Oceanside/Island Park Herald 03-27-2025 by Richner Communications, Inc

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Oceanside celebrates 60 years of roller skating

Skaters danced to Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” as the Oceanside Department of Community Activities, in partnership with the Oceanside Kiwanis Club, celebrated the 60th anniversary of the community’s annual roller skating show. Story, more photos, page 3.

Oceanside and Uniondale High students explore Sikh faith

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

In a demonstration of cultural understanding, students from Oceanside High School’s Bridges program, and their counterparts from Uniondale High School, made an educational visit to Temple Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur, a Sikh temple in Glen Cove, last Friday. The visit, part of an ongoing effort to foster interfaith and cultural understanding, gave students firsthand insights into Sikh religious practices, traditions and values, including the faith’s emphasis on equality, service and devotion.

“The coolest part is that everyone is out of their comfort zone,” said Joe LaTorre, an Eng -

Wing Madness to benefit local soup kitchen

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Barrier Brewing Co. in Oceanside is gearing up for Sunday’s “Wing Madness” fundraiser — a unique event and first for the brewery, blending great food and live entertainment, all to support a soup kitchen in Freeport.

Barrier Brewing, at 3001 New St., will transform its taproom into a hub of food, fun and fundraising for the Soup to Nuts Soup Kitchen, from 1 to 4 p.m.

lish teacher at Oceanside Middle School and a co-founder of the district’s Bridges program. “We’re creating similarities by sharing a new experience together.”

Bridges program is a tool for inter-district collaboration, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to connect. The program, to which they apply by writing an essay about a societal issue they want to change, is now in its eighth years, and starts in seventh grade, with students forming lasting relationships across both districts. They learn to engage in conversations about challenging topics like immigration, while respecting differing viewpoints.

David Hollander, Uniondale’s director of

MELA MAssARO Co-president, Soup to Nuts

As a direct response to higher grocery prices and dwindling donations, the fundraiser aims not only to spotlight Long Island’s best wings but also to channel funds and food to those in need.

“With grocery prices rising and fewer donations coming in, many soup kitchens are struggling to feed families,” Gabriella Carlo, sales director, said.

How Wing Madness Works

The fundraiser is modeled after a March Madness-style

bracket, featuring 64 Long Island restaurants competing to be crowned as the one serving up the best wings. Each day throughout March, fans vote via social media until the Final Four face off on March 30. For a $25 ticket — which includes four wing samples, a drink and a vote in the People’s Choice contest — attendees will experience a festive atmosphere under a large, heated tent. Live music from local guitarists and appearances by hot sauce vendors. A wing-eating contest was later scrapped for safety concerns.

“The idea is to bring people together — those with disposable income can enjoy a night out while also giving back to the community,” Carlo said. “It’s a win-win.”

Building the Partnership

The partnership between Barrier Brewing and Soup to Nuts was sparked by Freeport resident Brenda White,68, a volunteer with ties to both, Continued on page 4

Jason Thomas/Herald

O’Side Cheer’s Samantha Chaback earns Coach of the Year

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

For the athletes and coaches of the Oceanside cheerleading program, Samantha Chaback is more than just a coach. She is a mentor, a leader, a role model, and the heart of a program that has grown under her guidance for more than a decade. At this year’s Nassau County Cheerleading Coaches Association dinner on March 13, Chaback’s unwavering dedication was recognized as she was named Overall Coach of the Year. Assistant varsity coach Sadie Olson and junior varsity coach Kristen Pizzuto had the honor of presenting Chaback with the award.

“When we found out that Sam had won the overall Coach of the Year award, we could not contain ourselves, yelling and crying over FaceTime,” Olson said. “This was one of the hardest secrets to keep because, to us, there is absolutely no one else in this world who deserves it more.”

In addition to leading the high school’s program, she serves as the director of Sportset Cheer, overseeing 25 sideline and competition teams that span from pre-kindergarten to high school. She continued to coach even after giving birth to her third daughter, Addison, earlier this season.

“When anyone asked how long she

would be out for, she would respond, ‘I’m not leaving,’” Olson recalled. “Just five days after giving birth, she came running into the Game Day County Championship, determined to watch our team compete.”

Chaback’s commitment extends beyond the mat and Olson has known Chaback since she was a high school freshman. Their relationship has had a lasting influence.

“Fourteen years ago, my cheer coach quit just one month into the season. At that time, JV did not compete and only cheered on the sidelines. Sam stepped in with a vision to change that,” Olson said.

Under Chaback’s leadership, that same freshman class became the first Oceanside team to compete at Nationals.

“She’s one of those rare coaches who stays in touch with her athletes long after graduation,” Olson continued. “When I came home from college, she would check in, meet up for lunch, and even invite me over to meet her first baby, Cassidy. When she learned I was pursuing a career in education, she invited me back to be her assistant coach.”

For Pizzuto, the bond with Chaback goes back even further.

“I have had the honor of knowing Sam for over 15 years, beginning when I attended the first youth cheer camp in Oceanside as a first grader,”

she said. “There are so few situations where teenagers have the chance to be authentically themselves, no matter how awkward or weird they may be. She saw something in me that I was not capable of knowing was possible for myself.”

Beyond the wins, trophies, and growing reputation of the Oceanside cheerleading program, Chaback’s true legacy is in the relationships she has built and the lives she has shaped.

“She will go above and beyond to make every person feel heard, be flexible with her own needs, and shape young athletes into strong young adults,” Pizzuto said. “Now as an adult, I am constantly turning to her for guidance and encouragement.”

With the support of a dedicated coaching staff and the admiration of generations of athletes, Chaback’s influence on Oceanside cheerleading is undeniable. Her recent honor as Overall Coach of the Year is just another testament to the passion, dedication, and love she pours into the sport and the young people she leads.

“This only touched the surface of the impact that Samantha Elizabeth Kelly-Chaback has made not only on the Oceanside cheer program but on the lives of every single individual who has stepped foot into her gym,” Olson said. “We are so excited that she has finally received the recognition she deserves.”

Courtesy Kristen Pizzuto

Oceanside Assistant varsity cheer coach Sadie Olson was named assistant coach of the year in the fall and Samantha Chaback earned cheer coach of the year.

Oceanside skating brings generations together

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

The Oceanside Department of Community Activities, in partnership with the Oceanside Kiwanis Club, celebrated a milestone this past weekend—the 60th anniversary of the community’s annual roller skating show. The event, a beloved tradition for generations, showcased young skaters performing choreographed routines while honoring the program’s rich history.

Since its inception six decades ago, the roller skating show has provided countless children with an opportunity to learn, perform, and develop a passion for skating. This year’s event featured a special tributes to the program’s founder, Betty Ahern, whose dedication helped establish the longstanding tradition.

“What I love to see is how many of the instructors today were once students in the program themselves,” said Oceanside School Board Trustee Sandie Schoell. “It’s a true reflection of how much this program means to the community. These kids grow up loving to skate, and now they’re giving back by teaching the next generation.”

The two day event also remebered late Oceanside resident Matthew Kear, who died on Jan. 25 at the age of 27 and formerly participated in the event. The roller skating program, co-sponsored by the Kiwanis Club since its early days, has remained a unique staple of

Oceanside’s recreational activities.

School Board Trustee Seth Blau, who has attended numerous shows and whose children once participated, noted the event’s nostalgic charm and enduring popularity.

“This is the kind of program you don’t see much anymore,” Blau said. “It’s like a throwback to the past, and yet it’s still going strong. My kids participated when they were younger, and they absolutely loved it. They made great memories, and I have great memories of watching them.”

The show has evolved over the years, featuring different themes, costumes, and routines while maintaining its core

mission of fostering a love for roller-skating. In past years, the event even included thrilling elements such as barrel jumping, though the focus today is more on choreographed group performances.

Seven-year old Abigail Randel and nine-year old Madelyn Randel received their flowers of congratulations after the show.

The Kiwanis Club has played a key role in supporting the event, not only by helping to offset costs but also by volunteering during the show.

“We’re very proud to support this program,” Schoell added. “It’s one of many ways we work with the Department of Community Activities to bring

meaningful events to Oceanside.”

With a strong foundation built over six decades, the event remains a cherished highlight.

“It’s wonderful that Oceanside has kept this tradition alive for 60 years,” Blau said. “It speaks to the strength and heart of our community.”

Jason Thomas/Herald photos

The kids lined up for the shows grand finale to skate to “Celebration’ by Kool & The Gang.

The young skaters showed off their stuff for the crowd.

Accepting What Is

As estate planners, we consistently meet with people who are suffering from traumatic relationships with their children or grandchildren. Children themselves may become estranged or at odds with parents or their siblings. Sometimes, an in-law is involved that seems to turn the client’s son or daughter into someone completely different from the child they raised. The pain that these clients are going through is palpable.

Some wise sage once said that all pain comes from resistance. Many of these relationship issues may be difficult or impossible to overcome, but one thing we can all do is work on ourselves — by accepting what is. Accepting what is does not mean agreeing with or condoning certain behavior. What it does mean is that you stop saying to yourself that it is not fair, it “should” be otherwise, etc. That will not do you one bit of good and may do you considerable harm. Stress has been called “the silent killer”.

We recall reading a pithy quote a while back that went something like this “when someone disappoints you, you have two choices, you

Barrier Brewing’s fundraiser heats up for soup kitchen

who came up the idea of linking the wing contest with support for the soup kitchen.

