Long Beach wrestling coaches Miguel Rodriguez and Ray Adams, second and fifth from left, and state champion Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez, third from left, were among those honored by county and city officials on Monday for the team’s success. Additional photo, page 19.
By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com
Twenty-five years ago, Long Beach resident Susan James, who had a background in acting and singing and loved the arts, felt that the city didn’t offer residents enough opportunities to experience them. There was the Long Beach Art League, but that was about it.
So James came up with a plan. She sent out fliers inviting people to come to the public library with ideas about what they’d like to see added to the city’s arts calendar. She didn’t expect a massive turnout, maybe a couple of dozen people. Nearly three times that many showed up.
So many ideas came out of that gathering that Artists in Partnership, complete with a board of directors, was born. Now the group is highlighting its 25th year of celebrating the arts in the community. It is considered by many to be Long Beach’s premier arts organization, and supports many events on what is now a much busier annual calendar of cultural offerings.
“The big thing is being able to let people discover us and understand what we can bring to them that will enrich their lives,” James said. “That’s what AIP is about. It’s not just another organization.”
In its early days, Artists in Partnership, a nonprofit, hosted programs at the library, where
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By ANGElINA ZINGARIEllo azingariello@liherald.com
Long Beach City Manager Dan Creighton detailed a series of planned changes to beach access and enforcement in his City Manager’s Report at the March 18 City Council meeting.
The updates aim to improve compliance with beach pass regulations, increase revenue and create a more efficient system for managing beach entry and visitor tracking.
“There are 38 distinct access points onto the beach — 38 different entrances,” Creighton said. “We have a problem with people ignoring the gate pass collectors. I won’t say what they say to them typically, but it’s not nice. We also have a problem with some of the ticket collectors not necessarily collecting the tickets. So we’re looking at just different ideas on what to do to control enforcement of ticket collections at the beach.”
ticket booths and closing certain staircases. The closed stairs will be converted into shower areas at the boardwalk level, allowing visitors to clean off more easily. The goal is to create a more controlled entry system with a single access point at each entrance to reduce unauthorized access.
DAN CREIGHToN city
To improve entrance enforcement, the city plans to hire more experienced staff, including members of local organizations such as the VFW and retirees. Creighton referenced a 2024 pilot program in which sanitation workers were posted at select entrances, which discouraged scofflaws, and resulted in increased revenue from beach pass sales. The city plans to expand this approach this season.
The city plans to consolidate entry points by relocating some
Another update involves adding barcodes to beach passes to track their use more accurately. This will allow the city to monitor how many people use each entrance and how
Continued on page 7
By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com
The Long Beach Soup Kitchen has been serving the community for over 40 years, providing hot and cold meals six days a week. Since the pandemic, it has seen a significant increase in demand, and now serves 2,000 to 3,000 meals per month.
It operates from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday on West Pine Street, and offers a to-go meal option for families and individuals who may not feel comfortable dining in. They also hold drives and events, trying to bring awareness and donations to their mission.
The soup kitchen recently hosted another event, this one something different. This time, they aren’t looking for canned food or other food donations, they were just hoping to spread their mission. The soup kitchen hosted a benefit concert at Bright Eye Beer Co., at 50 W. Park Ave.
Betsy Glazer, the soup kitchen’s head of fundraising, said the concert was to get their mission out there and “then they can, in turn, do a food drive or drop stuff off at the soup kitchen. It’s just a great way to network, too. It’s a great way to expose the younger generation, to try to get the younger people in the town to know who we are, what we do, and how they can help.”
The concert was on Thursday, March 20, from 7 to 10 p.m. on the top floor of the brewery. The concert featured The Mitch Weiss Band, and had a special appearance by The Katie Mitchell Band. Mitch Weiss has been a volunteer for the soup kitchen, so he reached out about doing the benefit concert.
“I’m a contributor to the soup kitchen, and I thought this would be another way to help their cause,” Weiss said. “I do original songs, and Katie does some
original songs too. I thought that this would be a good opportunity to get some original music out in front of people, and for a great cause.”
All money raised from the ticket sales went toward benefiting the soup kitchen.
“In addition to raising money, it’s as an opportunity to talk about how people can help the soup kitchen,” Glazer said. “It’s about letting the people who live in this community know what we do. And, hopefully, they’ll say, ‘Oh, how can I help?’”
By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com
The Long Beach Fire Department recently received a grant to help purchase new equipment needed to serve the community. The grant — which was for $600,000 — was received from and granted by Nassau County.
The grant will be used for the purchase of a new fire truck, which Fire Commissioner Joseph Miller said the department desperately needed, and other necessary equipment.
The city council approved the grant from the county during its Dec. 17 meeting last year. The grant, financed by leftover pandemic-related American Rescue Plan Act funds, requires no local match and is structured to release half of the money up-front, with the other half contingent on meeting specific requirements.
“There’s nothing more important than keeping our residents safe and supporting our first responders,” Council President Brendan Finn said. “We want to thank Legislator Pat Mullaney, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and Comptroller Elaine Phillips for their support in securing the funds to purchase the new ambulance. This is a vital piece of equipment that will save lives and serve our city for years to come.”
Miller said the department had approached Mullaney’s office for any type of grant that might be available and they could apply for. Not only will they be getting the ambulance, but they will also be able to outfit it with new medical equipment like LIFEPAK’s, AED’s, and medical equipment with the additional money allocated.
LIFEPAK’s are used when someone is suddenly going through cardiac arrest and AED’s are used when
the heart suddenly stops beating.
The department is currently operating with just two out of the four ambulances in the fleet. The other two are down due to various mechanical issues.
“The ambulance we are replacing is 13 years old and we need to have newer and reliable ambulances on the front lines,” Miller said. “Having the best ambulances and equipment is key to providing top notch medical service to the residents we serve.”
The department met with Mullaney, Blakeman and Phillips outside City Hall on March 14 to celebrate the
As estate planners, we consistently meet with people who are suffering from traumatic relationships with their children or grandchildren. Children themselves may become estranged or at odds with parents or their siblings. Sometimes, an in-law is involved that seems to turn the client’s son or daughter into someone completely different from the child they raised. The pain that these clients are going through is palpable.
Some wise sage once said that all pain comes from resistance. Many of these relationship issues may be difficult or impossible to overcome, but one thing we can all do is work on ourselves — by accepting what is. Accepting what is does not mean agreeing with or condoning certain behavior. What it does mean is that you stop saying to yourself that it is not fair, it “should” be otherwise, etc. That will not do you one bit of good and may do you considerable harm. Stress has been called “the silent killer”.
We recall reading a pithy quote a while back that went something like this “when someone disappoints you, you have two choices, you
can either lower your expectations or walk away”. What is disappointment but dashed expectations? Those who learn to expect less are disappointed less.
“Accepting what is” cannot be accomplished overnight. It is a concept or thought process that improves your outlook the more you think about it, work on it and form new neural pathways to forge the new outlook.
Estate planners inevitably become “therapists” for their clients because estate planning involves social relationships. Over the years, we have observed that many social problems occur between the clients two ears. As Shakespeare said in Hamlet “There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Forget about what’s fair or right and what’s not. You are only hurting yourself. The other person is often blissfully unaware of how you’re feeling. Michael J. Fox, the actor known for his optimism despite suffering from Parkinson’s, put it best when he said “My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations”.
grant. Members of the Long Beach City Council and City Manager Dan Creighton also attended.
“Our administration has been very aggressive in pursuit of grants to help ease the burden on taxpayers and improve the quality of life for our community,” Finn said. “We are glad to have such great partners in government.”
Miller also said “the (fire department) members are greatly appreciative to Pat Mullaney and Nassau County for being able to provide this ambulance.”
The fire department received a $600,000 grant for new equipment and a new truck, replacing an old one.
E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: lbeditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 213 E-mail: lbeditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com
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By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
The Hofstra softball team struggled out of the gate to open the 2025 season but still has time to ready the ship for its bid to reach the postseason.
The Pride dropped 19 of its first 21 games before charting a four-game winning streak and has the bulk of the remaining Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) schedule ahead to earn one of the six available spots in the conference tournament. The winner of the CAA playoffs will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, which Hofstra achieved in 2023.
“We definitely have hit some moments of growth and challenges,” said fourth-year head coach Adrienne Clark, whose team took 2-of-3 games from first-place Delaware last weekend to stand at 3-6 in the CAA with 18 league games remaining. “We’re trying not to focus on the outcomes as much and focus on the things that we can control and our adjustments within.”
adjustment entering the season with the loss of ace pitcher Julia Apsel, who was an integral part of the 2023 CAA championship squad and is using her final year of college eligibility at Florida State.
Junior Emma Falen is the team’s new number one pitcher after transferring from UC Riverside. The Folsom, Calif. native recorded eight strikeouts in a 4-1 win against Towson on March 14 to earn the Pride their first league win.
