Rockville Centre Herald 03-19-2026

HERALD ROCKVILLE CENTRE

gerard and Kaitlin norton with their daughter, Madeline, 1, who was diagnosed with the rare neurological disorder pKan at 6 months. they are preparing for Madeline’s Mission Spring Fest on april 11, at St. a gnes Church, to support research and treatment efforts.

Fundraiser planned to help local girl fight rare disease

By AlYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

The Rockville Centre Police Benevolent Association is organizing a community fundraiser next month to support the infant daughter of a village police officer who is battling a rare and devastating neurological disease.

The Madeline’s Mission Spring Fest will raise money for 1-year-old Madeline Norton, the daughter of Officer Gerard Norton, 32, and his wife, Kaitlin, 30. Madeline was diagnosed at just 6 months of age with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration,

or PKAN, an extremely rare genetic disorder that affects fewer than one in a million children.

The Spring Fest will take place April 11, at the St. Agnes Parish Center, and will feature local breweries, restaurants and familyfriendly activities in an effort to raise money for research.

Officer Mike Rollo, president of the Rockville Centre Police Benevolent Association, said the event is meant to rally the community around Norton and his family during an extraordinarily difficult time.

“Anything one goes through, we all go

Continued on page 27

By AlYSSA R. GRIFFIN & BRIAN KACHARABA Of The Herald

The Rockville Centre school district would cut 22 teaching jobs and reduce overall staffing by 24.2 positions under the proposed 2026-27 school budget as administrators attempt to close a projected $3.2 million budget gap while staying within the state tax levy cap, district officials said during a Board of Education meeting on Thursday.

PThe board meeting, usually held in the South Side High School commons room, was moved to the auditorium to accommodate an anticipated larger crowd. Dozens of parents and residents filled the seats as they awaited updates on how the budget could affect their children’s education and the school environment.

across the district.

Officials said the 22 excessed teaching positions would primarily come from general education as staffing is adjusted to reflect enrollment. That would include two teachers each in math and social studies, one teacher each in English language arts, science, art and physical education, and two full-time equivalent part-time teaching positions.

lease consider not to let go of the teacher assistants.

MelISSA BeltRe South Hempstead resident

Other excessed positions include four world language teachers, five Academic Intervention Services reading teachers and three STELLAR teachers, a program that supports students in technology, enrichment, literacy, library and research.

The district’s plan to cut staff is part of a broader reduction of 24.2 teaching positions, officials said. The proposed reductions — some of which include retirements — would affect several departments

Separate special education staffing changes include a reduction of 7.8 teaching positions tied to retirements and program needs.

The budget would also eliminate 40 teaching assistant positions and one administrative position, while reducing facilitator stipends and bus matrons.

Continued on page 9

Village receives funding for security cameras

Congresswoman Laura Gillen joined village officials in Rockville Centre to announce more than $1 million in new federal law enforcement funding to install high-grade police security cameras throughout the village.

The cameras are intended to help prevent and solve crimes by expanding surveillance capabilities for the Rockville Centre Police Department.

“In partnership with local leaders, I am proud to have secured more than $1 million in new federal funding for high-grade police security cameras throughout Rockville Centre,” Gillen said during the March 11 press conference. “Our law enforcement know that crimes in one community don’t stop along the lines of another. And when incidents do occur, whether it’s a theft, a break-in, or an accident, they will now have the footage and means to get answers.

“These police officers work day in and day out, serving the families who call Rockville Centre home, including my own,” she continued. “They deserve to have every tool available to help keep our communities safe.”

Mayor Francis X. Murray hailed the funding announcement as a major boost for law enforcement in the village.

“It’s a very exciting day for law enforcement in the Village of Rockville Centre, and that is due to our Congresswoman, Laura Gillen,” he said. “We’re so grateful for her to help us out with policing, and we’re so grateful that she is here with us today.”

Rockville Centre Police Commissioner Randy Dodd said the cameras would serve as a deterrent to criminal activity.

“Visibility is one of the strongest preventions in crime. Cameras change behavior. They discourage criminal activity before it begins. When criminals

Centre

announced more than $1 million in federal funding to install high-grade security cameras throughout the village.

know they’re being watched, crime goes down,” he said. “On behalf of the Rockville Centre Police Department and the residents we serve, I want to thank the congresswoman, the mayor, the deputy mayor and the Village Board of Trustees for always standing with law enforcement and public safety.”

Officials said the project will receive $1,031,000 through the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process as

part of the U.S. Department of Justice COPS Technology and Equipment Community Project Funding program. Mayor Murray first contacted Gillen last year to advocate for the funding, which was later approved along with nearly $13 million in federal funding for community projects across New York’s Fourth Congressional District.

Brian

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Pancakes and pipes kick off parade season

The Backyard Players & Friends helped kick off parade season in the village with its annual pancake breakfast fundraiser at its theater space on North Long Beach Road, drawing families and supporters for a morning of food and Irishthemed entertainment.

Guests were served stacks of pancakes during the fourhour event on March 8, which featured live performances by Irish step dancers and bagpipe player Tony Egan, adding a festive atmosphere as the community gathered to celebrate the approaching St. Patrick’s Day season. The breakfast is one of several events held each year in the lead-up to

the village’s St. Patrick’s Parade on March 21.

Backyard Players & Friends is a Rockville Centre–based nonprofit that offers inclusive arts and community programs for teens and adults of all abilities. The organization provides opportunities in theater, music, dance, art and creative writing, helping participants express themselves, develop social and life skills, and build friendships in a supportive environment.

Funds raised from the pancake breakfast help support the group’s programs and performances.

–Brian Kacharaba

Crime watCh

LarCeny

On March 12, an employee of Speedway gas station on Sunrise Highway reported that a male subject took three cases of beer and left the store without paying.

Leaving the sCene

On March 11, an Oceanside resident reported that she was involved in a minor motor vehicle accident on Peninsula Boulevard and the other vehicle fled the scene.

Lost property

On March 9, a Freeport resident reported that her passport was missing from her storage unit on Merrick Road.

property damage

On March 10, a light pole was struck by a car and knocked over on Front Street.

On March 12, an employee of Citizen’s Bank on Sunrise Highway reported the canopy over the drive-up ATM was damaged by a vehicle.

