Long Beach Herald 02-22-2024

‘Harriet Tubman Herself’ celebrates Black History Month

Christine Dixon took the stage as the famed abolitionist last Sunday at the Long Beach Public Library. She told Tubman’s story with a little help from Grace Campmany, 7, at left above, and Noelle Calabrese-Decatrel, 8. Dixon offered attendees a glimpse into Tubman’s extraordinary life and her enduring impact.

Meet L.B.’s acting top cop

In 22 years on the force, DePalma has learned from ‘great bosses’

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

As the executive officer of the Long Beach Police Department, Richard DePalma was second-in-command to Commissioner Ron Walsh, who resigned on Jan. 22 after three years on the job.

When Walsh departed, DePalma stepped in, named acting police commissioner for the foreseeable future. He will continue to make his inspector’s salary of $221,785. The city is not currently looking for a permanent commissioner.

young man, I wanted to be out in the world helping, contributing and making a good contribution to society. I thought being a police officer would be a good way to do it, working with the community and doing what we can to serve.”

I wanted to be out in the world helping, contributing.

RICHARD DePAlMA Acting police commissioner

DePalma, 48, grew up in Rockville Centre. He graduated from Southside High School, and earned a degree in history, philosophy, politics and law from Binghamton University in 1997. He always knew he wanted to work in law enforcement.

“I always had respect for cops growing up,” he said. “It was always something I aspired to do, although I don’t think I saw myself sitting in an office, which is ironic. When I was a

After graduating from Binghamton, DePalma moved to Long Beach and joined the New York City Police Department in 1997, initially patrolling Manhattan’s West Village, in the city’s 6th Precinct. He was there for five years before being hired by the Long Beach Police Department in 2002. He now lives in Lido Beach.

DePalma has had a variety of assignments in the department over his 22 years there. Early on, he was a member of the plainclothes street crime unit. He was promoted to sergeant in 2008, and patrolled in uniform before becoming the street crime unit sergeant. He spent a total of four years with the street crime unit.

He returned to patrol in 2012

Continued on page 4

Jaci Zitman/Herald photos

Islanders to host 2026 NHL All-Star Game

By TONY BELLISSIMO

tbellissimo@liherald.com

The next National Hockey League All-Star Game will be played at UBS Arena in Elmont.

The announcement came Sunday afternoon during the first intermission of the Islanders-Rangers Stadium Series game at MetLife Stadium. Islanders legend Denis Potvin broke the news alongside Islanders legend Bryan Trottier during a live interview on ABC with reporter Emily Kaplan.

It’ll take place in 2026 and serve as an appetizer to that year’s Winter Olympics. There will be no All-Star Game next season as the NHL pivots to a 4 Nations Face-Off.

“The National Hockey League is thrilled to have the best and brightest of our game hosted at the spectacular UBS Arena for the 2026 NHL All-Star Weekend,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “We have been looking forward to UBS Arena playing host to one of our major League events since before construction of this wonderful arena began. We have every confidence that the Islanders organization, led by Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky, will deliver a celebration that will make the greater New York region and the NHL proud.”

Additional information on the NHL’s midseason showcase including its dates, ticketing and broadcast information, will be announced when available.

“We are honored to be invited to host the National Hockey League, the game’s finest players and fans from around the world to join us in New York for the 2026 NHL All-Star Weekend,” said Malkin, the Islanders’ Majority Owner.

“Whether our guests will be watching the talented players on the ice in UBS Arena, a building built specifically for hockey, shopping in Belmont Park Village or

enjoying pre- and post-game festivities in The Park, the 2026 All-Star weekend will show NHL fans the outstanding destination we have for hockey, shopping and entertainment,” he added.

The 2026 All-Star Weekend will mark the second time the Islanders host NHL All-Star activities, with first being the 1983 edition featuring the Campbell Conference All-Stars defeating the Wales Conference All-Stars 9-3, and Wayne Gretzky claiming NHL All-Star MVP honors at Nassau Coliseum.

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“After an impressive All-Star Weekend earlier this month, the players are looking forward to raising the bar even higher at UBS Arena in 2026 where we know the New York Islanders will be great hosts for the event,” said Marty Walsh, NHLPA Executive Director. “The NHL All-Star Weekend will be an exciting lead-in to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.”

Fans can sign up to receive news and updates on the 2026 NHL All-Star Weekend. Visit NHL.com/Islanders for more information.

News brief

L.B. Humane Society to bowl for kittens

The Long Beach Humane Society is hosting its annual Bowling for Kitties Fundraising Event at Maple Lanes in Rockville Centre.

Having become an essential part of Long Island’s efforts to rescue animals, the humane Society and their Kitty Cover consistently makes a difference by rescuing, fostering, and finding homes for around 300 dogs and cats each year.

The Bowling for Kitties event is set to bring together a diverse range of attendees, from families to passionate animal lovers and people who enjoy bowling. It

A

promises an enjoyable evening dedicated to supporting the humane society’s crucial work and aiding in fundraising efforts to prevent its at-risk status.

The event is scheduled for Sunday, February 25, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. A notable feature of this year’s fundraiser is the pledge of a generous donor to match all donations received.

Tickets are available for purchase in advance online, through Venmo, or at the door. To learn more about the event and contribute to the cause, it’s website at LongBeachHumaneSociety.net.

The projecT includes: Fabrication and installation of perimeter security fencing. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of security, adherence to work schedule, prior experience, references and cost. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at GrantBids2024@gmail.com

All interested firms will be required to sign for the proposal documents and provide primary contact, telephone, fax and email address. MWBE businesses are encouraged to bid.

Bids will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on March 7, 2024, and work is to commence by April 1, 2024 and be completed by June 30, 2024.

Herald file photo

Elmont’s UBS Arena will host the next National Hockey League All-Star Game.

HERALD SCHOOLS

Photos courtesy Long Beach Public Schools

Seventh graders showcase history projects

Long Beach Middle School seventh graders are again participating in the NYS National History Day contests. In late January, the entire grade showcased work based on this year’s theme of “Turning Points in History” as part of the first of four levels of the competition.

The students extensively researched historical figures and events of their choice and presented key facts and findings in various forms. Over the course of several months, students explored their topics and created projects ranging from display boards to documentaries, from websites to stage performances. All incorporated supporting thesis statements. Through the process, students developed skills in communication, project management, and historical thinking.

Many students were selected to compete at the regional competition at Hofstra University later in March.

The individual exhibits included Elora Gerantabee’s project “Stonewall Riot,” Kylie Gorman’s“Title IX” and Mclayne Murphy’s “Jackie Robinson.”

Group exhibits included Leah Schade, Ava Shammas and Isabella Amaya’s project “Schindler,” Leia Sacks and Sofia Salamone’s “Women’s Jobs WW2,” and Kingsley Paz and Reilly LaFerlita’s “Horror Movie.”

Individual paper showcased Mirella Myron’s project “Belfast Agreement.”

Individual website included Lucas Kubler’s “Labanan Sa Mactan (Battle of Mactan).”

Individual documentary included Maven

Aull’s project: “Open Sesame: How Sesame Street Opened Learning for All.”

Group documentary included Katherine O’Brien and Chloe Pennant’s project: “Ruby Bridges.”

National History Day is a nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for teachers and students to engage in historical research. NHD is an innovative curriculum framework. Students learn history by selecting topics of interest and launching into year-long research projects. The mission of NHD is to improve the teaching and learning of history in middle and high school. The most visible vehicle is the NHD Contest. Winners of the NYS History Day Contest will be announced in May.

–Brendan Carpenter

Seventh graders in Long Beach Middle School showcased some work they completed, in preparation for the state’s National History Day contest.

Kylie Gorman with her project, “Title IX.”

Leia Sacks and Sofia Salamone with their project, “Women’s Jobs During WWII.”

Elora Gerantabee with her project, “Stonewall Riot,”

DePalma looking to make improvements

Continued from page 1

as a sergeant, and in 2019 he was promoted to lieutenant, before eventually moving up to deputy inspector and then inspector. He also served as executive officer twice.

“I was the executive officer initially under Commissioner (Phil) Ragona,” DePalma said, “and then I continued to be the executive officer under Commissioner Walsh.” Walsh took over two months after Ragona resigned in 2020. In the interim, DePalma was temporarily promoted to acting police commissioner for the first time.