The pitching staff also includes freshman Carley Ernst, a two-time Lancaster-Lebanon League First Team selection during her high school career in Pennsylvania. Senior Haley Venturini, a Rhode Island native, has battled injuries over the past two seasons and Clark is hoping she can play a key part of the rotation down the stretch of the season.
The Pride’s offense returned some key pieces from last year’s 23-26 team including junior shortstop Alanna Morse, a Mepham High School graduate, who hit a home run in Hofstra’s 11-3
Feb. 16. She also has been solid anchoring the infield recording a .932 fielding percentage last season as a sophomore with 79 putouts and 88 assists.
“She’s doing a fantastic job,”said Clark of Morse, who is second on the team with a 308 batting average. “She’s also learning how to be a better teammate and support others and she’s sort of doing it in a way that is allowing her to play free and compete hard.”
Morse’s former Mepham teammate, sophomore right fielder Lily Yepez, has also emerged as a key part of the lineup after registering 14 hits in 20 starts as a freshman.
Senior first baseman Anna Butler, a Seaford High School product, adds to the Nassau County South Shore presence on the roster. Butler tied a program record for most hits during a seveninning game when she 5-for-5 in a 4-3 loss to Cornell on Feb. 28.
Butler also can contribute in the pitching circle as well and made her first relief appearance in a 1-0 victory against Howard on March 18, tossing five innings of scoreless relief to earn
the win.
“She is so committed to competing hard and to the team,” said Clark of Butler. “That dynamic is really what has been allowing her to figure some things out.”
Sophomore center fielder Chelsea Villar has begun to make waves in the lineup and entered the week as the Pride’s leading leading hitter with a .313 batting average and three home runs. Sophomore Mackenzie Fitzgerald is also making strides as a sophomore with a .293 average.
Hofstra will be on the road the next two weekends for series against Campbell and Drexel before hosting UNCWilmington for three games from April 11-13 and College of Charleston from April 18-20. The Pride conclude the regular season by hosting CAA foe Monmouth for a three-game series from May 1-3.
“In the rest of conference play it is about continuing to focus on the things we can control and continue to focus on us,” Clark said. “When we do that, we’re capable of beating any team.”
often specific passes are scanned.
“It will allow us to track better over the year — how many locations are entered, how many people are in which locations, how many times the pass was used a day,” Creighton said. “All these different sorts of tracking data that we can gather from it will help us figure out when we need to shut down beaches, which beaches are the appropriate ones to shut down, which ones have lower usage. And we’ll really be able to use that data to more effectively provide safe conditions for all of our residents and visitors on the beaches.”
Visitors with daily passes will now receive wristbands color-coded to the day of purchase, to prevent reuse.
The city also plans to lift the current limit of three passes per household. Allowing residents to purchase as many passes as they need upfront will simplify the process and reduce the need for repeat transactions.
Council members generally supported the proposed changes, highlighting the potential benefits of improved data collection and the wristband system. Creighton expressed confidence that the adjustments would strengthen enforcement, improve beach operations and potentially increase revenue from pass sales.
Season beach passes will go on sale in May. They will be available online and at the gazebo, outside the Recreation Center on Magnolia Boulevard, from May 12 to June 18, on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gazebo closes June 19. Passes will also be sold at the trailer at the corner of Broadway and Laurelton, on weekends from May 24 to June 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and daily from June 19 to Sept. 1, on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Barcodes will be added to beach passes this year to track their use, and some boardwalk entrances will be
Passes are required for anyone over 13. Resident passes are $85 for individuals, $115 for families and $30 for seniors and children. Non-resident rates are $170 for individuals, $230 for families and $60 for seniors and children. Daily passes are $12 for residents and $15 for non-residents, with a 25-cent fee for electronic daily passes and a $1 surcharge for seasonal passes.
Daily passes are available at Pacific, Neptune, Long Beach, Riverside, Edwards, National, Laurelton and
New York Avenues, payable by credit card only.
The beach season begins May 24 with passes required on weekends and Memorial Day through June 15, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. From June 19 to Sept. 1, passes will be required daily, on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, visit longbeachny.gov/ beachpassinfo.
Your trust and support mean the world to me. May all your days be filled with love, laughter and cherished moments in your beautiful homes and apartments that I can help you buy or rent. Here’s to building futures, creating memories and long lasting relationships.
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
At the annual New York Press Association Spring Conference in Saratoga Springs last week, Herald Community Media won seven state awards in the 2024 Better Newspaper Contest.
Long Beach reporter Angelina Zingariello won a first place award in the Feature Story category, Division 4. With so many submissions in each of six divisions, it is a very difficult award to win.
About the story with the headline “A long, cold, healing journey” the judges said: “Good combination of personal struggle and outcome with unconventional therapy. Well written and edited, a compelling read.”
The Nov. 21 story focused on how Long Beach resident Mindi Dovberg uses cold-water immersion as a technique for an emotional reset when dealing with physical challenges and emotional setbacks.
The Herald took the top spot in Best Large Space Ad, Division 1, which was printed in the Nassau Herald and other Herald newspapers.
“This stunning ad touches me,” one judge wrote. “The simplicity and pure elegance of this is beautiful. Love how white space was used to create such an impact. Proves the point that sometimes less really is more! Outstanding!”
There were 10 entries in the Rookie Reporter of The Year category, and Sea Cliff/Glen Head reporter Brian Norman captured second place with stories ranging from the controversy surrounding the proposed state regionalization plan to how the food is prepared for North Shore High School students.
Sea Cliff/Glen Head reporter Brian Norman, left took second place in the Rookie Reporter of the Year category. His colleagues Melissa Berman and Charles Shaw congratulate him.
The judges said: “Reporter does a great job conveying story to readers, whether the subject be ‘hard’ news or a feature article.”
Norman, a 2024 graduate of Quinnipiac University, interned with the Herald last summer and was hired in September as a full-time reporter for Sea Cliff/Glen Head. He is now a reporter for the Nassau Herald, the flagship newspaper for the community weekly chain.
Photographer Brian Ballweg placed second in the Sports Feature, Division 1 category. The photograph appeared on the front page of the June 13 Rockville Centre Herald.
The judges said: “This photo shows
excellent framing of the lacrosse winners in this overtime state championship moment. Their faces run to the spectrum of elation, stopping the viewer — the joy here is studying their faces, bodies contained in the goal.”
Creative Director Jeffrey Negrin earned a trio of third-place awards.
In the Best Special Section Cover, Division 2 category, the judges said: “Another really excellent use of text on black with fun ‘clinks’ of glasses as backdrop. Long Island Choice Awards makes me want to open this up over a cocktail.”
For Special Sections/Niche Publications-Newsprint, Division 1 the judges said: “Excellent school recognition.”
The publication was the Herald’s annual special section for the Red and Blue competition at South Side High School that was published for the Feb. 29, 2024 Rockville Centre Herald.
In the Best Multi-Advertiser Pages category, judges said: “Cute organic for a shared page. Makes you want to read each one.”
The 2024 Better Newspapers Contest had 132 newspapers statewide submit 2,082 entries in 68 categories. The Missouri Press Association judged the submissions.
“It’s always nice to be recognized by our peers and colleagues,” said Herald Community Media publisher Stuart Richner. “We look forward to continuing to tell the stories of our communities in the weeks and years ahead. Congratulations to our team on well deserved recognition.”
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Propel NY Energy project is aiming to revo-
1
The Big Investment
$3.26 Billion:
Ratepayers fund the total capital cost for the entire project across New York state.
Six Cents a Day:
Estimated additional cost to an average residential ratepayer—about six cents per day—to support the new infrastructure.
2
The New Grid
90 Miles of Transmission Lines:
The project will construct 90 miles of new underground transmission lines, with 66 miles in Nassau County and additional segments extending into Suffolk County, the Bronx, and Westchester.
3 Additional Interconnection Points:
Long Island currently relies on just two connection points to the statewide grid. Propel NY Energy will add three
lutionize Long Island’s electric grid. The project is currently in the Article Seven permitting process — a two-year review involving environmental and engineering assessments. Construction is slated to
new connections, strengthening overall grid reliability and resiliency.
5 Interconnection Points in Total:
With the new additions, the grid will have five connection points, ensuring that power flows efficiently in both directions.
Construction & Permitting Article Seven Permitting:
The rigorous Article Seven process, covering environmental, socioeconomic, and engineering assessments, is expected to take approximately two years, with submissions made in July and anticipated approval around July 2026.
Construction Timeline:
Construction is slated to begin in mid-2026 and continue for three to four years, with completion expected by mid-2030.
begin in mid-2026 and continue until mid-2030. Here’s the key numbers and figures driving this $3.26 billion initiative:
Underground cables will be installed at a depth of roughly 5 to 7 feet, ensuring they are protected from weather and other external risks.
