LONG BEACH
DEADLINE MARCH 3RD
The thrill of victory
Long Beach High School wrestler Brody Franklin embraced coach Ray Adams last Sunday after capturing the Nassau County Division 1 championship at 131 pounds at Hofstra University. Story, additional photo, Page 7.
MLK Center lease is approved after a councilman’s vote changes
By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com
A single “no” vote. A failure to pass. Passionate voices of a disappointed community. An executive session — and a “no” changes to “yes.” The measure passes.
That was the story of one agenda item at the Long Beach City Council meeting Tuesday night.
The meeting took place in a packed room, with most attendees there for one reason: to see the city approve a new lease agreement with
MLK Center Inc., so it can continue using its building on Riverside Boulevard as a community center.
“This item is probably the most important one of the night, and it’s one that I’ve been working on almost daily since I was appointed as city manager,” Dan Creighton said before the drama began. “Let’s be clear: The MLK Center was formed to provide a service, and although no agreement will ever be perfect to all stakeholders, I do believe that this agreement balances the
Continued on page 19
He chooses to pay it forward, anonymously
By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com
“Paying it forward,” a concept that captured moviegoers’ imagination with the release of the 2000 film starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment, is the act of doing a good deed for someone, in the hope that it will be passed on to others, not necessarily in the same form and with no expectation of anything in return.
“The answer is, why not?” he said. “Why not pay it forward? Why not demonstrate random acts of kindness? Why not bring good energy into different places?”
I f someone’s having a bad day, this will make their day better
One Long Beach man has spent the past few years doing just that, anonymously paying for people’s meals, hoping to share some happiness that can be passed on.
KATERINA lANgIs Owner, Diner by the Sea
The man, who declined to be identified, has been a Long Beach resident for 11 years, is a mental health professional, and is a frequent customer at Diner By the Sea, on East Park Avenue. The diner is a popular place, so, the man decided, why not treat some of his fellow customers to breakfast, lunch or dinner?
By his own estimate, he has treated more than 50 Diner By the Sea diners, without knowing who they are. Over the years, he has left the choice of whom to treat to his friend Katerina Langis, the diner’s owner, reasoning that she would have a better sense than he would of who would benefit most. So, each week he pays for someone’s meal, leaving the money with Langis, who decides who the lucky recipient(s) will be.
“He told me I can choose,” Langis said. “So, I figured, if someone’s having a bad day, this will make their day better.”
She said she has seen a wide variety of reactions from people to the news that their meal is paid for: surprise, disbelief, shock, happiness. But there is always one additional response:
Continued on page 14
Paul Grassini/Herald
East Elementary students rally to victory
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
East Elementary School won a statewide competition hosted by Prodigy, an educational game-based platform. The competition encouraged students to answer as many questions correctly as possible, with each correct answer contributing to the school’s overall score.
By the end of the competition, East Elementary students had answered 44,414 questions correctly, earning the top spot in New York State.
“For a very small school that was about to be shut down, we rallied, we came together for one common goal, and the kids were so motivated and engaged and excited to be a part of it,” Edward Courtney, a W.I.N.G.S teacher at East School said. “It really has just been an incredible team-building experience for us.”
PSo, they really were challenged to keep winning the quests and to verse each other, while also realizing that they’re learning their math skills. That they’re bettering their math skills.”
rodigy was a fantastic platform for me to introduce to the kids.
EdwARd COuR tNEy teacher, East School
The competition was designed to involve all students, with each grade and class participating to help the school rise in the rankings. Prodigy’s adaptive learning system allowed students to practice math and English skills, adjusting the difficulty of questions based on individual performance. Students could work at their own pace, with more challenging questions for those who performed well and additional support for those who needed it.
“Prodigy was a fantastic platform for me to introduce to the kids because it is adaptive to them,” Courtney said. “It’s based on their skills, what they need while they learn, and they’re playing a game.
Courtney played a key role in the school’s success. As the Prodigy Ambassador for the school, Courtney helped introduce and set up the platform for all students. With over ten years of experience using Prodigy, he worked with classroom teachers to ensure that the system was fully integrated into the school’s learning environment. In his role as a W.I.N.G.S. teacher — or “What I Need to Grow as a Student”— Courtney focuses on providing personalized learning experiences for students, making the Prodigy platform a fitting tool for meeting the different academic needs of the students.
The collective effort of students and staff contributed to the school’s success, with each class playing a role in answering the 44,414 questions that led to the win. The competition also encouraged a sense of community and collaboration as students worked together toward a common goal.
East Elementary now looks ahead to the nationwide Prodigy competition, with hopes of continuing its success. The win has generated enthusiasm for learning, and the school is focused on maintaining this momentum as it moves forward.
“Whatever I can do to help teachers out, that is my job and I want to continue to motivate them, so that way, by May, when the nationwide rankings come out, we can hopefully win that prodigy cup,” Courtney said. “I want to take it back to East school.”
a full range of exceptional care, from minimally invasive procedures to lifesaving transplants—all
Herald file photo
Long Beach’s East School students won a statewide educational game-based competition, hosted by Prodigy.
Celebrating the Year of the Snake in L.B.
Community members from across Long Beach ventured into the public library on Feb. 16, joining Artists in Partnership in a celebration of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake.
Members of the RYU SHU KAN Japanese Arts Center in Farmingville came all that way, in the rain, to put on a performance. It was an interactive afternoon, featuring a Taiko Drum Troupe performance and martial arts demonstration.
“The turnout was great, given that the weather was really not cooperating, but people came in the rain and it was nice,” Johanna Mathieson, director of Artists in Partnership, said. “We had a very representative group of people, which always does my heart good, because it really means that we’re reaching out to all
areas of the community. It was exceptional.”
The troupe performed three traditional Chinese folk dances, donning colorful costumes throughout. The entire afternoon was full of Asian dance, culture and celebration.
“People realize the importance of learning about other cultures, and being inclusive and being incorporative of people from other parts of the community that you might not necessarily have occasion to be socializing with,” Mathieson said.
“So that was fabulous. People even stopped (the performers) during our little break, and were telling them how impressed they were with the program and how much they appreciated it.”
–Brendan Carpenter
Bob Arkow/Herald photos
Performers graced the stage at the Long Beach Public Library, celebrating the Year of the Snake.
Colorful costumes — of course — played a large role in the celebration.
Lion dance performances and masks brought some color to the gloomy day.
Community members came out the public library on a cold and rainy day to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Dance performances by the Chinese Center of Long Island livened up the library.
things to know: BoARD oF EDUCAtion
Board discusses technology, media and sports
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The Long Beach Board of Education met Feb. 11 to review the proposed budget allocations for the 2025-26
Investing to modernize and upgrade district equipment
In the technology budget, the district is planning significant investments to modernize and upgrade classroom equipment across all grade levels. The proposed plan includes funding for 250 iPads, 70 desktop computers and 78 new smart boards. This is part of a broader effort to transition the district to a one-to-one device model, providing students from kindergarten through 12th grade with access to updated technology.
“What we do in terms of the funding here and financing some of these elements is that through BOCES, we can usually finance these whether it’s the switches or the desktops, over a three year period,” Michael DeVito, assistant superintendent for finance and operations, said. “It’s a project where it’s financed over three years. We get everything and we finance over the next three years.”
school year, with a focus on technology, facilities and the district’s athletic programs.
The board discussed a variety of things throughout those the three over-arching subjects. Funding for tablets, computers and other classroom items were
Enhancing learning spaces and school infrastructure
Beyond student devices, the technology budget also includes $400,000 for an overhaul of the high school’s media studio. This funding will replace equipment that has been in use for over a decade, ensuring students have access to modern production tools and resources. The district is also allocating funds to replace 15 network switches that have reached the end of their lifespan. School officials emphasized the need to stay ahead of equipment failures, rather than taking a reactive approach.
The district is proposing to restore a dedicated in-house mechanical position to handle HVAC and other maintenance needs. This position had been cut in the current year’s budget but is now being reinstated based on the recommendation of facilities staff. The facilities budget also includes a 5 percent price escalation for natural gas and electricity.
Pet Trusts
Bob and Laura were ready to move forward with their estate plan to save estate taxes and avoid probate. The only hitch was who would take care of their beloved pets, Samson, the dog and Delilah, the cat, after Bob and Laura passed away.
Under New York law, trusts for the care of our pets are valid and enforceable. You can set up a pet trust in either a trust or a will. A trust is a private document that generally does not go to court, so if you create a pet trust within your own trust, it’s a private affair. A will, once submitted to court, is a public document and the court oversees the directions in your will, including your pet trust provisions.
Bob and Laura created pet trusts in their own living trusts. After more searching and discussion, they chose Bob’s brother, Rich, to be the trustee, or manager, of the pet trusts, meaning Rich will oversee and keep account of the money allocated to care for Sampson and Delilah. Rich will also be the caretaker. The trustee and caretaker do not have to be the same person but often that is the arrangement.
According to their trusts, after Bob and Laura are both gone, they leave $10,000 for each of their surviving pets. The trust money is to be used for the “proper medical care, support and maintenance” of their pets until the last pet dies. Then, the remainder of the money, called the “trust balance,” is distributed according to Bob’s and Laura’s wishes.
Instead of leaving a specific amount of money, a technique developed by Ettinger Law Firm may be preferable. What we suggest is that an amount to care for the annual feeding and medical care of the pet be placed in a trust, based on the actuarial life expectancy of the pet as determined by a local veterinarian. After all, the amount needed varies greatly depending on the age of the pet. To that, an average of five thousand or more may be added for unseen expenses. Consideration should also be given as to what a fair fee may be for the trustee.