There’s so many people with securities,” White said. “We average over 100 guests, we service at least 100 guests three days a week, if not more.”

can either lower your expectations or walk away”. What is disappointment but dashed expectations? Those who learn to expect less are disappointed less.

“Accepting what is” cannot be accomplished overnight. It is a concept or thought process that improves your outlook the more you think about it, work on it and form new neural pathways to forge the new outlook.

Estate planners inevitably become “therapists” for their clients because estate planning involves social relationships. Over the years, we have observed that many social problems occur between the clients two ears. As Shakespeare said in Hamlet “There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Forget about what’s fair or right and what’s not. You are only hurting yourself. The other person is often blissfully unaware of how you’re feeling. Michael J. Fox, the actor known for his optimism despite suffering from Parkinson’s, put it best when he said “My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations”.

LAW FIRM

Operating as an all-volunteer nonprofit, the Freeport-based soup kitchen located at Christ Lutheran Church in Freeport, has been serving the community for more than 35 years.

“Brenda is a Friday volunteer … and she happened to work at that brewery company, and somehow she connected the dots and said that they wanted to do something to sponsor our soup kitchen,” Mela Massaro, co-president of Soup to Nuts, explained.

Soup to Nuts relies on personal donations, local and federal grants, and partnerships with organizations like Long Island Cares, Island Harvest, as well as local retailers. As food prices continue to rise, the soup kitchen is experiencing increased demand and in need of both monetary contributions and essential items.

“We give them a hot, nutritious meal every day that we’re open, and they get to have a sit-down meal,” Massaro said

of those served by the soup kitchen.

“The value of a gallon of milk or a can of soup to a family in need is priceless,” Massaro added.

Meeting Community Needs

In addition to raising funds, the event encourages tangible donations. Guests who bring perishable or nonperishable items — such as gloves, socks, toilet paper, or even chicken broth for soup — receive an extra raffle ticket. Barrier Brewing has also rallied impressive support from local businesses. Key sponsors include T-Mobile, Renewal by Andersen, Gold Peak Tea Company, and Verizon, which has contributed an assortment of raffle prizes ranging from Bluetooth speakers to phone accessories. A local mason company, Saxon Builders, is donating a gift card that could be used for home improvement services.

“I think it’s amazing that they thought of us,” Massaro said of Barrier Brewing. “It’s good for the community to see that there are others looking to help.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Barrier Brewing website or follow its social media channels.

■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 265 E-mail: oceaneditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942

Courtesy Barrier Brewing Co.

A large crowd is expected to attend the Barrier Brewing Co.’s Wing Madness fundraiser on March 30.

Hofstra softball shows positive signs

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

The Hofstra softball team struggled out of the gate to open the 2025 season but still has time to ready the ship for its bid to reach the postseason.

The Pride dropped 19 of its first 21 games before charting a four-game winning streak and has the bulk of the remaining Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) schedule ahead to earn one of the six available spots in the conference tournament. The winner of the CAA playoffs will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, which Hofstra achieved in 2023.

“We definitely have hit some moments of growth and challenges,” said fourth-year head coach Adrienne Clark, whose team took 2-of-3 games from first-place Delaware last weekend to stand at 3-6 in the CAA with 18 league games remaining. “We’re trying not to focus on the outcomes as much and focus on the things that we can control and our adjustments within.”

adjustment entering the season with the loss of ace pitcher Julia Apsel, who was an integral part of the 2023 CAA championship squad and is using her final year of college eligibility at Florida State.

Junior Emma Falen is the team’s new number one pitcher after transferring from UC Riverside. The Folsom, Calif. native recorded eight strikeouts in a 4-1 win against Towson on March 14 to earn the Pride their first league win.

The pitching staff also includes freshman Carley Ernst, a two-time Lancaster-Lebanon League First Team selection during her high school career in Pennsylvania. Senior Haley Venturini, a Rhode Island native, has battled injuries over the past two seasons and Clark is hoping she can play a key part of the rotation down the stretch of the season.

The Pride’s offense returned some key pieces from last year’s 23-26 team including junior shortstop Alanna Morse, a Mepham High School graduate, who hit a home run in Hofstra’s 11-3

Feb. 16. She also has been solid anchoring the infield recording a .932 fielding percentage last season as a sophomore with 79 putouts and 88 assists.

“She’s doing a fantastic job,”said Clark of Morse, who is second on the team with a 308 batting average. “She’s also learning how to be a better teammate and support others and she’s sort of doing it in a way that is allowing her to play free and compete hard.”

Morse’s former Mepham teammate, sophomore right fielder Lily Yepez, has also emerged as a key part of the lineup after registering 14 hits in 20 starts as a freshman.

Senior first baseman Anna Butler, a Seaford High School product, adds to the Nassau County South Shore presence on the roster. Butler tied a program record for most hits during a seveninning game when she 5-for-5 in a 4-3 loss to Cornell on Feb. 28.

Butler also can contribute in the pitching circle as well and made her first relief appearance in a 1-0 victory against Howard on March 18, tossing five innings of scoreless relief to earn

the win.

“She is so committed to competing hard and to the team,” said Clark of Butler. “That dynamic is really what has been allowing her to figure some things out.”

Sophomore center fielder Chelsea Villar has begun to make waves in the lineup and entered the week as the Pride’s leading leading hitter with a .313 batting average and three home runs. Sophomore Mackenzie Fitzgerald is also making strides as a sophomore with a .293 average.

Hofstra will be on the road the next two weekends for series against Campbell and Drexel before hosting UNCWilmington for three games from April 11-13 and College of Charleston from April 18-20. The Pride conclude the regular season by hosting CAA foe Monmouth for a three-game series from May 1-3.

“In the rest of conference play it is about continuing to focus on the things we can control and continue to focus on us,” Clark said. “When we do that, we’re capable of beating any team.”

Junior shortstop Alanna Morse is a two-way standout for the Pride.

WOMEN’S HISTORY

MONTH

Helping those who haven’t been heard find voices

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Continuing a month-long series of interviews with influential area women in honor of Women’s History Month. Helen Dorado-Alessi is CEO of El Dorado Consulting and executive director of the Long Beach Latino Civic Association.

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

Dorado-Alessi: I grew up in Woodside, Queens, a very tight-knit community, so I was very accustomed to that kind of a world. When my husband and I looked for a new place to live when our children were growing up, Long Beach fit the bill for us. Beyond being a closeknit community, we found a community that was very charitable, giving and open.

I’m of Latin descent from the Caribbean, my dad from Cuba, my mother from Puerto Rico. So it’s kind of in my DNA to be close to the water, sun and sand. Youth development has always been a love of mine because of how hard it was for me coming up. There wasn’t any

such thing, so I always wanted to be on that side of my work. I have two kids, two grandchildren — (I’m) always out and about with them. I see the future in my grandchildren’s eyes and want to make sure that I make them proud with whatever work I am doing.

Herald: What do you do? Why?

Dorado-Alessi: I have my own company called El Dorado Consulting. I work on projects that have helped to broker relationships between philanthropy and nonprofits to get the work done. Right now I’m a consultant to Herstory Writers Workshop, an organization that helps people in jails and schools write their social justice memoirs. We ask people, if your words had the power to change hearts, minds and policies, what would they say? Through that work, I’ve been able to help people have confidence in their voice and their his-

tory, their families, their communities, and then share those stories with politicians, with businesses, with others who may not know what it’s like to walk in somebody else’s shoes.

HELEN DORADO-ALESSI

The other thing I do is that I’m the executive director of Long Beach Latino Civic Association. No immigrant is illegal; a person cannot be illegal, but more importantly, their dreams are not illegal. They’ve left some very violent, scary places to come here, to have a life that they could be proud of. If you give people the information and the education, the knowledge, they’re more than happy to be part of Long Beach or New York or the United States.

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

Dorado-Alessi: The most challenging part of my whole career and life has

been this particular time where there’s so much animosity, hurtfulness and bullying. I think also the biggest challenge is, how do we fight misinformation and bold-faced lies? I could see why a lot of people would want this particular person to be running the country. I understand that they have their views. I’m just hoping that people, when they see what is really happening, will take a step back.

I think the parts that really drive me is when I work with young people, and I think that could have been my mom or my dad having just arrived. When I see them succeed, when I see them with a little bit of help, they’re going to college, or they’re getting a job on Wall Street. I think other men and women in the field who are fighting as hard as I am and we are, that’s what inspires me. I’m not alone.

More information can be found atherstorywriters.org, and LBlatinocivic.org. Responses have been edited for clarity. The rest of this interview can be found online, at liherald.com.

An advocate for the transgender community

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

Juli Grey-Owens is founder and executive director of Gender Equality New York.

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

Grey-Owens: I am a senior trans women who does advocacy work for our community. I grew up in northwestern New Jersey, had a relatively normal childhood. I knew something was different around (age) 3 or 4. In my preteen years I experimented, but didn’t know what was up because this was the 1960s.

I went to high school and was a good student. I was a decent athlete, co-captain of my football team. Met a girl in eighth grade, and we were friends until we started going out in junior year. My experimentation stopped during high school because I was busy with school, sports — I had a girlfriend. I graduated with high honors and applied to engineering schools.

Then my parents had a tough divorce, and I had no money. College was a mess, trying to work multiple jobs and school. I felt a lot of pressure and began experimenting again.

I was recruited to a Fortune 500 company out of college, started work, paid off my bills, and then I went to a counselor to see if I could get rid of this “thing.”

The counselor was really terrific, and he said to me, “You’re not gonna get rid of it. You have to decide how you’re

gonna deal with it.”

I decided to blend this into my life. I continued as a cisgender man, but on weekends I would maybe go to a party or something, just to try to figure out the community and how I fit in it.

In 1981 a work opportunity brought my fiancée and I to Long Island. I got my MBA, I married that girl from junior year, and at 35 we had a child. As I got older, I felt stifled because between career and family, there was no time to go out.

A real turning point was when my father passed away. I was 47 at the time and I started looking at my life, as you do when your parent passes away, and I decided I needed to be more authentic. I started going to trans events in 2003, and it progressed from there.

ing at Northwell Health and Memorial Sloan-Kettering.

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

Grey-Owens: The public has a very poor idea of our community, and we suffer as a result. There’s a lot of bad information out there, outright lies in some cases. For example, 8-year-olds are not getting surgery, and school nurses are not giving out hormones. If we don’t get information out, if we don’t start making people aware of our communities, these lies will continue.

My wife and I separated in 2007, and then in 2008 I met my second wife. We’ve been together for 16 years and married for 13.

Herald: What do you do? Why?

Grey-Owens: I’m founder and executive director of Gender Equality New York, a nonprofit that advocates for transgender, gender nonbinary and intersex New Yorkers. The work we do is largely educational: We provide information to agencies, legislators. I provide training to the Nassau and Suffolk police academies. I also provide train-

We currently have a federal government that’s attacking our community and trying to make us disappear. So the work has to be done to normalize our community and make people aware of the conditions we live under.

Herald: What has been the proudest moment in your life?

Grey-Owens: Getting the transgender civil rights bill passed in 2019. Prior to January 2019, a transgender person could be discriminated against in employment, housing and public services.

In 2003, lesbians, gays and bisexuals were able to pass a bill called the Sexual

Orientation Non-Discrimination Act in New York dtate, granting them their civil rights, (but it) specifically excluded the transgender community. It was 16 years before the trans community got their civil rights.

In 2019, the Gender Expression NonDiscrimination Act was signed into law, and we have had civil rights protections in New York state since then. There are no federal protections, so if we leave there are no guaranteed protections.

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

Grey-Owens: Trying to get federal protections for our community is a big thing, but right now we’re just trying to get our community to survive the next four years.

And to some of our younger members, who might still be in school, or living under their family’s rule, and are unable to come out and be themselves: Be patient. Be safe. Make sure you have a roof over your head, that you’re fed and taken care of, get your high school diploma, if you’re able to, get to college. Usually you’re able to be more authentically yourself in college.

It does get better once we get older, but once you’re out as an adult, anything you can do to help move the community forward is important and necessary.

For more information, visit genderequalityny.org or follow @genderequalityny on Instagram and Facebook.

“The Vacant Space Revival Program qualified us for on-bill credits that really help me manage costs.”

—George Karatzas, James Cress Florist, Smithtown

Unoccupied business spaces are an opportunity to help bring vitality to downtown areas. For George Karatzas, owner of James Cress Florist, staying downtown was a priority, but costs were prohibitive. Then George applied for our Vacant Space Revival Program, which has provided $2,462 in bill credits to help offset his overhead.* And Smithtown continues to have a business that brings warmth and charm to the area. It’s a beautiful thing to see come together—just like George’s floral arrangements.

*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project. psegliny.com/businessfirst

Students explore Sikh faith and culture

Social Studies and co-organizer of the event, noticed the geographic and cultural divide between Uniondale and Oceanside, despite the fact that the schools were only a few miles apart. The program is intended to bridge that gap, and the aim of the field trip was to introduce students to the Sikh religion, its culture and food.

“This is exactly what we want to see — students engaging with different cultures and understanding diverse perspectives,” Hollander said.

When they arrived at the temple, the students were given an overview of Sikhism, one of the world’s youngest major religions, founded in the late 15th century by Guru Nanak. Their hosts explained key aspects of their faith, including the significance of the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism’s central religious scripture. Students observed the use of the chaur sahib, a ceremonial whisk waved over the holy book as a sign of respect.

“They really emphasized that Sikhism isn’t a religion, it’s more of a lifestyle,” Oceanside student Max Greenberg said. “They were so open about being, nondiscriminatory, very open for equal rights for everyone. It’s really interesting.”

A major topic of discussion was the Sikh turban, a symbol of faith and commitment. Asked whether different colors held special meaning, Temple Gurdwara representatives explained that while personal choice influences the color selection, all turbans symbolize discipline, equality and devotion.

“The Sikh religion almost evolved … they really are OK with everyone,” Uniondale teacher Sanjay Singh said. “The core of the religion is inclusivity.”

Students also asked about milestones in the faith. Unlike bar mitzvahs in Judaism or first communions in Christianity, Sikhism does not have age-based initiation ceremonies. However, many young Sikh boys take participate in a turban-tying ceremony, signifying their transition to maturity and responsibility.

Sikh values and way of life

Students explored the Sikh approach to lifestyle

Kepherd Daniel/Herald oceanside and uniondale students involved in their high schools’ joint Bridges program visited a Sikh temple in glen Cove, connecting another bridge in understanding.

choices, including the emphasis on honesty, discipline, and avoiding intoxicants like alcohol and tobacco. They also learned about the importance of marriage, as Sikh weddings (Anand Karaj) are deeply spiritual ceremonies held in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. The discussion also highlighted gender equality, with students learning that Sikh teachings affirm that men and women are equal in all aspects of life.

“This is place-based learning, where they get to actually experience what they’re learning rather than just learning it out of a textbook,” Uniondale teacher Jillian Pallone said. “I heard a lot of the girls saying how they were happy that they can see that women are playing equal roles in this religion, because in other ones they’re not.”

The students also learned about the Khanda, the prominent Sikh emblem, and that the Guru Granth Sahib was written during the gurus’ lifetimes, unlike many religious scriptures that were compiled posthumously. They also discovered that there are a number of

gurdwaras on Long Island and across New York, serving as spiritual and community hubs.

Cultural exchange through food and hospitality

A highlight of the visit was Langar, the Sikh tradition of serving free meals to all visitors regardless of background. As part of Sikhism’s commitment to seva (selfless service) and equality, every gurdwara operates a community kitchen, where volunteers prepare and serve vegetarian meals to anyone in need.

The students shared a meal while discussing about Sikh hospitality and the importance of service in the faith.

“We try to do at least one off-site, non-high school thing a year, and we try to do a different one each year,” LaTorre said. “In four years, the kids always get new experiences.”

Reflections on an eye-opening experience

The visit concluded with reflections on the importance of understanding different faiths and cultures. The students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn directly from members of the Sikh community and gain a deeper appreciation of diversity.

Singh, who is Indian and practices Jain, a religion similar to Buddhism, highlighted the impact programs like Bridges have on students.

“I grew up post 9/11, and everybody looked at people like us as terrorists, Osama, whatever,” Singh said, “Honestly, this generation really is not like that. I remember the first year we did this, I saw white and black and Latino kids wearing turbans. I was like, ‘This feels like a fever dream right now.’”

By providing an opportunity for meaningful conversations and shared experiences, the trip to Temple Gurdwara Mata Sahib Kaur reinforced the Bridges program’s mission: fostering mutual understanding, respect and lifelong learning among students from different backgrounds.

“The idea here,” Hollander said, “is that being a global citizen means being out of your comfort zone, being able to engage with cultures, and being able to understand.”

Island Park PTA’s health fair a big success

The Island Park PTA, in collaboration with the school district, hosted its first-ever Health & Wellness Fair on March 6 at Lincoln Orens Middle School. The event was an overwhelming success, drawing roughly 200 participants and offering a wide range of health-focused activities and resources. With over 35 vendors set up across multiple areas of the school, attendees had access to an expo hall, a dedicated Narcan training classroom, and various interactive wellness stations. More than 20 individuals completed Narcan training, equipping them with life-saving knowledge. Children participated in emergency preparedness sessions led by registered nurses, learning CPR and choking response techniques—valuable skills that make the community safer.

A standout highlight of the evening was the high-energy KerboomKidz session in the cafeteria, where students were encouraged to move and dance in an engaging and empowering way. Another designated space offered yoga and mindfulness exercises, fostering relaxation and mental well-being. Addi-

tional offerings included eye exams, child safety ID services, massages, healthy eating guidance, Zumba demonstrations, and access to numerous mental health resources.

To further promote health and wellness, the PTA organized exciting giveaways, including a bike and helmet, along with other fantastic prizes for attendees.

Event organizer Amanda Ruderman, a registered nurse and PTA volunteer, emphasized the importance of making health and wellness a lasting priority in the school district.

“I am mainly trying to spread awareness of this event and the health initiative I am trying to bring to our school district,” she said. “I would like this to be the first of many healthy opportunities for our school district.

The Island Park PTA encourages local experts and businesses to collaborate on future health initiatives. Those interested in partnering can reach out via email at islandparkpta11558@gmail. com.

–Kepherd Daniel

screenings, mental health support and family wellness activities.

Courtesy Amanda Ruderman

attendees were able to explore over 35 vendor tables offering health

As I contemplated the topic for this month’s guest column, I found myself contemplating the benefits of calm, as calm is a superpower that can enhance our overall emotional well-being in general. Calm, being the gateway into managing our feelings and reactions as we go forward in life, one day at a time, especially in today’s ever rapidly changing world. A world where we find ourselves being challenged on every level of life and why learning how to incorporate the power of personal calm into our lives is so beneficial.

Definition of Calm: “Creating perspective and mindfulness while managing emotional reactivity.”

Embracing calmness does not mean ignoring challenges or avoiding difficult situations; rather, it means approaching them with a clear mind and a steady heart. By staying grounded in the present moment, you empower yourself to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

What is calm decision making?

guest column

The power of calm

Calm decision making refers to the process of making choices in a peaceful and serene state of mind. It involves clarity of thought, emotional regulation, and reflective thinking, and is essential for making informed and thoughtful decisions.

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help us calm our minds and focus on the present moment.

The Benefits Calm:

Being able to maintain an outward appearance of calm, even when we do not feel calm on the inside, can have an extremely powerful impact on those around us.

when you’re calm.

n Conflict resolution: You can deescalate conflicts and find peaceful solutions.

n Clarity of mind: When you are calm, you can think more logically and work through problems more easily.

n Better decision-making: You are more likely to make good decisions

n Stress reduction: When calm, our body naturally releases less stress hormones, leading to a more relaxed physical state.

n Improved focus: Calmness enhances concentration and mental clarity, enabling better problem solving and decisionmaking.

n Emotional regulation: By staying calm, we can better manage our emotions, preventing impulsive reactions and allowing for a more measured response to challenging situations.

n Positive social impact: A calm demeanor can have a positive effect on others, fostering a sense of peace and stability in interactions. We all have stressors in our lives.

So, what can we do? We can practice meditation, yoga, as well as other calming activities, such as knitting, baking, walking, or swimming. Anything quiet and peaceful, when one can take deep breaths and be calmly focused. Most importantly, to reach out to a physician or mental health provider should life’s stresses begin to feel overwhelming.

On a personal note: Being able to maintain an outward appearance of calm, even when we don’t feel calm on the inside, can have a powerful impact within our life. Learning how to be calm is a beneficial mindset that requires our daily effort and practice, influencing the choices we make in our lives. To be calm and less reactive, especially in a world that is constantly triggering us is without a doubt, a superpower to embrace!

Donna Pisacano-Brown is a Point Lookout resident who has been a columnist featured in local newspapers since 1996. She is a passionate advocate for drunken driving awareness, and shining a light on mental health topics.

Donna Pisacano Brown

A closer look at the Propel NY Energy project

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

The Propel NY Energy project is aiming to revo-

The Big Investment

$3.26 Billion:

Ratepayers fund the total capital cost for the entire project across New York state.

Six Cents a Day:

Estimated additional cost to an average residential ratepayer—about six cents per day—to support the new infrastructure.

The New Grid

90 Miles of Transmission Lines:

The project will construct 90 miles of new underground transmission lines, with 66 miles in Nassau County and additional segments extending into Suffolk County, the Bronx, and Westchester.

3 Additional Interconnection Points:

Long Island currently relies on just two connection points to the statewide grid. Propel NY Energy will add three

lutionize Long Island’s electric grid. The project is currently in the Article Seven permitting process — a two-year review involving environmental and engineering assessments. Construction is slated to

new connections, strengthening overall grid reliability and resiliency.

5 Interconnection Points in Total:

With the new additions, the grid will have five connection points, ensuring that power flows efficiently in both directions.

Construction & Permitting Article Seven Permitting:

The rigorous Article Seven process, covering environmental, socioeconomic, and engineering assessments, is expected to take approximately two years, with submissions made in July and anticipated approval around July 2026.

Construction Timeline:

Construction is slated to begin in mid-2026 and continue for three to four years, with completion expected by mid-2030.

begin in mid-2026 and continue until mid-2030. Here’s the key numbers and figures driving this $3.26 billion initiative:

Underground cables will be installed at a depth of roughly 5 to 7 feet, ensuring they are protected from weather and other external risks.

Daily Progress:

Crews are projected to advance between 50 and 150 feet per day per crew, minimizing long-term disruption to local neighborhoods.

Future-Proofing the Grid

50 to 90 Percent Increase in Demand:

As much as a 50 to 90 percent surge in electricity demand is projected over the next 20 years, driven by electrification, including electric vehicles, heat pumps, and data centers.

50 percent Renewable Energy by 2030: By 2030, it’s anticipated that 50 percent of Long Island’s power will come from offshore wind—made possible by the upgraded grid capacity.

Avoided Congestion Savings:

Enhanced transmission efficiency is expected to save the state an estimated $3.3 billion in congestion-related costs over time.

Selection & Local Impact 19 Proposals Reviewed:

The project was chosen through a competitive process that evaluated 19 proposals from four developers, with Propel NY Energy emerging as the most cost-effective solution.

Local Workforce:

The project will utilize local union labor and contractors, ensuring economic benefits and community engagement throughout Nassau County and beyond.

The Propel NY Energy project is about building a resilient electrical grid that meets the rising energy demands of Long Island and supports a more sustainable energy future.

Herald publications win seven state awards

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

At the annual New York Press Association Spring Conference in Saratoga Springs last week, Herald Community Media won seven state awards in the 2024 Better Newspaper Contest. Long Beach reporter Angelina Zingariello won a first place award in the Feature Story category, Division 4. With so many submissions in each of six divisions, it is a very difficult award to win.

About the story with the headline “A long, cold, healing journey” the judges said: “Good combination of personal struggle and outcome with unconventional therapy. Well written and edited, a compelling read.”

The Nov. 21 story focused on how Long Beach resident Mindi Dovberg uses cold-water immersion as a technique for an emotional reset when dealing with physical challenges and emotional setbacks.

The Herald took the top spot in Best Large Space Ad, Division 1, which was printed in the Nassau Herald and other Herald newspapers.

“This stunning ad touches me,” one judge wrote. “The simplicity and pure elegance of this is beautiful. Love how white space was used to create such an impact. Proves the point that sometimes less really is more! Outstanding!”

There were 10 entries in the Rookie Reporter of The Year category, and Sea Cliff/Glen Head reporter Brian Norman captured second place with stories ranging from the controversy surrounding the proposed state regionalization plan to how the food is prepared for North Shore High School students.

Sea Cliff/Glen Head reporter Brian Norman, left took second place in the Rookie Reporter of the Year category. His colleagues Melissa Berman and Charles Shaw congratulate him.

The judges said: “Reporter does a great job conveying story to readers, whether the subject be ‘hard’ news or a feature article.”

Norman, a 2024 graduate of Quinnipiac University, interned with the Herald last summer and was hired in September as a full-time reporter for Sea Cliff/Glen Head. He is now a reporter for the Nassau Herald, the flagship newspaper for the community weekly chain.

Photographer Brian Ballweg placed second in the Sports Feature, Division 1 category. The photograph appeared on the front page of the June 13 Rockville Centre Herald.

The judges said: “This photo shows

excellent framing of the lacrosse winners in this overtime state championship moment. Their faces run to the spectrum of elation, stopping the viewer — the joy here is studying their faces, bodies contained in the goal.”

Creative Director Jeffrey Negrin earned a trio of third-place awards.

In the Best Special Section Cover, Division 2 category, the judges said: “Another really excellent use of text on black with fun ‘clinks’ of glasses as backdrop. Long Island Choice Awards makes me want to open this up over a cocktail.”

For Special Sections/Niche Publications-Newsprint, Division 1 the judges said: “Excellent school recognition.”

The publication was the Herald’s annual special section for the Red and Blue competition at South Side High School that was published for the Feb. 29, 2024 Rockville Centre Herald.

In the Best Multi-Advertiser Pages category, judges said: “Cute organic for a shared page. Makes you want to read each one.”

The 2024 Better Newspapers Contest had 132 newspapers statewide submit 2,082 entries in 68 categories. The Missouri Press Association judged the submissions.

“It’s always nice to be recognized by our peers and colleagues,” said Herald Community Media publisher Stuart Richner. “We look forward to continuing to tell the stories of our communities in the weeks and years ahead. Congratulations to our team on well deserved recognition.”

Courtesy NYPA Conference

More than 20 members of the Herald Community Media team attended the annual New York Press Association Spring Conference in Saratoga Springs March 20-21.

Jeff Bessen/Herald photos Long Beach reporter Angelina Zingariello won first place for Feature Story, Division 4.

Taylor Dayne has come far from Baldwin

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

Taylor Dayne has been singing songs from her heart for over three decades since her first hit, her debut single “Tell It to My Heart” in 1987. Recognized as one of the few artists in history to successfully crossover into multiple genres including Pop, Dance, R&B, Adult Contemporary and Rock, she has earned three Grammy nominations, an American Music Award and was inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2012. In honor of Women’s History Month, Dayne spoke with the Long Island Herald on everything from growing up in Baldwin and her start on Long Island to how she rose up in the industry despite challenges of the time and most recently found her strength to overcome and become a survivor of colon cancer, coming out stronger and with more gratitude and purpose than ever before.

Herald: What are your thoughts on having been inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame?

Dayne: It’s quite an honor to understand the impact we’ve had on the music industry. I was born in New York City, raised in the Bronx and on Long Island. I went to Baldwin Junior and Senior High, and Long Island is part of the true fabric of who I am. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for all the live music places where I got to perform and literally work out and become the artist I am. Live music was so alive here. I got to really do my 10,000 hours that way. There wasn’t a club we couldn’t play live. There’s such talent out of Long Island. You have Lou Reed, Patty Benatar, the great Billy Joel- it’s just enormous.

Herald: What are some places in and around Baldwin that you remember first playing?

Dayne: There were two very memorable places. One of them in Freeport was called The Right Track Inn, and I can’t even tell you how many groundbreaking artists came from there. There was also a rehearsal studio in Baldwin where Joan Jett was rehearsing and the Stray Cats, and I was like one day I’m going to be in that rehearsal studio. My first bands ended up rehearsing there.

Herald: What has given you strength over the years to truly give your all at your live shows?

Dayne: Life has its ups and downs and its challenges. Everybody has challenges, and especially after battling colon cancer, I am a woman up there on stage who knows her purpose even more and is ever grateful. The gratitude is real. This is not an industry for the weak and I am grateful to be on stage singing, living my dream and doing what I love. When I’m on stage, it’s 100 percent. To me, I’m telling a story. It’s like a play; there’s a beginning, middle and end. The story must start, must take you there on the journey and then resolve, and hopefully you feel as complete as I do when I leave. At our live shows, we’re transferring energy, exploring energy, trading energy and we’re also taking it to another frequency- that’s the point. I’m raising the bar, raising the frequency so that I’m doing the right work. I’m doing God’s work. I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing and that’s why it gets better and better.

Herald: I’m sure you have had many career highlights, are there a couple of moments that have stood out?

Dayne: A highlight actually happened this past week. As everyone knows, the west coast got slammed recently, many of my friends and many businesses are devastated. We have done a lot of work with first responders and mental health work. We did an event in Santa Barbara with One805. I can’t tell you how many

“Long

people came out from Michael McDonald to Kenny Loggins, Darius Rucker and Macy Gray. We all just performed. To see 55 station chiefs and first responders watch this and to able to share like that brings tears to my eyes. Watching us all come together and

raise money for mental health needs for these first responders and their families was amazing. Because like I said, life is filled with challenges. There have always been moments. There are moments when I’m sitting in a restaurant and Stevie Wonder is sitting across from me and I go and hug him and we talk. There’s always that, and there’s career highlights, some that I’m really tapped into and remember. I do have to say though, the best is yet to come.

Herald: In honor of Women’s History Month, do you have any advice regarding resilience, overcoming odds and pursuing a dream, that you would like to share with our women readership, in particular?

Dayne: Well, I’m a poster child of overcoming challenges. In our industry, at the time, sexual harassment existed and you just had to keep going. You have to have a tenacious state about you and you have to have grace as a woman. Sometimes I’ve fallen through the cracks and sometimes I was defeated. You know, it’s a man’s world, well boy was it a man’s industry! But at the same time, you find your way. I think being tenacious is something I learned a long time ago from my mother- the good, the bad and the ugly of it. You can’t give up, and that’s what I call ambition. There’s this thing inside me that’s so driven and it’s certainly changed from fame now to recognition to understanding what your purpose is. I’ve spent my entire career, almost 40 years, really evolving to where I am now, and I will continue to evolve.

Herald: And what do you have coming up?

Dayne: Musically we’re starting to get busy again. I’m heading internationally for touring at the moment, going to Germany next. As far as new music, the collaborations are starting. We’re putting things together.

To learn more about Taylor Dayne and her upcoming music and shows, follow her @therealtaylordayne or visit taylordayne.com.

Courtesy Photographer Steve Leung, LIMEHOF

Taylor Day has been a force in the music industry for nearly 40 years, since her first hit, “Tell It to My Heart.”

Courtesy Sequoia Emanuelle

Island is part of the true fabric of who I am,” says Dayne, who has faced challenges including cancer.

STEPPING OUT

‘Little’ ﬁlms with a big heart

In the spotlight at Asbury Short Film Concert

By Karen Bloom

Sure … the Hollywood moviemakers grab your attention. Yet there’s so much more to the movie biz beside that tentpole blockbuster. Check out the Asbury Short Film Concert, which returns to its local “home” at the Madison Theatre next Friday and see an abundance of creative offerings. There’s certainly no denying the appeal of a major feature film. But for those who crave something different that certainly strikes an emotional chord, Asbury’s “concert” is for you. This national touring showcase brings a diverse, focused lineup — in many cases featuring up-and-coming filmmakers — of smaller efforts you generally won’t find on the big screen.

And it’s most deﬁnitely not a festival.

“We present the best in comedy, drama, animation, even the occasional documentary,” says Doug LeClaire, Asbury Shorts’ founder and longtime director. “We call it a concert rather than a festival because there are no awards, no Q&A or panel discussions, it’s all about entertainment value for the audience.”

As in previous years, Asbury Shorts offers up an eclectic mix of ﬁlms, what LeClaire describes as a “potpourri of the short ﬁlm world.”

LeClaire, who was in commercial and film production for over four decades, has been passionate about short films since his student days at New York Institute of Technology. He pivoted to promoting his beloved short films full time and the result has been a resounding success.

“Myself, and those who have been with me the longest, didn’t think our short ﬁlm party that began in Westbury in 1981 would evolve into a major global touring event that has presented Asbury Shorts shows from Berlin to L.A. over the years with many, many stops in between,” LeClaire says. “The mission has always been to keep great short ﬁlms, from all years, projected on real cinema screens as opposed to YouTube, smart phones, computers or tablets or the big screen TVs. Asbury Shorts is strictly a theatrical cinema event, no virtual allowed!

“Our number one priority is the enjoyment of our audience. We’re proud to provide an outlet for the filmmakers’ product. For us, it is all about the experience, showing these films to an audience. We give them the opportunity to experience great films on a big screen the way they were meant to be seen.”

He and his team cull them from the ﬁlm festival circuit — including the prestigious SXSW (South by Southwest), Sundance and Toronto International Film Festival, and Tribeca Festival, among others.

“To get an award at one of these festivals is just as good as an Oscar nomination,” LeClaire says. “These young ﬁlmmakers are so happy to get that wreath. They collect them the way we would collect baseball cards back in the day.”

• Friday, April 4, 7:30 p.m.

• For tickets, visit madisontheatreny.org or call the box ofﬁce at (516) 323-4444

• Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

Think of this as your personal film festival experience. As LeClaire puts it: “We’re bringing these films to folks who can’t get to film festivals.”

His formula certainly has resonated with audiences.

“We have demonstrated that we are entertaining and blessed to have fans that keep coming back,” LeClaire says, “while also reaching out to new audiences.”

The two-hour show moves along briskly. The ﬁlms range from a brief few minutes to 20 minutes at most.

“A good short ﬁlm is to the point, fast paced, and most important of all, is the ending,” LeClaire says. “It must make sense.”

And that ending will surely leave you wanting more.

Among the highlights, LeClaire points to Martín Rosete’s 10-minute “Voice Over,” which depicts the urgency of life’s pivotal moments in a desperate race against time.

Three different stories are told by the same narrator searching for the correct story. The same actor appears in all three. Will the narrator ﬁnd what he’s looking for? We don’t know — maybe, maybe not.

Rosete, a Spanish ﬁlmmaker now based in New York, was awarded the Goya, Spain’s Academy Award, for “Voice Over.”.

LeClaire describes it as “sort of the ‘perfect’ short ﬁlm” due its story and production values.

“It has outstanding and mind boggling production design for an indie produced short ﬁlm and an ending that I really like,” he explains.

Another standout is “Anomaly” from director Ryan Jenkins, which was honored recently with Best Short Film at the Lake Placid Film Festival. In this 15-minute drama, a renowned magician features an inexplicable illusion in his ﬁnal run of performances. Meanwhile, a government agent who witnesses the bafﬂing act becomes hell-bent on uncovering its method.

As for the rest, well, you’ll have to attend and see for yourself. LeClaire doesn’t like to reveal too much, promising it’s all “great fun.”

He is delighted to come back to his Long Island roots with his ﬁlm showcase.

“We’re very heartened by the audience at the Madison. We are grateful to [Artistic Director] Angelo Fraboni and his staff for allowing us to return each year. It’s been a terriﬁc relationship.”

‘Good times…’

Neil Diamond is certainly forever — as honored by Neil Forever, returning to the Paramount stage. David Jacobson, the tribute band’s founder, has a great passion for the music and legacy of the legendary performer. David, along with his son and music director Dylan Jacobson and drummer John Cardoso began their journey in January 2023. Today, the 14-person ensemble delivers an authentic, exciting and joyful concert that captivates the legendary superstar’s fans. Performing Diamond’s music is as much about heart and soul as it is talent; it’s a celebration of the music and the man who created it. The band has forged an exciting path, as discovered by excited and passionate fans, of all ages. Audiences are thrilled by the authentic renditions of classic hits like “Sweet Caroline,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “Coming to America,” and “Kentucky Women.”

Friday, March 28, 8 p.m. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

South Shore Symphony

The South Shore Symphony Orchestra springs forward with its next concert, “Slavic Masterworks,” at its Madison Theatre home. The orchestra is joined by renowned cellist Amy Barston, featured in Polish composer Grayna Bacewicz’s Cello Concerto No. 1. A rare gem, according to Barston, she notes that it is fresh to the concert stage in that it is quasi-newly discovered, but it feels like a familiar, beloved masterwork. Electrifying, often dance-like energy, paired with soaring lyrical melodies, it has received an enthusiastic reception from audiences. The evening’s repertoire also includes Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances, op. 46, no. 3 in Ab major and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, op. 64, e minor.

Saturday, March 29, 7:30 p.m. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 3234444.

Courtesy Asbury Shortst

Three extreme situations are actually the same in “Voice Over.”

“Anomaly” stars John Romeo as a detective investigating the work of a suspicious magician.

THE Your Neighborhood

The Wallflowers

Grab those leather jackets, and rock on! The Wallflowers are back on the road and bringing their sound to the Paramount stage, Sunday, April 6, at 8 p.m., with special guest Jackson Melnick. For the past 30 years, the Jakob Dylanled act has stood as one of rock’s most dynamic and purposeful bands — a unit dedicated to and continually honing a sound that meshes timeless songwriting and storytelling with a hard-hitting and decidedly modern musical attack. That signature style has been present through the decades, baked into the grooves of smash hits like 1996’s “Bringing Down the Horse” as well as more recent and exploratory fare like 2012’s “Glad All Over.” Even so, in recent years, Dylan — the Wallflowers’ founding singer, songwriter and guitarist — has repeatedly stepped outside of his band. First with a pair of more acoustic and rootsy records, 2008’s “Seeing Things” and 2010’s “Women + Country,” and then with the 2018 film “Echo in the Canyon” and the accompanying soundtrack, which saw him collaborate with a host of artists classic and contemporary, from Neil Young and Eric Clapton to Beck and Fiona Apple.

Celebrate Holi

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to participate in Holi, the Festival of Colors, Sunday, April 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Originating in India, this Hindu festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of the colorful spring season. During this joyous celebration, families eat sweets, dance to traditional folk music and throw colorful powder made from flowers called gulal.

Crafts, color throwing and dancing are part of this vibrant event. Welcome spring’s arrival with Holi. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes that they won’t mind getting messy. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Go to licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more information.

Friedberg JCC Red Carpet for Disability Advocacy

Egyptomania in the 1920s

Join Egyptologists-authorsprofessors Drs. Colleen and John Darnell at Nassau County Museum of Art, Sunday, March 30, 3 p.m., for a fascinating lecture on “Egyptomania” in the 1920s. The Darnells are authors of several books and dozens of articles. With academic careers in Egyptology at Yale University, they are committed to bringing ancient Egypt’s rich history, religion, art, and language to a worldwide audience.

But while it’s been nine long years since we’ve heard from the group with whom he first made his mark, the Wallflowers are silent no more. And Dylan always knew they’d return. And return the band has, with “Exit Wounds,” their new studio offering.It marks the first new Wallflowers material since “Glad All Over.” And while the wait has been long, the much-anticipated record finds the band’s signature sound — lean, potent and eminently entrancing — intact, even as Dylan surrounds himself with a fresh cast of musicians. $75, $45, $35, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Friedberg JCC and the Special Advocacy Coalition host the Red Carpet Event, Thursday, April 3, celebrating the achievements of adults with disabilities and raising awareness for positive change. With performances, music, art, dance, and comedy, along with a special recognition of graduates from the JCC’s Child Care Class and the Harvey’s Café interns. Participate in an evening of celebration, advocacy, and community. 15 Neil Court., Oceanside. For information, contact (516) 634-4173

Their passion for vintage fashion and modeling has led to exciting collaborations with Egypt’s premier jewelry designers, photographers and magazines. Limited seating. Registration required. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students; members free. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org.

Friedberg JCC Gala

Save the date for the Friedberg JCC Gala on Thursday, May 4 , 2025, at 4 PM at Temple Avodah. Honorees include Fred Richman, Allan Carlton, Stefanie Hanlon, Melissa Chizzik-Schnall, and Melissa Lobel. More information will follow closer to the date.

Mercy Hospital offers cardiac screening

You only have one heart. Protect it with a free cardiac screening at Mercy Hospital, Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Getting your coronary calcium score scan can save your life. A coronary calcium score is like a “mammogram” for the heart to screen for blockage(s). This simple, non-invasive test can indicate coronary artery disease before the onset of symptoms or heart attacks.

The scan does not require IV or Oral CT contrast. Limited appointments available in 15 minute increments. Last appointment at 1:45 p.m. No insurance necessary. 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Radiology & Imaging (adjacent to Emergency Department). To register, call (516) 62-MERCY (63729).

Voices wanted

The Oceanside Chorale is looking for new members to sing in its “Opera or Popera” concert Sunday, June 8. Voices are needed in all sections.

Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., the Fulton Avenue School in Oceanside. For further information call Frank at (516) 764-2787, email fxdefontes@hotmail.com or oceansidechorale.com. 3252 Fulton Ave.

Celebrate Holi

Magical fun

Island Park Public Library hosts a magic workshop for kids and teens, led by magician Ari Bisk, through April 10. Open to ages 7 to 17, participants learn impressive card tricks and techniques. Visit islandparklibrary. org for more information. 176 Long Beach Road.

Having an event?

STEM Explorers

Long Island Children’s Museum opens its doors to a weekend devoted to STEM activities, Saturday and Sunday, March 29-30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., that will ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike Guest experts offer engaging demonstrations, experiments and interactive activities.

On Exhibit

Highlights include sampling the science of molecular gastronomy with flash frozen ice cream; learn about native and invasive species that swim in Long Island waters; discover how oysters are coming to our rescue; study the water cycle and Long Island’s unique geographic formations and more. Activities free with museum admission. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more.

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

WRONGEST RUNNING

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.

Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.

Hempstead House tour

April 13

Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, April 13, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST ANTHONY E. VARRIALE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 24, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 7, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 3308 Neptune Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54., Block 410, Lot 57. Approximate amount of judgment

$434,426.52 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #000660/2018. Ellen N. Savino, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-000657 84590 151950

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of CWMBS, Inc., CHL Mortgage PassThrough Trust 2004-25, Mortgage Pass Through Certificates, Series 2004-25, Plaintiff AGAINST Viktoriya Shtatlender, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 7, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 31 East Windsor Parkway, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of

Nassau and State of New York, Section: 38, Block: 370, Lot: 564. Approximate amount of judgment

$790,701.40 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613281/2019. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. John Boklak, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-091027-F01 84668 151946

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of OmniCo Consulting, Llc. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/12/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to David Phillips: 450 Links Dr. E., Oceanside, NY 11572. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 151912

LEGAL NOTICE

SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County. FIRST LIEN HECM LLC, Plaintiff, -againstUNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF FRANCES BERNSTEIN A/K/A FRANCES W. BERNSTEIN; UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT F/K/A SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of the premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants Index No. 620645/2024

Mortgaged Premises: 291 Concord Avenue Oceanside, NY 11572 Section: 43 Block: 298 Lot: 82 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of

the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a reverse mortgage to secure $600,000.00 and interest, recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on June 25, 2009 in Liber Book M 33875, Page 548, covering the premises known as 291 Concord Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 152125

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee for Option One Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-1, AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2005-1, Plaintiff AGAINST

Satwinder Singh; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 12, 2023 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 23, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 627 Pearl Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Rockville Centre, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 38 Block 531 Lot 22 and 26. Approximate amount of judgment $947,712.56 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 010269/2015. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

John G. Kennedy, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: February 5, 2025 152255

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiff AGAINST DONALD SCHREINER, JR., MICHELLE RANOLDE-SCHREINER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 25, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 17, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 235 Madison Ave, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain

Police make arrests for illegal massages at O’Side Foot Spa

Two women were arrested following an undercover investigation at Noble Foot Spa, located at 2802 Long Beach Road in Oceanside, according to Nassau County police.

Police determined that illegal massages and prostitution were taking place at the business. Xueyan Wang, 48, of Bethpage, was charged with unauthorized practice of a

profession, while Baomei Huang, 52, of Flushing, was charged with both unauthorized practice of a Profession and prostitution. Both women were arrested without incident and released on appearance tickets. They are scheduled to appear in First District Court in Hempstead on April 8, 2025.

–Kepherd Daniel

Public Notices

plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, at Foxhurst Park, Oceanside, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54 Block 239 Lot 156. Approximate amount of judgment $490,828.12 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612438/2022. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003408 84311 152216

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 17-2025

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held March 11th, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 17-2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 17-2025, amending Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING

OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.

Dated: March 11, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 152430

JACOB STREET - west side, starting at a point 225 feet north of the north curbline of Atherton Avenue, north for a distance of 22 feet.

(TH-62/25)

OAKLEY AVENUE - east side, starting at a point 378 feet north of the north curbline of L Street, north for a distance of 18 feet.

(TH-56/25)

MERRICK

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 202-48 of the code of the Town of Hempstead entitled, “Handicapped Parking on Public Streets,” a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 25th day of March, 2025, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of that day, to consider the adoption of a resolution setting aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons at the following locations: BELLMORE CENTRE AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 106 feet north of the north curbline of Grand Avenue, north for a distance of 17 feet.

(TH-50/25) ELMONT

HARVARD AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 334 feet east of the east curbline of Central Parkway, east for a distance of 17 feet.

(TH-51/25) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:

ELMONT CLEMENT AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 115 feet south of the south curbline of Langdon Street, south fora distance of 22 feet.

(TH-141/18 - 6/5/18)

(TH-58/25) ;and, BE IT FURTHER ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: Hempstead, New York March 25, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 152435

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Nassau, PHH Mortgage Corporation, Plaintiff, vs. Theresa M. Mysak, as heir, devisee, distributee, of The Estate of Rita Marchi, deceased, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report, Amend the Caption, and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 3, 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 May 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2861 Willard Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 518 and Lot 420. Approximate amount of judgment is $455,894.35 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600666/2020. Brian Carmody, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 152403

Xueyan Wang Baomei Huang

CLASSIFIED

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460

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MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

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Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

Eldercare Offered

Senior Caregiver/ Housekeeping Available. Private/ Professional. CNA* HHA* CCA Certified. Experienced/ Excellent References. Emma 516-519-0456

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

Lev Chana Early Childhood:

• Early Childhood Assistant Teachers

• Early Childhood Head Teachers

HALB Elementary School:

• Middle School Language Arts Teacher

• Elementary School Assistant Teachers

DRS Yeshiva High School for Boys:

• Business and Entrepreneurship Teacher

• Science Teacher

• STEM Teacher

• Math Teacher

• Resource Room Teacher

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

The permit is taking forever, Part 2

Q. I’m waiting months for a permit and they keep asking for added notes and plan changes, but not all at once. It’s a complete runaround. Why is this happening? My business is losing money and I’m losing patience.

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A. Continuing from two weeks ago, people often have unrealistic expectations of the review process. When plans are submitted, the process begins with assigning an application designation. Many departments have a large backlog of applications, which means that they will often get to yours in the order it came in. There are the applications that jump ahead of the line for various reasons, from medical emergencies to fire repair, decisions made by economic development criteria from higher up the government chain, etc.

I’m often asked about who the client can talk to in order to speed things up. This sends a message to me that the whole review process is about to slow down even more. From experience, I reply that the applicant can “try whatever method they want, but be careful.” If someone actually does skip the line, I am aware that it may backfire, because pressuring plan reviewers can sometimes lead to delays and friction when the reviewer kicks the plans back with objections that make the owner insist that the “architect should have known this.”

Objections may seem purposeful, but because they’re legitimate, the application is on hold, and takes pressure off the reviewer. Pressuring the reviewers is not recommended. Architects are burdened enough with never knowing whether they should add all kinds of notes to the plans, or when to keep things simpler. For example, some reviewers want reprints of building code sections on the plans, only to find that another reviewer wants those same notes removed from the plans, causing further delays, to put the researched code notes on plans, and then delays in revising plans afterward. It’s a lose/lose situation guaranteed to cause further delay, but “that’s the way it is.”

There are also delays caused by the fact that your approval process may involve your local jurisdiction, separate review by the fire marshal’s office at the county level, review by the engineering department of your local government and possibly the county department of public works if the property in question is on a county roadway. You may also be asking for something proposed to occupy the building that requires a “change of use” approval, with a zoning case that may add months and even years to the process.

I recently walked with a dentist up and down a commercial district street, and we looked in the windows of three locations the dentist was interested in. Placards on the windows showed announcements for zoning hearings from two to four years ago. All of the businesses were still empty. What does that possibly tell you? There may be inadequate parking or drainage issues, previous open permits not resolved, etc. The process isn’t simple, and you must be prepared for the course it may take. Good luck!

(516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

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opinionS

Battery energy storage systems are a growing threat

new York state is on the verge of making a critical mistake — one that could jeopardize the safety of our communities while stripping local governments of their rightful authority to protect their residents. Senate Bill S5506 proposes to transfer the approval and siting of battery energy storage systems to the hands of an unelected state agency, the Office of Renewable Energy Siting, overriding local moratoriums and zoning laws enacted for public safety. This is an unacceptable overreach, and I strongly oppose it.

Battery storage systems, particularly large-scale lithium-ion facilities, pose serious risks. They have a well-documented history of catastrophic fires that firefighters have no reliable means to extinguish. In many cases, the only option is to let these fires burn out, releasing toxic fumes and heavy metals into the air, soil and water.

We’ve seen the consequences firsthand. In California, the Vista and Otay Mesa battery storage facility fires resulted in significant environmental damage and community evacuations.

AHere in New York, Lyme, the Hamptons and Warwick have experienced similar fires. These incidents leave communities grappling with health hazards, environmental destruction and unanswered questions about the long-term risks. Municipalities such as Mahopac, Duanesburg and Amsterdam have wisely enacted bans or moratoriums on BESS installations, and others are considering similar measures. Residents who have conducted independent research understand the risks and are unwilling to wait for a disaster to confirm their fears. Even industry representatives, when pressed, admit they wouldn’t live near one of these facilities — admissions that speak volumes.

Tfires won’t happen again. And if they do, no one has a proven method to contain them. “Let it burn” is not a fire-suppression strategy.

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Fire Interagency Working Group is still trying to develop recommendations on how to handle these fires, which proves one thing: The state is not prepared. If emergency response teams don’t yet know how to handle BESS fires, why are we rushing to install these facilities near homes and schools?

he risks posed by these facilities far outweigh any speculative benefits.

Supporters of these projects argue that battery storage is essential for renewable energy. But let’s be clear: BESS facilities do not generate energy — they only store it. Worse, they require constant power to maintain cooling systems. When those systems fail, the results can be deadly. Many of these facilities even require backup diesel generators, completely undermining New York’s so-called green energy goals. This isn’t about opposing renewable energy — it’s about ensuring public safety. No one can guarantee that these

Furthermore, the financial burden of these projects remains largely unknown. The cost of a single proposed BESS in the Town of Hempstead is estimated at $14 million, with upgrades required every 10 to 15 years. Who will ultimately foot the bill? The answer is simple: New York’s already overburdened taxpayers. New evidence suggests deep conflicts of interest in the BESS industry. Paul Rogers, a former FDNY lieutenant and a proponent of BESS, is a founder of Energy Safety Response Group, which has contracts with several battery-storage companies on Long Island and across the nation. Rogers has attended community meetings, and assured residents that “nothing’s going to happen” — an assertion proven false time and again.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President Doreen Harris recently voted to ban BESS in her hometown of Duanesburg, citing public-health risks. Yet her agency pushes for these facilities to be forced on other communities. This level of hypocrisy is staggering, and unacceptable.

New York is a home-rule state, and it must remain that way. No one knows our communities better than the local officials elected to represent them. Removing their authority in favor of an unelected state agency is an affront to the people of New York.

We must learn from California’s failures, not repeat them. The risks posed by these battery storage facilities far outweigh any speculative benefits. I urge my colleagues in the Legislature to reject Senate Bill S5506 and allow local governments to continue protecting their communities.

There is no “greater good” when the cost is putting New Yorkers in harm’s way. We must take a stand. Urge Governor Hochul to stop the mandates, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, and the Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment, or RAPID, Act. The health and safety of our communities must take priority over Albany’s green energy agenda.

Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.

Some thoughts on books, privilege and girlhood

s an avid reader, I’ve always had a fond place in my heart for historical fiction and period pieces, but I enjoy exploring a number of genres. Toward the end of 2024 and so far this year, I’ve found myself gravitating toward women-centric contemporary fiction and comingof-age novels, which would normally imply that they feature teenagers or young-adult characters and themes, but I think their impact is broader.

We’re constantly changing and growing, and whether we come to realizations about life at 15 or 55, they impact our sense of self.

I’ve often said that the best writers are also the best readers, and as a young woman navigating the craziness of life, I’ve found comfort in books that showcase both the hardships, and the joys, of girlhood. There is so much pressure these days to adhere to societal standards — which can vary so greatly depending on whom you’re talking to — and not enough conversations about

what’s actually important to modern, up-and-coming women. Everything we want for ourselves, and every decision we make, is so important.

fort in knowing that the struggles of young women aren’t unique to our culture, but rather, are shared by many.

SMarch is Women’s History Month, and I considered just rattling off a number of my favorite empowering reads, but I realized I could never narrow down the list. So instead I’m switching gears, and homing in on a recent read of mine, the young adult novel “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” by Angeline Boulley.

This was my first exposure to Native American literature. The book’s protagonist, Daunis Fontaine, is a biracial high school senior who lives in a mostly indigenous community near an Ojibwe reservation in Northern Michigan. The Ojibwe are a large Native group in the Great Lakes region of the U.S. and Canada. While the book is largely about a drug-related scandal that wreaks havoc in Fontaine’s Native community, it also conveys so many important undertones relating to her culture and womanhood. Full of twists and turns, it kept me on my toes, and left me with an understanding of a culture I wasn’t familiar with and a sense of com-

ome days, it’s so hard to be a woman that I wonder if we’re heading backward.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve thought a lot about the concept of privilege because of another book, “Difference Matters,” by Brenda J. Allen, which I read for a class I’m taking through Stony Brook University. Allen crafts meaningful observations about various social groups, and effectively communicates why and how our differences matter in fascinating ways. She defines privilege as “unacknowledged entitlement that one receives,” and in a series of exercises, she encourages readers to think about the things in their lives that have given them privilege.

I’ll be the first to admit that some days, it is so hard to be a woman. The negative rhetoric, and the legal moves that are stripping women in the United States of rights they previously had, sometimes make me wonder if we’re heading backward. Despite those doubts, I am also so proud to be a woman — one with a voice, and drive, and dreams that I know I will work hard to achieve.

Daunis Fontaine has a voice, drive, and dreams, too. As do Rocky, the middle-aged, comical protagonist in Catherine Newman’s novel “Sandwich”; Caroline Ferriday, a real person whose story is told in Martha Hall Kelly’s “Lilac Girls”; and Isabelle Rossignol, a young woman who is part of the French resistance in World War II in Kristin Hannah’s work of historical fiction, “The Nightingale.”

I’ve listed a few additional reads of mine to make this point: I am so privileged to have had access to these works — to read and think about things with free will — and to be able take the time to ponder what they mean to me, and hopefully to other women, too.

The weight of girlhood is heavy, but so is its strength. Reading these stories has reinforced what I’ve always known to be true — that women’s voices, whether in fiction or in real life, hold immense power. The privilege of having access to these narratives is one I don’t take lightly, and as I continue to learn and grow, I hope to carry that same power into the spaces I occupy. Because every woman’s story deserves to be told, and more important, heard.

Jordan Vallone is a senior editor of the Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.

ARi BRoWn

JoRDAn VALLonE

HERALD

History should not be a political casualty

recent actions by the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies to remove web pages highlighting the contributions of Black, Hispanic and female veterans raise a critical question: Are we confusing history with diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives? And more important, what does the loss of historical information mean for present and future generations?

The removal of these pages from Arlington National Cemetery’s website, along with thousands of other web pages across government platforms, was carried out to comply with an executive order issued by President Trump.

The order, which aimed to eliminate DEI initiatives in federal programs, mandated that any DEI-related content published between Jan. 20, 2021, and Jan. 19 of this year be either archived or removed. As a result, significant historical records, including those recognizing the sacrifices and achievements of marginalized groups in the U.S. military, have been erased from public view.

The decision reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the distinction between diversity efforts and historical documentation. DEI initiatives are designed to promote fairness, representation and opportunity for marginalized communities. History, on the other hand, is an objective record of the past — one that cannot be rewritten or selec-

letters

tively deleted without serious consequences for society as a whole.

When we remove historical information under the guise of eliminating DEI, we are erasing the stories and experiences that have shaped the nation. The contributions of African American soldiers who fought in segregated units during World War II, the bravery of Hispanic servicemen in the Korean War, and the pioneering achievements of female military officers are not “DEI content.” They are part of the fabric of American history.

By erasing these stories from public platforms, we are denying future generations the opportunity to learn from the struggles and triumphs of those who came before them. We are also depriving historically marginalized communities of the recognition and respect they deserve. History gives us a deeper understanding of our nation’s progress — and its failures. Without it, we risk repeating the mistakes of the past and failing to appreciate the diversity and resilience that define America.

The removal of content highlighting the contributions of marginalized groups does not end DEI; it merely attempts to silence the voices of those who have long fought for recognition and equality in our society. The effort to scrub this content from government websites sets a dangerous precedent. It suggests that historical facts can be elimi-

Our representatives must stand up for Medicaid funding

To the Editor:

On March 7, hundreds gathered at the State Office Building in Hauppauge to advocate for a 7.8 percent targeted increase in Medicaid rates for disability services to address rising costs, ensure fair pay for staff, and stabilize the care system for people with disabilities.

As a father of an adult child with disabilities who relies on Medicaid-supported services, I feel an overwhelming responsibility to advocate for the protection and support of staff, whose roles are crucial in caring for those with disabilities. These significant issues have profound personal and far-reaching effects for families like mine.

For over 25 years, my son Bobby has received exceptional care from the Developmental Disabilities Institute in Smithtown. The dedication and compassion of their staff have greatly enriched his life, helping him accomplish daily tasks. Their work is more than just a job; it is a calling driven by empathy and a commitment to improving lives. These critical services deserve fair compensation and job security.

nated or hidden when they become politically inconvenient. That isn’t the behavior of a free and democratic society.

The loss of historical information has far-reaching implications. For educators and students, online resources serve as vital tools for teaching American history. For researchers and historians, they provide access to primary sources and documentation that help us understand the evolution of social and political movements.

Restoring the content that was removed from Arlington National Cemetery’s website and other federal platforms isn’t just about complying with government policy — it’s about protecting the truth. Historical documentation must be treated as sacred, separate from politics or ideological battles. Federal agencies must prioritize the preservation of historical records, regardless of whether those stories align with the current political environment. Educational institutions, historians and advocacy groups must also work to archive and share information through independent platforms to ensure that those stories are not lost forever.

In a democracy, history belongs to the people — all the people. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard that history, not erase it. Without an honest and complete understanding of our past, we cannot hope to build a more just and equitable future.

opinions Preparing for real work, not just a job

As high school seniors and others contemplate their college plans, it is timely to remind them about the purpose of higher education. This is especially true at a time when there are those who question the value of universities and focus on vocational rather than on advanced education. Critics also tend to focus on the means for learning rather than on its purpose.

RoBERT A. sCoTT

A college education is much more than job prep. It is as much about character development and preparation for civic engagement as it is about preparing for a career. Too many people focus on immediate job placement instead of preparing for a life with the potential for multiple careers.

As Bill Gates once said, jobs are eliminated, but “work” — opportunities for solving problems — expands. So how best can students prepare for a future in which they see themselves as problemsolvers in constantly evolving work settings? That’s the role of colleges and universities.

In 1900, farm employment accounted for nearly 40 percent of all jobs. Today it’s about 10 percent. Technology and

LETTERs

In addition, the proposed hundreds of billion of dollars in cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, are deeply troubling. These programs serve as lifelines, supporting people like my son and often the staff caring for him and his peers, many of whom seek supplemental food support because of their lowwage status. Cutting funds for these programs is more than an economic decision; it is a moral one that will have devastating consequences for vulnerable populations.

I urge our local congressional representatives, including Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino, to oppose these cuts. I encourage them to advocate for sustainable funding that prioritizes the wellbeing of those who depend on these critical support services. An investment now will secure the present and safeguard the future for people like my son.

JOSEPH W. SCHMIdT Board of Directors chair Developmental Disabilities Institute Wantagh

new management techniques are the difference. At the end of World War II, service industries accounted for 10 percent of nonfarm employment, compared with 38 percent for manufacturing. Since the 1970s, the American economy has moved away from producing goods to providing services, and the service sector has accounted for an increasing proportion of jobs and workers.

CThe work necessary for sustainable, civil communities will continue to expand. Technological tools are increasingly available, but create ethical challenges and require educated judgment. AI should be used as a tool, not as a crutch or a substitute for thinking. Work requires information verification, not just data gathering. AI will eliminate jobs, and those graduating from colleges and universities must be prepared for this new world of employment options.

ble of building a civilization compatible with its inhabitants’ aspirations and the limitations of the natural environment; teach students to appreciate other cultures; and apply theory to practical problems.

ollege is as much about character development as it is about career prep.

Colleges seek to help students’ transformation into productive citizens and professionals. Cooperative education, internships and service learning all reinforce classroom learning. Students gain the confidence to formulate ideas, take initiative, increase their ability to reason in different modes, solve problems, and develop communication and computational skills as well as imagination, the ability to consider ideas from different angles through exposure to the arts, literature and other cultures.

care and education require a degree.

■ Graduates have lower unemployment rates than those with only a high school diploma. They also report higher job satisfaction and better career prospects.

■ Most graduates view their college education as a good investment.

We know the skills and abilities that organizations want in employees. Beyond technological know-how, they want people who can learn to analyze problems and create ethical solutions — i.e., add value and perform — without AI support. These are the skills and abilities necessary for all work, from corporate to public service to community-based jobs.

The purpose of a college education is to help students advance their knowledge, both general and expert; skills such as writing and speaking; abilities such as analysis and leadership; and values such as respect for others and teamwork. This includes the ability to understand the choices that await them as citizens, consumers, decision-makers, and arbiters of ethical alternatives. The purpose is also is to inspire students to contemplate the meaning of life; help them become capa-

They learn how to learn on their own as well as in groups. We hope they will learn to think strategically about their lives, even taking a job so they have a base from which to pursue bigger dreams. We also hope they will develop a sense of humor and can laugh at themselves.

The benefits of college graduation are well known:

■ Possessing a degree provides access to a wider array of opportunities.

■ Certain fields in technology, health

Just think of the work to be done in a society: clean, affordable and dependable energy sources; reliable, inexpensive mass transportation and infrastructure; secure information systems; effective schools, health care, and fire and flood protection; safe, nourishing and affordable food; affordable housing; clean water and sanitation; peaceful relations among nations; and equal access to the rule of law.

These and other requirements for a sustainable, civil society represent problems to be identified, analyzed and solved — work to be done.

Dr. Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author of “Letters to Student: What it Means to be a College Graduate” (Roman & Littlefield, 2024).

The story “League of Women Voters continues fight for equal rights,” last week, had several inaccuracies. The story stated that the League was discussing the next steps in getting the Equal Rights Amendment passed. The amendment has in fact passed, but has not been certified and published.

In 2020, Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the ERA, meeting the constitutional

CoRRECTion

requirement that three-fourths of the states must ratify an amendment for it to become law — not two-thirds of the states, as the story stated.

Mary Ann Gorman was identified in the story as the “head of the Maryland ERA task force.” Gorman is the head of the Maryland NOW ERA task force.

Finally, Gorman’s quote, “In New York,

Nydia Velázquez in NY-7, Yvette Clark in NY-9, John Mannion in NY-22, and Joseph Morelle in NY-25 are the only ones who haven’t co-sponsored” a resolution in the House to officially recognize the amendment as part of the Constitution, was inaccurate. Those members of Congress, Gorman said, were the only ones who, at the time, had co-sponsored the resolution.

The seniors win the cup at Rock Rivalry — East Rockaway High School