The 32nd annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk will be held at Jones Beach on Oct. 19, to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, patient support and early detection programs, with thousands of people expected to participate.
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebrates its 40th year, the American Cancer Society is once again rallying communities nationwide to take part in one of the country’s largest fundraising walks.
Thousands are expected to gather at Jones Beach State Park on Oct. 19 for the 32nd annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, to support breast cancer research and patient services. The nonprofit cancer society aims to end cancer through advocacy, research and support programs that help patients and families prevent, detect and survive the disease.
Natale Raimo, executive director of the organization’s Long Island region, said that in 2025, more than 319,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed nationwide, including more than 19,000 in New York. That’s why events such as the Strides Walk are so important for raising awareness, she added.
“It’s a very supportive environment for
our breast cancer survivors and our metastatic breast cancer survivors, caregivers and families alike,” Raimo said. “We’re really excited to be hosting it and interweaving this huge 40th anniversary Breast Cancer Awareness mile marker within our Making Strides event.”
When the cancer society first designated October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the goal was to encourage early detection through mammograms, Raimo explained. Over time, the campaign has grown to include fundraising for research, public education on prevention, advocacy for better access to care, and support for those affected by the disease.
According to Raimo, the Jones Beach walk has become the biggest walk in the country. Last year’s event drew roughly 77,000 participants and raised around $2.4 million. The event, she said, attracts community groups, corporations, friends and family members to help raise awareness.
“It’s a really special day when you see all of those interactions taking place, where
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
General Douglas MacArthur High School in Levittown has once again been ranked among the nation’s best schools by U.S. News & World Report — recognizing it for academic excellence and commitment to preparing students for postsecondary success.
WIn the publication’s August rankings, MacArthur placed No. 117 among New York’s high schools and No. 1,185 nationally, putting it in the top tier of the 18,000 public high schools evaluated nationwide by U.S. News annually. According to the Levittown school district, the ranking reflects student achievement that exceeds expectations and highlights the strong support systems and wide range of opportunities offered across its schools.
e pride ourselves on teamwork and positivity, which is the driving force of our commitment to success.
“We are incredibly proud that both Division and MacArthur have been recognized among the ‘Best High Schools’ by U.S. News & World Report,” Levittown Superintendent Todd Winch said in a news release. “Their rankings reflect the unwavering dedication of our educators, staff and families who work together every day to support our students’ success.”
JoSEpH SHEEHAN Principal, MacArthur High
School
The district’s other high school, Division Avenue, also earned a spot in the rankings, placing No. 200 in New York.
MacArthur Principal Joseph Sheehan said he was “extremely pleased” with the accomplishment, noting it marks the second consecutive year U.S. News has singled out Levittown schools for distinction.
“This recognition is a tremendous honor and is a true testament to the dedication of our students, the passion of our faculty and the steadfast support of our Board of Education, central office and parent community,” Sheehan said. “We pride ourselves on teamwork and positivity, which is the driv-
COnTinued On pAge 12
Ethan Chen and Liam Fields were named semifinalists in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship competition, placing them among the top 1% of high school seniors nationwide.
—
Chen and Fields were among more than 16,000 students across the country to be named semifinalists based on their performance on the PSAT exam. The nationwide pool represents less than 1 percent of U.S. seniors, and about 95 percent of semifinalists will advance to finalist standing to compete for nearly 7,000 scholarships totaling about $26 million. Both students said being selected was exciting and affirmed their strong work ethic and dedication to their studies.
A graduate of Forest Lake Elementary School, Chen has taken on leadership roles as president of the National and Science honor societies, secretary of the Math Honor Society, and co-vice president of the Wantagh Animal Rights and Recycling Club. He is also a member of the Chemistry Club, Key Club, Mathletes, World Language Honor Society and three track teams. Outside of academics, he plays the cello in the school string ensemble and volunteered this past summer at the Wantagh Public Library, while also considering future studies in engineering or medicine.
n Liam Fields’ service and future goals
Mandalay Elementary School alum Fields is deeply involved in academics and activities as co-captain of the Academic Team, building manager for Stage Crew, and a member of the bowling team, board game club, WARR club and five different honor societies. Outside of school, he belongs to Boy Scout Troop 656 and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout after completing a service project for Christ Lutheran Church. Looking ahead, Fields hopes to pursue a career in either law or mechanical engineering, continuing to combine his academic strengths with leadership and service.
Point*
Herb Hill Road, Glen Cove, NY 9am: Registration • 10am: Walk Begins
Point: Garvies Point Brewery & Restaurant
more than 100 years the American Red Cross on Long Island has helped the community prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.
The Wantagh Warriors marked homecoming on Sept. 27 with a parade, halftime festivities, and a decisive football victory.
The parade traveled from Bunker Avenue to Wantagh High School and featured a color guard from the American Legion, the school board, administration, PTAs, the Miss Wantagh Court, marching band, cheerleaders, class floats, and youth sports groups. Retired social studies teacher Bill Bogatz, longtime game announcer, served as grand marshal.
On the field, quarterback Carter Loughman connected with wide receiver Devin Paccione for an 85-yard touchdown to start the game. The Warriors went on to defeat Hewlett 48-22.
At halftime, Ryan Martone and Lana Lee were crowned homecoming king and queen, while the junior class won the float competition with a fall-themed design. The cheerleaders, marching band, and kickline performed for the crowd.
— Charles Shaw
as
How do YOU watch Sunday football?
Whether you're decked out in team colors, surrounded by game day snacks, or have the ultimate fan cave setup –We want to see it all!
Upload photos of your Sunday football experience: your lucky jersey, famous wings, decorated living room, tailgate spread, or whatever makes your game day special.
The best photos will be featured in the Herald – and the WINNER will be chosen at random to win 2 tickets to an Islanders game!
Contest runs through midnight October 12, 2025 For a chance to win
Scan Here to submit
Ann Landers, who published her weekly advice column from 1955 to 2002 listed this as one of her top ten most requested columns – republishing it seven times in her long career.
Dear Ann: Let this letter be a wake-up call to all sons, daughters, and grandchildren. The message I want to convey is this: YOUR INHERITANCE IS NOT AUTOMATIC. IT’S A GIFT.
I am an estate planner. Over the last several years, I have seen many clients change their wills, bypassing children and grandchildren, and leave their money to friends, charities, and people they once worked with who were kind and helpful.
There are many reasons for changing a will, but the two most common are disrespect and isolation. In some families, the only time the old folks see the grandchildren is when their parents need a favor–usually, it’s money. So, the message the old folks wish to convey is as follows: “You didn’t make time for me when I was lonely and would have enjoyed your company, so why should I leave you the
money I worked for all my life?”
Wake up out there. An inheritance isn’t something that is owed to you. It is a gift of love. When there is no love, there should be no gift. — Manasota, Fla.
We like to say that your “family” are those you love and who love you. The rest are your relatives. Or, put another way, it’s not who you’re related to, it’s who you relate to.
For those who have children, the inheritance is usually left to the children in equal shares. However, there is no legal requirement to do so. One of the first concepts we learned in estate planning is that “there is nothing so unequal as the equal treatment of unequals.” Are some considerably better off than others? Has one been more attentive, more caring, gone out of their way for you? Where distributions will be unequal, we often suggest leaving a letter, to be opened after your death, explaining the reasons for your decision. A discussion with an experienced estate planning attorney often will provide ideas and options that you may not have thought of.
ELDER LAW ESTATE PLANNING SINCE 1991 trustlaw.com Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid NO-COST CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 or email info@trustlaw.com 100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre •
Residents across Nassau County will head to the polls Thursday, Oct. 16, to vote on a referendum that includes the proposed purchase of Seaman Neck Middle School in Seaford, the sale of a Syosset property, and safety upgrades at two other schools.
For Seaford, the proposal centers on Nassau BOCES buying the Seaman Neck Middle School for $7.2 million. The facility currently houses two BOCES programs serving 142 students with learning, behavioral and developmental disabilities who need additional support beyond what local districts can provide.
