50 years of Twin Oaks Day Camp Page 10
Front Street Bakery
owner Lisa Acerno, right, along with her daughter and son-in-law Jackie and Michael Hanley, served up their delicious cookies and treats at the annual Taste of Rockville Centre on Jan. 31. Story, more photos Page 3.
By KElSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
As the Trump administration plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, the New York state government and schools — including the Rockville Centre school district — are reacting.
District Superintendent Matt Gaven said it would be “premature” to take a stance as information is still being rolled out.
“Congress established the department through law, so I would imagine the legislative branch would need to weigh in as well,” Gaven
said. “In addition, the specific details of President Trump’s plan to dissolve the Department of Education have yet to be revealed.”
State officials, however, are speaking out against the administration’s plans, calling the proposed cuts antithetical to a longstanding commitment to educational equity and inclusion.
In a statement posted on the State Education Department website on Feb. 3, the state Board of Regents and the department expressed their opposition to executive actions aimed at shrinking the size of the Education Department, an initiative pushed by Trump administration officials
DEADLINE MARCH 3RD
By KElSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
The Rockville Centre school district offers a variety of programs throughout the year to provide support and activities for students, adults and families. Program directors had an opportunity to brag about the success of programs to the members of the board of education on Feb. 6 and shared what to expect this summer.
The Project Great program has seen significant growth, according to program director Nicole Gigante, with enrollment numbers surpassing previous years.
Our staff is excellent; our coordinators are leaders, and we offer a safe and nurturing place for our children before and after school.
The before- and after-school care initiative, which provides “exactly what working families need each and every day,” she said, had a record number of participants during the school year, with 290 students utilizing the drop-in services throughout the year.
Gigante emphasized the importance of the program, which offers nutritious meals, homework assistance and recreational activities for elementary school students in every elementary building. She noted that the program also allows students from the local middle and high schools to earn volunteer hours, providing them with valuable “firsthand experience” working in a school.
“Project Great is still a wonderful place that children love to be a part of,” Gigante said. “Our staff is excellent; our coordinators are leaders and we offer a safe and nurturing place for our children before and after school.”
Community education director Chris D’Ambrosio highlighted three district-operated community education programs. He outlined the district’s success with Winter
Continued on page 8
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
Steven Joseph DiMare, the founder and CEO of Unified Window Systems Inc., died following a stroke on Jan. 6 at the age of 60.
DiMare founded the family-owned business in 1989 with a vision of providing high-quality home improvement services, and he prioritized building up communities and helping customers, according to his son, Steven Michael DiMare, who succeeds his father as CEO.
“He’s been committed to giving customers and homeowners easy options and affordable home improvements,” he said. “He didn’t want to rip anybody off. He didn’t want to take advantage of anybody.”
DiMare was an active member of the Rockville Centre community, where he had served as president of the Rockville Centre Links twice and remained on the board for 15 years. He has also been deeply involved with various charities to give back to the community, notably with New Ground, a charity dedicated to helping veterans and families break the cycle of homelessness.
His dedication to giving back was a hallmark of his life, and his son said that even at his wake, an overwhelming number of people paid their respects, reflecting the deep impact he had on those around him.
“He always helped others and was selfless,” Steven said. “He loved to see others enjoy their time and be happy, and if he could make others happy in any way, he would.”
Hempstead village. The company began with a single showroom and later expanded to become a trusted name in home improvement.
In 2019, with the help of his son, the company adopted a DBA as Unified Home Remodeling to reflect its growth into a full-service remodeling provider.
Steven, who began working for the family business in high school, now steps into his father’s role as CEO at the age of 28. With a background in marketing, he worked alongside his father for years, learning the business from the ground up.
Steven expressed confidence that his father’s legacy as a dependable and beloved home improvement provider will continue under his leadership.
“He’s built that trust within the community, and everybody kind of saw him as somebody they could trust and rely on and wouldn’t steer them in the wrong direction,” he said. “That legacy will live on and then continue, and I’m more than happy to do it as well because it’s something that will keep him alive.”
Starting his career as a young laborer in New York City, DiMare worked his way up from carrying windows up multiple flights of stairs to becoming an installer, foreman, and eventually establishing Unified Window Systems in
DiMare is survived by his wife, Gina, who he met in second grade and was married to for 40 years, as well as his son Steven and three daughters, Danielle, Brittani and Amanda.
The funeral mass was on Jan. 13 at St. Agnes Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to New Ground at NewGround.org.
The Taste of Rockville Centre fundraiser, a popular annual event that fuels the philanthropic efforts of the local community, was once again a hit this year. The Jan. 31 event featured a wide array of offerings from local restaurants and breweries, attracting hundreds of foodies and supporters eager to try the best flavors the area has to offer.
This year’s event showcased 35 to 40 stations offering everything from wine and spirits to gourmet cheeses and roasted pig. Popular local establishments, such as the local artisanal cheese shop Let It Brie and the Long Beach-based Swing Bellies BBQ, which roasted a pig on the premises. This year’s tasting event featured a new addition — an oyster truck from Maris Stella Osyter Farms shucking fresh oysters for guests.
For beer lovers, local breweries including South Shore Brewery and Jones Beach Brewery offered refreshing craft brews, while Rockville Centre’s own MacArthur Park treated guests to freshly fried steaks.
Attendees spent the evening enjoying food, live music by Jerry and the Newcomers and raffles. For those looking to take home a souvenir, event merchandise, including pint glasses and wine glasses branded with the Taste of Rockville Centre logo, was available for purchase.
“It was really just a fun, enjoyable, delicious night,” Ashley Brennan of the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Parade Committee said
This fundraiser, which has become one of the biggest events for the parade committee, is a crucial part of the organization’s philanthropic efforts, Brennan said. Proceeds from the event go toward supporting local charities and events throughout the year.
Looking ahead, the committee is preparing for more events to keep the spirit of giving alive. The committee will be lighting up the tree outside of Village Hall on Feb. 28 to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. A big upcoming event is the Backyard Breakfast, a col-
laboration with the Backyard Players & Friends organization, on March 2, where community members will gather for pancakes and bacon to benefit the all-inclusive nonprofit that supports individuals with special needs.
All of their efforts build to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which is on March 22 this year. Suzanne Murphy Sullivan, the village’s director of community development and a lifelong resident of Rockville Centre, is this year’s Grand Marshal.
For more information on upcoming events and to learn how you can support the Rockville Centre Parade Committee, visit RVCStPatrick.com.
–Kelsie
Radziski
On Feb. 4, the manager of a North Centre Avenue business reported two individuals store merchandise from her store.
On Feb. 5, a customer of a Sunrise Highway business reported that her wallet was stolen while she shopped in the store.
On Feb. 8, a Merrick resident reported that a spare tire was stolen from her vehicle while it was parked.
On Feb. 6, a Rockville Centre resident reported he lost a New York State license plate.
On Feb. 9, a Baldwin resident reported that her parked vehicle was struck and damaged by another vehicle which fled without leaving any information.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
The Rockville Centre Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just
Feb 2 – Feb. 9
General Alarms – 9
Still Alarms – 4 Rescue – 1
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 53
Mutual Aid Fire – 1
Mutual Aid Rescue – 0
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 0
Total – 68
have questions, please visit any firehouse on Sunday mornings and speak with one of the officers or call (516) 6789320. For emergencies dial 911 or (516) 766-0400.
Year To Date
General Alarms – 67 Still Alarms – 24 Rescue – 17
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 323
Mutual Aid Fire – 7
Mutual Aid Rescue – 0
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 1 Total – 439
For those who don’t qualify for long-term care insurance or can’t afford it, the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (“MAPT”) can protect your assets from the high cost of long-term care in your home or in a facility.
The MAPT sets up two roadblocks that Medicaid cannot break through. First, you cannot be your own trustee. Usually, one or more of the adult children act as trustee.
Secondly, you, as the creator of the MAPT, are entitled to the income only, not the principal. If you don’t have access to the principal (your home or other assets in the trust), then Medicaid doesn’t have access to the principal. The MAPT makes good sense for assets you’re not going to spend –like your home and investments you’re not using. As we often say, if you don’t need it to live on, then why not protect it for your family instead of losing it to pay for long-term care.
When you apply for Medicaid for nursing home care, if you’ve transferred any assets in the past five years, you are ineligible. The full protection of the trust only takes place five years
after you establish the trust. This is why you want to plan ahead. Proposed new rules, often delayed but constantly looming, would also require you to have the MAPT in place two and half years in advance to be eligible for care in your own home.
The MAPT does not affect your lifestyle. You still receive your pension, social security checks, minimum distributions on your retirement plans, interest and dividends. You have the exclusive right to use and enjoy your home. You keep all your property tax exemptions. You can sell your house, buy a new one, or invest the proceeds, which remain in the trust, still protected.
The MAPT is also flexible. You can change trustees and you can change who you leave it to.
Although the MAPT is an irrevocable trust, not only does it have the flexibility mentioned above, but in New York there is a mechanism to revoke an irrevocable trust. All that is required is for all parties, you and your children, to sign. We even have a workaround just in case one of the children refuses to sign.
On Super Bowl Sunday, Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis partnered with the Village of Rockville Centre, the Rockville Centre Fire Department, Rockville Centre PBA, American Legion Post 303 and the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce to support Operation ReSupply with a food, toiletry and clothing drive.
Davis and other volunteers gathered at Associated of Rockville Centre for four hours on Feb. 9 before the Super Bowl to collect items and greet community members. The big football game brings out shoppers to the supermarket, Davis said, which is why they chose to
have the drive that day.
Spearheaded by Nassau Detective Association Sergeant at Arms Joe Philbin, Operation ReSupply was launched to support first responders and military families affected by the California wildfires. All items collected by Sunday’s drive will be taken to the Operation ReSupply headquarters, Davis said, and brought to California.
“We thought that it was a wonderful opportunity to give back to those who have given so much to us,” Davis said.
–Kelsie Radziski
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MacArthur Senior Basketball
A THREE-YEAR STARTER looking for his first AllCounty selection, Kondyra reached a milestone Jan. 27 in MacArthur’s 79-72 defeat to Long Beach. As part of a 42-point performance, he recorded her 1,000th career point. He hit seven three-pointers in what was his third 40-plus point game of the season. The AllConference honoree in 2023-24 iis averaging 25 points per game this winter to rank among Nassau County’s top five scorers.
NASSAU COUNTY CHAMPIONS
Tyasia Buxton, V.S. Central, 94 pounds
Harley Eidens, Long Beach, 100
Presley Eidens, Long Beach, 107
Gabrielle Severin, Bethpage, 114
Haley Gonzales, Hicksville, 120
Olivia Rausenberger, MacArthur, 126
Taylor Brock, Kennedy, 132
Jessica Marzano, Bethpage, 138
Gabriella Schechtman, Kennedy, 145
Keishara Tulloch, Uniondale, 152
Isabella Steffa, Seaford, 165
Eyslin Turcios, V.S. North, 185
Naomi Gonzalez, V.S. North, 235
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
History was made Feb. 2 when Nassau County hosted its first-ever girls’ wrestling tournament at Bethpage High School with more than 100 entrants from over 20 districts.
Champions were crowned in 13 weight classes, ranging from 94 to 235 pounds, before a jam-packed crowd. Uniondale had the largest contingency with 22 participants as coach Tim Godoy said interest exploded after fall sports concluded.
“It’s been a really fun season and this tournament is great to see,” Godoy said. “I recruited some kids I coach in soccer and badminton and it just kind of took off from there. Last year we had two girls wrestling. By the end of the first week of practice this November, we had 30.”
Bethpage coach Sean Severin coordinated the one-day tournament and was thrilled to see everything run smooth. His daughter, Bethpage junior Gabrielle, captured the
Kennedy senior Gabriella Schechtman, who competed for MacArthur’s team, won the title at 145 pounds.
114-pound title which made a historic day that much more special.
“I was super happy with how good the event turned out,” Sean Severin said. “It drew a really big crowd and the girls brought the energy. It’s going to be a great stepping stone for the growth of the sport in Nassau County.”
Long Beach, which for more than four decades has fielded one of the premier wrestling programs in the county, has four girls competing this season including eighth-grade twins Presley and Harley Eidens. All four made the finals with the Eidens’ both winning championships.
“This is unbelievable opportunity for all the female wrestlers in Nassau,” said Long Beach coach Ray Adams, whose daughter, Reese, competes for Calhoun but missed her junior season with a knee injury that required surgery. “Our youth program, the Gladiators, started a girls program a few years ago and it keeps growing,” he said.
Adams credited 2020 graduate Lina Diamond with being the trailblazer for the budding Long Beach girls program. Presley Eidens, who also plays lacrosse and volleyball, said she started wrestling about two-and-ahalf years ago and grapples with her sister every day in practice. Freshmen Arianna Balsamo (152) and Sofia Calle (165) are also workout partners. “They’ve all improved every match,” Adams noted.
Valley Stream Central junior Tyasia Buxton said she joined wrestling to bring additional discipline into her
life. She just took up the until four months ago but has come a long way in a short time, coach Chris Carbajal said. Buxton captured the 94-pound crown.
“Really proud of her,” Carbajal said. “She made a commitment and stuck to it all season.”
Buxton credits a good deal of her success to scraping against boys almost exclusively this season. “I’ve taken my losses, but I learned a lot and I’m better for it,” she said. “It feels great to win. I gave it my all and didn’t give up.”
Lynbrook junior Dani Zhanay is one of the county’s most-experienced wrestlers. She’s been competing for eight years, coach Rich Renz said, after starting with the Titans youth league. “She loves competing and has a lot of skill,” Renz explained.
Uniondale sophomore Brianna Marquez is one of a
handful of soccer players who decided to give wrestling a try at the urging of Godoy. She was runner-up to Presley Eidens at 107. The Knights crowned one champion — sophomore Keishara Tulloch at 152.
“All the girls are amazing and the wrestling community has been really supportive,” Marquez said. “We all push each other harder every day. It’s definitely something I can see myself continuing to do.”
Valley Stream North crowned a pair of champs with juniors Eyslin Turcios winning at 185 and Naomi Gonzaez emerging victorious at 235. Kennedy saw senior Gabriella Schechtman win at 145 and eighth-grader Taylor Brock finish first at 132. All 13 county champs along with six second-place finishers advance to the girls state tournament Feb. 27 in Albany.
By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com
The South Side boys’ basketball team finds itself in position to win a share of a conference title.
The Cyclones have won five consecutive games and are 16-3 with an 11-2 record in League AA-5 play. Head coach Jerry D’Angelo is in his 23rd season at the helm. He has built a program that now has an opportunity to win what would be its second Nassau Class AA championship in the last three years.
“The guys have just been playing harder,” said D’Angelo when asked about what the biggest key to success has been. “We have been forced to battle through some adversity thanks to injuries but we did a great job powering through.”
In the last five games, the Cyclones have been nothing but dominant, winning each game by double digits. The win streak started with 60-37 wins over Clarke on Jan. 24 and Kennedy on Jan. 27. There have been contributions from multi-
ple players as junior forwards John Pericolosi and Ryan Schmitt each led the way with 15 points in the victory over Clarke, while senior forward Sean Arnott finished with 11 points against Kennedy.
“John deserves to be an All-County player for how he’s performed this season,” D’Angelo said of Pericolosi. “He really does it all for us and has stepped up big time as of late.”
Schmitt and Arnold not only can be key factors on offense, but also in other areas on the floor. “Ryan is a big rebounder for us,” D’Angelo said. “And our defense would not be nearly as good without Sean Arnott or Connor Erickson.”
Senior Connor Fernandez led South Side in scoring with 17 points in a 67-56 win over Roslyn on Jan. 30. “He has really found his stroke over the last couple of games,” said D’Angelo. “He has been really important to our success.”
The Cyclones then took care of business Feb. 3 with a 58-35 blowout over Bethpage, followed by a 66-51 victory over Manhasset three days
later.
D’Angelo also made sure to praise South Side’s depth, noting it can go nine deep in the rotation. “Pat Sweeney gives us a huge energy boost,” D’Angelo said. “I can always count on him to make an impact.” With the contributions from juniors Robert Griffo and Jack Mullin along with senior Charlie Munro,
When a team is having as good of a season as South Side, it is crucial for the players to remain level headed and avoid becoming too overconfident.
“The reality checks we had earlier in the season were really important for us during the process of trying to get better,” said D’Angelo. “When we lost to Elmont, it showed our players that if we do not play our best, we can lose on any given night. There are some really good teams in Nassau County so we are going to have to play our best come playoff time.”
The Class AA quarterfinals are Feb. 19 and the semifinals March 4 at Farmingdale College.
ACE, a program for children from kindergarten through eighth grade that allows students to “explore interests and have fun while developing talents and skills.” The program, which includes six, one-hour classes on Saturday mornings in the winter, gives students the chance to work with community teachers and engage in a variety of hands-on activities like crafting, coding and cooking.
“It’s a way for kids throughout the Rockville Centre community to interact with each other, build friendships and make connections for Middle School,” D’Ambrosio said, “which is right around the corner for many of them.”
D’Ambrosio also pointed to the growth in the ongoing Regents review courses, which support high school students preparing for their end-of-year assessments, as another key component of the district’s community education initiative. The evening sessions are held at the middle school and high school, and they all see high enrollment.
He also explained the popular adult programs at the high school throughout the school year which provide “educational enriching activities for adults in the community and “diverse courses that will meet the needs of a wide range of age groups.” Class options range
Courtesy Rockville Centre School District the rockville Centre school district offers many programs throughout the school year for students of all ages, as well as their families. these programs include art classes, where students can create different projects, like they did here at William S. Covert elementary School’s annual fall festival last october.
from financial planning and tap dancing to drawing and painting.
Looking ahead to summer, Pre-K coordinator Lesli Dennino highlighted
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the value of the district’s summer prekindergarten program, held at William S. Covert Elementary School, which provides early education to prepare stu -
dents for kindergarten. The program’s curriculum emphasizes numeracy, alphabet skills and socio-emotional development, along with time for playing outdoors on the playground and in the gym. Teachers work to replicate a kindergarten environment to help ease the transition into elementary school, Dennino explained.
She said this upcoming summer’s pre-k program has enrollment higher than expected.
“It really helps to bridge the gap,” she said of the program, “to get the students ready for kindergarten.”
The district’s other summer programs, overseen by summer program principal Keith Eckert, have shown recent significant growth, with over 400 students enrolled last year — the highest number since the pandemic. New offers included a drone legends course, robotics instruction and an advanced coding class, which Eckert said were popular among students last year. Ninth grade students are also able to earn volunteer hours as part of the program.
The summer program will run from July 7 to August 7, offering a wide range of courses, including arts and crafts, technology, and academic remediation for all ages. To learn more, including the cost of each program, visit RVCComEd.ce.Eleyo.com.
Family-owned and operated since 1975, camp is celebrating its 50th anniversary
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
For half a century, Twin Oaks Day Camp has been a summer haven for generations of campers, who have created memories and friendships that last a lifetime. As the camp marks its 50th anniversary this summer, its leaders are reflecting on what makes Twin Oaks a special place, that keeps families coming back year after year.
Twin Oaks has been family owned and operated since 1975, although its history stretches back even further. Hal Elman was a head counselor at the camp prior to 1975, and when the former owners were looking to sell the property, Elman and his college friend, Bernie Hoffman, along with their wives Barbara Elman and Beverly Hoffman, decided to purchase it.
Since then, the camp has flourished into what it is today — a place where every camper and their family member feel like they’re part of an even bigger “family.” The camp is based in Freeport, but serves many communities, including Merrick, Bellmore, East Meadow, Wantagh, Seaford, Baldwin, Rockville Centre and beyond.
Twin Oaks is now run by Jenni Elman-Davis, Hal and Barbara’s daughter, alongside assistant directors Carin Stone and Michele Colella, who have both worked at the camp for over 25 years.
The camp is split into four divisions, with its youngest members taking part in the Barney Program for children between the ages of 20-months and 30-months-old. Each camper is paired with a one-on-one supervisor, and they get to take part in a half-day program, filled with fun, adventure and socialization.
The Lower Camp is for three and four year-olds and the Upper Camp is for children in kindergarten through thirdgrade. There are full day and mini day programs available. The camp’s activity directors create an engaging and diversified experience for all campers, and each child has an opportunity to participate in sports, art-and-crafts, swimming and more.
Its Gemini Program is for Twin Oaks’ oldest campers, for students entering into fourth-grade through ninth-grade. Instead of attending the day camp, children in the program travel every single day to a new location all over Long Island and New York City. From baseball games to amusement parks, and everything in between, the Gemini Program is Twin Oaks’ most non-traditional camp experience.
Camp season this year begins on June 30 and ends on Aug. 22. Enrollment is currently open for all programs.
“We’re not the biggest or the fanciest,” Elman-Davis told the Herald, “but we have the most heart. We do a lot of fun, innovative programming. Our travel program for our teens is one of the best travel programs around.”
During each week of camp, there’s a
The day camp serves children as young as 20-months old, in a variety of different programs. From sports to arts-and-crafts, there something for everyone.
‘Themed’ days make the camp calendar engaging. Above, children played around with some bumper cars.
special “theme” that children can take part in — whether its simply dressing up in red, white and blue for Independence Day celebrations, or a special activity day like relay races, a DJ Dance Party or Halloween in August, the camp’s calendar is both fun and engaging.
Something that makes Twin Oaks so special, Elman-Davis said, is its multigenerational members. Many campers from the 70s and 80s now have children of their own, she said, who are either campers or enrolled in Twin Oaks’ Day School as students, which opened in 1975. The students range from toddlers to pre-K.
“We have a very good relationship with the local elementary schools,” Elman Davis said. “A lot of local elementary school teachers send their children
to us because they feel that their students come to public school very well prepared.”
“Papa Hal” — Hal Elman — died last year, but Elman-Davis said her mom still checks in each day — even though she lives in Florida. Her mom still runs into people constantly, who simply remember her as “Barbara from Twin Oaks.”
Stone said the environment at Twin Oaks is incredible, and that there’s nothing Elman-Davis wouldn’t do for members of her staff or the families they serve.
“She is kind and loving and understanding,” Stone said. “She loves the children here, but she loves her staff too.”
Colella called Twin Oaks “Family,
For 50 years, campers have fallen in love with Twin Oaks Day Camp, founded in 1975 with Hal and Barbara Elman and Bernie and Beverly Hoffman.
Fun and Flexible” — meaning that the directors really try to accommodate every family and their schedules in order to meet their needs.
“We’re a place that smiles,” ElmanDavis said. “The minute you walk through our gate, how could you not smile? You’re greeted by happiness. To get to see the world through the eyes of a child every day is the greatest gift that anyone could receive.”
Twin Oaks is located at 458 Babylon Turnpike, Freeport. For more information on the camp and the school, including enrollment, visit TwinOaksDayCamp.com, or call (516) 623-4550.
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Nassau County Democratic legislators and civil rights attorneys filed a lawsuit against the county last week, branding County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s creation of special sheriff’s deputies an “illegal militia.”
“Bruce Blakeman’s militia is not about public safety — it’s political theater at the expense of Nassau County residents,” Legislator Seth Koslow, ranking member of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee, said. “There is no justification for creating an unaccountable and illegal force that answers only to the county executive.”
Legislator Scott Davis criticized the measure as unnecessary, citing Nassau’s ranking as one of the safest counties in the country, and called for an increase in properly trained law enforcement officers as an alternative to the volunteer deputy program. The county currently employs over 2,500 officers who have undergone rigorous training.
In the event that the county’s existing law enforcement and crisis volunteers are insufficient, the county has the ability to call for assistance from law enforcement agencies in neighboring counties.
The lawsuit alleges that the county’s application process for the program requires minimal qualifications, including ownership of a pistol license and no
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald
Democratic Nassau County legislators filed a lawsuit in State Supreme Court last week against the county and County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s creation of a special sheriff’s deputy program. Legislators Carrié Solages, far left, Scott Davis, Seth Koslow, Debra Mulé, Arnold Drucker and Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton gathered to announce the suit on Feb. 5.
“misdemeanor convictions within the previous five years.” For each day of activation during an emergency, a volunteer would receive a stipend of $150, which exceeds the hourly rate of pay limit that deputies may receive without legislative approval.
The lawsuit cites a Newsday investigation that found that 25 people had enlisted in the program as of last Sep -
tember, six of whom were not able to be found through background checks. The plaintiffs allege that the county’s program appears to require significantly less training than its regular police training.
Carey Dunne, an attorney from the Free and Fair Litigation Group, argued that this poses a risk to the general public.
“County Executive Blakeman’s mili-
tia endangers public safety in Nassau County and the health of our democracy nationwide,” Dunne said. “Our lawsuit alleges an authoritarian power grab in the heart of suburban America. We cannot let the abuse of executive power go unanswered.”
Legislator Debra Mulé alleged that special sheriff’s deputies are an illegal group that should not be funded with taxpayer money, and that the county executive should be compelled to comply with public record laws.
“We filed formal Freedom of Information Law requests to get answers, and Blakeman ignored them,” Mulé said. “Even the county budget hides how much money is being funneled into this program. If this militia is such a great idea, why is he hiding it from the public?”
Blakeman is the first defendant in the case, alongside Nassau County Sheriff Anthony LaRocco. Blakeman was adamant in his opposition to the lawsuit and his support of the volunteer unit.
“Debra Mulé and Scott Davis are a disgrace for bringing this frivolous action and defaming the volunteers, many of whom are retired military and law enforcement, who have agreed to pitch in in the event of an emergency,” Blakeman said in a statement. “The antisemitic statements, denigrating these good citizens by labeling them as Nazi brownshirts, disqualify them for public service.”
By Angelina Zingariello
RichnerLIVE hosted its fourth annual R.E.A.L. Awards on Jan. 29, honoring the outstanding entrepreneurs, professionals and visionaries shaping Long Island’s real estate industry.
This event, at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, recognized individuals who have excelled in their fields and dedicated themselves to community advocacy and development.
“We strive to spotlight these developments and the people and organizations behind them week in and week out,” Stuart Richner, president and publisher of Richner Communications Inc., said. “Your work is vital for our shared growth and prosperity.”
The ceremony emphasized the deep connection between real estate and local communities, highlighting how industry leaders contribute to the region’s growth and well-being. The event celebrated the accomplishments of professionals whose efforts go beyond building structures; they lay the foundation for thriving neighborhoods and economic prosperity.
The evening began with a lively cocktail hour, where attendees mingled and connected with friends and colleagues. The networking session set the tone for the night, allowing industry leaders to celebrate their shared achievements and contributions to the local real estate landscape.
“It’s always an honor to be honored,” said Sheldon Shrenkel, CEO and executive director of the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency, said. “We appreciate the recognition, and to be together with all these other wonderful people in similar professions.”
After dinner, the awards ceremony was hosted by five-time Emmy Awardwinning investigative reporter Kristin Thorne. The honorees were recognized for their achievements, and came to the stage to accept their awards.
“It is always an honor to be celebrated multiple times by fellow architects and industry organizations,” Willy Zambrano, founder and design principal at Zambrano Architecutal Design, said. “However, recognition from another professional field is truly invaluable, particularly when it comes from a local news outlet. I’m elated to receive the Architectural Design Excellence award from this event.”
Keynote speaker Mike Florio, CEO of the Long Island Builders Institute, addressed the growing challenges in Long Island’s real estate market, emphasizing how rising construction costs, insurance premiums and restrictive zoning regulations are making homeownership increasingly difficult. Despite these obstacles, Florio highlighted the region’s desirability, and the need for collaborative efforts among developers, policymakers and local businesses to create sustainable, mixed-use communities that accommodate evolving demographic needs while ensuring
economic stability.
“To achieve these goals, we must take this conversation beyond a solution,” Florio said. “Everyone inside understands the challenges we face, but we need to reach a broader audience. Too often, the highest voices in the room are the small but local minority that is resistant to change.”
The annual Herald R.E.A.L. Awards served as a reminder of the vital role real estate professionals play in shaping Long Island’s future, not only through development but also through advocacy and community engagement. The evening brought together industry leaders to celebrate their achievements, foster connections and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead.
A portion of the proceeds from the
evening benefited General Needs Ltd., a nonprofit organization that is committed to supporting homeless veterans. Founded in May 2015, General Needs provides essential services to veterans in emergency shelters in Brooklyn and Queens and across Long Island. The organization operates entirely through community support, ensuring that all donations directly assist those in need.
For a full list of honorees and photos, visit richnerlive.com/realestate.
Robert Esposito, founder of Relocators Service Inc. and author, “Nobody Move!” with Stuart Richner
By Danielle Schwab
Dig into the mysteries of our favorite
et ready to embark on Jurassic Quest, one of the largest immersive dinosaur experiences in North America. The traveling prehistoric adventure, which combining archaeology with the latest tech, returns to Nassau Coliseum with its herd this weekend, Feb. 15-17.
Journey back 165 million years — to a time when mighty dinos ruled the Earth. The arena transforms into the TriassicJurassic and Cretaceous periods with life-like dinosaurs to observe and interact with during, that’s sure to spark the imagination.
“We bring dinosaurs to people in a way that’s fun, interactive and educational that you can’t find anywhere else,” says Jurassic Quest dinosaur expert Sarah Menard, better known as “Safari Sarah,” one of the expert “dino trainers.”
“You can go to a museum to see dinosaurs, but you’re only going to see fossils. You’re going to see educational things, but it’s not going to be as interactive or fun as maybe bouncing on a giant dinosaur inflatable would be,” she says.
There are plenty of opportunities to dig into the excitement. Hop on rideable dinosaurs, engage in hands-on science and art activities, enjoy thrilling dinosaur shows, observe real-life artifacts — and that’s only the start.
All of this — enhanced by carefully chosen vegetation, immersive sound effects, dynamic lighting, and interactive electronics — will make you feel like you’ve truly stepped into another time.
“One of my favorite things to see is whenever kids walk in their jaws drop, and then their parents walk in right after them and they do the same exact thing,” Safari Sarah adds.
Expect to see all your favorite dinos and meet new ones, including the formidable Triceratops, towering longnecks, fierce raptors, and of course, the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex — standing proud at 20 feet tall as the ultimate apex predator.
• Feb. 15-16 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Tickets start at $22 (Use code QUEST15 for 15 percent off admission); available at jurassicquest.com or on-site
• Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike Uniondale
where they can channel their
where they can channel their inner paleontologist, and study replicated and real fossils like T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull.
“They can learn not only how fossils are made, but they can make fossils themselves, and at the end of the day, they get to walk away with a dinosaurshaped fossil,” Safari Sarah says.
On display, you’ll find real artifacts like Megalodon and dinosaur teeth, horseshoe crabs, and maybe even a dinosaur skull.
Friends of the Brothers Friends of the Brothers returns to the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to the Allman Brothers. Their powerful celebration featuring musicians closely associated with the original band, continues the brotherhood with passion, committed to the ideals of every night being special and unique. Guitarist/singer Junior Mack has fronted Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band for 12 years and starred in the acclaimed Broadway show “Lackawanna Blues.” Guitarist Andy Aledort played with Dickey Betts for 12 years while singer/guitarist Alan Paul is the author of “One Way Out,” the definitive, best-selling Allman Brothers biography based on 25 years of reporting on and interviewing the band. Their firsthand experience with the Allman Brothers and their deep knowledge of the repertoire, its roots and heritage allows them to play with an unrivaled depth, backed by a band of inspirational, veteran players. Rock on!
Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. $38, $33. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or call (516) 767-6444.
Every dinosaur is created in collaboration with top paleontologists to create accurate depictions. As more is learned about these prehistoric creatures, their features are updated to reflect the most authentic depiction of dinosaurs in their prime.
This year, you may see some different feather placement and colors added to the pack.
“We actually know that feathers were a lot more prominent than we originally thought. There are even some paleontologists that think that the T-Rex had feathers,” Safari Sarah explains.
While we may think of dinosaurs in their largerthan-life forms, they, of course started out young — and “small.” Meet the baby dinos, Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex, and Trixie the Triceratops, three lovable hatchlings ready to play with new friends!
“They all have their own personalities. They’re all kinds of tricksters and will steal your hat or your phone from you. They’re cute little buddies,” Safari Sarah says.
“The famous question we get is ‘Is this really real?”’
There’s much to explore at each activity station, including an opportunity to become a Utahraptor trainer for the largest raptor in the world. The team instruct families on different commands and tricks to use that they can try out for themselves.
Kids will also want to check out the fossil dig,
For those looking for some self-guided fun, there’s
For those looking for some self-guided fun, there’s a scavenger hunt-style activity that the whole family can explore. Go on “The Quest,” a scavenger hunt-style activity where budding paleontologists can become Jr. Park Rangers, and learn all about the dinosaurs and time periods with the help of a fun and fact-filled video tour.
And the youngest adventurers have a spot all their own. Little dino-lovers can roam the ‘Triceratots’ soft play area, taking a well-deserved break from the excitement.
and learn all about the dinosaurs and time periods with the help the
While dinosaurs connect us to the past, they also connect all ages to a sense of wonder.
While dinosaurs connect us to the past, they also connect all of this
“If a parent can step outside of their ‘common sense’ and get into ‘wow, this is a real science,’ it really opens it up for their children as well, ” Safari Sarah says.
From a child’s toy to life-like moving creatures, atmosphere
From a child’s toy to life-like moving creatures, dinosaurs unearth new — but actually very old — possibilities.
“Studying dinosaurs is a gateway science,” Safari Sarah explains. “It opens it up to all these different sciences that talk about our Earth or the atmosphere or the stars. Things that have always been around since the beginning of time.”
His ‘Bronx Tale’ Chazz Palminteri is back on the Paramount stage, with his solo version of “A Bronx Tale.” The powerful one-man stage play depicts his bruising childhood, which included witnessing a gangland killing in the Bronx when he was nine years old. Palminteri plays 18 characters and brings them all to life in his autobiographical play. His friends, enemies and family all come alive on stage. It became a hit after he wrote it in 1989 and the most sought after property since “Rocky.” This is the original show he wrote and performed that made him an in-demand character actor and served as the basis of the acclaimed movie and Broadway musical. Bronx-born and raised, Palminteri was a natural choice to continue the long line of prominent Italian actors in the film industry.
Sunday, Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., $99.50, $89.50, $79.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Visit ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com for tickets.
Kevin James
You know him, you love him, and now you can catch Kevin James when his “Owls Don’t Walk” tour arrives at the Paramount, Sunday, March 2, 7:30 p.m. The standup comic and beloved sitcom star brings his latest material out on the road in 2025. In this this unfiltered special James’ delivers his hot takes on everything from parenting to marriage and getting older. As only Kevin can, he covers a range of topics from motivating children to put down their video games, to why he doesn’t trust technology, and how many tater tots he can fit in his mouth. James sure has come a long way since his early standup days on the Long Island comedy scene. After being discovered at the 1996 Montreal Comedy Festival, he signed a network development deal to create his own sitcom. “The King of Queens” premiered in 1998 and ran for nine seasons, earning him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. From there, his acting career blew up — in film and television. He also starred in, and executive produced The Crew, a sitcom set in the world of NASCAR and is currently developing a single camera comedy (both for Netflix).
Of course, he’s always eager to return to his standup roots. He had concluded his previous tour, “Irregardless,” at The Paramount in November2023, in a benefit event for The Alonso Foundation, a nonprofit group founded by Mets first baseman Pete Alonso and his wife, Haley, to help combat bullying, cyberbullying, animal abuse and other societal ills. So if you love the King of Queens’ hilarious, spot-on takes on jobs, relationships, and the petty annoyances of everyday life, then don’t miss your chance to hear his newest jokes live $99.50, $79.50, $69.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com. March 2
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The dropin program continues, Saturday, Feb.15, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and make art together. While there, enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to The Lobby Project, a collaborative art installation. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.
The Never Stop Running Foundation holds its Stoplight 5K, Saturday, Feb. 22, in Eisenhower Park. The foundation supports athletic and charitable events as they raise awareness and foster community involvement. Race begins rain or shine at 10 a.m. in Eisenhower’s Field 2. Visit EliteFeats.com/25StopLightLI for more information and to register for the run.
In honor of Black History Month, the Town of Hempstead hosts an extensive educational exhibit suitable for all ages, Friday, Feb. 21, 6-8 p.m., at Hempstead Town Hall. It highlights the labor of African-Americans from past to present on 1 Washington St., Hempstead. For more information, call (516) 489-5000, ext. 4303.
Valentine’s Flick
Come to Rockville Centre Public Library on Friday, Feb. 14, 2 p.m. for a special Valentine’s Day showing of The Notebook (Rated PG-13. 123 minutes). Starring Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner and Gena Rowlands, the film tells of an elderly man who reads to a woman with dementia about the story of two young lovers whose romance is threatened by the difference in their respective social classes. Visit rvclibrary.org for more information. 221 N. Village Ave.
Like to sing? The Rockville Centre Choral Society wants you! The non-sectarian chorus sings in Lynbrook and around the South Shore. New members are welcome. The chorus sings a variety of genres: pop, folk, showtunes, light classical and standards. No experience necessary. RCCS meets Wednesdays, 7:45-9:30 p.m., and performs two concerts yearly. Rehearsals are held at St. James United Methodist Church, 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook. For more information, email rvcchorus@ gmail.com or call (516) 5995705.
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2 p.m.; Monday through Saturday, Feb. 17-22, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. It is 3017 in this futuristic, musical retelling of “Cinderella.” She’s now a space engineer looking to revolutionize space travel. When the Prince holds a space parade, Cinderella saves it by helping fix the Prince’s spaceship. Cinderella knows it’s the perfect opportunity to show the Prince her new hyper warp speed engine.
But first, she’ll have to keep her evil stepmother from throwing a wrench in her plans! $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
The next Village of Rockville Centre Board of Trustees meeting will take place on Monday, March 3, 7 p.m. at Village Hall, 1 College Place.
In concert
Jupiter String Quartet returns to Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The intimate group of violinists Nelson Lee and Meg Freivogel, violist Liz Freivogel (Meg’s older sister), and cellist Daniel McDonough (Meg’s husband, Liz’s brotherin-law) are brought together by ties both familial and musical.
The ensemble brings its well-honed musical chemistry to three works shaped by bold musicality and deeply meaningful thematic inspirations, including Warmth from Other Suns by Carlos Simon; String Quartet No. 3, Glitter, Doom, Shards, Memory by Shulamit; and String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat Major, Op. 130 with the Grosse Fuge by Ludwig van Beethoven. 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
Plaza Theatricals welcomes the modern-day folk trio, Sunday, Feb. 23 , 2:30 p.m. Inspired by the music and legacy of Peter, Paul & Mary, the ensemble offers up an energetic interactive tribute. Satisfying diehard PPM lovers as well as newcomers to this wonderful era of music, their concer features all of PPM’s beloved hits, including “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Blowing in the Wind,” and of course “Puff The Magic Dragon.”
With stirring vocal harmonies and polished showmanship, they also offers favorites from Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell, The Mamas & The Papas, Joan Baez, The Weavers, and more. $40, $35 seniors. Groove along at Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit plazatheatrical. com.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 16, 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.
and backed by influential figures like billionaire Elon Musk.
TThe state officials emphasized that New York’s Constitution guarantees a system of public education “wherein all the children of this state may be educated.” That promise has been reinforced by landmark federal legislation such as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson during his “War on Poverty,” and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which protects the educational rights of people with disabilities.
he specific details of President Trump’s plan to dissolve the Department of Education have yet to be revealed.
MaTT Gaven Superintendent, Rockville Centre school district
“These laws recognize and celebrate personal, social, and economic differences,” the statement reads. “They are models of strength through diversity.”
The Trump administration is weighing an executive order to shut down functions of the Department of Education not explicitly mandated by law, or transfer them to other agencies.
The order would also propose a legislative push to abolish the department entirely, an action that would fulfill one of Trump’s campaign promises, to reduce federal oversight of education and grant more control to the states.
The Department of Education, created in 1979, during President Jimmy Carter’s administration, is tasked with overseeing critical federal education programs, including grants for low-income students, civil rights protections and the administration of federal student loans.
Critics of the department have long argued that federal involvement in education should be minimized. Conservative voices have called for the department’s
amid the trump administration’s plan to dismantle the department of education, the rockville Centre school district is waiting to hear more details from the federal government.
elimination, and the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 also denounces the department.
Other New York state officials, like newly elected State Sen. Siela Bynoe, who represents Rockville Centre and surrounding communities, are focused on improving education. Bynoe, who served on the Westbury school district Board of Education for two terms before beginning her political career, previously told the Herald that she advocates for behavioral and mental health initiatives in school districts — efforts that could feel the impact of the administration’s plans.
Funding and contracts for the DOE have already been cut, with the newly created Department of Government Efficiency announcing the termination of training grants for diversity, equity and inclusion
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST ARTHUR EDWARDS, ELIZABETH EDWARDS AKA ELIZABETH MC ARDLE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 16, 2022, 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 10, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 259 LINCOLN AVENUE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situated, lying
and being in the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 347, Lots 380 & 381. Approximate amount of judgment $723,702.12 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609188/2019. Karen C. Grant, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-009233 84137 151396
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notice to Bidders Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on FEBRUARY 27, 2025 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable
for: TRANSFER STATION PIT STEEL AND RAILING REPLACEMENT 10 SUNRISE HIGHWAY Bid No. 2502CP2(1139) The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check or bid bond payable to the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre in the amount of five (5%) percent of the gross amount of the bid. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at Lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than February 20, 2025. Potential bidders for this contract are required to visit the site: 10 Sunrise Highway prior to submitting bids. Please contact Mario Bento
(516) 852-0859 or (516) 678-9271 to schedule.
All contractors and subcontractors submitting bids or performing construction work on public work projects 9or private projects covered by Article 8 of the Labor Law are required to register with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) under Labor Law Section 220-i and must include a copy of the registration with their bid response. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.
Purchasing Department
Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 151549
worth $101 million in a post on X post on Feb. 10.
Recent pools, however, show widespread opposition to such cuts. A Wall Street Journal poll published on Jan. 17 found that 61 percent of registered voters oppose eliminating the Education Department, with most preferring to protect education funding over other budget priorities like tax cuts.
In their statement, New York state officials reaffirmed their commitment to “the inherent dignity and worth of every child,” and condemned Trump’s potential executive order.
“We denounce the intolerant rhetoric of these orders,” they said. “Our children cannot thrive in an environment of chaos; they need steady and stable leadership that we will endeavor to provide.”
The Rockville Centre Public Library joined the 2025 Nassau Library Quest, which began on Jan. 25 and runs through March 3. Participants who visit 10 of the 58 participating libraries throughout the county will earn a prize.
In this “fun campaign,” according to Susan Finck, assistant director of the Rockville Centre library, patrons are invited to visit 10 participating Nassau Public Libraries to complete the quest. It is open to visitors of all ages.
rockville Centre is one of the 58 libraries in nassau County participating in the nassau Library System’s Library Quest, spanning from Jan. 25 to march 3.
“They can take a self-guided tour as a family or a team of friends or solo,” Finck said.
At the tenth library, participants will earn a prize — a choice of an exclusive Nassau Library Quest magnet or vinyl sticker, Finck said. They will also be entered into a grand prize raffle.
The program, which is sponsored by the Nassau Library System, is normally
exclusively held during the summer. However, this year, they are hosting a winter session. For this session, as an interactive element, participants have to find a little stuffed cat — the Quest Cat — hidden in each library they visit in order to complete the quest.
To learn more, visit Quest.NassauLibrary.org.
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
COMPANION PART-TIME , Flexible
Schedule. Few Hours. For Disabled Middle-Aged Man. $16/hr. Long Beach Area 516-474-4556.
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
FULL CHARGE BOOKKEEPER : Proficiency Quickbooks, 2/ 3 Days/ Week, Flexible. $20-$30/ Hr. Send resume cbc@catalinabeachclub.com Call 516-239-2150
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City.
We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
RECEPTIONIST/ P/T: SEASONAL, Warm, Friendly, Excellent People Skills, Office Work/ Customer Service.
Q. We completely rebuilt in 1996, and are ready to retire and sell. Our real estate agent told us they checked our permit records and it was never signed off. Although it’s a long story, our first contractor went to jail and destroyed our original permit papers. The second contractor never got a plumbing permit or electrical sign-offs, even though they had people do the work. Is this going to be a big problem to get everything signed off, because we want to sell within the year to take advantage of the market right now? What can you advise?
A. Sounds like you went through a lot. Most people tell me they could write a book about their experience. You need to see your building department records and get copies of the signed and sealed plans. Many municipalities keep records either in paper form, which you may have to pay for copies of, or microfilm or computer files.
Then speak with your inspector to find out what they think needs to be done. Most will be very helpful, and allow for the process to continue, asking you to hire a plumber to get a permit, which involves your notarized signature so you know it’s being done. In way too many cases, the plumber or contractor says it was done when it really wasn’t, so most municipalities require the owner’s signature on permit applications so the building department and owner are aware that the process is being done and is not false.
The plumber needs to see your bathrooms, kitchen, heating equipment and any other plumbing to be sure it meets the plumbing code (and building code). The same process must be done with an electrician, but most building departments ask for a certification from a private agency, not your electrician, since most building departments don’t have an electrical inspector. The reason for this is that one of the two leading causes of fire is electrical (the other being use of the kitchen) so your local government wants nothing to do with the liability for fire safety.
You’ll find that almost everyone in this process wants to avoid responsibility as much as possible. You may have to either call for an inspection agency yourself or, if you suspect that there could be questionable electrical work, hire a licensed electrician to inspect and correct before hiring an agency to detect, if you elect. The private agency charges a few hundred dollars, usually, depending on the number of rooms and outdoor items, like air conditioning condensers, pool equipment and landscape lights, which must also be inspected. After all this is done, you may be able to get a final inspection and a sign-off and certificate from your building department, unless … your building department makes you get plans and a new survey redrawn and updated to the most recent code, which is complicated, time-consuming and expensive — in the thousands of dollars — before you can get a final inspection. Allow plenty of time.
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one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to get in shape. We join a gym and work out to look our best, and the results of a disciplined and consistent exercise regimen are physically apparent. Being fit is admired.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for taking care of your mental health. For many of us, there is a self-imposed stigma associated with working on mental health (as an essential component of overall health and wellness). There is a reluctance to share mental health struggles, for fear of being judged. As a result, in most cases these issues remain untreated and, in some cases, they have fatal consequences. Most recently, I was confronted with a stark reminder of the fragility of life
and the vital importance of mental health care. On Jan. 27, during the Nassau County Legislature’s monthly “Top Cops” presentations, we received a sobering request from Police Benevolent Association President Thomas Shevlin. He asked us to observe a moment of silence in memory of Matthew Kear, a Nassau County Police Department officer and a U.S. Navy veteran, who died by suicide.
Let family members, friends and neighbors know it’s OK to say they’re not OK.
Shevlin, a passionate advocate for mental health care, went on to say, “We struggle with mental health as anybody else would — especially with what we go through on a daily basis, and what we see. I am tired of putting ‘Rest in Peace’ on my social media. We have to start preventing it.”
I couldn’t agree more with Shevlin about the need to start doing more to prevent suicide. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder are common, and can affect
anyone, regardless of age, gender, vocation or socioeconomic background. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five adults in the United States live with a mental health condition. With proper treatment and care, these conditions can be successfully managed.
Promoting the benefits of mental wellness can help break the stigma and save lives. A good start is fostering supportive conversations with your family members, friends, neighbors and colleagues about mental health. Let them know it’s OK to say that they’re not OK.
Recognize warning signs such as: expressing feelings of hopelessness or being trapped, withdrawing from family and activities, extreme mood swings, giving away prized possessions or expressing the desire to die.
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, I urge you to utilize the resources that are
available for immediate assistance, such as Nassau County’s Mobile Crisis Team, which is staffed with licensed professional social workers and nurses who are specially trained to help individuals and families in moments of crisis. Contact them at (516) 227-TALK (8255) for assistance.
Furthermore, you can reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline directly, at 988, to connect with a trained crisis counselor who can provide immediate assistance and confidential support.
And, as always, if your life or safety is ever in immediate danger, I urge you to call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room to get the care you need.
Together, let’s break the stigma of openly talking about mental health. Let’s not be afraid to have that conversation, or to ask, “Are you OK?” Each of us can make a greater effort to be aware of the warning signs in ourselves or others.
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Scott M. Davis, of Rockville Centre, represents Nassau County’s 1st Legislative District.
Not that anxiety is funny, but sometimes it helps to laugh at ourselves.
In 1977, Mel Brooks did just that, with his movie “High Anxiety,” starring Brooks as a wildly neurotic shrink and Cloris Leachman as his mustachioed, militaristic nurse at the Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous. Now, either you think that’s funny or you’re already writing me a letter. But I speak from experience. I’m an anxious person, and according to the American Psychiatric Association, 40 percent of Americans said last year that they were more anxious than the year before.
I was an anxious kid, and teen, and adult. I come by my anxiety honestly, from my nervous parents and grandparents. Most days, I do breathing exercises before I open my eyes in the morning.
How do you know if you have anxiety? Do you have a pulse and a moral conscience? You’re in.
Officially, according to psychothera-
pist Linda Hubbard in an article on the Mayo Clinic website, you might have trouble concentrating, you may feel tense or restless, or experience muscle tension or headaches or lightheaded or sleeplessness.
Anxiety treatment has become big business. As I write this — case in point — I just got a pop-up ad from an online health letter selling “proven stressbusting techniques.” The barrage of anti-anxiety messaging is endless. We have to be careful consumers.
were considered “shell-shocked,” and ostracized. Now anti-anxiety tactics and treatments are freely marketed and talked about and posted.
A nd its treatment is big business. Anti-anxiety messaging is endless.
I offer these words to commiserate and say you are not alone. These are troubling times, and nearly everyone I know is feeling some stress or anxiety. It is permissible now to discuss these feelings openly, and there is relief in sharing.
There is no real history tracking anxiety. Maybe Shakespeare was anxious; he did create Hamlet, one of the most deeply anxious characters in literature. Maybe cowboys who rode the range felt stress about the roundups. Perhaps our storied astronauts suffered these symptoms.
It’s worse to suffer in silence, but that was always the expectation, especially for men. Soldiers who suffered debilitating anxiety in World War I
Today’s society and culture have produced more anxiety, and more discussions of anxiety online, on TV and in social media. Anxiety has become monetized, from advertisements for medications to promotions for apps that control anxiety and foods and selfhelp books that promise to ease our emotional pain. Since the pandemic, we have had good reason to feel anxious. Our peace of mind is under attack, by everything from rising waters and emerging viruses to political dysfunction and the assault on our democratic values.
I am a foot soldier in the struggle with anxiety. What works for me? I walk outdoors as often and as far as I can, weather permitting. The steps, one by one, for a mile or two, seem to ease tension.
I bought one of the apps that promise to reduce anxiety. It offers really boring stories read by monotonic narrators, which help you unwind and even fall asleep. The app also features yoga exercises and various sounds like rain on a roof and light piano music and ocean waves. In my own experience, all of
these work, sometimes and to some degree.
For those of us whose anxiety is triggered by the confederacy of dunces who have taken the political stage in Washington, eventually we can vote, but day to day, we can turn off the cacophony of news and social media that surely make us feel worse. I read a few newspapers to keep informed, but I no longer watch much TV, unless it makes me laugh (in a good way).
Throw everything at the problem and see what works. But don’t try to tough it out. Be selective in using the internet. Let social media be your tool and not the other way around.
Each of us, in our own lives, can find reasonable and healthy ways to reduce anxiety. Many of them are free, like turning away from devices and toward people. When we need professional help, we can find it. Medications work for millions of people.
It doesn’t hurt to have a laugh or two each day. Comedians like Sarah Silverman and the late Robin Williams carved careers out of their struggles with anxiety. The Apple TV series “Shrinking” has some laugh-out-loud moments. Maybe start by streaming a copy of “High Anxiety” and checking into the Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous for a few hours.
Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
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the recent controversy surrounding Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s creation of an armed civilian unit has sparked intense debate.
Blakeman unveiled a plan last March to deputize gun-owning residents for what he termed “the protection of human life and property during an emergency.”
Democratic lawmakers in Nassau County have now taken legal action, filing a lawsuit in State Supreme Court against what they describe as an “illegal, taxpayer-funded civilian militia.” The concerns focus on not only the legality of the initiative, but also on Blakeman’s refusal to provide clear and essential details about the program.
While opinions on the concept of a civilian militia may vary, what should trouble every resident, regardless of political affiliation, is the disturbing lack of transparency surrounding this initiative. It is not merely the existence of the militia that is at issue, but the secrecy and lack of accountability with which it has been formed and implemented.
As representatives of the people, these lawmakers have a duty to ensure that government actions are conducted openly and lawfully. Their inability to obtain basic information about this unit — who is being recruited, what their training entails, the weapons they will carry, and the total cost to taxpayers — should alarm everyone, regardless of where they stand on the issue of deputizing civilians.
State law in New York is explicit in
defining who can wield police powers: only professional, sworn law enforcement officers. By contrast, the county’s unit consists of volunteers who are required only to be licensed gun owners and complete 12 hours of classroom and firearms training.
This falls far short of the rigorous training required of sworn officers, raising critical concerns about competency and public safety. If these volunteers are granted the authority to use deadly force and make arrests, then their selection, training and oversight should be subject to the highest levels of scrutiny.
Blakeman has attempted to dismiss the lawsuit as “frivolous” and an attack on the volunteers, many of whom are retired military and law enforcement personnel. But his response sidesteps the central issue. No one is questioning the dedication or service history of these individuals. What is being questioned is the manner in which the program has been conceived and implemented — behind closed doors, without legislative approval, and without adequate public oversight.
The county has stated that these deputies will only be deployed in emergencies to protect critical infrastructure, not to patrol streets or manage protests. But without a transparent, codified framework governing their deployment, there are no guarantees that those boundaries will be respected. History has shown that when emergency powers are granted without sufficient oversight, they can be misused or expanded beyond their original intent.
To the Editor:
I just read Peter King’s column in last week’s Herald, “An inauguration that was decidedly different,” and it made me sick. But King is correct in stating that this inauguration was different. Unlike President Trump four years ago, President Biden was there to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power. There was no denial of who won the election. Biden upheld our country’s grand tradition.
On Jan. 6, 2021, police officers were killed and injured by people doing Mr. Trump’s bidding. The lives of Vice President Mike Pence, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and all of the members of Congress were at risk. The brave Capitol Police did their duty to protect them, and the thanks they get is a president pardoning their attackers and the people they protected turning their backs on them.
I’d warn Mr. King: Trump’s presidency is a moment in time, but eventually it will pass, and history will not be kind to those like you. Your grand-
Nassau County is not lacking for law enforcement resources. With roughly 2,600 sworn officers, the Nassau County Police Department is the 12th-largest local police force in the country. There is also an existing structure for civilian involvement — the Nassau County Auxiliary Police and the County Community Emergency Response Team, both of which operate unarmed and under professional supervision. Given these resources, what specific gap is the militia intended to fill?
County residents deserve answers. How were these individuals selected? What specific criteria were used? What safeguards exist to ensure their proper conduct? What is the financial burden on taxpayers? Until these questions are answered, the program lacks legitimacy. The lack of transparency is not a partisan issue — it is a fundamental issue of governance. When taxpayer money is being used to fund an initiative that involves armed civilians exercising government-sanctioned power, full disclosure should — must — be the bare minimum. If the program is truly necessary, it should withstand public scrutiny and meet the highest standards of accountability.
Blakeman and his administration must provide the information being sought by community members and lawmakers alike. Without this transparency, concerns about the legality and safety of the program will only continue to grow. The people of Nassau County deserve to know exactly what is being done in their name and with their money. Anything less is unacceptable.
police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, yet too often they do not receive the essential mental health support they need by nature of their profession. This can exact a toll, both personally and professionally.
Beverly J. Anderson, clinical director of the Metropolitan Police Employee Assistance program, once said, “No human being, no matter how healthy, welltrained or welladjusted, is immune to the long-term stress of sudden critical incidents.”
Police Benevolent Association leaders in the Nassau County Police Department and the New York City and State Police have discussed this major issue with me. They shared how the repetitive trauma that police officers endure from responding to violent crimes, domestic violence incidents, car accidents and other life-threatening situations can have a serious impact on their well-being.
It is our responsibility to ensure that we establish effective statewide counsel-
ing and resources to help officers process these experiences. That’s why I am sponsoring legislation to establish a formal peer-to-peer mental health support program for police officers in New York state. This legislation is about supporting the men and women who protect us every day, by ensuring that they have the mental health resources they need to serve effectively.
The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association has strongly advocated for this initiative, and I was honored when they asked me to sponsor the legislation.
we need to establish statewide counseling and resources to help them.
Since I took office in 2019, I have expressed concern about the uptick in suicides among officers, many of whom retired after long careers on the force. Sadly, suicides continue to rise. I was pleased to see that Tommy Shevlin was elected president of the Nassau County PBA in 2021. It was the right time for an officer with his mental health background to take the lead. As a delegate, he has been instrumental in addressing mental health issues among his fellow officers. Shevlin has encouraged officers to receive the assistance and support they deserve, because a healthy police officer is a more effective one, and an asset to all that he or she is sworn to protect and serve.
kids will have to explain why their grandfather sided with a man who tried to take down democracy instead of standing up to him.
Rest assured, many of us will never forget what happened on Jan. 6. We will continue to fight the good fight. At the same time, career politicians like Mr. King will sacrifice their integrity (if they ever had any) to support a man who wants to be king.
VINCENT MASTROTA Sea Cliff
To the Editor:
After reading Congressman Emeritus King’s op-ed, I have reservations about his lauding President Trump. I wrote Trump before he took office, saying that it would be groundbreaking if he became the president of all the people. His legacy would be the destruction of the partisanship that is slowly strangling the USA. I received a very hopeful reply signed by the president-elect. As of today, I realize this was a dream. I and many like me, ordinary hardworking Americans, have been scammed.
The legislation is in memory of Lt. Joseph Banish, a State Trooper who died by suicide. That inspired his brother, Jim Banish, to honor his memory by traveling around the state, and the country, to establish programs that help officers deal with mental health issues. Shevlin and Banish became fast friends, united in a goal to help heal the stress and trauma that officers endure in the course of their work.
This bill directs the Division of Criminal Justice Services to expand a peersupport program in which trained officers counsel fellow officers struggling with trauma, stress, anxiety and grief. By creating a structured, departmentally approved system, we can ensure that officers have a safe, accessible and effective resource to help them navigate the mental health challenges of their profession.
The need for such a program is clear. The emotional toll of policing is well documented, and when trauma goes unaddressed, it can lead to severe consequences, including depression, substance abuse, addictive behavior and even suicide. A recent report on police suicides in Suffolk County highlighted the urgent need for better mental health support within law enforcement. Officers feel more comfortable confiding in a
peer who understands their experiences, rather than seeking help from an external mental health professional. My bill is written for this reality, and provides a structured, confidential avenue for officers to receive the support they need from those who truly understand their struggles.
Confidentiality is a critical aspect of this legislation, ensuring that officers feel safe seeking help without fear of professional repercussions. However, the bill also establishes clear boundaries. Confidentiality does not apply in situations involving a court order, criminal activity, threats of self-harm or harm to others, or the abuse of vulnerable individuals. This strikes a fair balance between protecting officers’ privacy and ensuring public safety.
This effort builds on the success of the federal COPS Counseling Act, which passed with bipartisan support in 2021. It is time for New York to follow suit, and provide all of our police officers with effective, accessible and trustworthy peer-to-peer counseling.
I have made this bill a priority, and I’m finding increasing support from other Assembly members and state senators. It’s time to show our law enforcement officers that their mental wellbeing matters. When our officers are healthy, our communities are safer.
Judy Griffin represents the 21st Assembly District.
King defends most of Trump’s and his minions’ draconian attacks on the very roots of what’s left of our republic. Revenge, and creating turmoil and anxiety, are the order of the day. Religion is being weaponized, and censorship, which Trump says we will now be free of, is being spread through the agencies of government, right down to teachers in our schools.
Being poor, with skin of a different tone, dispossessed or a peaceful immigrant, is no longer acceptable. The norm will soon become the knock on the door, the presentation of “your papers” and a disappearance in the night. History proves that while we’re not there yet, we are heading down this slippery slope.
King writes of Trump’s new “golden age.” On that term we agree, but we define it differently. The only gold I see is his greedy cadre of rich men grabbing all the power they can lay their hands on. They know that power breeds money. They are pigs at the trough.
King writes that the functions he attended in Washington were filled with “extraordinary excitement, enthusiasm and hope.” Yet the president is but three weeks in office, and many who supported him are reacting
adversely to the confusion, disappointment and the “shock and awe” of his policies and his erratic statements. Many are feeling buyer’s remorse.
King is an intelligent man who did much for his constituents when he served the public. It is difficult to comprehend how he cannot sense that this president is quickly on his way to
becoming a clear and present danger to the republic King served.
King and I probably both pray, in our own ways, for the same things, a better country and a peaceful world. It’s good to dream!
