South Shore Record 03-05-2026

RecoRD South Shore

HHS drama students participate in Day of Theatre

Utilizing improv skills

CTeen students attend international summit

Hewlett High School hosted the FIRST Long Island Robotics Championship where three of their teams: Bionica, Innovo and Roboboogie competed against 21 other schools, on March 1.

Team Innovo earned top honors, capturing the Inspire Award and serving as the Winning Alliance, 1st Team Selected. With this win, Innovo will advance to the FIRST Championship, held April

29 to May 2, in Houston, TX. The FIRST Championship, presented by BAE Systems, is the culminating international event for youth robotics programs and a premier celebration of STEM excellence.

RoboBoogie also had an outstanding showing, earning Inspire Award 2nd Place and the opportunity to select a Premier Event to attend. Bionica was recognized with the Sustain Award for demonstrating

consistent commitment to innovation and teamwork.

Robotics coach Daniel Duffey-Birkenstock was honored with the Compass Award 2nd Place for his leadership and dedication to guiding students through a successful season.

“Hewlett’s robotics teams

displayed exceptional collaboration and ingenuity, reinforcing the District’s commitment to STEM education and preparing students for future success in science and technology,” the district wrote in a statement.

— Melissa Berman

HAFTR students venture “Into the Woods”

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School students are preparing to bring Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” to life next week, taking on a complex and layered production that highlights both their artistic growth and the strength of the school’s theater program.

“Into the Woods” blends classic fairy tales: “Cinderella”, “Little Red Riding Hood”, “Jack and the Beanstalk”, and “Rapunzel” into a story about a childless baker and his wife attempting to reverse a witch’s curse.

Performances are scheduled for March 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. and March 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium, marking the first show in the school’s new performance space.

Senior Lily Schlussel stars as the Narrator, a role that remains onstage throughout much of the production and helps guide the audience through the story while actively participating in it.

“The Narrator is visible throughout the show and plays an active role in advancing the story,” Schlussel said. “She guides the audience through the action but is also part of it.”

Schlussel said the role has allowed her to focus more deeply on acting and storytelling, rather than vocals alone.

“I like that this role isn’t focused main-

ly on singing,” she said. “It gives me the chance to really focus on storytelling and being present in each moment.”

Fellow senior Hailie Avigdor takes on the role of Cinderella, whom she described as a grounded and thoughtful presence in the story.

“Cinderella serves as the voice of reason in the show,” Avigdor said.

To prepare, Avigdor said she has spent significant time on vocal training to meet the demands of Sondheim’s intricate score.

“The music is challenging, so it requires a lot of work and commitment,” she added.

She highlighted “Your Fault” as one of the most demanding numbers and “No

One Is Alone” as one of the most powerful moments in the show.

Director Ariana Wolfson said she selected “Into the Woods” for its rich storytelling and musical complexity, as well as its broad appeal.

“Sondheim’s writing and music are incredible,” Wolfson said. “The show is complex and layered, but still familyfriendly.”

Wolfson said the cast has developed a strong sense of unity throughout rehearsals.

“They support each other, have fun together, and truly feel like one big family,” she said.

For Wolfson, the most rewarding part

of the process has been watching students grow into their roles.

“Seeing the vision come to life on stage is very special,” Wolfson said. “Watching the students grow into their characters is incredibly rewarding.”

Musical director Heather Kanner said the production has pushed students both vocally and emotionally, particularly given the difficulty of Sondheim’s score and the limited rehearsal time.

“The music throughout this show is extremely challenging, but the students have fully committed to it,” Kanner said.

She noted that songs like “Your Fault” requires precise timing and coordination, while others, including a late-show number centered on supporting one another, have taken on deeper emotional meaning for the cast especially for graduating seniors.

Kanner said the students have risen to the challenge by working collaboratively and building confidence.

“They’ve worked hard, supported one another, and stayed committed to the process,” she said.

Both directors emphasized that the production reflects months of effort behind the scenes, with students balancing complex harmonies, staging and storytelling.

“This is one of the most difficult shows a high school can attempt,” Kanner said. “The students have truly worked tirelessly to bring it all together.”

Five Towns teens shine at annual CTeen International Summit

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

As thousands of Jewish teens from around the world gathered at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum for the 18th annual CTeen International Summit, 10 members of the Chabad of the Five Towns CTeen chapter were among those taking part in what organizers called the largest gathering of Jewish teens in the world.

The local teens joined more than 4,500 participants representing roughly 900 chapters across 60 countries for the summit, which culminated in the “Live the Life Event,” on Feb. 22. The program, broadcast globally, focused on encouraging teens to embrace and publicly express their Jewish identity at a time of rising antisemitism and social pressure.

“It ignites a sense of Jewish pride that stays with our teens way longer after this weekend ends,” said Hadassah Geisinsky, Chabad of the Five Towns CTeen director. “it gives them confidence to live their faith openly and happily in a world that challenges their values of being a teen.”

She said this experience taught the kids that they are part of something much larger than themselves or their Five Towns CTeen chapter.

“The goal is to ignite and love for that passion of being a Jew,” Geisinsky said. “It gives them the feeling that they are a leader and to bring all this to your community. It’s more than inspiring, it empowers the teens.”

For Five Towns participants, the experience offered both a sense of connection

UCLA student Eli Tsives, who has spoken out against campus antisemitism, and Jewish content creators using social media to promote Jewish pride. Athletes, entrepreneurs and musician Nissim Black also appeared, highlighting expressions of Jewish identity across different fields.

“Standing in that arena, surrounded by the future, you feel the strength and the hope of this generation,” Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, chairman of Chabad’s global networks, wrote in a statement.

“When thousands of diverse teens gather with this kind of clarity and pride, it creates energy that spreads to their communities across the globe.”

A delegation from Bondi Beach in Australia underscored the global nature of the movement, while one of the most anticipated moments included remarks from recently freed hostages, who shared messages of resilience and faith.

and empowerment, as they stood alongside peers facing similar challenges in schools and communities worldwide. The summit’s theme emphasized living Jewish values openly and confidently.

“Seeing everyone being Jewish and having a sense of pride for it was truly amazing to me,” said Olivia Rubin, leader of the Five Towns CTeen chapter.

Rubin, a junior at Hewlett High School, joined CTeen because she heard all of her friends talk about it and wanted

to be involved in a Jewish organization. She said her favorite part of the weekend was hearing first-hand stories from hostages held captive by Gaza in the Oct. 7, 2023 war.

“I had only heard a point of view from soldiers, never from a hostage,” she said. “I learned that if you have ambition to see the person you love, it gives you the courage to stay alive.”

The closing ceremony featured a range of speakers and performers, including

For teens from the Five Towns, the weekend was not just about attending a large-scale event close to home, but about bringing its message back to their own schools and communities — choosing, as organizers emphasized, not to respond to hate with retreat, but with visibility, pride and light.

“I feel like if you’re a very outgoing, talkative person like me then CTeen is for you,” Rubin added. “I didn’t see myself being different during the weeknd and I loved that.”

To learn more about Chabad of the Five Towns’s CTeen chapter, contact Hadassah Geisinsky at (516) 458-3694.

Tensions flare over snow cleanup in H-W

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

While most people have forgotten about last week’s blizzard that dumped two feet of snow, Hewlett-Woodmere’s district leaders are criticizing CVS Pharmacy after snow was piled several feet high along the sidewalk on Peninsula Boulevard leading to the Woodmere Middle School.

District Superintendent Dina Anzalone addressed the situation at the board of education meeting at Hewlett High School on Feb. 25 and said that CVS’ failure to clear the sidewalk threatened student safety.

“My students cannot be forced onto Peninsula Boulevard,” Anzalone said recalling a phone call with CVS’ corporate office the Tuesday morning following the storm. “You need to clear this.”

Town of Hempstead code requires business owners during winter to maintain their sidewalks during snowy and icy conditions. There is no timeframe listed in the code for how long sidewalks can remain uncleared.

“They just pushed the snow into a wall,” Board of Trustees President Debi Sheinin said. “CVS didn’t care at all when the district called them. Last storm too.”

Frustrations over the snow shifted to side streets in the community, as the district noted its dissatisfaction with the Town of Hempstead. Driving around the community last week, plows left mounds of snow along the curbs, which students would also have to climb over. “You should be reaching out for the poor job that they did cleaning the streets,” Anzalone said.

Before the storm began, Anzalone worked with the Hewlett Woodmere Business Association, ensuring that sidewalks outside of businesses such as Broadway were clear.

A similar situation happened during

The district made several attempts to rectify the issue, as middle school security spoke with store staff and attempted to contact their corporate office. During a phone call between Anzalone and the Nassau County Police Department, she was told that it’s a town issue. It wasn’t until members of Hewlett-Woodmere’s facilities department went over and cleared a path that students could make it to school safely.

the January storm, when a foot of snow and sub-freezing temperatures hit the region. While CVS plowed its parking lot, the sidewalk was left unshoveled, forcing students to walk on Peninsula Boulevard during rush hour, which drew wide criticism from parents.

Many school facility workers slept in the district Sunday night before to the storm, to ensure they could be there on Monday to begin the cleanup process. Anzalone said she was pleased with their hard work and dedication to reopen the district and reminded students to thank them.

“They really moved their backs just to make sure that school was ready for you,” Anzalone said. “It was a huge effort to open up and make sure that your children were safe.”

HERALD EDitoRiAL

Sunshine week keeps democracy in the light

Every March we observe Sunshine Week, a national initiative dedicated to one of democracy’s most powerful disinfectants: light. This year, Sunshine Week will be celebrated March 15 to 21, anchored by Freedom of Information Day on March 16, the birthday of James Madison. The timing is symbolic and significant. Sunshine Week reminds us that open government is not a luxury. It is a necessity.

Launched in 2005 and rooted in the pioneering 1972 Colorado Sunshine Act, Sunshine Week was created to raise awareness of the public’s right to know. At its core is a simple but profound idea: Democracy works best when the people can see what their government is doing. Transparency is not about satisfying curiosity, it’s about accountability, trust and ensuring that power remains where it belongs: with the citizens.

Sunshine Week’s foundation is the principle that government records and proceedings belong to the public. Taxpayer dollars fund government operations; therefore, the public has both a legal and moral right to understand how decisions are made and how money is spent.

Freedom of Information laws at the federal and state levels give citizens access to public documents, from village board minutes to federal agency communications. But these laws are only as strong as the public’s willingness to use them. Like muscles, transparency laws weaken without exercise. When citizens stop

requesting records, attending meetings and asking questions, secrecy grows stronger. Open meetings and public records are not bureaucratic technicalities; they are the mechanisms that keep democracy breathing. Transparency reveals how taxpayers’ money is spent, how contracts are awarded and how policies are shaped. It enables watchdog groups, journalists and everyday citizens to trace decisions from proposal to outcome. Without openness, the risk of waste, fraud and abuse increases. History repeatedly shows that secrecy breeds complacency and, at times, corruption. Open government, by contrast, ensures that decisions must withstand scrutiny. It does not weaken institutions — it strengthens them. Sunshine Week underscores a critical truth: When the public can see the process, officials are more likely to act responsibly.

In times of crisis — economic downturns, national security challenges or public health emergencies — secrecy often expands. Officials may argue that swift action requires less oversight. While emergencies can justify temporary discretion, they must never become permanent excuses for opacity.

Democracy demands vigilance. Sunshine Week serves as an annual reminder that transparency must be defended, especially when it feels inconvenient. Freedom of information cannot be indefinitely sidelined without eroding public trust.

Supporting Sunshine Week means protect-

L E tt ER to t HE ED ito R

ing democracy itself. Openness prevents the concentration of unchecked power and ensures that elected officials remain responsive to citizens rather than to special interests.

Transparency helps parents question school board policies, residents examine zoning proposals and taxpayers track infrastructure spending. It provides communities with the tools to advocate for fair and effective governance.

It also allows us, as journalists, to do our jobs. We rely on open-records laws to uncover stories about misuse of funds, conflicts of interest and public safety failures. It’s why studies show that the presence of a local newspaper in a community mitigates waste, fraud and abuse.

Public trust in government is fragile. One of the most effective ways to build and sustain that trust is through transparency. When agencies proactively release information and conduct business in public view, suspicion diminishes.

Transparency does not guarantee agreement. Citizens, and government officials, may still debate policies and priorities. But openness fosters understanding, and understanding is the bedrock of trust.

So this Sunshine Week, take a moment to reflect on the importance of open meetings and public records. And vow to step up whenever someone tries to turn off the light of transparency.

It’s ‘the power of the state against the people of the nation’

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column, “There are better ways to resolve the immigration crisis,” in the Feb. 12-18 issue: Immigration is a problem, but Immigration and Customs Enforcement exemplifies the real, much larger crisis. Immigration is a longstanding issue, and many “better ways” have been proposed over the past 30 years, as Mr. King knows. In fact, one such proposal was on track for bipartisan approval last year until President Trump and his allies killed it.

ICE has operated for decades with little notice. Violence was seldom used, citizens were not arrested, and habeas corpus was observed — until Trump. The Border

Patrol previously confined its racist brutality close to the Mexican border, until Republicans expanded the “border” to a 100-mile-wide zone. Even then, cities were not invaded — not even El Paso or Brownsville, much less Portland or Milwaukee — until Trump.

The Department of Homeland Security pursued its intended mission: defending against 9/11 or Beirut- and Benghazi-style attacks by foreign terrorists, seldom making the news. Then Trump decided that the homeland itself — Chicago, Los Angeles, Springfield, Ill. — was the “enemy within,” rife with “domestic terrorists” like Alex Pretti, who must be prevented from voting. Meanwhile, Trump allied himself with Saudi Arabian interests, the major sources of the 9/11 and other “homeland” assaults. Remember Jamal Khashoggi.

The FBI, formerly our premier law enforcement agency, is now Trumpified, refusing to investigate homicides

by federal agents, interfering with state ballots, arresting journalists and charging members of Congress with sedition. In earlier times, Peter King himself might have been among those in such felonious jeopardy. The depth, breadth and pervasiveness of corruption in all of this is obvious, with beneficiaries openly paying well for more of this new form of republican government — modeled on ancient Rome’s republic of patricians and plebes, paterfamilias all.

Our government is using the power of the state against the people of the nation. That is the crisis. Currently, the best — and perhaps only — way to resolve both the crisis and the problem is to end MAGA’s abuse of government, from Blakeman and Garbarino to Vance and Trump.

BRIAn KELLy Rockville Centre

Day of Theatre brings students together at HHS

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Students at Hewlett High School stepped outside their comfort zones and into new creative partnerships during the school’s annual Day of Theatre, an immersive experience designed to unite performers across grade levels and classes.

Throughout the day, theater students collaborated in mixed-grade groups to create and perform original vignettes, all within a single school day on Jan. 30. The fast-paced exercise emphasized creativity, teamwork and leadership, while encouraging students to connect with peers they might not otherwise work with.

“Working with students from different classes and grades changed my experience because I was able to meet and speak to people that I would have never spoken to,” junior Emily Liechtung said. “It was very fun to create something with people I wouldn’t normally create things with.”

The event, led by theater teacher Dawn DeMaio, now in her 25th year at the school teaching theatre arts, challenged students to quickly develop ideas, assign roles and bring their performances to life. Many said the experience mirrored realworld theatre environments, where collaboration and adaptability is key.

Sophomore Joseph Figueroa noted that combining students with different levels of experience enhanced the creative process. “Different classes learned

different things and we were able to use our ideas together really well,” he said. “The juniors and seniors were great leaders to us.”

For upperclassmen, the day offered an opportunity to step into mentorship roles.

Senior Liliana Ortiz said working with younger students allowed her to both lead and grow as an artist.

“I got to learn more about different acting styles,” Ortiz said. “I was happy to be not only an example of an actor but also one of a director.”

Freshmen and underclassmen also found value in the collaboration. “Working with older students allowed me to

learn the things they know about theater and enhance the performance,” freshman Jordan Yodowitz said.

Students said the mix of personalities and perspectives helped shape stronger performances. Junior Logan Giron noted that each group brought a unique dynamic, while senior Daniel Becker described the experience as “a breath of fresh air” working with new people.

In addition to performance, students took on responsibilities such as directing, staging and organizing their groups.

Senior Michael Goldstein said clear roles helped his group succeed.

“Everyone brought their own acting

strengths to the table,” he said. “I made sure to watch for blocking and staging so it was clear for the audience.”

By the end of the day, each group presented its finished piece, marking a culmination of hours of collaboration and creativity.

“I was beyond proud of my group’s performance,” senior Claudia Lee said in a message to DeMaio. “I hope I’ll never forget how good I felt after we performed.”

The Day of Theatre achieved its goal of fostering a stronger creative community, building connections across grade levels and giving students a meaningful, handson theatrical experience.

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The Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway marked its 47th annual dinner on Feb. 22 honoring Dani and Lori Lasky.

HAFTR honors Lasky’s at annual dinner

The Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway marked its 47th annual dinner on Feb. 22, bringing together parents, alumni, faculty and community members for an evening celebrating the school’s shared values and future.

Dani and Lori Lasky were honored as guests of honor for their leadership and

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to N.Y. Constitution Article 9, N.Y. Town Law, and N.Y. Municipal Home Rule Law, as amended, the Hempstead Town Board will hold a public hearing at Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on March 10, 2026 at 10:30 A.M., to consider enacting Chapter 10F of the Hempstead Town Code to be entitled “Taxation: Partial Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Fallen Police Officers” regarding a real property tax exemption for surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty pursuant to N.Y. Real Property Tax Law §471. The proposed local law is available at hempsteadny.gov, on the bulletin board at

Town Hall as of the publication of this notice, and on file in the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, where the same may be inspected during office hours.

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: Hempstead, New York

February 24, 2026 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK.

KATE MURRAY

Town Clerk

JOHN R. FERRETTI, JR. Supervisor 158674

dedication to the school community. Dani Lasky was recognized for his ongoing support and involvement, while Lori Lasky, a HAFTR alumna and parent, was noted for her continued commitment to the school’s values across generations.

— Melissa Berman

Marketplace

Help Wanted

EDITOR/REPORTER

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MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County of Nassau Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee, in trust for the registered holders of Morgan Stanley ABS Capital I Trust 2005-HE1, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2005-HE1, Plaintiff AGAINST Tamara Rosenbaum, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 20, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 7, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 112 Prospect Avenue, Hewlett, NY 11557. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings

and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 42, BLOCK: 171, LOT: 51. Approximate amount of judgment is $927,103.13 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 013841/2013. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. George Esernio, Referee

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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.