Seaford Herald 03-26-2026

Wantagh native celebrates a memoir

The writer Tom Junod released his memoir, “In the Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means to Be a Man,” earlier this month. The 67-year-old Wantagh native appeared at a discussion and book signing at Barnes & Noble, in Carle Place, on March 18, drawing a crowd of friends, family members and supporters. Above, Junod with a copy of his memoir. At right, he signed books and spoke with attendees, sharing insights from his writing career.

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Temple troupe stages ‘The Sound of Music’

By HUNTER FENollol Correspondent

Members of Temple B’nai Torah’s Mainstage Players theater group will bring “The Sound of Music” to the stage in Wantagh for four performances beginning on April 25.

The multigenerational troupe, which performs one musical a year and consists of more than 40 performers ranging from children to longtime community theater veterans, will bring the beloved Broadway musical to life.

optimism, Maria brings warmth and joy back into the household and eventually falls in love with the captain. Meanwhile, the family faces the looming threat of Nazi occupation in 1930s Austria.

The show features many well-known songs, including “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “The Lonely Goatherd.”

n the end, we will present a performance that everyone will be proud of.

The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic musical continues to resonate across generations through its touching story and memorable songs. Many of the performers are temple members and local residents volunteering their time on stage and behind the scenes.

ToM REIlly Director

The show follows Maria, a spirited young woman who leaves an Austrian convent to become governess to the seven children of Captain Georg von Trapp on the cusp of World War II. Through music and her

Lisa Shubin, the show’s producer, said the music continues to connect with audiences of all ages.

“The music is sung by children, parents and grandparents alike,” Shubin said. “We hope the audience leaves with a smile saying, ‘That was fun.’”

Tom Reilly, the show’s director, said preparing a large community theater production requires flexibility as cast members balance rehearsals with work, school and family commitments.

“The rehearsal process is always difficult for a community theater production,” Reilly

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Allyson Ferrari/Herald photos

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things to know about women’s history month

March celebrates women shaping the future

ccolucci@liherald.com

For nearly 40 years, the U.S. has used the month of March to commemorate National Women’s History Month. While women makeup just over 50 percent of the population, their fight for equality on all fronts — economic, social and political — has been a constant. The annual acknowledgment highlights the impact made by women across the country.

The national recognition has international roots

The American celebration of Women’s History Month began somewhat informally, without official government support, as National Women’s History Day in the early 1900s. Early advocates for women’s rights created the day to bring attention to key issues, including suffrage — the right to vote — in 1909. The idea spread quickly and, by 1913, European countries including Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland were celebrating International Women’s Day.

The international counterparts used the day in similar fashion — raising awareness of women’s issues and holding rallies to protest unfair treatment. On March 8, 1917, the Petrograd Women’s March took place in Petrograd, Russia (now Saint Petersburg), protesting food shortages during WWI.

It began as a day, then a week, then a month

National Women’s Day, Feb. 28, was first recognized in 1909. After gaining traction across the globe and shifting into the month of March, American interest in the celebration expanded in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter declared the first Women’s History Week — the week containing March 8. By 1986, individual states took the opportunity to increase awareness further, spurring President Ronald Reagan to officially declare Women’s History Month in 1987. “From earliest times, women have helped shape our Nation,” Reagan wrote in a Presidential proclamation. “Historians today stress all that women have meant to our national life, but the rest of us too should remember, with pride and gratitude, the achievements of women throughout American history.”

This year’s theme: “Shaping a Sustainable Future”

Women’s History Month isn’t only a chance to support women-owned businesses, celebrate local women in political positions, or learn about an array of historical figures. Each year has a specific theme chosen by the National Women’s History Alliance — a nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to promote women’s history throughout the United States.

The 2026 theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” The aim is to honor women who create long-term sustainability in multiple arenas — environmental, economic, educational, and societal. Previous themes include “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations” in 2025 and “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” in 2024.

Offshore Wind Is Already Working for Long Island

By Tara Jones

Off the coast of Long Island, a new chapter in the region’s energy future is already spinning.

The South Fork Wind project — the first utility-scale offshore wind farm serving New York — is now delivering electricity to the East End, demonstrating that offshore wind is no longer theoretical. It’s operating infrastructure.

The project represents more than a milestone. For energy planners and policymakers, it is proof that offshore wind can play a critical role in solving one of the biggest challenges facing downstate New York: how to replace aging power plants while meeting growing electricity demand and keeping costs low for customers.

Meeting demand at its highest

According to an Aurora Energy Research study, they found that offshore wind generation could have saved New York ratepayers about $77 million during a single winter month. Because the price of the

energy that the wind farms produce are set at a single, stable rate for 25 to 30 years, there is no cost for the “fuel”.

Carrie Meek Gallagher, CEO of LIPA, also highlighted how South Fork Wind delivers particularly strong energy generation during the colder months, which means that when demand spikes, offshore wind can meet the demand when it is needed most.

Creating local jobs that stay on Long Island

John Durso, president of the Long Island Federation of Labor, said clean energy investment is creating opportunities that extend far beyond the construction phase.

Offshore wind projects require a highly trained workforce — from electricians and ironworkers to marine crews and engineers — and unions have been preparing workers through apprenticeship programs

that can take years to complete.

In turn, those good-paying union jobs and careers support families and help keep spending local.

The takeaway on offshore wind Long Island no longer has to debate offshore wind in the abstract, supporters say. It is already here and generating power, proving that cleaner energy, affordable energy, and local economic growth can go hand in hand.

As Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, pointed out, South Fork Wind coming online has also dispelled many of the environmental concerns around offshore wind.

Offshore wind turbine foundation components being held at the Port of Coeymans, ready to be shipped down the Hudson for installation. (Credit: Orsted)

Keeping things professional at Career Day

The attire was professional and the questions were thoughtful at Seaford Middle School’s annual Career Day on March 13. Eighth graders gained insight into a wide variety of fields through meaningful dialogue with experts.

There were 75 presenters total, with four or five at each table. The professionals were grouped together by industry, such as business and finance, communications, education, emergency services, health care, the legal sector and trades. With three sessions, students got to hear about multiple careers and were assigned tables based on interest forms they filled out in advance of the event.

Career Day was organized by eighth grade English language arts teachers Carin Hoy and Jennifer McCrystal. The presenters were mostly parents of current and former middle school students. Many have returned year after year, even though their children have graduated, but there were also new visitors this year including a comic book artist.

“I loved talking to the adults about their professions and it was nice to get their views on what they do,” said eighth grader Mateo Perez, who visited the disability services, education, and media and marketing tables.

Mateo asked the professionals why they chose their respective careers and what they do on a daily basis. He also said he got some tips that would be beneficial in any career like time management.

Brielle Garcia gained insight into architectural design, business and finance, and the fire department. She said she is now interested in possible careers in interior design or event planning.

“I really enjoyed how we got to see what the adults do on a daily basis and you could kind of picture yourself doing that when you get older,” she said. “It really gave me a glimpse of what my future could look like.”

—Jordan Vallone Career Day gave students a chance to learn from a wide variety of professionals.

Students learned about career opportunities with the United States Coast Guard.

Throughout the morning, students got to visit three tables, which each highlighted a different industry.

Photos courtesy Seaford School District

Seaford Middle School eighth graders were attentive and focused during the annual Career Day program on March 13.

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Twice a day

In a day in which the phone alarm wakes us at 5:45 AM and gets reset for the next day around 11:30 PM, the idea of doing something — simply anything extra — twice a day is a chore of herculean proportion.

And yet, I try.

humanly possible, we embrace technology to fill the vacuum.

Over the last few months, the twice-aday, every day activities weren’t supposed to be overwhelming but there are limits. Case in point was when my creative director once bitterly explained to the account team how there are limits. REAL limits, for example, such as the size of a print ad as compared to how many pictures one could include in it.

I talked about this issue with an academic who expressed his concern for future generations. He suggested that artificial intelligence isn’t the only thing stealing from humanity (as we devalue our need for critical thinking), but that technology is an accepted partner in helping us to unlearn (or never learn) important tasks.

“It’s physics,” this least scientific guy in the world would say. And then, to defy expectations, he would proceed to find a way to show how 23 NFL team sponsored credit cards in a single ad could be presented by developing a paper wallet that unfolded like a tumbling waterfall.

And like the limitations of a two dimensional ad, 24 hours is still one day. So, when the physical therapist suggests doing home exercise, the dermatologist encourages more moisturizing to lessen dry skin, and the ophthalmologist says use eye drops to maintain eye wetness, it’s like I’m being assaulted by old age symptoms on all sides. And when to address all this? Twice a day.

There’s no wonder that we are a society of multi-taskers, squeezing every drop out of every second. And it’s no wonder that when we realize it’s not

He kept it simple: cooking relegated to the microwave oven rather than making something from a recipe, shopping reduced to an online purchase or Instacart delivery as compared to selecting in the store, GPS eliminating the need to read and understand maps, routes and journeys before our eyes. In short, we gravitate to anything that makes easier, so as to do more with less time, but at what price?

Look, there’s no Luddite lurking inside me and I respect a siren’s call for self-care and healthy living. But once lunch is packed and the cell phone is in my jacket pocket, I’m setting out on an adventure in which doing anything once a day is viable, but twice a day? Downright miraculous.

A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/ advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.

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Communities cook corned beef for a cause

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Nassau County officials traded their gavels for cooking utensils as they celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a charitable twist at the Annual Corned Beef Cook-Off for a Cause, raising funds for the Gabby Petito Foundation.

Held at The Milleridge Inn in Jericho, the festive event brought together local leaders, community members and supporters for a friendly culinary competition aimed at supporting victims of domestic and intimate partner violence. The cook-off featured classic Irish fare, with the aroma of corned beef and cabbage filling the venue as participants competed for bragging rights and a meaningful cause.

Elected officials taking part in the event included Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jen DeSena, Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck and Long Beach City Councilman George Ennis. The event was hosted by Butch Yamali, owner and president of The Milleridge Inn.

A panel of judges evaluated the dishes, including Gabby Petito’s grandmother, Mary Wickman, along with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, County Clerk Maureen O’Connell, Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray and Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato.

Participants prepared their signature St. Patrick’s Day dishes, bringing a taste of Irish tradition to the competition while helping to raise awareness and funding for the foundation’s mission.

“This event proves that the true treasure in life is helping others,” said Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti. “The Gabby Petito Foundation is saving

The participants of the 2026 Corned Beef Cook-Off for a Cause included Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti, center, Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, left, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jen DeSena, second from left, Long Beach Councilman George Ennis, second from right, and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, right. The event raised money for the Gabby Petito Foundation.

lives by raising awareness about domestic violence, and we are honored to support their efforts.”

“On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish, and this event captures the spirit of the holiday perfectly; great food, great community, and a great cause,” said County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “The Gabby Petito Foundation is doing extraordinary work helping people escape the dangers of intimate partner violence, and we are proud to support their mission while cooking corned beef in the kitchen.”

Yamali said the event blends tradition with philanthropy.

“I love hosting this St. Patrick’s event because it embraces the Irish traditions that we all enjoy while raising funds for worthy causes such as the Gabby Petito Foundation,” he said. “I am eager to help our competitors with their recipes and I can’t wait to taste the St. Patrick’s culinary dishes.”

Officials emphasized that while the competition was lighthearted, the cause behind it remains serious.

“St. Patrick’s Day is all about community, generosity, and celebrating our shared heritage,” said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joe Saladino. “This cook-off lets us bring those traditions together while helping the Gabby Petito Foundation continue its important work supporting victims of violence.”

“As the saying goes, the Irish know how to turn a gathering into a celebration,” said Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck. “This event blends St. Patrick’s Day with a powerful mission—supporting the Gabby Petito Foundation and helping people break free from the cycle of violence.”

“While we competed for corned beef bragging rights,” said Long Beach City Councilman George Ennis, “the real goal is to shine a light on the important work of the Gabby Petito Foundation and help build safer communities for everyone.”

The Gabby Petito Foundation, named in memory of the Long Island native, focuses on raising awareness about domestic violence and providing resources to help individuals recognize warning signs, seek support and leave dangerous situations. Through education, outreach and advocacy, the organization works to prevent violence and empower victims.

Organizers said the cook-off continues to grow each year, reflecting both community enthusiasm and a shared commitment among local leaders to support those in need.

March 29 - PALM SUNDAY - 10:00am (In-person & Live Stream) Celebrates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem (Procession from the Parish Hall) APRIL 3 - GOOD FRIDAY - 12:00 noon (In-person only)

- The Resurrection APRIL 2 - MAUNDY THURSDAY - 7:30pm (In-person & Live Stream)

APRIL 5 - EASTER SUNDAY - 10:00 am (In-person and Live-stream)

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

New coach guides experienced Hofstra softball

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

A Hofstra softball program with a storied history reaching 18 NCAA Tournaments added a coaching legend last year looking to raise more banners.

The Pride appointed Susan CassidyLyke as Hofstra’s new head softball coach in July after 21 years leading the diamond at Molloy University softball where she guided the Lions to three Division II National Championship Tournament appearances.

“I was born and raised on Long Island so I am very familiar with the championship tradition here at Hofstra,” Cassidy-Lyke said. “This is a good experience for me and a good challenge.”

Cassidy-Lyke inherited a Hofstra team that returned 13 players from a 2025 team that went 22-28 and fell in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals. Hofstra was picked to finish in a tie for first in the CAA North Division with Stony Brook.

Hofstra boasts two preseason All CAA players in senior pitcher Emma Falen and senior shortstop Alanna Morse, a local product out of Mepham High School.

Morse is coming off a 2025 season in which she led the team in hitting with a .343 batting average with 49 hits in 143 at bats. She is off to another strong start during her final season in a Hofstra uniform as a leadoff hitter batting .365 through 25 games with three home runs to lead the team in both categories.

“She is very talented offensively and defensively and just a great kid that seems to do the right thing all the time,” said Cassidy-Lyke of Morse. “She leads by example.”

Falen recorded a 12-10 record with a 3.14 ERA last season after transferring from UC-Riverside. The Folson, Calif. native recorded seven strikeouts in a 2-1 win against Stony Brook on March 7.

Freshman Madison Steppe has emerged as the ace of the Pride pitching staff this season following a standout career at Monticello High School in

Charlottesville, Va. Steppe recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts in an 8-5 victory against Buffalo on Feb. 28 in Harrisonburg, Va.

The Hofstra lineup has plenty of balance early in the season with five hitters batting over .290 in Morse, junior third baseman Gabby Sultan, sophomore catcher Gemma D’Orazio and junior second baseman Nicole Cansel. Junior right fielder Lily Yepez, a former Mepham teammate of Morse, has caught fire offensively with a .455 average in 44 at bats after missing the start of the season due to injury.

“She is another homegrown talent and it’s definitely a staple for us,” said Cassidy-Lyke of Yepez. “She really does a lot of different things out of the bottom of the lineup hitting for power, as a slap hitter and can bunt with some good speed.”

Hofstra entered the week at 12-13 overall and 8-1 in CAA play after a sweep at Hampton. The Pride have played the early portion of its home schedule at Farmingdale State due the harsh winter

weather, but are slated to return to Bill Edwards Stadium for a three-game series against Campnell on April 10-12. The regular season concludes with three games against Monmouth at Bill Edwards Stadium from April 30 to May 2.

The six-team CAA Tournament commences from May 6 to May 9 with the winner earning an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. The Pride can

qualify for the double elimination CAA playoffs by placing in the top four in the North Division or one of two wildcard teams.

“They’ve come a long way since the beginning of the year and we have faith they can do it,” Casidy-Lyke said. “It’s really just going to be about consistency and not letting the game get bigger than it is.”

Former Mepham star Alanna Morse had a team-high .343 average a year ago.

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications/Keith Lucas and Nick DeCastro Emma Falen had 12 wins in the circle for the Pride in 2025.

Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.

grants, and savings will vary with every project.

celebrating women’s history month

Inspiring girls and LGBTQ youth through music

By JULIA CAPITELLI jcapitelli@liherald.com

Nini Camps was a solo singer-songwriter in New York City when Kristen Henderson, the bassist for the all-female rock band Antigone Rising, asked her to get together to write music in 2009. The band soon got an offer to open for Joan Jett, and invited Camps to be a vocalist. The opportunity launched more than a decade of performances, and nonprofit work, with Camps as Antigone Rising’s lead singer.

The band was formed in 1993 by sisters Cathy and Kristen Henderson, now Kristen Ellis-Henderson. Several members have joined and left over the years. After Camps joined the Hendersons, Antigone Rising quickly made a record and resumed playing shows after a hiatus.

“It just felt like a good fit,” Camps said. “We had so much fun.”

Camps, 54, has lived in Sea Cliff for roughly 15 years with her wife, Brooke. She said that she enjoys Sea Cliff’s thriving music scene.

Before the coronavirus pandemic began in 2020, Antigone Rising band was busy making music, touring and creating a nonprofit, Girl Rising. After the pandemic lockdowns eased, the group continued to play together on a smaller scale.

Girls Rising launched in 2014, after the band was invited by the U.S. State Department to travel to Israel and the Palestinian territory. There Antigone Rising worked in schools and community centers, playing music and talking to students and educators about their creative and musical process.

The trip, Camps explained, helped inspire them to

create the nonprofit. “We were an all-female band, and our crew that we took with us was female, and it was an anomaly,” she said. “… They were like, ‘We’ve never seen this. This is unusual.’ And we realized that as we went along, this was something that we faced a lot, even in the States.”

After returning to the United States, Antigone Rising began visiting LGBTQ centers, community centers and schools as they toured. Camps said the band got so many requests for these visits that they essentially became part of their tours and even events around which they based their schedule.

Girls Rising’s mission is to inspire young girls and LGBTQ youth to pursue nontraditional career paths and encourage all children to think, act and be themselves. Through performances, presentations and workshops, the band carried out the mission for nearly a decade, though it is now in what Camps described as a “pause.” “Things need a chance to sometimes rest and breathe” after operating for so long, she said.

Antigone Rising hosted the Girls Rising Music Festival annually for roughly eight years, first at Sea Cliff Beach and then at Glen Cove’s Morgan Park. It featured female artists, both seasoned musicians and younger ones just starting out.

“We were in a place where we were kind of in the middle,” Camps said, “where we were able to reach out to women who were real game-changers and real trailblazers ahead of us, who are very successful, and we were able to sort of hand that down to young women who were just making their way.”

As part of each year’s festival, the band recognized

women making a difference — who “showed up” — with a Game Changer Award. The band received donations and grants from artists like Joan Jett and Melissa Ethelridge. With that money, Antigone Rising was able to provide instruments and music education in Glen Cove, and help support young women pursuing music education.

Camps said that the band isn’t currently seeking gigs, but will take one if the opportunity presents itself. In the meantime, she is working on a solo album, her first since she joined the group.

A lifelong love of science sparked by dinosaurs

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Not all scientists begin their careers in labs — some start in the shadow of dinosaurs. For Ray Ann Havasy, 63, of Port Washington, that early fascination led to a career defined by academic achievement, creative outreach and global science engagement.

With degrees in zoology, education and biology, and a doctorate in science education from Columbia University in 1998, Havasy built a foundation that combines rigorous scholarship with a passion for making science accessible.

She began her career in education, teaching science at East Meadow High School and Schreiber High School, in Port Washington, and later at the New York Institute of Technology’s School of Education.

Her interest in dinosaurs led to work with the Dinosaur Society and, in the early 1990s, as a technical adviser on “Jurassic Park,” helping guide how dinosaurs were portrayed while balancing scientific accuracy with cinematic storytelling. She partnered in the development of the touring “Dinosaurs of Jurassic Park” exhibit. Blending film props with real fossils and scientific content, the exhibit toured internationally for nearly eight years beginning around 1993, drawing crowds across the United States and in cities in Europe and the Netherlands. What stood out most, Havasy said, was the universal reaction: Children everywhere were captivated.

“The exhibit was amazing — I went all around the world with it,” she said. “That was a great experience,

Ray Ann Havasy, founder and

director

Courtesy Ray Ann Havasy

of the Center for Science Teaching & Learning, in Rockville Centre, has built a multifaceted career focused on education.

also seeing that dinosaurs and science are universal.”

The exhibit also supported paleontological research worldwide, turning public interest into funding for scientific discovery — reinforcing her belief that handson experiences can spark lifelong curiosity.

That philosophy led her to Rockville Centre, where she founded the Center for Science Teaching & Learning in the Tanglewood Preserve in 2000. What began as a teacher-training initiative has grown into a hub for interactive, family-focused learning.

“A lot of museums are ‘look but don’t touch,’” Havasy said. “We’re the exact opposite. Our whole mission is to encourage people to learn about science and like science, because a lot of us went through school thinking science was hard and yucky.”

Today she continues to promote hands-on learning while encouraging more young women to pursue science with animals, nature and interactive experiences for fun learning.

“I wasn’t doing it for accolades,” she said. “I was doing it because these opportunities are exciting.”

Michele Anselmo, a teacher and an educator at the center, has worked with Havasy for over 15 years, on several innovative projects. “Ray Ann’s knowledge of science and education provides a wonderful support system for me and the other educators here,” Anselmo said.

Through her work, Havasy hopes to create a future in which more girls see science as a natural and attainable path. “I think it’s important that we find a way to encourage women to get involved in science,” she said. “I speak a lot to young women about encouraging them to be more attuned to being involved in science, and that would be a dream of mine, to have kids — young women — understand that science, engineering and math is for them, and is something that the world wants them to do.”

Courtesy Nini Camps Nini Camps is currently working on her first solo album since she joined Antigone Rising.

influential women on long island

Joan whitney Payson co-founder and owner new York Mets grace hartigan abstract expressionist painter

celebrating women’s history month

Delivering change as a leader in maternal care

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

For Dr. Jacqueline Marecheau, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Women’s History Month is more than a celebration: It is a call to confront one of the nation’s most urgent and persistent health crises.

Marecheau has spent her career delivering babies and caring for mothers, working on the front lines of maternal health in underserved communities. She has been at Episcopal Health Services for six years, and her work is rooted in community health, equity and supporting the teams who care for women and families every day.

Marecheau earned an undergraduate degree in biomedical education from the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education (now the CUNY Medical School) and a medical degree from the SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn.

U.S. continues to have the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, with Black women facing the greatest risks.

Between 2018 and 2021, Black women were three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to federal health data. Marecheau emphasized that these disparities are rooted not in biology, but in systemic inequities including gaps in care, delayed diagnoses, implicit bias and lack of access to resources.

“I went through my third year of medical school rotations and I fell in love with OB/GYN,” she said. “I realized that I was drawn to women’s health because it interested me in medicine and advocacy. OB/GYN is a field where you can see direct results of action and education, and that’s always been meaningful to me.”

Marecheau’s experience underscores a troubling reality: Maternal health risks in the United States remain alarmingly high. About 22 women per 100,000 die from childbirth-related causes each year, and roughly 50,000 experience severe complications. The

If you’ve

At EHS, which serves the diverse and historically underserved Rockaway peninsula, Marecheau sees these challenges play out daily. The community has long faced barriers to high-quality care, but, she said, the hospital is working to change that narrative.

“I love improving access to pre-natal care, helping women navigate complex health decisions,” she said, “and knowing I can create a safer and healthier outcome for women who haven’t always historically been prioritized brings me immense joy.”

In August 2025, St. John’s opened a new state-of-the-art labor and delivery suite, restoring comprehensive maternity services to the area. The facility features private suites and emphasizes patientcentered care.

Marecheau has championed programs including doula support services, postpartum care initiatives and the Centering Pregnancy model, which combines prenatal visits with group education to improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

Tim Baker/Herald

Dr. Jacqueline Marecheau is the chair of obstetrics and gynecology at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, which serves the diverse Rockaway peninsula.

“My focus these days is making sure services are equitable and culturally responsive,” she said.

Hospital staff have received additional training to better recognize early signs of complications, and systems have been implemented to ensure that patients receive follow-up care after they’re discharged, a critical period when many maternal deaths occur.

“No woman should feel that her pain is ignored or her concerns are dismissed,” Marecheau said.

wondered where balloons end up . . .

By ABBEY SALVEMINI asalvemini@liherald.com

For Cynthia Seibold, recognizing the achievements and resilience of women is deeply personal. Raised by a single working mother, she saw firsthand the strength, determination and perseverance it takes to overcome challenges. Today she carries that legacy forward, and takes pride in inspiring strong, capable and resilient women herself.

Seibold’s path to founding Balloon Mission was unconventional. After earning a master’s degree in secondary education, she spent 20 years in the insurance industry, analyzing risk and researching hazards for organizations including the NBA and the NHL. “My mission at that job was to protect people from harm and save money,” she said. The role sharpened her research and problem-solving skills — which would later inspire her environmental advocacy.

The pandemic was a turning point. The health scare forced reflection. “It showed me how precious and fragile life is,” Seibold, 57, said. “Whatever days are left, I want to give back in some way.”

A lifelong Long Islander, she found peace by the ocean, but noticed balloon debris piling up on local beaches. While volunteering at cleanups, she researched the environmental impact of balloon releases. She was stunned by the volume of data on their harm to wildlife, waterways and ecosystems worldwide, with little accountability.

filled with “soul-crushing” moments and fears of being laughed at for “chasing balloons.”

What began with collection bins in three schools and one library has grown into a regional and national effort. In three years, Balloon Mission has collected more than 65,000 post-event balloons.

Seibold says that collaborative partnerships with strong, inspiring women helped make the initiative possible. “I would not be me without these partners,” she said, citing Allison DePerte, of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, and Maureen Early, of the waste-management company Reworld.

She also praises Tara Moran-Schneider, senior conservation biologist with the Town of Hempstead’s Department of Conservation and Waterways, for installing 20 “No Balloon Release” signs in local parks and on beaches.

“We’ve become the experts in the room through research and data collection,” Seibold said — not because of advanced degrees, but thanks to research, partnerships and persistence.

Women have guided her journey. “It’s vital for young girls to see female leaders in all roles,” she said. “Leading by example shows that positive change is possible. There is no age limit.” Since Balloon Mission started, she has worked with Girl Scout troops, educating communities about responsible balloon practices by expanding “No Release” signs across Long Island.

So she launched Balloon Mission, the first balloon collection-recycling infrastructure in the United States. “Here I am, an ordinary citizen stepping up,” she said. “Not certified in anything, but I did know how to research.” The early days were challenging,

In March 2022, a New York Times article on the surging popularity of balloon decor was published on her late mother’s birthday, and Seibold took that as a sign. “The idea of a solution would not leave me alone,” she said of the problem of balloon waste. “If not me, who was going to do it?”

Seibold’s message to women with a passion for change is simple: “If you have an idea or solution that has latched onto you and won’t shake free, that wakes you up in the middle of the night,” she said, “you have to pursue it.”

influential women on long island

Joan whitney Payson co-founder and owner new York Mets

Courtesy Cynthia Seibold Cynthia Seibold, the founder of Balloon Mission, at a World Ocean Day beach cleanup in June 2020.

Rhoads’ intern hosts St. Patrick’s Day Food Drive

State Sen. Steve Rhoads brought together community members on March 14 for his first St. Patrick’s Day Food Drive, an initiative led as a community give-back project by student intern Nickolas Zgombic. The 5th State Senate District includes Seaford, Wantagh, Bellmore, Merrick and East Meadow.

Through Zgombic’s leadership and coordination, the drive collected well over 2,500 items of food, hygiene products and household necessities to support Island Harvest and the It’s All About The Kids Foundation. The event was held outside the ShopRite of Country Pointe in Old Bethpage, with volunteers including members of the Nassau County Police Explorers and the It’s All About The Kids Foundation.

“This food drive is a powerful reminder of what a community can accomplish when people come together with a shared purpose… We are incredibly grateful to every volunteer and donor who stepped forward to help ensure that local families have access to essential resources. Together, we continue proving that even small acts of generosity can create a lasting impact,” said Angelica Gomez, President of the It’s All About The Kids Foundation.

The food collected at the drive will go directly to Island Harvest, one of Long Island’s largest hunger-relief organizations, which helped coordinate the drive, as well as the Bellmore–Merrick Community Cupboard, and will also be distributed to other local families in need served by It’s All About the Kids.

“This whole event was a wonderful and amazing opportunity. Not only to support the communities in need but to be able to see just how many people are willing to show their support for others in times of need. I’m forever thankful to all the volunteers and donors who took the time out of their days to help show their support for the cause” said Nickolas Zgombic, current student Intern at Senator Steve Rhoads’ office. Nickolas helped plan and organize the event as part of his student internship at the office.

“What we collected here will make a real and immediate difference for fami-

lies across our community—putting food on tables, easing financial strain, and reminding people that they are not alone. I am especially proud of Nicko-

las’ leadership in bringing this effort to life. His dedication and initiative reflect the very best of our community, and this is exactly the kind of impact we

hope to inspire in the next generation of public servants,” said Rhoads.

—Jordan Vallone

Photos courtesy Office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads

State Sen. Steve Rhoads’ office held its first St. Patrick’s Day Food Drive, thanks to the efforts of his student intern, Nickolas Zgombic.

The collection bins will support Island Harvest and the It’s All About The Kids Foundation. Other items will support the Bellmore-Merrick Community Cupboard.

Volunteers from the Nassau County Police Explorers program helped at the drive.

The drive collected well over 2,500 items of food, hygiene and household products.

Legal win for residents grieving property taxes

By Chris ColuCCi ccolucci@liherald.com

The Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Second Judicial Division reached an important decision in favor of homeowners last month. The court strengthened residents’ abilities to provide supportive evidence and documentation when challenging their yearly property tax assessments.

The appeal reversed a Nassau County Supreme Court case that had previously complicated the process for homeowners submitting documents, including assessments of comparable properties and completed sales of similar homes, when filing an “unequal assessment claim” during Small Claims Assessment Review proceedings. The appellate verdict went into effect immediately, and applies to the current assessment year, 2027-28.

“This is a very significant case,” said Shalom Maidenbaum, founder of Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group and Maidenbaum and Sternberg, the law firm that brought the case to court. “It could’ve impacted all of Nassau County and curtailed the rights of taxpayers.” The decision affects any Nassau homeowner filing an assessment grievance, and is especially beneficial to residents of certain villages who may have been assessed at an inaccurate or outdated assessment ratio.

In the final order of the matter of Yeung v. Assessor of the Village of Great Neck Estates — the initial case presented to the appellate court — the court wrote in its conclusion, “The hearing officer’s determinations denying the petitioners’ Small Claims Assessment Review applications were arbitrary and

Tim Baker/Herald

“This is a very significant case,” Shalom Maidenbaum said. “It could’ve impacted all of Nassau County and curtailed the rights of taxpayers.”

capricious and lacked a rational basis in the law.”

Mark Miller, one of the most experienced lawyers on the Maidenbaum team, explained that multiple lowercourt decisions throughout Nassau County can now

be clarified, since some hearing officers had been inconsistently applying existing laws to homeowners’ ability to present evidence. “Hundreds of cases can now go back to court,” Miller said. “This decision gives them standing.”

The appellate court’s decision is expected to remain in effect without further challenge. Legal experts say that it would require costly, involved legislation to overturn it.

While the legal victory provides homeowners with invaluable support, experts say they should not misinterpret the ruling as a guarantee that their assessments will be reduced. “They just have the right to present that evidence,” explained Amy Madmon, a partner at both Maidenbaum and Sternberg and Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, explained. “Essentially, it’s confirming the tools that homeowners have. Whether it’s successful or not depends on the case, but a hearing officer does have to hear the argument and take it into account when they’re making a decision.”

The deadline to file a property tax assessment grievance in Nassau County is March 31. There’s no risk for homeowners — an unsuccessful appeal results in no penalties and no increased assessment. There’s also no inherent expense: Homeowners can either submit a grievance at no cost on their own, or hire a property tax grievance firm, such as Maidenbaum, which typically charges no fees if the appeal is unsuccessful, and charges a percentage of the amount of the reduction, often up to 50 percent, for a successful appeal.

More information about filing a grievance, including applications and steps to file, can be found at nassaucountyny.gov/arc/arow.

News brief

The Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee has named Dawn Haskell Carbone (SHS ’84), Robert Powell (SHS ’67) and Robert Valvano (SHS ’75) as its 2026 Honorary Patriot Award recipients

Seaford 9/11 Committee honors patriots

The Seaford 9/11 Memorial Committee has named Dawn Haskell Carbone (SHS ’84), Robert Powell (SHS ’67) and Robert Valvano (SHS ’75) as its 2026 Honorary Patriot Award recipients.

The award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the Seaford schools and the broader community.

The honorees reflect the values and spirit of Seaford High School alumni who died on Sept. 11, 2001: Tommy Haskell (FDNY, SHS ’82), Timmy Haskell (FDNY, SHS ’85), John Perry (NYPD, SHS ’82), Robert Sliwak (Cantor Fitzgerald, SHS ’77) and Michael Wittenstein (Cantor Fitzgerald, SHS ’85).

The committee’s motto, “Service, Character and Commitment,” guides the selection of both Honorary Patriots and student patriots.

Carbone, Powell and Valvano will be honored at the annual Patriot Award Dinner, along with five Seaford High School seniors who will receive the Patriot Award. The dinner is scheduled for June 22 at the Crest Hollow Country Club.

For information about purchasing tickets or placing a congratulatory ad in the Patriot Journal, visit the committee’s website.

—Luke Feeney

•

• Rabbi Rishe

• Cantor

• Nadine Lewis,

Herald file photo

L.I. representatives gather for a lively debate

By ROSKANA AMID, JEFFREY BESSEN & CAROLYN JAMES of the Herald

Against a backdrop of a military action in the Middle East and a domestic economy that swings up and down as the price of oil steadily rises, Long Island’s congressional delegation took part in a spirited but congenial debate of ideas and issues last week at the Long Island Association’s annual What’s New In Washington panel.

Representatives Andrew Garbarino, Laura Gillen, Nick LaLota and Tom Suozzi spoke on issues ranging from the economy to immigration to energy, with LIA Acting President and CEO Stacey Sikes moderating the March 16 discussion.

“The thing that’s so brilliant about the system, I think, is today we’re going to have [four] Congressional representatives —two Democrats, two Republicans,” Lawrence Waldman, the LIA’s board chairman, said. “They’re going to sit in the interview with Acting President Stacey Sikes, and I’m sure they’ll agree on some of these issues and disagree on some.”

Andrew Garbarino

All of the legislators noted progress on the effort to raise or eliminate the limit on the income tax deduction for state and local taxes, a measure critical to Long Island homeowners facing some of the nation’s highest property taxes, as well as a $1.5 billion infrastructure package for transportation, water quality and storm resilience.

“We have worked together on a bipar-

tisan infrastructure bill, one of the best things we did,” Garbarino, a former assemblyman, said, noting frustrations with Albany over implementation.

His 2nd Congressional District stretches from Massapequa, in Nassau County, east to Shirley, in Suffolk County.

The four lawmakers had differing perspectives on Operation Epic Fury, the military effort against Iran. Suozzi and Gillen praised its objectives, but criticized Congress’s lack of oversight and what they described as the Trump administration’s failure to define a long-term strategy.

“There does not seem to be a plan, and shouldn’t that have been thought of ahead of time?” Suozzi asked.

the finish line, by working together.”

Gillen, who represents the 4th Congressional District, which spans nearly the entire South Shore of Nassau County, noted that the administration’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” has added to the national debt. “It caused the average American to have $1,600 in extra cost,” she said. “We’re not going in the right direction. We can fix that, but there has to be political will.”

I ’m sure they’ll agree on some of these issues and disagree on some.

L

Gillen noted the impact of the federal crackdown on illegal immigration on local businesses.

that same part of the world,” he noted, jobs will be created and prices will be lower.

LaLota’s 1st Congressional District stretches from Melville, in western Suffolk County, to Montauk.

Tom Suozzi

Suozzi highlighted his work with the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. The group includes 46 members of Congress, evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.

“We have committees that work together on issues, on everything from affordability,” Suozzi said, noting that the caucus also addresses immigration and national security.

Garbarino countered, noting that congressional committees are briefed regularly, and that prior administrations have taken similar actions. All agreed that any escalation involving ground troops would require Congressional approval.

Laura Gillen

AwRENCE wALDMAN

Board

chairman, Long Island Association

Nick LaLota

“People are afraid to patronize businesses,” she said, adding that new business in Hempstead is “going to go out of business already, because people — there’s an ICE car parked in an apartment lot across from Main Street, and even if no one’s in there, people see it, and they’re afraid to go out.”

Despite those efforts, Suozzi described Washington as increasingly difficult to navigate. “The problem is, the environment is so toxic in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “And the leadership on both sides really is only focused on winning the majority.” He added that the political climate is likely to worsen as the midterm elections approach.

Speaking on her proposed Dignity Act, which would give illegal immigrants what she called “a pathway to legal status,” Gillen said, “If you’re going to do transformative legislation, it’s better to tap in with both sides,” noting that the effort began with 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans. “And that’s the way we can get a law like this across

LaLota said that one party doesn’t have a monopoly on “this nation’s most major issues, and we do work together on certain big things.”

With the cost of energy on the minds of consumers, he noted that “the economy is growing, we have more demand, more power here on the Island and across the nation.” LaLota added that there’s “a ton of natural gas” in New York’s Southern Tier. “If we do things the way that Pennsylvania does them in

Suozzi also pointed to several economic concerns facing many Americans, including tariffs, artificial intelligence data centers, and rising health care costs tied in part to the elimination of the premium tax credit.

“The economy is in trouble,” he said. “Everybody knows the economy is in trouble.” He argued that strong stock market performance does not reflect the experience of most households.

His 3rd Congressional District predominantly includes Glen Cove, Oyster Bay and a portion of Queens, and stretches east to Huntington.

Tim Baker/Herald

The Long Island Association held its annual What’s New In Washington panel on March 16. U.S. Representatives Andrew Garbarino, far left, and Nick LaLota, LIA Acting President and CEO Stacey Sikes, and Representatives Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi discussed several issues.

Multigenerational cast prepares for shows

said. “For a show like ‘The Sound of Music,’ we wanted to have a large cast to enjoy the full experience of this classic production. Everyone has busy lives, whether it’s kids with religious school and other extracurricular activities or adults with their active schedules, so we do our best to piecemeal our rehearsals together. In the end, we will present a performance that everyone will be proud of.”

Rehearsals are held Sunday through Wednesday evenings, with smaller groups working on specific scenes and musical numbers early in the process. As opening night approaches, the entire cast comes together for full run-throughs.

One musical number the cast has said it particularly enjoys rehearsing is “The Lonely Goatherd,” which Shubin described as a fun and lively piece that gives both the children and adults a chance to shine. The production brings together performers from across the temple community, many of whom have longstanding connections with one another.

Alisa Baroukh, the actress who plays Maria, said the show holds special meaning for her.

“’The Sound of Music’ is one of my favorite shows of all time,” Baroukh said. “I watched the movie almost every weekend as a child. I have never been in it, so being able to perform in this is like being given the opportunity to return to childhood.”

Baroukh, who has participated in five productions with the temple’s theater group, said the rehearsal process has helped strengthen relationships within the cast. She said it has been a dream to share the stage with her son, Elijah, 15, who plays Friedrich, as well as the friends she grew up with. Friedrich is one of the von Trapp children.

“Theater is always so effective in creating commu-

nity,” Baroukh said. “We have cast members ranging in age from 8 to 80, and the crew becomes such a closeknit family. We have a great time during rehearsals.”

Brooke Myers, who plays Mother Abbess, said community theater offers a unique opportunity for people from different backgrounds to collaborate creatively.

“It’s a place to step out of your day job,” Myers said. “Whether you’re a teacher, an accountant, a manager or a student, we all come together to create something special. Everyone involved is there because they want

to be.”

Performances will take place at Temple B’nai Torah, 2900 Jerusalem Ave., on April 25 and May 2 at 7 p.m., and April 26 and May 3 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 65+, and $10 for children under 17, and can be purchased at the door, or at Facebook.com/TBTWantagh/posts/ticketsare-now-on-sale-for-performances-of-the-sound-ofmusic.

Courtesy Elizabeth Castellvi

the cast and crew of temple B’nai torah’s mainstage players, who will stage four performances of “the Sound of music.”

Compiled by Herald Staff

Eleanor Furbush Farmingdale

The flowers and sun coming up, and every day being alive.

I really like it when the trees bloom and you’re driving down the streets with beautiful flowers around. And not having to shovel anymore snow!

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Lin Shao Oceanside

I’m most excited to feel warmer weather, longer days and everything starting to bloom again. I’m also excited that I won’t need to bundle up every time I go outside.

Abbey Salvemini/Herald photos

Caleb Kolanovic Lynbrook, age 9

I get to play baseball when it’s warmer and have fun at the park. And the birds are chirping.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Christie Leigh Babirad/ Herald photos

Brittany Dursi Rockville Centre

Antoinette Hatzopoulos Glen Cove

STEPPING OUT

A gentle first step into the concert hall

‘Peppa

Pig’ brings music to life

By Abbey Salvemini

Oink if you love Mozart! The world’s most famous piggy is trading muddy puddles for the conductor’s baton. “Peppa Pig –

My First Concert” is headed to Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, on Saturday, March 28, offering families a vibrant, interactive introduction to the world of classical music.

Joined by Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George, Peppa leads young audiences through playful romp designed to give toddlers and preschoolers their very first taste of an orchestra — in this case, the Aurora Orchestra. By blending catchy hits from the popular TV series with masterpieces by Mozart and Beethoven, the production creates a bridge between playground favorites and the concert hall. At just 60 minutes long, it’s a perfectly sized musical adventure for “little piggies” as young as 18 months.

Families explore how different instruments create sound in this playful production giving the little ones their first taste of classical music in an engaging setting. From the first notes of the Peppa Pig theme to the soaring strings of the masters, the production invites families to see how an orchestra actually works. Peppa and her brother George learn alongside their audience, discovering the distinct sounds and shapes of the instruments as the music comes to life. It’s an engaging, front-row seat to the wonders of the woodwind, brass and string families.

“This is really an interactive introduction to a live orchestra for very young audiences,” says Stephanie Turner, Tilles Center’s director of education and outreach.

This is a ‘first concert’ in the truest sense — approachable, loud and full of life. Stripping away the formality of a standard concert hall, the production encourages little ones to respond to the music however they feel moved. Children are welcome to participate throughout — whether that means clapping along, dancing in the aisles or simply reacting to the music.

“Anything they want to do,” Turner says. “When kids hear familiar music, they love to get up and dance. Whatever movement or sound kids want to make is totally open.”

The production also introduces a fresh face to the Peppa-verse: Lucy. Played by Evie James, this specially created character serves as the show’s lively narrator, helping children navigate their very first symphonic experience, while interacting with Peppa and her friends.

The show blends puppetry, live music and audience participation, featuring four puppeteers and 12 musicians performing alongside Lucy and the Peppa Pig family. James eplains that the production offers young audiences a whimsical introduction to live theater and classical music through the adventures of Peppa and her family.

“The kids respond to it so well,” she says. “It’s a really sweet and fun show with an educational element.”

Continuing the Tilles Center’s commitment to inclusive programming, this program — part of its “Family Fun!” series — it’s done as a relaxed performance. The atmosphere is intentionally crafted to be welcoming and accommodating, providing a supportive space for neurodivergent audiences to enjoy the arts together.

“These performances feature modified sound and lighting levels,” Turner explains. “There’s also a quiet space with sensory toys if a child gets overwhelmed.”

Families can check out a ‘social story’ before the big day. This visual guide uses photos and simple descriptions to walk children through the entire theater experience, turning the ‘unknown’ into a familiar and exciting adventure. Everyone is also welcome to a free family workshop prior to showtime (for ticket holders), with crafts, games and storytime.

• Saturday, March 28, 2 p.m.

• Tickets start at $39, VIP tickets are $79.50; available at ticketmaster.com

• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

“Our goal is to provide the arts to the greater Long Island population,” Turner adds. “Through the Family Fun series, we bring shows like Peppa Pig, along with productions featuring characters like Curious George and ‘Sesame Street, so families can experience live performances together.”

Of course, for many children in the audience, Peppa Pig will be their first live performance.

“It’s age-appropriate, gentle and welcoming,” Turner continues. “You can come at any age or level and enjoy it. Even adults who’ve never been exposed to classical music can learn something.”

For James, the true magic happens after the curtain falls. Her goal is simple: to send the kids home feeling delighted with what’s transpired on stage.

“I hope they just have a fun time,” she says. “Maybe it will inspire them to listen to music, play an instrument themselves or develop an interest in theater.”

Little theatergoers follow along as Peppa and George

the magic of live music together at Tilles Center.

Isaac Mizrahi

Actor-host-writer-fashion designerproducer, performer extraordinaire Isaac Mizrahi is a truly unique talent. He regales his fans — and those just experiencing him for a first time — with song and his signature wit when he appears at Tilles Center. His one-of-a-kind show brings together comedy, commentar and an array of classic and soon-to-be classic songs from Stephen Sondheim to Blondie, Comden & Green to Madonna. He’s worked extensively in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. Most recently seen as Amos Hart in the Broadway production of “Chicago,” he heads here after his annual (triumphant) residency at Café Carlyle in Manhattan. Isaac also performs at such venues as Joe’s Pub and nationwide. Among his many credits, he’s the subject and co-creator of “Unzipped,” a documentary following the making of his Fall 1994 collection which received an award at the Sundance Film Festival.

Saturday, March 28, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

The Man In Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash

With his strikingly similar looks, baritone voic and spot-on mannerisms, Shawn Barker’s uncanny resemblance to the original “Man In Black” revitalizes the true character and spirit of Cash himself, for a one-of-a-kind show. In character throughout the entire evening, he takes the audience through each era of Cash’s life and music, including hits like “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” and “Ring of Fire,” backed by a full band. Born and raised in a working-class suburb of St. Louis, Barker took a schoolboy love for singing in church with his family and turned it into a career. The path to his current success wasn’t a straight line from gospel choir to Johnny Cash tribute act. After serving his country in the Army, Barker returned home to Missouri, took a job as a carpenter, and spent all of his free time learning how to play the guitar. His act then quickly turned from hobby to profession.

Sunday, March 29, 7 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at

26,

Photos courtesy Logan Westom

discover

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

MAR

Wantagh BOE meets Wantagh Board of Education holds its business meeting.

• Where: 3301 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 765-4100

‘You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown’ Adelphi University Department of Theatre students give a concert performance of the beloved classic. With charm, wit and heart, “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” explores life through the eyes of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and their friends in the Peanuts gang. This revue of songs and vignettes, based on the beloved Charles Schulz comic strip, showcases Adelphi’s talented students. Musical numbers include “My New Philosophy,” “The Book Report,” “The Baseball Game,” “Little Known Facts,” “Suppertime” and “Happiness.”

• Where: Adelphi University

Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or (516) 877-4000

MAR 27

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: 10:15 a.m. and noon; also March 28, April 1-April 2

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

MAR 28

South Shore Symphony

The beloved orchestra springs forward with its next concert “The Rite of Spring.” The program includes Marquez’s

‘…how I wish you were here’

• Where: Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

com or (516) 221-2370

Community Seder

Join Congregation Beth Tikvah for the second night of Passover. Led by Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum, participate in a fun multigenerational Seder, with food, singing and storytelling, featuring an inspirational Hebrew/English Haggadah. For menu, pricing, dietary concerns and reservations call synagogue office.

• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh

• Time: 6:15 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 785-2445

Building Homes for Heroes 5K

Building Homes for Heroes holds its second annual 5K in Eisenhower Park.

• Where: Eisenhower Park, Field 2

• Time: 8 a.m.

• Contact: Register at Events.EliteFeats. com/26honoringheroes

ApR

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100

Wish You Were Here celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Pink Floyd’s album “Wish You Were Here,” acclaimed as “one of the greatest albums of all time,” and cited by Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright and guitarist David Gilmour as their favorite album. The band delivers a critically-acclaimed, stunningly authentic and heartfelt tribute experience, faithfully and expertly reproducing Pink Floyd’s timeless musical soundscapes with entirely live music and vocals. Immerse yourself in this captivating journey through Pink Floyd’s musical catalog with this top-level act! Wish You Where Here continues its 30-year tradition of combining sight and sound to capture the mood, emotions, and intensity of the Floydian theatrical concert experience — in a spectacular tribute of music, performers, lighting, video, lasers and inflatables — performed live with no backing or click tracks. The band is arguably the longest continually-performing Pink Floyd tribute act with an unparalleled history of sold-out concerts, record-breaking festival events and celebrated theater productions. The show utilizes a veteran 10-piece musical ensemble featuring seven vocalists and a Floydian stage production — sound effects and vintage videos on a large circle screen, flying inflatables, theatrical vignettes with props, and a sensational light show with moving lasers, rolling fog and state-of-the-art intelligent lighting — all produced with a fan’s obsession for detail. The band authentically recreates the music from Pink Floyd’s entire career, performing the crowd favorites that all rock fans recognize, interspersed with the show-stoppers that appease even the most ardent Floyd fanatics.

Conga del Fuego Nuevo, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending (Romance for Violin and Orchestra) and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

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

Hop Into Spring

Families are invited to hop on over to Long Island Children’s Museum to welcome spring! Meet Peter Rabbit and Baby Chick costume characters, explore the museum to collect goodies, interact with live animals, and create themed craft activities. Celebrate the arrival of spring with a day of family fun!

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Town beach cleanup

The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society hosts a community beach cleanup at Lido Beach Town Park. Your participation helps maintain the shoreline. Registration is required at Eventbrite.com.

• Where: 630 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach

• Time: 9 a.m.-noon

• Contact: (631) 317-0030 or info@amseas.org

MAR

‘The Identity Reset’

Join author Ashley Olivia Nelson for an intimate afternoon conversation celebrating the release of “The Identity Reset: A Guide to Discovering Yourself After Loss, Change, and Survival.” It features a moderated conversation with a special guest (to be announced), a short reading by the author, and an audience Q&A exploring how people can move forward when life changes, and how to reconnect with themselves along the way. Attendees will leave with language for what they’ve been experiencing, insight into navigating change with more clarity, and a renewed sense of direction for the season ahead. The afternoon includes light hors d’oeuvres, time for connection, and a book signing with photo opportunities. Each attendee receives a signed copy of the book.

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

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

ApR

1

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

Game time

ApR

2

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

Community Passover Seder

Temple B’nai Torah hosts community Seder for the second night. Reservations are required.

• Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh

• Time: 5:30

• Contact: TBTScottKohn@gmail.

Light-Art Collaboration

8

Families are invited to Long Island Children’s Museum to illuminate their imagination and inspire creativity. In this educator-led, hands-on workshop, participants are introduced to the history and process of lantern making while creating their own unique drawing. In collaboration with LuminoCity, participants’ 2-D artwork will be submitted for a chance to have it brought to life as a 3-D light sculpture featured on display at the 2026 LuminoCity Festival. Free limited ticket with Museum admission, available at the Box Office on the day of the workshop.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11-noon and 3-4 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

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.

APRIL 16 • 10AM-12:30PM

DEER PARK KNIGHTS

759 LONG ISLAND AVE, DEER PARK

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A

Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees

All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.

MAE CAIME FOUNDER, AMAEZING MIDLIFE & BEYOND

Register for this FREE event: Deerpark.eventbrite.com or email lcreem@LIHerald.com or call 516.569.4000 x243 AGENDA:

+ Q&A RAFFLE DRAWINGS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST WALTER FUNG-A-FAT AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF JOANNE FUNG-A-FAT, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JO-ANNE FUNG-A-FAT AKA JO ANNE FUNG A FAT IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OF SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 15, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 13, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 2656 Ocean Avenue, Seaford, NY 11783. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau at Seaford, State of New York, Section 63 Block 45 Lots 398-401. Approximate amount of judgment $88,490.35 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #618125/2023. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Richard M. Langone, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003490 88994 158774

LEGAL NOTICE

CASE NO. 7179

RESOLUTION NO. 256-2026

Adopted: March 10, 2026

Councilmember Ryder offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION

ADOPTING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OR RECONSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALK AREA IN ; BALDWIN, BELLMORE, BETHPAGE, EAST

MEADOW, ELMONT, FRANKLIN SQUARE, INWOOD, ISLAND PARK, LEVITTOWN, MERRICK, NORTH BALDWIN, NORTH BELLMORE, OCEANSIDE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, ROOSEVELT, SEAFORD, SOUTH HEMPSTEAD, UNIONDALE, WANTAGH, WEST HEMPSTEAD, WOODMERE IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NY, ADOPTING PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE COST THEREOF. WHEREAS, an assessment roll has been prepared by this Town Board for and in connection with the reconstruction of sidewalk area on: AMBROSE CT, BABYLON TPKE, BALDWIN AVE, BARBARA ST, BAY FRONT DR, BONNIE DR, BROADWAY, CARNATION AVE, CHALADAY LN, CHESTNUT LN, CLEARMEADOW DR, COLONY ST, COLUMBUS AVE, CONDOR RD, COOLIDGE AVE, COURT ST, COURTNEY LN, DALE PL, DAY ST, E ROOSEVELT AVE, EASTERN PKWY, EVELYN AVE, EVERS LN, FARM LN, FENWORTH BLVD, GRAND AVE, GUN LN, HAMILTON AVE, HAMPTON RD, HANCOCK ST, HENRY ST, HOPATCONG AVE, HOWARD PL, HUDSON AVE, IVANHOE DR, IVY CT W, JEFFERSON ST, KINGSTON AVE, LAKEVIEW RD, LAUREL AVE, LINCOLN BLVD, LINCOLN ST, LINKS DR W, LYDIA PL, MANOR PKWY, MARILYN DR, MARJORIE LN, MATTITUCK AVE, MCDONALD AVE, MEADOW LN, MEADOW RD, MERRICK AVE, MERRICK RD, MILBURN AVE, MONACO AVE, MONROE ST, N JERUSALEM RD, NORTHERN PKWY, ORIOLE AVE, OWL PL, PAMLICO AVE, PARK AVE, PARKER AVE, QUARRY LN, REMSEN ST, ROCKWOOD AVE, ROOSEVELT ST, ROYAL AVE, SCHREIBER PL, SKILLMAN AVE, SPRAGUE AVE, SPRUCEWOOD DR, STEPHEN ST, SUNSHINE AVE, SURREY LN, WADLEIGH AVE, WAUKENA AVE, WAVERLY AVE, WESTMINSTER RD,

WILLIAM PL, WOLCOTT RD, WOLFSON DR, WOOD PARK DR

In the TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK, which said roll was completed and filed in the office of the Town clerk of said Town on or about the 10th day of March 2026; and WHEREAS, due notice of the completion of said assessment roll and of the time and place when and where this Board would meet to hear and consider any objection that might be made to said roll and for the purpose of reviewing, correcting and amending the same was duly given by the Town Clerk by publication of due notice thereof in the official newspaper of the Town of Hempstead and the Town Board duly met at the time and place specified and a hearing was duly had upon said assessment roll; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that such expense for the improvement be and it hereby is assessed as a whole pursuant to Section 200-a Article 12 of the Town Law as amended, upon each of the Lots and the parcels of land especially benefited by said improvement in just proportion to the amount of benefit which the improvement confers thereon in the amount listed opposite each such Lot or Parcel in the said assessment roll under the heading “BENEFITED” assessment against each such Lot or parcel of land especially benefited by the said improvement may be paid in five (5) or less annual installments and shall be payable at the time and the manner provided by law for the levy of State And County Taxes with interest not to exceed six percent (6%) of each such installment; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk be instructed to annex to said assessment roll a Warrant which shall be signed by the Supervisor and countersigned by the Town Clerk commanding the Receiver of Taxes to collect from the several persons named in said assessment roll the sum or sums opposite their respective names and to pay the same to

the Supervisor of the Town of Hempstead. The foregoing resolution was adopted upon roll call as follows:

AYES: SEVEN (7) NOES: NONE (0)

SIDEWALK AREA

ASSESSMENT ROLL

SIDEWALK AREA IMPROVEMENT ON: AMBROSE CT, BABYLON TPKE, BALDWIN AVE, BARBARA ST, BAY FRONT DR, BONNIE DR, BROADWAY, CARNATION AVE, CHALADAY LN, CHESTNUT LN, CLEARMEADOW DR, COLONY ST, COLUMBUS AVE, CONDOR RD, COOLIDGE AVE, COURT ST, COURTNEY LN, DALE PL, DAY ST, E ROOSEVELT AVE, EASTERN PKWY, EVELYN AVE, EVERS LN, FARM LN, FENWORTH BLVD, GRAND AVE, GUN LN, HAMILTON AVE, HAMPTON RD, HANCOCK ST, HENRY ST, HOPATCONG AVE, HOWARD PL, HUDSON AVE, IVANHOE DR, IVY CT W, JEFFERSON ST, KINGSTON AVE, LAKEVIEW RD, LAUREL AVE, LINCOLN BLVD, LINCOLN ST, LINKS DR W, LYDIA PL, MANOR PKWY, MARILYN DR, MARJORIE LN, MATTITUCK AVE, MCDONALD AVE, MEADOW LN, MEADOW RD, MERRICK AVE, MERRICK RD, MILBURN AVE, MONACO AVE, MONROE ST, N JERUSALEM RD, NORTHERN PKWY, ORIOLE AVE, OWL PL, PAMLICO AVE, PARK AVE, PARKER AVE, QUARRY LN, REMSEN ST, ROCKWOOD AVE, ROOSEVELT ST, ROYAL AVE, SCHREIBER PL, SKILLMAN AVE, SPRAGUE AVE, SPRUCEWOOD DR, STEPHEN ST, SUNSHINE AVE, SURREY LN, WADLEIGH AVE, WAUKENA AVE, WAVERLY AVE, WESTMINSTER RD, WILLIAM PL, WOLCOTT RD, WOLFSON DR, WOOD PARK DR

In the TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK.

WARRANT TO COLLECT ASSESSMENT TO: JEANINE C. DRISCOLL, RECEIVER OF TAXES OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, N.Y. YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to collect from the

Colon cancer awareness month Dr. Marc Fenster

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

Q: Tell me about yourself.

Fenster: I am a gastroenterologist; I grew up on Long Island and have lived in the Rockaway area almost my entire life. I did my initial medical school at Albert Einstein. I did my residency in internal medicine at Mount Sinai on the Upper East Side of New York City, and then I did my gastroenterology fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. I have a private practice called 5 Towns Gastroenterology, and I spend the rest of my time working here at Episcopal Health Services at St. Johns in the gastroenterology division. A lot of my practice focuses on colorectal cancer, which is centered on early detection and patient education.

and remove them safely. There are other things that can be done to prevent colon cancer like avoiding smoking and decreasing your alcohol intake. If you have a family history of colon cancer, you’re at increased risk for colon cancer and you should be getting an earlier colonoscopy. If you had early onset colon cancer in your family, you should be having a colonoscopy 10 years before the earliest relative you have.

DR. MARc FeNSteR

Q: Why has colorectal cancer become more prevalent in the last decade?

Fenster: That is a great question, and nobody has the answer to that. Colon cancer is being detected in younger patients. Reasons most likely have to do with our diet, increased processed food, lifestyle, increased obesity, and some environmental exposures.

Q: What can residents do to prevent colon cancer?

Fenster: The single most important thing that can be done to prevent colon cancer is to get screened. A colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening. Everyone in the United States at the age of 45 is recommended to have colon cancer screening. There are other tests like stool-based testing, and blood-based testing. Colon cancer very often starts as a polyp, which is abnormal cells that are a kind of growth in the colon. When we do a colonoscopy, we can find these polyps

persons named in the annexed Assessment Roll, the sum set opposite their respective names, as taxes or assessments, payable by them and to pay the sum to the Supervisor of the Town of Hempstead. The assessments in the

annexed Assessment Roll may be paid in five (5) annual installments with interest thereon, if the benefit is in excess of $100.00 or may be paid in one (1) installment without fee or penalty which shall not be less than thirty (30) nor more than one

Q: How can residents handle the emotional stresses of signs and symptoms?

Fenster: Don’t be scared. Come to a gastroenterologist and have a colonoscopy. The biggest thing that gives patients peace in mind is that they had a normal colonoscopy. There’s a big misconception that a colonoscopy is dangerous and uncomfortable. It has really improved over the years; with pills you can take. There is a much lower volume of liquid that you need to drink, and the drinks are now flavored. You are sleeping for the whole procedure; It’s a very comfortable process. Most patients wake up saying it’s the best nap that they’ve ever had.

Q: Is there anything else that you’d like to add?

Fenster: Do not wait for symptoms. Even if you are symptom-free, you are still supposed to get a colonoscopy. Signs and symptoms that should make you go see a Gastroenterologist include rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, any change in bowel habits, unexpected weight loss, fatigue, and abdominal pain. When colon cancer is caught early, it’s extremely treatable. Often, it solely requires surgery, even in more advanced cases. We have a lot of modern treatment, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, which has significantly improved the survival of colorectal cancer over the last few years, but the key is early detection.

hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of the warrant on or before the 7th day of September 2026

TOTAL ASSESSMENT: $148,883.11

DATED: SUPERVISOR Of the TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

EMPLOYMENT

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HomesHERALD

A permit just for my parents?

Village Charmer

TQ. We just moved from the city, and found a notice on our door saying we have to get a permit for my parents to continue living with us. Neighbors were probably the ones who called the building department. My parents have always shared a house with us, in their own separate basement area with a kitchen, where they can come and go as they wish and spend time with their grandchildren, especially while we’re at work. We can’t just send my parents somewhere. What is the easiest way to get what we need?

A. You will need 1) the whole home measured, 2) floor plans drawn, 3) paperwork filed with a building department, 4) rejected for zoning reasons, 5) the application package forwarded to a separate zoning board, 6) wait your turn to get your documents reviewed before you get a zoning hearing, 7) given an appearance date, 8) attend a public hearing to see your case presented, 9) await a building plan review for the necessary safety and code requirements, 10) pay for the approved permit(s) to be issued, 11) get a contractor, plumber and electrician, and 12) arrange for plumbing, electric and final inspections to complete the process.

In some communities, the procedures can take well over a year. You will need patience and trust that you will eventually get to the end.

It’s admirable that you have a family that is appreciative enough to support one another’s needs, like watching the children and spending valuable time together. You might think this kind of extended family unit would be encouraged, but there are reasons it is scrutinized, including safety concerns, home values, parking and monitoring the number of people on a property. Although neighbors do not have authority to reject your living situation, if you are not respectful of everyone around you, including parking considerately, keeping the property neat and quiet, neighbors will complain.

Cooking fires are a leading cause of home casualties. Primary or second kitchens located in a basement are prohibited in nearly every community I have ever dealt with. I just saw that a father and son perished in a basement fire, coincidentally, in a home I wrote a safety report about within the past year. I commented on how the basement was a nonhabitable space, and yet someone cleaned it up, moved in, and now a father and child have died.

The fire chief said it is very difficult, almost impossible, to fight a basement fire, because flames are blasting up at you while you’re trying to get down and into the space. Basement walls can’t be cut to relieve the heat and smoke buildup.

You may think of a home as a place to live, and fortunately, or unfortunately, disasters have shaped strict rules made to prevent more disasters. Not having a basement kitchen can save lives. Your parents won’t be sent away, but you will need to start the process as outlined above. Good luck!

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OPINIONS

Islamist terrorism remains a clear and present danger

The recent series of terrorist attacks in Austin, Texas; on the East Side of Manhattan, outside Gracie Mansion; at a synagogue in Bloomfield, Mich.; and at Old Dominion University, in Norfolk, Va.; send the clear signal that federal, state and local law enforcement must be on full alert, especially for the duration of the conflict with Iran.

Threats and potential terror attacks could range from ISIS, Al Qaeda and the Iranian proxy Hezbollah to radically inspired lone wolves. Prior to the horrific Sept. 11 attacks, our nation’s counterterrorism efforts were basically uncoordinated, both here at home and overseas. The FBI and CIA, for instance, were effectively precluded by policy and design from sharing information and intelligence with each other. Similarly, the FBI often withheld information from local police departments, including the NYPD. There were also few adequately constructed lines of communication between the United States and overseas intelligence agencies regarding terror threats (Great Britain, Canada and Isra-

el being among the few exceptions).

President George W. Bush and the majority of both parties in Congress agreed on the absolute necessity to tear down existing walls and barriers, and to establish new structures to enhance cooperation and communication.

At the federal level, this was achieved by establishing the Department of Homeland Security, which incorporated 22 previously separate agencies into one coordinated entity. These bodies included the Customs Service, Immigration and Naturalization, the Coast Guard and the Secret Service. While the FBI and CIA remained independent, protocols were established to enable greater sharing of intelligence and information between them. As well, the Office of National Intelligence was created, and the CIA, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency were required to report to the director of national intelligence.

intrusion. NYPD officers were assigned to key overseas embassies to report back actionable intelligence on possible terrorist plans for action in New York.

O ur emphasis has shifted from terrorism to illegal immigration.

This caused some resentment among elements of the FBI and CIA, but proved successful. For example when Al Qaeda carried out a deadly attack in the Madrid train system, an NYPD officer was quickly on the scene, reporting procedures to be implemented in the New York City transit system that proved to be very effective. Overall, under Commissioner Ray Kelly, the NYPD had over a thousand officers assigned to counterterrorism and intelligence, resulting in more than 20 attempted attacks being prevented. Unfortunately progressive-minded elected officials assailed the NYPD’s efforts as “Islamophobic,” resulting in Mayor Bill de Blasio’s cutting back on the NYPD’s counterterrorism and intelligence operations. (Fortunately, much of its basic structure remains.)

TAction was also initiated at the state and local levels. The NYPD was particularly innovative, creating intelligence and counterterrorism units that in many ways are comparable to the CIA and FBI. Sources were developed in neighborhoods reasonably believed to be subject to terrorist influence and

Following the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, Congress established a comparable committee to oversee it, similar to the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees monitoring the Defense and State departments. I was elected chairman of the committee in its first two years —

2005 and 2006 — and again for another two-year term in 2011 and 2012. During both terms I focused on defending against Islamist terrorism — the main achievements being port and chemical plant security in my first term, and the investigation of radicalization of the Muslim community in my second term. Though key witnesses were Muslim, the radicalization hearings drew extensive media opposition but were successful.

In recent years, funding for counterterrorism programs has been reduced. The emphasis of the DHS has shifted drastically from terrorism to illegal immigration. And elected officials like Mayor Mamdani are threatening to restrict police counterterror efforts.

Most significantly, because of an unrelated dispute over ICE, congressional Democrats shut down the DHS at this time of maximum threat, when Islamists are using encrypted apps to circumvent our cybersecurity defenses. This is suicidal. The threat of Islamist terrorism cannot be relegated to the rearview mirror. It is a clear and present danger. Federal, state and local governments must face up to their responsibilities. (I am proud that Nassau and Suffolk are doing what has to be done.) We cannot risk another 9/11.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

The faraway war in Iran is closer than you think

he past few weeks have been very distressing for the few of us who have had any experience living in America when a real war took place. There is no doubt that we are not in the middle of a world war in Iran, but that conflict has all the earmarks of a happening that will trigger years of violence that could hit extremely close to our country.

I’m not an expert on military issues. I have no doubt that Iran is a major threat to the world, and every possible step should be taken to curb its efforts to acquire nuclear weapons. I believe that Israel should be protected from a country that has pledged to wipe it off the map. But we must understand that there are consequences to these wars, and we should be aware of them. The problem is no one is telling us whether we should be concerned and why.

Iran isn’t just some crazy faraway country like Afghanistan, where a war took place that didn’t represent any kind of serious threat to America. During the American military involvement in that country, no one ever stopped me on the street to express fears about the “Afghanistan war.” Even though we deployed thousands of our troops in that country, there was no concern on the part of our government that it could spill over into our country.

Ehad gone through training programs that prepared it for such an event. The war has stirred up further incidents of antisemitism.

ven if it ends with some kind of settlement, there will be other consequences.

In the case of Iran, we are dealing with a bunch of idealogues who are not capable of being fully contained. History shows us that Iran enters into peace agreements and breaks its word almost immediately. Even If this current war ends on some type of settlement, there are other consequences that our nation should be aware of. What are they?

In the past month, there have been two incidents involving people who were true believers. In one, a man drove a truck into a Michigan synagogue in an effort to kill Jews. Luckily, that temple

The proof that the Iran incursion isn’t a faraway event is what we have been experiencing at the gas pump. When you pick a fight in the Middle East, lots of things happen. The war is having worldwide consequences. As energy costs go up, prices on all types of goods go up. No one is telling us what the long-range plan is to blunt price increases.

There are not too many people around now who can talk about what it’s like to live in our country when there was a real war. As an 8-yearold boy, I experienced what happens when a country is at war. We had blackout shades in our house to protect us in the event of an air raid. Food was rationed and our neighbors became wardens in the event that faraway battle reached us in some way. Luckily, we had President Franklin Roosevelt to assure us that all would be well.

The war in Iran is far away from our country, and there won’t be any air raid sirens. But we have a lot to be concerned about because of the events now taking place thousands of miles from this nation. We are dealing with a different type of enemy and must be aware of that. The zealots who embrace Iran can be found anywhere.

There is no reason for us to start hiding in our homes, nor to curtail our daily activities. But we have to be aware of what is going on on this planet and get the comfort that we deserve. We should question our representatives in Washington on what steps are being taken to keep us away from harm. It would help heal the divide over this new war. There is no politics to this story. Our leaders, whether Clinton, Bush, Obama or Trump, must tell us what they want our wars to accomplish and what steps they are going to take to limit our pain. That’s not asking too much.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.

Established

Spring reset should send us outside

oFFiCe

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oFFiCiAL neWsPAPeR:

After months of bundling up, shoveling out and watching gray skies linger over Long Island, the arrival of spring offers something more than a change in temperature — it signals a long-awaited reset.

HERALD

The return of the Major League Baseball season is as reliable a marker as any: fresh grass, open stadiums and the simple joy of being outside again.

But spring’s promise goes well beyond symbolism. It offers a tangible opportunity to improve both physical and mental well-being in ways that winter simply does not allow.

The act of stepping outside — whether for a short walk, a bike ride or an afternoon at the park — can have an immediate and lasting impact. Sunlight helps regulate sleep cycles and boosts vitamin D levels, which are often depleted during the darker months. Fresh air, even in small doses, can sharpen focus, reduce stress and improve mood.

There is also something quietly restorative about reconnecting with the rhythms of the natural world. The budding of trees, the return of birds and the gradual greening of lawns and fields serve as reminders that change, even after the harshest stretches, is inevitable. After a winter defined by confinement, that sense of renewal

LETTERS

Sunshine

Week highlighted freedom of information

To the Editor:

The editorial “Sunshine week keeps democracy in the light” (March 5-11) was just what our struggling democracy needs — a timely reminder of the importance of open government.

We should all remember that in some parts of the world, governments routinely operate behind closed doors and keep their citizens in the dark about what takes place there. But not here in America, despite the efforts of some in power to block transparency.

A few months from now, when we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we will also mark the 60th anniversary of another landmark moment: the signing of the Freedom of Information Act. On July 4, 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed the act into law at his ranch in Texas. As a result of this legislation, Americans can now access many government records — at federal, state and local levels — that were once unavailable to

feels especially meaningful.

Long Island is uniquely suited to take advantage of this seasonal shift. From local neighborhood parks to expansive destinations such as Grant Park in Hewlett, Hempstead Lake State Park in West Hempstead, Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa and Tanner Park in Copiague, there is no shortage of places to stretch your legs and spend time outdoors. Walking paths, ball fields, playgrounds and open green spaces are not just amenities; they are essential parts of community life that come alive again in the spring.

For families, the change in season is an opportunity to reset routines that may have grown stagnant during the colder months. Screen time can give way to outdoor play. Weekends can shift from indoor errands to shared experiences such as picnic, a pickup game or simply time spent exploring a new trail. These moments, often simple and unplanned, are the ones that tend to linger.

For individuals, the benefits are just as significant. Even a brief daily walk can serve as a mental reset, a chance to step away from the demands of work and the constant pull of screens. Outdoor activity has been linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression, improved cardiovascular health and

increased overall energy. And unlike many wellness trends, it requires no special equipment or expense — just the willingness to step outside.

There is also a social dimension to spring that should not be overlooked. As temperatures rise, communities begin to reawaken. Youth sports leagues resume, neighbors linger a little longer in conversation, and public spaces once again become gathering places. After months of isolation, these interactions help rebuild a sense of connection that winter often erodes.

Not just a season, spring is an invitation. It encourages people to be more present, more active and more engaged with their surroundings. It asks us to take advantage of longer days and milder weather, to trade routine for spontaneity and to rediscover the simple pleasure of being outside.

The message, then, is straightforward: step outside. Make plans, but leave room for the unplanned. Visit a park you haven’t been to in years. Take a walk after dinner. Sit on a bench and watch a game, or better yet, join one. These small choices add up, shaping not just how we experience the season, but how we feel within it.

After a long winter, the urge to stay inside may still remain. But the better instinct — the healthier one — is to go outside.

OPINIONS

New Yorkers need relief, not another spending spree

As New York’s budget process moves toward its April 1 deadline, the debate in Albany should center on one simple question: How do we make life more affordable for the people who live and work here?

State government should act like families all across New York who have no choice but to carefully manage their budgets. When costs rise, they cut back, make adjustments, and try to stay in control of their finances.

But in Albany, where Democrats control both houses of the legislature and the governor, they do the exact opposite — tax more, spend more and hope no one notices.

At a time when families are struggling with skyrocketing costs for groceries, housing, utilities and fuel, state spending has exploded. Since 2019, when Democrats took full control of state government, annual spending has increased by nearly 60 percent. That’s a $90 billion increase, all of which is paid for — in some form or another — by

LETTERS

them.

Ironically, President Johnson wasn’t a huge fan of FOIA. In a 2005 speech recalling the circumstances leading to the legislation’s becoming law, Bill Moyers, who was Johnson’s press secretary in the 1960s, noted that Johnson had at first resisted signing it.

“He hated the thought of journalists rummaging in government closets and opening government files,” Moyers said in 2005. “He hated them challenging the official view of reality.”

Nevertheless, Johnson signed the bill, largely due to pressure from the press, which supported FOIA, and Congress, which had overwhelmingly supported the legislation. It was an especially sweet victory for John Moss, a Democratic member of the House of Representatives who’d spent 12 years lobbying for greater access to government agency records, and Donald Rumsfeld, a Republican member of the House at the time who supported Moss in the effort.

But the real winners were the American people. It was a victory for democracy, a genuine “We the People” moment. Remember FOIA on July Fourth.

RICHARD J. CONWAY Massapequa

you, not just this year, but every year. Earlier this month, Senate Democrats released their 2027 spending plan totaling $269.8 billion, with over $5 billion in tax hikes and a staggering $11.5 billion in new spending. Their plan also includes another $5.1 billion bailout of direct aid and tax increase authorizations for New York City and Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s radical agenda.

We’ve had enough of taxing more, spending more and hoping no one notices.

Meanwhile, Albany Democrats are ignoring a recent bombshell report from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority — the state’s own energy experts — warning of the staggering costs tied to the Democrats’ 2019 climate mandates.

According to that report, these policies could add another $2.23 to every gallon of gasoline and $2.41 per gallon of diesel fuel. Small-business utility bills could spike by as much as 46 percent, and the average New York family could see annual utility costs rise by up to $4,100 per year. That’s on top of the crushing increases we’ve already seen thanks to the Democrats’ “climate tax” on residents and businesses.

The sad truth is that Albany Democrats have known about these costs all along, yet they have made the conscious

decision that their radical environmental agenda is more important than whether families can afford to put food on the table, heat their homes, or fill their gas tanks. They talk about “affordability” but saddle New Yorkers with the highest tax burden in the nation while creating America’s second-worst climate in which to operate a business and create jobs.

While my colleagues seek to create “affordability” by punishing success and pushing average hardworking New Yorkers to the financial breaking point, people are leaving this state in record numbers. Over a million New Yorkers have moved out since 2020, and millions more — maybe even you and your family — are discussing their New York exit plan.

My Senate Republican colleagues and I have offered a better way forward, introducing countless actionable solutions to deliver real relief for taxpayers and working families. Among them is my legislation to enact the largest personal income tax cut in state history, which would put $5,000 back in the pockets of the average New York family each year, simply by applying the same 2 percent spending cap every other municipality lives by. We’ve proposed exempt-

FRAMEWORK by Tim

Baker

ing tip and overtime income from state income taxes. We’ve also proposed the elimination of the Democrats’ Health Care Reform Act, which would save the average family $1,400 per year in health care premiums — all common-sense steps that would allow you to keep more of the money you earn.

We’ve demanded greater oversight of government spending by requiring the governor to hire an independent private firm to audit state agencies and public authorities for improper, fraudulent or abusive expenditures. We’ve introduced legislation to slow down unrealistic climate mandates and stop the proposed Cap-and-Invest tax before it drives energy costs even higher. We need to fuel New York’s future with clean, safe, reliable, diverse and affordable energy options. Sadly, these solutions have fallen on deaf ears as the Democratic majority has blocked them.

This budget process continues to prove one thing — our state is driving off an “affordability” cliff under oneparty Democratic rule. If New York is going to change course, either Albany needs to hit the brakes or New Yorkers need to change drivers. Families across this state deserve a government that helps them move forward — not one that forces them to move elsewhere.

Steve Rhoads represents the 5th State Senate District.

Working on that fourth smile at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Wantagh