“I’ve had some great bosses, and I’ve taken a little bit away from each of them,” he said. “I’ve always described it as a bag,” he added of his career. “I take a little bit from one boss and throw it in my bag, and a little from that boss and throw it in my bag. I try to take a little bit of something from everybody to help me do my job better and learn, because I’ve had a lot of great teachers.”

One of the first challenges he will tackle, he said, is the full implementation of the department’s body camera program. About half of the officers on patrol have been outfitted with body cameras since December, and the rest should have them by next month.

“We are in the process of implementing the officers in body cameras,” he said. “Pretty much all of the day-shift officers are trained, and now we’re

working on getting the night-shift officers trained with the body cameras. It’s a good tool for the department and for the public, for transparency purposes.”

In a related move, DePalma and the department are also working toward improving their management of the video they collect. DePalma said this is

The projecT includes: Fabrication and installation of entryway security doors. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of security, adherence to work schedule, prior experience, references and cost. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at GrantBids2024@gmail.com

All interested firms will be required to sign for the proposal documents and provide primary contact, telephone, fax and email address. MWBE businesses are encouraged to bid.

Bids will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on March 7, 2024, and work is to commence by April 1, 2024 and be completed by June 30, 2024.

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the “bigger and harder” aspect of their work with body cameras. The department is also still adjusting to longer shifts, expanded from 10 hours to 12.

The department tries to develop, and maintain, good relationships with community members of all ages. DePalma said that Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts

The

from New York estate taxes is 6.94 million, indexed for inflation. For most clients this presents no issue – their estates will never approach the exemption. However, for the fortunate few who have assets, including life insurance, that may exceed roughly seven million dollars, there is a significant tax liability. Changes in New York estate tax law in the last few years introduced a “fiscal cliff”. Whereas formerly New York only taxed the amount over the exemption, if you exceed the limit today (by a mere 5%) they tax the whole estate. You’re over the cliff!

The tax is surprisingly large. On a roughly seven million dollar estate, the taxes payable to New York exceed five hundred thousand dollars. An estate over ten million would owe over a million in estate tax.

These New York estate taxes are avoidable if you have a spouse and you create an estate plan using two trusts, which doubles the exemption. Another way to avoid the fiscal cliff is to use the “Santa Clause” providing that you gift to charities of your choice all amounts over the exemption. Gifts to charities are deductible

regularly visit the precinct, and on “walk-through Wednesdays,” officers drop in at schools in the Long Beach district to meet with students. They have also participated in career days, and National Night Out also draws large crowds each August, when the department and community members spend time together.

“I think the Long Beach Police has a great relationship with the community, I really do,” DePalma said. “Are we perfect? No, but can we improve? Of course. But I think we do have a good relationship, and I plan on continuing that relationship and doing what I can to get my officers to engage in the community, have a good relationship and serve.”

DePalma said he understands that he’s the top man in the department now, but reiterated that he can’t do the job alone.

“I’m the guy sitting in this chair right now, but this department has over 100 employees, sworn and un-sworn, and it’s a team effort,” he said. “No one can do this job alone. I’ve been living here since 1997, and I do have a great feel for this community. I know a lot of people in this community — my kids go to school in this community. I love this area, I love being here, I love living here, I love working here. Not only do I work here to serve, but living here gives me perspective of what the residents want as well.”

from estate taxes.

While the Federal estate tax exemption of 13.61 million is “portable”, i.e. if the first spouse doesn’t use their exemption or any part of it, it passes to the surviving spouse, New York does not allow for portability. It’s use it or lose it.

The Federal exemption is expected to be reduced from the 13.61 million exemption, passed by the Trump administration, to the 6.94 million, adjusted for inflation, that New York uses, at the end of 2025. For larger estates, there remains a planning opportunity by making gifts while the higher exemption is in place. You may use any of your Federal estate tax exemptions to make gifts while you are living. These gifts are reported to the IRS and get subtracted from what you may give at death.

One added attraction to gifting is that New York does not tax gifts -- so that gifts may also be used to avoid onerous New York estate taxes at death. There is a minor exception that gifts made within three years of the death of the donor are brought back into the donor’s estate for New York estate tax purposes.

Courtesy City of Long Beach richard depalma, center, was appointed acting police commissioner on Jan. 22 by deputy City manager phil ragona, left, and City manager dan Creighton.

Fire breaks out on West Broadway Tuesday

Nearby departments assist Long Beach in putting out blaze at vacant building

The Long Beach Fire Department responded to fire at 315 W. Broadway Monday evening. The building is currently vacant and under construction.

The fire was considered Second Alarm.

The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and there were no injuries to any firefighters or residents.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Nassau County Police Arson and Bomb Squad and the Long Beach Police Department.

The department received tons of help at the scene from the Island Park Fire Department, Oceanside NY Fire Department, Inwood Fire Department, Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department, Baldwin Fire Department and the Point Lookout-Lido Fire Department. There was also an ambulance from Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital.

The Hewlett Fire Department, Woodmere Volunteer Fire Department, East Rockaway Fire Department, Rockville Centre Fire Department, Valley Stream Fire Department, Roosevelt Fire Department and Atlantic Beach Rescue stood by for any other alarms. Medics, firefighters and EMT’s all answered the call.

Photos

Artificial intelligence through the years:

OpenAI, an artificial intelligence and research company, publicly released ChatGPT-3 on Nov. 30, 2022. Now, a little more than a year later, the sophisticated chatbot — with more than 180 million monthly users — is seemingly developing faster than users can keep up. To understand how this language model became one of the most technologically advanced virtual assistants in the world, you have to go back nearly 75 years.

1966:

Imagining classrooms — and a future

By Ben Fiebert, Parker Schug & Nicole Wagner

First part in a series exploring the presence of artificial intelligence in our schools, and over time, in society as a whole. Thoughts? Questions? Ideas?

Email us at execeditor@liherald.com.

Artificial intelligence — it all starts with an idea. One developed by a computer programmed to mimic the human intelligence process through learning, reasoning and self-correction.

AI is already deeply ingrained in society. Whether it be smartphones with virtual assistants like Siri and Bixby, search engines making suggestions for what we’re looking for online, to even the spam filtering and email categorization in email platforms like Gmail.

The fast-growing advancements of AI may be hard to keep up with, especially as more and more platforms develop that specialize in AI like ChatGPT and Canva.

Television and news outlets focus more on how AI can turn your dog into a Muppet, or how it can instantly write a sonnet about someone’s favorite desserts.

But AI is finding its way into more and more of our everyday lives and it’s something that has institutions like our public schools racing to find the best ways to not only adapt, but to appropriately integrate AI into the classroom.

receives,” ChatGPT responded when asked what it was designed for.

It’s commonly used to answer a variety of questions, or brainstorm ideas. It can help draft emails and compose essays. It can help with extensive research, and even translate text from one language to another.

And for those looking to be a little less serious, ChatGPT can tell jokes, strike up a casual conversation, and even participate in storytelling and roleplaying scenarios.

But it can also write term papers, or essays. Or complete homework. And detecting when AI is being used is virtually impossible. That has created some concerns for school administrators, while at the same time tasking them to redevelop curriculum that prepares future minds for a future where AI is prevalent.

Ting Wang, a Stony Brook University associate professor who also directs its Algorithmic Learning, Privacy and Security Lab, describes the original conception of AI as “a feeble attempt to recreate intelligence and to help humans achieve specific tasks.” He believes developers have come a long way in achieving success doing just that.

ChatGPT is a popular example of this. Launched in late 2022, the software describes itself as an online interface that is “like having a conversation with a very knowledgeable and helpful friend — except this friend is actually a computer program.” It has been trained on swaths of data, making it capable of completing many different tasks ranging from gathering information, getting some helpful advice, or even looking to simply have a friendly chat.

“ChatGPT is designed for generating human-like text based on the input it

“From the academic perspective, I think one of the challenges is that it’s becoming harder and harder to obtain these AI models because they’re super expensive, the training costs, and have a requirement of huge amounts of data,” Wang said. “Those type of resources are not so accessible for the academia world.”

Where is AI?

Google, Bing and other search engines have used forms of artificial intelligence for years, but more recently began making its integration more obvious. Google integrated what it calls “generative AI” into its systems some 20 years ago, which typically predicts the next word in a search phrase.

ChatGPT also can edit certain articles, blog posts or other forms of writing. If someone asks ChatGPT to write an email with specific requirements, for example, the AI can handle it because its “training” has covered these sort of scenarios. What makes ChatGPT unique from other AI platforms, Wang said, is the massive amounts of data that “trains” it.

“You can see many artists, especially digital artists, using this program to create content that you cannot easily create manually,” Wang said.

Brett Tanzer — a product management vice president for Microsoft’s cloud platform, Azure — says models created by AI developers are installed in products like Bing and Microsoft Copilot, an

Nicole Wagner/Herald A reporter asks ChatGPT to describe not only itself, but the artificial intelligence language model that powers it. AI has gone from science-fiction to science-fact, and schools are among a number of institutions around the world working to adapt.

AI companion technology which utilizes ChatGPT among other language models, to aid users in their day-to-day lives.

This helps users brainstorm alternatives for ideas on a given issue if they get stuck.

“It’s already being applied to help people reduce workforce time,” Tanzer said.

Creatives aren’t the only ones utilizing AI for their work. Many in the health care industries are using AI products like those offered by Microsoft to accelerate medical research for advanced treatment and diagnosis of diseases.

“That’s really helping practitioners and doctors in their day-to-day experiences with patients,” Tanzer said.

Educators are utilizing AI in classrooms around Nassau County. In Franklin Square, for example, a robot named Milo interacts with students to help them hone their social and emotional skills.

Pamela Taylor, Franklin Square’s pupil personnel services director, said at the time the school had done a lot of

training to bring Milo into the classroom.

While Milo is the first robot of its kind to be used in a Long Island classroom, its ability to work with students on their confidence in emotional skills is something Taylor is eager to spread throughout the district.

“We are looking to expand,” she said, “because he’s appropriate for all learners.”

An artificial intelligence elective course at Bellmore-Merrick school district’s Sanford H. Calhoun High School is teaching students about the basic principles of AI through exposure to machine-learning algorithms in Python computer programming language.

Danielle Caliendo, a math and computer science chair at Calhoun, says this course prepares students for careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“It also equips them with the skills necessary for today’s world where artificial intelligence is shaping the way we live and work,” Caliendo said, in a

The term ‘artificial intelligence’ is coined by John McCarthy. Computer scientist Arthur Samuel develops a program called ‘Samuel’s Checker Players’ to play checkers, which is the first to ever learn the game independently.

Edward Feigenbaum and Joshua Lederberg create the first ‘expert system’ called Denral, which was AI programmed to replicate the thinking and decision-making abilities of human experts. The purpose of this program was to map the structure of molecules, and to help chemists identify unknown organic molecules.

MIT professor Joseph Weizenbaum creates the first chatbot called Eliza to simulate human conversations. The program was designed to mimic human conversation, utilizing words users entered into a computer, and then pairing them to a list of possible scripted responses.

The U.S. government

little interest in continuing to fund AI research.

1970s:

1980s:

AI is booming. Government funding led to breakthroughs in research. The use of the expert system program becomes more popular, allowing computers to learn from their mistakes and make independent decisions. This leads to the development of the Fifth Generation Computer project, with a goal of creating computers that could converse in human language and express reasoning on a human level.

1997:

2011:

2016:

2014:

2020:

Seeing artificial intelligence in daily life?

recent interview.

What does the future hold for AI?

Overall AI research at Stony Brook is intended to maximize the practical impact of artificial intelligence. Wang works on AI’s resilience against malicious manipulations, preserving privacy among users, and making the data written by AI more transparent and interpretable to users.

“People don’t have a great understanding of what AI can and can’t do,” Wang said. “I think people use AI as a magical box, and it actually may not work as expected for normal users.”

Yties to transform power in engineering, productivity, health care and cybersecurity.

Wang envisions ChatGPT becoming even more customizable and personalized than it is now. Although it’s already quite adaptable, users have their own individual requirements and writing styles that ChatGPT is not necessarily trained to understand.

ou can see many artists . . . to create content that you cannot easily create manually

TIng W Ang associate professor Stony Brook University

As AI models become more sophisticated, Tanzer said, Microsoft has its sights set on developing models with advanced capabili-

“You may want the program to draft an email in your own style and have your own specific writing requirements,” Wang said, “and currently, the chatbot may not be able to do that.

”It’s an ever-evolving landscape,” Wang said. “I think from the perspective of classroom teaching, people are still trying to figure out what is the best way to harness the power of AI, and at the same time kind of limit and curve the harmful impact of this technology.”

third-grade students at franklin Square’s John Street School learn how to hone their social and emotional skills with the help of milo the robot. equipped with adaptive artificial intelligence, milo is designed to read facial cues from those around him to teach students techniques to cope with their emotions.

showed

Deep Blue — a computer run by the AI program alpha–beta search algorithm and developed by IBM — beats world chess champion Gary Kasparov, becoming the first computer program to beat a human chess champion. This kickstarts an era introducing AI into everyday life through innovations such as the first Roomba and speech recognition software on Windows computers.

Apple releases Siri, the first popular virtual assistant, found primarily on the company’s iPhones.

Amazon releases the Echo, powered by a voicecontrolled intelligent personal assistant named Alexa. These devices are smart speakers equipped with microphones for voice commands.

Google releases the Google Assistant and its voice-activated speaker: the Google Nest.

OpenAI starts beta testing GPT-3, a model that uses deep learning — a method of AI that teaches computers to process data in a way that mimics the human brain — to create code, poetry and other writing tasks.

Rei Wolfsohn/Herald file

Hundreds unite to remember Beckwith

By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.com

Bob Beckwith rushed out of retirement as a New York City firefighter to help a friend find his missing son at ground zero, three days after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, that shook New York City — and the country — to its core.

This selfless choice turned Beckwith into a beacon of hope for the nation when he stood on the rubble at President George W. Bush’s side — hope he embodied until the day he died on Feb. 4. He was 91.

Beckwith ultimately succumbed to a 9/11-related melanoma, and was remembered by family, friends, leaders and a large number of off-duty firemen during Beckwith’s Feb. 10 funeral in Baldwin, before he was buried at Greenfield Cemetery in Uniondale.

Some will remember Beckwith for the iconic photo and video featuring him with Bush on Sept. 14, 2001, while others recall how Beckwith was a humble man who would sit in the back row of St. Christopher’s Church in Baldwin every Saturday evening while still finding time to visit a Levittown diner with his friends each week.

Beckwith enjoyed playing the piano, fishing, watching “Jeopardy,” spending time with his grandchildren, and attending their lacrosse games. He also took part Irish step dance competitions, and spent time at the Baldwin American Legion post.

Beckwith was an ordinary man, he would proclaim, who by chance was given the opportunity to uplift Americans during one the country’s darkest times.

Beckwith was retired for more than a decade after 30 years of service with the New York City Fire Department when he learned the son of his old friend, Jimmy Boyle, was missing amid the ruins of the twin towers.

inspiring words, with his arm draped around Beckwith.

“America, today, is on bended knee in prayer for the people whose lives were lost here, for the workers who work here, and for the families who mourn,” Bush said at the time.

Bush would remain close to Beckwith, and shared a statement for former U.S. Rep. Peter King to read at his funeral.

“Laura and I are saddened by the passing of Bob Beckwith,” Bush said, explaining how the retired firefighter raced toward danger, showcasing the resilient spirit of all Americans during 9/11.

“I want to say that no one is indispensable,” King said in his own eulogy. “Bob Beckwith is indispensable. He was one of a kind.”

Beckwith was born April 16, 1932 in Astoria. After graduating from Rice High School in Manhattan in 1952, Beckwith joined the U.S. Navy n the tail end of the Korean war, before going on to study at LaGuardia Community College.

After graduating, Beckwith held various jobs like driving for UPS. But it was in 1964 Beckwith became an FDNY firefighter, kickstarting a 30-year career with the department.

Having lost two sons of his own, Beckwith understood the grief Boyle was going through.

So, he sprang into action and headed to ground zero while the rest of the nation remained in shock.

Beckwith later described how he was just in the right spot at the right time. Bush was paying his respects to those lost at ground zero, and wanted to speak directly to those who were digging through the rubble looking for survivors.

The president spotted Beckwith, and had him stand next to him where, using a megaphone, Bush delivered

Beckwith met his wife Barbara at a picnic in 1956. They were married a year later, settling down on Fairview Avenue in Baldwin, where they raised their six children.

Beckwith retired from the FDNY in 1994. He would find himself enjoying time at home, entertained by his two great-grandsons with a smile across his face.

Besides his wife, Beckwith is survived by daughter Christine; sons Bob, Richard and Stephen; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by sons Joseph and Tommy.

Christine Rivera/Herald

Firefighters salute the casket of Bob Beckwith as it is placed on top of a Baldwin Fire Department fire truck.

A half century of love is in the air at the Coral House

In celebration of Valentine’s Day — the most romantic day of the year — Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray presided over vow renewals of 116 couples on Feb. 14.

One couple, in particular, is from Lido Beach.

The dynamic duo, Carol and Kenneth Larkin, have been married for 53 years.

In total, 232 Town of Hempstead residents took part in the Valentine’s Day event, with ceremonies being held at the Coral House in Baldwin — on the backdrop of a snow-kissed lake, thanks to snowfall from the day prior.

Several vow renewals were of couples who had been together for decades, including one married couple who have been together for 74 years. Additional

couples had been together for 60 years, and other duos ranged from just one year of marriage to 59 years of marriage.

Valentine’s Day is already a day dedicated to love and romance, making it an ideal occasion for reaffirming marital vows. The symbolism of celebrating love on this day adds an extra layer of significance to the renewal ceremony.

Renewing marriage vows on Valentine’s Day is a way for couples to reflect on their journey together, celebrate their love, and look forward to the future — and more years of marriage to come. The Town of Hempstead event served as an opportunity to reaffirm the promises couples made on their wedding day and strengthen the bond that they share.

AIP, library host ‘Harriet Tubman Herself’

Christine Dixon captivates crowd for Black History Month

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

In honor of Black History Month, Artists in Partnership hosted “Harriet Tubman: Herself” on Sunday afternoon, captivating audiences with an interactive and educational one-woman show.

A goal of the organization is to offer opportunities for artists, connect with new audiences, and reflect the diverse cultures and histories of the community through its programs. Amid discussions about changing history to avoid discomfort, Johanna Mathieson, Director of Artists in Partnership, emphasizes the role of the arts in acknowledging, safeguarding, and preserving all aspects of history, even the difficult ones.

“It is through these cross-cultural, person-to-person interactions, telling our stories and listening to the stories of others, and sharing our customs and beliefs that we arrive at the understanding that, within our unique backgrounds and histories, we are connected by common threads- it’s the condition of being human,” Mathieson said.

“Our ancestor is here,” announced Mathieson, to the audience in the darkened auditorium of the Long Beach Public Library. Silence, and then the strains of “My Train” echoed as Christine Dixon began her performance and journey as Harriet Tubman.

Through her compelling portrayal, Dixon offered attendees a glimpse into the extraordinary life and enduring impact of Harriet Tubman.

From her efforts to liberate enslaved peoples to the journeys she undertook to guide them to freedom, Dixon narrated Tubman’s experiences. The audience was deeply moved as they learned of Tubman’s unwavering determination to secure freedom for herself and countless others, including members of her own family.

“Lighting and guiding Harriet’s way to the stage were numerous inspirational lanterns created prior to her arrival by the diverse group of audience members and arranged to create her path to ‘Freedom,’” Mathieson said. “For the next 90 minutes Harriet shared the story of her life as a slave, her trials and tribulations, her remarkable victories and why she is someone who is held in such high esteem within the pages of our American History. Engaging young, and older mem-

bers of the audience to join her on stage to reenact pivotal times in her life, the program took on a true community theatre feel.”

The concept for “Harriet Tubman: Herself” originated from Hollywood Theatre Critic member Morna Murphy Martell and draws inspiration from Sarah Bradford’s seminal 1868 biography of Tubman.

Dixon’s involvement in the production did not just show off her talent and storytelling skills—it also showed her dedication. As a member of New York Women in Film and Television and SAG-AFTRA, she not only acted but also directed and produced the show, ensuring it was authentic and had a lasting impact.

“This educational and entertaining collaboration between Artists in Partnership, Inc. and the Long Beach Public Library marked the 751st performance presented by Christine throughout the United States and Europe,” Mathieson said. “Visit our website at aip4arts.org to learn more about future programs and how you can get involved.”

Jaci Zitman/Herald photos Artists in Partnership has been sharing art through different mediums in Long Beach for over 20 years. AIP has several other cross-cultural events planned for the year.

The performance was not only educational but also interactive with the audience.

Crime watCh arrest

Abram Yakabov, 29, of 73rd Terrace in Flushing, Queens, was arrested on Feb. 5 and has been charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and vehicle and traffic law offenses following an investigation on Park Place.

Heliodoro Huertero, 43, of Boston Avenue in Bay Shore, was arrested on Feb. 8 and has been charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and vehicle and traffic law offenses following an investigation on Sunrise Highway.

Burglary

An employee of Mediscript Pharmacy reported on Feb. 10 someone broke the rear door and stole merchandise.

Criminal misChief

A pedestrian reported on Feb. 5 spotting graffiti on the roadway at Fireman’s Field.

A motorist reported on Feb. 8 someone damaged the door handle and lock on her vehicle.

fire

Units with the Rockville Centre Police and Fire departments responded to a fire at K&K Automotive on Feb. 6, which required the assistance of mutual aid from surrounding fire companies and the evacuation of adjacent buildings. No one was harmed as a result. Several vehicles and nearby buildings sustained fire, smoke and water damage. The cause of the fire has been deemed non-suspicious.

larCeny

An employee of Bagelry on Merrick Road reported on Feb. 6, someone stole a tip jar from the counter inside the business.

A customer of TGI Fridays reported on Feb. 7 someone stole her vehicle

from the parking lot.

A resident of Crocker Street reported on Feb. 10 an employee of a car dealer ship stole his car while it was being delivered to the dealership for repairs.

A resident of Voorhis Avenue reported on Feb. 9 someone stole a package from the front of her house.

A resident of Vernon Avenue reported on Feb. 17, someone stole his bicycle from the LIRR Rockville Centre Station.

leaving the sCene of an aCCident

A motorist reported on Feb. 9 his vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which fled the scene while parked in an Ocean Avenue parking lot.

A motorist reported on Feb. 10 his vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which fled the scene while he was parked in Municipal Parking Field No. 1.

A motorist reported on Feb. 10 his vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which fled the scene while driving on Sunrise Highway.

A motorist reported on Feb. 15 her vehicle was struck by another vehicle which fled the scene while driving on Sunrise Highway.

ProPerty damage

On Feb. 15, a motorist reported dam age to the mirror on his vehicle while parked on Roxen Road.

On Feb. 15, a motorist reported damage to his vehicle caused by construction debris while parked in municipal parking field no. 1.

unusual inCident

An employee of the Nissan dealership reported on Feb. 13, someone purchased a vehicle after providing inaccurate information on their loan application.

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.

A NoNprofit orgANizAtioN iN NAssAu CouNty is seekiNg seAled Bids

the projeCt iNCludes: Fabrication and installation of impact resistant windows and security film. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of security, adherence to work schedule, prior experience, references and cost. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at g rantBids2024@gmail.com

All interested firms will be required to sign for the proposal documents and provide primary contact, telephone, fax and email address. MWBE businesses are encouraged to bid.

Bids will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on March 7, 2024, and work is to commence by April 1, 2024 and be completed by June 30, 2024.

1248001 1248395

HOST

ANTOINETTE BIORDI

4X AWARD-WINNING REPORTER NEWS 12 ANCHOR/REPORTER

KEYNOTE

SARA GORE TVHOST, NBC UNIVERSAL LUXURYREALESTATESPECIALIST, SERHANT.

SPECIAL AWARDS

BROKER OF THE YEAR

Ron Koenigsberg

President American Investment Properties

CONSTRUCTION GROUP OF THE YEAR

The Kulka Group

FATHER & SON POWER TEAM

Dan Pulatani

Vice President

MP Construction D, Inc.

Mel Pulatani

President

MP Construction D, Inc.

ENGINEERING

Christopher W. Robinson, PE

President R&M Engineering

INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

Beth Donner

Founder

Beth Donner Design

NOT-FOR-PROFIT

Eric Alexander

Director Vision Long Island

POWER DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR

Steven Krieger, Esq.

CEO

B2K Development

POWER REAL ESTATE DUO

Kathy Kirby-Viard

Owner & Broker

Signature Premier Properties

Peter Morris

Owner & Broker

Signature Premier Properties

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

TRITEC Real Estate

Shoregate Project

PROJECT REDEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR

Michael F. Puntillo

President

PX4 Development, LLC

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT / DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF THE YEAR

ATTORNEYS

Marna E. Bernstein, Esq.

Partner

Cullen and Dykman LLP

Elisabetta T. Coschignano, Esq.

Member

Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz Coschignano PLLC

Jack M. Martins, Esq.

Partner

Harris Beach PLLC

Jacquelyn L. Mascetti, Esq.

Partner Herman Katz LLP

BROKERS

Paul Leone

Senior Vice President

CBRE

David B. Sargoy

Director-Commercial Real Estate Division

Brown Harris Stevens Commercial Real Estate

DEVELOPERS

Pelops Damianos

Principal Damianos Realty Group LLC

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Brad Griggs

Senior Manager, Economic Development

Amazon

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

International Empire Electrical Corp.

ELEVATOR

Donald Gelestino

President & CEO

Champion Elevator Corp.

ENVIRONMENTAL

Chuck Merritt

President/LEED AP

Merritt Environmental Consulting Corp.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

Lisa M.G. Mulligan

CEO

Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency (IDA)

Kelly Murphy

Acting Executive Director

Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA)

TAX CERTIORARI

Cara P. Cronin, Esq.

Partner

RichnerLIVE’s third annual R.E.A.L. Awards will spotlight entrepreneurs, professionals, and visionaries in Long Island’s real estate and related industries who have achieved success in their respective roles while also being actively involved in community contributions and advocacy.

To

PRODUCED BY

A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit a local charity.

Joseph A. Farkas

CEO & Founder

Metropolitan Realty Associates LLC

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL BROKER

Gina Coletti

Licensed Real Estate Broker

GC Advisory Group Inc

RISING STARS

Daniel Scarda

Director of Corporate Finance

The Crest Group

Marco Scarda

Director of Business Development

The Crest Group

Jonathan Schuman

Licensed Associate Broker

Blue Island Homes

Justin Breslin

Vice President

Breslin Realty Development Corp.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Stephen Cadorette

Senior Associate

Cushman & Wakefield

TRAILBLAZER

Sara Gore

TV Host

NBC Universal

Luxury Real Estate Specialist

SERHANT.

ARCHITECT

COMMERCIAL

Mark Stumer

Principal Mojo Stumer Associates

Cronin & Cronin Law Firm, PLLC

TITLE INSURANCE

Angelo Santomauro

Senior Partner & Vice President

All State Abstract

RESIDENTIAL AGENTS

Michelle Keegan

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Douglas Elliman Real Estate

Julia Krispeal

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

SERHANT.

Deborah Pirro

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty

ATTORNEY

Anthony A. Nozzolillo, Esq.

Attorney at Law

Anthony A. Nozzolillo, Esq.

BROKERS

Michael Foley

Licensed Real Estate Broker

Frontline Realty Group

Dr. Sharon R. Frank

Expert Realtor & Business Strategist

Sharon R. Frank Real Estate LLC

Kevin Leatherman

Licensed Real Estate Broker

Leatherman Homes

Connie Pinilla

Principal Agent

The Connie Pinilla Team at Compass

Natasha Williams

Licensed Real Estate Broker

Cornelius Group Real Estate

SILVER

GOLD

STEPPING OUT

Become a bookish

Discover Eric Carle’s tiny world of insects in new sensory adventure

By Danielle Schwab

In the light of the moon, a little egg lay on a leaf.

That’s how the journey started for Eric Carle’s Very Hungry Caterpillar, the beloved character from his acclaimed picture book of the same name. Now, Long Island Children’s Museum takes the magnifying glass to Carle’s curious bugs in its newest exhibit, “Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit.”

Created by the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, it’s a follow-up of sorts to last year’s popular Mo Willems exhibit, which also encouraged kids to step into the creative imagination of a beloved author-illustrator.

Visitors find themselves inside the pages of Carle’s colorful books. His “Very” series — all illustrated in his hand-painted tissue paper collage technique — introduces five special insects who take journeys of discovery. Each story is a testament to Carle’s love of nature along with his recurring themes of friendship, creativity, and the power of imagination.

The colorful picture books — more than 70 in all — have been captivating young children since Carle’s first publishing effort, the counting book “1,2,3 to the Zoo,” in 1968.

From there, his “Very” books took off the following year, beginning with the one that started it all, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” of course. Families were immediately captivated by Carle’s little bugs with big emotions.

There’s a deep-felt connection to the insects, according to Ashley Niver, the museum’s education director.

“Children have a fascination with things that are even smaller than they are because they’re usually the ones looking up at the world,” she said. “I find that they have a lot of care and concern for these small living things. They enjoy the roleplay of being a friend of one or becoming one, like wearing the wings of a butterfly and flying around.”

And, naturally, the insatiable caterpillar holds a special place in everyone’s hearts.

“We’ve had parents mention that they read ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ as a child and now they are reading it to their child,” Niver says. “The messaging is something that resonates.”

The exhibit may be indoors, but the focus is fully on the outside world, exploring the diversity of the insect kingdom through Carle’s imagination.

“A lot of people relate to ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar,’

• Now through May 12, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older; additional fees for theater programming

• View the events calendar at LICM.org for additional information, or call (516) 224-5800

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City.

but there are a lot of other lovely stories,” Niver says. “I don’t think that everyone is as well-versed in some of his other books, so I’m happy that this features some more of them.”

Tumble in the grass, weave a web, find a friend, and even become a butterfly during your visit.

Upon arrival, visitors can follow the Very Hungry Caterpillar’s path on a journey through largerthan-life pages of the book, eating foods on the way to becoming a butterfly. Once the end is reached, you’re now ready to spread your wings.

The Very Busy Spider component includes a giant, web-like structure to step through. This activity tests dexterity, strength and flexibility as kids move across the challenging surface.

At the Very Busy Spider’s Weaving Wall everyone can try to spin their own web on the large wall, experimenting with a variety of stringy materials.

Master new skills at the Very Clumsy Click Beetle Playscape. Here, visitors rummage across a pile of pebbles, crawl through tall blades of grass, step across stepping stones, and walk across the stem of a poppy flower in this playful landscape. Step up to the challenge and persevere like The Very Clumsy Click Beetle.

Also try to catch some light at the Very Lonely Firefly “Find Your Light” interactive station. Move hands and body to lure a firefly toward you. Even work with others to attract multiple fireflies and try to form a group of the beautifully lit insects.

At another component, kids can touch The Very Quiet Cricket and his friends on a relief mural to trigger a sound and create a one-of-a-kind musical composition. The various insect sounds harmonize together to make a “symphony” comprised of rhythms and sounds found in nature.

The exhibit’s studio portion offers up facts about Carle’s life and artistic process.

“Yellow was his favorite color,” Niver says. “Yellow was always the most challenging for him, which I thought was a cool fact. He only mastered four shades of yellow.”

After all that busyness being a bug, families may want to relax by taking a moment to read some books. The nook area is a cozy spot where everyone can nuzzle up in a reading cocoon and read the “Very” stories together.

Through his stories, Carle reminds us: “Simplify, slow down, be kind. And don’t forget to have art in your life — music, paintings, theatre, dance and sunsets.”

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald is unparalleled in the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both singer and actor. Experience her inimitable talent in a spellbinding evening of song that showcases her extraordinary vocal range. Winner of six Tony Awards, two Grammys and an Emmy, McDonald possesses a ‘lustrous lyric soprano’ (The New York Times) and an incomparable gift for dramatic truth-telling. This stage and screen icon lends her luminous voice and committed stage presence to an intimate concert of Broadway favorites, standards, seldomheard gems, and so much more, accompanied by pianist Jeremy Jordan. With Tony wins in all four eligible acting categories, countless other theatre honors — and a National Medal of Arts conferred by President Barack Obama in 2015, among her other accolades — McDonald is among the most lavishly awarded performers of our time.

Friday, Feb. 23, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $60. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Flogging Molly

Celtic-punk rockers Flogging Molly have hit the road with their ‘Road to Rebellion’ tour, sure to rouse audiences with their anthemic odes to the Emerald Isle. Formed in L.A. in 1997 by Irish expat Dave King, the band got its start (and its name) from local bar Molly Malone’s, where they performed, grew their following, and laid down the blueprint for eventual success. Their infectious Celtic-tinged reels are perfect for dancing along to, for those who love their Irish heritage, and those who just want a good time. Expect an eclectic mix of old favorites, sing-a-longs, rare acoustic numbers and new material — all strung together by King’s cheeky tales and jokes and first-rate musicianship. With numerous latenight television appearances, a soldout Salty Dog Cruise through the Caribbean, and a yearly St. Patrick’s Day Festival in L.A., the band’s juggernaut continues.

Sunday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. $79.50, $49.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Photos courtesy Long Island Children’s Museum

From caterpillar to butterfly, spider and cricket beetle, Eric Carle’s insects hold a special place in everyone’s childhood. Each element in the gallery relates to specific books in the ‘Very’ series.

THE Your Neighborhood

Tusk

March 1

Tusk goes their own way, visiting the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to Fleetwood Mac,, Friday, March 1, 8 p.m. Since forming in 2008, Tusk has prided themselves on being the ultimate tribute to ‘70s supergroup. No fancy tricks, no gimmicks, just five musicians recreating the music of Fleetwood Mac to perfection with note for note renditions With Tusk it’s all about respect and authenticity. A group of seasoned musicians that go back some 25 years, their attention to detail, talent and reverence of their subjects has been critically acclaimed, resulting in their accolades as the premiere purveyors of ‘Mac. Time, trust, and close friendship have cultivated an intimate familiarity with each other’s musical nuances, shaping each performance with such precision that even the slightest variation, virtually imperceptible to all but the five musicians sharing the stage, is met with a wink and a nod, and usually an inside joke. Tusk is more than a band; they are a family. So if you’re jonesing for your fix of Fleetwood, you’re in the right place! Made up of Kathy Phillips (as Stevie Nicks on vocals), Scott McDonald (as Lindsey Buckingham, guitar and vocals), Kim Williams (as Christine McVie, keys and vocals), Randy Artiglere (as John McVie, bass) and Tom Nelson (as Mick Fleetwood on drums) the five-piece band will transport you back to the group’s glory days with a set list including hits such as the “The Chain,” “Dreams,” ‘Go Your Own Way,” and more, alongside rare gems fans will love hearing again. $63, $53, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Family theater

It’s a beautiful sunny summer day in the meadow. Leo Lionni’s beloved children’s books come to life once again, in “Frederick,” on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, Feb. 23, 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 6:15 p.m. (sensory-friendly performance); Saturday, Feb. 23 ,11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Mouse friends Nellie, Sunny, Baby, Ernest, and Frederick are playing their musical instruments and having fun singing, until a leaf falls from the sky — autumn is here! Winter will be coming soon. All the mice get to work gathering supplies for winter, except, where is Frederick? He is gathering supplies, too, in his own unique way.

With toe-tapping Americana music inspired by bluegrass, gospel, and folk, this is an engaging tale about the power of the arts, community, and that no mouse gets left behind. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Our Gilded Age,” examines the appearances and the realities of an era that mirrors our own in many ways. Like the nation’s economy, American art and literature flourished during the Gilded Age. The art of John Singer Sargent, Childe Hassam, Louis Comfort Tiffany and others adorned palatial residences designed by Stanford White and Ogden Codman Jr., architect of the museum’s own quintessential Gilded Age mansion. Drawing heavily upon the local literary history of Long Island, including William Cullen Bryant, Mark Twain (who named the Gilded Age), Walt Whitman, Edith Wharton and others, the exhibition will include paintings, fashion, decorative arts including period silver and china, photographs, manuscripts, first editions and other historic memorabilia.

The “Upstairs, Downstairs” approach to the life of a country house brings to life not only the storied conspicuous consumption for which the Gilded Age was infamous, but also the real lives of these many individuals who maintained the palatial estates where that lifestyle was enjoyed.

On view through March 10 Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS-SUPREME

COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAU - FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC, Plaintiff, -against- ANY AND ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA A. MULLER ; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE ; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE ; “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #3, Defendants - Index No. 609372/2023 Plaintiff Designates Nassau County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Nassau County. To the above named Defendants-YOU ARE HEREBY

SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated December 18, 2023. 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 (FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC) AND FILING THE

ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Jeffrey A. Goodstein, A.J.S.C. Dated: December 18, 2023 Filed: December 26, 2023. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 99 Tennessee Avenue, Long Beach, NY 11561. Dated: October 7, 2023 Filed: January 23, 2024. Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Angelo A. Regina, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 P: (212) 524-5000

F: (212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120

F: (954) 343-6982 144682

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, IN THE COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 608558/2019. Scott H. Siller, 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. 145024

LEGAL NOTICE

Formation of CHEM BROS 31, LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/30/2024. Office loc.: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to Peter Kyriakides, 2121 Pacific Blvd., Atlantic Beach, NY 11509. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 144767

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR SOUNDVIEW HOME LOAN TRUST 2006-OPT1, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-OPT1, V. FERNANDO APONTE, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated September 26, 2023, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR SOUNDVIEW HOME LOAN TRUST 2006-OPT1, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-OPT1 is the Plaintiff and FERNANDO APONTE, 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 March 25, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 540 EAST STATE STREET, LONG BEACH, NY 11561: Section 59, Block 163, Lot 25 & 26:

practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-000923 79290 144954

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC, F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS INC., Plaintiff - against - LOUIS JOHN R. ANTONETTE, et al Defendant(s).

Community speaks on development block grant

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS INC., Plaintiff AGAINST MARTIN

SCHWARTZ IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS

UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN TNTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 11, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 26, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 650 Shore Road Apt. 2T, Long Beach, NY 11561 AKA 650 Shore Road, Unit 35, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59 Block 191 and Lot 47-CA00147-Tax Unit 36. Approximate amount of judgment $196,514.78 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607196/2022. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on December 19, 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, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 21st day of March, 2024 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 51 Vinton Street, Long Beach, (City of Long Beach) NY 11561. (SBL#: 59-225-27 & 28) Approximate amount of lien $398,411.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 610742/2019.

Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: January 22, 2024

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

144952

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Long Beach community members voiced their opinions and suggestions regarding the city’s forthcoming Community Development Block Grant application to Nassau County at Tuesday’s council meeting.

The funds play a crucial role in supporting diverse community initiatives, including renovations to city community centers, improvements to parks and playgrounds, as well as the implementation of programs targeting youth and seniors.

Patricia Bourne, director of economic development and planning, and Tyler Huffman, community development program director, explored the details of the CDBG grant and how it could be used.

“The way the program works is, these are federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that funds into Nassau County,” Bourne said. “Then divide that up within the members of what they call the urban consortium, which Long Beach is a member. The application is based on a federal formula, and there are two basic national objectives, we want to benefit low- and moderate-income families. The other is to aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight, which is kind of like redevelopment, because slums and blight are really old words. But of course, the act the federal act is over 50 years old.”

Last year, the allocation totaled $330,000. Of that amount, 15 percent was used for administration costs, ensuring smooth operations. Another 20 percent was designated for public service programs, supporting city-run initiatives aimed at benefiting the youth and senior populations. The remaining 65 percent was allocated for public facility upgrades, specifically earmarked for enhancing the community centers, parks, and playgrounds to better serve residents.

Under the guidelines, if funds are used for senior or youth programs, for example, at least half of the participants must come from low- to moderate-income households. To ensure compliance,

household income data will be collected up front.

Additionally, for public facility upgrades, projects must be located within low- to moderate-income census tracts of the city. This means specific areas will be prioritized for funding.

“Community development funds, the math and the lines are tricky sometimes in what we say is allowable for that money,” resident James Hodge said. “70 percent of its CDBG funding should be used for activities that benefit low to moderate income. I believe that the council should ask for a report on exactly what that money is spent for.”

Resident Crystal Lake highlighted the discrepancy between funding allocation and current demographics. In previous years, funding decisions were based on outdated census data, resulting in resources being directed towards areas that may no longer accurately represent the community’s needs. This has led to a significant decrease in available funds, from nearly $1 million annually to a much lower amount.

Lake emphasized the importance of updating funding criteria to reflect the current socio-economic landscape and suggested requesting housing funds for land acquisition, remediation and rehabilitation in low to moderate income areas. While approximately 14 areas within the city qualify based on specific data, Lake proposed a more inclusive approach to funding applications, advocating for initiatives like lotteries for home ownership and land acquisition.

This call for action says to aim to maximize opportunities for community benefit and address the evolving needs of Long Beach residents.

The city council encourages questions from both council members and the public regarding these guidelines. They are also seeking public input on what should be included in this year’s funding application. The deadline for submissions is March 18. Written comments can be emailed to Community@longbeachny. gov. The council says it will consider these comments when finalizing the application.

Herald file photo

The CDBG grant plays a crucial role in supporting improvements to parks and playgrounds. Magnolia Park was redone last year.

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None of this has anything to do with the kitchen or patio, which we hoped to have by summer. We suspect our architect made this much more complicated for us, but now we can’t undo what he did. Naturally, he gets more money to do more plans and permits, which we also think is rather sneaky and uncalled for. Can we report the architect for doing this to us, and can we pull back the permit so we can make all this go away and just do our kitchen?

A. So you believe everyone is out to get you, including your architect, and you have the right to “pull back” your permit, ignoring the conditions of your house. It doesn’t work that way.

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Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

Unfortunately, even though most local governments know that most homes have violations, the governments choose not to prosecute every homeowner, since it would be bad for the business of getting re-elected, so code violations go on without a word until you make the first move, which you did, by coming to the attention of the building officials whose job is public safety.

Every day of the week, people ask if we can’t just look the other way. We absolutely can look the other way, but eventually who will believe us for lying or not doing our job? The issues of your home easily come up by simply bringing up satellite images, on-line accessible documents, including tax department records, showing what is in the home and whether the third floor was finished. Your building official doesn’t need the architect or you to figure out the truth about the illegalities in your home. When your architect shows the actual conditions, which he is required to do, including walls removed, walls finished in rooms that the building department has no previous record of, or other changes, he’s only doing his job. Imagine the scrutiny an architect would receive if a building official walked in to check the conditions and discovered that you and the architect had lied.

I have stated in this column, many times, the statistic that only five people out of 100 will survive a fire on the third floor. Ninety-five people will die of smoke inhalation or burns. So do the right thing and follow through, whichever way you choose. I’m pulling for you.

© 2024 Monte Leeper

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February is American Heart Month, and this is a story about my heart — literally and figuratively. It’s the reason I am where I am today.

I was born with a significant heart defect called dextrocardia, as well as a ventricular septal defect. Basically, my heart was on the wrong side of my chest cavity and inverted — and it had a hole in it.

SETH I. KoSLoW

When I was 3 months old, my doctors told my parents that I needed openheart surgery to close the hole. At the time, however, my mother was pregnant with my sister. My parents decided to wait until my sister was born before I underwent surgery. But somehow, for some reason, my heart decided that it had to be whole, and the hole I was born with began to close. My heart could stay as it was — imperfect and misplaced, but untouched.

A journey of the heart

Growing up, I found that I was doing a lot of things half-heartedly, so to speak. Schoolwork wasn’t heartening, and there were few things that excited me. I dreamed of becoming a lawyer, but I couldn’t muster up the resolve to pursue that dream — LSATs, law school, internships, thousands of dollars in loans, six more semesters of school, and years of building a professional profile.

Deterred by these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, I remained listless through my early 20s. For a few years after college, I worked in sales. I was good at it, but my heart was definitely in a different place.

That is, until it wasn’t.

went more than a dozen cardioversions to restore the heart’s regular rhythm, and tried various cocktails of medications, all to no avail.

A fter openheart surgery, I decided there was nothing I couldn’t make it through.

In my early 20s, I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, or AFib, also known as an irregular heartbeat. It’s fairly common among senior citizens, but as a 20-something in college, I was now a member of a not-so-enviable exclusive club. Over the next several years, I battled my irregular heartbeats, under-

Eventually I met a cardiologist who specialized in adults with congenital heart defects — adults like me. He informed my family and me that the hole in my heart had reopened, and that it was substantially larger than it was when I was a child. This was causing my irregular heartbeat, and it would at last need to be closed. At age 25, because of the placement of my heart, I was about to undergo a potentially first-of-its-kind open-heart surgery.

On March 15, 2007, after five hours of surgery, I awoke with a heart that was beating normally for the first time in almost five years. Making it through that operation sparked something in my soul. Instead of whining about what I had to do to get to where I wanted to be, I decided to ball my fists up, dig in and do it. After all, I had just made it through open-heart surgery. Was there

anything I couldn’t make it through? I finally sat for the LSAT and got myself into law school.

That’s the attitude that’s gotten me to where I am today. When I was burning the candle at both ends, cramming for law school exams and eventually the bar exams, I would remind myself that I was getting stronger. When I was struggling to build my own law practice while juggling my responsibilities as a husband and father, I would remind myself of all that my heart could handle.

Naturally, when I saw an opportunity to run for office, a chance to represent and fight for all the communities our local government has left behind, I knew that I could take the heartburn of an arduous campaign, and that I could win over hearts and minds. That’s the mentality that I bring to my law practice, and to my work with my fellow legislators.

The arc of my life’s journey is proof that we are all stronger than we know — that we are all more capable than we can comprehend.

Seth I. Koslow represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.

It’s Library Lovers Month — borrow a book

Iread “Lady Chatterley’s Lover,” my first banned book, when I was 12. My friend lent me the book, and I found the good parts by the dogeared pages. The experience did not compromise my moral compass or corrupt me in any way I can discern. I am not recommending the book for today’s 12-year-olds, because it’s a pretty boring read, but I am advocating that a broad spectrum of books be available to students who choose to read them.

This month, Library Lovers Month, I want to push back hard against the selfappointed literature vigilantes across our country, who are removing books from school library shelves and banning them from classrooms under the guise of protecting children from inappropriate subject matter.

It’s called censorship, and the problem, of course, is who gets to decide what is appropriate or not. In the past, librarians have had full discretion in selecting books. They are trained for the job and trusted in their choices. In

the best libraries, the books reflect all the ways that children and teenagers can be in the world, including gay or trans or identified with any race or religion or socio-economic group.

work for vulnerable kids.

I don’t know if a book has ever saved someone’s life, but I know for sure that battles over books are endangering lives by keeping young people from information and stories that might validate their choices in important ways.

book-ban list, by definition, express feelings, experiences and political views that the prevailing culture prefers to pretend do not exist.”

SFor some young people, the school library is the only place they can read about kids just like themselves. They can learn that others share their confusion or anxiety or fear of being different.

tudents need open access to all kinds of books by all kinds of writers.

I don’t believe that a teenager can “catch” being gay or trans from reading about it, the underlying prejudice being that there is something wrong with that identity. We can’t scrub young adult literature for references to slavery or minority struggles or even violence, because the best writing reflects real life.

A couple of weeks ago, The New York Times told the story of a librarian in Idaho who organized a “Rainbow Squad,” welcoming children of different backgrounds to read and talk about books. A local church group protested, and the community is battling over whether the Rainbow Squad should be banned, along with the books they’re reading.

I wonder how this group threatens anyone, even as it creates a support net-

In The Washington Post last week, columnist Kate Cohen wrote about the school board in her hometown, Rockingham, Virginia, deciding to ban 57 books in the school library. One-third of the books feature gay or trans characters. Cohen wrote, “Freedom to read is the closest thing we have to freedom to think.”

This month, there can be no more pressing public business than to guarantee age-appropriate, open access to all kinds of books by all kinds of writers, for students across the land.

What can we do? Each of us can become familiar with our school and community libraries, stay informed about the books available to teens and oppose efforts by any groups of book police to decide what teenagers should read. In some communities in Florida, a single parent’s complaint about a book in a school library can get it banned.

As Cohen wrote, “The books on any

I think how lonely and desperate teenagers trying to figure out their lives without access to books must feel. Wellwritten books on racism or sexuality or addiction are a far better source for our kids than TikTok.

We read books for many reasons beyond wanting to be entertained — to solve the mysteries in our lives, to be dazzled or outraged by the way others live. Sometimes we can find our beliefs and lives affirmed in the pages of a new book.

The reason authoritarian entities, be they runaway school boards or governments, ban books is to limit access to ideas that might challenge their power.

We resist by reading and sharing.

The New York Public Library is offering free access to banned books for teenagers anywhere in the country through SimplyE, its e-reader app. The latest banned book pick is “All American Boys,” by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely. It is available to all readers ages 13 and older.

There are worlds out there to be explored. I have had this joy in my life, and I want the same for every reader.

Copyright 2024 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

RAnDI KREISS

HeraLd editoriaL

Thank you for the snow day

in the past couple of weeks, we’ve been getting a lot of something we haven’t seen much of over the past couple of years: snow.

So much, in fact, that schools in our communities had no choice but to close. And because of that, we have just one thing to say to our school districts in Nassau County: Thank you for the snow day.

Yes, education works best when it’s rigorous and on a schedule. If the young minds loading buses each day were robots, then we’d probably be hesitant to interrupt the routine. Thankfully, our children are living, breathing people. And all of us can use a break from time to time — especially one we didn’t expect.

