Rockville Centre Herald 04-25-2024

Island’s cheesiest compete

Molloy celebrates inclusivity in the arts with Unity concert

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Artists of all abilities and backgrounds will take center stage on Friday at Molloy University’s Madison Theatre for the fifth annual Unity Through Diversity event, an evening dedicated to celebrating inclusivity and creativity in the arts.

Created by Diana Abourafeh, a music therapist with the university’s Rebecca Center for Music Therapy, the event is an exhilarating showcase of talent from the neurodivergent community.

“We always look forward to this event,” Abourafeh said, adding that this year also marks more than 20 years of service to the community by the Rebecca Center. “The

event continues to grow and be a platform for the neurodivergent community, as we feature neurodivergent-run businesses and vendors, artists, performers and hosts.”

Jeannine Perrin, administrative assistant for the center, offered a glimpse behind the scenes during last week’s dress rehearsals at some of the heartwarming performances being presented at this year’s concert.

“You just have to experience it for yourself,” Perrin said. “It’s good for your heart.”

What makes the event such a thrill for participants and audience members alike, she said, is how it gives neurodivergent artists a platform to express themselves through music, dance, poetry, self-advocacy,

Congressman secures funds for RVCPD

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito recently secured $5.4 million in federal funding for Long Island community projects — including $241,000 for the Village of Rockville Centre Police Department earmarked to purchase six new license plate readers that will assist in criminal investigations and securing arrests.

Tour region.”

D’Esposito, a former New York City police detective and former Hempstead town councilman, secured the funding for the Rockville Centre Police Department’s new equipment through the House appropriations committee in March.

he funding will be used to purchase six license

plate readers

“I am proud to have successfully secured this critical funding for important infrastructure projects that will benefit Fourth District neighbors in significant ways,” D’Esposito said in a release. “Enhancing community resiliency against flooding and providing first responders with the resources they need to safeguard the public are palpable ways the federal government can work with local partners to make life better for Long Islanders, and I am glad to have been able to facilitate this infusion of funds into

R ANDy DODD Police commissioner

Rockville Centre

Rockville Centre Police Commissioner Randy Dodd said that thanks to the vital funding provided by the congressman, the department will be able to add additional license plate readers on Merrick Road to assist with continued efforts to combat crime and preserve the quality of life for residents.

“The funding will be used to purchase six license plate readers that will be strategically positioned and provide realtime license plate recognition, aiding our police department in swift response to criminal activities and vehicle identification for investigative means.”

License plate readers are high-tech devices utilized by

Continued on page 18

Daniel Offner/Herald

Chris troiano, far left, bassist ian Kang, gabriela espinal-Santiago and Melanie Valls, of Lots o’ Stuff, and Robert Forman preparing for the fifth annual unity through diversity event at Molloy university’s Madison theatre.

Curran celebrates young leaders from RVC

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Assemblyman Brian Curran recently recognized a group of 19 young leaders in the district who made a positive difference in their communities — including Ella Burbige and Noah Feigenbaum of Rockville Centre.

“Young people are powerful. All throughout history, youth movements have had a tremendous impact on the way society thinks, acts and runs,” Curran said in a statement. “I want to encourage young people to be bold. Change the world. Don’t be afraid to be a part of something bigger. Young people are a powerful group, and with great power comes great responsibility. Use your powers to make our small planet a better place.”

Ella Burbige, a junior at South Side High School, is a role model for others, who exemplifies what it means to be a leader through her involvement with the schools and community. She is secretary of student government, a member of the National Honor Society and co-founder of the Public Health Club. Burbige is also the 11th grade president of the South Side DECA club, and a scholar-athlete with the South Side High School girls’ varsity basketball team. She said she was inspired to create the Heart and Sole Foundation, a student-

run nonprofit organization, following an incident in December 2022, when her friend, PJ Kellachan, suddenly collapsed during basketball practice. Thankfully, he was resuscitated by Chaminade High School’s coaching staff using CPR and an automated external defibrillator.

Through her efforts with the Heart and Sole Foundation, Brubige has promoted heart health by raising money for the purchase of life-saving AED devices.

Her organization also hosts free EKG screening events to provide student-athletes the opportunity to detect any abnormalities. These screenings have helped save young lives and emphasize the importance of knowing the risks of sudden cardiac arrest.

Noah Feigenbaum, a senior at South Side High School, is vice president of the senior class, president of the Mock Trial team, vice president of the National

Honor Society, and a varsity baseball player.

Outside of school, Feigenbaum has fostered a deep connection to Sunrise Day Camp, a free summer camp for pediatric oncology patients and their siblings. He has volunteered as a camp counselor for the last three years and participates in fundraising and yearround camp activities. One he is particularly proud of is “Smile 4 Sunrise” which he founded to help generate donations for the camp.

Feigenbaum used the high school woodshop to create and design over 100 wooden signs with the word “smile.” The signs were hand-painted by campers, counselors and Wood Design students. The project would help generate more than $,1000 in profit for Sunrise.

This past summer, he also interned at the public benefit company Vesta, a group which utilizes the natural processes of Coastal Carbon Capture to accelerate the removal of carbon dioxide while simultaneously strengthening our coastlines. His project was one of six with the South Side research program entered into the 2024 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest science and math competition.

Driven by his keen interest in mathematics and science, and his love and concern for the planet, Noah plans to study engineering in college this fall.

Courtesy Assemblyman Brian Curran Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray, left, joins Assemblyman Brian Curran, right, in honoring South Side High School young leaders Ella Burbige and Noah Feigenbaum for their contributions to the community.

Mac and Cheese Festival comes to RVC

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Hundreds of hungry Long Islanders gathered at the Tap Room in Rockville Centre on Saturday to take part in the cheesiest competition in New York.

The second annual New York Mac and Cheese Festival featured more than eight local restaurants and eating establishments going head-to-head in a battle for the best cheese dish.

Matt Kourie of the New York Best Wings Festival said that the inspiration came to him during one of their annual chicken wing competitions.

“I was like, man, you know, we’re dipping our wings in cheese,” Kourie said. “Everybody loves cheese. We got to do a cheese festival. So it just seemed like the thing to do and here we are at another great event with great people.”

The 44-year-old Oceanside native hosted the first-ever New York Mac and Cheese Festival last year at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh. He said his decision to switch the venue to Rockville Centre this year was a no brainer.

“In 2014, we did our very first wing festival,” he said. “Literally our whole legacy started here.”

Before becoming the Tap Room in 2021, the North Village Avenue mainstay was known as Cannon’s Blackthorn when the venue hosted the wing festival in 2014.

As fate would have it, Kourie would be back in RVC ten years later hosting the second annual New York Mac and Cheese Festival.

Hannah Mizrahi, the festival’s outreach coordinator, said that because of the impact that the pandemic had on the restaurant and hospitality industry, the company has been working to support local establishments across Long Island.

“We wanted to invigorate business on Long Island,” Mizrahi said, “especially here in Rockville Centre.”

During the competition, as hungry guests enjoyed sampling some of the tastiest, gooiest macaroni and cheese dishes around, three Long Island food influencers chose the top three picks for “Best Mac and Cheese of the Year.”

“It has to be creamy, but not too creamy,” said Bella Litrenta, a Long Island food influencer and one of the Mac and Cheese Festival judges. “And I don’t like bread crumbs on top.”

Will of Long Island Foodtastic said what he looks for is the texture. “It can’t be too mushy,” he said.

Smokin’ Stevie Ray’s BBQ won first prize for their smoked brisket macaroni and cheese dish. Created by brothers Steve and Dan, Stevie Ray’s is a food truck operation serving up traditional pit smoked barbecue across Long Island. Second prize went to the Tap Room and third prize went to Bluebird Kitchen in Bellemore.

Attendees also got the chance to participate in the judging as well, bestowing the People’s Choice Award to Smokin’ Stevie Ray’s BBQ. The winner of the best quest went to Moe’s Southwest Grill in Oceanside and the

of the best cheese dish went to Tepache Taste of Mexico in Valley Stream.

Kourie said that his next event, The New York Best Wings Festival, will take place on May 19 in Patchogue. For more information visit NYBestWingsFestival.com.

winner

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Nicole Cassidy and Samantha Wicks of Merrick enjoy sharing a bite.

Matt Kourie, founder and host of the annual New York Mac and Cheese Festival, serves as MC for the afternoon.

Olivier Francois of Fire and Smoke BBQ serves up a dish of mac and cheese to Shanta Best of the Bronx.

Lexi Martone of Blackthorn plates her dish with perfection.

Gina Braun with Tap Room in Rockville Centre serves up a piping hot sample of mac and cheese.

Steven Jones of Smokin’ Stevie Ray’s BBQ serves up some of their prizewinning brisket mac and cheese.

Parents or grandparents of a disabled child should leave assets in a Special Needs Trust, to avoid the child being disqualified from government benefits, such as SSI and Medicaid. These trusts, however, offer traps for the unwary. Since payments to the child will generally reduce their SSI payments dollar for dollar, trustees of such trusts should be advised to make payments directly to the providers of goods and services. Preserving SSI benefits is crucial since eligibility for SSI determines eligibility for Medicaid.

In other words, if SSI is lost the recipient also loses their Medicaid benefits. In addition, any benefits previously paid by Medicaid may be recovered. As such, one also has to be mindful of bequests from well-meaning grandparents. Similarly, if a sibling dies without a will, a share of their estate may go to the special needs brother or sister by law. The Special Needs Trust must be carefully drafted so that it only allows payments for any benefits over and above what the government provides.

There are two kinds of Special Needs Trusts – first party and third party. The first party trust is set up by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or court using the child’s own money, either through earnings, an inheritance that was left directly to them or, perhaps, a personal injury award. Recent changes in the law allow the special needs child to establish their own first party Special Needs Trust if they are legally competent to engage in contractual matters. These first party trusts require a “payback” provision, meaning that on the death of the child beneficiary, the trust must pay back the state for any government benefits received.

A third party trust is usually set up by a parent or grandparent, using their own money. Here, no “payback” provision is required because it was not the child’s own money that funded the trust and the parent or grandparent had no obligation to leave any assets to the child. On the death of the child beneficiary, the balance of the trust is paid out to named beneficiaries.

Crime watCh

LarCeny

Residents of Strathmore Lane, Brower Avenue and Raymond Street reported on April 17 that someone stole the catalytic converter from their vehicles.

CriminaL misChief

A motorist reported on April 12 a male and female kicked and struck her vehicle causing damage to her passenger side mirror.

