Lynbrook/east rockaway
Also serving Bay Park
Holden Leeds/Herald
Students celebrate cultures with food
By AINSlEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
The Taste of Marion event, on Feb. 27 at Marion Street Elementary School, drew over 200 gastronomically adventurous attendees, who celebrated the diverse cultures represented in the school community. With people of more than a dozen nationalities sharing their rich culinary traditions, the event showcased a wide variety of food from local families and restaurants.
“It’s been a huge success, and it’s all thanks to the enthusiastic group of parents and ConTinuEd on pagE 10
Who teaches when teachers are absent at E.R. schools?
By AINSlEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Each morning, 23-year-old
Brooke DeGiulio reports to Rhame Avenue Elementary School with the goal to learn. But she comes to class not as a student, but as a substitute teacher, working on her master’s degree in secondary English education.
DeGiulio earned a bachelor’s degree in English Language Arts at Hunter College, and extended her master’s discipline in secondary English education after completing a childhood education track at Touro University. But, she said, some
of her most informative educational experience has been teaching in a classroom.
“When you’re in a bunch of classrooms, you get to know more students and make a connection with others,” DeGiulio said. “You can get your feet wet, and see if it’s for you. It’s hands-on, the real deal.”
DeGiulio is one of nine permanent substitutes, in addition to 19 per diem instructors, who
work in the East Rockaway School District. Like her, all of them have classroom experience, whether as a part of their university studies or previous instructional opportunities. That experience is non-negotiable, Vinny Healy, the district’s executive director of pupil personnel services and instructional personnel, explained.
“We really want people who
are committed to the profession,” Healy said. “As tough as it is to find subs, we make sure to bring in qualified substitutes who are actively working toward certification or who have already worked in our district.”
The district’s commitment to placing trusted professionals in front of classrooms ensures that substitutes don’t just
supervise students — they lead lessons, support students with disabilities’ needs and guide students through practical learning.
East Rockaway follows a more stringent protocol than some other districts, where substitutes with no prior certification may be hired to work in classrooms. New York state
The Taste of Marion event on Feb. 27, at Marion Street Elementary School, drew more than 200 people, who sampled dishes from a variety of cultures.
How L.I. could be impacted by federal budget bill
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 prog-
ress 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
File photos
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.
Hospital unveils state-of-the-art 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.
Andrew Triolo, the hospital’s Vice President for Facilities, Planning and Development, lead a tour of the new Emergency Department. A key participant in the project, Triolo serves as the architectural liaison for strategic planning and program development.
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.
C ommunity 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
Hospital president Dr. Adhi Sharma guided guest’s though different new aspects of the Emergency Department.
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.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
• Pre-Arrangement Counseling
• Serving All Faiths
• Monuments
• Medicaid Approved Burial Trusts
• Funeral Directors available
24 hours a day
• Cremation Services
34 Hempstead Avenue (at Peninsula Blvd)
Lynbrook, New York 11563 516-599-3600 • fax 516-599-3602
email: info@flinchandbruns.com www.flinchandbruns.com
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Continued
Family Tradition”
All of Valley Stream with Tradition, Commitment, and Integrity since 1932
John F. Ferrante • Michael J. Grant
Edward A. Bruns
President Emeritus
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
News briefs
14 abandoned puppies rescued near Centre Ave alley in E.R.
Nassau County officers responded to a report of barking dogs in East Rockaway on Feb. 26 at 10:20 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered 14 puppies abandoned in a plastic cage in an alley near Centre Avenue.
The puppies were transported to the Town of Hempstead Animal Control for medical assessment and treatment. The Fourth Precinct has not disclosed any further details about the circumstances surrounding the abandonment, and the investigation remains ongoing.
— Ainsley Martinez
Lynbrook High School’s ‘Horizon’ given ‘Most Outstanding Newspaper’ award
Lynbrook High School’s student-led Horizon newspaper continued its streak of award-winning reporting as the team took home the first-place prize in Most Outstanding Newspaper at the annual Press Day and Quill Awards at Adelphi University.
The Horizon staff competed against approximately 30 schools from across Long Island and the tristate area. Each school was permitted to submit one entry for six of the 11 award categories offered. Horizon captured wins in four of the six categories entered. They include:
Most Outstanding Newspaper: First
Place - Horizon Staff
■ Most Outstanding Reporter*: Honorable Mention - Gianna Longo
■ *A portfolio of her work was submitted for this award.
