Kindergarten students at Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School, in Island Park, were honored at a school assembly for demonstrating the character trait of responsibility. The honorees — from left, Noah Sullivan, Giovanna DiPiano, Joseph Field, Milani Paulino, Sunny Bergen and Carmine Simeone — were among two students selected from each class to receive the monthly character trait award, which recognizes qualities including respect, compassion, honesty, loyalty — and this month, responsibility.
The topic was women’s heart health
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Wearing red and armed with blood pressure cuffs, health professionals at Mount Sinai South Nassau marked last Friday with a Go Red Day celebration aimed at raising awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death for women in the United States.
The event, held in the hospital’s atrium, brought doctors, nurses and community educators together to spotlight prevention, early detection and the oftenoverlooked ways in which heart disease affects women differently than men. Free blood pressure screenings and educational demonstrations were offered throughout the morning.
“Heart disease is still not on most women’s radar,” said Dr. Pilar Stevens-Haynes, the hospital’s director of noninvasive cardiology and board president of the American Heart Association on Long Island. “Women tend to fear breast cancer or Alzheimer’s disease, but cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer of women.”
According to the American Heart Association, one of every three women who die each year succumbs to heart disease, compared with one of every 31 who dies from breast cancer. Since 1984, more women than men have died annually from heart disease, and 90 percent of women have at least one risk factor.
Stevens-Haynes emphasized the importance of knowing personal health numbers — particularly blood pressure — and understanding that women’s
Fewer screens, more smiles
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Six months after Gov. Kathy Hochul’s “bell-to-bell” phonefree schools law took effect statewide, administrators and mental health professionals at Oceanside High School say the change is reshaping student life in ways that go far beyond academics.
The law bans student use of smartphones and other personal internet-enabled devices throughout the school day in public and charter schools. Devices must be stored from the opening bell to dismissal, with limited exceptions for students with medical needs, individualized education programs and emergencies.
we were already seeing about how distracting devices can be, not just for students, but for adults, too.”
Mitchell said that Oceanside began preparing students months before the policy took effect, holding grade-level meetings last June to explain expectations and address concerns ahead of the new school year. Under the policy, students are required to store phones in their lockers during the academic day. The ban also applies to smartwatches, earbuds and similar devices.
nstead of eyes down on a screen, they’re connecting. By disconnecting from devices, we’ve actually become more connected as a school.
BRENDON MITCHELL Principal, Oceanside High School
At Oceanside High, Principal Brendon Mitchell said the transition has been smoother than many initially expected — and the benefits are increasingly visible.
“This is bigger than us — this is New York state law,” Mitchell said. “But it aligned very closely with the research
While some teachers previously experimented with phone pouches or classroomspecific rules, Mitchell said the statewide mandate brought consistency. “Before, it was almost a ‘choose your own adventure’ depending on the classroom,” he said. “Now the expectations are uniform, and that consistency has been really helpful for both staff and students.”
Changes are evident not only in classrooms, but
CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
Courtesy Island Park Public Schools
Kugel fundraiser supports inclusive programs
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
A traditional Jewish comfort food is helping fuel inclusive programming at the Friedberg JCC in Oceanside, where a potato kugel fundraiser is supporting the Ezra Center for People of All Abilities and highlighting the talents of individuals with disabilities.
The kugel sale, organized through Harvey’s Café at the JCC, benefits the Ezra Center, which offers classes, recreational activities, fitness programs and self-advocacy groups for children, teens and young adults of all abilities. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward enriching programs and providing free outings and experiences for participants, according to Kimberly Greenfield, director of Disability and Inclusion Services.
“Our goal is to expose our participants not only to what we offer within the JCC, but to what the larger community has to offer as well,” Greenfield said. “Fundraising like this allows us to provide museum trips, art shows and other experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.”
Harvey’s Café, located in the JCC lobby, serves as both a community café and a vocational training space. The café is staffed entirely by volunteers with disabilities, supported by
job coaches through a partnership with the Jewish organization Ohel Bais Ezra in Brooklyn. The café offers homemade soups, baked goods, sandwiches and salads and operates weekdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Named in honor of longtime disability advocate and former Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, the café
was created to provide hands-on food service training and real-world experience. The café has been operating successfully since October and has become a visible example of inclusive employment in action.
“There’s a misconception that people with disabilities are unable to perform work functions or contribute
meaningfully,” Greenfield said. “Harvey’s really serves as an example that this is incorrect.”
The kugel fundraiser grew naturally from the café’s daily operations; it was proposed by job coach and chef Rochelle Jacobs from Ohel as a way to combine fundraising with vocational skill building. The potato kugel recipe was chosen because it is both culturally significant and adaptable, allowing participants to take part in different stages of preparation.
“It’s a dish that can be modified so everyone can contribute,” Greenfield said. “Everyone has a role.”
The sale began Jan. 26 and was originally scheduled to end in early February, but strong demand prompted organizers to extend the fundraiser. Orders will now be accepted through Feb. 13, with pickup scheduled for Feb. 18.
About 16 volunteers rotate through the café each week, with three to four participants working daily. All have played a role in preparing the kugels over several cooking sessions.
Community members interested in supporting the Ezra Center can participate in fundraisers, explore partnership opportunities or contact the JCC for more information.
“We’re always open to collaboration,” Greenfield said. “Support comes in many forms.”
Courtesy Kimberly Greenfield
Alyssa Rosenblum, left, Bracha Drebin, middle, and Terrence McKenna, right, are three of about 16 volunteers working at Harvey’s Cafe — benefitting the Ezra Center at the Friedberg JCC in Oceanside — during their potato kugel fundraiser.
Kiwanis breakfast serves up Super Bowl fun
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
The Oceanside Kiwanis Club flipped pancakes and raised funds for local youth during its 27th annual Super Bowl pancake breakfast on Feb. 8 at St. Anthony’s Church, continuing a community tradition that began in 1999.
Families packed the parish’s cafeteria for the longtime fundraiser, which featured a breakfast of pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausage and bagels, along with coffee, juice, hot chocolate and tea. The event coincided with Super Bowl Sunday — a timing organizers say has helped make the breakfast one of the club’s most popular annual events.
Dozens of student volunteers from Oceanside’s Kiwanis-sponsored youth organizations — including elementary school K-Kids clubs, middle school Builders Clubs and high school Key Clubs — helped run the event. Students served food, sold raffle tickets and assisted with activities, giving them hands-on experience in community service.
In addition to breakfast, the event offered a wide range of familyfriendly entertainment. Children enjoyed games, coloring stations, face painting, mini golf and carnival-style activities set up throughout the hall. A large raffle featured more than 60 baskets, with prizes ranging from candy and toys to artwork.
“This is one of our biggest events of the year,” said Jeanine Badalamenti, an Oceanside Kiwanis Club member. “The more we raise here, the more kids we can send to camp over the summer.”
All proceeds from the breakfast support Kamp Kiwanis, a nonprofit summer camp in Taberg, NY, as well as other Kiwanis youth programs throughout the year. The camp offers recreational activities in a fully accessible environment, providing campers with opportunities to build independence and friendships.
Badalamenti said attendance continued to grow this year, helped by strong community support and sponsorships.
“The turnout has been great,” she said. “Even the weather didn’t keep anybody away.”
The Oceanside Kiwanis Club works year-round to support children and families through service projects, scholarships and partnerships with local schools. Members said the annual pancake breakfast not only raises funds, but also strengthens connections between generations through volunteerism.
“For us, it’s about giving back,” Badalamenti said. “Every plate of pancakes helps give a child the chance to go to camp and have an unforgettable summer.”
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Tara Stromer, left, Mark Metzger, middle, and Phylis Harrington, right, supported the Oceanside Kiwanis Club at its 27th annual Super Bowl Pancake Breakfast on Feb. 8.
Members from the elementary school’s K-Kids club, School 9E volunteers and the high school’s Key Club members served up a pancake breakfast to the Oceanside community.
Isaac Diaz, 10, left, and Joe Accardi, 10, helped the Kiwanis Club by pouring drinks for the Super Bowl breakfast attendees.
Members of the Oceanside Kiwanis Club were in the kitchen all morning, preparing pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon and more.
School 9E students Thomas Herzog, left, and Jacob Meyer served up bagels and juice to help support the fundraising efforts for Kamp Kiwanis.
Natalia Peredo, left, Ella Hickey, middle, and Lia Longergan, right, participated in mini golf and carnival-style games at the Super Bowl pancake breakfast
Annual science fair brings bold experiments
Colorful posterboards and handmade contraptions filled the gym at Lincoln Orens Middle School in Island Park during its annual science fair on Jan. 29, where students from fifth to eighth grade presented hands-on experiments complete with hypotheses, abstracts and step-by-step procedures.
Fifth graders Declan Llewellyn and William Stevenson, students of Kristiana Sefchek and Julie Rooney, tested basketball technique in their project “Nothing but Net: The Science of Shooting Hoops.” Their results showed that the most effective release point was at chin height.
Another of Sefchek’s students, Sean Trahan, investigated the effects of greywater — waste from sinks, washing machines and bathtubs — on plant growth. He concluded it was not an effective alternative to fresh water.
Seventh graders Alexandra Rodgers and Ava Nagy surveyed peers and adults to compare their ability to identify AI-generated images. They found that younger participants performed better, while another of Sefchek’s student groups found the opposite — that adults more accurately identified real
images.
Sefchek’s students Nicholas and Dylan tested whether scent affected reaction time, ultimately rejecting their hypotheses and concluding that it had no measurable effect.
Fifth graders in Darlene Morales and Ashleigh Fechtig’s sixth-period class tackled a timely question: Could stilts help houses withstand flooding from hurricanes? They built small plastic houses and raised them on popsicle-stick “stilts” above a tray of sand. After flooding the tray, they found the stilts prevented water damage.
Karen Davis oversaw “Crazy Fun Catapults,” a project by fifth graders Ava, Ian, Caylee, Sadie and Brayden. One of their catapults launched a ping pong ball an impressive 16.5 feet.
Davis’s sixth graders — Vincent Storelli, Riis Marlin, Eva Reechulsky and Lianna Garcia — determined that a marble needs a pool noodle height of 23 inches to complete a full loop-theloop.
Winners of the science fair will be announced at an upcoming breakfast celebration.
— Kumba Jagne
Deliah Roberts/Herald
Emily Marrero, 12, asked what liquid makes the most rust for her seventh grade science project at the Lincoln Orens Middle School’s annual fair, held on Jan. 29.
Nassau girls wrestling takes center stage
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Reese Adams experienced a wave of emotions for the second time in as many years at the Nassau County girls wrestling championships.
While recovering from knee surgery last February, the thenCalhoun High School junior was devastated to be a spectator for the inaugural tournament. This year, however, she was elated to not only participate but to capture a title in what would be her lone opportunity.
Adams rallied from behind to pin MacArthur’s Olivia Rausenberger in 1:52 of the first period of the finals to win the 126-pound crown Feb. 1 at her home away from home — Long Beach High School. Her father, Ray, has coached the Marines’ wrestlers for 30 years.
“It was thrilling and a relief at the same time because I put so much pressure on myself,” Reese said. “To finally accomplish what I’ve worked so hard for is exciting.”
She underwent surgery the day before Thanksgiving in 2024 and missed all of last season. That didn’t stop her from attending the county championships at Bethpage High School, but it wasn’t easy to watch.
“I cried a lot, but I wanted to support some of my best friends who were competing,” said Reese, who is Calhoun’s lone female wrestler and practiced with the boys team every day. “I’m glad it was at Long Beach this time,” she added. “I practically grew up watching wrestling in that gym so it was a comfortable environment.”
Adams fell behind Rausenberger 5-0 before scoring a take-
down to get on the board, followed by the pin.
“It was a rough year for her rehabbing and I’m so proud to see her win a county title,” Ray Adams said of his Lehigh University bound daughter. “She worked so hard to get back on the mat.”
Long Beach girls coach Miguel Rodriguez said the vibe for the finals was “incredible.”
The Marines had five finalists and saw seventh-grader Brooke Varian finish a surprise runner-up at 94 pounds, and freshman Harley Eidens repeat as a county champ, taking the 107pound title.
“We had a lot of great performances and those two really had a day,” Rodriguez said. “Brooke is a great athlete who loves lacrosse and is so coachable. Harley was familiar with her opponent in the finals and was very strong defensively at the end to hold on.”
Harley’s sister, Presley, was second at 114 to MacArthur’s Grace Palumbo and earned a wild-card berth to join her twin at the state tournament Feb. 26 in Albany. Junior Goddiss Hodge and Arianna Balsamo and also reached the county finals stage.
Uniondale, which captured the Nassau dual meet team title with a 34-30 victory over Long Beach Jan. 21, continued its spectacular season with three county champions and two runners-up. Coach Tim Godoy said the Knights began the campaign with 45 girls as interest in the sport has exploded.
“The girls are excited to be a part of something new and they really put the work in,” he said. “We had great support from parents and family members as well as about half of
Uniondale’s Angeline Bonilla, won the first finals bout of the tournament at 94 pounds.
our boys team showed up. It was a special day.”
Uniondale junior Angeline Bonilla, who took third place last season, captured the 94-pound title over Varian with a 12-5 decision.
“The impossible doesn’t seem that far away if you keep pushing,” Bonilla said. “It was the first match of the finals and not going to lie, I was a little nervous. Brooke is a tough wrestler and I felt it was a 50-50 match. I couldn’t have done it without my coaches.”
Also for the Knights, junior Brianna Marquez captured the 100-pound championship and junior Keishara Tulloch was a repeat county champ, winning at 152 over junior teammate Gabrielle Christian. Senior and first-year wrestler Emely Ramos reached the finals at 165, pulling several upsets along the way.
“The support these girls have for each other is awesome,” Godoy said. “They were all screaming at the top of their lungs.”
Arianna Balsamo, top, was one of five Long Beach finalists.
Terry Uellendahl/Herald photos Calhoun’s Reese Adams, top, rallied to capture the 126-pound title.
Cellphone law reshapes life for OHS students
throughout the building, according to school officials.
“In the cafeteria, in the hallways, between classes, you see kids talking, laughing, engaging with each other,” Mitchell said. “Instead of eyes down on a screen, they’re connecting. By disconnecting from devices, we’ve actually become more connected as a school.”
Teachers have reported increased engagement in class, including more eye contact, participation and collaboration among students. There has also been a decline in discipline issues tied to social media use during school hours.
Initial student reactions included frustration and anxiety about being without their phones during the day. Mitchell said those feelings were addressed head-on. “We did hear anxiety concerns, which in some ways reinforced why this was necessary,” he said. “We’ve become so reliant on our phones that not having them can feel unsettling. But over time, many students have adjusted.”
Parents can still contact students through the main office, and students may use school phones if needed. That this arrangement has sometimes proven faster and more efficient than texting.
“It’s also been good for parents,” Mitchell added. “It forces all of us to be
more mindful about distractions during the school day.”
Nina Weisenreder, coordinator of the school’s Wellness Center and its psychologist, said the mental health benefits of the policy are becoming increasingly clear.
“I see more smiles, more conversations and more laughter than I did in the past,” Weisenreder said. “Those small, casual interactions — what we call micro-interactions — make a very real difference in mood and overall well-being.”
She explained that students initially struggled with how to fill free periods without phones, but have since turned to board games and card games, creative projects and studying. The PTA has helped provide art supplies and materials for hobbies.
“Hobbies encourage mindfulness, patience, focus and a sense of accomplishment,” Weisenreder said. “And fun is really important for mental health.”
The absence of phones has reduced what researchers describe as “attention fragmentation” — the constant splitting of focus caused by notifications and scrolling — while also easing social isolation. “Phones can be helpful as short-term distraction tools in moments of crisis, but distraction isn’t meant to be a lifestyle,” Weisenreder said. “Being present, even during bore-
dom, helps students develop impulse control, creativity and stronger selfesteem.”
She said she has also seen more students studying and finishing homework during free periods, which she attributes to the removal of constant digital temptation.
Students have expressed mixed but increasingly reflective views. Senior Megan Osborn, writing on Sider Press, the official news site for Oceanside High School, described initial anger when the ban was announced, followed by eventual reluctant acceptance.
“Being off my phone during class has given me a much-needed break from the constant urge to check it,” Osborn wrote. “I’m more focused in class, and I’m talking to more people.”
Other students echoed that sentiment, acknowledging the difficulty of adjustment while recognizing their improved social connections.
“Breaking a phone addiction is difficult,” Osborn wrote, “but most students seem to agree that their social skills are improving.”
Mitchell said that balance — resistance mitigated by growth — is exactly what the policy was intended to create.
“Students don’t necessarily love the rule,” he said. “But many have told me, in quiet moments, that it feels freeing not to respond to every ding and ping. Overall, they’ve been phenomenal.”
Comfort You Can Count on Since
Six months after Gov. Kathy Hochul’s “bell-to-bell” phone-free schools law took effect statewide, administrators and mental health professionals at Oceanside High School say the change is reshaping student life in ways that go far beyond academics.
As the school year continues, Oceanside administrators say the focus remains on engagement, connection and creating an environment in which students are fully present — with or without a screen.
Top real estate professionals honored at Heritage Club
By HAILEY FULMER
The Herald’s Real Estate Achievement +Leadership Awards at the Heritage Club on Jan. 28 celebrated professionals whose leadership and innovation have shaped the region’s real estate landscape.
Kelly Killoren Bensimon, founder, owner and broker specialist of Kelly Killoren Bensimon Inc. and Douglas Elliman was honored for her impact on real estate leadership. A former model and reality television personality, Bensimon has successfully transitioned into a successful real estate career. Her keynote speech reflected on her path into the industry.
After her mother became ill, Bensimon said she sold her family home by herself — a moment that inspired her to shift from television to real estate. Today, she focuses on client relationships and enhancing the value of the properties she represents.
I became licensed because I needed to protect my family — and today, that instinct drives everything I do,” she said.
Steven Krieger, chief executive officer of B2K Development, was named Real Estate Visionary of the Year, while Jan Burman, chairman of B2K Development, received the Legacy in Real Estate award.
The Rising Stars category recognized emerging professionals. Honorees included James La Dolce, vice president and branch manager at Flushing Bank, and Ashley Infantino, a licensed real estate salesperson with DeSimone Real Estate Agency.
Awards for construction, development and engineering recognized Rob Mannino, chief operating officer of The Kulka Group, who received the Commercial and Residential Construction Management award.
“It is such a pleasure to go to work every day and be surrounded by those people,” Mannino said, crediting his team’s growth over the past two years. He also expressed gratitude to partner Devin Kulka, chief executive officer of The Kulka Group, and his father, citing their guidance and leadership.
Joseph Picataggi Jr., principal of Terra Construction Group, received the Development and Construction award, while Matthew K. Aylward, a partner at R&M Engi-
neering, was recognized for excellence in engineering.
Michael S. Ackerman, managing partner of Ackerman Law, took home the Excellence in Real Estate Law, PLLC. Keith P. Brown, a partner at Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman LLP, received recognition in the Legal category, and Robert M. Connelly of Romer Debbas, LLP, earned the Excellence in Real Estate Law award.
“We are proud to honor Long Island’s most accomplished real estate professionals — individuals whose vision, dedication and innovation continue to shape the towns where we live, work and raise our families,” said Stuart Richner, president of Richner Communications for 26 years.
The Father/Son Duo award was presented to John and Dylan Vitale, president and vice president of Vitale Properties, recognizing multigenerational leadership.
The Next Gen Brokerage category recognized Luca Di Ciero, founder and CEO of NYSpace Finders, and Giuseppe Gregorio, an associate broker with the firm. Gregorio, who began his real estate career 12 years ago, said he was drawn to the industry’s evolving challenges. he Power Team honor was awarded to Darab Lawyer and Vanessa Ambrosecchia, licensed real estate salespersons with Douglas Elliman. Ambrosecchia highlighted the impact of her work on clients.
“I just like helping people,” she said, “to change more lives.”
Additional awards recognized
leadership across the industry.
Shaan Khan, president of the Long Island Board of REALTORS® and broker-owner of RK Realty Group, received the Real Estate Excellence award. Denise Savino-Erichsen, president and CEO of Automatic Industries, was honored in the Technology category.
In the commercial sector, Jonathan M. Stern, chief growth officer of Ackman-Ziff Real Estate Group, was recognized in celebration of the firm’s centennial anniversary. Michael Tucker, associate broker at DGNY Commercial, received the Commercial Brokerage award. Joel Lipsky, chief executive officer of Lipsky Construction, received the Construction Management award.
Tom Attivissimo, CEO and principal of Greiner-Maltz Co. of Long Island LLC, was named Top In-
dustrial and Investment Sales and Leasing Counselor of the Year. Shalom Maidenbaum, founder and owner of Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group LLC, received the Property Tax Reduction award.
Additional residential awards were presented to Nicholas Sforza of Manhasset Realty Group and Marisa Filardo of Douglas Elliman, both recognized for Real Estate Excellence. Filardo, a mother of two, serves clients across Long Island and Queens.
The Team Leadership award went to Rachel King, a licensed associate real estate broker and team leader of The King Team at SERHANT.
For photos, go to RichnerLive. com/realawards/2026-photos/ For more on RichnerLive events visit RichnerLive.com.
Tim Baker and Holden Leeds/Herald photos
The real estate movers and shakers networked before the awards ceremony.
Keynote speaker Kelly Killoren Bensimon from Kelly Killoren Bensimon Inc. and Douglas Elliman.
The Kulka Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Rob Mannino.
R&M Engineering, Partner, Matthew K. Aylward, PE.
Interior Motives New York, Founder and Principal Designer, Susan Mandel.
Awarded the Father/Son Duo Award, President and Vice President, respectively, Dylan and John Vitale from Vitale Properties.
DGNY Commercial, Associate Broker, Michael Tucker walking up to accept his award.
From NYSpace Finders, Founder & CEO Luca Di Ciero and Associate Broker Giuseppe Gregorio took home the Next Gen Brokerage award.
Licensed Real Estate Salespersons Darab Lawyer and Vanessa Ambrosecchia from Douglas Elliman won the Power Team award.
From Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman, LLP, Partner, Keith P. Brown.
Ackman-Ziff Real Estate Group, Chief Growth officer, Jonathan M. Stern with his award.
From Greiner-Maltz Co. of Long Island, LLC, CEO & Principal, Tom Attivissimo heads to accept his award.
Volunteer fair unites community with nonprofit
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
The Oceanside Library buzzed with conversation, curiosity and community spirit as it hosted its fourth annual Volunteer Fair on Feb. 1, drawing hundreds of residents from Oceanside and across Long Island eager to find meaningful ways to give back.
The event brought together about 21 nonprofit organizations representing a wide range of causes, from mental health advocacy and environmental action to literacy, senior care and public safety. Tables filled the library as volunteers, students, retirees and families stopped to learn how they could make a difference close to home.
“This is our fourth annual fair, and the turnout really says a lot,” said Michelle Samuels, assistant director of the library. “We’re here to help the Oceanside community and to be a place where people can come for information, connection and opportunity.”
Organizations included the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Oceanside Community Warriors, Oceanside SAFE, the Oceanside Fire Department and Book Fairies greeted attendees and shared information about volunteer roles. Other participants included Citizens Climate Lobby, Oceanside Kiwanis, the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, the Oceanside Garden Club and several Long Island-based service groups.
For many nonprofits, the fair was not only a recruitment opportunity but also a chance to raise awareness. The Book Fairies explained how the nonprofit collects gently used books, sorts them by age and condition and redistributes them to communities in need.
“We primarily serve Title I schools,” said Judy Lauterstin of Book Fairies. “We host free book fairs in those schools and monthly events where teachers can select books for their classrooms or for students to take home.”
Founded 13 years ago, the organization has distributed nearly six million books locally and internationally, including efforts to help build libraries in Africa.
“Volunteers are especially needed to sort and package donations, to make sure that the quality is nice so that the kids are happy when they receive their books,” said Book Fairies member Mary Blanco.
Mental health advocacy was another strong presence at the fair. Representatives from NAMI Nassau spoke about their educational programs, support groups and recreational activities for individuals living with mental illness and their families.
“One of the most important things we teach families is that mental illness is not their fault,” said David Sils of NAMI.
David ran the table with his brother, Marc Sils, noting how the organization offers multi-week educational classes, peer-to-peer programs and regular sup-
port groups, many of which are held at the library.
“Events like this help reduce stigma and let people know help is out there,” David said.
In addition to connecting volunteers with organizations, the library used the fair to strengthen partnerships with nonprofits. Throughout the day, former assistant director of the library, Tony Iovino, and technology librarian, Carlo Mastrandrea, hosted seminars on collaboration, marketing and outreach. Workshops included a Canva basics session and a presentation on using the library’s online community calendar to promote local events.
“Our goal is to be a platform for the community,” said event organizer and programming clerk Aubree Pocock. “If people have one central place to see what’s happening — whether it’s a nonprofit program, a library event or a community gathering — it helps everyone.”
Library staff said planning for the fair begins months in advance, often as early as October, with outreach through
email, phone calls and social media. Even organizations unable to attend in person were represented through informational displays.
Beyond logistics, organizers emphasized the deeper meaning behind the event.
“We see people of all stages of life looking for purpose — students who need service hours, families who want to volunteer together and retirees looking for something meaningful,” said adult program coordinator Tom Wojciechowski. “Yes, we are a library, but we are also a community center. The library is cooler than you think.”
As attendees left with brochures and contact information in hand, the message was clear: the Oceanside Library is more than a place for books.
“Yes, we are a library, but we are also a community center,” Wojciechowski said. “The library is cooler than you think. And events like this just show how powerful it can be when people come together to help one another.”
organizations to join the library’s
fair.
Stu Goldman/Herald photos
Book Fairies Connie Axelson, left, Judy Lauterstein, middle, and Mary Blanco, right, came together at the Oceanside Library’s Volunteer Fair on Feb. 1 to gain volunteers to help the nonprofit gather and donate used books.
Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray, far left, with Oceanside junior firefighters Paul Lehner, Douglas Weidmann, Reynan Achil and second Lieutenant Jason Love, far right.
National Alliance on Mental Health volunteers David Sils, far left, and Marc Sils, second from left, helped Rockville Centre residents Kirsten D’Aversa, Jerry D’Aversa and their son Rocco D’Aversa understand the risks of mental health and what individuals can do to help loved ones.
Event organizer Aubree Pocock and library staff members Michele Owen and Tom Wojciechowski spent several months collaborating with nonprofits and
fourth annual volunteer
Change is an important part of living with heart disease or trying to prevent it. A jump in blood pressure or cholesterol earns you a lecture on healthy lifestyle changes. Heart attack and stroke survivors are often told to alter a lifetime of habits.
Some people manage to overhaul their exercise pattern, diet, and unhealthy habits with ease. The rest of us try to make changes, but don’t always succeed. Instead of undertaking a huge makeover, you might be able to improve your heart’s health with a series of small changes. Once you get going, you may find that change isn’t so hard. This approach may take longer, but it could also motivate you to make some big changes.
Here are important small steps to get you on the road to better health.
Take a 10-minute walk. If you don’t exercise at all, a brief walk is a great way to start. If you do, it’s a good way to add more exercise to your day.
Give yourself a lift. Lifting a hardcover book or a two-pound weight a few times a day can help tone your arm muscles. When that becomes a breeze, move on to heavier items or join a gym.
Eat one extra fruit or vegetable a day. Limit the sweet treats and go for the fruit instead. Fruits — and vegetables — taste good and are good for everything from
your brain to your bowels.
Make breakfast count. A good breakfast is one that supplies plenty of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Protein should be the main focus to start the day, with additions of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and good fats.
Stop drinking your calories. Cutting out just one sugar-sweetened soda or calorie-laden latte can easily save you 100 or more calories a day. Over a year, that can translate into a 10-pound weight loss.
Have a handful of nuts. Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and other nuts are good for your heart. Try grabbing some instead of chips or cookies when you need a snack, adding them to salads for a healthful and tasty crunch, or using them in place of meat in pasta and other dishes.
Sample the fruits of the sea. Eat fish or other types of seafood instead of red meat once a week. It’s good for the heart, the brain, and the waistline.
Breathe deeply. Try breathing slowly and deeply for a few minutes a day. It can help you relax. Slow, deep breathing may also help lower blood pressure.
Wash your hands often. Always important, this matters so much more since the pandemic. Scrubbing up with soap and water often during the day is a great way to protect your heart and health. Flu, pneumo-
Count your blessings. Taking a moment each day to acknowledge the blessings in your life is one way to start tapping into other positive emotions. These have been linked with better health, longer life and greater well-being, just as their opposites
lifts your mood and promotes mental well-being. And if you have diabetes, regular physical activity can actually lower your blood sugar and raise your life expectancy.
nia and other infections can be very hard on the heart.
— chronic anger, worry, and hostility — contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.
Photo: Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight,
Legally
DEC head discusses state’s goals, policies
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
More than 200 people attended the Long Island Association’s Energy and Environment Committee meeting on Feb. 5 at LIA headquarters in Melville. The highlight of the program was a discussion with the commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Amanda Lefton.
“Long Island’s environment is our economy,” Matt Cohen, LIA president and CEO, said. LIA is a nonprofit association that works to ensure Long Island’s economic vitality.
Lefton previously served as the director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in the Department of the Interior. She has over 15 years of experience working on energy and environment in both the public and private sector.
“As Long Islanders, we know that things like water quality and our natural resources are critical to our livelihood,” she said. “We know these things aren’t in competition, but actually complement each other if done correctly. That is the perspective that I bring to the department.
“We continue to move forward,” Lefton added, “to make sure that we’re not just delivering on our mission of protecting the state’s environment, protecting water quality, delivering on clean air, protecting our natural resources,
but also doing so in a way that there’s transparency.”
Billy Haugland, vice chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, who led the discussion, praised Lefton’s ability to bring government and industry leaders together, leading to productive outcomes, increased collaboration, and reliable environmental stewardship.
Lefton discussed aspects of the state’s policy proposals and 2026 executive budget, and highlighted its steps to reduce pollution, its transition to clean energy and investments in infrastructure and transportation. She contrasted state actions with federal efforts to dismantle environmental protections. “The jobs and benefits that could be lost on Long Island through the stalling of offshore wind projects are one of the many causalities of this chaos,” she said.
Lefton pledged to continue communicating with stakeholders around New York. The DEC is prioritizing accessibility, streamlining its processes and improving data navigation, supported by investments from Gov. Kathy Hochul to modernize its website and technology.
Hochul’s 2026 budget proposal also supports a robust environmental agenda, and Lefton complimented the tangible results for New Yorkers. The governor’s “Let Them Build” agenda includes a series of reforms to speed up housing and infrastructure projects and reduce costs. The initiative includes adopting
common-sense reforms of the State Environmental Quality Review Act to speed up construction of zoned and permitted housing while preserving environmental safeguards. It also aims to reduce delays in building critical infrastructure, including clean-water projects.
“The governor’s common-sense approach to securing more certainty in environmental review timelines,” Lefton said, “will help advance more critically important projects.”
She discussed Hochul’s investments in water infrastructure, a commitment of $3.75 billion to clean-water projects over the next five years, including improving sewer infrastructure. “We can ensure that we’re continuing to tackle urban contaminants, protecting clean water, and delivering on the funding for our municipalities,” Lefton said.
The Hochul administration has authorized a critical resiliency project on Long Island, with a $1.7 billion investment in protecting the expanse from Fire Island to Montauk against storms and erosion. Additional investments have been made for various other Army Corps of Engineers resiliency projects in the Rockaways and Long Beach.
Lefton also mentioned a state grant award to Freeport, supporting the expansion of its advanced stormwater system, which is designed to reduce chronic flooding of the village’s lowlying streets.
“We have strong programs in place to protect our air and water while encouraging investment in our communities,” Lefton said. “We’re ensuring that we have these programs available specifically to deliver for Long Islanders.”
Madison Gusler/Herald Amanda Lefton, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, spoke at the Long Island Association’s Energy and Environment Committee meeting on Feb. 5.
MARCH 13 • 10AM-12:30PM
EAST MEADOW BETH-EL JEWISH CENTER
1400 Prospect Ave, East Meadow
FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle
Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers
Take advantage of on-site health screenings
Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences
Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A
Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways
Snack station for all
All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.
AGENDA: VISIT EXHIBITORS
10:00AM - 12:30PM
EXPERT PANEL + Q&A 11:30AM - 12:30PM
RAFFLE DRAWINGS*
*must be present to win
Register for this FREE event: RichnerLIVE.com/march.expo
Go Red Day focuses on women’s heart health
symptoms can be subtler than the classic chest pain often portrayed on television.
“Women are much less likely to have that crushing chest pain,” Stevens-Haynes explained. “Symptoms can be fatigue, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance or even indigestion. Too often women dismiss these signs as stress, weight gain or just being out of shape.”
Nurse Abigail Fromm, the hospital’s director of community education, echoed that message, noting that many people either do not have a primary care physician or don’t understand their readings when they are checked.
“We hear it all the time: someone thinks 140 over 80 is normal,” Fromm said. “But there are evidence-based guidelines that define what’s healthy. Knowing your numbers gives you a baseline, and that’s where prevention starts.”
Members of the MSSN staff demonstrated how to interpret blood pressure readings and explained the risks associated with uncontrolled hypertension. Fromm encouraged staffers as well as visitors to stop by the screening tables.
“We do this every year because it’s a reminder — not just for staff, but for the entire community,” Fromm said. “We don’t just wait for people to come to us. We go out into the community — senior centers, schools, universities, recreation centers and fire departments — to remove barriers to care.”
electrophysiology lab during the Go Red Day event last Friday.
Go Red Day is held annually, she said, though this year’s event was scaled back due to staffing challenges. Still, hospital leaders said it was important not to skip the awareness campaign.
“This time of year is a reset for a lot of people,” Fromm said. “They’re coming off the holidays and thinking about lifestyle changes. It’s the perfect time to remind them to check their blood pressure, watch their diet and understand their risk.”
Stevens-Haynes also discussed how life stages unique to women — including pregnancy, menopause and hormonal changes — can increase cardiovascular risk. She noted that while estrogen may offer some protec-
than treating disease after the fact,” Stevens-Haynes said. “We’re now able to give patients a clearer picture of their risk and intervene earlier.”
National Wear Red Day, observed annually on the first Friday in February, is part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign. The initiative aims to change the perception of heart disease, improve research and encourage women to take charge of their heart health.
“The more we talk about it, the more normal these conversations become,” Stevens-Haynes said. “Heart disease is preventable in many cases, but only if women know the risks and take action.”
tion before menopause, risk rises significantly later in life, often catching women off guard.
“By the time women reach 65, their risk equals or exceeds that of men,” StevensHaynes explained. “And because women haven’t always been told they’re at risk, they may delay seeking help.”
She pointed to advances in screening and imaging that now allow physicians to detect early signs of heart disease before symptoms appear. Tests such as a coronary calcium scoring can help determine whether patients need medication or lifestyle changes.
“Primary prevention is always better
7,356 total health screenings
3,127 blood pressure
2,689 heart rate
317 pulse oximetry
237 body mass index
222 diabetes risk assessment
119 balance
71 memory
Abigail Grieco/Herald
Mount Sinai South Nassau physicians highlighted advanced cardiac technology used to diagnose and treat heart rhythm disorders in the hospital’s
STEPPING OUT
Our nation 250 years later
An artistic perspective
By Abbey Salvemini
The American Revolution might have happened 250 years ago, but the conversation about who really benefited from it is far from over. That’s the idea behind Hofstra University Museum of Art’s newlly opened exhibition, “Our Unfinished Revolution(s).” On view, through July 24, it invites visitors to reflect on the promises of liberty, exploring how the ideals of the Declaration of Independence have shaped the nation.
July 4, 1776, has long been ascribed as the date that the United States was formed, Presley Rodriguez — the museum’s assistant director of exhibitions and collections — writes in her essay in the exhibit catalog. There are other events that could have represented the birth of the nation — perhaps first battles of the Revolutionary War, or the signing of the treaty that formally ended the conflict. But it is the day that the Declaration of Independence was ratified that is credited with changing the world as we know it.
‘RENT’ in concert
Today, many consider the Declaration of Independence as the document that proclaimed “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” as guiding priorities of the United States. As significant as the signing of the Declaration of Independence was, however, it was also a rebellious act that those loyal to the English king viewed unfavorably in 1776.
“The Declaration of Independence is the North Star of liberty, democracy and freedom,” says Hofstra Museum Director Sasha Giordano. “The exhibition explores who most benefitted from the Declaration of Independence. Although women, Black and enslaved people, Indigenous peoples, and immigrants played instrumental roles during the Revolution and were closely connected to the events surrounding the Declaration, they were not granted the same liberties at the nation’s founding.”
The 250 years of history are organized into four dated sections: 1776, 1876, 1976 and 2026. The artworks and archival materials on view illuminate the ways in which the Declaration of Independence has been interpreted, challenged and defended over time. Works drawn from the museum’s permanent collection, alongside loans featuring artists such as Faith Ringgold, demonstrate the diversity of artistic responses to the Revolution’s legacy across 250 years. Included are a mix of 18th-century prints, mid-century works and contemporary pieces by artists such as Alexander Calder, Larry Rivers and Jeremy Dennis, the show’s featured artist.
Groups whose liberties were initially denied come into focus: women, Black, Indigenous and immigrant communities. Rodriguez — who curated this exhibit — searched Hofstra’s database for art that best captures their stories.
“This is really an homage to 250 years of freedom,” she explains. “There are walls in the gallery dedicated to each of these anniversary years, and the artwork was created around these moments.”
Beginning with 1776 section, works reflect the founding ideals and the exclusion of certain communities, while later sections show how those
Map of New England, 1676, ink on paper. Gift of unknown donor, HU62.7.
Washington Crossing the Delaware, Evening Previous to the Battle of Trenton, December 5 (sic), 1776, 18001900, hand-colored lithograph. Gift of Mary Estabrook, HU64.98.
Bill of Sale for Enslaved Person, 1779. Courtesy of Special Collections/ Long Island Studies Institute, Hofstra University Library.
struggles continued and evolved.
For Giordano, framing the Revolution as “unfinished” allows us to revisit and reclaim its milestones. It’s presented as an ongoing conversation, rather than a closed chapter in history.
“Anniversaries are a way to remind us of what we celebrate and how we honor our country’s life,” she says. “This exhibition meets viewers where they are. You bring your own ideas and thoughts, and it encourages reflection. It could challenge you, or it could reaffirm what you already feel.”
Jeremy Dennis, an enrolled member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and founder of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio Inc., brings an Indigenous perspective into the narrative of America’s evolving freedom through his photography.
“As a leader making art representing Indigenous people, his work speaks to current times and shares a relevant story,” Giordano adds. “Through his art and photography, he takes us into that world.”
Another standout is Faith
Ringgold’s 2009 series, “Declaration of Freedom and Independence.” Her work perfectly embodies the exhibition’s theme and reflects the ongoing struggle to make liberty a reality for all, according to Rodriguez.
“The exhibition invites you to consider your own role in shaping the nation’s future. The response wall allows visitors to contribute their perspectives, and those ideas will literally be on display for others to see,” she adds.
Her aim is that visitors reflect not only on the past but think hard about what our future holds. Everyone is encouraged to contribute to the Wish Wall Project, the collaborative response wall developed by a nationwide network of museums and libraries, where all can leave their thoughts, reflections and reactions to the exhibition.
“Our Unfinished Revolution(s),” connects to the broader Untold Stories of Revolution: A Hofstra University Initiative for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, a campus-wide exploration of the Revolution’s lesser-known narratives. Related programming tied to the exhibit invites students, faculty and the public to engage with themes of democracy, equity and civic responsibility.
Events include a conversation with Dennis on March 5 and a curator-led gallery tour on April 9; programs that allow participants to engage more deeply with the exhibit.
“During the gallery tour, visitors will have a chance to notice details they might miss on a casual visit, and they can hear the stories behind why specific works were included,” Rodriguez says.
The unforgettable music of Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking musical fills Tilles Center in a powerful symphonic concert setting. RENT is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, marking three decades since its Off-Broadway debut in January 1996 and subsequent move to Broadway. Experience the music of Larson’s landmark work through its original Broadway legacy as Adam Pascal, who originated the role of Roger, hosts the evening and returns to the stage for a special encore performance. Presented in a symphonic concert format with full orchestra, the event celebrates the iconic songs that changed musical theater forever. “To be able to host RENT in concert and then step back on stage for an encore is incredibly special, Pascal says. This concert is about honoring Jonathan Larson’s voice, the community that formed around this show, and the power of these songs to still speak, loudly and honestly, to audiences today.”
Friday, Feb. 13, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
‘So don’t stop me now’ Queen-mania rolls on. Almost Queen returns to the Paramount stage with their homage to the beloved band. They don’t just pay tribute to the legendary band, Almost Queen transports you back in time to experience the magic and essence of Queen themselves. The band — featuring Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon, and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor — is “guaranteed to blow your mind” with iconic four-part harmonies and expertly executed musical interludes. The band’s authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision captivates fans of all ages with an unforgettable concert experience. The carefully curated setlist featuring Queen’s best-loved songs, including, of course, classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.
Saturday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
• Now through July 24 Programs require advance registration; visit events. hofstra.edu to RSVP or call (516) 463-5672
Jeremy Dennis’ Cloak of Divisibility, from the series Rise, 2025, archival inkjet print. Courtesy of the artist.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
feb 12 Thrift Shop
First United Methodist Church of Oceanside’s thrift shop is one of the best kept secrets in Oceanside. Everyone is welcomed and cared for as they shop for great buys. Find lothing, household items, books and much more!
Let the good times roll. Visit Aura for A Taste of Mardi Gras, part of its Passport Dinner series bringing New Orleans classics, bold Cajun flavors and celebratory cocktails to the table. Menu includes creole shrimp, rich gumbo and beignets.
• Where: Aura Coastal Mediterranean, 4338 Austin Blvd., Island Park
• Time: 5-10 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 208-7535
Mystery Book Club
Love a good mystery? Check out the Mystery Fiction Book Club, Oceanside Library’s newest book club! Each month, dive into a thrilling story, share favorite twists and uncover clues together. Connect with fellow mystery fans, swap theories and enjoy lively discussion in a warm, welcoming setting. Come for the suspense, stay for the conversation! This month’s pick is “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman, a clever, witty mystery that will keep everyone guessing.
• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or (516) 766-236
Legendary Murphy’s
The Legendary Murphy’s classic rock band visits South Shore Brewery. With male and female vocalalists, the band plays greatest hits and best lesser-known hits of the rock legends we have all loved for years, as well as a few surprises!
• Where: 3505 Hampton Road, Oceanside
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 388-6685
feb
feb
22
Wild days in the Bronx
challenging questions across a variety of topics. Bring your knowledge, work together and enjoy a lively, interactive evening.
• Where: 3001 New St., Unit A2, Oceanside
• Time: 7 p.m.; also Feb. 24
• Contact: (516) 594-1028
feb
24
Let’s Meet And Network On Long Island
Join in this community business networking dinner. Share advice, grow your business network, and enjoy a casual evening. Free and fun. Separate checks. RSVP needed.
• Where: Oceanside IHOP, 2971 Long Beach Road
• Time: 6-8 p.m.
Monster Jam Freestyle Mania
See the world’s best drivers tear up the dirt and show off crazy skills
Chazz Palminteri is back on the Paramount stage with his electrifying solo performance of “A Bronx Tale,” the autobiographical one-man show that launched his remarkable career. Raw, riveting and deeply personal, the play draws on Palminteri’s own bruising childhood in the Bronx, including the moment — at just nine-years-old — when he witnessed a gangland killing that would forever shape his view of the world. Onstage, Palminteri inhabits 18 vividly drawn characters, seamlessly shifting between friends, foes and family members to conjure an entire neighborhood with nothing but his voice, physicality and storytelling prowess. First written and performed in 1989, A Bronx Tale quickly became a sensation, hailed as one of the most sought-after stage properties since Rocky. The original production paved the way for the acclaimed film adaptation — directed by Robert De Niro — and later a hit Broadway musical. Born and raised in the Bronx, Palminteri stands firmly in the lineage of iconic Italian-American artists who redefined New York storytelling in the 1970s, including Martin Scorsese, De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. Like them, he brings grit, muscle and an unflinching realism to his work, capturing both the violence and the humanity of life on those sidewalks. This return engagement offers audiences a chance to experience the original, powerhouse performance that started it all — up close, uncompromising and unforgettable.
and all-out racing in fierce headto-head battles of speed and skill when Monster Jam roars into UBS Arena. Get ready for the event that will change everything you thought you knew about freestyle. Monster Jam trucks team up with Freestyle Motocross bikes to deliver gravitydefying skills and thrills. It’s an adrenaline rush not to be missed.
• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont.
• Time: Noon and 6 p.m.; also Feb. 15 and Feb. 16
• Contact: ticketmaster.com
Til Death Do Us Ink
South Shore Craft Brewery welcomes all to Valentine’s Day flash tattoo night. First come, first served. Flash tattoos only; 21+ with ID required. The live tattoos are done by local artists and with boutique vendors on site.
• Where: 3505 Hampton Road, Oceanside
• Time: 5-10 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 388-6685
Lunar New Year program
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes Chinese Theatre Works to the museum stage. Join in a celebration of the Lunar New Year with an original “budaixi” glove puppet production that features
the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. This year’s show stars the Horse, who presides over a jolly selection of wild puppet skits, dances, popular songs, and well known Chinese sayings that celebrate the wit and wisdom of the zodiac animals. Hao Bang Ah! Horse! A hands-on post show demonstration will make the Chinese bilingual cultural experience accessible to even the youngest audience members. $5, $4 members, $10 theater only
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
feb
15
Long Island Improv Comedy
Eight Is Never Enough Improv Comedy, an interactive musical comedy show with skills and songs improvised based on audience suggestions and participation, appears at South Shore Craft Brewery. Perfect for families, dates and groups who want to laugh!
• Where: 3505 Hampton Road, Oceanside
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 388-6685
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
feb
16
Pete’s Blue Carpet Catwalk
Walk the blue carpet as a VIP to celebrate Long Island Children’s Museum’s premiere performance of Pete the Cat! Dress your best, smile for the paparazzi, and take a picture with Pete! A special youth emcee will be interviewing VIPs on camera. Gain exclusive access to Pete’s Groovy Lounge for refreshments, enjoy the opening day performance of the show and take home a fun swag bag! You’ll even get to meet the cast after the show! For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW bus! $16 ($14 members), $20 theater and catwalk experience only.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: Starting at 11:30 a.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Trivia Night Stop by Barrier Brewing Co. for trivia night! Teams compete in a series of fun,
• Contact: Register at lmnoli.com or call Mark at (516) 993-0053
Psychic Dinner
Sangria 71 welcomes all to one-on-one psychic readings by a member of The Long Island Psychics. Tickets are required; drinks.
• Where: 4585 Austin Blvd., Island Park
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 882-4250
feb
27
Sõ Percussion in concert
The Grammy-winning percussionists return to the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center. For 25 years and counting, the quartet has redefined chamber music for the 21st century through an “exhilarating blend of precision and anarchy, rigor and bedlam” (The New Yorker). Their commitment to the creation and amplification of new work have made them a trusted partner for composers, allowing the writing of music that expands the style and capacity of brilliant voices of our time.
• Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or 9516) 877-4000
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CSFB MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2004-CF2, Plaintiff, vs. ALAN MICHAEL BAER AND LESLIE DANA BAER, AS ADMINISTRATORS OF THE ESTATE OF STELLA ANN BAER, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 16, 2022 and an Order Substituting CourtAppointed Referee duly entered on September 11, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 103 Knight Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 452 and Lot 11. Approximate amount of judgment is $285,512.03 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #004462/2009.
Robert John Aiello, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 158023
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
DEUTSCHE BANK
NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX
MORTGAGE LOAN
TRUST 2005-AR7, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-AR7, -againstJENNIFER IADEVAIO, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk
of the County of Nassau on February 14, 2017, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK
NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-AR7, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-AR7 is the Plaintiff and JENNIFER IADEVAIO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on March 6, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 61 MONTGOMERY AVE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572; and the following tax map identification: 43-332-349. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATED, LYING AND BEING AT OCEANSIDE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 019258/2009. Barton Slavin, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 158215
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION of Grandeur Elite Rentals LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/14/26 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to Legal Zoom United States Corporation Agents, INC 7014 13th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: any lawful act 158225
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 02/25/2026 at 9:30 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.
118/26. - 120/26. OCEANSIDE - Renato Scaglione, Special exception to maintain accessory structure (shed) higher than permitted; Special exception to maintain 2nd accessory structure (gazebo) higher than permitted & exceeds horizontal maximum; Special exception to maintain 3rd accessory structure (BBQ Island) exceeding horizontal maximum on two (2) sides., N/s Bellevue Ave., 541.1’ W/o Oceanside Rd., a/k/a 101 Bellevue Ave. THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 127/26. OCEANSIDERookies Oceanside, LLC, Special exception for place of public assembly & amusement (proposed kids gym) in portion of existing building., N/W cor. Long Beach Rd. & Daly Blvd., a/k/a 3644 Long Beach Rd. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Oceanside within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go
v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 158320
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, AGAINST CHRISTAKI I. SOFOCLI A/K/A CHRIS SOFOCLI, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS TRUSTEE OF THE ELENI SOFOCLI FAMILY TRUST; ANDREA SOFOCLI; ELENI SOFOCLI; BENEFICIARIES OF THE ELENI SOFOCLI FAMILY TRUST, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely; the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real properly by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on October 16, 2025. I, the undersigned
NEWS BRIEF
Led by Oceanside High School students, sixth graders played Ships and Sailors at a SLATE club workshop on how students can strengthen bonds within their schools for themselves and others on Feb. 4.
SLATE Club spreads message of belonging
Oceanside High School students stepped into leadership roles Feb. 4 as members of the school’s SLATE Club met with sixth graders from district elementary schools to explore a powerful idea: belonging.
The event brought together 27 Oceanside High School students from SLATE — Students Lead Act Teach Empower — and sixth graders preparing for the transition to secondary school. Through conversation, collaboration and hands-on activities, the goal was to help younger students understand what it means to feel connected at school and how they can help create that sense of belonging for themselves and others.
SLATE, which has 55 members, is unique to Oceanside High School but rooted in research showing that students’ academic success and well-being are closely tied to whether they feel accepted and valued in their school communities.
Throughout the day, SLATE ambassadors led team-building exercises and small-group discussions focused on inclusion, identity and the everyday choices that shape school culture. Students including Arilius Khargie, Kayla Schaefer, Juliette Patane, Connor Greenberg, Riley McCabe, Laila Cave, Aidan Morales and Sophia Romano facilitated activities and modeled the type of peer connection the club promotes.
For many of the high school students, the message was deeply personal.
Several SLATE members said reaching students early was especially meaningful. Schaefer, Greenberg and Cave emphasized how small, intentional actions can have a lasting impact on others’ sense of belong-
Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM premises known as 17 Pine St, Oceanside, NY 11572.
Please take notice that this foreclosure auction
shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon
ing.
“I was nervous at first,” Patane said. “Especially because I didn’t know how the kids may or may not react. It went great.”
Others said leading the discussions helped deepen their own understanding of the club’s mission.
“I noticed that teaching the students about SLATE expanded the meaning for me,” McCabe said.
SLATE advisors Ken Dwyer and Josephine Prestigiacomo helped guide the development of the program and its expansion beyond the high school. Dwyer described SLATE as a student-driven effort to turn research into action.
“Our goal is to empower students to carry the message of belonging into the classrooms and hallways of OHS through small daily actions,” Dwyer said. He added that bringing the program to elementary students allows that message to reach even further.
For the sixth graders, the experience was less about learning a definition and more about feeling it firsthand. Sarah Simhon of School No. 9E said the high school students made her feel included throughout the day.
“I think it will help our school by helping other people feel like they belong,” said Wesley McPherson of School No. 4.
For both the high school mentors and the sixth grade students, the experience reinforced that creating a welcoming school culture doesn’t require grand gestures — just the willingness to include others.
— Abigail Grieco
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What do we do about cold spots in a new house?
Q. We are in our house for the first winter, and are noticing lots of cold spots. Our concern is pipes freezing. Is there anything we can do, temporarily, before spring comes, when we can open outside walls to see where insulation is missing? Also, we have a lot of creaking in the stairs and doors, and even just when the wind is howling. Is there anything we can do?
A. With freezing temperatures comes the reveal of lots of cold spots. As you stated, the biggest concern, immediately, is whether cold areas are near pipes, such as heat pipes or bathroom plumbing. Cold air outside will radiate cold to anything not protected, and if you see that the heat has dropped and the pipes feel cool or cold to touch, that should be the first place to start.
Sometimes people just add a jacket of pipe insulation, but this may worsen the problem in some instances, because the warmer interior air must reach the pipes to keep them from being jammed with ice from the cold-air exposure. In situations like this, it’s best to open the walls where the pipes have frozen and get the pipes warmed up. Don’t use anything with extreme heat or an open flame. A hair dryer may work, but be careful not to make the heat intense enough to start any kind of melting or scorching of the surrounding materials.
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I once felt around heat pipes, found the specific spot by touch, and before heat could be applied, the pipe actually split right there in front of me. My plumber used an electric heat clamp to thaw the pipe before cutting the section and replacing it.
As for other parts of the house where it just feels chilled, check for visible gaps around windows, walk barefoot to feel the cool spots and make a list. Some may be almost unreachable without tearing out large sections of interior gypsum or plaster, while others may be able to be filled with insulation. I recommend blown-in cellulose instead of foam, because the foam may encase wires or pipes that later will take much more effort to remove.
Apply foam to areas you can see. Be careful not to use expanding foam in areas that will cause the materials around to move too much, such as around window frames, unless the windows and doors are tightly closed in the frame. Expanding foam will bow the door and window frames so that you can’t close doors and windows later.
This is a good time to use a silicone lubricant, adding a few drops to hinges of doors. The stairs need to be addressed with care, especially hardwood finished treads, so as to not damage them. If you can get under the stairs, try using construction glue at joints before moving on to screws. Only treated, finished nails, adhesive-coated, will work from above. Be prepared to match the wood finish over the tiny nail heads. 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
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OPINIONS
Thirty days of the good, the bad and the ugly
The year 2025 was a dizzying one for all Americans. So many things happened in Washington that it would take about 50 pages of the Herald to walk readers through every one. Rather than take on that project, I prefer to write about January, and how we were impacted by the news of the month. I declare January the month of the good, the bad and the ugly.
Of the good things that happened, I’ll focus on the Cinderella story of Indiana University football quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Every time I think about him and his accomplishments, I can’t help but smile. If you love an example of perfection, Mendoza is exactly that.
It starts with his decision to enroll at Indiana, which was roundly criticized by all of his supporters. Why would you go to a school that has never won a national championship? But Mendoza defied the taunts and joined that muchmaligned Hoosiers team.
Then, with smarts and determination, he guided the team to a 16-0 season and a national championship. He won the coveted Heisman Trophy and charmed all of America with his mature and impressive interviews. His displays of love for his wheelchair-bound mother were touching and memorable.
FSo the Mendoza story tops the good. The decision to send thousands of ICE and border-patrol agents to Minneapolis definitely tops January’s bad news. The Trump administration’s actions were poorly handled by Kristi Noem, the secretary of homeland security. Her instant labeling of Alex Pretti, the second Minnesotan shot by ICE agents, as a “domestic terrorist” was a reckless reaction to the death of a U.S. citizen with no criminal record.
crowds of protesters. The 600 members of the Minneapolis police force, who handled the George Floyd demonstrations, were the best people to deal with such a crisis, but they were bypassed.
rom Fernando Mendoza to Alex Pretti to federal buildings in Philadelphia.
The White House staff, headed by close Trump adviser Stephen Miller, bungled every stage of the Pretti shooting, and poured more gasoline on the fire by labeling him an “assassin.” Miller and Noem were the wrong people to juggle a political crisis, and every step they took proved it. President Trump, who ordered the mass invasion into Minneapolis, was eventually forced to say he wanted to “de-escalate” the situation, but he’s stuck with the optics of a horrible event.
any references to slavery in numerous federal facilities.
The idea of drowning a major American city with thousands of law enforcement agents never made sense to begin with. Ask any respected police official about how the situation in Minneapolis was handled and he or she will tell you that the vast majority of the officers sent there were not trained to handle
There are so many things I could classify as ugly, but one stands out, because it has largely escaped public attention. A few weeks ago, a group of federal employees in Philadelphia were captured on local television removing historical materials relating to the history of slavery. This on top of media reports that the administration is taking a number of measures to eliminate
The attempts to erase this sad chapter of American history are part of the run-up to the July Fourth observation of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Apparently, some people in the White House have decided that we must reflect only on the happy things that have happened during the past 250 years, but slavery is part of our history, and it can’t be wiped away. There are people who promote the idea that the Holocaust never happened, which is why we observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day each year. It’s hard to predict what the next 11 months are going to be like in our nation’s capital. There’s new evidence every day of our bitter partisan divide. The president’s postings on social media are often inflammatory. The tone that dominates the daily news is depressing. I wish there were a little more happy talk in our political world, but that, as Shakespeare said, is devoutly to be wished.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.
Keep driverless cars off Long Island roads
GTOM GOULDSBURY
ov. Kathy Hochul recently announced that the state plans to test driverless forhire cars outside New York City. I’m a Long Island resident, and the idea of robot cars on our streets is scary. As a transportation professional with over 25 years of experience on the roadways of our communities, I know how extraordinarily unsafe a plan like this would make us. On Long Island, our cars are how life happens. Parents, kids, commuters and seniors are on the road every day, often navigating heavy traffic, construction and unpredictable weather. Spend five minutes on the Long Island Expressway at
rush hour, or near a busy school zone at the beginning or end of a school day, and it becomes clear why safety cannot be left to unproven technology.
And let’s be honest about what’s really going on here. The goal for these tech companies is New York City. Testing driverless cars just outside the city line is a sneaky way to move closer to that goal without facing the complexity, scrutiny and opposition that would come with starting in the city itself. In the meantime, Long Island is expected to carry the risks as the testing ground.
of the country. When you complicate that track record with a February snowstorm or a rainy evening rush hour here, the risks become obvious.
T he safety of so many drivers cannot be left to unproven technology.
Safety is where this proposal really starts to fall apart. Driverless cars have already stalled in traffic, blocked emergency vehicles, sped past school buses loading children and failed to handle basic roadway situations in other parts
And these risks aren’t just on paper — driverless cars are already hurting people. Reuters reported three weeks ago that a Waymo self-driving car hit a child during morning school drop-off near an elementary school in California. Federal regulators were investigating the incident, which raised serious questions about whether this technology can safely operate around children, parents and busy school zones. It should give every Long Island family pause.
The pressure behind the proposal to deploy more driverless cars is coming from powerful technology companies and executives like Elon Musk, who are focused on expanding their platforms
and opening new markets. Their priorities are driven by growth and investors’ demands, not by the realities of Long Island roads or the safety concerns of the families who live here.
Long Islanders tend to be practical. We care about safety, accountability and systems that work. Decisions that affect our roads and neighborhoods should reflect those values, not treat our communities as a steppingstone to somewhere else.
Governor Hochul should listen to the people who live and work here and understand these roads firsthand. Long Island should not be asked to bear unfair risks so that technology companies can inch closer to New York City.
Transportation policy should put safety first. For Long Island, that means protecting our roads, our workers and the people who rely on them every day. We’re nobody’s guinea pigs.
Tom Gouldsbury is president of the Long Island Limousine Association.
JERRY KREMER
Black History is Long Island history
Every February, Black History Month arrives with familiar names and stories. We rightly honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and other giants whose courage reshaped the nation. Their legacies deserve remembrance.
But for many people on Long Island, those stories might feel distant — heroic, yes, but abstract, having unfolded somewhere else, in another place at another time.
What often goes missing is the understanding that Black history did not only happen on the National Mall or in Southern courtrooms. It happened here. It happened in the neighborhoods we walk every day, in the schools our children attend, in churches tucked onto residential blocks, and in town halls where decisions quietly shaped who could live where, who could teach, who could lead and who could serve.
On Long Island, Black residents confronted segregated housing patterns long after the law said discrimination was over. Veterans returned home from fighting for democracy abroad only to find out that it did not fully extend to them in their own communities. Black educators pushed open doors in school districts where they were once excluded from classrooms except as students. Black churches became organizing centers, social safety nets and sources of political power when other institutions shut their doors.
King spoke at Rockville Centre’s South Side Junior High School — now
South Side Middle School — on March 26, 1968, just nine days before he was assassinated in Memphis. In his remarks, he spoke of poverty and injustice, and urged unity. People like Roslyn’s Hazel Dukes, who served as president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People from 1990 to 1992, made it their life’s work to combat pervasive housing discrimination in many of our communities.
These are not footnotes to history. They are history.
Local athletes who broke color barriers on high school fields, teachers who became the first Black faces in faculty rooms, small-business owners who built livelihoods despite limited access to credit, and community leaders who advocated for basic services all helped shape what our communities look like today. Their contributions did not always come with applause or recognition. Many are remembered only by those who lived through the changes, if they are remembered at all.
That absence matters. When history is presented only as something that happened “somewhere else,” it becomes easier to disconnect from it. It becomes symbolic rather than instructive.
But when Black history is grounded in familiar places — the elementary school you attended, the block where you grew up, the library or park you pass without a second thought — it becomes harder to ignore and easier to understand.
It also forces uncomfortable but necessary questions. Why do some figures
receive plaques and street names while others fade from memory? Why are certain struggles celebrated as defining moments, while local battles for fairness are overlooked? And what does it say about us if we fail to acknowledge the people who made our own communities more just, more open and more representative?
Black History Month should be an invitation to look closer, not just farther away. It should prompt school districts to examine whose stories are included in local curriculums. It should challenge libraries, historical societies and news organizations to document and elevate the experiences of Black residents who helped build these communities. It should encourage towns, villages and neighborhoods to ask whether public recognition truly reflects their full history.
This is not about diminishing national heroes. It is about completing the picture. National change is always the sum of local actions, people showing up to meetings, organizing neighbors, mentoring students, opening businesses and insisting on dignity in places where they were told to wait their turn.
For Black history to matter, it cannot live only in textbooks or documentaries. It must live where people live.
On Long Island, Black history did not unfold at a distance. It unfolded on our blocks, in our schools and in our town halls. Remembering that truth honors the past, helps us understand the present and reminds us that the next chapter of history is still being written, right here.
Baker
FRAMEWORK by Tim
OPINIONS
Let’s redouble our commitment to Nassau’s veterans
As the ranking member of the Nassau County Legislature’s Veterans and Senior Affairs Committee, I am tasked with the vital responsibility of overseeing the services and programs that we provide for people who have given so much of themselves to build the foundations of communities throughout the region. Their commitment to service often carries through into their civilian lives — and that is something we should all take notice of.
DEBRA MULÉ
Following a recent death in my family, I attended the funeral at Calverton National Cemetery, and the efforts to ensure that the experience was one of dignity and reverence were unmistakable. When we arrived, our procession was met by scores of volunteers who helped escort our family to the gravesite. En route, veterans lined the roadway, saluting the cars as they tra-
versed the path to a final farewell.
It was deeply touching to see how freely these patriots continue to give back to the greater community after they’ve concluded their service in our nation’s armed forces. We not only owe each of them a debt of gratitude; we also have a responsibility to implement policies and create programs that ensure that their needs are met throughout the year.
IAs a longtime Freeport resident, I am extraordinarily proud that our village has been a host of countless county veteran stand-down events. Last Thanksgiving, more than 600 veterans received winter essentials, food, and support with employment, education, housing, PTSD and much more.
more to meet their unique challenges.
saw their commitment at a funeral at Calverton National Cemetery.
In Island Park, the site of a former motel is being transformed into a supportive housing community for veterans thanks to a $20 million investment by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. This project will yield at least 50 permanent homes for former service members. I was proud to cast my vote as a legislator in favor of this project, and I hope it will become a model across the county to address this crucial need.
With NUMC undergoing major changes as part of its long-awaited revitalization, there is an opportunity to create new synergies with the hospital and expand the services we provide for former service members. Nassau would be well served to coordinate with our state and federal partners to identify funding for expanded health care resources, veteran-focused mental health programs and initiatives that address the unique needs of America’s growing population of female veterans.
The fact that this event was sponsored and presented with the backing of so many local organizations demonstrates how our veterans are valued, cared for and respected in Nassau. As the lines wrap around the block, the sobering truth is clear: There are so many veterans in need, and we must do
For the vast majority who will not be able to live in a veteran-focused community with wraparound services, however, Nassau’s Veterans Service Agency is an essential lifeline. Based at Nassau University Medical Center, Ralph Esposito and his amazing team do yeoman’s work coordinating informational seminars, observances and social events for veterans and their families. They also coordinate transportation to the Northport VA Hospital and clinics and provide nutrition assistance through the VetMart to ensure that no veteran goes hungry.
Nassau County is home to one of our nation’s largest populations of veterans. My experience in the Legislature, my training as a social worker and being the daughter of a veteran intersect meaningfully as I work to meet their needs. This unique perspective informs my passion for the cause, and I am more committed than ever to strengthening bonds with trusted community partners and elevating the county’s service to the men and women who gave freely of themselves to defend our rights and protect all that we hold dear as Americans.
Debra Mulé, of Freeport, represents Nassau County’s 6th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s alternate deputy minority leader.
Better alerts, for a stronger village
Island Park is in the midst of a true renaissance. We see it in the energy of our community, in the ongoing revitalization of our village, and in the renewed focus on making it a place where residents feel informed, supported and proud to live. One of the most important parts of that renewal is improving how we communicate with one another.
G. McGINTY
Let’s be honest: When something is happening in the village, people want to know quickly and accurately. Whether it’s a major storm, flooding, a power outage, a road closure or a public safety issue, timely information can make all the difference. Clear communication isn’t just convenient; during emergencies, it’s essential.
That’s why Island Park is highlighting robust and improved ways of keeping residents in the loop.
We are proud to announce that the village has an ongoing official presence on multiple social media platforms —
Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. They will continue to be used to share important announcements, village updates and community news directly from Village Hall. Social media allows us to reach residents in real time, using platforms many already check throughout the day. Most important, these accounts will serve as trusted, official sources of information, helping cut through rumors and confusion when accurate details matter most.
But social media is only part of the picture.
As part of our ongoing revitalization and commitment to public safety, the village is also launching a new mobile app through GoGov called The Village Beacon, which replaces the old CodeRed system. This free app is one of the most valuable communication tools we’ve ever offered our residents.
ruptions, emergency parking regulations and other situations that require immediate attention. At moments like these, waiting for word of mouth or scrolling through multiple platforms can cost valuable time. The Village Beacon will put critical information right where you need it, fast.
T he Village Beacon, our new app, sends alerts and general info to your phone.
The app is easy to use and available to everyone. Residents can download it on both Apple and Android devices, making it accessible to nearly our entire community. Once they download it, users will receive real-time alerts directly from the village. You don’t need a social media account to stay informed, and you can trust that the information you’re receiving is accurate and coming straight from your local government.
more responsive and more connected to the people we serve.
These communication tools represent more than just an upgrade in technology. They reflect a broader shift in how we approach community engagement. A revitalized village isn’t only about buildings and infrastructure — it’s about connection, preparedness and trust. When residents feel informed, they feel empowered. When communication is clear, the entire community benefits.
I strongly encourage all residents to take a few minutes to download The Village Beacon on their Apple or Android devices and to follow the village’s official social media accounts. Signing up now ensures that when an emergency happens, you’ll have the information you need without delay.
The Village Beacon is designed to deliver emergency alerts and general village information straight to your phone. That includes notifications about severe weather, flooding, downed power lines, road closures, water service inter-
Beyond emergencies, The Village Beacon is also a great everyday resource. The app will share general announcements, village events and updates, and other important information that affects daily life in Island Park. It’s another way we’re working to make village government more transparent,
Island Park’s renaissance is built on progress, communication and community. By modernizing how we share information, we are strengthening our ability to protect one another and stay connected. These tools are an important step forward in our ongoing revitalization, and I look forward to continuing this work together as one informed, prepared and resilient village.
