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The New Standards, featuring Christine Selimeno and Johnny Pell, played at the Experience Lynbrook business expo, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, last Saturday at the public library. Story, more photos, Page 10.
Residents supported Lynbrook’s New Vision Party candidates and a referendum on the Fire Department’s Length of Service Awards Program in March 18’s village election.
Richard Fasano was elected village justice. Previously he was a juvenile justice prosecutor in the New York City Law Department in Queens County, and handled violent felonies and homicides as an assistant district attorney in the Bronx County district attorney’s Domestic Violence Unit. He earned a law degree from St. John’s University Law School.
Trustee Michael Habert successfully secured re-election. A retired first-grade homicide detective with 26 years of service in the New York City Police Department, Habert also brings his expertise as a trained hostage negotiator and for-
mer detective investigator with the Kings County district attorney’s office. He has been serving as a trustee since 2023.
Deputy Mayor Michael Hawxhurst was also re-elected as trustee. With over 30 years of experience as an internal audit director and a master’s degree in taxation from St. John’s, Hawxhurst has served as deputy mayor since 2019.
In addition to the elections, the referendum to extend the Length of Service Awards Program benefits for Lynbrook’s volunteer firefighters passed. The program will now allow volunteers to earn benefits for up to 50 years of service, increasing the total maximum benefits to $12,000, up from the previous cap of $7,200 for 30 years of service.
— Ainsley Martinez
By AINSlEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
On a trip to Sarasota, Florida, last fall, Alexandria Scanlon, a sophomore at East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School, stumbled on a house that had been uprooted from its foundation by Hurricane Milton weeks earlier, and had settled into a tilted position.
“I was just taking pictures of things I saw, and I looked out my window and I saw that,” Scanlon recalled.
“Wow, I have to get a picture.”
This month, her photo of the house was selected for inclusion in this year’s Noir Et Blanc Photography Juried Exhibition, hosted by The Art Guild of Port Washington. The exhibit will run until March 29 at the guild’s gallery, at the Elderfields Preserve in Manhasset.
experimented with lighting techniques using simple objects such as eggs.
The class, taught by Kelly Cabasso and in partnership with Farmingdale University for college credit, emphasizes light composition.
I was honestly very surprised because it’s my first year doing photography, and I was just entering my photos into contests just to try it out.
AlExANdRIA ScANloN
East Rockaway JuniorSenior High School sophomore
Scanlon said she was inspired by her Intro to Photography class, in which students
“We started by using eggs as our muse,” Cabasso explained. “It sounds silly, but it’s a really effective way to learn how to manipulate light.”
Eggs’ uniform shape helps students visualize light moving across them. They also photograph silverware, another everyday item that inspires creativity, Cabasso said.
“We take those concepts, go out into the world and maybe just notice something a little bit differently than before the class,” she said. “Because there’s a lot of beauty in a lot of weird places. It’s about training your eyes
Continued on page 18
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Kate Santoli and Erick Diaz were named the Class of 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian at Lynbrook High School.
Q: What are your study tactics?
A:Diaz: I think it has to do with obviously paying attention in class. I definitely feel like a lot of my classes are very interesting on me, and that’s the whole reason why I feel like I benefit a lot from being able to pay attention,. I can maintain focus without having to be bored. I feel like it’s just like having the discipline, to be able to sit down, even if it’s for like, an hour or two, to just go over whatever we learned in class, just taking the time to really just kind of understand it, and not just like memorizing it. Because I know a lot of the class-
time and also being able to kind of understand where your position is at in terms of your ability and being able to fulfill and succeed in one thing, in contrast to not being the best at another thing and having to practice more on that. So that’s definitely something that I think has been the most challenging thing throughout all four years.
es are more like understanding items and being able to come kind of like applying them, rather than just memorizing straight up.
A:Santoli:A lot of our teachers are obviously very passionate and enthusiastic about the subject, and that makes it a lot easier to pay attention and stay focused during class, which I think is a big part of getting good grades. Because, of course, you can study and teach the subject yourself, but I feel like it’s always best to learn it directly when your teacher is teaching it. So I think that’s a big part of good grades.
Q: What would you say is one of the most challenging things that you’ve had to overcome in high school?
A:Diaz: A lot of it comes down to being able to manage your
A:Santoli: I also think another big challenge is just dealing with the pressure, I guess, of being high achievers. I think I’ve had to learn since freshman year that if I make a mistake in a class or on a test, it’s not the end of the world. So I think I really had to learn that and to be more confident, and not only seeking, academic validation or whatever. And that also ties into one of our teachers, who is really big on: Your GPA doesn’t define you. One test grade doesn’t define you. So I think that’s a big lesson that we both had to learn.
Q:What was your favorite thing about the last four years, or the best memory?
A:Diaz: Science research. We’re definitely a very close group, and also Key Club. Both have definitely been a big part of my life. My best memories would just be being a part of those two groups, having the friends to rely on, and also just hanging out with them,.
A:Santoli: We’ve both been part of Key Club since freshman year, and just being being able to build that connection with our advi-
sor and the other members in general, while being able to actually make a difference in people’s lives and see that difference. I think that was a very rewarding part of my time in high school.
I am proud to share that I have been recognized at the 2025 Ellie Awards, celebrating Douglas Elliman’s top agents and teams from across the country. I ranked among the top 15% of agents company-wide! This achievement reflects my dedication to delivering exceptional results and a seamless real estate experience.
From Lynbrook and East Rockaway to Long Island and Queens, I’m here to guide buyers and sellers with expertise and care. If you or someone you know is considering a move, I’d love the opportunity to help. Your referrals mean the world to me!
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Timothy Poland and Joey Lu were named the Class of 2025 valedictorian and salutatorian at East Rockaway JuniorSenior High School.
Q:What advice would you give on kind of studying habits, or tips on excelling in school?
A:Lu: I feel like there’s a lot of ways to do things. So when you get stuck at a point, there’s always other paths. So I feel like you have to explore a lot of different things.
A:Poland: I would say trying your hardest, and always giving 110 percent is important. Don’t always worry about how others are doing, and comparing yourself, just worry about yourself as an individual.
Q:What would you say is one of the most challenging things that you’ve had to overcome in high school?
A:Poland: Probably just like the time management aspect. And, you’re doing so
many things, you have so many classes, you have so much work to do, so keeping on top of everything is just the best thing to do.
A:Lu: I think that accepting failure is the most important, but difficult part. You have to understand what you’re doing wrong in order to do something better.
Q:What was your favorite thing about the last four years, or the best memory?
A:Poland: Probably just like getting able to experience so many different things, and you kind of get to, like, learn more about yourself, and like what you want to do when you grow up what you enjoy, and just like all the teachers, like at Ishaan, they’ve made it like the best place, helping everyone.
A:Lu: For me, it was for this physics class that I took last year, I think it like helped establish a community that I really enjoyed being in, and I’m still connected to my classmates and teacher from last year.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Lynbrook Police Department is taking a firm stand against this dangerous behavior.
Chief Paladino urges all motorists to follow these steps to drive distractionfree:
Put your phone away. If you need to send a text or make a call, pull over safely before doing so.
Use a designated texter. Have a pas-
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Melina Serra, 13, played baseball long before she could read a full chapter book or write a paragraph.
Inspired by her older brother, the fouryear-old Serra joined a T-ball league: replicating the moves the pair practiced in their lawn at home.
“I remember watching my brother play, and thinking it was interesting,” Serra said.
ra, said she remembers her daughter’s elated expression after the news.
‘The grin she came home with when she knew she made the boy’s team was just priceless,” Argento-Serra said.
While first base is her favorite position, Serra also plays center field and pitcher, and practices three to four times a week.
She said players who want to be trailblazers, regardless of the industry, should have the tenacity to evolve and succeed.
senger handle your phone for calls or messages.
Avoid social media. Scrolling or messaging while driving is a serious hazard.
Listen to your passengers. If someone calls out your distracted driving, take their warning seriously.
— Ainsley Martinez
Now an eighth-grader at Lynbrook South Middle School, Serra has been selected to participate in the 2025 Trailblazer Series, a baseball event for young girls hosted by USA Baseball and Major League Baseball.
The event, set for April 10-13 in Vero Beach, Florida, provides opportunities for female players to showcase their skills, receive training and learn from professionals in the sport.
Serra’s selection comes on the heels of another achievement—becoming the first female to play on the Lynbrook boys’ baseball team.
Serra’s mother, Michela Argento-Ser-
“Just try your best,” Serra said. She plays for the Lynbrook Knights, Junior and Little Leagues.
“And hopefully, soon-to-be Owls for middle school,” she said.
Serra said she looks forward to the opportunity to train alongside other girls at the Trailblazer Series.
Argento-Serra, who managed her son’s Little League team, said watching Serra and her brother grow in the sport has been a rewarding experience.
“There’s so many proud moments, it’s hard to choose one,” Argento-Serra said. “But, just watching them grow and get more skillful in their positions is rewarding.”
Lynbrook firefighters rescued drivers involved in a collision at Peninsula Boulevard and Sunrise Highway last Saturday. Lynbrook firefighters and EMT’s from Truck Company, Tally-Ho Company and the Emergency Medical Company, along with a Northwell Health ambulance, under the command of First Assistant Chief Clayton Murphy, responded to the scene shortly after 6 p.m.
