Massapequa Herald 03_26_2025

Obituary: Rose Hobbins

Page 8

HERALD Massapequa

Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge

DEADLINE APRIL 1ST

Crowds greet St. Pat’s Day parade

By MIKE POLANSKY

Correspondent

Filling a long-time void in the community, the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce’s first annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicked off in high spirits on Sat., March 15.

Sixty-five organizations participated, starting on Jerusalem Avenue and proceeding down Broadway to Veterans Boulevard. An estimated 7,500 spectators lined Broadway to watch the procession.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Jennifer Gallub-Pravato to challenge Drucker for Legislative seat

By MIKE POLANSKY Correspondent

Jennifer Gallub-Pravato, a longtime Massapequa Park resident, has been nominated by the Nassau County Republican Party to run for the County Legislature.

She will challenge incumbent Democrat Arnold Drucker in the 16th Legislative District.

If elected, she pledges to serve as a full-time county legislator, contrasting herself with Drucker, who she says has a full-time job in New York City. She also promises to “work across

the aisle.”

Gallub-Pravato’s husband, Jeff Pravato, is a former mayor of Massapequa Park and now serves as Oyster Bay’s Receiver of Taxes. With their four children— Zachary, Georgianna, Ethan, and Addison—grown and out of the house, the couple recently sold their Massapequa Park home and downsized to a smaller residence in Farmingdale Village. It was the perfect time for a move, they said, and Gallub-Pravato felt it was also the ideal moment to channel her years of charitable and community work

into a run for public office. The county Republicans quickly agreed, and due to the recent redistricting of legislative districts, their new home now lies within the 16th District.

Gallub-Pravato was born in Brooklyn but grew up in Woodbury and graduated from the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from C.W. Post. She has dedicated much of her time as a volunteer at the Mid Island Y JCC in Plainview and the Solomon Schechter School in Jericho. Currently, she works as a

realtor for Anthony Napolitano Homes in Massapequa Park and previously served for eight years as a career and employment counselor for the Town of Oyster Bay.

Drucker won re-election in 2023 with 55 percent of the vote.

However, a knowledgeable Republican Party source predicted that the

16th Legislative District race will be one of the most competitive in Nassau County.

Arnold W. Drucker was elected to the Nassau County Legislature in a November 2016 special election. He is currently serving his second full term as the representative for the 16th

Past Chamber President Keith Wilson chaired the event and announced the parade’s progress from the Town ShowCONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Mike Polansky /Herald

AOH Bagpipers greet all those who came out to the first annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Massapequa.

Gallub-Pravato to face Drucker

islative District, which includes the communities of Plainview, Old Bethpage, Jericho, Syosset, Woodbury, Hicksville, Old Westbury, and Roslyn Heights.

Drucker currently serves on the Finance, Public Works, and Health & Social Services committees, and is the ranking member on the committees for Planning, Development, & the Environment and Government Services & Operations. The elections will take place in November.

Assemblyman Durso announces student scholarship opportunities

NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso announced that the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators is accepting applications for four $3,000 scholarships, two academic and two athletic.

Scholarships are available to residents of the 9th Assembly District who are currently enrolled in a higher education program or are high school seniors entering college. Students can access and complete the application by visiting: https://www.nyiacsl.org/apply-for-scholarship-form

The application deadline is Friday, March 30, 2025.

“This is an excellent scholarship opportunity for high school seniors and college students in the 9th Assembly District who have worked hard, distin-

guished themselves from their peers and intend to pursue higher education,” said Durso. “With college costs continually rising, this is a chance to lessen the financial burden that is a concern for so many young people and their families. I encourage eligible students in my district to apply.”

Applicants need not be of Italian American heritage to apply. Scholarship recipients will be announced in April and contacted directly. Winners must so to Albany on Monday, May 19th to receive their award at the ItalianAmerican Day Celebration.

For additional information, or to inquire if the student lives in the 9th Assembly District, call Durso’s office at 516-541-4598.

Town of Oyster Bay offering paid

summer internships for students

Attention college students: the Town of Oyster Bay is offering an opportunity for you to gain meaningful work experience through an internship program being offered for the 2025 summer season.

The competitive program compensates students at a rate of $18 per hour for work

After 40 years of serving as your trusted financial advisor, I am excited to share an important update about my practice. I have joined Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc., an independent broker-dealer based in Jericho, NY, to better serve my clients with expanded resources and greater flexibility.

My commitment remains the same, guided by these core principles:

Understanding your unique financial goals

Researching and recommending the best solutions

Providing ongoing guidance to help you achieve financial success

By joining Lebenthal, I now have:

Access to a wider range of financial products and services

Financial planning services at no additional cost

Greater flexibility to select the most suitable solutions for you

A broader array of investment options to diversify and strengthen your portfolio

I look forward to this next chapter and continuing to help you achieve your financial goals.

Contact Me: 516-606-5752 | Email Me: GSlavin@lebenthal.com

Learn More: lebenthalfinancial.com | lebenthal.com

completed with various town departments. The program will operate from Thursday, May 29 to Wednesday, August 6. Those interested should call (516) 6246425.

For more information, visit oysterbaytown.com/internship.

Photo fom the Nassau County Republican Nominating Convention: Jennifer Gallub-Pravato is pictured with her husband Jeff, right, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakema, center.

GARY SLAVIN

Massapequa Chamber hosts first annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Large turnout greets 65 organizations that marched proudly through the streets

CONTINUED FROM COVER mobile at Broadway and Pennsylvania Avenue.

The Grand Marshals of the parade were Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and past Chamber President Gary Slavin, a Massapequa resident and local volunteer.

“We are very proud that the Chamber started this parade in conjunction with the town and Supervisor [Joseph] Saladino,” Wilson said. “We’re proud to showcase our Irish heritage in Massapequa today.”

Chamber President Robin Hepworth invited the family of Connor Kasin, a 17-year-old Massapequa student who died suddenly during a charity hockey game last year, to join her at the Showmobile. Hepworth presented the Kasin family with a plaque “in recognition of Connor’s Massapequa family and his contributions to the sports community and Massapequa High School.”

Wilson, addressing the Kasin family, added, “When a family has a loss in

Massapequa, it’s all of our loss.” A large group of Connor’s friends and teammates participated in the parade as the Connor Kasin Memorial Foundation.

The parade concluded with a procession of local volunteer firefighters, with about 100 firefighters and the ladies’ auxiliary marching down Broadway, followed by fire trucks blasting their sirens in celebration.

Hepworth expressed her excitement at the event’s success, saying she was “mesmerized by how many people turned out.”

She added, “This was an event that was long overdue for Massapequa, and next year, it will be even bigger and better.”.

The Embassy Diner was the main event sponsor; additional sponsors included Investment Insight Wealth Management, Masone Masonry, Genstar Masonry Design, Coastal Collision, TLC Companions Home Care, Paddy’s Loft Irish Pub and Restaurant, Smuggler Jack’s, Schneps Media, Lebenthal Financial Services, James Funeral Home, and Pick-Up Pros.

All Photos: Mike Polansky/Herald Grand Marshals Patrick Ryder and Gary Slavin

The Connor Kasin Memorial Foundation St. Patrick at the parade

Historical Society of the Massapequas

School District Superintendent Bill Brennan with Board of Ed members Kerry Wachter, Cher Lepre, and Jeanine Caramore

Cat Tongues: Why They Feel Like Sandpaper

Cat tongues often feel like sandpaper. A poem below may offer one reason:

CAT KISSES

Sandpaper kisses on a cheek or chin, that is the way for a day to begin. Sandpaper kisses, a cuddle and a purr— I have an alarm clock that’s covered with fur.

—Author Unknown

Pets, Pets, Pets...

Although scratchy feline tongues may seem like an annoying alarm clock to wake owners, they evolved for different reasons. The reason cat tongues feel like sandpaper lies in tiny, hooked structures called papillae. These barb-like hairs, which face toward the back of the mouth, cover the top of a cat’s tongue. The stiff projections act like the bristles of a brush or the teeth of a comb, helping cats groom efficiently. The spines are made of keratin, much like our fingernails, and each is shaped like a tiny cat claw.

JOANNE ANDERSON

tification; it is a survival skill. In the wild, after eating prey, cats groom to remove any traces of their presence, preventing them from alerting nearby prey to their location through smell. A cat is small enough to be both a predator and potential prey, so removing evidence of a fresh kill is essential to its safety.

Cats also groom for other reasons. Besides detangling their fur, grooming helps remove parasites and their eggs. It also redistributes oils produced by the cat’s skin, which keep the fur waterproof. Vets sometimes advise against bathing cats, as shampoo removes these protective oils.

themselves during warm weather. It is believed that the barbs on a cat’s tongue assist in separating flesh from bone when the animal devours its prey. This adaptation is particularly important for big cats, such as lions and tigers. Finally, grooming also serves as a form of distraction when a cat has an embarrassing moment. If a cat falls off a counter, it often immediately starts grooming, as if to say, “That clumsy episode didn’t happen to me. You must be mistaken.”

Cats for Adoption at Babylon Animal Shelter Location: 80 New Highway, N. Amityville Phone: (631) 643-9270. Ken (#5-75): Orange and white tabby, 1-2 years old. Shamira (#5-69): Male, 1 year old.

All shelter cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, FeLV/FIV tested, up to date on parasite prevention, and microchipped.

However, these backward-facing barbs have a downside. Anything the cat collects on its tongue—such as loose fur—may be swallowed and could result in hairballs. The barbs also make it dangerous if a cat gets yarn, string, or tinsel in its mouth, as it can’t easily spit them out.

Grooming goes beyond feline beau-

Grooming serves as a social skill, helping to build trust between cats. Friendly cats often groom each other, and kittens begin grooming by about five weeks old. In adulthood, bonded cats continue grooming one another, focusing on areas that are hard to reach. If a cat trusts a human, it may groom them as well.

Additionally, grooming helps cats regulate their body temperature. While cats have sweat glands in their paws, they don’t sweat like humans. By dampening their fur with saliva, cats help cool

BABYLON SHELTER POSTER CATS:

Massapequa conducting annual breakfast program survey

The Massapequa School District will be conducting a survey of parents of kindergarten through fifth grade students who attend the Massapequa elementary schools to determine if there is any interest in a school breakfast program. If insufficient interest is shown, an exemption to participate in this program will be requested by the board of education

to the New York State Education Department.

Parents and taxpayers are asked to share their concerns regarding the district’s survey and exemption request by contacting the Massapequa Food Service office in writing at Massapequa Administration, 4925 Merrick Road, Massapequa, N.Y. 11758 or by phone at (516) 308-5745.

■ WEB SITE: www.massapequapost.com / www.liherald.com/Babylon

■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: cjames@liherald.com

Shamira - 1 year old male.

Ken - 1-2 year old male, orange and white tabby.

The backward- facing papillae (bristles) on a cat’s tongue act like a comb for grooming, catch debris, distribute natural oils, and help a cat eat.

Hofstra softball shows positive signs

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

The Hofstra softball team struggled out of the gate to open the 2025 season but still has time to ready the ship for its bid to reach the postseason.

The Pride dropped 19 of its first 21 games before charting a four-game winning streak and has the bulk of the remaining Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) schedule ahead to earn one of the six available spots in the conference tournament. The winner of the CAA playoffs will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, which Hofstra achieved in 2023.

“We definitely have hit some moments of growth and challenges,” said fourth-year head coach Adrienne Clark, whose team took 2-of-3 games from first-place Delaware last weekend to stand at 3-6 in the CAA with 18 league games remaining. “We’re trying not to focus on the outcomes as much and focus on the things that we can control and our adjustments within.”

adjustment entering the season with the loss of ace pitcher Julia Apsel, who was an integral part of the 2023 CAA championship squad and is using her final year of college eligibility at Florida State.

Junior Emma Falen is the team’s new number one pitcher after transferring from UC Riverside. The Folsom, Calif. native recorded eight strikeouts in a 4-1 win against Towson on March 14 to earn the Pride their first league win.

The pitching staff also includes freshman Carley Ernst, a two-time Lancaster-Lebanon League First Team selection during her high school career in Pennsylvania. Senior Haley Venturini, a Rhode Island native, has battled injuries over the past two seasons and Clark is hoping she can play a key part of the rotation down the stretch of the season.

The Pride’s offense returned some key pieces from last year’s 23-26 team including junior shortstop Alanna Morse, a Mepham High School graduate, who hit a home run in Hofstra’s 11-3

Feb. 16. She also has been solid anchoring the infield recording a .932 fielding percentage last season as a sophomore with 79 putouts and 88 assists.

“She’s doing a fantastic job,”said Clark of Morse, who is second on the team with a 308 batting average. “She’s also learning how to be a better teammate and support others and she’s sort of doing it in a way that is allowing her to play free and compete hard.”

Morse’s former Mepham teammate, sophomore right fielder Lily Yepez, has also emerged as a key part of the lineup after registering 14 hits in 20 starts as a freshman.

Senior first baseman Anna Butler, a Seaford High School product, adds to the Nassau County South Shore presence on the roster. Butler tied a program record for most hits during a seveninning game when she 5-for-5 in a 4-3 loss to Cornell on Feb. 28.

Butler also can contribute in the pitching circle as well and made her first relief appearance in a 1-0 victory against Howard on March 18, tossing five innings of scoreless relief to earn

the win.

“She is so committed to competing hard and to the team,” said Clark of Butler. “That dynamic is really what has been allowing her to figure some things out.”

Sophomore center fielder Chelsea Villar has begun to make waves in the lineup and entered the week as the Pride’s leading leading hitter with a .313 batting average and three home runs. Sophomore Mackenzie Fitzgerald is also making strides as a sophomore with a .293 average.

Hofstra will be on the road the next two weekends for series against Campbell and Drexel before hosting UNCWilmington for three games from April 11-13 and College of Charleston from April 18-20. The Pride conclude the regular season by hosting CAA foe Monmouth for a three-game series from May 1-3.

“In the rest of conference play it is about continuing to focus on the things we can control and continue to focus on us,” Clark said. “When we do that, we’re capable of beating any team.”

Junior shortstop Alanna Morse is a two-way standout for the Pride.

“The

Revival Program qualified

—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown

Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.

*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project. psegliny.com/businessfirst

Rose A. Hobbins, cornerstone of the Massapequa community, at 91

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Rose A. Hobbins, who was a cornerstone of North Massapequa and who dedicated herself to her community for decades, died Feb. 27, 2025. She was 91. She and her husband, Joseph, who predeceased her, were married for 42 years enjoying what her family described as a “long and joyful marriage.”

Mrs. Hobbins was born Sept. 8, 1933 in the Bronx. She was the founder and longtime president of the North Massapequa Civic Association and led efforts to improve safety with speed zones and traffic lights, beautified the area with tree plantings, and played a key role in creating the Field of Dreams Park, providing a safe space for local children.

She was also an active parishioner at Maria Regina Roman Catholic Church, where she shared her faith with her weekly prayer group.

“Her true gift was her ability to listen, to offer a kind word and to be there for those who needed her,” said her son-inlaw, Carmine DiDomenico . “Her legacy extends far beyond the countless hours she devoted to her community; it lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. She leaves behind a beautiful example of unconditional love, faith, and generosity—a

model for all who had the honor of knowing her.”

“Rose personified everything that a community would want a civic leader to be,” said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “She was a great motivator of getting residents to come together on an issue, empowering them to voice their concerns and take action. She will certainly be remembered as a passionate advocate for her community.”

“Rose will be remembered as a dedicated civic leader whose unwavering commitment left an indelible mark on her community,” added Oyster Bay Town Councilman Steve Labriola. “Known for her boundless energy and compassion.”

Bill Ervolino, an author and columnist for the Bergen Record who worked for the Massapequan Observer where he got to know Mrs. Hobbins as president of the North Massapequa Civic Association, recalls a woman who was “a powerhouse.”

“Some people talk but don’t get much accomplished,” he said. “We worked together on various projects through the years and became good friends. She always encouraged me to pursue new challenges and so I did, moving on to many more wonderful jobs and losing touch with her in the process.”

But the two reconnected shortly before her death and spent several hours remi-

niscing, he said. “I am not sure what mysterious cosmic force urged me to call her when I did, but I’m so glad I was able to arrange that meeting. I will cherish the time we spent catching up and the wonderful relationship I had with this wonderful, big-hearted lady.”

Mrs. Hobbins is survived by her two children, Patrick Hobbins, and her daughter, Andrea DiDomenico and her husband, Carmine, along with four grandchildren: Josephine, Angelina, Carmine, and Joseph, who were her pride and joy. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.

She reposed at James Funeral Home, 540 Broadway, Massapequa, on Tues., March 4, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial took place on Thurs., March 6, 2025, at Maria Regina Church. Interment followed in St. Charles Cemetery, East Farmingdale.

Massapequa Chamber hosting networking luncheon on March 27

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Networking Luncheon on Thursday, March 27 at noon at Paddy’s Loft.

Come network with Massapequa’s business owners and chamber members. The cost is $25 for members and $30 for non-members.

Additionally, bring a raffle price for the “Luck O’ The Chamber” Raffle. To register, visit shorturl.at/nRbpd. For more information, visit massapequachamber.org or call (516) 541-1443.

Paddy’s Loft is located at 1286 Hicksville Road, Massapequa.

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 include raffles,

music, games and refreshments. To register, visit massapequachamber. org. For more information, call (516) 5411443 or email massapequachamber@gmail. com

Wren Kitchen is located at 5500 Sunrise Highway, Massapequa.

ROSE A. HOBBINS

A closer look at the Propel NY Energy project

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

The Propel NY Energy project is aiming to revo-

1

The Big Investment

$3.26 Billion:

Ratepayers fund the total capital cost for the entire project across New York state.

Six Cents a Day:

Estimated additional cost to an average residential ratepayer—about six cents per day—to support the new infrastructure.

2

The New Grid

90 Miles of Transmission Lines:

The project will construct 90 miles of new underground transmission lines, with 66 miles in Nassau County and additional segments extending into Suffolk County, the Bronx, and Westchester.

3 Additional Interconnection Points:

Long Island currently relies on just two connection points to the statewide grid. Propel NY Energy will add three

lutionize Long Island’s electric grid. The project is currently in the Article Seven permitting process — a two-year review involving environmental and engineering assessments. Construction is slated to

new connections, strengthening overall grid reliability and resiliency.

5 Interconnection Points in Total:

With the new additions, the grid will have five connection points, ensuring that power flows efficiently in both directions.

3

Construction & Permitting Article Seven Permitting:

The rigorous Article Seven process, covering environmental, socioeconomic, and engineering assessments, is expected to take approximately two years, with submissions made in July and anticipated approval around July 2026.

Construction Timeline:

Construction is slated to begin in mid-2026 and continue for three to four years, with completion expected by mid-2030.

begin in mid-2026 and continue until mid-2030. Here’s the key numbers and figures driving this $3.26 billion initiative:

Underground cables will be installed at a depth of roughly 5 to 7 feet, ensuring they are protected from weather and other external risks.

Daily Progress:

Crews are projected to advance between 50 and 150 feet per day per crew, minimizing long-term disruption to local neighborhoods.

4

Future-Proofing the Grid

50 to 90 Percent Increase in Demand:

As much as a 50 to 90 percent surge in electricity demand is projected over the next 20 years, driven by electrification, including electric vehicles, heat pumps, and data centers.

50 percent Renewable Energy by 2030: By 2030, it’s anticipated that 50 percent of Long Island’s power will come from offshore wind—made possible by the upgraded grid capacity.

Avoided Congestion Savings:

Enhanced transmission efficiency is expected to save the state an estimated $3.3 billion in congestion-related costs over time.

5

Selection & Local Impact 19 Proposals Reviewed:

The project was chosen through a competitive process that evaluated 19 proposals from four developers, with Propel NY Energy emerging as the most cost-effective solution.

Local Workforce:

The project will utilize local union labor and contractors, ensuring economic benefits and community engagement throughout Nassau County and beyond.

The Propel NY Energy project is about building a resilient electrical grid that meets the rising energy demands of Long Island and supports a more sustainable energy future.

HERALD NEIGHBORS

School District Clerk Anne Marie Bellizzi to retire after 37 Years

By MIKE POLANSKY Correspondent

Anne Marie Bellizzi, the district clerk of the Massapequa School District, plans to retire in July after working in the district for 37 years.

