including improved academic performance, higher self-esteem, and greater overall well-being.
In underfunded districts, girls often have 1.3 million fewer opportunities than boys to engage in athletic programs, according to the National Women’s Law Center. Exclusionary policies for trans youth like Nassau County’s Legislature and Project 2025 Title IX reforms could exacerbate rates of depression, school absenteeism and suicide in trans students, which are already significantly higher than for cis-gender students.
Without the federal enforcement of Title IX and adequate funding, the gap in opportunities between wellfunded and underfunded schools could widen, leaving many girls and LGBTQ youth without access to the necessary resources for their athletic and educational advancement.
Gaeta said this is ultimately the goal of Project 2025.
“It is designed to benefit wealthy, wealthy white men,” she said. “All of the projects, all the policies in Project 2025, will hurt low-income families, will hurt middle-class families, will hurt women and girls, will hurt LGBTQ families, will hurt people of color. It is designed that way.”
Jenna Zaza and Lori Saxena are reporters with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
The Seaford Chamber of Commerce hosted a lively trunk-or-treat event at Seamans Neck Park on Oct. 26, offering children a safe, festive way to celebrate Halloween.
Families transformed the trunks of their cars with creative Halloween-themed decorations, while kids, dressed as everything from doctors and video game characters to Dracula, went from trunk to trunk collecting candy. Adding to the fun, a face-painting station let young attendees further embrace the spooky spirit.
The event was a hit with both children, who enjoyed treats and costumes, and adults, who got into the holiday spirit with decorated cars.
Attendees decorated the
Some Democrats are too far left.Some Republicans are too far right.But some candidates just make COMMON SENSE.
About Common Sense
The Common Sense Party looks at both Democrats and Republicans running for office. And then nominates the one who’s most reasonable, who thinks for themself. Who can compromise to get things done. In Nassau County, that’s Laura GIllen.
So this November, find the "Common Sense Party" on your ballot.
Party
Democratic
Republican
Conservative
Working Families
Common Sense
Presidential Electors for President (Vote for One)
Kamala Harris
Donald J. Trump
Donald J. Trump
Kamala Harris
Representative in Congress (4th District) (Vote for One)
Laura Gillen
Anthony D’Esposito
Anthony D’Esposito
Laura Gillen
Amendment to Protect Against Unequal Treatment
This proposal would protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. It also protects against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy.
A “YES” vote puts these protections in the New York State Constitution.
A “NO” vote leaves these protections out of the State Constitution.
Enmienda para Proteger Contra el Trato Desigual Esta propuesta protegería contra el trato desigual basado en la etnicidad, el origen nacional, la edad, la discapacidad y el sexo, incluida la orientación sexual, la identidad de género y el embarazo. También protege contra el trato desigual basado en la salud y la autonomía reproductiva.
Un voto “SÍ” coloca estas protecciones en la Constitución del Estado de Nueva York. Un voto “NO” deja estas protecciones fuera de la Constitución del Estado.
Electores para Presidente y Vicepresidente
Kamala D. Harris (For President)
Tim Walz (For Vice President)
Electores para Presidente y Vicepresidente
Donald J. Trump (For President)
JD Vance (For Vice President)
Representante en el Congreso Distrito 2
Rob Lubin (D)
Representante en el Congreso Distrito 4
Laura Gillen (D,CS)
Senador Estatal, Distrito
Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D, WF)
Diane Sare (L)
DeFrancesco
Member
Kevan
actual ballot, but a composite of several sample ballots so as to reflect all the districts within the communities covered Specific candidates for individual communities are identified in blue. Complete reporting on candidates running in districts covered by the LIHerald.com under the Elections ’24 tab. For election results after the polls close Tuesday night, go to LIHerald.com
Senator District 5
Estatal, Distrito 5
Vote for One (1) Lin (D)
Steve Rhoads (R,C)
Member of Assembly District 14
de la Asamblea Distrito 14
Lederer DeFrancesco (D)
Vote for One (1)
David McDonough (R,C)
Member of Assembly District 17
de la Asamblea Distrito 17
Harpreet Toor (D)
John Mikulin (R,C)
Vote for One (1)
Hempstead Council Member District 5
del Concejo de Hempstead, Distrito 5
Kevan Abrahams (D)
Vote for One (1)
Christopher Schneider (R,C)
Juez de la Corte Suprema (Vote for up to Eight) (8)
James F. Matthews, Jr. (D,R,C)
Gregg Roth (D,R,C)
Deanna D. Panico (D,R,C)
Terence P. Murphy (D,R,C)
Juez del Tribunal del Condado
Jeffrey A. Goodstein(D,R,C)
Family
Juez del Tribunal de Familia
Lisa Daniels (D,R,C)
Chris J. Coschignano (D,R,C)
Alfred C. Graf (D,R,C)
Paul E. Hennings (D,R,C)
Paul M. Hensley (D,R,C)
Andrew A. Crecca (D,R,C)
Vote for Three (3)
Joseph Nocella, Jr. (D,R,C)
Juez del Tribunal de Distrito
Andrea C. Phoenix (D,R,C)
Veronica Renta Irwin (D,R,C)
Vote for Four (4)
Ryan E. Cronin (D,R,C)
Sean Wright (D,R,C)
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito has his sights set on reelection in the 4th Congressional District, where he will face a familiar opponent amid unfamiliar scrutiny over his hiring practices.