The driver of a BMW was trapped behind the wheel of his vehicle, which
As estate planners, we consistently meet with people who are suffering from traumatic relationships with their children or grandchildren. Children themselves may become estranged or at odds with parents or their siblings. Sometimes, an in-law is involved that seems to turn the client’s son or daughter into someone completely different from the child they raised. The pain that these clients are going through is palpable.
Some wise sage once said that all pain comes from resistance. Many of these relationship issues may be difficult or impossible to overcome, but one thing we can all do is work on ourselves — by accepting what is. Accepting what is does not mean agreeing with or condoning certain behavior. What it does mean is that you stop saying to yourself that it is not fair, it “should” be otherwise, etc. That will not do you one bit of good and may do you considerable harm. Stress has been called “the silent killer”.
We recall reading a pithy quote a while back that went something like this “when someone disappoints you, you have two choices, you
can either lower your expectations or walk away”. What is disappointment but dashed expectations? Those who learn to expect less are disappointed less.
“Accepting what is” cannot be accomplished overnight. It is a concept or thought process that improves your outlook the more you think about it, work on it and form new neural pathways to forge the new outlook.
Estate planners inevitably become “therapists” for their clients because estate planning involves social relationships. Over the years, we have observed that many social problems occur between the clients two ears. As Shakespeare said in Hamlet “There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Forget about what’s fair or right and what’s not. You are only hurting yourself. The other person is often blissfully unaware of how you’re feeling. Michael J. Fox, the actor known for his optimism despite suffering from Parkinson’s, put it best when he said “My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations”.
required firefighters to remove the driver’s door using a Hurst tool.
The driver and passenger were transported by Emergency Medical Company and Northwell ambulances to the hospital. Neither were in serious condition. Lynbrook police closed the intersection as the accident caused two wooden poles to snap causing a power line to fall across the roadway.
—Ainsley Martinez
East Rockaway Union Free School District launched of its newly redesigned website. This update is a key initiative within the district’s five-year strategic plan, specifically under the pillar of innovation, which aims to reimagine district resources to enhance the educational experience.
The new website seamlessly integrates with the district’s ParentSquare communication app, strengthening connections between staff, students and families. With direct email links to all staff members, the site provides an accessible and efficient way for families to stay in touch with educators and district personnel.
Designed with user experience in
mind, the updated website offers a cleaner, more intuitive interface. Dropdown menus provide easy navigation to each school, district departments and the board of education, while large, clearly labeled buttons allow quick access to frequently used resources such as the district calendar, food services, ParentSquare, the parent portal, ClassLink and board of education information.
The new website serves as a dynamic hub for district news, curriculum and event updates.
The website remains at the same address, EastRockawaySchools.org.
— Ainsley Martinez
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By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
The Hofstra softball team struggled out of the gate to open the 2025 season but still has time to ready the ship for its bid to reach the postseason.
The Pride dropped 19 of its first 21 games before charting a four-game winning streak and has the bulk of the remaining Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) schedule ahead to earn one of the six available spots in the conference tournament. The winner of the CAA playoffs will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, which Hofstra achieved in 2023.
“We definitely have hit some moments of growth and challenges,” said fourth-year head coach Adrienne Clark, whose team took 2-of-3 games from first-place Delaware last weekend to stand at 3-6 in the CAA with 18 league games remaining. “We’re trying not to focus on the outcomes as much and focus on the things that we can control and our adjustments within.”
adjustment entering the season with the loss of ace pitcher Julia Apsel, who was an integral part of the 2023 CAA championship squad and is using her final year of college eligibility at Florida State.
Junior Emma Falen is the team’s new number one pitcher after transferring from UC Riverside. The Folsom, Calif. native recorded eight strikeouts in a 4-1 win against Towson on March 14 to earn the Pride their first league win.
The pitching staff also includes freshman Carley Ernst, a two-time Lancaster-Lebanon League First Team selection during her high school career in Pennsylvania. Senior Haley Venturini, a Rhode Island native, has battled injuries over the past two seasons and Clark is hoping she can play a key part of the rotation down the stretch of the season.
The Pride’s offense returned some key pieces from last year’s 23-26 team including junior shortstop Alanna Morse, a Mepham High School graduate, who hit a home run in Hofstra’s 11-3
Feb. 16. She also has been solid anchoring the infield recording a .932 fielding percentage last season as a sophomore with 79 putouts and 88 assists.
“She’s doing a fantastic job,”said Clark of Morse, who is second on the team with a 308 batting average. “She’s also learning how to be a better teammate and support others and she’s sort of doing it in a way that is allowing her to play free and compete hard.”
Morse’s former Mepham teammate, sophomore right fielder Lily Yepez, has also emerged as a key part of the lineup after registering 14 hits in 20 starts as a freshman.
Senior first baseman Anna Butler, a Seaford High School product, adds to the Nassau County South Shore presence on the roster. Butler tied a program record for most hits during a seveninning game when she 5-for-5 in a 4-3 loss to Cornell on Feb. 28.
Butler also can contribute in the pitching circle as well and made her first relief appearance in a 1-0 victory against Howard on March 18, tossing five innings of scoreless relief to earn
the win.
“She is so committed to competing hard and to the team,” said Clark of Butler. “That dynamic is really what has been allowing her to figure some things out.”
Sophomore center fielder Chelsea Villar has begun to make waves in the lineup and entered the week as the Pride’s leading leading hitter with a .313 batting average and three home runs. Sophomore Mackenzie Fitzgerald is also making strides as a sophomore with a .293 average.
Hofstra will be on the road the next two weekends for series against Campbell and Drexel before hosting UNCWilmington for three games from April 11-13 and College of Charleston from April 18-20. The Pride conclude the regular season by hosting CAA foe Monmouth for a three-game series from May 1-3.
“In the rest of conference play it is about continuing to focus on the things we can control and continue to focus on us,” Clark said. “When we do that, we’re capable of beating any team.”
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
When Geraldine “Gerry” Salli moved into Atria Tanglewood, a senior living community in Lynbrook, she was eager to share her military service with her new neighbors. But there was one thing missing: a photo of her time in the U.S. Air Force.
The veteran’s wall at the community, which honors the service of its residents, had a spot for her, but no photograph to accompany it. Salli, a Mississippi native, had served two years as a medical technician in the Air Force but had lost all the photos from that time over the years.
When Julianne Bertini, Atria Tanglewood’s engage life director, asked Salli for a picture, it became clear just how much the photo meant to her. Bertini said the pride Salli felt for her service was evident, but the absence of a visual representation of that part of her life was disheartening.
Bertini, recognizing the importance of the photo, reached out to Salli’s children to help guide her search. She also filed a request with the National Archives for Salli’s official Air Force photo. However, before the request could be fulfilled, Salli’s daughter came across the long-lost image while going through the family’s belongings in preparation for a move out of state.
“I was so overwhelmed when my daughter brought it to me. I had forgotten it even existed,” Salli said, reflecting on the moment.
Once the photo was found, Bertini had it enlarged and framed, making sure to create a special display for Salli at Atria Tanglewood. The photo now hangs on the veteran’s wall, directly across from the Air Force logo, where Salli can look at it every time she passes by.
“It’s wonderful,” Salli said, with a smile. “Every time I pass by, I tap the wall and look up at my picture. It’s so nice to have it there.”
foundation to pursue that passion.”
After leaving the Air Force, Salli went on to become a registered nurse, working at North Shore University Hospital and in nursing homes, where she found great satisfaction caring for the elderly.
“It was very rewarding,” she said. “Taking care of people, especially the sick, was something I loved to do.”
I was so overwhelmed when my daughter brought it to me. I had forgotten it even existed
GERALdINE
“GERRY” S ALLI, veteran
The emotional moment of receiving her photo back and seeing it displayed on the wall was one Salli will never forget.
“She was so choked up when we were able to do it all,” Bertini said. “Her reaction was priceless. I could see how much it meant to her.”
For Salli, being the only female veteran at Atria Tanglewood has been a source of pride, and she has always been an active participant in veteran events at the community.
“The military taught me to follow up and follow through,” she said. “It also helped me realize how much I love learning, which eventually led me to a career in nursing. The military gave me the
Reflecting on her time in the service, Salli recalled meeting her husband while stationed in the Air Force, a relationship that led to marriage and the raising of six children.
Today, though her husband has passed away and she has lost two sons, she is surrounded by the love of her children and the camaraderie of the friends she’s made at Atria Tanglewood.
“The relationships I’ve made here are wonderful. It’s nice to have people to share life with,” Salli said. “We’re a big family here, and we support each other.”
Her bond with the other residents has been a key part of her experience.
She often prays for those who are sick or going through difficult times, finding comfort in the shared support of others.
As a nurse and someone who has spent years caring for others, Bertini said Salli’s intuition for understanding when someone isn’t feeling well is sharp.
Her observations often help the staff at Atria Tanglewood identify issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
“[She] can tell by the pallor of someone’s face if they’re not feeling well. She has extraordinary intuition,” Bertini said.
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Continuing a month-long series of interviews with influential area women in honor of Women’s History Month. Helen Dorado-Alessi is CEO of El Dorado Consulting and executive director of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association.
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Dorado-Alessi: I grew up in Woodside, Queens, a very tight-knit community, so I was very accustomed to that kind of a world. When my husband and I looked for a new place to live when our children were growing up, Long Beach fit the bill for us. Beyond being a closeknit community, we found a community that was very charitable, giving and open.
I’m of Latin descent from the Caribbean, my dad from Cuba, my mother from Puerto Rico. So it’s kind of in my DNA to be close to the water, sun and sand. Youth development has always been a love of mine because of how hard it was for me coming up. There wasn’t any
such thing, so I always wanted to be on that side of my work. I have two kids, two grandchildren — (I’m) always out and about with them. I see the future in my grandchildren’s eyes and want to make sure that I make them proud with whatever work I am doing.
Herald: What do you do? Why?
Dorado-Alessi: I have my own company called El Dorado Consulting. I work on projects that have helped to broker relationships between philanthropy and nonprofits to get the work done. Right now I’m a consultant to Herstory Writers Workshop, an organization that helps people in jails and schools write their social justice memoirs. We ask people, if your words had the power to change hearts, minds and policies, what would they say? Through that work, I’ve been able to help people have confidence in their voice and their his-
tory, their families, their communities, and then share those stories with politicians, with businesses, with others who may not know what it’s like to walk in somebody else’s shoes.
The other thing I do is that I’m the executive director of Long Beach Latino Civic Association. No immigrant is illegal; a person cannot be illegal, but more importantly, their dreams are not illegal. They’ve left some very violent, scary places to come here, to have a life that they could be proud of. If you give people the information and the education, the knowledge, they’re more than happy to be part of Long Beach or New York or the United States.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?
Dorado-Alessi: The most challenging part of my whole career and life has
been this particular time where there’s so much animosity, hurtfulness and bullying. I think also the biggest challenge is, how do we fight misinformation and bold-faced lies? I could see why a lot of people would want this particular person to be running the country. I understand that they have their views. I’m just hoping that people, when they see what is really happening, will take a step back.
I think the parts that really drive me is when I work with young people, and I think that could have been my mom or my dad having just arrived. When I see them succeed, when I see them with a little bit of help, they’re going to college, or they’re getting a job on Wall Street. I think other men and women in the field who are fighting as hard as I am and we are, that’s what inspires me. I’m not alone.
More information can be found atherstorywriters.org, and LBlatinocivic.org. Responses have been edited for clarity. The rest of this interview can be found online, at liherald.com.
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
Juli Grey-Owens is founder and executive director of Gender Equality New York.
Herald: Tell me about yourself.
Grey-Owens: I am a senior trans women who does advocacy work for our community. I grew up in northwestern New Jersey, had a relatively normal childhood. I knew something was different around (age) 3 or 4. In my preteen years I experimented, but didn’t know what was up because this was the 1960s.
I went to high school and was a good student. I was a decent athlete, co-captain of my football team. Met a girl in eighth grade, and we were friends until we started going out in junior year. My experimentation stopped during high school because I was busy with school, sports — I had a girlfriend. I graduated with high honors and applied to engineering schools.
Then my parents had a tough divorce, and I had no money. College was a mess, trying to work multiple jobs and school. I felt a lot of pressure and began experimenting again.
I was recruited to a Fortune 500 company out of college, started work, paid off my bills, and then I went to a counselor to see if I could get rid of this “thing.”
The counselor was really terrific, and he said to me, “You’re not gonna get rid of it. You have to decide how you’re
gonna deal with it.”
I decided to blend this into my life. I continued as a cisgender man, but on weekends I would maybe go to a party or something, just to try to figure out the community and how I fit in it.
In 1981 a work opportunity brought my fiancée and I to Long Island. I got my MBA, I married that girl from junior year, and at 35 we had a child. As I got older, I felt stifled because between career and family, there was no time to go out.
A real turning point was when my father passed away. I was 47 at the time and I started looking at my life, as you do when your parent passes away, and I decided I needed to be more authentic. I started going to trans events in 2003, and it progressed from there.
ing at Northwell Health and Memorial Sloan-Kettering.
Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?
Grey-Owens: The public has a very poor idea of our community, and we suffer as a result. There’s a lot of bad information out there, outright lies in some cases. For example, 8-year-olds are not getting surgery, and school nurses are not giving out hormones. If we don’t get information out, if we don’t start making people aware of our communities, these lies will continue.
My wife and I separated in 2007, and then in 2008 I met my second wife. We’ve been together for 16 years and married for 13.
Herald: What do you do? Why?
Grey-Owens: I’m founder and executive director of Gender Equality New York, a nonprofit that advocates for transgender, gender nonbinary and intersex New Yorkers. The work we do is largely educational: We provide information to agencies, legislators. I provide training to the Nassau and Suffolk police academies. I also provide train-
We currently have a federal government that’s attacking our community and trying to make us disappear. So the work has to be done to normalize our community and make people aware of the conditions we live under.
Herald: What has been the proudest moment in your life?
Grey-Owens: Getting the transgender civil rights bill passed in 2019. Prior to January 2019, a transgender person could be discriminated against in employment, housing and public services.
In 2003, lesbians, gays and bisexuals were able to pass a bill called the Sexual
Orientation Non-Discrimination Act in New York dtate, granting them their civil rights, (but it) specifically excluded the transgender community. It was 16 years before the trans community got their civil rights.
In 2019, the Gender Expression NonDiscrimination Act was signed into law, and we have had civil rights protections in New York state since then. There are no federal protections, so if we leave there are no guaranteed protections.
Herald: What advice do you have to offer? What work is left to be done?
Grey-Owens: Trying to get federal protections for our community is a big thing, but right now we’re just trying to get our community to survive the next four years.
And to some of our younger members, who might still be in school, or living under their family’s rule, and are unable to come out and be themselves: Be patient. Be safe. Make sure you have a roof over your head, that you’re fed and taken care of, get your high school diploma, if you’re able to, get to college. Usually you’re able to be more authentically yourself in college.
It does get better once we get older, but once you’re out as an adult, anything you can do to help move the community forward is important and necessary.
For more information, visit genderequalityny.org or follow @genderequalityny on Instagram and Facebook.
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Over 100 community members and business leaders attended the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce’s third annual Experience Lynbrook business expo last Saturday at the public library.
“It was a wonderful turnout, and everyone has really been enjoying it,” chamber President Michela Argento said.
The event featured entertainment by the band the New Standards, food from Elsie Lane and Vincent’s Pizzeria and an array of businesses promoting what the village has to offer.
Rachele Leone, owner of the Pottery Workshop, decorated her table with a variety of ceramics, from a clay bobblehead fox to ornate glazed bowls with intricate designs.
The workshop offers pottery classes for both children and adults.
What started as a small operation in Leone’s garage when became a brickand-mortar business at 543 Merrick Road last November. Leone said she taught special education for more than 25 years, but eventually felt burned out. Now, she said, she can combine both of her interests: teaching and art.
Addison Drummond, executive vice president of the Chamber, represented WestCo Financial at the event, and said that seeing community members come out on a Saturday was gratifying.
Drummond and other representatives of the financial planning group answered questions about taxes and investments, and also promoted their inhouse services.
Kathy Buchsbaum, assistant director of the library, said that events like Experience Lynbrook bring more visitors to the facility, which help it promote its resources and events.
Just a day earlier, Gov. Kathy Hochul had approved the library’s nomination as a historical landmark for its neoclassical revival architecture, which reflects the “ideals of the Public Library Move-
ment,” Hochul said.
Buchsbaum said that Experience Lynbrook, which continues to grow, was evidence that the library remains a thriving community hub. The event also featured local organizations including the Order of the Sons and Daughters of Italy, St. James United Methodist Church and the Lynbrook Police Department.
For more information on future Chamber events, visit LynbrookUSA. com.
Per Sempre Lodge 2344 President
Robert Baccari and members Eleanor Jobbagy gave materials to Andre Illeano.
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Propel NY Energy project is aiming to revo-
The Big Investment
$3.26 Billion:
Ratepayers fund the total capital cost for the entire project across New York state.
Six Cents a Day:
Estimated additional cost to an average residential ratepayer—about six cents per day—to support the new infrastructure.
2
The New Grid
90 Miles of Transmission Lines:
The project will construct 90 miles of new underground transmission lines, with 66 miles in Nassau County and additional segments extending into Suffolk County, the Bronx, and Westchester.
3 Additional Interconnection Points:
Long Island currently relies on just two connection points to the statewide grid. Propel NY Energy will add three
lutionize Long Island’s electric grid. The project is currently in the Article Seven permitting process — a two-year review involving environmental and engineering assessments. Construction is slated to
new connections, strengthening overall grid reliability and resiliency.
5 Interconnection Points in Total: With the new additions, the grid will have five connection points, ensuring that power flows efficiently in both directions.
Construction & Permitting
Article Seven Permitting:
The rigorous Article Seven process, covering environmental, socioeconomic, and engineering assessments, is expected to take approximately two years, with submissions made in July and anticipated approval around July 2026.
Construction Timeline: Construction is slated to begin in mid-2026 and continue for three to four years, with completion expected by mid-2030.
begin in mid-2026 and continue until mid-2030. Here’s the key numbers and figures driving this $3.26 billion initiative:
Underground cables will be installed at a depth of roughly 5 to 7 feet, ensuring they are protected from weather and other external risks.
Daily Progress:
Crews are projected to advance between 50 and 150 feet per day per crew, minimizing long-term disruption to local neighborhoods.
4
Future-Proofing the Grid
50 to 90 Percent Increase in Demand:
As much as a 50 to 90 percent surge in electricity demand is projected over the next 20 years, driven by electrification, including electric vehicles, heat pumps, and data centers.
50 percent Renewable Energy by 2030: By 2030, it’s anticipated that 50 percent of Long Island’s power will come from offshore wind—made possible by the upgraded grid capacity.
Avoided Congestion Savings:
Enhanced transmission efficiency is expected to save the state an estimated $3.3 billion in congestion-related costs over time.
5
Selection & Local Impact 19 Proposals Reviewed:
The project was chosen through a competitive process that evaluated 19 proposals from four developers, with Propel NY Energy emerging as the most cost-effective solution.
Local Workforce:
The project will utilize local union labor and contractors, ensuring economic benefits and community engagement throughout Nassau County and beyond.
The Propel NY Energy project is about building a resilient electrical grid that meets the rising energy demands of Long Island and supports a more sustainable energy future.
“The Vacant Space Revival Program qualified us for on-bill credits that really help me manage costs.”
—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown
Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project. psegliny.com/businessfirst
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
At the annual New York Press Association Spring Conference in Saratoga Springs last week, Herald Community Media won seven state awards in the 2024 Better Newspaper Contest. Long Beach reporter Angelina Zingariello won a first place award in the Feature Story category, Division 4. With so many submissions in each of six divisions, it is a very difficult award to win.
About the story with the headline “A long, cold, healing journey” the judges said: “Good combination of personal struggle and outcome with unconventional therapy. Well written and edited, a compelling read.”
The Nov. 21 story focused on how Long Beach resident Mindi Dovberg uses cold-water immersion as a technique for an emotional reset when dealing with physical challenges and emotional setbacks.
The Herald took the top spot in Best Large Space Ad, Division 1, which was printed in the Nassau Herald and other Herald newspapers.
“This stunning ad touches me,” one judge wrote. “The simplicity and pure elegance of this is beautiful. Love how white space was used to create such an impact. Proves the point that sometimes less really is more! Outstanding!”
There were 10 entries in the Rookie Reporter of The Year category, and Sea Cliff/Glen Head reporter Brian Norman captured second place with stories ranging from the controversy surrounding the proposed state regionalization plan to how the food is prepared for North Shore High School students.
Sea Cliff/Glen Head reporter Brian Norman, left took second place in the Rookie Reporter of the Year category. His colleagues Melissa Berman and Charles Shaw congratulate him.
The judges said: “Reporter does a great job conveying story to readers, whether the subject be ‘hard’ news or a feature article.”
Norman, a 2024 graduate of Quinnipiac University, interned with the Herald last summer and was hired in September as a full-time reporter for Sea Cliff/Glen Head. He is now a reporter for the Nassau Herald, the flagship newspaper for the community weekly chain.
Photographer Brian Ballweg placed second in the Sports Feature, Division 1 category. The photograph appeared on the front page of the June 13 Rockville Centre Herald.
The judges said: “This photo shows
excellent framing of the lacrosse winners in this overtime state championship moment. Their faces run to the spectrum of elation, stopping the viewer — the joy here is studying their faces, bodies contained in the goal.”
Creative Director Jeffrey Negrin earned a trio of third-place awards.
In the Best Special Section Cover, Division 2 category, the judges said: “Another really excellent use of text on black with fun ‘clinks’ of glasses as backdrop. Long Island Choice Awards makes me want to open this up over a cocktail.”
For Special Sections/Niche Publications-Newsprint, Division 1 the judges said: “Excellent school recognition.”
The publication was the Herald’s annual special section for the Red and Blue competition at South Side High School that was published for the Feb. 29, 2024 Rockville Centre Herald.
In the Best Multi-Advertiser Pages category, judges said: “Cute organic for a shared page. Makes you want to read each one.”
The 2024 Better Newspapers Contest had 132 newspapers statewide submit 2,082 entries in 68 categories. The Missouri Press Association judged the submissions.
“It’s always nice to be recognized by our peers and colleagues,” said Herald Community Media publisher Stuart Richner. “We look forward to continuing to tell the stories of our communities in the weeks and years ahead. Congratulations to our team on well deserved recognition.”
By Karen Bloom
Sure … the Hollywood moviemakers grab your attention. Yet there’s so much more to the movie biz beside that tentpole blockbuster. Check out the Asbury Short Film Concert, which returns to its local “home” at the Madison Theatre next Friday and see an abundance of creative offerings. There’s certainly no denying the appeal of a major feature film. But for those who crave something different that certainly strikes an emotional chord, Asbury’s “concert” is for you. This national touring showcase brings a diverse, focused lineup — in many cases featuring up-and-coming filmmakers — of smaller efforts you generally won’t find on the big screen.
And it’s most definitely not a festival.
“We present the best in comedy, drama, animation, even the occasional documentary,” says Doug LeClaire, Asbury Shorts’ founder and longtime director. “We call it a concert rather than a festival because there are no awards, no Q&A or panel discussions, it’s all about entertainment value for the audience.”
As in previous years, Asbury Shorts offers up an eclectic mix of films, what LeClaire describes as a “potpourri of the short film world.”
LeClaire, who was in commercial and film production for over four decades, has been passionate about short films since his student days at New York Institute of Technology. He pivoted to promoting his beloved short films full time and the result has been a resounding success.
“Myself, and those who have been with me the longest, didn’t think our short film party that began in Westbury in 1981 would evolve into a major global touring event that has presented Asbury Shorts shows from Berlin to L.A. over the years with many, many stops in between,” LeClaire says. “The mission has always been to keep great short films, from all years, projected on real cinema screens as opposed to YouTube, smart phones, computers or tablets or the big screen TVs. Asbury Shorts is strictly a theatrical cinema event, no virtual allowed!
“Our number one priority is the enjoyment of our audience. We’re proud to provide an outlet for the filmmakers’ product. For us, it is all about the experience, showing these films to an audience. We give them the opportunity to experience great films on a big screen the way they were meant to be seen.”
He and his team cull them from the film festival circuit — including the prestigious SXSW (South by Southwest), Sundance and Toronto International Film Festival, and Tribeca Festival, among others.
“To get an award at one of these festivals is just as good as an Oscar nomination,” LeClaire says. “These young filmmakers are so happy to get that wreath. They collect them the way we would collect baseball cards back in the day.”
• Friday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.
• For tickets, visit madisontheatreny.org or call the box office at (516) 323-4444
• Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
Think of this as your personal film festival experience. As LeClaire puts it: “We’re bringing these films to folks who can’t get to film festivals.”
His formula certainly has resonated with audiences.
“We have demonstrated that we are entertaining and blessed to have fans that keep coming back,” LeClaire says, “while also reaching out to new audiences.”
The two-hour show moves along briskly. The films range from a brief few minutes to 20 minutes at most.
“A good short film is to the point, fast paced, and most important of all, is the ending,” LeClaire says. “It must make sense.”
And that ending will surely leave you wanting more.
Among the highlights, LeClaire points to Martín Rosete’s 10-minute “Voice Over,” which depicts the urgency of life’s pivotal moments in a desperate race against time.
Three different stories are told by the same narrator searching for the correct story. The same actor appears in all three. Will the narrator find what he’s looking for? We don’t know — maybe, maybe not.
Rosete, a Spanish filmmaker now based in New York, was awarded the Goya, Spain’s Academy Award, for “Voice Over.”.
LeClaire describes it as “sort of the ‘perfect’ short film” due its story and production values.
“It has outstanding and mind boggling production design for an indie produced short film and an ending that I really like,” he explains.
Another standout is “Anomaly” from director Ryan Jenkins, which was honored recently with Best Short Film at the Lake Placid Film Festival. In this 15-minute drama, a renowned magician features an inexplicable illusion in his final run of performances. Meanwhile, a government agent who witnesses the baffling act becomes hell-bent on uncovering its method.
As for the rest, well, you’ll have to attend and see for yourself. LeClaire doesn’t like to reveal too much, promising it’s all “great fun.”
He is delighted to come back to his Long Island roots with his film showcase.
“We’re very heartened by the audience at the Madison. We are grateful to [Artistic Director] Angelo Fraboni and his staff for allowing us to return each year. It’s been a terrific relationship.”
‘Good times…’
Neil Diamond is certainly forever — as honored by Neil Forever, returning to the Paramount stage. David Jacobson, the tribute band’s founder, has a great passion for the music and legacy of the legendary performer. David, along with his son and music director Dylan Jacobson and drummer John Cardoso began their journey in January 2023. Today, the 14-person ensemble delivers an authentic, exciting and joyful concert that captivates the legendary superstar’s fans. Performing Diamond’s music is as much about heart and soul as it is talent; it’s a celebration of the music and the man who created it. The band has forged an exciting path, as discovered by excited and passionate fans, of all ages. Audiences are thrilled by the authentic renditions of classic hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “Coming to America,” and “Kentucky Women.”
Friday, March 28, 8 p.m. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
The South Shore Symphony Orchestra springs forward with its next concert, “Slavic Masterworks,” at its Madison Theatre home. The orchestra is joined by renowned cellist Amy Barston, featured in Polish composer Grayna Bacewicz’s Cello Concerto No. 1. A rare gem, according to Barston, she notes that it is fresh to the concert stage in that it is quasi-newly discovered, but it feels like a familiar, beloved masterwork. Electrifying, often dance-like energy, paired with soaring lyrical melodies, it has received an enthusiastic reception from audiences. The evening’s repertoire also includes Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances, op. 46, no. 3 in Ab major and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, op. 64, e minor.
