BTim Baker/Herald
Newbridge Road School, in North Bellmore, celebrated its centennial on May 3. A student parade around the back of the school was led by the Spirit Club, Principal Amanda Licci, and Newbridge’s mascot, a friendly tiger named Thunder.
Newbridge Road School, in the North Bellmore School District, is at the center of a thriving community. Regardless of which elementary school North Bellmore students attend, the principles and values that make the district what it is all trace their roots to Newbridge.
The school’s dedication to children’s education was abundantly clear at its centennial celebration last Friday. The event united generations of community members who are all connected to Newbridge Road in one way or another — whether they were students, teachers or former administrators.
The daylong celebration kicked off with a
student parade around the outside of the school. Students wore 100th-anniversary shirts, courtesy of the school’s Parent Teacher Association, and birthday hats that they decorated themselves. After the parade, they crowded together to form a giant 100 on the pavement, and shouted in unison, “Happy Birthday Newbridge!”
One hundred years of learning is hard to wrap your head around, Principal Amanda Licci said, but the reason why the school has remained a focal point in the district for so long is simple: the children it serves.
“We’re a community, not just a school building,” Licci said. “What makes us a community besides locality?
“While uncovering the rich history of
Not everyone can say they’re planning on driving across the United States in a car — and far less can say they’re making the journey on two wheels, instead of four.
Nicholas Zuzzolo, 21, of Bellmore, is preparing to do just that. A 2021 graduate of Wellington C. Mepham High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, he will be making a crosscountry trip on bike next month, alongside dozens of other young men his age, while taking part in a “Journey of Hope,” through the Ability Experience.
IZuzzolo, a finance major at Baylor, will graduate this coming fall, a semester early. The philanthropic work he’s undertaken with his fraternity has been a “big part” of his experience at Baylor, he said.
’ve done things that kind of push you past your limits.
NIchol As ZuZZolo Journey of Hope
“We’re the one fraternity nationwide that has its own specific philanthropy — it’s called the Ability Experience,” he explained. “It ties in children with disabilities, just making sure they have a fair shot getting involved with extracurriculars around the country.”
The Ability Experience is a philanthropic initiative of Pi Kappa Phi, the fraternity that Zuzzolo is a member of at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. The philanthropy was founded in 1977, and strives to instill a passion for lifelong service in its members, while helping them empower people living with disabilities across the United States.
Members of the fraternity have been taking part in the Journey of Hope for the last three decades. Teams of riders, consisting of around 20 to 30 people each, will embark on different crosscountry routes, and bike around 4,000 miles over the course of 60 days. Riders will average around 75 miles per day on a trip that tests their limits, while also spreading awareness and celebrating the abilities of everyone.
Zuzzolo learned about the CoNTiNued oN PAge 4
At the top of the list of events the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums looks forward to each year is the Jovia Long Island Marathon. The weekend of running, which unofficially kicks off the summer season in Eisenhower Park, is packed with live entertainment, a food truck festival and, of course, several races that bring together the running community and droves of supporters.
The races began on May 3, with the Friday Night Lights 5K Fun Run, followed by a 10K and a 1K Kids Run on Saturday. The half marathon and marathon were held on Sunday morning. Live music, local food vendors and other family-oriented entertainment were sprinkled throughout the races.
At a news conference before the festivities last week, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, standing at the races’ finish line with partners in government, as well as some of the event sponsors, said that the marathon was just the beginning of a slew of events coming to Nassau County this summer.
It’s really a great example of community, and people helping people.
PEtER PuRPuRA
Vice president, Jovia Financial Credit Union
Blakeman mentioned the International Cricket Committee’s T20 World Cup, slated to take place in Eisenhower Park in early June, and several concerts scheduled throughout the summer.
“Nassau County is committed to doing major events, whether it be cultural, athletic, or just entertainment,” he said. “But as we do each and every year, to kick off our spring and summer celebration here in Nassau County, especially on our 125th anniversary, it’s always the Long Island Marathon.”
The 26-2-mile race began and ended near Eisenhower Park’s Field 5. Runners headed west, leaving the park on Merrick Avenue, and then turned toward Garden City on Charles Lindbergh Boulevard. The race looped back toward East Meadow, and runners then headed north and east through Salisbury, around the perimeter of Eisenhower Park, before re-entering the park near Carmen Avenue. The half marathon followed a similar path, but excluded some parts of the race that ran through the park. As runners crossed the finish line, they were cheered on by grandstands full of supporters.
A total of 601 runners entered the marathon, and 1,431 ran the half marathon. Ryan Clifford, 27 of Westbury, was the overall winner of the full marathon, finishing in 2 hour, 31 minutes, 4 seconds. He was followed by George Werner, 21, of Sayville, and Scott Seymour, 33, of Brooklyn.
Cristin Delaney-Guille, 43, of Long Beach, was the fastest female finisher, in 3:03:13. Natalie Lutz, 42, of Delaware, and Rachel Wentnick, 25, of Massachusetts, were second and third.
The Hospital for Special Surgery for Long Island and Queens, one of the race sponsors, operated a recovery zone, offering mats, muscle rollers and other items to fatigued runners. The hospital has a location not far from the park, on Earle Ovington Boulevard in Uniondale.
The event has evolved over the years, County Legislator Tom McKevitt said, and the three-day festival is an entertainment highlight on the county calendar. Everything coming to the park this summer, he said — including the cricket tournament, which will be watched around the world — adds to the park’s value not only to East Meadow, but to the county as a whole.
“Eisenhower Park is more beautiful than it ever has been,” McKevitt said. “We’re improving it, getting it better all the time.”
Just over 600 runners took part in the Jovia Long Island
the first to finish the 26.2-mile race, crossing the line in 2:31:04.
Cristin Delaney-Guille, of Long Beach, was the first female to finish last Sunday’s marathon. The race began and ended in Eisenhower Park.
Peter Purpura, vice president of business development for Jovia Financial Credit Union, the marathon’s title sponsor for the past six years, said the camaraderie of runners on race weekend is what makes the event so special.
“In all of these races, you have family and friends supporting their loved ones,” Purpura said. “But at the same time, we have people throughout the course with motivational signs, cheering on completion. You’ve got community groups handing out food and water. And you’ve got hundreds of volunteers at the finish line, working to handle a number of needs for runners. It’s really a great example of community, and people helping people.
“Jovia is committed to supporting our community,” he added. “We’re an organization of inclusion, and that’s what Long Island Marathon weekend is all about.”
last
Journey of Hope through members of the fraternity, who shared that it was a life-changing experience, motivating him to take on the challenge. This is his first time taking on a bike ride of this extent.
“One of my mentors here at Baylor, he did this last summer,” Zuzzolo said. “I talked to him almost every day, and he just told me how much he loved it. It was definitely one of the hardest things he’s ever done, but definitely the most fulfilling.”
Each rider needs to raise a minimum of $6,500 through a donation link, a total Zuzzolo has already met.
When you’re working to raise money for the benefit of others, you don’t always see its impact, Zuzzolo said, but the Journey of Hope allows riders to meet groups and organizations that the Ability Experience helps.
“Along the way, we’re going to stop by local organizations that help children with disabilities,” he said. “Oftentimes, when we raise money for philanthropy, we never really see the impact of where the money’s actually going. What’s nice is all the money that I’ve raised, I get to see it go back to one of the organizations that we’re meeting with.”
He’s riding with a team that will depart from San Francisco on June 9, following the ride’s “north route.” Throughout their journey, the riders will meet up with the other team that’s starting in Seattle, and eventually, they’ll all arrive in Washington D.C. together on Aug. 10, marking the end of the journey.
Overnight, riders stay at churches, YMCAs and schools, who offer food and housing.
Donations on Zuzzolo’s link will be accepted through the end of the trip. So far, he’s raised $6,700.
To contribute, visit Give.AbilityExperience.org/fundraiser/4821822.
Members of his fraternity also participate in a shorter journey that treks across Florida, but because Zuzzolo will graduate in the fall, he wanted to take on the much longer journey.
“I just decided that I only have one year left,” he said, “and I might as well just hop straight into it and just take on the bigger challenge right now.”
or whether the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust should be used to protect the asset.
While the deed with a life estate will be less costly to the client, in most cases it offers significant disadvantages when compared to the trust. First, if the home is sold prior to the death of the Medicaid recipient, the life estate value of the home will be required to be paid towards their care. If the house is rented, the net rents are payable to the nursing facility since they belong to the life tenant. Finally, the client loses a significant portion of their capital gains tax exclusion for the sale of their primary residence as they will only be entitled to a pro rata share based on the value of the life estate to the home as a whole.
All of the foregoing may lead to a situation where the family finds they must maintain a vacant home for many years. Conversely, a properly drafted MAPT preserves the full capital gains tax exclusion on the sale of the
primary residence and the home may be sold by the trust without obligation to make payment of any of the principal towards the client’s care, assuming we have passed the look-back period for facility care of five years.
It should be noted here that both the life estate and the MAPT will preserve the steppedup basis in the property provided it is sold after the death of the parent who was the owner or grantor. Upon the death of the parent, the basis for calculating the capital gains tax is stepped up from what the parent paid, plus any improvements, to what it was worth on the parent’s date of death. This effectively eliminates payment of capital gains taxes on the sale of appreciated property, such as the home, after the parent dies.
There are instances where the life estate deed makes sense however. When the asset is a country house or a beach house that is intended to stay in the family for the next generation, then the life estate deed works perfectly well and may effect a significant savings to the family seeking to protect the asset.
And while Zuzzolo has been training, and riding his bike in the early mornings before classes, several unknowns remain heading into the ride.
“I don’t think anything’s really going to prepare you for anything of this extent,” he said. “It’s just hands on training outside. No one knows what it’s going to be like on the journey, but you’ve got to get used to all different climates. And on top of the physical stuff, you do have to train mentally.”
Riders will be biking alongside crew members, who also have to raise money for the Journey of Hope’s cause. Crew members will ensure the safety of participants, help them through mechanical problems, keep riders hydrated and provide shelter, should they encounter a major weather event that would make bike riding unsafe.
Fundraising efforts have reached home, Zuzzolo’s dad, Jeffrey, explained.
“It’s mainly people in the community,” he said. “Once I got the word out there, talking with them, it kind of pulls on your heartstrings and people have hit this (fundraising) goal.”
Local elected officials, including State Sen. Steve Rhoads and County Legislator Michael Giangregorio, who’s been a longtime advocate for the autism community, have also offered their support. And in Texas, Zuzzolo has also gained the support of Congressman Pete Sessions, whose son has Down syndrome.
Zuzzolo has been a member of sports teams his whole life, he said, which has helped with the physical and mental preparation he’s taken on to get ready for his bike ride.
“I’ve done things that kind of push you past your limits,” he said, “but for this, you just have stay on the bike.”
Fentanyl, a narcotic used in opioids, if ingested can cause severe health issues. Fentanyl overdoses have been on the rise globally as fentanyl can be mixed into other drugs.
Fentanyl is not only in opioids but can also be found in other unexpected and natural reoccuring drugs such as marajuana. It is placed in these drugs in order to attract the consumer more to make their “high” worthwhile. But even just a little dose can be fatal.
Two juniors at John F. Kennedy High School, Eden Goldberg and Matt Rowe, took this issue into aware ness. Knowing what to avoid may seem like enough, but learning how to reverse an overdose is important. For his Leadership II civics project, Rowe lobbied for federal legislation to make fentanyl detection strips more available to the public. Goldberg also wanted to spread more awareness to this fatal problem. Rowe and Goldberg both worked together to create a Narcan training event through the Merrick Community Civic Association with the help of the Tempo Group. The Tempo Group is a nonprofit community-based drug and substance abuse counseling center.
Goldberg spoke with Cindy Wolff from the Tempo Group regarding frequently asked questions about fen tanyl. Wolff shared about the different forms of Nar can, signs of an overdose, and how and when to dis pense the Narcan. Wolff then shared a presentation on how to save someone’s life when they are in a state of overdose. After preparing the participants, Narcan kits were handed out to the participants to use in an overdose. The Narcan kit included the nasal spray, fen tanyl detection kits, and emergency contact informa tion.
For students in grades 6-12 For students in grades 6-12
Tuesdays at 7pm: May 14, May 21, June 4
Join Ms. Ellen to learn how to create a beautiful needlepoint creation.
Monday, May 20 from 6pm-8pm
This course will teach lifesaving skills using the AHA’s research-proven practice. This course is for those that want to learn how to save a life and does not offer an AHA course completion card. You will receive a participation card and manual.
Wednesday, May 29 from 6pm-8pm
Join Long Island Tabletop Gaming to have a great time learning new skills for playing Dungeons & Dragons.
CAITLIN HAGGERTY
South Side Senior Lacrosse
AN ALL-COUNTY award winner in 2023 and AllLong Island games MVP, Haggerty reached a milestone April 27 in the Cyclones’ 16-5 victory over Calhoun. She scored five goals, including the 100th of her high school career. On the season, the University of Vermont-bound attack has scored 28 goals and assisted on 27 others as South Side split its first 12 games. She also plays a key role on draw controls and ranks amont the team leaders with 25.
Thursday, May 9
Girls Lacrosse: Freeport at Baldwin 4:30 p.m.
Flag Fooball: Herricks at V.S. Ditrict
Flag Football: Bellmore-Merrick at Westbury
Baseball: Sewanhaka at Malverne
Softball: V.S. North at Garden City
Boys Lacrosse: V.S.District at Uniondale 5
Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at Plainedge 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Oyster Bay at East Meadow 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Hicksville at Kennedy 5
Flag Football: Long Beach at Port Washington
Flag Football: Division at Lynbrook
Friday, May 10
Softball: Sewanhaka at V.S. North 4:30 p.m.
Flag Football: MacArthur at Plainview 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: North Shore at Seaford 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Carey at Malv/East Rock 5 p.m.
Softball: Plainview at Calhoun 5 p.m.
Softball: New Hyde Park at South Side 5:30 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Long Beach at Port Washington 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 11
Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at Wantagh
Softball: Clarke at East Meadow
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
Two of Nassau County’s top baseball teams this spring battled last week for the Conference AA3 driver’s seat with Kennedy taking two of three games over South Side, capped by a 6-5 victory in the series finale on May 2 at Barasch Field in Rockville Centre.
The rubber match took a huge turn in the second inning when Kennedy was able to score three runs to take a 4-1 lead it would never relinquish. Sophomore Zach Adelstein and freshman Dylan Babek each had two hits, with the latter also driving in two runs to help the Cougars set the tone.
Junior Eli Lowenstein and sophomore Alex Demas each added a hit and an RBI in the contest. Kennedy’s pitching ace, freshman Derek Yormack, threw five innings and struck out six Cyclones.
“The offense was on and our fielders really locked down the whole game,” Yormack said. “Our coach told us to get on them early and honestly that’s just what we did. We put up a bunch of runs in the first few frames and then just locked it down from there.”
Said Kennedy coach Mike Gattus of Yormack: “He is unbelievable. He and his brother Ryan are once in a lifetime players. He was absolutely electric today just like he has been for the past two years.”
Both teams share identical 9-2-1 conference records with Kennedy now holding the tiebreaker in case both teams win out. It will be a crucial final week for both teams as each has one series remaining. The Cougars face Bethpage this week; South Side takes on Manhasset.
“We had some defensive miscues in both losses that led to a couple runs here and there and ultimately it bit us in the rear,” South Side coach Thomas Smith said.
Sophomore John Pericolosi had two hits and an RBI and junior Gavin Donoghue had two hits and RBIs in the series finale for the Cyclones.
South Side took the first game of the series April 29, 11-5, thanks to big plays from freshman AJ Magaraci, who like
Derek
won the rubber match of their series with South
teammate senior Aidan Medeiros had two hits and three runs. Junior Scott Bernabeu pitched 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief to earn the win.
Kennedy came out the victor of the second game May 2, 6-2, behind senior Jack Finkelstein’s stellar pitching performance striking out nine. Derek Yormack went 3-for-4 with a double, and RBI and two runs scored.
With the series tied at one win apiece, the finale could be the determining factor in which team captures the conference
title. Gattus believed in his guys and never doubted that when it was time for his key players to make plays, they would be able to deliver.
“The biggest difference was the defense behind our pitchers,” Gattus said.
“Our pitchers have thrown great all series but the defense in games two and three really backed them up behind some outstanding pitching performances.”
Kennedy needs to match South Side in the win column this week to claim its first conference crown since 2013.
From March 1 through April 1, State Senator Steve Rhoads and Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14, a local organization dedicated to supporting and honoring our military service members and their families, held a professional clothing drive to support young veterans in New York looking to start their professional careers.
1,661 items were collected to help these veterans succeed in their job interviews and professional settings. Rhoads and Military Blue Star Mothers NY 14 are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of these young veterans and helping them transition into civilian life with confidence and success.
“When we began this drive, I said we were going to make it a ‘March to remember our military heroes’ and I am proud to say we did just that. It was heartwarming to see the support and appreciation from residents in my district — rich with a history of military service men and women — truly value and appreciate the sacrifices made by our heroes.,” Rhoads said. “Thank you to everyone in the community who donated clothing for our professional clothing drive; your generosity underscores the fact that our veterans deserve all the recognition and support we can give, not only on Veterans Day or Memorial Day, but each and every day.”
“I am truly blown away by the generosity of Senator Rhoads and his constituents for veterans in need,” Andrea Nordquist of Military Blue Star Mothers said. “We col-
lected so many wonderful items that we are going to be able to bring to them and help change their lives. I cannot thank Senator Rhoads, his staff, and all the people in his district and everyone who helped to support this most worthy cause.”
–Mason Lauron
The Rockville Centre Recreation Center welcomed eager attendees for the Herald’s Senior Health & Beyond Expo, produced by RichnerLive, on April 25. It was the first in a series of expos for 2024.
