Oceanside/Island Park Herald 03-24-2024

Keith Rossein/Herald Instructor Steve Solomon, right, sparring with his son Zachary.

Empowering bodies and minds:

JCC offers range of boxing classes

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Dozens of athletes gather at Oceanside’s Friedberg JCC each week for a unique lineup of boxing classes that are quickly becoming the undisputed champion in the community. The program has taken off under the leadership of North Merrick resident Steve Solomon.

The JCC offers three classes — one for those with special needs, another for those with Parkinson’s disease, both for JCC members, and a third for the general population. The general class is open to JCC members and nonmembers alike, and has quickly become a favorite among boxing enthusiasts across Long Island. The center becomes a sanctuary

— a place where they can push their physical limits and find solace in the rhythms of the ring.

Kevin Payne, 24, of New Hyde Park, says the classes have changed his life. Battling weight gain and searching for a sense of belonging, Payne found refuge in the gym. With the guidance of Solomon and the support of his classmates, Payne not only shed pounds, but also gained a newfound sense of purpose.

“I was 215 pounds, and I’m down to 168 now,” he said. “I was going down a bad track. I wasn’t taking care of myself, and I was superunhealthy. But I was able to come here every day, and I’m in way better shape now. The thrill of it is what kept me doing it. There’s nothing similar to it.”

Payne, who praised Solomon for helping

I.P. library, schools locked in tax dispute

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Residents have found themselves caught in the crossfire of a financial dispute between the Island Park Public Library and the Island Park School District.

The disagreement revolves around a tax settlement with Long Island Power Authority, leaving both the library and school district facing uncertain financial futures and taxpayers possibly shouldering the burden.

The conflict can be traced to LIPA’s legal battle with the Nassau County over tax assessments on the E.F. Barrett Power Plant. LIPA contended that it was being over-assessed and sought tax reductions, which could significantly impact the school district’s budget.

The district settled its decade-long litigation with LIPA in 2022 after challenging the agency’s efforts to reduce the taxes it pays on the power plant. According to the terms, LIPA agreed to make $12 million in direct payments to the district for four years starting in 2022-2023.

Over the years, Board of Education trustees have gone back and forth with LIPA and Nassau County in an attempt to

alleviate the financial burden that reducing taxes on the plant would create for local taxpayers, who would have to make up the revenue shortfall.

However, the library now has become entangled in the dispute, because it’s supposed to receive a proportionate share of taxes and payments in lieu of taxes, or PILOTs. The settlement agreement between the county and the school district failed to include specific language that would guarantee the transfer of more than $500,000 to the library.

Library officials expressed dismay when the school district decided to withhold the funds due to perceived deficiencies in the agreement.

“Nassau County has opined that the Island Park Library is entitled to its proportional share of the Direct Assessment monies under the LIPA settlement,” library officials said in a frequently asked questions sheet for residents. “The County also sent a chart to the Town of Hempstead which confirms the amount of money the Library should be provided by the School District for this year. However, under New York State law, as a school district library, those monies must first go to

Celebrating Spring: New growth and inner renewal Guest

Hello Spring! Yes, it’s that time of year when Mother Nature springs into action. A season I now find myself quietly reflecting within, pondering my own inner renewal – and the importance of planting new inner seeds for continued growth and opportunity. So how do I begin this process of inner renewal? I look to Mother Nature for guidance for as we know, mother nature and human nature are deeply rooted and connected, and why it is time to follow her example and “spring forward” into a new season of life!

”The Season of Renewal: To make or become new, fresh or strong again.”

Spring symbolizes a season of renewal and new beginnings for both nature and our inner beings. A time to allow the inspirational beauty of spring, stir a revival within our body, mind and soul. As studies have shown, exposure to nature and increased sunlight can help lift our spirits, clear our minds, reduce stress levels, and

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 difficult 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

increase motivation, all of which impact our overall emotional health.

“Self-renewal involves nurturing and enhancing various aspects of our lives”:

1. Physical Renewal: Taking care of our physical health is essential. This includes regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate rest, and maintaining overall well-being.

2. Emotional Renewal is a process of personal transformation that enables individuals to reconnect with their inner selves and find a deeper meaning in life. It involves a psychological, emotional, and even physical shift that brings about a renewed sense of purpose, direction, and contentment.

contribute to mental renewal. When we challenge ourselves intellectually, we grow and adapt.

4. Spiritual Renewal: This process of transformation is about connecting with our inner self, values, and purpose. Spiritual practices, such as mindfulness, meditation, and reflection can help us find meaning and improve emotional well-being, increase resilience, as well as reduce stress.

5. Celebrate your successes. Maybe you booked a counseling session, made it back to the gym recently, or reconnected with friends. Make sure you “celebrate” those wins!

to move out of our comfort zone. To be patient with ourselves, to focus on each step we take forward, one step at a time. To plant our own emotional seeds with the readiness to dig deep within our hearts the same way we dig into nature’s soil.

To nurture our seeds of personal growth with self-love. To celebrate and honor each ground breaking process of renewal that brings us closer to nourishing our entire being - closer to bringing us home to the heart and soul of who we are yet to be!

Yes, renewal is a continuous journey of growth, transformation, and healing be it relating to life, love, and our overall health! Renewal is a gift and spring is a lovely reminder of how beautiful “change” can truly be!

3. Mental Renewal: Keeping our minds sharp and engaged is vital. Continuous learning, reading, problem-solving, and creative pursuits

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”.

On a personal note: As I have learned throughout the decades of life, personal growth will always bring challenges. It requires a strong inner desire to tackle all that growth requires relating to our daily mindset and the willingness

Donna Pisacano-Brown is a Point Lookout resident who has been a columnist featured in local newspapers since 1996. She is a passionate advocate for drunken driving awareness, and shining a light on mental health topics.

D onna P isacanoB rown

and every student attempt was impressive.

Oceanside celebrates Dr.Seuss OMS students compete on Pi Day

The Oceanside Library celebrated their annual Dr. Seuss & Friends Day, cosponsored by the Oceanside Kiwanis Club, on Sunday March 3rd. In addition to celebrating the legendary Dr. Seuss this year also honored the works of James Dean and Jaqueline Woodson. The event came one day after Read Across America “Dr. Seuss Day,” which marks the anniversary of the birth of the legendary children’s author. Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé joined with local families and an array of government colleagues

“Dr. Seuss and Friends Day in Oceanside is a fitting tribute to one of the world’s greatest children’s authors and a wonder-

ful opportunity to nurture our community’s love for reading,” Legislator Mulé said. “I applaud everyone at the library and the Kiwanis Club for spearheading this event and thank the community for supporting this event year after year!”

Visitors enjoyed crafts, balloons, tattoos and games based off the most memorable characters and elements of these timeless books. Dr. Seuss and friends day also included great community interaction with local government officals who joined the fun. The day ended with smiles and memories to last a lifetime

— Kepherd Daniel

Fifty-eight Oceanside Middle School 7th and 8th graders competed on March 14, informally known as Pi Day, to see who could memorize the most digits of Pi. Most people probably know the first three digits of Pi, 3.14 (hence Pi Day on 3/14), which represents the circumference of a circle divided by its diameter.

But following those famous digits comes an infinite sequence that has no patterns or repeating sections. That makes it extra hard to memorize but Oceanside Middle School students eagerly stepped up to the challenge.

Carter Quintero took the lead with 255

astounding digits memorized. Next was Charlie Barone at 132, Charlotte Heym at 118 and Elias Gordon at 111. Seven other students reached or exceeded 100 digits memorized, and every attempt was impressive.

Daniel Art, the math teacher overseeing the competition, has run it since 201011. A plaque near the auditorium lists each year’s winner. To date, nobody has topped the 1,001 digits that Jason Zagorski memorized in 2011-12, but there’s always next year.

— Kepherd Daniel

Courtesy Office of Legislator Debra Mule Legislator Mule and members of the Oceanside Kiwanis Club celebrated Dr. Seuss and Friends Day at Oceanside Library.

Courtesy Oceanside School District Carter Quintero of Oceanside Middle School writes out the digits of Pi that he has memorized as math teacher Daniel Art and other students follow along on written sheets. Carter memorized an astounding 255 digits, several other students reached or exceeded 100 digits

Oceanside teens host thrilling Escape Room event

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

In a collaborative effort between students from Oceanside High School and the Oceanside Library, a thrilling escape room event was recently held, captivating participants with intricate puzzles and mysteries on March 7. The True Crime Club at Oceanside High School organized the event to engage the community while showcasing the students’ passion for solving mysteries and exploring true crime cases.

An escape room, also known as an escape game, is a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles and riddles using clues and strategy to complete objectives and “escape” from a locked room or scenario within a set time limit. Escape rooms typically involve immersive storylines and themed settings that add to the overall experience. The idea for the escape room emerged during a brainstorming session between Oceanside student Aleena Zeejah, president of the True Crime club, and Gabriella Trinchetta, the Oceanside Library teen librarian.

“We collectively decided that that was a great idea and that would be a huge event for our club,” Zeejah said. Since this club is fairly new we haven’t had any big community events so we thought it was a really good idea and we were working very closely with Gabriel-

la and Ms.Caponegro to come up with all the clues that we came up with and I think everyone really enjoyed it.”

Over several weeks, club members, along with club advisor and English teacher, Zoe Caponegro collaborated to design and create the escape room experience. Meetings were held regularly to brainstorm ideas, craft clues, and design the layout of the escape room, utilizing resources provided by the library and the breakout EDU kits. The club transformed the Oceanside library into an immersive setting filled with clues and challenges.

“It was really fun and we all bounced off each other,” Caponegro said. “Gabriella gave us all the resources. She gave us newspapers and guidebooks and old books the library didn’t use anymore. They were all there to support the experience when the kids actually did the escape room too, which was really nice to see.”

The escape room event,drew participation from both club members and other teens from the community. Participants worked together to decipher clues, unlock locks, and ultimately escape the room within the allotted

time frame. In addition to the escape room event, the True Crime club engages in various activities during their weekly meetings, including discussions on true crime cases, mock trials, quizzes, and fundraisers such as bake sales and candy grams. The club provides a platform for students to explore their interests in criminal justice, profiling, and law terms.

The club’s dedication to creating engaging and educational experiences for its members and the community underscores the importance of fostering curiosity and learning beyond the classroom.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Trinchetta says there are plans for future after-hours programming at the library, possibly even after the library’s reopening in its newly renovated space. The True Crime club members also expressed their eagerness to organize more events, potentially including another escape room experience in the future.

“I thought everybody in the club did a really awesome job of putting all the clues and the locks together. It was honestly really impressive to see their creativity and their dedication to putting this event together,” Trinchetta said. “Some of the younger teens that wanted to participate asked if we would do this again on a Friday night or even a Saturday night in the future.”

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.

Oceanside rolls through the decades

The Oceanside Annual Roller Skating Show celebrated its 59th year in style this past weekend. The annual show, which was a team effort between the Department of Community Activities, the Oceanside School District and the Kiwanis Club of Oceanside, is a staple in the Oceanside community. This year

the event, which featured students from four years old to teens, had a retro theme and the kids dazzled the audience with their roller skating skills and colorful attire.

— Kepherd Daniel

Daniel Tommasino/Herald

Lily Pena ,7, on far right, led the way to as the young Oceanside students rolled through an impressive performance in the 59th annual Oceanside roller skating show.

The roller-skating instructors congratulated students for their talented performance.

Oceanside students were proud of the hard work they put in to make the weekend a success.

The students were met with a positive reception from the Oceanside crowd.

Young Oceanside students dazzled the crown with their roller skating skills.

LIPA fallout could mean more library taxes

the School District and then be transmitted to the Library. The School District is presently withholding those monies.”

In a letter sent to parents in February, the school district hinted that its expected loss of roughly $118,000 in state aid in the governor’s proposed budget could be partially to blame for withholding funds to the library.

“For our small District, this loss in aid exacerbates an already challenging financial situation,” Island Park Superintendent Vincent Randazzo said in the letter. “The aftermath of the LIPA/Nassau County Tax Certiorari Settlement with respect to the E.F. Barrett Power Plant has resulted in a substantial loss of revenue. This, coupled with a proposed loss in state aid, poses a threat to the quality of education our students receive and jeopardizes the ability of our school district to maintain essential programs and services.

“I, along with our entire Board of

placing even more of a financial strain on Island Park residents, officials said.

The average home in Island Park pays about $350 in library taxes per year.

“The Island Park Public Library has been placed in the unfortunate position of considering a significant tax increase to its budget, which would impact taxpayers through our school district collected tax levy,” library offi -

Residents, including Richard Schurin, president of the Island Park Civic Association, expressed concerns about

ment agreement.

“It’s upsetting to me, it’s like a family squabble,” he said. “The library director was with us all along. Somebody screwed up and didn’t include the little particular language that was promised, and as a result, the library is now in big trouble because they were counting on that money.”

Schurin urged the county to rectify the agreement’s language and called for the school district to acknowledge responsibility in allocating the funds to the library.

“It doesn’t cost the county any

urin, whose decade-long involvement in community affairs includes actively engaging with the school district and the library on issues involving LIPA. “They can call up LIPA and say, ‘we forgot to indicate that a portion of the money that you’re paying goes to the library. Here’s an amendment, please sign off on it.’”

The library is facing rising operating costs, such as health insurance and state retirement contributions, which is projected to increase by $25,000.

In addition, the library is staring at mounting building maintenance expenses.

Complicating matters is the disagreement over who’s responsible for maintaining the library building. While the library sees itself as a tenant not responsible for repairs, library officials claim the school district expects the library to cover major expenses such as roof repairs.

“The school district owns the buildings, not the library,” Schurin said. “Another way that this can be resolved is if the school district agrees to make all the repairs instead of the library. What’s going to happen is the library is going to introduce its budget in a few weeks, and they’re going to ask for an increase in the budget to make up for the shortfall. It’s not going to be fixed. The county screwed up, and the school

Herald File Photo

The Island Park Library may have to go to residents for funds needed for building repairs.

Heart association, Anthem trains lifesavers

The Elevance Health Foundation worked with both the American Heart Association and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield recently to train neighbors in Nassau County with hands-only CPR.

“Most people feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency because they don’t know how to perform CPR, or they may be afraid,” said Wendy Dominguez, community outreach manager for Anthem, in a release. “But the training and education provided can help people acquire a comfort level and confidence with performing CPR, which may make the difference for someone they know or love.”

Hands-only CPR has two steps: When you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, dial 911. After that, push hard and fast in the center of their chest — to a rhythm of about 100 to 120 beats per minute — until help arrives.

Elevance, Anthem and the heart association delivered more than twodozen kits to their community service center on Fulton Avenue in Hempstead. Each kit included a mannequin and instructional video to practice compression skills.

Joining in the training included the Nassau County Office of Hispanic

Affairs, Hispanic Counseling Services, Betty’s Breast Cancer Foundation, Circulo de la Hispanidad, and Family First Community Center.

More than 350,000 cardia arrests occur outside of the hospital each year in the United States, and some 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests due, according to the heart association.

CPR — especially if performed immediately — could double or triple a person’s chance of survival. Yet, less than half of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims receive CPR from a bystander.

“With about 70 percent of cardiac arrests occurring at home, a person will likely be trying to save the life of someone they know and live if they’re called on to perform hands-only CPR,” said Lidi Flores, a community relations representative for Anthem. “The American Heart Association urges the public to get trained in CPR because we need more lifesavers in our communities to be prepared to take action if they see a person suffer a cardiac emergency.”

TO learn more about the Nation of Lifesavers initiative as well as handsonly CPR, visit Heart.org/nation.

Oceanside students help out with mental health project

Oceanside High School students studying College Psychology have been working all year long to create tools that support mental health and wellness for teens. Now, their plans and ideas are coming to fruition.

Among their projects are a time management workshop, a stress reducing tool kit, and a teen-friendly “stress first aid” infographic that reminds users of key steps in helping themselves and others manage stress. Guiding the students’ work are their teacher, Lori Patton, Wellness Center Coordinator and OHS School Psychologist, Dr. Nina Weisenreder, and members of the Northwell Health STRYDD Center, which has partnered with the school district.

Additional help is coming from Oceanside Middle School students in the App Creation course, taught by Kimberly Epps. The app creation students were given the mission of developing apps that would support the high school students’ goals. The eight graders presented their rough draft apps and sought feedback. An additional group of students from the college introduction to computer science course also attended and offered advice to the middle schoolers.

Both groups will meet again in May for a celebratory event showcasing the work of all of the students.

— Kepherd Daniel

Courtesy Oceanside School District Neesan from the middle school’ app creation class presents his draft app to high school students. The project supports mental well being.

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

Grocery Shopping, Personal Correspondence. Reliable, Responsible, Caring. Please Call 516-775-5578

To Meet And Interview

COMPANION AVAILABLE : Care For The Elderly. Own Car. Live-in/ Out. $20+/ Hr. References. Yvonne 516-417-4411

SANTA CRUZ SERAG Caregivers Provide The Best Male/ Female Caregivers In America. Certified HHA's, Professional. Experts In Dementia, Alzheimers, Parkinsons Cases. Live-in/Out. Gertrude 347-444-0960

Professional Websites Designer, Hosting, Domain Registration, Website Teaching, Periodic Websites Updates, Tech Support, Images, Brochures, Data Processing, Custom Crystal Reports, ChatGpt Email Setup, Construction AIA Requisitions, Construction Project Schedules. 516-236-4045 chinnababureddy@hotmail.com

HEWLETT: BA 1267 Peninsula Blvd, 5

CEDARHURST BA. 332B Peninsula Blvd, Move Right Into This Updated 3 Br, 2.5 Bth Coop Townhouse. LR, DR, Gran/Wood Kit w/ Stainless Steel Appl. Trex Deck Off LR.Primary Ste Features Updtd Bth & WIC. Att Gar Plus 1 Pkg Spot incl in Maintenance. W/D.Pull Down Attic.SD#15. Convenient to Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship...$449,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

EAST ROCKAWAY BA 62 Bulaire Rd, , NEW TO MARKET! Move Right Into This 4 BR, 2.5 Bth Exp Ranch in Waverly Park Area of SD#20(Lynbrook). Open Floor Plan. LR w/Fpl, DR, Gran/Wood EIK Plus Family Rm w/ Vaulted Ceiling. Upper Level Has Huge Skylit Recreation Rm, BR, Bth & W/D. Beautifully Lanscaped Oversized Prop W/ Trex Deck for Entertaining. Multi Car Drvewy...$899,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 515-238-4299

HEWLETT BA, 1534 Broadway #213,.! Move Right Into This 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall

HEWLETT BAY PARK: BA 190 Meadowview Ave, , Ever Dream of Living in A Castle? This 8000 Sq Ft Mansion is Full of Character. Amazing Architectural Details, Soaring Ceilings, Stained Glass Windows. 5 BR, 6.55 Bths. Sprawling 1.3 Acre Prop with IG Gunite Pool. SD#14.Near All. Must See This Unique Home!.REDUCED!!.$2,700,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas elliman 516-238-4299

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private En-

HEWLETT 1390 BROADWAY #117,

The challenge of a Supreme Court that isn’t supreme

As a lawyer, I have the greatest respect for the American court system. Our country is one of the few in the world whose courts are not used for political vendettas, as is the case in Russia. That system is manipulated by one man, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and there are countless cases in which he has punished his political enemies by using the judicial system.

JERRY KREMER

There is no question that some judges appointed to our courts have philosophical or personal views that color their decisions. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who is hearing the case involving former President Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents, has appeared to favor him on a number of occasions. Some judicial observers believe Cannon will find ways to stop Trump from being brought to justice before November’s election.

Many judges, including those appointed during Trump’s tenure, have

shut down multiple attempts to throw out the 2020 election results. Upward of 60 judges have overseen election fraud suits, and all of them have ruled against the team headed by former New York City Mayor Rudy Guliani. That gives me, and countless others, a degree of comfort.

Regrettably, that doesn’t apply to members of the U.S. Supreme Court, which of late has been dominated by a majority that is willing to bend its decisions to fit its philosophy. Our country has had some Supreme Court majorities that have approached most of their big cases with strong personal views, but in the end have chosen more moderate positions.

Will it prevent any prosecution of Donald Trump before the election?

During my lifetime, different Supreme Courts have been known as the Warren Court, the Burger Court, the Rehnquist Court. They get those label based on who the chief justice is, and whether the court is in fact guided by him. In the case of the current court, Chief Justice John Roberts has been unable, in most big cases, to steer the court to positions that fit his philosophy.

Because this court is so strongly guid-

Wed by its five ultra-conservative members, there is no doubt that the decisions it will make in some pending cases may have a strong impact on the November election. There are at least six cases yet to be decided that fit into that category. One, which will stir up the pro-choice movement, involves the legality of the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of the abortion drug mifepristone. Considering that more than half of the women in America who have abortions use pills, if that legalization is overturned, it will likely lead to nationwide protests.

Another case in that arena involves the legality of restraining orders that prohibit granting gun permits to people with a history of domestic violence. It is universally agreed that spouses should be protected from a spouse with a history of violent conduct. But this court is so wedded to protecting the Second Amendment that it’s likely that it could rule in favor of gun owners.

Another case involving guns is the challenge to an executive order by then President Trump that makes it illegal to add a “bump stock” to a gun that turns

it into a machine gun. That order came about as the result of a mass killing at a Las Vegas concert. If you took a national poll on this issue, an overwhelmingly majority would express their opposition to the use of bump stocks. But this is another case in which the court could side with gun rights.

One of the biggest cases the Supremes will soon decide is whether a former president is immune from prosecution for an alleged crime he committed when he was in office. A federal court has written a lengthy opinion denying such immunity, but the Supreme Court has taken the case to put its own imprint on this issue. Some court followers have conjectured that it did so to prevent any prosecution of Trump before the election.

People unfamiliar with the courts often aren’t aware of how much mischief a court can create. But sadly, the current highest court in the land has shown that it is anything but a “supreme” court.

Jerry Kremer was an Assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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,

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?

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.

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.

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-

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

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

With AI, we’re through the looking glass

In “Through the looking-Glass,” lewis Carroll’s sequel to “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” the author warns us to beware the Jabberwock. If he were writing today, he would probably warn us to be leery of artificial intelligence, with “jaws that bite” and “claws that catch.” The big difference is that AI has escaped the realm of fantasy.

aLan sInGer

The national Education Policy Center warns against the use of AI in schools. Its new report, “Time for a Pause: Without Effective Public oversight, AI in Schools Will Do More Harm Than Good,” examines the dangers of the increased use of AI in public schools.

The report reveals the hypocrisy of major tech companies like Google, Microsoft and Meta, which call for slowing the development of AI while regulations are developed, while at the same time trying to curtail government regulation and integrating AI into their programs. The nEPC believes that with public education being “essential to democratic civic life,” the “wholesale

adoption of unregulated AI applications in schools poses a grave danger to democratic civil society and to individual freedom and liberty.”

While advocates for AI “claim that it will transform teaching and learning for the better,” nEPC believes it is more likely that integrating AI into curriculum and pedagogy will have a negative effect on learning, as it “degrades the relationship between teachers and students,” and both are “forced to become involuntary test subjects in a giant experiment in automated instruction and administration that is sure to be rife with unintended consequences.”

sbecome enmeshed in routine school processes.”

tudents admit to using it for homework and at-home tests and quizzes.

The authors of the report warn that “integrating AI into schools’ administrative processes locks schools and districts into an expensive ‘stack’ of corporate tech systems” with the result that funds will not be available to support student learning. They suspect that AI “exacerbates violations of student privacy, increases surveillance, and further reduces the transparency and accountability of educational decision-making.” They believe that “in the absence of responsible development, proper evaluation, or regulatory oversight — untested, opaque AI models and applications will

Letters

in the world, 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.

The report included a series of recommendations. School leaders, it said, should pause in the adoption of AI applications pending legislation to ensure effective public oversight and control of its application in schools. In addition, federal and state policymakers should prohibit schools from adopting AI-based educational applications until appropriate regulatory structures are established. To achieve this, government authorities need to stop pressuring schools and school districts to produce reams of data, much of it unnecessary.

The nEPC wants state and district educational officials to establish independent review committees to ensure the quality of digital educational products used in schools, and allocate sufficient funds to “allow teachers to spend more time with their students.” Smaller class sizes will be much more effective than AI in improving student learning outcomes.

There is widespread debate on the impact artificial intelligence programs will have on education. As the use of online programs like ChatGPT expands, schools and teachers will have to figure

out strategies to address student use. According to one report in January 2023, almost 90 percent of students surveyed admitted that they were already using ChatGPT for homework assignments, and 48 percent confessed that they had used it to complete an at-home test or quiz.

Instructions on how to use ChatGPT and other AI programs to write assignments and not get caught are all over the Internet. I admit that if I were a high school student today, I would be using ChatGPT or other AI apps, especially for busy-work assignments.

For me as a teacher, the biggest problem with apps like ChatGPT is that they eliminate thinking. Teachers want students to gather evidence and evaluate it. ChatGPT does the thinking for you. All students have to do is slightly modify the text it provides and hand it in as their own work, a form of plagiarism that is hard to detect.

The nEPC report was written by ben Williamson, of the University of Edinburgh, and Alex Molnar and Faith boninger, of the University of Colorado boulder. The national Education Policy Center is housed in CU boulder’s School of Education.

Dr. Alan Singer is a professor of teaching, learning and technology and the director of social studies education programs at Hofstra University.

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 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

Framework by Tim Baker

An