Rockville Centre Herald 02-12-2026

or

HERALD ROCKVILLE CENTRE

Deliah Roberts/Herald

Dancing with heart and attitude!

Third-grader Cassie Rakeman, left, and fourth-grader Charlotte Powell share a fun moment on the dance floor during the William S. Covert Elementary School’s PTA Special Person’s Dance on Jan. 30. Powell shows off a little sass as the pair dance and pose together at the annual event, which brought students and their special guests together for an evening of music and memories. Story and more photos, Page 10.

Educators gather at South Side to advance inclusive life skills

By AlYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

More than 100 educators from school districts across Long Island convened at South Side High School last week for a regional Life Skills Consortium focused on strengthening special-education programming and inclusive opportunities for students with disabilities.

Hosted by the Rockville Centre school district in South Side’s auxiliary gym, the Feb. 3 event brought together teachers, administrators and support staff to consult on best practices in lifeskills education and student support.

Marie Dalton, the district’s assistant superin-

Little League welcomes nine more to HOF

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

A new lineup of nine will soon take its place in Rockville Centre Little League history.

This spring, the league will honor a diverse group of administrators, coaches and players as it welcomes its class of 2026 into the Hall of Fame during Opening Day festivities, celebrating decades of achievement and service to the game.

I2014, remains one of the longest-serving volunteers in league history. He spent 29 years in the organization, serving as vice president, secretary and commissioner. When he retired in 1985, the Mort Geller League, for 7- and 8-year-olds, was named in his honor.

was kind of blindsided with excitement.

The inductees will include longtime administrator Mort Geller, championship coaches Ed Maher and Art Schnabel and standout former players Jack Finch, Chuck Kniffin, Matt Lemanczyk, Mike Lennon, Kenny Schnabel, and Jay Pette. Their accomplishments span more than four decades of local, regional and professional baseball success.

MARK lEMANCzYK Inductee, RVC Little League Hall of Fame

“Mort Geller was a living legend,” said Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chairman Frank Keating, who was inducted as a coach last year. “He was the longest-serving volunteer until Rocky Seward and I stayed a little longer.”

tendent for special education and pupil personnel services, said the gathering offered the educators a rare opportunity.

“It’s where all of the special-education leaders across Long Island allow our teachers — specialeducation life-skills teachers — to come together to collaborate on best practices, creative ideas and new approaches,” Dalton said. “What we do is very unique, and there is a small pocket of special-education teachers within each school district.”

The day was divided into two sessions to accommodate educators working in different grades. The secondary session, for grades six

The induction ceremony will follow the annual Little League Parade and Opening Day events on April 18, as the league commemorates its 75th season.

Geller, who passed away in

The coaching inductees include Schnabel, manager of the 1967 state Babe Ruth League champions, and Maher, a coach of the 1993 Long Island Little League championship team. Art Schnabel, who passed away in 2015, also guided the 1966 Long Island Babe Ruth League champions and later served as vice president of the league, and Maher spent two years as league president.

The player inductees repre-

Continued on page 20

Banner comes down, community unites

Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David removed the #BringThemHomeNow banner from its entrance, two and a half years after the Hamas attacks in Israel that resulted in dozens of people being taken hostage, marking the beginning of the congregation’s healing process.

The banner had served as a public reminder of the ongoing captivity and the synagogue’s efforts to keep the hostages in the community’s consciousness.

The ceremony, held on the morning of Feb. 1, was attended by congregants, neighbors, and local officials. Rabbi David Lerner, spiritual leader of the synagogue, said the removal signals a step forward for the congregation.

“It’s time for the healing process to begin,” Lerner said.

Ira M. Salwen reflected on the synagogue’s efforts to honor and remember the hostages. He cited a Talmudic expression, “Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh Bazeh,” meaning “All Jews are responsible for one another,” and said the attacks made its meaning clear to everyone.

In the months following the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, the synagogue created displays to illustrate the hostages’ plight, including chairs representing each captive in the lobby, with photographs added to personalize the display.

“As effective as our lobby was, we realized only those who came inside could see it,” Salwen said. “That’s how the banner came to be — a way for our neighbors and passersby to be reminded of the ongoing captivity.”

The displays were adjusted as the hostages were freed, though the final captive, Ron Gvili, remained represented until his return.

Salwen said the synagogue’s memorials are part of

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Rabbi David Lerner, spiritual leader of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David, spoke during the Feb. 1 ceremony that marked the removal of the synagogue’s “Bring Them Home Now” banner, which had hung for more than two years following the Hamas attacks in Israel. Police officers and community leaders were among the attendees.

a broader Jewish tradition of remembrance, citing a Torah scroll in the synagogue that survived the Holocaust.

“That scroll is opened to a command in the Torah to remember: ‘Remember what the Amalekites did to you in the desert,’” he said. “Hamas invaded unarmed civilian villages, murdered babies, killed children in front of their parents, and parents in front of their children. We will remember.”

The ceremony took place near International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

“We will remember the names of those held captive, those who celebrated the barbarism of October 7th, and those who stood with us. And we will move forward, secure in the knowledge that Am Yisrael Chai — the people of Israel lives,” he stated.

The banner’s removal marks a symbolic end to a public vigil while honoring the community’s role in supporting hostage families and remembering those affected by the attacks.

–Brian Kacharaba

Hundreds of community members visited the St. Agnes Parish Center for the Taste of Rockville

Fun, music and charity unite at fundraiser

By KYLE DENSON Intern

The Taste of Rockville Centre, a fundraiser organized by the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, brought the community together for an evening of food, music and celebration.

Drawing hundreds of attendees, the Jan. 30 fundraiser at the St. Agnes Parish Center showcased a wide variety of food and drink options from more than 20 restaurants and breweries, including desserts, wine tastings and coffee. Guests also enjoyed live music from Long Island-based party band Jerry & The Newcomers, keeping the energy high throughout the night.

Ann Travers, vice president of the committee and co-chair of the event, said the fundraiser has been a staple in the community for more than 20 years. She has taken on a leadership role for about a decade, working alongside board member Patrick McGuire.

Travers said the event would not be possible without the dedication of vendors and volunteers who help ensure everything runs smoothly. This year, more than 45 volunteers assisted with tasks including setup and teardown, which took up most of the day.

“The best part is everyone was happy to be a part of it,” Travers said.

The fundraiser plays a major role in supporting the parade committee’s philanthropic mission. Each August, the committee conducts interviews to select three charities to support through events held from September to March. This year’s beneficiaries are Rescuing Families Inc., Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior and Run for Mary.

The committee is also planning additional events to benefit this year’s selected charities, including a Backyard Breakfast in collaboration with the Backyard Players on March 8 and a tree lighting ceremony at Village Hall on March 2, marking the start of March.

These efforts lead up to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 21, which will feature Bill Hogan as grand marshal.

More information about upcoming events and how to get involved can be found at RVCStPatrick.com.

Chris Delgatto of the Kookaburra Coffee Company, from left, Lisa Acerno of Front Street Bakery, Rockville Centre Mayor Francis X. Murray, Nassau County Legislator Scott M. Davis, and Lisa Umansky of Polka Dot Pound Cake embraced the village’s vibrant culinary scene.

Lisa Acerno, center, and daughters Jackie Hanley, left, and Jessica Callaghan of the Front Street Bakery had plenty of delicious baked goods for the attendees to sample.

Crime watCh

UnUsUal inCidents

On Feb. 3, a Berkshire Road resident reported that an unknown female attempted to open a business account in her name.

On Feb. 3 a Jefferson Avenue resident reported that she was a victim of fraudulent activity in regards to her bank account.

leaving the sCene

On Feb. 4, a Hempstead resident reported that her vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which then fled the scene after an accident at the intersection of S. Village and Lincoln Avenues.

ProPerty damage

On Feb. 3, a Mineola resident reported that his vehicle was damaged by falling ice after parking his vehicle in a Maple Avenue business parking lot.

On Feb. 8, police and fire units responded to N. Centre Avenue for a flooding condition caused by a burst pipe.

homiCide (natUral)

On Feb. 6, a female Morris Avenue resident was discovered unresponsive on her couch and was later pronounced deceased.

harassment

On Feb. 7, a North Forest Avenue resident reported being harassed by an individual known to her, causing her to fear for her safety.

Criminal misChief

On Feb. 7, a North Forest Avenue resident reported that an unknown person caused damage to her vehicle, which was parked in a nearby parking lot.

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

fire watCh

The Rockville Centre Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just

February 1 – February 8

General Alarms – 17

Still Alarms – 9

Rescue – 8

Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 51

Mutual Aid Fire – 5

Mutual Aid Rescue – 0

Mutual Aid Ambulance – 1

Total – 67

have questions, please visit any firehouse on Sunday mornings and speak with one of the officers or call (516) 6789320. For emergencies dial 911 or (516) 766-0400.

Year To Date

General Alarms – 64

Still Alarms – 37

Rescue – 31

Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 263

Mutual Aid Fire – 15

Mutual Aid Rescue – 0

Mutual Aid Ambulance – 1

Total – 411

Fax: (516) 569-4643

Nassau girls wrestling takes center stage

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Reese Adams experienced a wave of emotions for the second time in as many years at the Nassau County girls wrestling championships.

While recovering from knee surgery last February, the thenCalhoun High School junior was devastated to be a spectator for the inaugural tournament. This year, however, she was elated to not only participate but to capture a title in what would be her lone opportunity.

Adams rallied from behind to pin MacArthur’s Olivia Rausenberger in 1:52 of the first period of the finals to win the 126-pound crown Feb. 1 at her home away from home — Long Beach High School. Her father, Ray, has coached the Marines’ wrestlers for 30 years.

“It was thrilling and a relief at the same time because I put so much pressure on myself,” Reese said. “To finally accomplish what I’ve worked so hard for is exciting.”

She underwent surgery the day before Thanksgiving in 2024 and missed all of last season. That didn’t stop her from attending the county championships at Bethpage High School, but it wasn’t easy to watch.

“I cried a lot, but I wanted to support some of my best friends who were competing,” said Reese, who is Calhoun’s lone female wrestler and practiced with the boys team every day. “I’m glad it was at Long Beach this time,” she added. “I practically grew up watching wrestling in that gym so it was a comfortable environment.”

Adams fell behind Rausenberger 5-0 before scoring a take-

down to get on the board, followed by the pin.

“It was a rough year for her rehabbing and I’m so proud to see her win a county title,” Ray Adams said of his Lehigh University bound daughter. “She worked so hard to get back on the mat.”

Long Beach girls coach Miguel Rodriguez said the vibe for the finals was “incredible.”

The Marines had five finalists and saw seventh-grader Brooke Varian finish a surprise runner-up at 94 pounds, and freshman Harley Eidens repeat as a county champ, taking the 107pound title.

“We had a lot of great performances and those two really had a day,” Rodriguez said. “Brooke is a great athlete who loves lacrosse and is so coachable. Harley was familiar with her opponent in the finals and was very strong defensively at the end to hold on.”

Harley’s sister, Presley, was second at 114 to MacArthur’s Grace Palumbo and earned a wild-card berth to join her twin at the state tournament Feb. 26 in Albany. Junior Goddiss Hodge and Arianna Balsamo and also reached the county finals stage.

Uniondale, which captured the Nassau dual meet team title with a 34-30 victory over Long Beach Jan. 21, continued its spectacular season with three county champions and two runners-up. Coach Tim Godoy said the Knights began the campaign with 45 girls as interest in the sport has exploded.

“The girls are excited to be a part of something new and they really put the work in,” he said. “We had great support from parents and family members as well as about half of

Uniondale’s Angeline Bonilla, won the first finals bout of the tournament at 94 pounds.

our boys team showed up. It was a special day.”

Uniondale junior Angeline Bonilla, who took third place last season, captured the 94-pound title over Varian with a 12-5 decision.

“The impossible doesn’t seem that far away if you keep pushing,” Bonilla said. “It was the first match of the finals and not going to lie, I was a little nervous. Brooke is a tough wrestler and I felt it was a 50-50 match. I couldn’t have done it without my coaches.”

Also for the Knights, junior Brianna Marquez captured the 100-pound championship and junior Keishara Tulloch was a repeat county champ, winning at 152 over junior teammate Gabrielle Christian. Senior and first-year wrestler Emely Ramos reached the finals at 165, pulling several upsets along the way.

“The support these girls have for each other is awesome,” Godoy said. “They were all screaming at the top of their lungs.”

Future hoops stars sink shots at St. Agnes

On a wintry Martin Luther King Jr. Day, St. Agnes Knights of Columbus Council #2548, joined by representatives from Molloy University, hosted the 2026 St. Agnes Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championships at the St. Agnes gymnasium.

The annual event was held in conjunction with the National Day of Community Service, reflecting the holiday’s emphasis on service, leadership and community involvement.

Over fifty athletes between the ages of 9 and 14 took part in the competition, supported by 19 Knights of Columbus volunteers and four studentathletes from Molloy University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, who assisted with officiating and mentoring throughout the event.

Age-group champions were Wyatt Spoerel and Niamh McCutchean (age 9); Ryan Arrante and Maeve Quigley (age 10); Fredrick Cartagena and Vivienne McDonald (age 11); Donavan Blaney and Lilly Ventimialia (age 12); Santino Rosa and Cate Villanava (age 13); and Connor Ventimila (age 14).

All age-group champions will advance to the district-level championships, to be scheduled at a future date in March. Certificates were presented to each age-group winner, and all par-

ticipants received certificates of achievement.

St. Agnes Council Grand Knight Joe D’Aleo congratulated the winners and

said he looks forward to their representing St. Agnes in the next round of competition. He encouraged all participants to return next year and invited friends and classmates to take part to further strengthen the level of competition.

Top real estate professionals honored at Heritage Club

By HAILEY FULMER

The Herald’s Real Estate Achievement +Leadership Awards at the Heritage Club on Jan. 28 celebrated professionals whose leadership and innovation have shaped the region’s real estate landscape.

Kelly Killoren Bensimon, founder, owner and broker specialist of Kelly Killoren Bensimon Inc. and Douglas Elliman was honored for her impact on real estate leadership. A former model and reality television personality, Bensimon has successfully transitioned into a successful real estate career. Her keynote speech reflected on her path into the industry.

After her mother became ill, Bensimon said she sold her family home by herself — a moment that inspired her to shift from television to real estate. Today, she focuses on client relationships and enhancing the value of the properties she represents.

I became licensed because I needed to protect my family — and today, that instinct drives everything I do,” she said.

Steven Krieger, chief executive officer of B2K Development, was named Real Estate Visionary of the Year, while Jan Burman, chairman of B2K Development, received the Legacy in Real Estate award.

The Rising Stars category recognized emerging professionals. Honorees included James La Dolce, vice president and branch manager at Flushing Bank, and Ashley Infantino, a licensed real estate salesperson with DeSimone Real Estate Agency.

Awards for construction, development and engineering recognized Rob Mannino, chief operating officer of The Kulka Group, who received the Commercial and Residential Construction Management award.

“It is such a pleasure to go to work every day and be surrounded by those people,” Mannino said, crediting his team’s growth over the past two years. He also expressed gratitude to partner Devin Kulka, chief executive officer of The Kulka Group, and his father, citing their guidance and leadership.

Joseph Picataggi Jr., principal of Terra Construction Group, received the Development and Construction award, while Matthew K. Aylward, a partner at R&M Engi-

neering, was recognized for excellence in engineering.

Michael S. Ackerman, managing partner of Ackerman Law, took home the Excellence in Real Estate Law, PLLC. Keith P. Brown, a partner at Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman LLP, received recognition in the Legal category, and Robert M. Connelly of Romer Debbas, LLP, earned the Excellence in Real Estate Law award.

“We are proud to honor Long Island’s most accomplished real estate professionals — individuals whose vision, dedication and innovation continue to shape the towns where we live, work and raise our families,” said Stuart Richner, president of Richner Communications for 26 years.

The Father/Son Duo award was presented to John and Dylan Vitale, president and vice president of Vitale Properties, recognizing multigenerational leadership.

The Next Gen Brokerage category recognized Luca Di Ciero, founder and CEO of NYSpace Finders, and Giuseppe Gregorio, an associate broker with the firm. Gregorio, who began his real estate career 12 years ago, said he was drawn to the industry’s evolving challenges. he Power Team honor was awarded to Darab Lawyer and Vanessa Ambrosecchia, licensed real estate salespersons with Douglas Elliman. Ambrosecchia highlighted the impact of her work on clients.

“I just like helping people,” she said, “to change more lives.”

Additional awards recognized

leadership across the industry.

Shaan Khan, president of the Long Island Board of REALTORS® and broker-owner of RK Realty Group, received the Real Estate Excellence award. Denise Savino-Erichsen, president and CEO of Automatic Industries, was honored in the Technology category.

In the commercial sector, Jonathan M. Stern, chief growth officer of Ackman-Ziff Real Estate Group, was recognized in celebration of the firm’s centennial anniversary. Michael Tucker, associate broker at DGNY Commercial, received the Commercial Brokerage award. Joel Lipsky, chief executive officer of Lipsky Construction, received the Construction Management award.

Tom Attivissimo, CEO and principal of Greiner-Maltz Co. of Long Island LLC, was named Top In-

dustrial and Investment Sales and Leasing Counselor of the Year. Shalom Maidenbaum, founder and owner of Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group LLC, received the Property Tax Reduction award.

Additional residential awards were presented to Nicholas Sforza of Manhasset Realty Group and Marisa Filardo of Douglas Elliman, both recognized for Real Estate Excellence. Filardo, a mother of two, serves clients across Long Island and Queens.

The Team Leadership award went to Rachel King, a licensed associate real estate broker and team leader of The King Team at SERHANT.

For photos, go to RichnerLive. com/realawards/2026-photos/ For more on RichnerLive events visit RichnerLive.com.

A night of music, moves, and memories made

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

With Valentine’s Day approaching, William S. Covert School celebrated the season of love and connection by hosting its PTA Special Person’s Dance, transforming the school into a lively space filled with music, smiles, and shared moments between students and their loved ones.

The evening was divided into two sessions, allowing students of all ages to enjoy their time on the dance floor. Kindergarten through second-grade students opened the night with a 90-minute session, eagerly dancing alongside their special guests. Later, students in grades 3–5 took their turn, bringing high energy and excitement to the second session of the night.

Students attended the Jan. 30 dance with a “Special Someone,” including mothers, fathers, and grandparents, sharing everything from joyful spins to heartfelt slow dances. The fun extended beyond family pairings, as many students were also captured dancing with friends, highlighting the strong sense of community throughout the school.

Adding to the excitement, members of the Rockville Centre–based J. Coles Hip Hop Dance Kids company were on hand to entertain the crowd and teach students some cool new dance moves. A special photography station allowed students to pose with friends and relatives, giving families a keepsake from an evening that blended celebration, creativity, and connection.

To

Long Island–based

Legally incorporated In business 2+ years

Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

Ronald Rosado Abad, seated right, spoke with Jean Kelly, Lauren Wagner and Vanessa Baird-Streeter at the “From Numbers to Neighbors: Tracking Impact for Results” panel on Feb. 6, moderated by Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin.

Nonprofit leaders discuss data impact and solutions

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

With nonprofit funding growing increasingly competitive and state budgets under pressure, more than 100 community leaders, policymakers and executives gathered at Molloy University to explore how data can be used to tell more powerful stories of impact.

The sold-out forum and panel discussion, “From Numbers to Neighbors:

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Tracking Impact for Results,” took place at the Hayes Theatre on Molloy’s Rockville Centre campus and was co-hosted by the Nonprofit Resource Hub and Molloy’s Institute for Social Innovation.

Designed for nonprofit and publicsector leaders tasked with defending budgets and demonstrating program results, the Feb. 6 event focused on the growing need for measurable outcomes and return-on-investment data to secure funding and shape policy.

“This kind of work is really critical to what we do, really critical to our teaching mission here at Molloy and critical to the people that you all serve and that we all serve together,” Molloy University President James Lentini said. “It means something to us, and we’re really proud.”

The panel was moderated by Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin and featured Ronald Rosado Abad, CEO of Community Housing Innovations; Vanessa Baird-Streeter, president and CEO of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island; Jean Kelly, CEO of The INN; and Lauren Wagner, executive director of the Long Island Arts Alliance.

Baird-Streeter opened the discussion by highlighting how sustained investment is essential to Long Island’s economic stability, public health and longterm resilience.

“Just because the contract asks for the numbers, I think it is incumbent upon nonprofits to tell the story behind the numbers,” she said.

She added that nonprofits have a responsibility to go beyond compliance reporting by using data-informed storytelling to engage funders and government partners in deeper conversations.

Abad spoke about tracking metrics such as eviction risk and demand for homeownership counseling as indicators of shifting cost pressures and housing needs on Long Island.

“I need to see whether it’s really translating into helping a family move from shelter here on Long Island to permanent housing, which is basically to have a place of their own,” he said.

He noted that tracking metrics across finance, operations, personnel and community outreach allows leaders to manage more effectively and help more families achieve long-term housing stability.

Wagner addressed how the arts sector combines qualitative storytelling with hard data to make its case to policymakers.

“We’ve always led with powerful, tactful, life-changing stories about the arts,” she said. “And oftentimes those stories are not necessarily anchored to the types of data points that policymakers have been trained to value, and it’s been hard to translate that in a way that everyone really understands.”

By layering data with personal narratives, Wagner said, the arts sector is demonstrating that it is an essential — not optional — part of community life.

The program concluded with a question-and-answer session.

Love your heart… And it will love you back Your HealtH and Wellness

Change is an important part of living with heart disease or trying to prevent it. A jump in blood pressure or cholesterol earns you a lecture on healthy lifestyle changes. Heart attack and stroke survivors are often told to alter a lifetime of habits.

Some people manage to overhaul their exercise pattern, diet, and unhealthy habits with ease. The rest of us try to make changes, but don’t always succeed. Instead of undertaking a huge makeover, you might be able to improve your heart’s health with a series of small changes. Once you get going, you may find that change isn’t so hard. This approach may take longer, but it could also motivate you to make some big changes.

Here are important small steps to get you on the road to better health.

Take a 10-minute walk. If you don’t exercise at all, a brief walk is a great way to start. If you do, it’s a good way to add more exercise to your day.

Give yourself a lift. Lifting a hardcover book or a two-pound weight a few times a day can help tone your arm muscles. When that becomes a breeze, move on to heavier items or join a gym.

Eat one extra fruit or vegetable a day. Limit the sweet treats and go for the fruit instead. Fruits — and vegetables — taste good and are good for everything from

your brain to your bowels.

Make breakfast count. A good breakfast is one that supplies plenty of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Protein should be the main focus to start the day, with additions of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and good fats.

Stop drinking your calories. Cutting out just one sugar-sweetened soda or calorie-laden latte can easily save you 100 or more calories a day. Over a year, that can translate into a 10-pound weight loss.

Have a handful of nuts. Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and other nuts are good for your heart. Try grabbing some instead of chips or cookies when you need a snack, adding them to salads for a healthful and tasty crunch, or using them in place of meat in pasta and other dishes.

Sample the fruits of the sea. Eat fish or other types of seafood instead of red meat once a week. It’s good for the heart, the brain, and the waistline.

Breathe deeply. Try breathing slowly and deeply for a few minutes a day. It can help you relax. Slow, deep breathing may also help lower blood pressure.

Wash your hands often. Always important, this matters so much more since the pandemic. Scrubbing up with soap and water often during the day is a great way to protect your heart and health. Flu, pneumo-

infections

Count your blessings. Taking a moment each day to acknowledge the blessings in your life is one way to start tapping into other positive emotions. These have been linked with better health, longer life and greater well-being, just as their opposites

DEC head discusses state’s goals, policies

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

More than 200 people attended the Long Island Association’s Energy and Environment Committee meeting on Feb. 5 at LIA headquarters in Melville. The highlight of the program was a discussion with the commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Amanda Lefton.

“Long Island’s environment is our economy,” Matt Cohen, LIA president and CEO, said. LIA is a nonprofit association that works to ensure Long Island’s economic vitality.

Lefton previously served as the director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in the Department of the Interior. She has over 15 years of experience working on energy and environment in both the public and private sector.

“As Long Islanders, we know that things like water quality and our natural resources are critical to our livelihood,” she said. “We know these things aren’t in competition, but actually complement each other if done correctly. That is the perspective that I bring to the department.

“We continue to move forward,” Lefton added, “to make sure that we’re not just delivering on our mission of protecting the state’s environment, protecting water quality, delivering on clean air, protecting our natural resources,

but also doing so in a way that there’s transparency.”

Billy Haugland, vice chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, who led the discussion, praised Lefton’s ability to bring government and industry leaders together, leading to productive outcomes, increased collaboration, and reliable environmental stewardship.

Lefton discussed aspects of the state’s policy proposals and 2026 executive budget, and highlighted its steps to reduce pollution, its transition to clean energy and investments in infrastructure and transportation. She contrasted state actions with federal efforts to dismantle environmental protections. “The jobs and benefits that could be lost on Long Island through the stalling of offshore wind projects are one of the many causalities of this chaos,” she said.

Lefton pledged to continue communicating with stakeholders around New York. The DEC is prioritizing accessibility, streamlining its processes and improving data navigation, supported by investments from Gov. Kathy Hochul to modernize its website and technology.

Hochul’s 2026 budget proposal also supports a robust environmental agenda, and Lefton complimented the tangible results for New Yorkers. The governor’s “Let Them Build” agenda includes a series of reforms to speed up housing and infrastructure projects and reduce costs. The initiative includes adopting

common-sense reforms of the State Environmental Quality Review Act to speed up construction of zoned and permitted housing while preserving environmental safeguards. It also aims to reduce delays in building critical infrastructure, including clean-water projects.

“The governor’s common-sense approach to securing more certainty in environmental review timelines,” Lefton said, “will help advance more critically important projects.”

She discussed Hochul’s investments in water infrastructure, a commitment of $3.75 billion to clean-water projects over the next five years, including improving sewer infrastructure. “We can ensure that we’re continuing to tackle urban contaminants, protecting clean water, and delivering on the funding for our municipalities,” Lefton said.

The Hochul administration has authorized a critical resiliency project on Long Island, with a $1.7 billion investment in protecting the expanse from Fire Island to Montauk against storms and erosion. Additional investments have been made for various other Army Corps of Engineers resiliency projects in the Rockaways and Long Beach.

Lefton also mentioned a state grant award to Freeport, supporting the expansion of its advanced stormwater system, which is designed to reduce chronic flooding of the village’s lowlying streets.

“We have strong programs in place to protect our air and water while encouraging investment in our communities,” Lefton said. “We’re ensuring that we have these programs available specifically to deliver for Long Islanders.”

RVC Blue Speaks adds board members

The board of RVC Blue Speaks, the largest Long Island-based autism charity, has announced the appointment of Mireille Rivara and Carrie Thorne as its two new members.

Rivara and Thorne are both lifelong Rockville Centre residents and currently live in the community with their families. Their appointments are expected to strengthen the organization’s mission and expand its outreach across Long Island.

Rivara brings a strong background in social media, digital advertising, and campaign strategy. She is an advocate

MARCH

for individuals with neurodiversities and is deeply committed to the mission of RVC Blue Speaks. Board members said her experience will help enhance the organization’s visibility and deepen its relationships with community partners.

Thorne, an attorney, offers legal and regulatory expertise and has spent sev-

eral years serving with a nonprofit agency. Her professional background, combined with her longstanding commitment to the Rockville Centre community, is expected to support the organization’s continued growth and advocacy efforts.

RVC Blue Speaks co-founder Mary Lou Cancellieri said the board is enthu-

siastic about the new appointments.

“We are delighted and excited to have two wonderful and experienced professional women who are so committed to our mission join our board,” she said. “We look forward to expanding our community partnerships and advancing our advocacy efforts. As we continue to grow and expand, we are grateful for their support.”

RVC Blue Speaks was founded in 2016 by Anthony and Mary Lou Cancellieri after their grandson, Louis, was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at age 2. The organization’s mission is to promote awareness and acceptance of individuals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, enhance quality of life, and help individuals reach their full potential.

The group also raises funds for genetic research, support programs, and community initiatives that directly serve families in need across Long Island, while working to turn awareness into action and measurable progress.

Since its founding, the organization has donated thousands of dollars through grants and scholarship programs. The organization has supported the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Hagedorn Little Village School in Seaford. In partnership with Mount Sinai South Nassau, the group funded two “Louie” Vecta machines, which help create a calming environment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder in emergency room and hospital settings. It has also awarded scholarships to high school seniors from numerous local school districts and supports programs at Adelphi University and Molloy University. These programs assist students with neurodiversities as they transition into college life and, ultimately, the workforce.

Locally, RVC Blue Speaks has begun implementing plans to “Light It Up Blue” throughout the Village of Rockville Centre during the month of April in recognition of Autism Acceptance Month.

More information about RVC Blue Speaks can be found at RVCBlueSpeaks. org or on Facebook at @RVCBlueSpeaks.

–Brian Kacharaba

STEPPING OUT

Our nation 250 years later

An artistic perspective

By Abbey Salvemini

The American Revolution might have happened 250 years ago, but the conversation about who really benefited from it is far from over. That’s the idea behind Hofstra University Museum of Art’s newlly opened exhibition, “Our Unfinished Revolution(s).” On view, through July 24, it invites visitors to reflect on the promises of liberty, exploring how the ideals of the Declaration of Independence have shaped the nation.

July 4, 1776, has long been ascribed as the date that the United States was formed, Presley Rodriguez — the museum’s assistant director of exhibitions and collections — writes in her essay in the exhibit catalog. There are other events that could have represented the birth of the nation — perhaps first battles of the Revolutionary War, or the signing of the treaty that formally ended the conflict. But it is the day that the Declaration of Independence was ratified that is credited with changing the world as we know it.

‘RENT’ in concert

Today, many consider the Declaration of Independence as the document that proclaimed “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” as guiding priorities of the United States. As significant as the signing of the Declaration of Independence was, however, it was also a rebellious act that those loyal to the English king viewed unfavorably in 1776.

“The Declaration of Independence is the North Star of liberty, democracy and freedom,” says Hofstra Museum Director Sasha Giordano. “The exhibition explores who most benefitted from the Declaration of Independence. Although women, Black and enslaved people, Indigenous peoples, and immigrants played instrumental roles during the Revolution and were closely connected to the events surrounding the Declaration, they were not granted the same liberties at the nation’s founding.”

The 250 years of history are organized into four dated sections: 1776, 1876, 1976 and 2026. The artworks and archival materials on view illuminate the ways in which the Declaration of Independence has been interpreted, challenged and defended over time. Works drawn from the museum’s permanent collection, alongside loans featuring artists such as Faith Ringgold, demonstrate the diversity of artistic responses to the Revolution’s legacy across 250 years. Included are a mix of 18th-century prints, mid-century works and contemporary pieces by artists such as Alexander Calder, Larry Rivers and Jeremy Dennis, the show’s featured artist.

Groups whose liberties were initially denied come into focus: women, Black, Indigenous and immigrant communities. Rodriguez — who curated this exhibit — searched Hofstra’s database for art that best captures their stories.

“This is really an homage to 250 years of freedom,” she explains. “There are walls in the gallery dedicated to each of these anniversary years, and the artwork was created around these moments.”

Beginning with 1776 section, works reflect the founding ideals and the exclusion of certain communities, while later sections show how those

Map of New England, 1676, ink on paper. Gift of unknown donor, HU62.7.

Washington Crossing the Delaware, Evening Previous to the Battle of Trenton, December 5 (sic), 1776, 18001900, hand-colored lithograph. Gift of Mary Estabrook, HU64.98.

Bill of Sale for Enslaved Person, 1779. Courtesy of Special Collections/ Long Island Studies Institute, Hofstra University Library.

struggles continued and evolved.

For Giordano, framing the Revolution as “unfinished” allows us to revisit and reclaim its milestones. It’s presented as an ongoing conversation, rather than a closed chapter in history.

“Anniversaries are a way to remind us of what we celebrate and how we honor our country’s life,” she says. “This exhibition meets viewers where they are. You bring your own ideas and thoughts, and it encourages reflection. It could challenge you, or it could reaffirm what you already feel.”

Jeremy Dennis, an enrolled member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and founder of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio Inc., brings an Indigenous perspective into the narrative of America’s evolving freedom through his photography.

“As a leader making art representing Indigenous people, his work speaks to current times and shares a relevant story,” Giordano adds. “Through his art and photography, he takes us into that world.”

Another standout is Faith Ringgold’s 2009 series, “Declaration of Freedom and Independence.” Her work perfectly embodies the exhibition’s theme and reflects the ongoing struggle to make liberty a reality for all, according to Rodriguez.

“The exhibition invites you to consider your own role in shaping the nation’s future. The response wall allows visitors to contribute their perspectives, and those ideas will literally be on display for others to see,” she adds.

Her aim is that visitors reflect not only on the past but think hard about what our future holds. Everyone is encouraged to contribute to the Wish Wall Project, the collaborative response wall developed by a nationwide network of museums and libraries, where all can leave their thoughts, reflections and reactions to the exhibition.

“Our Unfinished Revolution(s),” connects to the broader Untold Stories of Revolution: A Hofstra University Initiative for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, a campus-wide exploration of the Revolution’s lesser-known narratives. Related programming tied to the exhibit invites students, faculty and the public to engage with themes of democracy, equity and civic responsibility.

Events include a conversation with Dennis on March 5 and a curator-led gallery tour on April 9; programs that allow participants to engage more deeply with the exhibit.

“During the gallery tour, visitors will have a chance to notice details they might miss on a casual visit, and they can hear the stories behind why specific works were included,” Rodriguez says.

The unforgettable music of Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking musical fills Tilles Center in a powerful symphonic concert setting. RENT is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, marking three decades since its Off-Broadway debut in January 1996 and subsequent move to Broadway. Experience the music of Larson’s landmark work through its original Broadway legacy as Adam Pascal, who originated the role of Roger, hosts the evening and returns to the stage for a special encore performance. Presented in a symphonic concert format with full orchestra, the event celebrates the iconic songs that changed musical theater forever. “To be able to host RENT in concert and then step back on stage for an encore is incredibly special, Pascal says. This concert is about honoring Jonathan Larson’s voice, the community that formed around this show, and the power of these songs to still speak, loudly and honestly, to audiences today.”

Friday, Feb. 13, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

‘So don’t stop me now’ Queen-mania rolls on. Almost Queen returns to the Paramount stage with their homage to the beloved band. They don’t just pay tribute to the legendary band, Almost Queen transports you back in time to experience the magic and essence of Queen themselves. The band — featuring Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon, and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor — is “guaranteed to blow your mind” with iconic four-part harmonies and expertly executed musical interludes. The band’s authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision captivates fans of all ages with an unforgettable concert experience. The carefully curated setlist featuring Queen’s best-loved songs, including, of course, classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Board of Education meeting

Rockville Centre Board of Education holds their next regular meeting in the South Side High School Commons Room. This is a crucial opportunity for parents, students and community to stay informed about key updates in local education, including upcoming initiatives and districtwide plans. Public participation is encouraged, with time allocated to address the Board.

• Where: 140 Shepherd St.

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 255-8957

feb

14

Meet the animals

The Center for Science Teaching and Learning hosts Amazing Animals Week. Visitors can enjoy handson, close-up animal shows featuring the museum’s resident reptiles, mammals, and birds, including some behind-thescenes animals rarely seen, along with face painting and animal-themed crafts. The program is included with regular museum admission. $15 adults, $12 seniors, $12 ages 1-12,

• Where: 1450 Tanglewood Road

• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 764-0045

Lunar New Year program

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes Chinese Theatre Works to the museum stage. Join in a celebration of the Lunar New Year with an original “budaixi” glove puppet production that features the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. This year’s show stars the Horse, who presides over a jolly selection of wild puppet skits, dances, popular songs, and well known Chinese sayings that celebrate the wit and wisdom of the zodiac animals. Hao Bang Ah! Horse! A hands-on post show demonstration will make the Chinese bilingual cultural experience accessible to even the youngest audience members. $5, $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

Blood Drive

Wild days in the Bronx

payable to the Empire Safety Council the day of instruction. Register in person, by phone or online. Bring a light snack

• Where: 221 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: This is an all day event; the library opens at 9 a.m.

• Contact: rvclibrary.org or (516) 766-6257

feb

15

St. Agnes Knights of Columbus Council #2548 holds a community blood drive at the St. Agnes

Chazz Palminteri is back on the Paramount stage with his electrifying solo performance of “A Bronx Tale,” the autobiographical one-man show that launched his remarkable career. Raw, riveting and deeply personal, the play draws on Palminteri’s own bruising childhood in the Bronx, including the moment — at just nine-years-old — when he witnessed a gangland killing that would forever shape his view of the world. Onstage, Palminteri inhabits 18 vividly drawn characters, seamlessly shifting between friends, foes and family members to conjure an entire neighborhood with nothing but his voice, physicality and storytelling prowess. First written and performed in 1989, A Bronx Tale quickly became a sensation, hailed as one of the most sought-after stage properties since Rocky. The original production paved the way for the acclaimed film adaptation — directed by Robert De Niro — and later a hit Broadway musical. Born and raised in the Bronx, Palminteri stands firmly in the lineage of iconic Italian-American artists who redefined New York storytelling in the 1970s, including Martin Scorsese, De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. Like them, he brings grit, muscle and an unflinching realism to his work, capturing both the violence and the humanity of life on those sidewalks. This return engagement offers audiences a chance to experience the original, powerhouse performance that started it all — up close, uncompromising and unforgettable.

Parish Center. All are welcome to attend, especially those who would like to become a blood donor with their first donation.

• Where: 29 Quealy Place, Rockville Centre

• Time: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

• Contact: John Madson at (516) 306-9127

Pete’s Blue Carpet Catwalk

Walk the blue carpet as a VIP to celebrate Long Island Children’s Museum’s premiere performance of Pete the Cat! Dress your best, smile for the paparazzi, and take a picture with Pete! A special youth emcee will be interviewing VIPs on camera. Gain exclusive access to Pete’s Groovy Lounge for refreshments, enjoy the opening day performance of the show and take home a fun swag bag! You’ll even get to meet the cast after the show! For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW bus! $16 ($14 members), $20 theater and

catwalk experience only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: Starting at 11:30 a.m.

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

BioBus Mobile Lab

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes all to climb aboard the newest BioBus Mobile Lab sponsored by National Grid. Community scientists show visitors how to use one of the high-powered microscopes to explore samples such as bugs, dirt, water, flowers, and other organic matter from your neighborhood! You can even look at your own skin, hair and clothing up close with a microscope.

• Where: 11 Davis. Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

‘The Wedding Singer’ Molloy University’s CAP21 Musical Theatre students stage the musical comedy based on the iconic film. The

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

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

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

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

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

Defensive driving class

Rockville Centre

Public Library hosts a defensive driving class. Lower your insurance premium or reduce points on your license. The cost is $29 for drivers 60 and over; all other drivers are $38. Fee is

Harlem Globetrotters Don’t miss out on the action when the Globetrotters bring the team’s 100 Year Tour — the most legendary tour in Globetrotters history — to Nassau Coliseum. This centennial season is a oncein-a-century celebration of 100 years of jaw-dropping “No Way!” moves, Wow!” moments and basketball thrills. From gravitydefying dunks to game-changing tricks, fans feel the history, the joy, and the fun that only the Globetrotters can deliver. For the first time, the team will also debut their new 100 Year jerseys, honoring a century of global impact, as they face off against their longtime rivals, the Washington Generals. Fans can also expect all-new surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding®, epic pre-game Magic Pass experiences, and an unforgettable 5th Quarter autograph session.

• Where: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com

Estate planning basics

Join attorney Kathleen Rose of Feldman, Kramer and Monaco at Rockville Centre Public Library. She covers wills, trusts, probates, Medicaid tips, planning for the future, and avoiding caregiver stress disorder. Rose, who is also a social worker, will answer questions and offer practical guidance.

• Where: 221 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

• Contact:rvclibrary.org or (516) 766-6257

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.

Educators exchange ideas at consortium

Maria LaSorsa, assistant principal of South Side Middle School, attended, along with eight staff members.

“I really want to support them in getting to think about our programs, where they are headed in the future, how we can move forward and how we can push the needle,” LaSorsa said.

During the sessions, participants broke up into smaller groups, with each table assigned a topic on which educators shared ideas and strategies. Special-education students from the high school’s CORE Coffee Catering program served guests during each session. This program allows their CORE students to build life-skills aligned with operating a coffee station within the school.

At the end of the day, when we get better as individuals and as educators, our students are the ones who succeed as a result

District staff presented an overview of local life-skills programs, and the breakout topics included transition planning, assistive technology, communication systems, community-based learning and instructional strategies designed to foster student independence and long-term growth.

Kathleen Mark, the district’s director of the arts, voiced support for teachers who lead unified classes at the high school.

PAtrick W Alsh Principal, South Side High School

“We see ourselves as a community within the school district,” Dalton said. “But this allows us to expand and see ourselves regionally, educating all of Long Island, and it’s a really nice way to grow our community together.”

“We offer unified theater and unified art, and they’re a wonderful way for our general-education and special-education populations to work together collaboratively,” Mark said. “We’ve had an incredible response from students in both general education and special education.”

Several general-education students, she said, are now considering careers in special education after taking part in the classes.

As the district continues to expand collaborative education programs, the Life Skills Consortium offered an opportunity to share local practices while learning new ones from neighboring districts. South Side High Principal Pat-

rick Walsh said he hoped participants left with a sense of unity and purpose.

“I hope they realize that we’re a community of educators,” Walsh said.

“Although we work in different districts, we’re here to help and support one another. When we get better as individuals and educators, our students are the

ones who succeed.”

District officials described the event as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen partnerships among Long Island school systems and ensure that students with disabilities have access to programs that support the development of academic, social and life skills.

Nine Little League legends to be inducted

sent some of the most successful eras in league history. Pette, who passed away during the 1980s, according to Keating, was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 1955, and later spent four years in the Cincinnati Reds minor league system. Lemanczyk, a member of the 1993 and 1995 Long Island championship teams, played for four years in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, and Lennon was a key contributor on both titlewinning squads.

Lemanczyk said that the phone call informing him of his induction came as a complete surprise. “I was kind of blindsided with excitement,” he said. “It’s a pretty awesome honor.”

Lemanczyk credited much of his baseball foundation to growing up around the game and learning from his father, former Major League pitcher Dave Lemanczyk, while still being allowed to develop independently.

“He was always supportive,” Lemanczyk said of his father. “He didn’t push us. He kind of let us make our own choices, and if we wanted to do something, he fostered it.”

Being inducted alongside longtime teammate Mike Lennon made the honor even more meaningful for Lemanczyk. “Mike Lennon is like a mythological creature from back in the day,” he said. “One of the best, most unstoppable athletes. In the biggest games, he was on top of his game.”

Lennon said that learning of his induction was both emotional and affirming. “I was very excited — excited and honored,” he said. “It was a great time of my life.”

One defining moment of Lennon’s Little League career came on July 29, 1993, when he delivered a standout per-

LEGAL NOTICE

formance against Oceanside to clinch the Long Island District title. He pitched a four-hit shutout and hit a home run, helping propel the team deeper into its championship run.

While many details have blended together over time, Lennon said that the feeling of those games remains vivid. “I used to pitch a lot of solid games,” he said. “I definitely hit a couple home runs.”

Finch was a three-time Long Island champion in 1963, 1966 and 1967, and

Public Notices

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Supreme Court County of Nassau Citizens Bank, N.A. s/b/m to Investors Bank, Plaintiff AGAINST Michael Brooks a/k/a Michael Ossam, Juliet Brooks a/k/a Juliet Ossam, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 15, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 20 Woods Place, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected,

situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 38, BLOCK: 396, LOT: 56. Approximate amount of judgment is $995,576.20 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 002813/2017. Brian James Carmody, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-084276 -F00 88882 158317

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AKA ELIZABETH MC ARDLE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 16, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 259 Lincoln Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the

Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 347, Lot (s) 380 & 381. Approximate amount of judgment $723,702.12 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Ind ex #609188/2019. Karen C. Grant, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-009233 88614 158313

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Kniffin a two-time champion in 1963 and 1966. Kniffin went on to play for 10 years in the Philadelphia Phillies organization before beginning a lengthy coaching career. He eventually served as pitching coach of the Arizona Diamondbacks, working with Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling during the 2002 season.

Kniffin said he was surprised when he received the call about his induction. “I was kind of shocked,” he said.

Many of Kniffin’s fondest memories center on Hickey Field and the support of his mother, Evelyn. “My mother was my biggest influence in baseball,” he said. “Any time I was playing or pitching, there she’d be in the stands with her cowbell ringing.”

Kenny Schnabel, a member of the 1966 and 1967 Long Island championship teams, was Finch’s teammate on the 1967 state Babe Ruth championship team.

With the addition of the class of 2026, the Hall of Fame now includes four father-son combinations: Phil Schifini Sr. and Phil Schifini Jr., Dick and John Klaess, Art and Kenny Schnabel and Joe and Jay Pette.

Keating reflected on the honorees he players he once watched.

“Mike and Matt were the core of both Long Island championship teams,” he said of Lennon and Lemanczyk, “and I coached Matt when he was 13 years old. The Pette brothers and cousins dominated the league from 1953 to 1960.”

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NWhat do we do about cold spots in a new house?

Q. We are in our house for the first winter, and are noticing lots of cold spots. Our concern is pipes freezing. Is there anything we can do, temporarily, before spring comes, when we can open outside walls to see where insulation is missing? Also, we have a lot of creaking in the stairs and doors, and even just when the wind is howling. Is there anything we can do?

A. With freezing temperatures comes the reveal of lots of cold spots. As you stated, the biggest concern, immediately, is whether cold areas are near pipes, such as heat pipes or bathroom plumbing. Cold air outside will radiate cold to anything not protected, and if you see that the heat has dropped and the pipes feel cool or cold to touch, that should be the first place to start.

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Sometimes people just add a jacket of pipe insulation, but this may worsen the problem in some instances, because the warmer interior air must reach the pipes to keep them from being jammed with ice from the cold-air exposure. In situations like this, it’s best to open the walls where the pipes have frozen and get the pipes warmed up. Don’t use anything with extreme heat or an open flame. A hair dryer may work, but be careful not to make the heat intense enough to start any kind of melting or scorching of the surrounding materials.

I once felt around heat pipes, found the specific spot by touch, and before heat could be applied, the pipe actually split right there in front of me. My plumber used an electric heat clamp to thaw the pipe before cutting the section and replacing it.

As for other parts of the house where it just feels chilled, check for visible gaps around windows, walk barefoot to feel the cool spots and make a list. Some may be almost unreachable without tearing out large sections of interior gypsum or plaster, while others may be able to be filled with insulation. I recommend blown-in cellulose instead of foam, because the foam may encase wires or pipes that later will take much more effort to remove.

Apply foam to areas you can see. Be careful not to use expanding foam in areas that will cause the materials around to move too much, such as around window frames, unless the windows and doors are tightly closed in the frame. Expanding foam will bow the door and window frames so that you can’t close doors and windows later.

This is a good time to use a silicone lubricant, adding a few drops to hinges of doors. The stairs need to be addressed with care, especially hardwood finished treads, so as to not damage them. If you can get under the stairs, try using construction glue at joints before moving on to screws. Only treated, finished nails, adhesive-coated, will work from above. Be prepared to match the wood finish over the tiny nail heads. Good luck!

© 2026 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden

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There are better ways to resolve the immigration crisis

The raging debate over Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s policies and practices has potential long-term consequences for the nation that transcend the political partisanship of the moment. Let me say up front that I support ICE, and believe it serves an important national purpose. I also believe that constructive changes can be made in those policies and practices that will not undermine the agency’s underlying mission to enforce America’s immigration laws. As a grandson of immigrants who grew up in an immigrant environment, I strongly support legal immigration, which I believe is the lifeblood of our nation and has made us unique in the world. I emphasize “legal” because, especially in today’s world of drug cartels and violent gangs, it is vital that we know who it is we are inviting to live among us. There is also the reality that a country without borders isn’t really a country. It is generally accepted that the Biden administration allowed at least 10 million immigrants to enter the country illegally. If only 1 percent of that number were bad actors, it would mean that at least 100,000 potential drug dealers,

sex traffickers and gang members are loose on our streets and in our neighborhoods.

Some historical perspective: President Obama determined that 5 million undocumented immigrants in the country constituted a crisis, and during his administration more than 3 million were deported. Not only was there little or no media hysteria about Obama’s reliance on ICE, but it was actually hailed.

ICNN, which now runs antiICE stories almost 24/7, not only supported ICE, but had star reporter Pamela Brown accompany ICE agents on raids as they broke into homes in a sanctuary city in the dark of night to apprehend undocumented immigrants.

tions in Minneapolis is a major step in that direction. Administration officials like Stephen Miller setting arbitrary quotas of apprehensions makes no sense and is inevitably counterproductive.

CE remains an essential component, but raids no longer need to be as extensive.

In dealing with Minneapolis, however, it must be noted that almost no other city or state where ICE is operating has seen these kinds of disturbances, primarily because other elected leaders, and local and state law enforcement, cooperate with ICE. At a minimum, that means keeping demonstrators from getting in the faces of ICE agents or interfering with their operations.

will be accepted and implemented. But I would strongly oppose any requirement that ICE agents remove their masks. Despite the hysterics of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and others who shamelessly label ICE agents “Nazis” and “Gestapo,” wearing masks has become absolutely essential for them. There are well-organized, systematic efforts to identify and “dox” ICE agents and their families. In cases of their alleged improper actions, they can be identified for investigation by numbers on their uniforms.

While ICE remains an essential component of immigration enforcement, raids no longer need to be as extensive. President Trump’s strict border-enforcement policies have brought illegal immigration to the lowest levels in decades. It is virtually nonexistent.

While the law must be enforced, however, there is always room for reasonable discretion. There is no longer the need for dragnet-style raids. The time has come for a more surgical strategy, focusing almost entirely on criminal elements. Trump’s designation of border czar Tom Homan to oversee ICE opera-

Also, Minnesota, and Minneapolis, must agree to honor ICE detainers and turn over undocumented criminals in their prisons and jails before their release. This minimizes the possibility of fatal interactions. (It is slanderous and irresponsible for officials and critics to describe ICE agents as “murderers.” While investigations are ongoing, the reasonable interpretation of the multitude of videos we’ve all seen is that, at worst, there were heat-of-themoment reactions to unexpected incidents.)

Various “reforms” of ICE are being suggested, and I’m sure a number of them, such as the use of body cameras,

Now that the border is secure and the crisis is past, our elected officials should make reasonable immigration reforms. Those who are undocumented, but were brought to our country as children and have lived here for a specified period of time without incident, should be given a path to citizenship. There should be no attempts to track down undocumented people who are living here without bothering anyone. They should be urged to register and, after a certain period, be allowed to apply for residency.

It is to everyone’s benefit, and society’s gain, for people to be brought out from the shadows. With proper leadership and cooperation, we could be approaching a reasoned resolution of this divisive crisis.

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

Keep driverless cars off Long Island roads

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced that the state plans to test driverless forhire cars outside New York City. I’m a Long Island resident, and the idea of robot cars on our streets is scary. As a transportation professional with over 25 years of experience on the roadways of our communities, I know how extraordinarily unsafe a plan like this would make us. On Long Island, our cars are how life happens. Parents, kids, commuters and seniors are on the road every day, often navigating heavy traffic, construction and unpredictable weather. Spend five minutes on the Long Island Expressway at

rush hour, or near a busy school zone at the beginning or end of a school day, and it becomes clear why safety cannot be left to unproven technology.

TAnd let’s be honest about what’s really going on here. The goal for these tech companies is New York City. Testing driverless cars just outside the city line is a sneaky way to move closer to that goal without facing the complexity, scrutiny and opposition that would come with starting in the city itself. In the meantime, Long Island is expected to carry the risks as the testing ground.

of the country. When you complicate that track record with a February snowstorm or a rainy evening rush hour here, the risks become obvious.

he safety of so many drivers cannot be left to unproven technology.

Safety is where this proposal really starts to fall apart. Driverless cars have already stalled in traffic, blocked emergency vehicles, sped past school buses loading children and failed to handle basic roadway situations in other parts

And these risks aren’t just on paper — driverless cars are already hurting people. Reuters reported three weeks ago that a Waymo self-driving car hit a child during morning school drop-off near an elementary school in California. Federal regulators were investigating the incident, which raised serious questions about whether this technology can safely operate around children, parents and busy school zones. It should give every Long Island family pause.

The pressure behind the proposal to deploy more driverless cars is coming from powerful technology companies and executives like Elon Musk, who are focused on expanding their platforms

and opening new markets. Their priorities are driven by growth and investors’ demands, not by the realities of Long Island roads or the safety concerns of the families who live here.

Long Islanders tend to be practical. We care about safety, accountability and systems that work. Decisions that affect our roads and neighborhoods should reflect those values, not treat our communities as a steppingstone to somewhere else.

Governor Hochul should listen to the people who live and work here and understand these roads firsthand. Long Island should not be asked to bear unfair risks so that technology companies can inch closer to New York City. Transportation policy should put safety first. For Long Island, that means protecting our roads, our workers and the people who rely on them every day. We’re nobody’s guinea pigs.

Black History is Long Island history

every February, Black History Month arrives with familiar names and stories. We rightly honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and other giants whose courage reshaped the nation. Their legacies deserve remembrance.

But for many people on Long Island, those stories might feel distant — heroic, yes, but abstract, having unfolded somewhere else, in another place at another time.

What often goes missing is the understanding that Black history did not only happen on the National Mall or in Southern courtrooms. It happened here. It happened in the neighborhoods we walk every day, in the schools our children attend, in churches tucked onto residential blocks, and in town halls where decisions quietly shaped who could live where, who could teach, who could lead and who could serve.

On Long Island, Black residents confronted segregated housing patterns long after the law said discrimination was over. Veterans returned home from fighting for democracy abroad only to find out that it did not fully extend to them in their own communities. Black educators pushed open doors in school districts where they were once excluded from classrooms except as students. Black churches became organizing centers, social safety nets and sources of political power when other institutions shut their doors.

King spoke at Rockville Centre’s South Side Junior High School — now

South Side Middle School — on March 26, 1968, just nine days before he was assassinated in Memphis. In his remarks, he spoke of poverty and injustice, and urged unity. People like Roslyn’s Hazel Dukes, who served as president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People from 1990 to 1992, made it their life’s work to combat pervasive housing discrimination in many of our communities.

These are not footnotes to history. They are history.

Local athletes who broke color barriers on high school fields, teachers who became the first Black faces in faculty rooms, small-business owners who built livelihoods despite limited access to credit, and community leaders who advocated for basic services all helped shape what our communities look like today. Their contributions did not always come with applause or recognition. Many are remembered only by those who lived through the changes, if they are remembered at all.

That absence matters. When history is presented only as something that happened “somewhere else,” it becomes easier to disconnect from it. It becomes symbolic rather than instructive.

But when Black history is grounded in familiar places — the elementary school you attended, the block where you grew up, the library or park you pass without a second thought — it becomes harder to ignore and easier to understand.

It also forces uncomfortable but necessary questions. Why do some figures

receive plaques and street names while others fade from memory? Why are certain struggles celebrated as defining moments, while local battles for fairness are overlooked? And what does it say about us if we fail to acknowledge the people who made our own communities more just, more open and more representative?

Black History Month should be an invitation to look closer, not just farther away. It should prompt school districts to examine whose stories are included in local curriculums. It should challenge libraries, historical societies and news organizations to document and elevate the experiences of Black residents who helped build these communities. It should encourage towns, villages and neighborhoods to ask whether public recognition truly reflects their full history.

This is not about diminishing national heroes. It is about completing the picture. National change is always the sum of local actions, people showing up to meetings, organizing neighbors, mentoring students, opening businesses and insisting on dignity in places where they were told to wait their turn.

For Black history to matter, it cannot live only in textbooks or documentaries. It must live where people live.

On Long Island, Black history did not unfold at a distance. It unfolded on our blocks, in our schools and in our town halls. Remembering that truth honors the past, helps us understand the present and reminds us that the next chapter of history is still being written, right here.

opinions

New voluntary separation program demands caution

on Jan. 26, the Nassau County Legislature voted unanimously to approve the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program for union members with more than 10 consecutive years of full-time county employment. Participants will receive a lump sum payment of $2,000 for every year of that service.

sCoTT M. DAVis

Those who want to take advantage of the program must do so by March 5. The county executive retains the authority to extend the VSIP period for up to 90 days, and may defer an employee’s participation for up to a year if his or her departure would undermine the county’s ability to perform essential government functions.

The Corrections Officers Benevolent Association, the Nassau County Detectives Association, the Inspectors Police Benevolent Association, the Police Benevolent Association, the Superior Officers Association and Civil Service Employees Association Local 830 have all signed agreements to offer this incentive to their members.

According to the experts at the coun-

TTty Office of Legislative Budget Review, as many as 3,401 union members in the county’s 7,585-person workforce are eligible, thanks to their 10-plus consecutive years of service. While the county administration estimates that roughly 40 percent will accept the offer, early projections suggest that many prospective retirees will come from a pool of 1,332 eligible workers across all bargaining units who have more than 10 years of service and are over age 55.

Within that group, there are 123 members of COBA, 75 from the PBA, 71 from SOA, 40 from DAI and 24 from IPBA. The 999 CSEA members are employed in a variety of county departments, including 192 in the Police Department, 174 in the Department of Social Services, 150 in Public Works, 50 in the Health Department and 43 in Parks, Recreations and Museums.

and neglect, maintaining our infrastructure or beautifying our parks and open spaces, each of these departments and their dedicated staff members provide essential and, in some cases, life-saving services that cannot be undermined.

he number of vacancies in the county workforce could soar by hundreds.

One of the most important of these is Nassau’s Department of Social Services, which continues to experience chronic understaffing while being tasked with providing essential services to our most vulnerable residents. Additionally, many of these positions, and the caseloads they handle, provide the county with muchneeded state and/or federal revenue in the form of reimbursements for the work they do. In other words, fewer employees could lead to less revenue, thereby reducing the savings the VSIP could achieve.

why I voted to approve the VSIP — but we must move forward responsibly.

This program has the very real potential to create staffing challenges, because many of those who are eligible for it are the most knowledgeable and experienced in their respective fields. Additionally, several county departments that will be impacted by the VSIP are already understaffed and stretched thin.

There must be proactive planning and thoughtful implementation of the program to preserve public safety and maintain the quality of services our residents pay for and rely on, and it would be prudent to have more than an illdefined promise to backfill positions as needed. The county workforce already has 312 vacancies, and if projections for 40 percent acceptance hold true, that number would soar to 845.

The projected annual savings in salaries in the 55-and-over subset are an estimated $27 million to $36.5 million. Initial payouts will be funded by $39.9 million set aside in the county’s operating budget, and any sums in excess of that allocation will be drawn from reserves.

Whether responding to 911 calls, protecting children and families from abuse

As a fiduciary of the county, I am well aware that affordability is one of the top concerns for county residents. I applaud the pursuit of meaningful, long-term cost savings whenever those opportunities arise, especially when those savings can provide a measure of financial relief to our residents and also serve as once-in-a-career financial benefits for those who have devoted years of service to the people of Nassau County. That’s

Specifically, the county administration must have a concrete plan for addressing vacancies. The Legislature should be regularly updated on staffing numbers in all affected county departments, which will help us address any potential concerns proactively.

Proceeding with caution and operating transparently will help to ensure that the buyout program achieves its desired goal of delivering cost savings without diminishing essential county services.

Scott M. Davis, of Rockville Centre, represents Nassau County’s 1st Legislative District.

Thirty days of the good, the bad and the ugly

he year 2025 was a dizzying one for all Americans. So many things happened in Washington that it would take about 50 pages of the Herald to walk readers through every one. Rather than take on that project, I prefer to write about January, and how we were impacted by the news of the month. I declare January the month of the good, the bad and the ugly.

Of the good things that happened, I’ll focus on the Cinderella story of Indiana University football quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Every time I think about him and his accomplishments, I can’t help but smile. If you love an example of perfection, Mendoza is exactly that. It starts with his decision to enroll at Indiana, which was roundly criticized by all of his supporters. Why would you go to a school that has never won a national championship? But Mendoza defied the taunts and joined that muchmaligned Hoosiers team.

Then, with smarts and determination, he guided the team to a 16-0 season and a national championship. He won the coveted Heisman Trophy and charmed all of America with his mature and impressive interviews. His displays of love for his wheelchair-bound mother were touching and memorable.

So the Mendoza story tops the good. The decision to send thousands of ICE and border-patrol agents to Minneapolis definitely tops January’s bad news. The Trump administration’s actions were poorly handled by Kristi Noem, the secretary of homeland security. Her instant labeling of Alex Pretti, the second Minnesotan shot by ICE agents, as a “domestic terrorist” was a reckless reaction to the death of a U.S. citizen with no criminal record.

sent there were not trained to handle crowds of protesters. The 600 members of the Minneapolis police force, who handled the George Floyd demonstrations, were the best people to deal with such a crisis, but they were bypassed.

F rom Fernando Mendoza to Alex Pretti to federal buildings in Philadelphia.

The White House staff, headed by close Trump adviser Stephen Miller, bungled every stage of the Pretti shooting, and poured more gasoline on the fire by labeling him an “assassin.” Miller and Noem were the wrong people to juggle a political crisis, and every step they took proved it. President Trump, who ordered the mass invasion into Minneapolis, was eventually forced to say he wanted to “de-escalate” the situation, but he’s stuck with the optics of a horrible event.

ing a number of measures to eliminate any references to slavery in numerous federal facilities.

The idea of drowning a major American city with thousands of law enforcement agents never made sense to begin with. Ask any respected police official about how the situation in Minneapolis was handled and he or she will tell you that the vast majority of the officers

There are so many things I could classify as ugly, but one stands out, because it has largely escaped public attention. A few weeks ago, a group of federal employees in Philadelphia were captured on local television removing historical materials relating to the history of slavery. This on top of media reports that the administration is tak-

The attempts to erase this sad chapter of American history are part of the run-up to the July Fourth observation of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Apparently, some people in the White House have decided that we must reflect only on the happy things that have happened during the past 250 years, but slavery is part of our history, and it can’t be wiped away. There are people who promote the idea that the Holocaust never happened, which is why we observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day each year. It’s hard to predict what the next 11 months are going to be like in our nation’s capital. There’s new evidence every day of our bitter partisan divide. The president’s postings on social media are often inflammatory. The tone that dominates the daily news is depressing. I wish there were a little more happy talk in our political world, but that, as Shakespeare said, is devoutly to be wished.

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.