U.S. Education
U.S. Education Secretary McMahon backs Massapequa in mascot dispute
By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Massapequa High School last week and declared that New York State’s ban on indigenous mascot names violates federal civil rights law
In addressing the ongoing dispute between local school districts and the state over the use of Native American logos and symbols, McMahon said her office reviewed the Massapequa School District argument that the state mandate violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and vowed federal support.
“The president took this issue seriously. I am taking this issue seriously, and we will not toler-
ate a civil rights violation by New York State,” McMahon said.
She announced a 10-day window for the state to pass a resolution allowing Massapequa and other districts to retain their chosen mascots. If not, McMahon said the matter would be referred to the U.S. Department of Justice for enforcement.
The fight over the Chiefs name in Massapequa rose to national prominence in April after President Donald Trump backed the school district’s stance.
At the press conference with McMahon, N.C. Exec. Bruce Blakeman criticized the state’s policy as an overreach.
“Long Island has some of the best schools
ReCORD
Rev. Dale Van Wormer named Rector-elect of St. Mary’s, Amityville
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
The Rev. Dale Van Wormer is joining the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church parish as rectorelect beginning Aug. 10. He will serve alongside the Rev. Randolph Jon Geminder for about two months before officially becoming rector on Sept. 28.
A native of New York’s Finger Lakes region, Van Wormer attended the Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin. He has served as a priest for five years and has been in parish leadership for six. He was ordained by Bishop William H. Love in the Episcopal Diocese of Albany.
Before coming to St. Mary’s, he served as associate rector of St. John’s Church in the historic Hyde Park neighborhood of Tampa, Florida. Prior to that, he was deacon-in-charge and later rector of two rural parishes in Sidney and Unadilla, New York.
Fr. Van Wormer brings a deep love for Catholic
Iliturgy, music and sacred art to his ministry at St. Mary’s. He expressed his excitement about this new chapter in ministry:
It’s truly an honor to accept the call as St. Mary’s rector. My wife Samantha and I are looking forward to joining you.
REV. DALE VAN WORMER
“It’s truly an honor to accept the call as St. Mary’s next rector. My wife, Samantha, and I are looking forward to joining you in a few months’ time, getting to know you, and walking alongside you in our shared life in Christ,” he said.
Mike Polansky/Herald
Secretary Linda McMahon speaks at press conference at Massapequa High School as Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Massapequa School District Board President Kerry Wachter, right, listen.
Rev. Dale Van Wormer
17 Amityville educators earn tenure, applause at board meeting
Seventeen Amityville School District educators received tenure recently and were recognized during a recent Board of Education meeting.
They were: Keri Alberda, Jessenia Bermudez, Marily Brodack, Alison De Mauro, Lindsey Gordon, Maria Ramirez, Jennifer Rivera, Stephanie M. Sage,
Tamia Christopher, Tia Christopher, Kathleen Crowley, Melissa Goodwin, Jacqueline Hyde, Shayla Lewis, Tarazzia Millar, Patricia Monteforte and Ken-
Read the Amityville Herald Record for all your local news. CONTINUED
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neth Williams.
The recognition was part of the district’s celebration of Teachers Appreciation Week.
U.S. Education Secretary McMahon backs Massapequa in mascot dispute
in the United States,” he said. “That’s because we have local school boards making decisions, so that parents are involved in what’s best for their kids’ education. When the governor and the Board of Regents try to eliminate Native American names and logos, they’re trying to change our history and our culture — and we’re not going to stand for it.”
Board of Education President Kerry Wachter also spoke, thanking McMahon for her intervention.
“While we’ve focused on giving Massapequa students every opportunity to thrive, we’ve had to devote precious time and energy to defend something that should never have been questioned — our name, our heritage and our identity,” Wachter said. “Being a Massapequa Chief isn’t a slogan. It means being a leader and embodying bravery, strength and honor.”
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino also addressed the audience. “I identify as a Massapequa Chief for life.” He closed with: “Once a Chief, always a Chief.”
McMahon first toured the school before holding the press conference in the school gymnasium. The event concluded with Massapequa High School Senior Class President Jackson Yahner presenting her with a Chiefs shirt.
Under the statewide ban, which affected 13 districts on Long Island, school districts need to comply by June 30 or risk losing state aid.
Massapequa’s stance has been supported by the Native American Guardian’s Association (NAGA), with which it entered into an agreement on May 15. The agree-
ment authorizes the continued use of the Chiefs name and logo as long as the district continues its educational programming on Native American history and culture.
NAGA, a group of enrolled tribal members and descendants, aims to preserve Native American names, symbols and traditions in sports and public life. Frank Black Cloud, NAGA’s vice president, attended the event and spoke in favor of Massapequa’s position.
“It’s a travesty that they’re trying to take the name away,” he said. “The name is wonderful and should be celebrated, not removed. Education, not eradication.”
Not everyone agreed.
“Whether the Massapequa school district uses an insulting stereotypical image of a western Native American chief piece of clip art or just the name, they are perpetuating a cultural stereotype as well as historical inaccuracies. As educators, they should know better,” said Sandi BrewsterWalker, executive director and government affairs officer for the Montaukett nation on Long Island.
On May 19, Oliver Roberts, an attorney with close ties to Massapequa, filed an amended complaint in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The filing cites the NAGA agreement and asserts that the state’s mandate is discriminatory and violates the federal civil rights law.
The Massapequa community will hold a “Save the Chiefs” festival and fundraiser on Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Massapequa High School parking lot.
Courtesy Amityville school district
Shown with Amityville School Board members are educators in the Amityville School District who received tenure and were recognized at a Board of Education meeting.
Amityville community comes together to honor and remember
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
The Amityville community gathered at the Triangle on Broadway gazebo and commemorated Memorial Day, remembering those who gave their lives in defense of the country. The event was sponsored by the Village of Amityville and the Sgt John J Kreyer VFW Post 7223 with assistance from the Amityville Police Department and village employees.
“It is heartwarming that the attendance has increased over the past couple of years, which is testament to people realizing the importance and meaning of Memorial Day,” said Amityville Village Mayor Mike O’Neill.
The mayor added that there have been discussions in the Village about reviving the tradition of holding a parade on Memorial Day, but that he and others have some reservations.
“While in many ways I would love to do it, I have heard from residents that they appreciate the solemnity of the event we now hold,” he said.
He added that one concern is that people would not come out in large numbers for a parade which, he said “would be sad.”
He added, “I am, however, encouraged by the increase in participation we have seen at the ceremonies in recent years, so we will be discussing this further.”
Erik Lee/Herald
Amityville High School Band directed by Anthony Abate
Amityville H.S. Junior Remi Johnson
Former Village Mayor Emil Pavlik
Former Village Mayor Dennis Siry
Mayor Michael O’Neill speaks at event.
Amityville H.S. senior Alana Henry
Madi End and daughter Mellissa
Post Commander Chuck Vinciulla and James Westphal.
Veteran Ron Barbis See more photos on Page 4.
Police Department Officers Brian Burton Jr., Eric Kreuder and Will End, Detective Kyle Miller and Chief Brian Burton
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Herald Senior Health & Beyond Expo expands 2025 Series with Massapequa debut
By Dana McDermott
Herald Community Media and RichnerLIVE successfully hosted the second event in the 2025 Senior Health & Beyond Expo series on May 22, at the Massapequa Elks Lodge #2162. Despite rainy and chilly weather, the free community event drew hundreds of attendees from across the region — including seniors, families, and care-givers — all eager to explore the latest in wellness, lifestyle enhancements, and essential health resources.
Held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the expo marked its debut in Massapequa with resounding success. Attendees engaged with over 35 educational vendors offering information on topics ranging from rehabilitation and home care to wellness programs and state services. Attendees had the opportunity to connect one-on-one with experts in various fields.
Informational booths offered resources on home rehabilitation, in-home care services, chronic disease management, wellness programs, state and local assistance, and more. Many participants took the time to explore all the booths, gathering literature, asking questions, and signing up for programs to help improve their quality of life.
“This was our very first Senior Health Expo in Massapequa, and the community’s enthusiasm far exceeded our expectations,” said Amy Amato, Executive Director of Corporate Relations and Events at RichnerLIVE. “We are proud to provide a platform where seniors and their loved ones can access vital information and engage with professionals who truly care about their well-being.”
The event wasn’t just educational—it was fun, too. A special comedy performance by Larry Izzo brought lighthearted entertainment to the morning, sparking laughter and community connection. His blend of humor and relatability added a personal touch that resonated with many in the crowd.
One of the highlights of the morning was a lively Q&A panel discussion featuring several distinguished speakers. Each panelist brought expertise from their respective fields, offering actionable tips and meaningful insights. Representatives from the Parker Jewish Institute for Healthcare and Rehabilitation discussed the differences between short- and long-term rehabilitation options, addressing common misconceptions and helping families better plan for care transitions. Mid-Island Audiology highlighted the crucial link between hearing loss and brain health, stressing the importance of early intervention and regular hearing evaluations. East Neck Nursing and Rehabilitation Center offered practical advice on fall prevention, a major concern for many seniors, including home safety modifications and physical therapy strategies. PSEG Long Island presented on advocacy, out-
reach, and education, sharing programs available to help seniors manage utility bills and understand energy usage. The New York State Department of Public Service – Long Island Office provided information on saving money and energy, as well as preparing homes for the warmer months ahead, including statesupported incentives and rebates.
Each presentation was followed by a Q&A session, giving audience members the opportunity to ask questions and receive tailored responses. These panels were especially popular, with attendees appreciating the chance to speak directly to experts in an accessible, conversational setting.
The event was made possible through
the support of several key sponsors and partners who share the goal of improving the lives of seniors. Event sponsors included AARP, CenterLight Healthcare PACE, East Neck Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, the New York State Department of Public Service, Parker Jewish Institute for Healthcare and Rehabilitation, and Silver Lining Homecare Agency, which also served as the event’s Gift Bag Sponsor. These partnerships reflect the collaborative spirit behind the Senior Health & Beyond Expo series, emphasizing the importance of bringing together public, private, and nonprofit organizations to better serve the aging population.
Following the success in Mass -
apequa, the next Senior Health & Beyond Expo is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, at Congregation Ohav Sholom in Merrick, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Like all events in the series, it will be free and open to the public, offering another opportunity for seniors and their loved ones to discover new services, engage with experts, and enjoy a morning of education, community, and connection.
To view a full gallery of photos from the Massapequa expo, visit RichnerLive.com. For a complete schedule of upcoming events in the 2025 Senior Health & Beyond Expo series, including locations and times, visit LiHerald.com.
The Massapequa Senior Expo attracted over 200 people to the May 22 event.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Senior Expo attendees took part in stationary exercises led by emcee Mae Caime.
Nicole Hall and Diane Finocchio from PSEG Long Island.
Claire Masih and Angela Mistretta of Park Lane Jewelry By ClairMarie.
Pablo Rendon, Janette Lebron, and Carmen Quinones of Parker Jewish Institute Health Care and Rehabilitation.
Ryan Lynch from New York Cancer & Blood Specialists. Expo attendees had the opportunity to meet 35 vendors.
Carol Bottiglieri from TrueCare Adult Day Care Center.
Jackie Rothermel from Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein, & Breitstone, LLP.
Alyssa Ednie, Christen L. Cassidy, and Rochelle L. Verron, Esq. from Verron Law Group.
Robert Perricone, Sherri M. Stoklasa, and Laura Williams from WellCare.
Stephanie Penza and Sheila O’Brien from SightMD.
James Senese, Marguerite L. Ryan, and Ed Ryan from Equitable Advisors.
AnneMarie Fragkoulis and Alexa Panariello of East Neck Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.
Debbie D’Amato of Centerlight HealthCare PACE.
Patricia Barna from ClarCaptions. Jill Wasser from the NYS Department of Public Service.
Manuel Martinez from Elegance At Home.
Mae Caime speaking at the Senior Health Expo in Massapequa.
ATTENTION FAMILIES AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Family members and funeral directors can submit obituary notices to us at: Amittyville Herald Record, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 or call us at 516-569-4000 ext. 329. We will also consider publishing clear black and white or color photos with the articles.
Meet some of our scholars
The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:
•The following Hofstra University students were recently recognized during National Student Employment Week: Adanya Collins of Amityville; Jordana Jagnarine of Copiague; and Angelina Olivo of Copiague.
•Darius Mobley of Amityville, attending the New York Institute of Technology, recently received a Student Engagement and Development Award, the Outstanding SGA Senator of the Year Award.
•Lauren DeSantis of Copiague, a junior English major attending the University of Scranton, was recently among the 17 students inducted into Phi Sigma Tau, the international honor society for stu -
dents of philosophy.
•Ava Hartung of Amityville is among the more than 8,000 candidates for graduation in the University of Georgia’s Class of 2025. Hartung is a candidate for a BSFCS in Human Development and Family Sciences.
•The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at Southern New Hampshire University: Kimberly Drake of Copiague; Emely Banegas of Copiague; and Alexea Rivera of Amityville.
•Scott Ratanski of Amityville was recently named to the President’s List at Southern New Hampshire University.
•Daniel Sosa of Copiague, assigned to the 105 th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard, was recently promoted to the rank of senior airman.
Amityville 1975 Class Reunion, Oct. 12
The Amityville “Warriors” Class of 1975 is hosting its 50th high school reunion on Sun., Oct. 12 at the Unqua Yacht Club. For more
information email davesberger@hotmail. com or go to the Facebook page: Amityville High School Class 75-50 Year Reunion.
The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County and Amityville police departments and other law enforcement and emergency services departments.
GRAND LARCENY
North Amityville: A package was stolen from the front porch of a home on Ronald Drive May 22. The theft was reported to police at 1 p.m.
Amityville: Someone stole a 2006 Honda Civic that was parked on North Grand Lane on May 19 at approximately 12:26 a.m. The victim told police that they had left the keys inside the vehicle.
• A 2021 Mercedes Benz was stolen from in front of a home on Broadway May 11. Police said the owner told them that the keys were in the vehicle at the time it was stolen.
North Amityville: The owner of a 2005 Hyundai motorcycle reported to police that sometime between May 8 and 9 the bike was stolen from Greybarn Lane.
PETIT LARCENY
Amityville: Someone walked into Dollar General at 9 a.m., May 22 and left the store with an assortment of soap and lotions without paying for the items.
ROBBERY
Copiague: An individual called po -
CRIME WATCH
lice to report that he had contacted an unknown individual through an App and met them at a determined location to sell them a pair of sneakers. When he arrived, he was approached by three men who beat him and fled with the sneakers. That occurred May 20 at approximately 5:28 p.m. on Sunrise Highway. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
ANIMAL PROBLEM
Amityville Police Officers Michael Schwerzer and Eric Kreuder responded to a call on Sunrise Highway May 25, shortly after 2 p.m., after the operator of a vehicle owned by Morales Oil called to report an animal was stuck in the vehicle’s rear axle. The caller said he could not start the truck because that would kill the animal. The officers responded and removed the animal, a groundhog, and relocated it to a wooded area where it ran off to safety.
SEAT BELT ENFORCEMENT
Amityville: Amityville Police officers conducted a Seat Belt Enforcement operation on May 19. They stopped 13 vehicles and issued tickets to drivers and passengers for failing to have their seat belts on.
ARRESTS
Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired: William Pritchard, 42, of 274
Elm Rd. West, Mastic Beach; Henrry Amaya Vasques, 25, of 137 Verrazano Ave., Copiague; Jerzy Wronski, 55, of 657 Adams Ave., Lindenhurst; Christopher Curran, 44, of 24 Ducharme La., Greenlawn.
Menacing with a Weapon: Joshue Campos, 21, of 27 Cherwal St., West Babylon.
Petit Larceny: Jovino Beltran, 34, of 1685P Pine Acres Blvd., Bay Shore; Taylor Johnson, 33, of 102 Scott St., Massapequa Park; Anthony Cook, 39, 323 Neighborhood Rd., Mastic Beach (also charged with Criminal Possession of Stolen Property).
Menacing With a Weapon: Laque Cayemittes, 20, of 112 Overlook Dr., East Islip.
Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance: Noah Lewis, 31, of 1398 Brooklyn Blvd., Bay Shore.
Arson: Raymond Giordano, 68, of 147 2 nd Ave., Brentwood.
Assault: Tyjanea Weaver, 25, of 193 State Ave., Wyandanch; Michael Purnell, 53 of 76 Walbridge Ave., Bay Shore.
Promoting Prostitution: Joseph Manfredo, 32 of 108 Junard Dr., Bay Shore (also charged with Grand Larceny).
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
Babylon Soldier Ride taking place July 18
The annual Soldier Ride in Babylon will take place on July 18. Take part in this unique 25-mile cycling event as you ride alongside the brave men and women who served our country and support their journey to recovery. If you register up until June 30, the cost for an adult is $75 and a t-shirt is included. For children ages 6 through 17, the
cost is $25 per child. Day of registration, July 1, is $100 for adults with a t-shirt included, and $40 for children.
To register and for more information, please visit soldierride.org/babylon.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact communitysr@woundedwarriorproject.org
Read the Amityville Herald Record for all your local community news.
GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 10 a.m.
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TOB recognizes Jewish Heritage Month; names Robert Lucasi Beautification Ambassador
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
The Town of Babylon recognized Jewish Heritage Month by honoring two Jewish leaders, Rabbi Mitchell Nesenoff of Congregation Beth Sholom in Babylon Village, and Avi Posnick, executive director of StandWithUs, an international, non-partisan education organization that supports Israel and fights antisemitism.
“This is part of what we do to collaborate with others on Long Island so we can combat the negative rhetoric and outright violence against the Jewish community we have seen over the past few years,” said Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer in awarding the two men proclamations from the town recognizing their work in the town and across the nation.
“We want to reaffirm our support for the Jewish community, bringing together all municipal officials on Long Island in the common cause of supporting our Jewish residents,” he added.
Schaffer said that Rabbi Nesenoff has helped do just that. “He is a miracle worker,” said Schaffer. “Anyone who can bring together Long Island officials and get them to agree on anything is a miracle worker.” “One hundred fifty years ago, the Long Island community came together and formed the first synagogue for the 2 percent Jewish population that contributes so much in so many ways as responsible citizens, police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses and more,” said Nesenoff. “We are so grateful for that.”
Nesenoff is also a member of the Cluster Clergy, a group of religious leaders from all faiths who meet regularly to discuss issues of common concern. “I support them and we all support each other,” said Nesenoff.
Both men thanked the town for the recognition.
In related business, the town announced that West Babylon resident Robert Lucasi was named an ambassador for the Babylon Beautification Program, a collaboration to further the beautification of the various hamlets with the communities. The program sponsors Adopt-A-Highway, Adopt-A-Spot, and AdoptA-Park initiatives that help give everyone an opportunity to be a part of keeping their communities clean and beautiful.
Lucasi, a resident of the town since 1976, said he was honored to be named.
Babylon Town Councilman Terry McSweeney, who made the announcement, said Lucasi has been the eyes and ears in West Babylon for the town, “telling us what is going on, what is right and what is wrong. He doesn’t ask what you can do, rather he asks, ‘What can I do and how can I help the town?’”
For more information on the program, go to: townofbabylonny.gov/547/BeautificationProgram
Avi Posnick, StandWithUs executive director, accepts proclamation from Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer.
Rabbi Mitchell Nesenoff of Congregation Beth Sholom is congratulated by Schaffer for his work.
West Babylon resident Robert Lucasi
STEPPING OUT
Chris Botti
a bite out of science as you encounter some
Digging for dinos
Explore a prehistoric world at Long Island Children’s Museum
By Danielle Schwab
Your family’s summer “travel” plans might want to include an adventure back millions of years when mighty dinosaurs ruled the Earth.
The museum welcomes visitors to get up close to models of dinosaur bones that demystify the enigmatic creatures and shed light on the reality of the past at it’s newest STEM-based exhibit, “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed,” now in residence until Aug. 31.
“Dinosaurs are such a popular, fascinating thing for kids to explore,” says Ashley Niver, the museum’s director of education. “It’s exciting to be standing next to these replicas of dinosaurs, seeing the full-blown skeletons, because it gives them such a great sense of scale compared to their bodies.”
Six full skeletal bodies represent real-life “legends,” including a Triceratops, a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and a Velociraptor. Of course, there’s plenty of opportunity to view and touch, plus examine additional molds of skulls, arms, legs, eggs, footprints, and even a 6-foot-1-inch Apatosaurus femur. Also go deeper into the science and history of the prehistoric era through a timeline matching game and enjoy a dig box where everyone can use paleontology tools to unearth dinosaur bones.
• Now until Aug. 31
• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
“Kids have a very close view of what these dinosaurs look like compared to one another, and their interesting bone structure. It’s a different perspective than they would get from just a book. They can touch all of these things,” Niver says. A fascinating highlight is surely that enormous Apatosaurus femur. This gigantic animal weighed as much as five elephants and walked with a thunderous sound as the feet hit the ground, Niver explains.
Fossil replicas are made of fiberglass and foam, which allows a unique opportunity for kids to interact with dinos outside of glass displays. For Niver, this all goes hand-in-hand with the museum’s mission to make immersive learning accessible to families.
“To have something that would normally be hands-off is exciting for kids. Any kind of tactile component within our programs and exhibits enhances the whole experience,” she explains.
Visitors won’t just look at bones, they can also dig for
them! Kids can step into the role of a paleontologist by wearing paleontology gear as they take their curiosity to two “dig sites” and use paleontology tools to excavate for new skeletons — and then hide them for the next explorer to find.
As always, related programming enhances
As always, related programming enhances the exhibit experience.
can join Dr. Patricia Osiris and help coax a
Among the highlights, the museum’s theater team presents an original interactive performance, “Unbox-a-saurus.” Families can join Dr. Patricia Osiris and help coax a shy dinosaur out of its crate to meet new friends, for an additional fee.
Other activities include creating pterodactyl flyers and clay fossil impressions on select dates.
For those curious minds, paleontologist Michael D’Emic, PhD, brings his tools and artifacts to the museum on July 10. Feel free to ask questions about dinosaurs and their ancient world of D’Emic and the graduate students accompanying him.
discovering new species — it is
“Studying dinosaurs is more than just naming and discovering new species — it is about learning how environments and species changed over time, which is more important than ever to understand in today’s changing world,” D’Emic wrote in an email.
Visitors of all ages will certainly have an engaging time with all things dinos.
“The range of dinosaur appeal is a multi-generational thing. Any dinosaur enthusiasts who are adults will be thrilled to get to share that with their kids,” Niver says.
Any dinosaur enthusiasts who are adults will be thrilled to get to
From their habitats to their bone structures, the world of dinosaurs sparks imagination and creative play through their larger-than-life legacy.
“They have their own personalities in many ways. There are ones that eat
“They have their own personalities in many ways. There are ones that eat meat and others that eat plants. Some are big and some are small. That’s what’s interesting and intriguing. This majestic-seeming creature no longer roams the Earth, but you knew it once did,” she adds.
And there’s no better place to start than at Long Island Children’s Museum.
“It’s local. You don’t have to go to the city to learn about dinosaurs and see fossil replicas up close, it’s right here in Garden City,” Niver continues, encouraging everyone to check out the museum’s latest offering, in collaboration with the Museum of Discovery, Little Rock, Ark.
The world’s top-selling jazz instrumentalist, Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti has been one of the world’s most popular instrumentalists for nearly three decades. A trumpeter with a sumptuous, enveloping tone, fluent phrasing, and sense of space, Botti became a masterly musician equally at home in the realms of jazz and pop. He honed his craft performing and recording with stars like Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Yo-Yo Ma, and Sting, who featured him on his Brand New Day tour and who was one the stellar artists on Botti’s chart-topping 2009 album “Live in Boston.” In short, Chris Botti really needs no introduction. Yet with his Blue Note Records debut, he’s offering one anyway. Vol.1 is in many ways a fresh start for the trumpeter. Having successfully crossed over from jazz renown to pop stardom, Botti’s first album in more than a decade finds him crossing back, with a small group project focused on acoustic jazz and classic standards.
Friday, June 6, 8 p.m. $99.50, $89.50, $69.50, $64.50, $59.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
Northwinds Symphonic Band
Sands Point Preserve’s reserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the majestic backdrop for a lively musical afternoon. Northwinds Symphonic Band returns with “Broadway, Movies, and Light Classics.” Immerse yourself in a feast for the senses. The concert (indoors) features a host of treasured music from the big screen to the stage. Conductors Helen P. Bauer and Brandon Bromsey have designed an entertaining program of both instrumental and vocal selections.
A special appearance by Broadway performer Karen Murphy and tenor Joe Stroppel with spotlight solos by Northwinds musicians are among the highlights. Consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the delightful grounds before the concert.
