Long Beach Herald 06-20-2024

Caps off to the next chapter

With cheers and applause, Long Beach High School seniors ceremoniously tossed their mortarboards at last Saturday’s graduation. More photos, Page 3.

Reshaping the future of learning State proposes revamping H.S. graduation requirements

By ANGElINA ZINGARIEllo azingariello@liherald.com

State education officials are considering changing high school graduation requirements, including potentially eliminating the Regents exam as a mandatory component.

The changes, which would directly impact the Long Beach school district, were presented to the Board of Regents by the State Education Department on June 10.

Currently, students in the state can earn one of three types of diplomas: a local diploma, a Regents diploma, or a Regents diploma with advanced designation, like the International

Baccalaureate Diploma. The system requires students to meet both credit and assessment requirements. Credits are earned primarily by completing specific units of study, and the required assessments, or exams.

The proposed changes would introduce a single diploma for all students. They could earn it by demonstrating proficiency in a variety of ways, including personalized methods tailored to individual strengths and learning styles.

“True equity and excellence in education are achievable, but only if we provide all students with meaningful educational opportunities and multiple avenues for them to demonstrate their

Council OKs changes to beach season

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

It’s beach season, Long Beach. Just a little earlier than expected.

City officials held a news conference last Friday on the boardwalk at Riverside Boulevard, announcing immediate changes to beach access rules in the wake of an unexpectedly large gathering on the beach and a shooting at the Long Beach train station on June 13.

The changes he announced had gone into effect last Friday. Up until then, beach passes were to be required only on weekends until the last Thursday of the month. With Creighton’s ruling, the summer season effectively began 13 days early, meaning that beach-goers will need to produce passes every day of the week.

I t was the right thing to do at the time.

Roy lEsTER City councilman

“No pass, no beach,” City Manager Dan Creighton said — even on weekdays, despite the fact that the beach will not open for weekday use until June 27. “The council will also be granting me, as the city manager, the authority to direct the Police Department to close the beach at any time, at my direction, for whatever reason we feel is necessary.”

The shooting, and the changes to the beach season, were the focus of discussion at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. Creighton addressed it all during his opening message.

“I have to say, for years I’ve been advocating opening the beach earlier, and I’m very happy to see this,” Councilman Roy Lester said. “It was the right thing to do at the time, and now we will get the beach opened earlier, probably from now on, forever.”

Creighton’s executive order to immediately start the beach season, rather than wait until June 27, was discussed, voted on and approved by the council members.

“The beach and the boardwalk are the heart of our city, and it feels like every year they’re being abused by people who are not concerned with the safety or quality of life for our residents,” Creighton said. “We

Jaci Zitman/Herald

Congestion pricing is on pause, for now

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Town of Hempstead officials claimed victory earlier this month after Gov. Kathy Hochul put an indefinite pause on a congestion-pricing plan that was set to go into effect on June 30.

The plan aimed to reduce traffic and travel time, create safer streets and cleaner air, reduce emissions and overall improve the quality of life in New York City — but the cost was high. It sought to tax car drivers $15 to enter Manhattan below 60th street, and charge truck drivers anywhere from $24 to $36, depending on the size of the vehicle. The toll would have also applied to motorcycles, taxis and ride-share vehicles.

The plan was first discussed in June of last year, and Hochul faced immediate pushback across the tri-state region from representatives, who expressed concern about the burden the high costs could place on travelers.

“Let’s be real — a $15 charge may not mean a lot to someone who has the means, but it can break the budget of a working- or middle-class household,” Hochul said in announcing a pause in the plan on June 5. “It puts the squeeze on the very people who make this city go: the teachers, first responders, small business workers, bodega owners. And given these financial pressures, I cannot add another burden to working- and middle-

class New Yorkers — or create another obstacle to continued recovery.”

Hempstead Town officials, who openly disagreed with the pricing plan, said while the victory is great for now, it is only temporary.

“Yesterday, we saw the governor finally acquiesce to the will of residents throughout Long Island and the tri-state region in pausing congestion pricing, not eliminating it,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin said at a news conference on June 6. “Those are very key words we need to remember because when you pause something, you pause it with the intention of bringing it back.”

Wregional train lines.

However, town officials called out the MTA on past spending failures, leading them to feel doubtful that congestion pricing revenue would’ve made a difference.

“Everyone across the island knows that this was not about good government,” Clavin said. “This was not (about) investing in the rail systems.”

e need to stay vigilant

DON CLAViN Hempstead Town Supervisor

Town leaders were adamant that the congestion-pricing plan would’ve hurt the average middle-class resident who needs to drive into the city for work — people like teachers, firefighters and police officers.

“This was literally nothing but a money grab,” Clavin said.

The area where tolls would’ve been implemented was referred to as the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan. It was estimated the congestion pricing plan would’ve raised $1 billion a year, which would cover the interest and principal payments for capital improvement projects to the city’s subways, buses and

The Town of Hempstead filed a federal lawsuit last month, making it the first on Long Island to take legal action against the congestion-pricing plan.

Clavin said even though there’s a temporary pause on the plan, it’s important that residents continue to fight its possible reenactment.

“We need to stay vigilant,” he said. “We need to keep up this fight. We’re not eliminating our lawsuit.

“This isn’t a Republican issue — this isn’t a Democrat issue,” he added. “This is a taxpayer issue, and the overburdened, overtaxed residents can’t afford this anymore.”

Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, who represents New York’s Fourth Congressional District, said the issue of congestion pricing was not only talked about on Long Island, but in the halls of Congress.

“This is an issue plaguing hardwork-

ing New Yorkers, and people in the tristate area, that come to and from Manhattan,” he said. “Congestion pricing could cost the average commuter over $4,000 a year.”

D’Esposito said he worked with Congressman Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from New Jersey, who also opposed congestion pricing, to enact legislation that would’ve put a stop to Hochul’s plan.

“We should claim victory because everyone here raised their voices,” D’Esposito said. “But we must keep pressure on. This shouldn’t be a pause — it should be an absolutely never going to happen.”

As of now, it is unclear if and when Hochul may reinstate the plan.

“Congestion pricing would have been another hit on hard working New Yorkers,” Town Councilman Chris Carini said. “I am proud to help champion the fight against an egregious tax that would have crippled residents and small businesses. Every day, more New Yorkers are leaving the state due to high taxes and unsafe neighborhoods. Albany’s leadership continues to produce out of control spending and has failed to rein in costs — let’s hope congestion pricing never rears its ugly head again.”

“This is a small victory in the long battle against congestion pricing,” Councilman Dennis Dunne said. “We are committed to fighting against unfair taxes on the back of Long Islanders.”

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HERALD SCHOOLS

Performances were also given as a part of the ceremony, featuring music

Long Beach’s Class of 2024 graduates

Long Beach High School held its graduation ceremony on Friday at 5 p.m. on campus.

Eager graduates packed the field, waiting to hear their names called, marking the end of their Long Beach High School journey and the start of what’s next for each one of them.

Troy DeFrancesco was named valedictorian and Samuel Adler was recognized as salutatorian.

DeFrancesco and Hannah Bloom, the senior class president, gave speeches to their fellow graduates, commending them on their achievements so far.

Congratulations Class of 2024.

Graduates get ready for the final tradition of the commencement ceremony.

Graduates mark the end of their academic journey at Long Beach High, and get ready for the next steps.

Jaci Zitman/Herald photos

from the school’s musicians.

Troy DeFrancesco, valedictorian, and Hannah Bloom, senior class president, delivered speeches to their fellow graduates, thanking all those that helped the journey and looked toward what’s next for them.

June 13 drama leads to changes on the beach

expect to implement these measures in the future as well, to prevent the situation from reoccurring year after year.”

He also commended the Long Beach, Nassau County and Metropolitan Transportation Authority police departments for the “outstanding job they did in what was, by all accounts, a very difficult, if not impossible, situation.”

Officials said that a large group of teenagers gathered on the beach on June 13 after news spread of a “senior cut day” on social media. The teens came from towns including Baldwin, Elmont, Freeport, Hempstead, Malverne and Queens, and Acting Police Commissioner Rich DePalma said that the gathering numbered over 2,000. DePalma acknowledged that the department knew about the potential gathering the night before, but was expecting only 500 teens. Officers checked bags as they arrived.

Gatherings of over 100 people are not allowed at any time on the city’s beaches.

At around 6 p.m., the group was moved off the beach and directed toward the train station. There, shots were fired, and a 16-year-old was shot. He was taken to a nearby hospital. As of press time, there was no official word on his condition.

Additional shots were fired inside the station. A 15-year-old was charged with attempted assault, reckless endanger-

ment, criminal use of a firearm, criminal possession of a loaded firearm and unlawful possession of a large-capacity ammunition-feeding device for the shots fired inside the station.

“There were some disorderly groups within that group, and some fights occurred,” DePalma said. “While dispersing that crowd, we needed the quality assistance of the National County Police Department and the MTA Police

Why Some Estate Plans Fail

Clients lose legal clarity when their treating physician determines that they are unable to handle their legal and financial affairs. Once the client becomes legally disabled, it is too late to prepare and sign new legal documents. Obviously, the same is true when a client dies.

Time and again we find that the client’s legal documents were prepared many years ago and are either inadequate from a personal or professional point of view. It may be that the wrong person is in charge due to any number of circumstances -- illness, unavailability, estrangement, death, etc. In other cases, the power of attorney, the will or the trust is legally inadequate. Examples of this may be that the client had the power of attorney done many years earlier by a general lawyer, but failed to have it reviewed or replaced by an elder law attorney when they got older. Thus they end up with a power of attorney that is not strong enough to move assets out of their name or to set up a trust to protect their assets. Under Medicaid, it’s move it or lose it.

