East Meadow Herald 07-24-2025

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Raising a glass for Fire Fest

The East Meadow community gathered for Fire Fest on July 12, an event hosted by the East Meadow Fire Department that sports a beer garden, live music, food trucks and more to support the efforts of local heroes. Above, Tyrik Brown, Briana Polidora, Matt Pretter, Kristin Rindos and Jocelyn Mondra at Fire Fest. Story, photos, Page 3.

Robert Neary

lives of Kiwanians

Three East Meadow Kiwanians — Mary Mannino, Norma Gonsalves and James Surless — will forever be remembered through the recent planting of memorial trees at Speno Park.

All three, who died during the past year, were honored at a July 12 ceremony, when community members gathered to pay tribute to individuals who truly embodied the spirit of Kiwanis.

ing Kiwanis Club members, elected officials, the families of those being honored and the East Meadow Fire Department, in which Surless was a commissioner.

Parisi touched upon what planting a memorial tree means to East Meadow.

brings tribute show back to his hometown A s a tree flourishes, it reflects healing and the enduring impact that Mary, Jim and Norma had on our lives.

As Robert Neary gazed out into a sea of faces singing back at him last year, he saw the dream he’d been chasing for decades come to life. Over 10,000 people crowded Eisenhower Park, the place he once called his “backyard” as a kid growing up in East Meadow — the same park where he once played Little League baseball and rode his sled down snowy hills now stood as a symbol of his success.

His concert on July 10 marked his third consecutive year returning to his hometown with his touring tribute band “So Good! The Neil Diamond Experience.”

“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t performing,” Neary said.

As a kid, he would sing along to Elvis Presley albums, and whenever company was visiting, he would take out his guitar and put on a show.

Throughout his childhood, his dream of becoming an actor never faltered. During his teenage years, he took acting classes at Nassau Community College, where he would make a momentous decision.

“After one of the classes, the professor asked me to stay after,” he recalled. “He said, ‘You know what, you’re wasting your time here. You need to be out in California.”

With no hesitation, Neary moved to Los Ange-

Joe Parisi, East Meadow Kiwanis Club’s immediate past president, said that for decades, the club has been memorializing those who’ve died during each calendar year with a tree. The ceremony usually is held during East Meadow Community Day in June, a free event open to the public, but it was canceled this year due to rain.

JoE PARiSi

Immediate past president, Kiwanis Club of East Meadow

“It is an act of continuation, a way to let life emerge in the face of loss,” he said. “As a tree flourishes, it reflects healing and the enduring impact that Mary, Jim and Norma had on our lives. Unlike a headstone, a tree changes with the seasons, showing that remembrance does not stay still. It evolves — it roots the memory of your loved one in the earth itself, creating a sense of harmony and peace.”

The club re-scheduled the dedication for this month, invit-

The trees for Mannino, Gonsalves and Surless were added to a plot of about 15 additional memorials in Speno Park, directly facing East Meadow

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Stay Connected this Year:

Their legacy lives on with three, new memorial trees

Avenue. Other areas throughout the park are adorned with additional tree plots, Parisi told the Herald, and the club works with the Town of Hempstead to get new trees planted each year.

Melody Schiller, the Kiwanis Club’s current president, led the July 12 ceremony, inviting people to speak on behalf of those being remembered. Each tree features a small plaque engraved with the name of the person being memorialized, along with a short statement embodying the work accomplished by the Kiwanian.

Kathy Wilson, Mannino’s longtime friend, said she was an “excellent nurse, loving wife, mother and grandmother and a valued friend.” A devoted Christian, Mannino also was very involved with activities in her church, St. Raphael’s in East Meadow. Mannino died on May 17, 2024, at age 85.

“After retiring, Mary continued in her mission of being a nurse by driving neighbors to their medical appointments, as well as giving them medical assistance in their time of need,” Wilson said. “Mary was a devoted Kiwanis member and served as a Key Club advisor at East Meadow High School. In conclusion, Mary was a wonderful friend, nurse, wife and grandmother — she is truly missed by all who knew her.”

Gonsalves, an educator, founder of the Council of East Meadow Community Organizations’ crime watch unit, and a former presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature, died on Feb. 4, at age 90. Liz Fries, a distinguished past lieutenant governor of Kiwanis, who worked with Gonsalves in many capacities throughout her life, called her an “energizer bunny.”

“Norma was Norma,” Fries said. “She loved her family and her community. She was very passionate about her work with CEMCO, crime watch, beautification (projects) and most of all, children. She was a dear friend, and she is sorely missed by all — we dedicate this tree in her memory.”

Surless, who died on Oct. 28, 2024, at age 82, was a commissioner in the East Meadow Fire Department and was involved with many organizations and activities in the community and beyond.

“My dad loved serving the community,” his son, also named James, said. “He was a man of deep faith and a man of family. He believed in kindness and service and the quiet power of helping others without expecting anything in return.”

“He had a real love of people,” Ross Schiller, immediate past lieutenant governor of Kiwanis, said of Surless. “I can’t tell you how many times he mentored me when I was unsure of how to do different things. He was always a positive voice.”

John Priest, a commissioner in the East Meadow Fire Department who served alongside Surless, said a tree is a perfect way to memorialize each person who was honored on July 12.

“But for Jimmy, you don’t always notice a tree,” Priest said. “It’s not something that comes flashy right in front of you. Jim just did the job — he was always there. He was steady and he was a strong influence. Just like a tree is going to grow, we’re not going to stare at it every day, but suddenly we’re going to see it move in the wind — we’re going to realize it’s here, casting shade, giving service in a quiet, unassuming way — and that was Jim Surless.”

Among the elected officials who attended the ceremony were Town Clerk Kate Murray, Town Councilman Dennis Dunne, State Assemblyman John Mikulin, County Legislator Tom McKevitt and a representative from State Sen. Steve Rhoad’s office.

McKevitt, who resides in East Meadow, said he often thinks “too many” trees are being planted each year, which is sad because it means someone influential has died.

“But in the other regard, it’s actually a great thing,” he said, “because each of these trees symbolize a person who went and gave back to their community, selfless, not asking for anything in return. It’s what makes East Meadow such a wonderful community, that we have all these trees, because each one represents a person who went above and beyond to make this a great place.”

Speno Park is at 745 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow. Visit EastMeadowKiwanis.org to learn more about the organization and its efforts in the community.

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Jordan Vallone/Herald
three east meadow Kiwanians, norma gonsalves, mary mannino and James Surless, were honored with a memorial tree in Speno park on July 12. plaques were placed in front of their trees to formally cement their legacy in east meadow.

East Meadow supports local heroes at Fire Fest

East Meadow showed support for their local fire department at Fire Fest, a craft beer event featuring live music and outdoor activities, on July 12.

Attendees were given the opportunity to sample beer from over 25 different brewers and distillers, all for free. These drinks were accompanied by three food trucks — The Filthy Pig BBQ, Bella’s Empanadas and First Class Food Trucks.

Throughout the festival, people competed in axe throwing, lounged at the cigar bar and participated in various lawn games.

The event also featured country line dancing, led by Dancing with Deanna, along with live music from SouthBond, a Long Island-native country and classic rock band.

Each year, Fire Fest is held to show appreciation for East Meadow Volunteer Fire Department and EMS first responders from Engine Company 4 and Ladder Company 2, who are both dedicated to serving the community and saving lives.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos
The East Meadow community recently celebrated Fire Fest, bringing together people to sample drinks, listen to live music and support the efforts of the East Meadow Fire Department.
Axe throwing was among the activities at Fire Fest. Arianna Francis and Jamie Bopp above with Vincent Hopkin.
Attendees danced along to live music in front of the bandstand at Fire Fest.
Many local breweries were on hand at the event. Above, Brendan Burk of Jones Beach Brewring with Allison Moloney.
Alyson Leonard and Kevin Leonard of Long Ireland handed over a sample of beer to Artie White and Brad Demino.