■ Best Arts Review: Second PlaceMiranda Mangru for “LHS Brings Rydell High to Life in Production of Grease”
■ Best News Article: Honorable Mention - Emily Franklin for “Gianna Longo Rewarded a Spot as Co-host of The Roger Rees Awards”
— Ainsley Martinez
Letters and other submissions: lyn-ereditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 265 E-mail: lyn-ereditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com
249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643
■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com
lynbrook/east rockaway
Courtesy Nassau County Police Nassau County Police officers found 14 abandoned puppies in a cage near a Centre Avenue alley on Feb. 26.
LONG LIVE
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?
SHANELL PARRISH-BROwN
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.
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.
the east rockaway School district requires more qualifications than the state for substitute teaching, to ensure that students and parents have consistent expertise and resources.
E.R. sets high standards for substitute teaching
permits substitutes with just a high school diploma to work in classrooms for up to 90 days, but Healy emphasized that East Rockaway aims to recruit those who are either in the process of earning their teaching certification or are already certified.
Those guidelines create a pipeline for substitutes to transition into full-time teaching roles.
While the district does not rely solely on hiring from within, Heal said, familiar faces certainly have an advantage. “It’s a great way to build a relationship with the district,” he said. “When we see someone dedicated to the job, we remember them when an opening arises.”
According to Healy, the district regularly utilizes permanent substitutes, who work every day and are assigned to cover planned or unplanned absences. And their responsibilities go well beyond merely filling a classroom seat. If no one on the teaching staff is absent, they assist in classrooms that may need extra help, particularly with specialeducation students.
“We take it seriously, because our kids deserve the best,” Healy said.
The pay for substitute teachers in the
district varies based on the length of the assignment. A substitute covering a position for 10 consecutive days or more earns $225 per day. For those working on a per diem basis, the daily rate is $130, while permanent substitutes are salaried employees.
For DeGiulio, this experience has provided both clarity and opportunity. Her work in East Rockaway, she said, has nurtured her passion for education, particularly as she works toward a fulltime position in the district’s high school English department.
In addition to the personal fulfillment, substitute teaching has also given her valuable insight into working with students in different grades.
“In elementary, you’re teaching all subjects, which is a lot of variety, and it’s great because you get to engage with students in different ways,” DeGiulio said.
By trying out a range of teaching roles, the district’s substitutes can uncover new areas of interest or deepen their interest in a particular subject.
And for those interested in following DeGiulio’s path into education, she offered some advice. “Start by substitute teaching,” she said. “You’ll know right away if this is the right career for you.”
News briefs
Grant funds traffic initiative
The new Village of Lynbrook initiative to decrease the amount of unregistered and uninsured vehicles on the roads comes after the village received a $406,000 grant from former U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito. The grant was used to detect law-breaking vehicles with traffic light cameras.
Another $75,000 grant was provided by then State Assemblyman Brian Curran, whom a previous Herald story mistakenly identified as Brian Kern.
— Ainsley Martinez
Courtesy East Rockaway School District
parents visited a rhame avenue class for career day in 2023.
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
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-
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
“I may be relatively new to politics compared to lifelong politician Bruce Blakeman,” Koslow said, “but I knowgrace, and it should disqualify anyone -
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald There
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s re-elec-
Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa on Feb. 24.
E.R. School District remains successful
Iwas disappointed to see the recent article in The East Rockaway Lynbrook Herald regarding our district’s test scores, which was published without any consultation from school officials. The article presented an incomplete picture of our students’ academic achievements and district-wide progress, omitting key data and context that are essential to understanding our growth and success.
First and foremost, the New York State grades 3-8 testing scores do not fully reflect the performance of our district, as approximately 35% of our students opt out of these exams annually. Given that East Rockaway is the smallest district in Nassau County, each student’s score carries significant weight, meaning a small fluctuation can disproportionately impact our reported results. Furthermore, the article failed to mention growth measures, which are a critical indicator of student progress over time.
Despite the misleading portrayal of our district’s performance, East Rockaway has made tremendous academic strides:
■ Our high school has achieved a 100% graduation rate for the past two years, demonstrating our commitment to student success beyond standardized tests.
■ We have implemented new academic programs, such as i-Ready, which has already yielded impressive results. In fact, last year, our dis-
trict was awarded certificates of achievement from i-Ready recognizing the percentage of students who met or exceeded their target and stretch growth in both reading and math district wide
■ Our investment in Project-Based Learning (PBL) is transforming student engagement. Now in its second year, this initiative has empowered students to take ownership of their learning, and next year, the entire district will be trained and implementing this hands-on instructional approach.
■ For the past two years, we have received two Advanced Placement (AP) recognition awards form The College Board the AP Access Award for increasing student participation in AP exams and AP Honor Roll Silver Status for improving overall AP scores.
■ Nearly all of our athletic teams have earned Scholar-Athlete Team recognition, reinforcing our district’s commitment to both academic and extracurricular excellence.
■ The number of students earning the Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Civic Readiness has nearly doubled, reflecting our emphasis on global competence and community engagement.
■ We strategically hired a literacy coach three years ago, who has been instrumental in aligning our curriculum and establishing a rigorous, developmentally appropriate scope and sequence
across grade levels—laying the foundation for continued academic growth.
■ For the first time in our district’s history, students will attain the prestigious AP Capstone distinction, reflecting the rigorous coursework and academic challenges our students and staff continue to embrace.
Meaningful academic improvement does not happen overnight; it takes time, research-based strategies, and consistent effort. East Rockaway is on an undeniable upward trajectory, excelling in multiple areas that standardized test scores alone do not capture. While we always strive for continuous improvement, our students, teachers, and administrators deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication.
I encourage The Herald to provide a more balanced and comprehensive view of our district’s accomplishments by reaching out to school officials before publishing articles that shape public perception. We welcome an open dialogue to ensure that our community is accurately informed about the true state of education in East Rockaway.
Sincerely, JAMES DETOMMASO Superintendent of Schools East Rockaway School District
Food brings families together at Marion Street
community members who have truly come together to make this happen,” said Hillary Scott, who helped steer the event for the first time as co-chair, along with Joshua Schulman. “It’s really been a team effort.”
Scott and Schulman, both a part of the Parent Teacher Association who have been involved with the Marion Street School’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee since its inception three years ago, described an array of international dishes, including Guyanese, Haitian, Italian, Irish, Dominican, Chinese, Malaysian and Moroccan cuisine.
The Taste of Marion event grew out of the DEI Committee’s desire to create an inclusive, communitybuilding experience.
Food brings people to a
Hillary Scott
Co-chair,
the Taste of Marion
“We wanted to just have an event where we acknowledge that we have a lot of people who have kids who go to Marion Street, and they’re from all over the world,” Schulman said.
In 2023, its first year, the event exceeded expectations when people from a wide range of backgrounds shared food and stories about their cultures. The event has grown each year, in both the number of participants and the diversity of the dishes they have shared.
“Food is such a great way to bring people together,” Schulman said. “It’s a conversation starter, and helps bridge cultural gaps. It’s also a perfect way for families to connect, share traditions, and learn from one another.”
Some of the students who took part said their favorite dishes were jollof rice, Jamaican patties and churros.
The Hakim and Gaffoor family’s tandoori chicken is a staple at the event — marinated in yogurt and spices, leaving the chicken tender. It was gone within an hour, which Mohammad Gaffoor said was a testament to the attendees’ enthusiasm for exploring other cultures.
Gaffoor said it only took him a couple of hours to prepare the dish, making it what he described as a “high payoff” offering.
His wife, Sharmin Hakim, had made khichuri, a Bengali lentil dish with a combination smoky and earthy flavor.
Hakim said that the event brings the school community together. “There will be people who don’t come to
every event,” she said. “But they make sure to come to this one.”
In addition to a wide variety of dishes, some attendees sported traditional clothing as well. For many, the event has become a celebration not just of food, but also of connection and community.
It’s a great way to bridge cultures, Scott added, and makes for wonderful conversations in which parents can make new friends alongside their children.
“Food brings people to a table,” Scott said. “They’re sitting down, they’re doing something, appreciating flavors and tastes, and that opens up dialogue about stories or traditions or family members or things like that.”
The event wrapped up with attendees leaving with full stomachs, new acquaintances and a renewed appreciation for Marion Street School’s cultural diversity.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
mohamed gaffoor, left, Lyla gaffoor and Sharmin Hakim brought indian and Bangladeshi dishes, khichuri and tandoori chicken.
Subhana Washon, 15, left, and Charlotte Luna, 16, tried a variety of foods at the taste of marion event on feb. 27.
tessa tudda tried pad thai noodles at the third annual taste of marion event.
table.
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.
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
Feasts, floats, festivities
Get ready for Carnival at Long Island Children’s Museum
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
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.
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.
Colin 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.
Photos courtesy LICM
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 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.
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.
THE Your Neighborhood
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.
Tunes with JigJam
The best in Irish Bluegrass comes to the Adelphi Performing Arts Center, Sunday, March 16, 3 p.m.When virtuoso Irish playing jumps the pond running naked through the wide open fields of bluegrass/Americana JigJam is born. Bluegrass and American Folk music originated from the group’s home, and now JigJam is here to take it back Tickets available at adelphi.edu/pac or by calling (516) 877-4000. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City.
Lynbrook Village Board Meeting
Meet with village officials to discuss local issues and concerns, Monday, March 31, 7 p.m. One Columbus Drive. For more information, visit LynbrookVillage.net.
Lynbrook Village Board meets
Residents are invited to meet with village officials and address concerns, Monday, March 10, 7 p.m. at Village Hall. One Columbus Drive. For more information, visit LynbrookVillage.net.
East Rockaway Board of Education Meeting
East Rockaway High School Board of Education meets, Tuesday, March 11.The meeting is open to the public to discuss developments in East Rockaway schools, at 7 p.m. 443 Ocean Ave. For more information, visit EastRockawaySchools.org.
Catch up with Kiwanis
Lynbrook Kiwanis Club meets twice monthly. Meetings are held the first Thursday of each mont, 6:30 p.m., at Lynbrook Library; the third Thursday, at 7 p.m., at Savino’s, 88 Atlantic Ave. For more information, visit Facebook.com/KiwanisLynbrook.
Experience Lynbrook
Join this free community event to explore local businesses and celebrate what makes Lynbrook special, presented by the Chamber of Commerce, Saturday, March 22, noon3 p.m., at Lynbrook Public Library. 56 Eldert St. For more details, visit LynbrookUSA.com.
Pot of Gold 3x2 Mile
Relay
Long Island Roadrunner Club holds its annual Pot of Gold mile relay event, Sunday, March 16, in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. The race kicks off at parking field 2 at 8:30 a.m. With multiple runners slated to participate on teams, this event is sure to be filled with a lot of St. Patrick’s Day luck and spirit. For more, visit EliteFeats.com.
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.
Bingo
Stop by St. Mary’s Maris/Stella Knights of Columbus, every Thursday, 7 p.m. for bingo. With $2,000 cash prizes this week, food from Vincents Restaurant, coffee, snacks, and more. For more information, call (516) 887-2228. 78 Hempstead Ave.
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, March 7,-10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, March 8, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Wednesday and Thursday, March 12-13,10:15 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 and show 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, $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Nassau BOCES GC Tech Open House
Nassau BOCES GC Tech, Long Island’s state-of-the arts career and technical education high school, is opening its doors to all students with a passion for a hands-on career. Come and get a “Taste of Tech” at an open house at the campus in Levittown, Wednesday, March 12, 6-7:30 p.m. Nassau BOCES GC Tech prepares students for a future in the workforce by providing them with the skills, knowledge and professional qualities they will need to be successful in their chosen career fields.
The school boasts a new spa where aspiring estheticians learn skin care and massage techniques. There is also a newly revamped auto shop. Prospective students and families from Nassau County are invited to tour the GC Tech campus at 150 Abbey Lane, and to meet with expert teachers, counselors and administrators. Register for an open house at nassauboces. org/gctech or call (516) 6044200.
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.
Best of Broadway: ‘Looking Forward, Looking Back’
Adelphi University Performing Arts students celebrate the music that shaped Broadway during their semi-annual Best of Broadway concert, Sunday, March 9, 4 p.m. The talented students bring to life the magic of Broadway with music from classic and contemporary musicals. This edition includes selections from celebrated composers and lyricists, including Kander and Ebb, Alan Menken, Jason Robert Brown, and many more! This event will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
Public Notices
VILLAGE OF EAST ROCKAWAY PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the provisions of Article 14, Real Property Tax Law of the State of New York, and a resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, Nassau County, duly adopted at the Regular Meeting of such Board held on February 10, 2025, I, the undersigned Treasurer of the said Village, will sell at Public Auction in the manner provided by law on the 19th day of March, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Public Meeting Room of the Board of Trustees in the Village Hall, 376 Atlantic AVE, East Rockaway, New York, so much of each of the following parcels of real estate upon which Village Taxes for the year 2024/25 remain unpaid as will be sufficient to discharge the tax, fees, interest and charges which may be due thereon at the time of such sale and shall conduct the same from day to day until the sale is completed. The Purchaser or Purchasers at such Tax Sale will be required to pay the amount of their respective bids to the undersigned Treasurer within ten (10) days after the sale pursuant to the provisions the Real Property Tax Law of the State of New York. The following is a statement of the real estate hereinbefore mentioned as shown and described on the Official Tax Map of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, New York, duly adopted, approved and filed as provided by law, a copy of which is on file and available for inspection in the Office of the Village Clerk of said Village upon which taxes are unpaid together with the amount of tax, fees, interest and charges to March 19th, 2025.
NAME OF OWNER OR DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY AMOUNT OF TAX, OCCUPANT AS IT AS IT APPEARS ON THE FEES, INTEREST APPEARS ON OFFICIAL TAX MAP AND CHARGES ASSESSMENT ROLL THE
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE OF VILLAGE TREASURER’S SALE FOR TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE IN THE VILLAGE OF LYNBROOK, NEW YORK
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Real Property Tax Law, the Village Law of the State of New York, the Village Code of the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, and pursuant to a Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Lynbrook, Nassau County, New York, adopted at a meeting held on the 13th day of January, 2025, the Treasurer of said Village will sell pursuant to Village Code §222-27(B) to the Village of Lynbrook, in the manner prescribed by law, on the 13th day of March 2025 at 10:00 A.M., each of the following parcels of real estate upon which Village taxes remain unpaid as will be sufficient to discharge the taxes, interest and charges thereon which may be due at the time of the sale.
Such interest in real estate will be sold subject to any unpaid assessment thereon levied by said Village and any unpaid lien purchased and held by said Village, and all liens on property included in this sale are sold subject to the provisions of any federal or state law. The following is a list of lots, pieces and parcels of real estate to be sold, and the total amount of the taxes, interest and charges thereon:
PARCEL_ID LOCATION BILL_BALANCE
1-3-1 80 LAKEVIEW
6-3-3A ALLEN ST 333.08 6-4-1 118 OAK ST
8-3-16 20 ROLLING ST 2,250.86
8-5-5.6 81 CHARLES ST 2,800.15
9-5-11 48 WASHINGTON AVE 5,608.56
10-3-4A 180 OCEAN AVE 2,546.10
10-4-2 12 CHARLES ST 6,677.75 11-2-2A 270 -272 MERRICK RD 6,597.34 12-1-7 179 DENTON AVE 1,225.74
12-1-8&.131 163 DENTON AVE 13,329.62
12-3-12 33 PARK PL 6,360.95 12-3-13 35 PARK PL 5,304.96
13-2-4&5 14 MERRICK RD 69,016.58
18-4-6.8-11 200 ATLANTIC AVE 78,660.46
18-4-7 30 CARTER CT 820.87
19-4-13 8 GARFIELD PL 4,555.20 21-2-19 10 TOLLGATE CT 2,335.59
22-2-3&4 526 MERRICK RD 3,953.00
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS IN TAX LIEN FORECLOSURESUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAU - PAPIO DEVELOPMENT CORP, Plaintiff, NERI BACHRACH A/K/A NERI BACHARACH, et. al., Defendants. Index No. 613674/23. To the above named Defendants -YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action within twenty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within thirty days after service is completed if the summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the
complaint. Plaintiffs designate Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the county in which the property, with respect to which a judgment is sought, is situated. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to the Order of the Hon. R. Bruce Cozzens, J.S.C., dated January 15, 2025. The object of this action is to quiet title and declare Plaintiff the record holder and owner of a real property located at School District 29 Section 42 Block 107 Lots 183, 286, 384, and 385 and is also known as 76 Waverly Avenue, East Rockaway, New York, 11518, and bar the defendants from all claims and interests in the property.
Dated: February 4, 2025 BRONSTER, LLP,
interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003213/2017. George Esernio, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-000730 84416 151655
Attorney for Plaintiff Papio Development Corp. By: Leonid Krechmer, Esq. 156 West 56th Street, Suite 703 New York, NY 10019 (212) 558-9300 151555
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON TRUST, NA, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE F/B/O HOLDERS OF STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II INC., BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST 2007-3, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3, Plaintiff AGAINST SONIA F. GARNES AKA SONIA GARNES, ORLANDO FINDLAYTER INDIVIDUALLY AND AS
SURVIVING SPOUSE OF YVETTE FINDLAYTER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 23, 2019, 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 26, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 67 Lawrence Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 54, Lot 219. Approximate amount of judgment $516,776.20 plus
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 WILLIAM G. BREVAIRE, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 9, 2025, 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 7, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 76 Driving Park Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38 Block 54 Lots 12 and 112. Approximate amount of judgment $698,018.56 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605725/2023. John Boklak, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003337 84639 151944
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.
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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
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Yes, keep those pipes warm
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!
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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.
LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY
Established
Incorporating
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-
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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 webbased 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
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.
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 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
It’s time for the county executive to do his job
as I enter my 14th year as a nassau County Legislator and reflect on my time in office, it dawned on me that I have served for all of those years as a member of the Legislature’s minority caucus. While there have been disagreements with county executives and my colleagues in the majority along the way, I have always maintained cordial and productive relationships, and worked with county executives of both parties to get things done for my district and the county’s taxpayers.
Since Bruce Blakeman took office as county executive in 2022, however, progress on crucial initiatives, grants and capital infrastructure proposals has stalled — and minority caucus-represented areas have shouldered a disproportionate impact. To get all areas of the county back on the right track, I urge the Blakeman administration to begin addressing these key priorities:
■ Finalize a comprehensive, equitable capital plan that invests in the communities of all 19 legislative districts. Per the
nassau County Charter, a capital plan must be adopted by dec. 15 each year — but the Blakeman administration has achieved this only once in the past three years. The 2025 plan is once again running late, jeopardizing economic growth, good jobs and increased safety and quality of life generated by these projects.
B■ Get the politics out of CRP grants. Since the beginning of 2024, the majority has received more than 30 Community Revitalization Program grants, and the minority has received none. Some grant proposals for volunteer firefighters, village police departments and other first responders in minority districts have been held up for years. These funds need to get out to our communities regardless of legislators’ party affiliation.
ken system. Until then, the best way to protect yourself from overtaxation is to grieve your home’s assessed value, and the deadline to do so is March 3.
ruce Blakeman has failed to deliver on his promises for three years.
■ We need real solutions to stabilize the future of Nassau University Medical Center. nUMC is an essential part of our regional health care matrix, a Level 1 trauma center with a state-of-theart burn center and an indemand drug detox facility. Moreover, it serves as a lifeline for some of the county’s most economically vulnerable patients. The Blakeman administration must stop treating this vital facility like a political football and have a serious conversation with the state about keeping it open.
rently making its way through the Legislature to create a grant portal for agencies on the front lines of addiction, treatment, prevention and recovery services is long, long overdue.
■ Last, but certainly not least, disband the dangerous, illegal militia. n assau County has one of a merica’s besttrained police departments, and it is instrumental in making us the safest county of our size year after year. a n armed militia with minimal training by the county — regardless of its participants’ previous experience or background — is not something the public or police ever asked for or needed, and Blakeman has no legal authority to marshal such a force. End the militia and allow our outstanding law enforcement professionals to do their jobs without interference.
■ Blakeman promised to “fix” the county’s assessment system. He hasn’t — and it’s only gotten worse. His administration has frozen the assessed values of our properties for three consecutive years. With each passing year, the tax rolls become even more unfair and distorted. The administration must live up to its promises and put the people ahead of the big tax-grievance firms that donate heavily to his campaigns and profit handsomely off a bro-
Letters
action contributes to defeating these scams and preserving our service reliability.
PSEG LonG ISLand
Trump disrespects Teddy Roosevelt
To the Editor:
Will Sheeline was absolutely correct in his column last week, “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
■ Distribute the opioid funding the county has been sitting on for years. In the past several years, the county has received nearly $100 million in settlement funds from the distributors, manufacturers and retailers of the addictive opioids that continue to devastate families. But the Blakeman administration has only spent roughly $3.3 million of that money to date. It is infuriating that so many people have died in the past year while settlement funds sat in bank accounts collecting interest, and the ordinance cur-
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”?
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 non-MaGa 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
Blakeman took an oath to serve all of nassau’s 1.4 million residents, but his hyper-partisan approach and failure to deliver on promises has been evident throughout the past three years. We deserve better, and addressing these key issues would be a step in the right direction for an administration that has routinely focused on matters far beyond its proper jurisdiction or control.
Delia DeRiggi-Whitton represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s minority leader.
Framework by Tim Baker
In the biographical notes accompanying U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen’s column, “Government must be efficient, coherent and
transparent,” in last week’s issue, the congresswoman was mistakenly identified as Laura Curran. The Herald regrets the error.
An avian get-together in Brady Park — Massapequa Park
DeLia DeriGGi-wHitton
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