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Becoming better acquainted over a kidney Zakarin marks a decade at HERJC
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
Atlantic Beach resident
Maggie Goodman taught everyone she knew the power of kindness when she offered to donate one of her kidneys to a co-worker in need.
In late October, 2024, Goodman, 34, a sixth-grade special education teacher at I.S. 73, learned that her kidney was a compatible match for fellow middle school teacher Thomas Coveney, 47, who had been battling focal segmental glomerulosclerosis for a decade.
Goodman said that she and
Coveney weren’t well acquainted, but she learned that he needed a transplant through his mother’s Facebook post, and immediately got tested to see if she was a match.
Once she learned that she was, Goodman said, she was happy to help her colleague. Donating to someone in need was something she had always wanted to do.
“It’s something — weirdly, perhaps — that I have always had on my bucket list,” Goodman said. “If the opportunity presented itself, I would love the opportunity to donate an organ or bone marrow or some-
thing that can help someone. I felt so lucky to be able to donate my organ to him. He deserves to be here and have a life with his wife and 7-year-old daughter.”
After his kidney began failing in 2024, Coveney was reclassified as higher risk, and moved up the transplant list last August. He had formed a team of family, friends, and school colleagues to help spread awareness and find a living donor who was a viable match.
Coveney emphasized that his mother, was the one who really took charge, contacting
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
In an evening filled with music, the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre honored Hazzan Bonnie Zakarin’s 10th anniversary with a concert that celebrated Israel.
Zakarin was joined by 20 of her cantor colleagues from across the country for an evening that celebrated her accomplishment.
She has a bachelor’s in Judaic studies from SUNY Binghamton, and went on to the Miller Cantorial School at the Jewish Theological Seminary in Manhattan, ContinuEd on pagE 9
relatives and community members on social media to try to find a match for her son. Thomas heard in January, 2025, that one of his co-workers was going to be the one to donate a kidney, and was shocked when he discovered who it was.
“My friends told me that it was going to be someone from
work who was donating, but I didn’t know who,” Coveney recounted. “Then, on a Friday about three or four weeks ago, Maggie came into my classroom with a jar of kidney beans, and asked if I would take her kidney. I think there aren’t a lot of people on this earth like that. She’s one of the
Melissa Berman/Herald
Hazzan Bonnie Zakarin, front row, in blue dress, was honored by 20 colleagues at the celebration of her 10th anniversary as a cantor at the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre on March 2.
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HAFTR students learn self-defense skills
Students at HAFTR High School had the opportunity to learn self-defense skills first-hand from Natan Levy, funded by the JDF. Levy is the only Jewish and Israeli UFC fighter and JDF Ambassador.
The Jewish Defense Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to securing the future of the Jewish people.
JDF funds high-impact initiatives that strengthen Jewish security, selfdefense, and resilience, combat anti-
Semitism and the modern challenges that result from it.
30 students gained new self-defense techniques to enhance their safety and confidence
“This exciting event highlighted HAFTR’s commitment to empowering students with the skills and confidence they need, both inside and outside the classroom,” HAFTR High School wrote in a news release.
— Melissa Berman
Courtesy Avi Shaver
HAFTR High School hosted Natan Levy, a Jewish and Israeli UFC fighter for a training class with 30 students.
Hospital unveils state-of-the-art emergency department
Mount
Sinai South Nassau
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
In an ambitious project that began in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, Mount Sinai South Nassau has unveiled its new, cutting-edge emergency department, ushering the hospital into a new era of patient care and community service.
Mount Sinai South Nassau has opened the Fennessy Family Emergency Department, in the newly constructed Feil Family Pavilion, continuing the expansion to meet the acute and emergency medical needs of the South Shore of Long Island.
A Vision Born from Crisis
The devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 left Long Beach Medical Center underwater, and ultimately forced it into bankruptcy. In a bold move during bankruptcy court proceedings, Mount Sinai South Nassau emerged as the sole hospital to take advantage of critical FEMA funding, being the only hospital to show up in bankruptcy court. They used part of the $470 million in FEMA funds to build the medical arts pavilion in Long Beach. The facility was rebuilt and reopened, with the medical arts pavilion completed in June 2023. The project was part of a broader reconstruction effort that also included the current emergency department renovation at the main hospital location.
“This really started with Sandy,” Joe Calderone, Mount Sinai’s senior vice president of corporate communications, said.
Strategic Investment and Innovative Funding
The new emergency department, part of a larger multi-project initiative that includes the Medical Arts Pavilion in Long Beach and a central utility plant, benefited from between $160-$172 million in FEMA funding. The decision not to rebuild a hospital in Long Beach was driven by safety concerns — Long Beach had been under a gubernatorial evacuation order during Sandy, and the hospital’s new location, further inland, promised a safer alternative.
“By 2014, we had gotten together and thought about what we wanted the facility to look like for the next 20 to 50 years,” Dr. Adhi Sharma, the hospital’s current president, said. “And part of that was adding this entire wing, but also understanding the emergency department at the time was undersized for the capacity that was needed to serve the communities that we serve. The vision then was to build an ED that would be welcoming to patients and families who accommodate family members.”
A Modern Emergency Department
Doubling in size from 15,000 to 30,000 square feet, the revamped emergency department now boasts 50 exam rooms featuring hard walls instead of traditional curtains, ensuring greater privacy and enhanced infection control. The design improvements, many of which were influenced by lessons
emerges from Hurricane Sandy with FEMA funds
learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, include the installation of sliding glass doors to improve safety and airflow.
“We learned a lot during Covid, and these design changes reflect our commitment to the health and safety of both patients and staff,” Dr. Sharma said.
The new ED is a cornerstone of a new four-story, 100,000-square-foot Feil Family patient pavilion that will include nine new operating rooms and 40 new critical care suites set to open later this Spring. The new ED will be able to see approximately 80,000 patients annually. The new ED features centralized nursing stations for direct oversight of patient rooms, bedside triage, and a state-of-the art trauma unit with an adjoining radiology bay.
Enhanced Capabilities and New Facilities
In addition to the enhanced exam rooms, the new facility includes an upgraded triage area designed to streamline patient flow, ensuring those with minor issues are seen quickly and efficiently, and a state-ofthe-art trauma room, featuring four bays capable of accommodating up to eight patients. The trauma room is equipped to handle severe injuries and medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest.
Also, two new critical care floors — each with 20 private rooms and dedicated family accommodations — are set to open in April and June, respectively. These upgrades replace outdated bays with modern, spacious rooms that enhance patient care and comfort.
Additionally, nine new operating rooms are scheduled to open in August, with these rooms being significantly larger than their predecessors. With operating spaces ranging from 600 to 1,000 square feet, they are designed to accommodate advanced surgical equipment and procedures, positioning the hospital to perform more complex surgeries.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
Hospital leadership expressed confidence that the expansion will reduce patient wait times and improve overall emergency care efficiency, thanks in part to an innovative triage system that deploys providers immediately upon the patients’ arrival. The new department is designed to accommodate a diverse range of patient needs — from pediatric to geriatric care, as well as specialized areas like behavioral health, which now benefits from a separate, dedicated space to provide a more therapeutic environment.
“What we’re building for the community, all the different aspects of the community’s needs, whether it’s behavioral health, pediatrics or geriatrics or even trauma care,” Dr. Jay Itzkowitz, the hospital’s department chair for emergency medicine, said. “We’re increasing our capacity to care for more patients, reducing wait times by having a provider in triage. More
and program
Hospital president Dr. Adhi Sharma guided guest’s though different new aspects of the Emergency Department.
nursing at the front end to see the patients being brought in quicker with more efficient emergency care. We now have state-of-the-art equipment, additional treatment rooms, and dedicated teams of medical professionals made up of doctors and nurses caring for the patients from the moment they get in until the moment they’re ready to go. More importantly, for the community, we’re bringing more services to the hospital.”
A Bold Step Forward
The project has not only modernized the hospital’s infrastructure but also positioned Mount Sinai South Nassau as a leading facility capable of serving thousand in its area. Joe Fennessy, former board chairman and donor, whose family name now adorns the emergency department, expressed pride in the project.
“It’s not just about bricks and mortar — it’s about ensuring that every individual receives the highest quality of care,” Fennessy said.
Tim Baker/Herald
Andrew Triolo, the hospital’s Vice President for Facilities, Planning and Development, lead a tour of the new Emergency Department. A key participant in the project, Triolo serves as the architectural liaison for strategic planning
development
Tim Baker/Herald
Bristal celebrates Holocaust survivor, longtime marriage
The Bristal at North Woodmere recognized the 69 years Fred and Elaine Zeilberger have been married and also honored Fred, a Holocaust survivor, with a surprise party on Wednesday.
