Nassau Herald 03-27-2025 by Richner Communications, Inc

HERALD Nassau

Woodmere Club plan is rejected by town

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

It’s been eight years since developers Efrem Gerszberg and Robert Weiss purchased the Woodmere Club, sparking controversy and a series of lawsuits. Now the expensive legal battle will continue, after the Town of Hempstead’s rejection of the latest plan for the 80-acre property.

Gerszberg and Weiss purchased the then 109-year-old club for over $9 million in 2017, and assumed its nearly $15 million in debt.

Last June, Gerszberg and Weiss made a proposal that was approved

Hewlett High students headed to prestigious DECA competition

By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com

A dozen members of Hewlett High School’s DECA club have qualified for the International Career Development Conference next month in Orlando, 11 of them by placing in the top five in their respective categories at the DECA State Career Development Conference March 5-7 in Rochester.

Justin Olgivie, Leo Surillo and Uri Tamir finished fourth in the International Business Plan category; Ben and David Halimi and Eadon Hecht placed

fourth in the Franchise Business Plan category; Inon Azour and Aidan Kahn took third in Business Solutions Project; and Darren Chen, Phillip Ginsburg and Orr Mizrahi placed fifth in the same category.

Because a qualifier from another school will be unable to attend the conference, a 12th Hewlett High student, Anastasia Khaimova, who finished sixth in the Independent Business Plan category in Rochester, will also compete in Orlando.

DECA, formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America,

focuses on preparing high school students for careers in business.

Molly Henck, a Hewlett High business teacher and one of two DECA advisers, said that she believes the students’ success is a testament to the high school’s business department.

“There are some schools that have DECA-focused classes,” Henck said. “We have a lot of business courses, but nothing DECA-focused, so without our whole department working together, this would never happen.”

The international competi -

tion typically draws more than 20,000 students, alumni, business professionals and advisers. DECA has chapters in all 50 states as well as in countries including Australia, Canada, China, Germany, India, Mexico, Poland, Puerto Rico, Spain and Vietnam.

The organization hosts multiple competitions each year, challenging students with scenarios that give them a sense of how real business operate. Susan Hanlon, Henck’s co-advisor, who also teaches business at the high school, explained the different types of competi-

Courtesy Efrem Gerszberg

A rendering of the land that the Woodmere Club occupies, with the existing clubhouse on the right and the proposed condominiums

Hablamos Español

Four senior swimmers lead historic season for Hewlett

By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com

The Hewlett boy’s varsity swim team capped a historic season with multiple record-breaking performances at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Championships in Ithaca on March 7 and 8.

Seniors Jeremy Ginzburg, Ethan Nus, Ethan Silver, and David Kushnirsky placed third in the 200-yard medley relay and set a Nassau County record during the race.

The team finished the regular season with an impressive 8-0 record in dual meets, finishing first in Conference III and fifth in Section VIII, the entire county.

Ginzburg said he and his teammates had never competed in the relay together at a championship level before, and that he had dreamed of breaking the county record all season.

“It felt really great and I’m so proud of the four of us,” Ginzburg said. “The four of us never really got a chance to swim this relay together at a championship meet up until this point, so we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to break that record. Once we got it, I was honestly just in a state of disbelief. I’ve been imagining breaking that record all season and was really happy that we got it in my final race.”

During individual races, some members of the team placed and broke records in multiple events.

Kushnirsky became the high school

The Hewlett High School boy’s swim team capped off an undefeated season with multiple record-breaking performances at the New York State Public High School Athletic-Association championships.

state champion in the 100-yard breaststroke and placed seventh in the 200yard individual medley and 12th in the backstroke. A swimmer for 10 years, Kushnirsky said he felt relieved after accomplishing what he had been working toward his whole life.

“I felt very good after winning,” he said. “I was very proud of myself and relieved that I was able to accomplish my goals.”

Silver also earned an individual achievement, placing in the top five in the 100-yard butterfly at the state championship.

Silver said he was battling the flu during the trip upstate but still wanted to compete and put forth his best effort for his teammates.

“After unfortunately catching the flu during the first day of states, I had to find a way to stay motivated,” he said. “I thought about my teammates and realized that I have to give my absolute best effort for them. This season was mainly a team effort. We’ve been talking about the 200-medley relay since the beginning of the season, and it was really fun to be able to swim it at states with some of my closest friends.”

Nus broke a Hewlett High record for his performance in the 200-yard individual medley after placing 12th in the state. All four said their coach, Adam Sheflin, was an inspiration to them throughout the season. Even though it was his first year, they said his connection to each swimmer made the season especially enjoyable. The quartet plans to continue competing at their respective universities at both the club and Division I levels. Kushnirsky will continue swimming at Dartmouth, Silver at Florida State, Nus at Washington University in St. Louis, and Ginzburg plans to join the club team at Duke.

Courtesy Gerard Petrocelli

Hewlett students shine at Long Island science fair

By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com

Four Hewlett High School students were recognized for their work in science research at this year’s Long Island Science and Engineering Fair, a regional competition for the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair.

LISEF promotes three science research fairs, which host 70 schools, with the first place winners advancing to the International Science & Engineering Fair.

Emily Smukler took second place in chemistry at the fair and said she was incredibly proud to share her work with professionals in the field. She looks forward to continuing her research.

“I was incredibly thankful for the opportunity to present my research to professionals,” Smukler said. “I couldn’t wait to share my work and approach my project from new perspectives. I was also very proud to represent my school, lab, and family, who have all provided me with so much support in my research endeavors.”

Her project involved the use of DNA to form artificial nanostructures. Through various methods, she demonstrated that the DNA structure she created was stable and could accurately detect an ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecule.

Courtesy Terrence Bissoondial

Emily Smukler, left, and Ariel Greenberg both captured second place at the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair. Smukler for chemistry and Greenberg for plant biology.

Smukler, a 2025 Regeneron STS regional semifinalist and a participant in the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, conducted her research at New York University, where she will start college this fall.

mutant form of the fern Ceratopteris richardii, which shows greater development in the presence of salt and silver ions. She said she was grateful for the opportunity to present her research and grow as a biologist, especially after not having similar opportunities at her previous school, Shoreham-Wading River High.

“It was definitely a great achievement, because I came from a school that didn’t have these opportunities,” Greenberg said. “Dr. Bissoondial was amazing. I was behind in biology because of my old school, and he tutored me over the summer to help me get caught up in basic biology. Then he helped me put together this project and taught me specific techniques.”

Terrence Bissoondial, a science research professor at Hewlett High School, mentored Greenberg and River on their projects and said the work put in by all of the students could rival that of college-level research.

“Our students did an incredible job at LISEF,” Bissoondial said. “I am very proud of my students, especially those conducting research in class. Their work can rival that done at universities.”

Greenberg earned second place for her work in plant biology, studying a

Ariel Greenberg, Abdullah Ashrafi, and Ariel River also earned top-three placements at the fair. Ashrafi placed second in physical science, and River secured third in translational medicine.

Greenberg and Ashrafi were selected to take part in the second round of the New York Science and Engineering Fair on March 24 before the Herald went to press.

Nexus robotics donated $1,000 to The INN

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Hewlett High School’s Nexus Robotics Team donated $1,000 to the INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network), in Hempstead in collaboration with the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association and the Hewlett-Woodmere Public School Endowment Fund.

The newest Hewlett High robotics team, Nexus was looking for ways to make a difference in the community. They worked alongside HWBA President David Friedman, to pitch ideas to HWBA members for team sweatshirts.

“The students made their case for the donation to support their sweatshirts as well as the INN for all of their great work that they do for long islanders,” said Daniel Duffey-Birkenstock, Hewlett High School robotics coach.

The students advocated for the INN and were successful in collecting $1,000 in donations from businesses. The entire sum went directly to the INN with the HWPS Endowment Fund covering the cost of the team’s sweatshirts.

“That way every dollar that the team raised can go directly to doing good work here on Long Island,” Birkenstock said.

The students created the design for the sweatshirt, which features an owl on the front and all the donors on the back.

“There’s a lot of meaning behind the owl, Nexus as a new team recognizes

that they need wisdom above all else to keep going,” Birkenstock explained.

“When they were designing it, they took inspiration from two ancient Greek Gods of Wisdom, Athena and Odin. They took one of the eyes of the owl and made it robotic.”

The team presented a check to Dana Lopez, communications director for the INN and district mom at the high school

on March 14 with David Friedman and Principal Alexandra Greenberg.

“It’s a wonderful gift from the business association, not only teaching our children about the importance of connecting with their communities through interviews but also the fact that they ended up donating the full amount in the end is just incredible,” Birkenstock added.

Since the endowment fund already provides grants to robotics and the Hewlett Community Garden donates fruits and vegetables to the INN, it was a no-brainer that the INN was deserving of this money.

“Ms. Lopez was very excited to meet with the students and she encouraged them to volunteer in several different ways with the INN, the students were excited to see her and listen to her explain the work that the INN does,” Friedman said.

Nexus co-captain and sophomore Tiffany Lin was persuaded and encouraged to join the new team this school year by her friends her own piqued interest in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) field.

“This year going forth, I wanted to start narrowing down on my career path to something science related, and I felt robotics was the perfect club for that,” Lin wrote in an email.

The sweatshirts were a way to proudly display the team’s partners and sponsors due to their networking and outreach initiatives.

“We picked the INN to donate to because they are a local organization and what better way to start making an impact on the world than in our own community?” Lin wrote. “The INN also brings awareness to helping out community members in need, allowing us to strengthen our unity and build a strong foundation.”

Courtesy David Friedman

The Hewlett High School Nexus robotics team with Principal Alexandra Greenberg, far left, David Friedman, HWBA president and Dana Lopez, The INN communications director, holding the facsimile check for the INN, on March 14.

The new labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum unit, will feature six 400-squarefoot rooms and focus on better patient experience.

EHS receives $1 million for LDRP unit

Accepting What Is

As estate planners, we consistently meet with people who are suffering from traumatic relationships with their children or grandchildren. Children themselves may become estranged or at odds with parents or their siblings. Sometimes, an in-law is involved that seems to turn the client’s son or daughter into someone completely different from the child they raised. The pain that these clients are going through is palpable.

Some wise sage once said that all pain comes from resistance. Many of these relationship issues may be difficult or impossible to overcome, but one thing we can all do is work on ourselves — by accepting what is. Accepting what is does not mean agreeing with or condoning certain behavior. What it does mean is that you stop saying to yourself that it is not fair, it “should” be otherwise, etc. That will not do you one bit of good and may do you considerable harm. Stress has been called “the silent killer”.

We recall reading a pithy quote a while back that went something like this “when someone disappoints you, you have two choices, you

can either lower your expectations or walk away”. What is disappointment but dashed expectations? Those who learn to expect less are disappointed less.

“Accepting what is” cannot be accomplished overnight. It is a concept or thought process that improves your outlook the more you think about it, work on it and form new neural pathways to forge the new outlook.

Estate planners inevitably become “therapists” for their clients because estate planning involves social relationships. Over the years, we have observed that many social problems occur between the clients two ears. As Shakespeare said in Hamlet “There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Forget about what’s fair or right and what’s not. You are only hurting yourself. The other person is often blissfully unaware of how you’re feeling. Michael J. Fox, the actor known for his optimism despite suffering from Parkinson’s, put it best when he said “My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations”.

St. John’s Episcopal Hospital received $1 million in capital funding from the office of New York State Sen. James Sanders, Jr. These funds will help advance the ongoing development of the hospital’s new Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum (LDRP) unit.

“We are incredibly grateful to Sen. Sanders for his continued advocacy on behalf of Episcopal Health Services and his commitment to the construction of the St. John’s Episcopal Hospital’s Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum unit,” Donald T. Morrish, chief executive officer of Episcopal Health Services wrote in a news release. “EHS is dedicated to ensuring all women have access to high-quality care close to home, and this generous funding brings

us one step closer to making this vision a reality.”

Construction of the LDRP unit began in May 2024. Once completed, the state-of-the-art facility will provide — continuity of care, enhanced comfort, privacy, and specialized services for mothers and newborns that require additional support.

The unit is expected to open by late 2025.

“Quality healthcare is essential for a thriving community. I am proud to support St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in enhancing maternal care, ensuring families in the Rockaways receive the best possible start,” New York State Sen. James Sanders, Jr. wrote in a news release.

— Melissa Berman

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Courtesy Episcopal Health Services

SPORTS

Hofstra softball shows positive signs

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

the win.

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

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

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

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

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

Woodmere Club developer Robert Weiss presented the current plan for the club property, which includes 160 age-restricted condominiums, to residents last June.

Federal lawsuit continues, with legal fees now in the millions

by the Five Towns Civic Association, Woodsburgh Mayor Jake Harman and Lawrence Mayor Samuel Nahmias. The plan includes 160 age-restricted condominiums on the portion of the property that is within the Village of Woodsburgh, five residential lots on Ivy Hill Road, in Woodsburgh, and the dedication of property to the Town of Hempstead to create a turning lane on Broadway and a sidewalk on Meadow Drive as well as a 75-foot landscape buffer and a 300-foot setback off Broadway.

Fifty acres of club property would become a conservation alliance, where development would be prohibited.

The plan would also create a five-acre Lawrence Park. Operational control of the club would be transferred to Woodsburgh, and a 50-foot-wide buffer space of adjoining property would be turned over to some of the club’s neighboring communities.

The plan received overwhelming public support, and prospective buyers were already lining up to reserve condos, according to the developers.

“The Five Towns asked for open space and no single family homes,” Weiss wrote in an email. “We presented a beautiful age restricted condo plan that would provide 80 acres of open space dedicated to the community.”

Last September, the mayors of Lawrence and Woodsburgh presented the plan to Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin and the Town Board for approval.

In January, Clavin vetoed the project, which will mean the continuation of costly litigation and the potential elimination of the preservation of 80 acres of open space.

“Just as important, the alternative plan would settle our seven year long lawsuit and save Five Towns residents from a possible tax increase disaster,” Weiss wrote. “Even with unanimous support from the Lawrence and Woodsburgh Mayors and residents, Hempstead politicians rejected the deal. We did our part.”

The owners are pressing forward with a $300 million lawsuit against the town, and aim to restore their property rights in order to follow through on their original proposal, made in 2019, to build 284 homes on the property.

“The prospective development of any portion of the property where the Woodmere Club is located is the subject of a genuine commitment on the part of local villages and the Town of Hempstead to the best interests of neighbors in surrounding communities and the minimalization of short-term disruptions and long-term traffic and other community impacts,” Nahmias wrote in an email.

“The town has not taken any official action to either approve or disapprove the 160-unit-age-restricted condominium plan, because no formal application for any such plan has ever come before the Town Board,” officials said in a statement. “As this is the subject of a litigation, the Town cannot comment further on the matter.”

U.S. District Judge Allyne R. Ross is hearing the developers’ lawsuit against the town, in a case that has already survived a motion to dismiss.

“My support for the 160-unit-agerestricted condominium plan is rooted in the feedback of constituents who have overwhelmingly indicated a preference for this plan as opposed to other alternatives which have advanced,” Nahmias wrote. “Residents have clearly indicated to me and other village officials that the ‘condominium plan’ is preferred because they believe that it will have fewer adverse impacts on the community in both the long and short term.”

According to the developers, Nassau County has been added to the lawsuit, with the approval of the villages of Woodsburgh and Lawrence, as well as an order from Ross. The suit is expected to cost the villages, town and county millions of dollars in legal fees.

“The fact is, on November 30th 2024, the Mayors of Woodsburgh, Lawrence and the developers met in person with Hempstead leadership and in formal settlement discussions presented the 80 acre open space & age restricted condo plan,” Weiss wrote. “Despite both Mayors advocating for a settlement, Hempstead has gone radio silent which can only be seen as a clear rejection of the plan and the desire to litigate. The public will not be fooled with the ’misinformation’ cliché.”

Have an opinion on the Woodmere Club situation? Send a letter to mberman@liherald.com.

Herald File Photo

WOMEN’S HISTORY

MONTH

Helping those who haven’t been heard find voices

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

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

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

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

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

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

Herald: What do you do? Why?

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

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

HELEN DORADO-ALESSI

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

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

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

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

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

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

An advocate for the transgender community

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

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

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

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

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

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

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

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

gonna deal with it.”

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

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

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

ing at Northwell Health and Memorial Sloan-Kettering.

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

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

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

Herald: What do you do? Why?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Third annual Pinewood Derby races off

The third annual Scoutreach Pinewood Derby reached the finish line with over 100 people in attendance.

Scouts from grades first to fifth came with multiple family members and cheered for their car during their race.

The scouts decorated pre-made wooden cars and watched as they zoomed down the racetrack, at Lawrence High School on March 15.

“It looked like everyone enjoyed themselves and not only watched their children do the activities, but joined in on the fun,” Pamela Makaea, Scoutreach Program coordinator wrote in an email.

One of the main goals for the day was for the scouts to learn while having fun.

Educational activities were offered in the school’s cafeteria and provided the scouts with learning — math, engineering, science and strategy skills.

“Family involvement and support for the children in the Cub Scout program is such an important part of making the experience a fun and positive one,” Makaea wrote.

— Melissa Berman

Second grader Jackson Reilly Morales of Cub Scouts Pack 195 buids a giant tower of solo cups, which required him to climb onto the furniture to build.

Alice Moreno/Herald Photos

Andrew Ramirez, 9 and member of Pack 195 was the big winner of the Pinewood Derby.

Pamela Makaea, Scoutreach program coordinator, left, helps scouts and guests alike in helping create flowers to welcome the spring.

Second grader Desiree Perez’s car (pink, with Kuromi sticker) wins one of the rounds, arriving to the finish line at just 2.9 seconds, on March 15.

Michael Simao, assistant pack leader of 195, right, hands winner of Pinewood Derby Andrew Ramirez, his trophies.

“The

—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown

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

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

Herald publications win seven state awards

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The judges said: “This photo shows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy NYPA Conference

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

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

“The kids are given either role-plays, which is when they’re given a scenario and have to explain how they would handle it to a panel of judges,” Hanlon said, “or they can do a manual, which is where groups fill out a 10- to 20-page manual on how they would start a business or franchise, or help a local business, and present that.”

Other Hewlett High students placed in the top 10 at the state conference. Maya Singh and Intisa Ahmed did so in the Community Awareness Project category, as did Jacob (Coby) Agamie, Justin Lim and Ari Rechtweg with their Integrated Marketing Campaign presentation, and Giuliana Oliviero and Morgan Ruvinsky, in Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research.

Henck added that 12 qualifiers for the international conference is the most she has seen in her tenure as a club adviser.

“Last year we had three students qualify, but because of Passover none could attend,” she recalled. “But we usually have students qualify every year. The most that I’ve traveled with is around eight or nine.”

The Hewlett-Woodmere district highlighted the student qualifiers on its Facebook page. “Our students did an amazing job, with many placing in the top rankings across various event categories,” the post read. “… We’re so proud of our DECA team and excited to see them compete in Orlando next month!”

The international conference is scheduled for April 26-30.

Results of the DECA State Conference

■ Justin Olgivie, Leo Surillo, Uri Tamir: 4th place, International Business Plan

■ Ben Halimi, David Halimi, Eadon Hecht: 4th place, Franchise Business Plan

■ Inon Azour and Aidan Khan: 3rd place, Business Solutions Project

■ Darren Chen, Philip Ginsburg, Orr Mizrahi: 5th place, Business Solutions Project

■ Giuliana Oliviero and Morgan Ruvinsky: Top 10 overall, Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research

■ Anastasia Khaimova: Top 10 overall, Independent Business Plan

■ Maya Singh and Intisa Ahmed: Top 10 overall Community Awareness Project

■ Jacob (Coby) Agamie, Justin Lim, Ari Rechtweg: Top 10 overall, Presentation for Integrated Marketing Campaign – Service

Source: Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools Facebook

Courtesy Gerard Petrocelli

Jordan Sita, left, Joshua Grinshpun and Alexander Sita took part in the DECA State Career Development Conference March 5-7.

A closer look at the Propel NY Energy project

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

The Propel NY Energy project is aiming to revo-

The Big Investment

$3.26 Billion:

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

Six Cents a Day:

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

The New Grid

90 Miles of Transmission Lines:

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

3 Additional Interconnection Points:

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

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

new connections, strengthening overall grid reliability and resiliency.

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

Construction & Permitting

Article Seven Permitting:

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

Construction Timeline:

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

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

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

Daily Progress:

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

Future-Proofing the Grid

50 to 90 Percent Increase in Demand:

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

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

Avoided Congestion Savings:

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

5

Selection & Local Impact

19 Proposals Reviewed:

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

Local Workforce:

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

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

STEPPING OUT

‘Little’ ﬁlms with a big heart

In the spotlight at Asbury Short Film Concert

By Karen Bloom

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

And it’s most deﬁnitely not a festival.

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

As in previous years, Asbury Shorts offers up an eclectic mix of films, what LeClaire describes as a “potpourri of the short film world.” LeClaire, who was in commercial and film production for over four decades, has been passionate about short films since his student days at New York Institute of Technology. He pivoted to promoting his beloved short films full time and the result has been a resounding success.

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

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

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

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

• Friday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.

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

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

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

His formula certainly has resonated with audiences.

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

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

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

And that ending will surely leave you wanting more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘Good times…’

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

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

South Shore Symphony

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

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

Courtesy Asbury Shortst

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

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

THE

The Wallflowers

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

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

Mercy Hospital offers cardiac screening

You only have one heart. Protect it with a free cardiac screening at Mercy Hospital, Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Getting your coronary calcium score scan can save your life. A coronary calcium score is like a “mammogram” for the heart to screen for blockage(s). This simple, non-invasive test can indicate coronary artery disease before the onset of symptoms or heart attacks. The scan does not require IV or Oral CT contrast. Limited appointments available. No insurance necessary. 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Radiology & Imaging (adjacent to Emergency Department). To register, call (516) 62-MERCY (63729).

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.

Narcan Training

Mayor George Pappas and the Village of Atlantic Beach Board of Trustees invite all to a free Narcan training session, Thursday, March, 27, 7 p.m. 65 the Plaza, Atlantic Beach.

Egyptomania in the 1920s

Join Egyptologists-authorsprofessors Drs. Colleen and John Darnell at Nassau County Museum of Art, Sunday, March 30, 3 p.m., for a fascinating lecture on “Egyptomania” in the 1920s. The Darnells are authors of several books and dozens of articles. With academic careers in Egyptology at Yale University, they are committed to bringing ancient Egypt’s rich history, religion, art, and language to a worldwide audience. Their passion for vintage fashion and modeling has led to exciting collaborations with Egypt’s premier jewelry designers, photographers and magazines. Limited seating. Registration required. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students; members free. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org.

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.

Music and magic with Mary Sollitto

Temple Hillel hosts Mary Sollitto for a night of song and entertainment, Thursday March, 27. Enjoy a night of sheer energy through song with a splash of comedy as Mary plays Carole King, Carly Simon and Barbra Streisand. Open to all. $8 members, $10 public. 1000 Rosedale Rd, Valley Stream. For more information, call (516) 7916344

Shabbat Dinner

Chabad of Hewlett hosts a community Shabbat dinner, Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and March 29. Kabbalat Shabbat will take place at 6:30 p.m., followed by Adar at 7 p.m. Tickets are $120 per family. For more information, reach out to Rabbi Tenenboim at (516) 295-3433. 24 Everit Ave., Hewlett.

Hewlett Neck Board of Trustees meet

Hewlett Neck Village Board of Trustees hosts their monthly meeting on Tuesday, April, 8, 6:00 p.m., at Village Hall. 30 Piermont Ave, Hewlett For more information visit the village website at hewlettbayparkny. gov.

Celebrate Holi

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to partiipat in Holi, the Festival of Colors, Sunday, April 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Originating in India, this Hindu festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of the colorful spring season. During this joyous celebration, families eat sweets, dance to traditional folk music and throw colorful powder made from flowers called gulal. Crafts, color throwing and dancing are part of this vibrant event. Welcome spring’s arrival with Holi. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes that they won’t mind getting messy. Museum Row, Garden City. Go to licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more information.

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.

Having an event?

STEM Explorers

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

On Exhibit

Highlights include sampling the science of molecular gastronomy at work with flash frozen ice cream; learn about native and invasive species that swim in Long Island waters; discover how oysters are coming to our rescue; study the water cycle and Long Island’s unique geographic formations and more. Activities free with museum admission. Museum Row, Garden City. Visit licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more.

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.

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

April 13

Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, April 13, 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.

Woodmere Music Studio marks silver anniversary

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Woodmere Music Studios is celebrating its 25th anniversary with senior recitals at the Lynbrook Public Library.

The music school provides group and private instruction to students of all ages from beginner to advanced.

It all started with Director Patricia Lee’s passion for music. The Woodmere resident has taught students from the Five Towns, Jericho, Manhattan and inbetween.

Lee studied under Norman Horowitz from Stecher and Horowitz — pianists who ran a school in Cedarhurst — and was considered one of their protégés. She went on to study piano performance at Northwestern University and received her master’s degree in piano performance and music theory at the Manhattan School of Music.

While earning her master’s, she taught at Stecher and Horowitz and worked there for eight years.

“They were moving on and they closed their school and started a foundation in the city to run an international piano competition,” Lee said. “At that point, that’s when Woodmere Music Studios started.”

As a young professional, she took her experience with them and made it her own.

“I started it because I thought there was a community need for it and of

course it was always a personal dream of mine,” Lee added. “I had great tutelage and I was able to continue this great music environment for the Five Towns.”

Lee has made a community impact by helping students learn challenging music and overcome fears and create goals for themselves.

“One of our specialties is setting up special performance for the students which help them set goals and the feeling of accomplishment,” Lee said.

Hewlett High School seniors Lucas Giordano and Krista Lee were showcased at the first of two anniversary

Senior Recital celebrations at the Lynbrook Public Library, on March 16.

Giordano has been playing the double bass for 10 years and performs all across Long Island and New York City. He has been a student at Woodmere Music Studios for five years.

“It’s been great, I love my teacher and he’s taught me so much of what I know and has a plethora of knowledge,” Giordano said.

For the featured performance, he played “Concerto Barocco” by Giovanni Balanchine and “Cello Suite No. 1” by Johann Sebastian Bach.

“It was a momentous occasion because that’s the way music has been brought to us for so long in the community,” Giordano said.

Being Lee’s daughter, Krista has been surrounded by music her whole life and has been an official viola student for 12 years.

“My passion began very early one, I have always been surrounded by music growing up and have embraced it,” Lee wrote in an email. “Some of my earliest memories are here, taking lessons or doing homework while music fills the studio.”

For her featured pieces, she performed “Viola Concerto B Minor, 1st Movement” by Frideric Handel and Henri Casadesus and “Cello Suite No. 3, C Major” by Johann Sebastian Bach.

“Woodmere has always been more than just a music school, it’s my second home,” Lee wrote. “The teachers here have watched and supported me through triumphs and struggles and have always encouraged me to keep striving for excellence.”

Lee will be following in her mother’s footsteps and study Music Education at Northwester’s Bienen School of Music.

“I am very grateful for the guidance, lessons and the gift of music that Woodmere has provided,” Krista wrote. The second anniversary performance will feature Ariel River on June 14 at 2:30 p.m., at the Lynbrook Public Library. This is a free event.

Courtesy Patricia Lee

Patricia Lee, director of Woodmere Music Studios, left with her students Krista Lee and Lucas Giordano at the Woodmere Music Studios 25th anniversary Senior Recital celebration at the Lynbrook Public Library, on March 16.

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For more information or be a sponsor, contact Amy Amato, Executive Director, Corporate Relations Events at aamato@richnerlive.com or 516.569.4000 x224

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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

ROBERT G SULLIVAN

Member & Director

Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannnavo P.C.

RISING STARS

SAMUEL L. BIFULCO

Associate Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano PLLC

HARRY BRAR

Paralegal

Raiser & Kenniff P.C.

KRISTINE GARCIA-ELLIOT

Associate Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

PHILIP RIZZUTO IV

Associate The Rizzuto Law Firm

TOP BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM

ZACHARY I. RIYAZ

Principal The Law Offices of Zachary I. Riyaz,

NIXON PEABODY LLP

TOP LAW FIRM (11-50 EMPLOYEES)

VISHNICK MCGOVERN MILIZIO LLP TOP LAW FIRM (75+ EMPLOYEES)

TOP TAX CERTIORARI LAW FIRM

SCHRODER & STROM, LLP

*List in formation

TO PURCHASE TICKETS SCAN HERE! A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to a local charity.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF TAX LIEN SALE VILLAGE OF ATLANTIC BEACH

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 1452 and 1454 of the Real Property Tax Law of the State of NY that the following is a list of real estate tax in the Incorporated Village of Atlantic Beach upon which 2024/2025 taxes are unpaid as shown in the tax list on file with the Village Clerk, together with amounts of the tax, interest and charges thereon.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that on April 1, 2025 at 10:30 AM in the forenoon of said day, a lien on the aforesaid parcels of real estate will be sold at public auction in the Atlantic Beach Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, NY, to discharge the tax, fees, interest and charges of aforesaid which may be due thereon at the time of such sale. All parcels located in Section 58

BLOCK LOTS

E 228

E 508

75 34 Haci Alper Tutus, 2010 Park St.

147 27 Neil Weinrib & Kimberley Mackay, 1649 Ocean Blvd

3,066.02 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

EMILY SINISCALCHI, VILLAGE CLERK HERBERT A. KLIBANOFF, TREASURER

DATED: MARCH 4, 2025

Publish 3/13, 20, 27 152042

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK (BROOKLYN)

WINDWARD BORA, LLC.; Plaintiff v. OSNAT ZINNAR, et al; Defendants

Attorneys for Plaintiff: Hasbani & Light, P.C., 450 7th Ave, Suite 1901, NY, NY 10123; (212) 643-6677

Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on 2/12/24, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder in the EDNY-Brooklyn, 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201, on April 10, 2025, at 1:15 PM Premises known as 965 Cedarhurst Street, North Woodmere, NY 11581 Section: 0039 Block: 00549-00 Lot: 00002

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.

As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment: $273,926.00 plus interest and costs.

Docket Number: 19cv-04533 Dominic Famulari, Esq., Referee 152160

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. HANAN MILLER, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 9, 2025, 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 April 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 876 Woodmere Place, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Woodmere, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 39, Block 226 and Lot 1030. Approximate amount of judgment is $534,154.12 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616486/2023. Cash will not be accepted. Jane P. Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 152152

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, April 3, 2025, at 7:00PM, Eastern Standard Time, for the purpose of holding a special meeting. Such meeting will allow residents to ask questions of the Board of Trustees on topics of their choosing.

•Zoning Code: 145-25

A. Accessory building and uses may be located only in the rear and side yards. The Applicant requests to construct a Gazebo 19.8 off the property line. The applicant is requesting to construct a basketball court that is 2 feet off the property line. Accessory structures shall be no closer than 20 feet to all side and rear yard property lines.

•Zoning Code:145-30. Lots fronting on two or more streets: Lots adjoining two or more streets a front yard is required on each street. The property is fronting 3 streets, which calls for 3 front yards.

All residents wishing to attend via Zoom can visit www.hewlettharbor.go v for instructions.

Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York March 14, 20025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR LISA JAMES VILLAGE CLERK 152289

LEGAL NOTICE

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor will hold a public hearing at Village Hall on Wednesday April 2, 2025 at 7:00PM. A ZOOM link to the meeting is available on our website at www.hewlettharbor.go v. All interested parties will be given the opportunity to be heard on the following applications for variance relief: Alain and Joanne Halimi – 273 Heather Lane Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557 -Applicant is proposing new walkway, patio, pool patio, pergola, and rear yard shed. They are requesting relief from Village Zoning Codes: (Continuation)

•Zoning Code: 145-2 states the maximum permitted lot coverage in residential “B” district is 30%.

Applicant is proposing 39.8%.

•Grigoriy Vaynshteyn -224 Everit Ave Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557Applicant is proposing a new Gazebo and Basketball court in the front yard. Applicant is requesting relief from the Village code.

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC. ASSETBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FX1, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, Plaintiffagainst- TAGEWATTIE NANDALALL, SEWNARINE SAWH, et al Defendant(s).

LEGAL NOTICE

SANITARY DISTRICT NO. 1

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

•Zoning Code: 145-2. /145-19. States the maximum permitted lot coverage in a residential “A “district is 25%. The applicant is requesting 45% BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

DR. JULIO NOVELLO, CHAIRMAN ZONING BOARD

Peter Lynch - Building Superintendent Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York March 14, 2025 152291

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that at a properly noticed Board Meeting held on March 13, 2025, the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor held a Public Hearing and unanimously passed the addition of Section 135 to the Hewlett Harbor Village Code. Section 135 provides that the terms of office for the Mayor and members of the Board of Trustees, commencing in June 2025, shall be for four years. Current terms of office remain unchanged at two years. Pursuant to New York law this change is subject to permissive referendum. Any person interested may obtain a copy of Section 135 of the Village Code from the Hewlett Harbor Village Hall located at 449 Pepperidge Road, Hewlett Harbor, New York.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

LISA JAMES, VILLAGE CLERK

HEWLETT HARBOR, NEW YORK

DATED: March 14, 2025 152287

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated December 11, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 22, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Lawrence, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of Lawrence Avenue, distant 161.52 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the easterly side of Lawrence Avenue with the northerly side of Spring Street; being a plot 128.71 feet by 50 feet by 108.75 feet by 53.84 feet. Section 40 Block 32 Lot 113. Said premises known as 280 LAWRENCE AVENUE, LAWRENCE, NY 11559

Approximate amount of lien $629,669.70 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 010770/2014.

RALPH MADALENA, ESQ., Referee

David A. Gallo & Associates LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 5025.1027 {* NASSAU HER*} 152210

Sealed bids will be received by the Board of Commissioners, Sanitary District No. 1, Two Bay Boulevard, Lawrence, New York, until 12 noon on April 28, 2025 at which time they will be publicly opened and read and the contracts awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for:

CONTRACT: Purchase or lease-purchase of up to six (6) new 2024 or newer Diesel Engine Trucks, each Chassis and Cab to be equipped with rear loading Packer Type Body of Twenty (20) Cubic Yards; Recycling Packer body.

PERIOD OF CONTRACT:

For twelve (12) months from the date of the award, the awarded contract price per truck shall remain in effect without change. At the termination of the initial contract period, the contract may be extended on the same terms for an additional three (3) months at the option of the District. Detailed specifications for the above mentioned may be examined at the office of Sanitary District No. 1, Two Bay Boulevard, Lawrence, New York during regular business hours.

Each bid proposal must be accompanied by a Bid Bond or Certified Check payable to Sanitary District No. 1, in the sum of $500.00. Bids must be addressed to the Board of Commissioners, Sanitary District No. 1, Two Bay Boulevard, Lawrence, New York, and submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Proposal” not later than 11:30 a.m. on the date above stated. No bid may be withdrawn after its acceptance or for a period of 60 days after being publicly opened and read.

The Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject in whole or in part any or all bids, waive any informality in the bids and to accept the bid which they deem most favorable in the interests of the District.

Dated: Lawrence, New York

March 19, 2025

SANITARY DISTRICT NO. 1

By: James J. Vilardi,

Chairman Board of Commissioners 152457

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LAWRENCE Notice of Finalization of Assessment Roll NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the completed and verified assessment roll of the Village of Lawrence for the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2025 will be filed with the undersigned on April 1, 2025 and the roll will remain on file subject to inspection for fifteen days thereafter.

Dated: March 20, 2025

Lina Fusco Village Clerk-Treasurer Gerry Castro Village Administrator 152458

LEGAL NOTICE

A nonprofit org in Nassau County is seeking bids for installation of security related enhancements. Projects include: Shatter resistant glass, Impact resistant doors, exterior lighting, bollards, surveillance equipment and systems, fencing, access controls, security lighting and communications and security personnel. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of surveillance and security, adherence to work schedule, prior experience, references, and cost. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained via bids@yaazoru.org, referencing “RFPBTI2025”. Bids will be accepted until April 7, 2025. 152337

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 16-2025

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held March 11th, 2025 , by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 16-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law

Schachter’s mark 10 years at YIW

The Young Israel of Woodmere community gathered for its 64th Annual Fundraising Dinner celebrating the leadership and dedication of Rabbi Shay and Rina Schachter as they marked ten years of service to the shul.

Over 700 community members came together to express appreciation for the Schachter’s profound impact on the Five Towns and the broader worldwide Jewish community, on March 10.

In the weeks leading up to the dinner, Rabbi Schachter sent out a heartfelt message to the community, reflecting on the past decade and encouraging participation in this milestone event. In his words:

“We are deeply humbled and grateful for the privilege of being part of the rabbinical team here at Young Israel of Woodmere,” Schachter wrote. “Serving under the leadership of Rabbi Shalom Axelrod, alongside Rabbi Glatt and Rabbi Wolf, and previously under Rabbi Hershel Billet’s leadership, has been an incredible honor. The opportunity to teach, learn, and grow together

has been a source of great inspiration and joy for our family. Over the years, we have witnessed firsthand how Torah has brought us closer together as

Hamas hostage visits

Rebbe’s grave after release

Rabbi Zalman Wolowik, director of Chabad of the Five Towns accompanied Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, representing Chabad World Headquarters, as they brought Eli Sharabi—a survivor of 491 days in Hamas captivity to the Ohel — Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersen’s resting place, on March 20.

The visit was especially moving, as it marked the anniversary of a heartfelt prayer. One year ago, Sharabi’s brother, Sharon Sharabi, stood at the very same spot and asked for a blessing for Eli’s rescue.

“One year to the day after that prayer,” Sharon said emotionally, “Eli was freed.”

At the Ohel, Sharabi lit a memorial candle, placed a handwritten note, and

No. 16-2025, amending Chapter 202 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “REGULATIONS & RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at various locations.

Dated: March 11, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 152429

recited Kaddish for the first time for his brother Yossi, who was murdered in captivity. He prayed by name for the hostages still in Gaza and expressed deep gratitude for his survival.

“I came from the darkest place in the world—50 meters underground,” Eli said. “What gave me strength was saying Shema Yisrael every morning.

Every Friday, we made Kiddush—not with wine, but with water. Faith is what kept us alive.”

His words were simple, yet powerful: “With the strength of faith and unity, we can overcome everything.”

May we carry this message into our own lives as we prepare for Passoverthe season of redemption.”

— Melissa Berman

a community — building not just spiritual bonds, but deep friendships that have enriched our lives in countless ways.”

The evening included a concert with Shulem Lemer who was at times accompanied by Rabbi Shay and Rina’s eldest sons and featured a heartfelt video tribute and personal anecdotes from those who have benefited from Rabbi Schachter’s Torah wisdom. Along with the Rebbetzen’s dedication to fostering a warm and inclusive environment for women and families within the shul.

“As we approach our ten-year milestone, we are excited to celebrate this special journey with all of you at our Shul’s Annual Dinner,” Rabbi Schachter wrote. “This is not only a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, but also an opportunity to look ahead to the work that still lies before us. The funds raised will enable us to continue to serve as a center for Torah learning and community connection, providing impactful opportunities for growth, support, and engagement— both as a shul and as a community committed to the values we hold dear.”

— Melissa Berman

Episcopal Health Services has appointed Mark Warshawsky, MD, as Chief of Hematology/ Oncology.

Warshawsky will provide care for inpatient and outpatient hematology and oncology patients. He will also lead EHS’ Hematology/Oncology outpatient facility, where patients will be treated for a full range of hematologic and oncologic conditions.

“Dr. Warshawsky’s expertise and compassionate approach to care will be a tremendous asset to our patients and the entire health system,” Donald T. Morrish, chief executive officer at Episcopal Health Services wrote in a news release. “His leadership will help us expand access to high-quality oncology services for the communities we serve.”

He received his medical degree from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and completed his residency in internal medicine at Maimonides Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in hematology/oncology at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn.

Warshawsky is a board-certified medical oncologist known for his exceptional clinical expertise and dedication to patient care.

Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York March 24, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR

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, April 10, 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.

According to EHS, he brings a compassionate and thorough approach that has earned him high regard among his patients. With more than 15 years of experience leading his own private practice, he is committed to

delivering personalized, high-quality care.

“The appointment of Dr. Warshawsky reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing cancer care services,” Jameela Yusuff, EHS senior vice president & chief medical officer wrote in a news release. “His leadership strengthens our oncology program, allowing us to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care with the latest advancements in treatment.”

— Melissa Berman

Courtesy Episcopal Health Services

Mark Warshawsky has been appointed Chief of Hematology/Oncology at Episcopal Health Services.

Courtesy Young Israel of Woodmere Rabbi Shalom Axelrod of Young Israel of Woodmere, left, Rabbi Shay Schachter, Rebbetzin Rina Schachter, Steven Myers, executive director and Ari Schulman, president at the dinner honoring of Rabbi Shay and Rebbetzin, on March 10.

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460

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

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

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

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

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

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

Optimum Media, LLC seeks a Lead Analyst to analyze customer churn dynamics using statistical methods and predictive modeling. Identify data patterns and root causes, and facilitate targeted intervention strategies. Generate actionable reports and analytics for internal and external stakeholders. Identify and prioritize opportunities for reducing Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) erosion. Develop and implement data-driven strategies to enhance customer retention and improve the overall save rate through data analysis and optimization techniques. Craft and deliver datadriven presentations that communicate findings, growth opportunities, and strategic recommendations to business stakeholders. Build and guide a high-performing team of data analysts towards best-inclass analytical practices and methodologies. #LI-DNI Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, and 4 years of experience with data analytics, statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and data visualization techniques to derive business insights from complex datasets. Experience must include a minimum of: 4 years of experience with SQL for complex data querying, manipulation, and analysis; 4 years of experience with relational databases such as PostgreSQL, GCP, and Oracle; 4 years of experience with data storytelling; 2 years of experience with Python programming for data analysis; 2 years of experience with analytical and business intelligence software including Tableau to create dashboards and reports; and 2 years of experience in managing data analytics projects from conception to delivery. Job location: Bethpage, NY. Rate of Pay: $170,373.00$180,373.00 per year. To apply, please visit https://www.alticecareers.com and search by job title or enter Job ID number: 8431

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

Lev Chana Early Childhood:

• Early Childhood Assistant Teachers

• Early Childhood Head Teachers

HALB Elementary School:

• Middle School Language Arts Teacher

• Elementary School Assistant Teachers

DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys:

• Business and Entrepreneurship Teacher

• Science Teacher

• STEM Teacher

• Math Teacher

• Resource Room Teacher

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

OUTSIDE SALES

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

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

Eldercare Offered

The permit is taking forever, Part 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

Readers

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Electricians

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The LOCAL Act: a lifeline for L.I.’s small businesses

small businesses are the backbone of Long Island, fueling local economies and creating jobs.

But despite their vital role in empowering Long Islanders and enhancing local main streets, small businesses are struggling. Countless mom-and-pop shops are still reeling from the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, and small-business owners are grappling with inflation and facing fierce competition from corporate giants with massive marketing budgets.

Last month I took a major step to support Long Island’s small-business community by introducing the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally, or LOCAL, Act in the State Senate. The LOCAL Act, which was also introduced in the Assembly by member Jen Luns-

ford, would establish a tax credit for small businesses to promote their goods, products and services in local media outlets, from print and digital to television and radio.

The goal of the LOCAL Act is simple yet powerful: to help small businesses stretch their marketing dollars while connecting with their most important audience, their neighbors.

iThe LOCAL Act would level the playing field for Long Island’s small businesses by making marketing more affordable. It would also support local news outlets, which provide the journalism our communities rely on but that are struggling to stay afloat. As advertising revenue shrinks, more newsrooms are being forced to cut staff or shut down altogether, leaving neighborhoods without the local reporting they count on. The LOCAL Act directly addresses this issue head-on by encouraging small businesses to invest in these news outlets, providing a mutually beneficial lifeline for economic

growth.

t would level the playing field for them by making marketing more affordable.

When small businesses thrive, so do their communities. The LOCAL Act would focus on supporting any business with 10 or fewer employees as well as minority-, woman- and veteran-owned businesses of any size. For many owners of these businesses, the ability to advertise affordably in trusted, community-driven platforms like local newspapers would be a gamechanger. Local media outlets are well positioned to connect businesses with their neighbors and loyal customers who are eager to shop locally and uplift their communities.

Small businesses do more than drive economic growth — they strengthen the neighborhoods they serve, sponsor local initiatives and reflect the cultural identity of their communities. For this reason, The LOCAL Act has already garnered strong support from business groups across Long Island and the state, including the Long Island Association,

the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business and the thousands of small businesses each organization represents, as well as the more than 200 newspapers that make up the Empire State Local News Coalition. This is a testament to the urgency and importance of this legislation.

The LOCAL Act is a clear benefit for all New Yorkers. It’s a chance to make sure every dollar invested in marketing can help Long Island foster a vibrant economic environment where small businesses can grow and communities can prosper.

State legislators have a real chance to invest in solutions that make a difference for businesses and local economies across New York this year. By working alongside the Long Island business and local news community to pass this transformative bill, we will empower small businesses, uplift local journalism and create stronger, more vibrant communities for generations to come.

Monica Martinez represents the 4th State Senate District.

We must protect our immigrants

The current threat of deportation for many of Long Island’s immigrants is unjust, unwise and cruel. Members of Pax Christi Long Island, representing the Catholic peace movement, urge our community to recognize the long tradition of Catholic social teaching that guides us to the command of Jesus in Matthew 25 that we “welcome the stranger.”

As a devout Jew, Jesus knew well the command of Leviticus 19:33-34: “When an alien resides with you in your land, do not mistreat such a one. You shall treat the alien who resides with you no different than the natives born among you …”

Catholic bishops:

Our belief in the dignity of the human person demands that we treat immigrants with respect and recognize their great contributions. But our nation imposes quotas and bureaucracies that make legal immigration overwhelmingly difficult, and brands those who flee their troubled homelands as “illegals.”

At this time, our nation seems to be both shunning and relying on immigrants. As a new surge of poisonous nativism creates fear among the immigrant communities, Pope Francis has spoken clearly in a letter to American

“I have followed closely the major crisis that is taking place in the United States with the initiation of a program of mass deportations. The rightly formed conscience cannot fail to make a critical judgment and express its disagreement with any measure that tacitly or explicitly identifies the illegal status of some migrants with criminality. At the same time, one must recognize the right of a nation to defend itself and keep communities safe from those who have committed violent or serious crimes while in the country or prior to arrival. That said, the act of deporting people who in many cases have left their own land for reasons of extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution or serious deterioration of the environment, damages the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families, and places them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness. . . . The true common good is promoted when society and government, with creativity and strict respect for the rights of all — as I have affirmed on numerous occasions — welcomes, protects, promotes and integrates the most fragile, unprotected and vulnerable.”

As Long Island residents, we have deep connections with the immigrant community. They are family members, friends, classmates, neighbors and coworkers. Our decades of experience show that most immigrants are hardworking and law-abiding. The Immigration Research Institute reports that immigrants account for 22 percent of Long Island’s economic output. Across New York state, undocumented immigrants contribute $1.1 billion in state and local taxes.

We value and respect local law enforcement officers. We remind them that enforcing federal policy on immigrants is the responsibility of the federal government. We urge local law enforcement to refrain from collaboration with federal immigration agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, unless a person is detained because of a criminal act or has a criminal record. We also remind local law enforcement that:

ship have always been respected as places of refuge. No law enforcement agency should be allowed to violate those spaces without probable cause.

■ People reporting crimes should not be forced to prove their identity before they are helped. This is especially true in cases of domestic violence.

■ Minors should not be intimidated or questioned unnecessarily; rather, they should be protected.

Pax Christi Long Island stands with our immigrant community because it’s the right thing to do. We acknowledge their sizable contribution to the health and welfare of Long Island. We ask all Long Islanders to embrace and protect them nonviolently from injustice and abuse. We hope to remain true to our religious tradition and the universal standard of decency, by treating all people the way we would like to be treated.

■ No one can enter a private dwelling unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. An administrative order signed by ICE does not meet legal criteria for entering a private dwelling.

■ Hospitals, schools, and places of wor-

Pax Christi Long Island members Sister Mary Beth Moore and Sister Evelyn Lamoureux are Catholic nuns who have worked with immigrants for decades. Pax Christi Long Island can be contacted at catholic peaceli@gmail.com.

opinionS

Battery energy storage systems are a growing threat

new York state is on the verge of making a critical mistake — one that could jeopardize the safety of our communities while stripping local governments of their rightful authority to protect their residents. Senate Bill S5506 proposes to transfer the approval and siting of battery energy storage systems to the hands of an unelected state agency, the Office of Renewable Energy Siting, overriding local moratoriums and zoning laws enacted for public safety. This is an unacceptable overreach, and I strongly oppose it.

Battery storage systems, particularly large-scale lithium-ion facilities, pose serious risks. They have a well-documented history of catastrophic fires that firefighters have no reliable means to extinguish. In many cases, the only option is to let these fires burn out, releasing toxic fumes and heavy metals into the air, soil and water.

We’ve seen the consequences firsthand. In California, the Vista and Otay Mesa battery storage facility fires resulted in significant environmental damage and community evacuations.

AHere in New York, Lyme, the Hamptons and Warwick have experienced similar fires. These incidents leave communities grappling with health hazards, environmental destruction and unanswered questions about the long-term risks.

fires won’t happen again. And if they do, no one has a proven method to contain them. “Let it burn” is not a fire-suppression strategy.

TMunicipalities such as Mahopac, Duanesburg and Amsterdam have wisely enacted bans or moratoriums on BESS installations, and others are considering similar measures. Residents who have conducted independent research understand the risks and are unwilling to wait for a disaster to confirm their fears. Even industry representatives, when pressed, admit they wouldn’t live near one of these facilities — admissions that speak volumes.

he risks posed by these facilities far outweigh any speculative benefits.

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Fire Interagency Working Group is still trying to develop recommendations on how to handle these fires, which proves one thing: The state is not prepared. If emergency response teams don’t yet know how to handle BESS fires, why are we rushing to install these facilities near homes and schools?

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President Doreen Harris recently voted to ban BESS in her hometown of Duanesburg, citing public-health risks. Yet her agency pushes for these facilities to be forced on other communities. This level of hypocrisy is staggering, and unacceptable.

New York is a home-rule state, and it must remain that way. No one knows our communities better than the local officials elected to represent them. Removing their authority in favor of an unelected state agency is an affront to the people of New York.

Supporters of these projects argue that battery storage is essential for renewable energy. But let’s be clear: BESS facilities do not generate energy — they only store it. Worse, they require constant power to maintain cooling systems. When those systems fail, the results can be deadly. Many of these facilities even require backup diesel generators, completely undermining New York’s so-called green energy goals. This isn’t about opposing renewable energy — it’s about ensuring public safety. No one can guarantee that these

Furthermore, the financial burden of these projects remains largely unknown. The cost of a single proposed BESS in the Town of Hempstead is estimated at $14 million, with upgrades required every 10 to 15 years. Who will ultimately foot the bill? The answer is simple: New York’s already overburdened taxpayers. New evidence suggests deep conflicts of interest in the BESS industry. Paul Rogers, a former FDNY lieutenant and a proponent of BESS, is a founder of Energy Safety Response Group, which has contracts with several battery-storage companies on Long Island and across the nation. Rogers has attended community meetings, and assured residents that “nothing’s going to happen” — an assertion proven false time and again.

We must learn from California’s failures, not repeat them. The risks posed by these battery storage facilities far outweigh any speculative benefits. I urge my colleagues in the Legislature to reject Senate Bill S5506 and allow local governments to continue protecting their communities.

There is no “greater good” when the cost is putting New Yorkers in harm’s way. We must take a stand. Urge Governor Hochul to stop the mandates, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and the Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment, or RAPID, Act. The health and safety of our communities must take priority over Albany’s green energy agenda.

Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.

Some thoughts on books, privilege and girlhood

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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History should not be a political casualty

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

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

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

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

letters

tively deleted without serious consequences for society as a whole.

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

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

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

Our representatives must stand up for Medicaid funding

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

opinions Preparing for real work, not just a job

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

roBert a . sCott

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Letters

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

JoSePh W. SChMIdT Board of Directors chair

Developmental Disabilities Institute Wantagh

Why is all that opioid money sitting idle?

To the editor:

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

$95.5 million.

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

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

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

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

The benefits of college graduation are well known:

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

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

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

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

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