HERALD UNIONDALE
BEACON BEACON
Seeking to dial up a new phone policy
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Students, teachers and parents began discussing the implementation of new smartphone policies in Uniondale schools at the first Cell Phone Task Force meeting at Uniondale High School on March 12.
Alison Chaplar, the district’s technology specialist, works with elementary teachers and students throughout the district to incorporate electronics into education. She is a co-chair of the task force, and says she wants to make sure technology adds to the school experience, not takes away from it.
Wintroductory, exploring our usage with cell phones,” Chaplar said. “Yes, it is a tool and it has its purpose, but it can also be a trap.”
The problem with smartphones in class
Smartphones are a common source of distraction — texting, social media, and mobile games often draw students’ attention away from lessons. Social media also opens the door to cyberbullying.
e want to make sure that this is a community effort.
REEcE RENE Co-chair, Cell Phone Task Force
“The importance of being in school is the education — that’s what we’re there for,” Chaplar said.
New York State United Teachers, a statewide teacher’s union, initially met March 5 to discuss students’ use of smartphones during school hours. A number of panels of educators discussed problems associated with phones.
“Our first meeting was really
“We noticed that there were not only a lot of distractions when it came to the students being on their cellphones,” Lawrence Road Middle School Principal Mark McCaw said.
“Sometimes you see a lack of focus, trading inappropriate things. Whether it be messages or other images that might be inappropriate, you’ll see instances of bullying.”
On the flipside, phones also provide a vital lifeline for students and parents to communicate when they need to.
“I can also speak as a parent,”
ConTinued on PAge 11
Courtesy Uniondale Free School District Cell Phone Task Force co-chairs Alison Chaplar, left, and Reece Rene spoke at the group’s first meeting on March 12 about the importance of moderating smartphone use.
County capital plan stalls, Dems demand FD funding guarantee
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
Tensions boiled over on Monday as the Nassau County Legislature tabled a plan approving County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s $426 million capital improvement plan, leaving critical infrastructure funding in limbo amid a bitter partisan standoff over fire department funding.
All 12 Republican legislators voted to approve the plan, which includes money for roadwork, park upgrades, police equipment, and emergency vehicles. But all seven Democrats abstained, arguing that Blakeman failed to provide a written commitment to fund safety upgrades for fire departments and EMS services in their districts. After a hour of debate in the legislative chambers, the plan was tabled. The source of the stalemate, according to Democrats, is a lack of trust.
“Over a million dollars in funding for CPR equipment, turnout gear for firefighters when they run into a burning building, [and] communication upgrades for our local police departments” has been ignored,” Legislator Seth Koslow, a Democrat and candidate for county executive, said.
He accused Blakeman of “blatant political bias,” noting that since 2023, “$2.5 million in funding [has been] sent to Republican districts,” while “there have been zero approved for Democratic-led districts.”
Democrats say the money they’re
requesting was approved under previous capital plans and is not new spending.
“What other reason besides petty politics could there be for not approving these requests for money?” Koslow said.
Evergreen Building Grades 7 to 12
The capital plan requires a 13-vote supermajority to pass, meaning Democratic support is essential. In a rare move, the minority caucus presented Blakeman with a written contract guaranteeing funding for specific projects in their districts — including basic equipment for volunteer fire departments — and threatened to withhold their votes if he did not sign it.
ment. All he has to do is sign it,” said Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton. “I cannot and I will not support this capital plan unless I know that all of us in Nassau County will get the funding we deserve, especially for our first responders.”
quality of life and the public safety of Nassau County, and they’ve got about $2 million in pet projects that they want to hold hostage.”
Blakeman listed the safety projects that would be jeopardized by the vote, including $1.14 million for bulletproof vests for police, $3 million for new ambulances, $1.5 million for body cameras and $50,000 for personal protection gear for firefighters. He also cited a $550,000 high axle vehicle that would assist in flood evacuations.
“I think [this vote] is irresponsible — a violation of their oath as a legislator,” Blakeman said.
The day culminated in dueling press conferences and a public exchange between
Blakeman and DeRiggi-Whitton, who confronted him with the unsigned agreement.
“If you don’t sit down, you’ll be asked to leave,” Blakeman said
Democrats maintain that their concerns are about fairness, not obstruction.
Blakeman, however, forcefully rejected the demand, accusing Democrats of political gamesmanship.
“At the end of the day, he has our agree-
For more information or to apply in person
please contact Mr. Luis Bocanegra, Sheyla
You can also apply online via our website at https://ecsli.org/enroll/ in the admissions tab. New
“You want to play political games with people’s lives? So you’re going to have to answer to your constituents,” Blakeman said at a heated news conference before the vote. “We have a capital plan that’s got $400 million of basic improvements to the
For more information or to apply in person
please contact Mr. Luis Bocanegra, Sheyla Santana or Jeannie Tembra at (516) 226-8681,
Santana or Jeannie Tembra at (516) 226-8681, Ext. 251, 248 or 249 admissions@ecsli.org
You can also apply online via our website at New Evergreen Building Grades 7 to 12
“County Executive Blakeman has politicized every issue, from the most basic of water, to first responders, to getting funding for really basic needs that were never honestly a problem in the past,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “Every single thing has become a fight.”
Koslow added, “There’s no such thing as Democratic or Republican fires … When our first responders run into buildings, we want them prepared to help us.”
For more information please Santana or Jeannie Tembra 8681, Ext. 251, 248 or 249 or via email at admissions@ecsli.org
email a admissions@ecsli.org apply online via our website at https://ecsli.org/enroll/ in the admissions tab.
https://ecsli.org/enroll/ in the admissions tab.
Rpksana Amid/Herald
County Executive Bruce Blakeman has an angry exchange with Minority leader Delia DeRiggi Whitton during a news conference over Nassau’s capital budget in the ceremonial chamber in Mineola.
Uniondale and Oceanside students explore Sikh faith
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
In a demonstration of cultural understanding, students from Oceanside High School’s Bridges program, and their counterparts from Uniondale High School, made an educational visit to Temple Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur, a Sikh temple in Glen Cove, last Friday. The visit, part of an ongoing effort to foster interfaith and cultural understanding, gave students firsthand insights into Sikh religious practices, traditions and values, including the faith’s emphasis on equality, service and devotion.
“The coolest part is that everyone is out of their comfort zone,” said Joe LaTorre, an English teacher at Oceanside Middle School and a co-founder of the district’s Bridges program. “We’re creating similarities by sharing a new experience together.”
Bridges program is a tool for inter-district collaboration, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to connect. The program, to which they apply by writing an essay about a societal issue they want to change, is now in its eighth years, and starts in seventh grade, with students forming lasting relationships across both districts. They learn to engage in conversations about challenging topics like immigration, while respecting differing viewpoints.
David Hollander, Uniondale’s director of Social Studies and co-organizer of the event, noticed the geographic and cultural divide between Uniondale and Oceanside, despite the fact that the schools were only a few miles apart. The program is intended to bridge that gap, and the aim of the field trip was to introduce students to the Sikh religion, its culture and food.
“This is exactly what we want to see — students engaging with different cultures and understanding diverse perspectives,” Hollander said.
When they arrived at the temple, the students were given an overview of Sikhism, one of the world’s youngest major religions, founded in the late 15th century by Guru Nanak. Their hosts explained key aspects of their faith, including the significance of the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s central religious scripture. Students observed the use of the chaur sahib, a ceremonial whisk waved over the holy book as a sign of respect.
“They really emphasized that Sikhism isn’t a religion, it’s more of a lifestyle,” Oceanside student Max Greenberg said. “They were so open about being, nondiscriminatory, very open for equal rights for everyone. It’s really interesting.”
A major topic of discussion was the Sikh turban, a symbol of faith and commitment. Asked whether different colors held special meaning, Temple Gurdwara representatives explained that while personal choice influences the color selection, all turbans symbolize discipline, equality and devotion.
“The Sikh religion almost evolved … they really are OK with everyone,” Uniondale teacher Sanjay Singh said. “The core of the religion is inclusivity.”
Students also asked about milestones in the faith. Unlike bar mitzvahs in Judaism or first communions in Christianity, Sikhism does not have age-based initiation ceremonies. However, many young Sikh boys take participate in a turbantying ceremony, signifying their transition to maturity and responsibility.
Sikh valueS and way of life
Students explored the Sikh approach to lifestyle choices, including the emphasis on honesty, discipline, and avoiding intoxicants like alcohol and tobacco. They also learned about the importance of marriage, as Sikh weddings (Anand Karaj) are deeply spiritual ceremonies held in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. The discussion also highlighted gender equality, with students learning
that Sikh teachings affirm that men and women are equal in all aspects of life.
“This is place-based learning, where they get to actually experience what they’re learning rather than just learning it out of a textbook,” Uniondale teacher Jillian Pallone said. “I heard a lot of the girls saying how they were happy that they can see that women are playing equal roles in this religion, because in other ones they’re not.”
The students also learned about the Khanda, the prominent Sikh emblem, and that the Guru Granth Sahib was written during the gurus’ lifetimes, unlike many religious scriptures that were compiled posthumously. They also discovered that there are a number of gurdwaras on Long Island and across New York, serving as spiritual and community hubs.
Cultural exChange through food and hoSpitality
A highlight of the visit was Langar, the Sikh tradition of serving free meals to all visitors regardless of background. As part of Sikhism’s commitment to seva (selfless service) and equality, every gurdwara operates a community kitchen, where volunteers prepare and serve vegetarian meals to anyone in need.
The students shared a meal while discussing about Sikh hospitality and the importance of service in the faith.
“We try to do at least one off-site, nonhigh school thing a year, and we try to do a different one each year,” LaTorre said. “In four years, the kids always get new experiences.”
refleCtionS on an eye-opening experienCe
The visit concluded with reflections on the importance of understanding different faiths and cultures. The students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn directly from members of the Sikh community and gain a deeper
appreciation of diversity. Singh, who is Indian and practices Jain, a religion similar to Buddhism, highlighted the impact programs like Bridges have on students.
“I grew up post 9/11, and everybody looked at people like us as terrorists, Osama, whatever,” Singh said, “Honestly, this generation really is not like that. I remember the first year we did this, I saw white and black and Latino kids wearing turbans. I was like, ‘This feels like a fever dream right now.’”
By providing an opportunity for meaningful conversations and shared experiences, the trip to Temple Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur reinforced the Bridges program’s mission: fostering mutual understanding, respect and lifelong learning among students from different backgrounds.
“The idea here,” Hollander said, “is that being a global citizen means being out of your comfort zone, being able to engage with cultures, and being able to
THE FIvE K’s, oR PHysIcAL symBoLs oF sIKH IDENTIT y woRN By BAPTIzED sIKHs (AmRITDHARI sIKHs): Kesh — Uncut hair, symbolizing devotion to God.
Kangha — A wooden comb, representing cleanliness and discipline.
Kara — A steel bracelet, signifying unity with God and moral strength.
Kachera — Cotton undergarments, symbolizing modesty and self-control.
Kirpan — A ceremonial sword, representing a Sikh’s duty to protect and uphold justice.
Kepherd Daniel/Herald
Oceanside and Uniondale students involved in their high schools joint Bridges Program visited a Sikh temple in Glen Cove, connecting another bridge in understanding different cultures and way of life.
Proposed state money could ease Hempstead school deficit
By REINE BETHANY
Special to the Herald
Siela Bynoe elected last November to represent State Senate District 6, aims to add millions of dollars for education and libraries into the proposed Senate One House Budget.
Her proposals include $24 million for Hempstead Public Schools and the 20252026 school year.
In February, the Hempstead Board of Education said there was a potential $33 million deficit for the upcoming school year. Board President Victor Pratt tied the deficit to the funding of charter schools.
Evergreen Charter School, Academy Charter School, and the newly approved Diamond Charter School all sit within the boundaries of the Hempstead school district.
“William Johnson, the [state-appointed] monitor of the Hempstead schools, worked to create a formula that would appropriately fund school districts.”
Bynoe worked with the Central Staff of the Budget Work Group to show why Johnson’s formula made sense, not only for Hempstead, but also for Buffalo and Rochester. She also met with the leadership of the State Senate, making a case for including the alternative funding in the Senate One House Budget.
w e are reliant on the partnership with the state and the local community in supporting the education of all students.
VIcToR pRATT Hempstead board president
Bynoe was appointed to the Senate’s Standing Committee on Education early this year. She brought to the committee her awareness of the difficult equilibrium between charter schools and the public school districts that fund them.
“I advocated for alternative aid to school districts that had an oversaturation of charter schools,” Bynoe said.
“The $24 million allocation was included to fund the short gap in the Hempstead school district budget and to alleviate the closing of a school and reduction of staffing,” she said.
Enrollment in the Hempstead district has shrunk, in part because of charter school growth. About 36 percent of K-12 students in the district attend charter schools.
In Uniondale, 18 percent of K-12 students attend charter schools. In Roosevelt, the percentage is 13 percent.
The Hempstead school board has discussed closing one of the district’s elementary schools and laying off staff to maintain control of the budget.
“For the 2025-2026 school budget in
Accepting What Is
As estate planners, we consistently meet with people who are suffering from traumatic relationships with their children or grandchildren. Children themselves may become estranged or at odds with parents or their siblings. Sometimes, an in-law is involved that seems to turn the client’s son or daughter into someone completely different from the child they raised. The pain that these clients are going through is palpable.
Some wise sage once said that all pain comes from resistance. Many of these relationship issues may be difficult or impossible to overcome, but one thing we can all do is work on ourselves — by accepting what is. Accepting what is does not mean agreeing with or condoning certain behavior. What it does mean is that you stop saying to yourself that it is not fair, it “should” be otherwise, etc. That will not do you one bit of good and may do you considerable harm. Stress has been called “the silent killer”.
We recall reading a pithy quote a while back that went something like this “when someone disappoints you, you have two choices, you
can either lower your expectations or walk away”. What is disappointment but dashed expectations? Those who learn to expect less are disappointed less.
“Accepting what is” cannot be accomplished overnight. It is a concept or thought process that improves your outlook the more you think about it, work on it and form new neural pathways to forge the new outlook.
Estate planners inevitably become “therapists” for their clients because estate planning involves social relationships. Over the years, we have observed that many social problems occur between the clients two ears. As Shakespeare said in Hamlet “There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Forget about what’s fair or right and what’s not. You are only hurting yourself. The other person is often blissfully unaware of how you’re feeling. Michael J. Fox, the actor known for his optimism despite suffering from Parkinson’s, put it best when he said “My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations”.
LAW FIRM
State Sen. Siela Bynoe is working to increase state funding to help the Hempstead school district pay its charter school obligations.
Hempstead, we are reliant on the partnership with the state and the local community in supporting the education of all students,” Pratt said. “The origin of this fiscal crisis is the ever-increasing and onerous increased costs associated with charter schools.”
Bynoe’s funding proposal could possibly solve the district’s fiscal problems for now.
“We understand that parents want options as they educate their young scholars, and charter schools provide that option,” she said, “but there needs to be a balance so there is not an impact to the public school students.”
“We can’t thank Senator Bynoe enough for standing up for our students and fighting for the entire Hempstead school community,” Pratt said.
Bynoe has also gotten greater funding for public libraries into the Senate House One Budget: $5 million more than last year for operating expenses, and $20 million more for capital improvements.
She also wove an additional $14.2 million into Material Aid to Libraries, which applies to school district libraries.
Material Aid has not increased since 2007, Bynoe said. The additional funds would enable school district libraries to
Hempstead School Board President Victor Pratt said that his district is overburdened by the financial support it must give to charter schools.
be updated and staffed appropriately. Not only that, said Bynoe, but, “I led the charge for the $1,000 tax credit for teachers throughout the state in the Senate One House Budget.”
All of these proposals are now subject to the negotiations taking place among Hochul, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and State Sen. Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.
THE YEARlY NEw YoRk STATE BudgET pRocESS
Each year, in early January, the New York State governor sends a proposed state budget to the two houses — the Senate and the Assembly.
By mid-March, each house will have developed a “One House Budget” in response to the governor’s proposed budget.
Then the leaders of the Assembly and the Senate take their budgets into negotiation with the governor. The final version of the state budget is due April 1.
— Reine Bethany
&
516-327-8880 or email info@trustlaw.com 100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success
offices in Huntington
Herald file photos
Hofstra softball shows positive signs
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
The Hofstra softball team struggled out of the gate to open the 2025 season but still has time to ready the ship for its bid to reach the postseason.
The Pride dropped 19 of its first 21 games before charting a four-game winning streak and has the bulk of the remaining Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) schedule ahead to earn one of the six available spots in the conference tournament. The winner of the CAA playoffs will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, which Hofstra achieved in 2023.
“We definitely have hit some moments of growth and challenges,” said fourth-year head coach Adrienne Clark, whose team took 2-of-3 games from first-place Delaware last weekend to stand at 3-6 in the CAA with 18 league games remaining. “We’re trying not to focus on the outcomes as much and focus on the things that we can control and our adjustments within.”
adjustment entering the season with the loss of ace pitcher Julia Apsel, who was an integral part of the 2023 CAA championship squad and is using her final year of college eligibility at Florida State.
Junior Emma Falen is the team’s new number one pitcher after transferring from UC Riverside. The Folsom, Calif. native recorded eight strikeouts in a 4-1 win against Towson on March 14 to earn the Pride their first league win.
The pitching staff also includes freshman Carley Ernst, a two-time Lancaster-Lebanon League First Team selection during her high school career in Pennsylvania. Senior Haley Venturini, a Rhode Island native, has battled injuries over the past two seasons and Clark is hoping she can play a key part of the rotation down the stretch of the season.
The Pride’s offense returned some key pieces from last year’s 23-26 team including junior shortstop Alanna Morse, a Mepham High School graduate, who hit a home run in Hofstra’s 11-3
Feb. 16. She also has been solid anchoring the infield recording a .932 fielding percentage last season as a sophomore with 79 putouts and 88 assists.
“She’s doing a fantastic job,”said Clark of Morse, who is second on the team with a 308 batting average. “She’s also learning how to be a better teammate and support others and she’s sort of doing it in a way that is allowing her to play free and compete hard.”
Morse’s former Mepham teammate, sophomore right fielder Lily Yepez, has also emerged as a key part of the lineup after registering 14 hits in 20 starts as a freshman.
Senior first baseman Anna Butler, a Seaford High School product, adds to the Nassau County South Shore presence on the roster. Butler tied a program record for most hits during a seveninning game when she 5-for-5 in a 4-3 loss to Cornell on Feb. 28.
Butler also can contribute in the pitching circle as well and made her first relief appearance in a 1-0 victory against Howard on March 18, tossing five innings of scoreless relief to earn
the win.
“She is so committed to competing hard and to the team,” said Clark of Butler. “That dynamic is really what has been allowing her to figure some things out.”
Sophomore center fielder Chelsea Villar has begun to make waves in the lineup and entered the week as the Pride’s leading leading hitter with a .313 batting average and three home runs. Sophomore Mackenzie Fitzgerald is also making strides as a sophomore with a .293 average.
Hofstra will be on the road the next two weekends for series against Campbell and Drexel before hosting UNCWilmington for three games from April 11-13 and College of Charleston from April 18-20. The Pride conclude the regular season by hosting CAA foe Monmouth for a three-game series from May 1-3.
“In the rest of conference play it is about continuing to focus on the things we can control and continue to focus on us,” Clark said. “When we do that, we’re capable of beating any team.”
Junior shortstop Alanna Morse is a two-way standout for the Pride.
WHPC wins two national awards
WHPC 90.3 FM, the radio voice of Nassau Community College, earned two national awards at the 2025 Intercollegiate Broadcasting System conference, which recognized the work of its students and volunteers.
The awards, presented at the conference held March 6-7 in New York City, honored WHPC for Best Political News Coverage, awarded to Anaya Isaacs for her audio package recapping the Trump rally at Nassau Coliseum, and Best Use of Sound Effects, won by Justin Greenberg and community volunteer Jason Feldman for their production piece, Metal Through the Ages.
“Our mission is to provide professional broadcasting opportunities to Nassau Community College students, and these awards continue to demonstrate that we are accomplishing our strategic goals,” WHPC Station Director Shawn Novatt said. “I am especially proud of student Anaya Isaacs, who jumped at the opportunity to cover one of the biggest news stories happening just steps from the campus, and being rewarded for her outstanding reporting of the Donald Trump rally at Nassau Coliseum.”
Broadcasting System conference.
CHILDREN’S ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL
The Intercollegiate Broadcasting System, an 86-year-old all-volunteer organization, supports students, faculty, and staff of college and high school media outlets. Its annual conference and awards ceremony attract participants
More than 40 Nassau Community College students, along with the station’s director, attended the national awards ceremony at the Sheraton Times Square in New York City. The Nassau Community College Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to student success that provides more than $500,000 in scholarships and program funding annually, supported the event.
from schools across the country.
WHPC 90.3 FM, Nassau Community College’s radio station, is home to approximately 120 volunteers, most of whom are NCC students. The station offers a diverse lineup of programming, including sports, entertainment, and informational shows, as well as music programs featuring pop, rock, polka, and
Italian music.
WHPC broadcasts in Nassau County at 90.3 FM and streams worldwide on iHeartRadio, Audacy, the WHPC app, and smart speaker devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. It is the only college radio station on Long Island to broadcast in high definition. — Hernesto Galdamez
Courtesy ZE Creative Communications
Nassau Community College’s radio station, 90.3 WHPC, earned two national awards at this year’s Intercollegiate
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Helping those who haven’t been heard find voices
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Continuing a month-long series of interviews with influential area women in honor of Women’s History Month. Helen Dorado-Alessi is CEO of El Dorado Consulting and executive director of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association.
