Long Beach Herald 05-22-2025

Rockin’ out at long Beach’s PorchFest

Mike Corso, left, led with vocals and guitar, Eddie Torres, middle, played conga and Bill Burkhardt played bass for the band Jack Toad at Long Beach’s annual PorchFest last Saturday. Story, more photos, Page 3.

Long Beach’s science program making waves across the county

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

Long Beach Public Schools has a robust science department, offering students a wide variety of classes and electives, including Science Research, in which students in the eighth through 12th grades tackle rigorous and impressive projects.

Each year, the Long Island sections of the Science Teachers Association of New York State sponsor an exhibit of science projects from students throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. The exhibit, called the Long Island Science Congress, was held at the Cradle of Aviation in

Uniondale on April 7 and 8. Students from more than 80 schools competed, and this year, all 11 of Long Beach’s ninth-graders who entered the competition placed first, second or third.

“My first year here, we had one student that made it to the state competition,” Kristen Conklin-Kearney, the district’s Science Research coordinator, said. “This year we have seven kids that made it to states for multiple projects. Every single one of our grade nine researchers placed at the briefing symposium, which means that they beat out over 80 schools on Long Island.”

More than 850 projects were entered in this year’s Science Congress competition, and fewer

Summer starts in Long Beach

Summer is kicking off in Long Beach, and the excitement is palpable. The season brings much-needed warmth, sunshine and tan lines, and often marks the start of longawaited community events.

It truly does in Long Beach.

The festivities highlighting the season include the grand Memorial Day Parade on Monday, honoring and remembering those military servicemen and women who died defending the nation. Other community-wide events — such as the Michelle O’Neill Volleyball Tournament, and arts and crafts festivals — will return as part of the jam-packed season.

weekly entertainment, with arts, crafts, music and culinary delights on Saturdays. Meanwhile, establishments in the trendy West End eagerly await the influx of visitors expected this summer.

The community spirit is evident, with neighbors rallying to support one another and enjoying all Long Beach has to offer, together. The city is a world of its own, and it really is such a unique and beautiful place to call home.

Anticipating yet another season of bustling beaches and a lively boardwalk, crowds of tens of thousands of people on warm weekends may again be the norm, as they enjoy an assortment of culinary fare at popular boardwalk eateries.

Arts in the Plaza promises

This latest edition of the Long Beach Herald — distributed to every home on the barrier island — includes the redesigned Long Beach community guide. Whether you’re a subscriber or not, you’re encouraged to delve into the city’s stories and consider supporting local journalism by subscribing. Just visit LIHerald. com/subscribe to make sure the Herald continues to come into your home each week.

The Long Beach Herald is dedicated to covering the pulse of the community, from major issues to heartwarming local stories. Whether in print or online, you can count on comprehensive coverage that captures the essence of Long Beach. Join us in savoring what the Herald has to offer and embracing the joys of summer!

Brendan Carpenter, editor Angelina Zingariello, reporter

Jason Thomas/Herald

The stop work order on Equinor’s Empire Wind 1 project was lifted on May 19, allowing the project to resume construction.

Empire Wind resumes after stop work order is lifted

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

The Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management informed Equinor on May 19 that the stop work order issued last month has been lifted for its Empire Wind 1 project, allowing construction to resume.

“We appreciate the fact that construction can now resume on Empire Wind, a project which underscores our commitment to deliver energy while supporting local economies and creating jobs,” Anders Opedal, president and CEO of Equinor ASA, said.

The initial stop work order was issued on April 16. Shortly before the order last month, elected officials and community members gathered in Long Beach to voice their opposition to new battery storage facilities and wind turbines, further adding to the seemingly constant retorts to the projects.

“I would like to thank President Trump for finding a solution that saves thousands of American jobs and provides for continued investments in energy infrastructure in the U.S.,” Opedal said. “I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her constructive collaboration with the Trump Administration, without which we would not have been able to advance this project and secure energy for 500,000 homes in New York. We are very appreciative of New York City Mayor Adams, congressional leaders, including Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Representative Garbarino, and Representative Goldman, as well as labour groups and other advocates that have maintained their steadfast support for the project.”

Equinor originally planned two projects, Empire Wind 1 and 2, in which it would have constructed a total of 147 wind turbines, each 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 was slated to 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 that the agreement with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority on Empire Wind 2 had been scrapped in January 2024, but Empire Wind 1 received final approval by the state’s Public Service Commission last May.

“This project delivers on the energy ambitions shared by the United States and New York by providing a vital new source of power to the region,” Molly Morris, president of Equinor Wind U.S., said. “Empire Wind brings supply chain investments in states across the nation including New York, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas and South Carolina.”

Equinor said it will perform an updated assessment of the project economics in the second quarter. Empire said it aims to be able to execute planned activities in the offshore installation window in 2025 and reach its planned commercial operation date in 2027 and will engage with suppliers and regulatory bodies to reduce the impact of the stop work order.

Assemblyman Ari Brown was one of the many elected officials and residents to speak out against the project, joining the crowds at many rallies throughout the entire timeline of the project thus far.

“News that the federal stop-work order on Equinor’s offshore wind project has been lifted raises serious concerns for our communities,” Brown said in a statement. “We are seeking further clarity on the rationale behind this decision and how it aligns with the longterm interests of the people of Long Island.”

Herald file photo

Rockin’ out at Long Beach’s PorchFest

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

The community of Long Beach was alive with music this past weekend during the third annual PorchFest.

Held on May 17 from noon to 6 p.m., residents and visitors enjoyed a variety of performances right in their neighborhoods, bringing people together through the arts.

The festivities began with a pre-party at Bright Eye Beer Co. the day before, on May 16, featuring The Katie Mitchell Band and other special guests, and T-shirt and hat sales. Maps of the different times and locations of each band were also given out, adding to the anticipation.

PorchFest, organized by the Long Beach Arts Council in collaboration with the city government, the Long Island Reach and the Long Beach Public Library, built on the success of the first two years.

“Both Friday night and Saturday were a huge success.,” Katie Mitchell, secretary of the arts council, said. “Friday night, we had a great crowd, and a lot of people came and bought shirts and picked up their maps, and we were able to showcase some of the musicians that were going to play on Saturday. The crowd seemed really into it. Bright Eye was really pleased, and my band got to have a little fun.”

Musical acts included Ruby J. and the Jewel Tones, Rashaan Cruise Jr., Magnolia Jam, Jack Toad, Last Licks, Turn it Up!, Wrong Sister, Twisted Troubadours, Neutral Corners, Liz and The Marine Life, Weird Fiction, Reggaelar People, Maxine Vandate, Grand Vinyl Bans, The Mutineers, L.B. Ukelele Orchestra, Phil Kennelty and Phriends, Category 3, Cripple Creek, Off the Record and The Alright Guys.

With the success of this year’s PorchFest, Long Beach has strengthened its community spirit and celebration of the arts, ensuring that PorchFest will be a beloved tradition for years to come.

“Saturday was incredible,” Mitchell said. “The weather held up. I had been watching all week and was thinking, ‘is it going to rain a little in the morning? What’s it going to look like?’ It was just a beautiful day. People came out, the bands were all amazing. We had all of our volunteers working hard, and the Long Beach Auxiliary Police Department was working hard. It was great.”

For more information and updates on upcoming events, visit LBNY-Arts.org.

Guitarist Matt Glenz, singer Mike Johnson and drummer Tom Clanoy of Neutral Corners, played at the kickoff event at Bright Eye Beer Co. on May 16.

The Twisted Troubadours’s James Tomasino sang during PorchFest, with John Botten playing the guitar.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Arts Council members Matt Hudson, Rosana Egan, Phyllis Katzen, George Trepp and Karen Dinan at Bright Eye.

Singer Jennifer Rubin, aka Ruby J. of Ruby J. & the Jewel Tones, performed.

Jason Thomas/Herald photos

Gabrielle Mitchell and Rob Whitman of Wrong Sister performed at PorchFest.

WHEN A GRAVESIDE SERVICE IS RIGHT FOR YOU, SO IS KLEINBERG FUNERAL SERVICES

Long Beach Public Schools’ 2025-26 budget passes

Voters in the Long Beach School District approved the $158.5 million budget for the 2025–26 school year by a vote of 767 to 256.

Capital Gains Tax Tips

Your cost “basis” for calculating capital gains taxes is what you paid for the stock or the real estate. For real estate, the basis gets raised by the amount of any capital improvements you make to the property. When you sell your primary residence you may exclude the first $500,000 of gain if you’re a couple or $250,000 if you’re single. The $500,000 exclusion for a couple gets extended for a sale occurring up to two years after a spouse dies.

For gifts you receive of appreciated stock or real estate during the donor’s lifetime, no capital gains tax is payable. However, the donee receives the donor’s basis. It is generally considered better to wait, if possible, and pass the gift to the donee at death, due to the “stepped-up basis”. The basis of any inherited property is “steppedup” to date of death value. If the property is sold within six months of the date of death, then the sale price is deemed to be the date of death value.

If the property is going to be held for

some time it is helpful to get date of death values to establish the new basis. For real estate, this means getting an appraisal from a licensed real estate appraiser (not a real estate broker!). For stocks, you simply ask the company holding the stocks to provide this information.

When a spouse dies with jointly held property, there is a half of a step-up — the deceased spouse’s half gets stepped-up to date of death value, while the surviving spouse has the original basis. However, for a primary residence the capital gains tax exclusions discussed above continue to apply.

With combined Federal and New York capital gains taxes reaching about 30%, it is essential to look at holding onto appreciated property until death (especially if you have taken depreciation on the property which can lower your basis to zero). One should also look carefully at the estate plan to see if property should be transferred to a surviving spouse, or their trust if any, to get another step-up on the second death.

The budget represents a 1.67 percent increase over the current year’s $156 million allocation.

Staffing adjustments include restoring the Social Studies Learning Director position, adding personnel for the high school Wellness Center, and creating new elementary teaching roles. To align with declining enrollment, the district is also reducing 2.6 full-time equivalent positions, primarily at the middle school level.

Technology remains a priority, with $1.5 million earmarked for upgrades such as Chromebooks, SMART Boards, and classroom furniture. Rising vendor costs, including transportation and maintenance, are offset by reductions in supply spending.

The budget is supported by a 2.4 percent increase in the local tax levy, generating roughly $2.6 million. Projected state aid of $27.8 million held steady, meaning the district will not need to draw on surplus funds to maintain the budget.

In the uncontested Board of Educa-

tion election, Anne Conway was reelected to a three-year term with 844 votes. Board members and members of the public congratulated her during the meeting, with Board President Sam Pinto’s well wishes shared in his absence

“I just want to say thank you to my Long Beach community and to my board of education trustees,” Conway said. “It is an honor to serve with you, and I look forward to the next three years.”

Proposition Two, which authorizes the use of 2018 capital reserve funds for future building projects, also passed with 819 votes in favor and 178 opposed. The board expressed gratitude to the community for supporting both the school and public library budgets. The proposed 2025–26 Long Beach Public Library budget was approved by voters, as was the election of Anja SchmidtMuskin to a five-year term as library trustee beginning July 1.

Trustees commended district staff for organizing the budget vote and ensuring a smooth process, with specific thanks given to those who managed logistics and accommodations.

–Angelina Zingariello

Letters and other submissions: lbeditor@liherald.com

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Herald file photo

The Long Beach Public Schools 2025-26 budget passed Tuesday night.

SPORTS

Nicastro leads Calhoun over Long Beach

By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com

Calhoun advanced to the quarterfinals of the Nassau Class AA softball playoffs thanks to an 8-1 victory over visiting Long Beach last Saturday.

It was a dominant effort from start to finish for Calhoun led by Sophia Nicastro. The freshman pitched four innings in the circle, striking out three, while also hitting two solo home runs. “I was just trying to make contact,” said Nicastro. “Anything I can do to help the team out.”

Calhoun entered the playoffs with a record of 10-9, after going 8-8 in conference play. After going on a five-game winning streak in April, the Colts lost their last five games in the regular season, leading them to head into the postseason with a sour taste in their mouths.

“We played some really tough opponents who gave us some trouble at the end of the season,” coach Michael Pisano said. “I told our players at the beginning of the playoffs that this is a new chapter and this is a fresh start.

They have the ability to write their own script.”

The Colts got great contributions from sophomore Madison Martins, who hit three doubles, sophomore Adriana Lazo who had two hits, freshman Megan Hogby, who broke the game open in the 2nd inning with a three-run home run to extend Calhoun’s lead to 5-1 at the time, and also junior Kate DiPaola, who added a tworun homer in the fourth inning. Kaitlin Theodores came on in relief to pitch the final three innings, striking out four and shutting the door to secure the win.

“Today was a great day for Calhoun softball,” Pisano said. “We are going to celebrate all the big hits we had today.”

As for Long Beach, it was a tough ending to what was an excellent season. The Marines finished the regular season 16-1 and went a perfect 15-0 in conference play to capture the title.

“We played as hard as we could,” coach Carmine Verde said. “I thought we battled for sure and gave it everything we had.”

There will be a strong core of

returning players for Long Beach next spring. Sophomores Brianna Bothell and Avery Graziosi are expected to be key contributors along with juniors Julia DiGiorgo, who had a stolen base in the game, and Gianna Hidalgo. “We are very excited about next year,” said Verde. “We have a lot of good ball players coming back.”

The Marines are, however, losing a solid senior class led by captains Myla Sanchez and Andie Spiteri, who managed the right side of the infield at first and second base. They will be missed for sure and Verde wants them to remember the positive impacts they will leave on the program. “We accomplished some great things this year,” he said. “Winning the conference title and going undefeated is something to be proud of. This one game should not ruin the taste of the entire season.”

Calhoun also boasts a quality senior class that extended its season. “We have such a great group of seniors,” he said. “Their leadership has not gone unnoticed and we are very excited about continuing their season.”

last Saturday.

Erik Lee/Herald Myla Sanchez and the Marines enjoyed a huge 16-win season that concluded with a playoff defeat at Calhoun

NYCLU challenges ICE pact in Nassau

By AVA DELA PENA

Special to the Herald

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

Susan Gottehrer first became interested in the New York Civil Liberties Union as a teenager. When she read about injustices in local newspapers, “It was like, ‘NYCLU to the rescue,’” recalled the now 61-year-old.

As director of the Hempstead-based Nassau County office of the NYCLU, Gottehrer said she finds it more pressing than ever to “come to the rescue,” especially when it comes to immigrant rights.

There’s a fear right now, and nobody should ever have to live like that

SuSAN GoTTEhrEr Director, Nassau County office, NYCLU

“The lack of humanity in the way that we approach immigrant communities is disgusting,” she said. “I come from a family affected by the Holocaust. I understand the concept of ‘othering.’”

In March, County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced that Nassau County police would partner with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, making it “the first county in America to have a fully comprehensive agreement with ICE under the 287(g) program.”

Blakeman has said that county detectives would only cooperate with ICE in arresting known criminal suspects, but Gottehrer sees the program as one that will not only negatively affect the immigrant community, but also deteriorate Long Islanders’ relationship with law enforcement.

“When the public cannot trust the police — meaning the immigrant communities — then that makes all of Nassau County less safe,” she noted.

Speaking about on the rising concern in Long Island’s immigrant community, particularly the undocumented community, Gottehrer said she has seen the worry that many feel heading to work, sending their children to school or just leaving their homes.

“There’s fear right now, and nobody should ever have to live like that,” she said.

She said she doubted that any immigrant living in such fear would seek the help of law enforcement. “You can bet (many) are not going be reporting crimes,” she said. “If they themselves need help from law enforcement, then they’re not going to trust it, and that creates a situation where no one is safe.

“The police can say all they want, ‘We’re not going to ask for your status,’” she added, “but when they make a 287(g) agreement, why would anyone trust

About the 287(g) program

The 287(g) program authorizes ICE to oversee and delegate state and local law enforcement to perform specific functions of immigration officers under three models:

■ The jail enforcement model, used to identify undocumented immigrants with criminal charges.

■ The task force model, which allows law enforcement to perform immigration duties.

■ The warrant service officer model, which permits law enforcement officers to serve and execute administrative warrants on undocumented immigrants.

Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement

this year the organization is trying harder than ever to convince elected leaders how “unsafe” 287(g) agreements are. On March 20, multiple activist groups, including the NYCLU, joined more than 50 demonstrators in Hauppauge to rally in support of the act.

In the meantime, the NYCLU is concerned with educating immigrants about their rights. The organization has held a number of “Know Your Rights” workshops to inform immigrants on how to tell the difference between administrative and judicial warrants and how to identify different law enforcement agencies.

“At Know Your Rights workshops, we teach immigrants what a judicial warrant looks like,” Gottehrer said. “An administrative warrant is really just a document that ICE has issued. It’s not backed by the constitutionality of due process or a judge.

“Immigrants have the right to say, ‘That is not a judicial warrant. Leave me alone.’”

them?”

To oppose Blakeman’s pledge to work with ICE, the NYCLU is advocating for the New York For All Act. According to the NYCLU, the legislation would prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies “from colluding with ICE, disclosing sensitive information and diverting personnel or other resources to further federal immigration enforcement.”

According to State Senate Bill 2235, the legislation, if enacted, would:

■ Prohibit and regulate the discovery and disclosure of immigration status.

■ Prohibit police officers, peace officers, school resource officers, probation agencies, state entities, state employees and municipal corporations from questioning individuals about their citizenship or immigration status.

■ Regulate the disclosure of informa-

tion relating to immigration status.

The Assembly version of the measure is Bill A3506.

In January, the bill was referred to the Senate and Assembly Codes committees, where it has sat since. The measure must pass through committee before it can be brought to the full Legislature for debate and a potential vote. Finally, Gov. Kathy Hochul must sign it.

Regardless of whether New York for All were to pass, Gottehrer pointed out that immigration falls under civil, not criminal, law, and local police thus should not be involved in immigration enforcement. “ICE is going do its job. There’s nothing we can do about that,” she said. “But federal jurisdiction is over immigration. Local jurisdiction is over criminal law.”

Though the NYCLU has sought to pass the New York for All Act since 2018,

“If you’re new to the country or if there’s a language barrier, you may not know the different levels of government,” she said.

The NYCLU is also conducting trainings in immigrant communities to identify different law enforcement officers, not only so they can protect themselves, but also so they can alert the organization to any potential ICE activity in Nassau. According to Gottehrer, the NYCLU has been mapping reported activity across Long Island while working within a coalition of other activist organizations.

Ultimately, she said, she wants to ensure through her work with the NYCLU that no one lives in fear. “There’s a lot of misinformation and demonization going on,” she said. “It’s historically where our nation has gone to over and over again: to demonize people from ‘the outside.’”

Courtesy Susan Gottehrer

Susan Gottehrer directs the Hempstead-based Nassau County office of the New York Civil Liberties Union, which is working to support undocumented immigrants as they navigate the Trump administration’s deportation push.

Car show drives back into Point Lookout

The Spring Dust-Off Car Show, Long Island’s largest celebration of unique cars, horsepower, bold design and automotive artistry returned to Town Park in Point Lookout on May 18, filling the park with tons of fancy and fun rides.

TThe event is more than just a car show, it’s a full-throttle experience featuring hundreds of competitively judged cars, live entertainment, a touch-a-truck exhibit, a kids’ zone, movie cars, a beer garden and dozens of vendors offering everything from auto accessories to delicious eats.

he Spring Dust-Off Car Show is one of the most exciting events of the year

Don Clavin Town Supervisor

“The Spring DustOff Car Show is one of the most exciting events of the year here in America’s largest township,”

Town Supervisor Don Clavin said. “It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and classic Americana – all set against the beautiful backdrop of our South Shore beaches.”

There were special guests as well, including nationally renowned car celebrities like Joe Martin, Richard Rawlings, Dave Kindig, and Chip Foose, giving fans the chance to meet the legends behind the builds.

“Whether you’re a die-hard car enthusiast or just looking for a fun day with the family, this event has something for everyone,” Clavin said.

–Brendan Carpenter

Joe Mattera, of Merrick, with his 1961 Jaguar XK150s.

Mathew Garcia, of Oceanside, with his 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark 5 and 1941 Chevrolet Master Deluxe.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Lillian, 5, and Colton Woessner, 12, of Wantagh, enjoyed all the cool cars.

Jaime Calderon, of Bayside, Queens, with his 71 Plymouth Duster.

NCC faculty to sue over promotion delays

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

The faculty union at Nassau Community College announced on May 14 that it would take legal action against the college administration for refusing to submit faculty tenure and promotion recommendations to the board of trustees, a move the union claims violates the current collective bargaining agreement.

At a news conference in the County Legislature building in Mineola, Acting NCC Federation of Teachers President David Stern accused the college’s leadership of disregarding established rules and breaching contractual obligations.

“NCC thinks the rules no longer apply to them,” Stern said. “They think they can say one thing and do another. That ends now.”

More than 15 faculty members were recommended for tenure and promotion by committees composed of faculty and administrators in February and March. Stern said the union’s legal counsel had sent a letter to the college administration earlier that day, demanding that the college follow through on the recommendations made by those committees. He called the administration’s failure to advance the recommendations to the board “unprecedented.”

“The issue is simple,” Stern said. “A committee of faculty, including an administrator, recommended tenure and promotions to a number of hardworking, dedicated professors who have labored here for years. NCC not only violated the terms of our contract, it demonstrates an arrogance and disrespect that we have long endured.”

Stern singled out Chief Administrative Officer Maria Conzatti, accusing her of refusing to meet with union representatives or bring the recommendations to

the board of trustees.

“The arrogance begins with Maria Conzatti … who has refused to meet with us, let alone address the concerns in good faith,” Stern said. “She has refused to present these committee recommendations to the board of trustees.”

In response, Jerry Kornbluth, vice president of community and governmental relations at NCC, defended the administration’s stance. He told the Herald in a previous interview that promotions, sabbaticals, and tenure decisions “don’t take effect until the fall of 2025 —

under the new contract,” adding that discussions about the next agreement must begin before such actions can move forward.

In an interview on Friday, Kornbluth reiterated those comments, explaining that Conzatti had presented recommendations for sabbaticals at a board of trustees meeting the previous day. He added that promotions and tenure recommendations would be addressed in June.

Kornbluth explained that the delay in promotions and tenure appointments is due to an ongoing investigation into “potential irregularities on the promotion process,” but he did not elaborate.

But Stern argued that the current contract remains in effect until Aug. 31, and that the administration is obligated to act on recommendations that have already been vetted through the formal committee process.

“That’s absolutely incorrect,” Kornbluth said of Stern’s argument. “This has nothing to do with the contract. This is all about trying to make Maria Conzatti and the administration look bad.”

Suzanne Kaebnick, an English professor and the union secretary, said the administration’s inaction directly affects students. “The cuts, and their refusal to forward the recommendations for tenure and promotion, hurt our students,” Kaebnick said. “In the nursing department, we have classes that have been unstaffed all semester.”

She added, “To not support our full-time faculty … is to say that we’re not invested in this college. That’s not fair to Nassau.”

“Faculty members are hired either temporary or probationary,” Kornbluth said. “They’re fully aware of it, and it’s part of the collective bargaining agreement. After Academic Affairs evaluates the courses and enrollment, there is a good possibility that someone who is terminated on this contract could be re-upped in the fall.”

TRUSTED. PROFESSIONAL.

ACCOMPLISHED.

KNOWLEDGEABLE.

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald

David Stern, acting president of the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers, spoke at a news conference in Mineola on May 14, announcing legal action against the college.

Area H.S. seniors are sworn into military

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Thirty-five high school seniors from Nassau County showed their patriotism last week by pledging to serve in the United States military.

The enlistees, from high schools in Baldwin, Freeport, Valley Stream, Wantagh and beyond, are in the final steps of enlisting in the armed forces.

“Only about 23 percent of high school seniors could actually go into the military, and only 1 percent actually do — these kids are the top 1 percent,” said Andrea Nordquist, chair of Our Community Salutes of Nassau County. The organization held a celebration to support the military enlistees and their families at the Nassau County Training and Intelligence Center on May 13.

“They’re very under-recognized,” Nordquist said of high school students who commit to military service. “They don’t get the accolades that they should get, and so this ceremony helps to honor them, and we’re also the first ones to say ‘Thank you for your service.’”

Nordquist is also the president of Blue Star Mothers of America’s Nassau County chapter, a supportive network of families with members in the military. Her son, Gregory, is a senior master sergeant in the Air National Guard.

“I watched him grow up, I watched him mature,” she said. “For kids nowa-

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

Thirty-five high school students from across Nassau County swore the oath of enlistment at the Nassau County Training and Intelligence Center on May 13.

days, not only does it help them mature, it gives them direction.

“It will give them G.I. bills — they can go to college for free,” Nordquist added. “It just opens up their whole world, and they can discover what they’re talented at, and get training.”

Edward Kenneweg, a U.S. Navy commander and executive officer, specializes in talent acquisition. During the cere-

mony, he called all Naval enlistees to receive their honors.

“It’s an opportunity for the community to really give appreciation and thanks to those high school seniors that made the big decision to raise their right hand and serve in the military,” he said. Kenneweg and other military personnel were on hand to express their gratitude to the new recruits.

“My job is to support the recruits and ensure they have the right tools and resources to be successful in their jobs, and overcome barriers and obstacles to reach their long- and short-term goals,” he said.

Nahmare Gilson, a student from Malvern High School, was one of the enlistees honored at the event. He chose to join the military as a career path.

“I realized that college might not have been a decision that I wanted to do,” he said. “My grandfather was in the Army, so I just wanted to join the military to see where that could take me.”

Gilson said he looked forward to “meeting new people in new places,” and challenging himself.

Greg Walpole, of Long Beach High School, enlisted to uphold a family tradition and to prepare for his long-term future. “I’m enlisting because of my family’s footsteps,” he said. “My uncle was in and my cousin’s in right now. I’m going in so it’ll pay for my college and all the benefits that it’s going to give to me.”

Walpole said he looked forward to “learning a new field, getting into school and working hard.”

All of the enlistees received a challenge coin, a copy of the Constitution, and took a ceremonial oath of enlistment after performances from the Coast Guard Band and the Wantagh American Legion Pipe Band.

EAC unveils new Meals on Wheels vans

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

EAC Network, a Uniondale-based nonprofit aiming to help those in need, unveiled two new Meals on Wheels vans on May 19 to help deliver over one million meals to Nassau County residents over the next decade.

The vans, in partnership with M&T Bank and Nassau County, will be unveiled at the Point Lookout Senior Center, at 15 Parkside Dr. The new vans were funded by the Nassau County Department of Human Services, Office for the Aging. M& Bank also donated a $75,000 grant to help the program.

“We have really amazing people who are partners with us here to deliver Meals on Wheels,” Neela Mukherjee Lockel, EAC Network president and CEO, said. “We are not just delivering meals. We are delivering companionship, hope and a reprieve from possibly being isolated and alone, making sure that our seniors are fed and cared for, and remembered for all of their contributions to where we are today.”

EAC Network’s Meals on Wheels provides homedelivered meals to seniors who are unable to shop or cook for themselves. EAC Network has delivered more than 300,000 meals throughout Nassau County over the last two years. With over 100 programs, EAC’s work spans senior and nutrition services, criminal justice support, family and youth development, and more.

“They’re one of these not-for-profit organizations that not only talk the talk, they walk the walk,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said of EAC. “They’re great partners with us, and we’re very appreciative that they’ve partnered on so many good projects, not only for our senior citizens, but for battered women and people who are in some kind of distress, whether

EAC Network unveiled new Meals on Wheels vans on May 19 to deliver over one million

it be young people or older people or somebody who’s going through a tough time financially.”

The Meals on Wheels program delivers to seniors in communities across Nassau County, including Long Beach, Lido Beach, Atlantic Beach, Inwood, Cedarhurst, Hewlett, Lawrence, Woodmere, Island Park, Oceanside, North Merrick, East Meadow, Farmingdale, Carle Place, Mineola, Roslyn, Williston Park and many more. Mary Coyle, senior director for Senior Services, Nutrition Education and Food Services, said, “I really appreciate your support for our seniors who built Nassau County. They deserve all the very best we can give them: nutrition, companionship, a friendly visit.”

The two new vans will travel over 100,000 miles to deliver over one million meals over the next 10 years, further expanding the program and the amount of people impacted.

“Over the last years, the program has delivered 300,000 meals,” M&T Bank Long Island Regional President Jason Lipiec said. “In these two new vans, we expect a million meals over the next decade. It’s a wonderful, wonderful program. We’d love to thank everybody who’s contributed here, especially for those enhancing the lives of seniors who are some of the most important builders of our communities today.”

Brendan Carpenter/Herald

meals over the next decade.

Experts: Trump cuts threaten drinking water

Loca leaders agree that federal delays of toxic chemical bans put Long Island communities at risk

By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

Nassau County’s water is under threat — and local leaders are sounding the alarm.

Last Friday, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages joined County Legislators Olena Nicks and Scott Davis at the Hempstead Public Library, where they stood with environmental and health leaders to denounce recent environmental rollbacks by the Trump administration.

At the heart of the concern is trichloroethylene, or TCE, a toxic chemical once widely used as an industrial solvent. It is known to seep from factories and landfills into the groundwater — the very source of Long Island’s drinking supply. The state warns that TCE, despite its sweet, fruity odor, is a potent carcinogen.

“The decisions being made aren’t based on science — they’re made to protect special interests and polluters,” Solages said, referring to delays on the part of the Environmental Protection Agency in banning harmful chemicals, and her widely shared social media post on the deregulation of a group of chemicals known as PFAS.

The administration’s proposal would slash the EPA’s budget from $9.1 billion to $4.2 billion, a cut of more than 50 percent.

Solages, a lifelong Long Islander, pointed out the Island’s growing vul-

nerability to climate change: rising seas, saltwater intrusion and increasingly toxic groundwater. But she also warned of a different kind of crisis — one she called a “man-made disaster” brought on by federal inaction.

Joseph Stallone, campaign manager of the New York League of Conservation Voters, agreed. “The EPA used to be a bipartisan watchdog,” he said. “We need Congress to fully fund the EPA and reject these dangerous rollbacks.”

Jessica Varghese, a registered nurse with over 23 years of experience and an associate professor at the New York Institute of Technology, drove the message home. “Long Island has the most contaminated water in New York,” he said simply.

Hempstead wells have tested positive for one of the four dioxanes that are known to cause cancer, along with traces of “forever chemicals” — a term that applies in almost a literal sense, because they contain strong bonds that persist for decades. Varghese cited serious health risks including kidney damage, liver disease, cancer and Parkinson’s disease.

“Long Island deserves better,” she said. “The Trump administration’s sweeping regulatory rollbacks pose a serious threat to public health.”

Solages concluded with a warning: “This isn’t about America’s health,” she said. “It’s about profit. And we won’t be silent.”

Tim Baker/Herald

Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis, far left, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Legislator Olena Nicks, Joseph Stallone and Jessica Varghese at Hempstead Public Library, where they spoke about environmental rollbacks.

City to replace all residential water meters

By BRENDAN CARPENTER bcarpenter@liherald.com

The City of Long Beach announced that it will be replacing all residential water meters in the city, which in turn will result in more accurate readings and real-time leak detection.

Phase 1 of the project began about a week ago, focusing on “traditional residential housing,” not including high rises. In Phase 1, 8,200 water meters will be replaced. So far, over 130 meters have already been replaced, with over 700 appointments scheduled.

“We hope to finish it within a year,” Ken Arnold, commissioner of public works, said about Phase 1. “A lot of it goes back to participation.”

Sof use, which the current ones are at. Even for houses that may have been updated from Hurricane Sandy, or more recently, and have newer meters, the replacement is still mandatory. The city says every resident needs to be on the same system.

omebody in our water billing department will immediately be able to notice if there’s a spike in individual households usage.

Residents need to schedule an appointment to have their water meters replaced. If anyone does not schedule an appointment, the city will continuously reach out until they do. Participation in the replacement program is mandatory. The replacements are free for all residents.

JohN McNAlly city spokesman

It is recommended that residential water meters be replaced after 20 years

The current water meters require a city employee to go out to read them. The new ones being installed will transmit directly back to City Hall.

“Somebody in our water billing department will immediately be able to notice if there’s a spike in individual households usage,” City Spokesman John McNally said, “and we can actually then contact that resident and say, ‘Hey, you might have a leak, or you’re just filling up your pool, or what have you.’”

The replacement process is relatively quick. The entire time of the technician arriving at the door, to the installation, to the technician leaving, should take approximately 30 minutes. There will be a water service interruption during those 30 minutes.

The water meter replacement project will cost around $4.6 million, with $2 million coming from state grants and

the remaining $2.6 million from the city’s capital funds.

The contractor is installing the new meters in geographical areas. As a result, not everyone in the city will be receiving letters to schedule an appointment at the same time. They have started in the Westholme and Walks area, and then will move section by section. The letters will be coming from the installers, VEPO.

After receiving a letter to schedule an appointment, residents can schedule one by calling 1 (877) 860-8376 or by visiting UtilityScheduler.com/scheduler/ longbeach.

Herald file photo

The city has started a project to replace all residential water meters throughout L.B.

Freshman researchers make an impression

than 20 were selected to advance to the state contest in Syracuse on June 8.

The competition is comprised of two divisions, junior and senior. The ninth graders compete in junior, and all 11 Long Beach students placed there, with six grabbing first. In the senior division, three students placed, with one winning first. All told, Long Beach placed in the top 2 percent of all the students who competed.

“This is pretty much the first time that we’ve been able to have so much success in research in a long time at the school,” Conklin-Kearney, who’s in her second year in Long Beach’s Science Research program, said.

Long Beach sophomore Sydney Bergstein is one of the students advancing to the state competition. Her project focused on how artificial intelligence can be inappropriately used to lower self-esteem in adolescent girls. Her project had to pass through the Institutional Review Board process, which was required since she was planning to use human subjects.

After she was given approval, Bergstein surveyed 30 female students at Long Beach High School about their interactions and use of AI. She gathered her results, compared them, and ran a significance test to get the final results on her findings.

“I feel like artificial intelligence is something that’s so new, and it’s evolving so much, especially over the past few years,” Bergstein said. “I know that’s something that hasn’t really been seen in competitions like this since it’s so new, and I was able to tie that into the self-esteem aspect of it, which I’m really passionate about. I thought it would just make for a good project overall.”

Other Long Beach students going to states include Shayna Tozer, Rylee Varian, Karina Rios, Sydney Olivo, Victoria Sinnona and Alyssa Malewicz. Sophomore Cassel Koss also competed, focusing on trying to find a way to grow plants more effectively for a growing population, without all the harmful aspects of fertilizers.

Koss sought to develop a method for replacing the carcinogenic components of fertilizers that are often found in food and drinking water.

“Fertilizers have a lot of harmful effects on the environment, and also humans,” she said. “I wanted to find a way to replace that, but also have the added benefits of growth to the plants. So, I used beneficial bacteria instead, and I added that to the plants, and I measured the diameter biomass and the leaf color.”

Vanessa Maltez, a junior, said she joined Science Research last year, adding that she enjoys the freedom it gives her to conduct research on projects she’s passionate about. For her project, she investigated gut microbiota, which involves the bacteria within the digestive tract.

“I was able to basically come up with a methodology in which I could test a popular food additive, Red 40, on gut

all 11 of Long Beach’s ninth-grade science research students placed at the

microbiome bacteria,” she said.

“Because of (Science) Research, I feel like I’ve been able to investigate all these problems that I’m really passionate about and curious about. I just really like that I can contribute findings to that research as a high school student. I find it really nice.”

Bergstein, Koss and Maltez also were named finalists in the New York State Science Engineering Fair, and Koss a semifinalist at the Long Island Science Engineering Fair. Over the summer, Maltez is planning to attend NYU’s Simons Science Explorations Program and has been paired with a chemist to continue research next year. Bergstein will work one-on-one with a social worker, and Koss will continue her work with hydroponics, collaborating with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories.

to find a way to grow plants more effectively for a growing population, without all the harmful aspects of fertilizers.

Photos courtesy Kristen Conklin-Kearney

Long island Science Conference this year.

Sophomore Cassel Koss focused on trying

Sophomore Sydney Bergstein’s project focused on how artificial intelligence can be inappropriately used to lower self-esteem in adolescent girls.

Junior Vanessa maltez investigated gut microbiota, the bacteria within the digestive tract.

Food banks brace for surge if bill passes

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-cut bill won approval from a key congressional committee on May 18, advancing toward possible passage in the House of Representatives later this week.

The bill involves spending cuts to the Medicaid healthcare programs for lower-income Americans and is set to affect millions who are part of the emergency food system and social service programs on the federal level, including Island Harvest Food Bank that is a leading hunger-relief organization helping to end hunger and reduce food waste here on Long Island.

“We’re calling it an emergency food ecosystem across the island, across the state and across the country,” said Gregory A. May, director of government and community relations for Island Harvest. “A cut to one program is a cut to all programs and folks that are on SNAP benefits, if that is cut, they will be coming to us and other emergency food programs, which will then become more strained.”

SNAP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget and will be affected by this bill that is to be decided upon later this week.

“Feeding people who are hungry, particularly feeding hungry children is not a partisan issue,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said at Island Harvest’s headquarters in Melville on May 18. “It’s not a political issue; it’s a moral issue.”

He said that because of what happened in the House there could be many hungry people in the metropolitan area.

“There are going to be hungry veterans,” Schumer said, referring to the

House committee vote. “They’re going to be hungry middle-class people who lost their jobs and are worrying about feeding their kids, so we’re here to sound the alarm about this deeply troubling proposal coming out of the House of Representatives that could push thousands of Long Islanders, tens of thousands of New Yorkers into deeper hunger and hardship.”

He said that every single month, 150,000 people across Nassau and Suf-

folk counties rely on SNAP and this bill will cut $300 billion in nutrition spending that supports a program which helps more than 42 million people nationwide, while providing tax breaks to billionaires.

Hunger has become a growing concern across Long Island with more and more people coming to food banks. Schumer noted that Island Harvest said that their needs are expected to go up 9 percent next year.

“It’s really about the children and the grandparents that are going to feel this impact,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, Island Harvest’s president and CEO. “If these funds are cut, we are at risk of not being able to distribute millions of pounds of food.”

She said that what’s important is that our local officials across the country understand the need and instead of taking a wide brush to make a broad cut, they’re suggesting to do it carefully.

Schumer said that everyone reach out to their Congressional representatives immediately, urging them to not pass this bill.

“We have seven Republicans in New York state, in the Congress, if only four of them said we’re not voting for this bill that cuts food, it wouldn’t happen,” he said. “I’m asking anyone who hears this call to write, email, visit your Congress members and tell them to not do this.”

Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald

Chuck Schumer addresses concerns with the proposed bill that will make cuts to the emergency food system and social service programs.

STEPPING OUT

Photo courtesy U.S. Air Force

Airmen and women execute daring maneuvers in a thrilling display of the might of the Air Force’s premier fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Gaze up at the sky

Photo courtesy Chris Thomas/Warbird Thunder

Warbird Thunder’s World War II-era planes blast overhead on the wings of history.

High-flying stunts always amaze at Jones Beach air show

By Karen Bloom

The unofficial start of summer is here — and it’s coming in with a roar. Memorial Day weekend has arrived, bringing with it all the familiar traditions we love: heartfelt ceremonies, parades, sizzling barbecues, and, of course, that muchanticipated pilgrimage to Jones Beach for the thrill of the FourLeaf Air Show. Set against the sparkling Atlantic, this high-flying spectacle returns Saturday and Sunday, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds once again leading the charge in a breathtaking display of speed, precision and patriotism. Showtime begins at 10 a.m. — don’t forget your sunscreen and camera.

The distinguished squadron, back for their 10th headlining appearance, is joined by other elite military pilots. This year’s spectacle includes the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, United States Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II, United States Navy F-35C Demo Team, United State Navy Rhino Demo Team, United States Navy EA-18G Growler Demo Team, North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), 106th Rescue Wing NY Air National Guard, also the 105th Airlift Wing unit of the New York Air National Guard.

This show — with its new name as a result of the rebranding of sponsor Bethpage Federal Credit Union as FourLeaf — is an especially patriotic salute to the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army (which got its start as the Continental Army), the Navy and Marines, along with the 110th anniversary of the U.S. Coast Guard. A tribute also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

“We are thrilled to welcome the United States Air Force Thunderbirds as this year’s headliners and look forward to an amazing show by all our performers,” says George Gorman, regional director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation. “Every year more and more people come to our show. It has become a great tradition for Long Island to honor our military and veterans and kick off the summer at Jones Beach.”

With the anticipated cooperation of the weather, the military and civilian pilots soar — and boom — overhead.

• May 24-25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

• $10 vehicle use fee

• Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh

• For up-to-date information, visit fourleafairshow.com.

The boardwalk also gets in on the action as service branches are on hand to provide visitors with opportunities to interact, including virtual reality simulations and fitness challenges. Everyone will want to check out the booths lining the boardwalk as well, to pick up a souvenir or a snack.

The Thunderbirds, “America’s Ambassadors in Blue,” demonstrate the extraordinary capabilities of the F-16 Fighting Falcon — the Air Force’s multi-role fighter jet. The elite military pilots proudly showcase the capabilities of highly versatile, 19,700-pound aircraft, which can travel at speeds up to 1,500 mph. The supersonic aircraft is known for its agility, speed and ability to perform various roles, including air superiority, air-to-ground combat and intercepting enemy aircraft.

Grace meets power in this mix of six F-16 Falcons demonstrating formation flying and solo routines. Flying only a few feet apart from wingtip to wingtip, the crowd gets a glimpse of the superb skills and capabilities that all fighter pilots must possess as they push the limits of their aircraft.

The civilian teams always elicite ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as well. Performers include the American Airpower Museum Warbirds; Aarron Deliu, current reigning Air Masters Cup Series champion and current Sky Grand Prix Champion; Warbird Thunder, featuring the North American SNJ Texan, a former World War II Navy advanced training aircraft; also returning are the Farmingdale State College Flying Rams and Long Island’s own David Windmiller.

Warbird Thunder may be familiar to those who watched when the GEICO Skytypers used to grace the sky over Jones Beach. Warbird’s Lead Pilot Chris “CT” Thomas, with his partner, Wingman Mike “Buick” Eberhardt, was with the Skytypers team for many years before heading out on their own. Their meticulously restored World War II-era SNJ planes were used as an advanced trainer by the U.S. Navy and Marines to train “The Greatest Generation” during World War II and the Korean War.

“We’re flying a piece of history,” Thomas proudly explains.“They’ve got quite a military heritage.”

Warbird Thunder’s 12-minute performance is highlighted by what Thomas describes as “big smoke and big noise.” From as low as 100 feet near the surface to 2,000 feet in the air, his two-plane formation will be looping and rolling. You’ll watch formation loops, aileron rolls, barrel rolls, and Cuban Eights; the planes also separate bringing more excitement with opposing aerobatics before rejoining for the final maneuvers in their fast-paced segment.

“These are big planes with a big physical presence,” he says. “It’s always an exciting show.”

Be sure to listen for that signature “bark” — actually the tips of the propeller reaching the speed of sound.

Jon Lovitz

Comedy legend Jon Lovitz brings his signature wit and unforgettable characters to the stage for a night of nonstop laughs. Best known for his Emmy-nominated run on SNL and roles in hit films like “A League of Their Own” and “The Wedding Singer,” Lovitz has been a comedy staple for over 30 years. He got his start in high school productions. After pursuing acting studies, he decided to concentrate solely on comedy, taking classes then accepted into the famed improv group The Groundlings’s main company. In March 1985 The Groundlings appeared on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” where Jon premiered his character “Tommy Flanagan of Pathological Liars Anonymous.” SNL and numerous offers came along; Jon was on his way, working nonstop since. Along with his comedy, he’s well known for his distinctive voice that’s served him well in his varied TV and film career. Jon’s humor is unique, attributable to his quirky personality — and he always entertains.

Saturday, May 24, 7 p.m. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

Unlock the secrets of Westbury House

For years, visitors to Old Westbury Gardens’ Westbury House have wandered its elegant first floor, admiring the grandeur of the Gilded Age. Many have paused at a certain corridor door, wondering what lay beyond. Now, that mystery is unveiled. Join a 60-minute guided tour, “Secrets of the Service Wing,” and step into the hidden world that powered the Phipps family’s opulent lifestyle. This unique experience peels back the curtain on the tireless work and logistics that kept this grand home running smoothly. Explore the heart of domestic operations — from the orderly butler’s pantry and the silver cleaning room, down the 17 steps to the bustling kitchen, scullery and wine storage room. Space is limited; don’t miss your chance to step through the door and into history.

Sunday, May 25, 3-4 p.m. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. Tickets and information available at oldwestburygardens.org or (516) 333-0048.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Hug a happy tree

K&A Tree Service offers free tree inspections throughout Long Island. Tree professionals will visit in person to inspect tree and provide free advice to help treat your tree right and make it happy.

•Time: Ongoing

•Contact: (516) 208-3131

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

MAY

24

Maritime Mastermind

Long Island Children’s Museum celebrates National Maritime Day by inviting families to create their own floating boats. Put your boat to the test in the museum’s water tub to see if it sinks or floats! This is a drop-in program, free with admission. It takes approximately 10 minutes and is yours to keep. For ages 3 and up. Free with museum admission.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City.

•Time: noon-2 p.m.

•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Beach park

opening day

Long Beach’s beach park opens for the season. Will remain open only on weekends through June 22.

•Where: Beach

• Time: All day until 6 p.m.

•Contact: longbeachny.gov/beach

Arts in the Plaza

Opening Day

Arts in the Plaza Opens for the season! Arts in the Plaza features handcrafted art by local artists including custom

JUNE

Asi Wind’s ‘More Than Magic’

After his sold-out run Off-Broadway, “Inner Circle,” and his London’s West End six-month long run, “Incredibly Human,” Asi Wind returns to the U.S. with a new show, featuring his greatest magic hits. Those familiar with Wind’s performances know to expect jaw-dropping feats of magic, inexplicable mind-reading and an utterly captivating night out. Wind was crowned the 2022 Magician of the Year by the Academy of Magical Arts, an award previously given to David Copperfield and Penn & Teller. Moreover, his appearance on Penn & Teller: Fool Us has become one of the most viral performances in the show’s history, with over 16 million views on YouTube. Wind’s recent Off-Broadway show, Inner Circle, was a critically acclaimed, sold-out success, described as “Gobsmacking. Mystifying. Spectacular.” (The Wall Street Journal). Asi now presents his favorite magic from his dazzling lifelong repertoire. His performances are not just mind-blowing; they inspire us to recognize the magic that lies within each of us. This visually stunning performance showcases Asi’s artistic talents while exploring the human spirit. Wind constantly blurs the line between what’s possible and impossible. It’s a theatrical experience that defies expectations and will leave you marveling at human creativity and connection. Wind believes that true magic can only happen if you bring people together and make them feel like they are a part of the show. Asi’s goal is not deceive people but to make them care and experience and magic. “More Than Magic” is a profound reminder that we all possess some magic within us. Tickets are $69.50, $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50.

jewelry, unique handmade gifts, photography and fine art. The weekly art festival will be in Kennedy Plaza every Saturday through October 25.

•Where: Kennedy Plaza, 1 W. Chester St.

• Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

•Contact: artsintheplaza.com or facebook.com/artsintheplaza1

MAY 25

City Manager’s Race to Remember

The Long Beach Department of Parks and Recreation holds the 48th annual City Manager’s 10-mile Race to Remember in honor of Ralph Kaplan. Early registration by May 22 is $35, day-of is $45.

•Where: Boardwalk at Laurelton Boulevard

•Time: 7:30 a.m.

•Contact: longbeachny.gov

Memorial Day Parade

The Joint Veterans Organization and the City of Long Beach invite the community to attend the annual Memorial Day Parade.

•Where: Ohio Avenue and West Beech Street

• Time: 10 a.m.

•Contact: longbeachny.gov or lbevents@longbeachny.gov

Jazz Tuesdays

MAY

27

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 Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

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

‘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

North Village Ave., Rockville Centre.

•Time: Ongoing Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

•Contact: Call Gabriella Gennaro at (516) 705-2434

Little Learners Art Lab

Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week families will explore Crystallized Creations. Experiment to see what happens when participants add salt to their works of art. $4 with museum admission.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

•Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon

•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Art Explorations

MAY

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

•Time: Also May 28-29, times vary

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

MAY

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.

MAY

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer-to-peer breastfeeding support group facilitated by a certified counselor. Open to new moms with babies from newborn to 1 year. Registration required.

•Where: St. Anne’s Building, 1000

31

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.

•Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor.

•Time: noon-3 p.m.

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

Michael Berube Color Run

The second annual Michael Berube Foundation Sunset Color Run hits the beach at Riverside Boulevard. With a 50/50 and raffles.

•Where: Riverside Boulevard beach

•Time: 6:30 p.m.

•Contact: michaelberubefoundation.org

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.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK TRUST

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF LSRMF MH MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST II, Plaintiff AGAINST ROBERTO ARROYO, MEDALIA RIVERA, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 24, 2025, 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 June 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 369 East Pine Street, Long Beach, NY 11561

AKA 369 Pine Street, 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, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59 Block 134 and Lots 71-72. Approximate amount of judgment $442,349.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609825/2 023.

Christine M. Grillo, Esq, Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003458 85345 153193

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU SUNWEST MORTGAGE COMPANY, INC., Plaintiff, Against THE NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC

ADMINISTRATOR AS ADMINISTRATOR TO THE ESTATE OF OMAR

KAROM; JOSEPH WILLIAM AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF OMAR

KAROM; SAM O CHERRY AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF OMAR

KAROM; MICHELLE LEE

LONG AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF OMAR

KAROM; ANITA DAWN-

HEALING AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF OMAR

KAROM; EDWARD LEN

CHERRY AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF OMAR

KAROM; ROSIE KAROM AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF OMAR

KAROM; et al, Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 02/17/2025, 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 6/5/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 205 Maple Boulevard Long Beach, Long Beach, New York 11561, and described as follows:

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 215

Lot 72

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $921,669.23 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine; Index # 004836/2015

Scott H Siller, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 MIDLAND AVENUE, SUITE 205, PORT CHESTER, NY 10573 Dated: 4/29/2025 File Number: 16-302301 MB 153278

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff -againstSCOTT UNGER, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated April 25, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 3, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING

at the corner formed by the intersection of the Easterly side of Lafayette Boulevard with the Southerly side of Hudson Street; being a plot 100 feet by 60 feet by 100 feet by 60 feet. Section 59 Block 44 Lot 1, 2 and 3. Said premises known as 520 LAFAYETTE

BOULEVARD, LONG BEACH, NY 11561

Approximate amount of lien $830,835.20 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 014534/2012.

MATTHEW HUNTER, ESQ, Referee

David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 9024.106 {* LONG BEACH*} 153174

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

WILMINGTON

SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR HILLDALE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST MARY MARKS, RON MARKS AKA RON EVAN MARKS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 16, 2022, 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 29, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 47 East Beech Street, 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, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 59, Block 99, Lot 61-64. Approximate amount of judgment $1,405,702.49 plus

interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600924/2018. Fay Mattana, Esq., Referee Gross Polow y, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-005692 85259 153189

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF OBJECTION TO NOTICE OF SALE.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that I, Martin Piotr Nowak, the real party in interest in this matter, formally object to the Notice of Sale issued pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure concerning real property located at: 113 New York Avenue, Long Beach, New York 11561, Section-59, Block-265, Lot-28. Said property is the subject of foreclosure proceedings under case number 602421/2019 filed in the Supreme Court, Nassau County. I, Martin Piotr Nowak object to the pending sale scheduled for 6/5/2025, asserting that equitable claim has been brought forward in this matter and notice to exercise the equity of redemption and equitable subrogation served upon all parties. Further, it is objected on equitable grounds that no bona fide purchaser for value may rely upon the Notice of Sale, as the sale and bargain deed have been accepted by Martin Piotr Nowak, grantee, and title rights have vested accordingly. Notice of said acceptance has been published in the Long Island Business News as legal notice 4018831 on 1/17/2025-1/24/2025-1 /31/2025 and recorded in Columbia County, New York Instrument#: 20250002136 3/12/2025. Any attempt to proceed with sale or transfer in contravention of this notice will result in further equitable action. By, Martin Piotr Nowak, May 1, 2025. 153415

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff - against - MARTIN P. NOWAK, et al Defendant(s).

News brief

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and Deputy Supervisor

left, along with Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti and members of the

Hempstead Bay Constables, reminded residents of the importance of

Reminder to stay safe this Memorial Day

In the midst of National Safe Boating Week and with Memorial Day Weekend just days away, Town Supervisor Don Clavin and the Hempstead Town Board are encouraging residents to take a safety-first approach out on the water this holiday weekend and throughout the summer season. At the Curtis E. Fisher West Marina in Point Lookout on May 20, Clavin and other local officials detailed the many common-sense prac-

tices that boaters should adopt when heading out to sea. What’s more, town officials also reminded residents that Brianna’s Law — a New York State mandate — requires all operators of boats and personal watercraft to be certified in safe boating.

– Brendan Carpenter

Public Notices

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on May 29, 2024. 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 5th day of June, 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 113 New York Avenue, Long Beach, NY 11561. (Section: 59, Block: 265, Lot: 28)

Approximate amount of lien $362,438.72 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 602421/2019. Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170

Tel. 347/286-7409 For sale information,

please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: April 24, 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. 153327

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 05/28/2025 at 9:30

A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30

A.M.

254/25. - 255/25. LIDO BEACH - Glen Shanock & Lorena Shanock, Variance, lot area occupied, construct deck attached to dwelling; Special exception to maintain accessory structure (gazebo) higher than permitted, with a lot area occupied variance., W/s Regent Dr., 90’ N/o Avon La.,

a/k/a 153 Regent Dr. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Lido Beach within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

153619

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Dorothy Goosby,

Town of

boater safety.

CLASSIFIED

MANAGER

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WQ. We started doing work to our home and are just finishing, and the painter suggested that a wall could be taken down to open up the rooms. He says he can do this himself because it’s not a support wall. We’ve looked into it, thinking about an island in the kitchen and matching the floor or replacing it. The painter said we might need an architect, but since the work is interior, it won’t need a permit. We’re wondering what we should do, because we know you’ll say we need a permit, but the painter says we can get one after the work is done, and he can start right away so he can finish the work and avoid interruptions. Do you think this is a good idea?

A. The permit, as a piece of paper or a process of reviewing the work, isn’t the point. As you read this, hundreds of projects around you are underway with no permits. Most of them will either never be found out or are of such small consequence that when an issue comes up, it will be ignored.

Usually, I only learn about problems when either a buyer or a lending bank wants something put on record. I receive frantic calls asking if plans can be made quickly and a permit obtained before the closing in a week. Anyone who tells you the permit process is quick is trying to sell you something.

But remember, the permit document isn’t really the important thing. The permit is a symbol representing a more important issue — safety. Safety not only includes your well-being against doing something dangerous; it also means preventing health risks and the potential of losing a large sum of money if something goes wrong.

Removing a non-structural wall is a little misleading. The wall may not be supporting anything, but it has weight that you want to replace with another load. In general, people rarely look at any kind of building as a system of puzzle pieces, all fitting together in a specific way.

As an example of what can happen, I once got a call from someone who had that wall removed and added an island. The wall load was removed from the beams below, which was a good thing because those beams were now carrying less of a load. Then an island was installed, a four-foot-wide model with a beautiful quartz countertop, a sink and a sixburner stove. The homeowner also wanted an open display for restaurant-sized canned peeled tomatoes, ready for use with one of their famous recipes. The island load was calculated after the finished flooring began to distort and come loose and sagged 4 inches, when I was called to figure out what was going wrong. The island weighed at least six times the load of the wall, and the beam below was buckling. The floor bounced and the wine glasses in a nearby cabinet clinked together every time someone walked by.

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opinions A recipe for respect in society

over time, I asked my campus communities to think about what it means to be an ethical person, and our roles and obligations as members of society. Could we remain silent when we knew of social and economic injustice? Could we be indifferent in the face of unethical behavior and discrimination in the public square?

Such thoughts were inspired again by news reports of bullying in politics, schoolyards, public hearings and international relations.

These are difficult times. Relations between groups are strained. I would hope that even in times like these, families, clergy, teachers and leaders would prepare children and inspire others with the basic values of civility, courtesy, sincerity and respect. Our sense of community needs it. Our national values — freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, democracy itself — will wither without it.

I think, as citizens, we must employ an “ethical eye” to observe and chal-

Skip

Like everyone else, I’ve welcomed the shift to warmer weather this month. The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and more people are spending time outdoors. I don’t have to tell you why — just look up. The sun is back, high in the sky, and with it comes a timely reminder: Don’t forget the sunscreen.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but also one of the most preventable. It affects people of all skin tones and the most likely cause is overexposure to ultraviolet light, or more simply put, the sun. The main types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Melanoma, while less common, is the most aggressive, and often referred to as a “silent killer” due to its early metastatic spread. My dad has battled skin cancer multiple times. He’s vigilant about checking his skin for unusual moles, freckles and sunspots, and late last year he noticed a new growth on his shoulder blade. A dermatologist quickly took a biopsy, and the

lenge societal patterns that test our sense of what is fair and just. This takes courage as well as compassion. It is our obligation to address injustices wherever they occur in a consistent manner, not with one lens for a friend and another for a foe. We must believe in tolerance, accepting that another can be right without my being wrong.

Compassion is a key component in how we relate to others. Many texts on leadership emphasize empathy, i.e., feeling the pain of others. This is better than simple sympathy, feeling sorry for others, but does not lead to necessary action. Compassion is an act of service, not just a feeling about others.

others. The most effective leaders know this. Saying “Thank you” or “You’re welcome” is not difficult. Being kind is even good for our health.

Respect is denied through acts of antisemitism, racism and other forms of prejudice. One result is fear. Therefore, it is understandable that those who have been subjected to bias personally or historically want respect and peaceful relations. Indeed, I assume that everyone wants respect as a simple fact of his or her being.

C alls for greater ‘civility’ are really calls for compassion and respect.

We often hear calls for greater “civility.” These calls frequently are in response to acts of aggression and other forms of humiliating behavior. Cries for civility are really calls for compassion and respect, to stop using fear or denigrating language as weapons. Such tactics by corporate and political leaders are especially troubling for the messages they send and the models of behavior they represent. What we want is for people to be considerate, friendly, and even generous to

We should teach in our schools and houses of worship, and especially in our homes, that others should be respected, even if they are different from us. But there is a difference between respect for humanity at large, respect for ethnic, national, religious, racial and other groups in general, and respect for any one person.

Respect should be offered freely. An individual’s actions should no more reflect poorly on an entire group than a group’s actions should reflect poorly on any individual.

However, individual respect, once lost, can be regained only through effort: by expressing remorse and trying to help others. Respect is lost when someone acts in a callous manner, by

disregarding others, by belittling the place and relevance of others. When someone “demands” respect and does so in a manner that itself is disrespectful, he or she not only misses the point but also demeans the issue.

A school or college is a precious place. It is where truth, in whatever form, may be pursued without hindrance. It is where freedom of speech must be protected to the utmost. It is a place where diversity — of background, ethnicity, nationality, religion, physical ability or gender — should be respected. It is also a place where civil discourse and respect for one another is essential if a full and honest exchange of views is to be assured.

Without common courtesy, ears are closed. When ears are closed, there can be no mutual respect. We must learn to listen and disagree without being disagreeable. Those who shout the loudest for respect often do the least to gain it. No one should be the other if our education has succeeded. We are one species, with each member seeking to find a unity connecting head, heart and hands — i.e. compassion — which is an act of respect.

Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate” (Roman & Littlefield, 2024).

the gamble, wear the sunscreen

results confirmed melanoma. Surgery was scheduled to promptly remove the mole and a wide margin of surrounding skin, leaving a six-inch, cross-sectional scar across his back. His medical team is confident that the cancer was caught in time and removed in totality.

As we head outside and soak up the sun, I can’t think of a better time to share my dad’s story. With his naturally fair skin, he’s especially cautious. He wears baseball caps to shield his face, opts for long-sleeved sun shirts designed to block harmful UV rays, and rarely skips sunscreen on any exposed skin — especially in warmer weather. There’s growing misinformation about sunscreen, with one of the most persistent myths professing that the product — or more specifically, the chemicals in it — can cause cancer, too. This concern was amplified when certain sunscreens were recalled after they were found to contain benzene, a known carcinogen. While the contamination was a manufacturing issue and not an ingredient in sunscreen formulas, the damage was done. Despite repeated assurances from medical experts that sunscreen is overwhelmingly safe and effective, a

wave of online misinformation has fueled an “anti-sunscreen” movement — putting more people at risk just as we enter peak sun exposure season.

Y ou shouldn’t need persuading, but if you do, I’ll let you talk to my dad.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month — a time when national and local organizations step up their efforts to educate the public about prevention. One such group is the Long Island-based Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign, named in memory of Colette, who died from the disease. Each year, the campaign partners with Nassau County, gathering at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive & Legislative Building in early May to deliver a simple but vital message: The safest way to enjoy summer is to protect your skin.

Despite the critics, there is no medical evidence that suggests sunscreen causes cancer. Evidence overwhelmingly informs the public that sun, and artificial forms of UV light such as tanning beds, are the most common culprits. Many different types of sunblock are available — including chemical sunscreens, which absorb into the skin, and physical blocker sunscreens, or “mineral sunscreens,” which act as a barrier on the skin’s surface.

I think it’s important that people make medical decisions they feel are best for them, and use products that they feel safest using. But the truth is if people consistently skip sun protection, they are two to three times more likely to develop skin cancer over their lifetime, compared with those who use sunscreen regularly. Opting to avoid using sunblock out of fear of the chemicals it contains is not only ignorant, but also dangerous.

I’m not a medical professional, just someone who’s watched my dad undergo a number of procedures to remove cancer. If you’re hesitant about chemical sunscreens, I get it — there are plenty of “cleaner” options out there. I use one myself. What matters most is using something, because doing nothing is the real risk.

Women get mammograms to detect breast cancer. Adults over 45 get colonoscopies to catch colon cancer early. So why skip one of the simplest, most accessible tools we have to prevent skin cancer before it starts?

There’s no need to gamble with your health when we have everything we need to make conscious decisions, ones that are far more likely to help you — rather than hurt you — in the long run.

Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.

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HERALD

Memorial Day: so much more than a day of rest

as the last Monday in May approaches, many Americans look forward to Memorial Day as the unofficial start of summer — a three-day weekend filled with barbecues, beach trips, travel and clearance sales.

But while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying time with loved ones, we must not allow convenience and celebration to overshadow the solemn significance of the holiday. Memorial Day isn’t just a day off. It is a day of remembrance — a national moment of pause to honor the men and women of the United States military who gave their lives in service to our country.

Established in the aftermath of the Civil War, Memorial Day — originally known as Decoration Day — was born of collective mourning. Families and communities across a fractured nation placed flowers on soldiers’ graves, uniting in grief and reverence. The federal holiday was established in 1971. Over time, the holiday expanded to commemorate all American military personnel who have died in service. It is not to be confused with Veterans Day, which honors all who have served, living and deceased. Memorial Day is specifi-

cally for the fallen.

Yet in our modern era, its meaning often gets lost amid the grilling, the chilling and the discount ads. It’s easy to be swept up in the excitement of an extra day off or the first beach trip of the season. But convenience should not breed complacency. Memorial Day deserves more than a casual nod — it demands deliberate remembrance.

Why does that matter? Because freedom isn’t free, and it never has been. The rights we exercise daily — to speak, to vote, to gather, to live safely — were defended by those who never came home.

Behind every headstone in Arlington National Cemetery, and in others across the nation, lies a story of courage, sacrifice and love of country. Behind every folded flag handed to a grieving family is a reminder that someone paid the ultimate price.

To ignore that reality — to reduce Memorial Day to little more than a festive long weekend — is to forget a fundamental part of our national identity. In honoring the fallen, we not only show respect for their sacrifice, but we reinforce the values they died protecting: duty, service, unity, and democratic freedom.

So what can we do differently?

Start small. Take part in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time on Monday, when Americans are encouraged to pause for one minute in silence. Visit a local veterans’ cemetery or memorial. Attend a parade or ceremony in your town. Talk to children and young people about why the day matters. Share a story of a fallen service member. Fly the American flag at half-staff.

Better yet, turn remembrance into action. Donate to an organization that supports Gold Star families or wounded veterans. Write to an elected official in support of improved services for military families. Volunteer for a group that helps transitioning service members reintegrate into civilian life. Service should not end at the battlefield, and gratitude should not last only one day.

On Memorial Day, we’re not asked to stop living or celebrating. We are asked to remember why we can. We are asked to be present — not just at the picnic table, but in thought and in spirit, connecting with the sacrifices that afforded us this life of liberty.

Let this Memorial Day be more than an extended weekend. Let it be a day of purpose. A day of honor. A day to remember.

Horse named Journalism showed what’s possible

He was five lengths back, bumped and bruised, as he fought through a crowded pack in the Preakness Stakes, one of horse racing’s biggest events. But Journalism didn’t fold, even when he looked to be down and out. He found daylight in the final turn, charged down the stretch, and stormed past the leaders to win in spectacular fashion.

It was gritty. It was powerful. And it was symbolic.

Because while Journalism the horse crossed the finish line in triumph, journalism the profession is reeling — and falling further behind every day.

In New York, dozens of local newspapers have shuttered over the past year, even in some of the wealthiest commu-

Peter King goes way too easy on Elon Musk

To the Editor:

Not once, but twice, in his column “We must restore Musk’s cuts of the 9/11 health

nities. Trusted reporters have vanished from towns and villages across the state. There’s no one left to sit through school board meetings, follow the money at town halls, or tell the human stories that hold communities together.

The decline isn’t distant. It’s here. It’s happening now. And yet there is still a clear lane for journalism organizations to triumph — if we fight for it.

Last year, New York passed a first-inthe-nation tax credit to support truly local journalism. That policy, now in effect, offers a lifeline to communitybased newspapers. It was made possible by the Empire State Local News Coalition, a nonpartisan alliance of more than 200 local newspapers in New York — including the Herald — that are com-

letters

fund” last week, Peter King made excuses for Elon Musk’s inexcusable, reckless and immoral cuts: 1) “. . . to undo the damage, intentional or not . . . by Elon Musk’s chainsaw cuts”; and 2) “. . . Elon Musk’s misplaced cuts . . . probably made unknowingly . . .” A reality check, and some honesty, please, about the cruel and harmful effects of

mitted to keeping local reporting alive.

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Because while four legs carried Journalism to victory, it’s the Fourth Estate that carries our democracy — and right now, it’s running out of steam.

If you appreciate the work we do covering your schools, government, family, friends and more, then please donate to the Empire State Local News Coalition at SaveNYLocalNews.com/support. With your help, journalism — the one that informs, uplifts and protects — can make a dramatic comeback, too.

DOGE’s very aware and deliberate actions negatively affecting the American people, totally backed up by this administration and Project 2025.

I will never understand why a spade can’t be called a spade when it comes to Donald Trump. As I recall from Mr. King’s columns, he was a good Catholic Brooklyn kid. Well, so

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GOP cuts to Medicaid will impact all of Long Island

House republicans advanced their plan last week to cut $715 billion in Medicaid funding over the next decade. Medicaid provides essential medical services to millions of children, seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans across our country, including 170,000 of my constituents in new york’s 4th Congressional District. These reductions will surely hurt recipients, but it is important to note that the impact of this budget cutback will stretch far beyond just these groups.

The warnings are already plentiful, and dire. These sweeping cuts have prompted alarm from health policy

experts, economists and medical groups, such as the american Hospital association, who all indicated that republicans’ proposed changes to Medicaid will touch all new yorkers, including those with private insurance. all americans can expect increased costs for private payers and reduced services at hospitals and other health care providers. It is critical that long Islanders understand the impact this legislation could have on all our families, friends and neighbors.

tDowling.

Mr. Dowling made clear that a sudden spike in uninsured patients resulting from Medicaid cuts is likely to force hospitals, clinics, and other health facilities to cut back services, reduce medical staff or even close their doors. When hospitals and other health providers cut back their services or close, it affects all of us, regardless of our health care coverage.

he sweeping cuts have prompted alarm from health policy experts and economists.

To ensure that constituents understand some of the impacts of the GoP budget being advanced in Congress, I hosted a budget briefing with my nassau County colleague, Congressman Tom suozzi. The briefing included factual testimony from nonpartisan presenters including northwell Health Ceo Michael

In fact, policy experts at the John Hopkins University of Public Health have forecast that premiums will rise for all americans as hospitals are forced to pass the cost of keeping their doors open to consumers.

I have spoken with a number of other long Island health providers, including stony Brook Medicine and the Healthcare association of new york,

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was I, and I am thankful every day that I never lost the strength to call out nonsense when needed, no matter who is involved.

JosIe MarIno Lynbrook

The government, as is, won’t restore Musk’s cuts

To the editor:

Peter King’s demand that “this insanity must end” is too narrow, and made of the wrong people. “We” cannot “restore” anything until the elections next year.

Those who can have bigger bills to fry. “We” empowered MaGa to cut undefined waste, fraud and abuse,

which is what they did, and put it all into their current budget. Mr. King’s complaint about the 9/11 fund’s being “seriously threatened” by “misplaced cuts” applies to all items in that bill, and the only way to restore anything begins with dismantling that ugly construction. Fortunately, as of today, that seems possible if 2026 restores sanity to our federal government.

BrIan Kelly Rockville Centre

Time to address decadesold immigration problem

To the editor: I take issue with Murad awahdeh

and Melanie Creps’s opinion piece in the May 8-14 issue, “Cooperating with ICe will not make us safer.” as a son of a legal immigrant, I counted at least 10 mentions of the word “immigrant,” but without the word “illegal” preceding it. Was this an attempt to slant the piece in one direction?

In all my years, I have never seen an outreach toward our own homeless, veterans, mentally ill and addicted like I saw toward people who were allowed to enter our country through the open borders of the previous administration.

I would like nothing more than to see Congress come up with a bipartisan package to make legal immigration more enticing and vetted. What we have now is not only a strain on local budgets, but also the exploitation of these

who also underscored how these cuts would raise health care costs for all patients in our region. not only will new yorkers’ health care costs balloon, but the proposed Medicaid cuts are also likely to increase our tax burden. a brief from the nonpartisan health policy organization KFF concluded that these cuts will cause massive state budget shortfalls, prompting tax increases while downsizing funding to education, infrastructure and other local priorities. long Islanders already pay some of the highest taxes in the country. We cannot afford another tax increase. as your congresswoman, I am committed to fighting against these dangerous attempts to attack long Islanders’ health care. We must work to protect and strengthen access to health care, not make it more expensive and less accessible.

Laura A. Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.

people working for substandard wages and the subsequent strain on social services. allowing self-deportation with the opportunity to come back legally would be the best approach for everybody. With all these companies willing to invest in plants to keep jobs here, and the present shortage of people in the trades, there will be more than enough jobs to be filled, with opportunities for american citizens first, and then legalized immigrants to follow. It would be a win-win for everybody, and also for the Trump administration, by finally addressing a decades-old problem that has never been dealt with properly.

Framework by Tim Baker

At Long Island’s largest car show

Tony GIaMeTTa Oceanside

LaUra a. GiLLen