Massapequa Herald 03_19_2025 by Richner Communications, Inc

Massapequa

HERALD

By MIKE POLANSKY

Correspondent

The just-completed bulkhead replacement project at John J. Burns Town Park has actually saved taxpayers money.

Although the project was initially scheduled for completion by Oct. 30, 2024, additional work to install floating docks at the boat ramp delayed the project’s completion until January 29, 2025. And while the original contract cost was $5.63 million, adjustments based on actual site conditions caused the final tally to come in at $5.2 million, a savings of $428,424.45.

That was revealed when the Oyster Bay Town Board voted unanimously on March 10 to accept and make final payment under its contract with Chesterfield Associates for the bulkhead work.

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino praised the project, stating it was one of the town’s largest and most successful. “We took into account environmental factors and used the most durable materials available,” he said. “The work was done in a way that ensures

this bulkhead will last much longer than those we’ve replaced in the past, and we came in under budget by nearly half a million dollars. This project exemplifies how we do work in this town!”

In other business at the March 10 meeting, the board:

• Held a hearing on a proposed six-month extension of the moratorium on shellfish harvesting in formerly leased underwater lands in Oyster Bay Harbor and Cold Spring Harbor. The extension aims to allow more time for gathering scientific data on shellfish populations and overall ecosystem health. Deputy Town Attorney William McCabe and Department of Environmental Resources Deputy Commissioner Colin Bell presented the proposal, which was supported by the Oyster Bay Baymen’s Association.

• Authorized a $6,000 increase in the Parks Department budget to accommodate growing enrollment in the town’s pickleball and pilates programs.

• Approved the Massapequa Chamber of When

Massapequa school budget gets a second review

By MIKE POLANSKY Correspondent

The Massapequa Board of Education reviewed the details of budget codes and additions and subtractions to the upcoming school budget at its March 6 meeting.

It was the second presentation of the 2025-2026 budget by Ryan Ruf, the district’s assistant superintendent for business operations, who covered the 192 budget codes that make up the instructional portion of the budget, as well as the proposed capital plan for the upcoming year.

One of the more uncertain aspects of the budget involves providing social workers for the district’s six elementary schools. Currently, social workers are provided through a contract with Massapequabased YES Community Counseling Service for four days a week, with $495,629 budgeted for the service. Due to increasing concerns about children’s mental health and ongoing turnover among YES-supplied social workers, the district is considering hiring full-time social workers directly. Superintendent William Brennan called this a “strategic move” to ensure adequate support for students. However, the shift would require an additional $258,000, and the issue remains unresolved.

Ruf also highlighted that there was $71,588 set aside in the budget for academic competitions, including mock trial at Harvard, robotics, science Olympics, and DECA, among others.

He discussed the district’s use of BOCES services for special education, noting that these services provide a strong return on investment, with aid for classroom software, text scoring services, and outdoor education coming back to the district.

Occupational education tuition through BOCES is another significant budget item, with 46 district students currently enrolled in career and technical education programs at Barry Tech and GC Tech, 11 students attending the Long Island High School for the Arts, and 6 students in the BOCES Skills Program to support students with special needs in career training.

Ruf also noted small increases in teaching supplies, citing the need to purchase materials to support new, hands-on science curricula for the upcoming school year.

The district expects to save approximately $328,000 from the retirement of elementary school teachers and $412,000 from the retirement of secondary school teachers. Fourteen teachers are set to retire this

Mike Polansky / Herald

The new bulkhead at John Burns Park

What did you do to ‘survive’ the winter?

By Danielle Schwab & Tim Baker Roland Provence Seaford

Elaine CummingsYoung Massapequa

I survived through the winter by staying warm and knitting sweaters, socks, scarves for myself and for my family and friends. I finished this sweater that I’m wearing.

Iri Greco

Glen Cove

Surviving any period of winter is a lot about finding little comforts. It’s very much in the kind of like Scandinavian Higge mindset of staying warm, staying cozy, staying close to home as much as possible. We try to make a habit of having a fire at least once a week and that is not just warmth, it’s a very meditative, soothing experience as well.

After 40 years of serving as your trusted ﬁnancial advisor, I am excited to share an important update about my practice. I have joined Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc., an independent broker-dealer based in Jericho, NY, to better serve my clients with expanded resources and greater ﬂexibility.

In the winter, I go to the lake and the harbor. I always go no matter what, even if it’s cold out. I go see the birds. We have a whole cardinal family that shows up. It helps my spirit to take care of nature.

Danny Martinez Rockville Centre

I survived winter with a lot of hot coffee. I also watch a lot of sports, especially the Knicks and football.

My commitment remains the same, guided by these core principles:

Understanding your unique ﬁnancial goals

Researching and recommending the best solutions

Providing ongoing guidance to help you achieve ﬁnancial success

By joining Lebenthal, I now have:

Access to a wider range of ﬁnancial products and services

Financial planning services at no additional cost

Greater ﬂexibility to select the most suitable solutions for you

A broader array of investment options to diversify and strengthen your portfolio

I look forward to this next chapter and continuing to help you achieve your ﬁnancial goals.

Contact Me: 516-606-5752 | Email Me: GSlavin@lebenthal.com

Learn More: lebenthalﬁnancial.com | lebenthal.com

Oceanside

While winter isn’t my favorite season, I do enjoy spending a lot of time with my family, playing board games. I love a good Rummikub. I also love doing art. I work at an art studio and I’m currently working on a painting about Italy for my senior art portfolio.

Giuliana Curatolo

GARY SLAVIN CIC, CLTC, LUTCF

Howitt Players delight audience with ‘The Little Mermaid’

The Howitt Players captivated audiences with their performance of “The Little Mermaid” on March 7 and 8 in the Howitt Middle School auditorium, which had been transformed into an underwater kingdom where dreams and reality converged.

The costumes shimmered like the ocean, the set design captured the whimsical beauty of life beneath the waves and the musical numbers, from both the 1989 Disney animated film and the Broadway musical, brought a sense of nostalgia and magic to the production.

The combination of songs and talented players created an unforgettable experience that celebrated the enduring legacy of the musical and its message of hope and transformation.

Making their directorial debuts with “The Little Mermaid” were educators Amanda Whorlow and Eric Hulse. Previously, Whorlow served as choreographer and Hulse as vocal director. Their collaborative effort was supported by Production Manager Katherine Shields.

“Working as a director on this show has truly been the experience of a lifetime,” said Whorlow. “’The Little Mermaid’ was always my favorite movie as a kid, and performing, dancing, and choreographing have always been my greatest passions. I am honored to have been given this opportunity and to work with the most dedicated, talented, compassionate, and wonderful people. I cannot wait to watch my students shine on the stage.”

The young cast showcased the incredible talent within the Farmingdale School District.

Eighth-grader Mary Cohen, as Ariel, captured the curious spirit of the young mermaid eager to explore the human world. Seventh-grader Liam Rosenthal, as Prince Eric, embodied the charm and determination of the gallant prince. Eighthgrader Natalie Calderon delivered a showstopping performance as Ursula, the cunning sea witch. The regal King Triton was played by eighth-grader Rey Negron, whose commanding presence added gravitas to the role of Ariel’s protective father.

Seventh-grader Gabriel Haas brought humor and heart to the role of Sebastian, the loyal but often exasperated crab, while

Victoria Carbone, also in seventh grade, charmed as Flounder, Ariel’s loyal fish friend. Sixth-grader Ethan Maniscalco played the quirky seagull Scuttle, providing much-needed comedic relief.

Nilah Nicolas and George Guadagnino, both seventh-graders, impressed as Flotsam and Jetsam, Ursula’s sinister eel minions. Eighth-grader John Denecke portrayed Grimsby, Prince Eric’s loyal confidant, with a blend of wisdom and patience. Seventh-grader Ella Cook added exuberance to her portrayal of Chef Louis, capturing the chef’s culinary passion and comedic flair.

The young actresses playing Ariel’s sisters — Stella Levenson, Hayden Schneider, Devin Shaw, Alexandria Romano, Hayleigh Rommel, and Sabrina Montalbano — brought their characters to life with diverse performances. Joseph Battaglia and Benjamin Sinisi shone as trumpet fish Windward and Leeward, heralds in King Triton’s court.

“As a child, I watched ‘The Little Mermaid’ endlessly, captivated by its songs, big musical numbers, and magic,” said Hulse. “It was the first time I saw anything like that, and I was hooked. In those moments, I first discovered my love for music and theater, a passion that ultimately shaped my career as a music educator.”

The show’s soundtrack was brought to life by an outstanding orchestra, expertly conducted by Samuel Gelfer. This ensemble included Farmingdale High School musicians and Farmingdale music teachers.

Hulse managed the vocal performances, while Whorlow choreographed the dances. Elizabeth Panzica and Daniel Bilello led the scenery and set design, and committed crew supervisors Katherine Shields, Eric Perles, and Rene Bonilla worked backstage alongside middle and high school students.

“The students we work with for our productions are inspiring and embody both the theater and Daler spirit,” said Shields. “’The Little Mermaid’ was the perfect fit for this year’s show with its dynamic characters, giving our students the opportunity to be creative with the sets, props, and costumes.”

Oyster Bay Town accepting nominations for Women of Distinction awards for 2025

The Town of Oyster is accepting nominations for the town’s 2025 Women of Distinction program. During Women’s History Month, throughout the month of March, residents are invited to nominate extraordinary women who make a difference in their communities.

“Each year, the town has the honor of recognizing women who go above and beyond to improve the lives of those around them through our Women of Distinction Program,”said Councilwoman Laura Maier. “If you know a special woman who helps make your community a better place to live, we invite you to nominate her to be a 2025 Town of Oyster Bay Woman of Distinction.”

Councilwoman Vicki Walsh added, “We are proud to recognize women in our town and invite residents to submit nominations

of those who make a difference and enrich the lives of others. We look forward to sharing their stories and recognizing their efforts to make our community, families and town a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Women of Distinction will be recognized at a special awards ceremony hosted by the town in May. Nominations may be submitted for any achievement or honorable cause performed by the nominee. The town seeks to recognize individuals for their contributions to the arts, education, environment, athletics, community or civic service, volunteerism or business. Honorees must live or work in the Town of Oyster Bay.

To submit a nomination for the Women of Distinction Awards Program, visit www. oysterbaytown.com/women or call (516) 624-6380 for an application.

Photo credit/Farmingdale Schools

Flotsam and Jetsam, Nilah Nicolas and George Guadagnino, tune in to Sea Witch Ursula, Natalie Calderon

All the neat gadgets and gizmos leave Ariel, Mary Cohen, speechless.

The cast takes a bow after the performance.

CRIME WATCH

The following incidents have been reported by the Nassau County Police Department and other law enforcement and emergency services units.

GRAND LARCENY ARREST

Massapequa: The Nassau County Police Department’s Seventh Squad reports the arrest of a Central Islip man for multiple grand larcenies, including one in Massapequa on Feb. 17. Devon D. Barrett, 33, is accused of entering nine unlocked gym lockers, taking car keys, and then using them to steal various items from the victims’ vehicles. In seven of the incidents, Barrett is alleged to have used or attempted to use the victims’ credit cards at nearby locations.