UnUsUaL inCident

On March 11, a Rockville Centre resident reported that she attempted to buy a gold necklace from Facebook marketplace. She sent money to the seller through Zelle, but never received the necklace.

arrests

On March 14, Emanual Figueroa-Veliz, 36, of Riverhead, was arrested and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and other traffic offenses after he was discovered to be driving with thirty-five suspensions on his license.

On March 15, Debra Barrow, 64, of Elmont, was arrested and charged with petit larceny after loss prevention observed her removing items at a Sunrise Highway grocery store.

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

March 8 – March 15

General Alarms – 10

Still Alarms – 11

Rescue – 1

Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 45

Mutual Aid Fire – 1

Mutual Aid Rescue – 0

Mutual Aid Ambulance – 0

Total – 68

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 – 130

Still Alarms – 60

Rescue – 45

Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 493

Mutual Aid Fire – 24

Mutual Aid Rescue – 0

Mutual Aid Ambulance – 1

Total – 753

Hofstra eyes CAA championship stage

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

more midfielder Joey DeYoung and freshman attackman Gus Langtry.

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

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

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

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

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

Cyclones fall to Smithtown West in LIC

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

South Side entered the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s Long Island Class AA championship game trailing one-loss Smithtown West by just a basket before the Bulls’ explosive offense found its rhythm.

Smithtown West (23-1), which scored nearly 100 points in its Suffolk County title win against Half Hollow Hills West, clung to a two-point lead after three quarters and then registered 25 in the final period alone for a 65-50 win at Farmingdale State College to advance to the Southeast Regional Final against Rye.

The Cyclones, who captured the Nassau County Class AA crown March 7, saw their memorable season end at 19-4 overall just short of the program’s first Long Island trophy since 2023.

“Smithtown West was tough and they played physical,” said 24th-year South Side head coach Jerry DeAngelo. “I thought we battled for about three quarters and then towards the end we missed a lot of shots and didn’t play as good a defense as we played for that first three quarters.”

Senior guard Michael Cascione took over the game for Smithtown West in the fourth quarter with several big baskets as part of a game-high 30- point performance. Cascione hit a key three-pointer with 1:49 left to extend the Bulls’ lead to 54-45.

“He is an absolute beast,” said Smithtown West head coach Michael Agostino of Cascione, who helped pace the Bulls to the program’s first Long Island title on his birthday.

The Cyclones raced out of the gate strong with an early 9-0 run to lead 9-1 and were up 13-10 after the first quarter. South Side continued the momentum in the second quarter and took a 26-23 lead into halftime.

South Side’s offense was led largely by seniors John Pericolosi with 19 points and Ryan Schmitt with 14. The All-County honorees and three-year starters played all 32 minutes of their final game in a Cyclones’ uniform.

“We couldn’t afford to not have them on the floor in this type of game that’s very physical, where it’s going to be taxing,” DeAngelo said of Pericolosi and Schmitt. “They have been the cornerstone for our program the last three years.”

Senior Robert Griffo and junior Matt Grande both finished with 5 points apiece for South Side. Griffo hit a three-pointer with 1:34 left to keep it in striking distance at 54-48 before Smithtown West’s game-ending 11-2 run.

Junior Jax Cascione, a younger brother of Michael, was also clutch under the championship lights with 12 points. Senior Tim Bannell finished with 11 points.

The 65 points by Smithtown West thanks to a big fourth quarter was the team’s first time not reaching 70 since a 69-65 win against Northport Jan. 28. The Bulls have now 22 in a row since falling to Baldwin 82-72 in the second game of the season Dec. 6.

“We played extremely hard and shared the ball,” said Agostino of what keyed the fourth-quarter run to seal the title. “They love to compete and they gave it everything they have.”

Freeport Rec to host Hempstead Job Fair

By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Staff cuts spark concerns at BOE meeting

Superintendent Matthew Gaven said that formulating the proposed 2026-27 budget included “hard choices and difficult recommendations.”

“Please know that both the Board of Education and the administration understand that behind every number is someone who has dedicated time, talent and heart to Rockville Centre,” he said. The budget presentation showed the largest savings would come from staff reductions, with the decrease in teaching positions expected to save annually for the 2026-2027 school year about $2.98 million and the elimination of teaching assistant jobs projected to save about $952,730. Additional savings of $191,219 would be seen by eliminating an administrative position, $210,563 by reducing facilitator stipends and $62,653 by decreasing the number of bus matrons.

Smaller cuts under consideration include a 10 percent reduction in club funding, eliminating second assistant coaches in some sports, reducing summer student workers, ending the district’s lease for a synagogue space used for programs, and cutting funding for the Ashokan trip and International Baccalaureate subject fees. Music students also would be charged a $50 instrument maintenance fee, which is expected to generate about $50,000.

District officials said the budget initially faced a roughly $6 million gap, which was reduced to about $3.2 million after accounting for retiree salary and benefit savings.

Of the remaining teaching assistants, 19 would support special education programs and the remaining 16 would assist in general education classes.

The plan outlines specific allocations by school, with three TAs each at Jennie E. Hewitt, Francis F. Wilson, William S. Covert and Floyd B. Watson elementary schools, two at Riverside Elementary School, and one each at the middle and high school testing centers. Officials said the changes are intended to align staffing with student needs while maintaining support for both special and general education programs.

Residents in attendance voiced their concerns with the budget, saying taxpayers deserve more transparency on the proposed decisions.

Lesli Deninno, the Rockville Centre Teachers’ Association president, also called for greater transparency, stressing that requests for detailed line-byline budget information and updated fund balance reports had been ignored. She urged the board to provide clearer financial information and reconsider the planned reductions, which, she said, could weaken programs and morale among educators, arguing that staff and academic programs are central to the district’s success.

“When the superintendent first came to this district, he said RVC is one of the best districts, and what makes it best is its people,” Deninno said. “That remains true. The strength of this district is its teachers, staff and programs that support students. Cutting these is not the best practice. It is actively damaging to students and the community.”

District parent Michael Cosgrove, a father of three children, voiced strong opposition to the proposed staff reductions, saying the cuts unfairly target teachers.

“It is absurd to think that because of inept financial mismanagement, or construction costs, or health care costs, or because the government didn’t give us enough money, or enrollment is down, or house prices are up, that any one of those 100 teachers or their counterparts are losing their jobs,” he said.

Another parent questioned the district’s focus on reducing teaching assistants while leaving administrative positions largely intact.

“Why are we not reducing the amount of administrators?” asked South Hempstead resident Melissa Beltre. “They get paid a lot and we have a surplus. We do not need three curriculum administrators right now. Please consider not to let go of the teacher assistants.”

Gaven warned residents that the

2026–27 budget would be one of the most challenging in recent years, citing rising expenses and limited flexibility. Many of the pressures, he noted, were first identified during last year’s budget cycle, when the district took steps to reduce spending without cutting programs, including failing to replace some retirees, using salary savings and grant funding, and eliminating two administrative positions.

Gaven said driving up the budget totals are contractual obligations, rising insurance expenses, increasing special education costs, and a decrease in state aid. Tuition revenue from non-resident students has declined over the past three years, while the number of highcost special education students has grown. At the same time, K–12 enrollment has fallen steadily, dropping from 3,548 students in 2016 to a projected 3,260 in 2026–27.

The district’s ability to raise revenue is also limited by the state’s property tax cap, which for the fifth consecutive year restricts increases to 2 percent, despite the inflation factor being 2.63 percent. While voters could override the cap, Gaven emphasized that the limit leaves the district with little room to maneuver as it faces mounting financial pressures.

The next budget meeting is scheduled for March 26 in the SSHS Common Room at 7 p.m.

A masterpiece moment for student artists

Twenty-one students from the Rockville Centre School District had their artwork selected for display in this year’s Nassau County All-County Art Exhibition at WT Clarke High School in Westbury.

The prestigious exhibit on March 1 showcased more than 1,300 works created by top kindergarten through 12th-grade student artists from school districts across Nassau County.

Among the honorees, South Side High School senior Gabriela Guizzo was recognized as a Senior Art Scholar Award recipient during a scholarship ceremony held in conjunction with the exhibition.

The Rockville Centre School District’s art program supports student creativity and artistic growth from the elementary grades through high school. At the elementary level, students receive foundational instruction that emphasizes basic techniques,

imagination and self-expression, helping to cultivate an early appreciation for visual arts.

In middle school, the program expands to include a wider range of artistic media, as well as courses such as digital photography and Studio in Art. Students learn fundamentals of composition, lighting and digital editing while also exploring multiple art techniques and materials.

At South Side High School, students can pursue advanced study in areas including digital media and photography, sculpture and ceramics, painting and drawing, and IB Art. The district’s visual arts curriculum provides opportunities for students to develop technical skills, explore personal artistic interests and prepare for future academic and career pathways in creative fields.

–Brian Kacharaba

Wellness

Turn down the risk Protecting hearing starts with everyday habits

By Christy Hinko

Protecting your hearing no longer applies only to loud workplaces or rock musicians. Everyday environments such as yardwork, commuting and concerts expose people to sound levels that can gradually damage the delicate structures of the inner ear. Because hearing loss is permanent, health experts emphasize prevention through simple, consistent habits that reduce exposure and give ears time to recover.

Everyday noise adds up

Many common activities reach volumes that can strain hearing. Gas-powered lawn equipment, leaf blowers and chainsaws often exceed levels considered safe for prolonged use. Commuters encounter steady noise from traffic, trains and buses, which can push sound exposure higher than people realize. Concerts and sporting events regularly reach levels that can cause damage in minutes. Even if the noise doesn’t feel painful, repeated exposure can contribute to long-term loss or persistent ringing in the ears.

Protecting hearing during yardwork

Reducing exposure while commuting

Daily travel exposes people to a mix of traffic, engines and crowd noise. Small adjustments can make a difference. Noisecanceling headphones reduce the need to turn up music or podcasts to compete with background sound. Standing farther from train doors or bus engines lowers exposure during rides. For drivers, keeping windows closed in heavy traffic and avoiding prolonged idling near loud vehicles helps limit cumulative noise. These changes are subtle but meaningful over months and years of routine travel.

Staying safe at concerts and events

Live music and large venues create some of the loudest environments people encounter. Wearing high-fidelity earplugs,

Outdoor chores are among the most overlooked sources of noise. Equipment that runs on gas or high-powered motors produces sustained sound that can exceed safe limits. Wearing well-fitted earplugs or earmuff-style protectors reduces the intensity reaching the inner ear. Choosing electric or battery-powered tools, which tend to run more quietly, also helps lower exposure. Taking short breaks during long tasks gives ears time to recover, and maintaining equipment can reduce unnecessary noise from worn parts or engines running at high strain.

which lower volume without distorting sound, allows listeners to enjoy performances while protecting their hearing. Standing farther from speakers or rotating positions during long shows reduces direct exposure. Taking breaks in quieter areas between sets gives ears a chance to recover. After an event, temporary muffled hearing or ringing is a sign that the ears have been stressed; allowing quiet time afterward helps them recover and reduces the risk of long-term effects.

Building long-term habits

Protecting hearing is most effective when it becomes part of everyday routines.

Keeping ear protection with yard tools, in a car or in a bag makes it easier to use consistently. Paying attention to early signs of strain, such as ringing or difficulty hearing conversations after loud activities, encourages people to adjust their habits. Regular hearing checks can help detect changes early and reinforce the importance of prevention.

A better way to treat blocked ears

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

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

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

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

While children are susceptible to

and throat

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

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

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

eustachian tubes with a balloon catheter.

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

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

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

• Endoscopic sinus surgery

• Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty

• Head and neck cancer surgery

• Rhinoplasty, or plastic surgery of the nose

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

mountsinai.org/southnassau

How Treating Hearing Loss Protects Memory and Brain Health

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

things to know RVC st. PAtRiCk’s

Your complete guide to viewing, honorees, and charities

By BRIAN KACHARABA

bkacharaba@liherald.com

Rockville Centre will once again turn green when the village’s beloved St. Patrick’s Parade steps off this Saturday at noon. The annual celebration of Irish heritage brings marching bands, community groups and thousands of spectators to downtown streets while raising money for charitable causes. Here are three things residents should know before the parade begins.

Catch every moment along the parade route

The St. Patrick’s parade will step off at noon from the municipal parking lot on North Sunrise Highway. Marchers will head onto North Long Beach Road before turning left onto Maple Avenue, where crowds traditionally gather to watch the opening moments of the procession. The parade continues along North Park Avenue and then onto College Place, passing Village Hall and the reviewing stand near St. Agnes Cathedral. From there, marchers proceed along Quealy Place before turning onto North Village Avenue and finally Washington Street, where the parade concludes. The full route winds through the heart of the village, offering spectators numerous spots to line the streets and enjoy the festivities.

Community leader Bill Hogan leads parade festivities

Longtime Rockville Centre resident Bill Hogan has been named Grand Marshal of the 2026 parade, an honor recognizing his community involvement and service. Hogan has lived in the village for nearly three decades and is known for his commitment to youth sports, parish life, and charitable causes benefiting local families. He has also supported fundraising efforts that align with the parade’s mission, helping raise money for organizations serving the area and beyond. Organizers say his leadership and spirit make him a fitting figurehead for this year’s celebration. He has served on local committees and boards, contributing his time to programs that strengthen the village and its residents.

Helping others: Three charities highlighted at the parade

The parade is sharing its proceeds with three charities representing local, national, and Irish causes. Rescuing Families, Inc. works to improve the homes of families facing disabilities or financial hardship by providing accessibility modifications and repairs to make daily life safer and more manageable. Nassau County Firefighters: Operation Wounded Warrior supports active and retired service members, especially those wounded, by providing supplies, care packages, and moraleboosting outreach. Run For Mary is a memorial 5K run in County Galway, Ireland, held in honor of Mary Prendergast, with proceeds benefiting local charities including hospice care and children’s cancer support programs.

Flooded streets are signs of larger challenges

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

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

Fourth installment in a series about water.

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

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

Nassau’s South Shore

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

RISING TIDES TIDES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Living with water

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fragmented solutions

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

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

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

With Nassau County already densely developed, creating space for water absorption has become increasingly difficult. Addressing flooding one property at a time won’t solve the larger problem, Theodore said, and long-term coordination will likely be necessary.

Some residents worry about what the next decade may bring as sea levels rise and flooding becomes more common. Communities including Long Beach, Freeport, Island Park and Oceanside increasingly represent the front line of a worsening problem.

The Great South Bay

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

Wading into the debate over rising water

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nassau’s North Shore

Environmental advocates say that conditions in Hempstead Harbor have improved significantly over the past several decades, though pollution from runoff, septic systems and aging infrastructure still affects nearby communities.

The harbor connects to Glen Cove Creek and several tributaries along the North Shore, and serves as both an ecological system and a drainage outlet for

the surrounding watershed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What residents can do to help

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

Reduce fertilizer use

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

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

Upgrade septic systems

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

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

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

Limit runoff from driveways and yards

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

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

Protect storm drains

■ Storm drains typically flow directly into nearby waterways.

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

Volunteer with local groups

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

Sports stars to headline Herald Reworld event

and

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

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

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

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

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

Sustainability

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

eVeNt DetailS

• Date: May 14

• locatioN: The Heritage Club, Bethpage

• preSeNteD by: Reworld™

• proDuceD by: RichnerLive

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

• Environmental Leader in Policy

• Champions of Municipal Stewardship

• Community Impact for Sustainability

• Environmental Infrastructure Leader

• Environmental Development Leader

• Environmental Leader in Entertainment

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

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

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

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

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

For more information about Reworld™ and its environmental initiatives, visit ReworldWaste.com.

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

Revisiting Long Island’s revolutionary history

By KYLE DENSON Intern

Residents and local history enthusiasts gathered at the Phillips House Museum to learn about Long Island’s often-overlooked role in the American Revolution during a presentation hosted by the Rockville Centre Historical Society as part of its ongoing speaker series.

The March 1 event, titled “Long Island & the American Revolution,” featured author and historian Bill Bleyer as the guest speaker. Bleyer discussed the vital role New York and Long Island played during the war and why the region became a strategic focal point for both American and British forces.

Debbie Fehringer, co-president of the Rockville Centre Historical Society, welcomed attendees and thanked them for supporting the organization’s mission. The Historical Society is marking a significant milestone as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“We all come from the same mindset,” Fehringer said. “To understand the present, you have to know the past.”

Bleyer, a former Newsday reporter, opened his presentation with historical context drawn from his book, “George Washington’s Long Island Spy Ring,” explaining why Long Island became central to the conflict.

Following the Battles of Lexington and Concord — and after George Washington forced British troops out of Boston — American leaders anticipated that New York City would become the next major target.

“It was inevitable in the early years of the American Revolution that their next target would be New York City,” Bleyer said. “The problem was they had no idea when the British would show up or what they would do when they got there.”

He described the Battle of Long Island as the largest battle of the Revolutionary War. Washington sought to secure key strategic positions around New York, including the entrance to New York Harbor at Staten Island, but faced persistent challenges defending vulnerable areas.

“Washington doesn’t have the manpower, the money, the time or the engineering capability to do that throughout the revolution,” Bleyer said.

Bleyer explained that the battle marked a turning point in the war, as British forces occupied Long Island for the remainder of the conflict. The loss forced Washington to rethink his military strategy and develop new intelligence-gathering methods to track British movements.

“That is the story of the Battle of Long Island and the British occupation,” Bleyer said at the conclusion of the event before inviting audience members to ask questions.

Bleyer signed copies of his book following his presentation.

The Phillips House Museum serves as the home and primary meeting place of the Rockville Centre Historical Society. The house was originally owned by retired sea captain Samuel Freeman Phillips before being moved to its current location in the 1970s and officially opening as a museum in 1978.

For more information about upcoming events or ways to support the Rockville Centre Historical Society, visit RVCHS.org.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Author Bill Bleyer, who has written seven books, including “George Washington’s Long Island Spy Ring,” sits at a table displaying his work during the “Long Island & the American Revolution” event at the Phillips House Museum on March 1.

Business summit highlights entrepreneurs, innovation

By ABBEY SALVEMINI

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

An all-day networking expo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“All decisions are driven through

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Jocie Dye and Dave Hickman

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

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

Three key ways to uncover opportunities

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

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

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

1. Understand the structure required to support your operations

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

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

• Do they understand their budget and spending?

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

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

People strategy: Filling the skills gap with the right team

If the answer to any of the above is

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

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

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

2. Review key operating processes

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

• Do we have documented and wellunderstood standard operating procedures?

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

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

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

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

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

3. Modernize your technology systems for efficiency and security

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

Automation

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

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

Cybersecurity

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

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

Artificial intelligence

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

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

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

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

TEDx Molloy highlights thought leadership

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Dozens of attendees packed the Madison Theatre at Molloy University in Rockville Centre for the campus’ firstever TEDx event, where speakers explored the theme “Resilience, Empowerment, and Human Connection in an Era of Transformation” and tackled ideas that resonate in today’s rapidly changing world.

The program explored how individuals and organizations can adapt, innovate, and thrive amid sweeping technological, social, and cultural shifts. Speakers highlighted empathy, creativity, and leadership while addressing challenges ranging from AI-driven disruption to public health crises and evolving societal expectations.

The four-hour program on Feb. 28 featured 10 speakers, including professors, students, and professionals: Alex Chan and Maureen Mackenzie-Ruppel, School of Business; Jenny LaMonica, Art Department; Dr. Sherone Smith-Sánchez, School of Education and Human Services; Tom Rizzuto, music; Ethel Ulrich, advanced nursing; students Eduardo Leon Lotero and Karina Tiniganay; Ana Ludemann, vice president at Janney Montgomery Scott; and Mary Kate Muller, P.S. 119 teacher and coach.

Joseph Porter Jr., dean of the School of Business, opened the show.

“Today we have an incredible lineup of speakers who will share thought-provoking, innovative ideas,” he said. “Perhaps this will inspire you to think creatively and optimistically about our theme.”

Porter then introduced Molloy President James Lentini, who reflected on the pace of technological change and its impact on higher education.

“The theme of today’s gathering is both timely and timeless,” Lentini said. “In this era of transformation, what

becomes of the traditional university?”

Smith-Sánchez kicked off the talks with “The Warrior’s Blueprint: Real Resilience Through Self-Care,” emphasizing the power of recovery alongside endurance. Mackenzie-Ruppel followed with “The Fearless Speaker,” sharing her journey from admiring actors on screen to conquering a fear of public speaking.

Other talks included “The Heart Revolution: Empowering Women to Take Control of Their Health,” “Culture

Before Content: Keeping Education Human in the Age of AI,” and “From War to Wall Street: Why Resilience and Discipline Will Be the Wealth of 2030.”

The talks were filmed and will undergo TED’s vetting process, which can take up to two months.

TEDx is a community-based program inspired by TED’s mission to share “ideas worth spreading,” bringing local research and insights to audiences worldwide.

For more information, visit TED.com.

STEPPING OUT

GIVE IN TO TEMPTATION

Life is sweet at the Chocolate Expo

By Abbey Salvemini

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trevor Wallace

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Nassau Coliseum, Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale

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

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

“Seeing the smiles on people’s faces is what it’s all about,” Baum enthuses.“This is a chance for people to get away from everything, whether that’s trying a new chocolate or just enjoying the moment.” He encourages everyone — whether coming solo, with friends or family — to make this a must-visit.

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

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

Photos courtesy Chuck Fishman

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

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

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

Three Italian Tenors

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

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

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Grand Marshal reception

The Rockville Centre

St. Patrick’s Parade Committee invites the community to the 2026 Grand Marshal Reception honoring Grand Marshal Bill Hogan. This cocktail reception is one of the highlights of the parade season and features entertainment, an open bar, passed fare, raffles, and a festive atmosphere, all in support of local charities. Formal attire is encouraged.

• Where: 600 N. Long Beach Road

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: RvcStPatrick.com/ Grand-Marshal-Dinner

MAR 20

Family theater

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

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

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

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

St. Patrick’s Parade

The streets of Rockville Centre turn a brilliant shade of green as the 2026

St. Patrick’s Parade steps off, bringing bagpipes, marching bands, festive floats and community pride to the heart of the village. One of Long Island’s most beloved traditions, the parade celebrates Irish heritage with plenty of music, pageantry and hometown spirit. Residents and visitors are encouraged to arrive early, wear their green and enjoy a spirited afternoon of family-friendly fun!

• Where: North Long Beach Road, Maple Avenue, North Park Avenue, College Place, Quealy Place, North Village

MAR 29

The Man In Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash

life through the eyes of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and their friends in the Peanuts gang. This revue of songs and vignettes, based on the beloved Charles Schulz comic strip, showcases Adelphi’s talented students. Musical numbers include “My New Philosophy,” “The Book Report,” “The Baseball Game,” “Little Known Facts,” “Suppertime” and “Happiness.”

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

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

St. Baldrick’s

MAR 28

The 25th annual St. Baldrick’s event returns in person to the North Village Tavern. Shave your head or simply chop some locks to support the cause to help fund life-saving childhood cancer research. All ages welcome. Enjoy great food, drinks, and camaraderie while making a difference. Every dollar brings hope and closer to a cure.

• Time: 7 p.m.

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

Avenue, and Washington Street (parade route).

• Time: Noon

• Contact: RvcStpatrick.com

St. Patrick’s Celebration

Rockville Centre Lodge #279 invites everyone to its St. Patrick’s Day 2026 Celebration at the I.O.O.F. Lodge Hall following the village parade. With entertainment, traditional Irish food and beverages, and a raffle with cash prizes. $30 per person; raffle tickets are $5. Proceeds benefit The Mary Ruchalski Foundation, Little Saint Nick Foundation, and IOOF Pilgrimage for Youth.

• Where: 235 Merrick Road

• Time: 1 p.m.

• Contact: oddfellows279.com

STEM Explorers: In Like A Lion

The weather during the month of March can be described as coming in like a lion and out like a lamb. Families can join the Green Teens at Long Island Children’s Museum in welcoming spring as you explore what happens during the change of seasons at the drop-in program. For ages 3+.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: Noon-2 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art joins in the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Its landmark exhibition explores how Long Island has reflected and shaped the story of American art. From Revolutionary-era portraiture and folk art to nineteenth-century landscapes, Impressionism, and the bold innovations of Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art, the exhibition highlights how every major art movement found expression here. From Brooklyn to Montauk, Long Island’s natural beauty, coastal light, and close connection to New York City inspired generations of artists and gave rise to thriving art colonies and postwar creative communities. Featuring paintings, decorative arts, and historical objects displayed together in immersive settings, the exhibit celebrates the region’s enduring influence and its rich artistic legacy. Opens March 21, on view through July 12.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Ongoing

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

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

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

MAR

25

‘Chicago’: Teen Edition

South South Side High School presents the dazzling musical. “Chicago” has captivated audiences for decades, earning 10 Tony Award nominations for its 1975 premiere and 6 wins for its 1997 revival. With Bob Fosse’s iconic choreography and John Kander and Fred Ebb’s unforgettable score — including showstoppers like “All That Jazz,” “Cell Block Tango,” and “Roxie” — this electrifying production is an experience you won’t want to miss. $20 per person, $10 staff or student.

• Where: 140 Shepherd St.

• Time: 4:30 p.m., also March 26-28

• Contact: Search.SeatYourself. biz/Webstore/Accounts/SSHS/ Buy-Tix

MAR

26

“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown’ Adelphi University Department of Theatre students give a concert performance of the beloved classic. With charm, wit and heart, “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” explores

• Where: 40 N. Village Ave.

• Time: 2-4 p.m.

• Contact: benderalanna@gmail.com

South Shore Symphony

The beloved orchestra springs forward with a thrilling performance of Stravinsky’s rhythmic masterpiece “The Rite of Spring.” Expect a dynamic display of energy, powerful orchestral color, and driving rhythms in this landmark work of 20th-century music. $35.

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

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

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.

Fundraiser aims to support PKAN research

through together,” Rollo said. “To meet Gerard is to know an amazing guy, and for him to go through this alone would be terrible. We just want to be there to support him and make sure he has a comfortable way of dealing with this unfortunate disease.”

Proceeds from the event will support research through the Loving Loic Foundation, an organization based in Bozeman, MT., that is working to advance treatments and potential clinical trials for PKAN.

“By raising awareness and funds for PKAN, we hope to bring attention to this rare disease and move research forward so families like ours have hope for the future,” Kaitlin Norton said.

The Spring Fest will have activities for those of all ages, including a petting zoo, live music and raffles. The Nortons hope it will help raise awareness of the challenges families face after receiving a diagnosis.

“You don’t realize that something like this could happen to you until it does,” Gerard said. “It’s one of those things where we just want to spread awareness and get more research for prenatal testing.”

The Rockville Centre Police Department has already organized other fundraising efforts, including a golf outing last July. Rollo said that officers throughout the department are committed to helping the Nortons, and emphasized the importance of community support.

“When he told me about his daughter’s condition, I felt that we had to put forth an effort somehow to make dealing with this issue easier for his family,” Rollo said. “We just started working on ways to do that.”

Since their daughter’s diagnosis, the Nortons’ mission has expanded as support has spread across

Long Island and beyond. “Long Island is literally incredible,” Gerard said. “The cure for Madeline is here on this island. We’ve made such great progress, and we’re really excited to see what the future holds. It’s very hopeful.”

Following the PBA’s golf outing last July, Madeline’s Mission fundraisers have also taken place in Amityville, Centereach, Mastic Beach and the family’s hometown of Massapequa.

“We’re in awe of the community,” Gerard said, “and everything has just been so good.”

The Nortons created Madeline’s Mission with the goal of raising collectively $5 million to fund vital medical research and clear the path for clinical trials. Today, the campaign is $1.3 million away from reaching that goal, in partnership with the Loving Loic Foundation.

“That’s not just us — that’s all the PKAN families across America,” Gerard said. “But we’re really moving the needle, and we’re going to get a cure for this little girl and all the other PKAN kids.”

PKAN is a progressive neurological condition that gradually takes away motor function, speech and, eventually, the ability to walk, eat and live independently.

“We’re really looking forward to meeting more people from the community,” Gerard said. “We’re excited for the weather, the community and everyone working together to find a cure — not just for Madeline, but for all the PKAN kids.”

Tickets for the Spring Fest are $75, and are available at fundthefirst.com/campaign/madelines-mission-spring-fest-h341lk.

For more information about Madeline’s Mission, visit the organization’s Instagram page, @Madelines. Mission.

—

19,

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE UNDER SECURITIZATION SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST 1, 2005 STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-HE3, Plaintiff, Against FOLAREMI ABIOLA; et al, Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 02/01/2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 4/7/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1288 Dekoven Street, Rockville Centre, New York 11570, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Rockville Centre, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Section 38 Block 114 Lot 905, 906 and 907. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $557,690.22 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 15-010953 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Janine Lynam, Esq., Referee.

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

Dated: 1/29/2026 File Number: 15-315268 CA 158717

CORP., Pltf. vs. RUSSELL S. HARRIS, JR., et al, Defts. Index #609180/2022.

Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Jan. 12, 2023, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 38, Block 113, Lots 937-938. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale. The foreclosure sale will be held, “rain or shine.” SCOTT SILLER, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #102805 158713

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF MEETING OF BOARD OF REVIEW; Continuation of the meeting of the Board of Review

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that The undersigned Board of Assessment Review will meet at Village Hall, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York on March 18, 2026, at 6:00 pm to finalize complaints in relation to assessments. All changes in the tentative assessment roll made as a result of said Board of Review hearing of such complaints will be entered on such roll on or before the date when the final assessment roll is to be completed.

Francis X. Murray, Mayor Kathleen Baxley, Deputy Mayor Katie Conlon, Trustee Emilio Grillo, Trustee Gregory P. Shaughnessy, Trustee Thomas Domanico, Assessor

Dated: March 10, 2026 158986

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notice to Bidders

Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on APRIL 2, 2026 at which time they will be publicly opened and

read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for:

LISTER PARK PARKING FIELD ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE

UPGRADES

Bid No. 2604E1(1182)

The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check, bank check or bid bond payable to the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre in the amount of five (5%) percent of the gross amount of the bid. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at Lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than March 26, 2026. All contractors and subcontractors submitting bids or performing construction work on public work projects or private projects covered by Article 8 of the Labor Law are required to register with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) under Labor Law Section 220i and must include a copy of the registration with their bid response. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.

Purchasing Department

Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 158987

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

LOCAL LAW NO. 25-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 10th day of March

2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 25-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 25-2026, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations. Dated: March 10, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 158966

LEGAL NOTICE

SURROGATE’S COURT, NASSAU COUNTY CITATION THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO:Grassi Advisory Group, Inc. Office of the NYS Attorney General Jasper Surety, Attorney in Fact, Liberty Mutual Ins Co. Jeanette Marchese and any and all unknown persons whose names or parts of whose names and whose place or places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, distributees, heirs-atlaw and next-of-kin of the said Beatrice Dombo a/k/a Beatrice Falco, deceased, and if any of the said distributees named specifically or as a class be dead, their legal representatives, their husbands or wives, if any, distributees and successors in interest whose names and/or places of residence and post office addresses are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained.

A petition having been duly filed by Public Administrator of Nassau County, who is domiciled at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York 11501.

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, on April 29th, 2026, at 10:00 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why the account of Public Administrator of Nassau County, a

News brief

Maeve Quigley, front left, and Vivienne McDonald, front center, of St. Agnes, proudly hold their trophies after winning their age divisions at the Knights of Columbus Nassau County Free Throw Championships at Holy Trinity High School on March 15.

Rising stars net county championships

Two young shooters won Nassau County titles at the Knights of Columbus Free Throw Championships at Holy Trinity High School on March 15, advancing to this weekend’s Long Island finals.

Maeve Quigley of St. Agnes Council No. 2548 won the 10-year-old girls division with 23 of 25 shots, while teammate Vivienne McDonald took the 11-year-old girls title with 18 baskets.

Public Notices

summary of which has been served herewith, as Administrator of the estate of Beatrice Dombo, should not be judicially settled.

[X] Further relief sought (if any):

1.Releasing and discharging the Petitioner from all liability, responsibility and accountability as to all matters set forth in the account of proceedings;

2.Allowing the commissions of the Petitioner in the amount of $ 4,213.82 pursuant to SCPA 2307(1) and the reasonable and necessary expenses of the office in the amount of $ 842.76 pursuant to SCPA 1207(4);

3.Fixing and determining the attorney’s fees and disbursements of Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC attorney for petitioner in the amount of $ 28,450.00 as and for legal fees and $ 2,837.81 as and for disbursements, for a total of $ 31,287.81, of which $ 3,787.81 has been paid and $ 27,500.00 is unpaid; 4.Fixing and determining the accounting fees of

Grassi & Co, CPA’s, PC in the amount of $ 6,350.00 of which $ 350.00 has been paid and $ 6,000.00 is unpaid;

5.Releasing and discharging the surety;

6.Directing each of you claiming to be a distributee of the Decedent to establish proof of your kinship, and show cause why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship or deposited with the New York State Comptroller on account for the unknown next of kin of Beatrice Dombo a/k/a Beatrice Falco, decedent, should said alleged distributees default herein or fail to establish proof of kinship;

7.Granting such other and further relief as to the Court is just and proper. Dated, Attested, and Sealed, March 6th, 2026 (Seal)

HON.David P. Sullivan Surrogate Debra Keller Leimbach Chief Clerk

Signature of Attorney

Richard T. Kerins, Esq.

Print Name of Attorney Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC

Firm Name (516) 538-1111

Telephone 254 Nassau Boulevard

South, Garden City South, New York 11530

Address rkerins@mmkolaw.com

Email (optional)

NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you, and you or your attorney may request a copy of the full account from the petitioner or petitioner’s attorney. 158992

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. AJAX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021 -E, MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES, SERIES 2021 -E, BY U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, Plaintiff -againstPAUL ARCHIBALD MCGREGOR AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF IRENE GREEN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale

dated February 2, 2026 and entered on February 11, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Lakeview, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Section 38 Block: 130 and Lot: 1 and 2. Said premises known as 1357 LANGDON BOULEVARD, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570

Approximate amount of lien $256,676.43 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 619329/2023. BRIAN DAVIS, ESQ., Referee

Pincus & Tarab Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* ROCK CEN H*} 158902

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

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

DENTAL ASSISTANT

CHAIR SIDE F/T

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

DRIVERS

WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

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

$22 - $27/ Hour

Bell Auto School 516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

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

OUTSIDE SALES

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

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

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print

or contact info to careers@liherald.com

Once In a Lifetime

This beautifully maintained Colonialstyle home is in one of the village’s most

All about wood beams

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

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

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

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

I keep samples in my office of beam cutaways to demonstrate how one beam product was specified for a job and what ended up on the jobsite was similar but, with careful inspection, clearly shows the two beams are not the same. They were laminated using different species of trees, one weaker than the other and an inferior number of plies and glues. To a person dropping the material off, based on an order for a “lam beam,” the inferior material looked the same but after installation the floor bounced like a trampoline. The beam had to be removed, at great expense, and the right product ordered. Even though a lesson was learned, it came at a great price.

So indoor locations can also be a problem if the wrong configuration of laminations and species are used. If the correctly engineered lumber beam or steel reinforced beam is designed, they will last for years without another thought. I would use an interlocking aluminum deck product called Versadeck or another product called Lock Dry. They conduct heat rapidly, which means they dissipate heat quickly, making them cool enough on hot summer days to walk on while barefoot, and they keep water from getting through. Good luck!

© 2026 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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president Trump has removed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The reasons appear less administrative than political: mounting outrage after federal immigration agents killed innocent people in Minneapolis, and a $200 million advertising campaign at Mount Rushmore amid a sputtering economy. Both had begun to cost Trump and the Republican Party support.

Presidents have always dismissed cabinet officials for political reasons. But moments like these raise a more basic question: what standards should we use to judge the performance of the people who hold public office?

Voting matters. Laws are essential. But a democracy also depends on the day-to-day choices leaders make: how they answer criticism, whether they follow the same rules as everyone else, and whether they comply with court orders, cooperate with lawful investigations and accept verified election results. When leaders don’t make these their priorities, they’re not doing the job Americans hired them to do.

opinions Checklist for a democracy

There are minimum qualifications for such jobs. They define the difference between holding office and doing its work. They apply to presidents, governors, mayors, attorneys general, agency heads and legislators alike — anyone entrusted with public authority.

These jobs call for leaders who can:

n Distinguish between political disagreement and disloyalty to the country. Elected officials are expected to face criticism without suggesting that their opponents are acting in bad faith or undermining the nation itself.

ssary (and constitutionally protected) role. Critical reporting may be inconvenient, embarrassing or even incriminating, but it provides the public with information needed to evaluate official conduct.

ome ways to tell whether leaders are doing the worked they were hired to do.

n Treat oversight as a safeguard rather than as sabotage. Legislative inquiries and independent investigations are not attacks; they are part of the system of checks and balances designed to ensure that public authority is exercised lawfully.

n Welcome independent courts, inspectors general and auditors rather than fear them. These bodies are tasked with reviewing executive action. Their scrutiny has long been among the distinguishing and most admired features of the American experiment: no one is above the law.

n Accept that journalists play a neces-

n Do not claim in advance that an election loss would be illegitimate. In most cases, election losses are defeats to be acknowledged, not scandals to be alleged before any evidence is presented.

n Publicly correct false statements. Courageous leaders clarify errors, acknowledge inaccuracies and take responsibility for their mistakes.

n Do not demand personal loyalty from those tasked with enforcing the law. Leaders should demand competence, objectivity and adherence to the highest professional standards. Blind loyalty to an individual is the earmark of an undemocratic system.

n Respect — and adhere to — the independence of agencies charged with regulation or investigation. Regulatory and investigative bodies exist to apply statutory authority without political interference. In other words, they help ensure that government functions responsibly, ethically, legally and fairly.

n Operate within lawful limits on executive authority. Officeholders are expected to comply with statutory and constitutional boundaries on their power. They may not ignore, circumvent or defy those boundaries without legal consequence.

n Do not use the machinery of government to punish critics. Public institutions are not instruments for settling personal or political scores. Law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, tax authorities and licensing boards must not be used to target opponents.

Leaders make these choices in public — in how they respond to court rulings, to investigations and to verified election results. Disagreement is part of the job, as are scrutiny, limits on authority and compliance with lawful rulings. Treating those requirements as obstacles to be worked around, rather than obligations to be met, is not.

This checklist is one way to tell whether leaders are doing the work they were hired to do. Moments like these offer the public a chance to assess whether they are meeting their jobs’ fundamental requirements. That kind of assessment must be part of the routine maintenance of a democracy.

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

Auto insurance rates need to be fair, and affordable

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

Auto insurance has become too costly, too complicated and too disconnected from the concept of fairness. Nearly every household in the state depends on a car, and when insurance premiums rise, families feel it immediately.

Across New York, people rely on their vehicles to get to work, to take their children to school, to care for loved ones and to stay connected with their communities. Car insurance is not optional. It is a basic requirement of daily life. Yet too many responsible drivers are paying inflated rates because fraud, staged crashes and systemic abuse continue to push costs higher for everyone.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

dents are not rewarded with excessive damage awards.

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

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

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

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

HERALD

iInspire the next generation of leaders

n speeches and campaign platforms, public officials frequently speak about the importance of inspiring the next generation of civic leaders.

Far fewer take the concrete step of bringing young people into the halls of government to see how democracy actually works.

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

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

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

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

letters

Peter King defends Trump’s hockey locker room remarks

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let them in.

L.I.’s economy is solid — but is increasingly K-shaped

assessing current economic conditions over the past year has been unusually challenging due to delays in federal data releases, volatile inflation readings and shifting labor-market dynamics. As more complete data has recently become available, however, a clearer picture is emerging for Long Island — one that reflects strength in aggregate, but growing divergence beneath the surface.

Long Island’s economy continues to outperform many regions nationally. Home values remain elevated, hospitality and tourism activity are robust, and unemployment rates in Nassau and Suffolk counties remain below the national average. These indicators point to a region that has weathered recent economic shocks relatively well.

Yet aggregate strength masks important distributional differences. Increasingly, Long Island reflects what economists describe as a K-shaped recovery, in which different segments of the population experience sharply disparate economic outcomes.

Households in the upper echelon of income and wealth distribution have

Letters opinions

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

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

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

benefited substantially since 2020. Financial markets have posted significant gains, increasing retirement balances and household net worth for those with market exposure. At the same time, residential real estate values across Nassau and Suffolk have risen markedly since the pre-pandemic period, reinforcing wealth accumulation for existing homeowners. Those households have seen stronger balance sheets, greater financial resilience and sustained consumption capacity.

iincomes have not kept pace with the rising costs of living.

The implications extend beyond household well-being. Long Island’s economy, like the broader U.S. economy, is fundamentally consumer-driven, with roughly two-thirds of economic activity tied to consumer spending. While higher-income households account for a disproportionate share of consumption, sustainable regional growth depends on broadbased purchasing power across income groups.

llustrating the difference between wealth and incomes that aren’t keeping pace.

While affordability in our region impacts all Long Islanders, many lower- and middle-income households have faced a more constrained economic reality. While nominal wages — what you see in your pay stub — have increased over the past several years, real wage growth — your pay adjusted for inflation — has been limited by persistently higher prices of essential goods and services. Housing costs, food prices and energy expenses have accounted for a growing share of household budgets, eroding purchasing power even as headline inflation shows moderation.

This divergence is central to the concept of a K-shaped economy. The upper arm reflects asset-driven growth and wealth accumulation, while the lower arm captures households whose

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

ELIzABETH MURPHY Franklin Square

Trump’s, and King’s, words matter

To the Editor:

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

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

SUzANNE VERA North Bellmore

Recent measures of consumer sentiment underscore this tension. Despite relatively low unemployment, confidence levels remain subdued. Concerns about job security, trade policy and long-term affordability continue to weigh on household expectations, suggesting that employment alone is an insufficient indicator of economic confidence on the national level.

There are also macroeconomic risks associated with sustained divergence. If equity markets weaken or housing price growth moderates, the wealth effects currently supporting higher-income consumption could diminish. In such a scenario, the economy would be vulnerable if lower-income households lack the income growth necessary to offset that slowdown.

Importantly, these dynamics do not

suggest that Long Island is entering a period of economic decline. The region’s proximity to New York City, its diversified industry base and the relative strength of sectors such as health care, professional services, technology and finance continue to provide stability. Recent improvements in office occupancy and continued strength in hospitality further reinforce this resilience.

But resilience shouldn’t be confused with inclusivity. The central economic challenge facing Long Island isn’t simply maintaining growth, but also ensuring that growth benefits all industry sectors and sizes. Workforce development, housing affordability and goodpaying jobs that offset higher inflation are essential components of long-term regional economic health. Policymakers and business leaders should remain attentive not only to aggregate indicators, but also to the real impacts of policies on Long Islanders.

As more complete data becomes available in 2026, the contours of Long Island’s economic trajectory are becoming clearer. Aggregate performance remains strong, but the divergence across households warrants careful attention. Economic strength is most durable when the entire population is benefiting from it — and addressing these imbalances will be critical to sustaining Long Island’s long-term prosperity.

Dr. Steve Kent is chief economist of the Long Island Association.