The St. Agnes Cathedral School was one of many groups to walk in the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 22, with the community cheering them on. Cora Ckark, 7 months, was decked out in green for the occasion with dad Kieran Ckark. Story, more photos Page 3.
By KElSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
South Side High School students and staff came together to enjoy the sixth annual Breakfast of Champions to honor the 41 “unsung heroes” of South Side.
“Breakfast of Champions is a program that was brought to our school to honor those students who are always doing the right thing,” Patrick Walsh, South Side High School principal, said, “always looking out for others and making our school a better place.”
Bembody what it means to be a true “champion” among their peers.
is a program that was brought to our school to honor those students who are always doing the right thing.
“It’s grown in support over the years because we see how positive an impact it has on our school community,” Walsh said, “and how important it is to recognize students who are always doing the right thing.”
PAtRICK WAlSh Principal,
The program was launched at the high school six years ago to celebrate the “unsung heroes” in the classroom, and students that show up in ways besides academics and athletics. This annual tradition has grown over time, with more faculty members recognizing students who quietly and humbly
This year, students were honored for exhibiting a variety of qualities, including respect towards others, responsibility, kindness, fairness, trustworthiness, and citizenship. Instead of attending their usual second and third-period classes, the student nominees were invited to a special breakfast on March 18, where they were celebrated and given gifts in recognition of their positive impact on the school.
Educators took turns at the podium, commending the students for their dedication and Continued on page 13
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
The annual Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Day Parade — deemed “the parade that cares and shares” — was a resounding success this year, with perfect weather and overwhelming community support.
Suzanne Murphy Sullivan, this year’s Grand Marshal, shared her gratitude for the event, saying that the Grand Marshal dinner in her honor on March 20 was an excellent way to kick off the weekend.
“A lot of work goes into planning it, and the committee did an amazing job,” she said.
Ashley Brennan, a member of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, was happy with the turnout at the dinner.
“I think everyone there was so supportive of Suzanne and so excited for her,” she said. “The whole night was just incredible.”
The March 22 parade featured a vibrant display of local businesses, residents and organizations that celebrated the day by either walking or lining up on the sidewalks in support. Three special charities participated as the honored nonprofit organizations for this year’s parade — SIBSPlace, the Remember Nolan Project and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
The families from each of the charities, Sullivan said, have been heavily involved in the parade preparation and festivities all year long. The funds raised during the preliminary events, along with the money from parade sponsors, will be evenly split among the three charities as a way for the community to support them.
“Every year the parade chooses three amazing charities, and this year they were really outstanding,” Sullivan Said. “These charities were amazing, and they really got into it and really enjoyed the whole experience. That was incredible to see.”
Sullivan also highlighted how special the day was for her and the extraordinary involvement of the community, including her own family and her late husband’s family. She was appreciative to have her mom, children and four of her closest friends walking beside her, and to have her brothers and their families and her late husband’s family members there to support her and cheer her on.
“It was really nice walking down Maple Avenue just seeing so many familiar faces,” she said, “having my kids and friends march with us, seeing people I’ve known all my life and people I’ve just met recently. It was overwhelming, but it was just a fantastic day.”
Brennan echoed Sullivan’s sentiments, appreciating the participation of all the charities.
“It is rare that we have all the charities there marching,” she said, “so that was nice that all three of our charities could be there.”
The weather was also beautiful, with Brennan saying that the sunny day had
people in “great spirits.” She also commended the volunteer support that made the event possible, particularly given the heavy demands of parade day.
The awards dinner in May will reveal the total amount raised from the festivities that will be split among the charities, and it will also recognize some of the parade’s particularly special participants in various categories, including Best in Parade, Best Youth Group, Best Pipe Band and Best Fire Department.
Looking ahead, the committee will begin preparing for next year’s event in the coming months, with a kickoff event slated for September. In the meantime, the spirit of the parade remains alive, as the community celebrates another successful year of bringing people together.
Thomas A. Glynn ~ John J. Glynn Ret. NYPD
On March 17, an employee of Dunkin Donuts reported someone damaged the glass door to the business.
On March 16, an employee of CVS reported someone stole merchandise from the store.
On March 18, a motorist reported someone stole their vehicle while parked on Front Street. The vehicle was found in Brooklyn on March 19 and released to the owner.
On March 15, a motorist reported their vehicle was struck by another
vehicle, which then fled the scene, while parked in a parking lot at Molloy University.
On March 17, a motorist reported their vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which then fled the scene, while parked in a parking lot on Merrick Road.
On March 14, Elizabeth Vasquez, 34, of Rockville Centre, was arrested and charged with menacing after an investigation on Banks Avenue.
On March 16, Risa Mandel, 64, of Hewlett, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and vehicle traffic law offenses after an investigation on S Long Beach Road.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
Thomas A. Glynn – John J. Glynn
Offering Cremation, Burial and Memorial Services
NYPD
Thomas A. Glynn & Son Inc. Funeral Home
Offering Cremation, Burial and Memorial Services
Thomas A. Glynn & Son Inc. Funeral Home
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
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”.
The Rockville Centre Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just
Mar. 16 – Mar. 23
General Alarms – 8 Still Alarms – 7 Rescue – 2
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 45
Mutual Aid Fire – 4
Mutual Aid Rescue – 0
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 0 Total – 66
have questions, please visit any firehouse on Sunday mornings and speak with one of the officers or call (516) 6789320. For emergencies dial 911 or (516) 766-0400.
Year To Date
General Alarms – 113 Still Alarms – 70 Rescue – 36
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 634
Mutual Aid Fire – 17
Mutual Aid Rescue – 0
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 3
Total – 873
PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com
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.”
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.
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.
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.
By XIOMARA TRINIDAD PEREZ Herald Intern
The proposal to redevelop the historic house at 24 South Park Ave. has been withdrawn.
The building’s owner, Joseph DiFigueroa, made the decision to revise the plans. This was confirmed by William Bonesso, the zoning and land use attorney with the firm Forchelli, Deegan and Terrana Law representing the owner.
“The proposal was withdrawn at the present time, while the applicant is just looking at any changes that he may or may not want to make,” Bonesso said. “He’s considering changes to the proposal.”
Bonesso further clarified that the owner still has plans for the property.
“He still does intend to develop the property,” Bonesso said. “Once he decides what plan he’s going to go with, what the development will be, he will refile with the building department, and then the process will start again.”
Members of the Rockville Centre Civic Association, who have been fighting against the redevelopment of the historic home, expressed their opinions on the proposal being withdrawn.
“Right now, they withdrew the proposal,” Howard Kamph, member of the RVC Civic Association, said. “That doesn’t end it at all. They’ve got to go
Kelsie Radziski/Herald
The proposal to redevelop the historic house on South Park Avenue has been withdrawn as the owner makes changes to the original idea.
back to the drawing board and give you another proposal. We might have won the battle but we didn’t win the war, yet.”
Another member of RVC’s Civic Association is Meghan Kerns, who voiced the concerns that the association had with the last proposal.
“We were very concerned about sav-
ing that historic home, and the impacts of traffic to the residential buildings in the area,” Kerns said, “as well as to the small businesses in the area, as well as the ability for people to park and shop in the downtown, as well as drive down Park Avenue, which is one of the major roadways in Rockville Center.”
The original proposal involved rede-
veloping the property into a three-story, mixed-use building, featuring a restaurant on the ground floor, medical offices on the second and third floors, and a rooftop dining area. The proposed development required 56 parking spaces, as it was classified as a medical building, along with a 10-foot setback from the road.
Kamph emphasized that the association would like to preserve the building as a “historical place.”
“We’d like to get that building reserved as a historical place,” Kamph said. “Let’s start looking into something like that for the Rockville Center, where we have no historical buildings at all, which we could maybe save buildings from being demolished, making that into a nice store or a coffee house or something.”
Kamph shared that the Civic Association still intends to fight against the new proposal.
“I got like 400 signatures against this proposal that they had,” he said. “We’ll see what they’re going to do and what our strategy would be.”
The association will hold a public meeting on April 8 at 8 p.m. at the Rockville Centre Library to discuss their next steps in opposing the redevelopment of the historic building, along with conducting their board of elections meeting. For more information, contact RVC.Civic@gmail.com.
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
More than $20,000 was raised at the 22nd annual Bethany House Fashion Show fundraiser, an event that has become a beacon of hope for women overcoming homelessness.
Bethany House, a Baldwin-based nonprofit dedicated to helping women transition from homelessness to stability, hosted its annual fundraiser on March 19 at the Rockville Links Club in Rockville Centre.
The event, a cornerstone of the organization’s fundraising efforts, continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its mission to support women experiencing homelessness.
The Bethany House Fashion Show has come a long way since its humble beginnings. According to Lisa King, board member and co-chair of the Development and Communications Committee, the fashion show started as a small, community-supported event.
“When Bethany House first started doing our fashion show fundraiser 22 years ago, it was a small, communitysupported event that was held wherever we could find a location that would donate space to us,” King said. “Our Bethany House guests (the homeless women we served—we call them ‘guests’) would often be the models, and clothing was donated from local storeowners and merchants.”
Over the years, the event has grown significantly, with the past 15 years spent at the Rockville Links Club.
“It is the perfect space for this event, and we sell out every year!” she said. “The models are long-time supporters of Bethany House, and the clothing has generously been donated from Bloomingdale’s for the past three years.”
Other brands like White House/ Black Market, Anne Taylor Loft, Estelles, Lord and Taylor, Chicos, and Lucky Finds Boutique in Rockville Centre have also contributed.
The funds raised from the fashion show go directly toward supporting Bethany House’s various programs, which provide critical resources to the women they serve.
For the women involved, the fashion show is an empowering experience. Initially, many of the models, who are local supporters of Bethany House, are reluctant to participate. But after trying on outfits at Bloomingdale’s and walking the runway, their apprehensions quickly turn into excitement.
King plays a pivotal role in the event, helping the women change into their outfits, write their bios, and find the perfect clothing during their fittings.
“Many say it is a life-changing event,” King said. “They are left feeling empowered, uplifted, and grateful for the opportunity to help Bethany House. The amount of thank-yous I get afterward is truly heartwarming.”
In addition to the impact on the models, the fashion show plays a key role in raising awareness about the services that Bethany House provides.
“Our annual fashion show is such an empowering event where we always talk about our programs, our guests’ successes, and the community support we receive,” she said. “The guests who attend the event are left well-informed and ready to go out and spread the good word about Bethany House!”
Programs such as emergency and transitional housing, clothing, and safety, to name a few, are just a few of the critical services Bethany House offers.
Looking forward, Bethany House continues to encourage community involvement. There are many ways for individuals to get involved and support the women in their programs. King highlighted several key opportunities for engagement.
“We love when community members help our programs thrive, with legal,
financial, artistic, and business advice for our guests,” she said. “We often have experts in various fields come in
and teach our women necessary tools to apply for jobs, communicate effectively, dress properly, etc.”
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.”
hard work in the classroom and within the South Side community. Each celebrated student was also given a gift bag with a T-shirt, coffee mug and a $5 gift card to Rockville Bagels on N Long Beach Road.
Freshman Tommy Schwartz was nominated by his teacher, Marisa Buckley, for being “a model student” who brings joy and humor to the classroom.
“He keeps us all in check all the time with his schedule, and he’s a great friend to all his classmates,” Buckley said.
Amalia Breen, a junior, was nominated by world language teacher Katie Friel, who described her as “respectful,” “mature” and a “talented” member of the theater program who always balances her work and responsibilities.
“It’s when nobody’s looking and there’s no reward at stake, she’s always doing what is right,” Friel said.
Senior Melkis Lopez was nominated by his social studies teacher, David Shotwell, who taught him all four years at South Side.
“Melkis is, simply put, the kindest, most generous and most respectful person I have ever met,” Shotwell said. “I wish the entire world had a chance to know a Melkis Lopez, and I found myself very lucky to have had that chance.”
Chesler Dortely, a senior, arrived at South Side halfway through his junior
over 40 South Side High School students were honored by staff at the sixth annual Breakfast of Champions on march 18.
year from Haiti with limited English, but he impressed teachers Angela Tarquinio and Alexandra Foukalas so much that they both nominated him as a “champion.”
“He always shows determination and knows that he has the ability to accomplish anything he puts his mind to,” Tarquinio said. “Chesler has learned that our thoughts become our reality, and he makes an active choice every day to choose joy and lives his life in a state of gratitude, regardless of what is happening around him.”
Dortely made the effort to become a part of the South Side community, Foukalas said, not only by focusing on his academics but also by joining extracurricular activities and athletics.
“He has made such a lasting impression on everybody, from students to staff to administration,” Foukalas said. “He always greets everyone with a smile and demonstrates such kindness.”
Other students acknowledged for their contributions to the school at the breakfast were Graycen Adesso, Alexandra Burgie, Anthony Caracappa, Isabel-
la Castillo, Antoyne Chess, Bobbie Creo, Mia DiSalvo, Enrique Dorrego, Hazel Drake, Christian Garces, Cooper Goldspiel, Ryan Healy, Kira Hill, James Hubler, Lily Iandiorio, Sophia Jackson, Etahn Johnson, Bryce Keitt, Mikaela Lewis, Jake Lynaugh, Alexa Lyons, George Mateo, Olivia McCutchan, Paige McDaid, Makayla McNeill, Jadyn Morales, Lyla Murphy, Joseph Patafio, Morgan Pfeifer, Taylor Reed, Travis Rose, Sienna Scarpelli, Anthony Silecchia, Grace Thangavelu, Ervin Valle, Grace Walter and Rory Zukerman.
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Propel NY Energy project is aiming to revo-
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
Purim is a joyous holiday celebrating the story of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai, who saved the Jewish people of Persia from being killed by the royal vizier Haman.
To mark the occasion, members of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David in Rockville Centre gathered at the synagogue on the evening of Purim, March 13, for a reading from the Book of Esther, or the Megillah. The event featured a lively ice cream party and Megillah reading to celebrate in a “kidoriented” way, Rabbi David Lerner said.
Everyone gathered at the temple for an ice cream party. An ice cream bar was set up at the back of the room with a variety of toppings, from whipped cream and sprinkles to syrups and fruit. A table of waffles was also available for people to enjoy on their own or make waffle sundaes.
While attendees enjoyed their sweet treats, Lerner played his spiel, or comedic retelling of the story behind the holiday, which was a video starring Lerner and Megillah Gorilla, which had the congregation laughing.
After eating, everyone filed into the sanctuary for a second Purim spiel “with a twist,” performed by students from the Jewish Learning Center. The performance had a 60s theme, with the kids singing covers of Beatles songs,
including “Come Together” and “Got to Get You into My Life,” with the lyrics cleverly changed to convey the story of Purim.
Lerner made sure to highlight all the fun and festive costumes the kids
were wearing, which included a cow, dinosaurs, a gymnast, Snow White, Ariel and a minion from the movie “Despicable Me.” Lerner himself was dressed in a rodent onesie.
A traditional Megillah reading fol -
Kelsie Radziski/Herald photos
Judea Yunatan, 3, dressed up as a minion from the movie ‘Despicable Me.’
lowed the fun festivities, reminding the congregation of the deeper meaning of the holiday.
“Purim is the story of surviving dark times,” Lerner said at the service, “not just surviving but persevering.”
–Kelsie Radziski
By John Mirando
The Rockville Centre Fire Department is ready to elect a new Chief, First Assistant Chief and Second Assistant Chief during its election on April 3.
Seeking the position of Chief of Department is the current First Assistant Chief Anthony “Tony” Rugolo. After serving two successful years as Second Assistant Chief and two years as First Assistant Chief of the department, Rugolo has been unanimously endorsed by Woodland Engine Company No. 4 to seek the Office Chief of Department position.
Rugolo joined Woodland Engine Company No. 4 in 1984 and has served in many capacities, including Financial Secretary, Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant and as Captain from 1994 to 1996. In 2016 the Company needed someone to step up and fill the vacancy of Captain, Rugolo without hesitation jumped in and served another term as Captain. In 2021 he was elected Second Assistant Chief.
Seeking the Office of First Assistant Chief after two years as Second Assistant Chief is Patrick Healey, who has received unanimous support of Eureka Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company No. 1., where he’s been a member for the past 15 years. Healey, a lifelong Rockville Centre resident, served as second lieutenant, first lieutenant and captain between 2015 and 2022.
Over the years, Healy has been involved in several committees, including the new truck committee, and has been chief chauffeur. He focuses on training and works with the department’s Board of Instruction, and he is also a director of his Eureka’s Corporation. There are two candidates for the position of Second Assistant Chief — Ex-Captain Jose Urquiza of Live
Oaks Engine Company No. 1, and Ex-Captain Brian O’Toole of Reliance Hose Company No. 3.
Urquiza has 29 years of firefighting and administrative experience within the Department. He served as a Second Lieutenant starting in 2009 and Captain from 2013 to 2015. In addition to being a fire line officer, Urquiza has served on numerous company committees including serving as Treasurer and Board of Governors. On the Department level, he is currently the Department Entertainment Chairperson and is certified as an Assistant Fire Inspector.
O’Toole is a 30-year veteran of the department and comes from his family’s legacy of service. He is following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Eugene J. Murray, who served both as chief of the department and mayor of Rockville Centre.
O’Toole has been recognized twice with pre-hospital save awards for successful CPR resuscitations of
village residents. His service includes being a founding member of the Nassau County Water Rescue Committee. During his first term as captain, from 2001 to 2003, he led company members during the response to the September 11 attacks.
He developed comprehensive safety protocols for Reliance Hose Company during the Covid-19 pandemic, guidelines that were later consulted for department-wide procedures. His qualifications include New York State EMT certification, Water Rescue Technician status and extensive training in incident command and safety operations.
The Fire Department will also be electing a Delegate to the Fourth Battalion Fire District. Running unopposed will be former Chief Peter Grandazza of Live Oak Engine Company No. 1. Grandazza was Chief of Department from 2005 to 2007 and is seeking his second term as Fourth Battalion District Delegate.
Thursday, April 10, 2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, noninvasive 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. No insurance necessary. 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. Radiology & Imaging (adjacent to Emergency Department). To register, call (516) 62-MERCY (63729).
The Vic Vincent Group visits Rockville Centre Library for a tribute to award-winning artists, sponsored by the RVC Library Friends, Sunday, April 6, 2-3:30 p.m. The ensemble takes you on a journey featuring a wide variety of music, including classics like Buddy Holly, The Four Seasons, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond and Johnny Cash. Come enjoy the unique sounds and styles of these stars of rock ‘n roll. 221 N. Village Ave. For more information, visit rvclibrary.org.
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. 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.
Enjoy the sounds of disco at the Sandel Center, Friday, April 4, 6-10 p.m. Enjoy great music, food, wine and beer, raffle prizes and more. $75 per person. 50 South Park Ave., Rockville Centre. For more information or to buy tickets, call (516) 678-9350 or visit FOSSIRVC.com.
Visit Planting Fields
Arboretum for a delightful stroll among the early bloomers, as part of its First Fridays series, Friday, April 4, 1-2 p.m. Experience the enchanting spring colors at the Margaret Sullivan Heather Garden. Director of Horticulture Donna Moramarco guides visitors through the remarkable collection of azaleas, cherry blossom trees, magnolias, camellias, and more as you stroll the grounds to the recently restored garden. Discover the rich horticultural history of this stunning space, learn about the Coe family’s dedication to these vibrant flowers, and delve into the vision that the Olmsted Brothers had for this beloved site. $20. Registration required. 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay. Visit plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210 to register and for information.
Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to prticipatej 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.
The next Village of Rockville Centre board meeting will be held on Monday, April 7, 7 p.m., at Village Hall. 1 College Place.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BANKRUPTCY & COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
MICHAEL S AMATO
Partner Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P C
BUSINESS LITIGATION
JOSHUA M LIEBMAN
Partner
Rosenberg, Calica, Birney, Liebman & Ross, LLP
CIVIL LITIGATION
AMY E. BEDELL
Partner Lewis Johs Avallone Aviles, LLP
CONSTRUCTION & REAL ESTATE LITIGATION
NEIL P. DISKIN
Counsel Nixon Peabody LLP
CORPORATE
JOSEPH G. MILIZIO ESQ.
Managing Partner Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP
ASHLEY MISTRETTA
Counsel Nixon Peabody LLP
CHARLES SKOP
Shareholder Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P C
CRIMINAL DEFENSE
DANIEL W RUSSO, ESQ
Founder and President
Law Office of Daniel W. Russo Nassau County Bar Association
DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW
JACQUELINE HAROUNIAN, ESQ
Managing Partner Wisselman Harounian Family Law
JASON A ISAACSON
Partner
Sunshine Isaacson Hecht, LLP
DEBORAH A KELLY ESQ
Attorney Mejias, Milgrim, Alvarado & Lindo, EDUCATION
CYNTHIA A. AUGELLO
Managing Partner Augello Law Group
ELDER LAW & ESTATE PLANNING
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Owner and Principal Attorney D'Angelo Law Associates, P.C.
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MARJORIE MESIDOR
Founding Partner Mesidor PLLC
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Attorney Minevich Law Group, P C
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Principal Cataliotti Law PC
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Founding Member McDonough PLLC
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Courtesy John Madson
Wassenberg, 10, held her trophy after winning the Long Island Regional Free Throw championship on March 23.
St. Agnes Knights of Columbus Council 2548 Free Throw Champion Lily Wassenberg, 10, won the Long Island Regional Free Throw championship on March 23 at Holy Trinity High School. She scored 22 of 25 baskets to win the championship against the Suffolk champion.
Wassenberg will travel to the United States Military Academy at West Point on April 6 to compete against nine Regional champions to determine the New York State Knights of Columbus New York State Champion.
–John Madson
The downtown revitalization project along Front Street, between Village and Centre Avenues, began on Tuesday, March 25. The contractor confirmed that mobilization started on that date, with construction following shortly after.
According to a message from the village, the initial phase of work will take place beneath the railroad tracks, which means parking in the area will be limited. The project will involve improvements including the installation of concrete sidewalks, brick pavers, crosswalks and pavement restoration.
As a result of the construction, access to both the roadway and parking spaces in the affected area will be restricted. Work will proceed weather permitting, and any delays caused by weather or other factors will be communicated to the public promptly.
The Engineering Department urges residents and visitors to bear with them during this time and appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation. For more information or questions, contact the Engineering Department at (516) 678-9271.
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWMBS, INC., CHL MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH TRUST 2007-7 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-7, Pltf. vs. CHARLOTTE M. PARKER, et al Deft. Index #611609-2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered February 4, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the north side front steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 8, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a 77 Maple Avenue, Unit #202, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. The real property above described is a Unit shown on the Plans of a Condominium prepared and certified by Russell Lewis and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 18th day of December, 2006, as Map No. CA-228 defined in the Declaration of Condominium entitled The Berkshire Condominium made by Pulte Homes of New York, Inc. under Article 9-B of the New York Real Property Law dated the 30th day of November, 2006 and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 18th day of December, 2006 in Liber 12210 of Conveyances at Page 73. Situate and being a part of a Condominium in the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County and State of NY, known and designated as Residential Unit No. 202 together with 1/24th undivided interest in the Common Elements of the Condominium hereinafter described as the same is defined in the Declaration of the Condominium hereinafter referred to. Approximate amount of judgment is $574,803.62 plus cost and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. JUDGE SCOTT H. SILLER, Referee. HILL WALLACK LLP, Attys.
for Pltf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940, New York, NY. File No. 20292-2037#102153 152005 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NA, Plaintiff against DOMENICK H. MASOTTI A/K/A DOMINICK MASOTTI A/K/A DOMINICK M. MASOTTI, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800,Rochester, NY 14614. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 14, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 259 Morris Ave, Rockville Center, NY 11570. Sec 38 Block 265 Lot 16. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $686,254.39 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 606554/2022. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee File # SPSJN430 152174
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. TIMOTHY MARTIN FANNON, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE, OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET FANNON, DECEASED, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 15, 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 April 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 82 Tarence Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Rockville Centre, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 249 and Lot 128. Approximate amount of judgment is $837,163.81 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600649/2022. Michael Langer, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 152299
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notice to Bidders Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on APRIL 10, 2025 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: GMI CIRCUIT BREAKERS Bid No. 2503E2(1144) The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department.
All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at Lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than April 3, 2025. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.
Purchasing Department
Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 142456
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notice to Bidders
Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on APRIL 10, 2025 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for:
PURCHASE (one) 2025 FORD SUPER DUTY 4X4 CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCK Or Equivalent FOR POWER PLANT Bid No. 2503E1(1143) The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at Lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than April 3, 2025. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.
Purchasing Department
Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 152455
Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460
E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com
E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com
DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Help Wanted
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.
Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
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
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.
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.
CATHEDRAL GARDENS AREA Offices available at Professional Building in Hempstead near Garden City. Ideal for lawyers, accountants, architects, etc. Parking & signage. Potential for referrals. $650-$1200. Discounts for longer leases. 917-763-7313
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!
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PROFESSIONAL
small businesses are the backbone of Long Island, fueling local economies and creating jobs.
But despite their vital role in empowering Long Islanders and enhancing local main streets, small businesses are struggling. Countless mom-and-pop shops are still reeling from the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, and small-business owners are grappling with inflation and facing fierce competition from corporate giants with massive marketing budgets.
Last month I took a major step to support Long Island’s small-business community by introducing the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally, or LOCAL, Act in the State Senate. The LOCAL Act, which was also introduced in the Assembly by member Jen Luns-
ford, would establish a tax credit for small businesses to promote their goods, products and services in local media outlets, from print and digital to television and radio.
The goal of the LOCAL Act is simple yet powerful: to help small businesses stretch their marketing dollars while connecting with their most important audience, their neighbors.
iThe LOCAL Act would level the playing field for Long Island’s small businesses by making marketing more affordable. It would also support local news outlets, which provide the journalism our communities rely on but that are struggling to stay afloat. As advertising revenue shrinks, more newsrooms are being forced to cut staff or shut down altogether, leaving neighborhoods without the local reporting they count on. The LOCAL Act directly addresses this issue head-on by encouraging small businesses to invest in these news outlets, providing a mutually beneficial lifeline for economic
growth.
t would level the playing field for them by making marketing more affordable.
When small businesses thrive, so do their communities. The LOCAL Act would focus on supporting any business with 10 or fewer employees as well as minority-, woman- and veteran-owned businesses of any size. For many owners of these businesses, the ability to advertise affordably in trusted, community-driven platforms like local newspapers would be a gamechanger. Local media outlets are well positioned to connect businesses with their neighbors and loyal customers who are eager to shop locally and uplift their communities.
Small businesses do more than drive economic growth — they strengthen the neighborhoods they serve, sponsor local initiatives and reflect the cultural identity of their communities. For this reason, The LOCAL Act has already garnered strong support from business groups across Long Island and the state, including the Long Island Association,
the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business and the thousands of small businesses each organization represents, as well as the more than 200 newspapers that make up the Empire State Local News Coalition. This is a testament to the urgency and importance of this legislation.
The LOCAL Act is a clear benefit for all New Yorkers. It’s a chance to make sure every dollar invested in marketing can help Long Island foster a vibrant economic environment where small businesses can grow and communities can prosper.
State legislators have a real chance to invest in solutions that make a difference for businesses and local economies across New York this year. By working alongside the Long Island business and local news community to pass this transformative bill, we will empower small businesses, uplift local journalism and create stronger, more vibrant communities for generations to come.
Monica Martinez represents the 4th State Senate District.
The current threat of deportation for many of Long Island’s immigrants is unjust, unwise and cruel. Members of Pax Christi Long Island, representing the Catholic peace movement, urge our community to recognize the long tradition of Catholic social teaching that guides us to the command of Jesus in Matthew 25 that we “welcome the stranger.”
As a devout Jew, Jesus knew well the command of Leviticus 19:33-34: “When an alien resides with you in your land, do not mistreat such a one. You shall treat the alien who resides with you no different than the natives born among you …”
Catholic bishops:
Our belief in the dignity of the human person demands that we treat immigrants with respect and recognize their great contributions. But our nation imposes quotas and bureaucracies that make legal immigration overwhelmingly difficult, and brands those who flee their troubled homelands as “illegals.”
At this time, our nation seems to be both shunning and relying on immigrants. As a new surge of poisonous nativism creates fear among the immigrant communities, Pope Francis has spoken clearly in a letter to American
“I have followed closely the major crisis that is taking place in the United States with the initiation of a program of mass deportations. The rightly formed conscience cannot fail to make a critical judgment and express its disagreement with any measure that tacitly or explicitly identifies the illegal status of some migrants with criminality. At the same time, one must recognize the right of a nation to defend itself and keep communities safe from those who have committed violent or serious crimes while in the country or prior to arrival. That said, the act of deporting people who in many cases have left their own land for reasons of extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution or serious deterioration of the environment, damages the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families, and places them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness. . . . The true common good is promoted when society and government, with creativity and strict respect for the rights of all — as I have affirmed on numerous occasions — welcomes, protects, promotes and integrates the most fragile, unprotected and vulnerable.”
As Long Island residents, we have deep connections with the immigrant community. They are family members, friends, classmates, neighbors and coworkers. Our decades of experience show that most immigrants are hardworking and law-abiding. The Immigration Research Institute reports that immigrants account for 22 percent of Long Island’s economic output. Across New York state, undocumented immigrants contribute $1.1 billion in state and local taxes.
We value and respect local law enforcement officers. We remind them that enforcing federal policy on immigrants is the responsibility of the federal government. We urge local law enforcement to refrain from collaboration with federal immigration agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement, unless a person is detained because of a criminal act or has a criminal record. We also remind local law enforcement that:
ship have always been respected as places of refuge. No law enforcement agency should be allowed to violate those spaces without probable cause.
■ People reporting crimes should not be forced to prove their identity before they are helped. This is especially true in cases of domestic violence.
■ Minors should not be intimidated or questioned unnecessarily; rather, they should be protected.
Pax Christi Long Island stands with our immigrant community because it’s the right thing to do. We acknowledge their sizable contribution to the health and welfare of Long Island. We ask all Long Islanders to embrace and protect them nonviolently from injustice and abuse. We hope to remain true to our religious tradition and the universal standard of decency, by treating all people the way we would like to be treated.
■ No one can enter a private dwelling unless they have a warrant signed by a judge. An administrative order signed by ICE does not meet legal criteria for entering a private dwelling.
■ Hospitals, schools, and places of wor-
Pax Christi Long Island members Sister Mary Beth Moore and Sister Evelyn Lamoureux are Catholic nuns who have worked with immigrants for decades. Pax Christi Long Island can be contacted at catholic peaceli@gmail.com.
The systemic undermining, elimination and gutting of vital federal safety-net programs that tens of millions of Americans — including many Nassau County residents — rely on daily has been one of the most alarming aspects of the Trump administration’s first 100 days.
sCoTT M. DAVis
In Washington, efforts to eliminate the Department of Education, unravel programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, cut SNAP food assistance, curtail housing assistance, slash Veterans Administration funding and inhibit myriad anti-poverty initiatives have generated outrage across our nation.
The purported reasons for these actions? Efficiency, eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. But these actions are not the product of an informed, thoughtful and comprehensive plan. They are being implemented in an ill-conceived, reckless and irresponsible fashion, with no consideration of the ramifications and consequences.
The same is happening in Nassau County, where the vital matrix of safetynet county resources is being weakened
nby the actions of County Executive Bruce Blakeman and his administration.
On March 14, the Safe Center closed its doors. It had operated the county’s only domestic violence shelter, aided in child abuse prosecutions, maintained a crisis intervention hotline and supported survivors of rape, sexual assault and domestic violence.
nDespite months of rumblings that these vital services would be in jeopardy without an intervention, the county dropped the ball, and admitted its failure to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of care for some of our most vulnerable residents. Instead of taking responsibility, the administration has pointed fingers elsewhere and hidden behind vague and unsubstantiated allegations of mismanagement.
assau University Medical Center has become a political football.
year would be allocated. As of February — the third year of the plan — only $4.8 million had been spent. Contracts for services have languished in the approval process, or in the case of the Family and Children’s Association, been discontinued without a satisfactory explanation. There is no replacement provider in place to continue the vital services for those in recovery. FCA’s contract for senior citizen case management was also inexplicably terminated, resulting in 25 layoffs and the discontinuation of services for 600 Nassau County seniors.
Homeless Intervention Team, through which Adult Protective Services employees and Housing and Homeless Prevention personnel performed extensive street outreach services. The county administration disbanded this team and contracted with the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, which subsequently received less than half of the HIT team’s funding to provide similar services.
The county cuts persisted even though the coalition’s 2024 “point in time” count of unhoused people showed an increase of nearly 500, to 4,002 people — 1,396 of them under age 18.
We have witnessed a similarly disturbing lack of urgency and planning in the handling of the county’s opioid crisis. To date, Nassau has received nearly $100 million through financial settlements of numerous class-action lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, distributors and retailers. These proceeds are required to be put toward treatment, prevention and recovery programs.
In 2022, Blakeman announced a fouryear plan, through which $15 million per
Meanwhile, Blakeman continues to treat Nassau University Medical Center — an essential link in our regional health care network for economically vulnerable people — as nothing more than a political football. We cannot gamble with the future of a facility with a Level 1 trauma center, a state-of-the-art burn center and an in-demand drugdetox facility. Blakeman must set aside politics and make the effort to partner with New York state to keep NUMC open.
The pattern of disengagement emerges once again in the county administration’s response to unhoused people. In 2017, Nassau’s Office of Housing and Intergovernmental Affairs earmarked $325,000 for the Nassau County DSS
All the while, Nassau County’s Civil Service Commission — a merit-based vessel through which people can secure employment and uplift themselves through good-paying careers in public service — is rudderless. The commission has been without an executive director since June 2023, and the lack of leadership has greatly curtailed its capacity for outreach and engagement with people who could truly benefit from the opportunities that are available.
It’s often said that the strength of a society is best judged by the welfare of its most vulnerable citizens. By that standard, the current county administration is failing badly — and it matters little whether that’s a product of conscious choice, negligence or incompetence.
Scott M. Davis represents Nassau County’s 1st Legislative District.
ew York is one of only four states in the nation with an archaic law that stands in the way of prosecuting drugged drivers. It doesn’t permit drugged driving charges unless the drug is on a statutory list of controlled substances, no matter how impaired the driver is. Law enforcement officers must identify the drug before they can test the driver, and if it’s not on the list, they can’t charge the driver with DUI. As a result, drivers are sometimes not held accountable for endangering innocent lives.
It is vital that this law be changed to close this loophole, so that law enforcement can make our roads safer by charging drivers who are under the influence of any impairing drug. In 2023, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended that New York eliminate the restrictive controlled-substance list.
With new synthetic drugs continually emerging, relying on a list is futile — especially since some of the most devas-
tating vehicular accidents have involved individuals who were dangerously impaired by a mixture of drugs, making it difficult to precisely identify them. It’s important to note that when a driver is charged with DWI, the type of alcohol doesn’t need to be identified. It should be the same way with drugs.
I am a cosponsor of the Deadly Driving Bill (A.3981), I strongly advocate passing it right away, and I also support the governor’s drugged-driving budget proposal. It is paramount that we close this loophole in order to protect drivers and passengers across the state by getting dangerously impaired people off the road.
TAttorneys Association and more than 40 other organizations.
My heart breaks for families that have experienced the devastating loss of loved ones, and those who are caring for family members with traumatic injuries. They have courageously shared their stories about their daughters, sons, mothers and fathers, conveying their immense loss in an effort to ensure that no other families feels the pain they have suffered. It’s astonishing that opposition to this bill remains.
he Deadly Driving Bill would close a dangerous loophole in state law.
I commend the wide coalition of traffic safety advocates, public health organizations, criminal justice professionals, businesses and organizations that are working collaboratively to champion passage of this law. This has been a 17-yearlong mission for Maureen McCormick, special assistant district attorney for legislative initiatives in Suffolk County, as well as for a growing list of Long Island families that have lost loved ones, the Coalition to Protect New Yorkers from Drugged Driving, the state District
In some states, there have been false claims of arrests for coffee, aspirin, or food allergies or additives. I can understand the concern about ensuring that laws are enforced equitably, and not used to target people based on race, but five years of drugged-driving arrest data by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service revealed that roughly 70 to 75 percent of those arrested were white, 11 to 14 percent were Black and 9 to 11 percent were Hispanic.
Here are some illuminating statistics reported by Newsday:
■ About 41 percent of the 695 traffic fatalities in Suffolk County from 2019 to
2023 involved “substance-related” drivers, and about 35 percent in Nassau. Both counties are higher than the statewide rate of 31 percent. Nassau County’s traffic fatality rate, 4.8 deaths per 100,000 population, was slightly lower than the statewide average. The Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research defines “substance-related” crashes as involving alcohol, illegal drugs and/or prescription medication, as recorded in police crash reports, tickets, and alcohol test and/or drug tests.
■ In New York, there was a 24 percent increase in roadway fatalities between 2018 and 2022, a 15 percent increase in fatalities involving drivers who had been drinking, and a 35 percent increase in drug-related driving fatalities.
■ Between 2018 and 2022, the number of drivers refusing to take chemical tests doubled, from 11 to 22 percent. Drivers can refuse the test, unless a crash involves a serious injury or death.
■ Between 2013 and 2022, there was an 87 percent increase in the number of drivers involved in fatal crashes who tested positive for at least one drug on the Public Health Law list.
Established 1990
Incorporating The News & Owl of Rockville Centre 1928-2001
Kelsie RadzisKi
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2 Endo Boulevard
Phone: (516) 569-4000 Fax: (516) 569-4942
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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-
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-
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.
In addition, the proposed hundreds of billion of dollars in cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental
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.
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 low-wage 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.
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 problem-solvers 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 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.
ollege is as much about character development as it is about career prep.
ing 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. 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.
■ 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 capable of build-
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 well-being 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
To the editor:
Nassau County has received $95.5 million from New York state for opioid treatment and awareness, part of the opioid lawsuit settlement. of that amount, $39.5 million has been awarded. h owever, awarded does not mean spent. In reality, the county has only spent $3 million of that
$95.5 million.
Meanwhile, 210 residents died of overdoses in 2023. data for 2024 has not yet been released.
To make matters worse, County e xecutive Bruce Blakeman has been publicly highlighting the $39.5 million in awarded funds — an impressive figure on its face — while omitting the far less impressive $3 million that has actually been spent.
This lackadaisical approach to deploying lifesaving resources is not only negligent and callous, but also appears to be financially motivated. Since receiving the funds, Nassau County has accrued millions in interest from the unspent balance sitting idle on its books. What does it say about our county executive that he appears willing to gamble with lives for financial gain? Surely there are more ethical and effective ways to manage the county’s finances — ones that don’t come at the expense of public health.
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 care and education require a degree.
Framework by Tim Baker
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).
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