What is Elder Law Estate Planning?
“Elder Law Estate Planning” is an area of law that combines features of both elder law (disability planning) and estate planning (death planning) and relates mostly to the needs of the middle class. Estate planning was formerly only for the wealthy, who wanted to shelter their assets from taxes and pass more on to their heirs. But today estate planning is also needed by the middle class who often have assets exceeding one million dollars, especially when you consider life insurance in the mix.
Estate planning with trusts became popular starting in 1991 when AARP published “A Consumer Report on Probate” concluding that probate should be avoided and trusts should be used to transfer assets to heirs without the expense and delay of probate, a court proceeding on death. Trusts are also widely used today to avoid guardianship proceedings on disability, protect privacy, and reduce the chance of a will contest in court.
As the population aged, life expectancies increased, and the cost of care skyrocketed, the field of elder law emerged in the late 1980’s to help people protect assets from the cost of long-term care by using Medicaid asset protection strategies.
We have been practicing “elder law estate planning” together for over thirty-five years to address these needs:
• Getting your assets to your heirs, with the least amount of court costs, taxes and legal fees possible.
• Keeping your assets in the bloodline for your grandchildren and protecting those assets from your children’s divorces, lawsuits and creditors.
• Protecting your assets from the costs of long-term care and qualifying you for government benefits to pay for your home care or facility care.
• Avoiding guardianship proceedings if you become disabled and probate court proceedings on death.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
Fred, 95, and Elaine, 89, married in 1956 at the Empire Hotel in Manhattan, celebrating with more than 200 guests. They lived in Cedarhurst for 64 years before moving to The Bristal at North Woodmere in October.
Elaine, née Goldschmidt, was born in 1936 and grew up in Washington Heights, a historically German-Jewish neighborhood in Manhattan. She graduated from Long Island City High School and worked as a secretary before meeting Fred.
Fred was born in 1929 in Wurzburg, Germany. His father’s tailor shop was destroyed during Kristallnacht in 1938, and his family was forced into a Jewish
ghetto. In 1941, they were deported to Latvia, marking the beginning of Fred’s time in five concentration camps. He was liberated in 1945 but lost his family in the Holocaust.
Kristallnacht, or the night of broken glass was a violent riot conducted by the Nazi’s against the Jewish people of Germany in November 1938
Fred arrived in the U.S. in 1947, living in an orphanage before being taken in by relatives. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951, he served in the Korean War. After returning home, he met Elaine through a mutual connection. Their first date was at the famous Copacabana nightclub, and their bond quickly grew.
This story will be expanded in the March 13 edition.
— Brian Norman
Fax: (516) 622-7460
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NASSAU
Courtesy Zeilberger family
Elaine and Fred Zeilberger celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary with a party at the Bristal at North Woodmere on Wednesday.
Morgan, Chen top Hewlett
High’s Class of 2025
By BRIAN NORMAN
bnorman@liherald.com
Ava Morgan and Rachel Chen have been named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, of Hewlett High School’s Class of 2025.
Morgan has consistently achieved high honor roll status throughout high school.
She has earned several prestigious awards, including the Business and Leadership Award for Financial and Mathematical Excellence and the Business and Leadership Award from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Morgan has also been involved in various organizations, serving as the chief operating officer of the Virtual Enterprise program for a company focused on sustainable animal products.
She also served as president of the PE Leaders Club, where she organized events for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including the Friendship Games, a large-scale field day bringing Hewlett-Woodmere students together with students from across Nassau County.
flashcards definitely helped me in the long run.”
Chen is equally as accomplished, earning multiple academic honors, including recognition as an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and a National Merit finalist.
She is also involved in various organizations, serving as captain and head programmer for the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team, as well as general chair of the Model Congress team.
Chen is also a dedicated member of the music department, serving as president of the Band Council and performing with the All-County Concert Band and Pit Orchestra.
A va Morgan and Rachel Chen's dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to us all.
AlexANdRA GReeNBeRG, HeWlett HigH SCHool PRinCiPal
Morgan, who has not yet committed to a college, plans to study accounting. She said she had difficulty with mathematics as a child but credited her parents for helping her overcome her challenges, turning math into her favorite subject.
“During elementary school, I struggled heavily with fractions and math in general,” Morgan said. “I remember sitting down with my dad the night before exams — he would give me practice problems when I was struggling. My mom was also really good at recognizing when I needed extra help. Even though it annoyed me at the time, her
She committed to attend Stanford University, where she will study mechanical engineering, and said that the achievement has been extremely rewarding.
“It felt really rewarding to have seen myself come so far, since it’s the culmination of all my years taking high school classes,” Chen said. “Being able to stand before everyone at graduation is insane to think about, and I just hope that I can make a positive, lasting impact in that way as well.”
Both women will address their fellow students, teachers, and families during their graduation ceremony.
Hewlett High School Principal Alexandra Greenberg said the district is proud to celebrate the achievements of these two students.
“Hewlett High School is incredibly proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our valedictorian and salutatorian,” she said. “Ava Morgan and Rachel Chen’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence serve as an inspiration to us all. We couldn’t be prouder of these two deserving young women.”
Photos courtesy Hewlett-Woodmere schools
Ava Morgan, left, is the Hewlett Woodmere Class of 2025 valedictorian and Rachell Chen is the salutatorian.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Parrish-Brown removes stigma around trauma
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Continuing a month-long series of interviews with influential area women in honor of Women’s History Month. Shanell Parrish-Brown is an attorney, author, professor, consultant, speaker and thought leader.
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Shanell Parrish-Brown: I’m a child of domestic violence. My father was incarcerated for the early years of my life and came home with many issues that affected our family structure. But he gave me a gift. He would force me to read high-level texts, and it created my love of vocabulary.
I’ve always been a writer. So in 2017, I wrote a novel called “Gifts in Brown Paper Packages.” I didn’t set out initially to write a novel I would publish. In fact, what I set out to do, at the encouragement of my therapist, was process some childhood experiences that this therapist thought I should be talking about in our sessions. Those are things that certainly shaped me, but I didn’t want to be defined in that way. So my writing changed that.
Herald: What do you do? Why?
Parrish-Brown: I run a business where I publish literary work, and I provide programming and education consulting for all audiences. I’m a resilience builder. I teach a course at Fordham University about trauma and family violence, which features my novel as one of the reference materials.
My premise is that if we’re not interacting with our youth from a traumainformed place, we can recognize that kids who are acting out are likely responding to trauma. If we’re not interacting with children from that perspective, they get lost. Mental health challenges in children, like suicidal ideation, have only been exacerbated. We really should be addressing these issues on every single level.
get the press that it needs. I’m also running a business as an independent consultant, and working with government systems is difficult. But I keep going, and I stay in the work. I continue to put myself in spaces where I can meet people and share my work. I do calls with anyone who’s interested in hearing about the work I’m doing, even if they can’t hire me. It puts me in a place where I have opportunities to spread awareness.
Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?
Parrish-Brown: Some of my proudest moments come out of my classroom. It’s every single time I leave a class, and a student comes up to me asking if they can hug me.
nated with them. We have more similarities as a human race, and trauma doesn’t have a Zip code.
Herald: What advice would you offer? What work is left to be done?
Parrish-Brown: We need more trauma awareness. It’s a prerequisite to action. What we don’t know, or don’t seek to know, gives people the ability to keep their heads in the sand.
One of my goals is to open a resilience institute. It’s really about validating the need for us as a society to be promenading and dialoging around resilience, and that’s what I want to capture.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?
Parrish-Brown: The biggest challenge in my work is access. We have to normalize awareness of trauma, because it’s an area that doesn’t really
One of my proudest moments came from a two-hour resilience workshop I did in South Bronx. It was a Spanishspeaking audience, and I don’t speak Spanish, so I had an interpreter. These parents had tears in their eyes after leaving the session. They were fully engaged and telling me what I said reso-
Why are we not teaching about trauma? Many of my students say I’m the first person to inform them about it. Talking about it helps people realize their own experience with trauma. I’ll have students pouring out themselves in their papers, and I can sit down and ask them if they’re seeing someone about it. That’s why I want a platform and the ability to raise awareness around this work.
To learn more about Shanell ParrishBrown’s work, visit her website, SPBrownWrites.com.
Lauren Wagner leads Long Island Arts Alliance
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Wagner: I’m Lauren Wagner, an arts advocate, nonprofit leader and champion for the creative sector. I lead Long Island Arts Alliance, where I work to ensure the arts are recognized, supported and celebrated as essential to our communities. With a background in arts administration and museum studies, I’m passionate about connecting the arts with education, economic growth and community development.
