Rockville Centre Herald 07-20-2023

RVC girls win state title

Page 3

Market provides farm-fresh foods

3-on-3 tourney returns to RVC

Page 20

Fireman’s Parade and Drill returns to the village

By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com

One of the largest parades in Nassau County returned to Rockville Centre last weekend for the first time in eight years. Nearly 40 fire departments and more than 50 trucks gathered for the Nassau County Fireman’s Drill and Parade, a 120-year tradition steeped in history, camaraderie and, of course, competition.

The two-day festivities began on Friday night at Firemen’s Field, with the annual Old Fashioned Drill tournament — a series of timed races and contests designed to test firefighters’ skills.

Teams demonstrated their strength and agility, and the Rockville Centre Bulldogs, of Reliance Hose Company No. 3, brought the trophy

Continued on page 10

Molloy will give back tuition it collected amid pandemic

By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Nearly 5,000 students who paid Molloy University, in Rockville Centre, the full tuition for the spring 2020 semester are eligible for a partial reimbursement from the school.

Matt Albanese Sr., Molloy’s director of compliance, said that due to the coronavirus pandemic, all course studies were required to switch to an online model to ensure that students were able to complete their education.

“Molloy has always been a student-focused institution,” Albanese said in a statement. “As

a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, schools in New York State were ordered to shut down their campuses in the spring of 2020.”

The reimbursement is part of a settlement agreement of a class-action lawsuit filed in December 2020 by Maddison Booth, a former undergraduate nursing student. According to court records, the university will provide a $1.5 million cash settlement fund to help students by paying a portion of their tuition and fees.

The university will also offer students $3 million in non-cash benefits, including access to academic and career services on campus for one year and an addi-

tional 30 percent reduction in graduate school tuition for the following two years.

Eligible students will receive notice of the settlement in the coming weeks from CPT Group, a third-party organization that specializes in administering class action settlements, with

final court approval expected by the fall.

Court records indicate that Booth, the lead plaintiff in the case, paid $15,665 in yearly tuition and additional mandatory fees totaling $1,011. In the lawsuit, her attorneys said that Molloy “retained the full amount of tuition and fees.”

The lawsuit claimed that the “college failed to offer any

refunds, provide any discounts, or apply any credit to plaintiff and class members’ other semesters,” and that Booth was seeking a pro-rata, or proportional, refund of tuition and fees, on behalf of herself and the others who attended during the spring 2020 semester.

In response, Molloy representatives indicated that the univerContinued on page 18

Tim Baker/Herald

nassau County Fireman’s parade grand Marshal Carl Weeks, 88, riding in the vintage aherens-Fox Fire engine.

M o lloy has always been a studentfocused institution .

MAtt AlBANEsE sR. Director of compliance, Molloy University

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RVC Little League Juniors Softball team won hardearned Section 4 Champions in a historic testament to their teamwork and dedication to the game.

RVC Juniors win state championship title

Little League Juniors Softball team advances to East Regional Tournament

By CLARE GEHLICH Intern

The Rockville Centre Little League Juniors Softball team reached a historic milestone and will be representing New York in the World Series East Regional Tournament in Orange, Connecticut. This victory marks the first time a Rockville Centre team has ever secured the coveted New York state Section 4 championship title.

In a thrilling best of three series, the RVC Juniors triumphed over Elmsford, winning two games to one, to secure a spot in the East Regional Tournament. The team is now only just a few games away from earning a place in the Junior Little League Softball World Series, which will take place in Kirkland, Washington, during the first week of August.

After winning the New York Section 4 title, team manager Colin Connelly, along with other coaching members Tim Parliman, Carmine Iandiorio, and Maura Ressegger, are now preparing for the girls’ first game against Maryland on July 20 at 10 a.m., after press time.

Connelly emphasized the importance of the team utilizing available free time for practice and facility usage in Connecticut to hone their skills before the game.

“One thing that we focused on after we won the sectionals and moved into states was that the girls just stayed focused on the task at hand and knew that their talents would always win out,” Connelly said, as the team prepares for the upcoming East Regionals Tournament.

In the opening game of the New York

state tournament on July 15, the RVC Little League Juniors Softball team suffered a 1-0 defeat against Elmsford, despite an impressive performance from pitcher Audrey Morrow, who only allowed three hits and one run in six innings.

The team went on to secure their first victory in the series in the second game against Elmsford, which took place on the same day. In six innings, Morrow only allowed one run, striking out four opponents. Emily DeMattia delivered three hits and two RBIs, while Kay Kozlik contributed two hits.

Continuing their winning streak, the RVC Little League Juniors Softball team beat Elmsford 14-6 on July 17, securing their spot in the East Regional tournament. Audrey Morrow, Anne Parliman, and Molly Silecchia combined their pitch-

ing skills, while Parliman led the offense with three hits, two RBIs, and two runs, and Marrow contributed two hits and three runs.

The team’s success has not only united supportive parents but also garnered support from the entire Rockville Centre community, including Mayor Francis Murray and other legislators. Connelly received around 200 messages of encouragement and congratulations after the team’s recent win.

“It’s not just the parents that are bringing their kids to the game,” Connelly said. “The whole community is behind us and has been cheering for us from day one.”

The journey of the RVC Little League Juniors Softball team began two years ago thanks to the efforts of Rockville Centre Little League board members who

World Series East Regional Tournament

RVC vs. Maryland

Thursday, July 20 at 10 a.m.

RVC

vs.

Delaware

Thursday, July 20 at 3 p.m.

RVC vs. New Jersey

Friday, July 21 at 2 p.m.

RVC

vs.

Pennsylvania

Sunday, July 23 at 9 a.m.

revived the juniors team.

Paul Sewell, the Little League board’s head of softball, has been an advocate for not only the RVC Little League Juniors Softball team but all of the softball teams in Rockville Centre. With parents supporting their children, even those who no longer have children who play, the excitement and pride in Rockville Centre are boundless.

“These girls have faced challenges throughout the season and I fully expect them to meet these challenges, especially when we have an entire community behind us,” Connelly said.

The team will go on to represent New York in the East Regional Tournament where they will play against the top teams from Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Based on their performance during these games, they will go on to play single elimination.

In a display of enthusiasm, the RVC Little League Juniors Softball Team rallied together during the final game against Elmsford on July 17.

Photos courtesy Moira McNicholas

homiCideNatural Causes

A 71-year-old female was pronounced deceased on July 8, by a Northwell paramedic at her residence on Maine Avenue in Rockville Centre.

A 93-year-old female was pronounced deceased on July 10, by a North Shore paramedic at her residence on S. Centre Avenue in Rockville Centre.

harassmeNt

A motorist reported on July 8, the driver of another vehicle threw a bottle at his vehicle while driving on Sunrise Highway.

Burglary

The owner of Pinnacle Financial on S. Long Beach Road reported on July 12, that the business was broken into an property was rummaged through..

larCeNy

A resident of Merrick Road reported on July 8, someone stole his motorcycle while it was parked next to his apartment building.

A resident of Roxen Road reported on July 9, someone stole the catalytic converter from his vehicle while it was parked in the driveway of his home.

A resident of Reeve Road reported on July 9, someone stole the catalytic con-

Crime watCh

verter from his vehicle while parked in the driveway of his home.

The manager of Rite Aid on N. Village Avenue reported on July 10, an unknown male stole four assorted Tide detergent containers from the store.

The owner of Charming Lash on Merrick Road reported on July 12, the exterior promotional sign was stolen from the back door area of the store. The owner also indicated that on July 11 an unknown male came into the store demanding she remove the sign.

leaviNg sCeNe of aCCideNt

A motorist reported on July 9, her vehicle was struck by a car that left the scene while she was driving on Merrick Road. The motorist was treated at Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital for minor injuries.

An Oceanside resident reported on July 11 that a white van struck her vehicle while it was parked at 525 Merrick Road and left the scene.

A Massapequa resident reported on July 11, her 2019 Subaru was struck by another vehicle that left the scene while she was stopped at a traffic light on N. Village Avenue.

CrimiNal misChief

A NICE Bus driver reported on July 12 that a passenger punched the bus door

causing $650 in damages.

A resident of Vernon Avenue in Rockville Centre reported on July 13 that an unknown person damaged her front door window with an unknown object. The value of the damage is estimated at $245.

uNauthorized use of motor vehiCle

The manager of U-Haul on Maple Avenue reported on July 13, a customer has not returned a rental vehicle since the due date of June 23.

uNusual iNCideNt

A resident of Driscoll Avenue reported on July 8, someone fraudulently withdrew money from his bank account using a fraudulent check.

A resident of S. Marion Place reported on July 8, someone used his personal information to purchase a cell phone and opened three cell phone accounts.

The owner of Press 195 on S. Park Avenue reported on July 11 that approximately 30-to-40 business check were fraudulently altered and cashed. The total loss is estimated to be about $30,000.

The Rockville Centre Nissan finance department reported on July 12 that a customer financed a vehicle with another’s social security number and payments have not been received.

arrest s

Mario Alexander Villalobos Rivera, 29, of Grand Avenue in Baldwin, was arrested at 189 N. Long Beach Road for having an open Suffolk County arrest warrant for criminal mischief.

Sean Ryan Potornai, 24, of Lake Drive South in West Islip was arrested at 50 Front Street and has been charged with assault and obstruction of government administration.

Noteworthy iNCideNts/eveNts

The Rockville Centre Police Department Traffic Unit Supervisor Sgt. Kaplon along with Police Officers Tetonic and Boncore, attended the Bike Rodeo event at the Hispanic Brotherhood on Wednesday, July 12. During the event, RVCPD officers provided a bike safety presentation and helped inspect children’s bicycles.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and NUMC Injury Prevention were also present to instruct the children through a bike operator course and gave out safety helmets.

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.

Taxation of Trusts

Revocable living trusts, where the grantor (creator) and the trustee (manager) are the same person, use the grantor’s social security number and are not required to file an income tax return. All income and capital gains taxes are reported on the individual’s Form 1040.

Our

HOW TO REACH US

MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/rockvillecentre

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Irrevocable living trusts come in two main varieties, “grantor” and “non-grantor” trusts. Non-grantor trusts are often used by the wealthy to give assets away during their lifetime and for all income and capital gains taxes to be paid either by the trust or the trust beneficiary but not by them. Gifts to non-grantor trusts are reported to the IRS but are rarely taxable. Currently, the annual exclusion is $17,000 per person per year to as many people as you wish. However, if you go over the $17,000 to any one person you must report the gift to Uncle Sam, but they merely subtract the excess gift from the $12,920,000 each person is allowed to give at death. Most of our clients are “comfortably under” as we like to say. These gifts then grow estate tax-free to the recipient.

Grantor trusts, such as the Medicaid Asset

Protection Trust (MAPT), are designed to get the assets out of your name for Medicaid purposes but keep them in your name for tax purposes. You continue to receive income from the MAPT and pay income tax the same as before. The MAPT files an “informational return” (Form 1041) telling the IRS that all the income is passing through to you.

Gifts to non-grantor trusts take the grantor’s “basis” for calculating capital gains taxes on sale, i.e. what the grantor originally paid and, if real estate, plus any capital improvements.

In the grantor trust, however, no gift is made on the transfer to the trust because the grantor reserves the right to change who they leave it to on death. The gift is therefore said to be “incomplete” until death and is therefore includible in the grantor’s estate. Assets in the grantor’s estate receive a “stepped-up basis”. Instead of the grantor’s original basis, the heirs get the date of death value as the basis, resulting in capital gains taxes being due only on gains arising from the date of death to the date of sale, if any.

HERALD SPORTS

Ducks rally for first-half championship

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

It was an eventful first half of baseball for the Long Island Ducks, who became the Atlantic League’s all-time winningest franchise (1,581 as of June 17), captured the North Division’s first-half title, and had four player contracts purchased by Major League organizations.

Ninth-inning magic in two games July 7 allowed the Ducks to snag first place in their division via a tiebreaker with York. Both teams finished 37-26.

Long Island scored three times in the top of the ninth to defeat Southern Maryland, 4-1, while York allowed two runs to Lexington in the top of the ninth and suffered a 7-6 defeat.

“We had one eye on the scoreboard all night,” Ducks manager Wally Backman said. “While we were up in the ninth inning, Dickerson [Alex] informed me York lost. All the guys knew when we took the field in the bottom of the ninth what was at stake.”

The Ducks closed the first half on a four-game winning streak and allowed only nine runs in the process.

The departures of Brett Kennedy and Stephen Woods Jr. left the starting pitching staff in a state of flux but not thin on talent. Stephen Tarpley, Robert Stock and Matt Solter all produced quality starts under pressure in the final week of the first half, Backman noted. Former MLB reliever Al Alburquerque (0.78 ERA, 0.74 WHIP) has been dominant and picked up the win in the clincher after Tarpley fired six strong innings.

Kennedy was the first Ducks player to depart during the season after signing with the Cincinnati Reds. After a six-week stint at AAA Louisville, Kennedy picked up a W for the Reds July 4. “Congratulations to Brett on this well-deserved opportunity to pitch again in the Major Leagues,” Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff said of Kennedy, who tossed five solid innings to defeat the Washington Nationals. “We are thrilled to have helped him achieve this milestone in his career.”

On his way to becoming the 29th Ducks alumnus to be promoted to the majors, Kennedy made three quality starts for Long Island and struck out 16 batters in 11 2/3 innings of work with a 3.09 ERA.

Three others had their contracts purchased by Major League or foreign professional organizations this season: Former three-time MLB All-Star and former New York Mets infielder Daniel Murphy (Angels, Triple-A Salt Lake), nine-year MLB infielder Adeiny Hechavarria (Kansas City Royals, Triple-A Omaha) and pitcher Stephen Woods Jr. (Fubon Guardians, China.) The latter was 7-2 with a 3.77 ERA in 11 starts.

“We’re going to roll with a six-man starting rotation and not push anyone too hard in the second half,” Backman said.

“That’s one of the luxuries of winning the first half.”

Murphy played in 37 games with the Ducks. He departed tied for fourth in the Atlantic League with 47 hits, sixth in batting average (.331) and 10th in on-base percentage (.410), all of which lead the Flock.

He also totaled two home runs, 19 RBIs, 20 runs, 64 total bases, nine doubles, one triple, 14 walks and an .861 OPS. Murphy compiled a 16-game hitting streak from May 16-June 1, the longest hitting streak by a Duck this season, and a 19-game onbase streak from May 12-June 1. Hechavarria appeared in 38 games with the Ducks. At the time of his departure to the Royals system, he led all Ducks and was tied for fifth in the Atlantic League with 12 doubles as well as tied for sixth in the league with 34 RBIs. He was also tied for the team lead with seven home runs while totaling 29 runs, 43 hits, 78 total bases, a triple, 21 walks and a .920 OPS. The 34-year-old reached base safely in 24 of his past 26 games going back to May 12, earning at least one hit in 21 of them. In that span, he compiled a .295 batting average with a .911 OPS.

Long Island’s offense in the first half was sparked by first baseman Sam Travis, who played all 63 games and batted .288 with 12 homers and 55 RBIs. He also scored a team-high 50 runs.

“Winning the first half was a lot of fun,” said Travis, who played three seasons with the Boston Red Sox. “We still want to go out and win every game we play. We have a lot of season left. It’s a great group of guys. If it’s not one guy getting it done on a given night, it’s another.”

Dickerson is raking at the plate with a .352 batting average, .637 slugging percentage, 13 homers and 44 RBIs in 49 games. Former highly touted Baltimore Orioles catching prospect Chance Sisco has also been dynamic at the plate with 11 homers and 33 RBIs in only 28 games with a .317 batting average. Outfielder Brian Goodwin, with a dozen years of MLB experience under his belt, batted .300 with 8 homers and 9 steals.

Regardless of what happens in the second half, the four-time league champion Ducks will participate in the Atlantic League playoffs for the 16th time in franchise history starting around Sept. 20.

Photos courtesy Long Island Ducks

First baseman Sam Travis enjoyed a huge first half at the plate with 12 home runs and 55 RBIs.

Al Alburquerque has pitched lights-out (0.78 ERA) and earned the first-half clinching victory in relief.

Sundays at the Growers Market in RVC

By Stacey taylor Correspondent

It started off as a gray and gloomy day, it was hot and the forecast predicted rain, but then the sun briefly came out. No matter how unpredictable the weather can be it did not stop people from supporting The Long Island Growers Market in Rockville Centre.

It is a community ritual that brings out customers who shop for fresh vegetables, organic fruits, delicious bake goods, homemade jams, homebrewed beer, homemade pickles, and so much more.

“It is a good day for families to bring their kids and meet with neighbors or for people who are visiting Rockville Centre to explore the town and see what it has to offer such as patronizing local business with shopping or dinning,” Ethel Terry, founder and managing director of the Long Island Growers Market, said.

Terry, who is the co-owner of the 400-year-old family run business, Fred Terry and Son Farms, based in Orient Point, created the Growers Market more than three decades ago to help vendors and their businesses.

Since then, she has continued to hold different farmer’s markets all over the region, including the one in Rockville Centre which has been going strong for the last 18 years.

She said, “customers enjoy knowing vendors and enjoy coming to the market every Sunday. They know where the local produce comes from — fresh pick. Vendors make, bake, grow or catch their food.”

Ethel said she finds farming to be a rewarding lifestyle. She says “the satisfaction is overwhelming because you get to feed people.”

At the market you can find a group of vendors that offer their products for sale: Orchard and Conklin, Pecks of Maine, Darling Pies, and Horman’s Best Pickles, Orwashers, Captain Mike’s Fresh Catch of the Day, Dekkade Foods, Ginamarie’s, and Barking Biscuit.

One vendor is new to the RVC Grower’s Market is Brew Master and Rockville Centre native, Brian McEvoy of the Jones Beach Brewing Company.

“I have been at the Rockville Centre farmers market for two years now and look forward to the following years to come,” McEvoy said. “I love serving craft beer in my hometown of Rockville Centre and to have the support of the people.”

McEvoy said there were a lot of challenges getting the brewery off the ground as a result of the Covid pandemic. “Covid set us back from a physical tap room standpoint, but we learned how to operate a small business during that time.”

The company is now looking for a physical location on the south shore of Nassau County. He says he is grateful for Chris, Randy, Mike and MJ for the opportunity to be part of the Jones Beach Brewing team.

And while you shop, the market provides live entertainment that is “not so loud or obnoxious,” Terry said. “It’s really just a nice sounding atmosphere.”

The music is provided courtesy of retired retail storeowner Ike Abady who plays the guitar while the patrons shop. Abady said that he normally entertains audiences as a trio with his band, but at the marketplace, he performs solo.

After many years of performing at the market, he said, “it’s just a lot of fun and I love being here.”

The Growers Market, in collaboration with Stony Brook University Hospital, offers complimentary sunscreen dispensers at each marketplace, ensuring that your skin stays healthy in the hot summer sun. Customers can also get free high blood pressures screenings provided by the Rockville Centre Fire Department.

Terry invites members of the community to come and visit the market, which runs every Sunday now through December 24.

“It’s a pet friendly and family friendly environment and there is plenty of parking space,” Terry said.

The Long Growers Market in Rockville Centre is located on Sunrise Highway and Long Beach Road, across from Bigelow’s Clam Bar, between Rockville Centre and Oceanside.

For more information you can go the website at LongIslandGrowersMarket.com or send an email to LongIslandGrowersmarket@gmail.com

Darling Pies, created by an Army Wife, is one of several different vendors at the Sunday farmer’s market in Rockville Centre.

Fred Terry and Sons Farms offers bunches of freshly picked strawberries.

Be sure to stop by the Horman’s tent to try some of the ‘best pickles’ around.

Photos courtesy Long Island Growers Market Brian McEvoy and the Jones Beach Brewing Company sell their homemade craft beer at the Growers Market in Rockville Centre.

No matter the industry, businesses around the world are undergoing dramatic changes to the way they operate From technology and skills development, to cultural barriers, self-care and mental health, every organization must adapt and evolve, or risk being left behind.

As we navigate a time of pivotal change, the Herald’s 2023 WE Summit presented by Bank

America brings together thought leaders, innovators and barrier-breaking women for conversations around this year’s theme: The Future is Now.

For more information about WE Summit or sponsorship opportunities, contact Amy Amato:

Fire departments put their skills to the test

back to the firehouse.

The next morning, the competitors returned to the track for the motorized drill. The sounds of engines roaring and tires screeching could be heard over the cheers of the crowd. Thirteen teams competed in the fast-paced event, as firefighters leapt from the back of vehicles and trucks in a race against the clock. With the highest possible score, the North Bellmore Rinky Dinks took home the trophy.

Both drills were broken up into three categories of competition — hose, ladder and bucket brigade. The winning teams were determined based on their times.

In the hose competition, teams raced down the track, hooked a hose up to a hydrant and hit a target with water. In the ladder event, competitors raced down the track and raised a ladder to a tower overhead while one member was climbing; the clock stopped when the climber reached the top. In the bucket competition, groups of five passed buckets of water in a race to fill the bucket at the top of a ladder.

After the competition, firefighters from all over prepared for the parade, which featured antique fire engines, marching bands and pipes and drums.

“It was a fantastic night,” Mayor Francis Murray said. “What an undertaking it was by our fully volunteer fire department to man these different events. It really shows the pride of the volunteerism on Long Island.”

Murray also gave special thanks to the village Department of Public Works for placing barriers along the parade route, and the Police Department and Nassau County Auxiliary Police, who helped out.

Grand Marshal Carl Weeks, a 68-year member of Woodland Engine Company No. 4, led the parade down Maple Avenue to the firehouse on North Centre Avenue.

“It was such a fantastic day,” Weeks said. “All the politicians were there, and I got a certificate from Nassau County and one from the Town of Hempstead. I had relatives coming from all over. It’s been

quite a weekend.”

Weeks, 88, joined the department when he was 18, and served with Eureka Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company No. 1 for 10 years before transferring to Woodland in the early 1960s.

Ray Maguire, executive director of the Freeport Fire Department, said that the county firefighters parade is a tradition that dates back more than 100 years, to when the Nassau County Fireman’s Association was founded in 1903.

“The fire service is a paramilitary organization,” Maguire explained. “When the firefighters march in the parade, they’re judged on their appearance.”

This year, judges presented the county Fire Parade trophy to the Oceanside Fire Department, which also won first place for Best Appearing Fire Department in its category, and Overall Best Appearing Department. The Freeport F.D. came in a close second.

Maguire said that the departments’ skill and discipline is evident during the

tournaments. “It requires a team effort to complete each task,” he said. “Whether it’s connecting hoses together or hitting a target.”

Following the parade, the teams gath-

ered at RVCFD headquarters for a block party featuring a performance by Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, performing hits by Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown.

Tim Baker/Herald photos members of the rockville Centre f ire department marching along maple avenue last Saturday.

nassau County executive Bruce Blakeman greeting former rockville Centre f ire Chief tom glynn after the parade.

u.S. rep. anthony d’esposito, far left, rockville Centre trustee gregory Shaughnessy, mayor francis murray, parade grand marshal Carl Weeks, deputy mayor Kathy Baxley and rVC f ire Chief Scott mohr gathered on the bandstand near the end of the nassau County f ireman’s parade last Saturday.

Courtesy Rich Law

Bill Kelly/Herald photos

The Woodlanders of Rockville Centre riding along the track aboard the Yellow Hornet truck during the Motorized Drill competition last Saturday.

Courtesy Rich Law

The Woodlanders, made up of members of Woodland Engine Company No. 4 and neighboring departments, climbing to the top of the tower during the Motorized Drill

The Woodlanders, near left, ready the hose during the Motorized Drill competition last Saturday.

The RVC Bulldogs, of Reliance Hose Company No. 3, far left and above left, sprang into action in the ladder competition in the Old Fashioned Drill competition last Friday night, and captured the Old Fashioned Drill trophy.

Living through hottest week in 125,000 years

By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.com

The record for the highest global average temperature since at least 1979 was shattered a few weeks ago — and then that record was broken the next day. And then again two days later.

The Earth’s average temperature hovered around 62 degrees Fahrenheit, which would be a chilly day for the summer. Yet, on a global scale, it was a few degrees warmer than where it should be.

These record temperatures have been, in part, due to the forming a weather phenomenon called El Niño. It’s created when the central and eastern parts of the Pacific Ocean enter a warming phase as part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation cycle.

There have been at least 30 El Niño events since 1900, according to meterologists, but many observers believe each of the seasons are becoming warmer over the years. And they’re blaming that on global warming.

“The first week of July appears to have been the hottest week on record globally,” said Mark Lowery, a climate policy analyst for the state’s environmental conservation department. “During that week, we saw four consecutive days of new records for the Earth’s hottest days.”

What the Earth experienced at the beginning of July was the hottest the Earth has been in more than 125,000 years, Lowery said. This extreme heat is

projected to get even worse over much of the world in the next couple of weeks, and will almost certainly continue into 2024 as El Niño remains intact.

“Once the Earth moves into the El Niño phase, it lasts about two or three years,” Lowery said. “So, we would have every reason to believe that there will be continued release of heat that will continue to accumulate in the atmosphere through 2024.”

That heat will be felt everywhere, even on Long Island. Alison Branco, climate adaptation director for The Nature Conservancy in Virginia, said that as the air warms, the ocean also warms. And when the ocean waters become warmer they expand. This, in turn, will cause the sea level to rise off the coast of Long Island.

“For a long and narrow, very flat island, sea level rise is a major impact of climate change that we need to be thinking about all the time,” Branco said. “Because it’s really going to change the face of Long Island.”

And it affects not only the South Shore, but the North Shore as well, according to reports. Rising tides will create higher waves, which in turn will erode bluffs, causing them to eventually slide into the ocean.

But warmer water and a fear of higher tides aren’t the only things people living and enjoying Long Island have to worry about. Charles Rothenberg, climate and energy attorney from the Connecticut-based advocacy group Save the Sound, says warmer waters are acting as fuel for tropical systems.

“We can anticipate some significant tropical storms and hurricanes in the months ahead,” he said, adding marine life also be affected by these warmer waters. “There’s been a lot of conversations about the decrease in lobster populations.”

Lobsters tend to like water at specific cooler temperatures — something that won’t be much abundance of if ocean waters continue to warm, scientists say. Some believe more than half the lobster population available for fishing could be decimated within the next three decades.

The climate is changing, and despite best efforts to slow it down, it might be too late to stop it. But there are ways people can adapt, Branco said. First and foremost, they will need to start thinking about ways to cool off. That could mean buying air-conditioning systems, fans, or having access to a pool or ocean they can swim in.

“Our government needs to be thinking about these hotter temperatures, too, and making sure that we have the resources to help people cool their homes,” Branco said.

Storms have been coming, and they’ll continue to come, she added. Because of that, following evacuation orders is essential. Families also need a “go” bag ready for if they need to evacuate, Branco added. Also, a plan for the family to meet at a certain location in case of a disaster is very important.

“Investing in energy appliances, which helps reduce the strain on our electric grid during these very hot sum-

Ways to cool off in a hotter planet

■ Invest in an air conditioning unit

■ Buy a fan for your room

■ Go swimming in a pool or the ocean

■ Take cool baths or showers

■ Have water handy at all times

■ Wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing

■ Limit outdoor activity

mers, are very critical,” Rothenberg added.

But in the end, if people really want to help, they should support policies that help curb the impact of climate change, Rothenberg said. It’s vital to address the root cause of global warming, and that can only happen through collective action.

Nassau County is part of the Climate Smart Communities Program, intended to reduce greenhouse gases said to cause global warming on a local scale. But this was an effort supported by former county executive Laura Curran. Her successor, Bruce Blakeman, is not known to have taken advantage of the program, or instituted any of its recommendations.

Ben Fiebert/Herald

The Earth set consecutive record-breaking temperatures during the first week of July, and it’s not expected to

get any better.

El Niñ

o

is expected

to affect weather

through next year, meaning more hot temperatures are on the way.

Dems reorganize following 2022 elections

Mallay, DeSantis, and Griffin join RVC Dems executive board

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

The Rockville Centre Democratic Club is looking to find new energy following the red wave that occured on Long Island in the 2022 midterm elections.

Last November, residents all over Nassau County voted by-in-large in support of Republican candidates Anthony D’Esposito, George Santos, Nicholas LaLota, Andrew Garbarino, Steve Rhoads, Patricia Canonzeri-Fitzpatrick, Ed Ra, Eric Ari Brown, and Brian Curran.

“The last election cycle showed us that Democrats are vulnerable as are the freedoms and values for which we have all long fought,” Eric Sussman, co-president of the Rockville Centre Democrats said in a release. “After several challenging years due to Covid, we are excited to move forward with new leadership, regular in-person meetings and events, and in playing an instrumental role in local, state, and federal election victories.”

To try and accomplish this, the organization has appointed three new members to its executive board, including Laura Mallay, Kathryn de Santis and Judy Griffin.

Mallay, a South Hempstead resident, brings years of experience to the table as the president of the South Hempstead Civic Association and former executive director of the Residence for Efficient Special Districts nonprofit. In her new role as the co-president of the organization, she will share the duties and responsibilities with Eric Sussman, a former member of the Nassau Planning Commission.

“I am very excited,” Mallay said. “Every individual brings a lot to the table and I think with the addition of Kathryn, Judy and I, we’re going to knock it out of the

ballpark.”

She also said that many clubs were at a standstill or were not in operation during the coronavirus pandemic and that this effort is part of a movement throughout the state to get Democrats to reinvigorate and reorganize.

Kathryn De Santis, vice president of the organization, said that as part of this statewide effort they’ve spent weekends going door-to-door canvassing the community.

“I am a third-generation Rockville Centre resident,” De Santis said. “I feel a lot of love for this community and I think this is an opportunity to help get good people into public office so they can have a real positive impact on the community.”

Former Assemblywoman Judy Griffin said she is thrilled to be joining RVC Democratic Club board members Scottie Coads, Elysa LeBron, Louise Skolnik, and

Judy Tobey.

She said that as a board, they gave already made several accomplishments, and that with her help, hopes to increase its membership and presence in the community.

“We do have a lot of Democrats in Rockville Centre,” Griffin said, “But the Democrats aren’t always engaged.”

Griffin, who ran as the incumbent in the 2022 elections, lost her seat to Assemblyman Brian Curran, a Republican, by only 138 votes.

She said that while it’s too early to tell if she plans on running again in 2024, she will focus on playing a more active role in the local political organization for now.

“We needed strength in our local committees,” Griffin said. “We needed to be more engaged.” Working with the Nassau County Democrats, she played a role in electing 20 new committee members, mainly from Rockville Centre, to increase their foothold in the local political scene.

While the local Democrats aim to rebuild after the 2022 elections, the local Republicans feel confident that their message will continue to appeal with Long Island voters.

“Republicans in Rockville Centre and across Nassau County are energized because we have the message that is resonating with voters,” Patrick Owens, president of the Rockville Centre Republicans Club said in a statement. “If you want lower taxes, safe communities and a suburban lifestyle, than the Republican Party is for you.”

And with Election Day still a few months away, both committees — Democrats and Republicans — have already started to campaign for the new Nassau County Legislature District 1 seat, which will include both the Rockville Centre and Hempstead communities. In the race for LD1, Scott Davis will be running on the Democratic ticket and Mike Lucchesi will be running on the Republican line.

Courtesy Rockville Centre Democratic Club Laura Mallay, Kathryn de Santis and Judy Griffin join the Rockville Centre Democratic Club executive board.

Developers sue village for $7 million

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Controversy continues to loom over the development of 220 Hempstead Avenue in Rockville Centre, where a 1.75acre parcel of property was subdivided to allow for the construction of six new singlefamily homes — three of which are already built, including one double lot.

The site, which was the former parsonage of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church was initially sold in 2014 with the intent of demolishing the structure and creating new lots for the development of single-family residences.

While construction of three of the properties is now complete, the developers, James and Brett O’Reilly, filed a federal lawsuit against the Village of Rockville Centre in June.

Based on the court documents provided by their attorneys with the law firm, McLaughlin and Stern, the O’Reillys are seeking $7 million in damages over claims that the village intentionally attempted to stall the “as of right” subdivision of the property for nearly six years.

The lawsuit further stipulates that the village used its authority over local land use ordinances to stymy the lawful development of private property for its own political purposes.

During this time span, the O’Reillys’ plans for development were subject to changes to the municipal code, a moratorium on specified development that was later struck down by the state Supreme Court, two prior lawsuits against the village and the land use board and numerous public hearings.

While the O’Reillys ultimately prevailed and would secure the right to develop the property in the summer of 2020, their attorneys argue that the innumerable delays caused by the village board were intentional to halt the development of the project, which was largely unpopular by residents, while the village had approved other similar subdivisions in approximately a year’s time.

The developers also state that during this period of time, they accrued several fees including carrying costs and interest payments associated with the financing and construction of the development property.

“My family called Rockville Centre home for 70 years,” James O’Reilly said in a statement. “But, because my wife and I bought a 1.75-acre property and planned to develop it with beautiful new homes — all in compliance with the Village’s zoning regulations — we were subjected to over six years of abuse, lawsuits and mistreatment from the village that caused us to leave Rockville Centre.”

O’Reilly stated that his family had called Rockville Centre home since 1949,

but because of the tensions created in the community over the proposed development, was compelled to move out entirely.

He said that what should have only taken a year to approve ended up taking them six years to complete and resulted in “slanderous personal attacks against my family and me — attacks that the Village Board of Trustees and Land Use Boards permitted in public hearings and even encouraged.”

“None of this was appropriate or necessary,” O’Reilly said. “Now my wife and I have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to recover damages against the village for its violations of our constitutional rights. I am sorry that the residents of the village had to see their tax dollars wasted unsuccessfully defending two prior litigations associated with this project. The residents will again have to endure the financial pain of a third litigation, inclusive of damages, that is solely caused by the illegal actions of their arrogant elected officials and members of the villages’ land use boards.”

The lawsuit alleges that the village, in its conduct to delay the project violated the developers’ constitutional rights to due process, equal protection and free speech. It further requests that the case be resolved via trial by jury.

While the initial subdivision approval provided for six individual lots, only three homes have been constructed, including one home on two combined lots. The reamining two lots have yet to be built.

The development also included the creation of a new street, Birch Lane — formerly Killarney Lane — which runs perpendicular to Hempstead Avenue.

By July 2021, the O’Reillys no longer retained ownership of the properties, which, according to their attorney, had been taken over by separate buyers.

In response to the lawsuit, Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray told The Herald that the village “cannot comment on ongoing litigation.”

Herald file photo

The St. Mark’s parsonage at 220 Hempstead Avenue was purchased by O’Reilly in 2014 in order to provide new single-family homes. Now developers are suing the village for damages.

STEPPING OUT

The Sixties Show

That influential decade comes alive in the form of the Sixties Show. This dynamic night of nostalgia features all the sights and sounds of the decade, with a lively ensemble of accomplished musicians who know their way around the beloved hits of the ‘60s. You will be grooving along to note-for-note recreations of some of the greatest songs of that memorable era. Take a trip back to another time and place that was the 1960s, where an AM radio is blasting out the latest sounds from a convertible, on a warm summer starlit Saturday night on any street USA.

Environment as RT

STEPPING OUT

Creative advocacy

By Karen Bloom

By Karen Bloom

n original and compelling voice in contemporary art, Courtney M. Leonard’s artistic perspective takes root in her heritage as a member of the Shinnecock Nation.

Her work amplifies Indigenous knowledge and expresses reverence for the earth and sea while advocating for their protection.

Trained as a ceramic artist, Leonard — who received an advanced degree from Rhode Island School of Design — has evolved her practice to reflect her many interests and pursuits, all in an effort to investigate narratives of cultural viability.

A sculptor, painter and filmmaker in addition to her calling as a ceramicist, Leonard is known for her immersive installations that immediately command attention.

Now her art comes into focus in the first retrospective of her work, “Courtney M. Leonard: Logbook 2004-2023” at the Heckscher Museum of Art, which also is her first solo museum exhibition in the New York metro region.

WHERE WHEN

• Now through Nov. 12

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

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

project Breach, which she began in 2014. Conceived on the model of records kept by 18th century whaling ships, each “logbook” of Breach records — in ceramic, paint and video — one year of the artist’s experiences of “environmental fragility, shifting adaptations, and/or the ability to simply become anew.”

Pat McGann

The high-energy show is a largescale ambitious multimedia stage production, powerfully dramatized with a combination of special effects, narration, ‘60s archival audio, and newsreel footage and light show — a reminder of how uniquely inspirational, entertaining and historically significant the music and events of the ‘60s were and continue to be. It’s all meticulously recreated, combined with authentic period costumes and ‘60s-era staging and narration.

Friday, July 21, 8 p.m. $40-$55. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or MadisonTheatreNY.org.

• Emily Lowe Hall Gallery, South Campus, Hempstead. For information and to RSVP, call (516) 463-5672, or visit Hofstra.edu/museum

• $5 suggested admission non-members; members and children under 13 free

• Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington • (631) 380-3230 or Heckscher.org

“When We All Stand,” Hofstra University Museum of Art’s new exhibition, examines the collective power of the arts in society.

Curated by Alexandra Giordano — the museum’s assistant director of exhibition and collection — the exhibit underscores artists’ civic responsibility and influence.

“Her work is extremely beautiful and visually engaging,” says Heckscher Museum curator Karli Wurzelbacher. “It’s so well-made and deeply meaningful. So many important concepts are embedded within each piece.”

The two dozen pieces on view take over three of the museum’s galleries. Of particular note is the debut of her significant new work commissioned by the museum for its permanent collection. Titled “Contact 2,023…,” the approximately eight-foot-long wall hanging focuses on the moment of colonial contact on Long Island, by mapping the contours of the island with thousands of individual clay thumbprints resembling shells.

Sewn onto a cotton canvas with artificial sinew, each thumbprint becomes a “maker’s mark” indexing the artist’s contact with the earth.

A single installation contained in an entire gallery, Breach: Logbook 23|Alluvion takes its name from a legal term meaning the action of the sea or a river in forming new land by depositing sediment. Connecting the concepts of erosion and alluvion, Leonard explains:

“The purple and white of the quahog shell are formed by the water and minerals of a specific place. Alluvion speaks to the history of land, water, place, and to the displacement or disruption from loss of land due to erosion or imposed law. Yet it also speaks to the resiliency of our Shinnecock people and of our shoreline to heal itself.”

“It highlights the vital role that artists have in activating democratic values that promise equality and freedom, encouraging civic engagement, and cultivating unity,” Giordano says. “Artists often lead the charge and expose truths that may otherwise be ignored. The artists in this exhibition take a stand and call out injustices through their art and activism on issues such as immigration, gender, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, voting rights, racial bias, gun violence, and promises unfulfilled. They all combine the making of art with public service that has a grassroots approach in the hope of mobilizing their communities and the nation to ignite movement, create awareness, and inspire others to stand with them.”

Concurrently with the Heckscher exhibit, Leonard created a site-specific outdoor installation for Planting Fields State Park in Oyster Bay, located in the Taxus Field, on display now through summer 2024.

“We’ve integrated the installation into the landscape,” says Planting Fields’ president and chief executive Gina Wouters. There, Leonard has expanded on her Breach: Logbook 23 concept, with full-sized shipping container integrated into the ground. The shape of the container structure itself is meant to evoke the body of a whale. As you enter through the jaws of a Northern Right Whale, you move through the whale’s body.

“It’s one amazing work with over 1,000 components,” Wurzelbacher notes.

This exhibit, which runs through July 28, is in conjunction with Hofstra’s 13th presidential conference on the Barack Obama presidency coming up in April.

This monumental creation is a sister piece to two other artworks in Leonard’s Contact series. The two earlier works both map New York state. She created the first, “Contact 1,609… (2009),” on the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s “discovery” of Manhattan and what is now called the Hudson River. It is co-owned by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and The Autry Museum of The American West in Los Angeles. The second, “Contact 2,021… (2021),” was recently on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and will next be shown at the New York Historical Society beginning in August.

“We were interested in the idea that the artist has a civic responsibility,” says museum director Karen Albert. “The initial idea for this exhibition was inspired by an Obama Administration White House briefing that took place on May 12, 2009, where more than 60 artists and creative organizers met with administration officials to discuss the collective power of the arts to build community, create change, and chart a pathway for national recovery in the areas of social justice, civic participation and activism.”

“It’s essentially a root cellar, which was a natural refrigeration system and means of food sovereignty for indigenous people,” Wouters says. “She added to that the idea of a shipping container, bringing in the theme of whaling, so important to coastal Indigenous groups, yet abused by colonists. It’s an impressive, ambitious installation because of its scale. It’s wonderful to have this collaboration with the museum, and interpreted into our historic landscape.”

Brandi Carlile

Pat McGann is quickly rising as one of the sharpest stand-ups on the comedy scene. A relative latecomer to comedy, he began doing standup at 31 after realizing he was not very good at selling packaging. He hustled his way to become the house emcee at Zanies Chicago, where he distinguished himself as especially adept at working the crowd. A husband and father of three young children, McGann’s appeal stems from his quick wit and relatable take on family life and marriage. In 2017, McGann began touring as the opening act for Sebastian Maniscalco, moving with him from clubs to theater, to arenas, including four soldout shows at Madison Square Garden. McGann’s relatively short, but impressive resume, includes Montreal’s famed Just For Laughs Festival, Gilda’s LaughFest, The Great American Comedy Festival, and more. McGann still calls Chicago home.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 8 p.m. $40, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

The folk rocker is back on tour, appearing on the Tilles Center stage. Singer, songwriter, producer, activist, humanitarian, best-selling author — she’s done it all. Since the release of her breakthrough album ‘By the Way, I Forgive You’ in 2018, Carlile has won Grammy awards, earned Billboard’s Women in Music Trailblazer Award, and received several Americana Music Association accolades. She was honored with her seventh, eighth and ninth Grammys this year, winning for best Americana album with ‘In These Silent Days.’ Her song ‘Broken Horses’ won both best rock song and best rock performance. Don’t miss an evening of iconic songs such as ‘The Story,’ ‘That Wasn’t Me’ and ‘The Joke.’ Seemingly everywhere, Carlile has transitioned from an Americana powerhouse to a major headliner beloved by the industry and the public. Carlile’s career has been on a steep upward trajectory and her ‘Bramily’ — as her fans are known — is with her every step of the way.

Yarn/Wire

To that end, unlike other recent exhibits that showcased the museum’s permanent collection, Giordano reached out to contemporary artists who loaned the museum their selected works. Some 36 pieces are on view — representing all media — from Emma Amos, Molly Crabapple and the Equal Justice Initiative, For Freedoms, Miguel Luciano, Michele Pred, Hank Willis Thomas, and Sophia

Another important exhibit component extends Leonard’s ongoing

Friday and Saturday, July 21-22, 8 p.m. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets are $51.50-$481.50; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Now in its 18th year, Adelphi University’s ‘new music’ series welcomes Yarn/Wire. The intrepid New York-based piano-percussion quartet has forged a singular path with

Courtesy Heckscher Museum of Art

Top photo: Courtney Leonard’s large scale map of Long Island is made up of thousands of individual porcelain thumbprints resembling shells.

Courtesy David Almeida/Courtesy Planting Fields Foundation

Right photo: The artist’s first outdoor installation, at Planting Fields, intermingles her art with the landscape.

Can art change the world? It’s a question that’s been at the focus of our collective culture for centuries. Now as society navigates the complexities of modern life, art as a path for social change is at the forefront of artistic expression.

Courtney Leonard brings Long Island’s Indigenous tradition into focus

July 28

Penn & Teller

The famed duo steps away from their Las Vegas residency to bring their act on tour, appear on the Tilles Center stage, Friday, July 28, 8 p.m. Penn & Teller’s brand of awe­inspiring illusions mixed with buddy­comedy shtick has kept the duo at the very top of the magic profession for the past 45 years. Their trademark is the updating of worn out or archaic routines, such as bullet catching or their recent adaptation of the classic bag escape trick (their version involved a trash bag and lots of helium). From humble beginnings busking on the streets of Philadelphia to acclaimed sold–out runs on Broadway to the longest running and one of the most­beloved resident headline acts in Vegas history, magic’s legendary duo continues defy labels—and at times physics and good taste — by redefining the genre of magic and inventing their own very distinct niche in comedy. Constantly evolving and refining their unique take on illusion, the pair’s slight of hand is always amazes, whether it’s a fresh take on an old “trick” or something altogether new. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville. Tickets are $94, $84, $58, $48; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 299­3100.

On exhibit

View the landmark exhibition “Modigliani and the Modern Portrait,” opening at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, July 22. Devoted to the way that Modigliani powerfully re­defined the art of portraiture, the show includes his masterworks along with paintings and drawings by his Parisian contemporaries (Picasso, van Dongen, Laurencin). Modigliani’s enduring influence on artists even in our own time is shown in a selection of Contemporary paintings by such important figures as David Hockney, Eric Fischl, Elizabeth Peyton and others. The exhibition is being curated by Dr. Kenneth Wayne, founder of The Modigliani Project, which authenticates paintings and drawings (two of the works in the show have been recently approved by the committee). Through Nov. 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484­9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Life Science of Summer

Kids ages 6­9 can tour Old Westbury Gardens and examine how science is all around us in nature, Thursday, July 27, 2 p.m. Learn how plants grow and take home your own plant, as you participate in experiments of the water cycle and how we can use science to change the color of a flower both naturally and artificially. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333­0048.

Rise Up For Ryan Kickoff Fundraiser

Join the Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation, Thursday, July 27, at Kasey’s Kitchen and Cocktails, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Help raise money to help the foundation increase mental health awareness and education at local schools. 23 N. Park Ave. For information visit RyanPatrickOsheaFoundation.org.

Aug.

Hot Diggity Dog

It’s barbecue season and Long Island Children’s Museum is feeling in the spirit, Kids can celebrate National Hot Dog Month by making a customized hot dog craft to bring home, at the drop-in program, Sunday, July 30, 1-3 p.m. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Aug. 17

Write on: College essay workshop

Not sure how to get started on your college essay? The Hofstra University Admission Office is offering a virtual workshop to help high school students learn the skills to tell their story in a way that helps them stand out. The final session, Thursday, Aug. 17, 4-5 p.m., is fee and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Hear from Hofstra Admission counselors about how to brainstorm topics, and compose a thoughtful essay that shows your personality, talents and interests. For more information about Hofstra Admission’s other virtual summer workshops, go to Admission.Hofstra.edu/portal/ virtual_admission_webinars. To schedule a summer in-person visit go to: Hofstra.edu/visit.

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 705-2434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Farmers market

Find all sorts of goodies at the Rockville Centre Farmers Market, every Sunday, from 7 a.m. to noon. LIRR parking lot between Long Beach Road and Sunrise Highway. Through Dec. 24. Info at LongIslandGrowersMarket. com.

Having an event?

July 21

Summer tunes

It’s night of tributes to musical icons at Eisenhower Park, Friday, July 21, 8 p.m. Enjoy Lamar Peters as Elvis Presley and Beyond Fab with their take on the great Beatles tunes. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit NassauCountyNY.gov.

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

The Ryan Patrick O’Shea hosts its annual Rise Up for Ryan 3-on-3 basketball tournament and Suicide Awareness Walk at the Mill River basketball courts in Lister Park, Saturday, July 29, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Registration is open to male and female competitors based on age group. 5 Chester Road. To sign-up visit RyanPatrickOsheaFoundation.org.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour, Friday, July 21, noon; Sunday, July 23, 1:30 p.m.; Monday, July 24, noon; Wednesday and Thursday, July 26-27, noon. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens.org.

July 27

Mindful mornings

Practice the “art” of looking at art at Nassau County Museum of Art, Thursday, July 27, 10-11 a.m., with NCMA Director of Education Laura Lynch. Mindful looking invites you to observe, question, and calmly reflect in a relaxed and supportive environment free of distraction. It’s an opportunity to experience and enjoy the art in the galleries or sculpture garden, together, making personal connection. $10. Space is limited and registration required. Also Aug. 3. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

On stage

Plaza Theatricals brings the iconic musical “Rent,” back to the stage, Friday, July 21, 7:30 p.m. The acclaimed reimagining of “La Vie Boheme,” loosely based on Puccini’s opera and set on East Village streets, fire escapes, tenements, and cafes. This groundbreaking roller coaster ride depicting the joys and sorrows of an eclectic, diverse group of young artists and activists is always captivating. It’s performed at the Elmont Library Theatre, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $35, $30 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Students will be reimbursed for spring 2020

sity had partially refunded student fees for the semester and invested in a new state-of-the-art air purification system to help protect the campus community.

“This was an unprecedented time, but throughout the pandemic, Molloy continued to maintain its focus on the students,” Albanese said. “In the fall of 2020, Molloy was the first college or university in the region to freeze tuition, in recognition of the hardship that the pandemic was imposing on its students and their families.”

Students such as Booth, who were scheduled to gradu-

ate in the spring of 2020, were also refunded half of the graduation application fee. But Booth did not receive a refund for activities and services that were previously provided in-person but instead continued remotely due to the pandemic.

Albanese further stated, “Although we disagree with the plaintiff’s claims, we believe resolving the lawsuit will allow us to remain focused on the educational experience of Molloy’s students, which is always our highest priority.”

According to Newsday, the combined benefits will allow

for an average reimbursement of about $900 per student.

Since the pandemic eased, there have been at least four other similar cases filed by Long Island students against their respective colleges, including Adelphi, Hofstra, Long Island University and the New York Institute of Technology.

According to the terms of the Molloy settlement, students may submit an election form to decide on the most convenient method for them to receive their settlement proceeds, including, but not limited to, checks or electron-

Continued from page 1

Herald file photo

molloy university has agreed to partially reimburse nearly 5,000 students for the tuition payments they made during the spring 2020 semester.

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Annual tournament and suicide walk returns

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

The Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation will host its fourth annual Rise Up for Ryan 3-on-3 basketball tournament and Suicide Awareness Walk on Saturday, July 29, at Lister Park in Rockville Centre to help raise money for the foundation’s continued work to increase mental health awareness local schools and communities.

The O’Shea family of Rockville Centre formed the foundation in memory of their son, Ryan O’Shea, an 18-year-old South Side High School graduate and basketball star who died from suicide in January 2019.

For four years — not including during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 — the foundation has continued to host the annual basketball tournament and suicide awareness walk in his memory, with the goal of fostering a dialog about this public health problem, while raising money to fund the school district’s Sources of Strength program.

Sources of Strength is a national suicide prevention program that takes a proactive approach to addressing suicide and other mental health concerns, by providing students with a reprieve from the daily stresses of their typical academic schedule, while focusing on methods to improve social and emotional wellbeing.

Since it was implemented, the Sources of Strength program has grown exponentially to school districts all over Nassau County. It is now part of the curriculum in Freeport, Oceanside, East Rocka-

way, and West Hempstead.

To kick off the annual Rise Up for Ryan events, a fundraiser will be held at Kasey’s Kitchen and Cocktails, 23 N. Park Ave. in Rockville Centre, on Thurs-

day, July 27, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event costs $60 per person online, or $65 at the door, and includes a buffet dinner and an open bar.

The 3-on-3 basketball tournament will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 29 at the Mill River courts in Lister Park. It will start with the elementary and middle school bracket from 9 a.m. to noon. This will be followed by the high school and college brackets, which will play from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the post-college and adult brackets, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Registration is $100 per team. All participating teams must register to compete by Sunday, July 23 via the Ryan Patrick O’Shea Foundation website.

The Suicide Awareness Walk will also take place at Lister Park, 250 S. Park Ave. in Rockville Centre, from 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. During the walk, participants will be wearing different color beaded necklaces, which correlate to family and friends who have been lost to suicide over the years. It will continue along the path around the park, during which time participants are encouraged to have conversations about those they are walking in memory of with the goal of helping others realize they are not alone.

For more information on the upcoming Rise Up for Ryan 3-on-3 basketball tournament and Suicide Awareness Walk, visit RyanPatrickOsheaFoundation.com.

Tom Carrozza/Herald

Teams in the high school division participate in the annual Rise Up for Ryan 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

Newest defense against sharks? Drones

By MICHAEL MALASZCZYK Special to the Herald

The water is getting warmed along the southern shorelines of Long Island — the kind of water that attracts all kinds of marine life, including sharks.

The aquatic creatures have made their presence known in recent years, and 2023 was no exception. In fact, state officials warned Long Island beaches in particular could see a lot more sharks — and the sharks delivered.

There already have been five sharkrelated incidents on Long Island beaches this year, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul — most of them occurring around July 4. And there is still plenty of summer left.

Last year, there were eight shark bites on Long Island — for the entire season.

“We went from having one shark encounter in 2012 to eight just a decade later,” Hochul shared at a news conference last week at the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center. “Sharks are coming closer, and this is good news because the water is pristine, it’s cleaner than it was 50 years ago. But it’s also something that we need to be on-guard about.”

Lifeguards have access to Yamaha WaveRunner jetskis to better patrol the waters, and there has been more training for police and lifeguards on how to deal with sharks. And technology will come into play as well, with Hochul announcing 60 new drones will be deployed to supplement the existing 18 keeping watch.

“We want to make sure that none of our communities ever appear on ‘Shark Week,’ which premieres at the end of the month,” Hochul said of the popular Discovery Channel series.

Various shark species can migrate to Long Island, according to the state’s environmental conservation department, including the feared great white shark featured in Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws.” But the most common sharks on Long Island

How to avoid sharks

■ Stay close to shore in designated swimming areas

■ Avoid swimming in areas with schools of fish, diving birds, or seals

■ Do not swim at dawn, dusk, or nighttime

an integrated way of monitoring all the shark movements,” he said. “If you take proper precautions like swimming in a protected area, if you don’t go in the water where this schools of fish or seals, you’re going to be completely safe. But on top of that, we in Nassau County have our helicopters in the air, and all-terrain vehicles that are available.”

What’s driving the shark activity on Long Island in recent years? Hochul has two theories — not necessarily at odds with one another.

are sandbar sharks, dusky sharks, and sand tiger sharks.

Sand tiger sharks —the species featured at Riverhead’s Long Island Aquarium — are typically docile, but have been identified as reportedly responsible for a few of the bites this year.

These measures are important for keeping Long Island beaches safe, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. “We have a very unified group that has

“Over the last 50 years, extraordinary measures have been taken to clean up the water here to make sure that it’s safe for swimmers and deal with the pollutants,” the governor said. “As a result, the sea creatures that are consumed by sharks are moving in closer — the sharks are following their dinner. I don’t know if this is proven, but the fact that the waters are warmer due to climate change may also be a driver.”

Michael Malaszczyk/Herald

Flanked by Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages and state Sen. Kevin Thomas, Gov. Kathy Hochul shows off some of the drones that will be used to survey the waters on Long Island’s South Shore for sharks.

‘Bridging the Gap’ with the freshman class

Molloy University recently became the first college in the nation to invite incoming freshmen to participate in the Bridging the Gap program — a social exercise designed to promote understanding between disparate individuals from different backgrounds.

Bridging the Gap is a nationwide initiative, started by Simon Greer in which college campuses around the country create programs to “build bridges” and equip students with the skills to be able to work with students of different race, religion, and political beliefs.

This is done with an emphasis on the fact that students are being taught to work with one another without having to change or compromise their personal worldviews but also to be respectful towards the worldviews of others.

The Bridging the Gap program was predominantly used to help students from different schools, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities and evangelical Predominantly White Institutions, to interact with one another.

Now, under the Interfaith American umbrella, Bridging the Gap is being brought to campuses across the country and being implemented in all different ways.

While there are a few schools that have been working on doing this in

small groups, Molloy is the first to do this training with incoming freshmen. The goal is to better prepare students for the reality that across their four years at Molloy they will be encountering people who look, think, and act differently from them.

The program aligns with Molloy’s mission to continue to increase efforts to foster a sense of community at the university. This is aided by the empha -

sis of Bridging the Gap on not having to change or compromise one’s worldview.

The goal is for everybody to feel comfortable with being themselves as long as they are able to respect others as well. Bridging the Gap’s goals also coincide with the transformative education component of the mission as it exposes students to new people and new trains of thought.

The full six-hour training program

took place on June 26 and featured 25 incoming students, who were broken up into four sections — Why build bridges? Listening, Storytelling, and Feedback. Campus Minister Michael Malinowski, and co-facilitator, Alicia Dallas, who has a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership with expertise in aesthetic inclusivity along with close to ten years of experience in higher education, led the sessions.

Courtesy Molloy University

Bridging the Gap facilitator Alicia Dallas, left, and Molloy Campus Minister Mike Malinowski, lead incoming freshman through the sessions.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Qualification of SureLock Safety, LLC. Authority filed with NY Dept. of State: 6/1/23. Office location: Nassau County. LLC formed in DE: 2/1/23. NY Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: FisherBroyles, LLP, 41 Front St., 2nd Fl., Rockville Centre, NY 11570. DE address of LLC: Cogency Global Inc., 850 New Burton Rd., Ste. 201, Dover, DE 19904. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Sec. of State, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: any lawful activity.

140096

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notice to Bidders

Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Room 204, Rockville Centre, New York 11570 for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on AUGUST 3, 2023 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for:

PURCHASE OF (1) 2023 or Newer CHEVROLET

SUBURBAN LS 1500 4X4 or GMC YUKON SLE or equivalent, For the Village of Rockville Centre Fire Department

Bid # 2308FD1(1084)

The bid specifications can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department.

All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at lstrazzeri@rvcny.us.

Questions must be submitted no later than JULY 27, 2023.

Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.

Purchasing Department

Lisa Strazzeri

Purchasing Agent

516-678-9213

140811

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

that pursuant to Section 202-48 of the code of the Town of Hempstead entitled, “Handicapped Parking on Public Streets,” a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 1st day of

August, 2023, at 10:30

o’clock in the forenoon of that day, to consider the adoption of a resolution setting aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons at the following locations:

ELMONT LANDAU AVENUE - west side starting at a point 28 feet south of the south curbline of Madison Street, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-237/23)

AMERICAN AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 191 feet east of the east curbline of Meacham Avenue, east for a distance of 14 feet.

(TH-248/23)

GOTHAM AVENUE - west side, starting at a point 25 feet south of the south curbline of Murray Hill Street, south for a distance of 18 feet.

(TH-263/23)

INWOOD DAVIS AVENUE - south side, starting at a point 52 feet east of the east curbline of Chestnut Road, east for for a distance of 16 feet.

(TH-254/23)

OCEANSIDE OCEANSIDE PARKWAYnorth side, starting at a point 25 feet west of the west curbline of Rugby Road, west for a distance of 19 feet.

(TH-276/23)

ROOSEVELT DELISLE AVENUE - east side, starting at a point 284 feet north of the north curbline of Oak Street, north for a distance of 25 feet.

(TH-166(B)/23)

SEAFORD MARTIN COURT - south side, starting at a point 25 feet west of the driveway apron of house number 2839 Martin Court, west for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-236/23)

SOUTH HEMPSTEAD MAUDE STREET - north side, starting at a point 204 feet east of the east curbline of Long Beach Road, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-186/23) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:

OCEANSIDE WEST WINDSOR PARKWAY - north side, starting at a point 224 feet west of the west curbline of Messick Avenue, west for a distance of 17 feet.

(TH-169B/23 - 6/06/23)

ROOSEVELT DELISLE AVENUE - east side, starting at a point 310 feet north of the north curbline of Oak Street, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-166(B)/23 - 5/23/23)

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the

time and place aforesaid.

Dated:Hempstead, New York July 11, 2023

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 140780

D’Esposito appointed to Holocaust council

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 1st day of August, 2023, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:

ELMONT BUTLER BOULEVARD (TH 245/23) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 23 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Turnpike, south for a distance of 79 feet.

GOTHAM AVENUE (TH 263/23) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Murray Hill Street, south for a distance of 25 feet.

LAKEVIEW LAKEVIEW AVENUE (TH 241/23) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at the east curbline of Langdon Boulevard east to the west curbline of Woodfield Road.

NORTH BELLMORE NEWBRIDGE ROAD (TH 273/23) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 79 feet south of the south curbline of Coolidge Avenue, south for a distance of 48 feet.

NORTH MERRICK MERRICK AVENUE (TH 207/23) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting from the north curbline of Jerusalem Avenue, north for a distance of 224 feet.

MERRICK AVENUE (TH 207/23) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 455 feet north of the north curbline of Jerusalem Avenue, north for a distance of 187 feet.

ROOSEVELT

NASSAU ROAD (TH 242/23) West Side -

NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of West Pennywood Avenue, south for a distance of 60 feet.

NASSAU ROAD (TH 242/23) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 60 feet south of the south curbline of West Pennywood Avenue, south for a distance of 85 feet.

WEST PENNYWOOD AVENUE (TH 242/23)

South Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER -starting from the west curbline of Nassau Road, west for a distance of 40 feet.

WEST PENNYWOOD AVENUE (TH 242/23) South Side - NO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 40 feet west of the west curbline of Nassau Road, west for a distance of 101 feet.

NORTH COLUMBUS AVENUE (TH 258/23) West Side - NO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at the north curbline of Forest Avenue, north for a distance of 71 feet.

FOREST AVENUE (TH 258/23) North Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the west curbline of North Columbus Avenue, west for a distance of 50 feet.

FOREST AVENUE (TH 258/23) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the west curbline of North Columbus Avenue, west for a distance of 45 feet.

SEAFORD

WASHINGTON AVENUE (TH 238/23) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at he north curbline of Taft Avenue, north for a distance of 52 feet.

WASHINGTON AVENUE (TH 238/23) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Taft Avenue, south for a distance of 34 feet.

TAFT AVENUE (TH 238/23) North Side -NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the west curbline of Washington Avenue, west for a distance of 30 feet.

TAFT AVENUE (TH 238/23) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at he west curbline of Washington Avenue, west for a distance of 25 feet.

WEST HEMPSTEAD

HEMPSTEAD GARDENS DRIVE (TH 137/23) East Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNERstarting at the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 50 feet.

HEMPSTEAD GARDENS DRIVE (TH 137/23) East Side - NO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 245 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 15 feet.

HEMPSTEAD GARDENS

U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, who represents several South Shore Nassau County communities, was appointed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to serve on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council.

Congress established the Holocaust Memorial Council in 1980 to help remember the Holocaust and to raise funds and build the nation’s Holocaust Memorial Museum.

The Council took over as the museum’s governing board of trustees after the institution’s 1993 opening. The museum is a separate entity that functions as a public-private partnership and receives some federal funds to support building operations.

The Council, which holds two annual

meetings, is made up of 55 members chosen by the president, five representatives from Congress, and three ex-officio members from the Departments of Education, the Interior and State.

D’Esposito added that he will fulfill his goals and contribute to a council with a longstanding mission of commemorating the Holocaust.

“As antisemitism continues to rise throughout our country and world, we must commit to teaching and recognizing the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust,” D’Esposito wrote on Twitter. “We must also commit to calling out and crushing antisemitism and other forms of hate when they arise.”

Local pharmacy gains recognition

Public Notices

DRIVE (TH 137/23) East Side - NO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 361 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 82 feet.

ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following locations:

ELMONT

BUTLER BOULEVARD (TH 143/23) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 23 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Turnpike, south for a distance of 132 feet.

(Adopted 5/23/23)

GOTHAM AVENUE (TH

496/89) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Murray Hill Street, south for a distance of 30 feet.

(Adopted 7/24/90)

LAKEVIEW LAKEVIEW AVENUE (TH 151/68) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting from the east curbline of Langdon Boulevard, east for a distance of 102 feet.

LAKEVIEW AVENUE (TH 241/68) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting from the west curbline of Woodfield Road, west for a distance of 64 feet.

(Adopted 7/9/68)

NORTH MERRICK

MERRICK AVENUE (TH 350/80) West Side -NO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 130 feet north of the north curbline of Jerusalem Avenue, north for a distance of 94 feet.

(Adopted 4/28/81)

ROOSEVELT WEST PENNYWOOD AVENUE (TH 511/22) South Side - NO

STOPPING ANYTIMEstaring at a point 20 feet west of the west curbline of Nassau Road, west for a distance of 112 feet.

(Adopted 12/6/22)

NASSAU ROAD (TH 266/03) West Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of

West Pennywood Avenue, south for a distance of 40 feet.

(Adopted 12/12/06)

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: July 11, 2023

Hempstead, New York

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 140775

–Talya Lippman

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Anthony G. Valenti, the supervising pharmacist at Valenti Pharmacy, on S. Village Avenue in Rockville Centre, was presented with a certificate of recognition by Hempstead Town Councilwoman Laura Ryder as part its Small Business Spotlight.

Anthony D’Esposito

PROVISIONAL APPOINTMENT

EAST ROCKAWAY JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (2 POSITIONS)

12 Month Position

Starting Salary $48,044–$50,462; increase pending contract negotiations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS PER NASSAU COUNTY CIVIL SERVICE

PArAProfeSSioNAlS f/t: $23,736 - $24,286

Salary Commensurate with School Related Experience

fooD Service helPer P/t SubStituteS: $15.58/hr.

cleANer SubStituteS: $18.00/hr.

buS Driver SubStituteS: $22.50/hr.

SecuritY AiDeS (DAYS & eveNiNgS): F/T (7 hours) $22.28/hr.

NYS Security Guard Licensing required, law enforcement background preferred

mAiNtAiNer (7:00 A.m. – 4:00 P.m.)

Salary commensurate with experience

Send Cover Letter & Resume to: egomez@bmchsd.org or eric gómez

Assistant Superintendent – Personnel & Administration

1260 meadowbrook road, N. merrick, NY 11566

Additional information can be found on our website at: www.bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

ASSISTANT TEACHERS: For Yeshiva

Of South Shore. Afternoon Hours. Competitive Pay. Please Send Resume To: monika@yoss.org

Bellmore-Merrick

Please Email Us office@bellmoremerrickchildcare.com

To Arrange For An Interview

Civil Project Engineer: Involve in document control, safety reports, billings, contracts, subcontract, award letters, bid tabulations, executive summaries. Understand construction process and MEP equipment. Assemble project turnover requirements submittals, O&M manuals, warranties/guarantees. Coordinate and involve in regular schedule and budget updates; monthly report preparation; and coordination of daily activities. Prepare safety reports. Track daily reporting; assist in monitoring LEED submissions. Prepare and coordinate presentations. Change order tracking; review monthly payment requisitions. Work loc: Port Washington, NY. Travel & relocation possible to unanticipated locs throughout

Training and Experience

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university, AND

Four years of satisfactory administrative staff experience, which must include participating in budget preparation, and/or personnel and/or procurement activities.

NOTE: 1. Experience, as outlined above, in excess of the four-year requirement, may be substituted for college education on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of four years.

2. A Master’s degree from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university may be substituted for one year of the experience as outlined above.

Anticipated Start Date: Upon Civil Service Approval

Please submit letter of interest and resume to: Ms. Diane Drakopoulos Personnel Clerk 443 Ocean Avenue East Rockaway, NY 11518 516-887-8300, x1-441 Email: ddrakopoulos@eastrockawayschools.org

Manager On Duty

At Blaze, Old Bethpage Village Outdoors From September Through November

5-8 Hour Shifts. Serve As The Primary Point Of Contact For All Issues That May Occur During The Event, Seeing Each Through To Resolution. Serve As The Primary Point Of Contact For Emergency Personnel Hourly Rate $25-$30 To Apply: https://hudsonvalley.org/ employment/

MEDICAL FRONT DESK Monday- Thursday 9am- 6:30pm. Computer Literate. Valley Stream. Fax Info to 516-295-0017

PARKING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

Part Time, Various Shifts. Retirees Welcome. Duties include: \Patrols throughout the Village, issuance of code violation citations. Qualifications: HS graduate or equivalent. Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. Contact: Inc. Village of Atlantic Beach 516-371-4600 e-mail office@villageofatlanticbeach.com

Path Monitor

At Blaze, Old Bethpage Village Outdoors From September Through November 5-8 Hour Evening Shifts

Providing A Welcoming Atmosphere And Ensuring Guest Safety. Hourly Rate $20.

To Apply:

https://hudsonvalley.org/ employment/

PROFESSIONAL TAILOR For Dry Cleaners In Merrick. Flexible Days And Hours. Call 646-593-1357

VALLEY

STREAM SCHOOL DISTRICT #24

75 Horton Avenue • Valley Stream, NY 11581

The Board of Education is seeking qualified applicants for the position of:

DISTRICT CLERK

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Good Clerical and Computer Skills, including Microsoft WORD, and speed writing

• Part-time Position – Approximately 15 to 20 hours per week, plus two evenings per month

• Principal responsibility includes preparing all Agendas, taking Minutes at all Board meetings, copying of all documents for Board and maintaining Board of Education records.

• Responsible for all aspects of Annual School District Budget Vote and Election of Board members

Send cover letter and resume to: Board of Education Valley Stream School District 24 75 Horton Avenue Valley Stream, NY 11581

1222852

RECEPTIONIST FULL TIME: Busy OBGYN Office Rockville Centre. Answering Phones, Filing, Checking Insurance. Maureen 516-764-1095

Call

C entral H ig H S CH ool D i S tri C t

REAL ESTATE

Open Houses

HEWLETT BA, 1390 Broadway #102, NEW! Move Right Into This Magnificent Newly Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Prestigious Hewlett Townhouse.Open Layout. NEW State of the Art Kitchen & Bths,HW Flrs, Windows, HVAC,Recessed LED Lights, Doors, W/D. Community Pool. Full Service 24 Hr Doorman, Valet Pkg,Elevator, Priv Storage. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship...$579,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

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

$2,999,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas elliman 516-238-429 ba

HEWLETT HARBOR 7/23, 12-2:0, 1051 Channel Dr, FIRST TIME ON MARKET!

3/4 BR, 2.5 Bth Split on Beautiful Ω Acre Parklike Property. Updtd Gran/Wood EIK, Spac LR/DR with Vaulted Ceiling & Fpl, & Fam Rm. 2 Car Att Gar.Endless Possibilities! SD#14...$1,349,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-429

HEWLETT HARBOR BA 246 Adams Rd, NEW TO MARKET! Elegant & Stately 4200 Sq Ft CH Col on Beautiful Quiet St. 5 BR, 4.55 Bth. Sweeping Staircase. All Spacious Rooms with Top Quality Finishes. Amazing Fam Rm with Cathedral Ceiling

Open Houses

WOODMERE BA, 504 Saddle Ridge Rd., FIRST TIME ON MARKET! Move Right Into This Renovated 4 BR, 2 Bth

Floral Park-Bellerose Elementary School District

Floral Park-Bellerose Elementary School District

Floral Park-Bellerose

Overlooking 1 Acre Resortlike Prop Featuring IG Gunite Pool, Patio & Tennis Ct. XL Fin Bsmt. Upper Level has Primary Ste w/ Dressing Rm & Bth Plus 3 BRs & 2 Bths. 2 Car Att Gar. Low Taxes! SD#20..$2,299,000 Ronnie Gerber, Douglas Elliman 516-238-4299

Teacher Aides

Security Guards, Part-Time

Teacher Aides

We have openings for teacher aides for the 2022/23 school year. 10-month positions available immediately, starting at $15.00/hr.

We have openings for teacher aides for the 2022/23 school year. 10-month positions available immediately, starting at $15.00/hr.

The District is seeking part-time security guards (unarmed) for the 2023/24 school year. Prior law enforcement experience required. Great for retirees. $22.00/hr.

School Nurse, Part-Time

School Nurse, Part-Time

We have an opening for a P/T school nurse, 2 days/wk mostly Wed & Thurs. Pro-rated salary, approx. $240.00/day. RN cert. required.

We have an opening for a P/T school nurse, 2 days/wk mostly Wed & Thurs. Pro-rated salary, approx. $240.00/day. RN cert. required.

School Nurse, Full-Time The District has an opening for a full-time school nurse. 10-month position. RN certification required. Starting salary $48,671.00

Please apply for positions via OLAS at www.OLASjobs.org

Please apply for positions via OLAS at www.OLASjobs.org

HomesHERALD

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

Long Beach

Experience Ultimate Luxury

The unobstructed ocean views in this top floor penthouse 2 bedroom and 2 full bath condominium are breathtaking! This home has been designed to exude beach ambiance with every detail: from the golden brown porcelain floor tile to the deep sea pearl backsplash and designer moldings. Originally built as a 3 bedroom, the current bedrooms are graciously sized with abundant closet space. The primary suite features stunning expansive built-ins in addition to a deep walk-in closet. Both bathrooms are designed with beach undertones. The living room is airy and features a fireplace. The amenities: 24-hr concierge, private gym, 2 dedicated parking spots, personal washer/dryer in all units and pet friendly! Only two blocks to the train, an ideal base to explore all of Long Beach! $1,599,000 26 W. Broadway, Long Beach, NY, 11561 Unit # 1005

Jennifer Bartko McConnell Managing Partner 516-987-9688 jenbartko@gmail.com www.JenBartko.com

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services | Laffey International 860 W. Beech Street Long Beach, NY 11561 516-987-9688

Can I just start putting up walls?

Q. I’m doing a commercial space to expand my business, and I’m in a quandary about a lot of things I wasn’t expecting. First, the landlord is only giving me two months to build out the space, and I’m being told that’s not enough time to get plans and permits, which the landlord doesn’t seem to care about. If I just start putting up walls, is that acceptable? Will I get a violation if I get caught? Also, I was told I need a plumbing permit for a new sink and toilet — the ones that are there are disgusting. If I hire an expeditor to get the plans and permit, can they also get the plumbing permit so I can do the work myself? I was hoping this would go smoothly, but I can see there are going to be problems. What can I expect?

A. You didn’t say what the business was, and the first step is to confirm, with a search of records, whether the use is permitted. For example, some uses require special approvals, and each jurisdiction has limitations.

Tattoo parlors, animal sales and boarding, auto body work — these are a few of the many types of businesses that require special review, sometimes by a zoning board, a village, town or city board or both in the same municipality.

Just a heads-up: Your landlord only wants to rent the space. A landlord was put on the phone recently while I was going over a similar circumstance, and told me he expected the tenant would eventually get the permit, but it isn’t his problem. To answer your question, if you did get caught, the landlord or owner of the property is the responsible party, and can face violations in court, fines and, in extremely rare cases, conviction and jail for serious violations, especially calamities leading to death. Those are the ones we hear about in the news.

Fam Rm. 2 Car Att Gar. Endless Possibilities!

SD#14 $1,349,000

246 Adams Rd, BA, Elegant & Stately 4200 Sq Ft CH Col on Beautiful Quiet St. 5 BR, 4.55 Bth. Sweeping Staircase. All Spacious Rooms with Top Quality Finishes. Amazing Fam Rm with Cathedral Ceiling Overlooking

1 Acre Resortlike Prop Featuring IG Gunite Pool, Patio & Tennis Ct. XL Fin Bsmt. Upper Level has Primary Ste w/ Dressing Rm & Bth Plus 3 BRs & 2 Bths. 2 Car Att Gar. Low Taxes! SD#20 REDUCED! $2,299,000

HEWLETT

1390 Broadway #102, BA ,NEW! Move Right Into This Magnificent Newly

Renovated 2 BR, 2 Bth Coop in Prestigious Hewlett Townhouse.Open

Layout. NEW State of the Art Kitchen & Bths, HW Flrs, Windows, HVAC, Recessed LED Lights, Doors, W/D. Community Pool. Full Service 24 Hr

Doorman, Valet Pkg, Elevator, Priv Storage. Gar Pkg. Near Shops, Trans & Houses of Worship $579,000

1534 Broadway #205, BA, Extra Large 2000 Sq Ft, 2 Bedroom (Originally

3 BR), 2 Bath Condo in Prestigious Jonathan Hall with Doorman & Elevator. Updtd Wood/Quartz Kit, LR & DR. Washer/Dryer in Unit.

Underground Pkg. Loads of Closets. Terrace Faces Back. Easy Ranch Style

Living BIG REDUCTION!! MOTIVATED SELLER! $579,000

WOO dMERE

504 Saddle Ridge Rd, BA, Move Right Into This Renovated

An expeditor generally won’t be your first choice, since expediting is the handling of paperwork and filing. You need professionally prepared and sealed plans showing the space, fully noted and dimensioned, with code references to specific safety issues for the use. A pharmacy will have different requirements and licensing than a beauty salon or a day care, for example. Usually, a ceiling plan showing locations of lighting, emergency equipment, sprinkler heads, emergency lights and exit signs is required, along with heating and air conditioning vents and diffusers.

Depending on the locality, you may not be allowed to do your own construction or plumbing work, and if you were to ask, local building departments expect the licensed plumber to get their own permit, showing proof of licensing to do work in that community. I know, and building officials are well aware, that work goes on all the time without the delay of the permit process. Just keep in mind that public safety is everyone’s responsibility. Verify that the work is safe and code-compliant. Good luck!

© 2022 Monte Leeper

with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

32 X 32 Mirror beveled edge etchings in corners, hardware included for hanging.$70.00 (516)579-9089 excellent

CAST IRON GRILL PAN: with Top Press, $15. 516-292-0430

Finds Under $100

FENDER ELECTRIC/ ACOUSTIC Guitar. Black. Cd-140SCE. Sounds great. Needs strings. $99. 516-707-0357

FRAMES: ALL SIZES, colors, wood, metal, etc. all under $8 or bundle for less.

516-225-9191

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At this dinner, true patriotism was on vivid display

Recently I attended the annual Patriot Award Dinner hosted by the Seaford High School 9/11 Memorial Committee. This event, and other 9/11 programs in Seaford, are administered by the Memorial Committee, which was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, with the commitment to “always remember.”

Communities across Long Island were devastated by 9/11. None, however, has been more consistent or wideranging in its dedication to preserving the memory and legacy of that day and its victims than Seaford.

In November 2002, a commemorative plaza was constructed at the entrance to Seaford High School, dedicated to the alumni who lost their lives: New York City Fire Department Battalion Chief Tom Haskell, FDNY Firefighter Tim Haskell, New York City Police Officer John Perry, Robert Sliwak and Michael Wittenstein.

Each year on Sept. 11, more than 1,000 people attend a memorial at the plaza — last year, undaunted by a driving rain. Since 2002, Patriot Award scholarships

totaling more than $235,000 have been given to 112 Seaford High seniors who reflect the values of the graduates who died on 9/11. Honorary Patriot Awards have been presented to 59 people who selflessly service the Seaford community.

District students make field trips to the 9/11 Memorial at ground zero.

This year’s dinner was held at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. As always, there was a large turnout, more than 300 people. The mood in the room was a mix of energy and respect. There was the energy of people who have been working for two decades to ensure that the memories and legacy of that day are preserved, along with respect for those who died and their family members, who were at the dinner, as they have been at so many commemorations over the years.

Among those sitting at my table were Monsignor Steve Camp and members of the Haskell family. Camp, now the pastor of St. Patrick’s Parish in Huntington, was a priest at St. William the Abbot in Seaford in September 2001. He officiated at funerals for victims of the attacks, and with his compassion and concern that did so much to help not only the victims’ families, but the Seaford community as well.

Tom and Tim Haskell were heroic FDNY members, as was their brother, Ken, who survived that day, and has dedicated so much to the Memorial Committee as its president. With Ken at the table were his mother, Maureen; his wife, Genene; their sons Kenny and Ryan; Ken’s sister, Dawn; and Tom’s widow, Barbara. No family has endured more than the Haskells. Somehow their spirit remains as strong as ever — as does the spirit of the other 9/11 families.

Seeing so many neighbors, friends and other familiar faces, I was pleased and reassured by the number of young people who were there who weren’t yet born on Sept. 11, 2001. I also gave a special hello to my sister, Barbara, a Seaford High graduate who put so much effort into making the dinner a success.

The student scholarship winners were very impressive, as were the Honorary Patriot Award recipients. Longtime Seaford High officials Tom Condon and Ray Buckley, who played strong leadership roles in forming the Memorial Committee and have continued their efforts to this day, spoke movingly, and then led everyone in an emotional and spirited rendition of “God Bless America.”

All these good, hardworking people gathered to show their unfailing dedication and commitment to their community and country more than two decades after America’s darkest hour exemplify patriotism at its best.

As I left that night, I thought about how wonderful it would be if the spirit of selfless dedication and commitment that these Seaford residents still demonstrate could once again predominate in our divided country. If the sense of unity and respect that Americans had in the days, weeks and months after the attacks could somehow be re-established. If we could work together on issues where we agree, try to find common ground where we disagree and do so respectfully, always remembering that we are Americans.

The terrorists who attacked us on 9/11 could not destroy us or break our spirit. Instead we emerged more united. We owe it to our nation, and all those who were murdered that day, not to divide against ourselves, but rather to do all we can to recapture the unity we had then, and never forget that we are still the greatest nation on earth. As the hundreds of Seaford residents proudly sang at the conclusion of the Patriot Award Dinner, let us all proudly proclaim, “God Bless America!”

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Chimps face N.Y. court test of ‘personhood’

W“hen you meet chimps, you meet individual personalities. When a baby chimp looks at you, it’s just like a human baby. We have a responsibility to them.”

–Jane Goodall, animal right activist

U.S. Some 850 live in laboratories. About 250 chimps are in accredited zoos, 600 in sanctuaries, and 250 in private hands, such as carnivals and low-end zoos.

rarely accelerated new discoveries or the advancement of human health.”

The report added, “The majority of NIH-owned chimpanzees should be designated for retirement and transferred to the federal sanctuary system.”

Randi is on a brief leave. This column was originally published June 11-17, 2015.

Chimpanzee stories invite cheap shots, jokes and memories of J. Fredd Muggs (a regular on “The Today Show”), but the true story of these primates in modern times is both shameful and tragic. The continuing abuse of chimpanzees in research, and a New York state lawsuit arguing the “personhood” of chimps, demand our focused attention and action.

Chimpanzees are one of the four great apes, along with gorillas, bonobos and orangutans. But chimps are closer to humans in their DNA than they are to any of their ape brethren. They know how to use tools, have opposable thumbs and can learn sign language. They pass the “mirror” test, recognizing themselves in reflective glass, and they are self-aware; express grief, depression and joy; and play jokes on one another.

RANDI KREISS

Chimpanzees share 95 to 98 percent of our DNA. They are native to Africa and they are endangered, with only 180,000 to 300,000 remaining. Fifty years ago, there were probably a million chimpanzees roaming Africa. Deforestation, poaching and some people’s taste for bush meat have depleted the population.

Nearly 2,000 chimpanzees live in the

Yet for decades, these animals have been used for research in the U.S., by the National Institutes of Health and by medical schools and pharmaceutical companies. This research rests on the presumption that as higher beings, we have the right to subject other living creatures to pain and suffering to improve our own health and longevity.

The awful irony is that in 2011, the National Academy of Sciences concluded, “Most current biomedical research use of chimpanzees is not necessary.” In addition, a 2013 NIH report confirmed, “Research involving chimpanzees has

We are the only developed country in the world that continues to use chimpanzees in invasive experiments. A number of countries, including Australia, the European Union, Japan and New Zealand, have banned the use of all great apes in experiments.

What got me thinking about the shameful legacy of abuse of chimpanzees was the news in April of a lawsuit filed by the Nonhuman Rights Project seeking “personhood” status for two chimpanzees, Hercules and Leo, now being held at Stony Brook University.

If the apes are freed, they will go to Chimp Haven, a sanctuary for retired and rehabilitated chimpanzees in Florida. According to a spokesman, NhRP is not seeking personhood for apes so they can roam the streets. It is seeking only one specific right: the right to one’s bodily freedom, the freedom not to be taken and kept involuntarily for any purpose.

When I brought this subject up for dis-

cussion at a dinner table this week, the reaction of my friends — all kind, wellinformed people — was complete lack of concern for or interest in chimpanzees, abused or otherwise. They trotted out the old argument about it being OK to experiment on animals so people can live better lives. They said they just couldn’t care about what happens to chimpanzees. They asked where I would draw the line. OK to experiment on dogs? Rats? Fruit flies?

I do draw a line. No experimentation on any higher-functioning animal that is sentient, but self-aware and capable of emoting feelings and socialization. I can be OK with experimenting on mice and rats and fruit flies and other lower life forms.

We don’t have the moral right to experiment on chimpanzees. The systematic torture of chimps, once considered “research” and now discredited by the NIH as inhumane and ineffectual, must stop. Please join me in supporting Jane Goodall’s work to save and rehabilitate chimpanzees. Go to janegoodall.org, where you can learn, donate or volunteer.

Copyright 2023 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

The U.S. continues to use chimpanzees in invasive experiments.

We need to rekindle the sense of unity we had in the days after 9/11.

HERALD

Staying safe from shark close encounters

it won’t be long before the iconic film “Jaws” turns 50 — a fact that’s just difficult to imagine.

Yet this single movie, from a then unknown director named Steven Spielberg, singlehandedly created the summer blockbuster model many studios work to recreate every year, and proved the big screen could deliver big thrills.

But “Jaws” had another, more lasting effect on society. It made many people fearful — or, at least, more cautious — about going to the beach. And it turned sharks, like the great white featured in Spielberg’s film, from ocean predators to living, breathing and biting beasts of pure evil.

Humans are a land species. Put us in the water and we’re at a clear disadvantage against anything that might mean us harm living in that environment. Especially something that can weigh more than two tons while boasting more than 300 teeth. Vigilance when in the water is essential — but demonizing an animal for simply acting on its nature is not.

In the years following the release of “Jaws,” many fishermen set out to hunt the great white, deeming the slaughter that came with it — cutting the population nearly in half — a way to rid the world of a man-eating predator.

But sharks are sharks, and for us to enjoy the ocean, we have to find ways of sharing it with these creatures, and everything else living below the waves. No one wants to be bitten, and hopefully most of us would rather stay as far away from

letters

Randi’s tribute to journalists still rings true — even today

To the Editor:

Keep your distance from the sharks

The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in Florida where more than half of the country’s shark attacks happen each year says it’s always good to stay in groups, since sharks are more likely to bite someone swimming alone. Also, don’t wander too far from shore especially if it isolates you from other swimmers. It also takes you farther away from any help you could receive from land. Avoid the water at twilight or after dark. Those are the hours when sharks are most active. Even during the day, if the water is murky, be extra careful. And most important, stay in areas watched by lifeguards.

sharks as possible. Yet the cleaner, warmer waters splashing onto the beaches of Long Island will indeed attract all kinds of aquatic life, and sharks won’t be far behind.

Drones certainly make a difference, with the state tripling the number of the flying camera-equipped contraptions patrolling local beaches. They can cover more territory in a short time, rather than simply putting lifeguards on WaveRunners, and beachgoers are getting the added protection of both.

Long Island beaches attract a number of species of sharks, although few of them, other than dusky sharks and the great whites featured in “Jaws,” pose any immediate danger. But it’s still imperative to stay away, because if a shark did decide to turn on you, it’s a battle you likely wouldn’t win.

Sharks are the ocean’s dominant predator for sure — and humans should stay far away from them — but they aren’t evil. We shouldn’t be happy when a shark is killed, or wish for a world in which they don’t exist.

In the end, sharks are a key component to our very fragile marine ecosystem. And they are dying, with few people standing up to defend them because of the fear perpetuated by movies like “Jaws” and annual television events like Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week.”

Even Spielberg regrets how the great white was portrayed in his 1975 film. When a British radio personality asked him last year how he’d feel if he lived on a desert island surrounded by sharks, the Oscar-winning director said it’s something he fears. “Not to get eaten by a shark,” he added, “but that sharks are somehow mad at me for the feeding frenzy of crazy sport fishermen that happened after 1975.”

Sharks may not actually hold grudges, but we can share the ocean with them, and keep ourselves safe, by steering clear of them. It’s the only way we can have the fun, relaxing summer we’ve always enjoyed on Long Island beaches.

Re Randi Kreiss’s column last week (reprised from Sept. 11-17, 2014), “Journalists become targets for jihadists”: We, in the field, doing the coverage and writing the story and taking the photographs, know the truth. The courage lies in the reporting of that truth.

Many of us are doing local, community news coverage, and our readers (and viewers) want our presentation of the facts and our intelligent analysis. We are in the same tradition of those who report the news from abroad. We must take chances to offer the public the facts.

I am one of an old breed. It is my personal and deep passion to (try to) make a difference. Whereas building a house, or representing others in court, or even serving as an elected official, can be meritorious, I take photographs. I offer them to news sources all over the world. I imagine when they are displayed in some newspaper, someone, somewhere, may say: “This is truth.”

However, this hopeful wish on my part may be completely false. As more and more photos are cre-

ated and offer images of terrible events in the world, the public may become numb, and people may say, “I can’t change anything in the world, and these terrible photos just make me feel really sad.”

Professor Lauren Walsh, of New York University, wrote about this common public reaction recently in an article in the global documentary magazine Zeke. “What is the value of a photojournalist?” Walsh wrote. In

You have no idea what teachers deal with

His name was David, and he killed himself in my second year of teaching.

The Long Island high school stopped functioning that day. David was an enormous personality. A terrific athlete with a giant grin. Some of his basketball friends read poems they wrote about him at his funeral.

David ended his life 11 years ago, and I still remember him now and then. The time I beat him in an impromptu rap battle between classes. He bounded down the hall, yelling, “Nolan is nice!”

The time I pranked him by pretending that a phone call from the main office directed him to pack his stuff and go to the principal’s office. (David was a habitual linecrosser.)

Or how I tried to teach him about selffulfilling prophecies, perhaps out of some intuition of the storm that surely raged within him.

I see his face, remember specific moments. David was a gifted athlete — not a great student, but what a personality. I spoke at his wake about how he brought people together. He knew every-

one, and everyone knew him. He was kind to other students.

His death remains the single worst experience I had as a teacher. I sought help for him, but I was a second-year teacher and didn’t realize how much danger he was in. No one did, not even his friends. I tried to put the pieces together afterward, to see how I missed any signs, but I only found more questions.

Two weeks ago, a former student of mine died in a dirt-bike crash. Last month, the murderer of a student I knew was sentenced. A year before his murder, two students I knew were attacked in the woods by a group wielding machetes, and left with scars on their necks and scalps.

When I started teaching, I quickly realized how many kids were suffering. Neighbors don’t always fully grasp the depth of hardship in their own communities. Students deal with abusive and drugand alcohol-dependent parents, incarcerated siblings, and violence in their neighborhoods — in addition to run-of-the-mill adolescent angst, which can be turbulent enough.

My wife teaches elementary school, and has come home crying because of the stress some of her students — some as young as 5 — have had to bear.

One time she asked a little girl why

Letters

the end, she stated that it is to offer visual evidence — evidence that offers proof when atrocities are committed by autocratic leaders, and that allows legal action to be taken to compensate the oppressed.

Thus, the photojournalist bears witness to the truth with visual evidence. I offer that critical truth, and I may actually change the world: I take photographs to protect the oppressed! And those overseas reporters, journalists and photojournalists — I believe, in my heart, they are in agreement.

If you want to do your own research on journalists abroad, look into the Committee to Project Journalists, at cpj.org.

JOe ABATe Writer/photographer Island Park

Two bills could expand recycling

To the editor:

New York has a chance to pass two bills that could significantly reduce the state’s plastic waste and improve its current recycling system: the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (A.5322/S.4246) and the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill (A.6353/S.237A).

If passed, the Packaging Reduction

and Recycling Infrastructure Act would be the most progressive extended producer responsibility law in the country. The law would reduce packaging by 50 percent over 12 years, and remove 12 toxic chemicals from packaging — including PFAS, lead, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants.

It would also prevent “chemical recycling” — or incineration — to count as recycling.

New York City spends $448 million to export its waste out of the state. Some of this waste ends up at the Covanta incinerator in Newark, where it pollutes an environmental justice community. By shifting the responsibility of recycling costs from taxpayers to packaging companies, the law would also ensure investments in reuse and refill systems and funding to improve recycling.

The Bigger, Better Bottle Bill would expand the current law, first passed in 1982. It would help reduce waste from common containers not currently under the law. To date, there are only nickel deposits on soda, beer and water. This bill would add non-carbonated containers like lemonade, iced tea, liquor and wine.

Moreover, the bottle bill would increase the deposit from 5 cents to 10 cents, which has proven to increase recycling rates and reduce bottle waste in states that have passed similar laws. It would also increase

she looked so tired. The answer? Her family had been huddled together all night in a corner of their basement, hiding from a gang that threatened to shoot up the house.

Another year, my wife taught a boy who, as a toddler, had been found by police sleeping on his murdered father’s chest. A group of teens had broken into the house and shot the dad.

This is part of education on Long Island. You can be certain that in just about every school there are students dealing with unimaginable grief and stress.

The mental, and at times physical, stress of helping children cope with grief can be overwhelming for a teacher. Knowing a child will go home — if he has a home — to an empty pantry, a house filled with trash or walls marked by bullet holes isn’t something you can just shelve at the end of the day.

A big part of 21st-century education is emotional learning. Mindfulness is a focus in classrooms, in the form of yoga and lessons on empathy and expressing emotions. Teachers benefit by learning these techniques, and being part of the conversation with their students.

During and after the pandemic, schools were, and still are, stretched to near the breaking point. Teachers have

endured ridiculous stress levels with pandemic-mandated changes, drops in highstakes test scores, being under fire by political groups for myriad illogical reasons, and more.

Yes, other professions are stressful. Highlighting the hardships of one job doesn’t exclude or diminish others. Law enforcement, first responders, social workers, landscapers, nurses, drivers — they all face stress and job-related hardship.

But there is a misconception that teachers are overpaid for four hours of work a day and summers off. How could that be stressful? Some people overlook the fact that teaching is more than time in a classroom, and involves more than helping a student learn the significance of Bastille Day.

Most teachers I know use the summer to decompress, and then plan and reimagine their classroom and teaching style. They take courses, read deeply, and contemplate better ways to motivate students.

As summer kicks into high gear, take a moment to thank a teacher and wish them a well-deserved break. It won’t be long before they’re helping a student with much more than long division.

Mark Nolan, the editor of the Lynbrook/ East Rockaway and Malverne/West Hempstead Heralds, taught high school English for 11 years. Comments? mnolan@liherald.com.

the handling fee from 3 cents to 5 cents per bottle — an increase that would vastly improve the livelihoods of thousands of recyclers known as “canners.”

Passing both bills is crucial, because they would work together to enhance

waste management in New York, leading to substantial waste reduction, improved recycling, and reduced landfill and incinerator use.

MARíA GuILLéN

Framework by Tim Baker

Oohing and aahing at the fireworks show overhead — Rockville Centre

In virtually every school on Long Island, there are students suffering with grief and stress.