Our free review of your estate plan every three years assures that the pet trust will be updated as circumstances change.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
part of a proposal introduced. An overhauling of Long Beach High School’s media studio to ensure better tools and resources for students and the strengthening of the district’s athletic teams were also topic s of discussion.
Strengthening athletics with new teams and resources
The proposed budget includes funding for a new girl’s wrestling team, as well as a new girl’s flag football team at the middle school level. Additionally, the budget allocates funds for new high school football uniforms and additional equipment for the high school weight room. The district is also planning a 2 percent cost escalation for various athletic services and an increase in funding for athletic supervisors.
The board will continue reviewing other aspects of the budget in upcoming meetings, with the final budget vote scheduled for May 20.
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Herald file photo
At the Feb. 11 Board of Education meeting, the district spoke about three main topics: sports, technology and media.
Chabads take part in JewQ Championship
By MELISSA BERMAN & BRENDAN CARPENTER of the Herald
Student representatives from Chabads across Long Island participated in the annual JewQ Championship on Feb. 9.
Students in grades three to eight tackled questions about customs, Jewish holidays, rituals and values in a high-energy spelling bee style competition.
The quiz showcased months of dedicated studying by the young scholars that reflect the program’s emphasis on cultivating confidence, knowledge and Jewish pride through a community-oriented experience.
Chabad of Port Washington hosted the competition, on Feb. 9. Fifteen Chabads participated in this quiz, including Chabad of the Beaches - Aleph Academy, Chabad of Brookville, Chabad of the East End, Chabad of Great Neck, Chabad of Hewlett, Lake Success Chabad and Chabad of Oceanside.
“In today’s environment, it’s critical to empower our youth with the confidence that comes from deeprooted knowledge and understanding of their heritage,” Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky of Chabad World Headquarters wrote in an email. “Everyone in the packed audience watching these impressive children had a feeling of strong positivity and hopefulness for a bright Jewish future.”
Long Beach had quite the representation, sending 10 students to compete. The students — Max Singer, Shane Siegel, Leo Kushner, Nachman Colish, Ryan Glasser, Brandon Elgudin, Dean Kamenitz, Megan Wein, Meyer Weintraub and Avery Goldfaden — all chose to join the optional program, studying on their own.
“It is an unbelievable program,” Beila Goodman, codirector of Chabad of the Beaches, said. “This is in addition to what they’re learning at our after-school enrichment program. The program kicked off in October, and every week they would learn a little bit more and do a little bit more.”
The Chabad offered tests for each student throughout the months before the championship, and the students who earned the highest scores were invited to participate. Competing not only allows student to represent their Chabads and communities, but also showcase their knowledge of Judaism and their heritage.
“If they want to be ‘super Jews’ and know their stuff really, really well,” Rabbi Eli Goodman, of Chabad of the Beaches, said, “this is something that they’re taking on, and it’s done in a very unique and fun way. They prepare for many months, and they really know their stuff, like miniature rabbis.”
The event was organized by CKids Long Island, part of the Lubavitch Hasidic Jewish movement educational network.
Rivkie Tenenboim, wife of Rabbi Nochem Tenenboim of the Chabad of Hewlett, was impressed by the array of Jewish knowledge the kids demonstrated and how they worked well with their peers from other Hebrew schools across Long Island.
“The Jewish Kids Club of Hewlett made a splash at the Long Island JewQ Competition,” Tenenboim wrote in an email. “The trip began with an engaging, interactive, followed by a thrilling visit to Dave & Buster’s. This adventure embodied the spirit of our Chabad House: blending Judaism with joy!”
She believes that their outstanding achievement is a testament to the success of their Jewish Kids Club Program.
According to Tenenboim, the program strives to provide a fun, interactive and meaningful Jewish education to children from all backgrounds.
“Our program’s focus on hands-on learning, exciting activities and building a sense of community has clearly inspired a love of Judaism in our young Jewish participants,” she wrote. “We couldn’t be prouder of our Jewish Kids Club and look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of Jewish leaders!”
The top scorers from each grade received a prize and those who scored over 70 percent on all three tests are eligible for a grand trip and go to the International Shabbaton in New York City.
The top finalists will advance to an international competition in March, where finalists from 250 cities in 25 countries worldwide attend.
Max Singer, 8, and Ryan Glasser, 10, participated in Long Island’s annual JewQ Championship on Feb. 9.
Joanne Yee/Herald photos JewQ competitor Ryan Glasser, 10, right, with his family at the championships in Port Washington.
HERALD SPORTS
Long Beach’s Sibomana, Franklin win titles
By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com
Dunia Sibomana flashed four fingers to signify consecutive Nassau Division I wrestling championships.
But outside of that, there were no outward displays of emotion from the Long Beach junior, unlike some of the other county champions Sunday night at Hofstra University.
That’s because Sibomana is on a mission.
“It feels once again amazing,” Sibomana said after pinning Valley Stream North’s Andrew Poh in 2:51 to clinch the 116-pound county title. “But there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
The North Carolina commit, who last month won his second consecutive Eastern States Classic championship, is in search of his second state title. Sibomana captured the 102-pound title as a freshman but came up short on his next two trips to Albany.
A year ago, Sibomana lost a heartbreaker to Cooper Merli from Newburgh Free Academy in the 108-pound final. Last month, the Long Beach junior earned a measure of revenge by beating Merli in the 116-pound final at the Eastern States Classic.
“All this is just getting me one step closer to that match that I need,” Sibomana said. “Even though I beat him recently in Eastern States, I want the state title. Nothing else.”
Sibomana will head to MVP Arena with three of his
Long Beach teammates, as Brody Franklin, Casey Powers, and Ethan Andreula also clinched berths in the state tournament.
“It’s amazing we still have [four] kids going upstate. That’s great,” Sibomana said. “It just shows how much
we’ve been working in the Long Beach room.”
A year after finishing third in the county at 124, Franklin won his first county title, with the junior defeating Oceanside’s Chace Morris, 11-4, in the 131pound final. “He really stepped up his game this year,” Long Beach coach Ray Adams said of Franklin. “He brought it to another level. And I knew he could win if he wrestled the way he was capable of, so excited for him to go back upstate.”
Powers, a sophomore, rebounded from getting pinned by Calhoun’s Zachary Gubba in the semifinals to defeat Bellmore JFK’s Jason Brodack, 6-3 in overtime to place third at 101 and book his spot upstate. “I think Casey did great,” Adams said. “He put in the time this year. He worked hard. I was really proud of him after he lost in the semis, that he refocused, came back, and took third to qualify for the states. That takes a lot of mental toughness.”
Andreula narrowly missed out on a third straight county title, falling to MacArthur’s Vinny Orandello, 4-1, in the 108-pound final. The two met in county finals in each of the last two years, with Andreula pulling out close victories both times.
The Long Beach freshman did it again in the consolation bracket in last year’s state tournament, placing third at 101.
It’s a defeat Adams thinks will fuel Andreula in Albany. “I think it does. You learn more from your losses, certainly,” Adams said.
Paul Grassini/Herald
Long Beach junior Dunia Sibomana seeks a second state wrestling title after capturing a fourth straight Nassau crown.
Immigration policies spark anxiety on L.I.
By SCOTT BRINTON
Special to the Herald
First in a series of stories on immigration through a partnership between Herald Community Newspapers and Hofstra University.
Sergio Jimenez, of Amityville, an activist with an immigrant rights coalition that includes the Workplace Project in Hempstead, was recently approached by an acquaintance with an unusual proposition: The man asked whether Jimenez would take over his car payments.
The Honduran man had had enough of the Trump administration’s treatment of the immigrant community, and planned to return to his home country. He needed someone to assume his car payments rather than abandon the vehicle.
“He’s going back to Honduras because he can’t stand all this suppression,” Jimenez said.
Jimenez spoke during a nearly twohour-long conversation on Feb. 5 that the Herald hosted at a restaurant down the street from Hempstead Town Hall, attended by 15 immigrants and advocates from the local community and beyond. They came to discuss President Trump’s immigration policy, with its increased focus on identifying and deporting undocumented immigrants.
To protect its owners’ privacy, the Herald is not naming the restaurant.
Trump, Jimenez said, is ignoring the potential economic impact of tens of thousands, perhaps millions, of undocumented and documented immigrants returning to their home countries, either because they are forced or choose to. If a growing number of immigrants leave, the economy will suffer, he said.
Immigrants comprise a third of Nassau County’s workforce and a third of its small-business owners, and New York’s immigrants, documented and undocumented, pay more than $3.1 billion annually in state and local taxes, according to the New York Immigration Coalition.
Nadia Marin-Molina, co-executive director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, which has an office at the Freeport Workers Justice Center, said she believes the Trump administration aims to “make people’s lives miserable and to scare people, to terrorize people into leaving themselves, because they can’t deport everybody that they say they’re going to deport.”
As of Feb. 3, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported nearly 8,800 arrests of immigrants from 121 countries, with almost 5,700 deportations and removals since Trump took office. As of 2022, an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants lived in the U.S., 3 percent of the population, according to the American Immigration Council.
Many immigrants were already on edge and thinking of returning to their homelands before Trump’s increased enforcement, according to Deyanira Barrow, who immigrated to the U.S. 35
An increasing number of immigrants are considering returning to their home countries because of the Trump administration’s “suppression” of immigrant rights, according to Hempstead-area activists. Advocates and 15 immigrants gathered to talk with the Herald on Feb. 5.
years ago following the Nicaraguan civil war from 1978 to 1990.
Theft is often why “our people say, no, no, I’m going back to my country. They know some people spend a lot of money for nothing,” Barrow, a Workplace Project activist from Baldwin Harbor who owns a cleaning business, said. An attorney might charge $3,000 to $5,000 to process an immigration claim and provide no services, she added.
Local cooperation with ICE?
According to the National Immigration Law Center, on Jan. 20, his first day in office, Trump signed executive orders calling for, among other measures:
■ A recommitment to mass detention of undocumented immigrants.
■ Potential punishment of municipalities that act as “sanctuaries” for them.
■ A DHS review and audit of federal grants and contracts with non-governmental agencies that aid them.
■ Possible reinstatement of countrybased immigration bans.
■ An examination of Temporary Protected Status designations that allow immigrants fleeing violence and natural disaster to remain in the U.S.
■ Expansion of the expedited removal policy that allows the federal government to deport undocumented immigrants without their day in court.
■ Authorization for local municipalities to act as immigration enforcement agents.
This final point was most disconcerting for a number of the immigrants interviewed by the Herald. They wonder whether local governments, such as the villages of Freeport, Hempstead and
Westbury, and area school districts might cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, signed an agreement with the Trump administration on Feb. 4 that deputized county police officers to carry out immigration enforcement in tandem with ICE.
Blakeman’s policy has received bipartisan support. Freshman U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, a Democrat, issued a statement on Feb. 6, saying, “Violent criminals with no legal right to be here should be deported in accordance with the law. Nassau County detectives now being able to work directly with ICE agents on targeted enforcement against known noncitizen criminals will help keep Long Islanders safe.”
Whether local governments and school districts will cooperate with ICE is an open question. Last month, Hempstead Board of Education President Victor Pratt told Newsday, “We will continue to comply with federal mandates, and the law is the law, whether we agree with it or not.”
That prompted the immigrant rights organization LatinoJustice PRLDEF to respond. “Allowing ICE into our schools or working with this federal agency jeopardizes the safety, rights and wellbeing of the district’s student body,” Lourdes Rosado, the group’s president and general counsel, said.
Hempstead Schools Superintendent Susan Johnson posted a message on the district website last week to reassure concerned parents and students: “We understand that there are concerns circulating in our community regarding the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. During these times, it is important to know that our schools are safe spaces where all children are valued, protected and supported.”
No village or school district could be reached by phone for comment at press time.
‘The struggle continues’
“We are in a dire situation, as I see it,” Jimenez said. “Part of it is the lack of cohesion in the community. There’s no one representing, working with us, except organizations” like the Workplace Project.
The immigrant community was very active politically during the 1980s, “but then somehow the community fell asleep, and we remain sleeping,” Emilio Alfaro Ruiz, national advertising director for La Tribuna Hispana, a Hempstead-based Spanish-language newspaper, said. “It’s a state of mind. We have to tell the people that the struggle continues.”
Elected leaders of both parties have disappointed the immigrant community, Ruiz said, adding, “We always hope the Democrats will do more.” In particular, he said, the community had hoped that President Barack Obama, with a Democratically controlled Congress from 2009 to 2011, would push through comprehensive immigration reform, but that never happened.
Many immigrant activists have grown tired of the fight, Ruiz said. As they see it, the “politicians don’t give a damn about us,” he said, “and I’m going to do my own business — self-care.”
Miguel Alas Sevillano, a community organizer with the Workplace Project and a Salvadoran immigrant, said the organization is holding a workshop series to help immigrants understand their rights under the law. “We prepare people in the community how to act in case ICE comes to our homes or our workplaces or any public area,” Sevillano said.
To learn more about the workshops, call (516) 565-5377.
Courtesy Scott Brinton
A return to the ring for ‘the cancer fighter’
Former Long Beach football coach details his battle back
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
For many, professional wrestling is just entertainment. For Oceanside resident Sean Wachter, it has been a guiding force after a hard-fought battle with cancer, and he is making his return to the ring.
Wachter, 40, a business development manager, was a lacrosse and football player at Alfred State College, but his true love was always professional wrestling. In addition to wrestling and advocacy, on Feb. 3 Wachter took on a new role as the director of operations for Long Island’s upcoming arena football franchise, the Entertainment Football Association. Wachter played outside linebacker in the Arena Football League in 2008. The team’s name and logo were scheduled to be revealed on Friday.
Wachter had trained to become a professional wrestler, and when the Arena Football League went defunct, he tried out for WWE, but a severe neck injury, which he had suffered in an accident, derailed his dreams of becoming a pro wrestler. He later got into coaching high school football at Long Beach and Baldwin where he discovered a passion for mentoring young athletes.
He has had two battles with rare Stage 4 melanoma with leptomeningeal enhancement. After months of recovery, he is now preparing to make his wrestling comeback. He will do so at New York Wrestling Connection’s Psycho Circus on Saturday at the Farmingville Fire Department.
A week later, Wachter will debut for the National Wrestling Alliance during its Northeastern tour, wrestling at the Factory, on the Nautical Mile in Freeport, on Feb. 28, followed by shows in Greenport and New Jersey in the coming weeks.
Wachter’s bouts with cancer began unexpectedly in Sept. 2016 when he collapsed in the living room of his parents’ home in Oceanside and suffered severe neurological symptoms. A CT scan revealed a golf-ball-sized tumor in his cerebellum, and doctors initially gave him about 12 weeks to live.
Rather than succumbing to despair, Wachter leaned on the strength of his family, particularly his parents, whose unwavering support helped him endure multiple surgeries, treatments and the grueling process of relearning how to walk.
“I realized I needed to be strong for my parents,” Wachter said. “‘We got this. Let’s fight.’ My mom said, ‘I’ve never been prouder of you in your life for how you handled that.’”
After receiving an all-clear from doctors in 2022, six years after he was first diagnosis, Wachter was urged by friends to celebrate, but instead of a party, he opted to give back. His father, John a retired sergeant in the Nassau County Police Department, manages the Baldwin American Legion Hall, and suggested using the venue for a fundraiser.
He attracted a substantial following on social media, where he is known as “thecancerfighterseanwachter.” Eventually, World Wrestling Entertainment scouted him in a surprise tryout, where he impressed talent scouts. That led to an invitation to perform at Madison Square Garden, in WWE’s SmackDown, on June 28.
Amid the excitement, Wachter’s life took an unexpected turn. During the show a WWE physician noticed a lump on his shoulder and urged him to get it checked. Despite previous reassurances from his doctor, further testing revealed a recurrence of his melanoma. The diagnosis was devastating, not only because of his career but because he is now a husband and the father of two young children.
“You’re going from cutting promos in front of talent scouts for WWE to sitting in your garage and filming videos for your infant daughter, saying, ‘I’m sorry I’m not here to tell you this in person,’” Wachter said, recalling his thoughts at the time. “I don’t think I’ve cried harder in my life. There was no keeping a game face on when you’re preemptively saying goodbye to a child that wasn’t even a year old.”
The battle that followed was brutal — chemotherapy complications caused organ failure, and at one point Wachter was nearly placed on dialysis. But once more, against all odds, his health began to improve.
“For some reason, I guess I have a reason to be here,” he said. “All the liver levels, and kidney levels, started to go back up to a normal functioning range. Everyone kind of just sat there flabbergasted.”
While a small tumor remains that is being monitored, Wachter’s overall health has improved significantly, allowing him to resume training and plan his highly anticipated return to the wrestling ring this month.
“If one person gets to live a little bit fuller because of what I’m doing out there in a wrestling ring, then I would gladly relive my worst day of cancer over and over again, like ‘Groundhog Day,’” he said.
Outside the ring, Wachter’s advocacy continues. On March 2 he will speak before different Congressman and woman in Washington D.C. on behalf of the Melanoma Research Foundation, pushing for financial and legislative support for cancer research and clinical trials.
Instead of a typical Long Island benefit concert, Sean and his friends had a unique idea: professional wrestling. He was able to get cleared by doctors to step into the ring. The event was a success, raising significant funds for the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
What was supposed to be a one-time match took a new turn when Wachter’s stepdaughter, who missed the event,
asked to see him wrestle. So he returned for another fundraiser at the American Legion in 2023, this time dedicating it to late Island Park firefighter Michael Fisher and the proceeds going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. After that, Wachter’s work catching the attention of a number of cancer organizations, including ESPN’s V Foundation, which reported his story.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the ring and to be a part of bringing professional football back to our community,” Wachter said. “This is an exciting time, and I’m honored to be involved in building something special for Long Island sports fans.”
Meanwhile, “I will probably continue throughout the rest of this year,” he said of his wrestling career. “Obviously, my responsibilities to the football team come first and foremost. I hope we build something long-lasting here.”
Jason Thomas/Herald photos
Oceanside resident Sean Wachter was named the director of operations for Long Island’s Arena Football League, which will return this summer — and he will return to the wrestling ring this month in Freeport.
Sean Wachter, who has used professional wrestling to raise funds for Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, has laid two smackdowns on rare Stage 4 melanoma with leptomeningeal enhancement.
Flu surges in ‘under-vaccinated’ population
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
Anna Sequoia had never had the flu before. At 79, the Glen Cove resident thought she knew what to expect when she developed a sore throat while on a Caribbean cruise last week. But by the time she got home, the illness had taken a frightening turn.
“By the third night, I could barely sleep because of the coughing,” Sequoia recounted. “The coughing was so horrible my chest really hurt.”
Sequoia, who has asthma, went to an emergency room after struggling to breathe. “I told them that I was short of breath,” she said. “I immediately told them that I had been out of the country. They always want to know that. And at that point, everybody put masks on.”
Doctors diagnosed her with the flu and prescribed multiple medications, including Tamiflu, prednisone and a nasal decongestant. They also told her to use a nebulizer every four to six hours to ease her breathing. Now recovering at home, she remains shaken by the experience.
“I was scared, actually,” she said. “It’s frightening to me that people are walking around now without masks.”
