Wantagh Herald 12-26-2024 by Richner Communications, Inc

HERALD PEOPLE oF tHE YEAR

ith & Kerri StA llone

Blazers set their sights on All-Star tournament. Page 5

Elementary students take a trip back in time. Page 21

A mother and daughter always thinking of others

By CHARLES SHAW

Faith Stallone began her journey in Girl Scouts 12 years ago, under the proud tutelage of her mother, Kerri Stallone, who headed Wantagh’s Troop 3305. In the years since, the pair have led efforts to make a difference in their community.

This year, Faith, 17, a junior at Wantagh High School, earned a Gold Award, the highest honor for a Girl Scout, by educating people about local food insecurity. Over the years, Kerri, 55, has shown her daughter and her sister scouts the importance of service projects that have a lasting impact.

“Right from the start, I try to teach them the word sustainable,” Kerri said, “so they try to do sustainable projects so that they can see the effect of them long after they’re done.”

For their commitment to making their community more informed and enlightened, the Herald is proud to name Kerri and Faith Stallone its 2024 People of the Year.

In the beginning, being a scout was a way for Faith to see friends outside school, but starting around fourth grade, she was exposed to real-world issues, and got involved in donating clothes and hygiene products to local homeless shelters. That, she said, opened her eyes to the struggles of those who are less fortunate.

I f you keep your goals organized, you can always make time to help others.

KERRI StAlloNE

Leader,

Wantagh Girl Scouts

“At such a young age, there was only so much that we could do,” Faith said, “but even the little handle that we could have on it, we felt that we made an impact.”

When her mother was growing up, she was involved in service projects as a member of the Triangle Girls, a youth organization in New York State, and she knew when Faith entered her life that she wanted to lead others.

“My mom was my Girl Scout leader,” Kerri recalled, “and I knew the minute I found out I was pregnant with a girl, I was like, ‘I’m going to be a Girl Scout leader.’”

Kerri began leading 18 girls in her troop in 2013, when they were kindergartners. One of their first service projects was the Garden Journey, in which they planted a perennial garden at the Wantagh Public Library. She taught them to plant flowers, and the garden is still thriving today. Now she is helping them pursue Gold Awards, inspired by her daughter’s determination to earn hers.

Last year, Faith began her Gold Award Project by hosting a food drive at Viking Graveyard, a haunted house charity in Seaford that collects canned goods around Halloween for

Long Island Cares, a nonprofit dedicated to combating hunger. According to William Gonyou, Long Island Cares’ community events and food drive manager, Faith helped collect roughly 700 pounds of food at Viking Graveyard.

Julie Nietsch, the event organizer and a family friend, said that Faith has helped set up the haunted house for the past three years. Last year she spoke with visitors about the importance of food donations and something that might otherwise sound insignificant, but is not: the need for can openers, so needy families can open donated canned goods.

“She finds ways to give back,” Nietsch said of Faith. “She knows she has the ability to share what she was given, and that’s what she does.”

In November 2023, Faith supported the Wantagh Kiwanis Club by working a gravy station at a Thanksgiving food pantry, and promoting a can opener drive. In January this year, she educated younger Girl Scouts in Wantagh and Seaford about global hunger, food sustainability, and the importance of donating canned goods.

For her Gold Award, Faith organized a youth food pantry at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, in Levittown. The pantry, part of her “Hunger Games Program,” empowers kids

Continued on page 2

Courtesy Kerri Stallone

Faith Stallone with her mother and troop leader, Kerri Stallone, who has guided Faith along her 12-year journey in Girl Scouts. Their dedication to community service, from food drives to sustainable projects, has left a lasting impact on Wantagh.

Girl Scout inspires with community projects

to host food drives, manage supplies and earn community service hours.

“I like seeing the lasting effects that it has,” Faith said of her projects. “I’m not just helping out in the community, but I’m teaching other people at the same time, so maybe they can get inspired, too, and take on whatever they want to do in life.”

Kerri described her daughter as an ambassador for the Girl Scouts, and credited the organization’s Media Girls program for helping her speak confidently about real-world issues.

Cassie Colgan, senior director of marketing and communications for Girl Scouts of Nassau County, said that Media Girls teaches scouts public speaking skills and how to share their stories with adults and the media. Colgan noted that Faith, who is still in the program, started as a shy Brownie at age 6, but grew more confident over time, becoming comfortable talking about her experiences.

“Just being comfortable with

who she is and what she likes to do really helps her make the world a better place,” Colgan said.

After earning her Gold Award, Faith continued her community service. She raised over $1,000 to send an underprivileged child to Camp Kiwanis, a summer camp in upstate New York that provides recreational and educational programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities, promoting the effort at local events and delivering the donation to the Wantagh Kiwanis Club in September.

Faith hopes to continue giving back well into adulthood. Her mother hopes she will do so in college. As for Kerri, she has joined the Kiwanis Club and the Chamber of Commerce as a way to get involved with her community.

“I want to be someone that someone else can count on,” Kerri said. “I want them to know I can get it done, so I’ve put myself on different platforms in the last year so that I’ll always have an opportunity to volunteer.”

Her daughter emphasized the importance of overcoming the initial hesitation to help others. She believes that helping should never be embarrassing, and wants to set an example by stepping outside her comfort zone to support her community.

As for Kerri, she credits her organizational skills for her ability to balance leadership with work and family. “If you keep your goals organized, you can always make time to help others,” she said.

In addition to her Girl Scout achievements, Faith is a member of the Miss Wantagh Court, a program that also encourages community involvement, as well as student government and Key Club, a student-led high school organization that’s part of Kiwanis International.

She has begun visiting colleges, and has been inspired by the activities of campus service clubs to plan her next project.

“I feel like I look at her and I see the wheels turning, like she’s not done,” her mother said. “Even though she’s going to be a senior next year, she’s not done.”

Courtesy Kerri Stallone

Faith Stallone spoke with visitors at Viking Graveyard, in Seaford, last year about the importance of food and can opener donations as part of her Gold Award project on food insecurity.

Expressing student’s creativity. Seaford High School art teacher Michael Kerr showing a digital sculpting app to students. In recognition of his classroom innovations, Kerr was named a recipient of the Bright Light Award for infusing instructional technology into his teaching.

Becoming an Eagle Scout. State Sen. Steve Rhoads joined Boy Scout Troop 96 in Wantagh on Jan. 6 to honor Alexander Romeo, who accomplished a feat only a select few Scouts ever achieve— earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Rhoads praised Alexander’s dedication and perseverance in completing the rigorous requirements to become an Eagle Scout.

successful clothing drive.

A helping hand during the holidays. Members of the Wantagh Lions Club visited servicemen and women at the United States Coast Guard Station at Jones Beach, bringing desserts to those who have to work on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The Seaford Middle School Service Club held a winter clothing drive for the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. From left: Secretary Ryan Kind, Treasurer Michael Buck, co-adviser Amanda Robilotto, President Jake Wilhelm, co-adviser Julia Spellman and Vice President Jovie Hartmann.

Courtesy Seaford School District

Top of their class. Close friends Umika Hathiramani, left, and Angelina Belgiorno were the top two graduates of the Seaford High School Class of 2024.

Courtesy office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads

A celebration of reading. Forest Lake Elementary School second graders read to partners during a reading celebration to close out a fiction unit.

Courtesy Larry Lamendola

Nassau County unveils drone detection tech

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Following reports that a large number of mysterious drones have been seen flying over parts of New Jersey and the East Coast, Nassau County officials showcased the county’s drone detection technology, that allows law enforcement to track drones anywhere within the county County Executive Bruce Blakeman, at a news conference held at the David S. Mack Center for Training and Intelligence in Garden City on Dec. 19, told reporters that the county’s drone detection capabilities are “ahead of the curve.”

“I have been to other police departments throughout the United States to take a look at their intelligence and drone detection,” Blakeman said. “I can tell you that Nassau County is state-of-the art. We’re on the cutting edge of drone detection.”

Reports of drones

According to a report by NBC, more than 5,000 drone sightings have been reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, mostly in New Jersey, although drones have been seen in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio.

The Federal Aviation Administration banned drone flights in 22 areas of New Jersey, according to a report by AP News. Patrick Ryder, commissioner of the

in states along the East Coast.

Nassau County Police Department, said since Nov. 1, Nassau County has identified over 1,800 drone flights and 798 pilots.

What can Nassau County do?

Nassau County has the ability to track and identify drones that are in the county’s airspace, but is not allowed to mitigate their flying — only the federal government has that authority, Blakeman said.

“There’s detection and there’s mitigation,” he explained. “The mitigation is two types: One is the technology to jam it

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and have it return to its base, and the other one is to destroy it.”

Blakeman said they’d like the federal government to allow the police department to do a few things.

“We’d like the technology so we don’t have to shoot it down, because that creates a whole other set of problems,” Blakeman said. “But the technology is there to jam it and send it back to its home base, and we want that. We also want federal legislation that would allow us to issue a federal summons in the event that someone was violating the law.”

Blakeman said the county understands that drone flying is a hobby, and there are proper places where one can fly a drone.

“We have no problem with that,” he added. “But when it gets out of hand, like we’ve seen in New Jersey, or if it’s potential form of some kind of organized crime gang or a foreign nation, we have a responsibility to be on top of that.”

Are there credible threats?

The least worrisome threat, Blakeman said, is an invasion of privacy.

“Drones have been known to go into people’s backyards,” he said, “and hover over windows in their homes.”

Drones can pose threats to aircraft by interfering with planes, or they could crash into structures, causing property damage. Large drones, Blakeman said,

have the ability to carry material, either biological, chemical or explosive, which is a major concern.

The data collected by the county, Ryder said, indicates that people flying drones are likely testing the system.

“It indicates that we’ve got 798 knuckleheads that keep putting their drones up at night, just to test the system,” he said. “We’ve seen this triple in size and reporting. What’s going to happen in Nassau County — we’re going to ask you to take the drone down.”

Nassau County’s technology

In order to fly a drone in restricted airspace, Ryder said one needs to be a licensed drone pilot. Nassau County has 27 pilots, he said, that have gone to school and learned how to fly drones. The county also has 30 snipers that can subdue threats — like a drone — from long distances, he said.

Inside the David. S Mack Center, Ryder and Blakeman showed reporters the technology from behind-the-scenes — massive screens that can pinpoint where drones are flying, and where they’re being flown from. If an unknown drone is detected, patrol cars can go to the location and ask for it to come down.

The county does not have the ability to take down a drone itself, but can make an arrest if someone is refusing to stop flying their drone.

“Right now, we need help from the federal government, especially because we’re a large department,” Blakeman said. “I can understand if they don’t want to make it available to every department in the United States, but with a department the size of Nassau County, we should have that mitigation technology.”

Jordan Vallone/Herald photos

Nassau County Bruce Blakeman spoke at a news conference on Dec. 19, detailing the county’s drone technology, in response to reports of drones being seen

Different types of drones were on display outside of the David S. Mack Center for Training and Intelligence.

Blazers set their sights on all-star tournament

By JOSIE RACETTE Intern

The Seaford Blazers is a nonprofit organization for little league baseball travel tournaments. The organization was founded 2 years ago when a group of volunteer dads got together wanted a travel team option for boys (and girls) to continue playing baseball year-round. Participants include boys and girls already part of the Seaford Little League teams who want to increase their baseball skills.

The 12U team is a group of boys who are super passionate about baseball. Since other little league travel teams are expensive, the Seaford Blazers is all volunteer based. The organization partners with facilities such as Prospect Sports in Farmingdale and Long Island Baseball in Bellmore which cost some money, but not nearly as much as a different travel team costs. There are no professional coaches, just dads with kids who want to play baseball.

“It’s the kids getting to play and the parents giving them the chance to play and get better whereas financially that may not have been an option in the past,” said Charlie Meyer, the manager and head coach of the 12U team.

Meyer isn’t the only coach for the team, having four assistant coaches helping him: Brian Hillmann, Marlon Palha, Mike Garcia, Michael Alcide.

The Seaford Blazers participate in the spring, summer and fall travel leagues each year, and this year, the 12U team came in first in all three leagues.

“They’re passionate and take it seriously,” Alcide said.

While not participating in tournaments, the 12U team focuses on the skills, mentality and sportsmanship of the game. Being good teammates is easy to accomplish, but

being good humans is much harder. The boys worked together off the field as well, learning how to transition from elementary to middle school.

During rough patches the team went through, the boys focused on dealing with it as a group. If they didn’t get the results they wanted, they worked together as a team to boost each other up. They tried harder and invested more time into practicing, starting to see the results they wanted.

“As much as baseball is super important, it’s also a life lesson,” Alcide said.

EDITOR/REPORTER

This coming August, the team has their sights set on the Cooperstown All Star Village Tournament. From May to August, 70 to 100 different teams register to play for a week in Cooperstown, New York. While other teams participating have the opportunity to play outside all year, the 12U team is hoping to hold their own and make this a great experience.

The goal of the game is always to make memories that the kids and parents will hold onto for the rest of their life. The team is always striving for success on and off the field, hoping their passion for baseball never falters.

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Courtesy Michael Alcide

The Seaford Blazers 12U Little League baseball team after a championship win.

Encouraging blood donations. To help promote the Seaford Lions Club’s Community Blood Drive, students at the Harbor and Manor elementary schools made posters to encourage blood donors.

End of an era at Seaford. Ralph Rossetti retired after over four legendary decades as coach of the Seaford High School boys’ varsity basketball team.

Courtesy Seaford School District

Courtesy Mitchell Siegel

From scrap to art. Mitchell Siegel, of Levittown, crafted a sculpture of a butterfly out of scrap metal and donated it to Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh.

Honoring WWII veterans. Veterans and local elected leaders gathered at the Wantagh American Legion on Feb. 4 to honor four World War Two US Army Chaplains who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Mike Monahan/Herald

Wantagh School District

Warming up the band. The Wantagh Elementary School concert orchestra performed three songs to open up the dress rehearsal for their winter concert.

Charles Shaw/Herald

Courtesy Seaford School District

Sparky makes a visit. Students at Seaford Harbor Elementary School were excited to meet New York Islanders mascot Sparky the Dragon while learning about being a good teammate.

Strong support for pickleball. Captian pickleball instructor Erica Bleimeyer, left, with Brittany Cirrone, a coordinator for the Levittown public Schools’ Adult Continuing Education program. The program, which returned last fall, has seen a strong turnout from the community, according to coordinators.

Honoring the 2024 Grand Marshal. Wantagh’s 2024 Grand Marshal John Theissen, center, without sash, with the marshal’s aides at the Grand Marshal Reception and Dinner on March 7, at which Theissen was honored for his contributions to the community.

A viking march in the city. The Seaford band passed St.

Cathedral while marching down the city streets during the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

A donation for young mothers. Members of the Wantagh Lions stopped by Mommas House, in Levittown, to present a check for $1,300. From left, were Lions 1st Vice President Larry Lamendola; his wife, Eileen; club President Jose Obregon; Mommas House Associate Director Patricia Shea; Lions Treasurer Margaret Obregon; 1-year-old Hezekiah Rogers; and Momma’s House Executive Director Deirdre Trumpy.

Celebrating exceptional teachers. Seaford teachers Tara Flood, far left, Ann-Marie Motisi, Laura Maciag and Stephanie Lucia were honored as the district’s 2023 Teachers of the Year at American Legion Post 1132.

Charles Shaw/Herald

Courtesy Seaford School District

Patrick’s

Danielle Sinacori/Herald

Marching in the big parade. The Wantagh High School marching band played their trumpets and drums while marching in Wantagh’s 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Charles Shaw/Herald

Mike Monahan/Herald

A beautiful day for an egg hunt. Sisters Alexandra and Camryn Daly displayed the prizes they found during the Seaford Chamber of Commerce’s Easter egg hunt at Washington Avenue Park.

thrilling night on

Spring colors at annual plant sale. Seaford Fire Department’s Hook, Ladder, and Engine Co. 1 delighted the community with their annual Easter Plant Sale at the Department Headquarters on Southard and Waverly Avenues.

A dance for the ages. Rick and Joyce Rappaport partied like it was the 1960s in psychedelic-themed costumes at Temple B’Nai Torah’s Party "Through The Decades" dressup dance party.

Cawley foundation gives back. The community came together at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh during the annual benefit fundraiser hosted by the Michael J. Cawley Memorial Foundation. Grace Andrews, second from left, who suffers from brittle bone disease, was presented her with a check on stage from the Cawley foundation.

A patriotic essay winner. Wantagh middle School principal anthony Ciuffo, far left, with the district’s director of Humanities, Julie Rosslee, Kate Stivali, Social Studies teacher David Cippoletti and Assistant Principal Rachel Quattrocchi. Kate, a student at Wantagh Middle School, was a state seventh-grade winner of an essay contest hosted by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Danielle Sinacori/Herald

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Charles Shaw/Herald

Tim Baker/Herald

the stage. Students in Wantagh High School’s drama club gave a captivating performance of ‘Jekyll and Hyde.' Madelyn Hartmann played Emma Carew, right, and Anthony Lerro as Jekyll and Hyde.

Crafts and music at the train station. Cassandra Kelly and Cake the dog enjoyed the festivities at the second annual Community Craft, Garage Sale, and Flea Market Fundraiser at the Seaford Train Station.

Honoring the nation’s heroes. Members of the Wantagh American Legion paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Memorial Day Parade on Wantagh Avenue.

Mike Monahan/Herald

Holden Leeds/Herald

Courtesy

Seaford School District

An innovative take on a popular toy. Students in Katharine Black’s third grade class at Seaford Harbor elementary learned how to code by building Lego sets.

Jason Thomas/Herald

‘Annie’ performance dazzles. Temple B’nai Torah’s Mainstage Players brought the classic musical ‘Annie’ to life in Wantagh.

Tim Baker/Herald

A haircut for a good cause. Temple B’nai Torah’s Hebrew school teacher Colette Brancaccio had students cut her hair for a good cause as part of the temple’s Mitzvah Day activities.

Warriors take girls’ lacrosse crown. It took two days but was well worth the wait for Wantagh’s girls’ lacrosse program. The Warriors withstood a 16-hour weather delay and topseeded Manhasset’s desperate fourth-quarter rally to capture the Nassau Class C championship, 11-10, May 30.

continued its recent history of fielding one of Nassau’s elite wrestling programs.

Brian Ballweg/Herald

Michelle Ebel/Herald

Wantagh rolls to football title. The Warriors proved mighty Nov. 22, defeating Plainedge 48-21 in the Nassau Conference IV football championship game. It was Wantagh’s first county title since the spring of 2021.

Wantagh dominates for county title. Luke Martini, left, and Devin Paccione celebrated one of the Warriors’ 13 goals in its convincing 13-4 victory over Island Trees in the Nassau Class C final.championship game May 24.

Paul Grassini/Herald

Wantagh runs to county title. The wait was well worth it for the Wantagh boys’ country team to learn it captured the program’s first county title in 11 years on Nov. 2. Donovan Berthoud/Herald

Wrestling adds to trophy case.

Led by county champions Joseph Clem (131 pounds), Anthony Clem (116) and Jesse Vanorden (152), Wantagh

News brief

Sands New York spreads holiday cheer

The holiday season is a little brighter for 125 children across Long Island, thanks to a donation from Sands New York to United Way of Long Island. The funds provided children from several local organizations, including EAC Network, Family & Children’s Association, Housing Help and United Way’s YouthBuild program, with the opportunity to shop for toys at Target in Westbury.

On Dec. 11, volunteers from Sands New York and United Way of Long Island accompanied the children, all under the age of 10, as they selected their gifts. The event aimed to bring some holiday magic to children facing hardships by providing them with a memorable shopping experience.

“We are so grateful to Sands New York for their incredible generosity,” Theresa Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island, said in the news release. “This partnership exemplifies the spirit of giving and community, promising these children a holiday to remember. Their smiles are the true testament to the power of compassion.”

Sands New York’s support of programs like YouthBuild and collaboration with organizations like EAC Network, Family & Children’s Association

and Housing Help demonstrates their commitment to improving lives across Long Island, according to the Sands news release.

“At Sands New York, we’re honored to partner with United Way of Long Island to bring smiles to children’s faces and share in the true spirit of giving,” Tracey Edwards, Senior Vice President and Corporate Social Responsibility Officer for Sands New York, said in the news release. “Our team of volunteers was deeply moved by the resilience of the children and families we met, and this experience reminds us of the power of coming together as a community to make Long Island a place where everyone feels supported and valued.”

The event not only brought joy to the children but also underscored the importance of the programs involved. These initiatives provide life-changing opportunities for Long Island youth, ensuring that all children, regardless of their circumstances, can experience the joy of the season.

For more information on United Way of Long Island and its programs, visit UnitedWayLI.org

–Kelsie Radziski

A parade to remember. Crowds gathered along Wantagh Avenue to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice during Wantagh’s Memorial Day parade.

the crowd goes wild. Cricket fans gathered at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford for a watch party to see the India-Pakistan game that was the highlight of the ICC

Cup, which took place at the temporary Nassau County International Cricket

Meadow’s Eisenhower Park.

Richardson receives prestigious medal. Emily Richardson, a student at Seaford High School, was the recipient of the Rensselaer Medal, a distinguished $160,000 four-year scholarship.

Keeping in rhythm. Wantagh student

the

And

Men’s T20 World

Stadium in East

Tim Baker/Herald

Mike Monahan/Herald

Andrew Pascucci performed on

drums for the Food Truck Fundraiser held at Wantagh Middle School.

Mike Monahan/Herald

Courtesy Seaford School District

Tim Baker/Herald

Air show at the beach. Jones Beach State Park was filled with crowds excited to hear the roar of jet planes during the Bethpage Air Show.

Sliding into spring. Jace Fernandez enjoyed the slide at Move n’ Groove Fun Fitness during the Wantagh Kiwanis Club’s Eighth Annual Spring Festival at the Wantagh Train Station.

Food and fun at summer reading party. Families gathered at Seaford Public Library parking lot to enjoy the Adult Summer Reading Kick-off party.

As one door closes, another opens. The Wantagh High School Class of 2024 proceeded onto the field for the 69th annual commencement ceremony.

Life after high school. Students at Seaford High School are learning valuable life skills in a course that teaches social skills and business management. Course co-instructor Christine Caserta, left, with sophomores Jonathan

and Joseph Demaria, and co-instructor Michael

Graduation for MacArthur seniors. General Douglas MacArthur High School salutatorian Benjamin Campbell and valedictorian Zarif Jamal stood with Assistant Principals Terence Ryan and Anne Rao and Principal Joseph Sheehan before the commencement ceremony.

Courtesy Levittown Public Schools

Tim Baker/Herald

Courtesy Wantagh School District

Mike Monahan/Herald

Carnival fun at Maria Regina. At the Maria Regina Roman Catholic Church’s annual Family Carnival in Seaford, 9-year-olds Jake, left, and Oliver rode the dragon coaster.

Mike Monahan/Herald

Celebrating our independence. Former American Idol contestant and Wantagh native Adam Ezegelian waves to the crowd at Wantagh’s Independence Day Parade on July 4.

Charles Shaw/Herald

Saboni

Wimmer.

A successful book drive. State Sen. Steve Rhoads recently wrapped up a successful book drive, collecting over 5,000 books. The drive was in collaboration with Book Fairies and included participation from several community libraries.

A street in his name. Friends and family members of the late NYPD sergeant and 9/11 first responder Al Morabito, as well as elected officials, gathered on the corner of Locust and Oakland Avenues in Wantagh for a street-renaming ceremony in his honor.

Penny Lane plays the Beatles. Tom Christie, drummer of Penny Lane, a Beatles tribute band, performed with his band in front of a crowd at the Wantagh Public Library as part of the library’s Music Monday Summer Concert series.

A bite to eat at the food truck festival. The St. Frances de Chantal Parish, alongside the Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes, hosted their Summer Saturday Evening’s Food Truck Festival in Wantagh. At the event, Amanda Santana, left, and EJ Santana from Bori Bites served customers Empanacos.

Ready for the new school year. Incoming freshmen at Wantagh High School got a taste of what’s in store for them over the next four years during orientation for the Class of 2028.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Courtesy office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads

Tim Baker/Herald

Steve Sachs/Herald

Courtesy Wantagh School District

Tim Baker/Herald

Bearers of the torch. Justin Heller, left, with Danny Cronin and Peyton Nemeth, carrying a torch during the Seaford Recreation program at the district’s middle school.

Nominate a student under 16 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.

We want to hear about the extraordinary young individuals who are driving change in their communities.

The award will be presented at the 2025 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld in February.

Your nomination could inspire countless others to follow in their footsteps!

Submit a nomination of approximately 200 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?

Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.

party for bookworms.

A memorable field trip. Students from Seaford High School reflected on a once-in-a-lifetime experience, taking a trip to The National World War II Museum in New Orleans, thanks to a foundation created by the actor Gary Sinese. They accompanied veterans of the war, who told the students stories about their service.

Rockin’ back to the sixties. Just Sixties, a 1960s cover band, hit the stage during Seaford Public Library’s last outdoor summer concert. At the event, guitarist and keyboardist Donny West shredded on his Fender Telecaster.

A somber tribute, 23 years later. Hundreds gathered at Seaford High School for the 9/11 memorial Candle Lighting Ceremony. The event honored the memory of the five alumni, as well as the rest of the victims, who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Serving the community for 125 years. The Wantagh Fire Department celebrated its 125th anniversary by hosting the Sixth Battalion of Nassau County parade.

Steve

Wantagh

Library

State Senator Steve Rhoads joined Library Director Shannon Marchese, and Head of Youth Services Jennifer McHugh for the Wantagh Public Library’s End of Summer Reading Party.

Steve Sachs/Herald

Courtesy Seaford School District

Courtesy Athena Harris

Serving up lemonade. James Harris, 16, began his journey as an entrepreneur by serving up refreshing lemonade at his Layne Beverages stand. Holden Leeds/Herald

Temple members participate in ‘reverse tashlich.’ Members of Temple B’nai Torah, in Wantagh, took part in a beach cleanup at Jones Beach State park on a rainy day as part of a ‘reverse tashlich.’

A dominant Homecoming for the Warriors. The Wantagh Warriors charged onto the field for their Homecoming game, in which they trounced Oyster Bay High School.

Hoping to end breast cancer. Participants in the American Cancer Society’s Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk started at the East Bathhouse, and walked along the boardwalk to raise awareness of breast cancer and to raise money for research.

A walk to raise awareness. A large crowd gathered at Wantagh park to participate in the northeast Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Team Hope Walk.

Women of distinction. Honorees at the 2024 Women of distinction ceremony, held at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library, were recognized by State Sen. Steven Rhoads for their outstanding contributions to the community.

Courtesy Wantagh School District

Charles Shaw/Herald

Mike Monahan/Herald

Michael Rechter/Herald

Courtesy Office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads

Steve Sachs/Herald

Warriors unite for 9/11 memorial 5k. Hundreds participated in the Wantagh Warrior 9/11 Memorial 5k at Wantagh High School. The event was organized by the school district to honor the memory of those lost in the Sept. 11 attacks and to raise funds for scholarships and a future 9/11 memorial on school grounds.

Competing on a grand stage. Sabrina Asadurian, Wantagh High School junior and USA Select U16 girls’ lacrosse team member, competed in the Brogden Cup, an elite international youth tournament, last month in Sparks, Maryland.

Music and fun at Last Hope fundraiser. Last Hope Animal Rescue held its annual auction fundraiser, ‘Baskets and Bidding and Booze! Oh My!’ at Mulcahy’s on Nov. 10. Singer John Marco entertained the large turnout during the event.

Out of the Darkness walk unites thousands. Attendees gathered at Jones Beach State Park to participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk.

Seaford honors heroes with moving tribute. The community joined members of the Seaford American Legion on Nov. 11 at the Edwin Welch Jr. Post 1132 to honor those who served in the armed forces.

A freaky 5k in Wantagh. John Theissen, founder and executive director of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, lead the start of the Freaky 5k race in Wantagh.

Courtesy Kim Asadurian

Hitting the stage with a familiar fairy tale. Students at Seaford High School performed ‘Peter and the Starcatcher,’ a prequel to ‘Peter Pan,’ on Nov. 22 and 23.

Living in a winter wonderland. The Wantagh Museum transformed into a holiday hub during the Winter Wonderland event, Hosted by the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. Town Clerk Kate Murray, left, joined the festivities with Santa and Legislator Michael Giangregorio.

33 years of giving. People gathered at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall last Friday for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation’s annual Holiday Gala. The event featured raffles and a live auction, with proceeds benefiting the foundation.

Getting festive at the holiday fair. Alicia Singer, of Alicia’s Designs, got into the Hanukkah spirit during Temple B’nai Torah’s holiday fair in Wantagh. At the event, vendors offered a variety of items, including holiday-themed decorations, handcrafted jewelry, and unique crafts.

Kids help those in need. Members of the Student Council at Seaford Harbor Elementary School were busy during the holidays, organizing food, clothing and toy drives to help those in need.

Kids hit the stage. Temple B’nai Torah’s Junior Players performed in ‘Peter Pan Jr.,’ reenacting the beloved tale of Peter Pan and his adventures in Neverland. Play organizers said the children were up for the challenge of singing and dancing in several performances.

Bringing everyone together. Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum, from Congregation Beth Tikvah gave the opening prayer with fellow clergy during the annual interfaith service.

Courtesy Jerry Hertzman

Courtesy Kerry Hansen

Holden

Leeds/Herald

Mike Monahan/Herald

Tim Baker/Herald

Charles Shaw/Herald

Wantagh students take a trip back in time

From the roadside, the vintage railcar and museum may be missed while quickly driving by, but once you visit the Wantagh Preservation Museum, the history jumps out at passersby. Filled with artifacts on every wall and casing, Wantagh Elementary students visited the museum the week of Nov. 18-21 and learned a few interesting facts about their community.

Over the course of four days, each second-grade class partnered with another class to take a short walk to the museum going back in time with each step taken. Upon arrival, students were welcomed by Wantagh Preservation Museum volunteers Matt and Tom who provided an engaging discussion to the area’s rich history. Students were able to identify photos and street names within their neighborhood.

Each group stopped by the Wantagh

Post Office built in 1907 for a quick glimpse of what the offices looked like during the time period. The historical tour continued with boarding the restored Jamaican Parlor Car, originally built in 1912, giving students a glimpse into how different rail cars looked compared to those of today. Carefully examining the vintage pots and pans on the stove in the car’s kitchen, one student shared that his grandmother has a roasting dish just like it.

Part of the experience included a lesson and treasure hunt behind the parlor car where students “discovered” stone artifacts left by the Montauk Native American tribe who once lived in the area now known as Wantagh.

The experience proved to be a memorable journey of discovery sparking curiosity from students connecting the past to present.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, -againstJOSEPH J. LACOVA, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 15, 2024, wherein BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is the Plaintiff and JOSEPH J. LACOVA, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on January 7, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 3019 JOHNSON PLACE, WANTAGH, NY 11793; and the following tax map identification: 56-297-62.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT WANTAGH, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 613357/2021. Brian Davis, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 150290

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. LBLIBERTY LLC, SB MUNI CUST FOR, Pltf. vs., ELIZABETH DEL PRADO, et al Deft. Index

#001360/2015. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered January 9, 2017, I will sell at public auction on the north side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on January 15, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. prem. k/a 60 Twisting Lane, Wantagh, NY a/k/a Section 51, Block 408, Lot 2. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale. PAMELA SHARPE, Referee., LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Drive, Great Neck, NY. #101978 150427

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: KJ SOCIAL, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 11/21/2024. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 3497 Stratford Road, Wantagh, NY 11793. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 150444

LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the Sixteenth day of December 2024, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal law. An extract of the resolution is as follows: The WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT has by appropriate resolution established a certain capital reserve fund designated as the Capital Reserve Fund, established pursuant to Section 6(g) of the General Municipal

Law, in an account for deposit of said Capital Reserve Fund entitled, “The Wantagh Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal Building and Grounds Capital Reserve Fund”; and; in which account is sufficient funds to accomplish the purposes herein after set forth, namely, the Station 2 Revitalization Project, including repairs to masonry, paint, asphalt parking surfaces and labor, material, inspection, delivery, incidental expenses, advertising, and attorney’s fees, in order to maintain the efficiency of the Wantagh Fire District in the discharge of their duties in preserving the lives and property of the residents of the community and the said project is deemed in the best interest of the residents of the Wantagh Fire District. The resolution further provides that there be transferred from the present Capital Reserve Fund entitled, “The Wantagh Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal Building and Grounds Capital Reserve Fund” of the Wantagh Fire District a sum not to exceed an additional Sixty-Five Thousand ($65,000.00) dollars for a total amount of and the District Treasurer is authorized to effect such transfer from time to time as necessary for the project.

This resolution is subject to a permissive resolution and shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, as provided by the General Municipal Law. Dated: December 16th 2024 By order of The Board of Fire Commissioner Brendan J. Narell Superintendent 150644

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR SG MORTGAGE SECURITIES BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FRE2, Plaintiff - againstSUZANNE M. BRADY, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 15, 2019. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 23rd day of January, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.

Premises known as 3677 Smith Street, Wantagh, NY 11793.

(SBL#: 57-89-105)

Approximate amount of lien $614,197.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 010340/2015.

John G. Kennedy, Esq., Referee.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: November 20, 2024

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

150606

Photos courtesy Wantagh School District

Students at Wantagh Elementary School took a trip to the Wantagh Museum to learn about the history of their community.

Students stepped onto the museum’s parlor car and explored its many rooms, including the kitchen, which was filled with pots and pans.

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Amityville UFSD Food Service Workers PT/FT

Responsibilities- Food preparation & service, sanitation awareness, other duties as assigned by the District.

Qualifications- Knowledge and experience with cooking, inventory, cashiering, recordkeeping, customer service, computer skills **Suffolk County Food Manager's Certificate preferred. Salary range starting at $20,980. Email resume to: humanresources@amityvilleufsd.org or apply online at www.olasjobs.org/longisland

Amityville UFSD Substitute/Permanent Substitute Teachers Elementary & Secondary Level Qualifications: NYS Certification Salary: $150 per day Application: Interested candidates please apply online at www.olasjobs.org/longisland Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

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

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460

E-mail your ad to:

EDITOR/REPORTER

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. Join our dynamic team and help us connect with our audience in meaningful ways! Apply today by sending your resume and a brief cover letter to lberger@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.

Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours

Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place

Beachside Living!

Welcome to an extraordinary residence offering the perfect balance of historic charm and modern luxury. Originally built in 1929 and completely renovated in 2024, this property is truly one of a kind. Imagine living just blocks away from the beach - this coveted location offers

We’re replacing the front steps

Q. Our front steps are falling apart, and it’s going to cost a lot of money to get concrete foundation, new brick, etc. We were given an alternative to build wooden steps, and I was wondering, since I don’t see any wooden steps in my neighborhood, is it legal to have wood front steps and, if we can, what are the do’s and don’ts so we get this right?

A. Front steps are part of what I refer to as the presentation to passersby of your home’s appearance, so if that is a concern to you, the steps should be a reflection of the rest of the architecture, compatible and presentable. There is no code limitation on the material being nonflammable, so you can use wood.

I’m not a big fan of front steps made of wood, unless the rest of the house is of the same material. Even though I know there are many reasons to build out of wood, such as more lightweight construction, utilizing smaller foundation piers instead of larger concrete spread footings, and because the construction costs less, consider appearance and durability. Wood is more difficult and costly to maintain.

If you plan to use synthetic decking, a durable composite material, and polyvinyl or composite railings, again, consider cost and durability. The understructure, made of treated lumber, will never last as long as concrete, and the finish materials don’t take the abuse of moving washing machines, refrigerators and other large appliances in by way of your front door. The front door, by code, is required to be a minimum of three feet wide and is often the only door that is wide enough to get the large and heavy boxes into the house.

I speak from experience when I say that delivery people aren’t always as careful as you’d want them to be, and the nosing on my concrete paver block is now chipped and in need of replacement because of the new refrigerator we received. I watched them bang the box onto the step as the container was lifted, and even though I gritted my teeth, there was nothing to be done. Imagine what your beautiful wood or composite wood will look like the first time someone makes that heavy front-door package delivery.

Also, clearing snow and ice from the steps is going to pose problems if you use the edge of a shovel to scrape or chip the ice and snow.

I know that people say that nobody uses their front door, and that’s a terrific choice, but not practical, since I can’t imagine that all the uninvited people, like the postal worker, the delivery person, random solicitors and occasional guests, will enter through the side or garage door. And keep in mind that if you use wood, the fasteners should be hidden, and not top-face-nailed or screwed. With over 200 types of fasteners for this specific purpose, don’t let anybody tell you this can’t be done. Good luck!

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Stuff HERALD

Finds Under $100

DRESSERS: 2 IDENTICAL pcs. Black; Wood; Single Top drawer, 2 magnetic doors, $50 ea. 516-320-1906

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SERVICES

Cable/TV/Wiring

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Electricians

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Exterminating

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The

masthead

The box at the far left side of the page is called the masthead. It contains the newspaper’s flag, or nameplate. The masthead offers important information about the paper, including the names of the staff members who are responsible for producing it each week.

Publisher Stuart Richner guides the business and news operations of the 23 newspapers in the Herald Community Newspapers group. This includes the Nassau Herald, which serves the Five Towns, as well as Heralds for Baldwin, Bellmore, East Meadow, Franklin Square/Elmont, Freeport, Glen Cove, Long Beach, Lynbrook/East Rockaway, MalverneWest Hempstead, Merrick, Oceanside-Island Park, Oyster Bay, Rockville Centre, Sea CliffGlen Head, Seaford, Uniondale, Valley Stream and Wantagh.

Each paper’s editor is responsible for the assignment, selection and placement of stories, most of which the editors and reporters write. Deputy Editor Jeffrey Bessen oversees news operations for all the papers in the group.

The production department is responsible for the papers’ general design. The advertising and art departments produce the large, oftenillustrated display advertisements that appear throughout the papers. The classified department produces the smaller advertisements at the back of the papers.

The masthead also lists each paper’s age, the names of its founders, its address, email, and telephone and fax numbers, and provides notice that all contents of the paper are copyrighted.

Editorial comment

Editorials offer the opinions of the Herald. Editors write them, but they do not necessarily reflect the views of those writers. Rather, they are the institutional voice of the news organization.

That is why they are unsigned.

Herald editorial department heads meet regularly to plan the editorials. Independent reporting by our staff often helps inform our editorials. We might also speak with experts and advocates to gain their perspective before sitting down to write an editorial.

We are proud to say that we have won many state awards for our editorial writing over the years. But, in the end, it's sharing opinions that best reflect the views of you — our reader — that is most important to us.

Editorial cartoon

Editorial cartoons are almost as old as newspapers themselves. They date back to 18th century England, and are a staple of the modern American opinion section. Yet, opinions here do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Herald or its staff.

Dale Neseman, a syndicated cartoonist from the Buffalo area, creates a majority of the editorial cartoons seen in these pages.

For Advertising, call Rhonda Glickman, vice president of sales, at (516) 569-4000, ext. 250.

For Subscriptions, call Dianne Ramdass, circulation manager, at ext. 231.

HERALD

For your information . . .

Editorial page

HeraLd editoriaL

‘After-school’

activities benefit those of all ages

as the new school year begins on Long Island, students are returning not only to classrooms, but also to a vibrant world of extracurricular activities.

While we often associate clubs, sports teams and after-school programs with youth development, it’s crucial to recognize that the benefits of such involvement extend far beyond childhood and adolescence. In fact, adults in Nassau County and beyond have just as much to gain by getting involved in activities outside their daily routines.

For students, the advantages of participation in extracurriculars are well documented. A study published in the Journal of Youth Development found that students involved in such activities were 15 percent more likely to attend college, and had a graduation rate 12 percent higher than their uninvolved peers. Moreover, these students reported higher levels of self-esteem and lower rates of depression and anxiety.

Local success stories abound. Look no further than all of the Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists whose journeys begin in our local schools’ robotics and science research clubs. Or the many All-American student-athletes who lead

Letters

Fossil fuels, offshore wind and the need for climate action

To the Editor:

our high school teams to victory.

But the benefits of extracurricular involvement aren’t limited to the young.

Adults who take part in community organizations, hobby groups or sports leagues often report improved mental health, expanded social networks, and a greater sense of purpose. According to study in the Journal of Happiness Studies, adults who regularly engaged in group activities reported a 25 percent increase in life satisfaction compared with those who did not.

Nassau County offers a wealth of opportunities for adult involvement. Whether it’s signing up for a book club at the local library, joining a pickleball league in your neighborhood Nassau County park, or volunteering at the North Shore Animal League, there’s an avocation for everyone.

For those who are serious about physical activity, organizations like the Long Island Road Runners Club promote fitness and camaraderie among members of all ages and skill levels. Meanwhile, volunteering with groups such as Island Harvest offers a chance to give back to the community while forging meaningful connections.

The value of these activities extends

Re “To beat the heat on Long Island, we must fight fossil fuels,” by Lauren Krueger, and “Offshore wind is the answer for Long Island,” by Melissa Parrott: These two opinion pieces accurately pinpoint the negative role played by fossil fuel companies in combating climate change, and stress the need to rapidly move toward 100 percent renewable energy.

As Krueger shows, the fossil fuel companies have lied to the public for years about the science and dangers of climate change — caused principally by their own products — and continue to spread misinformation and fear about critical renewable energy projects, such as offshore wind. And Parrott makes the point that offshore wind, an inexhaustible, renewable, affordable energy resource available off our South Shore, will go a long way toward meeting our energy needs, safely and in an environmentally friendly manner. Offshore wind is key to our energy future, and to saving our planet.

Unfortunately, there is currently insufficient action to halt the climate chaos we are now experiencing. We are running out of time. The bottom line is this: As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has stated, to halt the rapid global heating we are now experiencing will require deep changes in the basic social, economic and political institutions we currently have.

One obvious and necessary change is to limit the

beyond personal fulfillment. A report by the Corporation for National and Community Service, also known as AmericCorps, found that volunteers have a 27 percent higher likelihood of finding employment after being out of work compared with non-volunteers. This statistic underscores the networking and skill-building aspects of extracurricular involvement.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become consumed by work and daily responsibilities. However, engaging in extracurricular activities provides a crucial balance, offering opportunities for personal growth, stress relief, and community connection. As we watch our children discover new passions and develop important life skills through their afterschool pursuits, let’s take inspiration from their enthusiasm and curiosity. This fall, as Long Island’s students dive into a new year of learning both in and out of the classroom, let’s make it a community-wide initiative to explore the rich tapestry of extracurricular activities available to those of all ages. By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives, but also contribute to the vibrancy and interconnectedness of our communities.

JIM BROWN

“Momalas for Kamala, a thread to unite us,” by Randi Kreiss (Aug. 8-14):

IWhat are the editorial pages all about?

Who writes editorials?

How do letters and guest columns get published?

This week’s pages offer some answers to our readers. We thank The Riverdale Press and The Seattle Times for the idea.

Opinion pages

Behind the mask: the flaws in Nassau’s new law

magine a law introduced to fight hate and bigotry — yet it is so flawed that it inadvertently shields those very perpetrators from justice.

That’s precisely what happened on Aug. 5, when the Nassau County Legislature’s Republican majority pushed through its so-called Mask Transparency Act — a law that, despite its intentions, opens the door to unintended consequences. At first glance, the measure appears to be a strong stance against antisemitism, aimed at unmasking those who would hide behind disguises to commit hateful acts. As a Jewish parent, I understand the appeal of such a measure. But as a former prosecutor, I can’t ignore the fact that this law is not only unconstitutional, but also dangerously impractical.

In this instance, the devil is in the details — or rather, in the lack of them. The legislation is rife with ambiguities that could turn ordinary citizens into targets of unjust prosecution, while allowing actual criminals to walk free.

The members of the Democratic minority recognized these flaws early on, and proposed a more narrowly tailored bill focused specifically on punishing those who use masks to evade responsibility for criminal acts. The Democratic bill was not only clearer, but would have provided a more effective deterrent against those who commit crimes under the guise of anonymity. My colleagues and I also sought to work with the Republicans on a bipartisan solution that could have been both effective and constitutionally sound. Unfortunately, Republicans rebuffed these efforts, pushing through their version of the law without considering the potential consequences. Let me paint you a picture of how this could play out in real life. Imagine a man named Joe Schmoe who harbors deep-seated antisemitic views. He attends an anti-Israel protest outside Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, where he adds his voice to hateful and aggressive chants. The police maintain order throughout the event, but as it winds down, officers notice Schmoe throwing an empty beer bottle into the street. No one is injured, and no property is damaged, but Schmoe is wearing a

mask.

The officers, following the new law, ask Schmoe to remove his mask. He refuses. Asked why he’s wearing it, he remains silent. Left with little choice, the police arrest him — not for throwing the bottle, but for violating the Mask Transparency Act.

How do we prevent a guy with true hate in his heart from being acquitted?

Here’s where things get tricky. Schmoe is processed and eventually ends up in court, where he is provided a public defender, because he can’t afford his own attorney. His case lingers in the justice system for nearly two years due to backlogs. When the case finally goes to trial, the prosecution — funded by taxpayers — is tasked with proving that Schmoe wore the mask with criminal intent.

But his defense is simple: He claims he wore the mask because he wasn’t feeling well, and feared contracting Covid-19. How can the prosecution definitively disprove this claim? The jury, bound to follow the law as written, might very well have no choice but to acquit him. And just like that, the Mask Transparency Act becomes the perfect tool for committing what I call the “perfect crime.”

This is more than a hypothetical sce-

Letters

press. The Democratic National Convention last week continued the goodfeeling tour — and the evasion. The sanitizing of her positions on the issues, in contrast to her previous stances, and the avoidance of her failure as the “border czar” will have additional shelf life.

Her reputation as an abuser of her staff and the high turnover rate among them, as well as her unwillingness to do the work required as V.P., isn’t the thread the mainstream media is willing to look at. I can only hope the upcoming debate will focus on the issues and her record. It isn’t courage that Donald Trump needs to debate her, but rather the self-discipline to stay away from personal attacks that can only undermine him and cause an unnecessary distraction.

ToNy GIAMeTTA Oceanside

Thanks, Peter King, for reflections on Pete Rose

To the editor:

I read with deep interest Peter King’s column “Rethinking the embarrassing saga of Pete Rose (Aug. 15-21). I took particular interest in King’s shar-

ing of his views and questions with his son and grandson.

It seems to me that the complete truth of Rose’s behavior requires both an investigative exercise and collaborative testimony from others to support his claims. essentially, nothing he says should be believed unless the facts beyond his statements can be gleaned, and others can offer evidence in support of his behavior. Because his own previous testimony is both incomplete and untruthful, any decisions on whether to include him in the Hall of Fame must serve the public first and his request last.

The years, and now decades, of Rose’s lying about betting on baseball — and on the Reds in particular — bring up the need to ask other Hall of Fame members their thoughts on his potential induction, too. In particular, Johnny Bench, a colleague of Rose’s on the Reds, says no. Why? Because as Bench states, what rules or pledges of honestly about gambling should our children learn from Rose?

So far, his decades-long behavior suggests there are no pledges from him that we should believe are examples of his character or integrity. When it comes to teaching children, as Bench states, the entire acceptance test is based on character and truthfulness.

Not accepting Rose into the Hall of

nario; it’s a real possibility under this poorly crafted law. The resources spent on prosecuting someone like Schmoe, who walks away unscathed in the end, could have been better used to target those who seek to harm others.

The sad irony here is that the Mask Transparency Act was meant to protect communities from hate and violence, but instead it creates legal loopholes that make it harder to hold the guilty accountable. The law’s vague language and broad scope mean that it can be easily manipulated, turning a well-meaning but seriously flawed piece of legislation into a shield for those it was meant to expose.

Nassau County needs to pass laws that are both constitutionally sound and effective in practice, and the Mask Transparency Act fails on both counts. Instead of deterring hate, it risks emboldening those who seek to evade justice by exploiting the very law designed to stop them. We deserve better — and we deserve laws that are precise, enforceable and, above all, just.

The fight against hate is too important to be left to legislation that does more harm than good. It’s time for our leaders to go back to the drawing board and craft solutions that truly protect our communities.

Seth I. Koslow represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.

Framework by Nicholas Fowler

Opinion columns

We publish three columns in each edition of the Herald every week. Columns represent the views of the writers themselves, not of the Herald. Each writer works independently and chooses his or her own subjects.

Among our regular contributors are former U.S. Rep. Peter King, former State Assemblyman Jerry Kremer and the Nassau Herald’s former executive editor, Randi Kreiss.

We also feature columns by a wide variety of elected leaders, local, county, state and federal, on a rotating basis. And we regularly invite guest columnists who are not involved in politics — including members of our editorial staff — to offer their views.

Special features

The op-ed, or opposite the editorial, page features a weekly Framework photo, which is chosen by our photo editor, Tim Baker. The Framework offers a creative, at times humorous outlet for our photography staff. In this spot, we also publish photos sent to us by readers featuring them on vacation, reading the Herald at various international landmarks. We call it Herald Around the World. At times, a correction might appear on the op-ed page. We strive each week for the highest standards of accuracy and accountability. When we make mistakes in our reporting, we believe we must own up to them and correct the record.

Fame teaches our children that dishonesty can never be rewarded. o ur society must stand for something, and recognize integrity and character.

Pete Rose is an undesirable candidate

for the Hall of Fame. Despite his performance as a player, he is unqualified.

Joe ABATe Island Park

Letters to the editor

We welcome your letters to the editor, and publish most that we receive. We believe these letters are critically important, because they reflect the shared voices of the communities that we cover.

Letters should be 250 to 300 words in length. Each letter must include an address and phone number. Our editors call all letter writers to confirm the authenticity of letters before publication.

We edit letters for length, grammar, spelling and foul language. We do not censor viewpoints.

If we believe a letter requires major revisions, we will send it back to the writer and ask that he or she change it so that meaning and intent are not lost.

Readers can send letters to the editors of their hometown newspapers, or to execeditor@liherald.com. They can be sent by email (preferred), fax or mail. All contact information is listed on the masthead and on our website, LIHerald.com.

What more fitting place to end the summer than at The End? — Montauk Lighthouse