Long Beach Herald 04-17-2025

LONG BEACH

HERALD

Gathering to oppose turbines, battery centers

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and other elected officials gathered on the Long Beach bayfront on Wednesday to express their concerns about, and opposition to, plans to erect wind turbines off the coast, and the lithium-ion battery facilities that would store the energy they produce.

“These wind turbines are killing birds and killing whales and create environmental hazards,” Blakeman said at a news conference at the city fire station on West Park Avenue. “There’s oil and diesel fuel with each and every one, and that fuel could escape. There could be a collision, there could be a leak of some kind, and pollute all of our beaches. And then, on top of that, these battery storages, are the size of buildings.”

Blakeman claimed that if there were a fire at a stor-

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A.B. woman is honored for making a selfless choice

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

Maggie Goodman was scrolling through Facebook one day last October when saw a post from a woman looking for a kidney donor for her son. It turned out that the woman’s son was Goodman’s colleague, Thomas Coveney.

Goodman, 34, of Atlantic Beach, is a sixth-grade special-

education teacher at I.S. 73 in Maspeth, Queens. Though Coveney, 47, teaches there, too, they weren’t well acquainted.

But Goodman wanted to help anyway, got tested, and found out she was a biological match with Coveney.

Four months later, on Feb. 10, the transplant was performed in North Shore University Hospital’s Petrocelli Surgical Pavilion. On April 10, in a

ceremony at Long Beach VFW Post 1384, Goodman was honored with a plaque by Dems by the Sea, a Long Beach-based Democratic community group, for her selfless act when Coveney seemed out of options.

“My son has never had a healthy day in his life,” Judy Cataldo, his mother, told Goodman and the crowd at the gathering. “You sometimes don’t realize that unless you have a

chronic disease or physical disease, but health is a blessing, and we take it for granted.

Thank you for giving me my son.”

Cataldo and Coveney first looked to their own family to try to find a compatible donor, but discovered that seven of Coveney’s first cousins had proteins in their kidneys that made them ineligible. That made it even more difficult to

find a donor, because hospitals require potential donors answer questionnaires, put them through several tests and make sure they know exactly what they might be going through.

Even though Goodman knew she wanted to do it, the final decision wasn’t an easy one. She consulted, among others, her ob-gyn, to address concerns

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Brendan Carpenter/Herald

County Executive Bruce Blakeman and other elected officials spoke in Long Beach Wednesday about wind turbines and battery energy storage systems, continuing the fight against them.

Students have their sights set on the future

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Are you smarter than a sixth grader? Four students from Long Beach Middle School might have you second-guessing that.

IThe team of students has been named regional winner of the Toshiba ExploraVision competition for “Visionary,” an artificial eye concept that uses AI and microchip technology to restore eyesight for people with various levels of blindness.

t came down to this because blindness is a major problem in this world

SAm O’DONOGhuE student

ExploraVision is an online science and technology competition for students across the United States and Canada. It encourages participants to propose innovative improvements to existing technologies. For their entry, Edward Grossman, Cole O’Connor, Sam O’Donoghue and Sullivan Limmer— guided by their coach, middle school teacher Walter Kramme—designed a concept for an artificial eye that mimics the function of a natural one. The project integrates AI with a central microchip to serve as the communication hub between the artificial eye and the brain.

show them what it’s like to see for the first time or again.”

“Our view for the future for this project is that AI will assist blind people by helping them see clearly like a regular eye,” Limmer said. “In the future, I believe that AI will be able to project a vision in the blind person’s AI eye to

Wishing all of our friends and neighbors a Joyous Easter! Community Media

The device would include artificial versions of the retina, cornea, pupil, lens, iris and muscles. The microchip would be implanted in the occipital lobe of the brain, the region responsible for vision, and would wirelessly connect to the artificial eye components inserted into the eye socket. The students estimate the surgical procedure would take approximately one hour, followed by a recovery period of about one and a half weeks.

“We came up with a lot of ideas, but it came down to this because blindness is a major problem in this world,” O’Donoghue said. “43 million people live in total darkness, 300 million live with serious vision impairments.”

At an April 10 celebration in the middle school auditorium, the students presented an overview of their artificial eye concept, detailing its design and intended function. The four students

also held a Q&A session for their peers and faculty, they addressed questions about functionality, cost, side effects, cybersecurity and development timelines. The team shared that refining and integrating the microchip and AI components to accurately mimic natural vision was among their biggest challenges.

The students were awarded Chromebooks and certificates in recognition of their regional win. Additionally, the celebration featured remarks from school administrators and supporters, who commended the team’s creativity and dedication. Superintendent Jennifer Gallagher, whose children are legally blind, shared a personal connection to the project and offered heartfelt praise for the students’ work.

The students plan to continue developing their concepts, with hopes that future technological progress will help bring ideas like theirs into practical application.

staff of Jeffrey Bessen and Chelsea Hirsch Managing Editors

Stuart Richner Publisher Rhonda Glickman V.P. Sales

Edward Grossman, Sullivan Limmer, Cole O’Connor and Sam O’Donoghue presented their award-winning concept ‘Visionary,’ an AI-powered artificial eye designed to restore sight.

Photos courtesy Long Beach Public Schools

The student team presented and took questions from peers and faculty after their presentation, explaining the technical challenges, potential impact and future plans for their project.

Searching for some colorful Easter eggs

The Easter Bunny hopped over to the Long Beach Recreation Center on April 13, bringing Easter eggs and goodies for community members to find.

The annual event was pushed back a day due to rain, but that didn’t hinder the holiday spirit. Tons of children and their families packed the turf fields to look for the most colorful eggs they could find.

The recreation center fields were littered with colorful eggs, and happy faces raced across them to find some sweet treats. The annual hunt was for children age 7 and younger, and also included a special needs category.

There were numerous “hunts,” starting at 9 a.m. and running until noon. Each hunt lasted approximately 30 minutes. Each group ran to try to find the most eggs, and whoever found the most in each group won a prize.

“I’d like to thank our parks and recreation team,” Acting City Manager Phil Ragona said at the April 15 council meeting. “The Easter Bunny was out there doing his or her thing, and it was wonderful.”

–Brendan Carpenter

Grace and Erik Uellendahl pretended to be Easter bunnies.

Bob Arkow/Herald photos

Children and families had a blast searching the turf fields for colorful Easter eggs

Casey and Ryan Colgan with their prize after finding a ton of eggs.

Even the Easter Bunny checked out the fields.

Friends Kayden Hackett, Joe Lattanzi and James Cisario looking for prizes in their Easter eggs.

Volunteers make food security personal

Meets your local Everyday heroes

By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com

At the Long Island Cares food pantry in Freeport, volunteers are essential. They greet clients, organize food, assist with paperwork, and keep the pantry functioning as federal food programs face cuts and community need remains high.

With April being National Volunteer Month, the importance of recognizing their contributions are more important than ever.

They’ve been such a blessing for the pantry.

ReynA FelIx program director, Long Island Cares

Reyna Felix, the program coordinator at the pantry, said the pantry cannot function without them.

“Nothing would be possible without them,” she said.

“My volunteers are my eyes inside of the pantry. And when I find that, it’s like I can be focused in doing my job and I know for sure that the pantry is in a good hands,” Felix said.

“Franklin, Roseanne and now my intern, Raina. They’ve been such a blessing for the pantry because they always learn so fast, the process, and they also improve every day. They give me ideas. They suggest anything, any change, anything that we need to update.”

Franklin Karp, from Long Beach, is a retired CEO and COO respectively of electronics companies Harvey Electronics and Audio Video Systems Inc., who started volunteering in January 2024 a few years after his career came to an end.

“I was pushed into retirement at the age of 68 and for a while I found myself (having) not a lot of direction, other than reading the newspaper every day,” Karp said. “So I started looking around, and I had been familiar with Long Island Cares. So I said, let me give this a try.

“It became a wonderful thing for me and I hope a wonderful thing for the people I get to help,” he added. “And it kind

of like reordered my life.”

He now volunteers twice a week and has gotten to know many of the clients personally.

“You see those people four times a month, you get to know even more about them, and they get to know a little about you,” he said. “It’s really eye opening.”

Raina Joseph, a Baldwin resident and Stony Brook University student on the pre-nursing track, said she found out about the opportunity through a school email listing volunteer options.

“I heard about the volunteer work through Stony Brook,” she said. “And

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

then they said that I can, you know, volunteer at the pantry, there’s SNAP benefits and security. And I thought it was just a great idea to see how how we can help the community in other ways.”

Joseph now handles intake forms, shelves inventory, and helps keep the front area orderly. She said the experience changed her perspective.

“I think that all help comes from in different shapes and forms. No matter what you’re doing, it’s always it’s always worth it just because, you know, clients only come once a month.

“But that little three or four day help they have — It’s worth it. So I think that’s what matters, even though it’s temporary, but seeing a smile on their faces, knowing that they have some type of help from the community, means a lot.”

Roseann Kozarsky, a retired teacher aide from East Meadow, began volunteering after leaving her position with Nassau BOCES.

“When I retired, I kind of knew I wanted to do something with my time,” she said. “Volunteering has always been something I’ve done since my kids started school and they’re now grown, they’re adults. I’ve always volunteered PTA at their religious school, and I just felt like that would be a good thing to do.”

Kozarsky now works on Tuesdays, when the pantry is open to veterans.

“I volunteer on Tuesdays, which is veterans. Only veterans can come to the

pantry on Tuesdays and they come every week, so you really get to know them.

“When I walk in, they’re almost like, you know, friends now, everybody says hello, and you go in and you call in one person at a time, and you help them pick out their shopping that they want to do for that week. You know, as limited as it is sometimes with what we have, but you walk them around the pantry, you help them pick out what they want, and you talk, then you chat. That’s my typical day. I do that for three hours.”

“It’s sad,” she added, “when when you look at our veterans and they say that they don’t have enough money to come to eat, that they need to supplement their food with the pantry. It’s sad. It shouldn’t be.”

Felix said recent state and federal cuts to the HPNAP and TEFAP food programs have had a major impact.

“They cut most of our funds and and we are, we will be the first one that experience that. (The volunteers) feel very sad because they’re the one to help the clients. And sometimes they can’t even answer when the clients say, Oh, why you don’t have this, why you don’t have that, what’s going on? And, you know, it’s kind of tough. It’s a challenge for everybody.”

Still, the pantry continues to operate — thanks to the people who choose to show up.

“Get over your fears, get over your inhibitions,” said Karp, when asked what he would say to someone debating whether to get involved in volunteering. “You’ll find it to be one of the most rewarding things that you can do in your life.”

“It just makes you more aware also of what’s going on in your own neighborhood, your own community,” said Kozarsky.

“That little bit of help,” said Joseph, “comes a long way.”

long beach

Franklin Karp, a retired CEO from Long Beach, helps organize pantry shelves during his Tuesday volunteer shift at Long Island Cares in Freeport.

Photos courtesy Long Island Cares Stony Brook University student Raina Joseph manages intake forms and client records as part of her internship at the Freeport pantry.

ALEXANDRA AIEVOLI

Calhoun Senior Lacrosse

IT WAS A HISTORIC afternoon for Aievoli April 7 when the Colts defeated Carle Place, 14-6. The senior midfielder found the back of the net seven times, including the 100th goal of her high school career, to lead Calhoun’s offense. On the season, the multitalented threat ranks among Nassau County’s top 5 scorers with 26 goals and 11 assists through seven games, leading the Colts to a 6-1 start in the process. In 2024, she tallied 30 goals and 13 assists.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, April 17

Baseball: Farmingdale at Massapequa

Baseball: Malverne at Plainedge

Baseball: MacArthur at East Meadow

Baseball:

Baseball: Mepham at Hewlett

Baseball: Calhoun at Kennedy

Softball: Uniondale at East Rockaway

Girls Lacrosse: Plainedge at Mepham

Girls Lacrosse: Baldwin at Calhoun

Boys Lacrosse: South Side at Carey

Boys Lacrosse: Long Beach at Oceanside 1

Saturday, April 19

Softball: Freeport at East Rockaway 9

Baseball: West Hempstead at V.S. Central 10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at North Shore 10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: North Shore at Plainedge 11 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Mepham at Baldwin 1 p.m.

