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Congregants paraded through the Oceanside Lutheran Church, uniting Shrove Tuesday tradition with a Mardi Gras-inspired celebration. Story, more photos, Page 3.
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
The aroma of warm milk and melted curd filled the fellowship hall at Oceanside Lutheran Church on Saturday as more than two dozen residents gathered to learn an old-world craft with a local twist — how to make fresh mozzarella by hand.
Leading the class was Peter Cuccio — the church’s president and Oceanside resident with deep roots in the restaurant industry — who has turned a lifelong love of food into one of the church’s most popular community outreach events.
“I’ve always liked cheese,” Cuccio said. “It’s great to bring places, and it’s always better fresh and warm.”
Cuccio’s connection to mozzarella dates back decades. His grandparents opened a family restaurant, Sal’s Wander Inn, in Baldwin around 1950, and he later became one of the original owners. Though he now works as a nuclear medicine technologist at Mercy Hospital, food has remained a constant thread in his life.
“In the ‘90s, I remember everybody started getting fresh mozzarella — in every butcher and every Italian grocery store,” he said. “A friend once invited me to Pastosa Ravioli in Oceanside to watch the cheesemakers at work. That was my first experience watching someone beat cheese.”
Cuccio originally informally taught friends the process, often bringing fresh mozzarella to parties.
“I’ve
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Oceanside and Island Park began digging out on Monday after a powerful storm blanketed the South Shore with more than a foot of snow, forcing widespread closures but causing only limited damage, according to local officials.
By Monday afternoon, snowfall totals in both communities had surpassed 15 inches. The snow was predicted to end by Monday evening, leaving road crews to work overnight to finish clearing major thoroughfares and residential streets.
Hpasses through main roads before turning their attention to neighborhood blocks. Most primary roads were expected to be passable by Tuesday morning, with side streets and parking remaining snow-covered and narrowed by high snowbanks.
aving dealt with the worst winter in a long time, we’re now facing an even bigger storm. As long as everyone is careful shoveling and driving, this too shall pass.
Due to the storm, Nassau County imposed a temporary travel ban on Monday, and County Executive Bruck Blakeman urged residents to stay off the roads unless travel was absolutely necessary.
ROB
KEILSON
Oceanside resident
“It’s treacherous out there — we need time for our workers to continue to plow roadways,” Blakeman said.
In Oceanside, town and county plows made multiple
Blakeman said that 75 county trucks had been deployed beginning early Sunday to salt roads ahead of the storm, with plows dispatched once snowfall reached roughly 3 inches. Crews expected to continue operations through the night Monday to address drifting snow and icy conditions. Residents reported seeing plows in their neighborhoods, though many said significant shoveling remained to be done amid continuing snow and strong winds.
“May it be the last of the season — melting quickly and promptly be greeted by plows ready to clear our streets,” Oceanside resident Seth Blau had said ahead of the storm.
Another Oceanside resiCONTINUED ON PAGE 10
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Students at Oceanside High School got a firsthand look at careers in music therapy earlier this month, as part of the school’s ongoing efforts to connect classroom learning with real-world pathways.
On Feb. 9, students welcomed Anne O’Rourke, a board-certified music therapist, singer-songwriter and performing musician, for a full day of workshops and classroom visits. O’Rourke works with individuals of all ages and abilities at The Music Academy for Special Learners in Hauppauge, where music is used to support communication, emotional expression and overall well-being.
Throughout the day, O’Rourke met with students enrolled in the Road Map to Success course, as well as classes in music, psychology, world language, math, biology and business. Sessions focused on how a foundation in music, combined with clinical training, can lead to meaningful and diverse career opportunities.
Students participated in hands-on workshops that highlighted the blend of creativity, science and empathy at the core of music therapy. O’Rourke brought a variety of instruments and led interactive activities, allowing students to experiment with sound while learning how music-based interventions are used
Anne O’Rourke, a board-certified music therapist with The
Academy
be used to support communication, emotional expression and overall well-being as part of the school’s Work-Based Learning program.
with clients.
Iris Weiner, coordinator of the school’s Work-Based Learning program, said the visit was sparked by student curiosity.
“I teach career awareness classes called Road Map to Success,” Weiner said. “One of my students asked me if the class could learn more about the role of a music therapist because she has always been interested in that field. I
was so lucky to find Anne, who kindly spent a full day with a number of classes.”
Weiner said O’Rourke shared insight into the profession while playing interactive games and demonstrating activities commonly used in therapy sessions. Students were able to ask questions about college programs and training requirements and see how musicianship can translate into therapeutic practice.
One moment, she added, stood out.
“After meeting with one of the classes, a relatively shy student approached Anne to ask them a few additional questions about music therapy because she was so intrigued by it,” Weiner said. “It was a really profound moment for me because the student was able to make such an authentic connection through learning about a career.”
Beyond clinical work, O’Rourke released the children’s album “Make a Little Music” in 2023 and shares original songs and adaptation videos online to provide accessible resources for families and caregivers. Their career path, educators said, offered students a tangible example of how a lifelong interest in music can evolve into service-oriented work.
The visit also aligned with Career and Technical Education Month, observed each February to recognize programs that prepare students for college, careers and life through hands-on learning. At Oceanside High School, the Work-Based Learning program connects students with guest speakers, field trips and career awareness activities across departments, giving them insight into post-secondary options and future professions.
For many students, the day offered more than information — it opened the door to possibility.
At the Island Park Village Board meeting on Thursday, Mayor Michael McGinty and village trustees honored four members of the Island Park Fire Department for what was described as an “extraordinary rescue carried out under some of the most dangerous winter conditions.”
Citations were presented to Anthony Ciccimarro, Michael Denis, Mahendra Hardwar and Jason Roberts for their actions during a Jan. 26 emergency response, just after last month’s major storm blanketed the region with more than a foot of snow.
Just before six in the morning, firefighters were dispatched to assist an unresponsive employee of the Long Island Rail Road on the Wreck Lead Train Trestle spanning Reynolds Channel. Responders were forced to traverse the narrow trestle on foot through more than a foot of uncleared snow and ice while contending with high winds, frigid temperatures and full exposure to the bay below.
Officials said the team quickly determined that carrying the patient back across the snow-covered trestle would pose significant danger to both rescuers and the victim. Instead, they coordinated with rail personnel to place the patient aboard a train for transport to Island Park Station.
Once at the station, the patient was transferred to a waiting ambulance and transported to a local hospital for further care.
Village officials praised the responders
At the Island Park Village Board meeting on Feb. 19, Mayor Michael McGinty, fourth from left, and village trustees honored four members of the Island Park Fire Department — Chief Mahendra Hardwar, fourth from left, Chief Michael Denis, fifth from left, Honorary Chief Anthony Ciccimarro, third from right, and EMT Jason Roberts, second from right — for what was described as an “extraordinary rescue carried out under some of the most dangerous winter conditions.”
for their quick thinking, composure and willingness to operate in hazardous conditions. McGinty said the rescue demonstrated the department’s professionalism and commitment to public safety, noting that the entire community benefits from the dedication of its volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Oceanside Lutheran Church celebrated Shrove Tuesday with a festive breakfast and parade Feb. 15 and 17, blending Christian tradition with a touch of Mardi Gras flair ahead of the Lenten season.
Shrove Tuesday, observed the day before Ash Wednesday, marks the final day before Lent begins. Lent is a 40-day period of fasting and reflection in the Christian calendar. Traditionally, families would use up rich ingredients such as eggs, butter and sugar before the season of sacrifice began. At OLC, that tradition was represented with a hearty spread of pancakes, sausage and bacon — a symbolic feast before Lent.
While Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday, is not exactly the same as Shrove Tuesday, both fall on the same day and share the custom of enjoying rich foods before Lent. Church organizers said they combined elements of both observances to create a celebration that was both meaningful and welcoming.
Some attendees dressed up as food as a fun way to highlight the day’s tradition of enjoying rich foods before the start of Lent. Food-themed costumes add a playful, Mardi Gras-style element to celebrations while helping children and families connect with the meaning of the day in a festive and memorable way.
The evening began with a special service that included the tradition of “burying the Alleluias,” a symbolic practice in which the word “Alleluia” is set aside during Lent as a sign of the more solemn season ahead. Congregants also took part in mixing pancake ingredients together, representing fellowship and shared blessings.
The highlight of the celebration was a festive pancake-led parade through the church halls. Children and adults alike donned colorful beads, headpieces and carried noisemakers throughout the building.
The event is a long-standing tradition spanning over 20 years that brings generations together. Beyond the pancake dinner and games, organizers said, the evening centers on connection, faith and community.
With full plates and joyful spirits, members of the congregation gathered once again in celebration, looking ahead to continuing the tradition in the years to come.
Detectives are investigating a robbery that occurred Sunday morning at a restaurant on Long Beach Road, according to the Nassau County Police Department.
The department’s Fourth Squad reported that the incident took place at about 10:48 a.m. on Feb. 22 at Sobol, located at 3384 Long Beach Road in Oceanside.
According to police, an unknown man entered the restaurant and demanded money from the cash register. Police said an employee, fearing for her safety, complied with the demand. The suspect removed $210 in U.S. currency from the register, according to detectives. Police said the man then fled the scene on foot, proceeding north on Long Beach Road.
Police reported that no injuries were sustained during the incident.
The suspect is described by police as a white male, approximately 5-foot-7, between 30 and 40 years old, with brown hair and a beard. According to detectives, he was last seen wearing a gray jacket, gray pants, white shoes and a beanie.
Detectives are requesting that anyone with information regarding the incident contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-TIPS — or 8477 — or call 911. Police said all callers will remain anonymous.
The investigation remains ongoing, police said.
These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, on the community.
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By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
The Oceanside Library partnered with local coffee shop Brew Crew on Feb. 13 to mark P.S. I Love You Day, a national initiative dedicated to standing up against bullying, supporting mental health and helping prevent suicide.
As part of the collaboration, teens from the Oceanside community gathered to write uplifting messages on coffee sleeves that were distributed to customers throughout the day. Each cup of coffee carried a handwritten reminder of kindness and connection — small gestures designed to make a meaningful impact.
“A simple message can make a powerful difference and remind someone that they are never alone,” organizers said of the effort.
Caitlin Waldron, head teen librarian at Oceanside Library, helped coordinate the event and said the program gave young people a hands-on way to promote compassion.
“It’s often the little things that can make the biggest impact on someone’s day,” Waldron said. “Our teens created uplifting messages with the hope of brightening the day of each person who picks up a coffee. P.S. I Love You Day is dedicated to eradicating the stigma surrounding mental health. Because we all face challenges at times, it felt especially meaningful to give the teens an opportunity to spread kindness and make someone’s day just a little bit brighter.”
Customers who stopped by Brew Crew were met not only with their usual orders but also with colorful sleeves featuring handwritten notes of encouragement, affirmations and reminders of support.
The library extended its gratitude to its teen volunteers, the Oceanside High School Wellness Center and Brew Crew for helping make the initiative a success and for bringing positive energy and awareness to mental health in the community.
Library officials said the partnership reflects Oceanside Library’s broader mission to create engaging programs and safe, inclusive spaces for residents of all ages. Through collaborations such as P.S. I Love You Day, the library continues to foster connection, learning and emotional support across the Oceanside community.
Head Teen Librarian Caitlin Waldron, center, coordinated the Feb. 13 P.S. I Love You Day event at the Oceanside Library, a
al initiative dedicated to standing up against bullying.
As the Oceanside Library partnered with Brew Crew for the day, teens from the Oceanside community gathered to write uplifting messages on coffee sleeves that were distributed to customers throughout the day.
Through collaborations run by Caitlin Waldron, such as P.S. I Love You Day, the library continues to foster connection, learning and emotional support across the Oceanside community.
Each cup of coffee carried a handwritten reminder made by participating Oceanside teens of kindness and connection — small gestures designed to make a meaningful impact.
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
The medals matched the moment — and the moment matched history.
Five Oceanside wrestlers stood tall Feb. 15 at Hofstra University as AllCounty finishers at the Nassau County Division I wrestling championships, tying the program record set a season ago. This time, however, the Sailors also crowned a champion.
Chace Morris captured the 144-pound county title, avenging last season’s runner-up finish and leading a group that also included sophomore finalist Luis Estevez (103), third-place finishers Max Gutman (175) and Joshua Moshkovich (285), and fifth-place Richard Calvo (215.)
The top-seeded Morris powered through his side of the bracket by opening with a technical fall victory over Massapequa’s Danny Schiereck, followed by a quick 25-second pin of Sewanhaka’s Gus Solorio to reach the semifinals. Another technical fall win over another Johnny DiGiorgio sent him back to the championship match.
In the final against second-seeded Hendrick Capo of Kennedy — a wrestler
he never faced before — Morris built an early lead with multiple takedowns before wrestling conservatively late to secure a 13-4 major decision victory and the county crown.
“Coming up short last season at counties motivated me even more,” Morris said. “I really wanted this bad. I wrestled everyone in the bracket before, but not [Capo]. I put a lot of pressure on myself, but I stayed focused and kept a cool head. All of the hard work I put in paid off.”
Oceanside coach Brian Schoenfelder said Morris’s mat IQ was also a big factor. “He just wrestled really smart,” he said. “The third period was kind of just making sure nothing crazy happened to secure the title.”
The coach believes the junior is ready for the next level as he returns to the New York State championships this weekend in Albany.
“It’s a tough tournament, but I really think he should place this year,” Schoenfelder said. “I believe he’s a topsix wrestler in the state.”
Joining Morris at states is Estevez, who pinned his way through the opening rounds and then survived a tense 3-2
semifinal victory over Long Beach’s Casey Powers, controlling the third period to advance.
In the championship match, he fell to Division’s Ayden Delgado after giving up early points and struggling to escape bottom position.
“To get in the county finals as a sophomore is an accomplishment in itself,” Schoenfelder said of Estevez. “He’s in a very good place.”
Gutman had two major-decision victories before falling to Farmingdale’s Jovens Theodate in the semis. But he rebounded with another major-decision win and outlasted South Side’s Frank Dibenedetto 3-2 to take third place.
Moshkovich had a similar journey at heavyweight — winning additional wrestle-backs after already clinching All-County honors.
Calvo fought through injuries all season and finished his varsity career with a 4-3 decision over Gabriel Taveras of Clarke to place fifth. “Richard, he had a torn ACL, torn meniscus, he has a bad shoulder, all types of injuries,” Schoenfelder said. “So, to see him come back and deal with the injuries and then get on the podium must be very satisfying.”
Oceanside junior Chace Morris earned the Nassau Division I wrestling title at 144 pounds by major decision.
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD & CAROLYN JAMES of the Herald
As employers across Long Island struggle to fill open positions, State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon visited Suffolk County Community College’s Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood on Feb. 17 to spotlight workforce training and emphasize child care access as a critical barrier to employment.
“There are many pathways leading to middle-class, family-sustaining jobs right now, and many of them lead through community college programs,” said Edward Bonahue, president of Suffolk County Community College. “An apprenticeship, an industry-recognized certification or license or a two-year degree. Eventually, many of them can also lead to bachelor’s degrees as well, and I appreciate Commissioner Reardon helping to shine a light on these opportunities.”
Reardon toured the college’s Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, met with students and educators and highlighted several workforce development and child care initiatives included in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed state budget.
Long Island faces ongoing shortages in skilled trades like electrical work, heating and air conditioning, plumbing and advanced manufacturing. Nassau and Suffolk community colleges offer workforce training in those areas, as well as in
health care. And the Long Island Educational Opportunity Center, sponsored by SUNY Farmingdale, offers regional residents tuition-free vocational training.
Officials said the programs help create a pipeline of locally trained workers who can remain in their communities.
Will Testa, owner of Will Testa Remodeling Inc., in Copiague, noted the shortage of workers. “There are not enough people coming in to the workforce who are trained properly,” he said. “The problem is, everyone forces their kids to go to college, which may be good for some, but
it’s not good for everyone, and trade schools are important — it’s the infrastructure of our society.”
What’s important, Testa added, is that this training is designed hard in hand with local employers.
While workforce-training programs are expanding, Reardon said, employment growth also depends on addressing Long Island’s child care shortage.
Reardon, who also co-chairs the state’s Child Care Task Force, said that increasing access to affordable care is essential to strengthening the labor force. The task
force, relaunched in 2023, is developing strategies aimed at universal, high-quality, affordable child care statewide.
“The governor has spoken a lot about this issue, and made it clear that she wants every New Yorker to be able to work at their fullest capacity and desire,” she said. “And that means that we have a responsibility to help them have accessible, affordable child care to do that.”
Child care costs on Long Island are among the highest in the country, second only to Massachusetts. Families typically spend between $15,000 and $24,000 annually per child for full-time, center-based care, according to the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island.
“When you couple that with the high costs of everything else — housing, food, utilities — child care is a tremendous stress on families,” Reardon noted.
Prachi Shah, owner of Kiddie Academy, in Hicksville, said that care providers also face financial pressures. “We are grateful for Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon’s visit to the Brentwood Campus and her attention to matters affecting our industry,” Shah said.
The Kiddie Academy of Hicksville and Bethpage are independently owned and operated franchise locations that serve 350 children and employ 75 early-childhood educators. “It is essential to keep this discussion going,” Shah said, “and highlight ways the state can better support providers on Long Island.”
rant,” Cuccio expressed. “And I also love to serve people here. To me, this is fun. It’s just like cooking in a restaurant — sharing my knowledge, sharing my stories and getting out there.”
The idea to formalize the class came in 2020, when church leaders discussed new ways to engage the broader community.
“Everybody says you can give in terms of money,” Cuccio said. “But you can also give in terms of skills.”
The first class, Cuccio noted, filled almost immediately. Since then, interest has remained strong, with sessions needing to be capped at about 25 participants to keep the experience manageable and hands-on.
“It gets out of control once you get over that number,” Cuccio said. “Since I’m teaching, I’m the only one with most of the knowledge, so it’s hard to get to everybody in there if there are too many.”
While Cuccio has made mozzarella completely from scratch, he explained that most small operations — including his class — begin with prepared cheese curd. Producing curd requires large quantities of milk and careful acid balancing, a technical process often handles closer to dairy farms.
“It takes a gallon of milk to make a pound of cheese,” Cuccio explained. “If we had to import that much milk just to make the cheese, it would be ridiculous.”
Funding support from Thrivent Finan-
Peter Cuccio, of Oceanside, president of Oceanside Lutheran Church, demonstrated how to form fresh mozzarella during a community event that gave attendees the opportunity to learn the traditional craft — and take cheese curd home to practice.
cial for Lutherans, a not-for-profit financial services organization, helps offset costs. The church receives seed money to purchase roughly 80 pounds of curd per session — enough for participants to make cheese on-site and take some home.
Though the class teaches technique, Cuccio pointed out that it’s not meant to be overly strict.
“We’re not here to be very technical about every little aspect of it,” he said. “We want you to come make some cheese, eat some cheese, bring whatever food you want and have a good time.”
For many attendees, it’s as much a social event as a culinary lesson — particularly during the winter months, when options for a night out can feel limited.
“People are always looking for something different to go out and experience,” Cuccio said. “Instead of just going out to dinner, you can learn how to make some cheese.”
Beyond the mozzarella itself, Cuccio hopes participants walk away with confidence and connection.
“I’d like them to get an idea of what it is to make cheese and to be able to share that with their families,” he said. “Be the person that goes to a party and says, ‘Hey, I made some fresh cheese for you.’”
For Cuccio, the classes are also part of a larger mission. Having been a member of Oceanside Lutheran Church for more than two decades, Cuccio now serves as church president. Community events like the mozzarella class showcase another side of church life, he said, one rooted in fellowship and service, and one that he sees as an extension of both his culinary heritage and his faith.
“In churches these days, there’s generally a tendency toward less and less people attending,” Cuccio said. “It’s not all just praying and going to church. It’s camaraderie. It’s people getting together, people that care about each other and people doing things for each other in the community.”
As participants stretched and shaped their cheese, the event reflected Cuccio’s goal: bringing neighbors together through food, fellowship and a shared, hands-on experience.
dent, Mark Greenberg, summed up the aftermath. “Fresh snow is beautiful and fun,” he said. “Shoveling sucks.”
Despite concerns about infrastructure strain, there were no reports of water main breaks in either Oceanside or Island Park as of Monday afternoon. Oceanside resident Rob Keilson, who had expressed worry that another major storm could stress aging systems, said he was relieved that major disruptions appeared to have been avoided.
“As long as everyone is careful shoveling and driving, this too shall pass,” Keilson said.
Power outages were limited and sporadic, according to utility updates. A handful of homes in Oceanside briefly lost electricity on Sunday night due to snow-laden branches weighing on lines, but service was largely restored on Monday. Island Park reported no significant outage clusters.
Schools in both communities were closed on Monday and Tuesday, as conditions deteriorated into the early morning. In Oceanside, Superintendent Phyllis Harrington had announced a proactive closure of all schools “to ensure the safety of all students and staff,” noting that all extracurricular and DOCA activities were canceled as well.
In Island Park, Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and Lincoln Orens Middle School, including the UPK program, were closed Monday. Public libraries in Oceanside and Island Park also suspended operations, and officials said they would assess the conditions on Tuesday, and prepare to resume normal hours.
Forecasters had warned that the system could become one of the most powerful storms of the season, prompting blizzard warnings and states of emergency across the metropolitan area. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Blakeman both declared states of emergency, allowing for coordinated response efforts and resource deployment.
While heavy snowfall and gusty winds met blizzard criteria at times overnight Sunday into Monday, the storm did not produce the coastal flooding some had feared. A coastal flood watch had been issued for the South Shore, but low-lying areas of Oceanside and Island Park avoided significant inundation.
Though it was disruptive, the storm ultimately passed without major catastrophe in either community. For residents, the focus as the week went on was on the cleanup — and hopes that winter’s most punishing weather was finally behind them.
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Daniel Boshnack of Oceanside was part of a four-student undergraduate team from the New York Institute of Technology College of Engineering and Computing Sciences that earned first place at the 2026 KEEN Bridge Design Competition, outperforming teams from 15 universities nationwide.
The team received a $500 prize for its winning bridge, recognized for its structural efficiency and innovative design.
The competition, hosted through the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network, challenges students to apply both technical knowledge and entrepreneurial thinking. KEEN promotes “entrepreneurial-minded learning,” encouraging future engineers to approach problems not only with technical precision but also with creativity, resource awareness and an understanding of real-world impact.
In the contest, teams were required to construct a 36-inch bridge using only cardstock and standard quarter-inch staples. Designs could not exceed 200 grams, placing a premium on careful planning and material efficiency.
New York Tech’s bridge weighed just about 107.2 grams — less than four ounces — yet supported a load of 1,997.5 grams, or 4.404 pounds. The structure achieved a strength-to-weight ratio of 18.6, demonstrating the team’s ability to maximize performance while minimizing material use.
The competition simulated real-world
Daniel Boshnack of Oceanside, far right, was part of a four-student undergraduate team — alongside Donald Reed, far left, Johnathan Covello and Aditya Shakya — from the New York Institute of Technology College of Engineering and Computing Sciences that earned first place at the 2026 KEEN Bridge Design Competition.
engineering constraints, where professionals must balance strength, cost and efficiency. Students test, refine and optimize their designs before final load testing, reinforcing classroom lessons in structural analysis and design.
Founded in 1955, New York Institute of Technology is a private, nonprofit university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs, serving nearly 8,000 students across multiple campuses and international programs.
— Abigail Grieco
By Abbey Salvemini
Let the good times roll when the museum opens its doors to Carnival on Saturday.
As a globally cherished cultural celebration, Carnival honors the unique traditions and diverse identities of the Caribbean and Latin American cultures it touches. Locally, Long Island Children’s Museum transforms into a vibrant street festival for its second annual Carnival — a vibrant showcase of creativity and self-expression — through a blend of music, dance, crafts and interactive programming.
Supported by New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, the event highlights the museum’s commitment to creating shared cultural experiences for Long Island families.
“As a woman of Caribbean descent, I am proud to sponsor this event at the Long Island Children’s Museum, an institution that plays a vital role in educating and inspiring our young people,” Solages says. “Events like this remind us, and teach the next generation, that diversity is our strength and that honoring our roots can be both joyful and meaningful.”
Hofstra University’s renowned ensemble-in-residence celebrates the legacies of founding clarinetist Naomi Drucker and longtime violist Lois Martin at its upcoming concert. The program — a diverse selection of works by Mendelssohn, Hurlstone, Beach, Dimmler, and Steven Gerber — honors both who were instrumental in shaping ACE’s storied history. In a special tribute to Martin, the ensemble performs Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 6, a masterpiece known for its prominent viola scoring. Drucker, a revered educator and co-founder, is remembered with David Holsinger’s On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss. In a testament to her impact, f Drucker’s former students, colleagues, and friends join the ensemble on stage for this moving tribute
• Saturday, Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Admission: $18, $16 65+
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
While the iconic celebrations in Rio de Janeiro and Portau-Prince often steal the spotlight, the museum’s festival dives deeper into the tapestry of the region — from the energetic parades of Barranquilla to the historic traditions of Oruro and Montevideo. They are expressions of heritage and identity, artistic creativity and community spirit that define the joy of marking the changing seasons and the region’s rich tapestry.
Visitors will get a taste of Carnival’s jubilant spirit of throughout the day’s programming.
“We were looking for a festival that embodies the diversity of Long Island,” Aimee Terzulli, the museum’s vice president of program and visitor experience shares. “These cultural festivals are invitations to the community.”
Throughout the day, families can expect a lively mix of music, movement and creative experiences, set against the backdrop of upbeat Caribbean rhythms that create a lively, tropical atmosphere.
The Brazilian Samba Novo troupe, a returning favorite, gets everyone moving to the sounds of Samba and salsa music. The lively dancers and energetic drummers once again entertain the crowd and teach kids some of the dance steps, adding an interactive element to their entertainment. Those towering “Jumbie” stilt walkers, rooted as a symbol of spirit guardians, are also back, bring the magic to life as an iconic part of the Carnival celebration.
“The performances resemble what Carnival would really be like,” Terzulli enthuses.
No Carnival is complete without a massive parade to ring in the holiday. Here everyone gets into the parade spirit during what she describes as “the fantastic float parade.”
Kids can help decorate miniature floats before pulling them through the parade, accompanied by dancers and stilt walkers. And, of course, there’s a Carnival King and Queen involved — chosen from
Music in the air, joy in every step. Samba Novo dancers bring rhythms to life and invite young guests to move, groove and celebrate together.
Vsitors get creative with hands-on artmaking, turning tradition into playful masterpieces.
those in the “crowd” to reinforce the event’s playful, inclusive spirit.
Little faces, big imaginations! From butterflies to bold designs, creativity takes center stage as kids are transformed into works of art.
The museum’s animal ‘residents” even join in the fun, helping families understand how wildlife has historically inspired Carnival imagery and costume design. New craft offerings this year include maraca-making, ribbon stick design and face painting.
However, the day isn’t just about play — it’s about perspective.
“We want everyone to find an entry point,” Terzulli says.
While the event is undeniably festive, education remains a core focus. Museum staff and performers involve conversations about Carnival’s history and meaning throughout the day, helping visitors understand its cultural roots while enjoying it all. Through partnerships with authentic cultural contributors, the museum ensures the history of the experience remains front and center.
“We make sure that when they are making the crafts, there is an exchange of why they are making it,” Turzelli adds.
Of course, no festival is complete without flavor. Families can pause for a “pit stop” to sample sweet and savory treats inspired by various Latin American and Caribbean nations, providing a literal taste of the regions being celebrated.
At its heart, the aim is for families to leave with more than just memories of a fun day. Carnival also reflects the museum’s broader mission of serving as a community gathering place.
“I hope they walk away with a sense of joy about the holiday. I think it’s a beautiful, multicultural event,” Terzulli adds. “We want LICM to be a space where people come to learn about each other.”
Sunday, March 1, 3 p.m. $20, $15 seniors 65+ or students with ID; available at the door. Hofstra University, Monroe Lecture Center, California Ave., Hempstead. For information or reservations, call (631) 242-5684 or (516) 586-3433.
“Don’t stop believin’… Voyage rocks on with another dynamic tribute to Journey. The popular band takes everyone back to the ‘80s when Journey’s timeless music ruled the airwaves. Hailed by fans and critics alike, the band performs the music with chilling accuracy. Voyage is celebrated for their uncanny ability to recreate the legendary sound, energy and passion of one of rock’s greatest bands. With their blistering guitar solos, lush keyboard arrangements, electrifying stage presence, and stunning harmonies, the band has earned a reputation as the ultimate homage to Journey’s timeless music. Fronted by vocalist Pedro Espada, whose range and tone is acclaimed as rivaling the iconic Steve Perry, he’s backed by a lineup of world-class musicians — Robby Hoffman, Greg Smith, Lance Millard, and Dana Spellman — who bring every note to life with precision and heart. Voyage doesn’t just perform Journey’s greatest hits — they transport audiences back to the height of arena rock glory.
Friday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
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 clothing, 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
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 March 6, March 13
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum stages “Pete the Cat,” the charming musical based on the book series by Kimberly and James Dean. Life is certainly an adventure for Pete, no matter where he winds up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon; also March 3-5
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
The Grammy-winning percussionists return to the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center. For 25 years and counting, the quartet has redefined chamber music for the 21st century through an “exhilarating blend of
Enjoy lively story time sessions, interactive crafts and special appearances by beloved Seuss characters. Children participate in themed-activities, while parents and local leaders embrace the spirit of the event.
• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside
• Time: Noon-3 p.m.
• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or (516) 766-2360
Klezmer
Drag out that neon once again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those crazy days are back — as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off, on the Paramount stage. The band of NYC’s top rock/pop musicians and singers gets everyone into that “Back To The Eighties” vibe with the latest edition of their popular concert experience. With a lineup including four pop-rock vocalists dressing and performing as 80s icons, backed by a dynamic band, this is the definitive ‘80s experience. Jessie’s Girl’s primary line-up includes a team of NYC’s top rock and pop vocalists: Jenna O’Gara, Jerome Bell-Bastien, and Mark Rinzel. They are backed by one of the tightest bands in the city comprised of 20+ year veterans of the NYC music scene: Eric Presti on guitar, Drew Mortali on bass, Michael Maenza on drums, and Karlee Bloom on Keys and the Keytar. Each with dozens of credits performing with authentic ‘80s icons who made the music famous to begin with! From the synth-pop glitz of the early MTV era to the power ballads of stadium rock, the band captures the specific magic that defined a generation. Throw on top of that: a load of super-fun choreography, audience participation, props, costumes bubbles, and confetti — and you have a party that audiences don’t want to leave. Their motto: There’s no decade like the Eighties and no party like Back To The Eighties with Jessie’s Girl. Whether you lived through the ‘80s the first time or are just a fan of the timeless anthems, you’ll want to join in the fun.l.
precision and anarchy, rigor and bedlam” (The New Yorker). Their commitment to the creation and amplification of new work have made them a trusted partner for composers, allowing the writing of music that expands the style and capacity of brilliant voices of our time.
• Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or 9516) 877-4000
Celebrate Purim with a Wickedthemed spiel featuring songs, laughs and a creative twist on the Purim story at Temple Avodah. A fun, family-friendly performance you won’t want to miss!
• Where: 3050 Oceanside Road
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 766-6809
Griots in concert
Discover the Griot traditional drumming and storytelling tradition at Oceanside Library. Join in an inspirational and highenergy performance of African, Caribbean, and American stories, music, and songs.
• Where: 30 Davison Ave,
Oceanside,
• Time: 6-7 p.m.
• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or (516) 766-2360
Picture Perfect Got thousands of photos on your phone?
Lindsay Citrano demonstrates simple ways to organize, back up and edit your pictures with easy-to-use tools at Island Park Publi Library. Plus, learn how to print your favorites or share them with family and friends.
• Where: 176 Long Beach Road, Island Park
• Time: 11 a.m.
• Contact: islandparklibrary.org or (516) 432-0122
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Nate Charlie Music
Check out the acoustic cover artist at EGP Oceanside. His unique sound is sure to keep you entertained.
• Where: 2823 Long Beach Road, Oceanside
• Time: 7 p.m.
Take a break from the winter and have some afternoon fun at Dox. Beautiful, expanded venue, excellent food, great atmosphere with plenty of room to dance and have some fun with some great tunes!
• Where: 4001 Broadway, Island Park
• Time: 3-6 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 992-2222
• Contact: (516) 766-9547
Join in for an evening of mystery, with an interactive comedic show and dinner. $75 per person includes a three hour show and a three-course meal! Mobster and mob wives attire welcomed. Best dressed prizes are awarded.
• Where: O’Connell Gardens, 2985 Kenneth Place, Oceanside
• Time: Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: Jean Hegmann (516) 316-3155 or Lisa James (516) 305-1110
Dr. Seuss and Friends Day Oceanside Library welcomes families to their annual Dr. Seuss and Friends Day, a cherished community tradition celebrating literacy and creativity.
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to dress up and celebrate Purim — costumes encouraged and fun guaranteed! Enjoy a performance by Metropolitan Klezmer on the museum stage. The band brings eclectic exuberance to Yiddish musical genres from all over the map. Performing vibrant versions of lesser-known gems from wedding dance, trance, folk, swing and tango styles, as well as soundtrack material from vintage Yiddish films, they re-invent tradition with both irreverence and respect. Sing and dance along with us at this interactive family concert! Also make a grogger, the traditional noisemaker used during the telling of the Purim story at a drop-in program, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 theater only
• Where: 11 Davis. Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Visit South Shore Craft Brewery to support your hard-working healthcare workers, and listen to one of the best classic rock bands, the LPs. Drink specials with hospital ID badge verification.
• Where: South Shore Brewery, 3505 Hampton Road, Oceanside
• Time: 4-8 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 388-6685
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.
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.
Awards of
By ABBY GIBSON & KUMBA JAGNE Interns
Hempstead native Karine Jean-Pierre, the former press secretary in President Joe Biden’s administration, was the latest guest in Hofstra University’s “Signature Speaker” series.
Jean-Pierre, who served in the White House from May 2022 to January 2025, made history as the first Black and first openly LGBTQ person to be press secretary.
She is a graduate of Kellenberg High, in Uniondale, and Columbia University, and her involvement with Hempstead has not diminished: She gave Hempstead High School’s commencement speech in 2022, and was given the keys to the village by Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. in 2024.
“This is very much home for me,” Jean-Pierre said on Feb. 12. “This is not unfamiliar ground.”
Sister members of her honorary sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Hofstra students, community members and students from 18 area high schools attended the event.
Hempstead High senior Zeydi Guerra, 17, said that Jean-Pierre’s speech left her with more motivation to succeed in her own career. “She’s a Hempstead native,” Guerra said. “I feel like if she can make it, I can definitely do something as well.”
Speaking directly to the high school students, JeanPierre encouraged them to be curious, ambitious and passionate. A common thread through her speech, a panel discussion and an interview with student media was urging people to become involved in politics, even though the options may be imperfect.
“Your civic identity doesn’t begin at 18 — it begins when you start paying attention,” she said. “When you
notice what feels fair and what doesn’t, who gets heard and who has to jump higher just to be seen.”
Eleanor McKay, of Hempstead, president of the Long Island Cross County Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, said she attended because she recognizes the importance of Jean-Pierre being a Black woman who held a high-profile government position.
“She talked about seeing someone touch President
Obama’s hair, a young [Black] boy, and realize that from the texture he was here and how real it is that he is just like us,” McKay said. “Sometimes it’s not really appreciated, or we don’t understand the magnitude of representation. It impacts us and the next generation.”
Hofstra University President Susan Poser introduced Camryn Bowden, a senior majoring in political science and journalism, who in turn introduced JeanPierre. Poser spoke so glowingly of Bowden’s resumé that Jean-Pierre said she would be working for Bowden one day.
“I had the opportunity to get her to sign my copy of her book ‘Independent,’” Bowden said. “She wrote in the book, ‘I’ll be watching you on the news someday.’ It was, again, just a surreal experience to hear someone who held such a high position of power in the White House say such sweet things.”
Jean-Pierre’s first book was “Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America.” Her most recent, published last October, is “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines.”
She empathized with young people’s feelings of being disconnected from the two-party system. “The two-party system often feels rigid, outdated and unresponsive,” she said. “It forces false choices and limits imagination. Questioning that system is not a failure of citizenship.”
She expressed disdain for the current administration, saying, “This too shall pass.”
“We have to work as a people to make sure that there is people power in this time, that our voices are heard, that we hold powerful people accountable,” Jean-Pierre said. “We are celebrating 250 years of this country, and that is a young democracy. If we don’t fight for it every day, we will lose it.”
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
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 03/11/2026 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 130/26. - 132/26. OCEANSIDE - Taco Bell of America, LLC, Renewal of grants: Maintain drive-thru window in conjunction with Taco Bell/Pizza Hut Restaurant; Use
premises for Taco Bell/Pizza Hut Restaurant partially in Res. “B” District & trash enclosure in Res. “B” District; For permission to park in Res. “B” District., W/s Long Beach Rd., 190’ N/o Anchor Ave., a/k/a 3076 Long Beach Rd. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.
This notice is only for new cases in Oceanside within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.
158555
LEGAL NOTICE
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT for the Eastern District of New York Avail 3 LLC, not in its Individual Capacity but Solely as Administrator of Restoration III Trust, Plaintiff(s) v. See Rider to Summons for Full Caption, Defendant(s) Civil Action No. 2:25CV-04878-ST SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION
To: (Defendant’s name and address) See Rider to Summons
A lawsuit has been filed against you. Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) - or 60 days if you are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ. P 12 (a)(2) or (3)you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule
As part of its annual Black History Month observance, School No. 2 has installed a new educational display outside its library highlighting influential leaders from the United States, Liberia and South Africa.
As part of its annual Black History Month observance, School No. 2 has installed a new educational display outside its library highlighting influential leaders from the United States, Liberia and South Africa.
The exhibit, created and mounted by Project Extra teacher Michelle Gamache, centers on leadership in government and civic life. Gamache volunteered to research the figures, design the layout and assemble the display, which features bold images, clear typography and concise summaries. Thoughtful use of white space and striking visuals are intended to draw students in, encouraging them to pause in the hallway, read and reflect between classes.
Among the American leaders highlighted is Shirley Chisholm, who in 1968 became the first Black woman elected to Congress. Chisholm later broke additional barriers when she became the first Black candidate to seek a major party’s nomination for president. The display outlines her advocacy for racial and gender equality and her lasting impact on American politics.
Also featured is Thurgood Marshall, the civil rights attorney who successfully argued the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case “Brown v. Board of Educa-
tion,” which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. Marshall later became the first Black justice appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the nation’s legal history.
The exhibit extends beyond the United States to spotlight international leadership. Nelson Mandela is recognized for his role in dismantling apartheid and guiding South Africa through a historic transition to democracy as the country’s first Black president. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia’s former president, is noted as the first woman elected head of state in Africa. She is credited with expanding opportunities for girls and women and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011 for her work promoting peace and women’s rights.
School officials said the goal of the display is to help students better understand the meaning of leadership, perseverance and public service. In addition to the hallway exhibit, School No. 2 will host a special assembly later this month to further commemorate Black History Month and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black leaders around the world.
12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney, whose name and address are: Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224 Syosset, New York 11791
If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court.
BRENNA B. MAHONEY,
CLERK OF COURT
ISABELLA LETTIERE
Signature of Clerk or Deputy Clerk
Date: 9/4/2025
Rider to Summons
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK
AVAIL 3 LLC, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS ADMINISTRATOR OF RESTORATION III TRUST, Plaintiff, -againstNANCY HARRISON, as purported Executrix of the Estate of Marion Bohm, JILL ROMANO
A/K/A JILL BOHM, as proposed Administratrix C.T.A. and Heir and Distributee of the Estate of Marion Bohm, LESLIE INFORZATO, as Heir and Distributee of the Estate of Marion Bohm, THE NASSAU COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE, Defendant(s).
To: Jill Romano a/k/a Jill Bohm 860 E. Broadway, Unit 4A Long Beach, New York 11561
TO JILL ROMANO
A/K/A JILL BOHM: This Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, entered February 13, 2026. THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on November 23, 2009 in Liber 34374, Page 495, encumbering premises known as 108 Roosevelt Street, Oceanside, New York 11572, also designated as Section 43, Block 314, Lot 273. #102815 158559
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!
$22 - $27/ Hour
Bell Auto School
516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
F/T CHAIR SIDE DENTAL ASSISTANT Lynbrook Location. Experienced Individual With Impeccable Work Ethics. Immediate Opening. Email Resume To: nylaserendo@gmail.com Call 516-599-7111
HOUSE AIDE: Light Housekeeping, Laundry, Some Doctor's Visits. Car Required. Rockville Centre. 3 Hours/ Day, 2 Times/ Week. $17-$25/ Hour. Letter Of Experience To: peterhr@optimum.net
LABORER: CRG Construction Hiring. Minimum 5years Experience. $38-$56/ Hr. Long Beach. Matt (845) 323- 4153
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS
FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Valley Stream Subaru Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM Answer Phones, Light Clerical $17.00/Hour, Benefits, 401K Call Therese 516-825-8700
Business/Opportunities
elcome to this elegant and expansive 5600 sq ft Hewlett Harbor residence built in 2004 on beautifully
Q. I have a basement with a bathroom and nothing else except a washer and dryer, back to back, with the sink and toilet on the other side of the wall. Everything else is unfinished, and I bought it this way. I was recently told that I need to have a permit for a finished basement or I have to remove the bathroom. I don’t want either of those options, but I’m being told I will be issued a violation, because the building department sent me a notice about this. I consulted an architect, who started to explain all the rules, but I need a second opinion. What should I do if I just want the bathroom and don’t want to finish everything else?
A. Sorry to disappoint you, but your building department has interpreted that your bathroom in a basement is leading to habitable use, meaning that the basement is more than just a place to store boxes and other household items. The same is true of basements that have a fireplace or a mattress-and-night-table setup. Even occasional use by a houseguest puts you in the category of a “finished” basement.
Estate
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What the consultant architect may have told you is that you’ll either have to remove the bathroom, with a permit for the demolition (since your building department knows about the condition) and a separate plumbing permit to have the capping of pipes inspected, or you’ll need a lot of other items, at greater expense. Your spaces will need to meet the ceiling height requirement of 80 inches from floor to finished ceiling, or anything constricting someone from walking around, such as a steam pipe or built soffit. If you don’t have 80 inches (6 feet 8 inches), then the rest of what you do will also be important to evaluate, since your plans and application paperwork will be on hold until the requirement is appealed through a separate codeappeal process, and more paperwork will need to be submitted to the state for a code compliance variance. This means you will have to request to vary or be allowed an exception after evaluation by a review board at the state level.
Either way, a finished basement will require a second means to escape in an emergency. This can be accomplished with a larger window, with an opening no higher than 44 inches from the floor and at least 5.7 square feet of clear opening, a minimum of 24 inches in height and 20 inches in width. A window that is only 20 inches by 24 inches would not meet the requirement, however. Those are just minimums for each dimension.
The escape well has to be a minimum of 9 square feet of outside floor area, and must at least have a ladder for climbing up and away. You could also have a door and stairwell, with proper drainage, at even greater expense. There’s more, so wait until next week.
© 2026 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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Every administration has its ideologues. Every president has advisers who translate impulse into policy. But once in a while, a single figure emerges whose real work is not governance but sabotage — the deliberate narrowing of civic life.
In Donald Trump’s White House, that figure is Stephen Miller.
Miller is often described as the architect of Trump’s immigration agenda.
That may be true, but it’s incomplete. Immigration is simply the most visible stage on which Miller operates. The deeper project is broader and more corrosive: a politics designed to make Americans afraid — not only of immigrants, but of one another, and of acting freely in public life.
Miller’s real architecture isn’t just about who gets in. It’s about what kind of country we become.
The through-line is intimidation. The point isn’t merely enforcement but atmosphere: to show that the state can reach into your life suddenly, harshly,
without apology. To make people think twice before speaking, gathering, helping or dissenting. To shrink civic space until citizenship itself begins to feel conditional. In such a climate, obedience becomes the safest form of participation, and democracy begins to feel like a risk.
That’s why Miller matters. He isn’t simply a policy adviser. He is both symptom and accelerant — a product of a political sickness and one of its most effective carriers.
The sickness is the belief that democracy is too messy, pluralism too dangerous, compassion too soft. Miller gives that belief bureaucratic form.
Idone profound damage. And once that atmosphere is established, the most vulnerable are always the first to suffer the worst of it.
n a Millershaped America, protest would be treated as menace.
Miller’s defenders characterize him as “tough.” But toughness isn’t the same as callousness. A serious country can enforce laws without turning the machinery of government into an engine of humiliation. Miller’s politics depend on a story: that America is perpetually under siege, that outsiders are threats, that pluralism is weakness, that empathy is naïveté.
tions would be staffed by loyalty, not expertise; protest would be treated as menace; law would be less a shield than a club; and citizenship would be a conditional permit, not a shared inheritance. It’s tempting, and comforting, to say, “The Constitution will save us.” It won’t. Constitutions don’t rescue republics by themselves. They are frameworks, not force fields. They depend on officials who honor them, courts that enforce them, legislators who defend their authority, and citizens who refuse to be intimidated into silence.
It’s not a secret that his fingerprints are on some of the harshest immigration measures of the last decade, including family separation at the southern border — a policy widely condemned because it treats children not as human beings, but as instruments of deterrence. Whatever you believe about border control, using suffering as a message is a show of cruelty, not strength.
But the deeper lesson is about power. A government that can make ordinary people afraid — afraid to speak, gather, help or dissent — has already
Civil rights organizations have raised alarms for years about Miller’s proximity to white nationalist rhetoric. The Southern Poverty Law Center took the extraordinary step of listing him in its extremist files. That is not a marginal controversy; it goes to the moral and ideological foundations of the policies he designs. Whether you accept every charge or not, the pattern is difficult to miss: Miller’s governing worldview is built on suspicion — of difference, of openness, of the very idea of a shared civic “we.”
In a Miller-shaped America, the safest posture would be silence; institu-
The danger of Stephen Miller’s politics is that they treat laws not as a restraint but as an instrument — something to stretch, weaponize and exhaust until rights feel theoretical and the public stops believing that resistance matters.
So the question isn’t whether the Constitution can save us. The question is whether Americans will still insist on the constitutional order itself: limits on power, equal citizenship, lawful process, and a public life in which fear isn’t the organizing principle.
Miller’s project runs in the other direction. And if it succeeds, no piece of parchment will protect us.
Michael Blitz is professor emeritus of interdisciplinary studies at the City University of New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
On Feb. 5, not long after Black History Month began, President Trump’s Truth Social account posted a video depicting former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes. In response to criticism from Republicans, the video was removed the next day, but with no apology from the president.
That’s the immediate context in which Black History Month takes place, but it’s been an entire year since the last celebration of this month, during which the Trump administration has advanced white supremacy and moved aggressively to undermine America’s longstanding commitment to diversity. The administration’s support for white supremacy isn’t new. In November 2019, in Trump’s first term, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights called for the firing of Trump adviser Stephen Miller, stating, “Stephen Miller represents white supremacy, violent extremism, and hate — all ideologies that are antithetical to
the fundamental values that guide our democracy. Allowing him to remain a White House advisor is a betrayal of our national ideals of justice, inclusion, and fairness.”
Yet in the second Trump administration, Miller has even more power. As Ashley Parker, of the Atlantic, told NPR recently, “He’s incredibly powerful. Steve Bannon and other people jokingly call him the prime minister.”
The Trump government has undermined our country’s commitment to diversity.
Miller is perhaps best known, as NPR reports, as “a chief architect of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.” That crackdown has generated intense public opposition due to the killings in Minneapolis of two American citizens with no criminal records by ICE officers. Because ICE is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, it ironically shares the department’s mission to “safeguard the American people.” That irony is not lost on Americans, and the public response to those two deaths has echoed the outcry after the 2020 killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers.
The irony of the administration continues, as the White House acts to ensure that America’s schools instill, in the words of Executive Order 14190, “a
patriotic admiration for our incredible Nation and the values for which we stand” — while detaining children through ICE crackdowns at accelerating rates. As MS NOW reports, “Recent independent analysis by the Marshall Project shows that the number of children held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement has skyrocketed in Trump’s second term — from an average of about 25 children detained per day during the final 16 months of Biden’s presidency to about 170 children per day under Trump.” On some days, the analysis found, “ICE held 400 children or more.”
What values, exactly, are those detained children learning at the hands of the administration? What values are all children learning as they witness detentions of other children, day care workers and young parents? These are actions of cruelty, not respect for human life and liberty. They are acts of lawlessness, not patriotism.
Now the administration proposes to change the way we vote in America. As The New York Times reports, “President Trump has repeatedly suggested that he wants the Republican-led federal government to ‘nationalize,’ or ‘take over,’
the running of elections.” His allies in Congress are simultaneously advancing legislation — the Make Elections Great Again, or MEGA, Act — that would make voting more difficult. These proposals completely ignore the fact that elections in the United States are free and fair.
As the Brennan Center for Justice writes, “In 2025, a new threat to free and fair elections emerged: the federal government. Since day one of his second term, the Trump administration has attempted to rewrite election rules to burden voters and usurp control of election systems, targeted and threatened election officials and others who keep elections free and fair, supported people who undermine election administration, and retreated from the federal government’s role of protecting voters and the electoral process.”
Nationalizing state elections is blatantly unconstitutional, and the legislative actions would make voting more difficult. That is exactly what this White House and its allies want to achieve.
As Black History Month continues, and in the months and years ahead, ERASE Racism will be championing inclusiveness, fairness and justice for all.
Elaine Gross is founder and president emerita of ERASE Racism, a regional civil rights organization based on Long Island.
The arrival of spring training, and the anticipation of another baseball season, brings back great memories. My earliest baseball memories date back to the early 1950s and the Brooklyn Dodgers, the famed “Boys of Summer,” in what is now regarded as the sport’s Golden Age. Baseball was the unquestioned national pastime, and New York’s Yankees, Dodgers and Giants were the dominant teams. From 1947 to 1956, the Yankees won eight league pennants, the Dodgers six and the Giants two.
For nine of those 10 seasons, at least one World Series teams was from New York, and for eight years, both teams were. That was a true monopoly of excellence.
The Dodgers teams of my youth included such Hall of Famer players as Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Roy Campanella, Duke Snider and Gil Hodges. There was nothing better than sitting in the stands at Ebbets Field, watching these stars excel. (Tickets for bleacher seats cost 75 cents!) As mighty as the
Dodgers were, however, the Yankees, led by legendary stars like Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford, prevailed in five of the teams’ six World Series encounters.
And then, in 1957, Dodgers owner Walter O’Malley announced the unthinkable: He would move the Dodgers from Brooklyn to Los Angeles the following year, and the Giants would go to San Francisco. My childhood had come to a crashing halt. National League baseball would be gone from New York.
Just one example: thousands of area kids looking forward to Little League.
My final goodbye to the Dodgers would come on Sept. 22, 1957, when I went to their final home day game at Ebbets Field. Brooklyn beat the Phillies, 7-3, and Duke Snider hit two home runs, but that was small consolation. Dodgers baseball in New York, and my years of sports innocence, were behind me. National League baseball didn’t return to New York until the Mets arrived in 1962. They were an expansion team, which meant they were composed of players others teams didn’t want. There were some rough, lean years, but to Mets fans, it didn’t matter. They rallied behind the team, and after seven seasons, and many losses, the 1969 Mira-
cle Mets, led by their manager, Dodgers legend Gil Hodges, won the World Series in a never-to-be-forgotten triumph over the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles. The Mets captured the Series again in 1986, defeating the Red Sox in a memorable seven-game struggle. There have been several good runs since then that fell just short, including a World Series defeat to Kansas City in 2015 and, most recently, a League Championship Series loss to the Dodgers in 2024. Now the Mets face the 2026 season having decided to go forward without their all-time leading home run hitter, Pete Alonso, and star relief pitcher Edwin Diaz, as well as proven veterans Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil. Their core four are gone. For Mets fans, spring training will be filled with questions and unknown answers.
I know that baseball has changed dramatically since years ago. There are almost twice as many teams now as there were then; players move from team to team, season to season; and teams regularly play inter-league games. As well, the Super Bowl has surpassed the World Series in public attention, and sports such as hockey and bas-
ketball crowd the calendar, playing well into the baseball season.
But still, that sense of anticipation remains. There is something about the fresh spring air and the crack of the bat that brings our attention back to the baseball diamond. The distances from the pitcher’s mound to home plate, and between the bases, remain the same, as do ball and strike counts. And, especially on Long Island, many thousands of kids are looking forward to playing Little League baseball in a new season, when, as always, their parents and grandparents will be in the stands, cheering them on. They’ll create new memories that, in years to come, they’ll pass on to their children and grandchildren.
No matter the rule changes or league realignments, baseball will remain unchanged as an essential component of the American fabric. Almost 75 years ago, the renowned cultural historian Jacques Barzun famously proclaimed, “Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball.” That is as true today as it was then, and I believe it will be true for generations to come.
Play ball!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Having spent 23 years of my life in the State Assembly, I keep close contact with members and monitor the progress of significant legislation. I make it a point to call individual members to encourage them to take action on proposals that are good for Long Island. Which is why I was thrilled that Republican Assemblyman Ed Ra was chosen as minority leader earlier this month, in a unanimous vote.
Living as a bipartisan person, I have been supportive of Ra in his many roles as an elected official. During his 10 years in office he has been a proactive legislator, proposing laws focusing affordability, antisemitism, workforce development and controlling state costs. I was especially pleased when he became the ranking minority member of the Ways and Means Committee.
I had the good fortune to chair that
committee for 10-plus years, and have great respect for committee members who pay attention to pending laws and ask questions. Ra has been a diligent member of the committee, and he has kept the majority members on their toes. Ways and Means is the most important committee in the Assembly, and it desperately needs members who keep an eye on the 7,000plus bills that are sent to it each year.
He’s worked hard to become the Assembly’s Republican minority leader.
Ra is the third Assembly member from Long Island in my career who has held the title of minority leader. The late Assembly members Perry B. Duryea and Jack Kingston also held that job. Duryea eventually became the speaker, and holding the minority post was a springboard to the top job. I know for a fact that Ra didn’t get the leadership job without a lot of preparation, forging coalitions to win the support of the minority caucus.
I doubt that even the Republican leaders on Long Island fully understand what it took for Ra to get his new job. Over the years he has taken on all of the
thankless jobs that most members do not covet. He has been involved in reviewing all of the bills that affect the Island, and for a few years he acted as the Republican floor leader, organizing debates on bills advanced by the majority. It’s the job of minority members to craft credible arguments opposing majority legislation.
There’s a separate issue that most of the Albany establishment doesn’t understand. The Assembly’s Republican membership is dominated by upstate legislators. They tend to be anti-downstate, and want all of the key jobs for their delegation. If you talk to an upstate Republican member, don’t be surprised if he or she is anti-Long Island. They are jealous of the attention Long Island gets, and many think negatively about the downstate region in general.
When the previous minority leader, Will Barclay, an upstater, announced that he wouldn’t seek re-election this year, the upstaters immediately began to caucus to support one of their own to
keep the job in their region. At the same time, Ra had to move quickly to win a majority of the conference. That backroom stuff happens in any type of legislative body, and it takes political smarts to pull it off.
Why make a fuss about the election of an assemblyman who’s in the minority party? We’re a very big island, with multiple needs and demands. We need all the voices we can get to speak out for the bi-county area. New York City legislators have a strong voice on a variety of issues, and the Island has to fight for recognition when the dollars are being disbursed and laws are passing that help other areas of the state.
Last year I wrote a column singling out Democratic Assemblywoman Mickey Solages and Ra for their hard work in Albany. I was pleased then and now that Ra has advanced in his party leadership. Solages is a rising star in the Democratic Party, and I’m happy that Ra is now a part of the four-way leadership.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.
On Long Island, where school boards debate curriculum priorities and districts navigate tight budgets, one subject can no longer be treated as optional: media literacy.
Across Nassau and Suffolk counties, students scroll through a relentless stream of headlines, commentary and viral content, frequently without formal instruction on how to tell the difference between verified reporting and misinformation.
In an era when misinformation travels faster than facts and algorithms reward outrage over accuracy, the future of journalism and civic trust hinges on what young people understand about news.
A November 2025 study from the News Literacy Project makes the stakes unmistakably clear: Teenagers are not rejecting journalism outright, but they are struggling to distinguish it from everything else crowding their feeds.
The nationwide study builds on a troubling News Literacy Project 2024 finding that 45 percent of teens believed journalists harmed democracy. But the new research goes further, examining not just skepticism but the roots of distrust — and the confusion at its core.
Teens often lump professional reporting, partisan commentary and outright online misinformation into a single category: “news.” When everything looks the same, nothing earns trust.
However, there is a mandate for action. An overwhelming 94 percent of teens said news or media literacy should
be part of their education. They are not tuning out because they don’t care. They are asking for help.
The problem is access. Only 39 percent of students reported receiving any media literacy instruction during the prior school year. More than six in 10 teens are left to decode a complex information ecosystem by themselves. They scroll through algorithm-driven headlines, influencer commentary masquerading as reporting and viral misinformation engineered for emotional impact — often without being taught how to verify a claim or evaluate a source.
That gap isn’t just an educational oversight. It is a civic vulnerability.
According to Donnell Probst, executive director of the National Association for Media Literacy Education, the most effective time to teach these skills is early, before beliefs harden and misinformation calcifies into identity.
Encouragingly, instruction works. Students who had lessons in media literacy were more likely to seek out news, and reported higher levels of trust in journalists. This is measurable impact backed by research.
Long Island school districts should take note.
Across Nassau and Suffolk counties, some schools offer journalism electives or student newspapers. Others offer none. According to a 2022 survey by Baruch College, 73 percent of New York City public schools lacked student newspapers — with access concentrated in private and selective schools. The same inequities often surface on Long Island,
where opportunities vary widely by district.
The decline of school newspapers and journalism classes compounds the media literacy crisis. These programs teach students what real journalism requires: cultivating sources, verifying facts, and asking tough follow-up questions.
If we want a generation that values journalism, we must first ensure that it understands journalism. This isn’t a “kids these days” problem. It is a larger one — and it is also a business imperative for local news organizations across Long Island. If the next generation cannot differentiate between a reported investigation and a viral conspiracy thread, it will not subscribe to, support or defend professional journalism.
Doubling down on media literacy in school curriculums is no longer optional. It should be embedded across grade levels, integrated into English and social studies classes and reinforced through experiential learning like student newsrooms. Policymakers should treat media literacy as foundational civic infrastructure, not a niche elective.
News organizations on Long Island must also step forward and partner with schools, open newsrooms, support media literacy initiatives and provide mentorship and transparency about how reporting is done.
The answer isn’t louder defenses of journalism, but deeper public understanding — teaching media literacy so people can recognize misinformation and think critically for themselves.
If you turn on a local radio station, chances are you’ll hear a commercial for a new and upcoming charter school in the area. These schools are being promoted as a new and improved alternative to our current public schools. As they continue to spread across Long Island, we, the taxpaying community members, need to ask these questions: Why the sudden influx? And who is benefiting financially from these charter schools?
While public schools across the Island are currently facing tight budgets, staffing shortages and increasing numbers of students with greater needs, how can we take money slated for these students and schools to line someone else’s pocket? It’s time for the community to question where the tax dollars that we voted to send to our public schools are actually going. Don’t we deserve transparency and accountability for every one of those dollars?
Charter schools promote themselves
as public schools, since they’re funded by taxpayers and families don’t pay outof-pocket tuition. But unlike public schools, these institutions aren’t watched over by elected boards of education. Who approves a charter school budget? In public schools, budgets are presented to the community over the course of several board meetings. Community members then have an opportunity to question the spending plans and ultimately vote to accept or reject them.
As charter schools continue to spread, taxpayers should be asking questions.
On the other hand, charter schools receive money directly from public schools. They are able to spend money without being accountable to the community that provides them with these funds. Their budgets are never presented to their communities, and the local school districts are unable to see where the money is going. Their spending isn’t approved by voters, and communities can’t monitor how their tax money is being spent. This lack of transparency allows public money to be spent without any accountability or oversight.
Many of the charter schools that are popping up across Long Island are run
by Tim Baker
by private management companies, real estate firms and vendors who profit from public funds. These companies often aren’t even local. They don’t have any vested interest in the community. They look at the school as a business where they don’t educate all children, but rather essentially hand-pick the students they want.
Students with special needs, or for whom English is a second language, or who have behavioral problems or learning difficulties, are often sent out of charter schools and back to public schools — which open their doors to them and welcome them. They educate every student who walks through those doors, regardless of their need. Public schools also absorb the full cost of educating them. When funding is redirected from public schools to charter schools, districts are often forced to cut programs, increase class sizes and delay crucial building repairs.
And when it comes to buildings, have you noticed how structures at charter schools can seem to be constructed overnight? This doesn’t happen because charter school administrations are more efficient. It happens because while
public schools are required to disclose contractors’ bids on capital projects, charter schools can erect a building, add an extension or do major renovations with no bidding, no approval and, once again, no community oversight. If these are publicly funded improvements using taxpayers’ dollars, shouldn’t we all be held to the same standards? This raises more questions about transparency, accountability and equality.
This isn’t about opposing school choice. It’s about making sure that public education doesn’t become a moneymaker for big business rather than an organization to educate our students. The message here is about fiscal and educational transparency. If charter schools really claim to serve the public, then shouldn’t we see how our tax dollars are being spent?
When school budgets are created, we, the taxpayers, should have a voice in the process. That money we provide should go toward educational programs for classrooms, and books and resources for children. The budgets we approve should support learning. Our tax dollars belong with the children, not in a corporation’s pocket.
Alison Chaplar, of Massapequa, is a longtime public school educator, a mother and a community advocate.
The strength of our community comes from open dialogue. We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.
The strength of our community comes from open dialogue. We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.
The strength of our community comes from open dialogue. We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.
Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com
Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com
Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com
Be heard. Be part of the conversation.
Be heard. Be part of the conversation.
Be heard. Be part of the conversation.
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