In addition to the Massapequa incident at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 at Planet Fitness, 923 Carmans Road, Barrett is charged with incidents at:

• Feb. 14, Planet Fitness, 1630 Merrick Road, Merrick

• Feb. 15, 8 p.m., Planet Fitness, 40 Manetto Hill Mall, Plainview

• Feb. 18, 10:50 a.m., Blink Fitness, 1789 Grand Avenue, Baldwin

• Feb. 18, L.A. Fitness, 1111 Marcus Avenue, New Hyde Park

• Feb. 21, Blink Fitness, 1789 Grand Avenue, Baldwin

• Feb. 25, Blink Fitness, 1968 Grand Avenue, Baldwin

After an extensive investigation, Barrett was arrested on March 5 at 7:50 p.m. in Brentwood. He faces eight counts of Grand Larceny 4th degree, seven counts of Identity Theft 2nd degree, and two counts of Petit Larceny. Barrett was arraigned on March 6 at First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have been a victim of the defendant to contact the Seventh Squad at 516-5736754.

ASSAULT

The Nassau County Police Department’s Seventh Precinct reports the arrest of a juvenile for an assault that

occurred on March 8 at 12:00 a.m. in Massapequa Park.

Officers responded to Lake Shore Drive for a suspicious male pulling on car door handles. The Bureau of Special Operations (BSO) assisted in canvassing the area and observed a male matching the description fleeing on foot. As officers attempted to arrest him, the suspect grabbed at his clothing, and one officer sustained a severe laceration to his hand from a black switchblade the suspect had in his possession. The officer was transported to a nearby hospital and is in stable condition.

The 16-year-old juvenile was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree, Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, and Assault 2nd Degree. He was arraigned on March 8 at the Youth Section of First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

CAR THEFTS

Massapequa: Police are investigating a break-in at a vehicle parked on Linda Drive between midnight and 7 a.m. on March 8. An assortment of personal items was reported stolen.

An unknown male stole personal items from a vehicle parked in front of Ann Terrace on March 11. The theft was reported at 2 a.m.

South Farmingdale: The front driver’s side window of a vehicle parked on Dorset Lane was damaged on March 7. The report was filed at 3:30 a.m.

Another vehicle parked on Hitchcock Lane was also damaged on March 7. The owner reported damage to the driver’s side door, and the incident was reported at 3:30 a.m.

ARRESTS

•Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired: Brett M. Creaven, 52, of Massapequa Park.

• Shoplifting: Erika Aguilar Hernandez, 22, of South Farmingdale.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

McKenna marks 100th school day with hundreds of bright ideas

Even though it was the first day back from winter break at McKenna Elementary School, there were many reasons to smile, 100 actually, as students and staff celebrated the 100th day of the school year on Monday, Feb. 24.

Each kindergarten class hosted a different station, and students from the four classes rotated through.

In one room, they did 100 exercises in sets of 10, such as arm circles, jumping jacks and hops on their left and right feet. Down the hall, youngsters stacked 100 plastic cups. They also did 100-day drawings and counted with 100 cubes.

First graders did some writing proj-

ects on their favorite parts of the school year so far and what they think life will be like at 100 years old. I n second grade, students worked on digital writing projects envisioning themselves as centenarians. Using BookCreator, students included pictures of themselves and added wigs, glasses and other items to appear 93 years older.

Throughout the school, students dressed the part. Some wore special 100day shirts, while others dressed up as if they were 100 years old.

Many children donned crowns declaring themselves “100 days brighter.”

McKenna Elementary School first graders celebrating being 100 days brighter

All photos courtesy of the Massapequa School District Harley Langer, Logan Thompson and Peter Scotti building towers with 100 plastic cups.

Youthful Hofstra shoots for CAA run

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

The Hofstra women’s lacrosse team opened 2025 in the heart of winter on Feb. 7 with high hopes for a memorable season that will end in the warmth of spring.

An 11-6 win against Long Island University in the season opener began a stretch of four straight wins to open the new campaign following a nine-win 2024 season in which the Pride reached the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals stage. Much of the pieces were

lost however from the 2024 squad including around 70 percent of its offensive production.

“Our motto this year has just been taking it day by day looking and for our team to get better each day,” said 13th-year head coach Shannon Smith.

“Every day we’re in the trenches together, getting better, growing as a unit, both defensively, offensively and collectively as a team.”

Hofstra still returned some key pieces from last year led by red-shirt sophomore attacker

Nikki Mennella, who tallied 44

points on 24 goals and 20 assists through her first seven games. She has earned CAA player of the week honors three times including on March 10 after a five-point performance in a narrow 11-8 loss to Big Ten foe Rutgers and six goals in a 18-6 rout of Wagner.

“She has the willpower to win and is super competitive,” said Smith of Menalla, who also leads the team in draw controls with 38. “She plays with so much fire and passion.”

Mennella spearheads an offense with multiple scoring weapons including freshman

attacker Kayleigh Bender, who is second on the team in points with 27-. The Pride have also gotten offensive production early from sophomore Kristen Redding, junior Julia Harris, senior Megan Flannery and graduate student Angelica Sparacio, who previously played at Quinnipiac.

The Hofstra defense also boasts plenty of athleticism anchored by sophomore Christine Dannenfelser, who has garnered CAA Defensive Player of the Week twice this season.

The Bayport-Blue Point product registered six draw controls and two ground balls in Hofstra’s near upset of Rutgers.

“She is a sophomore captain and the team really looks up to her,” said Smith of Dannenfelser. “She is fiery and plays with

a lot of passion.”

Dannenfelser leads a defensive unit that includes seniors Brynn Hepting and Emily Weigand along with sophomore Natalie Little. Junior Luchianna Cardello, a former Massapequa High School standout, is starting her third season in net and recorded 12 saves in the narrow Rutgers loss.

Hofstra, which opened the CAA schedule with a 15-9 loss to Delaware last Friday, will look to rebound this weekend with road games Friday at William & Mary and Sunday at Elon. The Pride, who are looking to finish in the top four in the league to earn a bid to CAA playoffs, will conclude the regular season with a home game against Long Island rival Stony Brook on April 26 at 7 p.m.

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications Sophomore defender Christine Dannenfelser has garnered CAA Defensive Player of the Week twice already this season.

Massapequa Philharmonic to present ‘Worlds and Soundworlds’ March 23

The Massapequa Philharmonic will present its next concert, “Worlds and Soundworlds,” at Berner Auditorium on March 23. The performance will feature Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite” and Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.” This season, the orchestra will also partner with the Long Island Composers’ Alliance, and each concert at Berner Auditorium will include an original composition.

Tickets are required for all concerts. To purchase tickets, visit: eventbrite.

com/cc/massapequa-philharmonicorchestra-2024-2025-season-3480249.

Concerts, held at Berner High School Auditorium, have a $20 admission fee. Seniors (65+) and students are encouraged to make a suggested donation of $20. Tickets are available online or at the door.

For performances at Tilles Center, visit tillescenter.org for ticket information.

For more information, email: MassapequaPhil@gmail.com.

Assemblyman Durso announces student scholarship opportunity

NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso announced that the New York Conference of Italian-American State Legislators is accepting applications for four $3,000 scholarships, two academic and two athletic.

Scholarships are available to residents of the 9th Assembly District who are currently enrolled in a higher education program or are high school seniors entering college. Students can access and complete the application by visiting: www.nyiacsl.org/apply-forscholarship-form

The application deadline is Friday, March 30, 2025.

“This is an excellent scholarship opportunity for high school seniors and college students in the 9th Assembly District who have worked hard, distin-

guished themselves from their peers and intend to pursue higher education,” said Durso. “With college costs continually rising, this is a chance to lessen the financial burden that is a concern for so many young people and their families. I encourage eligible students in my district to apply.”

Applicants need not be of Italian American heritage to apply. Scholarship recipients will be announced in April and contacted directly. Winners should plan on being in Albany on Monday, May 19 to receive their award at an Italian-American Day celebration.

For additional information, or to inquire if the student lives in the 9th Assembly District, call Durso’s office at 516-541-4598.

19, 2025

Town of Oyster Bay now offering paid

summer internship program

The Town of Oyster Bay is offering an opportunity for college students to gain meaningful work experience through an internship program being offered in the 2025 summer season.

The competitive program pays $18 per hour for work completed with various

town departments. The program runs from Thursday, May 29 to Wednesday, August 6. Those interested should call (516) 6246425. For more information, visit oysterbaytown.com/internship.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Either writing about pets or looking out for them

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

Continuing a month-long series of interviews with influential area women in honor of Women’s History Month. Joanne Anderson writes the “Pets, Pets, Pets” column for the Babylon Herald Beacon, is the outreach coordinator for Last Hope Animal Rescue, is a member of the League for Animal Protection and volunteers for the Babylon Animal Shelter.

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

Anderson: I have always loved dogs. Both of my grandmothers were dog fanatics. I remember when I was 5 years old, I went to a barbecue with my family and there was an Afghan hound there. I saw its beautiful coat and thought how magical it looked to me. A love for animals is definitely in my DNA.

Herald: Why do you do what you do?

Anderson: I was an elementary school teacher for 33 years in the William Floyd School District, but I became involved with the Babylon Animal Shelter and animal advocacy after seeing an Afghan hound in the back of a police car. I knew who the dog belonged to for a while, but the officer said that the family didn’t want the dog back.

I had never been in a town shelter before, and when I went to the Babylon Animal Shelter, over 40 years ago, I saw that it was packed with dogs, two to a cage, and many were sick, with no protection against germ spreading. The shelters have come a long way, but that day I took home the Afghan, Alfie. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have gone into the shelter and wanted to get

involved. He opened my eyes. Shortly after, I joined the League for Animal Protection.

Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?

Anderson: The challenge is worrying that all the animals that have been saved are only the tip of the iceberg — what about the ones we don’t find? There are a zillion places that haven’t been touched yet. What keeps me going is that all of these animals we do find and save are given the chance at a better life because we inter-

vened, and it’s incredible to sometimes hear from the families afterward (about) the life the pets are now living.

Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?

Anderson: It’s hearing about the animals from the shelter and their lives afterward. It’s knowing that some were absolutely starving, and that’s never going to happen to them again. A lot of them go on to do therapy work as well. Two of my Afghans did therapy work for years, and people who would never talk would all of a sudden start because of the dogs. It’s the team — the dogs have to be placed in the right hands to bring out their potential.

Herald: What advice do you have to offer? What work is left to be done?

Anderson: The world of animal shelters has (come) so far, and while it’s difficult seeing the animals in cages initially, they’re doing much better now. We also have a new thrift store in Huntington, on New York Avenue, called Last Hope Animal Rescue Thrift and Treasures. What I love about the store is that it’s the ultimate recycling venture. You’re taking what people don’t want anymore, and the money is going toward spaying, neutering, taking in more dogs, surgeries, etc.

Last Hope Animal Rescue Thrift and Treasures is at 310 New York Ave. in Huntington. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is currently seeking volunteers. For more about Last Hope Animal Rescue, visit lasthopeanimalrescue.org, email info@lasthopeanimalrescue.org or call (631) 425-1884.

Lifting girls up with leadership and opportunity

By KELSIE RADZISKI

kradziski@liherald.com

Renee Daniel Flagler is executive director of Girls Inc. of Long Island.

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

Flagler: I’ve always been very involved in community service, which is what attracted me to Girls Inc. as an employer in the first place. I’ve always had a special affinity to helping open doors for youth and to serve youth to ensure that they have the access and exposure and opportunities. So I started working with youth just from a volunteer perspective, over 20 years ago. By 2011, I was fully working with young people, and not just volunteering, but working with organizations that served youth. I was a writer, and I was teaching writing programs with the Department of Education and different programs like drug treatment programs in prisons and schools and camps and every type of youth.

