Long Beach Herald 03-05-2026

LONG BEACH

HERALD

Perfect ending

Long Beach High School senior Dunia RodriguezSibomana, in blue, defeated Manhasset’s Will Russell, 7-1, to capture the New York state 118pound wrestling title last Sunday in Albany. Story, more photos, Page 6.

Also serving Point Lookout & East Atlantic Beach

Raymond Nelson/Herald

Long Beach is reviewing data to improve safety on the roads

By AiDAN WARsHAVsKy awarshavsky@liherald.com

To improve resident roadway safety, the City of Long Beach has begun developing a Safety Action Plan. The initiative outlines infrastructure improvements for the city, and will be used to apply for a U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant in May.

The grant is a competitive program, with $1 billion in appropriated funding remaining in 2026. It funds regional initiatives to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries.

According to the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, more than 130 Long

Islanders were killed in vehicle crashes in 2025 — 68 drivers or passengers, 32 pedestrians and 35 bicyclists — all increases over 2024. Long Beach residents have complained about roadway safety and the City Council aims to fix it.

Council member Tracey Johnson was one of many people on hand for a meeting focused on the issue at the Long Beach Public Library on Feb. 26, and she said she was looking forward to hearing from others.

“Collaboratively as a city, we need to come up with a game plan to make our city safer,” Johnson said. “Let’s move forward and get some really good things done.”

LBHS senior earns artist’s scholarship

By CHRis ColuCCi ccolucci@liherald.com

invest in the whole child.”

The 22nd annual All-County Art Exhibition took place at W.T. Clarke High School, in Westbury, on March 1. School districts across Nassau County took part in the event, with students from every grade displaying work in paint, pencil and ink, photography and sculpture. Fifty-four seniors were selected as recipients of $250 senior scholarship awards, and Sara Biancamano was the winner from Long Beach High School.

When we invest in the arts, we invest in the whole child.

KAtHy

NixoN President, Art Supervisors Association

The exhibition was coordinated by the Art Supervisors Association — a Nassau Countybased nonprofit focused on promoting visual arts education.

“The arts nurture innovation, resilience and empathy,” Kathy Nixon, president of the association and the director of music and art in the East Meadow School District, said. “These skills serve our students in every academic discipline and in every future career path. When we invest in the arts, we

SUNY Farmingdale has hosted the event in past years, but renovations at its Roosevelt Hall made it inaccessible. The exhibition took place virtually from 2020 to 2022, because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the subsequent search for a suitable site with enough space for more than 1,000 displays and several thousand visitors was a challenge, but the in-person event returned in 2023 with a showcase at Long Beach High. It moved to Clarke in 2024, and to Herricks High School, in New Hyde Park, last year before returning to Clarke. This year, more than 500 schools were represented, with art teachers submitting work from up to three students per school. The result was a gymnasium-turned-gallery filled with more than 1,300 pieces of art. A total of 33 Long Beach students had their work showcased. Lindell Elementary highlighted art from one second-grader and one third-grader. East Elementary and West

Continued on page 11

9th annual Women in the Arts awards

By Chris ColuCCi ccolucci@liherald.com

Artists in Partnership, a nonprofit organization advocating for local artists and creators, will present the 9th annual Women in the Arts awards and recognition gala at the Allegria Hotel on April 16.

The event spotlights women in the community who represent visual and literary artists, musicians, educators, businesswomen and community activists who keep cultural arts and the local community at the center of their work.

“These women — there are so many levels of their involvement in the community and what it is that they give to the community,” said Johanna MathiesonEllmer, director of Artists in Partnership and Women in the Arts committee member. “That’s the purpose of it. It all started just as an idea, ‘It’s time to celebrate some women.’ And that’s what we did.”

The 2026 Women in the Arts honorees include 14 women in seven different categories: Judy Rosemarin, an author, poet, actor and coach, for the lifetime achievement award; Marianne Raisig, president of the Long Beach Kiwanis Club, for community champion; Claire Glassman, an artist/painter and social worker; Stephanie Erdel-Laws, a musician, artist, and muralist; Melinda McKee; Lisa Dawn Romano, a photographer and member of the Long Beach Art League, for artists and community.

Lisa Bronshteyn, co-director of The Dance Loft and Chessy Antonello, an instructor at Earth Arts Pottery, for educator and community; Kelly Martinsen and Shannon Williams, co-owners of Core 95 fitness studio and Marisa L. Russell, founder of Meadow and Bark skincare, for businesses in support of healing arts. Rose Ott, an interior designer and artist for business

of art, design and community; and Jeanne Evrard Chaffer Browne, president of the Long Beach Historical Society and Chiren Curry, board chair of the Martin Luther King Community Center, for community organizers and the arts.

In addition to recognizing the nominees and their achievements, this year’s event will also be dedicated to the late Hedy Page, a longtime artist and patron of Artists in Partnership, who died last month at age 96. Page was the recipient of a lifetime achievement award at the inaugural Women in the Arts gala in 2017.

“She was actually in the first group,” said Mathieson-Ellmer. “They were just who we were learning from and who we were being supported by. They set the standard and paved the road for us.”

The event also serves as a notable fundraiser for Artists in Partnership, with ticket sales helping to fund the nonprofit’s artistic programs. The celebratory evening will feature the awards ceremony, live music, a dinner buffet, raffle prizes and more. Tickets are available for $150, with discounted pricing offered until March 22. For more information about the awards, tickets, or sponsorships, visit aip4arts.org.

Tuskegee film screened at Cradle of Aviation

The documentary highlights the life of Tuskegee Airman Calvin Moret

By STACY DRIKS & CHRIS COLUCCI

Of the Herald

About 50 people gathered at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Uniondale on Feb. 13 for a public screening of a behind the scenes documentary honoring the life and legacy of Calvin Moret, a highly decorated World War II veteran and the last surviving Tuskegee Airman born in Louisiana.

The event, supported by the Latino Civic Association of Long Beach, drew attendees from across Nassau County, including several from Long Beach with personal ties to the Tuskegee Airmen’s legacy.

Among them was James Hodge, the Long Beach Herald’s 2008 Person of the Year, who wore the Tuskegee Airmen jacket of Julius Freeman — a medic whom Hodge considered more than a friend. “He was like my grandfather.”

Old people have had experiences that you won’t get out of a

CALvIn MOReT

Tuskegee airman and WWII veteran

The jacket served as a visible reminder of the enduring connections between Long Island residents and the historic group of Black military aviators across America.

The evening featured a 20-minute preview of a forthcoming documentary by filmmaker Amy Serrano, who spent the last three years documenting Moret’s life, until his death in 2015. He was 90.

“I think that the Tuskegee story is like many stories that’ve been forgotten about in history,” Hodge said. “I believe, truly, that people replicate what they see and when people can look at people that’ve made significant impacts in America, and to the world.

It’s about so many hidden stories. So many hidden inventions, because people were simply Black. It’s simple as that,” he reflected.

“Mr. Moret was also a gentleman who had been responsible for desegregating the barbershop quartets of the South,” Serrano said in her documentary. “While he had been one of 900 men desegregating the air forces.”

Deputy Director Catherine Gonzalez said the museum strives to preserve aviation history while inspiring future generations.“It is always fitting when we have opportunities to recognize and commemorate trailblazers in aviation history,” she said.

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. They trained at Moton Field and Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. Moret was one of nearly 1,000 Black pilots completed the program, and more than 450 went on to serve in combat, flying missions that escorted bombers over Europe and North Africa.

Despite facing discrimination within the military, the airmen compiled an impressive combat record that helped challenge racist assumptions about Black servicemen’s capabilities. Their service contributed to President Harry Truman’s Executive Order 9981 in 1948, which desegregated the U.S. armed forces.

Yet their heroism abroad did not shield them from racism at home. Many returned to segregated communities governed by Jim Crow laws and faced discriminatory barriers to housing and education benefits under the G.I. Bill — exclusions that historians say contributed to the racial wealth gap that persists today.

“Despite all that Mr. Moret was subjected to in terms of racism and discrimination during in the Jim Crow South,” Serrano said. “He would call it the contagion of ignorance, the way that people behaved to treat other people in the way that they did.

And he never let himself be contaminated by the

way he was treated. He believed that all of us were born with love in our hearts.”

In April 1945, 101 Black officers from the 477th Bombardment Group were arrested at Freeman Field, Indiana, after peacefully attempting to enter an all-white officers’ club — an act of resistance widely viewed as a precursor to the Civil Rights Movement.

Serrano described being “transfixed” the first time she heard him recount serving overseas and then navigating segregation upon his return.

“Mr. Moret was a kind, fair and loving man,” Serrano said. “And believed in a better world, just like we do.” noting that Moret relied on the “Green Book” to

travel safely through segregated states after the war. She also explained that Moret believed children were not born racist. They were turned that way.

In archival footage shown during the screening, Moret urged young people to seek wisdom from elders.

“Old people have had experiences that you won’t get out of a book,” Moret said. “That’s why I strongly recommend that young people attach themselves to some old people because they will get some insight into values.”

After the screening, a special Q&A took place, where more than 10 people asked questions.

Tamara Bailey of Long Beach said the film resonated with her personally. Her stepfather, a Black pilot, continues to face discrimination in the industry.

“My mother is crying — this is not just something of the past. Black pilots are still facing discrimination,” she said. “My stepfather is still facing discrimination. It took them 10, 15 years to get back on the saddle and really pursue becoming a pilot because of the discrimination.

This can definitely be shared to students of color,” she expressed. “To know that this is the legacy and the shoulders that they stand on.”

Serrano founded the nonprofit One Better World Project to preserve oral histories like Moret’s. She said only three Tuskegee Airmen remain alive today, underscoring the urgency of documenting their stories.

“It’s about creating a better world,” Serrano said, “not for just you or for me, but for all of us.”

“The Tuskegee airmen, to come out means so much for schools to get engaged and get involved,” Hodge said. “Black history is not just for Black people. It’s history for everybody, because everybody’s history is important to understand the significant accomplishment.”

Serrano explained she is excited to bring her film to colleges and universities.

“When students are given the information – or young people, they really absorb and they really want to do something positive,” she said. “They run with it in a positive way – we have a component for that, it’s also up to all of us to bring people in places where we can have engaging presentations and conversations.”

How Giving Increases Wealth

Meet your first responder:

Eileen DiBari

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

When someone in the City of Long Beach needs help, they often dial 911. Picking up that phone call is Eileen DiBari, a police dispatcher for the Long Beach Police Department.

DiBari, 42, is the second-longest-tenured dispatcher in LBPD and has fulfilled the role since she was 22 years old. She took the civil service test in 2004 and went to paramedic school before joining the police department in 2006.

Beginning in 2001, DiBari has also volunteered at the Long Beach Fire Department, including 17 years in the Rescue Company, where she served as a lieutenant. She has also worked as an EMT and lifeguard.

“Eileen is very dedicated to this city,” Police Commissioner Richard DePalma said. “She’s a fantastic employee and, more importantly, a fantastic person.”

DiBari grew up in the West End and said becoming a firefighter exposed her to different situations. “It helped me understand how to get the information I needed to get the job done,” she said.

Like all dispatchers, DiBari is responsible for relaying information she

gathers from interactions with callers and police officers in need of assistance. Dispatchers are assisted by Desk Sergeants, a role which DePalma served in from 2008 to 2019.

DePalma said he would often lean on her experience as a firefighter. He noted DiBari’s calm demeanor and professionalism during stressful situations as her greatest strength.

When Irish Day comes to town in October, DiBari often greets first responders who participate in the Wedge — a coordinated way to get people off the street so that it can reopen to drivers — on New York Avenue, with freshly baked cookies.

“Irish day can be a tough day for the officers,” DiBari said. “It’s a nice treat at the end of the day.”

On Feb. 7, DiBari was honored at the Second Annual Law and Order Night. The recognition, led by the American Legion Post 972 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1384, highlighted first responders in the community for their excellence and bravery.

“Dispatchers are vital to the first responder world,” DePalma said. “They are the unsung heroes, and we can’t do our job effectively without them.”

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By ABIGAIL GRIECO

Find the culture behind the holiday

agrieco@liherald.com

Every March 17, communities across the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades, music and plenty of green. What began as a religious feast day honoring Ireland’s patron saint has grown into a global celebration of Irish heritage and culture. Here are three things to know about the holiday and its history.

St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious feast, not a party

Observed each year on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day honors Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century. The date marks the traditional anniversary of his death in A.D. 461. The day was originally a solemn religious feast day in Ireland, marked by church services and family meals. For much of its history in Ireland, the day was observed quietly, and pubs were even closed by law until the 1970s. Irish immigrants later transformed it in the United States into a public celebration of heritage and pride. Today, cities across the country host parades, festivals and cultural events. While it’s often associated with revelry, the holiday’s roots are spiritual and historical, commemorating Irish identity and resilience.

Why we wear green — and other symbols

Green became associated with St. Patrick’s Day because of Ireland’s nickname, “The Emerald Isle,” and the shamrock, which Irish legend says St. Patrick used to explain the Holy Trinity. Wearing green is also said to make someone “invisible” to mischievous leprechauns in Irish folklore. Other popular symbols include Celtic crosses, harps and pots of gold; the cross symbolizes Irish Christianity, the harp represents Ireland’s long musical and cultural heritage, and the pot of gold comes from legends of leprechauns said to hide treasure at the end of the rainbow. Even rivers get in on the tradition — the Chicago River is famously dyed bright green each year as part of the city’s festivities.

Signature dishes are essential for celebrations

While many people consider corned beef and cabbage a classic St. Patrick’s Day meal, it’s more Irish American than traditionally Irish. In Ireland, bacon and cabbage were more common, but Irish immigrants in cities like New York City substituted corned beef because it was more affordable and readily available from local butchers. Over time, the dish became closely tied to March 17 celebrations in the United States, symbolizing both adaptation and the blending of Irish heritage with American life. Another traditional favorite is Irish soda bread, a simple loaf made with baking soda instead of yeast that dates back to rural Irish kitchens. Often served alongside the main meal — and sometimes sweetened with raisins in American versions — soda bread has become a staple of holiday tables.

HERALD SPORTS

Sibomana-Rodriguez wins third state title

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez’s Long Beach career ended the way it started — with another New York State wrestling championship. The senior captured his third title, beating Manhasset’s Will Russell, 7-1, to win the 118-pound weight class at the Division I state tournament at MVP Arena in Albany last Saturday evening.

“It was a wonderful feeling,” Long Beach head coach Ray Adams said. “It was a perfect ending to his career as a Long Beach Marine.”

Sibomana-Rodriguez, who won the 102pound state championship as an eighthgrader in 2022 and the 116-pound title last season, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.

“It still feels great,” Sibomana-Rodriguez said on Monday. “It’s like a relief to relax now a little bit. We didn’t have practice today, and it felt very weird. I miss all those guys already. It’s definitely going to be different without them.”

Two weeks earlier, Sibomana-Rodriguez defeated Russell 1-0 in the Nassau Division I final to capture a fifth county title.

Adams, whose daughter Reese placed second at 126 pounds in the girls’ finals, told Sibomana-Rodriguez to be more aggressive in the rematch, and the result was a dominant performance capped by a patented celebratory backflip.

“For the states, my goal was really to just open up,” he said. “I had to tell myself that I’m the best one there and there’s a reason I got the No. 1 seed. I came in with the mentality that I’m not giving anybody anything. They gotta earn it. That’s what I did. I went out there and took what I came there to do.”

Sibomana-Rodriguez, who placed third in the state tournament at 110 pounds in 2023 and second at 108 in 2024, will head to the University of North Carolina as one of the greatest wrestlers in Long Beach history, according to Adams, joining five-time New York

State champion Jacori Teemer and Al Palacio, a three-time New York State champion.

“He’s on the Mount Rushmore of Long Beach wrestling,” coach Adams said of Sibomana-Rodriguez, who finished with a 203-17 career record.

As he closes this chapter, Sibomana-Rodriguez’s fondest memory of Long Beach wrestling is not the championships won, but the lifelong relationships he’s forged.

“Everyone here is family,” he said. “It’s one big community. It’s one big family of people who love you and support you. Honestly, I don’t know where else you can find that. They’re always going to be there to support me and cheer me on.”

Andreula reaches state final

Long Beach sophomore Ethan Andreula reached the 110-pound final, falling to North Babylon’s Xavier Seabury, 1-0. The two met in the Eastern States Classic, with Andreula winning 3-1.

“I was really proud of Ethan. He’s only a sophomore, and he’s a four-time all-state wrestler already, which is incredible,” Adams said. “I’m really confident he’s going to put in the work, and I have no doubt Ethan will get to the top of that podium before it’s all said and done.”

Franklin All-State as well

Brody Franklin reached the semifinals at 132 pounds, where he lost to eventual champion Marco Futia of Wallkill. Franklin rallied to defeat Hilton’s John Testa, 7-5, to take fourth place.

“I’m really proud of him and his perseverance this season,” Adams said of Franklin.

Long Beach finished third in the team standings.

“It’s just a testament to the kids and how hard they work and all our coaches getting them ready,” said Adams, who was inducted into the New York State Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in Albany. “It was quite a weekend for us.”

New ICE office in Woodbury sparks concerns

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is renting office space in Woodbury for what could be as many as 40 agency attorneys, Newsday has reported. The move is drawing concern from immigration advocates and prompting calls for transparency from local officials.

Last month, ICE began leasing offices in a four-story building at 88 Froehlich Farm Blvd., according to Craig J. Padover, president of the Hauppaugebased Aresco Management, which owns the property. The space, Padover said, is being used for legal offices, but he did not confirm the size or extent of the lease, nor could he verify how many ICE attorneys would ultimately work there.

He added that the space would not be used to house detained immigrants.

The expansion comes as controversy intensifies over President Trump’s deportation campaign. ICE received nearly $80 billion in funding through Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” passed last July, increasing the number of agents from roughly 10,000 to 22,000 this year, making it the largest-funded federal law enforcement agency.

ICE already maintains a presence at the federal courthouse in Central Islip and at the Nassau County Correctional Center in East Meadow, where detained

migrants are housed. Agents covering Long Island are based primarily in New York City offices.

“One of the most important things to remember is that the Department of Homeland Security and [Secretary] Kristi Noem has not been transparent about what’s going on,” Sylvia LivitsAyass, a partner at Livits Ayass Baskin PLLC and the immigration chair of the Nassau County Bar Association, said.

In Central Islip, marked and unmarked vans have been seen near district courts. Attorneys from ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor repre -

sent the Department of Homeland Security in immigration-removal proceedings, and can facilitate warrants and enforcement actions.

“My guess is that there will be a ramp-up in ICE presence in Nassau and Suffolk, and they’re probably going to try and facilitate these enforcement actions through warrants and by supporting these operations,” Livits-Ayass said, emphasizing that that remains speculation.

She explained that there are different types of warrants. An administrative warrant is not reviewed by a federal

judge, and is often signed by an ICE officer or agency official. A judicial warrant, by contrast, must be signed by a U.S. District Court judge and typically identifies the court, the name and birth date of the subject of the warrant, and the address to be searched.

“Just because they have a warrant doesn’t mean they can go wherever they want,” Livits-Ayass said.

Because immigration court for downstate New York is at Federal Plaza in Manhattan, she added, the Woodbury lease is surprising. She suggested that it could signal expanded enforcement operations, but also noted that it could simply be cost-effective for ICE to house its attorneys on Long Island. “The bottom line is we don’t know,” she said, “because they’re not telling anybody.”

In a letter to Noem, Rep. Tom Suozzi asked if the lease was accurate and how ICE has engaged with local governments.

In a statement to the Herald, Suozzi wrote, “Expanding deportation operations in safe communities creates fear and undermines trust in local enforcement, and would be a bad policy. Our focus should be on removing dangerous criminals while protecting families who contribute to our local economy and way of life.”

ICE offices in New York City did not respond to the Herald’s request for comment.

CAMP & SCHOOL – A guide to programs and activities

Think you know camp? Think again

Camp has become a staple of the summer season. Each year, millions of children, youth and adults head to the hills, lakes, valleys, and parks to participate in the time-honored tradition of camp. And, while most people easily conjure up images of campfires and canoes, there is a lot more to the camp experience. Here are some things you may not have known about the camp experience, courtesy of American Camp Association.

Camp is older than dirt, almost literally Started in 1861, the camp experience turned an impressive 150 years young in 2011. The secret behind the longevity? “Camps are adapting to meet the needs of today’s campers,” says Tom Rosenberg, formr president/CEO of the American Camp Association.“At the same time, the impact camp has on campers, the lifechanging experience, has remained after all these years.”

Camp is worth its weight in gold, and then some!

The camp experience is life-changing –developing friendships and memories that last well beyond the final campfire. And, there is a camp for literally every budget. Often camps offer special pricing or financial assistance, and some camp experiences qualify for tax credits or for payment with preGreen is “zen.”

Research shows that first-hand experience with nature, like those at camp, reduce stress in children and help them better handle stress in

the future. In addition to teaching children how to be good stewards of the environment, camps are teaching children how to enjoy the world around them and take a minute to breathe deep and feel the nature, which ultimately teaches them how to de-stress the natural way.

Mommies and Daddies do it too.

Camp is not just for children and youth. There are family camp experiences, and camps for single adults, senior adults, and any adult that wants to relax and enjoy all camp has to offer. Adults benefit from the same sense of community, authentic relationships, and selfdiscovery that children do. Camp is an excellent vacation option, allowing adults to try a variety of new activities in a safe and fun environment.

Try this on for size!

Camp is a great place to try new activities and hobbies. Afraid of rock walls? According to ACA research, 74 percent of campers reported that they tried new activities at camp that they were afraid to do at first. And, those activities often leave lasting impressions. In the same survey, 63 percent of parents reported that their child continued new activities from camp after returning home.

Manners matter, and often linger.

The camp experience teaches more than just archery or lanyard making. The entire experience is made of teachable moments, perhaps one of the biggest is how to live with a group of people. Campers learn to pick up after themselves, respect each other’s property, and to say

“Please” and “Thank You.”

Camp gets those neurons pumping Education reform debate and concern over summer learning loss have pushed academic achievement into the spotlight. Research shows that participation in intentional programs, like camp, during summer months helps stem summer learning loss. In addition, camp provides ample opportunity for developmental growth, which is a precursor to academic achievement. And, because of the “hands-on” nature of camp, often children who struggle in traditional edu-

cation settings do well at camp.

Camp builds leaders for the 21st century and beyond Independence, resiliency, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and the ability to relate to other people these are the skills that tomorrow’s leaders will need, and the skills camp has been adept at building for 150 years.

Photo: Long after the final campfire fades, the skills and friendships built at camp continue to shine.

CAMP & SCHOOL – A guide to programs and activities

Academic support Making tutoring work for busy families

The hours after school can feel like a sprint to bedtime. There are snacks to serve, carpools to manage, practices to attend and homework to complete all while academics remain the priority. For families whose children need extra academic support, adding tutoring to the mix can feel overwhelming.

Yet when approached thoughtfully, tutoring can become a powerful and positive investment in your child’s growth not just another obligation on an already crowded calendar.

Start With A Supportive Conversation

Before beginning the search for a tutor, talk openly with your child. Frame tutoring as support, not punishment. A simple, reassuring approach “Reading feels tricky sometimes, so we’re going to find someone who can help” emphasizes growth rather than deficiency.

Most children are aware when they’re struggling. While they may feel apprehensive, involving them in the decision fosters cooperation and reduces resistance. Encouragement and confidence from parents go a long way toward building buy-in.

The Right Fit

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to tutoring. The right setting depends on your child’s needs, personality, schedule and budget.

Some families prefer one-on-one private tutoring. Others choose small-group instruction

at a learning center or opt for online services. When evaluating options, consider class size, location convenience and cost. Research shows that consistent, frequent sessions often yield stronger academic gains.

Recommendations from teachers, guidance counselors and other parents can help narrow your search. Be sure to check references and ask about measurable results, such as improved grades, stronger test performance or increased homework completion.

Set Goals — Together

Successful tutoring works best when everyone is aligned. Teachers, tutors, parents and students should collaborate on clear, realistic goals.

Parents remain an essential part of the learning process. After each session, ask what your child is expected to practice before the next one and provide gentle support at home.

Building Skills — and Confidence

One of the greatest benefits of tutoring is individualized attention. Whether a child needs help mastering multiplication facts, expanding vocabulary or strengthening study skills, oneon-one instruction allows lessons to be tailored to specific learning styles.

Tutoring isn’t only about catching up or getting ahead. It can also help students manage learning differences, organize assignments or gain confidence in challenging subjects.

Tutors may incorporate visual aids, discussion, hands-on activities or technology depending on what resonates most with your child.

Create A Supportive Environment

If you have other children at home, establish clear expectations during tutoring sessions. Institute “quiet Hours by encouraging quiet activities such as reading, homework or creative play. Turning off televisions and limiting device use can help maintain focus.

When possible, outdoor play or activities in another part of the house can give siblings space to burn off energy while preserving a calm learning environment indoors.

SPORTS STEAM & SPECIALTY CAMPS

Coordinate breaks and boundaries. Children’s attention spans vary by age. Younger students may focus for 20 to 30 minutes before needing a short break; older students may manage 30 to 40 minutes. Work with your tutor to determine appropriate breaks, boundaries and incentives that suit your child. It’s often best for parents to step back during sessions. Hovering even with good intentions can disrupt concentration. Establish in advance where you’ll be during tutoring time, and allow your child to build independence.

Photo:Tutoring can become an opportunity for growth — not just extra homework.

Monday-Friday • 9am-4pm • extended day & lunch

West Elementary hits 100 days and 100 years

By Chris ColuCCi ccolucci@liherald.com

Not many schools get to recognize their centennial celebration, but most do celebrate the first 100 school days of each year. On Feb. 13, students at West Elementary School had a chance to celebrate both, using the 100th day of school to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the school being built.

Students and staff took the rare opportunity to mark the day by choosing one decade from the past century and dressing the part. Pre-K students celebrated the 1920s and second grade classes traveled back to the 1930s. Administrators honored the 1940s, while kindergartners hopped back to the 1950s. Special area teachers flashed back to the 1960s. First grade took a trip to the 1970s and third graders made it big in the 1980s. Fifth grade classes jumped back to the 1990s, while fourth grade students took a half-step into recent history with the 2000s.

“Seeing our students bring each decade to life reminded us that while styles change, the heart of West community, kindness and learning remains constant.” said West Elementary Principal Amy Dirolf. “Our students didn’t just learn about history; they became part of it, connecting the past, present and future of West Elementary.”

The day provided a chance to think about the countless teachers and stu -

dents who’ve shared the halls. “When we saw everyone dressed up — from the poodle skirts to the neon colors — it reminded us that even though our clothes and hairstyles change, the heart of our school stays exactly the same,” said kindergarten teacher Annie LaPenna. “We are always about being kind, learning new things and being a big, happy fami-

ly. We are all officially a special part of our little school’s big, beautiful story and that is truly such an honor.”

While some of the decades were familiar to faculty, many students enjoyed experiencing a new piece of local history, especially as it related directly to the school’s centennial. “I love how the 5th graders will be gradu-

ating during the 100th year,” explained Brynn Gerns, a fifth-grade student whose class captured the 1990s. “It was really cool, on the 100th day of school, that we dressed up from the decades. This helped me see what 100 years ago looked like and made me feel like I was back in the olden days. When I am 100 years old, I will remember this.”

Lindell Wellness Fair keeps kids moving

By Chris ColuCCi ccolucci@liherald.com

For more than 10 years, the Friday before winter recess has always been a high-energy day at Lindell Elementary School thanks to the annual wellness fair. This year, on Feb. 13, students from pre-K through fifth grade took part in a day packed with physical activity and mental engagement.

Guest presenters were invited to guide the kids through an array of programs and lessons for both mind and body. The entire building played a role as students rotated through the auditorium, gym, libraries and classrooms from start to finish. Standard 40-minute class periods were broken down into 18-minute lessons about physical fitness, mindfulness, dance, music and more.

Only lunch period and recess kept to the usual schedule — as well as naptime for pre-K students —but even lunch had a wellness twist. “We gave out clementines and cucumbers,” said Lauren Voege, PTA board member and chair of the wellness committee. “Some kids have never had either of those before. We were cutting cucumbers and peeling clementines throughout the whole entire day and giving it to kids so they can try it.”

More than 15 instructors kept classes motivated and moving all day long. Local presenters included Mike Lundwall from the Long Beach Lifeguards; Registered Nurse Kristin Esquirol; an assortment of fitness and martial arts classes; yoga and Pilates lessons; a golf clinic; a presentation from Judi Vining of Long Beach Aware, an organization focused on curbing underage drinking and drug use; and Team USA amputee soccer

member, para-triathlete and motivational speaker Rob Rodriguez. Students also heard lessons on kindness and emotional health.

The wellness committee ensured age-appropriate lessons were conducted throughout the event — Judi Vining, executive director of Long Beach Aware, only spoke to third, fourth, and fifth-grade classes. Similarly, presenters adjusted their lesson plans to accommodate each age group.

Students received familiarity with a range of health, fitness and total-body wellness practices outside of traditional physical education classes. The annual event provides an activity-loaded day, exploring new ways to move while getting an introduction to overall health and wellness. “The kids are exhausted by the end of the day,” said Voege. “By ninth period, they’re wiped. They get a good night’s sleep that night.”

Student artists gather from across Nassau

Elementary were each represented by one fifth-grader, and Lido Elementary, two fifth-graders. Long Beach Middle School presented work from two seventh-grade students and seven eighthgraders, and the high school featured seven freshmen, four sophomores, four juniors and three seniors.

Biancamano’s Senior Scholar Award-winning oil-on-canvas painting was a self-portrait titled “Under the Surface.” In an artist’s statement published in the exhibition’s program, Biancamano explained that the work was intended to express anxiety, insecurity and vulnerability — a response to the external and internal pressure she felt to conform to social norms.

“I like a lot of different mediums,” she said. “I would say painting is my favorite, but I also like to do charcoal and graphite pencil. I’ve been trying a lot of other mediums, like oil pastel.”

Biancamano added that her college plans are to study art, and eventually to become an art teacher, and share her craft with students of all ages. Her father, Jay Biancamano, said he sees her hard work, and the passion she pours into her art. “She’s down there grinding every day,” he said. “It’s hard. I’m impressed. There’s a lot going on emotionally, and the discipline to go and do it. We’re very proud.”

Julia Lang-Shapiro, the immediate

the 2026 Senior Scholar award winners represented more than 50 school districts throughout nassau County.

past president of the Art Supervisors Association and the director of media, visual and performing arts for the Long Beach School District, said that visual arts were the first language used by people to communicate ideas, beginning with rudimentary cave paintings. Those ideas, she said, have allowed artists to comment on events

and culture — and students have a powerful reason to share their own perspectives.

“The arts are the voice and the memory of all societies,” Lang-Shapiro said. “I feel that artwork is like the zeitgeist. It’s reflective of what’s going on in their communities, in their lives and in the world at large.”

Nixon emphasized the importance of allowing students to find their creative path. “The arts are a vital part of our human spirit,” she said. “It’s what makes us human. It makes us creative. It makes us collaborative. It makes us kind. It’s what connects us. And students are such a beautiful reminder of that creativity and that spirit.”

An invisible threat in Long Island’s waters

Researchers study acidification and its potential effects on the future of oysters and clams

By ABIGAIL GRIECO, WILL SHEELINE & JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO of the Herald Community Newspapers

Third installment in a series about water.

For generations, the waters surrounding Long Island have defined its identity — from the wide-open waterfronts of the South Shore to the shellfish beds of the North Shore. But beneath the surface, a quieter transformation is underway.

Ocean acidification is often called climate change’s “evil twin,” and refers to the lowering of the water’s pH, the scale used to measure the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water. While global warming refers to rising temperatures, acidification describes a shift in seawater chemistry.

The science begins with carbon dioxide. As levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increase — predominantly from the burning of fossil fuels — the ocean absorbs roughly 25 to 30 percent of it. When carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, making the water more acidic, and lowering its pH.

farmers — industries that have experienced both revival and setbacks in recent decades — these chemical changes aren’t just theoretical. They are measurable, seasonal and, increasingly, part of daily operations.

The ‘evil twin’ of climate change

Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a nonprofit advocacy organization in New York and Connecticut, describes ocean acidification as a hidden but mounting crisis for Long Island’s waters — one intensified by warming temperatures, nitrogen pollution and poor circulation in local bays.

“It’s commonly understood that roughly a third of all carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere are absorbed by the marine environment,” Esposito said. That absorption increases acidity levels in bays, estuaries and the open ocean.

The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning that even a small numerical drop represents a significant shift in chemistry. The ocean is naturally slightly alkaline, but since the Industrial Revolution, average ocean surface pH has dropped by about 0.1 units — roughly a 30 percent increase in acidity. That shift reduces the availability of carbonate ions, the building blocks shellfish such as oysters and clams need to form their calcium carbonate shells.

Ryan Wallace, assistant professor of environmental science at Adelphi University, explained that these acidity levels are not evenly distributed.

On Long Island, acidification is not driven by global carbon emissions alone. Local factors intensify the problem. Nitrogen discharged from wastewater, septic systems and fertilizer runoff flows into bays and harbors, fueling harmful algal blooms. When those blooms die and decompose, the process consumes oxygen and releases additional carbon dioxide in the water, further lowering pH.

The result is a compounding effect: global atmospheric carbon dioxide combined with local nitrogen pollution accelerates acidification in shallow, enclosed estuaries.

Warming waters add another layer of stress. As temperatures rise, marine organisms’ metabolic demands increase, but warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen. Together, warming and acidification can weaken shellfish during their most vulnerable larval stages, making it harder for them to survive and build shells.

For Long Island’s oyster and clam

Some bays and harbors on the North Shore are measured at 450 parts per million, close to the ideal level of roughly 300 ppm, while others, particularly in the western portion of Long Island Sound, measured as high as 2,000 ppm.

Wallace emphasized that while these may not sound like huge differences, even minor changes in CO2 levels can have a drastic impact.

“To put it into perspective, over the last 800,000 years or so, the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was only about 300” parts per million, Wallace explained. “Two thousand is a lot more than that, so when you get to concentrations that are that high, this can have implications for, you know, organisms that are living in these ecosystems.”

While the data reflect a global pattern, the consequences are being felt at the regional level as well. As Esposito noted, Long Island’s problems do not exist in isolation.

“It’s being exacerbated by an increase in temperature of the waterways and more nutrient runoff, such as nitrogen, going into waterways,” she said. “All of that causes unfortunate degradation to our water bodies.”

While algae is an important part of a healthy ecosystem, excess nitrogen can fuel algal blooms that, when they die off, consume oxygen and further stress marine life — compounding the chemical impacts of acidification with biological ones.

In the South Shore’s Western Bays, limited water circulation compounds the problem. Research by Stony Brook

University has shown that it can take up to 180 days for water to fully flush out through an inlet into the Atlantic Ocean. Instead, Esposito said, the water “sloshes back and forth” before eventually reaching the ocean, trapping heat and pollutants in the process.

Coastal areas such as the western portion of the Sound are especially vulnerable because of limited circulation. Wallace stressed that scientists differentiate between open-ocean acidification and coastal-ocean acidification because of the unique challenges those areas face.

In Hempstead Harbor, the issue of acidification has been a focus for local environmental organizations for decades. The Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor was formed in 1986 to address a range of environmental issues facing the area, including acidification.

Michelle Lapinel McAllister, the coalition’s programs director, explained that pH monitoring is one of the core services that the nonprofit provides for the harbor. Measuring occurs yearround, with particular emphasis from May to October, when the harbor, in

common with other waterways, sees annual spikes in nitrogen levels.

“Each season we will see periods of low dissolved oxygen, and whenever dissolved oxygen gets low, then we’ll see pH drop as well,” Lapinel McAllister said. “That will typically happen around the hottest part of the year.”

Another complication is the fact that enclosed waters respond more quickly to environmental stressors than the open ocean, meaning local ecosystems can feel the impacts sooner and more intensely.

“The more stagnant the water body is, the more these acidity levels build up,” Esposito said. “The more the temperature builds up, the more damage the increase in acidity levels can do.”

She described three primary consequences of ocean acidification: “reduced water quality, the impact on shellfish and finfish and the degradation of the overall habitat due to low oxygen.”

Shellfish such as oysters and clams struggle to build and maintain their shells in more acidic conditions, while

Rising acidity, rising stakes for coastal shellfish

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

finfish larvae have lower survival rates — threatening both the ecosystem and the region’s maritime economy.

“Acidification actually reduces the availability of carbonate ions that are needed for these organisms to build their shells, so that’s a major issue,” Wallace said. “Like shellfish aquaculture, it can impact fisheries, and then there’s this cascading effect that can influence things like recreational activities and tourism.”

This is especially relevant because shellfish play an important role in regulating nitrogen levels. An adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, depending on size and environmental conditions, while a clam can filter roughly half that.

Across Long Island, and across the country, local environmental organizations and governments are throwing their support behind shellfish hatcheries and protection programs, including the towns of Hempstead, Oyster Bay and Babylon. Lapinel McAllister explained that while these efforts serve an important role in safeguarding healthy ecosystems, they can’t singlehandedly save marine ecosystems.

“On their own, shellfish can’t improve the water quality to healthy levels,” she said, “but having a good, healthy, strong population is going to be part of that overall puzzle of maintaining the stability of pH over long term.”

While local efforts to restore wetlands, upgrade sewage-treatment plants and rebuild shellfish populations are making progress, Esposito said the root cause remains global. “The main culprit of ocean acidification is the burning of fossil fuels,” she said. “The only thing we can do is support more renewable energy so that we’re not pouring more carbon dioxide into the waterways.”

The wet work of marine scientists

Across Long Island, scientists are working together to find ways to improve the quality of local waters. A leading solution is all-organic: Restoring local populations of filter-feeders could, with careful management, bear the brunt of decontamination efforts.

The Flax Pond Marine Laboratory, in Old Field, is nestled in the marshes of the North Shore, overlooking the Long Island Sound. This laboratory is a research hatchery, working toward “improving local coastal water quality and replenishing natural shellfish populations,” according to its shellfish restoration manager, Peter Martin.

The facility’s current focus is the Ribbed Mussel Bioextraction Project, in which staff test what growth strategies lead to the healthiest shellfish that could be reintroduced to coastal waters to rejuvenate them.

“There’s a lot of coastal communities and little inlets and even out-of-use small pockets of water that are just polluted and are in need of cleaner water,” Martin said. “Fundamentally … shellfish are natural filters. All they do is filter feed, so they’re cleaning the water as they grow.”’

“One of the big pollutants that we’re focused on is nitrogen removal,” hatchery Research Specialist Ashley Lopez said. “Shellfish take in the bad form of nitrogen, process it in their body, and they still expel some nitrogen, but it’s a safe and more bioavailable kind of nitrogen.”

The ribbed mussel program is exploring new methods of shellfish cultivation; according to Lopez, there is no consensus in the field about growing large amounts of these shellfish. In their nascence, ribbed mussels have delicate health — a larva is as small as a grain of sand. The Citizens Campaign for the Environment staff regularly sterilize equipment and filter externally sourced seawater to minimize diseases and infections from plankton and bacteria.

The researchers grow eight different varieties of algae to feed adult ribbed mussels, which are kept in temperature-stabilized basins. This conditioning pro-

nonprofits like the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor play a vital role in the fight against acidification. Staff members such as michelle Lapinel mcAllister, right, programs director, and Carol diPaolo, water-monitoring coordinator, track pH levels and coordinate a shellfish restoration program to keep the harbor healthy.

Acidification, by the numbers

■ 30 percent of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere is absorbed by the ocean.

■ From 2008 to 2017, fossil fuel burning and land use changes were responsible for 40 billion tons of emissions per year.

■ Surface waters are 30 percent more acidic than their pre-industrial levels.

■ While the ocean on average has seen a 0.06 decrease in pH units, meaning increasing acidity, since 1985, the Long Island Sound has seen a decrease of 0.04 per decade, according to UConn Marine Sciences.

■ In the past 25 years, the $6 billion clamming industry has seen a 93 percent reduction in harvests, according to the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation.

■ More than 12,000 acres of Long Island waterways have been closed to shellfishing due to algal blooms, according to the Suffolk County Health Department.

■ 76 percent of the nitrogen in the waters off Long Island — home to 40 percent of the state’s population — comes from faulty septic systems.

cess is meant to “ripen the gonads” of the mussels and help them reproduce as effectively as possible, according to Martin.

“What we’re doing is trying to find out the best way

to grow a lot of them from birth on and have them actually survive,” Lopez said. “And the starting point, we think, is the feeding regimens that we’re giving them. So that’s why we’re doing different diets — to see what kind of spawn they produce and see how the larvae survive after that.”

“This two-year project is Phase Two of a larger project,” Martin added. “Phase One was from ’23 to ’25. Each phase is getting further and further, doing more to figure out the best way to grow these things.”

In addition to ribbed mussel cultivation, CCE staff are involved with other restoration efforts, including a Community Aquaculture Restoration and Education program, in which scientists partner with community volunteers to sow “spat-on-shell” oysters into local estuaries, from which larvae will grow and mature into underwater custodians.

The Flax Pond hatchery works with groups ranging from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County and Stony Brook University to the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission. It is one ecological collective of many working toward improving the quality of local waters from the east end of Long Island to the shores of Nassau County.

Setting course for a healthier future

Even as Long Island’s waterways face the threat of rising acidification, the experts emphasize that all is not lost. Thanks to the efforts of the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor and other environmental groups, the region’s waters have bounced back from near-toxic levels of acidity, not to mention numerous pollutionrelated threats of the 1980s.

According to Wallace, the efforts of scientists and local volunteers, from the South Shore to coastal Connecticut, to monitor and address these issues have already made an impact.

“There’s been a lot of positives,” he said, “but we can’t stop there. There’s more work to be done.”

The physical therapist with a mission to serve

By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com

Emilian Emeagwali has built a life rooted in service, driven by a deep, generational commitment to uplifting and supporting the community around her.

Born and raised in Onitsha, Nigeria, Emeagwali, 60, emigrated to the United States in 1992, where she faced a dramatic change of lifestyle. In Nigeria, she had been surrounded by support, with help raising a baby girl and managing her daily responsibilities. “Everybody was helping with the baby,” she said. “I was like a queen.”

In America there was no such support system, leaving her to adjust to life with just her husband and their daughter, and to take on a variety of responsibilities herself, from child care to cooking and cleaning.

Determined to adapt, Emeagwali immersed herself in American culture. She spent time watching movies, listening to the news and reading books to better understand her new environment. Even everyday things like food and weather required adjustment.

After moving from Nigeria, Emeagwali received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brooklyn College. In 2003 she enrolled at Stony Brook University, where she earned a doctorate degree in physical therapy. Balancing school and family life proved difficult, because she was commuting 50 miles from Elmont and now caring for two children.

Despite these challenges, Emeagwali remained focused on her goal of helping others. After finishing her degree, she was motivated to continue her education by a desire to make an impact.

Her psychology classes helped her understand how to approach and connect with people, but she ultimately felt she could make a greater difference through physical therapy. While working as a therapist’s assistant in hospital settings, she became dissatisfied with the fastpaced environment, in which she often treated multiple patients in a short period of time.

Wanting to provide more personalized care, Emeagwali decided to open her own practice. In 2007 she founded State of the Art PT OT, a clinic in Valley Stream that has now been serving patients for nearly two decades. Her approach centers on treating people with the same care and attention she would give her own family.

That philosophy, she said, stems from her upbringing. As a child, she watched her parents give money to people in need, ensuring that they had food to eat. That instilled in her a lasting commitment to helping others and giving back.

“That is how I was raised,” she said. “I think that was embedded in me when growing up.”

In 2009, Emeagwali expanded that mission by founding the nonprofit Giving Back to Community Corp., headquartered in Valley Stream. The organization, which is funded by fundraisers and donations, focuses

on providing food, educational resources and other support to underserved people in surrounding communities as well as in Nigeria.

Whether through her clinic or her nonprofit work, Emeagwali’s impact extends far beyond individual patients, strengthening entire communities and carrying forward the values that first inspired her to give back.

At South Nassau, a steady hand in cardiac care

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

As director of noninvasive cardiology at Mount Sinai South Nassau, Dr. Pilar Stevens-Haynes has built a career centered on precision, compassion and the belief that medicine can be both life-saving and lifechanging.

That sense of connection is what ultimately steered her toward cardiology. Born and raised in the Elmont/ Valley Stream area, Stevens-Haynes discovered her love of science in high school, drawn to biology and fascinated by a senior-year anatomy and physiology elective.

Though she once envisioned herself as a surgeon, clinical rotations changed her mind. “I thought I would just love surgery,” she said. “But I actually found I loved speaking to patients. In surgery, your patients are unconscious.”

Instead she chose a field that allows her to combine long-term patient relationships with moments of dramatic intervention. While many areas of internal medicine focus on managing chronic illness, StevensHaynes noted that cardiology allows physicians to intervene in acute, life-threatening situations — heart attacks, heart failure or dangerous arrhythmias — and dramatically improve outcomes.

“In cardiology, you can treat someone and sometimes give them back the life they had before,” she said. “I find true joy in taking care of people over time and watching them heal.”

A graduate of SUNY Geneseo, Stevens-Haynes completed her medical training in the Mount Sinai system before joining South Nassau over a decade ago. Her current role centers on cardiac imaging, from

electrocardiograms and echocardiograms to multiple forms of stress testing. Four days a week she oversees the lab, ensuring that the facility meets national accreditation standards.

“The lab has to do what it says it’s going to do,” Stevens-Haynes said. “We have to perform the studies accurately and meet the standards that are set.”

Patient care remains central to her. “I’ve got the best

of both worlds,” she said. “I get to practice medicine, but I also get to do a little bit of curative medicine.”

Throughout her career, she has also navigated the realities of being one of few women — and often the only woman of color — in the room. “You have to get very comfortable by being the one and only,” StevensHaynes said. Early on, she admitted, she was “very, very quiet and shy,” hesitant to draw attention to herself. Over time, however, she came to recognize the importance of representation.

“Patients will say how wonderful it is to see women physicians and to see people that look like them take care of them,” she said. “They trust me because I look like me.”

Mentorship has become one of the most meaningful aspects of Steven-Haynes’s work. She recalled sitting down with a tearful young physician who worried that starting a family would jeopardize her medical career. Stevens-Haynes encouraged her to do both. That physician is now a cardiology fellow.

“It’s important that women know they can have grand professional goals and personal goals — and achieve them,” she said.

Stevens-Haynes credits academic medicine with offering flexibility that has allowed her to balance professional growth with family life. She and her husband, Hector Luna, are raising four children in Baldwin. She remains driven by the passion that first led her into medicine, and by her belief that physicians can build meaningful careers without sacrificing the aspects of life that matter most.

“Even if it feels overwhelming or like an all-boys club, you can find your niche anywhere,” she said. “Chase your dreams. You don’t have to sacrifice.”

Hempstead residents want financial audits

Town pushes back, says audit was completed and made available

By ABBEY SALVEMINI asalvemini@liherald.com

Residents gathered at the and Joseph Scianablo and other Town of Hempstead residents took to Cornwall Avenue Park in West Hempstead demanding greater transparency from the town, calling for a formal state audit after Hempstead officials acknowledged failing to file the legally required financial statements.

Scianablo announced on Feb. 19, he has formally requested that the New York State Comptroller’s Office, led by Thomas DiNapoli, conduct an independent financial and operational audit of the town. The request follows a Jan. 9 “Material Event Notice” in which the town admitted it did not submit its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2024, and acknowledged violations tied to bond disclosure obligations.

“I’m standing here today as a resident and a concerned taxpayer,” said Scianablo, who is once again the Democratic supervisor candidate. He lost to Supervisor John Ferretti, a Republican, in November. “This is not an accusation — it’s facts, Scianablo added. “The Town of Hempstead failed to comply with the requirements for filing financial statements. They failed the people. They

Abbey Salvemini/Herald

Town of Hempstead residents with Joseph Scianablo, center, Democratic candidate for supervisor, called for an independent audit of alleged missing financial reports.

failed to submit the required 2024 audit.”

He described the missed filings as part of what he called a broader “pattern of secrecy and noncompliance,” arguing that independent oversight is “not optional — it’s necessary.”

Scianablo pointed to major fiscal decisions over the past two years, including a 12 percent tax hike followed by what he described as an unexplained 18 percent reduction the following year,

as examples of why closer scrutiny is warranted.

“Critical decisions in the Town of Hempstead are being made without clear answers,” he said. “This is exactly why an independent audit is necessary. If everything is being done properly by the town, this audit will show that. If problems are uncovered, they must be fixed.”

He also raised concerns about the town’s animal shelter, citing questions about budgeting, staffing and public

access. Referencing the Companion Animal Care Standards Act, Scianablo said transparency should be prioritized rather than “creating a barrier between the shelter and the public.”

“The state comptroller exists to provide independent oversight and protect taxpayers,” he said. “We need to know our money is being managed responsibly. Real leadership means welcoming transparency, not avoiding it.”

Resident Leslie Martin echoed those concerns, alleging that reserve funds were used to give the appearance of tax relief ahead of the 2025 election.

“Instead of providing real relief, the town dipped into reserve funds,” Martin said. “The purpose of reserve funds is to act as a financial safety net, not to create tax breaks for political purposes. As taxpayers, we deserve transparency and accountability.”

The town pushed back on the claims. Spokesman Brian Devine said Ferretti has lowered taxes for residents and that the 2024 financial audit was completed on time and publicly posted online.

“Any suggestion that the town failed its auditing duties is false and misleading,” Devine said, emphasizing that the town has met all state requirements.

Have an opinion on Hempstead Town issues? Send letter to jbessen@liherald.com.

City agrees to pay $50,000 settlement in flag lawsuit

By Chris ColuCCi ccolucci@liherald.com

During the Feb. 17 meeting of the Long Beach City Council, members voted to approve a $50,000 payment to Long Beach resident Michael Wasserman. In May 2021, Wasserman filed a lawsuit against the City of Long Beach; the Long Beach Police Department; Ronald Walsh, Long Beach police commissioner at the time; and multiple specific police officers, initially seeking $25 million in compensation.

In March 2021, Wasserman was issued a $200 summons for displaying multiple flags on his vehicle while on public roads. The items in question included “Trump for 2024,” “[expletive] Joe Biden,” a thin blue line, and similarly themed flags. Wasserman claimed that his First Amendment right to free speech was being infringed. The city maintained that the summons was based on a city ordinance which states that public signs and distractions may contribute to traffic accidents.

Wasserman has attached more than 20 similar flags to his three vehicles parked on East Broadway, as well as inflatable displays and accessories on his street-facing balcony.

Because the case was still considered active litigation, specific details were

not open for public discussion. City Manager Daniel Creighton pointed out that $50,000 was below the settlement amount recommended by a Federal judge and that Corporation Council Greg Kalnitsky — who represents the city in legal matters — agreed that the settlement amount was reasonable.

Residents at the meeting questioned the decision to not follow through with full legal proceedings, but were reminded that the council has reviewed the facts of the case and legal advice was to move forward with the settlement.

Long Beach resident Kathleen O’Leary raised a more specific concern. “I object to him saying the ‘F-word’ on the signs,” O’Leary said. “You have kids in the neighborhood. You have buses with schoolkids going through there. That’s wrong.”

Maria Gallagher, also a Long Beach resident, offered a counterpoint, “You led with, ‘a Federal judge recommended,’” Gallagher told attendees. “None of us like having to settle. But this man can take us to court and we can end up having to pay a lot more money. At some point, we have to trust our city council.”

Kalnitsky provided one anecdote regarding the outcome, saying, “The person, after he pays his attorneys, intends on donating the balance to Posh Pets or an organization like that.”

STEP RIGHT UP

Ringling reinvents the Big Top

By Abbey Salvemini

Get ready to cheer, dance and gasp — the legendary Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is back, and it’s dazzling audiences in ways few could have imagined. The self-proclaimed “Greatest Show on Earth” has been boldly reimagined for a new generation, bringing a high-voltage spectacle to UBS Arena from March 6 through March 8.

This is not the circus of decades past. Gone are the traditional three rings and animal acts; in their place is a fast-paced, immersive experience that blends worldclass acrobatics, cutting-edge choreography, live music and vibrant storytelling. The arena transforms into a colorful celebration that feels as much like a concert and dance party as a circus performance.

The energy begins the moment everyone walks through the doors. An interactive pre-show sets the tone, introducing audiences to the dynamic Ringling Hype Crew — a lively cast of dancers and performers who invite everyone to move, clap and join in the fun. Before the first aerialist soars or the first stunt takes flight, the crowd is already part of the action.

At its heart are the performers.

• Friday March 6, 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8, 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m.

• Tickets start at $39.35, $20 kids tickets for all performances; available at ticketmaster.com

• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

The 65-person cast, representing 17 countries, is a truly international ensemble that fuses time-honored circus traditions with bold, contemporary feats. Among the most buzzed-about moments is the crisscross trapeze act, in which elite aerialists launch themselves along intersecting flight paths, slicing through the air in breathtaking near-misses that leave audiences holding their collective breath.

The stars of this new incarnation of circus include 33-year-old trapeze artist Miles Postlethwait. He grew up in Florida, attending Ringling shows (and Disney on Ice). Caught up in the spectacle, he in love with trapeze at age 10. A trapeze performer for 10 years (six professionally), he landed at Ringling in November.

Recalling his early circus memories: “I remember going to see Ringling Bros when I was very young. Honestly, what I remember most was the toys (specifically the dragon sword) and the cotton candy. But my mom tells me I was enamored with the acrobats.”

That fascination stuck, leading him to his tour “home” and what’s now billed as “The Greatest Party On Earth,” according to the Ringling mantra.

“Who wouldn’t want to be a part of The Greatest Show On Earth? I saw the previous tour multiple times and loved the show. It’s nonstop fun because you’re part of the show the whole time, interacting with other performers and the audience,” Postlethwait says.

The vibe is fueled by today’s cultural influences — reimagined through the lens of pop culture, concerts and festivals.

Back to the aforementioned trapeze stunt, he points out that the crisscross rig is unique and requires intense precision, but years of training make the nearmisses almost instinctive.

“It keeps me on my toes, and the crowd’s reaction

STEPPING OUT

courtesy Feld Entertainment

A 150-year tradition leaps into the future as the reimagined spectacle delivers fresh thrills, bold artistry and gravity-defying feats that redefine the modern circus.

is incredible.”

The thrills keep on coming. Other highlights include the Double Wheel of Destiny, in which four daredevils leap and jump rope on spinning wheels.

A Chinese acrobatic bicycle act, created exclusively for Ringling, features gravity-defying human pyramids and fearless athleticism, with one acrobat running across the backs of nine moving bike riders. Salsa Colombia, a fiery dance and acrobatics troupe, brings the energy of Latin rhythms to the arena floor. And audiences are fascinated by Cam, a content creator and unicycle rider, who stacks up to 25 wheels towering nearly 35 feet high. Also watch out for Bailey the Robo Pup, a high-tech canine character and PT (Party Time), Ringling’s first-ever hype character, who keeps the crowd engaged and amplifies the celebratory atmosphere.

Giant LED screens and cameras capture acrobats from impossible angles, giving every seat the feel of front-row access.

Music powers the show. A DJ spins everything from hip-hop to Latin beats, driving the action from start to finish, with beat drops, live drumming and dance battles.

Those in the audience are not just spectators — they’re all in. Kids are drawn into onstage interactions, while the LED screens highlight stunts from content creator Cam, adding an extra layer of excitement. From split-second trapeze timing to jaw-dropping acrobatics, the spectacle keeps everyone on the edge of their seats while leaving lasting memories for all involved. The result is a full-on celebration with a festival-style energy that transforms classic circus elements.

Postlethwait sums it up simply: “It’s a super fun, energetic party. Families come and say everybody had a blast. It’s a show where kids aren’t just watching — they’re a part of the action.”

Perhaps most importantly, according to Postlethwait, the spectacle inspires young audiences to dream big.

“I hope they see that anything is possible. Circus acts show that humans’ limits go so much further than we think.”

Whether you’re in it for the stunts, the music or the interactive fun, this version of “The Greatest Show On Earth” promises something for everyone. Experience firsthand why Ringling Bros. has thrilled audiences for generations — now with a fresh, modern twist that makes the circus feel entirely new.

Jessie’s Girl

Drag out that neon once again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those crazy days are back — as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off, on the Paramount stage. The band of NYC’s top rock/pop musicians and singers gets everyone into that “Back To The Eighties” vibe with the latest edition of their popular concert experience. With a lineup including four pop-rock vocalists dressing and performing as 80s icons, backed by a dynamic band, this is the definitive ‘80s experience. Jessie’s Girl’s primary line-up includes a team of NYC’s top rock and pop vocalists: Jenna O’Gara, Jerome Bell-Bastien, and Mark Rinzel. They are backed by one of the tightest bands in the city comprised of 20+ year veterans of the NYC music scene, each with dozens of credits performing with authentic ‘80s icons who made the music famous to begin with! Their motto: There’s no decade like the Eighties and no party like Back To The Eighties with Jessie’s Girl.

Friday, March 6, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

South Shore Symphony welcomes Jane Monheit

With a voice radiating warmth, refinement and emotional depth, jazz vocalist Jane Monheit brings her celebrated interpretations of Great American Songbook classics to the Madison Theatre in a special collaboration with the South Shore Symphony Orchestra. Renowned for breathing fresh life into beloved standards, she headlines an unforgettable afternoon, blending the intimacy of jazz with the grandeur of full orchestral sound. Under the baton of Music Director Adam Glaser, the South Shore Symphony accompanies her in a series of orchestral arrangements that highlight both her vocal artistry and the timeless beauty of these enduring songs. The program also offers audiences a more intimate jazz club feel, with Monheit backed by a trio, including Glaser on piano, for several selections.

Sunday, March 8, 3 p.m. Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

mar

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Molloy University’s AP21 Musical Theatre students tackle Shakespeare. The Bard’s beloved comedy is a magical tale that explores the irrationality of love, desire, friendship, jealousy and magic. When the mortal worlds of four young lovers and a bungling group of amateur actors collide with a feuding fairy kingdom in a mystical forest on a midsummer eve, romantic misadventures ensue, causing chaos that only a bit of fairy magic can sort out.

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

• Time: 8 p.m.; also March 7, 2 and 8 p.m.; March 8, 3 p.m.

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

Family theater

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

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon; also March 7, March 11-12

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

mar

7

Snowflake 4-Mile Race

Rescheduled from February and back on! The Long Beach Department of Parks and Recreation invites all to participate in the annual 4-Mile Snowflake Race in memory of Joseph F. Farrell. Race registration takes place in the Long Beach Catholic Regional School gymnasium.

• Where: Begins at Long Beach Catholic Regional School, 735 West Broadway

• Time: Registration begins 7 a.m., race begins at 9 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 431-3890

Celtic Woman

The Grammy-nominated global sensation returns to the stage with their highly anticipated new tour, Celtic Woman — A New Era. Featuring the mesmerizing talents of Mairéad Carlin, Muirgen O’Mahony, Ciara Ní Mhurchú, and the dynamic new addition Caitríona Sherlock, this production fuses the ensemble’s signature ethereal harmonies with innovative orchestrations, captivating stagecraft, and a contemporary energy that honors Ireland’s rich musical and cultural legacy while embracing Celtic Woman’s ongoing evolution. Audiences will be transported on a spellbinding journey through Irish music, from timeless classics to stirring original compositions. The evening promises breathtaking vocal performances, intricate instrumental mastery, and the rhythmic grace of traditional Irish dance. Accompanied by a full ensemble, the performers bring to life Celtic staples — including the bagpipe, bodhrán, tin whistles, and Uilleann pipes — creating a lush and immersive soundscape that resonates with both tradition and modernity. From evocative Irish ballads and contemporary favorites to classical masterpieces and fresh original songs, their tour celebrates the vibrancy of modern Ireland while paying tribute to centuries of musical heritage. It is a concert experience that blends elegance, passion, and cultural storytelling, offering audiences an unforgettable evening of artistry, energy and enchantment.

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

pain, with a powerful message of self-acceptance and embracing the past with compassion. Each ticket includes a signed copy.

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

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

mar

13

Senior Health and Beyond Expo

Families, caregivers, and people of all ages are welcome to the senior-focused expo at Beth-El Jewish Center. Hear from experts with a panel discussion followed by a Q&A. Visit a variety of senior service providers, ask questions about services, learn about programs and recreational opportunities for seniors. With over 40 exhibitors and activities.

• Where: 1400 Prospect Ave., East Meadow

• Time: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Contact: richnerlive.com/ march.expo or (516) 569-4000 extension 243

mar

Larson Legacy Concert

Acclaimed composer and 2025 Jonathan Larson Grant recipient Dylan MarcAurele performs at Adelphi University Performing Arts Center continuing Adelphi’s tradition of showcasing emerging talents in musical theater.

MarcAurele, recognized for his innovative contributions to the genre, performs selections from his current projects, including the critically acclaimed musical “Pop Off, Michelangelo!” that recently enjoyed a successful London run. His concert is a cabaret-style showcase of music from past and future productions (including his upcoming parody musical “Heated Rivalry” that sold out performances in a matter of hours). Joining him are Taylor Fagins, Mateo Chavez Lewis, and Yael Rizowy.

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

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

Professional Championship Bull Riders

Buckle up — ’cause you ain’t seen nothin’ like this before. The PCB has been a full-throttle

tour de force: a mano-a-toro showdown where the toughest cowboys on the planet face off against the rankest bulls in the game. May the boldest rider win. And it’s not just the cowboys. Watch the cowgirls blaze through barrel racing, showcasing speed, agility and sheer determination in a race for the fastest times.

• Where: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com

Jane Monheit in concert

mar

10

Long Beach BOE meets

The Board of Education holds its next meeting. The public may address the Board regarding any specific agenda item; also any matter of concern after the Board of Education completes agenda items. Meetings take place on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month throughout the school year.

• Where: Lido Elementary Multipurpose Room, 237 Lido Blvd.

14

Winter Farmer’s Market

Kennedy Plaza winter farmer’s market continues through the snow and chilly weather by heading indoors at Bright Eye Beer Co. Come sip and shop your way through the colder months with an incredible lineup of local farmers, makers, food vendors, and small businesses you know and love. Grab a craft beer, stock up on local goodies, and support the community.

• Where: 50 W. Park Ave.

• Time: 10 a.m-1 p.m., also March 28

• Contact: brighteyebeerco.com or (516) 543-5736

Internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist

Jane Monheit joins the South Shore Symphony for their next concert. Monheit’s signature warm, expressive sound enhances the lush orchestral arrangements. Known for her elegant interpretations of jazz standards and contemporary classics, she brings her rich vocals to the symphonic stage for a performance that blends jazz sophistication with the power of a full orchestra.

• Where: 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: Susannah Familetti sfamiletti@lbeach.org or (516) 897-2108

An intimate chat with Valerie Bertinelli

Long Island LitFest hosts an appearance by the actress-turned-author on her book tour, at the Madison Theatre. Moderated by Paulina Porizkova, Bertinelli’s most vulnerable book yet, “Getting Naked,” offers wisdom hard-won through divorce, menopause and generational

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.

MARCH 13 • 10AM-12:30PM

EAST MEADOW BETH-EL JEWISH CENTER

1400 Prospect Ave, East Meadow

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

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

10:00AM - 12:30PM

EXPERT PANEL + Q&A 11:30AM - 12:30PM

RAFFLE DRAWINGS*

*must be present to win

Register for this FREE event: RichnerLIVE.com/march.expo

Residents highlight concerns, offer solutions

Continued from page 1

The meeting began with a presentation from WSP, a global engineering and professional services firm. Its analysis found a 13.5 percent decrease in vehicle crashes in Long Beach from 2020 and 2024. It also found that accidents involving vulnerable road users — pedestrians and bicyclists — account for nearly 30 percent of fatal and serious crashes.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

CITIMORTGAGE, INC.,

Plaintiff - against -

MICHAEL D’ANTONI

A/K/A MICHAEL

DANTONI A/K/A

MICHAEL E. D’ANTONI

A/K/A MICHAEL

EDWARD D’ANTONI, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on May 26, 2022. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 17th day of March, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 30 Delaware Avenue, Long Beach, (City of Long Beach) NY 11561. (SBL#: 59-260-13)

Approximate amount of lien $292,309.67 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 608466/2019. Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618

Tel. 585/760-8218

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: December 22, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 158308

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE CO-OP APARTMENT PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that pursuant to Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code, STEPHAN G. MARCELIN, Auctioneer, RICHARD J. CANTWELL, Auctioneer, or RICHIE SCHULTZ, Auctioneer will sell at public auction with reserve to the highest bidder, on the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 12, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., security consisting of 580 shares of NEPTUNE TOWERS COOPERATIVE, INC., in the name of PAUL GILGANNON, and all right, title and interest in and to a Proprietary Lease for Cooperative, located in a building

known as and by the street address 25

NEPTUNE BOULEVARD, UNIT 4F, LONG BEACH, NEW YORK 11561, between PAUL GILGANNON as Lessee, NEPTUNE TOWERS COOPERATIVE, INC., as Lessor. This sale is held to satisfy an indebtedness of the unpaid principal balance, interest, attorney fees, and advances through March 12, 2026, and to enforce the rights of the U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR PRET 2024-RPL2 TRUST, the “Secured Party”, arising under a Security Agreement dated February 13, 2017, executed by and between PAUL GILGANNON and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. The Secured Party reserves the right to bid. The Co-op Apartment will be sold “AS IS”, subject to open common charges, and possession is to be obtained by the purchaser.

DATED: February 12, 2026

Knuckles & Manfro, LLP

Attorneys for SECURED PARTY

120 White Plains Road Suite 215 Tarrytown, NY 10591 (914) 345-3020 158489

Federal Highway Administration countermeasures

The following can be adopted as part of the city’s safety plan to combat accidents

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE

TRUST 2006-A4, Plaintiff, vs. SUSAN

GONZALES, VINCENT GONZALES, IF LIVING, AND IF HE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 8, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 345 Lido Boulevard, Long Beach, NY 12047 a/k/a 11561. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Lido Beach, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 60, Block E and Lot 750. Approximate amount of judgment is $799,727.51 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 603991/2019. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 158483

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

WSP Project Manager Gregory Harasym showed a cluster of serious accidents at the intersection of East Park Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard. Other notable points included a consistent increase in summer incidents, a higher frequency of severe crashes near commercial buildings and a prevalence of vulnerable-road-user crashes on streets connecting residential areas to the beach.

After the presentation, attendees filled out comment cards, took part in interactive exercises and gave feedback.

Frank McQuade, who has lived in Long Beach for 35 years, described the city as “peculiar and particular,” adding that drivers act entitled behind the wheel and drive aggressively, and the problem worsens in the busy season.

“During the summer, our needs for safety are heightened,” McQuade said. “We’re a little too congested just to have laissez faire.”

Many drivers use the center medians on Park Avenue to make U-turns, he said, which puts them in incoming traffic. He also said that when cars turn into the median for its intended use, the problem for nearby drivers is determining whether someone is turning into the median or into opposing lanes of traffic on Park. “It’s a disaster waiting to happen,” he said.

McQuade recommend signage clearly defining where drivers can turn. He also suggested reconstructing the ends of the medians to dissuade drivers from attempting to make U-turns.

Attendees were asked to specify streets where they would like to see bike lanes added. In Nassau County, bike accidents have increased by 51 percent since 2015, according to the Traffic Safety Statistical Repository — higher than WSP’s 30 percent found in Long Beach. TSSR is a state-focused online data system that analyzes accident information.

Sean Cirillo, who lives on Chester Street in Oceanside, said he rides his bike five miles to the Long Beach boardwalk during the warmer months. Cirillo rides in the street and said that adding a bike lane connecting Long Beach Bridge to the boardwalk would encourage more cyclists and help with congestion.

“A bike lane would be better for everyone, especially kids and older people who can’t drive,” he said. “It would give them another way to travel safely.”

Harasym said that many attendees expressed concerns about the Park Avenue cycle for walking being too short. He also said that people reported feeling unsafe on sidewalks because of cyclists,

Speed management

Variable speed limits

Roadway profile

Improved lighting on sidewalks and crosswalks

Pavement friction management

Intersections

Dedicated turn lanes at intersections

Low-cost countermeasures such as “Stop Sign Ahead” signs before a four-way stop

For pedestrians and bicyclists

Protected bike lanes

Medians and pedestrian islands

Crosswalk visibility enhancements

Leading pedestrian interval, giving pedestrians walk signal prior to light change

Rectangular rapid-flashing beacons

2020-2024

in crashes

Over 300 instances

■ Improper passing or lane use

Over 200 instances

■ Backing up unsafely

■ Driver inattention

■ Disregard of traffic control devices

■ Following too closely

Over 100 instances

■ Failure to yield right of way

■ Improper turning

Fewer than 100 Instances

■ Unsafe lane change

■ Passing too closely

■ Alcohol involvement

and that drivers largely ignore stop signs and red lights.

City officials plan to host a virtual meeting later this month, but a date has not yet been announced.

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City

is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!

$22 - $27/ Hour

Bell Auto School

516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

HOUSE AIDE: Light Housekeeping, Laundry, Some Doctor's Visits. Car Required. Rockville Centre. 3 Hours/ Day, 2 Times/ Week. $17-$25/ Hour. Letter Of Experience To: peterhr@optimum.net

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

RECEPTIONIST F/T

Valley Stream Subaru Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM Answer Phones, Light Clerical $17.00/Hour, Benefits, 401K Call Therese 516-825-8700

Hudson Steals the Show

Estate

WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

Brand-new 5-bedroom, 3-bath custom

Taking a contractor to court

Q. We are suing our contractor and need some advice. A year ago, we finished our second-floor addon and first-floor kitchen and rear family room remodel by opening up walls to join them. Everything seemed fine until it rained the first time. The windows began to leak at the bottom, and then around the tops and sides. Our new sliding glass door did the same. The basement flooded, and we are not in a flood area. Then the air-conditioning company said somebody disconnected the ducts, and when we opened the ceilings, more water poured down. The house is now filled with mold, which we clean with bleach where we can get to it, but we couldn’t move out and have two small children under age 4.

Although we have many questions and hired an attorney, we’re wondering whether we should hire an architect to go over all the problems and identify them, with remedies, or hire one of the contractors who said they could fix the problems, or wait until the lawsuit is finished to make it possible for a jury to see the damage. The job architect, whom we never met, has now had their license revoked for the next two years, but we wouldn’t go to them, anyway.

A. Ugh! This is more common than you would think. It starts with not having the architect working for you and instead working for the contractor. I can guess that the contractor was contacted first, and you hired them to get their architect and provide plans. That was your first mistake.

Apartments For Rent

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Next, people are lazy, expecting that anyone they hire knows all the best techniques to build and knows all the rules, codes and laws. That was mistake number two. Even though you hire people, you should have gone over critical details, especially about waterproofing and structural techniques on the plans, to make sure that the building owner looks for those steps to be carried out. You, the building owner, I always say, are the “eyes and ears” on the job, since the architect often isn’t there at critical times, when waterproofing membranes and materials are joined.

Mistake number three was not doing a water test with a garden hose when the finish siding, windows roofing, etc., had been applied. Simulating rain by pointing a hose skyward so that the water cascades down — not a direct fire-hose hit — tells you right away if something is failing.

You’re going to need a licensed expert — an architect or an engineer — to work with your attorney. Document everything with videos during simulated or storm events to show the water coming in and whatever other failures, such as leaking and disconnected air ducts, and hire people who can do the job correctly as soon as you can. You need to have a healthy home for your family, and a lawsuit could take years while you possibly get sick from the mold and the chlorine you’re breathing. Good luck!

2026 Monte Leeper

are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the

line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Today! 1-866-782-4069

Cleaning Services

WENDY'S CLEANING SERVICES INC.

Commercial/Residential. We Specialize In Houses, Apartments, Offices, Airbnb & More. Good References. Free Estimates. Call/Text Wendy 516-406-5375 Or Email wencruzpa@gmail.com

Electricians

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Home Improvement

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159

CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641

Home Improvement

DO YOU KNOW what's in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728

PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.

PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473

Miscellaneous

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Services

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER?

STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Telephone Services

CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

Satellite/TV Equipment

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Health & Fitness

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172

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AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

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L.I.

pays the price for New York City’s failed leadership

Long Islanders work hard for what they have. Families here build their lives around safe neighborhoods, good schools and the ability to provide for their children. The suburban way of life exists because generations believed in responsibility, accountability and earning their success through hard work.

Increasingly, the policies shaping Long Island’s future are not coming from Long Island. They are coming from New York City.

That reality became unmistakably clear on Feb. 11, during a public hearing in Albany. As ranking member of the Assembly Local Governments Committee, I was questioning New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani in a televised hearing. My questions focused on public safety, antisemitism and the real-world consequences of the Mamdani administration’s decisions. In the middle of my questioning, my microphone was turned off. The supporters of the mayor, who control the committee, silenced the ranking mem-

nber while he was performing his official duties. Other legislators were permitted to continue speaking freely. My questioning was stopped the moment it became uncomfortable for Mamdani.

That moment revealed everything Long Islanders need to understand. If the elected representative of suburban communities can be silenced while questioning the mayor of New York City, the voices of everyday Long Islanders are even easier to ignore.

IThis imbalance defines how Albany operates. Legislative priorities are driven by New York City’s political pressures. Housing policies punish property owners. Regulations expand government control. Tax burdens continue to rise. These policies may serve New York City’s political leadership, but they undermine the suburban communities that form the backbone of New York state.

across the state, including Long Island families.

Mamdani frequently speaks about working people. He has never lived the life of a working-class laborer. I have.

n the middle of my questioning of Mayor Mamdani, my mic was turned off.

Mamdani recently proposed raising New York City property taxes by nearly 10 percent while draining billions from reserve funds. That approach reflects a pattern of fiscal irresponsibility. When New York City mismanages its finances, Albany responds with policies that place additional pressure on taxpayers

I’m originally from Franklin Square, and I am a carpenter who has spent five decades swinging a hammer, building homes and working with my hands. I understand what it means to wake up early, work in the heat and cold, and earn every dollar through physical effort.

Working people deserve leaders who understand their lives, not politicians who only talk about them.

Long Islanders live those values every day. Residents here prioritize safe communities, homeownership and fiscal responsibility. Families invest their savings in their homes and neighborhoods because they believe in stability and opportunity. These principles created the quality of life that makes Long Island one of the most desirable places to live.

New York City’s political leadership increasingly embraces a different model. Government expands. Taxes rise. Accountability disappears. The consequences spread far beyond city limits and reach suburban communities like ours.

This issue is bigger than party labels. Long Islanders care about preserving their suburban way of life. Residents want safe streets, affordable living and leadership that respects the people who built these communities.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has demonstrated that suburban communities can be protected and strengthened. His leadership has prioritized public safety, fiscal discipline and defending the interests of Long Island residents. He understands that Long Island is not an extension of New York City. Long Island is its own community, with its own values and its own identity.

New York state needs leadership that understands that distinction. Long Island deserves a governor who will stand up for suburban communities, restore balance in Albany and ensure that our voices are never silenced or ignored.

The events of Feb. 11 were a reminder of what’s at stake. Long Islanders can’t afford to remain silent while decisions are made that shape our future without our input.

Long Island deserves to be heard, deserves to be respected and deserves leadership that will fight for its future.

Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.

Powering New York shouldn’t break the bank

ew Yorkers don’t need another study to tell them their energy bills are too high. They see it every month when the statement arrives. As affordability remains at the forefront of the conversation in Albany, families are still waiting for real answers about one of the biggest drivers of their financial strain: soaring utility costs. As of November 2025, residential electricity prices in New York are 49 percent higher than the national average, placing yet another burden on families, seniors and small businesses already stretched thin.

I support building a cleaner, more reliable energy grid for future generations. Responsible environmental stewardship and longterm sustainability are important goals, but the state’s current approach risks creating a system that our children and grandchildren simply won’t be able to afford. Instead of keeping families here and strengthening our communities, we may be pricing them out of the state. Mandates such as the All-Electric

Buildings Act are accelerating costly transitions before many New Yorkers are financially prepared to absorb them. While well intentioned, these policies often shift significant costs onto homeowners, renters and small businesses. The result is higher construction costs, rents and home prices, adding fuel to an affordability crisis that is already out of control. When policy moves faster than people’s ability to pay for it, the consequences are real and immediate.

reserve those funds for future use. But New York families are struggling to pay their bills today.

W e’re making costly transitions before many of us can afford them.

My colleagues in the Senate Republican conference and I have consistently raised concerns that current energy policies are driving costs up rather than bringing them down. With our Save New York legislative package, we have put forward a broad array of concrete proposals that would lower utility bills, improve oversight and restore affordability for working families.

The 2025 Financial Plan released by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority shows more than $2 billion in unspent ratepayer funds at the end of the year. During the Joint Budget Hearing on Energy and Environmental Conservation, NYSERDA leadership indicated that it plans to

While those dollars remain unspent, ratepayers continue to shoulder rising costs. Senate Bill S.8461, which I am proud to cosponsor, would require that any excess funds be returned to ratepayers as credits on their utility bills. This would put money back into residents’ pockets now, when they need relief the most. Additionally, just as the Senate Republican conference led the successful charge to bring a gas tax holiday to New York in 2022, when prices at the pump were soaring out of control, we are championing a similar holiday on utility bill and green energy taxes and surcharges. These are simple steps the state can take to deliver an immediate financial lifeline to New Yorkers. Accountability must accompany policy. We must not only ensure that excess funds are returned to our residents, but also demand full transparency about what is driving monthly utility costs. As the sponsor of legislation requiring utilities to itemize how much of each bill is tied to mandates from the Climate Action Council scoping plan, I believe ratepayers deserve to see exactly where

their money is going. If Albany is going to impose or propose sweeping energy policies, it should be upfront about the price so New Yorkers can decide which initiatives are worth it.

I am also proud to cosponsor another piece of legislation to prevent costs from spiraling further out of control. The AllElectric Buildings Act would drive up the cost of building new housing, and would jeopardize grid reliability by shifting the state to a winter peaking system as homes are forced to rely on electricity, rather than natural gas, for heat. While New York’s gas and electric prices have historically been higher than the national average, electric prices in particular have risen further above the national average since 2019, whereas natural gas prices are more closely aligned with the nation. That’s why I cosponsor legislation to repeal the All-Electric Buildings Act so that New Yorkers have the option to utilize cheaper natural gas.

Taken together, these proposals reflect a clear conclusion: New York’s current energy policies are driving costs higher, and require meaningful reform. The solutions are already on the table. It’s time to act. For too long, residents have carried the burden, and their calls for fairness, transparency and affordability must be heard.

Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th State Senate District.

WArshAvsky Reporter

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Sunshine week keeps democracy in the light

eHERALD

very March we observe Sunshine Week, a national initiative dedicated to one of democracy’s most powerful disinfectants: light. This year, Sunshine Week will be celebrated March 15 to 21, anchored by Freedom of Information Day on March 16, the birthday of James Madison. The timing is symbolic and significant. Sunshine Week reminds us that open government is not a luxury. It is a necessity.

Launched in 2005 and rooted in the pioneering 1972 Colorado Sunshine Act, Sunshine Week was created to raise awareness of the public’s right to know. At its core is a simple but profound idea: Democracy works best when the people can see what their government is doing. Transparency is not about satisfying curiosity, it’s about accountability, trust and ensuring that power remains where it belongs: with the citizens.

Sunshine Week’s foundation is the principle that government records and proceedings belong to the public. Taxpayer dollars fund government operations; therefore, the public has both a legal and moral right to understand how decisions are made and how money is spent.

Freedom of Information laws at the federal and state levels give citizens access to public documents, from village board minutes to federal agency communications. But these laws are only as strong as the public’s willingness to use them. Like muscles, transparency laws weaken without exercise. When citizens

stop requesting records, attending meetings and asking questions, secrecy grows stronger.

Open meetings and public records are not bureaucratic technicalities; they are the mechanisms that keep democracy breathing. Transparency reveals how taxpayers’ money is spent, how contracts are awarded and how policies are shaped. It enables watchdog groups, journalists and everyday citizens to trace decisions from proposal to outcome.

Without openness, the risk of waste, fraud and abuse increases. History repeatedly shows that secrecy breeds complacency and, at times, corruption. Open government, by contrast, ensures that decisions must withstand scrutiny. It does not weaken institutions — it strengthens them. Sunshine Week underscores a critical truth: When the public can see the process, officials are more likely to act responsibly.

In times of crisis — economic downturns, national security challenges or public health emergencies — secrecy often expands. Officials may argue that swift action requires less oversight. While emergencies can justify temporary discretion, they must never become permanent excuses for opacity.

Democracy demands vigilance. Sunshine Week serves as an annual reminder that transparency must be defended, especially when it feels inconvenient. Freedom of information cannot be indefinitely sidelined without eroding public trust.

Supporting Sunshine Week means protecting democracy itself. Openness prevents the concentration of unchecked power and ensures that elected officials remain responsive to citizens rather than to special interests.

Transparency helps parents question school board policies, residents examine zoning proposals and taxpayers track infrastructure spending. It provides communities with the tools to advocate for fair and effective governance.

It also allows us, as journalists, to do our jobs. We rely on open-records laws to uncover stories about misuse of funds, conflicts of interest and public safety failures. It’s why studies show that the presence of a local newspaper in a community mitigates waste, fraud and abuse.

Public trust in government is fragile. One of the most effective ways to build and sustain that trust is through transparency. When agencies proactively release information and conduct business in public view, suspicion diminishes.

Transparency does not guarantee agreement. Citizens, and government officials, may still debate policies and priorities. But openness fosters understanding, and understanding is the bedrock of trust.

So this Sunshine Week, take a moment to reflect on the importance of open meetings and public records. And vow to step up whenever someone tries to turn off the light of transparency.

It’s ‘the power of the state against the people of the nation’

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column, “There are better ways to resolve the immigration crisis,” in the Feb. 12-18 issue: Immigration is a problem, but Immigration and Customs Enforcement exemplifies the real, much larger crisis. Immigration is a longstanding issue, and many “better ways” have been proposed over the past 30 years, as Mr. King knows. In fact, one such proposal was on track for bipartisan approval last year until President Trump and his allies killed it. ICE has operated for decades with little notice. Violence was seldom used, citizens were not arrested, and habeas corpus was observed — until Trump. The Border Patrol previously confined its racist brutality close to the Mexican border, until Republicans expanded the “border” to a 100-mile-wide

opinions

What does ‘academic freedom’ mean?

while the accusations and demands of the federal government against Harvard, Columbia and other elite institutions garner national headlines, the administration’s Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education offered to other universities should give further pause. The compact would confer preferred access to federal research funds in exchange for agreeing to demands that would compromise academic freedom and institutional independence.

University leaders must protect these priorities embedded in state-awarded institutional charters and regionally accredited campus mission statements. They are supported by many agreements on academic freedom and tenure, dating to 1915.

Support is also found in Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter’s 1957 concurring statement in Sweezy v. new Hampshire. In it, he said, “It is the business of a university to provide that atmosphere which is most conducive to speculation, experiment, and creation. It is an atmosphere in which there prevail ‘the four essential freedoms’ of a university — to determine for itself on

Letters

academic grounds who may teach, what may be taught, how it shall be taught, and who may be admitted to study.”

But what do we mean by academic freedom? This form of freedom is not freedom from responsibility to students, colleagues, institutional mission or society. Instead, it is freedom to inquire, i.e., interrogate assumptions and assertions to expose the questions hidden by answers, as James Baldwin said, and special interests in government, media and even institutions. It is the freedom to think independently, to have rights, and to consider consequences, both intended and not.

sleadership?

urprisingly few college trustees have any professional experience in higher education.

It also is the freedom to imagine — to consider what might be, and how humanity might develop its humaneness. It is the freedom to express ideas without fear of reprisal or censorship.

Finally, it is the freedom to innovate, to realize what is imagined in new forms and methods.

We know these priorities and principles. Do we know how to protect them? How do we prepare university trustees for their roles as fiduciaries and guardians of them? How do we prepare campus presidents for their duties as “chief purpose officers” responsible for ensuring that the principles guide decisionmaking? How do we prepare faculty for their responsibilities in governance and

zone. Even then, cities were not invaded — not even El Paso or Brownsville, much less Portland or Milwaukee — until Trump.

The Department of Homeland Security pursued its intended mission: defending against 9/11 or Beirut- and Benghazi-style attacks by foreign terrorists, seldom making the news. Then Trump decided that the homeland itself — Chicago, Los Angeles, Springfield, Ill. — was the “enemy within,” rife with “domestic terrorists” like Alex Pretti, who must be prevented from voting. Meanwhile, Trump allied himself with Saudi Arabian interests, the major sources of the 9/11 and other “homeland” assaults. Remember Jamal Khashoggi.

The FBI, formerly our premier law enforcement agency, is now Trumpified, refusing to investigate homicides by federal agents, interfering with state ballots, arresting journalists and charging members of Congress with sedition. In earlier times, Peter King himself might have been among those in such felonious jeopardy. The depth, breadth and pervasiveness of corruption in all of this is obvious, with beneficiaries openly paying well for more of this new form of republican government — modeled on ancient Rome’s republic of patricians and plebes, paterfamilias all. Our government is using the power of the state against the people of the nation. That is the crisis. Currently, the best — and perhaps only — way to resolve both the crisis and the problem is to end MAGA’s abuse of government, from Blakeman and Garbarino to Vance and Trump.

BRIAn KELLy Rockville Centre

Boards of trustees are responsible for preserving academic freedom and free speech, which are necessary for teaching and scholarship that challenge assumptions and assertions. Furthermore, college and university boards have three legal duties like those of corporate boards, the duties of care, loyalty and obedience. Care means that board members must prepare diligently, participate actively and protect the institution through appropriate oversight, including guarding against external interference.

The duty of loyalty requires that board members act in good faith and in the institution’s best interests, not out of selfinterest or the interest of a particular constituency, including alumni or a governor. The duty of obedience means that boards must uphold the institution’s charter and mission, maintaining public trust through transparent stewardship.

Surprisingly, fewer than 15 percent of American college and university trustees have any professional experience in higher education. This underscores the need for rigorous orientation in academic governance, the meaning of mission and academic freedom and the highereducation landscape.

Campus presidents are too seldom

Framework by Tim Baker

thought of as educators, the keepers of an institution’s mission and legacy for transformational teaching and learning as well as protectors of academic freedom. But they have the opportunity and responsibility to define how they fulfill their roles. Are they chief executive officers or chief mission officers?

Chief executive officers focus on size and scale, organization and delegation, short-term goals, the efficiency of means, money and markets, customers, personnel and labor. By contrast, chief mission officers focus on purpose, the long term, the integrity of ends and means, the quality of programs and services, student success, and faculty as partners in a moral enterprise. Both require balanced budgets.

The faculty is the guardian of academic standards. The curriculum is a covenant in fulfillment of the mission for student learning. This requires a focus on students, third-party quality reviews, and faculty as partners in governance and leadership. These roles require preparation and continued learning, not just memories of how mentors fulfilled their roles.

The three parties to academic governance constitute a system that is intended to support academic freedom — the freedom to inquire, imagine and innovate, in fulfillment of missions for teaching, research and service.

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