A Republican and a former NYPD detective, D’Esposito won his seat in the 2022 midterms, flipping a district that had been in Democratic hands for 25 years. He defeated former Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen that year by a margin of roughly 10,000 votes with a campaign focused on crime, inflation and government spending. He hopes to do it again next week with a renewed focus on border security, crime and the cost of living on Long Island.
But D’Esposito’s re-election bid is under a cloud, with an ethics probe questioning whether he improperly hired his fiancée’s daughter and a woman he allegedly had a personal relationship with for taxpayer-funded positions in his office. During a Herald Roundtable on Oct. 10, D’Esposito made it clear that he views the allegations as baseless. “There is absolutely nothing that was violated ethically, and my personal life is my personal life,” he said, asserting that if there had been any ethical questions, he would not have made those hires.
In spite of the allegations, D’Esposito remains focused on issues central to residents of his district. He emphasized that he has been instrumental in securing millions in federal funding for local infrastructure projects ranging from water filtration systems to police training facilities. “In the last 18 months, I’ve been able to bring close to $40 million back to the district to help with infrastructure,” he said.
D’Esposito has also positioned himself as a strong supporter of Israel, and has been vocal in his support for sending more aid to Israel in light of renewed con-
Juan Lasso/Herald
Anthony D’Esposito discussed his re-election campaign in the 4th Congressional District amid controversy over his hiring practices at a Herald Roundtable on Oct. 10.
flicts with Iran and Lebanon following the attack by Hamas last Oct. 7.
“I think the United States of America needs to continue to provide every resource necessary to Israel to eradicate Hamas and any terrorist organization,” he said, criticizing the Biden administration for what he views as a lack of urgency.
Another key issue is the ongoing border crisis. “We have a border security problem,” D’Esposito said, emphasizing the need to shut down the southern border and implement a more stringent asylum process. He noted a Department of Homeland Security briefing where it was revealed that over 420,000 people who
crossed the border illegally had been convicted of crimes in their home countries, including over 13,000 convicted murderers. D’Esposito argued that the Biden administration’s handling of the border has been inadequate, claiming, “The Customs and Border Patrol agents don’t have the resources that they need.”
He remains critical of the administration’s economic and energy policies, and advocates for energy independence, saying, “We need to focus on being more energy independent and stop relying on foreign countries for power.” He also expressed concerns about the national deficit, arguing that it is unsustainable and could have long-term consequences for future generations.
D’Esposito has framed himself as a bipartisan problem solver, willing to work with both sides to achieve results for his district. But he is also aware of the tightrope he walks within his party, having been labeled both a MAGA extremist and a “Republican in Name Only” after calling for the removal of former U.S. Rep. George Santos. D’Esposito said he understands the balance between his own values and party expectations, and will do what he feels is right, regardless of how it may be perceived. “It seems to me I’m doing the right thing and playing the middle,” he said.
As the district becomes a focal point in the national battle for control of the House of Representatives, D’Esposito remains confident in his leadership and his track record of securing federal resources for Long Island.
By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com
Laura Gillen, the Democratic candidate in New York’s 4th Congressional District, is running on a platform focused on tackling the rising cost of living on Long Island, reproductive rights and immigration reform.
“It’s really expensive to live here, and people want relief,” Gillen said during a Herald Roundtable on Oct. 7, adding that this concern came up in nearly every conversation she has had with voters in the district. She is particularly critical of her opponent, U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito for not restoring the state and local tax deduction on income taxes, which was capped during the Trump administration. “My opponent said he was going to restore our SALT deduction. He’s been in the majority for almost two years and has completely failed to do that,” Gillen said, emphasizing that reinstating the deduction, a key issue for many homeowners in Nassau County, would be a top priority if she were elected.
Reproductive rights are also central to Gillen’s campaign, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 decision, ending nearly 50 years of constitutional protection for abortion rights. Gillen stresses the need to protect access to reproductive health care, including abortion, in vitro fertilization and contraception.
“Protecting a woman’s right to choose, protecting the right to access IVF and the right to contraception are things we never thought we’d even have to talk about before the Dobbs decision,” she said. Gillen also pointed to the broader implications of the decision, noting that Republicans are continuing to push for fed-
Tim Baker/Herald
wait times many patients face. “Families shouldn’t have to wait weeks to get an appointment for a loved one in crisis,” she said, calling for improvements in insurance coverage for mental health care and for expanding access to care.
Immigration reform is a pressing issue, Gillen said, criticizing Congress for its inaction on the border crisis. She said she is committed to passing comprehensive immigration reform that secures the border while facilitating citizenship for immigrants. “We’ve seen nothing get done to secure our border, to stop the flow of fentanyl, or to create a pathway for citizenship for people who want to come here legally,” she said. Her proposal includes deploying more border agents, using advanced technology like anti-tunneling systems, and improving the asylum process, which she described as “completely broken” due to the long delays in adjudicating claims.
Gillen has also taken a strong stance on national security, particularly in regard to Israel and the increase of antisemitism in this country. “We’ve seen an incredible rise of antisemitism, even before Oct. 7,” she said, referring to last October’s attacks on Israel by Hamas.
eral restrictions on reproductive rights.
Health care, particularly for mental health, is another key focus of Gillen’s campaign. She noted that the country is facing a growing mental health crisis, which affects people of all ages. “It’s affecting our young people, our seniors, our veterans and our law enforcement officers,” she said.
Gillen advocates increasing resources to make mental health services more accessible, reducing the long
Her bipartisan approach to solving these issues grew out of her experience as the first Democratic Hempstead town supervisor in over 100 years. Despite facing a Republican-controlled Town Board, Gillen managed to implement sweeping reforms, including ethics legislation, cutting taxes and modernizing the town’s infrastructure.
“I got things done, and that’s what I plan to do in Congress,” Gillen said. “People want problem-solvers in Congress … We need to get things done and reduce the partisanship that’s holding us back.”
By Carolyn James cjames@liherald.com
With partisan politics in high gear less than two weeks before Election Day, Long Island politicians — Republicans and Democrats — gathered in a bipartisan show of support for an effort to bring more federal funding for road and infrastructure projects to Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue — it is a state and federal issue,” U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi said at a news conference on Oct. 23 at the Long Island Welcome Center on the Long Island Expressway in Dix Hills. “It is about government, labor, business and people and everyone, regardless of party. It is about coming together,” Suozzi added, with the roar of traffic along the expressway providing an appropriate backdrop.
The gathering of politicians, business and labor representatives
was to support a bill in the State Legislature, sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Stern and State Sen. Monica Martinez, that would create a mechanism for Long Island to apply directly for federal transportation dollars. As things stand now, the state must apply to the federal government for infrastructure funding through the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, which includes not only Long Island, but also New York City as well as Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties. Under the proposed legislation, Long Island would create its own Metropolitan Planning Organization to address its infrastructure needs specifically, officials said.
The need for this autonomy became abundantly clear to Long Island lawmakers several years ago. Under the current NYMTC guidelines, Long Island was slated to receive 23 percent of federal funding allocated to the state. That
figure dropped to 1 percent, or $300 million, this year. And according to officials, almost all of that will be spent on renovations to electric signs along local highways, and road repairs. It allows for practically nothing for expansive work or new projects.
Some of those projects were outlined by Marc Herbst, executive director of the Long Island Contractors Association. They include work to reconfigure the Oakdale merge, where Sunrise and Montauk highways converge; the intersection of the Meadowbrook and Southern State parkways; the expansion of Sagtikos Parkway to four lanes to make them safer; and work on the Southern State Parkway, which Herbst described as “blood alley.”
“How many more tragedies do we have to have along that roadway before we address those issues and others?” he said.
“This is more important than
party,” State Sen. Jack Martins said. “It is not about politics; it is about our communities, our homes, our residents — and fairness.”
“This is not an adversarial issue,” Herbst added, pointing to the need for Long Island to have an independent voice when vying for federal funding.
“Long Island is a place unlike any other, and with that distinction comes the reality that we have unique needs,” Martinez said. “Our infrastructure and transportation systems must be as bold and resilient as the people who call this region home in order to thrive in an ever-changing world.”
Adam Levine, executive director of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council, said that he and the council understand that “Long Island officials want to get every federal dollar they can,” and that it recognizes the impacts of bureaucracy.
By Danielle Schwab
A tradition since 2010, the popular Long Island Biennial at Hecksher Museum returns with “The Body Politic,” shining the spotlight on our diverse artistic talent throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.
The latest edition of the juried exhibition — now on view through mid-January — offers an exciting look at what is happening artistically here in our area.
Out of 313 submissions, 79 were accepted from 60 artists, resulting in a vivid assortment of mediums, styles and focuses on exhibit. Curated by Meredith A. Brown, the museum’s consulting curator of Contemporary Art, each piece was reviewed by an expert jury team. The panel included Ian Alteveer, department chair of contemporary art at the Museum of Fine Arts; Patricia Cronin, artistic director of the LGBTQ+ VR Museum, art professor and sculptor; Grace Hong, assistant director of Galerie Lelong & Co.
The exhibit takes on a theme for the first time — examining contemporary social, cultural and political issues. It’s a snapshot of some of the major national, local and even international matters that compel artists in this important election year.
“Sixty countries — taken together, representing half the world’s population, including the United States — will have held major elections by the end of this year,” Brown says.
“It’s a crucial year. And we thought it would be interesting to see how the people, the artists in our communities, are thinking about these political, social, cultural issues — and representing them through art.”
The exhibit represents a remarkable variety of media, with styles spanning abstraction to hyperrealism, including sculpture, painting, photography, and collage. One pieceis even composed with cut plastic straws and lighters found on a beach.
“I’m always interested in the way artists can combine things that I wouldn’t have thought of, sometimes materials that are ‘non-art’ materials,” Brown adds.
East Meadow’s Karen Kirshner is among the artists featured. Her abstract acrylic painting “The Mission, 2022” employs a “direct painting” technique that enables her to use her emotions to paint onto the canvas.
“I never know what I’m going to paint. I paint in the moment, moment to moment, and then
and for the
review and evaluate and adapt and improve,” Kirshner explains.
She was influenced by the war in Ukraine, with so many trying to flee. Her movement of lines, shapes and vibrancy of colors expresses the Ukrainians’ frantic energy.
“I felt in my soul,” Kirshner says. “The mission is to get people out.”
Maria Spector, of Babylon, is represented with two paintings: “Candy Girls and Boys Under the Jellybean Tree, 2022 ” and “Candy Girls Under the Sugar-Plum Tree with Boy and the Artists that Painted Women 2020-22.”
In “Candy Girls and Boys Under the Jellybean Tree“ contemporary figures of children are mixed with images from art history, fine art and popular culture — all under a tree ‘ripe’ with various candies.
• Now through Jan. 19
• Open Thursday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
• Heckscher Museum of Art,
2 Prime Ave., Huntington
• Visit Heckscher.org for more information or call (631) 380-3230
“By incorporating pop culture, I explore issues of femininity and masculinity through both history and today. The work is meant to challenge our own biases and beliefs,” Spector says.
Another standout, Lynbrook’s Susan Kozodoy Silkowitz captures her vision through photography. “Pink Shoes, 2022” is a testament to freedom of expression without discrimination. The male in pink platform shoes was snapped outside of Fashion Institute of Technology.
“I’ve been photographing people for 50 years. It took me many years to be able to do what I do, which is approach and photograph people on the street,” Kozodoy Silkowitz says. “I think it’s a wonderful thing to see people who are unafraid to express who they are, although some people may disapprove.”
Visitors can contribute their own voice to what’s on view and how they relate to community and identity through a collage of messages on the response wall.
It’s all part of the museum’s effort to encourage artistic reflection through times of great change, inspiring us to engage with narratives in a new light.
As Brown puts it: “It helps the artists and it helps those of us who are not artists to think about the diversity of artists and viewpoints and opinions in these communities in which we live, and in that way, hopefully it can broaden people’s views of their communities, of where we are.”
As always, the exhibit experience is enhanced by related programming. The participating artists will be in the galleries on select Sundays throughout the exhibition period to engage with visitors, as well as taking part in upcoming museum and community events.
Mike DelGuidice, one of Long Island’s celebrated singersongwriters returns to The Paramount, with special guests. The band always gives it their all, especially when playing the iconic Billy Joel songs. DelGuidice leads his ensemble in a rousing concert that highlights the Piano Man’s decades of hits. Like his idol, DelGuidice grew up mastering several instruments including bass guitar, guitar, piano, and drums. He’s renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge of the Joel catalog, which caught the attention of Joel himself, who ultimately brought him on stage with him. DelGuidice and his band pack hit after charttopping hit in a high energy show that’s always a crowd pleaser. The concert delights audiences with renditions of classic rock favorites and his own eclectic originals.
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2, 8 p.m. $60, $40, $25, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
The perennial classic rock favorite is back on the road again as founding member Dewey Bunnell celebrates the band’s 54th anniversary, appearing on the Tilles Center stage. Billed as “Ride On Tour 2024, it draws on the band’s deep catalog of hits including signature song “A Horse With No Name,” a #1 hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1972. Bunnell and America’s co-founder Gerry Beckley (along with former bandmate Dan Peek), who met in high school in London in the late 1960s, quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of that tune. Forty plus years later, these friends continue to make music together (although Beckley has now retired from touring) thrilling audiences with their timeless sound. Yet beyond their impressive catalog of hits, listeners discovered there was always much more to America than surface perceptions.
Saturday, Nov. 2, 8 p.m.
Tickets start at $35. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Ailey II, which bills itself as “the next generation of dance,” continues its 50th anniversary of bringing “off-the-charts energy” to the stage, with a performance at Tilles Center, Friday, Nov. 8 , at 8 p.m. Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s finest early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s outstanding and emerging choreographers.
The 2024-25 repertory features two world premieres by former Ailey II member Alia Kache and by Houston Thomas, as well as repertory favorites and beloved classics. Founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble and led by Sylvia Waters for 38 seasons, Ailey II has advanced Alvin Ailey’s vision for more than five decades by giving early-career dancers a bridge from world-class training at The Ailey School to the professional stage. Led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper, Ailey II’s dancers bring their technical mastery and emotional depth to works by the most daring established and emerging choreographers. Just as Ailey envisioned, the company continues to develop the next generation of performers and dancemakers while expanding audiences through global touring and community-based performances.
Join Adelphi University’s talented theater students who perform playwright Caryl Churchill’s “Love and Information,” Thursday and Friday, oct. 31-Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 2, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 3, 2 p.m. The fastmoving theatrical kaleidoscope explores more than 100 characters in over 50 short scenes as they try to make sense of what they know and what they find out. This is a play unlike any other that examines what it means to be human in a modern world and tackles the tension between the concepts of love and information.
Temple B’nai Torah, of Wantagh, is seeking vendors for the upcoming Holiday Vendor Fair, Sunday, dec. 1. 2900 Jerusalem Ave. For vendor information, call Ben at (516) 322-8130 or email bencernese@gmail.com
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.
Support the fundraiser for Matt Brolly, who suffered a spinal cord injury, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6:30- 10:30 p.m., at Mulcahy’s. With open bar, dinner, DJ, raffles. Tickets are $65 through Venmo @ MaryJo-Moriarty or $75 at door. 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh For questions, text (516) 428-9504.
The program includes Alvin Ailey’s Streams, an abstract exploration of bodies in space, danced to a percussion score by Miloslav Kabelac; Houston Thomas’ world premiere Down the Rabbit Hole, a continuation of the choreographer’s Follow the White Rabbit (2022) that expands on its themes, examining the relationship between humans and technology; also Francesca Harper’s Luminous, a work that pays homage to the 50th anniversary of Ailey II and the artists who paved the way for future generations. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Tickets start at $30, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, Olmsted Theater, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
JSeaford Historical Society hosts a presentation on Town of Hempstead Landmarks, Thursday, Nov. 14 , 7 p.m., at Seaford Historical Museum. 3890 Waverly Ave., Seaford. Visit seafordhistoricalsociety.org for more.