Countless wills and trusts do not reflect

the current state of the law when a client dies, especially regarding New York and Federal estate taxes. These laws change every few years as administrations change.

The problem arises out of the fact that law firms are traditionally unwilling to take the responsibility to keep their clients informed as to law changes or to review their clients’ estate plans on a regular basis — to make certain the plan will work when the client needs it — not when they wrote it many years earlier.

To overcome the problem of facing a death or disability with an outdated plan, we provide a free review of our clients’ estate plan every three years. Having used this approach for over three decades, we have saved thousands of clients countless problems and, when something happens to one of our clients, we know who they are since the relationship has been maintained. In addition, Ettinger Law Firm does not charge for phone calls or emails in order to encourage communication when personal or legal issues arise.

LAW FIRM

Department, and we really appreciate their efforts. The investigation is ongoing — we’re still gathering evidence. We gathered a lot of video. That video has to be looked through, and more charges may be pending.”

It is still unclear whether the same individual fired the shots both inside and outside the station.

“This won’t be a trend here in Long Beach,” City Council President Brendan

Finn said. “Here we honor the values of respect for our community, for our law enforcement officers and our fellow citizens. Effective immediately, the city manager will undertake a series of measures to keep our residents safe.”

Next week, Part 2: Residents had a lot to say about the changes to beach policy, and the events of June 13, at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

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Brendan Carpenter/Herald

acting police Commissioner richard depalma and other city officials gathered last friday on the boardwalk to discuss changes to beach access rules in the wake of an unexpectedly large gathering of teens, and a shooting at the Lirr station, the previous day.

long beach

Joseph D’Andrea/Herald

Long Beach High School students Shea Rehnback and Nikki Lane were recognized for their poetry at the library by Paula Curci, the Nassau County poet laureate.

Celebrating student poetry

L.B. scholars recognized for their artistic writing

By JOSEPH D’ANDREA Intern

A crowd with noisemakers in hand celebrated student and resident poets from Long Beach at the Nassau County Poet Laureate Society Scholarship Ceremony on June 12.

Hosted by the Long Beach Library, whose goal is “to encourage and welcome all voices,” the NCLPLS honored Long Beach High School students Shea Rehnback and Nikki Kane, who received the Nassau County Poet Laureate Society Scholarship and Poetry: It’s a ‘Shore’ Thing! Award, respectively, as well as NCLPLS Shore Poets Winners. Both recipients read their poems to the audience at the event.

The NCLPLS’ mission is to support a laureate and to encourage the poetic voice, which is done in part with the younger generation by presenting a high school student with a scholarship. They also have an annual poetry contest and publish a Nassau County Poet Laureate Society review book, all in an effort to make residents aware of the culture in Nassau County.

Long Beach librarian and poet Nicole Menzzasalma echoed this, saying, “It’s so important to bring poetry into the community and it’s so nice to see two young people writing poetry.”

Rehnback is a student of the talented writer’s program at LBHS. Her poems submitted had alternative voices and were described as “micro-memoirs” by Nassau County Poet Laureate Paula Curci. She has won regional Scholastic awards including a Silver Key recognition and honorable mentions, and explained that writing helps her “deal with everyday stress that can seem so draining and it allows me to express my feelings.”

Kane is a junior at LBHS, who “views writing as a portal to the soul, allowing readers to discover aspects of themselves that they wouldn’t have under-

stood otherwise. She is fascinated by the ability to bring her experiences and those of others to life through collaboration with talented writers, editors and more.”

Rachell Koegel has taught at LBHS for 28 years, in part teaching creative writing, and is a mentor to Rehnback.

“I let them take risks and be authentic and I don’t try to control the process,” Koegel said. “Not at all robotic or formulaic, and gently and not so gently direct them. Students working together tops any other type of education you can give them because they learn from one another. If they’re looking for my approval, that’s not writing. They’re writing for themselves and an audience, and they learn how to take feedback and develop a thicker skin to separate their work from who they are, and not to indulge in personal issues but to reflect and use that.”

Koegel stood on stage with the two student recipients, saying, “Besides being wonderful writers, they’re really great human beings.” Shore Poet Harold Michelman read a poem of his and also presented gifts to the two students.

“The teachers and talented writers at Long Beach High School for helping us create that pathway that we like to create for any pastime, any career goal,” Curci said. “It’s of important value to the health of our society, city and youth that we have this community pathway.”

Poetry: It’s a Shore Thing! MicroMemoir Readings were also a part of the evening, with Kayra Callum Omer, Poetry: It’s a Shore Thing! Micro-Memoir Contributor; Pearl Ketover Prilik, second place winner of the NCPLS Poetry Contest; Nina Malkin, NCPLS Honorable Mention; and Jim Coulter, NCLPLS Honorable Mention, all receiving recognition and reading poems of their own. A poetry open mic was held after the ceremony.

Curci also took time to deliver a poem titled “Words,” which is a mix of music and spoken-word poetry.

Cricket tournament a big hit in Nassau

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

The International Cricket Council’s Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Tournament proved a bit hit in Nassau County, highlighted by the much-anticipated and sold out India-Pakistan match June 9.

Nassay County Executive Bruce Blakeman called the event, which kicked off with a practice match June 1 and concluded 11 days later with the United States taking on India at Eisenhower Park, “the Super Bowl on steroids.”

Cricket is the second most-popular sport in the world behind soccer and the world’s third most-watched sporting event behind only the FIFA World Cup and Tour de France. It was introduced in the United Kingdom during the 16th century. It has since grown in immense popularity in South Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Southern Africa and the West Indies — many parts of the globe that have been influenced by British imperialism over the centuries.

The T20 tournament, which is both the youngest and shortest version of international cricket, featured matches — usually lasting around three-and-ahalf hours — played this month not only in East Meadow, but also in Dallas, southern Florida and the West Indies. All eight matches in East Meadow began at 10:30 a.m., to align with mid-afternoon television audiences in Europe and prime-time slots in South Asia.

The pitch at Eisenhower Park was shipped in from Australia, and kept in Florida during the winter months before being dropped in the temporary, modular stadium, which seated more than 34,000 fans.

Every seat was filled for the IndiaPakistan rivalry match with tickets going on the secondary market for a minimum of $1,000 after fees. Large viewing parties were held in Seaford as well as in Queens at Citi Field, with India fans celebrating a 119-113 victory following several weather delays. Matches between those two nations usually attract massive audiences. More than 400 million people watched the IndiaPakistan 2011 World Cup battle. That’s more than triple the viewing audience of the most recent Super Bowl.

This year marked the first-ever appearance in the tournament for the United States, which pulled off one of the sport’s biggest upsets of all-time June 6 in Dallas with an overtime win against Pakistan. India defeated the U.S. in the East Meadow finale before a crowd of more than 31,000.

The U.S. is led by Aaron Jones, Steven Taylor, Nitish Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Andries Gous, Monank Patel and Jessy Singh.

The United States faced India June 12 in the last of eight ICC T20

The tournament brought international attention to Nassau, which hosted a number of international dignitaries from countries like Pakistan, India, Canada and Bangladesh. It also attracted fans from around the globe.

Kalyan Gopaluni attended the U.S. victory over Canada in Dallas, where he resides, and traveled to New York for two matches, India-Pakistan and IndiaU.S.

“I’m a huge cricket fan and play in a cricket league,” Gopaluni said. “I’ve been looking forward to this tournament for a long time. The atmosphere at India versus Pakistan was electric. The stadium was shaking. I think they did a great job as host.”

Virginia Talati, from Georgia, and her soon-to-be 8-year-old son, Hasmukhal, who has been playing cricket for five years already, flew in from Georgia to attend the finale at Eisenhower.

“We flew up last night and going back home tomorrow,” she said. “We’re really excited. My son asked last week if we can go see a match and we made it his birthday present.”

The tournament generated a large amount of revenue for the county, which Blakeman is expected to announce at a later date.

Borrelli’s Italian Restaurant saw business boom each day of the event during a normally slow time, 2:30-4:30 p.m., owner Frank Borrelli said. Parking

from

and her

allowed for up to 50 cars and “You could see from all the different license plates and from the customers I’ve spoken to, this attracted people from all over the country and the world,” Borrelli said.

The U.S. advanced to the tournament’s Super Eight stage after its match against Ireland in Florida was washed out last Friday.

The championship takes place June 29 in Barbados.

Tony Bellissimo/Herald photos

World Cup matches held at Eisenhower Park.

Flags of both competing countries were displayed on the pitch and national anthems sung prior to each match.

Virginia Talati

son, Hasmukhal, flew in

Georgia to check out the cricket action.

State may modify graduation requirements

mastery of the state’s rigorous learning standards,” Lester W. Young Jr., chancellor of the Board of Regents, said in a statement. “Our job is to prepare students for a lifetime of continuous learning, fulfilling careers, and informed civic engagement.”

The advanced designation would be replaced by a seal or endorsement that recognizes a student’s specific skills and achievements. Districts would also have the flexibility to add additional seals or endorsements.

literacy across disciplines, cultural and social-emotional competence, effective communication, and global citizenship.

I think this is a long overdue, positive change.

Long Beach Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Gallagher expressed her support for the potential changes. “I think this is a long overdue, positive change for schools and for students,” she said in an email. “While standardized testing has a place in education for program evaluation and benchmarking, these tests are only one ‘snapshot’ of student achievement, and should never be the sole determinant in earning a high school diplo -

Dr. JennIfer GallaGher Superintendent

The second component would reform the credit system, allowing students to earn credits in ways other than traditional classroom time. These would include work- or service-based experiences such as a Capstone project; an Early College High School program, in which a student earns college credit or an associate’s degree while also earning their diploma; state credentials or seals; participation in the arts; or a career and technical education program, according to the Education Department.

The third component would eliminate the Regents exam as a mandatory graduation requirement, although it would remain available as an option for evaluating students according to state standards. State assessments would still be administered, to comply with the requirements of the federal Every Stu-

State education officials have been discussing potential changes to graduation requirements, which would impact the Long Beach school district.

of Regents are a significant step towards designing curricula that are will continue until October, and focus on potential budget considerations as

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Photos courtesy Kara Gumiela

Community members gathered on the Neptune Boulevard beach to do yoga, stretch and donate to the Long Beach Soup Kitchen.

Members of the CSEA helped organize the meaningful evening of yoga.

Supporting community organizations with yoga

The Long Beach CSEA Women’s Committee held a yoga class on the Neptune Boulevard beach on June 17. This wasn’t just a normal yoga class, though.

Participants were asked to make donations. All of the proceeds went to the Long Beach Soup Kitchen, which helps many community members.

About $500 was raised and donated to the kitchen.

The soup kitchen is open every day. Its pantry, which allows people to come to a window and shop for groceries, is available Mondays and Thursdays. Some people begin lining up before 8 a.m., even though it doesn’t open until 11:15.

Most of the kitchen’s food supply is donated by Trader Joe’s, which delivers soup, vegetables, fruits, meats, bread and canned goods each week. The soup kitchen also gets donations from neighbors and local groups.

Nassau County Bridge Authority 160 Beach 2nd Street Lawrence, N.Y. 11559-0341 516-239-6900

PUBLIC NOTICE

Amended Atlantic Beach Bridge Drawbridge Operation Regulations

Effective June 6, 2024

As published in the U. S. Federal Register Vol. 89, No 89 Tuesday May 7, 2024/ Rules and Regulations, the U. S. Coast Guard amends the drawbridge operations of the Atlantic Beach Bridge as follows:

Section 117.799 Long Island New York Inland Waterway from East Rockaway Inlet to Shinnecock Canal

PART 117—DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS

■ 1. The authority citation for part 117 continues to read as follows: Authority: 33 U.S.C. 499; 33 CFR 1.05–1; and DHS Delegation No. 00170.1. Revision No. 01.3

■ 2. Amend § 117.799 by revising paragraph (e) to read as follows:

§ 117.799 Long Island, New York Inland Waterway from East Rockaway Inlet to Shinnecock Canal * * * * *

(e) The draw of the Atlantic Beach Bridge across Reynolds Channel, mile 0.4, shall operate as follows:

(1) From October 1 through May 14 the draw shall open on signal from 8 a.m. to midnight.

(2) From midnight to 8 a.m. year-round, the draw shall open on signal if at least eight (8) hours of notice is given by calling the Bridge Tower at 516–239–1821.

(3) From May 15 through September 30, the bridge will open on signal except from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, when the bridge will open on the hour and half-hour.

The Long Beach CSEA is involved in a lot, and the Women’s Committee continued its presence.

Despite recent headlines claiming there would be a joro spider invasion in the Northeast, local experts are skeptical about the range of the arachnid’s spread.

‘Flying spider invasion’ may be a web of lies

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The arrival of joro spiders, which are native to East Asia, in the United States has sparked concern and some sensational headlines. According to experts, however, the potential impact on Long Island’s North Shore is likely to be far less dramatic than feared.

The joro spider, Trichonephila clavata, was first documented in North America in Georgia in 2014, and has since spread to several southeastern states. The spider takes its name from a creature of Japanese folklore called a jorogumo, a legendary spider and seductress that can shape-shift into a woman, breathe fire and control other spiders.

greatly exaggerated. He explained that the female spiders’ bodies are only up to an inch long, and the males are smaller.

The joro spider, which has a distinctive yellow and blue-black pattern with red markings, has often been described as a venomous and invasive species, but Di Leonardo clarified that while they are venomous, their venom poses no significant threat to humans.

I t’ll be a long time before we see them in New York, if ever.

JoHN Di LEoNaRDo President, Humane Long Island

There have been reports suggesting the spider’s imminent invasion of northern states, including New York. But John Di Leonardo, an anthrozoologist and the president of Humane Long Island, urges caution and perspective.

“They’re native to Asia, but they were introduced to Georgia and somewhat made their way to neighboring states,” Di Leonardo noted. “There is no evidence that they’ve made their way to New York.”

Despite the dramatic headlines about giant flying spiders, Di Leonardo emphasizes that these descriptions are

“They’re no more venomous than your average house spider,” he said. “We’re not talking about a brown recluse or black widow.”

Moreover, the term “invasive,” Di Leonardo said, might not even apply to joro spiders. He pointed out that despite the fact that they have been in the U.S. for around a decade, there has been no evidence of negative impacts on local ecosystems.

“They’re exotic and non-native, but there’s no science to show that they’re actually invasive,” he said. “If they were going to have a negative impact, we probably would have seen it by now.”

While fears of the spiders “ballooning” their way north are prevalent, Di Leonardo explained this phenomenon. Ballooning is a dispersal method known among tiny juvenile spiders, not adults. While it certainly helps young spiders spread themselves out, it’s not a means of long-range movement that will carry

them across multiple state lines.

“They can’t really fly. I think that’s vastly overstated,” Di Leonardo said. “They can kind of make little parachutes and balloon themselves when they’re only tiny babies.”

In terms of ecological impact, there could even be potential benefits. With rising temperatures contributing to an increase in insect populations, joro spiders might help control pests. According to a 2021 news release from the University of Georgia, where entomologists have been studying the spiders since they first appeared in the state, they have been observed eating other invasive species, like the brown marmorated stink bug.

“Spiders are our friends, not our foes,” Di Leonardo said. “I think humans have a largely symbiotic relationship with spiders. Of course we do have a natural fear of them, and it’s good to have a healthy fear, but let’s not be paranoid.”

Whether the spiders can survive in colder northern climates remains uncertain. The climate in Georgia is markedly different from New York, and it is still unknown whether the spiders can endure harsher winters. Despite the hyperbolic coverage, Di Leonardo stresses the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective.

“It’ll be a long time before we see them in New York, if ever,” he predicted. “Headlines and social media can easily turn a harmless thing into a perceived deadly threat.”

Joro spider facts

Native to: China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan

Body size:

0.67-0.98 inches (females)

0.28-0.39 inches (males)

Diet: Flies, mosquitoes, stink bugs, other small insects

Risk to humans: None

Di Leonardo also urged focusing on more pressing ecological issues, such as the impacts of animal agriculture on the environment, rather than demonizing these spiders. People have far more reason to be concerned about cross-species diseases and toxic and inhumane husbandry practices, he said, than headlines about giant flying spiders.

Research on Joro spiders is continuing, primarily in Georgia and other states where they have been found. Universities are studying their ecological impacts, though Di Leonardo noted that much of that work is local to areas where joro spiders have established populations.

Courtesy Christina Butler

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Continuing to beautify L.B.’s West End

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Mary Ellen Pollina’s journey with her organization began in 2011 with a shared vision between friends in the West End Neighbors Civic Association.

“We just felt that the West End was not getting the attention that it should have gotten from the city administration,” Pollina said. “They were kind of concentrating, at that time, on the central business district.”

Our work has helped the West End recover and thrive.

MARy ELLEN POLLINA

So, Pollina, with the help of some others, decided to take matters into their own hands, organizing a “beautification day” with the city’s support to provide flowers and plants. This initial effort saw community members cleaning streets, removing graffiti and planting around trees.

Their efforts expanded with the creation of the West End Beautification Association, which focused on enhancing the area’s aesthetic appeal and supporting local businesses.

The devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy in 2012 posed a significant challenge to the area, but the association wanted to assist in recovery efforts. It launched initiatives such as an Art Walk to attract people back to the West End and support struggling businesses. Grants from National Grid and other utility companies funded the installation of banners and a business directory kiosk at a key bus turnaround point right at the end of the West End, between Ohio and Nevada Avenues.

the organization received a grant from pSeg to continue work last summer.

An important event for the organization is Irish Day, held every October. Originally designed to help local bars generate revenue during the off-season, the association saw it as an opportunity to further beautify the area.

“We organized a clean-up to get everything ready for Irish Day,” Pollina said. “The Ancient Order of Hibernians, an Irish organization, donated $800, and we planted mums around the trees and put up little

signs. This kind of community effort really brought people together and made the area look festive and inviting.”

One of the most impactful projects has been the “Adopt a Planter” initiative, launched around 2019. This project aimed to revitalize neglected concrete planters.

Local sponsors could adopt a planter for $350. Spon-

Continued on neXt page

Long Island’s most anticipated new oceanfront community is now open. At The Breeze, each rental unit opens you to a world of uncompromising luxury amenities and an active, adventurous lifestyle.

Courtesy Mary Ellen Pollina

Making sure the city is even more vibrant

sors collaborated with local artists, selected by the Long Beach Arts Council, to design and paint the planters. This customization process allowed sponsors to create unique designs with personal significance, from scenes of Long Beach to tributes to loved ones. Each planter also features a plaque acknowledging the sponsor and often telling a personal story or dedication.

“Our work has helped the West End recover and thrive,” Pollina said. “It’s now a beautiful, welcoming community that attracts new residents and visitors, supporting local businesses and enhancing the quality of life for everyone.”

The personalized artwork on the planters not only beautified the area but also supported local artists by providing public platforms to showcase their work. Additionally, the organization had to work with city officials to figure out a plan if the planters get damaged.

“The first thing we would do is ask artists to try to fix it if it’s damaged,” Pollina said. “If the artist could not fix it, we would have the planter painted white, and return to what it was. We also would plant a shrub so it’s something that will still look nice.”

Last summer, the organization received another grant from PSEG to completely renovate one of the parks and put in lighting and new shrubbery. Special recognition was given to Larry Cerullo, a Long Beach resident who helped complete the project.

“The grant that I got from PSEG was wonderful to get, but it was too modest to completely renovate this big park,” Pollina said. “So, this local man, Larry Cerullo, who owns a very big landscaping company, agreed to do all this tremendous landscaping for whatever I got from PSEG.”

The West End Beautification Association continues to work closely with the city on various projects, including installing irrigation systems for beach entrance gardens and maintaining a large community garden on Beech Street.

Where You Live

Photos courtesy Mary Ellen Pollina artists worked directly with sponsors to personalize the planters.

the planters all feature a plaque dedicated to its sponsor.

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Brewery holds benefit for local animal lovers

By JANET PRETE Correspondent

Those with an affinity for beer and beasties came together on June 12 at Barrier Brewery in Oceanside for Animal Lovers Night. The event was a fundraiser for Humane Long Island, which raised $370 and boasted live music, art and craft merchants, and pop-up vegan food vendors. John and Juliana DiLeonardo are the heart and soul of Humane Long Island, a mostly volunteer organization whose mission is to create a kinder place for animals throughout Long Island, from Manhattan to Montauk.

The DiLeonardos are passionate advocates for animals, providing rescue, rehab, and advocacy. They encourage those who are looking for pets to “adopt, don’t shop.” They also advocate for veganism.

“We rescue about 1,000 animals every single year, but the average person can save 200 animals yearly simply by leaving them off their plate,” John DiLeonardo said.

The funds raised at Animal Lovers Night will go toward their mission of animal rescue, but ultimately, the DiLeonardos would like to acquire a large location where they can do educational events, workshops, and have more room for their transitional sanctuary. Their current location is a space in Riverhead that is not big enough to do all that they want to do.

“We’re not a traditional sanctuary where we keep animals forever,” Juliana said. “We’re always rescuing, rehabbing, and then adopting out. That’s our mission. If we were to have a traditional sanctuary, we’d fill up very, very quickly and then we wouldn’t be able to help any more animals.”

Humane Long Island works with a network of reliable foster homes, where people provide the animals with food, medical care, and safe shelter until they’re ready to move on to permanent homes. According to Juliana, there seems to be a great need among fowl, with the most recent rescues being a Muscovy duck, a peahen found injured at a construction site, and a rhea kept in a Bellmore home.

Humane Long Island is always happy to receive monetary donations, but they’re also open to any type of volunteer work. This includes helping with rescues, transporting animals, fostering, or helping another volunteer who is fostering an animal. Experience is not necessary since the DiLeonardos are happy to teach, and some knowledge is just gained through the experience of helping.

John DiLeonardo started college on a

path to being a school psychologist, but when he learned about factory farming, he switched his path and graduated in the first anthrozoology program in the United States from Canisius University in Buffalo. Anthrozoology is the study of the relationship between animals and humans. He became a vegan in his early 20s, having never met a vegetarian or vegan before.

Humane Long Island was founded out of a protest movement to shut down Cole Brothers Circus about 10 years ago. Every day for two months, John and other volunteers set themselves up a block from the circus to educate the public about the treatment of animals. They were ultimately successful in getting the public to change their minds about this form of entertainment. His efforts resulted in the circus shutting down for good. This was his first and most personal success story resulting from his advocacy. The next Humane Long Island event at the Barrier Brewery will be held on July 31.

One of the vendors, Alexandra (Sasha) Todaro, a health care provider and a healer, registered dietitian/nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, meditation instructor, and a reiki teacher, came to sell t-shirts and other items. She sported a t-shirt with the message, “I think, I feel, I’m vegan.”

Todaro decided to become a vegan 8 years ago after gradually transitioning her diet to eat less and less meat and animal products. She came to the realization on her 50th birthday that she didn’t want to contribute in any way to the cruel and harsh conditions under which animals exist who are raised for our food. She believes her life is her message, and veganism is a way to align her values for compassion and kindness. It is also a healthier way to eat and better for the planet.

“I have a dream,” Todaro said. “One day I won’t be special, I won’t have to say, ‘I’m vegan!’”

Tim Baker/Herald

Executive director of Humane Long Island, John DiLeonardo enjoyed vegan treat sending a message to protect animals.

STEPPING OUT

Your landscape — create a special spot just for you

Get outside and go serenely

By Karen Bloom

Imagine stepping outside your home this summer and entering a world of serenity. The gentle crunch of gravel beneath your feet. The rhythmic sound of trickling water with nature’s calming presence can de-stress and promote inner peace. This is the essence of a Zen garden, a haven of tranquility inspired by Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.

So, how do you create your own relaxing space at home? Garden designer Fiona Jenkins offers some insight. Grab your gardening tools — even get the kids involved — and get started.

Art of Simplicity: Creating the Foundation

Zen gardens are all about cultivating a harmonious balance between natural elements and negative space. Gravel forms the very foundation, representing the vastness of the sea or impermanence of life. Raking it into smooth patterns — like waves or ripples — becomes a meditative practice in itself.

“The rhythm of the rake against the gravel adds another layer of tranquility, inviting you to focus on the present moment.” Jenkins advises. “Use light-colored gravel — like white, cream or gray — to enhance the feeling of serenity and evoke a sense of vastness.”

Carefully placed rocks and stones add structure and balance. Larger rocks can symbolize mountains, according to Jenkins, anchoring the space. Imagine them as islands of stability amid the ever-changing sea of gravel.

Smaller stones can represent stepping stones on a path to enlightenment. Arrange your rocks and stones with intention, considering their size, shape, color, and the spaces between them. These spaces — known as “ma” in Japanese — are just as important as the elements themselves, adding to the sense of balance and tranquility.

Nature’s Soothing

Sounds

Water, a symbol of life and purification, plays a vital role in traditional Zen gardens. The gentle gurgle of trickling water is a natural stress reliever, proven to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Consider incorporating a small water basin with a bamboo spout, creating a calming focal point.

A tabletop fountain with a smooth rock base can add a touch of movement and sound without overwhelming the peaceful atmosphere.

“Keep the water feature simple and integrate it seamlessly with the surrounding rocks and gravel,” Jenkins says. “For a touch of whimsy, consider adding a small koi fish or two — their graceful movements adding another layer of life to your serene oasis.”

Limit Plant Selection: A Celebration Of Form

Zen gardens traditionally incorporate minimal plants, allowing the other elements to take center stage. Carefully chosen plants will enhance the aesthetic and create a sense of harmony with nature.

Choose low-maintenance evergreens with interesting shapes or textures, such as dwarf pine, bonsai or ornamental grass. These plants require minimal pruning and maintain a sense of order within the garden. A strategically placed patch of moss can add a touch of softness and evoke tranquility.

“Consider strategically incorporating a single flowering shrub to add a burst of color during its blooming season,” Jenkins says.

Lighting For Tranquil Evenings

Subtle lighting can elevate the atmosphere allowing you to enjoy your sanctuary even after sunset. String lights hung overhead or strategically placed

lanterns can cast a warm, inviting glow.

“Step out after a long day and be greeted by the soft glow of your lanterns and the gentle murmur of water,” Jenkins says. “It’s a perfect invitation to unwind and de-stress.”

Solar-powered lights are another great option, as they require no wiring and provide illumination throughout the night.

Create A Focal Point To Draw The Eye

A focal point adds a touch of interest.

“It should be something that inspires calmness and contemplation, inviting you to focus your mind and appreciate the beauty of your creation,” Jenkins explains.“Your focal point could be a beautiful stone lantern, its soft light casting a warm glow. Or consider a small statue of Buddha radiating peace, or a strategically placed bonsai tree with its meticulously pruned branches, a testament to patience and dedication.”

Comfort And Contemplation: A Place To Relax

Since this is a space to unwind and escape daily stresses, you’ll want to include a comfortable seating area where you can chill out and appreciate your creation. A simple wooden bench or cushions will suffice. If space allows, add a small table for enjoying a cup of tea or for meditating.

“Imagine yourself sitting amid the calming elements of your garden, listening to the sounds of nature and letting go of the day’s worries,” Jenkins says.

Personalize Your Sanctuary

While Zen gardens have a traditional aesthetic, don’t be afraid to incorporate some elements that reflect your own personality.

“The key is to create a space that resonates with you and fosters peace and well-being,” Jenkins adds.

A small wind chime with a calming melody adds a touch of whimsy. Also consider a piece of art depicting nature or a fragrant flowering plant, even perhaps a small birdbath to attract feathered friends.

“Embrace the simplicity of Zen design, lose yourself in the meditative act of raking the gravel, and allow the calming presence of nature to wash over,” Jenkins says. “Remember, your Zen garden is a reflection of your inner world.”

Photos courtesy Fiona Jenkins

Creating a Zen garden is not just about landscaping; it’s about cultivating a personal sanctuary for relaxation and mindfulness. With a little planning and inspiration, you can transform your outdoor space into a special retreat.

Morgan James

The powerhouse vocalist, Broadway veteran and concert favorite hits all the right notes when she visits the Landmark stage. Soulful singersongwriter Morgan James’ voice is her instrument, and through it she can communicate anything. It is a gift that she has expertly trained, and meticulously nurtured, James has cultivated a world of fans with her viral YouTube videos, and she loves connecting with them on social media and at her live shows. With her own channel, James has amassed more than 250 million views on YouTube (and climbing). Over the last several years, she has established herself as a touring powerhouse, playing with her band and symphony orchestras. Her latest full album, ‘Nobody’s Fool,’ is a luminous love letter to ‘90s R&B, featuring nine new songs, and one cover of Jeff Buckley‘s ‘Everybody Here Wants You.’

Friday, June 21, 8 p.m. $53, $48, $43. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

‘Across The Universe’

The Beatles live on — in the form of The Fab Faux. The acclaimed band brings out the best Beatles moments, appearing on the Paramount stage. With a commitment to the accurate reproduction of The Beatles’ repertoire, they treat the seminal music with unwavering respect, known for their painstaking recreations of the songs (with emphasis on the later works never performed live by The Beatles). The Fab Faux’s musical virtuosity — in actuality five New York Citybased musicians — upends the concept of a Beatles tribute band. Far beyond being extended cover sets, their shows are an inspired rediscovery of The Beatles’ musical magic. In addition to their notefor-note accuracy, the band is famous for blurring the lines slightly and injecting their own musical personalities into the performances. That’s The Fab Faux experience.

Saturday, June 22, 8 p.m. $55, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Get The Led Out

Get The Led Out rocks out with their tribute to what many consider rock ‘n roll’s greatest band, in “A Celebration of the Mighty Zep,” on the Paramount stage, Friday and Saturday, June 28-29, 8 p.m. From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, GTLO has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The six veteran musicians who make up the Philadelphia-based group delivers Led Zeppelin live with the all passion and fury these blues-soaked, groove-driven rock anthems deserve. Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO re-creates songs, in all their depth and glory, with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. When you hear three guitars on the album, GTLO delivers three guitarists on stage.

No wigs or fake English accents, the band brings what the audience wants — a high energy Zeppelin concert with honest, heart-thumping intensity with a strong focus on Led Zeppelin’s pivotal early years. They touch on the deeper cuts that were seldom, if ever heard in concert. GTLO’s approach to performance of this hallowed catalog is not unlike a classical performance. “Led Zeppelin are sort of the classical composers of the rock era,” says lead vocalist Paul Sinclair. “I believe 100 years from now they will be looked at as the Bach or Beethoven of our time. As cliche as it sounds, their music is timeless. $75. $45, $30. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

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, in its final weekend on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Saturday, June 22, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, June 23, 2 p.m.

Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to help Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat comedy based on Willems’ popular Pigeon books.

Featuring a live band to bring the 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.

Barnaby Bye

The band returns to My Father’s Place, Saturday, June 29, 8 p.m. Come celebrate the music, the memories and the good times with Billy, Bobby, Peppy and Mike! Doors open at 6 p.m., concert is at 8 p.m. 221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn,. For tickets/information, visit MFPProductions.com or call (516) 580­0887.

Waterfront Warriors Parade

Join Long Beach in welcoming recuperating service members visiting the city, on Sunday, July 14. The parade steps off from Ohio Avenue and West Beech Street at 3 p.m. For more information, visit LongBeachWaterfrontWarriors. org.

LBPD Bike Rodeo

The Long Beach Police Department promotes cycling proficiency, safe riding and fun for kids 5­12 at its Bike Rodeo, Saturday, June 22. It takes place at the Recreation Center parking lot. Pre­registration is required. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov/ bikerodeo.

Celebrate Israel

Salute Israel, while welcoming Eisenhower Park’s summer concert season, at the annual Celebrate Israel concert, presented by Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island, Sunday, June 30, 6 p.m. Israeli superstar Raviv Kaner performs. Bring seating. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For more information, visit Facebook.com/jcrcli.

Mah Jongg Club

Do you play Mah Jongg and want to meet others who play? Join in the game, at Long Beach Library, Wednesdays, at 11 a.m, in the auditorium. Practice your skills and have fun while you do it. Bring your own Mah Jongg tiles. 111 W. Park Ave. For more information, visit LongBeachPL.com or call (516) 432­7201.

Having an event?

Waterfront Warriors 5K

Join in Long Beach’s race to benefit the Waterfront Warriors, Sunday, July 14 The race begins on the boardwalk at New York Avenue at 8 a.m. For more information and to register, visit LongBeachWaterfrontWarriors.org.

Chamber of Commerce vendor fair

Shop for crafts, clothes and more on the boardwalk between Long Beach and Edwards Boulevards at the annual Chamber of Commerce vendor fair, Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23. The fair is back on the boardwalk after a three year hiatus, with over 150 vendors participating. Hours are Saturday,10 a.m.­6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.­5 p.m. For more information, visit TheLongBeachChamber.com.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

Film Screening

Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for a viewing of “Wild Style,” a 1983 film regarded as the first hip­hop movie, Saturday, June 29, 3 p.m. A hybrid project that exists as both a musical and a documentary, the film features hip­hop pioneers of the period, including Fred “Fab Five Freddy” Brathwaite, Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, The Rock Steady Crew, The Cold Crush Brothers, Queen Lisa Lee of Zulu Nation, Grandmaster Flash, and Zephyr, who play themselves in a loosely scripted story shot entirely in the South Bronx, the Lower East Side, and MTA subway yards.

A Q&A follows with director Charlie Ahearn and critic­curator, Carlo McCormick. Seating is limited and reservations required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484­9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Summer sounds

Visit Eisenhower Park for its Noontime Concert series, Wednesday, June 26, noon­2 p.m. The Long Island Harmonizers perform four­part barbershop a cappella. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Their repertoire ranges from traditional barbershop to the Great American Songbook and Elton John. Bring seating. For information, visit NassaucCountyNY.gov.

Beach Biathlon

Participate in the eventful Long Beach biathlon, Saturday, July 13. With different distances for adults, teens and children. Register at the Riverside Boulevard beach at 7:45 a.m. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov/races.

Fireworks display

Mount Sinai South Nassau Health Fair

Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital offers free health screenings on the Long Beach boardwalk at Riverside Boulevard, Friday, June 28. Obtain varied screenings from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit SouthNassau.org

Long Beach’s spectacular fireworks display shoots off on Friday, July 12. The fireworks can be seen from anywhere along the boardwalk. The display will begin around sundown. The rain date is Saturday, July 13. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov/fireworks.

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN

NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

presents FREE LAKESIDE THEATRE CONCERTS

EISENHOWER PARK, East Meadow | Parking Field #6 All Events weather permitting. Call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information.

JUNE

Saturday, June 15

8:00-9:30pm Ja Rule at Mitchel Field Athletic Complex

Sunday, June 16 ..................

6:00-8:30pm Indian American Night

Wednesday, June 26

7:00-9:30pm Greek American Night

Saturday, June 29 ...............

6:00-8:30pm Chinese American Night

Sunday, June 30

6:00-8:30pm Israeli American Night

JULY

Monday, July 1

7:00-9:30pm German American Night

Wednesday, July 3

5:30-10:00pm TD Bank’s Celebrate America Fireworks & Show featuring The Allmost Brothers Band & Chicken Head Rocks

Friday, July 5 Fireworks Rain Date

Saturday, July 6

7:00-9:00pm

So Good – The Neil Diamond Experience

Sunday, July 7

6:00-8:00pm Opera Night with Christopher Macchio

Monday, July 8

5:00-6:30pm

Senior Afternoon Concert: The Excellents and The Demensions

Thursday, July 11

Rock of Ages Tribute: Shoot 2 Thrill - AC/DC

7:00-10:00pm

Completely Unchained - Van Halen Return to Paradise - Styx

Friday, July 12

7:00-9:00pm

Streetfighter – Rolling Stones Tribute

Saturday, July 13

7:00-9:00pm Misty Mountain – Led Zeppelin Tribute

Sunday, July 14

6:00-9:00pm Harry Chapin Tribute Show & Food Drive with The Harry Chapin Band and Will Sing For Food

Monday, July 15

7:00-9:00pm The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra

Thursday, July 18................

7:00-9:30pm Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “A Grand Night for Singing” by Plaza Productions

Friday, July 19

7:00-9:30pm Creole American Night

Saturday, July 20 ................

7:00-9:00pm Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway

Sunday, July 21

6:00-8:30pm Bangladeshi American Night

Monday, July 22 ..................

7:00-9:00pm Italian American Night

Thursday, July 25

7:00-9:00pm

Barometer Soup - A Tribute to Jimmy Buffet

Friday, July 26 .................

7:00-9:00pm Doo Wop Show: Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny, Phil Cracolici and The Mystics, Vito Picone and The Elegants, Jimmy Gallagher of The Passions

Saturday, July 27

7:00-9:00pm The Hilarious Hitmen, a Comedy Musical Spectacular

Sunday, July 28

Korean American Night

Monday, July 29

6:00-8:30pm

5:00-6:30pm

Senior Afternoon Concert: The Fireflies and The Devotions AUGUST

Friday, August 2

7:00-9:00pm

Dancing Dream – ABBA Tribute

Saturday, August 3

6:30-9:30pm

Salute to Vets Show with Face to Face & American Bombshells

Sunday, August 4

6:30-8:30pm

The Midtown Men featuring Stars from the Original Cast of Jersey Boys

Monday, August 5................

7:00-9:30pm

Irish American Night

Thursday, August 8 7:00-9:00pm

Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack

Friday, August 9 .................. 7:00-9:00pm

45 RPM

Saturday, August 10

7:00-9:00pm

This is Garth featuring JD Leonard

Sunday, August 11 .............. 6:30-8:30pm

Living Colour

Monday, August 12 5:00-6:30pm

Senior Afternoon Concert: Vinnie Medugno & The Chiclettes

Thursday, August 15 7:00-9:00pm

UB40 : Red Red Wine Tour

Friday, August 16 7:00-9:00pm

Zac Brown Tribute Band (ZBTB)

Saturday, August 17 7:00-9:00pm

Doo Wop Show: Manhattan Skyline, Stan Zizka & The Del Satins, Larry Chance’s Earls

Sunday, August 18 .............. 4:00-8:00pm Pakistani American Night

Monday, August 19

7:00-9:30pm Ukrainian American Night

Thursday, August 22 ........... 7:00-9:00pm

Let’s Sing Taylor - Taylor Swift Experience

Saturday, August 24 7:00-9:00pm Disco Unlimited

Sunday, August 25 .............. 7:00-9:00pm Don Felder former lead guitarist of The Eagles

Friday, August 30 7:00-9:00pm That Motown Band SEPTEMBER

Sunday, September 1 ......... 7:00-9:00pm The Purple Experience - Prince Tribute

Sunday, September 8 5:00-7:30pm

Turkish American Night

Saturday, September 14 .... 7:30-10:00pm

World Renowned Puerto Rican Salsa Orchestra

Friday, September 20 7:00-10:00pm

Legendary House DJ TBA with LI’s Own DJ Theo opening

Sunday, September 29 2:00-9:00pm

Latino American Night

Bring Blankets or Chairs

Pride Gala unites the LGBTQ+ community

Jordan Vallone jvallone@liherald.com

PFY, the organization formerly known as Pride For Youth, hosted its annual Pride Gala on June 6. The event was dubbed “Power of Pride: Raising LBGTQ+ Voices to Benefit PFY,” and it brought together and honored trailblazers that work day in and day out to ensure that individuals that identify as LGBTQ+ feel supported on Long Island.

The annual gala celebrates the work of PFY, which is a leading, nonprofit, grassroots organization. It operated as subsidiary of the Long Island Crisis Center, and has headquarters in Bellmore, as well as a location in Deer Park. Founded in 1993 as an organization meant specifically for youth, grant funding last year allowed PFY to expand the breadth and reach of its services.

This year’s gala honored three important figures in the LGBTQ+ community on Long Island. Michael Caputo, of the LI Pride Lions, the Rev. Lana Hurst, the first openly transgender pastor to practice on Long Island, and Sarah Kate Ellis, president and chief executive of GLAAD, were among this year’s honorees.

Over the last few months, the LGBTQ+ community has faced a lot of prejudice on Long Island — and in Nassau County specifically — which is why PFY chose to honor individuals from Long Island who are fighting back against hate, and making a difference in the lives of others.

“We really looked at people who we

feel embody that sort of presence within the LGBTQ community,” Tawni Engel, the associate director of the crisis center and PFY said.

Engel leads the pride gala committee, and said the event did not get into politics — but rather focused on what work can be done to further empower the LGBTQ+ community.

“We just want to talk about what the social climate has looked like,” Engel said, “and what we can do collectively to hopefully turn that around.”

Bruce Castellano, who chairs the gala committee with Engel, said PFY is a

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Michael Caputo, of the LI Pride Lions, accepted a citation from Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker.

Honoree Sarah Kate Ellis, president and chief executive of GLAAD, spoke during the event.

PFY hosted its annual Pride Gala at the Westbury Manor on June 6, drawing a large crowd that came out to reflect on Pride Month, and the work PFY does year round.

Annual PFY gathering transformed manor

“boots on the ground organization.”

A former teacher in the Mineola School District, Castellano said he and his husband have worked with various LGBTQ+ organizations for many years on Long Island and beyond. The attitude towards the LGTBQ+ population has shifted drastically in recent years, and Castellano said “the backlash is devastating.”

Fighting against complacency — the concept of being alright with the ways things are — is exceedingly important, and groups like PFY are doing just that.

“We have to be vigilant and defend and protect the people who are marginalized, especially youth,” Castellano said.

The event at Westbury Manor saw a tremendous turnout. PFY met and surpassed its fundraising goals, raising just over $84,000. PFY is still accepting donations at TinyURL.com/PFYEvent2024.

For more information on PFY and the Long Island Crisis Center, visit LICCPFY.org.

Tawni engel, associate director of PFY and the Long island Crisis Center led attendees through the evening’s celebrations.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, Against JUANITA SLADE, JOSEPH DAMBRA, ET AL. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 12/22/2016, 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 7/11/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 28 East Hudson Street, Long Beach, New York 11561, A.K.A. 28 Hudson Street, 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 94 Lot 17, 18 And 19. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $495,395.75 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 13-014225 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.

Scott H Siller, Esq., Referee.

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

Dated: 5/7/24 File Number: 548-0119 SH 147174

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 06/26/2024 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 439/24. POINT LOOKOUT - Todd & Christine Slattery,Variances, exceeds number of stories, front yard average setback, lot area occupied, side yard, side yards aggregate, rear yard, construct new roof over attached to dwelling., E/s Baldwin Ave., 85’ N/o Ocean Blvd., a/k/a 128 Baldwin Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Point Lookout within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 147482

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR C-BASS MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-CB5, Plaintiff, Against DAVID DEFILIPPO, ET AL. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 02/04/2020, 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 7/22/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 414 East Pine Street, 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 150 Lot 11 And 12. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $756,247.90 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 6628/2008 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.

Malachy P Lyons, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 5/9/24 File Number: 18-302143 SH 147570

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Bank of America, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST

Charlene Banks; Moses Josiah; Mark Simon; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 13, 2019, and Amended June 23, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 22, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 23 New Hampshire Street, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Long Beach, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 59. Block 252 Lot 32. Approximate amount of judgment $687,724.44 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 003383/2015. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Malachy P. Lyons, Jr., Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: June 4, 2024 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 147561

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The Westbury Manor was transformed into a welcoming space for the Pride Gala.

ConTinued FroM PreViouS PaGe

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

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516-365-5778

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DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED

Will Certify And Train

HS Diploma

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Call 516-731-3000

OUTSIDE SALES

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

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

Gregoris Subaru Of Valley Stream Seeking Business Development Coordinator F/T Answer Phones, Email Leads, And Customer Follow Up. Good Phone Skills And Computer Literate A Must. Salary, Monthly Bonus, $40K-$50K/ Yr. Opportunity For Advancement.

Ask For Mr. Gregoris 516-825-8700

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

Manager On Duty

At Blaze, Old Bethpage Village Outdoors From September Through November 5-8 Hour Shifts. Serve As The Primary Point Of Contact For All Issues That May Occur During The Event, Seeing Each Through To Resolution. Serve As The Primary Point Of Contact For Emergency Personnel Hourly Rate $25-$30 To Apply: https://hudsonvalley.org/ employment/

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

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

Path Monitor

At Blaze, Old Bethpage Village Outdoors From September Through November 5-8 Hour Evening Shifts Providing A Welcoming Atmosphere And Ensuring Guest Safety. Hourly Rate $20. To Apply: https://hudsonvalley.org/ employment/

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

RECEPTIONIST

F/T

Valley Stream Subaru Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM Answer Phones, Light Clerical $17.00/Hour, Benefits, 401K Call Mr. Gregoris 516-825-8700

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!! HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides Childcare, Housekeeping Day Workers No Fee To Employers Serving The Community Over 20 Years Evon's Services

HomesHERALD

A Charming Hewlett Gem!

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA East Pointe Country Club. Gorgeous 3BRs, 3Bths, Golf, Double Kitchen, High Ceilings. MLS#RX-10977928 $938,000 Jill 561-373-2724

ISLAND PARK / AUSTIN BOULEVARD 1000- 5000 Sq. Ft, Parking,1 Story, Driveins, Gas, Offices, Sprinklered, Near Railroad. Immediate. Price On Request.Tony 718-937-8100 Ext.101 CROSSTOWN REALTY VALLEY STREAM: 2 BRs, LR, Kitchen/ SS Appliances, Bathroom/ Jacuzzi, Yard, One Parking Space, Lots Of Storage, Walk LIRR. $2,850/ Month. 646-399-5785, 917-702-6544

Welcome to 1450 Kew Ave, an enchanting Hewlett home that seamlessly blends modern and classic. This stunning property bursts with style and character, which can be felt from the moment you walk through the door! The first floor contains an expansive living room, formal dining room, eatin-kitchen, full bathroom and four spacious bedrooms, including

Arthur Drive. Split Level. 6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room, home office, sauna/steam room. Security system. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight.

Taxes: $24,817.83

Elmont $950,000

Rifton Street. Expanded Cape. 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with formal dining room and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room and guest quarters. First floor master bedroom.

Taxes: $18,306

Long Beach $1,400,000

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

ISLAND PARK: 1 BR, ground floor, all renovated, water/heat included. No Pets. $2200/ month. 516-316-6962

LYNBROOK: 2 BR, 1 Bath, Second Floor, Off Street Parking, No Pets, $3,100. 516-599-3174

MERRICK: PROFESSIONAL OFFICE Space For Rent, A Secured Building With Parking. Great Deal! 516-557-4971

DAVID CEMETERY: Elmont, NY. 3 Plots. Separate Or All Together. Graves 18, 25, and 32. Purchase Separate $4000; Purchase Together $11000. Negotiable. Call 845-641-7316

Wyoming Avenue. Contemporary. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. High end finishes include elevator cathedral ceiling with skylight.

Merrick $820,000

Whittier Avenue. Splanch. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eatin kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Updates include cathedral ceiling.

Taxes: $19,520

Oceanside $725,000

Park Avenue. Hi Ranch. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office.

Taxes: $15,678

Rockville Centre $999,000

Linden Street. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/ family room and home office. Updates including skylight and wood burning stove.

West Hempstead $700,000

Garden City Boulevard. Tudor. 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Sun porch and fenced yard with deck. Many timeless architectural features. Convenient location in heart of West Hempstead.

Taxes: $14,095.27

Different answers from everyone we ask

Q. We’ve been interviewing contractors and architects to get an idea about adding a double dormer to our home. The conversations about what to do, how long it should take and the cost are just all over the place. How long should it take, and how much should a double dormer cost to build? Some contractors said they needed to see plans, and that they could personally get the permit in a day or two, and some architects gave us wild time frames that seem ridiculous, like a year or more from start to finish.

A. Sounds like you already have the answers, which is not a good thing. This isn’t like ordering a meal in a restaurant and expecting that it will be perfect or you can send it back. Construction projects are complicated.

First, there are regulations. I hear more and more from people that they want to try to avoid permits, which is a bad idea, but I know many contractors who are ready to work under the radar because it isn’t their problem, it’s yours, if a neighbor complains or an inspector drops by.

Once a permit is finally issued, it has been my experience that everyone forgets what it took to get permission to build, which is possibly part of the time you aren’t taking into account. The typical scenario is that you wait months for the architect to satisfy whatever notes and information the plan reviewer is asking for. Even if your architect fulfills each request for more information in a day or two, it can still take more time for the next reply from the official.

Examiners do not use the same criteria for what should be noted in plans, and some will ask for more than others. It isn’t uncommon for an examiner to ask to have information removed from plans that another examiner requested. That’s just the way it is.

The architect is generally to blame for delays. Then the project is finally given the go-ahead, but insurance papers and license numbers for the contractor, plumber and electrician have to match what is on file with the authority. When they don’t, this causes more delays, so it’s important to make sure the contractor you hire gathers the full set of acceptable insurance documents and license numbers ahead of time instead of delaying the project even longer.

This is very common and avoidable. It also causes delays when you have pools, sheds, fences, decks, hot tubs or central air condensers that never received a permit. All need permits in most jurisdictions, and further delay can cause arguments over the extra cost.

And speaking of cost, your description of a “double dormer” is just a simplified version of what it really is. It doesn’t cost less to call it that. You are constructing a second-floor addition or making a half second floor into a full second floor. It will take the next column to explain cost. Stay tuned.

© 2024 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Ask The Architect Monte Leeper

Stuff HERALD

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WICKER COUCH, NATURAL rattan with floral pattern cushions. Like new. In Baldwin. $50 (516) 254-3640

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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

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opinions

Cricket brings Nassau into the international spotlight

Like almost every Long Islander, until recently I had no knowledge of or interest in cricket.

Now that the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Eisenhower Park has been such a success, I can certainly attest to the intense devotion and loyalty cricket fans have to their sport, how popular cricket is in other corners of the world and why it was such a great victory for Nassau County to host the tournament, drawing worldwide attention and acclaim. I had the opportunity, early on, to observe up close the effort that went into making the World Cup the success that it became. The anticipated difficulties and challenges were many and complex. For starters, a 34,000-seat stadium had to be constructed at Eisenhower Park in barely three months before the first official match on

June 3. The hastily built structure, put together like an Erector Set, then had to be deconstructed and removed within 10 days after the Long Island phase of the tournament concluded on June 12.

The construction of the stadium was only the beginning. There were the almost certain traffic jams expected on Hempstead Turnpike and surrounding streets during the morning rush hour. The park would open at 8:30 a.m., and the starting time for each match would be 10:30. Cars would have to be parked at the Nassau Coliseum. The main entrance to Eisenhower Park would be off Merrick Avenue, and would be reached by thousands of fans either on foot — a walk of over a half-mile from the Coliseum — or by shuttle bus.

Tdown all possible terrorist threats. This potential danger was amplified when, just days before the first practice match on June 1, ISIS posted a threat on social media calling for an attack on the World Cup.

he IndiaPakistan match alone drew more than a billion TV viewers.

There were also myriad terrorismrelated issues, which required having enough magnetometers to scan everyone entering the park, doing background checks on all vendors and their employees, and monitoring and tracking

Fortunately, County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder had initiated a sophisticated counterterrorism effort months earlier, involving federal, state and local law-enforcement agencies — the Nassau County Police Department, the FBI, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Department of Homeland Security, the State Police and the NYPD as well as Suffolk County, MTA, Port Authority and Garden City police working seamlessly together. At the facility itself, there were helicopters overhead, undercover officers and bomb-sniffing dogs on the ground, and sharpshooters strategically positioned around the stadium.

When the time came, everything worked. The intense planning paid off.

Tackling health disparities affecting Black

people of color in New York state have a vastly different experience navigating the health care system than their white counterparts. From challenges accessing care and disparate health outcomes to higher death rates and premature deaths, the urgency of this crisis cannot be understated.

Black Americans disproportionately face adverse health outcomes. These inequities are well documented:

Black Americans are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and twice as likely to die of the disease. Black adults are 30 percent more likely to have high blood pressure, increasing their risk for heart disease and stroke. These aren’t just data points — health disparities are a matter of life and death, and we desperately need better health systems to protect Black Americans.

Unfortunately, these patterns are consistent across New York state. Black Long Islanders have the lowest life expectancy of all Long Island residents. Decades of institutional racism and environmental injustice have contributed to these stark inequalities: From

proximity to industrial sites, highways and other sources of pollution to economic disparities and lack of access to quality health care, Black Long Islanders face unacceptable barriers to achieving and maintaining good health.

As an Assembly member and the chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus, I am continuously advocating for Nassau County’s communities of color that are impacted the most by these inequalities. The state’s fiscal year 2025 budget makes historic investments in health care that ensure that more people have access to quality services. For example, the budget provides $800 million to save our safety-net hospitals and eliminates all copays for insulin. We also secured funding to continue expanding doula access through the new Community Doula Expansion program, which builds on our efforts to prioritize maternal health care in the State Legislature.

Reduction Act have given millions of New Yorkers health insurance and saved more than 75,000 people hundreds of dollars on insulin with the $35 cap. Yet there are still members of Congress working tirelessly to repeal the ACA and the IRA, slash health funding and revoke access to health care for those who need it most.

T he state budget offers help, but too many in Congress don’t seem to care.

These issues are a matter of life or death, and our representatives in Washington must fight to expand access to affordable, quality care for all by overcoming historic inequalities to deliver impactful health care improvements for people of color. Policies like the Affordable Care Act and the Inflation

There were no security incidents or traffic jams. The India-Pakistan match alone drew a capacity crowd of 34,000 — the largest ever for a cricket match in the United States — and more than a billion television viewers worldwide, more than three times the size of a Super Bowl audience. There were watch parties at Citi Field and Cedar Creek Park, in Wantagh. All told, the matches attracted more than 150,000 enthusiastic fans who enjoyed themselves and rooted their teams on without incident.

Increased business at restaurants, hotels, motels, stores and shops brought in tens of millions of dollars in sales and lodging tax revenues. Probably most important, though, will be the intangible but very real value of Nassau County’s success on the world stage before a previously unreached audience. Taking on this challenge and getting it done is a credit to Blakeman’s leadership and the professionalism of the NCPD and its law enforcement partners. Job well done!

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

Long

Islanders

I recently met with Long Island health care professionals and community advocates to discuss what they see on the ground. The challenges Black residents face when seeking care are extensive, from missing appointments due to lack of transportation to medical facilities or difficulties accessing medical information. New mothers often lack access to the vital education needed during pregnancy to prepare them as they get closer to giving birth. Unexpected hospital stays lead to job loss and additional stressors among marginalized communities, sometimes dissuading patients from seeking care in the first place.

These challenges are pressing and require our attention, but too many in Congress have turned a blind eye to tackling these health disparities. The improvements that the ACA and the IRA have made to our health care system have created significant savings for seniors and families amid the afford-

ability crisis. If these historic improvements in health care are overturned or weakened, thousands of Long Islanders, including many people of color, would be at risk of losing the security these laws provide them. Without affordable health care, many of our residents would be forced to choose between paying for groceries and paying for their prescriptions.

I’ve long advocated protecting affordable and accessible health care for all New Yorkers, including Black and Brown residents who experience sobering inequities. My responsibility to promote the health and well-being of my constituents drives me to continue to improve health outcomes through sensible policy that enhances quality of life for everyone. The state budget investments, alongside the federal ACA and IRA, are the result of bold decisions that improve health care for millions of New Yorkers.

We can’t turn back the clock and undermine federal and state policies that make a real difference in our fight to combat health disparities and improve health care for all Long Islanders. We must put the needs of our constituents first and promote the health and well-being of all our people, especially those who have been left behind for too long.

Michaelle Solages represents the 22nd Assembly Distric, and chairs the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus.

HeraLd editoriaL

Juneteenth is a time for reflection,

observed every year on June 19, Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history the end of slavery here in the United States.

While many of us might associate the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln at the height of the Civil War in 1863 with the abolition of slavery, the horrific practice itself didn’t end until June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free.

Juneteenth signifies not just the end of slavery, but the triumph of freedom over oppression, resilience over despair.

Living on Long Island, we might feel removed from this piece of history geographically and culturally. It was the South that had slaves, after all. But it wasn’t always that way.

Even before New York was New York, the Dutch West India Co. “purchased” 11 men from Africa they wanted to use in their New Amsterdam colony for both public projects and defense, according to research by Hofstra University. At first, these men were considered employees of

Letters

Not OK with Trump endorsing D’Esposito

To the Editor:

I was so disappointed to read that U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito is happy about receiving Donald Trump’s endorsement (“D’Esposito picks up big endorsement from Trump,” June 6-12).

I mistakenly thought that D’Esposito was among the Republicans who are trying to bring the party back to a time when a candidate’s moral conduct mattered. Is he now OK with having a president who disrespects the laws of our country, while preaching law and order for the rest of us? Is he OK with having a millionaire president who has been convicted of cheating our country out of the taxes that the rest of us must pay?

Is D’Esposito OK with having a president who illegally takes, and refuses to return, highly classified documents after leaving office and lies about it? Is he OK with having a president who has been found guilty of sexually violating a woman?

Is D’Esposito OK with having a president who refuses to accept the outcome of an election, even after countless court cases affirm the results? Is he OK with having a commander in chief of our armed forces who has called people in our armed forces “suckers,” and has said

Dutch West India, but it wasn’t long before their roles were redefined as “chattel property” and “servants for life.”

By the time the Colonies went to war for their independence, 20,000 slaves were kept in New York — more than all of the New England colonies combined. No one should ever own another human being. Full stop. And the lessons of Juneteenth teach us that freedom is not merely the absence of chains, but the presence of opportunity, equity and justice. Despite the progress made since 1865, we continue to witness disparities in education, employment and housing issues that affect communities here in Nassau County as well as nationwide. By honoring Juneteenth, we acknowledge these challenges, and renew our commitment to addressing them.

Juneteenth also provides an opportunity for education and reflection. It’s a period for all of us — regardless of race — to learn about the deep-rooted history of slavery and its lasting impacts. And it’s a reminder of delayed justice and the continued struggle for equality.

Long Island may seem far from the

celebration

fields of Texas, but our own history as part of the greater New York City area — is interwoven with stories of African American resilience and contributions. From the early African American settlements in Sag Harbor to the cultural impacts of influential figures like Jackie Robinson — who lived for a number of years in neighboring Queens and the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance spilling into our neighborhoods, Long Island has its chapters of African American history that reflect broader national narratives of struggle and achievement.

Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone. It’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of freedom and equality. For all of us here on Long Island, embracing Juneteenth means recognizing our shared history, acknowledging our ongoing struggles, and celebrating the contributions of African Americans to our collective heritage.

Let us use this week to reflect, educate and unite — ensuring that the legacy of Juneteenth continues to inspire and guide us toward a more just and inclusive future.

that prisoners of war like John McCain aren’t heroes if they got caught?

Is D’Esposito OK with having a president who disdains science and tells us that global warming is a hoax? Is he OK with having a president who encourages vigilante justice with phrases like “Lock her up!” about an opponent?

Is D’Esposito OK with having a president

whose fiery words encouraged people to attack our Capitol to stop the certification of an election that he lost, and who now calls them heroes? Is he OK with having a president who speaks admiringly of dictators and is OK with Vladimir Putin’s takeover of Ukraine? Is he OK with having a president who, even now, while out of office, tells his followers to block any bipartisan legislation that

opinions Fighting antisemitism and hate needs to start early

as a former Board of Education member and president in the Long Beach school district who has worked to provide a safe and more inclusive environment for our students, I am gravely concerned about the unprecedented escalation of antisemitism on our college campuses that many young Jewish people in our community will be facing in just a couple of months.

An Anti-Defamation League and Hillel International survey found that Jewish college students feel significantly less safe since Oct. 7, and that more than 75 percent are dissatisfied with their schools’ response to antisemitism.

The study also found that 73 percent of Jewish college students, and 44 percent of non-Jewish students, have experienced or witnessed antisemitism since the start of the 2023-24 school year. Subsequently, the ADL published its Campus Antisemitic Report Card in April, in which it assessed 85 of the top national and liberal arts colleges in the U.S. with the highest Jewish student populations. Grades were assigned to public and private schools based on “Jewish life on campus,” antisemitic incidents, and how the administration addressed those

incidents and took action to fight antisemitism. None of the 14 New York schools included in the report received an A grade. Four received D’s and two received F’s. The schools ranked as follows:

• Barnard College: D

• CUNY Brooklyn: B

• Columbia University: D

• Cornell University: D

• Hofstra University: B

• Ithaca College: B

• New York University: C

• SUNY Albany: C

• SUNY Binghamton: B

• SUNY New Paltz: D

• SUNY Purchase: F

• SUNY Rockland

Community College: F

• Syracuse University: C

• Queens College: C

we got high school kids involved in the Holocaust project Names, Not Numbers.

During what should be one of the most hopeful times in young people’s lives, they should feel excited and secure about taking the next step in their future, not fearful of what may await them on college campuses.

During my tenure as school board president, the Long Beach district began taking part in Names, Not Numbers, an interactive media Holocaust film documentary project. Created by Tova FishRosenberg, Names, Not Numbers brings students out of the classroom and into

Letters

would improve the problems at our border? Is being convicted of a felony OK for a president?

I would think that no candidate of any party would be proud to be endorsed by a person who exhibits so many examples of immoral and illegal behavior. Our schools and villages like to put up signs that say, “Character Counts.” But the support of Donald Trump by many Republicans, like Anthony D’Esposito, reveals that, for them, character really doesn’t count at all.

ELAINE RAUCH Lynbrook

Did the Grand Central project cripple the MTA?

To the Editor:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority project connecting the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Terminal was projected to cost $4 billion, according to the MTA. When it was completed, the cost had risen to $11 billion, some $7 billion over the MTA’s esti-

the lives of people who lived through the history being taught about the Holocaust. This past year, I was proud of our Long Beach High School students, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, who interviewed Holocaust survivors and created their own documentary, which was shown at a well-attended screening and will be used in the school’s curriculum. Programs like these are the cornerstone of combating the disturbing rise in antisemitism and all forms of marginalization, by providing education and awareness at a young age. Fighting antisemitism must start before students enter college. This year’s legislative session in Albany has come to a close without legislation in place to address this vital issue. As a candidate for the State Assembly, it is my goal to work on comprehensive, bipartisan, statewide legislation against antisemitism that will bring education, awareness, accountability and action.

Legislation to combat antisemitism at the state level should:

Ensure that school systems are following state mandates to teach about the Holocaust, and add studies of contemporary antisemitism to the curriculum. Provide state funding and support for educational programs like the ADL’s No Place for Hate.

Ensure that college codes of conduct for faculty and students include discussion of antisemitism.

Ensure that college administrators are held accountable for enforcing these codes of conduct and are responsible for the safety of Jewish students. The same protections against discrimination offered to other groups must be offered to Jewish students as well. This includes revoking funding for student groups that support terrorism or call for violence.

Ensure that hate crimes are investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Continue providing state funding for security at houses of worship and religious institutions.

Ensure that state-mandated diversity, equity and inclusion programs include antisemitism awareness.

Provide resources to work with federal investigators on the infiltration of campus groups by outside agitators.

Putting this legislation in place will empower Jewish young people and allies to work toward creating a future climate of inclusivity without antisemitism and all other forms of hate.

Tina Posterli is a former member of the Long Beach City Council, a former president of the Board of Education and a candidate for the Assembly in District 20.

Framework by Tim Baker

mate.

The question that needs to be asked is why this project became an MTA priority over so many others that seemed to need more urgent attention from the agency. Getting Long Islanders to Grand Central didn’t seem urgent: They could take a shuttle from Penn Station to Grand Central. But the people along Second Avenue still had no transportation for many years. New cars were needed on Metro North and the LIRR. New signal systems were needed; track work was needed. So why did the Grand Central Terminal move ahead of so many other urgent projects?

The MTA said that congestion pricing is the be-all and end-all to solve New York City’s traffic congestion. Many New Yorkers aren’t believing the MTA’s revenue projections. Had the stockholders of a company found out that the CEO and board of directors approved of a project that went $7 billion over the initial estimate, they would have been fired.

It’s good that congestion pricing is halted. There’s good reason not to trust the MTA.

RICHARD T. DeVITO Long Beach

A sculptural highlight of the Nautical Mile — Freeport

Mount Sinai South Nassau Health Fair on the Long Beach Boardwalk

Friday, June 28, 11am-4pm

Join us between Edwards Blvd. and Riverside Blvd., with additional screenings at the new Mount Sinai South Nassau Primary Care Walk-In Center at 106 Boardwalk (at The Breeze complex).

FREE Community Health Screenings:

• Anxiety and Depression

• Blood Pressure

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

• Balance Testing

• Breast Exams

• Diabetes Risk Assessment

• Head and Neck Cancer Screening

• Limited Podiatry Exams

• Memory

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

• Stroke Risk Assessment

For more information, please call Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Department of Community Education at 516-377-5333.

Sponsored by