Seaford Herald 06-06-2024

A chilly first swim of the season

Seaford brother and sister Joseph and Gianna Agostinelli, ages 7 and 8, cooled off in the water at Jones Beach State Park during the 20th-anniversary Bethpage Air Show on May 25. Story, more photos, Page 3.

Engineering academic success

Seaford High junior receives renowned Rensselaer Medal

By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

Emily Richardson, a junior at Seaford High School, has been awarded the prestigious Rensselaer Medal, which is presented to outstanding math and science students.

Richardson was announced as a recipient of the award in April by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a private research university in Troy, New York. Also known as RPI, it is one of the oldest universities in the country, celebrating its 200th anniversary this year. The campus focuses on advancing research in fields such as biotechnology, computational science, engineer-

ing and environment.

For Richardson, being selected for the medal was an exciting moment.

“I visited RPI, and I loved it there,” she said. “The opportunities they offer are very exciting, so I was happy to see that I had this award, because it made it more reachable for me to go there.”

According to the campus website, the Rensselaer Medal is one of the school’s premier merit scholarships for students. The value of the scholarship is $40,000 per year, and is guaranteed for four years for each medalist who is accepted and enrolls at Rensselaer. The award,

Jones Beach to revamp historic East Bathhouse

By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

Jones Beach’s historic East Bathhouse will have a second life, thanks to a $100 million investment by the state that will turn the almost century-old building into a state-ofthe-art swimming facility.

TGov. Kathy Hochul spoke of the bathhouse upgrades at a news conference at the state park on May 23, detailing the reimagining and redesign of the longabandoned facility.

According to Hochul, the building is the last major piece of infrastructure at Jones Beach that hasn’t been updated since the pool complex was shut down in 2008 during the financial crisis.

with splash pads — ground nozzles that spray water upward.

According to Hochul, these upgrades will help new generations learn to swim as the number of drownings around the state has risen.

his is an incredible upgrade. From a deteriorated, vacant building, it will now be a destination for families of all ages.

GEoRGE GoRmAN

Long Island regional director, New York State Parks

The revitalization, which will be funded by the state’s capital budget, will convert the bathhouse’s Olympic-size pool into a smaller pool for children and beginning swimmers, as well as a playground complete

“Drownings in the state of New York have reached record highs in recent years, claiming over 230 lives in 2021,” the governor said. “Children are particularly vulnerable. Drownings are the leading cause of death for 1- to 4-year-olds across the country, and the secondleading cause of death for 5- to 14-year-olds.”

According to Hochul, the facility improvements will be part of the New York StateWide Investment in Municipal Swimming initiative, also known as NY SWIMS, which is aiming to provide swimming access across the state to underserved communities and areas that experience extreme summer

Continued on page 4

Tim Baker/Herald

Richardson is recipient of $160K scholarship

which amounts to $160,000 over the four years, has been awarded to secondary school students for more than a century.

Richardson said RPI was one of the colleges in which she was looking to enroll and saw information about the award on its website. During a college fair at her high school in March, Richardson said she discussed the medal with an admissions representative from RPI, who directed her to speak to her guidance counselor about it.

Students cannot apply for the scholarship, but must be nominated by their high school in the spring of their junior year, according to the RPI website.

“Emily really checked every single box that was the requirements for this RPI medal, so she was a perfect fit,” Jennifer Pimentel, Richardson’s guidance counselor, said. “I nominated her and RPI selected her. We were really, really excited and really proud of her for winning this award.”

According to Pimentel, students must meet several requirements to be a recipient of the award. They must be in the top 10 percent of their class, excel in math and science courses, demonstrate success in a rigorous course load, and be involved in extracurricular activities.

SAs for extracurricular activities, Richardson participates in student council and is a member of Books and Bagels, a book-reading club that meets in the mornings.

Richardson said she has always taken an interest in math, science and engineering. When she was growing up, she would play with Lego sets, and math always came easy to her, she added. For her AP research class, Richardson said she had to pick a topic that interested her, namely roller coasters.

he’s a top-notch student here at Seaford High School, so she’s really one of our best.

Jennifer Pimentel

Seaford High guidance counselor

In her sophomore year, Richardson was in honors classes for chemistry and algebra. She will finish her junior year taking Advanced Placement courses in chemistry, stats and pre-calculus. For her senior year, Richardson said she plans to take AP Physics and AP Calculus BC.

“Since I know that I want to do engineering, I picked to look at the design and safety features of roller coasters and how they work and how that influences a person,” Richardson said. “That was really interesting to see, how the features kind of connect to everything.”

