Courtesy East Rockaway Public Schools East Rockaway senior Angelica Garcia, a talented photographer, has been selected as a 2026 Long Island Scholar-Artist.
Student named 2026 Long Island Scholar-Artist for photography
By AINSlEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Angelica Garcia, a senior at East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School student, isn’t sure which photo won her the Long Island Scholar-Artist award, presented by the Long Island Arts Alliance and Newsday.
Maybe it was the orchid against a pitchblack background. Maybe it was one of her landscapes, which account for the majority of her photos, because nature is “everywhere and anywhere,” she said.
But Garcia remembers how it all began: with her mother.
“Things that people can usually pass by every day, she used to take pictures of, so it
made me aware of it,” Garcia said. “So I was like, ‘Oh, this would be a nice picture. Those would be nice pictures.’ I think that’s what got me into it.”
This summer, her quiet observation of the world around her earned her one of Long Island’s most prestigious student art honors. Garcia was recognized in the Media Arts category for her photography— one of only 40 students selected across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
“I’m just really grateful,” she said. “Not many people get it, and it was a shock to me. Sometimes I just need to take myself out of my own things, because I always feel a doubt that my photos are not good or whatever.”
What is AI’s role in class?
Teachers, students and new-age tech
By AINSlEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
On a mild August morning, English teacher Sare Perrone sat in an empty classroom at East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School, her fingers tracing the edge of a fresh stack of writing journals. She was already planning, mapping out and thinking how words would bounce among young minds in the months ahead.
Y“I think I’m most looking forward to taking more risks in the classroom,” Perrone said. “My 11thgraders are such strong readers and writers. I’d like to have them mentor my ninth-graders, especially when we’re working on opinion pieces. The collaboration could be incredible.”
She encourages her AP students to write by hand, a way to attune to each student’s natural voice. But she also prompts them to feed their thesis ideas into AI systems, compare the output with their own drafts, and evaluate what the tool gets wrong.
“It’s not about banning it,” Perrone said. “It’s about teaching them how to use it responsibly.”
can’t hide from AI.
SARE PERRoNE English teacher
But beyond that vision, a more urgent question lingers in many teachers’ minds this year: Where does artificial intelligence fit in inside the classroom, or doesn’t it?
Perrone doesn’t pretend AI isn’t here. She doesn’t pretend it’s a distant threat. She confronts it.
“You can’t hide from AI,” she said.
In smaller classrooms at Centre Avenue Elementary School, teachers ToniAnn Donald and Linda Grace are working complementary shifts.
Donald, a fifthgrade instructor, has fully embraced project-based learning, in which students build pencil holders out of empty cans, coach one another on pitching techniques, debate and then present their work.
“It’s about developing a plethora of skills: planning, communication, iteration,” Donald said, “and that carries over into how they show up for each other.”
As teachers let students draft, brainstorm, fail, revise and present — when success is
ContInuEd on pAGE 20
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Sept. Lynbrook village board meeting roundup
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
1Ocean Avenue field to be turfed, lighting added.
A major recreational improvement was approved for Ocean Avenue Field. Thanks to a secured grant, the field will be resurfaced with synthetic turf, allowing for year-round, multisport use. The project is expected to primarily benefit youth sports teams like the Lynbrook Titans soccer program and could expand the village’s ability to host local tournaments. While the field is not expected to accommodate full football games due to size limitations, it will support a range of practices and recreational play. Lighting will also be installed to extend usable hours and improve safety. The board unanimously approved the motion and expressed gratitude to those who helped secure the funding. The turf installation reflects a broader goal of
improving and maintaining community athletic facilities.
2Speed limit reductions and traffic safety measures planned.
In response to growing resident concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety, the village board confirmed that a plan is in motion to lower speed limits on side streets throughout Lynbrook. The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve road safety in residential areas. Specific speed limits and signage changes are being finalized, and the Lynbrook Police Department will begin enforcement once the new limits are implemented. Additional concerns were raised during public comments regarding truck traffic on Ocean Avenue, where vehicles may be violating existing restrictions. The board agreed to review current signage and coordinate with both Lynbrook
and Nassau County police to ensure compliance and enhance enforcement. The measures come amid community calls for stronger protections for pedestrians and cyclists.
3
New emergency alert system to cut costs, improve communication.
The board approved a switch to a new emergency alert vendor, Regroup, which is expected to enhance village communication while saving more than $8,000 annually. The new system will provide timely alerts for emergencies, public safety notices, and community updates. It replaces a previous vendor at a significantly reduced cost, with no reduction in service capability. Officials emphasized that residents will still receive notifications via phone, text, and email, depend-
ing on preferences. The cost savings will be redirected to other municipal needs, and staff training on the new platform is already underway. The transition will be complete before the winter season, ensuring readiness for weather-related alerts and public safety messages.
4
Edward Field named Lynbrook’s first poet laureate.
Edward Field, a 102-year-old poet and World War II veteran, was officially named Lynbrook’s first-ever Poet Laureate.
A graduate of Lynbrook High School’s class of 1941, Field has earned wide recognition for his poetry, including the prestigious Lamont Poetry Prize. During the ceremony, a poem referencing Lynbrook was read aloud, and Mayor Alan Beach signed a proclamation honoring Field’s appointment.
5
Safety concerns and redevelopment proposals discussed.
Residents and board members expressed concern over repeated disturbances, including reports of theft and large-scale altercations. In one instance, a stolen phone tracked via AirTag led to the hotel, where law enforcement was already responding to a separate incident. The board acknowledged the longstanding issues and noted that police presence remains high in the area. Redevelopment discussions are underway, with a proposal to convert the site into three new homes and renovate two existing structures. Though details are still under review, the board strongly supports a return to residential use and will continue working with relevant agencies to address safety concerns.
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Knights of Columbus hosts wine night
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
The rosé and pinot grigio flowed at the Malverne Civic Association’s annual wine tasting fundraiser Friday evening.
In years past the event has been held at the Malverne Historic House, the American Legion Hall, and Crossroads Farm. This year, the Civic partnered with the Knights of Columbus hall in Lynbrook to accommodate a growing attendance.
“We have a great selection of wines,” Jennifer Prizzi, president of the Malverne Civic Association, said. “We try to do something different every year and have a different selection for our guests.”
The theme of the evening was “A Night Under the Stars,” with five tents set up for tasting in the Knights of Columbus backyard parking lot. Each tent served a different red and white wine sourced from Cappy’s Warehouse Wine & Spirits, and some tables also offered snacks.
Every attendee received a tasting cup to carry with them to each station. The band T-10 performed live music throughout the event.
“It’s a wine tasting,” Prizzi said. “So you get to sample all the wines and a little more than a sample as we go through the night.”
With the purchase of a $40 event ticket, attendees support both the Civic Association and the Knights.
“The money that we raise goes back into Malverne and the things that the Malverne Civic does for the community, such as the Groundhog Day, Lighting of Malverne, and other events,” Prizzi said.
“We were approached by the Malverne Civic,” Gino Van Haaren, president of the Lynbrook Knights, said. “They said they needed a place to have their event and we were more than welcome to host. It’s a great night.”
The Knights of Columbus served burgers and hot dogs off the barbecue, as well as chips and other treats. Malverne Civic Association tumblers and shirts were also for sale at the event.
T-10 performed popular music throughout the night.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
The Malverne Civic Association held their annual wine fundraiser at the Lynbrook Knights of Columbus on Sept. 12.
Ed and Patrice Hassel poured wine with former Malverne Mayor Keith Corbett.
Malverne residents look forward to the yearly wine tasting event supporting the Civic Association.
Sierra and Jason Cortapasso tasted a range of wines.
Gerald and MJ Beedenbender, left, from Long Beach enjoyed wine served by volunteers Don Brady and Tony Marino.
Taking Back Control with a Living Trust
In the fall of 1990, thirty-five years ago, your writer first heard of the proposition that if you set up a living trust your estate doesn’t have to go to court to settle – the so-called probate court proceeding for wills. Having spent the previous eleven years as a litigation attorney, and having faced numerous problems probating wills, this sounded too good to be true.
At the time, some of the best estate planning lawyers were in Florida. Perhaps you can guess why. In any event, off I went to Florida to train as an estate planning lawyer and, upon returning, closed the litigation practice and founded Ettinger Law Firm in April 1991, to keep people just like you, dear reader, out of probate court.
The reason I was so excited about the living trust, and continue to be so to this day, is the concept of taking back control from the courts and government and giving it back to you and your family. After all, who doesn’t want control over their affairs?
When you go to court, who’s in charge? The judge, right? Now tell me, does the judge
always act in your best interest? Does the judge ever make a mistake? And when the judge says jump, you know what the answer is!
Not only do you pay considerably for this privilege, but it can take many months and often years to complete the probate court proceeding. Meantime, houses cannot be sold, bank accounts accessed, or investment portfolios managed – at least without the judge’s permission which involves additional time and resources to request. Of course, that permission may be denied as well.
With a living trust, your trustee (formerly your “executor” under the will) may act immediately upon death to sell the house, pay the bills and handle the investments – no permission required! An additional benefit is, in the event you become unable to handle your affairs later in life, your trustee may take over by simply getting a letter from your doctor showing you are unable to handle your legal and financial affairs. Essentially then, a living trust gives you back the control your may have thought you had.
