Finally shopping on the boards again
For the first time in years, the Long Beach Vendor Fair returned to the boardwalk, where it spent so many summers, on June 22 and 23. Story, more photos, Page 3.
Residents speak out on ruling on beach season after shooting
By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com
A lot has happened in Long Beach in the past two weeks.
City officials held a news conference on June 14 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 the previous day.
The shooting, and the changes to the beach season, were the focus of discussion at the City Council meeting on June 18 as well. City Manager Dan Creighton addressed it all during his
To keep arena’s ice smooth, a generous gift
By ANGElINA ZINGARIEllo azingariello@liherald.com
Gerrin Hagen, a lifelong hockey and lacrosse player from Long Beach, died a year and a half ago, after a tragic skateboarding accident. On Jan. 12, 2023, after finishing his classes at Nassau BOCES’ Joseph M. Barry Career and Technical Education Center in Westbury, Hagwas riding his skateboard along Cantiague Lane in Hicksville when a Honda SUV struck him. He was rushed to a hospital and initially listed in critical condition, but died the following day.
Wservice scholarships, and collaborating with athletic programs and community organizations to provide financial assistance and promote a “team first” attitude.
At the June 18 City Council meeting, the city accepted a $10,000 donation from the foundation for new Zamboni gate doors at the ice arena, on West Bay Drive.
hat this foundation has already accomplished is truly remarkable.
MIkE REINhART
City
councilman
A candlelight vigil the day after his death, outside Long Beach’s Municipal Ice Arena, now known as the Emile Francis Memorial Ice Arena, drew a large crowd of community members.
opening message.
The changes he announced had gone into effect June on 14. 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 beachgoers needed to produce passes every day of the week.
Creighton’s executive order to immediately start the beach season, rather than wait until this Thursday, was discussed, voted on and approved by the council members. At the meeting, numerous community members spoke their minds about what happened and the measures
In his memory, Hagen’s family established the nonprofit G2H Foundation — his initials and hockey jersey number — in March 2023. It is dedicated to supporting school, sports and
The facility is open year-round, and offers public skating sessions, instruction, youth and adult hockey programs as well as freestyle sessions for figure skaters.
“Through tragedy, a foundation comes through like this, and for the community to support G2H, and G2H to support us back, is just incredible, and a big thankyou,” Councilman Mike Reinhart said at the meeting. “It’s something the ice rink needed, and they will continue to support the community, and we will continue to support them.”
The foundation also supports community-based chari-
Continued on page 7
Tim Baker/Herald
Be smart with your sprinklers, experts urge
By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com
More than 100 billion gallons of water will be used for lawn maintenance alone across Long Island this summer — enough to fill 150,000 Olympic-sized swimming polls — and the cost shows up in more than just your water bill.
It’s also hitting the ecology hard, according to officials, which is why the Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection is urging neighbors to be mindful of their water usage.
“The heat wave has to make us realize that water, particularly in Nassau County, is a finite resource,” Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, told reporters last week at the West Hempstead Water District.
“It is all of our responsibility to protect that water supply.”
The entirety of Long Island’s drinking water comes from natural aquifers. They’re like giant underground sponges — when it rains, the water seeps underground and is absorbed by sand and gravel, creating natural reserves of freshwater.
“In Nassau County, we’re experiencing what’s called groundwater mining, which means that we’re taking more water out of the groundwater system than the rain is able to replace naturally,” Esposito said. “This is not a good recipe for sustainability.”
Nicole Formisano/Herald
Protecting Long Island’s groundwater is about protecting its longevity and local ecosystem, said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
The groundwater serves three vital functions, explained Bret Bennington, chair of Hofstra University’s Department of Geology, Environment and Sustainability. First, it’s pumped to the surface to be used as freshwater. Then it directly feeds just about every lake, stream and tributary on Long Island. Finally, when it travels to the shoreline and is released along the coast, it prevents saltwater from moving in underneath the island. In other words, as long as groundwater
is continually flushing outward, the saltwater doesn’t intrude upon Long Island’s natural freshwater resources, which could ultimately destroy this vital reservoir.
There needs to be enough groundwater to adequately perform all three of those functions, Bennington explained. So, the problem isn’t that Long Island will entirely run out of water — it’s that the more neighbors drain these natural reserves, the more significant consequences they’ll see on the entire groundwater system.
Lakes and rivers become dry. Saltwater contaminates the fresh water under the island, rendering the reserves undrinkable. To compensate, more drinking water must be pumped from other reserves. The process snowballs into a vicious cycle — and it shows up on water bills.
“The more we pump, the more it costs to treat,” said Jason Belle, who chair the aquifer protection commission. “So, by reducing our pumps, not only do they reduce their water bill, it reduces the district’s bill, which will in turn keep the rates low.”
So how can people do their part? As the island approaches the peak season of water usage, officials said, perhaps the best way for residents to be efficient with their landscape-related water usage may be to adopt smart irrigation.
Smart irrigation is a “holistic approach to using water” in landscaping, said Mike Dwyer, director of the Irriga-
tion Association of New York.
If someone notices a brown spot on their lawn, Dwyer said, don’t just turn up the sprinklers run time. Check out the sprinklers in that zone to see if they’re running efficiently.
Are the nozzles clogged? Are the sprinklers blocked by plant growth? Are the heads rising fully out of the grass?
Plus, not all brown spots are from lack of water — insects or disease may be culpable.
And rather than relying on timers, he added, switch to a controller based on evapotranspiration — or ET — which adjusts how long sprinklers will run depending on how wet the ground is.
Why water your lawns on a rainy day?
“We’re not here to tell people to not water their lawns,” Belle said. “All we’re saying is that you can have the best of both worlds — a nice healthy lawn, while also reducing the amount of water to achieve it.”
“There are many good reasons to preserve groundwater, whether it’s for drinking water, for our ecology, or for our sustainability,” Esposito said. “We’re asking people to start now. Don’t wait until August when we’re in another summer heatwave and a drought. Start good water conservation practices today.”
Those who take the conservation pledge on the commission’s website a OurWaterOurLives.com has a chance to win a smart sprinkler controller.
Bringing businesses back to the boardwalk
Vendor Fair is beachfront for community members for first time in years
Bringing local businesses back to the beloved boardwalk, the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Vendor Fair, open to both residents and visitors of Long Beach. However, this one was special.
The first boardwalk fair since before Covid, the soldout event hosted over 140 vendors on Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23, with vendors providing crafted items and merchandise for those who stopped by.
“It was wildly successful,” said Leah Tozer, the chamber’s co-chair and Citizens Advisory Committee member. “Our vendors were extremely happy and stayed true to our purpose. The majority were a lot of local vendors and we purposefully did not have food on the boardwalk so people would feel like going into town and supporting our chamber members who have food businesses. It was a well-organized and phenomenal event.”
brings people down to the beach, it’s beautiful and we want people to enjoy, respect and learn about it, and to have a common experience on the beach. We’re bringing commerce into town.”
The city of Long Beach is having their fair on the boardwalk, it’ll be a different feel than ours, and the historical society will have one too.”
Confident that the Chamber will present a similar event in the future, Tozer said, “We’ve been very consistent with the type of event that we’ve had and always make sure to protect our members and offer a free spot for our brick-and-mortar members. If they do well, they try to get on the boardwalk as much as possible.”
The boardwalk is one of the most important assets we have as a city: it
The City of Long Beach Boardwalk Arts & Crafts Festival will also return this year, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, July 20 and 21, as well as the Historical Society Arts & Crafts Fair on August 24 and 25, where hundreds more vendors will line the boardwalk from Long Beach to Edwards Boulevard.
“Our goal is to have a great community event but we focus on our membership and showing our value for members and businesses in town, reconnecting and creating a really lovely experience for both residents and those outside the area,” Tozer said.
–Joseph D’Andrea
Leslie Ling from Crafty Creations by Leslie showing off one of her many unique items.
Beau Rubin, 5, of Long Beach, holding up his favorites item inside Monkey Business during the fair.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Community members braved the hot temperature to shop from local vendors on the boardwalk for the first time since before Covid.
Leo Conklin, 4, of Long Beach, has a great time with the toys.
Speaking truth to power
Crime watCh arrest
Mahlon Chadrick Walker, 32, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was arrested on June 21. He was charged with criminal mischief, assault, and leaving the scene of an accident following an investigation.
Jonathan Morales, 39, of Whitehall Road in Rockville Centre was arrested on June 23. He has been charged with assault, criminal obstruction of breathing and strangulation following an investigation at his residence.
Criminal misChief
The operator of a NICE bus reported on June 15 that a pedestrian caused damage to a window on the bus while on Merrick Road.
entered the business and was yelling at the employees regarding the volume of the music, causing the employees alarm and annoyance.
larCeny
Two juveniles reported on June 19 that two subjects stole their bicycles while at Hickey Field the evening prior.
A resident of Lakeview Avenue reported on June 21 someone stole a package form outside his front door.
A motorist reported on June 21, someone stole his vehicle from the LIRR station in Rockville Centre.
A resident of Woodland Avenue reported on June 22, someone stole a bicycle from the backyard.
trictattorneys,wherearethosewiththemodicum ofcourageneededtospeaktruthtopowerandsay: Enough! New York will not be Berlin 1938 redux!
“SuperAging” by David Cravit and Larry Wolf Book
Subtitled “Getting Older Without Getting Old”, this new book starts with the premise “... imagine bringing a whole lifetime of knowledge, experience, skills, talent, relationships, wisdom (and, let’s face it, money) to two or three more decades ahead of you in which to leverage all those assets into an ongoing wonderful experience.” With the Baby Boomer generation far outliving and “outhealthing” any prior generation, we are in the era of the “superager”, founded upon seven pillars.
Attitude: Believing in exciting new possibilities, optimism is a major life extender. Purposes and goals are a result of an active curiosity about the potential for the gift of these years. Practice a positive thinking booster program everyday. Search for “positivity apps” and get daily positive quotes. They work!
Awareness: Whereas older adults previously accepted the advice of professionals as gospel, today’s superagers are avid consumers of information. The challenge today is the approach to information gathering and the curating of the “informational torrent”. Tips and techniques for searching and filing your information are provided.
Activity: Keeping fit, mentally and physically
delves into the nine components, arising out of the Blue Zones Project, for extending longevity -- move naturally, have a purpose (worth an extra 7 years!), downshift, the 80% rule for eating, plant-based diet, moderate alcohol, faith-based community, family, social networks.
Accomplishments: Viewing post-65 as a continued opportunity to grow and achieve goals, this section outlines myriad ways to continue personal growth. As the authors point out, “Accomplishment, promoted by longevity, produces even further longevity.”
Attachment: The health risks of loneliness are well documented. Superagers reach for more connection, often digitally. New adult communities are arising right on college campuses, creating exciting new intergenerational possibilities.
Avoidance: Avoiding ageism, especially against oneself, means challenging your own and society’s outdated views on aging -- stereotypes as to what older adults look and act like.
Autonomy: The dazzling new array of living options, and various means for affording them are explored, including using the home as an asset. For more, visit superagingnews.com.
A resident of Shellbank Place reported on June 16 someone damaged the door of her home by banging on it.
Graffiti
A village employee reported on June 18, graffiti was found on the exterior wall of the former Nassau County Bus Depot. The graffiti consisted of a heart with wings and the word “forever.”
harassment
A resident of State Street reported on June 18 that an acquaintance informed her that she received a text message that contained a threat to the State Street resident which caused her to become alarmed and annoyed.
An employee of North Village Tavern reported on June 17 that someone
UnUsUal inCident
A resident of Combes Avenue reported on June 16 that she believed a vehicle was following her while jogging on Voorhis Avenue.
A pedestrian reported on June 17, she may have been followed by a male and female subject in a vehicle while walking on Atkinson Road.
A parent reported on June 20 that her daughter and several of her friends may have been followed by two male subjects, ages 60-70 years old, while walking from Starbucks to Camilla’s Pizza earlier in the day.
A parent reported on June 22, her daughter and a friend, believed they were followed by a male subject age 40-45 years old, while walking from Panera Bread to Starbucks earlier in the day.
E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: lbeditor@liherald.com
EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 213 E-mail: lbeditor@liherald.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7”
At council meeting, residents don’t hold back
being taken.
“This is a very complex situation,” resident Kathleen O’Leary said, referring to the gathering on June 13. “It has happened before, but it has usually happened in the night hours. I am very appreciative to the Long Beach police and also the partnership with the Nassau police.
“What I was thinking of is closing the beach to nonresidents after 6 and having residents use the beach for free,” O’Leary added.
Creighton responded by saying that since the city accepted federal funding to redo the boardwalk and dunes after Superstorm Sandy, the beaches are required to be open to the public. Otherwise, he said, the city would have to pay back the money.
Community member Eileen Hession said her concern was about the number of lifeguards on duty the beach. She was on the boardwalk late one afternoon, she said, and saw a sudden influx of people. “I looked at my watch — it was six o’clock,” Hession recounted. “They didn’t have to pay to get on the beach anymore. I’m very nervous about having no lifeguards on duty.”
Rich Borowski, the city’s chief of lifeguards, said that although there were no guards on stands after 6, emergency response crews monitor the beaches in a truck.
“It just seems to me like a very knee-jerk reaction that the next day, via executive order, instead of via resolution, meeting, process, to define the new hours, to define things,” said resident and former Councilwoman Tina Posterli, now a candidate for the State Assembly. “Instead … getting a community up in arms, because we moved here for the access to the beach, as you all know.”
Council President Brendan Finn responded, saying
following this news conference on June 14, changes were made to the beach season. residents voiced their opinions on the matter at the June 18 City Council meeting.
that “great consideration” went into the city’s decision to effectively begin the summer beach season two weeks early. “I think we all felt that we needed to not just make a statement, but show that we are going to control our beaches so that we can really do our best to make sure something like that doesn’t happen again. It was important that we make that statement and make some changes, and they’re not drastic changes by any means at all.”
Resident Michael Hawksby commended the city and the Police Department for the way they handled the
situation. Hawksby, who a former Marine, said it’s easy to look back after the fact and say things should have been done differently.
“These are children, these are kids,” he said of the hundreds of teens who gathered on the beach. “It’s easy to say after the fact what ‘shoulda, coulda, woulda.’ As long as you’re moving forward, you make the changes that you need to make if you see that some of this action is not warranted or a little harsh. But again, I congratulate you all, because this could have been a lot of worse.”
Herald file photo
Fresh produce coming your way this fall
By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com
Thousands of people across Nassau County go to food banks and soup kitchens each month for much-needed sustenance. But soon, the food bank may come to them.
Long Island Cares, a nonprofit focused on helping hungry families, expects to debut its Mobile Food Truck in September.
The new service specifically aims to make fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible to those who otherwise struggle to purchase them. When people have to pay for their medication, clothes and children’s school supplies, for example, spending the extra money on fresh produce is often out of the question.
“When people struggle with food insecurity, they oftentimes have to make difficult decisions with what they do with their money,” said Paule Pachter, chief executive of Long Island Cares. “And sadly, oftentimes what’s considered healthy food options — like lean chicken, lean proteins, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit — sort of become less important than paying for your rent. And so it becomes a focus — and almost, in my opinion, a responsibility — of food banks to make sure that people have access to the most healthy foods possible.”
Long Island Cares works with more than 350 local food pantries, but many
Courtesy Long Island Cares
The Mobile Food Truck for Long Island Cares — expected to deliver fresh produce across Nassau County — was made possible by a $250,000 grant from Bank of America Long Island. Bank of America executives Mark Perez and Jaime Stojanowski, left — as well as Jennifer Porti, fourth from left — presented the grant to Long Island Cares representatives Jessica Rosati, Yenny Buitrago and Paule Pachter.
simply do not have the storage capacity to house the fresh produce people need.
The Mobile Food Truck, by contrast, could deliver enough fruits and vegetables to fill up nearly five refrigerators, Pachter said. Local pantries can simply schedule a time for the truck to visit them, and their produce needs will be supplemented by the truck’s refrigerated storage.
The program is more needed now than ever, Pachter said. Fresh produce — already more expensive than less healthy
options — has skyrocketed in price since the coronavirus pandemic, according to multiple studies in the National Institutes of Health. Only around 1-in-10 people get their recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Mobile Food Truck is expected to improve those statistics for hungry people on the island.
A refrigerated food truck is a concept Long Island Cares has worked on for a
while now — but it was a $250,000 grant from Bank of America’s Long Island branch that finally brought the produce truck to fruition.
With that money, Long Island Cares can buy the truck with refrigerated storage and wrap it with the charitable organization’s name.
The partnership isn’t new. Bank of America is one of the largest donors helping hungry people, Pachter said — the bank’s previous $500,000 grant to Long Island Cares was directly responsible for opening new satellite locations, including one that is coming to Valley Stream.
“Access to healthy, nutritious food is more important than ever, and the new mobile farmers market will allow Long Island Cares to distribute fresh produce to more individuals and families in need,” said Mark Perez, president of Bank of America Long Island, in a statement.
And the program helps more than the hungry.
“This can be seen, in many ways, as a real boon to both the state and regional economy, because we always make it our business to first buy from Long Island when produce is able to be harvested in season” Pachter said. “So, this is really supporting New York in many ways, and supporting the Long Island farm community in many ways. ”
To find food near them or to volunteer, visit the Long Island Cares website at LICares.org.
Long Island’s most anticipated new oceanfront community is now open. At The
G2H Foundation donates to city ice arena
ties, families in need and first responder-related causes. According to its website, its volunteers honor Hagen’s spirit by serving with kindness, compassion, confidence and friendship.
“We lost Gerrin Hagan only a year ago in a tragic accident,” Reinhart said “And what this foundation has already accomplished is truly remarkable.”
On April 6, the second annual Gerrin Hagen Memorial Hockey Day, attracted hundreds of participants to the ice arena. After last year’s successful inaugural event, The G2H Foundation, in collaboration with the FDNY Hockey Team Fundraiser Series and the City of Long Beach, welcomed back hockey enthusiasts of all ages.
The day began with a morning clinic for younger players, coached by members of the Farmingdale
State College hockey team. Afterward, the Nassau County Police Department hockey team faced off against the Toronto Fire hockey club — with County Legislator Pat Mullaney ceremonially dropping the first puck — followed by a game between the New York City Fire Department team and the Long Beach Guardians club. The games were livestreamed by Long Island Sports Network, and remain available for viewing on the network’s YouTube channel.
In addition to the new Zamboni doors, thanks to the foundation, the rink is undergoing several other upgrades as well. New safety netting is being installed, the arena’s interior is getting a fresh coat of paint, and a new sheet of ice was in early June. The city was aiming to reopen the facility by July 1, if not sooner.
he foundation’s $10,000 donation will be used to replace the Zamboni doors leading to the ice.
Herald file photos
the g2H foundation, in honor of gerrin Hagen, whose name and number are displayed on a banner in the ice arena, donated to the city to help pay for renovations.
Summit stresses cyclist, pedestrian safety
By SCOTT BRINTON Special to the Herald
Martin Buchman talked up the Long Island Greenway Trail outside the amphitheater at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow last week, a table full of maps, charts and pamphlets before him.
The retired high school teacher who’s also a board member of the New York Bicycling Coalition, said ground will break next year on the nearly 200-milelong cycling trail that will connect Eisenhower Park with Montauk, nearly 200 miles away.
“The real hope is to get bicycle infrastructure that does not compete with cars,” Buchman said.
The cycling advocate and enthusiast was at NUMC for the second annual Walk Bike LI Summit, at which “vulnerable road users” such as bicyclists and pedestrians were the primary point of discussion. He understands all too well the dangers cyclists face on the island’s heavily trafficked roads — and the need for safe spaces of their own.
Buchman has been hit twice by cars while riding his bike over the last seven years. The first time was Bike-to-Work Day in 2017. He was cycling 25 miles from Stony Brook to Plainview-Old Bethpage High School when a left-turning driver ran into him.
He broke his collarbone, and was one of three cyclists who wound up in the same emergency room together, all biking to work.
Buchman was struck a second time in 2022, cracking his fibula and needing 45 stitches to repair a gash in his lower leg.
A number of crash victims who enter NUMC — including pedestrians and cyclists — do so “hoping to walk out,” said Daniel Flanzig, a personal injury attorney at the Mineola-based Flanzig & Flanzig, who’s also a bicycling coalition member with Buchman. But “a lot of people do not. When my phone rings, somebody’s never having a good day.”
Nassau County recorded more than 37,700 crashes last year that killed 62 and injured more than 12,500 others, according to state statistics presented at the summit. Of those accidents, 421 involved bicyclists, with 358 injured and one person killed.
That means the injury rate involving vehicle-on-vehicle crashes was roughly 33 percent. The rate when a vehicle struck a cyclist was 85 percent.
Megan Ryan, NUMC’s interim chief executive and president, explained that most anyone who has suffered a traumatic injury in a crash throughout the county — in particular, a cyclist or pedestrian — will be sent to NUMC because it is a Level I trauma center.
Ryan, who sits on the North Merrick education board, spoke of a high school student who was recently hit while riding his bicycle in her neighborhood and was rushed to NUMC. And then, on the day of the summit, a 12-year-old was hit by a car while riding his bike on the North Bellmore-Wantagh border. He was airlifted to Cohen Children’s Medical
When complete, the Long Island Greenway Trail will stretch from Manhattan to Montauk, measuring nearly 200 miles — 60 percent of which will be off-road. The trail will connect with the Empire State Trail, which begins at the Battery in Lower Manhattan, and runs 750 miles to Buffalo. The Greenway Trail will connect with 60 bus routes and 46 train stations, and will be within a 10-minute walk of 27 Long Island communities, according to the Trust for Public Land, which is spearheading the effort to construct the pathway.
Center in Queens, where he was reported in stable condition.
“Pedestrian safety, bicyclist safety, it’s very important,” Ryan said. “It’s something that I think is overlooked. We try to teach (pedestrian/bicyclist safety) for younger children, but it’s very important for the older students, older children, and adults, as well.”
Wendy Tepfer, executive director of the Community Parent Center in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, came to the summit to hear any
suggestions that might help improve the center’s driver education programming.
The center, Tepfer said, stresses the need to stay focused on the road, without distractions, in large part to protect cyclists and pedestrians. She noted that when drivers are distracted by cell phone calls, they are only able to focus 35 percent of their attention on the road, so their mind zeroes in on the cars in front of them while limiting their peripheral vision.
Pedestrians and cyclists, however, are
Tips for staying safe
Given the 2.2 million cars in the region, cycling on Long Island involves a degree of risk. But it’s risk that can be mitigated, according to the T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University, with these safety tips:
■ Always ride to the right with the flow of traffic
■ Leave three feet of space between you and parked cars to avoid opening doors
■ Wear a helmet
■ Use bike lights
■ Use hand signals when turning
most likely to be found on the sides of roads — that is, in drivers’ peripheries.
“We talk about distractions all the time,” Tepfer said.
Cynthia Brown, executive director of the Westbury-based New York Coalition for Transportation Safety, said redesigning roads to improve safety is tough, if not impossible, because doing so often involves condemning properties to make way for new infrastructure.
“The only thing that you can really try to change,” Brown said, “is driver behavior.”
Courtesy Trust for Public Land
Courtesy Scott Brinton
Daniel Flanzig — a member of the New York Bicycling Coalition board — and Cynthia Brown, executive director of the New York Coalition for Transportation Safety, were among the featured speakers at the second annual Walk Bike LI Summit at Nassau University Medical Center, where bicyclist and pedestrian safety was front and center.
Co-owner
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
Celebrating LGBTQ+ pride with vibrant festival
The vibrant colors of the rainbow lit up Oceanside on June 15. The he Rainbow Renaissance Pride Festival made its return after a long hiatus due to the pandemic. Held in the parking lot of Halo Nightclub in Oceanside—the county’s sole LGBTQ+ venue—the event marked the revival of large-scale Pride celebrations in the area.
Partnering with the Town of Hempstead, the festival offered a lineup that included Drag Queens, DJs, six unique vendors, and body painters. The highlight of the day was a performance by celebrity Queen Yuhua Hamasaki, known for her appearances on RuPaul’s drag Race.
The event, which was free for the entire community, transformed the parking lot into a lively indoor/outdoor music festival reminiscent of the prepandemic celebrations previously held in Long Beach. Nassau County Legislature Patrick Mullaney was among the attendees, showing support and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
Halo Nightclub, co-owned by Long Beach resident Kyle Savage, has quickly become a hub for LGBTQ+ inclusivity
since its official opening on Jan. 1. The club hosts a variety of events, from themed dance parties to drag shows.
–Kepherd Daniel
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.
Jaci Zitman/Herald photos
Amy King, Johanna Mathieson-Ellmer, Andrea Gauto, Barbra Mullaney enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere at the Halo nightclubs pride festival.
Bella Noche received a positive reception while on stage.
of the Halo nightclub Kyle Savage took the stage with pride.
Celebrating an important day in history
Community bands together to recognize Juneteenth in Long Beach
Juneteenth is an important date in American history. The day, which is short for June 19, marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed.
This came a full two-and-a-half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth honors the end to slavery in the United States and is one of, if not the longest-running African American holiday.
On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday.
Community members gathered at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center last Wednesday to celebrate together. City officials, city workers and residents alike came together to recognize the day.
“On Juneteenth, we commemorate and reflect on the plight of African American people, who endured the most vicious form of human bondage the world has ever known,” Natasia Hurd, the president and founder of Core United, Inc., which helped organize the event, said in a statement. “This pivotal moment in American history signifies the end of slavery and the enduring struggle for freedom and equality.”
Core United joined a plethora of other Long Beach community partners in holding the event. Other Long Beach groups included the Robert D. Gause Foundation, New Life Church, the North Park Crisis team, Long Beach Public Library, Buddy’s Lighthouse Inc., and the Martin Luther King Center, where it was held. The day also had some sponsors, including honorable Harvey Weisenberg, who frequently helps out the MLK Center, Major Auto
The MLK Center was packed with community members wanted to celebrate the day together.
Body, Hadrick Ray from HR Towing, James Hodge, and more.
“We have made a significant impact in fostering an inclusive and united community,” Hurd said. “Through this event, we deepened our understanding of our history and inspired collective action toward meaningful change. Core United, Inc. extends heartfelt thanks to everyone for their invaluable support and enthusiastic participation in this important initiative. We look forward to continuing our successful collaborations in the future.”
–Brendan Carpenter
There were performances to commemorate what the day meant.
The MLK Center, which is a frequent spot for meaningful gatherings, had a wall outside the event, teaching important moments in history.
Ainsley Keir/Herald photos
People from all across the community gathered in Long Beach’s MLK Center to recognize and celebrate Juneteenth last week.
STEPPING OUT
with Thomas the Tank Engine
Go on an adventure on the rails at Long Island Children’s Museum
By Danielle Schwab
All aboard! The lovable blue tank engine Thomas and his friends have rolled into Long Island. With a cargo full of interactive STEM activities for families to explore, Long Island Children’s Museum staffers — and visitors — are excited to welcome back the returning exhibit, “Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails.”
“Long Island Children’s Museum had opened the exhibit in early 2020 to great audience reaction,” explains museum president Erika Floreska. “Then Covid happened and the museum shut down. The exhibit sat in our empty building for months, anticipating the return of visitors. By the time the museum was able to reopen, the exhibit had to move on to its next scheduled destination.”
At long last, everyone can board once again as the train fulfills its intended route.
In real life, the islands just off the English mainland near Barrow in Furness, in Cumbria, has been home to the engines of industry — submarine manufacturing plant, undersea coal mining, petrochemicals and a hotly contested nuclear energy plant.
But for generations — baby boomers who read the Rev. Wilbert Awdry’s Railway Series books and the children of the ‘80s who experienced those stories, too, on a popular television series — the only island that counts in the gleaming distances of the Irish Sea is Sodor.
Sodor — home to Thomas the Tank Engine, that is, where the trains are as busy as ever.
“You’re stepping into another world, visiting Knapford Station on the Island of Sodor,” says Long Island Children’s Museum education director Ashley Niver.
Awdry originally created the beloved trains in the early 1940s as stories for his son, Christopher. The fictional tank locomotive has since captivated families worldwide.
While the look of trains has changed since Thomas first came to be, the message is clear: trains don’t lose their appeal.
“There is something super magical and enticing about playing with toy trains. It seems to triumph over any other vehicle,” Niver says. “When you see a train, it’s like, ‘Wow, that’s a special trip.’”
The traveling exhibit, created by the award-winning Minnesota Children’s Museum in partnership with Mattel’s Fisher-Price, rolled into the museum in late May and will continue to charm families through Sept. 8.
Targeted especially for kids between 2 and 7, the exhibit incorporates foundational STEM learning that can perhaps inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and physicists.
Through engaging play, families arrive at creative solutions to problemsolving using mathematical thinking and experimentation as they respond to challenges.
“Kids are learning how to engineer together,” Niver says. “It’s a really nice area where you can let your kids roam free. They can explore, and there’s a lot of socialization happening too.”
First, look inside a Sodor train.
“You’re welcomed with a bright, shiny Thomas, a giant life-size one which the kids can board,” Niver says. “Some levers and parts create train noises, whistles and steam.”
Then, help out the green train, Percy, repair a wobbly wheel. Continue on to move coal into Percy’s coal box and fill his tank with water. Also load luggage,
• Now through Sept. 8, Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older; additional fees for theater programming
• View the events calendar at LICM.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City.
livestock and addtional cargo into two train cars.
Even become part of Thomas’ world by suiting up as a conductor, exchanging money, and selling tickets to passengers.
And naturally, it wouldn’t be a “Thomas & Friends” experience without some toy trains.
Families can play at an oversized Thomas wooden railway table, bringing people through all Sodor’s iconic destinations such as Tidmouth Sheds, Brendam Docks, and the Sodor Search and Rescue Station.
While in actuality trains connect us to various places both familiar and new, the “connection” here is an emotional one.
“What’s really important about Thomas is that he is super hard-working,” Niver says. “He’s the smallest train, but he never gives up, and he always tries to help people learn to work together, to cooperate, to be kind to one another.
“Children find him really endearing and connect on a deep level with him.”
As North Western Railway Controller Sir Topham Hatt always says: “Thomas is a very useful engine.”
‘And stars fill my dream…’
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.’ 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 deliver all passion these bluessoaked rock anthems deserve. GTLO re-creates songs, in all their depth and glory, with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. No wigs or fake English accents, the band brings what the audience wants — a high-energy Zeppelin concert with honest, heartthumping intensity with a strong focus on Led Zeppelin’s pivotal early years.
Friday and Saturday, June 28-29, 8 p.m. $75. $45, $30. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
There’s also something nostalgic for the parents who grew up watching the televised version of Thomas. On view are model engines from the original live-action series, and copies of the original drawings along with 75 manuscripts, among the memorabilia documenting the history and evolution of Thomas.
to another, “Thomas &
From one generation to another, “Thomas & Friends” continues to captivate audiences in a powerful way.
children with that you can
“Anything that you remember raising your own children with that you can then pass down is the coolest thing, to have that connectivity years,” Niver adds.
Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘Iolanthe’
through the
Mortals and immortals come face to face in the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company’s of Long Island’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s classic ‘Iolanthe.’ The comic opera, which debuted in 1883, is one of the most beloved of all the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Its perfect balance of words and music, humor and drama, and political satire resonates to this day. The whimsical story involves a half fairy/ half mortal shepherd lad who falls in love with wealthy heiress that sets up a conflict between the wily Lord Chancellor and the cosmically powerful Fairy Queen. Featuring some of Sullivan’s most stunning music, including ‘Oh Foolish Fay,’ and what is popularly known as ‘The Nightmare Song,’ expect an evening of first class entertainment and riotous fun suitable for all ages.
Sunday, June 30, 3 p.m. $30, $25 seniors/children. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at MadisonTheatreNY.org or call (516) 323-4444.
Photos courtesy Long Island Children’s Museum Thomas has chugged into the museum and invites families to stop on by.
Explore the Island of Sodor for an adventure on the rails.
A future train conductor checks in.
Visitors collaborate to repair Percy’s wobbly wheels.
It’s Your Flag… Display
The American Flag on the other side of this page patriotic sponsors listed below and is dedicated great tradition of independence. We strongly display this flag in their window at Let’s show everyone that we’re proud
THE Your Neighborhood
The English supergroup, fronted by original member Geoff Downes, along with a brand new lineup, is reinvigorated and back on tour, appearing on the Paramount stage, Sunday, July 7, 7 p.m . Today, the legendary band comprises Geoff Downes, John Mitchell, Harry Whitley, and Virgil Donati. Their new tour, “Heat of the Moment,” additionally features Focus, Martin Turner (Wishbone Ash), Curved Air, and Roger Dean as special guests. Asia was the biggest selling album of 1982, Number 1 on Billboard for nine weeks and pioneers of the MTV era!
Downes’ new iteration of Asia first began to evolve last summer, at the concert held in memory of late lead singer, songwriter and bassist, John Wetton (King Crimson, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, UK, Asia, John Wetton Band, Icon). Downes invited old friend John Mitchell (It Bites, Frost*, Lonely Robot, Kino, John Wetton Band, Icon) and newcomer Harry Whitley to join him on stage to celebrate Wetton’s life by performing some of the classic Asia hits. Such was the uproarious reception to their set that Downes wondered if something magical was beginning to take shape. Downes’ new-look Asia once again features Mitchell on guitars and Whitley on lead vocal and bass. The quartet is made complete by the addition of Virgil Donati (UK, Southern Sons, Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth) on drums. The band will perform the hits you know and love, including “Heat of the Moment,” “Only Time Will Tell,” “Sole Survivor,” and more. $99.50, $79.50, $69.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.
Dramatic Play
Theatre Playground returns to Long Island Children’s Museum with “Dramatic Play!,” Monday, July 1, 1 p.m., taught by Lisa Rudin, Director of Theatre Playground. In this interactive, theater-inspired workshop, children will act out an original story and help choose how it unfolds. Music, props, and sound effects create a theatrical world where participants are immersed in the story.
Children are encouraged to express themselves as they create characters, explore different worlds, stretch their imaginations and build selfconfidence. This week’s theme: Calling All Superheroes! Costumes encouraged. $5 with museum admission. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 2245800 or LICM.org.
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.
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.
Celebrate America
View the pyrotechnic spectacle, as part of Eisenhower Park’s annual holiday double bill, TD Bank’s Celebrate America, which also includes a concert, at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Wednesday, July 3, 5:3010 p.m. With performances by the popular local Allman Brothers tribute act Allmost Brothers and Chicken Head. Bring seating. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.
Long Beach Film Festival
Enjoy some films! Check out the annual Long Beach Film Festival, Friday, July 26. The latest and greatest independent movie releases from around the world will be shown on the National Boulevard beach. For more information, visit LongBeachFilm.com.
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.
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.
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.
Beach Wrestling
The Jones and Gillespie East Coast Beach Wrestling Tournament hits the sand, Saturday, Aug. 3. The matches will be within a 20foot diameter circle on National Boulevard starting at 10 a.m. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov.
Kiefer SwimPaddleRun
Held in memory of NYC Firefighter and Long Beach Lifeguard Michael Kiefer, the annual swimpaddlerun takes place, Sunday, July 28. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Riverside Boulevard. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov/races.
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’s Field #1 for its Noontime Concert series, Wednesday, July 3, noon2 p.m. Enjoy “The Many Voices of Dennis Dell.” Dell’s vocally stylings transport his audience to another world. Hear your favorite songs brought to life with originality and authenticity. Bring seating. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.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.
Catering + Private Party Room
PARTY
Private
CATERING
Our
DECORATIONS:
Let
Temple Emanu-El will be turning into a rainbow
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Temple Emanu-El will be hosting its eighth annual Pride Shabbat on June 28 at 7:30 p.m., celebrating inclusivity and solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
“Various denominations of different religions have been very antagonistic to the LGBTQ+ community. Our synagogue firmly believes that our understanding of Judaism is meant to be inclusive of all people regardless of sexual orientation,” Rabbi Jack Zanerhaft said. “This year’s theme, ‘We Pray with Pride,’ aims to send a powerful message of support amid what feels like renewed attacks on the LGBTQ+ community.
By holding a worship service that incorporated this theme, Temple Emanu-El demonstrated that within their sacred space in Long Beach, “no matter who you love, you are welcomed, you are wanted and respected,” Zanerhaft said.
“The synagogue emphasized that each person is “created in God’s image” and embodies a spark of divinity.
“Every individual ought to have a place where he, she, them, or they could assemble, come to a program, event, class, or a service and feel comfortable and secure,” Zanerhaft continued.
“Temple Emanu-El’s doors and hearts are open to everyone, whether it’s for a holiday, a special occasion, or a place to be consoled.”
Each year, the temple acknowledges Pride Month with a service and a guest speaker. Previous keynote guests have included the Executive Director of the LGBTQ Network of Long Island, a gay pastor who was once a Catholic priest, a Broadway choreographer, and a federal prosecutor in charge of discrimination cases.
Previous keynote guests have included a diverse group of members of the LGBT community. Among them is the Executive Director of the LGBTQ Network of Long Island, who has been a
strong advocate for LGBTQ rights.
Another guest was a gay pastor who previously served as a Catholic priest, offering unique insights into faith and sexuality.
A renowned Broadway choreographer shared their creative journey and the importance of representation in the arts.
Additionally, a federal prosecutor specializing in discrimination cases provided an expert perspective on legal protections and challenges faced by the LGBTQ community. These speakers, along with others, have enriched the Pride Shabbat with their varied experiences and profound contributions to the cause of equality and acceptance.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Annmarie Bernagozzi, an NYPD Detective assigned to the Hate Crimes Unit, who lives with her wife in Long Beach. The event concludes with a dessert reception, where attendees gathered to celebrate and reflect on the importance of inclusivity and acceptance within the community.
Herald file photos
The first Pride Shabbat at Temple Emanu-El was held in 2017.
Rabbi Jack Zanerhaft leads numerous unifying events throughout the year, including this Friday’s Pride Shabbat.
These athletes say Pickleball
By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America — and it’s time it got a little more diverse.
“You don’t really see a lot of African Americans playing pickleball,” said Annette Dennis, president of the African American Pickleball Association. “And when you do see people outside in the park, or even in some of the clubs, and you don’t see people that look like you, you kind of shy away.”
Michael Atherley, of West Hempstead, set out to change that. He and his wife Desiree have been playing pickleball for four years, and wanted to introduce it to more people of color.
“What we’ve found from it is a great social sport,” said Atherly, 61, who serves as treasurer of the organization. “We’ve been able to forge some friendships from there, and had some really great interactions with people in the community we would not have known otherwise. So we just felt that would be great to have within our own community, those of color.
is for all
“When I was learning, people who had been playing were very helpful in teaching,” Atherley said. “And everyone I’ve come into contact with playing pickleball has been so friendly. And even though it can be competitive, everybody’s in it just to play and get exercise, and really are trying to help the next person get better.”
Perhaps best of all is that pickleball makes sports accessible again. It’s popular among all ages. The Juneteenth event, for example, saw everyone from younger adults to seniors.
Even though it can be competitive, everybody’s in it just to play and get exercise, and really are trying to help the next person get better.
MIChAEL AthERLEy Treasurer, African America Pickleball Association
“And maybe it would be something that would galvanize the community, and join us together and get rid of some of those stigmas and fears that we may have with each other.”
The pair approached Dennis, who’s been playing for eight years, and the African American Pickleball Association, or AAPA for short, was born. In only five months, they’ve gathered more than 60 members, and hundreds more on Facebook.
The organization held a special event at Pickleball Plus, in West Hempstead, to celebrate Juneteenth. Neighbors enjoyed sandwiches and refreshments, group warm up and cool down exercises, and a raffle for a basket of pickleball equipment, donated by Onix Salva, a Malverne High School alum who now runs an athletic training company.
They filled eight pickleball courts — some were for well-seasoned players that were looking for a challenge. Others were for intermediate players that wanted to build up their skills. But most were for people who perhaps had never picked up a pickleball paddle in their lives, but thought it looked fun and wanted to learn more. That’s the beauty of the sport, Atherley and Dennis both said.
“I just love the fact that I’m active, I get my steps in, I can hold my own without having to be a rock star,” Dennis, 65, said. “I can find people to play at my level and then the game is competitive. It’s just so much fun. I’m addicted.”
“And then you’re meeting people in your age group,” she added. “It just opens up a whole other network of friends.”
“It’s such a social event for a lot of people who may have played sports in their youth, and as they get older, they’re not really playing much,” Atherley said. “So it’s really a way of not just socially but, as far as health wise, getting people more active.”
The organization has introduced many new people to the social and health benefits of pickleball. That’s their favorite part, both Dennis and Atherley said — watching someone pick up a paddle for the first time and go from a beginner to a fellow pickleball lover in the span of an hour.
“I love to see when they love it,” Dennis said. “And then they get excited and they have a little rally, and the rally lasts a couple of shots back and forth, and then they’re clapping their hands, they go up and they’re all excited and whatnot. And I’m like — yep, they’re hooked.”
And now, what started as an idea between friends has snowballed. People from out of state — as far as Anchorage, Alaska — are reaching out to AAPA to see about starting their own local chapter.
In the meantime, the organization is focused on introducing pickleball to more people of color on Long Island.
“Come on,” Dennis said. “Jump on the bandwagon.”
For those interested in learning more, visit the African American Pickleball Association Facebook page.
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 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
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. MILTON HARRISON, AS ADMINSTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF SIBYL BRACKIN A/K/A SIBYL GRANT, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 28, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 30, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 134 West Chester Street, Long Beach, NY 11561. 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 70 and Lots 21-22. Approximate amount of judgment is $419,173.33 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605197/2019. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.
Lisa Segal Poczik, Esq., Referee
Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 147696
Courtesy office of Siela Bynoe
The African American Pickleball Association earned a commendation from Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe for their work.
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!
$20 - $25/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED Will Certify And Train HS Diploma
NYS License Clean 3 Years
$20 - $25/ Hour Call 516-731-3000
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
FULL TIME - PART TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE
Garden City Childcare Center
Immediate Start
$16-$22 per hour Call 516-572-7614
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
LAW CLERK. FT. $61k/yr. Yao Legal Group LLC. Great Neck, NY. Reqs.: LL.M. / J.D., 12+ mo exp as law clerk / lgl asst / paralegal in a law off, exp in Surrogate’s Ct cases. Spprt atty in civil / crim litig, RE trxn, corp/biz law, estate dispt, etc.: 1) cndct lgl res; 2) dft lgl docs, file w/ Cts; 3) hdl stndrd discov; 4) trial prep; 5) corp dd, res. & comm. clsgs prep. Asst atty in off mgmt. Email CV to Dan Yao at dyao@yaolawoffice.com / mail CV to 15 Canterbury Rd Ste A3, Great Neck, NY 11021. Plz mention Job ID# 0611 in Cov Let.
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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/
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Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications,
One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
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PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS
FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Project Manager (Baldwin, NY): Aiding in construction of foundation + superstructures of buildings. Delegating tasks to members & detailing drawings on CAD. Salary: $130,000/yr. Reqs: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering/foreign equiv.+ 12 mths exp in position/Asst. Project Manager. Mail CV to Moore Group Corp, 1 Jefferson Pl, Baldwin, NY 11510. Attn: S. Moore, Financial Controller.
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BETH DAVID CEMETERY: Elmont, NY. 3 Plots. Separate Or All Together. Graves 18, 25, and 32. Purchase Separate $3999; Purchase Together $9999. Negotiable. Call 845-641-7316
Avenue. Split Level. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Spacious room. Meticulously maintained charming property. Convenient location near shopping schools, park, and more.
Taxes: $11,838.69
Long Beach $892,500
Wilson Avenue. Contemporary. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight.
Taxes: $14,770
Merrick $775,000
Stuyvesant Avenue. Colonial. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Partial finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Den/family room. First floor master bedrooms. Updates include skylight. Taxes: $13,794.63
Oceanside $700,000
Montgomery Avenue. Split Level. 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Security system.
Taxes: $11,739.85
Valley Stream $765,000
N. Grove Street. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with custom cabinetry. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office. Spacious rooms. Updates include new boiler and ductless air conditioning units. Convenient location near parks, dining, shopping and LIRR.
Taxes: $10,234.69
West Hempstead $730,000
Park Avenue. Expanded Cape. 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Open layout. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office, with wet bar and exercise room. Spacious rooms with ample closet space. Paver patio and 1.5 car garage. Mother/daughter with proper permits. Convenient location near parkway, shopping, park.
Taxes: $11,373.37
Different answers from everyone we ask, Part 2
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. There are many contributing factors that determine construction cost, and even though you are focused on getting the partial second floor reconstructed to a full second floor, many unanticipated issues may need to be resolved. When a design professional comes to your home, they may be looking at how to join other roofs to the new construction, and how the exterior will look, shed rain and snow, fit in with or stand out from the architecture of neighboring buildings.
Then there are the legal issues. For example, many municipalities, since the time when the house was originally built, have changed their zoning regulations. This may mean that you can’t build directly on top of what you have, because setback distance requirements may have changed. Even though it might make sense to build right on top of the existing outside wall, some jurisdictions will require a lengthy delay, waiting for a zoning hearing to request to vary from their regulation so you can break the setback plane again.
If you decide to set the second floor back farther, it means that the upper walls will have to land on structure that has to be added, and there needs to be special care for waterproofing. This may seem simple, but often leads to problems with leaks and sagging structure if not handled properly. Regulation changes may not have taken the expense or logistics into account, and are often taken for granted, but either way the owner decides to go, the cost is greater than the original estimate.
The experienced design professional may ask about other things, like the deck, shed, pool, fences, hot tub or central air conditioning unit in the yard. These items delay the project and add cost. Requirements to legalize the location and construction of every one of these items have been around for at least two or three decades, so when the owner says their air conditioning or pool company wasn’t required to get a permit, this is a common fallacy. Knowing it is the owner’s problem or thinking it will never come up is generally the motivation to avoid the approvals, but it now also adds to the extra cost and time you may not have been anticipating.
Labor, overhead for licensing and insurance all add to why contractors’ costs will vary. Taking all of these cost and time issues into account is important. Choose based on more than price. Work with facts, not just sales language. Good luck!
© 2024 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
Ask The Architect
Monte Leeper
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II’m running to fight for women’s freedoms
n June of 2022, a drastically conservative Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ripping away our constitutional right to make our own health care decisions — a right Americans had held for nearly 50 years. This disastrous decision, in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, was the direct result of Republicans’ decades-long, methodical attack on women’s reproductive freedom, and it ignited a fervor among extreme antichoice groups to challenge access to abortion care, in vitro fertilization and birth control at both the state and federal levels — including here in New York. Two years later, the fight for our bodily autonomy persists in courtrooms, statehouses and Congress. This November presents a pivotal opportunity to reinstate Roe v. Wade as the law of the land, remove the government from our doctors’ offices, and protect women’s fundamental freedoms once again.
The other week, I attended an extraordinarily interesting lecture at Raynham Hall Museum, in Oyster Bay, by Megan Rhodes Victor, about bars and meeting places for gender-nonconforming people in the 1700s. During Dr. Victor’s lecture, I was struck not only by the fascinating cultural history of so-called molly houses — the 18th- and 19th-century term for places where gay men and others with nontraditional gender preferences could slip away from a society that refused to accept them — but also by how recent the research on this topic was.
For most of the 200 years following the end of the molly house era, the historical records, and even the existence, of such establishments were suppressed and denied, out of fear of “poisoning” the morals of society.
This got me thinking: How much history has been lost, ignored or forgotten simply because it didn’t conform with societal norms, or made people uncomfortable, or didn’t fit a political narrative. Only in the past 20 years or so have historians and archaeologists been able to explore so many fascinating examples of
Since Roe was overturned, legislators and governors in more than a dozen states have imposed harsh restrictions and outright bans on abortion. The repercussions have been devastating. Cases like that of a child rape victim who was forced to travel out of state for an abortion; or a woman who developed sepsis after doctors denied her an abortion for a non-viable pregnancy; or a woman who was denied an exception for abortion care for a nonviable pregnancy by a judge even when her ability to have more children was at risk, illustrate the dire consequences of these laws.
for a national ban on abortion — which would impact New York.
We can create policies to broaden reproductive health care.
Republican extremists like my opponent in the race for the seat in the 4th Congressional District, the incumbent, Anthony D’Esposito, would have you believe that women in blue states like New York will be spared this suffering because, they say, abortion is now solely a state-level issue. That claim completely ignores the federallevel efforts that far-right anti-abortion groups have launched to restrict reproductive rights nationwide, like the outrageous legal campaign to ban medication abortion and House Republicans’ support
On top of these efforts, state-level bans can have spillover effects on abortion access in New York. In 2023, thousands of women traveled from abortion-hostile states to protected states, including 6,000 women who traveled to our state. This strains the capacity of our providers, impacting care and access for New Yorkers.
Despite the very real threat to abortion access here in New York, my opponent is continuing to push an anti-choice agenda that’s completely out of touch with the values and needs of Long Island.
D’Esposito’s record is clear: He endorsed a federal ban on abortion that would apply to New York. He endorsed Donald Trump — who proudly claims credit for dismantling Roe — for president. D’Esposito voted to fund misleading so-called “crisis pregnancy centers,” which peddle dangerous misinformation about reproductive health care to women here on Long Island, and backed restrictions on abortion access for military servicewomen. If re-elected, he will continue to empower, and ally himself
with, anti-choice extremists who aim to restrict our ability to decide when and how we start a family.
This election will be a turning point. We can rectify past injustices, restore our freedoms and implement policies to broaden reproductive health care. Achieving a pro-choice majority in Congress could reaffirm Roe as the law of the land, shield against attacks on birth control and IVF, and promote inclusive policies like enhanced contraception coverage and equitable maternal care. As a woman, as a mother of daughters and as someone who doesn’t believe the government should make our medical decisions, ensuring that this fundamental freedom is reinstated for women is personal to me — and I’ll do everything in my power to fight back against extreme attacks on our rights. We stand at a crossroads in this election. By choosing leaders committed to protecting and expanding reproductive health care, we can counteract the damage inflicted by the Dobbs decision and by anti-abortion extremists like Anthony D’Esposito. Failure to do so risks irrevocable setbacks to our freedom. The choice is clear, and it is ours to make.
Laura Gillen, a former Hempstead town supervisor, is a Democratic candidate in the 4th Congressional District.
Why all history is good history
different cultures, minorities and characteristics of historical figures without the weight of societal pressure, and expectations of what is “good history,” holding them back.
Because all history is good history. The more we learn about our past, the better understanding we’ll have of how we got where we are today, and where we’re headed tomorrow. And the more we learn about historically marginalized communities and the fascinating roles their members played in our world story, the more we will learn to accept others who are different from us.
H ow much history has been lost because it didn’t conform to societal norms?
To quote a random poster on the internet: “Studying history will sometimes make you uncomfortable. Studying history will sometimes make you feel deeply upset. Studying history will sometimes make you feel extremely angry. If studying history always makes you feel proud and happy, you probably aren’t studying history.”
Such scholarship is also essential in challenging jingoistic, nationalistic and downright bigoted conceptions of history. For example, most people are likely unaware that several of our American Founding Fathers were gender-nonconformers. Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, the Prussian-American military
officer who molded the Continental Army into a professional fighting force at Valley Forge, never married, and had close, intimate relationships with male aides-decamp and secretaries throughout his life. Alexander Hamilton, who was probably what we would call bisexual today, and his “particular friend,” John Laurens, were also likely lovers, because the language they used when writing to each other was practically drowning in romantic and sexual innuendo, even when a reader today takes into consideration the overtly flowery and dramatic language of the times. Indeed, the letters they exchanged were so spicy that when Hamilton’s son was writing his father’s biography and publishing his correspondence, he blanked out entire sections of the letters, and on one letterhead even wrote, “I must not publish the whole of this.”
Beyond the gender-nonconforming community, there is also the fascinating history of the Muslim-Americans who fought for our country in the American Revolution. Muster rolls listing men with Muslim names, such as Bampett Muhamed, Yusuf Ben Ali and Joseph Saba, who were probably of West African descent, show that as far back as the United States has existed, Islam has been a
proud and essential ingredient in our cultural melting pot.
When people argue against gay people being allowed to serve in the military, or that a woman’s place is only in the home, or that transgender people don’t actually exist and are an excuse for predatory behavior, they’re not just being closeminded, they’re also rejecting historical precedents. If gay people aren’t right for the military, how do you explain the conquests of Alexander the Great, whose best friend, Hephaestion, was also his lover? If women only belong in the home, then explain the breathtaking intelligence of Marie Curie. And if being trans is a recent phenomenon, then why do records of transgender or gender-nonconforming people exist in various cultures since before the Vikings?
History shows that our biases against these and other minorities is not only shortsighted, ugly and, frankly, idiotic, but also plain wrong. Which is why it is so important that aspects of historical study that have been suppressed for centuries be allowed to see the light of day.
To quote Capt. Raymond Holt from the Fox/NBC series “Brooklyn 99” — played by the late, incomparable Andre Braugher — “Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place.”
Will Sheeline is a senior reporter covering Glen Cove, Glen Head, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff.
LAURA GILLEn
HERALD
aHeraLd editoriaL
Lessons learned, grads take next step
s the hot days of June envelop Nassau County, a palpable sense of achievement fills the air.
It’s the season of graduations — when students from every corner of our communities take center stage to mark significant milestones in their academic journeys. Whether they’re stepping up from kindergarten, advancing through middle school, or donning their caps and gowns to receive high school diplomas, each graduation represents more than just an academic feat — it’s a celebration of resilience, growth, and the promise of a brighter future.
Here, this tradition of honoring our graduates is more than ceremonial. It’s a testament to our values as a community. It underscores our commitment to nurturing young minds and preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Each graduation ceremony isn’t just a rite of passage, but a collective acknowledgement of the dedication and hard work that students, educators and families have invested throughout the academic year.
For those moving up from kindergarten, it’s a moment filled with innocence and wonder, marking the beginning of their formal educational journey. These young learners are applauded not just for completing a grade level, but for embracing the joy of discovery and laying the foundation for future academic success.
Their excitement is infectious,
Letters
reminding us all of the boundless potential in every child.
Middle school graduations — often overlooked amid larger celebrations hold a special significance. They signify a pivotal transformation from childhood to adolescence. It’s a time of exploration, self-discovery and personal growth. Recognizing these students’ achievements empowers them to embrace the challenges of high school with confidence and determination.
And then there are the high school graduations — perhaps the most anticipated and emotionally charged of all. These ceremonies are not just about crossing a stage; they are about crossing a threshold into adulthood. They mark the culmination of years of academic rigor, extracurricular dedication, and personal development.
Each diploma handed out represents a unique story of perseverance, triumph over adversity, and the unwavering support of families and educators.
Beyond the individual achievements, celebrating graduations strengthens the fabric of our community. It fosters a sense of pride and belonging, reinforcing our shared commitment to education and the future of our youth. These ceremonies serve as poignant reminders of the impact that a supportive community can have on shaping young lives and inspiring future generations.
In a world often marked by rapid change and uncertainty, these rituals
Arizona Ave. sanitation workers should be an example
To the Editor:
It was heart-warming to read Brendan Carpenter’s article in the June 13-19 issue of the Herald, “Offering some much-needed thank-yous,” about the Long Beach sanitation workers, especially those servicing Arizona Avenue, where the Crane family lives.
Sadly, not all members of the city Sanitation Department share the same commitment and dedication to their work as those serving the Arizona Avenue sector. I, and my neighbors, have, unfortunately, seen, and been subjected to, sanitation employees who do not care and have no respect for property. I have personally witnessed workers collecting refuse and recyclables and forcibly throwing the emptied receptacles onto the sidewalk, subjecting them to unwarranted wear and tear.
Similarly, sanitation personnel serving commercial properties in Long Beach are content to leave large trash dumpsters on the street, creating a potentially hazardous condition should a motorist not notice the container on the roadway in bad weather or other conditions of lower light.
How wonderful it would be if the sanitation workers serving the Cranes’ section of town, or supervisory personnel, would mentor and otherwise guide other sanitation per-
provide a sense of continuity and tradition. They remind us of the enduring values that bind us together — values of knowledge, compassion, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.
By celebrating our graduates, we not only honor their accomplishments, but also reaffirm our collective responsibility to nurture and uplift future leaders, innovators and change-makers.
As we gather to applaud the Class of 2024 and beyond, let us remember that their achievements aren’t just milestones in their lives, but milestones for our communities as a whole. Each graduation ceremony is a testament to the strength of our educational system, the dedication of our teachers, and the unwavering support of families and mentors. It is a moment to reflect on the past with gratitude, embrace the present with joy, and look to the future with optimism.
So, to all of our graduates — from kindergarten to high school — congratulations! Your hard work, determination and resilience have brought you to this momentous occasion. As you embark on the next chapter of your journey, may you carry with you the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the dreams that fuel your aspirations.
We stand proud of every one of you, celebrating not just what you have accomplished, but the boundless potential of what you will achieve.
opinions
The power of social media: a call for responsibility
recently, the front page of the New York Post captured an upsetting image: a young woman in the City of Long Beach, twerking on the hood of a Nassau County police vehicle amid civil unrest. I believe this image raises important questions for public discourse, especially in the age of social media, when the amplification of such events can quickly shape public perception and policy.
The context of this image is critical. Thousands of out-of-town students had descended on Long Beach, prompting the police to close the beach because of the large crowds and the ensuing chaos. Multiple fights broke out, and the scene became disorderly. Amid this turmoil, the young woman’s act on the police car symbolized more than just a moment of defiance; it became a flashpoint for discussions about respect for law enforcement
and the dynamics between the public and the police.
As a newly elected official, I find myself grappling with the implications of this event. Here is the crux of the issue: If the police attempt to arrest this young woman for what many will view as a minor infraction, the repercussions can be drastic. But if they take no action, what message does that send to the public? Does it suggest that it is acceptable to openly disrespect the police and face no consequences? Conversely, does attempting an arrest in such a charged environment risk escalating the situation into something far more dangerous?
storm of criticism, further fueled by social justice advocates who see police actions through a lens of historical mistrust and current events.
t he conundrum when a young demonstrator flouts police authority.
Social media’s role in this scenario cannot be understated. Platforms like X, Instagram and Facebook are where public opinion is rapidly shaped and then magnified. Had the police arrested the woman, it is easy to envision the scene being recorded and disseminated widely, likely accompanied by commentary accusing the police of overreach. This undoubtedly would have ignited a fire-
Letters
sonnel on the proper way to perform their duties, and spread their infectious collegiality and commitment to those duties in areas of town beyond Arizona Avenue.
RoLAND MCDeRMoTT Long Beach
Vallone kicked Butker’s butt (metaphorically)
To the editor:
Herald Senior e ditor Jordan Vallone was absolutely on point in her criticism of Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker in her column “Hello, Harrison Butker? Women can be heroes, too” (June 13-19). In his commencement speech to the graduating class of Benedictine College, Butker singled out the women in the class when he said, “I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”
I would echo Ms. Vallone’s one-word response: Really?
Is this the summation of values that Butker espouses for these young women who have spent four-plus years dedicated to their education? I would venture to say they are most excited about applying their hearts and minds to careers in their chosen fields. Butker went on to say, “I’m on the stage today and able to be the man I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation … and embraces one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.”
Really? Butker was only on that stage because he can kick a pigskin farther then most humans. And I’m fairly certain that when he was selected 233rd in the 2017 NFL draft, he wasn’t focused on his potential role as a stay-at-home dad.
Ms. Vallone’s article brought to mind elizabeth Keller, a clinical medical physicist at e mory University. According to Wikipedia, a medical physicist is a health professional with specialized education and training in the concepts and techniques of applying physics to medicine, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Keller is married, and is now elizabeth Butker, the proud mother of, you guessed it, Harrison Butker. Did he not pause to see the irony in his condescending speech before he delivered it?
Ten years ago, as a school board trustee in the e ast Meadow School District, I wrote an article about my musings on Graduation Day as to where our children would be in the future. I ended by saying that I envisioned myself sitting anxiously in a hospital waiting room years later. Across the room, I saw a young woman to whom I had handed a diploma quietly approaching me and saying, “Don’t worry, Mr. D., she’s going to be just fine.” I sincerely hope that she is now delivering these words to other worried loved ones.
Maybe Mr. Butker should think of his mom’s profession while writing his next commencement speech. or better yet, just confine his thoughts to putting the ball through the uprights.
JoSePH DANeNzA East Meadow
Conversely, by taking no action, the police may have inadvertently signaled that such behavior is permissible. This can create a slippery slope where boundaries of acceptable behavior are continuously tested and pushed, potentially leading to more severe infractions. The delicate balance between maintaining order and respecting individual rights is a tightrope that law enforcement must walk daily, and social media only adds a layer of complexity to every decision officers make.
Social media amplifies voices, often those driven by emotion rather than a full understanding of the situation. A single image or short video clip, stripped of context, can ignite outrage or sympathy, influencing public sentiment and, ultimately, policy decisions. The rapid spread of information and the intense scrutiny of law enforcement actions create a climate in which every decision is
second-guessed, often with incomplete information.
So, I ask, what should be done in such situations? Unfortunately, whatever decision is made at the time will fuel heated debate. It is essential to encourage responsible social media engagement, where users take the time to understand the context before reacting. The post is going to go up, but it is the responsibility of the viewer to watch with the understanding that misrepresentations are easy, and often created by design.
Furthermore, the intention should be the opposite. It should be a concerted effort to build trust between the community and law enforcement.
The power and influence of social media are undeniable. It can be a force for good, raising awareness of injustices and mobilizing positive change. But it can also distort perceptions and inflame tensions. As we navigate this digital age, it is incumbent on all of us — public officials, law enforcement, and citizens alike — to engage responsibly and thoughtfully, ensuring that our actions and reactions contribute to a more informed, respectful and cohesive society.
Patrick Mullaney represents Nassau County’s 4th Legislative District.
Framework by Nancy Rosenblatt
Beneath Jeff Koons’ ‘Puppy’ at the Guggenheim Museum — Bilbao, Spain
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