Herald: What do you do? Why?
keeps you going/inspires you?
Wagner: One of the biggest challenges has been fighting the perception that the arts are expendable. Time and again, I’ve seen arts funding slashed, despite the undeniable impact of the creative sector. What keeps me going is knowing that when we equip organizations with the right tools — data, advocacy and visibility — they can thrive. Seeing the arts make a real difference in communities, in schools and in people’s lives fuels my passion.
Wagner: I lead Long Island Arts Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the arts through advocacy, education and resources. I do this work because I believe the arts are not just about creativity — they’re about economic prosperity, community identity and shaping the future. The arts are often overlooked when funding decisions are made, and I’m committed to changing that narrative.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what
Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?
Wagner: Professionally, one of my proudest moments was leading Long Island’s first-ever economic impact study on the arts. Providing hard data that proves the arts are a powerful economic engine — and watching organizations use that data to secure funding — has been incredibly rewarding. Personally, my proudest moments are raising my two young sons and instilling in them a love for creativity and learning.
Herald: What advice would you offer? What work is left to be done?
are
Wagner: My advice? Advocate relentlessly. The arts need champions who won’t accept being sidelined. And never separate numbers from stories — data alone doesn’t inspire, and stories without facts don’t drive action.
There’s still so much work ahead. We need stronger arts education policies,
more equitable funding, and continued efforts to make the arts a priority in economic development. But I believe that with the right strategy, the right voices and the right advocacy, we can get there.
For more information, visit LongIslandArtsAlliance.org.
SHANELL PARRISH-BROwN
LAUREN wAGNER
Courtesy Long Island Arts Alliance
Lauren Wagner, executive director of the Long Island Arts Alliance, said she believes the arts
worth fighting for. She spoke to the Huntington Arts Coalition in 2023.
LONG LIVE
Many ways to access great doctors? We have that. Simple mobile app? We have that, too. Convenient locations for primary, specialty and urgent care? Absolutely. On Long Island, you have options in health care. But at Catholic Health, we'd like to remind you to choose you first – because we did, too. Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™
Diverse passions drive Lawrence’s top students
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
There’s more to Lawrence High School’s top three students than their grade point average.
Valedictorian Danielle Domanas, salutatorian Aaliyah Ojikutu and honor speaker Roberto Mendoza are heavily involved in afterschool organizations and follow their passions.
Domanas balances her academics with playing piano, as a dance team member and serving as president of the — Asian American Club, DECA, Model Congress, National Honor Society and the Senior Class.
She is also a member of multiple clubs including, culinary, Future Homemakers of America, Students Against Drunk Driving and yearbook.
“Model Congress has been pivotal in my high school career, I have been a member since freshman year,” Domanas said. “I see them as a family and everyone is nice and welcoming.”
Ojikutu’s biggest passion is swimming, she is on the swim team and a certified lifeguard. In school, she serves as vice president of National Honor Society and is on the yearbook team.
“I’m a naturally quiet and reserved person so being a lifeguard really brought me out of my comfort zone and helped me become more confident in myself,” Ojikutu said.
Mendoza is extremely passionate about music and has been playing the piano for 10 years. He serves as treasurer of Culinary Club, vice president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, is a National Honor Society inductee and also working on the yearbook.
“Music is one of those big passions for me, I had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall,” Mendoza said. “At school I performed with the jazz band, marching band and wind ensemble.”
When Domanas found out that she was valedictorian, she was in the car on a family trip to Canada.
“Dr. Lagnado called me and told me, I didn’t really expect it but I was shocked in a good way and my family was also really happy as well,” Domanas added. Jennifer Lagnado-Papp is Lawrence High’s principal.
Ojikutu was also surprised and said that her sister was the most excited for her.
“We have a two year difference, I’ve known her my whole life and she sees how hard I work and she’s happy for me,” she added.
Mendoza was anxious with anticipation waiting for the news to be announced and had a sigh of relief when he heard he made honor speaker.
“I was surprised but also very glad and happy to hear that all my hard work in my high school career has paid off,” he added.
Domanas is deciding between Stony Brook University and SUNY Binghamton. She wants to major in biology in the dentistry track.
Ujikutu also plans on majoring in biology and focusing on medicine/ nutrition and is also deciding between the same schools.
Mendoza has gotten acceptance letters from seven out of his eight applications and has not narrowed down his choices yet. He wants to study computer science/engineering.
All three students will be speaking at graduation in June, and have started to think about their speech topics.
“I want to dwell on memories through out high school, as stressful as it was at times there were years to cherish and there are a lot of good memories between me and my grade,” Domanas said. “We’ve been in school together for 14 years so it’s crazy that we’re finally at this point. I want to be able to connect with my peers. ”
Courtesy Lawrence school district
Aaliyah Ojikutu, salutatorian, left, Roberto Mendoza, honor speaker and Danielle Domanas, valedictorian are the Class of 2025’s top students at Lawrence High School.
Israel-themed concert celebrates cantor
the premier cantorial school for the Conservative Jewish movement on the East Coast.
Zakarin also runs the synagogue’s Kinder Cantors program, in which children from the congregation learn liturgical and contemporary Jewish music. She also helps adults and children learn Torah and Haftorah — selection of readings from the book of prophets’ portions of their B’nei Mitzvah, or coming of age ceremony, and other special Shabbatot and holidays.
“I think the most wonderful thing about being at a congregation for 10 years is seeing the growth in when I started here till it is today,” Zakarin said. “The amount of people who are participating, reading Torah and singing with me on the bema — it’s just amazing to connect with families and see them growing with me over the years.”
Zakarin was thankful to have her colleagues there to mark her milestone with HERJC, and to have them grace the bema that she stands on every week.
“This was my real first-time pulpit coming out of cantorial school, and I got my feet wet and I got thrown into the deep end, and I’ve been able to swim while here,” she added. “Everyone’s just been so kind and warm, and I grew up in this synagogue as a teenager, so to be able to be here as an adult, leading the congregation, it just means so much to me.”
Zakarin’s love for music was evident in the passion with which she sang.
“I love being a cantor — I love bringing music to the Jewish community,” she said. “My goal in life on the bema is to welcome people in and embrace them in music.”
The evening featured an array of Jewish songs and prayers that embodied Israel and were sung by the visiting cantors and Zakarin. The opening and closing numbers included members of the HERJC choir singing on the bema, joining in with the group.
Hazzan Joanna Dulkin, president of the Cantors Assembly, and Hazzan Matt Axelrod, its executive director, spoke on behalf of the organization, a global association of cantors, for which Zakarin serves as director of communications.
“As our director of communications for the Cantors Assembly, she constantly operates at 200 percent efficiency, says yes with a smile and juggles a million different things,” Axelrod said.
According to Dulkin, the Cantors Assembly is privileged to have Zakarin on its leadership team.
“We are so grateful to you, Bonnie, and we wish you and all of HERJC yasher koach” — congratulations on a mitzvah — “on this incredible milestone on reaching 10 years,” Dulkin said.
Temple President Jason Melzer said that over the past 10 years, Zakarin has helped countless teens prepare for their bar or bat mitzvahs, and served as a leader of the congregation.
“Hazzan has comforted us, all of us in times of sorrow, and has been our biggest cheerleader in times of personal growth,” Melzer said. “She inspires us with her work for social justice. She makes us smile and our hearts melt when she effortlessly merges her job as Hazzan and as a mom.”
Zakarin’s positive spirit adds to the overall experience at HERJC, he added, and she always greets people with a smile and a listening ear.
Melissa Berman/Herald
Hazzan Bonnie Zakarin was the focus of the evening’s concert that celebrated Israel and her decade at HERJC.
ContInuEd fRom pagE 1
HERALD neighbors
Hewlett High School battles it out
class took home the win at Hewlett High School’s annual Battle of the Classes.
In the week leading up to the competition, the students had spirit week and it ended with a holidaythemed battle.
Spirit week themes included — BBQ dad versus soccer mom, dress to (un) impress, Jersey versus jersey, Rhyme without reason and theme day.
For the battle, each grade represented a different holiday with freshmen having St. Patrick’s Day, sophomores had Halloween, juniors represented Valentine’s Day and seniors were Fourth of July.
The evening of Feb. 28 was filled with spirited competition between the four grades and featured a multitude of sporting events, obstacle courses and a dance from each grade.
It was a week full of fun, expressing style and coming together as a grade.
— Melissa Berman
The senior
The juniors had Valentine’s Day and got all decked out in red for the occasion, on Feb. 28.
Tim Baker/Herald Photos
Hewlett High School Freshmen’s theme was St. Patrick’s Day for the annual Battle of the Classes.
It was a tough competition between the juniors and seniors for boy’s volleyball.
Sophomores represented Halloween with orange shirts and gave their best efforts at the competition.
The senior class was the big winner of the night and they had Fourth of July, the annual competition took place in the high school’s gym.
After transplant, donor, recipient are well
kindest, most selfless people that has ever existed. It was a real surprise.”
Goodman said that the decision wasn’t an easy one, and that she consulted a lot of people, including her Ob-Gyn, to address concerns about pregnancy. Ultimately, she was encouraged to donate, and assured that she was healthy enough to go through with the surgery.
The transplant was performed at North Shore University Hospital, in the Petrocelli Surgical Pavilion, on Feb. 10. Coveney said that he is still in recovery, but feeling a lot better, and more energized. He added that he hoped to return to teaching in May.
Goodman, who was in the hospital for two nights and three days, has already returned, and feels great, she said. She takes daily walks and stays active, as her doctors recommended.
Goodman credited her family and her alma mater, Boston College for her decision to go ahead with the transplant, and encouraged others who can to be donors.
“I do credit my mom a lot — she raised all of us, and I think that any of my family members would have done the same thing if they can,” Goodman said. “I also went to Boston College, and the big slogan there is ‘Men and woman for others,’ and that has been instilled in me from an early age. I felt very lucky to
be able to donate my kidney to him.”
Ahmed Fahmy, a transplant surgeon who was involved in the procedure, credited Goodman for stepping forward as a living donor to help her colleague.
“There’s about 95,000 people on the transplant waiting list waiting for a kidney transplant,” Fahmy said. “Last year, in 2024, there was about 25,000 trans-
plants performed in the United States. About 6,000 of them were from living donors. This gap of supply and demand is the gap we want to fill, and why we look forward to people like Maggie.”
Fahmy emphasized the importance of living donors, explaining that recipients who receive kidneys from living donors tend to fare much better.
Coveney became emotional when talking about how grateful he was for Goodman. He presented her with flowers of gratitude during his return visit to the hospital on Feb. 26.
“It was really a surprise,” he said. “I just think that she is like an angel — she saved my life.”
Brian Norman/Herald
Thomas Coveney and Maggie Goodman met for a follow-up appointment with their transplant team at North Shore University Hospital on Feb. 26.
Courtesy Northwell Health
Dr. Vinay Nair, far left, Dr. Ahmed Fahmy, transplant surgeon, Thomas Coveney, Maggie Goodman and Dr. Aaron Winnick, transplant surgeon in the Petrocelli Surgical Pavilion lobby at North Shore University Hospital for a follow-up meeting. CoNTiNUeD
Learn
How Long Island could be impacted by federal budget bill
More than 700 people attended a live budget briefing with Reps. Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi at Hofstra University that focused on the potentially harmful effects of the partisan budget reconciliation bill passed by the House of Representatives on Feb. 25.
Suozzi opened the March 1 briefing with a detailed PowerPoint, explaining that Congress has yet to pass a full budget for fiscal year 2025 and is currently relying on temporary “Continuing Resolutions,” the latest of which expires on March 14.
He emphasized that the reconciliation bill, which sets the federal government’s spending and revenue for the next decade, would create massive deficits by cutting taxes for the wealthiest Americans while slashing critical programs.
“I support cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, but this bill will slash essential funding for hospitals, nursing homes, environmental projects, clean air and water initiatives, school lunches, and more,” Suozzi said in a news release after the event. “Let’s use a scalpel, not a chainsaw — pass a bipartisan budget and do it the right way.”
All Democratic members of Congress, including Suozzi and Gillen, voted against the bill, along with one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
“This briefing was a crucial opportunity for Long Islanders to learn more about the budget process and hear from local experts on how the proposed budget would impact our communities,” Gillen said in the release. “This budget would rip thousands of people from their healthcare, gut programs that my constituents rely on, and raise costs for working families. I’ll always work across the aisle when it means delivering results for Long Island, but I won’t support a bill that’s bad for Nassau County.”
The event also featured speakers such as Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health, the largest employer in the state, Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters, Randi
Shubin Dresner, CEO of Island Harvest, and Stanfort Perry, CEO of AHRC Nassau. Each highlighted the potential damage the proposed budget cuts could do to their sectors.
“I’ve been through budget battles before, and they’re tough. But budgets are not just about numbers; they’re about people’s lives,” Dowling said in the release. “Decency must be part of the process. You can make tough decisions, but when you combine bad numbers with indecency and a lack of humanity, it makes everything worse.”
Tighe noted the environmental risks posed by the budget.
“The proposed cuts threaten the progress we’ve made in cleaning up our air and water and advancing affordable clean energy,” she said in the release. Clean air and water should not be partisan issues. All Americans deserve access to stable, homegrown energy that isn’t subject to the volatile cost of fossil fuels.”
Shubin Dresner expressed concern about the impact on food security programs.
“Island Harvest has $2 million in funding currently frozen, putting 17 critical programs at risk,” she said in the release. “You can’t solve a budget crisis by cutting support for the most vulnerable.”
Perry emphasized the dangers of proposed cuts to Medicaid services for people with disabilities.
“We cannot endure these cuts,” he said in the release. “When agencies like AHRC Nassau can’t provide the care people with disabilities need, they end up in hospitals or nursing homes. This isn’t fiscal responsibility—it’s harming those who need help the most.”
“These issues matter to our community, and people are paying attention,” Suozzi stated in the release. “Over 700 Long Islanders came today to learn how Washington’s decisions affect their lives. I’m proud of my community, and I will continue to fight for the programs and services Long Island depends on.”
— Jeffrey Bessen
File photos
The possible impacts of the federal bill passed last month was discussed by Reps. Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi and several business and organization leaders at Hofstra University on March 1.
NCPD wellness center focus is mental health
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
The Nassau County Police Department unveiled a new wellness center at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 26. The center aims to support the mental health and well-being of law enforcement personnel and county employees by providing a place to relax, de-stress and connect with mental health resources.
Joining department members at police headquarters in Mineola for the ceremony were County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, District Attorney Anne Donnelly, Police Benevolent Association President Tommy Shevlin, and county legislators John Ferretti and Thomas McKevitt.
The wellness center, according to Blakeman, will serve as a safe space in which law enforcement personnel and county employees can address mental health and wellness concerns. It connects members with resources such as the employee assistance program, peer support and police chaplains.
Blakeman acknowledged that while mental health struggles, particularly suicide, were once stigmatized, open discussions are now helping those in distress find the support and therapy they need.
“This center is going to focus on keeping everybody in law enforcement in Nassau County well and healthy,”
Charles Shaw/Herald
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman cut the ribbon, alongside law enforcement officials and local leaders, to mark the opening of the Nassau County Police Department’s new wellness center on Feb. 26.
Blakeman said. “And that’s what we want to do.”
The center will function as a resource hub where officers and county employees can seek guidance and support. While there will be no clinicians on-site, trained staff will be on hand to talk and connect members with wellness services. Ryder highlighted the
Presented by:
role of peer support, which offers immediate assistance to officers after traumatic incidents, such as the death of a child or a homicide scene.
“We always recognize the fallen,” Ryder said. “But there are a lot of people who get damaged along the way and don’t get recognized. Today we’re doing that.”
According to Ryder, the facility, a former museum, offers couches, massage chairs and televisions, and at atmosphere in which those feeling stressed can relax, have a cup of coffee and seek guidance.
Donnelly said it was a privilege to attend the center’s opening, and recognized its role in supporting those exposed to trauma. She noted its importance for law enforcement officers who must recount difficult experiences — and for assistant district attorneys who may need support after reviewing crime scene photos.
“The most important thing I believe we can do is care for those who care for us, and that’s the men and women of our Nassau County Police Department,” Donnelly said.
Detective Sgt. Michelle CliffordMarin will lead the center, a role that holds deep personal significance for her. Her brother, Nassau police officer Steven Clifford, died by suicide in 2017, at age 35, after serving in law enforcement for 12 years.
Clifford-Marin said that leading the project is an honor, and that it would be a privilege to help anyone who walks in to achieve a healthy mind, body and soul.
“We want everyone to be healthy,” she said, “and we want everyone to get the help they need, if they do need any help, to prevent additional tragedies like my brother.”
with Deals!
Reworld Honors Long Island’s Champions At Herald Sustainability Awards Gala
STAFF REPORT
Last week Reworld™ celebrated several of Long Island’s sustainability leaders, educators, and community advocates as part of its ongoing efforts to empower community and environmental advocacy initiatives and to raise awareness of sustainability locally. The honors were presented during the recent Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld, held at the Heritage Club at Bethpage. The event provided a platform to recognize individuals and organizations making significant contributions to advancing sustainable policies, protecting natural resources, educating future generations, and implementing community-driven initiatives to improve the region’s environmental landscape. In addition to honoring established community programs, Reworld also awarded two local students with $2,500 in prizes for their inspirational efforts to enhance quality of life in the region and encourage sustainability for generations to come.
“Our work helps Long Island communities reduce environmental impact while creating new opportunities for sustainability,” said Dawn Harmon, Director, Long Island Market, Reworld.
“Through our Long Island facilities, we eliminate the need for additional landfill space and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are so proud to support those leading the way in sustainability on Long Island and beyond.”
Among those honored were Don X. Clavin, Jr., Hempstead Town Supervisor, and Rich Schaffer, Babylon Town Supervisor, for their leadership in environmental policy. John D. Cameron, Jr., P.E., of IMEG, was recognized for his contributions as an environmental engineering leader. Randi Shubin Dresner of Island Harvest was acknowledged for her efforts in sustainable community leadership. Organizations such as the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Seatuck Environmental Association, and Cornell
Cooperative Extension Nassau County were highlighted for their community impact in sustainability. Leaders like Eric Swenson of the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, Robert Weltner of Operation SPLASH, and the Rotary Environmental Action Coalition of Huntington (REACH) were also celebrated for their dedication to environmental preservation.
Additionally, educators Jennifer Lasher and Lissette Pellegrino from Barnum Woods Elementary School were honored as environmental stewards in education. Stony Brook
University’s Esther Poon was honored along with two younger student honorees who were recognized for their outstanding commitment to sustainability. Louisiana State University freshman and 11-year-old Joseph Petraro received the award for his dedication to a range of community empowerment programs through Joe’s Be Kind Campaign, such as Clean Wells for Humanity which addresses global water scarcity. Desiree Mohammadi, a student at South Woods Middle School who is 12 years old, was honored for developing Seeds of Hope, an initiative that donates thousands of seeds to be planted at community gardens across Long Island to combat food insecurity sustainably.
As the presenting sponsor, Reworld is committed to supporting those at the forefront of environmental progress. With four facilities in Westbury, West Babylon, East Northport, and Ronkonkoma, the company processes two-thirds of Long Island’s waste, recycling 60,000 tons of metals and generating enough electricity to power thousands of homes each year. Through its efforts, Reworld™ reduces the need for landfill expansion, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and helps local communities adopt sustainable waste solutions.
Beyond this event, Reworld remains committed to fostering sustainability throughout Long Island with year-round programs that engage local schools, nonprofit organizations, and municipal partners.Through educational initiatives, community cleanups, and environmental awareness campaigns, Reworld continues to support the next generation of sustainability advocates while strengthening the region’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
For more information about Reworld and its initiatives that support various community empowerment and environmental programs fostering positive change locally and globally, please visit www.reworldwaste.com.
To view more pictures please visit www. richnerlive.com.
Holden Leeds/HERALD
Azeez Mohammed, CEO of Reworld delivers welcoming remarks.
Jason Thomas/HERALD
Reworld Lead Community Relations Specialist, Maureen Early (left), with honoree president and CEO Randi Shubin Dresner of Island Harvest (center) and Reworld Long Island Market Director, Dawn Harmon.
Holden Leeds/HERALD
Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin, Jr. addresses the audience after receiving his award.
STEPPING OUT
Louisiana Calling
From the deep roots tag team of Cajun slide guitar phenom Sonny Landreth and legendary New Orleans Latin-Americana rockers the Iguanas comes a mind-blowing musical trip through the scenic soundscape of the bayou. Still wet from crawling out of the swamps, this cross-pollinated confection will be both savory and sweet. Louisiana’s calling — here’s your chance to answer. Landreth’s unique spin on guitar playing has made him legendary. This Louisiana based Blues guitar wizard’s slide playing is distinctive and unlike anything else you’ve ever heard. He simultaneously plays slide and fingers the fret board producing a sound that is often said to resemble many instruments playing at once. His music encompasses Mississippi Delta blues, zydeco and Southern rock. He’s joined by The Iguanas, a fixture of the New Orleans music scene for over two decades.
Get ready for Carnival at Long Island Children’s
Museum Feasts, floats, festivities
By Danielle Schwab
Bring the family to join in the good times when the Children’s Museum opens its doors to Carnival this weekend.
As a globally cherished cultural celebration, Carnival honors the unique traditions and diverse identities of each community it touches. Especially significant to Caribbean and Latin American cultures, it’s a vibrant cultural showcase of creativity and self-expression.
These themes are woven into every aspect of the museum’s festivities, with the support of New York Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, to make this occasion truly special.
“The holiday is a great entry point of learning for our community and for families. It’s so vibrant and colorful and just a happy event. So it’s fun to give opportunities for people to really celebrate,” Aimee Terzulli, the museum’s vice president for programs and visitor experience, says.
Everyone can get moving to the sounds of drums with Samba and Salsa music guided by the dancers of the Brazilian Sama Novo troupe. Towering “Jumbie” stilt walkers, rooted as a symbol of spirit guardians, bring the magic to life as an iconic part of the Carnival
Saturday, March 8, 8 p.m. $79, $69, $59. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
headpieces or even get their faces painted in elaborate designs to stand out in the crowd as they make their rounds through the museum.
“Costumes are often deep-rooted in cultural themes but are also a symbol of freedom and liberation, they often can mimic animals,” Terzulli says.
Guests can also create flags to show their cultural pride and represent the many countries that celebrate Carnival.
Before the parade kicks off, everyone will have a chance to decorate themed floats and even meet some very special party guests.
“We’ll have our animal specialists showing certain animals that are part of our collection and show them how some of these animals are connected to certain float themes, typically in the Caribbean or in Latin America,” Terzulli adds.
life celebration.
• Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9
• Performances at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older
True to Carnival’s festive spirit, a King and Queen will be crowned to lead the crowd with energy and flair. But don’t worry, there’s a role for everyone — both kids and adults — to involve everyone, according to Terzulli.
Colin Jost
Plus, a special performance from the fourth and fifth graders at Elmont’s Dutch Broadway School will get feet jumping to the beat.
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
“It’s about communities really coming together and celebrating different talents and roles that they have.“ she says. “Families that can learn together have tremendous value when you come together to learn something new.”
Although the holiday is celebrated at various times during the year, hosting it in March provides the perfect opportunity to embrace the changing seasons.
“The students have created lessons in different dances that are involved like reggae and calypso, typical for Caribbean culture,” Terzulli explains. “Generation to generation learning is powerful. We want kids teaching other kids.”
“The students teaching other kids.”
Need some fuel after all that dancing? Delicious treats — both sweet and savory — will tempt visitors, including Haitian beignets, marinades, tropical juices, and cocoa bread. And naturally, no Carnival would be complete without a massive parade to ring in the holiday. Families can create wearable crafts such as beaded whistles and feathery
“In March, we’re still not quite in spring so it’s a great way to spend time with your family indoors in a very celebratory way,” Terzulli reminds everyone.
The event is part of a series of cultural festivals the museum is hosting to invite Long Island communities to learn and celebrate together.
“We want people to know about each other and celebrate all the great similarities and differences that make our cultures vibrant and alive here,” Terzulli says.
Live … from Long Island … it’s Colin Jost! From Saturday Night Live to standup to his appearances in film, other TV ventures and even authoring a memoir, Jost is seemingly everywhere. He is currently in the middle of his 11th season as SNL’s “Weekend Update” co-anchor, and his 20th as an SNL writer. His accolades are many: five Writers Guild Awards, two Peabody Awards and 15 Emmy nominations for his writing on “SNL.” Among other endeavors, Jost debuted “A Very Punchable Face” in 2020, His memoir is a series of essays that documents pivotal moments in Jost’s life, including growing up in Staten Island in a family of firefighters, commuting three hours a day to high school, attending Harvard while Facebook was created and more.
Thursday, March 13, 8 and 10 p.m.
Photo on bottom: Be sure to create a parade-worthy headdress and design a whistle to toot some
$129.50, $119.50, $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Photos courtesy LICM
Photo on top left: Towering stilt walkers, known as Jumbies, are an iconic Carnival element.
Photo on top right: Ron DeFrancesco, Sama Novo director, creates the beats.
Carnival spirit.
THE
March 15
Anthony Rodia
Anthony Rodia is back with his “Laugh Til It Hurts” tour, on the Paramount stage, Friday, March 15, 7:30 and 10 p.m.; also Saturday, March 16, 7 and 9:30 p.m. His allnew routine is refreshingly genuine and quick witted! A first-generation Italian-American from Westchester, Rodia’s comedy pulls from his razorsharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a rant. He came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path as a finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. He hit the ground running and performed 100 shows in just nine months, and within three years gained a massive fan base online and around the country. In a short time, Anthony gained over 900,000 social media followers and his YouTube videos have amassed over 22 million views.
Rodia’s comedy pulls from his real life and razor-sharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a rant. With the onset of quarantine, he made the most of a captive audience, delivering a staggering 86 weekly videos. “Road Rage Wednesday” became a fan favorite, but his Uncle Vinny and Zia Lucia characters transformed into a phenomenon. They are the crazy uncle and aunt you love but can’t be out in public with, who speak their minds (whether you asked for it or not). $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
In concert
Long Island Blues Society presents the Duke Robillard Trio and Long Island’s BFS Trio at My Father’s Place, Saturday, March 8, 8-10 p.m. Duke Robillard, the founder of Roomful of Blues, brings his band back to Long Island for an exceptional night of blues. My Father’s Place at The Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/information, visit MyFathersPlace.com or call (516) 580-0887.
Hewlett Bay Park Board of Trustees meets
Hewlett Bay Park Village Board of Trustees holds their monthly meeting, Tuesday, March 17, 6:30 p.m., at Village Hall. 30 Piermont Ave., Hewlett For more information contact hewlettneck@gmail.com.
Hewlett-Woodmere budget session
Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education holds a budget work session, Wednesday, March 12, at Woodmere Education Center, 6:30 p.m. All residents encouraged to attend. 1 Johnson Place, Woodmere.
Shabbat Gathering
Explore and experience the beauty of Shabbat afternoon, Saturday, March 8 . Delicious cholent tasting and more shabba fun followed by Havdallah at 6:40 p.m. It takes place at Rabbai & Rivkie’s home at 1446 Stevenson Circle, Hewlett. $40 per family. Register at JewishHewlett.com/ shabbatafternoon.
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
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, March 7,-10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, March 8, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Wednesday and Thursday, March 12-13,10:15 a.m. and noon. It is 3017 in this futuristic, musical retelling of “Cinderella.” She’s now a space engineer looking to revolutionize space travel. When the Prince holds a space parade, Cinderella saves it by helping fix the Prince’s spaceship.
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.
Career Day
Hewlett High School hosts their annual Career Day, Thursday, March 20, at Hewlett High School. Community residents and officials will be invited to participate and share insight on their profession with the students. For any questions about the event, or participating, reach out to Joseph Virgilio at (516) 792-4028. 60 Everit Ave.
Pre-Purim Bake
Join the Chabad of Hewlett for their Pre-Purim Hamantash Bake, at the Chabad of Hewlett, Tuesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. All families are welcome. To register for the event, visit JewishHewlett.com/ Hamantash. 24 Everitt Ave.
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.
Community Hebrew Speaking Shabbat Dinner
Celebrate Israeli Shabbat with many Hebrew peaking families, at the Chabad of Hewlett, Friday March 21, 7 p.m. With a full four course meal and open bar. $120 per family. To register, visit jewishhewlett. com. 24 Everit Ave.
Having an event?
March 9
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.
March 6,
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Sale
Public Notices
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 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 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, -againstANNE 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 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
A Resolution authorizing the expenditure of monies from the Hewlett Bay Fire District Capital Reserve Repair Fund for repairs to their 2017 Ferrara Ladder truck. Upon a unanimous vote of the Board of Fire Commissioners, it approved to expend up to $20,000.00 from the Repair Fund to cover cost of repairs to the truck’s cooling system. And be it further resolved that should any of the monies allocated remain unused at the completion of the project, all remaining monies will be returned to the Hewlett Bay Fire District Emergency Repair Fund in an expedient manner by act of Board Resolution
A complete copy of the Resolution summarized herewith is available for public inspection during regular business hours (M-F 9am-2pm) at the office of the Hewlett Bay Fire District Secretary for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice.
Dated: Hewlett Bay Fire District, New York February 26, 2025 /s/Mike Ahern Fire District Secretary 151992
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter: Agency: Board of Appeals Village of Hewlett Neck Date: March 20, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Hewlett Bay Fire District in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, at a meeting held on the 10th of February 2025, duly adopted the following Resolution, subject to permissive referendum:
Place: Village Hall, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York Subject: Application of Malkiel Itshakov, 119 Ocean Ave, Hewlett Neck, New York, to legalize the sports court, reconstruct the pool patio area, add fountains, construct a patio with a pool house and pergola, which construction requires variances of the following Village Code sections: (a) 195-25(C), (i) to maintain a sports court 6 feet 8 inches from the west side property line, (ii) to maintain a sports court 3 feet 11 inches from the east side property line, (iii) to maintain a sports court 4 feet 8 inches from the rear property line, where the minimum setback required is 20 feet; (b)
195-25(E), to permit the required coniferous screening of the sports court to be located more than 10 feet away from the sports court; (c) 195-10(C), (i) to maintain a pergola 8 feet 1 inch from the side property line, where the required setback is 10 feet, (ii) maintain a cellar staircase 5 feet 10 inches from the side property line, where the required setback is 10 feet; (d) §195-14(C), to permit 4,559 square feet of lot coverage by structures and accessory buildings where the maximum lot coverage by structures and accessory buildings for the subject property is 8% (1,534.72 SF); (e) §195-20(A)(1), to permit 5,974 square feet of footprint area occupied by all buildings, structures, and accessory uses above grade, where the maximum allowable footprint area occupied by all buildings, structures, and accessory uses above grade is 2,000 square feet; (f) §195-20.2, to permit 9,364 square feet impervious surface coverage, where the maximum impervious surface coverage for a 19,184 square foot lot is 6,355.75 square feet; (g) §195-21(B), to permit swimming pool equipment in a side yard, where it must be located in the rear yard; (h) §195-21(F), to permit the fence surrounding the proposed swimming pool to be located in a side yard, where it must be located in the rear yard; (i) §195-27(G)(3), to permit a second curb cut, where only one curb cut is permitted for a property having less than 120 feet of frontage. Premises are also known as Section 41, Block 19, Lot 648 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map. At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the
foregoing matters. This application is a Type II Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act. Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participation in the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation. All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York, during regular business hours.
Dated: February 24, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Michelle Blandino, Village Clerk 151993
LISA JAMES, VILLAGE CLERK
HEWLETT HARBOR, NEW YORK DATED 151991
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
LOCAL LAW NO. 15-2025
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor will hold a Public Hearing to consider the enactment of Village Code Chapter 131 to provide that the 2025 real property taxation may exceed the tax levy limit set forth in General Municipal Law §3-c; and under SEQRA Regulations, to determine whether the proposed code amendment would constitute a significant negative impact on the environment; said Public Hearing will be held at 7PM on March 13, 2025, at the Village Hall, 449 Pepperidge Road, Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557. All interested persons will be heard during the Public Hearing at the time and place aforementioned.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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, as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 15th day of February 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 15-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Local Law No. 15-2025, to enact Chapter 101-B of the Hempstead Town Code in relation to a temporary moratorium on battery energy storage system facilities.
Dated: Hempstead, New York February 25, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD KATE MURRAY Town Clerk DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor 151994
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor will hold a Public Hearing to consider the enactment of Village Code Chapter 135 to provide that the terms of office for the Mayor and Board of trustees shall be elected to four (4) year terms commencing in June of 2025; and under SEQRA Regulations, to determine whether the proposed code amendment would constitute a significant
negative impact on the environment; said Public Hearing will be held at 7PM on March 13, 2025, at the Village Hall, 449 Pepperidge Road, Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557. All interested persons will be heard during the Public Hearing at the time and place aforementioned. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES LISA JAMES, VILLAGE CLERK HEWLETT HARBOR, NEW YORK DATED: 151990
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2018 G-CTT, Plaintiff AGAINST TREVORTON A. WILLIAMS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 7, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 903 Park Lane, North Woodmere, NY 11581. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being near Valley Stream, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 39 Block 564 and Lot 12. Approximate amount of judgment $649,016.09 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605709/2023. Michael W. Alpert, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-001905 84571 151942
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PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key.
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Yes, keep those pipes warm
Q. We just got over a lot of repairs from a burst pipe under our kitchen sink. The pipes under the sink are back in the outside wall, with insulation around them, but I’m wondering why they said it was still a good idea to let the water drip, even run a little when it gets cold out. It seems wasteful, and I wasn’t sure why they told me that. Is it because they’re not confident in the repairs, or does everybody have to run their water in the winter when pipes could freeze?
A. The work was not repaired correctly and should be redone before it gets too late to get anybody to return to the “scene of the crime.”
Water freezes, and supplyline water that’s buried in outside walls and not kept warm will turn to ice.
Several years ago, a client, who had work done in the summer, called the following winter to say he had no running water in his bathroom sink. The sink was on an exterior wall, but the rationale the installers used for where they put the insulation was that a roof from below came up to meet the outside wall behind the sink. They told the owner that the roof protected the pipe because of how far the sink was set in from the walls below, set back the way it was designed. They cut open the back of the finished sink cabinet and exposed the pipe, telling the owner that he just needed to let the water trickle and keep the cabinet doors open all the time in the winter. I was called after they told the owner that was a bad design. He was very frustrated by the time we spoke, because the plumber and contractor had already returned several times and this was their final answer.
The simple solution, which worked for him and will work for you, is that supply pipes need to be to the warm side of insulation. I saw that the coldand hot-water supply pipes were completely enclosed with insulation. I removed the insulation from the warm side and only kept the full thickness of insulation on the cold side. The roof cavity behind the wall, in drawings that are called building sections, showed that the roof was to be insulated directly behind the wall to create a full barrier of insulation. Because there was now a gaping hole at the back of the cabinet, sloppily cut, I was able to peer in with a mirror and see that there was no insulation in the roof space where it met the wall behind the sinks. None. Once the water supply lines were moved into the cabinet, under the sink, by the plumber, who fortunately did stand behind their work and did return, there was never a problem again.
Locate pipes neatly in the back of the sink cabinet, to the warm side of a fully insulated wall and there should be no more problems. Good luck!
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opinions
Yankees? Mets? Might they meet up in October?
spring training has begun. Another baseball season is on the way. The French-born cultural historian Jacques Barzun said that “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball.”
That was certainly true for my generation. The golden age of baseball in New York, from 1947 to 1956, saw New York’s teams — the Yankees, Dodgers and Giants — win nine World Series and seven pennants among them during that 10-year span. The other 13 major league teams combined for one World Series and three pennants during those years. A subway series, with both World Series teams being from New York, became the expected norm. It was almost taken for granted. During the offseason months of mid-
Everybody has a wish list. I’d like to win the lottery, or take some exotic trip that’s on my bucket list. There are jobs that I would love to have, and there are jobs I wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole. The worst job I can imagine, the one I would dread having, is being in the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. At the beginning of any Congress member’s career, there is the battle to get your party’s nomination, and then feeling the honor of being the party’s choice. You battle through the drudgery of a campaign and, if you’re lucky, you have the joy of being elected or re-elected. You celebrate with your friends and family, and then, on Jan. 1, you arrive in Washington, preparing for the challenge of being a member of the House.
In today’s Congress, being a majority member is anything but fun. You may have all kinds of ideas about how to help the people back home, but if
October through late February in those years, there would be hot stove league discussions of how our teams would do in the upcoming season, and arguments over whose players were better: Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays or Duke Snider; Roy Campanella or Yogi Berra; Pee Wee Reese or Phil Rizzuto.
is a rivalry missed not just in the five boroughs, but on Long Island, with its plethora of Mets and Yankees fans.
W
Much of that interest lessened when the Dodgers and Giants were hijacked to California after the 1957 season. While there was a rebirth of excitement when the Mets arrived for the 1962 season, it has never been quite the same as during the glory years. Sure, the Mets had their World Series wins in 1969 and 1986, as did the Yankees in 1977 and 1978, and again during the Joe Torre years, at the turn of the century, and under Joe Girardi, in 2009, but except for the 2000 World Series — which the Yankees won — the Yankees and Mets have not faced one another in the World Series. That intraNew York rivalry has not been there. It
e Mets fans, so used to having our hearts broken, believe this is our year.
All that could change with both teams now filled with superstars, led by Aaron Judge of the Yankees, who is accumulating home run titles and Most Valuable Player awards, and the Mets making their own run for superstar glory. This winter they hired Juan Soto, perhaps baseball’s most explosive hitter, away from the Yankees with a $750 million contract over the next 15 years.
The Mets already had Francisco Lindor, who finished second in the voting for National League MVP last season, and slugger Pete Alonso, who is second only to Judge in total home runs over the past six seasons, and is poised to become the Mets’ all-time home run leader.
Last year the Yankees won the American League pennant before falling short against the Dodgers in the World
Series. Before the season, there were low expectations for the Mets. Then, after playing mediocre baseball for most of the regular season, they had an unexpected late-season surge, and actually made it to the National League Championship Series, which they lost to the Dodgers.
This preseason, things are looking very different. Both teams are considered strong contenders to win their league championships. The debates over the teams’ players have already begun, but instead of Mantle vs. Snider or Mays, it’s Judge vs. Soto.
We Mets fans, so used to having our hearts broken over the years, now genuinely believe this is our year to supplant the Yankees as New York’s No. 1 team and win it all in the World Series — and that New York’s baseball rivalry is back. Barring the unexpected, 2025 should be a season for metropolitan-area baseball fans to enjoy and remember.
Play ball!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Here’s a job I’d turn down
your wish list doesn’t coincide with the priorities of your party leader, you can forget about your plan. It’s hard enough being away from your family for weeks at a time, but being told to fall in line and follow party dictates, or else, is a bitter pill to swallow.
Let’s talk about the Washington scene as it currently exists. An unelected multi-billionaire named Elon Musk is ignoring the duly elected officials whose job it is to create the budgets that fund our federal agencies. The Constitution says that the Congress is a separate body from the Executive, but in this case an appointee of the Executive is calling all the shots.
Being a member of the House majority sounds great. Believe me, it’s not.
As a representative of scores or even hundreds of thousands of constituents, you’re the one they turn to when they have a federal problem. For example, a decorated military veteran comes seeking your help after being fired from a federal job he held for 10 years. You can hold his hand, but you can’t get him back his paycheck to feed his family and pay his mortgage.
As a well-informed public official, you follow the media to find out what
they know that you don’t know. The latest reports say that your party leadership has proposed making $800 billion in Medicaid cuts to help pay for a tax cut for the rich. Those cuts will decimate the safety net that your constituents rely on to survive, and will affect more than 90 million people nationwide. You can threaten to vote against the package, but there are more nightmares coming.
You may be able to join a handful of other members to get some changes made to the Medicaid cuts, but there are more crazy slashes being proposed. The far-right members have suggested that every person with a student loan pay an additional $200 per month. That mean-spirited idea would affect 45 million Americans. How do you stop that?
Do you remember the state-andlocal-tax proposal that hit suburban homeowners hard when it was included in President Trump’s 2017 budget? Despite his support for eliminating the SALT cap, there has been very little discussion about that benefit in recent weeks. You want a complete repeal of the cap, but it’s out of your hands.
As we enter the final stages of the budget debate, I can’t help recalling the story of the late Assemblyman Lou Wolfe, of upstate Plattsburgh. Wolfe was part of a narrow majority. He enjoyed both Democratic and Conservative Party support. He was asked to vote on a multi-billion-dollar social program. His party leaders promised him financial support in the general election, and assured him he would be “protected.” Came November, Lou lost because of his “bad” vote.
It’s possible that by the time you read this, all of the budget misgivings of the few conscience-driven members will be satisfied. All they have to do at that point is to go home and explain the mass layoffs, the tax cuts for the rich and the hidden program cuts that were buried in the spending plan they voted for. But remember, they had the promise from the leaders that they had nothing to worry about. Oh, the joy of being in the majority.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
Nassau
HERALD
Established 1924
Melissa BerMan Reporter
Brian norMan
Long Island loses a civil rights pioneer
tHERALD
he death of Hazel Dukes, at age 92, last weekend marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in civil rights leadership, with special significance for Long Island. While Dukes will be remembered nationally for her tenure as president of the NAACP from 1990 to 1992, and for her remarkable 48-year leadership of the NAACP New York State Conference from 1977 until her death, her deep connections to Long Island communities deserve particular attention.
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, where she was a neighbor of Rosa Parks, Dukes moved to New York in 1955. She lived in Roslyn Heights for decades, building a life and career that influenced civil rights efforts across the state and the nation.
Named president of the NAACP’s Great Neck, Port Washington, Manhasset and Roslyn branch in 1969, Dukes quickly emerged as a powerful voice opposing housing discrimination on Long Island. She was instrumental in bringing landmark housing discrimination lawsuits that challenged the entrenched patterns of segregation in Nassau County’s suburbs. These legal actions targeted discriminatory practic-
letters
es that kept minority families out of certain neighborhoods, even after the Fair Housing Act of 1968 had made such discrimination illegal.
On Long Island, she worked for the federal Head Start program and became one of the first Black employees in the Nassau County attorney’s office. She also served with the county’s Economic Opportunity Commission, addressing poverty and inequality from within the system. She was the first Black vice chairwoman of the Nassau County Democratic Committee, which gave her a platform to advocate for integrated housing throughout Nassau County. She also served on the Democratic National Committee from 1976 to 1982.
Dukes’ own educational journey illustrates her belief in education as a path to opportunity. She studied at Nassau Community College before earning a degree in business administration from Adelphi University in Garden City in 1978. Her local educational experience strengthened her advocacy for quality education for all communities.
What makes Dukes’ Long Island connection so significant is that she addressed civil rights not as an abstract
Advice from PSEG L.I.: Beware of scammers
To the Editor:
National Consumer Protection Week, observed through March 8, offers an important reminder for consumers to stay alert against fraudulent schemes that prey on our vulnerability. Recent guidance from PSEG Long Island has shed light on the alarming tactics employed by scammers, and we believe it is essential that our community take note of these warnings.
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to trick unsuspecting customers. They frequently impersonate reputable companies, such as PSEG L.I., using advanced phone spoofing technology that displays familiar numbers on caller ID. In many cases, these fraudsters call with an urgent demand for immediate payment, falsely claiming that failure to comply will result in an immediate power shutoff. This tactic is designed to induce panic and force quick decisions without proper verification.
It is crucial for consumers to know that PSEG Long Island never requests payments through external web-based electronic services, prepaid debit cards or even Bitcoin. The only approved payment methods are those offered through our secure channels, such as My Account, the mobile app, or text messaging. Additionally, any request for a deposit in relation to priority meter installations is fraudulent, because we do not require a deposit for such services.
If anyone receives an unexpected call or email threatening an imminent power shutoff while demanding payment, it is imperative to pause, take a
concept, but rather as lived reality in suburban America. While much of the civil rights movement focused on urban centers or the South, she recognized that segregation and opportunity gaps were just as widespread — if sometimes less visible — in prosperous suburban communities like those across Long Island.
Her nearly five decades leading the NAACP’s New York State Conference allowed her to maintain consistent focus on issues affecting communities like ours. That persistence brought meaningful change to institutional practices and policies that had limited opportunities for minority residents.
As we look at Long Island today, we see both the progress Dukes helped achieve and the challenges we continue to face in creating truly equal opportunity. The diversity of our communities has increased, but disparities in housing, education and economic opportunity persist.
In the years ahead, let’s be sure to honor Dukes’ legacy by making Long Island — and the entire country — a place where discrimination is not tolerated, and where everyone has an equal shot at prosperity.
step back, and verify the authenticity of the communication. Instead of responding immediately, customers should contact PSEG Long Island using the phone number found on their billing statement, (800) 490-0025. This simple step can prevent a great deal of financial loss and stress.
As we have honored National Consumer Protection Week, we have urged
all community members to share this important information with friends, family and neighbors. Together, by remaining vigilant and verifying every unexpected request for payment, we can safeguard our community from falling victim to these scams. Staying informed and cautious not only protects our finances, but also strengthens community trust. Every
ICE partnership targets criminals to keep Nassau safe
When violence and criminality threaten public safety, local governments must step up and do their part to keep their communities secure. As Nassau County executive, I believe that our recent partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is essential to combating dangerous threats to county residents.
Under our new program, 10 Nassau county detectives have been appointed for cross-designation and embedding with ICE. These officers will work hand in hand with our federal partners to target and pursue illegal migrants who are engaged in criminal activities in our neighborhoods. The county is also making jail cells available to ICE to detain these criminals for up to 72 hours, after which they will be relocated out of the county or deported.
My decision to implement this program is a necessary response to the serious public safety concerns we all face. Nassau County isn’t a sanctuary county,
but our residents have repeatedly been targeted by violent acts by illegal migrants.
There have been many examples in just the past couple of years. On Oct. 16, 2024, an illegal migrant from Honduras allegedly raped a 5-year-old girl, a Nassau County resident. Not even a month later, six illegal migrants from Chile and Venezuela burglarized a local jewelry store using saws and advanced technology. A county judge was forced to release five of the criminals because of bail reform, and they escaped accountability by fleeing the county.
ito wipe out the entire population of Long Island.
The crimes being committed by illegal migrants are completely unacceptable to me and my administration. We need to bring law and order to our streets, and our partnership with ICE is just one crucial step toward achieving that goal.
t will mirror similar ones nationwide that target terrorism, gang violence and illegal drugs.
Last February, an illegal migrant stole a pro-Israel flag from a porch in Hewlett and brutally assaulted the homeowner who confronted him.
In January 2023, eight illegal migrants who were part of a South American drug ring were arrested in connection with a string of burglaries and larcenies that targeted high-end homes and businesses across the county. Later that year, another illegal migrant was arrested on the North Shore for carrying three kilograms of pure fentanyl, which authorities say would be enough
LEttERs
action contributes to defeating these scams and preserving our service reliability.
PSEG LONG
ISLANd
Trump disrespects Teddy Roosevelt
To the Editor:
Will Sheeline was absolutely correct in his column last week, “ d estroying Roosevelt’s legacy.” President Trump’s promised “golden age” is intended to re-create Mark Twain’s: golden for those having the gold, the gilt-edge securities, gold mines and gold $Trump crypto-coin.
Today’s golden children feel their glory has been stolen, and want it back, with interest, and with punishment for the thieves. But the demands go far beyond T.R.’s trust-busting and conservation crimes to include F d R’s New d eal “larceny.” Taft-Hartley, Social Security, and the rest of those alphabet agencies are being undone because they’re seen as obstacles to the promised land of corporate “free markets and personal responsibility,” as The Washington Post’s Jeff Bezos puts it.
Trump’s last-term hero was the genocidal, court-defying Andrew Jackson. This time it’s the empire-building colonialist William McKinley. This last is unfair to McKinley, but is how the ignorant Trump sees him.
BRIAN KELLy Rockville Centre
Public safety has been, and always will be, one of my top priorities. I am proud to say that I have hired nearly 300 new police officers during my time in office. That effort has helped us maintain our standing as the safest county in the United States, an honor bestowed on us by U.S. News & World Report.
The county’s partnership with ICE will further bolster public safety by mirroring similar partnerships that are implemented nationwide to tackle issues like terrorism, gang violence and illegal drugs. In Nassau County’s case, I believe that working with federal officials to stop dangerous criminals is the best thing we can do to protect our streets.
I want to reassure our residents that this program will only target criminals
Chainsaws aren’t toys, Elon
To the Editor:
How will we calculate the number of lives Elon Musk will take with his comical “chainsaw massacre”?
What will the death count be in the United States, and around the world, from the withholding of food, drinking water, medical supplies and treatment, vaccinations, and emergency services for natural and manmade disasters? From the removal of the guardians of public safety from food, drugs, diseases, fire, air pollution and workplace dangers?
From the debasement of services to our military veterans and the politicization of the military? From the disabling of the alliances and treaties that have kept a troubled world from World War III since 1945?
From the abatement of research in health, climate, defense, agriculture and countless other areas of vast public interest? From the defunding of early child care and education at every level, up through university and graduate studies — the very keys to hope and advancement that mitigate against social class ossifying into a caste system in which crime is the only outlet for deprivation?
Perhaps the cost will be incalculable, but it is the responsibility of our remaining nonMAGA media to report these casualties and not to relate what’s going on simply as a streamlining of government costs against the whining of a few disgruntled former sucklers at the public teat.
GENE J. MANN Bayville
who are illegal migrants. It is not designed to target law-abiding waiters, busboys, landscapers, service station workers and others who are not criminals, even if they may not be in the U.S. legally. Individuals will only be scrutinized if they are suspected of committing crimes that are separate and apart from their immigration status.
Cruel rumors have been spread about this program targeting and detaining immigrant children. I want to state emphatically that these are false and deceitful lies. Our partnership with ICE will not target children or include raids on schools, churches or communities. Victims and witnesses who report crimes or call 911 for emergency services will not be asked about their immigration status.
As we move forward, it is vital to acknowledge that Nassau County takes pride in its rich cultural diversity. Lawabiding residents should not be concerned about this program. Its primary goal is to safeguard our communities and ensure that those who break the law are held accountable and eliminated as threats. We are committed to a safe and secure county for all its residents, and this program is a critical step in that ongoing mission.
Bruce Blakeman is Nassau County executive.
by Tim Baker
In the biographical notes accompanying U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen’s column, “Government must be efficient, coherent and transparent,” in last week’s issue, the congresswoman was mistakenly identified as Laura Curran. The Herald regrets the error.
The story “Atlantic Beach hires separate BZA counsel,” in the Feb. 20-26 issue, included an incorrect date for the next village board meeting. The meeting is on Monday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m., at Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach.
FRAMEWoRK
An avian get-together in Brady Park — Massapequa Park
North Woodmere