Roksana Amid/Herald
Rabbi Michael Churgel, of North Country Reform Temple, and Rabbi Irwin Huberman of Congregation Tiferith Israel lit candles in memory of the 6 million Jews who died during the holocaust. The Candles are modeled after a traditional Jewish memorial Yahrzeit candle.
Dozens of people gathered at the Holocaust Tolerance and Memorial Center in Glen Cove last Sunday to commemorate Yom HaShoah — Holocaust Remembrance Day, which pays tribute to the 6 million Jews that were killed in World War II. Glen Cove City Councilwoman Marsha Silverman, Congregation Tifereth Israel and North Country Reform Temple welcomed Jews and nonJews to honor the millions of victims of the Holocaust.
This year’s remembrance had a heightened sense of urgency, seven months after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, the deadliest single day in the country’s history. Antisemi-
tism has surged worldwide, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which has reported a steep jump in incidents in the months since. The ADL recorded more than 7,500 antisemitic episodes in the United States in 2023, compared with fewer than 3,700 in 2022. It also noted significant increases in incidents in large American cities, including New York City and Los Angeles.
“To be Jewish is to remember — to claim our right to memory, as well as our duty to keep it alive,” Rabbi Michael Churgel, of North Country Reform Temple, said. “There is evil in the world, we cannot let ourselves forget, yet to remember the goodness of our loved ones is to find a way to trust the world again, to place the moments in our sacred
Elizabeth Luciano M 516.641.4420
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Jean Marie Stalzer M 516.509.7564
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Two students from the North Shore School District were selected as finalists for the prestigious National History Day Program advancing to the national competition held in College Park, Maryland, from June 9 to 13.
Metta Pollio and Anne Kelly each excelled in their respective categories, representing the school and the Long Island region with their exceptional historical research projects.
The National History Day Program is an annual academic competition where students from across the United States conduct research on a specific theme and present their findings through various mediums such as exhibits, websites, papers, documentaries, and performances. This year’s theme is “Turning Points in History,” and students explored American and world history to identify pivotal moments.
Both Metta and Anne have demonstrated exceptional talent and a strong passion for history.
Pollio, a freshman at North Shore High School, won first place in the senior division in New York state for her website project titled “The Red Summer: A Turning Point in Racial Violence.” Pollio’s project delves into the racial riots of 1919, providing an in-depth analysis of the violent events and their impact on racial tensions in America.
SETH GORDON Director of K-12 social studies, North Shore School District
At the time, acts of white supremacist terrorism occurred in more than three dozen cities across the country, which in several instances caused AfricanAmericans to fight back leading to race riots in notable cities like Chicago and Washington, D.C. Pollio said that while researching such a divisive period was difficult in some ways, it gave her a greater appreciation for the importance of learning the history of race and racism in the United States.
“I liked the research process
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Raynham Hall Museum in Oyster Bay is set to host a presentation exploring the history and archaeology of molly houses, clandestine taverns where homosexual men and cross-dressing individuals could meet in the 18th century. The event will take place as part of the museum’s monthly lecture series, Townsend Talks, featuring guest speaker Megan Rhodes Victor, who will share her in-depth research from the Molly House Project.
Molly houses served as places for members of the LGBTQ+ community to interact and participate in elaborate gendered performances, including ballroom dances and simulated marriages. Taverns provided opportunities for individuals to conduct social negotiations and form bonds of community. However, these spaces also presented a rare opportunity for unmarried or widowed women to find employment, introducing a notable gender contradiction in 18thcentury taverns.
Victor, an anthropologist specializing in historical archaeology from 1700 to 1900 CE, will delve into these unique gathering spaces and uncover the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ communities in the English colonial world. Her project aims to explore and understand the social dynamics and interactions within these molly houses, which were pivotal in providing a sense of community and acceptance for those marginalized by society at the time.
Justinne Lake-Jedzinak, director of education and public programs at Raynham Hall, emphasized the importance of the lecture series in bringing together scholars and researchers whose work intersects with the museum’s mission. This particular talk will offer a methodology for understanding identity in the colonial period and possibly shed light on local connections to the Townsend family and Oyster Bay.
“I think this talk will more generally serve as a methodology for approaching identity in the colonial period,” LakeJedzinak said. “(Victor) is speaking generally about this phenomenon, and then the information that she gives us might give us another aspect of colonial life to think about and understand the Townsend family more specifically.”
Victor’s presentation will not only illuminate the historical significance of molly houses but also touch on broader themes of commensal politics, trade and exchange, and gendered spaces. Through her research, she may offer fresh insights into the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and their interactions within colonial society, expanding our understanding of the period. It will also provide attendees the opportunity to learn more about an area of historical study which is still developing.
“It’s hard to look back at that time period without looking through too much of our own contemporary lens,” Lake-Jedzinak said. “But I think you can’t rule out that in these male-coded
drinking spaces that you could have had more intimate relationships.”
The Townsend Talks series is a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in group discussions and one-on-one conversations with speakers.
The event will begin in the Visitors’ Center at 5:30 p.m. on May 16 and include light refreshments. Lectures are priced at $20 for museum members, $25 for nonmembers, and $10 for students.
To sign up for the event or learn more about Raynham Hall Museum, visit their website at raynhamhallmuseum.org.
Molly houses often provided opportunities for people to flaunt or subvert traditional gender norms and roles, as this cartoon from 1780 shows.
and learning more about a topic I didn’t know as much about,” Pollio said. “The project was definitely stressful at times, but it was also fun and rewarding. I’m really excited to have the opportunity to compete at the national level.”
Kelly, an eighth grader, took second place in the junior division with her exhibit project titled “Test Tube Babies: How In Vitro Fertilization Changed Family and Fertility Forever.” Her research examined the history and impact of in vitro fertilization, including the first successful IVF birth in 1978.
“It was an incredible experience to learn more about the history of IVF and its influence on family planning and perceptions of infertility,” Kelly said. “I think this program is such a great experience for us because even if you don’t advance, it really shows how fun research can be, especially when you can choose your own topic.”
Seth Gordon, North Shore School District’s director of K-12 social studies, praised the students for their dedication and research skills. He added that both Kelly and Pollio showed a willingness to tackle their subjects that set them apart from thousands of other participants throughout the state.
“Both Metta and Anne have demonstrated exceptional talent and a strong passion for history,” Gordon said. “Their projects stood out due to their depth of
research, clear thesis, and impactful presentations. We are incredibly proud of their achievements.”
Gordon highlighted the school’s focus on teaching research skills to students as part of the curriculum, particularly in eighth grade, to prepare them for projects like National History Day. The students learn how to vet sources, differentiate between primary and secondary sources, and develop a strong thesis supported by evidence.
“These research skills not only help students excel in the competition but also prepare them for future academic endeavors,” Gordon explained. “By the time they reach high school, students are ready to tackle more advanced research projects and explore topics they are passionate about.”
Both Pollio and Kelly expressed gratitude for the support they received from their teachers, who provided guidance throughout the research process. Their families also played a significant role in their journey to the national competition.
To reach the national level, both students had to place first in their regional and state divisions, even though Long Island is the most competitive regional division in the state. According to Pollio and Kelly, advancing to the national competition is not only a significant academic achievement but also an opportunity to further their understanding of history and share their work on a broader stage.
Clients often ask whether the home should be deeded to the client’s adult children, while retaining a life estate in the parent or whether the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust should be used to protect the asset.
While the deed with a life estate will be less costly to the client, in most cases it offers significant disadvantages when compared to the trust. First, if the home is sold prior to the death of the Medicaid recipient, the life estate value of the home will be required to be paid towards their care. If the house is rented, the net rents are payable to the nursing facility since they belong to the life tenant. Finally, the client loses a significant portion of their capital gains tax exclusion for the sale of their primary residence as they will only be entitled to a pro rata share based on the value of the life estate to the home as a whole.
All of the foregoing may lead to a situation where the family finds they must maintain a vacant home for many years. Conversely, a properly drafted MAPT preserves the full capital gains tax exclusion on the sale of the
primary residence and the home may be sold by the trust without obligation to make payment of any of the principal towards the client’s care, assuming we have passed the look-back period for facility care of five years.
It should be noted here that both the life estate and the MAPT will preserve the steppedup basis in the property provided it is sold after the death of the parent who was the owner or grantor. Upon the death of the parent, the basis for calculating the capital gains tax is stepped up from what the parent paid, plus any improvements, to what it was worth on the parent’s date of death. This effectively eliminates payment of capital gains taxes on the sale of appreciated property, such as the home, after the parent dies.
There are instances where the life estate deed makes sense however. When the asset is a country house or a beach house that is intended to stay in the family for the next generation, then the life estate deed works perfectly well and may effect a significant savings to the family seeking to protect the asset.
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E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: seacliffeditor@liherald.com, glenheadeditor@liherald.com
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South Side Senior Lacrosse
AN ALL-COUNTY award winner in 2023 and AllLong Island games MVP, Haggerty reached a milestone April 27 in the Cyclones’ 16-5 victory over Calhoun. She scored five goals, including the 100th of her high school career. On the season, the University of Vermont-bound attack has scored 28 goals and assisted on 27 others as South Side split its first 12 games. She also plays a key role on draw controls and ranks amont the team leaders with 25.
Thursday, May 9
Girls Lacrosse: Freeport at Baldwin 4:30 p.m.
Flag Fooball: Herricks at V.S. Ditrict 5 p.m.
Flag Football: Bellmore-Merrick at Westbury
Baseball: Sewanhaka at Malverne
Softball: V.S. North at Garden City 5
Boys Lacrosse: V.S.District at Uniondale 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at Plainedge 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Oyster Bay at East Meadow 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Hicksville at Kennedy 5 p.m.
Flag Football: Long Beach at Port Washington 7 p.m.
Flag Football: Division at Lynbrook 7 p.m.
Friday, May 10
Softball: Sewanhaka at V.S. North 4:30 p.m.
Flag Football: MacArthur at Plainview 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: North Shore at Seaford 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Carey at Malv/East Rock 5 p.m.
Softball: Plainview at Calhoun 5 p.m.
Softball: New Hyde Park at South Side 5:30 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Long Beach at Port Washington 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 11
Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at Wantagh 10 a.m.
Softball: Clarke at East Meadow 12 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
It took some time for North Shore’s boys’ lacrosse team to learn all the intricacies of a new system under first-year coach John Savage, who likes what he sees from the Vikings more and more every day.
“I’m not a rearview mirror guy and I still think our best game is somewhere in front of us,” Savage said after North Shore’s thrilling 9-8 double overtime win over Plainedge on the first of May. “The kids have done a great job of adjusting to everything and I’m really happy with their progress.”
Junior Luca Korte scored the gamewinning goal with 19 seconds left in the second OT as North Shore, which trailed 6-0 midway through the second quarter, upped its winning streak to six games and improved to 8-2 in Conference CD and 9-4 overall. Each of its previous eight victories was by eight goals or more.
“Coach got us juiced with a halftime speech and we chipped away and found a way,” said senior Matthew D’Aversa, who had three goals and two assists including his 50th goal of the season. “We were rushing our offensive sets in the first half and we just needed to settle down.”
D’Aversa continued his torrid scoring pace and ranks second in Nassau County in points with 83 and third in goals.
“Watching Matt grow as a player and a leader right in front of my eyes has been awesome,” Savage said. “I couldn’t be more proud of his growth. He’s getting the most attention from opposing defenses and still doing his thing every game. He’s been receptive to instruction and doing a great job feeding when teams try to lock him down.”
Stopping North Shore senior Alex Choi in the faceoff circle has been just as difficult as keeping D’Aversa off the scoresheet. Choi is winning draws at a stunning 84 percent rate, good four fourth-best in the county. “The boat doesn’t row without Alex,” Savage said.
“We expected him to have a really big season and he’s delivered. He’s worked hard at his craft for years.”
Paul Grassini/Herald
Senior midfielder Alex Choi has been dominant on faceoffs all season for the Vikings, winning draws at a near 85-percent clip.
Senior Sawyer DeSeve (35 goals, 33 assists) and Korte (20, 11) are both thriving in the midfield. Savage said DeSeve, who had four goals against Plainedge, is one of the most athletic kids on the team and is an excellent shooter and feeder, while the hard-nosed Korte “does so much that doesn’t show up in the box score.”
Sophomore Angelo Anobile, who has 17 goals and 18 assists, starts on attack and is developing into a consistent playmaker, Savage said.
The vocal leader and quarterback in the defensive zone is senior Johnny Giert. He and classmate Anthanasios Alafogiannis bring toughness in front of goaltenders Griffin Pinter and Paul Pourakis. Pinter, a junior, has been the anchor in goal stopping 60 percent of shots. Pourakis, a senior, has risen to the occasion when called upon and made 26 saves in two games.
North Shore has outscored opponents by a 167-86 margin. Two of its three losses have been by one goal.
4:21:36
Love Your Neighbor Project is hosting the third annual Rock for Love Sea Cliff Porchfest on May 18. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and features 10 hours of live music performances across various porches throughout the town. Admission starts at $20, and tickets can be purchased at LYNP. org/porchfest.
Sea Cliff Porchfest aims to strengthen community bonds and celebrate the area’s local talent. With over 700 neighbors attending in 2023, this year’s event will showcase 25 local musicians, including performances from notable acts such as the Dave Diamond Band,
Roger Street Friedman, Kingfisher, and Antigone Rising. The event caters to audiences of all ages and features a diverse range of musical genres.
Members of the media are welcome to attend and cover the event. Love Your Neighbor Project, a non-political registered 501(c)(3) grassroots nonprofit, focuses on creating opportunities to connect the community. For more information about LYNP, visit www.lynp.org, like them on Facebook @lynpsc, and follow them on Instagram @loveyourneighborprojectsc.
For press inquiries, contact Jaime Teich at goodness@lynp.org.
Seasonal beach parking sticker sales and the free distribution of stickers to senior citizens and the disabled will begin on May 11. The Oyster Bay town board has restricted beach access to residents only and enhanced safety measures by installing signage and pedestrian barriers. A major sand replenishment project will be complete by Memorial Day weekend.
“Break out the beach towels and sunscreen because summer is just around the corner, and so are our beach sticker sales,” Joseph Saladino, the town supervisor, said. “The Town of Oyster Bay is a true staycation destination offering some of the best beaches in the world. By purchasing a beach sticker in advance, you can avoid the inevitable lines that often accompany the start of the beach season and spend more time with your feet in the sand instead.”
Beach parking stickers will be on sale beginning May 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily at John J. Burns Town Park in Massapequa, Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay and at TOBAY Beach. Beginning May 25, beach parking stickers will be available for purchase on weekends only from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Centre Island Beach in Bayville.
On June 22 beach parking stickers will be available for purchase daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tappen Beach in Sea Cliff, and in Bayville at Charles E. Ransom and Stehli beaches.
To purchase a beach parking sticker for your vehicle, residents must present a valid New York State driver’s license with residency in the Town of Oyster
Bay, their vehicle registration, and bring the vehicle they plan to drive to the beach. Parking stickers are placed on the vehicle at the time of purchase.
Only residents may purchase beach parking stickers for Town of Oyster Bay beaches. Beach parking stickers are $60, which pay for themselves following three visits.
Town of Oyster Bay residents over the age of 60 can obtain a free parking sticker by presenting their driver’s license with town residency and their vehicle registration. After receiving the sticker, senior residents must be present in the vehicle for entry on each visit. If visiting the beach in another vehicle, seniors can show their driver’s license and get a free day pass.
Residents who are disabled or receive social security can acquire a free beach parking pass by showing their Town of Oyster Bay Disability ID card (which can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office for a one-time fee of $32) or Notice of Award Letter, alongside their driver’s license showing residency in the town and their vehicle registration. A parking sticker will then be adhered to the vehicle.
Town of Oyster Bay volunteer firefighters, members of the Armed Forces, veterans and Clean Pas eligible vehicle owners qualify for beach parking passes at reduced rates.
Only cashless payments are accepted, including credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. For more information, call the Town of Oyster Bay Parks Department, Beaches Division, at (516) 797-4111.
Learn more about
The Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor have extended the time for submission of applications for its 2019 Grant Program to September 30, 2019 and are requesting applications in regard thereto from eligible and qualified IRC 501(c)(3) approved charitable organizations to further its mission of affording support exclusively to the poor in the towns of North Hempstead, New York and Oyster Bay, New York.
are requesting applications for its 2024 Grant Program from eligible and qualified IRC 501(c)(3) approved charitable organizations to further its mission of affording support to the poor, in the form of food, shelter, clothing and warmth, and providing support for educational programs striving to prevent the transmissi on of generational poverty among the underserved and underprivileged, exclusively in the Towns of North Hempstead, New York and Oyster Bay, New York as intended by the Last Will and Testament of Samuel Jones dated February 23, 1836, and as approved by the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor.
Program funds for the 2024 grant year will be in the form of grants totaling up to the maximum amount of $150,000.00, collectively, or such greater amount, if any, as may be determined by the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor, in their sole and absolute discretion. This and any future grant program offered by the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor is and shall be subject to the availability of funds and resources.
All applications must be received by the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor at PO Box 350, Jericho, New York 11753 or by email at TheJonesFund1836@gmail.com on or before September 30, 2019.
Program funds will be awarded on a competitive basis. All applications must be received by the Trustees of the Jones Fund for the Support of the Poor at PO Box 350, Jericho, New York 11753 or by email at TheJonesFund1836@gmail.com on or before June 30, 2024. Interested applicants can obtain further information and application packages by calling James McGahan or Dina Selearis at 516-681-3100 or sending an email to TheJonesFund1836@gmail.com.
Interested applicants can obtain further information and application packages by calling James McGahan or Dina Selearis at 516-681-3100 or sending an email to TheJonesFund1836@gmail.com.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has agreed to reevaluate the impact of industrial shellfish dredging in the Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge in response to a lawsuit filed by the North Oyster Bay Baymen’s Association and the Center for Food Safety. The agreement, approved by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, aims to ensure that industrial dredging does not conflict with wildlife protection in the refuge.
“I knew they wanted to settle; we’ve been talking to them for years,” William Painter, president of NOBBA, said. “The areas where the dredging sent all the fine sediment will probably never produce clams or oysters again because they can’t survive there. But some areas can come back over time. There is hope.”
John Marzulli, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who represented Fish and Wildlife, declined to comment on the outcome of the case.
The refuge, which includes over 3,200 acres of underwater land located along the North Shore, was established in 1968 to protect migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife. At one time it provided 90 percent of New York state’s oyster harvests and 40 percent of the clam harvests. But the area has seen a steep decline in shellfish populations in the last decade, which NOBBA attributes to hydraulic dredging performed by Frank M. Flower and Sons. Their lease is up in September, and although no official decision has been announced by the Town of Oyster Bay, it is doubtful the lease will be renewed.
“We continue to oppose any form of harmful dredging,” Joseph Saladino, the town’s supervisor wrote in a statement, “and are pleased to learn of actions the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will undertake in furtherance
The North Oyster Bay Baymen’s Association has claimed that hydraulic dredging by boats disrupts Oyster Bay’s ecosystem. They won a case in April that will require U.S. Fish and Wildlife to evaluate the area.
of protecting our environment.”
Painter, a bayman for the past 40 years, led the fight for NOBBA to stop the dredging for over a decade but the effort was unsuccessful until now.
As the area became depleted of oysters and clams baymen, unable to make a living, went elsewhere.
“There are so little of us left,” Painter said. “One of our young guys who’s in his 30’s just relocated to North Dakota. He said there’s no future here. I’ve seen so many guys leave.”
NOBBA and the charity, the Center for Food Safety, a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization, moved forward with a lawsuit against Fish and Wildlife in 2022 because it refused to perform a reevaluation of the effects the industrial shellfish dredging was causing at
the refuge.
“Federal law requires (Fish and Wildlife) to ensure that the purposes of each National Wildlife Refuge are carried out. Accordingly, the (Fish and Wildlife) may allow use of a refuge only if it first determines that the use is ‘compatible’ with the refuge’s purposes,” EarthJustice, who represented NOOBA and Food Safety, wrote in a statement. “(Fish and Wildlife) must reevaluate ongoing uses at least once every 10 years — and more frequently, if conditions change or new information becomes available.”
The reevaluation was important to NOBBA and Food Safety because they were certain it would reveal that hydraulic dredging was damaging the aquatic habitat so much so that it degraded water quality and harmed wildlife.
Fish and Wildlife committed to reevaluating the effects of industrial dredging within two years in a settlement reached on April 29, with a promise that a draft of the outcome will be available to the public before a decision is finalized. Additionally, Fish and Wildlife has agreed to issue special use permits for commercial activities and pay $48,000 in attorneys’ fees to NOBBA and Food Safety. The agreement clarifies that it does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by either party.
“The Congressman Lester Wolff Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge is beloved by New Yorkers and visited by iconic wildlife species including bald eagles, osprey, and sea turtles,” Alexis Andiman, EarthJustice’s attorney, said. “We’re pleased that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has committed to carrying out its long-overdue obligations to protect this special place, and together with our partners, we look forward to ensuring that it conducts a thorough and careful reevaluation, which will help to preserve the refuge for future generations.”
Courtesy Bill Fetzer
calendar. These are the purposes of Yom HaShoah.”
The observance also commemorates the beginning of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising of 1943, when a band of Jewish resistance fighters in the largest Nazi ghetto in World War II managed to defy their well-armed German occupiers.
The evening’s keynote speaker, Gail Kastenholz, is the daughter of two Holocaust survivors, and has dedicated herself to Holocaust remembrance, earning the Bruce Morel Education Award in 2019. She spoke about her parents’ experiences in the war, and how that formed her life path as an educator. She is now a docent for the Holocaust Center.
Kastenholz’s parents were interned in a ghetto in northern Germany in 1941, and members of her father’s family were murdered in retaliation for the killing of a Nazi soldier by a Jew there. Remarkably, her parents managed to escape, and were hidden by a Polish farmer in a barn for 18 months. Despite the trauma, they eventually found refuge and built a new life in the United States.
potato peels out for Seder.
“I am the link between the past, present and future,” Kastenholz said. “That is and has been my legacy for more than four decades. As a Jew, a mother, a wife or grandmother, a friend, an American educator, and a member of the human race, I am a second-generation survivor — being a ‘2G’ is in my DNA and in my heart and in my soul.”
After Kastenholz spoke, Silverman reflected on the dwindling number of Holocaust survivors. She noted that although the number of people who were killed may seem abstract, hearing firsthand accounts helps to deepen the understanding of one of history’s darkest moments.
I am the link between the past, present and future.
GAILKASTENHOLZ Daughter of Holocaust survivors
“People survived not because they were smarter, richer or better than anyone else,” Kastenholz said. “Somebody did something for one moment to help them live. A righteous person took action that was dangerous simply because it was the right thing to do.”
Her parents ate potato peels, she said, to survive in the barn. In their memory, she leaves
Another attendee, Assemblyman Charles Levine, president of the New York chapter of the National Association of Jewish Legislators, addressed the concerning rise of antisemitism and the seeming ostracization of the Jewish community in segments of American society. He drew parallels between the experiences of Jews and other marginalized groups, emphasizing that all forms of hatred and discrimination must be confronted and condemned.
“We today face the challenge of being the ‘other,’” Levine said. “Whether a person is black or Latino, gay, bi, trans — no matter what — they are they subjected to hatred. Too many of our colleagues in government thrive on that hatred. We must do everything we can, because Jew hatred is nothing more and nothing less than racism.”
Lisa Colacioppo, the current vice president of the North Shore School District Board of Education, is running for reelection for a second term on the board. Colacioppo, 48, of Sea Cliff, is a retired director of account management and has been involved in volunteer work within the district for years.
Colacioppo first ran for election three years ago, she said, because it was a natural progression of her involvement in the district. Now, she said that she is running for reelection because she believes in giving back to the community and serving on the board has been rewarding.
“I volunteered extensively within district committees and the Sea Cliff School PCA,” Colacioppo said. “I just felt like it was my time to volunteer more extensively.”
As vice president, Colacioppo is proud of the district’s achievements, which include ranking highly in academic, athletic and extracurricular areas. She added she believes that despite the challenges faced by the district, it is moving on the “right path.” Colacioppo wants to continue to see the North Shore schools thrive.
“Our schools continue to rise in the rankings, winning numerous awards from athletic championships to Regener-
on and our robotics team to our National Merit Scholars,” Colacioppo said. “We are offering our students a world-class education, while navigating the loss of millions of dollars in LIPA revenue.”
The district’s biggest challenge, Colacioppo said, is dealing with the loss of this revenue from the Long Island Power Authority and its impact on the local tax burden. While the district has been grappling with the LIPA revenue loss for the last several years, Colacioppo emphasized that she was committed to working for the district to balance providing for district students without overtaxing the community.
“I want to continue to support our administration in making the difficult decisions about how to preserve our nationally ranked schools,” she said. “They have been cutting so strategically that our students aren’t impacted.”
The district’s budget increase this year is 1.9 percent, which Colacioppo said is one of the lowest on Long Island. To cope with the financial situation, Colacioppo wants to focus on increasing revenue generated and putting pressure on legislators to protect the district from further loss of revenue.
“As a parent, I’m concerned about the budget and how different this district would look if the budget fails,” she said. Balancing competing interests within the district, such as the arts community,
Age: 48
Occupation: director of account management, retired
Village: Sea Cliff
Family: Married, one child
sports families, and fiscal responsibility groups, requires strong communication between the district and the community, according to Colacioppo. She also
believes in giving every stakeholder an opportunity to have their voices heard.
“One of the great things about being a board member is that we are able to join different committees,” Colacioppo said. “This allows us to hear and serve different segments of the population.”
Colacioppo serves on the Athletic Advisory Committee, the Wellness Committee, and the Individualized Education Program Committee. She wants to continue her work on these committees to advocate for all students.
In discussing what makes North Shore special, Colacioppo highlighted the district’s commitment to academics and extracurricular activities.
“We offer excellent and wide-ranging electives and athletic experiences,” she said. “Our fine and performing arts department is just amazing.”
She praised the district’s special education department and the fact that students are taught valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. With language instruction beginning in kindergarten and instrumental music starting in third grade, North Shore provides unique opportunities for students.
“North Shore is a very special place,” Colacioppo said. “So many families are moving here because they have heard about the great opportunities that the district offers.”
Maria Mosca is running for reelection to the North Shore School District’s Board of Education, aiming to continue her work in supporting the district’s educational programs and navigating its financial challenges. Mosca, 65, a retired director of student information systems, resides in Sea Cliff, with her husband and their eighth-grade daughter.
Mosca, who is completing her first term on the board, said that she believes she can leverage her experience and knowledge to help the district through its financial difficulties, particularly the loss of Long Island Power Authority tax revenue. Mosca emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and fiscal responsibility while preserving the district’s strong educational programs.
“The more I worked with our teachers and, in particular, our administration, the more I realized what a great place this is,” Mosca said. “I really do feel strongly that these children are our future leaders, and how we support them now in becoming aware and active and thoughtful world citizens is only going to benefit every single member of the community.”
Her involvement with the North Shore community began when she
moved to Sea Cliff nine years ago and quickly became active in volunteer work at the Sea Cliff School, eventually managing the school garden for seven years.
Mosca highlighted the challenges facing the district, including the loss of LIPA tax revenue and its impact on local taxpayers. While she said that it was important to keep the students needs at the forefront, she acknowledged the importance of balancing that with the financial pressures in the district, from the LIPA loss to rising levels of inflation.
“The major issue is how we move forward facing the tax losses that we’re facing,” Mosca said. “One of the most important considerations is how we balance supporting our students with not overburdening the taxpayer any more than has already happened because of circumstances beyond our control.”
She also stressed the importance of exploring creative revenue-generating ideas and advocating for state assistance. Mosca has been involved in the district’s legislative action committee, working to lobby state and county representatives for more support.
“The big challenge, the biggest challenge of all, is working with our legislators on this effort that seems to be getting underway to review the formula for awarding state aid,” Mosca said. “The people who live here, I would say the
Age: 65
Occupation: director of student information systems, retired
Village: Sea Cliff
Family: Married, one child
majority of them, are not uber-wealthy. We need the state to understand that this district, one of the shining stars of Long Island, is at risk and must have more reliable, stable, long-term help.”
In addition to her focus on financial issues, Mosca also praised the district’s educational achievements and highlighted the district’s commitment to academics and extracurricular activities, which she vowed to continue supporting.
“We have a phenomenal faculty, our teachers are dedicated, and many of them are members of our community,” she said. “We have built a phenomenal program. We are strong in the arts, our special education services are unparalleled, and our extracurriculars are extensive.”
Mosca credits the district’s success to its dedicated staff and administration, who she said she has come to deeply admire after working closely with them during the past three years.
“We have a dream team at the head of our administration right now,” she said. “They are completely dedicated, highly intelligent, skilled at what they do, and great educators and professionals.”
