Seaford Herald 02-29-2024

A rare birthday celebration Page 11

Bagels is

These events,

The year of the dragon Page 10

Jeremy Loud is on a long, difficult road to recovery

By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

Seaford resident Jeremy Loud has been on a difficult — yet persistent — quest to walk again after a swimming pool accident almost four years ago left him confined to a motorized wheelchair.

Loud has been commuting with his wife, Jackie, more than 200 miles twice a week to undergo physical therapy at Project Walk, a paralysis recovery center in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. He said the facility provides

exercise focusing on strengthening his core, and with some assistance, he said he’s able to stand on a treadmill and pedal an exercise bike — but acknowledges that he still has a long road ahead.

“The rough part about spinal cord injury is it’s a slow, slow process,” he said. “It’s not something that’s going to happen overnight. I have to keep reminding myself, I’m not running a race, I’m running a marathon.”

However, Project Walk is not covered by insurance, and the Loud family must pay

Continued on page 5

A rare birthday celebration

Page 11

Seaford Bagels is honored for its generosity

By RACHEl BAMGBoSE Correspondent

Aiding war veterans can take on all shapes and sizes, and the charitable contribution made to them by one Seaford store is round with a hole in the middle.

The owners of Seaford Bagels, at 3970 Merrick Road, have donated bagels to a veterans group for its holiday breakfast charity events.

WAs a result, the store owners were honored with a plaque as a show of appreciation for giving back to their community and to veterans. On Feb. 24, several members of the Catholic War Veterans Post 1772 in Queens, including Stephen Biscotti, John Vosilla, John Scalesi, Henry Hernandez and Commander Raymond Fortune, stopped by the store for a ceremony to present a plaque to owner John Scannello and manager Virginia Glenn for their contributions.

These events, according to Biscotti, require a large amount of food to accommodate the numbers in attendance.

“We do a lot,” Biscotti said. “We purchase anywhere from 20 to 25 dozen bagels, cakes, cookies, juice, coffee, tea, etcetera.”

But Scannello and Glenn have lessened some of that burden by donating the bagels to Post 1772, according to Biscotti. The charitable gesture is just one of many ways the storeowners have been helping their communities.

e are all so humbled and honored.

JoHN SCANNEllo Co-owner, Seaford Bagels

Scannello and Glenn also have spread generosity throughout their community by offering a free bagel or cup of coffee to PTA organizers, students, churches and sports teams. When houses in Seaford burned down last December and February of this year, the bagel store didn’t hesitate to reach out to the community with a helping hand and a bagel free of charge.

State Sen. Steve Rhoads was also in attendance to commemorate the success of their donations, and presented a proclamation to the store owners.

For Easter and Christmas, the Queens post hosts charity events for veterans. Biscotti said the events draw between 150 and 200 community members, and provide children with an opportunity to have breakfast with the Easter Bunny and Santa.

The Seaford shop has been serving the community for more than 30 years, often bringing U.S. veterans to tears after they received their donations. For veterans, as well as members of the community, the bagel store has remained a constant as inflation continues to rise.

“They come in here, and they can be very emotional, and they

Continued on page 9

Courtesy Jeremy Loud

Jeremy Loud with his wife, Jackie, and sons Mason, 5 months, and Hunter, 3. in 2020, Loud suffered an accident in which he broke two vertebrae, and he now uses a wheelchair, but since May he has been going to project Walk in new Jersey, where he has improved his motor skills.

“The Vacant Space Revival Program qualified us for on-bill credits that really help me manage costs.”

—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown

Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.

psegliny.com/EcoDev

HERALD SCHOOLS

Put on your skates and head to the show

It’s not a traditional musical for a Long Island high school, but the Seaford Drama Club is ready to give the audience an uncommon experience with the upcoming production of “Xanadu.” The show is based on the 1980 movie of the same name and features chaos, a love story, roller-skating and laughs for all ages.

The musical comedy debuted on Broadway in 2007, and 17 years later it is coming to the Seaford High School stage. A cast of 39 students will perform three shows, plus an open dress rehearsal for local senior citizens.

“It’s nice to bring something new and unfamiliar to our students here, all well as our audience,” director and choreographer Samantha Gates-Weber said. “Seaford’s drama students are very funny and this shows off the talent that they have.”

Lead cast members include Kieran Calderaro as Sonny, Cassandra Kelly as Kira and Clio, and Dylan Quinn as Danny. Playing the muses are Erin Oritz, Hailey Falta, Troy Tyznar, Emma Baldwin, Emily Salcé and Dylan Wong.

“I really like the music and I’m enjoying making meaningful memories in my last show at Seaford High School,” said Kieran, a senior, appearing his fifth pro-

duction.

Cassandra, in her fourth high school show, think that this is the first time there will be singing and roller skating together on the Seaford High School stage.

“It’s very magical,” she said. “There’s a lot happening. The audience will like the silliness of it and the jokes.”

Erin said most of the cast had never heard of Xanadu before the show was announced, but they like the uniqueness of it. Dylan added that the singing, dancing and acting abilities of the cast will make it a great show.

In addition to Gates-Weber, the show is supported by musical director Gina Salvia, producer Shari Raduazzo, set designer Grant Weber and costumer designer Suzanne Gates, as well as a stage crew of 25 students and a lighting crew of eight.

Local senior citizens are invited to a free open dress rehearsal on Thursday, Mar. 7 at 4 p.m. Show times for all audiences are Friday, Mar. 8 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Mar. 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in high school auditorium. Advance tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults, and can be reserved by emailing Raduazzo at sraduazzo@seaford.k12.ny.us. Tickets at the door will be $12 for students and $15 for adults.

Photos courtesy Seaford school district

The Seaford High School Drama Club will perform ‘Xanadu’ based on a 1980 movie of the same name from Mar. 7-9.

Choreographed routines with roller-skating are a big part of the show.

Hailey Falta, left, Cassandra Kelly, center, and Erin Ortiz rehearse a scene from the show.

Wisdom Lane cuts ribbon on new library

The grand opening of the Wisdom Lane Middle School library attracted all the buildings’ readers on Feb. 14. The library recently underwent a topto-bottom renovation, expanding the learning opportunities librarians will provide.

The ribbon was cut to the sound of cheers as administrators, building leaders and students gathered for the opening. Inside, the library featured newly organized bookshelves with new books, plenty of tables and chairs to read on and a SmartBoard. Classes will soon start utilizing the space for lessons with the support of librarian Caitlin Stabile and senior library clerk Robyn Walsh.

“I’m mostly excited that kids are so excited,” Stabile said. “It’s already a popular place to be, now it’ll get extra attention.”

“I’ve been anticipating this for months now,” said eighth grader Adam Wong.

“I read a lot, so I’m excited for all the new books,” said Fiona Adams, also in eighth grade. “I’ll be here as often as I can come.”

“We’re very excited about the new design of the library,” Principal John Avena said. “We look forward to all students and staff utilizing the space as we move forward.”

Students, staff and administrators gathered for the grand opening of the Wisdom Lane Middle School library on Feb. 14.

Librarian Caitlin Stabile cut the ribbon for the grand opening.

Photos courtesy Levittown public schools Principals, administrators and school staff gathered for the occasion.

Fundraiser to help pay for Loud’s rehab

$240 for a two-hour session. In addition to tolls and gas, each commute they take to the recovery facility costs them around $400, but they said the trip is worth it.

“He’s been going since May of last year, and that’s where his progress has really come in,” his wife said.

Loud’s uncle, Chris Amato, has also seen how much progress he’s made since going to Project Walk. Amato became legal guardians to Loud and his sister Nicole after their mother died in 1987 when Jeremy was 9 years old. Though not directly related, Amato considers them his children.

Loud’s progress at Project Walk has been tremendous, improving his balance and regaining the use of his arms, according to Amato.

“All those things are making him be able to function at such a higher level than he was able to do,” Amato said. “We’re just hoping that it continues to the point where he gains a lot more independence.”

To help provide more sessions for him at Project Walk, Amato and his wife, Linda, have reached out to The John Theissen Children’s Foundation to set up a raffle and auction fundraiser, which will take place at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh on Sunday, March 3.

Loud said he’s thankful for all the help he’s received from the community in organizing the event.

“Everything seems to be pretty unbelievable,” he said. “Everybody’s pitching in and donating baskets.”

Insurance has covered Loud’s rehabilitation at Northwell Health STARS Rehabilitation in East Meadow, but his wife said limitations have been placed on what he can do during therapy.

Loud’s life changed over the Labor Day weekend in 2020 when he broke his C5 and C6 vertebrae in a swimming pool accident in Amato’s backyard. He said he

doesn’t remember much about what happened, and none of his family members saw the incident. But he was found at the bottom of the pool and was pulled out and given CPR.

First responders arrived and rushed him to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Bethpage. From there, he was transferred to Winthrop Hospital in Mineola, where he underwent two surgeries to his neck. Afterward, he attended NYU Rusk Rehab in the city for two months of physical therapy before returning home around Thanksgiving in 2020.

“I could barely sit up, I could barely talk without passing out,” Loud said of his recovery. “Everything was extremely hard to do in the beginning.”

Jackie Loud said their son Hunter was born eight weeks after the accident.

“When Jeremy first came home, he couldn’t hold him,” she said. “He couldn’t feed him, he couldn’t do anything.”

“I was afraid to hold him because of the lack of strength,” Jeremy Loud said. “I literally felt like a piece of pasta, flailing all over the place.”

Since the accident, he’s struggled financially, despite receiving disability checks and with his wife working. They are now converting their two-story home so that it’s more wheelchair-accessible, and he hopes to see changes in the state for more wheelchair accessibility in buildings and public spaces.

Loud added that he would like to see a little more flexibility from the banks during these tough times.

“When this happens to somebody and you’re a homeowner, there’s just no forgiveness from the banks as far as trying to work with you with a payment or mortgage,” he said. “It’s just unbelievable how expensive everything is, and now it’s a fixed income, for me, anyway. It’s not easy having two small kids, and being injured, but we’re doing the best we can.”

For more information on the March 3 fundraiser, visit tinyurl.com/day-for-jeremy.

statute authorizing a trust for your pet:

a. The intended use of the principal or income, of a trust for the care of a designated domestic or pet animal, may be enforced by an individual designated for that purpose in the trust instrument. Such trust shall terminate when no living animal is covered by the trust.

b. No portion of the principal or income may be converted to the use of the trustee or to any use other than for the benefit of a covered animal.

c. Upon termination, the trustee shall transfer the unexpended trust property as directed in the trust instrument or, if there are no such directions in the trust

instrument, the property shall pass to the estate of the grantor.

d. A court may reduce the amount of property transferred if it determines that amount substantially exceeds the amount required for the intended use. The amount of the reduction, if any, passes as unexpended trust property pursuant to paragraph (c), above.

e. If no trustee is designated or no designated trustee is willing or able to serve, a court shall appoint a trustee and may make such other orders and determinations as are advisable to carry out the intent of the grantor and the purpose of this section.

If you are interested in setting up a trust for your beloved pet, please make an appointment to see us for a free consultation. Should you have no one to take care of your pet, try PetEstates.com, who will perform this service for you.

Courtesy Jeremy Loud

Jeremy Loud on an exercise bike at project Walk, which his family says has helped build his core strength and balance after a swimming pool accident in 2020 left him unable to walk.

Blakeman defends banning trans athletes

By PARKER SCHUG pschug@liherald.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman says he’s protecting athletes in his executive order last week banning some transgender participants in female-centric sports in county facilities. But the action also has raised concerns — and legal questions. Some of which were brought before the Nassau County Legislature on Monday.

We’re confident that as soon as this executive order comes before court, it will be shut down

BoBBy HodGSon director New York Civil Liberties Union

“An individual’s gender is defined as the individual’s biological sex at birth,” Blakeman wrote in his executive order, which demands any sport entities interested in using county facilities to first designate themselves based on male, female or co-ed categories, and then only accept athletes who meet that criteria according to the gender that was originally listed on their birth certificate.

There are nearly 100 facilities in the county that will be impacted, Blakeman told reporters last week.

But Bobby Hodgson — director of LGBTQ rights litigation at New York Civil Liberties Union — says those impacts may not be felt long.

“Were confident that as soon as this executive order comes before court, it will be shut down,” Hodgson said.

The executive order primarily targets athletes born biologically male, but who now identify as female, from participating in teams intended only for girls or women. Blakeman’s order does not require facilities to ban athletes born female and now identifying as male from joining male-centric teams.

Blakeman, however, was quick to add last week, that trans athletes identifying as females aren’t completely banned — they will still be able to participate in co-ed leagues as well as male competitive leagues.

Nassau County Legislator Samantha Goetz backed Blakeman’s directive, citing safety and integrity.

“This is about protecting our female athletes,” said Goetz, whose district primarily represents Oyster Bay. “This is about making sure they’re not denied opportunities for scholarships, or any type of opportunity that comes with playing sports, recognition and things like that.”

Eva Nordman, an 8-year-old who plays basketball, softball and soccer, said it was also about keeping sports equitable.

“Boys have different chromosomes than girls and that makes them stronger,” Nordman said. “It’s not fair if they

college, whether it’s high school, whether it’s just a community league — and it is an unfair advantage for someone who’s a biological male to compete against a biological female.”

Dawn Foster — a former deputy county attorney and an Oceanside resident — stopped by Mineola on Monday to speak out against Blakeman’s executive order in front of the county legislature on behalf of her family.

“In 2021, when I finally stopped fighting against myself and accepted that I was a woman and needed transition, we felt fortunate to live in Nassau County,” Foster said, calling the executive order unlawful, and condemning what she described as efforts to demonize trans women. “That feeling was shattered last week.

“Blakeman and Goetz press conference was a total of repudiation of the humanity of trans people, implying that we are cheaters, liars and bullies.”

compete against us.”

Protesters gathered outside of Blakeman’s news conference last week led by Juli Grey-Owens, executive director of Gender Equality New York, chanting, “Trans kids are our kids.” They will get some support from the NYCLU — a notfor=profit legal right group — say they will consider taking Nassau County to court over what Hodgson described as a disregard of state human rights and civil rights laws.

An amendment to the state’s human rights law in 2019 outlawed gender identity and expression discrimination in employment, housing, places of public accommodation, and non-religious schools, according to state officials.

Hodgson is not alone. State attorney general Letitia James condemned Blakeman’s order, calling it “transphobic and

deeply dangerous.”

“In New York, we have laws that protect our beautifully diverse communities from hate and discrimination of any and every kind,” James said, in a statement. “My office is charged with enforcing and upholding those laws, and we stand up to those who violate them and trespass on the rights of marginalized communities. We are reviewing our legal options.”

But Blakeman told reporters last week he knew of no state policy that could threaten his executive order

“This is not precluding anybody from participating in sports,” Blakeman wrote in his executive order. “What it is, is identifying that there are women and girls who spent a tremendous amount of time and effort to excel and compete in their sports that are women’s sports whether it’s the WNBA, whether it’s

Foster already had support from some county legislators like Carrié Solages and Delia DeRiggi-Whitton.

“I have never, in my many years of government service, had a constituent or parent complain to me about this issue,” Solages said, “making it clear that this embarrassing and illegal order is just another attempt by County Executive Blakeman to distract from the many issues that plague Nassau County.”

But Blakeman is not going to let those efforts dissuade him.

“We are finding out, in the last few months, there was a movement for biological males to bully their way into competing in sports or leagues or teams that identify themselves — or advertise themselves — as girls, or female or women’s teams or leagues,” the county executive said last week. “We find that unacceptable. It’s a form of bullying.”

Parker Schug/Herald photos

Victoria Argueta, from left, Sophia Argueta, Eva Nordman, Julia Nordman and Jenna Nordman join Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman at a news conference, telling reporters he’s banning some transgender athletes from participating in female-centric sports in county facilities.

Juli Grey-Owens, executive director of Gender Equality New York, front, protests outside a Mineola news conference last week where Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced he was banning some transgender athletes from participating in female-centric sports in county facilities.

Seaford seniors secure their college spots

It’s that time of year for Seaford High School seniors, when they start making their college commitments for the fall. While May 1 marks National Decision Day, many of Seaford’s soonto-be graduates have already firmed up their plans well ahead of the deadline, choosing colleges near and far.

Chris Wingert will be heading to the City College of New York to study game design. He said that while many of the best game design programs are in California, he was looking for one closer to home and found it in City College’s recently introduced gaming pathways program. In college, he is excited to experience the diversity of the city and the culture of Harlem, along with getting involved in the music program.

Long Island’s Molloy University is where Madison Agostino will spend the next four years to study criminal justice and play for the women’s lacrosse team. She chose Molloy because she was looking to stay close to home.

“It was a really welcoming school when I visited,” she said, adding that “going to college is like a fresh slate.”

Lucas Kanellopoulos, on the other hand, will be hundreds of miles away at Clemson University. His cousin went there and when he visited the campus, he loved it, along with a strong accounting program.

college

Having his college decision finalized by February feels good, Lucas said. In college, he is looking forward to meeting new people, getting involved in business-oriented clubs and attending sporting events.

Umika Hathiramani, the Class of 2024 valedictorian, has selected Boston College. She will major in marketing and said she wanted to find a school in the Northeast with a good business program. Upon visiting the campus,

she found a tight-knit student body and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

“I’m looking forward to taking advantage of the opportunities, meeting new people and diving headfirst into the college experience,” she said.

Courtesy Seaford school district

Seaford High School seniors, from left, Chris Wingert, Umika Hathiramani, Madison Agostino and Lucas Kanellopoulos have made their

decisions for the fall.

A strong bond with Summit Lane students

Separated by merely an athletic field, Summit Lane Elementary School and Division Avenue High School in the Levittown School District have a strong bond. The partnerships between the two schools was in the spotlight for the academic presentation at the board of education meeting on Feb. 7.

“We’re very fortunate at Summit Lane that we have great neighbors,” Principal Keith Squillacioti said, as he introduced teachers, as well as both elementary and high school students, to talk about those connections.

Through Junior Achievement, Division Avenue students visit Summit Lane classes to teach lessons

on entrepreneurship and financial literacy. High school students are trained on the curriculum and classroom management techniques before implementing the lessons at the elementary.

The partnership extends more than 15 years and Summit Lane is a Junior Achievement Gold School. The service learning and leadership development program is overseen by Christine Pace.

Teacher Casey Graham and students talked about Big Dragon, the first partnership between the schools, established more than 20 years ago. Division Avenue students are paired with Summit Lane teachers and assist with classroom activities. The Big Dragons help

students with classwork, read to them, play games and even help the youngsters learn how to play instruments.

Bilingual Buddies, coordinated by Genevieve Pannell, began in 2022. High school students work with elementary students who are learning English. The Division Avenue buddies are able to communicate with the children in their native language, including Spanish, Mandarin and Urdu. They help their younger peers finish classwork, start homework and become stronger and more confident readers. Ms. Pannell said that Summit Lane’s English language learners benefit both academically and socially from the experience.

Courtesy Levittown school district

The Levittown Board of Education meeting on Feb. 7 featured a presentation on the partnerships between Summit Lane Elementary School and Division Avenue High School.

Bagel store recognized for its generosity

Continued from page 1

thank us for supporting the community,” Scannello said of veterans. “Or when PTAs come in, I stamp their business cards, inviting them to come back and get a free bagel. We are all so humbled and honored.”

During the plaque ceremony, Scannello thanked the veterans and gave them a round of applause for fighting for their country.

“We at Seaford Bagels are known by the community to be generous,” Scannello said. “These veterans, they sacrifice their lives for us. This is the least we could do for them.”

Sen. Rhoads also thanked Seaford Bagels for supporting the Seaford and Wantagh communities, as he presented the smiling shopkeepers with the plaque.

“I want to thank Post 1772 for everything you’ve done,” Rhoads said. “The Seaford success is about giving back to the community, not just about keeping things in the community. Seaford Bagels, John and Virginia, you understand that so well, and you do it willingly.”

the business for its generous

State Sen. Steve rhoads, far left, with Seaford Bagels co-owners ralph facchini and John Scannello, manager Virginia glenn, and Stephen Biscotti. members of the Catholic War Veterans post 1772 in Queens stopped by Seaford Bagels last Saturday to present a plaque to

bagel donations.

Rachel Bamgbose/Herald photos manager Virginia glenn shows off the plaque that was given to Seaford Bagels for its contributions to the community.

It’s the Year of the Dragon at Lee Road

New Year

and

reflecting the holiday’s traditions on Feb. 7. Students in each grade excitedly entered the Year of the Dragon and worked collaboratively to learn about the meaning behind the Chinese holiday. In kindergarten, craft dragons came to life with a pop of colors commonly associated with the Lunar New Year. The students cut out their dragons and assembled them into puppets for a miniature parade. Additionally, a scavenger hunt had third graders parading around looking for clues to help them complete a Lunar New Year fact sheet.

The Lee Road Elementary School community in the Levittown School District marked Lunar

with crafts

lessons

Photos courtesy Levittown public schools Torre and Bischof’s kindergarten class were excited to craft their own paper dragons.

Lee Road Elementary School kindergartners John Scudero and Haris Ahmed entered the year of the dragon on Feb. 7.

Third grader Jeanne Marie Fuchs found several facts about the holiday.

When a birthday is once every four years

By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

Birthdays can be exciting, even more so when it comes around once every few years.

Wantagh High School sophomores Tyler Santomauro and Brianna McLaughlin are similar in one unique way: They were born on leap day, Feb. 29. According to them, it’s a fun experience to have their actual birthday come around once every four years.

This year, they’ll turn 16, or four, depending on who you ask.

“It’s cool,” Tyler said. “You pick your birthday sometimes, or sometimes you get the real one.”

Brianna says she thinks about how interesting it is to be born on leap day when the date approaches. Her family celebrates her birthday on Feb. 28 when it is not a leap year. When her actual birth date occurs, Brianna says her family makes it a special moment.

“We just celebrate it more I guess,” Brianna said. “Just like, a bigger party. We have it at a restaurant instead of having it at home.”

Tyler’s mother, Cassy Santomauro, says he chooses when to have his birthday on non-leap years. Mostly it’s celebrated on Feb. 28, but sometimes it’s celebrated on the nearest Saturday, or even on St. Patrick’s Day. Last leap year –when Tyler turned 12 – his mother says

said. “They said, ‘Do you want to change it?’ and I’m like, ‘no, I want this birthday.’ I thought it was the coolest birthday ever, so they were trying to talk me out of it.”

The purpose of leap day is to adjust the calendar of the Earth’s orbit around the sun as part of the Gregorian calendar. The planet’s annual rotation is not exactly 365 days, so to keep the calendar aligned with the astronomical seasons, a correction in the form of an extra day is added every four years.

Brianna and Tyler say their friends find their leap day birthdays interesting. According to the History Channel, there are around five million people in the world who were born on Feb. 29, making it the rarest birthday in the world.

“They just think it’s cool and interesting that you have a birthday every four years,” Brianna said.

“Sometimes when I’m talking about it and someone stops by, they’ll be like, ‘Oh, you’re born on leap year?’ And then ask questions about it,” Tyler said.

his friends gave him birthday cards that said he’s turning three, and gave him gift cards to baby stores as a fun way to celebrate.

“They just love the fact that he’s got this special day that he can say he’s four, or 16,” Santomauro said. “We just like to make it a little bit more of a cele-

bration.”

Santomauro knew her son was going to be a Feb. 29 baby, because she was scheduled to have a C-section that day. She said doctors tried to convince her to change the date, but she didn’t want to.

“The doctors called me like five times about changing the date,” Santomauro

Santomauro says Tyler loves his birthday, because it makes him stand out despite being a little bit shy.

“It makes him feel like he’s different than everybody and he loves that part,” Santomauro said. “He’s a little quiet sometimes in the beginning, but this is something that lets him be the star, so he loves it.”

Charles Shaw/Herald

Wantagh High School sophomores Brianna McLaughlin, left, and Tyler Santomauro were both born on leap day, and will celebrate their 16th birthday on Feb. 29. It will be the fourth time they’ve celebrated their birthday on their actual birth date.

STEPPING OUT

Her theatre life

Tony Award nominee Sheryl Kaller directs Off-Broadway’s ‘The White Chip,’ a play about alcoholism and recovery

By Iris Wiener

When Valley Stream native Sheryl Kaller was 12, she knew she wanted to be a director. It was 1973. She went to a Sunday matinee of “Pippin,” and Ben Vereen sang “Magic to Do,” immediately clinching her dream.

“I always knew theatre was the only place where we can authentically use our imaginations,” she says. “I had the Spidey sense of knowing that it was a collaborative art.”

It was the start to a journey that would lead her to a Tony nomination as she directed Broadway (“Next Fall,” “Mothers and Sons”) and Off-Broadway plays, including “The White Chip,” which follows a theatre director who finds himself spinning out of control with an addiction to alcohol. The play, exploring his journey to recovery, runs through March 9, at MCC Theater.

“Broadway and Off-Broadway always felt like my community,” Kaller says. “My parents were very vigilant about getting me in to see theatre all the time. It informed my exposure to the art and my love of New York City.”

As Kaller grew up in the Green Acres community of Valley Stream, she performed in community theatre with her mother, while her father — who repaired car seat covers for a living — would use his knowledge of sewing to design costumes for the shows. (“They were horrible actually,” Kaller says, laughing at the fond memories.)

In her senior year at Valley Stream South High School, Kaller got her first taste of directing. After landing the role of Rosie in “Bye Bye Birdie,” she realized a big number — “The Telephone Hour” — could use some major help.

“I said to the director, who was great, ‘With all due respect, may I redo (the number)?’ So I redid the whole ‘Telephone Hour.’ That’s when I knew I was much better at directing than acting, and it led me to go to Emerson College — as a director, not as an actor.”

In 2019, Kaller directed “The White Chip” at OffBroadway’s 59E59 with the support of acclaimed playwright Terrence McNally, who, much like the play’s narrator, was

• Now through March 9

• Robert W. Wilson MCC Theater Space, 511 W. 52nd St., Manhattan

• Tickets available at WhiteChipPlay.com

a recovered alcoholic. When McNally died during the pandemic, Kaller knew she had to bring the play back to the New York theatre community.

“In the world of Covid and in the world of losing community, we felt it was really important to bring it back because ‘The White Chip’ is a hopeful sobriety story, and a serio-comedy. There’s a lot of fun things in it,” she says of the play, which found its new home at the MCC Theater. “We are building community and doing service with this show, while entertaining at the same time.”

According to Kaller, after the pandemic, alcoholism in women doubled, while in men it was up a third.

“AA and addiction meetings were all on Zoom, and everybody kind of fractured,” she says. “This is a story that makes you laugh and cry. It also talks about how there’s no shame in being an addict. Shame touches everybody’s lives in one way or another.”

In deciding to take the piece on again, it didn’t hurt that Tony Award winner Annaleigh Ashford was at the show’s helm as producer.

“She’s very magical,” says Kaller of Ashford, who recently starred in Broadway’s “Sweeney Todd” opposite Josh Groban.

“The White Chip” has such an important message that it also boasts celebrity supporters and producers Jason Biggs, John Larroquette, Edie Falco and Hank Azaria. The pandemic even inspired playwright Sean Daniels to create The Recovery Project, an initiative working to heal the stigma of addiction and recovery through the development of new plays, theatre education programs, and outreach.

“All of our fancy producers are sober people,” says Kaller, of the importance of the play and the initiative. “Every producer who came on board financially was incredibly gracious. They don’t have the best deal in the world because a lot of the money is going into The Recovery Project. If you’re an actor, a designer, in the PR department, if you’re cleaning the toilets, you need resources. At all of our performances so far, at least one person has asked us for help. We have a QR code that gives them resources whether or not they have health insurance.”

The play continues to remind Kaller of the importance of community, a lesson that harkens back to her roots on Long Island.

“One thousand Long Islanders showed up to my dad’s funeral,” she recalls. “I grew up in such a beautiful community there. My heart will always be on the ‘Guyland.’ I got the wonderful suburban, great education at Valley Stream South, and yet I got to go into the city all the time. But I will always remember all of these people who showed up for my family.

“I wish Long Islanders would start coming back to New York theatre because we really do build a lot of beautiful community in the city and it’s worth it. It is apparent with ‘The White Chip’ and with so much more.”

Tusk

Tusk goes their own way, with their dynamic tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Since forming in 2008, Tusk has prided themselves on being the ultimate tribute to the ‘70s supergroup. No fancy tricks, no gimmicks, just five musicians recreating the music of Fleetwood Mac to perfection with note-fornote renditions. Seasoned musicians who go back some 25 years, their attention to detail, talent and reverence of their subjects has been critically acclaimed, resulting in their accolades as the premiere purveyors of ‘Mac. Time, trust, and close friendship have cultivated an intimate familiarity with each other’s musical nuances, shaping every performance with precision. More than a band, they are a family. Made up of Kathy Phillips (as Stevie Nicks on vocals), Scott McDonald (as Lindsey Buckingham, guitar and vocals), Kim Williams (as Christine McVie, keys and vocals), Randy Artiglere (as John McVie, bass) and Tom Nelson (as Mick Fleetwood on drums) the five-piece band transports you back to the group’s glory days.

Friday, March 1, 8 p.m. $63, $53, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 7676444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

The Irish Tenors

These gents will warm your soul with the beauty of Irish music. The Irish Tenors have been the acknowledged Celtic music kings since bursting upon the scene during a 1998 television special. With 10 bestselling albums to their credit, they share company with the likes of The Three Tenors and Andrea Bocelli as the biggest money makers PBS has presented. They’ve since become a part of the Irish movement in America, with plenty of talented Irish acts coming after them. They have stood the test of time — audiences of all ages love the Irish Tenors. Now comprised of classically trained tenor Anthony Kearns, doctor-turned-vocalist Ronan Tynan, and tenor Declan Kelly, their repertoire is wide-ranging and they also introduce — or reintroduce — their audiences to Ireland’s exquisite jigs, reels and ballads.

Friday, March 1, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $70. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com,TillesCenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Crystal Dickinson, Joe Tapper, and Jason Tam star in playwright Sean Daniels’ autobiographical comedy, a wry theatrical journey of recovery.

Photos by Jenny Anderson

Sheryl Kaller in rehearsal.

Your Neighborhood School budget workshops

THE

March 8

Janeane Garofalo

The comedianactress, who reigns as the queen of the alt-comedy scene, is eager to speak her mind on her current stand-up tour, when she visits the Landmark stage, Friday, March 8, 8 p.m.

Considered by many as an American institution since she first burst on the scene in 1992, the outspoken activist has plenty to say, in her own inimitable comedic style. Known for her incisive, cynical sense of humor, the SNL alum has branched out into many memorable film and TV roles, including “The Truth About Cats and Dogs,” “Wet Hot American Summer,” “Ratatouille,” “Steal This Movie,” “Reality Bites,” “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion,” “Mystery Men,” “The Ten” and “The Cable Guy,” along with including the final season of NBC’s “The West Wing.”

Garofalo’s informed opinions and unflinching honesty on topics ranging from everyday life to pop culture inspire laughs and strikes a chord with audiences everywhere. Often a lightening rod for controversy, Garofalo finds a way to get her point across with her trademark sense of humor. Known and respected worldwide, Garofalo was also instrumental in the successful launching of the first liberal radio network, Air America Radio, where she hosted her own talk show, “The Majority Report.” A lightning rod for controversy, her opinions and candor have inspired laughs, as well as striking a chord with the left, right and everyone in between. $33, $28. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at LandmarkOnMainStreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Family theater

Inspired by L. Frank Baum’s stories, this clever adaptation puts the audience front and center, literally, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, March 1, 10:15 a.m. and noon, Saturday, March 2, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, March 5-7, 10:15 a.m. and noon. Kids become cast members, singing dancing, and acting onstage alongside the professional cast.

One of our most interactive shows at LICM Theater, this production received rave reviews in its prior run. Going beyond the traditional telling of the Oz stories, “Journey to Oz” uses personal journal entries and historic newspaper headlines to bring the history of author L. Frank Baum and illustrator W.W. Denslow to life. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion take the audience with them on this lively, playful trip down the yellow brick road. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Wantagh School District offers four community workshops on the 2024-2025 budget. All residents are invited to attend the forums, which will include budget presentations and opportunities for comments and questions. Three evening workshops are held, Monday, March 11; Monday, March 18; and Tuesday, April 2, all starting at 7 p.m. in the Wantagh High School cafeteria. A daytime workshop will take place on Wednesday, April 3 at 10 a.m. at Wantagh Public Library. 3297 Beltagh Ave.

A day for Jeremy

Visit Mulcahy’s in Wantagh, Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m., for a fundraiser for Jeremy, who suffered a life-altering injury that left him a quadriplegic unable to support his family. He is currently undergoing treament not covered by insurance. The John Theissen Children’s Foundation has organized this event to help continue his rehabilitation. $65 per person includes an open bar and buffet. 3232 Railroad Ave. Visit tinyurl. com/day-for-jeremy for tickets and information.

March 12

Peeps sushi competition

Kids in grades 6-12 can take part in a fun challenge,

Tuesday, March 12, 6:307:30 p.m. Work in teams to create delicious Peepthemed sushi. Let’s see if you can make it through the competition without eating it! Registration is required. 3285 Park Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, visit WantaghLibrary.org or call (516) 221-1200.

Nellie McKay performs

The effervescent multiinstrumentalist singer-songwriter returns to My Father’s Place with music from her recently released album, “Hey Guys, Watch This,”

Friday, March 1, 8 p.m. Recorded in Charleston, West Virginia with The Carpenter Ants and a roving retinue of musical compadres, her album traces the haunted sounds of Appalachia to a renaissance of revelry.

Doors open at 6 p.m., concert is at 8 p.m. 221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. For tickets/ information, visit MFPProductions. com or call (516) 580-0887.

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 info, visit CHSLI.org/mercy-hospital.

In concert

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Linda Ipanema and The Dixie Cats, Saturday, March 16, 2 p.m., at Seaford Public Library. Their concert, “It’s a Great Day for the Irish,” features beloved Irish classics. Registration required. 2234 Jackson Ave. Visit SeafordLibrary.org or call (516) 221-1334.

Having an event?

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, March 2 and 9, 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 their adult partners connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.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.

Forest Bathing

Take a meditative Forest Bathing walk, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Sunday, March 10, 2-4 p.m. Based on the Japanese tradition of Shinrin-Yoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, the walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. $40, $35. Registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

AARP Tax Preparation

Wantagh Library hosts tax preparation sessions aimed at low to moderate income taxpayers with simple returns. IRS-Certified AARP Tax-Aide Foundation tax preparers will be available most Tuesdays, through April 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is required. 3285 Park Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, visit WantaghLibrary. org or call (516) 221-1200.

Game time

Join the JULIETS for Mahjongg and card games at Congregation Beth Tikvah, every Thursday, noon-4 p.m. Masks are optional, but proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required for newcomers, as well as a contribution of $5 per person. 3710 Woodbine Ave., in Wantagh, For more information email mahjonggCBT@yahoo.com or call (516) 785-2445.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Wantagh Chamber of Commerce hosts its 4th annual Wantagh St. Patrick’s Parade, Sunday, March 17. The parade will step off at 2 p.m. from Wantagh High School, 3297 Beltagh Ave. This year’s grand marshal is John Theissen, founder and executive director of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. For more information, visit WantaghChamber. WildApricot.org.

Weekly bingo

Bingo everyone!

Temple B’nai Torah host fun-filled bingo sessions, every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.; every Thursday, 7:15 p.m.-10 p.m. Prizes, progressive games and refreshments are available. 2900 Jerusalem Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, visit TBTWantagh.org or call (516) 221-2370.

Coalition launched to support local journalism

STAFF REPORT

A statewide group of local news organizations — comprising of more than 100 newspapers across New York — have launched The Empire State Local News Coalition, a joint advocacy effort to advance a legislative package intended to deliver long-term sustainability to the sector.

Historical society announces new events

The Seaford Historical Society announced new events this year taking place at the Seaford museum, located at 3890 Waverly Ave:

■ Thursday, Mar. 14 at 7 p.m., the Seaford Historical Society will have a representative of the Nassau County Police Department talking about Security and Protection Tips. Admission is free to members. All others $5.

■ Thursday, Apr. 11 at 7 p.m., the Seaford Historical Society will host a presentation of the “History of Fire Island Lighthouse”. Admission is free to members. All others $5.

■ Thursday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m., The Historical Society will host a presentation of the “Long Island in the Movies”. Admission is

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

free to members. All others $5.

■ Sunday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m., The Historical Society will host their annual Harvest Fair. Pumpkins, mums, vendors, baked goods, hot dogs, raffles and a Grand Prize (to be determined). This is an annual fundraiser to help support the museum built in 1893.

■ Thursday Oct. 10 at 7 p.m., The Historical Society will host a presentation of the “Murders solved in Freeport using History”. Admission is free to members. All others $5.

■ Thursday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m., The Historical Society will host a presentation of the “Town of Hempstead Landmarks”. Admission is free to members. All others $5.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT.

NASSAU COUNTY. L&L

ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. ROGER DENNIS CHAFFEE, et al, Defts. Index #612456/2022. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered June 12, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on March 12, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 52, Block 302 Lot 743. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. RICHARD L. FARLEY, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Drive, Great Neck, NY. #101085 144678

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE INVESTORS TRUST, SERIES 2006-AF2, Plaintiff - against - PATTI SCIVOLETTI, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on December 21, 2023. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 14th day of March, 2024 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate,

lying and being at Seaford, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 2404 Mattituck Avenue, Seaford, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11783. (SBL#: 65-83-394-397)

Approximate amount of lien $1,155,679.66 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 004107/2016.

Dominic A. Villoni, Esq., Referee.

Davidson Fink LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618

Tel. 585/760-8218

Dated: January 22, 2024

During the COVID-19 health emergency,

bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 144841

The coalition launches at a watershed moment for the journalism industry as well as democracy. More than 3,000 newspapers have shuttered across the country since 2005, resulting in thousands of layoffs and countless communities losing essential platforms for sharing their stories.

More than 3,000 newspapers have closed across the country since 2005, resulting in countless communities losing essential platforms for sharing their stories. The Empire State Local News Coalition intends to reverse that by advancing new legislation and initiatives that would protect jobs, and incentivize small business to advertise.

In New York state alone, newspapers have declined 40 percent between 2004 and 2019. Since then, the number of journalists has halved, and there has been a 60 percent decrease in overall circulation.

There is a growing number of communities with little to no access to local newspaper coverage. More than a dozen New York counties are down to just one newspaper, and Orleans County in Western New York is the first with no local newspaper at all.

The decline of local journalism is a threat to the health of our democracy, as research from the Democracy Fund shows there is a direct correlation between the breadth of local media coverage and levels of civic engagement — an especially significant factor in an election year.

If newspapers continue to shutter, communities across the state risk being effectively disenfranchised, losing the ability to shape policy conversations, and hold local officials accountable.

“The Empire State Local News Coalition is dedicated to advancing a legislative package with bipartisan support aimed at providing a lifeline to newspapers across the state,” said founding member Zachary Richner — director of Richner Communications, the parent company of Herald Community Newspapers — in a release. “All New Yorkers deserve to have their voices heard, and hometown newspapers are key to that mission.

“We urge government officials and local stakeholders to rally behind us, safeguarding democracy, and bolstering the future of local journalism in New York.”

The Empire State coalition is championing what it describes as a robust legislative package intended to ensure local papers survive through the 21st century and beyond. Key priorities include:

• The Local Journalism Sustainability Act (S.625B, A.2958C) — Sponsored by state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the bill would provide tax credits to local news outlets for the employment of local journalists, while providing job stability and paving the way for more hiring opportunities, and an expanded workforce in the future.

• Incentivizing small businesses to advertise in local media — This win-win proposal, according to organizers, would encourage local businesses to advertise in local media, driving revenue for hometown papers, while connecting businesses with their customers.

“Democracy places a responsibility on citizens to be informed so they can effectively participate in the electoral process, and in local government,” said Bill Shumway, editor and publisher of North Country This Week in Potsdam, in a release. “A trusted local news source is essential for that to happen. Healthy communities need an unbiased news organization to connect, enrich and inform citizens.”

“The bottom line is that this proposed legislation would be a major game changer,” said Mark Vinciguerra, president of Capital Region Independent Media out of Clifton Park. “We would be able to increase the number and type of journalists we have on staff. It would allow us to cover more beats, do more video reporting, investigative reporting, and expand our ‘Good News’ initiative we have started.”

A 2022 analysis found more than 350 newsrooms across the state would benefit from the local journalism payroll tax credit. This includes 53 newsrooms in New York City, with 21 of them being ethnic media outlets.

To learn more about the efforts, visit SaveNYLocalNews.com.

Herald file photo

The Seaford Historical Society announced upcoming events taking place this year, which includes a presentation on Town of Hempstead landmarks and their annual Harvest Fair.

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business.

Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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

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Our floor is expanding

Q. Last fall we had the walls removed between our living room, dining room and kitchen. We had a new kitchen installed with an island plus a wall of cabinets. Now the new flooring is rising at the seams, everywhere. We have a heated floor, and the flooring was specially chosen because it clicks together and “floats.” We were told that with the floor being able to move, it would be better with the heated floor. What caused this, and what can we do?

A. Your floor is expanding, and the ridges at the seams are rising, because the floor has nowhere else to expand to. This problem is common, and was caused by the floor being limited from expanding because the cabinets and island, along with heavy furniture placed over the finished floor, keep the floor from expanding when the heat is on. Wetting the floor to clean it also causes expansion, and should be limited or not done with water at all.

Solving this problem is easier said than done. Basically, anywhere the floor is unable to move defeats the purpose, and only by freeing up the floor will the problem work itself out. There’s a simple wall molding that our ancestors used that seems to be generally forgotten. Even though I include this detail in most of the drawings I prepare, I rarely see this last little strip of molding being installed. What the molding does is act like a gap cover, since properly installed flooring has a quarter- to halfinch gap at the edges of the floor, including around a fixed island and around the room’s perimeter. The whole perimeter will need to be cut so the trim molding will need to be added, unless the vertical trim board has been installed with a space, in which case the flooring has to be able to float (slide back and forth) under the vertical wallboard trim.

Our ancestors were very observant of nature, and skilled finish carpenters passed along their knowledge of the way materials behave. I worked for a finish carpenter while in high school, and learned that molding and trim weren’t just a finishing touch, but also a necessity to hide the places where materials needed room to expand and contract, at ceilings, floors, stairs and doors. Miracle materials have come along since then that were supposed to change the industry, like plastic moldings that are more temperature stable, but nature never disappoints. Natural or not, materials all have to work together, whether it’s the way they react to moisture, sunlight, heat or cold.

You’re going to need to get the contractor to organize the flooring installer and the finish carpenter to coordinate cutting the floor, and either install the shoe molding or space the vertical trim baseboard so the floor moves and adjusts underneath, even at the island and kitchen cabinet bases. Hopefully, the flooring was installed over a moisture-proof expansion membrane. Then enjoy your floor.

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Reflections on the special election

It isn’t often that a congressional race becomes the center of national attention. But that was the case in the campaign between Tom Suozzi and Mazi Pilip to succeed the disgraced George Santos in the 3rd Congressional District.

In less than 12 months in office, Santos became a joke — a very sick joke. After the House of Representatives voted to expel him in December, Gov. Kathy Hochul set a special election for Feb. 13.

pETER KInG

Under state election law, candidates in a special election are selected by party leaders. Not surprisingly, Democrats selected Tom Suozzi, a seasoned veteran of the political wars who had represented the district in Congress for three terms before giving up his seat to make an unsuccessful gubernatorial primary run against Hochul in 2022.

Nassau GOP Chairman Joe Cairo set up a selection committee (that I was part of) that interviewed 22 potential candidates, and overwhelmingly recommended Pilip. Not wanting to repeat the Santos calamity, Cairo had Pilip vetted by several firms, and she passed with flying colors.

IIOrdinarily it would be a gamble for a relative newcomer who had served barely one term in the County Legislature to run against a veteran like Suozzi, but Pilip personified the American dream. She’d escaped from Ethiopia to Israel with her family when she was 12, and served in an elite parachute unit in the Israel Defense Forces. She was highly educated, married a Ukrainian cardiologist, moved to the United States and raised seven children in Great Neck. She was the first Republican ever re-elected in the 10th Legislative District.

Pilip was the new running against the old. She was coming off a solid victory against the odds in a Democratic district, while Suozzi had lost badly to Hochul in the primary. Pilip was the legal immigrant who supported strong border security, challenging the candidate of the party that had allowed more than 8 million illegal migrants into the country, many of whom were overwhelming New York City and the parts of Queens that fall in the 3rd District. She was the candidate who was endorsed by the Border Patrol Agents’ union, while Suozzi had recently boasted of throwing Immigration and Customs Enforcement out of Nassau County when he was county executive. Pilip, a

trained soldier, supported strong defense at a time when Israel was at war with Hamas, Russia had invaded Ukraine and China was threatening Taiwan.

Though the Democrats had a significant registration edge over Republicans, 39 percent to 28 percent, President Biden’s popularity was at record lows, and Suozzi was on record saying he supported Biden “100 percent.”

heard there was real concern in the Suozzi camp right up to Election Day.

Pilip campaigned tirelessly, and was making strong inroads. Suozzi countered by separating himself from prevailing Democratic positions on immigration, border security and support for police and didn’t seek Biden’s endorsement.

In the campaign’s closing days, every published poll had the race within the margin of error. A Republican poll had Pilip up by 5 points. Suozzi never got above 50 percent in any poll, a bad sign for a virtual incumbent. Democratic sources and some friendly reporters told me there was real concern in the Suozzi camp right up to Election Day. When the numbers were in, though, Suozzi won, 54 percent to 46 percent.

It’s still early, but my preliminary thoughts are that:

■ The snowstorm on Election Day hurt Republicans, but not enough to make the

difference.

■ Suozzi effectively managed to separate himself in the eyes of the voters from the sins of his party on immigration and support for the police.

■ Democratic congressional campaign committees provided extensive financial support to Suozzi early on.

■ Though Pilip actually garnered a higher percentage of votes against Suozzi than former President Donald Trump did against Biden in 2020, she couldn’t overcome the built-in Democratic registration edge.

■ Cairo and the Nassau Republican organization worked hard and effectively, but Pilip didn’t receive financial support from national Republicans comparable to what Suozzi received from Democrats.

■ Pilip was handicapped by having to campaign against the backdrop of the antics of congressional Republicans like Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Green, who come across as a gang that can’t shoot straight.

Suozzi won. No complaints. No excuses. But Pilip ran an excellent and courageous campaign, and has an excellent political future.

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

Check your Medicare statement carefully

f a poll were to be taken, I would have to be the last person on this planet who thinks that government is a perfect institution. I respect the FBI and the CIA, and I even trust the IRS. As a senior citizen, I have always considered Medicare one of the finest agencies we have, but some new facts have emerged that have convinced me that it is a sloppy and careless government behemoth.

JERRY KREMER

My loss of faith in the folks who run Medicare started about three months ago, when I opened up my wife, Suzan’s, periodic statements of money spent on her medical needs. I quickly noticed that Medicare had approved $14,300 for a Texas company named Pretty in Pink Boutique. There was a claim for the sale of 600 urinary catheters over a 60-day period to my wife.

I’m happy that Suzan is physically well and by no means has any need for a warehouse full of catheters. Within minutes of discovering that Medicare had approved and paid for all of them, I

placed a call to the agency’s general number. I was connected to a woman named Gladys, who listened patiently to my complaint and, at my request, I was transferred to a Fraud Unit.

The person there noted my complaint, and assured me that it would be passed up the bureaucratic chain, to make sure there was a record of the payment, which was obviously fraudulent. A few days, later I received my periodic Medicare statement, and immediately noticed that Medicare had paid a company in Chicago for a coronavirus vaccine that I had allegedly received. That seemed strange, because I had gotten my shot at a local pharmacy, not connected to any company in Illinois.

In a farreaching scam, people everywhere are getting billed for catheters.

It seems that a woman named Linda Hennis, a resident of suburban Chicago, was checking her January Medicare statement when she noticed that a company she had never heard of had been paid about $12,000 for 2,000 catheters. She had never needed, or received, any catheters. They had been sold by a company called, guess what, Pretty in Pink Boutique.

the catheter billings. She would not confirm whether the claims had been paid. She described Medicare billing scams as “one of these problems that is ever-present and ever frustrating.”

Not to be deterred, I placed another call to the Medicare Fraud Unit, and they dutifully noted my concern about another improper payment for medical services. Satisfied that I had performed my civic duty, I turned my attention back to my law practice and other pursuits. My satisfaction lasted about 48 hours, until I spotted a New York Times article titled “Staggering Rise in Catheter Bills Suggests Medicare Scam.”

It seems that Ms. Hennis and my wife are among the 450,000 Medicare beneficiaries whose accounts were billed for catheters in 2023, up from 50,000 in previous years. It turns out that the massive increase in billing for catheters included $2 billion charged by seven high-volume suppliers, which was the equivalent of nearly one-fifth of all Medicare spending on supplies in 2023. Doctors, state insurance departments and health care groups around the country said this spike in claims for catheters that were never delivered suggests that it is not only a scam, but a far-reaching one.

What is the government doing? Dara Corrigan, who runs Medicare’s Center for Program Integrity, declined to say whether the agency was investigating

It turns out that Pretty in Pink Boutique billed Medicare at least $267 million for catheters between October 2022 and December 2023. The vast majority of the suspicious claims came from seven companies, many of which had shared executives. One of the businesses had a working phone number, but no calls were returned. The Pretty in Pink Boutique has a telephone number connected to a body shop.

Other scams are getting public attention, such as phony Covid vaccine claims, which are slowly surfacing. Regardless of its denials or bureaucratic double-speak, Medicare is failing the millions of Americans who rely on the system to be accurate and honest. Every dollar lost to some con artist is a dollar meant to pay for a legitimate health care claim.

Jerry Kremer was an Assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

HeraLd editoriaL

Let’s be sure we don’t relive some of our history

Black History Month is a chance for us to celebrate the many contributions African-Americans have made to the country. They’ve done this despite discrimination and oppression — something even Long Island, in the past, was not immune to.

For example, when we think of slavery, we think of the Deep South before the Civil War. In fact, slavery existed in New York until 1827, and the state had more enslaved people than all the New England states combined, many of them on Long Island.

At the start of the American revolution, there were roughly 10,000 enslaved Black Americans living on Long Island — nearly half of the state’s total enslaved population. While they were allowed more mobility and financial opportunities than their counterparts in the South, the claim that slavery wasn’t as bad in the North is largely inaccurate.

Throughout the 1700s, New York lawmakers created the Black Codes, which historian and author richard Moss — in his book, “Slavery on Long Island” — claimed were “the harshest criminal laws and penalties enacted by northern colonists.” Punishments for striking a white person included two weeks’ imprisonment and corporal punish-

Letters

Leave trans kids alone

To the Editor:

ment.

Enslaved people were forbidden from gathering in groups of more than three, and prevented from owning property. Children born to enslaved mothers were automatically enslaved at birth. And testimony by enslaved people was inadmissible in court.

One common practice at the time on Long Island and New York was shipping unruly African-Americans to the Caribbean slave colonies. Conditions on islands such as Barbados and Jamaica were particularly brutal, with less than a third of slaves surviving on some plantations.

Even after slavery ended in New York, discrimination did not. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the number of AfricanAmericans in the Town of Oyster Bay dwindled from roughly 17 percent to less than a half-percent as racist real estate practices and federal policies prioritized homeownership for whites while driving Black Americans — and other minorities — from the area through a mix of intimidation, legislation, and rising property rates.

When Levittown — long touted as the model of the modern American suburb — was created in 1947, non-whites were expressly forbidden from owning any of the 17,400 new homes, with the deeds

Bruce Blakeman couldn’t care less about girls’ sports.

By signing an executive order to ban teams that allow transgender girls and women from playing in Nassau County athletic facilities last week, Blakeman continued to distract from his shirking of responsibilities as Nassau County Executive.

Since his marginal win over Laura Curran in 2021, after campaigning on the promise of $128 million in tax cuts, Blakeman has rejected every cut in annual budget proposals.

In 2022, amid the highest rates of new Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations in the county, he issued a series of orders against mask mandates in schools.

What has he been doing instead in his capacity as executive? Attacking the participation of the county’s small percentage of transgender girls and women in athletics, a right that is supported by experts in the field, including the National Women’s Law Center. Blakeman’s order does not mention transgender boys and men — instead he hides his under-researched and dangerous order behind a thin veil of Victorian-era patriarchal values and personal opinion.

“Part of good government is listening to your constituents,” Blakeman said in a recent interview. Listen to this constituent, Bruce: Do your job, and leave trans kids alone.

CArTEr ALLEN Garden City

themselves preventing ownership by “any person other than members of the Caucasian race,” according to a 2011 research paper by Baruch College Sociology professor robert Courtney Smith. robert Moses, the urban planner and public official who is best known today for creating Jones Beach State Park and the state parkway system, designed Long Island parkways to make them impassable for buses, frequently the only mode of transportation for non-white and lowincome families. While some latter-day historians question the validity of this claim, Moses was also known to have fought against integrating public swimming pools in the 1920s.

African-Americans have continuously defied the odds and obstacles set against them — whether it be Jackie robinson playing Major League Baseball, or mathematicians Creola Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson helping NASA put men on the moon. recognizing those contributions — and learning from our mistakes of the past can open the door for even greater accomplishments in the future, as we look to remove more barriers.

The late Maya Angelou once said that “history, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived. But if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”

Kreiss’s column

last week, “It’s Library Lovers Month — borrow a book.” Libraries are the greatest thing. They open the world to anyone willing to look. Not everyone bothers to look, but those who want to have the opportunity.

It’s time we find common ground on ‘Raise the Age’

Long Island has become the center of New York’s — and the nation’s — political conversation. In recent elections, state and local policies have had an enormous influence on Nassau and Suffolk County campaigns that ultimately played a decisive role in determining control of Congress.

But while politicians and party operatives struggle to find a political advantage in laws passed by Albany or our County Legislature, real people affected by these policies are waiting for those of us in office to find common ground on issues that should bring us together, not divide us.

Look at the raise the Age law, for example. In 2017, I was proud to join both my Democratic and republican colleagues in support of ending New York’s shameful status as one of the last two states to prosecute all 16- and 17-year-olds as adults. Today, thanks to the law, a large majority of young people’s cases move through family court, where the goal is rehabilitation through effective intervention rather than criminalization.

raise the Age is a crucial component in building a healthy, sustainable future. It allows young people to get the services they need to get their lives on track. It also allows them to access quality jobs and fully contribute to our society without convictions from when they were teenagers holding them back.

sContrary to false claims labeling family court a “slap on the wrist,” young people may face mandatory programs, supervision by law enforcement, pretrial detention, and placement in residential facilities. But when the system is working well, they are connected with a range of community-based services and resources, which aim to address the underlying factors that led them to commit crimes. And they can use of those services — and the opportunities they provide — without the burden of an adult criminal record.

reduction in shootings with injuries from 2021 to 2023.

As a former public defender, I know firsthand how crucial services like SNUG are to the health and safety of our young people and their communities. By targeting the crux of the issue, they reduce recidivism and help struggling youth become wellfunctioning, productive members of their communities.

etting young offenders straight without burdening them with adult criminal records.

Since raise the Age took effect, thousands of young people who would otherwise have spent months or even years of their childhood in adult jails and prisons have had access to services designed to help them improve their lives and avoid future interactions with the criminal legal system. For some, this is the first time they have had trusted adults whom they can rely on and turn to for guidance.

vices, serious crimes perpetrated by those under 18 decreased by 12 percent in Nassau County and a stunning 57 percent in Suffolk. These statistics demonstrate the efficacy of, and critical need for, community-based programming to make our neighborhoods safer.

Despite raise the Age’s success, its implementation has received a mere fraction of the funding state leaders promised. It’s been reported that as of 2022, only $270 million of the $800 million that was appropriated for it had been invested in community-based programs and services for young people around the state. Think of how much more successful raise the Age could be if the state adequately funded it, and community-based organizations and service providers could apply for and receive that funding directly.

one such service is the SNUG Street outreach program, which uses a public health model to reduce gun violence throughout the state by mediating conflict, mentoring youth, and working with local partners to make our streets safer. The 13 communities that are home to the program — including hempstead — reported a 36 percent

Letters

We need to keep that going, and not be controlled by closed-minded people.

You may not know that about one-third of Nassau County libraries allow adult patrons to borrow a telescope just like a book. I have been promoting the Library Telescope Program for almost eight years now, and I work with 17 Nassau County libraries so far.

Everything I do is free to the library. It just needs to buy the telescope and various accessories directly from vendors, totaling about $450. I help by modifying the telescope to make it easy to use and transport, and provide maintenance as needed. I also provide staff and patron training on how to handle and use the telescope, as well as periodic astronomy-related presentations. In March I will be doing eclipse presentations at eight libraries, and occasionally I do Moon Parties as well. All at no cost.

There are now over 1,000 libraries running the Library Telescope Program, mostly in the U.S. and Canada, but also in other countries.

ToM LYNCh Lynbrook

A neighborly winter surprise

To the Editor:

Looking out my bedroom window, noticing the snowfall had just about stopped, I decided to gear up and start the removal process. As I was clearing off the car, readying to start the shoveling, I noticed that part of my front walk has been cleared. Looking even closer, I saw a body working on the front entranceway. My neighbor has often started snow removal for me as I have done for him, so I thought for sure it was either him or one of his sons helping out.

As I got closer to the sidewalk, I realized for sure that this helper, a young man, was unknown to me. I asked why he was helping, and he said, “I got up early, noticed the snowfall and decided to do some shoveling.” he was finishing up the last section of sidewalk, so I went inside to grab some cash to give him, but when I came back outside, he was gone. off to job No. 2, I suppose. Whoever you are, thank you!

PhIL GrELLA Rockville Centre

In recent years, I’ve been disappointed by how many of my misinformed colleagues have attempted to blame raise the Age for an increase in crime on Long Island, especially when the data say otherwise. This should be a law that unites us.

From the law’s implementation in 2018 through 2022, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice Ser-

It’s high time that we rise to the occasion and demand more for the most vulnerable members of our communities, and that starts by calling on Albany to invest in our youth by fully funding raise the Age and supporting evidence-based strategies that create pathways for our young people’s rehabilitation, growth and opportunity. Let’s not let fear-mongering and political mudslinging talk us out of public policy that is proven to work — and that lifts all of us up.

Framework by Tim Baker

At Ogden Elementary School’s Father-Daughter and Special Person Dance — Valley Stream

Charles Lavine represents the 13th Assembly District.

CHarLes LaVINe