Saturday, March 29, 7:30 p.m. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 3234444.
Grab those leather jackets, and rock on! The Wallflowers are back on the road and bringing their sound to the Paramount stage, Sunday, April 6, at 8 p.m., with special guest Jackson Melnick. For the past 30 years, the Jakob Dylanled act has stood as one of rock’s most dynamic and purposeful bands — a unit dedicated to and continually honing a sound that meshes timeless songwriting and storytelling with a hard-hitting and decidedly modern musical attack. That signature style has been present through the decades, baked into the grooves of smash hits like 1996’s “Bringing Down the Horse” as well as more recent and exploratory fare like 2012’s “Glad All Over.” Even so, in recent years, Dylan — the Wallflowers’ founding singer, songwriter and guitarist — has repeatedly stepped outside of his band. First with a pair of more acoustic and rootsy records, 2008’s “Seeing Things” and 2010’s “Women + Country,” and then with the 2018 film “Echo in the Canyon” and the accompanying soundtrack, which saw him collaborate with a host of artists classic and contemporary, from Neil Young and Eric Clapton to Beck and Fiona Apple.
But while it’s been nine long years since we’ve heard from the group with whom he first made his mark, the Wallflowers are silent no more. And Dylan always knew they’d return. And return the band has, with “Exit Wounds,” their new studio offering. It marks the first new Wallflowers material since “Glad All Over.” And while the wait has been long, the much-anticipated record finds the band’s signature sound — lean, potent and eminently entrancing — intact, even as Dylan surrounds himself with a fresh cast of musicians. $75, $45, $35, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Noir et Blanc Photography Juried Exhibition and Competition
Visit The Art Guild to experience the Noir et Blanc Photography Juried Exhibition, featuring work from an East Rockaway JuniorSenior High School student. The exhibit is open until March 29. For more information, visit TheArtGuild.org. at 200 Port Washington Blvd., Port Washington.
Lunch and Learn with Marsha Welikson
East Rockaway Library hosts Real Estate Salesperson Marsha Welikson, Saturday, March 29. She and her panel of professionals will teach attendees about real estate, including insurance, and buying and selling homes. Registration required. For more information, visit eastrockawaylibrary.org or call (516) 445-9797. 477 Atlantic Ave.
Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce Happy Hour
Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce hosts a networking happy hour, Thursday, April 24, 5-7 p.m. Enjoy appetizers and meet local business professionals. Sponsorship opportunities are available for $100. For more information, visit LynbrookChamber.org. Location TBD.
Bingo
Stop by St. Mary’s Maris/Stella Knights of Columbus, every Thursday, 7 p.m. for bingo. With $2,000 cash prizes this week, food from Vincents Restaurant, coffee, snacks, and more. For more information, call (516) 887-2228. 78 Hempstead Ave.
Meet with village officials to discuss local issues and concerns, Monday, March 31, 7 p.m. One Columbus Drive. For more information, visit LynbrookVillage.net.
Catch up with Kiwanis
Lynbrook Kiwanis Club meets twice monthly. Meetings are held the first Thursday of each mont, 6:30 p.m., at Lynbrook Library; the third Thursday, at 7 p.m., at Savino’s, 88 Atlantic Ave. For more information, visit Facebook.com/KiwanisLynbrook.
East Rockaway Library offers an AARP Defensive Driving course, Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Improv driving skills and obtain insurance discounts. Cost is $25 for AARP members, $30 for non-members. For more information, visit eastrockawaylibrary.org. 477 Atlantic Ave.
The Oceanside Chorale is looking for new members to sing in its “Opera or Popera” concert Sunday, June 8. Voices are needed in all sections. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., the Fulton Avenue School in Oceanside. For further information call Frank at (516) 764-2787, email fxdefontes@ hotmail.com or oceansidechorale. com. 3252 Fulton Ave.
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, March 29, noon3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and make art together. While there, enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to The Lobby Project, a collaborative art installation. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.
East Rockaway Public Library invites all to an eBay workshop, Saturday, March 31, 10:30 a.m.noon. Learn how to set up an eBay account, how to price items and what the best tactics are for getting the most out of secondhand selling from. For more details, visit eastrockawaylibrary. org. 477 Atlantic Ave.
Visit Planting Fields Arboretum for a delightful stroll among the early bloomers, as part of its First Fridays series, Friday, April 4, 1-2 p.m. Experience the enchanting spring colors at the Margaret Sullivan Heather Garden. Director of Horticulture Donna Moramarco guides visitors through the remarkable collection of azaleas, cherry blossom trees, magnolias, camellias, and more as you stroll the grounds to the recently restored garden.
Discover the rich horticultural history of this space, learn about the Coe family’s dedication to these vibrant flowers, and delve into the vision that the Olmsted Brothers had for this beloved site. $20. Registration required. 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay. Visit plantingfields. org or call (516) 922-9210 to register and for information.
Long Island Children’s Museum opens its doors to a weekend devoted to STEM activities, Saturday and Sunday, March 29-30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., that will ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike. Guest experts offer engaging demonstrations, experiments and interactive activities. Highlights include sampling the science of molecular gastronomy at work with flash frozen ice cream; learn about native and invasive species that swim in Long Island waters; discover how oysters are coming to our rescue; study the water cycle and Long Island’s unique geographic formations and more. Activities free with museum admission. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit licm. org or call (516) 224-5800 for more.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.
Join Egyptologists-authors-professors Drs. Colleen and John Darnell at Nassau County Museum of Art, Sunday, March 30, 3 p.m., for a fascinating lecture on “Egyptomania” in the 1920s. The Darnells are authors of several books and dozens of articles. With academic careers in Egyptology at Yale University, they are committed to bringing ancient Egypt’s rich history, religion, art, and language to a worldwide audience. Their passion for vintage fashion and modeling has led to exciting collaborations with Egypt’s premier jewelry designers, photographers and magazines. Limited seating. Registration required. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students; members free. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org.
Continued from page 1
and changing your perspective of things.”
Scanlon’s work stood out for its use of reflection and lighting contrasts, Cabasso said.
The art guild, a nonprofit, supports visual arts education and exhibition. It offers a range of classes and workshops for artists of all ages, and hosts regular gallery shows to showcase local talent. It also has a section dedicated to the work of high school students.
Cabasso submitted Scanlon’s photo to the exhibition, where it was selected by judges. Scanlon, she said, shows great potential and creativity, particularly with her ability to capture unique perspectives.
“For Lexi’s piece, using a surface that has a reflective quality on the bottom (of the house), where she could see that image reflected, was just a brilliant move on her part,” Cabasso said.
Scanlon started taking photos this year in the school’s courses, such as the 35 millimeter film and digital classes.
“She did very well in the 35 millimeter class, but she kept talking about how excited she was for digital,” Cabasso said. “She is super talented, very passionate and already had a ton of really amazing photos that would just take an (editing) tweak, so she’s got a natural eye.”
While Scanlon is still considering her future career path, she is contemplating pursuing photography professionally.
“I was honestly very surprised because it’s my first year doing photography, and I was just entering my photos into contests just to try it out,” she said. “And it got accepted, which opened more doors to more contests.”
alexandria Scanlon, a sophomore at east rockaway Junior-Senior High School, photographed a house displaced by Hurricane milton in Sarasota, florida, last fall. this month, the photo was selected for the noir et Blanc photography Juried exhibition, hosted by the art guild of port Washington.
of Education meeting on March 12.
Four retirees received standing ovations as trustees read resolutions about their decades of experience at the Lynbrook Board of Education meeting on March 12.
The Lynbrook School District recognized educators and students, including the retirees who represent nearly 140 years of service.
Retirees included Trudy Amodeo, an elementary teacher who served for 34 years at Marion Street; Robert Collorafi, a band teacher who served for 36 years; Claudia Hetzel, an elementary teacher who served for 29 years at Marion Street; and William Leighley, a social studies teacher and coach who served for 33 years at Lynbrook High School.
Students also received praise from trustees and administrators. Recognized were Lynbrook High School Class of 2025 Valedictorian Kate Santoli and Salutatorian Erick Diaz, South Middle School student Allison Wong who won first place in the IACS Women in Science Challenge and the staff of the student-run Horizon newspaper who recently won the firstplace prize for Most Outstanding Newspaper at the annual Press Day and Quill Awards at Adelphi University. Additionally, members of the New York Elks Lodge thanked the district for its participation in the annual Elks National Hoop Shot challenge.
Ainsley
Martinez
Twenty students from Lynbrook North and South middle schools recently sharpened their problem-solving skills by voluntarily tackling an advanced math challenge, the AMC 8 exam.
The AMC 8 is a 25-question, 40-minute multiple-choice exam that provides the opportunity for students to develop a love for analytical thinking and mathematics, which can pave the way for future career success. In a supportive and friendly environment, students tackle unique problemsolving challenges using their classroom knowledge.
Covering a wide range of topics from the middle school math curriculum, the AMC 8 includes counting and probability, estimation, proportional reasoning, elementary geometry like the Pythagorean Theorem, spatial visualization, everyday applications and interpreting graphs and
On behalf of our fire department membership, we wish to applaud the mayor and village board for voting to increase fines and penalties for Lynbrook residents who convert their homes into illegal residences. We know in the fire service that additionally built and added illegal bedrooms can cause a dangerous fire condition for the tenant as well as to the firefighters who must fight the fire. An example in Lynbrook back in 2021 on Shipherd Avenue
tables.
For the second year in a row, Lynbrook middle school students have been selected to compete in this prestigious national exam, showcasing their mathematical prowess. Every participant received a certificate of participation. The district congratulates top scorers Sofia Soroka from North Middle School and Timmy Ezagui from South Middle School.
From North, participants include Devin Georgoulas, Leo Krokoff, Christian Cueto, Marcello Malcangi, Vera Saccone, Lucas Pollin, Shannon Clausen, Owen Ceglie and Sophia Goumennyi. Representing South are Julia Jin, Asher Stukov, Gabrielle Lerner, Sebastian Lerner, Antonio Kret, Rhys Murphy, Matthew Ambery, Audrey Bauer and Kaydie Fine.
Ainsley Martinez
showed the dangers of having an illegal basement apartment when a tenant in the basement, although rescued from his burning bedroom by brave Lynbrook firefighters, died from the fire. Over the years firefighters have fought a number of fires in illegal apartments added to one, and two-family homes in Lynbrook.
—Chief Scott Bien, Lynbrook Fire Department
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST NANCY LINARES, SARA MOTA, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 16, 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 April 10, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 134 Scranton Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 42, Block 172, Lot 48.
Approximate amount of judgment $720,130.13 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604527/2019.
Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-001406 84432 152089
LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF EAST ROCKAWAY
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway will be held on Monday, April 07, 2025, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Village Hall, 376 Atlantic Avenue, East Rockaway, New York. It is at this meeting that all official appointments are made. Additionally,
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway will hold a public hearing at Village Hall, 376 Atlantic Avenue, East Rockaway, New York, on Monday, April 07, 2025, beginning at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering the adoption of the Village of East Rockaway Annual Storm Water report. The report is also available to the Village residents for inspection until the date of the public hearing hereby scheduled. The Board of Trustees will also meet for the purpose of approving the Application for the NCBG Year 51st requesting funding. All interested people are invited to attend.
Theresa Gaffney Village Clerk-Treasurer
DATED: March 24, 2025 152472
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF WORKSHOP NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a WORKSHOP on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 5:30 P.M. in the Board Room at the Village Hall, One Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, NY 11563, to review the following case(s): #1021 - Eddie Murria & Dolce Hernandez-Quiroz, 207 Hempstead Avenue Lynbrook, BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, Ginger Fuentes, Chair Person of the Board of Zoning Appeals, Brian Stanton, Superintendent, Department of Buildings Lynbrook Publish 1X 152454
Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460
E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com
E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com
DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Help Wanted
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K
To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Optimum Media, LLC seeks a Lead Analyst to analyze customer churn dynamics using statistical methods and predictive modeling. Identify data patterns and root causes, and facilitate targeted intervention strategies. Generate actionable reports and analytics for internal and external stakeholders. Identify and prioritize opportunities for reducing Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) erosion. Develop and implement data-driven strategies to enhance customer retention and improve the overall save rate through data analysis and optimization techniques. Craft and deliver datadriven presentations that communicate findings, growth opportunities, and strategic recommendations to business stakeholders. Build and guide a high-performing team of data analysts towards best-inclass analytical practices and methodologies. #LI-DNI Position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, and 4 years of experience with data analytics, statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and data visualization techniques to derive business insights from complex datasets. Experience must include a minimum of: 4 years of experience with SQL for complex data querying, manipulation, and analysis; 4 years of experience with relational databases such as PostgreSQL, GCP, and Oracle; 4 years of experience with data storytelling; 2 years of experience with Python programming for data analysis; 2 years of experience with analytical and business intelligence software including Tableau to create dashboards and reports; and 2 years of experience in managing data analytics projects from conception to delivery. Job location: Bethpage, NY. Rate of Pay: $170,373.00$180,373.00 per year. To apply, please visit https://www.alticecareers.com and search by job title or enter Job ID number: 8431
Hebrew Academy of Long Beach seeks educators to join our exceptional school faculty in fostering a culture of academic exploration and excellence and dedication to spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth of all students. We are currently looking for candidates in the following divisions:
Lev Chana Early Childhood:
• Early Childhood Assistant Teachers
• Early Childhood Head Teachers
HALB Elementary School:
• Middle School Language Arts Teacher
• Elementary School Assistant Teachers
DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys:
• Business and Entrepreneurship Teacher
• Science Teacher
• STEM Teacher
• Math Teacher
• Resource Room Teacher
To learn more about our school community, please visit www.halb.org. We look forward to hearing from you! Please send resumes or inquiries to resumes@halb.org.
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Eldercare Offered
Q. I’m waiting months for a permit and they keep asking for added notes and plan changes, but not all at once. It’s a complete runaround. Why is this happening? My business is losing money and I’m losing patience.
A. Continuing from two weeks ago, people often have unrealistic expectations of the review process. When plans are submitted, the process begins with assigning an application designation. Many departments have a large backlog of applications, which means that they will often get to yours in the order it came in. There are the applications that jump ahead of the line for various reasons, from medical emergencies to fire repair, decisions made by economic development criteria from higher up the government chain, etc.
I’m often asked about who the client can talk to in order to speed things up. This sends a message to me that the whole review process is about to slow down even more. From experience, I reply that the applicant can “try whatever method they want, but be careful.” If someone actually does skip the line, I am aware that it may backfire, because pressuring plan reviewers can sometimes lead to delays and friction when the reviewer kicks the plans back with objections that make the owner insist that the “architect should have known this.”
Objections may seem purposeful, but because they’re legitimate, the application is on hold, and takes pressure off the reviewer. Pressuring the reviewers is not recommended. Architects are burdened enough with never knowing whether they should add all kinds of notes to the plans, or when to keep things simpler. For example, some reviewers want reprints of building code sections on the plans, only to find that another reviewer wants those same notes removed from the plans, causing further delays, to put the researched code notes on plans, and then delays in revising plans afterward. It’s a lose/lose situation guaranteed to cause further delay, but “that’s the way it is.”
There are also delays caused by the fact that your approval process may involve your local jurisdiction, separate review by the fire marshal’s office at the county level, review by the engineering department of your local government and possibly the county department of public works if the property in question is on a county roadway. You may also be asking for something proposed to occupy the building that requires a “change of use” approval, with a zoning case that may add months and even years to the process.
I recently walked with a dentist up and down a commercial district street, and we looked in the windows of three locations the dentist was interested in. Placards on the windows showed announcements for zoning hearings from two to four years ago. All of the businesses were still empty. What does that possibly tell you? There may be inadequate parking or drainage issues, previous open permits not resolved, etc. The process isn’t simple, and you must be prepared for the course it may take. Good luck!
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small businesses are the backbone of Long Island, fueling local economies and creating jobs.
But despite their vital role in empowering Long Islanders and enhancing local main streets, small businesses are struggling. Countless mom-and-pop shops are still reeling from the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, and small-business owners are grappling with inflation and facing fierce competition from corporate giants with massive marketing budgets.
Last month I took a major step to support Long Island’s small-business community by introducing the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally, or LOCAL, Act in the State Senate. The LOCAL Act, which was also introduced in the Assembly by member Jen Luns-
ford, would establish a tax credit for small businesses to promote their goods, products and services in local media outlets, from print and digital to television and radio.
The goal of the LOCAL Act is simple yet powerful: to help small businesses stretch their marketing dollars while connecting with their most important audience, their neighbors.
iThe LOCAL Act would level the playing field for Long Island’s small businesses by making marketing more affordable. It would also support local news outlets, which provide the journalism our communities rely on but that are struggling to stay afloat. As advertising revenue shrinks, more newsrooms are being forced to cut staff or shut down altogether, leaving neighborhoods without the local reporting they count on. The LOCAL Act directly addresses this issue head-on by encouraging small businesses to invest in these news outlets, providing a mutually beneficial lifeline for economic
growth.
t would level the playing field for them by making marketing more affordable.
When small businesses thrive, so do their communities. The LOCAL Act would focus on supporting any business with 10 or fewer employees as well as minority-, woman- and veteran-owned businesses of any size. For many owners of these businesses, the ability to advertise affordably in trusted, community-driven platforms like local newspapers would be a gamechanger. Local media outlets are well positioned to connect businesses with their neighbors and loyal customers who are eager to shop locally and uplift their communities.
Small businesses do more than drive economic growth — they strengthen the neighborhoods they serve, sponsor local initiatives and reflect the cultural identity of their communities. For this reason, The LOCAL Act has already garnered strong support from business groups across Long Island and the state, including the Long Island Association,
the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business and the thousands of small businesses each organization represents, as well as the more than 200 newspapers that make up the Empire State Local News Coalition. This is a testament to the urgency and importance of this legislation.
The LOCAL Act is a clear benefit for all New Yorkers. It’s a chance to make sure every dollar invested in marketing can help Long Island foster a vibrant economic environment where small businesses can grow and communities can prosper.
State legislators have a real chance to invest in solutions that make a difference for businesses and local economies across New York this year. By working alongside the Long Island business and local news community to pass this transformative bill, we will empower small businesses, uplift local journalism and create stronger, more vibrant communities for generations to come.
Monica Martinez represents the 4th State Senate District.
The current threat of deportation for many of Long Island’s immigrants is unjust, unwise and cruel. Members of Pax Christi Long Island, representing the Catholic peace movement, urge our community to recognize the long tradition of Catholic social teaching that guides us to the command of Jesus in Matthew 25 that we “welcome the stranger.”
As a devout Jew, Jesus knew well the command of Leviticus 19:33-34: “When an alien resides with you in your land, do not mistreat such a one. You shall treat the alien who resides with you no different than the natives born among you …”
Catholic bishops:
“I have followed closely the major crisis that is taking place in the United States with the initiation of a program of mass deportations. The rightly formed conscience cannot fail to make a critical judgment and express its disagreement with any measure that tacitly or explicitly identifies the illegal status of some migrants with criminality.
Our belief in the dignity of the human person demands that we treat immigrants with respect and recognize their great contributions. But our nation imposes quotas and bureaucracies that make legal immigration overwhelmingly difficult, and brands those who flee their troubled homelands as “illegals.”
At this time, our nation seems to be both shunning and relying on immigrants. As a new surge of poisonous nativism creates fear among the immigrant communities, Pope Francis has spoken clearly in a letter to American
At the same time, one must recognize the right of a nation to defend itself and keep communities safe from those who have committed violent or serious crimes while in the country or prior to arrival. That said, the act of deporting people who in many cases have left their own land for reasons of extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution or serious deterioration of the environment, damages the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families, and places them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness. . . . The true common good is promoted when society and government, with creativity and strict respect for the rights of all — as I have affirmed on numerous occasions — welcomes, protects, promotes and integrates the most fragile, unprotected and vulnerable.”
As Long Island residents, we have deep connections with the immigrant community. They are family members, friends, classmates, neighbors and coworkers. Our decades of experience show that most immigrants are hardworking and law-abiding. The Immigration Research Institute reports that immigrants account for 22 percent of Long Island’s economic output. Across New York state, undocumented immigrants contribute $1.1 billion in state and local taxes.
We value and respect local law enforcement officers. We remind them that enforcing federal policy on immigrants is the responsibility of the federal government. We urge local law enforcement to refrain from collaboration with federal immigration agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, unless a person is detained because of a criminal act or has a criminal record. We also remind local law enforcement that:
ship have always been respected as places of refuge. No law enforcement agency should be allowed to violate those spaces without probable cause.
■ People reporting crimes should not be forced to prove their identity before they are helped. This is especially true in cases of domestic violence.
■ Minors should not be intimidated or questioned unnecessarily; rather, they should be protected.
Pax Christi Long Island stands with our immigrant community because it’s the right thing to do. We acknowledge their sizable contribution to the health and welfare of Long Island. We ask all Long Islanders to embrace and protect them nonviolently from injustice and abuse. We hope to remain true to our religious tradition and the universal standard of decency, by treating all people the way we would like to be treated.
■ No one can enter a private dwelling unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. An administrative order signed by ICE does not meet legal criteria for entering a private dwelling.
■ Hospitals, schools, and places of wor-
Pax Christi Long Island members Sister Mary Beth Moore and Sister Evelyn Lamoureux are Catholic nuns who have worked with immigrants for decades. Pax Christi Long Island can be contacted at catholic peaceli@gmail.com.
new York state is on the verge of making a critical mistake — one that could jeopardize the safety of our communities while stripping local governments of their rightful authority to protect their residents. Senate Bill S5506 proposes to transfer the approval and siting of battery energy storage systems to the hands of an unelected state agency, the Office of Renewable Energy Siting, overriding local moratoriums and zoning laws enacted for public safety. This is an unacceptable overreach, and I strongly oppose it.
Battery storage systems, particularly large-scale lithium-ion facilities, pose serious risks. They have a well-documented history of catastrophic fires that firefighters have no reliable means to extinguish. In many cases, the only option is to let these fires burn out, releasing toxic fumes and heavy metals into the air, soil and water.
We’ve seen the consequences firsthand. In California, the Vista and Otay Mesa battery storage facility fires resulted in significant environmental damage and community evacuations.
nHere in New York, Lyme, the Hamptons and Warwick have experienced similar fires. These incidents leave communities grappling with health hazards, environmental destruction and unanswered questions about the long-term risks.
Municipalities such as Mahopac, Duanesburg and Amsterdam have wisely enacted bans or moratoriums on BESS installations, and others are considering similar measures. Residents who have conducted independent research understand the risks and are unwilling to wait for a disaster to confirm their fears. Even industry representatives, when pressed, admit they wouldn’t live near one of these facilities — admissions that speak volumes.
Tfires won’t happen again. And if they do, no one has a proven method to contain them. “Let it burn” is not a fire-suppression strategy.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Fire Interagency Working Group is still trying to develop recommendations on how to handle these fires, which proves one thing: The state is not prepared. If emergency response teams don’t yet know how to handle BESS fires, why are we rushing to install these facilities near homes and schools?
he risks posed by these facilities far outweigh any speculative benefits.
Supporters of these projects argue that battery storage is essential for renewable energy. But let’s be clear: BESS facilities do not generate energy — they only store it. Worse, they require constant power to maintain cooling systems. When those systems fail, the results can be deadly. Many of these facilities even require backup diesel generators, completely undermining New York’s so-called green energy goals. This isn’t about opposing renewable energy — it’s about ensuring public safety. No one can guarantee that these
Furthermore, the financial burden of these projects remains largely unknown. The cost of a single proposed BESS in the Town of Hempstead is estimated at $14 million, with upgrades required every 10 to 15 years. Who will ultimately foot the bill? The answer is simple: New York’s already overburdened taxpayers. New evidence suggests deep conflicts of interest in the BESS industry. Paul Rogers, a former FDNY lieutenant and a proponent of BESS, is a founder of Energy Safety Response Group, which has contracts with several battery-storage companies on Long Island and across the nation. Rogers has attended community meetings, and assured residents that “nothing’s going to happen” — an assertion proven false time and again.
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President Doreen Harris recently voted to ban BESS in her hometown of Duanesburg, citing public-health risks. Yet her agency pushes for these facilities to be forced on other communities. This level of hypocrisy is staggering, and unacceptable. New York is a home-rule state, and it must remain that way. No one knows our communities better than the local officials elected to represent them. Removing their authority in favor of an unelected state agency is an affront to the people of New York.
We must learn from California’s failures, not repeat them. The risks posed by these battery storage facilities far outweigh any speculative benefits. I urge my colleagues in the Legislature to reject Senate Bill S5506 and allow local governments to continue protecting their communities.
There is no “greater good” when the cost is putting New Yorkers in harm’s way. We must take a stand. Urge Governor Hochul to stop the mandates, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and the Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment, or RAPID, Act. The health and safety of our communities must take priority over Albany’s green energy agenda.
Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.
ew York is one of only four states in the nation with an archaic law that stands in the way of prosecuting drugged drivers. It doesn’t permit drugged driving charges unless the drug is on a statutory list of controlled substances, no matter how impaired the driver is. Law enforcement officers must identify the drug before they can test the driver, and if it’s not on the list, they can’t charge the driver with DUI. As a result, drivers are sometimes not held accountable for endangering innocent lives.
It is vital that this law be changed to close this loophole, so that law enforcement can make our roads safer by charging drivers who are under the influence of any impairing drug. In 2023, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended that New York eliminate the restrictive controlled-substance list. With new synthetic drugs continually emerging, relying on a list is futile — especially since some of the most devas-
tating vehicular accidents have involved individuals who were dangerously impaired by a mixture of drugs, making it difficult to precisely identify them. It’s important to note that when a driver is charged with DWI, the type of alcohol doesn’t need to be identified. It should be the same way with drugs.
T
I am a cosponsor of the Deadly Driving Bill (A.3981), I strongly advocate passing it right away, and I also support the governor’s drugged-driving budget proposal. It is paramount that we close this dangerous loophole in order to protect drivers and passengers across the state by getting dangerously impaired people off the road.
Yorkers from Drugged Driving, the state District Attorneys Association and more than 40 other organizations.
he Deadly Driving Bill would close a dangerous loophole in state law.
I commend the wide coalition of traffic safety advocates, public health organizations, criminal justice professionals, businesses and organizations that are working collaboratively to champion passage of this law. This has been a 17-year-long mission for Maureen McCormick, special assistant district attorney for legislative initiatives in Suffolk County, as well as for a growing list of Long Island families that have lost loved ones, the Coalition to Protect New
My heart breaks for families that have experienced the devastating loss of loved ones, and those who are caring for family members with traumatic injuries. They have courageously shared their stories about their daughters, sons, mothers and fathers, conveying their immense loss in an effort to ensure that no other families feels the pain they have suffered. It’s astonishing that opposition to this bill remains.
In some states, there have been false claims of arrests for coffee, aspirin, or food allergies or additives. I can understand the concern about ensuring that laws are enforced equitably, and not used to target people based on race, but five years of drugged-driving arrest data by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service revealed that roughly 70 to 75 percent of those arrested were white, 11 to 14 percent were Black and 9 to 11 percent were Hispanic. If this law goes into effect, this data should continue to be tracked to ensure racial equity.
Here are some illuminating statistics
reported by Newsday:
■ About 41 percent of the 695 traffic fatalities in Suffolk County from 2019 to 2023 involved “substance-related” drivers, and about 35 percent in Nassau. Both counties are higher than the statewide rate of 31 percent. Nassau County’s traffic fatality rate, 4.8 deaths per 100,000 population, was slightly lower than the statewide average. The Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research defines “substance-related” crashes as involving alcohol, illegal drugs and/or prescription medication, as recorded in police crash reports, tickets, and alcohol test and/or drug tests. (Testing positive for drugs or alcohol does not necessarily indicate impairment.)
■ In New York, there was a 24 percent increase in roadway fatalities between 2018 and 2022, a 15 percent increase in fatalities involving drivers who had been drinking, and a 35 percent increase in drug-related driving fatalities.
■ Between 2018 and 2022, the number of drivers refusing to take chemical tests doubled, from 11 to 22 percent. Drivers can refuse the test, unless a crash involves a serious injury or death.
■ Between 2013 and 2022, there was an 87 percent increase in the number of drivers involved in fatal crashes who
Established 1994
Incorporating East Rockaway Observer Lynbrook
recent actions by the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies to remove web pages highlighting the contributions of Black, Hispanic and female veterans raise a critical question: Are we confusing history with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives? And more important, what does the loss of historical information mean for present and future generations?
The removal of these pages from Arlington National Cemetery’s website, along with thousands of other web pages across government platforms, was carried out to comply with an executive order issued by President Trump.
The order, which aimed to eliminate DEI initiatives in federal programs, mandated that any DEI-related content published between Jan. 20, 2021, and Jan. 19 of this year be either archived or removed. As a result, significant historical records, including those recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of marginalized groups in the U.S. military, have been erased from public view.
The decision reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the distinction between diversity efforts and historical documentation. DEI initiatives are designed to promote fairness, representation and opportunity for marginalized communities. History, on the other hand, is an objective record of the past — one that cannot be rewritten or selec-
tively deleted without serious consequences for society as a whole.
When we remove historical information under the guise of eliminating DEI, we are erasing the stories and experiences that have shaped the nation. The contributions of African American soldiers who fought in segregated units during World War II, the bravery of Hispanic servicemen in the Korean War, and the pioneering achievements of female military officers are not “DEI content.” They are part of the fabric of American history.
By erasing these stories from public platforms, we are denying future generations the opportunity to learn from the struggles and triumphs of those who came before them. We are also depriving historically marginalized communities of the recognition and respect they deserve. History gives us a deeper understanding of our nation’s progress — and its failures. Without it, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past and failing to appreciate the diversity and resilience that define America.
The removal of content highlighting the contributions of marginalized groups does not end DEI; it merely attempts to silence the voices of those who have long fought for recognition and equality in our society. The effort to scrub this content from government websites sets a dangerous precedent. It suggests that historical facts can be elimi-
To the Editor:
On March 7, hundreds gathered at the State Office Building in Hauppauge to advocate for a 7.8 percent targeted increase in Medicaid rates for disability services to address rising costs, ensure fair pay for staff, and stabilize the care system for people with disabilities.
As a father of an adult child with disabilities who relies on Medicaid-supported services, I feel an overwhelming responsibility to advocate for the protection and support of staff, whose roles are crucial in caring for those with disabilities. These significant issues have profound personal and far-reaching effects for families like mine.
For over 25 years, my son Bobby has received exceptional care from the Developmental Disabilities Institute in Smithtown. The dedication and compassion of their staff have greatly enriched his life, helping him accomplish daily tasks. Their work is more than just a job; it is a calling driven by empathy and a commitment to improving lives. These critical services deserve fair compensation and job security.
In addition, the proposed hundreds of billion of dollars in cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental
nated or hidden when they become politically inconvenient. That isn’t the behavior of a free and democratic society.
The loss of historical information has far-reaching implications. For educators and students, online resources serve as vital tools for teaching American history. For researchers and historians, they provide access to primary sources and documentation that help us understand the evolution of social and political movements.
Restoring the content that was removed from Arlington National Cemetery’s website and other federal platforms isn’t just about complying with government policy — it’s about protecting the truth. Historical documentation must be treated as sacred, separate from politics or ideological battles. Federal agencies must prioritize the preservation of historical records, regardless of whether those stories align with the current political environment. Educational institutions, historians and advocacy groups must also work to archive and share information through independent platforms to ensure that those stories are not lost forever.
In a democracy, history belongs to the people — all the people. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard that history, not erase it. Without an honest and complete understanding of our past, we cannot hope to build a more just and equitable future.
Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are deeply troubling. These programs serve as lifelines, supporting people like my son and often the staff caring for him and his peers, many of whom seek supplemental food support
because of their low-wage status. Cutting funds for these programs is more than an economic decision; it is a moral one that will have devastating consequences for vulnerable populations.
as high school seniors and others contemplate their college plans, it is timely to remind them about the purpose of higher education. This is especially true at a time when there are those who question the value of universities and focus on vocational rather than on advanced education. Critics also tend to focus on the means for learning rather than on its purpose.
roBert a . sCott
A college education is much more than job prep. It is as much about character development and preparation for civic engagement as it is about preparing for a career. Too many people focus on immediate job placement instead of preparing for a life with the potential for multiple careers.
As Bill Gates once said, jobs are eliminated, but “work” — opportunities for solving problems — expands. So how best can students prepare for a future in which they see themselves as problem-solvers in constantly evolving work settings? That’s the role of colleges and universities.
In 1900, farm employment accounted for nearly 40 percent of all jobs. Today it’s about 10 percent. Technology and new management techniques are the
difference. At the end of World War II, service industries accounted for 10 percent of nonfarm employment, compared with 38 percent for manufacturing. Since the 1970s, the American economy has moved away from producing goods to providing services, and the service sector has accounted for an increasing proportion of jobs and workers.
CThe work necessary for sustainable, civil communities will continue to expand. Technological tools are increasingly available, but create ethical challenges and require educated judgment. AI should be used as a tool, not as a crutch or a substitute for thinking. Work requires information verification, not just data gathering. AI will eliminate jobs, and those graduating from colleges and universities must be prepared for this new world of employment options.
ollege is as much about character development as it is about career prep.
ing a civilization compatible with its inhabitants’ aspirations and the limitations of the natural environment; teach students to appreciate other cultures; and apply theory to practical problems. Colleges seek to help students’ transformation into productive citizens and professionals. Cooperative education, internships and service learning all reinforce classroom learning. Students gain the confidence to formulate ideas, take initiative, increase their ability to reason in different modes, solve problems, and develop communication and computational skills as well as imagination, the ability to consider ideas from different angles through exposure to the arts, literature and other cultures.
■ Graduates have lower unemployment rates than those with only a high school diploma. They also report higher job satisfaction and better career prospects.
■ Most graduates view their college education as a good investment.
We know the skills and abilities that organizations want in employees. Beyond technological know-how, they want people who can learn to analyze problems and create ethical solutions — i.e., add value and perform — without AI support. These are the skills and abilities necessary for all work, from corporate to public service to community-based jobs.
The purpose of a college education is to help students advance their knowledge, both general and expert; skills such as writing and speaking; abilities such as analysis and leadership; and values such as respect for others and teamwork. This includes the ability to understand the choices that await them as citizens, consumers, decision-makers, and arbiters of ethical alternatives. The purpose is also is to inspire students to contemplate the meaning of life; help them become capable of build-
I urge our local congressional representatives, including Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino, to oppose these cuts. I encourage them to advocate for sustainable funding that prioritizes the well-being of those who depend on these critical support services. An investment now will secure the present and safeguard the future for people like my son.
JoSePh
W. SChMIdT Board of Directors chair Developmental Disabilities Institute Wantagh
To the editor:
Nassau County has received $95.5 million from New York state for opioid treatment and awareness, part of the opioid lawsuit settlement. of that amount, $39.5 million has been awarded. h owever, awarded does not mean spent. In reality, the county has only spent $3 million of that
$95.5 million.
Meanwhile, 210 residents died of overdoses in 2023. data for 2024 has not yet been released.
To make matters worse, County e xecutive Bruce Blakeman has been publicly highlighting the $39.5 million in awarded funds — an impressive figure on its face — while omitting the far less impressive $3 million that has actually been spent.
This lackadaisical approach to deploying lifesaving resources is not only negligent and callous, but also appears to be financially motivated. Since receiving the funds, Nassau County has accrued millions in interest from the unspent balance sitting idle on its books.
What does it say about our county executive that he appears willing to gamble with lives for financial gain? Surely there are more ethical and effective ways to manage the county’s finances — ones that don’t come at the expense of public health.
PeTroS KroMMIdAS Baldwin
They learn how to learn on their own as well as in groups. We hope they will learn to think strategically about their lives, even taking a job so they have a base from which to pursue bigger dreams. We also hope they will develop a sense of humor and can laugh at themselves.
The benefits of college graduation are well known:
■ Possessing a degree provides access to a wider array of opportunities.
■ Certain fields in technology, health care and education require a degree.
Just think of the work to be done in a society: clean, affordable and dependable energy sources; reliable, inexpensive mass transportation and infrastructure; secure information systems; effective schools, health care, and fire and flood protection; safe, nourishing and affordable food; affordable housing; clean water and sanitation; peaceful relations among nations; and equal access to the rule of law.
These and other requirements for a sustainable, civil society represent problems to be identified, analyzed and solved — work to be done.
Dr. Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author of “Letters to Student: What it Means to be a College Graduate” (Roman & Littlefield, 2024).
Thursday, April 10, 2025
