Massapequa Herald 02_12_2025

HERALD Massapequa

Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge

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Army Corps restoration shoring up Oyster Bay’s prized town beach

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

TOBAY Beach, a critical access point on Long Island’s south shore, has faced significant erosion since being pounded by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. For years, Oyster Bay Town officials have invested millions to rebuild the beach and stabilize the dunes.

Now, thanks to the U.S. Army Corps

of Engineers and the town, the beach is getting an additional 100-120 feet of sand making it more accessible and protective of the shoreline.

Recently, town officials met with state and federal representatives to oversee the ongoing work by the Army Corps, which is replenishing the shoreline with sand dredged from the Fire Island Inlet. Contractors are working around the clock to

Massapequa Park Village Board considers emergency hospital access

By MIKE POLANSKI

Correspondent

At the January 27 meeting of the Massapequa Park Village Board, longtime resident and former Village Trustee John O’Brien raised concerns about the lack of quick access to emergency hospital care for Massapequans. He proposed that a portion of the nearly de-

funct Sunrise Mall be repurposed into a hospital or that other nearby vacant land be utilized for emergency medical services.

“We don’t need a big hospital,” O’Brien said. “But at least an emergency room and a few beds to hold you over until they stabilize you sufficiently to send you someplace else.”

Massapequa General Hospital closed in 2000

Middle school ban on backpacks faces parental backlash

A new school policy barring the use of backpacks between classes at Edmund W. Miles Middle School in Amityville is drawing criticism from some parents who say the change negatively impacts their children’s academic experience.

TOne parent of an honor student, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over the rule. The parent said their child now has to visit their locker three times a day to retrieve books and materials for each class. If this results in tardiness in getting to class on time, the parent receives repeated text messages from teachers about their child’s lateness.

and remain up and away throughout the school day,” the letter said. It noted that students could access their lockers during homeroom, before lunch, and before 9th period.

he safety and security of our students and staff are our top priority.

ROSE HUTCHERSON

Edmund W. Miles Principal

“I don’t understand why this is happening here when none of the other schools are doing it,” the parent said.

In a letter sent January 14 to parents, Principal Rose Hutcherson outlined the new policy. “To maintain a productive and focused learning environment, backpacks, coats, hats, earbuds, cellphones, and headphones must be stored

In a statement to the public Hutcherson said the change was made after “careful consideration” and is in line with best practices for maintaining a safe and secure learning environment. However, another parent voiced concern that the rule sets students up for failure by forcing them to go back and forth to their lockers, instead of allowing them to carry everything they need for the day. “It’s making them late to class, and they’re being punished for forgetting,” the parent said.

Other parents said they also receive multiple text messages each day from teachers about their child’s tardiness due to the new policy. They also criticized the lack of input from parents before the rule was im-plemented. The only communication they received , they said, was the letter from Hutcherson announcing the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Photo Credit/Town of Oyster Bay Oyster

Town Receiver of

Jeff Pravato, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, Supervisor Joseph Saladino

Councilman Louis Imbroto look over the work at TOBAY beach.

By CHRISITE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

MPK Village Board considers emergency hospital access

after struggling with financial losses and failed merger attempts. Brunswick Medical Center in Amityville closed in 2011, with only its psychiatric division still in operation. Currently, the closest hospitals to Massapequa are St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bethpage and Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip.

Asked about the possibility of using part of the Sunrise Mall site for emergency medical care, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino noted, “While I share Mr. O’Brien’s concerns, the property is owned by the private sector, and no entities have conceptualized a hospital for the site.”

In other business ,the board:

• Authorized the Village Administrator to advertise a February 24 public

hearing to consider adopting a local law that would allow the Village to approve a budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that exceeds the state’s “tax levy limit.” Mayor Dan Pearl described this as a “just in case” measure, noting the village has no plans to exceed the tax cap.)

• Approved a request from the Massapequa Coast Little League to hold their annual Opening Day Parade at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, with a rain date of Sunday, April 6.

• Approved a request from Dark Horse Tavern, located at 1029A Park Boulevard, for placement of outdoor tables and chairs for 2025.

• The next regular Village Board meeting is Mon., Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Village Hall, 151 Front St., Massapequa Park. For information, call 516-798-0244. Read the Massapequa

WI Class of ‘75 holding reunion

The West Islip High School Class of 1975 is holding a class reunion July 19, 2025 at Captain Bill’s restaurant in Bay Shore.

For details, visit/join the organization’s Facebook page: West Islip High School Class of 1975 Or call 516-456-3207 and leave a message.

Middle school backpack rule faces backlash from parents

CONTINUED FROM COVER policy change, which had already been put into effect.

“It’s more of a hardship than a strategy,” said the parent. “It just seems pointless.”

Hutcherson does not think so. “The safety and security of our students and staff are our top priorities,” she said. “We recognize that this requires

an adjustment period and empathize with the frustration some students have felt. We hope that, by working together, we can minimize disruptions to students’ learning experiences.” She also encouraged open communication with parents and students.

“Our goal is to support students in staying organized and ensuring they have access to the materials they need

Army Corps restoration

shoring up TOBAY beach

CONTINUED FROM COVER

pump 90,000 tons of sand onto the beach, protecting the shoreline from storms and tidal surges, while safeguarding critical infrastructure, including the main pavilion and access roadway.

The Army Corps completed a similar project at Overlook Beach, west of TOBAY in the Town of Babylon. Workers dumped 70,000 cubic yards of sand, also dredged from the Sore Thumb sandbar, extending Overlook by 35 feet from the parking lot and widened the bathing area by 1,200 feet as part of the Fire Island Inlet-Shores Westerly Navigation Project.

“This is the same project,” said Oyster Bay Town officials, who added that the same contractors are working at TOBAY. “Residents are going to love the additional space they will have in the summer to lay down their blankets.”

“Our shoreline has taken a beating in recent years, with Mother Nature relentlessly eroding our beaches and putting our infrastructure at risk,” said Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “TOBAY Beach is vital to our residents, which is why we’ve worked every summer to rebuild the shoreline by trucking in thousands of yards of clean sand. At the same time, we knew it was essential to find both short- and

U.

S.

long-term solutions, and we turned to our state and federal representatives for help.”

TOBAY Beach plays a key role in protecting the mainland, its properties, and its residents.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer praised the project’s progress, saying, “This betterment project undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers is a fantastic example of cutting the red tape and finding solutions to restore the shoreline, protect critical infrastructure, and strengthen defensive dunes. I convened the Army Corps of Engineers and the towns to find a solution for these beaches, and I am happy to see this project—that will revitalize TOBAY and Gilgo beaches— get done at limited cost to our towns and taxpayers.”

Governor Kathy Hochul also applauded the project, calling it a $1.69 million investment that will “strengthen the shoreline, safeguard homes and businesses, and ensure families can enjoy the beach this summer.”

She added, “A more resilient, sustainable coast means stronger communities and a protected natural landscape. My administration stands with Long Island in preserving its future.”

Power Squadrons hold boating courses

The United States Power Squadrons is offering course dates and locations for upcoming safe boating courses as follows:

•Great South Bay, America’s Boating Course, West Islip Library, 3 Higbie La., West Islip, March 4, 6:30 p.m. The cost is $30. For more information contact Michael Boland at 631-290-8096, or email him at: bolandmichael123@gmail.com

• Captree Squadron, Babylon pool building, 151 Phelps La., North Babylon,

March 3 and 29, 9 a.m. The cost is $60. For more information or to sign up for the course contact Eugene Johnson at 631-921-3403, or email him at pwrbtr@ aol.com

To access the latest list of safe boating courses and seminars on Long Island, go to https://shorturl.at/Qp0Df. For additional information about the United States Power Squadrons call 516-312-2167 or visit one of the web sites listed below.

Veteran’s Column By Sal Polito

I would like to start by thanking Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino for being a steadfast supporter of veterans. Supervisor Saladino is always there for the Office of Veterans Services, responding to our needs and showing true dedication to those who have served. The Town hosts many events throughout the year that benefit veterans including an annual picnic in May at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park. This free event, which offers food, drinks, and entertainment, is always a highlight for local veterans and their families, with many returning year after year to enjoy the camaraderie and festivities.

Recently, Supervisor Saladino, alongside Councilman Tom Hand, helped celebrated the 100th birthday of WWII veteran Edward Ogden. A true hero, Ogden served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and the National Guard and was honored for his service.

The Town also runs a “Hometown Hero” recognition program, and Councilman Hand encourages veterans to participate. The program features banners bearing the honorees’ names, ranks, photographs, and areas of service. These banners are displayed at selected park facilities throughout the town in the months leading up to Veterans Day in November. To participate, individuals or organizations may sponsor a banner for $75, covering the production cost. No profit is made from this program. After Veterans Day, the banners will be taken down to prevent damage from winter weather and returned to the service member’s family or loved ones. Those who sponsored banners in the previous year must submit a new application to be included in the 2025 season. Applications are due by March 14, 2025. For more information or to download an application, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/herobanners or call (516) 797-4121.

Town maintains local veterans’ office

The town’s support of veterans extends

to the Office of Veterans Services at 977 Hicksville Rd., Massapequa. The office provides a wide range of services for veterans, including assistance with applying for disability benefits, reductions in real estate taxes, and general support for veterans in need. Through the Nassau County Veterans Service Office at 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow, veterans can also receive food, clothing, and hygiene items. The adjacent Veterans Clinic offers medical care, and veterans who have received certain types of summonses (including motor vehicle, bus, and red-light tickets) can get assistance with reviewing or waiving these fees for a first-time offense.

The Office of Veterans Services at 977 Hicksville Road is staffed with certified Veterans Service Officers (VSOs), available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To make an appointment or for general information (not related to disability claims), call (516) 797-7941. Please note that disability claims require an appointment.

Commissary update

According to the store manager, the contractor has been selected, and construction plans are underway. The expected opening is around April 2025. It will be located at Mitchell Field, 20 RilroadAve., Bldg. 84, Garden City.

Help for incarcerated veterans

Pastor Larry Swensen is an Army veteran who served in Korea and now dedicates his time to helping incarcerated veterans. Swensen provides spiritual guidance and emotional support to veterans in the Nassau County Jail who are struggling to cope with their circumstances. His work offers comfort to those who would otherwise have no one to turn to... To contact Pastor Swensen for assistance, call Director Ralph Esposito of the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency at (516) 572-6565.

Read the Massapequa Herald Post

CRIME WATCH

The following incidents have been reported by the Nassau County Police Department’s 7th and 8th precincts and other law enforcement and fire and emergency response personnel.

Petit Larceny

South Farmingdale: An assortment of items was stolen from Walgreen’s at 918 Main St., Jan. 30 and reported missing to police at 9:35 a.m.

Robbery

Farmingdale. Nassau Police report a robbery that occurred in Farmingdale Jan. 12. Police said that a subject assault-

ed a victim and stole their cell phone at 273 Main St. at approximately 3:40 a.m. Crime Stoppers is asking anyone who can identify the subject or who has information about this crime to submit an anonymous at 1-800-244-TIPS (8477) or at nassaucounty.crimestoppersweb.com.

Arrests

Petit Larceny: Carol Mendez, 68, of Massapequa Park; Cristina Bonomo, 39, of 21 Sunset Blvd., Massapequa.

Grand Larceny: Cristopher Avilavalencia, 22, of 29 E. Maple St., Massapequa.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Veterans’ transportation program

Through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the VHA-UBER Health Connect (VUHC) program offers another way for eligible veterans to access transportation to VA-authorized appointments. To qualify, veterans must meet the following criteria:

•Be service connected for 30 percent or more

•Be traveling to/from treatment for a service-connected condition

MPK Mayor’s

•Receive a VA pension or disability

•Have an income that does not exceed the maximum annual VA pension rate

This program offers an additional option for veterans who may need assistance with transportation to medical appointments.

The writer is a member of American Legion Post 1066, and an employee of the Town of Oyster Bay Veterans Service Agency. The office is located at 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa. For assistance, contact us at (516) 797-7941.

son meets Trump

Photo courtesy/Pearl family

Timothy Pearl, the son of Massapequa Park Village Mayor Dan Pearl, is shown with President Donald Trump. Timothy is a student at High Point University in North Carolina and met Trump while he was campaigning in North Carolina last fall.

Veteran Warren Achenbaum with is Hometown Hero Banner. Shonw with him is Oyster Bay Town Councilman Steve Labriola, left and Councilman Louis B. Imbroto, right.

HIA-LI hosting economic summit

Thursday at Hauppauge Country Club

HIA-LI will be hosting their annual Economic Summit on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Wind Watch Golf and Country Club in Hauppauge.

The summit will unveil and analyze the results of its 2024 Economic Survey and will feature a panel representing private industry, academia, healthcare, real estate development, banking and nonprofits.

The discussion will offer insights into economic trends across critical sectors, including healthcare, real estate development, banking, education and nonprofit services.

Presented in partnership with Citrin Cooperman and Adelphi University, this summit will deliver a data-driven forecast of Long Island’s economic landscape, as interpreted by professionals from a range of key industries.

To register, visit hia-li.org. The cost is $65 for HIA-LI Members and $80 for Non-Members.

For more information, call (631) 543-5355.

Wind Watch Golf and Country Club is located at 1715 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade route changes

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, host for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15, has changed the route following a recommendation from the Nassau County Police Department. The parade route for the inaugural event is now as follows: It will head south on Broadway in Massapequa from Jerusalem Avenue to

Veterans Boulevard.

The Nassau County Police advised all those marching in the parade to arrive at 10 a.m. The parade kicks off 1 a.m., sharp. The Showmobile will be located at Pennsylvania Avenue and Broadway.

If you are planning to march, you can register online at: https://shorturl.at/ZKApZ.

Taste of Massapequa set for April 24

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Taste of Massapequa on Thursday, April 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Wren Kitchen

The event will feature over 30 restaurants with samples and is $30 per person. Taste of Massapequa will in -

clude raffles, music, games and refreshments.

To register, please visit massapequachamber.org.

For more information, call (516) 5411443 or email massapequachamber@ gmail.com

TOBAY Winter Break skating sessions

Families looking for recreational fun during winter recess need look no former than one of the town’s iceskating facilities, which will be offering extended hours through the winter break week. This week will be the last week public skating will be available

at the town’s outdoor rinks. Extended sessions will run Feb. 16 through Feb. 23.

To find out more about the hours and rinks, visit oysterbaytown.com or call (516) 624-6333 or (516) 797-7961.

MIKE KONDYRA

MacArthur Senior Basketball

A THREE-YEAR STARTER looking for his first AllCounty selection, Kondyra reached a milestone Jan. 27 in MacArthur’s 79-72 defeat to Long Beach. As part of a 42-point performance, he recorded her 1,000th career point. He hit seven three-pointers in what was his third 40-plus point game of the season. The AllConference honoree in 2023-24 iis averaging 25 points per game this winter to rank among Nassau County’s top five scorers.

GIRLS WRESTLING

NASSAU COUNTY CHAMPIONS

Tyasia Buxton, V.S. Central, 94 pounds

Harley Eidens, Long Beach, 100

Presley Eidens, Long Beach, 107

Gabrielle Severin, Bethpage, 114

Haley Gonzales, Hicksville, 120

Olivia Rausenberger, MacArthur, 126

Taylor Brock, Kennedy, 132

Jessica Marzano, Bethpage, 138

Gabriella Schechtman, Kennedy, 145

Keishara Tulloch, Uniondale, 152

Isabella Steffa, Seaford, 165

Eyslin Turcios, V.S. North, 185

Naomi Gonzalez, V.S. North, 235

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

Girls wrestling takes center stage

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

History was made Feb. 2 when Nassau County hosted its first-ever girls’ wrestling tournament at Bethpage High School with more than 100 entrants from over 20 districts.

Champions were crowned in 13 weight classes, ranging from 94 to 235 pounds, before a jam-packed crowd. Uniondale had the largest contingency with 22 participants as coach Tim Godoy said interest exploded after fall sports concluded.

“It’s been a really fun season and this tournament is great to see,” Godoy said. “I recruited some kids I coach in soccer and badminton and it just kind of took off from there. Last year we had two girls wrestling. By the end of the first week of practice this November, we had 30.”

Bethpage coach Sean Severin coordinated the one-day tournament and was thrilled to see everything run smooth. His daughter, Bethpage junior Gabrielle, captured the

Kennedy senior Gabriella Schechtman, who competed for MacArthur’s team, won the title at 145 pounds.

114-pound title which made a historic day that much more special.

“I was super happy with how good the event turned out,” Sean Severin said. “It drew a really big crowd and the girls brought the energy. It’s going to be a great stepping stone for the growth of the sport in Nassau County.”

Long Beach, which for more than four decades has fielded one of the premier wrestling programs in the county, has four girls competing this season including eighth-grade twins Presley and Harley Eidens. All four made the finals with the Eidens’ both winning championships.

“This is unbelievable opportunity for all the female wrestlers in Nassau,” said Long Beach coach Ray Adams, whose daughter, Reese, competes for Calhoun but missed her junior season with a knee injury that required surgery. “Our youth program, the Gladiators, started a girls program a few years ago and it keeps growing,” he said.

Adams credited 2020 graduate Lina Diamond with being the trailblazer for the budding Long Beach girls program. Presley Eidens, who also plays lacrosse and volleyball, said she started wrestling about two-and-ahalf years ago and grapples with her sister every day in practice. Freshmen Arianna Balsamo (152) and Sofia Calle (165) are also workout partners. “They’ve all improved every match,” Adams noted.

Valley Stream Central junior Tyasia Buxton said she joined wrestling to bring additional discipline into her

life. She just took up the until four months ago but has come a long way in a short time, coach Chris Carbajal said. Buxton captured the 94-pound crown.

“Really proud of her,” Carbajal said. “She made a commitment and stuck to it all season.”

Buxton credits a good deal of her success to scraping against boys almost exclusively this season. “I’ve taken my losses, but I learned a lot and I’m better for it,” she said. “It feels great to win. I gave it my all and didn’t give up.”

Lynbrook junior Dani Zhanay is one of the county’s most-experienced wrestlers. She’s been competing for eight years, coach Rich Renz said, after starting with the Titans youth league. “She loves competing and has a lot of skill,” Renz explained.

Uniondale sophomore Brianna Marquez is one of a

handful of soccer players who decided to give wrestling a try at the urging of Godoy. She was runner-up to Presley Eidens at 107. The Knights crowned one champion — sophomore Keishara Tulloch at 152.

“All the girls are amazing and the wrestling community has been really supportive,” Marquez said. “We all push each other harder every day. It’s definitely something I can see myself continuing to do.” Valley Stream North crowned a pair of champs with juniors Eyslin Turcios winning at 185 and Naomi Gonzaez emerging victorious at 235. Kennedy saw senior Gabriella Schechtman win at 145 and eighth-grader Taylor Brock finish first at 132. All 13 county champs along with six second-place finishers advance to the girls state tournament Feb. 27 in Albany.

Terry Uellendahl/Herald photos Valley Stream Central’s Tyasia Buxton captured the 94-pound crown.

5th grade history buffs explore a world of explorers

Fifth graders set sail on a new learning adventure at Unqua Elementary School in Massapequa when they began a lesson on explorers.

To start the social studies unit on the exploration of the New World, students in Joshua Rose’s class learned about the contributions of people like Samuel de Champlain, Hernando de Soto, Francisco Pizarro and Amerigo Vespucci. Each group was assigned one explorer and did research to learn various facts, such as each person’s country of origin, background, route travelled and areas discovered.

Students used a variety of digital sources including Cybersleuth Kids, Ducksters, PebbleGo, Scholastic TrueFlix and World Book Online. They completed their projects on Google Slides and wrote their pieces as if they were going to be published in a newspaper. They also added photos and maps before presenting it all to the class.

Above: Fifth graders in Joshua Rose’s class at Unqua Elementary School.

Right: Liam Corrigan and Alexandra Rivera discuss the contributions of Francisco Pizarro.

HERALD SPORTS

Dalers enjoying historic wrestling season

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

It’s been a historic season for the Farmingdale wrestling team, but the Dalers aren’t done making noise.

Farmingdale captured a first-ever Nassau Division I dual meet championship and was runners-up at the state dual meet tournament.

Now the focus is on the upcoming Nassau Division I championships at Hofstra University this weekend.

Farmingdale can continue to make history this season. Coach Artie Weidler said the most All-County selections his program has had in one season is six. Currently, the Dalers have nine wrestlers ranked and everyone in the starting lineup has a winning record.

That balance is a big reason for the Dalers’ success this year.

“They’re all having great seasons, and I guess when you have guys like that, that’s why you’re going to go as far as you do at the dual meet states, especially when they’re all different weights,” Weidler said.

Weidler knew the talent he was

bringing back from last year, but at what weights? That’s always so unpredictable, especially with growing high school kids. But when the season started, all the puzzle pieces fit perfectly.

The one variable Weidler had no question about was the work ethic, which was especially prevalent in the offseason. That’s directly correlated to success in a season that saw Farmingdale dramatically defeat Long Beach to win their first Nassau dual meet championship with junior Wilson Quintanilla defeating Liam Hastings by technical fall in the final match to clinch a comefrom-behind 36-31 victory.

“After beating Long Beach, it gave us a little more confidence to be able to go upstate and have the run that we had,” Weidler said.

The Dalers beat Brockport and Shenendehowa in pool play and then knocked off Horseheads in the semifinals before their run ended.

That loss can help fuel Farmingdale in the Nassau Division I championships and there’s plenty of Dalers who could make another trip upstate.

At 108 pounds, junior Michael Perez

is ranked No. 3 in the county, junior Jacob Estrada is ranked No. 6 at 116 pounds. A year ago, Estrada placed in qualifiers, but he was sidelined from the county tournament because of the flu.

Rich DeMarco was on the junior varsity team a year ago and, while not ranked, the junior has a 23-10 record at 124 after wrestling in 80 matches in the offseason.

At 131, junior Sal Migliaccio went from the junior varsity to being ranked No. 6 in the state. His older brother Nick is ranked No. 4 at 145. At 138, Cole Riddiough isn’t ranked, but the sophomore compiled wins over ranked opponents.

A year ago, Eric Wolf finished third in the county at 152 and this time the senior is ranked No. 1 at 160.

At 170, junior Jovens Theodate is ranked No. 2, while senior Rocco Martillotti is hoping to return from injury to make some noise.

Junior Josh Kama rebounded from early-season injuries suffered on the gridiron to a No. 4 ranking at 190, Quintanilla, who finished fifth in the county last year, is No. 1 at 215 and junior Mike Suwalski is ranked No. 6 at 285.

Eric Wolf placed third in the county last season at 152 pounds and is currently ranked No. 1 at 160.

Paul Grassini/Herald Senior

A father transforms grief into purpose after almost losing his own way

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

On March 7, 2009, Dr. Keith Durante’s world was forever changed. That day, his daughter, Elizabeth, an aspiring doctor, was traveling to the airport with a group when their car was struck by a drunk driver. The group was heading to Uganda to do humanitarian work helping orphans. In a car full of people, Elizabeth was the only one who did not survive.

“It’s the worst thing that can happen to a parent — to have two police officers at your door telling you that your daughter was in a fatal crash and that they need her dental records to positively identify her,” said Durant of Bay Shore. “I just fell apart.”

In “The Mourning After: A Surgeon’s Compelling Journey of Healing Through Forgiveness,” he recounts that emotional time. Following his daughter’s death, he went through a period of deep depression lifted only by a series of fateful connections and the unwavering support of his wife, Kathleen.

“I’m very fortunate that my wife had a lot of faith in God and the sequence of events that happened,” Durante said.

During his darkest hours, Kathleen reached out to the Grief Bereavement Center at Good Samaritan Hospital, where Durante met with Sister Mary Anna of the Dominican Sisters of Amityville.

Sister Mary Anna became a lifeline, regularly checking in on Durante and offering comfort. She often took him on drives to the beach, where they would talk about his grief. One day, she told him something he wasn’t ready to hear: he needed to forgive the man who killed his daughter.

“I didn’t want to hear that, but she was right,” said Durante. Sister Mary Anna then introduced him to the works of Richard Rohr, a well-known American Franciscan priest and author on spirituality. Durante was deeply moved by Rohr’s words and reached out to him. When they met, Rohr echoed Sister Mary

Anna’s advice, urging Durante to forgive the man. By the time of the final court hearing, Durante did just that. Rohr wrote the introduction to “The Mourning After,” and Sister Mary Anna wrote the forward.

“She saved my life,” said Durante of Sister Mary Anna. “What she did for me, I could never repay.”

Once Durante found peace and emerged from his depression, he knew he had to continue his daughter’s work in Uganda. He visited the orphanage where Elizabeth had worked and built the Elizabeth Durante Medical Clinic in her honor. He then returned to Uganda several times, witnessing firsthand the immense need for medical care in the country’s remote regions. He began working at a hospital in Bwindi, home to the Pygmy people and endangered Silverback Gorillas, where he performed emergency surgeries and assisted the Pygmies with education, sustainable living, and work.

“We do a lot to help them in any way that we can,” said Durante.

In addition, Durante trekked with the Silverback Gorillas and founded a school for the arts, part of his Project Liz foundation.

Motivated by his desire to help others who are suffering, Durante decided to put his story into a book. He explained that before his daughter’s death, he had been a successful surgeon but had felt “spiritually bankrupt.” The tragedy and the path that followed shifted his perspective. He realized that to heal fully and live with purpose, he needed to embrace a more “soul-centric” life.

He described Elizabeth as a selfless soul, likening her to Mother Teresa, and recalled her favorite saying: “Give more than you take.” These are the words he now lives by.

Keith R. Durante, MD. PC, FACS, and author of The Mourning After

Legislators sue over county’s ‘illegal militia’

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Nassau County Democratic legislators and civil rights attorneys filed a lawsuit against the county last week, branding County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s creation of special sheriff’s deputies an “illegal militia.”

“Bruce Blakeman’s militia is not about public safety — it’s political theater at the expense of Nassau County residents,” Legislator Seth Koslow, ranking member of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee, said. “There is no justification for creating an unaccountable and illegal force that answers only to the county executive.”

Legislator Scott Davis criticized the measure as unnecessary, citing Nassau’s ranking as one of the safest counties in the country, and called for an increase in properly trained law enforcement officers as an alternative to the volunteer deputy program. The county currently employs over 2,500 officers who have undergone rigorous training.

In the event that the county’s existing law enforcement and crisis volunteers are insufficient, the county has the ability to call for assistance from law enforcement agencies in neighboring counties.

The lawsuit alleges that the county’s application process for the program requires minimal qualifications, including ownership of a pistol license and no

Democratic Nassau County legislators filed a lawsuit in State Supreme Court last week against the county and County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s creation of a special sheriff’s deputy program. Legislators Carrié Solages, far left, Scott Davis, Seth Koslow, Debra Mulé, Arnold Drucker and Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton gathered to announce the suit on Feb. 5.

“misdemeanor convictions within the previous five years.” For each day of activation during an emergency, a volunteer would receive a stipend of $150, which exceeds the hourly rate of pay limit that deputies may receive without legislative approval.

The lawsuit cites a Newsday investigation that found that 25 people had enlisted in the program as of last Sep -

Selection of Wines & Spirits!

tember, six of whom were not able to be found through background checks. The plaintiffs allege that the county’s program appears to require significantly less training than its regular police training.

Carey Dunne, an attorney from the Free and Fair Litigation Group, argued that this poses a risk to the general public.

“County Executive Blakeman’s mili-

tia endangers public safety in Nassau County and the health of our democracy nationwide,” Dunne said. “Our lawsuit alleges an authoritarian power grab in the heart of suburban America. We cannot let the abuse of executive power go unanswered.”

Legislator Debra Mulé alleged that special sheriff’s deputies are an illegal group that should not be funded with taxpayer money, and that the county executive should be compelled to comply with public record laws.

“We filed formal Freedom of Information Law requests to get answers, and Blakeman ignored them,” Mulé said. “Even the county budget hides how much money is being funneled into this program. If this militia is such a great idea, why is he hiding it from the public?”

Blakeman is the first defendant in the case, alongside Nassau County Sheriff Anthony LaRocco. Blakeman was adamant in his opposition to the lawsuit and his support of the volunteer unit.

“Debra Mulé and Scott Davis are a disgrace for bringing this frivolous action and defaming the volunteers, many of whom are retired military and law enforcement, who have agreed to pitch in in the event of an emergency,” Blakeman said in a statement. “The antisemitic statements, denigrating these good citizens by labeling them as Nazi brownshirts, disqualify them for public service.”

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

Hundreds Attend The R.E.A.L. Awards

Event celebrates professionals driving growth and community development

By Angelina Zingariello

RichnerLIVE hosted its fourth annual R.E.A.L. Awards on Jan. 29, honoring the outstanding entrepreneurs, professionals and visionaries shaping Long Island’s real estate industry.

This event, at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, recognized individuals who have excelled in their fields and dedicated themselves to community advocacy and development.

“We strive to spotlight these developments and the people and organizations behind them week in and week out,” Stuart Richner, president and publisher of Richner Communications Inc., said. “Your work is vital for our shared growth and prosperity.”

The ceremony emphasized the deep connection between real estate and local communities, highlighting how industry leaders contribute to the region’s growth and well-being. The event celebrated the accomplishments of professionals whose efforts go beyond building structures; they lay the foundation for thriving neighborhoods and economic prosperity.

The evening began with a lively cocktail hour, where attendees mingled and connected with friends and colleagues. The networking session set the tone for the night, allowing industry leaders to celebrate their shared achievements and contributions to the local real estate landscape.

“It’s always an honor to be honored,” said Sheldon Shrenkel, CEO and executive director of the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency, said. “We appreciate the recognition, and to be together with all these other wonderful people in similar professions.”

After dinner, the awards ceremony was hosted by five-time Emmy Awardwinning investigative reporter Kristin Thorne. The honorees were recognized for their achievements, and came to the stage to accept their awards.

“It is always an honor to be celebrated multiple times by fellow architects and industry organizations,” Willy Zambrano, founder and design principal at Zambrano Architecutal Design, said. “However, recognition from another professional field is truly invaluable, particularly when it comes from a local news outlet. I’m elated to receive the Architectural Design Excellence award from this event.”

Keynote speaker Mike Florio, CEO of the Long Island Builders Institute, addressed the growing challenges in Long Island’s real estate market, emphasizing how rising construction costs, insurance premiums and restrictive zoning regulations are making homeownership increasingly difficult. Despite these obstacles, Florio highlighted the region’s desirability, and the need for collaborative efforts among developers, policymakers and local businesses to create sustainable, mixed-use communities that accommodate evolving demographic needs while ensuring

economic stability.

“To achieve these goals, we must take this conversation beyond a solution,” Florio said. “Everyone inside understands the challenges we face, but we need to reach a broader audience. Too often, the highest voices in the room are the small but local minority that is resistant to change.”

The annual Herald R.E.A.L. Awards served as a reminder of the vital role real estate professionals play in shaping Long Island’s future, not only through development but also through advocacy and community engagement. The evening brought together industry leaders to celebrate their achievements, foster connections and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead.

A portion of the proceeds from the

evening benefited General Needs Ltd., a nonprofit organization that is committed to supporting homeless veterans. Founded in May 2015, General Needs provides essential services to veterans in emergency shelters in Brooklyn and Queens and across Long Island. The organization operates entirely through community support, ensuring that all donations directly assist those in need. For a full list of honorees and photos, visit richnerlive.com/realestate.

Robert Esposito, founder of Relocators Service Inc. and author, “Nobody Move!” with Stuart Richner

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Honoree Nicholas Ceccarini with friends and family of Weatherstone Mortgage Corp

Hundreds cheer on our 2025 honorees

Keynote Speaker Mike Florio, Long Island Builders Institute

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Honoree Kevin D. Boone, Keller Williams Realty of Greater Nassau

Honoree Christina Volz and Nancy Cuite, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Honoree Sheldon L. Shrenkel, Nassau County IDA

Father/son honorees Kenneth and Stanley Schuckman, Schuckman Realty

Honoree Brendan D’Loren of Terwilliger & Bartone and Stuart Richner

Cocktail hour filled with 2025 honorees and their guests ahead of the ceremony

Honoree Tiffany Balanoff, Douglass Elliman

Honorees Vito Giannola, Provident Bank and Dee Dee Brix, Compass

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Honoree Willy L. Zambrano, Zambrano Architectural Design, LLC

Honoree Joseph Farkas, Metropolitan Realty Associates, LLC

The following are a list of public meetings and special events for the coming week: Please note: All meetings are subject to change without notice.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13

•Town of Oyster Bay Planning Advisory Board Meeting: 7 p.m., Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information, call (516) 624-6333.

• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Mon-

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

tauk Hwy., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. For more information, call (631)-972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15

• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. For more information call (631)-972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust

Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17

•Massapequa Fire District Work Session Meeting: 7:30 p.m., District Administration Building, 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 798-9849.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631)-332-0552 or Jill at (516)-220-7808. All calls are confidential.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19

• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631)-3320552 or Jill at (516)-220-7808. All calls are confidential.

• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Hwy., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. For more information call (631)-972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org

Calendar items are printed for nonprofit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Post Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.

By Danielle Schwab

GOUT

Dinosaurs and epic roars

Dig into the mysteries of our favorite

et ready to embark on Jurassic Quest, one of the largest immersive dinosaur experiences in North America. The traveling prehistoric adventure, which combining archaeology with the latest tech, returns to Nassau Coliseum with its herd this weekend, Feb. 15-17.

Journey back 165 million years — to a time when mighty dinos ruled the Earth. The arena transforms into the TriassicJurassic and Cretaceous periods with life-like dinosaurs to observe and interact with during, that’s sure to spark the imagination.

“We bring dinosaurs to people in a way that’s fun, interactive and educational that you can’t find anywhere else,” says Jurassic Quest dinosaur expert Sarah Menard, better known as “Safari Sarah,” one of the expert “dino trainers.”

“You can go to a museum to see dinosaurs, but you’re only going to see fossils. You’re going to see educational things, but it’s not going to be as interactive or fun as maybe bouncing on a giant dinosaur inflatable would be,” she says.

There are plenty of opportunities to dig into the excitement. Hop on rideable dinosaurs, engage in hands-on science and art activities, enjoy thrilling dinosaur shows, observe real-life artifacts — and that’s only the start.

All of this — enhanced by carefully chosen vegetation, immersive sound effects, dynamic lighting, and interactive electronics — will make you feel like you’ve truly stepped into another time.

“One of my favorite things to see is whenever kids walk in their jaws drop, and then their parents walk in right after them and they do the same exact thing,” Safari Sarah adds.

Expect to see all your favorite dinos and meet new ones, including the formidable Triceratops, towering longnecks, fierce raptors, and of course, the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex — standing proud at 20 feet tall as the ultimate apex predator.

prehistoric pals

• Feb. 15-16 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Tickets start at $22 (Use code QUEST15 for 15 percent off admission); available at jurassicquest.com or on-site

• Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike Uniondale

where they can channel their

where they can channel their inner paleontologist, and study replicated and real fossils like T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull.

“They can learn not only how fossils are made, but they can make fossils themselves, and at the end of the day, they get to walk away with a dinosaurshaped fossil,” Safari Sarah says.

On display, you’ll find real artifacts like Megalodon and dinosaur teeth, horseshoe crabs, and maybe even a dinosaur skull.

Friends of the Brothers Friends of the Brothers returns to the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to the Allman Brothers. Their powerful celebration featuring musicians closely associated with the original band, continues the brotherhood with passion, committed to the ideals of every night being special and unique. Guitarist/singer Junior Mack has fronted Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band for 12 years and starred in the acclaimed Broadway show “Lackawanna Blues.” Guitarist Andy Aledort played with Dickey Betts for 12 years while singer/guitarist Alan Paul is the author of “One Way Out,” the definitive, best-selling Allman Brothers biography based on 25 years of reporting on and interviewing the band. Their firsthand experience with the Allman Brothers and their deep knowledge of the repertoire, its roots and heritage allows them to play with an unrivaled depth, backed by a band of inspirational, veteran players. Rock on!

Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. $38, $33. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or call (516) 767-6444.

Every dinosaur is created in collaboration with top paleontologists to create accurate depictions. As more is learned about these prehistoric creatures, their features are updated to reflect the most authentic depiction of dinosaurs in their prime.

This year, you may see some different feather placement and colors added to the pack.

“We actually know that feathers were a lot more prominent than we originally thought. There are even some paleontologists that think that the T-Rex had feathers,” Safari Sarah explains.

While we may think of dinosaurs in their largerthan-life forms, they, of course started out young — and “small.” Meet the baby dinos, Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex, and Trixie the Triceratops, three lovable hatchlings ready to play with new friends!

“They all have their own personalities. They’re all kinds of tricksters and will steal your hat or your phone from you. They’re cute little buddies,” Safari Sarah says.

“The famous question we get is ‘Is this really real?”’

There’s much to explore at each activity station, including an opportunity to become a Utahraptor trainer for the largest raptor in the world. The team instruct families on different commands and tricks to use that they can try out for themselves.

Kids will also want to check out the fossil dig,

For those looking for some self-guided fun, there’s

For those looking for some self-guided fun, there’s a scavenger hunt-style activity that the whole family can explore. Go on “The Quest,” a scavenger hunt-style activity where budding paleontologists can become Jr. Park Rangers, and learn all about the dinosaurs and time periods with the help of a fun and fact-filled video tour.

And the youngest adventurers have a spot all their own. Little dino-lovers can roam the ‘Triceratots’ soft play area, taking a well-deserved break from the excitement.

and learn all about the dinosaurs and time periods with the help the

While dinosaurs connect us to the past, they also connect all ages to a sense of wonder.

While dinosaurs connect us to the past, they also connect all of this

“If a parent can step outside of their ‘common sense’ and get into ‘wow, this is a real science,’ it really opens it up for their children as well, ” Safari Sarah says.

From a child’s toy to life-like moving creatures, atmosphere

From a child’s toy to life-like moving creatures, dinosaurs unearth new — but actually very old — possibilities.

“Studying dinosaurs is a gateway science,” Safari Sarah explains. “It opens it up to all these different sciences that talk about our Earth or the atmosphere or the stars. Things that have always been around since the beginning of time.”

His ‘Bronx Tale’ Chazz Palminteri is back on the Paramount stage, with his solo version of “A Bronx Tale.” The powerful one-man stage play depicts his bruising childhood, which included witnessing a gangland killing in the Bronx when he was nine years old. Palminteri plays 18 characters and brings them all to life in his autobiographical play. His friends, enemies and family all come alive on stage. It became a hit after he wrote it in 1989 and the most sought after property since “Rocky.” This is the original show he wrote and performed that made him an in-demand character actor and served as the basis of the acclaimed movie and Broadway musical. Bronx-born and raised, Palminteri was a natural choice to continue the long line of prominent Italian actors in the film industry.

Sunday, Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., $99.50, $89.50, $79.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Visit ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com for tickets.

Photos courtesy Jurassic Quest

Trainer Safari Sarah (at left) knows her way around a dinosaur herd. These prehistoric creatures — of all shapes and sizes — roar to life at Jurassic Quest.

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, Thursday, Feb. 13, 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, meet with expert teachers, counselors and administrators. Register at nassauboces.org/gctech or call the school for more information at (516) 604-4200.

Line Dancing at Massapequa Public Library

Join Massapequa Public Library and presenter Jenn Mule for a night of line dancing on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7-8 p.m. To register for this event and for more information, call (516) 798-4607 ext. 6303. Massapequa Public Library, 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park.

Jan. 24

Co-ed Badminton

For adults looking for an indoors sport to keep active in the winter, join Co-ed Badminton! Classes take place on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, at Hicksville Athletic Center. Classes are for those 18 years of age or older and run for 10 weeks. Online registration is open at oysterbaytown.com/ portal. There are fees for the classes. For information, (call 516) 797-7945. 167 Broadway, Hicksville.

February Recess Fun

Vanderbilt Museum hosts

Portraits and Mixed Media

Selfies, Monday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m.–noon. Children will visit the mansion, search for interesting elements in the collection of portraits, and create self-portraits. For kids in grades K-4. $20, $18 members. To register and more information, visit vanderbiltmuseum.org or call (631) 854-5579. 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport.

Having an event?

Golden Tones Chorus

The Town of Oyster Bay is seeking members for its Golden Tones Entertainment Group. The senior chorus is a social group open to town residents over the age of 60 who have an interest in singing, dancing or entertaining. Meetings are held every Friday at the North Massapequa Community Center, at 214 North Albany Ave., N. Massapequa. There are two planned shows, a spring show and a holiday show. Senior citizens interested in joining the Golden Tones should call (516) 797-7916 for more information.

Art Explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, Feb. 15, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and make art together. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct follow-up 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.

Letter Writing Workshop

Kids can unlock the art of letter writing at Planting Fields Arboretum, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 4-6 p.m. Participants will meet a professional archivist, explore the history of written communication, and experience the magic of writing by hand. Children will explore real letters from the Coe family’s children and use vintage typewriters, quills, homemade ink and stamps to write their own letter. They will have the opportunity to add their letters to a time capsule that will not open until 2034. Each participant will take home their own vintage letter-making kit. $25 per child, and the program is for children ages 5 through 12. To register, visit shorturl.at/MasgF. For more information, call (516) 922-9210. 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay.

Meet some of our local scholars...

The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:

•Kimberly Westenberg of Massapequa Park is one of the 20 SUNY Cortland students to recently become a member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society.

•GiAnna Esposito of Farmingdale, attending Elmira College, had artwork on display in the Term II 2025 Student Art Show.

•Sophia Kareglis of Massapequa, attending Austin Peay State University, was recently offered a scholarship for the fall of the 2025-2026 academic year.

•The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at the College of Charleston: Ava Barnard of

Massapequa, majoring in Mathematics and Secondary Education Cognate , and Giovanna Fratantoni of Massapequa, majoring in Accounting.

•Louis Guidone of Farmingdale, attending the College of Charleston and majoring in Finance, was recently named to the President’s List.

•Vincent Gregory Austin III of Massapequa Park recently graduated from the University of Maryland Global

Campus with a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Technology.

Kids Camp and School

Kids Camp and School is an in-depth guide on summer camps, after-school programs, and educational institutions, ensuring families have all the information they need to make informed decisions.

The Our Story Finance special supplement is a dedicated exploration of how community businesses drive local economies, foster financial resilience, and create lasting social impact. This edition highlights the power of collective entrepreneurship, showcasing how locally owned enterprises shape thriving neighborhoods through shared resources, ethical finance, and community investment.

Story Real Estate Movers and Shakers

This edition spotlights the individuals driving positive change, from revitalizing neighborhoods to pioneering sustainable development and inclusive economic growth. This edition features in-depth profiles, and takes a look behind-the-scenes at how community-focused real estate and business leaders are reshaping local communities.

Higher education is more than just earning a degree— it’s a gateway to personal growth, career success, and community development. This special supplement explores the transformative impact of colleges and universities on individuals and society, highlighting the latest trends, opportunities, and resources available to students and lifelong learners.

•The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at the University at Albany: Leann Nicholas of Farmingdale, majoring in Interdisciplinary-Biochemistry & Molecular Biology; Enya Hodgson of Farmingdale, majoring in Psychology; Ryan Murphy of Massapequa Park, majoring in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity; Madison Loria of Farmingdale, majoring in Business Administration; Rebecca Taylor of Massapequa, majoring in Criminal Justice; Tyler Barletta of Massapequa, majoring in Business Administration; Julia Cornell of Massapequa Park, majoring in Human Biology; John Farina of Massapequa Park, majoring in Business Economics; Harrison Miller of Farmingdale, majoring in Atmospheric Science; Antoinette Francis of Massapequa, majoring in Political Science; Leah McKenna of Farmingdale, majoring in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity (intended); Melissa Hofer of East Farmingdale, majoring in Criminal Justice (intended); Caroline Salvadori of Massapequa Park, majoring in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security & Cybersecurity; Julia Harmon of Farmingdale, majoring in Business Administration; Rachel Knight of Massapequa Park, majoring in Business Administration (intended); Ava McCarthy of Massapequa, majoring in Computer Science (Combined); Nicole Sperounis of Massapequa Park, majoring in Actuarial & Mathematical Sciences; Vincent Giacalone of Massapequa, majoring in Political Science (intended); Liam Brennan of Massapequa Park, majoring in Business Administration (intended); Arianna Grant of Farmingdale, majoring in Accounting (intended); Olivia Asencio of Massapequa, majoring in Accounting (intended); Ava Fishman of Massapequa Park, majoring in Early Childhood/Childhood Education (intended); Jack Iacobellis of North Massapequa, majoring in Human Development (intended); Jordan Russo of Massapequa, majoring in Business Administration (intended); Thomas Finnegan of Massapequa Park, majoring in Accounting (intended); and Justin Sapochetti of Massapequa, majoring in Accounting (intended)

LMAS1

Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals

TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592 -

TELEPHONE: (516) 624-6232 – FAX: (516) 624-6149

RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman –

LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman –

KATHLEEN MULLIGAN

REBECCA M. ALESIA –ANDREW

MONTELEONE –

LISA CICCOLELLA

– FLORESTANO

GIRARDI

****************** ******************** ************

PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 24612 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on FEBRUARY 20, 2025, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 25-24

MASSAPEQUA PARK O’CONNOR FAMILY TRUST:

Variance to allow existing wood deck with steps to grade having less rear yard setback, exceeding maximum building coverage and gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance.

E/s/o Richard Pl., 537.39 ft. N/o Block Blvd., a/k/a 172 Richard Place,

Massapequa Park, NY

APPEAL NO. 24526

MASSAPEQUA

NICOLE INTRAVIA: (A) Variance to construct one story addition having less aggregate side yards than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 08-472 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated November 13, 2008.

S/s/o Kensington Ave., 210 ft. W/o Arlyn Dr. E., a/k/a 7 Kensington Avenue, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24543

MASSAPEQUA

MAUREEN BY-

RNE: (A) Variance to allow existing shed having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

(B) Variance to allow existing roof over wood deck having less side yard setback and rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing enclosed porch having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

(D) Variance to allow existing shed and roof over wood deck exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (E) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 98-574 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated October 1, 1998.

S/s/o Banbury Rd., 224.88 ft. W/o Hunter Ridge Rd. E., a/k/a 314 Banbury Road, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24529 NORTH MASS -

APEQUA

JUSTIN & AL -

LISON BARILLA:

Variance to construct one story addition exceeding maximum building coverage and having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters.

N/s/o N. Walnut St., 390 ft. E/o N. Central Ave., a/k/a 223 N. Walnut Street, North Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24538

NORTH MASSAPEQUA

RAY NATALE:

(A) Variance to allow existing 9.86 ft. by 8.13 ft. shed having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing rear covered patio having less aggregate side yards than permitted by Ordinance.

(C) Variance to allow existing rear covered patio and front covered porch exceeding maximum building coverage and gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance.

(D) Variance to allow existing pool equipment having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o Daniel Rd. S., W/o Goliath Rd., a/k/a 30 Daniel Road S., North Massapequa, NY

ZONING

BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING OF 02/20/25 PAGE 2

Public Notices

aggregate side yards than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to construct widened driveway having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to erect 4 ft. high chain link fence having less setback from swimming pool than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o N. Virginia Ave., 400 ft. W/o N. Baldwin Dr., a/k/a 355 N. Virginia Avenue, North Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24522

SEAFORD CHRISTINE

SCHROY: (A) Variance to construct second story addition having less rear yard setback and exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing 4 ft. high fence exceeding maximum height within 30 ft. of intersection than permitted by Ordinance.

SE/ cor. of Maywood Dr. & Hillcrest Dr., a/k/a 3987 Maywood Drive, Seaford, NY

APPEAL NO. 24-68

MASSAPEQUA

JOE CLABBY: Variance to install natural gas generator having less side yard setback (South) than permitted by Ordinance.

E/s/o Ocean Ave., N/o Compass Ln., a/k/a 175 Ocean Avenue, Massapequa, NY

yard (Vandewater Street) than permitted by Ordinance. NE/ cor. of Lockwood Ave. & Vandewater St., a/k/a 39 Lockwood Avenue, Farmingdale, NY

FEBRUARY 10, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 25-115 2/12

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 65 Block 101 Lots 2314, 2315, 2316, and 2317. Approximate amount of judgment $590,059.64 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 614095/2017. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine."

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 18, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 9 SUZANNE B CT, MASSAPEQUA, NY 11758. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Massapequa, Town

Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 65, Block 190, Lot 57. Approximate amount of judgment $750,801.48 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612457/2017. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-006153 84246 25-116 2/12, 19, 26, 3/5

APPEAL NO. 24539 NORTH MASSAPEQUA

KIM DORAZIO:

(A) Variance to allow existing attached garage and one story addition having less

APPEAL NO. 24374

FARMINGDALE SHEILA

O’SULLIVAN: Variance to erect 6 ft. high PVC fence exceeding maximum height across front

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor-ininterest to all permitted successors and assigns of JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Trustee for Specialty Underwriting and Residential Finance Trust Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2005-BC2, Plaintiff AGAINST Eddie Maiorino a/k/a Eddie A. Maiorino; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 5, 2019 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 24, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 45 Beverly Place, Massapequa, NY 11758. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Massapequa,

John Kennedy, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: November 26, 2024 25-108 1/22, 29, 2/5, 12

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE TRUST AGREEMENT FOR THE STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST SERIES 2004-BNC2, Plaintiff AGAINST JOHN MIONE, JR., TERESA MIONE, DIANA TERRITO, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 7, 2019,

Budget-friendly Valentine’s Day ideas

The National Retail Federation indicates Valentine’s Day is the fifth largest spending event in the United States after the winter holidays and Mother’s Day. Each February, people clamber to get gifts for their sweethearts and create romantic memories through fine dining and decadent desserts. According to Finder, a tool used to navigate complex decision-making processes, Americans were expected to spend a combined $50 billion on gifts and activities in 2021, with gifts averaging $187. Men tend to spend more than women on Valentine’s Day. Everyone may be spending more on Valentine’s Day this year due to inflation. In 2021, used cars and trucks, oil, meats and poultry, airline fares, and women’s apparel were just some of the items that increased significantly in price. Finding ways to be frugal may be challenging this February, but these ideas are a start.

Dine in

Restaurants are popular options for couples on Valentine’s Day, but they can be busy and prices may be inflated. Many also offer limited prix fixe menus. By making a meal at home and picking and choosing less-costly ingredients, couples can save a substantial amount of money.

Frugal flowers

The cost of roses definitely goes up near Valentine’s Day, so consider giving another flower. Lilies can be lovely or maybe that special someone has a signature flower. A flowering plant, which will cost less than many bouquets and will last far beyond Valentine’s Day if given care, is another alternative to consider.

Save on chocolate

Sweet treats are the name of the game, but many popular chocolate boxes can be pricey this time of year. Plan ahead and keep a stockpile of chocolates from Halloween or Christmas. Then use floral wire or pipe cleaners to turn bite-sized packages into a handmade chocolate bouquet. Otherwise, purchase various chocolate bars and package them with hot chocolate, chocolate cookies and other decadent offerings in a themed gift basket.

Saving on Valentine’s Day comes down to being creative and focusing on the sentiment rather than the price.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING OF THE FARMINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY BUDGET VOTE AND TRUSTEE ELECTION

APRIL 1, 2025

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Special Meeting of the qualified voters of the Farmingdale Union Free School District of the Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, will be held at the Farmingdale Public Library, 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale, New York (the “Library”) on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, for the purpose of voting upon the following items:

•To adopt the annual budget of the Farmingdale Public Library for the fiscal year 20252026 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District; and

•To elect one (1) member to the Library Board of Trustees for a five (5) year term commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring on June 30, 2030, as a result of the expiration of the term presently held by Laurie Rozakis.

FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN, that the Library Board of Trustees will hold a public information meeting for the purposes of discussion of the proposed 2025-2026 Library Budget on March 18, 2025 at 4:00pm, in the Library (address above). All residents of the Library District are invited to attend. A copy of the proposed Library Budget, together

Public Notices

with the text of any resolution to be presented to the voters, may be obtained in the Library (address above) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. beginning March 11, 2025, except Sunday or holidays.

FURTHER NO -

TICE IS GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of Library Trustee shall be filed in the Library Business Office, located within the Library (address above) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., not later than 5:00pm on Monday, March 3, 2025. Each candidate must be a qualified voter of the Library District, and must reside in the area served by the Library. Each petition shall be directed to the Clerk of the Library Vote; must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, must state the name and residence of each signer, and must state the name and residence of the candidate.

FURTHER NO -

TICE IS GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law and has voted at an annual or special district meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at this election. If a voter is registered and eligible to vote under Article 5 of the Election Law, he or she is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register.

FURTHER NO -

TICE IS GIVEN, that the Board of Registration will meet for the purpose of conducting a registration of all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law at the Library (address above) on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Anyone who is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared shall have their name added to the register. The register of voters will be filed in the Library Business Office (address above), where it will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District on each of the five days prior to April 1, 2025, excluding Sundays and holidays, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

FURTHER NO -

TICE IS GIVEN, that applications for early mail and absentee ballots will be obtainable during school business hours in the Library Business Office beginning March 3, 2025. Completed applications must be received in the Library Business Office at least seven (7) days before the election, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Early mail and absentee ballots must be received by the Clerk of the Library Vote (located in the Library) not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. A list of persons to whom early mail and absentee ballots are issued

will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Library Business Office on each of the five days prior to the vote, except Sundays and holidays, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

FURTHER NO -

TICE IS GIVEN, that a qualified voter whose ability to appear personally at the polling place is substantially impaired by reasons of permanent illness or physical disability and whose registration record has been marked “permanently disabled” by the Board of Elections pursuant to the provisions of the Education Law shall be entitled to receive an absentee ballot without making separate applications therefore.

FURTHER NO -

TICE IS GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Library District. Military voters who are qualified voters of the Library District may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot applications must be received in the Library Business Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday March 6, 2025. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is received by the Library Business Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the

election.

Copies of this notice and other election information are available in Spanish and English at www. farmingdalelibrary. org.

Dated: Farmingdale, New York February 3, 2025

By Order of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FARMINGDALE

PUBLIC LIBRARY

Farmingdale, New York

CHRISTA LUCARELLI, Director 25-117 2/12, 26, 3/12, 26

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY. NAME: ¬¬¬¬¬¬¬¬-LIMETIME ENTERTAINMENT, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 11/13/2024. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to:280 N Cottage Street Valley Stream NY 11580 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

25-118. 2/12, 19, 26 3/5, 12, 19

The story of Cupid

What would Valentine’s Day be without images of a golden-tressed boy armed with bow and arrows? The arrows represent feelings of love and desire, and they are aimed and cast at various individuals, causing them to fall deeply in love — or fall out of it. In Roman mythology, the boy is known as Cupid and is the son of Venus, the goddess of love. Portrayed as a cherubic and mischievous toddler, this magical boy was purported to be the matchmaker of gods and mortals alike.

For students of Greek mythology, Cupid represents Eros, the Greek word for “desire.” He was the son of Aphrodite, Venus’ Hellenistic counterpart, and would play with the hearts of mortals and gods, sometimes leaving mayhem in his wake. In Greek mythology, Eros was more teenager than bubbly baby, and capitalized on his status as a heartthrob rather than the cherubic status of Roman mythology, according to Richard Martin, a Stanford University professor. While Cupid may have been an adorable imp, some historians say Eros had a darker side, going so far as to describe him as calculating and sinister — forcing the wrong people into lovelorn matches.

According to Museum Hack, while Cupid could make people fall in and out of love, he also was once in love himself. In this telling, Cupid is a young man when Venus learns that a mortal girl is born with such great beauty that others start to forget to worship Venus, adoring this girl instead. Upset about the misdirected adoration toward this mortal, Venus asks Cupid to have the girl, Psyche, fall in love with a monster. Cupid agrees, but once he sees Psyche he “accidentally” hits himself with one of his own golden arrows and falls in love with Psyche. The resulting match does not prove easy, and through a series of unfortunate events, Psyche must prove her love to Cupid and accomplish various tasks to win back his heart. Eventually, Psyche does and achieves goddess status.

Cupid has been portrayed both as a young man and child through Renaissance art and beyond. When Valentine’s Day became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, Cupid was linked to Valentine’s Day celebrations due to his matchmaking abilities. His popularity only continued in the early 20th century, when Hallmark began to manufacture Valentine’s Day cards featuring Cupid.

Cupid helped push people together in ancient mythology, and he can even be the catalyst for modern day matchmaking as well

4 facts about Valentine’s Day

Saint Valentine is the patron saint of lovers and engaged and married couples. He also is the name behind the holiday that inspires images of red hearts and rose petals in the middle of February. Not much is actually known about St. Valentine because records are sparse. However, these facts have emerged.

• St. Valentine could be one of at least three individuals who were martyred. In fact, some believe there were about a dozen St. Valentines.

• Of course St. Valentine is known for presiding over lovers. However, he’s also the patron saint of epilepsy, watching over those who experience seizures associated with the disease.

• Visitors to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Rome can find the flower-adorned skull of St. Valentine on display. Other parts of St. Valentine’s skeleton are on display in the Czech Republic, England, France, and Ireland.

• Some people think Geoffrey Chaucer may have invented Valentine’s Day. In his “Parlement of Foules,” he speaks of a tradition of courtly love with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day. This association became more established after Chaucer’s poem received widespread attention

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Nailing down the permits

Q. We completely rebuilt in 1996, and are ready to retire and sell. Our real estate agent told us they checked our permit records and it was never signed off. Although it’s a long story, our first contractor went to jail and destroyed our original permit papers. The second contractor never got a plumbing permit or electrical sign-offs, even though they had people do the work. Is this going to be a big problem to get everything signed off, because we want to sell within the year to take advantage of the market right now? What can you advise?

A. Sounds like you went through a lot. Most people tell me they could write a book about their experience. You need to see your building department records and get copies of the signed and sealed plans. Many municipalities keep records either in paper form, which you may have to pay for copies of, or microfilm or computer files.

Then speak with your inspector to find out what they think needs to be done. Most will be very helpful, and allow for the process to continue, asking you to hire a plumber to get a permit, which involves your notarized signature so you know it’s being done. In way too many cases, the plumber or contractor says it was done when it really wasn’t, so most municipalities require the owner’s signature on permit applications so the building department and owner are aware that the process is being done and is not false.

The plumber needs to see your bathrooms, kitchen, heating equipment and any other plumbing to be sure it meets the plumbing code (and building code). The same process must be done with an electrician, but most building departments ask for a certification from a private agency, not your electrician, since most building departments don’t have an electrical inspector. The reason for this is that one of the two leading causes of fire is electrical (the other being use of the kitchen) so your local government wants nothing to do with the liability for fire safety.

You’ll find that almost everyone in this process wants to avoid responsibility as much as possible. You may have to either call for an inspection agency yourself or, if you suspect that there could be questionable electrical work, hire a licensed electrician to inspect and correct before hiring an agency to detect, if you elect. The private agency charges a few hundred dollars, usually, depending on the number of rooms and outdoor items, like air conditioning condensers, pool equipment and landscape lights, which must also be inspected. After all this is done, you may be able to get a final inspection and a sign-off and certificate from your building department, unless … your building department makes you get plans and a new survey redrawn and updated to the most recent code, which is complicated, time-consuming and expensive — in the thousands of dollars — before you can get a final inspection. Allow plenty of time.

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Banning smartphones from classrooms is the right call

Last month, as the semester began, I informed my students that cellphones would not be allowed in my classrooms. I said this with sympathy, understanding the world they’ve grown up in.

When I became a professor in 1978, cellphones didn’t exist in the form they do today. Today, however, students seem more attached to their phones than to anything else — perhaps second only to their cars if they’re of driving age. The obsessive use of these devices is impacting the way they engage with their environment, especially in class. Smartphones, once a luxury, have become essential tools for navigating the digital society. I empathize with my students, because it’s not their fault that they’ve become tethered to these devices. Phones are essential tools for everything from managing schedules to staying connected with the world. But while they offer many conveniences, they also present challenges, particularly in the classroom. They are distractions, constant and pervasive.

In my course syllabi, I’m blunt about cellphone use. I state in capital letters:

N“SMARTPHONES AND SIMILAR ELECTRONIC DEVICES, BECAUSE THEY DIVERT A STUDENT’S ATTENTION, ARE NOT TO BE USED DURING CLASS. PLEASE PUT YOUR SMARTPHONE OR SIMILAR DEVICES AWAY AND FORGET ABOUT TEXTING OR CHECKING EMAIL DURING CLASS.” It’s a rule I’ve adopted out of necessity. Using a cellphone during class disrupts not only the student using it but also their peers.

Recently, Gov. Kathy Hochul took a commendable step by announcing plans to limit smartphone use by students in public schools, and to implement a statewide standard for distraction-free learning.

idigital technology: Devices like smartphones and tablets offer extraordinary benefits, but come with significant costs.

“Yes, we have these amazing handheld marvels of the digital age — tablets and smartphones — miraculously glowing devices that connect people throughout the globe and can literally access the sum of all human knowledge in the palm of our hand,” Kardaras writes. “But what is the price of all this future tech? The psyche and soul of an entire generation.”

’ve seen firsthand how kids are ‘zombified’ by their glowing screens.

“Young people succeed in the classroom when they’re learning and growing — not clicking and scrolling,” Hochul said. She acknowledged that the initiative might make her “very unpopular,” but emphasized the necessity of protecting students’ education.

Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, an addiction expert and clinical professor at Stony Brook University, offers a powerful perspective on this issue. He’s the author of “Glow Kids: How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking Our Kids — and How to Break the Trance.” Kardaras writes that society has made a “Faustian deal” embracing

This is a chilling assertion, but Kardaras’s concerns are backed by growing research into the neurological and psychological effects of excessive screen time. He suggests that the “comfort and titillation” of digital devices have led to an entire generation becoming “zombified” by their glowing screens. I’ve seen this firsthand as a professor. Walk into any restaurant, schoolyard or public place, and it’s common to see kids and teens with their heads down, lost in their phones. Their faces glow from the screens, but their eyes seem distant, disconnected from the real world around them.

Kardaras emphasizes the importance of a “digital detox,” or “tech fast,” as the first step in breaking the addiction to screens. He believes it’s vital for children to replace screen time with enriching,

offline activities such as sports, music or creative endeavors like painting. He also stresses the importance of human connection — something that’s increasingly endangered in an era of constant digital interaction.

I share this perspective with my students. While I recognize that cellphones are ubiquitous and essential in today’s world, I also believe they need to be used thoughtfully. Parking a car today, for example, often requires a cellphone app. I get it — the world is digital, and adjusting to life without a phone in hand is increasingly challenging. But in the classroom, the need for focus and engagement is paramount, and that often means putting the phone away.

“I’m from the 21st century,” one student recently explained to me. I appreciated the sentiment, but I still believe some adjustments are necessary. It’s not about rejecting technology, but about fostering an environment in which students can engage with the material, their classmates and the world around them without constant digital distractions.

The digital society may have arrived, but so, too, must the discipline to navigate it effectively. For the sake of education and personal well-being, we must learn when to disconnect.

Karl Grossman is a professor of journalism at SUNY Old Westbury, host of the Free Speech TV program “Enviro Close-Up with Karl Grossman” and the author of six books.

High anxiety is gripping many Americans

ot that anxiety is funny, but sometimes it helps to laugh at ourselves.

In 1977, Mel Brooks did just that, with his movie “High Anxiety,” starring Brooks as a wildly neurotic shrink and Cloris Leachman as his mustachioed, militaristic nurse at the Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous. Now, either you think that’s funny or you’re already writing me a letter. But I speak from experience. I’m an anxious person, and according to the American Psychiatric Association, 40 percent of Americans said last year that they were more anxious than the year before.

I was an anxious kid, and teen, and adult. I come by my anxiety honestly, from my nervous parents and grandparents. Most days, I do breathing exercises before I open my eyes in the morning. How do you know if you have anxiety? Do you have a pulse and a moral conscience? You’re in.

Officially, according to psychotherapist Linda Hubbard in an article on the

Mayo Clinic website, you might have trouble concentrating, you may feel tense or restless, or experience muscle tension or headaches or lightheaded or sleeplessness.

Anxiety treatment has become big business. As I write this — case in point — I just got a pop-up ad from an online health letter selling “proven stress-busting techniques.” The barrage of anti-anxiety messaging is endless. We have to be careful consumers.

I offer these words to commiserate and say you are not alone. These are troubling times, and nearly everyone I know is feeling some stress or anxiety. It is permissible now to discuss these feelings openly, and there is relief in sharing.

A nd its treatment is big business. Anti-anxiety messaging is endless.

anxiety tactics and treatments are freely marketed and talked about and posted. Today’s society and culture have produced more anxiety, and more discussions of anxiety online, on TV and in social media. Anxiety has become monetized, from advertisements for medications to promotions for apps that control anxiety and foods and self-help books that promise to ease our emotional pain.

Since the pandemic, we have had good reason to feel anxious. Our peace of mind is under attack, by everything from rising waters and emerging viruses to political dysfunction and the assault on our democratic values.

For those of us whose anxiety is triggered by the confederacy of dunces who have taken the political stage in Washington, eventually we can vote, but day to day, we can turn off the cacophony of news and social media that surely make us feel worse. I read a few newspapers to keep informed, but I no longer watch much TV, unless it makes me laugh (in a good way).

Throw everything at the problem and see what works. But don’t try to tough it out. Be selective in using the internet. Let social media be your tool and not the other way around.

There is no real history tracking anxiety. Maybe Shakespeare was anxious; he did create Hamlet, one of the most deeply anxious characters in literature. Maybe cowboys who rode the range felt stress about the roundups. Perhaps our storied astronauts suffered these symptoms.

It’s worse to suffer in silence, but that was always the expectation, especially for men. Soldiers who suffered debilitating anxiety in World War I were considered “shell-shocked,” and ostracized. Now anti-

I am a foot soldier in the struggle with anxiety. What works for me? I walk outdoors as often and as far as I can, weather permitting. The steps, one by one, for a mile or two, seem to ease tension.

I bought one of the apps that promise to reduce anxiety. It offers really boring stories read by monotonic narrators, which help you unwind and even fall asleep. The app also features yoga exercises and various sounds like rain on a roof and light piano music and ocean waves. In my own experience, all of these work, sometimes and to some degree.

Each of us, in our own lives, can find reasonable and healthy ways to reduce anxiety. Many of them are free, like turning away from devices and toward people. When we need professional help, we can find it. Medications work for millions of people.

It doesn’t hurt to have a laugh or two each day. Comedians like Sarah Silverman and the late Robin Williams carved careers out of their struggles with anxiety. The Apple TV series “Shrinking” has some laugh-out-loud moments. Maybe start by streaming a copy of “High Anxiety” and checking into the Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous for a few hours.

Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

KARL GRossMAN

RANDi KREiss

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Ira L. Cahn - Founder

Green Homes: smart, and good for the planet

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s energy costs rise and environmental concerns grow, the Town of Babylon’s Green Homes program offers a solution that benefits both homeowners and the planet. Homeowners can save a significant amount of money on energy bills each year while reducing their environmental footprint, creating a win-win scenario. With expert energy audits and financing options available, they can take action to improve their homes, save money and contribute to a greener future.

Since its launch in 2008, the Green Homes program has helped many Babylon residents make their homes more energy-efficient. Now more than ever, it’s a great time to take advantage of this opportunity. From insulating walls to upgrading appliances, the program offers a wide range of energy-saving improvements that make homes safer, healthier and more comfortable. These improvements not only reduce energy consumption but also lower the risk of issues like mold, drafts and excess moisture, which can harm both your health and your home’s long-term value.

One of the major reasons to get involved in the program is the financial savings. The average Babylon resident who participates saves up to $1,000 per year on energy bills. These savings come from making strategic upgrades

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like improving insulation, sealing leaks, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and installing smarter thermostats. Many of these improvements are affordable and pay for themselves over time, thanks to the savings they generate on energy costs.

In fact, the savings are so substantial that many homeowners find that the cost of upgrades is often quickly covered by the energy savings themselves. When you sign up for a Green Homes energy audit, a licensed contractor will evaluate your home’s energy use and provide a detailed report outlining the most effective upgrades. These improvements help lower your energy bills.

The program goes beyond just energy savings — it’s a key part of creating a more sustainable community. When we heat, cool or power our homes, we are often relying on energy produced by burning fossil fuels, which releases harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Participants in the Green Homes program can reduce their carbon footprints while improving their homes’ efficiency.

For those concerned about the cost of energy-efficient upgrades, the program offers financing options to make the transition easier. Homeowners can work with the town to create affordable payment plans that fit their budgets, making it easier than ever to partici-

Senator Weik’s criticism of MTA

is off base

To the Editor:

Re State Sen. Alexis Weik’s op-ed last week, “It’s time for riders to take control of the runaway MTA”:

Given the record year experienced by the Long Island Rail Road, reflecting 95.6 percent on-time performance along with 40 percent more trains, booming ridership (up by 10 million riders last year) and surging customer satisfaction (76 percent, up 6 points) — along with the early success of congestion relief in reducing traffic for those who still drive — it is mystifying what Senator Weik meant.

First, congestion relief has been so popular, with more than a million fewer vehicles on Manhattan streets in the zone over the last month, that even a clear majority of drivers paying congestion tolls support the program (Morning Consult poll of 1,200 voters, Feb. 3), because they are saving so much travel time.

Second, Weik’s essay mistakenly conflates the Port Authority’s Hudson River toll hikes as part of supposed MTA overreach. A state senator knows the difference between our totally separate agencies. She then maligns the head of the MTA for not caring about commuters! The reality, as our riders

pate. These flexible financing options allow residents to make energy improvements without the upfront burden, while still reaping the long-term savings.

At a recent Sustainability Fair, featured on Page 3 of this week’s issue, Babylon highlighted the positive environmental and financial benefits of the program, encouraging homeowners to join the effort to reduce energy consumption and make a difference for future generations. Green Homes is a great opportunity for Babylon residents to make lasting improvements to their homes, save money and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

As Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer put it, “This is an important opportunity to highlight a terrific program that has existed in the Town of Babylon since 2008. The Green Homes program provides residents with an eye-opener regarding their homes, and participants often share with us the incredible savings they experience with their electric and heating bills. This truly helps, especially today, when everyone is watching every dollar they must spend on necessities.”

For more information on how to get started in the Green Homes program, call (631) 422-4411. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your home, save money, and help protect the environment for generations to come.

know well, is that this chairman has overseen the greatest expansion of service in LIRR history, along with completion of the Third Track project and the opening of Grand Central Madison, the

country’s first major new train terminal in generations. The LIRR’s thousands of caring and diligent workers deserve credit for making the nation’s busiest commuter rail -

opinions University leaders should not remain neutral

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fter the congressional hearings that challenged university presidents on campus activism amid allegations of antisemitism, many institutions adopted policies of “institutional neutrality.” Boards of trustees resolved that they would not comment on political issues such as international conflicts, investments in certain countries, and policies proposed by elected officials. Many of the resolutions cited principles enunciated by the University of Chicago. According to the Chicago principles, university leaders should not engage in speech that would appear to infringe on others’ speech. The university should be a protected, neutral place for the expression of all ideas, a safe space for “strong disagreement, independent judgment, and the questioning of stubborn assumptions.”

(“Report on the University’s Role in Political and Social Action,” University of Chicago, 1967.)

There are good reasons for this. When a board or president issues a statement, it can stifle contrary views; it can suppress debate. This would violate the university’s responsibility to foster

critical thinking. Making statements about some issues, but not others, could indicate that some deserve comment but others do not.

But the Kalven Report, which affirmed the University of Chicago’s mission of free inquiry and independence, did not prohibit leaders from commenting on public policies that would affect institutional autonomy and the freedom of scholars to pursue truth no matter where that pursuit may lead. So, “no” to taking partisan positions, but “yes” to evaluating proposals such as those in the much-discussed Project 2025, prepared by the Heritage Foundation, that infringe on the purposes of education.

TAnd it is the home for critical thinking and critics who ask “why?” and “why not?” In these ways, a university is as much about the advancement of ethical character and engaged citizenship as it is about preparation for careers and commerce.

he muchdiscussed Project 25 infringes on the purposes of education.

I agree with these principles. Neutrality does not mean silence. A campus president should not remain silent in the face of proposals that would undermine free speech. A university president has an obligation to question proposals that would undercut quality controls. It is the responsibility of a president and the board to protect the university as the home of critics even as it is not itself a voice of criticism.

A university has three fundamental roles. It is the creator of new knowledge as well as of new professionals. It is the curator of knowledge in all its forms.

LeTTers

road what it is today, a thriving, service-focused way for Long Islanders to get where they need to go, with the promise of capital investment from this MTA to keep them reliably rolling for decades to come.

FREE Jamaica

Rob Free is president of the Long Island Rail Road.

Whose golden age?

To the Editor:

After reading Peter King’s op-ed, “An inauguration that was decidedly different,” in last week’s issue, I have reservations about his lauding President Trump. I wrote Trump before he took office, saying that it would be groundbreaking if he became the president of all the people. His legacy would be the destruction of the partisanship that is strangling the USA. I received a hopeful reply signed by the president-elect. Today I realize this was a dream. I and many like me, ordinary hardworking Americans, have been scammed.

King defends most of Trump’s and his minions’ draconian attacks on the

very roots of what’s left of our republic. Revenge, and creating turmoil and anxiety, are the order of the day. Religion is being weaponized, and censorship, which Trump says we will now be free of, is being spread through the agencies of government, right down to teachers in our schools.

Being poor, with skin of a different tone, dispossessed or a peaceful immigrant, is no longer acceptable. The norm will soon become the knock on the door, the presentation of “your papers” and a disappearance in the night. History proves that while we’re not there yet, we are heading down this slippery slope.

King writes of Trump’s new “golden age.” On that term we agree, but we define it differently. The only gold I see is his greedy cadre of rich men grabbing all the power they can lay their hands on. They know that power breeds money. They are pigs at the trough.

King writes that the functions he attended in Washington were filled with “extraordinary excitement, enthusiasm and hope.” Yet the president is but three weeks in office, and many who supported him are reacting adversely to the confusion, disappointment and the “shock and awe” of his

Across the country, governors and state legislators promote policies that proscribe what subjects can be taught and what books can be read. Project 2025 is a “blueprint” for multiple changes in federal policy related to knowledge and expertise. It alleges, without evidence, a radical leftwing bias in university teaching. At the same time, it would require a selective teaching of American history by omitting mention of race and slavery. It also would substitute religious belief for scientific evidence, including weather forecasting and study of the environment. It would substitute political tests for professional expertise, stifling critical thinking and free speech.

The Project calls for the abolition of the U.S. Department of Education, and reclassifying federal scientists as political appointees. It would turn over consumer protections from predatory proprietary schools to the states and retract the “borrower-defense” provisions of the federal loan system put in place to protect students from for-profit schools and lenders.

Project 2025 also calls for eliminating Head Start; overhauling the educational accreditation system, reducing its political neutrality; and rolling back Title IX protections for sexual assault survivors and LGBTQ students. It calls for prosecuting all government agencies, colleges, corporations and other private employers that maintain diversity policies.

Public education was established to ensure an informed citizenry, essential to a functioning democracy. Project 2025 would deny freedoms in favor of authoritarian dictates. Instead of supporting public education, it would allow for the banning of books and restrictions on independent inquiry.

Project 2025 should be studied and debated. We should affirm the purpose and benefits of education to society and the individual. Project 2025 limits rights, opposes inconvenient history and science, and would impose biased views. We can be passionate in the defense of academic values without becoming politically partisan. Only by advocating for freedom of inquiry and free speech will we preserve them, and our democracy. On this, university leaders should not be neutral.

Dr. Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate,” Rowman & Littlefield, 2024.

policies and his erratic statements. Many are feeling buyer’s remorse.

King is an intelligent man who did much for his constituents when he served the public. It is difficult to comprehend how he cannot sense that this president is quickly on his way to becoming a clear and present danger to

the republic King served. King and I probably both pray, in our own ways, for the same things, a better country and a peaceful world. It’s good to dream!

Framework by Tim Baker

At the annual month-long celebration of Black history — Freeport

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ROB

MARK C. NUCCIO Bellmore

Lifesaving Heart Care Close to Home

In 1993, Anita Rothenberg of Valley Stream was first admitted to Mount Sinai South Nassau’s ER in Oceanside and treated for a heart attack at the age of 37. She recovered, raised a family and worked as a teacher on Long Island for the next 29 years. Then, in November of 2022, an angiogram showed three blocked arteries. She underwent triple bypass surgery a few days later at Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in Manhattan and completed her cardiac rehabilitation close to home at Mount Sinai South Nassau.

Mount Sinai South Nassau o ers comprehensive heart care for Long Islanders, and has received the following ratings and quality awards:

• Rated High Performing in heart attack and heart failure from U.S. News & World Report ® for 2024-2025

• Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention™

• Healthgrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™

• Healthgrades Five-Star Recipient for Coronary Interventional Procedures

• Named among the top five percent in the nation for Coronary Interventional Procedures by Healthgrades

L ea rn mo re a t mountsinai.org/southnassauheart