A DPW employee reported on April 15 that three light poles were damaged and knocked over at Tighe Field.

A resident of Buckminster Road reported on April 19 someone threw a rock through the front window of her home causing it to break.

trespass

A resident of Fonda Road reported on April 13 his vehicle was entered by an unknown male, who fled in a black BMW eastbound on Fonda Road.

Leaving the sCene of an aCCident

A pedestrian was struck by a grey four door Honda Civic on April 13, which was driven by a female who fled the scene without filing a report. The pedestrian was transported to Mount Sinai South Nassau for treatment.

A motorist reported on April 15 her vehicle was struck by another vehicle which fled the scene while traveling northbound on Peninsula Boulevard.

A NICE Bus employee reported on April 15 his bus was struck by an unknown white vehicle, which reversed and fled the scene.

outside JurisdiCtion

graffiti

A DPW employee reported on April 15 spotting graffiti in the new bathroom at the Recreation Center soccer field.

arrest

Hinmer Carranza-Moreno, 30, of Beach 22nd Street in Far Rockaway, Queens, was arrested on April 11. He was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and other vehicle and traffic law offenses following an investigation on Sunrise Highway.

Marquis Whitmore, 38, of Duryea Place in Lynbrook was arrested on April 11. He was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle following a police investigation.

Steve Figueroa, 35, of Linden Street in Massapequa Park was arrested on April 12. He was charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated and other vehicle and traffic law offense after an investigation on DeMott Avenue.

unusuaL inCident

A resident of Lenox Road reported on April 12, someone fraudulently used her personal information to open a small business loan in her name without her permission.

A resident of Greystone Road reported on April 16, she was the victim of a bank wire transfer scam.

A resident of Maple Avenue reported on April 16, a home depot credit card account was opened using his personal information.

A resident of Park Avenue reported on April 17, someone altered and cashed checks from her bank account.

An employee of Senior Care reported on April 15 that her ambulance was hit on the passenger side door with an object causing damage while getting on the entrance ramp of the Southern State Parkway.

A resident of Marlborough Court reported on April 17, someone altered and cashed check from his bank account.

A resident of Hendrickson Avenue reported on April 20, a Discover home loan was opened up using her personal information.

suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETE

CHARLOTTE RATHJEN

South Side

Junior Lacrosse

AN ALL-AMERICAN HONORABLE MENTION in 2023 and team MVP after scoring 44 goals and assisting on 16 others, Rathjen reached a milestone earlier this month in the Cyclones’ 14-11 victory at North Shore. She had six goals and one assist in the April 11 win, including the 100th point of her career. She has 26 goals thus far this spring to rank among the leaders in Nassau County and is a University of North Carolina commit.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, April 25

Softball: Freeport at Elmont 10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Baldwin at Freeport 10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Kennedy at Baldwin 10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Calhoun at Lynbrook 10 a.m.

Softball: Uniondale at Hewlett 10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: North Shore at Kennedy 11 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Carey at Mepham 1 p.m.

Baseball: West Hemp at East Rockaway 4:30 p.m.

Baseball: Oyster Bay at V.S. North 5 p.m.

Baseball: Long Beach at MacArthur 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Plainview at V.S. District 5 p.m.

Friday, April 26

Softball: V.S. South at Hewlett 10 a.m.

Softball: Clarke at Wantagh 10 a.m.

Softball: East Meadow at Mepham 10 a.m.

Softball: Oceanside at Syosset 10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Clarke at Carey 10 a.m.

Baseball: Baldwin at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 27

Girls Lacrosse: Calhoun at South Side 9 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Hewlett at North Shore 12:30 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Seaford at Massapequa 1 p.m.

Nominate a ‘Spotlight Athlete’

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

South Side (10-1) maintains focus

By GARRETT D. URIBE sports@liherald.com

When a team finds itself dominating a new conference called the Power League –a group of nine boys’ lacrosse powerhouses separated out and pitted against each other so as to increase the parity in Nassau – swagger is to be expected, while complacency could be a pitfall.

South Side, Nassau Power League’s leader at 8-1 (10-1 overall), seems to have sidestepped either of these consequences, dismantling top foes and settling decadesold scores in matter-of-fact fashion – a steamroller on cruise control, its drivers focused solely on the road. And with less and less need to check the rearview.

“Our goals are still in front of us; we have to stay hungry,” said South Side coach Steve DiPietro, whose players also have said they are wary of overconfidence. “This team believes it can go far, but we have to take care of business.”

Aside from a single quarter of play –the fourth period at Wantagh which saw the Cyclones blanked while allowing four goals, leading to the team’s lone setback, 15-11, on April 10 – there’s been little sign of South Side taking its foot off the gas.

Paced by attackman Michael Aiello’s team-leading 44 points – ranked fourth in Power League – on 26 goals and 18 assists, and midfielder Owen West’s 25 goals and eight assists, South Side’s offense ranks first in the league scoring 12.81 goals per game.

With his third hat trick in as many games, sole non-senior starter Cullen Lynch, a junior, reached 20 tallies during South Side’s 13-4 victory over Carey on Monday, tying fellow midfielder Cole DiPietro (18 goals, 12 assists) for third on the team with 30 points.

“One of our focuses has been to have a lot of offensive balance,” DiPietro said. “Also, our veteran leadership has been tremendous. It’s really helped us from the start, especially through the early part of the schedule.”

After downing Power League rival Cold Spring Harbor to end March, snapping a winless streak against the reigning repeat state Class D champion dating to 2007,

South Side opened April with a 7-4 league win against defending state two-time Class B champion Garden City, quenching a drought that had lasted since 2006. Yet another streak was ended April 19, as South Side sent nonleague foe Somers to its first defeat after the Tuskers of Lincolndale had opened 8-0.

A longstanding run that hasn’t seen an end is that of elite seasons turned in by Michael Melkonian – an Honorable Mention All-American last year. The South Side midfielder’s 164 faceoff wins rank second in Nassau, while his 107 ground balls rank fourth.

Behind stout work from defenseman Patrick Mullin and Chris Diez, South Side goalkeeper Michael Muscarella has quieted doubters. The first-year starter had 13 saves in the Cyclones’ 7-4 win at Garden City, the 17-year-drought-ending victory April 4 that DiPietro said was his team’s most impressive.

“[Garden City is] such a historic program,” DiPietro said. “Our goalie outplayed theirs. That win gave our kids a belief we’re capable of doing something special.”

Added DiPietro: “We’re know we’re not finished, though. There’s still work to do.”

Michelle Ebel/Herald Twenty-five goal scorer Owen West, left, is part of a prolific Cyclones’ offense that leads Nassau’s top conference at 12.8 goals per game.

Raise on horizon for pre-K special ed. providers

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

A sector of special education services for young children has been severely underfunded for 25 years, according to some lawmakers — but that could soon change.

Nassau County officials propose giving those early childhood intervention service providers a raise, potentially elevating compensation from $40 per halfhour to $50.

The increase will affect providers who officer critical preschool services — like speech, occupational and physical therapy — to children between 3 and 5 with special needs as they get ready for kindergarten.

“We have many people who require services here,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said of contractual preschool special education services. “It provides preschool services to children throughout Nassau County.”

Joined at a recent news conference with Republican county leaders like Michael Giangregorio, Samantha Goetz and Mazi Pilip, as well as dozens of educators and parents of children with special needs, Blakeman described the county’s compensation for such providers as “below the average.”

Giangregorio brought this issue to light, the county executive said. He’s long been an advocate for children and adults with special needs, and says the county has had a hard time retaining therapists because compensation simply was not competitive to what was being offered in surrounding regions.

“We checked with our budget office and we made a determination that we could increase” the compensation, Blakeman said.

Giangregorio, who’s district represents parts of

Nassau County intends to raise compensation for special educational preschool service providers — the first of its kind in 25 years. Legislator Michael Giangregorio, a longtime advocate for

Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh and Seaford, said he was honored to stand with Blakeman for this “monumental decision that reflects our unwavering commitment to early childhood education.” Especially as a father of someone with autism.

“My son is now 23, so the last time he received (preK special education) services was quite a while ago, and there has not been a raise since he’s been in the

system,” Giangregorio said. “Back then, it was difficult to find providers. These people that come into your homes, or that work in agencies — they’re really doing God’s work. They’re helping to improve the lives of these individuals.”

The earlier a child receives services, Giangregorio said, the better the outcome.

“My child will be an adult longer than he’s a child,” the county legislator said. “The costs are always more when you’re an adult. For far too long, the wages of these early intervention educators and therapists have not reflected the true value of their work.”

Dr. Irina Gelman, the county’s health commissioner, explained her office has to go before the county’s health board to propose the raise.

“We are very grateful for this opportunity to bring this forward in front of our board,” she said. “We’re very hopeful they will adopt this new rate, which will be instrumental in providing services to our children, our families, and adequately reimburse our providers. These are rates for preschool related services that have not been raised since 1999 — so it’s long overdue.”

But Democrats in the county legislature say the need for raises has not been a secret. Siela Bynoe, for instance, says she has advocated for preschool special education funding for nearly a decade — especially so in the last few months.

“While I am glad that the county executive has heeded the advocacy of practitioners and the Democratic minority by taking this first step, much more must still be done to repair the damage caused by three decades of stagnation,” she said. “Moving forward, the county must raise awareness about the availability of these resources, and remain vigilant so that we can never again find ourselves paying the lowest rates in New York for these critical services.”

Jordan Vallone/Herald

the autism community, leads the effort.

Event celebrates inclusivity and creativity

Continued from page 1

storytelling and visual artistry.

“It gives them an opportunity that the rest of the world doesn’t yet,” Perrin said.

Mike Kelliher, another music therapist at the center, has taken part in the Unity Through Diversity event since it began in 2017.

“We started picking stuff out in January,” Kelliher said, reflecting on the months of preparation that went into this year’s concert.

Kelliher, who has spent the past decade helping neurodivergent people harness the power of music to express themselves, emphasized the joy of performing alongside them. “Being up there and rocking with them,” he said, is what he enjoys most about the event.

To kick off the evening, an artists’ reception and exhibition at Molloy’s Public Square will showcase submissions from organizations including the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, the Nicholas Center, the Backyard Players and Friends, and Lots O’ Stuff, as well as the Rebecca Center community.

After the reception, attendees will be treated to a live musical performance in the Madison Theatre. The concert will open with a performance of Stevie Wonder’s “Sir Duke,” featuring Molloy President Jim Lentini and its vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, Donald “DJ” Mitchell Jr., along with participants from the MOST program, the Rebecca Center and Bach to Rock.

Christopher Troiano will perform the Beatles’ “Come Together.” Music has been a constant outlet for Troiano who has been coming to the Rebecca Center since he was 5. Although he has severe autism and is mostly non-verbal, he was referred to the center after his former music teacher noticed that he had absolute pitch.

of the clubs and organizations

curtain call.

Eliza Stoehrer, a Molloy senior and an intern at the Rebecca Center, will accompany Troiano and others on guitar. Stoehrer said that what she appreciates most about the Unity Through Diversity concert is collaborating with a diverse group of people that she wouldn’t typically have the chance to work with.

“It all comes out in the music and the art,” she said.

Stoehrer said she is particularly excited about performing “Sir Duke,” a song she learned five years ago and which continues to be dear to her heart. Joining her on stage will be Kelliher on piano, Charles Powell on drums and Ian Kang on bass guitar.

The Rebecca Center, on Molloy’s main campus in Rockville Centre, serves as a clinic that uses interac-

tive music therapy to facilitate communication and social interaction for those with developmental challenges. The center operates as a nonprofit, providing clinical services, training, education and research opportunities to people of all ages.

All proceeds from the Unity Through Diversity event will support the Rebecca Center Client Scholarship Fund, which ensures access to music therapy services for those in need. To learn more about the scholarship fund and the programs offered at the center, visit TheRebeccaCenter.org. Tickets for Unity Through Diversity are still available for $25 at the box office. For more information, go to MadisonTheatreNY.org or call (516)-323-4444.

Daniel Offner/Herald following the performance, all

that had a hand in this year’s production gather on stage for a final

Eagle Sponsors

• Terri & Steven Gold

• Haugland Group

• Orkin Termite & Pest Control Commercial Services

• Steel Equities, Inc.

Birdie Sponsors

• Christine & Larry Ferazani

• Flagstar Bank, N.A.

• L.E.B. Electric Ltd.

• NGL Group, LLC

• Park Strategies, LLC

• Sloane & Walsh

• The Central Orthopedics Group, LLP

Par Sponsors

• Elayne & Je rey Frisch

• Parking Systems

Premier Sponsors

• a4media

• Aaronson Rappaport Feinstein & Deutsch, LLP

• Caduceus

• Celebrity Moving

• Champion Cutting Tools

• Cibellis Contracting, Inc.

• Clyde Construction Engineering, Inc.

• E.W. Howell

• Harris Beach PLLC

• Nancy Koopersmith

• Lizardos Engineering Associates PC

• Mount Sinai South Nassau Medical Sta

• NSPC Brain & Spine Surgery

• Wendy Ponte

• Richmond County Ambulance

• ROCA Management

• Ellen & George Schieren

• SDM Metro

• TD Bank

• Tom Von Essen

• Western Specialty Contractors

Honors Sponsors

• Aetna

• AKF Group

• Anron Air Systems, Inc.

• Axis Construction

• Diane & Dave Bonagura

• Bert Brodsky

• Consigli Construction Co. Inc.

• Guardian Bus Co.

• HiLume Corp.

• Illuminado Partners

• JVR Electric, Inc.

• Med-Metrix, LLC

• Merrill Lynch Nastasi-Silver Group

• Mount Sinai Heart at Mount Sinai South Nassau

• Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

• Premier Mechanical Services

• Reese Bros, Inc.

• Rivkin Radler, LLP

• Robbins & Cowan, Inc.

• Shaub Ahmuty Citrin & Spratt

• The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Champions Sponsors

• AceJan Capital LLC

• Beach Terrace & Oceanside Care Centers

• CDW-G Healthcare

• C&G Cleaning Solutions

• DOPF, PC

• Gordon L. Seaman, Inc.

• Group PMX, LLC

• Jamaica Ash

• Meadowbrook Care Center

• P.W. Grosser Consulting

• The PAR Group

• The Grand Rehabilitation & Nursing at South Point

• Unitex & Med Apparel

Rockville Links Foursome Sponsors

• Clinical Delivery Systems, Inc.

• John & Laura Curran

• Christine & Larry Ferazani

• First Nationwide Title

• K&S Restoration

• Molloy University

• POM Recoveries, Inc.

• Senior Care Emergency Medical Services

Golfer Gift Underwriters

• Mount Sinai South Nassau Medical Sta

• The Dover Group

• Je rey Greenfield

Golf Carts Underwriters

• B2K Development

• Long Beach Nursing & Rehabilitation

• Parking Systems

Photography Underwriter

• Richner Communications, Inc.

Three Courses: The Seawane Club, The Rockaway Hunting Club, and The Rockville Links Club

To buy tickets online or to donate, visit southnassaulifesaver.org or call 516 377-5360

All proceeds to benefit Mount Sinai South Nassau and the special needs of our cancer patients.

Golf Balls Underwriter

• Axis Construction Beverage Cart Underwriters

• Balder Family

• Lewis Johs Avallone Aviles, LLP

• RMB Drafting Services & Electrical Inspectors

• Rubin Paterniti Gonzalez Rizzo & Kaufman

Caddies Underwriter

• Parking Systems Driving Range Underwriters

•

Girl Scouts learn finance at Reality Fair

Molloy University plays host to GSNC’s interactive financial literacy event

By ABIGAIL GRIECO Herald Intern

The Girl Scouts of Nassau County really do mean business. To help empower young scouts, the organization hosted a Reality Fair at Molloy University in Rockville Centre on April 13, focused on financial literacy.

The Reality Fair, hosted by the Girl Leadership Committee, was designed to empower Girl Scouts to take control of their financial futures and make informed decisions, preparing them for success as they grow into adulthood.

It was an interactive event that provided participating Girl Scouts the opportunity to learn practical financial management skills and how to apply them to real-world scenarios in a realistic simulation.

Through a variety of engaging activities the girls learned about the five essential principles of financial literacy — earning, saving/investing, protecting, spending, and borrowing — as well as budgeting, bank account management, obtaining loans, and managing debt.

More than 20 different Girl Scouts from Nassau County actively participated in financial simulations and decision-making exercises, experiencing what it is like to open a bank account, making decisions about how to spend their money wisely, obtaining a loan, and the importance of effectively managing debt.

One of the key benefits of the Reality Fair, was how it empowered girls to be proactive about their financial wellbeing. By gaining practical experience and knowledge in the financial field, the Girl Scouts came out of the fair feeling more confident about making financial decisions in the future.

Only 17 states in the country require financial education to graduate high school, as of March 2023. The majority of these only have access to it as an elective course.

In the other 33 states, which do not require a personal finance course, only one in ten high school students will take a finance course before graduating.

In New York, specifically, 44.8 percent of students have access to one semester of financial courses as an elective, while 49.4 percent of students have access to financial literacy embedded in other courses for less than one semester.

Due to the lack of financial education required by the state, the Girl Scouts of Nassau County took the initiative to promote these practical skills among young girls by providing them with the necessary tools to navigate their own finances. The Reality Fair not only equipped participants with essential life skills but also instilled a sense of empowerment and self-reliance as participants begin to navigate the complexities of the adult world.

Financial literacy is a crucial aspect of personal development, and the Girl

Girl Scouts learn about practical financial management skills and how to apply them to real-world scenarios with representatives of The Ressa Group.

Scouts of Nassau County are committed to providing girls with the tools and resources that are needed for success.

The Reality Fair represented a valuable opportunity for Girl Scouts to learn, grow, and become more confident in their abilities to manage their finances responsibly.

Photos courtesy Girl Scouts of Nassau County Girl Scouts across Nassau County actively participated in series of activities focused around financial literacy.

Rande Bynum, chief executive officer of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, participates in the Reality Fair.

Cadettes from Troop 2168 participate in the Reality Fair at Molloy University in Rockville Centre.

Girl Scouts across Nassau County actively participated in series of activities focused around financial literacy.

Budget includes $90M local media tax credit

Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature unveiled the final state budget over the weekend, which included a payroll tax credit for local news outlets, modeled on the Local Journalism Sustainability Act.

With the passage of this bill, New York is now the first state in the nation to incentivize hiring and retaining local journalists.

What’s being described as a game-changer for the local news industry comes just months after the launch of the Empire State Local News Coalition, an unprecedented, grassroots campaign powered by more than 200 community newspapers across the state.

“I’m elated that our first-in-the-nation Local Journalism Sustainability Act is passing in the state budget,” said state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal — the senate bill sponsor — in a release. “A thriving local news industry is vital to the health of our democracy, and it’s our responsibility to help ensure New Yorkers have access to independent and community-focused journalism. Our efforts will help ensure that our democracy will not die in darkness.”

The program — $30 million per year for three years — allows each eligible newspaper and broadcast business to receive a 50 percent refundable tax credit against the first $50,000 of an employee’s salary, up to a total of $300,000 per business.

The budget will allocate the first $4 million to incentivize print and broadcast businesses to hire new journalists. The remaining $26 million will be split evenly between businesses with fewer than 100 employees and those with more than 100 employees, ensuring that hyperlocal, independent news organizations have a fair shot at access to these funds.

After stalling for years, the Local Journalism Sus-

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages joins lawmakers and supporters like Assemblyman David Weprin, at left, and state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, at right, last month to call on her colleagues to support the Local Journalism Sustainability Act. A version of this measure was included in the final state budget approved this past weekend by Gov. Kathy Hochul and lawmakers.

tainability Act catapulted into a top legislative priority this session following the early-2024 founding of the Empire State Local News Coalition and the coalition’s mobilization of support from hundreds of New York hometown papers, as well as a broad range of stakeholders from around the country, including the Rebuild Local News Coalition, Microsoft, and El Diario. Organized labor including NYS AFL-CIO, CWA District 1, and national and local news guilds also played a criti-

cal role in mobilizing support for this historic bill.

“The Empire State Local News Coalition is thrilled by the state budget’s inclusion of a payroll tax credit for local news outlets modeled on the Local Journalism Sustainability Act,” said Zachary Richner — founder of the Empire State Local News Coalition, and a director at Richner Communications, the parent organization of Herald Community Newspapers.

“New York is now the first state in the nation to incentivize hiring and retaining local journalists — a critical investment given that hundreds of New York’s newspapers have closed since 2004, leaving too many New York communities without access to vital local information.

“The objectivity of this credit shows that there is a fair way for public policy to support local news without jeopardizing journalistic integrity. This program is a model for other states across the U.S. to follow as communities across the country raise their voices to save local news.”

Richner said he was “incredibly proud” of the 200 newspapers that built an unprecedented grassroots movement in support of saving New York’s local news industry in a few short months. He also extended gratitude to Hoylman-Sigal, “whose tireless advocacy for this tax credit was instrumental in moving it through the legislative process.”

Since launching in February, the coalition has quickly mobilized stakeholders across the state to rally behind the bill.

New York’s leadership on this issue could change the course of local journalism in the United States, organizers say. The budget’s inclusion of this tax credit comes at a watershed moment for the journalism industry: New York state has experienced hundreds of newspaper closures in the past few decades.

Courtesy Empire State Local News Coalition

Learning proper baseball skills, early on Cor N eri N g the market

Now entering its fourth summer, Beach Baseball Camp has already been named one of the top sports camps by the Long Island Choice Awards. During the first two weeks in July, young sports enthusiasts are taught the correct skills and fundamentals of baseball. This ensures that safe and proper habits are formed early on, and will last a lifetime.

Campers can attend for one week or two. Groups are small and ageappropriate — grades 3 to 5, and grades 6 to 8. Boys play baseball, and for girls, softball is available. Camp days, which run from 9am to 2pm, start with warming up, stretching and throwing. Skill drills are rotated — hitting, pitching, running, throwing, fielding, catching — along with instructional games, scrimmages and competitions. Guest speakers are brought in to

address the importance of the positive mental approach to baseball. The goal is to share the love of baseball and to have fun. Campers bring their own equipment. Lunch takes place in an air-conditioned building.

Founder of Beach Baseball Camp is Eric Krywe, a teacher at Long Beach High School for over two decades. He played college baseball, and has coached at middle and high school levels. His wife, Vanessa, runs the administration aspect of the camp, making this is a family business. Their two sons, ages 11 and 12, share their passion for baseball and are active in the Little League. All coaches and instructors are highly experienced,

have specialties, and are collegiate level or pro athletes.

Hitting Coach, Blake Malizia, was honored “Coach of the Year” in 2022. Infield Coach, Steve Scafa, played in in the D1 College World Series with St. John’s University, and was drafted by the NY Yankees as a second baseman. Hudson Georges, Running Instructor, ran college track and coached in High School for 23 years. Catching Coach, Justin Rodriquez, played college baseball, his team reaching Regional Championship. Pitching Coaches, Christopher Bory and Andrew Lavelle, both played college baseball and more. Shannon Horgan, Running Instructor, played soccer on

the U-19 Women’s US National Team, and the U-30 World Cup Qualifying Championship team. The camp’s Athletic Trainer, Davis Tobia, has worked in physical therapy, and as a trainer for the Jr. NBA basketball tournament and Empire State games.

Days at Beach Baseball Camp, which is situated at the Long Beach High School baseball facility, take place in all weather. Should it rain, they play inside. Campers are required to bring both cleats and sneakers. Their website —BeachBaseballCamp.com — features complete staff profiles, videos, registration forms, prices and even Early Bird discounts.

Beach Baseball Camp

Located at the Long Beach High School Baseball Facility (516) 548-1001 BeachBaseballCamp.com

STEPPING OUT

Enrico Fagone, the Long Island Concert Orchestra’s music director and conductor, was nominated for a 2023 Grammy award. He’s been defined by the classical music press as one of today’s most promising conductors at the international level.

CONNECTION THROUGH

Symphony of Hope Benefit Concert inspires unity across the world

By Danielle Schwab

Art connects us beyond divides.

That’s how Bernie Furshpan, marketing director and board member of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, puts it when discussing the Long Island Concert Orchestra’s upcoming Symphony of Hope Concert at Tilles Center.

While the music is, of course, at the heart of this benefit performance, the evening is so much more than a concert. The aim is to support two vital organizations: Long Island’s Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, and the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance.

“When it comes to art, I think people in general agree that it’s something very healing and it brings people together,” Furshpan says. “It’s a wonderful connector for people.”

Proceeds from the May 2 event benefit both organizations.

The concert includes special guests from the Israeli arts school, which is currently facing a funding crisis due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Two students — one Israeli and one Palestinian — take part, sending a powerful message of unity through music. Michael Klinghoffer — Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance’s president — also participates, further emphasizing the importance of this benefit concert.

“This spectacular event is a golden opportunity for community members to support these organizations,” says David Winkler, the orchestra’s executive director and composer-in-residence. “By attending the concert, our community will not just enjoy an evening of incredible music, but will be helping JAMD and HMTC continue their essential work.”

With some 1,600 students, the Jerusalem Academy nurtures the next generation of musicians and dancers, Furshpan says. The school’s diverse student demographic — ranging from 4 years old to young adulthood — studies a cultural mixture of Middle Eastern music, European classics, baroque and jazz.

“Right now, everybody’s hurting,” Furshpan says. “So, we’re doing this as more than just beautiful music. It’s also something that’s special and philanthropic.”

During the first selection of the evening, the two participating students will perform together, accompanied by a recording of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance Orchestra.

“We have a hybrid experience,” Furshpan says. “On the big screen,

• Thursday, May 2, 8 p.m.

• Tickets start at $50; available at TillesCenter.org, or (516) 299-3100

• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

you’re going to see the Israeli orchestra, and the students are going to be sitting alongside that screen and playing together with them.” Klinghoffer also contributes as a keynote speaker.

Then, the 40-person Long Island Concert Orchestra — under the baton of music director and conductor Enrico Fagone — takes the spotlight. The orchestra’s repertoire includes the world debut of “Adriatica.” Winkler composed the piece to celebrate the oceanic connections between people. Its namesake is a node to the Adriatic Sea, which connects Eastern Italy to the Middle East.

“It has a multifaceted melodic personality to it — several different melodies, not just one,” Winkler says.“Over the course of the work, these melodies are joined together and ultimately, they produce the finale, which is extremely uplifting and powerful.”

The orchestra is joined by acclaimed pianist Alessandro Mazzamuto, in his Long Island Concert Orchestra debut. He’ll perform Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54.

“I believe that love of music and artistic expression is love for humanity,” Mazzamuto says. “As a concert pianist and teacher, my heart goes out to the students of Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance. And I wish to dedicate my performance and interpretation of Schumann’s emotional piano concerto to them.”

This evening is all about bringing the local and global community together — the very definition of the Long Island Concert Orchestra.

“Our mission is to provide the best possible performances of international repertoire,” Winkler says. “To bring world-class artists, worldclass musicians, as well as world premieres of international caliber.”

The orchestra leads the way in delivering visibility to a commitment to tolerance, respect and the arts.

“Music is what brings people together,” Furshpan says. “All forms of art bring people together. We truly believe that this (concert) is going to help the two organizations do some great work.

“At the same time, Symphony of Hope is really about the audience. They are the symphony of hope — the audience and the music in combination.”

Chris Ruggiero’s musical moments

Experience the magic of Chris Ruggiero’s new show,’Teenage Dreams and Magic Moments,’ when the dynamic vocalist visits the Landmark stage. Ruggiero is an old soul. Still in his 20s, the music that speaks to him is the music of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, His approach to performing is more in line with that of a bygone era, bringing to the stage the panache of Frank Sinatra or Paul Anka, coupled with the energy of Jackie Wilson. Ruggiero first came to national attention when he performed in concert on a PBS coast-to-coast special, and was featured on ‘Good Morning America.’ Since then, he has traveled the country, delivering his unique brand of vintage rock ‘n’ roll, and sharing his passion for the classics. Ruggiero tells his story by breathing new life into the timeless music of the eras he loves, with a six-piece band and live brass.

Friday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. $59, $49, $39. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 7676444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Tracy Morgan

Tracy Morgan is touring with a bracing new show, and he’s funnier than he’s ever been. A name synonymous with laughter, he continues to be reckoned with in the world of stand-up and television. Morgan boasts an impressive career spanning decades. From his hilarious characters on ‘Saturday Night Live’ (think Astronaut Jones and Brian Fellows) to his unforgettable role on the award-winning ‘30 Rock,’ Morgan has consistently brought audiences to tears (of laughter, of course). Coming to fame as a stand-up, Morgan became a household name through his seven-season stint on Tina Fey’s ‘30 Rock,’ playing a thinly veiled version of himself named Tracy Jordan. On his current tour, Morgan continues his comeback following his life-threatening 2014 traffic accident on the New Jersey turnpike. Morgan is always welcome back up on the stage where he belongs.

Saturday, April 27, 8 p.m. $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com, or ParamountNY. com.

Courtesy Long Island Concert Orchestra

Pianist Alessandro Mazzamuto is among the special guest performers who share the stage with the Long Island Concert Orchestra.

Courtesy Roberto Ricci

THE Your Neighborhood

May 4

‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’

Get a head start on beach season with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. We’re all eager for summertime to arrive, meanwhile Jimmy Kenny and his band come to the rescue, back on the Paramount stage, Saturday, May 4, 8 p.m. Join in their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along.

The Long Island based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/ acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rio, lead guitar/ backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione, have been celebrating the beach country sounds of Buffett, Chesney and Zac Brown Band for over a decade, spreading their vibe up and down the Northeast. Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair. If you like your toes in the sand, wasting away with a margarita or a cold beer, then you’ll surely have a great time with the Jimmy Kenny Band. $35. $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

On stage

Families will enjoy another musical adventure, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, April 26, 11:30 a.m.,2:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, April 30-May 3, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to helping The Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat, energetic comedy based on four of Mo Willems’ popular Pigeon books.

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

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods. Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.

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

Unity Through Diversity

Molloy University hosts The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy’s 5th annual Unity Through Diversity: Celebrating All Abilities in the Arts event, on Friday, April 26, 6-8 p.m., at the Madison Theatre. Performances include “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder, “Come Together” by The Beatles and “We Will Rock You” by Queen. Open to the public. Tickets are $25 at the door. For tickets and more information, visit MadisonTheatreNY.org or call (516) 323-4444.

St. Agnes Cathedral School presents ‘The Little Mermaid’

Take a trip “Under the Sea” with the St. Agnes Drama Club’s production of Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid.’ Performances will be held in the school auditorium. Thursday through Saturday, April 25-27. Showtime starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit StAgnes-School.org. 70 Clinton Ave.

School Board candidates’ forum

If the annual school board elections are contested, a candidates’ forum will be held in the South Side High School auditorium, Thursday, May 2, at 7 p.m. 140 Shepherd St.

Spring Musicale

Enjoy an engaging afternoon of beautiful music, Sunday, April 28, 5 p.m. Tim Carl, Music Director of St. Dominic, Oyster Bay, presents a program of operatic arias and piano selections with soprano Jennifer Russo and pianist Tim Carl. A meet-and-greet reception is included. $75, $70 members of Friends of Seminary. Reservations are required. The concert takes place at Retreat and Conference Center of the Seminary of Immaculate Conception, 440 West Neck Road, Huntington. Reserve at ICSeminary.edu/events or call (63) 423-0483 ext. 102.

Catching up with the Village

The next meeting of the Village of Rockville Centre Board of Trustees takes place at Village Hall, on Monday, May 6, at 7 p.m. 1 College Place.

Having an event?

On stage

Plaza Theatrical’s season continues with “Lady Supreme: A Diana Ross Experience,” Saturday, May 4, 7:30 p.m. Deanna Carroll, accompanied by top notch singers and musicians, covers the hits of the Supremes to Diana’s solo sensations in this spectacular tribute to the Supreme Diva. She performs all of Diana’s biggest hits, with spot-on vocals, including “Endless Love,” “Someday We’ll Be Together,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Touch Me in The Morning,” and so many more. Get in the groove 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.

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.

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, May 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Antoine Ó Flatharta’s modern tale, “Hurry and the Monarch.”

Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5.

Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage.

Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information, visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

Museum Gallery Tour

Join curator, art collector and gallerist Christopher Pusey for a tour of “Urban Art Evolution,” Nassau County Museum of Art’s current exhibition, Sunday, May 5, 3 p.m. Pusey, the exhibit’s guest curator, began art-making as a child and went on to pursue a career working in art galleries, and as an art dealer, in New York City. His particular interest in the art from this time and genre began with his first job at a Soho gallery in SoHo during the 80s, which had a division specializing in some of the East Village artists featured in this show. Free with museum admission. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org or call (516) 484-9337 for information.

Baby shower for moms-to-be

May 11

Mercy Hospital hosts this free event for expecting momsto-be, Saturday, May 11, noon to 2 p.m., in the lower level cafeteria. With raffles, giveaways for mom and baby, and meet and greets with physicians, lactation specialists, mother/baby nurses, games and more. For moms only. 1000 N. Village Ave. Email Elizabeth.Schwind@chsli.org to register. For more information, visit CHSLI.org/mercy-hospital or call (516) 626-3729.

Dinosaur Renaissance Faire

Visit the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning at the Tanglewood Preserve and travel back to a much different era in history, back to a period where kings and queens ruled the land. The Dinosaur Renaissance Faire promises to be a unique experience featuring shows, games, crafts and much more, Saturday through Tuesday, April 20-30, f0 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets available at the door; free with purchase of museum tickets. For more information visit CSTL.org. 1450 Tanglewood Road.

Rockville Centre native flies Super Hornet

U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Daniel Fisk shares his experiences in the military

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Lt. Daniel Fisk, a United States Navy pilot and Rockville Centre native, is a member of Strike Fighter Squadron 11, which currently operates the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet jet aircraft.

Fisk graduated from Chaminade High School in 2014, and four years later, signed up to join the Navy. He said that many of the skills and values he has relied on to succeed in the military are similar to those he acquired right here at home.

“My parents taught me to work hard,” Fisk said. “My high school job was a lifeguard and that taught me to help others and keep a positive attitude, while my Catholic schooling taught me to have strong faith.”

Today, Fisk serves as a naval aviator, carrying on his family legacy of military service. “My grandfathers set an example of service in the Army and Marine Corps,” he said. “I always wanted to fly and wanted my education to be paid for. I also wanted to see interesting parts of the world.”

He said that in addition to living up to his grandfather’s example, there was one person in particular he wanted to thank for helping make his Navy career possible.

“My cousin, Army Sgt. Robert Manz, joined a year before I started ROTC,” Fisk said. “He set the example I wanted to follow. When I saw him traveling the world and learning new things and meeting new people, I knew that I wanted that too.”

The Super Hornet is one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, according to Navy officials. It is capable of taking off and landing aboard Navy aircraft

carriers at sea, engaging in air-to-air combat, and striking targets on land.

Fisk said that flying the Super Hornet has been an incredible opportunity, which he places at the top of his list of accomplishments as a Navy pilot. He said another of his proudest moments as an aviator was landing aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.

“It was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been,” Fisk said. “That flight deck looks like a postage stamp on the water. There is no way to prepare for the feeling of that landing, but it was the best feeling ever.”

Navy aircraft carriers are typically designed for a 50-year service life and often host a crew of more than 5,000 sailors serving aboard. When the air wing is embarked, the ship is capable of carrying more than 70 attack fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft, essentially making it a self-contained mobile airport at sea.

These massive vessels are often the first response to a global crisis, because of their ability to operate freely in international waters across the world.

With 90 percent of global commerce transported by sea, and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials have emphasized how the prosperity of the country is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people — like Fisk — across the rich fabric of America.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” Admiral Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations, said. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

To learn more about the F/A-18 Super Hornet jet aircraft, visit Boeing.com/Defense

Courtesy U.S. Navy U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Daniel Fisk of Rockville Centre.

WWII veteran Robert Etienne, 97

Robert “George” Etienne died on March 25, 2024 at the age of 97.

He was born on July 23, 1926, in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and was the second child of Mary and George Etienne, who also had a daughter, Theresa. His grandparents, Robert and “Mini,” along with Uncle Lenny and Uncle Larry helped raise him in Richmond Hill, Queens. He attended Holy Trinity secondary school and later studied at Georgetown University under the GI Bill.

Etienne was drafted when he was 18, to serve in the United States Army during World War II in the European Theatre. He was deployed and served with the 10th Armored Division and 61st Armored Infantry Battalion from Oct. 26, 1944 to July 29, 1946, serving in France and Germany. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroism, the Purple Heart Medal for his wounds sustained in action and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He rarely discussed his wartime experiences.

Soon after returning to the United States, he married his

wife of 72 years, Mary. Together they had 8 children and resided in Rockville Centre since the 1950s. He worked as a salesman and inventor, having developed the “long skateboard” and “walking duck” — for which he claims he was unable to keep up with production from the demand for these items.

He will be remembered for being a loving family man, for his helping nature — as he was always willing to lend a hand — for his unique method for finishing the contents of jarred goods and for being a humble American hero.

Etienne was laid to rest on Thursday, March 28 at Calverton National Cemetery in Wading River. He did not want funeral home services and opted instead for a simple traditional Military burial, followed by a luncheon with his family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, George requested that those commemorating his life make a donation to the Ken Pribil Jr. Foundation in memory of his grandson Ken Jr.

Beloved father, friend Steven Lynch remembered

Steven Bryan Lynch of Amityville died suddenly on April 11, 2024, at the untimely age of 62. He was a beloved father, and a friend to all, whose kindness, compassion, humor and care for others made every person he encountered feel special.

He was born on April 10, 1962 in Brooklyn, to parents Raymond Edward and Trudy Lynch. Steven graduated from West Islip High School in 1980, where he earned three varsity letters as an inside linebacker. He later went on to attend the University of Buffalo, where he received a degree in finance.

Lynch was a successful Wall Street executive who previously held positions as managing director and head of international trading at Citibank, HSBC and JPMorgan. He was also a passionate mentor, who would always find time to give advice.

early to cook breakfast, coordinating weekend outings at the beach and showing off his elaborate Christmas village during the holidays.

He was also a loyal fan of the New York Mets, New York Jets and New York Islanders. He celebrated every victory with great zeal, and, while he felt his teams’ losses, he always remained loyal.

Steven Lynch

Most recently, he channeled his passion for helping others into leading business opera tions at Atria Tanglewood, a senior assisted living center in Lynbrook, where, he estab lished himself as a trusted partner to his col leagues, clients and their families. Everyone knew they could count on Steven to ensure residents would receive compassionate care.

Family and friends were what were most important to Lynch. In his free time, he enjoyed hosting family gatherings, waking up

Thomas

He is preceded in death by his beloved father, Ray Lynch, and his brother-in-law, Glen Gerrato. Lynch is survived by his mother, Trudy; his four children, the loves of his life, Meghan (Kevin) Brown, Steven (Daniella) Lynch, Chelsea Lynch, Timothy Lynch; his one and only granddaughter, Reagan Brown; his two brothers, Raymond (Stephanie) and Scott (Linda); his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Anthony and Rosemary Gerrato; his brother-in-law Anthony (Lisa) Gerrato); his sister-in-law, LeeAnn (Jason Kroll); and nine nieces and nephews, whom he doted upon, Bryan (Lauren) Gerrato, Ryan (Jackie) Lynch, Jennifer (Derek) Bush, Oliva (Brian) Burlage, Scott Michael Lynch, Sofia Gerrato, Maddy Gerrato, Lindsay Gerrato, Elena Gerrato; and his newly added great

A funeral Mass was held at St. Agnes Cathedral on April 15. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Tunnel

THANK YOU!

The Empire State Local News Coalition—more than 200 local newspapers strong—is grateful to the State of New York for including a first-in-the-nation tax credit to support local journalism in the FY'25 state budget.

A special thanks to:

$241,000

earmarked for new license plate readers

Continued from page 1

local law enforcement to identify the license plates of passing motorists and will notify the RVCPD depending on whether a vehicle is unregistered, if the driver has a suspended license, or if there is a pre-existing warrant out for their arrest.

These devices are not designed to capture images of the driver, their car, or the surrounding area. They do not monitor speed or traffic violations. They are specifically there to help deter criminal behavior.

One scenario where this can help law enforcement is if a burglary were to take place in or around the village. Police can use the license plate reader to look up and find cars that left the village within a certain timeframe to help narrow down their search. This can also be a critical tool for police in missing person cases.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner

State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (Assembly Sponsor)

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

Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray said that over the course of his 12-year-tenure in office, the Village of Rockville Centre has received more than $52 million by aggressively seeking grants from the federal, state and local governments.

“If you think you can get away with crime in this village, you’re not. We’re going to get you,” he said. “We have cameras all around the village.”

A utomated license plate readers threaten the privacy of all Long Islanders

SuSAn Gottehrer

Nassau County director, New York Civil Liberties Union

Every police plate reader in New York is digitally connected, meaning that the data any device collects is transmitted to every other reader in the state. This means that if another plate reader picks up a plate belonging to someone suspected of committing a crime in Rockville Centre, that department can inform RVCPD within minutes.

Police already have such devices at their disposal, including license plate readers in operation on Lakeview Avenue, North Centre Avenue, Long Beach Road, DeMott Avenue, Seaman Avenue, Hempstead Avenue, and Sunrise Highway. They also have mobile plate readers affixed to some police vehicles.

Murray said the village board remains steadfast in its commitment to ensure the safety of the people of Rockville Centre. In addition to the new license plate readers, the department has also recently added two new police vehicles with funding provided by New York Sen. Kevin Thomas in December.

Since January, the village has also added three new uniformed officers to the department’s ranks, bringing its total up to 61 sworn officers and 36 civilian employees.

Susan Gottehrer, director of the Nassau County chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union, argued however, that residents should also be wary of the surveillance capabilities this provides law enforcement.

“Automated license plate readers threaten the privacy of all Long Islanders,” Gottehrer said. “This invasive technology gives local police access to our every movement — where we work, who we meet, where we pray, and even which doctors we visit. Long Island residents don’t want the police or government bodies having access to their most intimate information. We deserve safety and privacy over our daily lives.”

Courtesy Congressman Anthony D’Esposito u.S. rep. anthony d’esposito recently secured $241,000 through the House appropriations committee for the rockville Centre police department to purchase six new license plate readers that will be posted up along merrick road.

Governor Kathy Hochul

Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (Senate Sponsor)

State Senator Kevin Thomas Assemblyman Brian Curran

Legislator Scott Davis hosts e-waste event

Local residents came on foot and in more than 100 vehicles to the Long Island Rail Road parking lot in Rockville Centre on April 13 to take advantage of the opportunity to securely and safely dispose of unwanted documents and electronic devices during the inaugural shredding and small electronics disposal event hosted by Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis.

Participants lined up down the block for the opportunity to shred unwanted documents and dispose of any small electronic devices, including laptops, cell phones and computer monitors which were discarded in a secure, environmentally friendly manner. During the event, which was presented in partnership with Pre -

Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis hands out free cups of hot coffee provided by

mier Recycling Solutions, guests were treated to free coffee from event cosponsor Kookaburra Coffee in Rockville Centre.

“The community was incredibly appreciative of the convenient, environmentally friendly opportunity that our inaugural shredding and e-cycling event presented, and the biggest question they were asking us was when we would be doing it again,” Legislator Davis said. “I am especially thankful to Premier Recycling for generously donating their time and services, the Village of Rockville Centre’s administration for their assistance, and to Kookaburra for donating their fabulous coffee to warm us all up on a chilly, rainy day.”

Photos courtesy Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis Legislator Davis partnered with Premier Recycling Solutions to help residents shred unwanted documents and properly dispose of e-waste.

April

NAME: 88WIN , LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 03/12/2024.

NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 88WIN LLC ATTN:

DONALD 265 SUNRISE HWY #341, ROCKVILLE CENTRE NY 11570

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 145576

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU.

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION

TRUST C/O U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiffagainst- ROBERT G. KNOWLES, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 14, 2023 and entered on November 15, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Rockville Centre, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Section 36 Block 496 Lot 13. Said premises known as 419 WOODBRIDGE ROAD, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570

Approximate amount of lien $302,613.49 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number 611814/2022.

direction of the Village Board of Trustees, the undersigned Village ClerkTreasurer/Village Administrator will sell at Public Auction in the manner provided by law on May 23, 2024 at 10:00 am local prevailing time in the courtroom of the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall, One College Place, Rockville Centre, Nassau County, New York, so much of each of the following parcels upon which Village Taxes and/or Water Rent Arrears and/or Garbage Disposal Fees and/or Assessments remain unpaid for the year 2023 as will be sufficient to discharge the taxes and/or water rent arrears and/or garbage disposal fees and/or assessments, fees, interest and discharges which may be due thereon respectively at the time of such sale, and shall continue the same from day to day until the said sale shall be completed. The Village reserves the right to withdraw any property prior to the sale of its lien.

The parcels have not been researched to determine what the public records reflect regarding these properties, and the Village makes no representation with respect to such records or property status. Before bidding, all tax lien purchasers should investigate what the public records disclose about the property in question.

All persons bidding at the sale will be required to produce identification with full legal name and address. Persons acting as agent for another will be required to produce documentation of authority.

Such real estate will be sold subject to any unpaid tax liens purchased and held by the Village. The purchaser or purchasers of such tax sale will be required to pay the amount of their respective bids to the undersigned within TEN days after the sale pursuant to the provisions of Section 1454 of the New York Real Property Tax Law and Village Local Law #12-1994. Payment may be made only by cash, money order, bank check or certified check. No personal checks will be accepted. Where no bid is made and/or the bidder does not timely pay the balance of the bid, it shall be deemed that the tax lien for that premises has been purchased by and sold to the Village of Rockville Centre.

THE VILLAGE DOES NOT

PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE TO ANY LIEN PURCHASER REGARDING ANY ASPECT OF THE PURCHASE OF OR FORECLOSURE UPON

ANY LIEN.

The following is a list or statement of the Real Estate upon which such Tax and/or Garbage Disposal Fees and/or Assessments are unpaid for the year 2023 with a statement of the amount of tax, and/or water rent arrears, and/or garbage disposal fees, and/or assessments, fees, interest and charges thereon to May 1, 2024.

NAME OF OWNER OR OCCUPANT AS IT APPEARS ON ASSESSMENT ROLL; DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY; TOTAL AMOUNT OF TAX, WATER RENT ARREARS, GARBAGE DISPOSAL FEES, ASSESSMENTS, FEES, INTEREST CHARGES AT MAY 1, 2024.

Nancy Howard Clerk-Treasurer/Village Administrator

Sec 35, Blk 088, Lot 22 Estate of Estella Mitchell 65 Lakeside Dr $ 5,507.54

Sec 36, Blk 335, Lot 541

Elizabeth Boldi 127 Berkshire Rd $ 8,267.26

Sec 36, Blk 357, Lot 281 Asset Tree Group Ltd 15 Shepherd St

$ 5,758.85

Sec 36, Blk 358, Lot 456

William F Kurrus 12 Shepherd St $ 5,468.90

Sec 36, Blk 363, Lot 49

Brian Croutier 51 Voorhis Ave $ 8,453.38

Sec 36, Blk 381, Lot 46

Paul/Sherry Durnan 190 Voorhis Ave

$ 2,745.57

Sec 36, Blk 428, Lot 114

Robert/Allison Creagh 12 Banbury Rd

$ 5,139.87

Sec 36, Blk 458.-45, Lot 2

Jeff/Tara Hackett 92 Arrandale Rd

$ 4,507.91

Sec 36, Blk 499, Lot 41

Ingibjorg Gallagher LE 21 Knollwood Rd $ 101.44

Sec 38, Blk 182, Lot 29

Brian Henry/Caitlin Nolan 26 Loel Ct

$ 4,915.26

Sec 38, Blk 183, Lot 40

Vasilia Jamoulis LE 232 Hempstead Ave $ 4,360.52

Sec 38, Blk 189, Lot 17

Estate of Kathleen Powell 83 Clinton Ave

$ 932.87

Sec 38, Blk 191, Lot 7 55

Front LLC

Front St

55

$ 16,288.92

Sec 38, Blk 193, Lot 102 23 Maple Ave LLC

23 Maple Ave

$ 640.87

Sec 38, Blk 193, Lot 146

23 Maple Avenue LLC

23 Maple Ave

$ 6,499.94

Sec 38, Blk 204, Lot 564

William M Entler Jr 30 Raymond St

$ 1,869.49

Sec 38, Blk 213, Lot 43

Joanne Harms 83 Marvin Ave

$ 6,070.44

Sec 38, Blk 215 Lot 115

John Jamoulis 416 Morris Ave

$ 3,756.16

Sec 38, Blk 219 Lot 319

Nancy A Beaulieu 32 Amherst Ct

$ 4,939.06

Sec 38, Blk 220, Lot 21

Elizabeth Porterfield 462 Morris Ave

$ 1,822.24

Sec 38, Blk 225, Lot 1

Estate of Glenda Kaplan 85 Devon Rd

$ 5,688.05

Sec 38, Blk 238, Lot 62

Karl/Maureen Kellman 288 Brower Ave

$ 6,439.90

Sec 38, Blk 240, Lot 28

Five Towns RE Corp 39 Schuyler Ave $ 108.18

Sec 38, Blk 240, Lot 220 Five Towns RE Corp 39 Schuyler Ave

$ 4,065.70

Sec 38, Blk 243, Lot 5 Factor Dynamics Vacant Land -Hawthorne Ave $ 270.00

Sec 38, Blk 243, Lot 23

Julia Atteritano Irrev Trust 171 So Kensington Ave $ 5.873.48

Sec 38, Blk 245, Lot 182

Wells Fargo Bank 315 No Forest Ave

$ 3,652.32

Sec 38, Blk 261, Lot 474

Giuseppe/Antonia Lascala 124 Raymond St

$ 2,111.32

Sec 38, Blk 267, Lot 8

Stephen Wollweber 226 No Forest Ave

$ 2,052.90

Sec 38, Blk 268, Lot 23

Robert Nilsson 218 No Forest Ave

$ 3,776.39

Sec 38, Blk 274, Lot 337

Felix Cujilan 14 Jackson Ave

$ 5,421.69

Sec 38, Blk 276, Lot 139

Mary E Bree 17 Southard Ave

$ 6,541.04

Sec 38, Blk 281, Lot 4 County Acquisitions LLC 165 No forest Ave

$ 2,815.51

Sec 38, Blk 286, Lot 22

Christopher J Lyons 486 Lakeview Ave

$ 4,147.26

In the spirit of togetherness PASSOVER MESSAGE

Ever since I returned from my special mission to Israel a few months ago, I have been asked: “Rabbi-how was it?” My response has been: “exhilarating and sad” — both at the same time. It was exhilarating to bear witness to the resilience of our proud people, but sad, oh so sad, to see our vibrant nation knocked down.

On October 7, everything changed. Suddenly, for the first time, Israelis did not feel protected. Wherever I went, everyone knew someone who was kidnapped or killed. Israel, which has been rated as one of the “happiest nations in the world,” is now depressed, forlorn.

The rabbis tell us that the darkness, one of the Ten Plagues, was so thick and heavy, it could actually be felt. So too is the despair in Israel at the present time. It has been just a little over six months since the massacre, thick and heavy. That’s what I saw and that’s what I am reporting to you with a heavy heart.

This week, Israelis are facing four new questions: What will happen to the hostages held in the claws of a vicious enemy who lack any morsel of humanity? What is happening to the women caught in that hell? How will the families of the hostages cope? What if the

next Iranian attack is not repelled as successfully as the most recent one?

The main thing right now is for Israelis and all Jews to hold on to each other and create even more community resilience.

Here are some of my suggestions for this year at our Seders:

Leave at least one chair at our tables vacant for a hostage. If possible acquire a name and photo of a hostage.

Add a special prayer for the hostages and their families.

Emphasize the inner strength of the Jewish people that began with that first exodus and continues to this day.

To those who use the word “genocide” for what the Israelis are doing to the Palestinians, quote the prophet Isaiah, chapter 5, verse 20: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.”

This venomous and unjust slander against Israelis intolerable, and we must refute the lies.

I am very pleased that I went on this “mission” to bear witness and share with them their pain and brokenness.

I d believe in miracles. I believe we will come out of this horror victorious, and strong and with Jewish life whole, together!

Am Yisrael Chai

Rabbi Emeritus Barry Dov Schwartz

Sec 38, Blk 289, Lot 502 WMG Rockville Owner LLC

117 No Long Beach Rd $ 38,456.32

Sec 38, Blk 295, Lot 2

45 N Village LLC

45 No Village Ave $ 6,893.33

Sec 38, Blk 295, Lot 3 Bergen Street Commons LLC

43 No Village Ave $ 9,474.27

Sec 38, Blk 295, Lot 32

45 N Village Ave LLC

45 No Village Ave $ 135.14

Sec 38, Blk 308, Lot 7 486 Green Sun LLC 486 Sunrise Hwy $ 3,297.47

Sec 38, Blk 308, Lot 9 486 Green Sun LLC

486 Sunrise Hwy $ 10,354.05

Sec 38, Blk 308, Lot 18 Argaman Realty LLC

Vacant Land - Sunrise Hwy $ 327.31

Sec 38, Blk 308, Lot 19 Argaman Realty LLC

500 Sunrise Hwy $ 6,791.31

Sec 38, Blk 308, Lot 37 1859 Flatbush LLC 490 Sunrise Hwy $ 8,449.96

Sec 38, Blk 308, Lot 38 486 Green Sun LLC 486 Sunrise Hwy $ 3,958.31

Sec 38, Blk 318, Lot 352 1 No Village LLC

1 No Village Ave $ 11,478.31

Sec 38, Blk 329, Lot 7

Michael Vignola 19 So Marion Pl $ 7,707.41

Sec 38, Blk 329, Lot 15

Lawrence R, John M and Gianna Maurello

390 Merrick Rd $ 2,561.82

Sec 38, Blk332, Lot 1

Mark/Anne Kilarjian 54 So Forest Ave

$ 2,935.88

Sec 38, Blk 338, Lot 49

Merrick Rd RVC RE LLC

500 Merrick Rd $ 8,125.66

Sec 38, Blk 345, Lot 274

South Long Beach Rd LLC 62 So Long Beach Rd $ 8373.12

Sec 38, Blk 345, Lot 342 S&J Ocean Properties Inc 58 So Long Beach Rd $ 2,427.29

Sec 38, Blk 347, Lot

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Protecting a condo from flooding

CQ. I want to buy an attached home, and the houses around the condos have been raised. Our community got a lot of water during a big flood, so I’m told, since I didn’t live there at the time. I’m wondering, if I move into this condo, which I have to decide about right away, what can I do to protect it from flooding? It doesn’t look like the owners association wants to do anything. What can I do to this unit to be flood-proof?

A. The flooding you’re referring to could have been from any number of high tide and storm episodes, but I’m pretty sure you’re talking about Superstorm Sandy or Tropical Storm Irene. In both events, many of us witnessed the water levels and understood the impact of a high tide, and what high winds can produce.

There are things you can do, such as checking to see what level the building is, by going on the Federal Emergency Management Website, MSC. FEMA.gov. Look for the icon for flood maps and type in the building address. You’ll see a very detailed satellite image of the water lines that were recorded specifically at the crest of the highest water episode in recent years.

Look for your building. The streets should be labeled, but if not, look for identifiable shapes of buildings, street curves, main roads or even railroads to figure out the building location. Next, look for the letters and numbers for the different colored areas. If your potential building is in the area marked with an X, this is a good sign. It means the particular outlined area was not subject to the flooding. If it has an ae and a number, such as 8, 9, etc., with the letters, that indicates that zone got flooded, and your floor is required to be at least 2 feet higher than that designation.

You find the level of the first floor and lowest floor by examining records at your local building department, if they have the updated record since around 2012, or you’ll need to get an elevation certificate made by hiring a land surveyor. Since time is not on your side and a surveyor has to go to the site and take heights to determine what to put in an official elevation certificate, you are left to ask neighbors questions, or take the risk, or move on.

Nothing seems to move as fast as a real estate decision, and quite often I’m asked questions for which the answers are what neither buyer nor seller really wants to hear. Details are critical for one of the most important investments you’ll ever make, one that controls your financial life, so if you don’t have the time, decide on what risk to take. You could flood-proof all of the first floor walls, but how can anyone be certain the neighbor’s walls are also flood-proofed? Good luck!

OpiniOns

A memory-filled trip back in time

Many Nassau County residents have their roots in Queens or Brooklyn, having made the decision to migrate from crowded city neighborhoods to leafy, bucolic suburbia. My own experience is probably typical of many. Born in Manhattan, raised in Queens, I attended high school and college in Brooklyn, and moved to Seaford over 50 years ago, where Rosemary raised our family and where we still live.

While all has gone well over the years and I have no regrets about making the move, I do have lasting memories of the friendships I made and the values I learned from those city streets and neighborhoods. There’s a group of eight or nine guys from my high school days in Brooklyn that I still get together with regularly at the ValBrook Diner in Valley Stream.

My high school was Brooklyn Prep, near where Ebbets Field used to be and

within walking distance of St. John’s Place, where my father grew up, and where my grandparents were still living during those years. I spent a lot of time hanging out with Tom Dewey, who was in my high school class and lived across the street from my grandparents. Dewey and his neighborhood group all shared his trait of never having a good word to say to or about anyone. Tom, who would eventually move to Valley Stream, had a successful career as a teacher and track coach, and was actually elected to Fordham’s Hall of Fame, without ever breaking his vow of surliness.

Vrity detail when I was in Congress, and for some reason found it interesting to listen to the endless banter and mindless conversations she would hear whenever our group got together.

isiting, among other childhood haunts, the school where we played stickball.

Last week, Tom and I, along with his cousin Allen Ryan and Charlie Norton, decided to spend a day in the old neighborhood. (Ryan, now in Hicksville, had lived in the same apartment house as Dewey; Norton a few blocks away.) Ryan and Norton had distinguished careers with the NYPD, and Ryan was on the crime scene unit the night mob boss Paul Castellano was rubbed out.

Joining us on this visit to the past was Melissa Zimmerman, a retired Nassau detective, who was on my secu-

HAmong our stops was Tom’s a famed luncheonette on Washington Avenue that has been around for almost 90 years and, as Zimmerman pointed out, still typifies neighborhood cuisine and personality. Then there was a walk up and down both sides of St. John’s Place, as we looked at the classically structured apartment houses still standing strong more than 100 years after their construction. This neighborhood and block went through several decades of rough times, but beginning in the 1990s had come back stronger than ever. (Listening to Dewey and Ryan reminisce, so too were their memories of St. John’s Place coming back.)

Then we went over to the local public school where we had played stickball, and then drove to Carroll Street to see what was once Brooklyn Prep and is now Medgar Evers College. Dewey and I pointed to the third floor window from which we could see Ebbets Field

before that historic structure was torn down after our beloved Dodgers abandoned Brooklyn for the vacuous environs of Los Angeles.

We finished our memory tour at Farrell’s Bar in nearby Park Slope/Windsor Terrace, where we had a few beers (but not Zimmerman, who was driving) and enjoyed the company of the midafternoon customers. Farrell’s is a famed neighborhood gathering place being featured in a soon-to-be-released film documentary. It hasn’t changed even the slightest over the years.

This trip back to Brooklyn, and being with Tom, Allen and Charlie, was more than just nostalgic. It was a reminder of the days of neighborhood beliefs, of learning that life isn’t fair, that the world doesn’t owe anyone a living and that not everyone will get a trophy. What matters is not hugging one another or looking for praise or compliments, but being loyal and standing by friends no matter what — and being a proud patriot, loving America, respecting the police and military.

It was a great day. Thanks for the memories.

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

Two architectural highlights of the village

i, all, and welcome back to the past. A big thanks to some of our very hard-working volunteer trustees! They have spent a significant amount of time doing comprehensive research on different events, people and properties from the past that have helped to shape our village. These stories are posted on our website and social media platforms.

As we dive into the history of the village, we will examine some of these items in more detail, part of the “Then and Now” series.

Unfortunately, due to space constraints here, we can’t display the accompanying photos for the stories. Please visit our website, rvchs.org, to see the photos for these and more stories from the village’s past.

Here I wanted to focus on two important properties, the Tudor Apartments and the commercial building at 50 N. Park Ave.

The Tudor Apartments were built on the site of the Rockville Centre Institute, a college prep school that was

founded in the 1870s. After extensive construction, the apartments were completed in 1929. Originally known as “the Wedge” because of the building’s triangle architecture, it claimed to be the most luxurious apartment house on Long Island when it was built, touting “electric refrigeration, elevators and instantaneous hot water.”

OMany notable residents were purported to live there, such as airplane pilot Capt. Frank Hawks. Hawks flew a glider from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and beat Charles Lindbergh’s speed record for a coast-to-coast flight. Interestingly, that flight took off from the Valley Stream airport. (Who knew there was an airport in Valley Stream?) During World War II, the Rockville Centre Civil Defense Unit was housed in the basement of the Tudor, and used its roof to search for enemy planes and submarines.

church, it led an interesting life as the First National Bank of Rockville Centre.

ne was nicknamed ‘the Wedge’ and the other was a 68-foot-tall ‘skyscraper.’

The bank was originally established in 1907 on Village Avenue, between Observer Street (later Sunrise Highway) and the railroad. It launched as a competitor to the Bank of Rockville Centre (founded in 1890), at the corner of Village Avenue and Merrick Road. First National enjoyed much success, and by the late 1920s began construction on its new headquarters at Park and Sunrise. The new building opened in June 1929, just four months before the stock market crashed.

could no longer finance the expenses on the building. In the early 1930s, First National became one of the nation’s first banks to succumb to the Depression and close its doors. All of its assets were liquidated, and its deposits were assumed by the Bank of Rockville Centre, later Chase. Thankfully, the new developer seems to have preserved the exterior of the building while ushering in a new era of commercial use for this “skyscraper.”

50 N. Park Ave. — the office building on the corner of Sunrise Highway and North Park — was sold recently by the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Following the sale, construction began to renovate the building into modern office space. But before it was owned and sold by the

The 68-foot-tall “skyscraper” was built using the newest methods of fireproof construction — a steel frame and limestone façade — and had a detailed interior of marble, iron gates, automatic elevators, 25-foot-high ornamental ceilings and travertine floors. Unfortunately, timing wasn’t great for this expensive investment, and it became a drain on the bank’s finances at the outset of the Great Depression. The bank experienced significant challenges finding tenants to lease the upper floors.

As the economy crashed, the bank

There are so many more interesting stories on our website and social media. As we continue to work to build awareness of the Historical Society of Rockville Centre and the Phillips House Museum, we want to tell you about two of our upcoming events. On Saturday, May 18, from 5 to 7 p.m., we will host a fundraising cocktail party at the Phillips House, at 28 Hempstead Ave. Please join us for a Night at the Museum. The following day, from noon to 4 p.m., we will host our annual Appraisal Day at the museum.

Visit our website, or Instagram, @ rvchistoricalsociety, for more details about these events, and please join us at them. Until next time . . .

Jim Belling is a member of the board of trustees of the Phillips House Museum and the Rockville Centre Historical Society.

Your voice counts in school budget decisions

tuesday, May 21 is an important day — not just for our local school districts, which are busy putting together their budgets for the upcoming academic year, but for the future of our communities as well.

That’s the day when we head to voting booths and cast ballots not only to express our opinions on how our districts are spending money, but also on the school board trustees who will manage it.

It’s a valuable opportunity to have your voice heard, because our local schools are just that — local and ours. Unlike any other government spending plans, school budgets aren’t final until the people tasked to fund them decide they’re final with their votes.

Some may think voting isn’t necessary anymore because the property tax cap limits increases, and no local district wants to exceed its cap. But our voices are always necessary, because the budget isn’t just about how much money is raised for our schools, but how that money is spent. What programs will remain, what will go, and what new ones might begin — all of those decisions are in the hands of every one of us.

The May 21 vote isn’t just about spending, either. There are contested

There D’Esposito goes again

To the Editor:

school board races in many districts. The people who win will make decisions that affect the entire community. The people who are elected will be the ones who keep the “local” in local decisionmaking.

But there’s one vital caveat: understanding what you’re voting on when you cast your ballot.

If you’re concerned about how much money your district plans to spend, find out what’s in the budget before you vote. you can typically find that information on the district’s website, or through the reporting here in the Herald.

However you vote, understand that your decision has an impact. We, as a collective society, should have a say in which direction our society takes, and that largely begins in schools.

In Rockville Centre, for example, annual school taxes are expected to jump $260 — a little over $20 per month. But those funds will be used to improve the district’s facilities, enhance cybersecurity, and create new classes in coding and robotics. The spending plan also avoids layoffs, introduces new sports teams, and appoints a new security director.

In Glen Cove, the district’s budget is focused on safety, intended to help parents send their children to school with-

Re U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s op-ed, “Migrants get more government support than veterans,” last week: His party is in the majority, and he is a valuable and loyal member of his caucus. Unable to deliver a meaningful benefit to the voters of his district — our promised deduction for state and local taxes — D’Esposito decides to attack the Democrats for their migrant policies.

The Senate passed a bipartisan immigration bill, but the Republicans wouldn’t even bring it to the floor in the House. They spent their time impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and what happened when that got to the Senate? We have serious problems with our current immigration system. We expect our elected representatives to work together to find an equitable solution, not to write misleading and incendiary articles to divert attention from their inability to pass any meaningful legislation that will actually benefit the voters in their districts.

In D’Esposito’s analysis, he described the assistance available to immigrants as greater than the assistance given to our disabled veterans. The problem isn’t that we’re giving immigrants too much; the problem is that we’re giving veterans too little. D’Esposito should stop trying to divert attention from his inability to pass legislation that will benefit the voters in his district and actually do something — anything.

DEnnIS BRADy Rockville Centre

out worry. At the middle school, the public address system will be repaired for $1 million, as will the fire systems and clocks. And the spending plan will allow the district to hire more teachers, so students at the middle school can take more arts and language programs.

If a majority of voters reject a budget, the district must either hold a second vote — offering the same spending plan or a revised one — or adopt what is called a “contingency budget.” It’s also described as an “austerity budget,” and the tax levy issued with this spending plan can’t be larger than the previous year’s levy. The portion of the budget that is devoted to administrative costs cannot increase from the lower of either the previous year’s budget or the justdefeated budget. On top of that, any non-contingent expenditures must be removed from a contingency budget.

Whether you vote “yes” or “no” on school spending plans, it’s important to understand the implications. As the voting day nears, make sure you know where to go to cast your ballot. Contact your school district or visit its website. School district elections and the budget referenda are extraordinarily important. It’s your money. Take your responsibility seriously, and be an informed voter.

D’Esposito must support fully funding Medicaid

as we mark another Medicaid Awareness Month this April, we must reflect on the profound impact this program has had on the lives of millions of Americans. Signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Medicaid has transformed access to health care for lowincome, disabled and elderly Americans.

Building on this progress, New York has long been a national leader in offering comprehensive health coverage to its residents, including roughly 7.5 million — more than a third of the state’s total population — in the Medicaid program. On Long Island alone, more than 765,000 people are enrolled. While Medicaid provides financial security and access to health care to

more New Yorkers than ever before, Republicans in Congress, including Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, are threatening Medicaid by pushing for devastating cuts to key federal programs.

Earlier in his tenure, D’Esposito claimed to support fully funding critical lifeline programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. He has gone back on this promise time and time again, however, including supporting a provision that would slash nearly all government funding by 30 percent.

tcially for children. The program covers more than 38 million children, and pays for 41 percent of all births nationwide. Additionally, 60 percent of children with disabilities receive their coverage from Medicaid.

he program decreases the uninsured rate and reduces the cost of uncovered care.

Long Island families are already grappling with financial hardships, including difficulties affording mortgages, utilities and groceries. Cutting funding to critical safety-net programs like Medicaid would directly harm hardworking families who are just trying to find health care for their loved ones and make ends meet.

The consequences of cutting Medicaid funding would be disastrous, espe-

Letters

service and infrastructure.

At the end of World War II, the LIRR began to decline, and there was a corresponding loss of revenue. The Pennsylvania Railroad began to reduce its financial support as well. The LIRR went into receivership in 1949, but in recognition of the role it played in the economy of Long Island and New York City, the state began providing financial assistance in the 1950s.

The “Line of the Dashing Dan” was officially chartered as the Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Authority on April 24, 1965, by the state. Up to that point, the LIRR had derived almost 100 percent of its funding for both capital and operating expenses from fares. The MCTA was created to purchase and operate the bankrupt LIRR.

In 1966, the state bought the railroad’s controlling stock from the Pennsylvania Rail Road and put it under the MCTA. The MCTA changed its name to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in 1968, when it took over operations of the New York City Transit Authority.

With MTA subsidies, the LIRR modernized further and grew into the busiest commuter railroad in the United States. Over the past 50 years, several billion dollars in combined county, city, state and federal taxpayer-generated dollars have subsidized its capital and operating costs.

Riders must remember that fare hikes are required periodically if the MTA is to provide the services millions of New Yorkers use daily. They are inevitable due to inflation, along with increasing costs of labor, power, fuel, supplies, materials, routine safety, state

of good repair, replacement of worn-out rolling stock, upgrades to stations, yards and shops, along with system expansion projects necessary to run any transit system.

In the end, quality and frequency of service depend on secure revenue streams. We all have to contribute — be it at the fare box or tax revenue redistributed back to the MTA. There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch — or in this case, a free ride.

LARRY PENNER Great Neck

Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer and a former director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.

Pay attention at the wheel, and keep highway workers safe

To the Editor:

Last week was National Work Zone Awareness Week. Each year at the start of the highway construction season, the state Department of Transportation participates in this national campaign to remind motorists about the importance of driving safely and responsibly in and around work zones.

At NYSDOT, safety is our top priority. We take every step possible to protect our highway workers by deploying the latest technology in crash attenuators, flashing yellow lights, signs, cones, bar-

The program also plays an important role in addressing the opioid epidemic, one of the most urgent public health crises facing Long Island. Thousands of Island residents have died of overdoses since the crisis began, and drug deaths hit a record 109,689 nationwide in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Long Islanders battling substance abuse disorders rely on Medicaid coverage for treatment and behavioral health services.

While President Biden and Democrats in Congress have championed reducing health care costs and improving access to care for the American people, Republicans like D’Esposito are actively working to roll back that prog-

ress.

Fully funding Medicaid is simply common sense: It has drastically decreased the uninsured rate, improved health outcomes and reduced the costs of uncompensated care. Having health insurance through Medicaid helps Americans stay healthy, go to work, care for their families and pay their bills. The program helps our communities, hospitals, schools and economy thrive.

But D’Esposito’s voting record shows that time and again, he is in line with MAGA extremists who are pushing for Medicaid cuts, going against the best interests and well-being of our Long Island communities.

Rep. D’Esposito, I urge you to listen to your constituents, who are calling on you to fully fund these vital programs. In the wealthiest nation on earth, no one should have to go into debt to cover the cost of their basic medical needs. If your MAGA Republican colleagues get their way, the most vulnerable New Yorkers will be left behind.

Framework by Tim Baker

rels, reflective gear, etc.

The biggest risk to our highway workers is the motorist. By paying attention to your driving, you are saving a life! Please do your part to help our highway workers return home safely to their families each night. Put down your cellphone, move over for flashing lights, and slow down. There is someone’s life behind those work zone traffic control

devices.

And for those who choose to ignore the rules of the road, be forewarned: NYSDOT is working with the police on targeted enforcement and deploying automated speed-enforcement cameras in our work zones.

Along the quiet side of Guy Lombardo Avenue — Freeport

Joseph Sackman is the chief of staff of the Long Island Progressive Coalition.

joseph sackman

RICH CAUSIN Long Island regional director, NYSDOT Hauppauge