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Dorado-Alessi: I grew up in Woodside, Queens, a very tight-knit community, so I was very accustomed to that kind of a world. When my husband and I looked for a new place to live when our children were growing up, Long Beach fit the bill for us. Beyond being a closeknit community, we found a community that was very charitable, giving and open.
I’m of Latin descent from the Caribbean, my dad from Cuba, my mother from Puerto Rico. So it’s kind of in my DNA to be close to the water, sun and sand. Youth development has always been a love of mine because of how hard it was for me coming up. There wasn’t any
such thing, so I always wanted to be on that side of my work. I have two kids, two grandchildren — (I’m) always out and about with them. I see the future in my grandchildren’s eyes and want to make sure that I make them proud with whatever work I am doing.
Herald: What do you do? Why?
Dorado-Alessi: I have my own company called El Dorado Consulting. I work on projects that have helped to broker relationships between philanthropy and nonprofits to get the work done. Right now I’m a consultant to Herstory Writers Workshop, an organization that helps people in jails and schools write their social justice memoirs. We ask people, if your words had the power to change hearts, minds and policies, what would they say? Through that work, I’ve been able to help people have confidence in their voice and their his-
tory, their families, their communities, and then share those stories with politicians, with businesses, with others who may not know what it’s like to walk in somebody else’s shoes.
HELEN DORADO-ALESSI
The other thing I do is that I’m the executive director of Long Beach Latino Civic Association. No immigrant is illegal; a person cannot be illegal, but more importantly, their dreams are not illegal. They’ve left some very violent, scary places to come here, to have a life that they could be proud of. If you give people the information and the education, the knowledge, they’re more than happy to be part of Long Beach or New York or the United States.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?
Dorado-Alessi: The most challenging part of my whole career and life has
been this particular time where there’s so much animosity, hurtfulness and bullying. I think also the biggest challenge is, how do we fight misinformation and bold-faced lies? I could see why a lot of people would want this particular person to be running the country. I understand that they have their views. I’m just hoping that people, when they see what is really happening, will take a step back.
I think the parts that really drive me is when I work with young people, and I think that could have been my mom or my dad having just arrived. When I see them succeed, when I see them with a little bit of help, they’re going to college, or they’re getting a job on Wall Street. I think other men and women in the field who are fighting as hard as I am and we are, that’s what inspires me. I’m not alone.
More information can be found atherstorywriters.org, and LBlatinocivic.org. Responses have been edited for clarity. The rest of this interview can be found online, at liherald.com.
An advocate for the transgender community
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
Juli Grey-Owens is founder and executive director of Gender Equality New York.
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Grey-Owens: I am a senior trans women who does advocacy work for our community. I grew up in northwestern New Jersey, had a relatively normal childhood. I knew something was different around (age) 3 or 4. In my preteen years I experimented, but didn’t know what was up because this was the 1960s.
I went to high school and was a good student. I was a decent athlete, co-captain of my football team. Met a girl in eighth grade, and we were friends until we started going out in junior year. My experimentation stopped during high school because I was busy with school, sports — I had a girlfriend. I graduated with high honors and applied to engineering schools.
Then my parents had a tough divorce, and I had no money. College was a mess, trying to work multiple jobs and school. I felt a lot of pressure and began experimenting again.
I was recruited to a Fortune 500 company out of college, started work, paid off my bills, and then I went to a counselor to see if I could get rid of this “thing.”
The counselor was really terrific, and he said to me, “You’re not gonna get rid of it. You have to decide how you’re
gonna deal with it.”
I decided to blend this into my life. I continued as a cisgender man, but on weekends I would maybe go to a party or something, just to try to figure out the community and how I fit in it.
In 1981 a work opportunity brought my fiancée and I to Long Island. I got my MBA, I married that girl from junior year, and at 35 we had a child. As I got older, I felt stifled because between career and family, there was no time to go out.
A real turning point was when my father passed away. I was 47 at the time and I started looking at my life, as you do when your parent passes away, and I decided I needed to be more authentic. I started going to trans events in 2003, and it progressed from there.
ing at Northwell Health and Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?
Grey-Owens: The public has a very poor idea of our community, and we suffer as a result. There’s a lot of bad information out there, outright lies in some cases. For example, 8-year-olds are not getting surgery, and school nurses are not giving out hormones. If we don’t get information out, if we don’t start making people aware of our communities, these lies will continue.
My wife and I separated in 2007, and then in 2008 I met my second wife. We’ve been together for 16 years and married for 13.
Herald: What do you do? Why?
Grey-Owens: I’m founder and executive director of Gender Equality New York, a nonprofit that advocates for transgender, gender nonbinary and intersex New Yorkers. The work we do is largely educational: We provide information to agencies, legislators. I provide training to the Nassau and Suffolk police academies. I also provide train-
We currently have a federal government that’s attacking our community and trying to make us disappear. So the work has to be done to normalize our community and make people aware of the conditions we live under.
Herald: What has been the proudest moment in your life?
Grey-Owens: Getting the transgender civil rights bill passed in 2019. Prior to January 2019, a transgender person could be discriminated against in employment, housing and public services.
In 2003, lesbians, gays and bisexuals were able to pass a bill called the Sexual
Orientation Non-Discrimination Act in New York dtate, granting them their civil rights, (but it) specifically excluded the transgender community. It was 16 years before the trans community got their civil rights.
In 2019, the Gender Expression NonDiscrimination Act was signed into law, and we have had civil rights protections in New York state since then. There are no federal protections, so if we leave there are no guaranteed protections.
Herald: What advice do you have to offer? What work is left to be done?
Grey-Owens: Trying to get federal protections for our community is a big thing, but right now we’re just trying to get our community to survive the next four years.
And to some of our younger members, who might still be in school, or living under their family’s rule, and are unable to come out and be themselves: Be patient. Be safe. Make sure you have a roof over your head, that you’re fed and taken care of, get your high school diploma, if you’re able to, get to college. Usually you’re able to be more authentically yourself in college.
It does get better once we get older, but once you’re out as an adult, anything you can do to help move the community forward is important and necessary.
For more information, visit genderequalityny.org or follow @genderequalityny on Instagram and Facebook.
“The Vacant Space Revival Program qualified us for on-bill credits that really help me manage costs.”
—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown
Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project. psegliny.com/businessfirst
AARP calls for stronger elder fraud protections in state budget
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
With thousands of older New Yorkers losing more than $200 million annually to scams, AARP New York is urging legislative leaders to join Gov. Kathy Hochul in including consumer protections in the final state budget to combat elder financial fraud.
A coalition — including the chairs of the state Legislature’s Aging Committees, other lawmakers, the state police superintendent and a credit union industry security expert — highlighted the growing crisis during a news conference Monday at the state Capitol.
More than 4,300 New Yorkers age 60 and older lost a total of $203.4 million in 2023, the fourth highest total of any state, according to an FBI report. That amounts to roughly $557,000 per day — or $23,200 per hour — lost to financial exploitation. The average victim lost $47,000.
“These numbers are appalling, and they’re made worse by the fact that so many of the victims are people who worked their whole lives to put aside funds for retirement, only to see much of it—or all of it—stolen through a financial scam,” AARP New York State
Director Beth Finkel said.
Finkel called on Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to include fraud prevention measures in the budget to help financial institutions recognize and prevent scams targeting older adults.
“Where are financial institutions in helping to stop this crime? The big banks cannot sit idle on the sidelines,” Finkel said. “They need to work with the governor, Legislature and AARP to make sure their own customers have the protections they need.”
Hochul’s executive budget includes a provision to train bank tellers and other financial institution employees to recognize signs of financial exploitation. The measure would allow employees to place a hold on suspicious transactions and refer cases to law enforcement for investigation.
One of the most common scams targeting older adults is the “grandparent scam,” in which criminals pose as a relative — often a grandchild — and claim to need emergency financial help. Victims frequently withdraw cash to assist their “relative,” only to later realize they were deceived. Since scammers often request payment in cash, gift
cards or wire transfers, victims have little chance of recovering their money.
State Sen. Cordell Cleare, chair of the Senate Aging Committee, praised AARP’s advocacy on the issue. “It is despicable that our beloved older New Yorkers would be targeted in this way,” Cleare said. “Every proactive solution must be on the table, including legislation I already passed this year establishing the Interagency Elder Justice Task Force.”
Assemblywoman Gabriella Romero echoed the call for stronger safeguards.
“Elder fraud and financial abuse are a heartbreaking but all-too-common reality,” Romero said. “New Yorkers are losing hundreds of millions of dollars to these scams — often the retirement savings they worked their whole lives to earn.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven James said scams targeting older residents are becoming more sophisticated, making it difficult for law enforcement to intervene before money is lost.
“With this legislation, the financial sector will have the authority to stop or delay payments when fraud is suspected,” James said. “This will prevent seniors from being stripped of their
savings and give law enforcement a better chance of arresting the suspects before they escape with the stolen money.”
State Chief Cyber Officer Colin Ahern said financial exploitation of older adults has reached “alarming levels,” with cyber fraud losses rising rapidly.
“The rise in these crimes underscores the urgent need to pass the legislation proposed by Gov. Hochul,” Ahern said. “It will enable financial institutions to take action to prevent consumer losses and ensure law enforcement can investigate these crimes.”
Shane Shoemaker, president of Financial Crimes Bridge, said fraud protections must be strengthened. “We welcome any additional tools to help better combat elder financial exploitation and to protect the members of our community from fraud,” Shoemaker said.
AARP New York continues to advocate for legislative action and urges financial institutions to take a more active role in preventing fraud. For updates, follow AARP New York on X, formerly Twitter: @AARPNY, Facebook: AARP New York, and LinkedIn: AARP New York.
Long Island towns, villages battle against Albany bills
For the fourth consecutive year, local officials across Nassau County are standing firm against Albany’s latest attempt to override municipal zoning laws. Town Supervisors Don Clavin (Hempstead), Jen DeSena (North Hempstead), and Joseph Saladino (Oyster Bay), alongside village mayors and trustees, in Floral Park on Mar. 18 to voice their opposition to two proposed state bills that they say threaten local control.
Assembly Bill A2586 aims to limit the authority of municipalities in imposing zoning requirements, potentially giving the state greater influence over local land use decisions. Senate Bill S5674 seeks to establish a Social Housing Development Authority — a public benefit corporation with the power to acquire land and develop housing, which local leaders fear could bypass community input entirely.
“Once again, Albany is seeking to establish the ability to have the final say regarding local zoning,” Clavin said in a news release. “Year after year, they disguise these efforts as solutions to the housing crisis, but what they’re really doing is stripping away our communities’ ability to determine their own future.”
The latest battle follows years of similar fights between local and state officials. In 2022, Albany pushed for accessory dwelling units in single-family neighborhoods. In 2023, lawmakers sought to mandate high-density housing around LIRR stations. Last year, a proposal aimed to allow mass housing projects on land owned by religious institutions. Each time, local officials successfully rallied against these mea-
Officials from across Nassau County rallied against Albany’s latest attempt to what they say is an override local zoning laws.
sures, arguing they would fundamentally alter the character of suburban neighborhoods.
Saladino warned of the potential consequences of the proposed bills.
“Albany is once again attempting to strip away our local zoning control with a new housing authority, threatening to transform our suburban neighborhoods into overcrowded urban centers,” he said in the release.
“This is just another attempt to impose high-density apartment build-
ings in areas meant for single-family homes — jeopardizing our schools, traffic, emergency services, and environment.”
DeSena echoed these concerns, emphasizing that local officials are more in tune with residents’ needs.
“Time and again, we’ve seen Albany try to force this type of anti-suburban legislation on Long Islanders,” she said in the release. “But each time, my colleagues and I will be there to stop them and ensure local government follows
the will of the residents, not the bureaucrats.”
With the bills currently under consideration in the state legislature, local officials say they are prepared for another fight to preserve municipal zoning authority.
“Local zoning control is essential,” Clavin said in the release. “We understand the wants and needs of our residents, and we will continue to do right by those we were elected to represent.”
— Madison Gusler
Courtesy Town of Hempstead
Unplugged: how Lawrence Road handles phones in class
Chaplar said. “When my home school district incorporated a cellphone policy, I was also concerned: How am I going to get in touch with my child?”
Finding a balance
The strategy used at Lawrence Road is to encourage an “unplugged culture,” McCaw said, in which teachers and students alike are allowed to keep their phones, but can’t have them out or in use during school hours.
“We want to build a culture of communication, and we want students to stay focused on instruction and stuff going on in the classroom,” McCaw said. “The teachers have given some feedback that it’s been almost like a game-changer, that kids are paying attention in the classroom.”
The “unplugged” plan allows phone use for emergencies and parental contact.
Putting phones away should not impede learning. Students at Lawrence Road have access to schoolissued iPads, for distraction-free research and classwork.
“We’re not saying electronics shouldn’t be something that’s allowed in school — just a schoolissued electronic device, so students can focus on academics versus
socializing with their personal device,” McCaw said.
“We’re still very early on in setting a definition on what the phone policy will be,” Chaplar explained. “Our meeting that we had this past week was to gather ourselves and just kind of set a vision for what we think we would all like to see in the future.”
Reece Rene, a senior at Uniondale High, is the student representative to the Board of Education and the second co-chair leading the Cell Phone Task Force. Rene and Chaplar work together to find solutions agreeable to both teachers and students.
“We’re just trying to grab the entire community to make sure this is an effective phone policy,” Rene said. “We want to make sure that this is a community effort, that everybody is working together to create something that works for the entire district.
“I really do want to see Uniondale be a better place, a better community, a better school district for the future,” he added. “I believe that having certain boundaries and restrictions will help create the better image of a Uniondale scholar and keep everybody on the same path.”
The next Cell Phone Task Force meeting was scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the high school, after the Herald went to press.
Courtesy Uniondale Free School District
Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil attended the district’s first Cell Phone Task Force meeting on March 12.
Herald publications win seven state awards
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
At the annual New York Press Association Spring Conference in Saratoga Springs last week, Herald Community Media won seven state awards in the 2024 Better Newspaper Contest. Long Beach reporter Angelina Zingariello won a first place award in the Feature Story category, Division 4. With so many submissions in each of six divisions, it is a very difficult award to win.
About the story with the headline “A long, cold, healing journey” the judges said: “Good combination of personal struggle and outcome with unconventional therapy. Well written and edited, a compelling read.”
The Nov. 21 story focused on how Long Beach resident Mindi Dovberg uses cold-water immersion as a technique for an emotional reset when dealing with physical challenges and emotional setbacks.
The Herald took the top spot in Best Large Space Ad, Division 1, which was printed in the Nassau Herald and other Herald newspapers.
“This stunning ad touches me,” one judge wrote. “The simplicity and pure elegance of this is beautiful. Love how white space was used to create such an impact. Proves the point that sometimes less really is more! Outstanding!”
There were 10 entries in the Rookie Reporter of The Year category, and Sea Cliff/Glen Head reporter Brian Norman captured second place with stories ranging from the controversy surrounding the proposed state regionalization plan to how the food is prepared for North Shore High School students.
Sea Cliff/Glen Head reporter Brian Norman, left took second place in the Rookie Reporter of the Year category. His colleagues Melissa Berman and Charles Shaw congratulate him.
The judges said: “Reporter does a great job conveying story to readers, whether the subject be ‘hard’ news or a feature article.”
Norman, a 2024 graduate of Quinnipiac University, interned with the Herald last summer and was hired in September as a full-time reporter for Sea Cliff/Glen Head. He is now a reporter for the Nassau Herald, the flagship newspaper for the community weekly chain.
Photographer Brian Ballweg placed second in the Sports Feature, Division 1 category. The photograph appeared on the front page of the June 13 Rockville Centre Herald.
The judges said: “This photo shows
excellent framing of the lacrosse winners in this overtime state championship moment. Their faces run to the spectrum of elation, stopping the viewer — the joy here is studying their faces, bodies contained in the goal.”
Creative Director Jeffrey Negrin earned a trio of third-place awards.
In the Best Special Section Cover, Division 2 category, the judges said: “Another really excellent use of text on black with fun ‘clinks’ of glasses as backdrop. Long Island Choice Awards makes me want to open this up over a cocktail.”
For Special Sections/Niche Publications-Newsprint, Division 1 the judges said: “Excellent school recognition.”
The publication was the Herald’s annual special section for the Red and Blue competition at South Side High School that was published for the Feb. 29, 2024 Rockville Centre Herald.
In the Best Multi-Advertiser Pages category, judges said: “Cute organic for a shared page. Makes you want to read each one.”
The 2024 Better Newspapers Contest had 132 newspapers statewide submit 2,082 entries in 68 categories. The Missouri Press Association judged the submissions.
“It’s always nice to be recognized by our peers and colleagues,” said Herald Community Media publisher Stuart Richner. “We look forward to continuing to tell the stories of our communities in the weeks and years ahead. Congratulations to our team on well deserved recognition.”
Courtesy NYPA Conference
More than 20 members of the Herald Community Media team attended the annual New York Press Association Spring Conference in Saratoga Springs March 20-21.
Jeff Bessen/Herald photos Long Beach reporter Angelina Zingariello won first place for Feature Story, Division 4.
A closer look at the Propel NY Energy project
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Propel NY Energy project is aiming to revo-
1
The Big Investment
$3.26 Billion:
Ratepayers fund the total capital cost for the entire project across New York state.
Six Cents a Day:
Estimated additional cost to an average residential ratepayer—about six cents per day—to support the new infrastructure.
2
The New Grid
90 Miles of Transmission Lines:
The project will construct 90 miles of new underground transmission lines, with 66 miles in Nassau County and additional segments extending into Suffolk County, the Bronx, and Westchester.
3 Additional Interconnection Points:
Long Island currently relies on just two connection points to the statewide
lutionize Long Island’s electric grid. The project is currently in the Article Seven permitting process — a two-year review involving environmental and engineering assessments. Construction is slated to
new connections, strengthening overall grid reliability and resiliency.
5 Interconnection Points in Total:
With the new additions, the grid will have five connection points, ensuring that power flows efficiently in both directions.
3
Construction & Permitting
Article Seven Permitting:
The rigorous Article Seven process, covering environmental, socioeconomic, and engineering assessments, is expected to take approximately two years, with submissions made in July and anticipated approval around July 2026.
Construction Timeline:
Construction is slated to begin in mid-2026 and continue for three to four years, with completion expected by mid-2030.
begin in mid-2026 and continue until mid-2030. Here’s the key numbers and figures driving this $3.26 billion initiative:
Underground cables will be installed at a depth of roughly 5 to 7 feet, ensuring they are protected from weather and other external risks.
Daily Progress:
Crews are projected to advance between 50 and 150 feet per day per crew, minimizing long-term disruption to local neighborhoods.
4
Future-Proofing the Grid
50 to 90 Percent Increase in Demand:
As much as a 50 to 90 percent surge in electricity demand is projected over the next 20 years, driven by electrification, including electric vehicles, heat pumps, and data centers.
50 percent Renewable Energy by 2030: By 2030, it’s anticipated that 50 percent of Long Island’s power will come from offshore wind—made possible by the upgraded grid capacity.
Avoided Congestion Savings:
Enhanced transmission efficiency is expected to save the state an estimated $3.3 billion in congestion-related costs over time.
5
Selection
& Local Impact 19 Proposals Reviewed:
The project was chosen through a competitive process that evaluated 19 proposals from four developers, with Propel NY Energy emerging as the most cost-effective solution.
Local Workforce:
The project will utilize local union labor and contractors, ensuring economic benefits and community engagement throughout Nassau County and beyond.
The Propel NY Energy project is about building a resilient electrical grid that meets the rising energy demands of Long Island and supports a more sustainable energy future.
STEPPING OUT
‘Little’ films with a big heart
In the spotlight at Asbury Short Film Concert
By Karen Bloom
Sure … the Hollywood moviemakers grab your attention. Yet there’s so much more to the movie biz beside that tentpole blockbuster. Check out the Asbury Short Film Concert, which returns to its local “home” at the Madison Theatre next Friday and see an abundance of creative offerings. There’s certainly no denying the appeal of a major feature film. But for those who crave something different that certainly strikes an emotional chord, Asbury’s “concert” is for you. This national touring showcase brings a diverse, focused lineup — in many cases featuring up-and-coming filmmakers — of smaller efforts you generally won’t find on the big screen.
And it’s most definitely not a festival.
“We present the best in comedy, drama, animation, even the occasional documentary,” says Doug LeClaire, Asbury Shorts’ founder and longtime director. “We call it a concert rather than a festival because there are no awards, no Q&A or panel discussions, it’s all about entertainment value for the audience.”
As in previous years, Asbury Shorts offers up an eclectic mix of films, what LeClaire describes as a “potpourri of the short film world.”
LeClaire, who was in commercial and film production for over four decades, has been passionate about short films since his student days at New York Institute of Technology. He pivoted to promoting his beloved short films full time and the result has been a resounding success.
“Myself, and those who have been with me the longest, didn’t think our short film party that began in Westbury in 1981 would evolve into a major global touring event that has presented Asbury Shorts shows from Berlin to L.A. over the years with many, many stops in between,” LeClaire says. “The mission has always been to keep great short films, from all years, projected on real cinema screens as opposed to YouTube, smart phones, computers or tablets or the big screen TVs. Asbury Shorts is strictly a theatrical cinema event, no virtual allowed!
“Our number one priority is the enjoyment of our audience. We’re proud to provide an outlet for the filmmakers’ product. For us, it is all about the experience, showing these films to an audience. We give them the opportunity to experience great films on a big screen the way they were meant to be seen.”
He and his team cull them from the film festival circuit — including the prestigious SXSW (South by Southwest), Sundance and Toronto International Film Festival, and Tribeca Festival, among others.
“To get an award at one of these festivals is just as good as an Oscar nomination,” LeClaire says. “These young filmmakers are so happy to get that wreath. They collect them the way we would collect baseball cards back in the day.”
• Friday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.
• For tickets, visit madisontheatreny.org or call the box office at (516) 323-4444
• Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
Think of this as your personal film festival experience. As LeClaire puts it: “We’re bringing these films to folks who can’t get to film festivals.”
His formula certainly has resonated with audiences.
“We have demonstrated that we are entertaining and blessed to have fans that keep coming back,” LeClaire says, “while also reaching out to new audiences.”
The two-hour show moves along briskly. The films range from a brief few minutes to 20 minutes at most.
“A good short film is to the point, fast paced, and most important of all, is the ending,” LeClaire says. “It must make sense.”
And that ending will surely leave you wanting more.
Among the highlights, LeClaire points to Martín Rosete’s 10-minute “Voice Over,” which depicts the urgency of life’s pivotal moments in a desperate race against time.
Three different stories are told by the same narrator searching for the correct story. The same actor appears in all three. Will the narrator find what he’s looking for? We don’t know — maybe, maybe not.
Rosete, a Spanish filmmaker now based in New York, was awarded the Goya, Spain’s Academy Award, for “Voice Over.”.
LeClaire describes it as “sort of the ‘perfect’ short film” due its story and production values.
“It has outstanding and mind boggling production design for an indie produced short film and an ending that I really like,” he explains.
Another standout is “Anomaly” from director Ryan Jenkins, which was honored recently with Best Short Film at the Lake Placid Film Festival. In this 15-minute drama, a renowned magician features an inexplicable illusion in his final run of performances. Meanwhile, a government agent who witnesses the baffling act becomes hell-bent on uncovering its method.
As for the rest, well, you’ll have to attend and see for yourself. LeClaire doesn’t like to reveal too much, promising it’s all “great fun.”
He is delighted to come back to his Long Island roots with his film showcase.
“We’re very heartened by the audience at the Madison. We are grateful to [Artistic Director] Angelo Fraboni and his staff for allowing us to return each year. It’s been a terrific relationship.”
‘Good times…’
Neil Diamond is certainly forever — as honored by Neil Forever, returning to the Paramount stage. David Jacobson, the tribute band’s founder, has a great passion for the music and legacy of the legendary performer. David, along with his son and music director Dylan Jacobson and drummer John Cardoso began their journey in January 2023. Today, the 14-person ensemble delivers an authentic, exciting and joyful concert that captivates the legendary superstar’s fans. Performing Diamond’s music is as much about heart and soul as it is talent; it’s a celebration of the music and the man who created it. The band has forged an exciting path, as discovered by excited and passionate fans, of all ages. Audiences are thrilled by the authentic renditions of classic hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “Coming to America,” and “Kentucky Women.”
Friday, March 28, 8 p.m. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
South Shore Symphony
The South Shore Symphony Orchestra springs forward with its next concert, “Slavic Masterworks,” at its Madison Theatre home. The orchestra is joined by renowned cellist Amy Barston, featured in Polish composer Grayna Bacewicz’s Cello Concerto No. 1. A rare gem, according to Barston, she notes that it is fresh to the concert stage in that it is quasi-newly discovered, but it feels like a familiar, beloved masterwork. Electrifying, often dance-like energy, paired with soaring lyrical melodies, it has received an enthusiastic reception from audiences. The evening’s repertoire also includes Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances, op. 46, no. 3 in Ab major and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, op. 64, e minor.
Saturday, March 29, 7:30 p.m. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 3234444.
Courtesy Asbury Shortst
Three extreme situations are actually the same in “Voice Over.”
“Anomaly” stars John Romeo as a detective investigating the work of a suspicious magician.
THE Your Neighborhood
The Wallflowers
Grab those leather jackets, and rock on! The Wallflowers are back on the road and bringing their sound to the Paramount stage, Sunday, April 6, at 8 p.m., with special guest Jackson Melnick. For the past 30 years, the Jakob Dylanled act has stood as one of rock’s most dynamic and purposeful bands — a unit dedicated to and continually honing a sound that meshes timeless songwriting and storytelling with a hard-hitting and decidedly modern musical attack. That signature style has been present through the decades, baked into the grooves of smash hits like 1996’s “Bringing Down the Horse” as well as more recent and exploratory fare like 2012’s “Glad All Over.” Even so, in recent years, Dylan — the Wallflowers’ founding singer, songwriter and guitarist — has repeatedly stepped outside of his band. First with a pair of more acoustic and rootsy records, 2008’s “Seeing Things” and 2010’s “Women + Country,” and then with the 2018 film “Echo in the Canyon” and the accompanying soundtrack, which saw him collaborate with a host of artists classic and contemporary, from Neil Young and Eric Clapton to Beck and Fiona Apple.
Movie showing
See ‘The Boys in the Boat,” at Uniondale Public Library, Friday, March 28, 2:30 p.m. The 1930s-set story centered on the University of Washington’s rowing team, from its Depression-era beginnings. The movie is rated PG-13 a nd runs 2 hours, 4 minutes. 400 Uniondale Ave. For more information, visit UniondaleLibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220.
Job Fair
The Town of Hempstead holds a job fair, Thursday, April 10, 10:303:30 p.m., at Freeport Recreation Center. Job seekers are encouraged to attend and meet with varied recruitment representatives from business, school district, local and state agencies and services, and more. Bring copies of your resume and prepare to make an impression.
All veterans and individuals with disabilities are permitted to enter the job fair starting at 9:30 a.m. Registration required. The time slot you select will determine your entry time. Upon entry, stay as long as necessary.130 E. Merrick Road, Freeport. Visit hempsteadworks. com for information and to register or call (516) 485-5000 ext. 1146.
Egyptomania in the 1920s
Join Egyptologists-authorsprofessors Drs. Colleen and John Darnell at Nassau County Museum of Art, Sunday, March 30, 3 p.m., for a fascinating lecture on “Egyptomania” in the 1920s. The Darnells are authors of several books and dozens of articles. With academic careers in Egyptology at Yale University, they are committed to bringing ancient Egypt’s rich history, religion, art, and language to a worldwide audience. Their passion for vintage fashion and modeling has led to exciting collaborations with Egypt’s premier jewelry designers, photographers and magazines. Limited seating. Registration required. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students; members free. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org.
Yoga Exercise
But while it’s been nine long years since we’ve heard from the group with whom he first made his mark, the Wallflowers are silent no more. And Dylan always knew they’d return. And return the band has, with “Exit Wounds,” their new studio offering. It marks the first new Wallflowers material since “Glad All Over.” And while the wait has been long, the much-anticipated record finds the band’s signature sound — lean, potent and eminently entrancing — intact, even as Dylan surrounds himself with a fresh cast of musicians. $75, $45, $35, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
BOE meets
Uniondale Board of Education meets in a work session, Tuesday, April 1, 7 p.m., at the Little Theater in Uniondale High School. 933 Goodrich St., Uniondale/
Bring your Yoga mats and water bottles for a basic Iyengar Yoga class with experienced instructor Vicky, at Uniondale Public Library, Friday, March 28, 12:30 p.m. All levels are welcome. 400 Uniondale Ave. For more information, visit UniondaleLibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220.
Mercy Hospital offers cardiac screening
You only have one heart. Protect it with a free cardiac screening at Mercy Hospital, Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Getting your coronary calcium score scan can save your life. A coronary calcium score is like a “mammogram” for the heart to screen for blockage(s). This simple, non-invasive test can indicate coronary artery disease before the onset of symptoms or heart attacks. The scan does not require IV or Oral CT contrast.
Limited appointments available in 15 minute increments. Last appointment will be at 1:45 p.m. No insurance necessary. 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Radiology & Imaging (adjacent to Emergency Department). To register, call (516) 62-MERCY (63729).
Triathlon Clinic
Want to master the art of training for a triathlon? Stop by an informative event, Saturday, March 29, in Eisenhower Park. Adult and youth participants will take part in various swimming, running and training exercises throughout the class. To register for a fee, visit RunSignUp.com, and search the event in Eisenhower Park. Classes begin at 8 a.m.
Celebrate Holi
Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to paticipate in Holi, the Festival of Colors, Sunday, April 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Originating in India, this Hindu festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of the colorful spring season. During this joyous celebration, families eat sweets, dance to traditional folk music and throw colorful powder made from flowers called gulal.
Crafts, color throwing and dancing ar part of this vibrant event. Welcome spring’s arrival with Holi. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes that they won’t mind getting messy. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Go to licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more information.
Nostrand Gardens
Civic Association meets
The Nostrand Gardens Civic Associations holds its monthly meeting, Monday, April 7, 7 p.m., at the Van Ness firehouse. Discuss community news with topical guest speakers. 154 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale.
Having an event?
STEM Explorers
Long Island Children’s Museum opens its doors to a weekend devoted to STEM activities, Saturday and Sunday, March 29-30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., that will ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike. Guest experts offer engaging demonstrations, experiments and interactive activities.
On Exhibit
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 follow-up 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.
Highlights include sampling the science of molecular gastronomy with flash frozen ice cream; learn about native and invasive species that swim in Long Island waters; discover how oysters are coming to our rescue; study the water cycle and Long Island’s unique geographic formations and more. Activities free with museum admission. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Hempstead House tour
April 13
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, April 13, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
BANKRUPTCY & COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
MICHAEL S AMATO
Partner
Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P C
BUSINESS LITIGATION
JOSHUA M LIEBMAN Partner
Rosenberg, Calica, Birney, Liebman & Ross, LLP
CIVIL LITIGATION
AMY E. BEDELL
Partner
Lewis Johs Avallone Aviles, LLP
CONSTRUCTION & REAL ESTATE LITIGATION
NEIL P. DISKIN
Counsel Nixon Peabody LLP
CORPORATE
JOSEPH G. MILIZIO ESQ.
Managing Partner Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP
ASHLEY MISTRETTA
Counsel Nixon Peabody LLP
CHARLES SKOP
Shareholder
Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P C
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
DANIEL W RUSSO, ESQ
Founder and President
Law Office of Daniel W. Russo Nassau County Bar Association
DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW
JACQUELINE HAROUNIAN, ESQ
Managing Partner
Wisselman Harounian Family Law
JASON A ISAACSON
Partner
Sunshine Isaacson Hecht, LLP
DEBORAH A KELLY ESQ
Attorney Mejias, Milgrim, Alvarado & Lindo, EDUCATION
CYNTHIA A. AUGELLO
Managing Partner Augello Law Group
ELDER LAW & ESTATE PLANNING
STEPHANIE D’ANGELO ESQ.
Owner and Principal Attorney D'Angelo Law Associates, P.C.
STEPHANIE M. KEATING
Partner
Schwartz, Fang & Keating, P C
EMPLOYMENT
DISCRIMINATION LAW
MARJORIE MESIDOR
Founding Partner Mesidor PLLC GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
SHAYNA E. SACKS
Partner Napoli Shkolnik PLLC
HEALTHCARE
SVETLANA MINEVICH, ESQ.
Attorney Minevich Law Group, P C
IMMIGRATION
MICHAEL CATALIOTTI, ESQ
Principal Cataliotti Law PC
EDUARDO M. VILLACORTA, ESQ.
Founder Villacorta Law Group, P C
INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY (IP) LAW
TRAVIS J. STOCKMAN ESQ.
Co-Founder
Stockman & Poropat, PLLC
LABOR & EMPLOYMENT
HON. RUTH BOGATYROW KRAFT
Partner Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP
CHRISTOPHER MARLBOROUGH
Principal Attorney
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CHRISTOPHER J. MORO
Counsel Nixon Peabody LLP
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KATHRYN C COLE Shareholder Greenberg Traurig, LLP
DANIEL B. RINALDI Of Counsel
Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P C
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
STEVE E MILLON Partner Shapiro-Millon
MEDIATION
HON JOSEPH P SPINOLA Mediator Resolute Systems, LLC
MUNICIPAL LAW
MATTHEW T MCDONOUGH, ESQ.
Founding Member McDonough PLLC
PERSONAL INJURY
JASON A. GREENBERG Founder JAG Law Group
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
LAURETTE D. MULRY Attorney & Counselor Legal Aid of Suffolk County, Inc.
REAL ESTATE
DAVID ALTMAN Owner Brown Altman & Dileo, LLP
KEITH P. BROWN Partner Brown Altman & Dileo, LLP
ANTHONY A NOZZOLILLO, ESQ Chief Legal Counsel Anthony A. Nozzolillo Esq.
ELLEN N SAVINO Partner Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano PLLC
REAL ESTATE TAX
CHRISTOPHER P BYRNES Partner
Schroder & Strom, LLP
JOSEPH C. PACKARD Partner Schroder & Strom, LLP
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY
CRYSTI D FARRA Attorney Crysti D. Farra Attorney at Law
WORKER’S COMPENSATION
CATHERINE M. STANTON Sr Partner Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP
SPECIAL AWARDS
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
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Member & Director
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RISING STARS
SAMUEL L. BIFULCO
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HARRY BRAR
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KRISTINE GARCIA-ELLIOT
Associate Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP
PHILIP RIZZUTO IV
Associate The Rizzuto Law Firm
TOP BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM
ZACHARY I. RIYAZ
Principal The Law Offices of Zachary I. Riyaz,
NIXON PEABODY LLP
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Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK (BROOKLYN)
Windward Bora, LLC.; Plaintiff v. Junia Montour, et al; Defendants
Attorneys for Plaintiff: Hasbani & Light, P.C., 450 7th Ave, Suite 1901, NY, NY 10123; (212) 643-6677
Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on 11/13/24, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder in EDNY-Brooklyn, 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201. On April 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM Premises known as 498 Duryea Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553 and identified on the Nassau County Tax Map as Section: 0034 Block: 00343-00 Lots 11,12
All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, City and State of New York. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to all the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale.
Approximate amount of judgment: $222,858.02 plus interest and costs.
Docket Number: 2:23cv-3654
Dominic Famulari, Esq., Referee 152162
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU, LIMOSA, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ANGELA LATTA, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Order Amending Caption duly entered on April 16, 2024 and an Order Appointing Substitute Referee duly entered on January 24, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 711 Park Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553.
All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town
of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 418 and Lot 16.
Approximate amount of judgment is $586,278.38 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009001/2015.
Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee
Vallely Law PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 152303
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee, on behalf of the registered holders of First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2004-FF8, Plaintiff AGAINST Ana Yanez a/k/a Ana M. Yanez a/k/a Ana Maritza Yanez, Juan Yanez a/k/a Juan A. Yanez, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 17, 2016, 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 22, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 950 Ditmas Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 50, Block: 452, Lot: 7. Approximate amount of judgment $401,125.43 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #010573/2014. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
Roger H. Hausch, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-067521-F00 84429 152218
LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO. 21527
RESOLUTION NO.208-2025
Adopted: March 11, 2025
Councilmember Muscarella offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS
WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 203-2025, adopted February 25th, 2025, a public hearing was duly held on the 11th day of March, 2025, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons:
ELMONT
LUCILLE AVENUE - east side, starting at a point 88 feet north of the north curbline of Theodora Street, north for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-36/25)
SEWANEE AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 386 feet south of
the south curbline of Atherton Avenue, south for a distance of 18 feet.
(TH-24/25)
SEAFORD
LOCUST AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 275 feet west of the west curbline of Guildford Park Drive, west for a distance of 15 feet.
(TH-1/25)
UNIONDALE
BRAXTON AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 188 feet east of the east curbline of Uniondale Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-34/25)
WANTAGH
MCDONALD AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 150 feet north of the north curbline of Campbell Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-33/25) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons: (NR) FLORAL PARK 239TH STREET - west side, starting at a point 110 feet north of the north curbline of Superior Road, north for a distance of 16 feet.
(TH-580/24 - 2/4/25)
(TH-580(B)/24)
MERRICK
HARVARD AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 298 feet east of the east curbline of Central Parkway, east fora distance of 20 feet.
(TH-260/15 - 9/8/15)
(TH-31/25) (NR) WESTBURY
WESTLEY ROAD - south side, starting at a point 138 feet east of the east curbline of Fairfield Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-332/20 - 1/5/21)
(TH-47/25) ; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting. The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Schneider and adopted upon roll call as follows:
Uniondale High School is the alma
of four
ing as Nassau County legislators. Former legislator Wayne
was just elected to the Legislature and Debra Mule in her
Four from Uniondale High represent(ed) the county
Uniondale High School has produced more than a few famous people from rapper Busta Rhymes, Public Enemy’s DJ Johnny “Juice” Rosado to actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, however the school has also produced four people who have and are representing fellow Nassau County residents.
Newly elected Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks, who lives in Union -
AYES: SIX (6) NOES: NONE (0) 152432
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 202-48 of the code of the Town of Hempstead entitled, “Handicapped Parking on Public Streets,” a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 25th day of March, 2025, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of that day, to consider the adoption of a resolution setting aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons at the following locations: BELLMORE
CENTRE AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 106 feet north of the north curbline of Grand Avenue, north for a distance of 17 feet.
(TH-50/25)
ELMONT
JACOB STREET - west side, starting at a point 225 feet north of the north curbline of Atherton Avenue, north for a distance of 22 feet.
(TH-62/25)
OAKLEY AVENUE - east side, starting at a point 378 feet north of the north curbline of L Street, north for a distance of 18 feet.
(TH-56/25)
MERRICK
HARVARD AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 334 feet east of the east curbline of Central Parkway, east for a distance of 17 feet.
(TH-51/25) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons: ELMONT CLEMENT AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 115 feet south of the south curbline of
dale, Alternate Deputy Legislative Minority Leader Debra Mulé, and former County Legislators Wayne Wink (2007-2013) and Darlene Harris (19961999)— the lone Republican in the group — all graduated from Uniondale High. Wink just joined the Democratic Caucus as minority counsel.
— Jeffrey Bessen
Langdon Street, south fora distance of 22 feet.
(TH-141/18 - 6/5/18) (TH-58/25) ;and, BE IT FURTHER ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: Hempstead, New York
March 25, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 152435
the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as SBL# 50-03901-221 Said premises known as 1300 PEMBROKE STREET, UNIONDALE, NY 11553
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU.
MCLP ASSET
COMPANY, INC., Plaintiff -againstKEVIN HEARN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SHIRLEY M. HEARN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 23, 2025 and entered on February 10, 2025, I,
Approximate amount of lien $454,709.54 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 605631/2021. SCOTT SILLER, ESQ., Referee Pincus Law Group, PLLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* UNIONDALE*} 152371
Courtesy Peter M. Budratis
mater
people who have served or are serv-
Wink, left, Olena Nicks,
fourth term.
CLASSIFIED
Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460
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Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Eldercare Offered
Senior Caregiver/ Housekeeping Available. Private/ Professional. CNA* HHA* CCA Certified. Experienced/ Excellent References. Emma 516-519-0456
Hebrew Academy of Long Beach seeks educators to join our exceptional school faculty in fostering a culture of academic exploration and excellence and dedication to spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth of all students. We are currently looking for candidates in the following divisions:
Lev Chana Early Childhood:
• Early Childhood Assistant Teachers
• Early Childhood Head Teachers
HALB Elementary School:
• Middle School Language Arts Teacher
• Elementary School Assistant Teachers
DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys:
• Business and Entrepreneurship Teacher
• Science Teacher
• STEM Teacher
• Math Teacher
• Resource Room Teacher
To learn more about our school community, please visit www.halb.org. We look forward to hearing from you! Please send resumes or inquiries to resumes@halb.org.
The permit is taking forever, Part 2
Waterfront Open Bay
AQ. I’m waiting months for a permit and they keep asking for added notes and plan changes, but not all at once. It’s a complete runaround. Why is this happening? My business is losing money and I’m losing patience.
A. Continuing from two weeks ago, people often have unrealistic expectations of the review process. When plans are submitted, the process begins with assigning an application designation. Many departments have a large backlog of applications, which means that they will often get to yours in the order it came in. There are the applications that jump ahead of the line for various reasons, from medical emergencies to fire repair, decisions made by economic development criteria from higher up the government chain, etc.
I’m often asked about who the client can talk to in order to speed things up. This sends a message to me that the whole review process is about to slow down even more. From experience, I reply that the applicant can “try whatever method they want, but be careful.” If someone actually does skip the line, I am aware that it may backfire, because pressuring plan reviewers can sometimes lead to delays and friction when the reviewer kicks the plans back with objections that make the owner insist that the “architect should have known this.”
Objections may seem purposeful, but because they’re legitimate, the application is on hold, and takes pressure off the reviewer. Pressuring the reviewers is not recommended. Architects are burdened enough with never knowing whether they should add all kinds of notes to the plans, or when to keep things simpler. For example, some reviewers want reprints of building code sections on the plans, only to find that another reviewer wants those same notes removed from the plans, causing further delays, to put the researched code notes on plans, and then delays in revising plans afterward. It’s a lose/lose situation guaranteed to cause further delay, but “that’s the way it is.”
There are also delays caused by the fact that your approval process may involve your local jurisdiction, separate review by the fire marshal’s office at the county level, review by the engineering department of your local government and possibly the county department of public works if the property in question is on a county roadway. You may also be asking for something proposed to occupy the building that requires a “change of use” approval, with a zoning case that may add months and even years to the process.
I recently walked with a dentist up and down a commercial district street, and we looked in the windows of three locations the dentist was interested in. Placards on the windows showed announcements for zoning hearings from two to four years ago. All of the businesses were still empty. What does that possibly tell you? There may be inadequate parking or drainage issues, previous open permits not resolved, etc. The process isn’t simple, and you must be prepared for the course it may take. Good luck!
Stuff HERALD
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opinions
The LOCAL Act: a lifeline for L.I.’s small businesses
small businesses are the backbone of Long Island, fueling local economies and creating jobs.
But despite their vital role in empowering Long Islanders and enhancing local main streets, small businesses are struggling. Countless mom-and-pop shops are still reeling from the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, and small-business owners are grappling with inflation and facing fierce competition from corporate giants with massive marketing budgets.
Last month I took a major step to support Long Island’s small-business community by introducing the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally, or LOCAL, Act in the State Senate. The LOCAL Act, which was also introduced in the Assembly by member Jen Luns-
ford, would establish a tax credit for small businesses to promote their goods, products and services in local media outlets, from print and digital to television and radio.
The goal of the LOCAL Act is simple yet powerful: to help small businesses stretch their marketing dollars while connecting with their most important audience, their neighbors.
iThe LOCAL Act would level the playing field for Long Island’s small businesses by making marketing more affordable. It would also support local news outlets, which provide the journalism our communities rely on but that are struggling to stay afloat. As advertising revenue shrinks, more newsrooms are being forced to cut staff or shut down altogether, leaving neighborhoods without the local reporting they count on. The LOCAL Act directly addresses this issue head-on by encouraging small businesses to invest in these news outlets, providing a mutually beneficial lifeline for economic
growth.
t would level the playing field for them by making marketing more affordable.
When small businesses thrive, so do their communities. The LOCAL Act would focus on supporting any business with 10 or fewer employees as well as minority-, woman- and veteran-owned businesses of any size. For many owners of these businesses, the ability to advertise affordably in trusted, community-driven platforms like local newspapers would be a gamechanger. Local media outlets are well positioned to connect businesses with their neighbors and loyal customers who are eager to shop locally and uplift their communities.
Small businesses do more than drive economic growth — they strengthen the neighborhoods they serve, sponsor local initiatives and reflect the cultural identity of their communities. For this reason, The LOCAL Act has already garnered strong support from business groups across Long Island and the state, including the Long Island Association,
the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business and the thousands of small businesses each organization represents, as well as the more than 200 newspapers that make up the Empire State Local News Coalition. This is a testament to the urgency and importance of this legislation.
The LOCAL Act is a clear benefit for all New Yorkers. It’s a chance to make sure every dollar invested in marketing can help Long Island foster a vibrant economic environment where small businesses can grow and communities can prosper.
State legislators have a real chance to invest in solutions that make a difference for businesses and local economies across New York this year. By working alongside the Long Island business and local news community to pass this transformative bill, we will empower small businesses, uplift local journalism and create stronger, more vibrant communities for generations to come.
Monica Martinez represents the 4th State Senate District.
We must protect our immigrants
The current threat of deportation for many of Long Island’s immigrants is unjust, unwise and cruel. Members of Pax Christi Long Island, representing the Catholic peace movement, urge our community to recognize the long tradition of Catholic social teaching that guides us to the command of Jesus in Matthew 25 that we “welcome the stranger.”
As a devout Jew, Jesus knew well the command of Leviticus 19:33-34: “When an alien resides with you in your land, do not mistreat such a one. You shall treat the alien who resides with you no different than the natives born among you …”
Catholic bishops:
Our belief in the dignity of the human person demands that we treat immigrants with respect and recognize their great contributions. But our nation imposes quotas and bureaucracies that make legal immigration overwhelmingly difficult, and brands those who flee their troubled homelands as “illegals.”
At this time, our nation seems to be both shunning and relying on immigrants. As a new surge of poisonous nativism creates fear among the immigrant communities, Pope Francis has spoken clearly in a letter to American
“I have followed closely the major crisis that is taking place in the United States with the initiation of a program of mass deportations. The rightly formed conscience cannot fail to make a critical judgment and express its disagreement with any measure that tacitly or explicitly identifies the illegal status of some migrants with criminality. At the same time, one must recognize the right of a nation to defend itself and keep communities safe from those who have committed violent or serious crimes while in the country or prior to arrival. That said, the act of deporting people who in many cases have left their own land for reasons of extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution or serious deterioration of the environment, damages the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families, and places them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness. . . .
The true common good is promoted when society and government, with creativity and strict respect for the rights of all — as I have affirmed on numerous occasions — welcomes, protects, promotes and integrates the most fragile, unprotected and vulnerable.”
As Long Island residents, we have deep connections with the immigrant community. They are family members, friends, classmates, neighbors and coworkers. Our decades of experience show that most immigrants are hardworking and law-abiding. The Immigration Research Institute reports that immigrants account for 22 percent of Long Island’s economic output. Across New York state, undocumented immigrants contribute $1.1 billion in state and local taxes.
We value and respect local law enforcement officers. We remind them that enforcing federal policy on immigrants is the responsibility of the federal government. We urge local law enforcement to refrain from collaboration with federal immigration agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, unless a person is detained because of a criminal act or has a criminal record. We also remind local law enforcement that:
ship have always been respected as places of refuge. No law enforcement agency should be allowed to violate those spaces without probable cause.
■ People reporting crimes should not be forced to prove their identity before they are helped. This is especially true in cases of domestic violence.
■ Minors should not be intimidated or questioned unnecessarily; rather, they should be protected.
Pax Christi Long Island stands with our immigrant community because it’s the right thing to do. We acknowledge their sizable contribution to the health and welfare of Long Island. We ask all Long Islanders to embrace and protect them nonviolently from injustice and abuse. We hope to remain true to our religious tradition and the universal standard of decency, by treating all people the way we would like to be treated.
■ No one can enter a private dwelling unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. An administrative order signed by ICE does not meet legal criteria for entering a private dwelling.
■ Hospitals, schools, and places of wor-
Pax Christi Long Island members Sister Mary Beth Moore and Sister Evelyn Lamoureux are Catholic nuns who have worked with immigrants for decades.
Pax Christi Long Island can be contacted at catholic peaceli@gmail.com.
opinionS
My journey to the Nassau County Legislature
For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion for public service and serving the community. I have now been provided the opportunity to pursue this calling from a new platform, as the legislator for Nassau County’s 2nd Legislative District.
As a Uniondale High School student, I began volunteering for Planned Parenthood, where I immersed myself in comprehensive outreach campaigns to prevent teen pregnancy and reduce the rate of sexually transmitted infections. My experiences as a teen advocate highlighted how knowledge can empower people to have autonomy over their health and their lives.
Later, at age 18, I joined the Uniondale Fire Department. Over the past 14 years, I became the first woman to serve as captain of Manor Company 3, and went through the ranks again to serve as second lieutenant. As first responders, we often meet the people we serve
on their worst days, and those heartwrenching experiences gave me a level of compassion and empathy for the hardships that my neighbors are navigating.
All while balancing work and volunteering, I had the privilege of being elected to the Uniondale Public Library board — where I served as president and was later elected to a second term as trustee — and I have dedicated additional free time to helping Uniondale civic associations in their activities and advocacy.
i
want to forge a path for other millennials who want to get involved in public service.
My journey so far has allowed me to interact with the community and develop a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. The ability to help out at those critical points has only intensified my passion for leveraging government as a vessel for improving lives.
As is often said, the things that are worth doing are seldom easy — and that’s certainly true in my case. I first threw my hat into the ring for public office in 2021, when I ran for Hempstead town clerk. In 2023 I ran for town supervisor. I didn’t prevail in those races, but I also didn’t see them as losses, because
the experiences encouraged me to continue the advocacy work that I was doing in the community. When the opportunity emerged to run in a special election to succeed former Legislator Siela A. Bynoe after her State Senate victory, I once again took the plunge — and after a onemonth sprint to a Feb. 25 special election, I prevailed.
The trust that my constituents have placed in me to fulfill this role is something I take very seriously, and I will continue to be an energetic advocate who fights to ensure that every portion of our county is properly resourced and represented equitably. I became a legislator at a time when there is an inexplicable impasse over the delivery of more than $1 million in grant funds for first responders in minority caucus districts. As a first responder myself, I know that having proper equipment can make the difference between life and death, and we cannot delay the delivery of these resources one moment longer.
As I work to restore equity and proper balance to the operations of local government, I want to be a bridge
between law enforcement agencies and the residents of majority-minority communities, several of which are found in Legislative District 2. Nassau County is home to one of America’s best-trained police departments, and I know that, through communication and camaraderie, we can dispel common misconceptions and strengthen the relationships that are at the core of respectful and responsive communityfocused policing.
Most of all, I want to forge a path for other millennials who want to get involved in public service and run for elected office. From a young age, I learned how challenging it is to make ends meet in Nassau County. Those firsthand experiences have given me insights into how we can create new opportunities for young leaders and make impacts that benefit us all.
As we navigate one of the most consequential moments in the history of our county and our nation, I am living proof that our voice is our power. With persistence, purpose and caring hearts, we have the power to make a tremendous positive impact on the world around us — and I encourage you to join me in the fight for a better future.
Olena Nicks, of Uniondale, represents Nassau County’s 2nd Legislative District.
Some thoughts on books, privilege and girlhood
As an avid reader, I’ve always had a fond place in my heart for historical fiction and period pieces, but I enjoy exploring a number of genres. Toward the end of 2024 and so far this year, I’ve found myself gravitating toward women-centric contemporary fiction and comingof-age novels, which would normally imply that they feature teenagers or young-adult characters and themes, but I think their impact is broader.
We’re constantly changing and growing, and whether we come to realizations about life at 15 or 55, they impact our sense of self.
I’ve often said that the best writers are also the best readers, and as a young woman navigating the craziness of life, I’ve found comfort in books that showcase both the hardships, and the joys, of girlhood. There is so much pressure these days to adhere to societal standards — which can vary so greatly depending on whom you’re talking to — and not enough conversations about
what’s actually important to modern, up-and-coming women. Everything we want for ourselves, and every decision we make, is so important.
fort in knowing that the struggles of young women aren’t unique to our culture, but rather, are shared by many.
SMarch is Women’s History Month, and I considered just rattling off a number of my favorite empowering reads, but I realized I could never narrow down the list. So instead I’m switching gears, and homing in on a recent read of mine, the young adult novel “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” by Angeline Boulley.
This was my first exposure to Native American literature. The book’s protagonist, Daunis Fontaine, is a biracial high school senior who lives in a mostly indigenous community near an Ojibwe reservation in Northern Michigan. The Ojibwe are a large Native group in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. and Canada. While the book is largely about a drug-related scandal that wreaks havoc in Fontaine’s Native community, it also conveys so many important undertones relating to her culture and womanhood. Full of twists and turns, it kept me on my toes, and left me with an understanding of a culture I wasn’t familiar with and a sense of com-
ome days, it’s so hard to be a woman that I wonder if we’re heading backward.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve thought a lot about the concept of privilege because of another book, “Difference Matters,” by Brenda J. Allen, which I read for a class I’m taking through Stony Brook University. Allen crafts meaningful observations about various social groups, and effectively communicates why and how our differences matter in fascinating ways. She defines privilege as “unacknowledged entitlement that one receives,” and in a series of exercises, she encourages readers to think about the things in their lives that have given them privilege.
I’ll be the first to admit that some days, it is so hard to be a woman. The negative rhetoric, and the legal moves that are stripping women in the United States of rights they previously had, sometimes make me wonder if we’re heading backward. Despite those doubts, I am also so proud to be a woman — one with a voice, and drive, and dreams that I know I will work hard to achieve.
Daunis Fontaine has a voice, drive, and dreams, too. As do Rocky, the middle-aged, comical protagonist in Catherine Newman’s novel “Sandwich”; Caroline Ferriday, a real person whose story is told in Martha Hall Kelly’s “Lilac Girls”; and Isabelle Rossignol, a young woman who is part of the French resistance in World War II in Kristin Hannah’s work of historical fiction, “The Nightingale.”
I’ve listed a few additional reads of mine to make this point: I am so privileged to have had access to these works — to read and think about things with free will — and to be able take the time to ponder what they mean to me, and hopefully to other women, too.
The weight of girlhood is heavy, but so is its strength. Reading these stories has reinforced what I’ve always known to be true — that women’s voices, whether in fiction or in real life, hold immense power. The privilege of having access to these narratives is one I don’t take lightly, and as I continue to learn and grow, I hope to carry that same power into the spaces I occupy. Because every woman’s story deserves to be told, and more important, heard.
Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.
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History should not be a political casualty
recent actions by the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies to remove web pages highlighting the contributions of Black, Hispanic and female veterans raise a critical question: Are we confusing history with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives? And more important, what does the loss of historical information mean for present and future generations?
The removal of these pages from Arlington National Cemetery’s website, along with thousands of other web pages across government platforms, was carried out to comply with an executive order issued by President Trump.
The order, which aimed to eliminate DEI initiatives in federal programs, mandated that any DEI-related content published between Jan. 20, 2021, and Jan. 19 of this year be either archived or removed. As a result, significant historical records, including those recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of marginalized groups in the U.S. military, have been erased from public view.
The decision reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the distinction between diversity efforts and historical documentation. DEI initiatives are designed to promote fairness, representation and opportunity for marginalized communities. History, on the other hand, is an objective record of the past — one that cannot be rewritten or selec-
letters
tively deleted without serious consequences for society as a whole.
When we remove historical information under the guise of eliminating DEI, we are erasing the stories and experiences that have shaped the nation. The contributions of African American soldiers who fought in segregated units during World War II, the bravery of Hispanic servicemen in the Korean War, and the pioneering achievements of female military officers are not “DEI content.” They are part of the fabric of American history.
By erasing these stories from public platforms, we are denying future generations the opportunity to learn from the struggles and triumphs of those who came before them. We are also depriving historically marginalized communities of the recognition and respect they deserve. History gives us a deeper understanding of our nation’s progress — and its failures. Without it, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past and failing to appreciate the diversity and resilience that define America.
The removal of content highlighting the contributions of marginalized groups does not end DEI; it merely attempts to silence the voices of those who have long fought for recognition and equality in our society. The effort to scrub this content from government websites sets a dangerous precedent. It suggests that historical facts can be elimi-
Our representatives must stand up for Medicaid funding
To the Editor:
On March 7, hundreds gathered at the State Office Building in Hauppauge to advocate for a 7.8 percent targeted increase in Medicaid rates for disability services to address rising costs, ensure fair pay for staff, and stabilize the care system for people with disabilities.
As a father of an adult child with disabilities who relies on Medicaid-supported services, I feel an overwhelming responsibility to advocate for the protection and support of staff, whose roles are crucial in caring for those with disabilities. These significant issues have profound personal and far-reaching effects for families like mine.
For over 25 years, my son Bobby has received exceptional care from the Developmental Disabilities Institute in Smithtown. The dedication and compassion of their staff have greatly enriched his life, helping him accomplish daily tasks. Their work is more than just a job; it is a calling driven by empathy and a commitment to improving lives. These critical services deserve fair compensation and job security.
In addition, the proposed hundreds of billion of dollars in cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental
nated or hidden when they become politically inconvenient. That isn’t the behavior of a free and democratic society.
The loss of historical information has far-reaching implications. For educators and students, online resources serve as vital tools for teaching American history. For researchers and historians, they provide access to primary sources and documentation that help us understand the evolution of social and political movements.
Restoring the content that was removed from Arlington National Cemetery’s website and other federal platforms isn’t just about complying with government policy — it’s about protecting the truth. Historical documentation must be treated as sacred, separate from politics or ideological battles. Federal agencies must prioritize the preservation of historical records, regardless of whether those stories align with the current political environment. Educational institutions, historians and advocacy groups must also work to archive and share information through independent platforms to ensure that those stories are not lost forever.
In a democracy, history belongs to the people — all the people. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard that history, not erase it. Without an honest and complete understanding of our past, we cannot hope to build a more just and equitable future.
Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are deeply troubling. These programs serve as lifelines, supporting people like my son and often the staff caring for him and his peers, many of whom seek supplemental food support
because of their low-wage status. Cutting funds for these programs is more than an economic decision; it is a moral one that will have devastating consequences for vulnerable populations.
opinions Preparing for real work, not just a job
as high school seniors and others contemplate their college plans, it is timely to remind them about the purpose of higher education. This is especially true at a time when there are those who question the value of universities and focus on vocational rather than on advanced education. Critics also tend to focus on the means for learning rather than on its purpose.
roBert a . sCott
A college education is much more than job prep. It is as much about character development and preparation for civic engagement as it is about preparing for a career. Too many people focus on immediate job placement instead of preparing for a life with the potential for multiple careers.
As Bill Gates once said, jobs are eliminated, but “work” — opportunities for solving problems — expands. So how best can students prepare for a future in which they see themselves as problem-solvers in constantly evolving work settings? That’s the role of colleges and universities.
In 1900, farm employment accounted for nearly 40 percent of all jobs. Today it’s about 10 percent. Technology and new management techniques are the
difference. At the end of World War II, service industries accounted for 10 percent of nonfarm employment, compared with 38 percent for manufacturing. Since the 1970s, the American economy has moved away from producing goods to providing services, and the service sector has accounted for an increasing proportion of jobs and workers.
CThe work necessary for sustainable, civil communities will continue to expand. Technological tools are increasingly available, but create ethical challenges and require educated judgment. AI should be used as a tool, not as a crutch or a substitute for thinking. Work requires information verification, not just data gathering. AI will eliminate jobs, and those graduating from colleges and universities must be prepared for this new world of employment options.
ollege is as much about character development as it is about career prep.
ing a civilization compatible with its inhabitants’ aspirations and the limitations of the natural environment; teach students to appreciate other cultures; and apply theory to practical problems. Colleges seek to help students’ transformation into productive citizens and professionals. Cooperative education, internships and service learning all reinforce classroom learning. Students gain the confidence to formulate ideas, take initiative, increase their ability to reason in different modes, solve problems, and develop communication and computational skills as well as imagination, the ability to consider ideas from different angles through exposure to the arts, literature and other cultures.
■ Graduates have lower unemployment rates than those with only a high school diploma. They also report higher job satisfaction and better career prospects.
■ Most graduates view their college education as a good investment.
We know the skills and abilities that organizations want in employees. Beyond technological know-how, they want people who can learn to analyze problems and create ethical solutions — i.e., add value and perform — without AI support. These are the skills and abilities necessary for all work, from corporate to public service to community-based jobs.
The purpose of a college education is to help students advance their knowledge, both general and expert; skills such as writing and speaking; abilities such as analysis and leadership; and values such as respect for others and teamwork. This includes the ability to understand the choices that await them as citizens, consumers, decision-makers, and arbiters of ethical alternatives. The purpose is also is to inspire students to contemplate the meaning of life; help them become capable of build-
Letters
I urge our local congressional representatives, including Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino, to oppose these cuts. I encourage them to advocate for sustainable funding that prioritizes the well-being of those who depend on these critical support services. An investment now will secure the present and safeguard the future for people like my son.
JoSePh W. SChMIdT Board of Directors chair
Developmental Disabilities Institute Wantagh
Why is all that opioid money sitting idle?
To the editor:
Nassau County has received $95.5 million from New York state for opioid treatment and awareness, part of the opioid lawsuit settlement. of that amount, $39.5 million has been awarded. h owever, awarded does not mean spent. In reality, the county has only spent $3 million of that
$95.5 million.
Meanwhile, 210 residents died of overdoses in 2023. data for 2024 has not yet been released.
To make matters worse, County e xecutive Bruce Blakeman has been publicly highlighting the $39.5 million in awarded funds — an impressive figure on its face — while omitting the far less impressive $3 million that has actually been spent.
This lackadaisical approach to deploying lifesaving resources is not only negligent and callous, but also appears to be financially motivated. Since receiving the funds, Nassau County has accrued millions in interest from the unspent balance sitting idle on its books.
What does it say about our county executive that he appears willing to gamble with lives for financial gain? Surely there are more ethical and effective ways to manage the county’s finances — ones that don’t come at the expense of public health. PeTroS
They learn how to learn on their own as well as in groups. We hope they will learn to think strategically about their lives, even taking a job so they have a base from which to pursue bigger dreams. We also hope they will develop a sense of humor and can laugh at themselves.
The benefits of college graduation are well known:
■ Possessing a degree provides access to a wider array of opportunities.
■ Certain fields in technology, health care and education require a degree.
Framework by Tim Baker
Just think of the work to be done in a society: clean, affordable and dependable energy sources; reliable, inexpensive mass transportation and infrastructure; secure information systems; effective schools, health care, and fire and flood protection; safe, nourishing and affordable food; affordable housing; clean water and sanitation; peaceful relations among nations; and equal access to the rule of law.
These and other requirements for a sustainable, civil society represent problems to be identified, analyzed and solved — work to be done.
Dr. Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author of “Letters to Student: What it Means to be a College Graduate” (Roman & Littlefield, 2024).
The seniors win the cup at Rock Rivalry — East Rockaway High School
Thursday, April 10,
