Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald 03-19-2026

Christian Choi is the first North Shore student to commit to West Point in at least seven years.

North Shore student accepted into United States Military Academy

By JUlIA CAPITEllI jcapitelli@liherald.com

After an intense application process, North Shore High School senior Christian Choi has been accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point. According to Superintendent Chris Zublionis, Choi is the first North Shore student to commit to West Point in at least seven years.

Choi spent the first half of his freshman year of high school at Culver Military Academy in Indiana. He said he developed a close relationship with his advisor, a former army ranger, who inspired him and played a large role in motivating him to work toward his goal of serving in the military.

“I kind of wanted to be just like him,”

Choi said. “In a way.” He added that wanting to help people and be part of something bigger than himself also drove his interest in military service.

West Point has an acceptance rate of 12 percent, and applicants go through a rigorous process. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence and strong leadership skills. They must also pass a physical fitness test assessing strength, agility, power, balance, speed and endurance. Applicants are required to be nominated by a member of Congress.

Now that he has been accepted, Choi said he feels “pretty nervous” but excited. He credited his North Shore guidance counselor Joanne Fawcett with supporting him

S.C. drafting new battery storage legislation

By JUlIA CAPITEllI jcapitelli@liherald.com

The Sea Cliff Board of Trustees is drafting legislation regulating residential battery energy storage systems. There is one open application by a resident to install a unit, but the village code does not currently include regulations on battery storage.

Discussion at Monday’s public conference meeting about battery storage legislation centered around permits, capacity and location on a resident’s property. The board previously brought in Nassau County Assistant Chief Fire Marshal Andrew Schmitt and Brian O’Donnell, Sea Cliff’s first assistant fire chief, on Feb. 2 to discuss fire suppression systems and controlling a fire if a battery ignites.

store batteries outdoors.

The law would make it legal for residents to install battery energy storage systems within certain parameters. Should a resident want to install a system outside those parameters, they will have to appear before the village’s planning board to make their case.

I believe, with the way things are going, we’ll be seeing more and more and more of these applications

ElENA VIll AfANE Mayor, Sea Cliff

Schmitt also suggested the board speak with other experts like electrical engineers. O’Donnell recommended that residents only be allowed to

Storing energy generated by solar panels is one reason for keeping lithium batteries. Solar panels are not required for installing battery energy storage systems.

“I believe, with the way things are going, we’ll be seeing more and more and more of these applications,” Mayor Elena Villafane said. “So, I’d really like to wrestle this thing to the ground.”

The board dedicated most of its discussion to deliberating the maximum capacity in kilowatt hours that residents should be able to store. New York State’s code allows for a maximum of 80 kilowatt hours. Anything higher than that gets

CoNtiNued oN Page 16

By JULIA CAPITELLI

things to know north shore’s budget review

District discusses facility upgrades, more

jcapitelli@liherald.com

With the district budget vote and school board election scheduled for May 19, North Shore School District trustees are reviewing the proposed $129 million budget for the 2026-2027 school year. The board held its first budget review meeting March 12. The proposed budget currently sits at a 2.9 percent increase over the approved budget for the 2025-2026 school year. It does not include any cuts to programs or positions. Here are three things to know following the first budget review.

The proposed budget includes funds earmarked for facilities updates

Updates to facilities including stage flooring, fencing repair and replacement, and music room wall removal at Glenwood Landing are budgeted for. Trustee Lisa Cashman said that these are items in the budget that stood out to her.

“I just felt the need to kind of underline that these are things that we do work hard to accomplish through our regular budgeting process,” she said, “and only when we can’t do that is when we expand into that bond and capital reserve arena.”

The North Shore community recently voted to approve a bond and the use of capital reserve funds for additional indoor and outdoor projects at all five schools. These projects rise above what the district can include in the regular budget.

North Shore budgets for purchase of two large school buses, four small ones

Trustee Maria Mosca raised concerns about New York State’s mandate for school districts to be zero emissions by 2035. New York began the process of transitioning all school districts to electric buses in 2022. The state currently requires all buses purchased in 2027 or later to be electric in order for the entire fleet to be electric by 2035. Mosca said she was worried that the district may quickly have to take these newly purchased buses off the road.

Assistant Superintendent for Business James Pappas explained that after meeting with Wendel Companies, he learned that many districts do not yet have the power at their locations to charge electric buses.

“The business superintendents, facilities, transportation,” Pappas said, “are pushing back on the 2035 mandate because it’s coming fast and furious.”

North Shore plans to add two new Advanced Placement courses, computer principles and human geography, and has budgeted for them. Registration fees for students to take Advanced Placement exams are also covered in the proposed budget.

Superintendent Chris Zublionis explained that the district has been covering this costs and why he thinks it is important to do so.

“I think it’s an equalizer,” he said. “It creates access for all students, regardless of socioeconomic status and ability to pay to get that highest level, college level coursework.”

Holocaust-era violins spread hope with music

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

The sound of instruments once carried through ghettos, concert halls and the upheaval of World War II filled Madison Theatre at Molloy University on March 12, when the Symphony of Hope brought together musicians, educators and community members for an evening of remembrance through music.

Presented collaboratively by Molloy University, the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County and the Long Island Concert Orchestra, the concert featured instruments from the internationally known Violins of Hope collection — violins once owned and played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust that have since been meticulously restored for modern performance.

Bernie Furshpan, chair of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, highlighted the importance of preserving Holocaust history through education and the arts.

“It really brings to life the people who once owned them and played on them in real time,” said David Winkler, executive director and composer-in-residence of the Long Island Concert Orchestra.

Winkler, who founded the orchestra in 2016, described the performance as both a memorial and a communal experience.

“I consider Symphony of Hope to be a celebration of the human spirit through music,” he said.

The program paired local and international talent. The Long Island Concert Orchestra performed alongside the Long Island Choral Society, with rising guest conductor Jeffrey Dokken on the podium and violinist Simon Zhu appearing as a featured soloist.

The repertoire blended historical reflection with contemporary composition, including Violin Concerto No. 7 by Long Island composer Alexey Shor and a work by Winkler titled Pacifica, which is “dedicated to peace.” Grammy-nominated music director Enrico Fagone was listed as the orchestra’s artistic leader.

Institutional leaders said the concert also carried a broader educational mission.

“Molloy University is honored to host The Symphony of Hope at our Madison Theatre,” Molloy University President James Lentini said.

Jolanta Zamecka, vice chair of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County and a Long Island Concert Orchestra board member, emphasized the importance of connecting the performance to remembrance and education.

“The Symphony of Hope enables us to honor musicians whose lives ended far too soon and to inspire future generations to reject hatred and intolerance,” Zamecka said.

Michael Klinghoffer, president of the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, said the arts have a unique ability to bridge time and geography.

“They have a power to transcend time and place and bring the world together with a healing presence,” Klinghoffer said.

During the Holocaust, which lasted from 1933 to 1945 under Nazi Germany and its collaborators, millions of Jews were systematically persecuted and murdered. Beginning in the late 1930s and early 1940s, Jewish families were forced into overcrowded urban ghettos across occupied Europe, where they endured starvation, disease and brutal living conditions. Many were later deported to concentration camps and exter-

from

Molloy University’s Madison Theatre in Rockville Centre hosted the Symphony of Hope concert on March 12, featuring restored instruments from the Violins of Hope collection once played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust.

mination camps such as Auschwitz, Treblinka and Sobibor, where forced labor, imprisonment and mass killings became central components of the Nazi regime’s genocide. In many ghettos, Nazi authorities established strict curfews, rationed food to near-starvation levels and prohibited residents from leaving the enclosed districts. Deportations from these ghettos often occurred with little warning, as families were forced onto trains bound for camps across occupied Poland and Germany. By the end of World War II, approximately six million Jews had been killed in the Holocaust, along with millions of other victims targeted by the Nazi regime.

Only a portion of the Violins of Hope collection was used during the Madison Theatre performance. Roughly 70 instruments in the collection are currently in performing condition, while many others are still awaiting restoration.

Avshi Weinstein, who continues the restoration legacy begun by his father, master luthier Amnon Weinstein, participated in the presentation, bringing historical insight and craftsmanship connected to the project.

Winkler said violins played a unique role in preserving cultural identity during the Holocaust.

Restored instruments from the Violins of Hope collection, once owned and played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust, were featured during the Symphony of Hope concert at Molloy University’s Madison Theatre on March 12.

“Only the violins fall into this category,” he said. “All other instruments were either discarded or torn apart. Violins are relatively small instruments that can be taken, put into a knapsack, into a bag.”

Because of their portability, persecuted musicians were sometimes able to carry the instruments with them, preserving a connection to their culture and, in some cases, even a means of survival.

The Long Island Concert Orchestra traces its roots to the Sea Cliff Chamber Players, which formed in 1971. The group evolved through several iterations before Winkler established the Long Island Concert Orchestra in 2016 after the Long Island Philharmonic ceased operations.

Winkler said the orchestra was created to meet Long Island’s “growing needs” with large-scale performances and community-oriented programming.

Each instrument in the Violins of Hope collection carries its own story — some were played in ghettos or camp orchestras, others were hidden away or carried by musicians who escaped persecution.

By performing with the restored violins, organizers hoped the stories behind them would resonate with modern audiences while preserving the memory of those who once played them.

News briefs

Town yard waste collection resumes April 6

Yard waste collection will resume in the Town of Oyster Bay starting the week of April 6, for homeowners who receive town collection services. Yard waste is picked up on the same day as recycled materials, including plastics, metals, glass and cardboard.

“With signs of the spring season approaching, many residents are beginning to clear their properties from leaves and other debris left behind by winter,” Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone wrote in a statement. “Yard waste collection, which includes lawn clippings, will get underway the first week of April and run throughout the year.”

Residents should place yard waste curbside on their same day as their recycling items. Yard waste is collected by town sanitation crews and taken to compost facilities.

Waste includes grass clippings, weeds, leaves, tree trimmings, hedge and shrub clippings and other garden/ yard waste. Materials should be placed in bags at the curb, and should weigh no more than 50 pounds. No household garbage, refuse or animal waste should be disposed with yard waste.

“Collecting yard waste is an important component to our recycling program,” Monteleone continued in the same statement. “One of the prime benefits of recycling yard waste is that the cost to take these materials to a compost facility is less than the cost to dispose of them at an out-of-state landfill.“

For more information on the town’s sanitation services, including recycling and yard waste, visit OysterBayTown. com.

—Will Sheeline

Town tax break for fully disabled veterans

The Town of Oyster Bay’s Town Bard has voted to approve property tax exemptions for fully-disabled veterans. A new state measure allows local municipalities to pass legislation offering a full, 100 percent tax exemption to veterans with a service-connected disability whose home is their primary residence. The measure was passed unanimously.

“In the Town of Oyster Bay, our veterans are very important to us, and they deserve continuing support for the sacrifices they’ve made to protect our freedoms,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino wrote in a statement. “Our hometown heroes are pillars in our communities, and we are proud to pass legislation that helps support them and their families.”

To honor the sacrifice of veterans, the legislation provides a full exemption from town property taxes, including special district charges and assessments,

for veterans with a 100 percent serviceconnected disability whose home is their primary residence. Eligible veterans must be rated permanently and totally disabled and deemed individually unemployable by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. All exemptions are processed through the Office of the Nassau County Assessor.

“This is about more than passing a new tax policy,” added Saladino later in the statement, “this is about reminding our veterans that their service and sacrifices are respected and appreciated.”

For more information regarding tax exemptions, including brochures describing the STAR, Senior Citizen, or other Veterans exemption programs, visit OysterBayTown.com/exemptions or contact the Office of the Receiver of Taxes at (516) 624-6400.

—Will Sheeline

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Choi one of roughly 1,300 cadets accepted

through the application process, including securing key internships.

“She helped me find those opportunities,” Choi said, “and I think they were pretty pivotal in my application.”

Choi worked on Rep. Tom Suozzi’s campaign in 2024 during an internship Suozzi later nominated him for admission to West Point. Choi said he was “extremely grateful” to be nominated.

“I was proud to have nominated Christian Choi to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point,” Suozzi wrote in a statement to the Herald. “Christian is a very deserving, hardworking and committed young man who has earned this opportunity through his dedication and character. He is driven to challenge himself every day, and prepare for a life of service, with a clear sense of purpose and vision for his future. I have no doubt he will serve our country proudly.”

Choi said that during his internship with the Suozzi campaign, he gained team experience applicable to his future military career. He explained how while everyone had their own role, they all worked together toward getting Suozzi elected.

Fawcett praised Choi’s attitude and leadership, particularly during his internship.

“Christian is a great motivator of people,” she said. “He’s got enthusiasm that’s infectious, and he’s always going to get the job done. So, I think that when the campaign saw that a young person was doing well with canvassing, they had him lead other folks that were doing the same thing.”

In addition to internships, Choi has participated in Port Rowing, a competitive rowing club in Port Washington, all during all four years of high school after transferring to North Shore. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and the National Math Honor Society.

Choi was awarded the four-year Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Scholarship. Applicants for the competitive scholarship must have a high grade point average, display physical fitness and have leadership experience.

With so few North Shore students even applying to West Point, Zublionis described Choi’s acceptance as “very special” for the district. He also explained that Choi’s achievement is representative of North Shore’s values.

“We’re just so proud of him, and our entire school community is proud of him,” Zublionis said. “He really exemplifies that commitment not only to himself, but to others at the highest level.”

West Point Fun Facts

- Before it was a school, fort West point was one of the most important military fortifications during the revolutionary War; when Benedict arnold betrayed the fledgling united States, he planned to trade away the fort’s schematics.

- it is the oldest continuously occupied military fortification in american history, and was originally built by polishamerican revolutionary tadeusz Kosciouszko to give the Continental army control of the Hudson river Valley. - the academy was founded on the site of the fort in 1802, and it is the oldest of the five american service academies. although roughly 1,300 cadets enter the academy each year as freshman, only about 1,000 cadets graduate. famous author edgar allan poe joined the academy in 1830, but intentionally ensured his own expulsion through ‘gross neglect of duty and disobedience of orders’ for refusing to attend formations, classes, and church. - the lowest scoring graduate of each year is referred to as the “goat;” far from being a stain on their record, goat status is highly sought after and competed for by many students, with the goat receiving the loudest cheer at graduation and a $1,000 prize, or roughly $1 per classmate. famous goats include george Custer, who was killed at the Battle of Little Bighorn, and thomas pickett, the Confederate general who led the doomed pickett’s Charge at the Battle of gettysburg.

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.

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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.

Sea Cliff General hosts new book signing

By JULIA CAPITELLI jcapitelli@liherald.com

Fitness fans packed the Sea Cliff General Store Saturday as Peloton Instructor Hannah Corbin took the stage, opening the afternoon with a talk and Q and A session. She discussed stretching, how fitness helps her with her autoimmune disease and hypermobility.

Attendees’ questions centered around her work at Peloton, her training routine and staying motivated. Corbin interacted with participants throughout the afternoon, signing books and taking photos.

General Store Owner

Laura Bonelli said in advance of the event that she and her husband and co-owner, Ralph, were “so grateful to have had this opportunity” to host Corbin’s book signing.

People of all ages and from across Long Island attended. They got books signed, took photos with Corbin and shopped.

Nancy Alt, a retired elementary school teacher, said she bought Corbin’s book “Did You Stretch Tho: 52 Stretches

Attendees of all ages came from Sea Cliff and elsewhere to meet Hannah Corbin and get books

to Increase Flexibility, Balance, and Performance” to add more stretching to her workouts which include mainly cycling and running. She purchased a Peloton bike in 2023 and said she has been participating in Corbin’s rides since then.

“She’s right where I am. Not too easy, not too hard,” Alt said. “And of course, she’s like sunshine. You can’t leave a ride in a bad mood.”

Alt grew up in Sea Cliff and now lives in Bellport, New York. She said that she was surprised Corbin was visiting Sea Cliff and bought a ticket as soon as she found out.

“I love when my worlds collide,” she said.

In the days leading up to the event, Laura said that she hoped attendees would have a good time meeting Corbin.

Alt described Corbin as “better than I ever could have imagined” after meeting her.

Sea Cliff General will participate in the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor’s Crawl for a Cause fundraiser on Saturday. The Bonellis will also host a Girl Scout troop selling cookies on Sunday.

APRIL 16 • 10AM-12:30PM

DEER PARK KNIGHTS

759 LONG ISLAND AVE, DEER PARK

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A

Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees

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

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AGENDA:

EXHIBITORS EXPERT PANEL + Q&A RAFFLE DRAWINGS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

Register for this FREE event: Deerpark.eventbrite.com or email lcreem@LIHerald.com or call 516.569.4000 x243

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.

14 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.

Battery capacity, fire safety discussed at meeting

classified as commercial rather than residential.

Trustee James Versocki initially said he was comfortable allowing residents the full 80 kilowatt hours. Villafane and Village Administrator Bruce Kennedy made a case for a lower maximum capacity. Kennedy said his concern is how quickly a battery fire can spread, though a fire is unlikely.

The more kilowatt hours you have, that’s the more batteries, the more outgassing, more chance of evacuation,” he said. “The more kilowatt hours there are, the further away (the Fire Department has) to work from the fire. So, it just becomes more dangerous the more you put in.”

Villafane echoed these concerns, emphasizing how close together some houses in Sea Cliff are to one another, making it more dangerous for neighbors in the unlikely event that a resident’s battery ignites.

Versocki later expressed uncertainty in choosing where the maximum capacity should be.

“As a non-professional, the state has given a code,” he said. “I’m fine with looking at something, but I’m not just going to pick a number because I think it’s a number.”

Kennedy and Trustee George Williams invoked Tesla’s Powerwall Three, which provides 13.5 kilowatt hours of

usable energy. According to EnergySage, an online marketplace that helps homeowners compare quotes on solar panels and battery storage, Powerwall Three can potentially power a house for more than a day. The Powerwall stores solar energy for later use, such as in the event of a power outage.

The board used the idea that three Tesla Powerwalls can last a resident three days as a baseline when deciding on a maximum capacity to allow. Williams suggested a maximum of 41 kilowatt hours, multiplying 13.5 by three. The board agreed to 41 kilowatt hours for the proposed legislation. Residents who want a system accommodating more than that would have to go before the Planning Board for approval.

New York State has created a model law for municipalities to follow when drafting legislation for battery energy storage systems. In that model law, a building permit and electrical permit are required for installing a system. Sea Cliff’s law is expected to mirror these requirements. Appropriate location for storage systems was also debated. The board discussed whether it should require storage systems to be kept outdoors only, or if some indoor installation may be acceptable. An instance of installation in a resident’s basement was noted, and Villafane expressed doubt that this was a good idea.

“That doesn’t really,” she said, “seem like something I would think is best practices.”

The board decided the proposed legislation should allow outdoor installation and systems to be kept indoors with enclosures designed to prevent fire from spreading and with proper ventilation. Much of the discussion around indoor installation pertained to garages rather than basements.

Another location factor that board discussed was how far systems should be placed from neighboring houses. Fire safety was the primary concern when deciding on a distance to include in the proposed legislation. While uncommon, battery fires can pose a threat to the owner’s house and neighboring houses. In this case, fire departments focus on controlling the fire’s spread.

“My thought process is, ‘What’s reasonable?’” Kennedy said. “Being what we know, what we don’t know, the fears of others, the potential for disaster, which exists, what’s reasonable?”

The board settled on including in the proposed legislation that storage systems must be placed a minimum of 30 feet from neighboring houses whether the system is indoors or outdoors. This would mean that if a resident installs a unit indoors, the structure where the unit is kept must be at least 30 feet from neighboring houses.

Once the legislation is drafted by the village attorney, the board will review it before scheduling a public hearing.

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

MAR

Tunes with Exploding Coconuts

Still Partners hosts the grooving electric band Exploding Coconuts.

• Where: 225 Sea Cliff Ave., Sea Cliff

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: stillpartners.com or call (516) 200-9229

MAR

21

Grooves with Sea Cliff Porch Pickers

Sea Cliff Arts Council invites all to hear local band Sea Cliff Porch Pickers. They’ll play Americana, country, folk and bluegrass. $20 per person.

• Where: 86 Roslyn Ave., Sea Cliff

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: SeaCliffArtsCouncil.

org

Children’s concert

Northwinds Symphonic Band visits Hempstead House for an afternoon of music fun for families with children of all ages. Conductors Helen P. Bauer and Brandon Bromsey have put together a program designed to engage young listeners and aspiring young musicians. The program includes well-known selections from “The Sound of Music” and a medley from Disney movies. Band members introduce and demonstrate their instruments, and the children in attendance will be given the opportunity to take the podium as guest conductors! $10, $5 children.

• Where: Hempstead House, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

• Time: 1-2:30 p.m.

• Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901

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

The Man In Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash

Friday Night Teen Pickleball

Sea Cliff Pickleball and North Shore CASA host Friday night pickleball for students grades 7-12 at the Gold Coast Pickleball Club. This is the fourth session in a series of four. Participation in one session is $20 per student. Register online at TPickleWint26. eventbrite.com.

• Where: 95 Glen Head Road, Glen Head

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: nscasa.org

MAR

28

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.

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

Crawl for a Cause

The Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor holds its Crawl for a Cause fundraiser at Matt’s Deli to support its Hempstead Harbor programs and local businesses. Wristbands, maps and raffles are available on the coalition’s website.

• Where: 303 Sea Cliff Ave., Sea Cliff

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: info@thecshh.org or call (516) 801-6792

Rock on

with Soul

Gazer

Still Partners invites the community for an evening of rock infused with electronica with a performance by Soul Gazer. The band plays music from the last five decades including pop, rock, glam and new wave.

• Where: 225 Sea Cliff Ave., Sea Cliff

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: stillpartners.com or call (516) 200-9229

MAR

22

Ecotherapy Walk

Join certified guide Linda Lombardo on an Ecotherapy Walk at Sands Point Preserve. Celebrating the Spring Equinox with balance, renewal and growth. Ecotherapy, also known as Forest Bathing, is not simply hiking in the woods, or a walk on a beach. The focus is on connection and relationship, allowing the heart to open to the beauty of the natural world, and at the same time, understand our belonging in that world. Register for individual walks or a series of three. $135 for series of 3, $120 members; $49 per session, $44 members.

• Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: sandspointpreserveconservanc y.org or call (516) 571-7901

MAR

Town Board meets The Town of Oyster Bay holds its next meeting. Town residents are

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

encouraged to attend.

• Where: 54 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay

• Time: 10 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 624-6380

MAR

26

North Shore BOE meets

The North Shore School Board of Education meets at North Shore Middle School. School district residents are welcome to attend as the board reviews the proposed budget for the 2026-2027 school year.

• Where: 505 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head

• Time: 7:45 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 277-7800

Sailin’ Shoes

MAR 27

Still Partners hosts tribute band Sailiin’ Shoes. Visit the establishment for a night of music in a tribute to Little Feat.

• Where: 225 Sea Cliff Ave., Sea Cliff

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: stillpartners.com or call (516) 200-9229

Notes In Nature: Of Air And Water Visit Planting Fields for the thrilling season opener of “Notes in Nature”! This program features a unique and atmospheric combination of the flute, harp, violin, viola, and cello with the Long Island Chamber Music collective that shouldn’t be missed! The program features a combination of flute, harp, violin, viola and cello. $45 per person in advance, $50 at the door if seats are available. Includes a complimentary glass of wine.

• Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

• Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

• Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

MAR

29

Frank Ferrara and Jimmy Moore

Sea Cliff Arts Council hosts two of Sea Cliff’s local musicians and music teachers for a performance of original songs. The audience is invited to ask questions during a brief discussion following the performance. $20 per person.

• Where: 86 Roslyn Ave., Sea Cliff

• Time: 4 p.m.

• Contact: SeaCliffArtsCouncil. org

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

THE GREAT BOOK GuRu

Misread moments

Dear Great Book Guru, I am very excited about an upcoming event here in Sea Cliff at St. Luke’s Community Hall - “A Dinner and Play!” Apparently, the play is based on a Barbara Pym novel. Do you know anything about the novel? Interested in Pym

Dear Interested in Pym, Barbara Pym’s 1930’s novel “Crampton Hodnet” has been adapted by Dan DiPietro, directed by Fred Stroppel, and will be performed with over twenty Sea Cliff folks taking part.

Pym has written twelve books - any of which I would highly recommend - but I must admit this is one of my favorites. Set in Oxford with its ancient colleges and medieval rituals and written decades ago, the novel has a surprisingly modern tone.

It is a very funny take on village life - a village peopled by quirky characters including pretentious professors, young romantics, philandering spouses, and interfering relatives. There are two intersecting plot lines: the middle-aged Francis Cleveland’s dalliance and the lonely but very witty Jessie Morrow’s passionless affair with Stephen Latimera young curate (he forgets her name as he is proposing to her).

Crampton Hodnet is the name of a fictional village invented by Latimer to cover for an early misadventure. Tangled romances, misread moments, and furtive escapades all make for a great read and a hilarious evening of theater. Highly recommended!

Would you like to ask the Great Book Guru for a book suggestion? Contact her at annmdipietro@gmail.com.

Let us Know

News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com

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/

NRCC adds LiPetri to “MAGA Majority” program

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

The National Republican Congressional Committee has named former New York State Assemblyman Mike LiPetri to a new initiative aimed at boosting Republican candidates in competitive congressional districts — including New York’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes much of Nassau County’s North Shore as well as parts of Queens, currently represented by Democrat Tom Suozzi.

The effort, called the “MAGA Majority,” is the rebranded version of the NRCC’s long-running Young Guns program. It identifies Republican candidates the party believes are well positioned to compete in battleground districts and provides them with early strategic support, resources and national visibility.

Republicans currently hold a narrow 218–214 majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. With Democrats needing a net gain of just three seats to take control, both parties are preparing for a closely contested midterm election cycle.

The NRCC says the new pro-

gram is designed to highlight candidates aligned with former President Donald Trump’s political agenda, including policies focused on border security, energy production and economic issues.

“Mike LiPetri is a battle-tested winner and fighter for Long Island families,” NRCC spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole said in a statement. “He’s committed to helping House Republicans and President Trump deliver a safer and stronger America, and he has what it takes to flip this seat and send Tom Suozzi packing this November.”

LiPetri, who previously represented parts of Nassau County in the New York State Assembly, is positioning himself as part of what Republicans describe as a new generation of candidates. In a statement, he criticized Suozzi’s long tenure in public office and argued that the district needs new leadership.

LiPetri criticized Suozzi’s lengthy tenure in public office and argued that the district would benefit from new leadership and a different policy approach, especially with regard to taxation . “It’s time for a next generation common sense New

Mike LiPetri, left, a former New York State assemblyman, is challenging U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, who represents New York’s 3rd Congressional District.

Yorker to shake up Washington and put hardworking taxpayers first,” LiPetri said.

Republican strategists argue that recent election results suggest the district may be competitive. According to GOP messaging surrounding the announcement, President Trump carried the district in 2024, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman won the district by more than 12 percentage points in 2025. Blakeman is now the

Republican nominee for governor. Republicans also point to local victories in North Hempstead, Oyster Bay and Glen Cove as signs of shifting political momentum on Long Island.

Democrats, however, dispute the Republican characterization of the district and say Suozzi continues to deliver results for constituents through bipartisan work in Washington.

“Congressman Suozzi continues to work across party lines to

deliver common-sense solutions: lowering everyday costs, advancing safe and humane immigration policy, reinstating the full SALT deduction, pushing back on reckless environmental policies, and demanding the White House work with Congress on a plan for Iran that does not waste billions of dollars, risk American lives, or drive up gas prices,” Kim Devlin, a senior political adviser to Suozzi, said.

The MAGA Majority program rollout comes as Republicans attempt to defend their narrow House majority during a midterm cycle that could prove challenging for the party in power. Historically, the party that controls the White House often loses seats during midterm elections, and Republicans have faced political pressure tied to economic concerns and inflation.

NY-03, which includes much of Nassau County’s North Shore as well as parts of Queens, has been a closely watched district in recent election cycles. Suozzi, who previously served as Glen Cove mayor and Nassau County executive, returned to Congress in 2025 and won his most recent race with 51 percent of the vote.

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

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

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

things to know about women’s history month

March celebrates women shaping the future

Chris Colucci ccolucci@liherald.com

For nearly 40 years, the U.S. has used the month of March to commemorate National Women’s History Month. While women makeup just over 50 percent of the population, their fight for equality on all fronts — economic, social and political — has been a constant. The annual acknowledgment highlights the impact made by women across the country.

n The national recognition has international roots

The American celebration of Women’s History Month began somewhat informally, without official government support, as National Women’s History Day in the early 1900s. Early advocates for women’s rights created the day to bring attention to key issues, including suffrage — the right to vote — in 1909. The idea spread quickly and, by 1913, European countries including Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland were celebrating International Women’s Day.

The international counterparts used the day in similar fashion — raising awareness of women’s issues and holding rallies to protest unfair treatment. On March 8, 1917, the Petrograd Women’s March took place in Petrograd, Russia (now Saint Petersburg), protesting food shortages during WWI.

n It began as a day, then a week, then a month

National Women’s Day, Feb. 28, was first recognized in 1909. After gaining traction across the globe and shifting into the month of March, American interest in the celebration expanded in 1980 when President Jimmy Carter declared the first Women’s History Week — the week containing March 8.

By 1986, individual states took the opportunity to increase awareness further, spurring President Ronald Reagan to officially declare Women’s History Month in 1987. “From earliest times, women have helped shape our Nation,” Reagan wrote in a Presidential proclamation. “Historians today stress all that women have meant to our national life, but the rest of us too should remember, with pride and gratitude, the achievements of women throughout American history.”

n This year’s theme: “Shaping a Sustainable Future”

Women’s History Month isn’t only a chance to support women-owned businesses, celebrate local women in political positions, or learn about an array of historical figures. Each year has a specific theme chosen by the National Women’s History Alliance — a nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to promote women’s history throughout the United States.

The 2026 theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” The aim is to honor women who create long-term sustainability in multiple arenas — environmental, economic, educational, and societal. Previous themes include “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations” in 2025 and “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion” in 2024.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. EDWARD YOUNG; KERRY YOUNG, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 30, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 17 Wellington Road, Greenvale, NY 11548. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 20, Block N and Lot 57. Approximate amount of judgment is $604,889.34 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 602545/2023. Cash will not be accepted. Jane P. Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 158618

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, FORMERLY KNOWN AS BANKERS TRUST COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR SACO I, INC., MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2000-1, Plaintiff against JEFFERY BETTAN, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 28, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 7, 2026 at 2:30 PM.

Premises known as 57 Parkway Drive, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577. Sec 7 Block 174 Lot 12. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon, erected, situate, lying and being at Roslyn (unincorporated), Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $603,836.20 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 005162/2006. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Mark S Ricciardi, Esq., Referee File # SPSJN399 158740

LEGAL NOTICE

VILLAGE OF SEA CLIFF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Sea Cliff will hold a public hearing with respect to the following local law: Bill VSC 2603

A local law amending Chapter 64 to provide for amendments relative to permit requirements, including Board of Architectural Review authority relative to fence materials.

Date: April 15, 2026

Time:7:00 pm

Place:Village Hall, 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, New York

The proposed local law is available for public inspection at the Village Clerk’s office at 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, New York, between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. All interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing.

Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participation in the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation.

Dated: March 16, 2026 BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR AND TRUSTEES

Sarah Beaudin, Village Clerk 159024

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff - against - M&H ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING INC., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on January 16,

2026. 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 the 16th day of April, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Glenwood Landing, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 14 Vine Street, Glenwood Landing, NY 11547.

(Section: 20, Block: 43, Lot: 205)

Approximate amount of lien $505,692.65 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 605771/2024. Christy M. DeMelfi, Esq., Referee.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: February 4, 2026

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 158910

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.

Sheeline

■ Julia Capitelli

■ Rhonda GliCkman

Vice President - Sales

■

offiCe

2 Endo Boulevard

Garden City, NY 11530

Phone: (516) 569-4000

Fax: (516) 569-4942

Web: seacliff.liherald.com

Inspire the next generation of leaders

in 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.

HERALD

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.

iTrump’s Iran war chaos makes us all less safe

n unleashing a disastrously ill-conceived assault on Iran, President Trump brought new chaos in the world, and in doing so, made us all less safe. Contrary to repeated campaign promises to never go to war in Iran, he did just that — without Congressional authorization or any clear or concise justification. Let me be clear: Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was a tyrant and an international menace. During a nearly four-decade reign of terror, his autocratic regime slaughtered thousands of peaceful protesters and viciously oppressed and brutalized women. His regime was one of the most repressive in the world to LGBTQ people, with punishments ranging from public beatings to execution. Khamenei unabashedly sought and supported the eradication of Israel, made “Death to America!” the regime’s rallying cry at home and abroad, launched countless unprovoked assaults on the Middle East’s only democracy and fanned the flames of antisemitism

through rhetoric, his educational system, and the active persecution of the few remaining Iranian Jews as well as those in surrounding states. His regime flouted its nuclear agreements with the West and rattled the saber of atomic annihilation as a bargaining chip.

The end of this monstrous regime, if achieved thoughtfully and strategically, would certainly benefit the cause of peace in the Middle East and throughout the world. But no one who is following this spiraling crisis could ascribe such an attribute to the Trump administration’s approach.

Tconsequences. Already, no fewer than 13 American service members have lost their lives, a fact met with callous resignation by the administration. Trump dropped hints of a possible deployment of U.S. ground troops, making a greater loss of life a grim possibility.

here doesn’t seem to be a clear understanding of the effort’s goals.

The Feb. 28 incursion was launched without advising or securing consent from Congress, as required by the Constitution, and without any level of bipartisan discussion or a plan to facilitate lasting peace. The administration’s claims of a pre-emptive strike are easily dismantled, and there doesn’t seem to be a clear understanding of the effort’s goals or how to end the war.

Trump said the attacks were designed to instigate regime change, and later admitted that they could produce a leader worse than Khamenei.

The chaos has led to real and tragic

LeTTers

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 disre -

gard for 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

Israel and the Middle East are now the targets of daily bombardments. This is personal for me, because my son-in-law was raised in Israel, and he still has family living there. I’m sure the stress and worry I feel for their safety is felt by many Nassau County families that are in a similar situations.

Here at home, concerns for the safety of Jews and Muslims alike have surged amid a wave of hateful online rhetoric and conspiracy theories. The Nassau County Police Department has stepped up patrols of houses of worship so that congregants of all faiths can worship freely and in peace.

When it comes to combating religious hatred, for me there is never right or left; there is just right and wrong. As a Jew, combating antisemitism must never become a partisan exercise. As we navigate a time of extraordinary upheaval, I am incredibly gratified that

Framework by Tim Baker

the legislation I spearheaded to create a countywide Task Force to Combat Antisemitism passed with bipartisan, unanimous support.

Moreover, we must never discount the power of education as an antidote to the poisons of ignorance and hatred that infect hearts and minds. In 2022, New York state law was amended to require Holocaust education in every classroom across the state — something I believe should become a nationwide model for combating hatred against Jews, Muslims and all religious minorities. This mission has never been more urgent and compelling, and it is a challenge that we must all be ready to meet head-on.

Nassau County draws strength from its rich and beautiful tapestry of religious and cultural diversity, and as a lifelong resident, I know that we can come together to pray fervently for the safety of American service members entering this conflict, and we must embrace our shared humanity in every aspect of our lives. Together it is our duty to create a future in which our children and grandchildren can reap the benefits of a more accepting, enlightened and peaceful society.

Arnold W. Drucker represents Nassau County’s 16th Legislative District, and is the Legislature’s deputy minority leader.