Richardson said she plans to enroll at RPI to study mechanical engineering after she graduates high school. She has yet to apply at RPI, but Pimentel said that once she is admitted, she would receive the scholarship from her award.

Since Richardson set foot at Seaford High School, Pimentel said, she has worked hard for her accomplishments. Her guidance counselor added that Richardson’s dedication, preparation and determination has been her pathway to success, saying that she is looking forward to what’s in store for Richardson when she applies for colleges next school year.

“She’s a top-notch student here at Seaford High School,” Pimentel said, “so she’s really one of our best.”

Seaford athletes off to colleges near and far

There will be a sense of familiarity next year for many of the 18 Seaford High School athletes who signed their collegiate letters of intent on May 1. More than half of that group will be joined on a college sports team with at least one current Vikings teammate.

That group includes four members of the varsity football team, who have all committed to Springfield College –Aidan Calvacca, Anthony Janes, Devin O’Donnell and Jake Quinn. Three teammates from the cross country and track and field teams, Scott Heaslip, Patrick Leahy and Brady McGowan, are heading to SUNY Oneonta.

From girls lacrosse, Madison Agostino and Amanda Beadle will suit up together for Molloy University, and cheerleaders Katie Kofod and Jessica Haering will bring their spirit and athleticism to Sacred Heart University.

Other student athletes committing to college teams include Jake Anzelone, Navy, lacrosse; A.J. Cantore, Anderson University, baseball; Ash -

Seaford High School celebrated 18 senior athletes and their college sports commitments at a signing ceremony on may 1.

ley Diaz, Presbyterian College, wrestling; Tim Navin, Wingate University, lacrosse; Daniella Stek, Drexel University, lacrosse; Isabella Strippoli, University of Rhode Island, cheerleading; and Amanda Williamson, Queens University of Charlotte, lacrosse.

The evening signing ceremony was well attended by proud parents, coaches,

administrators and Seaford Board of Education trustees. Kevin Witt, director of athletics, physical education and health, announced each athlete and highlighted accomplishments in his or her respective sport.

Playing at the collegiate level, Witt explained, is a significant milestone as only 7% of high school athletes go on

to play in college. This year’s group also represents more than 10% of Seaford’s Class of 2024.

Witt said that the achievement could not have been reached without the support of their teachers, guidance counselors, administrators, coaches and families. He noted that in addition to succeeding in their sports, the 18 athletes

have also excelled academically and display tremendous character.

The event was held in partnership with the Seaford Booster Club, which provided each athlete with a large posterboard featuring the logo of his or her future university. Every athlete’s chair was also affixed with balloons representing the school’s colors.

Courtesy Seaford School District

emily richardson, a junior at Seaford High School, is the recipient of the rensselaer medal, a distinguished $160,000 four-year scholarship.

Courtesy Seaford School District

A spectacular air show at Jones Beach

The skies above Wantagh came alive as the Bethpage Air Show celebrated its 20th anniversary at Jones Beach State Park on Saturday, May 25.

Highlights included performances by the Skytypers, Warbird Thunder Airshows, the Farmingdale State College Flying Rams, Long Island’s David Windmiller, and the American Airpower Museum Warbirds.

Headlining the event were the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s premier flight demonstration squadron, known for their precision aerobatics and thrilling performances. This was their tenth performance at the air show, and they were the first headliners at the inaugural event in 2004.

The event, which also marked the 95th anniversary of Jones Beach State Park and the 100th anniversary of New York State Parks and the Long Island State Park Commission, drew thousands of spectators. A special commemorative U.S. Navy Blue Angels signed poster was given to fans, and attendees enjoyed a massive 1,000-pound anniversary cake.

George Gorman, Regional Director of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation, praised the event for bringing the community together to honor military service members and veterans.

“The show brings park visitors together to pay tribute to our nation’s great military and the pilots who serve and protect Americans, as well as our honored veterans,” Gorman said. “I would like to thank our sponsors, our volunteers as well as our Federal, State and local agencies for helping the show become a treasured Long Island tradition.”

–Charles Shaw

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels dazzled crowds at Jones Beach State Park during the 20th anniversary of the Bethpage Air Show.

Babylon resident Jeff Magill and his son Nathan, 4, soaking up the sun and enjoying the air show at the beach.

Friends from East Meadow came to watch the show at Jones Beach.

Jones Beach State Park was filled with crowds excited to hear the roar of jet planes during the Bethpage Air Show on Friday, May 25.

Ethan Prescott, 14, from Levittown, Noah Barrett, 16, from Bellmore and Aidan Prescott, 18, from Levittown, have a fun time in the sand during the show at Jones Beach.

Several plane performances throughout the day showed off their impressive aerial maneuvers.

State offers $100M to rebuild bathhouse

heat. The initiative, according to the governor’s website, will reverse decades of disinvestment to ensure that public parks offer new, state-of-the-art swimming facilities that can serve thousands of daily visitors and provide safe spaces for children and families to swim.

Bobby Hazen, cofounder of the New York Water Safety Coalition, said that the state ranks fourth in the nation in total drownings, with over 1,240 deaths reported since 2009. Hazen, whose coalition advocates for water safety policies, added that drowning is preventable with proper education and swim lessons.

infrastructure improvements at Jones Beach State park’s east Bathhouse are sorely needed, after over a decade of neglect. Bricks are missing from the walls and ceilings have collapsed.

According to a statement released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent last month, over 4,500 people in the United States drowned each year from 2020 to 2022 — 500 more deaths per year than in 2019. Roughly 15 percent of adults do not know how to swim, according to the CDC, and over half have never taken a lesson.

“We need to really kind of have this initiative to help people learn how to swim,” Hazen said.

Jones Beach, Hochul said, is the second most visited state park in New York, behind only Niagara Falls. Some 8.6 million people visited Jones Beach last year, she added, almost 50 percent of them from New York City.

George Gorman, Long Island regional director of New York State Parks, said the infrastructure improvements at the East Bathhouse are sorely needed. The facility has deteriorated extensively, with bricks missing from the walls and collapsed ceilings, which he noted is expected of a building that has been abandoned for well over a decade.

The bathhouse is one of the original buildings at Jones Beach, which opened

in 1929. At the time, it was not a pool complex, Gorman explained, but a massive locker room.

“This is an incredible upgrade,” Gorman said. “From a deteriorated, vacant building, it will now be a destination for families of all ages.”

Planning for the project is underway, he said, with the design expected to be completed by the end of the summer, and the bidding for construction to follow “shortly thereafter.”

Randy Simons, commissioner pro tempore the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, said in a statement that swimming, a critical life skill, is one of the most popular and fun ways people enjoy the state’s parks, and that the announcement of the East Bathhouse upgrade comes at an appropriate time, because this year marks the 100th anniversary of the state parks.

“As we celebrate the Centennial of the New York State Park System, it’s fitting that the revitalization of the historic Jones Beach East Bathhouse is a centerpiece of Governor Hochul’s NY SWIMS initiative,” Simons said.

the east Bathhouse in its current state. abandoned for more than 10 years, the almost 100-year-old building will be transformed into a state-of-the-art swimming facility thanks to a $100 million investment by the state.

a rendering of the east Bathhouse as a state-of-the-art swimming facility. Children and beginning swimmers will be able to enjoy splash pads and learn to swim at the refurbished pool complex.

Serving Our Community with:

• Funerals that are dignified, personalized and affordable

• Pre-arrangement planning in your home or our office

• Traditional Cremation options

• Specialized in Veterans Benefits

ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460

ADVERTISING: Ext.

E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643

legalnotices@liherald.com

Photos courtesy office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Crime Brief

State Sen. Steve Rhoads Speaks at the Medical Conference on Long Island

Pedestrian struck by car on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown neWs Briefs

State Senator Steve Rhoads, a proud member of the Senate Health Committee, spoke at the Medical Society of the State of New York conference on Long Island on April 12 where he engaged in meaningful discussions with medical professionals about pressing health issues facing our State.

spoke at the conference on April 12.

A pedestrian was struck by a car while crossing Hempstead turnpike in Levittown on Saturday, June 1, according to police.

The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m., when a 76-year-old man attempted to cross the turnpike near Ranch Lane. He was struck by a 29-year-old man driving a 2020 Nissan Altima, who was traveling east on the turnpike.

The pedestrian suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment and evaluation. He is listed in critical but stable condition.

The driver stayed at the scene and no other injuries were reported.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.

— Charles Shaw

Auto LArCeny

In Seaford, a victim reported an unknown male subject removing assorted items from her car parked at BP Gas Station on May 14.

In Westbury, a victim reported unknown subjects removing a pair of sunglasses from her vehicle while parked at 31 Broadmoor Lane on May 21.

Petit LArCeny

In Westbury, a victim reported an unknown male subject removing a black Samsung cellphone from Pines Motor Lodge on May 16.

In Bellmore, a victim reported an unknown male subject removing a drill from Ace Hardware on May 25.

In East Meadow, a victim reported an unknown male subject removing toothbrushes from Stop And Shop on May 29.

Driving WhiLe

intoxiCAteD

Matthew Dejesu, 28 of Merrick, was arrested for DWI on Merritts Road and Fulton Street on May 25.

Arrest

Charran-Akou Jaiwantee, 49 of West Hempstead, was arrested for shoplifting at Saks Off 5th in Westbury on May 17. Michael Gruosso, 40 of Wantagh, was arrested for shoplifting at Target in Levittown on May 21.

Mohamed Moustafa, 61 of Merrick, was arrested for shoplifting at the Target in Westbury on May 25.

Geryl Carlson, 50 of Seaford, was arrested for shoplifting at the Shoprite in Massapequa on May 25.

Raul Hinojosa, 25 of Woodhaven, and Hansel Jandrez, 29 of Elmont, were arrested for shoplifting at the Target in Westbury on May 26.

Keiora Pooler, 26 of Hempstead, was arrested for shoplifting at the Walmart in East Meadow on May 27.

Jessica Fowlkes, 49 of New York, and Kenya Gardner, 34 of New York, were arrested for shoplifting at the Walmart in Westbury on May 29.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

— Jack Schwed Courtesy Office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads Rhoads

SPORTS

Miller Place outlasts Seaford, 7-4,

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

The sixth inning of the Long Island Class A softball championship game May 30 epitomized the amazing seasons for Seaford and Miller Place.

Hitless through five and trailing by three runs, Seaford pounded out five hits and scored four times to take the lead. But Miller Place answered with four runs of its own in the bottom of the frame, with freshman catcher Delaney Schleider singling home the eventual game-winner in a 7-4 victory at Martha Avenue Recreation Park in Bellport.

Schleider went 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs and pitcher Ava Zicchinelli struck out 10 as the Panthers won their firstever L.I. title. Seaford junior Skylar Secondino went 2-for-2 with two walks and senior Alyssa Rodriguez singled home the tying run with two outs in the sixth and scored the goahead run on eighth-grader Rylie Betz’s single.

“The way we battled showed the girls’ determination,” Seaford coach

Joe Nastasi said. “Even though we lost, you can see the energy they still have in the dugout after the game. It’s a great, tight-knit group of 18 girls that I can’t say enough about.

“We have no regrets,” he added. “We had a tremendous season.”

The Vikings, who will carry backto-back Nassau County championships into next spring, were in trouble through five innings with Zicchinelli dominating in the circle. Then senior shortstop Alexa Villeck led off the sixth with a rope single, and everything changed. Secondino followed with another hard-hit single and a perfectly placed bunt by junior Kaitlyn Young resulted in a single and throwing error, allowing Villeck and courtesy runner Jayne Singleton to score.

“First and second and none out, we are bunting there every time,” Nastasi said. “It’s an automatic bunting situation for us. We’ve done it all season long. We want to give ourselves highpercentage chances to score and we needed to chip away at their lead.”

A sac bunt by junior Katie Young

advanced Kaitlyn Young to third. With one out, Rodriguez hit a line drive single to left to make it 3-3. Then with two outs, Betz delivered a clutch single and Seaford had its only lead.

The Panthers, however, came right back with four runs of their own in the bottom of the sixth. No. 9 hitter Sadie Hoffmann set the table with a single and scored the tying run. Zicchineli scored the eventual winning run on an error.

“Seaford made a change in its offensive philosophy and made a nice comeback,” Miller Place coach Matt Timmons said. “They were patient early and came out swinging late. We were able to come right back with an answer. Sadie got us going and our top four hitters did what they’ve done all season.”

The Vikings finished 15-6.

“Miller Place found a way and credit to them,” Nastasi said. “Sometimes things don’t go your way and that’s part of sports and part of life, too. Our girls walked off this field knowing they gave it their all.”

Tony Bellissimo/Herald Junior Skylar Secondino reached base all four times for the Vikings in their 7-4 defeat to Miller Place in the Long Island Class A title game.

Long Island’s choice honored at annual gala

By Melissa Berman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tim Baker/Herald photos

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

Veronica Isaac — from presenting sponsor PSEG Long Island — gave welcoming remarks.

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

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

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

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

Edwin Chavez/Herald photos

The team at The Rizzuto Law Firm was all smiles, proudly displaying their Long Island Choice Awards wins.

Long Island Weight Loss Doctor-Dr. Howard Goodman showcases a win.

Pantano’s Gourmet Uniondale with two wins.

Another win for Natural Remedies at the Long Island Choice Awards. Marlaina Teich, left, with Marlaina Teich Designs with a win!

Posh Paw Pet Spa & Boutique team showcasing their wins.

Memorial ceremony honors fallen soldiers

Bad weather did not stop Seaford from honoring the men and women who died while serving their country. While the parade was canceled, the community’s Memorial Day ceremony continued. The event was held at the American Legion Post 1132, which included members of the Seaford Fire Department, Boy Scout Troop 690, and Cub Scout Troop 690.

Children wore American flag apparel, adding a patriotic touch to the event. The community gathered to honor fallen service members, showing respect and gratitude for their sacrifices. Despite the weather, the ceremony proceeded as planned, ensuring that the spirit of Memorial Day was upheld.

— Charles Shaw

Edwin Chavez/Herald photos

Past commander Bill Hoen, left, commander Terence Murphy, and chaplain Charles Wroblewski lead a Memorial Day ceremony at the Seaford American Legion hall.

Members of the Seaford Fire Department honored veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Seaford Memorial Day ceremony.

Seaford Fire Department member Kristy Juliano, left, with six-year-old Stephen Juliano.

Two-year-old Seaford resident Chloe Paulson dressed in stars and stripes for the Seaford Memorial Day ceremony.

Members of Seaford Boy Scout Troop 690 and Cub Scout Pack 690 at the Seaford Memorial Day ceremony at American Legion Post 1132. The scouts honored the men and women who died while serving their country.

STEPPING OUT

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

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

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

that ‘sticks’ with us

George Grosz’s groundbreaking series on view at Heckscher Museum

By Danielle Schwab

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

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

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

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

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

The exhibition — featuring 33 watercolors, oils and drawings — is the first dedicated to the Stick Men series since it debuted in New York City in 1948. The majority of works on display — 23 in all — are from the Stick Men series.

Seventy-five years later, Grosz’s warning against fascism and global conflict is as relevant as ever, according to Karli Wurzelbacher, the museum’s chief curator, and exhibit co-curator.

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

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

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

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

• Now through Sept. 1

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

• Heckscher Museum of Art,

2 Prime Ave., Huntington

• (631) 380-3230 or Heckscher.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Of course, donations are always welcome.

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

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

Northwinds Symphonic Band

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

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

THE Your Neighborhood

Jessie’s Girl

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

Family theater

Families will enjoy another musical adventure, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, June 7, 10:15 a.m. and noon; also Saturday, June 8 11:30 a..m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, June 9, 2 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, June 11-13, 10:15 a.m. and noon.

Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to help Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat comedy based on Willems’ popular Pigeon books.

Featuring a live band to bring the jazzy score to life, audiences will thoroughly enjoy singing and flapping along with The Pigeon and friends. The audience is part of the action, in this innovative mix of songs, silliness and feathers. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to theater and the humorous stories from Willems’ books. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

On exhibit

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

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

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

Seasonal Sprouts

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

Antique Car Show

Wantagh Museum hosts its third annual antique car show, Saturday, July 13. The event, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., features cars from the 1970s and older. Refreshments will be on sale and museum sites will be open. With a 50/50 raffle, music and kids crafts from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Entrance fee is $1 for adults 18 and older. 17 and younger are free. The Wantagh museum is located at 1700 Wantagh Ave. in Wantagh. For any questions, email wantaghmuseum@gmail. com.

St. Jude Yard Sale

The Church of St. Jude in Wantagh holds its yard sale, Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. There will fresh finds and new treasures to choose from. The yard sale, held inside the Parish Hall at 3606 Lufberry Ave., will have plenty of free parking. For more information, call the church office at (516) 221-2505 or email at SJWantagh1@gmail. com.

Weekly Mah Jongg

Join the JULIETS for Mahjongg and card games at Congregation

Beth Tikvah, Thursdays, noon-4 p.m. Masks optional, proof of Covid-19 vaccination required for newcomers, $5. 3710 Woodbine Ave. Email mahjonggCBT@yahoo.com or call (516) 785-2445 for info.

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.

Having an event?

Marching through history

Step back in time and observe different eras of military history, at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, Saturday and Sunday, June 15-16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. As you “march through history” be side by side with knowledgeable and welcoming reenactors from Long Island and numerous other states portraying soldiers, their uniforms and weaponry from Colonial America through more recent conflicts.

With firing demonstrations throughout the day, as well as tent and camp life displays. $15, $12 children, $12 seniors 60+. Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road Old Bethpage. Visit OldBethpageVillageRestoration.org for more information or call (516) 5728409.

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

Discover • Explore • Next Door

founder Krista Bennett DeMaio

On stage

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

Music in the park

Dance the night away with Vinyl Revival, Wednesday, July 10, 8 p.m. at Seamans Neck Park. The band plays the best disco tunes from the ‘70s with just enough classic rock and pop hits to keep everyone on their feet. 2700 S. Seamans Neck Rd. in Seaford. No seating; bring a chair or blanket.

Blood drive

Long Island Blood Services, a division of the New York Blood Center, hosts a blood drive in the meeting room at Seaford Public Library, Monday, June 17,1:30-7:30 p.m. Anyone in good health between the ages of 17 and 75 may donate blood Appointments are recommended. Call 1-800-933-BLOOD to register. For more information, visit seafordlibrary.org.

Celebrate Israel

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

Art talk

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” at the museum, Thursday, June 13, 1 p.m. She’ll discuss the current exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the in-depth program and also participate in a guided exhibition tour following the lecture, at 2 p.m. No reservations required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

It was a big day for Girls Inc. of Long Island and New Ground as each organization earned $200,000 after being named Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News brief

D’Esposito picks up big endorsement from Trump

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

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

ANTHONY D’ESPOSITO

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

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

D’Esposito defeated Gillen in the 2022

Protecting Your Future

When Does a Trust Make Sense

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

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

2. Trusts Are Private. Unlike wills, trusts are not filed in court, so there is no public record of how much you had, who

you left it to, where they live, and who you left out.

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

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

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

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

ELDER LAW ESTATE PLANNING SINCE 1991 trustlaw.com Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid FREE CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

–Jeffrey Bessen

Photo courtesy Bank of America

Memorial Day parade honors fallen heroes

Wantagh held its Memorial Day parade on May 27, drawing a large crowd along Wantagh Avenue. Veterans led the procession, receiving warm applause and support from attendees. Nassau County police officers added to the spectacle, marching on horseback. The Kiwanis Club of Wantagh, local fire departments, Wantagh Boy Scout Troop 656, and other community organizations also participated, showcasing their dedication and community spirit. The event was a heartfelt tribute to fallen heroes, emphasizing community unity and patriotism.

Crowds gathered along Wantagh Avenue to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice during Wantagh’s Memorial Day parade on may 27.

One-year-old Guiseppi, left, with Sophia, 11, Sienna, 5, Luca, 3, Mia, 6, Callie 5 and Adrianna 6. Children waved American flags as they watched people marching in the parade.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. MARIE-ALISA SALERNO, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 22, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 13, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1190 Allen Drive, Seaford, NY 11783. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 52, Block 457 and Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment is $524,976.97 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615550/2022. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court

Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 146807

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE’S FINANCIAL REALTY MORTGAGE SECURITIES TRUST, SERIES 2006-1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1, -againstJOSEPH GRECO, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on February 5, 2020, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE’S FINANCIAL REALTY MORTGAGE SECURITIES TRUST, SERIES 2006-1, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1 is the Plaintiff and JOSEPH GRECO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE,

MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 25, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 3586 MARJORIE LANE, SEAFORD, NY 11783; and the following tax map identification: 57-286-15. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT SEAFORD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 612236/2017. Lisa S. Poczik, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 146947

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ROBERT E. JERANEK, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 7, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 11, 2024 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 1806 Monroe Avenue, Seaford, NY 11783. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 52, Block 296 and Lot 965. Approximate amount of judgment is $320,486.74 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611483/2021. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale. Ralph J. Madalena, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 147198

x232 Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

Mike Monahan/Herald photos

The Kiwanis club of Wantagh marched down Wantagh Avenue during the Memorial Day parade.

Members of the Wantagh Fire Department proudly marched in the parade.

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

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

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

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

$20 - $25/ Hour

Bell Auto School

516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS WANTED

Will Certify And Train

HS Diploma

NYS License Clean 3 Years

$20 - $25/ Hour

Call 516-731-3000

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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

Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

HANDYPERSON WANTED

Immediate Opening at our Garden City Location

DESIRED SKILLS: Electrical * Welding * Carpentry Mechanical * Plumbing Part Time/Fulltime (benefits available with full time)

$18-$30 per hour based on experience Richner Communications, Inc

2 Endo Blvd

Garden City, NY 11530

Send resume to careers@lixtherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 ext 211

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

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

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

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

RECEPTIONIST P/T

Pediatrician's Office Mon. Wed. Fri. 9am-5pm And Sat. 9am-1pm Office Experience Preferred $16-$18 per Hour 516-379-4900

RESTAURANT HELP: 4- 5 Days/ Week. Weekends A Must. Starting At $16/ Hr. Great Location. Must Have Transportation. Please call 516-835-2819

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!! HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides Childcare, Housekeeping Day Workers No Fee To Employers Serving The Community Over 20 Years Evon's Services 516-505-5510

Stunning Property with Modern Amenities

Situated in an incredible location, this oversized property features a newly renovated kitchen and updated baths, making it a perfect blend of luxury and functionality. As you step into the inviting center hall, detailed moldings and stunning hardwood floors set an elegant tone. The flow of the home is ideal for entertaining, with a spacious living room featuring a fireplace, a formal dining room, a large home office/den,

