Long Beach Herald 05-02-2024

Courtesy Kristi Rook-Sorise

Bobby Sorise, 5, who has apraxia of speech, has been studied by researchers and undergone special therapy at Hagedorn Little Village School in Seaford.

City hopes to raise awareness of childhood speech disorder

By BRENdAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

Childhood apraxia of speech is a disorder that makes it difficult for a child to speak. They know what they want to say, but find it nearly impossible to coordinate the movements of lips, tongue and jaw that are necessary to form the words.

Kristi Rook-Sorise, of Long Beach, has a son with the disorder, and volunteers for Apraxia Kids, a nonprofit that offers support to families dealing with it. May is Apraxia Awareness Month, and Rook-Sorise sees the month as an opportunity to heighten awareness of the disorder.

Her son, Bobby, 5, has had difficulty speaking since he was a toddler — unlike his twin brother, Joseph, who speaks normally. But Bobby was not initially diagnosed with apraxia, and Kristi and her husband, David Sorise, had no idea what his condition was. They were told he had a phonological delay, which makes it difficult for a child to produce sounds or sequences of sounds. He might, for example, pronounce cat as “tat.”

“He wasn’t nonverbal or anything, but his articulation was so garbled,” Rook-Sorise recalled. “He had amazing receptive language, which means he could understand what you’re trying to do or knew what he

Continued on page 9

a place to play on Shore Road

By ANGElINA ZINGARIEllo azingariello@liherald.com

Changes are in the works at Long Beach’s Pacific Park Playground, as the city moves forward with plans to revitalize it.

The playground, in the East End, where Pacific Boulevard ends at Shore Road, is undergoing a number of upgrades. In addition to new recreational equipment, recent changes include the expansion of the deck area and the addition of a shade structure. The improvements also address safety concerns stemming from the playground equipment’s deterioration in the beach environment.

WParks, Preservation and Heritage Grants program. The matching-grant initiative facilitates the acquisition, planning, development and enhancement of parks, historical sites and heritage areas across the state.

e’re really looking forward to the reopening.

BRENdAN FINN president, City

Council

The playground is set to reopen before Memorial Day, according to city spokesman John McNally. The work was originally expected to be finished last fall.

The improvements were made possible by a grant from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund’s

“The total project cost is $628,185,” McNally said. “The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation grant is reimbursing the city 50 percent, or $314,092.50.” Securing the grant required meeting criteria that highlighted the city’s dedication to community well-being and taking care of the environment. Among the criteria was a demonstration of the pressing need for the project, backed by statewide assessments highlighting deficiencies in local recreational facilities. In addition, the city had to explain how the park enhancements would address the needs of a diverse population, and provide equitable access for low-income residents and

Continued on page 5

Just because a business is small doesn’t mean it isn’t important. The small businesses on our island are 50% of our economy. These businesses are part of the fabric of our communities. They’re vital. We’ve been proudly supporting our small businesses since 2014 with cost-saving programs and services. Show your support, too, by shopping locally during Small Business Week (and all year long). It’s no small thing to let them know they matter.

Some of the many family and friends who came to honor Lazar on the boardwalk on April 27, remembering him in a unique way — with squats.

Squatting to remember Lazar LaPenna

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

Lazar LaPenna celebrated his 10th birthday on April 27, 2022. Two days later, he ripped a base hit and stood at first base wearing his trademark smile. He was doing what he loved most — playing Little League baseball in Long Beach.

LaPenna had been diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age, but it never hindered him from playing the game he loved. The cheers went silent when Lazar collapsed shortly after his base hit, the result of what was believed to be a seizure. An ambulance was called, but he died a short time later.

Lazar was honored and remembered again by his parents, Gregg and Monique, friends and family on the Long Beach boardwalk on his birthday this past Saturday, April 27. It has been two years since the tragedy, but Lazar and his love, passion and impact was remembered, and will continue to be. Alexander, a locally known fitness icon on the boardwalk, did 99 squats to honor him, with others joining in, too.

The squats, which were in front of a banner with her name, were a way to remember the young ballplayer in a special, unique way.

A few days after his son’s death, LaPenna said, in a past Herald article, “I’m holding the score book as he looks at me with the biggest smile. I look down at the book to mark his single. That’s when my family’s life changed.”

Lazar has been remembered throughout Long Beach in numerous ways over the past two years. The Long Beach/Lido Little League parade honored the young ballplayer in early May 2022, shortly after he died.

About 500 people — Little Leaguers, parents and other adults — gathered outside Lindell Elementary School shortly before 10 a.m. to remember Lazar, who that season would have been a member of the Braves, one of the teams in the league. The air was gloomy and foggy on the somber day, almost as if on purpose.

The Little League was scheduled to hold its annual parade on April 30 that year, but postponed it after Lazar’s death. League officials said that the remainder of the season would be dedicated to him.

Alexander and Gregg LaPenna, Lazar’s father.

All of the players wore a blue patch on their uniforms with Lazar’s name emblazoned on it. There were posters around the Lindell school, also displaying his name.

He was widely described as a young man who loved baseball, whether playing the game or talking about it. He loved spending time outdoors, and he also loved Legos.

Tributes came in from Long Beach city officials, Little League programs across the country, players in other parts of Nassau County and even from the New York Mets, the team he loved more than anything.

“We send our love and support to his family and teammates in the Long Beach/Lido League,” the Mets organization wrote in a social media post shortly after his death.

Alexander squatting with Lazar’s aunts Mary Scharf and Rebecca Scharf-Watts.

Bob Arkow/Herald photos

Crime watCh

LarCeny

Two bicyclists reported on April 22, someone stole their bicycles while unattended at South Side High School. After an investigation, both bicycles were recovered and returned to their owners.

A bicyclist reported on April 24, someone stole his electric bike while it was unattended at the Village Green.

Leaving the SCene of an aCCident

A motorist reported on April 25 that her vehicle was struck by another vehicle while it was parked at Public Storage on Sunrise Highway. The other vehicle then fled the scene in an unknown direction.

A motorist reported on April 26 that his vehicle was struck by another vehicle while it was parked at Catholic Health Mercy Hospital. The other vehicle then fled the scene in an unknown direction.

Capital Gains Tax Tips

Your “basis” for calculating capital gains taxes is what you paid for the stock or the real estate. For real estate, the basis gets raised by the amount of any capital improvements you make to the property. When you sell your primary residence you may exclude the first $500,000 of gain if you’re a couple or $250,000 if you’re single. The $500,000 exclusion for a couple gets extended for a sale occurring up to two years after a spouse dies. For gifts you receive of appreciated stock or real estate during the donor’s lifetime, no capital gains tax is payable, however the donee receives the donor’s basis. It is generally considered better to wait, if possible, and pass the gift to the donee at death, due to the “stepped-up basis”. The basis of any inherited property is “steppedup” to date of death value. If the property is sold within six months of the date of death, then the sale price is deemed to be the date of death value.

If the property is going to be held for

some time it is helpful to get date of death values to establish the new basis. For real estate, this means getting an appraisal from a licensed real estate appraiser (not a real estate broker!). For stocks, you simply ask the company holding the stocks to provide this information.

When a spouse dies with jointly held property, there is a half of a step-up — the deceased spouse’s half gets stepped-up to date of death value, while the surviving spouse has the original basis. However, for a primary residence the capital gains tax exclusions discussed above continue to apply. With combined Federal and New York capital gains taxes reaching about 30%, it is essential to look at holding onto appreciated property until death (especially if you have taken depreciation on the property which can lower your basis to zero) and to look carefully at the estate plan to see if property should be transferred to a surviving spouse to get another step-up on the second death.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

x117 or email info@trustlaw.com

UnUSUaL inCident

A resident of Merrick Road reported on April 22, someone used her personal information for employment purposes.

A resident of Vincent Street reported on April 24, she was the victim of a telephone scam.

A resident of Linden Street reported on April 25, he was the victim of an internet scam.

An employee of Hassin Law Group reported on April 26, someone stole and cashed a check from his business bank account.

inveS tigation

A resident of Lakeview Avenue reported on April 24, someone opened the front door of her residence while she was home. The subject ran from the residence when observed by the homeowner.

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.

newS brief Mercy launches Asthma training program

Catholic Health Mercy Hospital is increasing health care access in its community with the launch of its Asthma Self-Management Training program.

The pilot program, supported by a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, offers education to teach children and adults how to manage their asthma and prevent asthma attacks.

Led by specially trained registered respiratory therapists that are also credentialed as certified asthma educators, the program provides instructions on how to use medication devices, monitor symptoms, avoid triggers and signs of

when to seek medical help.

Each session is 30 minutes and offered in English or Spanish. Insurance is not required. All patients will receive complimentary Peak Flow Meters and Spacers a portable, handheld device that patients’ ability to push air out via their lungs. Additionally, for patients that qualify, the program offers free medications via Catholic Health’s Meds to Beds Program — a program in which pharmacists deliver medications to patients while in the hospital setting. To connect with one of Mercy Hospital’s respiratory therapists, call (516) 705-1530.

■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643

■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com

Pacific Park upgrades are almost complete

underserved communities.

“This is a unique and beloved playground,” City Council President Brendan Finn said. “You can’t go wrong investing in the city’s children and our quality of life. We’re really looking forward to the re-opening.”

The city’s comprehensive approach to its recreational facilities, addressing both immediate infrastructure needs and broader community-development goals, played an important role in securing approval for the project.

The revitalization of Pacific Park is part of a broader initiative to enhance Long Beach’s public recreational spaces. Within the past year, Magnolia Playground has also been refurbished. The city held a reopening celebration there last June. And two pieces of equipment for young children, and safety sur-

the newly expanded deck and a new shade structure at pacific park playground will ensure more comfortable playtimes.

faces, were installed at Leroy Conyers Park, just east of the Long Island Rail Road station, last year as well.

Those projects were funded by a $1 million state grant obtained by then Sen. Todd Kaminsky, with $750,000 for Magnolia Playground and $250,000 for Leroy Conyers Park, according to McNally.

City officials say that Pacific Park’s transformation sets a precedent for future initiatives aimed at improving public spaces and building community engagement. As the project nears completion, anticipation builds for the reopening of a safe and fun resource for generations to come.

For updates on the progress of the work at the playground and reopening details, residents are encouraged to stay tuned to official city announcements. Continued from page 1

Photos courtesy City of Long Beach

the improvements aim to increase use of the park, on Shore road at pacific avenue, and make it safer.

BRADY MAHLER

Baldwin Senior Lacrosse

A FOUR-YEAR STARTING attackman and twoyear captain who has never missed a high school lacrosse game, Mahler has picked up where he left off last spring after earning AllCounty recognition. He led the Bruins with 65 goals and 17 assists, putting him among the county’s offensive stars. So far this season he has a team-high 39 goals through 10 games. He is also a Top 10 student at Baldwin and earned academic All-American honors.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, May 2

Baseball: V.S. South at Malverne

4:30 p.m.

Softball: East Rockaway at Lawrence 5 p.m.

Softball: West Hempstead at Elmont 5 p.m.

Girls Flag Football: Bell-Merrick at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Baseball: MacArthur at Mepham 5 p.m.

Baseball: Carey at Calhoun

Baseball: Kennedy at South Side

Baseball: Seaford at North Shore 5

Baseball: East Meadow at Baldwin 5 p.m.

Baseball: Uniondale at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Mepham at Lynbrook 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Clarke at Elmont 5 p.m.

Friday, May 3

Softball: MacArthur at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Softball: Massapequa at Calhoun 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: West Hempstead at Hewlett

5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Kennedy at Clarke 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Wantagh at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Massapequa at South Side 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 4

Softball: MacArthur at Wantagh 9 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: East Meadow at MacArthur 11:30 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: V.S. District at Freeport 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.

HERALD SPORTS

Long Beach gearing up for playoffs

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com

Just over a month since the season opened, and the Long Beach girls’ lacrosse team is at .500 with a 5-5 record.

“The beginning of the season was good and then we hit a little speed bump running into Garden City, Manhasset, Cold Spring Harbor, these top programs and they played really well,” said Marines coach Rachel Ray, where her program went a combined 0-3 against those three championship-caliber opponents. “We’ve been on the side of an overtime win and two overtime losses, and in this conference it can really go either way.”

With five games left in the regular season, this is the time to sharpen everything, down to the smallest detail, with playoffs on the horizon.

“Our mid-season-to-May, like now, is when we start to play our best, and those losses were not all losses, they were learning experiences for us as far as playing close games; now we just got to push through and try to get on the winning side of those tight games,” Ray explained. “It’s like a whole new season now, and just keeping that mindset that losses aren’t losses, they’re lessons, motivating and pushing us to be the best team we can be this year.”

It’s pedal to the medal, full steam ahead.

“Just competing, making a big thing out of every day,” Ray said. “Nothing is set in stone, so competing in practice every single day for a spot.”

Part of the driving force are midfielders Delaney Chernoff, Anala Teemer and Sienna Warren, primarily by stepping up for senior Ava Main who was sidelined with injury temporarily. Freshman Reilly Amorosa held her ground also in the effort, most notably by scoring the winning goal in the overtime win over South Side on April 16.

“It was good to see other people step up, those girls now have confidence,” Ray said, stressing how sophomores Skylar Kilfeather and Sienna Warren took the charge and stepped up. “[I expected them] to finish, to take the pressure off Delaney because her

and Ava run the show out there and when teams scout us, that’s who they know they need to stop, Chernoff and Main. With the younger ones stepping up, it takes the pressure off those two a little bit.”

What’s giving spirit to the Marines is the deep bench and wide variety of tools to score with.

“[Amorosa] is definitely flying under the radar and really impressing us,” Ray explained. “I think that when teams scout us they see the obvious two or three, [Main], Chernoff and Teemer, and Kilfea-

ther really but they don’t know really about Warren and [Ella] Timperio and these other girls that are consistently putting up points for us every game.”

There’s also the defense, a veteran group led by star goalie Emily Backlin, that’s coming together according to Ray.

“They’ve been there for years and been on the side of losing these one-goal games in the county championship,” Ray said. “Having them, the veteran group down there, motivate the team is also something that’s going to push us through May.”

Justine Stefanelli/Herald

Anala Teemer, right, and the Marines, who split their first 10 games, are primed to be playing their best lacrosse with the calendar flipping to May.

State legislature allocates $56 million more for TAP

By NICOLE WAGNER nwagner@liherald.com

College tuition is something that can loom over a student’s head long after she graduates. But she and others are getting a little help from Gov. Kathy Hochul and state legislators, who earmarked an additional $56 million into the state’s Tuition Assistance Program.

More students applying for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form will have the opportunity to receive assistance through TAP. The program has been active since 1974, providing nearly $30 billion in financial aid to 6 million students in New York.

TAP is one of the largest need-based financial grants in the country. The program provided 234,000 students $662 million in TAP grants as recently as the 202223 academic year.

The minimum annual TAP award was increased from $500 to $1,000, capping out at just below $5,700. Income limit threshold qualifications were also increased for both dependent and independent students.

Those who may qualify include:

■ independent students with tax dependents,

■ students who qualified as an orphan, foster child or ward of the court any time since they were 13, and

■ dependent undergraduate students

York’s Tuition Assistance Program after the state allocated an additional $56 million to the program for the 2024-25 academic year.

with a household earning less than $125,000.

Independent students who are married without tax dependents who make less than $60,000 now qualify — up from $40,000 previously.

Independent students who are single without tax dependents who make less than $30,000 now qualify — up from $10,000 previously.

The TAP expansion was celebrated by Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Assemblywoman Taylor Darling, former Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages and members of the Elmont community out-

OBITUARY

Cecelia Margret Post

Cecelia Margret Post, age 77, of Long Beach, NY, passed away in Bethpage, NY on March 9, 2024. May Cece’s soul find peace in the arms of eternity, and may those who mourn find solace in the memories shared. May she rest in peace.

side of Elmont Memorial High School last week.

“It is indispensable for families who are struggling with the affordability crisis in which we exist today,” Assemblywoman Solages said, emphasizing the importance for students to receive “a quality education at a good price.”

The TAP expansion is meant to help students and families, especially when facing the hardships brought by inflation.

“Turning the TAP on is exactly what we needed to do,” Darling said, adding that students have come to her to say they needed to drop out of school because they couldn’t afford things like a MetroCard or Long Island Rail Road ticket, day care, or

even to put food on the table.

Quincy Velez, a senior at the Elmont school, said he “definitely needed” the help that TAP provides. He receives $2,000 in aid from the program, which helps a lot coming from a single-parent household where going to college isn’t always a viable option.

“Now I can look for a school that is my first choice instead of it not being my first choice because of money issues,” said Velez, who has dreams of someday becoming a pilot.

Such a dream could be expensive, said Lynette Battle — Velez’s mother, and president of the school’s parent teacher association. Aviation school can cost as much as $75,000 per year, if not more. Expanding TAP can really make a difference.

“The struggle is real, and this is a breath of fresh air,” Battle said. “And now, the opportunities are much greater.”

To receive TAP, students must be in good standing on a student loan under any state or federal education loan program, or on the repayment of any state award, among other conditions.

Applications are now open through June 2025.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Battle said. “I hope that every young person makes sure they fill out their FAFSA form, and makes sure they get everything done in a timely fashion, because now is the time.

“The TAP is turned on. Don’t wait until the TAP is off.”

Nicole Wagner/Herald

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages speaks with Elmont residents about the importance of the expansion of New

Apraxia Day dedication is set for May 14

was looking at, but his expressive language had a severe deficit.”

When Bobby’s speaking skills didn’t improve, his mother found a study of children’s speech being conducted by New York University in the fall of 2022, and applied for him to join it. The researchers analyzed how he pronounced certain words, and he underwent intensive therapy known as dynamic temporal and tactile cueing, or DTTC, which is designed to improve the brain’s ability to program speech movements. The researchers also used optical facial tracking to assess changes in Bobby’s speech motor control.

He was enrolled in the Hagedorn Little Village School, in Seaford, until last June. The school’s programs include special education as well as speech, occupational and physical therapies, intended to enhance its students’ development. Bobby is now enrolled in Lido Elementary School’s pre-kindergarten, where he still receives support.

He took part in another study at Hofstra University last summer, and this time his mom learned the techniques that were being used. She was instructed how to work with Bobby on motor planning-based speech therapy.

His apraxia, however, is unique, because it affects not just his speech, but his entire body. It’s a “global” apraxia, also known as dyspraxia, a developmental coordination disorder.

“That opened up my eyes to how different a phonological delay is from a motor planning disorder,” his mother said. “You know, when you’re trying to say something, it’s on the tip of your tongue, and it just won’t come out? That’s Bobby with apraxia. In Bobby’s case, it actually affects his arms and legs as well. The signal from his brain to the body to do what he wants

the

david, his mother, Kristi, his sisters ava and Vivian and his twin brother, Joseph.

to do doesn’t always do what he wants.”

After receiving the diagnosis, clarification and help, Rook-Sorise wanted to make more people aware of apraxia. Around the country, May 14 is recognized as Apraxia Awareness Day. This year, thanks to the

Sorise family, it will be more of a focus in Long Beach. On the 14th, City Council Vice President Chris Fiumara, Nassau County Legislator Patrick Mullaney and State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick will present a proclamation at the Cabana Restaurant that will ensure that Long Beach joins in recognizing Apraxia Awareness Day. David Sorise’s band, the Big Sexy, will perform, and there will be raffles to help raise funds for Apraxia Kids.

“I want to bring awareness to our community about this speech problem in children,” Rook-Sorise said. “Childhood apraxia of speech is still unfamiliar, misunderstood, and continues to have a significant impact on children and their families. Speech and communication are critical skills for young children to develop. We need to support children with apraxia of speech and their families.”

Based on what they learned from the studies and their work with Hagedorn, her family recently had the chance to present a variety of options to the Long Beach School District for Bobby’s speech therapy and special-education program. Rook-Sorise is optimistic about finding a solution that will best support her son’s developmental needs, and says she appreciates the district’s ongoing consideration.

“As Bobby prepares to continue his educational journey, it’s crucial that he receives consistent access to this specialized motor planning therapy throughout the school year,” she wrote in an email. “We are hopeful that our collaboration with the Long Beach school district will enrich Bobby’s learning environment, allowing him to develop his speech further and align his communication skills with his twin brother. This support is essential for Bobby’s academic and social emotional growth as he progresses into kindergarten and beyond.”

Love Where You Live

you buy or rent.

to building futures, creating memories and long lasting relationships.

Courtesy Kristi Rook-Sorise

Sorise family can be thanked for bringing official recognition of apraxia day to Long Beach later this month. above, Bobby, bottom right, with his father,

The baseball team held some clinics at last year’s Baseball Day at the Rec Center, celebrating their then 99 year history.

A celebration of Long Beach H.S. baseball

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

Long Beach High School baseball has been taking the field for quite some time. This Saturday, just how long they’ve been around — now 100 seasons — will be celebrated.

Long Beach High School Varsity Baseball and Softball teams will be conducting clinics for Little Leaguers on May 4 at noon at Long Beach High School. Additionally, at 1 p.m., there will be a showing of “The History of Long Beach High School Baseball,” celebrating its 100th year in the high school gym.

Finishing up the celebration, at 2 p.m., a ceremony commemorating this occasion will be held as alumni from past teams will be welcomed back. This will be prior to the varsity team’s game against Mineola.

The school’s varsity team gathered at the recreation center fields last year for “Long Beach Baseball Day,” along with Long Beach baseball alumni, to acknowledge their 99 year history. There were speeches from the alumni, Head Coach Jason Zizza and Andy Hayes, the president of the Long Beach/Lido Beach Little League.

The day was surely about the past and current teams, but it was about the future teams as well. When that morning’s Little League parade finished up at the rec center, the varsity team held a clinic, teaching the fundamentals of the

Last year’s Long Beach Baseball Day was a celebration of almost 100 years — this year’s marks the century.

game to the younger kids. Coaches were there, but the players led the charge.

Throughout the clinic, the team was raising money — not for themselves, but for the Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society. There were raffle tickets for baskets with gifts including beach needs, food and treats, apparel and gift cards. The

grand prize was four tickets to a Yankees game in August.

In all, the team raised $2,170 for the organization last year.

“It’s all player-driven,” head coach Jason Zizza previously said of the clinic last year. “The Long Beach High School varsity baseball players are the coaches

The day of baseball will recognize players old and new, like Junior pitcher Matty Hayes, who dazzled on the mound on April 11.

at the clinic. We feel that it’s a great way for the team to connect with the community and show our faces and have that peer mentoring going. Our players really enjoy working with younger kids.”

Herald file photos

NYU Langone makes transplant history

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Lisa Pisano suffered from heart failure and end-stage kidney diseases — conditions that required routine dialysis. Because of that, the 54-year-old New Jersey resident wasn’t a candidate for either a heart or kidney transplant, because doctors feared it just wouldn’t help her long-term.

But those same doctors refused to give up. And last week, NYU Langone Health completed its first transplant surgery to combine a mechanical heart pump and a gene-edited pig kidney.

NYU Langone Health — which operates a hospital in Mineola — completed the first transplant surgery to combine a mechanical heart pump and a geneedited pig kidney,

More than 100,000 people are currently awaiting a transplant across the country, with most specifically looking for a kidney. More than 800,000 people suffer from end-stage kidney disease in

told reporters through a video conference from her intensive care unit room.

“So, when this opportunity came, I was going to take advantage of it.”

The effort involved approval from NYU Langone’s review board and Food and Drug Administration clearance through its expanded access program. Also known as “compassionate use, “ the expanded access program is designed for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions.

“There are opportunities for us to

learn a lot,” Robert Montgomery, NYU Langone’s surgery department chair told reporters last week. “But obviously, the intent here is to try to preserve and save that person’s life.”

It otherwise would have taken years for Pisano to find the right match for a human kidney transplant. Montgomery, with the help of the United Therapeutics Corp., matched an investigational gene-edited pig kidney with a thymus, which was available.

Two surgical teams conducted the

series of procedures over nine days. On April 4, Pisano received a mechanical heart pump — a device known as a left ventricular assist device. On April 12, she received a gene-edited pig kidney, and the pig’s thymus gland.

Montgomery performed the transplant itself, while Nader Moazami — a cardiothoracic surgery chief at NYU Grossman School of Medicine — along with Deane Smith, director of mechanical circulatory support, performed the mechanical heart pump surgery at the Kimmel Pavilion in Manhattan.

NYU Langone officials described the overall procedure as the first reported organ transplant in a person with a mechanical heart pump, and second known transplant of a gene-edited pig kidney into a human.

Pisano expressed feeling “fantastic” after the procedures.

“I’ve felt the best I’ve felt in a long time,” she said. “I can’t thank anyone enough for that. My family, the doctors, nurses, staff — everyone here.”

Although uncertain about how she will react over time, Pisano acknowledged the treatment may prove beneficial for someone else — if not for her.

“Worst-case scenario, if it doesn’t work, it might work for the next person,” Pisano said.

“At least somebody is going to benefit from it. If not me, then who? Somebody.”

Courtesy Joe Carrotta, NYU Langone Health

Robert Montgomery prepares the surgical site for a medical history-making pig-tohuman transplant surgery by using sterile forceps and scissors for Lisa Pisano at NYU Langone Health’s Kimmel Pavilion in Manhattan.

Herald group wins 18 state NYPA awards

STAFF REPORT

It was a big night of wins for your local paper and all of Herald Community Newspapers as the New York Press Association honored the best of the best this past weekend.

The Herald papers earned 18 statewide awards overall at the event in Saratoga Springs, including four first places.

Creative director Jeffrey Negrin earned two of them — one for a Salute to Israel special section honoring the country on its 75th anniversary that he did with deputy editor Jeffrey Bessen, and the other for best special section cover he did for a Your Health & Wellness special section focused on mental health.

“Good editorial design in a mix of visual metaphor, eye-catching imagery and strategic typography,” judges from the Tennessee Press Association said. “This cover expertly made all three elements with ease. The use of a stark gray background was such a great decision for keeping the colorful main image large and incharge.”

Daniel Offner, a senior editor who leads the Rockville Centre Herald, earned a first place in religion coverage for his stories centered not just on the issues plaguing the Diocese of Rockville Centre, but also how many churches adapted to life after the Covid-19 pandemic.

First place also was awarded to The Riverdale Press in the Bronx for best editorial page, honoring former editor Gary Larkin and executive editor Michael Hinman.

“The editorial section is diverse, eye-catching and well-balanced in design,” judges said. “Topics are relevant to readers, well-written, and provide a wide variety of topics of interest.”

The Riverdale Press also earned a second place for coverage of crime, police and courts given to Larkin, reporter Eric Harvey, and former reporter Stacy Driks. Harvey won a second place of his own for best feature story on civil rights attorney Clarence Jones, who hosted Martin Luther King Jr., in his Riverdale home back in the 1960s, just in time for him to write his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

The Riverdale Press also won second place for the Past President’s Award for Editorial Excellence — an award the paper has regularly placed in over the

years, including first-place wins in 2020 and 2021.

This year, the judges called The Press a “strong newspaper with rich and newsy content from front to back” with an “engaging editorial page and eye-catching front pages.”

The Nassau Herald in the Five Towns won second place for advertising excellence, with special kudos to its special sections, its dance workshop ad designs, and for its annual Christmas wrapping paper project.

The Nassau Herald also won second places for special sections/niche publications-newsprint for RichnerLive’s Top Lawyers section, as well as best multiadvertiser pages for its Halloween section.

The Nassau Herald won third place in editorials

written by Bessen, Hinman and former Malverne/ West Hempstead Herald editor Mark Nolan. The editorials focused on project-based learning, a call to replace special political elections with gubernatorial appointments, and calling out the Nassau County Bridge Authority.

“Variety of editorials concern topics in which most readers are interested (like) education, elections and transportation,” judges said. “All three presented clearly, and were well-written.”

Nolan also won third place for column writing for the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald.

Nolan’s column selection “covered a range of topics,” judges said, “and they were all smooth to read.” One that really grabbed the judges’ attention was on graduation rates, saying Nolan “explained the high number of graduates was misleading in a clear, simple way.”

Negrin won a third place of his own for best media kit and sales collateral, something the judges said should be a “model for media kits everywhere.”

“It’s truly humbling to receive acknowledgment from our peers in the newspaper community,” said Herald Community Newspapers publisher Stuart Richner. “My heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners. Nevertheless, our ultimate gratification stems from ensuring our readers receive the best and most comprehensive community news every single week.”

“Such a great honor for the sales staff to win two awards for advertising excellence,” said Rhonda Glickman, the sales vice president at Herald Community Newspapers. “It takes a great team, including finance, art, production, circulation, the press room, and the marketing staff to bring home these awards. Congrats to our editorial team and creative director for all their awards.”

Honorable mentions went to sports editor Tony Bellissimo for sportswriter of the year, the Rockville Centre Herald for advertising excellence, former East Meadow Herald editor Mallory Wilson for her coverage of education, Larkin for feature story, and photo editor Tim Baker for feature photo in the Malverne/ West Hempstead Herald.

Overall, more than 140 newspapers submitted 2,530 entries in 65 categories, and nearly 380 awards were handed out.

Susanna Ciurleo/Herald

More than 20 members of the Herald Community Newspapers team attended the annual New York Press Association Spring Conference in Saratoga Springs over the weekend, where the newspaper group earned 18 state awards.

Herald Community Newspapers creative director Jeffrey Negrin won first place for best special section cover design for his cover last May focusing on mental health for a Your Health and Wellness special section.

Long Island’s top lawyers honored at gala

By Joseph D’Alessandro

It was a pleasant evening of celebration for more than 40 of Long Island’s best attorneys last month, with nearly 300 in attendance.

They gathered at The Heritage Club at Bethpage for the Herald Top Lawyers of Long Island awards gala, hosted by Kristen Thorne, the multi-Emmy-winning investigative reporter for WABC7, and host of Hulu’s crime docuseries “Missing.”

Even better, a portion of ticket proceeds were earmarked for Nassau Suffolk Law Services, which provides legal aid to those who can’t afford it in civil cases.

“Tonight, we come together to acknowledge the vital role of legal professional in protecting the rights of Long Islanders,” said Amy Amato, RichnerLive’s executive director. “We commend their dedication to serving our community, and recognize their significant contributions — both professionally, and through charitable endeavors — enriching the lives of those on Long Island.”

Winners were chosen from attorneys who prioritize those in need — whether by their choice of clientele, partnering with charities, or doing work pro bono, without charging the client. They represent many disciplines of law, including worker’s compensation, immigration, family and elder law, medical malpractice and cannabis practice.

“I’m very honored to get this award,” said Kristi DiPaolo, a senior associate at Cona Elder Law. “I love what I do, so it’s really an honor to be recognized.”

The most valuable part of the work by Marc Saracino — a senior associate at Campolo, Middleton & McCormick — is providing guidance. He donates to CMM Cares, which supports family programs on Long Island.

“You’re helping a lot of people out in the legal community who don’t really know what they’re doing,” Saracino said. “To the extent that I can provide services to them and expedite their legal issues, I think that’s rewarding.”

Jennifer Mone, a general counsel for Hofstra University, also serves on the board of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Long Island.

Hofstra’s mission is to “educate and contribute to the academic education and knowledge of the world,” Mone said. “So, we’re educating students. My role is providing excellent legal services in support of that mission.”

Eduardo Villacorta, founder of Villacorta Law Group, says the most rewarding part of his work is keeping families together.

“We believe in the American dream, and our mission is to make the American dream a reality for immigrants,” he said. “The most rewarding thing I can give is granting their papers, and legalizing them.”

Jeffrey Kimmel, managing partner of Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro — who also is an active member of Nassau Suffolk Law Services — says medical malpractice victims often face an uphill battle when facing large medical institutions.

“Unfortunately, most people who are victims of medical malpractice are from lower income communities that don’t have the best medical care,” he said. “And so they ended up being my clients, and more often than not, without my help, they wouldn’t really know what to do.”

Kelly Koster, a partner at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano says a reliable attorney is essential. Her firm — which specializes in worker compensation and Social Security disability — also represents women of domestic violence pro bono.

“To young women that are striving to be attorneys, never give up your passion,” Koster said. “Keep your eyes on the goal, and don’t set a time limit, because there’s a time and a place for everything. You can always achieve what you’ve put your mind towards.”

Hon. Gail Prudenti a partner at Burner Prudenti

Law returned to work as an attorney after her career as chief administrative judge. Her firm is involved with the Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell Hospital.

“I really think being an attorney is a vocation,” Prudenti said. “It’s not a job. And while it is a wonderful profession, you really have to be dedicated to being a problem solver. I think that sometimes, in this crazy world, we really need people who are thoughtful, who are kind, who are compassionate, and who are empathetic.”

Platinum sponsor for Herald Top Lawyers of Long Island was Villacorta Law Group. Centerpiece sponsor was Salenger Sack Kimmel & Bavaro.

Gold sponsors were Hofstra University and Mejias Milgrim Alavardo & Lindo.

Silver sponsors were Cona Elder Law, Meister Seelig & Fein, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, The Rizzuto Law Firm, Stefans Law Group, Nixon Peabody, Davidov Law Group, Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, Touro University’s Jacob D. Fuchesberg Law Center, Schroder & Strom, Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, Goldstein & Bashner, Greenberg Traurig, Meyer Suozzi English & Klein, Nassau Community College Foundation, and Vishnick McGovern Milizio.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The Schroder & Strom team were among those honored at the recent Herald Top Lawyers of Long Island gala.

Honorees Michael and Ilana Davidov of Davidov Law Group.

Holden Leeds/Herald

Kelly Koster, left, of Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano.

Bryan Lewis of Nixon Peabody.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Julie J. Wyetzner, from left, Amy Amato, honoree Kristi DiPaolo, Jennifer Cona, Melissa Negrin-Wiener and Julie Allegretti.

Nicholas Terzulli of Davidoff Hutcher & Citron.

Jeffrey Kimmel of Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro.

Joseph Trotti of Vishnick McGovern and Milizio.

Michael Antongiovanni of Meyer Suozzi English & Klein.

Honoree David Mejias.

Jennifer Mone of Hostra University.

Paul Millus of Meyer Suozzi English & Klein with Herald Community Newspapers publisher Stuart Richner.

Tim Baker/Herald photos Honoree and platinum sponsor Eduardo Villacorta.

Tiffany Graham of Touro University, Jacob D. Fuchesberg Law Center.

Donna Stefans of Stefans Law Group.

Bettina Hollis of The Rizzuto Law Firm.

THANK YOU!

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

Holocaust Memorial Day being honored in Long Beach

Long Beach community members are all invited to gather at Temple EmanuEl Monday, May 6 to commemorate Yom Hashoah, also known as Holocaust Memorial Day.

“It’s an important day on the calendar, that we remember the tragedies of the Holocaust and World War II,” Rabbi Jack Zanerhaft said. “It just feels like this year, with what’s going on in the world, namely, the upsurge in anti-Semitism, it’s important to pause and reflect.”

“I think it’s a good opportunity to show unity in a community to really understand it’s not just about a certain people like Jewish people,” Zanerhaft said, “but all who are targets of discrimination hatred, violence, bigotry, prejudice. That we really come together and try to change the course from such a frightening possibility to resetting our course towards a more towards a better society.”

t’s an important day on the calendar, that we remember the tragedies

The eighth annual event will start at 7 p.m., with the special service being led by Zanerhaft and Cantor Lisa Kantor. There will be musical interludes, a candle lighting ceremony and a guest keynote speaker.

Jack Zanerhaft Rabbi

For more information on the event or the temple’s other services, visit them at 455 Neptune Blvd., call them at (516) 431-4060 or visit their website at TempleEmanuElLongBeach.org.

–Brendan Carpenter

News brief

D’Esposito act to better define Antisemitism

Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie

Assemblymember Carrie Woerner (Assembly Sponsor)

Communities throughout the Empire State appreciate your commitment to the free press and to democracy.

U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito recently introduced the Define to Defeat Act, which if passed, would apply the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism to the enforcement of civil rights laws.

“Following the October 7 attacks on Israel, Jews around the world, including in America and New York, endured and continue to endure record-breaking levels of antisemitic attacks and hate,” D’Esposito said in a statement. “My legislation would provide federal officials the tools they need to fully assess, investigate and prosecute this criminal behavior.”

The Define to Defeat Act does not create a new law or a new protected class, but clarifies existing law to ensure federal officials are better able to comply with their already existing civil rights obligations as it pertains to crimes motivated by bias and hate. This clarity will also prevent criminal antisemitic actors from exercising loopholes in the law, such as falsely claiming their attacks on Jewish institutions, individuals, or points of Jewish collective identity were motivated by “anti-Israel” sentiment.

Herald file photo

Local Holocaust survivor Simon Berger spoke to a crowd of people at Temple EmanuEl of Long Beach the annual Yom Hashoah program in 2019.

Governor Kathy Hochul

Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (Senate Sponsor)

State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick Assemblyman Ari Brown

STEPPING OUT

Familiar face leading

Co-founder Harrelson

honored with uniform patch

By Tony Bellissimo

The Long Island Ducks took the field for the 2024 Atlantic League baseball season opener April 25 with heavy hearts.

Bud Harrelson, the former Mets great who co-founded and coowned the Ducks, died Jan. 11 at 79 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He co-founded the Ducks franchise with Frank Boulton in 1998, and served as the league’s first president.

“Bud’s impact on Long Island will be felt through Ducks baseball for as long as we play,” Boulton says. “He was my partner in bringing professional baseball to Long Island following his outstanding playing career in MLB, and he made his mark on so many through his charitable giving, appearances and kindness. He was a one-of-a-kind human being, and he is missed greatly.”

The Ducks, who won their first game under new manager Lew Ford, are honoring Harrelson this season with a “3” patch on the front of their uniforms. Harrelson’s family was on hand for the opener, and threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Ford became the seventh manager in Ducks history, succeeding Wally Backman. A member of the 1986 Mets World Series team, Backman joined the Ducks prior to the 2019 season, and finished his Ducks career with a record of 284-232 (.550). The team made the playoffs three times, and advanced to two Atlantic League Championship Series (2019, 2021), winning it all in 2019.

Ford has spent the past 13 seasons on Long Island, the past nine as a player/coach.

“I am honored and excited,” Ford says. “I look forward to working with our exceptional staff and players to bring home a championship to Long Island.”

Ford’s 13 years with the Ducks are more than any other player in franchise history, and his run as a player/coach is the longest tenure in franchise annals as well. He has the most hits in team history with 1,036, ranking him third all-time in the Atlantic League. Additionally, he sits second all-time among Ducks players in batting average (.318, mininum of 1,000 at-bats), games played (877), runs batted in (511), runs scored (549), doubles (227) and total bases (1,541).

setting league singleseason records for hits (189) and games played (140) that season. In addition to his time with the Ducks, Ford spent parts of seven seasons at the Major League level, and in 519 big league games batted .268 with 35 home runs and 176 RBIs.

“Lew has been an outstanding representative of the Ducks organization over the past 15 years,” Boulton says. “He has earned this opportunity, and we are very excited to have him guiding our team on

Atlantic League. Additionally, he sits second all-time among Ducks

The 47-year-old Central Islip resident played on the Ducks championship clubs in 2012, 2013 and 2019. He also helped lead the Flock to eight division titles and 11 postseason appearances as a player/coach. The outfielder was named the 2014 Atlantic League Player of the Year,

Asbury Short Film Concert

The latest edition of the short film showcase is back at the Madison Theatre. With a lineup of classics from Asbury’s past combined with current international festival winners — and in many cases, featuring up-and-coming filmmakers — audiences can get a look at these ‘smaller’ films that don’t often get a big screen showing. The fast-paced evening includes local spotlight selection ‘Across’ from Long Islandbased filmmaker Laura Sweeney It tells the dramatic story of three World War II widows on a road trip together to try and find healing, but instead wind up learning tough secrets. Another stand-out is the 2011 Academy Award nominee, ‘The Crush,’ a quirky drama about an 8-year-old boy and his infatuation with his teacher, from Irish director Michael Creagh. Author, comedy writer and former Friar’s Club archivist Barry Dougherty serves as guest host.

Friday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. $25. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at MadisonTheatreNY.org, or call (516) 323-4444.

field.”

The most accomplished player Ford will pencil into the lineup is Major League veteran outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., who signed April 4. He appeared in 1,182 MLB games, and won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. He totaled 109 homers, 449 RBIs and 69 stolen bases over an 11-year career.

‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’

“Jackie is an exceptional talent with a wealth of experience in the game,” Ford says. “His resume speaks for itself. He’s excited to be here and we’re thrilled to have him.”

Bradley will patrol center field with speedy Nick

Bradley will patrol center field with speedy Nick Heath (42 steals) in left and Tyler Dearden in right. The infield features another former Major Leaguer, first baseman Frank Schwindel, who hit 22 in the bigs. Shortstop Ivan Castillo and third baseman Hector Gomez also have some MLB experience. Scott Kelly returns at second base, and Ford expects newcomer Rixon Wingrove to hit some dingers.

Behind the plate, Chance Sisco returns after belting 11 homers, including three in one game, with 33 RBIs in just 31

base, games.

“He’s a veteran catcher who calls a great game, and is a very productive hitter,” Ford says.

Stephen Woods Jr., who went 7-2 for the Ducks last season. There

Sisco will work with a starting pitching staff anchored by Stephen Woods Jr., who went 7-2 for the Ducks last season. There is also former MLB southpaw Wei-Yin Chen. A onetime teammate of Ford’s in Baltimore, Daniel Corcino, who spent the past two years with Lexington. And Chris Ellis, who got a taste of the Majors with 25 relief appearances.

“We have talented players and a great clubhouse,” Ford says.

Photos courtesy Long Island Ducksi

Photos (top): Catcher Chance Sisco had 33 RBIs in only 31 games last season.

(middle): Third baseman Hector Gomez is one of many Ducks with MLB experience.

(bottom): Long Island Ducks mascot ‘Quakerjack’ is a hit with fans of all ages.

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 on the Paramount stage again. 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 celebrated the beach country sounds of Buffett, Chesney and Zac Brown Band for more than a decade, spreading their vibe up and down the Northeast.

Saturday, May 4, 8 p.m. $35. $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, or ParamountNY.com.

THE Your Neighborhood

Dance Theatre of Harlem

The acclaimed dance company visits Long Island on its 2024 tour, appearing on the Tilles Center stage, Friday, May 10, 8 p.m. With a storied history, the first Black classical ballet company, co-founded by dance icon and international superstar Arthur Mitchell, has toured the world, engaged communities and introduced young minds and bodies to the power of dance. With all its renown, this boundary-breaking, dynamic organization has maintained Mitchell’s core belief that ballet belongs to everyone. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, DTH presents a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century.

The 18-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate Black culture. Through performances, community engagement and arts education, the Company carries forward Dance Theatre of Harlem’s message of empowerment through the arts for all. The dynamic program and music by Michael Nyman; Balanchine’s “Pas de Dix, with music by Alexander Glazuno; “Take Me With You,” with choreography by Robert Bondara, featuring Radiohead music; “Return,” choreographed by Robert Garland, with James Brown and Aretha Franklin tunes. Tickets start at $64; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.

Family theater

Families will enjoy another musical adventure, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, May 3, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Sunday, May 5, 2 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, May 7-10, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to helping The Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat, energetic comedy based on four of Mo Willems’ popular Pigeon books.

Featuring a live band to bring Deborah Wicks La Puma’s jazzy score to life, audiences will thoroughly enjoy singing and flapping along with The Pigeon and friends. The audience is part of the action, in this innovative mix of songs, silliness and feathers. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to theater and the humorous stories from Willems’ books. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org..

On exhibit Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods.

Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.

Works include sculpture, paintings, photography, music, and ephemera from many noted and influential artists. On view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

College campus faced with dining dilemma

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Getting something to eat might not be so easy for students at Nassau Community College after the school’s primary food service provider abruptly terminated its contract last month, with two years remaining.

The seven-year agreement with Compass Group was cut off because of what the vendor described as less demand of its services due to the college’s declining enrollment.

One of the biggest places NCC students felt the change was at the Eatery, a central dining location at the Uniondale campus. It’s here where hungry scholars have to turn to vending machines to get what they need.

It’s raised a number of concerns, not only about accessibility and variety of food offered, but also the financial implications and uncertain future of dining services at the college.

“Right now, NCC students are in the middle of our semester with four to five weeks left,” said one student, Sebastian Bros. “Before, we had to suffice with the prices for the food we wanted at the Eatery. Now, we are going to have to suffice with the vending machines around the campus.

“There are students who feel strongly

LEGAL NOTICE

about this topic, and the fact that money issues are now an ongoing and recurring conversation we overhear around NCC.”

NCC’s faculty union has appealed to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for his help to address the NCC food shortage, urging the allocation of county funds to reinstate on-campus dining. Additionally, the union has called for a complete restructuring of the college’s board of trustees, as well as the public resignation of key college administrators, citing their failure to adequately respond to the crisis.

“The bottom line is it is very disrespectful to our students, shows a real lack of concern, and failure to meet their needs,” union president Faren Siminoff said. “But for us, it’s part of a whole — this whole mismanagement, lack of planning, failure to understand the mission of the college, and failure to understand our students and the community that we serve.”

But it’s not that Compass wants to go away. Instead, the company says it wants to rework the current contract to a new seven-year agreement costing approximately $320,000 annually.

It was a proposal not well received by NCC administrators. Especially since students didn’t seem to be happy with what they were getting from Compass.

Public Notices

NOTICE OF FORMATION of POWER SCRUB IT OF NY LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/16/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC c/o Michael Mangione, 1625 Hannington Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. 145740

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of Katarzyna Kubiak, LCSW, PLLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/18/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 37 Farrell Street, Long Beach, NY 11561. Purpose: any lawful act. 146108

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“FANNIE MAE”), Plaintiff, Against

RAMJEET RAMJATTAN, SANIETTA MOHESS, ET AT Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 11/08/2017, 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 2:30PM, premises known as 517 Laurelton Boulevard, Long Beach, New York 11561, And Described As Follows: 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. Section 59 Block 44 Lot 137

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $516,115.18 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 15199/12

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.

Michael Alpert, Esq., Referee.

More than 1,100 students and staffers participated in a survey conducted last year that revealed widespread dissatisfaction with both the cost and quality of the food services provided, according to Jerry Kornbluth vice president of community and governmental relations at NCC.

Although he acknowledges times have been tough for food services companies in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Kornbluth says different departments at NCC have collaborated to address the challenge.

“We’re not like (kindergarten) through 12, so kids come here, they take a couple of classes, maybe grab a sandwich somewhere, and they go off and then they go to work,” Kornbluth said. “So, they’re in and out in a weekend. It’s pretty tough for a company to make a profit. They’ve been losing money, and they wanted us to make up the loss.”

In the meantime, NCC is exploring several food options to at least get students through the final weeks of the spring semester. Currently, food trucks are available on certain days.

On top of that, Kornbluth says the school already is looking to find a new food services vendor.

That can’t come soon enough for another student, Kaldwin Lerandy Ladislas.

“In truth, it is not done, and one can assume that it’s because they think they can get away with it,” Lerandy Ladislas said. “They cannot get away with it. We must not allow them to get away with it.

in Uniondale, but has closed the Starbucks.

It is too much wrong, for too long, and we must reshape, or tear down institutions that do not care about our wellbeing as a community.

“For this is a community college.”

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 3/8/2024 File Number: 560-6190 CA 146213

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-BNC3

Plaintiff, Against LYDIA LAMOUTH, ET AL

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 04/03/2019, 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 on 5/28/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 159 E Chester St., Long Beach, New York 11561, And Described As Follows: 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.

Section 59 Block 108 Lot 65, 66, And 67. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $477,177.88 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 607220/2017 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.

Brian Davis, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 3/19/2024 File Number: 560-2175 CA 146375

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of CRAB THUMB CREATIVE LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/03/2024. NY office location Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process against the LLC, mailing process to 230 West Broadway Apt. 409, Long Beach, NY 11561 USA. Purpose of LLC: Any lawful purpose 146530

News brief

Donate on May 11 to Stamp Out Hunger

It’s that time of year again, when you can play a major role in helping those who are hungry by doing nothing more than putting some food out for collection.

It’s all part of the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive — a collaboration involving Island Harvest Food Bank, the National Association of Letter Carriers, and the U.S. Postal Service. It takes place on Saturday, May 11, when everyone is encouraged to leave food donations by their mailbox for their letter carrier to collect before their regular mail delivery.

As part of the nation’s largest singleday food collection campaign, all donations collected in Nassau and Suffolk counties will help Island Harvest provide much-needed food support to more than 300,000 people on Long Island who face hunger — including more than 90,000 children.

“Contributing to Stamp Out Hunger is simple,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and chief executive of Island Harvest, in a release. “Just leave non-perishable food items in a bag next to your mailbox before the regularly scheduled mail deliver. Your USPS letter carrier will do the rest to make sure it gets onto the tables of our Long Islander neighbors in need.”

Non-perishable food items needed include canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, boxed juices, and shelf-stable milk. It does not include food items in glass containers, as these are easy to break.

In addition, mail carriers will look for personal care items like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and disposable diapers. All donations will help replenish Island Harvest’s network of food pantries, soup kitchens and other emergency feeding programs in communities throughout Long Island.

Since its inception in 1993, Stamp Out Hunger has collected nearly 1.8 billion pounds of food in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Just here on Long Island, the demand for food has increased significantly since 2019 — with Island Harvest distributing 15 million pounds of food in 2022, up 42 percent from before the coronavirus pandemic.

All donations are tax-deductible since food collected benefits Island Harvest, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

To learn more about how you can help with this and other causes with Island Harvest, visit IslandHarvest.org.

Tim Baker/Herald Compass Group wants to end its food service contract with NCC, which not only has shuttered dining locations

Cablevision Lightpath, LLC seeks a Sr. System QA & Test Analyst to be responsible for testing tasks for complex or business-critical applications. Write test cases, create test plans, execute cases, and analyze results in accordance with established standards. Participate in design, planning, retrospective, and estimating exercises, and provide guidance to peers. Develop test scripts and test frameworks using the tools and technologies. Analyze multiple techniques and use-case scenarios and select appropriate approach. Identify defects, document critical application issues, and track them until resolution. #LI-DNI. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Information Technology or related discipline, and 5 years of experience with business requirement analysis or testing for software development. Experience must include a minimum of: 5 years of experience with generating/executing test scenarios that confirm business needs fulfilled in full stack applications and integrations; 5 years of experience with API technologies to test and verify services, such as Rest, SOAP, or RMI; 5 years of experience with functional and non-functional software product testing standards methodologies; 5 years of experience with full software development lifecycle, including all stages of design and implementation of custom applications and COTS solutions; 5 years of experience leading and facilitating business scenario discussions; 5 years of experience responding to internal client inquiries, categorizing and communicating risks, and resolving defects with peers and management; 5 years of experience with Agile methodologies for software development, particularly Scrum; 5 years of experience with Selenium, LoadRunner, TestNg, Cucumber, JAVA, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, J2EE, Eclipse, AccelQ, Jenkins, JSP, Unix, Oracle, GITLab, C, objectoriented analysis and design, SQL, SOAP, and Web Services. Full-time remote work permitted. Job location: Bethpage, NY. Rate of Pay: $143,021.00 – $150,000.00 per year. To apply, please visit https://careers.lightpathfiber.com/jobs/, and enter Job Requisition ID 5242. Alternatively, please send your résumé, cover letter, and a copy of the ad to: Cablevision Lightpath, LLC, Attn: Karen U. Miles, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY, USA 11714.

Construction Project Manager: Full-time, Ronkonkoma, NY. Manage all phases of construction projects incl. schedules, potential road blocks & mitigate/avoid roadblock impact on construction project schedule; Manage site activties w/ Engrs & Supervisors, resolve on-site issues & ontime project schedule; Work w/ & update Project Planner on progress of each project; Manage all procured materials and ensure on-time delivery; Work with Commercial Team on bidding potential new construction projects. Reqts:Bachelor’s degree in Engineering & 6 mnths exp.Salary: $82,014 per year 40 hrs work per week.Mail resume to Sharooz Rostami, President, R Brothers Inc., 702 Celis Street, San Fernando, CA 91340.

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!

$20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED Will Certify And Train HS Diploma NYS License Clean 3 Years

$20 - $25/ Hour Call 516-731-3000

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours

Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

PROJECT ENGNEER (BELLPORT, NY): Anlyze & coordnte blueprnts & drawngs of steel manufactrer & heavy constrction contractr & prvide engneerng advce for desgn, constrction & structre. Reqs: Bach in Civil Engneerng or rel & 3 yrs exp as Project Engneer, Civl Engneer or rel pstion. Salary: $120,000/yr. Mail resume to: HR, Integrated Structures Corp, 4 Pinehurst Dr, Bellport, NY 11713.

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

HANDYPERSON WANTED

Immediate Opening at our Garden City Location DESIRED SKILLS: Electrical * Welding * Carpentry Mechanical * Plumbing Part Time/Fulltime (benefits available with full time) $18-$30 per hour based on experience Richner Communications, Inc 2 Endo Blvd Garden City, NY 11530 Send resume to careers@lixtherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 ext 211

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER: Fulltime, Ronkonkoma, NY. Understand client needs/requirements & communicate quality standards with production teams in accordance w/ AISC standards; devise, improve & review new product specs & procedures and train staff in accordance w/ AISC standards; set raw materials reqts & monitor compliance per AISC standards; supervise inspectors, technicians & operate per AISC standards; oversee product dev’t procedures for any quality deviation per AISC standards; inspect & approve final output; keep accurate documentation & do statistical analysis; document client feedback, prep reports & assist ext’l auditors/ inspectors. Reqts: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering & one year exp. Salary: $95,160 per year 40 hrs work per week. Mail resume to Lucky Damiao, President, SCE Detailing Group Inc.., 2165 5th Avenue, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779.

RECEPTIONIST/ P/T: SEASONAL, Warm, Friendly, Excellent People Skills, Office Work/ Customer Service, Beach Club. 516-239-2150

Structural Engineer: Full-time, Valley Stream, NY. Investigate/study sites for current/upcoming procurements; Design calculations for pipe flows, bridges, & other structures; Review/comment on construction docs, incl. shop drwngs, for constructability & other issues; Prepare quantity takeoffs & construction cost estimates; Verify compliance w/ project specs/contract docs; Develop engineering solutions for constrctn plans/dsgns. Reqts: Bachelor’s degree in Civ/Strctrl Engineering. Salary: $65,853 per year 40 hrs work per week. Mail resume to Muhammad Amray, President, ZOFS Engineering PC, 2 Columbine Lane, Valley Stream, NY 11581.

HomesHERALD

We’re not sure about my cousin’s advice

Elegant Old Canterbury

BQ. We are planning an addition and some interior changes, and read your column about taking out walls around our kitchen and dining room. My cousin is a contractor, and he has been making suggestions, some that are really good and some that I’m a little concerned about. At first he told me we could save a lot of money, and he knew many ways to do that. We are getting plans from his architect, who we’ve never met, and the cost is doubling. We’re wondering how to tell my cousin that we really need to back off or get other competitive prices. Have you any suggestions about what we should do? We don’t want to alienate or insult him, but we’ve tried to be honest about it, and are getting an uneasy feeling about where this is leading.

A. Over the 50-plus years I have been in the construction business, I have seen the result of this kind of relationship. Many were very successful, but mostly because clients were the controlling deciders, willing to take advice but able to recognize that it was their money that was making the project happen.

This is the same advice once given to me that in construction, the customer should play by the golden rule. You may know the biblical golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” but there is also the other golden rule — that he, or she, with the gold rules. In other words, as long as you haven’t paid, until satisfied, you still have some control over the project. Once you pay for something or let something continue that should have been addressed, you accept the conditions.

I have also seen, many times, where a relative or friend took advantage of the relationship and either took money without doing the work, did inferior work to keep an unrealistic budget, or never did the work at all. One young man called me at the suggestion of his cousin to do a restaurant. I initially sat with the cousin contractor and future restaurateur to discuss details. Subsequently, the contractor stopped showing up for meetings, but we worked through the project, trusting the cousin to follow plans and decisions despite his absence.

You should always be meeting with the architect to discuss the design. After obtaining permits and getting started, there was no communication for several months. I called to confirm that building inspections were made, and the restaurant was open, only to learn the unreachable cousin started but then ran off with the first $30,000. The restaurant did finally open a year later, with another contractor.

So be communicative, get other pricing and feel satisfied. Remember, you are in control and should play by the golden rule. You need to be directly involved with planning, permits and decisions, and be honest with your cousin, even if just to keep things under your control. Lose control, lose money, and your cousin. Good luck!

We

FOOD, FREEZE dry, raw lamb rawbble 26 oz., $25 unopened, unexpired, call/txt. 516-375-7014

GUARDIAN BATHTUB TRANSFER Bench: Brand New, Fully Assembled. $45 516-826-3727

RADIAL TIRE R255/65R16 In New Condition. $20 Firm! 516-486-7941

SHARP AQUOS 37" LED TV, Model LC-37D43U, 2 remotes, Operator's manual, Excellent. $90.00 516-343-4010

Finds Under $100

TOP BRAND KIDS 20" bike: moda vgc, blue, for 5-10 years old. $70. call/txt 516-375-7014

SERVICES

Miscellaneous

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

Plumbing

PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. 24 Hour Emergency Response. 516-599-1011.

Power Washing

POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: Houses, Fences, Concrete/ Brick, Decks/Sealing. . ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641

Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Driveways, Sidewalks, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing. Quality Work, Lic./ Ins. Owner Always Onsite Free Estimates 516-354-5578

Cable/TV/Wiring

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

Electricians

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Exterminating

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Handyman

HANDYMAN

Repairs and Installations for the Household. Careful and Reliable and Vaccinated. Licensed and Insured. 30-Year Nassau County Resident. Friendly Frank Phone/Text 516-238-2112 E-mail-Frankcav@optonline.net

Home Improvement

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076

Tree Services

FRANCISCO'S TREE SERVICE

Sale Info: 800-536-1401, x.401 AuctionsInternational.com Promo code: WESTBID24

Health & Fitness

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855-399-2719 Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-399-2582

Iam an avid reader. For as long as I can remember, I’ve chased the feeling of escape I find in a book I enjoy. Good books make you smile. But great books? They make you think. And I like to think.

As a junior in high school, I read “The Great Gatsby” for the first time, and was instantly enthralled. I decided at 16 it was the best thing I’d ever read, and I’ve yet to be persuaded otherwise. Why it took me as long as it did to pick up another one of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s works is beyond me. And it’s honestly a shame. I find, in the midst of my young adult years, that I finally understand why his words left an impression on me — but thanks to an entirely different book.

Let’s talk about “This Side of Paradise.”

It was Fitzgerald’s first novel, released in 1920, examining the life and morality of Amory Blaine, an attractive middleclass student. The story mostly details

Finding our side of paradise

Amory’s experiences in college at Princeton University and thereafter, exploring his relationships with friends, a Catholic priest, and several young women, who could only be thought of today as flappers — you know, fashionable ladies who flouted convention.

Amory is arrogant, and certainly hard to like. Yet for some reason, I found myself enjoying his whimsical naivete when it comes to life.

The novel was an instant hit, becoming particularly popular among college students. Fitzgerald was just 23 at the time of its publication, the new face of “youth in revolt.”

romantic relationships that ended as quickly and poetically as they had begun.

It makes sense why some may not like “This Side of Paradise.” But I feel as though I completely understand Amory’s experiences. He loved to write. He loved to think. He wanted the best for himself, and he imagined a life that he felt was obtainable.

A s a member of Gen Z, I know as well as anyone how the world views people my age.

It attracted criticism from so-called “social conservatives” because of the attention he brought to young people. Seen as immoral, undisciplined and self-indulgent, Fitzgerald’s generation sparked a wave of change — not only for young men, but certainly for young women.

While reveling in the wonders of his youth, Amory Blaine faced setbacks that changed the trajectory of his life. His parents died. His closest confidant, a monsignor, also died. And he had a handful of

n“Everything was hallowed by the haze of his own youth,” Fitzgerald writes of Amory, a simple yet powerful statement that affectively summarizes young adulthood.

Amory’s plight — and his enduring yearn to become someone that matters — is really what being young is all about, isn’t it?

As a 22-year-old — and a member of the infamous Gen Z — I know as well as anyone how the rest of the world views people my age.

We’re seen questionably — frowned upon, even. We think differently. Act differently. And want the best not only for ourselves, but also for the world around us. And when we watch things that we care about get stripped away, it’s hard not to feel angry.

We may swim against tides, but we

don’t act wiser than we are, because we can’t possibly know of things we’ve yet to experience.

In many ways, we’re just like Amory Blaine. You may not like what we have to say. You may question our morals and our actions, but I believe we live our lives with great intention.

“This Side of Paradise” isn’t Fitzgerald’s best work. It’s a great read, but as he got older and wiser, he produced better. He is regarded today as a great American novelist, but his debut was just a taste of what was to come.

“I know myself,” Amory cries at the end of the novel. “But that is all.”

Could there be any truer words?

People like me, people in my generation, are at the same point in our lives as Amory, or even perhaps Fitzgerald. We, too, are hallowed by the haze of our youth.

We aren’t asking you to agree with us, but rather to view us as you once viewed yourself.

We will become who we are meant to be, in time. And one day, we will find our side of paradise.

Jordan Vallone is a senior editor who writes for the Bellmore, East Meadow and Merrick Heralds. Comments? jvallone@ liherald.com.

The state budget: lots of dollars, little sense

early three weeks late, the $237 billion state budget presents a mix of positives and negatives.

While it’s easy to find initiatives to support in such a large spending plan, inexplicably, there are areas where it falls short.

I’m pleased that our communities’ voices were heard in our opposition to the proposed cuts in foundation aid for many of our school districts. No district will receive less foundation aid than it did last year. Additionally, funding for clean water infrastructure and the Environmental Protection Fund will greatly benefit our environment, and progress has been made on addressing Tier 6 and providing much-needed support for human services workers.

The budget did not, however, provide desperately needed financial support for Nassau University Medical Center, our county’s only safety-net hospital, and it enacted potentially harmful changes to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program by requiring the use of a single, state-selected fiscal intermediary. As I travel across the 9th Senate Dis-

trict, there are two issues that I repeatedly hear about from Long Islanders of all walks of life: affordability and public safety. Unfortunately, this budget does little to improve either. Rather than reining in government spending and cutting residents’ taxes, the state imposed a new tax on health insurance, and increased spending by $8 billion. Further, while I’m not in favor of tucking unrelated policy changes into the state budget, I welcome any opportunity for the state to meaningfully advance public-safety measures.

platitudes, as the Senate majority was unable to give me an adequate explanation during the floor debate of how this provision would change the manner in which a squatter is actually removed from someone’s property.

T his spending plan does little to improve affordability or public safety.

Disappointingly, rather than giving judges discretion when setting bail, which would allow them to keep violent criminals off our streets, Albany advanced modest proposals, such as increasing the penalty for assaulting retail workers, although it was not made bail eligible. The list of offenses that can be charged as hate crimes was expanded, but does not include graffiti, which is often used to target the Jewish community with hateful rhetoric and imagery such as swastikas.

Even the “changes” to laws regarding so-called squatter’s rights — an issue I, and several of my Long Island colleagues, have brought to the forefront of the Legislature — appear to be empty

Another troubling aspect of policy in this year’s budget is the incorporation of the RAPID Act. While aimed at advancing environmental goals, the act raises significant concerns about local autonomy and decision-making. It grants the state even broader authority to disregard local laws or ordinances in pursuit of its climate objectives.

While I support a fiscally responsible transition to cleaner, more diverse energy sources, I firmly believe that this transition must respect the rights and concerns of local elected officials, and must include meaningful input from the affected communities. Local governments are most attuned to the unique needs and circumstances of their communities, and they are best positioned to make decisions that align with the priorities of their residents. By allowing the state to override local laws, the RAPID Act undermines the principles of local governance and community involvement.

Continuing the theme of Albany’s

misplaced priorities, last year Gov. Kathy Hochul vetoed legislation I supported, the Alex R. Jimenez New York State Military Immigrant Family Legacy Program. This initiative, which would have helped undocumented veterans and their family members become American citizens, was vetoed because of the estimated cost of $1 million. Rather than including this initiative in the state budget, however, $2.4 billion was included to fund New York City’s migrant crisis. It’s worth noting that this $2.4 billion pot — thousands of times more than what would be needed for the Legacy Program to support those who risk their lives defending our nation — is in addition to the millions of dollars the state already spends each year assisting migrants. I remain committed to advocating for common-sense policies and fiscal responsibility in Albany. It is crucial that future budgets and policies are more reflective of the priorities and concerns of New Yorkers. The outmigration of so many people to other states should be an alarm sounding to the one-party-controlled state government that many residents do not agree with its policies and spending plans. I hope my colleagues in state government will realize this before the Empire State becomes the empty state.

Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th Senate District.

JoRDAn VALLone

HeraLd editoriaL

Celebrating N.Y.’s

Last month marked a pivotal moment for New York state — a moment that extended far beyond the numbers and legislative details of a state budget.

Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature delivered a beacon of hope for our communities by including in the state budget a groundbreaking initiative to support local news organizations in the form of a tax credit, modeled on the Local Journalism Sustainability Act.

At the heart of this legislation lies a profound acknowledgment: Local journalism is not just about reporting news; it’s about safeguarding the health of both our democracy and our communities.

State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the bill’s sponsor in the upper chamber, aptly captured the essence of this endeavor, emphasizing that “a thriving local news industry is vital to the health of our democracy.” With bipartisan cooperation and a shared commitment to our communities, the initiative underscores the fundamental role that local journalists play in keeping our

Letters

D’Esposito gets his marching orders from you know who

To the Editor:

investment in local journalism

democracy vibrant and informed.

What does this legislation mean for our neighborhoods and towns? It means that we, as a society, are recognizing the value of — and investing in — the storytellers who bring our communities together: the journalists who uncover local stories, amplify diverse voices, and hold leaders accountable.

The Empire State Local News Coalition, founded earlier this year, spearheaded this legislative achievement by organizing more than 200 local newspapers across the state. The coalition’s tireless efforts moved the Local Journalism Sustainability Act to the forefront of legislative priorities.

“It is really an astounding legislative accomplishment,” Hoylman-Sigal told members of the New York Press Association last weekend in a Zoom appearance. “After stalling for years, our Local Journalism Sustainability Act really didn’t catapult into a top legislative priority” until “the founding of the Empire State Local News Coalition. That coalition … mobilized hundreds of newspapers and a broad range of stakeholders from around the country.”

Congressman Anthony D’Esposito disingenuously claims in his latest column, “Migrants get more government support than veterans” (April 18-24), that the Senate Democrats’ proposed border bill merely codified the existing “open border” policies, despite the Associated Press reporting on Feb. 15 that “The Senate’s border proposal was one of the toughest bipartisan bills to emerge on the issue in decades.”

Significantly, the lead negotiator for the Senate Republicans was James Langford, of Oklahoma, who is known to be one of the most conservative members of the Senate.

The bill collapsed, however, when former President Donald Trump called for the Republicans in Congress to kill it, because he feared it would enhance President Biden’s chances of being re-elected.

It’s long past time for Congressman D’Esposito, and the rest of the Republicans, to stop following the marching orders of Donald Trump and do what’s best for their constituents instead of what’s best for Donald Trump.

ROBERT TOLLE Cedarhurst

Trump selectively honors police

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column “The heartbreaking death of an NYPD hero” (April 11-17): How mature of Don-

Zach Richner, founder of the Empire State Local News Coalition — and a director of Richner Communications, the parent company of Herald Community Newspapers — expressed profound gratitude to the legislators who championed this cause. In addition to Hoylman-Sigal’s unwavering leadership, Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assembly sponsor Carrie Woerner all played pivotal roles in turning this vision into reality.

New York’s leadership on this issue sets a powerful example for the nation. Other states — blue, red or purple — now have a template to follow, as does the federal government, where the Community News and Small Business Support Act has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. While there is still work to be done in crafting the final regulations governing this tax credit, let’s celebrate this milestone. And let’s continue to champion the indispensable role of local journalism in shaping the future of our communities — and our nation.

Trump to demonstrate great

and respect” to Detective Jonathan Diller’s family, who my heart goes out to.

viving Capitol police, who still suffer due to the trauma they experienced that day. Please wake up, people, and see Trump for who he is: a self-serving narcissist.

JOSIE MARINO Lynbrook

We must secure our borders, reform immigration now

the United States must secure our borders and reform our broken immigration system. This demands immediate action, not delay tactics for political convenience. American citizens are owed this much. Our immigration system’s shortcomings have been a longstanding issue, with decades of inaction due to a lack of political will on both sides.

The U.S. Constitution explicitly assigns Congress the responsibility and power to fix this problem, yet the 118th Congress has been notably ineffective, the least productive Congress since the Great Depression. This stagnation is largely attributed to the prevailing hyper-partisanship and an inclination toward political theatrics over substantive legislative work.

The behavior exhibited within the halls of Congress — ranging from per-

How about a street naming?

To the Editor:

sonal attacks and physical altercations among members, to successive attempts to oust the speaker of the House, to catcalls at the State of the Union Address — underscores a departure from the principles of civility in government. Sadly, many of our representatives have embraced chaos and dysfunction as a substitute for governance. And in the wake of this chaos, the effort to solve the migrant crisis and its unprecedented impact on New York has been sidelined.

the Senate’s promising bipartisan border deal was dismissed as ‘disastrous.’

Fixing our complex immigration system requires a balanced approach that secures our borders while extending compassion to law-abiding immigrants. Although challenging, a solution is within reach through diligent effort and bipartisan collaboration.

The Senate’s bipartisan border security deal was a promising development, which laid the groundwork for meaningful reform. The bill proposed new measures to secure the border, streamline the asylum process, and end the broad

Letters

The financial outpouring for Detective Diller was outstanding. But I hope Peter King, with his relationship with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, will support renaming Detective Diller’s street in Massapequa in his honor. This would be a lasting tribute to him and his family.

RICH MORICCO East Meadow

Antisemitism, not Netanyahu, is the problem

To the Editor:

Re Jerry Kremer’s column “Netanyahu is a supporter of one party: himself”: Kremer supports Sen. Chuck Schumer’s view that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is more concerned about himself than about Israel. What Schumer has said has nothing to do with “Bibi’s” alleged corruption. What Schumer was really doing was attempting to placate the virulent antisemitism that has take root in the Democratic Party among radical Islamists. What is Netanyahu to do about Gaza? Before the Oct. 7 massacre of 1,200 Israelis, Israel took a hands-off

release of migrants into communities. This initiative was crafted by Democrats and Republicans, and garnered support across the political spectrum. It was supported by the National Border Patrol Council — the union representing the men and women who protect our border. Despite some imperfections, the deal represented a significant step forward, embodying the essence of compromise and cooperation that is foundational to American democracy. However, opposition from figures like Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, who immediately criticized the bill as “disastrous” and who has held fast to a hyper-partisan position on immigration, exemplifies the obstacles to progress.

D’Esposito’s refusal to engage in any real attempt to move border solutions forward, coupled with his shocking recent praise of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for sending nearly 40,000 migrants to our state, highlight a disturbing trend of prioritizing partisan loyalty over constructive problem-solving.

The empty rhetoric and finger-pointing of elected officials like D’Esposito, characterized by a lack of commitment to real solutions, fail to serve the interests of Americans. In contrast, my approach in Congress will be to collaborate with all parties to achieve comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform. This includes enhancing border security by hiring more border patrolagents, deploying additional advanced “smart” technology and building strategic physical barriers. It also includes reforming the system to expedite the asylum and deportation processes and to provide clear paths to citizenship for hard-working, eligible people in search of better lives.

Performative politics and a refusal to engage with bipartisan solutions not only impede progress, but also betray the trust of the American people. The time for action is now, and it requires leaders willing to prioritize effective governance over partisan fealty and gamesmanship. Long Island, New York state and the entire nation deserve better.

Laura Gillen, a former Hempstead town supervisor, is a Democratic candidate in the 4th Congressional District.

Framework by Michael Ostrow

approach to Gaza. What did the people of Gaza do? They elected the terrorist group Hamas, which then used the aid that should have been used for the people of Gaza to build a huge underground system of tunnels — which some say is larger than the New York City transit system, in some places under hospitals (with human shields) — to acquire and store munitions and to use that system to launch attacks on Israel.

The massacre on Oct. 7 was the equivalent of 35,000 Americans being killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Do you think we would tolerate a foreign entity telling us what our response should be? Netanyahu is not the villain here. Hamas is. It has killed a number of hostages, and is holding others, including Americans. Israel’s rightful negotiating stance should be: the unconditional release of all hostages and the return of all bodies of the dead, or face total destruction. Israel has already demonstrated surgical restraint in dealing with the civilian population. Hamas was gutless because it targeted civilians and not the Israeli military.

Growing up in the late 1950s and early ’60s, we knew from our fathers of Hitler’s Holocaust. We knew what “Never again” meant. Yet here we are, 80 years later, and antisemitism has raised its ugly head, this time on American soil. For the radical Islamists there is no two-state solution. It has been offered time and again and refused. The first time was when Israel was created in 1947.

Former President Donald Trump is a strong supporter of Israel. He brokered the Abraham Accords. But for the radical Islamists, there is only one solution, the same as Hitler’s. They hate the Abraham Accords, because they don’t want peace. They can’t even tolerate a small Jewish state the size of New Jersey. As former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir said many years ago, there

will be peace only when the radicals love their children more than they hate the children of Jews.

Netanyahu does not threaten the existence of Israel; it is the mealymouthed apologists for Hamas in this country who are the threat to Israel.

At the Great Pyramid of Giza — Egypt

LaUra GiLLen

JOSEPH V. SCIFO Valley Stream

Mothers looking for a hospital at which to give birth should consider the quality indicators used by U.S. News & World Report ® to determine institutions deemed High Performing for Maternity care.

Mount Sinai South Nassau is the only South Shore hospital to earn the rating of High Performing based on eight key measures:

• Reduced C-section delivery rates

• Low early elective delivery rates

• Low overall unexpected newborn complication rates

• Increased routine VBAC rates

• Increased exclusive human milk feeding rates

• Low episiotomy rates

• Routine birthing-friendly practices

• Transparency on racial/ethnic disparities

If you want the best birthing experience for you and for your baby, look no further than Mount Sinai South Nassau.

Learn more at southnassau.org/maternity, or call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU.