The Rockville Centre Tigers 9U baseball team won the 9U Kickoff to Spring Tournament for East Coast Youth Baseball. The team secured a victory in the championship game with a 6-1 win over the Dodgers Nation at Plainedge Park on Sunday, March 30.
By KElSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
The McDonald family of Rockville Centre is finally finding closure after nearly six years of heartache, after a guilty plea in the death of 18-year-old Caitlin Rose McDonald and the passage of a new state law aimed at improving boating safety.
As of Jan. 1, in accordance with Brianna’s Law, all operators of motorized vessels in New York state, regardless of age, are required to carry a state-approved boating safety certificate. Named for Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old girl from Deer Park who died in a boating accident in
2005, the law aims to improve boater safety and reduce accidents.
This comes as the McDonald family finally has a legal resolution after their own daughter’s death almost six years ago.
Caitlin died on July 14, 2019, of injuries she suffered in a personal watercraft accident. It was just two weeks before her 19th birthday.
According to a statement from the office of Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, McDonald was riding a personal watercraft in a tour group traveling in a single-file line in the vicinity of Middle Bay Channel, near Parsonage Cove and Baldwin Harbor, when Christopher
on page 24
By KElSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
A Rockville Centre family’s commitment to raising awareness and providing support for individuals on the autism spectrum has led to remarkable contributions to local organizations and scholarships for students.
WTony and Mary Lou Cancellieri started RVC Blue Speaks in 2017 when their grandson, Louis, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. With eight grandchildren and no previous experience with autism, the Cancellieris felt compelled to do something to help raise awareness and support those in their community affected by the condition. They founded the organization with the aim of promoting awareness and acceptance of autism and the goal of raising funds to benefit local initiatives.
lies and individuals on the spectrum,” Mary Lou said. “We wanted people to be aware of what life on the spectrum entails, and how everybody can chip in and help them and help the families.”
They hold a gala each year in April for Autism Awareness Month as their only fundraiser of the year. The goal they set for their first gala in 2017 was $10,000, but they ended up with over $60,000, which Tony said, “blew us away.”
e’re delighted at the outpouring of support that we’ve got from our community
ToNy CANCEllIERI Co-founder, RVC Blue Speaks
The family first donated the funds to Autism Speaks, one of the largest autism organizations at the time. However, they decided to focus their efforts more locally. They became an official nonprofit with a board of directors and began collaborating with local groups that directly support residents in Rockville Centre and beyond.
“Our primary focus when we started this group was to bring awareness and support to fami-
One of the first organizations RVC Blue Speaks partnered with was Adelphi University’s Bridges Program, which
Continued on page 12
Repair the Sea is a Tampa-based organization that aims to share the “spiritual wonders of water and the sea from a Jewish perspective.” The group’s hope is to promote interfaith harmony, cooperation and raise awareness to the threats facing the oceans.
The organization held its first prePassover Bedikat HaMayim on April 6, its International Jewish Waterfront Cleanup.
Tons of synagogues and temples across the world took part in the day, including Congregation B’nai SholomBeth David of Rockville Centre, Congregation Beth Tikvah of Wantagh and the Merrick Jewish Centre. People from several communities gathered at Town Park at Point Lookout to clean up the beach together.
“It’s a really exciting thing, because this is actually the first year that numerous communities are getting together in order to try to figure out how to better the world,” Rabbi Boaz Tomsky of B’nai Sholom-Beth David of Rockville Centre said. “We thought this would be a good opportunity, not just because of the holiday coming up, but also because we want to make sure that our children, families, our community, are able to go to a nice, clean beach.”
People gathered in the afternoon on April 6 at Town Park and cleaned up pounds and pounds of trash on the beach. Bags, food scraps, boards, sticks and other garbage was found and removed, clearing up the sand.
“This was initially spearheaded by the Merrick Jewish Centre,” Tomsky said. “We’re relating it to the holiday of Passover because, just like spring cleaning on Passover, we make sure that our houses are clean from any leaven or
bread. We thought this would be a good opportunity to search for things that need to be thrown away.”
This year’s Bedikat HaMayim cleanup was the second annual installation, and each year more synagogues and temples join the cause.
–Brendan Carpenter
On April 3, a student at Molloy University reported receiving unwanted and alarming text messages.
On April 2, a Hanover Place resident reported they were the victim of an online scam.
the country. Thank you for trusting me with your real estate needs. I look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals in 2025 and beyond.
On March 31, a motorist reported their vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which fled the scene, while parked on Merrick Road.
On April 2, a motorist reported their vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which fled the scene, while driving on Front Street.
On April 3, an employee of the SAIL House reported someone stole their cellphone from inside the house.
On April 2, a Clinton Avenue resident reported an unknown person withdrew funds from their EBT account without permission.
On April 3, a Locust Avenue resident reported they were the victim of an online scam.
On April 2, Kevin King, 26, of Ozone Park, was arrested and charged with Petit Larceny, Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest after an investigation on Burtis Avenue.
On April 6, Bryan Sundermier, 34, of Rockville Centre, was arrested and charged with Criminal Contempt, Criminal Mischief and Criminal Trespass after an investigation on Locust Avenue.
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.
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. 30 – Apr. 6
General Alarms – 12 Still Alarms – 2 Rescue – 2
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 47 Mutual Aid Fire – 4 Mutual Aid Rescue – 0 Mutual Aid Ambulance – 0
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 – 137 Still Alarms – 74 Rescue – 41
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 747
Mutual Aid Fire – 21
Mutual Aid Rescue – 0
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 3
Total – 1023
Wantagh Senior Lacrosse
IT HAS BEEN A HISTORIC run for Cerasi since last spring when she and classmate Riley Forthofer and the Warriors defeated Manhasset for the Nassau Class C girls’ lacrosse title. The pair went on to win county championships in soccer and basketball, making for a rare backto-back-to back. Cerasi earned All-County and Second Team All-Long Island in lacrosse in 2024 when she totaled 34 goals with 11 assists. She’s headed to James Madison.
Thursday, April 10
Baseball: Baldwin at Kennedy 5 p.m.
Baseball: Long Beach at Mepham
Baseball: Hewlett at Calhoun
Softball: West Hempstead at Hewlett
Boys Lacrosse: V.S. District at Freeport
Boys Lacrosse: Clarke at Baldwin
Girls Lacrosse: North Shore at Garden City
Friday, April 11
Baseball: Oceanside at Massapequa 5 p.m.
Baseball: V.S. North at Wantagh 5 p.m.
Baseball: Clarke at V.S. South 5
Baseball: West Hempstead at Uniondale
Softball: Lawrence at V.S. Central
Softball: Long Beach at Freeport
Softball: East Rockaway at Elmont 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Plainedge at Oceanside 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Farmingdale at Carey 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Calhoun at South Side 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Farmingdale at Massapequa 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Carey at Kennedy 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Clarke at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Wantagh at South Side 7 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Manhasset at Long Beach 7 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By BRIAN KACHARABA sports@liherald.com
The South Side softball team finds itself in a bit of a transition this season after losing its manager and some key players from last year’s 11-win playoff squad, but the Cyclones’ new coach believes there is still enough talent to make another postseason push.
After consecutive losses to start the season, the girls finally gave Angelica Gargiulo her first win as the South Side bench boss after obliterating Freeport 15-0 on April 1, one day after the Cyclones got run-ruled at Clarke by a similar 16-0 score. Junior Kaitlyn Ganly and senior Samantha Rodriguez each went 4-for-4 and junior infielder Clare McKenna added three hits and scored three times to lead South Side.
Sophomore pitcher Lily Iandiorio struck out 11 batters for the Cyclones, who have split their first two Conference VI matchups.
The roster has more inexperienced players on it than in recent years and Gargiulo is looking to use the early part of the schedule to devise an offensive and defensive formula that she can utilize more regularly as the season progresses. There are three seniors among the 21 girls, but one is questionable to play this season due to injury.
“Some coaches could say they have their solid nine that will play for them every day,” Gargiulo said. “I feel like I have a very rotating, versatile roster, universal players that I could put anywhere. I always tell them every day is a tryout because I only have three girls that are actual softball players.”
Ganly is 7-for-9 at the plate through the first three games and also had two hits and three RBIs in the Cyclones’ 12-6 season-opening loss to Baldwin on March 28. Gargiulo expects her to be one of the more consistent hitters on the team this spring and lauded her for her catching ability as well.
“She’s a good catcher, knows her game, communicative, calls the pitches and whenever she gets to the plate, there’s definitely a chance that ball is
Alanna Cassiano and the Cyclones are looking to follow up on an 11-win playoff season under new coach Angelica Gargiulo.
going over the fence,” she said.
Rodriguez, the team’s third baseman and cleanup hitter, is 5-for-10 with a pair of RBIs in the three games. McKenna is 4-for-10 from the leadoff spot and senior second baseman Katie Bee has collected two hits in two of the three games from the two-hole.
Iandiorio is the lone pitcher for now and has struck out 22 batters over 16 innings while also batting .429 on the season (3-for-7). She possesses a threepitch repertoire on the hill and rarely loses focus during games, according to
Gargiulo.
“She’s good,” she said. “Her and Ganly will do a great job leading us for sure. Lily is strong and really pushes through. She’s been pitching every game and closing every game for us.”
Freshmen Jillian Lods and Adriana Marquardt split the first base duties and each has produced three hits over the three games. That’s the same amount as junior center fielder Carly Sottovia and freshman Olivia Urrego, who needed just four at-bats to reach that level.
We don't do it for the attention. We don't do it for the recognition. We don't do it for the personal gain. And we certainly don't do it for the awards. We do it for you.
Catholic Health is the winner of Press Ganey’s 2025 HRO Foundation Award for exceptional reliability and patient safety.
At Catholic Health, we pursue the very best in health care for one reason only: you. Every single one of you that walks through our doors, every day. So, while we’re honored by this recognition, we also know there’s no finish line in health care. There’s always a new goal just over the horizon, and a new level of excellence for us to achieve for the health of Long Island.
Learn more at DedicatedtoBetter.org
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Happy Easter to you and your families in this Jubilee Year of Hope!
Our celebration of Easter rekindles our hope each year.
The Tomb is empty! Jesus is Risen!
A wealthy man and a member of the Sanhedrin, St. Joseph of Arimathea is one of those Gospel characters with a very brief but very important role.
Catholic Health’s St. Francis Heart Center has expanded with a new cardiovascular suite at the Ryan Medical Building on the Mercy Hospital campus. The center, known for its nationally ranked services, has been offering care to Mercy patients for years. This expansion consolidates multiple cardiology practices on the same floor for improved convenience.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for cardiac patients to consult with the best cardiologists on Long Island,” said Mercy Hospital President Joseph Manopella. “St. Francis Heart Center will now have four practices conveniently located on the same floor, including preventive cardiology, interventional cardiology, cardiac rehabilitation, and
cardiac surgery.”
The expansion also offers better accessibility with convenient parking and streamlined wayfinding for Rockville Centre patients.
Richard Shlofmitz, MD, Chairman of Cardiology at St. Francis, emphasized the collaboration with Mercy, which began with the addition of a Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Chest Pain Unit. “Now, our top cardiologists and dedicated teams have a unified base of operations to provide exceptional care to patients on Nassau’s south shore,” he said.
To schedule a consultation, call (866) MY-LI-DOC.
–Kelsie
In John 19:38-42, we see that after Jesus’ Crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea asks Pilate for permission to take away Our Lord’s Body. This was a bold and courageous act of faith from a man “seeking the Kingdom of God.” (Mark 15:43) Joseph and Nicodemus together place our Lord’s Body reverently in linen cloths prepared with myrth, aloes and spices: “Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, as the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.”
In his commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Fr. Simeon Leiva-Merikakis
gives tribute to Joseph of Arimathea. He writes: “And how can we fail to do homage to Joseph of Arimathea? In performing a very humane corporal work of mercy by seeking out and burying the corpse of his beloved Teacher, Joseph becomes for all time a living icon of the eternal Father himself, stooping with compassion to enfold within his throbbing breast the mangled body of his beloved, Son, whom he himself handed over to sinners out of love for mankind.
At long last, the Son of God on earth has fallen into the hands, not of a sinner, but of a just and compassionate man! Joseph of Arimathea enacts the justice and love of God himself.”
As we celebrate Easter Sunday, the Easter Octave, Divine Mercy Sunday and the Easter Season, let us remember and ask the intercession of the great Joseph of Arimathea who prepared the Tomb of Christ and the Body of Christ with such sensitive care and compassion, such faith, courage and reverence. The Tomb is Empty! He is Risen!
Sincerely in Christ, Most Reverend John O. Barres
Anthony ‘Tony’ Rugolo, left, was elected to be the Rockville Centre Fire Department’s new Chief of Department, Patrick Healy will be the First Assistant Chief and Brian O’Toole will be the Second Assistant Chief. They will assume their new roles at the end of April.
Parents of young children often overlook the need to plan for death or disability. Many believe they don’t have enough assets yet or that anything they have will automatically go to their spouse. However, every young parent needs basic documents – a Will, Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy –what we term a “Young Family Estate Plan” (YFEP), that formalize your wishes in a variety of unexpected circumstances. Without a YFEP, if one spouse dies, any assets that were in the husband’s or wife’s name alone will be subject to a court proceeding to name an “administrator” of the estate and New York law decides who gets which assets. The first $50,000 goes to the surviving spouse and the rest is divided 50% to the spouse and 50% to the children. The court will appoint a legal guardian to manage the money for them and then, ready or not, any remaining funds would be turned over at age 18. If your spouse becomes disabled, and
you don’t have a Power of Attorney for them, you must petition the court to be appointed as your spouse’s legal guardian to handle their affairs (such as selling or refinancing the house or drawing funds from their accounts). The court may decide against you as legal guardian and appoint someone else.
A YFEP also includes life insurance reviews and recommendations, so in the event your spouse dies you will have the financial resources to raise your children.
A YFEP (1) ensures that all of your spouse’s assets go to you and not half to your children if your spouse dies unexpectedly, (2) allows you to choose the legal guardian for your children, and at what age they will receive the unused assets, (3) avoids guardianship proceedings should your spouse have a disabling accident or illness, and (4) provides the financial wherewithal so that your children may continue to prosper and thrive.
The Rockville Centre Water Department will be conducting routine hydrant flushing starting Wednesday, April 23 and ending on Tuesday, April 29. Hydrant flushing is vital for the general maintenance of the village’s water services and is performed twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall. It ensures performance of fire hydrants for firefighting purposes, and quality water for residents and businesses.
According to the village, the flushing of the hydrants may cause some fluctuation of water pressure or discolored water to flow into homes and businesses. Residents are advised not to schedule projects that require clear water before or after the date assigned to their area. The water will be both chemically and bacteriologically safe to drink, though it may stain laundry. If tap water is discolored, it is recommended to run cold-water faucets for a short time until the water runs clear. Using more than one faucet allows the water to clear faster.
The schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, April 23
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Area of the Village lying North of DeMott Ave
Thursday, April 24
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Area of the Village lying between Lakeview and DeMott Ave, west of Long Beach Rd
Friday, April 25
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Area of the Village lying between Sunrise Hwy and DeMott Ave east of Long Beach Rd
Sunday, April 27 to Monday, April 28 Midnight to 8 a.m.
Entire area of the Village lying between Lakeview Ave and Sunrise Highway
Tuesday, April 29
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Entire area of the Village south of Sunrise Highway
By XIOMARA TRINIDAD PEREZ Herald Intern
The Center for Science Teaching and Learning will hold its annual Nature Festival from April 12-19. The festival will include various nature-based activities, including a Dino Easter Egg Hunt.
The festivities will begin on Saturday, April 12, and end on Saturday, April 19. However, no activities will be held on Wednesday, April 16, as the center will be closed that day.
The festival will offer a variety of exciting activities, including hands-on interactions with live animals, pond scooping, and guided hikes through the Tanglewood Preserve. Throughout these experiences, children will have the chance to learn about the diverse animals, insects, and other living organisms that share the preserve. Some of the animals they’ll encounter include turtles, snakes, goats, and emus.
Children will also have fun at several arts and crafts stations, where they can create leaf prints and make their own kites. Once crafted, the kites can be flown on the center’s expansive field.
director and founder, Ray Ann Havasy, said. “we want them to be aware of what they can do to plant in their gardens and their yards.
people appreciate nature.”
For the festival, the center will offer a special twist on the traditional Easter egg hunt—a thrilling Dino Egg Hunt.
for eggs among the center’s fascinating dinosaur exhibits. Taking place from April 17 to 19, the event will also feature a dinosaur-themed arts and crafts station. Visitors can explore the center’s Dinosaurs! and Live Animals exhibits, which showcase New York State’s largest permanent collection of robotic dinosaurs.
Located at 1450 Tanglewood Rd., the CSTL is a science and STEM educationfocused not-for-profit organization— with a mission of encouraging science learning and literacy. The Center offers programs for people of all ages and utilizes inquiry-based learning as its foundation for program development
“Our job at the Center for Science is to help people understand the world around them. And that’s what we hope this will do as well,” Havasy said.
The center opens its doors at 10 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. Admission is $12 for children ages 2-13, $15 for individuals 14 and older, and $12 for seniors 65 and up. Each ticket grants access to the exhibits, as well as participation in nature crafts and activities. Tickets must be purchased at the door.
“We want people to really love nature and appreciate nature.”
CSTL
“If you don’t appreciate [nature], you’re not going to want to save it,” she added. “So we hope the festival helps
The Dino Egg Hunt offers children of all ages a one-of-a-kind Easter egg hunt experience, where they can search
For more information on the event, please visit the organization’s website at CSTL.org.
By KELSIE RADZISKI
kradziski@liherald.com
Molloy University has appointed Joe Conefry as the new head coach of its men’s basketball program, Director of Athletics Susan Cassidy-Lyke announced. Conefry, who becomes the third head coach in program history, joins the Lions with more than two decades of coaching experience, including 19 years at Holy Trinity High School.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to build a program that the Molloy community will be proud of, both on and off the court,” Conefry said in the news release.
Conefry is replacing Charlie Marquart, who has been the head men’s basketball coach for over 30 years.
“I first want to personally express my appreciation to Coach Charlie Marquart for guiding our program for the past 31 years,” Cassidy-Lyke said in the release. “Charlie was extremely loyal, a true gentleman, and a mentor to so many of his student-athletes and made a tremendous impact on our department and men’s basketball program. While his presence on the bench will be missed, I am also extremely excited to usher in a new era with Coach Joe Conefry’s leadership.”
Conefry leaves Holy Trinity as the program’s alltime winningest coach, amassing 284 victories along with three Nassau Suffolk Catholic High School Athletic Association titles and a New York State Catholic High School Athletic Association championship. In addition to leading the boys’ varsity team, he oversaw the junior varsity and freshman programs, focusing on player development and recruitment.
Throughout his tenure, more than 50 of Conefry’s players advanced to collegiate basketball careers, including at the Division I level. His success earned him NSCHSAA Coach of the Year honors in 2013, 2015,
2019 and 2022, as well as Nassau Coach of the Year recognition from Newsday in 2014.
“I have watched Coach Conefry for the past 19 years and know that the combination of his passion of the game, his basketball IQ, his familiarity of our conference, and his knowledge of untapped talent, both local and beyond, will be the right formula for us moving forward,” Cassidy-Lyke said.
Conefry also brings nearly a decade of collegiate
coaching experience, having served as an assistant at Columbia University, United States Merchant Marine Academy, Rider University in New Jersey and Hofstra University. In those roles, he was heavily involved in recruiting, scouting and fundraising efforts.
As a player, Conefry was a two-year captain at Catholic University, where he led his team to an NCAA Tournament appearance and earned All-Conference honors.
provides support to students on the autism spectrum attending college. The program matches these students with graduate assistants or scholars who help them navigate the academic environment. The Cancellieris have since provided annual scholarships for students in the Bridges Program, and Tony said their contributions now exceed $100,000.
“It just helps them get through the college experience,” Tony said.
In addition to supporting Adelphi, the Cancellieris provide scholarships to students in local high schools. They partner with 10 high schools, including South Side High School, to give $1,000 to a senior in each school on the autism spectrum who demonstrates good character and promise, with the goal of encouraging them as they pursue their future endeavors. The school selects the student, and the couple presents the award at each school’s award ceremony.
RVC Blue Speaks also funds initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for people with autism. They funded a training program for the Rockville Centre Police Department that prepares officers to better assist individuals with autism and other invisible disabilities, making the department the first in New York State to earn a sensory-inclusive certification. The group has also sup -
tony and mary Lou Cancellieiri, co-founders of rVC Blue Speaks, started the organization to support and advocate for individuals with autism, and they are preparing for their annual Light it up Blue gala on april 26.
ported the Winters Center for Autism in West Babylon, which trains individuals for employment.
This year’s Light it Up Blue will be April 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Coral House in Baldwin. The event will honor Flag-
star Bank for its commitment to employing individuals on the spectrum, marking the first time they have recognized a corporate sponsor at the event. Through the efforts of the Cancellieris and their “supportive and multital-
■ One in 36 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
■ ASD is nearly four times more common in boys than in girls
■ ASD occurs in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups
ented” board of directors, Mary Lou said, RVC Blue Speaks has raised more than $750,000 through its organization, all of which has been distributed to support local autism programs, scholarships, and training centers. They hope to continue expanding outreach, and with the increased awareness around autism, they are optimistic about the future.
“Almost every family you talk to has somebody that they [know] on the spectrum,” Tony said. “We’re delighted at the outpouring of support that we’ve got from our community.”
For more information or to buy tickets to the Light it Up Blue Gala, visit RVCBlueSpeaks.org.
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
Steven Kent, an economist and financial expert with over 25 years of experience with Goldman Sachs, was recently named chief economist of the Long Island Association Research Institute.
The LIA is a nonprofit business organization advocating for the region’s economic vitality and overall business community. In his role, Kent will provide real-time economic insights that will allow business across Long Island to forecast for operational success and growth.
“Our mission will be enhanced with the addition of Dr. Steven Kent to the LIA team as the new Chief Economist of the LIA Research Institute,” Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, stated in a press release. “The LIA will be well-served by his extensive private-sector experience and the valuable data and analyses he will provide to our members at this pivotal inflection point for the future of Long Island, and indeed the entire country, as we navigate uncertain economic conditions and the existential crisis of affordability.”
Kent is a lifelong Long Island resident, having grown up in Islip before
attending Stony Brook University, where he became fascinated with economics and received a B.A. in the subject.
“I walked into SUNY Stony Brook and took a class with one of the best professors on campus, intro to economics, and it basically changed my life,” said Kent. “I like the analytic part, the mathematical part, and the social science part.”
Kent joined Goldman Sachs as a junior analyst after graduating, before leaving for another firm and pursuing an MBA at NYU’s Stern School of Business. Then he returned to Goldman Sachs, where he researched and oversaw investments in the global hospitality and leisure sector before he retired as managing director in 2016. Kent was named “best stock picker” eight times by the Wall Street Journal.
“I learned you had to know the companies, you had to understand the stocks, but I started to look at what was going on in the broader economy,” he said.
After retiring, Kent wanted to share what he learned in the industry. “I always wanted to help the next generation of business leaders,” he said. “My whole career, both academic and business, I have had lots and lots of mentors
who guided me, focused me, and helped me out along the way. I wanted to do the same.”
Kent, a Baldwin resident, guest lectured at several universities before becoming a professor of economics and finance at Molloy University. He also received a Ph.D. in hospitality management.
Being named LIA’s chief economist was “a little bit of a surprise,” he said.
Kent will continue teaching at Molloy while serving the LIA. As chief economist, he will share data-informed insights and explanations of the Island’s economy, helping business owners make informed decisions about their businesses.
Kent will be releasing a newsletter broadly reporting on the U.S., New York, and Long Island economies. He will focus on specific topics and develop special projects to uplift the local economy.
According to Kent, Long Island’s current economy is vibrant. “Our unemployment rate is lower than the rest of the country. Our economic activity continues to expand,” he said. “One of the advantages Long Island has is where we’re located, so we have access to transportation and access to great universities, and that facilitates a lot of
growth.”
He said he wants to “help to allow the Long Island economy to continue its robust trajectory.”
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Propel NY Energy project is a $3.26 billion initiative aimed at modernizing Long Island’s aging electric transmission system.
Why the project Is needed
New York’s electric transmission infrastructure is largely outdated — roughly 80 percent of it was built before 1980, at a time when energy needs were vastly different. With electric vehicles, heat pumps, data centers, and advanced digital technologies there will be a projected 50 to 90 percent increase in electricity demand over the next 20 years. Long Island’s grid, currently connected to the statewide network through only two points, is vulnerable to congestion and outages.
The existing grid faces significant congestion, akin to a crowded highway, which leads to inefficiencies and increased costs. Propel NY Energy is designed to add new transmission pathways that facilitate bidirectional power flow, enhancing both the reliability and resilience of the grid. This project prepares the region for a more robust and future-ready energy infrastructure.
Project scope and technical details
At the heart of the project is the construction of 90 miles of new underground transmission lines, including 66 miles in Nassau County. Additional segments will extend into Suffolk County, the Bronx and Westchester. Unlike surface lines, these cables will be installed underground using conventional trenching methods — typically 5 to 7 feet deep. In logistically challenging areas, advanced trenchless technologies such as horizontal directional drilling will be used. Propel NY Energy will add three new interconnec-
tion points. This enhancement will enable power to flow in multiple directions, relieving congestion and providing critical redundancy.
Propel NY Energy is exclusively focused on upgrading electric transmission infrastructure. It is not associated with battery storage systems or offshore wind projects, though the upgraded grid will support future renewable energy integration. Selected through a competitive solicitation process by the New York Independent System Operator from among 19 proposals by four developers, the project was chosen for its costeffectiveness and technical merits.
To reduce new environmental disruptions, most of
the project’s new lines will follow existing road corridors and disturbed areas. For segments crossing environmentally sensitive zones, such as the Long Island Sound, the team is applying sediment transport modeling and best management practices. When unavoidable impacts occur — particularly in wetlands — compensatory measures will be implemented by creating two to three acres of new wetlands for every acre affected.
The project is undergoing a review under New York’s Article Seven permitting process. This comprehensive environmental and socio-economic evaluation involves multiple state agencies. Anticipated approval is around July 2026.
Regular open houses and public meetings are planned to keep local communities informed and dispel misconceptions. The project prioritizes local union labor and contractors, ensuring that Nassau County and surrounding areas benefit from job opportunities. Any temporary disruptions will be addressed through detailed restoration plans.
The total investment for Propel NY Energy is capped at $3.26 billion, and is funded by ratepayers across the state. For the average residential customer, the project is expected to add roughly 6 cents per day to utility bills. Projected costs are expected to be offset by long-term savings, with enhanced grid efficiency estimated to save nearly $3.3 billion in congestionrelated costs over time.
Construction is slated to begin in mid-2026 and will continue for up to four years, with project completion anticipated by mid-2030. During construction, crews are expected to progress between 50 and 150 feet per day per.
For more on Propel, go to PropelNyEnergy.com.
ADDICTION REHABILITATION CENTER
Family & Children’s Association
Friends of Bridge, Inc.
Tempo Group Inc
ALLERGIST
Ilyse Raziano, NP, Heart and Health
Medical Massapequa
Marc Braunstein, MD, Five Towns Allergy
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Charred
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Singing and writing for over four decades, Pat Benatar has been inspiring her fans with hits including “We Belong “and “Love Is a Battlefield,” and new songs as well, performing alongside her husband and partner, Neil Giraldo. A multi-platinum artist who has had 15 U.S. Billboard Top 40 singles and a fourtime Grammy Award winner, Benatar is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, and even received the Key to Babylon from then Town Supervisor Steve Bellone. Benatar spoke with the Herald about what Lindenhurst still means to her, what continues to inspire her, and some exciting news.
Herald: What are your thoughts on having been inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame?
Benatar: It’s great. I’m still very attached to Lindenhurst. I’m still close friends with all of the girls I went to elementary school, junior high and high school with. We still see each other all the time. Every time we go back, I always try to go to Patsy’s to get a cannoli cookie and Italian Ice. I’m still attached to where I grew up. It was such a wonderful childhood, so being inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame was important and sweet.
Herald: You are not only a singer but a songwriter as well. What has inspired your writing over the years?
Benatar: It’s pretty organic. We don’t begin songs together, my husband and I. He’ll come up with a line or a melody and I’ll come up with a poem. I write all day, that’s all I do. So I’ll come up with a poem, which will become a chorus. Once we do begin the songs, we come together and write the songs together. Inspiration comes from everywhere, which is so fascinating to me, and probably the most seductive thing about what we do. Everything is still interesting, a mystery and exciting, because the world is just an amazing place — crazy and beautiful.
Herald: What has given you strength over the years to truly give your all at your live shows?
Benatar: I just love it. It has never changed for Neil or me. Live performance is still my favorite thing to do. The joy of actually being in a shared experience of performing is still the thing I love the most, that keeps me going, and it’s never old.
Herald: I’m sure you’ve had many career highlights. Are there a couple of moments that have stood out?
Benatar: There are so many moments. Sometimes they’re very small
— a little child will come up to the front of the stage and they hand you a flower. You’re always in awe of being blessed with something like this. I feel like my only job is to be a good steward of what I have.
The thing that stopped me in my tracks, though, I would have to say, was 9/11. We had to perform that night. The promoter begged us to perform. We begged him to please cancel the concert. We were just as distraught as everyone
else. The promoter said that people wanted to come, they wanted to be together. So we went out there and I just said to the audience that before we do this, I need to talk to you all first, because I don’t know how I’m going to do this and I may have to stop songs. The audience was sobbing. It was amazing. It was awful. They had bed sheets with God Bless America on them. This was one of the moments where you understand how important it is what you’re giving to each other in a performance. What they gave to me and what I hope I gave back to them at that moment is healing, it’s an embrace. That’s what it felt like. I felt like they were embracing us and we were embracing them. And songs like “Invincible,” were so powerful that night, it became like a rallying cry. I sang that song a billion times, but that night it was different.
Herald: Do you have any advice regarding resilience, overcoming odds and pursuing a dream, that you would like to share with our women readers in particular?
Benatar: Much has changed, and then much hasn’t changed, and someone is always ready to take it all back away from us. Everyone will push that limit, and you have to stand there like a warrior. Don’t think that you’re safe and everything is going to be OK, because every single day there’s someone challenging the position, trying to take away any strides we have made. I have two daughters, two granddaughters, and my whole thing is, you are unique and at the same time you are part of a collective, you are part of every female that went before you and every female that will go after you. Make it count!
Herald: And what do you have coming up in regard to new music, touring and projects?
Benatar: We’re going out on a spring tour and hitting all the places we didn’t hit last year. We’re looking forward to it. We’ll be pulling out a lot of new songs that haven’t been recorded yet. Neil and I also have a children’s book coming out, “My Grandma and Grandpa Rock.” It’s such unbelievable fun.
The one thing about art is it has so many forms. We have these three darling grandbabies. They are very precocious, and have seen us perform a few times, and they ask us all kinds of questions, so we thought it would be really fun to write them a book about why we do what we do and that people do all different kinds of things for jobs — some people are teachers and doctors, and these are people’s grandpas and grandmas too. It was joyous and fun, and it’s a very inclusive book. I really believe diversity is a superpower.
To learn more about “My Grandma and Grandpa Rock” or to pre-order a copy, visit read.sourcebooks.com/my-grandmaand-grandpa-rock-by-pat-benatar-andneil-giraldo. To find out more about Benatar and her upcoming tour, visit benatargiraldo.com.
Long Island Children’s Museum Theater Director
Jim Packard says goodbye to his role of a lifetime
By Danielle Schwab
There are 140 seats at the theater at Long Island Children’s Museum and Jim Packard has sat in almost every single one.
“There’s not a bad seat in the theater. Wherever you sit, you can see the whole stage, and you’re no more than five, six rows away from the stage, which is pretty special,” he says.
Packard has been instrumental in the growth of the museum’s theatrical programming from inception, since the theater’s construction in 2001. It all begin with a committee he didn’t know he was on, when he was asked to consult on the museum’s theater then in development.
Prior to joining the museum, Packard was involved with theater and event management in Manhattan, and has taught stage technology and design.
“I was asked by a friend on the LICM theater committee to look at the plans the architect had drawn up. Then that spring, they had listed me as ‘not present’ at a theater committee meeting,” Packard recalls.
“I said: ‘I didn’t know I was on this committee, but I’m happy to serve on it and to help out the museum in whatever way I can.’ They said: ‘That’s all right. The committee has dissolved at this point.’
“I asked: ‘Who’s watching out for the theater?’ And that’s when I got hired.”
From his first position — as Theater Coordinator to his final role as Director of Theater Programs — Packard has made his mark over these past 24 years.
His philosophy, in keeping with the museum’s mission, is to put the audience first.
“It always boils down to making sure that the audience is the one that you’re paying attention to, because there’s no point in doing theater without an audience,” he explains. The productions are carefully chosen with a strong focus on audience interaction, with many tying into exhibits and related events.
“Our dressing room door has a big sheet of brown paper on it, and every time the actors hear something fun or interesting coming from the audience, they will write it on that board, just to remind them to pay attention to what the audience is saying,” he adds.
There is sure to be plenty of audience response to the upcoming production of “Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play!” The beloved show, opening April 14, which involves the audience as a character in the story, is always popular with visitors. Adapted from Mo Willems’ best-selling children’s series, the hilarious duo of Elephant and Piggie gets tangled in all sorts of antics, learning the meaning of friendship along the way.
“Elephant and Piggie realize there’s an audience watching them, and then they talk and interact with the audience, invite them to sing along and be a part of the show,” Packard says.
With Packard’s retirement this month, the production
• Performances April 14-19, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800 for tickets
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
acts as a passing of the baton to new hands. Taking on the assignment are not one but two folks: Lisa Rudin as artistic director and Austin Costello as technical director.
It’s a full circle moment for both Rudin and Costello, who appeared as Elephant and Piggie in previous stagings of the production.
Costello, a distinguished puppeteer in his own right, has worked with the museum’s theater since 2015.
His love of puppetry started back as a kid in ‘90s, when he visited the museum and saw a puppet on display. His career led him to roles in children’s theater, including Sesame Street.
“The little lessons that we find along the way in our shows are the major takeaways that we get to share with families and especially with kids who might be having problems. It’s such an important thing to me to bring children up in a good way, and to help them understand the world around them,” Costello says.
“It’s wonderful to be able to carry on the legacy of Jim, who’s worked so hard for so many people, and who has taken a lot of time to take me under his wing and train me,” he adds.
Rudin also has a personal history with the museum.
“The first time I came to the theater here was when I brought my children in 2019. I was like, ‘what a beautiful theater this is.’ This is just perfect,” she says.
She has worn many theatrical hats throughout her career, including as an actor on Sesame Street Live and an education director for a children’s theater school.
Rudin and Costello will surely continue the theater’s aim to connect with children through imaginative and creative storytelling,
”Children learn empathy from watching characters on stage. They understand content and what happens in the story more from seeing it live,” Rudin says.
While Packard may be waving goodbye as director, his legacy remains rooted to the museum’s very foundation.
The seven-time Grammy nominee brings her extraordinary voice and artistic depth to the timeless music of Bob Dylan.The recent biopic “A Complete Unknown” brings Dylan to the forefront once again. Meanwhile Osborne has spent over 25 years captivating audiences with her fearless exploration of genres ranging from rock and blues to soul, gospel and country. Her journey with Dylan’s catalog began in 2016 with a series of “Dylanology” concerts. Her critically-acclaimed 2018 album, “Songs of Bob Dylan,” and her live performances showcase her ability to reimagine Dylan’s iconic works, highlighting the emotional resonance and poetic brilliance of his music. Osborne turns back the clock with her soulful reinterpretations that exude passion, emotion and energy. .
Friday, April 11, 8 p.m. $59, $55, $48, also special VIP package. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
“When I was 19-years-old, walking
“When I was 19-years-old, walking across my college theater’s auditorium, I thought I could do this every day for the rest of my life — and I got that opportunity,” he shares.
“It’s been one of the more wonderful
“It’s been one of the more wonderful experiences in life, in terms of just getting to do so much that makes so many people happy.”
Photos courtesy LICM
Top photo: Outgoing Director Jim Packard, center, and cast and crew of “Interstellar Cinderella” gather at the final performance.
Bottom photo: Elephant (Finn MacDevitt) and Piggie (Anneka Shepherd ) return to the museum’s stage in a production helmed by new Artistic Director Lisa Rudin.
Experience the magic of progressive rock legend Rick Wakeman when he brings his “Final Solo Tour” to Long Island. Renowned for his keyboard wizardry and captivating stage presence, Wakeman invites you on a journey through iconic Yes classics, unforgettable solo compositions and personal favorites. With a career spanning over five decades and album sales exceeding 50 million, Rick’s extraordinary contributions to music have earned him accolades, including a CBE from Queen Elizabeth II. This tour is a heartfelt farewell to his legendary one-man shows in the U.S., but his music will continue to inspire fans worldwide. Rick’s career is a testament to his versatility and enduring artistry. His live performances seamlessly blend masterful musicianship with humor and storytelling, creating an intimate and unforgettable experience.
Wednesday, April 16, 8 p.m. $75, $65, $55, $45, $35, $29.50. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’ Spring blooms with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. Before you know back on the beach, but Jimmy Kenny and his band come to the rescue, on the Paramount stage, Saturday, April 19, 8 p.m. Join in their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along.
The Long Island-based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/ acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios, lead guitar/ backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione, have been celebrating the beach country sounds of Buffett, Chesney and Zac Brown Band for over a decade, spreading their vibe up and down the Northeast coast. Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair. If you like your toes in the sand, wasting away with a margarita or a cold beer, then you’ll surely have a great time with the Jimmy Kenny Band. $35, $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Jazz at Lincoln Center brings its Webop Family Jazz Party’s “Swingin’ Nursery Rhymes and Lullabies” to the Long Island Children’s Museum theater, Sunday, April 13, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Get ready to hear classic nursery rhymes and lullabies like “Old McDonald,” “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “Wheels on the Bus” with a jazzy twist! Led by talented musicians and educators, little ones will be introduced to the magic of jazz while singing, dancing, and joining in on the fun. This family-friendly performance is sure to inspire future jazz lovers, so be sure to bring the whole crew for a toe-tapping, finger-snapping good time! $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Go to licm.org or call (516) 2245800 for more information.
The Village of Rockville Centre hosts its annual Spring egg hunt, Sunday, April 13, 9 a.m.- 11:15 a.m. Come out to hunt for eggs and celebrate the spring season! For more information, call (516) 678-9300.
Planting Fields Little Learners series continues with an Earth Day celebration, Friday, April 18, 10-11 a.m. Families will enjoy a heartwarming and fun-filled experience, with a reading of “Gifts from the Garbage Truck” by Andrew Larsen. Together, explore the importance of reusing, reducing, and recycling in a way that’s perfect for young minds. With an Earth-inspired craft project. For ages 2-5. $15 per child. 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay. Visit plantingfields. org or call (516) 922-9210 to register and for information.
Check out Centre Station for Live Vinyl’s variety of free rock and dance music that will party on throughout the night. Saturday, April 12, 8 p.m. For more information, visit CentreStationRVC.com.
Celebrate spring at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning’s Nature Festival, April 12-19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Step into spring, try out pond scooping, go on an insect hike, do some crafts and check out live animals. Activities are included with museum admission. 1450 Tanglewood Road. For more information, call (516) 764-0045 or visit cstl.org.
Russo Law Group hosts an Earth Day Shred event, Tuesday, April 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the firm’s offices in Garden City, Lido Beach. This is an opportunity to safely and securely dispose of sensitive documents while promoting environmental sustainability. All shredding is handled by Arrow Transfer & Storage, one of New York’s most trusted shredding companies known for security-conscious practices. Their process ensures the safe destruction of high security documents, protects against identity theft and financial breaches, and promotes sustainability by recycling all shredded materials.
Fraud awareness workshops are also offered, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Whether you’re decluttering old bills, outdated tax documents, or other sensitive paperwork, help positively impact the community and the environment. Free and open to all. For registration and more information, visit vjrussolaw. com. 100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd #102, Garden City; 250 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach.
Join the Rockville Centre Fire Department for a night of Margaritaville fun on Saturday, April 12 , 7-11:30 p.m., at St. Agnes Parish Center. With music by Jimmy & The Parrots, food and drinks from Craft Kitchen & Tap House and a tropical atmosphere. It will also honor Honorary Chief Bruce Schwarting, a Vietnam veteran and long-time RVCFD member. Tickets are $85 per person; all proceeds will benefit firefighter training and education programs. Guests are encouraged to dress in tropical attire for a fun night of music, food and fundraising. For more information, call (516) 6789254. 29 Quealy Place.
Spring Dog Festival
Get ready to wag those tails, at Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Bring your canine companions for a scenic stroll through grounds bursting spring’s first blooms. Browse a selection of local dog-friendly vendors offering unique products and services for your furry friends, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit oldwestburygardens.org.
Molloy University invites kids and their families to hunt for eggs and do fun Easter-themed crafts, Sunday, April 13, 10:30 a.m.noon. $5 per child. Public Square of Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. For more information, email studentaffairs@molloy.edu.
Having an event?
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.
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Bacon, Sausage, Scrambled Eggs, French Toast, Home Fried potatoes
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FlYNN’S
Palma’s Fountain Lightning speedboat approached them. Palma allegedly failed to follow navigation rules and recklessly sped toward the group.
Despite the presence of a number of boats and personal watercraft, Palma reportedly continued at an excessive speed, and his boat collided with McDonald’s watercraft.
McDonald’s father, Chris, and other nearby boaters quickly rushed to her aid, but neither they nor first responders could save her. She was later pronounced dead at Mount Sinai South Nassau’s emergency department in Long Beach.
“People will think of jet skiers as being like hot shots out there on the water and reckless and so forth,” Joanna McDonald, Caitlin’s mother, said. “But my daughter was on a tour, following all the rules in a straight line, doing the right thing.”
Palma, 51, pleaded guilty on March 24 in Nassau County District Court to Reckless Operation of a Vessel, waived his right to an appeal and was sentenced to a conditional discharge and a fine, according to the district attorney’s office.
“Finally, after this many years, it has come to fruition,” Joanna said. “He
finally accepted some responsibility, and as awful as it is, now the family has to move forward.”
Palma was arraigned in 2020 on charges including manslaughter, assault, criminally negligent homicide and reckless operation of a vessel, but Nassau Couty Judge Robert Bogle dismissed the indictment in 2021. The case was refiled shortly thereafter by Donnelly, and Palma was arraigned again in 2022 for manslaughter, assault, criminally negligent homicide and reckless operation.
At the sentencing hearing, both of Caitlin’s parents read impact statements that depicted how boating negligence and lack of safety on the water had altered their lives.
“Caitlin was smart, witty, sarcastic, sweet and always eager to help,” Chris McDonald read. “She knew who she was and, I believe, if her life had not been needlessly cut short, she would have done great things and made this world a better place.”
A 2018 graduate of South Side High School, Caitlin was set to begin her sophomore year at Loyola University in Maryland, where she had earned the Loyola Presidential Scholarship.
A talented trumpet player, Caitlin’s love for music was a defining part of
her life. She was a member of South Side High School’s Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble and Concert Orchestra, and participated in the orchestra for school musicals throughout high school.
She also earned the Girl Scouts Gold Award for her “Little Maestros” project, which introduced music to children in the community.
While Palma’s plea and the new law will help “close a chapter” on this part of the story, Joanna said, she feels there is still more to be done. She wants to play a part in initiating laws for water safety so no one else has to go through this. Brianna’s Law is a start, but there are more changes to be made.
“In the future, I would love to get more involved in strengthening laws and things that have to do with things on the water,” she said. “Things are just very different being on the water than they are on land.”
While the McDonalds continue to seek change to protect others on the water, they work to keep Caitlin’s memory and love of music alive through an annual scholarship in her name. They award a graduating senior at South Side High and an eighth-grader at South Side Middle School the scholarships, which they present each year at the district’s concerts.
age 18, in a boating accident. now, six years later, a guilty verdict was delivered and a new boating law has taken effect.
Anyone who is interested in donating to the Caitlin McDonald Memorial scholarship fund can visit TheNYTrust. DonorSupport.co./page/CaitlinRoseMcDonaldL497.
By IrIs WIener Correspondent
Lynne Taylor-Corbett, a legendary dancer, choreographer and director from Rockville Centre who died in January at 78, is honored and remembered by her son and collaborator Shaun. He looks back on growing up in Rockville Centre with the lessons his mother taught him.
“She lived her life as the embodiment of always looking to the next level of your evolution,” he said “She was always happy.”
Taylor-Corbett was a renowned, groundbreaking artist in many respects, as Shaun described. She was only the second white woman to dance with Alvin Ailey’s American Dance Theater, and went on to tour as part of the company’s Women’s Choreography Initiative.
Shaun feels that his mother’s genius began with her choreography. She created the unforgettable moves in the film “Footloose,” and was Tony-nominated twice for her direction and choreography of 2000’s Broadway musical “Swing!”
“What’s funny is that she was at an elite level with choreography, but she enjoyed talking about collaborations even more where she pulled from all of her skills to create neat projects,” he said. “’Swing!’ was huge on so many levels because she was groundbreaking for women as directors. The show was a point of pride for her because she was at
the helm not only as a choreographer, but also as director.”
Taylor-Corbett went on to choreograph six more musicals, including “Titanic,” as well as many Off-Broadway shows and several ballets for American Ballet Theater and New York City Ballet.
Most recently, she collaborated with Shaun on “Distant Thunder,” for which they co-wrote the book and co-produced it with Amas Musical Theater. She also directed the Off-Broadway musical about a child who is taken from his Blackfeet tribe and returns as an attorney with an agenda that throws the tribe into turmoil.
The project was inspired by Shaun’s decision at the age of 15 to learn more about his Indigenous background. Taylor-Corbett brought Shaun to Montana, where he was immersed in the Blackfeet culture. It took 13 years to finish the play, coming to completion in October 2024.
“’Distant Thunder’ was probably what brought her the most joy in her whole career,” he said. “It’s groundbreaking in bringing voice to the indigenous community in a Broadway style setting, combining pop with powwow music, all things she loves to do. She was proud of writing the book with me, proud of bringing me to the reservation when I was 15, and proud of working with me as her son, collaborator, and friend.”
Much of “Distant Thunder” was written at Taylor-Corbett’s home in Rockville
Centre, where Shaun was raised from the age of eight.
Shaun would later become a household face with a stint on the hit children’s TV show “Hi-5,” and eventually took the stage with the original cast of Lin Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights.” But throughout his career, he continued to build memories with his mother back home.
Whether she was doing local errands, going to The Village Framer or “visiting her friend Sudesh up the road at the gas station,” Taylor-Corbett loved the sense of community in Rockville Centre.
“She enjoyed the sense of people caring for one another and getting to know those individual businesses and people,” Shaun said. He remains living in the village and feels tied to it through all the memories.
“I think her lasting legacy is how much she cared and loved people, and she showed that in the process of working with them,” he said. “She would help them pull out the greatest parts of themselves and help them believe in what they can accomplish. There was never any limit on dreams.”
As Shaun looks to the future, in which he’ll continue to bring “Distant Thunder” to new audiences, he said, “I’ll always know what to do because of her.
“After she passed, I didn’t want to continue on. I wanted to question why I am here,” he continued. “My biggest motiva-
tion to accomplish anything in life was my mother. Because of that lesson of never giving up and always putting one foot in front of the other, just trying.”
Shaun said he will always value himself as an artist and as a person because of his mother.
“She taught me that I am at the same level as any of the greats out there,” he said. “
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By Stacey taylor Correspondent
The Sandel Senior Center in Rockville Centre was transformed into the ultimate “happy place” on April 4 as music, dancing and heartfelt community spirit filled the room. Neighbors and friends came out during Friends of Senior Services, Inc.’s annual fundraiser featuring the high-energy band Disco Unlimited.
The event honored Village Trustee Katie Conlon for her unwavering support of the center, and nearly everyone in attendance shared the same sentiment — the Sandel Center is a place of pure joy.
“This place means everything,” Conlon said. “I have to say, when I leave here, my face is often just a little sore from smiling. It’s truly humbling to be recognized by a place that brings so much joy and comfort to our community.”
FOSSI President Bruce Mirkin welcomed guests and spoke passionately about the importance of the center in the lives of Rockville Centre’s older adults. “This place is a blessing,” he said. “Everything you see tonight—from the furniture and flooring to the automated doors—was donated by FOSSI. The funds we raise tonight go directly to keeping the Sandel Center thriving.”
The center, affectionately called the “happy place” by members and officials alike, plays a vital role in the health, wellness, and happiness of its members.
Director Nancy Codispoti called the programs “unbeatable,” adding, “This is an incredible village, and we’re so grateful for the community’s ongoing support.”
Codispoti also shared that the center will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026, and emphasized that every dollar raised goes directly toward enhancing programs, transportation, and facilities.
Mayor Francis X. Murray opened the program by echoing the crowd’s senti -
ment: “Katie, thank you for all you do for the Sandel Center. This isn’t just the happiest place in Rockville Centre—it’s the happiest place in New York State.”
Fitness instructor Sheila ClarkHawkins, owner of Sohappy2fit, said she could feel the energy in the room.
“It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year, and the members love it,” she said.
“They truly appreciate when officials like Katie are honored.”
Longtime supporter Paul Conforti, whose 92-year-old mother once served on the board, called the center “phenomenal” and said, “The staff are incredible, and this place is a lifeline for so many.”
Sandel member Carolyn Raber added, “It’s wonderful to be out, social -
ize, and even connect with younger generations. It keeps us young—and it really is our happy place.”
Mirkin encouraged anyone curious about the center to see it for themselves.
“If someone’s unsure about senior centers, book a tour. It’ll open their mind to what’s possible.”
For more information or to support the center’s mission, visit FossiRVC.com.
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 NOTICE OF COMPLETION AND FILING OF ASSESSMENT ROLL
TAX NOTICE
The Assessor of the Village of Rockville Centre, New York has prepared the completed and verified assessment roll for the fiscal year beginning June 1, 2025.
A copy thereof will be filed on March 31, 2025 in the office of the Village Administrator. The final assessment roll may be seen and examined by any person during business hours from
8:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday at the Building Department, 110 Maple Avenue, and it will remain on file subject to inspection for a minimum of 15 days from the date of this notice.
Francis X. Murray, Mayor Kathy Baxley, Deputy Mayor Emilio Grillo, Trustee Katie Conlon, Trustee
Gregory P. Shaughnessy, Trustee
Thomas Domanico, Assessor
Dated: March 31, 2025 152869
LEGAL NOTICE ASSESSOR’S NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL THE ASSESSOR OF THE COUNTY OF NASSAU HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that he has completed the 2025/2026 final assessment roll, which will be used for the 2026 levy of Town and County Taxes in the Towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, and the City of Glen Cove and the City of Long Beach,
and for the 2025/2026 levy of school taxes in such Towns and in the City of Long Beach. A certified electronic copy of the roll was filed with the Department of Assessment on April 1, 2024. The electronic roll may be examined on public terminals located in the offices of: DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENT NASSAU COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING 240 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, FOURTH FLOOR MINEOLA, NY 11501 where the same will remain open for public inspection for fifteen days. Dated this 1st day of April 2025.
JOSEHA A. ADAMO Assessor, Nassau County 152810
Q. My neighbor loves animals, so much that they have constructed little houses for feral cats and stray dogs. Although I haven’t said anything because we have a tall fence, and I don’t have to look at the menagerie of wildlife — including many ducks, squirrels and raccoons that also eat the food scraps my neighbor puts out — I wonder if this is allowed, and now that they’re starting to build very large bird “hotels” that I can see, I’m thinking this is really getting to be too much. Do they need approval to attract all of these animals, a permit or something?
A. There are restrictions, such as section 152-8 of Town of Hempstead code, prohibiting dogs at large. You can check your municipality code regulations, online, by typing in the name of your municipality followed by “ecode360.” Many communities restrict the number of pets and the containment of pets, and have a restriction that pets can’t be constrained for more than two hours to a stationary object, like a post.
Stray dogs and cats are prohibited, even though many people take care of them. I wrote about this 25 years ago, and received hate mail for my insensitivity to these cats and dogs, even though I was quoting the ordinances, in addition to writing about how to keep strays from wandering into your yard. If the strays become a problem for you, there are regulations that your neighbor may be subject to.
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Birdhouses seem fairly innocent, and unless they’re built to an abundant size, like the “hotel” you describe, there are no limits. When there are a number of birdhouses, or they become large enough to fall under the regulation of treehouses and sheds, the regulations become relevant, and the construction of these “accessory structures” falls under the zoning codes. I’ve seen birdhouses with 25 units in them, which is large enough to make it necessary to regulate. It brings new meaning to Airbnb. I’m not sure if the local governments that placed prohibitions on renting out homes to transients also included the bird population, since most birds have no place to carry cash or a credit card, but it may be worth looking into in your spare time.
A call to either your local building inspector or to animal and wildlife control centers can confirm the handling of the animals, and whether your neighbor is creating a nuisance. The biggest concern may be health considerations, since some species may carry diseases that can be harmful to other species or to you. For example, raccoons, cats and squirrels are known to carry rabies, and an even more dangerous disease called toxoplasmosis. They endanger dogs in particularly, since these diseases cause ailments that can cripple or destroy their immune systems. Cats are also in danger, and the droppings from each of these animals may also cause sickness in humans, but to a lesser degree. You are not wrong to be concerned. Good luck!
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nassau County has enjoyed a lot of success during my time as county executive. Our residents have benefited from a notax-increase budget for three years straight, and I plan to deliver them a fourth. My administration cut $150 million in taxes planned by the previous administration. I hired over 300 new police and correctional officers to protect our streets. And the county was named the most desirable place to live in all of New York state by Niche magazine.
But our county now faces a crisis that threatens to halt our growth and impede our progress. I am deeply disappointed and frustrated that the 2025 Capital Plan was not passed by the County Legislature. The plan, which is vital for the continued development and safety of all of Nassau, has been blocked by Democratic legislators who have refused to give it their bipartisan support. It is disturbing to witness such a politically motivated decision when it directly jeopardizes the welfare of our residents.
The implications of not passing the Capital Plan extend far beyond politics. I am very concerned about delaying funding for important public-safety ini-
tiatives. I am proud to say that Nassau County holds the title as the safest county in America, but we risk throwing that away and undermining the systems designed to protect our families and neighborhoods without the funding and resources guaranteed by the plan.
Under the negotiated proposal blocked by Democratic legislators, the plan would provide tens of millions of dollars in funding to secure essential tools for police officers who put their lives on the line to protect us. Those investments include:
■ $1.14 million for bulletproof vests
■ $1.1 million for tasers
■ $105,000 for upgraded firearms
Fals vehicle.
We also negotiated a six-figure investment in the Fire Service Academy Master Plan so that our volunteer firefighters get the best training available. Setting back that training by not passing the Capital Plan would be an egregious mistake by our Democratic legislators.
ailing to secure
this
funding will hurt communities across the county.
■ $1.5 million for body cameras.
Support for our firefighters and emergency responders is also jeopardized while the Capital Plan stalls in the Legislature. For 2025 alone, we have millions of dollars budgeted for key items that include:
■ $3 million for new ambulances
■ $550,000 for new firefighting equipment and high-axle vehicles to save residents during floods
■ $500,000 to upgrade fire department communications system
■ $600,000 for a new hazardous-materi-
iOn top of spending on public safety, the Capital Plan also includes important initiatives aimed at improving the county’s infrastructure, including improvements that will improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. The hamlet of Elmont, for example, was scheduled to receive $2.7 million in traffic and pedestrian safety improvements that are now being blocked.
Another $1.5 million in similar improvements was slated for the Village of Lynbrook, at the five-way intersection at Hempstead Avenue.
Blocked.
We planned to spend $250,000 on traffic safety and pedestrian improvements for Merrick Road in Freeport.
Blocked.
You can see just how quickly the money adds up. Failing to secure this funding will hurt communities across the county if we don’t act now. We cannot afford indecision or crass political posturing when our taxpayers are relying on us. I am calling on our Democrat-
ic legislators to put aside politics and prioritize the well-being of Nassau County residents by passing the Capital Plan. It is time to focus on what truly matters — the safety and quality of life of our citizens.
I also urge county residents to make their voices heard. Contact your legislators, express your concerns, and advocate for the passage of the Capital Plan. Here is the contact information for the Democratic legislators who blocked the plan and put you at risk.
Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton
Phone: (516) 571-6211
Email: dderiggiwhitton@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Scott Davis
Phone: (516) 571-6201
Email: SDavis@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Olena Nicks
Phone: (516) 571-6202
Email: onicks@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Carrie Solages
Phone: (516) 571-6203
Email: csolages@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Seth Koslow
Phone: (516) 571-6205
Email: skoslow@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Debra Mulé
Phone: (516) 571-6206
Email: dmule@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Arnold Drucker Phone: (516) 571-6216
Email: adrucker@nassaucountyny.gov
Bruce Blakeman is Nassau County executive.
am 64 years old. I have lived a full life, raised a family, built a career and seen the world change in ways I never imagined. But when one of my favorite sports teams takes the field, I’m still a 12-year-old boy, heart pounding, stomach twisting, living and dying with every play or atbat.
A great touchdown catch or a clutch base hit still sends me into wild fist pumping. A botched play or a baffling coaching decision has me pacing the room, muttering in disbelief.
The baseball season just started, and I moaned about the Mets’ slow start in a sports text thread. One of my friends texted, “They’ve faced strong pitching.” I responded, “Aren’t they supposed to have a strong lineup and that Soto guy?” The same friend wrote: “It’s one week, calm down.”
When you’re a fan, calm isn’t your default state of mind. This isn’t a hobby — it’s a lifelong relationship. And like any deep, long-term commitment, it started early.
I still remember my first baseball game. I was 7, holding my father’s hand as we made our way through the crowded concourse of Yankee Stadium. Though I was a Mets fan, we went with family friends. The air smelled of hot dogs, beer and cigars.
s ports are a connection — to my childhood, to my dad, to my friends.
Two years later, I went to my first football game, also in Yankee Stadium. I’m a Giants fan, and on that October Sunday my dad and I watched Big Blue defeat the then St. Louis Cardinals. Sitting around us were football fans who held transistor radios to their ears so they’d know what penalty had been called and exactly where the ball was on the field. At the time, no planet-sized TV screen showed the previous play seconds after it ended.
Sports fandom isn’t just about watching games — it’s about the rituals, the
superstitions, the little things we do that make us feel like we’re part of something bigger. For me, it started with where I sat to watch at home. Every time my team was in the playoffs, I had to be in the same spot on the couch. Not just the same couch — the same spot on that couch.
Before the most recent two Super Bowls that the Giants played in (and won), I had to watch the movie “Friday Night Lights” two hours before game time. Was there any logical reason to believe that watching a film about high school football would influence the outcome of a Super Bowl? Of course not. But did I dare test my illogical theory by not watching it? Absolutely not. If you ask any true sports fan why they put themselves through the emotional rollercoaster of fandom, they’ll tell you the highs are worth the lows. And it’s true — when my team wins, when they pull off an improbable comeback or dominate their opponent, it’s
pure joy. The kind of joy that makes you jump up and down like a kid on his birthday.
But the lows? Oh, the lows hurt. A blown lead, a boneheaded play that costs the game, a gut-wrenching loss — they stay with you. You replay them in your head and commiserate about them with friends.
People who don’t follow sports don’t get it. They ask why I let a game played by people I’ve never met affect me so deeply. Or they ask whether I have a big bet on the game.
But it’s not just a game. It’s a connection — to my childhood, to my father, who took me to those first games, to my friends who have shared in the victories and defeats. It’s a constant in a world that constantly changes.
At 64, I’m not the same person I was at 12. But when my team takes the field, that kid inside me comes roaring back across the decades, full of hope, excitement and the unshakable belief that this time, maybe this time, we’ll win it all.
The sudden rise in deadly accidents on Long Island’s streets and highways is deeply alarming, and demands actions. Every seven minutes, a crash causing death, injury or significant property damage occurs on our roads. And our region currently leads the state in traffic fatalities: One in five deaths resulting from car crashes in New York happens on Long Island. The failure to secure our roads has led to thousands of lives being cut short, families tragically ripped apart and a terrible void left in too many of our communities.
I wrote to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, calling for immediate action to keep Long Islanders safe. In addition to a federal investigation into the surge of fatal crashes, I urged Duffy and the Department of Transportation to issue specific recommendations to
Congress on additional funding or authority that the department needs to improve our roadways and increase safety for drivers and pedestrians.
I’m fighting for a comprehensive roadway safety strategy to encourage safer driving and create safer roads. This means giving our law enforcement agencies the tools and resources to police aggressive and unsafe driving, investing in infrastructure that puts safety first and keeping impaired drivers off our roads.
We’ve lost far too many community members to fatal traffic accidents.
Unsafe driving has devastating consequences that we can and must prevent. Every day, our nation’s law enforcement officers work to prevent serious accidents on our roads. But strained budgets and workforce reductions have harmed their ability to conduct traffic stops and other forms of high-visibility traffic enforcement. Studies show that increasing high-visibility enforcement deters drivers from making reckless decisions that endanger others and makes our streets safer for all. Additionally, I’m calling for infra-
structure investments that prioritize safety, not speed. Area residents have long voiced safety concerns about the Southern State Parkway, Sunrise Highway and other routes, which account for a disproportionate share of roadway injuries and fatalities on Long Island. We should use proven safety countermeasures to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe on our roads, prevent roadway departures, and make intersections less deadly.
I’ll continue to advocate for these common-sense improvements. In Congress, I’m drafting legislation that incentivizes states and localities to build roundabouts, which make intersections safer. By introducing these measures into our infrastructure planning, we can significantly reduce roadway fatalities and injuries.
We must also take action to keep impaired drivers off the roads. Many road safety groups have endorsed lowering our drunken-driving limit to a blood alcohol content of .05 percent. There’s strong evidence that lowering this limit
reduces the number of crashes and saves lives: After Utah lowered its drunken-driving limit to .05 percent in 2018, fatal car crashes dropped by nearly 20 percent over the next calendar year. I support the push at the state level to bring this limit to New York, and I’m exploring federal options to make this the law of the land across the U.S.
We’ve lost far too many community members to fatal traffic accidents. It’s time for local, state and federal authorities to come together to improve our roadways and increase safety for drivers and pedestrians.
I’m proud to represent Long Island on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has authority over the nation’s highways and bridges. As Congress considers a new surface transit reauthorization bill this year, the committee will be a key player in negotiating this bill. I’ll continue to use my seat on T&I to advocate for our communities, make smart infrastructure investments and push for policies that keep drivers, passengers and pedestrians safe.
Laura A. Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.
Thus it came to pass, in the Land of Brooklyn, that Morris Brownstein knew Anna Brownstein, his second cousin, and they begat Hilda, Murray, Pearl and Zelda. Pearl, third in the family order, was my mother, and the only one who seemed to have entirely escaped the questionable legacy of having parents who were also blood relatives.
In the warm bosom of my mother’s nuclear family, accent on nuclear, Passover was a sacred time. Sacred not in a religious way, but in a culinary way. Grandma Annie and Grandpa Morris spared no effort in bringing to their four children an authentic holiday experience.
Perhaps the most cherished Brownstein family tradition was dining on homemade gefilte fish for the holiday. Let me digress. Gefilte fish (from the Yiddish word for “stuffed”) is an acquired taste. A cement-colored composite of various scaled fish, such as carp and pike and whitefish, mixed with
ground vegetables and matzo meal, it tastes like a fishy matzo ball. People eat it cold, with mouth-scorching horseradish to kill the taste.
When I say it is an acquired taste, I mean you had to be there at the beginning. Let’s see, it’s 5785 on the Hebrew calendar, so if you started eating gefilte fish two or three thousand years ago, you probably look forward to having it on the Seder table this year. You can’t just munch gefilte with no prior experience.
himself too thin.
Anyway, keeping the carp in the tub wasn’t without consequences for the Family Brownstein. First, since the carp was in the tub for some time, and there was only one bathtub, well, draw your own conclusions.
M y mother always wanted a kitten or a puppy, but learned to bond with a carp.
For her gefilte fish, Grandma Annie believed in going to the source, so she would buy a large, live carp and keep it in the bathtub for a week or two until it was time to ease it from its comfortable aquatic home into a grinder.
This was fish farming in its most primitive form. The business possibilities were not lost on young Murray, who was blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit. When he was 19, he considered buying up tens of thousands of bathtubs to raise carp. Unfortunately, at the time all his funds were tied up in a machine that made shoes out of sweet potatoes, and he didn’t want to spread
The second consequence of growing their own, so to speak, was that my mother, the most tenderhearted of the lot, immediately bonded with the carp. She had always longed for a kitten or a puppy, but her parents weren’t about to indulge her, so once a year she had what you might call a transitory experience in nurturing an animal. Granted, a carp isn’t much of a pet, but young Pearl had little else to call her own.
This was not what you would call a psychologically enlightened family. Since “Sesame Street” had not yet been created, Grandma would entertain her kids by taking them to the Canarsie slaughterhouse, where they would watch the chickens being killed. You can see why they didn’t worry much about young Pearl playing with the carp in the tub.
When the day came, a few days before Passover, Grandma was the designated
executioner. This was an interesting division of labor, since Grandpa Morris displayed distinct homicidal potential, having once chased a woman around a butcher shop with a knife after she insulted President Roosevelt. He was also enlisted in a civilian patrol, looking for submarines in Brooklyn, when he fell into a sidewalk hole and wasn’t found for days. But that’s another story.
Anyway, Grandma Annie, ignoring all pleas for clemency for the fish, would drain the tub and dispatch the carp with her cleaver. A day later, they set a beautiful table, and after a few prayers, devoured the fish, which lived on in its new incarnation — homemade gefilte fish swimming in its own aspic.
For dessert, Grandma made what came to be known as the Cake of Affliction, a 12-egg, foot-high sponge cake that, year after year, stuck to the pan, fell like a pancake instead of rising like a soufflé and broke our hearts.
Times pass, and so do people. Rituals change. This Passover, my husband is the only one at the table who will eat gefilte fish. The Cake of Affliction isn’t on the menu. At today’s egg prices, the family sponge cake has become a highrisk investment.
Copyright © 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
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as the winter chill fades and the warmth of spring sets in, April presents us with the perfect opportunity to step out of our homes and into our communities. It is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize the vital contributions of volunteers and encourage others to take part in acts of service. With the season’s longer days, there’s no better moment to embrace the spirit of giving, and making a difference.
Volunteering is more than just a noble act — it’s a powerful way to foster change, make personal connections and enhance our well-being. Whether you’re helping clean up a local park, mentoring a young student or lending a hand at a food bank, your contributions have a lasting impact. This month, let’s not only celebrate those who dedicate their time to service, but also join them in strengthening our communities.
National Volunteer Month highlights the invaluable role that volunteers play in shaping society. The best, most selfless volunteering isn’t confined to a single day or week; it’s an ongoing effort that promotes social responsibility, empathy and collective progress.
It also benefits the volunteer. Studies show that devoting time to helping others can reduce stress, combat loneliness and engender a sense of purpose. It helps people acquire new skills and build professional as well as social networks, and often opens doors to new career opportunities.
One of the best aspects of volunteering is its flexibility — there’s something for everyone. Whether you have a few hours to spare each month or can commit to a regular schedule, there are countless ways to contribute. Here are just a few examples:
■ Community cleanups: Help beautify
To the Editor:
American Red Cross, Long Island Chapter
195 Willis Ave. Mineola (516) 747-3500
RedCross.org/local/new-york
Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center 100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove (516) 571-8040
hmtcli.org
Island Harvest 126 Spagnoli Road, Melville (516) 294-8528 (631) 873-4775
IslandHarvest.org
Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation 3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh (631) 425-1884
LastHopeAnimalRescue.org
Long Island Cares 10 Davids Drive, Hauppauge (631) 582-3663 LiCares.org
United Way of Long Island 819 Grand Blvd., Deer Park (631) 940-3700 UnitedWayLi.org
your local parks, streets and other community spaces by picking up litter, powerwashing sidewalks or planting flowers.
■ Animal welfare: Volunteer at an animal shelter or foster a rescue pet. The need for volunteers at these facilities has
I very much appreciated Jordan Vallone’s recent op-ed, “Some thoughts on books, privilege and girlhood.” As a lifelong reader, I think life is so much more enjoyable having a good book to read. Books are, in many ways, our teachers. Vallone’s emphasis on the importance of books for young women dealing with this complex and stressful world is so relevant. As I look back on my teaching career, I think we should have had more literature from a woman’s point of view, focusing on the situations and problems they had to face.
And thanks to Jordan for her book suggestions. I feel I should read some literature from the perspective of young
never been greater.
■ Educational support: Tutor a student, chaperone a school field trip or help out in your local library.
■ Food assistance: Work at a food pantry or take part in a meal delivery program. Lots of community members lend a hand during the holiday season, but here, too, volunteers can find plenty to do all year round.
■ Health care and support services: Visit a nursing home, assist hospital staff, or support a mental health initiative.
■ Environmental advocacy: Take part in a tree-planting effort, a recycling program or a sustainability project.
April is also Global Volunteer Month, celebrating the many ways people and organizations support their neighbors and strengthen their communities around the world. Volunteer Recognition Day, April 20, will kick off National Volunteer Week, April 20-26, a weeklong celebration of the efforts of volunteers. There are numerous opportunities this month to take part in events, campaigns and initiatives that need and will welcome your help. It’s a time to take action, and inspire others to do the same. And by getting children and young adults involved, we can help instill a lifelong commitment to service and civic responsibility. Whether through school programs or community projects, we can encourage the next generation to embrace the values of kindness, empathy, and community involvement.
If you’ve been looking for a way to give back, let the month that symbolizes renewal and growth be the time you take that first step. Whether you join a oneday event or dedicate a few hours a week, your contribution matters. Step outside, lend a hand and experience the joy of making a difference.
the conversation surrounding the role of smartphones and internet-enabled devices in our schools has intensified, reaching the highest levels of state government. Gov. Kathy Hochul recently proposed a significant policy shift: restricting student access to these devices from bell to bell in New York’s public schools. This proposal stems from genuine concerns about student mental health, engagement, and the pervasive distractions of the digital world — concerns that we, as educators and community members in Rockville Centre, share deeply.
Much of this national dialogue gained significant momentum following the publication of Jonathan Haidt’s influential book, “The Anxious Generation.” Haidt compellingly argues that the shift from playbased childhoods to phone-based lives, particularly since the early 2010s, has contributed to alarming rises in anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges among young people. His research resonates with many educators and parents who witness firsthand
the challenges students face in navigating constant connectivity and the pressures of social media. The book has undeniably framed the problem effectively, prompting necessary discussions about how we can best support our children’s well-being and academic focus in the modern technological landscape.
Hochul’s proposal seeks to address these valid concerns head-on with a uniform, statewide approach. The intention — to foster more focused learning environments, encourage face-to-face interaction and reduce digital distractions — is certainly laudable. We appreciate the governor bringing attention to this critical issue and acknowledging the challenges presented by ubiquitous technology in schools.
adopted solution, further underscoring the value of community-specific deliberation.
a one-sizefits-all mandate from Albany may not be the best path forward.
Indeed, while we acknowledge the problem Haidt identifies and appreciate the governor’s focus, we believe that a one-size-fits-all mandate originating from Albany may not be the most effective path forward for every community, including our own here in Rockville Centre. Education has always thrived on the principle of local control, allowing individual districts, guided by their elected Boards of Education and informed by community input, to tailor policies that best meet the unique needs and values of their students and families. Indeed, we have already begun to solicit student feedback on this issue.
Education, deeply invested in the success and well-being of our students, works closely with administrators, teachers, parents and students themselves to craft policies that reflect our community’s specific context. We are confident in our collective ability to address the challenges posed by smartphones and internet-enabled devices in a nuanced and effective way, specific to Rockville Centre.
We trust our educators’ professionalism, our parents’ insights and our students’ perspectives to help us forge a path that balances the undeniable need for focus and well-being with the realities of the world our children are growing up in.
As this conversation unfolds across the nation, we observe a variety of approaches. While a few states, such as Florida and Indiana, have implemented statewide policies often restricting phone use during instructional time, many others are deliberately empowering local school districts — like California and Virginia — to study the issue and develop their own specific rules reflecting local needs. This highlights that there isn’t a single, universally
people growing up in 2025.
More power to her pride in being a woman, her seeing the importance of literature for young women and her having the talent to bring attention to women’s stories that deserve to be told and heard.
JIM HAWKINS
Baldwin
To the Editor:
Spreading propaganda is an evil tool used to create anger, hysteria, rage and jealousy among unthinking people. This method was successfully used in Nazi Germany in the 1930s. It encouraged book burning and Kristallnacht. It appears very similar to Tesla burning and mob protesting against Jewish students at Columbia University.
When children are young, they are taught to obey their parents, because they are the adults. In a mob mentality, people behave very similar to children, because they are also told what to do, and encouraged to engage in destructive, harmful, irrational behavior. When those who attack our American citizens are released and defended by judges, whose civil rights are violated? Can judges overrule the president of the United States?
We need strong leadership to prevent civil disobedience and violence, and more credit must be given to President Trump, who was given this arduous task by a clear majority. Why is there so much opposition?
PAT KING Merrick
To the Editor:
Just how much confidence can we have in a failed congressman, Anthony D’Esposito, whose brief tenure was marked by slavish obeisance to the grossly unqualified President Trump (before he returned to office), and who now, ironically, Trump has appointed inspector general for the Labor Department, which the administration is eviscerating, after Trump has dismissed independent inspectors-general in more than a dozen such agencies?
The answer is a resounding, Not a scintilla of trust!
More likely, like the multi-failed Kari Lake in Arizona, who lost races for both governor and senator but became Trump’s nemesis of the hugely successful Voice of America, D’Esposito is keeping a political profile for a return run for
I met with a group of our high school student government representatives to discuss the issue of Wi-Fi-enabled devices. Their feedback, while not a ringing endorsement of the policy, sought solutions to issues such as free periods, open-campus policies and afterschool activities.
Rockville Centre Union Free School District has a longstanding tradition of thoughtful deliberation and collaborative decision-making. Our Board of
We are committed to addressing the concerns raised by Haidt and acknowledged by Hochul. We will engage our community, examine the research, learn from best practices elsewhere, and task our dedicated Board of Education with developing thoughtful policies regarding student smartphone use. We believe this local approach, grounded in the specific needs and collaborative spirit of Rockville Centre, will ultimately serve our students far better than a top-down mandate. We are more than capable of designing a solution that works for our district.
Matthew Gaven is superintendent of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District.
elective office.
They, along with the current administration, belong not to a (Pete) Hegseth “meritocracy,” but together form the gang that couldn’t shoot straight: incompetent, ignorant, intol-
erant and dangerous to our liberal democratic republic. D’Esposito should be denied Senate confirmation.