Monday, April 21

Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at Mineola 10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Freeport at Malv/East Rock. 1 p.m.

Baseball: Mepham at Calhoun 5 p.m.

Baseball: Long Beach at Kennedy 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Plainedge at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

HERALD SPORTS

Long Beach off breakthrough year

By PATRICK MOQUIN sports@liherald.com

Coming off a magical run to the Nassau Class AA semifinals last year, Long Beach baseball is intent on turning short-term success into a winning tradition. The Marines, now 3-4 to start the season, are counting on seniors to step up and keep them in the mix near the top of a highly competitive division.

“These seniors, not all of them got a lot of playing time last year, but they were all fully invested,” coach Jason Zizza said. “They understand that they were part of a winning program that went really deep in the playoffs. They have a chip on their shoulders and they want to prove they can that as well.”

Zizza noted that Long Beach lost several key graduating players last year, but the coach believes in the next generation as much as the last. The Marines run through senior Matthew Hayes, who earned All-Conference honors as a junior. He is their ace pitcher and starting shortstop.

“When he’s pitching, he’s one of the fiercest competitors that I’ve ever coached,” Zizza said. “He wants the ball in big situations. I feel that giving Matty Hayes the ball gives us a chance to win any game that he starts.”

Hayes will be joined by fellow AllConference player Patrick Henry, the starting catcher who hit .417 as a junior. Zizza said that Henry is a tough competitor behind the plate and offers plenty of pop near the top of the order.

Henry will be a familiar face for Hayes, but the shortstop will often be surrounded by new starters in the infield. Seniors Luke Weis and Hayden Lipinski are stepping into starting roles as third and second baseman, respectively. Lipinski will shift between second and short when Hayes pitches, opening up a middle infield spot for freshman Michael Canepa. Sophomore Aiden Perry will pitch and start at first base.

While the infield is slowly taking shape around Hayes and other improving talent, Zizza has the “good problem”

win every outing.

of too many qualified outfielders on the roster. Senior Steven Misrok moved out of the infield and has slowly earned a role in center field.

Fellow seniors Sam Kaplan, Matt Espinoza and Jayson Kapelner will also receive playing time, as well as versatile junior Joseph Lordi. Junior Aiden Pilch and freshman Cayden McCormick will occasionally platoon in the outfield when they aren’t pitching.

Zizza’s “problem” in the outfield reflects a larger theme of his coaching style. The goal for any individual player is not to singlehandedly carry the program, but to serve a role. Some players

will have bigger days than others, but one thing is expected of everyone on the roster.

“We preach respect in our program, not only respect for yourself but for the game,” Zizza said. “We talk about never being a palms-up player. If something goes wrong, you move on. We talk about baseball not being about what happens, but how you react to what happens.”

The bar may be rising for Long Beach after a highly successful 17-6-1 season, but if culture counts for anything, the Marines have every chance to turn that sudden breakthrough into something even more meaningful.

Justine Stefanelli/Herald Senior Matty Hayes is coming off an All-Conference campaign and gives the Marines a chance to

Welcoming Easter Sunday EASTER MESSAGE

Easter is celebrated by Christians to acclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. According to the Christian faith, Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, and three days later, on Easter Sunday, He rose from the dead, proving His victory over sin and death.

According to the New Testament accounts, Easter Sunday began with the dawn of a new day, following the sorrowful crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday. As the sun rose, some of the women who had followed Jesus, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, made their way to the tomb where Jesus had been laid. Upon arrival, they discovered the stone rolled away from the entrance and the tomb empty.

This amazing and historic dis-

covery was accompanied by the appearance of angels who proclaimed the astounding news: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6). Overwhelmed with awe and wonder, the women rushed to share the incredible news with the disciples. Meanwhile, Jesus himself appeared to Mary Magdalene near the tomb, and later to five hundred others, including two disciples on the road to Emmaus and to the gathered disciples in Jerusalem.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, signifying the fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption and

offering believers the promise of eternal life. It is a day of immense joy and hope, as Christians celebrate the victory of light over darkness, life over death, and the triumph of God’s love for humanity.

Easter Sunday serves as a profound reminder of the transformative power of faith and the enduring message of hope that resonates throughout the ages.

Easter is considered the most important and joyful celebration in the Christian liturgical calendar. It is a time for Christians to reflect on the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the promise of eternal life. The resurrection is seen as a central

doctrine of Christianity, emphasizing the hope and redemption offered through faith in Jesus Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the core of the Christian gospel. Saint Paul says that if Christ is not raised from the dead, then our preaching and hope are in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). Certainly, without the resurrection, there would be no Christian preaching or faith.

On Christmas day Jesus is born and enters our world. On Good Friday Jesus shows the full extent of His love for humanity. On Easter we see the ultimate proof of God’s majesty and power, in the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb.

Pastor Thomas ‘TK’ Kennedy is a spiritual leader at CenterPoint Church in Long Beach.

Pastor tK

Soccer academy builds unity, confidence

In a welcoming space, preparing kids of all ages to compete in Long Island Junior League

By MELINDA ROLLS & CHRISTINA ARLOTTOA

Special to the Herald

Second in a series of stories on immigration through a partnership between Herald Community Newspapers and Hofstra University.

As the sun dipped behind the trees in Uniondale on a recent Thursday, the rhythmic pulse of soccer balls colliding with cleats mixed with the sharp calls of coaches in Spanish. On the well-worn grass, athletes lined up one by one in familiar ritual, launching powerful kicks into the net as the goalkeeper battled each incoming shot.

The young athletes scattered across the field behind NuHealth’s A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale were members of the New York Soccer Latin Academy. The club, based in Uniondale-Hempstead, was founded in 2002 by NYSLA coach Francisco Guerrero to train players ages 5 to 19 for competition in the Long Island Junior Soccer League.

Community roots

Volunteer coaches, including Salvador Alvarenga, of Long Beach, who emigrated from El Salvador and started coaching when the team was founded, run the team. He began playing soccer at age 6, and after his playing career ended, transitioned to coaching to stay connected to the game.

Alvarenga highlighted the team’s family-centered culture, noting that many players have virtually grown up on soccer fields, especially those with older siblings already on the team. “For most of them, their mom was pregnant and they were already on the field … They practically were born here,” Alvarenga said.

He added that it was rewarding to know that the local Hispanic community recognizes NYSLA as a welcoming space for their children. “It’s really good to know that the Spanish community knows that we are here, and that they can bring the kids here,” Alvarenga said.

In line with family values, one of the academy’s core commitments since its creation has been maintaining affordable costs for families, which Alvarenga said is often not the case for American soccer academies. “We just charge basic fees to cover our expenses,” he said. “And now we’ve been surviving for 23 years, so we’re doing something good.”

With over two decades of coaching experience with NYSLA, Alvarenga explained that his coaching philosophy centers on more than developing skilled players. Instead, it is about instilling a deep love for the sport and discipline to prepare players for success beyond the game.

“They have to try their best,” Alvarenga said. “That’s what we try to tell them all the time, so they try to excel in whatever they do.”

Alvarenga shared that his greatest source of motivation to continue coach-

ing comes from watching young players grow and evolve through the academy.

“That’s our payment,” he said.

Friendship

on the field

Two players share a bond that extends beyond passing the soccer ball. Kelli Crespin, 15, of Hempstead, and Angelina Escobar, 14, of Franklin Square, have spent the past seven years as the only two girls on their team’s roster.

Escobar, with family from Mexico and El Salvador, was first introduced to soccer by her grandfather. Crespin, with roots in El Salvador and Honduras, discovered the game through her older brother while he was playing for the academy

“I just came along with him, and the coach asked if I wanted to play,” Crespin said. “I ended up liking it, and I just kept coming back.”

But it wasn’t just the game that kept her coming back — it was also her friendship with Escobar, who became her closest friend on the team.

Both girls said that while playing exclusively with boys presents its own set of challenges, they are grateful for the resilience it has instilled in them.

“Playing with the boys made me really strong,” Escobar said. “I’m not as sensitive anymore.”

Both girls shared that their coaches at the academy have also taught them valuable lessons that extend beyond the field. “I’ve learned a lot, and not just about soccer,” Crespin said. “It’s about becoming a better person while being more active.”

Escobar said her time under Guerrero’s coaching has profoundly shaped her as a player and beyond. “I’ve learned a lot from him because he’s taught me everything I know,” Escobar said. “How to play on the field, how to not be dirty,

how to act.”

After years of dedication to the team, Crespin emphasized her desire to now serve as a role model for younger team members.

face off

“I would like to show them that no matter what, you can always do what you want to do,” Crespin said. “If you’re passionate about something, continue it. Keep on going.”

Two soccer academy players

during practice.

The New York Soccer Latin Academy is dedicated not only to teaching soccer’s fundamentals, but also to providing a welcoming space for the local Hispanic community.

Christina Artlotta/Herald photos

New York Soccer Latin Academy player Angelina Escobar received a jersey during a practice.

Goodman donated a kidney to save a life

about pregnancy. She was assured she was healthy enough to go through with the transplant.

Afterward she was in the hospital for two nights and three days, and returned to I.S. 73 on Feb. 24. She feels great, she said, and takes daily walks and stays active, as her doctors recommended. Coveney is still recovering at home but is making progress.

Thank you for giving me my son.

“I think there’s a lot of misconceptions around organ donation in general,” Goodman said a last week’s ceremony. “I think it’s really a scary thing to a lot of people, and rightfully so — it’s your body. But with technology and all of the things that they’ve been able to develop over the years, it’s a completely laparoscopic surgery,” she added, referring to the fact that it is minimally invasive. “I was out walking within three days. We’re here now two months since, and I’ve been back to work for six weeks like pretty much nothing has changed for me.”

Coveney is more energized, and his mother said that for the first time in his life, he feels “really good.” He went to Target the other day to buy toothpaste, and, Cataldo said, “Even though it sounds kind of silly, in reality, it’s so great.” He hopes to return to teaching next month.

Roy Lester, the president of Dems by the Sea, presented Goodman with the plaque. It was described as the group’s

“better angels” recognition, which Lester said relates directly to Goodman.

“Better angels is a term for what human beings should be, and we strive for it,” Lester said. “It’s a certificate of appreciation, Maggie, and we need more people like that — people who will do something.”

Dr. Ahmed Fahmy, who was part of the procedure, previously told the Herald that there are about 95,000 people on the transplant waiting list. In 2024, Fahmy said, there were about 25,000 transplants performed in the United

States, and about 6,000 of them involved living donors. He emphasized the importance of donors like Goodman, explaining that those who receive kidneys from living donors tend to fare much better.

“She felt that this was something she always wanted to do,” Cataldo said. “She says it’s crazy, but I don’t think it’s crazy. I think it’s a miracle. So today my son has her kidney — and it’s called Ronaldo, because they both have the weirdest sense of humor.”

Health Benefits of Forgiveness

Each one of us experience countless injustices in the course of everyday living. Like other experiences, it is not the experience itself so much that counts, but how you process it. The Mayo Clinic addresses the health benefits of “forgiveness” which they define as “an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger”. Letting go of grudges and bitterness can lead to:

• Healthier relationships

• Improved mental health

• Less anxiety, stress and hostility

• Fewer symptoms of depression

• Lower blood pressure

• A stronger immune system

• Improved heart health

• Improved self-esteem

• Better sleep

Everett Worthington, Profession Emeritus of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, provides a free workbook at evworthington-forgiveness.com to aid those for whom forgiveness may be difficult (most

of us!), focusing on the REACH method.

Recall: Recall the hurt. Look at the incident in an objective way and don’t try to push aside your feelings.

