Malverne/West Hempstead Herald 03-24-2024

Sue Grieco/Herald

helped raise nearly five

Our Lady of Lourdes food drive was a ‘super’ success

By NIColE FoRMISANo nformisano@liherald.com

The basement of Our Lady of Lourdes R.C. Church in Malverne was filled wall-towall with donations as neighbors unloaded food from wagons while others sorted the donations into categories marking another successful annual ‘Souper Food Drive’ at the church.

“We had an incredible turnout, incredible generosity,” said Linda Baldacchino, coordinator of youth ministry for the church. “It’s so inspiring, especially the little ones. It’s just a real feel-good day.”

The March 16 event saw Little League teams, religious education classes and just

groups of friends come together to help collect donations for the pantry. The children range from high school students to 5-yearold Daisy Scouts.

“It’s really great for (the kids) to see that there’s a place right here in town that helps people who need basic things,” said Alison Sheridan, whose daughter Lucy raised food with her CYO basketball team. They’re “able to provide that, to be actually out on the streets collecting things for people that need them.”

Our Lady of Lourdes splits the village into 15 different sections, and a volunteer group of children is assigned to collect food in each section. After weeks of posting flyers

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For 30+ Years!

Local mayors rally, call for more state aid

By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com

The New York Conference of Mayors and Municipal Officials joined more than 20 government officials from across Long Island, including Malverne mayor Tim Sullivan, on the steps of Rockville Centre Village Hall last week for the launch of a statewide campaign to urge Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers to increase unrestricted aid to cities and villages for the first time in 15 years.

Wdirectly impact local governments’ ability to respond to growing demands for public safety and other essential services.

“It’s significant because if you think about the rate of inflation, the cost of goods — in particular machinery and equipment and vehicles — has gone up significantly,” Sullivan said. “The increase in everything has been systemic, and the federal aid has dissipated.

e’re doing more with less because that state aid has not grown.

KAtHy SHEEHAN

At a news conference on Feb. 22, Mayor Francis X. Murray, the immediate past president of NYCOM, said that the fight to deliver more state funding via the Aid and Incentives for Municipalities program is “unfortunately, a constant theme” for local governments.

Albany mayor and NYCOM president

Funding for AIM in the 2025 fiscal year is currently budgeted at $715 million — the same as it has been for the past decade and a half. Municipal officials said that the funds

“Now we’re looking for another avenue to help us function better from a financial perspective, so we can keep our taxes affordable for residents.”

Albany mayor Kathy Sheehan, the president of NYCOM, said that the hard-earned income tax dollars the state collects are supposed to help ensure that local governments have the necessary funding to address the challenges they face, including aging sewage and water infrastructure and needed improvements in police

Continued on page 9

Collette picocchi, ava Lang and allison Biggane, of team ‘daisy troop 2499,’ were among the kids who

tons of food donations for our Lady of Lourdes.

Bill makes dismemberment class E felony

By NICOLE FORMISANO nformisano@liherald.com

A group of teenagers was walking home from school on Feb. 29 when they found a human arm in Southards Park, in Babylon. A police investigation revealed that a man and a woman had been dismembered, their body parts hidden across Babylon. Police arrested four suspects in connection with the crime — and, days later, those suspects were released from jail.

“These people could be running around in the community because the bail laws prevent us from holding them,” State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fizpatrick, from Malverne, said. “You don’t know who they are. They could be behind you in line at CVS. They could be at the library.”

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, with State Sen. Anthony Palumbo and Assemblyman Mike Durso, has introduced legislation to make body dismemberment and concealment of a human corpse a bail-eligible class E felony. It would also create an exception to help prevent suspects in such cases from being released, even with GPS monitoring.

But this, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said, is just addressing the symptom of the problem — not the cause.

“I would prefer we look at bail reform in total and change a number of things,” she said. “Unfortunately, we’re forced to

As estate planners, we consistently meet with people who are suffering from traumatic relationships with their children or grandchildren. Children themselves may become estranged or at odds with parents or their siblings. Sometimes, an in-law is involved that seems to turn the client’s son or daughter into someone completely different from the child they raised. The pain that these clients are going through is palpable.

Some wise sage once said that all pain comes from resistance. Many of these relationship issues may be diffcult or impossible to overcome, but one thing we can all do is work on ourselves — by accepting what is. Accepting what is does not mean agreeing with or condoning certain behavior. What it does mean is that you stop saying to yourself that it is not fair, it “should” be otherwise, etc. That will not do you one bit of good and may do you considerable harm. Stress has been called “the silent killer”.

We recall reading a pithy quote a while back that went something like this “when someone disappoints you, you have two choices, you

come up with these piecemeal legislation to remove some of the more egregious impacts of bail reform.”

Bail can only be set for a specified list of crimes. Murder is on the list. Hiding a human corpse is not. That’s what happens when you legislate for specific facts, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said — other

can either lower your expectations or walk away”. What is disappointment but dashed expectations? Those who learn to expect less are disappointed less.

“Accepting what is” cannot be accomplished overnight. It is a concept or thought process that improves your outlook the more you think about it, work on it and form new neural pathways to forge the new outlook.

Estate planners inevitably become “therapists” for their clients, because estate planning involves social relationships. Over the years, we have observed that many social problems occur between the client’s two ears. As Shakespeare said in Hamlet “There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Forget about what’s fair or right and what’s not. You are only hurting yourself. The other person is often blissfully unaware of how you’re feeling. Michael J. Fox, the actor known for his optimism despite suffering from Parkinson’s, put it best when he said “My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations”.

things inevitably fall through the cracks. Further, New York is the only state where judges don’t have the discretion to consider the dangerousness of the suspect when determining bail.

“The DA said if the judge could have considered the dangerousness of the defendants, he would have been able to

set bail,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said, “But we took that away from them.”

Bail reform served to fix valid problems, she said, like people staying in jail for too long because they couldn’t afford to set bail — but the pendulum has swung too far, and the bail system now favors criminals over victims.

“Anybody that could stand here and say that a person who’s dismembering a corpse, throwing a human head into a park, a leg, an arm, that they are not dangerous,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said, “You need to think really hard about your definition of dangerousness. Because in my opinion, those people clearly are a danger to our community if they can act in such a depraved manner.”

But will the bill make its way to the state Senate and Assembly floors before session ends in June? Whether it does, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said, is entirely up to the Democrat-controlled legislature.

The main question is whether or not Democrats will admit they made mistakes with bail reform, she added. But in the meantime, she and other state representatives are focused on solutions that mitigate what they believe are the most serious effects of bail reform.

“These pieces of legislation are tangible ways of making things better,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “That’s what our communities need. They need to feel safer. But (Democrats) first have to acknowledge that there’s a problem.”

Courtesy office Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick

State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, with other Republican reps like Anthony D’Esposito, joined Mayor Mary Adams and Deputy Mayor Frank Seibert from Village of Babylon to introduce legislation that would make dismemberment a class E felony.

Judy Griffin looks to take back the district

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Judy Griffin is hoping to reclaim the 21st Assembly District seat this November. The former Assemblywoman from Rockville Centre announced her candidacy last week, expressing a renewed commitment to provide representation and results for communities in the district.

“After much consideration, I am excited to launch my campaign to take back New York’s 21st Assembly District,” Griffin declared in a statement. “Our current representative has been ineffective in securing the needed resources for our district. We deserve so much more. That’s why I am running again.”

Griffin lost the seat to the incumbent, Assemblyman Brian Curran, in 2022, after an incredibly close election that was determined by only 138 votes.

However, this was not the first time these two candidates went head-to-head in the political arena. Griffin initially beat Curran in 2018 to win the seat, which he had held since 2010. It was the first time that a woman was elected in the district, and the first time a Democrat had held the seat in 42 years.

Currently, the district encompasses Lynbrook and Rockville Centre, along with parts of Baldwin, East Rockaway, Freeport, Hewlett, Malverne, Oceanside, South Hempstead and West Hempstead.

Griffin said that during her four years in office, from 2019 to 2022, she secured more than $8 million from the state to help provide funding for local police and fire departments, schools, libraries, veteran halls and valued non-profit organizations.

“I also championed essential services for seniors, veterans and our most vulnerable community residents,” she said in her statement. “After building consensus on key issues, I passed common-sense gun legislation, protected women’s rights, funded UPK in suburban schools, capped property taxes, and brought resources and strategies to the opioid epidemic. But there is so much more to do.”

She said that she intends to run as a “commonsense voice in the majority” to help deliver results for the community.

“With so much dysfunction in politics right now, we need proven fighters,” Griffin said. “We need representatives who will put Long Island families first over extremist politicians who weaponize issues rather than working collaboratively to solve them. And we need to advocate for a cleaner, safer, kinder and more affordable Long Island.”

Before her foray into politics, Griffin worked in the financial industry, and later worked as a lifestyle coach and corporate wellness educator. In 2014, she authored a self-help book, “Flourish Beyond 50: Your Path to Vibrant Living,” with the intent of encouraging women to make healthier choices for themselves. Two years later, she went on to work as the director of community outreach for State Sen. Todd Kaminsky.

Griffin has lived in Rockville Centre for more than 30 years with her husband Michael. Together they have four children, now full-grown adults—Kayla, Erin Conor and Sean.

Curran previously served as the deputy county attorney with the Nassau County Attorney’s Office from 1996 to 2001. He later went into private practice as an associate trial attorney and was the assistant village prosecutor in Lynbrook until 2007, when he was elected Mayor, a position he would hold for three years before running for Assembly in 2010.

He currently resides in Lynbrook with his wife, Rosemarie, and their four children—Isabella, Jake, Riley and Logan.

The general election is set to take place on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

State Senator Kevin Thomas bows out of congressional race

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

New York state Senator Kevin Thomas announced on Feb. 29, that he will be withdrawing his bid for U.S. Congress.

Thomas first announced his campaign for Congress in August, which would require he primary against five candidates seeking the Democratic ticket to run against U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito for the 4th Congressional district in November.

“Today I am suspending my campaign for Congress,” Thomas said in a press release. “I am extremely grateful to my campaign team, community leaders, clergy, labor and contributors for their time and for believing in this campaign for change. It’s been incredible meeting Long Islanders of all background and hearing wha tmakes their neighborhoods special. I’ve particularly enjoyed sharing ideas about how we can make our communities stronger, safer, and more prosperous for everyone.”

Thomas, a Levittown resident, first announced his Congressional campaign in August, with hopes of being the candidate Democrats turn to flip U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito from his congressional seat.

This would have also required that Thomas run against five candidates — Laura Gillen, Dave Denenberg, Patricia

Maher, Gian Jones and Lawrence Henry — in a primary on June 25.

Having dedicated the last 13 years of his life to public service, he said that he is proud of all that he has accomplished. He started his career in legal services, helping people pay off private student loans and credit card debt, when he decided to branch into politics.

Since then has served three terms as the state Senator in District 6, which currently encompasses Rockville Centre, Baldwin, Freeport, Uniondale, Hempstead, Lakeview, Roosevelt, Westbury, West Hempstead, Garden City, Carle Place and a portion of Oceanside.

“I entered politics because I wanted to help people and I’ve been able to

deliver for my constituents as the State Senator that represents half of the 4th Congressional District,” Thomas said in his statement. “With the Democratic Majority in the state legislature, we have been able to fully fund our schools, stop tuition hikes at SUNY, cap property taxes, raise the minimum wage, pass common sense gun safety legislation and improve the quality of life for all New Yorkers.”

During his tenure in office he has worked to help provide funding for local school districts, the Nassau University Medical Center, infrastructural repairs, small businesses, and the efforts to clean up the contamination related to the Northrop Grumman plume.

“Although I am no longer running for Congress, my service to the people of Long Island is far from over,” Thomas said. “I am eager to put to use my experience, know-how and ability to bring people to strengthen Nassau County for this generation and the next.”

A campaign spokesman said that Sen. Thomas will be leaving office at the end of his term and will not be seeking re-election. Two democratic candidates — Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe and Assemblywoman Taylor Darling — have already announced their bids for the state Senate seat and plan on running in a primary on June 25.

Tim Baker/Herald

Former Assemblywoman Judy Griffin announces her campaign for the 21st Assembly District seat. She will run against incumbent Assemblyman Brian Curran on Election Day in November.

Nicole Wagner/Herald

State Sen. Kevin Thomas has suspended his Congressional campaign after nearly nine months on the campaign trail.

Caitlyn Jenner supports trans athlete ban

By PARKER SCHUG pschug@liherald.com

Caitlyn Jenner wouldn’t be allowed to participate in women-focused team sports on Nassau County property — but she’s OK with that.

The transgender former Olympic gold metal-winning decathlete joined County Executive Bruce Blakeman in Mineola Monday to express her support for Blakeman’s ban on transgender girls and women participating in teams geared exclusively toward girls and women on county property.

“I have empathy for all LGBT people, and I have a thorough understanding of all the struggles, no matter how different our circumstances,” Jenner said.

Jenner — who transitioned into a woman in 2015 — had a six-year career in the Olympic men’s decathlon, taking the gold at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. Before, Jenner played college football for the Graceland Yellow Jackets.

She recounted her time training and competing in the Olympics, and the saliva tests that the International Olympic Committee used to test for biological male and femaleness.

“It is done in a matter to protect the integrity of the competition,” Jenner said. “Today, the problem is even more clear. Trans women are competing against women, taking valuable opportunities from the law-protected class under

Title IX, and causing physical harm.”

Jenner talked about a North Carolina high school volleyball player who said she was injured after a transgender opponent spiked the ball on her during a game.

“In volleyball, we think of it as a noncontact sport,” Jenner said, “but these are the statistics.”

The women’s net is 7.5 inches lower than the men’s net, making it easier to spike, she said. Men also tend to be 8

inches taller than women on the volleyball scene, and can jump 6 inches higher.

“The average spike for the men, a good spike, is 82 miles an hour,” Jenner said. “The average spike for women, 64 miles per hour, 30 percent greater velocity playing a man. And that’s why we have to protect women’s sports.”

Since her transition, Jenner has become a transgender rights activist, and has starred in her own reality television show, “I Am Cait,” documenting her transition.

Jenner ran as a Republican for California governor during the 2021 unsuccessful recall election, earning just 1 percent of the vote.

But not everyone agrees with what Jenner stands for — even in the LGBTQ+ community. David Kilmnick, president and founder of Long Island-based LGBT Network, said Jenner’s support of Blakeman’s executive order is a contradiction to her own identity.

“Embracing policies or ideologies that undermine the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals is not only hypocritical, but also harmful,” Kilmnick said, in a statement. “Jenner’s alignment with such positions not only perpetuates discrimination, but also adds fuel to the rising number of violent and hate incidents committed against transgender

individuals.”

Blakeman signed his executive order last month demanding sports, leagues, organizations, teams, programs or sport entities operating in county facilities designate themselves based on male, female or co-ed, and then only accept athletes who meet that criteria according to what was originally listed on their birth certificate.

While those born male would not be allowed to participate in female teams, the order does not ban females from joining male teams.

“My executive order has one goal, and that is to make sure that competition is fair and safe in Nassau County,” Blakeman said. “That we protect women and girls, so that when they train for an athletic competition — when they train to get on a team, when they’re in a meet or tournament — they have the ability to compete fairly.”

Attorney General Letitia James sent a cease-and-desist letter to Blakeman earlier this month, demanding he rescind his executive order, calling it not only transphobic, but also illegal under the state’s human rights and civil rights laws.

Blakeman responded a few days later by joining Mark Mullen, a Nassau County parent of a female athlete, to file a federal lawsuit contesting the order.

Parker Schug/Herald

Former Olympic gold medal-winning decathlete, Caitlyn Jenner, joins Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman to support his executive order banning certain transgender athletes from women’s sports at county facilities. Under the ban, Jenner would not be allowed to participate in organized teams dedicated to women on county property.

Children raised nearly 5 tons of donations

and encouraging their neighbors to donate, the teams spent Saturday afternoon collecting goods to bring back to the church. This year, the kids raised nearly 10,000 pounds of donations.

“Just so many people, you can’t count how many people,” Baldacchino said. “Between all of the houses, and everyone doing their own individual thing. All the ages — Catholic school kids, public school kids — all different people in the community get involved.”

A little friendly competition, too, helped motivate the children. Each team tracked how much food they raised, and earned a point for every pound of donations they gathered. The items that the food pantry is in a little more need of — which this year were peanut butter, jelly, soup, stuffing, mashed potatoes and snacks — earned twice the points. Some teams had entire wagons full of peanut butter. Neighbors had paid close attention to what donations were especially needed — and, of course, would award their teams the most points.

“The people in the town are very thoughtful,” said Jessica Kuntz, whose daughter Hayden also collected food with her Our Lady of Lourdes CYO basketball teammates. “They shop specifically for this — they’re not just cleaning out their pantries.”

And people are getting more and more creative with their donations —

one even made do-it-yourself birthday kits by packing cake mix, candles and utensils in individual Ziploc bags

The donations help keep the Our Lady of Lourdes pantry stocked, which is especially important in the months after the holidays when donating perhaps is no longer on the forefront of people’s minds, and the pantry sees a lull.

Though the kids were the main activ-

ists of the day, the massive turnout of donations wouldn’t have been possible without the effort of every neighbor.

“The mothers are all involved in getting their kids out to do this,” said Tom Dugan of the volunteer organization St. Vincent de Paul, which helps organize the many donations. “There’s an army of them!”

One neighbor played a friendly prank on the kids. Chris Calabrese psyched the

team out by seeming to donate just one can of soup. He then opened his garage door, revealing entire pyramids of nonperishable item he bought for the food pantry. The kids were ecstatic.

“We have such a group of people,” said Sal Siino of St. Vincent de Paul. “So dedicated, so nice. We’re all a big family.”

“They were brought up right,” he added of the kids. “They were brought up to help others.”

gabriel glassing, trystan Hintze and aiden mcKeon went out into the neighborhood on Saturday to collect donations for the our Lady of Lourdes food pantry.

Sue Grieco/Herald photos Buster, team ‘3rd grade peeleys’ mascot, was integral to the donation effort.

Embracing AI — but in a responsible way

By Rachele Terranova, Parker Schug & Brendan Carpenter

Continuing a series exploring the presence of artificial intelligence in our schools — and, over time, in society as a whole. Thoughts? Questions? Ideas? Email us at execeditor@liherald.com.

What place does artificial intelligence have in schools? Should it be feared? Embraced? Somewhere in between?

These are conversations that didn’t even exist a year ago — at least as far as education is concerned. But as AI becomes more and more accessible, students and teachers alike are finding they can use software to ask questions, find answers, and even complete their work faster — and maybe even better — than they ever could.

But no matter how some may feel about AI — or simply not even understand what AI is — the tool is making its way into schools and curriculum. How fast and how much depends on the district. But at this point, it seems teachers and administrators on Long Island are accepting AI rather than running from it.

Revolutionizing teaching and learning

One of those districts is Bellmore-Merrick Central High School, which is not just introducing AI to its students — it’s already turning it into a college-level course.

Offered through the computer science department at Calhoun High School in Merrick, the magnet course partners with Long Island University to offer the college credit to not only Calhoun students, but also those from Kennedy and Mepham high schools in Bellmore, too.

“Each project is aligned with artificial intelligence topics that showcase the practical applications of AI,” said Danielle Caliendo, the district’s mathematics and computer science chair.

Students learn the Python programming language while creating AI chatbots. They also program a robot created by a French technology company to use AI features like facial recognition. And they fly drones.

Students also completed a linear regression project designed to make predictions based on existing data, like how public company stocks might perform.

Each project is aligned with AI topics that showcase the tool’s practical applications.

Joe Innaco, who leads the district’s administrative and instructional technology efforts, sees technologies like ChatGPT— a free chatbot system designed to provide a human-like response to a prompt— as fascinating possibilities.

try class.

“If you look at the history, there was a lot of resistance because it would eliminate all the thinking of doing trigonometry,” he said. “It was used, and it was embraced. And it saves more time for creative thinking and innovation.”

“Our vision is of opportunity and innovation,” he said. “That’s how we see technologies like these. Opportunities and innovations for teachers. We want to provide training. We want to encourage exploration in model classrooms, spotlight success, and really host conversations about it.”

Embracing AI goes right to the stop of the Bellmore Public Schools district, where superintendent Joe Famularo already serves on several AI advisory boards at institutions like Adelphi University, New Tech Institute and LIU. He also participates in think tanks conducted to discover how to incorporate AI into the classroom in a safe and responsible way.

While change might be daunting to many, Famularo points out that it’s not unprecedented. Just think about how much opposition there was to bringing something as simple as a slide ruler into a trigonome-

Eventually came scientific calculators, and then the internet. Both received significant pushback, but now who could imagine a classroom without them?

Learning responsible use of AI Instructors at Lawrence Woodmere Academy in the Five Towns are guiding students there in to use AI responsibly. John Tiliakos — who teaches computer science in the middle and upper schools — tends to let his students lead discussions surrounding AI.

AI is coming into his middle schoollevel engineering and technology classes, as well as his more high school-level courses in aviation, aerospace and computer programming.

But even before that, Tiliakos was spreading the word about AI, teaching a class at LWA on how artificial intelligence works in our world.

While that class no longer exists, Tiliakos said he and the other teachers at LWA are still focusing on the same values of providing knowledge for proper use of the technology.

“AI is a great tool,” Tiliakos said. “There’s nothing wrong with it, if it’s used in a positive way.”

That’s why he focuses so much of his attention on inputs — the written instructions given to AI systems. Tiliakos believes that inquisitive nature of teenagers could lead to devious uses of the technology — like writing term papers and the like.

His responsibility, Tiliakos said, is to direct students toward feeding AI prompts that result in helpful information to be used for beneficial causes.

“When you use AI, you see scenarios based on what you did,” he said. “Every action is a reaction.”

But some teachers — even at LWA — aren’t too keen about the AI presence.

“I don’t think it’s positive or negative,” said Christopher Clark, a senior at the school. “It just depends on how you use it.”

One unlikely way of putting AI to use is through another somewhat newer technological offering: podcasting.

“AI is still new. But for podcasting, it’s still very, very new,” said Henry McDaniel, a theatre arts and oration teacher at LWA. “What it can do is help you write a script for your podcast.”

Podcasting students also can use AI to reproduce their own voice to read their scripts, McDaniel said. They then post the productions online.

“Our motto here is ‘at home with the world,’” he said. “What we’re trying to do is give them skillsets, but (also) teach them the responsible way of using those skillsets.”

Testing the waters

Implementing AI has been a little slower going in Long Beach, where the discussion on how best to use it continues.

Lorraine Radice, the school district’s literacy director, has worked to alleviate many of the fears some Long Beach teachers might have when it comes to AI, while looking for ways they could try to implement the technology into their respective classrooms.

“Over the summer, I taught two professional development courses in the district and taught teachers how to use ChatGPT,” Radice said. “I surveyed teachers in the fall across the district as to who was using ChatGPT and who knew about it. Even in the fall after about nine months of ChatGPT being in social media circulations and in the news — not as many people had used it as I expected.”

While Radice would very much like developing ways on how AI chatbots like ChatGPT can be used in classrooms, a lot of her time is still focused on educating teachers what exactly the AI software is.

“So, part of the goals of those summer professional development courses was to raise awareness of how to use it,” Radice said,” and then to really start to support teens in thinking about how it could be used from the planning side of being a teacher. And then also how it can be used as a tool to provide support and equitable access to writing and generating ideas for

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

New to schools in Bellmore and Merrick is a college-level artificial intelligence course. Partnering with Long Island University, the class is offered at Calhoun High School, where students can earn college credit by learning about the emerging technology.

Some teachers worry AI goes a little too far

ConTinued From PreViouS PAge

kids.”

Having access to AI has impacted classrooms already by allowing students to use it to aid research, while many teachers worry they could go too far and have AI completely answer questions and even write essays for them.

But that just means adapting.

A I is a great tool. There’s nothing wrong with it, if it’s used in a positive way.

John TiliAkos teacher, Lawrence Woodmere Academy

“A teacher raised a great question during a session when talking about using artificial intelligence tools to analyze classical texts,” Radice said. “The same question has been asked so many times, and she asked, ‘If I could just get the answer from a tool like ChatGPT, then what’s the point of even asking this type of question?’

“That’s a great thing for people to think about. What is the point of this question? Can I rephrase this question that really puts the student at the center of the thinking, and not so much (a) media tool?”

But there is still a ways to go before AI becomes more commonly accepted in classrooms, Radice said. At least on Long Beach.

“I wouldn’t say that there is a push,” she said. “I think part of that is because of the privacy. We want to make sure that we’re using tools that are safe to use in school. And once we do that, then it can become a more consistent part of our practice.”

Parker Schug/Herald

Lawrence Woodmere Academy in the Five Towns

HERALD SPORTS

Hofstra pushes for CAA playoff berth

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

After an up and down nonconference schedule, Hofstra women’s lacrosse gets a chance to hit the reset button with the start of conference play.

Hofstra entered the start of the Coastal Athletic Association portion of its schedule with a record of 3-4 and kicked off the league slate on an uplifting note with a 13-10 win at Campbell last Saturday.

The Pride is now looking to qualify for the four-team CAA tournament in early May after missing out on the postseason for the first time since 2018 last spring.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for a new season and I think we have started to find out a lot about ourselves and who we are as a team,” said 12th-year Hofstra head coach Shannon Smith. “Overall we have started to play better and we’re starting to hit our stride at the right part of our season when we go into conference play.”

The Pride have already equaled their win total from last season when Hofstra went 4-12 with two of those victories coming prior to a seasonending knee injury to rookie phenom Nikki Mennella. The now redshirtfreshman attacker is back healthy and is third on the team with 16 goals despite missing two games.

Graduate student Taylor Mennella, the older sister of Nikki, is tied for first on the team in scoring with 29 points on 19 goals and 10 assists. Hofstra has also gotten a boost from graduate student attacker Melissa Sconone, a University of North Carolina (UNC) transfer who also has 29 points.

“She brings a lot of leadership and a lot of experience and a calming presence,” said Smith of Sconone, who tal-

lied 35 goals during her UNC career and was part of the Tar Heels’ 2022 national championship team. “She’s been nothing but a tremendous addition and asset to our team.”

Senior midfielder Kerry Walser has provided key veteran leadership in her final season with —- goals so far. The Bay Shore native was an integral part of the 2021 Hofstra team that received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament her freshman season.

The Hofstra defense– led by Trinity Reed, Brynn Hepting, Ashlyn McDonald and Christine Dannenfelser— held Wagner scoreless for three quarters in a dominating 15-2 win on March 5. Sophomore goalie Luchianna Cardello is starting in net for the second straight season and recorded 10 saves in a season-open-

ing 13-5 victory against Long Island University on Feb. 10.

The Pride’s roster features plenty of Long Island players including senior attacker Grace Pupke, who was a standout at Seaford High School. Pupke registered an assist late in the Wagner win and is often utilized in the player-up situations on the offense.

“Grace is one of our hardest workers on our team,” said Smith of Pupke, who registered 44 goals and 16 assists during her final high school season at Seaford in 2019. “She’s a great person and a great teammate and brings a lot of energy to our practices.”

Hofstra will host William & Mary in its CAA opener this Friday, March 22 at 5 p.m. before returning home Sunday to face Elon at noon. The Pride will also

host Monmouth on April 12 at 5p.m. and close the conference schedule on April 27 versus Drexel at noon. The remaining road league schedule is highlighted by an April 21 visit to Long Island rival and defending CAA champion Stony Brook at noon.

“Every game that you play is a backyard brawl and anyone can win on any given day in our conference,” Smith said. “I’m just super excited for the journey that we’re about to go on with our team for conference play.”

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications

Grad student Taylor Mennella is off to a sizzling start for the Pride with 29 points through seven games.

Redshirt freshman Nikki Mennella has found the back of the net 16 times already this spring.

AIM funding has not increased in 15 years

and fire services.

“And those challenges have only grown, not shrunk,” Sheehan said. “Many years ago, AIM was frozen, and for cities like Albany, it was actually reduced. In fact, the less quote-unquote dependent a municipality was on AIM, the more they were cut.”

Sheehan added that funding for AIM is down roughly 9 percent since the 2009 fiscal year. Meanwhile, the state has continued to increase funding for education and counties.

“We’re doing more with less because that state aid has not grown,” she said. “So when you get that property tax bill, and you worry about being taxed out of your home, one of those causes is the fact that this funding, this sharing of revenue, has stalled and decreased, and it impacts our ability to do all the things that you expect us to do.”

NYCOM executive director Barbara Van Epps said that local governments find themselves at a crossroads, because the demand for essential services is rising, while the ability to fund them has not increased as rapidly.

“If we can’t provide those services, either those services are going to be cut or we’re going to have to turn back to our taxpayers in order to fund them, and that’s something we do not want to do,” Van Epps said. “We do not want to raise property taxes. We are subject to a property tax cap. We have a constitutional tax limit. We are restricted in that sense.”

Decades ago, she explained, the state realized that it needed to help local governments provide these services, so it created a revenue-sharing program. The program was intended to share the revenue of the progressive personal income tax as it grew so that local governments wouldn’t need to rely solely on

Continued from page 1 malverne mayor t im Sullivan, far right, joined more than 20 elected officials from local governments across Long island in rallying for more state funding for the aid and incentives for municipalities program.

property and sales taxes.

“That was an important step that the state took and it worked,” Van Epps said. “It worked for a long time. But unfortunately, AIM was created in 2006. That is the latest iteration of revenue sharing, when in fact it is not revenue sharing at all. There is no formula. There is no percentage. There is no maximum amount of funding that we are guaranteed year in and year out.”

She said that after speaking with state legislators, NYCOM was told it needed to make some noise to let legislators and the public know about the importance of funding the AIM program.

“You want New York state to be more affordable?”

Van Epps said. “You want New York state to be safer? Well, guess what, that’s what local governments want too. So let’s work together to achieve those goals. That’s what we need to do. But we cannot be successful unless the state of New York is willing to invest in us and support the local governments that do what we do to help our communities every day.”

Sheehan added that while the amount taxpayers have given to the state has increased every year, the aid given back to its communities has shrunk.

“This is your money that is sitting in New York state’s capital, and we want it back,” Sheehan said. “We want it for our communities. We want it to be able to do good.”

Daniel Offner/Herald

These Irish soda breads rose to the occasion

Fourteen loaves competed in the annual battle of the breads, but only one could come out on top

The competition was steeper than ever before for this year’s Irish soda bread contest. The friendly — and delicious — contest is held annually by Evelyn Heredia at Phoenix Chiropractic Wellness, and this year saw 14 different homemade breads compete for the first place prize.

Local celebrity judges Ed Hassel, Gerry Hughes and Mayor Tim Sullivan tasted each of the soda breads and scored them based on categories like flavor,

crumble and shape. The judging process was rigorous — no Kerrygold Irish butter allowed until after.

Each loaf had its own merits — some were beautifully decorated; others had the perfect amount of crumble; still others replaced had cranberries instead of raisins or a flavor that would linger. Ultimately, Marilyn Schwartz took home the first place title and accompanying Irishthemed gift basket.

Mayor Tim Sullivan’s 16-month-old daughter, Ella, enjoyed some bite-sized pieces of soda bread — and she always made sure to say ‘thank you.’

This year’s competition featured 14 loaves of Irish soda bread — an all-time record. The homemade breads came in all shapes, sizes and textures, but some came out on top. Tiffany Hughes won second place, and received an Irish-themed gift basket as a prize.

Ed Hassel tried the different Irish soda breads and ranked them based on categories including crumble and flavor.

Sue Grieco/Herald photos Ed Hassel, Gerry Hughes and Mayor Tim Sullivan wore green sashes as this year’s judges. Trustee Scott Edwards, Chamber of Commerce VP Evelyn Heredia and 16-month-old Ella Sullivan also enjoyed the homemade soda breads.

Gerry Hughes, from Dublin, ranked the 14 different loaves of Irish soda bread — but only one could win.

Small numbers, substantial results

There’s something I like about small numbers. Especially 1, 2 and 3. For me, more than 3 is typically unmanageable. Everything I need to do, and everything I want to remember, should be no more than 3 at any one time.

Let me give you 3 examples to illustrate what I mean:

If you’re running around trying to get 101 things done during the day, stop! Ask yourself what the 3 most important tasks are that you need to take care of today. Then get them done. 3 is manageable; 101 is not. If you finish the 3 and still have energy for more, do another 1. When you finish a task, take a moment to pat yourself on the back and say, “I’ve done it!”

If you’re having difficulties with technology, feeling like an idiot because you don’t understand a whole lot on your new digital device, stop! It’s all too much. Learn 1 thing, only 1! When you figure out this one feature, you’ll feel less tech challenged. Suc-

cess is created with 1 accomplishment at a time!

If you’ve had a frustrating day and are ready to explode, don’t try to calm your anger by counting to ten. That doesn’t work. When you’re furious, counting to ten takes seconds and then wham, you erupt with more fury than before. Instead, take 3 deep breaths, inhaling slowly, exhaling slowly. If you still haven’t calmed down, take another 3 deep breaths. Then say something reassuring to yourself. Appreciate the closure as you put your frustration behind you.

absorb at any one time. So, don’t read on until you’ve digested the first 3 ideas. Then, and only then, are you ready for more.

psychWisdom

LInda SapadIn

Okay, have you gotten those suggestions down pat? If not, reread them, till they sink into your brain. I don’t care how many gray cells you have; there’s only so much you can

Let’s say you’ve read an article entitled, “25 Ways to Get More Organized.” Twenty-five, are you serious? The author must think you’re just sitting around with nothing to do except master her obsessive-compulsive techniques. No, no, no! You’ve got a life to live. So, either throw that magazine out (1 task accomplished) or skim that article for an idea or two that might be helpful to you. Just 1, 2, or 3 will suffice.

Big numbers can interfere with weight loss. If you want to lose weight, aim for 1, 2, or 3 pounds this week. Whatever you accomplish, that’s great! Next week, lose another

pound or two. That’s it! You put on 1 or 2 pounds at a time; you take them off the same way!

Instead of enumerating all the faults of another as your anger revs up, choose 1 trait that’s most annoying to you. Then suggest a good time to discuss it. Fingers are not to be used to tally up the wicked, nasty, stupid things others do. Your fingers are meant for better things.

That’s all folks; enough is enough! I hope you spend the rest of this day enjoying yourself. Not enough of us do.

©2024

Linda Sapadin, Ph.D., psychologist, coach, and author specializes in helping people improve their relationships, enhance their lives, and overcome debilitating anxiety, procrastination and depression. Contact her at DrSapadin@aol.com. Visit her website at www.PsychWisdom.com.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Greg Waxman, left, of Malverne, and Town Supervisor Don Clavin lent a hand to the

STEPPING OUT

An artistic revolution on view at Hofstra Museum Unlocking the D

By Danielle Schwab

reams collide with reality and the subconscious reigns supreme. That’s the essence of the transformative approach of the avant garde artists at the forefront of the Surrealist Movement. Inspired by André Breton’s 1924 Surrealist Manifesto in France, artists, writers and filmmakers diverged from conventional thought to explore ideas such as the unconscious and the irrational.

Step into the fascinating creativity of the surrealists at Hofstra University Museum of Art’s new exhibit “Les Visionnaires: In the Modernist Spirit.” It’s a deep dive into what became a new movement that transformed how artists moved on from rigid historical styles to invent new ways to respond to their world.

The exhibit commemorates the 100th year of the Surrealist Manifesto, which forever changed artistic practice. More than 70 works from 1924 through the 1970s — sourced from the Museum’s permanent collection and the Howard L. and Muriel Weingrow Collection of AvantGarde Art and Literature from Hofstra University Special Collections — are on view.

something powerful,” Giordano adds. “Their partnerships and collective approach captured the realities and hopes of modern society.”

She cites Salvatore Dalí’s lithograph “Untitled from Memories of Surrealism,” (a suite of 12 prints he created in 1971 reflecting on his long artistic career) as a prime example of the movement’s significance.

Rick Wakeman

Keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman is headed back on the road for one last jaunt, ‘The Final Solo Tour.’ Known for his incredible talents, sense of humor, and multitudinous back catalog, expect to hear some of his best-known hits from both his solo career and his collaborations with Yes, Bowie and more among musings and hilarious tales from his 50-plus years in the music industry. Wakeman — who has become almost as well-known for his intimate piano shows as his prog rock extravaganzas — has decided that after a decades spanning career spanning he is calling a halt to lengthy American one-man show tours, in order to concentrate on composing, recording and collaborating with other musicians. In addition to his musicianship, Wakeman has evolved into a well-loved television presenter and author, with his bawdy British wit endearing him to audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

Friday, March 22, 8 p.m. $75, $5, $45, $29.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

• Now through July 26

• Saturday and Sunday, noon4 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Emily Lowe Gallery, Hall, South Campus, Hempstead.

“The manifesto is important because artists from this time period are breaking away from the French Academy,” Alexandra Giordano, Hofstra University Museum of Art’s director and co-curator of the exhibit, explains. “It’s a concrete way to unify artists working in different styles. The manifesto really engages the unconscious mind, the importance of dreams and free association, the rejection of rational thought. It’s revolutionary because it’s really about the liberation of the imagination.”

• For information, and to RSVP to related events, call (516) 463-5672 or visit Hofstra.edu/ museum

Suddenly, artists whose work was tethered to the French Academy, established in 1635, realized that new modalities, mediums, and methodologies were a more appropriate way to respond to the rapidly changing world in which they lived. “Political, economic and cultural shifts inspired a new forward-thinking attitude in artists who, in turn, discovered radical innovations in aesthetic forms, techniques and content. Paris was the epicenter. Artists were drawn to the city, where a drive for pushing boundaries and sharing their transformative vision thrived,” Giordano explains in the forward to the exhibit catalog.

Jean Arp, Marc Chagall, Jean Cocteau, Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst and Joan Miró are among the 25 artists and writers represented here. Besides the artworks, first-edition books are on display including an original copy of the Surrealist Manifesto. Françoise Gilot, who had a tumultuous, decade-long partnership with Picasso and is the mother of two of his children, also figures prominently in the exhibit. Gilot had a close association with Hofstra and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1982. She was an honorary conference chair of the 1985 Hofstra Cultural Center conference “Toward a Reappraisal of Modernism,” a program on avant-garde art and literature.

The Surrealist movement emerged in response to shifting political and societal landscapes.

“You had World War I and World War II that were devastating events, but at the exact same time you had Sigmund Freud’s interpretation of dreams,” Giordano says. “All of these new ideas were being explored, juxtaposed to these scary world events. Artists were responding to it all.”

Paris became a hub for artists to collaborate — sharing ideas, living spaces, lovers, and friends.

“They show us how we can work with our peers to produce

“It reflects on the stream of consciousness with this out-of-body experience,” she says. “You have this large eye in the background, there’s a clock on the pupil and (in the forefront) there’s butterflies. It captures otherworldliness.”

Not only was a change of ideas happening at the time, but also a change of mediums.

“They focused on interdisciplinary vision using a lot of different materials,” Giordano says. “In addition to this dream-like quality and imagery, there is also this idea of collaboration for bookmaking, photography, collage, poetry, set design and film. These artists created these new ideas towards art, which was a deviation from the expected outcome.”

One of the ‘Les Visionnaires’ as they were known, was filmmaker and artist Jean Cocteau, who directed the 1946 adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” (La Belle et la Bête). Based on the original fairytale with a surrealist twist, the film is a testament to bringing the traditional to reinvention. Visitors can view portions of the film throughout the exhibit.

As always, related programming enhances the exhibit. For those who want a more in-depth look, join Giordano for a guided exhibit tour and discussion, Tuesday, April 16, at 5 p.m. During the tour, as Giordano puts it, participants will learn all the “juicy tidbits.”

As Long Island’s only nationally accredited public-facing academic museum, Hofstra Museum is an important local resource.

“Our neighboring communities don’t realize that they don’t have to travel to New York City to see wonderful art, they can come here,” Giordano adds. “They can be nose-to-nose with important artists, and experience this beautiful art in their backyard.”

The exhibit includes Salvador Dalí’s etching and lithograph, Untitled, from Memories of Surrealism, Portfolio, 1971. A gift of Benjamin Bickerman. Also Françoise Gilot’s lithograph IX, from On the Stone: Poems and Lithographs (Sur La Pierre: Poemes et Lithographies), 1972. Courtesy of Special Collections, Joan and Donald E. Axinn Library, Hofstra University.

Comedy’s ‘Ivy League’

The Ivy League of Comedy arrives on Long Island with their elite brand of clever humor. Carmen Lynch (above), Ryan Reiss and Shaun Eli deliver the laughs in this fast-paced evening of stand-up. Lynch, who made it to the semi-finals of NBC’s ‘Last Comic Standing,’ is known for her deadpan delivery and riffs on life. A rising star from a bilingual family, who lived in Spain as a child, she’s appeared on a string of latenight television shows,’Inside Amy Schumer,’ and more. Funnyman Reis, also a writer-actor, began his career while attending NYU, and quickly became a favorite act on the scene. His quick wit and instant likability have made him one of the most sought-after comics on the club circuit. Eli has rightfully been called one of America’s smartest comics. Whether it’s a story about dining with a vegetarian or successfully fighting a parking ticket in criminal court, master storyteller Eli shows you that there’s hilarity in the ordinary if you approach life with a comedic warp. For just about anything he’s experienced he has hilarious stories at the ready.

Saturday, March 23, 8 p.m. $45-$50. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at MadisonTheatreNY.org or (516) 323-4444.

Francois Gilot

Salvador Dali

THE Your Neighborhood

March 30

So Good: The Neil Diamond Experience

Get ready for an unforgettable night on the Paramount stage, Saturday, March 30, 8 p.m. Robert Neary honors an icon with The Neil Diamond Experience, a tribute show like no other. With over 35 years as a Broadway, TV, and film actor, Neary brings a unique touch to this production, weaving Neil Diamond’s greatest hits with stories from interviews, quotes, and autobiographical books. Neary creates an incredible cut above the rest tribute show. You will swear you are watching the master himself as he and the band perform Neil Diamond’s greatest hits. With his powerful presence, from the moment he struts on stage wearing trademark black, gray, and silver sequined jacket, Neary, uncannily, resembles Neil Diamond at the height of his touring career in the 90s and 2000s. His wit and mannerisms on stage is spot on, especially when he plays his guitar. When he speaks and tells the stories and trivia behind some of Neil’s most popular songs, his rich baritone gravelly voice can easily be mistaken for Neil’s own speaking voice. But make no mistake about it at all, if you close your eyes and listen to him sing any of the 22 classic Neil Diamond songs with the magnificent band behind him, you will swear you are listening to the Master himself. This truly is, the most authentic tribute to one of the greatest artists in musical history. The title says it all. It is the quintessential Neil Diamond Concert Experience. With a finale that will blow your mind, the show is guaranteed to have you on your feet dancing and cheering. $49.50, $39.50, $35, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

March 24

Bird walk

See some birds with the South Shore Audubon Society. All are welcome to join members for the next in its series of bird walks, at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve, Sunday, March 24, starting at 9 a.m. The entrance road to the Norman Levy Preserve is located on the south side of Merrick Road, just east of the Meadowbrook Parkway.

Walk leaders, other birders and nature enthusiasts are happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. Bring binoculars. The group will meet at the gazebo. To register, text your name and contact information to (516) 4679498. No walk if rain or snow. Text regarding questionable weather. For more information, visit SSAudubon.org.

Bingo Night

American Legion Cathedral Post 1087, in West Hempstead, hosts a fundraiser, Friday, April 19, at 6 p.m., benefitting Veterans’ Affairs outreach. It includes beer, wine, soda, salads and six-foot heroes along with two bingo cards. Donations are $20 per person. 233 Woodlawn Road, West Hempstead. Call Pete Johansen at (516) 489-2862 to register.

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.

Opens March 23, on view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

March 27

Literary conversation

Poet-essayist Elizabeth Schmermund, who is an assistant professor of English at SUNY Old Westbury, reads from her works, as part of Hofstra University’s Great Writers Great Readings series, Wednesday, March 27, 4:30 p.m.

Her work has appeared in The Independent, Mantis, and Gyroscope Review, among other venues. Her first poetry chapbook, “Alexander the Great,” is published by Finishing Line Press. Free and open to the public. Guthart Cultural Center Theater, Axinn Library, South Campus, Hempstead. Register in advance at events.hofstra. edu or call the Hofstra Cultural Center at (516) 463-5669 for more information.

South Nassau Water Authority Meeting

The SNWA provides the public an update on its acquisition of Liberty Water. To find out the status of the takeover attend the meeting, Monday, March 25, at 6 p.m., in the Community Room of the Lynbrook Public Library. 56 Eldert St., Lynbrook.

Bunny Hop

Walk through the village to pick up eggs and goodies at this year’s Bunny Hop in Malverne, Friday, March 30, 9:30 a.m. The colorful annual event is perfect for kids and the whole family. It features 1000 eggs, balloon animals, raffles, and even the Easter Bunny. Bring your bags to the gazebo at 40 Church St. The raffle drawing is at 11:30 a.m. at Malverne Cinemas. $2 per entry, or 6 entries for $5.; Venmo @Maria-Casini.

Bridge Club

Learn or play the classic card game Bridge at Malverne Public Library, every Wednesday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.. All skill levels are welcome to attend. 61 St. Thomas Place.

Easter Egg Hunt

Spring is in the air, and St. Paul AME Church’s second annual Easter Egg Hunt is here, Friday, March 30, at Harold Walker Memorial Park. Register at 11 a.m.; hunt starts at noon. 1085 Woodfield Road, in Lakeview.

Having an event?

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, March 23, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.

Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for to register or call (516) 4849337.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, in Rockville Centre, kicks off at the municipal parking lot on North Sunrise Hwy at noon, rain or shine. Come check out live Irish music with the family.

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.

In concert

Plaza Theatrical welcomes spring with a lively tribute to The Temptations, Saturday, March 23, 7:30 p.m. Groove along with The Fellas, in their concert “Just My Imagination,” a powerful salute to the Motown icons. Enjoy all those great tunes, including “Just My Imagination,” “My Girl,” “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and more. See the concert at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre. 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Get hoppy

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes spring when it opens its doors for an after-hours celebration, “Spring EGGstravaganza,” Saturday, March 23. Peter Cottontail greets families, 6-9 p.m., with a night of engaging activities celebrating iconic symbols of the season. Children can start their evening by decorating a Cool Carrot goody bag to collect items throughout the night. Activities include the creating such spring-themed items as a Bunny Puppet Pal, How Does your Garden Grow planter, an Everywhere a Chick Chick necklace and a Spring has Sprung hat. Also test your skills in egg relay races and take part in a museum-wide scavenger hunt. All that celebration got you egg-hausted? Make a sweet treat to recharge your energy.

The LICM Theater hosts eye-popping performances of BubbleMania Jr. with bubbleologist Jim Napolitano (6:15, 7:05 and 8 p.m.) Sit back and witness fascinating bubble sculptures being crafted and discover soap bubble tricks, with plenty of comedy and audience interaction woven into this spell-binding show. Dancing bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, arches and a bubble fountain on display create a truly memorable performance. (Additional ticket required for theater performance.) $15 per person ($13 members); BubbleMania Jr. ticket fees are $4 with EGGstravaganza admission ($3 members). Advance tickets are recommended for this popular event. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, V. SUSAN SCHRAMM AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ELEANOR FICKBOHM, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated January 2, 2024, and entered in the Offce of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein MORTGAGE ASSETS

MANAGEMENT, LLC is the Plaintiff and SUSAN SCHRAMM AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ELEANOR FICKBOHM, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH

SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on April 11, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 840 TAFT STREET, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552: Section 35, Block 435, Lot

71:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS

THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index # 602021/2020. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK

DIRECTIVES. 145301

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

MTGLQ INVESTORS, L.P., V. JUANA E. BONILLA, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated October 17, 2023, and entered in the Offce of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein MTGLQ INVESTORS, L.P. is the Plaintiff and JUANA E. BONILLA, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH

SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on April 5, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 234 SYCAMORE STREET, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552: Section 35, Block 377, Lot 40-41: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE, OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT WEST HEMPSTEAD, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment Index # 601557/2018. Janine T. Lynam, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 145298

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST COMPANY AMERICAS, AS TRUSTEE FOR RESIDENTIAL ACCREDIT LOANS, INC., MORTGAGE ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-QS11, Plaintiff, AGAINST GEORGINA GARCIA, MYRIAM ROJAS, et al.

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on June 4, 2019.

I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 15, 2024 at 2:00 PM premises known as 240 Franklin Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11565. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Malverne, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 35, Block 240 and Lot 46.

Approximate amount of judgment $968,868.92 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of fled Judgment. Index #018091/2007.

Cary David Kessler, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 145423

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Inc. Village of Malverne will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 7:30 PM prevailing time, at the Malverne Village Hall, 99 Church Street, Malverne, New York for the purpose of discussion of the tentative budget for fscal year June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025. All interested persons will be heard at the above mentioned time and place. A copy of the tentative budget will be available at the Offce of the Village Treasurer at Malverne Village Hall during normal business hours and at www.malvernevillag.org.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE

that the tentative budget provides that the maximum compensation to each member of the Board of Trustees from all sources is as follows:

Mayor $14,500 Trustees (4) $11,000 each.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to present oral and written comments at said Public Hearing.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Inc. Village of Malverne Jill Valli, Village Clerk

Dated: March 12, 2024 145554

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Annual Organization Meeting of the Inc. Village of Malverne will be held on April 3, 2024, at 7:30 PM at Malverne Village Hall, 99 Church Street, Malverne, NY. At that time the frst Wednesday of each month will be designated for holding the Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees at 7:30 PM and, the third Thursday following the Regular meeting of the Board, will be designated for the Architectural Review Board meeting at 7:30 PM. Following the meetings there will be Work and Executive Session.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Inc. Village of Malverne Jill Valli, Village Clerk

Dated: March 12, 2024 145555

LEGAL NOTICE

Malverne Union Free School District Malverne, New York

Legal Notice

SCHOOL MEDICAL

PHYSICIAN RFP

Notice is hereby given that separate bids, submitted in sealed envelopes for the SCHOOL MEDICAL PHYSICIAN SERVICES RFP will be received on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 11:30 a.m., 301 Wicks Lane, the Malverne Administration Building. Sealed bids are to be addressed to the attention of Mr. Christopher Caputo, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Malverne Union Free School District, 301 Wicks Lane, Malverne, New York 11565.

All bids must be submitted to the Assistant Superintendent, on or before the date and time of opening in sealed envelopes, bearing on the outside the name and address of the bidder and the title of the bid in the lower left-hand corner. To obtain the bid please e-mail: dfecht@malverneschools.

org The Board of Education reserves the right to award all or a part of this bid or to reject all bids or to make awards which are in the best interest of the school district.

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024

By Order of the Board of Education Malverne Union Free School District 145556

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Offcers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 3/27/2024 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 201/24. - 202/24. WEST HEMPSTEAD - Mohamed Elhadidy, Variances, lot area occupied, side yard, rear yard, height, maintain detached garage with attached roof over; Variances, lot area occupied, side yard, maintain wood deck attached to dwelling., S/s Willets Ave., 400’ E/o Morton Ave., a/k/a 161 Willets Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR

INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in West Hempstead within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 145541

LEGAL NOTICE 2024-2025 TRANSPORTATION REQUESTS

The West Hempstead Union Free School District will accept on-line Transportation Application Forms for the 2024-2025 school year until APRIL 1, 2024. If your child will need transportation next year to a private, parochial, or charter school within a 15-mile radius (minimum District requirements still apply) from your home, you MUST submit a Transportation Application Form. You can access the application form by visiting our website. Go to www.whufsd.com - click on the District, scroll to Transportation. On the Transportation page you will see a letter to parents. In that letter, click on the line “ONLINE TRANSPORTATION FORM”. After you complete all information, click submit on the bottom of the form. If you are a new resident to the District, proof of residency instructions and list of items required can be found on the transportation page. If you have any questions, call (516) 390-3112 or email Gina Gandolfo at ggandolfo@whufsd.com. 145552

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the fnal assessment rolls of the Inc. Village of Malverne for this fscal year June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025 will be available for inspection at the Malverne Village Hall, 99 Church Street, Malverne, NY during regular business hours and at www.malvernevillage.org

starting April 1, 2024.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Inc. Village of Malverne Jill Valli, Village Clerk

Dated: March 12, 2024 145553

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, SSA NE ASSETS, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. TAB EQUITY GROUP LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order

Confrming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 9, 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 April 23, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 203 Washington Street, Hempstead, NY 11550. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 34, Block 203 and Lots 357-358. Approximate amount of judgment is $562,992.97

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

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We asked for a variance and were turned down

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Q. After a lot of delays, due partly to Covid, we were turned down for a zoning variance and are wondering what to do. We have a café that has been operating for over 20 years, which we bought from a couple who were retiring, and everything seemed to be legal. Our building department told us that we needed a variance because we didn’t have enough parking, and that we had 20 seats instead of 12. Twelve seats was a takeout, but these days, if you don’t have enough seats, you won’t stay in business very long. So we asked for a variance, and we were turned down. Also, our plans didn’t show that we do have parking on the street, and use a public lot and some other businesses nearby. What can you tell us about our situation? We don’t want to lose our location, and anything we do will need plans, and we realize our architect had never dealt with this before.

A. As common as this problem is, you would need to appeal your case by filing for the appeal with the court, with an attorney, within 30 days, in what is referred to as an Article 78. In order to make your case, you would need accurate plans, plus what you already have, the minutes of your hearing for an attorney to review, plus any documentation you already had through the process of the building application over all the time you described.

Ask The Architect

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In addition, you would need all the old records of the property that were filed for any and all permits for the previous uses going back to the very beginning of the take-out or retail space. It sounds like a lot, and it might be, but you have a difficult case to prove, because parking on your property is usually the biggest issue in any use variance. A use permit always requires that there be adequate parking, and if there isn’t enough on-site parking, the request for a variance (to vary from the requirements) would then be your appeal.

By changing the use from takeout, where people are coming and going, to an assembly space of people who are lingering, triggers all kinds of building and safety codes. Once you get to a restaurant from a take-out by serving more than 12 people, you need male- and female-use restrooms or, depending on the jurisdiction, enough fixtures and privacy to serve the occupants, based on specific chapters from the plumbing code, the handicapped-access code and the building code, requiring more floor space.

You also have issues with fire marshal and fire safety equipment, depending on the area in square feet area and the number of occupants. Your attorney and architect can craft your case, but you have to be flexible enough to meet certain basic codes to be able to convince a court that the first level of the process can be overturned. You can do this! Good luck!

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Criminals aren’t in custody: Let’s reform bail reform

As a mother of four and a legislator deeply committed to public safety, I am compelled to address the recent horrific case in Babylon. This case — in which body parts were found in public spaces, including a park frequented by families, and a judge was unable to set bail and detain the defendants — highlights a disturbing trend: the prioritization of criminals over victims.

pATRiCiA CAnzoneRi-FiTzpATRiCk

If the grim nature of the crime itself was not disturbing enough, the aftermath was discovered by a student, which underscores the real-life impact this crime has had on the local residents. Standing in the park myself last week was unsettling, and I couldn’t help feeling as if I were a character in a horror movie. Imagine how the residents who live near that park feel. How do those children ever return to that park and not think about what discovered there? I think we would all agree that those who are credibly suspected of dismembering two bodies and tossing them

in a park like garbage aren’t people we want to be near in the grocery store, or in any public setting.

The suspects were quickly identified and charged with concealment of a human corpse, hindering prosecution, and tampering with physical evidence. Then, in a move that shocked residents, they were released back into the community. What should shock us all is that their release was required by state bail laws.

The threat a defendant poses often cannot be considered by a judge.

Our criminal justice system allows a judge to set bail to ensure that a defendant charged with a crime returns to court to face the charges. The delicate balance is that bail should be set at a level that a person can afford, but also be enough to give the defendant incentive to return to court. The current state of the law is that unless a crime is on the list of baileligible offenses, a judge is unable to set bail, and the threat the defendant poses cannot be considered. The inability of judges to consider that threat when determining whether to set bail or detain a suspect has allowed perpetrators of heinous crimes to go free.

These policies are a direct result of one-party rule prioritizing the rights of

Wcriminals over victims, and as a result, public safety has been compromised. The federal government and 49 other states allow judges to consider a defendant’s dangerousness in making these determinations, but New York stands alone in prohibiting this commonsense practice. In fact, the first bill I introduced in the Senate, which I carry with Assemblyman Ed Ra, would restore judges’ ability to keep dangerous defendants off the streets.

Alongside my colleagues in the State Legislature, including Sen. Anthony Palumbo and Assemblyman Michael Durso, I co-sponsored legislation aimed at rectifying some of the flaws in New York’s bail laws, which allowed the suspects in the Babylon case to walk free despite the gravity of their alleged crimes. Palumbo’s proposed bill aims to classify concealment or mutilation of a human corpse as a bail-eligible felony. Additionally, I introduced legislation to correct an egregious loophole after the district attorney warned that the suspects may be released from even GPS monitoring because New York’s bail reforms also placed the same time limitations on electronic monitoring as they

do on pre-trial detention. This case highlights why these measures are urgently needed.

To be clear, I don’t believe that anyone should be held in custody simply because they lack the means to post bail, and I don’t think advocates on either side of this issue think the system was working perfectly before 2019. No policy is perfect, but as lawmakers, it’s our responsibility to continuously assess how policies are impacting people’s lives. Oregon has backtracked on its radical drug decriminalization policy in an acknowledgement of its unintended consequences. But since bail reform was passed in New York in 2019, Albany has offered only Band-Aids in response to the disastrous outcomes we have seen resulting from these “reforms,” rather than the substantive corrections we need to help ensure the safety of our communities.

As a mother, a legislator, and an advocate for community safety, I am committed to closing the loopholes in our bail laws that force judges to release suspects, like those in the Babylon case, back into the community, and arbitrarily limit law enforcement’s ability to monitor potentially dangerous suspects pending trial.

Patricia Canzoneri represents the 9th Senate District.

It’s me, not ChatGPT . . . at least I think so

hy should I work this week?

No one works anymore, or if they show up, they bring attitude or the three stages of incompetence: Don’t care, don’t want to be here, don’t notice you standing there at my counter. (I don’t mean you, of course. Herald readers are all diligent, responsible people.)

Anyway, as an experiment with AI, and a way not to work, I thought I’d ask ChatGPT to write my column. What I specifically asked for in the query was: Write a 750-word column in the style of Randi Kreiss.

It took about two seconds, and I got a piece about the idea of detoxing ourselves from our exposure to screens and devices. Not an original idea, not a bad idea, but between you and me, I hope it wasn’t an example of how I usually write, because it was sooooo booooring.

This was the last paragraph of the pseudo-Randi column, written by ChatGPT:

“So let us embrace the digital detox not as a fleeting trend, but as a timeless

reminder of our innate capacity for connection, creativity, and contemplation. Let us reclaim our time, our attention, and our humanity from the clutches of the digital realm and rediscover the beauty of life beyond the screen.”

I mean, there’s nothing wrong with the writing; it’s just so blah-blah-blah. All of which leaves me with no other choice than to abandon AI and deploy my own skills, which are both modest and flawed.

WIf I were going to write about the toxicity of screens and devices — and I am, now that ChatGPT gave me the idea — I would connect it specifically to our current political madness. We are bombarded 24/7 by repetitious news about the threat to our democracy by former President Donald Trump and his acolytes. Is there really anything else to talk about that carries the gravitas of a looming democracy-destroying, unhinged presidency? The Orange Man lurks behind us just as he stalked Hillary in the 2016 debates.

Other news outlets beat the drum about President Biden’s age and oratorical misadventures.

hen I asked it to write a column like I might write, it let me down.

For a long time, I tried to see the issues from all sides. I figured that I have more in common with Trump supporters than the issues that divide us. I figured that when he fully revealed himself as an authoritarian wannabe, folks would recoil, seeing the threat to our freedoms. I wanted to stand in their shoes and see what they saw, but Trump’s singular determination to take down our democracy blots out the sun. Legitimate disagreements over immigration, the economy and taxes pale compared to his promise to dismantle the pillars of government and build camps for people he determines are unwelcome or undesirable.

There isn’t a legitimate other side when the other side is a dictatorship.

and that means re-electing Biden. Both men are too old for the job, but Biden and his team will keep faith with the American public. The country is sound and well-connected to our friends around the world. Biden’s experience has brought us through these difficult years. The alternative is more than a flirtation with authoritarianism and institutionalized racism. Young people do not realize how quickly bellicose talk can turn into tanks rumbling down our streets.

In many homes, the TV is on. It’s always there, in the background, too loud, too repetitive, too insignificant. We all know that news shows ran out of news long ago. Most of the time they reprocess the meat of a story until it comes out like sausage, link after link, hour after hour. Is it news when a knownothing anchor interviews a reporter who once interviewed a spokesperson who represents an insignificant staff member of a mid-level politician?

He is meaner than the last time around. His alleged crimes have earned him dozens of felony indictments. We can’t stand watching the coverage, and we can’t stop.

Trump must be removed from political life, and we must find ourselves again. That means removing ourselves from obsessional newscasts. Watch the candidates’ speeches for yourself, without the filters, and believe what you see. Look and listen to who Trump is. Listen to Biden.

We must retire the would-be dictator,

We can improve our lives by disconnecting from our devices. Voting is easy and analog. The conflation of politics and screens is wearing us down. Let the candidates speak for themselves.

Thanks, ChatGPT, for priming the pump. I just needed to say it in my own words.

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

RAnDi kReiss

HeraLd editoriaL

Celebrating L.I.’s rich Irish-American heritage s

t. Patrick’s Day has come and gone, but there is much more to this annual holiday than just the vibrant green decorations, festive parades, pints of beer and corned beef. It is an opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of Irish-American heritage, deeply woven into the fabric of Long Island and its communities.

The journey of Irish immigrants and their descendants is a narrative of resilience, contribution and cultural vibrancy. The Long Island portion of that history stretches back centuries, marked by waves of newcomers who left their homes in search of the American dream.

The potato famine in the 19th century led nearly 800,000 Irish immigrants to travel across the Atlantic in search of new opportunities in the United States. Many entered through Ellis Island before finding their way to Long Island, drawn by construction and agricultural work.

Many of those new pioneers faced adversity and discrimination because of their heritage, their religion, and their immigrant status. Still, they persevered, carving out a place for themselves in their adopted homeland.

Their legacy and contributions to Long Island’s growth and development span many generations, shaping the landscape and leaving an indelible mark on the region’s cultural identity. From building the infrastructure that connects communities, to establishing businesses and institutions, Irish-Americans played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of Long Island.

St. Patrick’s Day serves as a poignant reminder of this heritage. It is a day when people come together to honor their Irish roots and celebrate the legacy of those who came before them. The festivities are a testament to the enduring spirit, camaraderie and pride that characterizes the community. Parades wind through the streets. Music fills the air. And traditional Irish fare delights the senses, adding to an atmosphere of joy and unity.

Beyond the revelry of the holiday, Long Island is home to a vibrant tapestry of Irish-American cultural organizations, events and businesses that enrich the community year-round.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians — the oldest Irish-Catholic fraternal organization in the country — boasts numerous divisions across Nassau and Suffolk

Legal immigrants make our economy stronger

To the Editor:

The letter from Joseph Varon, “Immigrants make our economy stronger,” in the March 7-13 issue, asks us to “stop the anti-immigrant rhetoric.” What anti-immigrant rhetoric?

Americans, personally, and the United States, officially, are very immigrant-friendly. For many years, the U.S. has admitted hundreds of thousands of immigrants each year, issuing them green cards, which grant permanent residency, and if you want, you can become a citizen in five years, as long as you don’t commit a felony — sooner if you marry an American citizen or serve in the military. That’s an admission policy unmatched by any other country.

Members of my family and my wife’s family have married immigrants. A legitimate case can be made for raising the limit on immigrants due to America’s decreasing birth rate.

I hear no complaints about legal immigrants — only about the illegals and the unvetted, let in, regardless of the costs of housing them and the brutality of the crimes committed, by an administration bent on countering the population loss of blue states caused by their irresponsible fiscal policies. It’s an exodus that would otherwise cause these states a loss of congressional seats and Electoral Col-

counties. Long Island is also home to several Irish dance troupes and Gaelic sports clubs. They preserve tradition, and foster a sense of belonging among generations of Irish-Americans, providing avenues for cultural expression, education and camaraderie, and ensuring that the legacy of Irish heritage continues to thrive.

Local businesses also play a crucial role in promoting Irish-American culture, offering cuisine, crafts and products that pay homage to the traditions of the Emerald Isle.

Whether it’s a cozy pub serving up a hearty Irish stew or a shop brimming with Celtic jewelry and knick-knacks, these establishments serve as ambassadors of Irish culture, inviting many to experience all that Ireland has to offer without ever leaving home.

Although this year’s St. Patrick’s Day is now behind us, let us not forget all of the contributions and traditions of Irish-Americans that resonate throughout our communities every day.

So, a toast to all of the pioneers who paved the way. The traditions that bind us together. And the legacy of IrishAmerican heritage on Long Island. Sláinte!

lege votes.

The “billions” in taxes quoted, unfortunately, are buying more people in to failing systems that will pay out even more billions than are paid in. I fail to see a hero in one who puts in a dollar and takes out two.

And the illegal ones are costing us dearly

To the Editor:

Joseph Varon’s letter sang the praises of immigration and why we shouldn’t look down on it. yes, the greatest country in the world,

Traffc safety: a holistic approach

From my experience as a lawyer and as a county legislator since 2022, traffic safety is a topic high on my list of priorities. Rarely a day goes by when we don’t read, see or hear reports of accidents on our roadways, too often with tragic results. For virtually every Long Islander, traffic is a part of our everyday lives. Congestion on our roadways is ever present, and because of that, the safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians should be the first priority for every driver and everyone on foot trying to cross a street.

JoHn GiUFFrÉ

Further proof to support that premise can be found in eyeopening statistics from the state Department of Motor Vehicles that show more than 2 million registered vehicles on Long Island alone. That equates to just over two vehicles per household in the NassauSuffolk region.

Today’s vehicles have changed dramatically in recent years. While govern-

ment regulations have improved automobile safety (for example, by requiring seat belts, airbags, collapsible steering columns, etc.), the increased level of performance of these vehicles has made many drivers more daring as they navigate our heavily trafficked roads, to the detriment of other drivers, passengers, pedestrians and personal property.

oSo what can be done to improve traffic safety? For starters, we must recognize that it is best achieved through a collaborative effort between local government and drivers. On Long Island, our road system is extremely complex. There are thousands of miles of state, county, town, city and village roads in Nassau County that are maintained by a variety of public works entities. The county is fortunate to have an excellent Department of Public Works that does a great job of maintaining our road system. The department also works closely with the other public works operations responsible for maintaining roads in their respective jurisdictions.

actively engaged the community, the county DPW, and the Nassau County Police Department for mitigation in and around my district that has helped improve traffic safety. Included in these efforts are the following:

ur vehicles’ enhanced performance makes many of us more daring at the wheel.

■ The installation of a traffic signal on Woodfield Road, at Linden and Lindberg Streets. This area of Woodfield Road has been the scene of numerous accidents over the past few years that have resulted in fatalities, including a senior citizen and two children.

■ The placement of advanced warning lights for a major crosswalk on Hempstead Avenue at Lester Court.

■ Frequent placement of speed-monitoring trailers at various locations in the 8th Legislative District. This was achieved with the help of the NCPD.

■ Increased speed limit signage on Woodfield Road. This was accomplished jointly with the Town of Hempstead.

will soon be driving on our roads can be accomplished by emphasizing traffic safety in driver education classes, and even among all juniors and seniors, regardless of enrollment in driver ed classes. Parents can also teach their children the importance of traffic safety while they are learning to drive, and even after they earn their licenses. Also, I recommend taking a defensive driving class. It will provide a discount on insurance premiums — and remind those who take it that a car can quickly turn into a weapon if it is mishandled.

For those who are interested, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a great resource to tap into. There’s an entire area on the NHTSA website that offers traffic safety tips and a variety of other vehicle safety topics in an easy-to-navigate format.

Go to nhtsa.gov/road-safety.

As your legislator, I will continue to advocate for traffic safety and welcome any thoughts Herald readers might have on this subject. I can be reached at (516) 571-6208, or by email at jgiuffre@ nassaucountyny.gov. I am also available to speak to your group or school about traffic safety.

Over the past two years, I have

Letters

the USA, became that because so many of its citizens are immigrants, or children of immigrants. They came mostly from civilized countries, and came legally.

With the Industrial Revolution booming, America needed skilled and unskilled workers, and they came in droves. Most were checked over at Ellis Island, and all were required to become citizens. Yes, we quarantined the sick for a couple of weeks, in not the most luxurious accommodations, but it worked.

We do not need the number and the caliber of those coming across our borders in illegal fashion. We don’t need the crime, and we don’t need what they turn our cities into. We can’t afford to clean up the world, and we aren’t all in desperate need of gardeners, but rather skilled welders, carpenters, etc.

Having these illegal immigrants among us costs us money, and destroys our school systems. They don’t even try to blend in — they dress, act and expect us to learn their culture. Sometimes the raw truth hurts, but they are the only ones benefiting from their crime of crossing our borders illegally. Politicians? Guilty.

RObERT CASALE Glen Head

We thought Randi was gone

To the Editor:

My wife and I, loyal readers of the Merrick Herald, are among Randi Kreiss’s biggest fans, and we were thoroughly dismayed

Education can also improve traffic safety. Educating high school teens who

when we thought she disappeared last year. but a letter to the editor in the Feb. 29-March 6 issue, “At your library, borrow a book — or a telescope,” which mentioned her column on libraries, made us realize that Randi is still here!

We have now read all her monthlies since she started them in September. What an ordeal she and her husband have been through. We wish both of them all the best, and are beyond delighted that Randi’s observations on our society, her humor, her book recommendations, and her overall words of wisdom can continue to be part of our lives.

KARIN SPENCER & MARISA HOHEb Merrick

Guess who opposes even-year elections?

To the Editor:

Yet another example of Nassau County Republicans’ blatant misuse of taxpayers’ money for partisan purposes is the legislative majority spending $500,000 for a politically connected law firm to prevent holding all elections in even years, even though even-year elections increase voter turnout and save taxpayers millions.

John Giuffré represents Nassau County’s 8th Legislative District.

Framework by Tim Baker

Nassau GOP machine officials justify this waste by claiming that even-year elections “will lead voters to ignore local issues when federal and state issues dominate.” Yet Republicans’ local campaigns are dominated by state and federal issues. Indeed, County Executive bruce blakeman just sent a glossy mailer smearing Democrats in Albany and Washington, misusing county taxpayers’ dollars on issues that have nothing to do with county government.

um or the Nassau University Medical Center debacle — critical county issues. Instead, every mailer attacks federal and state Democrats.

Last year, b lakeman took county government employees to New York City, and used a county podium to grandstand on an issue over which he had no jurisdiction. The GOP continuously misuses taxpayer dollars for political purposes. Neither county nor town GOP officials sent a single mailer on the plan for the casino at the Colise-

The Republicans win elections by gerrymandering, voter suppression, taxpayer-funded mailers and scare tactics. GOP officials use our tax money to fight voter participation. Clearly, they know that higher voter turnout will turn them out of office.

DAVE DENENbERG

An artisan’s work at Matinecock Lodge — Oyster Bay