Bellizzi began her career with the district in 1988 as a part-time employee in the business office, earning an hourly rate of $3.35. She transitioned to full-time work in 1990, serving in various roles including typist clerk, senior stenographer, and stenographic secretary. In June 2001, she moved to the Superintendent’s office as secretary to the Superintendent and was appointed District Clerk the following year.

As District Clerk, Bellizzi has worked under six different superintendents and has attended between 485 and 500 Board of Education meetings, according to Dr. William Brennan, the current Superintendent of Schools.

Brennan praised Bellizzi’s support at the March 6 Board of Education meeting. “I felt so happy and blessed to have Anne Marie as my partner,” he said. “It has meant so much to have her helping me and supporting me in the most professional, kind, and compassionate way.”

Board President Kerry Wachter also acknowledged Bellizzi’s contributions. “From the Board’s perspective, it’s a tough job keeping us all together, and reminding us when we forget to do things,” Wachter said. “She really does keep us all running, and we are so thankful for her dedicated service.”

In addition, at the board meeting, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Robert Schilling announced that Senior Stenographer Judith Comerchero will retire on July 31, 2025, after serving in the HR office since 2003. Schilling expressed gratitude for Comerchero’s work, saying, “Judith has been my right arm, my confidant, and a true friend. She conducts herself with skill, grace, and professionalism every day, and will be very hard to replace.”

The next regular Massapequa School Board meeting will be held Thurs., April 10 in the board room, which is located in the rear of the high school. For more information, call the district at 516- 308-5000.

Special Olympics Spring Games coming to Plainedge

The Long Island Special Olympics Spring Games will be coming to Plainedge on Saturday, May 3. The Long Island Region of Special Olympics New York has partnered with Plainedge Public Schools in planning its Spring Games. The Plainedge Athletic Complex located at Plainedge High School is set to host the competition.

The Spring Games anticipate over 400 athletes, 100 coaches, and thousands of spectators and volunteers. Plainedge Public Schools will host track and field events, powerlifting, and tennis at The Plainedge Athletic Complex, Edward A. Byrne Memorial Field. The Farmingdale School District offered Plainedge Public Schools the opportunity to host the swimming events

at their Aquatic Center, located at Howitt Middle School.

In a statement made on behalf of the district, they said that they value their comprehensive Special Education Programs in Plainedge and are proud of their K-12 Best Buddies Program, Unified Sports, and Challenger Sports. They are excited about the opportunity to host an event of this size with such a broad range of competitions showcasing Plainedge student athletes, as well as student athletes from the entire Metro area.

Plainedge School District has begun to reach out to community members to help take part in this event. Those interested can help in three ways. The first will be

through the volunteer effort of getting the facility ready leading up to the event and then helping clean up and get the facility back to normal. Second, the district will rely on local vendors to help establish the Olympic Village. Specifically, the district will be looking for vendors to provide games and workshops for participants. Third, the Special Olympics will be looking for donations to help get the event running.

To sign-up for volunteer opportunities, visit shorturl.at/dyV2C.

For more information, visit plainedgeschools.org/2023/09/29/specialolympicsnewyork/, call (516) 992-7457 or email specialolympics@plainedgeschools.org .

Massapequa Park voters reelect Mayor, Trustees and Village Justice

Massapequa Park voters headed to the polls, Tues., March 18 and reelected Mayor Daniel Pearl and Trustees Tina Schiaffino and Christine Wiss. Also reelected was Village Justice Gerard E. Giannattasio. Pearl received 292 votes; Schiaffino 289, Wiss 277 and Giannattasio, 282.

The candidates all thanked voters for their support. “I am honored to continue to serve as your Mayor and proud to have this opportunity to work together with my team on the Village Board to make Massapequa Park the best community on Long Island to live in,” said

Pearl following the election. In discussing their work over the next two years, Pearl said the board has focused on the Village’s infastructure, putting new roofs on the two Village buildings, maintaining roads and Village facilities. “We want to make sure all our buildings are solid,” said Pearl. “We would also like to work to bring in more events to the Village and work with the VFW on Park Boulevard, especially on their Hometown Hero’s program. We have a strong vision for our Village and are happy to work together with the residents to make it even better.”

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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, MARCH 27

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

•The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, 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, MARCH 28

•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, MARCH 29

SUNDAY, MARCH 30

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

TUESDAY, APRIL 1

•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 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631)-332-0552 or Jill at (516)-2207808. All calls are confidential.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2

• 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)-332-0552 or Jill at (516)-220-7808. All calls are confidential.

• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway., 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 non-profit 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: Beacon 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.

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

Carolyn James / Herald

Trustee Dana Durso, who was not up for reelection this year, shown with newly reelected Mayor Daniel Pearl, and newly reelected Trustees Tina Schiaffino and Christine Wiss.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Helping those who haven’t been heard find voices

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Continuing a month-long series of interviews with influential area women in honor of Women’s History Month. Helen Dorado-Alessi is CEO of El Dorado Consulting and executive director of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association.

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

Dorado-Alessi: I grew up in Woodside, Queens, a very tight-knit community, so I was very accustomed to that kind of a world. When my husband and I looked for a new place to live when our children were growing up, Long Beach fit the bill for us. Beyond being a closeknit community, we found a community that was very charitable, giving and open.

I’m of Latin descent from the Caribbean, my dad from Cuba, my mother from Puerto Rico. So it’s kind of in my DNA to be close to the water, sun and sand. Youth development has always been a love of mine because of how hard it was for me coming up. There wasn’t any

such thing, so I always wanted to be on that side of my work. I have two kids, two grandchildren — (I’m) always out and about with them. I see the future in my grandchildren’s eyes and want to make sure that I make them proud with whatever work I am doing.

Herald: What do you do? Why?

Dorado-Alessi: I have my own company called El Dorado Consulting. I work on projects that have helped to broker relationships between philanthropy and nonprofits to get the work done. Right now I’m a consultant to Herstory Writers Workshop, an organization that helps people in jails and schools write their social justice memoirs. We ask people, if your words had the power to change hearts, minds and policies, what would they say? Through that work, I’ve been able to help people have confidence in their voice and their his-

tory, their families, their communities, and then share those stories with politicians, with businesses, with others who may not know what it’s like to walk in somebody else’s shoes.

HELEN DORADO-ALESSI

The other thing I do is that I’m the executive director of Long Beach Latino Civic Association. No immigrant is illegal; a person cannot be illegal, but more importantly, their dreams are not illegal. They’ve left some very violent, scary places to come here, to have a life that they could be proud of. If you give people the information and the education, the knowledge, they’re more than happy to be part of Long Beach or New York or the United States.

Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?

Dorado-Alessi: The most challenging part of my whole career and life has

been this particular time where there’s so much animosity, hurtfulness and bullying. I think also the biggest challenge is, how do we fight misinformation and bold-faced lies? I could see why a lot of people would want this particular person to be running the country. I understand that they have their views. I’m just hoping that people, when they see what is really happening, will take a step back.

I think the parts that really drive me is when I work with young people, and I think that could have been my mom or my dad having just arrived. When I see them succeed, when I see them with a little bit of help, they’re going to college, or they’re getting a job on Wall Street. I think other men and women in the field who are fighting as hard as I am and we are, that’s what inspires me. I’m not alone.

More information can be found atherstorywriters.org, and LBlatinocivic.org. Responses have been edited for clarity. The rest of this interview can be found online, at liherald.com.

An advocate for the transgender community

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

Juli Grey-Owens is founder and executive director of Gender Equality New York.

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

Grey-Owens: I am a senior trans women who does advocacy work for our community. I grew up in northwestern New Jersey, had a relatively normal childhood. I knew something was different around (age) 3 or 4. In my preteen years I experimented, but didn’t know what was up because this was the 1960s.

I went to high school and was a good student. I was a decent athlete, co-captain of my football team. Met a girl in eighth grade, and we were friends until we started going out in junior year. My experimentation stopped during high school because I was busy with school, sports — I had a girlfriend. I graduated with high honors and applied to engineering schools.

Then my parents had a tough divorce, and I had no money. College was a mess, trying to work multiple jobs and school. I felt a lot of pressure and began experimenting again.

I was recruited to a Fortune 500 company out of college, started work, paid off my bills, and then I went to a counselor to see if I could get rid of this “thing.”

The counselor was really terrific, and he said to me, “You’re not gonna get rid of it. You have to decide how you’re

gonna deal with it.”

I decided to blend this into my life. I continued as a cisgender man, but on weekends I would maybe go to a party or something, just to try to figure out the community and how I fit in it.

In 1981 a work opportunity brought my fiancée and I to Long Island. I got my MBA, I married that girl from junior year, and at 35 we had a child. As I got older, I felt stifled because between career and family, there was no time to go out.

A real turning point was when my father passed away. I was 47 at the time and I started looking at my life, as you do when your parent passes away, and I decided I needed to be more authentic. I started going to trans events in 2003, and it progressed from there.

ing at Northwell Health and Memorial Sloan-Kettering.

Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?

Grey-Owens: The public has a very poor idea of our community, and we suffer as a result. There’s a lot of bad information out there, outright lies in some cases. For example, 8-year-olds are not getting surgery, and school nurses are not giving out hormones. If we don’t get information out, if we don’t start making people aware of our communities, these lies will continue.

My wife and I separated in 2007, and then in 2008 I met my second wife. We’ve been together for 16 years and married for 13.

Herald: What do you do? Why?

Grey-Owens: I’m founder and executive director of Gender Equality New York, a nonprofit that advocates for transgender, gender nonbinary and intersex New Yorkers. The work we do is largely educational: We provide information to agencies, legislators. I provide training to the Nassau and Suffolk police academies. I also provide train-

We currently have a federal government that’s attacking our community and trying to make us disappear. So the work has to be done to normalize our community and make people aware of the conditions we live under.

Herald: What has been the proudest moment in your life?

Grey-Owens: Getting the transgender civil rights bill passed in 2019. Prior to January 2019, a transgender person could be discriminated against in employment, housing and public services.

In 2003, lesbians, gays and bisexuals were able to pass a bill called the Sexual

Orientation Non-Discrimination Act in New York dtate, granting them their civil rights, (but it) specifically excluded the transgender community. It was 16 years before the trans community got their civil rights.

In 2019, the Gender Expression NonDiscrimination Act was signed into law, and we have had civil rights protections in New York state since then. There are no federal protections, so if we leave there are no guaranteed protections.

Herald: What advice do you have to offer? What work is left to be done?