Daily Progress:
Crews are projected to advance between 50 and 150 feet per day per crew, minimizing long-term disruption to local neighborhoods.
4
Future-Proofing the Grid
50 to 90 Percent Increase in Demand:
As much as a 50 to 90 percent surge in electricity demand is projected over the next 20 years, driven by electrification, including electric vehicles, heat pumps, and data centers.
50 percent Renewable Energy by 2030: By 2030, it’s anticipated that 50 percent of Long Island’s power will come from offshore wind—made possible by the upgraded grid capacity.
Avoided Congestion Savings:
Enhanced transmission efficiency is expected to save the state an estimated $3.3 billion in congestion-related costs over time.
Selection & Local Impact 19 Proposals Reviewed:
The project was chosen through a competitive process that evaluated 19 proposals from four developers, with Propel NY Energy emerging as the most cost-effective solution.
Local Workforce:
The project will utilize local union labor and contractors, ensuring economic benefits and community engagement throughout Nassau County and beyond.
The Propel NY Energy project is about building a resilient electrical grid that meets the rising energy demands of Long Island and supports a more sustainable energy future.
The Long Beach High School theatre department recently “Anything Goes,” the popular musical by Cole Porter, to family and friends for two evening performances on March 14 and 15 in the school’s auditorium.
The production, which is set aboard the luxurious S.S. American, was a vibrant and fast-paced spectacle, showcasing a talented cast and crew of over 90 students. The show featured dancers, a dedicated ensemble and a pit orchestra, working together to bring the story to life.
“Anything Goes” weaves a narrative filled with comedy, romance and a dash of intrigue. The plot revolves around a love triangle, tap dancing sailors and a bit of blackmail, creating a captivating atmosphere for audiences. Songs, such as “I Get a Kick Out of You” and the title song, “Anything Goes,” which resonated with everyone in attendance, complemented the entire performances.
“It has been a pleasure to collaborate with students, teachers and administrators who share a passion for the arts,” Director and Long Beach theatre and English teacher Leslie Kohn said. “Throughout this process, everyone has grown tremendously — not only as performers but also as individuals. Our students have practiced tirelessly, challenged themselves and even learned new skills, including tap dancing.”
The lead roles were performed by Stephania Robinson as the charismatic Reno Sweeney and Nate White as the charming Billy J. Crocker. With such a large and dedicated cast, the production was a true testament to the hard work and creativity of the students, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained and impressed with their outstanding
The student performers showcased their abilities on stage in front of their friends and families earlier this month.
performances.
“Our production of ‘Anything Goes’ was truly a stellar representation of this beloved Cole Porter classic,” Long Beach Director of Media, Visual and Performing Arts Julia Lang-Shapiro said. “It provided an incredible opportunity for all our students to showcase their talents, from the performers on stage and in the pit orchestra, to our dedicated backstage crew ensuring the sets, props and costumes were picture perfect.”
–Brendan Carpenter
The high school’s talented performers made the show an exciting one.
Long Beach High School’s theatre department performed ‘Anything Goes’ in the school auditorium for friends and family on March 14 and 15.
“The
—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.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project. psegliny.com/businessfirst
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Continuing a month-long series of interviews with influential area women in honor of Women’s History Month. Helen Dorado-Alessi is CEO of El Dorado Consulting and executive director of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association.
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Dorado-Alessi: I grew up in Woodside, Queens, a very tight-knit community, so I was very accustomed to that kind of a world. When my husband and I looked for a new place to live when our children were growing up, Long Beach fit the bill for us. Beyond being a closeknit community, we found a community that was very charitable, giving and open.
I’m of Latin descent from the Caribbean, my dad from Cuba, my mother from Puerto Rico. So it’s kind of in my DNA to be close to the water, sun and sand. Youth development has always been a love of mine because of how hard it was for me coming up. There wasn’t any
such thing, so I always wanted to be on that side of my work. I have two kids, two grandchildren — (I’m) always out and about with them. I see the future in my grandchildren’s eyes and want to make sure that I make them proud with whatever work I am doing.
Herald: What do you do? Why?
Dorado-Alessi: I have my own company called El Dorado Consulting. I work on projects that have helped to broker relationships between philanthropy and nonprofits to get the work done. Right now I’m a consultant to Herstory Writers Workshop, an organization that helps people in jails and schools write their social justice memoirs. We ask people, if your words had the power to change hearts, minds and policies, what would they say? Through that work, I’ve been able to help people have confidence in their voice and their his-
tory, their families, their communities, and then share those stories with politicians, with businesses, with others who may not know what it’s like to walk in somebody else’s shoes.
The other thing I do is that I’m the executive director of Long Beach Latino Civic Association. No immigrant is illegal; a person cannot be illegal, but more importantly, their dreams are not illegal. They’ve left some very violent, scary places to come here, to have a life that they could be proud of. If you give people the information and the education, the knowledge, they’re more than happy to be part of Long Beach or New York or the United States.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?
Dorado-Alessi: The most challenging part of my whole career and life has
been this particular time where there’s so much animosity, hurtfulness and bullying. I think also the biggest challenge is, how do we fight misinformation and bold-faced lies? I could see why a lot of people would want this particular person to be running the country. I understand that they have their views. I’m just hoping that people, when they see what is really happening, will take a step back.
I think the parts that really drive me is when I work with young people, and I think that could have been my mom or my dad having just arrived. When I see them succeed, when I see them with a little bit of help, they’re going to college, or they’re getting a job on Wall Street. I think other men and women in the field who are fighting as hard as I am and we are, that’s what inspires me. I’m not alone.
More information can be found atherstorywriters.org, and LBlatinocivic.org. Responses have been edited for clarity. The rest of this interview can be found online, at liherald.com.
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
Juli Grey-Owens is founder and executive director of Gender Equality New York.
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Grey-Owens: I am a senior trans women who does advocacy work for our community. I grew up in northwestern New Jersey, had a relatively normal childhood. I knew something was different around (age) 3 or 4. In my preteen years I experimented, but didn’t know what was up because this was the 1960s.
I went to high school and was a good student. I was a decent athlete, co-captain of my football team. Met a girl in eighth grade, and we were friends until we started going out in junior year. My experimentation stopped during high school because I was busy with school, sports — I had a girlfriend. I graduated with high honors and applied to engineering schools.
Then my parents had a tough divorce, and I had no money. College was a mess, trying to work multiple jobs and school. I felt a lot of pressure and began experimenting again.
I was recruited to a Fortune 500 company out of college, started work, paid off my bills, and then I went to a counselor to see if I could get rid of this “thing.”
The counselor was really terrific, and he said to me, “You’re not gonna get rid of it. You have to decide how you’re
gonna deal with it.”
I decided to blend this into my life. I continued as a cisgender man, but on weekends I would maybe go to a party or something, just to try to figure out the community and how I fit in it.
In 1981 a work opportunity brought my fiancée and I to Long Island. I got my MBA, I married that girl from junior year, and at 35 we had a child. As I got older, I felt stifled because between career and family, there was no time to go out.
A real turning point was when my father passed away. I was 47 at the time and I started looking at my life, as you do when your parent passes away, and I decided I needed to be more authentic. I started going to trans events in 2003, and it progressed from there.
ing at Northwell Health and Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?
Grey-Owens: The public has a very poor idea of our community, and we suffer as a result. There’s a lot of bad information out there, outright lies in some cases. For example, 8-year-olds are not getting surgery, and school nurses are not giving out hormones. If we don’t get information out, if we don’t start making people aware of our communities, these lies will continue.
My wife and I separated in 2007, and then in 2008 I met my second wife. We’ve been together for 16 years and married for 13.
Herald: What do you do? Why?
Grey-Owens: I’m founder and executive director of Gender Equality New York, a nonprofit that advocates for transgender, gender nonbinary and intersex New Yorkers. The work we do is largely educational: We provide information to agencies, legislators. I provide training to the Nassau and Suffolk police academies. I also provide train-
We currently have a federal government that’s attacking our community and trying to make us disappear. So the work has to be done to normalize our community and make people aware of the conditions we live under.
Herald: What has been the proudest moment in your life?
Grey-Owens: Getting the transgender civil rights bill passed in 2019. Prior to January 2019, a transgender person could be discriminated against in employment, housing and public services.
In 2003, lesbians, gays and bisexuals were able to pass a bill called the Sexual
Orientation Non-Discrimination Act in New York dtate, granting them their civil rights, (but it) specifically excluded the transgender community. It was 16 years before the trans community got their civil rights.
In 2019, the Gender Expression NonDiscrimination Act was signed into law, and we have had civil rights protections in New York state since then. There are no federal protections, so if we leave there are no guaranteed protections.
Herald: What advice do you have to offer? What work is left to be done?
Grey-Owens: Trying to get federal protections for our community is a big thing, but right now we’re just trying to get our community to survive the next four years.
And to some of our younger members, who might still be in school, or living under their family’s rule, and are unable to come out and be themselves: Be patient. Be safe. Make sure you have a roof over your head, that you’re fed and taken care of, get your high school diploma, if you’re able to, get to college. Usually you’re able to be more authentically yourself in college.
It does get better once we get older, but once you’re out as an adult, anything you can do to help move the community forward is important and necessary.
For more information, visit genderequalityny.org or follow @genderequalityny on Instagram and Facebook.
artists — no matter the medium — could come together and network, and panels, festivals and shows were featured. Eventually, the library, and other arts lovers in town, began taking over some of the events themselves, branching out, expanding on them, forming new groups.
That was part of the idea, James said. “Our mission is to empower artists and engage the community,” she said. “I feel we’re an organization that is a gem of Long Beach.”
OJames led the group for 10 years, but moved to Virginia in 2010. She was worried that all of her hard work over the previous decade would be wasted, and felt that she needed someone to take over for her, to see that the organization would keep expanding not only the arts scene, but itself as well. That someone was Johanna Mathieson-Ellmer.
has brought painting, photography and dance, indoors and out, to a variety of venues in the city.
“It was a series of about six programs that we had,” Mathieson-Ellmer, who is now AIP’s director, recalled of the group’s beginnings. “Twenty-five years later, we look and we’re surrounded by these kinds of programs. So for us, it’s delightful to see that seeds were planted in this community, and that they’ve sprung up all over the place.”
empower artists and engage the community. SuS an JameS Co-founder, Artists in Partnership
Maintaining a healthy arts organization wasn’t always easy, and there were years when it was operating on just a couple of thousand dollars. The group is always looking for funding, and applying for grants to help it fulfill its mission of supporting residents’ artistic endeavors. And it continues to offer over 95 percent of its programs to the public for free.
artists in partnership has hosted many arts events throughout the city during its first 25 years, including arts in the plaza.
Mathieson-Ellmer, who had been one of the original board members back in 2000, volunteered to take charge. Since then, AIP has continued to grow, and expanded its range of programs. It is constantly promoting and sponsoring concerts, arts and crafts events, festivals, galas, talks and presentations. It
“We try to maintain as positive an attitude about things as possible,” Mathieson-Ellmer said. “We just try to silence the noise and stay focused on what builds community, the synergy that we have, and that we can help to nurture, in order to have people in a place where they will take a moment to
see another human being, and to learn about that human being, or that person’s culture or that person’s traditions, and understand how important that is to the tapestry that we’ve been weaving for 25 years.”
Artists in Partnership will be commemorating its first quarter of a centu-
ry all year long, with concerts, exhibits, galas and more. Its eighth annual Women in the Arts event is set for April 10, and there are musical events planned throughout May. The group will host a 25th anniversary celebration on Sept. 7, a cabaret show at the Madison Theatre in Rockville Centre.
By Karen Bloom
Sure … the Hollywood moviemakers grab your attention. Yet there’s so much more to the movie biz beside that tentpole blockbuster. Check out the Asbury Short Film Concert, which returns to its local “home” at the Madison Theatre next Friday and see an abundance of creative offerings. There’s certainly no denying the appeal of a major feature film. But for those who crave something different that certainly strikes an emotional chord, Asbury’s “concert” is for you. This national touring showcase brings a diverse, focused lineup — in many cases featuring up-and-coming filmmakers — of smaller efforts you generally won’t find on the big screen.
And it’s most definitely not a festival.
“We present the best in comedy, drama, animation, even the occasional documentary,” says Doug LeClaire, Asbury Shorts’ founder and longtime director. “We call it a concert rather than a festival because there are no awards, no Q&A or panel discussions, it’s all about entertainment value for the audience.”
As in previous years, Asbury Shorts offers up an eclectic mix of films, what LeClaire describes as a “potpourri of the short film world.” LeClaire, who was in commercial and film production for over four decades, has been passionate about short films since his student days at New York Institute of Technology. He pivoted to promoting his beloved short films full time and the result has been a resounding success.
“Myself, and those who have been with me the longest, didn’t think our short film party that began in Westbury in 1981 would evolve into a major global touring event that has presented Asbury Shorts shows from Berlin to L.A. over the years with many, many stops in between,” LeClaire says. “The mission has always been to keep great short films, from all years, projected on real cinema screens as opposed to YouTube, smart phones, computers or tablets or the big screen TVs. Asbury Shorts is strictly a theatrical cinema event, no virtual allowed!
“Our number one priority is the enjoyment of our audience. We’re proud to provide an outlet for the filmmakers’ product. For us, it is all about the experience, showing these films to an audience. We give them the opportunity to experience great films on a big screen the way they were meant to be seen.”
He and his team cull them from the film festival circuit — including the prestigious SXSW (South by Southwest), Sundance and Toronto International Film Festival, and Tribeca Festival, among others.
“To get an award at one of these festivals is just as good as an Oscar nomination,” LeClaire says. “These young filmmakers are so happy to get that wreath. They collect them the way we would collect baseball cards back in the day.”
• Friday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.
• For tickets, visit madisontheatreny.org or call the box office at (516) 323-4444
• Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
Think of this as your personal film festival experience. As LeClaire puts it: “We’re bringing these films to folks who can’t get to film festivals.”
His formula certainly has resonated with audiences.
“We have demonstrated that we are entertaining and blessed to have fans that keep coming back,” LeClaire says, “while also reaching out to new audiences.”
The two-hour show moves along briskly. The films range from a brief few minutes to 20 minutes at most.
“A good short film is to the point, fast paced, and most important of all, is the ending,” LeClaire says. “It must make sense.”
And that ending will surely leave you wanting more.
Among the highlights, LeClaire points to Martín Rosete’s 10-minute “Voice Over,” which depicts the urgency of life’s pivotal moments in a desperate race against time.
Three different stories are told by the same narrator searching for the correct story. The same actor appears in all three. Will the narrator find what he’s looking for? We don’t know — maybe, maybe not.
Rosete, a Spanish filmmaker now based in New York, was awarded the Goya, Spain’s Academy Award, for “Voice Over.”.
LeClaire describes it as “sort of the ‘perfect’ short film” due its story and production values.
“It has outstanding and mind boggling production design for an indie produced short film and an ending that I really like,” he explains.
Another standout is “Anomaly” from director Ryan Jenkins, which was honored recently with Best Short Film at the Lake Placid Film Festival. In this 15-minute drama, a renowned magician features an inexplicable illusion in his final run of performances. Meanwhile, a government agent who witnesses the baffling act becomes hell-bent on uncovering its method.
As for the rest, well, you’ll have to attend and see for yourself. LeClaire doesn’t like to reveal too much, promising it’s all “great fun.”
He is delighted to come back to his Long Island roots with his film showcase.
“We’re very heartened by the audience at the Madison. We are grateful to [Artistic Director] Angelo Fraboni and his staff for allowing us to return each year. It’s been a terrific relationship.”
‘Good times…’
Neil Diamond is certainly forever — as honored by Neil Forever, returning to the Paramount stage. David Jacobson, the tribute band’s founder, has a great passion for the music and legacy of the legendary performer. David, along with his son and music director Dylan Jacobson and drummer John Cardoso began their journey in January 2023. Today, the 14-person ensemble delivers an authentic, exciting and joyful concert that captivates the legendary superstar’s fans. Performing Diamond’s music is as much about heart and soul as it is talent; it’s a celebration of the music and the man who created it. The band has forged an exciting path, as discovered by excited and passionate fans, of all ages. Audiences are thrilled by the authentic renditions of classic hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “Coming to America,” and “Kentucky Women.”
Friday, March 28, 8 p.m. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
The South Shore Symphony Orchestra springs forward with its next concert, “Slavic Masterworks,” at its Madison Theatre home. The orchestra is joined by renowned cellist Amy Barston, featured in Polish composer Grayna Bacewicz’s Cello Concerto No. 1. A rare gem, according to Barston, she notes that it is fresh to the concert stage in that it is quasi-newly discovered, but it feels like a familiar, beloved masterwork. Electrifying, often dance-like energy, paired with soaring lyrical melodies, it has received an enthusiastic reception from audiences. The evening’s repertoire also includes Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances, op. 46, no. 3 in Ab major and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, op. 64, e minor.
Saturday, March 29, 7:30 p.m. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 3234444.
Grab those leather jackets, and rock on! The Wallflowers are back on the road and bringing their sound to the Paramount stage, Sunday, April 6, at 8 p.m., with special guest Jackson Melnick. For the past 30 years, the Jakob Dylanled act has stood as one of rock’s most dynamic and purposeful bands — a unit dedicated to and continually honing a sound that meshes timeless songwriting and storytelling with a hard-hitting and decidedly modern musical attack. That signature style has been present through the decades, baked into the grooves of smash hits like 1996’s “Bringing Down the Horse” as well as more recent and exploratory fare like 2012’s “Glad All Over.” Even so, in recent years, Dylan — the Wallflowers’ founding singer, songwriter and guitarist — has repeatedly stepped outside of his band. First with a pair of more acoustic and rootsy records, 2008’s “Seeing Things” and 2010’s “Women + Country,” and then with the 2018 film “Echo in the Canyon” and the accompanying soundtrack, which saw him collaborate with a host of artists classic and contemporary, from Neil Young and Eric Clapton to Beck and Fiona Apple.
Several Long Beach residents, poets, artists and educators will be highlighted in the It’s a ‘Shore’ Thing! Poetry Festival, at Long Beach Public Library, presented by the Shore Poets and the library. Check out the two-day event, Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, April 6, 1-5 p.m. 111 W. Park Ave. For information, visit longbeachlibrary.org.
Long Beach Board of Education meets, Tuesday, April 8, 7 p.m., at Lido Elementary School. For more information, visit LBeach.org. 237 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach.
Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to participate in Holi, the Festival of Colors, Sunday, April 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Originating in India, this Hindu festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of the colorful spring season. During this joyous celebration, families eat sweets, dance to traditional folk music and throw colorful powder made from flowers called gulal.
in the 1920s
Join Egyptologists-authorsprofessors Drs. Colleen and John Darnell at Nassau County Museum of Art, Sunday, March 30, 3 p.m., for a fascinating lecture on “Egyptomania” in the 1920s. The Darnells are authors of several books and dozens of articles. With academic careers in Egyptology at Yale University, they are committed to bringing ancient Egypt’s rich history, religion, art, and language to a worldwide audience.
Their passion for vintage fashion and modeling has led to exciting collaborations with Egypt’s premier jewelry designers, photographers and magazines. Limited seating. Registration required. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students; members free. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org.
But while it’s been nine long years since we’ve heard from the group with whom he first made his mark, the Wallflowers are silent no more. And Dylan always knew they’d return. And return the band has, with “Exit Wounds,” their new studio offering. It marks the first new Wallflowers material since “Glad All Over.” And while the wait has been long, the much-anticipated record finds the band’s signature sound — lean, potent and eminently entrancing — intact, even as Dylan surrounds himself with a fresh cast of musicians. $75, $45, $35, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Crafts, color throwing and dancing are part of this vibrant event. Welcome spring’s arrival with Holi. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes that they won’t mind getting messy. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Go to licm.org or call (516) 2245800 for more information.
If you love jazz and standards, come experience the Sunset Trio in the L’Onda Bar at the Allegria Hotel, every Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Enjoy the incredible Vincent Loccisano on piano, the sultry vocals of Mariann Megna and Michael Luca, bass. No cover/no minimum. 80 W. Broadway. Call (516) 889-1300 for more information.
Mercy Hospital offers cardiac screening
You only have one heart. Protect it with a free cardiac screening at Mercy Hospital, Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Getting your coronary calcium score scan can save your life. A coronary calcium score is like a “mammogram” for the heart to screen for blockage(s). This simple, non-invasive test can indicate coronary artery disease before the onset of symptoms or heart attacks.
The scan does not require IV or Oral CT contrast. Limited appointments available 15 minute increments. Last appointment will be at 1:45 p.m. No insurance necessary. 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Radiology & Imaging (adjacent to Emergency Department). To register, call (516) 62-MERCY (63729).
Mah Jongg club
Do you play Mah Jongg and want to meet other community members who play? Join in the game, at Long Beach Library, Wednesdays at 11 a.m. in the auditorium. Practice your skills and have fun while you do it. Bring your own Mah Jongg tiles. 111 W. Park Ave. For more information, visit LongBeachPL.com or call (516) 432-7201.
Do you have questions about your computer or laptop? Want to learn more about Zoom, streaming movies, etc to your device? Join Long Beach Library’s Tech Guy, every Wednesday, 2-3 p.m. to get answers to your pressing tech questions. 111 W. Park Ave. For information, visit LongBeachLibrary.org.
City Council meeting
The Long Beach City Council meets, Tuesday, April 1, 7 p.m., in on the sixth floor at City Hall. The meeting will also be streamed on YouTube. Join to learn about projects that may be going on in the area. For more information, visit LongBeachNY.gov.
The 3rd annual Gerrin Hagen Memorial Hockey Day is set for Saturday, April 5, at Long Beach Ice Arena. 150 W. Bay Dr. For more information, visit longbeachny.gov.
Having an event?
Long Island Children’s Museum opens its doors to a weekend devoted to STEM activities, Saturday and Sunday, March 29-30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., that will ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike. Guest experts offer engaging demonstrations, experiments and interactive activities.
Highlights include sampling the science of molecular gastronomy with flash frozen ice cream; learn about native and invasive species that swim in Long Island waters; discover how oysters are coming to our rescue; study the water cycle and Long Island’s unique geographic formations and more. Activities free with museum admission. . Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more.
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.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, April 13, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU NEW YORK BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION d/b/a PURSUIT BDC, Plaintiff, againstMICHAEL D’ANTONI
a/k/a MICHAEL E. D’ANTONI, VERSA-TEL TS, INC., EMPIRE STATE CERTIFIED DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION d/b/a PURSUIT CDC, U.S. SMALL BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, MONTANA DATACOM INC., NYBDC LOCAL DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION d/b/a THE EXCELSIOR GROWTH FUND, TBF FINANCIAL, LLC, AMERICAN EXPRESS NATIONAL BANK, CHILLAX LLC, CADLEROCK JOINT
VENTURE, L.P., PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, and “JOHN OR JANE DOE” (such designation intending to refer to any and all other individuals occupying the subject premises and/or claiming any interest whatsoever in such premises), Defendants.
NOTICE OF SALE Index No.: 609011-2024
Property Addresses: 30 Delaware Ave. Long Beach, New York Honorable Thomas Rademaker
Pursuant to Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 5, 2025 and entered in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office of February 18, 2025 (the “Judgment”), I, the undersigned Referee, duly appointed in this action for such purpose, will expose for sale and sell at public auction to the highest bidder on the north side steps, Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, on April 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., the mortgaged premises located at 30 Delaware Avenue, Long Beach, New York (Sec. 59 Block 260 Lot 13) (“Property”), as directed in and by said Judgment. Approximate amount of the Judgment is
$80,670.12 plus postjudgment interest and costs. Please take notice that the Property is subject to a prior mortgage of record now held by CitiMortgage, Inc. in the original principal amount of $360,000.00 (Nassau County Clerk Liber 37176 Mp 100; Assignment at Liber 42896 Mp 855).
Interested parties may contact Meghan Breen, Esq. at 518-581-8800.
Dated: March 7, 2025
/s/Ronald J. Ferraro
Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq. 152086
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an On-Premises Restaurant-Liquor License, NYS Application ID NA-0340-25-103437 has been applied for by Dock Taco Inc. d/b/a Byrons to sell liquor, beer, wine and cider at retail in an on-premises Restaurant-Liquor establishment. For on premise consumption under the ABC law at 5 New York Avenue Long Beach NY 11561. 152313
LEGAL NOTICE
SURROGATE’S COURT, NASSAU COUNTY CITATION
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: Grassi Advisory Group, Inc. Office of the NYS Attorney General
Jasper Surety
Susanne Lennon
Nancy Adams
Arthur Thomas D’Ari
a/k/a Tom D’Ari
Linda D’Ari
Richard D’Ari
Adele D’Ari
Paul D’Ari
Rocco J. Labella, Esq. and any and all unknown persons whose names or parts of whose names and whose place or places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, distributees, heirs-atlaw and next-of-kin of the said Concetta Duchini, deceased, and if any of the said distributees named specifically or as a class be dead, their legal representatives, their husbands or wives, if any, distributees and successors in interest whose names and/or places of residence and post office addresses are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained.
A petition having been duly filed by Nassau County Public Administrator, who is domiciled at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York 11501.
YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, on May 7, 2025, at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why the account of Nassau County Public Administrator, a summary of which has been served herewith, as Administrator of the estate of Concetta Duchini, should not be judicially settled.
[X] Further relief sought (if any):
1.Releasing and discharging the Petitioner from all liability, responsibility and accountability as to all matters set forth in the account of proceedings;
2.Allowing the commissions of the Petitioner in the amount of $ 41,178.84 pursuant to SCPA 2307(1) and the reasonable and necessary expenses of the office in the amount of $ 12,871.53 pursuant to SCPA 1207(4);
3.Fixing and determining the attorney’s fees and disbursements of Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC attorney for petitioner in the amount of $ 76,066.04 as and for legal fees and disbursements, of which $ 49,066.04 has been paid and $ 27,000.00 is unpaid; Fixing and determining the accounting fees of Grassi & Co, CPA’s, PC in the amount of $ 8,175.00, of which $ 2,175.00 has been paid and $ 6,000.00 is unpaid;
5.Releasing and discharging the surety;
6.Allowing and directing payment of the claim of Rocco J. Labella, Esq. in the amount of $ 13,476.23, none of which has been paid;
7.Directing each of you claiming to be a distributee of the Decedent to establish proof of your kinship, and show cause why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship or deposited with the New York State Comptroller on account for the unknown next of kin of Concetta Duchini,
decedent, should said alleged distributees default herein or fail to establish proof of kinship; 8.Granting such other and further relief as to the Court is just and proper. Dated, Attested, and Sealed, March12, 2025 (Seal)
HON. HON. MARGARET C. REILLY
Surrogate s/ Debra Keller Leimbach
Chief Clerk
Signature of Attorney Richard T. Kerins, Esq.
Print Name of Attorney Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC
Firm Name (516) 538-1111
Telephone 254 Nassau Boulevard South, Garden City South, New York 11530
Address rkerins@mmkolaw.com
Email (optional)
NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you, and you or your attorney may request a copy of the full account from the petitioner or petitioner’s attorney 152315
City Council Member Michael Reinhart and City Manager Dan Creighton joined Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Legislator Patrick Mullaney to honor Long Beach wrestlers for their season. Citations were presented to champions Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez, Harley Eidens, Presley Eidens, Ethan Andreula, Casey Powers and Brody Franklin.
Attorney for Plaintiff(s)
McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840, New York, NY 10170.
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that a license, number “Pending” for beer, cider, liquor and wine, has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, cider, liquor and wine, at retail in a restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 36 B. E Park Ave, Long Beach, Nassau County, NY 11561 for on premises consumption.
CASA MADE, INC. d/b/a Taste of Italy 152477
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
NASSAU COUNTY
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS TRUSTEE FOR CDC MORTGAGE CAPITAL TRUST 2004-HE3, Plaintiff against JOHN P. PEERS, et al Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 25, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
Premises known as 507 Lindell Boulevard , Long Beach, NY 11561. Sec 59 Block 10 Lot 41. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $328,408.17 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No
608866/2023. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call (844)400-9633. Paul L Meli, Esq., Referee File # 22-12053NY 152419
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF RESIDENTIAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST II, Plaintiff, vs. COZY NEST HOMES, LLC, ET. AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 19, 2024 and an Order Appointing Substitute Referee duly entered on November 18, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine”, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 30, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 610 Laurelton Boulevard, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that
certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 54 and Lots 6-7. Approximate amount of judgment is $643,946.03 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607903/2023. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C., Attn: Jackie Halpern Weinstein, Esq., One Battery Park Plaza, 18th Floor, New York, New York 10004, Tel: 212.825.0365, Attorneys for Plaintiff 152407
Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460
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DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Help 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! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
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 jbessen@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 $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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 $34,320 + 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
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 $34,320 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
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Hebrew Academy of Long Beach seeks educators to join our exceptional school faculty in fostering a culture of academic exploration and excellence and dedication to spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth of all students. We are currently looking for candidates in the following divisions:
Lev Chana Early Childhood:
• Early Childhood Assistant Teachers
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• Business and Entrepreneurship Teacher
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To learn more about our school community, please visit www.halb.org. We look forward to hearing from you! Please send resumes or inquiries to resumes@halb.org.
Q. I’m waiting months for a permit and they keep asking for added notes and plan changes, but not all at once. It’s a complete runaround. Why is this happening? My business is losing money and I’m losing patience.
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A. Continuing from two weeks ago, people often have unrealistic expectations of the review process. When plans are submitted, the process begins with assigning an application designation. Many departments have a large backlog of applications, which means that they will often get to yours in the order it came in. There are the applications that jump ahead of the line for various reasons, from medical emergencies to fire repair, decisions made by economic development criteria from higher up the government chain, etc.
I’m often asked about who the client can talk to in order to speed things up. This sends a message to me that the whole review process is about to slow down even more. From experience, I reply that the applicant can “try whatever method they want, but be careful.” If someone actually does skip the line, I am aware that it may backfire, because pressuring plan reviewers can sometimes lead to delays and friction when the reviewer kicks the plans back with objections that make the owner insist that the “architect should have known this.”
Objections may seem purposeful, but because they’re legitimate, the application is on hold, and takes pressure off the reviewer. Pressuring the reviewers is not recommended. Architects are burdened enough with never knowing whether they should add all kinds of notes to the plans, or when to keep things simpler. For example, some reviewers want reprints of building code sections on the plans, only to find that another reviewer wants those same notes removed from the plans, causing further delays, to put the researched code notes on plans, and then delays in revising plans afterward. It’s a lose/lose situation guaranteed to cause further delay, but “that’s the way it is.”
There are also delays caused by the fact that your approval process may involve your local jurisdiction, separate review by the fire marshal’s office at the county level, review by the engineering department of your local government and possibly the county department of public works if the property in question is on a county roadway. You may also be asking for something proposed to occupy the building that requires a “change of use” approval, with a zoning case that may add months and even years to the process.
I recently walked with a dentist up and down a commercial district street, and we looked in the windows of three locations the dentist was interested in. Placards on the windows showed announcements for zoning hearings from two to four years ago. All of the businesses were still empty. What does that possibly tell you? There may be inadequate parking or drainage issues, previous open permits not resolved, etc. The process isn’t simple, and you must be prepared for the course it may take. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
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small businesses are the backbone of Long Island, fueling local economies and creating jobs.
But despite their vital role in empowering Long Islanders and enhancing local main streets, small businesses are struggling. Countless mom-and-pop shops are still reeling from the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, and small-business owners are grappling with inflation and facing fierce competition from corporate giants with massive marketing budgets.
Last month I took a major step to support Long Island’s small-business community by introducing the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally, or LOCAL, Act in the State Senate. The LOCAL Act, which was also introduced in the Assembly by member Jen Luns-
ford, would establish a tax credit for small businesses to promote their goods, products and services in local media outlets, from print and digital to television and radio.
The goal of the LOCAL Act is simple yet powerful: to help small businesses stretch their marketing dollars while connecting with their most important audience, their neighbors.
iThe LOCAL Act would level the playing field for Long Island’s small businesses by making marketing more affordable. It would also support local news outlets, which provide the journalism our communities rely on but that are struggling to stay afloat. As advertising revenue shrinks, more newsrooms are being forced to cut staff or shut down altogether, leaving neighborhoods without the local reporting they count on. The LOCAL Act directly addresses this issue head-on by encouraging small businesses to invest in these news outlets, providing a mutually beneficial lifeline for economic
growth.
t would level the playing field for them by making marketing more affordable.
When small businesses thrive, so do their communities. The LOCAL Act would focus on supporting any business with 10 or fewer employees as well as minority-, woman- and veteran-owned businesses of any size. For many owners of these businesses, the ability to advertise affordably in trusted, community-driven platforms like local newspapers would be a gamechanger. Local media outlets are well positioned to connect businesses with their neighbors and loyal customers who are eager to shop locally and uplift their communities.
Small businesses do more than drive economic growth — they strengthen the neighborhoods they serve, sponsor local initiatives and reflect the cultural identity of their communities. For this reason, The LOCAL Act has already garnered strong support from business groups across Long Island and the state, including the Long Island Association,
the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business and the thousands of small businesses each organization represents, as well as the more than 200 newspapers that make up the Empire State Local News Coalition. This is a testament to the urgency and importance of this legislation.
The LOCAL Act is a clear benefit for all New Yorkers. It’s a chance to make sure every dollar invested in marketing can help Long Island foster a vibrant economic environment where small businesses can grow and communities can prosper.
State legislators have a real chance to invest in solutions that make a difference for businesses and local economies across New York this year. By working alongside the Long Island business and local news community to pass this transformative bill, we will empower small businesses, uplift local journalism and create stronger, more vibrant communities for generations to come.
Monica Martinez represents the 4th State Senate District.
The current threat of deportation for many of Long Island’s immigrants is unjust, unwise and cruel. Members of Pax Christi Long Island, representing the Catholic peace movement, urge our community to recognize the long tradition of Catholic social teaching that guides us to the command of Jesus in Matthew 25 that we “welcome the stranger.”
As a devout Jew, Jesus knew well the command of Leviticus 19:33-34: “When an alien resides with you in your land, do not mistreat such a one. You shall treat the alien who resides with you no different than the natives born among you …”
Catholic bishops:
Our belief in the dignity of the human person demands that we treat immigrants with respect and recognize their great contributions. But our nation imposes quotas and bureaucracies that make legal immigration overwhelmingly difficult, and brands those who flee their troubled homelands as “illegals.”
At this time, our nation seems to be both shunning and relying on immigrants. As a new surge of poisonous nativism creates fear among the immigrant communities, Pope Francis has spoken clearly in a letter to American
“I have followed closely the major crisis that is taking place in the United States with the initiation of a program of mass deportations. The rightly formed conscience cannot fail to make a critical judgment and express its disagreement with any measure that tacitly or explicitly identifies the illegal status of some migrants with criminality. At the same time, one must recognize the right of a nation to defend itself and keep communities safe from those who have committed violent or serious crimes while in the country or prior to arrival. That said, the act of deporting people who in many cases have left their own land for reasons of extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution or serious deterioration of the environment, damages the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families, and places them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness. . . . The true common good is promoted when society and government, with creativity and strict respect for the rights of all — as I have affirmed on numerous occasions — welcomes, protects, promotes and integrates the most fragile, unprotected and vulnerable.”
As Long Island residents, we have deep connections with the immigrant community. They are family members, friends, classmates, neighbors and coworkers. Our decades of experience show that most immigrants are hardworking and law-abiding. The Immigration Research Institute reports that immigrants account for 22 percent of Long Island’s economic output. Across New York state, undocumented immigrants contribute $1.1 billion in state and local taxes.
We value and respect local law enforcement officers. We remind them that enforcing federal policy on immigrants is the responsibility of the federal government. We urge local law enforcement to refrain from collaboration with federal immigration agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, unless a person is detained because of a criminal act or has a criminal record. We also remind local law enforcement that:
ship have always been respected as places of refuge. No law enforcement agency should be allowed to violate those spaces without probable cause.
■ People reporting crimes should not be forced to prove their identity before they are helped. This is especially true in cases of domestic violence.
■ Minors should not be intimidated or questioned unnecessarily; rather, they should be protected.
Pax Christi Long Island stands with our immigrant community because it’s the right thing to do. We acknowledge their sizable contribution to the health and welfare of Long Island. We ask all Long Islanders to embrace and protect them nonviolently from injustice and abuse. We hope to remain true to our religious tradition and the universal standard of decency, by treating all people the way we would like to be treated.
■ No one can enter a private dwelling unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. An administrative order signed by ICE does not meet legal criteria for entering a private dwelling.
■ Hospitals, schools, and places of wor-
Pax Christi Long Island members Sister Mary Beth Moore and Sister Evelyn Lamoureux are Catholic nuns who have worked with immigrants for decades. Pax Christi Long Island can be contacted at catholic peaceli@gmail.com.
new York state is on the verge of making a critical mistake — one that could jeopardize the safety of our communities while stripping local governments of their rightful authority to protect their residents. Senate Bill S5506 proposes to transfer the approval and siting of battery energy storage systems to the hands of an unelected state agency, the Office of Renewable Energy Siting, overriding local moratoriums and zoning laws enacted for public safety. This is an unacceptable overreach, and I strongly oppose it.
Battery storage systems, particularly large-scale lithium-ion facilities, pose serious risks. They have a well-documented history of catastrophic fires that firefighters have no reliable means to extinguish. In many cases, the only option is to let these fires burn out, releasing toxic fumes and heavy metals into the air, soil and water.
We’ve seen the consequences firsthand. In California, the Vista and Otay Mesa battery storage facility fires resulted in significant environmental damage and community evacuations.
AHere in New York, Lyme, the Hamptons and Warwick have experienced similar fires. These incidents leave communities grappling with health hazards, environmental destruction and unanswered questions about the long-term risks.
Municipalities such as Mahopac, Duanesburg and Amsterdam have wisely enacted bans or moratoriums on BESS installations, and others are considering similar measures. Residents who have conducted independent research understand the risks and are unwilling to wait for a disaster to confirm their fears. Even industry representatives, when pressed, admit they wouldn’t live near one of these facilities — admissions that speak volumes.
Tfires won’t happen again. And if they do, no one has a proven method to contain them. “Let it burn” is not a fire-suppression strategy.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Fire Interagency Working Group is still trying to develop recommendations on how to handle these fires, which proves one thing: The state is not prepared. If emergency response teams don’t yet know how to handle BESS fires, why are we rushing to install these facilities near homes and schools?
he risks posed by these facilities far outweigh any speculative benefits.
Supporters of these projects argue that battery storage is essential for renewable energy. But let’s be clear: BESS facilities do not generate energy — they only store it. Worse, they require constant power to maintain cooling systems. When those systems fail, the results can be deadly. Many of these facilities even require backup diesel generators, completely undermining New York’s so-called green energy goals. This isn’t about opposing renewable energy — it’s about ensuring public safety. No one can guarantee that these
Furthermore, the financial burden of these projects remains largely unknown. The cost of a single proposed BESS in the Town of Hempstead is estimated at $14 million, with upgrades required every 10 to 15 years. Who will ultimately foot the bill? The answer is simple: New York’s already overburdened taxpayers. New evidence suggests deep conflicts of interest in the BESS industry. Paul Rogers, a former FDNY lieutenant and a proponent of BESS, is a founder of Energy Safety Response Group, which has contracts with several battery-storage companies on Long Island and across the nation. Rogers has attended community meetings, and assured residents that “nothing’s going to happen” — an assertion proven false time and again.
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President Doreen Harris recently voted to ban BESS in her hometown of Duanesburg, citing public-health risks. Yet her agency pushes for these facilities to be forced on other communities. This level of hypocrisy is staggering, and unacceptable.
New York is a home-rule state, and it must remain that way. No one knows our communities better than the local officials elected to represent them. Removing their authority in favor of an unelected state agency is an affront to the people of New York.
We must learn from California’s failures, not repeat them. The risks posed by these battery storage facilities far outweigh any speculative benefits. I urge my colleagues in the Legislature to reject Senate Bill S5506 and allow local governments to continue protecting their communities.
There is no “greater good” when the cost is putting New Yorkers in harm’s way. We must take a stand. Urge Governor Hochul to stop the mandates, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and the Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment, or RAPID, Act. The health and safety of our communities must take priority over Albany’s green energy agenda.
Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.
s an avid reader, I’ve always had a fond place in my heart for historical fiction and period pieces, but I enjoy exploring a number of genres. Toward the end of 2024 and so far this year, I’ve found myself gravitating toward women-centric contemporary fiction and comingof-age novels, which would normally imply that they feature teenagers or young-adult characters and themes, but I think their impact is broader. We’re constantly changing and growing, and whether we come to realizations about life at 15 or 55, they impact our sense of self.
I’ve often said that the best writers are also the best readers, and as a young woman navigating the craziness of life, I’ve found comfort in books that showcase both the hardships, and the joys, of girlhood. There is so much pressure these days to adhere to societal standards — which can vary so greatly depending on whom you’re talking to — and not enough conversations about
what’s actually important to modern, up-and-coming women. Everything we want for ourselves, and every decision we make, is so important.
fort in knowing that the struggles of young women aren’t unique to our culture, but rather, are shared by many.
SMarch is Women’s History Month, and I considered just rattling off a number of my favorite empowering reads, but I realized I could never narrow down the list. So instead I’m switching gears, and homing in on a recent read of mine, the young adult novel “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” by Angeline Boulley.
This was my first exposure to Native American literature. The book’s protagonist, Daunis Fontaine, is a biracial high school senior who lives in a mostly indigenous community near an Ojibwe reservation in Northern Michigan. The Ojibwe are a large Native group in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. and Canada. While the book is largely about a drug-related scandal that wreaks havoc in Fontaine’s Native community, it also conveys so many important undertones relating to her culture and womanhood. Full of twists and turns, it kept me on my toes, and left me with an understanding of a culture I wasn’t familiar with and a sense of com-
ome days, it’s so hard to be a woman that I wonder if we’re heading backward.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve thought a lot about the concept of privilege because of another book, “Difference Matters,” by Brenda J. Allen, which I read for a class I’m taking through Stony Brook University. Allen crafts meaningful observations about various social groups, and effectively communicates why and how our differences matter in fascinating ways. She defines privilege as “unacknowledged entitlement that one receives,” and in a series of exercises, she encourages readers to think about the things in their lives that have given them privilege.
I’ll be the first to admit that some days, it is so hard to be a woman. The negative rhetoric, and the legal moves that are stripping women in the United States of rights they previously had, sometimes make me wonder if we’re heading backward. Despite those doubts, I am also so proud to be a woman — one with a voice, and drive, and dreams that I know I will work hard to achieve.
Daunis Fontaine has a voice, drive, and dreams, too. As do Rocky, the middle-aged, comical protagonist in Catherine Newman’s novel “Sandwich”; Caroline Ferriday, a real person whose story is told in Martha Hall Kelly’s “Lilac Girls”; and Isabelle Rossignol, a young woman who is part of the French resistance in World War II in Kristin Hannah’s work of historical fiction, “The Nightingale.”
I’ve listed a few additional reads of mine to make this point: I am so privileged to have had access to these works — to read and think about things with free will — and to be able take the time to ponder what they mean to me, and hopefully to other women, too.
The weight of girlhood is heavy, but so is its strength. Reading these stories has reinforced what I’ve always known to be true — that women’s voices, whether in fiction or in real life, hold immense power. The privilege of having access to these narratives is one I don’t take lightly, and as I continue to learn and grow, I hope to carry that same power into the spaces I occupy. Because every woman’s story deserves to be told, and more important, heard.
Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.
recent actions by the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies to remove web pages highlighting the contributions of Black, Hispanic and female veterans raise a critical question: Are we confusing history with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives? And more important, what does the loss of historical information mean for present and future generations?
The removal of these pages from Arlington National Cemetery’s website, along with thousands of other web pages across government platforms, was carried out to comply with an executive order issued by President Trump.
The order, which aimed to eliminate DEI initiatives in federal programs, mandated that any DEI-related content published between Jan. 20, 2021, and Jan. 19 of this year be either archived or removed. As a result, significant historical records, including those recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of marginalized groups in the U.S. military, have been erased from public view.
The decision reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the distinction between diversity efforts and historical documentation. DEI initiatives are designed to promote fairness, representation and opportunity for marginalized communities. History, on the other hand, is an objective record of the past — one that cannot be rewritten or selec-
tively deleted without serious consequences for society as a whole.
When we remove historical information under the guise of eliminating DEI, we are erasing the stories and experiences that have shaped the nation. The contributions of African American soldiers who fought in segregated units during World War II, the bravery of Hispanic servicemen in the Korean War, and the pioneering achievements of female military officers are not “DEI content.” They are part of the fabric of American history.
By erasing these stories from public platforms, we are denying future generations the opportunity to learn from the struggles and triumphs of those who came before them. We are also depriving historically marginalized communities of the recognition and respect they deserve. History gives us a deeper understanding of our nation’s progress — and its failures. Without it, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past and failing to appreciate the diversity and resilience that define America.
The removal of content highlighting the contributions of marginalized groups does not end DEI; it merely attempts to silence the voices of those who have long fought for recognition and equality in our society. The effort to scrub this content from government websites sets a dangerous precedent. It suggests that historical facts can be elimi-
To the Editor:
On March 7, hundreds gathered at the State Office Building in Hauppauge to advocate for a 7.8 percent targeted increase in Medicaid rates for disability services to address rising costs, ensure fair pay for staff, and stabilize the care system for people with disabilities.
As a father of an adult child with disabilities who relies on Medicaid-supported services, I feel an overwhelming responsibility to advocate for the protection and support of staff, whose roles are crucial in caring for those with disabilities. These significant issues have profound personal and far-reaching effects for families like mine.
For over 25 years, my son Bobby has received exceptional care from the Developmental Disabilities Institute in Smithtown. The dedication and compassion of their staff have greatly enriched his life, helping him accomplish daily tasks. Their work is more than just a job; it is a calling driven by empathy and a commitment to improving lives. These critical services deserve fair compensation and job security.
In addition, the proposed hundreds of billion of dollars in cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental
nated or hidden when they become politically inconvenient. That isn’t the behavior of a free and democratic society.
The loss of historical information has far-reaching implications. For educators and students, online resources serve as vital tools for teaching American history. For researchers and historians, they provide access to primary sources and documentation that help us understand the evolution of social and political movements.
Restoring the content that was removed from Arlington National Cemetery’s website and other federal platforms isn’t just about complying with government policy — it’s about protecting the truth. Historical documentation must be treated as sacred, separate from politics or ideological battles. Federal agencies must prioritize the preservation of historical records, regardless of whether those stories align with the current political environment. Educational institutions, historians and advocacy groups must also work to archive and share information through independent platforms to ensure that those stories are not lost forever.
In a democracy, history belongs to the people — all the people. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard that history, not erase it. Without an honest and complete understanding of our past, we cannot hope to build a more just and equitable future.
Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are deeply troubling. These programs serve as lifelines, supporting people like my son and often the staff caring for him and his peers, many of whom seek supplemental food support
because of their low-wage status. Cutting funds for these programs is more than an economic decision; it is a moral one that will have devastating consequences for vulnerable populations.
as high school seniors and others contemplate their college plans, it is timely to remind them about the purpose of higher education. This is especially true at a time when there are those who question the value of universities and focus on vocational rather than on advanced education. Critics also tend to focus on the means for learning rather than on its purpose.
roBert a . sCott
A college education is much more than job prep. It is as much about character development and preparation for civic engagement as it is about preparing for a career. Too many people focus on immediate job placement instead of preparing for a life with the potential for multiple careers.
As Bill Gates once said, jobs are eliminated, but “work” — opportunities for solving problems — expands. So how best can students prepare for a future in which they see themselves as problem-solvers in constantly evolving work settings? That’s the role of colleges and universities.
In 1900, farm employment accounted for nearly 40 percent of all jobs. Today it’s about 10 percent. Technology and new management techniques are the
difference. At the end of World War II, service industries accounted for 10 percent of nonfarm employment, compared with 38 percent for manufacturing. Since the 1970s, the American economy has moved away from producing goods to providing services, and the service sector has accounted for an increasing proportion of jobs and workers.
CThe work necessary for sustainable, civil communities will continue to expand. Technological tools are increasingly available, but create ethical challenges and require educated judgment. AI should be used as a tool, not as a crutch or a substitute for thinking. Work requires information verification, not just data gathering. AI will eliminate jobs, and those graduating from colleges and universities must be prepared for this new world of employment options.
ing a civilization compatible with its inhabitants’ aspirations and the limitations of the natural environment; teach students to appreciate other cultures; and apply theory to practical problems.
ollege is as much about character development as it is about career prep.
Colleges seek to help students’ transformation into productive citizens and professionals. Cooperative education, internships and service learning all reinforce classroom learning. Students gain the confidence to formulate ideas, take initiative, increase their ability to reason in different modes, solve problems, and develop communication and computational skills as well as imagination, the ability to consider ideas from different angles through exposure to the arts, literature and other cultures.
■ Graduates have lower unemployment rates than those with only a high school diploma. They also report higher job satisfaction and better career prospects.
■ Most graduates view their college education as a good investment.
We know the skills and abilities that organizations want in employees. Beyond technological know-how, they want people who can learn to analyze problems and create ethical solutions — i.e., add value and perform — without AI support. These are the skills and abilities necessary for all work, from corporate to public service to community-based jobs.
The purpose of a college education is to help students advance their knowledge, both general and expert; skills such as writing and speaking; abilities such as analysis and leadership; and values such as respect for others and teamwork. This includes the ability to understand the choices that await them as citizens, consumers, decision-makers, and arbiters of ethical alternatives. The purpose is also is to inspire students to contemplate the meaning of life; help them become capable of build-
I urge our local congressional representatives, including Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino, to oppose these cuts. I encourage them to advocate for sustainable funding that prioritizes the well-being of those who depend on these critical support services. An investment now will secure the present and safeguard the future for people like my son.
JoSePh W. SChMIdT
Board of Directors chair Developmental Disabilities Institute Wantagh
To the editor:
Nassau County has received $95.5 million from New York state for opioid treatment and awareness, part of the opioid lawsuit settlement. of that amount, $39.5 million has been awarded. h owever, awarded does not mean spent. In reality, the county has only spent $3 million of that
$95.5 million.
Meanwhile, 210 residents died of overdoses in 2023. data for 2024 has not yet been released.
To make matters worse, County e xecutive Bruce Blakeman has been publicly highlighting the $39.5 million in awarded funds — an impressive figure on its face — while omitting the far less impressive $3 million that has actually been spent.
This lackadaisical approach to deploying lifesaving resources is not only negligent and callous, but also appears to be financially motivated. Since receiving the funds, Nassau County has accrued millions in interest from the unspent balance sitting idle on its books. What does it say about our county executive that he appears willing to gamble with lives for financial gain? Surely there are more ethical and effective ways to manage the county’s finances — ones that don’t come at the expense of public health. PeTroS KroMMIdAS
They learn how to learn on their own as well as in groups. We hope they will learn to think strategically about their lives, even taking a job so they have a base from which to pursue bigger dreams. We also hope they will develop a sense of humor and can laugh at themselves.
The benefits of college graduation are well known:
■ Possessing a degree provides access to a wider array of opportunities.
■ Certain fields in technology, health care and education require a degree.
Just think of the work to be done in a society: clean, affordable and dependable energy sources; reliable, inexpensive mass transportation and infrastructure; secure information systems; effective schools, health care, and fire and flood protection; safe, nourishing and affordable food; affordable housing; clean water and sanitation; peaceful relations among nations; and equal access to the rule of law.
These and other requirements for a sustainable, civil society represent problems to be identified, analyzed and solved — work to be done.
Dr. Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author of “Letters to Student: What it Means to be a College Graduate” (Roman & Littlefield, 2024).
Thursday, April 10, 2025
