Mission accomplished!
Long Beach High School junior Dunia Sibomana
captured the second state wrestling championship of his high school career last Saturday in Albany, with an overtime win in the 116pound final.
L.B. City Council applies for Community Block Grant funding
By ANGElINA ZINGARIEllo azingariello@liherald.com
Long Beach officials presented a detailed plan for allocating and utilizing Community Development Block Grant funds in the upcoming program year at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. A presentation on how the block grant program will continue to benefit Long Beach, by Tyler Huffman, the city’s director of community development, and Patricia Bourne, the director of economic development, coincided with the council’s approval of Long Beach’s application to Nassau County to continue its involvement this year. The federal program, created by the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and now in its 51st year, is designed to support local projects that enhance community growth, infrastructure, and housing development, with funding distributed by states and counties.
“I just want to say thanks for talking with Dan and the council about it,” Council President Brendan Finn told Huffman and Bourne, referring to City Manager Dan Creighton. “I’ll speak for myself at this moment, but we’re really thrilled with what you guys, what you both have done. It’s been excellent, really, very thankful for it.”
In 2023, the city was awarded $300,000 in feder-
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Kiwanis brunch to honor three local women
By ANGElINA ZINGARIEllo azingariello@liherald.com
The Kiwanis Club of Long Beach is set to host its third annual Women’s History Month Brunch Fundraiser on Sunday, celebrating outstanding women in the community and raising funds to support local children in need.
“There are so many dynamic women in our community that either are involved in various arts or are very philanthropic or just give back to the community,” Kiwanis President Marianne Raisig said. “We want to honor those people, because they are the thread that runs through this community that always step up when there’s a need.”
MARIANNE R AIsIG president, Kiwanis Club of Long Beach
The brunch will be held at Minnesota’s Bar & Grill, at 959 W. Beech St. Tickets are $65, and attendees are asked to bring new art supplies to give to students in need. As of press time, more than 100 tickets had been sold.
This year’s honorees are Liz Nachman, Teresa McCarthy and Amy Schwartz Bernabeo. Schwartz Bernabeo has spent years supporting local causes and people in need. A dedicated businesswoman in the fashion industry, she founded Amyzing Pieces, LLC, for which she creates jewelry and clothing. She is known for stepping up in times of crisis, offering help to community members and organizations. Recognized previously as Long Beach’s Woman of the Year, she continues to embody the spirit of generosity and service. McCarthy is a community leader whose work has ranged widely. As the director of community outreach at Maple Family Centers, she organizes fundraising events, and as a children’s librarian at the Island Park Public Library, she encourages a love of learning. McCarthy has also dedicated over a decade to Girl Scouts, mentoring young girls in lead-
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Ray Nelson/Herald
Blakeman makes his case for re-election
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced his plans to run for a second four-year term at a campaign kickoff event on Feb. 24. His opponent will be County Legislator Seth Koslow, a Democrat.
Over the past three and a half years, Blakeman and his team have taken pride in protecting residents’ money by reversing tax hikes he said were implemented by the prior administration.
“We have an amazing team of very competent, caring people, and they’re smart and they have common sense,” Blakeman said.
Initiatives he has implemented include signing an executive order to ensure that Nassau does not become a sanctuary county, and doesn’t spend residents’ tax dollars on services for those coming to the U.S. illegally.
“We’re spending our resources, our money on Nassau County residents, on our parks, our highways, our schools, in the hiring of cops,” Blakeman said. “We’re not going to be the ones who take people in who haven’t been vetted. We see the criminal activity they’ve been engaged in, so it was the right decision to make.”
Blakeman has also banned the wearing of masks in public, except for those
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald
There was a celebratory mood at Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s re-election kickoff rally at American Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa on Feb. 24.
who wear them for health or religious reasons. He said that this initiative was to cut down on crimes, including antisemitic crime.
Additionally, Blakeman signed an executive order to protect women and girls in sports by preventing biological males from competing on their teams and from being permitted in their lock-
er rooms.
Recalling his last campaign, he said that the one thing he wanted everyone to know was that he believed that when it comes to government, a new administration needed to return the county back to normalcy and common sense.
“And we did that,” he said. “We’ve gotten back to our American values
now. We’ve gotten back to the things our parents and our grandparents taught us, the values that have made this a great county and a great nation.”
North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena spoke about Blakeman’s unwavering support for her communities. “I have called him many times, and he has helped me without fail,” DeSena said. “When we had overwhelming floods hurting our neighbors in Manhasset, I called Bruce, and he and the Department of Public Works cleared the sump that gave our residents relief. When our Jewish brothers and sisters were scared after that Oct. 7 terrorist attack, I called Bruce, and he sent the police to protect them. Bruce loves Nassau County, and we are safer and better with him as Nassau County executive.” Koslow, who has served as a county legislator for a little over a year, is a lifelong Nassau resident. He said that he was looking to bringing the transparency, honesty and responsiveness he is known for to the county executive’s office.
“I may be relatively new to politics compared to lifelong politician Bruce Blakeman,” Koslow said, “but I know one thing for sure, which is that putting politics over public safety is a disgrace, and it should disqualify anyone from leading a county of over 1.3 million people.”
Hospital unveils emergency department
Mount Sinai South Nassau emerges from Hurricane Sandy with FEMA funds
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
In an ambitious project that began in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Mount Sinai South Nassau has unveiled its new, cutting-edge emergency department, ushering the hospital into a new era of patient care and community service.
Mount Sinai South Nassau has opened the Fennessy Family Emergency Department, in the newly constructed Feil Family Pavilion, continuing the expansion to meet the acute and emergency medical needs of the South Shore of Long Island.
A Vision Born from Crisis
The devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 left Long Beach Medical Center underwater, and ultimately forced it into bankruptcy. In a bold move during bankruptcy court proceedings, Mount Sinai South Nassau emerged as the sole hospital to take advantage of critical FEMA funding, being the only hospital to show up in bankruptcy court. They used part of the $470 million in FEMA funds to build the medical arts pavilion in Long Beach. The facility was rebuilt and reopened, with the medical arts pavilion completed in June 2023. The project was part of a broader reconstruction effort that also included the current emergency department renovation at the main hospital location.
“This really started with Sandy,” Joe Calderone, Mount Sinai’s senior vice president of corporate communications, said.
Strategic Investment and Innovative Funding
The new emergency department, part of a larger multi-project initiative that includes the Medical Arts Pavilion in Long Beach and a central utility plant, benefited from between $160-$172 million in FEMA funding. The decision not to rebuild a hospital in Long Beach was driven by safety concerns — Long Beach had been under a gubernatorial evacuation order during Sandy, and the hospital’s new location, further inland, promised a safer alternative.
“By 2014, we had gotten together and thought about what we wanted the facility to look like for the next 20 to 50 years,” Dr. Adhi Sharma, the hospital’s current president, said. “And part of that was adding this entire wing, but also understanding the emergency department at the time was undersized for the capacity that was needed to serve the communities that we serve. The vision then was to build an ED that would be welcoming to patients and families who accommodate family members.”
A Modern Emergency Department
Doubling in size from 15,000 to 30,000 square feet, the revamped emergency department now boasts 50 exam rooms featuring hard walls instead of traditional curtains, ensuring greater privacy and enhanced infection control. The design improvements, many of which were influenced by lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, include the installation of sliding glass doors to improve safety and airflow.
“We learned a lot during Covid, and these design changes reflect our commitment to the health and safety of both patients and staff,” Dr. Sharma said.
The new ED is a cornerstone of a new four-story, 100,000-square-foot Feil Family patient pavilion that will include nine new operating rooms and 40 new critical care suites set to open later this Spring. The new ED will be able to see approximately 80,000 patients annually. The new ED features centralized nursing stations for direct oversight of patient rooms, bedside triage, and a state-of-the art trauma unit with an adjoining radiology bay.