ETTINGER LAW FIRM
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Wounded servicewomen receive treatment
On Sept. 19, five wounded servicewomen from the U.S. Marines and U.S. Army, along with their chaperone, arrived in Lynbrook. They are receiving rehabilitation at the Soldier Recovery Unit at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
The servicewomen were welcomed with a procession under a large American flag flown between Lynbrook’s Truck Company 427 and Malverne’s Truck 434, while firefighters and fire trucks lined Earle Avenue.
On Sept. 20, the group toured the
Firefighters Museum in Mitchell Field before returning to Lynbrook for the Wounded Warrior Classic Car Show and the Lynbrook Fire Department’s 14th Annual fundraiser for Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior.
During the fundraiser, the servicewomen received several prizes, including two vacation trips to the Bahamas.
-Ainsley Martinez
During the fundraiser, the servicewomen received several prizes, including two vacation trips to the Bahamas. They returned to Fort Belvoir on Sept. 21.
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Courtesy Steve Grogan
Wounded servicewomen from the U.S. Marines and Army arrive in Lynbrook on Sept. 19, greeted by firefighters under a large American flag flying between Truck Company 427 and Malverne’s Truck 434.
LUKE MARTINI WANTAGH Sophomore FOOTBALL
IT WAS A HISTORIC 2024 for Martini and the Warriors as they captured both the Nassau Conference IV and Long Island Class IV titles. One of a handful of returning starters and a rise to Confernece III, Martini is being counted on to produce even more. So far, so good. He led a 35-7 victory at Elmont Sept. 20 with four rushing touchdowns, all coming in the second half. He finished with 195 yards on the ground with his longest score covering 78.
GAMES TO WATCH
Friday, Oct. 3
Football: Carey at V.S. North 4:30 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Farmingdale at East Meadow 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Seaford 5 p.m.
Football: Mepham at Glen Cove 6 p.m.
Football: Baldwin at V.S. Central 6 p.m.
Football: Plainedge at Lynbrook 6 p.m.
Football: Seaford at East Rockaway 6 p.m.
Football: Oceanside at Massapequa 6:30 p.m.
Football: South Side at Bethpage 6:30 p.m.
Football: Farmingdale at Freeport 7 p.m.
Football: Garden City at MacArthur 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 4
Girls Soccer: Garden City at Wantagh 2 p.m.
Football: Syosset at Uniondale 3 p.m.
Football: Lawrence at West Hempstead 3 p.m.
Football: Hempstead at Hicksville 3 p.m.
Football: Manhasset at V.S. South 3 p.m.
Football: Mineola at Sewanhaka 3 p.m.
Football: Wantagh at Clarke 3 p.m.
Football: Hewlett at Division 3 p.m.
Football: Roosevelt at East Meadow 3 p.m.
Football: Jericho at Kennedy 3 p.m.
Football: C.S. Harbor at North Shore 3 p.m.
Football: Floral Park at Elmont 3 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
Unbeaten Lynbrook eyes big things
By MARC BERMAN sports@liherald.com
A special season is brewing for Lynbrook’s girls soccer team, which is in first place in Conference AB-2 with a 6-0-1 record.
Last season, the Owls, too, were unbeaten in the conference (6-0-3) but lost the conference title race to Cold Spring Harbor because they had one more draw.
This season shapes up as a juicier proposition. Thirteen seniors returned, highlighted by a sturdy, all-senior backline.
Too, Lynbrook has enough scoring prowess in senior snipers Leah Casolaro and Bella Medrano, both of whom have 6 goals, to stamp the Owls as a Nassau Class A title contender.
Lynbrook hasn’t won the county title since 2002 – the only time it has done so. That season, the Owls cruised to the Long Island championship, yet hasn’t been back to the county finals since.
“We have a strong core returning,’’ coach Jenna Crimmins said.” We have a really good shot at taking it a step further, further than Lynbrook has gone in a really long time. But our first goal is to win the conference. We have a ways to go before (talking county title).’’
Lynbrook hasn’t won a conference title since 2015. Lynbrook stands at 6-1-1 overall with its lone loss a nonleague match Sept. 25 versus Floral Park.
Last Saturday, Lynbrook bounced back with a 3-0 win over Wheatley as Medrano netted two goals. (she has 3 scores in the past two contests.) Medrano, a forward
known for her dangerous speed, also has 4 assists. “She’s a consistent scoring threat and scores on both sides of the goal,’’ Crimmins said. “She’s superfast and puts constant pressure on opposing defenses,’’
Opponents can’t just focus on one Owls player. Casolaro, a midfielder/forward who is committed to play soccer at University of South-CarolinaAiken, is also sharpshooter.
“She’s the X-factor,’’ Crimmins said. “She has a physical presence where every team is aware of her. She’s very calm and composed with her dribbling. When she gets the ball, it puts teams on their heels.’’
And yet Lynbrook’s strength is its defenders. Senior captain Payton Stalter, the centerback, and Ella Carroll are anchors. Maggie Mattera and Lea Pisano are considered quality defenders to make a stingy foursome.
“They’ve been playing together for two, three seasons and have a pretty strong level of comfort and trust,’’ Crimmins said.
Stalter is the leader and a captain – a standout since the 8th grade. A 2024 All-County selection, Statter missed three games earlier this season because of an injury but is back. “She’s very reliable with good foot skills and composure,’’ Crimmins said. “She’s played with maturity since 8th grade.’’
Carroll, also a captain, even chipped in offensively, scoring the lone goal in a draw with Island Trees Sept. 17. Midfielder Addison DiFiore (2 goals 1 assist) is another key as she can play midfield and defense, and is a vocal, versatile force.
Then there are two underclassmen contributing. Sophomore center midfielder Bella Tjaden has been a surprise.
“She quietly does the grind work,’’ Crimmins said. “She’s the pass before the assist.’’
The best assist-collector is junior midfielder Olivia Ramire, who has 6 helpers.
Experienced talent blended with a tight-knit group shapes up as the best squad in Crimmins’ five years with the program. The players hold pasta parties before many games.
“They have a strong
respect and camaraderie for each other,’’ Crimmins said. “In years past, it was difficult to get everyone on the same page. We have really strong captains and leadership this year. Everyone is taking this very seriously. Thet spend a lot of time outside practice.’’ Last season ended in a first-round playoff loss to Seaford, which advanced to the semifinals. A crucial nonleague rematch looms Oct. 15. “A little test to see if we can play to a higher level,’’ Crimmins said.
Senior Leah Casolaro is one of the driving forces for the Owls, who entered this week’s action undefeated through seven conference games.
Grace Hughes/Herald
News brief
The Langdon to host opening event
The Langdon at Lynbrook Station, Long Island’s newest transit-oriented development, will celebrate its opening with a street fair at 1 Langdon Place in Lynbrook on Oct. 4 between 4- 9 p.m. All sponsorship funds from the event will benefit Mount Sinai South Nassau’s expanding cardiac services program
“With music, food, games, and entertainment, it’s our way of introducing people across the Island and New York City to a $100 million luxury apartment community that is literally steps away from a LIRR station that can transport you to Manhattan in thirty minutes,” said David Orwasher, chief development officer at Breslin Realty Development Corporation.
Orwasher said the most significant aspect of the event is that all sponsorship funds from the street fair will support Mount Sinai South Nassau’s growing cardiac services program, which will introduce advanced procedures, such as openheart surgery, to the south shore of Nassau County for the first time.
The Langdon, a partnership between Breslin and Fields Grade Development, includes 201 luxury
rental apartments adjacent to the Long Island Rail Road station and within the village’s walkable downtown.
“It’s an event that celebrates The Langdon and revitalization of Lynbrook,” Breslin said.
The leasing office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. The office can be reached at 516-7750001.
Community amenities at The Langdon include a rooftop terrace with skyline views, landscaped courtyard, resident lounge with billiards, fitness center, concierge services, work-from-home stations, and a lobby café. Apartment features include floor-to-ceiling windows, in-unit washer/dryers, walk-in closets, stainless steel appliances, wide plank flooring, and layouts designed to offer ample storage.
“It’s great for our businesses, and right in the heart of Lynbrook,” said Polly Talbott, executive director of the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce.
—Ainsley Martinez
Town proposes 18 percent tax cut for 2026
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Just under six weeks before Election Day, the Town of Hempstead unveiled an 18 percent tax cut in its general fund as part of its 2026 budget.
The tax cut is anticipated to reduce the overall tax levy by $5 million, according to town officials, by “directly putting that money back into the pockets of every single taxpayer,” said John Ferretti, who was appointed town supervisor on Aug. 5 after Don Clavin resigned.
The announcement was made at Hempstead Town Hall on Sept. 25, 50 days after Ferretti was appointed.
“This budget is the result of fiscal responsibility, bipartisan collaboration and a deep commitment to preserving the suburban quality of life that makes the Town of Hempstead so special,” he added.
The budget was crafted to provide relief to families struggling with infla- our community’s suburban dream of an affordable quality of life,” Ferretti said.
transparency from the town.
the rate is less than 1 cent per dollar for those living in incorporated villages.
Town services include maintaining 1,200 miles of roadway; managing over 200 parks and recreational facilities; and providing sanitation services for 85,000 homes, clean water for over 121,000 customers and programs for more than 200,000 senior residents, as well as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, building permits, code enforcement, and much more.