Grey-Owens: Trying to get federal protections for our community is a big thing, but right now we’re just trying to get our community to survive the next four years.

And to some of our younger members, who might still be in school, or living under their family’s rule, and are unable to come out and be themselves: Be patient. Be safe. Make sure you have a roof over your head, that you’re fed and taken care of, get your high school diploma, if you’re able to, get to college. Usually you’re able to be more authentically yourself in college.

It does get better once we get older, but once you’re out as an adult, anything you can do to help move the community forward is important and necessary.

For more information, visit genderequalityny.org or follow @genderequalityny on Instagram and Facebook.

The following incidents have been reported by the Nassau County Police Department and other law enforcement agencies:

6 INDICTED ON GUN AND OTHER CHARGES

Massapequa: Six people were indicted and have been arraigned on a variety of felony charges for a series of incidents in Massapequa and Wantagh that took place two to three years ago.

Andrew Denton, of Massapequa, was indicted for criminal possession of a weapon, as well as criminal impersonation and reckless endangerment for having illegal rifles and two pistols, discharging those weapons in Massapequa and Wantagh, and impersonating a police officer during a car stop on Lakeshore Drive between October 2022 and September 2023. Denton, 27, was arraigned on March 19, before Judge Helene Gugerty. He pleaded not guilty and bail was set at $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond, and $500,000 partially secured bond. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison for each of the felony offenses.

Police and the District Attorney’s office gave this account of the incidents that led to the indictments:

In November 2022, Denton allegedly followed another vehicle on Lakeshore Drive in Massapequa in a white Chevrolet Impala and activated his emergency lights. The driver pulled over but refused to put the car in park. Denton then sped off onto multiple local streets and eventually onto Sunrise Highway, where he drove at a high rate of speed, endangering other motorists and pedestrians.

Also, according to the charges, around August 11, 2023, Denton allegedly received a .45 caliber pistol from a co-defendant, Anthony Califano, a former New York City Police Department sergeant whose gun permits had

CRIME WATCH

been previously revoked. The handgun was recovered from the defendant’s Impala on October 11, 2023, when Denton was arrested for another pending prosecution.

In a separate incident, on December 20, 2022, Denton allegedly drove his car to a home on Silverton Avenue in Wantagh and fired multiple rounds from a .32 caliber firearm through the passenger side window, damaging a car parked in front of the house.

Additionally, the defendant on several occasions between May 2023 and September 2023, activated the lights and sirens on his vehicle in and around Massapequa.

Also, between October 2022 and September 2023, the defendant allegedly possessed illegal weapons, including several rifles, a .32 caliber pistol and another .45 caliber handgun, and discharged those weapons on multiple occasions at the Massapequa Preserve, Brady Park in Massapequa, and in the backyard of a Massapequa home.

Co-defendants Andrew Andriani, Eugene Yelanchik, Michael Drosihn, and Nicole McGlone, who allegedly participated in several of the shootings, all appeared before Judge Gugerty on March 17.

Andrew Andriani, 35, of Massapequa, was arraigned on charges of conspiracy in the fourth degree. He was released to Pretrial Services with electronic monitoring. Andriani faces up to 2 to 4 years in prison if convicted.

Eugene Yelanchik, 33, of Brooklyn, was arraigned on charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; reckless endangerment in the first degree; two counts of criminal possession of a firearm; conspiracy in the fourth degree; criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; and reckless engagement in the second degree. The defendant’s bail was set at $5,000 cash, $10,000 bond,

or $50,000 partially secured bond. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Nicole McGlone, 27, of Massapequa, was arraigned on charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree; reckless endangerment in the first degree; two counts of criminal possession of a firearm; conspiracy in the fourth degree; criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; and reckless engagement in the second degree. The defendant’s bail was set at $5,000 cash, $10,000 bond, or $50,000 partially secured bond. She faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Michael Drosihn, 30, of Massapequa, was arraigned on charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; reckless endangerment in the first degree; two counts of criminal possession of a firearm; conspiracy in the fourth degree; criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; reckless engagement in the second degree; and arson in the fifth degree. The defendant’s bail was set at $5,000 cash, $10,000 bond, or $50,000 partially secured bond. Drosihn faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

In addition, Anthony Califano, 56, of East Meadow, was also arraigned on March 17 before Judge Gugerty on charges of criminal sale of a firearm in the third degree (a D felony); criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree and conspiracy in the fifth degree. He was released to Pretrial Services with electronic monitoring. Califano faces up to 7 years in prison if convicted.

All the defendants are due back in court April 4.

If you believe you may have been victimized by any of the defendants, contact NCDA’s Narcotics, Firearms and Gangs Bureau at 516571-3707.

PETIT LARCENY

South Farmingdale: The owner of a vehicle called police to report that someone broke into her car and removed an assortment of personal items. That incident took place March 12 and was reported at 11:33 p.m.

OTHER ARRESTS

Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired: Salvador Paguaga, 33 of North Massapequa; Patrick Irwin, 34 of East Meadow; Sanjeev Naidu, 36, of Elmont; Stanley Brevet, 40, of New Cassel; Julio A. Estevez, 50 of Freeport; Melinda Marshall, 38, of Snelllville, Ga.

Andrew Denton

Herald publications win seven state awards

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

At the annual New York Press Association Spring Conference in Saratoga Springs last week, Herald Community Media won seven state awards in the 2024 Better Newspaper Contest.

Long Beach reporter Angelina Zingariello won a first place award in the Feature Story category, Division 4. With so many submissions in each of six divisions, it is a very difficult award to win.

About the story with the headline “A long, cold, healing journey” the judges said: “Good combination of personal struggle and outcome with unconventional therapy. Well written and edited, a compelling read.”

The Nov. 21 story focused on how Long Beach resident Mindi Dovberg uses cold-water immersion as a technique for an emotional reset when dealing with physical challenges and emotional setbacks.

The Herald took the top spot in Best Large Space Ad, Division 1, which was printed in the Nassau Herald and other Herald newspapers.

“This stunning ad touches me,” one judge wrote. “The simplicity and pure elegance of this is beautiful. Love how white space was used to create such an impact. Proves the point that sometimes less really is more! Outstanding!”

There were 10 entries in the Rookie Reporter of The Year category, and Sea Cliff/Glen Head reporter Brian Norman captured second place with stories ranging from the controversy surrounding the proposed state regionalization plan to how the food is prepared for North Shore High School students.

Sea Cliff/Glen Head reporter Brian Norman, left took second place in the Rookie Reporter of the Year category. His colleagues Melissa Berman and Charles Shaw congratulate him.

The judges said: “Reporter does a great job conveying story to readers, whether the subject be ‘hard’ news or a feature article.”

Norman, a 2024 graduate of Quinnipiac University, interned with the Herald last summer and was hired in September as a full-time reporter for Sea Cliff/Glen Head. He is now a reporter for the Nassau Herald, the flagship newspaper for the community weekly chain.

Photographer Brian Ballweg placed second in the Sports Feature, Division 1 category. The photograph appeared on the front page of the June 13 Rockville Centre Herald.

The judges said: “This photo shows

excellent framing of the lacrosse winners in this overtime state championship moment. Their faces run to the spectrum of elation, stopping the viewer — the joy here is studying their faces, bodies contained in the goal.”

Creative Director Jeffrey Negrin earned a trio of third-place awards.

In the Best Special Section Cover, Division 2 category, the judges said: “Another really excellent use of text on black with fun ‘clinks’ of glasses as backdrop. Long Island Choice Awards makes me want to open this up over a cocktail.”

For Special Sections/Niche Publications-Newsprint, Division 1 the judges said: “Excellent school recognition.”

The publication was the Herald’s annual special section for the Red and Blue competition at South Side High School that was published for the Feb. 29, 2024 Rockville Centre Herald.

In the Best Multi-Advertiser Pages category, judges said: “Cute organic for a shared page. Makes you want to read each one.”

The 2024 Better Newspapers Contest had 132 newspapers statewide submit 2,082 entries in 68 categories. The Missouri Press Association judged the submissions.

“It’s always nice to be recognized by our peers and colleagues,” said Herald Community Media publisher Stuart Richner. “We look forward to continuing to tell the stories of our communities in the weeks and years ahead. Congratulations to our team on well deserved recognition.”

Courtesy NYPA Conference

More than 20 members of the Herald Community Media team attended the annual New York Press Association Spring Conference in Saratoga Springs March 20-21.

Jeff Bessen/Herald photos Long Beach reporter Angelina Zingariello won first place for Feature Story, Division 4.

STEPPING OUT

‘Little’ films with a big heart

In the spotlight at Asbury Short Film Concert

By Karen Bloom

Sure … the Hollywood moviemakers grab your attention. Yet there’s so much more to the movie biz beside that tentpole blockbuster. Check out the Asbury Short Film Concert, which returns to its local “home” at the Madison Theatre next Friday and see an abundance of creative offerings. There’s certainly no denying the appeal of a major feature film. But for those who crave something different that certainly strikes an emotional chord, Asbury’s “concert” is for you. This national touring showcase brings a diverse, focused lineup — in many cases featuring up-and-coming filmmakers — of smaller efforts you generally won’t find on the big screen.

And it’s most definitely not a festival.

“We present the best in comedy, drama, animation, even the occasional documentary,” says Doug LeClaire, Asbury Shorts’ founder and longtime director. “We call it a concert rather than a festival because there are no awards, no Q&A or panel discussions, it’s all about entertainment value for the audience.”

As in previous years, Asbury Shorts offers up an eclectic mix of films, what LeClaire describes as a “potpourri of the short film world.”

LeClaire, who was in commercial and film production for over four decades, has been passionate about short films since his student days at New York Institute of Technology. He pivoted to promoting his beloved short films full time and the result has been a resounding success.

“Myself, and those who have been with me the longest, didn’t think our short film party that began in Westbury in 1981 would evolve into a major global touring event that has presented Asbury Shorts shows from Berlin to L.A. over the years with many, many stops in between,” LeClaire says. “The mission has always been to keep great short films, from all years, projected on real cinema screens as opposed to YouTube, smart phones, computers or tablets or the big screen TVs. Asbury Shorts is strictly a theatrical cinema event, no virtual allowed!

“Our number one priority is the enjoyment of our audience. We’re proud to provide an outlet for the filmmakers’ product. For us, it is all about the experience, showing these films to an audience. We give them the opportunity to experience great films on a big screen the way they were meant to be seen.”

