Oceanside/Island Park Herald 02-19-2026

Launched by Oceanside couple Tom and Justine Burke, High Tide Lacrosse has turned travel lacrosse on Long Island into a more affordable, enjoyable and accessible experience.

O’side couple head youth lacrosse

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

When Tom and Justine Burke considered the growing demands of youth travel sports on Long Island, they saw an opportunity to build something closer to home.

The Oceanside couple launched High Tide Lacrosse last spring with co-creator Brian Tower, creating a development-focused youth club aimed at providing competitive training for local players without the high costs and long commutes often associated with national travel programs.

Tom Burke, a longtime lacrosse player, coach and athletic director who now teaches and oversees athletics at East West School of International Studies in New York City, said the idea took shape after years of hearing stories about families driving across Nassau County for practices and games.

“I kept hearing about parents leaving work early and driving 45 minutes for a one-hour practice,” he recalled. “We wanted to create a high-level program for South Shore kids that was local, affordable and community-based.”

High Tide Lacrosse began with plans for a single boys’ team, but quickly expanded amid

strong interest from families in Oceanside, Long Beach, Rockville Centre, Lynbrook and surrounding communities. The club, based in Oceanside, now fields three teams — of second-, third- and fourth-graders — and plans to add additional teams next year, including its first girls’ team.

Both founders bring extensive lacrosse experience. Tom Burke, 37, played collegiately and went on to compete professionally with the Boston Cannons and the Long Island Lizards. He also represented Ireland in international competition, playing for Team Ireland in the World Games in Denver in 2014 and San Diego in 2022.

Justine Burke, 37, who grew up in Oceanside, began playing lacrosse as a high school junior at the encouragement of a varsity coach. The sport changed her trajectory, she said, eventually leading her to compete at Durham University, in England, where she was part of a national championship team.

“Lacrosse completely shaped my life,” she said. “It gave both of us opportunities we never expected — to travel, to compete internationally, to build lifelong relationships. Now we get to bring that back to kids in our own

Amazon ends Fresh on L.I.

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Amazon Fresh’s high-tech approach to grocery shopping has come to an end on Long Island, as parent company Amazon announced the closure of all its Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go brickand-mortar stores nationwide, including its two locations in New York state, both on the Island.

The 47,300-squarefoot Oceanside store, at 3620 Long Beach Road, opened in July 2022 with fanfare over its easy shopping features. A second Long Island location, in East Setauket, opened in October 2024; a Plainview location that debuted in October 2024 closed less than a year later.

shame that it’s gone.”

Amazon Fresh stores allowed customers to scan a code on their phones or use Dash Carts — smart shopping carts equipped with cameras and screens that track items and tally totals in real time. Shoppers could then exit through designated lanes without stopping at a register.

think it came as a shock to everyone who worked there, and to be completely honest, it’s upsetting, because now I have no job when I come back in the summer.

The Oceanside store’s final day of operation was Feb. 1. For shoppers like Michael and Jill D’Ambrosio of Oceanside, the closure was disappointing.

ALEX ROEMER Amazon Fresh employee

“It was great, absolutely great,” Jill D’Ambrosio said. “It was just easy. No lines. You pack your bag as you go, and everything’s taken care of. What a

“You could just scan your phone and everything gets paid for,” Michael D’Ambrosio said, contrasting the experience with longer checkout lines at larger supermarkets and warehouse clubs.

Jillian Kostal, another Oceanside resident, called the store “very futuristic and a bit odd.”

“It’s a shame to lose,” she added. The closure also affects employees. Alex Roemer, who worked at the Oceanside store before leaving for college, said the announcement came as a surprise.

“I was very surprised to hear about the store shutting down,” Roemer said. “I enjoyed Amazon Fresh as well as working there. I

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NEWS BRIEFS

“Wellness Buddies” builds confidence OHS aces Harvard Model United Nations

Second graders at School No. 9E are finding encouragement — and new role models — through a growing partnership with Oceanside High School.

The elementary school and high school have joined forces for a monthly “Wellness Buddies” program that pairs second graders with sophomore mentors. The initiative is designed to foster community, belonging and well-being among students at both grade levels. Educators say research shows that strong social-emotional connections can positively influence academic success.

Each month centers on a different theme. In February, students focused on self-love.

Sophomores visited School No. 9E classrooms to read aloud “Spoon” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, a children’s book about a spoon who feels envious of other utensils and their specialized roles. Over the course of the story, the spoon comes to understand that its own shape and purpose are unique and valuable.

The message served as a springboard for discussion between the older and younger students. After the readaloud, sophomores guided the second graders through conversations and activities aimed at identifying and celebrating their own positive traits. Students reflected on what makes them

Courtesy Oceanside Schools

Oceanside High School sophomores and School No. 9E second graders bonded over a book and a subsequent discussion of what makes each of us special during their “Wellness Buddies” program.

special and how their individual qualities contribute to their classrooms and communities.

School officials said the reflective exercises help build confidence and self-regard at an early age, while also giving high school students an opportunity to model leadership and empathy.

By connecting students across grade levels, the Wellness Buddies program continues to strengthen ties within the Oceanside school community — one story, and one shared lesson, at a time.

— Abigail Grieco

Students from Oceanside High School earned top honors at the recent Harvard Model United Nations Conference, with half of the 16-member delegation receiving awards at the global competition that concluded Feb. 1.

Competing against more than 3,500 students from around the world, members of the school’s World Interest Club took on the roles of international delegates and corporate representatives, navigating complex policy debates and fast-moving crisis simulations. Participants are tasked with representing assigned countries or organizations and must rely on research, diplomacy and public speaking skills to negotiate resolutions.

The Harvard conference is among the oldest and most competitive Model United Nations events, drawing high school students from dozens of countries each year.

Oceanside’s delegation brought home eight awards — one of the club’s strongest showings in recent years.

Arianna Shamin earned Best Delegate honors representing the United Nations Development Programme. Maxwell Greenberg was named Outstanding Delegate for his work in the Economic and Financial Affairs Council.

Honorable Mentions were awarded to Ryan Stromer, who represented the Apple Board of Directors; Anthony Badalamenti, International Civil Aviation Organization; Suhaana Masud, Finance and Economics Committee of the Economic and Social

Students from Oceanside High School earned top honors at the recent Harvard Model United Nations Conference, with half of the 16-member delegation receiving awards at the global competition that concluded Feb. 1.

Council; and Gabe Santiago and Sophia Kenn, who served on the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee.

Sabrina Zendaki received a Diplomatic Commendation for her representation of the International Monetary Fund.

Model United Nations competitions challenge students to think critically and respond in real time to evolving global scenarios, often requiring delegates to draft resolutions, negotiate with peers and defend their positions in formal debate.

The Oceanside High School World Interest Club is advised by Gavin Kalner and Karen Kosakoff.

— Abigail Grieco

Valentine’s-themed tattoo night draws crowd

By ABIGIAL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Love was in the air — and on display in ink — at South Shore Craft Brewery on Valentine’s Day as Lejend Tattoo hosted a flash tattoo event that drew couples, friends and walk-ins eager to mark the holiday in a nontraditional way.

Dubbed “’Til Death Do Us Ink,” the first-come, first-served event flipped Valentine’s Day on its head, offering pre-designed flash tattoos alongside cold beer, boutique vendors and live music by the Hot Dam Band.

Patrons selected from a curated sheet of designs created for the event. The flash options ranged from beer mugs and bottle caps to four-leaf clovers and love-themed images such as XO, heart-shaped envelopes and even broken hearts. Customers chose their design on site before sitting down with one of the studio’s artists for same-day tattooing.

Lejend Tattoo artists Isabella Milone, Kezla Hatch, David Patel and Jessica Connel worked throughout the event, transforming the brewery space into a pop-up studio. The shop, based in Franklin Square, specializes in fine line, black and gray, color, anime, minimalism, traditional work, portraits and custom arm and leg sleeves.

The Valentine’s event combined body art with a lively social atmosphere. In addition to tattooing, attendees browsed boutique vendors set up around the brewery and gathered near the stage for live music, creating a steady flow of activity throughout the evening.

Flash tattoo nights, which feature smaller, pre-drawn designs offered at set prices, have grown in popularity for their accessibility and spontaneity. By pairing the concept with a holiday often associated with romance, Lejend Tattoo created an alternative celebration centered on creativity and selfexpression.

For many attendees, the event offered a lasting souvenir — one that will remain long after the Valentine’s Day decorations are packed away.

$45K Rolex sold for $50

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

A vintage Rolex Submariner purchased for just $50 at a local estate sale was sold to KOTLER’S Pawn Shop on Sept. 24, 2025 for an undisclosed amount after experts determined the timepiece is worth about $45,000.

The watch was identified as a Rolex Submarine reference 6536/1, a highly sought-after early model produced between 1956 and 1958. Ronald Kotler, owner of the Island Park shop, said the sellers brought the watch in after finding it at a local sale and shared what they had paid.

“We evaluated it and found out that it was a very important Rolex Sub,” Kotler said. “Today, those timepieces in that condition are worth approximately $45,000.”

Kotler said examining the reference number engraved between the lugs, which confirmed the model and era of production, authenticated the watch.

The 6536/1 is often grouped with other early Submariners nicknamed the “James Bond” models because similar references were worn by Sean Connery in the franchise’s early films. While this exact reference did not appear on screen, it shares key characteristics prized by collectors.

On Kindness

Pre-dating the introduction of crown guards, the model features a slim case profile and a “small crown.” The example brought into the shop retains its original gilt dial, gold-toned lettering and luminous hour markers that have developed a warm patina over decades.

Though the watch was sold without its original box or paperwork, Kotler said its condition remains exceptional. He noted that original documentation from the 1950s could have pushed the value significantly higher.

A vintage Rolex Submariner purchased for just $50 at a local estate sale was sold to KOTLER’S Pawn Shop on Sept. 24, 2025 for an undisclosed amount after experts determined the timepiece is worth about $45,000.

The Long Island residents who brought in the watch knew it was a Rolex but were unaware of its full market value. After learning its significance, they chose to sell it to the shop.

Kotler called the discovery a “needle in a haystack” and advised families handling estate items to seek professional evaluations before selling.

“Bring it to a reputable business and find out exactly what you have,” Kotler said.

The watch remains in the possession of KOTLER’S, where it is expected to draw interest from serious collectors who recognize the rarity and historical significance of early Submariner models.

WEB

Library launches its first mystery book club

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Mystery lovers gathered at the Oceanside Library last week for the debut of a new book club dedicated to whodunits, led by Adult Services Librarian Beth Paul.

The inaugural meeting, held Thursday evening, marked the launch of what Paul plans to make a permanent, bi-monthly program exploring a range of mystery subgenres — from cozy classics to darker, hard-boiled tales.

Paul said the idea for the club grew out of her lifelong love of mystery novels and frequent conversations with library patrons.

“I just absolutely love mysteries,” she said. “I’ve been a big fan since I was a kid. I’m always talking to adult patrons about mystery books, because a lot of them also read mysteries. But when you’re at the desk, you can’t really get into anything in depth.”

The book club, she said, offers a more intimate setting for thoughtful discussion and stronger connections among readers.

For its first selection, the group read “The Thursday Murder Club,” a lighthearted mystery by Richard Osman. Paul said she intentionally chose a book that was accessible and

not overly long to ease members into the new club.

“I wanted to do something kind of light — something we could all just relax and enjoy,” she said.

Future selections will vary in tone and style. April’s pick is “The Word Is Murder” by Anthony Horowitz. Paul said she is also considering works by Agatha Christie, Ann Cleeves and Louise Penny.

The club will meet every other month, a schedule Paul said accommodates patrons who participate in multiple book clubs and allows ample time to finish longer novels.

“One comment I’ve gotten is that people feel like they have to rush when it’s monthly,” she said. “This gives them more of an opportunity to pick up the book and enjoy it.”

About a dozen patrons attended the first meeting, engaging in lively conversation about plot twists, character motivations and the novel’s surprise ending. Paul said mystery novels naturally lend themselves to discussion because readers are constantly forming — and revising — theories.

“You’re always guessing,” she said. “You think you know who did it, and then you find out you’re wrong. So you keep reading because you need to know.”

Paul prepares discussion ques -

tions in advance but said the patrons largely guide the conversation themselves, often offering perspectives she had not considered.

“I’ve read this book twice now, and people were bringing up thoughts on characters that I had never even thought of,” she said. “It really changes your perspective.”

As a first-time leader of an adult book club — after previously working in children’s services — Paul said she enjoys being part of the conversation rather than solely directing it.

“It almost feels less like I’m trying to lead a discussion and more like I’m part of it,” she said.

The club is open to new members at any time. Each meeting focuses on a new book, and participants simply need to read the selection and attend.

Beyond literary analysis, Paul said the program offers something equally important: community.

“It gives people a chance to get out of the house,” she said. “It’s giving them something to do. It’s giving them new people in the community to meet and discuss with. It’s really an opportunity to build a connection.”

With steady attendance at its first meeting, the club appears poised to become a regular gathering place for local mystery enthusiasts.

Mystery lovers gathered at the Oceanside Library last week for the debut of a new book club dedicated to whodunits, led by Adult Services Librarian Beth Paul.

New fire chiefs installed at annual ceremony

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

The Oceanside Fire Department installed its 2026 chiefs and honored several longtime members during its annual installation dinner Jan. 31 at the The Inn at Fox Hollow Hotel.

Chief of Department Sean Lynch was sworn in alongside First Assistant Chief Kevin Klein, Second Assistant Chief Mark Sparberg and Third Assistant Chief William Sitzman. In addition to the department’s four chiefs, five captains representing Oceanside’s five firehouses, along with lieutenants and other officers, took the oath of office.

The annual ceremony, a tradition that dates back at least 75 years, formally marks the transition of leadership for the volunteer department. Fire commissioners conducted an inspection before officers were sworn in, and the evening concluded with a celebration attended by members, their families, local elected officials and neighboring fire chiefs.

“This is a long-standing tradition for the department,” First Assistant Chief Kevin Klein said. “It’s a night to acknowledge the leadership for the coming year, but also to thank our members and their families for the sacrifices they make.”

This year’s event also highlighted an extraordinary milestone: five members were recognized for 50 years of service. Honored were Honorary Captain James Calderone, ExCaptain Arthur Seaman, Ex-Captain Peter Chiovitt, former Chief Fred Robinson and Ex-Captain James Jesionkowski. Two additional members were recognized for 25 years of service.

Klein said it is increasingly rare for volunteer firefighters to reach such milestones, citing the financial pressures and time demands facing Long Island families. Having five members reach the 50-year mark in the same year is “almost unheard of,” he said.

The installation dinner serves not only as a ceremonial swearing-in but also as an opportunity for outreach and recruitment. The department maintains an active presence in the community beyond emergency

response, participating in school events, holiday tree and menorah lightings, food and gift deliveries to families in need and fire prevention education programs.

“We want the community to know we’re their neighbors,” Klein said. “Yes, when you call 911, we’re coming. But we’re also the people down the block who care about this town.”

Klein emphasized that public events like the installation dinner help residents put faces to the names of the chiefs and officers responsible for their local firehouses. They also provide visibility that can encourage new volunteers to join the ranks.

Each incoming chief outlines goals and priorities for the year during the ceremony, setting the tone for the department’s direction. Leaders also take time to recognize the families of volunteers, acknowledging the missed dinners, holidays and sporting events that often accompany emergency calls and leadership responsibilities.

“We can’t do this without the support of our loved ones,” Klein said. “Their sacrifice is part of our service.”

As the 2026 leadership team begins its term, Klein said the department remains focused on community engagement, recruitment and maintaining the tradition of volunteer service that has defined Oceanside for generations.

Oceanside loses high-tech supermarket chain

think it came as a shock to everyone who worked there, and to be completely honest, it’s upsetting, because now I have no job when I come back in the summer.”

Amazon declined to disclose how many employees would be affected, but said it was working to find them other positions in the company.

In a blog post, Amazon said it had not “created a truly distinctive customer experience with the right economic model needed for a large-scale expansion,” despite “encouraging signals” in its physical grocery stores.

The company operated 57 Fresh stores in eight states, including California, Illinois, New Jersey and Virginia. The California locations will remain open longer to comply with state requirements. There are 14 Amazon Go convenience stores in several states, though none are on Long Island.

Retail analysts say profitability — not novelty — likely drove the decision.

Joe Feldman, a senior managing director at the Manhattan-based brokerage firm Telsey Advisory Group, said the stores may not have performed poorly, but struggled to justify the significant investment in technology.

“They’re unique in the technology that they brought,” Feldman said. “But if someone needs to go buy bananas, strawberries and some bread and milk, technology is not going to draw them.”

Instead, Feldman explained, proximity, freshness, assortment and service tend to be primary factors influencing where customers shop.

Amazon purchased Whole Foods for $13.7 billion in 2017, as it sought to expand its grocery footprint and compete more directly with mass retailers such as Walmart, the nation’s largest grocery seller.

According to Chicago-based market research firm Numerator, Walmart held about 21 percent of the U.S. grocery market share in the year that ended Sept. 30. Whole Foods ranked 12th, with 1.62 percent of in-store sales, while Amazon — including Fresh and Go stores’ sales and Whole Foods’ online sales — ranked 14th, with 1.56 percent.

Amazon opened its first Fresh store in Woodland Hills, Calif., in 2020. The company paused new store openings in 2023 as it worked to refine the concept, then resumed its expansion in the summer of 2024 before announcing the nationwide closures.

The company said it planned to focus instead on growing its online grocery services and expanding Whole Foods, with more than 100 new stores planned in the next several years. Amazon also added perishables to its same-day delivery service in 2025, and is testing Amazon Now, a rapid-delivery service promising groceries and household items in 30 minutes or less, in select cities.

For Oceanside shoppers, however, the end of Amazon Fresh marks the loss of a store many saw as a glimpse into the future of grocery shopping — even if that future proved short-lived.

Amazon Fresh’s high-tech approach to grocery shopping came to an end at its Oceanside location on Feb. 1, leaving employees and shoppers surprised by the sudden closure.

What’s underground comes back around

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

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

Second installment in a series about water.

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

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

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

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

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

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

RISING TIDES

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

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

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

Bethpage’s tarnished legacy

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

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

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

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

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

Chemicals linger, at what cost?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The race against the spread

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

Saga of Navy-Grumman plume continues

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

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

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

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

The challenge is the magnitude of the contamination.

Jason PelTon Remedial bureau director, Department of Environmental Conservation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northrop Grumman did not respond to requests for comment.

the northrop Grumman rW-21 Area Groundwater extraction and treatment

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

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

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

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

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

Pickleball tournament rallies support for nonprofit

By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com

The Bethany House pickleball tournament returned for its sixth year on Feb. 1, bringing players together at Pickleball Xpo in Oceanside to raise funds for programs serving women and children experiencing homelessness.

Founded in 1978, Bethany House provides emergency shelter, transitional housing and support services for homeless women and women with children. The nonprofit offers individualized case management, trauma-informed care and empowerment programs aimed at helping families achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

The fundraiser began six years ago after Jane McCabe, co-chair of Bethany House’s Resource Development Committee, connected with pickleball organizer Frank Milillo, who suggested hosting a tournament to benefit the organization. The event was first held at the Rockville Centre Recreation Center before moving last year to the larger Pickleball Xpo facility.

Lisa King, co-chair of Bethany House’s Development and Communications Committee, said about 40 players participated this year, raising more than $3,100 through entry fees and raffles to support Bethany House programs.

The tournament uses a round-robin format, allowing players to rotate partners and opponents so everyone sees ample court time. Games are typically played to 11 points, win by two, with standings determined by wins and point totals. Winners received prizes, while raffle baskets added to the fundraising total.

King noted the event is structured mainly around individual participants rather than fixed teams, though many attendees come with friends, creating a social and welcoming atmosphere alongside friendly competition.

Milillo said the tournament continues to succeed because it combines recreation, community and charity.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to learn something new, have fun and be competitive, but the social aspect is beyond anything you can imagine,” he said.

Proceeds benefit Bethany House guests, helping fund services and programs for women and families working toward stable housing.

Icons. Insights. Impact.

State Republicans rally around Blakeman

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

By Chris ColuCCi, ABig Ail grieCo & AngelinA Zing Ariello of the Herald

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I are running to restore common sense.”

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

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

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

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

the office.

unsafe in their own communities.”

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

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

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

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

Along with Hochul, the Democratic

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

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

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

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

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

MARCH 13 • 10AM-12:30PM

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Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

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

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

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

Compiled by Herald Staff

Ariel Borkowsky Farmingdale

Someone paid for my coffee in front of me, and I paid for the person in back of me

Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald

What is one act of kindness you have experienced or given recently?

Joe Mascaro

Merrick

I shoveled my elderly neighbor’s driveway after the snowstorm.

Abbey Salvemini/Herald

Jarrod Murphy

Rockville Centre, age 10

When somebody was being mean to me at recess, my friends invited me to play football with them. Then, when they were feeing sad, I helped them back and let them play with my friends.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Maria DeLuca

Glen Cove

Somebody on the Glen Cove neighbors Facebook created a group for people to come together and ideate on ways they can help homeless people in the area.

Roksana Amid/Herald

Carson Giacopelli

Lynbrook, age 18

A neighbor with dementia didn’t have anybody to help her shovel. So, my family and I showed up to shovel her property for her. No money, it is all part of Lynbrook Cares.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Local program aims to change travel lacrosse

community.”

The couple runs the club with Codirector Brian Tower, who is active in Oceanside youth lacrosse. Tom Burke oversees coaching and player development, while Justine, who works in marketing and advertising, manages operations, branding and outreach.

From the outset, affordability was central to the club’s model. The Burkes explained that some travel programs can cost thousands of dollars per season, with additional fees for tournaments, uniforms and equipment. High Tide posts transparent pricing online and includes uniforms, tournaments and even team-building events in its fees, which average $2,500 per player for the club teams. The cost of clinics ranges between $20 and $40 per session.

“We didn’t want parents surprised halfway through the season with extra charges,” Justine said. “We priced it to cover expenses and keep the program sustainable, but also accessible.”

Practices are held outdoors at various Oceanside school fields during the fall and spring, with winter indoor sessions at Coleman Country Day Camp in Freeport. In addition to regular training and tournaments, the club organizes social events designed to foster camaraderie among players and families.

Last fall, High Tide hosted a jersey reveal and pizza party at the Friedberg JCC in Oceanside. More recently, players went on a team outing in Farmingdale. The club is also planning a spring visit to Hofstra University, where players will tour facilities and watch a college lacrosse game after taking part in pregame activities.

Tom Burke said the program emphasizes skill development and confidence over wins and losses. “We’re not chasing trophies at this age,” he said. “We’re focused on teaching fundamentals, building confidence and helping kids fall in love with the game.”

The Burkes say their backgrounds in education help the program stand out. High Tide’s three coaches are teachers as well as experienced players, a combination they believe helps create a positive learning environment for young athletes.

For the couple, who have three children, Julian, 7, Sienna, 5, and Riley, 18 months, the club is also personal. Julian’s age group was the initial inspiration for the first team.

“It’s definitely a leap of faith to start something like this,” his father said. “There’s time, financial commitment and risk involved. But seeing the kids excited to put on their jerseys and the parents happy with their progress — that’s been the most rewarding part.”

As High Tide Lacrosse prepares to expand, the founders say their mission remains the same: to keep competitive lacrosse close to home and rooted in community.

“We’re small, and we’re growing,” Tom

Burke said. “But if we can give local families a high-quality option that feels accessible and supportive, then we’re doing what we set out to do.”

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

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

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

STEPPING OUT

Hoops, hijinks and history

By Andrew Coen

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

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

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

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

Guard Lucius

Harlem Globetrotters at 100

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

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

Wild days in the Bronx

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

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

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

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

and

pursue their dreams — anything is possible with good

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

• Feb. 21, 2 p.m.

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

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

• Nassau Coliseum, Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale

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

In addition to the Globetrotters’ famed high-flying dunks, the number of longdistance shots are always a thrill.The Globetrotters famously introduced a 4-point shot in 201, 30 feet from the basket, which is seven feet longer than the NBA’s three-point line.

Winston, who played college basketball at Tuskegee University, relates that interaction with the fans is what makes attending a Globetrotter game particularly unique. Among the signature moments, the team holds a free postgame autograph session. And during the game those in the crowd are frequently called down to the court to participate in stunts. Everyone can also take part in premium options that enable pregame access to meet players along with joining the team for warmups on the court.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

FEB 19

Thrift Shop

First United Methodist Church of Oceanside’s thrift shop is one of the best kept secrets in Oceanside. Everyone is welcomed and cared for as they shop for great buys. Find lothing, household items, books and much more!

• Where: 2915 Davison St., Oceanside

• Time: 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m., also Feb. 24, Feb. 26, and throughout March

• Contact: (516) 766-3778

Novel Nights Book Club

Stop by Oceanside Library for “Novel Nights,” a cozy book club dedicated to stories that lift your spirits and warm your heart. Each month, dive into an uplifting, life-affirming novel that celebrates connection, resilience and the beauty of everyday moments. Whether you’re an avid reader or simply looking for a welcoming space to unwind and connect, you’ll find good books, great company and meaningful conversation waiting for you. Come ready to relax, reflect and leave feeling inspired.

• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or (516) 766-2360

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

FEB 27

“Don’t stop believin’…

Psychic Dinner Night

Sangria 71 in Island Park welcomes all to one-on-one psychic readings by a member of The Long Island Psychics. Tickets are required; includes three courses and various drinks.

• Where: 4585 Austin Blvd., Island Park

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 882-4250

Trivia Night

Stop by Barrier Brewing Co. for trivia night! Teams compete in a series of fun, challenging questions across a variety of topics. Bring your knowledge, work together and enjoy a lively, interactive evening.

• Where: 3001 New St., Unit A2, Oceanside

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 594-1028

25

National Foundation Football Hall of Fame Ceremony

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

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

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

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

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

Tai Chi for Arthritis

Move with confidence, calm and control with Tai Chi sessions at the Friedberg JCC. This specially designed program for arthritis and fall prevention uses gentle, flowing movements to support

balance, stability and mental focus on a relaxed, welcoming setting.

• Where: Sunrise Association Building on JCC Campus, Sunrise Room B, 11 Neil Court, Oceanside

• Time: 10 a.m., also Feb. 27, March 6, March 13

• Contact: (516) 766-2360

Tunes with Too Fat Guys

Catch Too Fat Guys at EGP

Oceanside. Enjoy acoustic covers from all your favorite artists, all genres and every decade. Everyone will hear something they like!

• Where: 2823 Long Beach Road, Oceanside

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 766-9547

Family theater

Long Island Children’s Museum stages “Pete the Cat,” the charming musical based on the book series by Kimberly and James Dean. Life is certainly an adventure for Pete, no matter where he winds up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most

organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.: also Feb. 25-26

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

FEB

21

Tribute to the Legends

Kenny Hendricks presents a fun show at Island Park Library. Kenny on keyboards performs hits from Billy Joel, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Van Morrison, the Eagles, James Taylor and more! A nostalgic musical journey you won’t want to miss!

• Where: 176 Long Beach Road, Island Park

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: islandparklibrary.org or (516) 432-0122

Mozzarella Demonstration and Tasting

What could be more fun than hand-pulling your own fresh mozzarella? Stop by Oceanside Lutheran Church for a mozzarella demonstration and tasting where you’ll laugh, eat and drink as you learn about the process of making delicious mozzarella cheese. $30 includes instruction plus two pounds of cheese curd to take home. BYOB and snacks, raffles baskets too. Register at bit.ly/ OLCCheese.

• Where: 55 Fairview Ave., Oceanside

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 766-0136

FEB

24

Let’s Meet And Network On Long Island

Join in this community business networking dinner. Share advice, grow your business network, and enjoy a casual evening. Free and fun. Separate checks. RSVP needed.

• Where: Oceanside IHOP, 2971 Long Beach Road

• Time: 6-8 p.m.

• Contact: Register at lmnoli.com or call Mark at (516) 993-0053

Oceanside High School hosts the National Foundation Football Hall of Fame Ceremony to celebrate its student athletes. Players must report 30 minutes early. Dress attire is required.

• Where: Oceanside High School, 3160 Skillman Ave., Oceanside

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 678-8543 FEB

Tunes with Paul Joseph Trio

The Paul Joseph Trio visits Oceanside Library. The band is known for its unique jazz arrangements of classical music, as exemplified in their performance with New York’s Nova Philharmonic of “Mozart Meets Jazz,” along with other genres. PJT’s dynamic rhythm section consists of drummer Danny Borg and bassist Edgar Mills, both seasoned performers.

• Where: 30 Davison Ave. Oceanside

• Time: 7-8 p.m.

• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or (516) 766-2360

Having an event?

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

I.P. Students of the Month celebrated Game day meets Shabbat in Oceanside

Students across K-8 grade levels were recognized for their character and leadership at the Feb. 9 Island Park Board of Education meeting.

Nine students were named January Students of the Month, an honor tied to the district’s learner profile attribute of the month: “Responsible Decision Maker.” The designation highlights students who demonstrate ethical judgment, accountability and an awareness of how their choices affect themselves, others and the environment.

District officials said the honorees exemplify strong character by considering the consequences of their actions and accepting responsibility for their decisions.

The students recognized were Sunny Bergen, kindergarten; Madelyn Torborg, first grade; Brittyn Sweeney, second grade; Persephone Scotto, third grade; Alexa Lajato, fourth grade; James Tice, fifth grade; Karlee Timm, sixth grade; Kayla O’Connell, seventh grade; and Maria Silva Martinez, eighth grade.

Following the student recognitions, Superintendent of Schools Vincent Randazzo provided district updates to board members and the public. His presentation slides are available on the Superintendent’s Corner page of the Island Park Union Free School

Lincoln Orens Middle School Principal Bruce Hoffman, far left, Francis X. Hegarty Principal Shannon Malagreca, second from right and Island Park Schools Assistant Principal Gina Fazio, far right, honored the Island Park K-8 January Students of the Month at the Feb. 9 Board of Education meeting.

District website. A recording of the full Board of Education meeting is also available on the district’s YouTube channel. — Abigail Grieco

Worshippers traded traditional attire for team jerseys and even a foam cheese hat as Temple Avodah in Oceanside hosted a spirited Super Bowl Shabbat service on Feb. 6.

The football-themed service drew congregants of all ages for an evening of prayer, storytelling and song, blending Jewish tradition with a touch of game-day excitement. The service was led by Rabbi Jeshayahu (Shai) Beloosesky and cantorial soloist Steven Wagner, who incorporated sports references and Super Bowl themes into the liturgy.

Past President Rob Keilson energized the younger members of the congregation, inviting them up for a lively round of Ten Commandments and Super Bowl trivia. Children eagerly answered questions as Keilson sported a bright yellow cheese foam hat in keeping with the festive mood. Sanctuary seats were dotted with fans wearing jerseys representing their favorite teams. Despite the playful atmosphere, the congregation maintained the reverence of Shabbat while celebrating the sense of community the annual event fosters.

Following the service, congregants gathered for a traditional oneg, a postShabbat reception that this week featured a decidedly football-inspired spread. Guests filled their plates with hot dogs, wings, chili and other game-

day staples, and capped off the meal with slices of a football-themed cake.

A team of volunteer chefs — Ben Velella, Gil Balanoff, Philip Perlmutter, Adele Daboli and William Daboli — prepared the Super Bowl buffet. The group worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the celebration was both festive and welcoming.

Members said the service offered a meaningful way to come together in prayer while sharing in the camaraderie and fun surrounding one of the year’s biggest sporting events.

— Abigail Grieco

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CSFB MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH

CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2004-CF2, Plaintiff, vs. ALAN MICHAEL BAER AND LESLIE DANA BAER, AS ADMINISTRATORS OF THE ESTATE OF STELLA ANN BAER, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order

Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 16, 2022 and an Order Substituting CourtAppointed Referee duly entered on September 11, 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 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 103 Knight Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 452 and Lot 11. Approximate amount of judgment is $285,512.03 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #004462/2009.

Robert John Aiello, Esq., Referee

Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 158023

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST

COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX

MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-AR7, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-AR7, -againstJENNIFER IADEVAIO, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on February 14, 2017, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR INDYMAC INDX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-AR7, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-AR7 is the Plaintiff and JENNIFER IADEVAIO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on March 6, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 61 MONTGOMERY AVE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572; and the following tax map identification: 43-332-349.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATED, LYING AND BEING AT OCEANSIDE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 019258/2009. Barton Slavin, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION

OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 158215

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION of Grandeur Elite Rentals LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/14/26 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to Legal Zoom United States Corporation Agents, INC 7014 13th Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: any lawful act 158225

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, AGAINST CHRISTAKI I. SOFOCLI A/K/A CHRIS SOFOCLI, INDIVIDUALLY AND AS TRUSTEE OF THE ELENI SOFOCLI FAMILY TRUST; ANDREA SOFOCLI; ELENI SOFOCLI; BENEFICIARIES OF THE ELENI SOFOCLI FAMILY TRUST, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely; the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such

deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real properly by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; et al. Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on October 16, 2025.

I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 18, 2026 at 3:00 PM premises known as 17 Pine St, Oceanside, NY 11572.

Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 38, Block 146 and Lot 146. Approximate amount of judgment $49,745.26 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #612001/2023. Joseph Covello, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 158325

Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

NEWS BRIEFS

Scholarship fund awards graduating seniors

A scholarship fund created to honor the legacy of a longtime Island Park family is continuing to invest in the village’s students, awarding four $25,000 scholarships annually to graduating seniors.

Island Park resident and Lincoln Orens Middle School teacher Karen Davis established the John Esposito Commodore Scholarship Foundation in 2023, fulfilling a request made in her cousin John Esposito’s will in 2021. Esposito asked that a scholarship fund be created for deserving students in the village.

The nonprofit foundation, managed by a board of directors with Davis serving as president, provides need-based scholarships to Island Park residents who attend Long Beach High School or a private high school. Funding comes from Esposito’s estate and has been invested to ensure the scholarships can be awarded in perpetuity.

“These days, pretty much everyone needs assistance in paying for college because of the incredibly high tuition and housing rates,” Davis said. “We encourage those students who meet the criteria to apply.”

While applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 80 percent, Davis said the foundation places greater emphasis on family values, community involvement and a strong work ethic than on academic performance alone. The scholarship is permanently tied to the history of the Commodore fishing station, owned by the Esposito

Second year scholarship recipients and Karen Davis, second from

celebrated the John Esposito Commodore Scholarship Foundation — a scholarship fund created to honor the legacy of a longtime Island Park family, which awards four $25,000 scholarships annually to graduating seniors.

family.

Since its establishment, the foundation has awarded more than $250,000 to Island Park students. In addition to the four $25,000 scholarships given each year, there are supplemental scholarships totaling $40,000 given.

The first-year recipients were Celeste Consigli, Michael Dukorsky, Hannah Zhou and Erick Cisneros. The 2025 scholarship winners were Daniel Brenner, Benjamin Pricket, Jaden Almodovar and Steven Misrok.

The application deadline for graduating seniors is March 1.

— Abigail Grieco

Team spirit week brings celebrations to OMS

Students at Oceanside Middle School capped off a weeklong celebration of teamwork and school pride with their annual Team Spirit finale on Feb. 13, the last day before the midwinter break.

The tradition, held each year in the days leading up to recess, brings students together for friendly competition and creative expression. This year’s theme — superheroes — set the tone for a series of high-energy performances and collaborative challenges throughout the week.

One of the most anticipated highlights was the lineup of student skits, which featured music, dance, acrobatics and comedy. Teams took to the stage in colorful costumes inspired by comic book heroes, delivering choreographed routines and spirited cheers before classmates and staff.

Team 7-1 drew applause for its cheer routine, incorporating coordinated movements and superhero-themed elements into its performance.

Beyond the stage, students competed in a range of activities designed to foster teamwork and problem-solving. Teams faced off in sports competitions, worked together on construction projects and created largescale art displays tied to the superhero theme. The events encouraged collaboration across classrooms and gave students opportunities to showcase talents that extend beyond academics.

School officials said the annual program is intended to build community and reinforce positive values. Through Team Spirit, students learn lessons in cooperation, creativity and friendship while experiencing

the excitement of healthy competition. By week’s end, the gymnasium was filled with cheers and applause as teams celebrated their efforts, marking another successful year of one of the school’s most cherished traditions.

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Gutter Care 101

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2026 Monte Leeper

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

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OPINIONS

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

For decades, New Yorkers have faced high taxes, rising prices and infrastructure in need of repair. At the same time, we’ve been subsidizing other states with our federal tax dollars. New York is a big “donor” state, while most red states are “taker” states. I’m always trying to bring money back to my district, and in the past couple of weeks I’ve had some new success doing just that. I announced more than $17 million in funding for community projects in my district.

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

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

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

They’re fleeing to red states in the South with much lower state taxes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That’s why one of my core missions

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

The funding will also provide muchneeded technology and equipment for

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

Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.

The question ‘why’ haunts county government

ften as a Nassau County legislator, I find myself questioning why certain issues unfold the way they do. On many occasions and with increased frequency in this hyper-partisan age, the operations of government are closely tied to politics.

The “why,” however, isn’t always readily apparent — and it’s our job as legislators to dig deeper and identify the cases in which that connection is found beneath the surface. Take contracts for outside legal counsel, for instance. While the county continues to benefit from an attorney’s office staffed by many qualified lawyers, it is occasionally necessary to outsource highly complex cases to firms with special expertise. The emphasis, however, should be on “occasionally.”

During the administration of former County Executive Laura Curran, the county spent approximately $5 million for this service. Fast-forward to 2025 and the administration of Bruce Blakeman, and a recent audit by the Nassau Inter-

im Finance Agency identified more than $23 million in spending on outside legal counsel last year alone.

Many of these outside-counsel contracts are for cases that are ill-advised legally or should be handled in-house. Some recent examples include spending $3.2 million to defend county fee practices that courts have already ruled illegal or unconstitutional; millions to defend a case brought by Newsday, alleging financial retaliation over critical coverage; and millions more right after Election Day 2025.

t’s time for the Legislature to reassert its role as a coequal branch.

The last included a contract for a Republican legislative candidate. While Blakeman’s administration initiated it last spring, they failed to disclose it until after Election Day, when it arrived at the Legislature for our consideration.

While the “why” was abundantly clear in that example, the answer for many of the other contracts can be found only in the fine print. Every proposal the Legislature receives comes with a list of the firm’s political contributions, as required by county law. Most, if not all, of those donations go to the county executive or his Republican colleagues in the Legislature.

The same holds true for Blakeman’s

disastrous handling of the Department of Assessment. According to one assessment expert, the tax rolls are more inaccurate now than they have been at any point in the past 25 years — so why has Blakeman chosen to keep them frozen, do nothing, and then dishonestly claim that he “fixed” the system? Campaign donations.

The firms that challenge homeowners’ assessments each year make huge sums of money by taking advantage of dysfunctional, indefensible tax rolls that are riddled with inaccuracies and discrepancies. And, right on cue, those firms donate generously to Blakeman and the Republicans, who keep the system broken for their benefit — and county property owners are the ones who end up paying the price.

Finally, the “why” I find hardest to accept is related to the county’s nearly $100 million in opioid fund reserves. For nearly five years, most of these funds have sat in bank accounts, and as of December, a review of Nassau’s financial system shows that less than 7 percent of the money has made it out of those bank accounts and into actual treatment initiatives.

The technical nature of the “why” in

this case makes it no less an outrage. The county’s financial condition is monitored by Moody’s and other rating agencies, and municipal reserves are a major factor in their determinations. Instead of delivering resources to agencies that offer lifesaving prevention, treatment and recovery resources to people struggling with addiction, Nassau has released the funds at a snail’s pace. Having these funds on the books artificially increases the county’s total reserves. While that may have helped our bond ratings, that’s little comfort for families that are desperate for help and hope.

Now that we understand the “why” behind these glaring examples of dysfunction, it’s incumbent on us all to answer the next-most-important question — “how?” How do we correct these errors? How do we install guardrails to prevent their return? And most important, how do we ensure that we are always serving the people of Nassau County to the best of our ability?

That must be our mission throughout 2026. It’s time for the Legislature to reassert its crucial role as a coequal branch of government, and challenge the county executive when his administration’s actions conflict with the best interests of county residents.

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s minority leader.

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Incorporating the Oceanside Beacon and Record of Oceanside in 2001

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reNDA

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COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Cliff Richner

AMisleading safety data could hurt kids

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

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

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

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

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

LETTERS

Peter King goes too easy on ICE agents

To the Editor:

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

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

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

JOSIE MARINO Lynbrook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPINIONS

Nurses get the short end of the educational stick

Dr. William Osler, one of the founders of Johns Hopkins Hospital and a pioneer in medical education and history said, “The trained nurse has become one of the great blessings of humanity, taking a place beside the physician and the priest.” Now, though, we have nurses on strike for safer working conditions and greater compensation, and educators decrying federal action to withdraw graduate nursing education from the category of “professional.”

ROBERT A. SCOTT

The members of a profession are highly educated, with specialized knowledge, may be required to pass stateapproved licensure exams, and pledge to certain ideals. In the case of nursing, the pledge is to patient welfare, compassion and trust, building knowledge in the field, lifelong learning, teamwork, professional integrity, an ethical code, skillful care, and humanity. Like other professions, nursing requires prolonged learning and licensure.

So imagine the surprise to nurses, nurse educators, nurse researchers, nurse executives, hospital administrators and others when the U.S. Depart-

ment of Education declared that an advanced degree in nursing did not qualify for federal student aid. Yet advanced education is one of the pathways for advancement in nursing, and many employers require a master’s degree.

In response to critical reactions to its decree, the department said it did not mean that nursing is not a profession, just that advanced nursing education at the master’s and doctoral levels did not qualify for federal student loans. In addition to reducing the amount students can borrow under the Graduate PLUS program, which previously allowed up to the full cost of a program, the government has cut in half the amount that students in nursing and social work, among others disciplines, can borrow for advanced education.

A

n advanced degree in nursing doesn’t qualify for federal student aid.

No such limits have been proposed for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, optometry, osteopathic medicine, podiatry, chiropractic, theology, law or clinical psychology. Architects, physical therapists, social workers, computer scientists and accountants, however, join nursing in losing their professional status.

The Education Department is trying to limit access to government-backed loans for graduate degrees because, it says, the availability of loans encourag-

LETTERS

Who’s left to report the truth?

To the Editor:

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

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

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

es universities to raise tuition even in fields that have limited employment opportunities and low compensation. That is certainly not the case in nursing. Others support the department, arguing that there is a strong correlation between extended graduate study for women and our low rate of childbearing. According to public reports, there are approximately 57,000 registered nurses on Long Island, with an average age of 46. In New York City and the Downstate region, there is a critical shortage of certain categories of nursing, with “disaster emergencies” declared in Manhattan, the Bronx and Nassau County. In upstate New York, over 93 percent of hospitals report extreme difficulty in recruiting RNs, and 97 percent struggle with retention. Hospitals and nursing homes have the most difficulty recruiting and retaining RNs.

Long Island is fortunate to have universities that offer baccalaureate and higher nursing programs, including Adelphi, Farmingdale, Hofstra, LIU, Molloy, NYIT, St. Joseph’s and Stony Brook. Yet even with these resources, shortages remain. With the new federal guidelines, those shortages will likely persist, while retention rates drop.

I have seen the profession of nursing

from four distinct vantage points. As assistant commissioner of Higher Education in Indiana in the 1970s, I was involved in a national study of nursing supply and demand commissioned by the National Governor’s Association. In the 1980s I initiated a nursing program at Ramapo College of New Jersey, in partnership with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, which did not offer nursing.

In the 2000s I led the rebuilding of Adelphi’s historic nursing program, which had been neglected by a previous administration. We built new, state-ofthe-art nursing labs and teaching spaces, with the help of leaders at Winthrop and Northwell hospitals.

From these experiences, I learned a great deal about nursing education and practice. They are professionals at every level of education.

More than 150 Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have authored a bill, the Professional Student Degree Act, that would include graduate nursing education in the category of professional degree, and give graduate nursing students access to the federal student-aid programs for which they were eligible just last year. Let’s hope that wisdom prevails in Congress, with hearty encouragement from grateful patients.

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

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

While Trump manufactured a crisis in Greenland and ICE gunned down American citizens, the final board meeting of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting barely registered. Jimmy Kimmel’s being pulled off the air and the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” already feel like ancient history. Even as wars rage in Ukraine and the Middle East, coverage keeps shrinking — and that is no accident. And now Bezos is laying off a third of the Post’s staff, including a war correspondent in Ukraine. With Secretary of War Pete Hegseth blocking Pentagon reporting, Trump forming a “Board of Peace” with Putin and other authoritarian leaders, and independent news sources collapsing, who is left to deliver the truth?

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