Flu cases in New York have surged to more than 53,000, with Long Island recording 11,862 cases in a single week — the highest in at least two seasons. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that flu-related doctor visits nationwide are at a 15-year high. The CDC estimates that, so far this season, 24 million Americans have had the flu, resulting in 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths.
In New York, flu activity has reached its highest level in years. The number of flu-related doctor visits
Health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination as the number of flu cases remains high.
climbed 7 percent in the first week of February, approaching levels last seen during the 2009-10 flu pandemic.
Dr. Bruce Farber, chief of epidemiology at Northwell Health, said this year’s flu is being driven by low vaccination rates and changes in the virus strains.
“Flu seasons vary year by year, depending upon minor drifts in the virus,” Farber said. “Secondly, the population is under-vaccinated. Flu vaccination rates are much lower than they have been in years previous
… And then, of course, the matchup of the flu vaccine to this year’s strains is also always a prediction, at best.”
In New York, flu vaccination rates among children ages 6 months to 17 have dropped from 60 percent in 2020 to 49 percent this season, according to the CDC. Public health officials stress that the vaccine reduces the severity of illness and the likelihood of hospitalization, even if it doesn’t prevent infection entirely.
Health officials expect flu cases to remain high for several more weeks. “Rates have been very high the first week of February. They’re just starting to level off and fall,” Farber said. “It usually remains at high levels of infection for about eight to 10 weeks, and then slowly declines.”
Officials track the flu’s spread through hospital admissions, flu test positivity rates and emergency room visits.
The Nassau County Department of Health stressed the importance of flu vaccinations in an email to the Herald, noting that it is not too late in the season to get protected. In addition to vaccination, health officials recommend frequent hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces to reduce the spread of the virus. Those who are not feeling well should stay home from work, school and social gatherings until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
Those who need help finding a vaccine can call the county health department, at (516) 227-9697.
With between 20,000 and 60,000 flu-related deaths expected annually, Farber stressed the seriousness of the illness, particularly for vulnerable populations. “People should realize that this disease is responsible for a lot of mortality every year,” he said. “It’s not a cold.”
Courtesy Metro Creative
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Fitting it all in Managing
the after-school activities juggle
For many families, the morning rush isn’t the most chaotic time of the day. Instead, the sanitybuster is that long stretch from the time school lets out until the final activity ends and everyone is home.
Surviving the afternoon activities juggle is all about planning and time management and it’s also an opportune time to teach kids some valuable skills.
“The opportunity with activities is it’s a great time for kids to learn time management,” says Carolyn Dalgliesh, a professional organizer who specializes in helping kids who are anxious or distracted.“It’s a skill that will help them throughout their lives.”
Without preparation, the activities crunch can get kids and parents on a quick path to burnout and exhaustion.
Consider these tips from the experts for making your child’s after-school activities a fun and rewarding part of childhood and for teaching your child the skill of time management.
Choose the right activities. There is no need for everyone to run ragged getting to volleyball practice if your child no longer enjoys it. “We talk about mindful choices,” Dalgliesh says. “You want your child to get value out of any activity, whether it’s a great social outlet or a chance to run off a lot of energy.”
Consider timing. If you’re lucky enough to have choices in times, choose wisely. “Think about how well your child does with transitions,” Dalgliesh says. “For some kids, coming home triggers wind-down time, [so] parents may want to go to the library after school to do homework instead of stopping by the house.”
Honor the family meeting. There is a central principle when it comes to family time management: Everyone must get together once a week, with calendars in hand, to plan out the next week. Figure out how each kid will get to and from each activity, and make plans for meals and snacks. When doing the planning, try to carve out at least one night when the family can have dinner together. Make your weekly meeting fun by following it with a family movie or
game night. Or, suggests Grey, dole out allowance and lunch money at the end of the meeting.
Maintain a family calendar. Each family member needs his or her own week-at-a-glance calendar, and you also need a family calendar. Yes, that’s a lot of calendars, but it will help ensure all activities are well-planned.
Get the activity bags ready. Get your kids in the habit of packing their activity bags on Sunday night. Designate a place for them to hang or store their bags. For activities requiring a lot of gear, use a checklist to make sure nothing gets left behind.
Embrace meal planning. It’s important to plan simple, consistent meals, especially if you’re a busy family with a lot of activities. For example, kids love theme dinners such as “Taco Tuesday,” and can help with preparation and assembly. Also plan snacks, making sure to have high-protein nibbles available for kids before they embark on a strenuous activity.
Make car time special. If you spend a lot of time driving to and from activities, make that time count. Try an audiobook, choosing a story everyone in the family can enjoy. Dalgliesh plays a conversation game with her children.
She has a set of cards with prompts such as, “What is the worst meal you ever had in a restaurant?” or “What is your favorite vacation memory?” She passes the deck to her kids has them pick one. “It’s about finding those moments to connect,” she says.
Be flexible. Even the most carefully made plans can be rendered useless by a thunderstorm that cancels soccer practice, a sick child, or an unexpected work disaster.
Empower your kids. Give your kids as much control over their own planning and scheduling as they can handle. Different kids need different tools. Especially as kids get older, they need to own their organization system.
Photo: Keeping kids busy after school is a good thing, but participating in many activities without advance planning is inviting miscommunication, forgotten homework and cranky families. Instead, enlist your kids’ efforts each week in planning their time.
Deciding among the options
If camp is in your family’s summer plans, now’s the time to select one
Although the chill and snow has us bogged down right now, it’s never too early to being thinking about summer camp. Since the most popular camps typically fill their rosters long before the first signs of spring, the earlier you begin the process, the more options your family will have available.
When choosing a camp or summer program, reputation and word of mouth are meaningful resources; however, a terrific match for one child and family might not be the best match for your child or family. The best advice is to think about your child’s interests and temperament, and make a list of camp features that are most important to your family and child.
Staff: The staff will play a crucial role in how much your child enjoys himself over the summer. A qualified staff is adept at making all children feel welcome, and will be experienced in making everyone’s time at camp as enjoyable as possible.
When connecting with camps, ask about staff and how the staff is assembled. What education and training is required of the staff? Does the camp run criminal background checks on its staff? A good staff will be trained in first aid and have some type of background in child counseling or education. Camps that simply hire recommends that 80 percent of a camp’s staff should be 18 or older.
Camp goals: Camps can differ greatly with
what they hope to offer a child. Camps can focus on religion, sports, music, recreation, or a host of other interests. If you’re looking for a sports camp, ask about affiliations with any local colleges or professional teams. If it’s a musical camp, ask about what your child can expect to learn from staff.
It’s also important to determine the general temperament of a camp. Does the camp foster a laid back or more competitive environ-
SHAPE YOUR CHILD’S
ment? This can be a big help in choosing the right camp for your child. For example, a child who isn’t very competitive likely will not enjoy a camp where competition is heavily emphasized, whereas a child who is competitive might not get much out of a camp that is more recreational.
Daily schedule: While some camps might be specialized, most parents send their children to recreational camps that they hope
offer their kids a well-rounded experience. Ask to see the schedule from a typical day, and ask about how flexible that schedule is. Will kids be able to choose from different activities each day, or is every day regimented? Remember, kids will be spending their summer vacations at camp, and for many kids camp is an opportunity to relax and spend some time doing what they want. Camps that feature strict schedules might not be the best fit.
Referrals: Chances are some of your child’s classmates attend camp in the summer. Ask around and seek some advice on what are the top options. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to send your child to a summer camp that some of his classmates also attend, which should make it easier for your child to adapt to camp, especially if it’s a first summer away from home.
If you can’t find any personal referrals, ask a camp for a list of references. These references shouldn’t weight too heavily in your decision, as a camp director is obviously not going to give you names of parents whose children didn’t have a good time. But the parents should be able to provide an accurate portrayal of how the camp conducts itself and how your child might fare should he attend that camp.
Photo: It’s much more than s’mores and sing-alongs: Camps can provide lifelong memories and skills.
cutting-edge academic and athletic facilities
Strangers are encouraged to pay it forward
gratitude.
One of the recipients was Alex Davis, who’s originally from Franklin Square but moved to South Carolina about five years ago. When she was growing up, Davis recalled, she frequently visited the diner to grab a milkshake, and when she came back to Long Beach to visit earlier this month, she stopped in again.
“I ordered a burger and fries, and I got a milkshake, of course,” she recounted. “I was then told the bill was actually taken care of by someone as a random act of kindness, and to pay it forward. I’ve been feeling like the world is just so dark, and it was just a reminder that people do have kindness in them. It makes you see that good in the world does exist.”
his meal would be taken care of.
There have been many other similar stories, but one in particular that Langis remembers was when two young friends came into the diner, hoping to get a quick, inexpensive meal. They were looking at the menu and asking her about the prices, because, they said, they didn’t have enough money for everything they wanted.
I t makes you see that good in the world does exist.
Alex
DAvIs Former Long Beach resident
Danny Kramer, of Long Beach, has had a tough time recently, dealing with some family struggles. He has gotten to know Langis, and comes to the diner frequently to eat and decompress. A week or so before Christmas, he came in, and admitted to Langis that he didn’t have enough money to eat. She told him to sit down anyway, and that
Soon Langis made her way back up to their table, bringing all the food they had been asking about. They were excited, of course, but also panicked, because they thought they had accidently ordered much more food than they could afford. But Langis explained that they were the beneficiaries of the kindness of a stranger.
“It was really cute,” she recalled. “Things like that. Like, I can tell a million stories. It’s just really sweet.”
There’s a concept in Judaism, known as “tikkun olam,” which translates to “repairing the world.” Long Beach’s anonymous meal-buyer said that he follows that philosophy, with the hope of healing and help others.
a mystery man has been paying for people’s meals at this east park avenue
an effort to spread kindness.
