Nassau Herald 02-27-2025 by Richner Communications, Inc

Back row to the front of the class:

Steve Darter’s improbable story

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

From sitting in the back of the class to becoming a successful businessman, author and professor, Steven Darter, a native of Woodmere, shares his story of tribulations and triumphs through books and presentations.

Darter, 75, who now lives in New Jersey, is retired from People Management, a consulting company he founded that helps organizations by focusing on the people in them and what they do best. He is also a former professor at the Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford and Saint Joseph College.

Darter wrote the books “Inside My Mind:

Thought-Provoking Poems about Love, Life, People, Aging, Moving On and God”; “Lessons from Life: Four Keys to Living with Meaning, Purpose, and Success at Any Age”; and “Managing Yourself and Managing Others: Learn How to Improve Effectiveness, Productivity, and Work Satisfaction.”

But to say that Darter has traveled a long road to intellectual enlightenment is a world-class understatement.

From an early age, he knew that he wasn’t interested in school, and spent most of his youth playing poker and basketball with friends.

“I failed everything in my first year of high school, went to summer school, failed again, summer school again, and it was

H-W principal’s departure sparks debate

By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com

Hewlett-Woodmere school district residents voiced their displeasure on Facebook when they heard the news that Alexandra Greenberg will not return in as Hewlett High School principal. Greenberg, who started her tenure in July 2022, is in her third year as principal. She is the fifth principal at the high school in the past decade.

The news surfaced earlier this month, when residents discovered a job posting for the position on OLAS, an online education job search platform. On Feb. 14, district spokeswoman Barbara Giese said only, “The district posted the high school principal position today. The district cannot comment on personnel matters.”

Laura Rosenberg, a member of a Facebook group made up of district 14 residents, posted a letter she had sent to district Superintendent Ralph Marino Jr., requesting more information on the matter and expressing support for Greenberg.

“It has come to our attention that Dr. Greenberg will no longer be HHS principal in the upcoming school year,” Rosenberg wrote. “This news is deeply concerning. We would like to request a further conversation and understand the reasoning for such a decision. We were extremely lucky to finally get a person of Dr. Greenberg’s caliber to lead us, and believe, we as a commu-

On Facebook, residents appeared divided on Greenberg’s planned departure, and there was no shortage of speculation about the possible explanation. Community members created a petition on Feb. 14, urging the district to retain her as principal, gathering 283 signatures.

Courtesy Steven Darter

Woodmere native Steven Darter shares his story of failing school in Lawrence to helping others better themselves.

HERALD Nassau

Back row to the front of the class:

Steve Darter’s improbable story

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Darter wrote the books “Inside My Mind:

But to say that Darter has traveled a long road to intellectual enlightenment is a world-class understatement.

From an early age, he knew that he wasn’t interested in school, and spent most of his youth playing poker and basketball with friends.

“I failed everything in my first year of high school, went to summer school, failed again, summer school again, and it was ContinueD on page 7

H-W principal’s departure sparks debate

By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com

Hewlett-Woodmere school district residents voiced their displeasure on Facebook when they heard the news that Alexandra Greenberg will not return in as Hewlett High School principal.

Greenberg, who started her tenure in July 2022, is in her third year as principal. She is the fifth principal at the high school in the past decade.

W e were extremely lucky to finally get a person of Dr. Greenberg’s caliber to lead us, and believe, we as a community, should do whatever it takes to keep her.

L AURA ROSENBERg Member, District 14 Residents Facebook

Courtesy Steven Darter

Woodmere native Steven Darter shares his story of failing school in Lawrence to helping others better themselves.

District to lay off 11 teachers due to enrollment drop

By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com

At least 11 teaching positions will be cut for the 2025-2026 school year because of declining enrollment, Hewlett-Woodmere school district officials said originally at a Board of Education budget session on Feb. 5, and revisited at the board’s meeting at Hewlett Elementary School seven days later.

School district officials said they are projecting a decline of roughly 200 elementary school students compared with the 2022-’ 23 school year.

According to the Empire Center, a non-partisan, non-profit think tank based in Albany New York, this is not just an issue in Hewlett-Woodmere. Statewide, enrollment in elementary and early childhood centers has declined by 18 percent in the past 10 years.

The Empire Center also highlighted a surge in homeschooling during the Covid pandemic, which has largely persisted throughout the last five years.

Board of Education president Debra Sheinin highlighted this trend while addressing parents and staff about the reductions.

“This isn’t just an issue in HewlettWoodmere; this is going on across New York state,” Sheinin said. “Since COVID-19, many parents have turned to homeschooling, and a lot of families have left New York state.”

Sheinin also noted that Hewlett High

Brian Norman/Herald

Board of Education members and Superintendent Ralph Marino Jr. addressed teachers and parents over staff reductions at the board’s bimonthly meeting on Feb. 12.

School enrollment has remained steady, with more than 1,000 students attending each year since 2016.

Superintendent Ralph Marino Jr. announced through an email to the Herald, that it will use the seniority system to determine teacher reductions and that the affected positions will be in grades pre-K through sixth.

Many teachers attended the Feb. 12 board meeting to show support for their

colleagues.

Joann Brown, the president of the Hewlett-Woodmere Faculty Association, expressed the emotions teachers are facing, while acknowledging the difficulty of the board’s decision.

“We stand here today as a union, deeply distraught over the layoffs that impact our colleagues, our classrooms, and our community,” Brown said. “These are not just numbers on the bud-

get sheet; these are dedicated educators and mentors. We acknowledge that these choices are both fiscally responsible and educationally sound, even when they weigh very heavy on our hearts.”

The statement was followed by an emotional and supportive applause from faculty members, parents and students in attendance.

Sheinin noted that because of the enrollment decline it was becoming increasingly more difficult to create appropriate class sizes and distribute the educational resources equitably.

Superintendent Ralph Marino Jr. addressed the staff reductions in an email to the Herald, emphasizing that the decision was based solely on low enrollment.

“The decision to reduce staff is always an extremely difficult one,” Marino wrote. “The district’s elementary school enrollment has been steadily declining throughout the past several years. This decision was based solely on the decreased enrollment, which results in the need for fewer class sections per elementary grade.”

The Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education will hold its next budget session on March 12 at 6:30 p.m., at the Woodmere Education Center, 1 Johnson Ave., Woodmere.

Have an opinion on the planned Hewlett-Woodmere staff cuts? Send letter to mberman@liherald.com.

Blakeman vs. Koslow for county executive

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

A large crowd showed for the kickoff to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s re-election campaign.

The American Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa was packed on Monday with a number of Nassau County officials in attendance including Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Philips, and Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino who asked the crowd if they’re ready to send a strong message across Nassau County and across America.

Saladino said that the last time the Democrats had control of Nassau County, they hiked taxes and crime soared through the roof, but Blakeman changed all of that.

“We love our families, we love our country, and we have a saying here in Massapequa, we stand for the American flag and we kneel for God,” Saladino said.

Blakeman has been serving for 3.5 years since he defeated incumbent Laura Curran in 2021. He is looking to serve for another four years and this race is said to be one of the closest watched races in 2025.

“I’m here to support Bruce, keep Nassau red and keep it safe and more affordable for the middle class,” county resident Amber Anderson said.

Other supporters included American Legion Post 2736 of East Meadow mem-

bers Frank Salamino and Carl Hager, who both said that Blakeman is a “good guy.”

The crowd cheered loudly as Blakeman stepped up to the podium and spoke of his accomplishments from lowering the crime rate and taxes, banning masks that supposedly led to hate crimes, prohibiting men from playing on women’s teams and supporting the police.

“We’re not defunding the police, we’re growing the police,” said Blakeman, who also lauded that he signed an executive order that prohibited the county from becoming a sanctuary place.

His expected opponent, Democratic County Legislator Seth Koslow, noted his opposition to Blakeman’s record.

“Under Bruce Blakeman, Nassau taxpayers are paying more and getting less,” Koslow said in a statement.

“Taxes are higher, crime is rising, and millions in illegal fees have not been refunded. Instead of helping hardworking families, he is using taxpayer dollars to line the pockets of his political donors and party cronies. Nassau County deserves better. I will fight to put money back where it belongs, in the hands of taxpayers, and ensure our county is safe, affordable, and well-run for everyone.”

Christie Leigh Babairad/Herald

Incumbent Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced that he is running for re-election in Massapequa on Feb. 24.

Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department

Members of Engine Co. 326, Ladder Co. 325 and Ambulance 329 responded to a car crash in North Lawrence on Feb. 15.

Vehicle crashes into North Lawrence storefront

A car crashed into a storefront at 199 Mott Ave. in North Lawrence on Feb. 15, causing significant damage but no injuries, according to the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department.

The accident occurred around 8:45 a.m. when the vehicle struck the front of a one-story building. Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Chief Meyer Adler, was the first to arrive on the scene, and confirmed that all the passengers had left the vehicle before first responders arrived.

Firefighters from Lawrence-Cedarhurst Engine Co. 326, Ladder Co. 325, and Ambulance 329 responded and

assessed the building’s structural integrity. The car had crashed through the storefront and stopped just short of the building’s rear wall. Crews removed the damaged storefront and ensured the safety of the scene.

The Town of Hempstead Building Department was called to evaluate the condition of the building. Nassau County police are continuing the crash investigation.

Despite the extensive damage, all the vehicle’s passengers and individuals in the store declined medical attention.

— Brian Norman

The Pursuit of Excellence

“Being forced to work, and forced to be your best, will breed in you...a hundred virtues which the idle will never know.” — Charles Kingsley

A few years ago, your writer was contacted, as an accomplished alumnus, by McGill University in Montreal, asking for a one-word answer on my experience at the university. I answered “excellence”. It was there that I learned what excellence looked like. Before you can emulate it, you have to see it.

Prior to grade inflation, you had to do a modicum of extra work to get from a “C” to a “B”. But you had to do an extraordinary amount of work to get from a “B” to an “A”.

Your writer was hoping to gain early acceptance to law school -- awarded to only ten students. Not only did that mean A’s across the board, but the A’s also had to be in the most difficult subjects, as the A’s themselves were weighted. One of the courses was “Anthropology 101”. Fifty percent of the grade was based on the essay portion for which your writer received a “B” grade. Not being easily

deterred, I asked the professor if I might read a couple of “A” papers. She agreed to that and also agreed to my request that if I submitted another essay she would grade that one instead.

The new essay I submitted received an “A” grade. Once I had seen what an “A” paper looked like, in other words what “excellence” looked like, I was able to emulate it.

When I applied to the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) for a Masters degree in law, LSE accepted me, on the condition that I receive my McGill Law degree with honors. In my final exams at LSE, the answer to one of the questions was in a footnote. They expected you to not only know the course materials, but the footnotes too.

Here at Ettinger Law Firm, we strive for excellence in the same way. Nothing is overlooked in a constant quest to be as good as we possibly can. From our staff, to our furnishings, fixtures and equipment, to the vendors we choose to work with, to the services we deliver, we work to improve every single day. Striving for excellence is its own reward.

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Woodmere’s Brad Parker knows the sports ‘Score’

February was a busy month for Brad Parker as the North Woodmere resident hop scotched across the country first to the Super Bowl in New Orleans on Feb. 9 and then this past weekend was at the NBA All-Star Game and all the other related festivities in the San Francisco Bay area.

Parker, who is a content creator for the Score a digital sports media and gaming platform, spent his time not only watching the NFL’s championship and the NBA’s latest iteration of an AllStar game and athletic challenges such as the dunk contest, but also interviewed an assortment of sports stars and celebrities.

“So I actually interviewed Bijan Robinson twice throughout the weekend,” Parker wrote in an email. “The first time I asked him who the most famous contact in his phone was he said Matthew McConaughey, so I asked if he would FaceTime Matthew! Sure enough he FaceTimed him but he didn’t answer. So we left him a video message saying what’s up.

“The next day I got a chance to interview Bijan again as he told me that Matthew called back later that night, so we tried him again on the spot,” Parker

said. “But to no avail. We were 0-2. Bijan told me third time will be the charm so next time I see Bijan we’re FaceTiming Matthew and he’s going to pick up … hopefully haha.”

In addition to speaking with Robinson, a Pro Bowl running back for the Atlanta Falcons, Parker interviewed Kansas Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Trevor Lawrence, the signal caller for the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Super Bowl.

At the All-Star Game, Parker interviewed Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns, Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving, Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young, Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland and Memphis Grizzlies center/power forward Jaren Jackson Jr.

The celebrities Parker interviewed included Pete Davidson, Mark Cuban, Flavor Flav, GloRilla, Don Lemon, Post Malone, Shaquille O’Neal and Gabrielle Union.

Parker has been enjoying his close encounters with sports stars for several years from meeting Dwayne Wade at New York City’s Chelsea Piers to his amassing a collection if nearly 230 NBA jerseys.

— Jeffrey Bessen

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Photos courtesy Brad Parker

North Woodmere resident Brad Parker soaked up the Super Bowl environment inside the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

HERALD SPORTS

Hewlett’s Salazar repeats as county champ

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com

The Nassau County wrestling championships concluded Feb. 16, and Hewlett High School sophomore Carlos Salazar took home the 124-pound title.

The No. 2 seed entering the Division 1 tournament, he dominated by going 5-0 as the title match got closer. In the semifinals, he pinned Freeport’s Jahari Lloyd at 5:02. Entering the finals, Salazar had a rematch with Oceanside’s Jake Strianese, the top seed in the bracket.

Strianese bested Salazar in the Long Beach Battle at the Beach early in the regular season, so the tension was taut.

“He lost to that kid prior in the year and we did a lot of game planning,” Hewlett coach Nick Khoury said.

“I lost to Jake earlier in the year, so I knew I had to readjust the mistakes that I was doing,” Salazar said, continuously criti-

cal of his craft. “I just knew I had to work on a couple of things and get better. I had to get my mind right and get in the right headspace, just mentally prepare myself for hard matches like [the tournament].”

Salazar defeated Strianese for the crown, 7-3.

“I think he was very satisfied with how he performed and achieved his goals. That made me very happy as well, just seeing the smile on his face,” Khory said.

“Happy,” Salazar described himself as he came off the mat.

“It’s always fun to be there. It’s a fun environment, and I was just happy to be there and happy to win.”

That aside, it wasn’t the first time where Salazar stood at the top of the podium; in no easy feat, it was his second consecutive year earning a county title.

“He’s been there before,” Khoury said. “Our end goal is to be state champs so that’s still alive and he really just puts in the

time and effort inside the room and outside the room. Everything that he earned, he deserves.”

Salazar heads to Albany’s MVP Arena this Friday and Saturday for the state championships.

“I feel like I’m going to do well up there [in Albany],” Salazar said, relying on his prior experience from last winter. “I placed last year and I think I could hopefully win it this year.”

Now, it’s full steam ahead.

“He’s ready to go, mentally,” Khoury said. “He’s just mentally ready. When he’s in this state of mind, I truly believe that not many people would be able to beat him. I think he’s confident and ready to roll.”

In the meantime, neither Salazar nor his coaching staff are relaxing. They made it know immediately when he came off the mat: “Job’s not done yet,” Salazar said where the first words he heard the coaches. “We got to do good at Albany and have some fun at the state [tournament].”

Hewlett sophomore Carlos Salazar made it back-to-back county wrestling titles Feb. 16 when he captured the 124pound crown.

INWOOD CIVIC ASSOCIATION

Paul Grassini/Herald

Teacher-student bond spans four decades

very difficult for me to stay awake in class,” Darter recalled.

He would come to Lawrence High School, put his head on his desk and fall asleep. This was his routine in every class. As a sophomore, he made it his mission to stay awake.

“I used to play a mental game with myself, where I would pick a number, and in my mind I would count and try and get the ringing of the bell to coincide with me reaching that number,” Darter recounted.

Then, he started to be a jokester in class. For example, he said, “We started reading ‘Huckleberry Finn’ in class, and I took my shoes and socks off and asked for a hall pass.”

He never took biology, chemistry or physics, and no math beyond algebra. “Back then they had Regents classes and ‘school’ classes,” Darter said. “I started in Regents and ended up in ‘school’ classes. It had an effect on the way I look at myself academically.”

He had trouble staying focused, and today he believes he had a learning disability. He never did homework or read the assigned material. Yet somehow he managed to graduate with his senior class, in 1967.

“Pace is very important to me — I like pace and intensity, and I think school became too passive for me,” Darter said. “Growing up in the Five Towns, I assumed I was going to college, because almost everybody back them in the Five Towns went to college.”

With the help of his sister, Joan, he registered at Mohawk Valley Community College, in upstate Utica. There his life took a turn, thanks to English professor Steve Mocko.

“I show up in this Tuesday English class and there’s the professor, Steve Mocko, and he gives people something to read,” Darter said, “and he’s pacing back and forth, asking people what the story meant, and he was accepting everything that people were saying.”

with Steve Darter,” she said.

According to Dobrinski, Mocko is the most non-judgmental person ever, and he raised his children, too, to be accepting. “He really enjoyed teaching, and affecting people, and helping make a difference, consciously and non-consciously,” she said.

Darter sent Mocko manuscripts of his books before they went to print, to get his feedback.

I love that Steve made this connection, because for me as an adult child, to read this amazing thing that my dad did is surreal.

KrIStIn DobrInSKI

Steve Mocko’s daughter

“There I was in the back, and I said the most stupid, asinine thing I could think of,” Darter recalled, “and he said, ‘That’s possible. Why do you think so?’ and I didn’t have an answer.”

But there was something about Mocko, and the way he taught, that moved Darter.

Mocko, who is now 86, retired from teaching 23 years ago, but he has maintained a relationship with Darter all these years. His daughter, Kristin Dobrinski spoke on his behalf.

“It was my dad’s first or second year teaching, where he had this experience

“I love that Steve made this connection because for me, as an adult child, to read this amazing thing that my dad did is surreal,” Dobrinski said. “My dad sees Steve as an extension of him, giving me guidance as a father would, but from his expertise.”

Mocko and Darter have stayed in touch for over 40 years, and their relationship is still going strong.

“My dad feels a huge level of gratitude to Steve for telling this story, and a level of pride, although he is humble, for Steve and his accomplishments,” Dobrinski said.

She said that her father considers his experience with Darter one of his fondest memories.

“Steve probes deep into understanding what makes us more complete as people,” Frank Pacholec, V.P. of strategy and corporate development for the Stepan Company, in New Jersey, said of Darter. “Using himself as a real-life example, through marvelous storytelling, he effectively summarizes and develops four key aspects that have led him to be more in alignment with his life’s purpose and to experience joyful, positive emotions along the way.”

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Steven Darter

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Feldman leads a JCC that’s all about community

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

First in a month-long series of interviews with influential area women in honor of Women’s History Month. Stacey Feldman is the executive director of the Marion and Aaran Gural JCC.

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

Stacey Feldman: When I was in college, I studied advertising and marketing and after being on a trip to Israel I realized that I wanted to work for the Jewish community. I loved trying to understand what made people buy a brand or why a certain color was successful, product placement, all of that really interests me and then after being in Israel, I realized that the Jewish community needed me more. I wanted to sell being an active member of the Jewish community. I’m doing this since 1990, I started working part-time teaching Hebrew school and from there I moved to New York and became the Teen Director at the Mid-Island Y JCC, worked for Hadassah and Young Judea and then was blessed to have worked for UJA Federation. From UJA is how I ended up working in the Five Towns and ultimately becoming the Executive Director here

at the Gural JCC, in 2023. I love building the community and bringing them together, there are so many types of people and they all come together under one roof.

Herald: What do you do? Why?

Feldman: We have four sites that serve this wonderful community. Everyone knows that we’re the little blue house on Grove Avenue that helps people. In 2017, we purchased Temple Israel, Lawrence so that is what we refer to as the Harrison-Kerr Family Campus. That’s the site where we have the senior center and we operate the largest early childhood center in the community with about 350 kids and a staff of almost 90. In the summer of 2023, in partnership with the Leon Mayer Fund took over the operation of the Mark Ramer Chesed Center, in Hewlett. That is a 3,500 square foot facility of new goods so that a family in need can get linens, new clothing, new house wares and appliances. Our fourth site is the S.H.O.P, in Cedarhurst (Sustenance Hope Opportunities Place) and that is

where we operate the largest kosher food pantry on Long Island, serving over 800 families. We offer a variety of social work support services from that location sand the whole agency.

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

Feldman: What challenges me currently is never wanting to say no, but for financial reasons sometimes we have to say no. What I grapple with is wanting to serve more and more people on what is a non-profit budget. What keeps me going is the ability now to build a full-service Jewish community center in this area. We’ve been working out of the site on Grove for almost 42 years and it’s exciting to address all of the needs in the community for recreation, socialization, a pool and serving all members of the community.

Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?

Feldman: I’m very proud of my fami-

ly, and having a son who just graduated college a year ago, a daughter that just entered college and having a loving and supporting husband. My family gives me the support that I need to work long nights and hours, so without the support from them I wouldn’t be able to do this work. I think our proudest moment professionally is finally working in partnership with Nassau County to find a location so that we can really expand services. We are very excited to build a whole new center that the community can participate in.

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

Feldman: My advice to anybody is to follow your passion, work is not work is you are passionate about it. You will enjoy coming to work everyday is you enjoy the work. Whether it’s on a volunteer level, if you can’t do professionally what you’re passionate about then find time to give back and get involved in a non-profit you enjoy. There is always work to be done, as women we’re nurturing and we’re caring, empathetic, we don’t want to leave any stone unturned so we’re always looking for new opportunities.

Ellis leads the fight for LGBTQ representation

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

For over a decade, Long Island native Sarah Kate Ellis has led GLAAD, the world’s most influential LGBTQ media advocacy organization. Under her leadership, GLAAD has evolved from a media watchdog into a driving force for cultural change, shaping representation and acceptance of LGBTQ people in media, entertainment, and politics. In an interview, Ellis shares her journey, challenges, and vision for the future.

Herald: How did you get where you are?

Ellis began her career in media, working for major publishing houses like Condé Nast and Time Inc. She quickly discovered her passion for storytelling.

“I loved media instantly,” she said. “I loved telling stories and seeing the power of storytelling and how it can really bring people together.”

However, her family set her on the path toward advocacy.

“My wife and I got pregnant at the exact same time by accident, if that could be,” Ellis said. “It wasn’t planned. We were just trying to start a family. And I think that led more to my advocacy work.”

As digital media transformed the industry, Ellis sought a new challenge. When the opportunity arose to lead

GLAAD, she saw it as a way to combine her passion for media with her commitment to the LGBTQ community.

“I got to do what I love—media advocacy—but for my community,” she said.

“When I started at GLAAD, it was really to modernize the organization based on the changing media ecosystem.”

Now, after 11 years at the helm, Ellis remains committed to ensuring GLAAD continues to be a powerful voice for LGBTQ representation.

Herald: What are your daily responsibilities?

“The media ecosystem has yet again dramatically shifted,” she says. “The average American spends 12 hours a day consuming media. So we’ve never had a larger opportunity ahead of us.”

However, reaching audiences has become more complex.

Ellis: “I really do two key things at the organization,” she says. “One is drive the strategy on how we’re going to build acceptance in the United States and globally for LGBTQ people. The other significant part of my job is fundraising. To do all the work, you need funding.”

One of her key initiatives was establishing the GLAAD Media Institute, which serves as the organization’s think tank, advisory, and education arm. She also launched a rapid response team to address media coverage and public narratives around LGBTQ issues.

Ellis believes GLAAD’s work is more critical than ever as media consumption habits change.

“The biggest challenge is how do we reach people when it’s so delineated?” she asks. “That’s one of the challenges I’m facing now—how do I reach folks in a compelling way that touches them and moves them?”

Herald: What are your memorable achievements?

Over the years, Ellis has celebrated many victories, both personal and professional.

“From a personal perspective, it’s my family, my wife and our kids,” she says. “I’m so proud of my kids. They’re 16 now. They were 4 when I started at GLAAD, so that’s kind of mind-blowing.”

In her work, she is particularly proud of partnerships that have expanded LGBTQ inclusion.

“Here I am at the Super Bowl. We host an NFL-partnered Super Bowl event for the LGBTQ community,” Ellis says. “If you ever said to me 10 years ago that GLAAD and the NFL logo

would be together and working together, I would have never believed you. But here we are.”

She is also proud of GLAAD’s presence at the World Economic Forum, ensuring LGBTQ issues remain part of global discussions.

“If we’re not there speaking on behalf of LGBTQ people, we are left out of the conversation,” she says. “I was proud to be the first LGBTQ organization to get a white badge from the World Economic Forum.”

Herald: What advice can you offer the next generation?

Ellis: “I think my advice is to work hard and with your head up, because everybody says put your head down and work hard,” she said. “But I think you have to keep your head up, stay aware of what’s going on.”

She believes that in an increasingly virtual world, making personal connections is essential.

“I think we’ve become such an isolated society, and people think that we can do things on Zoom, but proximity to power and meeting people and engaging with people personally advances so much more at a rapid pace than meeting on Zoom.”

Both interviews, with Stacey Feldman and Sarah Kate Ellis, continue at liherald.com.

StAcEy FELDMAN

SARAH KAtE ELLIS

Lifesaving Heart Care Close to Home

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

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

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

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

• Healthgrades Coronary Intervention Excellence Award™

• Healthgrades Five-Star Recipient for Coronary Interventional Procedures

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

L ea r n mo r e a t mountsinai.org/southnassauheart

neighbors

Dancing the night away at Ogden

Fathers and daughters danced the night away at the annual Odgen Elementary School dance/PTA fundraiser.

This year’s theme was a masquerade ball and roughly 200 dads and their young ladies dressed up for the occasion.

They enjoyed music from a dj and an array of desserts

throughout the evening in the school’s gym, on Feb. 13.

Girls had the option to be escorted by their father, grandfather, uncle or special person in their life.

The cost was $25 per family and it came with a rose for the daughter.

— Melissa Berman

Fifth grader Torie Hopkins and her dad Ty were all smiles on the dance floor and adorned in masquerade attire.

The girls took a break from being with their dads and let loose by dancing to the “YMCA”, on Feb 13.

Fourth grade friends Olivia Katz, left, and Olivia Grinberg took a break from dancing to have a snack and spend time together.

Tim Baker/Herald Photos

Michael Ikotun and his fifth grade daughter Dara danced the night away at the annual Ogden Elementary Father Daughter Dance.

Allan Abique with his third grader Aleihsa posed for a picture and took the masquerade ball theme seriously.

Residents voice mixed reactions to Alexandra Greenberg’s exit

nity, should do whatever it takes to keep her.”

Rosenberg encouraged others to add their names to the letter in support, and hundreds did so, before she sent it to Marino on Feb. 18.

Many other district residents took to social media to express their frustration with the news. Many credited Greenberg with exceptional leadership, noting to her presence outside the school each morning as she greeted students, her attendance at sporting events, her availability to meet with students and her encouragement of open communication in the school community.

District resident Eka Uspenskaya posted on Facebook that the district can’t afford to lose Greenberg. “Dr. Greenberg is absolutely amazing,” Uspenskaya wrote. “The way she structured and organized our high school is very impressive. She is open to students and their needs, personally knows everyone, greets parents and students in the mornings. Dr. Greenberg is an outstanding principal.”

Despite the support on social media, however, some residents said they didn’t believe she should return as principal. Four people contacted the Herald to share their opinions, but declined to be identified.

Some cited her relatively short tenure in previous positions as a concern, questioning her long-term commitment

Recent Hewlett High School principals

■ 2022-25 Alexandra Greenberg

■ 2021-22 Gerri DeCarlo (interim)

■ 2018-21 William Galati

■ 2017-18 Jack Lenson (interim)

■ 2013-17 Theodore Fulton

■ 2008-13 Thomas Russo

■ 2006-08 David Gutmann

■ 2000-06 Joyce Bisso

Alexandra Greenberg has been the Hewlett High School principal since July 2022, and the fifth principal of the school in the past decade.

to the position. One-expressed reservations about Greenberg’s guidance, saying that greeting students in the morning and showing up at sporting events aren’t all there is to leadership.

“People have had vastly different experiences with Dr Greenberg,” this person wrote in a statement to the Herald. “The fact is that there are things that we don’t know about, so we have to have faith in the process and in the board that we elected. While we currently don’t have the facts, if you look at her previous job history, her last two positions were also short-lived, with her last position ending with a petition calling for her to step down.”

Three other people, who also requested anonymity, expressed similar concerns.

A petition was created in September 2021, on change.org, calling for Greenberg’s removal as assistant principal of Hampton Bays High School, saying that she played a part in creating a hostile learning environment for students at the school. It had 552 signatures, and was sent in to the Hampton Bays district office on Sept. 20, 2021.

At press time, the Hewlett-Woodmere district had provided no further details about Greenberg’s departure, or a timeline for filling the principal’s position.

Have an opinion on the Hewlett High School principal situation? Send a letter to mberman@liherald.com.

Herald file photos

Many residents commended Alexandra Greenberg’s ability to maintain open communications with students.

Trump attempts to end congestion pricing

By Jordan Vallone & luke Feeney of the Herald

The Trump administration has rescinded its approval of New York City’s congestion pricing program, in an attempt to halt the initiative.

The program, which began on Jan. 5, imposes a $9 toll on vehicles entering Manhattan south of 60th Street during peak hours, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and generate revenue for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman noted his support for the federal government’s decision at a Feb. 19 news conference in Mineola. Blakeman recalled President Trump pledging to end congestion pricing at a rally last October.

“President Trump is fulfilling a promise that he made at Madison Square Garden during (his) campaign,” Blakeman said.

Gov. Kathy Hochul argued that regardless of anyone’s stance on congestion pricing, the decision is an attack on New York’s sovereignty as a state.

“New York hasn’t labored under a king in over 250 years,” she said at a news conference at Grand Central Terminal, also on Feb. 19, response to the administration’s move, “and we sure as hell won’t start now.”

Janno Lieber, chief executive and chairman of the MTA, said that a lawsuit had already been filed to keep the congestion-pricing program in place.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized the toll as burdensome to working-class Americans and small-business owners, noting the lack of free highway alternatives. New York officials had projected $500 million in annual revenue from the tolls, intended to support $15 billion in debt financing for mass transit improvements.

The federal government is seeking to halt New York City’s controversial congestion pricing program. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman spoke in support of President Trump’s efforts on Feb. 19.

According to a letter sent to Hochul from the federal transportation office, Duffy rescinded the government’s approval of the plan under the federal Value Pricing Pilot Program, an initiative established to explore the potential of various pricing strategies in reducing traffic congestion. Managed by the Federal Highway Administration, the program allows state and

local governments to implement pilot projects that test the effectiveness of tolls and other pricing mechanisms in managing roadway usage and alleviating congestion. The congestion-pricing plan was developed under the VPPP.

The MTA, Hochul said, was prepared for a challenge, and she expressed confidence in the lawsuit it filed to counteract the decision.

“If in some world (the administration is) successful, the next time you’re stuck in traffic, the next time your train is delayed, the next time you’re in a flooded station because infrastructure repairs were not made, I want you to think of this,” the governor said. “We know where the blame goes.”

The Town of Hempstead had filed a lawsuit against the MTA and the state in opposition to the congestionpricing plan. Supervisor Don Clavin praised the decision by the Trump administration, arguing that congestion pricing is nothing more than “a money grab and a slap in the face to working-class commuters.”

State Sen. Alexis Weik, a Republican who represents portions of Nassau and Suffolk counties, also supported the administration’s decision.

“I’m glad to see that President Trump is supportive of New Yorkers,” Weik said in a statement emailed to the Herald, “because their governor is not. This is a win for New York.”

State Sen. Steve Rhoads, a fellow Republican who represents communities in Nassau, echoed Weik’s sentiments, and was critical of Hochul’s efforts to keep congestion pricing in place.

“Rather than continuing to pursue her unlawful ‘commuter tax,’” Rhoads told Herald reporters, “the governor should suspend these tolls immediately and take swift action to put commuters’ interests first instead of her own.”

Luke Feeney/Herald

“The

—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

Town officials sue FAA over plane noise

Hempstead, North Hempstead join forces to take on federal agency, focusing on JFK’s Runway 22L

By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jen DeSena last week announced the filing of a joint federal lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration on behalf of more than a million residents living near Kennedy and LaGuardia airports.

The primary culprit for the lawsuit is JFK’s Runway 22L, a path having an influx of planes flying below the federally regulated 3,000-foot restriction, with communities experiencing a 70 percent increase in plane sightings, according to the towns’ legal research.

