Rockville Centre Herald 06-06-2024

HERALD ROCKVILLE CENTRE

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2 Empire Blvd, Island Park (Down The Block From Peter’s Clam Bar) Half Day: $450 Full

Long Island Champs!

South Side High School’s boys’ lacrosse team captured its first Long Island title since 2004 on May 29, beating East Islip, 12-9, for the

Hofstra University. Story, photos, Page 6.

Centre Stage celebrates sights and sounds of Broadway

By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Centre Stage, the inclusive drama program at South Side High School, recently celebrated the wonder of musical theater with a Broadway-inspired original production.

This year’s performance, “Centre Stage Goes Broadway,” featured a cast of nearly 50 students from South Side High School, the Centre Stage Squared program at South Side Middle School, and the Centre Stage Junior program at William S. Covert Elementary School. The show featured a medley of Broadway tunes

from such timeless classics as “Annie” and “Newsies” to more contemporary Tony Awardwinning shows like “Hamilton,” “Wicked,” and “Waitress.”

Founded in 2008 by South Side High School alumni Catherine Mackey and Brian Nesdill, the Centre Stage program provides a platform for students of all abilities to showcase their creative talents, while making new friends and having fun.

Ellen White, co-founder of the Backyard Players and Friends, helps coordinate the program and performance. “It’s an inclusive club that combines general education and special education students,” White

I t is one of the most miraculous things we do here.

JEN MoNsoUR teacher and Centre Stage advisor, South Side Middle School

said. “It’s pretty easy to do, if you just do it.”

The Backyard Players are a nonprofit that provides inclusive arts-based community programming for participants 14 and up, designed to help those with disabilities develop physically, socially, emotionally, and

creatively.

“It is one of the most miraculous things we do here,” said Jen Monsour, a teacher at South Side Middle School and one of the Centre Stage advisors. “The performances are tailored every year to meet the needs of our kids. It’s an opportunity for all people to share their talents and feel valued and appreciated.”

The program’s advisors also include Ryan Delaney, a teacher for the visually impaired in the district, and Meaghan Healey, a physical education teacher and the middle school choreographer, who will be retiring in June.

Assistant Director Natalie

Eric Dunetz/Herald

Class B crown at

Rockville Centre celebrates Pride Month

In recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride, the Village of Rockville Centre issued a proclamation to declare the month of June as Pride Month in RVC.

The goal of the proclamation is to rally support, encourage awareness, inspire advocacy and encourage a deeper understanding and acceptance of all people in the community.

Every year in June, communities across the nation celebrate the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community by recognizing individuals who have fought to secure equality for those who have been discriminated against and historically disenfranchised.

“During pride month, we recognize the resilience and determination of many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically and in doing so are opening hearts and minds and laying the foundation for a more just and equitable America,” Village Trustee Katie Conlon said during a presentation on Monday night. “Rockville Centre values the dignity of each per-

son and appreciates the importance of equality and freedom, and denounces prejudice and discrimination of any kind.”

In recognition of the work of local advocates and organizations to promote the well-being of LGBTQ+ people and those affected by discrimination on the basis of gender or identity, the Village of Rockville Centre presented the proclamation to members of RVC Pride, an organization established in 2022 to promote LGBTQ+ visibility, rights and acceptance in Rockville Centre.

Its primary goal is to help create a safe and inclusive environment where individuals can feel free to express themselves.

RVC Pride will host its 2024 caravan through the streets of Rockville Centre on Saturday, June 15, at 2 p.m. beginning at United Church, 430 Morris Ave. For more information on the event visit RVCPride.org.

United Church celebrates Pride Month

Rev. Scott A. Ressman, pastor of the United Church of Rockville Centre, extended a heartfelt welcome to nearly 100 community members who participated in a special LGBTQ+ Pride worship service on Sunday, June 2.

The service featured Broadway actors Robert Anthony Jones, Edward Juvier, and Katie Travis, performing selections from “Falsettos” and “La Cage Aux Folles,” as well as music by Cyndi Lauper and a beloved piece from The Muppets.

During the service, Rev. Ressman delivered a message to honor and celebrate the rich diversity of God’s creation.

The United Church of Rockville Centre is proud to be an Open and Affirm-

ing congregation. This designation reflects the church’s continuing commitment to intentional study and conversation about what it means to be a welcoming faith community for the LGBTQ+ community. Last February, the church joyously marked the twentieth anniversary of its vote to become and Open and Affirming church —a milestone that, in 2004, established it as a pioneering congregation in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion, despite considerable controversy at the time.

Following the worship service, attendees shared a time of fellowship and connection at a reception on the church lawn. For more information about the church and its programs, please visit www.uccrvc.org.

–Daniel Offner

Dan Offner/Herald

To recognize LGBTQ+ Pride, the Village of Rockville Centre joined members of the RVC Pride organization to present a proclamation declaring June as Pride Month in RVC.

Students surprised at scholarship dinner

Hispanic Brotherhood provides funds for college-bound students

By ANDREW FRANCIS Herald Intern

Four soon-to-be high school graduates were taken by surprise to learn that they would each be receiving a scholarship from the Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre, a non-profit community organization established in 1984 to assist a growing population of immigrants from different Spanishspeaking cultures.

The Hispanic Brotherhood held its 2024 annual Scholarship Dinner on May 9 at Temple Avodah in Oceanside. This year’s scholarship recipients are Alyson Paulino, Christopher Rodriguez, Andy Banegas, and Alfredo Molina of Rockville Centre. The four scholarship winners were honored for exhibiting academic success throughout the school year.

Each recipient was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to help cover the cost of tuition for the first year of undergraduate studies. The scholarship funds were matched thanks to additional contributions from GalaFresh Farms Supermarkets, United Way, and both the Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union and the Father Joseph O’Connell Knights of Columbus Council No. 3481 in Oceanside, providing a total of $3,000 in aid for the four students.

The Hispanic Brotherhood has been serving the Rockville Centre community for more than 45 years, providing daily assistance filing documents with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, citizenship counseling, employment placement, legal representation, housing referrals and emergency food provision. This is in addition to its two major programs — the after school tutorial program and Hispanic Senior Citizen Club, which provide support and meaningful care for participants in more vulnerable age demographics.

With four additional locations outside of RVC in Freeport, Oceanside, Lynbrook, and Baldwin funding is provided through grants from the New York State Division of Housing, Nassau County Youth Board, Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs, and additional support from United Way and local churches.

Margarita Grasing, the executive director of the Hispanic Brotherhood, said the organization has been operating its scholarship for as long the organization has been around.

According to Grasing, the scholarships are intended to provide much needed help to low-income students in the Rockville Centre and Oceanside communities. Applicants are required to maintain at least an 80 average in high school, showing their seriousness and commitment to academics. Each student must also participate in at least a month of tutoring at the Hispanic Brotherhood’s RVC location.

Alyson Paulino, 18, a senior at South Side High School, said she plans to put

Hispanic Brotherhood scholarship recipients Alfredo Molina, Andy Banegas, Alyson Paulino and Christopher Rodriguez are recognized during the 2024 Hispanic Brotherhood’s annual scholarship dinner. They are joined by Rockville Centre Village Trustee Emilio Grillo, top left, candidate Judy Griffin, Hispanic Brotherhood board member Rudy Carmenaty, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis, Village Trustee Gregory Shaughnessy, Ellen Grossman, bottom left, New York state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Hispanic Brotherhood executive director Margarita Grasing, Hempstead Town Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby and Hispanic Brotherhood co-director Marguerite Keller.

Patrick O’Shaughnessy, president and chief executive officer of Catholic Health Services, center, was recognized as one of the honorees at the Hispanic Brotherhood’s annual scholarship dinner.

her scholarship funds towards attending Stony Brook University and studying clinical laboratory science. Paulino shared that she is currently deciding between having a minor in biology or film studies on her way to being a clinical lab scientist.

“Receiving the award was the first step for me to let go of that dependence on my parents,” Paulino said. “I’m proud of myself, … and I know my parents are proud of me too.”

Alfredo Molina, 17, plans to study mechanical engineering at Binghamton University. Even though Molina will be a first-generation college student, he credits his cousin who works in mechanical engineering for inspiring him to enter the industry.

Molina also shared that the scholarship from the Hispanic Brotherhood was both a surprise and a much-needed financial blessing to him and his family. Molina plans to work in the summer

for the Hispanic Brotherhood before leaving for school.

In addition to the four young honorary scholars, the Annual Scholarship Dinner featured honors being given out to several other community members and organizations.

Notable honorees recognized this year included New York state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli; Hempstead Town Councilwoman Dorothy L. Goosby; Joseph Tedesco, president and chief executive officer of Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union Joseph Tedesco; The Salvadoran-American Chamber of Commerce; David Nemiroff, president and chief executive officer of Harmony Healthcare; Eric Alexander, director of Vision Long Island; attorney David M. Sperling; Patrick M. O’Shaughnessy, president and chief executive officer of Catholic Health Services’ among others who helped support the scholarship fund. The fund allows graduating seniors to enter higher learning and supports the organization’s after school tutorial program.

The Hispanic Brotherhood provides support for the community with programs on foreclosure prevention, which provides legal counsel to local homeowners about the best practices regarding homeownership.

Grasing also shared that the scholarships, programs, and various means of community support that the Hispanic Brotherhood has provided over the years goes beyond just Hispanic pride, to create a more prosperous Rockville Centre for all.

Photos courtesy Hispanic Brotherhood

assault

A Freeport resident was admitted to the Mercy Medical Center emergency room in Rockville Centre with a gunshot wound on May 28. Further investigation revealed the incident occurred in Freeport. Freeport Police and Nassau County Police detectives have taken over the investigation at this time.

Burglary

The manager of restaurant on Sunrise Highway in Rockville Centre reported on May 30 that after receiving a call from the alarm company, he observed an unknown subject was on the premises via video surveillance footage. Upon arrival, police observed damage to a rear door and window, but the subject had fled.

Fire

The Rockville Centre Fire Department extinguished a trash fire on May 30 at the corner of Sunrise Highway and North Park Avenue.

iD theFt

A resident of Rockville Centre reported on May 30 that someone opened a credit account in her name and accumulated almost $4,000 in fraudulent charges.

Crime watCh

larCeny

A resident of Linden Street in Rockville Centre reported on May 26, someone stole his bike from a Lee Avenue residence.

The manager of a North Village Avenue business reported on June 1 that a female subject stole numerous items from the store and left without paying.

A resident of Rockville Centre reported on June 2 that his bike was stolen while it was parked on Clinton Avenue.

leaving the sCene

An employee with the Village of Rockville Centre reported on May 28, he was struck by a vehicle while operating as a flagman at a construction site. The employee received minor injuries as a result. The operator of the vehicle left the scene following the incident.

lost ProPerty

A resident of East Rockaway reported on May 28, she lost her New York State Attorney ID card while at a Merrick Road doctor’s office.

A resident of West Hempstead reported on May 30, she lost her wallet in the vicinity of a North Village Avenue store. The wallet contained her ID, several bank cards and cash.

A resident of Rockville Centre reported on May 31, that his two New York State license plates are missing after his damaged vehicle was towed from his house by his insurance company to an unknown location.

tresPass

The owner of a South Long Beach Road business reported on May 31 that she observed a former employee in he building without permission to be there.

unauthorizeD use

oF a motor vehiCle

An employee of U-Haul reported on May 22 someone did not return a rental vehicle.

The owner of a vehicle reported on May 24 someone drove his vehicle without permission while in the custody of Premier Auto Solutions.

A resident of Rockville Centre reported on May 31 that someone stole and fraudulently altered a check he had mailed.

A resident of Rockville Centre reported on June 2 someone fraudulently used his EBT card, leaving him no funds for his own use.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only 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.

When Does a Trust Make Sense

By now most people know that trusts avoid probate which is required with a will — if there are “probatable” assets, in other words those in your name alone. While many assets may be set up to avoid probate by putting joint owners on or by naming beneficiaries, titles to real estate in New York may not have beneficiaries and there are tax and liability reasons for not naming joint owners on real estate. As a result, real property generally goes through probate.

Other reasons to use trusts, besides avoiding probate for the home, are as follows:

1. Out-of-State Property. New York residents who own property in another state face two probates, one in New York and another in the other state. However, you may transfer both properties into your New York trust and avoid the “multiple probate problem”.

Help Wanted: Handyperson

3. Special Needs Children. If you leave assets to a special needs child in a will, the court will appoint a lawyer to represent the special needs child which will require your estate to pay two lawyers and significantly delay the proceedings.

4. Keeping Your Assets in the Bloodline. Wills generally leave assets to your children and have no provisions for what happens after they get the inheritance. As a result, when your child dies, assets often go to in-laws and their families. Trusts can provide that your assets will stay in your bloodline for generations to come.

5. Protecting Assets from Long-Term Care Costs. Wills take effect on death and offer no long-term care asset protection. Often, the cost of care ends up leaving nothing for the heirs at death. Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts not only avoid probate, but also protect assets from being lost to longterm care costs.

2. Trusts Are Private. Unlike wills, trusts are not filed in court, so there is no public record of how much you had, who you left it to, where they live, and who you left out.

South Side captures first LIC since 2004

Cyclones two wins away from state championship

By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com

Six months after losing to East Islip in the Long Island Championship football game, South Side made sure the Redmen wouldn’t reign supreme in lacrosse too.

Nineteen Cyclones participated on the same Hofstra field May 29 that they did in the heartbreaking 19-14 loss to East Islip in last fall’s gridiron title game. But this time, some of those South Siders took it upon themselves to play key roles in the 12-9 Class B championship win over the Redmen that earned them its first Long Island boys’ lacrosse championship in 20 years.

One was Owen West, the quarterback who ignited the Cyclones’ win with three first-quarter goals and another in the second before setting up one of the clinching markers early in the final stanza. He scored three times in the 12-10 county final win over Manhasset five days earlier.

“It was huge,” West said. “We were all [ticked] off coming back from the football loss playing East Islip. We talked as captains and all of us except for one played football, so it’s just a big moment for all of us to get revenge on them.”

Another was fellow senior Michael Melkonian, who scored what was almost the game-winning touchdown off a fumble return that gave South Side a 14-13 lead in the third quarter. After winning 23-of-24 faceoffs against Manhasset, the Cornell commit was just as dominant against East Islip (17-2) by taking 21-of-24 draws to earn game MVP honors.

“Just repping,” Melkonian said of his faceoff success against the Redmen. “[I was] taking reps by myself every day, just getting ready, having a good mindset, locking in before the game, and just playing my game.”

Then there was goaltender Michael Muscarella, a lineman and South Side’s 2024 valedictorian, who made a momentum-shifting save in the third quarter among the eight he had that helped shut the door on East Islip. Michael Aiello got his pound of flesh too with two goals and three assists as did junior Cullen Lynch, who had two of his three tallies in the first half.

“I’m overwhelmed,” said South Side coach Steve DiPietro. “It’s such a great group of kids. They battled. I mean, we had two amazing tests with Manhasset and East Islip and neither one was easy and the kids took it.”

West and Lynch scored 12 seconds apart from the same low right spot two minutes into the game and West added consecutive goals later in the first quarter to help the Cyclones push their lead to 4-1 with just under four minutes left in

Owen West, right, had three first-quarter goals and finished with four in the LIC.

the session. The Redmen got one back with 1:11 left but were still outshot 15-4 in the quarter.

Aiello, who had six goals in the semifinal win over Carey, scored at 2:47 of the second quarter and Lynch and West added one more apiece as South Side carried a 7-3 lead into intermission.

Lynch scored a shorthanded goal 56 seconds into the third, but East Islip responded with three straight tallies to cut the deficit to 8-6 with 3:17 left. The Redmen came very close to making it a one-goal game late in the third, but Muscarella came up with the save of the night by robbing East Islip’s Ethan Benardos.

“My defender was on him and I saw him roll around the crease,” Muscarella recalled. “I kind of fell myself, but I got up quick and I saw him try to go high, so I put my stick up and I got it.”

Moments later, senior Griffin Mills scored the first of his two goals with 1:21 left in the third to deflate the Redmen.

Liam Livingston scored a behind-theback goal 1:47 into the fourth quarter and Mills converted a West feed 47 seconds later to put the game out of reach at 11-6.

South Side went on to defeat Section IX champion Warwick Valley, 11-6 win the Southeast Regional final last Saturday Middletown High School as Melkonian won 19 of 20 draws and Aiello exploded for three goals and three assists.

The Cyclones will face Yorktown in the state semis Wednesday evening, after press time, at the University of Albany. The Class B state final is Saturday.

Michael Muscarella, left, Will O’Toole, center, and Michael Grossman rejoiced after South Side’s historic victory.

Eric Dunetz/Herald photos

Cole DiPietro, left, helped the Cyclones capture their first Long Island title in 20 years May 29 with a 12-9 win over East Islip at Hofstra.

RVC hosts annual car and fire truck show

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Car shows are a beloved summer tradition on Long Island, offering a nostalgic escape and a celebration of the enduring allure of iconic machines from the past.

As the season shifts into high gear, enthusiasts and casual observers alike look forward to the opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and stories behind these timeless classics, from American muscle cars and convertibles to a wide array of vintage vehicles.

The weather was perfect for such a celebration, on Saturday, June 1, when the Village of Rockville Centre hosted its fourth annual vintage car and antique fire truck show. Dozens gathered at the parking field along North Centre Avenue, eager to get up close with the impressive automotive displays.

The event allowed visitors to explore the evolution of automotive design and technology, with exhibits ranging from historic fire trucks like the 1937 AhernsFox antique fire apparatus to modern custom sports cars. This diverse array of vehicles offered a glimpse into the rich history and innovation that have shaped the automotive industry over the decades.

The idea for the annual show was conceived by Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley in 2021, amid the disruption caused by the

Organizers of the annual vintage car and fire truck show, Rockville Centre Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley and Dominick Alesi, captain of Rockville Centre Fire Department’s Live Oak Engine Company No. 1, behind the wheel of a Lincoln Continental.

coronavirus pandemic. At a time when people were eager to get back outside and enjoy traditional summer activities, Baxley’s vision provided a perfect opportunity to bring the community together in celebration of their shared passion for classic cars.

Thanks to Baxley’s hard work and dedication, the event has continued to grow in popularity and scale each year.

“We want to thank everyone for the amazing turnout during our fourth year of the vintage car and antique fire truck show,” she said. “The parking lot was full

of beautiful antique vehicles.”

Baxley credited Dominick Alesi, captain of the Rockville Centre Fire Department’s Live Oak Engine Company No. 1, for his instrumental role in providing the vintage fire trucks that have become a highlight of the annual event.

“It was so nice seeing families all get together and appreciate some of our history,” Alesi said. “The sun was shining and the laughs were flowing on this gorgeous day. We look forward to next year and many more to come.”

As summer unfolds on Long Island,

Maureen Lennon/Herald photos Jack Sandhaas pulls up in his classic 1979 Trans-Am, also known as a ‘Firebird.’

car shows like this one have become a beloved tradition, bringing communities together to appreciate the craftsmanship, innovation, and stories behind these iconic machines from the past.

Whether admiring the sleek design of classic muscle cars or marveling at the engineering feats of antique fire trucks, attendees found themselves transported back in time, reveling in the enduring allure of automotive history.

Long Island’s choice honored at annual gala

By Melissa Berman

It truly was a beautiful evening for more than 160 of Long Island’s best businesses at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on May 14 for the third annual Herald’s Long Island Choice Awards gala.

More than 250,000 ballots were cast from 15,000 people choosing their favorite businesses and organizations in categories ranging from dining to finance to shopping to sports.

“What an accomplishment to be selected as one of the best on Long Island,” said Amy Amato, the executive director of RichnerLive. “And by your customers and clients no less. With thousands of businesses across Nassau and Suffolk counties, to be named a finalist is quite an accomplishment.”

The Long Island Choice Awards was made possible through PSEG Long Island. The event itself drew 700 attendees, and was hosted by Miss New York herself, Amelia Collins.

“One of our driving forces is to support smal-l to medium-sized businesses as much as possible, because they are what drives our economies on Long Island,” said Veronica Isaac, the customer and community partnerships manager for PSEG Long Island. “It’s one of our missions to ensure that they thrive.”

As far as the Long Island Choice awards, for many of the participating businesses, it’s an honor just to be nominated and make the finals. But it’s also nice to win, like it was for Ron Gold, owner of Marketing Works.

“It’s something we’ve never been a finalist in before,” Gold said. “But the big question is, will we win? It’s just so special to be here and be recognized for our work.”

Adam Schneider of Sip n Say Craft Wine and Spirits oozed confidence ahead of the awards presentation, saying he’s thankful for the customer appreciation.

“We’re not only happy to be winning,” Schneider said, “but we’re happy to be here and supporting other winners and connecting with other Long Island businesses that are just trying to get by.”

Frank’s Steaks of Rockville Centre earned recognition for his company’s work, and owner Chris Meyer made sure he gave a special shout-out out to his team.

“It shows how wonderful my staff is,” he said. “And our customers, we have the best loyal clientele who constantly support us and a ton of regulars building a lot of new business.”

Taking home multiple awards was the Long Island Children’s Museum, which has been a community staple since 1993.

“It’s exciting because we’re up against a lot (of) larger venues than ours, so we’re really excited to have that opportunity to be recognized by the public,” said James Packard, director of the museum’s theatre programs. “It’s just one of many opportunities to serve the children and families of Long

Isaac — from presenting sponsor PSEG Long Island

Island.”

“All of us know small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities,” said Stuart Richner, publisher of Herald Community Newspapers. “They foster local identity, create jobs, and nurture connections that transform neighborhoods into thriving ecosystems. They are the economic engines of our communities, and we love celebrating them — not only for the Long Island Choice Awards, but each week in our Herald community newspapers and websites.”

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The poolside cocktail hour was a hit with attendees at the Long Island Choice Awards.

Veronica

— gave welcoming remarks.

Stuart Richner, publisher of Herald Community Newspapers, helped honor Long Island’s best choices.

Miss New York 2023, Amelia Collins was the host for the evening.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

The band, Elegance Quartet, gave guests a wonderful performance at the annual Long Island Choice Awards.

Maple Pointe Senior Living proud of its showing.

Swing Belly’s is a hit with its customers.

Frank’s Steaks showcases three wins.

Edwin Chavez/Herald photos

The Maple Lanes RVC team had plenty to celebrate at the Long Island Choice Awards.

Wild Ginger was honored to be a choice business.

Pod Spa & Wellness took home a number of awards.

Rockville Centre Auto Repair is a customer favorite.

Clarity Spa’s Taylor Maflin, right, accepts her award from Herald Community Newspapers publisher Stuart Richner.

Martello named ‘Most Outstanding Player’

Rockville Centre’s own hometown lacrosse star wins NCAA’s top honor

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Kayla Martello, a graduating senior at Boston College, was awarded “Most Outstanding Player” for her performance during the 2024 NCAA Division 1 lacrosse national championships.

The 22-year-old Rockville Centre native was instrumental in mounting a major comeback for the Eagles, scoring five critical goals to help defeat Northwestern in the finals by a score of 14-13.

Boston College was down by six at the end of the first quarter of the finals against Northwestern. It was the second year in a row that these two teams would meet in the final round of the postseason.

Despite an outstanding season, Boston College lost to Northwestern in 2023. It was a crushing blow, but it would be exactly what was needed to spark the fire burning within the Eagles’ offense.

“It was definitely something on the forefront of our minds the entire time,” Martello said. “We were able to look back at what went wrong and make sure to not let it happen again.”

Fearing a repeat performance, the team knew they had to step things up if they wanted to win. Thanks to a series of well-executed plays by Martello and her teammates, Boston College went on to claim its second NCAA national championship title in the school’s history.

“In the two minutes between quarters, the coaches made some great adjustments,” Martello said. “It switched our mindset so that we could make the plays we needed to make and kept building and building off that momentum.”

Confidently, she said that she never thought for a second that there was a chance the team was going to lose.

“Once we get in that rhythm,” Martello said, “we are so unstoppable.”

Following their victory over Northwestern, Martello and her teammates celebrated their achievement with friends and family, who traveled out to see them

compete.

Initially, she was overcome with disbelief that they had managed to pull off such a feat to win the NCAA championship in their senior year. The last time Boston College won the title was during her freshman season with the team back in 2021.

“We wanted to bring that (same) feeling to the younger girls on our team,” Martello said. “Finishing our college career with a win … to end on that high was such a big thing for our senior class.” She said the reaction soon turned bittersweet as the reality set in that nine of the players on the team will graduate in the coming weeks.

Growing up in Rockville Centre, Martello developed a passion for lacrosse early in life. She said that while she officially began playing the sport in first grade, she likely picked up a stick even earlier on to play with

her father, a Long Island Metropolitan Lacrosse Hall of Famer, and her three siblings.

“It is a big lacrosse community… Long Island in general has an insane lacrosse community,” she said. Martello was quickly entrenched in the sport, and as she got older, she competed at higher levels of play. As she got more serious about it, she started to devote every single weekend of her summer to playing or practicing lacrosse. Through the sport, she built lasting friendships while also developing her more competitive tendencies.

She went on to attend Sacred Heart Academy, an allCatholic girls preparatory school in nearby Hempstead, where she played lacrosse, basketball and volleyball. She was captain of the varsity lacrosse team for two years and was ranked among the top 100 lacrosse players on Long Island. In her junior year, she helped lead the Spartans to victory in the 2018 Catholic league lacrosse championship.

Martello joined the Eagles as a freshman in 2021, and quickly made a statement by scoring six goals in only 15 games during the regular season. She would also score three-straight during the NCAA tournament matches against Fairfield, Temple and Notre Dame, to help Boston College win the D1 title for the first time in history.

Martello has the competitive spirit and tenacity of a sports icon in the making. She finishes her collegiate career with a total of 201 points, including 180 goals and 21 assists in 84 total games played.

In regards for what the future holds, Martello said that lacrosse will always play a major role in her life, however, she doesn’t have any definitive prospects to play at the professional level. However that could all change once scouts get a look at her highlight reel.

When asked if she would want to play at the professional level, Kayla replied: “I’m not going to say never, but as of now I don’t think so.”

In the meantime she plans on getting a job in corporate America while she continues to participate in camps and clinics, to help coach the next generation of lacrosse stars to unlock their full potential.

Photos courtesy Eddie Shabomardenly Victory never tasted so sweet! Kayla Martello, 22, of Rockville Centre celebrates winning the 2024 NCAA Division 1 women’s lacrosse championship for Boston College.

Martello, No. 38, led Boston College to its second NCAA national championship title in history with a come-from-behind win to beat Northwestern 14-13.

News brief

D’Esposito picks up big endorsement from Trump

Former president Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee in his efforts to return to the White House, endorsed incumbent U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito.

“Congressman Anthony D’Esposito is a fantastic and highly effective representative for the people of New York’s 4th Congressional,” Trump said, in a statement.

“A retired NYPD police detective, Anthony is working hard to uphold the rule of law, create jobs and lower inflation, secure the border and support our incredible military and police officers. Anthony D’Esposito has my complete and total endorsement.”

