Malverne/West Hempstead Herald 02-19-2026

Malverne/West HeMpstead

Celebrating 100 years of Black history

By MADISoN GUSlER

mgusler@liherald.com

Family, friends and neighbors gathered at Malverne High School’s Performing Arts Center last week for the district’s annual Black History Month celebration. This year’s theme was “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”

This month marks 100 years since Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926. The week was dedicated to recognizing the achievements and experiences of Black Americans as significant moments in the country’s history. What began as a week eventually expanded into a month-long national celebration of Black communities.

“The month of February was selected because it fell between the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln,” Sheryil Straker, the high school’s student activities coordinator, explained. “Two pioneers in the fight for enslaved people.”

ConTinued on page 10

NYPD Academy to be renamed for Steven McDonald

By MADISoN GUSlER mgusler@liherald.com

The New York Police Department has announced plans to rename its Police Academy in memory of long-time Malverne resident Detective Steven McDonald.

McDonald became known nationwide for his messages of forgiveness and peace after being shot in Central Park on July 10, 1986, which left him a quadriplegic. He died on Jan. 10, 2017, at 59 shortly after suffering a heart attack.

McDonald was breathing with the help of a respirator for 30 years after the shooting,

while still remaining employed by the NYPD, offering support for wounded officers and appearing from time to time during roll calls.

“Steven McDonald is truly the embodiment of who we want our officers to be,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in her State of the NYPD address on Feb. 10. “Going forward, every officer who walks through those doors will begin their career with a clear understanding of the kind of officer that this department hopes that they will strive to be.”

The NYPD Police Academy, an eight-story, high-tech training space based in College

Point, Queens and opened in 2014, will be renamed the Detective Steven D. McDonald Police Academy. The official renaming will take place on July 16, 2026, which is 42 years after McDonald joined the academy and 40 years after he was shot.

Tisch described McDonald as “a life that reshaped how the public understands this work and how this department understands itself.” She also praised “the character he demonstrated in his refusal to be defined by bitterness, and his commitment to dignity and forgiveness.”

Tisch shared the news with McDonald’s widow, Patti Ann,

and son, Conor, on Jan. 29, which was Conor’s birthday.

“I’m not one that is usually speechless, but she rendered me speechless,” Patti Ann, a former Malverne mayor who served the village from 1996 to 2019, said. “(Tisch) said how important Steven’s life and legacy was, his story about forgiveness, how he lived his life

after being injured, and how important it is for future police officers to know his story.

“I was completely taken aback,” she added. “His name is going to be on the New York City Police Academy and every police officer that goes to train there is going to not only remember Steven and what he

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George Washington School’s 2026

Nassau Music Educators Association All-County musicians

Isabella Llanos, second from left, Lena Cheuk, and Long Island String Festival Association musician Valentina Imperioli, with band teacher Wayne Heckler and orchestra teacher Francesca Russo.

Musicians honored in West Hempstead

Eleven student musicians in the West Hempstead school district participated in the Nassau Music Educators Association’s All-County ensembles. Students show cased their talents at numerous concerts last month.

All-County selection represents one of the highest achievements in music for students. Performers are chosen based on their scores at the New York State School Music Association Solo Evaluation Festival and teacher recommendations.

West Hempstead Secondary School’s All-County students include Benjamin Mora, Elijah Woods, Nalah Vargas, Victoria Hasan, Luke Filinicieri, Jaclyn Luong, Kayla Wallack, Emma Pearlman and Avery O’Reilly. George Washington School’s All-County students are Lena Cheukand Isabella Llanos.

In addition to All-County, four students were also selected to perform in the Long Island String Festival Association’s festivals. They are Secondary School students Christian Dominguez, Luke Filinicieri and Grace Shanley, and George Washington student Valentina Imperioli.

The West Hempstead Board of Education honored the student musicians during its Jan. 20 board meeting.

–Madison Gusler

News brief Recognizing Malverne scholars

At the Jan. 13 meeting, the Malverne Board of Education recognized the district’s 2025 Advanced Placement Scholars for their academic achievement. The honored students earned AP Scholar recognition through their performance on rigorous Advanced Placement exams.

Malverne superintendent Maria Rianna congratulated the students and emphasized that the recognition represents more than exam scores. “Tonight is not just a recognition of your score; it is a recognition of your commitment to your own education and to your future,” she said. “Congratulations on challenging yourselves and succeeding.”

The board congratulated the AP Scholars for setting a high standard of excellence and representing the district with distinction.

–Madison Gusler

MHS recognized for academic excellence

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program has recognized Malverne High School with a prestigious award for academic excellence. The school was named to the 2025 AP School Honor Roll, earning a silver distinction.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering strong results for students while expanding access to rigorous, collegelevel coursework. The honor reflects a school’s commitment to building a college-going culture, increasing opportunities to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness.

Only 11 percent of eligible schools earned a distinction level on the 2025 AP School Honor Roll. To qualify, schools must have at least 50 percent of graduating seniors enrolled in an AP course, with a minimum of 30 percent of those students earning a score of three or higher on an AP exam and 5 percent or more taking five or more AP exams, with at least one taken in ninth or 10th grade.

At Malverne High School, 57 percent of the Class of 2025 completed at least one AP course, of which 46 percent earned a score of three or higher on an exam during high school.

Research from the College Board

shows students who participate in AP courses are more likely to attend college and graduate on time, with those earning college credit accelerating their path to degree completion and building confidence for future academic success.

news brief

The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra donated $50,000 to Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County.

Nassau Pops donate funds to Cerebral Palsy

Louis Panacciulli, conductor of The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, recently presented a check for $50,000 to Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County. The funds were raised during the orchestra’s annual fundraising concert at the Tilles Center in Brookville.

This year the orchestra was joined by Malverne native and television star Tony Danza.

“The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra is proud to present much needed funds that will help Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County,” Panacciulli wrote in a press release.

“Monies will be used to help rebuild the center’s Activities for Daily Living room, where students and adults learn essential life skills in a wheelchairaccessible kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.”

Panacciulli and Dawn Manuel founded the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra in 1984. The orchestra performs a full summer concert series in parks across Nassau County, featuring classical favorites and music from Broadway, television and film.

–Madison Gusler

“We are incredibly proud of our students for rising to the challenge of rigorous, college-level coursework and achieving such strong results,” Kesha Bascombe, MHS principal, said. “This recognition also reflects the dedication

of our teachers across all grade levels and subject areas, whose commitment to preparing, supporting and inspiring students every day makes achievements like this possible.”

West Hempstead trains to use Narcan

Hempstead Town Councilman Tom Muscarella joined Kathie Lombardi at the Narcan Training event the Town of Hempstead sponsored at the West Hempstead Public Library on Jan. 20. Participants learned how to use a Narcan kit, which are used to save the lives of people suffering drug overdoses. At the end of the training, attendees were given a free Narcan kit and information reminding them how to use the drug in the event of an emergency.

On Kindness

News briefs

Legislator holds workshop in Lakeview

Dozens of homeowners from across Nassau County attended an assessment grievance workshop hosted by Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages and assessment expert Jeff Gold at the Lakeview Public Library on Feb. 4.

Gold is a former member of the Nassau County Board of Assessors and a former commissioner of the Assessment Review Commission. He showed taxpayers who question the accuracy of their home’s assessed value how to navigate the online process of filing a

grievance.

“At a time when Nassau County’s tax rolls are more inaccurate and distorted than they have been at any point during the last quarter century, it is essential to know your rights so that you can protect your family from unjust over taxation,” Solages said. “This is especially important for majority-minority communities that far too often bear the burden of a broken assessment system.”

–Madison Gusler

Solages steps up on Lakeview snow issue

Frustrated by nearly a week of inaction from Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s administration in clearing an essential Southern State Parkway overpass walkway in Lakeview, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages took matters into his own hands.

On Friday, Jan. 30, with traffic control assistance from the Nassau County Auxiliary Police, Solages and his team removed snow from the Woodfield Road sidewalks on the Southern State Parkway overpass, clearing the way for pedestrians who rely upon the path daily. Solages said the overpass was just another example of inequitable and

inefficient use of snow removal resources by the county and Town of Hempstead.

“By that point, it had been five days, which was more than enough time to clear the snow,” Solages said. “It is unacceptable that pedestrians were forced to put their lives at risk and walk in the street because the sidewalk was covered in ice, and something had to get done. Because I had to take matters into my own hands, the county finally got around to removing the snow on this road five days after the storm.”

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Tax cap set for local school districts

By CAROLYN JAMES & MADISON GUSLER of the Herald

Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced that property tax levy growth for school districts and 10 cities statewide — including those on Long Island — will again be capped at 2 percent, marking the fifth consecutive year the limit has remained in place.

The continued cap comes as everyday costs have climbed sharply. The cost of living on Long Island has increased an estimated 24 to 26 percent over the past five years, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, using the New York metro region as the standard measure for Long Island.

“The Comptroller’s office does recognize the cost of providing services and the challenges facing school districts and local governments and encourages local officials to take advantage of various training events and OSC resources, such as local government management guides, to assist them with a wide variety of accounting and management topics,” said Rebecca Dangoor, DiNapoli, DiNapoli’s deputy press secretary, said about maintaining the 2 percent cap.

The tax cap, first imposed in 2012 on school districts and local governments outside New York City, limits annual property tax levy increases to the lesser of 2 percent or the rate of inflation, with limited exceptions. While the law allows districts and municipalities to override the cap, DiNapoli’s office calculated the inflation factor at 2.63 percent for governments with a June 30, 2027, fiscal year end, meaning the 2 percent cap will apply.

“For the fifth consecutive year, the property tax levy for school districts and 10 cities will be capped at 2 percent,” DiNapoli said. “School district and municipal officials must continue to find ways to deliver services efficiently as they deal with higher costs and the potential impact of federal actions.”

The cap applies to a district’s total annual property tax levy, not to individual budget lines. It generally covers taxes that fund core operations, including salaries, supplies, utilities and contracts; dependent special districts such as water, sewer and fire districts; voterapproved public libraries; and most general debt service.

What are the tax cap override requirements?

School districts

■ Must receive 60 percent voter approval in a referendum to adopt a budget that exceeds the tax cap.

■ If the supermajority is not achieved, the district must:

■ Revise the budget to remain within the cap

■ Submit the budget for another vote, or

■ Adopt a contingency budget with no levy growth

Local governments (counties, cities, towns, villages)

“For the past five years, State policy has steadily expanded the gap between what school districts are permitted to raise locally and what economic conditions demand,” Brian Phillips, assistant superintendent for business and operations at the West Hempstead school district, wrote to the Herald in an email. “Inflation has increased 24 percent in that time, yet school districts have been limited to a 10 percent increase.”

“Despite this, the West Hempstead School District must still deliver mandated services, including transportation for West Hempstead residents and special education services, both of which increase by much more than 2 percent annually,” he continued. “The district has responsibly and aggressively used its reserve funds to bridge the fiscal gap, but these reserves are finite. Without revenue rules that reflect real inflation, the district faces ongoing challenges in maintaining the high quality education expected by its students and community.”

The law includes narrow exclusions from the cap calculation, includ-

ing portions of employer pension contribution increases above two percentage points for the Employees’ Retirement System and Police and Fire Retirement System; court-ordered judgments from tort actions that exceed 5 percent of the prior year’s levy; the local share of voter-approved capital expenditures and related debt service; and adjustments for tax base growth from new construction and physical property improvements.

While individual spending categories are not capped at 2 percent, governing bodies must manage overall spending and revenues to keep the total levy within the limit unless voters or elected officials approve an override.

School districts are currently assembling their proposed budgets, which voters will be asked to approve or reject during school budget votes and board of education elections on May 19 across New York state.

The 2 percent allowable levy growth affects tax cap calculations for 675 school districts and 10 cities statewide, including those on Long Island, with fiscal years beginning July 1.

■ Must adopt a local law or resolution approved by 60 percent of the governing body to override the cap.

Consequences of exceeding the cap without an override

■ If a school district levies taxes above its allowable limit without a valid override, the excess amount must be placed in an interestbearing reserve account and used to reduce the following year’s tax levy.

■ If the state comptroller determines after a post-audit that a local government exceeded the cap, the excess must similarly be reserved to lower the next year’s levy.

In effect, the primary penalty for an unauthorized override is financial: the excess levy cannot stand as a permanent increase and must be used to offset future taxes, reinforcing the requirement that governing bodies follow the law’s supermajority procedures.

Former Malverne Mule begins track career at Syracuse alumni interviews

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

A former Malverne athlete, Nicea Jones, is now running the 400-meter for Syracuse University’s Women’s Track & Field team. Jones, 18, is a freshman on the D1 athletic team.

Q: When did you start running?

A: I ran for fun in eighth grade after my friend introduced me to the sport. Then the high school coach saw me and wanted me to run for the high school team. When I started running it was fun because there was really no competition. I didn’t realize how good I was, but it got serious.

Q: Tell me about your high school track career?

A: In high school, when I started running freshman year

I was actually really good but I got nervous. I didn’t expect to be that good as a freshman and I got in my head a lot. I had really bad anxiety because I put so much pressure on myself and I didn’t want to do bad.

Q: Is there anything you did to overcome that anxiety?

A: I took a break from track before coming back and realizing I just want to try and have fun with it. I talk to god a lot and I try to trust his plan.

Q: Are there any specific achievements your most proud of from Malverne?

A: I am a two time New York State Federation Champion in the 400-meter. These accomplishments helped me realize how I actually was as a runner, because I didn’t see my potential. I was kind of just running. I wasn’t really into track that

much, I was just running. But this made me realize, ‘oh, I’m actually fast,’ which made me want to do better.

Q: Did you see yourself competing at the college level?

A: I did not see myself competing in college. I thought my anxiety was too bad and I didn’t want to run in college, but when I became a state champion I realized I should. Then Syracuse reached out to me through my coach for a visit, and eventually offered me a full ride to the university. I didn’t know Syracuse was an option until I was given the opportunity.

Q: How are you enjoying Syracuse so far?

A: I love Syracuse so much. I feel so close to the girls on my team. They’re very loving and welcoming, so I have a big support system here.

Q: How does competing at the college level differ from high school?

A: In high school I didn’t really have much competition on Long Island. So when I got to college and started running, I’m more in my head because now I know I have to run faster. I’m not very used to losing, but there’s a lot more competition in college, so now I have to get

to that level.

Q: You recently won first place in the 400-meter at the Nittany Lion Challenge at Penn State, your first collegiate event. How did that feel?

A: It made me realize I actually am supposed to be here. At first, I didn’t think it was going to go well, but now I know I’m right where I’m supposed to be. It felt really good.

Q: What advice do you have for other students planning to play a sport in college?

A: Trust your training. It’s more mental than physical, because physically you can do it but you have to get through the mental battle to show up in your sport. I still struggle with anxiety but I just give to god, talk with him, trust his plan and I also journal.

Comfort You Can Count On

What’s underground comes back around

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

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

Second installment in a series about water.

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

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

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

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

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

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

RISING TIDES

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

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

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

Bethpage’s tarnished legacy

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

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

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

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

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

Chemicals linger, at what cost?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The race against the spread

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

Saga of Navy-Grumman plume continues

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

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

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

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

The challenge is the magnitude of the contamination.

Jason PelTon Remedial bureau director, Department of Environmental Conservation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northrop Grumman did not respond to requests for comment.

the northrop Grumman rW-21 Area Groundwater extraction and treatment

pumped out of the aquifer, before sending it back underground.

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

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

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

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

Black Studies Club highlights Black history

Student members of the Black Studies Club, which is advised by special education teacher Kristi Thompson, spent months organizing the annual performance on Feb. 12. To represent 100 years of history, the students performed songs, dances, skits and more to honor the resilience, innovation and cultural impact of Black communities throughout the decades.

After senior Faith Eliely sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a hymn often referred to as the Black national anthem, the Malverne High School Jazz Quartet gave a performance that paid tribute to the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s. The period was marked by an explosion of African American cultural, social and artistic expression by Black artists, writers, musicians and intellectuals in Harlem, and laid the ground for the civil right movement.

A ballet performance by Morgan Daly and Victoria Esposito represented the resilience of Black communities during the Great Depression of the 1930s, which saw reduced financial support for the arts. BSC members celebrated the founding of Ebony magazine in the 1940s with a skit about the publication. “During this decade, Ebony magazine emerged as a groundbreaking platform,” Master of Ceremonies Melanie Clement, a Malverne High senior, said, “celebrating black excellence, culture and success at a time when Black voices were too often overlooked.”

In a multimedia performance, students discussed the importance of the magazine and its cultural impact. “At a time when mainstream magazines refused to show Black faces with dignity, Ebony made us the cover story,” Emmy Pierre, BSC vice president, said. The magazine archived Black history and contributed to the representation of Black journalists in newsrooms today.

The students honored the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s with a spoken word performance by the Poetry Club titled “Colors.” The poem reflected on the history of civil rights, racial disparity and the history of segregation in the Malverne school district. It was followed by Jacob Sandoval’s singing “Make Them Hear You” from the musical “Ragtime.”

To celebrate the 1970s and the Black Panther Party, students walked in a fashion show. Showcasing important pieces of Black fashion history, they took to the runway wearing furs, leather and bold accessories. Fashion has long served as a way to comment on social and political times, rooted in the history of Black Dandyism and reflected by the Black Panther Party, whose members wore black during protests.

Recognizing many Black figures that influenced society in the 1980s, students asked Malverne teachers about the people they look up to. Those who were mentioned included Jackie Robinson and Coretta Scott King.

“My hidden figure I truly look up to is Zora Neale Hurston,” MHS Principal Kesha Bascombe said, referring to the writer, anthropologist and leader of the Harlem Renaissance, because of her “dedication to tell authentic stories about Black life in the South.”

Students Lorraine Akou and Pierre read an original poem honoring Black contributions during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. “Too often, the stories of black first responders are overlooked,” Clement said, “even when their courage was just as real and their sacrifice just as great.” Titled “12,” the poem recalled the 12 Black firefighters who died while responding to the attacks.

To end the evening, the BSC Step Team performed a routine that highlighted “hidden figures” from Black history. They included trailblazers such as Katherine Johnson, a mathematician and aerospace technologist who made critical contributions to NASA’s early space flights and was one of the subjects of the Oscar-nominated 2017 film “Hidden Figures”; Lewis Latimer, an inventor who created evaporative air conditioning; and Garrett Morgan, who invented the traffic signal.

“Black History is not over — it is happening now,” Clement said. “It lives in our movements, our voices, our culture and the next generation leading the way.”

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State Republicans rally around Blakeman

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

By Chris ColuCCi, ABigAil grieCo & AngelinA ZingAriello of the Herald

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hood said that he and Blakeman would stand with law enforcement and crime victims, cut taxes, rein in state spending and work to make New York more affordable.

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

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

win back the office.

unsafe in their own communities.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Along with Hochul, the Democratic

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

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

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

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

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

Hochul targets online threats, youth mental health

By LUKE FEENEY

lfeeney@liherald.com

Gov. Kathy Hochul is doubling down on her push to protect children’s mental health — both online and in schools. In her first State of the State proposals of the year, Hochul announced a legislative package aimed at keeping kids safe from online predators and AI-driven content, along with a major expansion of youth mental health training. Here are three things to know about the proposal.

New online safety laws to be introduced for kids

Hochul unveiled proposed legislation to better protect children on social media and gaming platforms from predators, scammers and harmful AI tools. The proposal calls for stricter age verification requirements, default privacy settings that block strangers from contacting kids, and disabling certain AI chatbot features for minors.

Parents would also gain control over in-app purchases and financial transactions. These proposals build on the governor’s earlier work to ban smartphones in schools, implement social media warning labels, and limit addictive content feeds. The package draws inspiration from bills introduced by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes and Assemblymember Nily Rozic, and has support from Attorney General Letitia James.

Mental health training coming to every 10th grader

Hochul plans to expand Teen Mental Health

First Aid training to all 10th graders statewide— reaching more than 180,000 students each year. The program equips teens ages 15 to 18 with skills to identify and respond to signs of mental health and substance use issues in friends or classmates. Lessons focus on recognizing symptoms, understanding the impact of bullying and school violence, holding supportive conversations, and knowing when to seek adult help. New training for adults who work with youth will also roll out, teaching a five-step action plan to support students in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Research shows trained peers can recognize issues early—and sometimes save lives.

A “mom governor” focused on digital-era dangers

Hochul said her proposals reflect a deep commitment to protecting children from the mental health harms of growing up online. She cited the real-world risks posed by digital platforms that expose kids to explicit content and online predators. “These proposals will create a nation-leading standard,” Hochul said, “that will ensure our kids’ safety in online and real-world environments where they spend time.” In addition to legislation, her administration has expanded schoolbased mental health clinics, community care programs and peer-to-peer support—positioning New York as a national leader in youth mental health policy.

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

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

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

award will be presented at the

of

STEPPING OUT

Hoops, hijinks and history

By Andrew Coen

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

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

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

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

Guard Lucius

Harlem Globetrotters at 100

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

The centennial season’s “5th Quarter” postgame session gives fans some special moments with players.

Wild days in the Bronx

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

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

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

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

and

pursue their dreams — anything is possible with good

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

• Feb. 21, 2 p.m.

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

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

• Nassau Coliseum, Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale

Sarah Hanahan

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

In addition to the Globetrotters’ famed high-flying dunks, the number of longdistance shots are always a thrill.The Globetrotters famously introduced a 4-point shot in 201, 30 feet from the basket, which is seven feet longer than the NBA’s three-point line. Winston, who played college basketball at Tuskegee University, relates that interaction with the fans is what makes attending a Globetrotter game particularly unique. Among the signature moments, the team holds a free postgame autograph session. And during the game those in the crowd are frequently called down to the court to participate in stunts. Everyone can also take part in premium options that enable pregame access to meet players along with joining the team for warmups on the court.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Balloon Twisting 101

Prepare, inflate and tie balloons with professional balloon twister Jenny the Clown. Learn how to mold the balloon into the shape of a dog and practice your new skills to create cool designs. Ages 8-16.

• Where: Lakeview Public Library 1120 Woodfield Rd., Rockville Centre

• Time: 5 p.m.

• Contact: lakviewlibrary.org or (516) 536-3071 feb

feb

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

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

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

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

Family

theater

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

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.: also

feb 27

“Don’t stop believin’…

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

feb

27

Sõ Percussion in concert

The Grammy-winning percussionists return to the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center. For 25 years and counting, the quartet has redefined chamber music for the 21st century through an “exhilarating blend of precision and anarchy, rigor and bedlam” (The New Yorker). Their commitment to the creation and amplification of new work have made them a trusted partner for composers, allowing the writing of music that expands the style and capacity of brilliant voices of our time.

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

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

feb

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

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Feb. 25-26

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

feb

21

‘Baby, please don’t go…’

Plaza Theatrical invites to all to its stage at Elmont Memorial Library for a tribute to Chicago. Make Me Smile takes everyone ona musical journey that transcends time and space to bring the iconic sounds of Chicago to life. The band brings “classic rock with horns” to life right before your eyes. $40, $35 seniors.

• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870

Black History Month Celebration

Join the Lakeview Public Library and enjoy The Griots in concert. The Griots combine music, song, and storytelling in an inspirational and educational show for all ages.

• Where: Lakeview Public Library 1120 Woodfield Rd., Rockville Centre

• Time: 12:30 p.m.

• Contact: lakeviewlibrary.org or (516) 536-3071

feb

22

Malverne Scouts history

The Malverne Historical Society highlights the history of scouting in Malverne during its monthly open house tours. All scouts and residents are invited.

• Where: Malverne Historical House, 369 Ocean Ave., Malverne

• Time: 2-4 p.m.

• Contact: malvernehistory.org

feb

23

Library Board meets The West Hempstead Public Library Board of Trustees holds its monthly meeting.

• Where: 500 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: whplibrary.org or (516) 481-6591

feb

24

Malverne BOE budget meeting

The Malverne Board of Education holds its first budget meeting.

• Where: Malverne Performing Arts Center, 80 Ocean Ave., Malverne

• Time: 7 p.m.

feb

26

Ceramic Workshop

Join this hand-on ceramic workshop at Lakeview Public Library to learn the coil method, a traditional handbuilding technique. Participants will create small, customized bowls from raw clay while discovering the basics of ceramics and pottery. Registration required. $5 fee for non-Lakeview residents.

• Where: 1120 Woodfield Road, Rockville Centre

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: lakeviewlibrary.org or (516) 536-3071

‘Brown Bag’ Art Chat

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

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 1 p.m.

28

Carnival

Long Island

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

• Where: 11 Davis. Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

Having an event?

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

Malverne hero is remembered by NYPD

gave to the City of New York, but all the police officers who gave their lives for the city.”

Conor, who’s an NYPD captain, said, “My father felt it was his mission to keep going, to be a living representative for all the members of the NYPD who never made it home. My father wanted to make sure that their lives were never forgotten.”

McDonald was born in Queens Village in 1957 before his family moved to Rockville Centre seven years later. One of eight children, McDonald was a third-generation New York City police officer. His grandfather died in the line of duty, and a dozen members of his family also have been part of the NYPD. McDonald was a U.S. Navy hospital corpsman for four years before he joined the police force in 1984.

He married Patti Ann in November 1985, and only eight months later, after just two years as an officer, McDonald was shot in Central Park while investigating a bicycle theft. Fifteen-year-old Shavod Jones shot him three times, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down.

In a 2016 interview with the Herald, McDonald, a Catholic, said he had a spiritual awakening following the shooting. He publicly forgave Jones several months after the shooting, although the two never met. Jones was killed in a motorcycle accident three days after being released from prison in 1995, having served nine years of a 10-year sentence.

“Not only did he forgive him once, my dad forgave him every single day,” Conor said. “The pain my father experienced after the shooting was excruciating. He depended on a machine to breathe, he couldn’t move by himself. My dad never let that destroy him. My father’s message was not only forgiveness, but about

Sue Grieco/Herald

nYpd detective Steven mcdonald, center, with his wife, patti ann, and their son, nYpd Capt. Conor mcdonald.

love and nonviolence.”

Soon after the shooting, McDonald began speaking to community groups, schools and other organizations about the power of God and compassion, and did so until his death. McDonald traveled the world speaking about the power of forgiveness in places such as Northern Ireland, the Middle East, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“My dad truly believed that the grace of God gave him the power to overcome that experience,” Conor said. “He wanted to connect with people. He was able to create peace and love in the world. He was just a man that had a wholesome heart and wanted to help.”

In 1989, McDonald wrote “The Steven McDonald Story” with the help of his wife and writer E.J. Kahn III.

After his death, several memorials were dedicated to McDonald, including a portion of the Southern State Parkway, named the Detective Steven McDonald Memorial Highway, and the Steven McDonald Garden of Forgiveness in Malverne’s Westwood Park.

“Detective Steven McDonald is not only a legend in our community but a world icon on what it means to forgive and live one’s life for others,” Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan said. “It is only befitting that the City of New York is bestowing this wonderful honor, in his memory, to a department he so loved and dedicated his life to.”

Patti Ann continues to support the NYPD through her participation in Survivors of the Shield, an organization that aids widows of police officers. She also continues to spread her husband’s message of love and forgiveness.

“Steven would be extremely humbled to know the commissioner thought of him and wanted to name the academy after him,” she said. “To have his name on that building is just a tremendous honor.”

Conor said that in the future, “most of us who personally knew my father won’t be around, but the recruits who go to the academy and see the name Steve McDonald, they might wonder who that guy is, look into his story and see how he lived his life as a police officer and detective.”

Public Notices

That pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Real Property Tax Law and the Village Law of the State of New York and pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Malverne, Nassau County, New York adopted at a meeting held on the 4th day of February, 2026 the undersigned as Treasurer of said Village will sell at public auction in the manner prescribed by law, on the 12th day of March, 2026 at 11:00 o’clock in the forenoon of that day and on succeeding days, in the Courtroom of the Village Hall, 99 Church Street, Malverne, New York, as much of each of the following parcels of real estate upon which Village taxes remain unpaid as will be sufficient to discharge the taxes, interest and charges thereon which may be due at the time of such sale. Such real estate will be sold subject to any unpaid assessment thereon levied by said Village and any unpaid lien purchased and held by said Village, and all liens on property included in this sale and sold subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Act. Each purchaser at such tax sale shall pay the amount of his/her bid to the Village Treasurer within ten (10) days after the sale, and upon such payment the Treasurer shall give the purchaser a certificate in writing describing the real property purchase and the sum paid therefore. THE NAME(S) OF THE OWNER(S) SHOWN ON THIS LIST MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE THE NAME(S) OF THE PERSON(S) OWNING THE PROPERTY AT THE TIME OF THIS ADVERTISMENT. SUCH NAME(S) HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM THE 2025/2026 ASSESSMENT ROLLS AND MAY DIFFER FROM THE NAMES OF THE OWNERS AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

The following is a list of lots, pieces, and parcels of real estate to be sold and the total amount of taxes, interest, and charges thereon.

Incorporated

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONWIDE MORTGAGE BANKERS, INC., -againstPETER W. COPPOLA, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on December 8, 2025, wherein NATIONWIDE

MORTGAGE BANKERS, INC. is the Plaintiff and PETER W. COPPOLA, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on March 3, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 596 LINDEN STREET, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552; and the following tax map

identification: 35-393-12. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT WEST HEMPSTEAD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 612045/2024. Christy M. Demelfi, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 158033

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR NOVASTAR MORTGAGE FUNDING TRUST, SERIES 2005-4, NOVASTAR HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-4, Plaintiff, AGAINST MICHEAL ROBINSON A/K/A MICHAEL ROBINSON A/K/A MICHAEL W. ROBINSON, SUZANNE ROBINSON A/K/A SUZANNE G. ROBINSON, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on December 19, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 26,

2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 615 Hempstead Gardens Drive, West Hempstead, NY 11552. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at West Hempstead, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0035, Block 00419-00 and Lot 00118. Approximate amount of judgment $258,638.84 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #606524/2024.

Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP # 2026-01 UNIVERSAL PRE- KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

The West Hempstead Union Free School District is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) for the selection of qualified proposers to provide Universal Pre-Kindergarten services to its qualified resident students. Proposers must have expertise in operating a Pre-Kindergarten program, including but not limited to all NYSED PreKindergarten and Universal PreKindergarten requirements. You are invited to submit proposals in accordance with this RFP. Proposals will be received until 11:00 a.m. on March 9, 2026, by Brian Phillips, Assistant Superintendent for Business & Operations at the District’s Central Offices, located at 252 Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY 11552. Proposal forms may be obtained at the aforementioned office or from the District’s website at www.whufsd.com. The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any proposal or to accept part of any proposal.

11747 158027

LEGAL NOTICE 2026-2027

TRANSPORTATION REQUESTS

The West Hempstead Union Free School District will accept online Transportation Application Forms for the 2026-2027 school year through April 1, 2026.

Parents/guardians whose child will require District-provided transportation to a private, parochial, or charter school for the 2026-2027 school year must submit a Transportation Application Form by the April 1, 2026 deadline.

Transportation requests are subject to all District policies and New York State requirements, including minimum distance based on the student’s residence and the school’s address as well as maximum transportation distance of 15 miles from the student’s residence to the school.

The online application

office hours. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: February 10, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 158439

is available on the District website. Please visit www.whufsd.com, select District, and scroll to Transportation. On the Transportation page, you will find a Letter to Parents. Within that letter, click on “ONLINE TRANSPORTATION FORM” to access the application. Once all required information has been completed, be sure to click Submit at the bottom of the form. New residents to the District must also provide proof of residency. Instructions and a list of acceptable documents are available on the Transportation page. If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact the Transportation Office at (516) 390-3112 or email Gina Gandolfo at ggandolfo@whufsd.co m. 158447

West Hempstead Union Free School District Board of Education 516-390-3100 158448

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to N.Y. Constitution Article 9, N.Y. Town Law, and N.Y. Municipal Home Rule Law, as amended, the Hempstead Town Board will continue the public hearing on the proposed Chapter 153 of the Hempstead Town Code to be entitled “Cat and Dog Litter Registry” at Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on February 24, 2026 at 7:00 o’clock in the evening the proposed local law is available at hempsteadny.gov, on the bulletin board at Town Hall as of the publication of this notice, and on file in the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, where the same may be inspected during

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S LEGAL NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff - against - ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS TO THE ESTATE OF LEROY FLOWERS, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on December 1, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 24th day of February, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, at West Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 846 Bradley Street, West Hempstead, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11552. (Section: 35, Block: 430, Lot: 6 and 7) Approximate amount of lien $348,906.93 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 601550/2023. Christine M. Grillo, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218

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

Dated: December 16, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect

Hempstead offers boater safety certification classes

Town of Hempstead residents need to know that state law requires every operator of a personal watercraft to receive a boater safety certificate.

To make this more accessible to local boaters, town officials have organized several courses administered by the town’s Bay Constables.

The courses are open for enrollment as early as February, split into three sessions that must each be attended to receive a certificate: Feb. 10, 17, and 24 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Town Conservation Waterways building, 1401 Lido Boulevard, Point Lookout.

“We want to ensure that residents are [sailing] safely to protect them -

selves and their fellow boaters,” Town Supervisor John Ferretti wrote in a news release. “We encourage boaters in need of certification to attend a course right here in America’s largest township.”

Once boaters attend three sessions and receive their certificate, the documentation must be on board the vessel while sailing. The courses are free, the certificate costs $10.

To register for a Boater Safety Class, please call the Town Bay Constables at (516) 897-4100.

–Kayla Dechter

Public Notices

at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. The above sale has been postponed, the new sale date is February 26, 2026 at 2:00 pm. at the same place. Christine M.

Grillo, Esq., Referee.

Dated: February 10, 2026 158424

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 24th day of February 2026, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of that day to consider

Student companies present at Virtual Enterprise show

On Jan. 14, student-run companies OwlWatch and Guarded Jewels from Malverne High School competed alongside more than 70 firms from across the region at the New York State/Northeast Virtual Enterprise Trade Show and Business Plan Competition held at LIU Post.

the enactment of a local law to amend

Section 197-5 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “ARTERIAL STOPS” at the following locations: ROOSEVELT

GORMLEY AVENUE (TH 633/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling southbound on St. Francis Street shall come to a full stop.

GORMLEY AVENUE (TH 633/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling northbound on St. Francis Street shall come to a full stop.

WANTAGH

RED MAPLE DRIVE

NORTH (TH 630/25)STOP - All traffic traveling northbound on Russet Lane shall come to a full stop.

WEST HEMPSTEAD

BELL STREET (TH 626/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling northbound on Bishop Place shall come to a full stop. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: February 10, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 158437

During the event, student executives presented their business plans to a panel of judges and worked the trade floor, actively marketing and selling their products. Both companies demonstrated professionalism and entrepreneurial skill, achieving impressive sales results and earning recognition in multiple competitive categories.

OwlWatch earned a Gold Award in the Sales Pitch Competition, while Guarded Jewels received Silver Awards in both the Sales Pitch Competition and the Booth Design Competition.

These accomplishments were part

of Malverne High School’s Virtual Enterprise program, an innovative career-readiness initiative that provides students with a yearlong handson business simulation. Through the program, students operate a virtual company while assuming executive roles in marketing, finance, human resources and operations. The immersive experience helps students develop critical skills in collaboration, communication, problem solving and entrepreneurship while applying academic knowledge to real-world business challenges.

The success of OwlWatch and Guarded Jewels underscores Malverne High School’s commitment to experiential learning and preparing students for success in college, careers and the global economy.

–Madison Gusler

HomesHERALD

Gutter Care 101

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

Once you step through the front door, the outside world fades away. This one-of-a-kind contemporary Colonial blends luxury, technology, and comfort across approximately 5,800 square feet, plus an additional 2,000 square feet of lower-level space with sliding glass doors to the rear yard. Water views abound. The home features five bedrooms and six baths, including two primary suites, one with cathedral ceilings,

window shades. Built-in speakers, a new outdoor sound system, 9-zone HVAC, motorized skylights, 48 new windows, a 4K theater projector, EV chargers, and 48 solar panels add efficiency and innovation. Set on two manicured acres in Fiddler Green, residents enjoy a private beach and deeded harbor with mooring. Located in the Cold Spring Harbor School District, this Gold Coast retreat is luxury living at its finest.

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

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

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

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

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

© 2026 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.

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A new chapter of leadership for Assembly Republicans

The State Assembly minority conference has a new leader, and if you haven’t heard the news yet, I’m honored to share that my colleagues have unanimously chosen me to serve in that role. After nearly 16 years as an assemblyman, I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and excited to lead our conference into this next chapter. As minority leader, I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to deliver real results for New Yorkers throughout the state.

This role is tremendously meaningful to me on both a professional and personal level. Leadership is never a solo endeavor, and I wouldn’t be here without the support of my friends and family, especially my wife, Laura. She has been with me through every campaign, starting with my very first election to college student government. We’ve been together for 24 years and married for 15. Laura’s patience and belief in me have made my work as a

public servant possible.

There’s nothing more humbling than having a group of dedicated people like Assembly Republicans entrusting me to lead our conference going forward. It’s an honor to be part of this group, and I’m aiming to live up to the trust and faith they have placed in me. My predecessor, Will Barclay, and Speaker Carly Heastie have demonstrated how leaders should interact with respect and professionalism — how government should work. I intend to uphold that same standard of civility and collaboration as we tackle the serious challenges facing our state.

After nearly 16 years in the Assembly, I’m excited to lead our conference.

mission does not. Assembly Republicans have long been at the forefront of fighting for affordability, public safety, reliable energy and fiscal responsibility, and that will remain our focus. New York has been governed by one-party rule for the better part of a decade. It’s no surprise that people are looking for a change.

I would be remiss not to recognize Barclay’s outstanding leadership, and I will be endlessly grateful to him for his mentorship and friendship. Since 2020 he has led our conference with integrity while earning the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle, a rare achievement in Albany. I hope to continue to lead with that same cordiality. Our conference is united, and we will continue building on the strong foundation he established.

While leadership may change, our

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s approach to affordability has largely been to spend more taxpayer dollars, but New Yorkers know that more spending hasn’t translated to lower costs or a better quality of life. We have the worst business climate in the country, and we’re one of the least affordable states. If history has taught us anything, it’s that no amount of additional spending will solve the affordability crisis.

There are many issues where Republicans and Democrats can, and should, work together for the public good. When we agree, we’ll partner in good faith. When we disagree, we won’t hesitate to speak up clearly and loudly on behalf of the people we represent.

My path to this role has been shaped by a wide range of experiences in public

service. I began my career as a deputy attorney for the Town of Hempstead and as a legal aide in the state attorney general’s office. Since joining the Assembly in 2010, I’ve had the privilege of serving in several leadership roles, including assistant minority leader pro tempore, where I coordinated and led floor debate for our conference. I’ve also served as ranking member of the Assembly Education Committee, where I fought against the state’s over-reliance on standardized testing and became a leading advocate for students with special needs. Most recently, since 2020, I’ve been the conference’s ranking member on the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, leading the review, analysis and debate of the state budget.

As I take on this new role, my commitment to Long Island and the communities I represent — my home — remains unchanged. Serving as minority leader does not replace my responsibility to my district; it only strengthens it. I am eager for the challenge ahead, and deeply grateful for the confidence my colleagues have placed in me. This is a new chapter, and I’m ready to get to work.

Ed Ra, of Franklin Square, represents the 19th Assembly District and is the Assembly’s minority leader.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s why one of my core missions

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

The funding will also provide muchneeded technology and equipment for

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

Malverne/West HeMpstead

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aMisleading safety data could hurt kids

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

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

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

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

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

letters

Peter King goes too easy on ICE agents

To the Editor:

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

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

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

JOSIE MARINO Lynbrook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It takes a village, a community — and a family

Ican recall when a prominent politician was criticized for writing a book titled “It Takes A Village.”

The counter-argument at the time was that it “takes a family.”

My siblings and members of the extended Sullivan/Ledwith family often joke that our family is the size of a village, but a recent tragedy in our lives made it clear to us just how enormous our community is.

Sean Ledwith, a veteran Marine sergeant and Nassau County Bureau of Special operations officer, was my brother-in-law and one of my best friends. The tragedy was his untimely passing and the loss we are all still living with. The number of friends, colleagues, acquaintances and strangers alike who have shown and shared their love for Sean is astounding. The enormous gen-

erosity they showed my sister and their children has been heartfelt and healing. Whether it was the person who dropped off a tray of cookies at their door or the presence of so many members of our law enforcement community, the support has been felt far beyond the boundaries of our village and the confines of our family.

t he death of my brother-in-law reminded me how caring our community is.

I often boast about all the collective good shared so deeply in our village, but it has been through Sean that I have seen how caring our larger community is. We often hear “Back the Blue,” but I now have a full understanding of how the men and women in law enforcement back one another. I have a greater understanding of why it is so important to support them.

In a previous column, I wrote about how we don’t forget our veterans, but the example they set for respecting, remembering and supporting one another is unparalleled. While I have always tried my best to lend my support to

Letters

Who’s left to report the truth?

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

While Trump manufactured a crisis in Greenland and ICE gunned down American citizens, the final board meeting of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting barely registered. Jimmy Kimmel’s being pulled off the air and the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” already feel like ancient history. Even as wars rage in Ukraine and the Middle East, coverage keeps shrinking — and that is no accident.

And now Bezos is laying off a third of the Post’s staff, including a war correspondent in Ukraine. With Secretary of War Pete Hegseth blocking Pentagon reporting, Trump forming a “Board of Peace” with Putin and other authoritarian leaders, and independent news sources collapsing, who is left to deliver the truth?

CLAUDIA BoRECKy President, Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club Merrick

them, I have a renewed charge for trying harder and caring more. Sean’s sacrifices for our country, as well as those borne by other men and women who serve in our military, deserve so much more. The physical, emotional, educational, financial and other support services we have for them are simply not enough. They battle for us, and now it’s time we fought for them.

Have you ever heard the term “battleground believers”? In its simplicity, it refers to a constant awareness and the fight to maintain a good soul. Sean had one of the kindest souls I’ve ever seen. His devotion to God and adoration of Saint Michael, a warrior who transcends multiple religions, reminds me that there is a greater good to live by. I know that in the thick of our complicated lives, religion can often be overlooked, but it has been our faith, and our belief in one another, that has carried us through this. We are truly blessed to be in the company of so many

caring religious leaders, and it is so important to keep religion relevant in our daily lives.

our lives can easily be consumed by our work, which by all means is important. But actively participating in the lives of our children is lasting. Sean loved spending time with his children, especially at the beach and on any sports field. Recently speaking about his passing, I was reminded of a teaching that I had forgotten. It’s how every child spells love: time. We can never get it back, and our children will never forget the time we spend with and dedicate to them.

The collective time, dedication, contributions, condolences, conversations, prayers, phone calls, texts, offers, introductions, acts of kindness, regardless of how big or small, have all been greatly appreciated. Thank you for reminding me of how to live life a bit better. Thank you for being a wonderful community. And thank you, Sean, for bringing us all together, as sorrowful as we are and as deeply missed as you will always be. Rest in peace, my friend — my brother.

Tim Sullivan is the mayor of Malverne.

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