Anyone who grew up in a climate susceptible to winter almost assuredly experienced at least one snow day in their life, if not several. They go all the way back to the 19th century, when schools became gathering points children would flock to — and where safety would become paramount.

In places like Long Island, where crews are adept at clearing roads, even the best can be overwhelmed by significant storms and heavy snowfalls. And while it might feel like a free day off for many of our young learners, nearly all school districts have built snow days into the schedule — meaning any unexpected days off will be made up later in the spring.

We here on Long Island understand

Letters

the value of snow days, but not everyone shares those values. In fact, there is a growing contingent of education leaders right in our backyard who have been working hard to wipe snow days from existence.

It’s not that New York City has it out for an occasional unscheduled school closing. It’s just that the city’s education department has capitalized on the expansion of technology necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic, which made remote learning for all not just possible, but practical.

For the 1.1 million students who attend more than 1,800 schools in the city, instead of sitting inside a classroom to learn on days when it snows, they are sitting in their living rooms and bedrooms instead. All while other people their age, living just a few miles away, grab their snowsuits and sleds and enjoy the winter beauty Mother Nature has delivered.

Learning is important, but snow days are valuable. Quite valuable, in fact. Beyond safety, they provide a muchneeded mental health break — not just for students, but also for the adults responsible for their learning.

The pressure of academic demands and extracurricular activities can be intense. That can lead not just to stress, but even to burnout.

Snow days give all of us a chance to recharge and relax with some unscheduled playtime outdoors. And that’s important, too. We hear too much about

In fighting fires, amateurs are pros

To the Editor:

We are professional firefighters!

I take exception to the comment made by writer Brandon Cruz in his article “Long Island needs more volunteer firefighters” (Feb. 8-14) that our volunteer firefighters are not “professionals.” Cruz reports that if new volunteers don’t join local fire departments, communities will need to hire “professional” firefighters.

Our volunteers are professional firefighters, just not paid for what we do for our communities. We, as volunteers, don’t just put on turnout gear and rush into a burning building without the needed, required and constant training provided by the Nassau County Fire Service at its training facility in Bethpage, and here in Lynbrook, our own department’s training and drills at our training facility in Wilcox Alley.

Back some 44 years ago, the Lynbrook Fire Department was facing a firefighter shortage, and formed the Lynbrook Junior Fire Department for youngsters 12 to 17, to interest them in firefighting, with the goal of becoming firefighters when they turned 18.

During their time as juniors, the youngsters learn basic firefighting methods without actually fighting fires.

how video games, computers and television keep so many of our kids indoors. But freshly fallen snow is irresistible, and will almost assuredly get them outside to have some fun. It’s good for their physical health in a way that sitting in front of a computer, watching a teacher on Zoom, just can’t provide.

And a snow day is a chance to build community. Families come together to shovel sidewalks, or maybe help neighbors in need. Children get together, working to build snow forts, or even a snowman, complete with a carrot nose and a top hat.

And who doesn’t love an impromptu snowball fight?

All of that comes with many parents still working remotely, which helps mitigate child-care issues and costs that might otherwise accompany snow days.

Just remember that these days are not breaks for everyone. Let’s not forget the municipal workers who wake up early to plow the snow, as well as the brave souls at utility companies, hospitals, and fire and police departments who, as first responders, are always prepared for the worst.

Each one of our children will spend more than 1,200 days in class through high school. Let them have a break. And let’s show New York City yet another reason why more and more people choose to live and work here on Long Island.

Because on Long Island, snow days are cool.

It’s time we find common ground on ‘Raise the Age’

Long Island has become the center of new York’s — and the nation’s — political conversation. In recent elections, state and local policies have had an enormous influence on nassau and Suffolk County campaigns that ultimately played a decisive role in determining control of Congress.

But while politicians and party operatives struggle to find a political advantage in laws passed by Albany or our County Legislature, real people affected by these policies are waiting for those of us in office to find common ground on issues that should bring us together, not divide us.

Look at the raise the Age law, for example. In 2017, I was proud to join both my Democratic and republican colleagues in support of ending new York’s shameful status as one of the last two states to prosecute all 16- and 17-year-olds as adults. Today, thanks to the law, a large majority of young people’s cases move through family court, where the goal is rehabilitation through effective intervention rather than criminalization.

raise the Age is a crucial component in building a healthy, sustainable future. It allows young people to get the services they need to get their lives on track. It also allows them to access quality jobs and fully contribute to our society without convictions from when they were teenagers holding them back.

sContrary to false claims labeling family court a “slap on the wrist,” young people may face mandatory programs, supervision by law enforcement, pretrial detention, and placement in residential facilities. But when the system is working well, they are connected with a range of community-based services and resources, which aim to address the underlying factors that led them to commit crimes. And they can use of those services — and the opportunities they provide — without the burden of an adult criminal record.

reduction in shootings with injuries from 2021 to 2023.

As a former public defender, I know firsthand how crucial services like SnUG are to the health and safety of our young people and their communities. By targeting the crux of the issue, they reduce recidivism and help struggling youth become wellfunctioning, productive members of their communities.

etting young offenders straight without burdening them with adult criminal records.

Since raise the Age took effect, thousands of young people who would otherwise have spent months or even years of their childhood in adult jails and prisons have had access to services designed to help them improve their lives and avoid future interactions with the criminal legal system. For some, this is the first time they have had trusted adults whom they can rely on and turn to for guidance.

vices, serious crimes perpetrated by those under 18 decreased by 12 percent in nassau County and a stunning 57 percent in Suffolk. These statistics demonstrate the efficacy of, and critical need for, community-based programming to make our neighborhoods safer.

Despite raise the Age’s success, its implementation has received a mere fraction of the funding state leaders promised. It’s been reported that as of 2022, only $270 million of the $800 million that was appropriated for it had been invested in community-based programs and services for young people around the state. Think of how much more successful raise the Age could be if the state adequately funded it, and community-based organizations and service providers could apply for and receive that funding directly.

one such service is the SnUG Street outreach program, which uses a public health model to reduce gun violence throughout the state by mediating conflict, mentoring youth, and working with local partners to make our streets safer. The 13 communities that are home to the program — including Hempstead — reported a 36 percent

Letters

When they turn 18, they join one of our fire companies, begin formal basic training at the county Fire Service Academy and are considered probationary firefighters for one year while they complete additional training.

Yes, we always need more volunteers, but our junior program is helping to fill our ranks.

Many area fire departments have also formed junior programs, based on ours, to help fill their own ranks.

Admittedly, the juniors aren’t always enough, and some years are better than others. Lynbrook’s chief of department and three assistant chiefs came through our junior program. This isn’t the first time that all four chiefs have been former juniors. Many of our current volunteers came through our junior program.

There are now 30 youngsters in the Lynbrook Junior Fire Department. Two former juniors joined fire companies last month alone when they turned 18. It is estimated that over 40 percent of our juniors go on to become Lynbrook firefighters.

STeve GroGAn Lynbrook

Grogan is a 56-year member of the Lynbrook Fire Department and an

ex-captain and honorary chief. He co-founded the Lynbrook Junior Fire Department, and is the department’s public information officer.

We need more governance, less politics

To the editor:

re County Legislator Delia DeriggiWhitton’s column “Stop playing petty political games with county resources” last week: The difference of opinion between the legislative minority leader and the majority leader illustrates the difference between governance and politics. nassau would benefit from more of the former and less of the latter.

The millions of dollars in American rescue Plan Act funds at issue, having not been spent as intended, present a “windfall.” Shall we have Bruce Blakeman billboards or firehouse funds? Are we improvident grasshoppers or prudent and ant-like? Shall we squander millions on a 125th-birthday party or prudently invest in libraries, cybersecurity and clean water?

BrIAn KeLLY Rockville Centre

In recent years, I’ve been disappointed by how many of my misinformed colleagues have attempted to blame raise the Age for an increase in crime on Long Island, especially when the data say otherwise. This should be a law that unites us.

From the law’s implementation in 2018 through 2022, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice Ser-

It’s high time that we rise to the occasion and demand more for the most vulnerable members of our communities, and that starts by calling on Albany to invest in our youth by fully funding raise the Age and supporting evidence-based strategies that create pathways for our young people’s rehabilitation, growth and opportunity. Let’s not let fear-mongering and political mudslinging talk us out of public policy that is proven to work — and that lifts all of us up.

Framework by Tim Baker

Charles Lavine represents the 13th Assembly District.

CHarLes LaVINe

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