The expo brings together diverse businesses and innovative services to share their products and refined knowledge with attendees.
“This event is highly regarded within our community, receiving positive feedback from both attendees and vendors,” said Amy Amato, executive director of Herald Community Media and RichnerLive. “It offers valuable opportunities for companies and guests to learn, engage and access essential screenings, benefitting everyone involved.”
More than 50 vendors filled the gymnasium, offering insights into health, wellness and personal care. They provided guidance on enhancing lifestyle through new products and programs, as well as advice on senior living arrangements, financial security, and more.
Guests received hearing screenings from Mid Island Audiology, as well as health screenings from Mount Sinai South Nassau, which included free vaccines, blood pressure testing, body mass index and diabetes risk management screenings.
Before noon, guests sat down for a panel discussion to hear experts discuss myriad topics, including consumer assistance programs and preparing for summer, as well as PACE — Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly — advanced-care directives, and Medicaid managed long-term care.
Guests also experienced a segment from Mae Caime, chief executive of aMAEzing Midlife & Beyond, called “Mindset, Movement and Magic” — which got the crowd stretching and in motion.
“The expo was fun, the Herald team is amazing,” Caime said. “The energy is great, and I love the spirit.”
Attendees received a goody bag courtesy of Grandell Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Beach Terrace Care Center filled with the specialevent section, keepsakes and vital takehome information.
At the end, the first 150 attendees also received a free to-go lunch courtesy of Pantano’s, while everyone was eligible for the raffles.
The expo was made possible thanks to Silver Sponsors New York Department of Public Service, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, Centerlight Healthcare PACE and Long Beach Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (Cassena Care).
Guests and vendors are looking forward to the next expo happening Thursday, June 27 between 10 a.m. and noon at Congregation Ohav Sholom, 145 S. Merrick Ave., in Merrick.
Visit JuneExpo.eventbrite.com to register, or RichnerLive.com for more details.
More than 100 French students from Merrick Avenue and Grand Avenue middle schools came together with their families and teachers to enjoy an evening of French and hockey last month at the New York Islanders-Montréal Canadiens game at the UBS Arena.
Organized by foreign language teachers Denise Schleith, Charlotte Hayes and Richard Zawislak, the evening started with a meet and greet with four-time Stanley Cup winner Islander legend and Hall of Famer, Denis Potvin. Students engaged with Denis Potvin in French by asking him questions and learning about his hockey career.
Schleith referred to the experience as, “C’était très intéressant!” or “very interesting.”
“Students, parents and teachers then enjoyed a lively game between the MontréalCanadiens and the Islanders,” explained Schleith.
“Students rooted for their favorite team, took pictures with the Islander’s mascot, Sparky, and some even grabbed a T-shirt,” added Hayes.
“The UBS Arena even honored the evening by including the names of our schools on the Jumbotron,” included Zawislak.
Whether students and their family rooted for the Islanders or the Montréal-Canadiens, a great time was had by all.
this building, and the other buildings that have stood on these grounds, it became clear that this school has been, and will remain, a cornerstone in North Bellmore,” she added. “It’s pretty incredible to imagine how many people that have been here over the course of 100 years. It is an honor and my pleasure to be one of those people, as we acknowledge 100 years of Newbridge’s past, and to look out into a community of people that will carry Newbridge into the future.”
CLicci introduced the students to three of the school’s former principals, Richard Benson, Marilyn Hirschfield and Denise Fisher, who were invited to the celebration. District administrators and dozens of alumni who have made notable contributions to Bellmore and beyond were also on hand for the opening ceremony, an assembly that followed, and other activities throughout the day.
ommunity isn’t something you’re just part of. Community is something that resides in you.
Marie TesTa Superintendent Newbridge Road SchoolState Sen. Steve Rhoads and Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray presented district administrators with citations during the opening ceremony. County Legislator Seth Koslow stopped by later in the day, and took part in a through-thedecades dance party with students.
North Bellmore Superintendent Marie Testa attended kindergarten at Newbridge Road, she said, and spent many of her formative years in the community.
“North Bellmore is a community that resides within the hearts of my family,” Testa said, “and I know it resides in the hearts of all the administrators, past and present, the Board of Education, the leaders in the community, our amazing faculty and staff, who put this day together, and our students and our families. Community isn’t something you’re just part of. Community is something that resides in you. And I know how special North Bellmore is.”
She went on to say that Italy has the Leaning Tower of Pisa, France has the Eiffel Tower and Montauk has its lighthouse — but North Bellmore has Newbridge Road School.
The building has had its share of upgrades and renovations through the years to keep it up and running, and Testa thanked the school board for its unwavering support in seeing those projects through.
“I am so proud to be here today,” she said. “Thank you to our community for looking to Newbridge as a beacon of hope for the future.”
Nina Lanci, vice president of the school board, called Newbridge Road “a landmark” in the community. Through the years, she said, she and other board members have worked hard to keep the school open, flourishing, and safe for students.
after the parade, students formed a giant 100, so large that it could only be captured from two stories above.
“It was very important for us to preserve Newbridge Road School,” Lanci said. “New isn’t better — this is better. A hundred years of history.”
After the morning’s activities, students got a chance to explore Centennial Hall, a “museum” created in the gym, featuring artifacts and photos. After classes ended, it was opened to district families.
Throughout the day, whether students were learning about the anniversary in class or touring the school’s new Centennial Native Garden, created by technology teacher Michael Bevilacqua, there was an air of excitement throughout the school.
“We want to keep the life in the building, and it is a community,” Lanci said. “This is a community centerpiece. And we’re going to keep it going and thriving.”
Boy Scout Troop 123 is doing their part to keep the environment and the bays clean in the Town of Hempstead.
Last month, scouts from the group completed volunteer work for the Town of Hempstead Storm Drain Medallion Program.
The troop affixed “No Dumping” medallions on storm drains throughout neighborhoods, which was only the start of its efforts. Young members will once again be out in June, for another round of medallion placing.
The Storm Drain Medallion Program has been working with volunteers throughout the entire township. The town operates on the philosophy that “only rain should go down our storm drains.” The medallions act as a reminder that dumping things into drains has environmental consequences. Eventually, the town hopes that each of its 30,000 storm drains will be affixed with the medallions.
The Town of Hempstead has also installed “Drains to Bay” medallions on drains, according to HempsteadNY. gov, to educate communities about where stormwater drains to in their neighborhoods, and again emphasize that only rain water should drain into any of the bays or stream systems.
Troop 123, based in Merrick at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, has served the surrounding communities for over 50 years. As scouts advance through the ranks to Eagle Scout, they learn what it takes to become outstanding citizens through a program designed to build confidence, character, leadership and invaluable skills that guide them through school, college and life.
The troop meets twice a month of Tuesdays at 7 p.m. For more, visit BSATroop123.com.
— Jordan Vallone
Courtesy Tom Ferrante
Jane’s first lesson from her ever-helpful mother was, if you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all. Her second lesson was, the least important word in the English language is the shortest word; it’s I.
Hence, it was no surprise that Jane considered herself a good, helpful girl—a girl who made sure she acted kindly, did not pout, and was never mean. “It wasn’t until I was an adult that I realized that’s not me, and yet that is me.”
Instilled in Jane’s psyche is a model of helpfulness. She wants to be there for others.
She hates saying no. She considers herself wrong when she thinks of herself first. She believes a good person thinks of others before they think of themselves.
So, what happened when she became very still in body and mind one evening during dinner? Her husband could sense something was wrong, but he didn’t know what. Her children stared at her but said nothing. Quietly, she said, “I’ve had
enough,” and ran to her room. There, she was free to stare into space and weep. “A good mother doesn’t feel sorry for herself,” she thought. “And yet, I’m doing it.”
A week later, she confessed to feeling depressed, even a bit angry. She believed she was getting to the heart of the problem by speaking about her emotions.
Still, her tone of voice and choice of words were mild, meek, and appropriately feminine. She was unaware of the rage that was lurking beneath.
fault. They’re good people.”
It took time for Jane to accept her anger without viewing herself as bad or selfish. Like many women of her generation, she assumed that asserting her needs above theirs would harm everyone.
Six days later, her rage made itself known. “Why doesn’t anyone listen to me?” she screamed. “Why doesn’t anyone know I hurt?” In the sudden silence that followed her outburst, she immediately regretted what she said. “I shouldn’t have lost my temper. It’s not my kids’ or husband’s
Her model of helpfulness left her unable to set limits, express feelings, or show vulnerability.
“I used to think of myself as being so together,” she said. “Now I know I was out of touch. But that’s the way women I knew lived. We lived a pretense, a lie. We didn’t question; we served. If we were upset, we shrugged and continued caring for others. This generation is so different. They can’t imagine what it was like for us.”
Today, Jane works hard to be aware of her feelings and honest
with herself. When she wants to be helpful, she is. When she wants to say no, she does. Sometimes, she politely says no, “Thanks for asking, but no.” Sometimes, she says no with a distinct edge to her voice, as though she’s upset with the person for even asking.
She’ll then admit to feeling a twang of guilt, but she knows how to let go of the guilt quickly.
These days, because of her new assertiveness, Jane feels like a more genuine person.
She admits to taking better care of herself, which she now realizes doesn’t mean she’s uncaring or unconcerned about others.
Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach, and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives, and overcome debilitating procrastination, anxiety, and depression. Contact her at DrSapadin@aol.com. Check out her books on procrastination at Amazon.com. Visit her website at PsychWisdom.com.
Linda Sapadin
Donating food this weekend is simple, says Randi Shubin Dresner.
“Just leave non-perishable food items in a bag next to your mailbox before the regularly scheduled mail deliver on Saturday, May 11,” she said. And your mail carrier “will do the rest to make sure it gets onto the tables of our Long Islander neighbors in need.”
Shubin Dresner should know. She’s the chief executive of Island Harvest, which provides much-needed food support to more than 300,000 people on Long Island who faces hunger — including 90,000 children.
This weekend’s event is part of the U.S. Postal Service’s annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, done in collaboration with not only local charities like Island Harvest, but also the National Association of Letter Carriers.
After the food is delivered to Island Harvest, volunteers there sort and repackage the food for distribution to those in-need.
Non-perishable food items needed include canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, boxed juices, and shelf-stable milk. It does not include anything in glass containers, as these are easy to break.
“Even if it’s a can of soup or a box of cereal, every donation — no matter the size — will help countless Long Islanders who may be struggling to put food on their tables,” Shubin Dresner said.
Island Harvest distributed 15 million
pounds of food in 2022, a jump of 42 percent over donations before the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are counting on the generosity of our neighbors who can spare a little extra to help make this year’s Stamp Out Hunger food drive one of the most successful,” Shubin Dresner added.
Mail carriers are also on the lookout for personal care items like toothpaste,
soap, shampoo, deodorant and disposable diapers. All of these donations go toward replenishing Island Harvest’s network of food pantries, soup kitchens, and other emergency feeding programs throughout Long Island.
Stamp Out Hunger generated 544,000 meals locally. Since its inception in 1993, the national program has collected nearly 1.8 billion pounds of food in all 50
Here’s a sample of what you can leave by your mailbox on May 11:
■ canned beans/dried beans
■ peanut butter or other nut butter
■ canned fruit and vegetables
■ low-sodium soups
■ canned tuna/chicken
■ brown rice/instant brown rice
■ nuts/seeds/dried fruits
■ shelf-stable milk/milk substitutes
■ whole grain pasta
■ low-sodium canned pasta sauce
■ low-sodium canned tomatoes
■ olive or canola oil
■ toiletries and feminine products
■ laundry and dish detergent
■ paper towels and toilet paper
states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
All donations are tax-deductible since food collected benefits Island Harvest, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
To learn more, visit IslandHarvest.org.
–Melissa Berman
Cherish mom on her dayBy Karen Bloom
“Behind all your stories is always your mother’s story, because hers is where yours begins.”
– Mitch AlbomMom — and all those special ladies in our lives — surely deserve a special day. The cards, her favorite treats, a colorful bouquet, are certainly welcome. Best yet, surround her with flowers and spring’s glorious blossoms. Old Westbury Gardens is an enchanting locale to do so on Mother’s Day. Stroll the 200 glorious acres of wooded walks and those amazing gardens with their display of vibrant spring color. Explore Westbury House, the estate’s grand Charles II-style mansion, filled with art and furnishings. Pack some lunch for a delightful picnic among spring’s many blooms, or enjoy a bite at the Café in the Woods.
The iconic site’s 65th anniversary season rolls along with all sorts of activities ahead. But, for now, mom will surely enjoy savoring some moments among spring’s colors and scents. Perhaps more so than at any time of the year, Mother’s Day — for most people — is all about the flowers when visiting this grand estate.
“We’re nearing peak season now,” says Old Westbury Gardens president Maura Brush. “As the season goes along, the highlight is the formal gardens. Starting in May is when you really see people spending more time in the Walled Garden and up around Westbury House where the wisteria blooms.”
The array of blooms bursting forth extends throughout the landscape.
“The display in the Walled Garden is really high-impact now,” Brush enthuses. “There’s plenty to take in there.”
Brush is especially fond of the tree peonies. These blooms can be eight inches across 40 blossoms in size.
“The tree peonies are just not to be missed,” she says. “They are stunning, looking like crushed tissue. The texture and color are outstanding.”
Yet, of course, the tulips remain a favorite. Seeing the tulips here by the many hundreds — in the Walled Garden and Thatched Cottage Garden
• Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• For more information and program/events schedule, visit OldWestburyGardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
and elsewhere in myriad varieties in a rainbow of colors — is described by Brush as breathtaking. Much care is put into creatively designing the colorful tulip arrangements, for dramatic appeal.
“We spend so much time curating our bulb display,” Bush says. “You can go anywhere and see a row of tulips. We’re always excited about our display as it’s unlike what you’ll see elsewhere.”
Also, visitors might want to consider checking out the refurbished Westbury House, the former home of financier John S. Phipps, his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps, and their four children. Guided tours are available throughout the day (no registration required), at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. A garden highlights tour is also offered at 2 p.m., meeting at West Porch Beech next to Westbury House.
“I don’t think Westbury House has looked better since I’ve been here,” Brush says. “We’ve had volunteers working all winter long on cleaning and polishing. It feels like there’s a lot of new life. We’ve got some wonderful new people working up in our archives, so it’s been really fun seeing photos of what the house looked like when the family was here, and putting together some of those pieces of the puzzle that we haven’t had before.”
Gleaming and restored back to its days when it was a family home, Westbury House is surely a sight to behold among the blooming gardens. As always — as an added treat, while supplies last — every adult woman receives a complimentary lavender plant. Be sure to stop by the plant shop to get yours.
The acclaimed dance company visits Long Island on its 2024 tour, appearing on the Tilles Center stage. With a storied history, the first Black classical ballet company — co-founded by dance icon and international superstar Arthur Mitchell — has toured the world and engaged communities. The 18-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine, and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate Black culture. The dynamic program includes Balanchine’s ‘Pas de Dix,’ with music by Alexander Glazuno; ‘Take Me With You,’ with choreography by Robert Bondara, featuring Radiohead music; ‘Return,’ choreographed by Robert Garland, with James Brown and Aretha Franklin tunes.
Friday, May 10, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $64; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.
Contemporary swing revival band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy visits the Paramount ready to cut loose. This April marked the 31st anniversary of their emarkable arrival onto the music scene. Since their formation in the early ‘90s in Ventura, California, the band has toured virtually nonstop and has produced a sizable catalog of recorded music, with sales of more than 2 million albums to date. Early on, during their legendary residency at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles, they reminded the world — in the midst of the grunge era, no less — that it was still cool to swing. The band, co-founded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, was at the forefront of the swing revival of that time, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing and dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture.
Thursday, May 16, 8 p.m. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Ellington
Tilles Center continues its collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, when the Future of Jazz orchestra visits the Tilles Center stage, Friday, May 16, 8 p.m. This all- Ellington showcases features a hand-picked ensemble of some of the greatest young musicians in jazz meeting the challenges posed by one of jazz’s great composers, Duke Ellington. Led by music director Joe Block, a recent Juilliard graduate and Essentially Ellington composition winner, this 15-piece band will keep everyone swinging all night long. The band includes some of best young jazz musicians on the scene today, who love this music as much as audiences.
Ellington’s music is so elegant, so dynamic, so intimately detailed that it takes a group of musicians with a genuine collaborative spark to fully bring out its inner magic, and that is what you will experience at this concert. The program explores decades of Duke’s music, including his earliest hits, Hollywood charts, swinging blues numbers, pieces inspired by his international travels, and portions of his later suites. It’s an eclectic repertoire and yet unmistakably Ellington through and through — always enjoyable upon first listen, but teeming with brilliant details that continue to reveal themselves over time. This vital music is at the core of Jazz at Lincoln Center, and you’re guaranteed to enjoy its timeless genius when the next generation of jazz leaders bring their fresh energy to it. Tickets are $42; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 2993100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.
Families will enjoy another musical adventure, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, May 10, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, May 11, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, May 14-17, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to helping The Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat, energetic comedy based on four of Mo Willems’ popular Pigeon books Featuring a live band to bring Deborah Wicks La Puma’s jazzy score to life, audiences will thoroughly enjoy singing and flapping along with The Pigeon and friends. The audience is part of the action, in this innovative mix of songs, silliness and feathers. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to theater and the humorous stories from Willems’ books. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
On exhibit Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods.
Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.
Works include sculpture, paintings, photography, music, and ephemera from many noted and influential artists. On view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Families are invited to join entomologist Jeffry Petracca on an adventure with insects at Old Westbury Gardens, Saturday, May 11, 1-3 p.m. Meet some of the biggest and most beautiful insects and spiders from around the world, including giant stick bugs, beetles, tarantulas and scorpions.