In Elder Law Estate Planning There’s

More Misinformation than Information

Recently, we came across an article by a syndicated columnist that claimed that if you put your house into an irrevocable trust you lose your exclusion from the capital gains tax on the sale of the primary residence — $500,000 for a couple and $250,000 for a single person. The writer, being a financial planner and not a trust and estates lawyer, and despite claiming to be an “expert”, was apparently unaware that there are many different types of irrevocable trusts. One of the most common irrevocable trusts, the Medicaid Asset Protect Trust (MAPT), is designed to preserve these exclusions. MAPT’s are “grantor trusts” which mean they remain in the grantor’s name for all income and capital gains tax purposes. This leads into a very common problem. Too often, clients receive advice on trusts from financial advisors, accountants and family lawyers, believing they are getting a professional opinion. We say that what they are actually getting is a personal opinion coming out of a professional’s mouth.

We often make the analogy that if, unfortunately, you have cancer then you want to

get advice from an oncologist, not your family doctor. If you have an elder law estate planning problem, you want to talk to an elder law estate planning attorney, not your general lawyer, financial advisor or accountant. Well-meaning professionals often give incorrect information.

Here are the most common myths about the MAPT:

• Myth: You can’t sell the house - Reality: We have done it thousands of times. The money is paid to the trust and remains protected. The trust can purchase another house, a condominium or simply invest the money and pay you the income.

• Myth: You can’t change the trust - Reality: You may change the trustees, or who you are leaving it to, at any time.

• Myth: You can’t take money out of the trust

- Reality: You get all the income (interest and dividends) and you may gift virtually any amount tax-free to your children.

• Myth: You cannot undo the trust - Reality: In New York you may revoke an irrevocable trust on the consent of all named parties. If one will not sign, we have a workaround.

Crime watCh

Petit LarCeny

Orbelina Alvarez De Moreno, 64 of Westbury, was arrested for shop lifting at the Saks Off 5th on July 9.

Jessica Wyttenbach, 50, of East Hills was arrested for shoplifting at the Target in Westbury on July 10.

A victim reported that an unknown male subject stole $180 from the 7-Eleven in East Meadow at 391 East Meadow Ave. on July 11.

Harjinder Kaur, 38 of North New Hyde

Park, was arrested for shop lifting at the BJs Wholesale Club in Westbury on July 14.

Olivia Bessegato, 22 of Sunnyside, Queens was arrested for shop lifting at the Target in Westbury on July 15.

CriminaL misChief

A victim reported that an unknown subject damaged the front windshield parked at 24 Saucer Lane in Levittown on July 9.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Crime briefs

Man dies following MRI machine incident

A 61-year-old man is in critical condition following a medical emergency at an imaging facility in Westbury on July 16 around 4:34 p.m., police said.

According to detectives, officers responded to a 911 call for an aided case at Nassau Open MRI, located at 1570 Old Country Road. Upon arrival, officers were informed that the man had entered an MRI room without authorization while a scan was in progress.

The man was wearing a large metallic chain around his neck, which caused

him to be pulled into the MRI machine, resulting in a medical episode.

The Nassau County Police Department responded and transported the man to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. An investigation ensued.

The NCPD reported on July 17 that the victim had died as a result of his injuries, and was declared deceased by a hospital physician on July 17.

Man arrested for burglary, trespassing

A 45-year-old undomiciled man was arrested in East Meadow after allegedly stealing from a Walmart and violating a trespass ban, Nassau County police said.

The incident occurred Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., at the Walmart located at 2465 Hempstead Turnpike. Officers responded to a report of a disturbance and were informed by loss prevention agents that a man had selected and concealed multiple cans of electronic duster, then exited the store without paying.

Following an investigation, police located the man, identified as Michael

Woodsby, 45, and found him in possession of the stolen items. He was taken into custody without incident, and no injuries were reported.

Police said Woodsby had previously been banned from entering all Walmart locations due to a trespass order. Woodsby is charged with thirddegree burglary, unlawfully possessing noxious matter, and inhalation of hazardous vapors. He was arraigned on July 10 at the First District Court in Hempstead.

Board of ed. installs new leadership, trustees

The East Meadow School District Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting on July 1. The meeting saw the installation of the board president and vice president, and three new trustees were sworn in.

The meeting opened with the swearing in of Kenneth Rosner for his third year as superintendent of schools.

Newly elected board trustees Dana Fernandez and Siobhan Licastro, along with incumbent trustee Nancy Widman, then took their oaths of office, each for a threeyear term.

“It is my pleasure to serve another term on this board of education,” Widman said. “Thank you, East Meadow community, for

East Meadow Superintendent of Schools Kenneth Rosner was sworn in for his third year during the board of education’s reorganization meeting on July 1.

your trust and continued support and partnership. We will be working together to build a strong future for all of our students.

The meeting continued with the swearing in of Judy Kandel as the district clerk and Jeanne Puma as the district treasurer.

Following nominations, Jessica RiccoSimeone was also elected president, and Maria Talluto was elected vice president of the board of education for the upcoming school year.

“Congratulations to our newly elected board members,” Ricco-Simeone said. “We are looking forward to a wonderful school year.”

Photos courtesy East Meadow School District Jessica Ricco-Simeone was sworn in as the president of the East Meadow Board of Education.

Fire safety, tips and tricks for the summer

With the warm weather rolling in, many New Yorkers are eager to kick off their summer vacation — whether it’s jet-setting to a new location, staying local with a “staycation,” heading to a campsite, or hosting backyard barbecues with family and friends. But as seasonal celebrations ramp up, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York is reminding residents that fire and injury prevention should be a top priority.

“The weather in New York hasn’t been our friend this year and we understand people have been cooped up and may need to take a summer break,” said Eugene Perry, president of FASNY. “Whether your family decides to rent a home or cabin, set up camp at a local site or make your backyard an oasis, fire and life safety are paramount.”

Rental safety: Know your surroundings

For families planning to rent a vacation home or cabin, Perry urged renters to take a few basic — but critical — safety steps before settling in.

“If you decide to rent a home or cabin, families need to make sure there are working smoke detectors and CO alarms throughout the house,” he said.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly half of all home fire deaths occur in residences with no smoke alarms or with alarms that malfunction. The NFPA also found that 37

percent of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms were present, and homes with working smoke alarms are half as likely to experience a fire-related fatality.

“A simple check that your vacation spot has working CO alarms and smoke detectors is an important step that can prevent a tragedy, and may save the lives of you and your family,” Perry said.

Camping safety: Keep fires controlled

Camping is a favorite summer activity for many, especially in New York State, where scenic parks span from the Adirondacks to Long Island.

“New York State has many beautiful camping areas to enjoy — from the mountains to the beaches,” Perry said.

“If families decide to camp, they should remember to keep fire safety as a priority.”

Campers are encouraged to learn how to safely build, maintain and extinguish campfires. The U.S. Forest Service reports that four out of five forest fires are human-caused. Dry summer conditions increase the risk, so it’s essential to check with local park officials or rangers to see whether fires are permitted.

Campfires should never be left unattended, and fires should be extinguished completely with water, not buried with dirt, as hot embers can reignite.

BBQ and backyard cooking: Grill with caution

A backyard barbecue can be a great way to spend time with loved ones—but grills can pose serious risks if used improperly.

“A BBQ is a great way to cook for the family,” said Perry. “But complacency around the grill can lead to danger and injuries. You should always exercise caution and keep the grill well away from structures and where people are playing or walking.”

According to NFPA statistics, children under age five account for nearly 39% of contact-type burns from grills each year. These injuries typically happen when a child bumps into, touches, or falls onto a hot grill or coals.

To avoid accidents, FASNY advises placing grills in open areas, away from walls, fences, and other flammable materials.

Pool safety: Watch the water

Swimming pools are a summer staple for many families — but they can be deadly without proper precautions.

As summer rages on, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York is offering tips to keep residents safe from fire and injuries.

“In the time it takes to reply to a text or turn off the oven, a child can fall into a pool and drown,” said Perry. “All pools should have appropriate barriers to keep children out when adults are not around. When the pool is in use, an adult should be designated to watch in case something goes wrong.”

About FASNY Founded in 1872, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York represents the interests of the state’s 80,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel. For more information, visit FASNY.com.

Courtesy

From Despair to Hope: Conquering Peripheral Neuropathy with Westbury Acupuncture

“It’s as though I’m stepping from razor blade to razor blade.”

“It feels like my feet are under attack by fire ants.”

“Like I’m walking on wet paint with rolled up socks.”

And you’re in this kind of pain all the time.

“It’s relentless, keeping you up at night and preventing you from doing even the most mundane tasks. Things that I used to take for granted, like wearing shoes and going grocery shopping. Two of my three children were getting married last year and I wasn’t even sure I was going to be able to attend their weddings,” shares Rose W.

Rose was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in 2015, a degenerative condition affecting almost 5% of people over the age of 55.

“My doctor sat me down and said, ‘Rose I’m so sorry to tell you this, but you have peripheral neuropathy. I’m going to prescribe you gabapentin to manage the discomfort but overall, neuropathy is untreatable.’ My first thought was, ‘we can cure cancer but you can’t stop my feet from hurting?’ It felt like a cruel joke.”

While neuropathy can be caused by a number of things including diabetes and chemotherapy, over 23% of neuropathy cases are classified as idiopathic. In layman's terms, the cause is unknown.

This was the case with Rose. “Basically every question I had was met with an ‘I don’t know.’ It was depressing to say the least.”

Eventually, Rose was forced to quit her job because the numbness had started to set in and prevented her from driving.

Fortunately for Rose, she came across an article in the local newspaper featuring Jae Won Kim L.Ac and his innovative approach to treating peripheral neuropathy. “At first, I thought it had to be a sham. After so many specialists told me there was no hope, here was this acupuncturist in the article claiming a 90% success rate in treating neuropathy! I just had to call, and I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am that I did.”

Jae Won Kim, founder of Westbury Acupuncture, says that cases like Rose’s are

incredibly common. “Almost all of my neuropathy patients have been told at one point or another that there is no hope. I like to think I specialize in offering hope.”

To quote the New York Times, “Chinese medicine proves itself where Western medicine fails.”

“Acupuncture has been treating complicated, chronic conditions like neuropathy for thousands of years,” shares Jae Won. “I start with a foundation based on this time-tested science and my clinical experience. I then tailor treatments based on a number of factors including the severity of your neuropathy, how long you’ve had it, whether or not there are any underlying factors, things of that nature. It’s because of these personalized treatment programs that we’re seeing such incredible results!”

Four months after treatment,

Rose is back at work and thriving. “Being back at work isn’t even the most exciting part,” exclaims Rose. “Not only was I able to attend my son’s wedding, but I could walk down the aisle! It was the most magical moment and I have Jae Won to thank for it. To think, I might’ve missed that.” Rose held back tears.

If you or someone you love is suffering with chronic pain that presents as burning, tingling, or ‘pins and needles,’ or you’ve recently been diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy, it’s important to know that there are options.

There is hope. Call (516) 500-8281 to schedule an initial consultation or visit WestburyAcupuncture.com to read more incredible success stories.

State Sen. Steve Rhoads opens district office

State Sen. Steve Rhoads welcomed a crowd of community members, families and local leaders from across the 5th Senate District to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for his new district office at 2900 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown.

The event celebrated civic pride and community connection, drawing strong attendance from all corners of

the district. Rhoads said the office reflects his commitment to accessibility and public service.

“This office is more than just a place where legislative work gets done,” Rhoads said. “It’s a community hub — a place where everyone should feel welcome to stop in, say hello or get help with an issue. I want people to know that my door is always open.”

Those in attendance included civic leaders, small business owners, disability advocates, Chamber of Commerce members, school board trustees, veterans, first responders and nonprofit partners. The new office serves constituents in Bellmore, North Bellmore, Bethpage, East Meadow, Farmingdale, Hicksville, Levittown, Plainview, Merrick, North Merrick, Old

Bethpage, Seaford, Wantagh, and parts of Westbury, Woodbury, Jericho and Syosset.

The Levittown office, centrally located within the district, is designed to provide easy access to constituents seeking assistance with state-related matters.

My mother may soon be applying for Medicaid. How does this affect funeral arrangements?

The latest Medicaid regulations now permit individuals to set aside a portion of their assets in an irrevocable trust account in order to have funds for future funeral expenses. When an individual approaches the time when Medicaid coverage seems likely, social workers generally advise families to look into this funeral pre-funding option.

Here’s how we can help:

• The Family will make an appointment with us to discuss just what we are to do when the death occurs.

• We discuss options and record their wishes not just about preferred funeral home services but cemetery, church, monument inscription, newspaper notices, etc. We inform the family of exactly what the funeral home and third party costs are at the present time.

• Funds to cover those expenses can then deposited in our FDIC insured PRE-PLAN Trust. The Trust pays sufficient interest to allow us to guaranty those future funeral home costs into the future.

• While the funds remain in the name of the individual going on Medicaid, eligibility to receive Medicaid coverage is not affected.

If we can help you with this important matter, call us and our knowledgeable staff will answer your questions. Moreover, there is no cost involved in establishing a PRE-PLAN Trust.

Courtesy Office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads
Civic leaders, small business owners, Chamber of Commerce members, school board trustees, veterans and more were among the attendees at State Sen. Steve Rhoads’ grand opening of his district office.
Thomas L. Kearns

Robert Neary stars in third annual show

les at the age of 20 to pursue a professional acting career. He went door to door, resume in hand, searching for an agent who would represent him. He faced rejections, he recounted, but on his ninth try, he found someone willing to take him on as a talent.

His career took off, landing him a role opposite Jason Bateman in “Teen Wolf Too” and a guest-starring appearance on the TV show “Fame.” He was eventually offered the chance to play Officer Frank Marino on General Hospital, a role he would continue with for two years.

In 1996, he decided to pursue musical theater, which allowed him to act and perform music simultaneously. He auditioned for Smokey Joe’s Cafe on Broadway, a musical revue featuring the songs of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, a songwriting duo with many 50s and 60s hits to their name, including several from Elvis Presley.

He got the part, bringing him back to New York City.

“I never thought I’d be on Broadway,” he said. “I grew up with Elvis Presley’s music, so it was just meant to be.”

There, he also met his future wife, Natasha, who would later join him on his ventures on stage.

He started to miss the small screen, so he made his way back to LA, going on to make numerous guest appearances in TV shows, movies, and commercials. However, despite his success, there was one persistent challenge. After years with one agent, his opportunities would become less intriguing. As someone who was always on the move searching for his “big break,” he struggled to ride out these low points. He knew that if he were to switch agents, he would need to start from scratch, but he decided to do it anyway.

“Every time I thought I had that big break, it never accumulated into anything huge,” he said.

As time passed, the industry’s landscape also began to shift. His offers dwindled, and eventually, he struggled to land a single role. He realized he needed to adapt and reinvent himself.

In 2018, Neil Diamond retired, and tribute projects dedicated to his legacy soon emerged. Months after Diamond’s retirement, Neary came across an article about a Neil Diamond Broadway musical, and he jumped to audition, only to learn that it was a rumor. After telling his family, his brother brought up that he had recently seen a Neil Diamond tribute and encouraged Neary to start his own.

Neary held onto the idea, practicing songs from his discography, until an opportunity arrived to take the act a step further. In 2019, he attended a Halloween party at the Heritage Club in Bethpage, where the Long Island-based band, The Mystic, was performing. Neary thought they were “absolutely incredible,” so he approached them with his tribute-show idea, and they loved it.

Neary and The Mystic spent the earlier parts of the coronavirus pandemic

the tribute show features the Long island-based band, the mystic, who robert neary collaborated with after seeing them perform in 2019.

thousands packed the open field at the Harry Chapin Lakeside theatre to see neary’s show.

recording tracks in the studio and sent them out to agents who helped bring their tribute project to fruition.

Over the last five years, the tribute act gained traction, and soon they were touring the country, establishing a name for themselves as the premier Neil Diamond tribute in the United States. After traveling from city to city, his journey brought him right back to his roots for the third consecutive year.

This year’s concert was particularly noteworthy, as it followed the release of the band’s documentary film — which has the same name as the tribute act — and showcases their first performance at Eisenhower Park.

“I had envisioned the whole thing. I hired a film crew, and they shot the first concert,” he said. “It was everything that I thought it would be.”

Since its October release on Amazon Prime, the film has been “extremely successful,” Neary said.

Amid the massive crowd, Neary was greeted by the faces of his former high

after leaving his hometown of east meadow as a 20-year-old to pursue acting in Los angeles, neary’s career has taken him all over the u.S.

school classmates and his parents, who were seated in the front row, while his wife sang alongside him.

Neary said that it’s essential to surround yourself with people who will sup-

robert neary on stage with his wife, natasha, during the July 10 performance.

port you, especially in his type of career.

“You can’t have the naysayers around you,” he said. “You need the positivity, and I have it — hopefully, this will just continue to grow.”

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Shark Patrols are expanding for summer

A shark fin poking out of the water is a telltale sign of trouble for beachgoers. Lifeguards in Malibu and Nickerson Beach spotted a nine-foot shark about 30 yards into the water July 15, calling all visitors back to land.

“We had a sighting of yet an unwanted friend in the area, a shark,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin said in Lido Beach a day later. “Our lifeguards do what they do best. They got their residents out of the water to make sure they’re safe.”

Clavin gave an update about safety protocols and shark sightings at Town Park Point Lookout in Lido Beach, explaining how the town aims to keep its waters safe for the summer.

“Our lifeguards are special,” he said. “They’re not only trained in lifeguard saving techniques and CPR, but they’re actually trained now in dorsal fin identification.”

Through an emergency grant request of $10,000 made by Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti and obtained from the county helped the town to add a new shark patrol drone and a Ski-Doo personal watercraft to its existing fleet. These tools will aid the lifeguards to carry out water monitoring and rapid response missions to protect beachgoers in and out of the water.

“I submitted for a grant to increase the amount of jet skis we have on patrol here for the town of Hempstead, lifeguards as well as drones,” said Ferretti, the Republican candidate for town supervisor, running against Democrat Joseph Scianablo. “I think by delivering that vital equipment, we’re going to make sure that residents of Nassau County and the town of Hempstead continue to enjoy the wonderful beaches and enjoy the summer.”

Chief Lifeguard Mike Romano oversees 36 staff members who watch the waters.

“If they see something immediately, they’re going to call ocean base,” he said. “We’ll shut the water for up to a half hour to an hour… then we’ll plan our day accordingly. We want the patrons to come down, enjoy the beach, the weather, and the ocean.”

In addition to increased shark patrols, Clavin said that the town’s pools will be open an hour later, now from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

As the water quality improves on Long Island’s South Shore, more fish return to the area — and with more prey, comes more predators.

“A lot of people don’t realize, in the last decade, we have had more sightings in two years than the previous 10,” Clavin said.

Christina LoBuglio, community aquaculture educator with the Cornell

Cooperative Extension of Nassau County, has a few tips for swimmers to stay safe when going to the beach.

“You’re entering their home when you’re at the beach,” she said. “They really don’t have good eyesight. Don’t go swimming in big schools of fish, because that’s their prey, or murky water where it’s harder for them to see.

If you’re wearing earrings, necklaces, jewelry, shiny things that are in the water, those look like fish scales.”

LoBuglio’s work focuses on restoration efforts in the local marine ecosystem.

“A few decades ago, we had a really large shark population, and that’s pelagic sharks and coastal sharks here in New York,” she said. “Due to fishing, poor water quality and a few other things, they went away. Now we’re seeing a comeback, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”

The state has set in motion new efforts to monitor marine life around Long Island.

On July 2, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation would work with the Department of Environmental Conservation to expand surveillance at beaches.

“We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime

a $10,000 emergency grant that will fund further equipment for lifeguards patrolling south shore beaches.

traditions,” Hochul said in a news release.

The movement for increased beach safety comes after a report citing an incident on June 25, where a woman was bitten by a marine animal near Jones Beach’s Central Mall, according to the parks department. She received care at the Nassau University Medical Center for minor lacerations.

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti secured

LIRR ‘Summer Saturday’ discounts returns

Gov. Kathy Hochul on July 2 announced the return of Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad “Summer Saturday” discount programs that enable monthly ticket holders to travel anywhere the railroads go and bring other guests for $1 each.

Each Saturday from now through Aug. 30, both railroads will honor all monthly tickets for travel to and from all stations within the LIRR or Metro-North Railroad regardless of what stations are printed on the ticket. Monthly ticket holders traveling Saturdays will also be able to bring up to two additional travelers for $1 per person each way.

The promotional tickets can be purchased via the TrainTime app under Family Fares or on board without incurring an extra charge.

“This is all about putting more money in New Yorkers’ pockets,” she said. “Whether it’s Long Island Beaches, Broadway shows and baseball games in the city, or hiking in the Hudson Valley, taking the train is the best way to get around. And by allowing monthly pass holders to bring friends and family along for just a dollar, we’re making it easier and more affordable for New Yorkers to ride the rails this summer.”

The announcement comes almost four months after Hochul said that the LIRR reached an on-time performance of almost 97 percent, which is three percent above the established monthly goal and nearly two percent over 2024’s record of 95.65 outside of the Covid years.

“Summer is time for outdoor fun with family and friends and the LIRR is ready to take you to everything that Long Island has to offer this summer at a

Travelers can take advantage of the LIRR’s

great price.?, LIRR president Robert Free said. “Summer Saturdays are an inexpensive way to access the fastest and most convenient way to travel between the City and Long Island. Skip the traffic and ride the rails to your favorite Long Island destinations.”

There will be no cross-honoring of these discounted tickets between the railroads, meaning LIRR customers cannot use their monthly tickets to travel on

Metro-North, and vice versa. Three Montauk Branch LIRR trains and one Ronkonkoma train and its Greenport connection are exempt from the program. They include the 7:13 a.m., 8:14 a.m. and 10:29 a.m. trains from Jamaica to Montauk, the 7:47 a.m. train from Penn Station to Ronkonkoma and its connection, and the 9:14 a.m. train from Ronkonkoma to Greenport.

STEPPING OUT Forever ‘Wild about Harry’

The beat goes on in the annual tribute to the beloved musician

Decades have passed since Harry Chapin’s tragic death, still his music and philanthropic initiatives remain at the heart of Long Island’s collective consciousness. Stuart Markus, the longtime mainstay of the local folk and acoustic scene, is committed to guardianship of the Chapin legacy, organizing what are now two memorial concerts each year.

Markus, based in Malverne, is clearly as fervent about Chapin’s music and humanitarian zeal as when he took on the role of organizing the tribute 22 years ago. From its start at Hall’s Pond Park in West Hempstead in 2004 to what became its longtime home at Chapin’s namesake theater in Eisenhower Park, and now in its second year at the Chapin Rainbow Stage at Huntington’s Heckscher Park, the concert’s appeal continues to grow. So much so that a second show has been added — at the Landmark theater in Port Washington on Dec. 2.

“Sunday Morning Sunshine.”

Meanwhile over 30 musicians will gather with fans, on Sunday, to share in the joy of the man and his music.

“Sometimes it’s hard to believe I’m still at this,” he reflects. “[After the first concert] I thought it would be cool to do this for a couple of years. Ultimately it became a cultural phenomenon.”

Folks livestream the event around the world, according Markus, who relates an unexpected email he received from a fan in Scotland.

“He wanted to plan a vacation around the concert, Markus says, chuckling, about the international response. “As long as there is enthusiasm, then I’ll keep doing it.”

Certainly that fervor shows no signs of waning.

“I’ve long thought it would be wonderful and extremely appropriate to do the show in Huntington, where Harry and Sandy lived and raised their family,” Markus says. “Harry is still held in such beloved regard by residents and public officials at all levels.”

Chapin’s shocking death on the Long Island Expressway en route to that ill-fated Eisenhower Park performance in July 1981 is very much rooted this tribute — for performers and the audience. In fact, several show regulars were among the crowd when what was supposed to be a joyous event turned into a vigil, according to Markus.

“Harry is so beloved in memory on Long Island,” Markus says. “You don’t have to look too hard to find someone who met him, whose school he did a benefit for, or someone who’s been helped by one of his charities. It’s so meaningful for the music community to come together and, in effect, do the concert he might have given.”

The troubadour’s catalogue always gets a creative interpretation by each act.

“I’ve always encouraged everyne to make the songs fresh and treat them as their own, however they imagine them. They’re not just reproducing them the way Harry did.”

Markus excited to include guitarist Gerald Bair, a longstanding member of Huntington’s folk scene, in this year’s lineup. Bair performs his rendition of

“A fan favorite, it’s an optimistic happy song about being in love,” Markus says.

Cantor Lisa Wharton, of Temple Beth Emeth in Mount Sinai, who performs with her husband Akiva Wharton, a percussionist, and Cantor Judy Merrick, of Plainview Jewish Center, return for their second appearance. They’ll do “I Wonder What Would Happen,” which Markus describes as an appropriately chosen “spiritual, gospel-feeling song.”

“They were a well-received addition last year and we’re glad to have them back, he adds.

The trio is, of course, joined by staples of the area’s music community. Returnees include Judith Zweiman, Martha Trachtenberg, Karen Bella, Roger Silverberg, Debra Lynne, Patricia Shih and Stephen Fricker, Roger Street Friedman, Media Crime, Christine Solimeno, Grand Folk Railroad, Robinson Treacher, Wonderous Stories, Toby Tobias, Mara Levine and Matthew Ponsot, in various ensembles.

As is their signature, Markus, with his trio Gathering Time, arrive on stage as the show nears its conclusion. Markus, with Christine Sweeney and Gerry McKeveny, perform their annual rendition of the iconic “Cat’s in the Cradle.” By then everyone is singing along.

Finally, as always, in the true spirit of Harry Chapin, all the musicians join together on stage for “Circle,” Chapin’s traditional closing.

“It’s such a philosophical but uplifting song and a fitting end,” Markus adds.

Just the way Chapin would want it.

More than just a concert, the free event, of course, involves a food drive. Concertgoers are asked to bring donations of nonperishable items to support Long Island Cares, the regional food bank and humanitarian organization founded by Chapin in 1980. Long Island Cares’ staff and volunteers will collect donations at a tent near the entrance to the stage.

Bring seating to the show, which is held rain or shine. It will also be livestreamed on Facebook and the Harry Chapin Foundation YouTube channel.

Magical Mystery Doors

If you missed Magical Mystery Doors during the band’s spring visit to Long Island, now’s your chance to check out this unique tribute act. The tight bandmates blend and layer the music to create something new and unique. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Doors changed the face of music as we know it. Their melodies have moved people everywhere to “Come Together” in their love of music. And that’s what happens at an MMD concert. Throughout the concert, the band combines some of these classic tunes in ways that surprise and delight time and time again. The melody from The Doors’ “Hello, I Love You” laying atop Led Zeppelin’s “Misty Mountain Hop.” The pounding beat of Zep’s “When The Levee Breaks” coupled with the serene strumming of The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence.” Also the thematic sequence of “The Rain Song” – “Riders On The Storm” – “Here Comes The Sun.” These arrangements take you on an unexpected and exhilarating journey. Friday, July 25, 8 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or call (516) 323-4444.

Best of Broadway

Sounds of the Great White Way return to Eisenhower Park with Neil Berg’s “100 Years of Broadway.” Back for its annual celebration of the greatest songs from the finest shows, the acclaimed touring Broadway concert never disappoints. The lively musical revue, hosted by Neil Berg, on piano, brings performers to light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred. He presents creatively revived arrangements of Broadway classics as well as thrilling numbers from some of the newest hits, along with his fascinating commentary and historical notes in between songs. This gorgeous, guided tour of the American art form that is musical theater, is a production both hypnotic and historical. The dazzling new edition is sure to have everyone humming along. Berg, an awardwinning composer-lyricist-producer, and his cast of vocal powerhouses brings everyone to their feet time and again.

Saturday, July 26, 7 p.m. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Contact nassaucountyny.gov for more.

July 24,

• Sunday, July 27, 8 p.m.
• Admission is free
• Heckscher Park, located off Main Street (Route 25A) and Prime Avenue, Huntington
Photos courtesy Keith Rossin
Everyone gathers to salute Harry Chapin during the rousing finale that closes the concert.
Cantors Judy Merrick, left, Lisa Ann Wharton and Akiva Wharton are all in for Harry.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

JULY 24

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 FoliesBergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: Ongoing

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

JULY

25

Tuneful notes Dean Karahalis and the Concert Pops visit Eisenhower Park for their popular annual summer concert. Their vivacious style appeals to all ages, drawing everyone into their performance with their intense energy and dynamic musicality. Hear a variety of rousing tunes, including the music of Broadway and Hollywood.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

•Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Mindful Morning

View Nassau County Museum of Art’s galleries in a small group session. Take time to observe, question and reflect without hurry, distraction, or judgment. Explore one or two works of art in the galleries, with intention as you focus on color, texture, form and personal connections during the series of three sessions. Join for as many sessions as you like. Each will be a different opportunity to enjoy art together. Program is capped at 12 people. $20 per session, $10 members. Registration required.

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: 10-11 a.m., also Aug. 8 and Aug. 22

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

AUG 3

Magic Rocks!

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

•Time: Movie begins at dusk

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

JULY 31

Summer sounds Christopher Macchio joins the Nassau Pops at Eisenhower Park for “Opera and the Classics.” Enjoy a lively evening that’s both familiar and unexpected.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

•Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer-topeer breastfeeding support group facilitated by a certified counselor. Open to new moms with babies from newborn to 1 year, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required.

•Where: St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre

•Time: Ongoing Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

•Time: 7 p.m.

Illusionist Leon Etienne has sold out venues all over the world with his blockbuster performances of Magic Rocks! Now he arrives on Long Island with his jaw-dropping, critically acclaimed hit show. You’ve seen him on “America’s Got Talent,” “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon, “Masters of Illusion,” and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us!” Hailed by critics as “America’s Rock Illusionist,” Leon is a worldwide hit with audiences, critics and producers. He’s recognized for his onstage charisma, a fast-paced, high energy, rock n’ roll performance style — and his no-nonsense approach to magic. This interactive, family-friendly spectacular showcases mind-blowing tricks, award-winning sleight of hand and non-stop laughter. Perfect for audiences of all ages, it’s an immersive experience filled with wonder, laughter and jaw-dropping moments you won’t soon forget. From Radio City Music Hall to Planet Hollywood Casino and from Studio City Casino in Macau to his very own theater on the beautiful island waters of Saipan, Etienne’s performance style attracts worldwide attention. Join in this unforgettable night of magic and you’ll see why. $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $31.25.

Art exhibit Adults and Children with Learning & Developmental Disabilities, a nonprofit agency with an East Meadow location, invite all to an opening reception of its art show East Meadow Public Library

•Where: 1886 Front St., East Meadow

•Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

•Contact: eastmeadow.info

Farmer’s Market

JULY

26

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County is back with its farmer’s market at Eisenhower Park.

•Where: Field 8

•Time: 9 a.m.-noon

•Contact: ccenassau.org

Unbox A-Saurus

Dr. Patricia Osiris visits with young paleontologists from Long Island Children’s Museum’s “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed” gallery. She plans to unveil a never-beforeseen dinosaur, if she can find a way to open its crate. Join her in the LICM Theater for this highly interactive show, when the audience will assist Dr. Patti in this “scientific” comedy. $5 with museum admission, $10 theater only.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

•Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also July 30

•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

JULY

27

Music for Sunday Afternoon

The Cambiata Cello Duo, Suzanne Mueller and Paul Lawrence Finkelstein, close out the series with a program spanning centuries and styles. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab a spot and soak in the sounds and scenery at the lawn at The Barn. Concert is included with admission and reservations are not required.

•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

•Time: 3-4 p.m.

•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

JULY

28

Lacrosse Academy

The Town of Hempstead brings its lacrosse academy to Speno Park, through July 31.

•Where: 745 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow

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

•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

•Time: 6-9 p.m., ages 7-13; 6:30-8:30 p.m., ages 5-6

•Contact: Call (516) 292-9000 ext. 7243

JULY

29

Bubble Magic

Check out Long Island Children’s Museum’s Bubbles exhibit for some extra sudsy fun. Through playful, hands-on experiments explore what makes a bubble form, what makes them pop and discover new creative ways to make bubbles. Stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to participate.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

•Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

JULY

30

Family movie night

Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. Enjoy “Transformers One,” the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but who once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Brian Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson.

•Contact: Call Gabriella Gennaro at (516) 705-2434

Summer tunes

AUG

Rock on with Half Step’s tribute to the Grateful Dead at Eisenhower Park.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

•Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

1 In concert

AUG

2

Eisenhower Park welcomes all to its annual Salute to Veterans concert, featuring American Bombshells and Rolling Stones tribute band Streetfighter.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

•Time: 6:45 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

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.

State Sen. Steve Rhoads will resume hosting Mobile Office Hours throughout the remainder of the summer and early fall.

News brief

Mobile Office Hours resume for Sen. Rhoads

State Sen. Steve Rhoads is once again hitting the road to meet directly with residents as part of his third annual Mobile Office Hour Tour.

Following two successful years and more than two dozen stops across Senate District 5, Rhoads is bringing his Mobile Office Hours back by popular demand—offering constituents more opportunities to speak one-on-one with their state senator at convenient local library locations.

“Accessible leadership means being present, listening, and staying connected to the people you serve,” Rhoads said. “These Mobile Office Hours give me the chance to hear directly from you about the issues that matter most— and that’s what drives my work every day. I’m excited to continue these con -

versations across the district.”

Appointments are required by calling Rhoads’ district office at (516) 8820630, though walk-ins will be welcomed if time permits. Dates and times are subject to change, so attendees are encouraged to call the office to confirm.

Upcoming office hours include Tuesday, July 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bellmore Memorial Library, 2288 Bedford Avenue; Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library, 999 Old Country Road; Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane; and Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Seaford Public Library, 2234 Jackson Ave.

–Jordan Vallone

SWEEPSTAKES

Courtesy Office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads

July 24, 2025 —

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

Public Notices

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR CABANA SERIES V TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ROBERT WINKLER, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 11, 2024, 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 August 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 524 Pontiac Road, East Meadow, NY 11554. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situated, lying and being at North Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 51, Block 479 and Lot 12. Approximate amount of judgment is $719,717.83 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616227/2022.

Matin Emouna, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 222115-1 154398

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-9, Plaintiff AGAINST PATRICIA FREUDENBERG, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 23, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 7, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 1733 Andrea Road, East Meadow, NY 11554. All that certain plot piece or parcel of

land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at East Meadow, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 50 Block: 556 Lot: 1. Approximate amount of judgment $627,019.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615071/2018. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee Tromberg, Morris & Partners, PLLC 39 Broadway, Suite 1250 New York, NY 10006 25-000683 85678 154448

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Peter Kramer, Esq., Referee. (516) 510-4020

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

Dated: 6/3/2025 File Number: 16-301208 CA 154549

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MASTR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES TRUST 2007-1 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1, Plaintiff, Against KAREN JONES A/K/A KAREN B. JONES A/K/A KAREN B. LICHTENSTIEN, ET AL, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 03/24/2023, 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, NY 11501 on 8/12/2025 at 3:00PM, premises known as 769 Van Buren Avenue, East Meadow, New York 11554, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at East Meadow, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 50 Block 436 Lot 4

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $765,254.16 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 601311/2019

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Flagstar Bank, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST Kelvin Puello a/k/a Kelvin R. Puello, Wendy Puello, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 5, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 11, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 518 Benine Road, Westbury, NY 11590. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Westbury, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 10, Block: 325, Lot: 6. Approximate amount of judgment $715,871.39 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602386/2020. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Wayne Wink, Esq., R eferee Frenkel Lambert Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-093408-F00 86078 154440

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., Plaintiff AGAINST RICHARD ORTIZ, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 16, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public

auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 7 Mockingbird Lane, Levittown, NY 11756. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Levittown, near Hicksville, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 45, Block 172, Lot 0048. Approximate amount of judgment $585,728.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604115/2018. Ralph J. Madalena, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-001737 86198 154446

LEGAL NOTICE

SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County. GITSIT SOLUTIONS LLC, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS SEPARATE TRUSTEE OF GITSIT MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST BBPLC1, Plaintiff, -againstUNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF MARIAN B. MARINO A/K/A MARION B. MARINO; DENISE P. MARINO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARIAN B. MARINO

A/K/A MARION B.

MARINO; NEIL JOSEPH MARINO A/K/A NEIL JOSEPH MARINO, JR., AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARIAN B.

MARINO A/K/A

MARION B. MARINO; MADELINE K. MARINO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARIAN B. MARINO A/K/A

MARION B. MARINO; MARYANN M.

RAZZANO A/K/A

MARYANN MARINO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARIAN B.

MARINO A/K/A

MARION B. MARINO; PETER J. MARINO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARIAN B. MARINO

A/K/A MARION B.

MARINO; MARIETTE E.

MARINO, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARIAN B.

MARINO A/K/A

MARION B. MARINO; MASSIMO GALLONE; PARKER JEWISH

INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH CARE AND REHABILITATION; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT) O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of the mortgaged premises to be foreclosed herein, Defendants Index No. 601775/2025.

Mortgaged Premises: 2228 1st Street East Meadow, NY 11554

Section: 50 Block: 213 Lots: 10, 11, 12, and 13 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a reverse mortgage to secure $$600,000.00 and interest, recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on November 2, 2011, in Liber Book M 36531, on Page 439, Control Number 2608, covering the premises known as 2228 1st Street, East Meadow, NY 11554.

The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the mortgaged premises is located.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 154486

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, Plaintiff AGAINST Anna C. Napoli, As Trustee Of The Juan Adalberto Gonzalez Irrevocable Living Trust, Juan Adalberto Gonzalez, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 21, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public

auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM, premises known as 336 Sylvan Lane, Westbury, NY 11590. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Westbury, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 10, Block: 316, Lot: 2. Approximate amount of judgment $527,199.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613758/2023. For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call (844) 400-9633. Paul Meli, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-097947-F00 86232 154586

LEGAL NOTICE At a Term of this Court, IAS Part 5, held in and for the County of Nassau at the Courthouse located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York on the 7th day of July, 2025. SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAU, PRESENT: HON. JEROME C. MURPHY, J.S.C. In the Matter of the Application of ZOGRAFOS BARKOURAS, Petitioner -against- TERRA FIRMA RESTORATIONS, INC. and ANDREAS BARKOURAS, Respondent, For corporate dissolution pursuant to NY BCL 1104 and other relief. Upon reading and filing the verified petition of ZOGRAFOS BARKOURAS, a 50% shareholder in TERRA FIRMA RESTORATIONS, INC., verified on July 3, 2025,

Let the respondents TERRA FIRMA RESTORATIONS, INC., ANDREAS BARKOURAS, the State Tax Commission, the Attorney General and all interested persons, show cause by submission of opposition papers at IAS Part 5 of Supreme Court, Nassau County, to be held at the Courthouse, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 18, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard, why an order should not be issued dissolving the corporation pursuant to BCL § 1104; and why an order should not be issued requiring the Corporation, its officers and directors to furnish a schedule of the corporate assets and liabilities and the name and address of each shareholder and of each creditor and claimant, including any with unliquidated or contingent claims, and any with whom the corporation has unfulfilled contracts; Sufficient reason appearing therefor, it is ORDERED, that a copy of this Order shall be published in East Meadow Herald, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY once in each of the three weeks before the time appointed for the hearing thereon; and it is further, ORDERED, that a copy of this Order and the documents on which it is based shall be served upon the respondents, the State Tax Commission, the Attorney General, and all other interested parties, in the manner prescribed in BCL § 1106, and that hard copies of all papers are to be submitted to the Court by the time of submission. E N T E R, Jerome C. Murphy, J.S.C. 154639

EDITOR/REPORTER

dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour.

516-365-5778

Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including

$19.30/hr.

• Monday-Friday; Shifts are assigned to the employee based on availability (8:15am-11:45 am, 10:45am-2:15pm, 11:30am-3:00pm) Lunch/Recess Monitors

$17.00/hr.

• Monday-Friday; 10:50am-1:30pm

Daily Substitute Teachers $125/day

• Monday-Friday as needed; 8:15am-3:15pm

APPLY ONLINE

• www.olasjobs.org or www.recruitfront.com

• Email: HR@northbellmoreschools.org

• Call: (516) 992-3000 ext.3023

The Merrick Before/After School Program is hiring for the 2025-26 school year.

We require mature individuals to provide quality childcare to elementary school aged children between the hours of 2:30pm to 6:00pm weekdays. Minimum 3 afternoons per week Experience helpful Competitive hourly wage

If interested email merrickbasp@aol.com or Call (516) 379-4245.

Sprawling Ranch

Welcome to 156 Lefferts Road, a beautiful residence nestled in one of Woodmere’s most desirable neighborhoods. Situated on an expansive 0.35acre lot, this home offers over 3,500 square feet of living space, perfect for comfortable family living and entertaining. Featuring 6 generously sized bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this home provides ample space for a growing family or hosting guests. The layout is both functional and inviting, with bright, open living areas and well-proportioned rooms throughout. Located in an ideal, central location, this property offers convenient access to houses of worship, schools, shopping, and public transportation—all while maintaining a quiet, suburban charm. With its generous proportions, gracious layout, and prime location, 156 Lefferts Road is a rare offering—perfect for the discerning buyer seeking elegance, space, and timeless appeal in Old Woodmere .

Real Estate Salesperson

In today’s world, bomb shelters are part of the conversation

Q. We live in Israel and, yes, we read your column. Our apartment building is just blocks from where a missile strike hit another apartment building and our hospital. Strange times we live in, when we have to run to our bomb shelter on the sixth floor when we hear sirens, just like you would run to the basement if a tornado siren went off. I was wondering, after neighbors were killed by missiles, is it possible to build a stronger safe room, because we need it and don’t want to die just because of where we live?

A. Fascinating question. I follow the news, and see the damage and fear from the sense of vulnerability you feel. When I received your question, I was, ironically, touring the behind-the-scenes research and testing facilities at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, just two days before bomber jets, like the B-2 stealth bomber I was standing under the wings of, were deployed to take out Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The massive impact of a missile is hard to resist, and although there are many military and non-military studies on bomb-proofing, there’s no one-size-fits-all scenario. The key to building a shelter that can resist a bomb is based on two basic premises. One principle of survival is to repel a bomb, and the other is to absorb the impact.

It’s interesting that engineers, whom I believe have played a strong role in our freedom over the centuries, studied, and succeeded in creating, designs that saved the lives of sailors on vulnerable P.T. boats. Those boat hulls were made of the same construction as concrete (gunite) pools. Gunite concrete has some of the highest construction strength achievable, at over 6,000 pounds per square inch.

MERRICK: 1 BR, 2nd Floor, No Pets. $1500/ Monthly. 2 Months Security Plus Electric. By Owner. 516-486-6139

The pools and P.T. boats are as strong as steel, and when all of the layers of steel reinforcement rods are contoured into the shape of a boat hull, they ships prove capable, as they did in World War II, of catching exploding torpedoes and absorbing the impact. In some cases, torpedoes survived, embedded in the boats’ hulls, so the boats had to be abandoned rather than return to port, and then the torpedoes were detonated. Most important, the sailors survived.

Missiles are another matter, however. I’m not aware of any building that sustains a direct hit being able to survive, so the important principle is to sacrifice the building for the sake of the occupants — just like sacrificing those P.T. boats. In the case of a bomb shelter, engineers have to approach the design by developing several feet of redundant shells, layered with shock-absorbing gel layers of material. The inner shell needs to be extremely strong steel or gunite — reinforced concrete — to resist the shock. I employed impact design when developing a high-security station for our military in Saudi Arabia, and then for a gun range project. You would need the area and money for such a lifesaving project. I hope you remain safe!

© 2025 Monte Leeper

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

Stuff HERALD

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Long Island’s water needs to be protected

long Island water users just won a major legal battle — but we are still far from winning the war for clean water.

HERALD

A $10.5 billion national settlement with the multinational chemical manufacturer 3M over the widespread contamination of drinking water with PFAS — so-called “forever chemicals” — includes over $250 million for public water providers in Nassau and Suffolk counties. This hard-fought-for financial relief will help cover the staggering cost of removing toxic substances from our drinking water. But it will be payment for damage already done, not a fix for what still threatens our sole-source aquifer every day.

Long Islanders rely entirely on a single underground water source, an aquifer that provides drinking water to more than 2.8 million people. It has been under assault for decades by chemical pollutants that seep through soil, spill into drainage systems and leach from landfills and industrial sites.

Among the most dangerous threats are PFAS compounds, man-made chemicals used in everything from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware that do not break down over time and accumulate in both the environment and our bodies. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to health problems such as decreased fertility, developmental complications in children and an increased risk of some cancers and immune system issues.

In more than a few of our communities, these pollutants have created brownfields — usually industrial or commercial sites that are abandoned,

letters

Lights of Hope against cancer

To the Editor:

I would like to thank the Herald for its support of the first annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Lights of Hope celebration at Glen Cove’s Morgan Memorial Park on July 12. The evening was a celebration of cancer survivors as well as a remembrance of those who have passed. By adding the event to your calendar, and printing a well-thoughtout story, you helped to raise awareness of the event.

I would also like to thank the City of Glen Cove and the wonderful people in the area for their support. And I would like to thank Loggia 1016 of the Sons and Daughters of Italy for their sponsorship. The event would not have been possible without the community support.

I’m happy to report that donations exceeded expectations, and we will definitely be back next year. Proceeds from Lights of Hope go

vacant or under-used, and where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by the presence or potential presence of at least one, if not more, contaminants.

The settlement is a victory for local water providers, many of whom have led the charge in holding chemical companies accountable. But it also shines a light on an uncomfortable truth: Long Island is already paying dearly for decades of environmental neglect.

Since 2017, more than $1 billion has been spent on installing and maintaining sophisticated water-treatment systems, according to federal estimates. And even with this financial award, residents and ratepayers will continue to bear the burden of ongoing operating costs.

So, while restitution is essential, it is not enough. The fight for clean water cannot begin at the filtration plant. It must begin at the source — with laws, oversight and habits that will keep our groundwater clean in the first place.

To policymakers: This is your moment to act. Strengthen oversight of chemical manufacturing, storage and disposal. Expand groundwater protection zones, especially near vulnerable recharge areas. Invest in forward-thinking, sustainable water infrastructure that protects our aquifer before contaminants reach it. Laws must reflect the seriousness of the threat, the indispensability of the resource and the fact that the water cannot be replaced.

To state and local agencies and appointed officials: It’s time to audit the regulatory framework governing industrial, agricultural and even residential activities that affect water quality. Permitting and enforcement must be rigor-

ous. No project, permit or loophole should be allowed to jeopardize our only supply of drinking water.

Long Island residents and business owners are part of the solution. Everyday actions matter — from how you dispose of household chemicals to the fertilizers and cleaning agents you use. Learn about the long-term impact of routine habits. Information is available from a variety of sources, beginning with local and state health departments. Support local clean-water initiatives. Vote for leaders who prioritize the environment. And above all, treat water conservation not as a suggestion, but as a shared responsibility.

This is not alarmism. It’s realism. The aquifer beneath Long Island cannot be replaced, rerouted or remade. We have no second source to draw from if it becomes too polluted or depleted. Every gallon of water pumped from below is a gallon we must protect with vigilance, policy and foresight.

Yes, the 3M settlement is a victory — but it should also be a warning. We cannot afford to celebrate a payout while the source of our water remains under threat. Financial settlements help heal wounds, but they do not prevent the next injury. That requires a cultural shift — from passive reliance to proactive stewardship.

Clean water is the foundation of our health, our economy and our communities. Long Island must now recommit — urgently, and collectively — to safeguarding the aquifer that sustains us all. Let’s make sure that in the future, headlines about our water celebrate prevention, not just compensation.

Neither NYC nor the state needs a socialist experiment

How far left is too far? This year, New York City may find out.

New York City is at a crossroads. After years of rising costs, intensifying crime and population loss, the next mayoral election will be a pivotal decision point for the city, as well as for the entire state. The policies pursued by New York City’s leadership often set the tone for statewide initiatives.

That’s why Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani’s success in the Democratic primary should concern every New Yorker.

As the ranking Republican member of the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee, I’ve spent years evaluating fiscal policy and advocating for common-sense, responsible government. And I can say with confidence: The Democratic Socialists of America’s agenda is unaffordable, and arguably even dangerous.

Mamdani is a self-identified democratic socialist who has made no secret of his radical goals. The DSA platform includes defunding police departments,

abolishing prisons, dramatically expanding government ownership of housing and taxing successful businesses and individuals into submission. These ideas may score points with farleft activists, but they don’t reflect the values or address the needs of most New Yorkers.

Let’s start with public safety. Since 2019, New York City has seen a rise in violent crime. Murders, assaults and hate crimes have all increased. Focusing on solutions that support law enforcement would be a reasonable approach, but Mamdani and his allies in the DSA continue to back policies that would make our neighborhoods less safe. He has advocated for decarceration measures and opposed investments in police staffing and training. Most people would agree that’s not what reform looks like.

courage investment in rental housing. The result would be fewer units, deteriorating buildings and more people left behind.

i understand voters’ frustrations, but Mamdani’s positions are out of touch.

Then there’s the economy. Under oneparty rule in Albany, taxes and spending have ascended to unsustainable levels. Despite warnings from fiscal experts across the political spectrum, Mamdani wants to push things even further. He has called for massive tax hikes on individuals and businesses to fund a growing list of government programs.

New York already has one of the highest tax burdens in the country. The consequences couldn’t be clearer. Families, and employers, are leaving in droves. Since 2020, more than a half-million people have moved out of our state. We simply can’t afford policies that accelerate that trend.

What’s perhaps most concerning is that, should Mamdani win the mayor’s race, he’ll need the support of the State Legislature to accomplish much of his agenda. The Legislature must stand as a bulwark against these extreme proposals. My Republican colleagues and I intend to do just that. Fiscal sanity, public safety and increasing opportunities for New Yorkers are at the core of our New York First agenda.

I understand the frustration many voters feel. New York City has serious problems, and the political establishment hasn’t always delivered. Mamdani’s campaign may be packaged in youth and energy, but his positions are deeply out of touch and downright troubling. New York needs leadership that respects our diverse communities, understands how to create jobs and knows the difference between aspiration and extremism.

Housing is another crucial issue. Like many, I believe we need more affordable housing. But Mamdani’s solution isn’t to encourage responsible development; it’s to wage war on private property owners. He championed the Good Cause Eviction bill, which would strip landlords of basic rights and dis-

Letters

toward cancer prevention, education and advocacy.

PETER O’CONNOR American Cancer Society volunteer

Editors’ note: The American Cancer Society’s 32nd annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Long Island walk will take place on Oct. 19, from 7 to 10:30 a.m., at Jones Beach’s Field 5. For more information, go to MakingStridesWalk.org/ LongIsland.

We’re safeguarding wildlife and waterways

To the Editor:

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of the state’s Environmental Conservation Law, protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York.

Last year, the Division of Law Enforcement fielded more than 105,700 calls, resulting in Environmental Conservation police officers and investigators across the state responding to more than 30,000 complaints and working on cases that resulted in 15,755 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal mining, the

illegal pet trade, and excessive emissions.

On July 7, three officers partnered with the Nassau County Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard for a boat patrol on the Long Island Sound. The officers checked boats and anglers for compliance with state fishing regulations, navigation law and overall boater safety. They inspected a vessel north of Glen Cove, and discovered an expired fire extinguisher, expired flares, and only four personal flotation devices for the five people on board. The officers issued a ticket and warning to the boat captain, terminated the voyage, followed the vessel back to a nearby marina and advised the captain that they could take the boat back out if they brought another PFD on board.

In separate incidents that day across the Sound, officers ticketed anglers for possessing undersized porgy and fluke, including one angler who had more than two dozen undersized porgy, the smallest measuring 8.5 inches. Porgy must be at least 11 inches to be kept when fishing from a vessel.

DEC officers are on patrol to safeguard the state’s air, water, wildlife and public safety. To report an environmental violation or incident, call (844) 332-3267 for 24-hour dispatch, or report non-urgent violations at dec.ny.gov.

Reckless tax hikes would drive away the very people who fuel New York’s economy. Attracting investment and innovation are what keep our state competitive and prosperous. Pushing people further away with punitive policies risks degrading New York into an unrecognizable shadow of its former self.

The next mayor of New York City won’t just lead the five boroughs — he could reshape state policy for years to come. That should concern every New Yorker. We deserve better than an ideological experiment. No matter who sits in City Hall, I will continue fighting for an affordable, efficient state where people want to live and raise their families.

Ed Ra, of Franklin Square, represents the 19th Assembly District.

Framework by Tim Baker

Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore

The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.

The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.

To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion

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