Herald: Why do you do what you do?

Flagler: Girls Inc. of Long Island (is an) affiliate of the National Girls Inc. organization, with a mission to inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold. We provide research-based programs for girls that ensure that they have the

tools, access opportunities and resources to reach their full potential and become the next generation of leaders. (This job) was right in alignment with who I am as a person. It started all those years ago, when I was working with young people and developing an affinity to being able to help young girls who reminded me of myself when I was little … I recognized myself in them, and wanted to help create and open doors for opportunities and stuff like that for them.

Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?

Flagler: Sometimes being a black woman is a challenge. A lot of times for women, and especially black women, when we get to the table, we kind of have to prove that we belong there. So that’s definitely been a challenge that has been consistent throughout my entire career, from corporate to now. Service keeps me going and inspires me. Progress keeps me going and inspires me. My faith keeps me going and inspires me. I love what I feel when I see myself progress, or the people that I’m working with or helping progress. I love to see the brightness shine in the eyes of a young person when they realize their own capabilities and they

become more confident in themselves.

Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?

Flagler: Professionally, it was being recognized by the network of Girls Inc. for the growth of Girls Inc. When I came into the organization, I was really committed to doing everything I can to be an asset to the organization.

This is just what I love to do, but the fact that whenever I am recognized, it’s an opportunity for me to stop and reflect on what we are able to accomplish at Girls Inc., and those moments make me proud when I’m able to pull my head up out of the grind and go, Oh, my goodness, we did accomplish it.

Herald: What advice do you have to offer? What work is left to be done?

Flagler: So I’m very proud of the fact that today I live what I call my dream journey. I get up every single day and get to do exactly what I love to do, what I feel like I was put here to do and what I’m passionate about doing, and that’s what I want to charge other people to do.

Live a life that is inspired by the pursuit of your passion and your purpose.

There are still boardrooms that are missing women. There are still industries that don’t have enough women in them. We just have to keep fighting,

because we belong there, and we know that our contributions to this world are vital, not just for us, for our communities and for our children, male and female, but those coming behind us.

To learn more about Renee Daniel Flagler’s work, visit her website at ReneeDanielFlagler.com.

Courtesy Joanne Anderson

Joanne Anderson with a Belgian Tervuren at the National Dog Show in Philadelphia in 2020.

Courtesy Renee Daniel Flagler “Service keeps me going and inspires me,” Renee Daniel Flagler says.

Bulkhead work at Burns Park completed at a cost-savings

Commerce’s request for assistance with its annual Community Street Festival on June 1 (rain date June 8) along Broadway

Facts in Focus

Bulkhead Replacement Project Completed: The Oyster Bay Town Board unanimously voted to accept the completed bulkhead replacement project at John J. Burns Town Park, which resulted in a savings of $428,424.45, coming in under the original budget.

•Project Delays: The project, initially

from Veterans Boulevard to Clark Avenue, and for various town equipment to support the event.

set to be completed by Oct. 30, 2024, was delayed until Jan. 29, 2025, due to additional work.

•Town Board Actions: The board held a hearing on extending the shellfish harvesting moratorium, authorized additional funds for the Parks Department and approved aid for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Community Street Festival.

Massapequa school budget gets a review

CONTINUED FROM COVER

year and will be replaced by new hires at lower salaries.

The cost of driver education will rise from $375 to $475 per student due to an increase in insurance costs for the district’s contracted driver education service. Ruf explained that despite the higher cost, the driver education program remains less expensive than private driving schools. The program’s costs are offset by fees paid by parents.

Small increases were also noted in the adult education budget, reflecting new offerings and additional support for the senior citizens club.

Ruf presented the proposed capital plan for 2025-2026, which includes using part of the district’s $4 million capital reserve for various projects, includ-

ing new lighting for the Berner Middle School softball field. Several members of the softball team addressed the board during the meeting, advocating for the lighting. The projects would not affect the tax levy but would require voter approval to access the capital reserve funds.

In response to questions about the district’s $2 million in federal special education aid, Ruf expressed confidence that the funding would continue despite the political climate in Washington D.C. He added that even if the funds are lost, the district will find ways to manage that in the budget.

The final budget presentation will be at the March 20 board meeting. The budget is set for adoption April 24, with a public hearing May 8 and a vote May 20.

Facts in Focus

•The Massapequa Board of Education is considering hiring full-time social workers for its six elementary schools, which would add $258,000 to the budget.

•The budget includes $71,588 for academic competitions such as mock trial at Harvard, robotics, and science olympics.

•The district plans to save $328,000 from the retirement of elementary school teachers and

$412,000 from the retirement of secondary school teachers.

•The cost of driver education will increase from $375 to $475 per student due to higher insurance costs for the contracted service.

•The proposed capital plan includes using part of the district’s $4 million capital reserve to install lighting at Berner Middle School’s softball field, which will require voter approval.

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HERALD NEIGHBORS

David Peikon exhibition and gala reception to highlight Art League of Long Island’s 70th anniversary

The Art League of Long Island will celebrate its 70th anniversary with Infinite Quest, a solo exhibition by renowned painter David Peikon. The exhibit, which represents nearly 30 years of dedication and over 70,000 hours of painting, highlights Peikon’s unwavering pursuit of realism.

“Painting has always been all I’ve ever wanted to do,” Peikon said. “It’s about spending my days at the easel, creating the world I would rather live in—a place where serenity, peace, and a deep reverence for nature are the muses that drive me.” He also noted that his journey has been a lifelong quest as a predominantly self-taught artist.

“Now, in my 29th year painting full-time, with over 70,000 hours at the easel, I present my 25th solo show, a collection of what I have learned so far,” he added.

The exhibition will run from Saturday, April 26, to Saturday, May 10, 2025.

As part of the anniversary celebration, the Art League will host a Gala Reception on Saturday, May 3, at 5:30 p.m. The event will feature cuisine by Pierre Schaedelin, Martha Stewart’s personal chef and former executive chef of Le Cirque, along with fine wines and hors d’oeuvres.

Proceeds from the gala will support the Art League’s mission to foster artistic expression and education. Attendees will also receive a commemorative journal celebrating the League’s milestone, featuring highlights from its history and artwork from its talented community. The journal offers businesses and artists a special opportunity to advertise and show their support for the arts.

For more information about the Art League of Long Island and the upcoming exhibit, visit artleagueli.org or call (631) 462-5400. The Art League is located at 107 East Deer Park Road, Dix Hills.

Orchestra students learn from a pro in Massapequa

Electric violinist extraordinaire Mark Wood worked with about 90 young string instrumentalists during a recent visit to Massapequa’s Unqua Elementary School. His lively hour-and-a-half workshop encouraged students to see music beyond the technical aspects of playing an instrument.

Wood worked with fourth and fifth grade violin, viola, cello and bass players from Unqua, as well as Lockhart Elementary School’s fifth grade orchestra. Several exercises taught students how to incorporate movement into music, such as swaying back and forth while playing. He also worked with students on playing music only by ear, as they repeated the notes and chords that he played.

During his last visit to the district two years ago, current fourth and fifth graders had yet to join the orchestra program, so this was a new experience for them. Alison Pearl, the orchestra teacher who coordinated the program, said Wood’s ability to connect with students was evident and it made the workshop a success. All students wore nametags so he could call every child by his or her first name, and there were no music stands so everyone’s face was visible.

“They knew he was excited to work with them and they felt that,” said Pearl. “It really hit home for them to learn that he started playing at the same age they did. He started exactly where they are right now and look at all he’s accomplished. They can do that, too.”

Wood, an Emmy Award-winning composer, world-renowned performer and Long Island native, was the original string master of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. He is the inventor of the self-supporting electric violin and visits schools across the country to advocate for music education.

His workshop emphasized the power of music for brain development, creative intelligence, emotional intelligence and social connections. Wood’s goal was for students to use music to discover the power within to express emotion, beauty and connect emotionally with other humans.

“I wanted students to gain a personal sense of themselves through their music,” he said, “and give them the power to develop confidence

in themselves with expression and body language movement. It’s about taking ownership of their story and also recognizing the value and importance of our great teachers.”

Pearl said that the program served as a great kickoff to Music in Our Schools Month in March. She hopes that students feel inspired to feel the music inside of them and move beyond the pieces they play in school to create their own music.

Photo courtesy of the Massapequa School District Unqua orchestra student Logan Scalco helped Mark Wood with a demonstration.

Blakeman’s State of the County address

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman doubled down on his administration’s commitment to public safety, law enforcement, and conservative governance in his State of the County address on March 13. Speaking before a packed crowd at the County Legislature chambers in Mineola, Blakeman touted Nassau’s status as the safest county in America, and reinforced his opposition to sanctuary policies, transgender athletes in women’s sports, and public mask-wearing outside of health emergencies.

“One of my first executive orders as county executive was to declare that Nassau County is not a sanctuary county,” Blakeman said. He emphasized his administration’s collaboration with federal immigration officials, saying that Nassau is the first county in the U.S. to have a cooperation agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “To that end, we are working with ICE and our other federal law enforcement partners to remove or incarcerate those who commit criminal acts and live in the U.S. illegally,” he added.

Blakeman also announced plans to increase law enforcement staffing, promising to hire additional officers in the coming years. “I have hired over 300 new police officers and corrections officers in the last three years, and this year we will be hiring more,” he said. His proposed capital plan includes investments in police equipment, technology, body armor and vehicles, and he urged the Legislature to pass it at its next meeting.

Blakeman’s speech echoed themes from previous addresses and his campaign rhetoric, emphasizing his administration’s firm stance on several controversial policies. He highlighted his role in banning transgen-

der athletes from competing in women’s sports on county property, a measure that has sparked legal challenges.

“We will not allow our girls to be bullied into unsafe and unfair competition and have their privacy violated,” he stated. “In Nassau, boys play with boys, and girls play with girls.”

He also defended his ban on public mask-wearing, a measure he claims is aimed at preventing crime and antisemitism. “These criminals and cowards are not welcome in Nassau County,” he said.

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Beyond law enforcement, Blakeman promoted the county’s economic strength, attributing its prosperity to low taxes and business-friendly policies. He pledged that for the fourth consecutive year, his proposed budget would not raise property taxes, despite inflation. “Every day, I wake up with only one thought,” he said. “And that is your safety, health, and economic security.”

Blakeman also spoke of his commitment to saving Nassau University Medical Center, describing it as the county’s “safety net hospital.” The financially struggling facility is currently suing the state for $1 billion in funding.

Additionally, he highlighted the county’s cultural diversity, citing efforts such as a Feliz Navidad event, a Ramadan celebration, and a Black gospel performance as examples of his administration’s outreach to different communities. He also boasted of hosting major public concerts featuring Ja Rule and Steve Aoki.

Blakeman’s speech was met with sharp criticism from Legislator Seth Koslow, the Democratic challenger in the upcoming county executive race. Koslow dismissed many of Blakeman’s claims, particularly on property tax assessments, police staffing, and infrastructure investment.

“The fact that he could look Nassau County residents in the face and say he fixed the assessment system is unbelievable,” Koslow told the Herald after Blakeman’s speech. “He has done nothing to make it better.” Koslow accused Blakeman of keeping the tax rolls frozen since 2020 to benefit politically connected tax certiorari firms.

Beyond public safety, Koslow took aim at infrastructure neglect, claiming that Blakeman has ignored the county’s pothole problems and has not addressed illegal red-light camera fees that courts have ruled improper.

Tim Baker/Herald

County Executive Bruce Blakeman met with police officers as he reaffirmed his support for law enforcement.

Irish Wolfhounds: A Symbol of Ireland’s Rich Heritage

Tall and stately, Irish Wolfhounds often lead St. Patrick’s Day parades, embodying the spirit of Ireland. Of all the native breeds cherished in the country, the Irish Wolfhound is among the most revered.

The breed has long been a symbol of Ireland, appearing on items ranging from whiskey bottles to Belleek pottery. An Irish sixpence famously depicted a champion show dog, and in 1983, Ireland issued a postage stamp featuring the breed.

The Breed’s Early History

Historians trace the breed’s origins back to as early as 600 B.C., with the massive hounds fighting alongside their Celtic masters. Julius Caesar mentions the dogs in his Gallic Wars. By 391 A.D., Irish Wolfhounds were wellknown in Rome. The Consul received seven wolfhounds as a gift, and they “all Rome viewed with wonder.” Later, the dogs were thrown into lions’ cages to fight and perish for the entertainment of crowds in the Circus Maximus.

In the centuries that followed, the Celts, along with their giant hounds, were pushed back to the British Isles. The dogs became known for hunting and killing predators like coyotes and the now-extinct Irish wolf, from which the breed takes its name.

Pets, Pets, Pets...

tells of Patrick, at 16, being kidnapped by Irish pirates who attacked his parents’ estate. Taken to a remote part of Ireland, he was enslaved as a shepherd for six years, with only a sheepdog and flock for companionship. During this time, he turned to religion for solace and became a devout Christian, hoping to convert the Irish people.

One night, his sheepdog appeared to him in a dream, urging him to escape to a ship more than 200 miles away. The ship, which came from Gaul (modern-day France and Belgium), was filled with Irish Wolfhounds. At the port, Patrick begged to come aboard but was initially refused. It wasn’t until someone noticed his calming effect on the feisty Wolfhounds that they allowed him on as their caretaker.

Ownership of these impressive dogs was highly restricted. They were often sent as gifts to emperors, kings, and poets, and their chains and collars were made of precious metals and stones. Such was their value that disputes over them sometimes led to individual battles and even full-scale wars.

“I will give thee a dog which I got in Ireland. He is huge of limb, and for a follower equal to an able man. Moreover, he hath a man’s wit and will bark at thine enemies but never at thy friends. And he will see by each man’s face whether he be ill or well disposed to thee. And he will lay down his life for thee.”

— From The Icelandic Saga of Nial

Links to St. Patrick

Legends link the Irish Wolfhound to St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who lived from 387 A.D. to 493 A.D. (making him 106 when he died). March 17 marks the day of his death, not his birthday. In his autobiography, Bannavem Taberniae, St. Patrick claimed his birthplace was in modern-day England, not Ireland.

St. Patrick came from a wealthy family; his father was a Christian deacon, though there is no mention of strong religious devotion in the household. One legend

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 20

•Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: 7 p.m., Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information, please call (516) 624-6333.

•Massapequa School District Board of Education Meeting, Budget Discussion 3: 8 p.m., Board Room, 4925 Merrick Rd., Massapequa.

•The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. For more information, call (631)972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 21

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569

Shortly after, Patrick performed his first miracle. When the ship crashed on the coast and the men and dogs ran out of food, the sailors taunted Patrick to ask his Christian god for help. Patrick prayed all night, and at dawn, a herd of wild pigs appeared from the woods. He set the Wolfhounds on the pigs, feeding the stranded men and dogs. Impressed, the men converted to Christianity.

About 20 years later, Patrick returned to Ireland. Prince Dichu, hunting with his Wolfhound Lauth, ordered the dog to attack Patrick. But when Patrick spoke a few words, the dog lay down and licked his hand, recognizing him.

According to folklore, St. Patrick repaid his dog companions by allowing the legendary Irish hero Oissain to take them to heaven with him.

Last Hope Animal Rescue:

Cats Awaiting the “Luck of the Irish”

Last Hope Animal Rescue Cats, 3300 Beltagh Ave, Wantagh, Available for Adoption:

• Orion is a large, friendly orange tabby with polydactyl front paws that resemble catcher’s mitts. Orion came to Last Hope from the Town of Oyster Bay Shelter after undergoing surgery to remove bladder stones. He is about eight years old and will need to stay on a C/D canned diet to prevent recurrence of the condition.

• Clarence is a six-month-old kitten with a comical face, rescued from Woodbury Commons. He is becoming increasingly social thanks to the TLC provided by Last Hope volunteers. Call 631-445-2326 for more information.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. For more information call (631)-9728829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 23

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569.

MONDAY, MARCH 24

•Massapequa Fire District Regular Monthly Meeting: 7:30 p.m., District Administration Building, 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 798-9849.

TUESDAY, MARCH 25

•Town of Oyster Bay Town Board Meeting: 10 a.m., Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information, call (516) 624-6380.

•Plainedge School District Board of Education Meeting: 7:30 p.m., Innovation Learning Center, Plainedge High School, 241 Wyngate Dr., Massapequa.

•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631)-332-0552 or Jill at (516)-220-7808. All calls are confidential.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26

•Farmingdale School District Board of Education Meeting, Budget Workshop and Public Input Proposed 2025-2026 Budget: 8 p.m., Welden E. Howitt Middle School, 70 Vancott Ave., Farmingdale. For more information, call (516) 434-5140.

• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631)-332-0552 or Jill at (516)-2207808. All calls are confidential.

Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Beacon Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.

Clarence- 6-month-old kitten.

Majestic Irish Wolfhounds often lead St. Patrick’s Day parades.

Orion- polydactyl front paws.

Read Across McKenna Week celebrates the written word

The annual reading celebration recognizes the March 2 birthday of noted children’s author Dr. Seuss. Read Across McKenna Week kicked off on March 3 with five days of dress-up days and literacy activities. Students wore crazy hair for Thing 1 and Thing 2 Day, in honor of the characters who first appear in “Cat in the Hat.” They also dressed up as their favorite story book characters, donned crazy socks, resembled tourists at their favorite destinations and put on fun hats.

The purpose of Read Across McKenna Week was to celebrate the different books, genres and authors that have touched the

lives on many children. The goal was to foster an excitement for reading and encourage students to read more books.

On the first day, teachers brought in their favorite fiction books to share with their classes. The following day, it was time for the students to do the same. Children brought in a snack to enjoy during independent reading time on March 5.

To coincide with tourist day, each teacher was encouraged to travel with his or her class to another spot in the school for reading time. The week closed out with teachers and students bringing in their favorite nonfiction books to share.

Massapequa conducting survey on school breakfast program

The Massapequa School District will be conducting a survey of parents of kindergarten through fifth grade students who attend the Massapequa elementary schools to determine if there is any interest in a school breakfast program. If insufficient interest is shown, an exemption to participate in this program will be requested by the board of education

to the New York State Education Department.

Parents and taxpayers are asked to share their concerns about the district’s survey and exemption request by contacting the Massapequa Food Service office in writing at Massapequa Administration, 4925 Merrick Road, Massapequa, N.Y. 11758 or by phone at (516) 308-5745.

‘‘They were wonderful.’’

We hear kind words consistently.We’re proud that people feel comfortable enough with us to openly tell us how much they appreciate what we did for them. In fact,it’s this appreciation that drives us to offer the very best in comfort,compassion and service.

massapequafuneralhome.com

First graders, from left, Arianna DiCostanzo, Jack Hovanec, Ellie Policar and Henry Rao worked on writing projects based on the Dr. Seuss characters Thing 1 and Thing 2.

Experts address water supply challenges at public forum

By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

South Shore residents gathered at Valley Stream Village Hall on March 6 for a Water Quality Town Hall, at which environmental experts discussed concerns about local water safety. Speakers outlined potential risks from contaminants in Long Island’s water and ongoing efforts to protect the supply.

The event, hosted by Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages and Assembly members Michaelle Solages and Judy Griffin, drew a packed audience.

1126,000 customer connections.

Liberty Utilities, which provides water to more than 126,000 customers in Nassau County, has been testing for PFAS on Long Island since 2014, according to Natasha Naola, the company’s water quality manager.

She explained that 10 parts per trillion is equivalent to 10 grains of sand in an Olympic swimming pool, highlighting its toxicity even at low levels.

“PFOA and PFOS are extremely persistent in the environment,” Naola said, “which means they do not break down in the environment at all.”

Liberty conducts quarterly PFAS tests in its raw water wells across the county. Naola said that 22 of the company’s 24 water plants in the county have detected PFAS levels below 2.5 parts

Carrie Solages stressed the need to raise awareness about water contamination and government efforts to address it.

“Water is the most underappreciated utility,” he said. “We have to do more to understand how to preserve and protect our water quality.”

Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, spoke about emerging contaminants and requirements set by the Environmental Protection Agency to limit their presence in water. She described polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, as toxic “forever chemicals”

per trillion, well within compliance. To stay ahead of regulations, Liberty is planning treatment upgrades at facilities where PFAS levels exceed 2.5, ensuring that they remain well below the new limit in 2029.

3 million pounds.

Operation SPLASH, a volunteer-based organization in Freeport, has been working to clean and protect Long Island’s South Shore bays and waterways since 1990. The group, which monitors 32 miles of coastline from the Nassau-Queens border to Heckscher State Park, has removed over 3 million pounds of debris. Its president, Rob Weltner, highlight-

that are found in everyday products, such as cookware, cosmetics and cleaning supplies, that seep into groundwater, threatening Long Island’s drinking water supply.

In New York, public water systems must meet the state’s maximum contaminant levels of 10 parts per trillion for perfluorooctanoic and perfluorooctane sulfonic acids — also known as PFOA and PFOS, respectively — two common PFAS. Last April, the EPA set new regulations, set to take effect in 2029, reducing the maximum levels to 4 parts per trillion.

ed the organization’s impact, noting that volunteers have collected everything from wood and plastic waste to, yes, a kitchen sink. In addition to cleanups, Operation SPLASH focuses on advocacy and education to protect local waterways from pollution.

3 11-mile pipeline.

The State Department of Environmental Conservation highlighted the Bay Park Conveyance Project, a joint effort with the Nassau County Department of Public Works to improve water quality and storm resiliency in Long Island’s Western Bays. Nitrogen pollution, a major environmental concern, comes from wastewa-

ter, cesspools, septic tanks, and fertilizers. Excess nitrogen fuels harmful algal blooms, fish deaths, and hypoxia — low oxygen conditions that threaten marine life and degrade wetlands.

The Conveyance Project aims to reduce nitrogen pollution by redirecting 50 million gallons of treated wastewater from the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility, in Bay Park, to the Cedar Creek Water Pollution Control Plant’s ocean outfall in Seaford. The wastewater will be discharged farther offshore, preventing nitrogen from accumulating in the bays.

Project Director Andrew Fera said the project is 85 percent complete, with around 11 miles of pipes installed. Testing is set for this summer.

STEPPING OUT

The1938 gelatin silver print “Hardware Store” was originally part of Abbott’s photo series “Changing New York,” which featured over 300 photographs. Gift of Morton Brozinsky.

Captured through a diﬀerent lens

Untold

narratives of the partnership between photographer Berenice Abbott and art critic Elizabeth McCausland

By Danielle Schwab

We all know that there are generally two sides to every story. For Berenice Abbott and Elizabeth McCausland, a hidden history stretches beyond their fame and ofﬁcial biographies — a tale of enduring love, documenting change and challenging the norms of their time.

Now on view at Heckscher Museum of Art as part of its 2025 Pride Initiative, during Women’s History Month — closing March 30 — the exhibition “Embracing the Parallax: Berenice Abbott and Elizabeth McCausland” sheds a new perspective on the artist-writer duo. Best known for their work capturing the changing landscapes of New York City, the exhibit provides a new understanding of their partnership.

Born in Ohio in 1898, Abbott ﬁrst ventured to New York City in 1918. Three years later, she moved to Paris to study photography under visual artist Man Ray, eventually returning to New York City to pursue documentary photography.

“She established herself in the Parisian art scene, which is interesting because when she came back to New York, she saw how much the art scene had modernized, she was inspired,” says Jessica Rosen, Heckscher’s assistant curator, who organized the exhibit.

“Her friends thought she was crazy for giving up her prominence in the Parisian art world to go to New York, but she felt her photographic calling,” she continues

She had her ﬁrst correspondence with McCausland, the Kansas-born art critic and poet in 1934. McCausland wrote a review of one of Abbott’s shows, sparking their intellectual and romantic relationship.

“This review was the ﬁrst that instilled a political interpretation to Abbott’s works. Abbott responded by saying, ‘This is the ﬁrst intelligent review of my work that has appeared in this country,” Rosen says.

The pair lived in Greenwich Village, forging a fascinating collaboration.

They became most well-known for a pivotal 1939 book, “Changing New York,” composed of Abott’s photography and McCausland’s captions. While it was meant to capture the modernization of New York through the artist’s perspective, the published version erased much of the original intention.

“Abbott and McCausland wanted to redeﬁne documentary photography’s function by examining transformation through the lens of a rapidly modernizing New York City. Instead, their publisher diluted their message, producing a tourist guidebook for visitors to the 1939 New York World’s Fair.

”The tragedy of the story is that the book that they’re both so well known for is not the book that they wanted. The publishers ended up cutting a lot of

• Now through March 30

• Open Thursday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

• Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington

• Visit Heckscher.org or call (631) 380-3230 for information on related programming

Abbott’s photos and completely rewrote all of the captions that were originally very poetic and political,” Rosen explains.

Heckscher’s exhibit attempts to write these wrongs, showcasing 22 of Abbott’s photographs, 10 of McCausland’s captions and a poem that reclaims the original works never published during their lifetime.

“I tried to use this as an opportunity to have McCausland and Abbott’s voices be heard, given that they had been ignored for most of their lives, and speciﬁcally with this project,” Rosen says.

One such example is “Hardware Store,” a

1938 photograph of a storefront in Manhattan’s Bowery.

“McCausland basically writes that she’s appreciative of the hardware store. She views it as something imperative to the lifeblood of the city. The last line of the caption is ‘This is life in honest and real terms.’ Whereas what was published makes fun of the store and the things McCausland loved about it,” according to Rosen.

Another highlight is the exhibition’s namesake, “Parallax 1951,” a term that deﬁnes how the position of an object appears to shift when observed from different viewpoints. Abbott became interested in this phenomenon, which she demonstrated through two candles — one lit and one unlit — that perfectly aligned with each other’s reﬂection.

The story of this pair is a powerful tribute to Women’s History Month, demonstrating the resilience and challenges faced by women — especially artists — throughout history.

“This was at a time when photography was not accepted as ﬁne art. So being a photographer, being a woman, being a lesbian — these things all put Abbott at a disadvantage to being taken seriously,” Rosen says.

“McCausland was a left-leaning lesbian that wasn’t afraid to share her opinions or call people out, and I think that’s what made her so amazing, but that’s what made her very unlikeable to her contemporaries. But throughout her work she continued to champion her belief in social justice. She was ahead of her time in every capacity.”

And through it all, it’s a story of lasting love, reuniting McCausland’s words with Abbott’s pictures.

Magical Mystery Doors

The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Doors. These three iconic groups have changed the face of music as we know it. Their songs have become part of our history. Come take a step through the ‘Magical Mystery Doors’ for a night you won’t soon forget. This dynamic band blends and layers the music of three legendary bands to create something new and unique. These are the songs you know, the songs you love, the songs you sing at the top of your lungs — reimagined. Throughout the concert, Magical Mystery Doors combines some of these classic compositions in ways that surprise and delight audiences time and time again. MMD also enhances the concert experience with a captivating visual presentation. Video screens and an array of lighting allow this act to create an environment where the music comes to life.

Saturday, March 22, 8 p.m. $60, $50, $40. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Complexions

Contemporary Ballet

Complexions Contemporary Ballet versatility is on full display at Tilles Center. Complexions awakens audiences to a new, exciting genre with their singular approach of reinventing dance and contemporary ballet. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, armed with a rich Alvin Ailey lineage and a cadre of 16 stunning dancers, Complexions has been hailed as a “matchless American dance company” by the Philadelphia Inquirer, among its many accolades. Complexions once again blends the world of rock and ballet, this time with the electrifying sounds of U2. The ﬁrst half of the performance showcases a diverse mixed repertory program from Complexions’ rich history. The second act is entirely dedicated to “For Crying Out Loud,” which features the full company.

Thursday, March 27, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35; available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville.

Photos courtesy Heckscher Museum of Art Elizabeth McCausland owned a printing press that she would use for her poetry and magazines.

Berenice Abbott opted for a bigger camera, not willing to sacriﬁce a single detail in her photography output. Also an inventor, she obtained four patents for photography equipment.

THE Your Neighborhood

‘Good

times…’

Neil Diamond is certainly forever — as honored by the musicians who perform as Neil Forever, on the Paramount stage, Friday, March 28, 8 p.m. David Jacobson, the tribute band’s founder, has a great passion for the music and legacy of the legendary performer. David, along with his son and music director Dylan Jacobson and drummer John Cardoso began their journey in January 2023. Today, the 14-person ensemble includes bass player Ted Wyman, keyboard player Anthony Raffa, Glenn Gabberty on electric guitar, and percussionist/bongo player Eric Ziegelmeier. The horn section is led by Chris Scarnato who directs a section which includes bari sax. tenor sax, trumpet, and trombone. Jeanna Campo performs key duets and leads the vocal harmony section of three. Together they deliver an authentic, exciting and joyful live concert that captivates the legendary superstar’s fans. Performing Diamond’s music is as much about heart and soul as it is talent; it’s a celebration of the music and the man who created it. The band has forged an exciting path, as discovered by excited and passionate fans, both old and young. Audiences are thrilled by the authentic renditions of classic hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “Coming to America,” and Kentucky Women.” Their goal is to transport the audience back in time and relive that incredible feeling of seeing Neil Diamond live. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Farmingdale Library Cinema

Farmingdale Library Cinema shows “IF,” Tuesday, March 25. 10 a.m.-noon and 1:30 -4 p.m.

The movie, starring Cailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski, follows a young girl who goes through a difficult experience begins to see everyone’s imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up. No registration required. For more information, call (516) 249-9090. 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale.

Beyond the book

The Whaling Museum hosts a discussion on “An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us” by Ed Yong, Wednesday, March 26, 6:30 p.m. Have you ever wanted to see through the eyes of an animal? Science writer Ed Yong encourages us to explore beyond the limits of human senses to discover how animals perceive the world around them. Attendees will learn how turtles track magnetic fields, what exactly dolphins can sense with their echolocation, and why giant squid need such enormous eyes. $15 per participant; free for museum members and patrons of participating libraries. To register, visit shorturl.at/Mr6SQ. For more information, call (631) 367-3418.

301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor.

Massapequa

Philharmonic’s Worlds and Soundworlds

The Massapequa Philharmonic performs, Sunday, March 23, 3-5:30 p.m., at Alfred G. Berner Middle School. The program includes a new work in collaboration with Long Island Composers’ Alliance, Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” To purchase tickets, visit shorturl.at/C0DAV. For more information, call (516) 927-7374 or visit massphil.com. Carman Mill Road, Massapequa.

Community Service Starry Night Sticker Poster

Plainedge Public Library offers teens a half hour of community service credit for contributing to a mosaic sticker poster, through May 25. The poster when completed will hang in the YA department. Next time you are at the library, stop by the YA desk to grab some square stickers to add to the large, coded grid. The result will depict Vincent Van Gogh’s famous painting.1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 735-4133.

Town of Oyster Bay Pickleball Tournament

Calling all pickleball enthusiasts! The Town of Oyster Bay brings the heat this spring with its inaugural Pickleball Tournament, a high-energy, two-day event set for Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18. Whether you’re a seasoned player or simply enjoy a little friendly competition, this tournament is the perfect chance to showcase your skills and compete for glory.

The tournament will feature bracketed doubles matches for players 18 and older, promising plenty of fast-paced action and exciting rallies. To register, visit oysterbaytown. com/sports, where you can also stay tuned for more details on game locations and schedules. For more information, contact the Town of Oyster Bay Parks Department Recreation Office at (516) 797-7945.

Twisted Tales, True Crime Club

This month Farmingdale Public Library discusses the Gilgo Beach serial killer case, Wednesday, March 26, 7-8:30 p.m. Pick up your case file at the Reference Desk. Each case file is filled with resources to help you prepare for this month’s discussion. 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale. To register and for more information, call (516) 249-9090.

Fire Island Lighthouse: Storms, Shipwrecks, Lifesavers and Lightkeepers

Angela Reich with the Fire Island Lighthouse examines the lighthouse’s history, Thursday, March 27, 1-2:30 p.m., at Southhold Historical Museum’s Maple Lane Campus. With a book signing and light refreshments hosted by the docents of Horton Point Lighthouse.

To register, visit shorturl.at/ E4H2L. For more information, visit southoldhistorical.org or call (631) 765-5500. 55200 Main Road, Southold.

LIMEHOF Music Documentary Film Festival taking submissions

The inaugural Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Music Documentary Film Festival is set to launch Aug. 8-10. LIMEHOF is currently open to submissions up until Thursday, May 1. To learn more about entering, visit shorturl.at/ VqmkM or call (631) 689-5888.

Having an event?

Golden Tones Chorus

The Town of Oyster Bay is seeking members for its Golden Tones Entertainment Group. The senior chorus is a social group open to town residents over the age of 60 who have an interest in singing, dancing or entertaining. Meetings are held every Friday at the North Massapequa Community Center, at 214 North Albany Ave., N. Massapequa. There are two planned shows, a spring show and a holiday show. Senior citizens interested in joining the Golden Tones should call (516) 797-7916 for more information.

Art Explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, March 22, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and make art together. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.

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 follow-up to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. 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.

Local artists invited to Art in the Park

Local artists and artisans are invited to participate in a day of creativity and community at Art in the Park, set to take place, Saturday, May 17, at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Beach in Oyster Bay. Application deadline is Friday, May 9. Artists and artisans must be 18 years or older and can only display and sell original, handcrafted pieces. Participants are responsible for supplying their own 10x10 canopy and any additional equipment needed for their space. Full details, including associated costs, are outlined in the application available online. To apply, visit oysterbaytown.com/capa or call the Cultural and Performing Arts Division at (516) 797-7932.

High school role models share wisdom with Berner Middle School students

Sixth graders got some advice from the experts on how to master the intricacies of middle school and high school during presentations by Massapequa’s Student Advisory Council recently.

The group consists of student government and class officers from Massapequa High School’s Ames and main campuses. They spent several weeks preparing presentations on a variety of topics for their younger peers at Berner Middle School. Students visited the library during MS101, a sixth grade course that focuses on organizational and technology skills, social and emotional learning and other topics to set them up for success at the secondary level.

Ninth graders from Ames focused their presentation on bullying. They discussed how to appropriately respond if they are being bullied or see bullying taking place in their school or online. Sophomore class officers talked about peer pressure while juniors gave useful tips on time management. Getting involved in middle school and high school was the topic for seniors, who encouraged sixth graders to take advantage of the wide range of athletics, extracurricular activities and community service opportunities offered in Massapequa schools.

After each presentation, the sixth graders had a chance to ask questions and draw on the knowledge of their old-

er peers. The high school students used their experiences to pass down practical and useful information.

Class of 2025 Activities Coordinator Kaia Mueller explained that their presentation highlighted many of the spirit events at the high school, while class Treasurer Will Stebner noted the widerange of club offerings for students of all different interests.

“There’s always something they can do to get involved, meet new people and build up your resumé for college,” he said.

Luke Ciaravino, historian of the general organization, added, “If you don’t get involved in school, you’re really limiting yourself.”

Ninth grader Charlotte Pachucki said their message was to remind students that they are not alone and there are always people to turn to for help. The purpose of their presentation was to both stop bullying while also giving students resources for support if they are bullied.

Principal Jason Esposito said that he was grateful that the high school students came to the middle school to share their knowledge. He added that the sixth graders got to hear a consistent message from people they can most relate to.

“It’s wonderful for our students to get to learn from their older peers who set the right example,” he said.

Photos courtesy / Massapequa School District

The student council’s topics included bullying prevention and the importance of getting involved in school.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY. NAME: -LIMETIME ENTERTAINMENT,

LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 11/13/2024. 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:280 N Cottage Street Valley Stream NY 11580

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

25-118. 2/12, 19, 26 3/5, 12, 19

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-25-105329 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 238 244A Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY 11801, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Majestic By Maini Inc. 25-128. 3/12, 19

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-25-105430 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 238 Post Ave, Westbury, NY 11590, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Jar Hospitality Inc. 25-132. 3/12, 19

Public Notices

Notice of formation of ELEVATION PARTNERS CONSULTING LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/25/2025

Office location, County of Nassau.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a process served to: ELEVATION PARTNERS CONSULTING LLC

179 Atlantic Ave, Hempstead NY 11550

Purpose: Financial Analysis and Bookkeeping Services.

25-130 3/12, 19, 26, 4/2, 9. 16

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0240-25-105382 for beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 106 Main Street, Mineola, NY 11502, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Iopen Corp.

25-129. 3/12, 19

Notice of formation of Line of Pines, LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/04/2025 Office location, County of Suffolk. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a process served to: Line of Pines, LLC, 9 Suffolk Road, Island Park, NY 11558 Purpose: any lawful act.

25-136. 3/19, 26, 4/2, 9, 16, 23

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday April 7, 2025, at 7 PM in Village Hall, 151 Front Street, Massapequa Park, New York to consider the 2025 - 2026 Tentative Budget.

Anyone wishing to be heard will be given the opportunity at the above time and place mentioned.

LINDA TUMINELLO, RMC

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK

By Order of the Board of Trustees

Inc. Village of Massapequa Park

Dated this 11th day of March 2025 25-137. 3/19

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the completed and verified Assessment Roll for the 2025/2026 Fiscal Year will be filed in the office of the Village Administrator, 151 Front Street, Massapequa Park, New York on April 1, 2025, and that the Roll will remain on file for inspection for fifteen (15) days from the date of this publication.

LINDA TUMINELLO

VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR

By Order of the Board of Trustees

Inc. Village of Massapequa Park

Dated this 11th day of March 2025 25-138. 3/19

LEGAL NOTICE

AMITYVILLE

UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Amityville, NY

NOTICE TO BID -

DERS DESCRIP -

TION: REQUEST

FOR PROPOSAL FOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FOR STUDENTS

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Education, Amityville Union Free School District, Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, at the Administrative Office Building, 150 Park Ave. Amityville, NY 11701 until 10:00 AM on April 11, 2025. A Mandatory Proposers meeting will be held on March, 28 2025 at 10:00 AM for all bidders to ask questions at the same address. If there is a school closing the day of the bid opening due to weather or an emergency, the bid opening will be on the next business day the school is open, at the same time. All information for bidders may be obtained at the above-mentioned address on any school day from 8:00AM to 3:00PM. The board of Education Amityville Union Free School District. District, reserves the right to waive any

Massapequa Water District 84 Grand Ave

Massapequa, NY 11758

516-798-5266

Bid for Lawn and Landscape (Ground) Maintenance At Various District Properties March 2025

The Massapequa Water District is seeking bid proposals for Landscape Maintenance at 6 locations in Massapequa and Massapequa Park, NY. All proposals can be picked up and are due back at the Massapequa Water

informality in, or to reject any or all proposals, or to accept that proposal, which is in its best interests of the School Board by Order: Board of Education Amityville Union Free School District Amityville, NY 11701 Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York March 11, 2025. 25-140. -3/19.

Notice of formation of JUNK MASTERS PRO LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/22/2024

Office location, County of Nassau. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a process served to:

The LLC, Jerome A Alessi 27 Williams Drive Massapequa Park, NY 11762

Purpose: any lawful act.

25-139. 3/19, 26, 4/2, 9, 16, 23

District Office located at 84 Grand Avenue, Massapequa, NY 11758 by 4:00 pm on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

Massapequa High School’s Drama Club performed “The Addams Family” on March 7 and 8 in the Baldwin Auditorium.

Laughs and screams await at Massapequa’s performance of The Addams Family

They’re normally not so creepy and kooky, but a group of 50 Massapequa High School students will take on a mysterious and spooky persona for the Drama Club’s performances of “The Addams Family” on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8.

The dark comedy musical features well-known characters first introduced to the public in “The New Yorker” comic strips in 1938, and later popularized in a 1960s television series. Director Katie Pearsall said she chose “The Addams Family” as this year’s show to give her students an experience in playing iconic characters.

This year’s lead actors include sophomore Sophia Rose Alfieri as Morticia Addams, sophomore Nicholas Bernstein as Gomez, senior Emily Ogurick as Wednesday, freshman James Ruiz as Pugsley, freshman Hunter Lewner as Uncle Fester, sophomore Colleen Overzat as Grandma, sophomore Ryan Schlobohm as Lurch, senior Isabella Corigliano as Alice, junior Andrew McKeever as Lucas and sophomore Alex Green as Mal.

Cast members are excited for this year’s show and said the audience should enjoy the very lively dances. Musical numbers include “Death is Just Around the Corner,” “Full Disclosure,” “Secrets” and “When You’re an Addams.”

“The story itself is so unique,” said Overzat. “It’s such a fun show. All of the music is so great.”

Corigliano noted the strong connection among the cast, and Alfieri added that they build on each other’s energy.

“Everyone is bringing 100% consistently,” Bernstein said of the rehearsals. “It’s coming along and going to be a great show.”

“They’re incredibly hard working,” Pearsall added about her cast. “The strength of the show will be their commitment to the characters, and their singing and dancing.”

Supporting Pearsall are choreographer Danielle Coutieri, vocal director Craig Coyle, orchestra director Andrew Dwork, production assistant Nichole Greene and tech and stage crew supervisors Jason Cavanaugh and Travis McCabe.

All contractors who have not attended a property walk through in the past must schedule a site walk through at all locations with the Superintendent. The contract period is May 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, for twenty-six (26) weekly cuttings at six (6) locations. There is an option to extend for two (2) years at one (1) year increments. 25-141. 3/19 The

cast rehearses a musical number for the show.

Employment HERALD

CLASSIFIED

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460

E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com

E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com

DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

FULL AND PART TIME POSITIONS

• TEACHING ASSISTANTS

• TEACHER AIDES

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SUBSTITUTE POSITIONS

• CLERICAL

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• LUNCH MONITORS

• TEACHER AIDES

• TEACHING ASSISTANTS

• TEACHER SUBS (Permanent/Daily)

Interested candidates email resume to our Personnel Office at Employment@lynbrookschools.org.

Please include position in email subject.

Dr. Maureen T. Berman

Assistant Superintendent for Personnel, Transportation and Student Support LYNBROOK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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

Help Wanted

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

Hebrew Academy of Long Beach seeks educators to join our exceptional school faculty in fostering a culture of academic exploration and excellence and dedication to spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth of all students. We are currently looking for candidates in the following divisions:

Lev Chana Early Childhood:

• Early Childhood Assistant Teachers

• Early Childhood Head Teachers

HALB Elementary School:

• Middle School Language Arts Teacher

• Elementary School Assistant Teachers

DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys:

• Business and Entrepreneurship Teacher

• Science Teacher

• STEM Teacher

• Math Teacher

• Resource Room Teacher

To learn more about our school community, please visit www.halb.org. We look forward to hearing from you! Please send resumes or inquiries to resumes@halb.org.

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

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

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

Amazing Hi-Ranch

Welcome to this move-in ready hi-ranch home built in 2002, located on an extended lot.

When should piles of equipment be delivered before a house-lifting?

Q. We have to make a decision about buying materials, based on what we think tariffs are going to do to the cost of materials for our house. We’re ready to pay for our permit so we can start, but we’re still waiting for our final estimate from two contractors so we can choose one, turn in their insurance information and begin. We wanted your opinion on what to do, since we are lifting our house and both contractors will be using the same house-lifting company. The house lifters suggested we make a $20,000 payment, and then they will drop off the piles in our yard ahead of choosing the contractor, to save what could be thousands of dollars once tariffs take effect. We have two small children and our house is small — too small for our family as the kids grow. Every dollar is important, and we’re wondering what you advise about the arrangement, since we held off on the permit that was approved two years ago, and hope we get a price that’s good enough to move forward.

A. Having the piles delivered to your yard, before you get prices for the construction and choose a contractor, isn’t a good idea. You mentioned that you have small children, and I imagine that not only your children, but other curious little ones may get to the piles, which are large galvanized or stainless steel sections with blade edges like giant screws. Depending on whether you can now afford to choose a contractor and finally move forward, those piles, once dumped in your yard, are yours. You need to have a specifically worded agreement that the money you give the pile company is a down payment or deposit, and that the piles won’t be delivered until you arrange for that delivery. You must get the numbers from each contractor, choose one and get their insurance documents, specifically filled out with one set for you, the property owner, and another set for your municipality (which requires this) so you can obtain the permit.

Your yard is not to be treated as if it were a storage facility. Many municipalities require protective fencing during a construction project to protect the public. Your municipally doesn’t currently require fencing, but consider what you’re going to do next if you take the piles and can’t afford to move forward with the job. Also, you would need to ask the contractor you choose where those piles, and all the other materials, will be stored during construction.

The most efficient construction jobs have “justin-time” deliveries to avoid congestion and unsafe conditions on the site. “Just-in-time” was coined by Toyota for the way they efficiently build cars, but it translates to any kind of production, much the way the Disney Company calls each customer a guest. Hopefully you get pricing and choose a contractor, order the piles and save the money. The current state of trade has many on edge. Good luck!

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.

Happiness, Wisdom, $80, 516-884-9994.

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Health & Fitness

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AWe can’t let seniors be the victims of budget cuts

s we recognize National Nutrition Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of healthy eating and food security, we find ourselves facing a looming crisis that threatens the very foundation of support for some of our most vulnerable neighbors. The proposed federal budget cuts could have devastating consequences for Long Island families, particularly for our seniors who rely on essential programs like Meals on Wheels. In 2024, EAC Network delivered 150,000 meals to thousands of hungry, vulnerable senior citizens in Nassau County alone. These meals, provided through our Meals on Wheels program and our four Senior Community Centers in Merrick, Point Lookout, Hempstead Village and Roslyn, allow seniors to maintain their independence, receive valuable nutrition, and stay connected to their communities. For many, this program is more than just food — it’s a lifeline that combats malnutrition, social isolation and health decline.

The proposed budget cuts would

severely limit our ability to continue these services at the current scale. This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it’s about real people — our parents, grandparents and neighbors — who have worked their entire lives to build our communities and now find themselves in need of support. Slashing funding for senior nutrition programs means fewer meals, fewer wellness checks and, ultimately, greater strain on our already overburdened health care and social service systems.

p

ties, will face increased financial and emotional burdens. The loss of funding could also impact jobs in the caregiving and nonprofit sectors, further destabilizing local economies.

rograms that help them aren’t just about food, but about dignity and survival.

For seniors like Marie, a widow who regularly visits our Hempstead Senior Center, our programs aren’t just about receiving food — they’re about dignity and survival. “I’m a widow and I live alone now,” Marie says. “Being in the house all day is not one of my things. I come every day because I like to socialize.” Stories like hers aren’t unique; they are similar for thousands of seniors who rely on our programs to remain independent.

The ripple effect of these cuts extends beyond our seniors. Families who depend on supportive services will feel the strain as they’re forced to step in to fill the gaps. Working caregivers, already juggling jobs and responsibili-

A Senate and House bill passed this month calls for harmful cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services, including significant top-line cuts that could impact critical social service programs for our seniors, such as Medicaid, SNAP and the Meals on Wheels program. Any reductions would profoundly affect Meals on Wheels providers like us who rely on federal funding to deliver essential services to vulnerable seniors in our community. Today, nearly 13 million older Americans face the threat of hunger, and 56 percent of seniors report feeling lonely. Cuts to these vital programs are unconscionable, and must be prevented.

Beyond the impact on seniors and their families, these cuts would also place immense pressure on local volunteers and nonprofit workers who dedicate their time to keeping these programs running. With fewer resources, we may be forced to turn away seniors in need or reduce meal deliveries, leaving many at risk of malnutrition and

social isolation.

Long Island has always been a community that takes care of its own, and now is the time to stand together and demand that our leaders protect the programs that keep our most vulnerable residents safe and healthy. Investing in senior nutrition isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s the fiscally responsible choice. Every dollar spent on Meals on Wheels and our senior centers helps prevent costly hospitalizations and long-term care placements, saving taxpayers money in the long run.

Failing to invest in senior nutrition today will only lead to higher health care costs tomorrow. Research shows that proper nutrition reduces hospitalizations and the need for long-term care, saving taxpayers millions of dollars in avoidable medical expenses. It’s clear: Preventing hunger is a cost-effective strategy that benefits everyone.

As Congress debates these budget proposals, I urge our elected officials to prioritize the health and well-being of our seniors. Let’s ensure that National Nutrition Month isn’t just a time for awareness, but a catalyst for action. And I urge you, our Long Island community, to take action. Call your representatives, write letters and speak out — because protecting our seniors should never be up for debate.

Neela Mukherjee Lockel is president and CEO of EAC Network.

PSEG Long Island celebrates its engineers

When you think about an electric company, you probably think about the lineworkers who take on physically challenging work on high-voltage equipment while standing in bucket trucks high above the ground. While PSEG Long Island does have many lineworkers, did you know we also employ more than 200 engineers?

We marked National Engineers Week in February, and World Engineering Day on March 4, but it’s still a great time to celebrate this group of practical problem-solvers and everything they do for the roughly 1.2 million customers we serve.

This year’s Engineers Week theme was “Design Your Future,” and that’s precisely what our engineers do at PSEG Long Island. We have civil engineers who design the foundations and

structures that physically support critical electrical infrastructure, laying the groundwork for the equipment that will power our lives.

We have electrical engineers who design the protection of the power system using protective relays, increasing the safety of those lineworkers who maintain the equipment, as well as the general public.

They’re laying the groundwork for the equipment that will power our lives.

We have radio frequency engineers who design and plan upgrades to PSEG Long Island’s advance metering infrastructure — an initiative that has improved billing accuracy, helped customers manage energy costs, and allowed us to even more effectively address outages. Thanks to our RF engineers, smart meters provide high read rates to improve bill accuracy and also call out their status nearly instantaneously, giving visibility of outages across the entire territory to develop efficient resource planning and provide faster outage restoration response.

We also have engineers focused on

finding cost-effective solutions to the challenges of a grid evolving to accommodate renewable energy. Some of this work is literally mapping out the future through Hosting Capacity Maps, Energy Storage Maps and Electric Vehicle Charging Maps. Engineering expertise has also been required to design the infrastructure upgrades required to interconnect with and transmit the renewable energy being built all around Long Island. This includes:

■ Engineering, surveying and designing a major expansion of the existing substation layout, including extensive relocation of existing transmission towers and redesigned transmission and substation layout in the most optimal and reliable manner to enable the interconnection of approximately 900 megawatts of offshore wind.

■ Engineering and designing a sturdier, resilient and creative solution in a space-constrained substation footprint to reliably serve increased customer demands and reduce the impact on

neighboring communities by implementing equipment that can blend in with the surrounding area.

■ Balancing environmental and community needs to service a growing customer base with new routes for power transmission on the South Fork.

■ Continuously evaluating and proposing solutions to enhance reliability and resiliency of the power grid in the evolving landscape of an energy and demand portfolio that includes renewable projects and electric vehicle demands.

I am proud to celebrate today’s PSEG Long Island engineers and everything they accomplish for the people of Long Island. At the same time, I want to celebrate the future engineers who might be reading this. We offer summer internships to college students, and we are frequently looking for new engineers to grow our ranks as we continue to build the energy grid of the future. Please visit psegliny.com/careers to learn more.

David

Lyons is interim president and chief operating officer of PSEG Long Island.

nEELA MukhErjEE LockEL

DAViD LYons

Celebrating the immigrants who made America great

This month of March will see far more people attending more St. Patrick’s Day parades on Long Island and in New York City than in all of Ireland. This is a tribute to the enormous contributions that IrishAmericans have made to American life in so many fields and professions, and the importance the Irish attach to preserving and maintaining Irish traditions and culture for future generations. Whether in government, politics, the military, the police, business and finance or so many other areas of American life, the Irish have made their mark.

While these achievements are a tribute to Irish America, they are first and foremost a tribute to America, and the opportunities that are open to hardworking immigrants in our great coun-

try, which make it possible for new generations to take advantage of what has been accomplished by those who went before them.

The United States is more a stained glass window than a melting pot — a mosaic of people from many different countries, each maintaining their ethnic traditions and all comprising an overall beauty.

Despite the love for the ‘old country,’ it’s the U.S. that has helped them flourish.

The reality is that despite people’s love for the “old country,” it was the United States that made it possible for them to flourish and achieve their potential. With the Irish, it was centuries of oppression, religious bigotry, poverty and a murderous famine that compelled so many to leave the Emerald Isle. For Jews, it was antisemitism in so many Eastern European countries. For the Vietnamese boat people, it was all about fleeing Communist rule. And the list goes on.

But for this unique experiment to continue to succeed, traditions and the

rule of law must be maintained. One basic tradition that prevailed for so long was that immigrants would strive to learn and speak a common language — English. That would be the glue that bound together so many disparate peoples. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “We have room for only one language here, and that is the English language” — the language, T.R. said, of George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln, and of the Declaration of Independence. Failing to encourage immigrants to learn English consigns them to linguistic ghettos and prevents them from attaining the American Dream. Similarly, immigration must be done legally. There must be secure borders. At a time when the threat of international terrorism is so real, it is more essential than ever that we know who is in this country. There is also the necessity that we not allow people with criminal records or contagious illnesses to enter the country, keeping in mind that

it would be the immigrant community that suffered. When I was in Congress, there was a period of 17 months during which the ruthless Central American gang MS-13 butchered 25 people to death — each of those victims being a fellow immigrant.

As a grandson of immigrants, I strongly believe that it is the constant infusion of new generations of immigrants that has made our nation great. People from countries that have been warring and killing each other for centuries live here in peace. Old animosities die hard, and there may not be instant love, but they find ways to work together in peace and stand together in war. They are Americans.

So, as Americans, I hope we all celebrated St. Patrick’s Day — as we do Columbus Day, Israeli Day, Pulaski Day, Steuben Day, Caribbean Day and all the parades honoring the proud history of all the races, peoples and nations that have made America great.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

The rise and fall of Mayor Eric Adams

November 2021 was a significant month in the history of New York City. Eric Adams was elected the 110th mayor of that great city. By any measure, most of its 8.25 million residents were thrilled to have a new occupant of City Hall, after the two lackluster terms of Bill de Blasio. Adams rode to victory on the strength of being a former police officer and an experienced elected official. While Adams is not a resident of the NassauSuffolk region, we Long Islanders have a close connection with the city, where we gravitate for work and/or entertainment. Adams was elected on a tidal wave of support from voters of both political parties. As an ex-cop, state senator and borough president, he came into Gracie Mansion with the hope that his tenure would give the city the breath of fresh air it badly needed.

De Blasio left office with very little goodwill. While he claimed numerous successes in building new housing,

there is no lasting monument anywhere in the city attesting to his success. Most of the stories about his time in office centered on his daily late arrival at City Hall after spending most of the morning exercising at a Brooklyn health club.

IFor some unexplained reason in the middle of his second term, de Blasio chose to declare his candidacy for the White House, which required frequent trips to Iowa and other primary states. His fantasy of being president required him to travel accompanied by taxpayer-funded police protection. All in all, de Blasio found a number of ways to alienate the voters in the Big Apple, and most city residents couldn’t wait for him to leave public office.

industry that needed a shot in the arm.

As a show of the need for reform, Adams selected Keechant Sewell as the city’s 45th police commissioner and its first woman in that job. Nassau County was a familiar place for Sewell, who had served in the Nassau County Police Department with distinction.

t’s a sad political tale, because his candidacy brought so much promise.

Adams started his term with a wave of good publicity about his plans for a better city. His pledges for police reform were welcomed, because the department was in need of changes and the city wanted someone who could lower the crime rate. His habit of visiting numerous nightspots was welcomed by some, because Adams was making a statement that it was safe to be out at night, and brought attention to an

For some of us who have served in government, Sewell’s short tenure as commissioner was a major disappointment. Her desire to do the job was encouraging, but shortly after she took office, there were numerous stories in the media that her appointments were being secondguessed by a City Hall deputy commissioner. When Sewell saw that her actions were being undermined, she decided to resign, and now is applying her talents to a well-paying job in the private sector.