He and his team cull them from the film festival circuit — including the prestigious SXSW (South by Southwest), Sundance and Toronto International Film Festival, and Tribeca Festival, among others.

“To get an award at one of these festivals is just as good as an Oscar nomination,” LeClaire says. “These young filmmakers are so happy to get that wreath. They collect them the way we would collect baseball cards back in the day.”

• Friday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.

• For tickets, visit madisontheatreny.org or call the box office at (516) 323-4444

• Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

Think of this as your personal film festival experience. As LeClaire puts it: “We’re bringing these films to folks who can’t get to film festivals.”

His formula certainly has resonated with audiences.

“We have demonstrated that we are entertaining and blessed to have fans that keep coming back,” LeClaire says, “while also reaching out to new audiences.”

The two-hour show moves along briskly. The films range from a brief few minutes to 20 minutes at most.

“A good short film is to the point, fast paced, and most important of all, is the ending,” LeClaire says. “It must make sense.”

And that ending will surely leave you wanting more.

Among the highlights, LeClaire points to Martín Rosete’s 10-minute “Voice Over,” which depicts the urgency of life’s pivotal moments in a desperate race against time.

Three different stories are told by the same narrator searching for the correct story. The same actor appears in all three. Will the narrator find what he’s looking for? We don’t know — maybe, maybe not.

Rosete, a Spanish filmmaker now based in New York, was awarded the Goya, Spain’s Academy Award, for “Voice Over.”.

LeClaire describes it as “sort of the ‘perfect’ short film” due its story and production values.

“It has outstanding and mind boggling production design for an indie produced short film and an ending that I really like,” he explains.

Another standout is “Anomaly” from director Ryan Jenkins, which was honored recently with Best Short Film at the Lake Placid Film Festival. In this 15-minute drama, a renowned magician features an inexplicable illusion in his final run of performances. Meanwhile, a government agent who witnesses the baffling act becomes hell-bent on uncovering its method.

As for the rest, well, you’ll have to attend and see for yourself. LeClaire doesn’t like to reveal too much, promising it’s all “great fun.”

He is delighted to come back to his Long Island roots with his film showcase.

“We’re very heartened by the audience at the Madison. We are grateful to [Artistic Director] Angelo Fraboni and his staff for allowing us to return each year. It’s been a terrific relationship.”

‘Good times…’

Neil Diamond is certainly forever — as honored by Neil Forever, returning to the Paramount stage. David Jacobson, the tribute band’s founder, has a great passion for the music and legacy of the legendary performer. David, along with his son and music director Dylan Jacobson and drummer John Cardoso began their journey in January 2023. Today, the 14-person ensemble delivers an authentic, exciting and joyful concert that captivates the legendary superstar’s fans. Performing Diamond’s music is as much about heart and soul as it is talent; it’s a celebration of the music and the man who created it. The band has forged an exciting path, as discovered by excited and passionate fans, of all ages. Audiences are thrilled by the authentic renditions of classic hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “Coming to America,” and “Kentucky Women.”

Friday, March 28, 8 p.m. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

South Shore Symphony

The South Shore Symphony Orchestra springs forward with its next concert, “Slavic Masterworks,” at its Madison Theatre home. The orchestra is joined by renowned cellist Amy Barston, featured in Polish composer Grayna Bacewicz’s Cello Concerto No. 1. A rare gem, according to Barston, she notes that it is fresh to the concert stage in that it is quasi-newly discovered, but it feels like a familiar, beloved masterwork. Electrifying, often dance-like energy, paired with soaring lyrical melodies, it has received an enthusiastic reception from audiences. The evening’s repertoire also includes Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances, op. 46, no. 3 in Ab major and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, op. 64, e minor.

Saturday, March 29, 7:30 p.m. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 3234444.

Courtesy Asbury Shortst

Three extreme situations are actually the same in “Voice Over.”

“Anomaly” stars John Romeo as a detective investigating the work of a suspicious magician.

THE Your Neighborhood

The Wallflowers

Grab those leather jackets, and rock on! The Wallflowers are back on the road and bringing their sound to the Paramount stage, Sunday, April 6, at 8 p.m., with special guest Jackson Melnick. For the past 30 years, the Jakob Dylanled act has stood as one of rock’s most dynamic and purposeful bands — a unit dedicated to and continually honing a sound that meshes timeless songwriting and storytelling with a hard-hitting and decidedly modern musical attack. That signature style has been present through the decades, baked into the grooves of smash hits like 1996’s “Bringing Down the Horse” as well as more recent and exploratory fare like 2012’s “Glad All Over.” Even so, in recent years, Dylan — the Wallflowers’ founding singer, songwriter and guitarist — has repeatedly stepped outside of his band. First with a pair of more acoustic and rootsy records, 2008’s “Seeing Things” and 2010’s “Women + Country,” and then with the 2018 film “Echo in the Canyon” and the accompanying soundtrack, which saw him collaborate with a host of artists classic and contemporary, from Neil Young and Eric Clapton to Beck and Fiona Apple.

But while it’s been nine long years since we’ve heard from the group with whom he first made his mark, the Wallflowers are silent no more. And Dylan always knew they’d return. And return the band has, with “Exit Wounds,” their new studio offering. It marks the first new Wallflowers material since “Glad All Over.” And while the wait has been long, the much-anticipated record finds the band’s signature sound — lean, potent and eminently entrancing — intact, even as Dylan surrounds himself with a fresh cast of musicians. $75, $45, $35, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Farmingdale Library Cinema

See “A Complete Unknown,” at Farmingdale Public Library, Tuesday, April 1, 10 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m. The story follows an unknown 19-year-old Bob Dylan when he arrives in New York. Registration not required. 116 Merritts Rd., Farmingdale. For more information, call (516) 249-9090.

LIMEHOF Music Documentary Film Festival taking submissions

The inaugural Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Music Documentary Film Festival is set to launch Aug. 8-10. LIMEHOF is currently open to submissions up until Thursday, May 1. To learn more about entering, visit shorturl. at/VqmkM or call (631) 689-5888.

Registration open for Town of Oyster Bay’s spring athletics

Town of Oyster Bay residents are invited to participate in the town’s spring athletic programs for basketball, badminton and volleyball, beginning the first weekend in April. The program is held Town of Oyster Bay Hicksville Athletic Center. To register, visit oysterbaytown.com/sports. For more information, call (516) 7977945. 167 S. Broadway, Hicksville.

Unsung Heroes

Explore the contributions of several Jewish women who worked to better the lives of those around them, at Massapequa Public Library, Monday, March 31 , 2-3:30 p.m. Learn about labor leader Rose Schneiderman, public health pioneer Lillian Wald, and more at this nultimedia presentation with Howard Rosenberg. Registration required. Visit massapequa.librarycalendar. com/event/unsung-heroesjewish-women-22884 to register. For more information, call (516) 798-4607 ext. 6304. 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park.

Community Service Starry Night Sticker Poster

Plainedge Public Library offers teens a half hour of community service credit for contributing to a mosaic sticker poster, through May 25 . The poster when completed will hang in the YA department. Next time you are at the library, stop by the YA desk to grab some square stickers to add to the large, coded grid. The result will depict Vincent Van Gogh’s famous painting.1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 7354133.

Kids, Camp and School

Town of Oyster Bay Pickleball Tournament

Calling all pickleball enthusiasts! The Town of Oyster Bay brings the heat this spring with its inaugural Pickleball Tournament, a high-energy, two-day event set for Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18. Whether you’re a seasoned player or simply enjoy a little friendly competition, this tournament is the perfect chance to showcase your skills and compete for glory.

The tournament will feature bracketed doubles matches for players 18 and older, promising plenty of fast-paced action and exciting rallies. To register, visit oysterbaytown. com/sports, where you can also stay tuned for more details on game locations and schedules. For more information, contact the Town of Oyster Bay Parks Department Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945.

Intro to Quickbooks

Massapequa Public Library holds a session on Quickbooks, Wednesday, April 2, 6:308:30 p.m.Learn the basics in this lecture and demo class. Rgistration required To register, visit massapequa. librarycalendar.com/event/introquickbooks-23559. For more information, call (516) 799-0770. 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park.

STEM Explorers

Long Island Children’s Museum opens its doors to a weekend devoted to STEM activities, Saturday and Sunday, March 29-30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., that will ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike.

Guest experts offer engaging demonstrations, experiments and interactive activities.

Highlights include sampling the science of molecular gastronomy at work with flash frozen ice cream; learn about native and invasive species that swim in Long Island waters; discover how oysters are coming to our rescue; study the water cycle and Long Island’s unique geographic formations and more. Activities free with museum admission. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit licm.org or call (516) 2245800 for more.

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, March 29, 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.

NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!

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.

Local artists invited to Art in the Park

Local artists and artisans are invited to participate in a day of creativity and community at Art in the Park, set to take place, Saturday, May 17, at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Beach in Oyster Bay. Application deadline is Friday, May 9. Artists and artisans must be 18 years or older and can only display and sell original, handcrafted pieces. Participants are responsible for supplying their own 10x10 canopy and any additional equipment needed for their space. Full details, including associated costs, are outlined in the application available online. To apply, visit oysterbaytown.com/capa or call the Cultural and Performing Arts Division at (516) 797-7932.

Taylor Dayne has come far from Baldwin

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

Taylor Dayne has been singing songs from her heart for over three decades since her first hit, her debut single “Tell It to My Heart” in 1987. Recognized as one of the few artists in history to successfully crossover into multiple genres including Pop, Dance, R&B, Adult Contemporary and Rock, she has earned three Grammy nominations, an American Music Award and was inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2012. In honor of Women’s History Month, Dayne spoke with the Long Island Herald on everything from growing up in Baldwin and her start on Long Island to how she rose up in the industry despite challenges of the time and most recently found her strength to overcome and become a survivor of colon cancer, coming out stronger and with more gratitude and purpose than ever before.

Herald: What are your thoughts on having been inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame?

Dayne: It’s quite an honor to understand the impact we’ve had on the music industry. I was born in New York City, raised in the Bronx and on Long Island. I went to Baldwin Junior and Senior High, and Long Island is part of the true fabric of who I am. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for all the live music places where I got to perform and literally work out and become the artist I am. Live music was so alive here. I got to really do my 10,000 hours that way. There wasn’t a club we couldn’t play live. There’s such talent out of Long Island. You have Lou Reed, Patty Benatar, the great Billy Joel- it’s just enormous.