Attorney Nick Rigano, who represents the towns, said the lawsuit seeks to have the FAA reduce usage of certain flight paths, and conduct an environmental review of the impacts of low-flying aircrafts.

Rigano said that runway 22L allows more planes to fly at once, and its efficiency leads to overused.

“It’s all about operational issues. It has nothing to do with their consideration of residents at all,” Rigano said.

In 2023, there was a 50 percent increase in arrivals on 22L.

This surge in air traffic has led to rising noise levels, with more than 388,000 noise complaints filed in 2023, a significant increase over previous years.

“Legal action is always a last resort, but our cause is just,” DeSena said. “We are committed to making sure that the FAA hears our residents and that we finally address the overwhelming impacts these flight paths are having on their daily lives.”

According to the Port Authority of New York and

New Jersey’s 2023 Fly Quiet Program Annual Report, data showed an improvement in noise levels compared to 2022.

The program uses stages to refer to different levels of aircraft noise, with Stage 3 being the loudest and Stage 5+ the quietest, based on the aircraft’s engine and design.

The number of Stage 5 and Stage 5+ aircraft increased by 3 percent in 2023, but Stage 3, which generates the most noise, remained relatively stable, rising

just 1 percent.

A flight procedure designed to reduce noise, by directing aircraft to approach the runway at an angle instead of directly lining up with it, was used for 5.4 percent of arrivals on Runway 22L.

As noted in the lawsuit, a 2022 Government Accountability Office report highlighted “inadequate community engagement” and insufficient environmental impact assessments for flight path changes. The report also revealed that only 30 percent of new flight path systems underwent thorough environmental reviews.

The Environmental Protection Agency has reported that aircraft flying below 3,000 feet contribute significantly to air pollution, releasing harmful toxins like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and sulfur dioxide, especially during takeoff and landing. Studies show that communities along these flight paths, including Valley Stream, Hempstead, Inwood and West Hempstead, have higher than normal rates of asthma, stomach cancer and prostate cancer, which are linked to exposure to aircraft emissions.

Town officials pointed to new air traffic control systems and satellite-based navigation systems that have contributed to the increase in flights and a decrease in altitude for many aircraft.

The lawsuit comes after the FAA failed to respond to a previous petition filed by the municipalities, whose representatives met at the same house for a press conference on July 3. Floral Park resident Don Monroe, whose home is where the news conference for the announcement took place, noted how the air traffic noise impacts his life.

“Sometimes I have to stop mid-conversation because the planes are so loud,” Monroe said.

JOIN OUR ADOPTION EVENT

Ainsley Martinez/Herald

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jen DeSena announced the filing of a joint lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration on Feb. 19.

Courtesy Village of Lawrence Moshe Bodner, co-founder of the Israel Chesed Center, in Hewlett, left, Lawrence Mayor Samuel Nahmias, Jeff Eisenberg, co-founder of the Israel Chesed Center, Cedaarhurst Mayor Benjamin Weinstock, Trustee Aaron Felder and Finance Commissioner Steve Gottesman at the Israel Chesed Center, on Feb. 10.

Lawrence mayor marks Israel Chesed Center milestone

Mayor Samuel Nahmias attended a ceremony at the Israel Chesed Center, in Hewlett marking the packing of its 10,000th duffle bag of supplies for Israel. The event featured Nova Music Festival survivor Ron Segev.

The Village of Lawrence received a proclamation from the Center, while Mayor Nahmias presented a citation recognizing the work of Jeff Eisenberg, Moshe Bodner, and volunteers.

Mayor Joins One Israel Fund Event Nahmias attended a One Israel Fund event featuring Amichai Lourie, head winemaker of Shiloh Winery.

Lourie shared his experiences managing his Shomron vineyard during recent challenges. The visit highlighted the 2016 twin-city agreement between the Town of Hempstead and Samaria Regional Council, initiated by current County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

Lawrence Becomes First U.S. Village to Invest in Israel Bonds

The Village of Lawrence Board of

HALB

HALB held its seventh annual History Day on Feb.10, as part of the National History Day competition, which engages over half a million students nationwide.

Under social studies teacher Kristen Waterman’s guidance, eighth-grade students spent five months researching topics related to this year’s theme: Rights and Responsibilities in History.

Projects ranged from prohibition to modern workplace safety issues, with many students examining Holocaust history. Their presentations included documentaries, interactive websites and exhibits.

The top three projects in each category will advance to Long Island History Day at Hofstra University in March, competing against other student historians from across Long Island.

Trustees unanimously approved a $100,000 investment in short-term Israel Bonds at their February 13 meeting.

The proposal, introduced by Finance Commissioner Steven Gottesman, makes Lawrence the first village in the United States to invest in Israel Bonds,.

The decision follows the village’s November 2024 Anti-BDS Legislation, which prohibits contracts with entities participating in boycotts against Israel.

“The Village of Lawrence’s community is very tied to Israel, and we see any type of boycott or any type of attempt to hurt Israel as anti-Semitism and we’re not going to allow it,” Nahmias wrote in a news release.

The investment plan was introduced ahead of President’s Day, referencing George Washington’s 1790 Letter to the Jews of Newport: “For happily the Government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”

— Melissa Berman

Courtesy HALB Alex Hackel, left, Eliana Hollander, Tobie Kleiman, Ava Marks and Juliana Radinsky took home first place at the HALB History Day competition for their exhibit on Rights, Responsibility and the American Dream, on Feb. 10.

The exhibit on Rights, Responsibility and the American Dream by Alex Hackel, Eliana Hollander, Tobie Kleiman, Ava Marks and Juliana Radinsky took home first place.

The documentary Whose Responsibility? The Evian Conference and the Rights of Jews in Peril by Leah Fistel, Keren Reiss and Hailey Walfish also took home first place.

— Melissa Berman

Gillen: Medicaid cuts could ‘devastate’ L.I.

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

Congressional Republicans have recently directed the committee on Energy and Commerce, which oversees Medicaid, to cut its budget by at least $880 billion. These cuts would result in millions of Americans losing their health coverage, while providing tax cuts to corporations and the wealthy.

According to Nate Jackson, NY Director of Protect our Care, these cuts would hurt Long Island families, jeopardize funding for hospitals and strain the state health care budget.

Children, new mothers, seniors and people with disabilities across Nassau and Suffolk counties rely on Medicaid to cover essential health care costs.

U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, a Democrat who represents a majority of the South Shore of Nassau County, and Assemblywoman Michelle Solages joined health care advocates on Feb. 19 to oppose the cuts, and to commit to working to protect Long Islanders’ access to health care.

“The Republican plan to slash Medicaid would devastate Long Island,” Gillen said. “It would mean higher health care costs, hospital funding in limbo, longer wait times to access care for tens of thousands of Long Islanders, and a dramatic decrease in access to vital mental health care.

“We need to be working to protect and strengthen access to health care, not ripping it away from seniors, children and veterans on Long Island who count on Medicaid to access the lifesaving care that they need,” she added, calling for nonpartisan support.

“When we’re talking about an essential service, it’s health care,” said Solages, a member of the Assembly’s Health

Committee. “When we talk about cutting dollars for hospitals, for nursing homes, we’re cutting people to the bone. And so we have to be realistic about what we need to fund. Tax breaks for billionaires is not what Long Island needs.”

Solages discussed the need for health care funding, referring to two Long Island nursing homes that are slated to

close and Nassau University Medical Center, the county’s public hospital, which is in desperate need of financial support.

“We’re talking about people’s lives,” she said. “This is not like a pothole. This is about people’s prescription drugs, their health care, and we’ve got to get realistic in this country about what’s important. People’s premiums have increased. They’re deciding whether to buy food or prescription drugs, and other essential services — rent — and the American people are crying out for relief.”

Cynthia Ngombe, a health care advocate with the Healthcare Education Project, explained that cuts to Medicaid “would shift costs for health coverage to states, putting more pressure not only on the state Medicaid budget, but on other key areas of spending such as education and public safety.”

“Medicaid is under attack from Washington, D.C.,” Ngombe added. “Federal cuts would slash critical services that keep New Yorkers healthy and our communities safe, in areas like maternal health, mental health and the emergency room. All New Yorkers would be impacted, but our Black, Latino and low-income, including rural communities, would be hit hardest by our Medicaid cuts. Access to quality health care is a right. It’s New Yorkers’ top priority.”

Madison Gusler/Herald

U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, center, was joined by, from left, Cynthia Ngombe, of the Healthcare Education Project; Assemblywoman Michelle Solages; health care worker Claire Leon; and Nate Jackson, of Protect Our Care, to discuss Medicaid funding.

Presented by:

HWBA aims to create ‘Friendlier’ connections

dated building and put up a brand new energy efficient building.”

Episcopal Health Services names new leaders

Gathering for its annual general meeting and winter networking event, the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association gathered at Friendlier 76 Italian Table in Woodmere for member businesses to introduce or re-introduce themselves, highlight upcoming events and exchange information.

David Friedman, president of the business association, noted some of projects that the HWBA has been associated with, including the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Mayweather boxing gym on Broadway in Hewlett.

He also took the time to acknowledge on the overhaul of 1015 Cedar Lane in Woodmere, which was purchased and renovated by Joel Preminger, which will feature 14 fully furnished offices.

“I just want to thank everybody for coming, we had a lot of great events going on over the year, we’ve been sponsoring a lot of things with the schools, and we’ve been doing a lot of promotions with business,” Friedman said. “We had a meeting and a ribbon cutting for Joel Preminger’s building on Cedar Lane. We were able to get a $50,000 grant to repair an old dilapi -

Each member had the opportunity to speak about his or her businesses. Members shared insights about their services and previewed upcoming events, creating a dynamic and engaging forum for collaboration and support.

Some new members of the business association were able to introduce themselves and feature flyers and upcoming events they will be hosting in the future.

Jill Kaplan, the director of marketing, event sales and membership at New York Beach Club in Atlantic Beach, attended the meeting as a new member and promoted the beach club’s 10-year anniversary for this upcoming summer.

Friedman, along with representatives from the Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education, noted successful sponsorships of the Hewlett High School robotics teams.

Members were then served dinner, catered by Friendlier, and were allotted time to continue networking and building those business bonds.

— Brian Norman

Episcopal Health Services appointed John Rossi as vice president, chief digital information officer and Robert Bloise, Jr., DMSc, MS, PA-C, as chief quality officer.

Rossi will lead EHS’ digital transformation and IT modernization efforts, focusing on eliminating paper-based processes and legacy systems.

He brings 25 years of IT and information security leadership experience, including 14 years at Stamford Health where he most recently served as Executive Director of IT & Chief Information Security Officer. Rossi holds a Bachelor’s of business administration in management information systems from Iona College.

among other degrees.

Bloise will oversee quality and patient safety, infection prevention and control, risk management, regulatory compliance and accreditation.

He joins EHS from New York-Presbyterian Hospital, where he spent seven years, most recently as Senior Director, Quality, Analytics & Patient Safety. Bloise holds a Doctorate of medical science from the University of Lynchburg,

“The addition of Mr. Rossi and Dr. Bloise strengthens our ability to provide high-quality, person-centered care to the community we serve,” Donald T. Morrish, chief executive officer at EHS wrote in a news release. “We are pleased to welcome them and are confident their collective expertise will enhance care delivery, patient outcomes, and organizational efficiency at EHS.”

— Melissa Berman

Courtesy Episcopal Health Services Episcopal Health Services appointed John Rossi as vice president, chief digital information officer.

Courtesy Episcopal Health Services Robert Bloise, Jr., DMSc, MS, PA-C was appointed as Chief Quality Officer at Episcopal Health Services.

STEPPING OUT

Images courtesy Robert Graham Carter

(Two Young Teens With Empty Chat

c. 1970s, pencil and pastel on paper, is an open-ended composition, depicting race relations.

Above: If Der Be Angels Then Some Must Look Me, c. 2000s, wood and acrylic, examines spirituality by highlighting the divine beauty of the everyday..

Painting the bigger picture

Robert Graham Carter reﬂects: A life lived through art

By Danielle Schwab

Within the everyday experience, there’s a deeper story to be told. For visual artist Robert Graham Carter, his art unearths the stories of the African American experience through the individuals and environments he depicts, bringing larger narratives to the surface.

Now on display at the Heckscher Museum of Art, visitors can explore over 22 figurative paintings, sculptures and drawings that explore his reflections on childhood, spirituality, the black church, and societal inequities. The exhibition, “Robert Graham Carter: The Art of Reflection,” celebrates not only his talents but his involvement with Long Island’s art scene — particularly the Heckscher, where Carter made history in 1973 as the first African American artist to receive a solo show.

Born in Louisville, Ky. in 1938, Carter witnessed ﬁrsthand life during the Jim Crow South. Later, he went to the University of Louisville with many internationally known artists today such as Sam Gilliam, Bob Thompson and Kenneth Young.

“They actually formed an arts collective called the Gallery Enterprises when they were in college. This collective was important because the city was recently desegregated. There were socially not that many opportunities for artists to exhibit their work if they were artists of color,” guest curator Sarah Battle says. “The Gallery Enterprises created those spaces.”

• Now through May 25

• Open Thursday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

• Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington

• Visit Heckscher.org or call (631) 380-3230 for information on related programming

Carter became known for his striking ﬁgurative art — often in mixed mediums —that depicted his life experience as an African American man while drawing inspiration from the people around him.

“He’s going to showcase a memory, or illustrate people — everyday people — in his life that he either wants people to be thinking about, to elevate, or just to offer another perspective on the topic at hand,” Battle, research curator at Louisville’s Speed Art Museum, explains.

Drawing inﬂuence from his upbringing, Carter’s works balance personal and universal truths, with a focus on topics that connect to the experiences of African Americans. His art addresses the joy and importance of family, the legacy of segregation, the charm of childhood, the spiritual and corporal force that is the Black church, and the impression of Blackface on American culture.

“Figures are the carriers of my thoughts, messages, or ideas, they are my stories,” Carter explained in an email. “For me, it’s the best way to tell the story or to give value or a sense of texture to a meeting or setting.”

In his untitled pencil and pastel drawing from the 1970s, Carter shows his mastery through his depiction of two children, one white child and one African American child with empty thought bubbles above their head as they gaze at each other.

“This piece inspired the education team at the Hecksher to create an activity for people to think about the sorts of conversations these two children could be thinking or saying to each

other, and what sorts of ways these conversations might have changed over time,” Battle says.

Carter also found a niche in using wood in his creations.

“It started with me being attracted to the brightness of the paint and the subdued quality of the wood,” Carter went on in his email. “I thought color placed against this kind of texture and tone would stand out. If you had a bright blue or bright red against a dull gray, the gray would make the color even stronger.”

His use of texture is on full display in his “If Der Be Angels, Den Sum Mus Look Like Me, 2000s,” where Carter postulates spiritual inclusivity within the religious narrative.

“This piece is of an angel. The wings of the angel are made up of these wood slits. They’re painted in bright colors that make it appear that the wings are very full and threedimensional,” Battle says.

“They’re just layers of these wood pieces that create such beautiful interiors or beautiful ﬁgures.”

Carter moved to Long Island in 1968 and joined Nassau Community College where he taught in the art department for over 50 years. Archival itemsl such as newspaper clippings and letters included in the exhibit show the impact of his identity as an educator and artist in the local art scene — and throughout the country.

“When I retired, a formal written notice was required. In my notice, I wrote an anecdote ‘I explained the problem, and no one understood it. I explained the problem again, and no one understood it. I explained it a third time, and I understood it.’ It’s a short gimmicky way of saying I am bettered for having taught others,” Carter further explained.

His legacy of creating and inspiring art here and beyond is a testament to his enduring craft.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the local arts community if they don’t know his work already, to see a number of great examples, as well as draw more national attention to his living legacy,” Battle adds.

“This exhibition not only offers visitors a chance to see art made throughout Carter’s career, but it also makes space to honor his living legacy as an artist educator. This solo show highlights some of his early inﬂuences in Louisville, Kentucky as well as his impact on artists in Nassau County and beyond.”

Jim Messina

He has plenty of stories to tell — with more to come. An undisputed expert in the fine art of making hit music, Jim Messina’s legacy of musical genius spans five decades, three super groups, a vibrant solo career and scores of producing and engineering credits. a musician whose career has shaped the sound of multiple generations. From his start with Buffalo Springfield to defining the Country Rock genre with Poco and then forming the iconic duo Loggins & Messina, his influence on music is undeniable. With hits spanning over five decades, he’s a true craftsman of his art. Now touring with a talented band, Messina performs songs from every stage of his career: Buffalo Springfield, Poco, Loggins & Messina, and his solo projects. ouring the country and playing sold-out shows, Jim says that he’s enjoying discovering who he is, where he’s been and — most significantly — where he’s going.

Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. $69, $59, $49. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Kevin James

You know him, you love him, and now you can catch Kevin James when his “Owls Don’t Walk” tour arrives here. As only Kevin can, he covers a range of topics from motivating children to put down their video games, to why he doesn’t trust technology, and how many tater tots he can ﬁt in his mouth. James sure has come a long way since his early days on the local comedy scene. After being discovered at the 1996 Montreal Comedy Festival, he signed a development deal to create his own sitcom. “The King of Queens” premiered in 1998 and ran for nine seasons, earning him an Emmy nomination. From there, his acting career blew up — in ﬁlm and TV.

Sunday, March 2, 7:30 p.m. $99.50, $79.50, $69.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.

Family Collection Untitled

Bubbles),

To the right: Proud Queen, Tribute To My Wife, 1995, wood and acrylic, underscores the versatility of his form.

March 20

The Joni Project

The Joni Project visits the Tilles Center stage, Thursday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., to celebrate the iconic Joni Mitchell. The musically sophisticated band is fronted by Long Island’s remarkable multi-instrumentalist and singer Katie Pearlman, who impressively plays Joni’s songs in their original open guitar tunings, and also includes jazz and jam band mainstays Dave Berg (guitar), Dan Ehrlich (bass), Alan Lerner (drums), Mark Mancini (keyboards), Steve Finklestein (percussion), Premik Russell Tubbs (saxophone and flute) and Victoria Faiella (backing vocals). Collectively, they’ve performed with members of the Grateful Dead, The Band, The Doors, the Neville Brothers, and many others.

On stage

Adelphi University

Performing Arts students present the musical adaptation of “The Spitfire Grill,” now through Sunday, March 2. Based on the 1996 film by Lee David Zlotoff, this is a heartwarming and inspirational musical tale of redemption, perseverance and family. It follows a troubled young parolee yearning for a fresh start who follows her dreams to Wisconsin, based on a page from an old travel book, only to find a small town with a gritty heart aching with longing and regret. Unexpectedly discovering the healing power of community while working at the Spitfire Grill, Percy reawakens the entire town’s capacity for rebirth, forgiveness and hope.

Set to a melodic folk-inspired score, it’s a joyous celebration of human kindness. $30, with discounts available for seniors, students Adelphi alumni and staff. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

In concert

Together, they bring fresh interpretation to Joni’s legendary tunes from their many eras and genres —particularly from the time of her stunning and dynamic collaboration with Jaco Pastorius, Pat Metheny and Michael Brecker. But The Joni Project celebrates it all - from Both Sides Now, Big Yellow Taxi, Chelsea Morning and Help Me, to Raised on Robbery and Free Man in Paris! Perlman faithfully performs in true Joni style, her tunings remain as fresh today as they were when first performed. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.

Women’s History presentation

Martin Schneit discusses the history of women who made significant contributions to New York, Tuesday, March 4 , 11 a.m., at Peninsula Public Library. Registration required. Register at peninsulapublic.org. or call (516) 967-5777. 280 Central Ave., Lawrence.

Senior Choir

Enjoy a musical morning with Marion & Aaron Gural JCC’s Golden Notes Social Choir, every Tuesday, 11 a.m.-noon. Come hear an hour of singing in several languages, led by Zvi Klein. Suggested donation is $5. For more information, contact Rachayle Deutsch at rachayle.deutsch@guraljcc. org. Gural JCC, 207 Grove Ave., Cedarhurst.

Breakfast Connect

The influential proto-punk/garage band The Dictators performs at My Father’s Place, Sunday, March 2, 7-9 p.m. My Father’s Place at The Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/ information, visit MyFathersPlace. com or call (516) 580-0887.

Want to network your business? Attend the Breakfast Connect group’s get together every Wednesday, 8-9 a.m. The breakfast meeting is free and open to everyone in the community. Hewlett Fire Department at the Benjamin J. Moleno Hall, 25 Franklin Ave., Hewlett. For more information call or text Andrew Leibowitz at (516) 790-4829.

Family theater

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, Feb. 28,-10:15 a.m., noon, 6:15 p.m.; Sunday, March 2, 2 p.m.; also Wednesday and Thursday, March 5-6,10:15 a.m. and noon. It is 3017 in this futuristic, musical retelling of “Cinderella.” She’s now a space engineer looking to revolutionize space travel. When the Prince holds a space parade, Cinderella saves it by helping fix the Prince’s spaceship. and shows him her new hyper warp speed engine. But first, she’ll have to keep her evil stepmother from throwing a wrench in her plans! $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.

Game Time

Peninsula Public Library invites all to game time, Mondays and Thursdays, in the Bentley Room. Come play canasta, Mah Jongg, and Scrabble. Seating is limited; first come, first served. Call Roxanne Spodek to confirm the program the day before at (516) 967-5777. 280 Central Ave., Lawrence.

In concert

Jupiter String Quartet returns to Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The intimate group of violinists Nelson Lee and Meg Freivogel, violist Liz Freivogel (Meg’s older sister), and cellist Daniel McDonough (Meg’s husband, Liz’s brotherin-law) are brought together by ties both familial and musical.

The ensemble brings its well-honed musical chemistry to three works shaped by bold musicality and deeply meaningful thematic inspirations, including Warmth from Other Suns by Carlos Simon; String Quartet No. 3, Glitter, Doom, Shards, Memory by Shulamit; and String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat Major, Op. 130 with the Grosse Fuge by Ludwig van Beethoven. 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

Having an event?

Best of Broadway: ‘Looking Forward, Looking Back’

Adelphi University

Performing Arts students celebrate the music that shaped Broadway during their semi-annual Best of Broadway concert, Sunday, March 9, 4 p.m. The talented students bring to life the magic of Broadway with music from classic and contemporary musicals. This edition includes selections from celebrated composers and lyricists, including Kander and Ebb, Alan Menken, Jason Robert Brown, and many more! This event will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi. edu/pac.

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

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.

Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.

Hempstead House tour

March 9

Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, March 9, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff against JEAN ALEX LOUIS, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230,Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 12, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 10, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 224 Hungry Harbor Road, North Woodmere, NY 11581. Sec 39 Block 527 Lot 43. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Approximate Amount of Judgment is $524,385.18 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 601823/2020. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the

foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Harold Damm, Esq., Referee File # NY202000000018-1 151425

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON MORTGAGE SECURITIES CORP., CSAB MORTGAGEBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-2, Plaintiff AGAINST ELLIOT RINDENOW, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 15, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 6, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 770 West Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being near Cedarhurst, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section 39, Block 197, Lot 72, and Section 39, Block 197, Lot 76, and Section 39, Block 197, Lot 82. Approximate amount of judgment $1,428,888.33 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #006374/2009. Only Bank or Certified check payable to the Referee will be accepted for the downpayment. No third-party check or cash will be accepted.

David S. Zeidman, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-143727 84251 151404

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

--x

471 CHESTNUT LLC, As successor in interest to BENJAMIN MAIDENBAUM, As successor in interest to

471 CHESTNUT LLC, As successor in interest to SHALOM S.MAIDENBAUM, Plaintiff, -againstMARTHA M. CANAMARE, and Any Person Who May Claim an Interest to the Premises located at 471 Chestnut Street, Cedarhurst, New York, Defendants.

--------------------------x

Index No.

621071/2023

Date Purchased

12/29/2023

SUMMONS

621071/2023

Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based on CPLR §507 since the real property which is the subject of this action is located at 471 Plaintiff’s residence is at 132 Spruce Street, Cedarhurst, New York 11516, which is located within Nassau County. To the above named Defendant YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if the summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

Dated:Cedarhurst, New York

December 15, 2020

Defendant’s Address:

JONATHAN A. STEIN, P.C.

Attorneys for Plaintiff By: /s/ Jonathan A. Stein

JONATHAN A. STEIN

132 Spruce Street Cedarhurst, New York 11516 (516) 295-0956

22 Oakview Trail, Ridge, New York 11961

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU

471 CHESTNUT LLC, As successor in interest to BENJAMIN MAIDENBAUM, As successor in interest to Index No.

471 CHESTNUT LLC, As successor in interest to 621071/2023

SHALOM S. MAIDENBAUM,

Plaintiff, VERIFIED COMPLAINT

-againstMARTHA M. CANAMARE, and Any Person Who May Claim an Interest to the Premises located at 471 Chestnut Street, Cedarhurst, New York, Defendant.

Plaintiff, by its attorney Jonathan A. Stein, P.C., as and for its verified complaint, alleges the following, upon information and belief: COMMON ALLEGATIONS

1.At all times hereinafter mentioned and relevant hereto, Plaintiff 471 Chestnut LLC (“471”) was a domestic limited liability company, duly formed, having filed its articles of organization on February 1, 2013 and its certificate of publication on May 14, 2013.

2.At all times hereinafter mentioned and relevant hereto, Benjamin Maidenbaum was a natural person, residing in the County of Nassau, State of New York.

3.At all times hereinafter mentioned and relevant hereto, Shalom S. Maidenbaum is a natural person, residing in the County of Nassau, State of New York.

4.At all times hereinafter mentioned and relevant hereto, Shalom S. Maidenbaum is the Managing Member of 471.

5.At all times hereinafter mentioned and relevant hereto, defendant Martha M. Canamare (“Ms. Canamare”) was a natural person, residing in the County of Suffolk, State of New York.

6.At all times hereinafter mentioned and relevant hereto Joseph G. Canamare, Jr. (“Joseph”) was a natural person, residing in the County of Suffolk, State of New York.

7.Ms. Canamare and Joseph were brother and sister.

8.Martha G. Canamare was a natural person residing in Cedarhurst, New York and was the mother of both Ms.

Canamare and Joseph. 9.Martha G. Canamare passed away in 2004.

10.Joseph passed away on October 7, 2019, and at the time of his death his only living heir and relative with whom he had any relationship was his sister Ms. Canamare.

11.Prior to the name “Canamare” the family name was “Camarinesi” or “Camarinese”, which was changed sometime during the 1930s or 1940s to “Canamare.”

12.This is an action to quiet title by a combined bar claimadverse possession action to the premises located and known as 471 Chestnut Street, Cedarhurst, New York 11516 (the “Premises”), located in the County of Nassau, State of New York, more particularly described as follows: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, at Cedarhurst (formerly Queens County) now Nassau County, State of New York, being the lot designated on a certain map entitled “Map of Property situated at Ocean Point, Rockaway Queens County, L.I., belonging to Thomas E. and S.A.W. Marsh, surveyed December 1872 by Ezra W. Conklin and filed in Queens County Clerk’s Office on June 21, 1872, as lot number Thirteen (13) in Block number 18 said lot being bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of Chestnut Avenue as laid down on said map distance seventy five feet easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the easterly side of Spruce Avenue with said southerly side of Chestnut Avenue and; RUNNING THENCE easterly along the southerly side of Chestnut Avenue fifty (50) feet to the westerly line of lot number fourteen (14) in said block; THENCE southerly along the westerly line of said lot number fourteen (14) one hundred (100) feet; THENCE westerly on a line parallel with Chestnut Avenue fifty (50) feet; THENCE northerly one hundred (100) feet to the point or place of BEGINNING.

Designated as Section

39 Block 263 Lot 13 and also known as 469-471 Chestnut Street Cedarhurst Village NY.

13.By bargain and sale deed dated July 9, 2002 and recorded in the office of the Nassau County Clerk, on July 11, 2002 in Liber D 11498, Pages 308 to 310 Martha G. Canamare conveyed the Premises to Ms. Canamare and Joseph, retaining a life estate for herself.

14.By bargain and sale deed dated May 17, 2013 and recorded in the office of the Nassau County Clerk on May 28, 2013 in Liber D 12948, Pages 641 to 643 Ms. Canamare and Joseph conveyed the Premises to Shalom S. Maidenbaum.

15.By bargain and sale deed dated September 11, 2015 and recorded in the office of the Nassau County Clerk on September 17, 214 in Liber D 13121, Pages 709 to 712 Shalom S. Maidenbaum conveyed the Premises to 471 Chestnut, LLC.

16.By bargain and sale deed dated July 9, 2021 and recorded in the office of the Nassau County Clerk on October 4, 2021 in Book-VI/Pg: Bk-D VI-14144 Pg-488, Receipt Number 2397693 471 Chestnut, LLC conveyed the Premises to Benjamin Maidenbaum.

17.By bargain and sale deed dated November 23, 2021 and recorded in the office of the Nassau County Clerk on December 16, 2021 in Book-VI/Pg: Bk-D VI-14-14177 Pg-463.

19.The Canamares financially compensated there relatives to acquire the Premises, though proof of the same has long been lost.

20.Notwithstanding the foregoing, from January 20, 1989 Martha G. Canamare paid all carrying charges of the Premises prior to her conveyance to Ms. Canamare and Joseph, which carrying charges included, but were not limited to all real estate taxes, property insurance charges and utility charges related to the Premises.

21.From July 9, 2002 Ms. Canamare and Joseph paid all carrying charges of the Premises prior to her conveyance to Ms. Canamare and Joseph, which carrying charges included, but were not limited to all real estate taxes, property insurance charges and utility charges related to the Premises.

22.Since at least January 20, 1989 to and including the date hereof - a period of nearly thirty-four (34) years, title to the Premises has been hostile in that no one other than the then or current titled owner of the Premises exercised any control over the same.

23.Since at least January 20, 1989 to and including the date hereof - a period of nearly thirty-four (34) years, title to the Premises has been under claim of right, based upon the then or current deed of record of the Premises.

24.Since at least January 29, 1989 to and including the date hereof - a period of nearly thirty-four (34)

18.Title to the Premises was previously in the name of Filippo Camarinesi pursuant to a deed recorded in Queens County on 11/14/1898 in Liber 1204 Page 338. The estate of Filippo Camarinesi was administered in Nassau County on 05/26/1933 and established the heirs as his spouse, Maria Camarinesi, and children, Raymond Camarinesi, Louis Camarinesi, Henrietta Camarinesi, Joseph Camarinesi, Matthew Camarinesi and Paul Camarinesi. A surrogates court search establishes that Maria Camarinesi died 04/08/1948 leaving all real property to her children, Raymond Camarinesi, Louis Camarinesi, Henrietta Camarinesi, Joseph Camarinesi, Matthew Camarinesi, Paul Camarinesi and Angelo Tavolar. The next deeds of record pass title for no monetary consideration from Louis Canamare a/k/a Louis Camarinesi, son & heir of Filippo Camarinesi and Maria Camarinesi to Raymond Canamare a/k/a Raymond Camarinesi dated 05/06/1975 recorded 05/27/1975 in Liber 8803 Page 102 and from Oscar Tavolar, Mary TavolarGiannoccaro, Tavolar Margolies, Rose Bergen, Palma Canamare, Patricia Canamare and Jennie Resua to Joseph Canamare dated 09/21/1987 recorded 11/25/1987 in Liber 9865 Page 905.

years, possession and the exercise of control over the Premises has been actual, to wit, same was exercised by the then or current titled owner of the Premises, based upon the then or current deed of record of the Premises.

25.Since at least January 29, 1989 to and including the date hereof - a period of nearly thirty-four (34) years, possession and the exercise of control over the Premises has been open and notorious, to wit, same was exercised by the then or current titled owner of the Premises, based upon the then or current deed of record of the Premises.

26.Since at least January 29, 1989 to and including the date hereof - the exercise over the Premises by the then or current owner, based upon the then or current deed of record of the Premises, has been continuous and uninterrupted.

AS AND FOR A FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION

27.Plaintiff repeats, reiterates and realleges each and ever allegation set forth in paragraphs 1 through 26 of the Complaint as though fully set forth herein.

28.Based upon the foregoing, this Court should issue a declaration barring any person claiming any interest in the Premises, other than the current owner by deed, i.e., Plaintiff from exercising any claim thereto, and Plaintiff demands judgment therefor.

AS AND FOR A SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION

29.Plaintiff repeats, reiterates and realleges each and ever allegation set forth in paragraphs 1 through 28 of the Complaint as though fully set forth herein.

30.Based upon the foregoing, this Court should issue and enter a judgment that Plaintiff, in addition to its interest by bargain and sale deed, is the also the owner of the same by virtue of the law of adverse possession, and Plaintiff demands judgment therefor. WHEREFORE this Court should issue and enter a judgment:

(a)On the first cause of action, a declaration barring any person claiming any interest in the Premises, other than the current owner

27,

Public Notices

by deed, i.e., Plaintiff from exercising any claim thereto;

(b)On the second cause of action, a declaration that in addition to its interest by bargain and sale deed, is the also the owner of the same by virtue of the law of adverse possession; and

(c)Granting such other and further relief as to this Court may seem just, proper and equitable.

Dated:Cedarhurst, New York

December 4, 2023

JONATHAN A. STEIN, P.C.

Attorney for Plaintiff

By: /s/ Jonathan A. Stein

JONATHAN A. STEIN

132 Spruce Street Cedarhurst, New York 11516-1915 (516) 295-0956 151391

health and safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.

Jane P. Shrenkel, Esq. Referee 151565

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Sale

Supreme Court: Nassau County Point 62 LLC v Edward Kelly et al. Defts Index 607310/2022 Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale filed and entered August 17, 2023, I will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr. Mineola NY 11501 on March 14, 2025 at 2:00 pm premises known as Section 41, Block 12 Lot 8, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York Sold subject to the terms of sale and filed judgment of foreclosure. Bank Checks Only, must be payable to the Referee for 25% of Bid Price, No Cash Accepted. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Covid-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ALBERT D. SUROWIECKI A/K/A ALBERT SUROWIECKI, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 6, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 966 Singleton Avenue, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Woodmere in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 41, Block 28 and Lots 105 and 823. Approximate amount of judgment is $530,294.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609151/2021. Cash will not be accepted.

Peter J. Famighetti, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 151557

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

GSR MORTGAGE LOAN

TRUST 2005-3F, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-3F, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, -against-

ANNE EPSTEIN A/K/A ANNE M. EPSTEIN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on January 3, 2025, wherein GSR MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-3F, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-3F, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE is the Plaintiff and ANNE EPSTEIN A/K/A ANNE M. EPSTEIN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on March 18, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 218 AVERY PLACE, CEDARHURST, NY 11516; and the following tax map identification: 39-424-306. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE, OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING, AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF CEDARHURST, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 616183/2018. Harold F. Damm, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 151567

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal

Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 11th day of March, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Chapter 202 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at the following locations:

LAWRENCE

LAWRENCE LANE (TH 35/25) East SideSection 202-32

ONE HOUR PARKING 8AM TO 6PM EXCEPT SATURDAY, SUNDAY & HOLIDAY - staring at a point 203 feet north of the north curbline of Burnside Avenue, north to a point 20 feet south of the south curbline of Buena Vista Avenue.

SEAFORD

LOCUST AVENUE (TH 1/25) South SideSection 202-4

ONE HOUR PARKING 8AM TO 6PM EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS & HOLIDAYS - starting at a point of 177 feet west of the west curbline of Guildford Park Drive, west for a distance 72 feet.

LOCUST AVENUE (TH 1/25) South Side -ONE HOUR PARKING 8AM TO 6PM EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS & HOLIDAYS - starting at a point of 290 feet west of the west curbline of Guildford Park Drive, west for a distance 139 feet.

ALSO, to REPEAL from Chapter 202 “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking from the following locations: NORTH LAWRENCE

LAWRENCE LANE (TH 201/22) East SideSection 202-32

ONE HOUR PARKING 8AM TO 6PM EXCEPT SATURDAY, SUNDAY & HOLIDAY - starting at a point 137 feet north of the north curbline of Burnside Avenue, then north to a point 30 feet south of the south curbline of Buena Vista Avenue.

(Adopted 6/28/22)

SEAFORD

LOCUST AVENUE (TH 562/24) South SideSection 202-4

ONE HOUR PARKING 8AM TO 6PM EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS & HOLIDAYS - starting at a point of 177 feet west of the west curbline of Guildford Park Drive, west for a

Hewlett High senior named merit finalist

Hewlett High School senior Rachel Chen has advanced to Finalist standing in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Chen is one of approximately 16,000 students nationwide to achieve this distinction after being named a Semifinalist in September 2024.

As a Finalist, Chen is eligible for one of 6,870 Merit Scholarship awards to be announced this year. Selection is based on PSAT/NMSQT scores, academic records, leadership, and community involvement.

“Rachel’s dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence have truly set her apart,” Dr. Alexandra Greenberg, Principal of G.W. Hewlett High School wrote in a news release. “She embodies the values that our school strives to instill in every student, and we are excited to see the bright future ahead of her.”

Public Notices

distance of 252 feet.

(Adopted 1/21/25) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: February 25, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 151853

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE INWOOD FIRE DISTRICT, INWOOD, NEW YORK, 11096. There will be a General Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Inwood Fire District as follows:

Time:7:00 P.M.

Date:Thursday, March 13, 2025

Place:DISTRICT OFFICE Melissa Rivelli, District Secretary 151868

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building

Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 3/5/2025 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 118/25. INWOODRaffaele Russo, Elizabeth Russo, Kaitlyn Russo, Megan JaraGallegos & Kristen Mendard, Renewal of grant to maintain 2family dwelling., E/s Lord Ave., 124.62’ N/o Bayview Ave., a/k/a 84 Lord Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Inwood within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go

v/576/Live-StreamingVideo Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 151840

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 12-2025 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held February 4th, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 12-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 12-2025, amending Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.

Dated: February 4, 2025

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 151850

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR NOTICE OF MONTHLY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Hewlett Harbor will meet in both public and via Zoom on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 7:00PM, Eastern Standard Time, for the purpose of holding the Village’s regular monthly meeting. An agenda for the meeting will be made available to the public on the Village Website. All residents wishing to attend via Zoom can visit www.hewlettharbor.go v for instructions. Residents wishing to speak via Zoom or in person must notify the Village Clerk in advance.

Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York February 21, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR Lisa James VILLAGE CLERK 151869

— Melissa Berman

Courtesy Gerard Petrocelli Hewlett High School senior, Rachel Chen has been named a National Merit Scholarship Program finalist.

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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A. It is a good time to build. There are obviously many factors involved in choosing when to start, including costs, permits, the right fit for a contractor relationship, the logistics of where to go while work is being done, where to store things — it’s a long list. But there are many reasons not to hesitate, assuming you have all the necessary plans, approvals and money.

The labor force has been shrinking for many years — especially skilled labor and the workers that skilled laborers need to do a job. Associated Builders and Contractors, a nationally recognized industry trade association, began reporting in January 2024 that an additional 504,000 workers would be needed just to complete current construction in the United States. This year, the association is reporting that 454,000 more workers will be needed. Where will they come from, considering that there are fewer people going into constructionrelated fields?

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The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book, which (at least for now) compiles reports on local economics, stated last October that “it remains difficult to find workers with certain skills in some industries such as technology, manufacturing and construction.” As I meet on construction sites, I talk with contractors who are all voicing their frustration that they need trained and skilled workers. Since that problem is getting worse, you may use it as the biggest reason to move ahead sooner than later.

Material prices are predicted to rise as well. One contractor blamed the cost of copper for the higher price of bathroom construction. We compared the cost, seven years ago, of rough plumbing going up, then, from $3,500 to $4,500 dollars. Last week we discussed the cost for the same work, just for supply and installation of the piping, without the fixtures, at $9,500 on average. Lumber from our neighbors to the north and steel from overseas are going up. Typically, by the end of January each year, material prices increase slightly. This year those increases were noticeably greater.

Holding off on your construction job probably isn’t a good idea, based on history. When the economy is booming, prices rise because of supply and demand. When things slow down, manufacturers and trades may have to charge even more just to keep the workforce they gave raises to when things were better or even just to stay in business, to cover their expenses to meet overhead costs. This answer isn’t intended to cause panic, but the statistics are right in front of you, on your smartphone, to follow trends and realize that nobody is going to work for less, and it may be hard to find materials or labor at the prices you hoped for. Good luck!

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opinions Government must be efficient, coherent and transparent

Throughout my career in public service, I’ve steadfastly championed government efficiency, easing the burden on taxpayers, and eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. It’s critical that we continue to examine all levels of government for potential savings, and hold our agencies to the highest standards. As Hempstead town supervisor, I rooted out waste and corruption, enabling the town to cut taxes, but I did this with transparency and in a deliberative fashion. This is what the American people expect and deserve.

While I support efforts to rein in government spending and waste, I’m deeply concerned by the impact of some of the recent funding freezes and firings that will hurt Long Islanders and throw vital services into chaos.

Just days ago, nearly 20 percent of the World Trade Center Health Program’s staff was abruptly terminated due to staffing cuts at the Department of Health and Human Services. Eliminat-

Like any resident of Oyster Bay, I’ve always had a fascination with our hometown president, Theodore Roosevelt. He seemed like such a larger-than-life character, a writer who was a soldier, a hunter who was a politician, and a statesman who truly cared for, and understood the needs of, the common man.

ing staff members who are working to ensure that 9/11 first responders and survivors receive the care they deserve is outrageous. This is a family matter on Long Island: Every one of us likely knows someone who was impacted by the Sept. 11 attacks. Nearly 7,000 of my constituents in the 4th Congressional District are eligible for the health program, including those who helped our nation when we needed it most.

EThe idea that our government would ever abandon these heroes is unthinkable. I’m glad that President Trump’s administration listened to the New York delegation’s bipartisan outrage and is now rehiring affected staff and working to undo these errors. This is a priority for Long Islanders and all New Yorkers.

leagues to urge the National Institutes of Health to reverse their planned cuts to research institutions across New York state, including Hofstra and Adelphi universities.

fforts to rein in spending in Washington are producing too much chaos.

I’m also closely tracking the developments around federal grant funding freezes. Already we have heard that proposed cuts will have drastic impacts on the universities and nonprofits that are carrying out groundbreaking research and providing critical services on Long Island. I recently joined a bipartisan group of my New York delegation col-

These cuts threaten our progress on lifesaving medical research, and make it harder for Long Islanders suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses to participate in clinical trials that could save lives. I’m glad the administration reversed course on the indiscriminate federal funding freeze proposed earlier this year, which I warned could directly impact our law enforcement agencies’ ability to carry out their jobs and threaten public safety in our communities. I remain concerned, however, about cuts to grant programs, including those for services for survivors of domestic violence and for veterans, and for other nonprofits on Long Island doing important work.

Long Islanders have also raised concerns about the potential cuts to Medicaid, which would have a devastating effect on Nassau County. Last week I heard from many health care organizations and hospitals in my district, and

joined health care advocates for a roundtable discussion of the drastic impacts that Medicaid cuts would have here. More than 100,000 of my constituents, including children and nursing home residents currently covered by Medicaid, could lose access to health care, and costs would rise for tens of thousands more Long Islanders.

We need to protect and strengthen access to health care, not rip it away from seniors, children and veterans on Long Island who rely on Medicaid. This is a bipartisan priority for residents threatened by these cuts. I’ll continue the fight to ensure continued access to health care, and I’m calling on my Republican colleagues to join me in that cause.

