Malverne/West HeMpstead
HERALD
Also serving Lakeview
Lions pancake fundraiser
DEADLINE MARCH 3RD
West Hempstead cheer team off to the nationals
By MADISoN GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
The West Hempstead High School varsity cheerleading team was invited to the nationals.
The team represented the Rams while competing at the United Cheerleaders Association National High School Championship in Orlando, Florida. The competition, hosted by Disney World in ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex, was scheduled from Feb. 7 to 10.
“I’m very excited, because at the start we didn’t think that we were going to make it, and we’ve come a long way as a team,” Angie Alfaro, a senior team member, said.
To reach the nationals, teams must receive a bid, and West Hempstead had to compete at regional competitions and achieve a score high enough to qualify. West Hempstead has been invited to the national championships since 2017, but this time the girls received bids to compete with two different routines — game day and traContinued on page 16
Local educators react to Trump’s education plans
By MADISoN GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
According to recent reports, President Trump is preparing an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, before completely closing the agency. Staying true to his commitment — one of many headline-grabbing pledges he made during his campaign — the president plans to take action later this month to defund the department.
The order is part of Trump’s plan to return education to the control of the states. He and adviser Elon Musk, whom he has tasked with finding ways to
dramatically reduce government spending, reportedly intend to place department staff on paid leave, encourage others to leave their positions and transfer many of the department’s responsibilities to other agencies in the government.
“At this time, I want to clarify that the Department of Education remains intact and continues its operations,” West Hempstead Superintendent of Schools Dan Rehman said in a statement last Thursday.
“While there has been public discussion about various proposals, no structural changes have been enacted that would
affect our district’s federal funding or obligations.”
The Department of Education was created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979 as a cabinet-level agency, and began operations in May 1980. It helps fund schools nationwide; coordinates federal education programs, which include college financial aid for over 12 million post-secondary students; and ensures equal access to educational opportunities for students across the country.
Since its founding, other elected officials have called for disbanding the department, because the majority of educational responsibilities fall to
the states. They oversee curriculum and graduation requirements, as well as the administration of schools and colleges, and much of the funding for public schools comes from state and local sources.
But because individual states having vastly different financial and educational resources, educational oppor-
tunities for pupils have varied widely, and over the years the Department of Education has stepped in to fill in those gaps, providing financial support to states and districts that fall behind. Without the agency, many education experts contend, inequities from state to state, and from school district
on page 10
Holden Leeds/Herald
Before leaving for nationals, the West Hempstead High School varsity cheerleading team performed for friends and family at a sendoff showcase on Feb. 5.
News briefs
Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner
The Malverne Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2025 Installation Dinner on Jan. 29 at Uva Rossa. Mayor Tim Sullivan swore in the chambers board of directors and trustees. The Chamber of Commerce promotes business growth and quality of life in the community.
“It’s been an honor serving the chamber as president,” said Maria Casini, the newly installed Chairwoman. “I thank you all for allowing me to be part of your entrepreneurial dreams. Elizabeth will be a great president moving forward and I’ll do all I can to support her.”
Both NYS Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and
Assemblywoman Judy Griffin gave citations to the board members.
“It was an honor to recognize the newly installed Malverne Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors,” said Griffin. “The dedication and leadership of these business owners plays a vital role in strengthening our local economy and fostering a vibrant community. I look forward to working with the Chamber to support Malverne’s businesses and ensure continued growth and success.”
–Madison Gusler
Three arrested for alleged taxi robbery
Three people, including two children, were arrested on Jan. 31 for an alleged taxi robbery that occurred at 9 p.m. in West Hempstead.
A 21-year old taxi driver was driving the three near June Place and Theresa Avenue. After arriving to their destination, the passengers got into a fight with the driver.
During the fight, money from the taxicab’s center console was taken. The passengers then fled on foot.
Chance Richardson, 19, of Valley Stream, along with the two other passengers, ages 16 and 17, were arrested a short time later.
All three were charged with robbery and Richardson faced an additional charge of endangering the welfare of a child. Richardson was arraigned in district court on Feb. 1 and pleaded not guilty on all charges. He was released without bail.
The other two passengers were arraigned in the youth section of district court on Feb. 1.
Courtesy Malverne Chamber of Commerce
Village Trustees Carl Prizzi and Lori Lang, left, Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chamber President Elizabeth Krull, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, Chairwoman Maria Casini and Mayor Timothy Sullivan, celebrated Malverne’s thriving businesses.
–Madison Gusler
West Hempstead Lions pancake breakfast
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
Early Sunday morning, members of the West Hempstead Lions club gathered to prepare for their annual pancake breakfast. Despite the snowfall, members showed up early to decorate the West Hempstead Secondary School cafeteria with raffles, photo-ops and prepare a breakfast feast.
When I became the district governor of Nassau County, we needed some funds to help get things going, so that was the first pancake breakfast we had.
AL BRANDEL
Past International President, Lions Club International
Members spend months pulling this event together, according to president of the West Hempstead Lions club, Mia Murphy. She notes that their annual Super Bowl Sunday pancake breakfast is the clubs biggest fundraiser of the year. Money raised during the event support the clubs community efforts throughout the year. For a fee, community members can enjoy an unlimited breakfast, which includes all you can eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, waffles, sausages, bagels, coffee, tea, juice and more. There were many raffles offered, with various prize baskets that included a pizza oven, a slow cooker, two violins and more.
The Lions began hosting an all you can eat pancake breakfast in 1979. “When I became the district governor of Nassau County,” said Al Brandel, “we needed some funds to help get things going, so that was the first pancake breakfast we had.”
The original event was held at the American Legion Hall on Woodlawn Avenue. Over the years the breakfast became a tradition held the morning of Super Bowl Sunday and hosted at the secondary school.
Not only do the Lions raise money for their club, they also collected donations of toiletry items to donate to the INN. The INN is a Long Island based non-profit that provides food and shelter to those experiencing homelessness, hunger and poverty,
They also participated in a Super Hero Raffle for the benefit of the Brandel-Murphy Youth Foundation.
“When I finished up being the world president of Lions International, the Lions from your state usually gave you a gift,” said Brandel. After four years of dedicated service and overseeing Lions clubs around the world, he was offered a car. “I said ‘I don’t need a car.’ So they had money, and I said lets use
Calvin Hall, 2, of East Rockaway enjoyed a plate full of pancakes at the pancake breakfast.
this for children, to help children.”
Brandel and his wife, Maureen Murphy, started the foundation in 2009. The foundation provides matching grants for any Lions clubs in New York and Bermuda to help fund any project they cannot afford to do on their own, to help children in need. Winners of the raffle received a cash prize, while all ticket sales allow the foundation to further their mission.
The breakfast also featured a display of posters entered in the Lions Club International peace poster contest. Students ages 11-13 are required to draw a picture that aligns with a theme determined by the organization. This year, West Hempstead’s poster contest winner, Allison Ortiz, won third place at the state contest.
morning of Super Bowl Sunday serving unlimited pancakes, waffles, eggs and sausage to community members.
Kendal Corrado, left, and Rich Murphy, of East Rockaway spent the
Members of the Lakeview Fire Department stopped by the event to enjoy breakfast.
Christine Rivera/Herald photos West Hempstead Lions Club members showed up early to prepare for their annual breakfast fundraiser.
Griffin hosts recommitment ceremony
After taking her oath of office in 2019, New York State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin felt hosting another swearing-in ceremony was repetitive. Instead, she decided this year she would reaffirm her commitment of service to her constituents.
Representatives from across the 21st Assembly District gathered on Jan. 27 at the New York Elks Lodge No. 1 in Lynbrook to celebrate Griffin’s return to Albany.
“It has been my pleasure to dive in and begin representing AD21 again,” said Griffin. “I was eager to pick up where I left off and come back even stronger with a refreshed perspective.”
Griffin was joined at this event by U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, State Senator Siela Bynoe, Assemblyman Noah Burroughs, former Malverne Mayor Keith Corbett, as well as several local legislators and officials. Kevin Mullick, the 1st vice president of the Nassau County PBA, Matty Aracich, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau & Suffolk Counties, and Leslie Rose, co-chair of the NYSUT Women’s Committee and member of the HewlettWoodmere Faculty Association, spoke on behalf of the Assemblywoman during the ceremony.
“When I thought of doing this, I asked the three of them to speak, because they represent what matters most—public safety, organized labor, career opportunity and education. These are top priorities for all of us,” said Griffin.
Griffin also announced that she will be carrying a bill for peer support for police statewide, which was initiated by the Nassau County PBA.
“Mental health is a huge issue for everybody, but it is really a serious issue for police officers throughout Long Island, Nassau County and our state,” Griffin said. “I was really proud to take on this bill and I am honored to champion it and get it passed.”
The ceremony included a performance of the national anthem by Heather Cuevas and Sophia Bracco of Rockville Centre, as well as participation from Malverne Girl Scout Troops 2237 and 2562.
“I pledge to represent all constituents, embrace our diversity and work tirelessly to address the pressing issues that matter most to our district,” said Griffin. “I am committed to ensuring that Long Island remains a great place to live, work, raise a family and even retire.”
Griffin took her official oath alongside her family,
The Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT)
For those who don’t qualify for long-term care insurance or can’t afford it, the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (“MAPT”) can protect your assets from the high cost of long-term care in your home or in a facility.
The MAPT sets up two roadblocks that Medicaid cannot break through. First, you cannot be your own trustee. Usually, one or more of the adult children act as trustee.
Secondly, you, as the creator of the MAPT, are entitled to the income only, not the principal. If you don’t have access to the principal (your home or other assets in the trust), then Medicaid doesn’t have access to the principal. The MAPT makes good sense for assets you’re not going to spend –like your home and investments you’re not using. As we often say, if you don’t need it to live on, then why not protect it for your family instead of losing it to pay for long-term care.
When you apply for Medicaid for nursing home care, if you’ve transferred any assets in the past five years, you are ineligible. The full protection of the trust only takes place five years
after you establish the trust. This is why you want to plan ahead. Proposed new rules, often delayed but constantly looming, would also require you to have the MAPT in place two and half years in advance to be eligible for care in your own home.
The MAPT does not affect your lifestyle. You still receive your pension, social security checks, minimum distributions on your retirement plans, interest and dividends. You have the exclusive right to use and enjoy your home. You keep all your property tax exemptions. You can sell your house, buy a new one, or invest the proceeds, which remain in the trust, still protected.
The MAPT is also flexible. You can change trustees and you can change who you leave it to.
Although the MAPT is an irrevocable trust, not only does it have the flexibility mentioned above, but in New York there is a mechanism to revoke an irrevocable trust. All that is required is for all parties, you and your children, to sign. We even have a workaround just in case one of the children refuses to sign.
& Probate • Medicaid FREE CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 x117 or email info@trustlaw.com
Merrick
offices in Huntington
which was officiated by Mike Caplice of State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s office. Following the oath, Griffin thanked everyone in attendance for their unwavering support.
“My victory wasn’t just my victory, it was a victory for all of us,” Griffin said. “This victory reflects our shared vision for a more prosperous, safer, cleaner and affordable Long Island.”
–Madison Gusler
■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/malverne or www.liherald.com/westhempstead
■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: mal-wheditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 298 E-mail: mal-wheditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942
■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460
■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643
■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com
Photos courtesy Assemblywomen Griffin
Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, center, was surrounded by family as she took her oath of office at a celebration ceremony in Lynbrook.
Girl Scouts with Troop 2562 in Malverne helped lead the pledge of allegiance for the event.
MIKE KONDYRA
MacArthur Senior Basketball
A THREE-YEAR STARTER looking for his first AllCounty selection, Kondyra reached a milestone Jan. 27 in MacArthur’s 79-72 defeat to Long Beach. As part of a 42-point performance, he recorded her 1,000th career point. He hit seven three-pointers in what was his third 40-plus point game of the season. The AllConference honoree in 2023-24 iis averaging 25 points per game this winter to rank among Nassau County’s top five scorers.
GIRLS WRESTLING
NASSAU COUNTY CHAMPIONS
Tyasia Buxton, V.S. Central, 94 pounds
Harley Eidens, Long Beach, 100
Presley Eidens, Long Beach, 107
Gabrielle Severin, Bethpage, 114
Haley Gonzales, Hicksville, 120
Olivia Rausenberger, MacArthur, 126
Taylor Brock, Kennedy, 132
Jessica Marzano, Bethpage, 138
Gabriella Schechtman, Kennedy, 145
Keishara Tulloch, Uniondale, 152
Isabella Steffa, Seaford, 165
Eyslin Turcios, V.S. North, 185
Naomi Gonzalez, V.S. North, 235
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter 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.
Girls wrestling takes center stage
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
History was made Feb. 2 when Nassau County hosted its first-ever girls’ wrestling tournament at Bethpage High School with more than 100 entrants from over 20 districts.
Champions were crowned in 13 weight classes, ranging from 94 to 235 pounds, before a jam-packed crowd. Uniondale had the largest contingency with 22 participants as coach Tim Godoy said interest exploded after fall sports concluded.
“It’s been a really fun season and this tournament is great to see,” Godoy said. “I recruited some kids I coach in soccer and badminton and it just kind of took off from there. Last year we had two girls wrestling. By the end of the first week of practice this November, we had 30.”
Bethpage coach Sean Severin coordinated the one-day tournament and was thrilled to see everything run smooth. His daughter, Bethpage junior Gabrielle, captured the
Kennedy senior Gabriella Schechtman, who competed for MacArthur’s team, won the title at 145 pounds.
114-pound title which made a historic day that much more special.
“I was super happy with how good the event turned out,” Sean Severin said. “It drew a really big crowd and the girls brought the energy. It’s going to be a great stepping stone for the growth of the sport in Nassau County.”
Long Beach, which for more than four decades has fielded one of the premier wrestling programs in the county, has four girls competing this season including eighth-grade twins Presley and Harley Eidens. All four made the finals with the Eidens’ both winning championships.
“This is unbelievable opportunity for all the female wrestlers in Nassau,” said Long Beach coach Ray Adams, whose daughter, Reese, competes for Calhoun but missed her junior season with a knee injury that required surgery. “Our youth program, the Gladiators, started a girls program a few years ago and it keeps growing,” he said.
Adams credited 2020 graduate Lina Diamond with being the trailblazer for the budding Long Beach girls program. Presley Eidens, who also plays lacrosse and volleyball, said she started wrestling about two-and-ahalf years ago and grapples with her sister every day in practice. Freshmen Arianna Balsamo (152) and Sofia Calle (165) are also workout partners. “They’ve all improved every match,” Adams noted.
Valley Stream Central junior Tyasia Buxton said she joined wrestling to bring additional discipline into her
life. She just took up the until four months ago but has come a long way in a short time, coach Chris Carbajal said. Buxton captured the 94-pound crown.
“Really proud of her,” Carbajal said. “She made a commitment and stuck to it all season.”
Buxton credits a good deal of her success to scraping against boys almost exclusively this season. “I’ve taken my losses, but I learned a lot and I’m better for it,” she said. “It feels great to win. I gave it my all and didn’t give up.”
Lynbrook junior Dani Zhanay is one of the county’s most-experienced wrestlers. She’s been competing for eight years, coach Rich Renz said, after starting with the Titans youth league. “She loves competing and has a lot of skill,” Renz explained.
Uniondale sophomore Brianna Marquez is one of a
handful of soccer players who decided to give wrestling a try at the urging of Godoy. She was runner-up to Presley Eidens at 107. The Knights crowned one champion — sophomore Keishara Tulloch at 152.
“All the girls are amazing and the wrestling community has been really supportive,” Marquez said. “We all push each other harder every day. It’s definitely something I can see myself continuing to do.” Valley Stream North crowned a pair of champs with juniors Eyslin Turcios winning at 185 and Naomi Gonzaez emerging victorious at 235. Kennedy saw senior Gabriella Schechtman win at 145 and eighth-grader Taylor Brock finish first at 132. All 13 county champs along with six second-place finishers advance to the girls state tournament Feb. 27 in Albany.
Terry Uellendahl/Herald photos Valley Stream Central’s Tyasia Buxton captured the 94-pound crown.
Mules roll in Coach Lopez’s 350th victory
By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com
On a night that was supposed to honor them, a couple of Malverne boys’ basketball seniors made sure their head coach got his accolades as well.
Lorenzo Maione had 10 assists and scored nine of his game-high 17 points during the Mules’ explosive third quarter and Jamar Smith added nine points as Malverne gave head coach Darrol Lopez his 350th career win in a 70-29 romp over Seaford on Senior Night last Friday.
Junior Julien Dumornay and sophomores Shane Lee and Isaiah Smith finished with eight points apiece and Spencer Sexton pulled down eight rebounds in his final regular season home contest for the Mules (12-7. 9-2 Conference A7), who never trailed while allowing the fewest points in a game this season.
The teams split the season series after Seaford (6-13, 5-6) posted a 55-52 win on its home court on Jan. 9.
Malverne led 11-7 after the first quarter and used an 11-2 run to start the second to begin pulling away. Isaiah Smith
had four points during the run, which was sandwiched around four points from Dumornay and Maione’s 3-pointer. Seaford scored five straight points to cut the Malverne lead to 22-14, but baskets by Dumornay and Bryce McIntosh pushed the Mules’ lead back to 12 at intermission.
The Mules then dominated with a 26-7 third quarter, which was ignited by Maione’s steal off a Seaford inbound pass and he converted the ensuing layup to make it 28-14. Sexton’s basket off an offensive rebound, Lee’s layup, and a coast-to-coast basket by Jamar Smith off another steal increased the lead to 20.
Seaford scored five straight points, but Malverne answered with an 18-0 run to put the game well out of reach at 52-19. Maione hit consecutive 3-pointers and had seven points during the surge, Jamar Smith added another trey, and Isaiah Smith, Sexton, Lee, and Dumornay contributed field goals.
“The third quarter we blew it up,” Malverne associate coach Walter Aksionoff said. “A beautiful job.”
The 19-point differential was the greatest in any quarter for the Mules
this season.
Eleven Malverne players scored points. The performance also capped off a memorable week for Maione, who drilled the game-winning 3-pointer with six seconds left in a 59-58 win over North Shore three days earlier.
“Lorenzo’s been like a pimple,” Aksionoff said. “He bothers the other team because he’s always in their face.”
Isaiah Smith also had a strong game on the boards with 11 rebounds.
It was the Mules’ third win in the last four contests, and they remained a game behind Friends Academy for first place in the conference. Both teams are playing their respective finales on Tuesday.
After the final buzzer, Lopez was congratulated publicly, and by the other coaches and game officials before his team formed a circle around him and jumped up and down in celebration.
“I’ve been with him for almost 300 of those games,” Aksionoff said. “But, with that being said, to see his family there and him [was nice]. And in retrospect, I was saying to D, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t book those hard teams for non-league games. You would be at 400 now.’”
• Repairs & Touch-ups – Fixing minor issues that can deter buyers.
• Deep Cleaning – Making your home sparkle from top to bottom.
• Staging & Styling – Transforming spaces to highlight their best features.
• Organizing & Decluttering – Helping you declutter for a fresh, inviting feel. Also specializing in Mortgages, Title & Expediting Services. Call us today to see how we can help!
Robert is a dedicated real estate agent with deep roots in the New York metro area. Growing up between South Queens and the South Shore of Long Island, Robert has a unique understanding of the local market and a passion for helping clients find the perfect place to call home. With a strong commitment to customer service, Robert combines local expertise with a professional approach to guide buyers and sellers through every step of their real estate journey. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, Robert is here to make your experience seamless and rewarding.
Sue Grieco/Herald Spencer Sexton pulled down 8 rebounds last Friday as Malverne blew out Seaford to give head coach Darrol Lopez career win No. 350.
Legislators sue over county’s ‘illegal militia’
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Nassau County Democratic legislators and civil rights attorneys filed a lawsuit against the county last week, branding County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s creation of special sheriff’s deputies an “illegal militia.”
“Bruce Blakeman’s militia is not about public safety — it’s political theater at the expense of Nassau County residents,” Legislator Seth Koslow, ranking member of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee, said. “There is no justification for creating an unaccountable and illegal force that answers only to the county executive.”
Legislator Scott Davis criticized the measure as unnecessary, citing Nassau’s ranking as one of the safest counties in the country, and called for an increase in properly trained law enforcement officers as an alternative to the volunteer deputy program. The county currently employs over 2,500 officers who have undergone rigorous training.
In the event that the county’s existing law enforcement and crisis volunteers are insufficient, the county has the ability to call for assistance from law enforcement agencies in neighboring counties.
The lawsuit alleges that the county’s application process for the program requires minimal qualifications, including ownership of a pistol license and no
Democratic Nassau County legislators filed a lawsuit in State Supreme Court last week against the county and County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s creation of a special sheriff’s deputy program. Legislators Carrié Solages, far left, Scott Davis, Seth Koslow, Debra Mulé, Arnold Drucker and Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton gathered to announce the suit on Feb. 5.
“misdemeanor convictions within the previous five years.” For each day of activation during an emergency, a volunteer would receive a stipend of $150, which exceeds the hourly rate of pay limit that deputies may receive without legislative approval.
The lawsuit cites a Newsday investigation that found that 25 people had enlisted in the program as of last Sep -
tember, six of whom were not able to be found through background checks. The plaintiffs allege that the county’s program appears to require significantly less training than its regular police training.
Carey Dunne, an attorney from the Free and Fair Litigation Group, argued that this poses a risk to the general public.
“County Executive Blakeman’s mili-
tia endangers public safety in Nassau County and the health of our democracy nationwide,” Dunne said. “Our lawsuit alleges an authoritarian power grab in the heart of suburban America. We cannot let the abuse of executive power go unanswered.”
Legislator Debra Mulé alleged that special sheriff’s deputies are an illegal group that should not be funded with taxpayer money, and that the county executive should be compelled to comply with public record laws.
“We filed formal Freedom of Information Law requests to get answers, and Blakeman ignored them,” Mulé said. “Even the county budget hides how much money is being funneled into this program. If this militia is such a great idea, why is he hiding it from the public?”
Blakeman is the first defendant in the case, alongside Nassau County Sheriff Anthony LaRocco. Blakeman was adamant in his opposition to the lawsuit and his support of the volunteer unit.
“Debra Mulé and Scott Davis are a disgrace for bringing this frivolous action and defaming the volunteers, many of whom are retired military and law enforcement, who have agreed to pitch in in the event of an emergency,” Blakeman said in a statement. “The antisemitic statements, denigrating these good citizens by labeling them as Nazi brownshirts, disqualify them for public service.”
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald
Trump’s plan to impact local education
to district, may widen.
Even if the department is eliminated, several federal education laws would remain in place, including the Every Student Succeeds Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
We remain committed to advocating for the resources and support necessary to maintain the high standards of education our district upholds
Dr. Lorna LeWis Malverne Superintendent
The ESSA sets high standards for math and reading in K-12 to prepare students for college, and protects disadvantaged students by directing resources to their studies.
The IDEA ensures that children with disabilities have free and appropriate public education.
Any administration decisions about the Education Department are unlikely to cause any drastic changes in New York’s educational systems. In a recent statement responding to the likelihood of an executive order from Trump, the State Education Department made clear that its administrators “remain committed to the inherent dignity and worth of every child. As such, we denounce the intolerant rhetoric of these orders. Our children cannot thrive in an environment of chaos; they need steady and stable leadership that we will endeavor to provide.”
Nonetheless, local school officials say they anticipate possible complications with federal programs, and a loss of federal funding that would impact area
as reports suggest president
prepare for the impact.
districts.
“At this point, it is too early to identify the full impact such a decision could have on our schools, students and community,” Malverne Superintendent of Schools Lorna Lewis said in a statement last Wednesday. “However, we remain committed to advocating for the resources and support necessary to maintain the high standards of education our district upholds. As more information becomes available, we will continue to assess any potential effects.”
“As superintendent, it would be premature to speculate about potential future impacts on our district,” Rehman said, sentiments that were echoed by other school leaders in West Hempstead and Malverne. “We remain focused on providing high-quality education while meeting federal and state requirements. We will carefully monitor any developments and inform our school community of any changes that could affect our operations.”
HTH Middle School Valentine’s Dance
Students of the Howard T. Herber Middle School gathered on Friday night for a Valentine’s Dance.
The PTA hosted the dance, which took place in the middle school gym.
A DJ had the students in good spirits, as they danced and took photos in the photo booth. Sweet treats and drinks were available for all. Attendees were dressed in various shades of red and pink, getting into the Valentine’s spirit!
–Madison Gusler
Christina Daly/Herald file
donald trump is taking steps to eliminate the department of education, local districts
Photos courtesy HTH PTA
the Valentine’s dance had opportunities for students to take photos together.
Howard t. Herber middle School students enjoyed a Valentine’s dance on feb. 7.
By Danielle Schwab
GOUT
Friends of the Brothers
Dinosaurs and epic roars
et ready to embark on Jurassic Quest, one of the largest immersive dinosaur experiences in North America. The traveling prehistoric adventure, which combining archaeology with the latest tech, returns to Nassau Coliseum with its herd this weekend, Feb. 15-17.
Journey back 165 million years — to a time when mighty dinos ruled the Earth. The arena transforms into the TriassicJurassic and Cretaceous periods with life-like dinosaurs to observe and interact with during, that’s sure to spark the imagination.
“We bring dinosaurs to people in a way that’s fun, interactive and educational that you can’t find anywhere else,” says Jurassic Quest dinosaur expert Sarah Menard, better known as “Safari Sarah,” one of the expert “dino trainers.”
“You can go to a museum to see dinosaurs, but you’re only going to see fossils. You’re going to see educational things, but it’s not going to be as interactive or fun as maybe bouncing on a giant dinosaur inflatable would be,” she says.
There are plenty of opportunities to dig into the excitement. Hop on rideable dinosaurs, engage in hands-on science and art activities, enjoy thrilling dinosaur shows, observe real-life artifacts — and that’s only the start.
All of this — enhanced by carefully chosen vegetation, immersive sound effects, dynamic lighting, and interactive electronics — will make you feel like you’ve truly stepped into another time.
“One of my favorite things to see is whenever kids walk in their jaws drop, and then their parents walk in right after them and they do the same exact thing,” Safari Sarah adds.
Expect to see all your favorite dinos and meet new ones, including the formidable Triceratops, towering longnecks, fierce raptors, and of course, the infamous Tyrannosaurus Rex — standing proud at 20 feet tall as the ultimate apex predator.
Dig into the mysteries of our favorite prehistoric pals
• Feb. 15-16 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Tickets start at $22 (Use code QUEST15 for 15 percent off admission); available at jurassicquest.com or on-site
• Nassau Coliseum, 1255 Hempstead Turnpike Uniondale
where they can channel their
where they can channel their inner paleontologist, and study replicated and real fossils like T-Rex teeth, a triceratops horn and life-size dino skull.
“They can learn not only how fossils are made, but they can make fossils themselves, and at the end of the day, they get to walk away with a dinosaurshaped fossil,” Safari Sarah says.
On display, you’ll find real artifacts like Megalodon and dinosaur teeth, horseshoe crabs, and maybe even a dinosaur skull.
Friends of the Brothers returns to the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to the Allman Brothers. Their powerful celebration featuring musicians closely associated with the original band, continues the brotherhood with passion, committed to the ideals of every night being special and unique. Guitarist/singer Junior Mack has fronted Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band for 12 years and starred in the acclaimed Broadway show “Lackawanna Blues.” Guitarist Andy Aledort played with Dickey Betts for 12 years while singer/guitarist Alan Paul is the author of “One Way Out,” the definitive, best-selling Allman Brothers biography based on 25 years of reporting on and interviewing the band. Their firsthand experience with the Allman Brothers and their deep knowledge of the repertoire, its roots and heritage allows them to play with an unrivaled depth, backed by a band of inspirational, veteran players. Rock on!
Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. $38, $33. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or call (516) 767-6444.
Every dinosaur is created in collaboration with top paleontologists to create accurate depictions. As more is learned about these prehistoric creatures, their features are updated to reflect the most authentic depiction of dinosaurs in their prime.
This year, you may see some different feather placement and colors added to the pack.
“We actually know that feathers were a lot more prominent than we originally thought. There are even some paleontologists that think that the T-Rex had feathers,” Safari Sarah explains.
While we may think of dinosaurs in their largerthan-life forms, they, of course started out young — and “small.” Meet the baby dinos, Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex, and Trixie the Triceratops, three lovable hatchlings ready to play with new friends!
“They all have their own personalities. They’re all kinds of tricksters and will steal your hat or your phone from you. They’re cute little buddies,” Safari Sarah says.
“The famous question we get is ‘Is this really real?”’ There’s much to explore at each activity station, including an opportunity to become a Utahraptor trainer for the largest raptor in the world. The team instruct families on different commands and tricks to use that they can try out for themselves.
Kids will also want to check out the fossil dig,
For those looking for some self-guided fun, there’s
For those looking for some self-guided fun, there’s a scavenger hunt-style activity that the whole family can explore. Go on “The Quest,” a scavenger hunt-style activity where budding paleontologists can become Jr. Park Rangers, and learn all about the dinosaurs and time periods with the help of a fun and fact-filled video tour.
And the youngest adventurers have a spot all their own. Little dino-lovers can roam the ‘Triceratots’ soft play area, taking a well-deserved break from the excitement.
and learn all about the dinosaurs and time periods with the help the
While dinosaurs connect us to the past, they also connect all of this
While dinosaurs connect us to the past, they also connect all ages to a sense of wonder.
“If a parent can step outside of their ‘common sense’ and get into ‘wow, this is a real science,’ it really opens it up for their children as well, ” Safari Sarah says.
From a child’s toy to life-like moving creatures, atmosphere
From a child’s toy to life-like moving creatures, dinosaurs unearth new — but actually very old — possibilities.
“Studying dinosaurs is a gateway science,” Safari Sarah explains. “It opens it up to all these different sciences that talk about our Earth or the atmosphere or the stars. Things that have always been around since the beginning of time.”
Photos courtesy Jurassic Quest
His ‘Bronx Tale’ Chazz Palminteri is back on the Paramount stage, with his solo version of “A Bronx Tale.” The powerful one-man stage play depicts his bruising childhood, which included witnessing a gangland killing in the Bronx when he was nine years old. Palminteri plays 18 characters and brings them all to life in his autobiographical play. His friends, enemies and family all come alive on stage. It became a hit after he wrote it in 1989 and the most sought after property since “Rocky.” This is the original show he wrote and performed that made him an in-demand character actor and served as the basis of the acclaimed movie and Broadway musical. Bronx-born and raised, Palminteri was a natural choice to continue the long line of prominent Italian actors in the film industry.
Trainer Safari Sarah (at left) knows her way around a dinosaur herd. These prehistoric creatures — of all shapes and sizes — roar to life at Jurassic Quest.
Sunday, Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., $99.50, $89.50, $79.50, $59.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Visit ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com for tickets.
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to its stage, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2 p.m.; Monday through Saturday, Feb. 1722, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. It is 3017 in this futuristic, musical retelling of “Cinderella.” She’s now a space engineer looking to revolutionize space travel. When the Prince holds a space parade, Cinderella saves it by helping fix the Prince’s spaceship. Cinderella knows it’s the perfect opportunity to show the Prince her new hyper warp speed engine. But first, she’ll have to keep her evil stepmother from throwing a wrench in her plans! $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only. Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or licm.org.
Mah Jongg
Get in the game. Bring your mah jongg card and set to Malverne Public Library, Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m. Players of all experience levels welcome. For more information, visit malvernelibrary.org or call (516) 599-0750. 61 St. Thomas Place.
In concert
Jupiter String Quartet returns to Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. The intimate group of violinists Nelson Lee and Meg Freivogel, violist Liz Freivogel (Meg’s older sister), and cellist Daniel McDonough (Meg’s husband, Liz’s brotherin-law) are brought together by ties both familial and musical.
The ensemble brings its well-honed musical chemistry to three works shaped by bold musicality and deeply meaningful thematic inspirations, including Warmth from Other Suns by Carlos Simon; String Quartet No. 3, Glitter, Doom, Shards, Memory by Shulamit; and String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat Major, Op. 130 with the Grosse Fuge by Ludwig van Beethoven. 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 877-4000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.
Having an event?
A Band Called Honalee
Plaza Theatricals welcomes the modern-day folk trio, Sunday, Feb. 23 , 2:30 p.m. Inspired by the music and legacy of Peter, Paul & Mary, the ensemble offers up an energetic interactive tribute. Satisfying diehard PPM lovers as well as newcomers to this wonderful era of music, their concer features all of PPM’s beloved hits, including “Leaving on a Jet Plane,” “Blowing in the Wind,” and of course “Puff The Magic Dragon.”
With stirring vocal harmonies and polished showmanship, they also offers favorites from Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Pete Seeger, Joni Mitchell, The Mamas & The Papas, Joan Baez, The Weavers, and more. $40, $35 seniors. Groove along at Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit plazatheatrical. com.
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.
Hempstead House tour
Feb. 16
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, Feb. 16, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
Hundreds Attend The R.E.A.L. Awards
Event celebrates professionals driving growth and community development
By Angelina Zingariello
RichnerLIVE hosted its fourth annual R.E.A.L. Awards on Jan. 29, honoring the outstanding entrepreneurs, professionals and visionaries shaping Long Island’s real estate industry.
This event, at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, recognized individuals who have excelled in their fields and dedicated themselves to community advocacy and development.
“We strive to spotlight these developments and the people and organizations behind them week in and week out,” Stuart Richner, president and publisher of Richner Communications Inc., said. “Your work is vital for our shared growth and prosperity.”
The ceremony emphasized the deep connection between real estate and local communities, highlighting how industry leaders contribute to the region’s growth and well-being. The event celebrated the accomplishments of professionals whose efforts go beyond building structures; they lay the foundation for thriving neighborhoods and economic prosperity.
The evening began with a lively cocktail hour, where attendees mingled and connected with friends and colleagues. The networking session set the tone for the night, allowing industry leaders to celebrate their shared achievements and contributions to the local real estate landscape.
“It’s always an honor to be honored,” said Sheldon Shrenkel, CEO and executive director of the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency, said. “We appreciate the recognition, and to be together with all these other wonderful people in similar professions.”
After dinner, the awards ceremony was hosted by five-time Emmy Awardwinning investigative reporter Kristin Thorne. The honorees were recognized for their achievements, and came to the stage to accept their awards.
“It is always an honor to be celebrated multiple times by fellow architects and industry organizations,” Willy Zambrano, founder and design principal at Zambrano Architecutal Design, said. “However, recognition from another professional field is truly invaluable, particularly when it comes from a local news outlet. I’m elated to receive the Architectural Design Excellence award from this event.”
Keynote speaker Mike Florio, CEO of the Long Island Builders Institute, addressed the growing challenges in Long Island’s real estate market, emphasizing how rising construction costs, insurance premiums and restrictive zoning regulations are making homeownership increasingly difficult. Despite these obstacles, Florio highlighted the region’s desirability, and the need for collaborative efforts among developers, policymakers and local businesses to create sustainable, mixed-use communities that accommodate evolving demographic needs while ensuring
economic stability.
“To achieve these goals, we must take this conversation beyond a solution,” Florio said. “Everyone inside understands the challenges we face, but we need to reach a broader audience. Too often, the highest voices in the room are the small but local minority that is resistant to change.”
The annual Herald R.E.A.L. Awards served as a reminder of the vital role real estate professionals play in shaping Long Island’s future, not only through development but also through advocacy and community engagement. The evening brought together industry leaders to celebrate their achievements, foster connections and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead.
A portion of the proceeds from the
evening benefited General Needs Ltd., a nonprofit organization that is committed to supporting homeless veterans. Founded in May 2015, General Needs provides essential services to veterans in emergency shelters in Brooklyn and Queens and across Long Island. The organization operates entirely through community support, ensuring that all donations directly assist those in need.
For a full list of honorees and photos, visit richnerlive.com/realestate.
Robert Esposito, founder of Relocators Service Inc. and author, “Nobody Move!” with Stuart Richner
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Honoree Nicholas Ceccarini with friends and family of Weatherstone Mortgage Corp
Hundreds cheer on our 2025 honorees
Keynote Speaker Mike Florio, Long Island Builders Institute
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Honoree Kevin D. Boone, Keller Williams Realty of Greater Nassau
Honoree Christina Volz and Nancy Cuite, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Honoree Sheldon L. Shrenkel, Nassau County IDA
Father/son honorees Kenneth and Stanley Schuckman, Schuckman Realty
Honoree Brendan D’Loren of Terwilliger & Bartone and Stuart Richner
Cocktail hour filled with 2025 honorees and their guests ahead of the ceremony
Honoree Tiffany Balanoff, Douglass Elliman
Honorees Vito Giannola, Provident Bank and Dee Dee Brix, Compass
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Honoree Willy L. Zambrano, Zambrano Architectural Design, LLC
Honoree Joseph Farkas, Metropolitan Realty Associates, LLC
Rams’ cheer team competes at nationals
ditional.
“I’m excited that we’re able to compete with our two routines this year,” Victoria Covino, a senior, said. “We know we’ve worked so hard and we’ve come a long way as a group, so I’m really excited that we get to showcase all of our hard work and dedication that we’ve put in throughout the whole season.”
Game day routines are structured to emulate a game day experience. “How the cheerleaders are on the sidelines, they’re getting the crowd pumped up,” Kristen Lynch, the cheer team’s cocoach, explained.
The performances involve a dance to the school fight song, a school cheer, a situational cheer for either the offense or defense and a cheer that allows for crowd interaction.
“They look for a clean routine, lots of excitement and peppiness, almost like you’re at a football game,” Lynch said.
Traditional routines comprise cheers, stunts and dancing as well, but they are set to music instead of a fight song.
“We’re non-tumbling, which means we don’t do the flips and everything, but we do stunt,” Lynch said. “They’re looking for clean, tight motions, walking clean to your spots, complicated stunts and pyramids that hit perfectly.”
“I think the girls in both routines have a really great shot,” co-coach Kristal Hernandez said. “As long as they remain confident, and as strong as they were when we first started back in Octo-
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
ber, I think they have a great chance to go to semis, even finals.”
Co-coaches Hernandez and Lynch both cheered competitively at LIU and competed in the National Cheerleader Association College Championships. Lynch has been a cheer coach for 10 years and Hernandez for three, but it’s their first year coaching the varsity program in West Hempstead. Earlier this school year, they were named Nassau County Section 8 Class C Coaches of the
Public Notices
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as Indenture Trustee for the registered Noteholders of Renaissance Home Equity Loan Trust 2007-1, Plaintiff AGAINST
Pauline E. Johnson; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 21, 2020 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 25, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 301 Coventry Road North, West Hempstead, NY 11552. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Lakeview, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 35 Block 515 Lot 30. Approximate amount of judgment $616,322.45 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 004255/2014. The
Year.
Prior to this year, Lynch had attended the United Cheerleaders Association competition twice as a coach, once each with Valley Stream North and Oyster Bay.
“It’s a little bit different, because I know what to expect, what it takes to get to the next level,” she said. “Just this week, we were explaining to the team what happens when we’re there, like day-to-day, and how the score system goes, how many teams advance to semifinals and finals, and just preparing them.”
auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: January 10, 2025 151104
New York Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 151264
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, -againstSUSAN SCHRAMM AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ELEANOR FICKBOHM, ET AL.
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: DRP Visionary Advisors, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 11/15/2024. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to:
NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on January 3, 2024, wherein MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC is the Plaintiff and SUSAN SCHRAMM AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ELEANOR FICKBOHM, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE,
MINEOLA, NY 11501, on March 11, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 840 TAFT STREET, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552; and the following tax map identification: 35-435-71. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 602021/2020. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 151409
“I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished so far this season,” Lynch added. “Coming in as new coaches, for us to make it this far, we’re really, really proud, and we’re excited to see what happens when we get down there. We do have a great chance this year, so we’re really hoping we’ll make it to semifinals and hopefully finals.”
West Hempstead is competing with a twelve-member team this season, largely composed of eighth graders, freshmen and sophomores.
“I’m really grateful that we get the opportunity to go to nationals this year,” Covino said. “Coming into this season we’ve only had three returning
members so it’s a great opportunity. I’m so proud of our younger girls, that we were able to get two bids to nationals this year. I think we’re gonna rock it, and I’m so proud of how far they’ve come this season.”
West Hempstead’s cheer team placed top 15 in the nation in their division for both of their routines.
Before the cheer team left for nationals, a showcase sendoff was held after school in the West Hempstead High School gym on Feb. 5. Friends, family and members of the local community were in attendance to cheer on the girls and show their support.
The event began with cheers and a dance routine performed by students from local elementary schools. The young athletes learned these routines at a youth clinic hosted by the high school’s cheerleading team in January, as part of a fundraising effort to pay for the trip to nationals.
The high school girls then performed their competition routines, loudly and proudly representing the black and gold.
the cheer team’s performances include complex stunt sequences and highenergy dance routines.
the team will represent the rams at the united Cheerleaders association national High School Championship competition in orlando, florida.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos West Hempstead will enter the competition with two routines — game day and traditional.
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc.
STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multitask, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $16.50 per hour to $23 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: careers@liherald.com
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!
$22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
FULL CHARGE BOOKKEEPER : Proficiency Quickbooks, 2/ 3 Days/ Week, Flexible. $20-$30/ Hr. Send resume cbc@catalinabeachclub.com Call 516-239-2150
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour.
Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
HomesHERALD
NEW TO MARKET
Nailing down the permits
Q. We completely rebuilt in 1996, and are ready to retire and sell. Our real estate agent told us they checked our permit records and it was never signed off. Although it’s a long story, our first contractor went to jail and destroyed our original permit papers. The second contractor never got a plumbing permit or electrical sign-offs, even though they had people do the work. Is this going to be a big problem to get everything signed off, because we want to sell within the year to take advantage of the market right now? What can you advise?
A. Sounds like you went through a lot. Most people tell me they could write a book about their experience. You need to see your building department records and get copies of the signed and sealed plans. Many municipalities keep records either in paper form, which you may have to pay for copies of, or microfilm or computer files.
Then speak with your inspector to find out what they think needs to be done. Most will be very helpful, and allow for the process to continue, asking you to hire a plumber to get a permit, which involves your notarized signature so you know it’s being done. In way too many cases, the plumber or contractor says it was done when it really wasn’t, so most municipalities require the owner’s signature on permit applications so the building department and owner are aware that the process is being done and is not false.
The plumber needs to see your bathrooms, kitchen, heating equipment and any other plumbing to be sure it meets the plumbing code (and building code). The same process must be done with an electrician, but most building departments ask for a certification from a private agency, not your electrician, since most building departments don’t have an electrical inspector. The reason for this is that one of the two leading causes of fire is electrical (the other being use of the kitchen) so your local government wants nothing to do with the liability for fire safety.
You’ll find that almost everyone in this process wants to avoid responsibility as much as possible. You may have to either call for an inspection agency yourself or, if you suspect that there could be questionable electrical work, hire a licensed electrician to inspect and correct before hiring an agency to detect, if you elect. The private agency charges a few hundred dollars, usually, depending on the number of rooms and outdoor items, like air conditioning condensers, pool equipment and landscape lights, which must also be inspected. After all this is done, you may be able to get a final inspection and a sign-off and certificate from your building department, unless … your building department makes you get plans and a new survey redrawn and updated to the most recent code, which is complicated, time-consuming and expensive — in the thousands of dollars — before you can get a final inspection. Allow plenty of time.
BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076
CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641
drawer, 2 doors w/shelf. Formica
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069
E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
W-32"xH-30"xD-18" $99. 516-320-1906 END TABLES (2): Mahogany, Good Condition, $30. 516-450-1654 HISENSE 65 INCH TV. Very good condition. $99. 412-499-0723. SAMSUNG 65" TV: Works great. Remote included. Gonna go fast, don't delay. $99. 516 887-5109
DO YOU KNOW what's in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728
PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496
TVS MOUNTED. PHONE, TV, Computer Wires, HD Antennas, Starlink Dishes, Stereos Installed And Serviced. FREE Estimates. Lic#54264-RE And Ins. Call Dave 631-667-9473(WIRE), 516-353-1118(TEXT)
GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855-399-2719
Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-399-2582
HEARING AIDS!! HIGH-QUALITY rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060
INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider
AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If
Our police officers’ mental health must be a priority
police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, yet too often they do not receive the essential mental health support they need by nature of their profession. This can exact a toll, both personally and professionally.
Beverly J. Anderson, clinical director of the Metropolitan Police Employee Assistance program, once said, “No human being, no matter how healthy, welltrained or welladjusted, is immune to the long-term stress of sudden critical incidents.”
Police Benevolent Association leaders in the Nassau County Police Department and the New York City and State Police have discussed this major issue with me. They shared how the repetitive trauma that police officers endure from responding to violent crimes, domestic violence incidents, car accidents and other life-threatening situations can have a serious impact on their well-being.
It is our responsibility to ensure that we establish effective statewide counseling and resources to help officers process
Nthese experiences. That’s why I am sponsoring legislation to establish a formal peer-to-peer mental health support program for police officers in New York state. This legislation is about supporting the men and women who protect us every day, by ensuring that they have the mental health resources they need to serve effectively.
The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association has strongly advocated for this initiative, and I was honored when they asked me to sponsor the legislation.
We need to establish a peer-to-peer mental health support program.
Since I took office in 2019, I have expressed concern about the uptick in suicides among officers, many of whom retired after long careers on the force. Sadly, suicides continue to rise. I was pleased to see that Tommy Shevlin was elected president of the Nassau County PBA in 2021. It was the right time for an officer with his mental health background to take the lead. As a delegate, he has been instrumental in addressing mental health issues among his fellow officers. Shevlin has encouraged officers to receive the assistance and support they deserve, because a healthy police officer is a more effective one, and an asset to all that he or she is sworn to protect and serve.
The legislation is in memory of Lt. Joseph Banish, a State Trooper who died by suicide. That inspired his brother, Jim Banish, to honor his memory by traveling around the state, and the country, to establish programs that help officers deal with mental health issues. Shevlin and Banish became fast friends, united in a goal to help heal the stress and trauma that officers endure in the course of their work.
This bill directs the Division of Criminal Justice Services to expand a peersupport program in which trained officers counsel fellow officers struggling with trauma, stress, anxiety and grief. By creating a structured, departmentally approved system, we can ensure that officers have a safe, accessible and effective resource to help them navigate the mental health challenges of their profession. The need for such a program is clear. The emotional toll of policing is well documented, and when trauma goes unaddressed, it can lead to severe consequences, including depression, substance abuse, addictive behavior and even suicide. A recent report on police suicides in Suffolk County highlighted the urgent need for better mental health support within law enforcement. Officers feel more comfortable confiding in a peer who
understands their experiences, rather than seeking help from an external mental health professional. My bill is written for this reality, and provides a structured, confidential avenue for officers to receive the support they need from those who truly understand their struggles.
Confidentiality is a critical aspect of this legislation, ensuring that officers feel safe seeking help without fear of professional repercussions. However, the bill also establishes clear boundaries. Confidentiality does not apply in situations involving a court order, criminal activity, threats of self-harm or harm to others, or the abuse of vulnerable individuals. This strikes a fair balance between protecting officers’ privacy and ensuring public safety.
This effort builds on the success of the federal COPS Counseling Act, which passed with bipartisan support in 2021. It is time for New York to follow suit, and provide all of our police officers with effective, accessible and trustworthy peer-to-peer counseling.
I have made this bill a priority, and I’m finding increasing support from other Assembly members and state senators. It’s time to show our law enforcement officers that their mental well-being matters. When our officers are healthy, our communities are safer.
Judy Griffin represents the 21st Assembly District.
High anxiety is gripping many Americans
ot that anxiety is funny, but sometimes it helps to laugh at ourselves.
In 1977, Mel Brooks did just that, with his movie “High Anxiety,” starring Brooks as a wildly neurotic shrink and Cloris Leachman as his mustachioed, militaristic nurse at the Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous.
Now, either you think that’s funny or you’re already writing me a letter. But I speak from experience. I’m an anxious person, and according to the American Psychiatric Association, 40 percent of Americans said last year that they were more anxious than the year before.
I was an anxious kid, and teen, and adult. I come by my anxiety honestly, from my nervous parents and grandparents. Most days, I do breathing exercises before I open my eyes in the morning. How do you know if you have anxiety? Do you have a pulse and a moral conscience? You’re in.
Officially, according to psychothera-
pist Linda Hubbard in an article on the Mayo Clinic website, you might have trouble concentrating, you may feel tense or restless, or experience muscle tension or headaches or lightheaded or sleeplessness.
Anxiety treatment has become big business. As I write this — case in point — I just got a pop-up ad from an online health letter selling “proven stress-busting techniques.” The barrage of anti-anxiety messaging is endless. We have to be careful consumers. I offer these words to commiserate and say you are not alone. These are troubling times, and nearly everyone I know is feeling some stress or anxiety. It is permissible now to discuss these feelings openly, and there is relief in sharing.
A nd its treatment is big business. Anti-anxiety messaging is endless.
“shell-shocked,” and ostracized. Now antianxiety tactics and treatments are freely marketed and talked about and posted. Today’s society and culture have produced more anxiety, and more discussions of anxiety online, on TV and in social media. Anxiety has become monetized, from advertisements for medications to promotions for apps that control anxiety and foods and selfhelp books that promise to ease our emotional pain. Since the pandemic, we have had good reason to feel anxious. Our peace of mind is under attack, by everything from rising waters and emerging viruses to political dysfunction and the assault on our democratic values.
work, sometimes and to some degree. For those of us whose anxiety is triggered by the confederacy of dunces who have taken the political stage in Washington, eventually we can vote, but day to day, we can turn off the cacophony of news and social media that surely make us feel worse. I read a few newspapers to keep informed, but I no longer watch much TV, unless it makes me laugh (in a good way).
Throw everything at the problem and see what works. But don’t try to tough it out. Be selective in using the internet. Let social media be your tool and not the other way around.
Each of us, in our own lives, can find reasonable and healthy ways to reduce anxiety. Many of them are free, like turning away from devices and toward people. When we need professional help, we can find it. Medications work for millions of people.
There is no real history tracking anxiety. Maybe Shakespeare was anxious; he did create Hamlet, one of the most deeply anxious characters in literature. Maybe cowboys who rode the range felt stress about the roundups. Perhaps our storied astronauts suffered these symptoms. It’s worse to suffer in silence, but that was always the expectation, especially for men. Soldiers who suffered debilitating anxiety in World War I were considered
I am a foot soldier in the struggle with anxiety. What works for me? I walk outdoors as often and as far as I can, weather permitting. The steps, one by one, for a mile or two, seem to ease tension.
I bought one of the apps that promise to reduce anxiety. It offers really boring stories read by monotonic narrators, which help you unwind and even fall asleep. The app also features yoga exercises and various sounds like rain on a roof and light piano music and ocean waves. In my own experience, all of these
It doesn’t hurt to have a laugh or two each day. Comedians like Sarah Silverman and the late Robin Williams carved careers out of their struggles with anxiety. The Apple TV series “Shrinking” has some laugh-out-loud moments. Maybe start by streaming a copy of “High Anxiety” and checking into the Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous for a few hours.
Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
JUDY GRiFFiN
RANDi KREiss
Malverne/West HeMpstead
Also serving Lakeview
Established 1994
Incorporating:
Malverne Community Times 1964-1994
West Hempstead Beacon 1950-2020
Madison Gusler Reporter
rhonda GlickMan
Vice President - Sales office
2 Endo Boulevard
Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 569-4000
Fax: (516)
The concern about a county civilian militia
the recent controversy surrounding Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s creation of an armed civilian unit has sparked intense debate.
Blakeman unveiled a plan last March to deputize gun-owning residents for what he termed “the protection of human life and property during an emergency.”
HERALD
Democratic lawmakers in Nassau County have now taken legal action, filing a lawsuit in State Supreme Court against what they describe as an “illegal, taxpayer-funded civilian militia.” The concerns focus on not only the legality of the initiative, but also on Blakeman’s refusal to provide clear and essential details about the program.
While opinions on the concept of a civilian militia may vary, what should trouble every resident, regardless of political affiliation, is the disturbing lack of transparency surrounding this initiative. It is not merely the existence of the militia that is at issue, but the secrecy and lack of accountability with which it has been formed and implemented.
As representatives of the people, these lawmakers have a duty to ensure that government actions are conducted openly and lawfully. Their inability to obtain basic information about this unit — who is being recruited, what their training entails, the weapons they will carry, and the total cost to taxpayers — should alarm everyone, regardless of where they stand on the issue of deputizing civilians.
State law in New York is explicit in
letters
defining who can wield police powers: only professional, sworn law enforcement officers. By contrast, the county’s unit consists of volunteers who are required only to be licensed gun owners and complete 12 hours of classroom and firearms training.
This falls far short of the rigorous training required of sworn officers, raising critical concerns about competency and public safety. If these volunteers are granted the authority to use deadly force and make arrests, then their selection, training and oversight should be subject to the highest levels of scrutiny.
Blakeman has attempted to dismiss the lawsuit as “frivolous” and an attack on the volunteers, many of whom are retired military and law enforcement personnel. But his response sidesteps the central issue. No one is questioning the dedication or service history of these individuals. What is being questioned is the manner in which the program has been conceived and implemented — behind closed doors, without legislative approval, and without adequate public oversight.
The county has stated that these deputies will only be deployed in emergencies to protect critical infrastructure, not to patrol streets or manage protests. But without a transparent, codified framework governing their deployment, there are no guarantees that those boundaries will be respected. History has shown that when emergency powers are granted without sufficient oversight, they can be misused or expanded beyond their original intent.
Has Peter King forgotten Jan. 6?
To the Editor:
I just read Peter King’s column in last week’s Herald, “An inauguration that was decidedly different,” and it made me sick. But King is correct in stating that this inauguration was different. Unlike President Trump four years ago, President Biden was there to facilitate a peaceful transfer of power. There was no denial of who won the election. Biden upheld our country’s grand tradition.
On Jan. 6, 2021, police officers were killed and injured by people doing Mr. Trump’s bidding. The lives of Vice President Mike Pence, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and all of the members of Congress were at risk. The brave Capitol Police did their duty to protect them, and the thanks they get is a president pardoning their attackers and the people they protected turning their backs on them.
I’d warn Mr. King: Trump’s presidency is a moment in time, but eventually it will pass, and history will not be kind to those like you. Your grand-
Nassau County is not lacking for law enforcement resources. With roughly 2,600 sworn officers, the Nassau County Police Department is the 12th-largest local police force in the country. There is also an existing structure for civilian involvement — the Nassau County Auxiliary Police and the County Community Emergency Response Team, both of which operate unarmed and under professional supervision. Given these resources, what specific gap is the militia intended to fill?
County residents deserve answers. How were these individuals selected? What specific criteria were used? What safeguards exist to ensure their proper conduct? What is the financial burden on taxpayers? Until these questions are answered, the program lacks legitimacy. The lack of transparency is not a partisan issue — it is a fundamental issue of governance. When taxpayer money is being used to fund an initiative that involves armed civilians exercising government-sanctioned power, full disclosure should — must — be the bare minimum. If the program is truly necessary, it should withstand public scrutiny and meet the highest standards of accountability.
Blakeman and his administration must provide the information being sought by community members and lawmakers alike. Without this transparency, concerns about the legality and safety of the program will only continue to grow. The people of Nassau County deserve to know exactly what is being done in their name and with their money. Anything less is unacceptable.
opinions University leaders should not remain neutral
after the congressional hearings that challenged university presidents on campus activism amid allegations of antisemitism, many institutions adopted policies of “institutional neutrality.” Boards of trustees resolved that they would not comment on political issues such as international conflicts, investments in certain countries, and policies proposed by elected officials. Many of the resolutions cited principles enunciated by the University of Chicago. According to the Chicago principles, university leaders should not engage in speech that would appear to infringe on others’ speech. The university should be a protected, neutral place for the expression of all ideas, a safe space for “strong disagreement, independent judgment, and the questioning of stubborn assumptions.” (“Report on the University’s Role in Political and Social Action,” University of Chicago, 1967.)
There are good reasons for this. When a board or president issues a statement, it can stifle contrary views; it can suppress debate. This would violate the university’s responsibility to foster
critical thinking. Making statements about some issues, but not others, could indicate that some deserve comment but others do not.
But the Kalven Report, which affirmed the University of Chicago’s mission of free inquiry and independence, did not prohibit leaders from commenting on public policies that would affect institutional autonomy and the freedom of scholars to pursue truth no matter where that pursuit may lead. So, “no” to taking partisan positions, but “yes” to evaluating proposals such as those in the much-discussed Project 2025, prepared by the Heritage Foundation, that infringe on the purposes of education.
TAnd it is the home for critical thinking and critics who ask “why?” and “why not?” In these ways, a university is as much about the advancement of ethical character and engaged citizenship as it is about preparation for careers and commerce.
he muchdiscussed Project 25 infringes on the purposes of education.
I agree with these principles. Neutrality does not mean silence. A campus president should not remain silent in the face of proposals that would undermine free speech. A university president has an obligation to question proposals that would undercut quality controls. It is the responsibility of a president and the board to protect the university as the home of critics even as it is not itself a voice of criticism.
A university has three fundamental roles. It is the creator of new knowledge as well as of new professionals. It is the curator of knowledge in all its forms.
LeTTers
kids will have to explain why their grandfather sided with a man who tried to take down democracy instead of standing up to him.
Rest assured, many of us will never forget what happened on Jan. 6. We will continue to fight the good fight. At the same time, career politicians like Mr. King will sacrifice their integrity (if they ever had any) to support a man who wants to be king.
VINCENT MASTROTA Sea Cliff
Whose golden age?
To the Editor:
After reading Congressman Emeritus King’s op-ed, I have reservations about his lauding President Trump. I wrote Trump before he took office, saying that it would be groundbreaking if he became the president of all the people. His legacy would be the destruction of the partisanship that is slowly strangling the USA. I received a very hopeful reply signed by the president-elect.
As of today, I realize this was a dream. I and many like me, ordinary hardworking Americans, have been scammed.
King defends most of Trump’s and his minions’ draconian attacks on the very roots of what’s left of our republic. Revenge, and creating turmoil and anxiety, are the order of the day. Religion is being weaponized, and censorship, which Trump says we will now be free of, is being spread through the agencies of government, right down to teachers in our schools.
Being poor, with skin of a different tone, dispossessed or a peaceful immigrant, is no longer acceptable. The norm will soon become the knock on the door, the presentation of “your papers” and a disappearance in the night. History proves that while we’re not there yet, we are heading down this slippery slope.
King writes of Trump’s new “golden age.” On that term we agree, but we define it differently. The only gold I see is his greedy cadre of rich men grabbing all the power they can lay their hands on. They know that power breeds money. They are pigs at the trough.
King writes that the functions he attended in Washington were filled with “extraordinary excitement, enthusiasm and hope.” Yet the president is but three weeks in office, and many who supported him are reacting
Across the country, governors and state legislators promote policies that proscribe what subjects can be taught and what books can be read. Project 2025 is a “blueprint” for multiple changes in federal policy related to knowledge and expertise. It alleges, without evidence, a radical leftwing bias in university teaching. At the same time, it would require a selective teaching of American history by omitting mention of race and slavery. It also would substitute religious belief for scientific evidence, including weather forecasting and study of the environment. It would substitute political tests for professional expertise, stifling critical thinking and free speech.
The Project calls for the abolition of the U.S. Department of Education, and reclassifying federal scientists as political appointees. It would turn over consumer protections from predatory proprietary schools to the states and retract the “borrower-defense” provisions of the federal loan system put in place to protect students from for-profit schools and lenders.
Project 2025 also calls for eliminating Head Start; overhauling the educational accreditation system, reducing its political neutrality; and rolling back Title IX protections for sexual assault survivors and LGBTQ students. It calls for prosecuting all government agencies, colleges, corporations and other private employers that maintain diversity policies.
Public education was established to ensure an informed citizenry, essential to a functioning democracy. Project 2025 would deny freedoms in favor of authoritarian dictates. Instead of supporting public education, it would allow for the banning of books and restrictions on independent inquiry.
Project 2025 should be studied and debated. We should affirm the purpose and benefits of education to society and the individual. Project 2025 limits rights, opposes inconvenient history and science, and would impose biased views. We can be passionate in the defense of academic values without becoming politically partisan. Only by advocating for freedom of inquiry and free speech will we preserve them, and our democracy. On this, university leaders should not be neutral.
Dr. Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate,” Rowman & Littlefield, 2024.
adversely to the confusion, disappointment and the “shock and awe” of his policies and his erratic statements. Many are feeling buyer’s remorse.
King is an intelligent man who did much for his constituents when he served the public. It is difficult to comprehend how he cannot sense that this president is quickly on his way to
becoming a clear and present danger to the republic King served.
King and I probably both pray, in our own ways, for the same things, a better country and a peaceful world. It’s good to dream!
Framework by Tim Baker
At the annual month-long celebration of Black history — Freeport
MARK C. NUCCIO Bellmore