“It’s to heal the world, to pay it forward, to just really do nice things,” he said. “I’m conscious that I’m going to just try to put out good energy wherever I am. This is a little bit more than that — it’s spreading the wealth a little bit.”
Not long ago, Langis told him that someone he treated at Diner By the Sea was so blown away by the random kindness that she was going to go to Starbucks afterward to treat someone else to a coffee. She was inspired to pay it forward.
Brendan Carpenter/Herald
diner, in
STEPPING OUT
Those ‘wild’ days
Director Billy Bustamante, whose credits include Broadway and off-Broadway, brings his flair to the Madison Theatre’s latest production.
The stage is set for a steamy
By Danielle Schwab
IProhibition tale at Molloy’s Madison Theatre
t’s “the party to end all parties” and everyone’s on the guest list. You’re invited to travel back to the decadent world of 1920s Prohibition-era Manhattan when the roaring musical production of Andrew Lippa’s “The Wild Party,” arrives on the Molloy University campus shortly, March 7-9.
Audiences can expect a lively show filled with vibrant jazz and eclectic guests — also some uninvited “surprises” — that’s sure to keep the joint buzzing.
Observing the talented young performers involved with Molloy’s renowned CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, guided by Director-Choreographer Billy Bustamante, you’ll surelly be thinking: ‘Let’s raise the roof, let’s make a scene!’
Set in the Roaring Twenties, it tells the tale of two vaudevillians, Queenie and Burrs, as they throw the party to end all parties. Jealousy and decadence abound in this spicy concoction whose tasty musical stew of jazz, blues, gospel, and Tin Pan Alley sounds remarkably contemporary.
Vaudeville dancer Queenie, (played by senior Jessica Olexy) and her intense partner Burrs (senior Cade Eller) host an evening of delight only to see it spiral into chaos with every twist and turn.
• Friday through Sunday, March 7-9; times vary
• Tickets start at $35; available at madisontheatreny.org or the box office at (516) 323-4444
• Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
Sondheim’s “Here We Are” (choreographer). Now Molloy’s theater students can benefit from his talents.
“I have history with this story,” Bustamente says. “I directed an off-Broadway production of the other version back in 2016, so this feels like a full circle moment, getting to explore this story again through different writers.”
There’s even a ‘show within a show’ musical number, “ A Wild, Wild Party,” a favorite of senior Angelo Domingo, who appears as a party guest, the rambunctious boxer Eddie.
The Pirates of Penzance
Shiver me timbers! Book your passage to the Madison Theatre when Molloy University’s renowned CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory, stages the classic musical, accompanied by the South Shore Symphony, Sail away to the whimsical world of Gilbert & Sullivan’s beloved operetta, where a merry band of parading pirates — led by their Pirate King — clash swords and nightsticks with the bumbling Bobbies on the shores of Cornwall. The story revolves around Frederic, who was apprenticed by mistake to a band of tenderhearted pirates. He meets the daughters of Major-General Stanley, including Mabel, and the two young people instantly fall in love. With its humorous blend of romantic entanglements and memorable melodies, this delightful production promises an evening of laughter and theatrical magic.
Friday through Sunday, Feb. 2123, times vary. Tickets start at $35. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 3234444.
“At this party, everyone has a secret and something to hide. This show explores what happens when those secrets and the masks — that we all wear — get ripped off,” Bustamante says.
Based on Joseph Moncure March’s 1928 poem of the same name, the award-winning off-Broadway musical wowed audiences with its look into love in a messy and exciting fashion when it debuted 25 years ago.
the award-winning off-Broadway musical wowed audiences with its the score,” Bustamante says. “The nature of the music
While the narrative poem is almost a century old, Lippa’s adaptation brings a modern take to the story, blending the captivating allure of the 1920s with a modern feel.
“The music is a lot more contemporary and eclectic, all while being rooted in jazz. There are some really exciting pop, Latin and contemporary musical theater elements in the score,” Bustamante says. “The nature of the music allows audiences today to engage with the story and see themselves in the characters’ experiences in a really impactful way.”
From larger-than-life dancing sequences such as “Juggernaut,” to soulful reflections as in “What Is It About Her?,” the production traverses the range of human emotions and complicated identities those vaudeville entertainers of that era.
“All these people at the party are people who don’t belong in other places. The nature of what it meant to be a vaudevillian performer was you were uplifted and applauded at one moment and then not allowed certain restaurants or rooms at the next,” Bustamante explains.
“At its core, it’s something really beautiful. But on the
“At its core, it’s something really beautiful. But on the other hand, these are all damaged people because of the lives that they’ve had to leave, and that sets the stage for an evening where a lot can really go down.”
This isn’t the first time that Bustamante has helmed the story. In fact, he was involved with a different musical adaptation of the famous poem, created by Michael John LaChiusa. His resume includes acting in productions such as Broadway Theatre’s “Miss Saigon” in addition to his directorial turns in “Here Lies Love” (assistant director) and Stephen
as a party guest, the rambunctious boxer Eddie. says.
“It was the number that introduced me to the show, and it has just a very fun, infectious vibe,” Domingo
an
opportunity to hone their performing skills before
For the cast of 25, this production is an opportunity to hone their performing skills before going forward professionally.
“The [CAP21] program teaches you a lot about how to be an individual in theater. Because we’re in New York, you get the experience of [being with] working professionals who are working on Broadway, Off Broadway and developing musicals,” Domingo continues.
[being with] working professionals who are
“I’ve grown in more ways than I thought I ever would. And when it comes to my training, I achieved things that I thought would take way longer to achieve already.”
Czech National Symphony Orchestra
So get ready to head to the theater — it’s time to join the party.
I thought I ever would. And when it head theater — it’s time to join the party.
audience Party” feeling
“I hope that our audience can leave “The Wild Party” feeling entertained, but at the same time a little educated and with a deeper understanding of themselves,” Bustamante
understanding of themselves,” Bustamante says.
masks serve you, and what masks might you
“And our version of the show can really help ask the question of our audience: ‘What masks serve you, and what masks might you be ready to let go.’
Recognized as one of Europe’s first-rank symphonic ensembles and renowned for its versatility, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra brings its current U.S. tour to Long Island, under the baton of music director Steven Mercurio. Dynamic guest soloist Maxim Lando, an American pianist and winner of the 2022 New York Franz Liszt International Competition, joins CNSO. He and violinist Sandy Cameron perform beloved works from the Romantic repertoire — Jan Václav Hugo Voríšek’s Sinfonia Re Maggiore, Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 and selected works from Antonín Dvorák, including Piano Concerto in G minor, Op. 33 and Czech Suite.
The Wild Party contains mature themes.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Photos courtesy Madison Theatre Angelo Domingo and Mariposa Boyd step lively on stage.
different musical adaptation of the famous poem, created by Michael John LaChiusa.
Your Neighborhood
Colin Jost
March 13
Live … from Long Island … it’s Colin Jost! He appears on the Paramount stage, Thursday, March 13, 8 and 10 p.m. From Saturday Night Live to standup to his appearances in film, other TV ventures and even authoring a memoir, Jost is seemingly everywhere. He is currently in the middle of his 11th season as SNL’s “Weekend Update” coanchor, and his 20th as an SNL writer. His accolades are many: five Writers Guild Awards, two Peabody Awards and 15 Emmy nominations for his writing on “SNL.” Jost and his Weekend Updatemate Michael Che have hosted special editions of “Weekend Update” on MSNBC during the 2016 Republican and Democratic national conventions as well as co-hosted the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2018.
Also, in 2024 they executive produced and co-hosted Peacock’s first live comedy event, “Colin Jost and Michael Che Present: New York After Dark,” which featured an evening of surprise dropin performances from stand-up comedians. As a writer, Jost has been published multiple times in the New Yorker and has contributed to the New York Times Magazine, among other endeavors. In 2020, Jost debuted “A Very Punchable Face.” A New York Times bestseller, the memoir is a series of essays that documents pivotal moments in Jost’s life, including growing up in Staten Island in a family of firefighters, commuting three hours a day to high school, attending Harvard while Facebook was created and more. And in 2024, he even appeared as a correspondent from Tahiti for NBC Sports for the surfing competition at the summer Olympic Games, plus last year he was featured entertainer of the 2024 White House Correspondents Dinner. $129.50, $119.50, $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!
On stage
Adelphi University
Performing Arts students present the musical adaptation of “The Spitfire Grill,” Wednesday through Sunday, Feb. 26-March 2. Based on the 1996 film by Lee David Zlotoff, this is a heartwarming and inspirational musical tale of redemption, perseverance and family. It follows a troubled young parolee yearning for a fresh start who follows her dreams to Wisconsin, based on a page from an old travel book, only to find a small town with a gritty heart aching with longing and regret.
Unexpectedly discovering the healing power of community while working at the Spitfire Grill, Percy reawakens the entire town’s capacity for rebirth, forgiveness and hope. Set to a melodic folk-inspired score, it’s a joyous celebration of human kindness. $30, with discounts available for seniors, students Adelphi alumni and staff. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
In concert
The influential proto-punk/garage band The Dictators performs at My Father’s Place, Sunday, March 2, 7-9 p.m. My Father’s Place at The Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/ information, visit MyFathersPlace. com or call (516) 580-0887.
Mah Jongg club
Do you play Mah Jongg and want to meet other community members who play? Join in the game, at Long Beach Library, Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in the auditorium. Practice your skills and have fun while you do it. Bring your own Mah Jongg tiles. 111 W. Park Ave. For more information, visit LongBeachPL. com or call (516) 432-7201.
Library Board of Trustees Meeting
Long Beach Public Library Board of Trustees will meet for its monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 24. The meeting will be held in the second floor program room, starting at 7 p.m. For more information or to register, visit LongBeachPublicLibrary.org. 111 W. Park Ave.
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, Feb. 22, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and make art together. While there, enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to The Lobby Project, a collaborative art installation. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21,22, 11 a.m and 1:30 p.m.; also Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 26-27, 10:15 a.m. and noon. It is 3017 in this futuristic, musical retelling of “Cinderella.” She’s now a space engineer looking to revolutionize space travel. When the Prince holds a space parade, Cinderella saves it by helping fix the Prince’s spaceship show the Prince her new hyper warp speed engine. But first, she’ll have to keep her evil stepmother from throwing a wrench in her plans! $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Ask the tech guy
Do you have questions about your computer or laptop?
Want to learn more about Zoom, streaming movies, or downloading ebooks to your device? Join Long Beach Library’s Tech Guy, every Wednesday, 2-3 p.m. to get answers to your pressing tech questions. 111 W. Park Ave. For information, visit LongBeachPL.org.
In concert
Jupiter String Quartet returns to Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The intimate group of violinists Nelson Lee and Meg Freivogel, violist Liz Freivogel (Meg’s older sister), and cellist Daniel McDonough (Meg’s husband, Liz’s brotherin-law) are brought together by ties both familial and musical.
The ensemble brings its well-honed musical chemistry to three works shaped by bold musicality and deeply meaningful thematic inspirations, including Warmth from Other Suns by Carlos Simon; String Quartet No. 3, Glitter, Doom, Shards, Memory by Shulamit; and String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat Major, Op. 130 with the Grosse Fuge by Ludwig van Beethoven. 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
A Band Called Honalee
Plaza Theatricals welcomes the modern-day folk trio, Sunday, Feb. 23 , 2:30 p.m. Inspired by the music and legacy of Peter, Paul & Mary, the ensemble offers up an energetic interactive tribute. Satisfying diehard PPM lovers as well as newcomers to this wonderful era of music, their concer features all of PPM’s beloved hits, including “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Blowing in the Wind,” and of course “Puff The Magic Dragon.”
With stirring vocal harmonies and polished showmanship, they also offers favorites from Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell, The Mamas & The Papas, Joan Baez, The Weavers, and more. $40, $35 seniors. Groove along at Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit plazatheatrical. com.
Having an event? Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.
Hempstead House tour
Feb. 23
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 23, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Discover what’s coming in the
MAR 6
Our Story
Finance
The Our Story Finance special supplement is a dedicated exploration of how community businesses drive local economies, foster financial resilience, and create lasting social impact. This edition highlights the power of collective entrepreneurship, showcasing how locally owned enterprises shape thriving neighborhoods through shared resources, ethical finance, and community investment.
Our Story
Real Estate
Movers and Shakers
This edition spotlights the individuals driving positive change, from revitalizing neighborhoods to pioneering sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. This edition features in-depth profiles, and takes a look behind-the-scenes at how community-focused real estate and business leaders are reshaping local communities.
Higher Education
Higher education is more than just earning a degree— it’s a gateway to personal growth, career success, and community development. This special supplement explores the transformative impact of colleges and universities on individuals and society, highlighting the latest trends, opportunities, and resources available to students and lifelong learners.
Kids Camp and School
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Jackie odom spoke of the importance of the mLK Center, and urged the City Council to approve the new lease.
Move to executive session results in a vote change
impacts and costs to the city with the benefits provided to the community. We must get back to providing services to our children, our elderly and the community in general.”
According to the terms of the new 12½-year lease, the MLK Center will pay the city $2,000 per year in rent, cover all of its utility costs and continue to use the building as a community center.
The city began an eviction process against the MLK Center in 2022, saying that it “consistently failed to meet” with city administrators to negotiate a new lease. But the council kept reiterating how vital the center is to the community. Finally, this new lease effectively puts an end to that process.
“This is a ‘we’ situation,” Council President Brendan Finn said on Tuesday. “The Martin Luther King Center is an essential part of the North Park community, but it’s also an essential part of Long Beach. We all gain when the Martin Luther King Center is working and firing on all cylinders, and when it’s not, Long Beach is not doing well.”
As the council initially discussed and raised questions about the lease and the resolution, Councilman Roy Lester said he was troubled about one detail in the proposed lease: the center’s option to eventually purchase the building for $1.
Lester said he didn’t believe state law allows such a provision when a property is valued at millions of dollars. The city’s deputy corporation counsel, Joe Lupo, disagreed, saying that if a city or municipality were to “provide a gift for the public benefit or public purpose, that it would be upheld,” and that this was just that kind of situation.
“The reason why a lot of these things are in the lease is because we’re trying not to beat them on the head,” Corporation Counsel Frank Dikranis added in response to Lester’s argument, referring to the center. “They’re struggling to survive, and the city has a lot of power, and we don’t want to exert all that power. We wanted to get them out of court, we want to get them running and get these kids some relief.”
Following council members’ discus-
sion and their expressions of appreciation that a lease was finally on the table — despite Lester’s apprehension — attendees shared their thoughts on the agreement, and encouraged the council to approve it.
“It’s nourishing for our community, and the whole City of Long Beach,” Jackie Odom, one of the center’s founding members, said. “I want to personally thank you for this opportunity to see this day come, that the MLK Center is getting back on their feet. Roy, as far as the $1, it was written originally in our lease that we will have that building for $1. That gives us hope, and gives us a dream that one day we might own that building. Don’t ever underestimate us.”
“I want to thank the council for doing what you’re doing for this lease,” Terrence Harris said. “These kids really need it, and you guys are doing an excellent job in helping with this lease.”
The measure needed an 80 percent supermajority of the council — meaning four of five members — to pass, but Councilman Chris Fiumara was absent, which left only four present to vote. John Bendo, Mike Reinhart and Finn voted “yes.” Lester voted “no,” and was met with boos and exclamations of, “Come on, Roy!” from residents.
After the announcement that the measure had failed, Lester’s surprised expression made it clear that he had not considered the mathematical implications of his vote with only three others casting theirs, and the council quickly voted to go into executive session. Twenty minutes later, they returned and announced that Lester had changed his vote.
“To be honest, I thought that the lease could be done with three votes, so it wasn’t that big of a concern to me,” Lester said. “But I have heard tonight that a lot of the programs are being held up because of this lease, and I know how important the MLK Center is, and I know how important these programs are. I really don’t want to be the one stopping this.”
The announcement that the lease measure had passed was met with applause and cheers.
Brendan Carpenter/Herald
resident
20, 2025 —
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notices
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR HILLDALE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST MARY MARKS, RON MARKS AKA RON EVAN MARKS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 16, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 3, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 47 East Beech Street, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 99, Lot 61-64. Approximate amount of judgment $1,405,702.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600924/2018. Fay Mattana, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-005692 83791 151237
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF HERBERT DONOHUE, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 2, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau
County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 750 Lido Blvd, Unit 62 B, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 60, Block 91 and Lot 4 aka 4U together with a 0.4604 percent interest as a tenant in in the Common Elements. Approximate amount of judgment is $480,619.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609092/2022. Kenneth Robinson, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 151387
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
TO PLACE AND AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-BNC3, Plaintiff, Against LYDIA LAMOUTH, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 04/03/2019, 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 3/19/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 159 E Chester St, Long Beach, New York 11561, And Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City Of Long Beach, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 59 Block 108 Lot 65, 66, And 67.
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $477,177.88 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 607220/2017 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Brian Davis, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
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TO PLACE AND AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232
Dated: 1/30/2025 File Number: 560-2175 CA 151591 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, vs. GLORIA MICHELL, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 29, 2008 and an Order duly entered on May 2, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 26 East Market Street a/k/a 26 Market Street, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 96 and Lot 218. Approximate amount of judgment is $647,819.24 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #023192/2007.
Melissa Levin, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 151587
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, -againstDANIEL ANGEL, IF LIVING, AND IF SHE/HE BE DEAD, 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 February 15, 2024, wherein LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC is the Plaintiff and DANIEL ANGEL, IF LIVING, AND IF SHE/HE BE DEAD, 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 March 18, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 345 EAST HUDSON STREET, LONG BEACH, NY 11561; and the following tax map identification: 59-136-61 & 62. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 606278/2022. John P. Clarke, 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. 151583
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. Search by publication name at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
Long Beach resident Helen Raiten dies at 105
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Helen Raiten, a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died peacefully surrounded by family on Feb. 7 at the age of 105.
Born on Feb. 3, 1920, in the Bronx, Raiten was the daughter of Russian immigrants, Hyman and Pauline Runin, who owned a hand laundry store with an attached apartment. She had an older sister, Lillian, and their family endured the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II together.
Helen earned her degree in physics and mathematics from Hunter College — fields that were uncommon for women then. She built a career at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, where she worked for many years as an officer. She retired just as computers were being introduced to the workplace, and as a parting gift, she was given her IBM Selectric typewriter, which she continued to use for years.
sured legacy. Even when she could no longer bake herself, she delighted in sharing treats with her friends at the Nautilus Hotel, an assisted living facility where she lived for the last few years of her life.
Raiten shared a special bond with great-grandson, Ellis. Despite the distance with Ellis in California, she adored FaceTiming with him and looking through the photo book her family made for her. She found joy in watching him grow and play, especially during their visits.
She married Morris Raiten, and together they raised their two children, Lynn and Philip. After living in Brooklyn for many years, Raiten moved to Long Beach nearly three decades ago. She embraced the community, volunteering as a class grandma at East School and reading to children at Temple Emanu-El.
“She really embraced the Long Beach living,” Andre Marcell, her son-in-law, said. “She loved being on the boardwalk and she had a place that looked out over the ocean. She loved looking out and she would give us the surf reports every morning.”
Raiten explored the globe, from New Zealand and Australia to China and Japan. She documented her journeys in journals, which she later shared with her granddaughters when they followed in her footsteps. She believed that travel was the best form of education and encouraged her family to see the world.
She treasured time spent baking with her grandchildren, Chelsea and Lauren, creating traditions, especially around holidays. Her handwritten and typed recipes, particularly for her famous mandel bread, remain a trea -
“They’ve had a lot of cuddle time, and now that he’s bigger, she would just sit in her chair and just watch him run around,” her daughter, Lynn Marcel, said. “He loves books, and she just wanted to share all of these things she was so proud of. He made her so happy.”
Raiten had a way of making every moment memorable. Whether she was waving from her balcony as family walked by, having a meal at her favorite place, Lido Kosher Deli, or unexpectedly ending up in the company of politicians at a Memorial Day parade, she always found a way to be part of the action.
She was independent, sharp and engaged until the very end. She played Scrabble, read voraciously and maintained her sense of humor and wisdom throughout her life. When she turned 100, she was honored with a proclamation from former State Senator Todd Kaminsky. Her family celebrated her 105th birthday just days before her death.
A viewing was held at Guttermans in Rockville Centre on Feb. 9, followed by a grave-side service at Montefiore Cemetery in Springfield Gardens, where she was laid to rest alongside her family. Raiten is survived by her daughter, Lynn Marcell; son-in-law Andre Marcel; her granddaughters, Chelsea and Lauren Marcell; and her great-grandson, Ellis. She was predeceased by her husband, Morris Raiten, and her son, Philip Raiten.
Helen’s family finds comfort in knowing that she lived life on her terms, surrounded by love, laughter and tradition.
HELEN R AItEN
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Houses in flood zones had to be raised, but businesses?
Q. I am interested in leasing a building that I am certain was flooded during several recent storms. The landlord says the sheetrock and insulation were replaced, and there were only a “few inches of water.” I doubt that. The metal building is stained around the bottom 4 feet, in between tall weeds, since nobody takes care of it. It’s in an industrial area. I wonder why I had to lift my house, but these buildings, which clearly were seriously flooded, never had to make changes to deal with future flooding. I can’t risk losing inventory, and I don’t see where there was much done to prevent water from getting in. I probably won’t take the lease, but I still wonder why these buildings didn’t either have to be raised or make changes for better flood protection.
A. Most commercial buildings were not considered “substantially damaged,” a definition by the Federal Emergency Management Agency requiring flood-prevention implementation. In most cases, only when renovating, waterproofing materials were required to be added to either the inside or outside of buildings, but this was not enforced uniformly with required permits. Part of the reason that flood-proof materials were added was, just as you said, to prevent loss of inventory, but also because businesses can’t be out of commission for very long without losing money.
Flood protective panels that attach at the exterior doors and windows, membranes placed on interior walls behind new finishes, and waterproofing of exterior walls up to 2 feet above the flood elevation, designated by FEMA for your area, have become standard practice for projects where people are concerned about their businesses continuing to operate after the next serious storm. The owner or tenant has to be concerned enough to implement these safeguards, because most commercial buildings in flood-prone areas were either not considered damaged enough to lift or not required to flood-proof unless brought to the attention of officials.
The issue comes down to one thing: insurance. Many people think of FEMA as just a federal government program, but it’s much more than that. It’s a large insurance company, one of the largest in the world. Because there are so many disasters to handle each year — roughly $200 billion worth of damage — most insurance companies stopped insuring coastal communities around the country. There’s just too much risk. So FEMA is designated to cover the high risk, backed by taxpayers to pay for the gaps and losses. That falls to taxpayers because otherwise-thriving communities would cease to exist, tax revenue would be lost, bonds and debt failures would occur and the economy could collapse. It’s all tied together.
So even though evaluation or enforcement may not have been done, taking steps as a tenant may be your only recourse. Consult with experienced professionals to create a flood-proof building. Water gets through floors, gaps in walls and places you may not have thought of. Good luck!
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opinions
Recalling the presidents I’ve met
As we celebrated Presidents’ Day on Monday, I thought back on presidents I’ve had the opportunity to meet over the years.
Except for my first meeting with Richard Nixon in 1967, before he was president, all of those meetings resulted from my involvement in politics.
In the summer of 1967, between my second and third years of law school, I worked as an intern in Nixon’s Wall Street law firm. (The fellow intern I was assigned to work with that summer was Rudy Giuliani — who was then a liberal Democrat.)
In addition to the chance encounters we had with Nixon in the hallway or elevator, we interns had a long lunch discussion with him, during which he demonstrated his expansive knowledge of foreign and domestic issues. Surprisingly, he also displayed a certain shyness.
A quarter-century later, in 1993, the then former president was in Washington to address Republicans in Congress, where I told him how much I appreciated the long-ago internship. He was no longer shy, but seemingly at peace. The following year, I attended his funeral in
California.
President Gerald Ford was in the closing days of his 1976 campaign against Jimmy Carter when he spoke at a massive rally at the Nassau Coliseum. At a reception afterward, Ford was gracious and friendly, a class act.
The next time I saw him was in 1998, at Sonny Bono’s funeral in California.
From Nixon to Trump, there have been 10, and each left a different impression.
I had just two brief encounters with Jimmy Carter, the first an introduction at Yitzhak Rabin’s funeral in Jerusalem in 1995. The second was about 10 years ago, when I was on a Delta Shuttle, waiting to take off for Washington, when Carter got on the plane, recognized me, shook my hand and gave me a warm hello and a big smile — an awkward moment for me, since I had attacked him for something on national TV just the day before!
Except for a White House briefing for New York Republicans in 1987, my dealings with President Ronald Reagan consisted of handshakes and photos at political events in Nassau County and Manhattan. I was always struck by his sense of dignity and leadership. He never disappointed.
President George Bush 41 was the last of the old-school presidents, in the best sense of that term. He was very knowl-
edgeable and always respectful of his office. In addition to greeting him at political events before and after his presidency, I was invited, along with other newly elected Republicans, to meet with him in the Oval Office in his final days as president in January 1993. It was inspiring and memorable. He didn’t have a word of regret or complaint. True stature.
Though President Barack Obama offered to appoint me ambassador to Ireland, my dealings with him were infrequent and businesslike. He was always polite, and always “no drama Obama.”
My contacts with Joe Biden were when he was senator and vice president, primarily at social events in Washington. He was invariably cordial and humorous. Always greeted me with a big grin, and would kid me that Irish guys should always be Democrats. He was sharp; very different from how he was as president.
The presidents I spent the most time with were Bill Clinton, George Bush 43 and Donald Trump, all of whom are within two years of me in age. I worked closely with Clinton on the Irish peace process, traveling with him on his historic visits to Northern Ireland. I stood with him during his impeachment. He
couldn’t have been more gracious and friendly to my family. He and Hillary were the first to call the night my mother died. We remain friends.
I saw up close how dedicated the younger George Bush was to helping New York and defeating Islamist terrorism following the horrific Sept. 11 attacks. I was with him in the ruins of the World Trade Center three days afterward, and over the succeeding months and years was at numerous meetings he had with cops, firefighters and 9/11 victims’ family members. A true patriot. Great sense of humor.
Donald Trump was and is one of a kind. He and I grew up in Queens at the same time. Though we lived in different Zip codes, one on one he was like the guys I grew up with, totally down to earth. Despite his public persona, he could be caring and concerned, like when he reached out to my daughter when she was sick, or when he invited my grandchildren to the White House. Most significantly, I’ll always be appreciative of his visits to Long Island, where he led the effort to crush MS-13. These are just some of the recollections from my front-row seat of the 10 men who led our nation over the past six decades.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Somewhere, the Founding Fathers must be fretting
As best I can remember when I was in fourth grade, we were taught that there are three branches of government — the legislative, the judicial and the executive. And we were taught that they were co-equals, with each possessing powers that the other branches couldn’t interfere with.
To make it simple, our teacher stated that the legislative branch, represented by Congress, is responsible for making laws. The executive branch, headed by the president, enforces laws made by Congress and oversees federal agencies. The judicial branch, led by the Supreme Court, interprets laws and ensures that they comply with the Constitution. In my lifetime, over many decades, I have seen how the wishes of our Founding Fathers were complied with. While I was too young to understand the maneuvers of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, when he stepped over the line, the
Supreme Court reversed a number of his actions. In blunt terms, he was told that some of his actions violated the Constitution.
Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama saw their controversial legislation overridden by a vote of three-fourths of Congress. And on quite a few occasions, the Supreme Court told Congress that it had violated the Constitution and its actions were null and void. That seemed to be in line with what I learned at Public School 26 in Brooklyn.
cal issues. Some are consistent with campaign promises Trump made, but others clearly step on the toes of the 435 members of Congress.
W e once learned that the White House, Congress and the courts were co-equals.
Having served in the State Assembly for 23 years, I am very much aware of how the systems work in both Washington and Albany. I have seen the Legislature in Albany flex its muscles and override the governor on many occasions. I have seen the courts tell the Legislature that it has stepped over the line and violated the state Constitution.
On Jan. 20, President Trump issued an avalanche of executive orders. Many of them have escaped public attention, because voters don’t spend all their time watching the news and following politi-
Under Article I of the Constitution, Congress is given the sole authority to appropriate money for the operation of the government. There is no language that allows the president to impound funding authorized by Congress. The president campaigned on the promise of abolishing the U.S. Department of Education, but only Congress can dissolve a federal agency.
Some of the most challenging developments in the new Trump term are the actions taken by Elon Musk. He may have been given a blanket direction to cut government waste, but he is not allowed to abolish any federal agency that has been created by Congress. Musk has effectively shut down one agency already by restricting funding, but his powers will no doubt be challenged in the federal courts.
The biggest surprise to me, as a former state and local official, is how civil service protections are being totally ignored. Notices have been sent to thou-
sands of federal workers offering them buyouts with no guarantees that they will keep their jobs if they don’t take them. Actions taken by the administration to force career employees out of their jobs defy what the civil service system is about.
The most eye-popping development is the failure of any Republican member of Congress to complain about the impact of the funding impoundments on their own home communities. Major cancer research hospitals in Louisiana, Ohio, South Dakota and Texas have made urgent cries about the loss of anticipated dollars. Special drugs for serious diseases can’t be purchased without assurances that the money will be available. Rather than free up these dollars, the White House is focusing on efforts like halting the production of pennies that are popular with the public. There seem to be no people in Washington who are echoing the voices of the Founding Fathers. That is our loss.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
In civil discourse, everyone deserves respect
in February we celebrate Black History Month, honoring the achievements, resilience and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. In March we recognize Women’s History Month, acknowledging the pivotal role of women in shaping our society. Throughout the year, we take time to celebrate mothers, fathers, military veterans, educators, grandparents and others who have made an impact on of our lives, and continue to.
These moments of recognition remind us of something fundamental: Every person, the members of every ethnic and demographic group, and those of every faith deserve R-E-S-P-E-C-T, as the great Aretha Franklin sang. Yet in today’s world, respect often seems to be in short supply. This reality is magnified by the noise blasting from social media, the nonstop discourse on television and radio masquerading as news, and the constant barrage of opinions that seek to divide rather than unite.
We can, and should, engage in constructive discussions on pressing issues such as climate change, education, housing, economic opportunity and social justice without resorting to dehumanization. It is possible to stand firm in our
letters
How about taking on property taxes, Jerry?
To the Editor:
Re Jerry Kremer’s op-ed in the Feb. 6-12 issue, “Cleaning the 2024 slate is comforting”: While we don’t share the same political philosophy, I respect Mr. Kremer’s career and his accomplishments. He was known in Albany as a fellow who actually did the people’s business.
His piece had a regular-guy ring to it. His protestations were mine, as were the laments. I no longer go to Yankee Stadium. I do get to Citi Field for a game or two, but the Mets are moving into the high-priced arena as well. I’ll still go, but I do mourn the old days.
Supermarkets are on my canceled list. I have throwback moments at Costco now.
Jerry’s recollection of the movies took me back to a story my father told me when I was a kid. The son of Sicilian immigrants who didn’t have much, he told me that one day, as a 14-year-old, he found a quarter on the street. With that quarter he got a trolley ride, a hero sandwich and a triple feature. It was 1934, and a quarter got you somewhere in Brooklyn.
Jerry did skip over my major annoyance, property taxes. Last October, the Herald printed my op-ed, “Nassau is no county for old
beliefs while recognizing the humanity of those who see the world differently. Diversity of thought is essential to a thriving society. Healthy debate strengthens our communities, fosters new ideas and leads to meaningful progress. But progress is only possible when conversations are grounded in mutual respect.
As we address the challenges facing our nation, we must acknowledge that the path forward is not always clear. Intelligent, clear-thinking people will advocate different solutions based on their experiences and beliefs. That is to be expected. But what should never change is our commitment to engaging with one another as individuals deserving of respect, regardless of our differences.
It isn’t enough to simply argue about policies or demand that others see the world exactly as we do. True progress requires dialogue. It requires the humility to recognize that none of us has all the answers, and we must be open-minded enough to find solutions together, even when our collective problems seem impossibly difficult.
We must also reject the idea that disagreement makes those who disagree
into enemies. Too often, political and social divisions are deepened by rhetoric that seeks to demonize rather than understand. But a just and equitable society cannot be built on division. Rather, it requires the recognition that, despite our differences, we are all part of the same human family.
In the year ahead, let’s recommit to fostering a culture in which mutual respect is not an afterthought, but instead a guiding principle. Let’s teach our children — not just with words, but also with actions — that disagreement is not a reason to hate, but an opportunity to learn. Let’s model the kind of civil discourse that allows communities to grow stronger rather than splinter apart.
Black History Month, Women’s History Month and all the other days on which we honor those who have shaped our communities serve as indelible reminders of the R-E-S-P-E-C-T everyone deserves, every day. Despite the challenges we face, a just, equitable society remains within our reach — one in which opportunity isn’t determined by race or Zip code, where debate isn’t defined by hostility, and where respect is a cornerstone of its foundation.
men.” I’ll be 80 this summer, and my property taxes, which I’ve been paying for 47 years, are now north of $30,000. I hope that in his editorial role, Jerry can advocate
PHIL COMO
opinions On smartphones, collaborate, don’t mandate
the advent of smartphones, social media and other personal devices has brought about a revolution that has impacted everything from the way we communicate and socialize to the way we research information and work. While these technologies offer undeniable benefits, they also present significant challenges, particularly for our youth.
Gov. Kathy hochul’s proposed statewide ban on student smartphone use during the school day aims to address these challenges, but a top-down approach risks creating more problems than it solves. The governor has charged each school district with devising a plan for eliminating student smartphone use during the school day. While the motivation behind her proposal is laudable, the impact of this mandate could place schools at odds with students and their families. The path forward requires collaboration with our stakeholders, not mandates.
The research highlighting the nega-
tive impacts of social media on young people, especially girls, is compelling. Teachers, administrators and even students themselves acknowledge that smartphones are a problem. In addition to harmful effects on student wellbeing, their use has an adverse effect on learning, socialization and development. students whose use of smartphones is unregulated tend to pay attention less in class. As teachers battle for attention, learning declines. students may try to pay attention, but the gravitational pull of their phones is just too great. Between the alerts, the messages, the apps and the games, it’s extremely difficult for even the most diligent students to resist the urge to check their devices. We can all agree that something must be done.
a
income communities, access to smartphones is more than just play; it is a lifeline to work and needed resources.
s we discuss their challenges in schools, we can’t overlook their benefits.
hochul frames phones as a public health threat, justifying government intervention. however, we must consider parental choice and respect the principle of local control. schools need to work with teachers, families and students to co-construct “rules of engagement” for student smartphone use. We also need to understand the perspectives of all stakeholders before we make decisions that alter the way students navigate their day at schools.
are also significant. storing thousands of phones every day will present logistical and financial burdens for schools that are already stretched thin. While the state proposes funding for storage solutions, the ongoing costs of staffing and implementation remain a concern. Moreover, how will schools facilitate communication between parents and children in emergencies? These logistical hurdles underscore the need for careful planning and collaboration.
But as we discuss the challenges of phones in schools, we cannot overlook the benefits they provide. Teachers may utilize phones during class for instant feedback, and students rely on them when their school-issued devices malfunction or are unavailable. Additionally, some families rely on the access to their teens for coordinating child care or work schedules. In lower-
Letters
There’s good news about younger readers, Randi
To the Editor:
Re Randi Kreiss’s recent column, “When was the last time your read a book?”: I was happy to be informed about Randi’s impressions of the reading habits of children and young adults. This is a subject that I have a firsthand knowledge of.
Over the past 10 to 15 years, I have observed a tendency among my paying customers, most of whom are, in fact, 16 to 30 years old. Most come to me to fill a gap in their knowledge of classics, science fiction, general fiction, mystery and other literary genres. It seems that high schools and colleges assign them books that are online, but those who come to me seem to prefer hard copies. For me the trend is notable and rewarding, and boosts my hope that reading physical books, particularly classics, has not lost its luster in our over-technological, disgustingly overcomputerized society.
AMnOn TIshlER
Booklovers Paradise Bellmore
Alarmed at Blakeman’s ‘outrageous behavior’
To the Editor:
I am alarmed at the lack of alarm in nassau County in response to County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s outrageous behavior.
First he organized an independent local armed security force, and denied it was a “militia.” It actually fits the dictionary definition of a militia, which means Blakeman is either uninformed or disingenuous — or both.
Then he declared that the new York Post, a tabloid owned by Rupert Murdoch, is the official publication of nassau County, because Blakeman doesn’t like the leanings of n ewsday, which, for better or worse, has been a l ong Island-centric publication for decades. Both moves are autocratic and partisan, and both are indefensible — but the public outcry has been muted, at best. I believe we need to react to — and reject — this sort of overreach, which I do not believe represent either the feelings or the interests of many nassau County residents.
RIChARd sChWARz Bayville
We should teach students to be responsible young adults, with the ability to self-regulate, by fostering opportunities for them to do so. By teaching them from a young age to manage their phones, we empower them with lifelong skills that they will need in order to succeed in most workplaces. during these conversations with family members, we will undoubtedly find that one-size solutions will not fit every district. Instead, school leaders, in consultation with teachers, parents and students, should be able to develop their own solutions.
The practical implications of a ban
Many districts already have cellphone policies in place. These models, along with input from all stakeholders, should inform the development of targeted strategies that work for them. let’s allow schools the flexibility to develop plans that are responsive to the unique needs of their communities.
The goal is to create safe and productive learning environments in which children are free from the distracting influence of their phones. This requires open communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to finding solutions that work for everyone. By fostering collaboration and empowering local communities, we can effectively address the challenges of smartphone use in schools.
Monique Darrisaw-Akil is superintendent of the Uniondale Union Free School District.
Framework by Tim Baker
At Ogden Elementary School’s Father-Daughter Masquerade Ball
— Valley Stream
moniQUe Darrisaw- akiL