ISLAND PARK / AUSTIN BOULEVARD 1000- 5000 Sq. Ft, Parking,1 Story, Driveins, Gas, Offices, Sprinklered, Near Railroad. Immediate. Price On Request.Tony 718-937-8100 Ext.101 CROSSTOWN REALTY

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

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

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

Elmont $840,000

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

Taxes: $12,233

Hewlett Harbor $1,750,000

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

Taxes: $31,540

Long Beach $830,00

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

Taxes: $15,324.45

Malverne $820,000

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

Merrick $880,000

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

Taxes: $19,095.70

Rockville Centre $1,050,000

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

The finer points of roofing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2024 Monte Leeper

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

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

EAST MEADOW: SATURDAY 6/8/24; Sunday 6/9/24 10am-5pm. 449 Hilda Street. Moving Sale! Everything Must Go!

NORTH MERRICK: SATURDAY 6/8, 8AM-4PM, RAINDATE SUNDAY 6/9, WENSHAW PARK, BRIAN DRIVE, BRUCE LANE, CLARK STREET, EARL DRIVE, JENKINS STREET, ROSE LANE, SHAW DRIVE, SYDNEY DRIVE, WINIFRED DRIVE AND WHITTIER AVENUE. ANNUAL Community Garage Sale! Something for Everyone!

GLEN COVE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF '79 45th Reunion September 21, 2024 6PM Contact Barry Feldman for details. (215) 534-7368 verythinguy2@gmail.com

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

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

FREON WANTED

Certified buyer looking for R11, R12, R22 & more! Call Clarissa at 312-535-8384

BROOKSTONE SHIATSU NECK and Shoulder Massager, electric, Intertek, excellent condition, comes in bag, $25, 516-678-0694.

DELTA SINGLEHANDED PULL Down Kitchen Faucet, silver chrome, used, very good condition, $30, 516-678-0694

HOWARD MILLER PENDULUM

Wall Clock: 31"Hx10 1/2"W, Chimes, VGC, $50 516-486-2363

WHITE DOOR SLAB with Brass Hardware Installed, size 80"x30", Fiberglass, Hollowcore,Traditional style. $50. 917-716-5465

*MICHAEL LO BAIDO CONSTRUCTION*

Cement Specialist, Brickwork, Interlock Bricks, Belgium Blocks, Stoops, Patios, Driveways, Sidewalks, Basement Entrances, Pavers, Waterproofing. Quality Work, Lic./ Ins. Owner Always Onsite Free Estimates 516-354-5578

PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. 24 Hour Emergency Response. 516-599-1011.

POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: Houses, Fences, Concrete/ Brick, Decks/Sealing. . ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641

FREEDOMCARE. LET YOUR loved ones care for you and get paid! Paid by Medicaid. Choose family or friends as your paid caregiver. Check your eligibility today! Call FreedomCare now! 1-855-385-7556

INJURED

1-888-454-4717. Be

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

HANDYMAN

Repairs and Installations for the Household. Careful and Reliable and Vaccinated. Licensed and Insured. 30-Year Nassau County Resident. Friendly Frank Phone/Text 516-238-2112 E-mail-Frankcav@optonline.net

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076

DO YOU NEED a Roof or Energy Efficient Windows & Help paying for it? YOU MAY QUALIFY THROUGH NEW RELIEF PROGRAMS (800) 944-9393 or visit NYProgramFunding.org to qualify. Approved applications will have the work completed by a repair crew provided by: HOMEOWNER FUNDING. Not affiliated with State or Gov Programs.

WIREMAN/CABLEMAN/HANDYMAN FLAT TVS mounted, Phone, TVs & Computer wiring installed & serviced, camera systems installed & stereos, HDTV Antennas- FREE TV www.davewireman.com Call Dave 516-433-WIRE (9473) 631-667-WIRE (9473) or Text 516-353-1118

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

FRANCISCO'S TREE SERVICE AND LANDSCAPING: Tree Removal, Stumps, Fertilization, Planting, Land Clearing, Topping. Free Estimates. Lic# H206773000. Office 516-546-4971, Cell 516-852-5415

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first free months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855-399-2719

Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-399-2582

HEARING AIDS!! HIGH-QUALITY rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060

Who knows which way this presidential race is headed?

The 2024 presidential campaign is already one like no other.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to the political calendar, it is five months until voters go to the polls in the 2024 elections. Between now and that fateful day, the two political parties will have spent over a billion dollars campaigning. Being a Democrat, it isn’t my business to tell the Republican Party how to run its presidential campaign, but I have some thoughts about the Democratic effort to re-elect President Biden. Up to now, the president’s campaign has centered on such things as the infrastructure bill he signed into law in 2021 and its funding for new roads, bridges and other needed public-works programs. There is no doubt that such expenditures are important, and should be stressed, but the election is more about other critical issues.

When Bill Clinton ran for the White House, James Carville, his campaign strategist, uttered those now famous words, “It’s the economy, stupid.” Carville was right, and Biden would ignore that dictum at his peril. These days,

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

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

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

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

Some advice Joe Biden badly needs

everything is about the economy. People vote with their pocketbooks, and the issue has to be dealt with by the Democrats.

Over the past few years, prices have skyrocketed, and it isn’t the fault of the president.

The executives of the companies that produce gasoline, food and other necessities don’t care about the average person. They have jets to service them, and take luxury trips around the world to ease their tensions. They raise their prices just before the quarterly earnings call to satisfy Wall Street, not Main Street. There’s nothing wrong with telling America who the culprits are and bashing the business tycoons.

the country believes that the unemployment rate is at a 50-year high. In fact, unemployment has been below 4 percent for over two years. It isn’t the media’s fault that the voters think that way; it’s because politicians don’t tell the story well.

Undecideds are up for grabs, but he has to find a message that appeals to them.

A recent Washington Post column by Catherine Rampell tells an interesting story about the economy. The headline is “Nearly everything Americans believe about the economy is wrong.” Rampell wrote that a recent Harris poll revealed that Americans’ thinking about the economy is often at odds with reality.

Most Americans believe the economy is shrinking. In fact, the economy has been growing for the past two years. The poll also found that 49 percent of

If you talk to average voters, they believe they were better off four years ago than they are today. That is in fact a total fallacy. In 2020, we were dealing with the coronavirus disaster, and then President Trump had failed to warn the nation about the perils we faced, in order to avoid the political fallout. The public was encouraged to try crazy medicines, none of which saved any lives. There were so many other bad things happening under Trump that Biden should be talking about. When Trump took office, the unemployment rate was 4.8 percent. When he left it was 6.3 percent. (It is currently under 4 percent.) There were supply chain disruptions and widespread lockdowns, and we were suffering from a recession. Thanks to a tax program that gave the rich big cuts, the national debt swelled by $7.8 trillion, an increase of 40 percent.

As for the current state of politics, Biden will have plenty to talk about.

Even though the Trump campaign is much more under control, the candidate isn’t. Trump goes off script all the time, and says lots of crazy things. His base voters won’t abandon him, but the undecideds are up for grabs, and they could be Biden voters. But Biden has to find a message that appeals to them.

Another challenge for the president is the third-party candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Right now Kennedy would get about 14 percent of the estimated vote. He may be appealing to protest voters, but it’s up to the Biden campaign to let the world know how nutty this guy is. There is enough of a record on Kennedy’s past statements to bring his poll numbers down and reduce his possible threat in November.

Incumbents are often underdogs in an election year, and Biden needs to run a campaign that focuses on pocketbook issues and explains them in simple terms. He will get countless other gifts from the uncontrolled candidate that is Donald Trump. But it’s time for Biden to retool his efforts and appeal to the voters he so badly needs.

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

HeraLd editoriaL

Safe day at the beach? Thank the lifeguards

Whether it’s Jones beach, on the South Shore, or Stehli beach, in bayville on the North Shore, summer on long Island means that hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors will look to find fun under the sun. but there is also danger.

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

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

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

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

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

Letters

D’Esposito forgets

Jan. 6 police attackers

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

In his opinion piece last week, “We must back the blue, now more than ever,” Congressman Anthony D’Esposito calls out the “unholy alliance of radical legislators, soft-on-crime prosecutors and district attorneys, and the perennially out-of-touch progressive activist class” for unjustly targeting the police. Significantly, he disingenuously omits to call out the right-wing insurrectionists who viciously attacked the Capitol police officers on Jan. 6, 2021.

RobERT TollE Cedarhurst

Jerry Kremer is correct: College protesters are confused

To the Editor:

Jerry Kremer’s recent column, “The blemish of

until July 26 to apply for the state grant money.

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

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

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

opinions

For neighborhoods of color, local media offer hope

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and exhilarating as 2020.

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

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

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

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

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

Letters

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

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

RANDY PERlmuTTER Oceanside

King’s right about the wisdom we could use

To the Editor:

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

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

JEROmE I. ROSEN Hewlett

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Framework by Tim Baker

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

sCott Brinton