Learn about each of their amazing adaptations and how they help them to carry out their unique ecosystem roles, even hold many of these animals. Suitable for ages 6-9. Registration required. $17 per child. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information and to register, visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
Baby shower for moms-to-be
Mercy Hospital hosts this free event for expecting moms-to-be, Saturday, May 11, noon to 2 p.m., in the lower level cafeteria. With raffles, giveaways for mom and baby, and meet and greets with physicians, lactation specialists, mother/ baby nurses, games and more. For moms only. 1000 N. Village Ave. Email Elizabeth. Schwind@chsli.org to register. For more information, visit CHSLI.org/mercy-hospital or call (516) 626-3729.
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, May 11, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Participate in a mental health awareness walk, Saturday, May 11, at Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore. Join Jamie Terran, a certified career coach, for the second annual mental health walk, beginning 10 a.m. Recommended $10 donation will be donated to Postpartum Support International. 2600 Newbridge Road, Bellmore.
event?
Tony Award-winner Betty Buckley brings her magical voice to the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center stage, Saturday, May 11, 8 p.m. Buckley shares an inspiring and emotionally compelling mix of stories and songs from the world of pop/rock, standards, musical theater, and Americana.
Tickets start at $50, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. Visit Adelphi.edu/pac for tickets or call (516) 877-4000.
The annual Father’s Day Car show returns to Merrick, Saturday, June 15, opens at 9 a.m. Money raised benefits the Nassau County Sheriff’s COBA Widow’s and Children’s Fund. Admission for pre-registered cars is $15, on the day of the show $20. The first 350 cars will get a free t-shirt and plaque. Free admission for all spectators. At the Merrick LIRR station.
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.
Long Island Kennel Club welcomes families and their four-legged companions to its spring show, Sunday, May 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Planting Fields Arboretum. This year’s Long Island Kennel Club show follows the annual acclaimed Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show earlier in the week.
Many canine contenders are expected to leave the Big Apple and then head east to compete at the annual spring dog shows (Friday through Sunday, May 17-19, all held at the same venue. The three days celebrate everything canine, from impeccable show dogs and trick-dog demonstrations to doggie dock diving and an agility obstacle course. Events and attractions make this festival a treat for anyone who loves dogs. Sunday also features a special demonstration by the NYPD Transit Bureau Canine Unit, at 11 a.m. Dogs must be leashed at all times. No prong collars, retractable leashes or head halters. $20 admission per car load includes all-day access. 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay. Visit LongIslandDogsShows.com or call (516) 776-0923 for more information.
Sands Point Preserve’s reserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the backdrop for the latest edition of it’s unique chamber music series, “A Tour de France,” Sunday, May 19, 5 p.m. Feast your ears with French composers, old and new, when the duoJalal ensemblein-residence is joined by violinists Deborah Buck and Min-Young Kim, cellist Caroline Stinson and soprano Abigail Brodnick.
With wine reception following. $56, $45 members. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For tickets and information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum and say goodbye to the traveling exhibit, “Very Eric Carle,” before it leaves the building, Sunday, May 12. Celebrate one of Eric Carle’s most beloved characters by making a crawling caterpillar to take home at the drop-in program. Suitable for ages 3+ Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit LICM.org or call (516) 224-5800 for information.
9,
LEGAL NOTICE
AVISO DE AUDIENCIA
PRESUPUESTARIA Y REUNIÓN ANUAL Y ELECCIÓN, DISTRITO
ESCOLAR LIBRE DE BELLMORE UNION, CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK
POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una audiencia de presupuesto público del Distrito Escolar Libre de Bellmore Union, Ciudad de Hempstead, Condado de Nassau, NY, en el Centro de Primera
Infancia C. A. Reinhard, Bellmore, NY el martes 7 de mayo de 2024 a las 7:30 p.m. para discutir el gasto de fondos para el año escolar 2024-2025 y el presupuesto de los mismos y para otros asuntos autorizados por la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York.
ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que el martes 21 de mayo de 2024 se llevará a cabo una elección para llenar dos (2) vacantes, cada una por un período de tres (3) años, para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación, en el Centro de Primera Infancia C.A. Reinhard, Bellmore, NY. La votación sobre el presupuesto del año escolar 2024-2025 también se llevará a cabo en dicha reunión anual, y sobre la siguiente proposición:
RESUÉLVASE que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Bellmore Union, en el Condado de Nassau, Nueva York (el “Distrito”) está autorizada por la presente a realizar una ampliación del edificio en el Centro de Primera Infancia Charles A. Reinhard (el “Proyecto”); Lo anterior incluye el mobiliario, el equipo, la maquinaria, los aparatos y el sitio auxiliar o relacionado, la demolición y otros trabajos necesarios en relación con los mismos; y gastar para ello, incluidos los gastos preliminares y los gastos conexos, una suma que no exceda de 5.407.104 dólares; y a) que 4.960.000 dólares de fondos disponibles y disponibles en el “Fondo de Reserva de Capital2023”, aprobado por los votantes del Distrito el 16 de mayo de 2023, más cualquier ganancia por intereses sobre el mismo, por la presente se autoriza a gastar para pagar una parte del costo del Proyecto, y dicho gasto se aprueba por la presente; y (b) que $447,104 de la asignación del Distrito bajo la Ley de Bonos de Escuelas Inteligentes del Estado de Nueva York están autorizados por la presente para pagar una parte del costo del Proyecto. NO HABRÁ AUMENTO DE IMPUESTOS para los contribuyentes del Distrito a causa de este Proyecto si se aprueba esta Proposición. Esta
Proposición será independiente de la Proposición Nº 1. La votación se llevará a cabo entre las 6:30 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m.
ADEMÁS, SE DA AVISO de que cualquier residente del distrito puede obtener una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año escolar 2024-2025 durante los catorce (14) días anteriores a la votación, excepto sábados, domingos o días festivos, en las escuelas del distrito de 8:00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m. y en el sitio web del Distrito.
ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con la Ley de Impuestos sobre la Propiedad Inmobiliaria §495, se requiere que el distrito adjunte a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exención. Dicho informe de exención, que también pasará a formar parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cómo el valor total tasado en la lista de evaluación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, enumerará todos los tipos de exención otorgados por la autoridad legal y mostrará el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención, el monto acumulado que se espera recibir como pagos en lugar de impuestos y el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas.
ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que las peticiones de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación deben presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito antes de las 5:00 p.m. del lunes 22 de abril de 2024.
Dicha petición de nominación debe indicar la residencia de cada firmante, el nombre y la residencia del candidato, y estar firmada por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes de distrito calificados. Los dos candidatos que reciban el mayor número de votos serán elegidos para el cargo.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que el registro personal es un requisito previo para votar, y ninguna persona tendrá derecho a votar en dicha elección cuyo nombre no aparezca en el registro preparado para dicha elección; excepto que cualquier persona, residente del Distrito, que esté permanentemente registrada en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau para votar y cuyo registro esté al día, también estará calificada para votar en esta elección sin necesidad de registrarse más. Las personas calificadas pueden registrarse de 9:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. los días en que la escuela está en sesión en la Oficina del Distrito en 580 Winthrop Ave., Bellmore,
NY, excepto que ninguna inscripción se llevará a cabo menos de cinco (5) días antes de la elección, este año a más tardar a las 3:00 p.m. del 16 de mayo de 2023.
ADEMÁS, SE DA AVISO de que el registro se archivará en la oficina del Superintendente de Escuelas, donde estará abierto para su inspección a cualquier votante calificado del Distrito y en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en la Escuela de la Avenida Winthrop de 9:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. durante los cinco (5) días anteriores a la elección, excepto el domingo, y solo con cita previa de 9:00 a.m. a 12:00 del mediodía el sábado anterior a la elección.
ADEMÁS, SE DA AVISO de que las solicitudes de boletas anticipadas por correo deben completarse en un formulario prescrito por la junta electoral estatal y disponible en el sitio web de la Oficina del Asesor del Departamento de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, visitando https://www.counsel.nyse d.gov/sites/counsel/files/2 4-04-school-applicationwith-form.pdf en el sitio web del Distrito Escolar www.bellmoreschools.org y en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito 580 Winthrop Ave., Bellmore, NY entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m. en los días en que la escuela está en sesión. Las solicitudes completadas para boletas anticipadas por correo deben recibirse al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta anticipada por correo debe enviarse por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección si la boleta debe entregarse personalmente al votante o a su agente designado. Las solicitudes de boleta electoral anticipada por correo no se aceptarán antes del 22 de abril de 2024. Las boletas de los votantes anticipados por correo deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del día de la elección para poder ser escrutadas. Una lista de todas las personas a las que se han emitido boletas anticipadas por correo estará disponible para su inspección en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en cada uno de los cinco días anteriores a la elección durante el horario de 9:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. excepto el domingo, y solo con cita previa de 9:00 a.m. a 12:00 del mediodía el sábado anterior a la elección.
ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que las solicitudes de boleta de voto ausente para la elección del distrito escolar y la votación del presupuesto deben completarse en un formulario prescrito por la junta estatal de elecciones y disponible en el sitio web del Departamento de Educación del Estado de
Nueva York
http://www.counsel.nysed .gov/common/counsel/file s/absentee-ballotapplication-andinstructions-english.pdf, http://www.counsel.nysed .gov/common/counsel/file s/absentee-ballotapplication-andinstructions-spanish.pdf, el sitio web del Distrito, www.bellmoreschools.org , o comunicándose con el Secretario del Distrito por correo electrónico (ryee@bellmoreschools.or g) o por teléfono (516-679-2910). Las solicitudes completadas deben recibirse al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta se va a enviar por correo al solicitante, o el día antes de la elección si la boleta se entregará personalmente al solicitante o a su agente designado. Las solicitudes de boleta de voto ausente no serán aceptadas por el Secretario de Distrito antes del 22 de abril de 2024. Una lista de todas las personas a las que se han emitido boletas de voto en ausencia estará disponible en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en cada uno de los cinco días anteriores a la elección, excepto el domingo, y solo con cita previa de 9:00 a 12:00 del mediodía el sábado anterior a la elección. SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad con la Ley de Educación §2018-d, cualquier persona que sirva en el ejército, incluidos cónyuges y dependientes, puede registrarse para votar en las próximas elecciones del distrito escolar. Un votante militar que es un votante calificado del distrito puede obtener un formulario de registro comunicándose con el Secretario del Distrito por correo electrónico (ryee@bellmoreschools.or g) o por teléfono (516-679-2910). Un votante militar que esté debidamente registrado puede solicitar una boleta militar solicitando una solicitud al Secretario del Distrito. Las solicitudes completadas deben entregarse personalmente o enviarse por correo al Secretario del Distrito y recibirse a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 25 de abril de 2024. Las boletas militares deben recibirse antes de las 5:00 p.m. del 21 de mayo de 2024 si están firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo con una fecha que no es posterior al día anterior a la elección, o no más tarde del cierre de las urnas el 21 de mayo de 2024 si muestran una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrar un endoso fechado de recibo por otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos. Un votante militar puede designar una preferencia para
recibir un formulario de registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta militar o una boleta militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico en la solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta.
ADEMÁS, SE DA AVISO de que la Junta de Educación convocará una reunión especial de la misma en el Centro de Primera Infancia C. A. Reinhard dentro de las 24 horas posteriores a la presentación ante el Secretario del Distrito de un informe escrito de los resultados de la boleta, con el propósito de examinar y tabular dichos informes para los resultados de la boleta, y declarar los resultados de la votación; que la Junta se designa a sí misma como un conjunto de secretarios electorales para emitir y escrutar las boletas de conformidad con la Sección 2019-a.2-b de la Ley de Educación, en dicha reunión especial de la Junta.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que en la elección anual del Distrito Escolar Libre de Bellmore, los votantes calificados del Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias BellmoreMerrick votarán para los siguientes propósitos: a) Votar sobre el presupuesto escolar anual para el año escolar 2024-2025 y autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad imponible del distrito para los fines anteriores. b) Votar sobre las demás proposiciones que correspondan a la reunión.
FECHADO: Marzo 2024 Bellmore, Nueva York POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DISTRITO ESCOLAR GRATUITO DE BELLMORE UNION
Randy Yee, Secretario de Distrito 145493
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. Search by publication name at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING AND ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION, BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public budget hearing of the Bellmore Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, NY, will be held at the C. A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center, Bellmore, NY on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the expenditure of funds for the 2024-2025 school year and the budgeting thereof and for other business as is authorized by the NY State Education Law.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that an election to fill two (2) vacancies, each for a term of three (3) years, for the office of member of the Board of Education, will be held at the C.A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center, Bellmore, NY, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. The vote upon the 2024-2025 school year budget will also be held at said annual meeting, and on the following proposition: BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Bellmore Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York (the “District”) is hereby authorized to undertake a building addition at the Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center (the “Project”); the foregoing to include the original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus and ancillary or related site, demolition and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto, an amount not to exceed $5,407,104; and (a) that $4,960,000 of funds on hand and available in the “Capital Reserve Fund - 2023”, approved by the voters of the District on May 16, 2023, plus any interest earnings thereon, are hereby authorized to be expended to pay a portion of the cost of the Project, and such expenditure is hereby approved; and (b) that $447,104 of the District’s allocation under New York State’s Smart Schools Bond Act are hereby authorized to pay a portion of the cost of the Project. THERE WILL BE NO TAX INCREASE for District taxpayers on account of this Project if this Proposition is approved. This Proposition shall be independent of Proposition No. 1. Voting shall take place between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the school year 2024-2025 may be obtained by any resident of the district during the fourteen (14) days preceding the vote, except Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays, at the schools of the district from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on the District’s website. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that pursuant to the Real Property Tax Law §495, the district is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation,
list every type of exemption granted by the statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of Board of Education member must be filed with the District Clerk by 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 22, 2024. Such nominating petition must state the residence of each signer, the name and residence of the candidate, and be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified district voters. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to office.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that personal registration is a prerequisite for voting, and no person will be entitled to vote at such election whose name does not appear upon the register prepared for such election; except that any person, a resident of the District, who is permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections to vote and whose registration is current, shall also be qualified to vote at this election without further registration. Qualified individuals may register from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on days when school is in session at the District Office at 580 Winthrop Ave., Bellmore, NY, except that no registration shall take place less than five (5) days preceding the election, this year no later than 3:00 p.m. on May 16, 2023.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the register will be filed in the office of the Superintendent of Schools where it shall be open for inspection to any qualified voter of the District and in the District Clerk’s office in the Winthrop Avenue School from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the five (5) days prior to the election except Sunday, and by appointment only from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on the Saturday prior to the election.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that applications for early mail ballots must be completed on a form prescribed by the state board of elections and available on the NYS Education Department’s Office of Counsel website, by visiting https://www.counsel.nyse d.gov/sites/counsel/files/2 4-04-school-applicationwith-form.pdf on the School District website www.bellmoreschools.org , and at the District Clerk’s office 580 Winthrop Ave., Bellmore, NY between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
on days when school is in session. Completed applications for early mail ballots must be received at least seven (7) days before the election if the early mail ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or to his or her designated agent. Early mail ballot applications will not be accepted before April 22, 2024. Early mail voter’s ballots must be received in the District Clerk’s office not later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the election in order to be canvassed. A list of all persons to whom early mail ballots have been issued will be available for inspection in the District Clerk’s office on each of the five days prior to the election during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. except Sunday, and by appointment only from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on the Saturday prior to the election.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that absentee ballot applications for the school district election and budget vote are to be completed on a form prescribed by the state board of elections and available on the NYS Education Department’s website http://www.counsel.nysed .gov/common/counsel/file s/absentee-ballotapplication-andinstructions-english.pdf, http://www.counsel.nysed .gov/common/counsel/file s/absentee-ballotapplication-andinstructions-spanish.pdf , the District website, www.bellmoreschools.org , or by contacting the District Clerk by email (ryee@bellmoreschools.or g) or phone (516-679-2910). Completed applications must be received at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the applicant, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the applicant or to his or her designated agent. Absentee ballot applications will not be accepted by the District Clerk before April 22, 2024. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available in the District Clerk’s office on each of the five days prior to the election except Sunday, and by appointment only from 9:00 to 12:00 noon on the Saturday prior to the election.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to Education Law §2018-d, any person serving in the military, including spouses and dependents, may register to vote in the upcoming school district election. A military voter who is a qualified voter of the district may obtain a registration form by
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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 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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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 $33,280 + 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
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OFFICE ASSISTANT (EAST Meadow, NY): Assist with admin. tasks, data entry, document management, answer phone calls, manage & organize schedules & meetings as well as perform general office work. (Salary $52,250 per annum). Req's 2 years of office administrator work experience, customer service & general business activity. Apply HR, Maleni Group, Inc. 1863 Chester Drive, East Meadow, NY-11554.
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 $33,280 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
PROJECT MANAGERS – ARCHITECTURAL Lindenhurst, NY area. Understand client requirements & set timelines for delivery. Dissect scope of work & define cost estimation for client agreements. Visit sites to survey & monitor progress of construction. Salary: $129,688 per year. Send res to: Visual Citi, Inc., 305 Henry St., Lindenhurst, NY 11757.
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Q. We ran into a problem with our insurance company and building department over renovations we want to make. First, our insurance company has us listed as living in a flood zone, which we are not, saying that because we live near a creek, we’re near water and therefore have to pay higher flood and wind insurance. Our home is next to a flood zone, according to the national flood map, and a small corner of our property is low enough to have gotten just the tip of the last flood, but our house is considerably uphill. Second, our building department insists we will need to lift our home, or only do things in small increments, spread out every five years. This is really unfair. We haven’t had a flood since the last freak storm 12 years ago. What can you advise?
A. Yours has been a recurring problem, because we live on an island and everywhere could be considered close to water, depending on how “close” is defined. Actually, there are flood zones in 100 percent of counties across the country, which leads to a lot of questions and confusion about how losses are calculated or predicted.
That said, I wouldn’t get too comfortable with the thought that you’re safe from the next flood or tornado. I’ve lived through both, having lost a side of our family home in a tornado that killed 43 people in Ohio and witnessed the flooding right here on Long Island. Even though flood maps show a high water line from the last storm, nobody really knows where the next flood will go.
I just saw, up close, the largest iceberg in our recent history, which floated next to our ship in Antarctica in January. The berg is 45 miles long and 35 miles wide, melting slowly, and is predicted to cause oceans to rise another 2 feet by 2050. So how do I respond to your dilemma? Each municipality has been given the right to make its own rules about percentages of change to dwellings, and yours wants you to lift to save lives and the majority of your home. Nobody is happy with this — not even the people who probably grow tired of enforcing the rules, since they end up as the messengers, to be “shot” by emotional homeowners unprepared for this economic ton of bricks.
I, as a professional, end up in the same situation with people whom I have to inform, usually in their living rooms or around the dining room table, about the rules. Some cooperate by flexibly tackling the most important objectives in phase one, the next group of items on their wish list later. The five-year rule is fairly new, and even though I believe it to be insensitive to real-world problems of aging and out-of-date homes, unless you get enough people to join you to overcome these rules, they remain in effect. But please don’t shoot the messenger(s). Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
Baldwin $750,000
Ann Street. Split Level. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Updates include cathedral ceiling.
Taxes: $16,647
Bellmore $572,000
Judith Drive. Hi Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Open layout. Formal dining room. Den/family room.
Taxes: $14,766
East Meadow $730,000
Elgin Avenue. Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 1.55 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Open layout. Den/family room. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight.
Taxes: $11,666.52
Franklin Square $730,000 Madison Avenue. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Updated eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Nicely sized yard. Updates include bathrooms. 2 car garage.
Taxes: $12,116
Long Beach $885,000
Wyoming Avenue. Contemporary. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Open layout with fireplace. Ample storage.
Taxes: $14,765.77
Lynbrook $695,000
Carol Street. Cape. 4 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Wood burning stove. First floor master bedroom.
Taxes: $17,150
Merrick $725,000
Pettit Avenue. Hi Ranch. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal L-shaped dining room. Den/family room. Updates include skylight and security system.
Taxes: $13,054.12
Rockville Centre $755,000
Windso Avenue. Cape. 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. First floor bedroom.
Taxes: $15,401.23
West Hempstead $700,000
Oak Street. Colonial. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. First floor bedroom. Many updates including new bathrooms, new windows and doors, new roof and siding, 3 ductless air conditioning/heat units. 2 car garage.
Taxes: $14,291.69
Woodmere $2,500,000 Edward Avenue. Colonial. 6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room. High-end finishes include cathedral ceiling, skylight, marble in bathrooms. Security system.
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Looking back at history, we often see what appear to have been clearly defined periods, eras or growths of movements. Some good or entertaining, like the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age. Some revolutionary, like the turbulent ’60s. Others absolutely evil, like the Winds of War, the growth of Nazism in the 1930s that led inevitably to the horrors of World War II and the Holocaust.
Our general impression is that people living during those times realized, or were in some way aware of, the uniqueness of the challenges and transformations going on around them. My reading of history, however, is that for the most part — whether it be everyday people, intellectuals or world leaders — there was little realization during those years that the world as they knew it was that much different from what had come before. Until it
was. Or that tragedy lay ahead. Until it was too late.
I remember when I was in college in the 1960s, doing research papers on events that occurred in the ’20s and ’30s and noting how different the contemporary accounts of those years and events were from the histories written decades later. In the ’20s there was the Manassa Mauler (Jack Dempsey), the Sultan of Swat (Babe Ruth) and the Four Horsemen of Notre Dame for boxing, baseball and college football aficionados. And for those who enjoyed the nightlife, there were the speakeasies, the Cotton Club, in Harlem, and the Charleston. But when you read the newspapers and periodicals from those years, there is little if any recognition of the uniqueness of the time as an era, like the “era of wonderful nonsense,” as the ’20s were later dubbed.
Dactually already was). While there would be increasing concern over the growing repression of Jews in Germany, that awareness was nothing like what it should have been. And Hitler’s annexation of the Sudetenland was met by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain appeasing Hitler with hope of “peace in our time.”
emocrats are turning against Israel, and Republicans
are turning against Ukraine.
Similarly, in the 1930s, there was the media coverage of Hitler’s election in Germany, perhaps describing him as heavy-handed, but certainly nothing like the monster he would become (and
HAll this was ignored by too many America Firsters who chose to be isolationists. And then there was Pearl Harbor, the Axis of Evil and World War II.
The 1960s began with President John F. Kennedy and his New Frontier, hailing America’s greatness and pledging to “support any friend, oppose any foe,” before America slowly but inexorably edged throughout the second half of the decade into a maelstrom of outof-control campus demonstrations, flagburning, Woodstock, the Age of Aquarius and what grew into a permanent drug culture subset.
What will future historians say about today’s myriad crises and cultural challenges? Russia invading
Ukraine, and threatening the European order that has prevailed for almost eight decades. China dramatically expanding its military, threatening Taiwan and spreading its economic power and influence throughout the world. Israeli being horrifically attacked by Iran’s proxy, Hamas, followed by thousands of pro-Hamas, antisemitic demonstrators marching in the streets of New York, occupying college campuses across the country and threatening Jewish students at those colleges.
America’s response to these challenges? More Democrats turning against Israel’s government. More Republicans becoming isolationist and turning against Ukraine. More American businesses increasing their dealings with China. College presidents negotiating with pro-Hamas, antisemitic students illegally taking over campuses. Are we blind? Has history taught us nothing, and are we forcing ourselves to relive the worst days of history? God help us all.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
ere’s an anniversary no one wants to celebrate: The Columbine school shooting — April 20, 1999 — just passed its 25th anniversary. More than a dozen dead, 21 injured. A new era begins. Why, why, why bring up such a horrific event? Perhaps because it hasn’t stopped.
Even though I sit here in the comfort of my study, feeling perfectly safe, I can’t emotionally disentangle myself from the news, which is always, in one way or another, about the human need to kill itself — or rather, the human assumption that it’s divided from itself, and “the other,” whomever that other is, either needs to be killed or is, at best, expendable. For instance:
“The Senate has passed $95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.”
So AP informs us, and immediately scenarios of screaming children,
bombed aid workers, home and hospitals reduced to rubble, flash before me. No, these are not abstract scenarios. Part of me and part of you lie trapped in that rubble, or stunned and grieving over the sudden loss of your whole family. And all we seem to do is continue funding the process that makes this happen, as though a larger understanding of our existence is not available — certainly not at the level of global politics.
What is power? Is it simply and sheerly us vs. them? Good vs. evil? Every war on Planet Earth is sold with this advertising slogan. Perhaps this is why I find myself thinking about the Columbine shootings — and all the mass shootings since then. Define an enemy, then kill it. This is what we learn in history class — but would-be mass shooters, caged in their own isolation, cross a line. They take this lesson personally. And there’s a world of possibility that welcomes them, oh so ironically. In this world, the sword is mightier than the pen (or anything else). Power means power over . . . something. So, if you’re a lost or wounded soul, imagining an enemy that needs to be destroyed is probably enormously tempting. If the world is going on with-
out you, maybe you should do something to stop it.
And the “world of possibility” — by which I mean far more than merely the “gun culture,” but the entirety of our culture of scripted violence, from global politics to the media to the entertainment industry — makes the loner’s imagined and insane solution, defining and killing an enemy, an actual possibility.
i n poems we can ask, where are we headed? What world comes next?
At the time of the Columbine shootings, I had begun writing poetry. This was in the wake of my wife’s death, in 1998, from pancreatic cancer. Poetry allowed me to deal with the shattered narrative of my life, and pretty soon I had expanded the terrain of my poetry beyond my personal grief to, well, life itself, including the horrific strangeness of the news.
And I happened to read, after Columbine, a news account of President Bill Clinton visiting the school and meeting with students in the gymnasium. And outside the school, gun-rights advocates held what they called a vigil, holding signs that declared “gun control kills kids” and “we will never give up our guns.”
What struck me about it the most was the idea that this was a “vigil,”
which implied something more than simply a protest — an expression of anger and disagreement. A vigil dug deeper, seemingly entering the soul. Guns were a source of power and power was the source of one’s humanity, so stripping away the right to own one had a deep, spiritual impact.
I wrote a poem in response to the vigil — I called it “Vigil” — attempting to address my feelings about the total scenario: the shooting itself, Americans’ deeply desired availability of guns, the impact of that availability on society’s lost souls.
I acknowledge that the sword is probably mightier than the poem, but a poem can ask questions that the sword can’t: Why? Where are we headed? What world comes next? Does armed defense — whether of home or country — ever go wrong, ever turn into poison?
All humans have a dark side. Is killing it in the other guy our only option? And what are the consequences of doing so?
Can power be with others, even those with whom we are in serious conflict, rather than simply over them? And if so, how can we begin reorganizing the world’s relationship with itself?
What’s stopping us?
Robert Koehler is an author and journalist syndicated by PeaceVoice.
at first glance, Elinor Sullivan was simply a proud suburban mother, raising her four children on the other side of the Great Depression.
Her husband was a state legislator. Her father was a vaudeville performer who originated the role of the Scarecrow in a stage production of “The Wizard of Oz.” But beyond that, you probably wouldn’t have looked twice at Elinor.
Except you should have. Because before she was a wife and a mom, she was Elinor Smith, the “Flying Flapper of Freeport,” who never met a plane she didn’t like or a dare she wouldn’t take. In fact, one taunt persuaded her to fly a Waco-10 under not one, but all four bridges that crossed the East River into Manhattan — a stunt that had never been done before, and was never repeated.
Elinor once held the women’s solo flight endurance record of more than 26 hours, set a speed record of nearly 191 mph, and even topped an altitude record of more than 32,500 feet, taking off from Roosevelt Field. And she became the first woman ever pictured on a box of Wheaties cereal.
And Elinor gave all of that up for two decades — the prime years of her life — so she could focus all of her attention on being a mother. Yet today, mothers can have careers while raising their children, showing even more how
To the Editor:
extraordinary every one of them is.
As we approach Mother’s Day, it’s important to reflect on the remarkable influence and unwavering love mothers bring into our lives. From the moment we enter this world, mothers are our first nurturers, guides and champions. They are the silent heroes whose impact transcends time and circumstances, shaping us into the individuals we become.
Mothers possess a unique blend of strength and tenderness. They are the multitaskers extraordinaire, effortlessly juggling countless roles with grace. From pursuing careers to nurturing children — mothers do it all with unparalleled dedication. Their resilience in facing life’s challenges serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with love and determination, any obstacle can be overcome.
What truly makes mothers extraordinary is their boundless capacity for love. A mother’s love is a force unlike any other — a source of comfort in times of distress. A beacon of hope in moments of despair.
It is a love that knows no bounds, selfless and unconditional. This love shapes our earliest memories, and echoes through the milestones of our lives — a constant reminder of unwavering support.
Mothers aren’t just caregivers, they are our first teachers, imparting lessons
U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito is pitting New Yorkers against one another, and we see right through it.
In his recent op-ed, “Migrants get more government support than veterans” (April 18-24), D’Esposito baselessly argued that asylum seekers receive more social benefits than U.S. veterans.
His claim is completely inaccurate. There is no question that our country should expand services and safety nets for our veterans. But D’Esposito cherry-picks one measure of VA benefits, failing to mention government investment in pensions, health care, education and other critical services for veterans.
D’Esposito also falsely suggests that “many” migrant families are receiving preloaded debit cards for “a wide range of expenses,” failing to acknowledge that this New York City program is a limited pilot for just 500 families, to cover the cost of essentials like food and diapers. In fact, this is a fiscally sound effort that costs approximately $12.52 per person per day, saving taxpayers $600,000 per month and $7 million per year, while offering families more control over their budgets. If the program is successful in its implementation, we hope it will be expand-
that extend far beyond textbooks. They teach us compassion through their actions, resilience through their examples, and empathy through their understanding.
The wisdom passed down from our mothers is a treasure trove of lessons, guiding us through sunny days and stormy nights.
In celebrating mothers, we honor the unsung heroines whose sacrifices often go unnoticed. They prioritize our needs above their own, making countless sacrifices without seeking recognition. Whether it’s waking up early to pack lunches or staying up late to offer reassurance, they give of themselves tirelessly, embodying the essence of unconditional love.
On Sunday, let us celebrate the phenomenal women — like Elinor Smith, and our own mothers — who have shaped our lives in profound ways. Beyond the flowers and gifts lies a deeper appreciation for the incredible impact mothers have on our existence. And they don’t need to fly under bridges or break endurance records. In the tapestry of life, mothers are the golden threads that bind us together. Their presence is a gift that enriches our world in ways words cannot fully capture. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us cherish and honor these extraordinary women who personify love, strength and resilience.
make ends meet. D’Esposito claims to care about the well-being of veterans, but he has consistently voted to cut funding for criti-
cal lifeline programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, which veterans across the country rely on to cover essential needs. His failure to protect
the numerous college demonstrations lately have given me a lot of mixed feelings. Having lived through the years when there were other demonstrations, I contrast how those incidents were handled with the present ones. In addition, I can’t help but feel some sadness about how our elected officials are reacting to these events.
In 1970, there were nationwide student protests that spurred mass walkouts from college and high school classrooms. The students were upset about the expansion of the Vietnam War in Cambodia. According to Wikipedia, the movement began on May 1, and increased dramatically after the killing of four students at Kent State University. At its height, over 4 million students participated. There was some violence, but overall the demonstrations were peaceful.
In their wake, public officials around the country held hearings and initiated investigations into student conduct, and issued numerous reports suggesting how universities should handle such demonstrations and emphasizing the need for better communication
between administration officials and students. This was the responsible way for elected officials to act, compared with how they act today.
Rather than trying to find a consensus on how university officials should react when students stage protests, Republicans have created a partisan divide with their conduct and their rhetoric. Shortly after students at Columbia University began their protest, House Speaker Mike Johnson rushed to the campus and held a news conference, surrounded by eight other Republican members of Congress. No attempt was made to convene a bipartisan group, even though the battle against antisemitism is not a partisan issue.
today’s college leadership is handicapped when handling outbursts.
education, such as President George Bush, Yale alumni, but few show respect for the campus life that launched their own careers.” Members of Congress such as New York’s own Elise Stefanik want to burnish their political images by beating up on college officials instead of pushing to reform how campus demonstrations should be handled.
protest participants are from campus to campus. Many have made demands that made no sense, and some have used antisemitic slurs even though they were Jewish. Too many of today’s college students seem to be totally unaware of the history of the tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
The protest at Harvard University created the perfect opportunity for the dozens of Harvard alumni now serving in Congress to step forward in a united effort to offer guidance and support to the university. Jeremi Suri, a respected conservative writer, told CNN, “What we need are politicians who, despite their disagreements with liberal professors, are willing to stand up for the benefits they received from their own university education.”
Suri went on to say, “Many figures in the Republican Party have the same
puts 18,000 veterans in his district at risk.
Pitting groups against one another does nothing to improve the lives of New Yorkers. It only perpetuates an usagainst-them narrative at a time when our country desperately needs collaboration and unity. If D’Esposito is serious about boosting the safety net for vulnerable New Yorkers, I’d be happy to work with him to give every New York family an equal chance at success.
MURAD AWAWDEH Staten Island
Murad Awawdeh is president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition.
the
To the Editor:
Even with congestion pricing scheduled to start on June 30, there is no way the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will be able to advertise, award and issue Notices to Proceed tor contractors for $15 billion worth of projects remain-
ing in the agency’s 2020-2024 Five Year Capital Plan before the end of the year. There are also billions of dollars in other ongoing capital projects whose work will be carried over into the MTA’s $51 billionplus 2025-2029 five-year plan.
There may not be enough resources to integrate the implementation of all of the congestion price-funded projects in the current five-year plan with those in the first and second years of the next five-year plan. The MTA lacks sufficient procurement, project managers, engineers, legal and force account employees, along with track outage availability, to proceed with all these projects in the same time frame.
Billions of dollars’ worth of capitalimprovement projects will be delayed. Costs will increase due to inflation and other factors as time goes by. The $51 billion-plus 2025-2029 Five Year Capital Plan is due to be released and adopted within seven months. It should include an integrated schedule for how the billions in carryover projects from the current fiveyear plan will proceed with billions more planned for the new program.
MTA board members, elected officials, New York City, state and federal funding agencies such as the Federal Transit Administration, along with commuters, taxpayers, transit advocacy
Aside from the partisan attempts to prove which party can better battle antisemitism, today’s college leadership is badly handicapped when it comes to handling campus outbursts. Typically, college presidents are chosen based on their academic achievements and their ability to raise money. There is often little or no discussion of whether they are capable of establishing lines of communications with their students.
Many university leaders, such as former Harvard President Claudine Gay, are paralyzed when campus conduct becomes a headache. There are many college presidents who need a crash course in today’s challenges, especially because colleges have become scapegoats for numerous Republican members of Congress and governors.
Another issue is the students at those colleges and universities. I’ve been amazed by how uninformed many
Last but by far not least are the governors and other officials responsible for controlling the upheaval. Some governors have worked with college officials to try to find nonviolent ways to handle the protests. Others, such as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, sent state police to campuses to arrest protesting students, without any communication with campus officials.
In the months and years ahead, many people will write books about these demonstrations, but little will change. Publicity-minded government officials, anxious to show their law-andorder credentials, will continue to beat up on university officials along with the students. College administrators will continue to botch their responses, absent any seasoned outside help, and the current drama will no doubt be repeated again and again.
Jerry Kremer was an Assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.
groups and transit reporters need to see this critical information. It is the only way we can determine if the MTA is up to meeting the challenge.
Great Neck
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.
