Seaford Herald 02-19-2026 by Richner Communications, Inc

Seaford School District

Seaford High School junior Jackson Pignataro prepared for his EKG with the help of Dr. Sandra Nurse and medical student Kieran Mannion during the Feb. 7 screening at Seaford Middle School.

Offer of no-charge heart screening at Seaford Middle School draws a crowd

By lUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

With the aim of leading healthier lives and possibly heading off medical problems, nearly 200 young people from Seaford and neighboring communities received comprehensive heart screenings at Seaford Middle School earlier this month through Heart Screen New York, a partnership among the Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation, the Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation and the school district.

Despite frigid weather, families turned out in large numbers to receive free cardiac screenings on Feb. 7. Participants ages 12 to 24 moved through a number of screening stations set up in the school gym. After filling out medical history forms, they were measured for height and weight and underwent blood pressure checks.

Medical professionals then administered electrocardiograms, or EKGs, which record the heart’s electrical activity, followed by heart sound analysis. District Superinten-

dent Adele Pecora described the day as a powerful example of the district’s community spirit at the Board of Education meeting three days later.

“Saturday was an example of the Viking effect in action,” Pecora said, referring to the district’s theme of emphasizing how small acts can have big impacts. “We still tested 198 students, and we identified two students that needed further testing, which is really the purpose of that.”

When concerns arose, cardiologists administered echocardiograms to create images of heart structure and function. Participants also learned cardiopulmonary resuscitation and how to use automated external defibrillators before receiving copies of their screening results to share with their own doctors.

The program, organized by Heart Screen New York, relies on volunteer cardiologists, nurses, medical students and CPR instructors.

More than 140 volunteers took part in the

Rabbi focuses on civil rights in new book

By lUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

When Rabbi Jeffrey Gale stood before his Wantagh congregation in September 2001, he was facing what he called an “extraordinary situation.”

“Happened, what, 25 years ago, and it was a, it was a, it was a peculiar time,” Gale, 72, said in an interview with the Herald, reflecting on leading Suburban Temple — now Temple B’nai Torah — in the days following the Sept. 11 attacks.

“I would like to define myself as an ordinary rabbi that was thrust into an extraordinary situation and had to respond.”

Gale served the Wantagh synagogue from 1998-2009. Like many Long Island communities, Wantagh was home to commuters who worked in Manhattan. In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, Gale and his staff scrambled to organize a memorial service to comfort a shaken congregation — before they even knew whether they had lost anyone.

“We had to have some kind of a memorial service,” he said. “The purpose again, was to comfort the congregation as best we possibly can.”

I would like to define myself as an ordinary rabbi that was thrust into an extraordinary situation and had to respond.

JEFFREY G AlE Former rabbi

They reached out to members, checked in with families whose loved ones had not come home, and gathered the community in prayer. The congregation lost one member in the Sept. 11 attack. Gale declined to share the individual’s name, citing confidentiality. In the wake of the tragedy, he led multiple memorial services, including one attended by roughly 1,000 people. Presiding over the burial after remains were recovered, Gale explained, was the most challenging task he had to undertake in his career as a rabbi. “That was by far the hardest thing that I ever did,” Gale added.

But his work extended beyond his synagogue walls. Gale coordinated interfaith services with local clergy, visited CoNtiNuED oN PaGE 11

Courtesy

Sixth graders deepen Holocaust education

By LUKE FEENEY

lfeeney@liherald.com

Seaford Middle School sixth graders deepened their understanding of Holocaust history this month through a visit from Donna Rosenblum, director of education for the Nassau County Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, who spoke with students Feb. 5 and 6 as part of the district’s ongoing Holocaust education program.

Rosenblum met with students in small group sessions, connecting classroom lessons to real-life experiences and emphasizing the importance of confronting hatred and intolerance. She said students arrived well prepared, having already studied background history and read literature introducing the Holocaust through stories of rescue and survival.

“They were very attentive, and they seemed to really grasp the material,” Rosenblum said in an interview with the Herald a few days later. “They had some really engaging questions, which is always great.”

Over the past two months, students read “Jacob’s Rescue,” a historical fiction novel by Malka Drucker and Michael Halperin based on the true story of a Christian family that hid three Jewish brothers during World War II. Students also completed research projects highlighting individuals who helped protect Jewish families during the Holocaust.

Rosenblum’s presentation built on those lessons, providing historical context and sharing testimony from Holocaust survivor Irving Roth, who emigrated to the United States in 1947 and later settled on Long Island. Roth, who frequently spoke to students about his experiences, died in 2021 at age 91.

The center works with districts both at its museum and in schools, Rosenblum explained, noting transportation costs often lead districts like Seaford to host programs on campus rather than traveling for museum visits.

Rosenblum said Holocaust education is intentionally introduced in stages, beginning in upper elementary grades with stories of rescue before expanding in middle and high school. She stressed that educators do not need graphic details to teach the subject effectively.

“You don’t have to traumatize students,” she said. “What we try to do is tell survivor stories so students can be empathetic and understand the path that hate leads you down.”

Each session concluded with a question-andanswer period, encouraging students to reflect on how lessons apply today. Rosenblum said the goal is to inspire students to think critically about their own actions and responsibilities.

Middle school Principal Raphael Morey said the

curriculum, developed by sixth-grade teachers, helps students understand the human impact of historical events.

“Students make connections by hearing real stories of survival. They develop empathy and learn how others demonstrated resilience while faced with the most difficult of challenges,” Morey said.

He thnks that studying difficult history remains essential to the students’ education.

“It’s important to learn about historical tragedies, so we can ensure that they don’t happen again, and work on ways of bettering our community,” Morey said.

Rosenblum said the work remains urgent, adding that Holocaust education continues to serve as “a lens through which we want to make a better world.”

Courtesy Seaford School District

Donna Rosenblum, director of education for the Nassau County Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center, spoke with Seaford Middle School sixth graders on Feb. 5 and 6, sharing lessons about the Holocaust and the personal story of a survivor.

Seaford Middle School sixth graders, from left, Ashley Montroni, Kaitlyn Whitten, Anton Elsner, Eliza Bevilacqua and Lucas Valencia have been reading the historical fiction novel Jacob’s Rescue as part of their Holocaust studies unit.

GOP state officials unveil affordability policy report

State Sen. Steve Rhoads joined Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference this week in unveiling “An Affordable New York,” a policy report and legislative package aimed at reducing the high cost of living across the state.

review of state rulemaking processes, requirements to offset new business regulations by repealing older ones, and the creation of a commission to identify unnecessary state rules. Lawmakers also proposed independent audits of state agencies and public authorities to uncover potential waste or misuse of funds.

Conference members said the report grew out of a series of roundtable discussions held in communities statewide, where lawmakers met with business owners, families, local officials and advocacy groups to identify the pressures driving what they described as New York’s affordability crisis. Participants cited rising taxes and regulations, energy and utility costs, childcare expenses, housing prices, insurance, transportation costs and grocery bills as compounding factors making it increasingly difficult for residents to remain in the state. “As President Reagan once said, ‘you can’t be for big government, big taxes and big bureaucracy and still be for the little guy.’ Kathy Hochul and Albany Democrats continue to pursue an agenda that punishes success and stifles economic growth with high taxes, over regulation and runaway spending –putting the American Dream out of reach for the average New Yorker” Rhoads said. “That’s why the Senate Republican Conference is offering a comprehensive package of legislation that will cut energy, housing and child care costs; slash regulations; make our communities more secure and deliver the largest personal income tax cut in the history of New York State. It’s an agenda focused on real affordability and solutions that will Save New York – by saving New Yorkers,”

To address rising household expenses, proposals include returning unused climate investment funds to ratepayers, temporarily suspending certain utility taxes and surcharges, and repealing fees that add to energy bills. Childcare affordability also figures prominently, with proposals to fully fund the Child Care Assistance Program, create a refundable $1,000 tax credit for families with newborns and allow temporary staffing flexibility at childcare centers during workforce shortages.

Among the central proposals is a restructuring of the state income tax system that would eliminate personal income tax on the first $50,000 earned by single filers and $100,000 for married couples filing jointly. Lawmakers estimate the change would deliver roughly $30 billion in tax relief over a decade. Additional proposals include exempting tips and overtime wages from state income tax and freezing property taxes for three years. The conference also called for reducing government regulations and spending through measures including a

Senate Republicans said additional elements of their broader “Save New York” agenda will be introduced in the coming weeks as lawmakers continue pushing measures intended to address affordability concerns statewide.

—Jordan Vallone

Courtesy Office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads State Sen. Steve Rhoads joined Senate Republicans to unveil ‘An Affordable New York’ policy report and legislative package.

Randi Shubin Dresner

Yolanda Robano-Gross

Screenings promote awareness of heart health

six-hour event, alongside Seaford administrators and staff members who donated their Saturday to assist families and manage logistics. The participating foundations have screened thousands of students and promoted heart health awareness.

The Dominic A. Murray 21 Foundation was founded in 2010 in honor of Murray, who suffered sudden cardiac arrest and died in 2009, and is run by his mother, Founder and President Melinda Murray-Nyack.

Karen Acompora, whose foundation honors her son, Louis, said that enthusiastic participation in such events reflects growing awareness of heart safety.

Louis Acompora died in 2000, at age 14, after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during a lacrosse game, his first for Northport High School.

“The strong community response reflects a growing awareness of the importance of proactive heart health screenings for young people,” Acompora said.

Sudden cardiac arrest in youth often occurs without warning, she noted, but can be prevented through screenings and access to lifesaving equipment. “Sudden cardiac arrest in young people is a silent threat, but it is not unbeatable,” Acompora said. “With awareness, proper screening and access to AEDs, lives can and will be saved.”

This was the second time the middle school hosted the screenings, though it hasn’t done so in about 15 years. Bringing the program back required months of planning and coordination, beginning with outreach from the Seaford Wellness Council, a volunteer-run organization of teachers, parents, business owners and civic leaders that promotes positive change through community programs and events.

“One of our members was the one that initiated the invitation to the school district,” Council President

“After the council thought it was a good idea, she asked if they would consider coming to the Seaford school district,” she added, referring to Heart Screen

New York and the two foundations.

Because the foundations can visit only a few schools annually, she explained, communities must request participation well in advance. “The organization only goes to, like, two or three schools a year, and schools need to petition to have them come,” Metzdorff-Rivera explained. “So we were really grateful.”

The Wellness Council supported the event’s volunteers by bringing sandwiches, salads and a lunch spread from Seaford Harbor Deli.

“The Wellness Council did an incredible lunch for everybody,” Pecora said.

The families that took part, Metzdorff-Rivera said, appreciated both the convenience and the potential benefits of the screenings.

Beyond the medical services, the event showcased Seaford’s sense of community, she added.

“Everybody thought that the staff and the volunteers were very friendly, and it was just really positive energy all around,” Metzdorff-Rivera said. “It really showed the values of our community coming together and doing something good and helping out.”

Seaford High sophomore Brock Conway, a member of the wrestling team, came with other squad members for a screening. Conway, a three-sport athlete, said he appreciated the opportunity. “It was well-organized. and I also learned CPR,” he said. “This is really great, and I’m glad I was able to come and get screened.”

The majority of the people screened were Seaford middle and high school students, according to Kevin Witt, the district’s director of physical education, health and athletics.

“This was a great opportunity to get the youngsters in our community a thorough heart examination,” Witt said. “This goes beyond a routine checkup.”

When’s the last time

your hearing checked?

Laura Metzdorff-Rivera said.

Courtesy Seaford School District

Seaford High junior Sarah ulzheimer was one of 198 participants between ages 12 and 24 to receive a free heart screening at the community event.

Students earn recognition for scientific research

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Two Wantagh High School juniors are earning recognition beyond the classroom for their scientific research, marking a milestone for the school’s growing Science Research Academy.

Lauren Furer and Charlotte Heron, both third-year students in the academy, have recently been honored by scientific organizations for their work and ambitions in the field.

Furer spent last summer working three days a week at the Zeigler Lab at Hunter College, where she assisted with research on attaching antibodies to radioactive metals to help diagnose and treat diseases, primarily cancer. The project was led by Zachary Samuels, a Ph.D. candidate, and culminated in a paper published in a Royal Society of Chemistry journal. Furer is listed as a co-author — the only high school student credited on the paper.

“It was really exciting and really cool to be exposed to a professional research environment,” Furer said. “I’m really grateful I got the opportunity to do something like that and I hope to go back this summer to work on another project.”

In addition to her lab work, Furer is conducting her own neuroscience

research through the Science Research Academy. Her project explores potential connections between depression, autism and the brain’s salience network. She plans to enter her research in next year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search.

Heron recently received a $300 award through the ninth annual New York Tech Mini-Research Grant program from the New York Institute of Technology. The grant will support her project, titled “Lettuce Settle This Debate: A Comparative Study of DIY Hydroponic Systems.”

Heron is comparing two do-it-yourself hydroponic systems — one that uses air stones to pump oxygen into the water and one that does not — to determine which method better supports lettuce growth. Her goal is to identify the most cost-effective solution. The grant will help her purchase materials, including large tubs, nutrient solutions and air stones.

“It’s exciting, but it was really unexpected,” Heron said of the grant. “It’s nice to know that I can continue to carry out my research with this extra support.”

The students are part of the academy’s first cohort, now in its third year, and work under the guidance of teacher Casey Clark in a state-of-the-art laboratory at the high school.

“We are incredibly proud as a district

Wantagh High School juniors Lauren Furer and Charlotte Heron are congratulated by Science Research Academy teacher Casey Clark, left, and Christine Gill, the Wantagh School District’s director of STEM for grades 6-12, on their recent accomplishments.

to see our Science Research students recognized beyond the walls of our school for their efforts and intellect,” Christine Gill, the district’s director of STEM for grades 6-12, said. “They are innovative, intelligent and determined students who will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the world.”

News brief

BOCES replacing fuel-powered buses with electric vehicles

Nassau BOCES has begun replacing fossil fuelpowered school buses with electric vehicles after securing state and federal funding to support the transition, marking a significant shift toward cleaner transportation for students across Nassau County.

The Nassau BOCES Transportation Office received a $145,000 Environmental Protection Agency grant through the Clean Bus Program, along with a $100,000 voucher from the New York State Bus Incentive Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. An additional $55,000 incentive helped fund installation of an electric charging station.

Officials said the transition supports both environmental goals and New York State requirements for school transportation fleets. State regulations require districts to gradually move away from emis-

sions-based vehicles, with all new school bus purchases required to be electric beginning in 2027 and all school bus fleets statewide transitioning to zeroemission vehicles by 2035.

Supporters of the transition say the move will help reduce emissions and improve air quality while also lowering long-term operating costs by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

“Transitioning to electric vehicles is an important operational change for our department,”

Denise Gillis, director of Nassau BOCES Business Services, said. “The grant supports our efforts to comply with the state’s EV requirements. The new buses are expected to reduce emissions and contribute to improved air quality on Long Island.”

Officials said the grant funding allowed Nassau BOCES to purchase its first electric bus at less than half the typical cost. In total, EPA funding covered

more than $300,000 in costs, helping the agency begin transitioning its fleet sooner than anticipated.

“Electric buses create a safer environment for our students,” Nakia Jackson, supervisor of Nassau BOCES Transportation Services, added. “EV buses are quieter, enabling our bus staff to pay better attention to the students and ensure a safe, wellmanaged ride for everyone on board.”

Nassau BOCES provides educational programs and shared services to school districts across the county, including career and technical education, special education, professional development and technology services, as well as transportation operations serving thousands of students each day.

More information about Nassau BOCES programs and services is available at nassauboces.org.

—Jordan Vallone

Courtesy Wantagh School District

What’s underground comes back around

Undoing the damage: the challenges of managing Long Island’s largest chemical spill

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN & JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO of the Herald Community Newspapers

Second installment in a series about water.

It’s impossible to discuss Long Island’s groundwater without addressing Northrop Grumman.

The Long Island aeronautics industry was a key asset to the United States armed forces in the last century, testing and manufacturing nearly 30,000 airplanes for the U.S. Navy starting in the 1930s, and later producing the lunar module for Apollo 11’s landing on the moon. For over 50 years, the Northrop Grumman Bethpage Facility and Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant Site was at the center of American defense and innovation — and one of the largest chemical contamination sites in New York.

According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the degreasing agent trichloroethene leaked from NWIRP’s plumbing and dumping sites into the Magothy Aquifer — which provides water to much of Nassau County — creating the Navy Grumman groundwater plume.

tions or captured in granulated carbon, preventing any future leaks.

The DEC’s 2019 Record of Decision was the first formal plan for cleaning up the site. Before then, there were around 10 extraction wells in the affected area. Since the ROD, the number of wells has risen to 26, supported by five watertreatment plants. The aggressive plan to stop the plume’s southward migration was motivated by the DEC’s zero-tolerance attitude toward chemical contamination, Pelton said.

“Groundwater exists in these voids between grains of sand and soils in what we call pore spaces,” Granzen explained. “Water moves in between those pore spaces. When the contaminants get mixed with the groundwater, that causes movement.”

RISING TIDES

“The water districts should not have to address this,” Pelton said. “That’s the primary driver here: removing the TCE from the aquifer system so that we’ve got a better drinking water source.”

The plume is a twomile-by-four-mile body of TCE with the potential to leach into Long Island’s South Shore waters and the Great South Bay, according to Jason Pelton, director of Remedial Bureau D in the DEC’s Division of Environmental Remediation.

“As plumes go, it’s probably the largest in New York state,” Pelton said. “It may be one of the largest in the country.”

Bethpage’s tarnished legacy

Shortly after the plume was identified in 1983, the DEC formed a partnership with both the responsible parties, the Navy and Northrop Grumman, to begin restoration efforts. The two groups operate extraction wells, large structures that siphon water out of the aquifer, filter out TCE, and send the water back underground by way of recharge basins.

“I’ve been very impressed with the Navy and Northrop Grumman’s ability to locate these wells precisely where they need to be, and to see the contaminant numbers that are coming out in these locations,” Kristin Granzen, DEC project manager for the U.S. Navy Bethpage site, said.

The joint cleanup effort processes about 10 million gallons of contaminated water per day, according to DEC documents provided to the Herald. The agency estimates that about 80 percent of the contamination — 276,000 pounds — has been removed from the Magothy Aquifer and destroyed in chemical reac-

The DEC’s goal is to reduce the aquifer’s TCE levels to 5 parts per billion, the groundwater safety standard, though much of the plume’s area is still over 50 ppb, according to DEC map data from May 2025.

“The fact that it’s predominantly TCE makes it a little bit easier,” Pelton added. “The challenge is the magnitude of the contamination … I would say maybe we’re pumping in the interior of the plume for 30 or 40 more years.”

Chemicals linger, at what cost?

While the cleanup continues, the plume’s public health effects have been a topic of endless discussion. Its cleanup is made possible by collaboration with local municipalities, home to the county’s hundreds of monitoring wells collecting data on groundwater. They are a strict quality-control measure assessing whether the water is safe to consume or to use in irrigation.

Kevin Reilly, who oversees the monitoring of the Massapequa Water District as its superintendent, told the Herald that if the chemicals posed no real health risks to the community, there would be no need for the decades-long cleanup effort. The district serves parts of Massapequa, Massapequa Park and North Massapaqua, all areas just south of Bethpage, where the plume originated.

After filtration, there are no risks to residents’ health, the DEC maintains. “I would say the overall health of the aquifer is healthy,” Pelton said. “It’s important that people know that their drinking water is really high quality, and it’s absolutely safe to drink that water.”

According to a chemical profile from the Agency for Toxic Substances and

Courtesy Department of Environmental Conservation this map shows the estimated extent of the navy grumman groundwater plume, which was first identifed in 1983, based on the most recent data from 2025.

Disease Registry, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TCE can be a carcinogen with high exposure, and the state Department of Health conducted an environmental health investigation in Bethpage, finalized in 2013, on whether long-term exposure to contamination from the sites had affected local cancer rates.

According to the department’s report, there was no correlation between the presence of TCE in the aquifer with cancer rates on Long Island. The most commonly diagnosed cancers in the areas affected by the plume were those typically seen most often in adults, and no single rare cancer type appeared more than once. Most diagnoses occurred at ages when cancer is generally most common. There was no indication that the cancers were linked to environmental findings.

The health department continues routine monitoring of drinking water and remediation efforts to protect public health as the cleanup progresses.

At the request of the Bethpage community, the department is revisiting the

2013 study, and its work is expected to be completed by the end of this year. In a written statement, the department told the Herald that the update cannot provide a direct link between cancer cases and environmental exposure, including the plume. Evaluations of environmental exposure can draw some health associations, but they cannot determine causality.

“There is no new threat to public health, and prior exposures have been addressed for more than a decade due to the efforts of New York State,” the statement read. “The Department is currently working on the study and upon completion of the report will announce findings and host a public meeting.”

The race against the spread

The state continues its effort to clean up the plume while keeping the affected communities informed. The DEC facilitates regular community meetings through its Community Participation Working Group, comprising elected officials, agencies, businesses and experts

LONG ISLAND’S WATER BLUEPRINT

Saga of Navy-Grumman plume continues

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

that meet on a quarterly basis. The group was established to foster dialogue, improve public understanding, and encourage discussion of the cleanup.

The DEC staff also provides regular project updates at Bethpage Community Council meetings, which are held at the Bethpage Public Library and open to the public.

According to the DEC’s January Groundwater Plume Cleanup Update, public water suppliers treat groundwater using established methods to contain regulated contaminants before they reach homes and businesses. Water is drawn from designated sources, treated to meet all federal and state drinking water standards, and distributed through a network of mains and storage tanks. Throughout the process, water quality is continuously monitored to ensure that it remains safe to drink.

The challenge is the magnitude of the contamination.

Jason PelTon Remedial bureau director, Department of Environmental Conservation

“We work really closely with the water districts in Nassau County,” Pelton said. “Every single day they provide high-quality drinking water that meets all of the New York State Department of Health drinking water requirements.”

The system relies on multiple safeguards to maintain high water quality and protect public health. This approach ensures that if standards are not met, suppliers notify customers and take corrective action, which can include temporarily taking wells out of service.

Negotiations among public water suppliers, the DEC, Northrop Grumman and the Navy have focused on funding the treatment systems used to maintain safe drinking water. The Bethpage Water District, for example, operates treatment systems that are considered among the most advanced in the nation, according to the DEC.

Though it is currently not affected, the Massapequa Water District is just outside the current spread of the plume. “We are not an active part of the cleanup yet,” Reilly said. “We monitor — there’s monitoring wells that we get the data from the Navy and their consultants and the DEC. But we don’t have any contamination in our wells from the Grumman Navy plume at this time.”

Common misconception has led many Long Island residents to believe the entirety of the South Shore has been impacted, which is not the case. Nonetheless, Reilly said, “The plume is migrating and flowing towards our district.”

He explained that while large-scale, permanent systems for treating the underground water are currently under construction, temporary systems have been installed along the leading edge of the plume. They operate on a smaller scale, but they are designed to be mobile, and can be relocated as needed to respond to changing conditions while the permanent treatment infrastructure is being completed.

“The water districts to the north of us are already treating their wells for the contaminants, and they’ve spent millions upon millions of dollars to get these treatment systems in place,” Reilly said. “We haven’t had to do that yet — we’re watching. We don’t want to have to do that, and we’re constantly involved in pushing to get these Navy treatment systems up and running, to treat the groundwater.”

Northrop Grumman did not respond to requests for comment.

the northrop Grumman rW-21 Area Groundwater extraction and treatment system processes water when it is pumped out of the aquifer, before sending it back underground.

Courtesy Northrop Grumman northrop Grumman was a major manufacturer in the aeronautics industry for the u.S. armed forces. Above, airplane parts in of one its factories.

study that shows local governments and corporations working together to protect communities. The plume’s development and spread also show that the consequences of a mistake can be challenging to deal with, and that decades of damage require as much or more time to repair. The DEC’s expertise, Northrop Grumman and the Navy’s willingness to take responsibility, and the help of local water districts, were essential in making the restoration effort possible.

The public can receive updates about the plume cleanup effort at the DEC’s Bethpage Community Council meetings at the Bethpage Public Library, the Navy’s semi-annual Resident Advisory Board meetings online at NAVFAC.Navy.Mil/Divisions/Environmental, and Northrop Grumman’s website, NorthropGrumman.com/Sustainability.

deCeX6 is an early exploration well designed to support the cleanup of the plume. the well, installed in the town of oyster Bay by the State department of environmental Conservation, awaits potential future use if needed.

Photos courtesy Department of Environmental Conservation

Alleged donation box theft arrested, charged

A 60-year-old man was arrested last Friday in connection with a series of thefts and attempted thefts at Catholic churches across Nassau County.

Nassau County police arrested William Hepworth during the afternoon of Feb. 13 after what it described as an extensive investigation into incidents at multiple religious institutions.

Hepworth damaged a donation box and removed cash from Maria Regina Roman Catholic Church on Jerusalem Avenue in Seaford last December, according to police. That same month, he allegedly removed a donation box containing cash from Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church on East Jamaica Avenue in Valley Stream.

Hepworth additionally allegedly failed to remove cash from a donation box at St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church on Bedford Avenue in Bellmore in January, according to police. Most recently, on Feb. 10, police said he damaged and removed a donation box at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church on Broadway in Carle Place.

Hepworth is charged with three counts of fourthdegree grand larceny, third- and fourth-degree criminal mischief, possession of burglar tools, tampering with physical evidence, petit larceny and attempted petit larceny.

He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at First District Court in Hempstead and is due back in court on Wednesday, after the Herald goes to print. The 60-year-old is represented by the Legal Aid Society of Nassau County, a nonprofit that provides free criminal, family court, and juvenile legal representation to individuals who are unable to afford an attorney, after a court determines they are financially eligible for the appointment of counsel.

Most recently, on Feb. 10, police said he damaged and removed a donation box at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church on Broadway in Carle Place.

— Luke Feeney

William HepWortH

Luke Feeney/Herald photos

William Hepworth, 60, was arrested last Friday after what it described as an extensive investigation into incidents at multiple religious institutions.

Hepworth additionally allegedly failed to remove cash from a donation box at St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church on Bedford Avenue in Bellmore in January, according to police.

He turned a crisis into a call for unity

classrooms to speak with children, and addressed rising Islamophobia in the months that followed.

“We had to do something interfaith, because 9/11 didn’t just affect the Jewish community. It affected everybody,” he said. Years later, those experiences — along with decades of civil rights advocacy and interfaith work — became woven into his trilogy of novels, including his most recent, “A Human Rights Odyssey.”

Gale recently discussed the book during a Martin Luther King Jr. weekend talk at Temple Beth Am of Merrick and Bellmore, drawing about 50 attendees despite inclement weather. Liz Gordon, co-president of Temple Beth Am, described the event as timely.

“He did a wonderful book discussion about this book that he wrote about civil rights,” Gordon said. “He’s a very good speaker.” The novel, which follows the fictional Rabbi Isaac Levin, draws from Gale’s real-life experiences — including his time in Wantagh after Sept. 11, his involvement in the Soviet Jewry movement in the 1980s, and later interfaith efforts in Washington Heights.

Howard Lev, a longtime congregant at Suburban Temple during Gale’s tenure there, said the themes transcend

religion. “It’s not about just being Jewish or being Christian or being anything,” Lev said. “It’s about we are one together, and how to work together.”

Lev recalled Gale’s efforts to bring high school students together with peers from a local mosque in the years after Sept. 11 — a reflection of the same human rights values explored in his writing.

“If you look at the news, 24/7, 365day cycle,” Lev said, “it’s always prevalent. … The books bring that forward.”

For Gale, the talk at Temple Beth Am — and an upcoming appearance at the Half Hollow Hills Community Library on March 11 — represent opportunities to continue conversations that began decades ago in Wantagh.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s influence permeates “A Human Rights Odyssey,” Gale said, from its civil rights-era references to its exploration of social justice.

“It’s very much a Martin Luther Kingtype of a novel,” he said.

Though now retired from pulpit service after leading three New York synagogues between 1988 and 2022, Gale sees his writing as a continuation of his rabbinical mission. The challenges may evolve, but the call to respond remains.

“I was thrust into the situation,” Gale said. “And basically, it was a matter of, can you Rabbi Gale jump to the pump?”

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Photos courtesy Jeffrey Gale

gale has spoken at several synagogues about his writing, most recently at temple Beth am of merrick and Bellmore over the martin Luther King day weekend.

rabbi Jeffrey gale, holding book, released “a Human rights odyssey” last may, which he described as a “martin Luther King type of a novel” about civil rights.

State Republicans rally around Blakeman

County executive, now the GOP nominee for governor, has plenty to say about Hochul at convention

By Chris ColuCCi, ABig Ail grieCo & AngelinA Zing Ariello of the Herald

After three days of official business, rallying the party faithful and nominating the state Republican slate, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman was front and center at the party’s convention in Garden City last week, and accepted the GOP’s nomination to be its gubernatorial candidate.

If elected, Blakeman would be only the second Long Islander to become governor, 127 years after Teddy Roosevelt did so, and the first Nassau County executive to hold the state’s top office.

Blakeman criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul and pledged to cut income taxes for middle-class families, reduce electricity bills by rolling back stateimposed fees and mandates, and redirect spending he said is being wasted to instead fund schools, infrastructure, hospitals and services for veterans.

“Taxes are soaring, electric bills and insurance premiums keep climbing out of control,” Blakeman said on Feb. 11, the third and final day of the convention. “Crime is rising. Businesses are leaving the state in record numbers. Families and seniors are being priced out of their homes. New York ranks dead last for economic development, and number 45 out of 50 states in the nation for affordability, and it’s all a direct result of Kathy Hochul’s failed policies.”

He vowed to oppose congestion pricing, protect Second Amendment rights and support law enforcement, including keeping violent offenders in prison and revisiting criminal justice policies such as cashless bail and parole standards.

“I will bring the experience, leadership and focus on public safety,” Blakeman said. “We will make you safer in your homes and your communities, and we will continue to fight for your families. I will be governor for all the people, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, abilities and lifestyles.”

Upstate Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood was introduced as Blakeman’s running mate, the candidate for lieutenant governor. Hood pledged to support Blakeman and help lead what he described as an effort to fix the state’s pressing problems. A third-term elected sheriff with more than 30 years of law enforcement service, Hood framed his candidacy around public safety and government accountability. He argued that the state has become less safe and more expensive under oneparty rule, criticizing bail laws, antipolice rhetoric and high taxes that he said have hurt communities and driven families and small businesses out of the state. Hood said that he and Blakeman would stand with law enforcement and crime victims, cut taxes, rein in state spending and work to make New York more affordable.

“That’s the kind of leadership that I’ll bring to the lieutenant governor’s office,” Hood said. “Bruce Blakeman and

the party’s nominee for governor, noted Gov. Kathy Hochul’s “failed policies” on Feb. 11.

I are running to restore common sense.”

Former Gov. George Pataki, New York’s last Republican governor, who served three terms, from 1995 to 2006, offered his support as well, making clear the party’s push to win back the governor’s office.

“I’ve known Bruce for decades,” Pataki said of Blakeman. “He is someone who loves this country and loves this state. He is someone who has dedicated his life to public service to make the lives of others better. And he hasn’t just tried. He has succeeded.”

Delegates also nominated Saritha Komatireddy, a former federal prosecutor, for attorney general, with 86.3 percent of the vote. She defeated Brooklyn attorney Khurram Dara. Komatireddy emphasized her experience prosecuting terrorism and public corruption, and pledged to focus on public safety.

“I’ve spent my life in public service and public safety,” she said. “New Yorkers are tired of seeing criminals released over and over again while families feel

the office.

unsafe in their own communities.”

The party’s nominee for comptroller, Joseph Hernandez, shared his family’s story of emigrating from Cuba after his father was a political prisoner. He criticized current Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and outlined plans to invest $1 billion in Israeli bonds and launch a proposed $10 billion “Empire Opportunity Fund.”

“I know a communist when I see a communist,” Hernandez said of DiNapoli. “My friends, he is a communist.”

Long Beach Republican Chairman Jim Moriarty pointed to Nassau County as a microcosm of the state.

“In Nassau County, the demographics and all other statistics mirrors the state of New York,” Moriarty said on the second day of the convention. “He’s got tremendous executive experience,” he added of Blakeman. “He’s shown he can win and attract bipartisan support. He’s going to be a tremendous candidate and a great governor.”

Along with Hochul, the Democratic

slate includes incumbents Attorney General Letitia James and DiNapoli, a native Long Islander. The lieutenant governor candidate is Adrienne Adams, the former speaker of the New York City Council.

Hochul received a boost in her campaign when current Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado suspended his campaign for governor, deciding not to challenge her in the Democratic primary.

Blakeman is expected to face a challenge in the Republican primary from Libertarian candidate Larry Sharpe. That election is June 23. The general election is on Nov. 3.

Despite Republican support inside the building, Democrats outside made their presence known on Feb. 11.

“We’re here to send a message to our Republicans over in the hotel across the street that we’re not going to stand for electing a man as governor of this state who’s going to kowtow to Donald Trump,” state Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs said.

Photos courtesy Brian Grogan

Saritha Komatireddy, a former federal prosecutor, is the GOP’s pick for attorney general.

Angelina Zingariello/Herald photos

State Republican Party members showed their support for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s gubernatorial run.

Blakeman,

George Pataki, the last Republican to serve as governor, joined the party’s push to win back

MARCH 13 • 10AM-12:30PM

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Ariel Borkowsky Farmingdale

Someone

Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald

Jarrod Murphy Rockville Centre, age 10 When

Tim Baker/Herald

Carson Giacopelli Lynbrook, age 18 A

Joe Mascaro Merrick

Maria DeLuca

Roksana Amid/Herald

Nominate a student under 18 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.

Submit a nomination of approximately 100 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?

Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.

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STEPPING OUT

Hoops, hijinks and history

By Andrew Coen

Acentury after the team’s founding, Harlem Globetrotters storied history comes alive when the latest iteration of the quickﬁngered hoops stars return here.

The Globetrotters bring their 100 Year Tour to Nassau Coliseum, on Feb. 21, giving fans a chance to see the team’s well-known acrobatic dunks, trick shots and long-range shots up close. This special appearance marks the ﬁrst time the iconic team — debuting their new 100 Year jerseys — has performed in the arena against longtime rivals, the Washington Generals, since 2017. From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, everyone will certainly feel the history, the joy, and those “wow” moments in true Globetrotters style.

What started with Curly, Meadowlark, Wilt, and Geese continues on today with Hammer, Torch, Bulldog, Cheese, Jet, Wham, Thunder, TNT — and so many more. Taking inspiration from the fun-loving and awe-inspiring players of the past, today’s Globetrotters stars are ready to wow you on the court and in the crowd

The team is full of a number of talented men and women basketball players who were for various

Harlem Globetrotters at 100

courtesy Harlem Globetrotters Andrew “Big Dog” Whitsett, right, a 7’1” forward/ﬁnisher, commands attention with his size and presence on the court.

Wild days in the Bronx

reasons counted out throughout their lives, according to Lucius “Too Tall” Winston, who has spent the last nine years with the Globetrotters. Winston, despite his nickname, only measures 5’11’’ and was told by a former coach at age 15 he was too short to play college or professional basketball.

“You have a ton of guys through our team that had to face adversity and that builds character,” he says. “I got a chance to see that coach a couple years ago after he saw me play and he said he wanted to apologize for what he said to me and I told him if he didn’t tell me those words at that age I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.”

The centennial season’s “5th Quarter” postgame session gives fans some special moments with players. and pursue their dreams — anything is possible with good

Chazz Palminteri is back on the Paramount stage with his electrifying solo performance of “A Bronx Tale,” the autobiographical one-man show that launched his remarkable career. Riveting and deeply personal, it draws on Palminteri’s bruising Bronx childhood, including the moment — at nine-years-old — when he witnessed a gangland killing that forever shaped his view of the world. Palminteri inhabits 18 vivid haracters, seamlessly shifting between friends, foes and family members to conjure an entire neighborhood with nothing but his voice, physicality and storytelling prowess. First written and performed in 1989, “A Bronx Tale” became a sensation, hailed as one of the most sought-after properties since “Rocky.” The original production paved the way for the acclaimed ﬁlm adaptation — directed by Robert De Niro — and later a hit Broadway musical.

Sunday, Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

• Feb. 21, 2 p.m.

Winston is as fanatical about basketball today as he was as a young player in his hometown of Russellville, Ala. His love of the sport has crossed from player to coach to motivational speaker. Winston dedicates his personal time to organizations that shine a light on the sport with emphasis on leadership, team work and focus. True joy for him comes with motivating kids to get out of their comfort zone and pursue their dreams — anything is possible with good character, good grades and hard work.

• Tickets range from $50-$200; available at ticketmaster.com and harlemglobetrotters.com

The Globetrotters have revolutionized the sport of basketball throughout its 100-year history, including popularizing the slam dunk The team’s roster includes Zeus McClurkin, who set a record for the most dunks in a minute with 16 in 2016.

• Nassau Coliseum, Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale

Guard Lucius “Too Tall” Winston’s favorite trick is the 2 Ball Spin. He holds eight Guinness World Records, including Most Figure Eight Dribbles in One Minute (2020 and Most Three Point Shots Made By a Pair in One Minute (2020).

In addition to the Globetrotters’ famed high-ﬂying dunks, the number of longdistance shots are always a thrill.The Globetrotters famously introduced a 4-point shot in 201, 30 feet from the basket, which is seven feet longer than the NBA’s three-point line.

Winston, who played college basketball at Tuskegee University, relates that interaction with the fans is what makes attending a Globetrotter game particularly unique. Among the signature moments, the team holds a free postgame autograph session. And during the game those in the crowd are frequently called down to the court to participate in stunts. Everyone can also take part in premium options that enable pregame access to meet players along with joining the team for warmups on the court.

“You get to see guys that can play the game at a high level who can jump out of the gym and shoot the ball extremely well and you’ll also see plenty of entertainment as well,” Winston says. “It’s a high quality game from start to ﬁnish and then at the end fans are allowed to come down courtside and get autographs and take pictures with us.”

McClurkin, who set a record for the most dunks in a minute courtside and get autographs and take pictures with us.”

future Hall of Famers like Wilt Chamberlain and Connie Hawkins; or Curly Neal and Meadowlark

International icons, the Globetrotters are considered “ambassadors” of the game, beloved the world over for their special brand athleticism that combines the skills and foundations of basketball with a uniquely theatrical ﬂare. From breaking the NBA color barrier with alums like Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton signing a pro contract as a member of the New York Knicks or courting future Hall of Famers like Wilt Chamberlain and Connie Hawkins; or Curly Neal and Meadowlark Lemon dazzling sellout crowds; to ushering women into professional basketball; to the current group, the Globetrotters’ reach and impact attract attention.

Tilles Center Atrium becomes an intimate lounge to showcase exciting up-and-coming jazz talent Sarah Hanahan, presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center. The dynamic, soulful alto saxophonist is swiftly emerging as one of the most compelling new voices in jazz. A graduate of both the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz and The Juilliard School, she blends deeprooted swing and bebop traditions with a bold, modern intensitySince stepping onto the scene, Hanahan has performed with an extraordinary range of jazz luminaries. =Her commanding tone, technical mastery, and melodic imagination have taken her to major stages across the U.S. and abroad, with regular appearances at premier New York City venues. Whether fronting her own quartet or collaborating with some of the music’s most revered artists, Hanahan plays with passion, precision and an unwavering commitment to the ever-evolving art of jazz.

The current team of elite men and women, holders of an unprecedented 60+ Guinness World Records, including 18 set just last year — the most of any team in any sport — bring a fresh look of gravity-defying dunks and game-changing tricks against their renowned rivals in this special centennial season.

Thursday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Sarah Hanahan

Photos

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

‘The Wedding Singer’ Molloy University’s CAP21 Musical Theatre students stages the musical comedy based on the iconic film. The show will have you partying like it’s 1985! Travel back to the outrageous 1980s, when hair was huge, neon ruled fashion and everything MTV was “like, totally tubular.” Based on the mega-hit Adam Sandler movie, this Broadway romance about a heartbroken rock star wannabe finding love again is jampacked with big laughs, dazzling dance numbers, and a score as bold and electric as the decade itself. From popped collars to power ballads, “The Wedding Singer” is a nostalgic, feel-good celebration of love, friendship, and all things ‘80s.

• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 8 p.m.; also Feb. 21, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Feb 22, 3 p.m.

• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

Family theater

Long Island Children’s Museum stages “Pete the Cat,” the charming musical based on the book series by Kimberly and James Dean. Life is certainly an adventure for Pete, no matter where he winds up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.: also Feb. 25-26

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

FEB

AARP Tax Prep

The Wantagh Library is once again hosting IRS-Certified AARP Tax-Aide Foundation tax preparers available for assistance. This program is aimed at low to moderate income taxpayers with simple tax returns that can be prepared in less than one hour. Taxpayers with complicated tax returns (more than 12 documents) or out-ofscope subjects will be advised to seek professional tax preparation assistance as will those with incomes exceeding $100,000.

FEB

“Don’t stop believin’…

• Time: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

mar

Metropolitan Klezmer

1

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes Metropolitan Klezmer to its stage. The band brings eclectic exuberance to Yiddish musical genres from all over the map. Performing vibrant versions of lesser-known gems from wedding dance, trance, folk, swing and tango styles, as well as soundtrack material from vintage Yiddish films, they re-invent tradition with both irreverence and respect. Sing and dance along with us at this interactive family concert! $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 theater only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Art Perspectives

Taxpayers must bring Social Security Cards for everyone listed on the tax return (this includes any dependents), valid photo ID, last year’s tax return and all taxrelated documents.

• Where: 3285 Park Ave.

• Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., through April 7

• Contact: wantaghlibrary.org or call (516) 221-1200

Seaford BOE meets Seaford Board of Education holds its next meeting.

FEB

Game time

Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.

• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Noon-4 p.m.

• Contact: mahjonggCBT@yahoo. com or (516) 785-2445

‘Brown Bag’ Art Chat

• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.

Voyage rocks on with another dynamic tribute to Journey. The popular band takes everyone back to the ‘80s when Journey’s timeless music ruled the airwaves. Hailed by fans and critics alike, the band performs the music with chilling accuracy. Voyage is celebrated for their uncanny ability to recreate the legendary sound, energy and passion of one of rock’s greatest bands. With their blistering guitar solos, lush keyboard arrangements, electrifying stage presence, and stunning harmonies, the band has earned a reputation as the ultimate homage to Journey’s timeless music. Fronted by vocalist Pedro Espada, whose range and tone is acclaimed as rivaling the iconic Steve Perry, he’s backed by a lineup of world-class musicians — Robby Hoffman, Greg Smith, Lance Millard, and Dana Spellman — who bring every note to life with precision and heart. Voyage doesn’t just perform Journey’s greatest hits, they transport audiences back to the height of arena rock glory. From the soaring ballads of “Faithfully” and “Open Arms” to the anthemic energy of “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Separate Ways,” every performance is a journey through the soundtrack of a generation. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the magic of Journey for the first time, Voyage promises a night of unforgettable rock ‘n’ roll.

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

music for the 21st century through an “exhilarating blend of precision and anarchy, rigor and bedlam” (The New Yorker). Their commitment to the creation and amplification of new work have made them a trusted partner for composers, allowing the writing of music that expands the style and capacity of brilliant voices of our time.

• Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City

• Time: 7 p.m.

Nassau County Museum of Art welcomes acclaimed artist Adam Straus for engaging conversation with noted art critic-writer-filmmaker Amei Wallach. Together, Straus and Wallach will discuss his artistic process, share insights from his current and past work, and present images that illuminate the evolution of his practice. Their dialogue offers a unique window into the artist’screative journey and the broader role of art in reflecting and responding to our contemporary world. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students (members free). Limited seating, register in advance.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

• Where: 1590 Washington Ave., Seaford

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 592-4000 FEB

Bingo at Temple B’Nai

Torah

Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments every Wednesday and Thursday.

• Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.1 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:15-10 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 221-2370

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” at the museum. Explore “The Real, Surreal, and Photoreal,” through a lively and informative presentation. No reservations. First come, first seated.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 1 p.m.

• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

SÕ Percussion in concert

The Grammy-winning percussionists return to the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center. For 25 years and counting, the quartet has redefined chamber FEB

• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or 9516) 877-4000

FEB

Carnival Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to a celebration of Caribbean and Latin American culture. Feel the rhythm and embrace the color at the Carnival Festival! Inspired by Caribbean and Latin American traditions, this high-energy celebration welcomes the changing of the seasons with music, dance, and joyful cultural activities for all. Decorate a parade float fit for the Carnival King and Queen; sample the sweet and savory flavors of the

• Where: 11 Davis. Ave., Garden City

Having an event?

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

Firefighters battle house fire amid deep freeze

Wantagh firefighters responded to nearly two dozen calls at the beginning of the

Volunteers answered nearly 25 calls for service from Feb. 7-8, including a working fire in Wantagh and mutual aid responses to a working fire in Amityville and two additional working fires in North Bellmore, according to a Feb. 11 Facebook post from the Wantagh Fire Department.

Firefighters were dispatched to a house fire at 3998 Alken Ave. in Seaford. Chief of Department William Stevens was first to arrive and reported a possible fire in a rear wall of the home. With the extent of the fire’s spread unknown, Stevens transmitted a Signal 10, indicating a working fire.

Engine 2, led by Capt. Mike Fratello, was first on scene and stretched a hose line to attack the fire. Ladder 1, under the direction of Capt. Andrew Carpentier, assisted in locating the fire, opening walls and ventilating the home.

Firefighters knocked down all visible flames in less than 15 minutes, though overhaul operations continued for another 30 to 40 minutes, according to the department.

Additional Wantagh units, along with mutual aid from the Bethpage and Levittown fire departments, responded. The Nassau County Office of Emergency Management and the Mass Casualty Response Vehicle were also dispatched due to the extreme cold. No injuries were reported.

— Luke Feeney

Courtesy John Scalesi photos Wantagh firefighters responded to nearly two dozen calls at the beginning of the month.

Wantagh gets another year as Warriors

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Wantagh will remain the Warriors for at least one more year after the district was granted an additional yearlong extension to comply with the state’s policy banning Native American mascots.

The district’s board of education wrote in a Feb. 10 letter that the extension “ensures that our students will continue to compete and learn under the Warrior name for the upcoming academic years while we continue our advocacy.”

“Our commitment to preserving the ‘Warrior’ name remains steadfast,” the board added.

The state Board of Regents voted unanimously in April 2023 to ban Native American mascots, logos and team names in public schools, with the policy taking effect the following month.

School districts were required to rebrand and eliminate Indigenous references by the end of the 2024-25 school year. Districts that failed to comply risked losing state aid but could apply for an extension if they demonstrated progress toward compliance.

Wantagh received a one-year extension in June 2025, moving the deadline to June 30 of this year.

Around that time, the U.S. Department of Education referred an investigation to the New York State Education Department and the Board of Regents. The federal Education Department described the mascot policy as an “unlawful attempt to ban mascots and logos that celebrate Native American history” when it announced on June 17, 2025 that the Department of Justice would be involved.

State education officials, however,

have said the policy is intended to eliminate Native American imagery they consider culturally insensitive.

The district is litigating a case in state court to preserve what officials called its “right to maintain its long-standing traditions and name.” At the same time, the board said it is pursuing an appeal in federal court and monitoring national developments, including findings from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

In its Feb. 10 letter, the board wrote that the “Warrior identity is woven into the fabric of the Wantagh community” and vowed to “continue to advocate for our traditions.”

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff, vs. JAMES DILLON, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 30, 2017 and an Ex Parte Order Amending Judgement of Foreclosure Sale and Appointing Successor Referee duly entered on January 14, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 9, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as

3549 Wadena Street, Seaford, NY 11783. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 63, Block 20 and Lot 694. Approximate amount of judgment is $399,728.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 007076/2015. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:254677-1 158221

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST MARK VAUGHAN, CASEY VAUGHAN, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 8, 2020, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 10, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 3982 Kingsberry Road, Seaford, NY 11783. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected,

situate, lying and being at Plainedge-Wantagh, partly in the Town of Oyster Bay and partly in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 52, Block 450, Lot(s) 19A & 19B. Approximate amount of judgment $433,510.28 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008440/2015. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Jared Kasschau, Esq, Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 16-000890 88633 158155

Luke Feeney/Herald photos

The electronic sign outside Wantagh High School displays “Home of the Warriors.” The district has received a one-year extension to comply with the state’s ban on Native American mascots.

A mural along the fence outside Wantagh High School features the Warriors name and imagery. The district is continuing its legal challenge to the state’s Native American mascot ban.

The entrance to Wantagh High School prominently displays the school’s name and “Warriors” branding. The Board of Education said it remains committed to preserving the mascot.

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Gutter Care 101

Q. I just took a $2,500 contract to have gutter screens added to my rain gutters. Would you recommend this instead of the biannual flush cleaning I do, which costs $450 per service?

A. It is great that you monitor routine maintenance around your house, including rain gutters. The cost, if you pay $450 twice a year for your biannual gutter cleaning, is $900 per year. An expense of $2,500 for the rain gutter covers would pay for itself in a timeframe determined by dividing 2500 by 900, which would be 2.7 years. So in two years and nine months, your outlay of $2,500 would be paid off — but only if the gutter screens do not also need maintenance.

I went through a learning phase with my own rain gutters, except that I would flush the gutters by myself. At first I had gutters that were open and, with all the trees surrounding my home, the gutters filled every fall with leaves and the debris that had to be removed. I then bought gutter screens that snap in, although there were places where they couldn’t snap in because of the long nail shafts used to attach the gutters to the face board, referred to as fascia. In those places, the metal screens had to be trimmed with a hacksaw and tin snips. It was tedious but rewarding, because the leaves did not clog the gutters. Unfortunately, twigs and smaller debris managed to find their way through the screens, and the metal rusted.

Those screens lasted six years, before another product, called Leafguard Gutters, was brought to my attention. It is a gutter with a top that wraps around and is bent in a curve so water flows over the top of the rain gutter and then, by a phenomenon called adhesion, the water clings to the gutter top and flows into a thin opening that runs the length of the gutter. It works very well, and hardly anything gets into the thin horizontal continuous opening except the rain.

I did not touch the gutters for 15 years. Then one day a contractor noticed that my roof edge trim boards had discolored in places, and said he would gladly take care of it for me. I awoke one morning to loud banging, and when I looked out the window, several very energetic men had ripped all the trim from my home along with those rain gutters. It lay in a heap in the back of a pickup truck, and within two hours my fascia boards were covered in spanking new white aluminum and I had brand new, open-top gutters.

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So, back at square one, I began cleaning gutters again, every fall, until one day, when I saw Leafguard stainless mesh gutter covers with a lifetime guarantee. They completely eliminated the debris, but require occasional brushing to keep clean, at a much higher price. It still pays to put on the screens. Good luck!

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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OpInIOns

I’m focused on getting New York’s tax dollars back

For decades, New Yorkers have faced high taxes, rising prices and infrastructure in need of repair. At the same time, we’ve been subsidizing other states with our federal tax dollars. New York is a big “donor” state, while most red states are “taker” states.

I’m always trying to bring money back to my district, and in the past couple of weeks I’ve had some new success doing just that. I announced more than $17 million in funding for community projects in my district.

Everyone knows that we’re facing a cost-of-living crisis. From health care to housing, energy to groceries, prices are sky-high. To make matters worse, New Yorkers bear one of the heaviest tax burdens in the country, which only adds to our cost of living. People are leaving our state at a record pace.

When I was born, New York had more than 40 representatives in the U.S. House. Now we only have 26. That number will be smaller after the next census,

as low-tax states continue to grow rapidly while New York’s population stays essentially the same. That’s not just a loss of political power, but a referendum on how expensive it is to live here. Between our skyhigh property taxes and the loss of our full SALT deduction (which I continue to fight to reinstate), it’s no wonder people are moving out.

TThey’re fleeing to red states in the South with much lower state taxes. The irony is that states like New York have long sent more money to the federal government than we get back, and Washington spends it propping up “poor” states like Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee. For every dollar we pay in federal taxes, we get 91 cents back. Kentucky gets $2.50. It’s just unfair.

in Congress is simple and direct: bring our money back home.

I’m working to make sure my constituents get a fairer return on the dollars we contribute to the federal government. That means fighting for federal funding that eases the burden on local governments, strengthens our infrastructure and protects public health and safety.

hat means fighting for federal funding to ease the burden on local governments.

Recently that work paid off. I secured millions of dollars worth of projects for my district, making sure federal money was included in a funding package that Democrats and Republicans worked together to craft. Those funds will support a wide range of critical projects that directly affect my constituents’ lives.

the Glen Cove Police Department. In Bethpage, the money will help build infrastructure to remove chemicals from the water supply linked to the Navy-Grumman plume. It will help create a vibrant downtown in Huntington by supporting affordable housing and business spaces. And in Lattingtown, these funds will go toward repairing emergency evacuation routes along East Beach Drive, improving our roads and safety during severe weather.

Securing funds for sewer repairs and water wells isn’t glamorous work, but it’s crucial. It’s not only about improving public health, environmental protection and local infrastructure; it’s also about fairness. New Yorkers contribute massively to the federal government, subsidizing growth in other states, and it’s time we got our fair share back.

Meanwhile, our town and village governments are under water. Our infrastructure is older and more expensive to maintain, and local budgets scramble to keep up. While New Yorkers fund new projects in the South, our own infrastructure risks lagging behind and our taxes continue to rise. We have been subsidizing our own demise.

That’s why one of my core missions

They’ll help replace old sewer pipes in Roslyn and Manorhaven, and replace old cesspools with new sewer lines in Sea Cliff. They will help prevent harmful runoff into Hempstead Harbor and Manhasset Bay, helping preserve our Long Island Sound ecosystem. Other projects will protect drinking water supplies from so-called “forever chemicals” and other contaminants.

The funding will also provide muchneeded technology and equipment for

I’ll never stop fighting to make sure we get back as much of the money we send to the federal government as possible, and use it to lessen the pressure on local budgets, improve our public health and safety, and reduce costs. In the months ahead I’ll propose a dramatic change to the federal tax code to try and bring more of New Yorkers’ money back to New York, to reduce our tax burden. Stay tuned.

Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.

Combating the scourge of kratom in Nassau County

Our most consequential responsibility as public servants, parents and community leaders is to confront emerging threats to our children’s health and wellness. Frighteningly, many of these can be found within arm’s length at our local convenience stores, and there’s a new one on the shelf.

arnOld w. drucker

We are all aware of the everpresent threats of alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products and the risks of lifelong addiction, cancers and terminal illnesses their use can cause. More recently, we witnessed the frightening rise of dangerous fruit- and candy-flavored vaping products that get our kids hooked on nicotine and can cause irreversible health problems like “popcorn lung.” Thankfully, our efforts to stem that tide have made slow but steady progress. Now we are confronted by the threat of a new and alarming substance — an emerging stimulant known as kratom — and it is incumbent on all of us to act swiftly to protect our communities.

A constituent recently contacted my office and asked to meet with me to discuss how Nassau County could address the dangers of this drug, which their son, and many others, had gotten hooked on. It had caused devastating damage, and I knew action was necessary.

It’s easy to see how people can be enticed by kratom. It is often falsely marketed as a natural, plantbased energy booster, mood lifter, pain reliever and opioid withdrawal remedy. But, as they say, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

It’s a stimulant with side effects ranging from psychosis to liver damage.

Experts at the Mayo Clinic warn that kratom has not been proven safe or to have any medical efficacy. The Food and Drug Administration similarly cautions against its use, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has labeled it a drug of concern, with side effects including confusion, delusions, tremors, psychosis, depression toxicity, liver damage and addiction. Because it is unregulated and its labeling is inconsistent, its users have little idea how much they’ve actually taken until it’s too late.

During a five-year span, poison-control centers across America received

more than 3,400 reports of kratomrelated incidents, and some cases ended in patients’ deaths. My constituent told me that when their son finally embarked on a path to recovery, the withdrawal symptoms he experienced were similar to, if not worse than, someone going through heroin withdrawal.

Based on these disturbing facts, I filed legislation on Feb. 6 that would ban the sale and distribution of kratom products in Nassau County. Those found in violation would be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail for each offense.

Suffolk County has already banned kratom, and New York state restricts its sale to people over age 21. Passing my legislation would bring us in line with our neighbors in Suffolk and hopefully serve as a catalyst for a statewide ban. The fact that the Republican majority has followed my lead and filed similar legislation gives me hope that this common-sense approach to protecting public health is on the fast track to approval.

Throughout my decade as a legislator, I have remained laser-focused on preserving the wellness of our commu-

nities and protecting our young people from dangerous, misleading products that can ruin their health. In 2019 I proudly introduced and passed a ban on the sale of most flavored vaping products in Nassau — products that we have proven vape companies market directly to unsuspecting youths. The ban was later adopted statewide. The proposal built on my previous bill to restrict the advertising of age-restricted items such as cigarettes, tobacco and vaping products within 1,000 feet of establishments frequented by young people.

Before taking steps to regulate vaping, I focused intently on finishing the work that the late Legislator Judy Jacobs began to ban the sale of tobacco and cigarettes to anyone under age 21 — a goal that we achieved in 2018.

All of these proposals were ultimately enacted with bipartisan, unanimous support. As our focus now turns to kratom and addressing the devastation it has already caused for far too many families, I implore my colleagues to once again set aside our partisan labels. Banning kratom will protect our children and our communities from irreversible harm. Let’s work together and get it done.

Arnold W. Drucker represents Nassau County’s 16th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s deputy minority leader.

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aMisleading safety data could hurt kids

Feb. 2 report, “Violent and Disruptive Incidents and Bullying in New York Schools,” from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli should serve as a wake-up call for anyone tempted to declare victory on school safety.

While official data shows that rates of “serious” violent and disruptive incidents are near zero, bullying, cyberbullying and drug-related incidents are rising statewide — in many cases exceeding pre-pandemic levels. That disconnect matters, because it reveals a system that risks measuring safety by definitions rather than by students’ lived experiences.

According to DiNapoli’s analysis of seven years of School Safety and Educational Climate data from the State Education Department, bullying is now the most frequently reported school safety incident.

In the 2023-24 school year, bullying, not including cyberbullying, accounted for nearly two-thirds of all reported incidents statewide. Almost 30,000 bullying incidents were reported, translating to 12.4 incidents per 1,000 pupils. In schools that reported at least one incident, the rate was far higher.

Cyberbullying, meanwhile, remains officially “low” in the data, but that is precisely the problem. Anonymity, offcampus activity and the digital lives students have after dismissal make cyberbullying notoriously difficult to detect and report. The report itself acknowledges that many incidents likely go unreported. When nearly 35 percent of public schools report no bullying or

letters

Peter King goes too easy on ICE agents

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column “There are better ways to resolve the immigration crisis” in last week’s issue: The videos we all saw of Renee Good and Alex Pretti being shot to death by ICE agents contradict Mr. King’s description. He referred to these horrific acts as “heat-of-the moment reactions to unexpected incidents.”

Additionally, Mr. King opposes “any requirement that ICE agents remove their masks” because “wearing masks has become absolutely essential for them.”

If only Mr. King found it in his heart to have similar consideration and respect for the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

JOSIE MARINO

cyberbullying incidents, the question is not whether bullying exists, but whether schools are capturing it honestly.

Drug-related incidents tell a similar story. After dropping during the period of remote learning, the number of drug incidents in secondary schools has risen above pre-Covid levels. Statewide rates climbed from 4.2 incidents per 1,000 students in 2017-18 to 6.5 in 2023-24, with especially high rates in upstate districts. These are not abstract numbers. They reflect daily realities that students, teachers and families confront in hallways, bathrooms and social spaces.

Yet at the same time these troubling trends are rising, reports of serious violent and disruptive incidents — such as assault, sexual offenses and weapons possession — have plummeted. That decline coincides not with a dramatic transformation of school culture, but with changes to reporting definitions implemented in 2021-22. Under the revised rules, incidents are only reportable if the offender is at least 10 years old, the incident meets felony criteria, and it has been referred to law enforcement.

The result is a dataset that may be technically accurate under state rules, but deeply misleading if taken at face value. Schools may still experience serious incidents that never meet the threshold for state reporting, creating a false sense of security for parents and policymakers who rely on these numbers to assess safety.

This is not the intent of New York’s school safety laws. The Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act,

enacted in 2000, and the Dignity for All Students Act, adopted a decade later, were designed to protect young people and ensure transparency in reporting harassment, bullying and violence. After the Sandy Hook tragedy in Connecticut, New York state rightly sought to refine and streamline reporting to focus on prevention. But refinement must not become minimization.

Limiting cellphone use during the school day is a modest step in the right direction. It will reduce in-school distractions. But bullying and cyberbullying don’t stop at the dismissal bell. Students carry their social worlds and their conflicts home in their pockets. Without sustained education, intervention and accountability, phones will simply resume their role as weapons after school hours.

Schools need to be honest with themselves about what these incidents are and properly report them to the State Education Department. That honesty isn’t about protecting reputations or presenting a picture of perfect calm. It’s about identifying real problems so they can be addressed.

Pretending a school or district is blissful may look good on paper, but it does nothing to protect students. Reliable, transparent data is the foundation of meaningful solutions.

If we want safer schools in reality and not just safer statistics, we must confront bullying, cyberbullying and substance use head-on, report them accurately, and commit to prevention that extends beyond the school day. Our children deserve nothing less.

Nurses get the short end of the educational stick

Dr. William osler, one of the founders of Johns Hopkins Hospital and a pioneer in medical education and history said, “The trained nurse has become one of the great blessings of humanity, taking a place beside the physician and the priest.” Now, though, we have nurses on strike for safer working conditions and greater compensation, and educators decrying federal action to withdraw graduate nursing education from the category of “professional.”

The members of a profession are highly educated, with specialized knowledge, may be required to pass stateapproved licensure exams, and pledge to certain ideals. In the case of nursing, the pledge is to patient welfare, compassion and trust, building knowledge in the field, lifelong learning, teamwork, professional integrity, an ethical code, skillful care, and humanity. Like other professions, nursing requires prolonged learning and licensure. So imagine the surprise to nurses, nurse educators, nurse researchers, nurse executives, hospital administrators and others when the U.S. Depart-

ment of Education declared that an advanced degree in nursing did not qualify for federal student aid. yet advanced education is one of the pathways for advancement in nursing, and many employers require a master’s degree.

In response to critical reactions to its decree, the department said it did not mean that nursing is not a profession, just that advanced nursing education at the master’s and doctoral levels did not qualify for federal student loans. In addition to reducing the amount students can borrow under the Graduate PLUS program, which previously allowed up to the full cost of a program, the government has cut in half the amount that students in nursing and social work, among others disciplines, can borrow for advanced education.

a

es universities to raise tuition even in fields that have limited employment opportunities and low compensation. That is certainly not the case in nursing. others support the department, arguing that there is a strong correlation between extended graduate study for women and our low rate of childbearing.

n advanced degree in nursing doesn’t qualify for federal student aid.

No such limits have been proposed for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatry, chiropractic, theology, law or clinical psychology. Architects, physical therapists, social workers, computer scientists and accountants, however, join nursing in losing their professional status.

The Education Department is trying to limit access to government-backed loans for graduate degrees because, it says, the availability of loans encourag-

Letters

Who’s left to report the truth?

To the Editor:

As a former reporter, I cherish a free press — and with our democracy hanging by a thread, I refuse to sit by while truth tellers are silenced.

I was bothered that Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos caved to President Trump’s demand that the Post stay out of presidential endorsements. But what bothered me more was watching people cancel their subscriptions over it. That’s cutting off your nose to spite your face. Why punish a newspaper already struggling to survive? Did we forget that reporters are stationed around the world, risking their lives to bring us the truth — and that in times of conflict, they’re always the first targets, precisely so the truth never reaches us?

The Post loses $100 million a year, yet it remains an essential truth teller. This is the paper that exposed Watergate. Not surprisingly, Trump admired President Richard Nixon. Both detested the press because its job is to investigate corruption and

report the truth. And let’s not forget: a Washington Post journalist was murdered at the direction of a Saudi prince while Trump looked the other way.

While Trump manufactured a crisis in Greenland and ICE gunned down American citizens, the final board meeting of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting barely registered. Jimmy Kimmel’s being pulled off the air and the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” already feel like ancient history. Even as wars rage in Ukraine and the Middle East, coverage keeps shrinking — and that is no accident. And now Bezos is laying off a third of the Post’s staff, including a war correspondent in Ukraine. With Secretary of War Pete Hegseth blocking Pentagon reporting, Trump forming a “Board of Peace” with Putin and other authoritarian leaders, and independent news sources collapsing, who is left to deliver the truth?

CLAUDIA

BoRECKy President, Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club Merrick

According to public reports, there are approximately 57,000 registered nurses on Long Island, with an average age of 46. In New york City and the Downstate region, there is a critical shortage of certain categories of nursing, with “disaster emergencies” declared in Manhattan, the Bronx and Nassau County. In upstate New york, over 93 percent of hospitals report extreme difficulty in recruiting RNs, and 97 percent struggle with retention. Hospitals and nursing homes have the most difficulty recruiting and retaining RNs.

Long Island is fortunate to have universities that offer baccalaureate and higher nursing programs, including Adelphi, Farmingdale, Hofstra, LIU, Molloy, NyIT, St. Joseph’s and Stony Brook. yet even with these resources, shortages remain. With the new federal guidelines, those shortages will likely persist, while retention rates drop.

I have seen the profession of nursing

from four distinct vantage points. As assistant commissioner of Higher Education in Indiana in the 1970s, I was involved in a national study of nursing supply and demand commissioned by the National Governor’s Association. In the 1980s I initiated a nursing program at Ramapo College of New Jersey, in partnership with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, which did not offer nursing.

In the 2000s I led the rebuilding of Adelphi’s historic nursing program, which had been neglected by a previous administration. We built new, state-ofthe-art nursing labs and teaching spaces, with the help of leaders at Winthrop and Northwell hospitals.

From these experiences, I learned a great deal about nursing education and practice. They are professionals at every level of education.

More than 150 Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have authored a bill, the Professional Student Degree Act, that would include graduate nursing education in the category of professional degree, and give graduate nursing students access to the federal student-aid programs for which they were eligible just last year. Let’s hope that wisdom prevails in Congress, with hearty encouragement from grateful patients.

Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and the author of “How University Boards Work.”