Rockville Centre Herald 06-20-2024

Rockville Centre celebrates Pride

Christine Koehler and her daughter, Frances, 6, of Rockville Centre, celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Story, photos Page 3.

Synagogue donates Holocaust books to RVC school district

By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com

The “Never Again” committee, a group created by members of Congregation B’nai SholomBeth David to encourage Holocaust education in local schools, met with Rockville Centre School District administrators on Monday morning to donate more than 300 copies of books about the Holocaust to help educate students at South Side Middle School about this period in world history. The books, included several different titles on the subject, including “Daniel’s Story” by Carol Matas, “Maus” by Art Spiegelman, “The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” by John Boyne, “Sarah’s

Key” by Tatiana de Rosnay, “The Nazi Officer’s Wife” by Edith Hahn Beer, “Boy from Buchenwald,” by Robbie Waisman and Susan McClelland, “The Boy Who Dared” by Susan Campbell Bartoletti and “Children of Terror,” by Bozenna Urbanowicz Gilbride and Inge Auerbacher among others.

Herb Friend, a first-generation Holocaust survivor and a member of the committee, explained why the donation is deeply personal. His mother was liberated from Theresienstadt, while his father endured a harrowing escape from a death march. He was presumed to be dead, but jumped into a river and managed to

New garden opens at Mercy

Smile Farms and Catholic Health expand partnership

By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Smile Farms, a nonprofit organization created in 2015 by James McCann, the founder of 1-800-Flowers, and his brother, Chris, has partnered with Catholic Health to address food insecurity and provide work opportunities for people with disabilities. The collaboration, supported by funding from the Town of Hempstead, has expanded with the creation of a new cooperative food garden at Catholic Health’s Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre.

how we think about things at Smile Farms.”

I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this program, and am looking forward to seeing it grow.

JosEPh MANoPEll A President, Catholic Health’s Mercy Hospital

The opening of the garden — the hospital’s second — was announced at a news conference on June 13 at its main campus, during which McCann highlighted Catholic Health’s commitment to the concept of “food as medicine.”

“It’s not just eating where it’s medicine, but it’s when you’re growing it, it’s medicine,” he said. “It’s had a big impact on

The initiative, which started in 2023 with the establishment of a cooperative garden at Mercy Hospital’s outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic in Garden City, aims to combat food insecurity on Long Island while supporting the development of those with special needs. The new, larger garden has 12 flower beds that will be tended by patients in the hospital’s Personalized Recovery Oriented Services, or PROS, behavioral health program, who will receive job training, and payment for their gardening work, from Smile Farms.

“While food insecurity continues to grow here on Long Island, we are also aware that mental health issues continue to be on the rise as well,” Joseph Manopella, Mercy’s president, said. “This garden, like our first, will offer vital building blocks that Continued on page 19

Tim Baker/Herald

Chris Meyer receives humanitarian award

By ANDREW FRANCIS Herald Intern

Christopher Meyer, 42, the owner of Frank’s Steaks in Rockville Centre, was recognized for his humanitarian efforts and dedication to service at the Rock and Wrap It Up annual golf outing and tribute dinner at the Rockaway Hunting Club on June 10.

In recognition for his charitable work and commitment to reduce hunger on Long Island, the nonprofit organization awarded Meyer the 2024 Lena and Joseph Mandelbaum Humanitarian Award.

The award is named after the parents of Syd Mandelbaum, the founder and chief executive officer of Rock and Wrap it Up, who spent five years in a camp for the displaced in Germany following World War II, before coming to the United States in 1950.

During the presentation, Syd Mandelbaum shared a few words about his upbringing, what inspired Rock and Wrap It Up’s mission and how Meyer has reflected such values in his work.

“Few people know hunger better than a Holocaust survivor,” Mandelbaum said. “Despite the horrors they faced, Lena and Joseph seized a new chance after the war … and started a new family that now numbers eleven grandchildren and nearly 20 great-grandchildren.”

Long Island has been an integral part

welcoming atmosphere and mouthwatering entrees.

In addition to his culinary talent, Meyer spends a decent portion of his time giving back to Rockville Centre and other communities on Long Island. He has contributed by organizing Thanksgiving turkey and ham drives to help feed families facing food insecurity and helped launch a St. Patrick’s Day luncheon for local military veterans.

Upon accepting the award, Meyer thanked the staff at Frank’s Steaks, his family and friends for his many rewarding experiences and opportunities, Rock and Wrap It Up and the Mandelbaum family for being a shining example of how to care for others.

“Watching the work that [Rock and Wrap It Up] does and how many lives you’ve impacted is truly incredible,” Meyer said. “Your passion for helping others is contagious and I want to do so much more.”

Church in Plainview during the Rock and Wrap It Up annual golf outing and tribute dinner on June 10.

of Meyer’s life, from his childhood in Franklin Square to his career as owner and general manager of Frank’s Steaks. Meyer joined the staff of Frank’s Steaks when it opened in 2002. He was only 20 years old at the time, working as a wait-

er while attending school at Hofstra University.

Since taking over the restaurant in 2014, Frank’s Steaks has been recognized as one of the premiere steakhouses on Long Island for its outstanding service,

Meyer ended his acceptance speech with a poignant quote from Jackie Robinson, the former professional baseball player who broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier when he went to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1940s. He said, “a life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

Both Robinson and Meyer are excellent examples of how to use their life’s work to positively affect change in the lives of others.

Tim Baker/Herald

Chris Meyer, second from left, the owner of Frank’s Steaks and the recipient of the 2024 Lena and Joseph Mandelbaum Humanitarian Award is joined by Syd Mandelbaum, left, U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, and Father Chux Okochi from St. Pius X Roman Catholic

Rockville Centre celebrates Pride Month

Second annual Pride Caravan promotes inclusivity and acceptance in the village

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

In celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, members of the RVC Pride community gathered on Saturday afternoon to host the second annual Pride Caravan through the Village of Rockville Centre.

Established in 2022, RVC Pride is an organization dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ visibility, rights and acceptance in the Rockville Centre community. Its primary goal is to create a safe and inclusive space where everyone can express themselves freely and authentically.

There’s

a lot of good

vibes to go along

Rev. Scott A. Ressman, the pastor of United Church in Rockville Centre, said that since the organization was founded, it has started to grow in numbers while spreading its message of acceptance and inclusivity throughout the community.

RE

v. ScOTT RESSmAN Pastor, United Church of Rockville Centre

The United Church of Rockville Centre is recognized as an open and affirming congregation. This designation reflects its continued commitment to intentional study and conversation about what it means to be a welcoming faith for the LGBTQ+ community.

Created and coordinated by the RVC Pride organizing committee — which consists of Rev. Ressman, Karin Johnson, Lori Dunne and Emma Travers — the annual Pride Caravan celebrates the vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community in the village.

“There are a lot of thumbs up. There’s a lot of good vibes to go along. There may be one or two individuals that won’t be too excited about seeing you and they might send a different kind of gesture your way. That happened last year as well. Just wave to them and wish them well,” Ressman said, before the caravan was ready to depart from the church. “If you participated last year, you now how encouraging it was to go through this community and to feel that expression of love and support. We expect that to be multiplied this year.”

This year, in the spirit of its shared commitment to visibility and acceptance, more than 45 people participated, decorating 20 different vehicles with colorful flags and slogans.

The caravan was met with enthusiastic reception from the community. People waved flags, honked their horns, waved and cheered as the colorful procession made its way along its nine-mile route through village.

“The overwhelmingly positive reception as the caravan moved through the village inspired hope and brought affirmation to the LGBTQ+ community,”

Ressman said. “We were especially pleased that so many in our community took the time to celebrate and show support, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth who often face negative messaging. We remain committed to fostering a community that celebrates diversity and look forward to continuing our efforts.”

In the spirit of its mission, RVC Pride plans on organizing several more activities throughout the year, to help foster connections and encourage acceptance. The organization is committed to creating lasting change and nurturing an inclusive community that embraces love, equality and diversity.

For more information about the organization, the 2024 Pride Caravan and any future events, visit RVCPride.org.

RVC Pride co-founders Rev. Scott Ressman, Karin Johnson and Lori Dunne.

Emma Travers, one of the RVC Pride Caravan organizers, gets ready for the nine-mile drive around the village.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Leah Gorence and Sophia Bracco of Rockville Centre celebrate RVC Pride.

Ellie Clodfelter, 18, and Sam Clodfelter, 12, of South Hempstead participate in the 2024 Pride Caravan.

Colleen Murphy, 17, of Rockville Centre, helps decorate for the 2024 Pride Caravan event.

Protecting Your Future

Why Some Estate Plans Fail

Clients lose legal clarity when their treating physician determines that they are unable to handle their legal and financial affairs. Once the client becomes legally disabled, it is too late to prepare and sign new legal documents. Obviously, the same is true when a client dies.

Time and again we find that the client’s legal documents were prepared many years ago and are either inadequate from a personal or professional point of view. It may be that the wrong person is in charge due to any number of circumstances -- illness, unavailability, estrangement, death, etc. In other cases, the power of attorney, the will or the trust is legally inadequate. Examples of this may be that the client had the power of attorney done many years earlier by a general lawyer, but failed to have it reviewed or replaced by an elder law attorney when they got older. Thus they end up with a power of attorney that is not strong enough to move assets out of their name or to set up a trust to protect their assets. Under Medicaid, it’s move it or lose it.

Countless wills and trusts do not reflect

the current state of the law when a client dies, especially regarding New York and Federal estate taxes. These laws change every few years as administrations change.

The problem arises out of the fact that law firms are traditionally unwilling to take the responsibility to keep their clients informed as to law changes or to review their clients’ estate plans on a regular basis — to make certain the plan will work when the client needs it — not when they wrote it many years earlier.

To overcome the problem of facing a death or disability with an outdated plan, we provide a free review of our clients’ estate plan every three years. Having used this approach for over three decades, we have saved thousands of clients countless problems and, when something happens to one of our clients, we know who they are since the relationship has been maintained. In addition, Ettinger Law Firm does not charge for phone calls or emails in order to encourage communication when personal or legal issues arise.

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Crime watCh

aided

A resident of Hollywood Court reported on June 10 that he was bitten by a neighbor’s dog.

auto aCCident

A bicyclist reported on June 13 that she was struck by a vehicle while it was stopped at a red light on DeMott Avenue.

Criminal misChief

The operator of a NICE bus reported on June 15, that a pedestrian caused damage to a window on the bus while on Merrick Road.

A resident of Shellbank Place reported on June 16, someone damaged the door of her home by banging on it.

fire

On June 11, Rockville Centre police and fire units responded to an Atkinson Road residence regarding a stove fire.

harassment

A resident of N. Centre Avenue reported on June 11 that she received unwanted phone calls from an unknown person.

larCeny

A customer of Citibank reported on June 11, someone stole her bank debit card while she was using the ATM. An employee of Central Synagogue – Beth Emeth reported on June 13, someone stole two lawn signs in front of the building.

ProPerty damage

A resident of Shelton Court reported on June 8 that the window on his vehicle was damaged by unknown means while parked at his residence.

A resident of Meehan Lane reported on June 13 that her vehicle was damaged by unknown means while parked on Meehan Lane.

Police units responded to a call on June 13 for a disturbance in front of High Performance Martial Arts. Upon arrival, officers discovered the window to the storefront had been broken by unknown means.

unusual inCident

A resident of Liberty Avenue reported on June 13 that an unknown person withdrew funds from her online investment account.

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.

news brief

Fire Department to buy a new ambulance

The Rockville Centre Fire Department plans on purchasing a new ambulance to help residents in need. Funding for the new emergency vehicle was provided courtesy of a $150,000 state grant acquired by Assemblyman Brian Curran.

“I am proud to have secured these funds to purchase a new ambulance for Rockville Centre,” Curran said. “This will go toward serving the community and saving lives.”

Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray issued a statement to thank Curran for his hard work to secure this $150,000 grant for the purchase of a new ambulance.

“The safety of our residents continues to be our top priority,” Murray stated, “and this vital funding will allow our first responders to better serve our residents and community.”

Cricket tournament a big hit in Nassau

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

The International Cricket Council’s Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Tournament proved a bit hit in Nassau County, highlighted by the much-anticipated and sold out India-Pakistan match June 9.

Nassay County Executive Bruce Blakeman called the event, which kicked off with a practice match June 1 and concluded 11 days later with the United States taking on India at Eisenhower Park, “the Super Bowl on steroids.”

Cricket is the second most-popular sport in the world behind soccer and the world’s third most-watched sporting event behind only the FIFA World Cup and Tour de France. It was introduced in the United Kingdom during the 16th century. It has since grown in immense popularity in South Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Southern Africa and the West Indies — many parts of the globe that have been influenced by British imperialism over the centuries.

The T20 tournament, which is both the youngest and shortest version of international cricket, featured matches — usually lasting around three-and-ahalf hours — played this month not only in East Meadow, but also in Dallas, southern Florida and the West Indies. All eight matches in East Meadow began at 10:30 a.m., to align with mid-afternoon television audiences in Europe and prime-time slots in South Asia.

The pitch at Eisenhower Park was shipped in from Australia, and kept in Florida during the winter months before being dropped in the temporary, modular stadium, which seated more than 34,000 fans.

Every seat was filled for the IndiaPakistan rivalry match with tickets going on the secondary market for a minimum of $1,000 after fees. Large viewing parties were held in Seaford as well as in Queens at Citi Field, with India fans celebrating a 119-113 victory following several weather delays. Matches between those two nations usually attract massive audiences. More than 400 million people watched the IndiaPakistan 2011 World Cup battle. That’s more than triple the viewing audience of the most recent Super Bowl.

This year marked the first-ever appearance in the tournament for the United States, which pulled off one of the sport’s biggest upsets of all-time June 6 in Dallas with an overtime win against Pakistan. India defeated the U.S. in the East Meadow finale before a crowd of more than 31,000.

The U.S. is led by Aaron Jones, Steven Taylor, Nitish Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Andries Gous, Monank Patel and Jessy Singh.

The United States faced India June 12 in the last of eight ICC

The tournament brought international attention to Nassau, which hosted a number of international dignitaries from countries like Pakistan, India, Canada and Bangladesh. It also attracted fans from around the globe.

Kalyan Gopaluni attended the U.S. victory over Canada in Dallas, where he resides, and traveled to New York for two matches, India-Pakistan and IndiaU.S.

“I’m a huge cricket fan and play in a cricket league,” Gopaluni said. “I’ve been looking forward to this tournament for a long time. The atmosphere at India versus Pakistan was electric. The stadium was shaking. I think they did a great job as host.”

Virginia Talati, from Georgia, and her soon-to-be 8-year-old son, Hasmukhal, who has been playing cricket for five years already, flew in from Georgia to attend the finale at Eisenhower.

“We flew up last night and going back home tomorrow,” she said. “We’re really excited. My son asked last week if we can go see a match and we made it his birthday present.”

The tournament generated a large amount of revenue for the county, which Blakeman is expected to announce at a later date.

Borrelli’s Italian Restaurant saw business boom each day of the event during a normally slow time, 2:30-4:30 p.m., owner Frank Borrelli said. Parking

from

and her son,

allowed for up to 50 cars and “You could see from all the different license plates and from the customers I’ve spoken to, this attracted people from all over the country and the world,” Borrelli said.

The U.S. advanced to the tournament’s Super Eight stage after its match against Ireland in Florida was washed out last Friday.

The championship takes place June 29 in Barbados.

Tony Bellissimo/Herald photos

T20 World Cup matches held at Eisenhower Park.

Flags of both competing countries were displayed on the pitch and national anthems sung prior to each match.

Virginia Talati

Hasmukhal, flew in

Georgia to check out the cricket action.

Riverside Elementary celebrates Flag Day

In observance of Flag Day, on June 14, students at Riverside Elementary School in Rockville Centre welcomed special guests from American Legion Post 303.

“We’re very proud to be here with you to celebrate Flag Day,” American Legion Post Commander Frank Colón, Jr. said. “Not only is it Flag Day, its the United States Army’s birthday.”

Flag Day is celebrated every year on June 14, to commemorate the day when the Second Continental Congress adopted the stars and stripes as the official flag of the United States.

The annual observance of Flag Day, however, didn’t start until 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation designating June 14 as Flag Day. Congress later recognized national Flag Day in 1949, under President Harry S. Truman.

Riverside students dressed in red, white and blue join members of American Legion Post 303 and Riverside Principal Chris Zappia to celebrate Flag Day.

Colón kicked off the ceremony by raising the flag, followed by a presentation by some of the students who came up to the podium one at a time to share a few facts about the stars and stripes.

The Flag Day ceremony continued with a performance of “American Patrol” and “High School Cadets March” by Olivia and Luke Scannapieco, following by a performance from the third grade students, who helped lead their classmates in singing “Grand Old Flag.”

Riverside Pricnipal Chris Zappia thanked the members of American Legion Post 303 for their service and for taking the time to help lead the ceremony.

“It’s really important,” Zappia said. “I’d like to thank all of you again for coming outside today, wearing your red, white and blue.”

–Daniel Offner

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Daniel Offner/Herald photos Members of American Legion Post 303 raise the flag over Riverside Elementary School in recognition of Flag Day.

‘Clap Out’ reunites former Wilson students

Returning South Side High School seniors greeted and cheered by students and faculty

By ANDREW FRANCIS Herald Intern

Francis F. Wilson Elementary School students and faculty welcomed back former students, during its sixth annual Clap Out event on June 12. The event serves as both a class reunion and a send-off for the soon-to-be graduating seniors of South Side High School.

Wilson principal James Duffy greeted the 57 high school seniors as they arrived, while students, parents and faculty gathered around clapping, shouting and cheering on the high school seniors as they paraded around the building. Everyone then gathered inside the auditorium to formally welcome students and extend their congratulations to the future college freshman.

“With the Clap Out, we wanted to help unite you to your beginnings,” Duffy explained. The event was a way to help conjure feelings of nostalgia and

coordinator, for orchestrating the Clap Out for the past six years.