Enhanced Capabilities and New Facilities
In addition to the enhanced exam rooms, the new facility includes an upgraded triage area designed to streamline patient flow, ensuring those with minor issues are seen quickly and efficiently, and a state-ofthe-art trauma room, featuring four bays capable of accommodating up to eight patients. The trauma room is equipped to handle severe injuries and medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest.
Also, two new critical care floors — each with 20 private rooms and dedicated family accommodations — are set to open in April and June, respectively. These upgrades replace outdated bays with modern, spacious rooms that enhance patient care and comfort.
Additionally, nine new operating rooms are scheduled to open in August, with these rooms being significantly larger than their predecessors. With operating
spaces ranging from 600 to 1,000 square feet, they are designed to accommodate advanced surgical equipment and procedures, positioning the hospital to perform more complex surgeries.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
Hospital leadership expressed confidence that the expansion will reduce patient wait times and improve overall emergency care efficiency, thanks in part to an innovative triage system that deploys providers immediately upon the patients’ arrival. The new department is designed to accommodate a diverse range of patient needs — from pediatric to geriatric care, as well as specialized areas like behavioral health, which now benefits from a separate, dedicated space to provide a more therapeutic environment.
“What we’re building for the community, all the different aspects of the community’s needs, whether it’s behavioral health, pediatrics or geriatrics or even trauma care,” Dr. Jay Itzkowitz, the hospital’s department chair for emergency medicine, said. “We’re increasing our capacity to care for more patients, reducing wait times by having a provider in triage. More nursing at the front end to see the patients being brought in quicker with more efficient emergency care. We now have state-of-the-art equipment, additional treatment rooms, and dedicated teams of medical professionals made up of doctors and nurses caring for the patients from the moment they get in until the moment they’re ready to go. More importantly, for the community, we’re bringing more services to the hospital.”
A Bold Step Forward
The project has not only modernized the hospital’s infrastructure but also positioned Mount Sinai South Nassau as a leading facility capable of serving thousand in its area. Joe Fennessy, former board chairman and donor, whose family name now adorns the emergency department, expressed pride in the project.
“It’s not just about bricks and mortar — it’s about ensuring that every individual receives the highest quality of care,” Fennessy said.
Hospital president Dr. Adhi Sharma guided guest’s though different new aspects of the Emergency Department.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Andrew Triolo, the hospital’s Vice President for Facilities, Planning and Development, lead a tour of the new Emergency Department. Triolo serves as the architectural liaison for strategic planning and program development.
City officials tout benefits of federal block grant funds
al funding by Nassau County, and last year the total doubled to $600,000, as well as a separate grant of $160,000 to renovate Sherman Brown Park, on East Pine St. City officials are expecting at least another $600,000 this year.
What is Elder Law Estate Planning?
“Elder Law Estate Planning” is an area of law that combines features of both elder law (disability planning) and estate planning (death planning) and relates mostly to the needs of the middle class. Estate planning was formerly only for the wealthy, who wanted to shelter their assets from taxes and pass more on to their heirs. But today estate planning is also needed by the middle class who often have assets exceeding one million dollars, especially when you consider life insurance in the mix.
Estate planning with trusts became popular starting in 1991 when AARP published “A Consumer Report on Probate” concluding that probate should be avoided and trusts should be used to transfer assets to heirs without the expense and delay of probate, a court proceeding on death. Trusts are also widely used today to avoid guardianship proceedings on disability, protect privacy, and reduce the chance of a will contest in court.
As the population aged, life expectancies increased, and the cost of care skyrocketed, the field of elder law emerged in the late 1980’s to help people protect assets from the cost of long-term care by using Medicaid asset protection strategies.
We have been practicing “elder law estate planning” together for over thirty-five years to address these needs:
• Getting your assets to your heirs, with the least amount of court costs, taxes and legal fees possible.
• Keeping your assets in the bloodline for your grandchildren and protecting those assets from your children’s divorces, lawsuits and creditors.
• Protecting your assets from the costs of long-term care and qualifying you for government benefits to pay for your home care or facility care.
• Avoiding guardianship proceedings if you become disabled and probate court proceedings on death.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
The funds are divided into three categories: administration, public services, and public facilities and infrastructure. Administration funding, which covers a portion of the salaries of staff members responsible for managing the program, typically accounts for 15 to 20 percent of the total allocation. Public services funding, which is capped at 15 percent of the total, supports programming for seniors and youth. The largest portion of the funds, around 65 percent, is dedicated to public facilities and infrastructure improvements. Long Beach has previously used the money for projects including street upgrades, the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk, HVAC system replacements at community centers and playground renovations at several parks.
“There’s no way we could tell people today what the awards will be, because we don’t even know what funding we’re
getting,” Creighton said. “This is to inform the application process.”
At least 50 percent of the participants in public service programs must be from low- to moderate-income households, and public facilities and infrastructure projects must be located in designated low to moderate-income neighborhoods or serve those populations.
The city has seen a decline in the number of eligible so-called “yellow zones” that designate the qualifying areas. This isn’t necessarily because those neighborhoods have improved, but rather the result of changes in the underlying data and criteria that HUD uses to define the zones.
As the city enters the 51st year of the block grant program, it plans to set aside a portion of the allocation for “subgrants,” ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, for local nonprofits.
“Unfortunately, we can’t award grants to everybody because the funding is limited, but at this point in time, we’re still reviewing those applications,” Huffman said. “We’re looking to finalize the winning applications that will make it to the next round in the next week or two.”
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Continued from page 1
Herald file photo
residents heard a presentation at tuesday’s City Council meeting highlighting how the city will continue to benefit from Community development Block grants.
LONG LIVE
Many ways to access great doctors? We have that. Simple mobile app? We have that, too. Convenient locations for primary, specialty and urgent care? Absolutely. On Long Island, you have options in health care. But at Catholic Health, we'd like to remind you to choose you first – because we did, too.
Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™
Reworld Honors Long Island’s Champions At Herald Sustainability Awards Gala
STAFF REPORT
Last week Reworld™ celebrated several of Long Island’s sustainability leaders, educators, and community advocates as part of its ongoing efforts to empower community and environmental advocacy initiatives and to raise awareness of sustainability locally. The honors were presented during the recent Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld, held at the Heritage Club at Bethpage. The event provided a platform to recognize individuals and organizations making significant contributions to advancing sustainable policies, protecting natural resources, educating future generations, and implementing community-driven initiatives to improve the region’s environmental landscape. In addition to honoring established community programs, Reworld also awarded two local students with $2,500 in prizes for their inspirational efforts to enhance quality of life in the region and encourage sustainability for generations to come.
“Our work helps Long Island communities reduce environmental impact while creating new opportunities for sustainability,” said Dawn Harmon, Director, Long Island Market, Reworld.
“Through our Long Island facilities, we eliminate the need for additional landfill space and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are so proud to support those leading the way in sustainability on Long Island and beyond.”
Among those honored were Don X. Clavin, Jr., Hempstead Town Supervisor, and Rich Schaffer, Babylon Town Supervisor, for their leadership in environmental policy. John D. Cameron, Jr., P.E., of IMEG, was recognized for his contributions as an environmental engineering leader. Randi Shubin Dresner of Island Harvest was acknowledged for her efforts in sustainable community leadership. Organizations such as the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Seatuck Environmental Association, and Cornell
Cooperative Extension Nassau County were highlighted for their community impact in sustainability. Leaders like Eric Swenson of the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, Robert Weltner of Operation SPLASH, and the Rotary Environmental Action Coalition of Huntington (REACH) were also celebrated for their dedication to environmental preservation.
Additionally, educators Jennifer Lasher and Lissette Pellegrino from Barnum Woods Elementary School were honored as environmental stewards in education. Stony Brook
University’s Esther Poon was honored along with two younger student honorees who were recognized for their outstanding commitment to sustainability. Louisiana State University freshman and 11-year-old Joseph Petraro received the award for his dedication to a range of community empowerment programs through Joe’s Be Kind Campaign, such as Clean Wells for Humanity which addresses global water scarcity. Desiree Mohammadi, a student at South Woods Middle School who is 12 years old, was honored for developing Seeds of Hope, an initiative that donates thousands of seeds to be planted at community gardens across Long Island to combat food insecurity sustainably.
As the presenting sponsor, Reworld is committed to supporting those at the forefront of environmental progress. With four facilities in Westbury, West Babylon, East Northport, and Ronkonkoma, the company processes two-thirds of Long Island’s waste, recycling 60,000 tons of metals and generating enough electricity to power thousands of homes each year. Through its efforts, Reworld™ reduces the need for landfill expansion, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and helps local communities adopt sustainable waste solutions.
Beyond this event, Reworld remains committed to fostering sustainability throughout Long Island with year-round programs that engage local schools, nonprofit organizations, and municipal partners.Through educational initiatives, community cleanups, and environmental awareness campaigns, Reworld continues to support the next generation of sustainability advocates while strengthening the region’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
For more information about Reworld and its initiatives that support various community empowerment and environmental programs fostering positive change locally and globally, please visit www.reworldwaste.com.
To view more pictures please visit www. richnerlive.com.
Holden Leeds/HERALD
Azeez Mohammed, CEO of Reworld delivers welcoming remarks.
Jason Thomas/HERALD
Reworld Lead Community Relations Specialist, Maureen Early (left), with honoree president and CEO Randi Shubin Dresner of Island Harvest (center) and Reworld Long Island Market Director, Dawn Harmon.
Holden Leeds/HERALD
Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin, Jr. addresses the audience after receiving his award.
HERALD SPORTS
Sibomana works OT for state championship
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
As he did two weeks earlier when he captured a fourth straight Nassau County Division 1 wrestling championship, Long Beach’s Dunia Sibomana was rocking his University of North Carolina gear last Friday and Saturday at the New York State tournament in Albany.
Then, the future Tar Heel with a compelling life story fit for the big screen rocked the competition at MVP Arena.
Sibomana, a junior, captured his second state title and first in three years with a dominant performance in the 116pound bracket. The No. 1 seed capped a 52-2 campaign with an overtime victory by pin over Newburgh Free Academy’s Cooper Meril in Saturday evening’s final.
Meril, a two-time state champ, beat Sibomana, 1-0, in last year’s 108-pound final.
“I didn’t think there was going to be any denying Dunia this season,” Long Beach coach Ray Adams said of Sibomana, who took third in the state as a freshman two years ago. “It took everything he had,” he added. “Everyone said the final
was the most exciting match of the tournament. The place exploded.”
Meril, also a junior, entered the finals with only one loss in 50 matches — to Sibomana — and was seeded second. He forced OT with an escape with two seconds remaining to tie the match at 2-2.
Sibomana, who beat Meril in overtime at the prestigious Eastern States Tournament earlier this season, needed 44 seconds to finish the job.
“I just kind of reset and didn’t let that late point he scored bother me,” Sibomana said. “I was able to get him in a cradle and that led to the pin. It feels great. This was my goal all season and I’m glad all the hard work paid off.”
Adams said the biggest strategy was to turn up the pace in the match. “Last year Meril played the match slow to offset Dunia’s athletic ability,” Adams said. “We wanted to push the pace like we did at Eastern States so Dunia could wrestle to his strengths.”
Sibomana said Meril is “the toughest opponent I’ve ever wrestled.”
Along the way to the state crown, Sibomana met a familiar foe. His quarterfinal versus Valley Stream North junior
Andrew Poh was a rematch of the Nassau final and this time Sibomana needed just 1:44 to pin his fellow county resident.
In Saturday morning’s semifinal, Sibomana racked up 16 points in a tech fall win over Anthony Lagala Ryan of Longwood in Suffolk County.
Andreula All-State again
It was another All-State finish for Long Beach’s Ethan Andreula.
The freshman won four straight decisions following a quarterfinal defeat to No. 1 seed and undefeated eventual champ Will Soto of Newburgh to earn the third-place spot on the podium. It was a state Three-Peat for Soto.
Andreula allowed just seven points in wrestlebacks and claimed third with a 2-1 OT victory over Vincenzo Mannello of Hawthorne.
“I’m very proud of Ethan,” Adams said. “He got the 9-seed and was in a tough spot in the bracket. He was so upset after the loss to Soto but wrestled really well all weekend. It’s his third time AllState and that’s the first time in program history anyone has done that by their freshman year.”
Dunia Sibomana embraced Long Beach assistant coach Leo Palacio after capturing the state 116-pound title last Saturday evening in Albany.
Ray Nelson/Herald
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Parrish-Brown removes stigma around trauma
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Continuing a month-long series of interviews with influential area women in honor of Women’s History Month. Shanell Parrish-Brown is an attorney, author, professor, consultant, speaker and thought leader.
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Shanell Parrish-Brown: I’m a child of domestic violence. My father was incarcerated for the early years of my life and came home with many issues that affected our family structure. But he gave me a gift. He would force me to read high-level texts, and it created my love of vocabulary.
I’ve always been a writer. So in 2017, I wrote a novel called “Gifts in Brown Paper Packages.” I didn’t set out initially to write a novel I would publish. In fact, what I set out to do, at the encouragement of my therapist, was process some childhood experiences that this therapist thought I should be talking about in our sessions. Those are things that certainly shaped me, but I didn’t want to be defined in that way. So my writing changed that.
Herald: What do you do? Why?
Parrish-Brown: I run a business where I publish literary work, and I provide programming and education consulting for all audiences. I’m a resilience builder. I teach a course at Fordham University about trauma and family violence, which features my novel as one of the reference materials.
My premise is that if we’re not interacting with our youth from a traumainformed place, we can recognize that kids who are acting out are likely responding to trauma. If we’re not interacting with children from that perspective, they get lost. Mental health challenges in children, like suicidal ideation, have only been exacerbated. We really should be addressing these issues on every single level.
get the press that it needs. I’m also running a business as an independent consultant, and working with government systems is difficult. But I keep going, and I stay in the work. I continue to put myself in spaces where I can meet people and share my work. I do calls with anyone who’s interested in hearing about the work I’m doing, even if they can’t hire me. It puts me in a place where I have opportunities to spread awareness.
Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?
Parrish-Brown: Some of my proudest moments come out of my classroom. It’s every single time I leave a class, and a student comes up to me asking if they can hug me.
nated with them. We have more similarities as a human race, and trauma doesn’t have a Zip code.
Herald: What advice would you offer? What work is left to be done?
Parrish-Brown: We need more trauma awareness. It’s a prerequisite to action. What we don’t know, or don’t seek to know, gives people the ability to keep their heads in the sand.
One of my goals is to open a resilience institute. It’s really about validating the need for us as a society to be promenading and dialoging around resilience, and that’s what I want to capture.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?
Parrish-Brown: The biggest challenge in my work is access. We have to normalize awareness of trauma, because it’s an area that doesn’t really
One of my proudest moments came from a two-hour resilience workshop I did in South Bronx. It was a Spanishspeaking audience, and I don’t speak Spanish, so I had an interpreter. These parents had tears in their eyes after leaving the session. They were fully engaged and telling me what I said reso-
Why are we not teaching about trauma? Many of my students say I’m the first person to inform them about it. Talking about it helps people realize their own experience with trauma. I’ll have students pouring out themselves in their papers, and I can sit down and ask them if they’re seeing someone about it. That’s why I want a platform and the ability to raise awareness around this work.
To learn more about Shanell ParrishBrown’s work, visit her website, SPBrownWrites.com.
Lauren Wagner leads Long Island Arts Alliance
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Wagner: I’m Lauren Wagner, an arts advocate, nonprofit leader and champion for the creative sector. I lead Long Island Arts Alliance, where I work to ensure the arts are recognized, supported and celebrated as essential to our communities. With a background in arts administration and museum studies, I’m passionate about connecting the arts with education, economic growth and community development.
Herald: What do you do? Why?
keeps you going/inspires you?
Wagner: One of the biggest challenges has been fighting the perception that the arts are expendable. Time and again, I’ve seen arts funding slashed, despite the undeniable impact of the creative sector. What keeps me going is knowing that when we equip organizations with the right tools — data, advocacy and visibility — they can thrive. Seeing the arts make a real difference in communities, in schools and in people’s lives fuels my passion.
Wagner: I lead Long Island Arts Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the arts through advocacy, education and resources. I do this work because I believe the arts are not just about creativity — they’re about economic prosperity, community identity and shaping the future. The arts are often overlooked when funding decisions are made, and I’m committed to changing that narrative.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what
Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?
Wagner: Professionally, one of my proudest moments was leading Long Island’s first-ever economic impact study on the arts. Providing hard data that proves the arts are a powerful economic engine — and watching organizations use that data to secure funding — has been incredibly rewarding. Personally, my proudest moments are raising my two young sons and instilling in them a love for creativity and learning.
Herald: What advice would you offer? What work is left to be done?
Wagner: My advice? Advocate relentlessly. The arts need champions who won’t accept being sidelined. And never separate numbers from stories — data alone doesn’t inspire, and stories without facts don’t drive action.
There’s still so much work ahead. We need stronger arts education policies,
more equitable funding, and continued efforts to make the arts a priority in economic development. But I believe that with the right strategy, the right voices and the right advocacy, we can get there.
For more information, visit LongIslandArtsAlliance.org.
SHANELL PARRISH-BROwN
LAUREN wAGNER
Courtesy Long Island Arts Alliance
Lauren Wagner, executive director of the Long Island Arts Alliance, said she believes the arts are worth fighting for. She spoke to the Huntington Arts Coalition in 2023.
A new gig for this Long Beach musician
Katie Mitchell playing at Baldwin Public Library for first time this month
By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com
Katie Mitchell got into music at a young age, starting to write her own songs and lyrics even before she was 10. She was surrounded by a musical family, with her mother playing gigs out a bars, and letting her do her own little sets in between.
Since then, she knew music was for her. And once she saw her first Broadway play, she knew New York was for her, too.
Originally from Virginia and Ohio, Mitchell came to the state for college. When she was 19, in her dorm room, she started putting some more songs together, getting ready to start playing out again.
“I took guitar lessons for a while when I was a kid, but I didn’t really stick with it,” Mitchell recalled. “I picked up the guitar again when I was in college, at 19 or so, just sitting around my dorm room, bored. I started just teaching myself chords and stuff like that. That was really when I started to work more on putting songs together and learning covers. I started playing little gigs then.”
She met a group of people at an open mic night at a bar in Forest Hills who told her about Long Beach. She loved it, and now she’s lived in the city for just over 10 years.
When she first came to Long Beach and started playing out at places, she would just do some acoustic sets in between other performers’ sets. She would only do these shorter sets, but she
met so many people and made connections that way, that she was able to start putting together her own group.
“It wasn’t until I moved to Long Beach and met these people that in this music community here, that I really started to put together a full band,” she said. “I came to Long Beach and met all these musicians, and everyone was so encouraging, so I put people together and made a band, and have been doing that for 10 or 11 years now.”
Mitchell plays with her band — the Katie Mitchell Band — and also some smaller ensembles, sometimes even solo. She’s played out in many places, not just in Long Beach. She’s brought her music to restaurants like JJ Coopers and The Buoy Bar, and other venues and events at Eisenhower Park, the Long Beach Public Library, Long Beach’s Porch Fest and even Manhattan. After playing at the public library last September, she was contacted by the Baldwin Public Library and asked to play for their Women’s History Month event on March 9. That gig will be her first time playing in Baldwin.
Mitchell and her band will take the stage at the library — at 2385 Grand Ave. — starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are required and are available at the library’s adult reference desk, or by phone at (516) 223-6228.
“It’s been a really exciting few years,” Mitchell said. “I haven’t had to work that hard at booking my own gigs or getting calls; people call me. It’s really exciting and it’s fun to be connected to the community in this way.”
For the first time, on March 9,
Courtesy Liz Degen
Katie Mitchell has been playing around Long Island for years at sorts of gigs.
she’ll be playing at the Baldwin Public Library.
L.B. Lions Club karaoke night was rockin’
By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com
The Long Beach Lions Club — which is part of an international organization that is very active on Long Island, with chapters in many villages, towns and cities — has 40 members of their own that constantly do charitable work.
The club constantly holds events throughout each year, raising money for various people and groups. Most recently they held a karaoke night fundraiser on Feb. 28, ending the month in song, at Peter’s Clam Bar in Island Park. The event was set up to raise for two different — yet important — causes: service dogs for those who need, and to help repair a children’s park in Island Park.
Schwartz and the club have been trying to raise money to help repair the park on Waterford Road in Island Park for some time. He said the park needs a lot of repairs and, along with repairing it, they want to be able to add to it. The hope is to transform a grass area there into a brandnew pickleball court. They also have hopes to potentially create a dog park there as well.
The club has been raising money and sponsoring service dogs for whoever needs them for over 25 years. It costs about $6,000 for each service dog, and the club has sponsored over 60 dogs throughout the years. The karaoke night exceeded Club President Alan Schwartz’s expectations, and made each cause more attainable.
“We raised over $6,000,” Schwartz said, “We went in expecting $3-$4,000. We did better than we thought and we had a little over 100 people in Peter’s Clam Bar.”
Along with karaoke, the event featured live music, food and soft drinks, door prizes, raffles and a 50/50. Some of the raffle prizes included scratch-off lottery tickets,
wine and liquor baskets and baskets from restaurants. There was also the chance to win a handful of autographed and gameused sports memorabilia.
Some of the memorabilia included an autographed jersey of Long Beach’s own — Charlie McAvoy — a signed baseball from former New York Met and Yankee David Cone and a signed Joe Torre baseball. There was also a signed picture of New Jersey Devil Jack Hughes, a gameused stick from New York Ranger Artemi Panarin, and several others.
“We have 40 members, and we have about 15 members from Island Park,” Schwartz said. “I am originally from Long Beach, but have been living in Island Park for 32 years now. I wanted to start doing things to get people involved in Island Park. I want to get the businesses involved in the community and get more members. The more the better.”
Mike Campiglia belted out “A Teenager in Love.”
Skye Margies/Herald photos
Welcoming everyone to the event was Diane Laura, Allen Schwartz, the club’s president, Michael Auerbach, the club’s secretary, and PDG Norman Alpren.
Eileen Pollis sang “Wind Beneath My Wings.”
Annie Kayman happily took the stage to sing “The Girl From Ipanema.”
Dylan Mercante sang “Sweet Caroline.”
The possible impacts of the federal bill passed last month was discussed by Reps. Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi and several business and organization leaders at Hofstra University on March 1.
How federal budget bill could impact Long Island
More than 700 people attended a live budget briefing with Reps. Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi at Hofstra University that focused on the potentially harmful effects of the partisan budget reconciliation bill passed by the House of Representatives on Feb. 25.
Suozzi opened the March 1 briefing with a detailed PowerPoint, explaining that Congress has yet to pass a full budget for fiscal year 2025 and is currently relying on temporary “Continuing Resolutions,” the latest of which expires on March 14.
He emphasized that the reconciliation bill, which sets the federal government’s spending and revenue for the next decade, would create massive deficits by cutting taxes for the wealthiest Americans while slashing critical programs.
“I support cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, but this bill will slash essential funding for hospitals, nursing homes, environmental projects, clean air and water initiatives, school lunches, and more,” Suozzi said in a news release after the event. “Let’s use a scalpel, not a chainsaw — pass a bipartisan budget and do it the right way.”
All Democratic members of Congress, including Suozzi and Gillen, voted against the bill, along with one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
“This briefing was a crucial opportunity for Long Islanders to learn more about the budget process and hear from local experts on how the proposed budget would impact our communities,” Gillen said in the release. “This budget would rip thousands of people from their healthcare, gut programs that my constituents rely on, and raise costs for working families. I’ll always work across the aisle when it means delivering results for Long Island, but I won’t support a bill that’s bad for Nassau County.”
The event also featured speakers such as Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health, the largest employer in the state, Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters, Randi Shubin Dresner, CEO of
Island Harvest, and Stanfort Perry, CEO of AHRC Nassau. Each highlighted the potential damage the proposed budget cuts could do to their sectors.
“I’ve been through budget battles before, and they’re tough. But budgets are not just about numbers; they’re about people’s lives,” Dowling said in the release. “Decency must be part of the process. You can make tough decisions, but when you combine bad numbers with indecency and a lack of humanity, it makes everything worse.”
Tighe noted the environmental risks posed by the budget.
“The proposed cuts threaten the progress we’ve made in cleaning up our air and water and advancing affordable clean energy,” she said in the release. Clean air and water should not be partisan issues. All Americans deserve access to stable, homegrown energy that isn’t subject to the volatile cost of fossil fuels.”
Shubin Dresner expressed concern about the impact on food security programs.
“Island Harvest has $2 million in funding currently frozen, putting 17 critical programs at risk,” she said in the release. “You can’t solve a budget crisis by cutting support for the most vulnerable.”
Perry emphasized the dangers of proposed cuts to Medicaid services for people with disabilities.
“We cannot endure these cuts,” he said in the release. “When agencies like AHRC Nassau can’t provide the care people with disabilities need, they end up in hospitals or nursing homes. This isn’t fiscal responsibility—it’s harming those who need help the most.”
“These issues matter to our community, and people are paying attention,” Suozzi stated in the release. “Over 700 Long Islanders came today to learn how Washington’s decisions affect their lives. I’m proud of my community, and I will continue to fight for the programs and services Long Island depends on.”
–Jeffrey Bessen
Herald file photos
NCPD wellness center focus is mental health
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
The Nassau County Police Department unveiled a new wellness center at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 26. The center aims to support the mental health and well-being of law enforcement personnel and county employees by providing a place to relax, de-stress and connect with mental health resources.
Joining department members at police headquarters in Mineola for the ceremony were County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, District Attorney Anne Donnelly, Police Benevolent Association President Tommy Shevlin, and county legislators John Ferretti and Thomas McKevitt.
The wellness center, according to Blakeman, will serve as a safe space in which law enforcement personnel and county employees can address mental health and wellness concerns. It connects members with resources such as the employee assistance program, peer support and police chaplains.
Blakeman acknowledged that while mental health struggles, particularly suicide, were once stigmatized, open discussions are now helping those in distress find the support and therapy they need.
“This center is going to focus on keeping everybody in law enforcement in Nassau County well and healthy,”
Charles Shaw/Herald
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman cut the ribbon, alongside law enforcement officials and local leaders, to mark the opening of the Nassau County Police Department’s new wellness center on Feb. 26.
Blakeman said. “And that’s what we want to do.”
The center will function as a resource hub where officers and county employees can seek guidance and support. While there will be no clinicians on-site, trained staff will be on hand to talk and connect members with wellness services. Ryder highlighted the
Presented by:
role of peer support, which offers immediate assistance to officers after traumatic incidents, such as the death of a child or a homicide scene.
“We always recognize the fallen,” Ryder said. “But there are a lot of people who get damaged along the way and don’t get recognized. Today we’re doing that.”
According to Ryder, the facility, a former museum, offers couches, massage chairs and televisions, and at atmosphere in which those feeling stressed can relax, have a cup of coffee and seek guidance.
Donnelly said it was a privilege to attend the center’s opening, and recognized its role in supporting those exposed to trauma. She noted its importance for law enforcement officers who must recount difficult experiences — and for assistant district attorneys who may need support after reviewing crime scene photos.
“The most important thing I believe we can do is care for those who care for us, and that’s the men and women of our Nassau County Police Department,” Donnelly said.
Detective Sgt. Michelle CliffordMarin will lead the center, a role that holds deep personal significance for her. Her brother, Nassau police officer Steven Clifford, died by suicide in 2017, at age 35, after serving in law enforcement for 12 years.
Clifford-Marin said that leading the project is an honor, and that it would be a privilege to help anyone who walks in to achieve a healthy mind, body and soul.
“We want everyone to be healthy,” she said, “and we want everyone to get the help they need, if they do need any help, to prevent additional tragedies like my brother.”
with Deals!
STEPPING OUT
Louisiana Calling
From the deep roots tag team of Cajun slide guitar phenom Sonny Landreth and legendary New Orleans Latin-Americana rockers the Iguanas comes a mind-blowing musical trip through the scenic soundscape of the bayou. Still wet from crawling out of the swamps, this cross-pollinated confection will be both savory and sweet. Louisiana’s calling — here’s your chance to answer. Landreth’s unique spin on guitar playing has made him legendary. This Louisiana based Blues guitar wizard’s slide playing is distinctive and unlike anything else you’ve ever heard. He simultaneously plays slide and fingers the fret board producing a sound that is often said to resemble many instruments playing at once. His music encompasses Mississippi Delta blues, zydeco and Southern rock. He’s joined by The Iguanas, a fixture of the New Orleans music scene for over two decades.
Get ready for Carnival at Long Island Children’s
Museum Feasts, floats, festivities
By Danielle Schwab
Bring the family to join in the good times when the Children’s Museum opens its doors to Carnival this weekend.
As a globally cherished cultural celebration, Carnival honors the unique traditions and diverse identities of each community it touches. Especially significant to Caribbean and Latin American cultures, it’s a vibrant cultural showcase of creativity and self-expression. These themes are woven into every aspect of the museum’s festivities, with the support of New York Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, to make this occasion truly special.
“The holiday is a great entry point of learning for our community and for families. It’s so vibrant and colorful and just a happy event. So it’s fun to give opportunities for people to really celebrate,” Aimee Terzulli, the museum’s vice president for programs and visitor experience, says.
Everyone can get moving to the sounds of drums with Samba and Salsa music guided by the dancers of the Brazilian Sama Novo troupe. Towering “Jumbie” stilt walkers, rooted as a symbol of spirit guardians, bring the magic to life as an iconic part of the Carnival
Saturday, March 8, 8 p.m. $79, $69, $59. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
headpieces or even get their faces painted in elaborate designs to stand out in the crowd as they make their rounds through the museum.
“Costumes are often deep-rooted in cultural themes but are also a symbol of freedom and liberation, they often can mimic animals,” Terzulli says.
Guests can also create flags to show their cultural pride and represent the many countries that celebrate Carnival.
Before the parade kicks off, everyone will have a chance to decorate themed floats and even meet some very special party guests.
“We’ll have our animal specialists showing certain animals that are part of our collection and show them how some of these animals are connected to certain float themes, typically in the Caribbean or in Latin America,” Terzulli adds.
life celebration.
Plus, a special
• Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9
• Performances at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older
True to Carnival’s festive spirit, a King and Queen will be crowned to lead the crowd with energy and flair. But don’t worry, there’s a role for everyone — both kids and adults — to involve everyone, according to Terzulli.
Jost
Plus, a special performance from the fourth and fifth graders at Elmont’s Dutch Broadway School will get feet jumping to the beat.
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
“It’s about communities really coming together and celebrating different talents and roles that they have.“ she says. “Families that can learn together have tremendous value when you come together to learn something new.”
Although the holiday is celebrated at various times during the year, hosting it in March provides the perfect opportunity to embrace the changing seasons.
“In March, we’re still not quite in spring so it’s a great way to spend time with your family indoors in a very celebratory way,” Terzulli reminds everyone.
“The students have created lessons in different dances that are involved like reggae and calypso, typical for Caribbean culture,” Terzulli explains. “Generation to generation learning is powerful. We want kids teaching other kids.”
Caribbean culture,” Terzulli explains. “Generation
The event is part of a series of cultural festivals the museum is hosting to invite Long Island communities to learn and celebrate together.
“We want people to know about each other and celebrate all the great similarities and differences that make our cultures vibrant and alive here,” Terzulli says.
Live … from Long Island … it’s Colin Jost! 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” co-anchor, 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.” Among other endeavors, Jost debuted “A Very Punchable Face” in 2020, His 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.
will tempt visitors, including Haitian beignets,
Need some fuel after all that dancing? Delicious treats — both sweet and savory — will tempt visitors, including Haitian beignets, marinades, tropical juices, and cocoa bread. And naturally, no Carnival would be complete without a massive parade to ring in the holiday. Families can create wearable crafts such as beaded whistles and feathery
Photo on bottom: Be sure to create a parade-worthy headdress and design a whistle to toot some Carnival spirit.
Thursday, March 13, 8 and 10 p.m.
$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.
Colin
Photos courtesy LICM
Photo on top left: Towering stilt walkers, known as Jumbies, are an iconic Carnival element.
Photo on top right: Ron DeFrancesco, Sama Novo director, creates the beats.
Your Neighborhood
THE
March 15
Anthony Rodia
Anthony Rodia is back with his “Laugh Til It Hurts” tour, on the Paramount stage, Friday, March 15, 7:30 and 10 p.m.; also Saturday, March 16, 7 and 9:30 p.m. His allnew routine is refreshingly genuine and quick witted! A first-generation Italian-American from Westchester, Rodia’s comedy pulls from his razorsharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a rant. He came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path as a finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. He hit the ground running and performed 100 shows in just nine months, and within three years gained a massive fan base online and around the country. In a short time, Anthony gained over 900,000 social media followers and his YouTube videos have amassed over 22 million views.
Rodia’s comedy pulls from his real life and razor-sharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a rant. With the onset of quarantine, He made the most of a captive audience, delivering a staggering 86 weekly videos. “Road Rage Wednesday” became a fan favorite, but his Uncle Vinny and Zia Lucia characters transformed into a phenomenon. They are the crazy uncle and aunt you love but can’t be out in public with, who speak their minds (whether you asked for it or not). $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
In concert
Long Island Blues Society presents the Duke Robillard Trio and Long Island’s BFS Trio at My Father’s Place, Saturday, March 8, 8-10 p.m. Duke Robillard, the founder of Roomful of Blues, brings his band back to Long Island for an exceptional night of blues. My Father’s Place at The Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/information, visit MyFathersPlace.com or call (516) 580-0887.
Breastfeeding Support Group
Mercy Hospital offers a peer-topeer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.
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.
Ask the tech guy
Do you have questions about your computer or laptop?
Want to learn more about Zoom, streaming movies, etc 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 LongBeachLibrary.org.
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, March 8, 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.
6,
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notices
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
Dated: 1/30/2025 File Number: 560-2175 CA 151591
www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
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
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for RCF 2 Acquisition Trust, Plaintiff AGAINST The Estate of Jorge U. Vega, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 15, 2023, 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 April 1, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 42 E. Hudson 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, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 59, Block: 94, Lot: 23, 24, 25. Approximate amount of judgment $525,438.42 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616874/2018. Jane Pastor Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-044001-F00 84475 151806
Kiwanis set to host third brunch honoring women
ership and service.
Nachman is a driving force behind local philanthropy and business initiatives. She founded Rebuild the Beach after Hurricane Sandy, raising funds for Long Beach schools and the community. As a co-owner of Brandable Marketing, she supports local businesses with promotional products while also leading charitable efforts through Kiwanis, Beach Giving and the Long Beach Farmers’ Market.
The money raised at the brunch will help send local children in need to summer camp. The club supports local camps at the Long Beach Recreation Center and the Martin Luther King Center as well as Camp Kiwanis in the Adirondacks.
Founded in 1957, the city Kiwanis Club has served the community ever since, focusing on assisting children. Through partnerships with local schools and social workers, the club has provided everything from school supplies and winter coats to resources for displaced families in need of necessities. It also organizes initiatives like food drives, holiday support programs and even a bike safety rodeo, in collaboration with the Long Beach Police
Department.
“We just notice a need and we try to fulfill those needs, trying to make a child’s life just a little better,” Raisig said. “We don’t look at it as a handout, we look at it as a hand up . Sometimes just a small intervention in a child’s life could make a dramatic difference for the rest of their life, like somebody cares, and that’s what we’re about.”
The club also works with the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Centers at Stony Brook University Hospital and Cohen Children’s Hospital, and takes participate in programs such as cooking meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House New York Metro, an organization that provides a “home away from home” to families who have a sick child in a nearby hospital.
Each fall, Kiwanis hosts another key fundraiser; Playing in the Pubs, in which local bands donate their time for a day of live music. Proceeds from the event help fund music lessons for children from low-income families who qualify for New York State School Music Association competitions but can’t afford private lessons.
To purchase tickets for the brunch and learn more about the organization, visit kiwanisclublb.org.
Amy Schw Artz BArnABeo
Liz nAchmAn
tereSA m c cArthy
Courtesy Long Beach Public Schools
Long Beach High School football players Shea Mullarkey, Wyatt Katzen and Brody Riedel eared All-State honors. Their coach, Rocco Tenebruso, right, was proud to see his players recognized with their awards.
Help Wanted
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Yes, keep those pipes warm
A Hamptons Delight
WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
Apartments For Rent
CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978
LYNBROOK: NEWLY RENOVATED 1 BR, EIK, Lower Level. Own Thermostat. $1700 Includes All Except Cable/ WIFI. No Smoking/ Pets. 631-433-5397
Q. We just got over a lot of repairs from a burst pipe under our kitchen sink. The pipes under the sink are back in the outside wall, with insulation around them, but I’m wondering why they said it was still a good idea to let the water drip, even run a little when it gets cold out. It seems wasteful, and I wasn’t sure why they told me that. Is it because they’re not confident in the repairs, or does everybody have to run their water in the winter when pipes could freeze?
A. The work was not repaired correctly and should be redone before it gets too late to get anybody to return to the “scene of the crime.”
Water freezes, and supplyline water that’s buried in outside walls and not kept warm will turn to ice.
Several years ago, a client, who had work done in the summer, called the following winter to say he had no running water in his bathroom sink. The sink was on an exterior wall, but the rationale the installers used for where they put the insulation was that a roof from below came up to meet the outside wall behind the sink. They told the owner that the roof protected the pipe because of how far the sink was set in from the walls below, set back the way it was designed. They cut open the back of the finished sink cabinet and exposed the pipe, telling the owner that he just needed to let the water trickle and keep the cabinet doors open all the time in the winter. I was called after they told the owner that was a bad design. He was very frustrated by the time we spoke, because the plumber and contractor had already returned several times and this was their final answer.
The simple solution, which worked for him and will work for you, is that supply pipes need to be to the warm side of insulation. I saw that the coldand hot-water supply pipes were completely enclosed with insulation. I removed the insulation from the warm side and only kept the full thickness of insulation on the cold side. The roof cavity behind the wall, in drawings that are called building sections, showed that the roof was to be insulated directly behind the wall to create a full barrier of insulation. Because there was now a gaping hole at the back of the cabinet, sloppily cut, I was able to peer in with a mirror and see that there was no insulation in the roof space where it met the wall behind the sinks. None. Once the water supply lines were moved into the cabinet, under the sink, by the plumber, who fortunately did stand behind their work and did return, there was never a problem again.
Locate pipes neatly in the back of the sink cabinet, to the warm side of a fully insulated wall and there should be no more problems. Good luck!
Ask The Architect
Monte Leeper
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opinions
Yankees? Mets? Might they meet up in October?
spring training has begun. Another baseball season is on the way. The French-born cultural historian Jacques Barzun said that “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball.”
That was certainly true for my generation. The golden age of baseball in New York, from 1947 to 1956, saw New York’s teams — the Yankees, Dodgers and Giants — win nine World Series and seven pennants among them during that 10-year span. The other 13 major league teams combined for one World Series and three pennants during those years. A subway series, with both World Series teams being from New York, became the expected norm. It was almost taken for granted. During the offseason months of mid-
Everybody has a wish list. I’d like to win the lottery, or take some exotic trip that’s on my bucket list. There are jobs that I would love to have, and there are jobs I wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole. The worst job I can imagine, the one I would dread having, is being in the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. At the beginning of any Congress member’s career, there is the battle to get your party’s nomination, and then feeling the honor of being the party’s choice. You battle through the drudgery of a campaign and, if you’re lucky, you have the joy of being elected or re-elected. You celebrate with your friends and family, and then, on Jan. 1, you arrive in Washington, preparing for the challenge of being a member of the House.
In today’s Congress, being a majority member is anything but fun. You may have all kinds of ideas about how to help the people back home, but if
October through late February in those years, there would be hot stove league discussions of how our teams would do in the upcoming season, and arguments over whose players were better: Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays or Duke Snider; Roy Campanella or Yogi Berra; Pee Wee Reese or Phil Rizzuto.
is a rivalry missed not just in the five boroughs, but on Long Island, with its plethora of Mets and Yankees fans.
W
Much of that interest lessened when the Dodgers and Giants were hijacked to California after the 1957 season. While there was a rebirth of excitement when the Mets arrived for the 1962 season, it has never been quite the same as during the glory years. Sure, the Mets had their World Series wins in 1969 and 1986, as did the Yankees in 1977 and 1978, and again during the Joe Torre years, at the turn of the century, and under Joe Girardi, in 2009, but except for the 2000 World Series — which the Yankees won — the Yankees and Mets have not faced one another in the World Series. That intraNew York rivalry has not been there. It
e Mets fans, so used to having our hearts broken, believe this is our year.
All that could change with both teams now filled with superstars, led by Aaron Judge of the Yankees, who is accumulating home run titles and Most Valuable Player awards, and the Mets making their own run for superstar glory. This winter they hired Juan Soto, perhaps baseball’s most explosive hitter, away from the Yankees with a $750 million contract over the next 15 years.
The Mets already had Francisco Lindor, who finished second in the voting for National League MVP last season, and slugger Pete Alonso, who is second only to Judge in total home runs over the past six seasons, and is poised to become the Mets’ all-time home run leader.
Last year the Yankees won the American League pennant before falling short against the Dodgers in the World
Series. Before the season, there were low expectations for the Mets. Then, after playing mediocre baseball for most of the regular season, they had an unexpected late-season surge, and actually made it to the National League Championship Series, which they lost to the Dodgers.
This preseason, things are looking very different. Both teams are considered strong contenders to win their league championships. The debates over the teams’ players have already begun, but instead of Mantle vs. Snider or Mays, it’s Judge vs. Soto.
We Mets fans, so used to having our hearts broken over the years, now genuinely believe this is our year to supplant the Yankees as New York’s No. 1 team and win it all in the World Series — and that New York’s baseball rivalry is back. Barring the unexpected, 2025 should be a season for metropolitan-area baseball fans to enjoy and remember.
Play ball!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Here’s a job I’d turn down
your wish list doesn’t coincide with the priorities of your party leader, you can forget about your plan. It’s hard enough being away from your family for weeks at a time, but being told to fall in line and follow party dictates, or else, is a bitter pill to swallow.
Let’s talk about the Washington scene as it currently exists. An unelected multi-billionaire named Elon Musk is ignoring the duly elected officials whose job it is to create the budgets that fund our federal agencies. The Constitution says that the Congress is a separate body from the Executive, but in this case an appointee of the Executive is calling all the shots.
Being a member of the House majority sounds great. Believe me, it’s not.
As a representative of scores or even hundreds of thousands of constituents, you’re the one they turn to when they have a federal problem. For example, a decorated military veteran comes seeking your help after being fired from a federal job he held for 10 years. You can hold his hand, but you can’t get him back his paycheck to feed his family and pay his mortgage.
As a well-informed public official, you follow the media to find out what
they know that you don’t know. The latest reports say that your party leadership has proposed making $800 billion in Medicaid cuts to help pay for a tax cut for the rich. Those cuts will decimate the safety net that your constituents rely on to survive, and will affect more than 90 million people nationwide. You can threaten to vote against the package, but there are more nightmares coming.
You may be able to join a handful of other members to get some changes made to the Medicaid cuts, but there are more crazy slashes being proposed. The far-right members have suggested that every person with a student loan pay an additional $200 per month. That mean-spirited idea would affect 45 million Americans. How do you stop that?
Do you remember the state-andlocal-tax proposal that hit suburban homeowners hard when it was included in President Trump’s 2017 budget? Despite his support for eliminating the SALT cap, there has been very little discussion about that benefit in recent weeks. You want a complete repeal of the cap, but it’s out of your hands.
As we enter the final stages of the budget debate, I can’t help recalling the story of the late Assemblyman Lou Wolfe, of upstate Plattsburgh. Wolfe was part of a narrow majority. He enjoyed both Democratic and Conservative Party support. He was asked to vote on a multi-billion-dollar social program. His party leaders promised him financial support in the general election, and assured him he would be “protected.” Came November, Lou lost because of his “bad” vote.
It’s possible that by the time you read this, all of the budget misgivings of the few conscience-driven members will be satisfied. All they have to do at that point is to go home and explain the mass layoffs, the tax cuts for the rich and the hidden program cuts that were buried in the spending plan they voted for. But remember, they had the promise from the leaders that they had nothing to worry about. Oh, the joy of being in the majority.
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.
Long Island loses a civil rights pioneer
the death of Hazel Dukes, at age 92, last weekend marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in civil rights leadership, with special significance for Long Island. While Dukes will be remembered nationally for her tenure as president of the NAACP from 1990 to 1992, and for her remarkable 48-year leadership of the NAACP New York State Conference from 1977 until her death, her deep connections to Long Island communities deserve particular attention.
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, where she was a neighbor of Rosa Parks, Dukes moved to New York in 1955. She lived in Roslyn Heights for decades, building a life and career that influenced civil rights efforts across the state and the nation.
Named president of the NAACP’s Great Neck, Port Washington, Manhasset and Roslyn branch in 1969, Dukes quickly emerged as a powerful voice opposing housing discrimination on Long Island. She was instrumental in bringing landmark housing discrimination lawsuits that challenged the entrenched patterns of segregation in Nassau County’s suburbs. These legal actions targeted discriminatory practic-
letters
es that kept minority families out of certain neighborhoods, even after the Fair Housing Act of 1968 had made such discrimination illegal.
On Long Island, she worked for the federal Head Start program and became one of the first Black employees in the Nassau County attorney’s office. She also served with the county’s Economic Opportunity Commission, addressing poverty and inequality from within the system. She was the first Black vice chairwoman of the Nassau County Democratic Committee, which gave her a platform to advocate for integrated housing throughout Nassau County. She also served on the Democratic National Committee from 1976 to 1982.
Dukes’ own educational journey illustrates her belief in education as a path to opportunity. She studied at Nassau Community College before earning a degree in business administration from Adelphi University in Garden City in 1978. Her local educational experience strengthened her advocacy for quality education for all communities.
What makes Dukes’ Long Island connection so significant is that she addressed civil rights not as an abstract
Advice from PSEG L.I.: Beware of scammers
To the Editor:
National Consumer Protection Week, observed through March 8, offers an important reminder for consumers to stay alert against fraudulent schemes that prey on our vulnerability. Recent guidance from PSEG Long Island has shed light on the alarming tactics employed by scammers, and we believe it is essential that our community take note of these warnings. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to trick unsuspecting customers. They frequently impersonate reputable companies, such as PSEG L.I., using advanced phone spoofing technology that displays familiar numbers on caller ID. In many cases, these fraudsters call with an urgent demand for immediate payment, falsely claiming that failure to comply will result in an immediate power shutoff. This tactic is designed to induce panic and force quick decisions without proper verification.
It is crucial for consumers to know that PSEG Long Island never requests payments through external web-based electronic services, prepaid debit cards or even Bitcoin. The only approved payment methods are those offered through our secure channels, such as My Account, the mobile app, or text messaging. Additionally, any request for a deposit in relation to priority meter installations is fraudulent, because we do not require a deposit for such services.
If anyone receives an unexpected call or email threatening an imminent power shutoff while demanding payment, it is imperative to pause, take a step back, and verify the authenticity of the communication. Instead of responding immediately, customers should contact PSEG Long Island using the phone number found on their billing statement, (800) 490-0025. This simple step can prevent a great deal of financial loss and
concept, but rather as lived reality in suburban America. While much of the civil rights movement focused on urban centers or the South, she recognized that segregation and opportunity gaps were just as widespread — if sometimes less visible — in prosperous suburban communities like those across Long Island.
Her nearly five decades leading the NAACP’s New York State Conference allowed her to maintain consistent focus on issues affecting communities like ours. That persistence brought meaningful change to institutional practices and policies that had limited opportunities for minority residents.
As we look at Long Island today, we see both the progress Dukes helped achieve and the challenges we continue to face in creating truly equal opportunity. The diversity of our communities has increased, but disparities in housing, education and economic opportunity persist.
In the years ahead, let’s be sure to honor Dukes’ legacy by making Long Island — and the entire country — a place where discrimination is not tolerated, and where everyone has an equal shot at prosperity.
stress.
As we have honored National Consumer Protection Week, we have urged all community members to share this important information with friends, family and neighbors. Together, by remaining vigilant and verifying every unexpected request for payment, we can safeguard our community from falling victim to these scams.
Staying informed and cautious not only protects our finances, but also strengthens community trust.
Every action contributes to defeating these scams and preserving our service reliability.
PSEG LONG ISLAND
Trump disrespects Teddy
in the grand spectacle of American politics, it’s easy to get swept up in the latest national headlines. Presidential debates, Supreme Court decisions and international conflicts dominate the news cycle, shaping many of our conversations and perspectives. But in focusing so intently on D.C. and the world stage, we often neglect the political decisions being made right in our own backyards — decisions that have an immediate and profound impact on our daily lives.
The phrase
“All politics is local” is often attributed to former House Speaker Tip O’Neill, who understood that while federal policies set broad agendas, the most immediate and personal political decisions happen at the local level. From library boards to school boards, from city councils to county executives, local officials make decisions that directly affect the quality of our roads, the safety of our neighborhoods, and, perhaps most significantly, our taxes.
Yet many people cannot name their council members, county legislators, town supervisors, or the members of their local Board of Education. Many are unaware of the meetings at which
opinions
Yes, all politics is local
crucial funding allocations are made, zoning laws are changed, and policies affecting their children’s education are debated. This lack of awareness isn’t due to a lack of importance; rather, it’s the result of a political culture that prioritizes sensationalism over substance.
Nowhere is the impact of local government more evident than in our property tax bills. In Nassau County, school taxes account for over 60 percent of a homeowner’s tax burden, while county taxes make up roughly 17 percent. The average household pays a median of $150 a month in county property taxes, an investment in maintaining the county’s reputation as one of the safest in the country. These tax dollars help fund essential services such as law enforcement, infrastructure and sanitation, while our school taxes provide critical funding for education, ensuring that students have access to quality teachers, programs and facilities.
funds for public safety, road maintenance and environmental initiatives, each of which directly impacts property values and the overall quality of life.
Y et many people can’t name their council members, legislators or board trustees.
Despite the enormous power that local governments wield, voter turnout for local elections is often abysmally low. Presidential elections may drive millions of people to the polls, but school board elections, town supervisor races and local legislative contests often see a fraction of that participation. This apathy creates a dangerous cycle: When fewer people vote, fewer voices are heard, and the decisions made by a small group of engaged voters can disproportionately shape policies that affect everyone.
such as foreign policy or immigration, to candidates running for town board, city council or school board. While national policies do matter, the responsibilities of local officials are fundamentally different from their colleagues on the federal level.
A county executive does not set foreign policy, nor does a school board member write national health care laws. Instead, they are responsible for ensuring that schools are well-funded, that roads are maintained and that local businesses thrive. Voting in local elections should be based on a candidate’s qualifications, track record and stance on local issues, not simply on their political affiliation.
It is important to recognize that school taxes are determined not by federal lawmakers but by state officials and local school boards. School board members make decisions that shape the educational experience of our children, from setting budgets to maintaining school resources. Likewise, county executives and legislators allocate
LETTERs
“Destroying Roosevelt’s legacy.” President Trump’s promised “golden age” is intended to re-create Mark Twain’s: golden for those having the gold, the gilt-edge securities, gold mines and gold $Trump crypto-coin.
Today’s golden children feel their glory has been stolen, and want it back, with interest, and with punishment for the thieves. But the demands go far beyond T.R.’s trust-busting and conservation crimes to include FDR’s New Deal “larceny.” Taft-Hartley, Social Security, and the rest of those alphabet agencies are being undone because they’re seen as obstacles to the promised land of corporate “free markets and personal responsibility,” as The Washington Post’s Jeff Bezos puts it.
Trump’s last-term hero was the genocidal, court-defying Andrew Jackson. This time it’s the empire-building colonialist William McKinley. This last is unfair to McKinley, but is how the ignorant Trump sees him.
BRIAN KELLY Rockville Centre
Chainsaws aren’t toys, Elon
To the Editor:
How will we calculate the number of lives Elon Musk will take with his comical “chainsaw massacre”?
For example, a handful of votes can determine whether a school district raises property taxes or whether a local zoning change allows for new housing developments. A single council member’s decision on public safety funding can influence response times for emergency services. These are not abstract issues; they are immediate, tangible and deeply personal.
I believe that one of the most concerning trends in modern political discourse is the tendency to make local political decisions based on national ideological beliefs. Many voters apply their partisan views on federal issues,
What will the death count be in the United States, and around the world, from the withholding of food, drinking water, medical supplies and treatment, vaccinations, and emergency services for natural and manmade disasters? From the removal of the guardians of public safety from food, drugs, diseases, fire, air pollution and workplace dangers?
From the debasement of services to our military veterans and the politicization of the military? From the disabling of the alliances and treaties that have kept a troubled world from World War III since 1945?
From the abatement of research in health, climate, defense, agriculture and countless other areas of vast public interest? From the defunding of early child care and education at every level, up through university and graduate studies — the very keys to hope and advancement that mitigate against social class ossifying into a caste system in which crime is the only outlet for deprivation?
Perhaps the cost will be incalculable, but it is the responsibility of our remaining nonMAGA media to report these casualties and not to relate what’s going on simply as a streamlining of government costs against the whining of a few disgruntled former sucklers at the public teat.
GENE J. MANN Bayville
As election season approaches, it’s imperative that we keep our focus. Instead of getting lost in the frenzy of national debates, we must pay closer attention to the decisions being made at town halls, school board meetings and county legislatures. We should take the time to research the candidates — the people who will determine how our tax dollars are spent and how our communities are shaped.
This election season, let’s make informed choices. Let’s attend local meetings, engage with our representatives, and ensure that our votes are cast based on the issues that matter most in our daily lives. After all, all politics is local.
Patrick Mullaney represents Nassau County’s 4th Legislative District.
In the biographical notes accompanying U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen’s column, “Government must be efficient, coherent and trans -
parent,” in last week’s issue, the congresswoman was mistakenly identified as Laura Curran. The Herald regrets the error.
FRAMEwoRK by Tim Baker
An avian get-together in Brady Park — Massapequa Park
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