Overall, Mosca says her candidacy for reelection is rooted in her commitment to maintaining the district’s high standards of education while navigating its financial challenges. She plans to continue advocating for the district’s needs at the state level and exploring creative solutions to preserve North Shore’s programs and services.
James Svendsen, a seasoned educator with 34 years of experience, has announced his candidacy for the North Shore School District Board of Trustees. Svendsen says his extensive background in education, coupled with his strong commitment to the community, gives him the experience and insight to serve the district.
A resident of Glenwood Landing, Svendsen lives there with his wife and their two 13-year-old twins who attend North Shore Middle School. After retiring in June, Svendsen has been exploring opportunities in consulting, while spending time with his family.
In his professional journey, Svendsen began as a teacher in New York City and Lawrence, then moved into administration, serving as an assistant principal for two years. He went on to become a principal in New Hyde Park and Garden City for 15 years before assuming the role of director of curriculum for seven years. Svendsen previously attempted to run for the board but chose to withdraw his candidacy. This time around, he is resolute in his decision and believes that his experience will bring valuable insights to the board.
“I believe in supporting the communities I live in,” Svendsen said. “I feel like I
could be a big help to the school board with my education experience and budgeting knowledge.”
Svendsen acknowledged that the North Shore School District faces several challenges, particularly the loss of state funding from the LIPA settlement. He said that he is committed to finding solutions to maintain the quality of education, while ensuring responsible budgeting.
“As a newcomer to the board, I want to hear and listen and find out what’s been going on,” Svendsen said. “I’ve been working with the Legislative Action Committee, and the major issue right now is the loss of funding. We need to find ways to maneuver through this issue while being mindful of our budget.”
When discussing his goals for the board, Svendsen emphasized the importance of long-term planning and setting three to five-year goals for budgeting purposes. He added he believes in understanding where the district stands and the direction it needs to go to ensure a sustainable future.
In particular, Svendsen said that by committing to longer-term planning, the district will be better prepared to deal with situations like LIPA before they occur.
“I’ve been doing school budgets and curriculum planning for years,” Svendsen explained. “My experience in manag-
Age: 57
Occupation: director of curriculum, retired
Village: Glenwood Landing
Family: Married, two children
ing budgets and asking the right questions will be beneficial in making informed decisions for the district.”
Regarding his approach to communi-
cation, Svendsen stressed the need for outreach and transparency. He praised Chris Zublionis, the district superintendent, and other administrators for their efforts in keeping the community informed and engaged.
On the topic of sports and extracurricular activities, Svendsen expressed his support for long-term planning as well. He added that while he understood the necessity of balancing the needs of the arts, sciences and humanities, it was important to prioritize and support athletics and other extracurricular activities.
“We should be planning long-term for projects like upgrading gym facilities, dance studios, or orchestra rooms,” Svendsen said. “These projects should not come as emergencies but should be part of a long-term plan.”
When asked about the unique qualities of the North Shore School District, Svendsen spoke highly of the district’s strong academic and extracurricular programs, which have provided his children with enriching experiences.
“My children have had a very good experience here in the district. They have had numerous opportunities to succeed in their own unique ways,” Svendsen said. “We have a strong district, even in a challenging financial time, and we want to maintain that strength while being fiscally responsible.”
James Svendsen
To commemorate the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust Tolerance and Memorial Center of Nassau County hosted a book presentation by Adrienne Alexanian to discuss her father’s memoir, “Forced into Genocide.”
Alexanian’s exploration into her father’s past revealed a treasure trove of hidden history. After Yervant Alexanian’s passing in 1983, Adrienne delved into his belongings and unearthed a handwritten manuscript detailing his harrowing experiences during the Armenian Genocide, where he tragically lost 51 immediate family members.
The Armenian Genocide was a systematic campaign of extermination carried out by the Ottoman Empire against its Armenian population during World War I. Beginning in 1915, Armenians were subjected to mass deportation, forced marches, and massacres, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians. The genocide was marked by widespread atrocities, including torture, starvation and mass killings. Despite ongoing denial by the Turkish government, the Armenian Genocide is widely recognized as one of the first modern genocides.
But for Glen Cove residents like
Lynn Jamie, also a descendent of Armenian genocide survivors, her family history comes in fractured anecdotes from relatives. Her mother, Alice Boghosian, seldom spoke of the horrors she endured as a captive, often breaking down in tears when she attempted to share her experiences. Boghosian, was one of nine siblings, of whom only she and two sisters, along with their mother, managed to escape the march across the Syrian desert.
In 1916, the then 9-yearold Boghosian and her family eventually arrived in America through Ellis Island, where they faced challenges trying to enter the United States due to an illness Boghosian contracted, which caused her to lose one of her eyes in the orphanage. Authorities wanted to ensure that her illness wasn’t contagious. Despite these hardships, she pursued higher education, becoming a dental hygienist and working diligently to provide for her family.
Jamie added her strength in life comes from her mother, because despite the hardships she endured, her mother still pursued higher education to become a dental hygienist and worked hard to raise a family.
“To have that some of that writing that’s incredible,” Jamie said after the event. “I have nothing in writing, and Adrian is very fortunate to know all of her history.”
“My mother never spoke of the horrors, and when she did, she couldn’t even get more than two words out without weeping,” Jamie said. “And I never got her history.”
Years of dedication culminated in the publication of the book. This edition, painstakingly translated from Yervant’s original Armenian chronicle, shows previously unseen documents and photos meticulously preserved by the author.
“My father always wanted his story to be told to promote Armenian Genocide recognition, but since he was a prolific writer on the subject for the Armenian newspapers, I thought he had already achieved his because he never told my mother or me that he had written his own memoir,” Alexanian said. “Interestingly, I also found a letter from MGM Studios in response to a letter my father had written, rejecting his offer to write a screenplay about his
experiences as a survivor of the Armenian Genocide.”
What sets Alexanian’s account apart is his ability to not only document the brutality of the genocide but also to offer a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the motivations and actions of the Turkish military officials responsible for the atrocities. His narrative provides a nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play during this dark chapter, shedding light on both the cruelty of the perpetrators and the unexpected moments of humanity that occasionally emerged amidst the chaos.
“An aspect of the genocide that really hasn’t been brought to light that of Armenian soldiers conscripted into the Ottoman Turkish army during the Armenian Genocide,” Alexanian’s said. “The popular belief was that everybody was killed, all the conscripted soldiers were killed. But my father’s memoir dispels that belief.”
There are no other books in Armenian literature on this aspect of the genocide, making her father’s memoir essential for historians. Through “Forced into Genocide,” Alexanian not only honors her father’s memory, but also ensures that the voices of the past resonate with future generations, inspiring remembrance, recognition, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Donating food this weekend is simple, says Randi Shubin Dresner.
“Just leave non-perishable food items in a bag next to your mailbox before the regularly scheduled mail deliver on Saturday, May 11,” she said. And your mail carrier “will do the rest to make sure it gets onto the tables of our Long Islander neighbors in need.”
Shubin Dresner should know. She’s the chief executive of Island Harvest, which provides much-needed food support to more than 300,000 people on Long Island who faces hunger — including 90,000 children.
This weekend’s event is part of the U.S. Postal Service’s annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, done in collaboration with not only local charities like Island Harvest, but also the National Association of Letter Carriers.
After the food is delivered to Island Harvest, volunteers there sort and repackage the food for distribution to those in-need.
Non-perishable food items needed include canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, boxed juices, and shelf-stable milk. It does not include anything in glass containers, as these are easy to break.
“Even if it’s a can of soup or a box of cereal, every donation — no matter the size — will help countless Long Islanders who may be struggling to put food on their tables,” Shubin Dresner said.
Island Harvest distributed 15 million
pounds of food in 2022, a jump of 42 percent over donations before the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are counting on the generosity of our neighbors who can spare a little extra to help make this year’s Stamp Out Hunger food drive one of the most successful,” Shubin Dresner added.
Mail carriers are also on the lookout for personal care items like toothpaste,
soap, shampoo, deodorant and disposable diapers. All of these donations go toward replenishing Island Harvest’s network of food pantries, soup kitchens, and other emergency feeding programs throughout Long Island.
Stamp Out Hunger generated 544,000 meals locally. Since its inception in 1993, the national program has collected nearly 1.8 billion pounds of food in all 50
Here’s a sample of what you can leave by your mailbox on May 11:
■ canned beans/dried beans
■ peanut butter or other nut butter
■ canned fruit and vegetables
■ low-sodium soups
■ canned tuna/chicken
■ brown rice/instant brown rice
■ nuts/seeds/dried fruits
■ shelf-stable milk/milk substitutes
■ whole grain pasta
■ low-sodium canned pasta sauce
■ low-sodium canned tomatoes
■ olive or canola oil
■ toiletries and feminine products
■ laundry and dish detergent
■ paper towels and toilet paper
states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
All donations are tax-deductible since food collected benefits Island Harvest, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
To learn more, visit IslandHarvest.org.
–Melissa Berman
Ellington Tilles Center continues its collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, when the Future of Jazz orchestra visits the Tilles Center stage, Friday, May 16, 8 p.m. This all- Ellington showcases features a hand-picked ensemble of some of the greatest young musicians in jazz meeting the challenges posed by one of jazz’s great composers, Duke Ellington. Led by music director Joe Block, a recent Juilliard graduate and Essentially Ellington composition winner, this 15-piece band will keep everyone swinging all night long. The band includes some of best young jazz musicians on the scene today, who love this music as much as audiences.
Ellington’s music is so elegant, so dynamic, so intimately detailed that it takes a group of musicians with a genuine collaborative spark to fully bring out its inner magic, and that is what you will experience at this concert. The program explores decades of Duke’s music, including his earliest hits, Hollywood charts, swinging blues numbers, pieces inspired by his international travels, and portions of his later suites. It’s an eclectic repertoire and yet unmistakably Ellington through and through — always enjoyable upon first listen, but teeming with brilliant details that continue to reveal themselves over time. This vital music is at the core of Jazz at Lincoln Center, and you’re guaranteed to enjoy its timeless genius when the next generation of jazz leaders bring their fresh energy to it. Tickets are $42; available at TillesCenter.org or (516) 2993100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.
Families will enjoy another musical adventure, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, May 10, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Saturday, May 11, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, May 14-17, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to helping The Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat, energetic comedy based on four of Mo Willems’ popular Pigeon books. Featuring a live band to bring Deborah Wicks La Puma’s jazzy score to life, audiences will thoroughly enjoy singing and flapping along with The Pigeon and friends. The audience is part of the action, in this innovative mix of songs, silliness and feathers. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to theater and the humorous stories from Willems’ books. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.
On exhibit Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods.
Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.
Works include sculpture, paintings, photography, music, and ephemera from many noted and influential artists. On view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Citizens Campaign for the Environment, North Shore Land Alliance, and The Nature Conservancy cohost the Long Island Clean Water Symposium: Global Challenges and Local Solutions conference, Thursday, May 16, 2:30-5:30 p.m., at LIU Post Student Center Auditorium.
This free event brings together water science leaders to discuss water quality and quantity challenges on Long Island. With keynote speaker David Sedlak, author of “Water 4.0” and “Water for All,” Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Stony Brook University’s Dr. Chris Gobler. 720 Northern Blvd, Greenvale. Registration required. Visit NorthShoreLandAlliance.org to register and for information.
Join former Sea Cliff mayor Ed Lieberman at Sea Cliff Library, Thursday, May 16, at 4 p.m., to discuss the legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Using photos, historical events and anecdotes, the iconic First Lady comes to life. Registration required. 300 Sea Cliff Ave, Sea Cliff . Visit SeaCliffLbrary.org to register and for more information.
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, May 11, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.
Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Glen Cove Women’s Golf Club is looking for members. The group plays 18 holes every Tuesday, starting in April through October, at the Glen Cove Golf Club. Play is weather permitting. Membership is open to all women regardless of residency. 109 Lattingtown Road. For more information, visit GCWomensGolf.com.
event?
Tony Award-winner Betty Buckley brings her magical voice to the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center stage, Saturday, May 11, 8 p.m. Buckley will share an inspiring and emotionally compelling mix of stories and songs from the world of pop/rock, standards, musical theater, and Americana. Tickets start at $50, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. 1 South Ave., Garden City. Visit Adelphi.edu/pac for tickets or call (516) 877-4000.
The Locust Valley Seniors Club meets, Tuesday, May 14, in the MNA Community Room, 10 a.m- 1:30 p.m. New members are always welcome. 170 Buckram Road, Locust Valley.
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.
Long Island Kennel Club welcomes families and their four-legged companions to its spring show, Sunday, May 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Planting Fields Arboretum. This year’s Long Island Kennel Club show follows the annual acclaimed Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show earlier in the week. Many canine contenders are expected to leave the Big Apple and then head east to compete at the annual spring dog shows (Friday through Sunday, May 17-19, all held at the same venue. The three days celebrate everything canine, from impeccable show dogs and trick-dog demonstrations to doggie dock diving and an agility obstacle course. Events and attractions make this festival a treat for anyone who loves dogs. Sunday also features a special demonstration by the NYPD Transit Bureau Canine Unit, at 11 a.m. Dogs must be leashed at all times. No prong collars, retractable leashes or head halters. $20 admission per car load includes all-day access. 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay. Visit LongIslandDogsShows.com or call (516) 776-0923 for more information.
Sands Point Preserve’s reserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the backdrop for the latest edition of it’s unique chamber music series, “A Tour de France,” Sunday, May 19, 5 p.m. Feast your ears with French composers, old and new, when the duoJalal ensemble-in-residence is joined by violinists Deborah Buck and Min-Young Kim, cellist Caroline Stinson and soprano Abigail Brodnick. With wine reception following. $56, $45 members. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For tickets and information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Raynham Hall Museum hosts a lecture program with Dr. Megan Rhodes Victor on the history and archaeology of molly houses, Thursday, May 16, 5:30-7 p.m. These clandestine locations in the English colonies where spaces where gay men and cross-dressing individuals met and participated in elaborate gendered performances. 30 W Main St., Oyster Bay. Visit RaynhamHallMuseum.org or call (516) 922-6808 for reservations/information.
Looking back at history, we often see what appear to have been clearly defined periods, eras or growths of movements. Some good or entertaining, like the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age. Some revolutionary, like the turbulent ’60s. Others absolutely evil, like the Winds of War, the growth of Nazism in the 1930s that led inevitably to the horrors of World War II and the Holocaust.
Our general impression is that people living during those times realized, or were in some way aware of, the uniqueness of the challenges and transformations going on around them. My reading of history, however, is that for the most part — whether it be everyday people, intellectuals or world leaders — there was little realization during those years that the world as they knew it was that much different from what had come before. Until it
was. Or that tragedy lay ahead. Until it was too late.
I remember when I was in college in the 1960s, doing research papers on events that occurred in the ’20s and ’30s and noting how different the contemporary accounts of those years and events were from the histories written decades later. In the ’20s there was the Manassa Mauler (Jack Dempsey), the Sultan of Swat (Babe Ruth) and the Four Horsemen of Notre Dame for boxing, baseball and college football aficionados. And for those who enjoyed the nightlife, there were the speakeasies, the Cotton Club, in Harlem, and the Charleston. But when you read the newspapers and periodicals from those years, there is little if any recognition of the uniqueness of the time as an era, like the “era of wonderful nonsense,” as the ’20s were later dubbed.
Dactually already was). While there would be increasing concern over the growing repression of Jews in Germany, that awareness was nothing like what it should have been. And Hitler’s annexation of the Sudetenland was met by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain appeasing Hitler with hope of “peace in our time.”
emocrats are turning against
Israel, and Republicans are turning against Ukraine.
Similarly, in the 1930s, there was the media coverage of Hitler’s election in Germany, perhaps describing him as heavy-handed, but certainly nothing like the monster he would become (and
HAll this was ignored by too many America Firsters who chose to be isolationists. And then there was Pearl Harbor, the Axis of Evil and World War II.
The 1960s began with President John F. Kennedy and his New Frontier, hailing America’s greatness and pledging to “support any friend, oppose any foe,” before America slowly but inexorably edged throughout the second half of the decade into a maelstrom of outof-control campus demonstrations, flagburning, Woodstock, the Age of Aquarius and what grew into a permanent drug culture subset.
What will future historians say about today’s myriad crises and cultural challenges? Russia invading
Ukraine, and threatening the European order that has prevailed for almost eight decades. China dramatically expanding its military, threatening Taiwan and spreading its economic power and influence throughout the world. Israel being horrifically attacked by Iran’s proxy, Hamas, followed by thousands of pro-Hamas, antisemitic demonstrators marching in the streets of New York, occupying college campuses across the country and threatening Jewish students at those colleges.
America’s response to these challenges? More Democrats turning against Israel’s government. More Republicans becoming isolationist and turning against Ukraine. More American businesses increasing their dealings with China. College presidents negotiating with pro-Hamas, antisemitic students illegally taking over campuses. Are we blind? Has history taught us nothing, and are we forcing ourselves to relive the worst days of history? God help us all.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
ere’s an anniversary no one wants to celebrate: The Columbine school shooting — April 20, 1999 — just passed its 25th anniversary. More than a dozen dead, 21 injured. A new era begins. Why, why, why bring up such a horrific event? Perhaps because it hasn’t stopped.
Even though I sit here in the comfort of my study, feeling perfectly safe, I can’t emotionally disentangle myself from the news, which is always, in one way or another, about the human need to kill itself — or rather, the human assumption that it’s divided from itself, and “the other,” whomever that other is, either needs to be killed or is, at best, expendable. For instance:
“The Senate has passed $95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.”
So AP informs us, and immediately scenarios of screaming children,
bombed aid workers, home and hospitals reduced to rubble, flash before me. No, these are not abstract scenarios. Part of me and part of you lie trapped in that rubble, or stunned and grieving over the sudden loss of your whole family. And all we seem to do is continue funding the process that makes this happen, as though a larger understanding of our existence is not available — certainly not at the level of global politics.
What is power? Is it simply and sheerly us vs. them? Good vs. evil? Every war on Planet Earth is sold with this advertising slogan. Perhaps this is why I find myself thinking about the Columbine shootings — and all the mass shootings since then. Define an enemy, then kill it. This is what we learn in history class — but would-be mass shooters, caged in their own isolation, cross a line. They take this lesson personally. And there’s a world of possibility that welcomes them, oh so ironically. In this world, the sword is mightier than the pen (or anything else). Power means power over . . . something. So, if you’re a lost or wounded soul, imagining an enemy that needs to be destroyed is probably enormously tempting. If the world is going on with-
out you, maybe you should do something to stop it.
And the “world of possibility” — by which I mean far more than merely the “gun culture,” but the entirety of our culture of scripted violence, from global politics to the media to the entertainment industry — makes the loner’s imagined and insane solution, defining and killing an enemy, an actual possibility.
I n poems we can ask, where are we headed? What world comes next?
At the time of the Columbine shootings, I had begun writing poetry. This was in the wake of my wife’s death, in 1998, from pancreatic cancer. Poetry allowed me to deal with the shattered narrative of my life, and pretty soon I had expanded the terrain of my poetry beyond my personal grief to, well, life itself, including the horrific strangeness of the news.
And I happened to read, after Columbine, a news account of President Bill Clinton visiting the school and meeting with students in the gymnasium. And outside the school, gun-rights advocates held what they called a vigil, holding signs that declared “gun control kills kids” and “we will never give up our guns.”
What struck me about it the most was the idea that this was a “vigil,”
which implied something more than simply a protest — an expression of anger and disagreement. A vigil dug deeper, seemingly entering the soul. Guns were a source of power and power was the source of one’s humanity, so stripping away the right to own one had a deep, spiritual impact.
I wrote a poem in response to the vigil — I called it “Vigil” — attempting to address my feelings about the total scenario: the shooting itself, Americans’ deeply desired availability of guns, the impact of that availability on society’s lost souls.
I acknowledge that the sword is probably mightier than the poem, but a poem can ask questions that the sword can’t: Why? Where are we headed? What world comes next? Does armed defense — whether of home or country — ever go wrong, ever turn into poison?
All humans have a dark side. Is killing it in the other guy our only option? And what are the consequences of doing so?
Can power be with others, even those with whom we are in serious conflict, rather than simply over them? And if so, how can we begin reorganizing the world’s relationship with itself?
What’s stopping us?
Robert Koehler is an author and journalist syndicated by PeaceVoice.
At first glance, Elinor Sullivan was simply a proud suburban mother, raising her four children on the other side of the Great Depression.
Her husband was a state legislator. Her father was a vaudeville performer who originated the role of the Scarecrow in a stage production of “The Wizard of Oz.” But beyond that, you probably wouldn’t have looked twice at Elinor.
Except you should have. Because before she was a wife and a mom, she was Elinor Smith, the “Flying Flapper of Freeport,” who never met a plane she didn’t like or a dare she wouldn’t take. In fact, one taunt persuaded her to fly a Waco-10 under not one, but all four bridges that crossed the East River into Manhattan — a stunt that had never been done before, and was never repeated.
Elinor once held the women’s solo flight endurance record of more than 26 hours, set a speed record of nearly 191 mph, and even topped an altitude record of more than 32,500 feet, taking off from Roosevelt Field. And she became the first woman ever pictured on a box of Wheaties cereal.
And Elinor gave all of that up for two decades — the prime years of her life — so she could focus all of her attention on being a mother. Yet today, mothers can have careers while raising their children, showing even more how
To the Editor:
extraordinary every one of them is.
As we approach Mother’s Day, it’s important to reflect on the remarkable influence and unwavering love mothers bring into our lives. From the moment we enter this world, mothers are our first nurturers, guides and champions. They are the silent heroes whose impact transcends time and circumstances, shaping us into the individuals we become.
Mothers possess a unique blend of strength and tenderness. They are the multitaskers extraordinaire, effortlessly juggling countless roles with grace. From pursuing careers to nurturing children — mothers do it all with unparalleled dedication. Their resilience in facing life’s challenges serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with love and determination, any obstacle can be overcome.
What truly makes mothers extraordinary is their boundless capacity for love. A mother’s love is a force unlike any other — a source of comfort in times of distress. A beacon of hope in moments of despair.
It is a love that knows no bounds, selfless and unconditional. This love shapes our earliest memories, and echoes through the milestones of our lives — a constant reminder of unwavering support.
Mothers aren’t just caregivers, they are our first teachers, imparting lessons
As a candidate for the North Shore Board of Education this month, I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed North Shore school budget for the 2024-25 school year. As a member of this community, I believe that investing in education is not just a wise financial decision but a moral imperative that shapes the future of our society.
A great deal of time, energy and planning takes place to create a school budget each year, and I would like to thank the current board, the administration, teachers and staff for their participation in the process. The proposed budget is currently 1.76 percent under the tax cap, while faced with over a $2 million loss of LIPA revenue and rising costs. This is two consecutive years of presenting a budget under the tax cap! This in itself should be enough to vote “yes” on the proposed budget. It is a responsible budget despite the hardships the district is facing.
The school budget is more than just numbers on a page; it represents an investment in the future of our children and our community as a whole. Quality education is the cornerstone of a thriving society, and
that extend far beyond textbooks. They teach us compassion through their actions, resilience through their examples, and empathy through their understanding.
The wisdom passed down from our mothers is a treasure trove of lessons, guiding us through sunny days and stormy nights.
In celebrating mothers, we honor the unsung heroines whose sacrifices often go unnoticed. They prioritize our needs above their own, making countless sacrifices without seeking recognition. Whether it’s waking up early to pack lunches or staying up late to offer reassurance, they give of themselves tirelessly, embodying the essence of unconditional love.
On Sunday, let us celebrate the phenomenal women — like Elinor Smith, and our own mothers — who have shaped our lives in profound ways. Beyond the flowers and gifts lies a deeper appreciation for the incredible impact mothers have on our existence. And they don’t need to fly under bridges or break endurance records. In the tapestry of life, mothers are the golden threads that bind us together. Their presence is a gift that enriches our world in ways words cannot fully capture. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us cherish and honor these extraordinary women who personify love, strength and resilience.
While the Northrop Grumman Corporation and the United States Navy built machinery in Bethpage to help America win a world war and put a man on the moon, never did we expect their legacy to be one of serious environmental hazard on Long Island. Over the past few weeks, the dangerous environmental legacy of Grumman and the Navy has earned a top spot in local newspaper headlines and on the nightly news throughout the tristate area, and even overseas.
For more than 50 years, Northrop Grumman manufactured aircraft and spacecraft on 600 acres of property in Bethpage while dumping chemical waste into the soil. An investigation in 2020 revealed that the company had been aware of the hazards posed to our environment as early as the 1970s, but failed to disclose them to the public. In fact, Northrop Grumman officials even denied responsibility for the pollution.
When the corporation closed its Bethpage operations in 1998 and moved 20,000 jobs to other states, Long Island began to learn of the decades of toxic chemicals left behind in our community. The 16 chemical drums recently unearthed in Bethpage Community Park are just the tip of the iceberg. It’s clear that these drums were deliberately buried at the site as they were sealed in concrete coffins — which is highly uncommon, according to environmental experts.
The toxic plume of contaminants they spilled still grows by a foot a day.
The drums contain toxic chemicals, and preliminary test results show that their contents match the contaminants found in the adjacent soil. Even worse, we expect more to be found in the coming weeks.
For over 20 years, it’s been widely known that chemicals dumped into the ground by Northrop Grumman and the Navy have been threatening our water supply in the form of an underground plume. Bethpage Community Park is just one of the contaminated sites in our area that has contributed to the plume.
From updated programs and technology to extracurricular activities and enrichment programs, these resources play a crucial role in fostering a wellrounded education that prepares students for success in an increasingly competitive world.
Budget decisions require careful consideration of competing priorities and limited resources, and it is clear that our district leadership has labored to achieve this balance to best effect. By supporting the school budget, we are making a commitment to the future of our community and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
JAMES SVENDSEN Glenwood LandingTo the Editor:
Even with congestion pricing scheduled to start on June 30, there is no way the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will be able to advertise, award and issue Notices to Proceed tor contractors for $15 billion worth of projects remaining in the agency’s 2020-2024 Five Year Capital Plan before the end of
Thankfully, local water districts have successfully treated our drinking water at the tap. But this treatment has come at great expense to local taxpayers. Millions of dollars have been spent thus far to clean our water before it arrives at our homes. Grumman and the Navy should be forced to fully reimburse taxpayers for these costs.
Over 250,000 Long Islanders now live in the cone of influence from the plume — a population two and a half times the size of the one at risk in the nationally reported water crisis in Flint, Michigan. The plume continues to spread by about a foot a day. That’s the rate at which groundwater moves south, putting the Great South Bay at risk.
Simply put, we are in a race against time to install the proper infrastructure to prevent Grumman’s pollution from reaching deeper into the freshwater aquifer from which we derive our drinking water.
Northrop Grumman and the Navy have been given too much time and flexibility to clean up their mess. For that reason, the Town of Oyster Bay filed a lawsuit against Northrop Grumman last
September. We are now forcing Grumman to move forward with radar scans to determine where additional contaminants may be in Bethpage Park. At the same time, we are forming bipartisan coalitions with members of Congress, state officials, water districts, trades unions and environmental groups. Together, we are fighting for you. With strict new federal guidelines for drinking water recently approved to protect our health, and with the underground plume moving at a foot per day, it’s more imperative than ever for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to hold Northrop Grumman and the Navy fully accountable for a thorough and complete investigation of contaminated grounds, strict and timely removal of all contaminated soils, and the full financial expense of restoring Mother Earth.
We should never expect less. Just as Long Islanders raced to win a world war and put a man on the moon, our federal and state governments must race with even greater speed to protect our health, save our drinking water and protect the people in our community.
Joseph Saladino is supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay.
the year. There are also billions of dollars in other ongoing capital projects whose work will be carried over into the MTA’s $51 billion-plus 2025-2029 five-year plan.
There may not be enough resources to integrate the implementation of all of the congestion price-funded projects in the current five-year plan with those in the first and second years of the next five-year plan. The MTA lacks sufficient procurement, project managers, engineers, legal and force account employees, along with track outage availability, to proceed with all these projects in the same time frame.
Billions of dollars’ worth of capitalimprovement projects will be delayed. Costs will increase due to inflation and other factors as time goes by. The $51 billion-plus 2025-2029 Five Year Capital Plan is due to be released and adopted within seven months. It should include an integrated schedule for how the billions in carryover projects from the current five-year plan will proceed with billions more planned for the new program.
MTA board members, elected officials, New York City, state and federal funding agencies such as the Federal Transit Administration, along with commuters, taxpayers, transit advocacy groups and transit reporters need to see this critical information. It is the only way we can determine if the MTA is up to meeting the challenge.
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously served as a director of the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office of Operations and Program Management.
In the May 2 edition of the Sea Cliff/ Glen Head Herald, the Jupiter Power story should have listed Dave Martin as having a bachelor’s degree in physics.
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