D’Esposito — seeking a second twoyear term in the House of Representatives — faces a challenge from Democrat Laura Gillen, the former Hempstead town supervisor, in November’s general election. D’Esposito is a former Hempstead town councilman.

D’Esposito defeated Gillen in the 2022

race, flipping a congressional seat to the GOP the Democrats had held for 25 years with Carolyn McCarthy and Kathleen Rice.

“Under President Donald Trump, America was respected on the global stage,” D’Esposito said, in a statement.

“Families had more money in their wallets, and our southern border was not the disaster that it is today under Joe Biden’s watch.

“With President Trump back in the White House, my House Republican colleagues and I wlll finally have a partner in government equally committed to securing our borders, stopping the crime crisis, standing up to our enemies overseas, and ending Biden’s inflation-inducing progressive-spending spree. I am honored to receive President Trump’s endorsement.”

D’Esposito currently serves on three House committees: Administration, Homeland Security and Transportation. He chairs the subcommittee on Energy Management and Technology.

Retired from the New York Police Department, he also served as a volunteer firefighter in his native Island Park.

America’s Neighborhood Builders.

New Ground, Girls Inc. this year’s Neighborhood Builders awardees

New Ground and Girls Inc. of Long Island have now joined a prestigious group of more than 100 non-profits across the country —becoming the latest to be named Neighborhood Builders by the Bank of America.

With that comes grants of $200,000 each for the organizations, which will help them continue their programs over the next two years.

“Local non-profits provide critical support and services to address our community’s needs and advance equity on Long

Island,” said Bank of America Long Island president Marc Perez, in a release.

“Both New Ground and Girls Inc. of Long Island are dedicated to creating lasting change by breaking the cycle of homelessness and equipping young women with the skills and resources to become the next generation of leaders.”

Bank of America has invested more than $300 million in nearly 100 communities since 2004. There have been 38 Long Island awardees since 2005, earning $8 million in grants.

Photo courtesy Bank of America

–Jeffrey Bessen

ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO

STEPPING OUT

Images courtesy Heckscher Museum of Art Marching Stick Men, 1947, depicts a Zombie-like parade of gray stickmen marching in unison behind the image of a rainbow-colored effigy in the shape of a man.

Eclipse of the Sun, 1926, is a masterpiece of political art. As signaled by the dollar sign darkening the sun — a symbol of life — the artwork critiques the greed and violence of Germany’s military, politicians and industrialists.

Battalion of the Hole, 1948, is another representation of Grosz’s emaciated and wounded figures in his abstract, expressionistic style.

that ‘sticks’ with us

George Grosz’s groundbreaking series on view at Heckscher Museum

By Danielle Schwab

Perhaps, there is nothing more symbolic than the “stick man.” We see it on signs, in sketches, in games.

George Grosz, a German-born artist, takes a different symbolic approach with his “Stick Men” series to ponder a post-World War II landscape.

Born in Berlin, Grosz’s political art offered a strong commentary on the German government following World War I. After observing the horrors of war as a soldier, Grosz became involved in pacifist activity, publishing drawings in satirical and critical periodicals — also participating in protests and social upheavals. His drawings and paintings from the Weimar era sharply criticize what Grosz viewed as the decay of German society.

His art was branded “degenerate” by the Nazi regime due to Grosz’s criticism of Hitler and aggressive nationalism.

The Heckscher Museum’s current exhibition, “George Grosz: The Stick Men,” brings the artist’s works “home.” Fleeing persecution, Grosz and his family left Germany and arrived in Queens in 1933, eventually settling in Huntington in 1947. He became an American citizen in 1938, and lived in Huntington until shortly before his death in 1959.

The exhibition — featuring 33 watercolors, oils and drawings — is the first dedicated to the Stick Men series since it debuted in New York City in 1948. The majority of works on display — 23 in all — are from the Stick Men series. Seventy-five years later, Grosz’s warning against fascism and global conflict is as relevant as ever, according to Karli Wurzelbacher, the museum’s chief curator, and exhibit co-curator.

It was in Huntington — and in response to the harrowing atrocities of World War II — that Grosz created the Stick Men, his last major series of works. The series represents starved beings wandering aimlessly through a polluted, post-apocalyptic world. In search of food and shelter, these victims of adverse circumstances in turn become perpetrators themselves.

Writings of the period portrayed Grosz as living a suburban and apolitical life in America, in contrast to his earlier fierce political art in Germany. The opposite is true: his Stick Men series culminates his lifelong political and artistic struggles.

“Stickmen are these abstracted figures who are really dehumanized. They are skeletal, they are transparent, we can see right through them,” Wurzelbacher says. “I don’t even know if you could say they’re people anymore. They are beings who have lived through this period of time, and really have kind of forfeited their humanity.”

The exhibit makes its way here from Das kleine Grosz Museum in Berlin,

• Now through Sept. 1

• Open Thursday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

• Heckscher Museum of Art,

2 Prime Ave., Huntington

• (631) 380-3230 or Heckscher.org

Germany, a museum dedicated to the career of this important artist. Curator Pay Matthis Karstens and co-curator Alice Delage organized the original exhibit, which includes works from The Heckscher Museum and European public and private collections.

Now it’s arrived at Heckscher in an expanded version, featuring additional works from its own collection, including Grosz’s 1926 masterpiece “Eclipse of the Sun.” The painting, done while he was in Berlin, is almost prophetic in nature, telling of the turmoil leading up to World War II. The scene depicts headless German bureaucrats at a conference table being influenced by militarists and industrialists.

“It’s called ‘Eclipse of the Sun’ because, in the upper corner, a dollar sign has eclipsed the sun,” Wurzelbacher says. “The sun — the symbol of life, health and nature — is being eclipsed by capitalism, war and greed.”

Grosz uses watercolors to show the emotional hollowness of the characters, employing thin washes to show faded husks of humanity.

“Watercolor as his choice of medium helps communicate what the stickmen are,” Wurzelbacher adds. “He also kind of splatters the canvas with flecks of paint that can look like mud or blood.”

The series gives us insight to Grosz’s own experiences. Another work, “Painter of the Hole,” shows a stickman artist painting a hole on the canvas in front of him.

“He is surrounded by such a loss of meaning that he doesn’t even know what to paint, and all he can paint is this emptiness,” Wurzelbacher says.

Ensconced in the United States during World War II, Grosz’s art demonstrates the impact of war separated by an ocean.

“There’s this thinking that because Grosz was on Long Island, he was somehow separate from what was happening in Europe,” Wurzelbacher explains. “We wanted to make the case that that wasn’t true, that the war did touch his life and touched the lives of many Long Islanders.”

Visitors to the museum will have free access to this and all other exhibits, continuing the legacy of founders August and Anna Heckscher. A Bank of America grant enables Hecksher to offer free admission into 2025, welcoming more visitors and families to enjoy art and community.

Of course, donations are always welcome.

‘The

Rocketman Show’ Remember when rock was young? You will after this enthralling show. Prepare to blast off into the stratosphere with this electrifying tribute to the Rocketman himself. With a nostalgic setlist that’ll take you right back to when rock was young, this is the perfect night out for Elton John fans — of all generations. Rus Anderson, Elton John’s official body double for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour launch, recreates an early Elton concert complete with gorgeous, colorful costumes actually worn by Elton himself. Enjoy a nostalgic night of Elton’s greatest hits, wildest outfits, and outrageous stage antics. Anderson recreates the magic and live persona of a young Elton like no other as he storms around the stage with a fun-loving sense of flamboyance; part diva, part soccer player, killer vocalist, fierce piano player, all rock ‘n’ roller.

Friday, June 7, 8 p.m. $65, $45, $35, $30. Tickets available at Ticketmaster. com or ParamountNY.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.

Northwinds Symphonic Band

Sands Point Preserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the majestic backdrop for a lively musical afternoon. Be immersed in a feast for the senses, with the Northwinds Symphonic Band. Led by conductors Helen P. Bauer and Brandon Bromsey, the band has curated a delightful repertoire that traverses Broadway, Hollywood and classical favorites. Adding an extra layer to the performance are Broadway vocalists Karen Murphy and John Preator, whose dynamic voices delightfully interpret cherished classics. Before the concert begins, consider indulging in the quintessential summer tradition of a picnic on the Preserve’s majestic grounds, The audience, including children, are invited to meet the musicians following the performance and learn about the instruments they play.

Sunday, June 9, 3-4:15 p.m. $10, with additional $15 parking fee. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

THE Your Neighborhood

Jessie’s Girl

It’s time to drag out that neon once again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those crazy days are back — as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off, on the Paramount stage, Friday, June 14 2, 8 p.m. So slip on some Jordache jeans, legwarmers, grab an extra-large bottle of Aqua Net and get ready to dance the night away as you travel back to that wild and crazy decade. There is no decade like the ‘80s and no band that has mastered the music of the time period like Jessie’s Girl! Hear all of your favorites ‘80s hits by Prince, Madonna, Eddie Money, Duran Duran, Whitney Houston, Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, Van Halen, J. Geils Band, Soft Cell, The Police and many more. The show is led by New York City’s top rock and pop vocalists and backed by a phenomenal band, who get everyone into that “Back To The Eighties” vibe with the latest edition of their popular concert experience. With a lineup including four vocalists dressing and performing as ‘80s icons, with their terrific band, this is the definitive ‘80s experience. Throw on top of that: a load of super-fun choreography, audience participation, props, costumes bubbles, and confetti — and you have a party that audiences don’t want to leave. Jessie’s Girl has mastered over-the-top renditions of the some of world’s most unforgettable songs, all while dressed up as the iconic characters of that decade. This is theater meets live music, covered in plenty of ‘80s glitz. $45, $37.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Family theater

Families will enjoy another musical adventure, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, June 7, 10:15 a.m. and noon; also Saturday, June 8 11:30 a..m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, June 9, 2 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, June 11-13, 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 help Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat comedy based on Willems’ popular Pigeon books. Featuring a live band to bring the jazzy score to life, audiences will thoroughly enjoy singing and flapping along with The Pigeon and friends. The audience is part of the action, in this innovative mix of songs, silliness and feathers. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to theater and the humorous stories from Willems’ books. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

On exhibit Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods.

Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.

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

Seasonal Sprouts

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a Seasonal Sprouts session, Wednesday, June 19, 11 a.m.-noon. Children (ages 4 to 6) can explore the grounds on a guided walk within the formal gardens and informal woodlands. Families will enjoy activities and plant a flower to take home. $10 per child. Registration required. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information, visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

Rockville Centre Garden Tour

Join Bethany House for its 3rd annual Rockville Centre Garden Tour, Wednesday, June 12, 10 a.m.-noon, for a morning stroll through Rockville Centre’s beautiful garden, followed by a luncheon event at the Rockville Links Club. 600 N. Long Beach Road. $80 donation to participate. Country club attire required. No jeans. Garden hats welcome. Rain or Shine. For more information visit BHNY. org/Events.

Celebrate Israel

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

Ordination to Priesthood 2024

Bishop John O. Barres of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre ordains the Rev. Joseph Lettieri and Rev. Dennis Gannon to the Holy Priesthood, Saturday, June 8, at 11 a.m., at St. Agnes Cathedral. 29 Quealy Place.

Having an event?

Marching through history

Step back in time and observe different eras of military history, at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Saturday and Sunday, June 15-16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. As you “march through history” be side by side with knowledgeable and welcoming reenactors from Long Island and numerous other states portraying soldiers, their uniforms and weaponry from Colonial America through more recent conflicts. With firing demonstrations throughout the day, as well as tent and camp life displays. $15, $12 children, $12 seniors 60+. Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road Old Bethpage. Visit OldBethpageVillageRestoration.org for more information or call (516) 5728409.

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.

On stage

Plaza Theatrical brings back its acclaimed Broadway series. With the recent passing of Stephen Sondheim, regarded as one of the most important figures in 20th-century musical theatre for reinventing the American musical, Plaza honors him with a staging of “Into the Woods,” the clever interpretation of four well-known fairy tales, Saturday June 8, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 9, 2:30 p.m. See it at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre. 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $49, $45 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

2024 RVC Pride Caravan

Vehicles gather on the streets around the United Church on Saturday, June 15, before 1 p.m., when participants will decorate their cars, vans, trucks and SUVs, followed by the local caravan through Rockville Centre, at 2 p.m. 430 Morris Ave. For more information or to register visit RVCPride.org.

Village Elections

Village Elections take place at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center, Tuesday, June 18. Polls close at 9 p.m. 111 N. Oceanside Road. Village Justice Mindy Roman will be running unopposed for a fouryear term.

Oddfellows Annual Cornhole Tournament

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge 279 hosts their annual double elimination cornhole tournament, Saturday, June 8, at 11 a.m., at Firemen’s Field near South Side High School. This year’s event features 32 teams, each competing for top prizes. Team entry fee is $120 to participate. General admission is $30 and covers the cost of food, drinks, live music and fun for all ages. Proceeds raised will go to help support the RVC Breast Cancer Coalition, the RVC Community Fund and SIBSPlace. For more information, email IOOFRVC279@Gmail.com.

Rise Up For Ryan Fundraiser

The Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation hosts its annual Rise Up For Ryan fundraiser, Saturday, June 8, at the St. Agnes Parish Center, 7-11 p.m. Help raise money to help the foundation increase mental health awareness and education at local schools. The event includes dinner, dancing, an open bar, raffles and a live musical performance by A Witch’s Brew. 29 Quealy Place, For more information visit RyanPatrickOsheaFoundation.org.

A beloved South Side tradition carries on

Fulgieri, a special education teacher at South Side, brings an extensive background in the performing arts.. “It’s a great way to incorporate both things,” she said, explaining how the program combines her passion for education with her experience on stage.

“It’s a lot of re-running scenes to try and figure out what looks good and what works,” Fulgieri added. “It’s so cool to get to see the CORE and Pathways students not in a setting we would normally see them.”

She noted that the program helps special education students by reinforcing social skills and enables students to interact and develop friendships. “I’m most excited about seeing them just having fun,” she said.

Covert elementary students perform ‘You’ll Be in my Heart’ by phil Collins from the Broadway production of ‘tarzan: the musical.’

Matt Gaven, superintendent of the Rockville Centre School District, praised students and faculty for participating in this rich school tradition.

“It’s a tradition that shows just how special the Rockville Centre school district really is,” Gaven said. “It really brings everybody together. That is the magic of this event.” He also played a bit part as Corny Collins in Hairspray, the host of a popular teen dance show in Baltimore.

When the Centre Stage program was conceived more than 16 years ago, it was based around a play written by Nesdill as a class assignment about the Titanic. Soon, what began as a one-night-only performance with an audience of only 15 people, grew bigger and bigger each year, eventually necessitating a second performance to accommodate the massive crowds. This year, nearly 2,000 people attended the two-nights of performances on Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31.

Daniel Offner/Herald photos this year’s production, ‘Centre Stage goes Broadway,’ featured a variety of musical numbers from such classic Broadway productions as newsies, Beauty and the Beast, annie and more.

John Kilduff opened the show both nights by welcoming the audience and performing the National Anthem. Kate Coronado, beaming with excitement during dress rehearsals, prepared for her big solo number, playing both Katherine Plumber in “Newsies” and Eliza Schuyler in “Hamilton.” Nicole Carlin and Madeleine Gaillard, sophomores at South Side High School, rehearsed their lines and dance routines for three months to prepare for the performance.

“We’ve been practicing every Tuesday and Thursday since March,” Gail -

lard said. Both she and Carlin decided to get involved in the Centre Stage program last year and enjoyed it so much that they decided to participate again. “I think we just really enjoyed doing it,” Gaillard added. “It’s a lot of fun for all of us.”

Michael Maher, who played the role of Fiyero in “Wicked” and Wilbur Turnblad in “Hairspray,” has been participating in the Centre Stage program for the last 14 years. “I feel proud,” he said, reflecting on more than a decade of experience with the program.

JUNE 15- JULY 11

Join in any time during the day. Walk through Malverne and stop by participating merchants to view over 100 pieces of art from more than 50 Long Island artists. There will be live music, chalk drawing for childern and more. Opening day is June 15.

Art Walk RVC hosts its opening weekend

The Village of Rockville Centre kicked off its inaugural Art Walk RVC event on Saturday, June 1, with a celebration of local artists and businesses in the “Little Town” corridor along North Long Beach Road.

The opening weekend festivities featured open studios, exhibitions, and demonstrations at venues like Backyard Players & Friends, The Art Studio RVC, Lost Dog Art and Frame, and Polka Dot Pound Cake. Attendees could also enjoy some fresh pastries at Polka Dot Pound Cake, explore virtual reality at Pioneer VR, browse offerings at Rockville Centre Wine and Spirits and enjoy a live musical performance by the School of Rock.

The Art Walk festivities also extended into the downtown business districts, where local shops like Jeannine’s Gifts showcased works from students at South Side High School. The Phillips House Museum, Molloy University, Wine and Design, and Hue Studio Fine Arts Academy also hosted exhibitions.

According to organizers, the monthlong Art Walk RVC will feature more than 150 original works from 60 local artists across over 20 businesses, schools and public spaces throughout the village. The goal is to celebrate and support the area’s creative talent while driving customers to local establishments serving as exhibition venues.

The collaborative effort between

The event’s organizers Mike Mutone and Danielle Barbaro of The Art Studio, James McDonald of Lost Dog Art & Frame, and Ellen White of the Backyard Players & Friends celebrate the launch of Art Walk RVC.

business owners like James McDonald of Lost Dog Art & Frame, Mike Mutone and Danielle Barbaro of The Art Studio, Ellen White of Backyard Players & Friends, and the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce aims to establish the village as a premiere arts hub in southern Nassau County.

of

cial events scheduled for Saturday, June

–Daniel Offner

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Angelica Zampini of Levittown and Rachel Piliere

Rockville Centre participate in one of the interactive demonstrations during the

Visit Exhibitors 10AM - 11:40AM

Panel Discussion + Q&A 11:45AM - 12:30PM Raffle Drawing * 12:30PM

*must be present to win

PRIZES & GIVEAWAYS*

*must be present to win FREE GOODIE BAGS**

**while supplies last EVENT AGENDA:

FREE TO-GO LUNCH*** COURTESY OF

THURSDAY 10:00AM - 12:30PM JUNE 27 • 2024

Congregation Ohav Sholom Merrick 145 S Merrick Ave, Merrick, NY 11566

Courtesy Maple Family Center

Past winners of the Peter J. LaSpina Memorial Scholarship Tournament celebrate their achievement at Maple Lanes in Rockville Centre.

Maple Lanes hosts youth scholarship tournaments

Maple Family Centers — a familyowned business that owns and operates bowling alleys in Rockville Centre, Coram and Flushing — will host two exciting junior tournaments in June, awarding more than two-dozen scholarships in total to help further the education of youth bowlers.

The Peter J. LaSpina Memorial Scholarship Tournament, now in its 38th year, honors the Maple Family Centers’ founder by recognizing students committed to excellence both on and off the lanes.

E“This year, our youth bowlers have a second major tournament to look forward to in June, and a second opportunity to win scholarships,” LaSpina said.

ducation is critical to our children’s futures

More than 120 bowlers qualified to compete in this free tournament, which was open to all youth league bowlers who competed in at least 75 percent of their 2023-2024 league games at Maple Lanes RVC, Coram County Lanes or Jib Lanes.

Maple Family Centers added an additional tournament this year to give youth bowlers a second chance to vie for scholarships. The Junior Masters, costs $40 to enter, and is open to junior bowlers in two divisions — the scratch division, in which bowlers have an average score of 175 or higher, and the handicap division for bowlers with an average of 174 or lower.

JoE LaSpina vice president, Maple Family Centers

“The Peter LaSpina Tournament is one of the most exciting days of the year at our bowling centers,” Joe LaSpina, vice president of Maple Family Centers, said. “We started this free tournament 38 years ago to give back to our junior bowlers, who are vital members of each of our bowling center communities throughout the year.”

The tournament took place at Maple Lanes in Rockville Centre on Sunday, June 2, at 9:30 a.m.

This year, the program awarded a total of $3,000 in scholarships to 12 winners in four different categories, including three age groups and an “all ages” group. First place winners received $400, second place winners received $250, and third place winners took home $100.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY. OF NASSAU

In the Matter of Baby Boy Doe (DOB: 12/20/2023), A child subject of a Destitute Child Proceeding File#: 632092

Docket#: K-00222-24

SUMMONS

(Publication)

IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK:

To: Jane Doe

(Address Unknown)

A petition under Article SSL (Social Service Law) of the Family Court Act having been filed with this Court requesting the following relief: Destitute Child; YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear before this Court on Date/Time: June 21, 2024 at 9:15 AM

Purpose:Hearing Part: 4

Floor/Room:Floor3/ Room 303

Presiding: Hon. Ellen R. Greenberg

Location: Courthouse 1200 Old Country Rd. Westbury, NY 11590 to answer the petition and to be dealt with in accordance with Article SSL (Social Service Law) of the Family Court Act. On your failure to appear as herein directed, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.

Dated: May 1, 2024 John Aiken, Chief Clerk TO THE ABOVE-NAMED

RESPONDENT:

time they will close. The office and term to be filled at such election are as follows: One (1) Village Justice, for a one (1) year term The following are the names and addresses of the persons who have been duly nominated in accordance with the provisions of the Election Law: For Justice: Mindy Roman 55 Midwood Road BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES Nancy Howard, Village Administrator/Village Clerk 147243

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICIA DE LAS NOMINACIONES PARA LA ELECCIÓN DE LA VILLA DE ROCKVILLE CENTRE

of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a Zoning Appeals Hearing at the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall

1 College Place, Rockville Centre at 7:00 p.m.

LEGAL NOTICE June 12th, 2024 at 7:00

PM

Case # 33-2023 - Michael Morash / Sunrise One LLC

- Adjourned from May 8th, 2024

To construct a selfstorage building, with in a “Business A District” which requires one hundred twenty-four (124) parking spaces where nine (9) spaces are provided, and with a building height of six stories 57 feet 6 inches where three stories 36 feet is permitted, and a parapet height of 4 feet 6 inches where 3 feet is permitted.

feet is the minimum required, and a setback of 9.28 feet on the remaining yard where 10.0 feet is the minimum required in a Residence A district.

Premises known as 32 Earle Avenue

Dated: May 30, 2024 BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, Rockville Centre, New York

J. Robert Schenone, Chairman Patrick D. O’Brien, Secretary Information and records for appeals cases are available at the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Appeals, 110 Maple Avenue, RVC, NY 147241

Preliminary rounds will took place in May and June at Coram County Lanes, Jib Lanes and Maple Lanes RVC. The Top 16 in each of the two divisions advance to the finals. All finalists will be awarded a scholarship, with the total purse to be determined based on participation.

The Junior Masters finals will take place at Maple Lanes RVC on Sunday, June 30 at 9:30 a.m. Both youth tournaments are part of Maple Family Centers’ commitment to the community. Since its inception, Maple Family Centers has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to junior bowlers.

“Education is critical to our children’s futures, and as a family-owned business, we understand that the cost of higher education is a major hurdle for families,” LaSpina said. “We are proud to contribute to the education of our youth bowlers and to help them pursue their dreams and become the community leaders of tomorrow.”

–Daniel Offner

The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Ellen R. Greenberg of the Family Court, Nassau County, dated and filed with the petition and other papers in the Office of the Clerk of the Family Court, Nassau County. 146854

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF NOMINATIONS FOR VILLAGE ELECTION VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a general election of the Village of Rockville Centre will be held on June 18, 2024, at John A. Anderson Recreation Center, 111 No. Oceanside Road, Rockville Centre, New York. Polls will open at 7 a.m. and remain open continuously thereafter until 9 p.m., at which

Por este medio se le notifica que el día 18 de junio del 2024, se llevará a cabo una elección especial de la Villa de Rockville Centre, en el Centro de Recreación, localizado en el 111 North Oceanside Road en Rockville Centre. Las urnas de votación abrirán a las 7:00 am y permanecerán abiertas continuamente hasta las 9:00 pm, hora en que oficialmente cierran las urnas. Los cargos y términos a cubrir en esta elección especial son los siguientes: Un (1) Juez de Aldea, por un periodo de un (1) año Los siguientes son los nombres y direcciones de las personas que debidamente han sido nominadas en conformidad con las estipulaciones de la ley Electoral. Para Juez: Mindy Roman 55 Midwood Road Por orden de la Junta de Consejo de Administración Nancy Howard, Administradora de la Villa/Oficinista de la Villa 147244

LEGAL NOTICE Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York Notice of Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Date: May 30, 2024

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 340 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals

Premises known as 415

Ocean Avenue

Case # 12-2024Reiffman Holdings LLCAdjourned from May 8th, 2024

To construct a professional medical building, within a “Business A District” which requires three hundred sixty-eight (368) parking spaces where 81 conforming parking spaces and seventy-six (76) non-conforming spaces are provided is subject to a Substantial Occupancy Permit from the Board of Appeals.

Premises known as 486, 490, & 500 Sunrise Highway

Case # 20-2024 - Joseph & Meghan Mastrocovi

To construct a roof over an existing patio with a proposed lot coverage of 33.7% where 30% is the maximum allowable, and a rear yard setback of 22.67 feet where 25.0 feet is the minimum required within a Residence A district.

Premises known as 11 Vanderveer Court

Case # 21-2024 - Philip Wyman & Brittany Richter

To construct a detached garage with a proposed height of 19.5 feet where 15 feet is the maximum allowable within a Residence A district.

Premises known as 160 Morris Avenue

Case # 26-2024 - John Minnigan

To construct a second story addition over existing first story with a setback in the yard opposite the greatest setback on a corner plot of 16.60 feet where 20.0

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notice to Bidders

Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on JUNE 20, 2024 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for:

KNUCKLEBOOM CRANE (REBID)

Bid No. 2406DPW1(1117)

The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department.

All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at Lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than June 13, 2024. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.

Purchasing Department

Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 147242

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!

$20 - $25/ Hour

Bell Auto School

516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED

Will Certify And Train

HS Diploma

NYS License Clean 3 Years

$20 - $25/ Hour

Call 516-731-3000

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour.

Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

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OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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Stunning Property with Modern Amenities

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

3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. L-shaped formal dining room. Den/family room. 3 zone gas heat. Bluestone patio. Alarm system. Taxes: $19,093

Elmont $840,000

Hathaway Avenue. Expanded Cape. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. First floor master bedroom.

Taxes: $12,233

Hewlett Harbor $1,750,000

Seawane Drive. Expanded Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Gourmet eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room and sauna/ steam room. High end finishes include crown molding, radiant heated floors in primary bathroom and main floor, surround sound.

Taxes: $31,540

Long Beach $830,00

E. Olive Street. Tudor. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/ family room and home office. Updates include cathedral ceiling.

Taxes: $15,324.45

Malverne $820,000

Hanson Place. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Central air conditioning. Taxes: $16,281

Merrick $880,000

Whaleneck Drive. Hi Ranch. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Open layout. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Security system.

Taxes: $19,095.70

Rockville Centre $1,050,000

Bedford Avenue. Tudor. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office with wood burning stove. Taxes: $22,896.96

Q. We finally found a home and have fixing-up to do. The first thing is new roofing. We interviewed roofers. One told us he “cuts” in the valleys where the roof meets, and another said he would not recommend that. What do you recommend, and are there other things we should know? The gutters are old and sagging, and not really draining, either.

A. A roof is one of the first things any home buyer should look at before a purchase. The slope of the land and the roof condition are very important.

Roof shingles are chosen depending on the slope of the roof. For example, a steeper slope will get greater wear due to the velocity of the running water, so a heavier architectural shingle is my first choice. Thinner shingles can be used on less sloped roofs, although I recommend the longerlasting, more heavily constructed shingles for steep and low slopes anyway, because they tend to last longer.

If the slope of the roof is less than 3 inches vertically for every 12 inches horizontally, called a 3-in12 pitch, then you should pay more attention to the underlayment. You should pay more, and get the self-adhering, flexible membrane, often referred to as “ice and water shield,” although that is actually a trade name of W.R. Grace. The code refers to the membrane as “ice barrier underlayment.”

The current building code allows for roofing shingles on a 2-inch to 12-inch pitch, but be mindful that building codes establish the minimum requirement, and failure can easily occur on a lower sloping roof when ice forms and water pools and backs up under the shingles and through the hundreds of nail holes that were made when the shingles were nailed into place. Flexible membrane underneath has performed very well over the life of roofing, and grips the nails to limit leaking, but be safe and have the membrane installed across the entire roof. The code requires only that the membrane be installed around the perimeter edges of the roof and on either side of the roof ridge.

As for cutting the valleys — the troughs where the roofs join — I understand that many roofers like the look and believe that seeing the clean metal valley is better because the water runs faster, but the tradeoff is that any time you cut a material and create a joint, the possibility for water penetration is increased. Ice and snow buildup in the valley can cause water to dam and get into the roof.

I recommend weaving the valleys by alternating the shingles and not exposing the valley trough, which should still be installed underneath the woven shingles, over membrane, because, as I have often written, redundancy is the most important thing in construction to prevent leaks. Have the gutters installed so that the downspouts are attached at corners, on trim. It’s a cleaner look. Good luck in your new home!

© 2024 Monte Leeper

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

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

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opInIons

Who knows which way this presidential race is headed?

The 2024 presidential campaign is already one like no other.

The candidates are the oldest ever nominated by a major party for president. The presumptive Republican nominee is not only the first president to be criminally indicted, put on trial and now convicted of felonies, but has been indicted four times — and seen his popularity gain with each indictment, pulling him ahead of the incumbent.

The Democratic putative nominee has extraordinarily low favorability numbers for a sitting president, yet has encountered no serious opposition on the way to obtaining his party’s nomination for a second term.

Debates between the presumed nominees, which have always been held during the heart of the campaign, in September and October, have been moved up to June 27 and Sept. 10. It was President Biden who called for these debates,

in what has to be described either as a Hail Mary pass or an act of political desperation. It is almost always the trailing challenger who hollers for debates, to get attention, while the incumbent delays for as long as possible. No scriptwriter could have envisioned the scenario playing out this year, at this point still the opening act.

Donald Trump left office with markedly low poll numbers, in the aftermath of not only a losing re-election campaign, but also the shameful Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the nation’s Capitol. Biden took office promising to heal the national divide. If there was any consensus among the cognoscenti, it was that Trump was finished as a candidate, if not as a political force altogether. Trump did re-enter the political wars that were the 2022 House and Senate campaigns, in what was expected to be a Republican blowout year. But when the GOP failed to win back the Senate and barely recaptured the House, much of the blame was placed on Trump for having foisted unqualified candidates

I f the past few years are any guide, the polling numbers can change overnight.

on the Republicans in key races. Once again he was written off, and the main question was whether the 2024 Republican nominee would be Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis or Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador. Coming off a landslide re-election win, DeSantis was the strong favorite.

Though Democrats had survived the 2022 election cycle, Biden was considered a flawed candidate by many in the party. His falling poll numbers reflected the unpopularity brought about by mass illegal immigration, inflation, gas prices still being considerably higher than what they were during the Trump years, and what appeared to be mental confusion and incoherence during Biden’s public appearances. Yet no serious Democratic challenger emerged.

But while all had been going well for Trump, his criminal conviction adds a great deal of uncertainty. It’s still a long way to Election Day in November, and if these past few years are any guide, the numbers can change overnight. Is this month’s debate Biden’s opportunity to turn the campaign around, or could Trump land a crushing knockout blow? Or will it be just one more transitory moment in this unprecedented campaign?

My prediction, which means nothing, is that this campaign won’t be over until it’s over — and maybe not even then.

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

On the Republican side, DeSantis waited and waited to announce his candidacy, and by the time he did, Trump had passed him in the polls. Once again defying all the rules of gravity and politics, Trump’s emergence as frontrunner was fueled not by grand strategy, but by the reaction of his base to his being indicted in New York, accused of paying off a porn star. Recent polls show not only that Trump is leading Biden in the swing states, but also that a majority of Americans look on the Trump administration more favorably than the Biden years. And Biden shows no signs of gaining momentum.

Another historical RVC home, another great story

Welcome, friends, to another column from the Rockville Centre Historical Society. Before diving in, we wanted to thank all those who helped support our May fundraisers. We had over 100 people attend our first annual Night at the Museum on May 18. Attendees enjoyed light refreshments and music, with numerous people touring the museum.

Many of the guests had never previously been in the museum. I think it’s safe to say that those who toured were fascinated by some of the displays, exhibits and photos. The following day, May 19, we hosted our annual Appraisal Day, which attracted another 40 people. These hopeful folks each brought a few personal treasures to be valued by professional appraiser Phil Weiss. One attendee had an item valued at $14,000!

Much of the content for this column comes from the “Then and Now” series you can find on our website and social media. The series examines historically

significant residential and commercial properties that contributed to the village you see today. I’d like to thank Trustees Alene Scoblete, Matt Cliszis and Debbie Fehringer. They have exhaustively researched the properties and stories presented here, on our website and socials. They typically say the research is very time-consuming, but also very rewarding. We’ll be offering a program in the fall that will offer attendees instructions and tips on how to research their own property.

n ot only plumbing and gas lighting, but a basement bar and shuffleboard.

Then and Now: A wellknown house on the corner of North Village and Lakeview avenues — photos available on our website — was built circa 1897 by Charles W. Goodwin. Goodwin purchased a plot of land, then stretching from Village to Harvard Avenue, from Francis Wilson for $1,800, and spent $11,000 building the home, which was reportedly designed by the famous architectural firm McKim, Mead and White.

Goodwin, an English immigrant who was born in 1848, moved from Park Slope, Brooklyn to RVC and initially lived just a few hundred feet south, at 263 North Village, in a farmhouse built

around 1870 that still stands. When the larger house was built, it had all the modern conveniences — plumbing, basic electric and gas lighting. Over time, the basement was upgraded, with the addition of a 30-foot shuffleboard court. The basement bar was also rumored to be quite active during Prohibition.

Goodwin was an early adopter, and a salesman of some of New York’s first automobiles, and had a sales office on Fulton Street in Brooklyn. After moving to RVC, he set up Goodwin Motor Sales, on the corner of Park Avenue and Observer Street, now Sunrise Highway, that his sons, Frank and Arthur, would later take over after returning home from World War I.

Goodwin specialized in selling REO Speed Wagons and sedans — yes, that’s where the band got its name — and later also owned the local Dodge dealership. The Goodwins also donated a large amount of money to help build the original white marble St. Agnes Catholic Church (before today’s large cathedral) on College Place.

In 1922, the family sold the large home to the wealthy Vanderveer family. The Vanderveers were early Dutch set-

tlers of New York, and owned large swaths of land in Brooklyn and Queens. They sold acreage in Flushing when purchasing the home.

The house is extremely well preserved, with detailed wood moldings, stained and leaded glass windows, and multiple original fireplaces. The home has only had seven owners in its 127 years, and all, thankfully, have been focused on preservation of its historic character. It is a classic representation of RVC’s large homes and estates at the turn of the century.

Who knew? If you’ve been finding these stories about the village’s past interesting and want to learn more, visit our website, rvchs.org. There is an abundance of stories about significant properties and happenings in and around the village during the late 1800s and early 1900s. We also offer tours of the museum and additional events and programming. Tours are by appointment only. You can get more information about arranging a tour and upcoming events by calling the museum at (516) 670-5737, emailing rvchistoricalsociety@gmail.com, or visiting the website.

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

pETER

KInG

JIM

BELLInG

HERALD

HeraLd editoriaL

Safe day at the beach? Thank the lifeguards

Whether it’s Jones Beach, on the South Shore, or Stehli Beach, in Bayville on the North Shore, summer on long Island means that hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors will look to find fun under the sun.

But there is also danger.

Amid the excitement and relaxation, it’s essential to recognize the importance of beach safety and the indispensable role lifeguards play in protecting beachgoers. Beaches are more than just picturesque landscapes; they are dynamic environments with inherent risks that require vigilance and expertise to navigate safely.

The ocean is unpredictable. Those venturing into the water often underestimate the power of the waves and currents, leading to life-threatening consequences.

Six people drown, on average, each year at regulated beaches and pool facilities across the state, according to the state Department of Health. But losing even one life is one too many.

Rip currents, in particular, pose a significant threat on beaches, swiftly pulling swimmers away from shore with alarming strength. Without proper knowledge and awareness, even experienced swimmers can find themselves in perilous situations.

It’s crucial for beachgoers to understand the signs of rip currents — murkier water, where sand is being churned up, or water that is flowing away from the beach instead of crashing onto it — and how to respond effectively, by swim-

Letters

RVC dominates in lacrosse

To the Editor:

ming parallel to the shore and staying calm. But it’s just as critical to have trained professionals on hand to provide assistance when needed.

lifeguards protect all who venture into the water. They undergo rigorous training to identify hazards, respond to emergencies, and perform rescues swiftly and effectively. They scan the water constantly, and are prepared to spring into action at a moment’s notice: last summer, they rescued more than 2,500 swimmers in distress across long Island. And beyond their lifesaving abilities, lifeguards also offer valuable guidance on water safety for all who ask, to help prevent accidents before they occur.

lifeguards serve as a reassuring presence for beachgoers. Families can relax and enjoy their time on the sand, knowing that these trained professionals are on duty to ensure their safety. This sense of security encourages more people to visit the beach, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community space for all.

Despite their indispensable role, lifeguards often face challenges in securing adequate resources and support. Budget constraints and staffing shortages can strain lifeguard services, putting both beachgoers and guards themselves at risk.

The state recently earmarked $5 million for hiring lifeguards, amid a nationwide shortage that affected a third of the country’s water attractions last years. The hiring initiative is expected to raise pay by as much as 34 percent among the municipalities that employ lifeguards. Those municipalities have

Congratulations to the boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams after a terrific season. Any time you beat Garden City or Manhasset is time to celebrate. RVC is very proud of your accomplishments. Home values are way up.

My son and his friends were on the first lacrosse team at South Side over 30 years ago. They were pretty bad, losing by scores more like a basketball game. Talk about building character. They had one win that first year, over a team fielded by the Sandel Center (in overtime). But a win’s a win.

South Side has come a long way since then. Keep up the good work!

ToM KElly Rockville Centre

Jerry

Kremer is correct: College protesters are confused

To the Editor:

Jerry Kremer’s recent column, “The blemish of col-

until July 26 to apply for the state grant money.

It’s imperative for governments, communities and beachgoers alike to recognize the value of lifeguards and prioritize the funding and resources necessary to maintain strong teams of rescuers. Investing in lifeguard training, equipment and facilities is an investment in public safety and the vitality of our beaches.

To that end, the New york State lifeguard Corps — which represents roughly 1,200 lifeguards — is campaigning to have them recognized as first responders, the same designation as police, fire and emergency medical technicians. That would give lifeguards access to the same medical and survivor benefits afforded other first responders, as well as legal protection from victims’ claims when performing lifeguard duties. lifeguards also play a crucial role in emergency response and disaster management, providing essential support during natural disasters and other crises.

Beach safety is a collective responsibility. While the allure of the ocean is undeniable, it’s essential to approach it with caution and respect for its power. lifeguards serve as the backbone of beach safety. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to public safety make our beaches safer and more enjoyable for everyone. As another summer season gets under way, let’s recognize and appreciate the vital role they play in safeguarding our shores and preserving the joy of beach-going for all.

opinions

For neighborhoods of color, local media offer hope

iwas surrounded for nearly a week by thousands of protesters, any one of whom might have infected and potentially killed me, according to health officials, yet I was unfazed.

You might wonder why I was unconcerned that I might have caught Covid19 while walking amid the river of Black lives matter demonstrators who streamed through Bellmore, merrick and Freeport in June 2020, following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a minneapolis police officer. I just wasn’t. And I didn’t get Covid.

I covered the protests for the Bellmore Herald, merrick Herald and Freeport Herald, diving right in. These were historic demonstrations taking place down the street from my merrick home. I had to experience and record them, the insistent government warnings against attending mass protests be damned. This was my job. This was my calling.

On Day Two of the demonstrations, June 3, I shot a 15-second video of a 7-year-old girl, Wynta-Amor Rogers, chanting, “No justice, no peace!” as she marched alongside her mother, lakyia Jackson. Within hours, the video went viral on Twitter (now X), garnering more than a million views by midnight and 23.5 million within days.

Based on the hundreds of online comments that I read, for many Wynta-

Amor represented a measure of hope for better days in the most contentious presidential election year in decades (perhaps ever). This dark period was racked not only by the global pandemic, but also by worldwide joblessness and financial turmoil, leading to a suffocating sense of helplessness and mass psychic malaise.

tFloyd’s murder by a police officer who knelt on his neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds transformed an already growing unrest into a social and political movement that united millions of Americans seeking peace and justice for Black and Brown people around the country. Wynta-Amor served as a powerful symbol of fearlessness, a beacon on whom people could project their desires and aspirations for a more equitable and inclusive society.

and exhilarating as 2020.

I came away from the experience feeling enthused about the media’s ability to telegraph a message that aided in a movement to effect social change, to improve society. Four years later, I am less sanguine, though still hopeful.

hey cover crime, yes, but they also report regularly on the good stuff.

Adult Black lives matter protesters knew precisely whom they were fighting for: millions of children like WyntaAmor.

She became a charismatic speaker at Blm marches. She was immortalized in poems, paintings and building-size murals.

The video of her was shared thousands of times on social media, and played by news outlets around the globe and at the Democratic National Convention in milwaukee. Google even included it in its Year in Search, the final footage in a long line of remarkable viral videos. I can think of few years in my lifetime as terrifying, heart-wrenching

Letters

lege demonstrations,” was very interesting. I think the colleges were put in a bad position. Freedom of speech and the right to protest are important rights, but I think Kremer nailed it when he wrote that the protesters were confused on the issues. (And New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, who I think started all the problems, did so because she was attacking Harvard after she was kicked off a board she was a member of.)

If the protesters want the war in Gaza to stop and have the Israeli hostages returned, that’s one thing. But many of them were protesting to destroy Israel. That’s totally different. Israel is our ally. Once students started protesting to destroy Israel — and America, with some reportedly chanting “Death to America” — all their benefits should have been removed, including scholarships, health care and anything else we supply them with. RANDY

King’s right about the wisdom we could use

To the Editor:

I want to commend former Congressman Peter King for writing the wonderful op-ed “Wishing for some of that World War II-era wisdom” (may 23-29). It certainly pointed out what the u nited States is all about. We can and should be able to come together and unite for the common good. We have so much potential for doing the “right thing” that benefits us all.

It seems that today’s decisions in government policy are more about winning than cooperating. We should learn to make wise decisions that benefit the “governed,” not just for political expediency. Being wise is a lot better than trying to win the popularity contest. I agree completely with the concept that we should always learn from history, so we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past. Keep up the good work, mr. King.

JEROmE I. ROSEN Hewlett

After 28 years at the Herald, I left the newspaper group in early 2022 to teach journalism full-time at Hofstra university. Almost immediately, I started researching the effect of media coverage on communities of color, in particular at the hyperlocal level. Fellow Hofstra professors mario murillo and Aashish Kumar and I interviewed 40 leaders of communitybased organizations in Freeport, Elmont, Hempstead, Roosevelt, uniondale and Westbury, asking about their perceptions of media reporting on their neighborhoods. The adjective most often used to describe the coverage: negative.

Crime, the leaders repeatedly said, dominated news reports on their neighborhoods, with little positive coverage and virtually no reporting on critical issues besides education. A news audit of 469 stories on their communities from January to June 2022 largely supported their assertions, with two exceptions: the Franklin Square-Elmont Herald and Freeport Herald.

In these community publications, crime comprised less than 10 percent of coverage, whereas it made up anywhere from 25 to 80 percent of reporting in

regional news outlets. Fingers crossed, we are set to release the study’s complete findings this month in a paper titled “The Suburban News Desert: Where Communities of Color are Starved for Critical Information Amid Crime-centered Coverage.”

We know this from the social sciences: According to cultivation theory, the more people are exposed to violence in the media, the more they believe the world is dangerous, even if they live in peaceful places.

The more people read or view reports on crime in communities of color, without positive coverage to provide context, the more they believe these neighborhoods to be crime-ridden and deviant, even though they may in fact be largely safe and harmonious communities in which to live, work and raise a family.

This is where community newspapers come in. They cover crime, yes, but they also report regularly on the good stuff — neighborhood block parties, volunteer efforts, graduations, marriages and births, along with the crucial issues that matter most to people.

Having made my career as a community journalist, I believed in community media before I became a professor. Having studied the media as an academic researcher, I appreciate, more than ever, the need for community news outlets, particularly in neighborhoods of color.

Scott Brinton is an assistant professor of journalism, media studies and public relations at Hofstra University’s Lawrence Herbert School of Communication. ©Scott A. Brinton. Comments? Scott. Brinton@hofstra.edu.

Framework by Tim Baker

Balls, and jets, were flying at Jones Beach’s Bethpage Air Show — Wantagh

sCott Brinton

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