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Districts chart academic gains, new programs of the 2024-25 school year to 94 percent by June. Murray attributed the shift to “a tremendous As New York state prepares amount of early-literacy work” to overhaul its g raduation in phonemic awareness, phorequirements, East Rockaway nics and foundational reading and Lynbrook school adminis- skills. Math performance in East trators have reported that the Rockaway’s primadistricts are ahead of the curve — and ry grades showed cite its mid-year similar gains. In testing to prove it. first grade, Murray In East Rockaway, said the number of Superintendent students classified James DeTommaso as “well below and Assistant g rade level” in Superintendent math dropped to Sean Murray say the “almost nothing,” district’s academic with only two stutrajectory has dents remaining in shar ply improved that category by the over the past three JJAMES end of the school years, driven by new DEToMMASo ye a r. H e e m p h a a s s e s s m e n t s , Superintendent, East sized that the data expanded colle gerepresents all stuRockaway School l eve l c o u r s ewo rk dents in the district, District and a districtwide including those shift toward projectwith special needs. based learning. T he result, DeTommaso “We really are feeling good said, is fewer struggling learnabout the direction that we’re ers and “more kids closer to going,” DeTommaso said, point- grade level.” ing to gains across elementary “It’s more than we’ve ever and secondary levels, specifi- had, to be honest with you,” he cally in reading. said. The share of kindergarten In fourth-g rade reading, students reading at or above more than half of students fingrade level rose from about a Continued on page 19 quarter of the class at the start

By AINSlEY MARTINEZ

amartinez@liherald.com

Billy Harrison and Erik Donaldson/Herald

Villages honor veterans The East Rockaway Veterans of Foreign Wars, above, displayed flags and Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach gave thanks in the villages’ respective ceremonies. Stories, more photos, pages 2, 10.

e really are feeling good about the direction that we’re going.

Honoring veterans at Memorial Park Veterans, local officials and community members gathered at Memorial Park for a ceremony honoring military service and the values of remembrance. Mayor Gordon Fox addressed attendees before VFW Commander Ed Cooke delivered remarks. Members of the VFW honor guard presented the flags as residents looked on, marking a solemn and respectful observance in the village. —AinsleyMartinez

Mayor Gordon Fox spoke during the Veterans Day ceremony at Memorial Park.

Photo Billy Harrison/Herald

Members of the VFW presented the flags during the East Rockaway ceremony at Memorial Park.

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November 20, 2025 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

Youth football, cheer take the field at MetLife amartinez@liherald.com

Under the bright lights of MetLife Stadium, a group of 8-year-olds from Lynbrook and East Rockaway stepped onto the turf normally reserved for NFL players — and, for a moment, the magnitude of the stadium swallowed them whole. There’s a moment that coach Mike Pelizzi keeps replaying. The players jog onto the field in two neat lines and then, all at once, lose focus. Their heads tilt back, their eyes run up the towering seating bowl, and the awe washes over them. “It was amazing to play with my teammates against friends from the other team at MetLife Stadium — a day I’ll never forget,” said Colin Kennedy, 8. The scrimmage between the Lynbrook Titans and the East Rockaway Raiders came together through a simple mid-summer text — one coach reaching out to another, asking if anyone would be interested in scrimmaging on an NFL field. For the adults, it was a logistical challenge. For the kids, it was magic. Assistant cheer director Maria Higgins said the moment the offer surfaced, there was no hesitation. “This opportunity came about — we just had to jump on it,” she said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these kids to be able to do that.” Higgins, who has coached the same group of girls since they were five, called it “indescribable” to watch them cheer on the sidelines of an NFL stadium. “As a mom… I could cry just thinking about it,” she said. “It was definitely… a core memory moment.” The 8-year-old cheerleaders were already coming off their annual Cheer Night, team photos, and a packed weekend of routines — but nothing prepared them for the energy of a professional stadium. Parents sitting in real stadium seating joined the interactive chants. “We say, ‘Titans, you say go!’” Higgins said. “It was very cute that the parents were interacting with us as well… it was a really great experience.” According to Pelizzi, the New York Jets require youth teams to sell 120 tickets to secure field time. At first, they weren’t sure they could hit the number. Then came a simple solution: include the cheerleaders. Their addition pushed the Titans far past the requirement. Still, transporting dozens of families across state lines required planning.

Courtesy Monica Kennedy

Eight-year-old Lynbrook Titans and East Rockaway Raiders football players and cheerleaders celebrate on the sidelines of MetLife Stadium, enjoying a “core memory” experience that brought players, coaches, and families together in a historic scrimmage against East Rockaway. “It was a lot of preparation,” Pelizzi said. Families bought tickets, pooled money, and eventually coordinated two full coach buses — one for cheer, one for football. Parents organized a potluck tailgate that ballooned into a massive mix of dishes from families across the program. “It was unbelievable, the amount of different food we had,” Pelizzi said. “It was nice for the coaches to actually hang out with the parents more than just be on the field with the kids.” Both coaches said the community support was overwhelming. Higgins described a parking-lot call time before sunrise, families loading strollers and coolers, and a tailgate that felt like a professional game day. “Really, a huge shout-out goes out to every family member that supported the ‘eights are great’ team,” she said. The Titans and Raiders share a natural youth-football rivalry. But on this day, Pelizzi said, that disappeared. “It wasn’t competitive,” he explained. With only 30 minutes of field time — 15 minutes on offense, 15 on defense — coaches on both sidelines focused on getting as many kids on the field as possible, even rotating players into positions they’d never tried before. East Rockaway’s coaches “were great,” Pelizzi said. “We were working with each other to try to get as

many kids on the field as we can.” For Lynbrook’s families, the moment the boys emerged from the tunnel — music blasting, cheerleaders lining the sideline — cemented the day as something beyond a youth scrimmage. “I stood back at one point and I just took it all in,” Higgins said. “I said, ‘Oh my God… this is happening. We’re here. This is crazy.’” Parents sent messages for days afterward. Kids asked before they left the stadium whether they would do it again next year. Monica Kennedy, who helped coordinate the event, called it “an incredible, once in a lifetime opportunity for the kids.” Both Higgins and Pelizzi said they hope the trip becomes an annual tradition. “We are Titans, we are family,” Higgins said. “For the eights especially, this experience really brought us all together as a family… It truly did not only unite the boys and girls on the field, but us as parents in the stands.” Pelizzi agreed. “It was such a good experience. I’d love for the community to hear about it,” he said. For now, the memory stands: a professional field, a shared rivalry put on pause, and a group of eight-yearolds who, for one afternoon, felt ten feet tall.

News brief

High school student athletes sign to future college sports teams Four seniors from Lynbrook High School signed commitments to continue their athletic careers at their future universities on Nov. 12. Parents and loved ones gathered with the senior athletes to celebrate the occasion. They included: Paolo Palleschi – University of Bridgeport, baseball Molly Doran – Central Connecticut State University, swim Gianna Mastrande – University of Alabama, rowing Sophie Deifel – Binghamton University, lacrosse —Ainsley Martinez

Four senior athletes from Lynbrook High School signed commitments to play at their future universities on Nov. 12. In back are Gianna Mastrande and Paolo Palleschi; in front are Sophie Deifel and Molly Doran.

Courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — November 20, 2025

By AINSLEY MARTINEZ

News brief

November 20, 2025 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

Post 335 Commander Anthony Samuel presents an award to Lynbrook Fire Department First Lieutenant Susan Dominguez for her life-saving efforts, joined by First Assistant Chief James DiGiambattista and Second Assistant Chief Peter Festa. Courtesy Bill Marinaccio

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one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life.” — Hugh Sidey “There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.” — Kahlil Gibran “The three factors that seem to have the greatest influence on increasing our happiness are our ability to reframe our situation more positively, our ability to experience gratitude, and our choice to be kind and generous.” — Dalai Lama “Things won are done, joy’s soul lies in the doing” — William Shakespeare “As selfishness and complaint pervert the mind, so love with its joy clears and sharpens the vision.” — Helen Keller

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Lynbrook’s American Legion Post 335 honored a village police officer and a fire department EMT for life-saving actions during separate incidents last year at its annual Law and Order Night on Nov. 6 at the VFW hall. Post Commander Anthony Samuel presented the department’s award to First Lt. Susan Domingue z of the Lynbrook Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Company, joined by First Assistant Chief James DiGiambattista and Second Assistant Chief Peter Festa. Lynbrook Police Chief Brian Paladino accepted the Legion’s award on behalf of Police Officer Christopher Lopez, who was out of town. Local and state elected officials also issued citations recognizing the honorees. On Veterans Day, the community additionally marked a special moment as two veterans from different eras — World War II Marine veteran Dominic Longobardi and Vietnam-era Army veteran Steve Grogan — celebrated their birthdays together at a breakfast hosted by the Lynbrook Police Benevolent Association before the annual ceremony at the Doughboy Monument.

Courtesy Steve Grogan

World War II Marine veteran Dominic Longobardi, left, and Vietnam-era Army veteran Steve Grogan celebrate their birthdays together on Veterans Day at Lynbrook’s VFW breakfast.

—AinsleyMartinez _______

lynbrook/east rockaway ______

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MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/lynbrook or www.liherald.com/eastrockaway ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: lyn-ereditor@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 265 E-mail: lyn-ereditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com The lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald USPS 323040, is published every Thursday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Newsstand Price: $1. Annual Subscription Rates, $12.50 per quarter auto-pay or $60 one-time payment within Nassau County or $76 outside of Nassau County. Copyright © 2025 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

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HERALD SPORTS Falk, Calvacca lead Seaford over Lynbrook By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

It was a tale of two halves for Seaford’s vaunted ground attack in last Saturday afternoon’s Nassau Conference IV football semifinal. Senior Brian Falk dominated the first half with more than 200 scrimmage yards and two of his three touchdowns, then junior Michael Calvacca exploded in the second half for 207 of his 224 rushing yards including scoring runs of 98, 2 and 78 as the second-seeded Vikings pulled away from No. 3 Lynbrook for a 48-20 victory at Hofstra University. “We have an amazing O-line that paves the way and I’ve got a great teammate like Brian Falk to learn from,” said Calvacca, who two plays after sophomore Logan DiFondi’s fumble recovery late in the third quarter crushed Lynbrook’s potential game-tying drive raced along the Seaford sideline for the secondlongest rushing touchdown in Nassau County playoff history to make it 34-20. “I just had to make sure I stayed inbounds once I broke past the defense,” he added. The Vikings (9-1) scored 27 unanswered second-half points after the Owls (7-3) got to within one just before halftime on senior quarterback Chase Samelson’s 1-yard touchdown run that capped an impressive twominute drill. “I’m very proud of our guys,” Seaford head coach Mike McHugh said. “Seven [Falk] and 23 [Calvacca] were unbelievable and defensively we knew we had to limit the damage Samelson does with his legs and arm. He’s their biggest weapon.” Samelson had passing and rushing touchdowns and more than 200 yards passing and 100 rushing. Senior Michael Potash had the game-opening touchdown from a yard out and junior tight end Peter Rahaniotis had the receiving score. “This group set a goal to get this program back to Hofstra and didn’t let anything stand in their way of attaining it,” Lynbrook head coach Dave Yaker said. “Although it didn’t end the way we wanted it to, I couldn’t be more proud of these young men for sacrificing and competing at the highest level.” Falk, Calvacca and junior Jackson Pignataro had interceptions for Seaford, which advances to face topseeded and unbeaten Plainedge (10-0) for the Conference IV title Friday at 4 p.m. at Hofstra. Falk had a 30-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and caught a 44-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Michael Spinella off a screen in the second. Sandwiched between was Spinella’s 4-yard touchdown pass to senior Peter Barone. The Vikings led 21-13 late in the first half when

Paul Grassini /Herald photos

Michael Potash, left, had one of Lynbrook’s touchdowns in last Saturday’s Conference IV semifinal defeat to Seaford. Samelson orchestrated a 64-yard scoring drive in the final 1:36, logging 38 of those on three carries of his own. He also connected with seniors Jake Brenneis and Miles Storm for key first downs as Lynbrook got within 21-20. Samelson’s lead target was junior Orji Agwu, who had five catches for 84 yards. “We were a little deflated at halftime but we always try to stick by the ‘bend but don’t break mindset,’” Falk said. “They’re a good team so we knew Lynbrook was going to score points. We just had to respond.” The response was a good one — four touchdowns “We lost in the semifinals last year so this feels great,” Seaford senior center Thomas Miranda said.

Quarterback Chase Samelson had passing and rushing touchdowns for the Owls, who finished 7-3.

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November 20, 2025 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — November 20, 2025

Show Off Your Little Fans! Snap a photo of your “Little Fan“ in their favorite football, hockey or any sports gear or outfit and enter our Little Fans Photo Contest! Whether it’s your pet in a jersey or child in their favorite team’s colors, we want to see how you get into the sport spirit! Scan the QR code to submit your photo today for a chance to win a pair of New York Islanders tickets to a game this season and be featured in your Long Island Herald.

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Gillen weighs in on government shutdown After voting against last week’s reopening, she underscores the importance of affordable health care By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

The federal government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, ended after 43 days of uncertainty for those employed by the government or dependent on federally funded social programs. One of the many Democrats who voted against the agreement to end the shutdown was the 4th Congressional District’s Rep. Laura Gillen, because of Republicans’ refusal to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits. “I believe that we can fund the government and we can also make sure that people don’t lose their health insurance,” Gillen said, “and we’re doing everything we can to help the American people face the cost-of-living crisis that we are dealing with across this country.” The bill to reopen the government passed by a vote of 222 to 209, and was signed into law by President Trump. Afterward, Gillen released a statement, saying, “The spending bill passed today does nothing to prevent hardworking Long Islanders from being priced out of their health care. I voted no.” During the shutdown, the work of non-essential departments was halted, while employees of vital departments continued working without pay. Now, about 800,000 federal employees who had been furloughed or working without compensation will start receiving paychecks again, with back pay. The effects of the shutdown continued to be felt for days. The spending package restored full funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits through next September, but some of the nearly 42 million Americans who rely on the program were still waiting for resumption of their benefits days after the

bill was signed. And disruptions in service at the nation’s airports were expected to continue. Throughout the shutdown, Gillen visited various community groups to see how it was affecting them, including Long Island Cares, Innovative Daycare and a variety of Black- and brown-owned businesses throughout the district. “The hunger of our seniors and veterans should not be a political tool,” she said. Gillen will be up for re-election next year. Since the election of New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, Gillen has had a message for her constituents: “I am extraordinarily different.” “My district knows me,” she said. “I was the first Democrat in 112 years to get elected in the town of Hempstead as a supervisor, and I’m going to run the same way I ran before, and that is as a centrist, moderate, fiscally prudent and responsible leader who actually wants to work in a bipartisan fashion to get things done.” Gillen expressed her intent to stay focused on the issues, national and local. “The most important thing is we need to be working in a bipartisan fashion to start fixing these problems — addressing the cost of health care, addressing the cost of groceries, addressing the cost of utilities, and finding concrete, fiscally responsible ways to solve these problems,” she said. Gillen’s office can put community members who are struggling in touch with local support groups. “Our district staff office is extremely attentive to the calls that come in,” she said. “If they need help with information about how to contact the (health care) exchange or how to access certain benefits, we provide that information to them.” Gillen’s office can be reached at (516) 739-3008.

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen spoke to hundreds of her constituents about the state of the country at a town hall at Hofstra University in April.

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November 20, 2025 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

News brief

Centre Avenue Elementary School gathered to pay tribute to local veterans in a moving Veterans Day ceremony that brought together students, staff and community heroes. The schoolwide assembly began at 8:40 a.m. with students and staff congregating outside the building alongside a distinguished group of veterans. The ceremony opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a stirring string arrangement of “America the Beautiful” performed by a talented trio of Centre Avenue string players. In a touching gesture of gratitude, students presented handmade cards to each of the veterans in attendance, expressing their appreciation for their service and sacrifice. Superintendent James DeTommaso led the ceremony, which was also attended by several district administrators who joined in honoring the veterans. Following the outdoor ceremony, the

veterans were invited inside where they participated in a question-and-answer session with students. The interactive discussion gave young lear ners a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about life in the military and the experiences of those who have served our country. The ceremony honored seven local veterans representing multiple branches of the armed forces:

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LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — November 20, 2025

Photos courtesy of East Rockaway Union Free School District

Centre Avenue Elementary School gathered to pay tribute to local veterans in a moving Veterans Day ceremony.

Andy Basile, U.S. Army Joseph Bruzzo, U.S. Navy Ed Cook, U.S. Navy Tony Donato, U.S. Air Force Mayor Gordon Fox, U.S. Marines John Marcantonio, U.S. Army Peter Vitulli, U.S. Army —Ainsley Martinez

Part Time Receptionist Position Garden City, NY Monday, Wednesday & Friday 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Send Resume to: Havisha Ramoo hramoo@liherald.com Following the outdoor ceremony, the veterans were invited inside where they participated in a question-and-answer session with students.

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Saturday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

November 20, 2025 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

Photos Eric Donaldson/Herald

Tom Wink, an Army veteran; Anthony Samuel, a Navy veteran; Howard Ryder, an Air Force veteran; Dominick Amendola, a Navy veteran; Jose Cortez, an Air Force veteran; and Steve Grogan, an Army veteran, gather during the Veterans Day ceremony at 45 Atlantic Avenue in Lynbrook.

Honoring veterans near Doughboy statue Local officials, veterans and community members gathered at 45 Atlantic Avenue on Veterans Day to honor those who have served in the nation’s armed forces. The ceremony brought together veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps, along with members of the Marine Corps League Western Long Island Detachment. Mayor Alan Beach, village trustees and members of the Lynbrook Police Department also took part in the observance, which included tributes to past and present service members. —AinsleyMartinez

Members of the Marine Corps League Western Long Island Detachment — Dom Longobardi, Len Goldstein, Rowan Porter, Bill Schnaars and John O’Dougherty — stand together at the Veterans Day ceremony in Lynbrook.

Lynbrook Chief of Police Brian Paladino, Inspector Sean Murphy, Officer Mike Monoghan and Officer Rob Meier attend the village’s Veterans Day ceremony on Atlantic Avenue.

Dom Longobardi, Len Goldstein, Rowan Porter, Bill Schnaars and John O’Dougherty of the Marine Corps League Western Long Island Detachment participate in the Veterans Day observance at 45 Atlantic Avenue.

Army veteran Silvia Trott joins Village Trustees Michael Habert and Robert Boccio; Navy veteran Kevin Canty; Mayor Alan Beach; Village Trustee Ann Marie Reardon; and Deputy Mayor Michael Hawxhurst as they honor military service during Lynbrook’s Veterans Day ceremony.

Community remembers trustee at St. Raymond his most notable achievements was the construction of the town’s September 11 Memorial at Point Lookout, honoring the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. A devoted member of his f a i t h c o m m u n i t y, S a n t i n o served as a lector at St. Raymonds Catholic Church, in East Rockaway, for more than 40 years. He was also active in civic and fraternal organizations including the Knights of Columbus, the East Rockaway Kiwanis Club and the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America. Santino’s commitment to public service extended beyond politics. In 2017 he was honored by the Hewlett-based Center for Adult Life Enrichment for his years of community involvement. His eighth-grade math teacher, Rosalind Deutschman, attended the event, and reminisced about her “quiet and astute” former student, recalling that he was part of an accelerated class that took the ninthgrade math Regents exam early. His funeral Mass was Nov. 12 at St. Raymond.

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — November 20, 2025 Photos Tim Baker/Herald

Anthony J. “Tony” Santino, a Village of East Rockaway trustee and former Town of Hempstead supervisor died on Nov. 6. The Center for Adult Life Enrichment honored Town of Hempstead Supervisor Anthony Santino, at its annual gala in 2017. At right is his eighth grade math teacher, Rosalind Deutschman. His —Ainsley Martinez funeral Mass was Nov. 12 at St. Raymond.

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Anthony J. “Tony” Santino, 64, a longtime public servant who was supervisor of the Town of Hempstead from 2016 to 2018 and most recently served as an East Rockaway village trustee, died on Nov. 6 from an undisclosed illness. In a decades-long career in gover nment and community service, Santino left a lasting mark on Long Island. Before becoming Hempstead’s chief executive, he served as a town councilman, and became the longest-tenured Republican on the Town Board. Santino began his first stint on the East Rockaway village board in 1983, at age 22, and served for eight years, two of them as deputy mayor. After working for Lent, he joined the staff of the Nassau County Board of Supervisors. Prior to his election to the Town Board, Santino was the town’s director of communications for six and a half years, and spent 22 years on the board before becoming supervisor. During his tenure, he oversaw numerous initiatives and projects that reflected his focus on local quality of life and community improvement. Among

Maria Dente-Higgins of Lynbrook and Cheryl Poland of East Rockaway were reco gnized at Assemblywoman Judy Griffin’s annual Women of Distinction ceremony on Nov. 6 at Baldwin Middle School. The event honored women in Assembly District 21 for leadership, service and contributions to their communities. Dente-Higgins, a community advocate involved in efforts to revive the Malver ne Cinema and Art Center as a nonprofit Courtesy Office of Judy Griffin arts hub, was celebrated along- Assemblywoman Judy Griffin’s annual Women of side Johane Ligondé of Bald- Distinction ceremony on Nov. 6 at Baldwin Middle win, Meta Mereday of Baldwin School celebrated local community leaders. The Oaks, Maria Jordan-Awalom of event recognized women from across Assembly Freeport, Shantay Carter of Hempstead, Karen Cordoso of District 21, including Maria Dente-Higgins of Hewlett, Jillian Policastro and Lynbrook, Johane Ligondé of Baldwin, Meta Tracee Galante of Oceanside, Mereday of Baldwin Oaks, Cheryl Poland of East Liliana Polo of Malverne, Joan Rockaway, and others, for their leadership, serH y l a n d a n d h e r d a u g h t e r s vice, and contributions to their communities. Cristine Daly and Ellen White formance by Nassau County Legislator of Rockville Centre and Malverne, Rena Riback of Rockville Cen- Debra Mulé, and remarks from Nassau tre, Stephanie Tambini of West Hemp- C o u n t y L e g i s l at o r- E l e c t C y n t h i a stead, Laura Mallay of South Hemp- Núñez. The event highlights residents stead, and Sherise Dowling of Valley whose work strengthens local communities and fosters civic engagement. Stream. The ceremony included the Pledge — Ainsley Martinez of Allegiance, a National Anthem per-

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November 20, 2025 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

News brief Women honored at Griffin’s ceremony

things to know LiPA’s PRoPosED 2026 BUDgEt By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

The Long Island Power Authority has released its proposed 2026 budget, emphasizing affordability, grid reliability and clean-energy investment. The plan also details stronger oversight of Public Service Enterprise Group Long Island under a renewed management contract, and continued cost-saving measures that aim to lower bills for customers across Long Island and the Rockaways.

The LIPA—PSEG relationship LIPA is a nonprofit public utility that owns the electric transmission and distribution system serving Long Island and the Rockaways, and PSEG Long Island operates that system under contract. Since 2014, PSEG has handled daily grid operations, maintenance and customer service on LIPA’s behalf. The new five-year contract extension, effective Jan. 1, enhances oversight and accountability while maintaining the operational partnership. The agreement reduces management fees by an estimated $17 million and expands cost-control requirements. It also increases the number of measurable performance metrics, covering reliability, customer experience and fiscal management. LIPA officials say this framework ensures that PSEG’s performance will better align with affordability and clean energy goals through greater transparency and operational discipline.

Core spending plan and bill savings

Long-term plan, and public hearings

LIPA’s proposed 2026 operating budget totals about $4.4 billion, alongside a $1 billion capital plan supporting reliability, grid modernization and clean-energy infrastructure. The typical residential customer is projected to see a 3.3 percent decrease in their electric bill, roughly $6.53 less per month than in 2025. This reduction reflects a projected $219 million drop in power supply costs, driven by lower on-Island generation, decreased Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative allowance expenses and savings from the new Power and Fuel Management Services Agreement. The capital budget will rise roughly 3.1 percent, mainly due to refueling costs tied to LIPA’s 18 percent ownership stake in the Nine Mile Point 2 nuclear power plant. Despite inflation and higher labor costs, LIPA projects flat overall operating expenses, while maintaining around $1 billion in annual reliability investments.

LIPA’s long-term fiscal sustainability plan aims to reduce its debt-to-asset ratio from a projected 78 percent in 2025 to 70 percent by 2030, supporting stronger credit ratings and long-term financial health. The 2026 budget reflects roughly $1.4 billion in cumulative cost savings, equal to about 33 percent of customer bills, the result of over a decade of cost-control initiatives. The budget also includes $7.5 million for weatherization projects benefiting low- to moderate-income households, helping to reduce energy usage and improve affordability. Public hearings will be held on Nov. 24, at 10 a.m., at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge; and the same day, at 6 p.m., at LIPA headquarters in Uniondale, with a virtual option available. Written comments are due by Nov. 28, and the LIPA board of trustees will vote on the final budget on Dec. 17.

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LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — November 20, 2025

Highlights of the utility’s spending plan for next year

November 20, 2025 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

Herald honors environmental leadership By ABBEY-ROSE SALVEMINI asalvemini@liherald.com

Across Long Island, a growing number of businesses are leading the charge toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. From small family-owned shops to large companies embracing environmentally conscious practices, local enterprises are proving that environmental responsibility and economic success can go hand in hand. These efforts not only help reduce the region’s carbon footprint but also strengthen the local economy by inspiring innovation and creating green jobs. Nearly 30 local businesses gathered at the Heritage Club in Bethpage for an event hosted by the Herald, celebrating sustainability and community impact on Oct. 29 The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications, who emphasized the importance of recognizing businesses that prioritize sustainability and help shape a greener future for Long Island. “It is a pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural GreenBiz Awards, where we come together to celebrate the businesses and individuals who are leading the charge for a more sustainable future, right here on Long Island,” he said. “Tonight, we honor those who are driving real change. Reducing waste, conserving energy and protecting the natural beauty that makes Long Island such a special place to live, work and raise our families.” The evening’s emcee, Jill Conway, is a former New York television news reporter and anchor with more than 20 years of experience. She is the founder of Powerful Women USA and host of the award-winning podcast Secrets of Powerful Women, and helped facilitate the event’s program. Part of the event’s ticket proceeds support Save the Sound, an organization dedicated to protecting Long Island and Connecticut’s land, air and water through science, legal action and community initiatives. Honoree Christine Kiourtsis, president of Renewable Recycling, Inc., was recognized in the Recycling category for her innovative work in textile and material recovery. Inspired by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in 2012, she began recycling discarded mattresses and box springs, discovering that up to 90 percent of their materials can be reused. Through Renewable Recycling, Kiourtsis helps keep waste out of landfills, reduce transport costs and save taxpayer money. “It’s really important to utilize tax money in a better way than putting it in the dump,” Kiourtsis said. Marshall Brown, president and cofounder of Long Island Conservancy Spadefood Ecosystem Solutions, was honored in the Environmental Innovation category. Brown helped create a film called A River Between Us that led to the largest environmental restoration project in U.S. history. His upcom-

Tim Baker and Holden Leeds/Herald photos

The team from Reworld. ing project focuses on implementing water treatment solutions for areas with wastewater or surface water. “We grow microbes on site, strains of common soil bacteria, but with special properties like what they eat in the absence of oxygen,” Brown said. “We take a sewage treatment plant, the microbes get to work, and half of the sludge, at least, gets eaten away.” Brown believes that the return on investment is a couple of months. President/LEED AP of Merritt Environmental Consulting Corp., Chuck Merritt, was recognized in the Environmental Consulting category. “On Long Island, we all drink the groundwater underneath our feet. So, we all have a responsibility to protect that natural resource,” said Merritt, who added that MECC is involved with a large developer in Mastic who is looking to redevelop land about a half a mile long. In the Waste Solutions category, Reworld is recognized for providing innovative and environmentally responsible waste management services to communities worldwide. Representative Ed Sandkuhi said that Reworld is expanding its engagement with local schools, teaching students about composting. “We raise dead vegetable gardens and use the compost to grow vegetables and not use fertilizers that are highly water soluble,” Sandkuhi said, adding how rewarding it is to see the children’s enthusiasm. Carrie Meek Gallagher, CEO of the Long Island Power Authority and a honoree in the Utilities category, notes that Long Island is particularly vulner-

Chuck Merritt from Merritt Environmental Consulting able to the effects of severe weather and climate change. “We are still trying to promote the adoption of solar, electric vehicles and heat pumps that are going to help us move towards a clean energy future,” she says, emphasizing LIPA’s ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable solutions for the region. Paraco Gas was honored in the Utilities category. Representative Dan Scicutella said that propane is a very

clean-burning fuel. For areas on the East end that don’t have access to natural gas, propane is a substitute. “We’re looking to expand and grow on the East End, companies from Route 112 and further East,” he said, noting that the company remains committed to environmental stewardship and community involvement. Recognized in the Engineering category, M&J Engineering is a multi-disciplinary engineering firm that provides a wide range of professional services. “As an engineer, we’re at the forefront of a lot of research studies,” M&J Representative Mohammad Malik said. “It’s our job to do what’s right for society and develop new ways to reduce carbon emissions,” Malik notes that M&J is involved in coastal resilience projects and highlights a Patchogue initiative that promotes green infrastructure. The Herald GreenBIZ Awards catalyze environmental stewardship and sustainable business practices. The event highlights and honors forwardthinking businesses and educators committed to eco-friendly practices, proving that sustainable operations can thrive alongside financial success. Gold sponsors of the event include The Long Island Conservancy, Reworld and Scott’s Miracle-Gro. Silver sponsors include the New York Offshore Wind Alliance, GreyMart, M&J Engineering, R&M Engineering, Stony Brook University, Edgewise Energy, GreenbergTraurig, Emtec, Merritt, Paraco, and Molloy University. View event photos on our website, RichnerLive.com/greenbiz-awards/ photos/

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — November 20, 2025

Marlon Taylor from New York & Atlantic Railway.

Ecosystem Solutions with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.

Neal Lewis, left, from Molloy University Sustainability Institute with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.

Nick Guariglia, left, from ACE NY / NYOWA with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.

Adrienne Esposito from Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Charles Vigliotti from Long Island Compost, Todd Kaminsky from Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and Charlie Barone from Long Island Compost.

Carrie Meek Gallagher from the Long Island Power Authority.

Richard Murdocco, left, from Stony Brook University with Herald Publisher Stuart Richner.

Christine Kiourtsis from Renewable Recycling, Inc.

How to cook a turkey Compiled by Herald staff

Kennedy Schoell

Isabel Culver

Age 4, Oceanside

Age 7, Rockville Centre

Butter, salt and pepper, stuff it with some stuffing, sprinkle it with love, and put it in the oven til it’s done.

I don’t know, I would put it in the oven. Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

Photo courtesy Donna Kraus

Landon Blinder

Grade 1, Massapequa

Cosette Farr

Ace Ortiz

Age 6, Lynbrook

Age 8, Inwood

You have to catch the turkey, take the feathers off, season it and cook it.

If I had to cook a turkey I would buy a turkey, put the season stuff on it and put it in the oven!

Get a turkey from the farm, put him in the oven. The oven has to be hot and you cook it for 7 minutes and 8 seconds. Then it’s turkey that we can eat.”

Photo courtesy Massapequa School District

Photo courtesy Angela Ortiz

Photo courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools

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November 20, 2025 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

STEPPING OUT

Photos courtesy Heckscher Museum of Art

A gallery view of the exhibition.

Carving out her place The untold story of sculptor Emma Stebbins By Abbey Salvemini

istory gets a powerful rewrite at the Heckscher Museum of Art’s latest exhibition. “Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History” is a landmark installation that spotlights a pioneering neoclassical artist whose legacy has been long overlooked. Known for sculpting Central Park’s iconic Bethesda Fountain (immortalized in film and TV), Stebbins — a trailblazing female artist — was the first woman to receive a public art commission from New York City. Yet despite her accomplishments, her name has largely vanished from the art world’s narrative. Now Stebbins receives the recognition she has long deserved. “Carving Out History” firmly reestablishes her place at the forefront of 19th century American sculpture. It explores Stebbins’s bold artistic vision, her barrier-breaking career and her personal life — including her relationship with the renowned Shakespearean actress Charlotte Cushman at a time when such a relationship defied social norms. Stebbins’ works focused on unprecedented imagery of laborers, incisive depictions of literary and biblical subjects and moving portrait busts of her chosen family. Her sculpture was celebrated in the press and sought after by collectors In the mid-19th century. Since then, however, Stebbins fell into relative obscurity. Among the exhibit’s outstanding components, New York City comes to Long Island — via an immersive Virtual Reality experience. Visitors can “walk around” Central Park’s iconic Bethesda Fountain, bringing Stebbins’s most celebrated work to life in an entire new way. A special VR station gives everyone the illusion that Bethesda Fountain is right in front of them in Heckscher Park — through the use of their phones — offering a striking, life-sized view of Stebbins’s most iconic creation. Photos and selfies are encouraged! For many, this will be their first time learning the name behind the fountain — even if you’ve seen it countless times in person and on screen. The exhibit title — “Carving Out History” — reflects both Stebbins’s sculptural practice and the curatorial team’s broader goal: to reclaim and reframe her place in the American canon. This first-of-its-kind exhibit — reshapes how we understand one of our most groundbreaking — and overlooked — artists. “The exhibition itself is carving out a place

for Stebbins’ story,” Chief Curator Karli Wurzelbacher says. The Heckscher’s deep connection to the artist makes the venue especially significant. • Now through March 15 Museum founder August Heckscher had • Open Thursday through a family link to Stebbins — his uncle Sunday, noon-5 p.m. commissioned two of her major works, • Heckscher Museum of Art, Commerce and Industry, which have been 2 Prime Ave., Huntington • Visit Heckscher.org or part of the museum’s collection for over a call (631) 380-3230 for century. information on related Stebbins wasn’t just a woman succeeding programming in a male-dominated field — she also lived openly with her partner at a time when samesex relationships were taboo. Their partnership Emma Stebbins’s marble statue The was both romantic and deeply collaborative, and it Lotus-Eater (1863) purports to illustrate Alfred Tennyson’s poem of the same informed much of Stebbins’s work and worldview. title, in turn derived from an episode They were “the power couple of their in the Odyssey of Homer. Museum time,” according to Wurzelbacher. Purchase: Town of Huntington Art Among the many highlights, Wurzelbacher Acquisition Fund. points to Sandolphon, which captures the depth of Stebbins’s artistry. It depicts an archangel with incredible detail rendered in marble. The sculpture draws inspiration from a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. As Wurzelbacher explains: “The line ‘the angel gathers the prayers where he stands, and they turn into flowers in his hands’ captures the heart of the work. She paints a vivid image of the archangel holding a garland of flowers — each bloom symbolizing the prayers of the people.” One of the most significant outcomes of her research into Stebbins’s career has been the “discovery” of sculptures whose locations were previously unknown to scholars (one was found in the hallway of the Belfast Central Library!). Two significant works, The Lotus Eater (1863) and the aformentioned Sandalphon (1866), had been in a private collection for decades before being acquired by the museum. Both pieces underwent extensive conservation efforts, including cleaning their discolored marble surfaces and making careful repairs. For curators and staff, this exhibition is not only a professional milestone — it’s personal. “Even though we have a relatively small staff, we can still Sandalphon (also known as contribute to writing the story of American art history and Angel of Prayer, 1866), like bringing these overlooked figures to the public is something Lotus Eater, has been in a we take very seriously,” Wurzelbacher shares. private collection and likely Whether you’re familiar with these sculptures or someone have not been on public view in encountering Stebbins for the first time, this exhibit invites you more than 100 years. Museum to look again — at a familiar fountain, at forgotten stories and purchase: Town of Huntington at the enduring power of carving out one’s place in history. Art Acquisition Fund.

For 50 years, two-time Grammy winner BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been hailed as the best Cajun band in the world. They’ve been making some of the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet. Born out of the rich Acadian ancestry of its members, and created and driven by bandleader Michael Doucet’s spellbinding ﬁddle playing and soulful vocals, BeauSoleil is notorious for bringing even the most staid audience to its feet. Their distinctive sound derives from the distilled spirits of New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, country and bluegrass, captivating listeners from the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, to Carnegie Hall, then all the way across the pond to Richard Thompson’s Meltdown Festival in the U.K. They are joined on this special tour by their good friend Thompson. An iconic ﬁgure in British folk-rock, Thompson — one of the founding members of Fairport Convention — is arguably the genre’s greatest triple threat: a dazzling guitarist, an outstanding songwriter, and a strong and evocative vocalist.

Sunday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m. $75, $65, $55. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Adam Pascal Get ready for a powerhouse night with Broadway legend Adam Pascal — the original voice of Rent’s Roger (Broadway and ﬁlm) and one of musical theater’s most electrifying performers. With a rock-and-roll edge and soul-stirring vocals, Pascal commands the stage in an unforgettable evening of showstoppers, storytelling, and pure star power. From “Rent” and Aida” to “Chess,” “Chicago,” “Something Ro’tten!” and beyond, Adam brings the house down with iconic hits, guitar licks and rock tunes — all fueled by the raw passion that made him a Broadway icon. The Tony-nominated actor-musician didn’t grow up with aspirations of becoming a Broadway star. But when his childhood friend Idina Menzel asked if he would audition for an off-Broadway musical called “Rent,” he thought “Why not?” and the rest is history. Pascal shares insights into his personal journey with his audience, bringing with him a wealth of experience and plenty of personal anecdotes.

Sunday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — November 20, 2025

BeauSoleil

November 20, 2025 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NOV East Rockaway Winter Festival registration open

CALENDAR • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 1-3 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Outdoor vendor event with seasonal merchandise and community activities under a heated tent. Open to merchandise and community organizations selling water, snacks, flowers, and handmade items.

matinee NOV Movie Stop by Lynbrook

Public Library for a showing of the 2025 romantic comedy “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.” The sequel to Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016) and the fourth installment in the Bridget Jones film series, it closes the book on Bridget Jones Diary. Rated R. Registration not required.

• Where: TBD • Time: 3-6 p.m. • Contact: NLanderer@ villageofeastrockaway.org

English as a New Language Class

Weekly ENL class Lynbrook Public Library focuses on beginner English vocabulary, grammar, reading and writing. Workbook included. Participants must commit to at least 10 of 13 sessions. • Where: 56 Eldert St. • Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. • Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org

Let’s Skate

Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades. Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: Ongoing during museum hours, through Jan. 4. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Seussical the Musical

Molloy University CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students stage the musical based on beloved characters from Dr. Seuss’s stories. The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, and elephant who discovers a speck of dust that contains the Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks”. Horton faces a double challenge: not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.

• Where: 56 Eldert St. • Time: 2-4:15 p.m.; doors open at 1:45 p.m. • Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org

DEC

Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra ‘Christmas Special’

From redefining rock to reimagining Sinatra, Grammy-winning musician Mark Tremonti, backed by members of Frank Sinatra’s original orchestra, brings his timeless swing and holiday spirit to the Paramount. The lights go down. Familiar horns pipe up from a world-class orchestra as piano twinkles like the jackpot lights on a winning slot machine. Then, the voice kicks in. It has all of the smoky splendor those first few notes hinted at, but it ain’t Ol’ Blue Eyes. In a tailored suit with microphone in hand, it’s Mark Tremonti. The multiplatinum musician sounds just as at home paying homage to the catalog of Frank Sinatra as he does fronting Tremonti or shredding his soul out as the guitarist for Alter Bridge and Creed. Moreover, he’s doing it for a reason that would make the Chairman of the Board proud. Accompanied by surviving members of Sinatra’s band as well as various top-notch players, Tremonti cut 14 classics for his Tremonti Sings Sinatra album, which he gifted to the National Down Syndrome Society as part of his new organization Take A Chance For Charity. All album proceeds go to NDSS to help those with developmental disabilities. With over 40 million albums sold, chart-topping releases, sold-out arenas, and countless appearances on television • Where: The Paramount, 370 and magazine covers, Tremonti’s influence on rock music is undeniable. Now, witness a New York Ave., Huntington new side of his artistry as he pays heartfelt tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra. This • Time: 8 p.m. is Tremonti like you’ve never heard him. Join in for a feel-good evening of classic jazz • Contact: ticketmaster.com or and seasonal favorites. $108.75, $86.50, $71.25, $59.75, $54.25, $43.75. paramountny.com

DEC

Celebrate the season of joy and community with the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce! Enjoy food, drinks, and great company as everyone toasts to another successful year. • Where: TBD • Time: TBD • Contact: LynbrookUSA.com

DEC

Ultimately, the powers of freindship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant. Performers of all ages portray the characters from the familiar Dr. Seuss tales. • Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • Time: 8 p.m., also Nov 21-Nov. 23 • Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

skills so you can become safer and more confident behind the wheel. Save on your auto insurance and reduce the number of points on your New York driving record. Registration required. • Where: 477 Atlantic Ave. • Time: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • Contact: eastrockawaylibrary. org or call (516) 599-1664

On Exhibit Puzzles NOV Playful Jigsaw puzzles have

been bringing families together for over 200 years- sparking teamwork and wonder across generations. Celebrate Game and Puzzle Week at Long Island Children’s Museum by channeling inner creativity to design a custom puzzle. This is a drop-in program. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

AARP Defensive Driving

East Rockaway Public Library offers this New York stateapproved driver safety course> It is designed to help you refresh and improve your driving

Nassau County Museum of Art invites visitors into a world where reality is uncertain, dreams take shape and the line between fact and imagination disappears. From dreamlike landscapes and uncanny portraits to images so exact they look like photographs, works in “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” challenge what we see and what we believe. Before abstraction took the spotlight in the mid-20th century, American art was defined by Realism as artists captured the world as they saw it. This exhibit explores how artists across generations have reimagined “the real” in strikingly different ways. Works from both American and European artists are featured. On view through March 8. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: Ongoing • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

NOV Paddlemaking and storytelling at Long Island Children’s Museum

Step into the world of traditional Indigenous craftsmanship with Chenae Bullock, the artist who crafted the mishoon (Indigenous canoe) featured in the Saltwater Stories exhibit. In this dropin program, families discover the deep connection between paddles, water, and the land as you learn about their cultural significance. Visitors will have the opportunity to design and create their own mini paddles, while exploring stories, traditions, and creative activities that highlight the beauty of Indigenous craftsmanship. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: Stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Let’s Talk Turkey

As Thanksgiving approaches, get ready by creating some colorful turkeys at Long Island Children’s Museum. Take your terrific turkey home to adorn your Thanksgiving table. For ages 3 and up. This is a drop-in program.

Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party

Holiday concert

The Long Island Community Chorus invites all to their upcoming concert, “Season of Peace.” $10 suggested donation, children under 12 free. • Where: St. James UMC, 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook • Time: 3 p.m. • Contact: (516) 599-5705 or email licchorus@gmail.com

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.

Administrators tout classroom progress ished the school year at or above grade level, and the number of students performing well below grade level was cut in half. Fourth-grade math followed the same pattern — a rise in students meeting grade-level expectations and a significant drop in those far behind — though Murray said the district wants those proficiency numbers “much higher” in the coming years. Growth accelerated sharply in the middle school math program. Seventhgrade math continued to be one of the district’s strongest areas, with just under three-quarters of students performing at or above grade level. Only 10 percent were classified as well below grade level, and Murray said the district was working to replicate the strategies behind that success in other grades. The district also reviewed year-overyear cohort growth, comparing how the same students performed across grade levels. Administrators said that math showed stronger upward movement than reading, with most grades having more students rising into at- or abovegrade-level categories than falling behind. Fourth-grade math and seventhgrade math again stood out, each posting what Murray described as a large jump in the number of students on pace for grade-level success. Three years after fully adopting the i-Ready assessment system, Murray

said, the district has a clearer, more actionable view of student learning than ever before. The transition away from Northwest Evaluation Association exams has paid off, he said, adding that i-Ready has launched the district in a path that administrators are “really excited about.” The i-Ready program, he said, provides assessment data, teacher-level diagnostic tools and individualized student learning modules. “It’s focusing on my skill,” Murray said, putting himself in the shoes of a student. “Once I get over that hurdle of skill and I demonstrate mastery, I go to the next one.” At the secondary level, East Rockaway is setting records. DeTommaso said the district made history both in the number of AP exams administered and the percentage of students scoring 3 or higher — even with “open enrollment” that allows nearly any student who wants to take an AP course to do so. Over 80 percent of students score 3 or higher on AP exams, which score on a 0-to-5 basis. East Rockaway has also expanded three marquee programs: the AP Capstone diploma, the Seal of Biliteracy and the Seal of Civic Readiness. The district had its first Capstone graduates last year. The Seal of Biliteracy, DeTommaso added, recognizes students who demonstrate fluency in two or more languages.

Even before New York announced a move toward alternative pathways and reduced reliance on Regents exams, East Rockaway was already reshaping instruction. Every teacher in the district, DeTommaso said, has completed multi-year professional development in project-based learning. “We made those changes based on what we know were best instructional practices,” Murray said. “The state came to the party later.” East Rockaway is also rolling out controlled use of generative A.I. via Magic School AI, a platform that meets state privacy standards. The district trained teachers first, Murray explained, and is now showing them “ways to ask students different questions and make their learning better.”

Lynbrook also cites gains

A few miles west, Lynbrook Superintendent Paul Lynch reports similar progress in academics and school-community engagement. The most noticeable gains, he said, are in writing. “We’ve been invested in a new program called the Writing Revolution,” he said, describing it as a K-through-12, interdisciplinary approach, and adding that he has seen its success in classes ranging from kindergarten to high school. A new AI component also allows teachers to differentiate instruction.

Lynch said the system can tailor writing prompts based on reading levels or even student interests. “It’s kind of amazing,” he said. To strengthen school culture and consistency, Lynbrook is renewing a longdormant state initiative, which Lynch described as a collaborative model involving teachers, parents, students and staff. Perhaps the most dramatic growth area is Lynbrook’s business department. “So many kids asked for it that … we actually had to take on a new business teacher,” Lynch said. In addition to its award-winning Virtual Enterprise program, the high school now offers Accounting 1 and 2, Business Law 1 and 2, and new businessrelated extracurriculars. To align with the state’s revised graduation framework, Lynbrook recently launched its Profile of the Owl, which enumerates the skills and competencies students should develop before graduation. It centers on creative and critical thinking, real-life skills, social-emotional growth and global citizenship. “We’re going to try to put real flesh on it so that it isn’t just theoretical,” he said. Administrators in both districts added that their work was far from finished, and that involving parents and the community would continue to be a priority.

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LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — November 20, 2025

Continued from page 1

County legislators say ‘no’ to corporate tax hike

November 20, 2025 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Nassau County’s legislative leaders have a message for Gov. Kathy Hochul about New York City’s MayorElect Zohran Mamdani’s tax plan: this would not be good for the state. To oppose the Democratic-driven plan to increase New York’s corporate tax rate, the officials — all Republicans —formed the new Long Island Coalition of Business and Political Leaders, a collection of elected officials and business organizations. “This is bad for New York state, and we are going to fight very hard against that,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said on Nov. 17. The mayor-elect’s plan is to increase to the corporate tax rate in New York City, bumping the top rate from 7.25 percent to 11.25 percent, aiming to support social programs with money sourced from the region’s highest earning businesses. Blakeman bristled at the thought, expressing concern that higher taxes will drive out business, jobs and residents. “We are on the border of New York City,” he said, “many of our people commute to the city to do business. What I’m concerned about is the deleterious effect that this will have on Nassau County and the rest of the state.” Blakeman alleged that tax increases would be passed along to consumers and has heard some business leaders threaten to leave the city if taxes increase, which in turn could be a financial burden to the city’s middle class residents. He suggested the state and city cut spending on undocumented migrant programs as an alternative method to retain revenue. “We don’t have a deficit in Nassau County,” he said. “For the past four years, we’ve had surpluses because we know how to manage money in Nassau County, and we’ve gotten seven bond upgrades, but that’s one of the ways that we can spend money on programs that benefit

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, center, led a group of other elected officials and business leaders to form the Long Island Coalition of Business and Political Leader to oppose corporate tax increases. our residents.” Sarafina Chitika, the spokesperson for the Hochul campaign, disputed the County Executive’s assertions. “Governor Hochul cut middle class taxes while putting inflation refund checks in New Yorkers’ pockets,” she wrote in a statement. “Bruce Blakeman is the number one fanboy for Trump’s tariffs that are raising costs for families and making everything more expensive for small businesses – while the governor remains laserfocused on lowering costs, Blakeman’s shilling for Donald Trump’s tariff tax hikes.” Meanwhile, Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, called the tax proposal “a real problem.” “It’s really incumbent upon us to push back against this plan as much as possible,” he said. “We have an affordability crisis in this country, but nowhere is it more acute than here on Long Island. And when you’re driving out businesses, when you’re driving out jobs, that’s going to make it worse, not better.”

Frank Camarano, president of the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, highlighted the way New York City policies affect neighboring counties and businesses. “Small businesses don’t have the wherewithal to try and work around this,” he said. “A strong New York City is a strong Nassau. If New York City is gonna propose things like this, it’s gonna be like an everyday occurrence, trying to work around it, and it’s going to be difficult.” State Sens. Jack Martins, Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Steve Rhoads joined the chorus of critics. “This is dumb, plain and simple,” Martins said. “The fact that the governor is even thinking about this is a disgrace. We urge the governor to say no. We urge the leaders in Albany to say no.” The coalition supports a move towards a 5 percent corporate tax rate, according to Blakeman. The fiscal year for the state will begin on April 1, and no business tax policy changes have been confirmed.

Anonymous donation expands health services By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Nassau University Medical Center has received a $1 million anonymous donation to expand women’s health services, funding advanced 3D mammography and bone density technology that will improve early detection and preventive

care for patients across Long Island. The gift, secured by NuHealth Board Chairman Stuart Rabinowitz, will allow the hospital to acquire new 3D mammography systems with biopsy capability and an updated bone density scanner. Both are expected to transform care for two of the most significant health issues affecting women — breast cancer and osteopo-

Public Notices

LLYN1 1120

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF EAST ROCKAWAY ELECTION NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the provisions of the Election Law of the State of New York that the Office of One (1) Village Trustee is to be filled at the Village Election to be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2026. The polls will be

open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the following polling location: Charles H. Formont Senior Center - 6 James Street BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES of the Incorporated Village of East Rockaway, New York. Theresa Gaffney Village Clerk-Treasurer November 17, 2025 156868

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rosis. “This extraordinary act of generosity will help us detect breast cancer and osteoporosis earlier, treat them more effectively, and save countless lives,” said Dr. Richard Becker, interim chief executive officer at NUMC. “This is an investment in every woman who entrusts her care to NUMC.” Rabinowitz said the new equipment will modernize critical services at the East Meadow hospital. “We are deeply committed to ensuring accessible care for every member of our community,” he said. “This investment will help us deliver on that promise for generations to come.” The donation comes as NUMC’s existing mammography equipment, first installed in 2010, reaches the end of its serviceable life. The hospital serves as a key healthcare provider for underserved communities on Long Island, offering equitable, high-quality care to women who may otherwise face barriers to preventive screenings. According to global data, more than 2.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and nearly 700,000 die from the disease. On Long Island, approxi-

mately one in eight women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime — with higher rates reported among lowincome populations. Early detection is critical. The new Hologic 3D mammography systems will generate high-resolution images that improve accuracy, reduce unnecessary biopsies, and lower callback rates by nearly 50 percent. The systems also feature self-controlled compression for improved comfort and allow both screening and biopsy on the same platform. NUMC’s Mobile Mammography Unit, which already brings 3D technology into the community, will continue to provide outreach and screening services, while the new in-hospital systems will expand capacity and streamline diagnostic care. The donation will also fund a Hologic Horizon DXA system, replacing an outdated bone density scanner. The new device uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone mineral density, assess fracture risk, and evaluate body composition with greater precision. Early detection of bone loss, particularly in postmenopausal women, can play a major role in preventing osteoporosis and related health complications.

W1 11/20

Employment

CLASSIFIED

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460 E-mail your ad to: ereynolds@liherald.com E-mail Finds Under $100 to: sales@liherald.com DEADLINE: Monday, 11:00 am for all classified ads.

To pLACE your AD CALL 516-569-4000 - press 5

Every effort is made to insure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad at the first insertion. Credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in ads is limited to the printed space involved. Publisher reserves right to reject, cancel or correctly classify an ad.

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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 $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.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. H i s t o r i c a l l y, r e p o r t e r s w h o h ave 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

Fashion Jewelry Designer – New Hyde Park, NY: Create fashion jewelry designs & concepts; develop layouts for jewelry products; and modify & refine designs as needed. Bachelor in Jewelry Design, Graphic Design, or a related field req’d. $60,736/yr. Send ltr/res to Volpe Import, Inc., 608 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040. Attn: Daniel Kim

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

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 fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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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 $34,320 + 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 $34,320 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 System Engineer II: Analyze, Design, Develop, Maintain & AMP; Test complex mobile app solutions w/ Android / studio, Kotlin, Java, REST APIs, GraphQL, Dependency Injection, MVVM, Solid Principles, UI Design, architecture components, livedata, viewmodel, navgraph, Unit/Functional Testing, mockito, espresso test. Exp w/ software debugging (debuggers, loggers, crash report tools), analyzing memory leaks, DDMS, MAT, Git/GitHub, JIRA, Splunk, Analytics. BS in Computer Science, Applied C.S., Engineering, Technology Mgmt, or I.T.+ 36 Months exp Salary $131,997 Travel Required to various unanticipated locations in the USA Mail resume: American Software Resources, Inc, 4 Brower Ave, Ste 4, Woodmere, NY 11598

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LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — November 20, 2025

HERALD

November 20, 2025 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

W2 11/20

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Rent Your Apartment through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-569-4000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)

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All this just to add a bathroom?

Q. I’ve been living in my house for 41 years, and just wanted to add a bathroom at the back, next to my den, for my elderly father. It’s just a bathroom, but when I met with an architect, he told me he had to do plans for the whole house. I thought that his fee and the amount of work were ridiculous just for a bathroom, so I got a draftsman for one-third the cost. It’s now five years later, I still have no permit, and the plans were rejected because the reviewer wants to see more information, including house plans. I should have listened to the architect because the draftsman, it turns out, won’t answer phone calls, and he ended up paying another architect to seal the plans, which were inadequate, anyway. So I’m out the money for bad plans and still need the bathroom, since my father can’t use stairs. Why would the town need plans for the whole house? It makes no sense. A. About 10 years ago, they started with the explanation that whole house plans were needed, because it was suspected that the house might have been used by a previous owner for more than one family, and the municipality wanted to see current conditions to compare with original plans to see if changes need to be put on record. Then it became onte eeper required that plans needed to be provided, because the house either wasn’t on record, if it was built before 1930, before records were kept, or the addition required a zoning variance because it might increase the allowable area of the home’s footprint on the lot. Any way you examine the issues, the architect you first interviewed was correct, but it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. Just to get the job, the second person, not even a qualified professional, gave you a low-ball figure and downplayed what was needed. It doesn’t surprise me to hear about your predicament, because this is a constant problem. The most difficult part is that your municipality is pretty capable of notifying you about what a great job they’re doing, but not really giving you alerts about the fact that you may want to check your house records to be sure that you won’t feel ambushed when you get a violation notice for your shed or fence. They could explain that you need to keep street corners clear of taller fences and foliage that can cause car accidents, or that your finished basement may someday delay your house sale while you scramble for a permit. The reason I started writing this column is because almost nobody else figured out that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and that people need to know how to avoid problems. Instead, neither the downward spiral of surprising people nor the equally worse problem of people avoiding the costly inevitable dilemma produces a better outcome. Good luck.

Ask The Architect

© 2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

W3 11/20

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LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — November 20, 2025

HERALD

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verywhere I go, from community meetings to the grocery store checkout line, the same concern rises to the surface: “I love New York, but I don’t know how much longer I can afford to stay.” That refrain has become far too common in every corner of our state. The affordability crisis in New York is not abstract. It’s the family choosing between groceries and heating their home. It’s the young couple who patrIcIa can’t find a home canzonErI-FItzpatrIck under $700,000, or the retirees watching their property taxes — driven largely by unfunded mandates from Albany — eat away at their fixed income. It’s the small business owner who loves her town but can’t compete with states where energy, rent and labor costs are a fraction of what they are here. This is the story of countless New Yorkers who love where they live but increasingly wonder whether they can afford to stay. Median home prices remain among the highest in the nation, taxes continue to rise and the costs of

daily life, from groceries to child care to utilities, show no signs of slowing down. These challenges aren’t new, nor are they inevitable. They’re the result of years of misguided priorities in Albany. Instead of easing the financial strain on middleclass families, lawmakers have chosen policies that make it even harder to live, work and raise a family here. Rather than focusing on making life more affordable for working New Yorkers, Albany has treated taxpayers as a bottomless piggybank as the annual state budget has skyrocketed to more than a quarter-trillion dollars. Compare that with Florida, where the budget is less than half of New York’s despite a larger population. We can’t wish affordability into existence. We have to create it through discipline, pragmatism and policies grounded in reality, not slogans. That’s why I find it troubling when some, like New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, embrace handouts and socialism while turning away from capitalism. Aspirations are important, but leadership requires acknowledging limits and setting priorities. The reality is, New York is able to afford such a formidable bud-

get thanks to capitalism. In a recent report on Wall Street profits, the state comptroller noted that the “securities industry’s gains provide an important boost for tax revenues that support critical investments in housing, transportation, and public services that New Yorkers depend on.” New York’s billionaires will weather the affordability crisis without much difficulty, but the real concern is if they leave the state, taking their income with them. If that happens, the state loses the income tax on that high income — substantial revenue that funds countless programs that everyday New Yorkers rely on. Following the recent election, reports have surfaced of city residents considering relocation, once again looking to Florida, the Carolinas and Texas for economic stability. As a representative of a district that borders the city, I worry about the ripple effects that such an exodus could have on Long Island. That’s why I constantly talk about the need for legislation to reduce the cost of child care by offering tax incentives to employers that offer or sponsor child care programs. As someone who manages her household budget and sees how out of control utility bills have got-

worry about the ripple effects on Long Island of an exodus from New York City.

ten for New Yorkers, I’ve introduced legislation to place a moratorium on new taxes and fees on energy bills, as well as to eliminate a state-mandated tax that increases our bills from Liberty Water. Further, I’ve focused on housing affordability by cosponsoring legislation to establish a First Home Buyers Savings program, to create a new tax-advantaged account to help residents afford their first home, as well as legislation to double the STAR exemption, increase the amount of retirement income that is exempt from state income tax, and cut middle-income tax rates to help them afford to keep it. New Yorkers deserve leadership that puts their financial stability first and offers practical solutions to create that stability. Government control and “free” programs aren’t the answer. They deserve a government that values fiscal responsibility, supports small businesses and gives families a fair chance to stay in the communities they call home. There’s still time to turn things around. But in doing so, we must cut red tape, say no to new taxes and make realistic choices about spending. It requires us to remember that the government doesn’t create prosperity; people do. Our job is to make it possible for them to thrive here. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th State Senate District.

In the fight of our lives, all over again

n November 2020, in the maw of the pandemic, I wrote a column about Thanksgiving dinner with my husband, dinner for just two. Our kids and grandkids and friends were isolating, in hiding from a novel viral enemy. Looking for a historical precedent, I compared the fear crisscrossing America to what it must have felt like in Berlin after World War II, when Stalin’s troops cut off the city. The plan was to choke the Berliners into capitulation to Russia. On the ground, it looked hopeless ranDI and inevitable. Then, in an audakrEIss cious countermove, the United States launched the Berlin airlift, and for 15 months planes dropped food, medicine and fuel — 2 million tons of supplies — until Stalin blinked in 1949 and lifted the blockade. We didn’t know it would succeed when we began. We did it because it was what was needed to save Berlin from Stalin’s tyranny. I was inspired by this bit of history because it speaks to America’s ability to

meet the moment. Ingenuity and courage are homegrown assets, and we never needed these strengths more than we did during the pandemic, more than we do now. In that Thanksgiving 2020 column, I wrote, “Our new enemy is Covid-19, which is rampaging through our cities and states, killing people in increasing numbers and threatening our well-being and our prosperity. We need to summon the courage to win this war . . . “We have missed the chance to get ahead of the firestorm, but we still have agency. Don’t gather at parties or bars or family events. It won’t be forever, and it might save someone you love . . . “This Thanksgiving we must accept the sacrifice of a simpler holiday, without expecting family to board planes or sit around a table for 15 or 20. We can do this. We can do it this year, in the hope that next year we can be thankful for lives saved.” One year later, the world had turned. I wrote, “All of us have had our Covid vaccines and boosters; we are brought back to normal by the moonshot of

modern medicine, the development of an effective vaccine in 18 months . . . “Today we are back to our jobs. Kids are back in school. This Thanksgiving we will sit down with our family to start reweaving the ties that have stretched thin over the months of this pandemic . . . “I have often written about gratitude for the small things that charge our days with interest and pleasure. This year my gratitude is singular, profound and unending. I am so thankful to the researchers and scientists and companies and governments and leaders who took on Covid-19 and dug in for the fight . . . “I thank everyone who brought us to this day, from the doctors and nurses to the supermarket workers to the teachers and parents of young children, to the bench researchers who put in the hours, day after day and month after month . . . “This year at our Thanksgiving there will be a too-big turkey and stuffing and cranberry sauce. Leaves and grains for the vegetarian. We will hug and kiss our kids and grandkids, feeling safe enough with our jabs and boosters. Then we will

our years ago next week, it seemed vaccines had saved the day. But no.

feast on my apple cranberry crumble with a topping of gratitude for this country and countries everywhere where scientists are educated, supported and honored because the work they do alleviates suffering and perpetuates life on earth.” This week, as we approach Thanksgiving 2025, it is, quite unbelievably, our very democracy that is under threat. We are in a season of political instability, irrational attacks on our institutions, and a drift toward authoritarianism. As we witness the trampling of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution, the military occupation of our cities and the willingness to sacrifice American laws and values for personal gain and power, we know that this threat, too, has gone viral. And, irony of ironies, our government leaders are questioning the efficacy of the original lifesaving Covid-19 vaccine and all the life-saving vaccines that have kept us and our children alive. When we sit down to Thanksgiving dinner this year, my prayer will be for America to find its footing, to support leaders who will launch a political moonshot or Berlin Airlift to save our souls and our country. Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — November 20, 2025

The cost of living is driving families out of New York

HERALD

Herald editorial

Ainsley MArtinez Editor

Rekindling community with face-to-face talk

November 20, 2025 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

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n an age when digital arguments erupt faster than we can refresh our screens, it has become almost instinctual to dive into online debates with strangers. Facebook threads balloon into battlegrounds, discussions on X collapse into insults and Reddit comment chains can devolve into tribal shouting matches. For many, this ritual has become a daily habit — almost a sport. Yet it leaves most people feeling drained, angry, unheard and oddly isolated. There’s a healthier, more human alternative: step away from the glowing screen and go meet your neighbors face to face. It sounds old-fashioned, almost quaint, but that simplicity is exactly what makes it powerful. When we talk to people in person — people who live next door, down the street or across the hall — we’re reminded that disagreements do not automatically make someone an enemy. You hear their tone of voice, notice their expressions and see the full, complex person behind the viewpoint. The humanity that gets flattened into a five-word comment reappears. And so does your own. Online, a single sentence can turn someone into a villain in your mind. A meme can become a stand-in for an entire group you’ve never actually spoken to. Algorithms feed outrage because outrage keeps you scrolling. But face-toface conversations break that cycle.

They prioritize curiosity over hostility, nuance over certainty, and listening over scoring points. This shift is good for both civic and personal health. Psychologists have long known that real-world social interactions reduce anxiety, increase life satisfaction and strengthen emotional resilience. Sitting with someone, even someone who has different opinions, calms the nervous system in ways digital communication never can. You breathe more slowly. You think more clearly. You remember that disagreements don’t have to be disagreeable. There’s also something grounding about being part of a physical community rather than a virtual crowd. The person you’re talking to isn’t a random stranger with an anonymous avatar; they’re someone who shares your sidewalk, your grocery store, your weather and your local challenges. That shared context encourages mutual respect. You might still disagree — honestly, you probably will — but the disagreement becomes a conversation, not a war. And consider the ripple effects. When neighbors talk, they build trust. When trust grows, communities become stronger, safer and more resilient. People are more likely to help one another, support local initiatives, and intervene when someone is struggling. Civil discourse becomes possible again — something increasingly rare in a world where

shouting has replaced dialogue. Face-to-face conversations also make room for humility. Online arguments often are myopic and pernicious. In person, you’re more likely to acknowledge what you don’t know, to soften your stance or to revise your thinking. Most surprisingly, you might even discover that the “other side” isn’t as far away as the internet insists. Maybe you share concerns, values or experiences. Maybe you’re both frustrated by the same problems, even if you imagine different solutions. Or maybe you simply end up respecting each other enough to continue the conversation later. And you may learn something new about an issue or about your community — or even about yourself. That’s the heart of a healthy society — not unanimous agreement, but constructive connection. If we truly want better conversations, less stress and stronger communities, the solution isn’t another heated thread or another algorithm-driven argument. There are many ways to move from behind the screen and interact with others in real life. It’s going out to dinner with friends, joining a club, becoming part of a sports team or taking a continuing education class. The internet may connect us instantly, but only face-to-face interactions remind us why connection matters in the first place.

opinions

t this time of year, many families with high school students visit colleges. Some visit nearby campuses that are within reach academically and financially, while others travel to what they consider more prestigious institutions. Whichever the choice, it’s imperative for parents and prospective students to plan carefully. Students and their families should consider how far from home is acceptable. Will the student be most comfortable in a large city, a suburban or a rural roBerT a. setting area? Will he or she live on camsCoTT pus, in the town or at home? How large a campus is acceptable? Some universities have 50,000 or more students, and some colleges have fewer than 1,500. The best fit is one that is not only challenging for academic and personal growth, but also caring and focused on student achievement. The cost of tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies is another consideration. Some families are willing to borrow to send their child to a prestigious college. If a good education and preparation for life are the goals, that isn’t

necessary. It’s better to find the best fit for the student. Families and students should use publicly available information such as college guides and the federal College Scorecard to decide on a list of colleges to visit and examine more closely. A high school guidance counselor should have a library of materials, and should know about where former students have gone to college. According to the National Survey of Student Engagement 2017-23, students at most colleges, the least selective as well as the most selective, rate their campus experience about the same on measures of critical thinking and analysis, quantitative reasoning, collaboration with peers, access to diverse perspectives and student-faculty interactions. On the following measures, however, more selective colleges provide the biggest impact: internships, leadership opportunities, working on research with faculty, and studying abroad. The federal College Scorecard can be a useful tool for examining general data about colleges and comparing institutions, but it cannot convey the personality of an institution. A publication such as the “Fiske Guide to Colleges” gives a fuller picture of a campus. After deciding on where to visit, call

for an appointment, ask to sit in on a class, talk to a faculty member and current students, tour a residence hall, and check out the dining facilities. Afterward, reflect on the following:

t’s such an important decision, and the answers to so many questions figure into it.

■ Feel: Were the students, faculty and staff you met on campus friendly and spontaneous, or were they cold and scripted? ■ Admissions: What weight is given to test scores? Of what influence are athletic prowess or alumni connections in the admissions process?

■ Academics: Are students assigned a faculty adviser? How easy is it to change majors? Who provides guidance on graduate studies and careers? ■ Who teaches? Do full-time faculty teach undergraduates, or is most instruction done by graduate assistants? ■ Enrollment: Is the student body economically diverse? ■ Financial aid: Will financial aid awards be adjusted for tuition increases? ■ Health and safety: Does the campus have a health center? Does the college provide transportation to go shopping off campus? ■ Housing and food service: Is there

Framework by Tim Baker

At the Rock Hall Museum’s Edgar Allan Poe-themed Masquerade Ball — Lawrence

sufficient residential-hall space to house all undergraduates, or must students live in fraternity and sorority houses or off campus? Does the dining hall offer meals three times a day, seven days a week when classes are in session? ■ Social life: Does the campus offer a rich cultural life and support a variety of clubs and organizations, or do Greek societies dominate the social scene? Do many students leave campus on the weekend? ■ Career placement: Does the career office offer information about jobs on campus and in the summer? Does it have information on internships, both paid and voluntary? Who are some successful alumni in the student’s fields of interest? While college graduates have improved outcomes in income, employment, health and civic engagement, college requires an investment of time, energy and intellect as well as money. So it’s important that the college and the student “fit” together in a way that is not only challenging but supportive. The right fit is more important than prestige. College is intended to enrich your life as well as your wallet. Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and a co-author of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate.”

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD — November 20, 2025

The college search: Are you seeking prestige or ‘fit’?

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November 20, 2025 — LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD