The Oceanside Library celebrated Dr. Seuss last Sunday. Clockwise from top left above were Meryl Pearlstein, Patricia Roth, Kathy Schirrmacher, Dan Faust, Janet Pearsall, library Director Chris Marra, Assistant Director Tony Iovino, Angela Iovino, Sandi Schoell and Michael Ambrosio. From near right, 4-year-old Eve Hardy and her 8-year old sister, Scarlett, had fun at the St. Seuss Clay Creations. Story, more photos, Page 3.
Town approves moratorium on battery project
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Island Park residents gathered at a Town of Hempstead board meeting on Feb. 25, at which the board voted to pass a one-year moratorium on a proposed 40-megawatt lithium Battery Energy Storage System slated to be installed at 4200 Industrial Place in the village. The proposed facility is designed to store lithium-ion batteries that can help stabilize the energy grid, and reduce both reliance on fossil fuels and energy costs. But the technology comes with a history of dangerous incidents. Fires in similar facilities, including a catastrophic event in Moss Landing, California, in January have demonstrated that when the batteries fail, they can enter a “thermal runaway” state, burning uncontrollably for days and releasing toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the environment.
Former U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, a longtime firefighter, was a vocal opponent of bat-
tery storage facilities, citing the serious fire hazards. Most fire departments, he said at the meeting, are unprepared for lithium-ion battery fires, which can burn at extremely high temperatures and are notoriously difficult to extinguish.
“Being a 25-year member of the Island Park Fire Department, I will tell you that the Nassau County Fire Service is one of the premier fire services in this country, and their training is paramount,” D’Esposito said. “But there are very few, if any, fire departments or districts in this country that are prepared to extinguish fires of this nature.”
In a letter to the Town Board, the county fire marshal’s office revoked a permit related to the storage system project, and council members were advised not to answer public questions due to potential litigation. They did, however, allow extensive public testimony from residents expressing concerns about the facility.
Continued on page 13
Maureen Lennon/Herald photos
How federal budget bill could impact L.I.
More than 700 people attended a live budget briefing with Reps. Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi at Hofstra University that focused on the potentially harmful effects of the partisan budget reconciliation bill passed by the House of Representatives on Feb. 25.
Suozzi opened the March 1 briefing with a detailed PowerPoint, explaining that Congress has yet to pass a full budget for fiscal year 2025 and is currently relying on temporary “Continuing Resolutions,” the latest of which expires on March 14.
He emphasized that the reconciliation bill, which sets the federal government’s spending and revenue for the next decade, would create massive deficits by cutting taxes for the wealthiest Americans while slashing critical programs.
“I support cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, but this bill will slash essential funding for hospitals, nursing homes, environmental projects, clean air and water initiatives, school lunches, and more,” Suozzi said in a news release after the event. “Let’s use a scalpel, not a chainsaw — pass a bipartisan budget and do it the right way.”
All Democratic members of Congress, including Suozzi and Gillen, voted against the bill, along with one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky.
“This briefing was a crucial opportunity for Long Islanders to learn more
about the budget process and hear from local experts on how the proposed budget would impact our communities,” Gillen said in the release. “This budget would rip thousands of people from their healthcare, gut programs that my constituents rely on, and raise costs for working families. I’ll always work across the aisle when it means delivering results for Long Island, but I won’t support a bill that’s bad for Nassau County.”
The event also featured speakers such as Michael Dowling, CEO of Northwell Health, the largest employer in the state, Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters, Randi Shubin Dresner, CEO of
Island Harvest, and Stanfort Perry, CEO of AHRC Nassau. Each highlighted the potential damage the proposed budget cuts could do to their sectors.
“I’ve been through budget battles before, and they’re tough. But budgets are not just about numbers; they’re about people’s lives,” Dowling said in the release. “Decency must be part of the process. You can make tough decisions, but when you combine bad numbers with indecency and a lack of humanity, it makes everything worse.”
Tighe noted the environmental risks posed by the budget.
“The proposed cuts threaten the progress we’ve made in cleaning up our
air and water and advancing affordable clean energy,” she said in the release. Clean air and water should not be partisan issues. All Americans deserve access to stable, homegrown energy that isn’t subject to the volatile cost of fossil fuels.”
Shubin Dresner expressed concern about the impact on food security programs.
“Island Harvest has $2 million in funding currently frozen, putting 17 critical programs at risk,” she said in the release. “You can’t solve a budget crisis by cutting support for the most vulnerable.”
Perry emphasized the dangers of proposed cuts to Medicaid services for people with disabilities.
“We cannot endure these cuts,” he said in the release. “When agencies like AHRC Nassau can’t provide the care people with disabilities need, they end up in hospitals or nursing homes. This isn’t fiscal responsibility—it’s harming those who need help the most.”
“These issues matter to our community, and people are paying attention,” Suozzi stated in the release. “Over 700 Long Islanders came today to learn how Washington’s decisions affect their lives. I’m proud of my community, and I will continue to fight for the programs and services Long Island depends on.”
–Jeffrey Bessen
discussed by Reps. Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi and several organization leaders at Hofstra University on March 1.
O’Sides Dr. Seuss Day encourages reading
Oceanside residents gathered on March 2nd for the Annual Dr. Seuss & Friends Day, a cherished community tradition celebrating literacy and creativity. Families enjoyed lively story time sessions, interactive crafts, and special appearances by beloved Seuss characters.
Children participated in themed activities, while parents and local leaders embraced the spirit of the event. The day highlighted the power of storytelling in bringing the community together, making this year’s celebration another resounding success.
–Kepherd Daniel
Maureen Lennon/Herald photos
Town of Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray and Councilwoman Laura Ryder had fun with Jen and Alex Cruz and their kids Gisele and Kei crafting at the Dr. Seuss craft table.
Kaitlin Brady makes balloons for Hannah Russo and her mommy.
Amy Goldfarb with her kids five-year old Austin and three-year old Dylan.
Michael Ambrosio was decked out with his Dr. Seuss gear.
Island Park PTA to host first wellness fair
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Island Park PTA is gearing up for its first-ever Health & Wellness Fair on March 6 at Lincoln Orens Middle School, an event designed to educate and engage the community in maintain-
ing a healthy lifestyle. The PTA hopes this initiative will spark ongoing discussions, activities, and future events centered around health and wellness.
“We are hoping that this will be the first of many,” said Amanda Ruderman, a registered nurse and PTA volunteer who has been spearheading the event.
What is Elder Law Estate Planning?
“Elder Law Estate Planning” is an area of law that combines features of both elder law (disability planning) and estate planning (death planning) and relates mostly to the needs of the middle class. Estate planning was formerly only for the wealthy, who wanted to shelter their assets from taxes and pass more on to their heirs. But today estate planning is also needed by the middle class who often have assets exceeding one million dollars, especially when you consider life insurance in the mix.
Estate planning with trusts became popular starting in 1991 when AARP published “A Consumer Report on Probate” concluding that probate should be avoided and trusts should be used to transfer assets to heirs without the expense and delay of probate, a court proceeding on death. Trusts are also widely used today to avoid guardianship proceedings on disability, protect privacy, and reduce the chance of a will contest in court.
As the population aged, life expectancies increased, and the cost of care skyrocketed, the field of elder law emerged in the late 1980’s to help people protect assets from the cost of long-term care by using Medicaid asset protection strategies.
We have been practicing “elder law estate planning” together for over thirty-five years to address these needs:
• Getting your assets to your heirs, with the least amount of court costs, taxes and legal fees possible.
• Keeping your assets in the bloodline for your grandchildren and protecting those assets from your children’s divorces, lawsuits and creditors.
• Protecting your assets from the costs of long-term care and qualifying you for government benefits to pay for your home care or facility care.
• Avoiding guardianship proceedings if you become disabled and probate court proceedings on death.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
“Our goal is to spread awareness and teach children and adults about health while making it fun and accessible.”
The fair will begin at 6 p.m. feature over 30 vendors in an expo-style set up in the school gym, alongside several interactive activities throughout the evening. A highlight of the event will be a performance by KerboomKidz, an energetic group that promotes movement and dance as essential aspects of a healthy lifestyle. They will lead a warmup session and activities for children throughout the event.
Other notable participants include Central Nassau County, which will be offering Narcan training every 15 minutes, and health experts like Erin Parker, owner of Yoga with M.E., who will lead yoga demonstrations and mindfulness activities. Additionally, Nicole Rodriguez, a registered dietitian from Enjoy Food. Enjoy Life., will provide insights on packing healthy snacks, complete with delicious samples.
Beyond education, the fair aims to inspire community involvement. Ruderman emphasized the importance of partnerships, inviting local experts and
businesses to contribute to the health and wellness of Island Park. “If someone has expertise in a field or a business focused on health, we’d love to collaborate,” she said.
With hopes of making this an annual tradition, the PTA is already looking ahead to a potential outdoor health fair in the summer, covering topics such as sun safety, swim safety, and bike safety. Ruderman also hopes to incorporate mobile health clinics and vaccine services.
“I am hoping that families will have access to many resources available to help their family remain healthy,” Ruderman said. “I am hoping kids will see that being and staying healthy is fun and shows children that there is so much we can do to make ourselves healthy and well. Taking care of our body and mind are important skills we can share as a family.”
The Island Park PTA welcomes all community members to attend and take advantage of the wealth of resources available. For more information or to get involved, reach out to the Island Park PTA.
Herald File Photo
The first Island Park Health and Wellness fair will take place ifrom 6 p.m to 8 p.m in the gymnasium of Lincoln Orens Middle School on Thursday.
LONG LIVE
Many ways to access great doctors? We have that. Simple mobile app? We have that, too. Convenient locations for primary, specialty and urgent care? Absolutely. On Long Island, you have options in health care. But at Catholic Health, we'd like to remind you to choose you first – because we did, too. Long Live You and Long Live Long Island™
Blakeman makes his case for re-election
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced his plans to run for a second four-year term at a campaign kickoff event on Feb. 24. His opponent will be County Legislator Seth Koslow, a Democrat.
Over the past three and a half years, Blakeman and his team have taken pride in protecting residents’ money by reversing tax hikes he said were implemented by the prior administration.
“We have an amazing team of very competent, caring people, and they’re smart and they have common sense,” Blakeman said.
Initiatives he has implemented include signing an executive order to ensure that Nassau does not become a sanctuary county, and doesn’t spend residents’ tax dollars on services for those coming to the U.S. illegally.
“We’re spending our resources, our money on Nassau County residents, on our parks, our highways, our schools, in the hiring of cops,” Blakeman said. “We’re not going to be the ones who take people in who haven’t been vetted. We see the criminal activity they’ve been engaged in, so it was the right decision to make.”
Blakeman has also banned the wearing of masks in public, except for those
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald
There was a celebratory mood at Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s re-election kickoff rally at American Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa on Feb. 24.
who wear them for health or religious reasons. He said that this initiative was to cut down on crimes, including antisemitic crime.
Additionally, Blakeman signed an executive order to protect women and girls in sports by preventing biological males from competing on their teams and from being permitted in their lock-
er rooms.
Recalling his last campaign, he said that the one thing he wanted everyone to know was that he believed that when it comes to government, a new administration needed to return the county back to normalcy and common sense.
“And we did that,” he said. “We’ve gotten back to our American values
now. We’ve gotten back to the things our parents and our grandparents taught us, the values that have made this a great county and a great nation.”
North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena spoke about Blakeman’s unwavering support for her communities. “I have called him many times, and he has helped me without fail,” DeSena said. “When we had overwhelming floods hurting our neighbors in Manhasset, I called Bruce, and he and the Department of Public Works cleared the sump that gave our residents relief. When our Jewish brothers and sisters were scared after that Oct. 7 terrorist attack, I called Bruce, and he sent the police to protect them. Bruce loves Nassau County, and we are safer and better with him as Nassau County executive.”
Koslow, who has served as a county legislator for a little over a year, is a lifelong Nassau resident. He said that he was looking to bringing the transparency, honesty and responsiveness he is known for to the county executive’s office.
“I may be relatively new to politics compared to lifelong politician Bruce Blakeman,” Koslow said, “but I know one thing for sure, which is that putting politics over public safety is a disgrace, and it should disqualify anyone from leading a county of over 1.3 million people.”
Reworld Honors Long Island’s Champions At Herald Sustainability Awards Gala
STAFF REPORT
Last week Reworld™ celebrated several of Long Island’s sustainability leaders, educators, and community advocates as part of its ongoing efforts to empower community and environmental advocacy initiatives and to raise awareness of sustainability locally. The honors were presented during the recent Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld, held at the Heritage Club at Bethpage. The event provided a platform to recognize individuals and organizations making significant contributions to advancing sustainable policies, protecting natural resources, educating future generations, and implementing community-driven initiatives to improve the region’s environmental landscape. In addition to honoring established community programs, Reworld also awarded two local students with $2,500 in prizes for their inspirational efforts to enhance quality of life in the region and encourage sustainability for generations to come.
“Our work helps Long Island communities reduce environmental impact while creating new opportunities for sustainability,” said Dawn Harmon, Director, Long Island Market, Reworld.
“Through our Long Island facilities, we eliminate the need for additional landfill space and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are so proud to support those leading the way in sustainability on Long Island and beyond.”
Among those honored were Don X. Clavin, Jr., Hempstead Town Supervisor, and Rich Schaffer, Babylon Town Supervisor, for their leadership in environmental policy. John D. Cameron, Jr., P.E., of IMEG, was recognized for his contributions as an environmental engineering leader. Randi Shubin Dresner of Island Harvest was acknowledged for her efforts in sustainable community leadership. Organizations such as the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Seatuck Environmental Association, and Cornell
Cooperative Extension Nassau County were highlighted for their community impact in sustainability. Leaders like Eric Swenson of the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee, Robert Weltner of Operation SPLASH, and the Rotary Environmental Action Coalition of Huntington (REACH) were also celebrated for their dedication to environmental preservation.
Additionally, educators Jennifer Lasher and Lissette Pellegrino from Barnum Woods Elementary School were honored as environmental stewards in education. Stony Brook
University’s Esther Poon was honored along with two younger student honorees who were recognized for their outstanding commitment to sustainability. Louisiana State University freshman and 11-year-old Joseph Petraro received the award for his dedication to a range of community empowerment programs through Joe’s Be Kind Campaign, such as Clean Wells for Humanity which addresses global water scarcity. Desiree Mohammadi, a student at South Woods Middle School who is 12 years old, was honored for developing Seeds of Hope, an initiative that donates thousands of seeds to be planted at community gardens across Long Island to combat food insecurity sustainably.
As the presenting sponsor, Reworld is committed to supporting those at the forefront of environmental progress. With four facilities in Westbury, West Babylon, East Northport, and Ronkonkoma, the company processes two-thirds of Long Island’s waste, recycling 60,000 tons of metals and generating enough electricity to power thousands of homes each year. Through its efforts, Reworld™ reduces the need for landfill expansion, cuts greenhouse gas emissions, and helps local communities adopt sustainable waste solutions.
Beyond this event, Reworld remains committed to fostering sustainability throughout Long Island with year-round programs that engage local schools, nonprofit organizations, and municipal partners.Through educational initiatives, community cleanups, and environmental awareness campaigns, Reworld continues to support the next generation of sustainability advocates while strengthening the region’s commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
For more information about Reworld and its initiatives that support various community empowerment and environmental programs fostering positive change locally and globally, please visit www.reworldwaste.com.
To view more pictures please visit www. richnerlive.com.
Holden Leeds/HERALD
Azeez Mohammed, CEO of Reworld delivers welcoming remarks.
Jason Thomas/HERALD
Reworld Lead Community Relations Specialist, Maureen Early (left), with honoree president and CEO Randi Shubin Dresner of Island Harvest (center) and Reworld Long Island Market Director, Dawn Harmon.
Holden Leeds/HERALD
Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin, Jr. addresses the audience after receiving his award.
L.I. Futsal Academy captures Regional
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
The Long Island Futsal Academy’s Girls U18 Team captured the U.S. Futsal Federation Northeast Regional championship Feb. 17 in Atlantic City, defeating Arsenal Academy Saint-Loius from Quebec, Canada, 2-1 on a late goal by Amelia Fort.
The victory, which also featured a goal from Gracie Sanders and 11 saves from goalkeeper Brooke Delzatto, qualified the team for USFF Nationals in Las Vegas, adding to its growing list of accomplishments. It has also qualified for U.S. Youth Futsal Nationals in Kansas City after finishing runner-up in the Mid-Atlantic Regional.
Both national tournaments take place during the same week — beginning July 18 — but coach Chris Sanders said the decision which one to attend wasn’t difficult.
“The USFF Northeast Regional was the biggest tournament we’ve ever won, but the window is closing for this group of girls to compete in the USYF so we’re going to Kansas City,” he said.
LIFA, with approximately 100 mem-
bers, is comprised of some of the most talented young players in the area, including former Olympic Development Program soccer players, past club futsal and soccer teammates, and high school teammates including All-County honorees.
Merrick’s Izzy Rohr, Oceanside’s Sam Gemmo and Natalia Seminatore, Baldwin’s Vanessa Frangiadakis, Bellmore’s Alanna Schectman and Massapequa’s Kaia Mueller are part of the 11-deep U18 girls roster.
Futsal is a fast-paced, skill-focused variation of soccer played on a hard court primarily indoors with a smaller, low-bounce ball. It emphasizes quick decision-making, technical ability, and creativity — qualities that have helped many world-class soccer players develop their game. The sport originated in 1930 when Juan Carlos Ceriani Gravier, a teacher in Uruguay, created a version of indoor football for play in YMCAs.
It’s 5-on-5, including goalkeepers, with unlimited substitutions permitted on the fly. The playing surface, with a minimum size of 82’ by 52’, is marked by lines; no walls or boards are used. There are two periods of 20 minutes with stoppages
inside of two minutes each period.
Beyond the U18 team’s regional success, it has dominated locally as well. The girls have competed in a Long Island futsal league, winning the championship three straight seasons. In the last two years, they went undefeated, and this year, they took on an even greater challenge by moving up to a division where they compete against boys their age, continuing to prove their skill and resilience.
LIFA won four games over three days
Courtesy Linda Chico
Leading the LIFA’s U18 success are, back row from left, coach Chris Sanders, Amelia Fort, Natalia Seminatore, Brooke Delzatto, Kaia Mueller, Izzy Rohr and Alanna Schectman, and front row from left, Vanessa Frangiadakis, Gracie Sanders and Leila Racines Romero.
at the Atlantic City Convention Center, beginning with a 4-1 triumph Feb. 15 over defending USFF champion Safira Futsal Academy from Massachusetts. Fort scored twice and both Gracie Sanders and Delzatto scored into an empty net. Sanders had the game’s lone goal the next day in a win over Amiral de Jean de la Mennais 0 (La Prairie, Quebec) with four minutes remaining in regulation, while Sanders, Mueller, Frangiadakis and Rohr scored in a 4-1 semifinal win over Connecticut-based Hat City Futsal.
A Country Dancing night in Island Park
The Kiwanis Club of Island Park hosted a lively Country Line Dancing Night on Feb. 27 at Michael’s Billiards. Attendees enjoyed a night of toe-tapping country music, dance lessons, and open floor dancing. Residents came out to support the work of the Island Park Club, and, for some, try their hand at country dancing for the first time. The evening kicked off at 6:30 p.m. with dance lessons from 7 to 8 p.m., ensuring that both beginners and seasoned dancers were ready to hit the floor. From 8 to 10 p.m., attendees enjoyed open-floor dancing, showcasing their best moves while enjoying a mix of classic and contemporary country hits.
The event featured a cash bar, food, and exciting 50/50 raffles. With a fantastic turnout, the evening brought the community together for a funfilled night of music and movement, all in support of local initiatives.
– Kepherd Daniel
Skye Margies/Herald photos
Participants got into the country spirit and put their best foot forward for a fun night of country line dancing.
Kaitlin Messmer dressed up in her best country boots and got down and danced to the rhyhtm of the toe-tappin beat.
Friends Holly Anne Haleiko, Melissa Cefal, and Paula felt the countrty vibes on the dance floor at I.P. line dancing night.
Island Park Kiwanis Club President Karen Davis and Alina Castelluzzo showing off the Kiwanis’ raffle prizes.
Samantha and Marisa taking a water break from the dance craze.
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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Parrish-Brown removes stigma around trauma
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Continuing a month-long series of interviews with influential area women in honor of Women’s History Month.
Shanell Parrish-Brown is an attorney, author, professor, consultant, speaker and thought leader.
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Shanell Parrish-Brown: I’m a child of domestic violence. My father was incarcerated for the early years of my life and came home with many issues that affected our family structure. But he gave me a gift. He would force me to read high-level texts, and it created my love of vocabulary.
I’ve always been a writer. So in 2017, I wrote a novel called “Gifts in Brown Paper Packages.” I didn’t set out initially to write a novel I would publish. In fact, what I set out to do, at the encouragement of my therapist, was process some childhood experiences that this therapist thought I should be talking about in our sessions. Those are things that certainly shaped me, but I didn’t want to be defined in that way. So my writing changed that.
Herald: What do you do? Why?
Parrish-Brown: I run a business where I publish literary work, and I provide programming and education consulting for all audiences. I’m a resilience builder. I teach a course at Fordham University about trauma and family violence, which features my novel as one of the reference materials.
My premise is that if we’re not interacting with our youth from a traumainformed place, we can recognize that kids who are acting out are likely responding to trauma. If we’re not interacting with children from that perspective, they get lost. Mental health challenges in children, like suicidal ideation, have only been exacerbated. We really should be addressing these issues on every single level.
get the press that it needs. I’m also running a business as an independent consultant, and working with government systems is difficult. But I keep going, and I stay in the work. I continue to put myself in spaces where I can meet people and share my work. I do calls with anyone who’s interested in hearing about the work I’m doing, even if they can’t hire me. It puts me in a place where I have opportunities to spread awareness.
Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?
Parrish-Brown: Some of my proudest moments come out of my classroom. It’s every single time I leave a class, and a student comes up to me asking if they can hug me.
nated with them. We have more similarities as a human race, and trauma doesn’t have a Zip code.
Herald: What advice would you offer? What work is left to be done?
Parrish-Brown: We need more trauma awareness. It’s a prerequisite to action. What we don’t know, or don’t seek to know, gives people the ability to keep their heads in the sand.
One of my goals is to open a resilience institute. It’s really about validating the need for us as a society to be promenading and dialoging around resilience, and that’s what I want to capture.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?
Parrish-Brown: The biggest challenge in my work is access. We have to normalize awareness of trauma, because it’s an area that doesn’t really
One of my proudest moments came from a two-hour resilience workshop I did in South Bronx. It was a Spanishspeaking audience, and I don’t speak Spanish, so I had an interpreter. These parents had tears in their eyes after leaving the session. They were fully engaged and telling me what I said reso-
Why are we not teaching about trauma? Many of my students say I’m the first person to inform them about it. Talking about it helps people realize their own experience with trauma. I’ll have students pouring out themselves in their papers, and I can sit down and ask them if they’re seeing someone about it. That’s why I want a platform and the ability to raise awareness around this work.
To learn more about Shanell ParrishBrown’s work, visit her website, SPBrownWrites.com.
Lauren Wagner leads Long Island Arts Alliance
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Wagner: I’m Lauren Wagner, an arts advocate, nonprofit leader and champion for the creative sector. I lead Long Island Arts Alliance, where I work to ensure the arts are recognized, supported and celebrated as essential to our communities. With a background in arts administration and museum studies, I’m passionate about connecting the arts with education, economic growth and community development.
Herald: What do you do? Why?
keeps you going/inspires you?
Wagner: One of the biggest challenges has been fighting the perception that the arts are expendable. Time and again, I’ve seen arts funding slashed, despite the undeniable impact of the creative sector. What keeps me going is knowing that when we equip organizations with the right tools — data, advocacy and visibility — they can thrive. Seeing the arts make a real difference in communities, in schools and in people’s lives fuels my passion.
Wagner: I lead Long Island Arts Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the arts through advocacy, education and resources. I do this work because I believe the arts are not just about creativity — they’re about economic prosperity, community identity and shaping the future. The arts are often overlooked when funding decisions are made, and I’m committed to changing that narrative.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what
Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?
Wagner: Professionally, one of my proudest moments was leading Long Island’s first-ever economic impact study on the arts. Providing hard data that proves the arts are a powerful economic engine — and watching organizations use that data to secure funding — has been incredibly rewarding. Personally, my proudest moments are raising my two young sons and instilling in them a love for creativity and learning.
Herald: What advice would you offer? What work is left to be done?
are
Wagner: My advice? Advocate relentlessly. The arts need champions who won’t accept being sidelined. And never separate numbers from stories — data alone doesn’t inspire, and stories without facts don’t drive action.
There’s still so much work ahead. We need stronger arts education policies,
more equitable funding, and continued efforts to make the arts a priority in economic development. But I believe that with the right strategy, the right voices and the right advocacy, we can get there.
For more information, visit LongIslandArtsAlliance.org.
SHANELL PARRISH-BROwN
LAUREN wAGNER
Courtesy Long Island Arts Alliance
Lauren Wagner, executive director of the Long Island Arts Alliance, said she believes the arts
worth fighting for. She spoke to the Huntington Arts Coalition in 2023.
I.P. residents worry about battery dangers
“These battery storage facilities are a direct and imminent threat to the expansion known as BESS,” said Island Park Mayor Michael McGinty at the meeting, echoing D’Esposito’s thoughts on the project. “This clear and present danger from the reckless proposed expansion without oversight, programmatic audit, transparency or substantive safety protocol measures represents an anathema to all of us. Our first responders, albeit volunteer firefighters, county and various local police services, are not trained nor equipped nor prepared for the possible toxicity inherent to the proposed storage facilities.”
Several speakers argued that a wellregulated BESS project could bolster grid resilience, reduce peak energy costs and generate local revenue and jobs. They stressed that renewable energy is essential for replacing outdated, polluting power plants, and that halting progress entirely could jeopardize future energy security.
“I think that there is a huge potential future for this if you take the challenge on and find a place where they can be done,” said George Povall, executive director of All Our Energy, an organization that advocates for renewable energy, environmental protection, and reducing plastic waste in New York state, particularly on Long Island. “Our organization would like to see good grid
resiliency, renewable energy, and cleaner energy on our grid. This can lead to lower electric bills. Most of what I’m hearing here today is fear-mongering nonsense. Train the fire professionals.”
Merrick resident Fred Harrison urged local leaders to replace a blunt moratorium with a task force modeled on the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s battery storage system guidelines.
“Our town has made commendable strides in renewable energy, but we must now address the legitimate fears our community holds about these battery systems,” Harrison said. A former social studies teacher and Model United Nations adviser, he urged officials to adopt the NYSERDA guidelines rather than imposing a moratorium. “We need a task force — a forum where concerns can be discussed openly — to forge a sensible path forward instead of halting progress outright,” Harrison said.
Some residents said they were particularly alarmed by the facility’s location, less than a mile from Lincoln Orens Middle School and only a few hundred feet from homes and businesses. They raised concerns about evacuation challenges, exposure to toxic emissions, and long-term health impacts.
“As a longtime resident who cherishes the safety and tranquility of our neighborhood, I find myself overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty,”
said. “When lithium-ion batteries fail, they can go into thermal runaway, releasing flammable and toxic gases that pose a serious explosion hazard.
The thought of such a facility in our midst, where we raise our children and build our lives, is truly terrifying.”
The Island Park School District submitted a letter to the board opposing the project. Jack Vobis, president of the Board of Education, represented the district, and stressed that any energy
island park resident Veronica dalton was among many residents of the village, as well as oceanside and Long Beach, who voiced their concerns about the Battery energy Storage System that would be installed on industrial place in island park.
project so close to educational institutions must include strict safeguards and transparent communication.
“Anyone that’s going to develop any kind of energy within that location, whether it’s made safe or where the training is better, the school district will be put at the bargaining table for developers and anyone else who’s going to build any type of plant or any type of energy source within Island Park,” Vobis said.
Island Park resident Deborah Dorenfast
Kepherd Daniel/Herald
Nobody covers YOUR HOME TOWN
Pianist and vocalist brings his talents to Island Park Library
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Island Park Library will soon be filled with the sounds of timeless melodies and a message of unity as pianist and vocalist Jay Daniels, 36, takes the stage this Saturday at 2 p.m. Daniels, a seasoned performer with a deep appreciation for classic tunes, will present his concert What the World Needs Now, a program dedicated to spreading warmth and connection through music.
The upcoming performance is part of Daniels’ extensive work bringing music to libraries and senior living communities. A full-time musician based in Collingswood, New Jersey, Daniels has crafted a career blending live performance with a heartfelt approach to musical storytelling.
“I’m a storyteller, and so themes really helped me to keep grounded, and it gives me purpose, Daniels said. “And the time that the guests are there, it gives them purpose too.”
A Life in Music
Daniels’ musical journey began early in his life, inspired by his grandfather, who played the organ and sang in a small church in Mineral, Virginia, where Daniels grew up.
“Music was always around me,” he recalled. “My dad’s family on his paternal and maternal side, they all had the gift of music. None of them really took it seriously, but they all had a musical ear. I had a natural ear for it, but I didn’t realize how gifted I was until years later.”
He began taking piano lessons at age seven and later worked in radio broadcasting, including jazz radio and a syndicated program. However, in 2015, he committed fully to music, performing themed concerts for audiences across the Northeast. Today, he plays a mix of classic standards, Broadway favorites, and jazz-infused pieces, continuing to refine his vocal talents under the guidance of Sarah Partridge and Michael Forest, a former tenor at the Metropoli-
tan Opera.
From Harlem to Island Park Daniels, who previously lived in Harlem, has maintained strong ties to the New York region despite relocating to South Jersey. He frequently performs at libraries, including those in Massapequa, West Hempstead, and Queens, and is set to perform at North Merrick Library on Memorial Day weekend with a Rodgers & Hammerstein-themed program.
“I won’t turn down that gig if Radio City calls, but I’m telling you, I believe that theres a certain exchange of emotional energy in these environments like we’re going to see over at Island Park,” Daniels said. “I don’t mind driving two and a half three hours, like I will on March 8 to come to see folks, because what I get in return makes it all worth it.”
His connection to Island Park Library came through a monthly promotional email he sends to venues. Library director Jessica Koenig reached out after seeing his offerings and was particularly interested in What the World Needs Now. The concert, built around the beloved Burt Bacharach and Hal David song, emphasizes the universal need for love and kindness—a message Daniels believes is more relevant than ever.
“Regardless of where you fall on the social and political spectrum, I think we can all agree that the world could use a lot more love these days,” he said.
A Special Performance For Daniels, each concert is about more than just the music—it’s about connection.
“Music brings people together in a way that few things can,” he shares. “I hope this concert leaves everyone feeling a little lighter, a little more hopeful.”
Island Park Library invites the community to join Jay Daniels on March 8 at 2 p.m for a night of timeless music and an inspiring message. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Courtesy Jay Daniels
Jay Daniels will bring a performance of love to Island Park this Saturday.
with Deals!
NCPD wellness center focus is mental health
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
The Nassau County Police Department unveiled a new wellness center at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 26. The center aims to support the mental health and well-being of law enforcement personnel and county employees by providing a place to relax, de-stress and connect with mental health resources.
Joining department members at police headquarters in Mineola for the ceremony were County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, District Attorney Anne Donnelly, Police Benevolent Association President Tommy Shevlin, and county legislators John Ferretti and Thomas McKevitt.
The wellness center, according to Blakeman, will serve as a safe space in which law enforcement personnel and county employees can address mental health and wellness concerns. It connects members with resources such as the employee assistance program, peer support and police chaplains.
Blakeman acknowledged that while mental health struggles, particularly suicide, were once stigmatized, open discussions are now helping those in distress find the support and therapy they need.
“This center is going to focus on keeping everybody in law enforcement in Nassau County well and healthy,”
Charles Shaw/Herald
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman cut the ribbon, alongside law enforcement officials and local leaders, to mark the opening of the Nassau County Police Department’s new wellness center on Feb. 26.
Blakeman said. “And that’s what we want to do.”
The center will function as a resource hub where officers and county employees can seek guidance and support. While there will be no clinicians on-site, trained staff will be on hand to talk and connect members with wellness services. Ryder highlighted the
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role of peer support, which offers immediate assistance to officers after traumatic incidents, such as the death of a child or a homicide scene.
“We always recognize the fallen,” Ryder said. “But there are a lot of people who get damaged along the way and don’t get recognized. Today we’re doing that.”
According to Ryder, the facility, a former museum, offers couches, massage chairs and televisions, and at atmosphere in which those feeling stressed can relax, have a cup of coffee and seek guidance.
Donnelly said it was a privilege to attend the center’s opening, and recognized its role in supporting those exposed to trauma. She noted its importance for law enforcement officers who must recount difficult experiences — and for assistant district attorneys who may need support after reviewing crime scene photos.
“The most important thing I believe we can do is care for those who care for us, and that’s the men and women of our Nassau County Police Department,” Donnelly said.
Detective Sgt. Michelle CliffordMarin will lead the center, a role that holds deep personal significance for her. Her brother, Nassau police officer Steven Clifford, died by suicide in 2017, at age 35, after serving in law enforcement for 12 years.
Clifford-Marin said that leading the project is an honor, and that it would be a privilege to help anyone who walks in to achieve a healthy mind, body and soul.
“We want everyone to be healthy,” she said, “and we want everyone to get the help they need, if they do need any help, to prevent additional tragedies like my brother.”
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19 • 6:00-9:00PM
The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale
CATHERINE FEE, MBA President Empire Government Strategies GOVERNMENT
HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS
AMY FLEISCHER
Development Director
Harmony Healthcare Long Island
DR EVELINA GRAYVER, MD, FACC
Director, Women s Heart Program, Northwell Health
Assistant Professor, Department of Cardiology
Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
DESIREE KRAJNYAK-BAKER
Executive Director Whisper Woods of Smithtown
ANNE PETRARO
Clinical Supervisor, Eclectic Psychotherapy Group
Executive Director, Mending Hearts Counseling
SUSAN NIELSEN
Therapist, Eclectic Psychotherapy Group of Nassau County
ALYSSA RAMIREZ
Business Development Manager
Silver Lining Homecare Agency
MEGAN C RYAN, ESQ
Chief Executive Officer & President Nassau University Medical Center Nassau Health Care Corporation
LINDA ARMYN President & CEO FOURLEAF FEDERAL CREDIT UNION *List is still in formation
Executive Director
Nassau County Medical Society & Nassau Academy of Medicine
LAURA C VOLPE, CHLP
HairLoss Practitioner, Trichology
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Plastic Surgeon
Vandegrift Plastic Surgery
HOSPITALITY
DOROTHY ROBERTS
President
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MEDIA & MARKETING
MELISSA N. MARSIGLIANO Founder & Creative Director Social Beehive, LLC
MARISA MORGILLO
President
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President
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KRISTY UVENA
Senior Vice President, B2B Marketing Optimum Business
MENTORSHIP
JOAN CALIENDO 2024 Ms New York Senior America New York Senior America
LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT
JENNIFER BAXMEYER Executive Director Cradle of Aviation Museum
CELINE GAZES
Chief Financial Officer
Suffolk Regional Off Track Betting Corp Jake’s 58 Hotel & Casino
LEGAL
CARRIE C ADDUCCI Partner
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JACQUELYN MASCETTI Partner
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NANCY SCHESS Partner
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MARY FU Chief Advancement Officer People’s Arc of Suffolk
EILEEN EGAN
Executive Director
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VP & Chief Development Officer Family and Children’s Association
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President & Founder Flutterflies Corp.
RISING STAR
ADRIANA LANE
Miss Long Island Teen 2025 Miss Long Island Pageants
KRISTEN ROSARIO
Miss Long Island 2025 Miss Long Island Pageants
SUSTAINABLE WASTE SOLUTIONS
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AMY G. MADMON, ESQ Member
Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, LLC
DANIELLE SCOTTI BELLI VP of Business Development PointVoIP
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ELIZABETH VOGEL VP & Chief Financial Officer CSDNet
STEPPING OUT
Feasts, floats, festivities
Get ready for Carnival at Long Island Children’s Museum
By Danielle Schwab
Bring the family to join in the good times when the Children’s Museum opens its doors to Carnival this weekend.
As a globally cherished cultural celebration, Carnival honors the unique traditions and diverse identities of each community it touches. Especially significant to Caribbean and Latin American cultures, it’s a vibrant cultural showcase of creativity and self-expression. These themes are woven into every aspect of the museum’s festivities, with the support of New York Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, to make this occasion truly special.
“The holiday is a great entry point of learning for our community and for families. It’s so vibrant and colorful and just a happy event. So it’s fun to give opportunities for people to really celebrate,” Aimee Terzulli, the museum’s vice president for programs and visitor experience, says.
Everyone can get moving to the sounds of drums with Samba and Salsa music guided by the dancers of the Brazilian Sama Novo troupe. Towering “Jumbie” stilt walkers, rooted as a symbol of spirit guardians, bring the magic to life as an iconic part of the Carnival
Louisiana Calling
From the deep roots tag team of Cajun slide guitar phenom Sonny Landreth and legendary New Orleans Latin-Americana rockers the Iguanas comes a mind-blowing musical trip through the scenic soundscape of the bayou. Still wet from crawling out of the swamps, this cross-pollinated confection will be both savory and sweet. Louisiana’s calling — here’s your chance to answer. Landreth’s unique spin on guitar playing has made him legendary. This Louisiana based Blues guitar wizard’s slide playing is distinctive and unlike anything else you’ve ever heard. He simultaneously plays slide and fingers the fret board producing a sound that is often said to resemble many instruments playing at once. His music encompasses Mississippi Delta blues, zydeco and Southern rock. He’s joined by The Iguanas, a fixture of the New Orleans music scene for over two decades.
Saturday, March 8, 8 p.m. $79, $69, $59. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
headpieces or even get their faces painted in elaborate designs to stand out in the crowd as they make their rounds through the museum.
“Costumes are often deep-rooted in cultural themes but are also a symbol of freedom and liberation, they often can mimic animals,” Terzulli says.
Guests can also create flags to show their cultural pride and represent the many countries that celebrate Carnival.
Before the parade kicks off, everyone will have a chance to decorate themed floats and even meet some very special party guests.
“We’ll have our animal specialists showing certain animals that are part of our collection and show them how some of these animals are connected to certain float themes, typically in the Caribbean or in Latin America,” Terzulli adds.
life celebration.
• Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9
• Performances at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older
True to Carnival’s festive spirit, a King and Queen will be crowned to lead the crowd with energy and flair. But don’t worry, there’s a role for everyone — both kids and adults — to involve everyone, according to Terzulli.
Colin Jost
Plus, a special performance from the fourth and fifth graders at Elmont’s Dutch Broadway School will get feet jumping to the beat.
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
“It’s about communities really coming together and celebrating different talents and roles that they have.“ she says. “Families that can learn together have tremendous value when you come together to learn something new.”
Although the holiday is celebrated at various times during the year, hosting it in March provides the perfect opportunity to embrace the changing seasons.
“The students have created lessons in different dances that are involved like reggae and calypso, typical for Caribbean culture,” Terzulli explains. “Generation to generation learning is powerful. We want kids teaching other kids.”
“The students teaching other kids.”
Need some fuel after all that dancing? Delicious treats — both sweet and savory — will tempt visitors, including Haitian beignets, marinades, tropical juices, and cocoa bread. And naturally, no Carnival would be complete without a massive parade to ring in the holiday. Families can create wearable crafts such as beaded whistles and feathery
“In March, we’re still not quite in spring so it’s a great way to spend time with your family indoors in a very celebratory way,” Terzulli reminds everyone.
The event is part of a series of cultural festivals the museum is hosting to invite Long Island communities to learn and celebrate together.
“We want people to know about each other and celebrate all the great similarities and differences that make our cultures vibrant and alive here,” Terzulli says.
Live … from Long Island … it’s Colin Jost! From Saturday Night Live to standup to his appearances in film, other TV ventures and even authoring a memoir, Jost is seemingly everywhere. He is currently in the middle of his 11th season as SNL’s “Weekend Update” co-anchor, and his 20th as an SNL writer. His accolades are many: five Writers Guild Awards, two Peabody Awards and 15 Emmy nominations for his writing on “SNL.” Among other endeavors, Jost debuted “A Very Punchable Face” in 2020, His memoir is a series of essays that documents pivotal moments in Jost’s life, including growing up in Staten Island in a family of firefighters, commuting three hours a day to high school, attending Harvard while Facebook was created and more.
Thursday, March 13, 8 and 10 p.m.
Photo on bottom: Be sure to create a parade-worthy headdress and design a whistle to toot some
$129.50, $119.50, $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Photos courtesy LICM
Photo on top left: Towering stilt walkers, known as Jumbies, are an iconic Carnival element.
Photo on top right: Ron DeFrancesco, Sama Novo director, creates the beats.
Carnival spirit.
Anthony Rodia
Anthony Rodia is back with his “Laugh Til It Hurts” tour, on the Paramount stage, Friday, March 15, 7:30 and 10 p.m.; also Saturday, March 16, 7 and 9:30 p.m. His allnew routine is refreshingly genuine and quick witted! A first-generation Italian-American from Westchester, Rodia’s comedy pulls from his razorsharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a rant. He came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path as a finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. He hit the ground running and performed 100 shows in just nine months, and within three years gained a massive fan base online and around the country. In a short time, Anthony gained over 900,000 social media followers and his YouTube videos have amassed over 22 million views.
Rodia’s comedy pulls from his real life and razor-sharp observations on marriage, parenthood, road rage, and everything else worthy of a rant. With the onset of quarantine, he made the most of a captive audience, delivering a staggering 86 weekly videos. “Road Rage Wednesday” became a fan favorite, but his Uncle Vinny and Zia Lucia characters transformed into a phenomenon. They are the crazy uncle and aunt you love but can’t be out in public with, who speak their minds (whether you asked for it or not). $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
In concert
Long Island Blues Society presents the Duke Robillard Trio and Long Island’s BFS Trio at My Father’s Place, Saturday, March 8 , 8-10 p.m. Duke Robillard, the founder of Roomful of Blues, brings his band back to Long Island for an exceptional night of blues. My Father’s Place at The Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/information, visit MyFathersPlace.com or call (516) 580-0887.
Comedy Night
Friends of the Oceanside Library invite all to an evening of laughter at Comedy Night, happening, Saturday, March 8, 7:30 p.m. The adults-only event, part of the Oceanside Library After Dark series, will be hosted by comedian Dan LaRocco and feature performances by Dennis Rooney, Sean Kearns, Sue Golden, and Tony Iovino. Doors open at 7 p.m., with Barrier Brewery on-site serving drinks for guests 21 and older. Tickets are available through the Friends of the Library. Visit islandparklibrary.org for more information. 176 Long Beach Road.
‘You can’ Knights of Columbus invite all to You Can, Friday, March 21, 7-11 p.m. The evening is dedicated to raising mental health and suicide awareness. Organized by Kimberly McGuigan, enjoy a casino night run by Ace & Jack, entertainment, a seated buffet dinner, and exciting raffles. Proceeds support mental health initiatives and honor the memory of McGuigan’s daughter, Jamison. 2985 Kenneth Place. Visit knightsofcolumbusoceanside. com for more.
Concert program
Join pianist and vocalist Jay Daniels, Saturday, March 8, 2 p.m. at Island Park Library, for “What the World Needs Now,” a heartfelt tribute to unity and love. Inspired by timeless classics penned by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, this concert features uplifting songs such as “Lean on Me,” “Come Together,” “Put a Little Love in Your Heart,” and “You’ve Got a Friend.”
Daniels’ captivating piano arrangements and rich vocals bring new life to these beloved tunes, offering a comforting and inspiring message of connection and compassion. Visit islandparklibrary.org for more information. 176 Long Beach Road.
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Friday, March 7,-10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, March 8, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; also Wednesday and Thursday, March 12-13,10:15 a.m. and noon. It is 3017 in this futuristic, musical retelling of “Cinderella.” She’s now a space engineer looking to revolutionize space travel. When the Prince holds a parade, Cinderella saves it by helping fix his spaceship. But first, she’ll have to keep her evil stepmother from throwing a wrench in her plans! $11 with museum admission, $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Have questions about tech?
Need help with your device?
Get one hour of one-onone help from a librarian, at Oceanside Library, every Tuesday, 10-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon. For your session, have a clear goal(s) in mind (i.e.: navigating smart phone, attaching documents to email, creating a spreadsheet for a specific purpose, etc.). 56 Atlantic Ave. Register at OceansideLibrary.com or call (516) 766-2360.
Voices wanted
The Oceanside Chorale is looking for new members to sing in its “Opera or Popera” concert Sunday, June 8. Voices are needed in all sections. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., the Fulton Avenue School in Oceanside. For further information call Frank at (516) 764-2787, email fxdefontes@hotmail.com or oceansidechorale.com. 3252 Fulton Ave.
St. Patrick’s Day Party
VFW Post 885 invites all to a festive St. Patrick’s Day Party, Saturday, March 8 , 7- 11 p.m. $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Admission includes a hot buffet, beer, wine, and soda. A cash bar will also be available downstairs. To purchase tickets, visit the bar or contact Debbie at (718) 640-4461. Don’t miss this exciting celebration filled with good food, drinks, and Irish cheer! 120-19 14th Road, College Point.
Having an event?
Best of Broadway: ‘Looking Forward, Looking Back’
Adelphi University
Performing Arts students celebrate the music that shaped Broadway during their semi-annual Best of Broadway concert, Sunday, March 9, 4 p.m. The talented students bring to life the magic of Broadway with music from classic and contemporary musicals.
This edition includes selections from celebrated composers and lyricists, including Kander and Ebb, Alan Menken, Jason Robert Brown, and many more! This event will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi. edu/pac.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.
Hempstead House tour
March 9
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, March 9, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF Nassau, U.S. Bank Trust
National Association, as trustee for CVI CGS Mortgage Loan Trust I, Plaintiff, vs. Frank Morizio, Jr. a/k/a Frank Morizio, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order
6,
Confirming Referee Report Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 3, 2018 and an Order Extending Sale Deadline and Other Relief duly entered on February 9, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 84 Virginia Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43, Block 387 and Lot 21. Approximate amount of judgment is $636,601.18 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #007051/2015.
Thomas McNamara, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 213045-2 151521
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CSFB MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-CF2, Plaintiff, vs. ALAN MICHAEL BAER AND LESLIE DANA BAER, AS ADMINISTRATORS OF THE ESTATE OF STELLA ANN BAER, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 16, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100
Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 103 Knight Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 452 and Lot 11. Approximate amount of judgment is $285,512.03 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #004462/2009. David Lieser, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 151527
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST DAVID T. BIANCO IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 4, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 17, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 326 Moore Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43, Block 290, Lot 51-53. Approximate amount of judgment $342,122.55 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604724/2021.
Anthony C. Curcio Esq., Referee Gross Polowy,
LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 21-000172 84240 151494
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY.
TOORAK CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC, Pltf. vs. INTERCONTINENTAL
AMERICA FREIGHT SERVICES, INC S/H/A INTERCONTINENTAL
AMERICA FREIGHT SERVICES INC., et al, Defts. Index #613354/2021.
Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 16, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 1010 California Place S., Island Park, NY 11558 a/k/a Section 43, Block 100, Lots 26-27, 68-70 and 127. Said property designated on Map of Island Park, Long Beach, shown part of holdings of Island Park Long Beach Inc., Sheet 14, W.E. Howard, C.E., dated December 29, 1925 and filed in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on Dec. 29, 1925 as Map No. 587 and also shown on Map No. 572 as and by Lots 26, 27 and 27A and dock plots 26, 27 and 28 in Block 106. Approximate amount of judgment is $570,956.30 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. PETER KRAMER, Referee(516) 510-4020. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 575 Underhill Blvd., Ste. 224, Syosset, NY 11791. #102081 151519
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Mortgage Assets Management, LLC f/k/a Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST Unknown Heirs of Samuel Carattini if living, and if he/she be dead, any and all persons unknown to Plaintiff claiming or who may claim to have an interest in or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 8, 2024, I, the
undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 25, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 2922 Oceanside Road, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside (an unincorporated area), Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, District: 11, Section: 38, Block: 365, Lot: 107-108. Approximate amount of judgment $384,370.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603698/2022. Linda S. Agnew, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 21-000177 84393 151667
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. JACK T. REICH, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 22, 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 March 31, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2 Redfield Road, Island Park, NY 11558. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Island Park, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43, Block 9 and Lot 197. Approximate amount of judgment is $260,522.74 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612970/2023. Cash will not be accepted. Francis X. McQuade, Esq., Referee
Daniel Tommassino/Herald
The Panaghia of Island Park Greek Orthodox Church hosted Pan-Rhodian Society for its annual blessing and board swearing-in.
Panaghia of Island Park Greek hosts annual blessing and board swearing-in
On Sunday, the Panaghia of Island Park Greek Church welcomed the PanRhodian Society of New York Apollon for a special Artoklasia service, the swearing-in of the new board, and the traditional cutting of the Vasilopita.
The Artoklasia, a blessing service involving the offering of five loaves of bread, symbolizes Christ’s miracle of feeding the multitudes. This tradition seeks divine strength and guidance for society’s mission. Following the service,
the new board of the Pan-Rhodian Society of New York Apollon took their oath, reaffirming their commitment to preserving Hellenic heritage and supporting the community.
The event concluded with the cutting of the Vasilopita, a time-honored custom honoring St. Basil the Great. The cake, which contains a hidden coin, is believed to bring blessings to whoever finds it.
— Kepherd Daniel
Public Notices
Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 151824
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of CWMBS, Inc., CHL Mortgage PassThrough Trust 2004-25, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2004-25, Plaintiff AGAINST Viktoriya Shtatlender, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 7, 2025 at
2:30PM, premises known as 31 East Windsor Parkway, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 38, Block: 370, Lot: 564. Approximate amount of judgment $790,701.40 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613281/2019. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. John Boklak, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-091027-F01 84668 151946
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST ANTHONY E. VARRIALE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 24, 2019, 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 3308 Neptune Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54., Block 410, Lot 57. Approximate
amount of judgment $434,426.52 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #000660/2018. Ellen N. Savino, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-000657 84590 151950
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of OmniCo Consulting, Llc. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/12/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to David Phillips: 450 Links Dr. E., Oceanside, NY 11572. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 151912
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TYes, keep those pipes warm
Q. We just got over a lot of repairs from a burst pipe under our kitchen sink. The pipes under the sink are back in the outside wall, with insulation around them, but I’m wondering why they said it was still a good idea to let the water drip, even run a little when it gets cold out. It seems wasteful, and I wasn’t sure why they told me that. Is it because they’re not confident in the repairs, or does everybody have to run their water in the winter when pipes could freeze?
A. The work was not repaired correctly and should be redone before it gets too late to get anybody to return to the “scene of the crime.”
Water freezes, and supplyline water that’s buried in outside walls and not kept warm will turn to ice.
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Several years ago, a client, who had work done in the summer, called the following winter to say he had no running water in his bathroom sink. The sink was on an exterior wall, but the rationale the installers used for where they put the insulation was that a roof from below came up to meet the outside wall behind the sink. They told the owner that the roof protected the pipe because of how far the sink was set in from the walls below, set back the way it was designed. They cut open the back of the finished sink cabinet and exposed the pipe, telling the owner that he just needed to let the water trickle and keep the cabinet doors open all the time in the winter. I was called after they told the owner that was a bad design. He was very frustrated by the time we spoke, because the plumber and contractor had already returned several times and this was their final answer.
The simple solution, which worked for him and will work for you, is that supply pipes need to be to the warm side of insulation. I saw that the coldand hot-water supply pipes were completely enclosed with insulation. I removed the insulation from the warm side and only kept the full thickness of insulation on the cold side. The roof cavity behind the wall, in drawings that are called building sections, showed that the roof was to be insulated directly behind the wall to create a full barrier of insulation. Because there was now a gaping hole at the back of the cabinet, sloppily cut, I was able to peer in with a mirror and see that there was no insulation in the roof space where it met the wall behind the sinks. None. Once the water supply lines were moved into the cabinet, under the sink, by the plumber, who fortunately did stand behind their work and did return, there was never a problem again.
Locate pipes neatly in the back of the sink cabinet, to the warm side of a fully insulated wall and there should be no more problems. Good luck!
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opinions
Yankees? Mets? Might they meet up in October?
spring training has begun. Another baseball season is on the way. The French-born cultural historian Jacques Barzun said that “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball.”
That was certainly true for my generation. The golden age of baseball in New York, from 1947 to 1956, saw New York’s teams — the Yankees, Dodgers and Giants — win nine World Series and seven pennants among them during that 10-year span. The other 13 major league teams combined for one World Series and three pennants during those years. A subway series, with both World Series teams being from New York, became the expected norm. It was almost taken for granted. During the offseason months of mid-
Everybody has a wish list. I’d like to win the lottery, or take some exotic trip that’s on my bucket list. There are jobs that I would love to have, and there are jobs I wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole. The worst job I can imagine, the one I would dread having, is being in the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. At the beginning of any Congress member’s career, there is the battle to get your party’s nomination, and then feeling the honor of being the party’s choice. You battle through the drudgery of a campaign and, if you’re lucky, you have the joy of being elected or re-elected. You celebrate with your friends and family, and then, on Jan. 1, you arrive in Washington, preparing for the challenge of being a member of the House.
In today’s Congress, being a majority member is anything but fun. You may have all kinds of ideas about how to help the people back home, but if
October through late February in those years, there would be hot stove league discussions of how our teams would do in the upcoming season, and arguments over whose players were better: Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays or Duke Snider; Roy Campanella or Yogi Berra; Pee Wee Reese or Phil Rizzuto.
is a rivalry missed not just in the five boroughs, but on Long Island, with its plethora of Mets and Yankees fans.
W
Much of that interest lessened when the Dodgers and Giants were hijacked to California after the 1957 season. While there was a rebirth of excitement when the Mets arrived for the 1962 season, it has never been quite the same as during the glory years. Sure, the Mets had their World Series wins in 1969 and 1986, as did the Yankees in 1977 and 1978, and again during the Joe Torre years, at the turn of the century, and under Joe Girardi, in 2009, but except for the 2000 World Series — which the Yankees won — the Yankees and Mets have not faced one another in the World Series. That intraNew York rivalry has not been there. It
e Mets fans, so used to having our hearts broken, believe this is our year.
All that could change with both teams now filled with superstars, led by Aaron Judge of the Yankees, who is accumulating home run titles and Most Valuable Player awards, and the Mets making their own run for superstar glory. This winter they hired Juan Soto, perhaps baseball’s most explosive hitter, away from the Yankees with a $750 million contract over the next 15 years.
The Mets already had Francisco Lindor, who finished second in the voting for National League MVP last season, and slugger Pete Alonso, who is second only to Judge in total home runs over the past six seasons, and is poised to become the Mets’ all-time home run leader.
Last year the Yankees won the American League pennant before falling short against the Dodgers in the World
Series. Before the season, there were low expectations for the Mets. Then, after playing mediocre baseball for most of the regular season, they had an unexpected late-season surge, and actually made it to the National League Championship Series, which they lost to the Dodgers.
This preseason, things are looking very different. Both teams are considered strong contenders to win their league championships. The debates over the teams’ players have already begun, but instead of Mantle vs. Snider or Mays, it’s Judge vs. Soto.
We Mets fans, so used to having our hearts broken over the years, now genuinely believe this is our year to supplant the Yankees as New York’s No. 1 team and win it all in the World Series — and that New York’s baseball rivalry is back. Barring the unexpected, 2025 should be a season for metropolitan-area baseball fans to enjoy and remember.
Play ball!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Here’s a job I’d turn down
your wish list doesn’t coincide with the priorities of your party leader, you can forget about your plan. It’s hard enough being away from your family for weeks at a time, but being told to fall in line and follow party dictates, or else, is a bitter pill to swallow.
Let’s talk about the Washington scene as it currently exists. An unelected multi-billionaire named Elon Musk is ignoring the duly elected officials whose job it is to create the budgets that fund our federal agencies. The Constitution says that the Congress is a separate body from the Executive, but in this case an appointee of the Executive is calling all the shots.
B
eing a member of the House majority sounds great. Believe me, it’s not.
As a representative of scores or even hundreds of thousands of constituents, you’re the one they turn to when they have a federal problem. For example, a decorated military veteran comes seeking your help after being fired from a federal job he held for 10 years. You can hold his hand, but you can’t get him back his paycheck to feed his family and pay his mortgage.
As a well-informed public official, you follow the media to find out what
they know that you don’t know. The latest reports say that your party leadership has proposed making $800 billion in Medicaid cuts to help pay for a tax cut for the rich. Those cuts will decimate the safety net that your constituents rely on to survive, and will affect more than 90 million people nationwide. You can threaten to vote against the package, but there are more nightmares coming.
You may be able to join a handful of other members to get some changes made to the Medicaid cuts, but there are more crazy slashes being proposed. The far-right members have suggested that every person with a student loan pay an additional $200 per month. That mean-spirited idea would affect 45 million Americans. How do you stop that?
Do you remember the state-andlocal-tax proposal that hit suburban homeowners hard when it was included in President Trump’s 2017 budget? Despite his support for eliminating the SALT cap, there has been very little discussion about that benefit in recent weeks. You want a complete repeal of the cap, but it’s out of your hands.
As we enter the final stages of the budget debate, I can’t help recalling the story of the late Assemblyman Lou Wolfe, of upstate Plattsburgh. Wolfe was part of a narrow majority. He enjoyed both Democratic and Conservative Party support. He was asked to vote on a multi-billion-dollar social program. His party leaders promised him financial support in the general election, and assured him he would be “protected.” Came November, Lou lost because of his “bad” vote.
It’s possible that by the time you read this, all of the budget misgivings of the few conscience-driven members will be satisfied. All they have to do at that point is to go home and explain the mass layoffs, the tax cuts for the rich and the hidden program cuts that were buried in the spending plan they voted for. But remember, they had the promise from the leaders that they had nothing to worry about. Oh, the joy of being in the majority.
Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
Long Island loses a civil rights pioneer
the death of Hazel Dukes, at age 92, last weekend marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in civil rights leadership, with special significance for Long Island. While Dukes will be remembered nationally for her tenure as president of the NAACP from 1990 to 1992, and for her remarkable 48-year leadership of the NAACP New York State Conference from 1977 until her death, her deep connections to Long Island communities deserve particular attention.
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, where she was a neighbor of Rosa Parks, Dukes moved to New York in 1955. She lived in Roslyn Heights for decades, building a life and career that influenced civil rights efforts across the state and the nation.
Named president of the NAACP’s Great Neck, Port Washington, Manhasset and Roslyn branch in 1969, Dukes quickly emerged as a powerful voice opposing housing discrimination on Long Island. She was instrumental in bringing landmark housing discrimination lawsuits that challenged the entrenched patterns of segregation in Nassau County’s suburbs. These legal actions targeted discriminatory practic-
letters
es that kept minority families out of certain neighborhoods, even after the Fair Housing Act of 1968 had made such discrimination illegal.
On Long Island, she worked for the federal Head Start program and became one of the first Black employees in the Nassau County attorney’s office. She also served with the county’s Economic Opportunity Commission, addressing poverty and inequality from within the system. She was the first Black vice chairwoman of the Nassau County Democratic Committee, which gave her a platform to advocate for integrated housing throughout Nassau County. She also served on the Democratic National Committee from 1976 to 1982.
Dukes’ own educational journey illustrates her belief in education as a path to opportunity. She studied at Nassau Community College before earning a degree in business administration from Adelphi University in Garden City in 1978. Her local educational experience strengthened her advocacy for quality education for all communities.
What makes Dukes’ Long Island connection so significant is that she addressed civil rights not as an abstract
Advice from PSEG L.I.: Beware of scammers
To the Editor:
National Consumer Protection Week, observed through March 8, offers an important reminder for consumers to stay alert against fraudulent schemes that prey on our vulnerability. Recent guidance from PSEG Long Island has shed light on the alarming tactics employed by scammers, and we believe it is essential that our community take note of these warnings. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to trick unsuspecting customers. They frequently impersonate reputable companies, such as PSEG L.I., using advanced phone spoofing technology that displays familiar numbers on caller ID. In many cases, these fraudsters call with an urgent demand for immediate payment, falsely claiming that failure to comply will result in an immediate power shutoff. This tactic is designed to induce panic and force quick decisions without proper verification.
It is crucial for consumers to know that PSEG Long Island never requests payments through external web-based electronic services, prepaid debit cards or even Bitcoin. The only approved payment methods are those offered through our secure channels, such as My Account, the mobile app, or text messaging. Additionally, any request for a deposit in relation to priority meter installations is fraudulent, because we do not require a deposit for such services.
concept, but rather as lived reality in suburban America. While much of the civil rights movement focused on urban centers or the South, she recognized that segregation and opportunity gaps were just as widespread — if sometimes less visible — in prosperous suburban communities like those across Long Island.
Her nearly five decades leading the NAACP’s New York State Conference allowed her to maintain consistent focus on issues affecting communities like ours. That persistence brought meaningful change to institutional practices and policies that had limited opportunities for minority residents.
As we look at Long Island today, we see both the progress Dukes helped achieve and the challenges we continue to face in creating truly equal opportunity. The diversity of our communities has increased, but disparities in housing, education and economic opportunity persist.
In the years ahead, let’s be sure to honor Dukes’ legacy by making Long Island — and the entire country — a place where discrimination is not tolerated, and where everyone has an equal shot at prosperity.
If anyone receives an unexpected call or email threatening an imminent power shutoff while demanding payment, it is imperative to pause, take a step back, and verify the authenticity of the communication. Instead of responding immediately, customers should contact PSEG Long Island using the phone number found on their billing statement, (800) 490-0025. This simple step can prevent a great deal of financial loss and stress.
As we have honored National Consumer Protection Week, we have urged all community members to share this important information with friends, family and neighbors. Together, by remaining vigilant and verifying every unexpected request for payment, we can safeguard our community from falling victim to these scams.
Staying informed and cautious not only protects our finances, but also strengthens community trust.
Every action contributes to defeating these scams and preserving our service reliability.
PSEG LONG ISLAND
Trump disrespects Teddy Roosevelt
in the grand spectacle of American politics, it’s easy to get swept up in the latest national headlines. Presidential debates, Supreme Court decisions and international conflicts dominate the news cycle, shaping many of our conversations and perspectives. But in focusing so intently on D.C. and the world stage, we often neglect the political decisions being made right in our own backyards — decisions that have an immediate and profound impact on our daily lives.
The phrase “All politics is local” is often attributed to former House Speaker Tip O’Neill, who understood that while federal policies set broad agendas, the most immediate and personal political decisions happen at the local level. From library boards to school boards, from city councils to county executives, local officials make decisions that directly affect the quality of our roads, the safety of our neighborhoods, and, perhaps most significantly, our taxes.
Yet many people cannot name their council members, county legislators, town supervisors, or the members of their local Board of Education. Many are unaware of the meetings at which
opinions
Yes, all politics is local
crucial funding allocations are made, zoning laws are changed, and policies affecting their children’s education are debated. This lack of awareness isn’t due to a lack of importance; rather, it’s the result of a political culture that prioritizes sensationalism over substance.
YNowhere is the impact of local government more evident than in our property tax bills. In Nassau County, school taxes account for over 60 percent of a homeowner’s tax burden, while county taxes make up roughly 17 percent. The average household pays a median of $150 a month in county property taxes, an investment in maintaining the county’s reputation as one of the safest in the country. These tax dollars help fund essential services such as law enforcement, infrastructure and sanitation, while our school taxes provide critical funding for education, ensuring that students have access to quality teachers, programs and facilities.
funds for public safety, road maintenance and environmental initiatives, each of which directly impacts property values and the overall quality of life.
et many people can’t name their council members, legislators or board trustees.
Despite the enormous power that local governments wield, voter turnout for local elections is often abysmally low. Presidential elections may drive millions of people to the polls, but school board elections, town supervisor races and local legislative contests often see a fraction of that participation. This apathy creates a dangerous cycle: When fewer people vote, fewer voices are heard, and the decisions made by a small group of engaged voters can disproportionately shape policies that affect everyone.
such as foreign policy or immigration, to candidates running for town board, city council or school board. While national policies do matter, the responsibilities of local officials are fundamentally different from their colleagues on the federal level.
A county executive does not set foreign policy, nor does a school board member write national health care laws. Instead, they are responsible for ensuring that schools are well-funded, that roads are maintained and that local businesses thrive. Voting in local elections should be based on a candidate’s qualifications, track record and stance on local issues, not simply on their political affiliation.
It is important to recognize that school taxes are determined not by federal lawmakers but by state officials and local school boards. School board members make decisions that shape the educational experience of our children, from setting budgets to maintaining school resources. Likewise, county executives and legislators allocate
LETTERs
“Destroying Roosevelt’s legacy.” President Trump’s promised “golden age” is intended to re-create Mark Twain’s: golden for those having the gold, the gilt-edge securities, gold mines and gold $Trump crypto-coin.
Today’s golden children feel their glory has been stolen, and want it back, with interest, and with punishment for the thieves. But the demands go far beyond T.R.’s trust-busting and conservation crimes to include FDR’s New Deal “larceny.” Taft-Hartley, Social Security, and the rest of those alphabet agencies are being undone because they’re seen as obstacles to the promised land of corporate “free markets and personal responsibility,” as The Washington Post’s Jeff Bezos puts it.
Trump’s last-term hero was the genocidal, court-defying Andrew Jackson. This time it’s the empire-building colonialist William McKinley. This last is unfair to McKinley, but is how the ignorant Trump sees him.
BRIAN KELLY Rockville Centre
Chainsaws aren’t toys, Elon
To the Editor:
How will we calculate the number of lives Elon Musk will take with his comical “chainsaw massacre”?
For example, a handful of votes can determine whether a school district raises property taxes or whether a local zoning change allows for new housing developments. A single council member’s decision on public safety funding can influence response times for emergency services. These are not abstract issues; they are immediate, tangible and deeply personal.
I believe that one of the most concerning trends in modern political discourse is the tendency to make local political decisions based on national ideological beliefs. Many voters apply their partisan views on federal issues,
What will the death count be in the United States, and around the world, from the withholding of food, drinking water, medical supplies and treatment, vaccinations, and emergency services for natural and manmade disasters? From the removal of the guardians of public safety from food, drugs, diseases, fire, air pollution and workplace dangers?
From the debasement of services to our military veterans and the politicization of the military? From the disabling of the alliances and treaties that have kept a troubled world from World War III since 1945?
From the abatement of research in health, climate, defense, agriculture and countless other areas of vast public interest? From the defunding of early child care and education at every level, up through university and graduate studies — the very keys to hope and advancement that mitigate against social class ossifying into a caste system in which crime is the only outlet for deprivation?
Perhaps the cost will be incalculable, but it is the responsibility of our remaining nonMAGA media to report these casualties and not to relate what’s going on simply as a streamlining of government costs against the whining of a few disgruntled former sucklers at the public teat.
GENE J. MANN Bayville
As election season approaches, it’s imperative that we keep our focus. Instead of getting lost in the frenzy of national debates, we must pay closer attention to the decisions being made at town halls, school board meetings and county legislatures. We should take the time to research the candidates — the people who will determine how our tax dollars are spent and how our communities are shaped.
This election season, let’s make informed choices. Let’s attend local meetings, engage with our representatives, and ensure that our votes are cast based on the issues that matter most in our daily lives. After all, all politics is local.
Patrick Mullaney represents Nassau County’s 4th Legislative District.
In the biographical notes accompanying U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen’s column, “Government must be efficient, coherent and transparent,” in last week’s issue, the congresswoman was mistakenly identified as Laura Curran. The Herald regrets the error.
FRAMEwoRK by Tim Baker
An avian get-together in Brady Park — Massapequa Park