Nassau BOCES has been leasing the school, at a cost of about $1 million annually shared among the agency’s 56 component districts. Officials said ownership would save districts money in the long term and continue the agency’s push toward owning rather than renting properties.
The referendum also seeks $5.7 million in funding for safety and accessibility improvements at two other BOCES schools. At the Rosemary Kennedy Center in Wantagh, secured vestibules would be added at the main entrances of the Rosemary Kennedy School and the Center for Community Adjustment. At the Jerusalem Avenue School in North Bellmore, three secured vestibules would be installed and a new elevator would provide ADA-compliant access to the second floor.
To help finance these projects, Nassau BOCES plans to sell a vacant parcel of land at its Hasket Drive Complex in Syosset. The sale, pending voter approval and zoning review, is expected to bring in about $6.8 million.
Nine polling sites will be open across Nassau, including Seaman Neck Middle School at 1100 Crestline Place in Seaford. Other locations include the Rosemary Kennedy Center in Wantagh, Jerusalem Avenue School in North Bellmore, and the George Farber Administrative Center in Garden City.
Absentee and early mail ballot applications must be submitted by Oct. 9 if requesting by mail, or by Oct. 15 in person. Completed ballots are due by 4 p.m. Oct. 16 to the Nassau BOCES District Clerk in Garden City.
Projects would also be supported through the agency’s capital fund, with no added cost to taxpayers, officials said.
For more information, visit NassauBOCES.org.
— Charles Shaw Polls will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16. Eligible voters must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and have lived within the Nassau BOCES district for at least 30 days prior to the vote.
News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com
you see families interacting with each other, but also our community and corporate partners, too,” Raimo said.
Among this year’s participants is Mairead Ryan, a 27-year-old Bellmore resident and a breast cancer survivor. She will walk with Team Mairead, a group of more than 150 friends and family members. As of press time, her team had raised over $30,000. Ryan described having her support group around her — and seeing so many others taking part in the event — as a “humbling” experience.
“I’m probably most looking forward to seeing everyone come together and unify for one common goal,” Ryan said, “and that goal is to end cancer, as we know it, for everyone.”
Ctreatment and the importance of raising money to support others battling cancer.
“Courage is something that’s kind of resonated with me since my journey,” Ryan said. “So that’s what I kind of wanted other people to know.”
At the kickoff event, Ryan received the second annual Stacey Sager Courage award, named after a WABC-TV “Eyewitness News” reporter who overcame three battles with cancer throughout her life. Sager was presented the inaugural award last year for her strength and her determination to share her story with others affected by cancer.
ourage is something that’s kind of resonated with me since my journey.
Mairead ryan Cancer survivor
Last year, Ryan was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer and underwent chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Her condition will require ongoing treatment for the rest of her life, she said, including regular medication and infusions. This is Ryan’s second cancer battle: She overcame Ewing sarcoma at age 8.
Ryan also served as the survivor speaker at the Strides Walk kickoff at the Melville Marriott on Aug. 7. She spoke about the courage needed to face
Ryan said she wants people to understand that cancer can come for anybody, no matter their age or background. “Cancer doesn’t discriminate,” she said, “and I think that’s something that’s super important to realize. You’re not too young for it; you’re not too old for it. It can hit you at any point in your life.”
Over the past 30 years, Raimo said, the cancer society has raised more than $600 million for breast cancer research. It also supports programs such as Hope Lodge, a network of facilities that provide free lodging for patients undergoing treatment. There are currently 31 Hope Lodge locations across the U.S.
and Puerto Rico, offering a total of 1,100 rooms.
Raimo encouraged both women and men to prioritize early detection by scheduling regular mammograms. She added that the cancer society has played a key role in advancing research and treatments that save lives — and that early detection remains essential.
For Raimo, witnessing participants come together at the Strides Walk — whether they’re survivors, patients or supporting loved ones — is a truly
Lesley rechter and her husband, Jeff, at last year’s making Strides a gainst Breast Cancer Walk at Jones Beach State park, which drew more than 77,000 participants and raised over $2 million for the cancer society’s research and support programs.
heartwarming experience.
“It’s always incredible when you see hundreds upon thousands of people coming together, because we all want the same thing,” she said, “We want to end cancer as we know it, for everybody.”
The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, presented by Teachers Federal Credit Union, will take place on Oct. 19 with a rolling start from 7 to 10:30 a.m. For details or to donate, visit ACSEvents.org.
A TWO-WAY LINEMAN for the reigning Nassau and Long Island champions, Anaya completed a rare daily double on the defensive side of the ball for the Seahawks in a 35-14 victory at South Side Sept. 27. His sack in the end zone for a safety put Carey ahead for good in the second quarter. Then, late in the fourth, he scooped up a fumble forced by Justin DePietro and raced 69 yards for the game-sealing touchdown as the team won its 15th straight.
Thursday, Oct. 9
Girls Soccer: Elmont at Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Long Beach at Kennedy 4:45 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Mepham at Garden City 5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Clarke at Carey 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Garden City at South Side 5
Girls Soccer: North Shore at Plainedge 5
Girls Soccer: Farmingdale at Baldwin 5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Long Beach at Oceanside 6 p.m.
Boys Soccer: South Side at Malverne/ERock 7 p.m.
Girls Soccer: West Hempstead at V.S. South 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 10
Football: Malverne at Seaford 6 p.m.
Football: Oceanside at Syosset 6 p.m.
Football: West Hempstead at Plainedge 6 p.m.
Football: Clarke at V.S. South 7 p.m.
Football: Calhoun at Long Beach 7 p.m.
Football: V.S. Central at Glen Cove 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 11
Football: Mepham at Garden City 1 p.m.
Football: South Side at Wantagh 2 p.m.
Football: East Meadow at Baldwin 2 p.m.
Football: Island Trees at Lynbrook 2 p.m.
Football: Herricks at Freeport 3 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
After a hard-luck one win season riddled by injuries, the MacArthur boys’ soccer team has found its winning form in 2025.
The Generals entered the home stretch at 4-3-4-in Conference AA1 and positioned for a playoff spot with three matches left. MacArthur, which tied Jericho 0-0 last Friday, began the season with back-to-back losses but has only had one loss since then to place itself among the top three teams in its league with a number of comeback efforts.
“Things are really falling into place for us now,” said 14th-year MacArthur coach Andy Atkins. “We’ve solidified some issues we had earlier in the year and made some adjustments, and the kids are really stepping up.”
MacArthur’s offense has been bolstered by senior striker Nico Contreras, who has tallied five goals and one assist. The versatile Contreras, who also is moved to the midfield at times, struck for three goals in the Generals’ 4-1 win against Great Neck South on Sept. 25.
The Generals have multiple other scoring weapons including junior sweeper Matt Kobrin, who leads the team in points, sophomore forward Landon Pacheco, junior forward Gerald Molina and senior midfielder Abdelrahman Arafa.
“We’re starting to pick up the scoring now,” Atkins said. “You can’t really key on one player.”
In addition to his goal-scoring ability, Kobrin anchors the defense coming off an All County season as a sophomore. The backline also includes senior Dereck Acosta, junior Tristian Magnozzi, sophomore Frangotis and senior Nico Rodriguez.
Senior goalie Noah Molina has stepped up in net this season with plenty of big saves to keep MacArthur in games including 10 stops in a 1-0 loss at Long Beach on Sept. 27. “He’s really coming into his groove now,” said Atkins of Molina, who has recorded two shutouts this season. He’s also a verbal
Derrick Dingle/Herald
Senior Vin Silvestri, right, has been a vital part of MacArthur’s success with strong two-way play in the midfield.
leader on the backline.”
Seniors Vin Silvestri and Nick Nemeth along with freshman George Hakim have also been key to both sides of the ball with solid play in the midfield.
“It really has been a true team effort this season,” said Atkins “The guys have really stepped up and sacrificed for the betterment of the team.”
MacArthur concludes its regular season with a Thursday visit to Roslyn followed by a home match against New Hyde Park on Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. A top four conference finish would assure the Gen-
erals of reaching the postseason for the first time since the 2022 team advanced to the county semifinals.
“It’s nice that we need to take care of ourselves and we’re not relying on what other teams are doing to get in so it’s in our control and we just have to seize the opportunity,” said Atkins, who guided MacArthur to a county title in 2014 just two years after taking over a program that had endured back-to-back winless seasons. “We’re getting better as the year goes on and now we’re able to control our own destiny.”
New Nassau County family medicine practice offers more time, more convenience and a focus on prevention.
When you need to see your doctor, can you get a convenient appointment? How long do you have to wait? Does your doctor spend time with you listening and answering your questions? Do they personalize your care based on your needs?
For most primary care patients, convenient appointments with a doctor who has time to answer questions and discuss care options are more of a dream than a reality. But at Dr. Harold Sirota’s new family medicine practice in Valley Stream, Nassau County patients are experiencing that dream. Dr. Sirota is affiliated with MDVIP, the leader in personalized medicine.
Sirota offers same- and next-day appointments with a strong focus on preventive care in his new practice, which opened in August. He sees fewer patients, so he has more time and can offer longer appointments. He has time to listen, answer questions and coach patients.
“In this new practice, you don’t have to wait days, weeks or months to see me,” Dr. Sirota says. “Patients can get same- and next-day appointments. I’m also available after hours for urgent matters.”
Dr. Sirota was inspired to go into medicine by his family. was the first vascular surgeon in the state of New York, an osteopathic physician, and I was drawn to the way he lived his life, the way he took care of people,” Dr. Sirota says.
“My sister and my two brothers were all physicians, and we passed it down to family. My daughter’s a physician, my niece is a physician, and we all believe that we were compelled to come to the medical field to help people, to give them a better quality of life through medicine.”
The heart of Dr. Sirota’s new practice is the MDVIP Wellness Program. Each year, patients will receive advanced screenings and diagnostic tests not typically covered by insurance. The program looks at risk in more than 12 key areas of health, from heart and brain health to bone strength and emotional well-being.
Dr. Sirota will use the results of these tests to personalize a wellness program for patients.
“I love helping others. I love being part of their overall health environment and really having a good time with them”
Patients in MDVIP-affiliated practices experience better health outcomes, according to 10 published studies, including:
• 79% fewer hospitalizations compared to traditional primary care
• 72% fewer ER visits and urgent care visits versus traditional primary care
• Better control of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol than patients in traditional practices
They are also more satisfied with their care: 97% of patients in MDVIP-affiliated practices are satisfied with their doctor versus 58% in traditional practices.
“I love helping others. I love being part of their overall health environment and really having a good time with them,” Dr. Sirota says. “I want my patients to come in looking forward to seeing me. I want a practice where we can laugh and not only talk about healthcare but also about my patients’ personal needs and their lives.”
Dr. Sirota is a doctor of osteopathic medicine, board-certified in family medicine and a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice. He went to medical school at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency at Peninsula Hospital in Far Rockaway, NY. He is chairman of the department of primary care and an associate professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine.
His new practice is located at 210 East Sunrise Highway, Suite 303, in Valley Stream. You can also learn more about his practice by
mdvip.com/Sirota.
97%
Hundreds of fans filled the stands at MacArthur High School on Sept. 27 to cheer on the Generals during homecoming. The crowd watched as the team celebrated a 42–13 win over Jericho.
The school’s cheerleaders and kickline performed on the sidelines, while the marching band played during halftime. Homecoming King Vincent Orandello, left, and Queen Kayleigh Huggard, seniors, were honored during the festivities.
— Charles Shaw
Members of the MacArthur High School marching band perform during halftime of the homecoming game against Jericho on Sept.
Homecoming King Vincent Orandello, left, and Queen Kayleigh Huggard, seniors, during MacArthur’s 42–13 homecoming win over Jericho.
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Seventeen women were honored for their leadership, dedication and service on Sept. 18 at the third annual Women of Distinction ceremony, hosted by State Sen. Steve Rhoads at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library. The event recognized contributions that have shaped communities across his Senate district.
From the moment honorees entered the auditorium to the sound of bagpipes, the energy in the room was electric. Attendees erupted into applause, signaling appreciation for the honorees’ contributions. Girl Scout Troop 3009 led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Mairead Hill Hotz of Wantagh performing the national anthem and a welcoming prayer from Rev. Iwy Patel-Yatri and Pastor Rosa Larios of Hicksville United Methodist Church.
Entertainment included a dance performance by Hollie Werner of 5678 Dance Studio in Levittown and a piano performance by internationally awardwinning pianist Felicia Garramone of Levittown, showcasing the local arts community.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly, a trailblazer in law and justice with more than three decades of experience, delivered the keynote address. Her words inspired the audience, emphasizing the importance of service, perseverance and using one’s talents to strengthen the community.
Each honoree’s biography was read aloud, highlighting their contributions in volunteerism, advocacy, education, business and the arts. Rhoads personally presented the awards, expressing gratitude for their efforts to improve life on Long Island.
“These extraordinary women show us every day that one person’s courage,
ATTENTION STUDENTS: THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER
THE WINNING DESIGNS WILL BE PRINTED AS HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP IN 12/4/25 & 12/11/25 ISSUES OF YOUR HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
vision and dedication can transform a community,” Rhoads said. “Their achievements inspire all of us to work harder, dream bigger and leave a lasting mark on the world.”
The ceremony concluded with a reception, giving attendees the opportunity to connect, share stories and celebrate the accomplishments of the honorees. Through this annual event, Rhoads continues to honor the achievements of community leaders while inspiring future generations.
Honorees included Susan Maher of Levittown, Nanda Sundri and Farah Abidi of East Meadow, Judith Bongiovi of Seaford, Janet Goller and Nina Lanci of Bellmore, Dr. Nancy Kaplan and Marie Testa of Merrick, Shashi Malik, Deirdre Trumpy and Laura Dupkin
Memisha of Wantagh, Donna RiveraDowney of Hicksville, Catherine Gabreski of Farmingdale, Jennifer Biren of Old Bethpage, Gina McGovern of Bethpage, Cheryl Dender of Plainview and Maryanne Hyland of Westbury.
Who can enter: There will be 2 categories:
Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12
One entry per student
Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m.
Friday, October 31, 2025
Grand prize: Winners will have their design printed as wrapping paper in the Herald and will be featured in an article in their local Herald newspaper.
Entry format: Please use an 8 1/2 by 11 inch piece of unlined paper. All entries should have the student’s name, age, address, telephone number, email, grade and school printed on the back. Design can be reflective of all religious holidays. Entries will not be returned.
Mail or hand-deliver to:
Wrapping Paper Contest
Herald Community Newspapers
2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 OR Scan and email to: ekimbrell@liherald.com
(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).
Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 14
• Must use 8 1/2 x 11” unlined paper, copy paper or construction paper.
• Be creative & original.
• Use bright colors.
• Fill the entire page.
• Choose paint, crayon, chalk, markers, pens, or other creative materials.
• Remember your design will be used to make a real sheet of wrapping paper.
For more information contact Ethan Kimbrell at ekimbrell@liherald.com or 516.569.4000
ing force of our commitment to success.”
The district credited MacArthur’s recognition to strong student participation in Advanced Placement courses, high performance on state exams, strong graduation rates and career readiness. Sheehan noted the school offers more than 20 AP classes and about 30 courses for college credit, praising administrators and staff for their efforts and adding that the achievement “would not have been possible without dynamic students.”
Levittown students are offered a range of careerfocused courses, including Future Teachers, College Real Estate, and college-level anatomy and physiology. The real estate course, Sheehan noted, introduces students to topics such as interest rates and property values, helping prepare them for potential careers in the field.
Students are also required to take a financial literacy course, which prepares them for life after high school by teaching practical skills such as balancing a checkbook, understanding credit ratings, and managing 401(k) accounts.
The district also credited its postsecondary fairs for contributing to the recognition. Held several times a year, the events give students a look at opportunities after graduation. Sheehan said the fairs not only feature colleges from across the country, but also representatives from the Sheriff’s Department, Nassau County Police Department, local carpenters’ unions and the U.S. military — making them more than just college fairs by showcasing a wide range of vocational careers.
Sheehan said the recognition is a team effort, from high-achieving students to the PTAs. He added that
strong community support also has played a role, contributing to the school’s continued success.
“The support that they give us is second to none,” Sheehan said. “They’re paramount to our success as well. Our parents are our teammates. It’s that simple. The support we get from them is immense, and it’s so rewarding.”
Looking ahead, Sheehan said he hopes to maintain the school’s strong work ethic and close partnership with parents. He added that MacArthur is continuous-
ly exploring innovative courses, particularly in technology, including the use of Magic School, an artificial intelligence tool that helps students learn to use AI responsibly while also assisting teachers with lesson planning and preparation.
“We’re always looking for different things, especially in the world of technology and so forth,” Sheehan said. “We’re always looking for different avenues to explore so we could give our students the best advantage that they can have.”
By Karen Bloom
Spooky season is casting its spell — and whether you’re ready for a scare or just some seasonal flair, there’s much to check out.
The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns
Pumpkin patches have their moment, but a pumpkin trail is even better. The wooded site of Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts in Wheatley Heights is the evocative setting for a spooky 4,200 foot loop of over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins and illuminated objects (10,000 in all) that light up the grounds all month long.
The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns is now in its 12th season on Long Island, delighting visitors with all sorts of seasonal delights, from those carved pumpkins — of all sizes — to inflatables and even a space to show off some dance moves, complete with disco lights and music.
You may recall Rise from its first eight seasons at Old Westbury Gardens. Its current home at Usdan accommodates a longer trail that enhances the immersive experience.
“We found this trail to be perfect,” says Mike Pollack, Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns’ executive producer, who proclaims this to be “the spookiest walk on Long Island.”
Spooky, most definitely, but not haunted. You won’t find any frightful creatures popping out along the path. As Pollack puts it: “No scares.”
This family-friendly event is designed to get everyone in the spirit of the season, appealing to all ages.
A team of 100 handpicked artists carve their individual pumpkins with facial expressions ranging from scary to silly.
“The artistry of these pumpkins is spectacular and you will not see anywhere else,” Pollack says enthusiastically.
The 40,000 visitors annually would seem to agree. Rise is open on weekends and select weeknight through Nov. 1. All tickets must be purchased online at jackolanterns. com; no tickets are available on site. Rise is located at 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights.
Spooky Fest
Creatures of all kinds inhabit the woods, and ghosts and ghouls come out to play at Tanglewood Preserve, home to the Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL), in Rockville Centre. A seasonal tradition for area families, the spectacle takes over CSTL’s grounds every weekend through Nov. 2.
Each year the festival offers a spirited fun-filled slate of activities on the preserve’s 16 acres — both scary and not so scary — to appeal to all ages and fright levels. The wooded paths are transformed for the season, with eerie lighting, special effects and characters along the way.
Whether you and the kids are looking to be spooked or not, the choice is yours. This time of year the preserve’s woods are definitely haunted, as those who venture along the scary walk will find out. This quarter mile hike through
the woods is not for the faint of heart, it may leave some younger kids clinging to their parents legs. Step into the darkness of the Haunted Woods where you’ll stumble upon a deserted graveyard and more — you never know what is lurking around the next turn. Be scared if you dare!
“Adults will come out crying and the kids will be laughing,” CSTL Educator Michele Anselmo,says, somewhat bemused. “You need to know your fear factor before you enter.”
As always, the not-so-spooky Enchanted Walk is welcoming haunt for the younger set. Friendly Halloween characters — including witches, fairies, aliens, ghosts, butterflies, and scarecrows — greet visitors. This year a pirate ship with a band of pirates has made its way here to get in on the action. Other activities include holiday-themed arts and crafts, and the return of the Mystic Den, with a fortuneteller and face painting. And, of course, the glow tent, is another popular spot where everyone heads to make “slime.” Just be sure to take the goopy stuff home; “sliming” those nearby is frowned upon.
Costumes are always encouraged. And in the spirit of Hallowen season, kids may find some treats to pick up as they wander about.
“There’s always something for everyone here,” Anselmo says.
Find out what’s lurking in the woods at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, 1 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre. Visit cstl.org for information and tickets.
Anglers — novice and skilled — will be on the scene once again when the Fall Fishing & Children’s Festival returns to Hempstead Lake State Park. Presented by the Department of Environmental Conservation’s “I Fish NY” program, on Oct. 18, the annual event offers an ideal way to make the most of the season with a mix of fishing, fun and family activities.
The day kicks off at 10 a.m., with a fresh stock of trout in the park’s South and MacDonald Ponds to help introduce families to the sport of freshwater fishing. Everyone can take part in fly-fishing instruction, casting practice, fish-cleaning demonstrations, and even borrow rods and bait free of charge.
“All ages are encouraged to attend to enjoy this wonderful fishing experience,” says George Gorman, State Parks’ Long Island regional director. “We hope festival attendees also take the opportunity to explore the beautiful Hempstead Lake State Park and all it has to offer.”
But the fun doesn’t end at the water’s edge. Young visitors can enjoy pumpkin decorating, a magic show, reptile exhibit, and a playful casting contest where the “catch” could be a pumpkin or a prize. Whether you’re an avid angler or just looking for a day outdoors with the kids, the Fall Fishing & Children’s Festival reels in plenty of reasons to drop by.
The fishing license requirement for all anglers over the age of 15 is suspended for this festival, and admission and parking are free. Check out the activities at the park’s MacDonald and South Ponds, also in Rockville Centre. Visit parks.ny.gov for more.
Break out the neon, dust off those leg warmers and tease up your hair — the ultimate ‘80s party returns to the Paramount stage. Jessie’s Girl, a band of New York City’s top rock and pop musicians, returns with their high-energy Back to the Eighties show, guaranteed to turn back the clock. Fronted by powerhouse vocalists who transform into the decade’s biggest icons, Jessie’s Girl delivers the hits that defined an era. Add in bold costumes, playful choreography, audience participation, and plenty of extras — bubbles, confetti, and props galore — and the result is part concert, part theater and all ‘80s spectacle. These talents each have dozens of credits performing with authentic ‘80s icons who made the music famous to begin with. With over-the-top renditions of memorable songs, Jessie’s Girl captures the glitz and sheer energy of the decade like no one else.
Friday, Oct. 10, 8 p.m. $64.75
$52.25, $49.25, $48.50, $37.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Tilles Center’s Atrium becomes an intimate lounge, showcasing 23-year-old Kate Kortum, one of the jazz world’s most exciting breakout artists. Hailing from Houston, Texas, her warm, distinctive sound blends bebop, blues, the Great American Songbook, and musical theater with captivating, story-driven lyrics. Her artistry bridges tradition and innovation, offering audiences a fresh, contemporary take on the jazz vocal legacy. Critics have praised her ability to revitalize jazz with authenticity and daring. “Wild Woman,” her sophomore album, features reimagined standards and originals that explore a woman’s relationship with complex emotions.
Thursday, Oct. 16, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $39. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
On Exhibit
Nassau County
Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Sculpture Stroll
Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for hour for discovery and conversation. Explore a selection of sculptures sited across the museum property. Each stop on the tour delves into the choices, inspirations and material of the artists and their sculptures. Registration required. $20, $10 members.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: 5-6 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Garden Harvest
Visit Old Westbury Gardens for a farm-to-table event with local food growers and purveyors. Savor artisan, wood-fired pizza with seasonal Long Island farm-sourced ingredients and toppings grown at Old Westbury Gardens, paired with locally grown salads, desserts, and Long Island wines. Also participate in lawn games, and garden strolls during this festive autumn evening, along with entertainment. $125 family of four, $50 adult, $20 child. Reservations required. Held rain or shine.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 5:30-8 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens.
Anthony Rodia is back “Laugh Till It Hurts” tour, an all-new stand-up showcase that’s refreshingly genuine and quick witted. Building on the success of his previous outing, this is his biggest and most ambitious yet. A first-generation Italian-American born and raised in Westchester, Rodia came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path as a finance manager of a luxury car dealership. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. With a background steeped in family traditions, Italian-American culture and the ups and downs of modern life, Anthony’s comedy feels like a conversation with your funniest friend. His blend of observational humor, self-deprecation and witty impressions has led him on his path as one of the most exciting rising stars on the comedy scene. Anthony’s comedic career skyrocketed thanks to his viral social media videos, where he brought his hilarious, larger-than-life characters and relatable commentary to millions of fans. His most iconic characters, including his over-the-top Uncle Vinny persona, quickly became fan favorites, making him a social media sensation and establishing a loyal following. His ability to turn everyday situations — family gatherings, parenting, and even the quirks of his own Italian heritage —into laugh-out-loud moments has earned him widespread recognition and a rapidly growing fanbase. Tickets are $144.75, $108.75, $98.25, $86.50, $76.25, $6475.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7 and 9:30 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Families are invited to Long Island Children’s Museum’s special opening weekend festival to celebrate the launch of Saltwater Stories, the new permanent exhibition celebrating Long Island’s coastal heritage. Meet local fisherfolk, explore hands-on activities for all ages, and dive into the rich traditions of our bays and beaches. Enjoy storytelling, crafts, and demonstrations that bring Long Island’s maritime history to life! All activities included with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Art, craft and gift fair Browse a variety of handmade goods at Eisenhower Park.
• Where: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow
• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., also Oct. 12
• Contact: NassauCountyFairs.com
Fall Fest
Enjoy seasonal fun at Wantagh’s Fall Fest. With entertainment, food and more along Railroad Avenue and Grove Street.
• Where: Corner of Railroad Avenue and Grove Street, Wantagh
• Time: Noon–6 p.m.
• Contact: WantaghChamber. wildapricot.org
OCT
15
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
OCT
16
and discovery, plus a special trail through the site’s fall forest.. $20 non-member adults, $10 members and children.
• Where: Manes Center, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Session 1, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Session 2, 1-2:30 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Poetica Musica’s Preludes
Enjoy an evening of romantic and electrifying music at the next concert with Old Westbury Garden’s chamber ensemble-inresidence in Westbury House’s Red Ballroom. Celebrated pianist Hayk Arsenyan joins Poetica Musica for Chopin’s complete cycle of 24 Preludes, Op. 28, alongside selected preludes from Rachmaninoff’s Op. 32. Chopin’s 24 Preludes, Op. 28, are a set of short pieces inspired by Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, each written in a different key to explore all 24 keys on the keyboard. Composed in 1839, they were not performed until 1876, 25 years after Chopin’s death. Today, they are a favorite of pianists for their virtuosity, emotional depth, and exquisite beauty. With post-concert reception $30, $25 members and seniors.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 8-10:30 p.m.
• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh
• Time: Thursdays, noon-4 p.m.
• Contact: mahjonggCBT@yahoo. com or (516) 785-2445
18
Celebrate the vibrant traditions of Korea at Old Westbury Gardens at the 3rd Annual Korean Culture Day Celebration. This family-friendly event brings together the sights, sounds and flavors of Korea in the beautiful garden setting. Enjoy authentic Korean foods and flavors, dance performances, Tae Kwon Do demonstrations, and more. Whether you’re discovering Korean culture for the first time or reconnecting with cherished traditions, this afternoon offers something for everyone. Free with Gardens admission.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 2-5 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Enchanted Forest
Nassau County Museum of Art invites families to another Super Family Saturday program. This magical adventure includes hands-on art activities themed around transformation, fantasy, org or call (516) 333-0048
Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
‘Brown Bag’ Art
Conversation
Join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular Brown Bag Lecture. Experience the museum’s exhibition “At Play: Artists & Entertainment” through a lively and informative presentation. Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Registration not required. First come, first seated.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: 1 p.m., also Oct. 23
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
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.
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Tracy Pignetti has joined the Wantagh School District as its new elementary supervisor for humanities, bringing with her nearly two decades of teaching experience.
She said she comes equipped with the ability to understand what it’s like to teach kindergarten, sixth grade and English as a New Language students. Her experience, she added, helps her relate to what teachers are going through today.
“I’m really looking forward to a long tenure here and doing really great work with a really great group of professionals,” Pignetti said.
Pignetti began her career after receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Joseph’s University, followed by a master’s in education from Long Island University.
kindergarten. In 2019, she pursued a doctorate at Hofstra University, graduating in 2022. While completing her doctoral studies, she took administration classes and became interested in teaching adults.
“I fell in love with administration,” she said. “Although I was convinced I was never going to leave the classroom, I decided to leverage my education and my experiences.”
She left Garden City in 2023 to become a curriculum coordinator at Ocean Avenue Elementary School in the Northport-East Northport School District.
TRACy PIgnETTI
Elementary supervisor for humanities, Wantagh School District
After earning her master’s, she worked in the Islip School District for 12 years, teaching elementary grades and ENL students. She then joined the Garden City School District, where she spent seven years teaching
The following year, in 2024, she served as assistant principal at Daniel Street Elementary School in the Lindenhurst School District — before learning about the Wantagh position.
“I read the job description and I said, ‘That would be my dream job,’” she said. “It was everything that I had done in Northport that I loved, except now it’s as an administrator.”
She credits her varied experience with preparing her for the role, having worked across multiple elementary grade levels.
“I have the ability to connect with a lot of different teachers, because I’ve been in their shoes,” she said. “I understand what it’s like to be a teacher.”
Pignetti said she hopes to strengthen reading instruction across the district,
helping more students become lifelong readers.
“I just really want to help them shine,” she said, “and let everybody know what a great job we’re doing here in Wantagh.”
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT ANNUAL BUDGET FOR 2026
WHEREAS, on the 25th day of August, 2025, pursuant to Section 105 of the Town Law and Section 181 of the Town Law the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Wantagh Fire District confirmed that the Annual Fire District Budget Hearing will be conducted with reference to the Annual Fire District Budget for fiscal year 2026 on October 20th, 2025 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Fire District Office located at 2045 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York, and WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners is required to adopt a proposed budget at least 21 days before October 20th, 2025 so that it is available for public inspection prior to the budget hearing.
NOW, therefore, BE IT
RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Wantagh Fire District has adopted a proposed Annual Fire District Budget for 2026 as of this date for purposes of discussion and review at the Budget Hearing to be held on October 20th, 2025. A copy of the proposed budget is available at the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead and at the office of the Wantagh Fire District Secretary at 2045 Wantagh Avenue where it may be inspected by any interested person during office hours 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In addition, copies of the proposed budget are posted on the fire district’s website, www.WantaghFD.com and will be available on the night of the said hearing.
NOW, therefore, BE IT
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Fire
Commissioners of the Wantagh Fire District will hold the Annual Fire District Budget Hearing to be conducted with reference to the Annual Fire District Budget for fiscal year 2026 on October 20th, 2025 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Fire District Office located at 2045 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the aforesaid budget will be presented to the residents and taxpayers of the Wantagh Fire District and to the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Wantagh Fire District, for their respective consideration at this public hearing and for the purpose of considering the said resolution and hearing all persons interested in the subject concerning the same on October 20th, 2025 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Wantagh Fire District Office located at 2045 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York. This notice is being publicized and posted in accordance with the provisions of Public Officers Law and the Town Law of the State of New York by order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Wantagh Fire District.
Dated: September 29th, 2025
Brendan J. Narell Superintendent Wantagh Fire District 156120
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR SG MORTGAGE SECURITIES BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FRE2, Plaintiffagainst - SUZANNE M. BRADY, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale
entered on March 15, 2019. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 6th day of November, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Wantagh, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.
Premises known as 3677 Smith Street, Wantagh, NY 11793. (SBL#: 57-89-105) Approximate amount of lien $614,197.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 010340/2015. John G. Kennedy, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: September 8, 2025
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in
addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 156078
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACTY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JESSICA X. VALENCIA A/K/A JESSICA VALENCIA, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 26, 2024 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee duly entered on September 2, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 28, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., premises known as 214 North Fifth Street, Bethpage, NY 11714. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Central Park, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 46, Block 51 and Lots 27-29. Approximate amount of judgment is $450,559.69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #601822/2020. Cash will not be accepted.
Cary David Kessler, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 155908
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
The Edwin Welch Jr. Post 1132 of the Seaford American Legion held its installation dinner on Sept. 17, marking the start of a new year for its leadership.
The ceremony, led by the Nassau County Commander, included county and past commanders, members’ spouses, and community friends. The post said it looks forward to continuing its work supporting veterans, their families, and the broader Seaford community through edu-
cational programs, events, and other community initiatives.
•
•
•
For Rent
Estate WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
MERRICK: 1 BR, 2nd Floor, No Pets. $1500/ Monthly. 2 Months Security Plus Electric. By Owner. 516-486-6139 WEST HEMPSTEAD: RENOVATED 2 BR, First Floor, New Kitchen, W/D, No Pets/ Smoking. Utilities Separate. $2,700. Referrals Needed. 516-220-5780
Q. I’m buying a sunroom for my breakfast room on the back of my split-level house, about 8 feet off the ground. I’m being told by the contractor that I need an architect and sealed plans. Since it’s basically a kit of parts that will go on my existing deck, why do I need this? It seems like a lot of extra expense the sunroom people didn’t tell me about. If I already have a permit for the deck, it should be allowed, right? I haven’t bought the sunroom yet. I’m just trying to be sure I know the whole story before I do this, probably by spring, when the weather is better for construction. Any advice would be helpful.
A. Do things once, the best way. A deck isn’t habitable, but a sunroom is, and a permit is required. Plans have to show structural support, energy and building code compliance. Rain, moisture and ice are your primary concerns. You need the whole story without the sales part. Just like any purchase, issues you might not expect are still important, like finding out what kind of oil to add to your snow blower before the engine seizes or that windows without factory tinting can allow ultra-violet sunlight rays to fade your carpet. As an architect for a largely popular sunroom manufacturer in the 1980s and ’90s, I experienced many issues with their construction.
BUY MY TIMESHARE: Many Beautiful Resorts To Choose From. Works On A Point System. You'll Love It. Call Cindy At Pinnacle Vacations 1-800-485-5632x1 And Reference ID 81322 and 81323
Pre-engineered panel systems are designed by the company, hopefully by engineers, and should come with plans, from the manufacturer, that can be sealed and signed by their in-house engineer. If not, plans may need to be drawn from scratch by an architect or engineer that you hire so those plans can be integrated with your house. Integrated means that the company generally just sells you a product and doesn’t necessarily give any indication of how to support the unit or how to attach the unit system to your house so that it won’t leak or move.
This is the general failing of the system, since, as I experienced with most of the installations, the part I could detail was free of leaking or movement, but the units themselves leaked nearly every time. We could detail how the edges of the unit could be sealed and redundantly weather-stripped and flashed, but the frames around the glass and wall edges would unseal and leak. I even met with the corporate president/ owner and identified the specific problems. Promises to correct leak issues were made but not kept, and eventually I gave up.
I looked at a two-year-old system while discussing other work for a home recently. The owner described the back-and-forth misery he and his family were experiencing with their sunroom and the company. Even 25 years after I gave up, the same company is still doing things the same way. You need a detail-oriented architect and installer, even if you think you don’t. The cost of doing things twice is much greater. Good luck.
AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-323-0160
SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS!
Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277
Novena
PRAYER TO THE Blessed Mother For Answering My Prayers. Thanks For Many Favors. G.F.
We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry
Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464
Wanted To Buy
COSTUME JEWELRY WANTED Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets & Rings. Also Buying Gold & Silver. $$ CASH PAID $$ 631-500-0792
Long Island / Will Travel
FINDS UNDER $100
Finds Under $100
AIWA NSX-AJ200 STEREO. Digital
Compact 3 CD changer. AM/FM Radio Remote, 2 speakers. $60 516-320-1906
ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREE, 6.5Ft, Lights attached. with stand, good condition FREE Jack Taylor (516) 486-2363
CARGO CARRIER, FOR rooftop, Soft, used once, call for specs, $50. (516)225-9191
GRACE FOODS, JAMAICAN style BBQ gift basket. $15. Valley Stream. (516)209-7970.
NEW BASEBALL H.O.F. "UNTUCKit" black shirt, large, $25 (Retail $50). (516)705-8398."
PICTURE FRAMES, ALL shapes, sizes, colors etc. Under $3.00 each or all $30. 516-225-9191
***MASONRY & CONSTRUCTION*** EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS! GIUSEPPE MUCCIACCIARO
We Do Pavers, Cultured Stone, Concrete, Bluestone, Blacktop, Fireplace, Patio, Waterproofing, Walkways, Pool Work. Lic#H2204320000 Family Operation Over 40Years. 516-238-6287
Cable/TV/Wiring
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069
E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC.
All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.
PAINTING & HANDYMAN SERVICE
Tired of calling a contractor & they don't call back? I will call you back the same day! 917-822-0225 Ricky Specializing in carpentry, bathrooms, kitchens, sheetrock, flooring, electric, plumbing. Over 25 yrs exp.Lic/Ins H3805150000
BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159
DO YOU KNOW what's in your water?
Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728
PAVERS- CONCRETE- BLACKTOP Book Now & Save On All Masonry Work. Driveways- Patios- Stoops- SidewalksWalkways- Stonework- Pool SurroundsOutdoor Kitchens- Family Owned/ Operated For Over 40Yrs. FREE Estimates. Lic# H1741540000. DANSON CONSTRUCTION INC 516-409-4553; 516-798-4565 www.dansoninc.com
PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.
PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496 Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells
SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473
GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391
PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. Family Plumbing. 516-825-3606
POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: Houses, Fences, Concrete/ Brick, Decks/Sealing. ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641
AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER?
STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679
INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.
PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
Telephone Services
CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682
T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *TREE REMOVAL *STUMP GRINDING *PRUNING. FREE ESTIMATES. 516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com
Satellite/TV Equipment
DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Health & Fitness
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172
ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW:
We’ve all known the feeling: a once-quiet street is disrupted when a bad neighbor moves in. The music’s louder, the yard’s a mess and the sense of safety starts to slip away. But what happens when the disturbance isn’t noise or trash — but hatred? And what if that hatred is coming from someone in a seat of power?
That’s what’s happening now in our political backyard.
Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has become a loud, proud opponent of the New York City Police Department and a defender of the rights of criminals at the expense of public safety. But his radicalism doesn’t end there. On the second anniversary of the brutal Oct. 7 attacks, Mamdani has dragged antisemitism from the political fringe and given it a platform in state government. He aligns himself with those who call for the destruction of Israel, echo slogans that endanger Jewish lives here at home, and justify or excuse violence when it fits their narrative.
This isn’t just about disagreement. It’s about the normalization of hate.
For too many families and small businesses in New York, high energy bills have become a serious threat to their stability and success. But that burden is not shared equally. A recent study by Binghamton University found that Black and brown households spend a disproportionate share of their income on average utility expenses. That same pressure is felt by the restaurants, retailers and other small businesses that anchor our communities, for whom higher bills mean tighter margins and fewer dollars to reinvest in jobs and growth. Rising costs hit our communities twice — once at the kitchen table, and again on Main Street.
Our elected leaders, however, have the opportunity to reorient the state’s energy policies to lower bills and protect our communities. To keep families
Not long ago, antisemitism was universally condemned. Today it has a microphone in Albany and, more disturbingly, growing political clout in New York City. Mamdani and his allies may dress up their rhetoric in the language of justice, but their actions send a very different message: that Jewish New Yorkers don’t matter and are not welcome. That their safety, their history and their place in our society are up for debate.
That’s unacceptable.
CThe rise in antisemitic attacks across New York hasn’t happened in a vacuum. When elected officials demonize Israel, harass Jewish students on campus and ignore violence targeting Jewish communities, they send a chilling message: that hate is tolerated — or worse, encouraged.
a record of supporting pro-criminal, anti-Israel, high-tax, job-killing legislation — sends a stark message: to our governor, political convenience outweighs principle. The party is not merely tolerating extremism; it is putting it center stage.
riticizing policies is fair. Debating foreign affairs is fair. But red lines can’t be crossed.
This isn’t a fringe voice shouting from the sidelines. Mamdani is a leading candidate for New York City mayor. And he’s not alone. A growing number of prominent Democrats, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, have rushed to support his campaign — signaling that what was once fringe is now moving into the mainstream. With this endorsement, Hochul’s moderate facade falls away, revealing a willingness to embrace policies far to the left. Backing Mamdani — a candidate with
It’s time to say enough. We must stand firmly with our Jewish neighbors. We must support law enforcement — which often is the last line of defense when hate turns to violence. And we must demand more from those in power, regardless of party.
Criticizing policies is fair. Debating foreign affairs is fair. But when those criticisms descend into chants for genocide or deny the right of Jewish people — or any people — to live safely, a red line has been crossed. Antisemitism isn’t a political position. It is hate. New York has long prided itself on being a home to people of every background and belief. But that only works when we agree to protect one another’s safety. When that principle is threatened — whether by extremists on the street or politicians in the Capitol — there is a moral obligation to speak out. Because when the bad neighbor moves in, silence isn’t neutral — it’s surrender. You defend your street. You defend your values. You defend your
neighbors.
There are ways to push back. Republicans in Albany have introduced legislation to give judges the authority to require or deny bail for those arrested for hate crimes. Other proposals would deny state-funded tuition to students who engage in antisemitic behavior. Colleges would be required to report antisemitic incidents, implement prevention training, and face the loss of state funding if they allow terroristaffiliated groups to operate on campus. Yet despite the urgency, Senate Democrats blocked these common-sense measures during the most recent legislative session.
Efforts are also underway by Senate Republicans to expand hate crime laws to protect houses of worship and hold accountable those who block access to buildings or disrupt community gatherings. Additional funding for the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant Program — expanded to include small businesses — would help vulnerable communities defend themselves.
And we support those in local government who support the men and women of law enforcement.
New York City’s unrest isn’t staying in the city. It’s at our doorstep. The choice is clear: hold the line — or watch the chaos move in.
Steve Rhoads represents the 5th State Senate District.
financially stable and local businesses thriving, policymakers must support a multi-pronged energy strategy to reduce overall costs, lessen disparities and foster a more reliable grid.
If energy affordability and equity are left unaddressed, high costs will continue to threaten household budgets and the survival of the very enterprises that drive opportunity in our neighborhoods. The ripple effects are enormous. When families are forced to spend more on basic energy needs, they have less to spend in local shops, less to save for education and less to invest in their future. When small businesses face higher utility bills, they are forced to cut back on hiring, scale down expansion — or in some cases, shut their doors altogether.
existing inequities. For Long Island, that could mean more families in financial distress and more businesses shutting down.
R enewable sources are vital to our future, but they can’t meet the demand alone.
As someone who has dedicated his career to bolstering our local economy, I have great concern about the longterm impact of sky-high utility bills. If households are squeezed and small businesses cannot survive, job creation stalls, local wealth declines and entire communities lose ground. Lawmakers must take this seriously.
impose the steepest costs on those least able to afford them.
For Long Island’s business community, the stakes could not be higher. Rising energy bills risk driving entrepreneurs away and weakening our competitiveness. For families, the burden threatens financial stability and quality of life. For both, the wrong policies could deepen historical disparities.
There is no question that New York must do its part to advance sustainability, but the avenues we take to pursue that mission matter. We need a path forward that considers all factors before making decisions that could limit energy resources and further drive up costs.
This is why energy policy cannot be treated as one-size-fits-all. Communities differ in infrastructure, housing stock and business needs. Policies that ignore those differences risk driving up costs, reducing reliability and exacerbating
That means pursuing a balanced energy strategy — one that lowers costs and ensures reliability while advancing toward a greener future. Renewable energy is vital to our future, and requires sustained investments. But renewables alone cannot meet demand without driving costs higher. Natural gas, nuclear, hydro, wind, solar and emerging technologies all play important roles in powering New York. Phasing out reliable sources prematurely would destabilize the system and
The Empire State has always risen to meet big challenges. By adopting a balanced energy strategy that values every resource, invests in innovation and never loses sight of affordability, we can do so again — and set a national example in the process.
Phil Andrews is president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, New York state’s largest African American chamber. He is also a member of the Long Island Power Authority’s Community Advisory Board.
Wantagh
Established 1990
Incorporating the Wantagh/Seaford
Charles
robert
Multi-Media
offiCe
2
Fax: (516) 569-4942
Web:
long Island is known for its beaches, its vineyards and its suburban sprawl. But a new report reminds us of something too often overlooked: The arts are one of the region’s most powerful economic engines.
According to the Center for an Urban Future, jobs in arts and culture on Long Island grew by a stunning 21.6 percent between 2014 and 2024. That’s five times faster than the region’s overall economy. The number of independent artists nearly doubled during the same period, fueling downtown revitalization, driving tourism and supporting small businesses. From muralists in Patchogue to theater productions in Huntington, creativity is reshaping the Island’s identity, and its bottom line.
And yet, just as this growth is transforming local communities, warning signs are flashing. The same report shows that the average arts worker on Long Island earns just $46,500 annually — barely half the regional average income. The number of performing-arts jobs remains more than 13 percent below pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, the costs of housing and living have skyrocketed, with housing prices alone climbing more than 60 percent in the past decade.
The math doesn’t add up. We are asking artists to do the impossible: generate enormous economic and cultural value for the region while surviving on wages that barely cover rent.
The problem isn’t talent or ambition. It’s support — or rather, the lack of it. Despite being home to 14.7 percent of New York state’s population, Long Island receives just 2.8 percent of grants
awarded by the state’s Council on the Arts. Less than 1 percent of federal National Endowment for the Arts funding in New York finds its way here.
And while state economic development councils are investing more than ever in arts projects statewide, only 3.1 percent of Long Island’s recent allocation went to the creative sector.
This chronic underinvestment has created what researchers call a “negative feedback loop.” Because the region has historically been overlooked, its institutions lack the resources to compete effectively for competitive funding, which in turn reinforces low funding rates. It’s a cycle that limits growth and puts Long Island’s creative vitality at risk.
The solutions are clear, and the payoff could be enormous. The Center for an Urban Future’s recommendations should be a wake-up call to policymakers.
Among them: dedicating 1 percent of county budgets to arts programming and operations, expanding the state arts budget, and creating a Long Island Grant Academy to strengthen the capacity of local organizations to win state and federal support.
The report also suggests converting underused commercial properties into cultural spaces, integrating the arts into tourism planning, and even embedding artists directly into government initiatives, as upstate Erie County has done successfully.
These aren’t fringe ideas. They’re pragmatic strategies to sustain a sector that has already proven itself indispensable. Arts and culture are not luxuries to be funded only in good times. They are infra-
But Mamdani is giving people hope, Jerry
To the Editor:
Re Jerry Kremer’s column in last week’s issue, “There are many reasons not to embrace Mamdani”: Nassau residents’ concern over Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, is curious, as we have no vote on the matter. Perhaps we sense the specter in our basement.
There are, I think, two reasons people embrace Mamdani — desperation and hope. Consider the central issues: housing, homelessness and “affordability,” increasingly enmeshed and worsening to the point of crisis. That’s desperation.
Housing, specifically urban housing, has been in decline since Ronald Reagan was president. Successive New York state and New York City administrations have failed to address the problem, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s and Mayor Eric Adams’s. Curtis Sliwa has no plan. They all focus on the flip side of housing, speaking of “involuntary commitments” to “treatment” in facilities that don’t exist.
That totally ignores the tens of thousands of shelter-living students who need no treatment beyond a stable home
structure — just as essential to the region’s economic vitality and community well-being as roads, schools and hospitals.
Consider the ripple effects: thriving downtowns anchored by galleries and theaters. Restaurants and shops boosted by performance-goers and festival crowds. Tourists are drawn to more than just beaches and wineries, while young families choose to stay because their communities feel vibrant and alive. At a time when many Long Island towns struggle with empty storefronts and affordability crises, creativity has been a rare and steady growth engine.
To jeopardize this progress through neglect would be shortsighted. As Jonathan Bowles, the center’s executive director, put it: “Unless county leaders and the state step up, Long Island risks losing the very creativity that is powering its success.”
Leaders in Nassau and Suffolk counties must recognize that a modest investment today could safeguard the region’s cultural and economic future. Allocating just 1 percent of county budgets to the arts —around $80 million annually — would not only stabilize existing organizations but also unlock additional state and federal dollars. That kind of leverage is how Long Island can finally get its fair share.
The arts have already proven what they can do for Long Island. The question now is whether Long Island will do right by the arts. If we want downtowns that hum with life, economies that diversify and communities that feel worth staying in, then investing in creativity is not optional. It’s essential.
Libraries are precious, and must be treated with care
some of my most enduring memories involve libraries. Attending “Story Hour” at the local library with my mother as a child. Working my way through college staffing the Circulation desk and re-shelving books. Viewing the special exhibits at Oxford University’s Bodleian library while serving as a visiting scholar after retiring from Adelphi. Writing my book on university governance while serving as an Allen room Scholar at the new york Public library. Showing the Gutenberg Bible to a grandson while visiting the Morgan library.
libraries are precious homes for books and other materials that preserve and interpret the past, stir curiosity and the imagination, and nurture future generations. They are celebrated worldwide on International literacy Day, Sept. 8.
Andrew Carnegie recognized the importance of libraries over a century ago, when he began supporting free public libraries as places of congregation and education. Carnegie believed that access to information and knowledge
would help those from limited household circumstances advance in careers and civic engagement. That certainly was the case for me.
The heart of a library is the librarian. librarians are licensed professionals with graduate degrees. They are experts in collecting sources of information and ensuring that valid and valuable knowledge is available. They monitor access to age-appropriate materials and make decisions based on evidence, not emotion.
Jtargeted books focus on sexual identity and racism, including slavery.
The lone Supreme Court ruling against book bans, from long Island, no less, was Board of education, Island Trees Union Free School District no. 26 v. Pico, in 1982. Some think it could be overturned by a new case from Texas focusing on the removal of 17 books deemed “obscene” and “pornographic,” including Maurice Sendak’s childhood classic, “Where the Wild Things Are.”
ust like doctors and scientists, the expertise of librarians is now questioned.
librarians build collections according to mission and library type. They not only promote literacy, foster education and encourage critical thinking, but also offer free access to technology. They support teachers and effective teaching. Businesspeople and professionals as well as students use libraries, and seek the help of librarians, for research assignments of all kinds.
But these temples to truth are being threatened by initiatives to ban books and dismantle the federal Institute of Museum and library Services. Pen America, a nonprofit literary and freeexpression advocacy group, found 10,046 instances of book bans in the 2023-24 school year. It noted book bans in 29 states and 220 public school districts, including on long Island. Most of the
address. The candidates speak of police and clearing the streets, but not of where this refuse would go. Cuomo’s plan is, again, only poetry in future tense while the desperation is now. A “rent freeze” is not “moderate,” but “moderate” has failed. The point is to keep people in their homes, now.
“Socialism” has worked well for the wealthy — maybe it should work a little for the poor as well. For all the obvious obstacles of Mamdani’s proposals, he alone names the problem, addresses its immediacy, acknowledges its multiple entwined factors and sees the human families entangled in those larger forces. That’s where the hope comes from, reflected in votes. It is a hope readily transferable to any other willing leader, but if hope comes only in Muslim garb …
BrIAn Kelly Rockville Centre
To the editor:
re r andi Kreiss’s column in the Sept. 25-Oct. 1 issue, “Is our democracy suffering growing pains”: The United States is approaching the 250th anniversary of this political experiment. Kreiss’s op-ed attempted to place the blame on MAGA for the decline in our country, and I respectfully dis-
agree.
Banning books denies freedom of speech. In the past, such efforts were isolated and local. now these campaigns are national, and simply compile lists of books to be banned whose subjects or authors — especially Black authors — are deemed questionable without any evidence. In years past, books such as Walt Whitman’s “leaves of Grass” and Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn” were banned, until successful lawsuits returned them to library shelves.
On long Island, there are 120 public libraries and 125 public school districts with 656 schools. Public libraries are governed by boards of trustees and funded by fundraising, tax revenue and government grants. They are essential to high-quality schooling and are vital community resources, especially in
■ Standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance has always been a mainstay of our country, until people on the left attempted to turn any display of national pride into a signal of racism.
■ Many on the left applauded the assassination of Charlie Kirk, who was simply engaging young college students in active, respectful debate.
■ not knowing who was running our country as Joe Biden was in mental decline was a huge threat to our democracy. Who used the autopen? Who issued the pardons? Who ran our country?
■ The Democrats wrote the book on using the Department of Justice to go after political opponents, and now have the nerve to complain when it is used against them. They weaponized the FBI to arrest political opponents like Gen. Michael Flynn, Peter n avarro, r oger Stone, Steve Bannon and Paul Manafort, to name a few. now the republicans have indicted Jim Comey as the tip of the spear, with many more to follow. Thank you, Democrats, for paving the way.
■ Arresting a former president for the first time in our nation’s history and attempting to incarcerate and bankrupt him is more proof that Democrats are more of a threat to our democracy.
■ If they gain control of both chambers of
rural and low-income regions.
According to one national report, “the American library . . . is a barometer of where we currently stand as a society when it comes to access to knowledge and information.” libraries host listings of employment opportunities, provide health care bulletins, are sources of election information, make textbooks available for free, lend audio books for the hearing-impaired, offer citizenship classes, and open their rooms for community gatherings.
It seems that increasing numbers of people question the expertise of librarians, just as they question the expertise of doctors and scientists. none of these professions is infallible, of course. What sets them apart is that they are honorbound by professional codes of ethics, and change their conclusions when new evidence is uncovered. For the librarian, this means curating as well as collecting and storing sources of information, whether on discs, in the cloud or in books.
The Swedish designer Josef Frank said, “The world is a book, and the person who stays at home reads only one page.” The librarian is our travel guide to new vistas through books, and libraries are our vehicles. We should treat them with care.
Robert Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author, with Drew Bogner, of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate.”
Framework by Tim Baker
Congress, we can look forward to making Puerto rico and Washington, D.C., states, packing the Supreme Court, and reopening our borders. Another B.S. impeachment will follow. Sounds undemocratic to me.
■ I could go on, but I will only add one more thing. I challenge you to put on a red “Make America Great Again” hat and walk the streets of Manhattan — especially the Upper
West Side — and report back on your First Amendment right of freedom of speech and expression. To all the people on the hard left, if you want to see the real threat to democracy, simply look in the mirror. I enjoy the fact that President Trump lives rent free in the heads of the liberal left. God bless America.