Oceanside resident Danielle Asher said she was perplexed about how the town could cut taxes 18 percent now, after a substantial tax increase was implemented earlier this year.
“I need an explanation of how the problems were resolved that made them raise our taxes 12 percent in the first place,” Asher wrote on Facebook. “If the budget is remaining flat, then who is splitting the bill?”
“The town’s $576 million budget still manages to cut taxes while preservingture and supporting residents of all
stead residents deserve lower taxes, but he contends that they also deserve more
“If Ferretti and his Republican allies truly wanted to save taxpayers’ money, the first thing they’d do is return the hefty raises they quietly gave themselves,” Scianablo wrote in a news release. “If you are going to set the fire and then claim credit for putting the fire out, then go the entire distance.”
Ferretti noted that 4 cents of every property tax dollar goes to the town, and
Richard Schurin, of Island Park, shared those sentiments. “Their budgeting practice makes absolutely no financial sense and appears to be politically motivated,” Schurin posted on Facebook.
The 2026 town budget will be presented to the Town Board for possible adoption on Oct. 16. Public hearings are scheduled for that day, at 2:30 and 7 p.m., in the Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion at Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington St., Hempstead.
Melissa Berman/Herald
Council members joined Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti, center, on Sept. 25 as he announced an 18 percent tax cut for the proposed 2026 budget.
Four Lynbrook High School students have been honored in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
News brief
National Merit honorees recognized
The Lynbrook School District announced that four Lynbrook High School students have been honored in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Cathlyne Cueto and Jack Murray were named Commended Students, while Aaron Malinka and Aidan Michaels were named Semifinalists.
Cueto and Murray are among 34,000 Commended Students nationwide recognized for their academic promise and high scores on the 2024 Preliminary SAT. Malinka and Michaels are among
more than 16,000 Semifinalists competing for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million to be awarded next spring.
To advance to Finalist status, Semifinalists must meet several requirements. About 95% of Semifinalists are expected to become Finalists, and approximately half of those will receive a National Merit Scholarship and earn the Merit Scholar title.
— Ainsley Martinez
Courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools
Electric Rooster returns on Saturday night
Blues-rock band Electric Rooster will take the stage at the Shannon Rose Pub on Oct. 4, at 8 p.m.
The show is free to attend, with drink specials available throughout the evening. The Shannon Rose Pub is located at 267 Merrick Road.
The local band brings a mix of influences—from AC/DC to George Thorogood & The Destroyers.
The band, featuring Tony Davenport on vocals and guitar, Steve Tetro on bass, Adam Pleva on drums and Lloyd Chrein on guitar, played an electrifying set.
Attendees came from all over
Long Island at an event at Lilah’s Bar and Grill: including Franklin Square, Bellmore and Garden City.
The band invited guests to join them for an open jam after their set, creating an evening of music and camaraderie.
Electric Rooster’s roots trace back to the local music scene, where the members first met through open jam sessions and mutual friends.
More information is available at facebook.com/LIElectricRooster.
— Ainsley Martinez
Michael Rechter/ The Herald
Nelson Cohen and Randi Kenna enjoy the music by Electric Rooster at Lilah’s Bar and Grill on Feb. 1.
Bassist Steve Tetro played renditions of classic blues songs alongside Tony Davenport and the rest of the band. Tetro learned how to play the bass when he was 14 years old, and he said he has loved it ever since.
Drummer Adam Pleva has a background in jazz, and brings some of those elements to his work with Electric Rooster.
Electric Rooster played at Lilah’s Bar and Grill in East Rockaway on Feb. 1. The band members include Steve Tetro, left, Tony Davenport, Adam Pleva, on drums, and Lloyd Chrein.
Andrew Calaci, left, from Franklin Square, Cliff Adams, from Garden City and Bobby Copobianco, from Franklin Square attended the event at Lilah’s. The concerts and open mic nights bring together many locals across Long Island.
East Rockaway senior is a Scholar-Artist
Garcia, a 16-year-old senior, advanced ahead in school after enrolling early due to her private school’s academic calendar, skipping a grade and continuing on an accelerated path.
The most unexpected things usually are the best pictures.
AngelicA gArciA Long Island Scholar-Artist recipient
Garcia balances artistic creativity with academic drive. She’s a decorated legal studies student, a scholarship recipient from St. Bonaventure University and a dedicated volunteer at Camp Anchor, where she’s worked for three years supporting children and adults with special needs — especially in the arts and crafts program. Still, photography is the passion that helps her pause, observe and process the world.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect,” she says. “The most unexpected things usually are the best pictures.”
To qualify for the Long Island Scholar-Artist award, Garcia had to meet high academic standards and compile a portfolio that demonstrated thematic cohesion.
Ainsley Martinez/Herald
east rockaway Junior-Senior High School art teacher Kristie galante’s class showcases art assignments from students. galante nominated angelica garcia for the 2026 Long island Scholar- artist award.
The award required a common thread for all photos submitted, so Garcia and her art teacher, Kristie Galante, recruited students and staff to help analyze her portfolio.
“We laid her photos all out on a table,” Galante said.
Galante, who nominated Garcia for the award, recalls the moment when everything clicked.
After surveying peers, they chose minimalism as the theme — a decision based not on Garcia’s most complicated or dramatic images, but on those with
striking simplicity.
“The photos were stronger,” Galante said.
Despite her success, Garcia said the encouragement was unexpected.
“I didn’t think my photos were something special or interesting,” Garcia said. “But when my teacher looked at them, she was like, ‘These are really good. You’re doing really good.’”
That validation stayed with her.
Still, Garcia sees photography more as a lifelong hobby than a career. Instead, her sights are set on the medical field, specifically becoming a nurse anesthesiologist.
It’s a profession that caught her attention thanks to a movie that explored anesthesia awareness.
“It was so interesting to me how your body’s asleep, but there’s a possibility that you can know what’s happening,” she said. “It’s just so fascinating to me.”
She plans to attend a two-year program to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and then transfer to a specialized school.
Even as she moves toward medicine, Garcia will carry with her the eye of a photographer.
“Photography taught me to see the hidden beauty in things that often go overlooked,” she said, “That has made me appreciate my surroundings more.”
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Long Island’s best gather for Excellence in Healthcare awards
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Long Island is home to some of the nation’s most skilled medical practitioners, the best of whom were honored at the Herald’s fourth annual Long Island Excellence in Healthcare Awards.
The ceremony — at the Heritage Club at Bethpage on Sept. 17 — brought together almost 40 groups representing hospitals, researchers and independent practices.
Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications and publisher of the Herald, began the gala evening by praising Long Island’s medical community for their unrivaled research and innovative programs and services.
“We’re here tonight to honor the doctors, nurses, hospital executives, educators, caregivers, and so many others who keep our families and our communities healthy, safe and informed,” he said. “Our honorees tonight are sources of both strength and inspiration, walking alongside us at some of the lowest and highest moments in life.”
Emmy award-winning investigative journalist Kristin Thorne, the creator of Hulu’s first true crime series “Missing,” emceed the ceremony.
Keynote speaker Dr. Purna Prasad, CEO of Vedi Robotics in Hicksville, led off the night’s awards segment preceding the distribution of honors.
“Our evolution in Vedi Robotics has made us who we are today,” he said. “We identified one problem that is always a challenge for healthcare: a deficit of workforce.”
During his tenure of 30 years at Stanford and Northwell, Prasad observed machine learning and artificial intelligence mature as a field of study. After two and a half years, his team produced a robotic platform that is ready for deployment; it can check in patients, process their paperwork and take their vitals.
“That whole concept of home-grown, state-of-the-art technology — you could say we are a flagship for that,” he said.
Vedi Robotics received the Trailblazers in Technology special award.
“What we’re trying to do is we’re trying to bring a curated artificial intelligence into the arena that is only going to be beneficial,” Vedi Robotics COO John Power added.
A portion of ticket proceeds from the event will benefit the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Center at Stony Brook University. The LEND program, recipient of the Community Health Champions special award, provides interdisciplinary training to prepare the next generation — along with professionals, families and self-advocates — to lead in their fields as providers of high quality care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities.
“Our team truly excels, in an interdisciplinary fashion, to deliver health care for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families,” LEND Program Director Michelle Ballan said. “We offer hundreds of hours of training for people with disabilities and healthcare professionals to learn how to work effec-
tively with this group.”
Kerri Anne Scanlon, president of Northwell’s Glen Cove, Syosset and Plainview hospitals, received the Healthcare Visionary special award alongside CEOElect John D’Angelo; Northwell CEO Michael Dowling was honored with the Healthcare Legacy special award.
“I think the foundation of Northwell is really the incredible culture,” Scanlon said. “It’s a culture that truly invests in its employees. It’s a culture about worrying about someone as much as yourself, and then building that engagement so that we can give the best care to our patients.”
Carolyn Quinn, the director of Northwell Health’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center, received the Community Health Champions special award. The pediatric hospital was honored for providing outstanding long-term care for children.
“The team is just over the moon,” she said. “They are an amazing group of women, just an amazing group made up of three nurses and three certified holistic nurses and four Reiki Masters who are also certified and gifted in other holistic services. There’s quite a menu of services that we offer.”
Anne
Petraro. founder and CEO of
The team is just over the moon.
CAROLyN QuiNN Director of Cohen Childrens’ Medical Center
Mending Hearts Counseling in Elmont, was honored with a Community Health Champions award for establishing an Article 31 MHOTRS clinic during the pandemic to aid underserved communities, specializing in brain care.
“I would love to change the face of mental health,” she said. “There’s so much stigma against it. And I guess by starting this agency, we’re kind of coming with a different approach, more of like a private practice feeling where everyone feels at home.”
Co-founders Linda Harkavy and Mitchell Goldstein of Form & Function Aesthetics and Wellness in East Meadow received the Power Couple special award.
“We’re focused on now, rather than disease management and crisis management, keeping people well and getting them well and having them enjoy their best lives,” Harkavy said. “We engage in wellness, not only body but mind.”
Their practice now offers Exomind, an advanced non-invasive brain therapy designed to help patients with depression, anxiety and OCD.
“We’ve been doing health care here in Long Island for 40 years, and it’s been our great pleasure helping so many people over these decades,” Goldstein said. “We’ve taken it now to the next level with state of the art medical care and devices to improve people’s longevity and wellness — Nassau County deserves that.”
The following individuals were each recipients of Excellence in Healthcare awards.
Alla Shenkman is the former medical
director of PM Pediatrics in Syosset.
After 10 years in the role, she stepped down to return to work as a regular physician.
“It’s my passion,” Shenkman said. “I love it. PM Pediatrics is a great — probably largest — urgent care for pediatric patients in the country, and I’ve been there since day one. I certainly want to thank all my colleagues. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. It was a mutual effort to bring PM Pediatrics to where we are today.”
Howard Goodman, better known as the Long Island Weight Loss Doctor, is the recipient of numerous Herald honors: two Long Island Choice, one Long Island Health and Beauty, and now two Excellence in Healthcare awards.
“All these awards put us on the map,” he said.
Goodman uses all-natural methods to help patients reach their ideal weight while combating common internet misinformation.
“We’re fixing the damage that’s caused by these erroneous medications,” he said.
Brian Caberas is the COO of the People’s Arc of Suffolk, a nonprofit that provides services to people with disabilities across Suffolk County.
“We offer them residential alternatives and the ability to find jobs out in the community and a multitude of other services as well,” he said. “We want the People’s Arc of Suffolk to become the premier provider for people with disabilities.”
Sponsors of the event include Northwell Health, Episcopal Health Services, Henry Schein, Cohen Children’s Medical Center Northwell Health, The Speech Language Place, Brightview Senior Living, Stony Brook University LEND Center, Mending Hearts Counseling, Veda Robotics, LiveOnNY, People’s Arc of Suffolk, Long Island Nurses Honor Guard, PM Pediatric Care, Bellmore Dermatology, The Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island, Harmony Healthcare Long Island and the New York Institute of Technology.
To view a complete list of honorees and photos, visit richnerlive.com/healthcare-awards/honorees.
Tim Baker and Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Vedi Robotics CEO Dr. Purna Prasad delivers the keynote address on AI and its impact on the future of healthcare.
A full house at the Heritage Club applauds honorees whose work is making Long Island a healthier community.
Healthcare Visionary Award recipient Donald T. Morrish, Episcopal Health Services CEO, center right, and his team.
Healthcare Visionary Award recipient Dr. Kimon Bekelis, Director of the Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island.
Power Couple Award recipients Dr. Linda Harkavy and Dr. Mitchell Goldstein, of Form & Function Aesthetics and Wellness.
Bernadette Riley, of NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.
Community Health Champions Award recipients, Integrative Holistic Center team, Northwell Health Cohen Children’s Medical Center.
Healthcare Visionary Award recipient Kerri Anne Scanlon of Northwell Health, center, and her team.
Danielle Hamilton, from Brightview Senior Living in Sayville.
Community Health Champions Award recipients, Stony Brook University’s LEND Team (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities).
Samantha Renieris, of the Speech Language Place.
Honoree Kelly Murphy, of Henry Schein, center.
Community Impact Award recipients Casey Skudin 343 Fund, from left, Ethan Abend, Founder and CEO Angela Skudin, Benjamin Skudin, Tina Braddock, and Avi Burnbaum.
HERALD
ATTENTION STUDENTS:
THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER
THE WINNING DESIGNS WILL BE PRINTED AS HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP IN 12/4/25 & 12/11/25 ISSUES OF YOUR HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
CONTEST RULES:
Who can enter: There will be 2 categories:
Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12
One entry per student
Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025
Grand prize: Winners will have their design printed as wrapping paper in the Herald and will be featured in an article in their local Herald newspaper.
Entry format: Please use an 8 1/2 by 11 inch piece of unlined paper. All entries should have the student’s name, age, address, telephone number, email, grade and school printed on the back. Design can be reflective of all religious holidays. Entries will not be returned.
Mail or hand-deliver to:
Wrapping Paper Contest
Herald Community Newspapers
2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 OR Scan and email to: ekimbrell@liherald.com
(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).
Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 14
HELPFUL HINTS
• Must use 8 1/2 x 11” unlined paper, copy paper or construction paper.
• Be creative & original.
• Use bright colors.
• Fill the entire page.
• Choose paint, crayon, chalk, markers, pens, or other creative materials.
• Remember your design will be used to make a real sheet of wrapping paper.
The Town of Hempstead’s Child Car Seat Safety Inspection Program is returning this fall, offering families free appointments with certified technicians throughout September and October. Councilwoman Laura Ryder and Supervisor John Ferretti, above, with a family getting their seat checked.
Get your child’s car seat checked with Hempstead
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Car seats are among the most important safety devices for young children, but according to national data, more than half are not installed correctly. Even small mistakes — a loose harness, a wrong angle, or outdated equipment — can dramatically reduce their effectiveness in protecting children during a crash. To address this risk, the Town of Hempstead is once again hosting its Child Car Seat Safety Inspection Program, offering families free appointments with certified technicians throughout September and October.
The program, run by the town’s Department of Public Safety, gives parents and guardians an opportunity to have their car seats thoroughly checked by professionals trained through Safe Kids Worldwide. During each 30-minute inspection, technicians review the installation, check for recalls or defects, and confirm that the seat is appropriate for a child’s age, weight, and height. Parents must provide that information, along with the car seat’s model, to ensure technicians can give the most accurate guidance.
Officials emphasize that while car seats are legally required under New York State law for children under 8, compliance alone doesn’t always guarantee safety. Inspections aim to bridge that gap by empowering families with knowledge and peace of mind.
“Car seats save lives, but only when used correctly,” said Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby. “By showing parents the proper installation methods, we are empowering them to protect their children every time they travel.”
easier for parents to find a convenient location without added cost. Councilman Tom Muscarella noted that accessibility is essential, saying the town is “making it easy and convenient for families to get expert guidance without any added cost.”
In past years, many parents who attended inspections discovered problems they hadn’t noticed on their own. Sometimes it was as simple as a loose strap, while in other cases, technicians identified seats that had expired or been recalled by the manufacturer. Each session provides one-on-one education, giving caregivers hands-on experience so they can reinstall the seat correctly on their own in the future.
The Child Car Seat Safety Inspection Program will run from Sept. 17 through Oct. 29, with appointments available between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Inspections are scheduled for Sept. 17 at Seamans Neck Park in Seaford; Sept. 20 at Shell Creek Park in Island Park; Sept. 21 at Rock Hall in Lawrence; Sept. 24 at Echo Park in West Hempstead; Oct. 1 at the Merrick Road Golf Course parking lot in Merrick; Oct. 4 at Coes Neck Park in Baldwin; Oct. 8 at Oceanside Park in Oceanside; Oct. 15 at Rath Park in Franklin Square; Oct. 22 at Uniondale Park in Uniondale; Oct. 26 at Forest City Community Park in Wantagh; and Oct. 29 at Maclaren Stadium in Levittown.
Appointments are required and will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Families can call the Town of Hempstead Department of Public Safety at (516) 538-1900 ext. 7709, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit hempsteadny.gov/218/child-car-seat-safety-program
For more information contact Ethan Kimbrell at ekimbrell@liherald.com or 516.569.4000 x 313
The program is also designed to be accessible. By bringing events directly into neighborhoods across America’s largest township, Hempstead makes it
“Even a small mistake in car seat installation can have serious consequences,” said Councilman Chris Schneider. “Having certified technicians walk parents through the process ensures we’re reducing risks and protecting lives.”
Courtesy Town of Hempstead
News brief
Children will be able to explore fire trucks, police cars and other first responder vehicles while learning about the tools used in emergency response.
Touch-a-Truck family event set for Oct. 4
Families will have the chance to get an up-close look at emergency vehicles and equipment during the First Responder Touch-a-Truck event on Friday, Oct. 4. The interactive event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 55 Wilbur St.
Children will be able to explore fire trucks, police cars and other first responder vehicles while learning about the tools used in emergency response. For more information, contact Robert Meier at (516) 599-3300.
— Ainsley Martinez
For more than 100 years the American Red Cross on Long Island has helped the community prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. Join Us!
HONORING
COMMUNITY IMPACT HERO
Luv Michael
FIRST RESPONDER HEROES
Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling
GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP HERO
Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025
8:00 A.M. TO 10:00 A.M.