Sunday, June 8, 3 p.m. $10.
Recreate a favorite creature or make the dino of your dreams using large-scale foam blocks.
Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit sandspointpreserveconservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Photos courtesy LICM
Take
hulking behemoths.
Junior paleontologists can unearth fossils in two dig pits.
Roam among dinos and make some new friends.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
JUNE 5
Babylon Soldier Ride
Registration is now open annual Soldier Ride in Babylon on July 18. Take part in this unique 25-mile cycling event as you ride alongside the brave men and women who served our country and support their journey to recovery.
• Contact: soldierride.org/Babylon
BACCA TV
Join the launch of BACCA TV. The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts, BACCA, is assembling a team of visionary content creators and video producers for their new digital platform. It’s free to join. Tackle fresh creative challenges, premiere your work on their online channel and be honored at the inaugural BACCA TV Video Awards. Put “BACCA TV” as the subject line in your email.
• Contact: info@babylonarts.org
JUNE
6
JUNE 14
Voyage
First Friday: Among the Arbor
Get ready to fall in love all over again with one of New York State’s most romantic spots: the Rose Arbor at Planting Fields. Enjoy an enchanting tour where you’ll get the inside scoop on the care and passion that goes into maintaining this stunning garden. After wandering through the Rose Arbor and Walk, you’ll hear about one of the captivating love stories from Planting Fields’ rich history, told by archivist Marie Penny. Get swept up in the in the tale of Natalie Coe and Count Leonardo Vitetti —the first wedding ever held at Planting Fields! As an extra treat, visitors have the rare chance to explore the beautiful Blue Pool Garden and take in the newly restored Tea House. Registration required. $20 per person.
• Where: Check in at entrance to park, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay
• Time: 6-7 p.m.
• Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210
Westbury House Tour
For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th
Learn Spanish
Learn basic Spanish in a relaxed, comfortable environment at Amityville Public Library.
• Where: 19 John St., Amityville
• Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 264-0567
JUNE
11
Advanced Beginner Mah Jongg
Get in on the game at Amityville Public Library. The class is designed for players who have already learned the basic rules of American Mah Jongg and can play a game but want to develop more strategic skills by focusing on advanced hand evaluation, defensive play and tile-passing techniques. The cost is $5, by check or money order, made payable to Amityville Public Library and due at registration.
• Where: 19 John St., Amityville
• Time: 10 a.m.-noon
• Contact: (631) 264-0567
Golden Grooves
• Time: 7 p.m.
“Don’t stop believin’… Voyage has returned with its rockin’ tribute to Journey. The popular band takes everyone back to the ‘80s when Journey’s timeless music ruled the airwaves. Hailed by fans and critics alike, the band performs the music with chilling accuracy. Voyage is celebrated for their uncanny ability to recreate the legendary sound, energy and passion of one of rock’s greatest bands. The attention to detail is unrivaled: blistering guitar solos, lush keyboard arrangements, electrifying stage presence, and stunning harmonies, has earned them a reputation as the ultimate homage to Journey’s timeless music. Fronted by vocalist Pedro Espada, whose range and tone is acclaimed as rivaling the iconic Steve Perry, he’s backed by a lineup of world-class musicians — Robby Hoffman, Greg Smith, Lance Millard, and Dana Spellman — who bring every note to life with precision and heart. Voyage doesn’t just perform Journey’s greatest hits — they transport audiences back to the height of arena rock glory. From the soaring ballads of “Faithfully” and “Open Arms” to the anthemic energy of “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Separate Ways,” every performance is a journey through the soundtrack of a generation. $40, $35, $30, $25, $20.
century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: Noon-1 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.; also June 9, June 11-12
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
‘Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!’
The beloved musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved award-winning, best-selling children’s books, is back on stage at Long Island Children’s Museum. Willems’ classic characters Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: Also June 8 and June 10-12, times vary
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
JUNE
Boater Safety Course
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The Town of Babylon offers free boater safety class at Copiague Fire Department to the first 30 Town of Babylon residents who sign up.
• Where: 320 Great Neck Road, Copiague
• Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 957-3081
Beach Permit Sales
Town of Babylon Parks Department offers drive-thru beach permit sales at Geiger Park. Cost is $45 for seniors 60 and over and $20 for active military, veterans and volunteer Fire and EMS.
• Where: 50 W. 23rd St., Deer Park
• Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 893-2100 or townofbabylonny.gov/558/2025Beach-Permits
Garden Gallery Quest
Scavenger Hunt
Visit Old Westbury Gardens for a day of artistic exploration. All ages are invited to stroll through the gardens in search of some of the most famous paintings hidden throughout the grounds. Find them all and return to Westbury House to claim a special gift.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: Ongoing all day, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
‘Makin’ It Healthy’
Celebrate the release of local author Geetu Makin’s new cookbook “Makin’ It Healthy” at Amityville Public Library. Attendees will learn about Geetu’s cooking journey and view a demonstration of one of her favorite recipes.
• Where: 19 John St., Amityville
• Time: 2-3 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 264-0567
JUNE
Beach Permit Sales
Town of Babylon Parks Department offers drive-thru beach permit sales at Tanner Park. The cost is $45 for seniors 60 and over and $20 for active military, veterans and volunteer Fire and EMS.
• Where: 400 Baylawn Ave., Copiague
• Time: 3-6 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 893-2100, townofbabylonny.gov/558/2025Beach-Permits
JUNE
12
The Town of Babylon Summer Concert Series welcomes all to Golden Grooves. Enjoy performances by The Clusters and The Dedications at Tanner Park. Bring chairs/blankets.
• Where: 400 Baylawn Ave., Copiague
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 893-2100
Beach Permit Sales
Town of Babylon Parks Department offers drive-thru beach permit sales at Venetian Shores Park. The cost is $45 for seniors 60 and over and $20 for active military, veterans and volunteer Fire and EMS.
• Where: Venetian Shores Park, 850 Venetian Blvd., Lindenhurst
• Time: 3-6 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 893-2100 or townofbabylonny.gov/558/2025Beach-Permits
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar 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 kbloom@ liherald.com.
College and Career Decision Day a highlight at Amityville HS
On May 9, seniors at Amityville Memorial High School students celebrated their accomplishments during the College and Career Decision Day. Many of the students wore gear from their future colleges and they each took turns to discuss their post high school plans. Principal Dr. John Cardone addressed the students and commended them for their successes, both in and outside of the classroom. Additionally, students crafted and signed a decorative poster to recognize the Class of 2025.
Read the Amityville Herald Record
N. Amityville to hold community parade and festival on June
The annual North Amityville Community Parade and Festival Day will be on June 7 at Bolden Mack Park at 11 a.m.
The event will have a dance contest, anti-gun violence basketball game and high school basketball game with Snug.
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For more information, call Madeline Quintyne-McConney at (631) 620-8489 or email nacpfd@gmail.com
Bolden Mack Park is located at 3453 Great Neck Road, Amityville.
Library sets citizenship info session
Are you confused about the immigration process and eligible for legal status in the United States?
The Amityville Public Library will be hosting an information session on June 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This program will help answer your questions. However, note that no legal advice will
be provided. To register, email adult@amityvillepubliclibrary.org with the program name as the subject and your full name in the body of the email.
For more information, call (631) 2640567. Amityville Public Library is located at 19 John St., Amityville.
Courtesy/Amityville school district
Adonis Lyons was among the seniors who discussed their future endeavors
Students crafted and signed a decorative poster to recognize the Class of 2025
Belmont Stakes returns to Saratoga amid Belmont Park construction
For the second consecutive year, the Belmont Stakes will be held at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday due to ongoing construction at the new Belmont Park in Elmont.
The race’s namesake, August Belmont Sr., was not only a patriarch of the prominent Belmont family of Babylon but also a key figure in American thoroughbred racing. Belmont Sr. lent his North Babylon horse farm to the U.S. military during World War I, further cementing the family’s historical legacy.
Pets, Pets, Pets...
JOANNE ANDERSON
From Paddock to Park August Belmont Sr. (1813–1890), a wealthy banker, was first drawn to the North Babylon property during a trout fishing trip with friend Royal Phelps— namesake of Phelps Lane, Phelps Pond, and the former Phelps Mansion. In 1868, Belmont established a 1,100-acre country estate, which featured a 24-room mansion, 50 other buildings, a 40-acre lake, and a Nursery Farm for breeding horses in its northwest corner. The farm included a mile-long training track and foaling stables.
Roughly 500 acres of the estate were used as farmland to grow feed for horses and other livestock. According to a July 1938 article in the Long Island Forum, the facility also included a tuition-free school for juvenile jockeys and for the children of the estate’s staff.
Several renowned thoroughbreds, including Kingfisher, Matador and Fiddlesticks, were bred at the Long Island nursery, which is now the site of Belmont Lake State Park. In 1885, Belmont Sr. purchased a second farm near Lexington, Kentucky, where his racehorses were later raised. The Babylon estate continued to serve as a wintering location for adult horses and a care facility for ailing ones.
Belmont Sr. died of pneumonia in November 1890, shortly after presiding over a horse show at “drafty” Madison Square Garden. His son, August Belmont Jr. (1853–1924), succeeded him in managing the family’s banking and railroad businesses.
A Legacy in Racing and Aviation Belmont Jr. played a pivotal role in building the New York City subway system and was instrumental in establishing Belmont Park in Elmont, which opened in 1905. The Belmont Stakes—the final leg of the Triple Crown—is named in honor of his father. Horses from Belmont Jr.’s stables won the race in 1902, 1916 and 1917.
During World War I, Belmont Jr., who served as a Major of Aviation, offered the Babylon property to the U.S. Army Air Corps. It became Camp Damm, an airfield that operated from 1918 to 1919. The field was named for Lt. Col. Henry
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
•Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-3012.
•Suffolk County First Precinct Community Meeting: 7 p.m., West Babylon Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon. For more information, call (631) 854-8100.
•Amityville Rotary Club Meeting: 8 a.m., Brownstones Coffee, 55 Merrick Road, Amityville. For more information, please call President Michele Camilleri at (631) 598-1700 or email amityvillerotaryclub@gmail.com.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com
•St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville, enter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631) 464-4899.
MONDAY, June 9
•Copiague School District Board of Education Meeting, Public Budget Hearing: 7 p.m., Everett E. Newmann III Administrative Offices at Copiague Middle School, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague.
For more information, please call (631)842-4015.
•Town of Babylon Planning Board Meeting: 7 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-4434.
TUESDAY, June 10
•Town of Babylon Accessory Apartment Review Board Meeting: 6 p.m. Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-7468.
•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.
•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, June 11
•Town of Babylon Rental Board Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-4434.
J. Damm, who died in service on May 2, 1918, in Dayton, Ohio—a common practice for WWI-era airfields.
After the war, the camp was disbanded. Part of the Belmont estate was converted into Belmont Lake State Park, while the rest was sold for residential development. The Southern State Parkway now bisects the former estate.
Belmont Jr. is credited with reviving New York horse racing following the repeal of anti-gambling legislation. He served as the first chairman of The Jockey Club and was a founding member of the National Steeplechase Association in 1895, as well as head of the New York Racing Commission.
In 1908, Belmont Jr. began a breeding operation in Normandy, France. One of his most famous contributions came in 1917, when his wife named a colt “My Man O’ War” in his honor as he departed to serve in Europe during World War I. The Belmont’s later sold the colt—minus the “My”—for $5,000. Man o’ War would go on to become one of the greatest racehorses in American history.
After Belmont Jr.’s death in 1924, George Herbert Walker—grandfather of President George H.W. Bush—and a partner purchased the family’s Nursery Stud Farm in Kentucky.
Mansion, Legacy, and Family History
The original 24-room Belmont mansion in North Babylon, which included a pet cemetery on its left side, was demolished in 1935. Belmont Sr.’s wife, Caroline Perry Belmont, was the niece of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, a hero of the War of 1812. Two cannons salvaged from a British ship, found in a Pittsburgh junkyard by Mrs. Belmont, were brought to North Babylon to “guard” the mansion site.
Coming Next Week
Only one headstone from the Belmont family’s pet cemetery remains. It belongs to a dog named Robin, whose unique story will be the subject of next week’s “Pets” column. A replica 1877 edition of the first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show reveals Robin’s dual identity and highlights the Belmont’s’ place in American purebred dog history.
The original Belmont mansion in N. Babylon was demolished in 1935. The War of 1812 cannons and one dog headstone for "Robin" from the family pet cemetery remain.
August Belmont Jr. bred Man Of War, and his wife named the colt for her husband who enlisted in the Army Air Corps during WWI.
LAMI1
Elevate Rehabilitate OT PLLC:
Notice of formation of Elevate Rehabilitate OT PLLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/29/24
Office location, County of Suffolk.
SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a process served to:
Elevate Rehabilitate OT PLLC, 16 Kent Place, Amityville NY 11701
Purpose: any lawful act.
25-304. 5/7, 14, 21, 28, 6/4, 11
Notice of formation of Sunny Shore Occupational Therapy Services PLLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on (03/26/2025.) Office location: (SUFFOLK ). SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the PLLC to 11 CAPARI COURT, DIX HILLS , NY -11746). Purpose: Any lawful purpose . 25-319. 5/21, 28, 6/4, 11, 18, 25
Notice of Formation of 1564 Noyack LLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 5/6/2025.
Office: Suffolk County
SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 216 East State Street, Suite 100, Trenton, NJ 08608
Purpose: any lawful purpose.
25-318. 5/21, 28, 6/4, 11, 18, 25
Public Notices
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE TOWN
OF BABYLON ACCESSORY APARTMENT REVIEW BOARD
Pursuant to provisions of Local Law # 9 of the Babylon Town Code, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Accessory Apartment Review Board will hold a public hearing in the Town Board Meeting Room in the East Wing of Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York on Tuesday eve, June 10, 2025. Public hearings begin 6:00pm.
NEW APPLICATION:
• Ashley Perez-Tiburcio
44 Lexington Ave West Babylon, NY 11704
SCTM#0100-140-44
•Vira & Michael Carey 271 7th Ave West Babylon, NY 11704
SCTM#0100-1313-33
•Joseph K. Varghese 258 Irving Avenue Deer Park, NY 11729
SCTM#0100-23-377
•Nasim Chowdhury 25 Wall Street E. Farmingdale, NY 11735
SCTM#0100-47-129
•Alara M. Guler (aka:Bas) 36 Toysome Lane Deer Park, NY 11729
SCTM#0100-91-215
Printing Instructions: RENEWALS BY AFFIDAVIT APPLICANTS, ARE NOT REQUIRED TO APPEAR. ALL NEW CASES WILL BE HEARD IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE ADVERTISED.
All interested per-
sons should appear at the above time and place by order of Sandra Thomas, Chairperson, Accessory Apartment Review Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York. Amityville Record
Wednesday, June 4th, 2025 25-328 6/4
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AND/OR INFORMATIONAL HEARINGS BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON PLANNING BOARD
Pursuant to Chapter 186, Site Plan Review, and Chapter 213, Zoning, of the Babylon Town Code and Section 276 of the Town Law, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Planning Board will hold public and/ or informational hearings(s) at the Babylon Town Hall, Town Board Room, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York, on the Monday, June 9, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time or as soon thereafter as can be heard to consider the following application(s): PUBLIC HEARING/SITE PLAN REVEW/MINOR SUBDIVISION
JOB# 24-17AB; Oak Street Realty, Inc.: SCTM# 0100137-02-051.001, 0100-137-02051.003, 0100-13702-052.001, 0100137-02-053: Zone – E Business & C
Residence: SEQRA – Unlisted Action, Uncoordinated Review: Applicant proposes to maintain an existing two-story mixed-used building, as well as a single-family home as part of a subdivision of four lots into two,
along with associated site improvements. Property is located on the northwest side of Little East neck Road and 9th Street, West Babylon, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Patrick Halpin, Chairperson of the Planning Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York
PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS
Amityville Record:
6-4-25
25-329. 6/4
The Town of Babylon Rental Review Board will hold a Public Hearing at The Town of Babylon, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York (East Wing Board Room) on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 6:00pm NEW APPLICATION
1. Gail Grace Realty Corp. 10 Anthony Lane North Babylon NY 11703
SCTM NO:
0100-143-2-90.011
2. Marie Cardoza 105 S. Bay Dr. Babylon NY 11702
SCTM NO: 0100-231-3-82
3. Carmen Francisco DeFernandez 250 Verrazano Ave. Copiague NY 11726
SCTM NO: 0100-199-2-65
4. Guillermo Daniel Cassasnovas 61 Andover Dr. Deer Park NY 11729
SCTM NO: 010019-2-55
5, Jose Almonte
4 Roland Place West Babylon NY 11704
SCTM NO: 0100158-3-4.002
6. Sergio Valte
450 50th St. Lindenhurst NY 11757
SCTM NO: 0100-204-4-33 RENEWALS
1. Judy Spodek 183 W. 22nd St. Deer Park NY 11729
SCTM NO: 0100-84-2-68
2. Kartik Kapur 589 Carlls Path Deer Park NY 11729
SCTM NO: 0100-24-2-60
3. Catalino Granaados 64 Levey Blvd. Wyandanch NY 11798
SCTM NO: 010079-1-47
4. D’ Andrea Family Trust 225 Oak St. Copiague NY 11726
SCTM NO: 0100-178-1-12
5. Marie Rousseau 80 Scudder Ave. Copiague NY 11726
SCTM NO: 0100-196-1-11
6. EML Golden Property LLC 28 Guildford Park Dr. West Babylon NY 11704
SCTM NO: 0100-220-1-12 25-330. 6/4
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be conducted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Amityville on Monday, June 23rd, at 7:00 PM in the third floor Court Room of Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY for Introductory Local Law No. 3 of 2025, a local law to amend §49-6 of the Village Code regarding stop work orders. By Order of the Board of Trustees Village of Amityville Catherine C. Murdock Village Clerk/Treasurer 6/5/2025 2 x 25-331. 6/4, 11
Students in Amityville celebrate good character
Students at Northwest Elementary School in Amityville recently learned that greatness begins with good character during two interactive assemblies.
Brian Richards from Academic Entertainment hosted the bGreat Show as he used magic, comedy, storytelling, audience participation and student leadership opportunities to help Northwest’s students learn about trustworthiness, fairness, respect, responsibility, caring, and citizenship. The socialemotional learning message to students is: “Do you want to be great? It begins with you taking the first step!”
Using the perfect blend of entertainment and educational content, Richards’ assemblies promoted a welcoming and affirming environment, which the students and staff loved. Though they laughed and were fooled by his tricks, the students also got excited about character.
The district would like to thank the Amityville ParentTeacher Council for funding this fun, educational assembly.
Courtesy /Amityville school district.
Help Wanted
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!
$22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
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
Household
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT Inside Sales Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Enduring Grandeur
Experience timeless elegance at The Trafalgar House, the former residence of acclaimed author Nelson DeMille. Located in Garden City’s prestigious Hill Section, this nearly 10,000 sq. ft. Tudor-style estate showcases refined
To add a family room, will we need another
garage? Part 2.
Q. We want to add a family room at the back of our house. Even though we have over 50 feet to work with to the back property line, we are being told that our garage is a problem because it’s too close to the side property line, and when we attach the family room, we’ll need to get a zoning variance. If we take the garage down we have to put up another garage, because our building department requires us to have a garage. Why is this a problem, and how can we get around it? Our contractor said he could “take care of it,” that the garage shouldn’t be a problem, but so far that hasn’t happened, and we think we have to change our plans or not do the job.
A. As I described last week, there’s a bigger picture than just the couple of issues you describe. State rules and regulation codes are intended to keep us all safe from fire, wind, floods and other hazardous conditions. The building code has overlapping fire- protection requirements. A structure built closer than 3 feet to a property line must have fire-rated materials, as an “assembly,” including wall or roof interior and exterior materials.
I often get questions from contractors calling to ask why I showed fire-rated sheetrock on only the side walls and roofs of a garage facing a property line, with a specific fastening pattern and insulation, especially when the garage won’t be heated. They ask this because nobody requires them to know the building codes, even though most consumers are under the false impression that all contractors are well-versed in building codes. One such conversation, when a contractor called, led to 20 minutes of argument, because the contractor was repeating, “I’ve never had to do this, this is overkill, nobody does this, I’m not doing this…” I could only answer that it was required in the codes, and there wouldn’t have been a permit if the plans didn’t show this, and the owner needed to know if the construction wouldn’t pass inspection, leaving the owner with a possible violation and greater expense to fix incorrect work.
One of the reasons for this friction is because in the past, most garages were approved without these requirements. Regulations were not uniformly enforced, leaving contractors with the impression that these regulations were just for some but not for all. Although things may be changing, contractors, generally, aren’t held to a level of responsibility that would require them to sign documents for their work to show that they followed the law and that they are part of the safety process. In some departments, this is changing as building departments begin to recognize that everyone involved in a construction project, including the ones who construct, are part of the safety team. “Taking care of it” sounds illegal, with you, the owner left holding the bag. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the
Stuff HERALD
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Garage Sales
COPIAGUE LIBRARY – Sat. June 79am-2pm. 50 Deauville Blvd. 631-691-1111– located in parking lot
NORTH MERRICK: SATURDAY 6/7, 8AM-4PM, RAINDATE SUNDAY 6/8, WENSHAW PARK, BRIAN DRIVE, BRUCE LANE, CLARK STREET, EARL DRIVE, JENKINS STREET, ROSE LANE, SHAW DRIVE, SYDNEY DRIVE, WINIFRED DRIVE AND WHITTIER AVENUE. ANNUAL Community Garage Sale! Something for Everyone!
ANTIQUE MANTEL CLOCK with Key to Wind, Perfect, Bongs on the hour $60. 516-537-3941
BEIGE MINK COAT from top furrier, great condition, 100. Home phone 516-546-0275 please leave message.
DALE TIFFANY STAINED glass floor lamp, $55. Call 516-678-0694 for photo.
DRESSERS: TWO BLACK Wood. Single drawer, 2 doors w/shelf. Formica top. W-32"xH-30"xD-18" $90 Both. 516-320-1906
FURNITURE: QUEEN, BEDROOM Headboard (w/ storage) Bed frame base, Birch wood. Beautiful, MINT $99.(516)-225-9191
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opinions
Enhanced automatic voter registration is needed
Democracy begins at the ballot box. But for far too many Long Islanders—especially working-class residents, naturalized immigrants, and communities of color—that access remains out of reach. According to the Institute for Responsive Government, which reviewed data from the analytics firm Catalist, more than 400,000 eligible but unregistered voters live in Nassau and Suffolk counties. This is a crisis of representation.
Long Islanders are working harder than ever to make ends meet, care for their families, and contribute to the future of their communities. Yet, when it comes to voting, the system still places unnecessary obstacles in the path of participation. Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration (EAVR) offers a simple, secure, and transformative solution. And Long Island stands to benefit significantly from this critical piece of legislation. Our current voter registration system is outdated, confusing, and inefficient. It
places the burden of registering entirely on individuals, many of whom are busy working multiple jobs, caring for children, or navigating bureaucratic systems in a second language. On Long Island and across New York State, this is particularly true for young people, lowincome residents, immigrants, and people of color.
Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration offers a commonsense, modern solution to change this dynamic. By upgrading our current voter registration system, this legislation would register eligible voters automatically when they interact with government agencies, like the DMV or Medicaid, unless they choose to opt out. EAVR would streamline an unnecessarily complex process. Long Island residents wouldn’t have to deal with any more missed forms or waiting in line at confusing registration events, causing them to fall through the cracks.
Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration will not just make voting more accessible, it will make our elections more secure. Under EAVR, state agencies that automatically register voters must first verify their citizenship, resi-
dence, and eligibility to vote in New York. This document-based verification will prevent noncitizens from inadvertently registering to vote and ensure that voters who have moved recently are registered at the correct address. Expanding voter participation, while preventing paperwork errors with potentially serious consequences, is critical on Long Island, where immigrant households often include both citizens and noncitizens and high mobility results in frequent address changes.
Beyond the logistical benefits, Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration would restore power to many people historically locked out of the electoral process. In Nassau and Suffolk Counties, hundreds of thousands of our neighbors are unable to influence key decisions about housing affordability, school funding, public transportation, and environmental safety. When more of our neighbors are registered, more of our voices are heard, and our democracy becomes more representative and more responsive.
The numbers speak for themselves. In states that have adopted similar
enhanced registration systems, voter participation has surged. For example, since Colorado implemented Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration in 2020, the state saw an increase of more than half a million registered and active voters. That’s no coincidence. And when people vote, our government works better for everyone.
Long Island’s future depends on inclusive democracy. We cannot afford to leave nearly half a million potential voters on the sidelines. The Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration act would bring us one step closer to a system where voting is not a privilege of the few, but a right accessible to all who qualify.
We must act now to ensure our local, state, and national elections reflect the real diversity and strength of our communities. For our neighborhoods, our families, and our future, it’s time for New York to pass Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration and make it law. Let’s unlock the power of Long Island’s people—and build a democracy that is truly representative of us all.
Assemblymember Charles David Lavine represents the 13th Assembly District and serves as Chair of the Judiciary Committee and as a member of the Committees on Codes, Ethics and Guidance, Rules, and Insurance.
Cars over trains and buses: Long Island’s original sin
As concern grows over the increasing number of fatalities on the roads of Nassau and Suffolk counties, it’s worth considering how transportation decisions made 100 years ago continue to contribute to today’s driving dangers.
The carnage on the parkways and expressways is largely the product of Long Island’s original sin: enormous resources lavished on road construction and a comparative pittance spent on bus and train infrastructure.
Had New York State buildersupreme Robert Moses directed a better-balanced share of public funds to public transit, driving would surely have become a less common form of conveyance. And with fewer cars on the roads, crashes would have occurred less often. Hundreds of the 2,100 lives lost on Long Island in the past decade could have been saved and many of the 16,000 injuries prevented.
Moses’ privileging of motor vehicle travel can perhaps be excused in retro-
spect as the inevitable outgrowth of the car-crazed era in which he lived. But it isn’t as though alternate visions were lacking in the 1920s, ‘30s and beyond. It’s just that the intellectually arrogant Moses rejected them as “stupid, long-winded, contentious and impractical.”
That curt dismissal is quoted in “The Power Broker,” Robert Caro’s magisterial biography on Moses. Planners not beholden to the car czar came to realize, Caro writes, that “the more highways were built to alleviate congestion, the more automobiles would pour onto them and congest them and thus force the building of more highways.”
Alarge number of New Yorkers without cars could not reach them on buses.
The expressways that Moses also constructed did allow commercial traffic. But he again made sure that they would be used only by drivers.
n d with fewer cars on the roads, crashes would have occurred less often.
And that is exactly what has happened on Long Island — with heartbreaking results.
Moses’ own vision of a lacy network of “parkways” — tree-lined roads free of commercial traffic and adjacent development — was fully achieved due to his unbridled political power. And he designed the Northern State, Southern State and all his other parkways with low-clearance bridges to ensure that only cars would be able to use them. Many of these roads were built to afford access to Long Island’s alluring beaches, but the
iMore far-sighted planners had urged that a railway be built on the median of the Long Island Expressway. It would have been the centerpiece of an expanded Long Island Rail Road system that could have included freight trains. That would, in turn, have encouraged local siting of businesses employing thousands of workers who would no longer have needed to drive to and from jobs in Manhattan.
Moses didn’t want that to happen, however — and so it did not.
Similarly, experts at the Regional Plan Association suggested in the 1930s that the Whitestone Bridge be designed to accommodate train tracks. They would have efficiently linked Long Island with the Bronx, Westchester and Connecticut. But because Moses vetoed that idea as well, the only direct way to reach Nassau and Suffolk from the north would be via cars. “And this would condemn Long Island to future inundation
by larger and larger numbers of automobiles,” Caro observes.
Because of this conscious determination to create a car-centric transportation system, Nassau and Suffolk drivers face not only elevated risks of being killed or injured, but they also waste serious amounts of time and money and experience constant frustrations of being stuck in traffic jams.
This sad story will not have a happy ending.
Long Island can never entirely undo the damage that Moses and his enablers inflicted on it. “Build railroads at the same time that you were building roads,” Caro says of the pivotal period in the mid-20th century, “and solving the transportation problem would be greatly simplified. Pour all available funds into roads without building railroads, and that problem would never be solved.”
And so drivers on Long Island are left to take their chances along “Blood Alley” on the Southern State and “Dead Man’s Curve” on the Cross Island Parkway.
Just as there will be no resurrections of the 2,100 people killed on Long Island roads between 2014 and 2023, there’s no returning to the time when the transport system could have been designed rationally and humanely.
Kevin J. Kelley, of Atlantic Beach, is a retired journalist and journalism professor.
Texas to ban social media for kids: Yeehaw!
never thought I would say these words, but Texas is leading the way on protecting kids from social media abuse. You read that right. The Lone Star State is moving towards passing a bill that would shut down social media access to young children and teens. This is a win-win for children and for parents enlightened enough to see the proven dangers of too much media time, and then do something about it.
According to KSLA TV in Shreveport, “The Texas House of Representatives has passed a bill prohibiting people under age 18 from creating or using social media accounts … It aims to address the concern that social media has a negative impact on the mental health of young people. The bill was passed in a 116-25 vote with support from both sides of the aisle. “… Social media companies would be required to verify the age of their users. It would also allow parents to request that their child’s social media accounts be deleted, and companies would have to
remove the account within ten days.”
The bill is headed to the Texas Senate and could take effect on Sept. 1. Social media has long been associated with increased bullying among children, feelings of low self-esteem, and incidents of self-harm and increased depression. Yet, the kids can’t put down their phones. You don’t need me to tell you this if you’ve been in the company of teenagers recently.
As of 2025, 12 states have passed or are working on similar legislation, but the process is coming together slowly, and the kids are falling apart quickly.
Csent for social media are akin to age limits on drinking, driving, and smoking,” she said.
Cheng added, “No policy replaces the need for parents to have frank, open conversations with their kids on the inherent mental and physical risks involved … Informed kids become informed young adults who make better decisions.”
hildren don’t have the self-discipline to monitor their exposure to social media.
Danny Rivera, a New York City high school English teacher and father quoted on Investopedia, said, “Students are on social media so much — inside and outside the classroom — they end up losing track of basic needs like food and sleep. They routinely tell me that they choose ‘doomscrolling’ or working on a dance routine to post over getting rest on a school night.”
Susan Cheng, associate dean of public health at Tulane University, and with a teenager at home, told Investopedia that changes to kids’ access are common sense. “Guardrails around age of con-
New York State passed a squishy law that seems both difficult to understand and enforce. On websites like Facebook, X and TikTok, a complex set of algorithms helps create personalized feeds to keep users engaged on the platform for as long as possible. The State Legislature passed a bill last year that, according to a New York Times story, will disrupt the relationship between tech companies and young people by restricting the use of algorithms on minors’ social media feeds.
Many of these laws are complex and face endless challenges in court.
Maybe legislation is not the most effective, or only, way to lasso the social media giants. Our basic, common, core values compel us to do an intervention, at the family level, the state level, in the courts and schools. Unrestricted social
media is hurting our kids.
We need only look around to see the creepy fixation and attachment to phones pervasive in our culture. Adults have tools to self-regulate, but children are easy prey for financially motivated influencers and celebrities who are selling products and insecurity in equal measure. Visit a restaurant and see families eating together and apart with everyone on their own phone.
There are epidemics that kill and epidemics that diminish and pervert normal social development. Social media, especially too much too soon, is making our children, and especially our teenagers, less secure, more anxious and more vulnerable to companies who are using them for profit. Children don’t have the self-discipline necessary to monitor their exposure to social media. Kids I know have told me students use their phones in the classroom to check out social media, look up test answers, watch videos, or worse.
Kudos to Texas for moving ahead with big, bold legislation. New York must create child-protective laws that have teeth. It’s our job as citizens and our obligation as human beings to defend our children’s privacy and mental health.
RAnDi KREiss
KEVin J. KELLEY
Amityville
CAROLyN JAmES Associate Publisher / Editor
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JessiCa Kleiman
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HERALD
Hurricane season is here — Prepare to be safe
as the calendar turns to June, the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins—and this year, forecasters are predicting an active one. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projects an above-average number of storms, fueled by warm ocean temperatures and shifting climate patterns.
For many across Long Island that means more potential for destructive winds, flooding, and widespread power outages. Whether you live on the coast or in-land now is the time to prepare.
Every year, we’re reminded that hurricanes are among nature’s most powerful and unpredictable forces. Hurricane Sandy nearly 13 years ago offers sobering examples of what can happen when people are unprepared —or underestimate the threat.
Preparation isn’t just a matter of prudence; it’s a matter of survival.
First and foremost, build or update your emergency supply kit. It should include at least three days’ worth of food and water for each member of your household—one gallon of water per person, per day. Non-perishable foods such as canned goods, protein bars, peanut butter, and dried fruit are essentials. Don’t forget a manual can opener.
You’ll also need a flashlight with extra batteries, a portable phone charger (preferably solar or battery-powered), a first-aid kit, hygiene supplies, and copies
letters
Stop summer power shutoffs
To the Editor:
Summer is almost here, and with it will come deadly heat waves supercharged by the climate crisis.
Yet in 27 states, it’s perfectly legal for utility companies to shut off electricity on the hottest days of summer, leaving individuals and families without air conditioning in extreme temperatures and threatening their health and safety.
Shutting off power and preventing access to lifesaving air conditioning in the summer can have life-or-death consequences. We need to shine a spotlight on this critical issue and raise our voices to demand change.
This may not be Florida, Louisiana or Georgia, but it can still get plenty hot here in the summer.
Utility companies and local leaders everywhere must act to end utility shutoffs on the hottest days of summer. Save lives — stop the summer shutoffs.
of important documents stored in a waterproof container. Include any medications and special items for infants, the elderly or pets.
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is crucial. But when the power goes out and cell service is spotty, local radio may be the only way to receive lifesaving information.
It’s also important to know your risk. Are you in a flood-prone zone? Is your home vulnerable to storm surge? Local emergency management offices and the Federal Emergency Management Agency websites provide hazard maps that can help you answer those questions. If you live in an evacuation zone, know your routes and have a plan for where you will go—whether it’s a public shelter, a hotel or a relative’s home inland. Secure your property. Trim trees and shrubs, clean gutters, and reinforce windows and doors. If advised to do so, board up windows with plywood. Move outdoor furniture and decorations indoors so they don’t become projectiles in high winds.
Don’t wait until the last minute to gather supplies. As storms approach, store shelves empty quickly, gas lines grow long, and traffic jams snarl evacuation routes. Acting early not only gives you peace of mind — it gives you options.
Perhaps the most vital part of hurricane preparedness is staying informed. Tune in regularly to trusted local news
sources, the National Hurricane Center, and the county’s emergency management office — NassauCountyny.gov. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and up-to-date information is key to making smart decisions.
Social media is helpful, but it’s also a breeding ground for misinformation. Always verify what you see with official sources. False rumors about evacuation orders or shelter availability can put lives at risk.
Sign up for emergency alerts on your phone. Many local governments offer text or email notifications for severe weather, road closures, and evacuation notices. Don’t ignore the warnings. When authorities urge you to evacuate, it’s not a suggestion — it’s a life-saving directive.
Disasters don’t discriminate. They affect young and old, rich and poor. But preparation can make a world of difference. Having a plan, gathering supplies, and staying informed can reduce injuries, save lives, and make recovery faster and less stressful.
This hurricane season, let’s not be caught off guard. The cost of inaction is simply too high. Talk to your family. Check in with neighbors, especially the elderly or those with disabilities. Preparedness is not just personal — it’s communal.
And by working together, we can save lives.
Alarmed over Hochul’s plan to expand nuclear power
Gov. Kathy Hochul is making a major push to not only build new nuclear plants in New York State, but also to make New York “the center of a nuclear revival in the U.S.,” Mark Dunlea, chair of the Green Education and Legal Fund and a leader on environmental issues, said in a recent email calling for support to “stop Hochul’s nuclear push.” Dunlea, author of the book “Putting Out the Planetary Fire,” was cofounder of both the New York Public Interest Research Group and national PIRG. He said Hochul “buys the argument that nuclear is carbon-free, avoiding looking at the life cycle of nuclear and its carbon footprint,” which includes, he noted, significant emissions of carbon in uranium mining, milling, enrichment, fuel fabrication and at other points. So far, Dunlea said, Hochul has been focusing on upstate for new nuclear development rather than, “at the
moment,” Long Island. For decades, a battle raged that stopped the plan of the Long Island Lighting Company to build seven to 11 nuclear power plants here. If there is again a plan for placement of nuclear power plants on Long Island, Dunlea said, “hopefully, Long Islanders would stand up and beat it back.” Hochul has also become involved in promoting nuclear power nationally.
a
The Clean Air Task Force, based in Queens, which advocates nuclear power, issued a press release in February stating: “The National Association of State Energy officials announced a multi-state initiative to accelerate advanced nuclear energy projects” that was “first previewed by Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York last month and will be co-chaired by New York.” The heading of the release: “New York leads multi-state consortium to drive nuclear energy deployment …” What the nuclear industry and nuclear power supporters in government are calling “advanced” nuclear power plants, the Union of Concerned Scientists has determined in a
Letters
Protect first responders, don’t hinder newsgathering
To the Editor:
The Press Club of Long Island strongly opposes Nassau County’s newly enacted “First Responder Zone of Protection Act” for its potential to unlawfully restrict newsgathering — a fundamental right protected by the First Amendment.
The act empowers any first responder — including police officers, EMTs, firefighters, and others — to order someone to stay at least 15 feet away if they “reasonably believe” that person may pose a threat or interfere with their duties. Violating such a warning is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail.
Critically, the law does not define what constitutes a “reasonable” belief or what behavior may be considered a threat or interference. This gives first responders broad discretion, opening the door to subjective and inconsistent enforcement.
This law risks criminalizing the public’s right to occupy public spaces and observe or record public officials — including law enforcement — performing their duties. As the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled, the First
report, are no better — “and in some respects significantly worse” — than current nuclear plants.
b attle raged that stopped the plan ... to build seven to 11 nuclear power plants.
Tim Judson, executive director of the Nuclear Information and Resource Service, points out that Hochul made nuclear power “a specific priority in her State of the State speech” in January. In it, she declared: “The economy of the future: microchips fabs (fabrication plants). Data centers and the supercomputers that power AI need tremendous amounts of energy. To support these industries, we’ve already started developing an advanced nuclear strategy.” Hochul is a Democrat, but there is support for nuclear power among Republican officials in New York, too.
As the Syracuse.com website has reported: “Fort Drum, the U.S. Army base outside Watertown, could become the first New York site to try advanced nuclear power technology if the Army goes along with pleas from … U.S. Reps. Elise Stefanik and Claudia Tenney, both upstate Republicans.” They “issued a joint letter October 25 urging the Army to put Fort Drum first in line
for one of the small modular nuclear reactors.” Stefanik is a front-runner to challenge Hochul for governor in 2026. The Syracuse.com piece noted Hochul’s drive for “new nuclear power in New York,” which was highlighted by her having “hosted an energy summit (in September) in Syracuse that focused heavily on nuclear power.”
Laura Shindell, New York State director of the organization Food & Water Watch, criticizes what she terms “Governor Hochul’s nuclear embrace” and said she should commit to “real climate and affordable energy solutions.” World Nuclear News, a publication of the World Nuclear Association, ran an article in January headlined “New York State looks to advanced nuclear.” It reported that Hochul has advanced “a master plan for advanced nuclear development” and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority “has joined Constellation (Energy, the largest nuclear power plant operator in the U.S.), on a grant proposal to help it pursue an early site permit for advanced nuclear reactors” at the site of the Nine Mile Point 1 and 2 nuclear plants upstate.
Karl Grossman is an author, TV program host and journalism professor at SUNY Old Westbury.
Framework by Tim Baker
Amendment protects the right to challenge and criticize police and to record their actions in public (City of Houston v. Hill, 1987). Without that right, public accountability suffers.
The 15-foot buffer is arbitrary and could easily be manipulated to block the public from witnessing important events, particularly if multiple overlapping zones are created at once. Importantly, existing laws already give police the authority to manage truly unsafe or obstructive behavior.
This act, rather than promoting safety, appears aimed at shielding law enforcement from public scrutiny. If such a law had been in place in Minneapolis in 2020, the world might never have seen the video of George Floyd’s death — and Derek Chauvin might not have been held accountable.
The New York Civil Liberties Union warned Nassau lawmakers that this law is overly broad, likely unconstitutional, and destined for legal challenge. Nonetheless, the legislature passed it unanimously.
Laws that hinder public oversight of police don’t enhance safety — they erode constitutional rights, undermine transparency, and damage trust in law enforcement.
DENISE CIVILETTI Vice president PCLI
Aerial view of the Jones Beach Water Tower — famously known as “the pencil.” — Wantagh
karL
GrossmaN