The administration has publicly stated that if mistakes are made during its cuts, they’ll be corrected. The White House and its allies in Congress should stand by that promise. They should seek to avoid frenzied mistakes going forward. I agree that we must tighten the belt of government and ensure that taxpayers’ dollars are being utilized efficiently and effectively, but our nation deserves transparency and organized, lawful action instead of the current chaos.

Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.

Destroying Roosevelt’s legacy

executive branch to keep moneyed interests out of politics, despite pushback from members of his own cabinet and party.

Which is why it is so disappointing that the new presidential administration seems so invested in tearing down everything that Roosevelt achieved. And no, that’s not hyperbole. President Trump has said numerous times that America was richest during the Gilded Age, from about 1870 to the 1890s, and that he hopes to bring us back to that level of prosperity. Except that prosperity was a lie, built on the backs of working-class employees who slaved away for limited wages and had no protections, while that generation’s top 1 percent got richer and richer. Roosevelt saw the damage this corrupt system was doing to the country, and earned the nickname “Trustbuster” for his fearlessness in breaking up the early monopolies. He used the power of the

Contrast that with Trump, who, rather than regulating big businesses, has invited them into his cabinet, and even more terrifying, into the country’s inner record system. Elon Musk, the J.P. Morgan of the 21st century, has been given the keys to the castle and is currently ransacking our public records, from Social Security to Medicaid and more.

Furthermore, Trump has signed one executive order after another weakening regulatory agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission — which was created in response to the Roosevelt administration’s lawsuit against Morgan’s monopoly. Rather than working to make big business more civicminded and protect regular Americans from its excesses, Trump is enabling the worst aspects of capitalism in this country, enriching the few at the expense of the many.

once other methods of diplomacy had been exhausted. TR’s embrace of “soft” power, and its importance in foreign relations, was a hallmark of U.S. foreign policy for much of the last century.

p resident Trump seems hell-bent on tearing down everything T.R. achieved.

Trump, on the other hand, appears to be more easily herded than any previous president, let alone Roosevelt. His administration’s shameful aboutface on Ukraine shows his inability to see the benefit of supporting a free, democratic nation unjustly invaded by Russia’s oligarchic president, Vladimir Putin. That, and Trump’s apparent sycophancy toward Putin, Xi Jinping, Kim Jong-un and other autocrats, contrasts sadly with Roosevelt’s ability to play the autocrats of his age against one another without forsaking American honor and dignity.

similar organizations is a fundamental aspect of our soft power, which offers another, often more elegant, solution to global threats than simply sending in our military.

But what would really break Roosevelt’s heart is Trump’s apparent disregard for our nation’s natural beauty and the extraordinary people who steward it. Roosevelt was known as a conservationist, and protected roughly 230 million acres of public land during his presidency, including 150 national forests and more than 40 federal bird sanctuaries.

Roosevelt was also famous as a diplomat, with his best known-quote describing his approach to foreign policy, to “speak softly and carry a big stick.” That meant maintaining a strong military presence, but only using it as a threat

Trump’s attempted destruction of USAID and similar agencies shows a further lack of understanding of soft power, and the limitations businessmen can have when switching to public service. Not everything needs to be profitable to be useful, despite what Trump and Musk may say. USAID not only saves lives, but also reaffirms the fundamental belief among Americans, our allies and even our enemies that we are a country of fundamentally good people. The goodwill we earn internationally from this and

Trump, meanwhile, has gutted our National Park Service and the United States Forest Service — founded by Roosevelt — and has repeated made clear his desire to open public land to oil drilling while deregulating environmental restrictions that big businesses face. His refusal to acknowledge the role humans play in climate change and his unwillingness to hold oil, coal and similar industries accountable would, I have no doubt, make the Bull Moose apoplectic.

I’ve spent countless hours poring over biographies, watching documentaries and listening to podcasts about Roosevelt. While I obviously never met him, and have never met Trump, I can say with certainty that Trump is no Teddy Roosevelt.

Will Sheeline is an editor covering Glen Head, Locust Valley, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff. Comments? WSheeline@liherald.com.

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HERALD

There should never be a legal excuse for rape

imagine going to a party with friends, or attending your high school reunion or a wedding. You see a lot of familiar faces, and some new ones. Everyone is having a good time sharing memories, and you drink into the night.

By the end, you realize you’ve had too much to drink. Walking doesn’t come as easy, and your words are a bit slurred. No worries. It’s nothing that others haven’t done before. You take precautions, don’t drive. Surely you’ll get home safe.

Except you don’t.

Instead, you are sexually assaulted or raped. The evening before is a blur and you can’t quite put the pieces together, but you know something went horribly wrong. You go to the police to file a report, but suddenly you’re the one being interrogated. Officers start asking you if you had any alcohol or drugs last night, and they may even give you a Breathalyzer test. But that shouldn’t matter, right? Someone committed a crime — full stop.

In New York state, however, there is no law in place that protects survivors of sexual assault if they were voluntarily intoxicated during the crime.

It seems absurd that this is not already law in a state as progressive as New York, especially when compared with conservative states like Alabama and South Carolina, which have laws in place protecting sexual assault survivors who are voluntarily intoxicated.

The bill before the New York State Assembly (A.101), sponsored by dozens

letters

Whither civil discourse?

To the Editor:

of elected officials, aims to amend the law “to allow sex crimes charges to be brought in cases where the victim had become voluntarily intoxicated if a reasonable person in the defendant’s position should have known that the victim was incapable of giving consent due to intoxication.” It has languished in the Assembly since a similar bill was introduced in the State Senate by then Sen. Alessandra Biaggi in 2020, and passed two years later.

“Voluntarily” is the crucial word.

Those who oppose the law are afraid the language will allow for false accusations involving voluntary intoxication among consenting adults, specifically if someone regrets the decisions they made the night before and claims they were not in their normal mental state to give consent.

But advocates argue that those extreme and uncommon situations diminish the seriousness of sexual assault and rape, no matter the situation, and have presented cases to support their cause. We agree with those advocates. There is never an excuse for rape or sexual assault — nor for victim blaming or victim shaming.

In 2017, choreographer Bijan Williams, who worked with high-profile entertainers Beyonce and Jay-Z, was arrested on charges of rape and false imprisonment when a 17-year-old girl called 911 and accused him of raping her in a Manhattan hotel room. Williams was 34 old at the time, and both were under the influence of alcohol. Williams pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor of sup-

Re last week’s editorial, “In civil discourse, everyone deserves respect”: Those of us who agree must realize that this is a contested proposition, currently facing open challenge by those who declare it an invalid premise. To many, “respect” is a virtue only when it is a synonym for obedience, when “persuasion” may include violence, and “disagreement” is a tool useful for exposing enemies, not for discussion but for vicious doxxing.

Various history months face official obliteration, propaganda terms like Gulf of America, “gender ideology” and “patriotic history” are being devised, their use enforced by lawsuit.

Coerced conformity to stereotype attempts to erase individual expression. Our president claims kingship, uses the royal “we,” disparages diversity. Few such bigots are convertible, so our resolve must be keep them from power through our majority of votes.

James Russell Lowell, in 1873, described our situation: “I have always been of the mind that in a

plying a minor with alcohol, and the rest of the case was dropped.

In 2021, The Washington Post published, “A Minnesota man can’t be charged with felony rape because the woman chose to drink beforehand, court rules.” The headline stemmed from a 2017 case in which a woman consumed several shots of alcohol and a prescription pill before accompanying an unknown man who invited her to a party. She was raped, but because she was intoxicated voluntarily, and the state law only protected those who were mentally incapacitated due to intoxication administered by someone without a person’s consent, the man was not charged.

Victim blaming is all too common for survivors of sexual assault and rape, and while the scars may be invisible, they run deep.

Survivors of sexual assault are 10 times more likely to attempt suicide, according to 2020 research by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Others are plagued by a lifetime of psychological and emotional issues that interfere with their ability to handle everyday activities like holding a steady job.

While criminals walk away with a relative slap on the wrist, survivors continue to suffer from the crimes perpetrated against them, and in many cases they are relegated to carrying the shame heaped on them by society.

Our elected leaders in Albany must pass A.101 now, and close the voluntary intoxication loophole.

opinions University leaders should not remain neutral

after the congressional hearings that challenged university presidents on campus activism amid allegations of antisemitism, many institutions adopted policies of “institutional neutrality.” Boards of trustees resolved that they would not comment on political issues such as international conflicts, investments in certain countries, and policies proposed by elected officials. Many of the resolutions cited principles enunciated by the University of Chicago. according to the Chicago principles, university leaders should not engage in speech that would appear to infringe on others’ speech. The university should be a protected, neutral place for the expression of all ideas, a safe space for “strong disagreement, independent judgment, and the questioning of stubborn assumptions.” (“Report on the University’s Role in Political and Social action,” University of Chicago, 1967.)

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

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

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

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

he muchdiscussed

Project 25 infringes on the purposes of education.

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

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

Letters

democracy, manners are the only effective weapon against the Bowie knife.” Resolute in manners, wary, registered to vote.

BRian Kelly Rockville Centre

Which of these presidents doesn’t belong?

To the editor:

Re Peter King’s column last week, “Recalling the presidents i’ve met”: Former Congressman King continues his attempt to gaslight Herald readers by including the current occupier of the White House on his list of former U.S. presidents he’s collaborated with over the last several decades. a s if Donald Trump’s attack on U.S. democracy and scorched-earth approach is comparable to the political ideology of any former president, Republican or Democrat. King attempts to gloss over Trump’s abhorrent behavior by reminiscing about an invitation King’s grandchildren received to visit the White House. Why is King trying to normalize the first 30 days of this chaotic presidency by recalling mundane details about

Trump — and including him on a list of former presidents who, by contrast, had a very clear and unwavering love for this republic? Why omit mention of Trump’s flurry of nonsensical executive orders, blanket pardons of the criminals who attacked our Capitol, mass firings of federal employees, attempted eviscerations of the Cia and the FBi, elimination of the Department of education, and countless threats of retribution against perceived enemies? Because normalization of outrageous tactics is a tool of MaGa’s propaganda machine — much like the Third Reich systematically rationalized its attacks on the free press and takeover of the military as necessary evils in order to take control of an ailing and dysfunctional government. MaGa’s use of this tactic is deceptive and dangerous, and King seems to be a willing cog in the wheel.

a t the very least, in the interest of standing up for his former constituents, King should question Trump’s blatant surrender of our government systems — which include our personal and private information — to e lon Musk, under the guise of DOGe, and acknowledge that it is (at the very least) an overstep by an administration that is suddenly in the hands of an unsanctioned group of non-elected private citizens.

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

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

and lenders.

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

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

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

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

Framework by Tim Baker

not even Trump’s supporters voted for elon Musk. Congressman, it’s never too late to say, “ i misjudged him.” i t’s never too late to say, “ i was wrong.” a nd it’s

never too late to hold someone accountable.

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