Clarke student earns poetry nod
The Kiwanis Club of East Meadow served hundreds of attendees at its annual pancake breakfast on April 21, which raises funds for various initiatives the club is involved in.
The organization is focuses its efforts towards giving back to children who are less fortunate, and one of the pancake breakfast’s largest benefactors is Kamp Kiwanis, a summer camp that serves underprivileged youth.
Story, more photos, Page 3.
As Nassau County prepares for the International Cricket Council T20 Cricket World Cup this June, East Meadow and Salisbury residents have expressed concerns. A stadium that will seat 34,000 fans is under construction in Eisenhower Park, a centerpiece in both communities.
WThe Council of East Meadow Community Organizations invited County Legislator Tom McKevitt, Commissioner of Parks, Recreation & Museums Darcy Belyea, and Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder to join the community at its April 17 meeting — where residents could were provided information ahead of the tournament, and address questions or concerns with county leadership.
attendees with some basic facts about the tournament, and said one of the biggest concerns residents have is traffic.
DARCY BElYEA Commissioner, Parks, Recreation & Museums
Brett Markgraf, the deputy inspector of the First Precinct in the Nassau County Police Department, attended in place of Ryder.
Markgraf provided meeting
“Our plan is, we’re working with state and county traffic management to try and move traffic,” he said. “The parking areas are going to be the coliseum and the community college, and we’re also encouraging people to use the train to Westbury, where we’ll have shuttle buses running back and forth.” Park Boulevard, the main roadway that runs through Eisenhower Park, will be closed throughout the duration of games, as well as the portion of Merrick Avenue that is adjacent to the park. Eight are scheduled over the course of 12 days, and will begin roughly at 10:30 a.m., and conclude around 2:30 p.m. Games are scheduled between June 3 and June 12.
Eisenhower’s Aquatic Center and dog park will be closed temporarily during the tournament. The white course, part of
Continued on page 5
Sculpting balloons, inspecting airplanes and making props for Hollywood movies —Renee Morgan has done it all.
The Empire State Local News Coalition—more than 200 local newspapers strong—is grateful to the State of New York for including a first-in-the-nation tax credit to support local journalism in the FY'25 state budget.
A special thanks to:
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner
State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (Assembly Sponsor)
Communities throughout the Empire State appreciate your commitment to the free press and to democracy.
Morgan, owner of Aviator Balloons in North Bellmore, makes large installations for graduations, proms, weddings, baby showers, fundraising events and more. The sculptures cover ceilings and walls, make tunnels, and take the form of dresses, cars, trucks and people. Her largest wonderland-like installations can use tens of thousands of balloons, all for a single grand exhibit. Her work can even be found decorating Sony Hall for New York Fashion Week twice a year.
“I’m heading to Indiana to do a big balloon ball for a charity sponsor, the Ronald McDonald House,” she said of an event that took place between April 22 and 25. “So we used 100,000 balloons to create this circus-like theme. So everything from tight ropes to giant elephants. I’m a team leader in that build, where I’ll be commanding a team of about 80 people to create this large scale wonderland of balloons.”
Morgan started doing balloon artistry 10 years ago. Her aunt needed a display for her bridal shower, but found the available options to be too expensive, including balloon-themed pieces.
“I was like, yeah, I could do that,” Morgan recounted. “So I tried it. And I epically failed my first time, because it wasn’t easy.”
She began to study balloon art more thoroughly, which brought her where she is today.
For Morgan, sustainability is key for her business and the environment. She uses biodegradable balloons and ecofriendly packaging, and does not use helium, which can cause fiery explosions if they contact outdoor power lines. She also educates each client on proper disposal and cleanup methods.
Aviator Balloons also has programs to educate aspiring artists on business and techniques in the inflatable industry.
“I have a mentorship program with 30-plus ladies internationally,” Morgan said. “We have a mentorship program that operates via Zoom where we’ll meet and we’ll discuss the business behind balloons as well as the artistry that fuels it.”
One former student, Brittany Richardson, is the production assistant for Aviator Balloons.
“I started as a student back at the end of 2020,” Richardson said. “She’s a mentor of mine. I can call her for anything. I do balloons as well, so if I’m stuck on something, she’s always one call away. She’s so sweet.”
Over the years, Morgan’s business has grown to accept international students and clients — she has associates who work from Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad when there is an assignment.
Morgan has experience working internationally, sourced from her long career in aviation. She was an airport inspector at John F. Kennedy airport in Queens
before retiring and pursuing her interest in balloon artistry.
Morgan has earned three undergraduate degrees as well as a master’s in aviation, with a unique expertise in meteorology. Over the course of her career, she carried out accident analysis, development research, and wrote award-winning industry papers.
Morgan worked in the aviation industry for about 15 years, and has worked at a multitude of different airports as an airport inspector.
“I’ve always been interested in it since I was a baby,” Morgan said. “Since I was a kid, I wanted to be a pilot. Once I achieved that dream, I wanted to do more. But then I felt like I was tapping out, I felt like I was at the apex of my career.
“I retired two years ago. I was doing both for a while; I’ve retired to do balloons full time,” Morgan said.
Morgan also currently works for Paramount Pictures as a contract prop and set designer for upcoming movies filmed in New York, which she could not comment on.
Morgan balances the workload of an entrepreneur and contractor with motherhood.
“I’m a mom, to an autistic son, so it isn’t the easiest thing to balance, having a special needs child and working full time in your own business,” Morgan said. “And you don’t work your typical nine to five, sometimes it’s nine to 10 at night. It’s really understanding what you’re willing to sacrifice to make the amendments in your life, and what you’re willing to put first.”
Morgan’s hopes for the future are high. She has an interest in making an installation inside Roosevelt Field Mall. Her main priority is being able to be a full sustainable business, and potentially grab a Guinness World Record along the way.
Aviator Balloons has many local repeat clients including JD sports’ New York events, Long Island Harvest, and many school districts on Long Island, such as in Freeport and Merrick, as well as schools in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.
If you are interested in a balloon sculpture, please visit AviatorBalloons.com
The Kiwanis Club of East Meadow celebrated its annual pancake breakfast fundraiser on April 21, must to the enjoyment of the East Meadow community, who stopped by for a good time — and a good meal.
Hundreds of community members spent their Sunday morning eating pancakes, eggs, and sausage in the East Meadow High School cafeteria.
The breakfast has been raising money for more than 30 years, and is among the club’s largest fundarisers, behind only the Steven J. Eisman Memorial Golf Outing. Money from the breakfast is used for
Kiwanis scholarships for high school seniors and to send underprivileged children to Kamp Kiwanis, a sleep-away summer camp in Taberg, New York.
In addition to the breakfast, there was lots of other fun to go around. Some fan-favorite Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion even popped by, much to the excitement of everyone.
The Kiwanis supports and takes part in various initiatives throughout the year. Visit EastMeadowKiwanis.org for more.
–Jordan Vallone
Town of Hempstead Councilman Dennis Dunne helped at the breakfast, giving Cecilia Rosenberg some pancakes to be served to others. Dunne worked alongside Mike Panagatos, Stephen LaSala and Alba Dougherty.
My mother may soon be applying for Medicaid. How does this affect funeral arrangements?
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Parents or grandparents of a disabled child should leave assets in a Special Needs Trust, to avoid the child being disqualified from government benefits, such as SSI and Medicaid. These trusts, however, offer traps for the unwary. Since payments to the child will generally reduce their SSI payments dollar for dollar, trustees of such trusts should be advised to make payments directly to the providers of goods and services. Preserving SSI benefits is crucial since eligibility for SSI determines eligibility for Medicaid.
In other words, if SSI is lost the recipient also loses their Medicaid benefits. In addition, any benefits previously paid by Medicaid may be recovered. As such, one also has to be mindful of bequests from well-meaning grandparents. Similarly, if a sibling dies without a will, a share of their estate may go to the special needs brother or sister by law. The Special Needs Trust must be carefully drafted so that it only allows payments for any benefits over and above what the government provides.
There are two kinds of Special Needs Trusts – first party and third party. The first party trust is set up by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or court using the child’s own money, either through earnings, an inheritance that was left directly to them or, perhaps, a personal injury award. Recent changes in the law allow the special needs child to establish their own first party Special Needs Trust if they are legally competent to engage in contractual matters. These first party trusts require a “payback” provision, meaning that on the death of the child beneficiary, the trust must pay back the state for any government benefits received.
A third party trust is usually set up by a parent or grandparent, using their own money. Here, no “payback” provision is required because it was not the child’s own money that funded the trust and the parent or grandparent had no obligation to leave any assets to the child. On the death of the child beneficiary, the balance of the trust is paid out to named beneficiaries.
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.
–Mason LauronIn Levittown, an individual was arrested for shoplifting at 40 Division Avenue on April 4.
In Merrick, a victim reported that an unknown male subject removed items from CVS on April 8.
In Wantagh, an individual was arrested for shoplifting at King Kullen on April 8.
In Westbury, an individual was arrested for shoplifting at Target on April 4.
In Westbury, an individual was ar-
rested for shoplifting at Target on April 5.
On April 6, a victim reported three unknown subjects damaging the tires of his vehicle in Levittown.
On April 9, a victim reported unknown subjects damaging the tires of his vehicle in Levittown.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
the park’s golf course, will be open, but there will be no walk-ins accepted. Tee times will need to be scheduled ahead of time.
McKevitt said he knew when Nassau County won the bid to have the stadium built in Eisenhower last fall that it would be a huge undertaking within his district, and a temporary inconvenience. But his conditions were simple in the agreement: The park will look better after the tournament than before it.
Before stadium construction began, there were several fields in its place that were available for rent, and McKevitt asked Belyea to ensure that frequent renters of those fields would not be displaced. The fields previously had no irrigation system, and on Google Earth, he said they look like a “brown mud pit.” The ICC is putting in a brand new, stateof-the-art irrigation system, which will leave the fields looking greener, and better, once the stadium is disassembled by the end of July.
Nassau County will receive around $2.7 million in direct revenue from the tournament. Some of that money will be used to reimburse the police department and county’s parks department, but
a stadium that will seat 34,000 fans is under construction. Communities that neighbor the park have concerns about traffic in the area, among other things. above, a rendering of what the completed stadium will look like.
receive upgrades, and the batting cages — which have been closed for years — will be completely redone.
Both McKevitt and Belyea have said they’ve worked hard to make Eisenhower Park into what it is today — but that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for improvements.
Aside from the direct revenue from the ICC, the county expects to generate revenue from the hotel and motel occupancy tax. By law, a percentage of the tax charged on hotel rooms goes back to the county — and rooms across Long
Island are completely booked because of the tournament, Belyea said.
The last Cricket World Cup was held in Australia two years ago and it generated an excess of $150 million. Belyea said she’s proud Nassau County is going to be the center stage for a tournament that attracts 1.9 billion viewers around the globe.
“It’s a busy time of year, and we know that, but we are looking at all the posi tives and saying what can we do with this, and what is it going to do for Nas sau County,” she said. “You may not see
it next month, but you will see it. You will see changes. We need an influx of revenue.”
The county and police department are going to do their best to mitigate parking in residential areas, as well as shopping centers across from the park. Belyea said it still could happen, and if residents are concerned by the number of cars on their streets, they can call the police.
“We are going to be diligent in making sure that the neighborhoods are not disrupted from the parking,” she said. “If you do have that, you know where to call and they will do their best to have somebody make sure they’re not parking there.”
A private security company is being hired by the ICC to help with the event, and Belyea said she’s suggested it mans the parking lot across from Eisenhower, where there’s a Lidl grocery store, along with other local businesses and restaurants.
Eisenhower is a center for county events, Belyea explained. It hosts sum-
South Side Junior Lacrosse
AN ALL-AMERICAN HONORABLE MENTION in 2023 and team MVP after scoring 44 goals and assisting on 16 others, Rathjen reached a milestone earlier this month in the Cyclones’ 14-11 victory at North Shore. She had six goals and one assist in the April 11 win, including the 100th point of her career. She has 26 goals thus far this spring to rank among the leaders in Nassau County and is a University of North Carolina commit.
Thursday, April 25
Softball: Freeport at Elmont 10 a.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Baldwin at Freeport 10 a.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Kennedy at Baldwin 10 a.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Calhoun at Lynbrook 10 a.m.
Softball: Uniondale at Hewlett 10 a.m.
Boys Lacrosse: North Shore at Kennedy 11 a.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Carey at Mepham 1 p.m.
Baseball: West Hemp at East Rockaway 4:30 p.m.
Baseball: Oyster Bay at V.S. North 5 p.m.
Baseball: Long Beach at MacArthur 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Plainview at V.S. District 5 p.m.
Friday, April 26
Softball: V.S. South at Hewlett 10 a.m.
Softball: Clarke at Wantagh 10 a.m.
Softball: East Meadow at Mepham 10 a.m.
Softball: Oceanside at Syosset 10 a.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Clarke at Carey 10 a.m.
Baseball: Baldwin at Oceanside 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 27
Girls Lacrosse: Calhoun at South Side 9 a.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Hewlett at North Shore 12:30 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Seaford at Massapequa 1 p.m.
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.
Clarke’s baseball team took a big step towards a 24th conference title in 26 years by taking two of three games against contender Seaford last week, with the finale coming in dramatic fashion.
The victories gave the Rams a share of first place in the conference with Island Trees, who both entered this week’s action with 5-1 division marks, though Clarke was a half-game better in overall play at 7-2. Seaford was 6-2 and 3-0 in the conference entering the series.
“Our league is always loaded,” Rams coach Tom Abruscato said. “Once you get to the playoffs, it’s just as loaded if not more, so we always expect to be there. I think we’ve only been eliminated one time before the quarterfinals. To win the conference as many years as we have, it’s been a great run.”
Clarke extended its winning streak to five with a 5-1 home victory in the opener on April 15. Senior Nick Berasti yielded just one run on three hits while fanning 10 to improve to 2-0 and sophomore Matthew Kurz had three RBIs.
“He’s just much more consistent with his mechanics,” Abruscato said of Berasti. “He was probably up around 88 against Seaford the other day and he’s been pretty consistent up there.”
The next day, the Vikings took advantage of a Ram defensive miscue in the bottom of the seventh inning that followed a leadoff double for a 2-1 win. After a 3-2 non-conference victory over Long Island Lutheran on April 17, Clarke was set to conclude the Seaford set last Thursday before a rainout pushed it to the following day.
The game went into the eighth inning, when senior Jaret Sarrantonio singled home sophomore James Beckworth to give Clarke a 5-4 win. Sophomore Mike Iadevaia and junior Dylan Vikara combined to toss 6 ⅓ innings of scoreless relief, with the latter throwing two no-hit frames with three strikeouts for his first victory.
“When you’re playing a team that’s
David Meisenholder/Herald Senior Giancarlo Rengifo fell a single short of the cycle Monday and had five RBIs as the Rams improved to 8-2 with a win over Cold Spring Harbor.
just as good if not better in a short series and once playoff time comes and you have these three-game series as we saw against Seaford, you have to come up with timely hits,” Abruscato said.
It was Sarrantonio’s second walkoff hit of the season.
The Rams improved to 8-2 (6-1) after crushing Cold Spring Harbor 15-0 Monday morning in the opener of that threegame series. Senior third baseman Giancarlo Rengifo fell a single short of the cycle, including his second home run of the season, while driving in five.
The pitching staff has allowed just 17
runs in 10 games with three shutouts, including back-to-back blankings of Locust Valley on April 8-9. In addition to Berasti, Sarrantonio won his second game after tossing five innings of twohit ball against Cold Spring Harbor, sophomore Richard Luke went the distance with a three-hitter against Lutheran and Beckworth kept Locust Valley scoreless with nine strikeouts over five frames on April 11.
“The pitching’s been outstanding,” Abruscato said. “We’re pretty deep.” Vikara also has homered twice this season.
A sector of special education services for young children has been severely underfunded for 25 years, according to some lawmakers — but that could soon change.
Nassau County officials propose giving those early childhood intervention service providers a raise, potentially elevating compensation from $40 per halfhour to $50.
The increase will affect providers who officer critical preschool services — like speech, occupational and physical therapy — to children between 3 and 5 with special needs as they get ready for kindergarten.
“We have many people who require services here,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said of contractual preschool special education services. “It provides preschool services to children throughout Nassau County.”
Joined at a recent news conference with Republican county leaders like Michael Giangregorio, Samantha Goetz and Mazi Pilip, as well as dozens of educators and parents of children with special needs, Blakeman described the county’s compensation for such providers as “below the average.”
Giangregorio brought this issue to light, the county executive said. He’s long been an advocate for children and adults with special needs, and says the county has had a hard time retaining therapists because compensation simply was not competitive to what was being offered in surrounding regions.
“We checked with our budget office and we made a determination that we could increase” the compensation, Blakeman said.
Giangregorio, who’s district represents parts of
Nassau
Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh and Seaford, said he was honored to stand with Blakeman for this “monumental decision that reflects our unwavering commitment to early childhood education.” Especially as a father of someone with autism.
“My son is now 23, so the last time he received (preK special education) services was quite a while ago, and there has not been a raise since he’s been in the
system,” Giangregorio said. “Back then, it was difficult to find providers. These people that come into your homes, or that work in agencies — they’re really doing God’s work. They’re helping to improve the lives of these individuals.”
The earlier a child receives services, Giangregorio said, the better the outcome.
“My child will be an adult longer than he’s a child,” the county legislator said. “The costs are always more when you’re an adult. For far too long, the wages of these early intervention educators and therapists have not reflected the true value of their work.”
Dr. Irina Gelman, the county’s health commissioner, explained her office has to go before the county’s health board to propose the raise.
“We are very grateful for this opportunity to bring this forward in front of our board,” she said. “We’re very hopeful they will adopt this new rate, which will be instrumental in providing services to our children, our families, and adequately reimburse our providers. These are rates for preschool related services that have not been raised since 1999 — so it’s long overdue.”
But Democrats in the county legislature say the need for raises has not been a secret. Siela Bynoe, for instance, says she has advocated for preschool special education funding for nearly a decade — especially so in the last few months.
“While I am glad that the county executive has heeded the advocacy of practitioners and the Democratic minority by taking this first step, much more must still be done to repair the damage caused by three decades of stagnation,” she said. “Moving forward, the county must raise awareness about the availability of these resources, and remain vigilant so that we can never again find ourselves paying the lowest rates in New York for these critical services.”
Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature unveiled the final state budget over the weekend, which included a payroll tax credit for local news outlets, modeled on the Local Journalism Sustainability Act.
With the passage of this bill, New York is now the first state in the nation to incentivize hiring and retaining local journalists.
What’s being described as a game-changer for the local news industry comes just months after the launch of the Empire State Local News Coalition, an unprecedented, grassroots campaign powered by more than 200 community newspapers across the state.
“I’m elated that our first-in-the-nation Local Journalism Sustainability Act is passing in the state budget,” said state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal — the senate bill sponsor — in a release. “A thriving local news industry is vital to the health of our democracy, and it’s our responsibility to help ensure New Yorkers have access to independent and community-focused journalism. Our efforts will help ensure that our democracy will not die in darkness.”
The program — $30 million per year for three years — allows each eligible newspaper and broadcast business to receive a 50 percent refundable tax credit against the first $50,000 of an employee’s salary, up to a total of $300,000 per business.
The budget will allocate the first $4 million to incentivize print and broadcast businesses to hire new journalists. The remaining $26 million will be split evenly between businesses with fewer than 100 employees and those with more than 100 employees, ensuring that hyperlocal, independent news organizations have a fair shot at access to these funds.
After stalling for years, the Local Journalism Sus-
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages joins lawmakers and supporters like Assemblyman David Weprin, at left, and state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, at right, last month to call on her colleagues to support the Local Journalism Sustainability Act. A version of this measure was included in the final state budget approved this past weekend by Gov. Kathy Hochul and lawmakers.
tainability Act catapulted into a top legislative priority this session following the early-2024 founding of the Empire State Local News Coalition and the coalition’s mobilization of support from hundreds of New York hometown papers, as well as a broad range of stakeholders from around the country, including the Rebuild Local News Coalition, Microsoft, and El Diario. Organized labor including NYS AFL-CIO, CWA District 1, and national and local news guilds also played a criti-
cal role in mobilizing support for this historic bill.
“The Empire State Local News Coalition is thrilled by the state budget’s inclusion of a payroll tax credit for local news outlets modeled on the Local Journalism Sustainability Act,” said Zachary Richner — founder of the Empire State Local News Coalition, and a director at Richner Communications, the parent organization of Herald Community Newspapers.
“New York is now the first state in the nation to incentivize hiring and retaining local journalists — a critical investment given that hundreds of New York’s newspapers have closed since 2004, leaving too many New York communities without access to vital local information.
“The objectivity of this credit shows that there is a fair way for public policy to support local news without jeopardizing journalistic integrity. This program is a model for other states across the U.S. to follow as communities across the country raise their voices to save local news.”
Richner said he was “incredibly proud” of the 200 newspapers that built an unprecedented grassroots movement in support of saving New York’s local news industry in a few short months. He also extended gratitude to Hoylman-Sigal, “whose tireless advocacy for this tax credit was instrumental in moving it through the legislative process.”
Since launching in February, the coalition has quickly mobilized stakeholders across the state to rally behind the bill.
New York’s leadership on this issue could change the course of local journalism in the United States, organizers say. The budget’s inclusion of this tax credit comes at a watershed moment for the journalism industry: New York state has experienced hundreds of newspaper closures in the past few decades.
The East Meadow School District announced last week that W.T. Clarke Middle School eighth grader Shreya Satpathy was named as the grand champion in the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association’s 2024 Student Poetry Contest.
Shreya won first place for her entry, “In Hopes of Finding Myself Once More.”
The theme for this year’s contest was “Song of the Open Road,” a poem by Whitman, in which students were tasked with using their poetic voices to take readers on an adventure.
Sherya received an invitation to the WWBA’s Birthplace on May 5 for their winner’s celebration where she will read the winning entry at the podium.
-Jordan ValloneW.T. Clarke Middle School eighth grader Shreya Satpathy, second from left, was named as the grand champion in the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association’s 2024 Student Poetry Contest. Also pictured is English teacher Cynthia Dale, far left, W.T. Clarke Middle School Principal Elizabeth Dowling, and Assistant Principal Ryan Catterson.
reminiscent of Woodstock to the glitz of the disco era. The event featured energetic tunes and slow songs for couples to take the dance floor.
From the nostalgic tunes of the 1950s to present-day hits, guests grooved to the beats while donning period-appropriate costumes. The dance floor saw a colorful display of outfits, ranging from groovy hippies
Amid the spirited atmosphere, food and drinks kept energy levels high as attendees indulged in a trip down memory lane.
–Charles Shaw
Enrico Fagone, the Long Island Concert Orchestra’s music director and conductor, was nominated for a 2023 Grammy award. He’s been defined by the classical music press as one of today’s most promising conductors at the international level.
Art connects us beyond divides.
That’s how Bernie Furshpan, marketing director and board member of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, puts it when discussing the Long Island Concert Orchestra’s upcoming Symphony of Hope Concert at Tilles Center.
While the music is, of course, at the heart of this benefit performance, the evening is so much more than a concert. The aim is to support two vital organizations: Long Island’s Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, and the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance.
“When it comes to art, I think people in general agree that it’s something very healing and it brings people together,” Furshpan says. “It’s a wonderful connector for people.”
Proceeds from the May 2 event benefit both organizations.
The concert includes special guests from the Israeli arts school, which is currently facing a funding crisis due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Two students — one Israeli and one Palestinian — take part, sending a powerful message of unity through music. Michael Klinghoffer — Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance’s president — also participates, further emphasizing the importance of this benefit concert.
“This spectacular event is a golden opportunity for community members to support these organizations,” says David Winkler, the orchestra’s executive director and composer-in-residence. “By attending the concert, our community will not just enjoy an evening of incredible music, but will be helping JAMD and HMTC continue their essential work.”
With some 1,600 students, the Jerusalem Academy nurtures the next generation of musicians and dancers, Furshpan says. The school’s diverse student demographic — ranging from 4 years old to young adulthood — studies a cultural mixture of Middle Eastern music, European classics, baroque and jazz.
“Right now, everybody’s hurting,” Furshpan says. “So, we’re doing this as more than just beautiful music. It’s also something that’s special and philanthropic.”
During the first selection of the evening, the two participating students will perform together, accompanied by a recording of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance Orchestra.
“We have a hybrid experience,” Furshpan says. “On the big screen,
• Thursday, May 2, 8 p.m.
• Tickets start at $50; available at TillesCenter.org, or (516) 299-3100
• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville
you’re going to see the Israeli orchestra, and the students are going to be sitting alongside that screen and playing together with them.” Klinghoffer also contributes as a keynote speaker.
Then, the 40-person Long Island Concert Orchestra — under the baton of music director and conductor Enrico Fagone — takes the spotlight. The orchestra’s repertoire includes the world debut of “Adriatica.” Winkler composed the piece to celebrate the oceanic connections between people. Its namesake is a node to the Adriatic Sea, which connects Eastern Italy to the Middle East.
“It has a multifaceted melodic personality to it — several different melodies, not just one,” Winkler says.“Over the course of the work, these melodies are joined together and ultimately, they produce the finale, which is extremely uplifting and powerful.”
The orchestra is joined by acclaimed pianist Alessandro Mazzamuto, in his Long Island Concert Orchestra debut. He’ll perform Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54.
“I believe that love of music and artistic expression is love for humanity,” Mazzamuto says. “As a concert pianist and teacher, my heart goes out to the students of Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. And I wish to dedicate my performance and interpretation of Schumann’s emotional piano concerto to them.”
This evening is all about bringing the local and global community together — the very definition of the Long Island Concert Orchestra.
“Our mission is to provide the best possible performances of international repertoire,” Winkler says. “To bring world-class artists, worldclass musicians, as well as world premieres of international caliber.”
The orchestra leads the way in delivering visibility to a commitment to tolerance, respect and the arts.
“Music is what brings people together,” Furshpan says. “All forms of art bring people together. We truly believe that this (concert) is going to help the two organizations do some great work.
“At the same time, Symphony of Hope is really about the audience. They are the symphony of hope — the audience and the music in combination.”
Experience the magic of Chris Ruggiero’s new show,’Teenage Dreams and Magic Moments,’ when the dynamic vocalist visits the Landmark stage. Ruggiero is an old soul. Still in his 20s, the music that speaks to him is the music of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, His approach to performing is more in line with that of a bygone era, bringing to the stage the panache of Frank Sinatra or Paul Anka, coupled with the energy of Jackie Wilson. Ruggiero first came to national attention when he performed in concert on a PBS coast-to-coast special, and was featured on ‘Good Morning America.’ Since then, he has traveled the country, delivering his unique brand of vintage rock ‘n’ roll, and sharing his passion for the classics. Ruggiero tells his story by breathing new life into the timeless music of the eras he loves, with a six-piece band and live brass.
Friday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. $59, $49, $39. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 7676444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.
Tracy Morgan is touring with a bracing new show, and he’s funnier than he’s ever been. A name synonymous with laughter, he continues to be reckoned with in the world of stand-up and television. Morgan boasts an impressive career spanning decades. From his hilarious characters on ‘Saturday Night Live’ (think Astronaut Jones and Brian Fellows) to his unforgettable role on the award-winning ‘30 Rock,’ Morgan has consistently brought audiences to tears (of laughter, of course). Coming to fame as a stand-up, Morgan became a household name through his seven-season stint on Tina Fey’s ‘30 Rock,’ playing a thinly veiled version of himself named Tracy Jordan. On his current tour, Morgan continues his comeback following his life-threatening 2014 traffic accident on the New Jersey turnpike. Morgan is always welcome back up on the stage where he belongs.
Saturday, April 27, 8 p.m. $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com, or ParamountNY. com.
May 4
Get a head start on beach season with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. We’re all eager for summertime to arrive, meanwhile Jimmy Kenny and his band come to the rescue, back on the Paramount stage, Saturday, May 4, 8 p.m. Join in their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along.
The Long Island based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/ acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rio, lead guitar/ backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione, have been celebrating the beach country sounds of Buffett, Chesney and Zac Brown Band for over a decade, spreading their vibe up and down the Northeast. Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair. If you like your toes in the sand, wasting away with a margarita or a cold beer, then you’ll surely have a great time with the Jimmy Kenny Band. $35. $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
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, April 26, 11:30 a.m.,2:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, April 30-May 3, 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.
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.
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.
East Meadow Community Day takes place on Saturday, June 8, at Speno Park in East Meadow. This family-fun event is the perfect way to wrap up spring. 745 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow. East Meadow residents should stay tuned for more information, and can email EMCommunityDay@gmail.com.
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.
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, May 11, noon3 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. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for to register or call (516) 4849337.
Enjoy Mah Jongg and canasta, Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., at East Meadow Beth El Jewish Center. $5 contribution. No outside food allowed. Bring your own games and cards. Lessons available. 1400 Prospect Ave. Call (516) 483 4205 for more information.
Plaza Theatrical’s season continues with “Lady Supreme: A Diana Ross Experience,” Saturday, May 4, 7:30 p.m. Deanna Carroll, accompanied by top notch singers and musicians, covers the hits of the Supremes to Diana’s solo sensations in this spectacular tribute to the Supreme Diva.
She performs all of Diana’s biggest hits, with spot-on vocals, including “Endless Love,” “Someday We’ll Be Together,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Touch Me in The Morning,” and so many more. Get in the groove at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre. 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, May 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Antoine Ó
Flatharta’s modern tale, “Hurry and the Monarch.”
Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5.
Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage.
Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information, visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.
Museum Gallery Tour
Join curator, art collector and gallerist Christopher Pusey for a tour of “Urban Art Evolution,” Nassau County Museum of Art’s current exhibition, Sunday, May 5, 3 p.m. Pusey, the exhibit’s guest curator, began art-making as a child and went on to pursue a career working in art galleries, and as an art dealer, in New York City. His particular interest in the art from this time and genre began with his first job at a Soho gallery in SoHo during the 80s, which had a division specializing in some of the East Village artists featured in this show. Free with museum admission. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org or call (516) 484-9337 for information.
Enjoy an engaging afternoon of beautiful music, Sunday, April 28, 5 p.m. Tim Carl,
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.
Now entering its fourth summer, Beach Baseball Camp has already been named one of the top sports camps by the Long Island Choice Awards. During the first two weeks in July, young sports enthusiasts are taught the correct skills and fundamentals of baseball. This ensures that safe and proper habits are formed early on, and will last a lifetime.
Campers can attend for one week or two. Groups are small and ageappropriate — grades 3 to 5, and grades 6 to 8. Boys play baseball, and for girls, softball is available. Camp days, which run from 9am to 2pm, start with warming up, stretching and throwing. Skill drills are rotated — hitting, pitching, running, throwing, fielding, catching — along with instructional games, scrimmages and competitions. Guest speakers are brought in to
address the importance of the positive mental approach to baseball. The goal is to share the love of baseball and to have fun. Campers bring their own equipment.
Lunch takes place in an air-conditioned building.
Founder of Beach Baseball Camp is Eric Krywe, a teacher at Long Beach High School for over two decades. He played college baseball, and has coached at middle and high school levels. His wife, Vanessa, runs the administration aspect of the camp, making this is a family business. Their two sons, ages 11 and 12, share their passion for baseball and are active in the Little League. All coaches and instructors are highly experienced,
have specialties, and are collegiate level or pro athletes.
Hitting Coach, Blake Malizia, was honored “Coach of the Year” in 2022. Infield Coach, Steve Scafa, played in in the D1 College World Series with St. John’s University, and was drafted by the NY Yankees as a second baseman. Hudson Georges, Running Instructor, ran college track and coached in High School for 23 years. Catching Coach, Justin Rodriquez, played college baseball, his team reaching Regional Championship. Pitching Coaches, Christopher Bory and Andrew Lavelle, both played college baseball and more. Shannon Horgan, Running Instructor, played soccer on
the U-19 Women’s US National Team, and the U-30 World Cup Qualifying Championship team. The camp’s Athletic Trainer, Davis Tobia, has worked in physical therapy, and as a trainer for the Jr. NBA basketball tournament and Empire State games.
Days at Beach Baseball Camp, which is situated at the Long Beach High School baseball facility, take place in all weather. Should it rain, they play inside. Campers are required to bring both cleats and sneakers. Their website —BeachBaseballCamp.com — features complete staff profiles, videos, registration forms, prices and even Early Bird discounts.
Beach Baseball Camp
Located at the Long Beach High School Baseball Facility (516) 548-1001 BeachBaseballCamp.com
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION, -againstJOSEPH A. CIALONE, JR., ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on December 19, 2023, wherein PHH
MORTGAGE CORPORATION is the Plaintiff and JOSEPH A. CIALONE, JR., ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 7, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 1905 PROSPECT AVENUE, EAST MEADOW, NY 11554; and the following tax map identification: 50-421-20.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 604103/2022. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 145848 LEGAL NOTICE Notice of formation of Newbridge Energy Consulting LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 1/27/2024. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to
ROBERT DECICCO A/K/A
ROBERT R. DECICCO; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES TO THE ESTATE OF ANGELA
DECICCO A/K/A ANGELA
DE CICCO A/K/A LENA DE CICCO, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; “JOHN”
DECICCO AS “JOHN DOE #1”, “JOHN DOE #2” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last eleven names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.
Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Mortgaged Premises: 2637 LEXINGTON AVENUE, EAST MEADOW, NY 11554
Section: 51, Block: 313, Lot: 6
To the above named Defendants
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, vs. NICOLAS R. DECICCO A/K/A NICOLAS RAYMOND DE CICCO, AS ADMINISTRATOR AND AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT DE CICCO A/K/A
delivery within the State.
The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT
THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $50,000.00 and interest, recorded on January 25, 2005, in Liber M28262 at Page 188, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 2637 LEXINGTON AVENUE, EAST MEADOW, NY 11554. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.
NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.
Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.
Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: April 1st, 2024
ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 146202
2007-1 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2007-1, Plaintiff, Against
KAREN JONES A/K/A
KAREN B. JONES A/K/A
KAREN B. LICHTENSTIEN, ET AL,
Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 03/24/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on 5/22/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 769 Van Buren Avenue, East Meadow, New York 11554, And
Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being At East Meadow, Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York. Section 50 Block 436 Lot 4
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $765,254.16 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 601311/2019
If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Peter Kramer, Esq., Referee. 516-510-4020
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 3/14/2024 File Number: 16-301208 CA 146198
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 7th day of May, 2024, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 197-5 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “ARTERIAL STOPS” at the following locations:
EAST MEADOW
CENTRAL DRIVE SOUTH (TH 100/24) - STOP -
All traffic traveling south bound on Central Drive North shall come to a full stop.
ELMOMT
NASSAU STREET (TH 87/24) - STOP -
All traffic traveling west bound on Empire Street shall come to a full stop.
MAKOFSKE AVENUE (TH 102/24) - STOP -
All traffic traveling south bound on Marguerite Avenue shall come to a full stop.
FRANKLIN SQUARE
BENMORE AVENUE (TH 110/24) - STOP -
All traffic traveling north bound on Paschal Avenue shall come to a full stop.
BENMORE AVENUE (TH 110/24) - STOP -
All traffic traveling south bound on Paschal Avenue shall come to a full stop.
(NR) MALVE
DOGWOOD AVENUE (TH 73/24) - STOPAll traffic traveling west bound on Gerard Avenue West shall come to a full stop.
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: April 9, 2024
Hempstead, New York
BY ORDER OF THE TOWN
BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 146304
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 7th day of May, 2024, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING
PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:
BALDWIN GROVE STREET (TH 93/24) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of West Seaman Avenue, south for a distance of 40 feet.
EAST MEADOW
ROSALIE DRIVE (TH 4(B)/24) West SideNO PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 115 feet south of the south curbline of Bard Lane, south for a distance of 25 feet.
ELMONT
GOTHAM AVENUE (TH 63/24) West Side -
NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Blackstone Street, north for a distance of 50 feet.
INWOOD SHERIDAN BOULEVARD (TH 88/24) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the north curbline of Maple Road, north for a distance of 30 feet.
MAPLE ROAD (TH 88/24) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the west curbline of Sheridan Boulevard, west for a distance of 30 feet.
NORTH BELLMOR
REGINA AVENUE (TH 115/24) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Bellmore Avenue, east for a distance of 30 feet.
REGINA AVENUE (TH 115/24) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Bellmore Avenue, east for a distance of 50 feet.
OCEANSIDE
WOODS AVENUE (TH 45(B)/24) East sideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Cleveland Street, south for a distance of 30 feet.
WOODS AVENUE (TH 45(B)/24) West sideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Cleveland Street, south for a distance of 30 feet.
WOODS AVENUE (TH 45(B)/24) East sideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Cleveland Street, north for a distance of 35 feet.
WOODS AVENUE (TH 45(B)/24) West sideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Cleveland Street, north for a distance of 35 feet.
BROWER AVENUE (TH 103/24) South SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 46 feet east of the east curbline of Skillman Avenue, then east to the west curbline of Ralph Avenue.
SOUTH HEMPSTEAD
LONG BEACH ROAD (TH 30/22) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at the north curbline of Willow Street, north for a distance of 204 feet.
LONG BEACH ROAD (TH 30/22) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 599 feet north of the north curbline of Willow Street, north to a point 22 feet south of the south curbline of Locust street.
LONG BEACH ROAD (TH 30/22) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Locust Street, south for a distance of 22 feet.
(NR) VALLEY STREAM CATALPA LANE (TH 107/24) West SideNO PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 14 feet south of the southwest curbline of Woodland
Road, then south for a distance of 61 feet.
WANTAGH
Interlake Drive (TH 90/24)
West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Bunker Avenue, south for a distance of 30 feet.
MERRICK ROAD (TH 96/24) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 357 feet west of a point opposite the east curbline of Riverside Drive, west for a distance of 28 feet.
(NR) WESTBURY
HANDY LANE (TH 95/24) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Salisbury Park Drive, east for a distance of 50 feet.
ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING
OR STANDING
PROHIBITIONS” from the following locations:
EAST MEADOW
ROSALIE DRIVE (TH 4/24)
West SideNO PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 41 feet south of the south curbline of Bard Lane, south for a distance of 25 feet.
(Adopted 2/28/24)
ELMONT
GOTHAM AVENUE (TH 386/75) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Blackstone Street, north for a distance of 46 feet.
(Adopted 6/15/76)
OCEANSIDE
BROWER AVENUE (TH 287/09) South SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a Point 46 feet east of the east curbline of Skillman Avenue, then east for a distance of 90 feet.
(Adopted 08/04/09)
SOUTH HEMPSEAD
LONG BEACH ROADWest Side - NO STOPPING OR STANDING ANYTIMEstarting from the curbline of Willow Street, north for a distance of 340 feet.
(Adopted 3/10/53)
LONG BEACH ROAD (TH 6/90) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at the south curbline of Locust Street, south to a point 340 feet north of the north curbline of Willow Street.
(Adopted 4/3/90)
ALL PERSONS
INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: April 9, 2024
Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 146303
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 7th day of May, 2024, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Chapter 202 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at the following locations:
BALDWIN GROVE STREET (TH 93/24) West SideSection 202-5 NO
PARKING ANYTIME EXCEPT SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND HOLIDAYS - starting at a point 11 feet north of the north curbline of Oakwood Avenue, then north for a distance of 66 feet.
EAST MEADOW
BRIGHT AVENUE (TH 99/24) East SideSection 202-24 TWO HOUR PARKING 9AM TO 9PM EXCEPT SUNDAY AND HOLYDAYS - starting at a point 12 feet north of the north curbline of Post Street, then north for a distance of 80 feet.
SOUTH HEMPSTEAD
LONG BEACH ROAD (TH 30/22) West SideSection 202-25 15
MINUTE PARKINGstarting at a point 204 feet north of the north curbline of Willow Street, north for a distance of 395 feet.
(NR)VALLEY STREAM
DUTCH BROADWAY (TH 77/24) South SideSection 202-18 NO
PARKING 8AM TO 4PMstarting at a point 228 feet west of the west curbline of Franklin Avenue, west for a distance of 60 feet.
WANTAGH MERRICK ROAD (TH 96/24) North SideSection 202-10 FOUR HOUR PARKING
BETWEEN SIGNSstarting at a point 165 feet west of a point opposite the east curbline of Riverside Drive, west for a distance of 192 feet.
MERRICK ROAD (TH 96/24) North SideFOUR HOUR PARKING
BETWEEN SIGNSStarting at a point 385 feet west of a point opposite the east curbline of Riverside Drive, west for a distance of 600 feet.
ALSO, to REPEAL from Chapter 202
“REGULATIONS AND
Friends For a Beautiful East Meadow, a recently established beautification organization, led its first community clean up on April 21, just a day before Earth Day.
East Meadow elementary schools’ properties, as well as the baseball and softball complex on Merrick Avenue, all were beautified in a day that inspired community togetherness. Over 50 bags of garbage were picked up by over 100 volunteers.
Girl Scout troops in East Meadow were out in full force, and the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow donated funds to allow the group to purchase gloves and other supplies for the clean up. The East Meadow Fire Department also donated trash bags, among other items, at each clean up location.
Community clean ups serve as a tangible way for individuals to contribute to environmental protection. By participating in cleanups, people become more aware of the extent of pollution in their communities. Clean ups provided immediate, viable results and inform young participants about why taking care of the environment is so important.
As Friends for a Beautiful East Meadow continues its work in the community, visit FABEM.org to learn how to get involved.
–Jordan Vallone
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CQ. I want to buy an attached home, and the houses around the condos have been raised. Our community got a lot of water during a big flood, so I’m told, since I didn’t live there at the time. I’m wondering, if I move into this condo, which I have to decide about right away, what can I do to protect it from flooding? It doesn’t look like the owners association wants to do anything. What can I do to this unit to be flood-proof?
A. The flooding you’re referring to could have been from any number of high tide and storm episodes, but I’m pretty sure you’re talking about Superstorm Sandy or Tropical Storm Irene. In both events, many of us witnessed the water levels and understood the impact of a high tide, and what high winds can produce.
There are things you can do, such as checking to see what level the building is, by going on the Federal Emergency Management Website, MSC. FEMA.gov. Look for the icon for flood maps and type in the building address. You’ll see a very detailed satellite image of the water lines that were recorded specifically at the crest of the highest water episode in recent years.
Look for your building. The streets should be labeled, but if not, look for identifiable shapes of buildings, street curves, main roads or even railroads to figure out the building location. Next, look for the letters and numbers for the different colored areas. If your potential building is in the area marked with an X, this is a good sign. It means the particular outlined area was not subject to the flooding. If it has an ae and a number, such as 8, 9, etc., with the letters, that indicates that zone got flooded, and your floor is required to be at least 2 feet higher than that designation.
You find the level of the first floor and lowest floor by examining records at your local building department, if they have the updated record since around 2012, or you’ll need to get an elevation certificate made by hiring a land surveyor. Since time is not on your side and a surveyor has to go to the site and take heights to determine what to put in an official elevation certificate, you are left to ask neighbors questions, or take the risk, or move on.
Nothing seems to move as fast as a real estate decision, and quite often I’m asked questions for which the answers are what neither buyer nor seller really wants to hear. Details are critical for one of the most important investments you’ll ever make, one that controls your financial life, so if you don’t have the time, decide on what risk to take. You could flood-proof all of the first floor walls, but how can anyone be certain the neighbor’s walls are also flood-proofed? Good luck!
Many Nassau County residents have their roots in Queens or Brooklyn, having made the decision to migrate from crowded city neighborhoods to leafy, bucolic suburbia. My own experience is probably typical of many. Born in Manhattan, raised in Queens, I attended high school and college in Brooklyn, and moved to Seaford over 50 years ago, where Rosemary raised our family and where we still live.
While all has gone well over the years and I have no regrets about making the move, I do have lasting memories of the friendships I made and the values I learned from those city streets and neighborhoods. There’s a group of eight or nine guys from my high school days in Brooklyn that I still get together with regularly at the ValBrook Diner in Valley Stream.
My high school was Brooklyn Prep, near where Ebbets Field used to be and
within walking distance of St. John’s Place, where my father grew up, and where my grandparents were still living during those years. I spent a lot of time hanging out with Tom Dewey, who was in my high school class and lived across the street from my grandparents. Dewey and his neighborhood group all shared his trait of never having a good word to say to or about anyone. Tom, who would eventually move to Valley Stream, had a successful career as a teacher and track coach, and was actually elected to Fordham’s Hall of Fame, without ever breaking his vow of surliness.
Vrity detail when I was in Congress, and for some reason found it interesting to listen to the endless banter and mindless conversations she would hear whenever our group got together.
isiting, among other childhood haunts, the school where we played stickball.
Last week, Tom and I, along with his cousin Allen Ryan and Charlie Norton, decided to spend a day in the old neighborhood. (Ryan, now in Hicksville, had lived in the same apartment house as Dewey; Norton a few blocks away.) Ryan and Norton had distinguished careers with the NYPD, and Ryan was on the crime scene unit the night mob boss Paul Castellano was rubbed out.
Joining us on this visit to the past was Melissa Zimmerman, a retired Nassau detective, who was on my secu-
WAmong our stops was Tom’s a famed luncheonette on Washington Avenue that has been around for almost 90 years and, as Zimmerman pointed out, still typifies neighborhood cuisine and personality. Then there was a walk up and down both sides of St. John’s Place, as we looked at the classically structured apartment houses still standing strong more than 100 years after their construction. This neighborhood and block went through several decades of rough times, but beginning in the 1990s had come back stronger than ever. (Listening to Dewey and Ryan reminisce, so too were their memories of St. John’s Place coming back.)
Then we went over to the local public school where we had played stickball, and then drove to Carroll Street to see what was once Brooklyn Prep and is now Medgar Evers College. Dewey and I pointed to the third floor window from which we could see Ebbets Field
before that historic structure was torn down after our beloved Dodgers abandoned Brooklyn for the vacuous environs of Los Angeles.
We finished our memory tour at Farrell’s Bar in nearby Park Slope/Windsor Terrace, where we had a few beers (but not Zimmerman, who was driving) and enjoyed the company of the midafternoon customers. Farrell’s is a famed neighborhood gathering place being featured in a soon-to-be-released film documentary. It hasn’t changed even the slightest over the years.
This trip back to Brooklyn, and being with Tom, Allen and Charlie, was more than just nostalgic. It was a reminder of the days of neighborhood beliefs, of learning that life isn’t fair, that the world doesn’t owe anyone a living and that not everyone will get a trophy. What matters is not hugging one another or looking for praise or compliments, but being loyal and standing by friends no matter what — and being a proud patriot, loving America, respecting the police and military.
It was a great day. Thanks for the memories.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
It’s easy to tell this Kennedy from the others
e are six months away from Election Day. Despite the media efforts to stir up public interest in a former president and the current president, the public isn’t ready to get serious. November is a long time from now, and there will be many distractions ahead before the polls become accurate and the voters give the candidates real consideration.
There are three announced third-party candidates, but only Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a serious contender, who at best is running as a spoiler.
I have been a student of Kennedy family history for many years. I had the good fortune to campaign for re-election to the State Assembly in 1968 with Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. He was a brilliant public servant with an illustrious record. He sat side by side with his older brother, President John F. Kennedy, during the Cuban missile crisis, and he helped the late president navigate historic legislation through Congress.
Robert Kennedy Jr. has never served
a day of his life in a serious government position and brings no relevant experience to his campaign. He claims that he has been exposed to the family’s various challenges, but that doesn’t constitute real on-the-job training. I am close to my son-in-law, who is a urological surgeon, but I don’t think that qualifies me to operate on any of our readers.
Kennedy is well known for his attacks on the use of vaccines on children. He is entitled to his First Amendment rights, but long before his rhetoric about the dangers of the Covid jab, he was asserting that drugs such as ivermectin, which is used to treat parasites, and the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine were good treatment for children with the coronavirus. These two drugs were also being pushed by the Trump administration, with no proof of their effectiveness.
reference to this tragic character in history, but it hasn’t stopped him from making wild claims on a variety of subjects.
R FK Jr. has frequently used the word ‘holocaust’ in remarks about vaccines.
In a recent CNN interview, Kennedy claimed he had the support of “some of my siblings,” but he didn’t name any of them. Last October, Kennedy’s sisters Rory and Kerry Kennedy Townsend and his brother Joseph P. Kennedy II criticized his candidacy, stating that his decision to run as a third party candidate was “dangerous to our country.” They added, “Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not have the same values, vision or judgment. We denounce his candidacy as perilous to our country.”
the gentleness that spared his life, but in taming his act of violence, he should not have the opportunity to terrorize again.”
The real question behind Kennedy’s candidacy is how independent he really is. He told CNN that President Biden is “the greatest threat to democracy,” words often used by Democrats to describe former President Donald Trump’s candidacy. A key Kennedy staffer stated two weeks ago that “Bobby is running to stop President Biden.” Kennedy’s biggest contributor is Timothy Mellon, who happens to be Trump’s biggest donor.
Kennedy has frequently used the word “holocaust” in remarks about vaccines, which has attracted severe criticism. He has even invoked Anne Frank as an example of a vaccine victim, which has drawn sharp criticism even from his wife, actress Cheryl Hines. Kennedy was forced to apologize for his
The friction between the Kennedy family and Robert is nothing new. In 2021, Sirhan Sirhan, who was convicted of killing Kennedy’s father in 1968, was up for parole in California. Kennedy published an op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle claiming that Sirhan was innocent of his father’s murder and should be set free from jail. Kennedy’s mother, Ethel, attacked his statement, saying, “Our family and our country suffered an unspeakable loss due to the inhumanity of one man. We believe in
It’s hard not to be cynical about Kennedy’s candidacy, especially because all he brings to the table is his father’s name. Before he chose attorney Nicole Shanahan as his running mate, he was considering New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Time will tell whether Kennedy was put up by Trump donors as a way to help him defeat Biden. We won’t know the true answers to the Kennedy campaign mystery until all the votes are counted.
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.
tuesday, May 21 is an important day — not just for our local school districts, which are busy putting together their budgets for the upcoming academic year, but for the future of our communities as well.
That’s the day when we head to voting booths and cast ballots not only to express our opinions on how our districts are spending money, but also on the school board trustees who will manage it.
It’s a valuable opportunity to have your voice heard, because our local schools are just that — local and ours. Unlike any other government spending plans, school budgets aren’t final until the people tasked to fund them decide they’re final with their votes.
Some may think voting isn’t necessary anymore because the property tax cap limits increases, and no local district wants to exceed its cap. But our voices are always necessary, because the budget isn’t just about how much money is raised for our schools, but how that money is spent. What programs will remain, what will go, and what new ones might begin — all of those decisions are in the hands of every one of us.
The May 21 vote isn’t just about spending, either. There are contested
To the Editor:
school board races in many districts. The people who win will make decisions that affect the entire community. The people who are elected will be the ones who keep the “local” in local decisionmaking.
But there’s one vital caveat: understanding what you’re voting on when you cast your ballot.
If you’re concerned about how much money your district plans to spend, find out what’s in the budget before you vote. you can typically find that information on the district’s website, or through the reporting here in the Herald.
However you vote, understand that your decision has an impact. We, as a collective society, should have a say in which direction our society takes, and that largely begins in schools.
In Rockville Centre, for example, annual school taxes are expected to jump $260 — a little over $20 per month. But those funds will be used to improve the district’s facilities, enhance cybersecurity, and create new classes in coding and robotics. The spending plan also avoids layoffs, introduces new sports teams, and appoints a new security director.
In Glen Cove, the district’s budget is focused on safety, intended to help parents send their children to school with-
Re U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s op-ed, “Migrants get more government support than veterans,” last week: His party is in the majority, and he is a valuable and loyal member of his caucus. Unable to deliver a meaningful benefit to the voters of his district — our promised deduction for state and local taxes — D’Esposito decides to attack the Democrats for their migrant policies.
The Senate passed a bipartisan immigration bill, but the Republicans wouldn’t even bring it to the floor in the House. They spent their time impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and what happened when that got to the Senate? We have serious problems with our current immigration system. We expect our elected representatives to work together to find an equitable solution, not to write misleading and incendiary articles to divert attention from their inability to pass any meaningful legislation that will actually benefit the voters in their districts.
In D’Esposito’s analysis, he described the assistance available to immigrants as greater than the assistance given to our disabled veterans. The problem isn’t that we’re giving immigrants too much; the problem is that we’re giving veterans too little. D’Esposito should stop trying to divert attention from his inability to pass legislation that will benefit the voters in his district and actually do something — anything.
DEnnIS BRADy Rockville Centreout worry. At the middle school, the public address system will be repaired for $1 million, as will the fire systems and clocks. And the spending plan will allow the district to hire more teachers, so students at the middle school can take more arts and language programs.
If a majority of voters reject a budget, the district must either hold a second vote — offering the same spending plan or a revised one — or adopt what is called a “contingency budget.” It’s also described as an “austerity budget,” and the tax levy issued with this spending plan can’t be larger than the previous year’s levy. The portion of the budget that is devoted to administrative costs cannot increase from the lower of either the previous year’s budget or the justdefeated budget. On top of that, any non-contingent expenditures must be removed from a contingency budget.
Whether you vote “yes” or “no” on school spending plans, it’s important to understand the implications. As the voting day nears, make sure you know where to go to cast your ballot. Contact your school district or visit its website. School district elections and the budget referenda are extraordinarily important. It’s your money. Take your responsibility seriously, and be an informed voter.
as we mark another Medicaid Awareness Month this April, we must reflect on the profound impact this program has had on the lives of millions of Americans. Signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Medicaid has transformed access to health care for lowincome, disabled and elderly Americans.
Building on this progress, New York has long been a national leader in offering comprehensive health coverage to its residents, including roughly 7.5 million — more than a third of the state’s total population — in the Medicaid program. On Long Island alone, more than 765,000 people are enrolled. While Medicaid provides financial security and access to health care to
more New Yorkers than ever before, Republicans in Congress, including Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, are threatening Medicaid by pushing for devastating cuts to key federal programs.
Earlier in his tenure, D’Esposito claimed to support fully funding critical lifeline programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. He has gone back on this promise time and time again, however, including supporting a provision that would slash nearly all government funding by 30 percent.
tcially for children. The program covers more than 38 million children, and pays for 41 percent of all births nationwide. Additionally, 60 percent of children with disabilities receive their coverage from Medicaid.
he program decreases the uninsured rate and reduces the cost of uncovered care.
Long Island families are already grappling with financial hardships, including difficulties affording mortgages, utilities and groceries. Cutting funding to critical safety-net programs like Medicaid would directly harm hardworking families who are just trying to find health care for their loved ones and make ends meet.
The consequences of cutting Medicaid funding would be disastrous, espe-
service and infrastructure.
At the end of World War II, the LIRR began to decline, and there was a corresponding loss of revenue. The Pennsylvania Railroad began to reduce its financial support as well. The LIRR went into receivership in 1949, but in recognition of the role it played in the economy of Long Island and New York City, the state began providing financial assistance in the 1950s.
The “Line of the Dashing Dan” was officially chartered as the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Authority on April 24, 1965, by the state. Up to that point, the LIRR had derived almost 100 percent of its funding for both capital and operating expenses from fares. The MCTA was created to purchase and operate the bankrupt LIRR.
In 1966, the state bought the railroad’s controlling stock from the Pennsylvania Rail Road and put it under the MCTA. The MCTA changed its name to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in 1968, when it took over operations of the New York City Transit Authority.
With MTA subsidies, the LIRR modernized further and grew into the busiest commuter railroad in the United States. Over the past 50 years, several billion dollars in combined county, city, state and federal taxpayer-generated dollars have subsidized its capital and operating costs.
Riders must remember that fare hikes are required periodically if the MTA is to provide the services millions of New Yorkers use daily. They are inevitable due to inflation, along with increasing costs of labor, power, fuel, supplies, materials, routine safety, state
of good repair, replacement of worn-out rolling stock, upgrades to stations, yards and shops, along with system expansion projects necessary to run any transit system.
In the end, quality and frequency of service depend on secure revenue streams. We all have to contribute — be it at the fare box or tax revenue redistributed back to the MTA. There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch — or in this case, a free ride.
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer and a former director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.
To the Editor:
Last week was National Work Zone Awareness Week. Each year at the start of the highway construction season, the state Department of Transportation participates in this national campaign to remind motorists about the importance of driving safely and responsibly in and around work zones.
At NYSDOT, safety is our top priority. We take every step possible to protect our highway workers by deploying the latest technology in crash attenuators, flashing yellow lights, signs, cones, bar-
The program also plays an important role in addressing the opioid epidemic, one of the most urgent public health crises facing Long Island. Thousands of Island residents have died of overdoses since the crisis began, and drug deaths hit a record 109,689 nationwide in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Long Islanders battling substance abuse disorders rely on Medicaid coverage for treatment and behavioral health services.
While President Biden and Democrats in Congress have championed reducing health care costs and improving access to care for the American people, Republicans like D’Esposito are actively working to roll back that prog-
ress.
Fully funding Medicaid is simply common sense: It has drastically decreased the uninsured rate, improved health outcomes and reduced the costs of uncompensated care. Having health insurance through Medicaid helps Americans stay healthy, go to work, care for their families and pay their bills. The program helps our communities, hospitals, schools and economy thrive.
But D’Esposito’s voting record shows that time and again, he is in line with MAGA extremists who are pushing for Medicaid cuts, going against the best interests and well-being of our Long Island communities.
Rep. D’Esposito, I urge you to listen to your constituents, who are calling on you to fully fund these vital programs. In the wealthiest nation on earth, no one should have to go into debt to cover the cost of their basic medical needs. If your MAGA Republican colleagues get their way, the most vulnerable New Yorkers will be left behind.
rels, reflective gear, etc.
The biggest risk to our highway workers is the motorist. By paying attention to your driving, you are saving a life! Please do your part to help our highway workers return home safely to their families each night. Put down your cellphone, move over for flashing lights, and slow down. There is someone’s life behind those work zone traffic control
devices.
And for those who choose to ignore the rules of the road, be forewarned: NYSDOT is working with the police on targeted enforcement and deploying automated speed-enforcement cameras in our work zones.
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