Seaford Herald 03-19-2026

Seeing green for St. Patrick’s Day

Wantagh and Seaford residents lined Wantagh Avenue on Sunday for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of Long Island’s largest celebrations of Irish heritage. The sixth annual event drew tens of thousands of spectators, along with local fire departments, marching bands, community groups and first responders for a festive day of music, pride and community spirit. Above, two leprechauns entertained the crowd. At right, chamber President Karen Lofgren and her nephew, Gunner Nicosio, enjoyed the parade. Story, more photos, Page 3.

draws a crowd

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

More than 80 pints of blood were collected earlier this month during the Wantagh Fire Department’s annual community blood drive, an effort local officials said could help save hundreds of lives.

The March 2 drive, held at the department’s headquarters on Park Avenue, drew dozens of residents who volunteered to donate blood to help hospitals maintain a stable blood supply during frequent shortages.

“This year, we made history at the drive, collecting enough blood to save up to 258 lives,”

TCommunity blood drives like the one hosted by the Wantagh Fire Department play an important role in maintaining the region’s blood supply.

Blood banks rely heavily on donations from community events, schools and civic organizations to ensure hospitals have enough blood for surgeries, trauma patients and people undergoing cancer treatments.

here’s always a need for

blood.

THOMAS BLOOMFIELD

Former chief, Wantagh Fire Department

State Sen. Steve Rhoads, who represents Wantagh and Seaford, wrote in a Facebook post. He called it “truly inspiring” to see the community come together.

Rhoads said he also joined other donors by giving blood himself during the event.

“I was proud to roll up my sleeves and donate blood, joining countless community members in saving lives,” he added.

“With over 80 pints donated - and nearly 250 lives saved - the Wantagh Fire Department had a successful blood drive!” Shannon Fredericks, a Seaford resident representing Assemblyman Dave McDonough, said. “I am so grateful to the organizers for recognizing that we are in a state of blood shortage and the need to act,” she added.

The Wantagh Fire Department hosts blood drives several times throughout the year to help address the ongoing need for donations.

“We know the tough times and the shortages and the need for this out there,” Thomas

CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

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The ‘Luck of the Irish’ parades down Wantagh

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Tens of thousands of spectators from near and far lined Wantagh Avenue on Sunday as the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the largest celebrations of Irish heritage on Long Island.

Now in its sixth year, the parade drew spectators from across Nassau County and beyond. Chamber officials estimated that attendance was similar to previous years, when the crowd of marchers, officials and spectators has grown to roughly 50,000 people, filling the streets of Wantagh.

The parade stepped off from Wantagh High School and headed south on Wantagh Avenue before ending near Park Avenue, where post-parade festivities continued with live entertainment.

This year’s collective grand marshal was the entire Wantagh Fire Department, in recognition of the volunteer department’s longstanding service to the community. Founded in 1899, the department now has about 200 members and operates out of five firehouses, responding to roughly 2,000 ambulance calls and more than 1,000 fire calls each year.

While the parade celebrates Irish culture, organizers say its appeal reaches far beyond that.

“Whether you’re Irish or not, this parade is for everyone,” State Sen. Steve Rhoads wrote in a statement to the Herald. “It’s a chance to come together, celebrate our community and enjoy a great Long Island tradition.”

NEWS BRIEF

Students of the Quarter at Nassau BOCES

More than 100 students from 34 school districts across Nassau and Suffolk counties were named Students of the Quarter for the second quarter at Nassau BOCES career and technical education high schools, Barry Tech and GC Tech. Students were honored at special ceremonies for their grades, attendance, work ethic and preparedness. Students of the Quarter have taken the initiative on class projects and are role models for their fellow students, in both the classroom and the workplace.

Alexander Krzeminski, Anthony Hernandez, Matthew Silvestro and Jessica Maitta.

Students from the Baldwin School District recognized at Barry Tech included Brianna Mars, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration; John McDermott and Liam Mugfor, Carpentry; Jade Sexton, Medical Administrative Assistant; Tyler Bean, Computer Game Design and Programming Skills; and Oluwatoni Ojudun, Culinary Arts.

Students from the East Meadow School District recognized at Barry Tech included Thomas Abel, Horse Science and Management Skills; Zachary Fermin, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration; Trevor Smith, Construction Electricity; and Alexander Hall, Welding.

From the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, Barry Tech honorees included Kyriaki Kammas, Audio Production; Kevin Pichardo Puntiel, Welding; and Hudson Amato, Power Sports and Engine Repair.

Levittown School District students recognized at Barry Tech included Allison Hernandez, Culinary Skills; Scott Leonard, Computer Game Design and Programming Skills; Robert Sommers, Construction Trade Skills; Brooke DeSena, Animal Care; Michaela Hendrickson, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration; Kayla Miranda, Child Care Skills; Alessandro Muralles Parra, Animation and Digital Media

Skills; and Sophia Zaharakis, Veterinary Science. Levittown students honored at GC Tech included Caitlin Kilian, Medical Assisting; Anthony Hernandez and John Darcy, Automotive Technology; Matthew Silvestro and Harry Benitez, Construction Electricity; and Molly Leary and Sophie Llewellyn, Cosmetology.

Seaford School District student Frank Padavan Jr. was recognized at Barry Tech in Automotive Technology. Wantagh School District students honored included Maya Gilbert, a Health Care Skills student at Barry Tech. At GC Tech, Adrianna Stephens was recognized in Esthetics and Skin Care and Logan Conti in Automotive Technology.

A vital regional resource, Nassau BOCES offers state-of-the-art programs for learners of all ages and abilities as well as cost-effective services for school districts and municipalities. We empower students to achieve their maximum potential in alternative, artistic, outdoor, special education, virtual and career and technical environments. We offer adult education and a variety of programs that are vital to improving the Long Island regional economy. In addition, our technology services form the backbone of many school districts’ infrastructure. As the county’s educational leader in implementing the state’s reform efforts, we are helping to shape the future of education. To learn more, visit NassauBoces.org.

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.

Child care expansion at NCC aims to support student parents

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Student parents attending Nassau Community College may soon have greater access to child care as part of a statewide expansion announced this week by Kathy Hochul aimed at supporting adult learners across the State University of New York system.

Hochul said the initiative will expand child care services at 11 SUNY community colleges, either by extending hours into evenings and weekends or by creating additional child care spots for infants and toddlers. Nassau Community College is among six campuses that will add more spaces for younger children, a move intended to help student parents balance their academic and family responsibilities.

The effort is designed in part to support participants in SUNY Reconnect, a state program that offers free tuition, fees, books and supplies to New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 who do not already hold a college degree and want to pursue an associate degree in a high-demand field.

“We are investing in the futures of our adult learners and student parents to ensure they can pursue and achieve their dreams,” Hochul said in a statement announcing the expansion. “Through the expansion of child care across SUNY’s community college campuses … we are reinforcing our commitment to meeting the needs of adult learners and offering them a path to upward mobility.”

State officials say access to reliable child care remains one of the most significant barriers facing adult students, particularly parents returning to school while working or raising young children. By expanding child care availability, SUNY hopes to make it easier for those students to enroll in classes and complete degree programs.

John B. King Jr., chancellor of the State University of New York, said the expansion is intended to give student

parents the support they need to stay focused on their education.

“Student parents should be able to focus on their studies without having to worry about finding safe and affordable child care,” King said.

“The expansion of the child care programs across SUNY’s community colleges will work to remove barriers, so all of our students can receive the support they need to pursue the education of their dreams.”

In addition to Nassau Community College, five SUNY community colleges will expand child care hours to better align with evening or nontraditional class schedules. SUNY Broome Community College will create additional evening care hours, while Dutchess Community College plans to add two weeknights of evening care and expand infant and toddler capacity. Finger Lakes Community College will extend evening hours until 9 p.m. two days a week, and Monroe Community College will add 16 hours of evening child care while also increasing capacity for younger children. Onondaga Community College is partnering with the YMCA to provide evening child care spots for adult learners enrolled through the SUNY Reconnect program.

Additional infant and toddler child care spaces will also be created at Jamestown Community College, SUNY Niagara Community College, Rockland Community College, Tompkins Cortland Community College and SUNY Westchester Community College.

The expansion builds on several recent state investments aimed at increasing access to child care across SUNY campuses. In 2022, the state announced $10.8 million to address child care shortages and expand capacity at SUNY schools. More recently, SUNY also expanded child care programs at Dutchess and Monroe community colleges to include evening hours aligned with highdemand academic programs.

Flooded streets are signs of larger challenges

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

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

Fourth installment in a series about water.

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

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

Nassau’s South Shore

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

RISING TIDES TIDES

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

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

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

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

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

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

Living with water

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fragmented solutions

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

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

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

With Nassau County already densely developed, creating space for water absorption has become increasingly difficult. Addressing flooding one property at a time won’t solve the larger problem, Theodore said, and long-term coordination will likely be necessary. Some residents worry about what the next decade may bring as sea levels rise and flooding becomes more common. Communities including Long Beach, Freeport, Island Park and Oceanside increasingly represent the front line of a worsening problem.

The Great South Bay

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

Wading into the debate over rising water

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nassau’s North Shore

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

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

the surrounding watershed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What residents can do to help

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

Reduce fertilizer use

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

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

Upgrade septic systems

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

■ Programs in Suffolk County offer incentives for installing nitrogenreducing septic systems. Environmental advocates say similar upgrades across the region could significantly reduce pollution entering coastal waters.

Limit runoff from driveways and yards

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

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

Protect storm drains

■ Storm drains typically flow directly into nearby waterways.

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

Volunteer with local groups

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

Expanding impact, support through annual 5K

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Building Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit dedicated to providing mortgagefree homes for injured veterans, first responders and their families, is gearing up to host its second annual 5K Walk/Run at Eisenhower Park on April 4. The Long Island-based organization, which has significant national reach, is hoping to continue raising funds and spreading awareness for its mission and cause.

The nonprofit’s origins trace back to the Sept. 11 attacks at the World Trade Center. Building Homes for Heroes’ founder Andy Pujol, a businessman and philanthropist, volunteered in search and rescue efforts at Ground Zero. As the U.S. responded overseas, Pujol wanted to find a way to support wounded veterans returning from service. Building Homes for Heroes was born with the hope of gifting a single home to a single veteran.

In 2012, the organization started to get more national recognition, after partnering with larger corporations, allowing the nonprofit to build 25 to 30 homes a year. Over a decade later, the organization is on track to complete its 500th by the end of 2026.

Beyond homes, the organization ensures that veterans are supported once they’re gifted a home, providing financial advisory programs and emergency funding to home recipients. There’s also programming available for academics, mental health services and physical wellness, among others. When veterans receive a home, it is often an energetic affair that gathers the local community, police departments and fire departments who create a processionlike atmosphere to welcome them into their new space.

Last year, it had been roughly a decade since Building Homes for Heroes, which has offices in Island Park, hosted a race on Long Island. Daniel Hernandez, a veteran who has worked at Building Homes for Heroes since 2019, got into running during the coronavirus pandemic and brought forth the idea of hosting reviving the event.

The inaugural 5K-reboot was held in Eisenhower Park last April, and this year, the group is hoping to bounce off its success. 195 runners participated in last year’s race, and despite rainy weather, everyone had a great time, Hernandez said.

David Weingrad, director of communications for the nonprofit, said Hernandez did a great job organizing the 5K and keeping things moving the day of the race.

“There’s always going to be things you learn on the spot,” Weingrad said. “He was all over the place, and people were pulling him in every direction — he did an amazing job. I think it was a testament to how much people care about our cause and our mission. It was horrid weather — pouring rain, freezing, but we still had well over 150 run-

Runners will have an opportunity to hit the pavement in Eisenhower Park on April 4 and contribute to a good cause in an upcoming 5K hosted by Building Homes for Heroes, an Island Park-based nonprofit dedicated to providing mortgage-free homes for injured veterans, first responders and their families.

ners.”

Hernandez has long competed in runs in support of Building Homes for Heroes, but at the end of last year he took the challenge of just simply running a step further. In November, starting in Eisenhower Park, Hernadez ran one mile every hour, followed by 22 pushups, to raise awareness for suicide rates among veterans. The journey began at 7 a.m. in the park and culminated the following day in Long Beach.

“We streamed a lot of it,” Weingrad said of Hernandez’s efforts. “It was a really cool thing that Danny did — it shows his dedication, and he’s a veteran himself.”

“I am growing to love running,” Hernandez, who qualified for the New York City marathon later this year, added. “I just thought this is a great challenge. Our veterans are suffering. For me, taking one day to support them means a lot.”

This year’s race is slated to take place on April 4, rain or shine, in Field 2 of Eisenhower Park. There’a Kids Fun Run at 8 a.m., followed by the main race at 8:30 a.m. When runners sign up at Events.EliteFeats.com/ 26HonoringHeroes, there’s both a registration fee and an option to donate to the nonprofit. All registrants will receive a free T-shirt, and the top 150 runners will receive a medal. For those uninterested in running, they can simply donate online. At the event, there’s raffles and other things for participants or fans to look forward to as well.

There’s also plenty of opportunities for businesses to get involved and sponsor the event, which will also draw in more funds for Building Homes for Heroes. Businesses interested can reach out to Hernandez at daniel.hernandez@ buildinghomesforheroes.org.

Building Homes for Heroes is continuing to increase its visibility with the upcoming 5K. The nonprofit has touched the Merrick community, where U.S. Marine Cpl. Kevin Vaughan, center, embraced Andy Pujol, the founder and chief executive of Building Homes for Heroes, at Vaughan’s home ceremony.

Being in such a public space like Eisenhower Park aids the nonprofit in name recognition as well.

“From a fundraising point, we’re trying to get as many sponsorships as possible,” Hernandez said. “There are people who do donate, so that helps us with our goal. And last year, we had a gentleman, he was just walking in the park and learned about our cause and donated $1,000 on the spot.”

Weingrad said that Building Homes for Heroes is now officially in its 20th year. Its beginnings grew out of the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, but the nonprofit’s official inception was on

Feb. 27, 2006.

“We just had our 20th anniversary, but so many people don’t know that we’re a Long Island grown organization, and I think that’s why people were excited to participate in the race last year,” Weingrad said. “When people learn, like that guy walking, that Building Homes for Heroes is based right here in their backyard, that’s what makes them want to be generous. That’s just a part of what we’re doing.”

Building Homes for Heroes is at 4584 Austin Blvd., Island Park. For more on the organization and its work, visit BuildingHomesForHeroes.org.

Freeport Rec to host Hempstead Job Fair

Hundreds expected at annual event, where veterans and the disabled will be offered early admission

By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

The Town of Hempstead is once again hosting a job fair at the Freeport Recreation Center. General admission for the March 26 event will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Veterans and those with disabilities are invited to an early admission beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Registration is required, and organizers ask that all prospective participants do so by visiting HempsteadWorks.com/jobfair. Registrants will receive an invitation to attend an online pre-event workshop that will help prepare them for the fair.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A better way to treat blocked ears

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

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

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

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

While children are susceptible to

Kakani, MD, Director of Otolaryngology

uses advanced noninvasive procedures to treat patients with issues related to the ears, nose, and throat

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

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

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

eustachian tubes with a balloon catheter.

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

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

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

• Endoscopic sinus surgery

• Eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty

• Head and neck cancer surgery

• Rhinoplasty, or plastic surgery of the nose

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

mountsinai.org/southnassau

How vision changes may signal cognitive decline

Vision and hearing impairment in seniors is associated with progressive neural degeneration (e.g. there is a reduction in nerves that connect the ears and eyes to the brain). This impact on the neural networks within the brain may lead to significant cerebral atrophy (i.e. brain shrinkage) that contributes to cognitive decline and Dementia.

It is often hard to separate the signs of vision loss from those of dementia — as the two can mask each other. Having difficulty with any of the following may suggest a person is having problems with their vision:

• Reading

• Recognizing people

• Coping with low light, bright light or both

• Finding things

• Avoiding obstacles

• Locating food on their plate

• Seeing well even with glasses on

Many of these issues are common in both vision loss and in individuals living with Dementia. Despite the many cognitive difficulties associated with Dementia, vision

testing can be adapted for individuals with such cognitive decline.

Dementia and vision loss

People living with both Dementia and vision loss are more susceptible to experiencing disorientation, greater problems with mobility and an increased risk of falls. They are also likely to have more difficulties with communication, understanding and learning new tasks, loss of activities and increased social isolation.

Living with these conditions in tandem can also make it harder to use some of the coping strategies and techniques that can help people with communication or memory problems, such as visual prompts or notes.

Given the difficulty of managing the two disorders, there are a number of strategies that can help the person, and his or her family, manage both vision loss and Dementia.

Proper eye care (regular eye exams, maintaining up-to-date vision prescriptions, and assuring glasses are clean).

Adjusting living surroundings, including improved lighting (preferable automatic lighting), removing clutter, removing area

rugs (they can be easy to trip and fall over!)

Improving communication. For example, getting the person’s attention before speaking to them, introducing yourself, letting them know what is happening (e.g. ‘I’m leaving the room now’).

Enroll in vision rehabilitation courses.

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

(516) 788-7830

ilovehearing.com

Turn down the risk Protecting hearing starts with everyday habits Your HealtH and Wellness

By Christy Hinko

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

Everyday noise adds up

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

Protecting hearing during yardwork

Outdoor chores are among the most overlooked sources of noise. Equipment

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

Reducing exposure while commuting

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

Staying safe at concerts and events

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

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

Building long-term habits

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

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

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.

18 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.

Sports stars to headline Herald Reworld event

Esiason 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/

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.

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

20

Family theater

Long Island Children’s Museum stages

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

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

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

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

MAR

22

Tunes with Division Street

Division Street Band rocks out with music from the ‘70s and ‘80s at Levittown Library. Tickets are required.

• Where: 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown

• Time: 2-3:30 p.m.

• Contact: levittownpl.org or(516) 731-5728

MAR

24

AARP Tax Prep

The Wantagh Library is once again hosting IRS-certified AARP Tax-Aide Foundation tax preparers available for assistance. This program is aimed at low to moderate income taxpayers with simple tax returns that can be prepared in less than one hour. Taxpayers with complicated tax returns (more than 12 documents) or out-of-scope subjects will be advised to seek professional tax preparation assistance as will those with incomes exceeding $100,000. Taxpayers must bring Social Security Cards for everyone listed on the tax return (this includes any dependents), valid photo ID, last year’s tax return and all taxrelated documents.

• Where: 3285 Park Ave.

• Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., through April 7

• Contact: wantaghlibrary.org or call (516) 221-1200

The Man In Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash

• Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Town beach community cleanup

The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society hosts a community beach cleanup at Lido Beach Town Park. Registration is required at Eventbrite.com.

• Where: 630 Lido Blvd., Lido Beach

• Time: 9 a.m.- noon

• Contact: (631) 317-0030 or info@amseas.org

MAR 29

‘The Identity Reset’

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.

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

MAR

Seaford BOE meets Seaford Board of Education holds its next monthly meeting.

• Where: 1590 Washington Ave., Seaford

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 592-4000

Bingo at Temple B’Nai Torah

Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments every Wednesday and Thursday.

• Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:15-10 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 221-2370

Game time

MAR

Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.

• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Noon-4 p.m.

• Contact: mahjonggCBT@ yahoo.com or (516) 785-2445

Wantagh BOE meets Wantagh Board of Education holds its business meeting.

• Where: 3301 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 765-4100

“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown’

Adelphi University Department of Theatre students give a concert performance of the beloved classic. With charm, wit and heart, “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” explores life through the eyes of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and their friends in the Peanuts gang. This revue of songs and vignettes, based on the beloved Charles Schulz comic strip, showcases Adelphi’s talented students. Musical numbers include “My New Philosophy,” “The Book Report,” “The Baseball Game,” “Little Known Facts,” “Suppertime” and “Happiness.”

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or (516) 877-400

MAR

South Shore Symphony

The beloved orchestra springs forward with its next concert “The Rite of Spring.” The program includes Marquez’s Conga del Fuego Nuevo, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending (Romance for Violin and Orchestra) and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

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

Hop Into Spring

Families are invited to hop on over to Long Island Children’s Museum to welcome spring! Meet Peter Rabbit and Baby Chick costume characters, explore the museum to collect goodies, interact with live animals, and create themed craft activities. Celebrate the arrival of spring with a day of family fun!

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

Join author Ashley Olivia Nelson for an intimate afternoon conversation celebrating the release of “The Identity Reset: A Guide to Discovering Yourself After Loss, Change, and Survival.” It features a moderated conversation with a special guest (to be announced), a short reading by the author, and an audience Q&A exploring how people can move forward when life changes, and how to reconnect with themselves along the way. Attendees will leave with language for what they’ve been experiencing, insight into navigating change with more clarity, and a renewed sense of direction for the season ahead. The afternoon includes light hors d’oeuvres, time for connection, and a book signing with photo opportunities. Each attendee receives a signed copy of the book.

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

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

Having an event?

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

Blood drive donations yield pints for hospitals

Bloomfield, a former chief of the Wantagh Fire Department, said before the drive. “We try to stay on top of it and make sure we do it at least twice a year.”

Bloomfield said the department typically holds drives during the first week of March and October, adding that the department usually collects dozens of pints at each event.

T“There’s always a need for blood,” Bloomfield explained. He added that the atmosphere of the Wantagh drive helps encourage residents to participate.

his year, we made history at the drive, collecting enough blood to save up to 258 lives.

STEVE RHOADS

“It’s not like you’re giving blood in a factory somewhere,” he said. “It’s just a nice vibe that we have there, that we’ve been keeping.”

According to blood donation organizations such as the American Red Cross, donated red blood cells typically have a shelf life of about 42 days, meaning blood banks must constantly replenish supplies. Seasonal illnesses, severe weather and busy schedules can disrupt donation patterns, contributing to periodic shortages throughout the year.

During a standard whole blood donation, about one pint of blood is drawn from a donor. The average adult body contains roughly 10 to 12 pints, and the body typically replenishes donated blood within several weeks.

Each donation can help multiple patients because blood is separated into components such as red blood cells, plasma and platelets, which may be used for different medical treatments.

Nassau County Legislator Kayla Knight said the Wantagh event demonstrated how communities can come together to support one another during critical moments. Whole blood can be donated every eight weeks, allowing repeat donors to contribute multiple times throughout the year.

Knight added that the strong turnout underscored the sense of community that defines Wantagh and the surrounding area.

“Thank you to everyone who took the time to donate,” Knight said. “Your generosity helps ensure that hospitals have the blood supply they need to care for patients in critical moments.”

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.

The award will be presented at the 2026 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld on May 14. th

NEWS BRIEF

Take a safe boating certification class

As Hempstead Town begins to thaw from a frigid, snow-filled winter, officials are reminding residents that boating season will soon return — and with it a statewide requirement for safety certification.

Supervisor John Ferretti said boaters preparing to launch their vessels this spring and summer must comply with New York state law requiring operators to complete a recognized safe boating course by 2026. To help residents meet the requirement, the Town of Hempstead will offer additional certification classes.

“Safe boating is essential to keeping everyone safe on local waterways, and it is also the law,” Ferretti said. “If you have not completed a New York State-recognized certification course, we strongly urge you to participate in the Town of Hempstead’s upcoming classes.”

The next Town of Hempstead Boater Safety Course will take place over three sessions on Thursdays, March 12, 19 and 26, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the town’s Conservation and Waterways building, located at 1401 Lido Blvd. in Point Lookout.

Participants must attend all three sessions to receive certification. The classes will be administered by the Town of Hempstead Bay Constables.

Under state law, once boaters obtain certification, they must keep proof of completion on board their vessel while operating it.

LEGAL NOTICE

Courtesy Metro

Learn how to stay safe on the water this spring in summer with a safe boating certification class offered by the Town of Hempstead.

Residents interested in registering for the course can contact the Town Bay Constables at (516) 897-4100.

Boaters who have already completed certification but cannot locate their card can obtain replacement documentation online at ILostMyCard.com/Records?state_ cd+NY&cert_type+Boating.

—Jordan Vallone

Public Notices

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff, vs. ALEXANDER CANTWELL, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 16, 2026, 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 31, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 2240 Walsall Street, Seaford, NY 11783. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with

the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Seaford, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 57, Block 147 and Lot 121. Approximate amount of judgment is $705,379.43 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 011968/2008.

Peter T. Bauer, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:190750-2 158561

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST WALTER

Towns back tax relief for fallen officers families

By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent

Nassau County’s three town supervisors gathered place at the Brian Moore Athletic Center in Plainedge Park, along with local officials and law enforcement families to highlight a new property tax exemption for surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty.

municipalities must adopt their own legislation to offer similar relief.

Several Long Island towns — Babylon, Brookhaven, Hempstead, Huntington, Islip and Oyster Bay — have already enacted the exemption. The North Hempstead town board is expected to consider the measure next month.

FUNG-A-FAT AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF JOANNE FUNG-A-FAT, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF JO-ANNE FUNG-A-FAT AKA JO ANNE FUNG A FAT IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OF SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 15, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 13, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 2656 Ocean Avenue,

Seaford, NY 11783. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau at Seaford, State of New York, Section 63 Block 45 Lots 398-401. Approximate amount of judgment $88,490.35 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #618125/2023. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Richard M. Langone, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003490 88994 158774

The announcement with Hempstead’s John Ferretti, Oyster Bay’s Joseph Saladino and North Hempstead’s Jen DeSena took place on March 11; one day after the Oyster Bay Town Board unanimously approved the exemption.

Brian Moore, a Plainedge High School graduate and New York City police officer was shot and killed in Queens in 2015. His father, Ray Moore, attended the news conference.

Here in Nassau County, we back the blue.

“The men and women who put service before self, people who risked their own lives to protect our lives and sometimes just our property,” Saladino said. “No law could repay what they gave,” adding the exemption is “one of many meaningful ways that we can show their families that the sacrifice of their loved ones will always be appreciated, and that they did not die in vain.”

JOHN FERRETTI

Hempstead town supervisor

The measure allows surviving spouses to receive a 50 percent exemption on the town portion of property taxes for their primary residence. The program was authorized by legislation approved by the State Legislature and signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in late 2025.

“Here in Nassau County, we back the blue,” Ferretti said, adding “we have never taken for granted the many sacrifices made by Nassau County police officers every single day! We hope that this new legislation provides some relief and assistance to those left behind.”

The exemption applies only to the town portion of property tax bills. School districts, fire districts, villages and other

DeSena said the exemption recognizes the risks police officers take to protect residents.

“There is no greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for his friends,” she said, quoting the Gospel of John, “this is what the men and women in blue do for us. They are dedicated, they are trained, and they go out every day and put their lives between danger and we the residents they protect. Nassau County is the safest county in the country thanks to the men and women in blue.”

Nassau County Superior Officers Association Vice President Keith Jaklitsch thanked local leaders for adopting the measure.

“The families of fallen officers cannot be forgotten,” he said, adding that the exemption was something “that actually should have been done a long time ago.”

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

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

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

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

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EDITOR/REPORTER

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

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

Graphic Designer. Develop visually appealing designs for websites, landing pages, marketing collateral, logos & branding materials. Record/edit videos incl. conceptualization, shooting & post-production. Serve as client contact during onboarding & project lifecycle. Manage multiple projects under tight deadlines. Req Bachelor's in Graphic Design or rltd. $53,955/yr. Mail resume to HR, Efferent Media, 145 E Sunrise Hwy, Lindenhurst, NY 11757.

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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

Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

To place an ad call 516-569-4000

Rockville

Once In a Lifetime

TAll about wood beams

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

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

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

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

I keep samples in my office of beam cutaways to demonstrate how one beam product was specified for a job and what ended up on the jobsite was similar but, with careful inspection, clearly shows the two beams are not the same. They were laminated using different species of trees, one weaker than the other and an inferior number of plies and glues. To a person dropping the material off, based on an order for a “lam beam,” the inferior material looked the same but after installation the floor bounced like a trampoline. The beam had to be removed, at great expense, and the right product ordered. Even though a lesson was learned, it came at a great price. So indoor locations can also be a problem if the wrong configuration of laminations and species are used. If the correctly engineered lumber beam or steel reinforced beam is designed, they will last for years without another thought. I would use an interlocking aluminum deck product called Versadeck or another product called Lock Dry. They conduct heat rapidly, which means they dissipate heat quickly, making them cool enough on hot summer days to walk on while barefoot, and they keep water from getting through. Good luck!

© 2026 Monte Leeper

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

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OPINIONS

With Kristi Noem gone, we must restore order at DHS

As our country’s largest law enforcement agency, the Department of Homeland Security is essential to our national security, disaster relief and the safety of the American people. There is far too much at risk for this agency to be mismanaged by incompetent leadership. Former Secretary Kristi Noem’s tenure there was nothing short of a disaster, and her recent removal from office did not come a moment too soon.

Under her failed leadership, U.S. citizens were killed at the hands of federal agents, trust in our law enforcement was eroded and our communities’ safety was jeopardized. She showed a contemptible disregard for her fundamental responsibility to keep the American people safe, and should never have been confirmed as the head of DHS. I’m relieved that she was finally removed after her failures became too numerous to ignore.

In addition to her disregard for law and order, Noem egregiously misused taxpayer dollars, stoked violence, and

Ifailed to keep the American people safe. Under her watch, hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars were wasted and funneled away from essential programs. That included the purchase of two luxury jets, with plans to purchase a third, to support her travel, costing nearly $300 million, as well as a public advertising campaign improperly awarded to companies with close ties to Noem and other senior officials, costing $220 million.

TInstead of prioritizing the capture of violent criminals, Noem escalated dangerous situations by slashing training for ICE recruits — including on legal use of force — and sent unprepared agents into the streets, making everyone less safe. She diverted agents and resources from combating cybersecurity attacks, child abuse, human trafficking and terrorism. That put our national security at even greater risk.

audit of how ICE investigates use-offorce incidents.

Noem’s removal does not absolve her from her gross negligence or the unjust killing of American citizens. She must still answer for her disastrous and deadly period in office to restore the public’s trust in DHS and ensure that her mistakes are not repeated. Noem left the department in disarray, and degraded its ability to work in a nonpartisan fashion. Protecting the U.S and its citizens should never be partisan.

he next Homeland Security secretary must work with Congress to reform ICE.

To make matters worse, Noem systematically obstructed the DHS inspector general’s office from ensuring that the agency operated within the bounds of the law. The week she was removed from office, the inspector general revealed to Congress that as many as 11 investigations were being blocked by Noem and DHS leadership, including an

In light of her incompetence, dereliction of duty and corrupt practices, I am proud to have helped lead the call for Noem’s removal by demanding her impeachment following the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. I urged House Speaker Mike Johnson and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan to begin impeachment proceedings just days before she was fired.

With Noem’s exit, the Trump administration has an opportunity to right her wrongs and ensure that the next Homeland Security secretary leads with competence and integrity. That includes working with Congress to reform ICE; reinstating and reallocating funds for disaster relief, cybersecurity and fight-

ing human trafficking and terrorism; extending Temporary Protected Status for law-abiding Haitians in our communities; and restoring order at the agency.

The next Homeland Security secretary must push forward negotiations between Congress and the administration to reach a bipartisan compromise on greater reforms of ICE, and must ensure that reforms are immediately and properly enacted. This must include proper training and de-escalation tactics that other law enforcement agencies use.

Additionally, the next secretary must refocus on bolstering the department’s other essential agencies, which Noem foolishly cut, by reinstating the billions of dollars in essential funding and thousands of workers that were eliminated from CISA’s cybersecurity efforts and FEMA’s lifesaving disaster relief and mitigation. These agencies and others within DHS are vital to our country’s security, and must be resuscitated.

Above all, accountability and law and order must be restored at DHS. Our country cannot afford another secretary who defies his or her oath to uphold the Constitution. The next secretary must prioritize the safety and security of our communities and officers, undo Noem’s horrendous legacy and rebuild the American people’s trust in the DHS.

Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.

Trump’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

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

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.

oFFiCe

Phone: (516) 569-4000

Fax: (516) 569-4942

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Web: www.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.

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.

OPINIONS Working together to keep children safe

In recent months, media headlines have highlighted a growing push for accountability when young people commit acts of violence in schools. Recent convictions in Michigan and Georgia have raised difficult questions about the role of parents and guardians when warning signs are missed or ignored. In some cases, courts have held adults responsible for acts of carelessness, such as providing firearms to children who are experiencing significant mental health challenges or failing to respond when young people express violent intentions.

room doors and lock sets. Schools regularly conduct emergency drills, improve communication systems and maintain strong partnerships with local law enforcement and first responders.

These cases underscore an important reality: Protecting children from school violence is a shared responsibility. Families, schools, mental health professionals and community members all have a role to play in recognizing warning signs and ensuring that young people receive the support they need. Over the past decade, schools across the country have taken significant steps to strengthen physical safety. Many districts have installed security vestibules, developed multidisciplinary threatassessment teams, implemented visitormanagement systems, hired armed security personnel and upgraded class-

These infrastructure and personnel improvements are important, and represent thoughtful efforts to make schools safer. But physical security measures are only one part of a much broader approach to school safety.

F

Equally important is the overall climate in our schools and the emotional well-being of our students. Educators continue to focus on creating environments in which students feel welcomed, respected and connected. When students feel that they belong, they are more likely to engage in learning, build healthy relationships and seek help when they need it.

ing school communities.

Research consistently shows that early identification of warning signs is one of the most effective ways to prevent violence. The 2021 “Averting Targeted School Violence” report from the Department of Homeland Security emphasizes that targeted violence can often be prevented when communities work together to identify and support students who are in distress before behavior escalates. As the report notes, violence prevention is everyone’s responsibility.

ocusing on making students feel welcomed, respected and connected.

All of our schools have building-climate teams that review student survey data to continuously work to improve the culture of our schools. Across the country, schools have invested in programs designed to strengthen relationships and build inclusive communities. Anti-bullying initiatives, peer mentoring opportunities and expanded counseling services all help create environments in which students feel supported. While these efforts may not always make headlines, they play a critical role in preventing conflicts and strengthen-

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 disregard 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

To support this effort, our district recently implemented the Sandy Hook Anonymous Reporting System. This tool allows students to share concerns anonymously if they are uncomfortable speaking directly with a trusted adult. Reports are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the program includes training for both students and staff that reinforces the message, If you see something, say something.

Mental health support is another critical part of prevention. When young people experience isolation, anxiety, trauma or other emotional challenges, they need access to trusted adults and professional support. Providing that support requires collaboration among schools, families and community partners.

Over the past decade, our district has

made significant investments in student support services, more than doubling the size of our mental health counseling department. We have also strengthened partnerships with outside providers such as Northwell Health and the YES Community Counseling Center to ensure that families have access to additional resources beyond what schools alone can provide.

Connecting families to mental health services outside school can still be challenging, both locally and across the state. The role of schools in supporting student mental health continues to evolve, and there is a growing need for stronger partnerships among school systems, health care providers and government agencies. Expanding opportunities for collaboration and increasing access to qualified mental health professionals in schools should remain a priority.

Ultimately, creating safe schools is about far more than security hardware or building upgrades. It requires strong partnerships among families, educators, law enforcement and mental health professionals. When communities work together, it becomes easier to identify concerns early, coordinate appropriate support and ensure that students receive help before problems escalate. School safety is a shared responsibility. By working together as a community, we can build environments where every child feels safe, supported and valued.

Todd Winch is superintendent of the Levittown Union Free School District.