Malverne/West Hempstead Herald 03-19-2026

Malverne/West HeMpstead

Sue Grieco/Herald

annual Community Irish Soda Bread Throw Down at Phoenix Family Chiropractic on Saturday, a bagpiper and drummer played Irish music.

Irish Soda Bread bake off winners

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

Evelyn Heredia, owner of Phoenix Family Chiropractic, hosted Malverne’s annual Community Irish Soda Bread Throw Down on Saturday. This was the business’s ninth year hosting this event. Residents submitted their bread at the chiropractor’s office earlier that day, and each was tasted by a panel of judges. There were 14 entries in this year’s competition.

“It’s all about bringing the community together and supporting our neighbors,” Heredia said.

Pennie Schwartz, the office’s previous owner, held the first Throw Down over 12 years ago. When Heredia took over the practice in 2017, she continued the tradiConTInueD on Page 23

Village’s former first lady celebrates her 100th birthday

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

Friends and parishioners gathered at the Community Presbyterian Church of Malverne on March 8, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Florence Cocchi, whose late husband, Louis, was a village mayor.

Cocchi’s actual birthday is March 22, but residents held an early celebration for Cocchi, who’s vital to the community.

“I’m happy to be here for your 100th birthday, and I’m happy to call you a friend,” Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan said, as he presented Cocchi with a citation.

“I’m trying my best to follow in your husband’s footsteps, as mayor and Republican leader,” Sullivan continued. “But I always say, we can only do this because of the support of our families. Your family and your own accomplishments in the village are unbelievable.”

Cocchi’s husband, who died in 2018, served Malverne as mayor and trustee, as well as captain of the Malverne Fire Department, executive leader of the Malverne Republican Committee, and a district deputy in the Second Kings Masonic District. A U.S. Army veteran, he was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of

Foreign Wars.

Cocchi and her late husband were dedicated members of the Community Presbyterian Church, which they joined in 1961 after moving to the community that year. Cocchi has served as a council elder, leader and deacon, and her husband was a trustee of the church. She was the Sunday school teacher and supervisor, as well as choir member and director of vacation Bible school.

Cocchi was mission treasurer of the church, managing initiatives that met local, national and global needs. She was also the leader of the church’s food pantry and is responsible for

organizing what is now known as the People’s February Food Drive, which collects thousands of dollars worth of food to donate. She also spent some time as a Boy Scout den mother.

“I am so proud that you’ve reached this beautiful milestone,” State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “You are a fixture in the Malverne

community, and I’m happy to be here to celebrate with you.”

Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, a Malverne resident, also presented Cocchi with a citation and spoke about her history with the family. “I have known the Cocchi family virtually my whole life,” she said. “I remember listening to your husband’s

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.

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4th

Battalion hosts burn center fundraiser

Annual event supports Nassau University Medical Center’s burn center

By KAYLA DECHTER kdechter@liherald.com

Firefighters from across Nassau County gathered at the East Rockaway Fire Department on Sunday, March 8, for the annual 4th Battalion Burn Center Benefit, raising money to support the Nassau University Medical Center Burn Center, the region’s only specialized facility for burn treatment.

The annual event brings together departments from Malverne, Lakeview, East Rockaway, Lynbrook and Rockville Centre to support the Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center Foundation, which provides equipment, training and resources for burn care beyond what hospital funding covers.

The 4th Battalion has been fundraising for the burn center for more than 30 years, said John Hennig, director of the Burn Center Foundation board. Each year, the event is hosted by a different department in the battalion, and this year East Rockaway stepped up to organize the fundraiser.

Local restaurants and businesses donated food and prizes to support the event. River Mill Tavern and Tables — a family business connected to East Rockaway First Assistant Chief Matthew Pignataro — provided trays of food, along with Nick’s Pizza in Rockville Centre and several other local vendors.

“There was an open buffet free to all patrons,” Pignataro said.

Raffle tickets were also available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the burn center. According to Pignataro, prizes were donated by local businesses, families and fire departments across the battalion.

“Local restaurants donated gift cards. Grant Avenue’s 405 Hose Company and P.C. Richards were two of many sponsors for the event, along with private families,” Pignataro said. “We have big prizes like New York Islanders tickets, Yankees tickets and car detailing.”

Hennig said the fundraiser consistently draws strong community support and engagement.

“We have 300 to 400 people attending every year, from firefighters and medical personnel to community members,” he said. “The Switch is a band that plays for our fundraiser every year, and we have the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes and Drums making a guest appearance.”

Chairman of the 4th Battalion Fire District Joseph Mihalich said the event reflects the battalion’s commitment to supporting the burn center and the people it serves.

“We are very proud of what we do at this event,” Mihalich said. “We typically raise around $15,000 to $20,000 each year. It’s a tradition, and each year we try to make it a little bigger.”

The fundraiser is unique to the 4th Battalion, though other battalions across Nassau County often contribute donations to show their support for the burn center.

Fire officials emphasized the impor-

tance of the burn center’s location at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow.

“We, as firefighters, want to know that somebody we pull out of a house fire or car wreck with burns can go someplace where they will be well taken care of,” said Thomas Gaffney, chairman of the Burn Center Foundation. “If we didn’t have the burn center in East Meadow, patients would have to travel to Stony Brook, Staten Island, Manhattan or the Bronx — each about a half hour to an hour away.”

“If you have a bad burn, every minute matters,” Gaffney added. “That’s why having a burn center here on Long Island is so important.”

Gaffney said the burn center faced staffing challenges after the COVID-19

pandemic, when many medical professionals were reassigned to other areas of care. Foundation members worked with Nassau County, state and local officials to restore staffing levels, meeting with hospital leadership and emergency department administrators to ensure the burn center could continue providing care for patients across Long Island.

Today, the burn center at Nassau University Medical Center is fully staffed and able to treat patients from across the region.

“We wanted to make sure the people of Nassau County are fully protected, and that the burn center is fully staffed and ready when it’s needed,” Gaffney said.

In addition to supporting staffing efforts, funds raised through the annual fundraiser help provide specialized

equipment for the burn center. Gaffney said the foundation has helped purchase devices such as vein locators, which help medical staff find veins on burn patients, where injuries can make the process more difficult.

The foundation has also funded cord trackers, a device attached to feeding tubes that helps doctors guide them to the correct location in the stomach and intestines. Because burn victims often cannot eat on their own, early nutrition is critical to recovery. Gaffney said the device allows medical staff to place the tube more accurately, speeding up the time it takes to begin nutritional support by about 25 percent.

Those interested in supporting the burn center can still make donations online at NCBurnCenter.org.

News briefs

New police reserve officers sworn in

At the Mar. 4 meeting of the Malverne Village Board of Trustees Mayor Tim Sullivan and Chief of Police Reserves Robert Oliva swore in three new Police Reserve Officers.

The Police Reserves are trained under the Malverne Police Department and provide assistance to officers in the community. The volunteers guard during village meetings, patrol walkways and community events throughout the year, from the Christmas Tree Lighting to the Easter Bunny Hop and Shop.

“The Malverne Police Reserve provide an unbelievable service to the vil -

Hempstead Town is accepting applications for a seasonal bay constable position as officials prepare for the busy spring and summer boating season along the South Shore waterways.

Supervisor John Ferretti and the town board announced the hiring initiative as part of an effort to enhance boater safety and strengthen enforcement of local maritime laws.

The seasonal bay constable will help enforce boating safety laws and regulations, protect local waterways and wetlands, and respond to emergencies on the water, according to town officials.

lage,” Sullivan said. “You always see them at the different events we have around the village, keeping you and your families safe.”

Henry Dickerson, Devin Weingarten, and Fabian Rivera took the oath of office to work in the reserve.

“It’s great to see new blood involved in the police reserve,” Deputy Mayor Scott Edwards, the village’s Police Commissioner, said. He thanked the new officers for joining the volunteer organization.

Under New York state law, all operators of personal watercraft are required to possess a boater safety certificate. Bay constables monitor compliance with that requirement and patrol local waters for unsafe operation, including boating under the influence. The seasonal hire will assist full-time officers with public education efforts, including town-sponsored boater safety classes offered in the coming months.

Applicants may apply at the town’s Department of Human Resources, at 350 Front St., Hempstead.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Students promote road safety through game design

West Hempstead Secondary School participated in the Games for Change Student Challenge, an international initiative that empowers students to design games that address real-world issues.

Founded in 2004, Games for Change is a nonprofit organization that uses digital games and immersive media to drive social impact. Over the past two decades, the organization has partnered with global leaders including the United Nations and Hasbro to tackle issues ranging from poverty to climate change.

Games for Change encourages students to design and build games that educate players. This year’s G4C themes include “Outgrow Hunger,” “Own the Road,” and “All in for Nature: Reefs & Rainforests.” Students create games using web-based platforms. At West Hempstead Secondary School, students used Hatch to bring their ideas to life.

In 2015, secondary school technology teacher Lori Stahl-Van Brackle became involved in the G4C Student Challenge. That same year, her students earned second place for Best Game Design. In the years that followed, her students continued to place in the competition as the challenge expanded from a local initiative to an international program.

Since arriving at West Hempstead Secondary School in 2022, Stahl-Van Brackle has continued to grow the school’s involvement. She has participated in Game Design professional development and has led several mini hack-a-thons

On Feb. 13, West Hempstead Secondary School held its annual Game Jam as part of the Games for Change Student

total of 43 students participated, collaborating to create 11 original board games.

at the secondary school, all centered around digital game design.

When Stahl-Van Brackle learned about the opportunity to apply for a Game Jam grant, she was excited to expand beyond digital platforms. For years, she had envisioned hosting a tabletop board game design event where students create physical games that inspire change.

West Hempstead’s Game Jam was held on Feb. 13. A total of 43 students participated, collaborating to create 11 original board games. Students refined and further developed their games over the winter break.

This year’s Game Jam focused on the theme “Own the Road.” The theme holds special significance for the school com-

munity as in 2022, secondary school student Tomas Molina was tragically killed in a car accident. In his memory, the school hopes to guide students in designing games that promote road safety awareness and help make the community safer.

— Madison Gusler

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Hofstra eyes CAA championship stage

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

Hofstra’s men’s lacrosse team reached the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) tournament last spring for the first since 2021 and longtime head coach Seth Tierney hopes that building block lays a solid foundation for a bigger climb.

The Pride reached the CAA semifinals and just missed out on the opportunity to play for a conference title with an 11-10 overtime heartbreaking loss at topseeded Towson. Hofstra brought back plenty of key pieces from that breakthrough season looking to write a different script this May, but returning to the four-team CAA postseason stage will come down to crucial regular season contests against closely-matched opponents.

“The CAA games just take on a different meaning and they have a lot of weight because they’re technically playoff games without being in the playoffs,” said Tierney, who is also the U.S. Men’s Senior National Team head coach as it gears up for 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship, in Japan next year. “They’re tiebreaker games and every time that you can get a win then you can get a tiebreaker over that team not knowing how the future is going to play out.”

Hofstra opened CAA play March 13 with a 12-7 setback at Long Island rival Stony Brook which puts even more weight on Pride’s upcoming conference games.

The Pride (2-5) entered the season with plenty of promise seeing three returning players named to the preseason All-CAA team in red-shirt senior attackman Trevor Natalie, red-shirt junior defenseman Austin Clarke and red-shirt sophomore goalie Shea Kennedy. Natalie was also named a preseason USA Lacrosse AllAmerican after a 2025 season in which he tallied 40 points on 28 goals and 12 assists.

Natalie leads Hofstra in goals through seven games with 16 including three in a hard-fought 11-8 loss to Big Ten foe Rutgers on Feb. 28. The Stuart, Fla. native also tallied four goals in Hofstra’s 14-7 season-opening win at Iona on Feb. 2.

The offense is also led by senior attackman Anthony Mollica, who registered a career-best six goals in Hofstra’s 11-10 home win against UMBC on March 7. Mollica, a former Massapequa High School standout, has 11 goals and nine assists so far this season after tallying 50 points as a junior.

“Anthony is this quiet leader who leads by example with a quiet voice,” Tierney said. “He works hard and he is reaping the rewards.”

The Pride offense boasts plenty of other scoring weapons including senior midfielder Trey Parkes, sophomore attackman Drew Bogardus, redshirt sopho-

more midfielder Joey DeYoung and freshman attackman Gus Langtry.

Langtry, who was ranked 94th on Nike/Inside Lacrosse Power 100 Freshman Rankings out of Parker, Colo., is off to a strong start in his collegiate career with 10 goals including three in the Rutgers loss. He has solid lacrosse genes as the son of former Hofstra All-American Brian Langry.

“He’s got some great DNA and some great characteristics,” said Tierney of Langtry. “He is a very confident and skilled player.”

The close defense is anchored by Clarke, a Parkton, Md. native who recorded 24 ground balls and 13 caused turnovers last season. Redshirt senior Will Delaney also brings veteran experience in front of the cage after registering 20 ground balls last season.

Kennedy patrols the net for a second straight season after making 167 saves last year. He is off to another strong start this season with 83 saves and 54 percent save percentage so far this season.

Hofstra will host Monmouth in a critical CAA game this Saturday at 1 p.m. at Shuart Stadium. The Pride also has a big conference home game against Fairfield on April 4 at 3 p.m. and will face Ivy League power Yale in anon-league tilt on April 14 at 7 p.m.

Hempstead’s fitness program is under way

By MASHIAT AZMI Correspondent

The Town of Hempstead is once again offering its Total Body Fitness program for seniors and veteran residents this winter and spring. It combines abs, cardio, and strength training to tone and firm muscles.

The program is held at three spots — Echo Park, West Hempstead, on Tuesdays, through April 3, 10:45–11:45 a.m., Levittown, Hicksville from Mondays, though April 27, 8:30–9:30 a.m., and Thursdays, through April 30, 9:15–10:15 a.m., and Merrick Golf Clubhouse, Merrick from Mondays, through April 27, 9–10 a.m. or 6:30–7:30 p.m.

The 12-week program currently has 215 students in all three places.

John Ferretti, supervisor of the Town of Hempstead emphasized the inspiration behind this program: the need for an affordable fitness program that offers a high-quality, high-energy experience.

“We’re happy to provide residents with a way to keep moving and stay active,” Ferretti said in an email. “Many gyms and fitness studios have steep monthly costs — these fitness classes are a more affordable alternative while still offering a high-quality, high-energy experience.”

The classes include music, fitness routines, and various forms of exercise. Ferretti stated that each program gets better every year with new music, new routines, and new ways of exercise.

He noted that participants should bring an exercise mat and light weights, as they are necessary for certain floor exercises and help provide resistance training.

Ferretti added that the class is open to everyone. Each class has its own instructor to help and guide the students.

“Don’t hesitate! These classes provide a warm, welcoming environment for residents of all ages and fitness levels,” he said. “Residents are encouraged to call the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department at (516) 292-9000 with any questions.”

Sue Mavridis, a longtime and returning student of the Total Body class, said she made many new friends.

Her expectations from this class are to keep in shape. Ferretti said that the classes have received nothing but positive reviews, and each year they fill up quickly.

Another student, Carol Wojcik, joined this class at her neighbor’s recommendation to get in shape and make good friends.

“Just to keep me in shape and to help my heart,” said Debra Simonetti, a student of Total Body class. “Because aerobics is supposed to be very good for your heart.”

Flooded streets are signs of larger challenges

Rising seas, stormwater runoff and pollution affect communities from shore to shore

By ROKSANA AMID, ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN & ABBEY SALVEMINI of the Herald Community Newspapers

Fourth installment in a series about water.

Flooding streets, polluted bays and aging infrastructure are reshaping life along Nassau and Suffolk counties’ coasts. From the barrier island neighborhoods of Long Beach and Island Park to the waterways of the Great South Bay and Hempstead Harbor, communities are confronting the growing impacts of rising water, runoff and environmental strain.

Across Long Island, scientists and planners say, climate change, development patterns and aging infrastructure are converging to create new risks for coastal communities.

Nassau’s South Shore

Heavy rain can quickly overwhelm parts of Nassau County’s South Shore. In the West End of Long Beach, storm drains can fill within minutes as water pools at intersections, climbs curbs and creeps toward front steps. In nearby Freeport, residents sometimes wade through ankle-deep water along canal-side streets. In a Facebook poll from the Herald, residents of Oceanside and Island Park were invited to share experiences with bayside flooding.

RISING TIDES TIDES

Heavy rain combined with high tide, residents say, can push water back up through storm drains. Major flooding events, they report, have struck several times in recent years. High tides — particularly during a new moon and combined with strong winds — can bring roughly a foot of water onto some blocks.

Across the South Shore, flooding is no longer unusual. In many communities, it has become a regular part of life.

Long Beach and Island Park sit on narrow barrier islands only a few feet above sea level, while Freeport and Oceanside stretch along canals and bays that funnel water inland. All four communities connect through Reynolds Channel and the Western Bays, allowing tidal surges to move freely between them.

Much of the infrastructure in and beneath these communities — storm drains, sewer lines and bulkheads — was built decades ago, before sea levels began rising and extreme rainfall became more common.

“When you look at repeated flooding in coastal places like Long Beach and Freeport,” Amy Chester, managing director of the climate resilience nonprofit Rebuild by Design, said, “a huge part of the vulnerability comes down to how these neighborhoods were originally built, where houses went, how high they were built and what infrastructure was put underneath them.”

Many South Shore communities expanded rapidly during the post–World War II housing boom. Natural landscapes that once absorbed rainfall were replaced with pavement and development, while stormwater systems were designed with the assumption that rain would fall and simply drain away. Today, that assumption often proves faulty.

Living with water

Flooding now shapes daily life in many South Shore neighborhoods. Many residents move their cars to higher ground when storms threaten. Others install

pumps in crawlspaces to push water back outside, though many say it still seeps back in. For many households, flooding now affects everyday decisions — from where to park to whether work or school schedules may change.

And flooding doesn’t stop at municipal borders. Rain falling in higher-elevation communities such as Lynbrook eventually flows downhill toward the bay. During intense storms, runoff travels from Nassau’s glacial high points on the North Shore toward its lowest-lying southern communities.

“If you look at the topography, it’s the result of a terminal moraine left by a glacier,” said Georgeen Theodore, an architect and urban planner with Interboro Partners. “Water flows from the high point to the low point. What happens to a town on the bay is connected to towns uphill.”

Because of that connection, Theodore said, climate resilience must be addressed regionally. “Climate vulnerability cannot be solved by one village alone,” she said.

In Long Beach, the highest elevations are along the oceanfront, descending toward Reynolds Channel, where flooding is more common. Similar patterns appear along Freeport’s canals and along Island Park’s lowest blocks, where water tends to pond first and recede last.

Many resilience programs focus on homeowners, offering grants to elevate houses or retrofit properties. Renters, and residents of multifamily buildings, often have fewer options.

“If you don’t own your home, what are your choices?” Chester asked. “You can’t elevate the building. You can’t redesign the drainage.”

Historic housing policies also play a role. In the 1930s and 1940s, federal mortgage maps labeled certain neighborhoods risky for investment, often based on

race or religion. “What we see today is the legacy of those decisions,” Chester said. “Areas that were denied investment then are often the same places facing higher climate risk now.”

Theodore cautions against viewing flooding as purely natural. “Is it a natural disaster,” she asked, “or the outcome of decades of planning and housing decisions?”

Fragmented solutions

Residents say that official responses to flooding have been inconsistent. Some recall sewer improvements in Island Park, but broader efforts have been limited. Experts say that effective solutions necessitate a regional approach.

The best way to manage rainfall, Theodore said, is to slow it before it reaches storm drains through strategies such as permeable pavement, rain gardens, increased tree cover and reducing paved surfaces.

“We want to slow the way water flows,” she said. “But we built for speed.”

With Nassau County already densely developed, creating space for water absorption has become increasingly difficult. Addressing flooding one property at a time won’t solve the larger problem, Theodore said, and long-term coordination will likely be necessary. Some residents worry about what the next decade may bring as sea levels rise and flooding becomes more common. Communities including Long Beach, Freeport, Island Park and Oceanside increasingly represent the front line of a worsening problem.

The Great South Bay

Pollution entering the Great South Bay is closely tied to what happens on land, particularly through

Wading into the debate over rising water

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

groundwater and runoff. The bay stretches along the South Shore, between the Island’s “mainland” and Fire Island. While it receives freshwater from rivers and streams, a significant portion flows underground through Long Island’s aquifer system.

As groundwater moves through soil, it carries pollutants on its way to the bay. “Excess fertilizer can then make its way into the water column, and that is going to stimulate these algal blooms,” Ryan B. Wallace, assistant professor of environmental studies and sciences at Adelphi University, said. “We have to be able to reduce the amount of nitrogen that’s entering into our groundwater.”

Nitrogen pollution is one of the most significant environmental challenges facing the bay. Much of it originates from cesspools and septic systems, while fertilizers used on lawns, golf courses and farmland also contribute.

Excess nitrogen fuels algae growth. As algae die and decompose, bacteria consume oxygen in the water.

The bay has also experienced harmful algal blooms such as brown tide, which block sunlight from reaching the bay floor and damage seagrass habitat. Because groundwater moves slowly, pollution entering the aquifer today may take years — or even decades — to reach coastal waters.

Despite these challenges, local organizations are working to improve water quality.

Save the Great South Bay, a nonprofit founded in 2012, focuses on reducing pollution and restoring the bay’s ecosystem.

“In each of the 16 towns that cross that area, we have appointed a creek defender who is a local steward,” Executive Director Robyn Silvestri said. “They go out, they patrol the creeks, look for trash or anything else that might be blocking the creek. And then, once a year, they organize a major community cleanup.”

Volunteers patrol waterways for debris in addition to organizing the annual cleanups. Over the past several years, they have removed more than 85,000 pounds of trash from creeks feeding into the bay.

“Oysters used to be all over the bay, and now there’s basically no natural oysters in the bay,” Sylvestri said. “We have oyster farms, but no naturally occurring oysters. So we’re looking to reverse that.”

Because a single oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, restoring oyster reefs could significantly improve water quality.

Nassau’s North Shore

Environmental advocates say that conditions in Hempstead Harbor have improved significantly over the past several decades, though pollution from runoff, septic systems and aging infrastructure still affects nearby communities. The harbor connects to Glen Cove Creek and several tributaries along the North Shore, and serves as both an ecological system and a drainage outlet for

the surrounding watershed.

“We have a long-term water monitoring program, which is really the backbone of what we do,” Michelle Lapinel McAllister, programs director for the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor, said. “We’ve had consistent and uninterrupted monitoring since 1992.”

Researchers collect water samples year-round to measure nitrogen, bacteria and dissolved oxygen. “The main issues come down to nutrient pollution, bacteria and plastic pollution,” McAllister said.

Nitrogen pollution remains a persistent challenge, because excess nutrients can fuel algal blooms that reduce oxygen levels in the water.

Despite those challenges, the harbor has improved. In 2011, roughly 2,500 acres of shellfish beds reopened after being closed for more than 40 years because of high bacteria levels.

Oyster restoration has also helped improve water quality. Through partnerships with volunteers and federal grants, the coalition has planted more than 1.7 million oysters in Hempstead Harbor since 2022.

Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said that wastewater infrastructure remains a concern on the North Shore, where many communities still rely on septic systems.

“90 percent of Nassau County is sewered, and out of the 10 percent that is not sewered, 90 percent is in my district,” DeRiggi-Whitton said.

County officials have also targeted pollution flowing from Scutter’s Pond, in Sea Cliff, once identified as a major

contamination source for Hempstead Harbor. Officials installed a catch basin and weir system designed to filter runoff before it reaches the harbor.

“It’s basically a filter,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “It just skims the water and takes out the pollutants that would go into Hempstead Harbor.” The roughly $250,000 project significantly reduced the amount of contamination entering the harbor.

Assemblyman Charles Lavine said that flooding in Glen Cove in 2024 illustrated how stormwater moves through the landscape. “Any groundwater that collects as a result of storms is going to find its way toward the lowest point,” Lavine said. “That’s gravity.”

Residents of Glen Cove’s Woolsey Avenue say they have repeatedly experienced flooding during major storms.

“The water isn’t just rain — it’s runoff from other streets, and it’s filled with garbage and bacteria,” resident Linda Melbinger said. “We’ve had dead animals in our yard in the past, and there’s a layer of contamination on everything that smells.”

“It impacts so many things,” McAllister said. “Everyone moves here because they want the beauty of the harbor, but it’s only going to be beautiful to the extent that you take care of it and you have a healthy and thriving harbor.”

The harbor, she said, supports local recreation, fishing and the broader coastal ecosystem.

“As good citizens,” McAllister said, “we have to make sure that we’re doing our part to respect the harbor and everything it has to offer.”

What residents can do to help

While large infrastructure projects and policy changes play a major role in addressing flooding and water pollution, environmental experts say residents can also take steps to reduce runoff, limit pollution and help protect local waterways.

Reduce fertilizer use

■ Fertilizers used on lawns and gardens can wash into storm drains and eventually reach bays and harbors.

■ Experts recommend using fertilizers sparingly — or avoiding them altogether — especially before heavy rain. Nitrogen from fertilizer is one of the leading contributors to harmful algal blooms in Long Island waters.

Upgrade septic systems

■ Many homes on Long Island still rely on older septic systems or cesspools, which can release nitrogen into groundwater.

■ Programs in Suffolk County offer incentives for installing nitrogenreducing septic systems.

Environmental advocates say similar upgrades across the region could significantly reduce pollution entering coastal waters.

Limit runoff from driveways and yards

■ Rain that falls on paved surfaces flows quickly into storm drains, carrying pollutants with it.

■ Residents can help reduce runoff by installing rain barrels, planting rain gardens, adding trees or replacing pavement with permeable materials that allow water to soak into the ground.

Protect storm drains

■ Storm drains typically flow directly into nearby waterways.

■ Residents can help by keeping leaves, grass clippings and trash out of drains and reporting blocked drains to local public works departments.

Volunteer with local groups

■ Several Long Island organizations rely on volunteers to monitor waterways and remove debris. Programs such as Save the Great South Bay’s Creek Defender initiative organize cleanups and waterway patrols throughout the region.

Malverne had it coming in “Chicago” on stage

Giving ’em the old razzle dazzle.

Malverne High School put on a production of “Chicago: Teen Edition” for its 2026 spring musical. Crowds packed into the Howard T. Herber Auditorium for three performances on Mar. 6 and 7.

Chicago takes place during the “Roaring Twenties” in the windy city and follows the story of Roxie Hart. A chorus girl, Hart murders her lover and convinces her husband, Amos, to take the rap. Amos is willing, until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Hart. Hart is convicted and sent to death row, where she meets Velma Kelly, another murderess. The two fight for the headlines and the spotlight before they join forces in search of fame, fortune, and acquittal.

The production included the performance of various songs adapted from the Tony-award winning musical, such as “All That Jazz,” “The Cell Block Tango,” “Mister Cellophane,” and more.

–Madison Gusler

The sound of connection How hearing health impacts relationships

By Dr. Esther Fogel, Comprehensive Audiology

At Comprehensive Audiology, we often see firsthand how hearing health is about much more than just the ears, it touches every part of life, especially our most cherished relationships. Whether it’s sharing a laugh with a friend, hearing a grandchild’s first words, or simply understanding a partner during everyday conversations, clear hearing is central to feeling connected.

When hearing starts to decline, however, communication can become strained. Misunderstandings may happen more often, and loved ones might feel ignored or frustrated, even though the person with hearing loss isn’t intentionally tuning them out. Over time, these small miscommunications can lead to feelings of isolation, tension, and emotional distance.

Research consistently shows that untreated hearing loss has a profound impact on the home dynamic. Partners of individuals with hearing difficulties often report a loss of intimacy and fewer shared activities. Family members may mistakenly interpret hearing struggles as a lack of

interest or engagement, leading to hurt feelings on both sides.

The good news? Addressing hearing health can repair and even strengthen these vital bonds. Open communication is the first step toward a solution. If you or a loved one suspect a change, it’s important to talk about it openly and without blame.

A conversation framed with understanding can make a world of difference.

We believe that hearing healthcare isn’t just about devices; it’s about people.

Comprehensive Audiology’s team is here not just to test hearing, but to truly listen to your concerns, your lifestyle, and your goals. We view ourselves as your dedicated partners in care, helping you find solutions that support both your hearing and your relationships.

For many, the right technology restores more than sound; it restores confidence and ease in conversations. Hearing care is a journey, and no one should walk it alone. Having a trusted provider in Lynbrook means having a reliable source of support every step of the way.

By valuing your sense of hearing and investing in local, expert care, you can safeguard your connections and enjoy a

better quality of life. Ready to take charge of your hearing and health?

ComprehensiveAudiology,at 261 Broadway in Lynbrook,helps people of all ages live better by hearing their best. Appointments can be made by calling (516) 387-4000 or by scheduling online at comprehensiveaudiology.com/scheduleappointment.Follow us on Facebook,

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

LinkedIn,Google,YouTube,and Instagram at @comprehensive_audiology.

Broadway, Lynbrook, NY 11563 (516) 387-4000 comprehensiveaudiology.com

A better way to treat blocked ears

For more than a century, doctors typically have treated children and adults with chronically blocked ears by surgically placing tubes within the ears to relieve pressure. Now, there is a better way.

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists are using minimally invasive endoscopic technology to thread a tiny balloon catheter through the nose and into the eustachian tube. They inflate the balloon for two minutes to restore tube function before deflating it and removing the catheter. Patients often can return to work and take part in normal daily activities on the same day as the procedure.

The new procedure can be used by patients suffering from chronic eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), including those experiencing a persistent feeling of ear fullness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), recurring ear fluid, difficulty hearing, earaches during weather changes, or difficulty equalizing ear pressure when traveling by plane or ascending steep inclines. Each year, ETD accounts for nearly 2 million visits to doctors, emergency departments, or urgent care centers in the United States.

ETD occurs when the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat, becomes blocked, inflamed, or fails to open properly. When functioning correctly, the eustachian tube opens and closes naturally, especially when yawning or swallowing, and is vital to maintaining ear health and helping regulate pressure.

While children are susceptible to

ETD due to their shorter, more horizontal, and narrower eustachian tubes, it is most prevalent in adults 65 years and older as well as those ages 40-64.

In the past, ETD has been treated by surgically placing tubes within the eardrums to aerate the middle ear. However, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s team of otolaryngologists (specialists in diagnosing and treating structural dysfunctions or injuries in the ear, nose, and throat) led by Rajesh Kakani, MD, Director, Otolaryngology, are using “tuboplasty surgery” or eustachian tube balloon dilation to correct ETD.

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration, tuboplasty surgery is an elective, minimally invasive endoscopic outpatient procedure that opens blocked

eustachian tubes with a balloon catheter.

Performed under general anesthesia, the benefits of tuboplasty surgery include minimal recovery time and follow-up care. Studies have found that patients experience long-lasting relief after tuboplasty surgery.

Designated as a Sinus Center of Excellence, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat specializes in treating allergies, chronic ear infections, dizziness, hay fever, hearing loss, voice hoarseness, chronic nosebleed, chronic sinusitis, sleep apnea, and snoring and swallowing disorders.

Dr. Kakani and his team use advanced noninvasive procedures to treat patients with all types of issues related to the ears, nose, and throat, including:

• Endoscopic sinus surgery

• Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty

• Head and neck cancer surgery

• Rhinoplasty, or plastic surgery of the nose

For more information about Mount Sinai South Nassau’s ENT services or to schedule an appointment, call 1-877-SOUTH-NASSAU.

mountsinai.org/southnassau

How Treating Hearing Loss Protects Memory and Brain Health

During Brain Awareness Week (March 16–22), Hearing and Brain Centers of America is highlighting one of the most overlooked—but proven—ways to protect brain health: treating hearing loss and tinnitus.

Research shows untreated hearing loss is one of the largest modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia. As auditory input to the brain decreases, the brain must work harder to process sound, diverting resources away from memory, focus, and comprehension. Over time, this cognitive overload can accelerate brain atrophy, social isolation, and dementia risk.

Studies from Johns Hopkins Medical Center reveal that individuals with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia, while

those with moderate to severe hearing loss face up to a five-fold increased risk. A 2023 study published in The Lancet further confirmed that treating hearing loss can significantly slow cognitive decline.

At Hearing and Brain Centers of America, traditional hearing aids have been replaced with prescriptiongrade NeuroTechnology™,

designed not just to amplify sound—but to stimulate the brain. These advanced devices improve clarity, reduce listening effort, and support neural pathways critical for memory and cognition.

The landmark ACHIEVE Study (The Lancet, 2023) found that older adults who treated hearing loss experienced a 48% reduction in cognitive decline over three years. Additional research shows hearing aid use is linked to improved memory recall, increased social engagement, and lower dementia prevalence.

Dr. Keith Darrow, neuroscientist and clinical audiologist, emphasizes: “We hear with our brains, not our ears.” Treating hearing loss early helps protect brain function, enhance quality of life, and promote healthier aging. In recognition of Brain

Awareness Week, Hearing and Brain Centers of America encourages adults over 50 to schedule regular hearing and cognitive screenings. If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss or tinnitus, contact us to schedule a comprehensive hearing and cognitive assessment.

Together, we can protect brain health and add more life to your years.

Freeport Rec to host Hempstead Job Fair

Hundreds expected at annual event, where veterans and the disabled will be offered early admission

By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

The Town of Hempstead is once again hosting a job fair at the Freeport Recreation Center. General admission for the March 26 event will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Veterans and those with disabilities are invited to an early admission beginning at 9:30 a.m. Registration is required, and organizers ask that all prospective participants do so by visiting HempsteadWorks.com/jobfair. Registrants will receive an invitation to attend an online pre-event workshop that will help prepare them for the fair.

In addition to networking and potential interview and job opportunities, registrants can get a professional headshot taken for free at the event. All of those taking part are encouraged to bring several copies of their resume.

Attendance at the job fair has grown considerably, according to town officials. Supervisor John Ferretti said that over 700 people were registered for the event as of March 13. Since the first gathering in 2022, as many as 2,000 attendees have registered each year.

Despite the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports of steady increases in unemployment nationwide since early 2022, the Town of Hempstead has maintained unemployment rates under 4 percent since 2021. The current unemployment in Hempstead, according to the town, is 3.2 percent, well under the U.S. average of 4.4 percent.

Job fair organizers seek to continue reducing unemployment and to provide residents with “an opportunity to meet with local businesses and major companies one on one” to discuss job prospects, Ferretti said.

“We also have agencies providing information and resources for individuals with disabilities and giving them an opportunity to meet with businesses,” he added. “HempsteadWorks will also have a table so residents can learn about the resources available at the Town of Hempstead Career Center.”

The companies and organizations that will be take part in the fair will represent a variety of industries, including retail, security, first responders, health care, child care, public transit, armed forces and communications. Some of the featured employers include Advantage Solutions, Council for Airport Opportunity, Long Island Cares, the New York City Department of

Correction, Richner Communications, the U.S. Marines Corp, the U.S. Postal Service, with many Long Island- and New York City-based job opportunities.

Additionally, HempsteadWorks has begun the registration process for its Summer Youth Employment Program, and is looking for eligible young people from ages 16 to 20 to apply. Participants will work as interns for 30 hours a week for six weeks over the summer with partnering local businesses and organizations.

For more information on the job fair and other HempsteadWorks initiatives, go to the HempsteadWorks Career Center website, HempsteadWorks.com, or call (516) 485-5000 ext. 1100.

Business summit highlights entrepreneurs, innovation

By ABBEY SALVEMINI

The Herald Long Island Business Summit & Thrive Awards brought together entrepreneurs, executives and family-owned businesses at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on March 3 for a day of networking, education and celebration focused on helping businesses expand and compete in a challenging market.

An all-day networking expo

featuring organizations such as the New York Small Business Development Centers, Trellus and the Secure Choice Savings Program kicked off the summit.

A featured executive session, “The Future is Now: Protecting Your Wealth and Legacy,” led by attorneys Morris Sabbagh and Joseph Trotti, of Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP, emphasized proactive planning, wealth preservation and safeguarding family legacies.

Sabbagh encouraged a forwardthinking approach to protecting businesses and personal legacies.

“Most successful people are optimists, that’s what makes them successful,” he said, emphasizing that confidence, preparation and strategic vision drive long-term, generational success.

After the executive session, event leaders took the stage to formally greet attendees and highlight the summit’s mission of supporting and strengthening Long Island’s business community. Those lead-

ers underscored their commitment to strengthening Long Island’s business community and supporting small and mid-size companies.

Marc Perez, senior vice president at Bank of America, highlighted the bank’s commitment as a presenting sponsor of the event and to the region’s entrepreneurs, stating, “Bank of America remains deeply committed to supporting businesses, the backbone of Long Island’s economy.”

Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications Inc., echoed that sentiment.

“Small and mid-size businesses are the backbone of Long Island’s economy,” emphasizing the vital role they play in driving regional growth,” he said.

Amy Amato, executive director of corporate relations/events at Richner Communications, encouraged attendees to maximize the day’s opportunities.

“I want you to leave here with tangible strategies and meaningful relationships,” she said.

18 Joseph Milizio, managing partner at Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP, highlighted the energy in the room and the value of collaboration.

“We have a room filled with excitement,” he said. “This is where you form partnerships to grow your business,” underscoring how connection and strategic guidance can help businesses thrive for generations.”

At the heart of the summit were the 2026 Thrive Awards, celebrating the small and family-owned businesses that drive Long Island’s economy. Stew Leonard Jr. was honored with the Legacy Leadership Award, alongside winners in categories such as Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Social Impact, Creative Excellence and Health & Wellness Leadership. The awards showcased the innovation and resilience that shape the region’s business community.

The opening keynote of the summit featured fashion entrepreneur and native Long Islander Steve Madden, who shared insights on balancing ambition with sustainability in business during his session, “Building a Business That Doesn’t Break You.” Emmy Awardwinning broadcaster Curt Chaplin, guided the discussion on the challenges and triumphs of growing a successful enterprise.

“An entrepreneur is someone who breaks the rules and thinks of things differently,” Madden said, giving attendees an inside view of the unconventional strategies and mindset that have driven his success.

“His entire story is just remarkable,” Chaplin said, framing the conversation and asking questions that highlighted the lessons behind Madden’s journey.

Guests then attended “Workshop Session I: The Money Hour,” focused on financial strategy and growth. Panels on scaling startups, managing cash flow and protecting business legacy featured experts from Bank of America, CliftonLarsonAllen, GC Advisory Group and Empire State Development, offering practical guidance for sustainable success.

The afternoon continued with “Workshop Session II: Mind Your Business,” which covered legal essentials, AI tools and marketing strategies. Speakers included Milizio and Derek Gibbs of Casper Studios and Brad Harmon of Richner Communications.

“All decisions are driven through

data,” Harmon said. He reminded attendees that “it’s not about you, it’s about the consumer,” urging them to understand their target market and where their audience is. When challenges arise, his advice was simple: “Ask yourself, what did the data say?”

Motivational speaker and entrepreneur Brandon Steiner, founder and president of The Steiner Agency and CollectibleXchange, delivered his closing keynote, “The 5 Essentials to Thrive in Business in 2026.”

He emphasized innovation, empathy and growth, telling attendees, “I’m always trying to outthink my competition,” and urging them to “lead with empathy” by truly listening to customers’ needs. Steiner also encouraged continuous improvement, reminding the audience, “Don’t let success get in the way of more success.”

The Bank of America Small Business Spotlight Awards honored three standout businesses in the Micro, Small and Growth categories. Cholados y Antojitos Corp, Charles Krull + Son, Inc. Plumbing and Heating and Curl Evolution each received $5,000 in unrestricted funds. Participants entered by submitting how their business gives back to the community, and how they would use the prize money.

“We are thrilled to have been chosen to receive this award,” Curl Evolution owner Allison Bridges said. “We are very invested in Long Island and the people here. This will help us open an additional location at the end of the year helping us get more curl care options to the residents here as well as hire more talent.”

The event was powered by Bank of America, with additional support from Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP, whose sponsorship underscored a shared commitment to strengthening and sustaining Long Island’s small and family-owned business community. Event highlights were also shared on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Attendees left with new connections, actionable strategies and renewed inspiration to navigate an evolving business landscape. By combining expert insight, meaningful networking and recognition of local excellence, the Herald Long Island Business Summit & Thrive Awards reinforced a shared commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and ensuring

To learn more, see additional

Take a fresh look at your organization How this can turn challenges into opportunities

By Jocie Dye and Dave Hickman

Are you confident you’re heading toward sustainable and positive change? Are you concerned about the effectiveness of your operations and workforce, and if they can keep pace with your growth?

Reviewing your structure, processes, and systems with an eye toward your strategic vision can help your organization make informed, targeted, and impactful decisions.

Three key ways to uncover opportunities

Many businesses and organizations face uncertainty as competition, tax, and funding structures continue to evolve. Organizations need to be nimble and lean, while operating efficiently through leveraging data, automation, and their workforce to help drive growth.

Start with a 360-degree view of your business. If you’re already feeling stretched, think about helping fill those gaps while you focus on core strategy.

Getting a fresh perspective in three key areas – structure, process, and systems – can help you thrive now and in the face of new disruptions and business opportunities.

1. Understand the structure required to support your operations

Ask these questions to help determine if your operations are supporting the needs of your mission, strategy, and leadership now and in the future:

• Are managers receiving the training, tools, and information they need to do their work effectively?

• Do they understand their budget and spending?

• Do they feel they have the right tools and resources to operate efficiently?

• Do managers know who they can turn to if they have questions on financial or human resource matters?

People strategy: Filling the skills gap with the right team

If the answer to any of the above is

“no,” it’s possible you are experiencing either skills or capacity gaps within your operations functions.

Ideally, your organization’s operations serve in both a compliance and risk management role, as well as one of customer support to the rest of the organization. If you’re feeling gaps in either compliance or customer service, it’s likely time to further evaluate and identify where and why those exist — and begin planning to remediate.

Many businesses find outsourcing some or all their business operations can help fill skills gaps in required compliance areas, as well as add capacity, particularly through change and growth. Outsourcing often provides the ability and flexibility to right-size in a way that can grow with you as your needs change.

2. Review key operating processes

Your team is only as effective as the processes they follow and the tools and technology they use. To help you understand how effectively and efficiently your team is operating, ask:

• Do we have documented and wellunderstood standard operating procedures?

• Are we leveraging electronic and auditable system workflows for things like employee onboarding, accounts payable, expense approvals, and signatures on cash disbursements?

• Do sales and billing data flow seamlessly into the financial system of record?

• Are we storing documentation electronically, in shared and documented locations?

• Do managers know where to access the reporting data and information they need when they need it?

A “no” answer may indicate manual, inefficient processes, and risks associated with human error, weak controls, lost documentation, and the potential for missed revenues.

3. Modernize your technology systems for efficiency and security

Updating your technology doesn’t have to be a major undertaking. For some, it may be as simple as converting to a cloud-based version connected to other platforms.

Automation

Do you use outdated, unintegrated technologies, or have modern tools staff struggle to use effectively? If your workflows aren’t automated and you don’t have data at your fingertips, you should be asking yourself why.

Today’s business systems — and increasingly, AI-driven tools — make it possible to automate nearly any and all routine data entry tasks, which not only increases efficiency, but lends itself to stronger controls, documentable audit trails, and better data and analytics. Other systems can track a company’s full financial profile, which helps with everything from setting revenue targets to taxes.

Cybersecurity

Protecting technology, including software your employees use to work from home, is critical. Hackers, or threat actors, are constantly on the move, using AI and other tactics to hone their attacks. Anti-virus software,

employee education, strong passwords, a two-factor identification system, and regular system scans are just some of the cybersecurity techniques available

Artificial intelligence

AI-powered platforms can go beyond automation by learning patterns in your financial data, predicting cash flow, and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Combined with outsourcing support, these technologies allow your back-office team to shift from manual tasks to strategic analysis, helping leadership make smarter decisions faster.

For more information on business operations improvements, contact Nicola Ellam at nicola.ellam@CLAconnect.com or 646-604-0015.

The information contained herein is general in nature and is not intended, and should not be construed, as legal, accounting, investment, or tax advice or opinion provided by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) to the reader. For more information, visit CLAconnect.com.

CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through our industryfocused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SECregistered investment advisor.

Sports stars to headline Herald Reworld event

and

Rjoin sustainability leaders for May 14th awards program honoring Long Island’s environmantal champions

eworld™, presenting sponsor of the 2026 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island, announced that former NFL quarterback and sports broadcaster Boomer Esiason and New York Islanders forward Kyle Palmieri will join this year’s event, with longtime broadcaster Tom Kelly returning as master of ceremonies.

Produced by RichnerLIVE and the Long Island Herald in partnership with Reworld™, the awards program will take place on May 14 at The Heritage Club in Bethpage. The evening will recognize outstanding environmental leadership across Long Island, honoring nonprofit organizations, educators, elected officials, and community leaders who are advancing sustainability efforts throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“As this program enters its second year, we are proud to elevate leaders who are making meaningful environmental progress across Long Island,” said Maureen Early, lead community relations specialist at Reworld™.

“Bringing together respected voices from our region, including Boomer Esiason and Kyle Palmieri, helps shine a spotlight on the inspiring work happening in our communities.

Sustainability

is built through partnership, and this event reflects the collective commitment required to move our region forward.”

eVeNt DetailS

• Date: May 14

• locatioN: The Heritage Club, Bethpage

• preSeNteD by: Reworld™

• proDuceD by: RichnerLive

the 2026 herald Sustainability awards of long island presented by reworld™ will recognize individuals and organizations in several categories, including:

• Environmental Leader in Policy

• Champions of Municipal Stewardship

• Community Impact for Sustainability

• Environmental Infrastructure Leader

• Environmental Development Leader

• Environmental Leader in Entertainment

Esiason, who enjoyed a distinguished NFL career and later became a nationally recognized sports commentator, and Palmieri, a veteran NHL forward with the New York Islanders, will join Reworld™ in celebrating this year’s honorees and highlighting the importance of community leadership in tackling environmental challenges.

Kelly will guide the evening’s program, introducing award recipients and leading the ceremony.

The program will also feature the Student Sustainability Champion Award, honoring one exceptional student from Nassau County and one

from Suffolk County for leadership in promoting sustainable change. Each student honoree will receive a $2,500 prize provided by Reworld™ and will be recognized during the ceremony.

Reworld™ continues to invest in initiatives that empower communities and advance environmental stewardship across Long Island.

RICHNER

For more information about Reworld™ and its environmental initiatives, visit ReworldWaste.com. For more information about the 2026 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island Presented by Reworld™ or to request an invitation, visit: RichnerLive.com/richner-event/ herald-sustainability-awards-powered-by-reworld/

STEPPING OUT

GIVE IN TO TEMPTATION

Life is sweet at the Chocolate Expo

By Abbey Salvemini

Chocolate lovers, mark your calendars for a day of indulgence for all the senses. The Chocolate Expo returns on Sunday, March 22 — this year bringing its tasty wonders to its new venue, following many years at Hofstra University. Nassau Coliseum’s Expo Hall, a vast — more than 44,000 square foot — space, is ready to welcome all to an immersive chocolate wonderland of decadent flavors, irresistible aromas and family-friendly fun.

Upon entering everyone is immediately greeted by chocolate fountains, flowing with rich white, dark and milk chocolate, setting the tone for a deliciously unforgettable experience.

One of the largest and most celebrated chocolate festivals in the U.S., according to its founder Marvin Baum, more than 80 vendors are represented at what he describes as “the official home of chocolate, food and fun.” Visitors can treat themselves to everything from artisan chocolates and baked goods to specialty foods, cheeses and spirits.

“We’re happy to bring the Chocolate Expo to the Nassau Coliseum,” Baum says. “With more space comes more vendors. We’re bringing in vendors who don’t normally come to events on Long Island, so people will get to see something truly different.”

Beyond shopping and sampling, visitors can enjoy demonstrations, chocolate-themed presentations and interactive moments throughout the day.

From classics like bonbons, fudge and chocolatedipped treats there are no shortage of desserts to sample. Savory pairings, baked goods, specialty foods, wine, and cheeses are also tempting; there’s something to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Some of the most buzz-worthy treats that you won’t to miss out on include chocolate-covered bacon, a favorite since 2012. For those looking to try something new, the Dubai-style chocolates are trending this year, with creative twists like chocolatecovered donuts, including offerings from a purveyor based in Lebanon.

These unexpected goodies add an adventurous edge to the festival, making it as much about discovery as it is about indulgence.

“People often find new favorites at the Expo, whether it’s a specialty cheese they will look for in stores or a spirit they want to visit at the distillery,” Baum says highlighting its lasting impact.

Be sure to check out the Long Island confectioners represented, such as Bellmore’s Chocolate Works, a

Trevor Wallace

chocolaterie selling chocolate-covered pretzels, platters, and more. Other local favorites include Chez Hedwidge, an artisan gluten-free bakery, based in Valley Stream; also the Sunflower Bakeshop, a Kosher bakery in West Hempstead, offering a wide range of gluten-free and vegan options.

In addition to culinary delights, this year’s edition includes a dose of television nostalgia. Cast members from the classic series “Little House on the Prairie” and ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ are scheduled for special guest appearances. Dean Butler, Patrick Labyorteaux and Todd Bridges will be on hand to meet fans throughout the day. The actors will be available for autographs and selfies (fees are set individually) and will participate in a panel discussion with an audience Q&A at 1 p.m., included with event admission.

The combination of chocolate with pop culture has become an Expo hallmark, with Baum noting that “Little House on the Prairie” holds a special place for many.

“Chocolate is very nostalgic,” he says. “People are always looking for treats and desserts, and we also want to bring in that element of nostalgia.”

• Sunday, March 22, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; early VIP access starts at 9 a.m.

• Tickets are $30, $15 ages 5-12 online only; general admission timed-entry tickets: $20, $15 child online; $30, $15 child at the door; available from thechocolateexpo.com

• Nassau Coliseum, Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale

Providing a visual centerpiece sure to attract attraction (and serve as a vibrant, imaginative backdrop for photos), acclaimed balloon artist Robbie Furman returns to craft an intricate balloon sculpture display featuring scenes and characters from both iconic TV series. When his demo wraps up, children eagerly dive in to pop the balloons, in what Baum playfully terms a “balloon popping party.”

For more family-sized fun, young visitors can drop by the Kidz Zone. Face painting, balloon twisting and a scavenger hunt will surely keep the young set entertained, in addition to being surrounded by chocolate treats.

“Seeing the smiles on people’s faces is what it’s all about,” Baum enthuses.“This is a chance for people to get away from everything, whether that’s trying a new chocolate or just enjoying the moment.”

He encourages everyone — whether coming solo, with friends or family — to make this a must-visit.

“It’s really about the experience and having a good time.”

For Baum, supporting local businesses and building relationships with returning chocolatiers is just as important as the treats themselves, making it a unique and meaningful day for the community.

Photos courtesy Chuck Fishman

Photos: From chocolate-dipped treats to inventive creations, every bite is a delicious discovery.

The comedian brings his Alpha Beta Male Tour to the Paramount stage. The energetic comic-digital creator has gained a growing following with sharp observational bits, viral character sketches, and fast-paced crowd work. Rising from early internet sketches to sold-out clubs and theaters, he blends internetsavvy humor with classic jokecrafting, making his shows accessible to longtime fans and first-timers alike. He co-hosts the popular Stiff Socks podcast, further expanding his reach to comedy listeners nationwide. Wallace’s tour is packed with fresh stories, act-outs, and interactive riffs. His ascent started with viral sketches lampooning internet culture, energy-drink bros, entrepreneurs, and micro-trends; those clips earned millions of views and a loyal fan base that now fills venues everywhere. As his reputation grew, he transitioned from shortform videos to touring, proving he could translate online momentum into consistent, in-person laughs.

Friday, March 20, 7 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Three Italian Tenors

Direct from Rome, the Three Italian Tenors stop at Tilles Center on their North American Tour debut. Everyone will be captivated by Giovanni Maria Palmia, Ugo Tarquini, and Alessandro Fantoni accompanied by pianist Fabrizio Mocata. Their salute to the great Italian tenors — Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Mario Lanza and Enrico Caruso — is an exhilarating and unique musical event. It features original arrangements and universally loved Italian songs and tenor arias, fusing Italian wit and charm with romanticism, lyricism, dramatic flair and operatic style. Their repertoire also includes romantic ballads like “Musica Proibita” and “Dicitencello vuje,” a tribute to Dean Martin with Volare, and a lively piano medley of popular Italian tunes — all culminating in a thrilling celebration of vocal artistry and Italian musical heritage. You’re sure to be enthralled by their rich vocals, heartfelt emotion and the golden tradition of Italian vocal artistry.

Tuesday, March 24, 7 p.m. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

MAR

Family theater

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

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon; also March 22, March 24-26

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

MAR

21

Emergency Preparedness

Malverne Public Library hosts a workshop presented by Citizen Preparedness Corp. The NY Citizens Preparedness Training Program helps the community learn how to better prepare for natural disasters, including developing a natural disaster emergency plan and stocking up on supplies. Open to all, but registration is required at prepare.ny.gov.

• Where: 61 St. Thomas Place, Malverne

• Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Contact: malvernelibrary.org (516) 599-0750

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art joins in the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Its landmark exhibition explores how Long Island has reflected and shaped the story of American art. From Revolutionary-era portraiture and folk art to nineteenth-century landscapes, Impressionism, and the bold innovations of Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art, the exhibition highlights how every major art movement found expression here. From Brooklyn to Montauk, Long Island’s natural beauty, coastal light, and close connection to New York City inspired generations of artists and gave rise to thriving art colonies and postwar creative communities. Featuring paintings, decorative arts, and historical objects displayed together in immersive settings, the exhibit celebrates the region’s

The Man In Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash

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

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

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

Hop Into Spring

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

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 2245800

MAR

District STREAM

Night

31

• Time: 7 p.m.

With his strikingly similar looks, baritone voice, and spot-on mannerisms, Shawn Barker’s uncanny resemblance to the original “Man In Black” revitalizes the true character and spirit of Mr. Cash himself, one of America’s greatest musical icons, for a truly one-of-a-kind show. The energetic concert features Barker in character throughout the entire evening, walking the audience through each era of Cash’s life and music, including hits like “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Hurt,” and “Ring of Fire,” backed by a full band. Born and raised in a working-class suburb of St. Louis, Barker took a schoolboy love for singing in church with his family and turned it into a career. The path to his current success wasn’t a straight line from gospel choir to Johnny Cash tribute act. After serving his country in the Army, Barker returned home to Missouri, took a job as a carpenter and spent all of his free time learning how to play the guitar. He developed strength and versatility in his voice by modeling his crooning on a cast of legends — Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. His performances quickly turned from hobby to profession, but oddly enough, Barker’s first touring gigs were portraying Elvis, not Johnny Cash. Everything changed, however, when Barker was asked to audition for the part of Cash in a Hollywood production, as it became evident to the director and Barker himself that Johnny Cash was his true calling. From that point there was no turning back.

enduring influence and its rich artistic legacy. Opens March 21, on view through July 12.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Ongoing

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

MAR

23

Women’s History Month Craft

Celebrate Women’s History Month with a paint and sip craft for kids at Lakeview Public Library. Paint canvases with empowering affirmations. An adult must stay with any children under twelve years of age. Register in advance for this program.

• Where: 1120 Woodfield Road, Lakeview

• Time: 4:30 p.m.

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

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

MAR

24

Malverne BOE budget meeting

The Malverne Board of Education holds its second budget meeting.

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

West Hempstead BOE meeting

The West Hempstead Board of Education holds its second meeting to discuss the district budget.

• Where: West Hempstead Secondary School, 400 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

MAR 25

Oceanside Chorale welcomes new members

The Oceanside Chorale seeks new members in all sections to sing in their next concert.,“Going to the Movies, on June 7, at Fulton Avenue School. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings.

• Where: Fulton Avenue School, 3252 Fulton Ave.

• Time: Ongoing Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: Marie at: (516) 459-8513

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

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

or email oceansidechorale@gmail. com

MAR

26

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

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

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

MAR 28

South Shore Symphony

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

Malverne holds its district-wide STREAM night. All students are invited to come participate in hands-on learning activities that highlight principles of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

• Where: Malverne High School, 80 Ocean Ave.

• Time: 6-8 p.m.

• Contact: malverneschools.org

Community scholarship fundraiser Support West Hempstead seniors! Dine at Gino’s Pizzeria on the 1st Wednesday of each month and 10 percent of the proceeds will support the West Hempstead Community Scholarship Fund’s scholarships. This excludes deliveries and orders with coupons. Please let the staff know you are supporting the WHCSF.

APR

1

• Where: Gino’s Pizzeria & Restaurant 619 Woodfield Rd., West Hempstead

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

of

Chiropractor holds soda bread competition

tion.

“It was inspired by the show ‘Throwdown with Bobby Flay,’” Heredia explained, referring to the Food Network cooking show that aired from 2006 to 2015. “And I just continued this when I took over the practice.”

Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan, Town of Hempstead Clerk Kate Murray and Gerry Hughes, owner of Connelly Station, were this year’s judges. They were instructed to rate the breads based on presentation, freshness, moisture, shape, crumb, balance of flavor and even browning.

“You have some beautiful bakers here in Malverne,” Murray said. “These were great. The enthusiastic bakers put in a great effort for sure.”

Hughes and Sullivan added that moisture is an important quality they look for in the bread, while Murray said she focuses on flavor and the raisin ratio.

“I like moisture and flavor,” Sullivan said. “Irish soda bread’s always better with Kerrygold butter — but if you can make something where butter’s not required, you hit the mark for me.”

When the scores were tallied, the top three bread makers were each given a prize basket that included a decorative throw blanket, snacks, note pads, socks and other shamrock goodies.

Tiffany Hughes, last year’s first place winner, took home the third-place prize.

Kathy Kubic took second. Gianna Casini-Leendino, a first-time entrant in the Throw Down, was the winner.

“It’s exciting,” Casini-Leendino, 25, said. “I love to bake, but this was my first time entering this competition.

She revealed that her secret is the raisins. “I used different types of raisins,” she said. “The ratio is really important. I used a mix of currant rai-

sins and golden raisins.”

She spent time experimenting with the raisin ratio, she said, before making her final loaf. “Last night I made ten different versions of bread,” Casini-Leendino said. “And then I had my family and friends try them all at, like, 11 o’clock at night before making my decision.”

She advised other bakers to experiment, using the trial-and-error method,

until they’re happy with their recipes.

After the judging was completed, attendees were welcome to sample the breads and make their own judgments. Phoenix Family Chiropractic supplied butter, Guinness and other snacks. Kevin Gaffeny and John MacMannis performed traditional Irish music on the drums and bagpipes, respectively, to entertain attendees.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

LAKEVIEW LOAN

SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST KEVIN D. WILLIAMS, TERRELL STALEY, ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 28, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 31, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 274 Coventry Road, West Hempstead, NY 11552. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Lakeview in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 35 Block 514 and Lot 17. Approximate amount of judgment $672,939.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604974/2023. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Scott H. Sille r, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-001125 88888 158547

Premises known as 70 Wolf Avenue, Malverne, NY 11565-1544. Sec 35 Block 234 Lot 1-2. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Malverne, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $617,115.49 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 613196/2024.

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 April 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 583 Dogwood Avenue, 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.

o’clock in the evening of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-52 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to REPEAL “BUS STOPS” at the following location: WEST HEMPSTEAD

WOODFIELD ROAD (TH 7/63) East SideNO STOPPING BUS STOP - from the south curbline of Maple Street south for a distance of 60 feet.

(Adopted 2/26/63)

WOODFIELD ROAD (TH 7/63) West SideNO STOPPING BUS STOP - from the south curbline of Maple Street south for a distance of 60 feet.

ConTinued FRoM Page 1

‘Albany updates,’ when I attended the Malverne Republican Club.”

Cocchi thanked all who attended the celebration. “I didn’t expect this,” she said. “It’s only another year for me. But I realized it’s very impressive because not many people reach 100.”

Robert Powers, a church elder who organized the celebration, said, “Being an elder and in the church since 1961, we want to show Florence we’re here, carrying on the programs she started. With God’s blessing, we’re all here to carry it on in the future.”

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR VELOCITY COMMERCIAL CAPITAL LOAN TRUST 2023-1, Plaintiff against NYCT PROPERTIES LLC; VISHWANAUTH RAMCHARAN; KAVIA SMITH, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 14, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM.

During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the 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. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. 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. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Sean C. Acosta, Esq., Referee File # NY202300000510-1 158688

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, AGAINST RANDAL A. BENNETT, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on October 30, 2025.

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 35, Block 608 and Lot 47A, 47C, and 51.

Approximate amount of judgment $309,912.76 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #612556/2024.

Brian J. Carmody, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 15825

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION of WESTWOOD GLOBAL LLC . Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/24/2025 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 21 Horton Street, Malverne, NY 11565 . Purpose: any lawful act. 158808

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 March 2026, at 7:00

Cocchi will turn 100 years old

Florence

When asked the secret to living to 100, Cocchi said, “Be active, be kind, and be happy.” Cocchi stays active

Public Notices Public Notices

(Adopted 2/26/63) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

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

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 158962

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 March, 2026, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations: EAST MEADOW MEADOW LANE (TH 28/26) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Midland Drive, east for a distance of 42 feet.

COAKLEY STREET (TH 33/26) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Prospect Avenue, east for a distance of 30 feet.

COAKLEY STREET (TH 33/26) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at

the east curbline of Prospect Avenue, east for a distance of 30 feet.

ELMONT GLAFIL STREET (TH 476/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Dutch Broadway, south for a distance of 50 feet.

GLAFIL STREET (TH 476/25) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Dutch Broadway, south for a distance of 50 feet.

PARKWAY DRIVE (TH 35/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Dutch Broadway, south for a distance of 40 feet.

M STREET (TH 39/26) North SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 10 feet east of the east curbline of Porter Street, east for a distance of 49 feet.

INWOOD WAHL AVENUE (TH 45/26) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 12 feet south of the south curbline of John Street, south for a distance of 40 feet.

JOHN STREET (TH 45/26) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Whal Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.

MERRICK FREDERICK AVENUE (TH 32/26) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Meadowbrook Road, east for a distance of 35 feet.

FREDERICK AVENUE (TH 32/26) South Side -

NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Meadowbrook Road, east for a distance of 40 feet.

ROOSEVELT WHITEHOUSE AVENUE (TH 46/26) North SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 270 feet east of the east curbline of Pennsylvania Avenue, east for a distance of 95 feet.

WEST HEMPSTEAD WOODFIELD ROAD (TH 47/26) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Maple Street, for a distance of 60 feet.

WOODFIELD ROAD (TH 47/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Maple Street, for a distance of 60 feet.

ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following locations:

OCEANSIDE

ELLEN TERRY DRIVE (TH 603/25) North Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Benjamin Road, east for a distance of 60 feet.

(Adopted 1/27/26) WEST HEMPSTEAD WOODFIELD ROAD (TH 79/96) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Maple Street, south for a distance of 34 feet.

(Adopted 11/18/97) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: March 10, 2026 Hempstead, New York

each day, riding a stationary bike and lifting weights. “It’s a happy time, but I don’t feel 100,” she added.

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 158959

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 March, 2026, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Chapter 202 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” at the following locations: WEST HEMPSTEAD Section 202-20 BEDELL TERRACE (TH 40/26) West SideONE HOUR PARKING 8 AM to 4 PM EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYSstarting at a point 367 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 29 feet. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

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

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., Plaintiff, vs. EDGARD ARAYA A/K/A EDGAR ARAYA, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 23, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 185 Fairlawn Avenue, West Hempstead, NY 11552. 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, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 35, Block 361 and Lot 175, 176, 274. Approximate amount of judgment is $914,305.55 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 614112/2023. Cash will not be accepted. Andrew K. Preston, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 158979

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT

Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.

Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

DENTAL ASSISTANT

CHAIR SIDE F/T

Lynbrook Office, Immediate Opening. Looking for Experienced Individual Email Resume: nylaserendo@gmail.com Call 516-599-7111

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

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

$22 - $27/ Hour

Bell Auto School

516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours

Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off.

Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

mng daily operations for meds therapy mngmt serving chronically & acutely ill patients. Gather & mntn nec tech compatible w/ ordering/ receiving/ admin elect sysmts. Ensure chronic treatment patients comply w/ all states & fed regs for safe use of meds, meds receipt, storage, & disposal. Oversee sel & dvlpmt of pharma staff. Involved in hiring, training, counseling, advising, & evaluating staff performance. Oversee product purchasing, inventory, budget & equipt mgmt. Review & substantiation rejection claims & billing procedure. Involve in mrkt strategies, dvlpm of pharmacy ops & bus plans. Maintain up to date info on pharma, pharma tech, computer & bus mngmt. Mng pharma mnfctg rel & neg on rebates/contracts. Assess, mng & reporting pharmacy ops & fin data. Ensure pharmacy compliance w/ Medicaid, Medicare, state, federal & other reg bodies. Meet w/ vendors & drug reps monthly to negotiate rebates & evaluate the profitability of pharmacy. Rep pharmacy at health care professional mtg, doctor office pharma trade shows. Req: PharmD degree or foreign cad equiv. Salary: $103,293. Send resumes to Mira Pharmacy Corp dba Fulton Avenue Pharmacy, email: fultonaverx@gmail.com

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

Rockville

Once In a Lifetime

TAll about wood beams

Q. We are talking with contractors about rebuilding our large deck, and we would like to have fewer columns so they don’t block our water view. The contractor suggested that there are wood beams that can do the job, and mentioned something called a lam beam to go a longer distance and open up the space underneath. We would also like to have the deck be sealed so that we can use the underneath area, even in the rain. What do you suggest we use and not use?

A. For starters, laminated wood beams are generally a poor choice for outdoor use, even though there are some on the market that are specifically treated with waterproof adhesives. These few products on the market for outdoor use are much more expensive, and often only used in commercial projects or where the expense is not the greatest concern. Not all beams are the same material or made the same way.

When I have conversations with people who build, I sound negative instead of enthusiastic, but that is based on the experience of writing insurance reports and investigating the damage and cost of failed products and applications. Remember, in order to succeed, you first have to know how to fail, so as to avoid failure.

What I have witnessed is not failure at the center of beams, where the beam would bend the most, but at the ends and tops, where water penetrates more frequently. If the product isn’t waterproof, the grain of the laminations will start to split. For these reasons, I discourage outdoor use of manufactured, laminated beams because when they are specified very carefully for a project, there is little or no control over what ends up on the jobsite unless the ordering is micro-managed.

I keep samples in my office of beam cutaways to demonstrate how one beam product was specified for a job and what ended up on the jobsite was similar but, with careful inspection, clearly shows the two beams are not the same. They were laminated using different species of trees, one weaker than the other and an inferior number of plies and glues. To a person dropping the material off, based on an order for a “lam beam,” the inferior material looked the same but after installation the floor bounced like a trampoline. The beam had to be removed, at great expense, and the right product ordered. Even though a lesson was learned, it came at a great price. So indoor locations can also be a problem if the wrong configuration of laminations and species are used. If the correctly engineered lumber beam or steel reinforced beam is designed, they will last for years without another thought. I would use an interlocking aluminum deck product called Versadeck or another product called Lock Dry. They conduct heat rapidly, which means they dissipate heat quickly, making them cool enough on hot summer days to walk on while barefoot, and they keep water from getting through. 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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WENDY'S CLEANING SERVICES INC.

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

Electricians

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

Home Improvement

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Home Improvement

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

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

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opinions

With Kristi Noem gone, we must restore order at DHS

As our country’s largest law enforcement agency, the Department of Homeland Security is essential to our national security, disaster relief and the safety of the American people. There is far too much at risk for this agency to be mismanaged or subject to incompetent leadership. Former Secretary Kristi Noem’s tenure there was nothing short of a disaster, and her recent removal from office did not come a moment too soon.

Under her failed leadership, U.S. citizens were killed at the hands of federal agents, trust in our law enforcement was eroded and our communities’ safety was jeopardized. She showed a contemptible disregard for her fundamental responsibility to keep the American people safe, and should never have been confirmed as the head of DHS. I’m relieved that she was finally removed after her failures became too numerous to ignore. In addition to her complete disregard for law and order, Noem lost control of the department, egregiously misused taxpayer dollars, stoked violence, and

failed to keep the American people safe. Under her watch, hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars were wasted and funneled away from essential programs. That included the purchase of two luxury jets, with plans to purchase a third, to support her travel, costing nearly $300 million, as well as a public advertising campaign improperly awarded to companies with close ties to Noem and other senior officials, costing $220 million.

TInstead of prioritizing the capture of violent criminals, Noem escalated dangerous situations by slashing training for ICE recruits — including on legal use of force — and sent unprepared agents into the streets, making everyone less safe. She diverted federal agents and resources from combating cybersecurity attacks, child abuse, human trafficking and terrorism. That put our national security at even greater risk.

audit of how ICE investigates use-offorce incidents.

Noem’s removal does not absolve her from her gross negligence or the unjust killing of American citizens. She must still answer for her disastrous and deadly period in office to restore the public’s trust in DHS and ensure that her mistakes are not repeated. Noem left the department in disarray, and degraded its ability to work in a nonpartisan fashion. Protecting the U.S and its citizens should never be partisan.

he next Homeland Security secretary must work with Congress to reform ICE.

In light of her incompetence, dereliction of duty and corrupt practices, I am proud to have helped lead the call for Noem’s removal by demanding her impeachment following the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. I urged House Speaker Mike Johnson and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan to begin impeachment proceedings just days before she was fired.

extending Temporary Protected Status for law-abiding Haitians in our communities; and restoring order at the agency.

The next Homeland Security secretary must push forward negotiations between Congress and the administration to reach a bipartisan compromise on greater reforms of ICE, and then he or she must ensure that reforms are immediately and properly enacted. This must include proper training and deescalation tactics that other law enforcement agencies use.

Additionally, the next secretary must refocus on bolstering the department’s other essential agencies, which Noem foolishly cut, by reinstating the billions of dollars in essential funding and thousands of workers that were eliminated from CISA’s cybersecurity efforts and FEMA’s lifesaving disaster relief and mitigation. These agencies and others within DHS are vital to our country’s security, and must be resuscitated.

To make matters worse, Noem systematically obstructed the DHS inspector general’s office from ensuring that the agency operated within the bounds of the law. The week she was removed from office, the inspector general revealed to Congress that as many as 11 investigations were being blocked by Noem and DHS leadership, including an

With Noem’s exit, the Trump administration has an opportunity to right her wrongs and ensure that the next Homeland Security secretary leads with competence and integrity. That includes working with Congress to reform ICE; reinstating and reallocating funds for disaster relief, cybersecurity and fighting human trafficking and terrorism;

Above all, accountability and law and order must be restored at DHS. Our country cannot afford another secretary who defies his or her oath to uphold the Constitution. The next secretary must prioritize the safety and security of our communities and officers, undo Noem’s horrendous legacy and rebuild the American people’s trust in the Department of Homeland Security.

Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.

Auto insurance rates need to be fair, and affordable

Like most New Yorkers, I start my workday by dropping my daughter off at school before heading to the office. Unfortunately, like some, I recently got involved in a rearend accident as I waited to find parking. The crash served as a sudden reminder of something New Yorkers experience every day.

Auto insurance has become too costly, too complicated and too disconnected from the concept of fairness. Nearly every household in the state depends on a car, and when insurance premiums rise, families feel it immediately. Across New York, people rely on their vehicles to get to work, to take their children to school, to care for loved ones and to stay connected with their communities. Car insurance is not optional. It is a basic requirement of daily life. Yet too many responsible drivers are paying inflated rates because fraud, staged crashes and systemic abuse continue to push costs higher for everyone.

A fair system should discourage reckless and unlawful behavior, not create incentives that undermine accountability. When responsibility breaks down, law-abiding New Yorkers are left to absorb costs that do not reflect how they live or drive. Restoring balance is not about punishment. It is about fairness, responsibility and trust.

misuse or exploitation of the system. Hochul is advancing a coordinated, statewide approach to restore accountability and bring greater balance to the auto insurance system. Her proposal includes:

We all share the road — and we share responsibility for one another.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has put forward a clear and thoughtful plan to address these challenges. Her proposal strengthens efforts to combat insurance fraud, closes loopholes that contribute to unnecessary litigation, and reinforces the principle that responsibility should matter. At the same time, it preserves protections for those who are legitimately injured and ensures that the system continues to function for those who follow the rules.

The proposal reflects the important role of government — not simply reacting when costs spiral upward, but stepping in when systems no longer operate as intended. New Yorkers expect their government to protect consumers, promote fairness and ensure that everyday people aren’t left paying the price for the

n Strengthening efforts to identify, investigate and prosecute staged accidents and organized insurance fraud.

n Expanding accountability for people who organize or financially benefit from fraudulent crash schemes.

n Increasing oversight of medical providers who participate in fraudulent claims or improper diagnoses.

n Addressing illegal out-of-state vehicle registrations that shift costs onto lawabiding New York drivers

n Strengthening insurer anti-fraud programs by giving insurers more time and flexibility to investigate suspicious claims.

n Limiting non-economic damage awards for those engaged in unlawful or reckless conduct at the time of an accident.

n Ensuring that drivers who are primarily responsible for causing acci-

dents are not rewarded with excessive damage awards.

n Clarifying and tightening the definition of serious injury to reduce abuse while protecting those who are genuinely harmed.

n Ensuring that cost savings benefit consumers by maintaining strong oversight and protection so reduced system costs translate into relief for policyholders.

This approach reflects the values New Yorkers expect from their government. As part of the governor’s proposed budget, these reforms recognize that affordability is not abstract. It is personal. Bringing down auto insurance costs means easing pressure on household budgets, supporting workers and small businesses, and making our state more livable for everyone. We all share the road, and we all share responsibility for one another. Governor Hochul’s proposal moves New York toward a system that reflects that shared responsibility and puts fairness back where it belongs. That is a goal worth advancing for families in every corner of New York state.

Walter T. Mosley is New York’s secretary of state.

Fax: (516) 569-4942

Inspire the next generation of leaders

in speeches and campaign platforms, public officials frequently speak about the importance of inspiring the next generation of civic leaders. Far fewer take the concrete step of bringing young people into the halls of government to see how democracy actually works.

When students are given the opportunity to witness the legislative process firsthand, ask questions of policymakers and engage with peers from across the state, civics education moves beyond textbooks and becomes real.

A trip to a legislative chamber or a youth summit in a state capital can transform abstract lessons about government into tangible experiences. Students see debates unfold, observe how laws are crafted and understand that decisions made in these rooms affect the lives of millions of people.

Exposing students firsthand to the responsibilities of public service helps them understand how decisions made in government affect their communities — and their own futures. These experiences also demonstrate that leadership isn’t reserved for a select few. Instead, it is something young people can aspire to through education, service and engagement. In a Zoom-first world, it is critical that school districts budget for field trips that put students in the civic arena.

Programs that open the doors of government to students also provide something increasingly valuable in today’s civic climate: a sense of connection. When young people interact with elected officials and government staff, they learn that government is not some distant or mysterious institution. It is a

letters

Peter King defends Trump’s hockey locker room remarks

To the Editor:

system run by people who are accountable to the public, and whose work shapes the policies that affect schools, transportation, public safety and economic opportunity.

Across Long Island, many villages and towns have taken small but meaningful steps in this direction through “Mayor for a Day” or “Supervisor for a Day” programs. These initiatives give students a chance to shadow a local leader, attend meetings and get a brief but memorable glimpse into municipal government. For many students, the experience is their first real exposure to how decisions are made in their own communities.

Those programs are valuable, but they could go further. Municipal leaders might consider expanding them into broader outreach efforts that bring the experience directly into classrooms. A rotating “government road show,” in which mayors, supervisors, council members and department leaders visit schools in their communities, could reach far more students than a singleday shadowing opportunity.

By bringing government into schools — rather than just inviting a handful of students to visit government buildings — officials could spark interest among young people who might never otherwise consider public service. A conversation with a mayor or council member can demystify the process and show students that civic leadership begins with curiosity, participation and a willingness to serve.

We know that local institutions don’t always have the capacity to build these programs from scratch — and they don’t have to. We encourage students, munici-

It is continually sad to read Peter King’s opinion pieces. His notions of patriotism, justice and morality are warped by his political fervor for President Trump and his administration — and it shows.

In last week’s op-ed, “A heart-stopping hockey victory was marred by politics,” by trying to bend the president’s boys-club remarks about the U.S. women’s hockey team into a “friendly jibe,” King showed just how behind the times he is. “Lighten up!” he wrote. Really?

King went further. He tried to validate Trump’s failure to acknowledge the women’s hockey team by pointing out that the women were favored to win anyway and had secured their third gold medal since 1998. So no big deal, I guess. Talk about disrespectful.

palities and school districts to partner with established organizations that have proven track records of connecting young people to public service. Two we especially recommend are Civics Unplugged and Govern For America. CU equips high school students to work on government projects they care about, providing the skills, mentorship and connections to make that work transformative for communities. GFA places high-achieving early-career professionals in impactful, full-time state government roles — channeling elite talent where it can do the most good.

Government internships are crucial entrees into public service, too. Too often, however, these internships are unpaid. We need these positions and other entry-level jobs to pay a living wage; otherwise, the only young people who can take them are those from wealthy families, leading to further societal inequality as well as biases among policy creators who lack diverse lived experiences.

At a time when civic participation is often uneven and public trust in institutions is frequently tested, investing in meaningful engagement with young people is not simply educational — it is essential. The more these young people grow, the more our communities gain — and that cycle is the point.

If leaders truly want to inspire the next generation of public servants, they must do more than speak about civic engagement. They must open the doors of government and invite young people inside. Our children are ready to enter the arena.

Let them in.

opinions

In 27 years of classrooms, this may have been the best

You know the narrative. Today’s teenagers are checked out, phone-addicted and impossible to reach. I’ve heard it at Board of Education meetings, dinner parties and in the comments sections of a hundred education articles. After 27 years of public education, I understand where the frustration comes from.

But I walked into a classroom recently that made me want to push back on that narrative with everything I have. Every single student was engaged. For the entire lesson. Not one phone. Not one wandering eye.

What I witnessed was the result of something a team of dedicated secondary teachers, led by Ms. Geiger, built together through our district’s Professional Learning Community model: an interdisciplinary, project-based learning initiative in Global 9 that is as ambitious as anything I’ve seen in nearly three decades in this profession. Here’s how it works. Students “visit” 12 major eras of human history using

children’s literature as an entry point, a deceptively simple idea that makes complex historical themes accessible without talking down to anyone. After exploring all 12 eras, small groups choose one, identify an enduring issue that still resonates today and analyze it through at least three disciplinary lenses, choosing from among culture, economy, government, society and technology.

Every single student was engaged, for the entire lesson. Not one phone.

They build a real thesis — a genuinely arguable, evidence-supported central claim. They conduct real research. They use Khanmigo A.I. writing coach for structured drafting and revision, and they culminate in a Socratic seminar in which ideas are tested in open dialogue with their peers.

This is not a worksheet. This is scholarship.

For those familiar with the Designing Learning framework our district uses, the architecture here is unmistakable. The unit begins with the end in mind: Students will understand that history is a living conversation, and that enduring issues demand enduring analysis. The performance tasks — thesis, research paper, seminar — are authentic assess-

LEttErs

King also called out those athletes who had the nerve to express their dismay and concern over our current administration’s actions and the climate it has created here. Every American athlete has a right to speak their mind. Our athletes travel and train at their own expense, typically requiring immeasurable sacrifice from their families. While chosen to represent our country, they are private citizens, not representatives of the state.

Unfortunately, King missed the point. Everyone was celebrating the men’s victory, just as they had celebrated the women’s win a few days earlier — until the locker room antics. First of all, the FBI director was seen chugging beer, screaming and pouring beer over players’ heads like a sophomoric jock. Then Trump called and invited the team to the White House, and as an afterthought, said the women would have to be invited. And no one winced. No one stood up for the women’s team, which had beaten Canada just days before in overtime. As a matter of fact, they laughed.

The men’s win wasn’t marred by politics. It was marred by the leader of our country’s public disre -

ments in the fullest sense, perfectly aligned with our desired results. The five disciplinary lenses are transfer goals, giving students an analytical habit of mind they will carry far beyond this course. The framework’s three pillars — desired results, acceptable evidence and learning plan — are not just present in this unit. They are seamlessly woven together.

The teachers were doing something I’ve come to associate with truly masterful instruction: moving quietly and purposefully between desks, listening before speaking, prompting without interrupting. It’s a practice sometimes called kikan-shido, the Japanese concept of deliberate, supportive circulation through a working classroom. It signals to students that the teacher is present without taking over; that help is available without dependence being required. It keeps the intellectual momentum with the students, exactly where it belongs.

And the students? They were discussing productively and generously about why civilizations rise and fall, how technology transforms power and what governments owe their people. Real ques-

FramEwork by Tim Baker

tions. Serious answers. No one looked up when I walked in because they simply couldn’t afford to.

I want to say this plainly: the phone problem, the engagement problem, the discipline problem were nowhere to be found. Not because anyone had confiscated anything or issued any threats, but because the work was meaningful enough that nothing else competed. When students are asked to wrestle seriously with ideas that matter, they rise to it. Every time.

The credit belongs to Ms. Geiger and her colleagues, who designed this unit together through genuine professional collaboration, modeling the same inquiry-driven, evidence-based thinking they ask of their students. That integrity of practice is rare, and it shows.

We hear a lot about what’s wrong with teenagers. I’d rather tell you what I saw: a room full of young people thinking hard, working together and taking seriously the proposition that the past has something urgent to say about who we are today and who we might choose to become. That’s what school is supposed to do. That day, it did exactly that.

In 27 years, I may not have seen better.

Daniel Rehman is superintendent of the West Hempstead School District.

gard for a select group of Olympians, it was marred by the excuses made for his behavior, and it was marred by those who think it was no big deal.

ELIzABETH MURPHy

Franklin Square

Trump’s, and King’s, words matter

To the Editor:

As I’m sure Peter King knows, words still matter. Tone still matters (thank goodness!). A president’s words still matter. Trump’s use of the words “I guess I have to invite the women” has behind it a long history of his sexism and disrespect for women. If someone else had said it, maybe it would have landed differently.

King’s printed words “Lighten up!” are furthering a culture of disrespect toward women. Shame on him. And to think my late grandfather loved him so much. I would hope this article would have changed his mind.

SUzANNE VERA North Bellmore