The Heritage Club at Bethpage
DISASTER HERO
Jennifer Keane
MILITARY HERO
Mel Cohen
YOUTH HEROES
Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein
The American Red Cross Heroes Celebration is the signature fundraising event for the American Red Cross on Long Island, serving Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Event Co-chairs: James Quent, Greg Lavine, and Jennifer Solomon
For tickets, sponsorships, journal ads and to learn more, please visit redcross.org/LIheroes
Courtesy Lynbrook Fire Department
STEPPING OUT
Doing it ‘His Way’ with the Nassau Pops
By Karen Bloom
ANew York moment arrives on the Tilles Center stage when Maestro Louis Panacciuill and his orchestra return with their popular gala musical in support of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County. This year the orchestra welcomes back Tony Danza and his band as their guest performers.
The concert continues to feature the Nassau Pops signature blend of popular and classical music as well as an inspiring moment with Creation, the CP Nassau vocal team. This heartwarming tradition dellights both musicians, guest performers and the audience.
“This is one big lovefest,” says Panacciulli, the orchestra’s longtime musical director. I’m so glad to be back at Tilles Center during our 42nd season. So many wonderful people have crossed this stage. It’s always exciting to be here.”
The connection between the Nassau Pops and CP Nassau is special for Panacciulli and the orchestra. He credits his mother, Panacciulli who was a member of the CP auxiliary in Valley Stream, for this special connection.
“When we first started performing, we decided we wanted to do more than just play music. We wanted to do something meaningful,” he recalls.
“In the past we had done benefits for Special Olympics, pop concerts for hospitals. This came about one day when I was discussing with her the idea of doing a benefit concert for CP Nassau. I’m thrilled to carry on Mom’s legacy. Plus it means a lot to the musicians. We’re leaving something behind long after the notes have faded away.”
And he’s delighted to have Danza, who performed with the Nassau Pops in 2023, back to share the stage.
“Tony dances, plays the ukele, always tells a corny joke or two,” Panacciulli says. “He’s very engaging, a wonderful entertainer.”
This collaboration brings a unique twist to Danza’s acclaimed cabaret show, “Sinatra and Stories.” Combining his trademark wit, charm, storytelling, with a dash of soft
Yes:
‘The Fragile 2025 Tour’
Get ready to experience an unforgettable evening of Yes on the Paramount stage, featuring its existential prog masterworks and instrumental pyrotechnics. Throughout a prolific and enduring music career spanning 45 years and 20 studio albums, Yes has electrified audiences with daunting virtuosity, complex musical textures and powerful lead vocals. The band — currently comprising Steve Howe on guitars and vocals, Geoff Downes on keyboards, Jon Davison on vocals and acoustic guitar, Billy Sherwood on bass guitar and vocals, and Jay Schellen on drums — performs their iconic 1971 album “Fragile” in its entirety. “Fragile” holds a special place in Yes’s discography, as it propelled the band to headline status in the U.S.
Tony Danza stars in the return of the orchestra’s gala benefit concert
shoe, he offers up his take on the music of the legendary ‘Ol Blue Eyes, with whom Danza had a personal relationship. Some might not realize that Danza, who grew up on Long Island and attended Malverne High School, is a well-established song and dance man, in addition to his acting chops in television, film and on stage.
Throughout his 60-plus minute set, Danza blends personal anecdotes with Sinatra’s unforgettable tunes.
“He always has a big smile on his face. He’s certainly having a good time. And I guarantee the audience will as well,” Panacciulli says.
The tone is set from the moment the orchestra strikes up their first note.
“We like to start out with something hot and jazzy,” Panacciulli adds.
• Sunday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m.
• Tickets start at $30; available at npso.org/tickets or tillescenter.org
• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post Campus, Brookville
Certainly the addition of a sax section gets the vibe going, as the orchestra opens the show with a medley of Big Band tunes.
As always, the musicians are joined by Creation — the singing duo who participate in CP Nassau’s Life Options Program — in a heart-warming segment during the concert’s opening. Each has their moment in the spotlight. David Tindal sings Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration,” while Chris Wawrzonek does “Till There Was You” from the Broadway classic The Music Man.
Tindal and Wawrzonek have ‘grown up’ with the orchestra.
“I’m filled with such a sense of gratitude that I can affect two lives by giving them a chance to perform in front of a full orchestra and a large audience,” Panacciulli says. “We share something special, when we share music together. They’re wonderful people and the audience gives them standing ovations every time. It’s just nice to see how they’ve grown up. They’re always smiling and in good humor.”
And for Panacciulli, a Franklin Square resident, who has been at the helm of the Nassau Pops since 1984 (and is on Nassau Community College’s music faculty where he serves as band director) that surely is the concert’s defining moment.
“Creation is a byproduct the wonderful work that CP Nassau does. It does my heart good to help them and give back to the community through the gift of music.”
Panacciulli gratefully acknowledges Long Island-based credit union Jovia (formerly NEFCU), the gala’s title sponsor since 2012. Proceeds from every ticket sold are donated directly to CPNassau.
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. $152.25, $129.75, $118.75, $108.75, $86.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Roomful of Blues
The renowned, horn powered, Grammy-nominated, houserocking “little big band” is ready to celebrate STEPPIN’ OUT!, their first new album in five years. With this album, Roomful of Blues brings something new to the table. After 19 releases with male singers, STEPPIN’ OUT! is the first to feature a female vocalist, the sublime D.D. Bastos. Her powerhouse, soul-stirring voice and her charismatic stage presence bring a whole new spirit to the Roomful sound. For over 50 years, this beloved, iconic and much honored band has been delivering wildly infectious, hard-swinging blues. Guided by guitarist-bandleader Chris Vachon since 19989, Roomful remains a defining musical force in the blues world, with their sound rooted in tradition, but their sights reaching far into the future.
Thursday, Oct. 9, 8 p.m. $38. My Father’s Place in Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. Tickets available at mfpproductions.com or (516) 5800887.
Photos courtesy Nassau Pops
Tony Danza performs a selection of timeless Sinatra classics. He is acclaimed for his voice and showmanship.
Maestro Louis Panacciulli conducts the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, which he refers to as his “family.”
Panacciulli, left, and Danza share notes and conversation during rehearsal.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR
On Exhibit
OCT
2
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the FoliesBergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Spooky Fest
OCT
3
Spooky Fest is back at the Center for Science Teaching & Learning, through the month. Celebrate the season with Halloween for all. Be scared if you dare or enjoy not-so-spooky thrills with the younger folks.
• Where: 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre
• Time: 6-9:30 p.m.
• Contact: cstl.org or (516) 7640045
OCT
4
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create with kids at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art when it resumes following the summer hiatus. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. $20, $10 child; members free.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Noon-3 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
OCT
16
Kate Kortum: The Music of ‘Wild Woman’
• Contact: villageofeastrockaway. org
Sculpture Stroll
OCT
10
Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for an hour for discovery and conversation. Explore a selection of sculptures sited across the museum property. Each stop on the tour delves into the choices, inspirations and material of the artists and their sculptures. Registration required. $20, $10 members
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: 5-6 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Garden Harvest
Tilles Center’s Atrium becomes an intimate lounge, showcasing 23-year-old Kate Kortum, one of the most exciting breakout artists in the jazz world. Hailing from Houston, Texas, her warm, distinctive sound blends bebop, blues, the Great American Songbook, and musical theater with captivating, storydriven lyrics. Her artistry bridges tradition and innovation, offering audiences a fresh, contemporary take on the jazz vocal legacy. Kortum discovered her passion for music at Houston’s legendary High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where she studied flute and saxophone before ultimately falling in love with singing. She went on to earn a degree in jazz voice from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and a master’s degree from the Juilliard School, studying with some of the leading voices in modern jazz. Critics have praised her ability to revitalize jazz with authenticity and daring. “Wild Woman,” her sophomore album. featuresreimagined standards and originals that explore a woman’s relationship with complex emotions like obsession, promiscuity, self-pride, and hatred. She gives her audience a glimpse into the past, present, and future of jazz through her unique arrangements and improvisatory deliveries.
OCT
5
Splish Splash… Animal Bath
Hang out with some Long Island Children’s Museum’s “residents” at the drop-in program. Join an animal educator in the Hive Studio’s in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to learn what goes into the care of LICM’s animal “residents.” Observe animal bath time.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
In concert
Pianist Philip Edward Fisher returns to Adelphi University for an afternoon of music for solo piano. He performs three of Chopin’s works: Variations Brilliantes, Fantasie in F minor and Sonata No 2 in B-flat minor. The program also include Haydn’s Fantasia in C Major, along with works by Corigliano, Mompou and Scriabin. Fisher is widely recognized as a unique performer of refined style and exceptional versatility. Tickets start at $35, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees.
• Where: Adelphi University’s Westermann Stage, 1 South Ave., Garden City
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or call (516) 877-4000
OCT
6
Long Island Choral Society Auditions
Audition now and be part of something bigger, a bold, inclusive future for choral music. The Long Island Choral Society holds its final auditions for new members for their 96th season. The 2025-26 season includes Let’s Go to the Movies, a celebration of choral music in film, Schubert’s Mass in G as well as Handel’s Messiah and a variety of other musical performance opportunities throughout the coming year. Auditions are by appointment only. Whether you’re a lifelong singer or just finding your voice, you belong here! Visit lics.org for more.
• Where: Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City
• Contact: Schedule an audition by calling (516) 652-6878 or via e-mail at audition.info@lics.org
• Where: Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100
more. Previous events have been in conjunction with Lynbrook Restorative. Open to neighboring areas and residents.
• Where: 111 North Oceanside Road, Oceanside
• Time: Noon- 2 p.m.
• Contact: Karen Alterson at KAltersonk4@gmail.com
Voices Needed
OCT
8
The Oceanside Chorale is looking for new members in all sections to sing in their next concerts: Veterans Day Concert (Nov. 8), Holiday Concert (Dec. 10) and Light up the Holidays (Dec. 14). Rehearsals are Wednesdays.
• Where: Fulton Avenue School, 3252 Fulton Ave.. Oceanside
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: Marie at (516 )4598513 or email oceansidechorale@ gmail.com for further information
East
OCT
9
Local women meet weekly to discuss
Old Westbury Gardens welcomes all to a farm-to-table event with local food growers and purveyors. Savor artisan, woodfired pizza with seasonal Long Island farm-sourced ingredients and toppings grown at Old Westbury Gardens, paired with locally grown salads, desserts, and Long Island wines. Also participate in lawn games, and garden strolls during this festive autumn evening, along with entertainment. $125 family of four, $50 adult, $20 child. Reservations required. Held rain or shine.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 5:30-8 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
OCT
16
Taxpayer Forum
Attend the free Town of Hempstead seminar on property tax exemptions. Review eligibility requirements and get your questions answered. Know your rights as a taxpayer.
• Where: East Rockaway Public Library, 477 Atlantic Ave.
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 538-1500 or email taxforums@hempsteadny. gov
Having an event?
Rockaway Village Board meets
The Village Board holds an open meeting. The public is encouraged to attend.
• Where: 376 Atlantic Ave.
• Time: 7 p.m.
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
News brief
Free tuition program for returning students
Nassau Community College is joining a statewide initiative to make higher education more accessible for adults seeking to complete an associate degree. The program, SUNY Reconnect, offers free tuition to New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 who do not already hold a college degree.
Jerry Kornbluth, vice president for Community and Governmental Relations at Nassau Community College, said the program allows students to return to school without financial barriers, providing flexibility for full- or part-time study. Students must enroll in at least six credits per semester and can complete their degree within 10 semesters. A oneyear leave of absence is allowed without losing eligibility.
“This is a really solid program,” Kornbluth said. “It’s designed for students returning to college after time away, giving them an opportunity to pursue high-demand careers while balancing work and family.”
SUNY Reconnect focuses on fields where workforce demand is high, including nursing, healthcare, cybersecurity, health information technology, and teacher education. Kornbluth said these areas were chosen because current professionals are retiring or there are not enough trained workers entering the field.
Nassau Community College has seen
strong interest in the program. For the fall semester, about 251 students enrolled, with roughly 224 documented in internal reporting. Preliminary data shows 71 percent of participants are female, largely reflecting concentrations in nursing and education, and the largest age group is 25 to 34. About 60 percent attend parttime, while 40 percent attend full-time.
Students are required to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to receive financial support. Kornbluth said the program provides an economic boost to the state by helping adults earn degrees without accruing debt.
“If students can get a two-year degree for free, that’s huge,” Kornbluth said. “It opens doors to jobs, career advancement, and the option to continue toward a fouryear degree if they choose.”
Kornbluth, who previously taught mathematics and statistics at Nassau Community College and rose to full professor before moving into administration, noted the initiative could expand to additional degree programs in the future if successful.
SUNY Reconnect is available at all SUNY community colleges, and a parallel program exists at CUNY community colleges.
Hernesto Galdamez
Educators navigate AI in classrooms
in the “doing,” she said — the pressure to be perfect eases. Donald’s projectbased pedagogy is to let them explore, struggle and reflect. In those moments, the learning is internalized, not merely performed, she said.
Grace, who is in her 35th year of teaching kindergarten, builds the foundation stone by stone. Her classroom walls are covered with thinking maps — bubble maps, double bubbles, flow maps — tools that help children organize their thoughts even before they’ve mastered full sentences.
She mixes in technology early on, showing videos of penguins, but always teaching children to question what they see. Grace has even introduced ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence messaging app.
“Kindergartners are sponges for it,” she said. “But I want them to ask, ‘Is it real or made up?’”
Many parents don’t even know whether AI is part of their child’s classroom. One study from the New York Academy of Sciences found that 88 percent of parents believed AI fluency would be essential for their child’s future — yet many were unsure if their school taught it.
In “street-level AI,” education policy experts argue for naming the tool, talking through its failures, and teaching everyone — students and adults — not just how to use it, but when not to employ it.
Christine Ericson, who spends much of her day guiding struggling readers from the seventh through the 12th grades at East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School, views AI as both opportu-
that navigating artificial intelligence in classrooms is challenging, regardless of how
nity and risk. Her classrooms don’t issue grades, offering extra assistance instead to low-performing readers.
As a result, Ericson could see how the pressure to “create perfect” could push students to lean on shortcuts.
“Progress isn’t linear,” she said. “Some kids are here for one year and make huge gains. Some need more time. But we have to help them see the line, not just the leap.”
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MATRIX FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST MICHAEL HEALEY, KATHLEEN ROSE HEALEY, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 19, 2024, 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 October 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 65 Highland Boulevard, 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 37 Block 135 Lots 18, 19 and 20. Approximate amount of judgment $488,553.62 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615187/2023. Joshua D. Brookstein, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-001000 87017 155638
To place a notice here call us us at
x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALTS, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2004-24CB, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-24CB, Plaintiffagainst- CRISTA A. BELLEAU, MICHAEL D. BELLEAU; MARIA NUNEZ, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 26, 2024 and entered on September 5, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at
100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on October 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, County of Nassau and State of New York; known and designated as SBL# 42-21203-5. Said premises known as 3 DOROTHY PLACE, LYNBROOK, NY 11563
Approximate amount of lien $418,018.83 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 611569/2022.
LINDA AGNEW, ESQ., Referee Pincus & Tarab Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* LYNBROOK N*} 155729
But, according to Ann Kerner, a sixth grade math and science teacher, there’s a different version to the same approach.
Kerner grew up imagining herself teaching, and now she builds lessons around life’s constants: percent, unit rate and ratios.
One recent exercise saw students comparing Starbucks sizes by cost.
“If you’re going to take one thing
from sixth grade, let it be percent,” she told her students.
Kerner said lessons must reflect life outside school, which now competes with TikTok and other forms of social media.
Many teachers expressed how the educational contract has changed. Parents’ roles matter now more than ever — not as overseers, but as informed partners, Donald said.
News brief
Engine company celebrates 125th anniversary
Engine Company No. 1 of the Lynbrook Fire Department celebrated its 125th anniversary on Sept. 25, marking over a century of dedicated service to the community.
The company was formed in 1900, when 26 Lynbrook residents met at the firehouse of Rescue, Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company No. 1 on Earle Avenue. At the time, that truck company was the only fire company in the village. That evening, the group organized a fire engine company to bolster the village’s fire protection efforts.
Among the 26 charter members were members of some of the most prominent families in Lynbrook’s history, including Pearsall, Kelsey, Simonson, Abrams, Jackson and Doxsey. The founding members drafted a constitution and petitioned the state of New York to officially recognize
and incorporate Lynbrook Engine Company No. 1.
To commemorate the milestone, a ceremony was held at the Engine Company’s firehouse on Carpenter Avenue. Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach, joined by Village Trustees Mike Hawxhurst, Ann Marie Reardon, Robert Boccio and Michael Hawbert, presented a citation honoring the company’s 125 years of service.
The citation was accepted by Captain John O’Reilly III, First Lieutenant Brendan O’Reilly and Second Lieutenant Kevin O’Reilly.
— Ainsley Martinez
Courtesy East Rockaway Public Schools the east rockaway School district welcomed new teachers and staff at the latest board meeting on Sept. 16. many teachers have said
long they have taught.
Courtesy Steve Grogan engine Company no. 1 celebrated its anniversary on Sept. 25.
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The challenges of building next to open water
Q. We were given two options for building a new building next to a saltwater bay where there are great views. The first option is to build a wood building with siding, and the second is to build a metal building that comes in a kind of kit form, with the option to have the company selling the parts also assemble the building. Which type would you recommend, considering the salt spray we will get, and will we need helical piles in the ground? We were told that we could just build on a 6-inch concrete slab.
A. If you remember the story of the three little pigs, you’ll also remember the big, bad wolf, who huffed and puffed … Salt spray is just one of the natural issues you’re dealing with. If you’re concerned about possible rust, verify with the company engineering the metal system that the building will be subjected to salt.
If the steel components are galvanized, zinc-coated, anodized or stainless steel — that is, treated to resist salt — then the best choice is the steel system, for many reasons. Consider all the elements your building must resist, not just salt. Wind, water and weight settlement are also factors that any professional building designer, either an architect or engineer, would examine as well.
A wood building, by the standards of state building codes, would still require metal connections to hold places where wood parts are joined to meet wind-resistance requirements. Wood-to-steel connections aren’t as strong as steel-to-steel connections, generally, due to the reactions of the dissimilar materials. Those reactions include internal expansion and contraction that can loosen wood fibers, warping, twisting and the loss of fiber strength due to changes in moisture of the fibers. The fibers loosen as they expand with moisture, so metal screws or nails can pull out in extreme conditions.
Metal-to-metal will hold together better, because the reactions are similar in metal-to-metal connections. In similar expansion and contraction, the screw connections will stay connected. After virtually every tornado and hurricane disaster, investigators uncover evidence that steel-to-steel connectors held together, while wood connections often failed.
As for the foundation, consider that a helical pile is like a screwed-down fastener and a tree root system combined. Whoever told you that a building next to an open body of water need only be attached to a concrete slab was misleading and uninformed about the power of any large body of water in motion. Just by researching the height of ocean surges on your smartphone, you can educate yourself to the fact that the ocean height rose as much as 32 feet and moved inland at levels between 12 and 15 feet in Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Once the surge contacts land, it can reduce to 7 feet from that greater surge and spill inland, reducing in height to where some people experienced 3 to 4 feet while others saw only ankle-deep water. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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Trump meets with the king and mixes it up at the U.N. p
resident Trump’s state visit to Great Britain and his meetings with foreign leaders at the United Nations General Assembly emphasized the continued significance of personal diplomacy in international affairs.
Trump’s royal welcome by King Charles III at Windsor Castle demonstrated the lasting relationship between the United States and Great Britain. (I say this as an Irish-American who severely criticized British policy in Ireland in the years before the signing of the historic Good Friday Agreement in 1998.) The reality is that beyond a common language, Americans and Brits share common values emanating from the Magna Carta. British leaders have demonstrated firmness and strength at key moments in our history.
Winston Churchill stood alone, defending Western civilization against Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany in the dark early days of World War II, and then, in the postwar years, alerted the U.S. and the world to the growing menace of Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union’s Iron Curtain.
Margaret Thatcher allied with Presi-
dent Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II to bring down the Soviet empire.
Tony Blair stood with President George W. Bush and America in the aftermath of 9/11. I observed Blair behind the scenes during the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement, and was struck by his extraordinary courage and leadership. That British leadership continues today, as Britain provides weapons to Ukraine and deploys RAF fighter jets to Poland to help the nations resisting Russian aggression.
The state dinner Charles hosted for Trump was more than pomp and ceremony. It was a dramatic affirmation of the special relationship between our nations. This show of unity was particularly vital when totalitarian states — Russia, China and North Korea— threaten world security. In his remarks, Charles urged the U.S. and Great Britain to stand strong against Russian aggression in Ukraine, as we did against Hitler. (My wife, Rosemary, and I met then Prince Charles in Washington in 2011. He was very engaging and down to earth.)
ing, friendly relationship. Their meeting certainly appeared to go well, with Starmer emphasizing the importance of the U.S. and Europe standing with Ukraine.
By all accounts, the president’s visit to Great Britain was a solid success.
F for the General Assembly, a classic performance on the world stage.
The following week, he was in New York for the annual opening of the U.N. General Assembly. Trump was the first major leader to speak, and it was a classic Trump performance brought to the world stage. He began by mercilessly critiquing the U.N. for being consistently ineffective, exemplified that morning by the malfunctioning of an escalator and his teleprompter.
al concessions to Putin).
Just hours after his General Assembly speech — which went three times longer than his allotted time — Trump met with Zelensky, and went beyond just criticizing Russia and Putin. He made a full reversal. Informed by a key adviser, Gen. Keith Kellogg, how weak Russia was after having suffered more than a million casualties, taken control of only 1 percent of Ukraine and with its economy in shambles, Trump hailed Ukraine’s courage and fighting ability. With allied support, he said, Ukraine could win the war and regain its lost territory, and that NATO countries should shoot down Russian planes that violate their air space.
I have supported Ukraine from the start, not just because its position is just, but because it’s in America’s national interest for Russia’s aggression to be stopped.
The following day, Trump met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Though Starmer is a member of the Labor Party and has a number of policy and ideological differences with Trump, the two are known to have a good work-
Not content to assail the organization itself, Trump verbally attacked countries individually and continents collectively. He was particularly critical of Russia and its dictator, Vladimir Putin, for its continued attacks on Ukraine, especially its innocent civilians. Significantly, one country that was spared Trump’s caustic criticism was Ukraine (in stark contrast with Trump’s White House encounter earlier this year with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he criticized for continuing to wage what Trump thought was a futile battle against Russia, because Ukraine had “no cards” left to play and would have to make territori-
British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s failure to stop Hitler at Munich because it was a “faraway” war led to World War II and millions of deaths, including more than 400,000 Americans. I believe that Trump’s visit with our closest ally was a reminder of the necessity to follow Churchill’s example, stand with Europe against Russian imperialism and not let the tragic failures of appeasement and isolationism be repeated.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
There are many reasons not to embrace Mamdani
Over the past few weeks, Democrats have been having a slugfest over the question of the obligation of party officials to endorse the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani. The debate was triggered by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to endorse Mamdani. State Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs angrily pledged that he would not support Mamdani, in an obvious break with the governor. So who’s right and who’s wrong?
power in the House of Representatives. A state chair’s endorsement of a controversial mayoral candidate could reverberate around the state. and beyond.
First of all, to quote my parents, it’s a free country. You’re entitled to endorse whomever you want, and Jacobs has the right to break from Hochul. She has yet to explain why she endorsed Mamdani, but I have no doubt that she has her own bona fide reasons to do so.
And Jacobs has a lot of reasons to disagree with her endorsement. Next year there will be dozens of congressional races that will decide the balance of
The more I’ve thought about Mamdani’s candidacy, the more I’m convinced that there are lots of reasons why some Democrats will rightly shun him. He made a decision to run for mayor after analyzing the field of potential opponents, and had the backing of the Working Families Party and the Democratic Socialists of America. He had the endorsements of other socialist and progressive groups that have the ability to organize voterturnout operations and have helped elected a number of members of the State Assembly. They’re especially effective when moderate Democrats are sound asleep.
Tmedia and old-time get-out-the-vote operations to win the nomination. He had a story to tell right out of the socialist playbook.
He focused on the high cost of living in the city, and pledged free bus rides, a rent freeze and public grocery stores. While these promises aren’t realistic, they appealed to thousands of young voters, many of whom had never voted in a primary.
he failure of some prominent Democrats to endorse him is no surprise.
Mamdani saw that his Democratic rivals would likely be former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams. Both had a ton of political problems that would affect their chances — indeed, Adams suspended his campaign on Sunday — and that gave Mamdani a clear field to tell his story, and utilize social
Another facet of the campaign is that the vast majority of moderate voters don’t vote in city primaries. They show up in November for the general election, but don’t understand that the primaries determine who the candidates will be in November. It’s no surprise that all of these factors combined to help Mamdani win a decisive victory, which stunned Democratic elected leaders as well as party officials. While they privately conceded that Mamdani won fair and square, they simply couldn’t believe that a socialist might be the next mayor. Aside from the fact that Mamdani wasn’t a moderate candidate, once the primary was over, the media began exploring his views on Israel, and focused on his
Muslim background. He had made numerous controversial statements on the war in Gaza. In the past he has also advocating defunding the police. Post-primary, he has backtracked on a number of previous positions, including that one, but he has failed to satisfy his critics, and he has made other controversial statements that have kept the political pot boiling. In my political lifetime I have often noted that retractions only make things worse, and that the public rarely changes its views after the first missteps.
So the failure of some prominent Democrats to endorse Mamdani is no surprise. Embracing him could be fatal for a moderate member of the party. Other than having won its primary, Mamdani isn’t a traditional Democrat, and there’s no reason to believe that he would act like one come next January. He will temper his past comments now, but he is rumored to be selecting lots of people who are pleasing to him and the socialist movement. In the past, I’ve gone against my party on some major occasions. If I were still in office, I wouldn’t endorse Mamdani, either.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
Established 1994
Incorporating
Protecting Long Island from invasive species
asilent invasion is making its way across Long Island. From beetles boring through forests to aggressive weeds choking native plants, invasive species pose an urgent and growing threat to the natural beauty, the economy and the very identity of our region.
As these pests encroach on farmland, damaged crops mean higher food prices and struggling farms. Infested woodlands mean fewer tourists and diminished property values. And the loss of treasured natural spaces — from forests and meadows to backyards and parks — erodes the very character of Long Island.
The recent detection of the redbay ambrosia beetle in Suffolk County, likely imported accidentally from Asia and bringing with it a tree-killing fungus, only increases the volume of our collective wake-up call. The question before us is simple: Will we act now to defend our communities, or will we watch as our landscapes steadily degrade and our land-based livelihoods slowly unravel?
Invasive species aren’t a new problem, but their spread has accelerated dramatically in recent decades. Increased global trade, climate change and urbanization have opened doors for pests and plants that don’t belong here, allowing them to thrive in places where native species have no natural defenses. The result is widespread ecological disruption.
In Nassau County, we already know the damage invaders can do. The spotted lanternfly, a deceptively attractive insect with mottled wings, feeds on more than
letters
70 species of plants. Its favorite targets include vineyards, orchards and hardwood forests — ecosystems that support industries that have helped Long Island grow. Left unchecked, lanternfly infestations can cripple agriculture and rob us of the fall foliage many tourists come here to see.
The plant kingdom has its own wellknown adversaries. Japanese knotweed, with its bamboo-like stalks and dense root systems, is nearly impossible to eradicate once it takes hold. It smothers native plants, leaving wildlife without food or shelter, and even undermines human infrastructure, pushing up through sidewalks, driveways and foundations. Its spread is a quiet but relentless reminder that invasive species are as much an economic challenge as an ecological one.
And then there’s the southern pine beetle — a small insect with an outsized appetite that can be found across the Island. This pest can wipe out acres of pine forest, reducing green woodlands to brown arboreal graveyards. The loss is not only aesthetic; forests are essential for carbon storage, stormwater absorption and wildlife habitat.
Together, these threats underscore a sobering reality: Invasive species weaken biodiversity, strain local economies and diminish our quality of life. Each unchecked outbreak increases the costs borne by everyone from homeowners to landscapers to farmers, while also endangering industries like agriculture and tourism that are the backbone of Nassau and Suffolk’s economies.
A tale of three cities, and two socialist mayors — so far
To the Editor:
Jerry Kremer warns in his Sept 18-24 Herald column, “The battle of egos in the Big Apple,” that “all of New York City and state will suffer” if Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor in November. “Many people, city and suburban voters, have been transfixed by fear about the possibility” of Mamdani becoming the city’s first socialist leader, Kremer notes.
In terms of dynamism and attractions, New York has only a few peers among cities worldwide. London and Paris are two of them. So it could come as a surprise — or, one hopes, a reassurance — to Kremer and others fearful of a Mamdani victory that both London and Paris have been governed by socialists for the past nine and 11 years, respectively.
And voters in those European cities seem quite satisfied with the performance of their progressive mayors. London’s Sadiq Khan was elected to an unprecedented third term last year by an 11-point margin over a Conservative Party opponent. Paris’s Anne Hidalgo won a second six-year term in 2020 by 15 percentage points over a conservative rival.
Khan, a Muslim of Pakistani descent, is a member of a Brit-
The earlier an invasive species is detected, the greater the chance of stopping it before it becomes a living feature of the landscape. Funding for local monitoring programs isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Public education is equally critical. Residents are often the first line of defense against invasive species. With the right tools and training, they can help identify and report harmful insects and plants before they spread out of control. Imagine how much better off we’d be if every homeowner could recognize lanternflies and every gardener knew how to prevent knotweed from hitching a ride in soil or mulch.
State and local governments, environmental nonprofits, research institutions and industry leaders must work together to create a unified strategy. Protecting Long Island’s agriculture, landscaping and tourism sectors requires pooling resources, sharing knowledge and mobilizing communities. A fragmented, haphazard response will only give invasive species more opportunities to occupy new territory.
By investing in prevention, monitoring and education today, we have the power to preserve our island’s future. The rising tide of invasive species is controllable — but only if we act decisively. Long Islanders have always taken pride in protecting our shoreline, parks and communities. Now we must extend that vigilance to these less visible, but no less dangerous, invaders among us. Our environment, economy and way of life depend on it.
ish political organization roughly equivalent to Democratic Socialists of America, to which Mamdani belongs. Hidalgo, a Spanish-French politician, is a prominent figure in France’s Socialist Party.
Has violent crime run rampant in London and Paris under left-wing
leadership? The London police recorded a total of 110 murders in 2023. That’s 10 fewer than in 2015, the final year of Boris Johnson’s tenure as that city’s Conservative Party mayor.
Urban crime rates are difficult to measure in France because such sta-
I was proud to be a reporter — but things have changed
iwent to a Herald reunion at Garden Social, in East Meadow, a few weeks ago. It’s been 20 years since I worked at the newspaper as an editor, and I got to see some faces I thought I might never see again.
The five years I spent as a journalist were some of the best years of my life. I met so many interesting people, and most of them were the reporters, editors and photographers I worked with.
It was great to see everyone. We talked about the old times and drank ourselves some beers. The conversation was light. What have you been up to? Where do you live now? How many kids do you have? That sort of thing.
I wish we’d spent some time talking about how drastically different the media, and indeed our world, is nowadays.
When we all worked together, we were dedicated to informing, educating
and, at times, entertaining our readership. Today it seems the media’s job is to do nothing but incite, prod and provoke.
John O’Connell, who was the executive editor of the Herald when I left in 2005, was at the reunion. John’s a teddy bear of a guy — a great journalist, photographer and person. Our viewpoints didn’t always align when we worked together. John’s were mostly on the right, while mine leaned left. He supported the United States’ invasion of Iraq in 2003. I didn’t. There were spirited debates in our office. But those differences never cost us our mutual respect for each other, or our ultimate goal to report what was true. Today we live in nasty, divisive, misinformed times, and I hold the media, in its current incarnation, squarely responsible. There aren’t many places people can turn to for honest, objective news. The Herald, and other publications like it, are thankfully still there. But increasingly, people get their information from cable news talking heads who present opinions as facts. Even worse, people shape their realities on
LeTTers
tistics are kept primarily on a national rather than the local level. But according to a compilation used by the publication World Population Review, Paris was the 23rd safest city in the world in 2024. Safer than Brussels, Madrid, Barcelona and Rome.
Mamdani, meanwhile, has retracted his call for defunding the NYPD — a stance he took at the height of the Black Lives Matter agitation. He has pledged to make public safety a top priority of his mayoralty, along with making New York City more affordable for all of its residents.
Instead of freaking out over political labels, Kremer and other fearmongers should calm down and see how Mamdani actually governs.
Closer to home: I lived in Burlington, Vermont, when Bernie Sanders was mayor. A socialist who had held no previous elected office, Sanders made Vermont’s largest city a more equitable and prosperous place. Burlington’s business community came to regard him as an outstanding mayor.
KEVIN J. KELLEY Atlantic Beach
The fight against smoking isn’t over
To the Editor:
As partners in the New York State Tobacco Control Program, Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free NY and the
posts they see on Facebook and Instagram, or in videos on TikTok, with little to no regard for their validity. And it has eroded our society’s common sense and civility.
Too many people fell for the story about the litter box in the school bathroom.
A year or two ago, my daughter Adriana came home and informed me that Woodland Middle School had placed a litter box in a bathroom for a student who identified as a cat. I knew it was utter nonsense, but I pressed my daughter for more information.
Have you seen the litter box? I asked. No, she replied. And who is this child who identifies as a cat? I don’t know, I think some sixthgrader, she said. Though she was sure it was true, I assured her it was likely just a rumor. I explained the danger of believing anything without evidence, and left it at that.
A few weeks later, my friend Tim exasperatedly texted me that his daughter had told him her school had placed a litter box in the bathroom for a student who identified as a cat. I chuckled to myself, and replied that my daughter had told me the same thing, and that it
was hogwash. He swore it wasn’t.
Not long after that, my colleague Erin and I were grabbing lunch when she told me that a friend of hers who worked in security at a local school said they had put a litter box in the bathroom. She was apoplectic, and sure it was true. It was only after I told her of my two previous encounters with this legend that she accepted that it might be false.
Apparently, several politicians and media personalities perpetuated this hoax on posts and podcasts in 2022. It’s not that we didn’t have urban legends back in my Herald days; it’s just that the media didn’t spread them. What’s more, they didn’t incite such vitriol.
I wish I could turn the clock back to the early 2000s, when I used to see those familiar faces every morning in the Herald offices. I wish I could get rid of the talking heads, the social media posts and the viral videos that dominate the media landscape, but I can’t.
The best I can do is implore people to think critically, and not take anything they see and hear at face value. Chances are if you’re reading this, you already do. Encourage others to do so. Politely.
Nick Buglione, who lives in East Meadow, is a teacher, freelance journalist and former editor of the East Meadow Herald.
Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island work together to reduce the burden of commercial tobacco use and support a healthier, tobacco-free Long Island.
Since the inception of the state’s comprehensive Tobacco Control Program 25 years ago, cigarette smoking among adults in the state has dropped dramatically, from 23.2 percent in 2001 to 9.3 percent in 2023. Nassau and Suffolk counties have achieved two of the five lowest smoking rates in the state. There has also been a striking decrease in youth smoking since 2000, when 27.1 percent of high school youth reported cigarette use. The latest data show a 92 percent drop, to just 2.1 percent.
Nonetheless, the tobacco industry continues to harm New Yorkers. Industry documents reveal how tobacco companies have deliberately marketed menthol cigarettes to specific populations, including LGBTQ, Black and Hispanic communities, for decades. Data from the Adult Tobacco Survey highlight these disparities: Menthol cigarette use was highest among adults who identify as Black or African American (88 percent) and those who identify as Hispanic (70 percent).
The use of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches is on the rise, especially among youth. Vaping exposes users to serious health risks such as heart disease, lung cancer, asthma attacks and long-term effects from toxic metals. Nicotine can harm the developing brains of adolescents, and nearly one in five high school students in our state report vaping. Add-
ing to the concern, social media have begun promoting pouches as a cheaper alternative to weight-loss drugs.
The closing of the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health puts years of progress at risk. Without this support, states will have a harder time keeping prevention and quit-smoking programs strong. These programs have helped countless families in New York and around the country live healthier lives. The cuts will hit vulnerable communities the hardest.
Here in New York, funding cuts have led to the layoff of more than a dozen key members of the state’s tobacco
control program. This could weaken our free State Quitline services, reduce support for the Health Systems program and limit several other vital tobacco-control initiatives.
It’s imperative that we continue to employ comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco product use and nicotine addiction. The decline in cigarette smoking is worth celebrating, but there is still more work to be done.
Framework by Tim Baker
At the Town of Hempstead Fall Finale Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show — Point Lookout
CHRISTINE FARDELLONE
PJ Tedeschi East Meadow
mountsinai.org/southnassau