Herald: What are some places in and around Baldwin that you remember first playing?

Dayne: There were two very memorable places. One of them in Freeport was called The Right Track Inn, and I can’t even tell you how many groundbreaking artists came from there. There was also a rehearsal studio in Baldwin where Joan Jett was rehearsing and the Stray Cats, and I was like one day I’m going to be in that rehearsal studio. My first bands ended up rehearsing there.

Herald: What has given you strength over the years to truly give your all at your live shows?

Dayne: Life has its ups and downs and its challenges. Everybody has challenges, and especially after battling colon cancer, I am a woman up there on stage who knows her purpose even more and is ever grateful. The gratitude is real. This is not an industry for the weak and I am grateful to be on stage singing, living my dream and doing what I love. When I’m on stage, it’s 100 percent. To me, I’m telling a story. It’s like a play; there’s a beginning, middle and end. The story must start, must take you there on the journey and then resolve, and hopefully you feel as complete as I do when I leave. At our live shows, we’re transferring energy, exploring energy, trading energy and we’re also taking it to another frequency- that’s the point. I’m raising the bar, raising the frequency so that I’m doing the right work. I’m doing God’s work. I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing and that’s why it gets better and better.

Herald: I’m sure you have had many career highlights, are there a couple of moments that have stood out?

Dayne: A highlight actually happened this past week. As everyone knows, the west coast got slammed recently, many of my friends and many businesses are devastated. We have done a lot of work with first responders and mental health work. We did an event in Santa Barbara with One805. I can’t tell you how many

“Long

the

I

people came out from Michael McDonald to Kenny Loggins, Darius Rucker and Macy Gray. We all just performed. To see 55 station chiefs and first responders watch this and to able to share like that brings tears to my eyes. Watching us all come together and

raise money for mental health needs for these first responders and their families was amazing. Because like I said, life is filled with challenges. There have always been moments. There are moments when I’m sitting in a restaurant and Stevie Wonder is sitting across from me and I go and hug him and we talk. There’s always that, and there’s career highlights, some that I’m really tapped into and remember. I do have to say though, the best is yet to come.

Herald: In honor of Women’s History Month, do you have any advice regarding resilience, overcoming odds and pursuing a dream, that you would like to share with our women readership, in particular?

Dayne: Well, I’m a poster child of overcoming challenges. In our industry, at the time, sexual harassment existed and you just had to keep going. You have to have a tenacious state about you and you have to have grace as a woman. Sometimes I’ve fallen through the cracks and sometimes I was defeated. You know, it’s a man’s world, well boy was it a man’s industry! But at the same time, you find your way. I think being tenacious is something I learned a long time ago from my mother- the good, the bad and the ugly of it. You can’t give up, and that’s what I call ambition. There’s this thing inside me that’s so driven and it’s certainly changed from fame now to recognition to understanding what your purpose is. I’ve spent my entire career, almost 40 years, really evolving to where I am now, and I will continue to evolve.

Herald: And what do you have coming up?

Dayne: Musically we’re starting to get busy again. I’m heading internationally for touring at the moment, going to Germany next. As far as new music, the collaborations are starting. We’re putting things together.

To learn more about Taylor Dayne and her upcoming music and shows, follow her @therealtaylordayne or visit taylordayne.com.

Courtesy Photographer Steve Leung, LIMEHOF

Taylor Day has been a force in the music industry for nearly 40 years, since her first hit, “Tell It to My Heart.”

Courtesy Sequoia Emanuelle

Island is part of

true fabric of who

am,” says Dayne, who has faced challenges including cancer.

Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals

TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592TELEPHONE: (516) 624-6232 – FAX: (516) 624-6149

RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman –LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman –KATHLEEN MULLIGAN

REBECCA M. ALESIA –LISA CICCOLELLA – FLO -

RESTANO 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 APRIL 3 2025, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 24585

MASSAPEQUA

GRZEGORZ & AGNIESZKA SULAWA: (A) Variance to construct new dwelling having less aggregate side yards, exceeding maximum height, building coverage and gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing driveway having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance for the reduction of off-street parking spaces. Re-

duction of spaces to 1 when 2 parking spaces are required.

N/s/o Granada Pl., 206.28 ft. E/o Alhambra Rd., a/k/a 3 Granda Place, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24592

MASSAPEQUA

JOHN SEIDITA:

Variance to construct 16 ft. by 21.9 ft. roof over exceeding maximum height and gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance.

S/s/o Shoreham Rd., W/o Bayview Ave., a/k/a 98 Shoreham Road, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24560

NORTH MASSAPEQUA

PHILIP NAPOLI:

(A) Variance to construct a second kitchen in a onefamily dwelling for use as a PARENT/ CHILD residence.

(B) Variance to allow existing pergola having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

(C) Variance to construct second story addition and allow existing pergola exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 70-307 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated July 29, 1970.

N/s/o N. Beech St., 560 ft. E/o N. Pine Dr., a/k/a 81 N. Beech Street, North Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 24586 NORTH MASSAPEQUA MUHAMMAD ZA-

HID: Variance to allow existing one story addition having less side yard setback and aggregate side

yards than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters.

E/s/o Summit Dr., 150 ft. S/o N. Maple St., a/k/a 997 Summit Drive, North Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-11

FARMINGDALE

ROBERT STAMM:

(A) Variance to construct two story addition and second story addition having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to construct cabana having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (C) Variance to allow existing barbeque and three (3) 7 ft. x 4 ft. Rubbermaid sheds having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to allow existing hot tub and pool equipment having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (E) Variance to construct two story addition, second story addition and allow existing cabana exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance.

E/s/o Soma Pl., 190 ft. N/o Hill Rd., a/k/a 15 Soma Place, Farmingdale, NY

ZONING

BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING OF 04/03/25

APPEAL NO. 24516

MASSAPEQUA

RICHARD HELM & JENNIFER

GLASGOW: (A)

Variance to reconstruct a new twostory, one family dwelling on partial existing and partial new foundation having less roof pitch, exceeding maximum building coverage and gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Vari-

Public Notices

ance to construct portico having less average front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

E/s/o Huron Ave., 100 ft. S/o Suffolk Rd., a/k/a 8 Huron Avenue, Massapequa, NY

MARCH 24, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 25-146. 3/26

Notice of formation of Line of Pines, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/04/2025

Office location, County of Suffolk. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a process served to: Line of Pines, LLC, 9 Suffolk Road, Island Park, NY  11558

Purpose: any lawful act.

25-136. 3/19, 26, 4/2, 9, 16, 23

Notice of formation of ELEVATION PARTNERS CONSULTING LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/25/2025

Office location, County of Nassau.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a process served to:

ELEVATION PARTNERS CONSULTING LLC

179 Atlantic Ave, Hempstead NY 11550

Purpose: Financial Analysis and Bookkeeping Services. 25-130 3/12, 19, 26, 4/2, 9. 16

Notice of formation of JUNK MASTERS PRO LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/22/2024

Office location, County of Nassau. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a process served to:

The LLC, Jerome A Alessi 27 Williams Drive   Massapequa Park, NY 11762

Purpose: any lawful act.

25-139. 3/19, 26, 4/2, 9, 16, 23

FARMINGDA -

LE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Farmingdale, NY NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Description: REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR BOND COUNSEL SERVICES

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Education, Farmingdale Union Free School District, Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, at the Purchasing Office situated in the Administrative Offices Building (entrance off of Grant Avenue) within Weldon E. Howitt School, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, New York 11735 until 11:00 a.m. on April 9, 2025 and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud. If there is a school closing the day of the bid opening due to inclement weather or an emergency, the bid opening will be on the next business day the school is open, at the same time. All

information for bidders may be obtained at the above-mentioned address on any school day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Board of Education, Farmingdale Union Free School District, reserves the right to waive any informality in, or to reject any or all proposals, or to accept that proposal, or any part of that proposal, which in its judgment is for the best interests of the School District.

By Order: Board of Education Farmingdale Union Free School District Farmingdale, New York 11735

Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York March 26, 2025 25-145 3/26

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0240-25-106557 for beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 111 Milburn Blvd, Farmingdale, NY 11735, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Dom's Pizza & Pasta LLC. 25-142 3/26, 4/2

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0240-25-106568 for beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 1424 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn, NY 11576, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Edge Hospitality LTD. 25-143 3/26, 4/2

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-25-106658 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 17 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY 11596, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Payara Inc. 25-144 3/26, 4/2

Oyster Bay Town accepting nominations for Women of Distiction awards

The Town of Oyster is accepting nominations for the Town’s 2025 Women of Distinction Program. During Women’s History Month, throughout the month of March, residents are invited to nominate extraordinary women who have made a difference in their communities.

“Each year, the Town has the honor of recognizing women who go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them through our Women of Distinction Program,” said Oyster Bay Councilwoman Laura Maier. “If you know a special woman who helps make your community a better place to live, we invite you to nominate her to be a 2025 Town of Oyster Bay Woman of Distinction.”

Councilwoman Vicki Walsh added, “We are proud to recognize women in our Town and invite residents to submit nominations of those who make a difference and enrich the lives of others. We look forward to sharing their stories and recognizing their efforts to make our community, families and Town a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Women of Distinction will be recognized at a special awards ceremony hosted by the Town in May. Nominations may be submitted for any achievement or honorable cause performed by the nominee. The Town seeks to recognize individuals for their contributions to the arts, education, environment, athletics, community or civic service, volunteerism or business. Honorees must live or work in the Town of Oyster Bay.

To submit a nomination for the Women of Distinction Awards Program, please visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ women or call (516) 624-6380 for an application.

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 NO -

TICE 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 NOTICE 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

When someone stops advertising, someone stops selling. When someone stops selling, someone stops buying. Whe n someone stops buying, someone stops making. When someone stops making, someone stops working. When someone stops working someone stops earning When someone stops earnng everything stops.

Massapequa technology learning coach receives Bright Light award

As a classroom teacher, Meredith Marin always embraced the use of new technology. In her current role as a technology learning coach in the Massapequa School District, she strives to bring that same passion to others. That’s why she was one of 21 Long Island technology educators to receive the Bright Light award from the Association of Suffolk Supervisors for Educational Technologies.

