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HERALD RECoRD
Bay Village Civic Association honors Father Jon Geminder
Gardiner Foundation grant for new book on Long Island shipwrecks
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VOL. 112 NO. 7
FEBRUARY 25 - MARCH 3, 2026
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ASD wrestlers advance to states By CAROLYN JAMES
cjames@liherald.com
Carolyn James/Herald Photos
Edward T. Bonahue, President, Suffolk County Community College, Labor Commissionre Roberta Reardon and Mike Fabrizio, director of SCC College’s CNC program.
State labor chief spotlights trades training, child care on visit to LI By CAROLYN JAMES & CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cjames@liherald.com
As employers across Long Island struggle to fill open positions, New York State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon visited Suffolk County Community College’s Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood on Feb. 17 to spotlight workforce training programs and emphasize the lack of child care access as a critical barrier to employment. “There are many pathways leading to middle-class, family-sustaining jobs right now, and many of them lead through community college programs,” said Edward T. Bonahue, president of Suffolk County Community College. “—an apprenticeship, an industry-recognized certification or license, or a two-year degree. Eventually, many of them can also lead to bachelor’s degrees as well, and I appre-
ciate Commissioner Reardon helping to shine a light on these opportunities.” During her visit, Reardon toured the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center and met with students and educators. She also highlighted several workforce development and child care initiatives included in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed budget. Long Island faces ongoing shortages in skilled trades, including electrical work, heating and air conditioning, plumbing and advanced manufacturing. Nassau and Suffolk community colleges offer workforce training in those areas, as well as in health care. The Long Island Educational Opportunity Center, sponsored by SUNY Farmingdale, provides tuition-free vocational training to regional residents. Officials said the programs help create a pipeline of locally trained workers who can reCONTINUED ON PAGE 5
The Amityville Memorial High School wrestlers will head to Albany this weekend to compete for a New York State championship at MVP Arena. Senior Christian Maldonado and sophomore Erick Mejia Zavala earned spots in the state tournament after strong showings in league and county competition. “I am very excited about it,” Maldonado said. “This is something that I have been working toward all summer,” Mejia Zavala added. “It is something I am very proud of.” On Feb. 7, the Amityville Union Free School District hosted the wrestling league’s preliminary playoff competition. Maldonado captured first place in the 144-pound weight class, while Mejia Zavala took first in the 285-pound division. The pair continued their success over Valentine’s Day weekend at the Suffolk County Championships at Stony Brook University. Maldonado placed third in the 144-pound weight class, and Mejia Zavala earned second in the 285-pound division, qualifying both for the state championships. “The growth we’ve seen from Christian and Erick is a true testament to their drive and determination,” said head coach Dan Manley. “Their success is no accident; they’ve stayed goaloriented year-round, putting in
Courtesy of the Amityville Booster Club
Christian Maldonado and Erick Mejia Zavala, who will be representing Amityville in Albany February 27 and 28. the quiet work that leads to loud results. They’ve earned every bit of this opportunity, yet they remain far from satisfied. We couldn’t be prouder of the way they represent our program and our community.” Mejia Zavala, 15, is the son of Julie Mejias and Jose Pineba. He said he stays in shape through weightlifting and running. Maldonado, 17, the son of Maricela Herrara and Yuri Pineda, also runs to maintain conditioning and focuses on diet and recovery massage. When asked about free time, both wrestlers said there is litCONTINUED ON PAGE 5