Following the presentation, a video was shown featuring some of the kindergarten class, who shared their advice on how to succeed in college. While the

to experience all that their elder counterparts have, they provided some welcome suggestions. In the video, the kindergarteners advised the graduating seniors not to be a bully, to have fun, to always try their best, to remember their

to call their parents and several other uplifting suggestions.

High school seniors then gathered outside to take pictures in front of the school, while the more than 300 elementary school students and teachers made some noise with tambourines and maracas, while “Pomp and Circumstance” played over the loudspeakers.

Not only was the Clap Out a great experience for the students, but also the teaching staff. Several of the teacher took the time to catch up with their former students, who they’ve watched grow and reconnected with parents who they have not seen in the past seven years.

“It’s great for (the returning seniors) to see the teachers and for us to see them long after we’ve taught them,” Spinelli said.

The annual Clap Out provided students with the Wilson Class of 2017 an opportunity to reflect on their time in the elementary school and how far they have come in their academic journey. It also reminded them of the welcoming and positive environment that has prepared them for success in college and in their future careers.

Wilson will carry on its annual tradition next year, which also marks a major milestone for Duffy, who became princi-

Andrew Francis/Herald

South Side High School seniors who attended Wilson Elementary School are welcomed back with cheers from current Wilson students.

Mount Sinai South Nassau Health Fair on the Long Beach Boardwalk

Friday, June 28, 11am-4pm

Join us between Edwards Blvd. and Riverside Blvd., with additional screenings at the new Mount Sinai South Nassau Primary Care Walk-In Center at 106 Boardwalk (at The Breeze complex).

FREE Community Health Screenings:

• Anxiety and Depression

• Blood Pressure

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

• Balance Testing

• Breast Exams

• Diabetes Risk Assessment

• Head and Neck Cancer Screening

• Limited Podiatry Exams

• Memory

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

• Stroke Risk Assessment

For more information, please call Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Department of Community Education at 516-377-5333.

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Rockville Centre scouts earn Eagle rank

James Giangrgorio and Jack Viscovich of Troop 214 honored for community effort

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Two scouts with Boy Scout Troop 214 in Rockville Centre worked tirelessly over the past year for the opportunity to join the four percent of scouts in the United States to achieve the ranks of Eagle Scout.

James M. Giangregorio and Jack R. Viscovich climbed the necessary ranks throughout their scouting career in preparation for their Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony on Saturday at Central Synagogue – Beth Emeth.

Two scouts with Boy Scout Troop 214 in Rockville Centre worked tirelessly over the past year for the opportunity to join the four percent of scouts in the United States to achieve the ranks of Eagle Scout.

James M. Giangregorio and Jack R. Viscovich climbed the necessary ranks throughout their scouting career in preparation for their Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony on Sunday, June 9 at Central Synagogue – Beth Emeth.

To become Eagle Scouts, they both were required to earn a minimum of 21 merit badges and plan, budget, coordinate and complete a project to benefit the community, using only donated materials.

Giangregorio is a senior and high honor roll student at South Side High School, where he has shown his ability to balance a highly rigorous IB school schedule, Boy Scouts, and his extracurriculars such as the Drama Guild, Film Club, Italian Club and Quiz Bowl. He also acts in drama plays and musicals. Following graduation, he will be attending Temple University where he will major in Music Technology.

He joined Rockville Centre Cub Scout Pack 31 in September 2012, and progressed through the ranks, under the expert guidance of his dad. During his time as Cub Scout, he enjoyed going on trips including overnights aboard the Battleship New Jersey and camping at Schiff Scout Reservation on Cub Family weekends with his dad and three brothers.

In 2017, he achieved the Arrow of Light badge and crossed over to Boy Scouts. Giangregorio has earned 38 merit badges including ones for shooting, coin collecting, and movie making. He progressed through the ranks independently, fulfilling various youth leadership positions along the way.

His project consisted of the restoration of the outdoor space at The Phillips House Museum on Hempstead Avenue in Rockville Centre. With the help of scouts, troop leaders and parents, his Eagle Scout project was a great success.

Some of the tasks included the restoration of two outdoor benches and constructing a third bench, power washing a millstone, removing vines that were overtaking the fence, raising an anvil that sunk into the ground, repainting the entrance sign and weeding the garden.

Viscovich also joined Rockville Centre Cub Scout Pack 31, where he was fortunate to be with a group of neighborhood friends and two creative dads who took on the roles of leaders. Walking around the corner each week for their meetings was always an exciting opportunity for something new. From trips to the Auoseum to overnights aboard the Battleship New Jersey, the boys created memories for a lifetime while learning so much.

He crossed over to Troop 214 with one of his leaders from cub scouts, Mr. G, as an assistant leader to Mr. Plonsky. He was surrounded by a dynamic team including Diana Worman, troop committee chair, who worked tirelessly to guide him along the path to Eagle.

If you were to ask Viscovich what his favorite aspect of scouting is — he would hands-donw say “camping.” He loved going out to Schiff as a Cub Scout,

and later, to Onterora. Through Camp Workcoeman, he gained many merit badges.

Viscovich loved building Pinewood Derby cars as a Cub Scout and would compete in the races each year. As he got older and moved on to Boy Scouts, he continued to attend the Derby, only now as a volunteer assisting the younger scouts.

For his project, Viscovich participated in a program in which children read aloud to shelter dogs. This program fostered his passion to care for shelter dogs and eventually led to the adoption of his dogs, Shadow, and the development of his Eagle project.

Jack raised the money, purchased materials, designed and with the help of his mentor and members of his troop built agility structure for dogs at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter to enjoy.

Assemblyman Brian Curran presents Eagle Scouts Jack Viscovich and James Giangregorio with a citation in recognition of their achievement.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Sam Giangregorio, Anthony Yurynets, Dimitri Pefanis, Eric Katsman, Carlos Negrete, Angelo Rescinit and Will Flaherty explain the different steps taken along the trail to become an Eagle Scout.

Eagle Scout Jack R. Viscovich.

Eagle Scout James M. Giangregorio.

Judge William Croutier receives prestigious award

Rockville Centre Village Justice William Croutier was recently presented with the Hon. Frank J. Santagata Memorial Award from the Nassau County Magistrates Association for his exemplary ethics, professionalism and devotion to justice for all.

The award was established in 1997 in memory of the late Frank J. Santagata, who served as acting village justice of Westbury for 30 years, from 1965 to 1995, and who was a past president of the Nassau County Magistrates Association from 1978 to 1979.

“He was very well respected,” Croutier said in regards to the award’s namesake. “It is such a nice honor to get.”

Croutier previously served as president of the Magistrates Association, a not-for-profit corporation that provides education for judges and clerks of the village courts in Nassau County, from 2018 to 2019.

Recipients of the award are selected by a nominating committee and approved by the Board of Directors for unique contributions towards the advancement of efficient administration of justice; fellowship and mutual support among judges and court personnel; understanding and respect for legal institutions among the public; dignity and civility in the treatment of court personnel and the public; equal justice

of

Rockville Centre Village Justice Mindy Roman, left, presents the Hon. Frank J. Santagata Memorial Award to Village Justice William Croutier on behalf of the Nassau County Magistrates Association.

under the law; legal scholarship; continuing legal and professional education; judicial ethics; or the vitality of the Nassau County Magistrates Association and the Nassau County Magistrates Court Clerks Association.

–Daniel Offner

Thomas

Ret.

Thomas A. Glynn – John J. Glynn Ret.

Thomas A. Glynn & Son Inc.

Courtesy Village

Rockville Centre

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community service project.

Middle School opens up a Little Free Art Gallery

South Side Middle School is putting a new spin on the Little Free Library book-exchange boxes, providing the public with something different — free art.

Essentially, the Little Free Art Gallery is based on the same concept as “take a penny, leave a penny,” but with art. Students, teachers, staff and community members can make art, put it in the cabinet and share their work with the world for free.

Cadence Elbroody, an art teacher at South Side Middle School, came up with the concept and helped bring the gallery to life.

“It seems like a lot of the students are excited to see what will be in the box every day,” Elbroody said. “We also have some anonymous artists that have been leaving some mini canvases and different sculptures, so we are really excited to see that the community is getting involved as well.”

Leah Stern, an eighth grader, is one of the artists contributing to this new endeavor for her Middle Years Programme community service project.

“We wanted to help the community to get more artwork and opportunities to see more art and share theirs,” Leah said.

The gallery was installed in May and is filled with free art like handmade jewelry, mini clay sculptures, paintings on

mini canvases and artist trading cards.

“The artist trading cards are two-anda-half by three-and-a-half inches with a pattern or design on the front of the card, and a quote or message on the back,” Elbroody explained. “People can trade them like baseball cards. A lot of teachers love them, they have them on their desks and they will give them out as a gift or trade them.”

The gallery was built using funds from the Rockville Centre Education Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to enhance the quality of public education in our community. The foundation also provided mini canvases, easels, Model Magic clay and POSCA paint markers.

The Little Free Art Gallery will be open September through June, unless there is a large community interest in keeping it open throughout the summer.

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN

NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

FREE LAKESIDE THEATRE CONCERTS

EISENHOWER PARK, East Meadow | Parking Field #6 All Events weather permitting. Call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information.

JUNE

Saturday, June 15

8:00-9:30pm

Ja Rule at Mitchel Field Athletic Complex

Sunday, June 16 .................. 6:00-8:30pm

Indian American Night

Wednesday, June 26

Greek American Night

Saturday, June 29 ...............

Chinese American Night

Sunday, June 30

Israeli American Night

JULY

Sunday, July 28

Korean American Night

Monday, July 29

7:00-9:30pm

6:00-8:30pm

6:00-8:30pm

Monday, July 1 7:00-9:30pm

German American Night

Wednesday, July 3 5:30-10:00pm

TD Bank’s Celebrate America Fireworks & Show featuring The Allmost Brothers Band & Chicken Head Rocks

Friday, July 5 Fireworks Rain Date

Saturday, July 6

7:00-9:00pm

So Good – The Neil Diamond Experience

Sunday, July 7

6:00-8:00pm

Opera Night with Christopher Macchio

Monday, July 8 5:00-6:30pm

Senior Afternoon Concert: The Excellents and The Demensions

Thursday, July 11 7:00-10:00pm

Rock of Ages Tribute: Shoot 2 Thrill - AC/DC

Completely Unchained - Van Halen Return to Paradise - Styx

Friday, July 12

7:00-9:00pm

Streetfighter – Rolling Stones Tribute

Saturday, July 13

7:00-9:00pm

Misty Mountain – Led Zeppelin Tribute

Sunday, July 14

6:00-9:00pm

Harry Chapin Tribute Show & Food Drive with The Harry Chapin Band and Will Sing For Food Monday, July 15

7:00-9:00pm

The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra

Thursday, July 18................ 7:00-9:30pm Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “A Grand Night for Singing” by Plaza Productions

Friday, July 19 7:00-9:30pm Creole American Night

Saturday, July 20 ................ 7:00-9:00pm

Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway Sunday, July 21 6:00-8:30pm Bangladeshi American Night

Monday, July 22 .................. 7:00-9:00pm

Italian American Night

Thursday, July 25

7:00-9:00pm

Barometer Soup - A Tribute to Jimmy Buffet Friday, July 26 ................. 7:00-9:00pm

Doo Wop Show: Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny, Phil Cracolici and The Mystics, Vito Picone and The Elegants, Jimmy Gallagher of The Passions

Saturday, July 27

7:00-9:00pm

The Hilarious Hitmen, a Comedy Musical Spectacular

6:00-8:30pm

5:00-6:30pm

Senior Afternoon Concert: The Fireflies and The Devotions AUGUST

Friday, August 2

7:00-9:00pm

Dancing Dream – ABBA Tribute

Saturday, August 3

6:30-9:30pm

Salute to Vets Show with Face to Face & American Bombshells

Sunday, August 4

6:30-8:30pm

The Midtown Men featuring Stars from the Original Cast of Jersey Boys

Monday, August 5................

Irish American Night

Thursday, August 8

Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack

7:00-9:30pm

7:00-9:00pm

Friday, August 9 ..................

7:00-9:00pm

45 RPM

Saturday, August 10

7:00-9:00pm This is Garth featuring JD Leonard

Sunday, August 11 .............. 6:30-8:30pm

Living Colour

Monday, August 12

5:00-6:30pm

Senior Afternoon Concert: Vinnie Medugno & The Chiclettes

Thursday, August 15

7:00-9:00pm UB40 : Red Red Wine Tour

Friday, August 16

7:00-9:00pm

Zac Brown Tribute Band (ZBTB)

Saturday, August 17

7:00-9:00pm Doo Wop Show: Manhattan Skyline, Stan Zizka & The Del Satins, Larry Chance’s Earls

Sunday, August 18 .............. 4:00-8:00pm Pakistani American Night

Monday, August 19

7:00-9:30pm Ukrainian American Night

Thursday, August 22 ...........

7:00-9:00pm Let’s Sing Taylor - Taylor Swift Experience

Saturday, August 24

7:00-9:00pm Disco Unlimited

Sunday, August 25 ..............

7:00-9:00pm Don Felder former lead guitarist of The Eagles

Friday, August 30

7:00-9:00pm That Motown Band

SEPTEMBER

Sunday, September 1 ......... 7:00-9:00pm The Purple Experience - Prince Tribute

Sunday, September 8

5:00-7:30pm Turkish American Night

Saturday, September 14 .... 7:30-10:00pm World Renowned Puerto Rican Salsa Orchestra

Friday, September 20 7:00-10:00pm Legendary House DJ TBA with LI’s Own DJ Theo opening

Sunday, September 29 2:00-9:00pm Latino American Night

Bring Blankets or Chairs

The Little Free Art Gallery at South Side Middle School allows artists to share their artwork for free with the public.

Photos courtesy Rockville Centre School District

Leah Stern, an eighth grade artist, helps by contributing her original artwork to this endeavor as part of her Middle Years

Schools to teach students about the Holocaust

escape to Russia. Once he arrived over the border, he was sent to a labor camp in Siberia until he was forced to enlist in the Army.

After a year and a half of training, he became a tank commander. In one notable mission, his tank crashed through the gates of Theresienstadt to rescue 130 women who had just been sentenced to be executed, including Friend’s future mother.

“He was a real hero,” Friend said. “He rescued all 130 women and prisoners in Theresienstadt. He liberated Majdanek and eight other concentration camps. One of those he saved was the great-grandmother of Jonathan Wiesenberg, the assistant principal of South Side Middle School.”

Friend also explained how these experiences forever shaped his father’s life, contributing to his post-traumatic stress disorder and the night terrors that plagued him.

Members of the committee, including Friend, said that this collaborative effort between the synagogue and the school district was made possible thanks to Karen Skolnick, a member of Congregation B’nai Sholom and a Valley Stream school teacher.

“For the last two years we’ve been working together on a lot of positive steps,” Rockville Centre schools Superintendent Matt Gaven said. “I’m a big believer in community organizations supporting each other to support the community. I think that is something that we’ve seen, and we certainly cherish.”

In 2022, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced new legislation that would require all school districts in the state to provide high-quality Holocaust education curriculum.

Since that time, the district has been

working closely with the synagogue to take a proactive approach towards combating the trend of antisemitism across Long Island by building bridges through books.

“We’re very excited to deepen the exposure of students to the Jewish experience,” Rabbi David Lerner said. By reading about the personal experiences of survivors and thorough interactive class discussion, the goal is to ensure students walk away with a better understanding of how and why the Holocaust happened and the role propaganda and misinformation played in disenfranchising millions of people based on their religious beliefs, race, sexuality, ability or cultural differences.

According to a study conducted by the Anti-Defamation League’s Center for Antisemitism Research, exposure to Holocaust education can significantly reduce a student’s chances of harboring antisemitic feelings.

Each of the books includes a memorial label bearing the name, age, and background of a child skilled during the Holocaust.

“We want to make these books special,” Friend said. “Now students can see there is a real person associated with it.”

In December, the Rockville Centre school board, recognizing the value of such education, requested 30 copies of ten different book titles, which the committee graciously provided.

“This project may be a model for synagogues to collaborate with the school systems to include Holocaust education,” Friend said.

Based on the success of the program, he feels it could serve as a model for school districts nationwide, including in the neighboring Lynbrook school district, which will be receiving similar donations in September.

Continued from page 1

Daniel Offner/Herald

Barry Hochhauser, left, rabbi david Lerner, assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and instruction nicole moriarty, Herb friend, Barbara Kaplan, South Side middle School assistant principal Jonathan Wiesenberg, temple president nancy Hochhauser and rockville Centre schools Superintendent matt gaven receive 30 copies of 10 different Holocaust books from members of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth david.

STEPPING OUT

Your landscape — create a special spot just for you

Get outside and go serenely

By Karen Bloom

Imagine stepping outside your home this summer and entering a world of serenity. The gentle crunch of gravel beneath your feet. The rhythmic sound of trickling water with nature’s calming presence can de-stress and promote inner peace. This is the essence of a Zen garden, a haven of tranquility inspired by Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.

So, how do you create your own relaxing space at home? Garden designer Fiona Jenkins offers some insight. Grab your gardening tools — even get the kids involved — and get started.

Art of Simplicity: Creating the Foundation

Zen gardens are all about cultivating a harmonious balance between natural elements and negative space. Gravel forms the very foundation, representing the vastness of the sea or impermanence of life. Raking it into smooth patterns — like waves or ripples — becomes a meditative practice in itself.

“The rhythm of the rake against the gravel adds another layer of tranquility, inviting you to focus on the present moment.” Jenkins advises. “Use light-colored gravel — like white, cream or gray — to enhance the feeling of serenity and evoke a sense of vastness.”

Carefully placed rocks and stones add structure and balance. Larger rocks can symbolize mountains, according to Jenkins, anchoring the space. Imagine them as islands of stability amid the ever-changing sea of gravel.

Smaller stones can represent stepping stones on a path to enlightenment. Arrange your rocks and stones with intention, considering their size, shape, color, and the spaces between them. These spaces — known as “ma” in Japanese — are just as important as the elements themselves, adding to the sense of balance and tranquility.

Nature’s Soothing

Sounds

Water, a symbol of life and purification, plays a vital role in traditional Zen gardens. The gentle gurgle of trickling water is a natural stress reliever, proven to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Consider incorporating a small water basin with a bamboo spout, creating a calming focal point.

A tabletop fountain with a smooth rock base can add a touch of movement and sound without overwhelming the peaceful atmosphere.

“Keep the water feature simple and integrate it seamlessly with the surrounding rocks and gravel,” Jenkins says. “For a touch of whimsy, consider adding a small koi fish or two — their graceful movements adding another layer of life to your serene oasis.”

Limit Plant Selection: A Celebration Of Form

Zen gardens traditionally incorporate minimal plants, allowing the other elements to take center stage. Carefully chosen plants will enhance the aesthetic and create a sense of harmony with nature.

Choose low-maintenance evergreens with interesting shapes or textures, such as dwarf pine, bonsai or ornamental grass. These plants require minimal pruning and maintain a sense of order within the garden. A strategically placed patch of moss can add a touch of softness and evoke tranquility.

“Consider strategically incorporating a single flowering shrub to add a burst of color during its blooming season,” Jenkins says.

Lighting For Tranquil Evenings

Subtle lighting can elevate the atmosphere allowing you to enjoy your sanctuary even after sunset. String lights hung overhead or strategically placed

lanterns can cast a warm, inviting glow.

“Step out after a long day and be greeted by the soft glow of your lanterns and the gentle murmur of water,” Jenkins says. “It’s a perfect invitation to unwind and de-stress.”

Solar-powered lights are another great option, as they require no wiring and provide illumination throughout the night.

Create A Focal Point To Draw The Eye

A focal point adds a touch of interest.

“It should be something that inspires calmness and contemplation, inviting you to focus your mind and appreciate the beauty of your creation,” Jenkins explains.“Your focal point could be a beautiful stone lantern, its soft light casting a warm glow. Or consider a small statue of Buddha radiating peace, or a strategically placed bonsai tree with its meticulously pruned branches, a testament to patience and dedication.”

Comfort And Contemplation: A Place To Relax

Since this is a space to unwind and escape daily stresses, you’ll want to include a comfortable seating area where you can chill out and appreciate your creation. A simple wooden bench or cushions will suffice. If space allows, add a small table for enjoying a cup of tea or for meditating.

“Imagine yourself sitting amid the calming elements of your garden, listening to the sounds of nature and letting go of the day’s worries,” Jenkins says.

Personalize Your Sanctuary

While Zen gardens have a traditional aesthetic, don’t be afraid to incorporate some elements that reflect your own personality.

“The key is to create a space that resonates with you and fosters peace and well-being,” Jenkins adds.

A small wind chime with a calming melody adds a touch of whimsy. Also consider a piece of art depicting nature or a fragrant flowering plant, even perhaps a small birdbath to attract feathered friends.

“Embrace the simplicity of Zen design, lose yourself in the meditative act of raking the gravel, and allow the calming presence of nature to wash over,” Jenkins says. “Remember, your Zen garden is a reflection of your inner world.”

Photos courtesy Fiona Jenkins

Creating a Zen garden is not just about landscaping; it’s about cultivating a personal sanctuary for relaxation and mindfulness. With a little planning and inspiration, you can transform your outdoor space into a special retreat.

Morgan James

The powerhouse vocalist, Broadway veteran and concert favorite hits all the right notes when she visits the Landmark stage. Soulful singersongwriter Morgan James’ voice is her instrument, and through it she can communicate anything. It is a gift that she has expertly trained, and meticulously nurtured, James has cultivated a world of fans with her viral YouTube videos, and she loves connecting with them on social media and at her live shows. With her own channel, James has amassed more than 250 million views on YouTube (and climbing). Over the last several years, she has established herself as a touring powerhouse, playing with her band and symphony orchestras. Her latest full album, ‘Nobody’s Fool,’ is a luminous love letter to ‘90s R&B, featuring nine new songs, and one cover of Jeff Buckley‘s ‘Everybody Here Wants You.’

Friday, June 21, 8 p.m. $53, $48, $43. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

‘Across The Universe’

The Beatles live on — in the form of The Fab Faux. The acclaimed band brings out the best Beatles moments, appearing on the Paramount stage. With a commitment to the accurate reproduction of The Beatles’ repertoire, they treat the seminal music with unwavering respect, known for their painstaking recreations of the songs (with emphasis on the later works never performed live by The Beatles). The Fab Faux’s musical virtuosity — in actuality five New York Citybased musicians — upends the concept of a Beatles tribute band. Far beyond being extended cover sets, their shows are an inspired rediscovery of The Beatles’ musical magic. In addition to their notefor-note accuracy, the band is famous for blurring the lines slightly and injecting their own musical personalities into the performances. That’s The Fab Faux experience.

Saturday, June 22, 8 p.m. $55, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Get The Led Out

Get The Led Out rocks out with their tribute to what many consider rock ‘n roll’s greatest band, in “A Celebration of the Mighty Zep,” on the Paramount stage, Friday and Saturday, June 28-29, 8 p.m. From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, GTLO has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The six veteran musicians who make up the Philadelphia-based group delivers Led Zeppelin live with the all passion and fury these blues-soaked, groove-driven rock anthems deserve. Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO re-creates songs, in all their depth and glory, with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. When you hear three guitars on the album, GTLO delivers three guitarists on stage. No wigs or fake English accents, the band brings what the audience wants — a high energy Zeppelin concert with honest, heart-thumping intensity with a strong focus on Led Zeppelin’s pivotal early years. They touch on the deeper cuts that were seldom, if ever heard in concert. GTLO’s approach to performance of this hallowed catalog is not unlike a classical performance. “Led Zeppelin are sort of the classical composers of the rock era,” says lead vocalist Paul Sinclair. “I believe 100 years from now they will be looked at as the Bach or Beethoven of our time. As cliche as it sounds, their music is timeless. $75. $45, $30. 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, in its final weekend on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Saturday, June 22, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, June 23, 2 p.m.

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.

June

29

Barnaby Bye

The band returns to My Father’s Place, Saturday, June 29, 8 p.m. Come celebrate the music, the memories and the good times with Billy, Bobby, Peppy and Mike! Doors open at 6 p.m., concert is at 8 p.m. 221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn,. For tickets/information, visit MFPProductions.com or call (516) 580-0887.

Cathedral of St. Agnes Bazaar

The second annual bazaar takes place at the St. Agnes Cathedral School parking lot, Friday through Sunday, June 21-23

Hours are Friday, 6-10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 5-10:30 p.m.; Sunday, after 1 p.m. Mass, 2-6 p.m. 70 Clinton Ave., Rockville Centre.

Keeping up with the village

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

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.

South Side High School Graduation

South Side High School’s 133rd Commencement ceremony takes place, Wednesday, June 26, at 5 p.m. at Hofstra University’s David Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. For more information visit RVCSchools.org.

Shine a Light Music Series

The Tommy Brull Foundation celebrate its 25th concert in the Shine A Light Music Series at RJ Daniel’s in Rockville Centre, Saturday, July 7, 8 p.m. The unforgettable evening features Deer Tick and Al Olender. Tickets are $49 and are available on Eventbrite. com. All proceeds from the show will go to help fund the construction of Mr. B’s Adaptive/Inclusive Playground for children of all abilities. For more information visit TommyBrullFoundation.com. 279A Sunrise Highway.

Rockville Centre Farmer’s Market

Shop for all sorts of goodies at the Farmer’s Market, every Sunday, 7 a.m. to noon, at the LIRR parking lot between Long Beach Road and Sunrise Highway. The market is open to Dec. 24. For more information visit LongIslandGrowersMarket. com.

Film Screening

Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for a viewing of “Wild Style,” a 1983 film regarded as the first hip-hop movie, Saturday, June 29, 3 p.m. A hybrid project that exists as both a musical and a documentary, the film features hip-hop pioneers of the period, including Fred “Fab Five Freddy” Brathwaite, Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, The Rock Steady Crew, The Cold Crush Brothers, Queen Lisa Lee of Zulu Nation, Grandmaster Flash, and Zephyr, who play themselves in a loosely scripted story shot entirely in the South Bronx, the Lower East Side, and MTA subway yards.

A Q&A follows with director Charlie Ahearn and critic-curator, Carlo McCormick. Seating is limited and reservations required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Summer sounds

Visit Eisenhower Park for its Noontime Concert series, Wednesday, June 26, noon-2 p.m. The Long Island Harmonizers perform four-part barbershop a cappella. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Their repertoire ranges from traditional barbershop to the Great American Songbook and Elton John. Bring seating. For information, visit NassaucCountyNY.gov.

RVC Fireworks Celebration

The annual fireworks celebration and concert is set for Saturday, July 13, 7- 9:30 p.m., at Pette and Barasch Fields by the Mill River Park Complex. Viewing will not be permitted on Lister or Tighe Field. The South Shore Symphony performs before, after and during the show in coordination with the Gucci pyrotechnic display. In case of rain, the show will take place on Sunday, July 14.

Village Art Club Spring Exhibition

Village Art Club of Rockville Centre presents original standard works, plus minis, not previously shared by club members, during its annual spring exhibition at the Rockville Centre Public Library. Artwork will be on display, per library schedule, through Saturday, June 22, when the Village Art Club will host an artist’s reception to present awards to the winning submissions. 221 N. Village Ave. For more information, contact Frank McIntyre at (516) 764-1950.

Catering + Private Party Room

PARTY

Private

CATERING

Our

DECORATIONS:

Let

Molloy grant to support minorities in STEM

Molloy University, which leads an alliance of seven member institutions from the Lower Hudson Valley Catholic Colleges and Universities Consortium, has been awarded a five-year $3.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program to promote underrepresented minority participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The seven private Catholic colleges and universities participating in the program include Molloy University, Manhattan College, Mount Saint Mary College, St. Francis College, St. John’s University, St. Joseph’s University New York and St. Thomas Aquinas College.

Funding from the grant will support student success by creating a new generation of STEM discoverers for the national enterprise. The program will take a comprehensive approach to the STEM learning ecosystem to impact student development and retention. The program will have a director housed at Molloy, with a steering committee represented by members from each institution.

The Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation is an alliancebased program, whereby a group of intuitions of higher education work together to diversify the nation’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics workforce by increasing the number of STEM baccalaureate and graduate degrees awarded to persons from underrepresented minority demographics.

“This partnership and collaboration for a grant among seven Catholic universities is unique, creative and noteworthy,” Molloy University President James Lentini said. “The multifaceted goal of the grant is to support underrepresented minority students in STEM. This is important and valuable for the communities and populations we serve. It is good for the region.”

This program provides funding to

alliances that implement comprehensive, evidence-based, innovative, and sustained strategies that ultimately result in the graduation of well-prepared, highly competitive students, who pursue graduate studies or careers in STEM, while also supporting knowledge generation, knowledge utilization, assessment of program impacts, dissemination activities and dissemination of scholarly research into the field. It will also adopt intersectionality and a sense of belonging as overarching frameworks. Intersectionality provides an opportunity to understand the multilayered identities of the students served by the alliance and to design project activities that address unique marginalizing experiences for individuals.

In higher education, a sense of belonging can refer to students’ perceptions of social support within the campus environment. It encompasses feelings of connectedness, being valued, cared for, respected, and important to the campus community including faculty, staff, and peers. The program aims to employ these frameworks to lessen systemic and institutional barriers for underrepresented minorities in STEM to achieve the program’s overall mission.

“We are truly excited about this opportunity for our students and our institutions,” Donald “DJ” Mitchell, Jr., the vice president for diversity equity and inclusion at Molloy University, who spearheaded the grant application, said. “While educating students of color in STEM is undeniably important, to be able to support them at institutions that care for their heads, hearts, and hands, as guided by our Catholic traditions, is particularly special. That’s what we envisioned when we pulled the (consortium) together for this proposal, and we’re delighted that our vision is now a reality.”

–Daniel Offner

Courtesy Molloy University

Molloy University and six other Catholic colleges and universities were awarded a fiveyear $3.5 million grant to support minority participation in STEM.

Smile Farms and Catholic Health expand partnership

support mental health and spiritual well-being, and address hunger on Long Island. I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this program, and am looking forward to seeing it grow.”

The need for food on Long Island has surged in recent years. According to a 2022 “Map the Meal Gap” study conducted by Feeding America, more than 221,000 people in Nassau and Suffolk counties were food insecure, an increase of more than 50 percent from the previous year. In response, Catholic Health and Smile Farms have strengthened their partnership to expand the reach and impact of the community gardens.

The new Rockville Centre garden will help PROS patients learn valuable job skills while contributing to the community. “You all know that work is a lot more than just a paycheck,” McCann said. “It’s a reason to get up in the morning. It’s a reason for who you are, what you are, and it’s social. We need social interactivity to be healthy in all the ways we need to be healthy, and that’s what we try and create here at Smile Farms.”

The produce grown in the garden will be shared with those in need at the hospital’s Family Care Center, an outpatient clinic serving women and children.

“Our collaboration with Catholic Health is special and unique, as it affords our Smile Farmers the opportunity to give to others while concurrently giving to themselves,” Diana Martin, the managing director of Smile Farms, said in statement. “The mental health benefits of gardening are well documented: including decreased anxiety, stress, and depression and increased creativity, productivity, attention, memory, and selfesteem. We are grateful to Catholic Health and Supervisor Clavin for helping us bring our holistic vision and impact to life at a second site,” Martin added, referring to Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin.

Clavin played a critical role in facilitating the initiative, providing a portion of the funding for the new garden.

“The Town of Hempstead was proud to contribute funds toward the construction and development of this new Smile Farm at Catholic Health Mercy Hospital,” he said during the unveiling last Thursday, “but it’s the hard-working men and women of the PROS Program who will truly make this garden grow and thrive for years to come. I truly cannot think of a better way to benefit people with special needs and mental health challenges, while also providing healthy and nutritious food for new mothers and their children. We are confident that other civic organizations and local businesses across Long Island will follow the example of Mercy Hospital and create their own Smile Farms to benefit their communities.”

Smile Farms’ participants, known as Smile Farmers, grow, sell, and donate plants, produce, and products in their communities, fostering a sense of purpose and inclusion.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Jerry Rintz, one of those who tend to the garden, said. “It brings everybody together to help grow food and distributes it to needy patients.”

In addition to the gardens, Catholic Health’s food insecurity initiative provides emergency food to-go bags that are given out in its six emergency departments. Those who receive the bags are also referred to community-based organizations that can help them access resources like the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, for regular access to healthy food.

To learn more about Catholic Health’s behavioral health services, visit CHSLI. org/Behavioral-Health. Smile Farms currently partners with eight organizations across Long Island and New York City to serve people with disabilities and their local communities. For more information, go to SmileFarms.org.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF PARTNERSHIP LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME:

Propaws Veterinary Services PLLC, Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 04/15/24_. NY

Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 379 N Village Ave. Rockville Centre, NY11570

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 147374

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Public Hearing Village of Rockville Centre

Nassau County, New York Meeting Date: June 27, 2024

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 330 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Exterior Design Review Board of the Village of Rockville Centre will have a Public Hearing at the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall, 1 College Place, Rockville Centre

LEGAL NOTICE

June 27, 2024 at 6:00 PM

Case No. 06-2024

Nancy Contino 17 Lee Avenue Rockville Centre, NY

11570

Description: Construct a single-family dwelling with attached garage.

Premises known as: 10 Olive Court

The Exterior Design Review Board OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE Eugene Murray Village Hall, Rockville Centre, New York

George Bella, Chairperson of the consultants to

The Exterior Design Review Board

Thomas Domanico, Secretary to The Consultants Information and records for Exterior Design Review cases are available the Office of the Secretary, 110 Maple Avenue, RVC 147538

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Mortgage Assets Management, LLC,, Plaintiff AGAINST Nassau County Public Administrator, as Limited Administrator of the Estate of Yolande E. Bayard-Gaston a/k/a Yolande Gaston; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 17, 2023 I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 22, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1180 Woodfield Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 38 Block 105 Lot 153. Approximate amount of judgment $506,388.47 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 607221/2017. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Peter Kramer, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: May 10, 2024 147541

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiffagainst- ARAGANOEM PANCHU, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 7, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at (CCP) Calendar Control Part Court Room of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr., Mineola, NY on July 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Village of Rockville Centre, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Section 38 Block 189 Lot 106. Said premises known as 11 GRAND AVENUE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570

Approximate amount of lien $233,022.98 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 610290/2022.

RONALD J. FERRARO, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP

PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.

DLG# 38836

{* ROCK CEN H*} 147461

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY FLAGSTAR BANK, FSB, Plaintiff against ALONZA HOPKINS JR., et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 11, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 23, 2024 at 2:00 PM.

Premises known as 512 Clinton Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Sec 38 Block 106 Lot 261-263. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $745,874.37 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 602832/2018. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Brian Carmody, Esq., Referee File # XFLFN017 147543

Continued from page 1

Daniel Offner/Herald

Catholic Health, Smile farms and town of Hempstead officials celebrate the grand opening of Catholic Health’s new cooperative garden, which will be tended by men and women in the proS program to help address food insecurity among low income families.

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

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HomesHERALD

A Charming Hewlett Gem!

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA East Pointe Country Club. Gorgeous 3BRs, 3Bths, Golf, Double Kitchen, High Ceilings. MLS#RX-10977928 $938,000 Jill 561-373-2724

ISLAND PARK / AUSTIN BOULEVARD 1000- 5000 Sq. Ft, Parking,1 Story, Driveins, Gas, Offices, Sprinklered, Near Railroad. Immediate. Price On Request.Tony 718-937-8100 Ext.101 CROSSTOWN REALTY VALLEY STREAM: 2 BRs, LR, Kitchen/ SS Appliances, Bathroom/ Jacuzzi, Yard, One Parking Space, Lots Of Storage, Walk LIRR. $2,850/ Month. 646-399-5785, 917-702-6544

elcome to 1450 Kew Ave, an enchanting Hewlett home that seamlessly blends modern and classic. This stunning property bursts with style and character, which can be felt from the moment you walk through the door! The first floor contains an expansive living room, formal dining room, eatin-kitchen, full bathroom and four spacious bedrooms,

Arthur Drive. Split Level. 6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room, home office, sauna/steam room. Security system. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight.

Taxes: $24,817.83

Elmont $950,000

Rifton Street. Expanded Cape. 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with formal dining room and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room and guest quarters. First floor master bedroom.

Taxes: $18,306

Long Beach $1,400,000

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

ISLAND PARK: 1 BR, ground floor, all renovated, water/heat included. No Pets. $2200/ month. 516-316-6962

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MERRICK: PROFESSIONAL OFFICE Space For Rent, A Secured Building With Parking. Great Deal! 516-557-4971 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

Wyoming Avenue. Contemporary. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. High end finishes include elevator cathedral ceiling with skylight.

Merrick $820,000

Whittier Avenue. Splanch. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eatin kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Updates include cathedral ceiling.

Taxes: $19,520

Oceanside $725,000

Park Avenue. Hi Ranch. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office.

Taxes: $15,678

Rockville Centre $999,000

Linden Street. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/ family room and home office. Updates including skylight and wood burning stove.

West Hempstead $700,000

Garden City Boulevard. Tudor. 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Sun porch and fenced yard with deck. Many timeless architectural features. Convenient location in heart of West Hempstead.

Taxes: $14,095.27

Different answers from everyone we ask

Q. We’ve been interviewing contractors and architects to get an idea about adding a double dormer to our home. The conversations about what to do, how long it should take and the cost are just all over the place. How long should it take, and how much should a double dormer cost to build? Some contractors said they needed to see plans, and that they could personally get the permit in a day or two, and some architects gave us wild time frames that seem ridiculous, like a year or more from start to finish.

A. Sounds like you already have the answers, which is not a good thing. This isn’t like ordering a meal in a restaurant and expecting that it will be perfect or you can send it back. Construction projects are complicated.

First, there are regulations. I hear more and more from people that they want to try to avoid permits, which is a bad idea, but I know many contractors who are ready to work under the radar because it isn’t their problem, it’s yours, if a neighbor complains or an inspector drops by.

Once a permit is finally issued, it has been my experience that everyone forgets what it took to get permission to build, which is possibly part of the time you aren’t taking into account. The typical scenario is that you wait months for the architect to satisfy whatever notes and information the plan reviewer is asking for. Even if your architect fulfills each request for more information in a day or two, it can still take more time for the next reply from the official.

Examiners do not use the same criteria for what should be noted in plans, and some will ask for more than others. It isn’t uncommon for an examiner to ask to have information removed from plans that another examiner requested. That’s just the way it is.

The architect is generally to blame for delays. Then the project is finally given the go-ahead, but insurance papers and license numbers for the contractor, plumber and electrician have to match what is on file with the authority. When they don’t, this causes more delays, so it’s important to make sure the contractor you hire gathers the full set of acceptable insurance documents and license numbers ahead of time instead of delaying the project even longer.

This is very common and avoidable. It also causes delays when you have pools, sheds, fences, decks, hot tubs or central air condensers that never received a permit. All need permits in most jurisdictions, and further delay can cause arguments over the extra cost.

And speaking of cost, your description of a “double dormer” is just a simplified version of what it really is. It doesn’t cost less to call it that. You are constructing a second-floor addition or making a half second floor into a full second floor. It will take the next column to explain cost. Stay tuned.

© 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

Stuff HERALD

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opinions

Cricket brings Nassau into the international spotlight

Like almost every Long Islander, until recently I had no knowledge of or interest in cricket.

Now that the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Eisenhower Park has been such a success, I can certainly attest to the intense devotion and loyalty cricket fans have to their sport, how popular cricket is in other corners of the world and why it was such a great victory for Nassau County to host the tournament, drawing worldwide attention and acclaim. I had the opportunity, early on, to observe up close the effort that went into making the World Cup the success that it became. The anticipated difficulties and challenges were many and complex. For starters, a 34,000-seat stadium had to be constructed at Eisenhower Park in barely three months before the first official match on

June 3. The hastily built structure, put together like an Erector Set, then had to be deconstructed and removed within 10 days after the Long Island phase of the tournament concluded on June 12.

The construction of the stadium was only the beginning. There were the almost certain traffic jams expected on Hempstead Turnpike and surrounding streets during the morning rush hour. The park would open at 8:30 a.m., and the starting time for each match would be 10:30. Cars would have to be parked at the Nassau Coliseum. The main entrance to Eisenhower Park would be off Merrick Avenue, and would be reached by thousands of fans either on foot — a walk of over a half-mile from the Coliseum — or by shuttle bus.

Tdown all possible terrorist threats. This potential danger was amplified when, just days before the first practice match on June 1, ISIS posted a threat on social media calling for an attack on the World Cup.

he IndiaPakistan match alone drew more than a billion TV viewers.

There were also myriad terrorismrelated issues, which required having enough magnetometers to scan everyone entering the park, doing background checks on all vendors and their employees, and monitoring and tracking

Fortunately, County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder had initiated a sophisticated counterterrorism effort months earlier, involving federal, state and local law-enforcement agencies — the Nassau County Police Department, the FBI, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Department of Homeland Security, the State Police and the NYPD as well as Suffolk County, MTA, Port Authority and Garden City police working seamlessly together. At the facility itself, there were helicopters overhead, undercover officers and bomb-sniffing dogs on the ground, and sharpshooters strategically positioned around the stadium.

When the time came, everything worked. The intense planning paid off.

Tackling health disparities affecting Black

people of color in New York state have a vastly different experience navigating the health care system than their white counterparts. From challenges accessing care and disparate health outcomes to higher death rates and premature deaths, the urgency of this crisis cannot be understated.

Black Americans disproportionately face adverse health outcomes. These inequities are well documented:

Black Americans are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and twice as likely to die of the disease. Black adults are 30 percent more likely to have high blood pressure, increasing their risk for heart disease and stroke. These aren’t just data points — health disparities are a matter of life and death, and we desperately need better health systems to protect Black Americans.

Unfortunately, these patterns are consistent across New York state. Black Long Islanders have the lowest life expectancy of all Long Island residents. Decades of institutional racism and environmental injustice have contributed to these stark inequalities: From

proximity to industrial sites, highways and other sources of pollution to economic disparities and lack of access to quality health care, Black Long Islanders face unacceptable barriers to achieving and maintaining good health.

As an Assembly member and the chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus, I am continuously advocating for Nassau County’s communities of color that are impacted the most by these inequalities. The state’s fiscal year 2025 budget makes historic investments in health care that ensure that more people have access to quality services. For example, the budget provides $800 million to save our safety-net hospitals and eliminates all copays for insulin. We also secured funding to continue expanding doula access through the new Community Doula Expansion program, which builds on our efforts to prioritize maternal health care in the State Legislature.

TReduction Act have given millions of New Yorkers health insurance and saved more than 75,000 people hundreds of dollars on insulin with the $35 cap. Yet there are still members of Congress working tirelessly to repeal the ACA and the IRA, slash health funding and revoke access to health care for those who need it most.

he state budget offers help, but too many in Congress don’t seem to care.

These issues are a matter of life or death, and our representatives in Washington must fight to expand access to affordable, quality care for all by overcoming historic inequalities to deliver impactful health care improvements for people of color. Policies like the Affordable Care Act and the Inflation

There were no security incidents or traffic jams. The India-Pakistan match alone drew a capacity crowd of 34,000 — the largest ever for a cricket match in the United States — and more than a billion television viewers worldwide, more than three times the size of a Super Bowl audience. There were watch parties at Citi Field and Cedar Creek Park, in Wantagh. All told, the matches attracted more than 150,000 enthusiastic fans who enjoyed themselves and rooted their teams on without incident.

Increased business at restaurants, hotels, motels, stores and shops brought in tens of millions of dollars in sales and lodging tax revenues. Probably most important, though, will be the intangible but very real value of Nassau County’s success on the world stage before a previously unreached audience. Taking on this challenge and getting it done is a credit to Blakeman’s leadership and the professionalism of the NCPD and its law enforcement partners. Job well done!

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

Long Islanders

I recently met with Long Island health care professionals and community advocates to discuss what they see on the ground. The challenges Black residents face when seeking care are extensive, from missing appointments due to lack of transportation to medical facilities or difficulties accessing medical information. New mothers often lack access to the vital education needed during pregnancy to prepare them as they get closer to giving birth. Unexpected hospital stays lead to job loss and additional stressors among marginalized communities, sometimes dissuading patients from seeking care in the first place.

These challenges are pressing and require our attention, but too many in Congress have turned a blind eye to tackling these health disparities. The improvements that the ACA and the IRA have made to our health care system have created significant savings for seniors and families amid the afford-

ability crisis. If these historic improvements in health care are overturned or weakened, thousands of Long Islanders, including many people of color, would be at risk of losing the security these laws provide them. Without affordable health care, many of our residents would be forced to choose between paying for groceries and paying for their prescriptions.

I’ve long advocated protecting affordable and accessible health care for all New Yorkers, including Black and Brown residents who experience sobering inequities. My responsibility to promote the health and well-being of my constituents drives me to continue to improve health outcomes through sensible policy that enhances quality of life for everyone. The state budget investments, alongside the federal ACA and IRA, are the result of bold decisions that improve health care for millions of New Yorkers.

We can’t turn back the clock and undermine federal and state policies that make a real difference in our fight to combat health disparities and improve health care for all Long Islanders. We must put the needs of our constituents first and promote the health and well-being of all our people, especially those who have been left behind for too long.

Michaelle Solages represents the 22nd Assembly Distric, and chairs the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus.

HERALD

HeraLd editoriaL

Juneteenth is a time for reflection,

observed every year on June 19, Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history the end of slavery here in the United States.

While many of us might associate the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln at the height of the Civil War in 1863 with the abolition of slavery, the horrific practice itself didn’t end until June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free.

Juneteenth signifies not just the end of slavery, but the triumph of freedom over oppression, resilience over despair.

Living on Long Island, we might feel removed from this piece of history geographically and culturally. It was the South that had slaves, after all. But it wasn’t always that way.

Even before New York was New York, the Dutch West India Co. “purchased” 11 men from Africa they wanted to use in their New Amsterdam colony for both public projects and defense, according to research by Hofstra University. At first, these men were considered employees of

Letters

Not OK with Trump endorsing D’Esposito

To the Editor:

I was so disappointed to read that U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito is happy about receiving Donald Trump’s endorsement (“D’Esposito picks up big endorsement from Trump,” June 6-12).

I mistakenly thought that D’Esposito was among the Republicans who are trying to bring the party back to a time when a candidate’s moral conduct mattered. Is he now OK with having a president who disrespects the laws of our country, while preaching law and order for the rest of us? Is he OK with having a millionaire president who has been convicted of cheating our country out of the taxes that the rest of us must pay?

Is D’Esposito OK with having a president who illegally takes, and refuses to return, highly classified documents after leaving office and lies about it? Is he OK with having a president who has been found guilty of sexually violating a woman?

Is D’Esposito OK with having a president who refuses to accept the outcome of an election, even after countless court cases affirm the results? Is he OK with having a commander in chief of our armed forces who has called people in our armed forces “suckers,” and has said

Dutch West India, but it wasn’t long before their roles were redefined as “chattel property” and “servants for life.”

By the time the Colonies went to war for their independence, 20,000 slaves were kept in New York — more than all of the New England colonies combined. No one should ever own another human being. Full stop. And the lessons of Juneteenth teach us that freedom is not merely the absence of chains, but the presence of opportunity, equity and justice. Despite the progress made since 1865, we continue to witness disparities in education, employment and housing issues that affect communities here in Nassau County as well as nationwide. By honoring Juneteenth, we acknowledge these challenges, and renew our commitment to addressing them.

Juneteenth also provides an opportunity for education and reflection. It’s a period for all of us — regardless of race — to learn about the deep-rooted history of slavery and its lasting impacts. And it’s a reminder of delayed justice and the continued struggle for equality.

Long Island may seem far from the

celebration

fields of Texas, but our own history as part of the greater New York City area — is interwoven with stories of African American resilience and contributions. From the early African American settlements in Sag Harbor to the cultural impacts of influential figures like Jackie Robinson — who lived for a number of years in neighboring Queens and the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance spilling into our neighborhoods, Long Island has its chapters of African American history that reflect broader national narratives of struggle and achievement.

Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone. It’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of freedom and equality. For all of us here on Long Island, embracing Juneteenth means recognizing our shared history, acknowledging our ongoing struggles, and celebrating the contributions of African Americans to our collective heritage.

Let us use this week to reflect, educate and unite — ensuring that the legacy of Juneteenth continues to inspire and guide us toward a more just and inclusive future.

that prisoners of war like John McCain aren’t heroes if they got caught?

Is D’Esposito OK with having a president who disdains science and tells us that global warming is a hoax? Is he OK with having a president who encourages vigilante justice with phrases like “Lock her up!” about an opponent?

Is D’Esposito OK with having a president

whose fiery words encouraged people to attack our Capitol to stop the certification of an election that he lost, and who now calls them heroes? Is he OK with having a president who speaks admiringly of dictators and is OK with Vladimir Putin’s takeover of Ukraine? Is he OK with having a president who, even now, while out of office, tells his followers to block any bipartisan legislation that

opinions Fighting antisemitism and hate needs to start early

as a former Board of Education member and president in the Long Beach school district who has worked to provide a safe and more inclusive environment for our students, I am gravely concerned about the unprecedented escalation of antisemitism on our college campuses that many young Jewish people in our community will be facing in just a couple of months.

An Anti-Defamation League and Hillel International survey found that Jewish college students feel significantly less safe since Oct. 7, and that more than 75 percent are dissatisfied with their schools’ response to antisemitism.

The study also found that 73 percent of Jewish college students, and 44 percent of non-Jewish students, have experienced or witnessed antisemitism since the start of the 2023-24 school year. Subsequently, the ADL published its Campus Antisemitic Report Card in April, in which it assessed 85 of the top national and liberal arts colleges in the U.S. with the highest Jewish student populations. Grades were assigned to public and private schools based on “Jewish life on campus,” antisemitic incidents, and how the administration addressed those

incidents and took action to fight antisemitism. None of the 14 New York schools included in the report received an A grade. Four received D’s and two received F’s. The schools ranked as follows:

• Barnard College: D

• CUNY Brooklyn: B

• Columbia University: D

• Cornell University: D

• Hofstra University: B

• Ithaca College: B

• New York University: C

• SUNY Albany: C

• SUNY Binghamton: B

• SUNY New Paltz: D

• SUNY Purchase: F

• SUNY Rockland

Community College: F

• Syracuse University: C

• Queens College: C

we got high school kids involved in the Holocaust project Names, Not Numbers.

During what should be one of the most hopeful times in young people’s lives, they should feel excited and secure about taking the next step in their future, not fearful of what may await them on college campuses.

During my tenure as school board president, the Long Beach district began taking part in Names, Not Numbers, an interactive media Holocaust film documentary project. Created by Tova FishRosenberg, Names, Not Numbers brings students out of the classroom and into

Letters

would improve the problems at our border? Is being convicted of a felony OK for a president?

I would think that no candidate of any party would be proud to be endorsed by a person who exhibits so many examples of immoral and illegal behavior. Our schools and villages like to put up signs that say, “Character Counts.” But the support of Donald Trump by many Republicans, like Anthony D’Esposito, reveals that, for them, character really doesn’t count at all.

ELAINE RAUCH Lynbrook

Did the Grand Central project cripple the MTA?

To the Editor:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority project connecting the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Terminal was projected to cost $4 billion, according to the MTA. When it was completed, the cost had risen to $11 billion, some $7 billion over the MTA’s esti-

the lives of people who lived through the history being taught about the Holocaust. This past year, I was proud of our Long Beach High School students, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, who interviewed Holocaust survivors and created their own documentary, which was shown at a well-attended screening and will be used in the school’s curriculum. Programs like these are the cornerstone of combating the disturbing rise in antisemitism and all forms of marginalization, by providing education and awareness at a young age. Fighting antisemitism must start before students enter college. This year’s legislative session in Albany has come to a close without legislation in place to address this vital issue. As a candidate for the State Assembly, it is my goal to work on comprehensive, bipartisan, statewide legislation against antisemitism that will bring education, awareness, accountability and action.

Legislation to combat antisemitism at the state level should:

Ensure that school systems are following state mandates to teach about the Holocaust, and add studies of contemporary antisemitism to the curriculum.

Provide state funding and support for educational programs like the ADL’s No Place for Hate.

Ensure that college codes of conduct for faculty and students include discussion of antisemitism.

Ensure that college administrators are held accountable for enforcing these codes of conduct and are responsible for the safety of Jewish students. The same protections against discrimination offered to other groups must be offered to Jewish students as well. This includes revoking funding for student groups that support terrorism or call for violence.

Ensure that hate crimes are investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Continue providing state funding for security at houses of worship and religious institutions.

Ensure that state-mandated diversity, equity and inclusion programs include antisemitism awareness.

Provide resources to work with federal investigators on the infiltration of campus groups by outside agitators.

Putting this legislation in place will empower Jewish young people and allies to work toward creating a future climate of inclusivity without antisemitism and all other forms of hate.

Tina Posterli is a former member of the Long Beach City Council, a former president of the Board of Education and a candidate for the Assembly in District 20.

Framework by Tim Baker

mate.

The question that needs to be asked is why this project became an MTA priority over so many others that seemed to need more urgent attention from the agency. Getting Long Islanders to Grand Central didn’t seem urgent: They could take a shuttle from Penn Station to Grand Central. But the people along Second Avenue still had no transportation for many years. New cars were needed on Metro North and the LIRR. New signal systems were needed; track work was needed. So why did the Grand Central Terminal move ahead of so many other urgent projects?

The MTA said that congestion pricing is the be-all and end-all to solve New York City’s traffic congestion. Many New Yorkers aren’t believing the MTA’s revenue projections. Had the stockholders of a company found out that the CEO and board of directors approved of a project that went $7 billion over the initial estimate, they would have been fired.

It’s good that congestion pricing is halted. There’s good reason not to trust the MTA.

RICHARD T. DeVITO Long Beach

A sculptural highlight of the Nautical Mile — Freeport