Looking for something to do this Halloween season that isn’t just for kids? Visit Sands Point Preserve for an exclusive, immersive theatrical production, “The Birthday Party,” held in a secluded opulent mansion concludes Thursday and Friday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1. For those who attended Archie’s last “Birthday Party,” rest assured, there are new surprises in store. Guests are blindfolded and escorted to a secret location on the property, Villa Vanitas, to celebrate the enigmatic Lord Archibald Axel Von Finkelshorn Chatterton’s 30th birthday. He is a witless charmer on the cusp of a life-changing revelation, and everyone’s invited to witness his journey on a night that promises to be unforgettable and delightfully unpredictable. Cocktail attire preferred. $175 per person. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.
Temple B’nai Torah hosts a fun-filled bingo session, every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.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.
Congregation Beth Tikvah Sisterhood is seeking vendors for its Holiday Shopping Day on Sunday, Dec. 8, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. The event will be held in a secure, heated indoor space. Vendors can rent space at reasonable rates to sell apparel, jewelry, housewares, collectibles, seasonal items, crafts, and more. 3710 Woodbine Ave. For more information or to inquire about selling, email CBTWantaghHolidayShop@ gmail.com.
Having an event?
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, Nov. 2, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.
Kids and their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for more information and to register or call (516) 4849337.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
Nassau County Museum of Art ‘s latest exhibition
“Seeing Red: Renoir to Warhol,” reveals the many meanings, connotations, and associations of this powerful color in art. Evoking strong emotion, red can represent the human condition. Its myriad variations have come to signify authority as well as love, energy and beauty. Red warns us of peril and commands us to stop, but it can also indicate purity and good fortune. Red boldly represents political movements and religious identities. From the advent of our appreciation for this color in antiquity to its continued prominence in artistic and popular culture, this exhibition spans various world cultures through a range of media.
It features more than 70 artists, both established and emerging, ranging from the classical to the contemporary. American portraitists such as Gilbert Stuart imbued red in their stately paintings of prominent individuals to conjure authority. Robert Motherwell, Ad Reinhardt, and other major abstract painters displayed a deep fascination with red in their commanding compositions that evoke a sense of chromatic power. And, of course, Andy Warhol is known for his bold and imposing silkscreened portrait of Vladimir Lenin saturated in bright red to his signature Campbell’s Soup Cans. On view through Jan. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Board games from days gone by
Enjoy an evening of learning and playing historic games at Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House, Friday, Nov. 8, 7-9:30 p.m. The Long Island Tabletop Gaming Expo takes visitors on journey through 5,000 years of board game history, from its roots in ancient times to more familiar examples from the time of the Phipps family. A brief lecture on board game history includes a presentation of each of the featured games. All are fully playable, and you can try them out yourself.
Games include: Senet, The Royal Game of Ur, Three Man’s Morris, Six Man’s Morris, Nine Man’s Morris, Twelve Man’s Morris, Mancala, Go, Chess, The Royal and Most Pleasant Game of The Goose, Backgammon. The Landlords Game (transition to the modern Monopoly). $15. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.
Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!
$20 - $25/ Hour
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516-365-5778
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Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
EMAIL MARKETING SPECIALIST
Herald Community Newspapers is seeking a motivated and knowledgeable
Email Marketing Expert to join our team. If you have a passion for crafting effective email campaigns and a knack for data-driven decision-making, this role is for you!
RESPONSIBILITIES: Set up and manage email campaigns from start to finish. Analyze data to identify target audiences and optimize email strategies. Craft compelling email content, including writing effective subject lines. Monitor and report on campaign performance.
REQUIREMENTS:
Degree in Marketing, Business, or related field. Strong understanding of data analysis and marketing principles. Experience with email marketing is preferred but not required.
POSITION DETAILS: Flexible: Part-time or Full-time. Salary range: $16,640 to $70,000, depending on experience and role.
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Q. I’m looking to sell my home, and I’m stunned by the cost of homes these days. My daughter’s family had to move out of the area, not because they needed better jobs, but because their jobs couldn’t pay enough to afford a home, and my wife and I could only help a little. Do you see any hope for housing to be made more affordable? Are there less costly ways to build that could help young people get a foothold on the American Dream? What do you think?
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A. Yes, there are many ways to make homes more affordable, but the way to make it happen is very complicated, and I doubt that you’ll see it happen. Think of people, our economy, our system of living arrangements, our communities, separately or combined into large entities, as being like a large woven fabric. There are many threads in this fabric, many colors and textures and many ways the threads are woven, some over, some under and some straight through. Pull at one part of the fabric, poke at another, and the whole composition ruffles, wrinkles, even tears and starts to unravel.
Now, think of how much each thread costs, how someone puts a price on that thread because of its location, its color, its finish within the fabric. That one thread is now thought of as more expensive, special and exclusive. Others see that thread and decide their threads are pretty darn special, too. Soon every thread goes up in value, and anyone trying to weave a new thread into the fabric, or trying to buy that thread, must be in compliance with the costs, rules and location.
Regulators who decide where different threads can be placed, how big or small those threads can be and what they can look like, are people. People are threads in the fabric. Your kids are threads who may or may not find a way to be woven into the fabric as other threads disintegrate or are pulled away. Government, financial institutions, property associations, neighbors and you have to all cooperate to make the fabric stay together.
It’s possible that when enough people refuse to buy a thread or be a thread, then the value of threads diminishes. The cost of making a thread — a home or a commercial building — keeps increasing, so the cost of the components has to be brought down. But the people who make those components have to get paid. Do we cut their salaries? It’s all connected, like a complicated woven fabric in which everything has to work together.
There’s currently a nationwide shortage of housing units and a limited inventory of homes for sale, possibly because it costs more for less, so people are reluctant to move. Prices, the cost of materials, the regulated size of homes, and profit margins for sellers and lenders all need to be reduced. Does anyone see that happening, or do we wait for the fabric to become brittle and start to come apart to respond? Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
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The candidates for our state offices, incumbents and challengers, have been out campaigning, regaling voters with claims that they are the right people for the jobs that need filling in Albany. They will take up the fight in the Capitol, they insist, to do the best job for us, their constituents. They cite their talent, experience and vision, and their ability to solve even the thorniest of problems.
But the sad irony is that the thorniest problems often remain unsolved. Take, for instance, the conundrum of property assessment in Nassau County. After the school districts establish their budgets, the state sees to additional school funding via foundation aid, the School Tax Relief program and the like. But it is the county that determines the value of real estate, and from that comes our school tax bills. In my case, and those of many other seniors trying to stay in their longtime homes, this process is daunting, confusing and sometimes heartbreaking.
Succeeding elections bring us Demo-
Wcrats and Republicans. Each of these entities has demonstrated a philosophy of how to deal with assessments and taxes. One party hollers about fairness and equity, and claims that they will absolutely get it right — for the benefit of taxpayers, of course. In 2019, then County Executive Laura Curran gave us a Taxpayer Protection Plan, promising that elusive equity. My school taxes continued to climb. Then the other guys came in, claiming they were the true champions of the citizenry when it came to property taxes. Their particular talent seemed to be granting homeowners lots of assessment “relief.” My school taxes continue to climb.
Npanies are among the top contributors to our political office seekers? And their generosity is bipartisan, because it turns out that business is good no matter who is at the helm in Mineola.
o matter which party is in the majority, my school taxes continue to climb.
Neither party seems capable of actually solving this particularly thorny problem. And leavened into their mystifying blend of ideas is a category of businesses that, their advertisements promise, will help us grieve the injustices that the property tax formula creates. These companies tout their acumen and their results. How about the lady in Merrick who got a new kitchen with the money XYZ company saved her?
Is it just coincidence that these com-
While all of this is going on, seniors like me, frustrated and dejected, quietly hire real estate agents to deliver us from all of this “good” news as our ever-rising taxes leave us with no choice but to sell the homes we love. I’m 79, and the increases in school taxes have come like annual infestations of locusts — about $10,000 in additional taxes for schools alone in the past several years. I call everybody — state and county politicians, school district administrators, the property assessors — and they all say the same thing: “It’s not me.” None of them, it seems, is the problem.
The assessor tells me my house is valuable. I tell him I have made it so through 35 years of sweat, my own hard work. I remind him that it’s my home; it’s where I live. He is unmoved, seeming to say, without using the words, that if I can’t pay, they’ll get someone else in here who can.
At this point, 46 years after I began paying property taxes, I have come to
the conclusion that the assessment of property is no longer a viable method of funding our schools. If you’re a senior, you’re a target.
Several years ago, I tried to persuade my local state representative to use some of his vision in Albany to figure out an alternative way to fund the schools that doesn’t target senior property owners for residential extinction. He simply dismissed the idea, saying the current system was the best one.
The subject has come up time after time on area newspapers’ editorial pages, but gets no traction from the political class.
One day soon I will go see the assessor. I am not optimistic. In the meantime, our candidates, incumbents and challengers, will continue to tell us how they’re going to help us. And the grievance companies will continue to prosper. The impossible system of taxation by way of property assessment will continue.
And quietly, all over Nassau County, bewildered longtime residents will be forced from their homes, victims of all that political talent, experience and vision.
Philip Como, who is retired after a career in sales, is a former member of the Nassau County Planning Commission and is treasurer of the Fire Department in Sea Cliff, where he lives.
e did the stupid thing, and we survived.
We did not evacuate our home on a barrier island on the west coast of Florida when Hurricane Helene blasted through in the early-morning hours of Sept. 26.
The first alerts about Helene seemed exaggerated and alarmist: A disorganized low-pressure system, percolating quietly near the Yucatan Peninsula, would gather fearsome energy over the Gulf of Mexico and slam into Florida’s Gulf coast, as a Cat 4 or 5 killer. It was an unusual setup for hurricane in these parts. My part-time residence was long said to be safe by the indigenous people who lived here, protected geographically because of a twist in the coastline. Maybe the ancients are exacting revenge for our careless guardianship of their land.
We are on the eighth floor of a building on the beach, and we have metal wind shutters. So, considering the laborious process of gathering our belong-
ings and food and driving to a safe haven, we decided to stay. Besides, once a storm is on its way, not much time remains before landfall, and it isn’t clear which way to run. Hurricanes often wobble or weaken or, in the case of Helene, turn left over Georgia and North Carolina, destroying everything in their path.
WWe had water for a week, and food that didn’t need to be refrigerated or heated. We had each other and Lillybee the dog, who had been skulking in our shadows for days. We also felt somewhat jaded by overhyped weather alarms in the past. Epic snowfalls, tornadoes sprouting everywhere, on-again-off-again water spout watches. We would probably be OK.
tioned. Then I walked up. Then I did the same walk, down and up eight flights, for five days, until power was restored. Both of our cars, parked “safely” in the garage, were engulfed by the tidal surge and totaled.
e were scared straight by Helene, and will never try to ride one out again.
Sometime after midnight on the 26th, the rain and wind came on like a freight train, hammering the shutters against our windows. Within an hour we had no electricity and no internet. Officials on the mainland turned off all water service to the island. The bridge to the rest of the world was closed.
The dog needed to go out, so I grabbed a flashlight and walked down eight dark flights of stairs to get outside. Building generators malfunc-
But we were lucky. We lived through the storm without a medical crisis and with replaceable losses.
We vowed never to stay when the authorities tell us to evacuate. What if one of us got sick during the hurricane? What if the windows blew in, even with the shutters?
Less than two weeks later, we had another shot at hurricane survival. Hurricane Milton developed on the east coast of Mexico, and got himself together in record speed, exploding from Category 1 to Category 5 in one day and taking direct aim at our island as he charged up the west coast of Florida.
This time we obeyed the evacuation orders and moved to a hotel on the mainland with Lillybee. One day later, the hotel was evacuated, sending us on a drive across the state, with thousands of other people. We took refuge with family on the East Coast. And we waited and waited for the hurricane to hit and
do its work so we could begin to build back. Like waiting for surgery.
Milton made landfall on Oct. 9 on the tiny barrier island south of us, wiping it clean of all the charming old Florida cottages that have survived for so long on a spit of land. Cars floated out into the Gulf. A man was rescued clinging to a large cooler from his sunken boat. We came back to our condo four days later. The property was a mess, but we had power and internet. We were on a boilwater advisory, stores were closed, and piles of household belongings and soaked furnishings are piled up along the roads.
We love it here, but it’s crazy to build on barrier islands. Nature always reclaims her own. We were scared straight by the first hurricane, and will never try to ride one out again. We look around at neighbors who have lost everything they own. And we know we are part of a bigger, more frightening human-made disaster called climate change.
Who will gather the will and willingness to stop the rising tides and temperatures? Who will stop the awful gathering storm of wind, rain and fire that sweep across our nation in every season?
in recent days, two of the most prominent national newspapers, The Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post, announced that they would not endorse a presidential candidate in Tuesday’s election, breaking from decades of precedent. Many have speculated on the reasons behind these decisions, suggesting that the newspapers favored Kamala Harris but ultimately chose not to upset Donald Trump for fear of retribution if the former president returns to the Oval Office.
For those of us in the news business, these decisions raise questions about the role of newspapers in a charged political climate. We at the Long Island Herald, a proud local newspaper company family-owned for three generations, see this as an opportunity to reaffirm our mission to serve the people of Long Island.
Unlike many national publications, the Herald does not make endorsements of candidates seeking political office, and our reasons are simple yet vital. Our focus is not on swaying voters toward a particular candidate, but on delivering comprehensive and unbiased information about the issues that matter most to Long Islanders. We are not here to tell our readers how to vote for political candidates; rather, we are here to arm readers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions at the
‘Harris shouldn’t even be on the ticket’
To the Editor:
ballot box. For us, the true measure of success is when readers feel empowered to draw their own conclusions based on facts, insights and perspectives they can trust.
Our mission is grounded in the local stories that directly impact your day-today lives — stories about Long Island schools, roads, parks, businesses and community events. It’s easy for national headlines to overshadow these essential local matters, especially in a polarized political landscape. Yet we firmly believe that our responsibility is to stay rooted in the issues affecting our neighborhoods and families. From zoning changes and public safety to neighborhood events and high school sports, we are here to cover what is relevant and timely for our readers.
The one place where you might see opinions about local and national political candidates, however, is in columns on our editorial pages, like those written by Randi Kreiss and Peter King. These essays are distinguished from Herald news content by featuring photos of the authors, making it clear that they reflect the writers’ perspectives and not the views of the Herald. We strive to showcase a diverse array of local voices across the ideological spectrum in these opinion pieces.
In a world saturated with news from national outlets, social media platforms and pundits, local newspapers play a
I couldn’t disagree more with Jerry’s Kremer’s viewpoint in his column last week, “Why I’m voting for Kamala Harris.” Harris shouldn’t even be on the ticket. If the Democrats had held an open primary after President Biden was pushed aside, she wouldn’t even have been considered.
Her word-salad responses to questions are baffling and her knowledge of the issues is inept. The only thing that rings in her favor is the Roe v. Wade debate. Harris is clueless on the economy, the border, which is a travesty, and her ability to engage with world leaders. Donald Trump is far from perfect, but he’ll put America first, and Kamala, in my opinion, will not.
KEnnY CULLEn Franklin Square
To the Editor:
In “Why I’m voting for Kamala Harris,” Jerry Kremer forgot to mention what our open south -
unique and irreplaceable role. Our newspaper is here to highlight the concerns and successes of Long Island, to act as a mirror to our community, and to bring a sense of belonging and understanding that no national publication can provide. But to achieve this, we need to hear from you, our readers. What are the topics you care about? What issues are not getting the coverage they deserve? Are there people in our community doing extraordinary things whom we should feature? We encourage you to share your thoughts, ideas and feedback with us. Let us know what you’re curious about, what you feel needs to be addressed, and where you think we can improve. Your voices are essential to shaping a Herald that genuinely reflects and serves your community.
Reach out to us at cshaw@liherald. com, and let us know what matters to you!
As the election approaches, we understand the intense focus on national races, but our mission remains to illuminate the issues closest to home. We will continue to be your trusted source for local news, not by endorsing political candidates but by informing, listening, and responding to the needs of Long Island.
Together, let’s keep our community well-informed, engaged and vibrant — one local story at a time.
ispent a lot of my childhood, and now, consequently, a lot of my adulthood, at my uncle’s lake house in Pennsylvania.
Some of my fondest memories revolve around being there — whether I was fishing with my grandfather, exploring the outdoors with my cousins or curled up with a good book on the beach, taking in my surroundings.
As I’ve gotten older, I find that I love the area for different reasons. I still like to fish and spend time outside with my family and my dogs. But I also love exploring the Poconos communities around the house, which, in many ways, feel like a second home to me.
Readers of the Bellmore, Merrick and East Meadow Heralds have likely seen my name pop up on their community Facebook pages throughout the almost three and a half years that I’ve been working here. I like to stay involved with community forums,
because they’re not only a great source of information, but also a great place for me to network, and meet the people in the communities that I cover and love.
So just as I do here at home and when I’m working, I’ve joined a few community social media pages in the Pennsylvania region I travel to. Again, I find that it’s a great way to stay in the loop, find new spots to visit, and again, receive a variety of information that I might not know otherwise.
the world often feels overwhelmingly negative, but we don’t have to make it worse.
A few weeks ago, I was scrolling through a page that I check frequently, and came across a post from a page contributor that read: “NY Trash Destroyed The Poconos.”
It took me a moment to really wrap my head around what I was reading, because for one, the region is economically very reliant on tourism from places like New York, and because I couldn’t believe that people actually felt that way. I’d imagine that everyone has had their own experiences with “outsiders,” but I’d venture to guess that the vast majority of the people who’ve found second
ern border has done to our country. Maybe that’s because Harris was in charge of the border.
FRANk VENIS East Rockaway
To the Editor:
Vice presidents are very limited in what they can do in that job. Their job is to support the president’s policies. Think of former Vice President Mike Pence.
Vice President Harris is her own strong person, and she will take what she perceives to be the best aspects of President Biden’s policies, but no vice president is ever a carbon copy of their predecessor. In terms of the southern border, Harris says that she supports having both parties in Congress work together and compromise on solutions, as was recently done with the strict border bill that both parties agreed on. However, Trump intervened and told Republicans to back out.
Trump and his MAGA Republicans prefer a dictatorial approach to solving our country’s problems. They tell us that we are a failing nation that only one man can fix. Beware. That is not democracy.
Concerning our economy, economists
homes in Pennsylvania are just like me and my family — kind, courteous and respectful. Fellow commenters on the thread confirmed my beliefs. Whatever reasons he had to make that post didn’t matter in the long run. In the grand scheme of things, it was just another blip on the social media timeline. It didn’t make any waves, and it certainly didn’t stop “outsiders” from visiting the area, or going to homes that they own.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve thought a lot about that post, not because I took insult in his words, but because I can’t imagine ever going out of my way to post such a ridiculous, negative thing — on any platform, for any reason.
It’s like the age-old saying: “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.”
It doesn’t matter that the post came from a place other than Long Island, because I’m sure we can all think of similar ones. Comments become vicious and people start attacking one another, while ignoring the actual problem: We, as a society, can be extraordinarily unkind.
There’s a lot going on these days. Things are polarized, and I feel it — the agitation, the stress about the way things are. The world we live in today isn’t perfect, but was it ever?
The point I’m trying to make is, if you have to go out of your way to say something completely unnecessary, take a moment and ask yourself: Is it worth it?
The world today may not be perfect, and often it feels overwhelmingly negative. We don’t have to make it worse. When things feel harsh and disconnected, kindness is a quiet strength, as is thinking about the things we say, or write, before we say them.
We can choose to be mindful of what we say, understanding that our words have consequences. The world may not be perfect, but each of us can make it a little better by simply pausing, reflecting, and opting for kindness whenever we can, because in a time when so much feels out of our control, this is one thing that isn’t.
Jordan Vallone is a senior editor who writes for the Bellmore, Merrick and East Meadow Heralds. Comments? jvallone@ liherald.com.
report that it is doing well. Gas prices are down, unemployment is down and the stock market is flourishing.
One would expect that food and housing costs would continue to improve under Harris. Economists say that Trump’s tariffs would backfire and increase the cost of goods. Also, it seems that most people agree with the Harris plan to have large corporations pay their fair share of taxes, but she will need a Democratic Congress to achieve this.
ELAINE RAuCH Lynbrook
To the Editor:
Beware of all the promises of goodies — or, as I call them, Halloween tricks and treats — promised by candidates running for public office. There is no such thing as a free lunch, or, in this case, free government programs offering benefits to you. Taxpayers always end up picking up the tab.
That’s a good reason why politicians should be changed often, like diapers, because most are full of you know what! Remember this next Tuesday before you vote.
LARRY PENNER Great Neck