Marin was recognized at ASSET’s recent awards luncheon at the Bethpage Heritage Club. She was nominated by Alison Morgan, Massapequa’s executive assistant for instructional technology and innovation.

“Meredith was deserving of the award because of her dedication to supporting staff in integrating technology into their classrooms,” Morgan said. “She goes above and beyond to offer practice, collaboration and time for sharing new ideas, ensuring that every staff member feels confident and capable when adopting new technologies. Her efforts directly contribute to improved student outcomes, as teachers feel more equipped to enhance learning experiences with technology.”

Marin joined the district in 2006 and taught third, fourth and fifth graders as well as the Magnet program before moving into the role of technology learning coach in 2019. She is assigned to Berner Middle School and Unqua Elementary School. She is one of three technology coaches in the district whose collective efforts ensure that teachers are well-prepared to integrate new technologies, ultimately enhancing the learning experiences for Massapequa students.

On its value in classrooms, Marin said that technology is not a replacement for teaching, but rather a tool to enhance it and increase student engagement. Ultimately, she said, when technology serves as a time-saver for teachers, it increases the time that they can work directly with their students.

One example of that, Marin said, is educating teachers on the use artificial intelligence to create lessons and assignments. She has also been working with teachers on the upcoming launch of Rooms, a teacher-parent communication feature.

In a typical day, Marin has one-on-one meetings with teachers to help them plan technology-based lessons. She familiarizes teachers with programs such as BookCreator, Canva and Google apps. Often, she will work alongside teachers in the classrooms to help students learn the features of these digital tools. Her supportive approach empowers teachers to enhance learning through technology and directly contributes to improved student outcomes.

Marin takes pride in being known for her responsiveness to teachers to assist with any technology needs that arise. She also stays up to date with new technologies and initiatives, attending conferences hosted by the Long Island Technology and Education Summit and Nassau BOCES.

“It’s very exciting and I was honored,” Marin said of receiving the Bright Light award. “I felt very appreciated. I love technology and it’s nice to be recognized for doing my best to support my colleagues and, ultimately, our students.”

Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District

CLASSIFIED

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460

E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com

E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com

DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Help Wanted

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING

INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

Eldercare Offered

Senior Caregiver/ Housekeeping Available. Private/ Professional. CNA* HHA* CCA Certified. Experienced/ Excellent References. Emma 516-519-0456

Hebrew Academy of Long Beach seeks educators to join our exceptional school faculty in fostering a culture of academic exploration and excellence and dedication to spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth of all students. We are currently looking for candidates in the following divisions:

Lev Chana Early Childhood:

• Early Childhood Assistant Teachers

• Early Childhood Head Teachers

HALB Elementary School:

• Middle School Language Arts Teacher

• Elementary School Assistant Teachers

DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys:

• Business and Entrepreneurship Teacher

• Science Teacher

• STEM Teacher

• Math Teacher

• Resource Room Teacher

To learn more about our school community, please visit www.halb.org. We look forward to hearing from you! Please send resumes or inquiries to resumes@halb.org.

HomesHERALD

The permit is taking forever, Part 2

Q. I’m waiting months for a permit and they keep asking for added notes and plan changes, but not all at once. It’s a complete runaround. Why is this happening? My business is losing money and I’m losing patience.

A. Continuing from two weeks ago, people often have unrealistic expectations of the review process. When plans are submitted, the process begins with assigning an application designation. Many departments have a large backlog of applications, which means that they will often get to yours in the order it came in. There are the applications that jump ahead of the line for various reasons, from medical emergencies to fire repair, decisions made by economic development criteria from higher up the government chain, etc.

I’m often asked about who the client can talk to in order to speed things up. This sends a message to me that the whole review process is about to slow down even more. From experience, I reply that the applicant can “try whatever method they want, but be careful.” If someone actually does skip the line, I am aware that it may backfire, because pressuring plan reviewers can sometimes lead to delays and friction when the reviewer kicks the plans back with objections that make the owner insist that the “architect should have known this.”

Objections may seem purposeful, but because they’re legitimate, the application is on hold, and takes pressure off the reviewer. Pressuring the reviewers is not recommended. Architects are burdened enough with never knowing whether they should add all kinds of notes to the plans, or when to keep things simpler. For example, some reviewers want reprints of building code sections on the plans, only to find that another reviewer wants those same notes removed from the plans, causing further delays, to put the researched code notes on plans, and then delays in revising plans afterward. It’s a lose/lose situation guaranteed to cause further delay, but “that’s the way it is.”

There are also delays caused by the fact that your approval process may involve your local jurisdiction, separate review by the fire marshal’s office at the county level, review by the engineering department of your local government and possibly the county department of public works if the property in question is on a county roadway. You may also be asking for something proposed to occupy the building that requires a “change of use” approval, with a zoning case that may add months and even years to the process.

I recently walked with a dentist up and down a commercial district street, and we looked in the windows of three locations the dentist was interested in. Placards on the windows showed announcements for zoning hearings from two to four years ago. All of the businesses were still empty. What does that possibly tell you? There may be inadequate parking or drainage issues, previous open permits not resolved, etc. The process isn’t simple, and you must be prepared for the course it may take. Good luck!

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NUMC’s patients and staff deserve serious leadership “V

ictory has a hundred fathers,” President John F. Kennedy famously responded when the public wanted to know whom to blame for the Bay of Pigs debacle, while “defeat is an orphan.”

But not always.

Take the financial debacle that is the Nassau University Medical Center. Its parentage as a health care institution on the brink of collapse could not be clearer: an inept board of directors appointed by an unserious county executive in partnership with a subservient county legislative majority, completely not up to the task of managing a hospital whose complicated and challenging core mission is to provide health care to Nassau County’s most vulnerable residents.

The only long-term solution to NUMC’s leadership crisis is for our governor and locally elected state officials — who are already connected to the state’s health care budgeting and regulatory ecosystem — to appoint a majority of NUMC’s governing board of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, which

Aincludes NUMC, the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility and other divisions.

The numbers tell the story, and they don’t lie.

and financial consultants. But NUMC’s board couldn’t do even that.

ANHCC began 2024 anticipating ending the year $97 million in the hole — a staggering sum for an institution expecting less than $600 million in revenue. Numbers released at its board meeting in early December showed it closing out 2024 over $158 million in the red — 63 percent worse than planned. In 2024 it spent 18 percent more than it received in revenue.

nd so do Nassau County taxpayers, who are on the hook for $85 million in debt.

Additionally, NUMC owes over $400 million in unpaid health insurance premiums for its employees, a debt that increases by about $7 million each month.

Indeed, the board and management couldn’t even make a serious application to the state for emergency financial relief. The state offered NUMC nearly $84 million if it would, among other things, produce a detailed five-year transformation plan; commit to conducting a bona fide, professional search for a new chief executive (the current interim CEO is the hospital’s former inhouse lawyer); and provide accurate and up-to-date information on its highestpaid employees and its outside lobbying

At a town hall-style event last March with NUMC employees, a hospital worker afraid of losing her job asked the chair if NUMC would comply with the state’s conditions for receiving the aforementioned $84 million in emergency aid. His response? “I’m going to give you a real simple answer — no.”

Instead, in December, NUMC’s chairman hastily added a resolution to the board’s agenda to install the current interim CEO as the permanent CEO for a five-year term, with a 66 percent raise, to $750,000 a year, retroactive to her time as interim CEO. (She ultimately settled for $550,000.)

The chair called those challenging his obstinacy “idiotic” — people “who want a gimp with a ball in their mouth to do what they say.” He derided other candidates whom he purportedly interviewed for the CEO role as “fat old men.” (Age discrimination in employment is illegal.) These antics only scratch the surface of the chair’s inappropriate conduct, including profanitylaced tirades at public meetings.

Here is where we have to ask ourselves, to borrow from Shakespeare: Whence cam’st thou, unworthy board?

Or, in President Kennedy’s phrasing, who fathered this failure of a board? This answer, too, lies in numbers. By statute, the county executive and the County Legislature’s majority caucus effectively appoint 12 of NUMC’s 15 board members — they either appoint them directly or the governor does so solely upon their recommendation. The county executive also chooses the chair. And, of critical importance at this moment of institutional crisis, the board’s appointment of a CEO is subject to the approval of the county executive. Make no mistake: while Long Island has had its share of natural disasters, NUMC’s is entirely man-made. Its board can’t govern; its management can’t manage. And if NUMC goes under, that would be a real disaster for the nearly 300,000 patients a year who rely on its services, NUMC’s 3,500 dedicated employees, and Nassau County taxpayers, who guarantee about $85 million in outstanding NUMC debt and count on NUMC to provide health care services for our correction system and numerous other programs. It’s time to give NUMC the serious and sober governance it needs to survive. Let’s hope the upcoming legislative session brings NUMC’s patients and employees — and taxpayers — this much-needed reform.

Rory Lancman is vice chair of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority.

Some thoughts on books, privilege and girlhood

s an avid reader, I’ve always had a fond place in my heart for historical fiction and period pieces, but I enjoy exploring a number of genres. Toward the end of 2024 and so far this year, I’ve found myself gravitating toward women-centric contemporary fiction and comingof-age novels, which would normally imply that they feature teenagers or young-adult characters and themes, but I think their impact is broader. We’re constantly changing and growing, and whether we come to realizations about life at 15 or 55, they impact our sense of self.

I’ve often said that the best writers are also the best readers, and as a young woman navigating the craziness of life, I’ve found comfort in books that showcase both the hardships, and the joys, of girlhood. There is so much pressure these days to adhere to societal standards — which can vary so greatly depending on whom you’re talking to — and not enough conversations about

what’s actually important to modern, up-and-coming women. Everything we want for ourselves, and every decision we make, is so important.

fort in knowing that the struggles of young women aren’t unique to our culture, but rather, are shared by many.

SMarch is Women’s History Month, and I considered just rattling off a number of my favorite empowering reads, but I realized I could never narrow down the list. So instead I’m switching gears, and homing in on a recent read of mine, the young adult novel “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” by Angeline Boulley.

This was my first exposure to Native American literature. The book’s protagonist, Daunis Fontaine, is a biracial high school senior who lives in a mostly indigenous community near an Ojibwe reservation in Northern Michigan. The Ojibwe are a large Native group in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. and Canada. While the book is largely about a drug-related scandal that wreaks havoc in Fontaine’s Native community, it also conveys so many important undertones relating to her culture and womanhood. Full of twists and turns, it kept me on my toes, and left me with an understanding of a culture I wasn’t familiar with and a sense of com-

ome days, it’s so hard to be a woman that I wonder if we’re heading backward.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve thought a lot about the concept of privilege because of another book, “Difference Matters,” by Brenda J. Allen, which I read for a class I’m taking through Stony Brook University. Allen crafts meaningful observations about various social groups, and effectively communicates why and how our differences matter in fascinating ways. She defines privilege as “unacknowledged entitlement that one receives,” and in a series of exercises, she encourages readers to think about the things in their lives that have given them privilege.

I’ll be the first to admit that some days, it is so hard to be a woman. The negative rhetoric, and the legal moves that are stripping women in the United States of rights they previously had, sometimes make me wonder if we’re heading backward. Despite those doubts, I am also so proud to be a woman — one with a voice, and drive, and dreams that I know I will work hard to achieve.

Daunis Fontaine has a voice, drive, and dreams, too. As do Rocky, the middle-aged, comical protagonist in Catherine Newman’s novel “Sandwich”; Caroline Ferriday, a real person whose story is told in Martha Hall Kelly’s “Lilac Girls”; and Isabelle Rossignol, a young woman who is part of the French resistance in World War II in Kristin Hannah’s work of historical fiction, “The Nightingale.”

I’ve listed a few additional reads of mine to make this point: I am so privileged to have had access to these works — to read and think about things with free will — and to be able take the time to ponder what they mean to me, and hopefully to other women, too.

The weight of girlhood is heavy, but so is its strength. Reading these stories has reinforced what I’ve always known to be true — that women’s voices, whether in fiction or in real life, hold immense power. The privilege of having access to these narratives is one I don’t take lightly, and as I continue to learn and grow, I hope to carry that same power into the spaces I occupy. Because every woman’s story deserves to be told, and more important, heard.

Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.

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HERALD

History should not be a political casualty

recent actions by the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies to remove web pages highlighting the contributions of Black, Hispanic and female veterans raise a critical question: Are we confusing history with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives? And more important, what does the loss of historical information mean for present and future generations?

The removal of these pages from Arlington National Cemetery’s website, along with thousands of other web pages across government platforms, was carried out to comply with an executive order issued by President Trump.

The order, which aimed to eliminate DEI initiatives in federal programs, mandated that any DEI-related content published between Jan. 20, 2021, and Jan. 19 of this year be either archived or removed. As a result, significant historical records, including those recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of marginalized groups in the U.S. military, have been erased from public view.

The decision reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the distinction between diversity efforts and historical documentation. DEI initiatives are designed to promote fairness, representation and opportunity for marginalized communities. History, on the other hand, is an objective record of the past — one that cannot be rewritten or selec-

letters

tively deleted without serious consequences for society as a whole.

When we remove historical information under the guise of eliminating DEI, we are erasing the stories and experiences that have shaped the nation. The contributions of African American soldiers who fought in segregated units during World War II, the bravery of Hispanic servicemen in the Korean War, and the pioneering achievements of female military officers are not “DEI content.” They are part of the fabric of American history.

By erasing these stories from public platforms, we are denying future generations the opportunity to learn from the struggles and triumphs of those who came before them. We are also depriving historically marginalized communities of the recognition and respect they deserve. History gives us a deeper understanding of our nation’s progress — and its failures. Without it, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past and failing to appreciate the diversity and resilience that define America.

The removal of content highlighting the contributions of marginalized groups does not end DEI; it merely attempts to silence the voices of those who have long fought for recognition and equality in our society. The effort to scrub this content from government websites sets a dangerous precedent. It suggests that historical facts can be elimi-

Our representatives must stand up for Medicaid funding

To the Editor:

On March 7, hundreds gathered at the State Office Building in Hauppauge to advocate for a 7.8 percent targeted increase in Medicaid rates for disability services to address rising costs, ensure fair pay for staff, and stabilize the care system for people with disabilities.

As a father of an adult child with disabilities who relies on Medicaid-supported services, I feel an overwhelming responsibility to advocate for the protection and support of staff, whose roles are crucial in caring for those with disabilities. These significant issues have profound personal and far-reaching effects for families like mine.

For over 25 years, my son Bobby has received exceptional care from the Developmental Disabilities Institute in Smithtown. The dedication and compassion of their staff have greatly enriched his life, helping him accomplish daily tasks. Their work is more than just a job; it is a calling driven by empathy and a commitment to improving lives. These critical services deserve fair compensation and job security.

In addition, the proposed hundreds of billion of dollars in cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental

nated or hidden when they become politically inconvenient. That isn’t the behavior of a free and democratic society.

The loss of historical information has far-reaching implications. For educators and students, online resources serve as vital tools for teaching American history. For researchers and historians, they provide access to primary sources and documentation that help us understand the evolution of social and political movements.

Restoring the content that was removed from Arlington National Cemetery’s website and other federal platforms isn’t just about complying with government policy — it’s about protecting the truth. Historical documentation must be treated as sacred, separate from politics or ideological battles. Federal agencies must prioritize the preservation of historical records, regardless of whether those stories align with the current political environment. Educational institutions, historians and advocacy groups must also work to archive and share information through independent platforms to ensure that those stories are not lost forever.

In a democracy, history belongs to the people — all the people. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard that history, not erase it. Without an honest and complete understanding of our past, we cannot hope to build a more just and equitable future.

Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are deeply troubling. These programs serve as lifelines, supporting people like my son and often the staff caring for him and his peers, many of whom seek supplemental food support

because of their low-wage status. Cutting funds for these programs is more than an economic decision; it is a moral one that will have devastating consequences for vulnerable populations.

opinions Preparing for real work, not just a job

as high school seniors and others contemplate their college plans, it is timely to remind them about the purpose of higher education. This is especially true at a time when there are those who question the value of universities and focus on vocational rather than on advanced education. Critics also tend to focus on the means for learning rather than on its purpose.

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A college education is much more than job prep. It is as much about character development and preparation for civic engagement as it is about preparing for a career. Too many people focus on immediate job placement instead of preparing for a life with the potential for multiple careers.

As Bill Gates once said, jobs are eliminated, but “work” — opportunities for solving problems — expands. So how best can students prepare for a future in which they see themselves as problem-solvers in constantly evolving work settings? That’s the role of colleges and universities.

In 1900, farm employment accounted for nearly 40 percent of all jobs. Today it’s about 10 percent. Technology and new management techniques are the

difference. At the end of World War II, service industries accounted for 10 percent of nonfarm employment, compared with 38 percent for manufacturing. Since the 1970s, the American economy has moved away from producing goods to providing services, and the service sector has accounted for an increasing proportion of jobs and workers.

CThe work necessary for sustainable, civil communities will continue to expand. Technological tools are increasingly available, but create ethical challenges and require educated judgment. AI should be used as a tool, not as a crutch or a substitute for thinking. Work requires information verification, not just data gathering. AI will eliminate jobs, and those graduating from colleges and universities must be prepared for this new world of employment options.

ing a civilization compatible with its inhabitants’ aspirations and the limitations of the natural environment; teach students to appreciate other cultures; and apply theory to practical problems.

ollege is as much about character development as it is about career prep.

Colleges seek to help students’ transformation into productive citizens and professionals. Cooperative education, internships and service learning all reinforce classroom learning. Students gain the confidence to formulate ideas, take initiative, increase their ability to reason in different modes, solve problems, and develop communication and computational skills as well as imagination, the ability to consider ideas from different angles through exposure to the arts, literature and other cultures.

■ Graduates have lower unemployment rates than those with only a high school diploma. They also report higher job satisfaction and better career prospects.

■ Most graduates view their college education as a good investment.

We know the skills and abilities that organizations want in employees. Beyond technological know-how, they want people who can learn to analyze problems and create ethical solutions — i.e., add value and perform — without AI support. These are the skills and abilities necessary for all work, from corporate to public service to community-based jobs.

The purpose of a college education is to help students advance their knowledge, both general and expert; skills such as writing and speaking; abilities such as analysis and leadership; and values such as respect for others and teamwork. This includes the ability to understand the choices that await them as citizens, consumers, decision-makers, and arbiters of ethical alternatives. The purpose is also is to inspire students to contemplate the meaning of life; help them become capable of build-

Letters

I urge our local congressional representatives, including Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino, to oppose these cuts. I encourage them to advocate for sustainable funding that prioritizes the well-being of those who depend on these critical support services. An investment now will secure the present and safeguard the future for people like my son.

JoSePh W. SChMIdT Board of Directors chair

Developmental Disabilities Institute Wantagh

Why is all that opioid money sitting idle?

To the editor:

Nassau County has received $95.5 million from New York state for opioid treatment and awareness, part of the opioid lawsuit settlement. of that amount, $39.5 million has been awarded. h owever, awarded does not mean spent. In reality, the county has only spent $3 million of that

$95.5 million.

Meanwhile, 210 residents died of overdoses in 2023. data for 2024 has not yet been released.

To make matters worse, County e xecutive Bruce Blakeman has been publicly highlighting the $39.5 million in awarded funds — an impressive figure on its face — while omitting the far less impressive $3 million that has actually been spent.

This lackadaisical approach to deploying lifesaving resources is not only negligent and callous, but also appears to be financially motivated. Since receiving the funds, Nassau County has accrued millions in interest from the unspent balance sitting idle on its books. What does it say about our county executive that he appears willing to gamble with lives for financial gain? Surely there are more ethical and effective ways to manage the county’s finances — ones that don’t come at the expense of public health.

They learn how to learn on their own as well as in groups. We hope they will learn to think strategically about their lives, even taking a job so they have a base from which to pursue bigger dreams. We also hope they will develop a sense of humor and can laugh at themselves.

The benefits of college graduation are well known:

■ Possessing a degree provides access to a wider array of opportunities.

■ Certain fields in technology, health care and education require a degree.

Framework by Tim Baker

Just think of the work to be done in a society: clean, affordable and dependable energy sources; reliable, inexpensive mass transportation and infrastructure; secure information systems; effective schools, health care, and fire and flood protection; safe, nourishing and affordable food; affordable housing; clean water and sanitation; peaceful relations among nations; and equal access to the rule of law.

These and other requirements for a sustainable, civil society represent problems to be identified, analyzed and solved — work to be done.

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

The seniors win the cup at Rock Rivalry — East Rockaway High School

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