Empathize: Empathize with the offender without excusing the action or invalidating your own feelings. Maybe the person was having a bad day or was raised in dire circumstances.

Altruistic gift: Give the altruistic gift of forgiveness. Think about a time when you were rude or harsh, and recognize that everyone has shortcomings.

Commit: Make a decision to forgive. You can write a letter that you don’t send to help yourself make the commitment.

Hold: Hold on to forgiveness. Memories of the transgression or event won’t change. But how you react to those feelings will.

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned”. —Buddha

goodman and Judy Cataldo, thomas Coveney’s mother, shared the story of how goodman saved her son’s life by donating her kidney.

Brendan Carpenter/Herald photos maggie goodman, in white, was recognized by the Long Beach-based organization dems by the Sea for donating a kidney.

Judy CaTaldo Mother

Raising concerns about turbines and batteries

age facility, it could not be put out. Firefighters would be limited to monitoring the fire, and would have to allow it to burn out itself, which could take days, he said.

not going to accommodate President Trump’s executive order, so she’s not listening to him. Will she listen to us? We have over 20,000 signatures against the RAPID Act, which takes away our local control. Please help us stop Empire 1.”

T“There’s a lot of benefits with different technology, especially when we’re needing more energy,” county Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro said. “The issue that we’re more concerned about is firefighter safety. It’s a huge commitment of the fire service to have to try to control these fires. If you drive here through Long Beach, you see what dense population and dense building looks like. We fully support, right now, hitting the pause on this until there’s better research done, better codes to handle that training.”

Equinor did not comment by press time on Wednesday.

President Trump issued an executive order on the first day of his second term that paused all new wind energy projects that would use federal waterways.

he issue that we’re more concerned about is firefighter safety.

MIchAEL

UTTARO Chief fire marshal

Christina Kramer, a Long Beach resident and the founder and president of Protect Our Coast LINY, is among the many community members who are adamantly opposed to wind turbine projects planned by the international energy company Equinor. Rallies against the projects have been a seemingly regular occurrence in Long Beach and the surrounding communities.

“They are absolutely going to be devastating for our community,” Kramer said. “The fire suppression method is to let it burn, and that is not safe for our residents. (Gov. Kathy) Hochul says she’s

New York state’s Renewable Action through Project Interconnection and Deployment Act, enacted last year, would, according to Hochul’s website, create a one-stop shop for the environmental review and permitting of major renewable energy and transmission facilities in the Office of Renewable Energy Siting.

The permitting process would balance transparency and environmental protection with the need for fast decision-making, the site states, while continuing to be responsive to community feedback and environmental considerations.

Equinor originally planned two projects, Empire Wind 1 and 2, that would have a total of 147 wind turbines, each standing 886 feet tall, as well as the stations housing the cables that transfer energy from the turbines to land, all 15 to 35 miles offshore. Empire Wind 1 would supply power to the Brooklyn

area, and Empire Wind 2 would deliver power to the grid in Nassau County and connect to the E.F. Barrett Power Station in Island Park.

Equinor and BP announced the agreement with the state Energy Research and Development Authority on Empire Wind 2 was scrapped in January 2024, but Empire Wind 1 received final approval by the state’s Public Service Commission that May.

“Long Beach will not be the dumping ground for these Don Quixote, crazy,

city-centric wind turbines,” State Assemblyman Ari Brown said at Wednesday’s news conference. “It’s a water grab and a money grab, and it’s certainly not an energy solution. We’re going to keep fighting in Albany.”

The Long Beach City Council also addressed the battery storage facilities at its meeting Tuesday night, discussing a temporary moratorium so the city could determine whether it needs to make any changes in the zoning or other rules to accommodate them.

Different approaches aim to help students

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

As the district prepares for the 2025–26 school year, officials have outlined potential initiatives aimed to support students’ mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Among these efforts is a proposed $1.5 million allocation for psychological services, marking an increase of nearly $46,000 from this year’s budget.

The approach, discussed at the April 8 board of education meeting, revolves around two key pillars: prevention and intervention. Prevention focuses on promoting student wellness through extracurricular and support programs while creating positive school environments. Intervention provides support when serious challenges arise, using both inschool staff and referrals to outside mental health professionals.

“Something we’re proud of here is that we have long had a focus on the whole child, making sure that we focus on children who grow in health and mind and body,” Superintendent Jennifer Gallagher said. “And so it kind of goes along with that, that we really have a focus on wellness and maybe articu-

late wellness in a more concrete way than we have in past years.”

A proposed wellness center at the high school is central to this vision. Currently in the planning stages, it is hoped to be a calming space where students can relax, access wellness resources and engage in mindfulness or self-regulation activities such as breathing exercises. The center will also serve as a hub for district wide wellness efforts, including workshops with mental health professionals and community events that foster open conversations about mental health. Additionally, the idea of using natural spaces for student reflection is being explored.

W e envision programs like a wellness walk around the pond.

cation areas—you know, students and parents even might be interested in we see those things happening after school as well,” she continued. “And finally, we want to connect to our in-school support, our intervention partners, and also to our outside support in a more seamless process.”

JENNIfER G ALLAGhER Superintendent

“We envision programs like a wellness walk around the pond, be a beautiful pathway around the pond,” Gallagher said. “We could easily put some signage there and make it more of a meditative space.

“We’d like to bring in our outside partners to have them do workshops on specific areas, intervention areas, edu-

The district also plans to pilot a mental health app called Counselor for students in grades six through twelve. The tool allows students to connect with licensed counselors, offering a private and easily accessible way to begin seeking help. It is designed to integrate with existing in-school services and requires parental permission before use.

“It doesn’t matter what you’re seeking it for to talk about your feelings over anything, specifically, even anxiety, depression, if you have a diagnosis,” school board Vice President Alexis Pace said. “I can say slowly, students are speaking more, they’re asking for help, and it is more than I’ve ever seen

before.”

App developers report that 88 percent of students using the service nationwide have never accessed mental health support before, according to Gallagher. The goal is to meet students where they are, addressing barriers like cost, travel distance and stigma. These issues are especially challenging for families, many of whom struggle to find providers who accept their insurance or have available appointments.

While the wellness center and app target secondary students, a rise in mental health concerns among elementary-aged children was noted. In response, the school board plans on collaborating with the PTA to make it easier for families to find and navigate external resources, and they’re exploring ways to streamline access to mental health care across the district.

To support all of this work, the district is proposing the addition of a district wide psychologist who can respond flexibly to areas of high need. Coupled with ongoing partnerships with outside organizations like Northwell Health and Long Beach Reach, the aim is to ensure no student falls through the cracks due to lack of access or long waitlists.

Brendan Carpenter/Herald

Community activist Christina Kramer raised concerns about safety for community members with the proposed battery stations.

For many families, the morning rush isn’t the most chaotic time of the day. Instead, the sanity-buster is that long stretch from the time school lets out until the final activity ends and everyone is home.

Surviving the afternoon activities juggle is all about planning and time management and it’s also an opportune time to teach kids some valuable skills.

“The opportunity with activities is it’s a great time for kids to learn time management,” says Carolyn Dalgliesh, a professional organizer who specializes in helping kids. “It’s a skill that will help them throughout their lives.”

Without preparation, the activities crunch can get kids and parents on a quick path to burnout and exhaustion.

Here are tips for making your child’s afterschool activities a fun and rewarding part of childhood and for teaching your child the skill of time management.

Choose the right activities. There is no need for everyone to run ragged getting to volleyball practice if your child no longer enjoys it.

“We talk about mindful choices,” Dalgliesh says. “You want your child to get value out of any activity, whether it’s a great social outlet or a chance to run off a lot of energy.”

Consider timing. If you’re lucky enough to have choices in times, choose wisely.

“Think about how well your child does

Fitting it all in Managing the after-school activities juggle

with transitions,” Dalgliesh says. “For some kids, coming home triggers wind-down time, [so] parents may want to go to the library after school to do homework instead of stopping by the house.”

Honor the family meeting. There is a central principle when it comes to family time management: Everyone must get together once a week, with calendars in hand, to plan out the next week. Figure out how each kid will

get to and from each activity, and make plans for meals and snacks. When doing the planning, try to carve out at least one night when the family can have dinner together.

Maintain a family calendar. Each family member needs his or her own week-at-aglance calendar, and you also need a family calendar. Yes, that’s a lot of calendars, but it will help ensure all activities are well-planned.

Get the activity bags ready. Get your kids

in the habit of packing their activity bags on Sunday night. Designate a place for them to hang or store their bags. For activities requiring a lot of gear, use a checklist.

Embrace meal planning. It’s important to plan simple, consistent meals, especially if you’re a busy family with a lot of activities. For example, kids love theme dinners such as “Taco Tuesday,” and can help with preparation and assembly. Also plan snacks,.

Make it portable. Keep healthy drinks and snacks in a car cooler. After all,“we’re a portable society,” Dalgliesh says. In addition to food, keep an “activities bin” for kids to rummage through while hanging out at big brother’s karate practice but only then.

Make car time special. If you spend a lot of time driving to and from activities, make that time count. Try an audiobook, choosing a story everyone in the family can enjoy. Dalgliesh plays a conversation game with her children. She has a set of cards with prompts such as, “What is the worst meal you ever had in a restaurant?” or “What is your favorite vacation memory?” She passes the deck to her kids has them pick one.

“It’s about finding those moments to connect,” she says.

Photo: Keeping kids busy after school is a good thing, but participating in many activities without advance planning is inviting miscommunication, forgotten homework, and cranky families.

It’s Ferretti vs. Scianablo for town supervisor

By MELISSA BERMAN & JEFFREY BESSEN of the Herald

Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti, a Republican, will face off against Democrat Joseph K. Scianablo for Hempstead town supervisor.

Both are replacement candidates, because incumbent Supervisor Don Clavin, a Republican, and his expected Democratic opponent, Justin Brown, both declined their parties’ nominations. There are reports that Clavin will run for a county court judgeship on this year’s ballot.

Ferretti, a Levittown resident, has served as a county legislator for over seven years, and he highlighted his efforts to control the tax burden for Nassau County residents.

“The committee looked for someone who is a proven tax slayer, helped make Nassau County the safest in the United States, fought antisemitism and hate in general, is involved in the community and with his family, and has been a lifelong resident of the Town of Hempstead,” Joe Cairo, the Nassau County Republican Committee chairman, said at the April 10 announcement.

Scianablo, a Garden City resident, brings a career of leadership, integrity and compassion, according to the county Democratic Party, having served in the Marines in Iraq and as a New York City police officer. Most recently he was

an assistant district attorney in Queens.

Raised in what was described as a working-class family, Scianablo enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996. After his military service, he joined the NYPD, in which his focus was domestic violence. After retiring he earned his law degree, and dedicated his legal career to justice and public safety.

“Public service isn’t only what you do, it’s who you are. I’ve served my country, my city, and my community — and I’m ready to serve the people of

Hempstead,” Scianablo said in a news release. “I’m running to lower the tax burden, clean up our broken infrastructure, and bring transparency back to Town Hall.”

Ferretti highlighted his work to stop antisemitism and hate crimes, enhance resources for police and protect women.

“When you decide to run for elected office, you do it because you want to make a different in people’s lives,” he said. “I feel I have the experience in both the private sector and government

that qualifies me for this position. In government, I have both administrative and legislative experience.”

The Democrats highlighted the town’s 12.1 percent property tax increase, pay raises for top officials and long-neglected infrastructure problems as the issues they are aiming to resolve.

“Joe Scianablo is exactly the kind of leader Hempstead needs right now,” County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs said in the release. “His courage, character, and deep commitment to public service make him the right candidate to take on the status quo. Joe has spent his life protecting others — he’ll bring that same fierce dedication to fighting for every family in Hempstead.”

The Republicans focused on Ferretti’s two local landmark laws, Fairness for Women and Girls in Sports and the Mask Transparency Act.

“Nassau Legislator John Ferretti has distinguished himself as a county legislator, holding the line on taxes every year and even reducing the tax burden for Nassau homeowners,” Cairo said.

Scianablo’s campaign aims to focus on lifting up working families. “I’ve never backed down from a fight — and I won’t back down from the fight for the people of Hempstead,” he said in the release. “This town deserves a leader who shows up, stands tall, and delivers real results. That’s exactly what I intend to do.”

Herald file photos

John Ferretti, left, a Republican Nassau County legislator, and Democrat Joseph K. Scianablo are the candidates for Hempstead town supervisor.

Full speed ahead

Proven practices to win the race against aging

Naps, knitting and nuzzling with the grandchildren — the traditional image of retirement is being challenged by the more than 76 million baby boomers in the United States.

This vibrant generation wants to make the most out of their golden years, and while hobbies and time with grandkids are a priority, they want more. To do so, we know that a proactive approach to health and wellness is a must.

Matt Johnson, a health and performance expert, admires the tenacity boomers — and all seniors — exhibit when it comes to maintaining their health and well-being. He suggests these incredibly simple, yet powerful ways to age healthfully, and keep those engines revving at peak performance, no matter how vintage the model.

Take advantage of pit stops

“Lack of sleep is the fastest way to age the human body,” says Johnson.

“Additionally, adequate sleep is extremely important for a healthy brain. Deep REM sleep allows the mind to rejuvenate. Memory, creativity and cognitive function get refreshed in this stage of sleep.”

He recommends three steps to achieve quality sleep. First, go to bed at the correct time to achieve eight hours of sleep. Second, unplug and avoid digital devices that put out stimulating blue light. Third, add the relaxing mineral magnesium to your routine by taking an Epsom salt bath or foot bath once a week.

Fuel your machine

“I like to tell people to think of nutrition as fuel for the body; without the correct fuel, the engine and components can’t work correctly,” says Johnson. “The most critical nutrients that boomers don’t get enough of are supergreens and omega-3s.

We know we all need to eat more green veggies, but did you know that up to 91 percent of the American population is deficient in omega-3s?”

Get an oil change

Some oils are considered healthy and others

cause health problems. Johnson recommends you reevaluate the types of oils you use.

Add:

√ Use extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for salad dressings, baking and low-temperature sautéing.

√ Consider avocado oil. With its high smoke point, it’s ideal for high-heat cooking techniques like frying and sautéing. Avocado oil is rich in oleic acid, polyunsaturated fats, carotenoids, and other antioxidant-rich nutrients that are linked to improved heart, skin, and eye health.

Remove:

√ Vegetable oils like canola and soybean, which are heavily processed and often made with GMOs.

Rev your engines daily

“The benefits of exercise are endless, but the underdog benefit is how it makes us feel and think,” says Johnson. “You should move your body if you want to stay sharp and happy.”

Find an exercise program you enjoy, he suggests. “Exercise is the fountain of youth, but you shouldn’t do something you don’t like. Make sure you move your body daily. If you are looking for suggestions, think about hiring a trainer to learn a set program. I think focusing on form and technique over intensity is the first step.”

Schedule regular maintenance checks

“Play offense instead of defense with your health,” says Johnson. “Modern medicine is better than ever at early detection and treatment.”

The key is to focus on prevention. “Use annual doctor visits to screen, ask questions and monitor your risk factors. Remember, you can only get good answers if you ask good questions,” he says.

Finally, Johnson reminds people that antiaging doesn’t exist. “We are all aging — the key is to age well. This means to aspire to quality of life. We all have motivators in our life: kids, grandkids, spouses, careers, passions, etc. Without your health, none of these can be enjoyed to the fullest.”

Long live the brain

Activities you can do at home that help boost brain health

By Kristen Castillo

We all know that it’s important to keep your brain sharp as you age.

“In order to engage our brains for an ideal level of challenge, we should aim for something that is new, novel and challenging to maximize our effort — grow our brains, new neurons and strengthen our neuronal networks,” says certified brain health coach Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, M.A., founder of Your Brain Health Matters, LLC and an Atlantic fellow for Equity in Brain Health.

Dr. Culler says brain health is 70 percent lifestyle and 30 percent genetics. She encourages people to think about brain fitness the same way they think about physical exercise. That means giving your brain a 15- to 20-minute daily workout, adding up to at least two hours a week.

Read on for easy ways to stimulate your brain.

Game On!

Playing games — whether it’s chess, puzzles, Mah Jongg or computer games, such as Words With Friends or Wordle — may help your brain to stay engaged.

For example, smartphone apps can be an entertaining and challenging activity for the brain. One app, Elevate, uses artificial intelligence to create custom exercises for each user, tailored to their personal goals.

In a four-week study of 125 Elevate users, conducted for the game company by a researcher at California State University, Stanislaus, and Nichols Research, Inc., participants who had access to Elevate games and training exercises improved their test scores “69 percent more than the control group, which did not have access to the games and exercises.”

While research on the overall benefits of cognitive games is mixed, one study shows participants may get good at a mind-stimulating activity, such as crosswords, even if those gaming skills don’t transfer to other brain health, like attention to problem-solving.

Still, that doesn’t mean the activity isn’t valuable. You can have a healthier, happier life by participating in games and activities you enjoy.

Read, Read, Read

Challenge your brain with reading but mix up your habits.

Dr. Culler suggests reading a different section of the newspaper than you usually would or reading a new book or magazine. Next, read some passages out loud, which she says can activate different areas of your brain.

Read with the intent to share the message with friends. You will be more mindful and process the information differently.

Set New Goals

Try new things. Set an intention to do something new, such as visiting museums, attending talks, etc., for the next week or month. Map it out and invite a friend. Dr. Culler says both the planning process and socialization have brain benefits, too.

Meditate

Clearing your mind can be good for your brain as well.

“Set aside time daily to cool your brain, practice mindfulness or meditate,” says Dr. Culler. “Meditation is an excellent brain workout, and studies have found numerous benefits for the brain. If meditation is not a daily part of your routine, aim to add it in.”

She recommends starting with a few minutes of meditation a day and working up to 20 minutes or longer.

Photo: Meditation can help calm the brain

Photo: Regular exercise is pivotal to looking and feeling great at every age — and especially in our older years.

By Julia Price

Sleep struggle

Your changing body and sleep patterns

Parents often monitor their kids’ sleeping patterns as a way to ensure they’re getting a quality night of zzz’s. But who monitors our sleeping routines once we’re older? How are we supposed to know whether we’re getting enough sleep or how to prepare for if we need more? According to the National Sleep Foundation, one of the most common concerns elderly people have is that they sleep for less time than when they were younger, plus they may report waking up multiple times during the night or having difficulty falling asleep in the first place.

There are various stages of sleep that cycle throughout the entirety of one’s night — light and deep — and many seniors tend to experience an increase in their number of light stages, which could cause more tiredness throughout the day. A major factor contributing to this change is linked to medications prescribed for physical and psychological illnesses, although some of it is completely natural. For example, as we age, we organically tend to get tired earlier in the evening and, in turn, rise earlier in the morning.

A sleep therapist can help change your circadian rhythm, utilizing light therapy, traditional therapy or other resources.

Rethink your nightly routine

If you’re looking to take matters into your own hands, there are homeopathic and natural remedies that are quite easy to introduce into your nightly and daily routines. At night, try to avoid television, the computer and your cellphone for at least one hour before you retire to the bedroom. Because your body wants to stay awake when it thinks it’s daytime, these devices can create a sort of fake

“daylight” effect, throwing off your natural sleep rhythm. You also should try to avoid drinking water or other liquids for at least an hour before bedtime.

Stretching and meditation are also great tools to help slow down your system into complete relaxation mode, calming and quieting the mind. If you have trouble meditating on your own, there are many assisting apps you can use; however, if you require assistance, make sure that your phone or other device has the light turned all the way down so that you avoid bright lights as recommended above. You might also try taking a warm bath or shower before sleeping, making sure to focus on slow breathing and the way the water feels on your skin. Sometimes humming slowly or chanting a mantra can also calm your mind and put you into a completely surrendered state of calm.

Maybe a sleep aid is needed

If none of the above works, melatonin is a natural sleep

aid that will help sooth you into sleep without giving you some of the “hangover” effects you may feel from an overthe-counter or prescribed sleeping pill. Melatonin is a natural chemical found in the body, so taking it merely enhances your body’s ingrained clock that tells it when to go to sleep. This shouldn’t be used nightly, however — only when necessary. That’s because when the brain is exposed to too much melatonin, it becomes unresponsive, according to Richard Wurtman, who pioneered the use of melatonin in helping people sleep.

Day into night

Of course, you want to slightly tweak some of your daytime habits, as well. When you wake up, try to get your body moving immediately with a walk or a mini-workout in your home. Whatever you decide to do, make sure that your heart rate and breath increase. And if you like a morning cup of coffee or tea with caffeine, wait to have it until after you have a full cup of water.

Aside from that, you want to stay active. Make sure to engage in physically and mentally stimulating activities. If your physical shape prevents you from being active, look for something less strenuous, or if that isn’t possible, do whatever movement you can to keep fit.

These changes are completely normal, and you don’t have to suffer through them. Remember that all of this is just a reminder to take care of yourself and to treat your body with the love and attention it deserves. Get a massage when you’re sore. Listen to audiobooks when you’re not feeling very physically active. Enjoy every moment and practice stating what you’re grateful for every morning when you wake up and every night before you crawl into bed. Sometimes those small changes can make all the difference in the world.

Photo: There are many causes of hearing loss, but the only fully preventable cause is from excess noise, or from listening too loud for too long.

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Mount Sinai South Nassau’s

While you are hopefully getting wiser as you get older, your immune system is weakening, increasing your risk for severe cases of vaccine-preventable illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, or shingles.

These diseases can lead to extended hospitalization or even death. While vaccination does not guarantee you will not get sick, getting vaccinated almost certainly will make your illness less severe, especially for individuals 65 and above. The fix is an easy one: get vaccinated!

Approximately 25,000 to 50,000 U.S. adults aged 65 and older die every year from complications caused by vaccine-preventable viral illnesses. This is more than the deaths attributed to breast cancer, traffic accidents and HIV/AIDS combined. Many of those who died were unvaccinated. During your annual checkup, be sure to speak with your doctor and make sure you are up to date on all your vaccinations.

During the 2023-2024 flu season, adults 65 and older accounted for more than 50 percent of flu-related hospitalizations and 72 percent of flu-related deaths. Meanwhile, adults 65 and older accounted for approximately twothirds of all COVID-19-associated hospitalizations from October 2023 to April 2024, while those 75 and older accounted for approximately 50 percent of COVID-19 deaths. These data are especially compelling in older adults with underlying conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes.

As for measles, which is increasing in prevalence across the country, there have been four cases in New York State so far this year—one in Suffolk County and three in New York City. As of Thursday, March 13, of the 373 confirmed measles cases reported in the United States, 86 (21 percent) involved individuals above age 20, and 11 of those cases required hospitalization. Approximately 2 of every 1,000 adults who contract measles die.

Aaron E. Glatt, MD, Chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief of Infectious Diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau, says people born before 1957 are presumed to be immune and don’t require a MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) vaccination or testing to see if they are immune. However, if they know they are not immune because of work related testing or other reasons, vaccination might be appropriate. “People born during or after 1957 who are traveling to

a high-risk area who do not have evidence of immunity to measles (which can be determined by a blood test ordered by your physician to assess your antibody levels or vaccination status or by your immunization records) should get the vaccination,” Dr. Glatt added.

Infectious disease experts also recommend that people born after 1957 and vaccinated before 1968 consider getting a single additional vaccine dose, as the vaccine used from 1963 to 1967 has proven not to be as effective or long-lasting as the current MMR vaccine. When in doubt, ask your doctor! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that most people over age 65 get the following immunizations:

• Shingles vaccine: Shingles can be a very painful rash that can last for months. The CDC recommends the vaccine Shingrix for healthy adults aged 50 and older to prevent shingles.

• RSV vaccine: Respiratory syncytial virus infections are often mild but can be serious for older people, especially those above 75 and for those 60 and older with underlying

conditions such as heart or lung disease.

• Pneumococcal vaccine: Pneumococcal disease can include pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections. There are several vaccines available, and you should discuss with your doctor which one is most appropriate for you, based on any prior pneumococcal vaccinations and your age. The current recommendation is for all people over 50 to receive a pneumococcal vaccine, as well as those 18 years and older with significant underlying medical conditions.

• Annual flu vaccine: It remains the very best way to protect yourself and others from the flu.

• Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, or whooping cough): Everyone needs to get the Tdap vaccine at least once. After getting a Tdap vaccine, get a Td vaccine every 10 years to protect against tetanus and diphtheria.

• COVID-19 vaccine: How often you should receive this vaccine to reduce your risk and others from getting severe COVID-19 will also vary greatly based upon your underlying health, age, and when your most

recent COVID-19 illness was. Discuss this with your doctor.

• Hepatitis B vaccine: The CDC recommends this for all adults ages 19 to 59 who do not have natural immunity to hepatitis B, and for adults 60 and older who have risk factors for hepatitis B. If you are 60 and older and don’t have known risk factors, it’s okay to get the hepatitis B vaccine if you want it.

If you’re not up to date on your vaccinations, Dr. Glatt says to see your physician to set up a schedule to get them. If you haven’t received the annual flu or COVID-19 vaccination, you can get one at the Vaxmobile, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Community Education Health Screenings and Wellness outreach effort, which will be at the following senior centers:

April

• 4/24 – Nassau County Senior Services at St Anthonys Church, Oceanside, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 4/29 – Freeport Library, Freeport, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

May

• 5/1 – Long Beach Library, Long Beach, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/6 – Hispanic Brotherhood, Hempstead, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/13 – Nassau County Senior Birthday Party at the Old Barn Bethpage, Restoration Village, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/15 – Baldwin Library, Baldwin, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/20 – Freeport Library, Freeport, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/22 – Nassau County Senior Services at St Anthonys Church, Oceanside, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

For more information, call Mount Sinai South Nassau Community Education at (516) 377-5333 or send an email to vaxmobile@snch.org.

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Vaxmobile brings flu and Covid-19 vaccines along with health screenings to local senior centers and other community centers.

Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore

The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.

The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.

To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion

Moving from Sick Care to Well Care

Catholic Health is deeply rooted in the communities it serves, with several award-winning hospitals situated in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. Yet the ultimate measure of a great health care system is how well it does at preempting the need for hospitalization. Catholic Health is working to do just that by expanding its network of preventive Primary Care practices all across Long Island.

“When you enter into a long-term relationship with a Primary Care Provider, your doctor gets to know who you are,” says Anthony Ardito, MD, Chairman of Catholic Health’s Primary Care Service Line. “People want their doctors to truly understand their health history as well as their preferences.”

Besides ensuring that you receive your preventative health screenings—such as mammogram and colonoscopy—Primary Care Providers will monitor you at regular intervals for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body mass index and more.

“By knowing a patient for years, we can detect early changes in a person’s condition, then work with the patient to ensure for early detection and an appropriate response,” says Dr. Ardito. “That’s the kind of health care that’s going to keep people out of the hospital and add many more healthy

years to their lives.”

Catholic Health has recruited many hundreds of Primary Care Providers to its physician network, situating them in convenient community-based medical office buildings across its Long Island footprint. Some are single practices, while many are part of the health system’s network of Catholic Health Ambulatory Care sites. These outpatient care facilities bring together Primary Care Providers and various clinical specialists—such as cardiologists,

neurologists, endocrinologists, oncologists, orthopedists and pain management specialists—under one roof.

“We’ve launched well over 20 Catholic Health Ambulatory Care sites throughout Long Island, stretching from Queens to Riverhead,” says Chief Medical Officer Jason Golbin, DO. “Each site is a multispecialty hub. So if your Primary Care physician detects it may be time to see a specialist, there’s one right down the hall, fully partnered with Catholic Health, and easily

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

Compassionate Care that enri Ches Lives

short term rehabilitation and Long term Care

able to access your medical records and test results. Our Catholic Health physicians work as a unified team to ensure that the care you receive is coordinated to produce the most optimal outcomes with the least amount of stress.”

Beyond their many convenient locations, Catholic Health Primary Care physicians are also available through online messaging, two-way texting and video visits with their patients.

To schedule a consultation with a Catholic Health Primary Care provider near you, call (866) MY-LI-DOC or visit CatholicHealthLI.org and click on the “Find a Doctor” tab at the top of the screen, which lets you sort by specialty or location. You can even schedule an appointment online.

Catholic Health is growing—expanding Primary Care, Urgent Care and multispecialty Ambulatory Care locations across the region. Quality care, close to home.

Catholic Health has convenient preventive Primary Care practices throughout Long Island.

NCC faculty union claims contract violations

Administration says promotions, tenure, sabbaticals are on hold until new agreement is reached

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Faculty tensions at Nassau Community College escalated last week after Chief Administrative Officer Maria Conzatti announced that she would not submit faculty names for tenure, promotion or sabbatical to the college’s board of trustees until a new contract agreement is reached — despite the fact that the current contract is in effect until Aug. 31.

The announcement, made at the April 3 general faculty meeting, drew sharp criticism from the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers. Union leaders claim the decision circumvents provisions of the existing collective bargaining agreement, particularly those related to faculty advancement during the final year of a signed contract.

“Our faculty was absolutely stunned to learn that NCC has unilaterally chosen to deny these standard promotions, sabbaticals and tenure positions to our hardworking professors,” David Stern, the acting NCCFT president, said. “This is truly unprecedented, and demonstrates why NCC and the board of trustees are losing confidence and enrollment while slashing programs and mismanaging our finances.”

Jessica Harris, attorney for the union, said that the administration is legally obligated to follow the recommendations of committees, composed of faculty members and an administrator, that approve faculty members’ advancement and sabbaticals.

“NCC administrators have no legal basis to refuse to consider the committees’ recommendations for promotions and sabbaticals,” Harris said. “If the administration persists in its refusal to inform the board of trust-

The Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers alleges that the administration is illegally withholding promotions, tenure appointments and sabbaticals.

ees of the committees’ recommendations, in flagrant disregard of the CBA, we will explore all legal options.”

Speaking on behalf of the administration, Jerry Kornbluth, vice president of the Office of Community and Governmental Relations, pushed back against the union’s claims. He said the accusation that the administration is violating the collective bargaining agreement is a “false narrative,” emphasizing that the college is operating under the current 2021–25 contract.

According to Kornbluth, union representatives have not responded to invitations to begin discussions of the 2025–26 contract. He also noted that faculty members must meet “certain standards,” depending on the promotion they are seeking, with evaluations

THURSDAY, MAY 22

conducted by the committees. Once approved, nominations are forwarded to the president.

“Until there is a conversation about the contract for 2025–26, those promotions, sabbaticals and tenure don’t take effect until the fall of 2025 — under the new contract,” Kornbluth said. “The contract acts on Aug. 31; a new one, whether there is a negotiated one or not, kicks in on Sept. 1.”

Many faculty members have already completed the formal review process and received committee approval. The union accuses the administration of stalling contractual obligations and blocking professional advancement at a time when many professors face increased financial strain due to the rising cost of living.

Kornbluth said that when no formal contract is in place, the college operates under a memorandum of agreement signed by both the administration and the union. That agreement allows the president to move faculty nominations forward for board approval.

Stern said that 15 faculty members had been recommended by their respective committees. “There has been virtually no dialogue or willingness by Ms. Conzatti or her administration,” he said.

The faculty organized a gathering on April 8 in the CCB building. Organizers said the event aimed to draw public attention to the ongoing contract and personnel disputes.

“In all my years that I’ve been at the college — which is 50 — there has never been a time that somebody who is nominated for promotion, sabbatical or tenure did not get it,” Kornbluth said. “This is all about trying to make the president, the administration look bad.”

Herald file photo

Senior Health & Beyond Expo series kicks off

By Anna Graci

Herald Community Media and RichnerLIVE successfully launched the first event in the 2025 Senior Health & Beyond Expo series, presented by Nassau University Medical Center, on Friday, April 4, at the East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center in East Meadow. This free community event drew hundreds of attendees, including seniors, families, and caregivers, eager to learn about the latest in wellness, lifestyle enhancements, and essential health resources.

The expo featured a vibrant lineup of educational vendors and interactive activities, ensuring that attendees were both entertained and informed. “It was an incredible turnout,” said Amy Amato, executive director of corporate relations and events at RichnerLIVE.

A key highlight of the day was the “Stop the Bleed” training session led by Nassau University Medical Center’s Sloan Yoselowitz, DPT, CSCS, the hospital’s director of community outreach. This national campaign teaches people how to control severe bleeding in emergency situations before medical help arrives. The presentation emphasized the importance of immediate action in improving survival rates.

The crowd also enjoyed a dose of humor during a comedy show featuring comedian Larry Izzo.

Attendees were given complimentary swag bags sponsored by Silver Lining Homecare. A 10-minute guided exercise session by Excel Homecare Inc. helped get audience members’ blood pumping, while SightGrowth Partners offered eye test screenings.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Nassau University Medical Center, and our program sponsors — PSEG Long Island, Parker Jewish Institute Health Care and Rehabilitation, Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, the NYS Department of Public Service Long Island, and the Sid Jacobson JCC — for their vital support.

Please visit our website to view our photo gallery from April 4: www.richnerlive.com/seniorexpo/2025senior-health-beyond-expo-of-long-island-photo-gallery.

Join us for the next Herald Senior Health & Beyond Expo for 2025, which will be held on May 22 at the Massapequa Elks Lodge #2162 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For a full list of Expos, go to liherald.com.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Keynote speaker Sloan Yoselowitz, DPT, CSCS; from Nassau University Medical Center.

Hundreds attended the first of seven 2025 Herald Senior Health & Beyond Expos.

Victoria Schickley and Nicole Hall of PSEG L.I.

Janette Lebron, Pablo Rendon, Michelle Chan and Jess Dunbar of the Parker Jewish Institute For Health Care and Rehabilitation.

Laura LaFauci of Amber Court Assisted Living.

Ryan Lynch and Diana Arevalo, NY Cancer & Blood specialists.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Lekeisha Hall, Lisa Boris and Joy Gardener of Excel Homecare Inc.

Speaker Michelle Gibson of the Sid Jacobson JCC. Stephanie Penza, Dr. Brian Berliner and Aisha Vazquez; SightMD.

Livia Stachura, Bestern Tiryaki and Ambar Bello of Prine Health.

Micah Schlendorf and Laura Racioppi of Suffolk Federal Credit Union.

Manuel Sepulveda of WellCare. Victoria Caputo of Family and Children’s Association.

Jamie Rossi and Christine Rossi of I Love Hearing, in East Meadow.

Manuel Mathew and Jill Wasser of the NYS Public Service Commission of Long Island.

Regina Khaimov and Anne Marie Fragkoulis of the Margaret Tietz Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.

Patricia Barna of ClearCaptions.

Danielle Aglio and Trudy Losee; Blue Island Homes. Tiffany Balanoff of Douglas Elliman RVC.

STEPPING OUT

Local filmmaker debuts ‘Godless’

Michael Ricigliano is in the spotlight

By Iris Wiener

Filmmaker Michael Ricigliano writes what he knows, and there is nothing he knows better than Long Island. His roots are certainly evident through his creative vision in his latest feature, “Godless,” which is now streaming on multiple platforms.

Starring Harry Lennix (“The Blacklist”) and Ana Ortiz (“Ugly Betty”), “Godless” explores the turbulent intersection of faith and politics. Ricigliano makes his directing debut with the film after having turned heads as a playwright (“A Queen for a Day”) and screenwriter (“The Brooklyn Banker”). He shot it in Huntington and Great Neck, only a stone’s throw away from where he grew up in Garden City.

“I think that for any writer, your own personal experiences craft how you see the world,” he says. “Growing up on Long Island, meeting the many people and remembering conversations with them, plus the stories my family would tell me about how they grew up. It all affects my work.”

Ricigliano is easily able to draw from Long Island’s “flavor,” as he is firmly entrenched in numerous communities.

Ricigliano’s father moved to Uniondale from Brooklyn in the early 1940s, and stayed until 1985; at age 15, his family moved to Garden City. Ricigliano went to private schools in Uniondale and Old Westbury, then going to law school at Hofstra where he played lacrosse. For the past 20 years, Ricigliano and his family have resided in Locust Valley. He has never left Long Island!

It wasn’t until Ricigliano was 40 that he began to write; a real estate lawyer who counsels with Spano Abstract Service Corp. (“an incredibly supportive company”) he began writing on a whim when he realized that he had an idea for a short film based on stories he heard from his family when he was very young in Brooklyn. Despite never having taken a film class, his screenplay for “The Brooklyn Banker” was picked up by Federico Castaluccio (of “The Sopranos” fame), and made into a feature length film starring Paul Sorvino.

“Everything I write is based off of things that have happened in my life and that I have experienced in my Catholic upbringing,” he says of how he began working on “Godless,” which centers on a devout Catholic governor (Ortiz) who is excommunicated after signing a progressive bill into law. “Godless” is about the crisis of faith that she endures when her religious beliefs contrast with her ambitions.

“Canon law is something I have always been fascinated with,” says Ricigliano. “From there it merged into the process of an excommunication. I wanted to explore the political fallout of her getting excommunicated when she wants to become president, as well as what’s happening with the bishop (Lennix) who has gone to the next step because the church is very politically driven as well.”

Ricigliano’s mother first suggested that her son shoot his directorial debut at Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington.

“We had the ability to use the chapel and the church, the hallways, the high ceilings, the offices which were from a different era, the beautiful grounds. It was all there,” he says. “It was beautiful and magnificent.”

The number of ways in which Ricigliano is creative are endless. He is also an accomplished pop artist who has shown his work at galleries (one of his pieces adorns a set in “Godless”) and a musician. Some of his original songs can be heard in the film.

“I have a mantra: Create every day,” he says thoughtfully. “I try and do something every day and I look forward to it, whether it’s art, writing or playing guitar. Doing this has become ingrained in me. It’s a passion.”

Ricigliano’s next film is based on the play “The Court of Oyer and Terminer,” and is also set to star Lennix. The story is about a retired judge from Nassau County who lives in the city and has dementia. He hopes to shoot scenes in Manhasset and other nearby areas.

“Long Island is one of the greatest places to live on the planet,” he says excitedly as he looks to the future. “The nature, the history, the architecture, some of the court houses. The resources that we have and the people are magnificent. We worked with the Nassau County and the Suffolk County Film Commissions for ‘Godless’ and they were so helpful.”

Ricigliano hopes that “Godless,” which can be streamed on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play, and Fandango, makes people want to talk.

“Any of the issues within can’t be one way or the other. People have certain beliefs that are instilled in them. In today’s society, a lot of times, people don’t want to listen. They just yell at each other. Hopefully this film will open up more of a dialogue. We’re all fallible. At the end of the day, the movie is about forgiveness and understanding. All I want is for people to walk out and say, ‘Okay. But I understand what the other person is saying.’”

‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’

Spring blooms with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. Before you know it, we’ll be back on the beach; meanwhile Jimmy Kenny and his band keep the vibe going with their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along. The Long Island based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios, lead guitar/backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/ backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione, have been celebrating the beach country sounds for over a decade, Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair.

Saturday, April 19, 8 p.m. $35, $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Jazzin’ with Wynton Marsalis

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, takes listeners on a thrilling ride with Contemporary Jazz Masterpieces. Hear fascinating new works composed and orchestrated by composers and Big Band leaders of today, including Miho Hazama, Darcy James Argue, Helen Sung, Jihye Lee. The concert also feature newly commissioned works by George DeLancey, Leo Steinriede, and Steven Feifke — that reflect the depth and breadth of the Big Band tradition. With music direction by Marsalis and Steven Feifke, expect an evening of fresh takes and exploratory sounds from the acclaimed orchestra. Feel the vibe of thrilling works that ignite the senses with spontaneity, virtuosity and an unwavering passion.

Thursday, April 24, 7:30 p.m. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Photos courtesy Michael Ricigliano

Ana Ortiz and Harry Lennix appear in “Godless,” which captures the collision of politics and faith.

Harry Lennix as Bishop Reginald Roland.

Director-writer Michael Ricigliano with Without a Net producers Elyssa Rabinowitz and Vincent Petrosini at the film’s premiere.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

APR 18

‘Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!’

The beloved musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved award-winning, best-selling children’s books, is back on stage at Long Island Children’s Museum. Willems’ classic characters Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City.

• Time: Also April 19, April 23-24, times vary

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

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) that publicly launched the movement. The direct follow-up 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. On view through June 15.

• Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor.

• Time: Ongoing

• Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org

Little Learners’ Earth Day

Planting Fields Little Learners series continues with an Earth Day celebration. Families will enjoy a heartwarming fun-filled experience, with a reading of “Gifts from the Garbage Truck” by Andrew Larsen. Explore the importance of reusing, reducing, and recycling. With an Earthinspired craft project. For ages 2-5. Registration required.

• Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay.

• Time: 10-11 a.m.

• Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

Jessie’s Girl

Drag out that neon once again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those crazy days are back — as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off, on the Paramount stage. The band of NYC’s top rock/pop musicians and singers gets everyone into that “Back To The Eighties” vibe with the latest edition of their popular concert experience. With a lineup including four pop-rock vocalists dressing and performing as 80s icons, backed by a dynamic band, this is the definitive ‘80s experience. Throw on top of that: a load of super-fun choreography, audience participation, props, costumes bubbles, and confetti — and you have a party that audiences don’t want to leave. Tickets are $49.50, $37.50, $35, $25.

• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Hempstead, holds Stop Throwing Out Pollutants Hazardous Waste Collection (S.T.O.P.). Rid yourself of those unwanted items.

• Where: Behind City Hall

• Time: 8 a.m.-3 p.m

• Contact: For more information, visit longbeachny.gov.

MAY

Storybook Stroll

TBring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure. Stroll the gardens and listen to “Jane Austen: Little People Big Dreams” by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage. Registration required.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• Contact: OldWestburyGardens. org or (516) 333-0048

MAY

6

• Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor.

• Time: noon-3 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org

Eggstravaganza Scavenger Hunt

Old Westbury Gardens invites families to celebrate the season. Enjoy a day of exploration strolling the gardens in search of colorful egg signs hidden throughout the grounds. Find them all and return to Westbury House to claim a special gift.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury.

• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or (516) 333-0048

APR 19 Shred Unwanted Documents Russo Law Group hosts an Earth Day Shred event to safely and securely dispose of sensitive documents. All shredding handled by Arrow Transfer & Storage. Attend Fraud Awareness workshops at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Art Explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Nassau County Museum of Art. Kids and their adult partners can talk about and make art together. Enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to The Lobby Project, a collaborative art installation. Registration required.

APR

22

• Where: 100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd #102, Garden City; 250 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach.

• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Contact: vjrussolaw.com

Jazz Tuesdays

If you love jazz and standards, come experience the Sunset Trio in the L’Onda Bar at the Allegria Hotel, every Tuesday. Enjoy the incredible layered sounds of their jazz stylings on the piano, drums and bass. No cover/no minimum. Full food menu and bar bites available.

• Where: 80 W. Broadway.

• Time: Ongoing Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Contact: Call (516) 889-1300 for more information.

APR

Farmers’ Market

The Kennedy Plaza Farmers’ Market returns to Kennedy Plaza, in front of Long Beach City Hall, every Wednesday and Saturday. Come check out locally grown fruits and vegetables!

• Where: 1 W. Chester St.

• Time: Ongoing Wednesday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Contact: Call (516) 889-1300 for more information.

Ask the tech guy

Do you have questions about your computer or laptop? Want to learn more about Zoom, streaming movies, or downloading ebooks to your device? Join Long Beach Library’s Tech Guy, every Wednesday, to get answers to your pressing tech questions.

• Where: 111 W. Park Ave.

• Time: Ongoing Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m.

• Contact: longbeachlibrary.org.

APR

Community Recycling Day

In celebration of Earth Day, the City of Long Beach hosts a special shredding and electronics recycling day. Also enjoy entertainment in Kennedy Plaza with arts and crafts activities.

• Where: City Hall and Kennedy Plaza, 1 W. Chester St.

• Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 705-7414 or longbeachny.gov

APR

S.T.O.P. Collection

The City of Long Beach, in cooperation with the Town of

City Council meeting

Long Beach City Council meets, at City Hall. The meeting will also be streamed on YouTube. Join to learn about projects that may be going on in the area.

• Where: Sixth floor at City Hall

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: longbeachny.gov

MAY 10

LBPD and Kiwanis Bike Rodeo

The City of Long Beach Police Department, Long Beach Kiwanis and Legislator Patrick Mullaney host a kids bike safety rodeo. The event promotes cycling proficiency, safe riding and fun for children.

• Where: Long Beach Rec Center parking lot, 700 Magnolia Blvd.

• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: longbeachny.gov/ bikerodeo

Having an event?

Items on The Calendar 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 kbloom@ liherald.com.

Long Beach Guide

April 17, 2025 —

Public Notices

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)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC, 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840, New York, NY 10170.

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

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Sale

Supreme Court: Nassau County Point 62 LLC v Brian McBrearty et al. Defts Index 607236/2022 Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered December 19, 2023, I will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr.

Mineola NY 11501 on May 6, 2025 at 2:30 pm premises known as School District 28

Section 59, Block 189 Lot 348U CA157 Unit 200, City of Long Beach , County of Nassau, State of New York Sold subject to the terms of sale and filed judgment of foreclosure, any liens owned or held by the Board of Managers of the Ocean Crest Condominium. Bank Checks Only, must be payable to the Referee for 25% of Bid Price, No Cash Accepted. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Covid-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health and safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.

Brian J. Davis, Esq. Referee 152725

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ANY AND ALL KNOWN OR UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL BERGER A/K/A MICHAEL T. BERGER, DECEASED, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report, Amend the Caption, and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 15, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 443 B West Broadway, Unit 201, a/k/a 441 B Broadway, Unit 201, 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 39 and Lot 151U a/k/a 151 together with an undivided 16.66

percent interest in the Common Elements. Approximate amount of judgment is $864,961.73 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605358/2018.

Keith Lavallee, Esq., Referee

Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 152729

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST DENNIS P. O’MALLEY AKA DENNIS PATRICK OMALLEY, CANDY MCLAUGHLIN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 5, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 6, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 221 New York Avenue, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59 Block 243 Lot 46. Approximate amount of judgment $539,159.35 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600531/2018.

George P. Esernio, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-007128 85045 152571

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES

CORPORATION

MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-BC5, -againstPATRICIA BERKELEY, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on January 3, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-BC5 is the Plaintiff and PATRICIA BERKELEY, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 6, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 520 LAURELTON BOULEVARD, LONG BEACH, NY 11561; and the following tax map identification: 59-56-1, 2, 3, 4 & 5.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 610508/2020. James Pascarella, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 152723

NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to:Brian Quinn, 474 East Harrison Street, Long Beach, New York 11561

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 152731

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE, LLC, -againstBETTY OSEI-MENSAH, ET AL.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME:Techquinnet, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 12/31/25.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on January 31, 2018, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE, LLC is the Plaintiff and BETTY OSEI-MENSAH, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 13, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 31 BARNES ST, LONG BEACH, NY 11561; and the following tax map identification: 59-223-37 & 214. 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 Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 022937/2009. Brian J. Davis, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 152866

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR SOUNDVIEW HOME LOAN TRUST 2007OPT1, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-OPT1, Plaintiff, AGAINST ASHANTI RANDOLPH, EXECUTRIX AND HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES RANDOLPH A/K/A JAMES A. RANDOLPH, JAMES RANDOLPH A/K/A JAMES RANDOLPH JR., AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF JAMES RANDOLPH A/K/A JAMES A. RANDOLPH, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on November 21, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM premises known as 545B W Broadway, Unit 205, Long Beach, NY 11561. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. 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 0059, Block 00028-00 and Lot 00184. Approximate amount of judgment $695,803.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #005461/2014.

Karen C. Grant, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 152852

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 23-2025

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held April 8, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 23-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 23-2025, amending Section 197-13 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to repeal “TRAFFIC REGULATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF SCHOOLS” at various locations. Dated: April 8, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 152996

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST 2004-13, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-13, -againstBETTE RICHMAN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on December 17, 2018, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST 2004-13, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-13 is the Plaintiff

Public Notices

and BETTE RICHMAN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 20, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1514 BEECH STREET, ATLANTIC BEACH, NY 11509; and the following tax map identification: 58-61-55.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT LONG BEACH, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 004724/2015. Rita Solomon, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 152999

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff, vs. HELEN PINTO; IF SHE BE LIVING, AND IF SHE BE DEAD, THE RESPECTIVE HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNORS, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND

SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING A CLAIM UNDER, BY AND THROUGH, SAID DEFENDANT HELEN PINTO WHO MAY BE DECEASED, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE OF ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT; ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to An Order Discharging Guardian Ad Litem, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 18, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 20, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 119 Belmont Avenue, 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 197 and Lot 39. Approximate amount of judgment is $698,028.35 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605160/2021. Cash will not be accepted. Michael Sepe, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 153001

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

CITIMORTGAGE, INC.,

Plaintiff - against -

MICHAEL D’ANTONI

A/K/A MICHAEL

DANTONI A/K/A

MICHAEL E. D’ANTONI

A/K/A MICHAEL

EDWARD D’ANTONI, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on May 26, 2022. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 20th day of May, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 30 Delaware Avenue, Long Beach, (City of Long Beach) NY 11561. (SBL#: 59-260-13)

Approximate amount of lien $292,309.67 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 608466/2019. Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: March 5, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are

also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 152826

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Bank of America, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST

Charlene Banks; Moses Josiah; Mark Simon; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 13, 2019, amended January 9, 2025 and March 17, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 15, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 23 New Hampshire Street, Long Beach, NY 11561. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land situate, lying and being at Long Beach, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 59. Block 252 Lot 32. Approximate amount of judgment $687,724.44 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 003383/2015. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine”.

Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: April 3, 2025 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 152997

An executive order issued by the White House to reduce several government entities includes the Institute of Museum and Library Services, threatening funding loss.

Trump threatens funding for libraries and museums

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

The White House issued an executive order to reduce several government entities, including the Institute of Museum and Library Services on March 14. The dismantling of the IMLS puts New York State at risk of losing $19 million in funding.

The IMLS is a federal agency established in 1996 by Congress’s passage of the Museum and Library Services Act. With a mission to advance, support, and empower America’s museums and libraries, the IMLS serves as a primary source for grants, policy development and research.

“IMLS provides the scaffolding that enables local libraries to be creative, innovative, and to shine in their communities,” said Caroline Ashby, the Nassau County Library System director. “Services provided by IMLS are things like research and data collection from libraries across the country, which enable library systems and local libraries to benchmark key performance indicators, overtime, against peer libraries. There’s no other source for libraries to get information like that.”

“By cutting off federal support from libraries, the Trump administration is cutting off opportunity for the American people — economically, culturally, professionally, and socially,” American Library Association President Cindy Hohl wrote in a statement on ALA’s social media.

On March 20, the ALA sent a letter to the new acting director of the IMLS Keith Sonderling, advising him to not cut library programs and abide by statutory obligations of the IMLS as determined by Congress. The administration placed roughly 80 percent of IMLS staff on administrative leave earlier this month, according to PBS.

There are concerns that grants and funding that support libraries nationwide is at risk. According to the ALA, libraries in California, Connecticut and Washington have received written notification that their IMLS grants were cancelled.

“$8.1 million in grants to states funding goes from the IMLS to the New York State library every year,” explained Ashby. “That accounts for 80% of the New York State library budget. Every local library in New York benefits from the work that’s being done at the state library.”

The elimination of the IMLS is a concern, as this will not only affect federal funding, but the effective distribution of state and grant funding. Loss of funding for the state library could challenge the organizations ability to provide legal, technical and governmental support for libraries, access to state construction funding, as well as the charters that libraries need to function.

“The IMLS invests hundreds of millions of dollars each year to help libraries across the Island, the state, and the country, develop literacy programs, workforce training, makes digital resources available, preserves our cultural heritage, and all kinds of civic engagement initiatives,” said Kevin Verbesey, the Executive Director of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System. “So this isn’t just budget trimming, it’s basically dismantling these important community infrastructure and services.”

The Nassau Library System provides multiple services to libraries throughout the county that are supported by funding from the state level, including the county wide online catalog, broadband internet service, and the interlibrary delivery system. “The services that are provided trickle down to local libraries so they can really focus on the communities they serve,” said Ashby.

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Q. We’re planning to replace our old windows, and are doing research online to make sure we make the right decision. I saw that there’s an option for “triple pane” windows instead of double panes. It appears to be much more money, but the writer of one article says it’s well worth it. Are you familiar with triple panes, do we need permits to change our windows and is it worth the expense? We’ve lived in our current home for five years and plan to be here for the rest of our lives, hopefully a long time, while we raise our family. What do you think?

A. I could simply say that you get what you pay for, but I’m certain you need more of an explanation, since you’ve taken the time to investigate and educate yourself. In your investigation, I’m sure you saw engineering data, lots of comparative numbers and U-values, the rating acronym for glass unit values. The lower the U-value, the better the insulating value of the glass.

Because the majority of heat or cool transmission or loss of energy is through the windows, while the walls, floor and roof are more insulated, it’s most important to do something to prevent losing all that energy you’re paying to create. Whether it’s your air conditioning or your heat, the outside of your house, referred to simply as the “envelope,” is of critical importance to insulate, especially with ever-rising energy prices. While most building departments don’t require a permit for changing out the windows “in kind,” meaning in the same size and location, some will require a permit for any little thing, like sanding your floors or adding closets, and I’m not kidding, so it’s best to check their rules online, or call your local building department directly.

Another thing to be aware of is that changing windows can trigger fire safety escape rules, referred to as egress windows, and most up-anddown, or double-hung colonial windows don’t meet the requirement if you don’t have at least one window in every habitable room with a size of 5.7 square feet. The window must have a clear escape opening of 20 inches in width and a minimum height of clear opening of 24 inches. Remember that a large fire rescuer must be able to save you.

Triple pane is a great value, because you’re always losing costly energy, so the return on investment, especially if this is your long-term home, makes it well worth it. Windows lose the most energy at the edges, so the type of gasket joining the windows to the frame is critical. The most effective frames have insulation blocking, not just a thermal break in the frame. A thermal break is usually a thin gasket between the outside and inside frames. Adding insulation, instead of leaving open air spaces in the frame, saves more energy, so it’s important to look for.

© 2025 Monte Leeper

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Town needs a proven tax cutter who will keep us safe

Long Island families are getting crushed by high taxes, and homeowners need a proven tax cutter in the Hempstead town supervisor’s office, as well as someone who knows how to keep families safe. I’m running for town supervisor because I’ve had enough of high taxes, and I know you have, too.

As a Nassau County legislator, I’ve proven that I can deliver real tax relief. I’ve never voted for a tax increase. In fact, I helped cut county taxes by $70 million. I even helped stopped $150 million in tax hikes, which were included in the previous county executive’s multiyear budget plan. At the same time, I’ve worked hard to make Nassau County the safest county in the United States. I’m running to bring the same taxpayerfriendly approach to the town that I championed in the County Legislature. And I will continue to work with the law enforcement community to keep families safe. We need leaders who understand that the people aren’t an endless source of

revenue. I believe government must live within its means — just like every hardworking family must. As supervisor, I’ll bring the same fiscal discipline and taxcutting mindset to Town Hall that I embraced in the Legislature, because every dollar wasted is a dollar taken from your family’s wallet.

LBut lower taxes mean nothing if we don’t feel safe in our own neighborhoods. That’s why I’ve made public safety a top priority. I’ve worked to make Nassau the safest county in the country by increasing our police force, providing officers with the latest technology and other resources they need to stop crime, and I fought to reopen a shuttered police precinct.

ower taxes mean nothing if we don’t feel safe in our own neighborhoods.

I also stood up to ensure that federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents remain stationed at the Nassau County Correctional Facility, so we can keep dangerous criminals off our streets. I even worked with town officials to provide enhanced police patrols at vulnerable houses of worship on religious holidays. Public safety isn’t political — it’s personal. As supervisor, I’ll continue to fight for strong, well-supported law enforcement in every community.

We also have to take a strong stand against hate and antisemitism, which are sadly on the rise across the region. I’ve worked hand in hand with community leaders and law enforcement to confront these threats head-on. I helped passed the Mask Transparency Act, which stops people from hiding their identity while threatening or intimidating others — because no one should be able to spread hate from behind a mask. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, no matter their faith, race or background.

Just as important is protecting the character of our communities. I’ve been one of the strongest voices pushing back against Gov. Kathy Hochul’s housing plan, a proposal that would force high-density, city-style apartment housing into our suburban neighborhoods without local input. I believe those decisions belong to our towns and villages — not Albany bureaucrats. As supervisor, I’ll fight to keep that control where it belongs: with the people who actually live here.

I’ve also worked hard to make government more transparent and accessible, launching a weekly e-newsletter to keep residents updated on proposed laws, community events and local ser-

vices. People should know what their government is doing, and have a voice in the process.

Before serving in elective office, I was the chief deputy county clerk, managing over 100 employees and helping to collect $240 million annually for state and local governments. I helped write legislation to waive fees for Superstorm Sandy victims, because I believe government should step up in times of crisis, not make things more difficult.

But what drives me most is my family. My wife, Maryellen, and I are raising our kids just two doors down from the house where I grew up. We’re active in our church, our schools and our community. I’m a lector at St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church, and a proud member of the Levittown Kiwanis, the local Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus and the Sons of Italy, and I’ve coached Little League, too. This isn’t just where I live — it’s home. And I want it to be a place where our kids can build their futures.

We need leadership that listens, that fights for taxpayers, that puts safety first and protects the neighborhoods we love. That’s the kind of supervisor I’ll be.

John Ferretti, who represents Nassau County’s 15th Legislative District, is the Republican candidate for Town of Hempstead supervisor.

We need leadership that puts people before politics

over two decades ago, I stood in the sands of Iraq, uncertain if I would give my life, or be forced to take one. That kind of experience leaves a permanent imprint. I’m a Marine combat veteran — one of the fewer than 1 percent who have borne the weight of war. Leadership, pain, purpose and sacrifice have shaped every fiber of who I am — and that’s why I’m running for Town of Hempstead supervisor.

I was raised by small-business owners who taught me the value of hard work, loyalty and grit. Military service runs in our family. My great-grandfather served in World War II. When times got tough, my twin brother and I enlisted. Thanks to the GI Bill, I became one of the first Scianablos to earn a college degree, and I never anticipated how deeply the military would shape my view of public service.

I deployed around the world — East Timor, Eritrea and Iraq — where I witnessed hardship and resilience. I saw children with rifles, families begging for help and communities torn apart. It reaffirmed a belief I’ve always held: People everywhere want safety, dignity and a chance at a better life. I knew then, and I know now, that I want to be a force for good.

As a Marine sergeant, I led young men into war. I carried their fears, their families’ hopes and their safety on my shoulders. I also witnessed the cost of failed leadership — Marines pushed to the edge, civilians caught in crossfire, promises broken. Those memories still drive me to lead with purpose and compassion.

thy and with a multidisciplinary approach. After a routine call led to multiple injuries and three surgeries, I was medically retired.

R eal leadership under real pressure — my experience — is what’s needed.

After the Marines, I joined the New York City Police Department. As a police officer, I had the privilege of learning firsthand about the issues affecting our communities. When I saw the impact of domestic violence, I became a Domestic Violence Officer, working to support victims with empa-

That unexpected turn became a blessing. I became a single father to the most beautiful little girl and dived into community life, serving as a Girl Scout troop leader and coaching soccer and softball. I worked with veterans through Battle Buddies, and helped open the first veterans museum, donating personal artifacts that are still on display today.

When my daughter entered middle school, I followed my passion and went to law school. Later I served as a prosecutor in the Queens district attorney’s office, focusing on protecting victims of domestic violence. Representing the people was among my most humbling and meaningful roles.

Now I see a new battlefield, in our own backyard. Seniors are struggling, veterans are overlooked, small businesses are drowning in red tape and taxpayers are fed up with inefficiency. Peo-

ple in this town are hurting. When asked how I could help, I realized that my experience — real leadership under real pressure — was exactly what was needed. I’ve never walked away from serving, and won’t start now.

On Day One, I’ll launch a full audit of the town’s finances and departments, because transparency is the only option. I’ll begin assembling a task force to address our crumbling infrastructure, focusing on underserved neighborhoods that have been ignored for far too long. I’ll kick off a public safety and community trust initiative, uniting law enforcement and local leaders to rebuild confidence and cooperation.

I’m running for supervisor because I believe we deserve better. We need leadership that puts people before politics. I’ve led Marines through war, protected the vulnerable, and brought calm amid chaos. The Town of Hempstead is worth fighting for. Let’s fix what’s broken, and build something better together.

Joseph K. Scianablo, the Democratic candidate for Hempstead town supervisor, is a Marine combat veteran, a former New York City police officer and a former prosecutor.

JoHn FERRETTi

JosEpH K. sCiAnABLo

Earth Day isn’t just a date.

april 22 might not jump out on your calendar like a holiday or a long weekend, but maybe it should. On Earth Day, which has been around for over 50 years, we are urged us to pay attention to the natural world — the land we walk around on, the air we breathe, the oceans that surround us and the future we’re shaping.

And let’s be honest: The future of our environment is looking a little shaky right now.

Extreme weather, rising sea levels, shrinking green spaces — even here in our own communities, we’re feeling the effects. Unseasonal heat waves, water restrictions, and poor air quality brought on by summer wildfires aren’t some abstract global issue. They’re right here at home.

Long Island has at times been a case study of why Earth Day is important.

After Hurricane Sandy, many residents whose homes were flooded had to rebuild, and they aimed to mitigate future damage by raising their homes and, where possible, strengthening bulkheading. Some built seawalls, and in some cases municipalities rebuilt roadways to reduce the impact of flooding.

letters

Heck, yes, judges can overrule presidents

To the Editor:

It’s a turning point.

Despite the evidence that the earth’s climates are changing, however, Earth Day too often comes and goes without much more than a passing mention. That needs to change, because the day isn’t just about planting trees or switching off the lights for an hour. It’s about recognizing the power of collective local action — and that starts with us.

That’s why this Earth Day, we encourage everyone in our communities to show up and get involved. There are countless ways to make a difference, and many of them are happening right in your backyard.

There is an event focused on recycling in Long Beach on April 26, and a celebration of tree planting in Amityville that same day. And there will be a number of beach cleanups, including one in Atlantic Beach on April 27. Last weekend in Lakeview, more than 50 people planted flowers at the train station and collected litter in the business district.

Join a community cleanup at a park or along a river trail. Volunteer with a local conservation group. Support farmers markets and businesses that use sustainable practices. Start a compost bin. Cut back on single-use plastics. Attend a

town council meeting and ask about green initiatives. Plant something — even if it’s just one flower or herb on your windowsill.

The point isn’t to do it all. It’s to do something.

And when a bunch of people do something together, momentum builds. The ripple effect is real. Small acts pile up into cultural shifts. And when those shifts start to take root in towns like ours, they grow into the kind of broad environmental awareness that leads to lasting policy, cleaner spaces and stronger communities.

Let’s move past the idea that one person can’t make a difference. You can. You do. And when you team up with a few friends, a group, or a neighborhood? That’s how change begins.

So don’t let Earth Day pass by like just another date on the calendar. Take a moment to step outside and look around. And then, do one thing for the Earth. Just one.

Because the more we treat this planet like it matters, the more likely we can preserve everything about it that we know and love. Next Tuesday, let’s do more than acknowledge Earth Day. Let’s take it personally.

In her letter in last week’s issue, “Why so much opposition to the president?” Pat King asked a question that demands a response. “Can judges overrule the president of the United States?”

The answer, of course, is not only yes, but it’s their responsibility to do so when the president goes beyond the scope of the law. The day judges can no longer do that, or choose not to, is the day democracy ends. Hundreds of our judges are now being threatened with harm to themselves and their families for upholding their oaths to defend the constitutional requirement to check presidential and legislative power.

What follows the rule of law is the rule of predation and fear, and that’s why there is so much opposition to this would-be tyrant.

BrIAN KELLY Rockville Centre

D’Esposito will fit right in in

wasteful Washington

To the Editor:

Former U.S. rep. Anthony D’Esposito seems hell-bent on bringing the Town of Hempstead’s hiring practices to Washington, whether it’s in Congress or as inspector general in the Department of Labor. Hempstead is notorious

for wasting tax dollars on high-salaried political appointments. So of course, former Councilman D’Esposito thought nothing of hiring his mistress and his fiancée’s daughter to work for him in Congress, which, unlike the town, has actual labor laws against such practices. Given the qualifications of all of President Trump’s appointees, however, appointing someone who openly violated labor laws to the position of

inspector general overseeing the Labor Department shouldn’t surprise anyone. And there is no expectation that D’Esposito will investigate waste and abuse in the department. Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for D’Esposito to confirm his reputation for labor law abuse. He approved giving the deputy secretary of labor, the man tasked with cutting federal funds to local libraries and museums, 24-hour security detail.

opinions Misinformation won’t stop N.Y.’s clean-energy progress

assemblyman Ari Brown’s op-ed, “Battery energy storage systems are growing threat,” in the March 27-April 2 issue, wildly misrepresented New York’s efforts to build a cleaner, more affordable and more reliable energy future. As president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, I want to set the record straight. While we do not comment on pending legislation, we will not stand back as Brown spreads blatant misinformation about the state’s clean-energy transition. Our work is based on facts, science and common sense — not the fear-mongering and falsehoods he has chosen to spread. One of Brown’s most egregious claims is that battery energy storage systems pose an uncontrollable fire hazard and should be banned. This is completely false. BESS technology has been rigorously tested and regulated, and more than 160 gigawatts have been deployed worldwide to strengthen the reliability of our electrical grid. New York, like many other states and countries, follows strict safety protocols and industry best practices to ensure that these systems operate safely.

Are there risks? Of course — just as with any grid infrastructure, battery storage is continually improving, with advancements in fire suppression and monitoring systems. And that’s why, in February, to help improve deployment of safety standards — and potentially influence codes across the country — the New York State Code Council voted to move ahead with new code language recommended by the Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group for inclusion in the next edition of the state’s fire code. Most notably, while the updated codes are expected to be adopted later this year, NYSERDA-sponsored energy-storage projects are already contractually required to meet these recommendations.

wBrown also blatantly lied about my own record, falsely claiming that I had voted to ban BESS in my hometown, which necessitated a correction in the Herald. The truth? I never voted on any such measure because I don’t sit on the Town Board, which voted on battery storage.

e’re building a clean, resilient energy future because it’s the right choice.

Rather than acknowledging the reality, Brown cherry-picked incidents without providing full context or recognizing that modern safety features — including remote monitoring, fire detection and ventilation systems — are specifically designed to mitigate risks. He also falsely claimed that BESS facilities require diesel generators for backup, undermining their environmental benefits. That is simply not true. The vast majority of storage projects are designed to integrate seamlessly with renewable-energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, not increasing it.

Letters

Despite the White House’s claims to the contrary, government spending since Trump’s inauguration is $154 billion more than during the same period last year. Between Trump’s golf days, which have cost taxpayers roughly $30 million since January, and D’Esposito approving unwarranted $2 million security details, the waste and abuse committed by the Trump administration, while taking a chainsaw to agencies that provide critical services, is unconscionable.

This cavalier attitude that our tax dollars are theirs for the taking must stop in Washington, and in Nassau County.

ClAuDIA BORECkY President, Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club

The devil is in the details

To the Editor:

The big things in the Trump administration are so appalling that it’s hard to wrap your mind around them. The little things sometimes fall through the cracks. For example, a friend noted the frequency of the alliterative “trust in

Trump” phrase the White House press secretary keeps slipping into press conferences.

Or the fact that the president of the u nited States called his own people “yippy” for gasping in horror as their savings plummeted — not to mention watching him manipulate the stock market like a toy.

But I heard something on the news that I found so chilling that I can’t stop thinking about it: In response to a request for evidence for deporting a u.S. resident, Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded in a memo that he can deport anyone he wants. A terrifying message, yes, but I can’t stop thinking about responding with a memo to a judicial request, dismissing not only the request, but the entire judicial system and branch of government. Just waving them away like someone soliciting you to buy something cheap and tawdry. The disdain is breathtaking.

A confluence of events — Trump’s inexplicable popularity and infallibility in the eyes of a great deal of the country; the Republican majority in both the Senate and the House — have allowed Project 2025 not just to come to fruition, but to flourish. We must do something other than watch in horror from the

He also distorted the reality of the Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment, or RAPID, Act. Brown portrayed it as an attempt by the state to force energy projects on communities without their input. The reality is that the RAPID Act streamlines permitting processes for major renewable-energy and electric transmission facilities while maintaining critical safeguards, ensuring that clean-energy projects, including battery storage, are deployed responsibly and efficiently. Further, stand-alone BESS projects that are not sited alongside commercial solar or wind are not governed by RAPID and are subject to all local zoning provisions.

Energy infrastructure must be planned holistically, not piecemeal. While local governments are vital partners in this transition, the energy grid is interconnected across counties and regions. New York cannot afford to let misguided information and local opposition dictate the fate of a statewide ener-

gy plan that would benefit millions of New Yorkers.

What Mr. Brown also failed to mention is that energy storage isn’t just safe — it’s smart economics. Battery storage saves New Yorkers money by reducing the need for dirty, expensive power plants, storing cheap, renewable power for use when prices spike and easing congestion on the grid. It boosts reliability by responding instantly to fluctuations in supply and demand, helping prevent outages and blackouts. And it delays the need for costly new infrastructure — like transmission lines and power plants — that ratepayers would otherwise be on the hook for. In short, storage makes our grid cleaner, more reliable and more affordable.

Despite Brown’s misinformation and false claims, New York’s clean-energy plan is already delivering results.

Rather than misleading the public, we need leaders to support policies that protect our environment, strengthen our economy and reduce energy costs. Fear and obstruction won’t move New York forward — only facts, innovation and a commitment to a sustainable future will.

New Yorkers are smart, and we won’t be deterred by alternative facts. We are building a clean, resilient energy future because it’s the right choice for our state, our economy and our communities.

Doreen M. Harris is president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

sidelines as our entire system of government is dismantled before our eyes. Our Founding Fathers may have been imperfect, but they created a brilliant system of government with three equal branches, which both support and check each other, and consequently give the people the power.

If power is consolidated in the executive branch, we will witness the death of democracy. We can’t let the devil — speaking literally and figuratively — win here.

Framework by Tim Baker

At the Lions Club egg hunt at Halls Pond Park — West Hempstead

doreen m. harris

NEllA DAWN CASAlINO Woodmere