To add to the mayor’s popularity decline, numerous deputies in his administration became embroiled in one bad story after another, and there were countless reports of alleged favoritism of one kind or another. The climax of the bad press occurred last month, when four highly respected deputies announced their resignations at

the same time.

The mayor was scheduled to go on trial next month on federal corruption charges, but the process was interrupted by the intervention of the U.S. Justice Department. With the obvious encouragement of President Trump, the prosecutors were ordered to drop the charges. Adams has denied that there was quid pro quo between him and the White House.

Whether he will get another term in office will be decided in June, when the Democratic city primary will take place. There are at least eight current candidates for mayor, with the field headed by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. There are rumors that Adams may even run as a Republican, to avoid a primary loss as a Democrat.

The rise and fall of Eric Adams is a sad political tale. His candidacy brought so much promise to a city that was eager to have a new leader. Adams is no doubt disappointed by the events of the past three and a half years — and so are we.

Jerry Kremer was an assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

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Millions are sick and tired of being sick and tired

this month marks five years since Covid-19 upended our world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1.2 million Americans died from the virus, including 86,000 New Yorkers. While life has largely returned to normal for many, an estimated 23 million Americans — 1 in 15 — and hundreds of millions more people around the globe remain trapped in a Covid nightmare.

They are suffering from post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, or PASC, better known as long Covid. With no official definition, diagnostic tests, identifiable biomarkers, effective treatments or certainty of its causes, long Covid encompasses 200-plus symptoms appearing or persisting more than 12 weeks after a coronavirus infection.

Common symptoms often differ from those of acute Covid, and include debilitating fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, dysautonomia, post-exertion malaise, gastrointestinal issues, tachycardia, myalgia, neuropathy and breathing difficulties. No organ system is spared. Many “long haulers” have battled these health challenges for as long as five years, with no end in sight, and each combination of symptoms is unique and can change daily.

Benign-sounding terminology — fatigue, “brain fog,” “post-exertion malaise,” and even the name, long Covid — belie the condition’s severity. Millions of long haulers can’t work or even leave their beds. Many struggle to find words while speaking, or to remember recent events. Their skin burns, and their blood pressure fluctuates dangerously even when they’re sitting still.

Importantly, even mild or asymptomatic Covid infections can trigger long Covid, with each new infection increasing the risk. Some medical experts believe that almost all Americans will eventually experience some degree of the disorder. The healthiest people aren’t immune: Professional athletes have been forced to retire, and some marathon runners can now barely walk.

Without an official definition of long Covid, long haulers struggle to access Medicare, unemployment, disability and private insurance benefits when they

Inspired by a sense of sisterhood

To the Editor:

If you have experience with long Covid — as a long hauler, caregiver, health care professional or in any other way — email us confidentially at longcovid@liherald.com.

In a rare show of unity, elected officials from both sides of the aisle, as well as scientists, doctors and policy experts, agree: America is failing the long Covid community.

Although the federal government provided $1.6 billion to the National Institutes of Health for research, those funds were wasted on an observational study rather than being used for clinical trials. Promising therapeutics remain unexplored due to funding gaps and bureaucratic obstacles, and no clinical trials got underway until just a few months ago — years after the start of the pandemic.

to learn more and donate.

need them most. Medical bills not covered by insurance can mount into the hundreds of thousands of dollars for a single patient.

Last Saturday’s International Long Covid Awareness Day highlighted the disorder’s devastating human toll. Children missing their formative years, and single parents unable to support their families, are just a few examples. Here on Long Island, 200,000 people are estimated to have the chronic and debilitating condition. Tragically, excruciating pain and seemingly insurmountable hardships have led an increasing number of long haulers to take their own lives rather than continue to suffer as shells of their former selves.

And long Covid isn’t just a sobering health issue. Harvard University economist David Cutler estimates that it will cost the U.S. economy more than $3.7 trillion in earnings, medical expenses and quality of life. That’s equivalent to 12 percent of an entire year of U.S. GDP.

Our national security is also at risk, with an estimated 200,000 military personnel affected. Fatigue and physical limitations can render troops unable to fight, while cognitive issues may compromise critical decision-making and intelligence analysis.

letters

But Congress might be positioned to act. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions — the chamber’s health care panel — has members who are intimately familiar with long Covid. Sen. Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, has long Covid, and Roger Marshall, a Kansas Republican and a doctor, has a close family member with the condition. At a January 2024 committee hearing, senators from both parties expressed frustration with federal efforts to find a cure.

Marshall described taking his loved one to dozens of doctors, consulting 80 additional doctors, speaking to other senators with the condition and reading extensively about it. He said he was beyond frustrated by the experience, as are many long haulers, who have seen scores of doctors — sometimes over 100 — in the hope of finding relief. Specialists, though, can have two-year waitlists, and many health care professionals remain unfamiliar with long Covid, which often leads to medical gaslighting.

The long Covid community needs help immediately. Government must provide funding and cut red tape to develop effective drugs, educate medical professionals, improve patient care coordination, authorize novel uses of existing therapeutics, streamline access to insurance benefits, accelerate time to market of new treatments, research biological causes, and support caregivers.

We hope the new administration, including President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will take action commensurate with this growing crisis.

Kudos to Randi Kreiss for speaking the truth regarding the current state of our country in her op-ed last week, “Marching then, and marching now.” Her column was encouraging, and gave me hope that the things my friends and my daughters and I are currently doing will make a difference. Marching, meeting, or protesting with like-minded women brings me solace, and I come away feeling inspired by a sense of sisterhood. Hopefully those still peacefully asleep will awaken before it’s too late. Great work, Randi.

ELIzABETH MURPHY Franklin Square

opinions

Beyond the talking heads: the real path to financial success

in an age of constant media noise, financial advice shows have become a form of entertainment rather than genuine guidance. As Forbes wisely pointed out in 2021, turning off these programs and seeking professional advice remains the soundest approach to achieving your financial goals. Four years later, the advice remains more relevant than ever.

The talking heads on financial shows often serve up what can only be described as financial entertainment — flashy segments on hot stocks and market predictions designed to grab attention rather than provide personalized advice. These shows prioritize ratings and advertising dollars over your financial well-being.

During my early career in the investment business, I was asked by my manager to visit a client who was making trades online. In the previous week he had tried to make 15 trades, many of them in direct opposition to his risk tolerance. When I visited, I discovered that he had been injured at work, and for a week he had been watching the financial

news channels.

When I asked why he had made the trades, he told me those were the hot stocks or sectors that the commentators were talking about. I reviewed his risk tolerance and goals with him, and then told him the bad news: Had we allowed him to make those trades, he would have lost each time, because he was buying at the high point of the stock or sector.

What the TV shows fail to point out is that successful investing isn’t about chasing the latest trend; it’s about building a portfolio aligned with your risk tolerance and time horizon. A retirement portfolio for someone in their 30s looks dramatically different from one for someone approaching retirement in the next five years — context that gets lost in the one-size-fits-all recommendations of TV pundits.

More important, you need to arrive with clarity about your financial goals: education funding for your children; retirement timing and lifestyle expectations; geographic preferences for retirement; long-term care considerations; and legacy planning intentions.

w orking with a financial adviser is like working with an architect on your home.

The alternative to media noise is developing a relationship with a qualified financial adviser who can create a comprehensive plan tailored to your unique circumstances. That begins with an initial consultation, to which you should bring all relevant financial documents: tax returns, investment statements, insurance policies and employer benefits information.

Letters

A big month for theater in our schools

To the Editor:

March is Theatre in Our Schools Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the profound impact that theater education has on students, schools and communities. As a member of the Wantagh High School chapter of the International Thespian Society, I see how theater fosters creativity, confidence, collaboration and communication — essential skills for success in any field.

Theater is more than just performing on stage. It teaches students problemsolving, critical thinking and empathy by allowing them to step into the shoes of different characters and perspectives. Studies show that participation in theater programs enhances academic performance, improves literacy and public speaking skills, and strengthens students’ ability to work as a team. In our own school, productions like “Puffs” and “Jekyll & Hyde” have brought students together, inspired audiences and given young artists a voice. When I step on stage, I feel as though I’m diving headfirst into a world of pure magic, where reality blurs and the impossible becomes possible. It’s the

rush of dashing through the chaos of “Puffs,” the underdog energy buzzing in every scene, knowing that even the “others” have their moment to shine.

It’s the eerie thrill of “Jekyll & Hyde,” feeling the darkness and light battle within as the music swells, pulling the audience into the madness.

It’s the boundless joy of “SpongeBob,” where even the wildest, most ridiculous adventures carry real heart, and optimism soars as high as a sponge in mid-song. It’s the whimsy and wonder of “Peter and the Starcatcher,” where a simple rope can become a ship, and imagination turns the ordinary into something extraordinary. And it’s the absurdity of Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” where comedy and chaos reign, and every ridiculous moment is played with complete, glorious conviction. Stepping on stage is stepping into a story larger than life, where, for a little while, you’re not just yourself — you’re part of something bigger, something unforgettable.

We urge our community to support theater education by attending student performances, advocating for funding, and recognizing the immense value that the arts bring to our schools. Our upcoming performances include “Spamalot,” April 4-6, and the world premier of “Beyond the Gates,” a student-written original musical, on May 30.

Working with a financial adviser is comparable to collaborating with an architect on your dream home. The initial planning phase requires substantial effort, but it’s just the foundation of the journey. The real value emerges from implementing the action items identified in your plan.

The implementation phase typically involves fundamental but crucial steps: securing appropriate life and disability insurance, establishing automatic contributions to retirement accounts and education savings plans, and reviewing property and liability coverage. This way, your financial security won’t be compromised by an unforeseen event or inadequate coverage.

Financial planning isn’t a one-time event, but rather an ongoing process. Life rarely follows a straight line — career changes, family developments, health challenges and economic shifts all impact your financial trajectory. This reality necessitates regular reviews, typi-

Framework

cally annually, when your adviser can run projections to determine if adjustments are needed to keep you on track toward your goals.

Think of these reviews as similar to your annual physical. Just as your doctor monitors your health markers, your financial adviser assesses the health of your financial plan, making recommendations to strengthen areas that may have weakened or capitalize on new opportunities.

Financial success isn’t achieved through sprint-like approaches or quick fixes. It’s a marathon requiring patience, discipline and consistency. The financial media’s emphasis on day-to-day market movements contradicts this fundamental truth, potentially encouraging harmful behaviors like market timing and emotional decision-making.

Your journey toward financial wellbeing begins with a single step: scheduling an appointment with a qualified financial adviser who can serve as your coach throughout this marathon. With professional guidance and a welldesigned plan, you can tune out the noise and focus on the disciplined approach that leads to genuine financial success.

Gary Slavin is a financial adviser who serves on the boards of the New York State Professional Insurance Agents and the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce. Comments? Gslavin@lebenthal.com.

by Tim Baker

We invite everyone to join us in celebrating Theatre in Our Schools Month by supporting local productions and encouraging continued investment in arts education. Theater changes lives, and with our communities’ support, we

can ensure it remains a vital part of our students’ education.

LIAnnA MEnEGALLI Student choreographer, Troupe 1623 Wantagh High School

The Drama Club’s production of “Grease” — West Hempstead Secondary School

GarY sLaVin

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

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

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

To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion