Memorial scholarship celebrates Bill Murphy
By REI WOLFSOHN
Correspondent
By all accounts, Bill Murphy was an extraordinary man. Starting this year, his daughters will celebrate their late father’s philanthropy with the Bill Murphy Memorial Scholarship for an Oceanside High School senior every year.
Murphy’s daughters Erin Molinet, Colleen Arnold and Melissa Freilich have raised over $12,000 so far, out of their $15,000 goal. The funds will give $1,000 to one graduating senior each year. This is the first year they will give out the scholarship, in honor of their father’s passing on April 18, 2024.
“He was just an amazing guy,” said Kevin O’Toole, Murphy’s best friend since they were five years old. “Every day someone needed something, he was doing it. It wasn’t just once a year. It was every single day. The world should be full of Billy Murphys.”
Murphy raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, for children with disabilities over the course of his lifetime. He would walk down the street, see someone in a wheelchair, strike up a conversation with their parents, and end up building extensions, ramps and handrails on their house, in addition to raising money that was given directly to the family.
He received Mercy Man of the Year and Freeport Man of the Year, as well as several other awards. He also worked with St. Jude and Maryhaven Center of Hope.
Murphy was born in Lakeview, but spent much of his childhood being raised in Oceanside. He went to St. Agnes for high school, entering as a freshman. His friend Dan Lennon was
in the same class, both graduating in 1969.
“He was always fun to be with,” Lennon said. “As an adult he went into the Marines, and he came back. He was just one of the most generous people I know, with his time, and his ability to help people who needed help at difficult times. He was just really great.”
After graduating high school in 1969, Murphy went into boot camp for the Marines, followed by bomb squad training. From 1970-71 he served as a Bomb Squad Point Man on the ground in Vietnam.
“He saw a lot of action, a lot of trip
wires that he walked through, so he had a lot of lucky days,” said his wife Patty.
Murphy returned in 1971 and took on a job as mason and the philanthropy he was known for.
“He was a Marine,” Molinet said. “He was a mason. He was a loving dad. He was a loving grandfather. He gave to his community just endlessly. He was one of the most amazing people I’ve ever known.”
Murphy had a way of building community around him.
“He could get anybody to do something,” Patty said. “That was his personality. He would say to a plumber, ‘I
need you to come help me with this,’ and they would go right at it and charge him nothing.”
The scholarship committee is looking for someone who embodies his legacy. Applicants, which number 13 this year, must complete an application and an essay on how they’ve impacted their community and how their community has impacted them.
“We’re looking at people who can tell a story of how they’ve given back within their school community, home community,” Arnold said. “Our dad always loved the underdog, so we’re looking for someone who embodies that.”
Rei Wolfsohn/Herald photos
Colleen Arnold, Bill’s wife Patty Murphy, Erin Molinet and Melissa Freilich celebrated the money they raised in Bill’s honor.
Murphy’s community eat and play while listening to music at the Bill Murphy Memorial Scholarship fundraiser at Sonny’s Canal House in Baldwin on March 8.
Bill Murphy as a young man in the Marines.
New Emergency Department a game-changer
The decision not to rebuild a hospital in Long Beach was driven by safety concerns — Long Beach had been under a gubernatorial evacuation order during Sandy, and the hospital’s new location, further inland, promised a safer alternative.
“By 2014, we had gotten together and thought about what we wanted the facility to look like for the next 20 to 50 years,” Dr. Adhi Sharma, the hospital’s current president, said. “And part of that was adding this entire wing, but also understanding the Emergency Department at the time was undersized for the capacity that was needed to serve the communities that we serve. The vision then was to build an ED that would be welcoming to patients and families who accommodate family members.”
A modern Emergency Department
Doubling in size from 15,000 to 30,000 square feet, the revamped Emergency Department now boasts 50 exam rooms featuring hard walls instead of traditional curtains, ensuring greater privacy and enhanced infection control. The design improvements, many of which were influenced by lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, include the installation of sliding glass doors to improve safety and airflow.
“We learned a lot during Covid, and these design changes reflect our commitment to the health and safety of both patients and staff,” Dr. Sharma said.
The new ED is a cornerstone of a new four-story, 100,000-square-foot Feil Family patient pavilion that will include nine new operating rooms and 40 new critical care suites set to open later this Spring. The new ED will be able to see approximately 80,000 patients annually. The new ED features centralized nursing stations for direct oversight of patient rooms, bedside triage, and a state-ofthe art trauma unit with an adjoining radiology bay.
Enhanced capabilities and new facilities
In addition to the enhanced exam rooms, the new
Tim Baker/Herald Hospital president Dr. Adhi Sharma guided guests though different new aspects of the Emergency Department.
facility includes an upgraded triage area designed to streamline patient flow, ensuring those with minor issues are seen quickly and efficiently, and a state-of-theart trauma room, featuring four bays capable of accommodating up to eight patients. The trauma room is equipped to handle severe injuries and medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest.
Also, two new critical care floors — each with 20 private rooms and dedicated family accommodations — are set to open in April and June, respectively. These upgrades replace outdated bays with modern, spacious rooms that enhance patient care and comfort.
Additionally, nine new operating rooms are scheduled to open in August, with these rooms being significantly larger than their predecessors. With operating spaces ranging from 600 to 1,000 square feet, they are designed to accommodate advanced surgical equipment and procedures, positioning the hospital to perform more complex
surgeries.
Community impact and future outlook
Hospital leadership expressed confidence that the expansion will reduce patient wait times and improve overall emergency care efficiency, thanks in part to an innovative triage system that deploys providers immediately upon the patients’ arrival. The new department is designed to accommodate a diverse range of patient needs — from pediatric to geriatric care, as well as specialized areas like behavioral health, which now benefits from a separate, dedicated space to provide a more therapeutic environment.
“What we’re building for the community, all the different aspects of the community’s needs, whether it’s behavioral health, pediatrics or geriatrics or even trauma care,” Dr. Jay Itzkowitz, the hospital’s department chair for emergency medicine, said. “We’re increasing our capacity to care for more patients, reducing wait times by having a provider in triage. More nursing at the front end to see the patients being brought in quicker with more efficient emergency care. We now have stateof-the-art equipment, additional treatment rooms, and dedicated teams of medical professionals made up of doctors and nurses caring for the patients from the moment they get in until the moment they’re ready to go. More importantly, for the community, we’re bringing more services to the hospital.”
A bold step forward
The project has not only modernized the hospital’s infrastructure but also positioned Mount Sinai South Nassau as a leading facility capable of serving thousand in its area. Joe Fennessy, former board chairman and donor, whose family name now adorns the emergency department, expressed pride in the project.
“It’s not just about bricks and mortar — it’s about ensuring that every individual receives the highest quality of care,” Fennessy said.
Hospital raises colon cancer awareness
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Colon cancer experts and survivors gathered on March 5 at Mount Sinai South Nassau to stress that early detection is the key to preventing one of the nation’s most common yet largely preventable cancers.
“This month is a reminder that through awareness, education and early screening, we can break the stigma around colon health,” said Dr. Rajiv Datta, chair of surgery and medical director of the Gertrude & Louis Feil Cancer Center. “We encourage everyone to speak up, get screened and spread the word.”
The event was part of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and featured expert presentations, patient testimonials, and educational screenings aimed at encouraging residents to take charge of their colon health. The event’s core message: early detection saves lives.
“Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers we face,” said Dr. Frank Gress, chief of gastroenterology and medical director of the Center for Interventional Endoscopy. “The key is screening before symptoms appear because the disease often remains silent until it’s advanced.”
Kepherd Daniel/Herald
matt Barbato of greenlawn, shared his colon cancer survival story at mount Sinai South nassau hospital as a part of the hospital’s observance of Colon Cancer Awareness month.
The doctors stressed that while the recommended age for screenings has traditionally been 50, recent trends indicate a rise in cases among younger individuals, prompting a shift towards earlier screening protocols. Emerging tests like stool DNA screenings and blood tests offer additional options, they are not substitutes for a colonoscopy—especially for young, healthy individuals. Dr. Frank Caliendo, chief of colon and rectal surgery, addressed common misconceptions
during his presentation.
“Many patients think that if they feel fine, there’s no reason to get screened,” he said. “But colon cancer can progress silently until it’s too late.” He also noted that while
Family history also plays a crucial role in screening decisions. Caliendo advised that individuals with a firstdegree relative who had colon cancer should begin screenings 10 years before the relative’s diagnosis. The program also
featured a moving testimonial from 38-year-old Greenlawn resident Matt Barbato, a colon cancer survivor. Barbato recounted how a seemingly minor symptom—rectal bleeding—led to a colonoscopy that uncovered a precancerous tumor.
“I never thought I’d be diagnosed with colon cancer at 36,” Barbato said. “Even with a healthy diet, regular exercise and no family history, I was still affected. My journey taught me not to ignore any symptoms.”
Barbato faced numerous challenges following his diagnosis, including a rigorous treatment plan involving chemotherapy, radiation and robotic surgery.
“The hospital equipped me with everything I needed to care for myself after surgery,” he said. “My story is a reminder that no one is immune. Don’t ignore the signs, and get screened early.”
155,000 new colorectal cancer cases and 53,000 deaths are projected this year, but many deaths can be prevented through early screening. Dr. Dean Pappas, chief of colon and rectal surgery, highlighted the growing incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults, a trend that underscores the need for vigilance regardless of age.
“These are numbers we can significantly lower if more people participate in early screening,” he said.
Leaders and advocates celebrate Sustainability
Local leaders push for greener, cleaner communities
By Kelsie Radziski
Visionaries, advocates and trailblazing leaders gathered at the Heritage Club in Bethpage on Feb. 26 to celebrate groundbreaking innovations and inspire bold action toward a sustainable future. From young students to influential policy-makers to community members making a difference, the Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island, presented by Reworld, recognized those whose efforts are shaping a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
“It is an honor for us at the Herald and Reworld to showcase the achievements of these leaders,” Stuart Richner, president and publisher of Richner Communications Inc. and the Herald, said.
As Azeez Mohammed, CEO of Reworld, emphasized, the commitment to sustainability is not just about progress — it’s about making a lasting, positive impact.
“We are honoring those leaders and budding youngsters who demonstrated a commitment to sustainability, and that matters a lot to us,” Mohammed said. “Because with Reworld, our claim to fame is that we are the only company that manages waste in a sustainable manner.”
Reworld utilizes “infrastructure, technology and imagination to solve complex waste management challenges and help create a sustainable and more prosperous future for businesses and communities,” according to the company’s website.
Reworld was represented at the awards ceremony by Maureen Early, lead community relations specialist; Dawn Harmon, director of Long Island market; Adel Omrani, president of the East Region; and Lloyd Naideck, director of state government relations along with many other Reworld team members.
“We’re delighted to be able to honor all of these sustainability champions here tonight,” Early said. “So many of them have done so much in making Long Island a better place to live, work and play.”
Two young students were recognized for their sustainability efforts. Joseph Petraro, an 11-year-old who is a freshman at Louisiana State University, founded the Joe’s Be Kind Campaign, a nonprofit aimed at promoting positive social change, especially for vulnerable children. The initiative’s mission is to foster kindness, inclusivity and connections throughout communities, and to promote positive mental well-being.
“I used to get bullied when I was a lot younger,” Joseph said, “and I don’t want other people to feel that same way.”
He also started other initiatives, including the Clean Wells for Humanity program, which tackles global water scarcity, and the Adopt-a-Grandparent program, which fosters intergenerational bonds and promotes sustainable living practices. Joseph’s efforts to bring people together to help the environment made him a Student Champion for Sustainability Award winner.
Desiree Mohammadi, a 12-year-old student at South Woods Middle School, in Syosset, was honored for her initiative Seeds of Hope, which began when she saved the seeds from the vegetables in her family’s garden. Seeds of Hope has blossomed into a bigger movement, and Desiree has partnered with Island Harvest to plant seeds every spring at the nonprofit’s Healthy Harvest Farm in Brentwood.
“I think it’s a human right that people should be able to access fresh fruits and vegetables,” she said. Both student award winners were also presented with $2,500 to support their education or future sustainability projects.
Other honorees include Don Clavin, Town of Hempstead supervisor, and Rich Schaffer, Town of Babylon supervisor, who received Environmental Leader in Policy awards. They have each made efforts, working with Reworld, to improve sustainability and environmental efforts in their towns.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by the Herald and by Reworld,” Schaffer said. “Reworld has been an excellent partner with the Town of Babylon, and it’s probably the main part of our solid waste infrastructure and how we deal with making sure the garbage leaves the curb and is dealt with correctly.”
Local community leaders were also recognized for their work. Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, works to protect natural resources and public health. She and her organization have taken on challenges such as upgrading failing sewage-treatment systems, protecting and filtering drinking and surface water and supporting large-scale renewable-energy projects in the interest of improving the environment.
“We really feel it’s our job to make sure Long Island is clean, safe and sustainable for now and in the future,” Esposito said.
Gregory Sandor, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County, was honored as well, for the strides the organization has made during his 12 years of leadership. The group has earned grant funding for a number of its specialized programs, including renewable energy, sustainable food systems, urban forestry and youth development. Cornell Cooperative is currently working with Reworld to build a Dynamic Learning Center in East Meadow, with the goal of educating the public about sustainability issues.
“We’re always looking at sustainability issues and how to be more resilient,” Sandor said. “So it’s exciting to be a part of that, and be a part of this different group of leaders that are being recognized.”
As attendees mingled and celebrated the honorees, vendors offered their donated products, among them Barrier Brewing Co., Garvies Point Craft Brewery, Farrm Wines, Borghese Vineyard, Del Vino Vineyards, Loughlin Vineyard and Twisted Cow Distillery.
The Herald Sustainability Awards were a testament to the collective impact when leaders and advocates unite with a shared purpose. The inaugural event showed that commitment to sustainability is about leaving a lasting, positive imprint on the world for generations to come.
Tim Baker/Herald
Maureen Early and Dawn Harmon pose with Gerry Compitello, Janina Martinez, Greg Gaxiola, Jassi Anand, and Doug Jacob accept award for Rich Shaffer.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Lorne Brousseau receives award for his work with REACH.
James Wylie, Lorne Brousseau, and Garrett Chelius.
Holden Leeds/Herald photos
Gregory M Sandor, executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extention Nassau County.
Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito.
Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin gets his award for establishing the first hydrogen fueling station on Long Island.
Michael Fiorentino, Natural Resource Program Director at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County.
Seatuck Environmental Executive Director Enrico Nardone proudly poses with his award.
Desiree Mohammadi (center) proudly poses with her $2,500 check, joined by former NY Rangers Mike Richter, Maureen Early and Dawn Harmon.
Island Harvest CEO and president Randi Shubin Dresner proudly poses with her award.
Stony Brook University student Esther Poon with their award.
Reworld CEO Azeez Mohammed gives welcoming remarks.
Jason Thomas/Herald
REACH Rotary Club honoree James Wylie playfully points out the towering height of former NFL star Justin Tuck as they pose together for a photo.
Lissette Pellegrino, celebrating her award for Environmental Stewardship.
Garrett Chelius receives his award for his work with REACH.
Operation SPLASH president Robert Weltner.
Thomas Powell accepts an award on Eric Swenson’s behalf to recognize his exceptional contributions.
