Nassau Herald 02-26-2026

Courtesy Ian Isseeks

Scott Bragin was a professional DJ who died in 2019, at age 48, after battling Stage Four colon cancer for six and a half years. The foundation Rhythm Forever honors his legacy with an annual virtual 4.6-mile run/walk.

Friends turn loss into mission Annual run honors DJ Scott Bragin’s lasting legacy

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

A tradition rooted in friendship, loss and purpose is set to return this spring, as the Rhythm Forever Foundation prepares for its annual McBalls Run.

The Hewlett-based foundation was created by Marc Isseeks in 2023, in memory of his best friend, Scott Bragin, whose nickname was McBalls, and who died of colon cancer in 2019, at age 48. What began as a way to honor Bragin’s life has grown into a community-driven nonprofit supporting colon cancer research and awareness of Lynch syndrome, which also affected Bragin. Lynch syndrome is an inherited genetic

condition that increases the risk of developing cancer at a young age. Bragin fought his Stage Four colon cancer for six and a half years.

“It’s been a labor of love for us to run this foundation,” Isseeks said. “Scott meant so much to so many people. How could we not do something to honor him and his legacy, and at the same time to prevent other people from enduring the nightmare of the horrendous disease?”

The foundation is named Rhythm Forever in honor of Bragin’s profession as a DJ and his company, Rhythm of the Night Entertainment. The foundation’s goal is to let the music live on.

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Residents and members of the staff of the Peninsula Public Library, in Lawrence, spoke out about unsafe working conditions and the lack of needed maintenance at the library’s monthly board of trustees meeting on Feb. 19.

The meeting room was packed as 30 people gathered to share their thoughts and opinions.

The library has been operating without a director since Carolynn Matulewicz retired on Jan. 31, after 18 years in the position, despite the fact that Matulewicz had given the board five months’ notice.

Peri Caponi, the library’s head of technical services and a 17-year employee, was the first of many attendees to voice their concerns about conditions in the building and the lack of communication about the search for a new director.

“Our director gave ample

notice when she was getting ready to retire,” Caponi said. “Nothing was done, and she offered her services to be an interim to train a new director. We still don’t have one.”

She added that in her opinion, the board is offering too low a salary, $70,000.

“They are offering a salary that is lower than some of the people that work here and our assistant director,” Caponi said. “It’s very hard to find people that are competent enough to do a job for very little money. It’s virtually impossible. I wouldn’t be interested in that job for such little amount of money.”

Without a director, the library cannot order supplies or do any hiring. “We need a director,” Caponi said. “We needed it four months ago, and nothing has been done. The board claims they are looking for one.”

According to Caponi, the board sent an email to the community about the open posiConTinueD on page 9

Blizzard blankets across the Five Towns and Atlantic Beach

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

Just as most of the remnants from January’s winter storm had melted away, a new blizzard dumped two feet of snow on the community.

The storm, which intensified late last week, prompted Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Gov. Kathy Hochul to declare a state of emergency on Feb. 21. Hochul also stationed 100 members of the New York National Guard across downstate New York and activated the state Emergency Operations Center in Albany.

Both the Peninsula Public Library and Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library were closed to begin the week. Students in Hewlett-Woodmere and Lawrence got an extended break as schools remained closed on Monday and Tuesday.

At 1 a.m. on Sunday, the MTA and LIRR announced a “proactive service suspension,” which carried into the middle of the week for the Far Rockaway line. MTA service was restored on Tuesday morning.

Town of Hempstead crews worked from Sunday night into Tuesday morning, performing curb-to-curb cleanups across 1,200 miles of roadway.

In Cedarhurst, Mayor Benjamin Weinstock worked with the Department of Public Works Sunday night

into Monday morning. On the village’s Facebook page, the board of trustees released a statement, thanking Weinstock and public works crews

for clearing streets in frigid, windy conditions.

“Yes, it may be your job—but when you go above and beyond because you

truly care, it means everything to our village,” the statement read.

State Assemblyman Ari Brown, who resides in Cedarhurst, thanked village and town officials, as well as the Department of Public Works crews for their service during the storm and reminded residents to remain indoors. “Stay off the roads if you can and please check on your elderly neighbors,” he said.

To prevent pipes from freezing, residents in Atlantic Beach were advised to keep their thermostats set at a minimum of 60 degrees and allow faucets along exterior walls to drip slightly, according to village officials.

With wind gusts nearing 43 miles per hour, officials also urged residents to secure outdoor furniture and loose items, and to move their vehicles off the streets to assist with snow removal and emergency access.

On Monday, PSEG Long Island deployed more than 600 line workers, tree trimmers, surveyors, and other personnel to help more than 45,000 customers without power, as winds exceeding 40 miles per hour knocked down trees and wires. As of Tuesday morning, 98 percent of all outages were resolved, including new ones from overnight winds. PSEG reminded both customers and residents to always stay away from downed wires, and to never drive over them or stand near them.

H-W High School takes the stand at preliminary mock trials

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

Students in Hewlett High School’s Mock Trial Club are strengthening life skills while competing in this year’s New York State High School Mock Trial Program. The program, which follows a tournament-like structure, allows students to gain exposure to courtroom procedures. Hewlett’s 12-member mock trial club is one of 46 teams in their region, and one of 400 schools across the state.

This year’s mock trial follows two fictional characters—A. Carmen Erickson and Carson Blocker—accused of stealing used cooking oil from a bar and restaurant. Club members also portray witnesses during the trial. Hewlett’s 12 students are divided into defense and prosecution teams, with three witnesses and three attorneys on each side.

“Success in the tournament hinges on a student’s reading comprehension and understanding of the facts,” Club Advisor Daniel Birkenstock said. “At every turn, the students must think about the story they’re trying to tell the judge.”

Hewlett dominated its Feb. 4 preliminary round, Birkenstock said, adding that they argued the case clearly and made strong objections. “They did a great job,” he said.

Their success has drawn the attention of their mentor, Judge Sean Wright of the state’s 10th Judicial District, which covers Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Wright, whose daughter, Samantha Wright, attends the high school, said that the club’s student leadership and collective critical thinking skills have allowed them to excel.

“I love seeing the kids that come with enthusiasm,” he said. “It’s a joy to teach those kids.”

Wright reviews team materials, like affidavits, helping students recognize

strengths and weaknesses in the case. He shows them how to prepare strategic objections and how to respond when opposing counsel challenges them.

“Students have to learn to think on their feet,” Wright said. “Learn to ask questions and learn how to get around problems.”

The club has also helped strengthen relationships between students. Elenor

Pinkhasov, a junior and captain in the club, and freshman Elexis Weisner knew each other from Hewlett’s theater program and have worked closely together in the club. Pinkhasov acts as the defense attorney for Weisner, who plays A. Carmen Erickson.

Weisner said the club has helped sharpen both her confidence in public speaking and her analytical skills. Pinkhasov would explain to her what she should say, and the two would practice with their information to make sure they “put out the character.”

“She was the one who trained me,” Weisner said. “I loved working with her.” Pinkhasov joined the club in 2023 as a freshman at Hewlett because of her sister, Abigail Pinkhasov, and said she plans to pursue a career in law. Pinkhasov said understanding courtroom dynamics involves knowing how to “play the game” and having sound reasoning to win.

“It’s how you present the case more than what’s actually in it,” she said. “For mock trial, judges give us points on how we present the information we have.”

With the club aiming to reach the county finals on March 30 in Mineola, Pinkhasov said she and fellow junior captain Daniella Kotlyar want to win.

“Both of us are very passionate about this,” Pinkhasov said. “We’ve gone through audition videos very carefully, and we really want to make this a solid team.”

Crime watCh

Lawrence jeweler conspiracy

According to Police, three people were arrested on Feb. 20 in connection with a conspiracy involving the theft of high-value merchandise from a Lawrence resident.

According to the Major Case Squad, the incident began on Feb. 12 at 10:40 a.m., when a 59-year-old jeweler left his home in Lawrence and drove to Manalapan, New Jersey. While there, merchandise valued at approximately $1.2 million was stolen from his vehicle.

Detectives said the investigation, conducted with the Manalapan Police Department and the FBI’s Tampa Bay office, revealed that the victim’s resi -

dence had been surveilled multiple times prior to the theft, and that he was followed from Long Island into New Jersey.

Authorities arrested Yina Paola, 34, of Corona; Jairo Fernan Diaz, 43, of College Point; and Cristian Adolfo Preciado Almanza, who was listed without a home address.

All three were charged with fourthdegree conspiracy and released on appearance tickets. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents took custody of the defendants.

— Melissa Berman

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Heart Health Month

In recognition of American Heart Health Month and “Wear Red Day,” staff at Episcopal Health Services wore red to promote heart health awareness and support efforts to build healthier communities.

Hospital officials said the initiative highlights the importance of prevention, education and access to quality cardiac care. EHS encourages communi-

ty members to adopt heart-healthy habits, including eating well, staying physically active and prioritizing sleep, which can help reduce heart disease risks and save lives.

For more information about Episcopal Health Services’ cardiology services, visit ehs.org/cardiology.

— Melissa Berman

Fax: (516) 622-7460

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Enjoying hot cocoa during the cold weather

Students at Lev Chana got a warm surprise during a stretch of cold, snowy weather when Rabbi Ehrenfeld treated them to hot cocoa. The unexpected gesture brought smiles and helped students and staff stay cozy during the winter day.

Rabbi B visited Lev Chana, where he sang songs with students and staff. The lively visit created an engaging and joyful atmosphere, with everyone joining in and enjoying the experience.

Fifth grade boys at the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach recently welcomed students from Ivdu to view sukkahs they created for a school fair. HALB students explained the halachic concepts behind their designs, while their guests asked questions and shared their own learning, creating a meaningful exchange.

Students at the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach demonstrated their math skills in the school’s third grade Multiplication Bee. School officials congratulated the winners for their strong performanc-

es and mastery of multiplication facts.

The Hebrew Academy of Long Beach held its ninth annual History Day on Feb. 9, part of the National History Day program. A total of 102 eighth grade stu-

Learning about China

Students at Gan Chamesh, Chabad of the Five Towns’ preschool recently traveled the globe without leaving their classroom as part of the school’s Travelmania program.

Young learners explored the cultures of China and Mexico through hands-on activities and lessons. In their “visit” to Mexico, students examined sombreros, learned to say “hola,” and enjoyed a snack of chips and salsa. During their exploration of China, they observed traditional clothing and

accessories such as kimonos, pointy hats, paper umbrellas and lanterns. They also learned that rice is a staple food eaten with chopsticks and practiced saying “ni hao.”

The Travelmania program introduces children to the cultures, clothing, languages and customs of countries around the world. It also highlights that Jewish communities exist globally, where people practice mitzvot, study Torah and attend synagogue.

— Melissa Berman

dents spent five months researching this year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform,” analyzing historical events and their lasting impact.

Students presented projects in docu-

mentary, website and exhibit formats, combining research, analysis and creativity. Topics ranged from the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and the Holocaust to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the integration of Major League Baseball and the evolution of American entertainment.

Top projects will advance to Long Island History Day at Hofstra University on March 22.

First place winners included: Exhibit: “Tear Down This Wall”: A Revolution in Berlin, by Jonah Brown, Eitan Englander, Alex Sinnreich, Eitan Sokol and Jacob Spector.

Documentary: “A Rhythm Revolution: The Birth of Rock n’ Roll,” by Aliyah Amar, Aviva Aryeh, Ella Frenkel, Ariel Spitz and Layla Schwartz.

Website: “Branch Rickey’s Baseball Revolution: From Farm Systems to Breaking the Color Line,” by Yoni Fischbein, Rafi Levine, Sam Medetsky, Daniel Sacks and Kobe Stern.

— Melissa Berman

The Hewlett-Woodmere School District’s Transportation Office is reminding families that requests for transportation to nonpublic schools for the 2026-27 school year must be submitted by April 1, 2026. Completed applications must be returned in person or postmarked by

the deadline. Requests should be sent to the Transportation Office at HewlettWoodmere Public Schools, 1 Johnson Place, Woodmere, NY 11598. For more information, families can contact the Transportation Office at (516) 792-4814.

— Melissa Berman

Hewlett edges Sewanhaka in playoff thriller

By NICK MONGIOVI sports@liherald.com

The dog pound was barking Thursday at Hewlett High School, as the host Bulldogs nipped Sewanhaka, 47-46, in a Nassau Class AA boys’ basketball firstround playoff thriller before a packed and energetic crowd.

Sophomore Gabe Bowery’s layup with two minutes remaining put No. 7 Hewlett ahead for good. Sewanhaka had two chances to win it in the final 10 seconds but was unable to hit either shot attempt.

Hewlett senior Justin Ortiz was locked in from the opening tip, pouring in 15 of his game-high 22 points in the first half, finishing with five threes as Hewlett advanced to meet second-seeded Roslyn in the quarterfinals.

“He has been the ultimate Bulldog,” Hewlett head coach Andy DeBernardo said of Ortiz. “He’s been with us for four years. He’s a great kid and an even better ball player. We love him to death. This was on his bucket list: A home playoff game and a win. He got both.”

After every bucket of his own or big play from his defense, Ortiz made sure to signal to the crowd to keep the energy

at an all-time high.

“They [the crowd] make the biggest impact,” Ortiz said. “That’s the pound. They show out every single game and we don’t win a lot of games without them. They’re very important.”

Sewanhaka, the No. 10 seed, found a way to limit Ortiz’s shot attempts in the second half, but the All-County guard found a way to make his presence felt with and without the ball in his hands, as well as on defense. It was an emotional victory for him, as he is the only remaining player who got knocked out by the Ravens two seasons ago in the first round.

“It’s kind of like revenge for my brothers [teammates] that I was playing with,” Ortiz said. “You build bonds with people and they mean so much to you that you just want to get payback for them. We walked in their gym that day and it was really rowdy, and I just hope they felt what I felt when I was a sophomore playing at their place. I let their coach know after the game it was all love, but I had to get him back.”

It was a back-and-forth affair, as the two sides traded buckets. Senior captain Dante Anderson led the Ravens with 21

points, while the other senior captain Nehemy Fresnel added 15. They also clogged the paint with sophomores Nnamdi Amadike (6 points) and Lance Williams.

Hewlett, which led 27-24 at halftime but trailed 41-38 after three quarters, gained some much-needed rim protection from Bowery, who recorded 9 points, 8 blocks and 13 boards in the win.

“He’s done that all year,” DeBernardo said of Bowery. “All year, he’s been blocking shots and that’s probably one of his lowest totals all year.”

Senior center Kobe Cox (5 points, 10 rebounds) and sophomore Brendan Spady (5 points) came off the bench and provided Hewlett a spark.

Throughout the game, DeBernardo had his group switching between man and zone defense. He also went to junior guard Alan Tranktenberg in high-leverage defensive situations to cover Anderson, mostly.

It was a full-team effort for the Bulldogs as seniors Stefano Borsellino, Christian Champagnie and Maxon McKenniss contributed to Hewlett’s first playoff win in four seasons and DeBernardo’s first as its head coach.

Broken elevator, leaks fuel employees’ frustration

tion, but, she said, the library has a list of people who are qualified for the job and should have been notified. “Opening that job to anyone in the community is not how it goes,” she said.

Board President Akiva Lubin said the board is actively working on hiring a director. “We’ve only been working on it for three weeks,” Lubin said. “We’re imminently working on a director, between one and two people, and it will be done within a short time.”

One of two other major issues in the building is the elevator, which has been out of service since late October.

“We’ve known the elevator was on its last legs for at least six months prior,” Caponi said. “The public was notified Nov. 4. That day is when the board should have called an emergency meeting to figure it out and get it fixed.”

According to Caponi, the board did not treat the elevator as an emergency, and asked for bids for the repair work.

“This is a huge problem for anyone who needs to use the elevator to go to the bathroom, a program or the second floor,” she said. “Other accommodations have to be made, such as installing a chair lift and moving meetings like this to the first floor.”

An elevator that is out of order, Caponi said, is not only a health hazard, but also a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Trustee Joseph Lifschutz said he found the situation with the elevator unacceptable.

“We made a mistake listening to a lawyer, and this was an emergency,” he said. “The lawyer said no, so the board members lost the protection with the long wait. It was a big mistake, and it’s embarrassing to me more than you can imagine.”

The board said it is sending contractors to assess the elevator damage, and plans to have it fixed.

The other major issue in the building is the roof, which, Caponi said, has been leaking for years.

“Not only is the rain coming in, it’s ruining our books,” she said. “When you ruin the books and ceiling, you get mold. The whole place will be unusable soon, as the books will have to go in the garbage.”

Damaged books worth thousands of dollars have already been thrown out, she said.

“We’ve never heard anybody address this issue,” Trustee Miriam Statman said. “I’ve been here since last summer, and never heard anything. I believe it, but we haven’t been made aware.”

The current board members, who have not been in their positions for more than a year, claim not to know about the issue.

According to Matulewicz, the roof has leaked every year, and this year it is worse as a result of the unusual volume of melting snow.

Raising another issue, Curtis Carson, a librarian, expressed his concern about a lack of security after he received a death threat while at work. “That, for me, is a problem,” Carson said. “We do have cameras and I’m grateful for that. I think it’s now time for security.”

A lot of people come into the library, he said, who are homeless and mentally ill. “They are coming right up to your face and arguing with you,” Carson said. “We shouldn’t have to deal with that.”

Davevante Young, who works in circulation, added that residents come up to the desk all the time, screaming, yelling and acting aggressively with him.

“We like our glass — it protects us,” Young said. “It keeps a broad protection from somebody being crazy. We have crazy people — they will spit on you.”

He urged the board to keep the glass in addition to hiring security to ensure employees’ safety.

“In the new budget, we’re putting an armed security guard in place,” board Secretary Rochelle Genack said. “That should be starting very shortly. There’s a lot of work being done, and every single thing you said is very important.”

HERALD neighbors

Dishing up breakfast favorites for dinner

Kids in the Tree of Life Program at Trinity St-John’s Church in Hewlett served up breakfast at their pancake dinner, on Feb. 17.

The children dished out pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, coffee and orange juice. The cost was $15 per adult and $10 per child.

Families gathered together for a night of enjoyment while raising money for the church.

The Tree of Life Program is a non-traditional Sunday school that uses fast-paced interactive curriculum where kids are joined with parents, according to Trinity St-John’s Church. Each child must be accompanied by at least one adult who will participate fully in the experience.

“Learning together about God’s constant love,’ the church wrote on their website. “The real Tree of Life.”

— Melissa Berman

OBITUARY

Former Richmind-Way Stores owner Wayne Lipton dies

By BRIAN KACHARABA & KYLE DENSON of the Herald

Wayne Lipton, former deputy mayor and trustee of Rockville Centre as well as an entrepreneur, civic leader and accomplished musician, died on Feb. 18 from complications of recent surgery. He was 74.

Lipton grew up in Valley Stream and Baldwin, graduated from Baldwin Senior High School and went on to earn a degree in biochemistry from Harvard in 1973. For 20 years he owned and operated Richmind-Way Stores, a chain of drug stores whose largest location was in Cedarhurst and Rockville Centre.

A dedicated civic leader, Lipton served on the village Planning Board from 1989 to 1999, including eight years as chairman. He was elected as a trustee in 1999, and served as deputy mayor from 2003 until 2007 alongside Mayor Eugene J. Murray.

“Wayne Lipton dedicated his life to serving the Village of Rockville Centre,” Mayor Francis X. Murray said in a statement. “His leadership, generosity, and passion for our community touched every corner of the village. We are stronger because of his remarkable legacy. On behalf of the entire village board, and our community, we extend our deepest condolences to [his wife] Karen and the Lipton family.”

Lipton was also deeply involved in health care leadership. He served on the board of directors of Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital for 10 years, and most recently joined the board of trustees at Molloy University.

“Wayne was a very close member of the Mount Sinai South Nassau family, and he just gave all of his time and energy to the board,” Dr. Adhi Sharma, the hospital’s president, said. “He was one of these gentlemen, and a consummate gentleman, who was a big thinker, had great questions.”

Sharma said that Lipton was instrumental in pushing the hospital to improve patient care and access. “Mostly he worked with us on quality to make sure we were doing our best to provide good care to the community,” Sharma said. “He looked at opportunities to improve some of the emergency department functions — he looked at some of the ways we handled phone calls, for example, for appointments, to make sure patients were able to get access.”

Beyond his leadership, Sharma remembered Lipton for his character and presence.

Wayne Lipton, beloved Rockville Centre civic leader, former deputy mayor and trustee, entrepreneur, and principal cellist of the South Shore Symphony, died at 74 on Feb. 18. He will be remembered for his decades of service to local government, education and the arts.

professional guest dancers; performed in many concerts at the Madison Theatre at Molloy University; and collaborated yearly with Michael Bower and the Voices of St. Agnes Cathedral.

“Wayne Lipton was someone with whom I made an immediate connection on a professional and personal level,” Molloy’s president, James P. Lentini, said in a statement. “We shared a love of classical music that led to us playing duo performances together for guitar and cello, and the partnership between Molloy and the South Shore Symphony where he was president grew even stronger.”

H e was phenomenal as a person.

DR. ADHI SHARmA PRESIDENt

Mount Sinai South Nassau

“He was phenomenal as a person,” Sharma said. “He had great positive energy, big smile every time you saw him. Just the most amicable person, and very much liked to work with everybody.”

Jeff Greenfield, who served alongside Lipton on the hospital’s advisory board, said, “He was a true friend, gifted musician, generous with his time and talents, served in the community in many ways.”

Lipton was a founding trustee and an honoree of the Rockville Centre Education Foundation, and held leadership roles on the boards of Central Synagogue and Temple B’nai Sholom.

He was also deeply committed to the arts. He brought the South Shore Symphony to the village in 1991, and served as its principal cellist and as president of both the orchestra and the Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts. Under his leadership, the orchestra performed each July at the village’s Centennial Park fireworks; staged productions of “The Nutcracker” in collaboration with Leggz Ltd. Ballet and

Lipton and his wife, Karen, a retired Nassau County assistant district attorney, were married for 48 years, and lived in Rockville Centre for the past 43 years. They raised two children, Sarah Lipton Douglass (Michael Douglass) and Alex Lipton (Karen Jang), and had four grandchildren. Their eldest son, Adam, died in 2020.

The funeral service was held Sunday at Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth, with shiva following. The service opened with an instrumental rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” one of Lipton’s favorite songs, as his family entered to.

Rabbi Aviva Bass spoke of Lipton’s life as a husband, father, friend and philanthropist, emphasizing the impact and legacy he had on his family and the Rockville Centre community.

“His family grieves in their darkened world,” Bass said. “We pray that the love and support of family and friends brings them some measure of comfort.”

Bass used music as a metaphor for Lipton’s life, referencing Psalm 150m and how instruments rise to a crescendo before falling quiet.

“Wayne’s music reverberates through all those who are blessed to have known this remarkable human being,” she said.

Lipton’s children also offered heartfelt tributes.

Baker/Herald

Alex Lipton, Wayne’s son, spoke about his father at the funeral on Feb. 22 at Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth in Rockville Centre.

Rabbi Aviva Bass of Central Synagogue Beth-Emeth lead the service and remembered Lipton’s service to the community.

Alex Lipton reflected on his parents’ steady presence.

“We were never a big ‘I love you’ family, meaning we didn’t say the words out loud,” he said. “I always felt that my parents’ love was omnipresent, so obvious that the words seemed small by comparison.”

Sarah Douglass recalled her father’s unwavering support. “I definitely didn’t always deserve it,” she said. “I know he would do anything for me.”

The service concluded with the Mourner’s Kaddish and an instrumental, “Hallelujah,” and was followed by a meal of consolation, welcoming all who attended to greet and comfort the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts, at SsSymphony. org/Contribute.html.

Jean-Pierre encourages civic engagement

By ABBY GIBSON & KUMBA JAGNE Interns

Hempstead native Karine Jean-Pierre, the former press secretary in President Joe Biden’s administration, was the latest guest in Hofstra University’s “Signature Speaker” series.

Jean-Pierre, who served in the White House from May 2022 to January 2025, made history as the first Black and first openly LGBTQ person to be press secretary.

She is a graduate of Kellenberg High, in Uniondale, and Columbia University, and her involvement with Hempstead has not diminished: She gave Hempstead High School’s commencement speech in 2022, and was given the keys to the village by Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. in 2024.

“This is very much home for me,” Jean-Pierre said on Feb. 12. “This is not unfamiliar ground.”

Sister members of her honorary sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Hofstra students, community members and students from 18 area high schools attended the event.

Hempstead High senior Zeydi Guerra, 17, said that Jean-Pierre’s speech left her with more motivation to succeed in her own career. “She’s a Hempstead native,” Guerra said. “I feel like if she can make it, I can definitely do something as well.”

Speaking directly to the high school students, JeanPierre encouraged them to be curious, ambitious and passionate. A common thread through her speech, a panel discussion and an interview with student media was urging people to become involved in politics, even though the options may be imperfect.

“Your civic identity doesn’t begin at 18 — it begins when you start paying attention,” she said. “When you

Kumba Jagne/Herald

Karine Jean-Pierre, a Hempstead native and former White House press secretary, spoke as part of Hofstra University’s Signature Speaker series.

notice what feels fair and what doesn’t, who gets heard and who has to jump higher just to be seen.”

Eleanor McKay, of Hempstead, president of the Long Island Cross County Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, said she attended because she recognizes the importance of Jean-Pierre being a Black woman who held a high-profile government position.

“She talked about seeing someone touch President

Obama’s hair, a young [Black] boy, and realize that from the texture he was here and how real it is that he is just like us,” McKay said. “Sometimes it’s not really appreciated, or we don’t understand the magnitude of representation. It impacts us and the next generation.”

Hofstra University President Susan Poser introduced Camryn Bowden, a senior majoring in political science and journalism, who in turn introduced JeanPierre. Poser spoke so glowingly of Bowden’s resumé that Jean-Pierre said she would be working for Bowden one day.

“I had the opportunity to get her to sign my copy of her book ‘Independent,’” Bowden said. “She wrote in the book, ‘I’ll be watching you on the news someday.’ It was, again, just a surreal experience to hear someone who held such a high position of power in the White House say such sweet things.”

Jean-Pierre’s first book was “Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America.” Her most recent, published last October, is “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines.”

She empathized with young people’s feelings of being disconnected from the two-party system. “The two-party system often feels rigid, outdated and unresponsive,” she said. “It forces false choices and limits imagination. Questioning that system is not a failure of citizenship.”

She expressed disdain for the current administration, saying, “This too shall pass.”

“We have to work as a people to make sure that there is people power in this time, that our voices are heard, that we hold powerful people accountable,” Jean-Pierre said. “We are celebrating 250 years of this country, and that is a young democracy. If we don’t fight for it every day, we will lose it.”

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Rhythm Forever keeps the music alive

Isseeks met Bragin’s wife, Robin, at Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn in their sophomore year. He met Bragin when they were seniors, which was when Robin and Scott started dating.

“By senior year Scott had already began his DJ business,” Isseeks recalled. “He turned hoisting block parties in Canarsie to a full-fledged business while he was in high school.”

Isseeks said it was like worlds collided when he met Bragin, and they became friends very quickly. “He was a huge influence on me in terms of what independence looked like,” Isseeks said. “I always looked up to him in that way.”

The McBalls Run offers a virtual 4.6mile run or walk, scheduled for April 4. Participants can complete the distance anytime, anywhere, making the event accessible to supporters both locally and beyond Long Island. The distance represents Bragin’s birthday, April 6.

“Were trying to get this bigger every year,” Robin Bragin said. “My husband was such a larger-than-life personality. I feel like there’s a hole in everyone’s lives that he’s met.”

The foundation, she said, keeps her husband’s memory alive. “I feel, as the years go on, people kind of forget,” Robin said. “He was my high school sweetheart, and it’s not fair that the world goes on when someone passes

Courtesy Ian Isseeks the annual mcBalls run will take place on april 4, and is virtual, so anyone, anywhere, can participate. the deadline to register and receive a t-shirt is march 1.

away. I feel like, on his birthday, we celebrate his life while making people aware of this disease.”

The run/walk remains the foundation’s signature fundraiser, uniting participants through a shared commitment to the cause. Those who register by March 1 will receive an exclusive “Run Your Balls Off 2026” T-shirt, with organizers noting that even those who

choose not to run or walk can take part by supporting the mission and wearing the shirt.

Donations are accepted year-round. Supporters can also help expand the foundation’s reach by following Rhythm Forever on Instagram at rhythm.forever, and sharing its message.

“I feel like the world needs to know who Scott Bragin was,” his widow said.

“He made me at better person, and he changed my life for the better.”

At its core, organizers say, Rhythm Forever is about more than loss. Ian Isseeks, Marc’s daughter, who was 16 when Bragin died, said she felt as if she’d lost an uncle, because he was a part of her life since she was born. Ian oversees Rhythm Forever’s marketing and communications.

“We all say [that] before Scott had kids of his own, he was a second father or uncle to a lot of his friend’s children,” Ian said. “Especially to me and my sister. We had a really great relationship with him.”

Ian said that people from around the world will take part in the McBalls Run. “It’s important that this mission and its message gets out, because it’s impacting people everywhere,” she said. “What I admired most about Scott was the way he carried himself and the way that he lived.”

The foundation emphasizes unity over adversity — encouraging supporters to come together, defined not by disease, but by the determination to fight it, while keeping music and memory alive.

“We need to talk about Scoot, keep his memory alive and stop this from destroying families,” Robin said of colon cancer. “I still feel like it was yesterday that he was here.”

For more information and registration details, go to RhythmForever.com.

State highlights workforce training on L.I.

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD & CAROLYN JAMES of the Herald

As employers across Long Island struggle to fill open positions, State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon visited Suffolk County Community College’s Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood on Feb. 17 to spotlight workforce training and emphasize child care access as a critical barrier to employment.

“There are many pathways leading to middle-class, family-sustaining jobs right now, and many of them lead through community college programs,” said Edward Bonahue, president of Suffolk County Community College. “An apprenticeship, an industry-recognized certification or license or a two-year degree. Eventually, many of them can also lead to bachelor’s degrees as well, and I appreciate Commissioner Reardon helping to shine a light on these opportunities.”

Reardon toured the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, met with students and educators and highlighted several workforce development and child care initiatives included in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed state budget.

Long Island faces ongoing shortages in skilled trades like electrical work, heating and air conditioning, plumbing and advanced manufacturing. Nassau and Suffolk community colleges offer workforce training in those areas, as well as in

health care. And the Long Island Educational Opportunity Center, sponsored by SUNY Farmingdale, offers regional residents tuition-free vocational training.

Officials said the programs help create a pipeline of locally trained workers who can remain in their communities.

Will Testa, owner of Will Testa Remodeling Inc., in Copiague, noted the shortage of workers. “There are not enough people coming in to the workforce who are trained properly,” he said. “The problem is, everyone forces their kids to go to college, which may be good for some, but

it’s not good for everyone, and trade schools are important — it’s the infrastructure of our society.”

What’s important, Testa added, is that this training is designed hard in hand with local employers.

While workforce-training programs are expanding, Reardon said, employment growth also depends on addressing Long Island’s child care shortage.

Reardon, who also co-chairs the state’s Child Care Task Force, said that increasing access to affordable care is essential to strengthening the labor force. The task

force, relaunched in 2023, is developing strategies aimed at universal, high-quality, affordable child care statewide.

“The governor has spoken a lot about this issue, and made it clear that she wants every New Yorker to be able to work at their fullest capacity and desire,” she said. “And that means that we have a responsibility to help them have accessible, affordable child care to do that.”

Child care costs on Long Island are among the highest in the country, second only to Massachusetts. Families typically spend between $15,000 and $24,000 annually per child for full-time, center-based care, according to the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island.

“When you couple that with the high costs of everything else — housing, food, utilities — child care is a tremendous stress on families,” Reardon noted.

Prachi Shah, owner of Kiddie Academy, in Hicksville, said that care providers also face financial pressures. “We are grateful for Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon’s visit to the Brentwood Campus and her attention to matters affecting our industry,” Shah said.

The Kiddie Academy of Hicksville and Bethpage are independently owned and operated franchise locations that serve 350 children and employ 75 early-childhood educators. “It is essential to keep this discussion going,” Shah said, “and highlight ways the state can better support providers on Long Island.”

OPEN HOUSE - JOB FAIR! NOW HIRING SALES PROFESSIONALS

two moms opened a spa. It had one big,

Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.

*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.

MARCH 13 • 10AM-12:30PM

EAST MEADOW BETH-EL JEWISH CENTER

1400 Prospect Ave, East Meadow

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A

Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

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

MAE CAIME FOUNDER, AMAEZING MIDLIFE & BEYOND

AGENDA: VISIT EXHIBITORS

10:00AM - 12:30PM

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

RAFFLE DRAWINGS*

*must be present to win

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

STEPPING OUT

Rhythms, rituals and revelry

Carnival is back at Long Island Children’s Museum

By Abbey Salvemini

Let the good times roll when the museum opens its doors to Carnival on Saturday.

As a globally cherished cultural celebration, Carnival honors the unique traditions and diverse identities of the Caribbean and Latin American cultures it touches. Locally, Long Island Children’s Museum transforms into a vibrant street festival for its second annual Carnival — a vibrant showcase of creativity and self-expression — through a blend of music, dance, crafts and interactive programming.

Supported by New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, the event highlights the museum’s commitment to creating shared cultural experiences for Long Island families.

“As a woman of Caribbean descent, I am proud to sponsor this event at the Long Island Children’s Museum, an institution that plays a vital role in educating and inspiring our young people,” Solages says. “Events like this remind us, and teach the next generation, that diversity is our strength and that honoring our roots can be both joyful and meaningful.”

American Chamber Ensemble in concert

Hofstra University’s renowned ensemble-in-residence celebrates the legacies of founding clarinetist Naomi Drucker and longtime violist Lois Martin at its upcoming concert. The program — a diverse selection of works by Mendelssohn, Hurlstone, Beach, Dimmler, and Steven Gerber — honors both who were instrumental in shaping ACE’s storied history. In a special tribute to Martin, the ensemble performs Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 6, a masterpiece known for its prominent viola scoring. Drucker, a revered educator and co-founder, is remembered with David Holsinger’s On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss. In a testament to her impact, f Drucker’s former students, colleagues, and friends join the ensemble on stage for this moving tribute

• Saturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Admission: $18, $16 65+

• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800

• 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

While the iconic celebrations in Rio de Janeiro and Portau-Prince often steal the spotlight, the museum’s festival dives deeper into the tapestry of the region — from the energetic parades of Barranquilla to the historic traditions of Oruro and Montevideo. They are expressions of heritage and identity, artistic creativity and community spirit that define the joy of marking the changing seasons and the region’s rich tapestry.

Visitors will get a taste of Carnival’s jubilant spirit of throughout the day’s programming.

“We were looking for a festival that embodies the diversity of Long Island,” Aimee Terzulli, the museum’s vice president of program and visitor experience shares. “These cultural festivals are invitations to the community.”

Throughout the day, families can expect a lively mix of music, movement and creative experiences, set against the backdrop of upbeat Caribbean rhythms that create a lively, tropical atmosphere.

The Brazilian Samba Novo troupe, a returning favorite, gets everyone moving to the sounds of Samba and salsa music. The lively dancers and energetic drummers once again entertain the crowd and teach kids some of the dance steps, adding an interactive element to their entertainment. Those towering “Jumbie” stilt walkers, rooted as a symbol of spirit guardians, are also back, bring the magic to life as an iconic part of the Carnival celebration.

“The performances resemble what Carnival would really be like,” Terzulli enthuses.

No Carnival is complete without a massive parade to ring in the holiday. Here everyone gets into the parade spirit during what she describes as “the fantastic float parade.”

Kids can help decorate miniature floats before pulling them through the parade, accompanied by dancers and stilt walkers. And, of course, there’s a Carnival King and Queen involved — chosen from

and celebrate

those in the “crowd” to reinforce the event’s playful, inclusive spirit.

Little faces, big imaginations! From butterflies to bold designs, creativity takes center stage as kids are transformed into works of art.

The museum’s animal ‘residents” even join in the fun, helping families understand how wildlife has historically inspired Carnival imagery and costume design. New craft offerings this year include maraca-making, ribbon stick design and face painting.

However, the day isn’t just about play — it’s about perspective.

“We want everyone to find an entry point,” Terzulli says.

While the event is undeniably festive, education remains a core focus. Museum staff and performers involve conversations about Carnival’s history and meaning throughout the day, helping visitors understand its cultural roots while enjoying it all. Through partnerships with authentic cultural contributors, the museum ensures the history of the experience remains front and center.

“We make sure that when they are making the crafts, there is an exchange of why they are making it,” Turzelli adds.

Of course, no festival is complete without flavor. Families can pause for a “pit stop” to sample sweet and savory treats inspired by various Latin American and Caribbean nations, providing a literal taste of the regions being celebrated.

At its heart, the aim is for families to leave with more than just memories of a fun day. Carnival also reflects the museum’s broader mission of serving as a community gathering place.

“I hope they walk away with a sense of joy about the holiday. I think it’s a beautiful, multicultural event,” Terzulli adds. “We want LICM to be a space where people come to learn about each other.”

Sunday, March 1, 3 p.m. $20, $15 seniors 65+ or students with ID; available at the door. Hofstra University, Monroe Lecture Center, California Ave., Hempstead. For information or reservations, call (631) 242-5684 or (516) 586-3433.

“Don’t stop believin’…

Voyage rocks on with another dynamic tribute to Journey. The popular band takes everyone back to the ‘80s when Journey’s timeless music ruled the airwaves. Hailed by fans and critics alike, the band performs the music with chilling accuracy. Voyage is celebrated for their uncanny ability to recreate the legendary sound, energy and passion of one of rock’s greatest bands. With their blistering guitar solos, lush keyboard arrangements, electrifying stage presence, and stunning harmonies, the band has earned a reputation as the ultimate homage to Journey’s timeless music. Fronted by vocalist Pedro Espada, whose range and tone is acclaimed as rivaling the iconic Steve Perry, he’s backed by a lineup of world-class musicians — Robby Hoffman, Greg Smith, Lance Millard, and Dana Spellman — who bring every note to life with precision and heart. Voyage doesn’t just perform Journey’s greatest hits — they transport audiences back to the height of arena rock glory.

Friday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

HWPL Readers

rated R.

Join HewlettWoodmere Public Library Readers to discuss E. L. Doctorow’s “Ragtime.” The novel captures the spirit of America in the era between the turn of the century and the First World War in 1906 in New Rochelle.

• Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: hwpl.org or (516) 374-1967 Feb

Sõ Percussion in concert

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

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

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

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 3-5

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

Metropolitan Klezmer

Jessie’s Girl

Mar 6

• Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett

• Time: 2 and 7 p.m.

• Contact: hwpl.org or (516) 374-1967

Mar

6

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Molloy University’s CAP21 Musical Theatre students tackle Shakespeare. The Bard’s beloved comedy is a magical tale that explores the irrationality of love, desire, friendship, jealousy and magic. When the mortal worlds of four young lovers and a bungling group of amateur actors collide with a feuding fairy kingdom in a mystical forest on a midsummer eve, romantic misadventures ensue, causing chaos that only a bit of fairy magic can sort out.

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

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

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

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

Drag out that neon once again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those crazy days are back — as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off, on the Paramount stage. The band of NYC’s top rock/pop musicians and singers gets everyone into that “Back To The Eighties” vibe with the latest edition of their popular concert experience. With a lineup including four pop-rock vocalists dressing and performing as 80s icons, backed by a dynamic band, this is the definitive ‘80s experience. Jessie’s Girl’s primary line-up includes a team of NYC’s top rock and pop vocalists: Jenna O’Gara, Jerome Bell-Bastien, and Mark Rinzel. They are backed by one of the tightest bands in the city comprised of 20+ year veterans of the NYC music scene: Eric Presti on guitar, Drew Mortali on bass, Michael Maenza on drums, and Karlee Bloom on Keys and the Keytar. Each with dozens of credits performing with authentic ‘80s icons who made the music famous to begin with! From the synth-pop glitz of the early MTV era to the power ballads of stadium rock, the band captures the specific magic that defined a generation. Throw on top of that: a load of super-fun choreography, audience participation, props, costumes bubbles, and confetti — and you have a party that audiences don’t want to leave. Their motto: There’s no decade like the Eighties and no party like Back To The Eighties with Jessie’s Girl. Whether you lived through the ‘80s the first time or are just a fan of the timeless anthems, you’ll want to join in the fun.l.

by Metropolitan Klezmer on the museum stage. The band brings eclectic exuberance to Yiddish musical genres from all over the map. Performing vibrant versions of lesser-known gems from wedding dance, trance, folk, swing and tango styles, as well as soundtrack material from vintage Yiddish films, they re-invent tradition with both irreverence and respect. Sing and dance along with us at this interactive family concert! Also make a grogger, the traditional noisemaker used during the telling of the Purim story at a drop-in program, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 theater only

• Where: 11 Davis. Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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

Art Perspectives

unique window into the artist’s creative journey and the broader role of art in reflecting and responding to our contemporary world. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students (members free). Limited seating, register in advance.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

Cognitive Film Society

Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library’s Cognitive Film Society shows “Annie Hall” in honor of Diane Keaton. Keaton’s Oscarwinning performance as Annie Hall — the insecure, brilliant aspiring singer navigating love in 1970s Manhattan — redefined what a leading lady could be.

• Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett

• Time: 1 p.m.

• Contact: hwpl.org or (516) 374-1967

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

• Where: 280 Central Ave., Lawrence

• Time: Ongoing weekly, 2 p.m.

• Contact: peninsulapublic.org or (516) 967-5777

Non-fiction book group meets

Stop by Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library to discuss “Naming Names” by Victor S. Navasky. Award winning author Victor S. Navasky reveals how and why the blacklists were so effective and delve into the tragic and farreaching consequences of Joseph McCarthy’s witch-hunts.

• Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett

• Time: 1 p.m.

• Contact: hwpl.org or (516) 374-1967

Movie time

Mar

6

Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus

The all-new circus tour is a non-stop celebration of jaw-dropping acts, world-class performances and memorymaking moments. Dance, cheer and celebrate from your seat.

• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

• Time: Various, through March 8

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or ringling.com/circus

Mar

Game Time Visit Peninsula Public Library for Canasta, Mah Jongg, Scrabble and more. Seating is limited and is first come, first seated.

9

• Where: 280 Central Ave., Lawrence

• Time: Ongoing weekly, 2 p.m.

• Contact: peninsulapublic.org or (516) 967-5777

Having an event?

Mar 4

Mar 1 Mar 2

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to dress up and celebrate Purim — costumes encouraged and fun guaranteed! Enjoy a performance

Nassau County Museum of Art welcomes acclaimed artist Adam Straus for engaging conversation with noted art critic-writerfilmmaker Amei Wallach. Together, Straus and Wallach discuss his artistic process, share insights from his current and past work, and present images that illuminate the evolution of his practice. Their dialogue offers a

Game Time

Visit Peninsula Public Library for Canasta, Mah Jongg, Scrabble and more. Seating is limited and is first come, first seated.

Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library shows “Good Fortune,” starring Aziz Ansari, Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen and is directed by Aziz Ansari. A well-meaning but rather inept angel named Gabriel meddles in the lives of a struggling gig worker and a wealthy venture capitalist. It runs for 1 hour, 37 minutes and is

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

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR RASC 2006KS9 Plaintiff, Against MICHELLE WILLIAMS

A/K/A MICHELLE D. WILLIAMS, et al Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 11/14/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 3/9/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 37 Cedar Road, Inwood, New York 11096, and described as follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Inwood, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York.

will be given the opportunity to be heard on the following applications for variance relief:

Vladimir Poley - 218 Albon Road Drive Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557 -Applicant is proposing to construct an in- ground swimming pool on the property. The applicant is requesting relief from Village Zoning Code.

“ Zoning Code: 145-19 States the maximum permitted lot coverage in residential “A” district is 25%.

Applicant is requesting 27.4%

News brief

September 30, 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 March 23, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 435 Franklin Avenue, Hewlett, NY 11557. 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 39, Block 536 and Lot 84. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610165/2023.

LEGAL NOTICE

INC. VILLAGE OF CEDARHURST

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Village of Cedarhurst will hold a public hearing on 03/05/2026 at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY for the following: Petition of HUDIS SALTZ

Premises: 309 BUCKINGHAM RD

Sec/Blk/Lot 39/344/203

Case # 2026-002

265-41 A. Side yards. A side yard is required along each side of a building.

The Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association hosted the ribbon cutting for NetCost Market on Feb. 12.

NetCost Market officially joins the HWBA

NetCost Market opened its first Long Island location Dec. 16 in Hewlett.

The Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association hosted the ribbon cutting on Feb. 12.

Section 40 Block 144 Lot 350 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $524,686.09 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 606755/2022 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Anthony C. Curcio, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 1/8/2026 File Number: 20-303082 CA 158242

LEGAL NOTICE

INCORPORATED

VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor will hold a public hearing at Village Hall on Tuesday March 3, 2026 at 7:00PM. A Zoom link to the meeting is available on our website at www.hewlettharbor.go v. All interested parties

Vladimir Babekov & Luydmila Alayeva - 8 Richards Lane Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557Applicant’s are proposing to construct an inground swimming pool, cabana house, and carport on this property. The applicants are seeking relief of Village Zoning Codes.

“ Zoning Code: 145-19 States the maximum permitted lot coverage in residential “B” district is 30%. The Applicants is requesting 35.7 %.

“ Zoning Code: 145-25 A. States accessory buildings or structures constructed in rear and side yards in a residential “B” district must be a minimum of 15 feet from the property line. Applicants are requesting 4.6 setback.

“ Zoning Code: 145-25 A. States accessory buildings or structures may only be located in the rear and side yards. Applicant is requesting to build the swimming pool and cabana house in the front yard. Subject corner property has 3 front yards. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

DR. JULIO NOVELLO, CHAIRMAN ZONING BOARD

Peter Lynch - Building Superintendent Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York February 13, 2026 158474

LEGAL NOTICE. NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WHOISCAMERA, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. DAVID DIXON A/K/A DAVID A. DIXON, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on

Keith Lavallee, Esq., Referee Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, & Peddy, P.C., 400 Garden City Plaza, Suite 320, Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff 158461

LEGAL NOTICE INC. VILLAGE OF CEDARHURST

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Village of Cedarhurst will hold a public hearing on 03/05/2026 at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY for the following:

Petition of JOSEPH & SHIRAN ABRAMOV

Premises: 401 OAKLAND AVE

Sec/Blk/Lot 39/299/53

Case # 2026-003

265-38 C. Building area.

The total building area, including all accessory buildings, shall not exceed 30% of the lot area.

265-40 A. Front yards. A front yard of 25 feet shall be required. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at said hearing.

Dated: 02/25/2026

Cedarhurst, NY

Benjamin Weinstock

Mayor Jacob Plaut

Village Clerk-Treasurer By Order of the Zoning Board 158585

The side yards along the sides of a building used exclusively as a single-family dwelling shall have an aggregate width of no less than 16 feet. Neither side shall be less than seven feet in width.

The local grocery store, located at 1296 Broadway, features a wide assortment of American goods, as well as Eastern European delicacies like Zapekanka, Syrniki, Cheburek, Heart and Tongue. It also sells items from Belgian chocolates and Baltic spreads,

265-38 C. Building area

The total building area, including all accessory buildings, shall not exceed 30% of the lot area.

265-36 Height. No building shall be raised and no building or any part thereof shall be erected or altered in a Residential R-1 District which is higher than two-andone-half stories above the curb level of the street. In no event shall the top of the ridge be more than 30 feet above the level of the curb.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at said hearing.

Dated: 02/25/2026 Cedarhurst, NY

Benjamin Weinstock

Mayor Jacob Plaut

Village Clerk-Treasurer

By Order of the Zoning Board 158586

LEGAL NOTICE INC. VILLAGE OF CEDARHURST

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Village of Cedarhurst will hold a public hearing on 03/05/2026 at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY for the following: Petition of MOSES GUTTMAN Premises: 319 PACIFIC

AVE

Sec/Blk/Lot 39/349/207 Case # 2026-001 265-38 C. Building

area.

The total building area, including all accessory buildings, shall not exceed 30% of the lot area.

265-40 A. Front yards. A front yard of 25 feet shall be required.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at said hearing.

Dated: 02/25/2026 Cedarhurst, NY

Benjamin Weinstock

Mayor

Jacob Plaut

Village Clerk-Treasurer By Order of the Zoning Board 158587

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 03/11/2026 at 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 153/26. NR LAWRENCE - Ozzie Fischer, Variances, subdivision of lot, front width from

& on street line to front setback line, maintain dwelling on a lesser lot (demolish existing garage) (Parcel A)., E/s Union St., 200’ S/o Pearl St., a/k/a 258 Union St. 154/26. NR LAWRENCE

- Renewed Decks, LLC., Variances, subdivision of lot, front width from & on street line to front setback line, construct dwelling (Parcel B)., E/s Union St., 250’ S/o Pearl St. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Lawrence within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 158569

to fresh caviar and varieties of smoked fish.

“I’ve always believed that two things unite people in culture: language and the food that we eat,” Chief Executive Officer Eduard Shnayder said. “We try to bring traditions to people’s homes and the neighborhoods.”

Public Notices Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE INC. VILLAGE OF CEDARHURST LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Village of Cedarhurst will hold a public hearing on 03/05/2026 at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY for the following: Petition of SETH MELISSA FUCHS Premises: 578 MONROE ST Sec/Blk/Lot 39/272/15 Case # 2026-004

265-38 C. Building area.

The total building area, including all accessory buildings, shall not exceed 30% of the lot area. 265-41 A. Side yards. A side yard is required along each side of a building. The side yards along the sides of a building used exclusively as a single-family dwelling shall have an aggregate width of no less than 16 feet. Neither side shall be less than seven feet in width, except on corner plots, the side yard shall be seven feet.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at said hearing.

Dated: 02/25/2026 Cedarhurst, NY

Benjamin Weinstock

Mayor Jacob Plaut Village Clerk-Treasurer By Order of the Zoning Board 158584

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Nassau The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders, CWALT, Inc., Alternative Loan Trust 2007-12T1 Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-12T1, Plaintiff AGAINST Sarwar H. Riaz, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 4, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 31, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 721 Park Lane, Cedarhurst, NY 11516. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 39, BLOCK: 292, LOT: 116. Approximate amount of judgment is $947,543.00 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 000334/2016. For sale information, please v isit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Francesco Tini, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-032194-F01 88857 158545

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

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F/T CHAIR SIDE DENTAL ASSISTANT Lynbrook Location. Experienced Individual With Impeccable Work Ethics. Immediate Opening. Email Resume To: nylaserendo@gmail.com Call 516-599-7111

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

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Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

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

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What makes a basement a basement?‘finished’

Q. I have a basement with a bathroom and nothing else except a washer and dryer, back to back, with the sink and toilet on the other side of the wall. Everything else is unfinished, and I bought it this way. I was recently told that I need to have a permit for a finished basement or I have to remove the bathroom. I don’t want either of those options, but I’m being told I will be issued a violation, because the building department sent me a notice about this. I consulted an architect, who started to explain all the rules, but I need a second opinion. What should I do if I just want the bathroom and don’t want to finish everything else?

A. Sorry to disappoint you, but your building department has interpreted that your bathroom in a basement is leading to habitable use, meaning that the basement is more than just a place to store boxes and other household items. The same is true of basements that have a fireplace or a mattress-and-night-table setup. Even occasional use by a houseguest puts you in the category of a “finished” basement.

What the consultant architect may have told you is that you’ll either have to remove the bathroom, with a permit for the demolition (since your building department knows about the condition) and a separate plumbing permit to have the capping of pipes inspected, or you’ll need a lot of other items, at greater expense. Your spaces will need to meet the ceiling height requirement of 80 inches from floor to finished ceiling, or anything constricting someone from walking around, such as a steam pipe or built soffit. If you don’t have 80 inches (6 feet 8 inches), then the rest of what you do will also be important to evaluate, since your plans and application paperwork will be on hold until the requirement is appealed through a separate codeappeal process, and more paperwork will need to be submitted to the state for a code compliance variance. This means you will have to request to vary or be allowed an exception after evaluation by a review board at the state level.

Either way, a finished basement will require a second means to escape in an emergency. This can be accomplished with a larger window, with an opening no higher than 44 inches from the floor and at least 5.7 square feet of clear opening, a minimum of 24 inches in height and 20 inches in width. A window that is only 20 inches by 24 inches would not meet the requirement, however. Those are just minimums for each dimension.

The escape well has to be a minimum of 9 square feet of outside floor area, and must at least have a ladder for climbing up and away. You could also have a door and stairwell, with proper drainage, at even greater expense. There’s more, so wait until next week.

© 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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OpiniOns Stephen Miller’s politics of sabotage

Every administration has its ideologues. Every president has advisers who translate impulse into policy. But once in a while, a single figure emerges whose real work is not governance but sabotage — the deliberate narrowing of civic life.

In Donald Trump’s White House, that figure is Stephen Miller.

Miller is often described as the architect of Trump’s immigration agenda.

That may be true, but it’s incomplete. Immigration is simply the most visible stage on which Miller operates. The deeper project is broader and more corrosive: a politics designed to make Americans afraid — not only of immigrants, but of one another, and of acting freely in public life.

Miller’s real architecture isn’t just about who gets in. It’s about what kind of country we become.

The through-line is intimidation. The point isn’t merely enforcement but atmosphere: to show that the state can reach into your life suddenly, harshly,

without apology. To make people think twice before speaking, gathering, helping or dissenting. To shrink civic space until citizenship itself begins to feel conditional. In such a climate, obedience becomes the safest form of participation, and democracy begins to feel like a risk.

That’s why Miller matters. He isn’t simply a policy adviser. He is both symptom and accelerant — a product of a political sickness and one of its most effective carriers. The sickness is the belief that democracy is too messy, pluralism too dangerous, compassion too soft. Miller gives that belief bureaucratic form.

idone profound damage. And once that atmosphere is established, the most vulnerable are always the first to suffer the worst of it.

n a Millershaped America, protest would be treated as menace.

Miller’s defenders characterize him as “tough.” But toughness isn’t the same as callousness. A serious country can enforce laws without turning the machinery of government into an engine of humiliation. Miller’s politics depend on a story: that America is perpetually under siege, that outsiders are threats, that pluralism is weakness, that empathy is naïveté.

tions would be staffed by loyalty, not expertise; protest would be treated as menace; law would be less a shield than a club; and citizenship would be a conditional permit, not a shared inheritance. It’s tempting, and comforting, to say, “The Constitution will save us.” It won’t. Constitutions don’t rescue republics by themselves. They are frameworks, not force fields. They depend on officials who honor them, courts that enforce them, legislators who defend their authority, and citizens who refuse to be intimidated into silence.

It’s not a secret that his fingerprints are on some of the harshest immigration measures of the last decade, including family separation at the southern border — a policy widely condemned because it treats children not as human beings, but as instruments of deterrence. Whatever you believe about border control, using suffering as a message is a show of cruelty, not strength. But the deeper lesson is about power. A government that can make ordinary people afraid — afraid to speak, gather, help or dissent — has already

Civil rights organizations have raised alarms for years about Miller’s proximity to white nationalist rhetoric. The Southern Poverty Law Center took the extraordinary step of listing him in its extremist files. That is not a marginal controversy; it goes to the moral and ideological foundations of the policies he designs. Whether you accept every charge or not, the pattern is difficult to miss: Miller’s governing worldview is built on suspicion — of difference, of openness, of the very idea of a shared civic “we.”

In a Miller-shaped America, the safest posture would be silence; institu-

The danger of Stephen Miller’s politics is that they treat laws not as a restraint but as an instrument — something to stretch, weaponize and exhaust until rights feel theoretical and the public stops believing that resistance matters.

So the question isn’t whether the Constitution can save us. The question is whether Americans will still insist on the constitutional order itself: limits on power, equal citizenship, lawful process, and a public life in which fear isn’t the organizing principle.

Miller’s project runs in the other direction. And if it succeeds, no piece of parchment will protect us.

Michael Blitz is professor emeritus of interdisciplinary studies at the City University of New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

The challenge of celebrating Black History Month

On Feb. 5, not long after Black History Month began, President Trump’s Truth Social account posted a video depicting former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes. In response to criticism from Republicans, the video was removed the next day, but with no apology from the president.

That’s the immediate context in which Black History Month takes place, but it’s been an entire year since the last celebration of this month, during which the Trump administration has advanced white supremacy and moved aggressively to undermine America’s longstanding commitment to diversity.

The administration’s support for white supremacy isn’t new. In November 2019, in Trump’s first term, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights called for the firing of Trump adviser Stephen Miller, stating, “Stephen Miller represents white supremacy, violent extremism, and hate — all ideologies that are antithetical to

the fundamental values that guide our democracy. Allowing him to remain a White House advisor is a betrayal of our national ideals of justice, inclusion, and fairness.”

Yet in the second Trump administration, Miller has even more power. As Ashley Parker, of the Atlantic, told NPR recently, “He’s incredibly powerful. Steve Bannon and other people jokingly call him the prime minister.”

Miller is perhaps best known, as NPR reports, as “a chief architect of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.”

The Trump government has undermined our country’s commitment to diversity.

That crackdown has generated intense public opposition due to the killings in Minneapolis of two American citizens with no criminal records by ICE officers. Because ICE is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, it ironically shares the department’s mission to “safeguard the American people.” That irony is not lost on Americans, and the public response to those two deaths has echoed the outcry after the 2020 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers.

The irony of the administration continues, as the White House acts to ensure that America’s schools instill, in the words of Executive Order 14190, “a

patriotic admiration for our incredible Nation and the values for which we stand” — while detaining children through ICE crackdowns at accelerating rates. As MS NOW reports, “Recent independent analysis by the Marshall Project shows that the number of children held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement has skyrocketed in Trump’s second term — from an average of about 25 children detained per day during the final 16 months of Biden’s presidency to about 170 children per day under Trump.” On some days, the analysis found, “ICE held 400 children or more.”

What values, exactly, are those detained children learning at the hands of the administration? What values are all children learning as they witness detentions of other children, day care workers and young parents? These are actions of cruelty, not respect for human life and liberty. They are acts of lawlessness, not patriotism.

Now the administration proposes to change the way we vote in America. As The New York Times reports, “President Trump has repeatedly suggested that he wants the Republican-led federal government to ‘nationalize,’ or ‘take over,’

the running of elections.” His allies in Congress are simultaneously advancing legislation — the Make Elections Great Again, or MEGA, Act — that would make voting more difficult. These proposals completely ignore the fact that elections in the United States are free and fair.

As the Brennan Center for Justice writes, “In 2025, a new threat to free and fair elections emerged: the federal government. Since day one of his second term, the Trump administration has attempted to rewrite election rules to burden voters and usurp control of election systems, targeted and threatened election officials and others who keep elections free and fair, supported people who undermine election administration, and retreated from the federal government’s role of protecting voters and the electoral process.”

Nationalizing state elections is blatantly unconstitutional, and the legislative actions would make voting more difficult. That is exactly what this White House and its allies want to achieve.

As Black History Month continues, and in the months and years ahead, ERASE Racism will be championing inclusiveness, fairness and justice for all.

Elaine Gross is founder and president emerita of ERASE Racism, a regional civil rights organization based on Long Island.

opinions Another baseball season full of hope

The arrival of spring training, and the anticipation of another baseball season, brings back great memories. My earliest baseball memories date back to the early 1950s and the Brooklyn Dodgers, the famed “Boys of Summer,” in what is now regarded as the sport’s Golden Age. Baseball was the unquestioned national pastime, and New York’s Yankees, Dodgers and Giants were the dominant teams. From 1947 to 1956, the Yankees won eight league pennants, the Dodgers six and the Giants two.

For nine of those 10 seasons, at least one World Series teams was from New York, and for eight years, both teams were. That was a true monopoly of excellence.

The Dodgers teams of my youth included such Hall of Famer players as Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Roy Campanella, Duke Snider and Gil Hodges. There was nothing better than sitting in the stands at Ebbets Field, watching these stars excel. (Tickets for bleacher seats cost 75 cents!) As mighty as the

Dodgers were, however, the Yankees, led by legendary stars like Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford, prevailed in five of the teams’ six World Series encounters.

And then, in 1957, Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley announced the unthinkable: He would move the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles the following year, and the Giants would go to San Francisco. My childhood had come to a crashing halt. National League baseball would be gone from New York.

JMy final goodbye to the Dodgers would come on Sept. 22, 1957, when I went to their final home day game at Ebbets Field. Brooklyn beat the Phillies, 7-3, and Duke Snider hit two home runs, but that was small consolation. Dodgers baseball in New York, and my years of sports innocence, were behind me. National League baseball didn’t return to New York until the Mets arrived in 1962. They were an expansion team, which meant they were composed of players others teams didn’t want. There were some rough, lean years, but to Mets fans, it didn’t matter. They rallied behind the team, and after seven seasons, and many losses, the 1969 Mira-

cle Mets, led by their manager, Dodgers legend Gil Hodges, won the World Series in a never-to-be-forgotten triumph over the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles.

ust one example: thousands of area kids looking forward to Little League.

The Mets captured the Series again in 1986, defeating the Red Sox in a memorable seven-game struggle. There have been several good runs since then that fell just short, including a World Series defeat to Kansas City in 2015 and, most recently, a League Championship Series loss to the Dodgers in 2024. Now the Mets face the 2026 season having decided to go forward without their all-time leading home run hitter, Pete Alonso, and star relief pitcher Edwin Diaz, as well as proven veterans Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil. Their core four are gone. For Mets fans, spring training will be filled with questions and unknown answers.

I know that baseball has changed dramatically since years ago. There are almost twice as many teams now as there were then; players move from team to team, season to season; and teams regularly play inter-league games. As well, the Super Bowl has surpassed the World Series in public attention, and sports such as hockey and bas-

ketball crowd the calendar, playing well into the baseball season.

But still, that sense of anticipation remains. There is something about the fresh spring air and the crack of the bat that brings our attention back to the baseball diamond. The distances from the pitcher’s mound to home plate, and between the bases, remain the same, as do ball and strike counts. And, especially on Long Island, many thousands of kids are looking forward to playing Little League baseball in a new season, when, as always, their parents and grandparents will be in the stands, cheering them on. They’ll create new memories that, in years to come, they’ll pass on to their children and grandchildren.

No matter the rule changes or league realignments, baseball will remain unchanged as an essential component of the American fabric. Almost 75 years ago, the renowned cultural historian Jacques Barzun famously proclaimed, “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball.” That is as true today as it was then, and I believe it will be true for generations to come.

Play ball!

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

Ed Ra’s new post is good for Long Island

Having spent 23 years of my life in the State Assembly, I keep close contact with members and monitor the progress of significant legislation. I make it a point to call individual members to encourage them to take action on proposals that are good for Long Island. Which is why I was thrilled that Republican Assemblyman Ed Ra was chosen as minority leader earlier this month, in a unanimous vote.

Living as a bipartisan person, I have been supportive of Ra in his many roles as an elected official. During his 10 years in office he has been a proactive legislator, proposing laws focusing affordability, antisemitism, workforce development and controlling state costs. I was especially pleased when he became the ranking minority member of the Ways and Means Committee.

I had the good fortune to chair that

committee for 10-plus years, and have great respect for committee members who pay attention to pending laws and ask questions. Ra has been a diligent member of the committee, and he has kept the majority members on their toes. Ways and Means is the most important committee in the Assembly, and it desperately needs members who keep an eye on the 7,000plus bills that are sent to it each year.

He’s worked hard to become the Assembly’s Republican minority leader.

Ra is the third Assembly member from Long Island in my career who has held the title of minority leader. The late Assembly members Perry B. Duryea and Jack Kingston also held that job. Duryea eventually became the speaker, and holding the minority post was a springboard to the top job. I know for a fact that Ra didn’t get the leadership job without a lot of preparation, forging coalitions to win the support of the minority caucus.

I doubt that even the Republican leaders on Long Island fully understand what it took for Ra to get his new job. Over the years he has taken on all of the

thankless jobs that most members do not covet. He has been involved in reviewing all of the bills that affect the Island, and for a few years he acted as the Republican floor leader, organizing debates on bills advanced by the majority. It’s the job of minority members to craft credible arguments opposing majority legislation.

There’s a separate issue that most of the Albany establishment doesn’t understand. The Assembly’s Republican membership is dominated by upstate legislators. They tend to be anti-downstate, and want all of the key jobs for their delegation. If you talk to an upstate Republican member, don’t be surprised if he or she is anti-Long Island. They are jealous of the attention Long Island gets, and many think negatively about the downstate region in general.

When the previous minority leader, Will Barclay, an upstater, announced that he wouldn’t seek re-election this year, the upstaters immediately began to caucus to support one of their own to

keep the job in their region. At the same time, Ra had to move quickly to win a majority of the conference. That backroom stuff happens in any type of legislative body, and it takes political smarts to pull it off.

Why make a fuss about the election of an assemblyman who’s in the minority party? We’re a very big island, with multiple needs and demands. We need all the voices we can get to speak out for the bi-county area. New York City legislators have a strong voice on a variety of issues, and the Island has to fight for recognition when the dollars are being disbursed and laws are passing that help other areas of the state.

Last year I wrote a column singling out Democratic Assemblywoman Mickey Solages and Ra for their hard work in Albany. I was pleased then and now that Ra has advanced in his party leadership. Solages is a rising star in the Democratic Party, and I’m happy that Ra is now a part of the four-way leadership.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.

Long Island students need news literacy

on Long Island, where school boards debate curriculum priorities and districts navigate tight budgets, one subject can no longer be treated as optional: media literacy.

Across Nassau and Suffolk counties, students scroll through a relentless stream of headlines, commentary and viral content, frequently without formal instruction on how to tell the difference between verified reporting and misinformation.

In an era when misinformation travels faster than facts and algorithms reward outrage over accuracy, the future of journalism and civic trust hinges on what young people understand about news.

A November 2025 study from the News Literacy Project makes the stakes unmistakably clear: Teenagers are not rejecting journalism outright, but they are struggling to distinguish it from everything else crowding their feeds.

The nationwide study builds on a troubling News Literacy Project 2024 finding that 45 percent of teens believed journalists harmed democracy. But the new research goes further, examining not just skepticism but the roots of distrust — and the confusion at its core.

Teens often lump professional reporting, partisan commentary and outright online misinformation into a single category: “news.” When everything looks the same, nothing earns trust.

However, there is a mandate for action. An overwhelming 94 percent of teens said news or media literacy should

be part of their education. They are not tuning out because they don’t care. They are asking for help.

The problem is access. Only 39 percent of students reported receiving any media literacy instruction during the prior school year. More than six in 10 teens are left to decode a complex information ecosystem by themselves. They scroll through algorithm-driven headlines, influencer commentary masquerading as reporting and viral misinformation engineered for emotional impact — often without being taught how to verify a claim or evaluate a source.

That gap isn’t just an educational oversight. It is a civic vulnerability.

According to Donnell Probst, executive director of the National Association for Media Literacy Education, the most effective time to teach these skills is early, before beliefs harden and misinformation calcifies into identity.

Encouragingly, instruction works. Students who had lessons in media literacy were more likely to seek out news, and reported higher levels of trust in journalists. This is measurable impact backed by research.

Long Island school districts should take note.

Across Nassau and Suffolk counties, some schools offer journalism electives or student newspapers. Others offer none. According to a 2022 survey by Baruch College, 73 percent of New York City public schools lacked student newspapers — with access concentrated in private and selective schools. The same inequities often surface on Long Island,

where opportunities vary widely by district.

The decline of school newspapers and journalism classes compounds the media literacy crisis. These programs teach students what real journalism requires: cultivating sources, verifying facts, and asking tough follow-up questions.

If we want a generation that values journalism, we must first ensure that it understands journalism. This isn’t a “kids these days” problem. It is a larger one — and it is also a business imperative for local news organizations across Long Island. If the next generation cannot differentiate between a reported investigation and a viral conspiracy thread, it will not subscribe to, support or defend professional journalism.

Doubling down on media literacy in school curriculums is no longer optional. It should be embedded across grade levels, integrated into English and social studies classes and reinforced through experiential learning like student newsrooms. Policymakers should treat media literacy as foundational civic infrastructure, not a niche elective.

News organizations on Long Island must also step forward and partner with schools, open newsrooms, support media literacy initiatives and provide mentorship and transparency about how reporting is done.

The answer isn’t louder defenses of journalism, but deeper public understanding — teaching media literacy so people can recognize misinformation and think critically for themselves.

When public education becomes a business

If you turn on a local radio station, chances are you’ll hear a commercial for a new and upcoming charter school in the area. These schools are being promoted as a new and improved alternative to our current public schools. As they continue to spread across Long Island, we, the taxpaying community members, need to ask these questions: Why the sudden influx?

And who is benefiting financially from these charter schools?

While public schools across the Island are currently facing tight budgets, staffing shortages and increasing numbers of students with greater needs, how can we take money slated for these students and schools to line someone else’s pocket? It’s time for the community to question where the tax dollars that we voted to send to our public schools are actually going. Don’t we deserve transparency and accountability for every one of those dollars?

Charter schools promote themselves

as public schools, since they’re funded by taxpayers and families don’t pay outof-pocket tuition. But unlike public schools, these institutions aren’t watched over by elected boards of education. Who approves a charter school budget? In public schools, budgets are presented to the community over the course of several board meetings. Community members then have an opportunity to question the spending plans and ultimately vote to accept or reject them.

As charter schools continue to spread, taxpayers should be asking questions.

On the other hand, charter schools receive money directly from public schools. They are able to spend money without being accountable to the community that provides them with these funds. Their budgets are never presented to their communities, and the local school districts are unable to see where the money is going. Their spending isn’t approved by voters, and communities can’t monitor how their tax money is being spent. This lack of transparency allows public money to be spent without any accountability or oversight.

Many of the charter schools that are popping up across Long Island are run

by private management companies, real estate firms and vendors who profit from public funds. These companies often aren’t even local. They don’t have any vested interest in the community. They look at the school as a business where they don’t educate all children, but rather essentially hand-pick the students they want.

Students with special needs, or for whom English is a second language, or who have behavioral problems or learning difficulties, are often sent out of charter schools and back to public schools — which open their doors to them and welcome them. They educate every student who walks through those doors, regardless of their need. Public schools also absorb the full cost of educating them. When funding is redirected from public schools to charter schools, districts are often forced to cut programs, increase class sizes and delay crucial building repairs.

And when it comes to buildings, have you noticed how structures at charter schools can seem to be constructed overnight? This doesn’t happen because charter school administrations are more efficient. It happens because while

public schools are required to disclose contractors’ bids on capital projects, charter schools can erect a building, add an extension or do major renovations with no bidding, no approval and, once again, no community oversight. If these are publicly funded improvements using taxpayers’ dollars, shouldn’t we all be held to the same standards? This raises more questions about transparency, accountability and equality.

This isn’t about opposing school choice. It’s about making sure that public education doesn’t become a moneymaker for big business rather than an organization to educate our students. The message here is about fiscal and educational transparency. If charter schools really claim to serve the public, then shouldn’t we see how our tax dollars are being spent?

When school budgets are created, we, the taxpayers, should have a voice in the process. That money we provide should go toward educational programs for classrooms, and books and resources for children. The budgets we approve should support learning. Our tax dollars belong with the children, not in a corporation’s pocket.

Alison Chaplar, of Massapequa, is a longtime public school educator, a mother and a community advocate.

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Your opinion Matters

Your opinion Matters

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue.

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue. We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.

We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue. We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.

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Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com

Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com

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Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

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