Franklin Square/Elmont Herald 07-31-2025

Johnny Maestro tribute band wows park crowd

Above, hundreds of concertgoers fill Rath Park for a summer evening of oldies and classics during the Town of Hempstead’s Neighborhood Concert Series, featuring Johnny Maestro tribute band Step by Step. The concert featured hits by the popular singer from the 1950s and ‘60s. Friends and families danced to the beat as the band rocked-nrolled, drawing a crowd of all ages to the nostalgic sounds of the golden era of music. At right, John Rigrod, of Northport, enjoys ice cream while taking in the evening’s music, reflecting on the times he spent as a child listening to Maestro. Story, more photos, page 10.

Community says goodbye to Valley Caterers

By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Valley Caterers, a cornerstone of the Franklin Square community for nearly six decades, will permanently close its doors on Aug. 17 after 58 years in business.

The family-run operation, known for its fresh baked goods, prepared meals, and community spirit, has long been a local favorite — especially around the holidays.

The closure marks the end of an era not just for Franklin Square, but for nearby communities like Valley Stream and West Hempstead, where generations of customers remained loyal to the deli and bakery.

father of Steven Dawideit, Valley Caterers began as a simple chicken and rib takeout spot. Over time, it evolved into a fullservice delicatessen, bakery, and catering hub.

Hank Martensen, who joined the business in 1982 and eventually became coowner with Dawideit, has spent 43 years serving the community.

I t was more than a business — it was part of the fabric of Franklin

Square.

lISA DEllIPIZZI Franklin

Square resident

“I commend them for being open for 58 years. That alone is astounding,” said Lisa DelliPizzi, a Franklin Square resident and former president of the Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce. “But I’m disappointed. People are so upset.”

Founded in 1967 by the

“We’re a staple in the community,” Martensen said. “We probably feed about 300 families for Thanksgiving alone, and we bake thousands of pies for the holidays.”

Martensen, 65, said the decision to close came after years of trying to sell the business.

“I knew I wanted to retire,” he said. “We couldn’t sell the business, so we’re selling the real estate.”

While Dawideit’s family is relocating to Texas, Martensen said he is staying on Long Island and will be spending time doing something he hasn’t had much time to do over the

Continued on page 11

Beth Moss, senior vice president of America Senior Benefits, lead a Medicare 101 workshop at the Elmont Memorial Library, helping seniors better understand their healthcare options.

Navigating Medicare: What seniors should know

By SARA LODESPOTO Intern

Many seniors ready to retire are still unsure about Medicare, with some finding it difficult to decide what plan is best for their individual circumstances. Beth Moss, senior vice president of America Senior Benefits, aimed to assist seniors through the process by hosting a Medicare 101 workshop at Elmont Memorial Library on July 16 to explain the jargon and the complexity of senior healthcare. Here are three things to know about Medicare for seniors approaching 65:

Part A of Medicare

Many seniors are eligible for Medicare Part A, which primarily focuses on hospital insurance and inpatient care, at no cost as long as they have a job history of more than 10 years. Moss recommended that most seniors enroll in part A because it places them into the Medicare system, making later enrollment into other plans easier. Although, the coverage part A provides is limited. As soon as a senior is admitted to the hospital with part A, the immediate deductible is $1,676 for up to 60 nights. After the 60 nights, the co-payment is $419 per day and doubles after the 90 day mark. Aside from the hospital deductible, part A will only pay for Medicare-approved skilled nursing care facilities for up to 20 days.

Part B of Medicare

On the other hand, part B is an additional cost based on seniors’ adjusted gross income from two years prior. Part B covers many different doctor services, outpatient hospital services and medical supplies. When seniors are enrolled in part A with part B, their doctoral and hospital needs are covered up to 80% of the cost. There are monthly fees associated with part B, Moss said, adding that if a senior makes $106,000 or less, the average fee per month is $185. On top of the monthly fee, she continued, there is a yearly deductible that increases, just as groceries like milk and butter would, in response to inflation. The current deductible for 2025 is $257.

Supplement Plan

To cover the remaining 20% of the original Medicare plan, seniors can purchase a supplement plan. These plans are from private companies used to cover uninsured things like prescription drugs, vision or hearing. Each of these private companies have different letters signifying the plans a senior can choose. Moss recommends finding the company with the cheapest supplement plan. They are identical among companies, Moss explained, comparing choosing plans to choosing a pen from BIC or Paper Mate they both work the same, but Paper Mate might be more expensive because people prefer the brand.

Kindness Camp connects kids and animals

By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Children in Franklin Square came together for an evening filled with animal interactions, gentle lessons and powerful messages of empathy during a special presentation hosted by Howie’s Heart and the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, on July 22.

Organized at the Franklin Square Public Library, the event brought children face-to-face with two rescue bunnies — Ollie and Benny — while teaching them how kindness to animals can ripple outward into the world.

It helps you become a kinder person.

EsthER DIaZ volunteer, Howie’s Heart

The experience was part of Kindness Camp, a fourday summer initiative created by Howie’s Heart, a nonprofit founded by Jen Camacho to promote empathy and inclusion among children, especially those with developmental disabilities.

“It’s about helping kids understand themselves and others,” Camacho said of Kindness Camp. Each day of the camp revolves around a theme — from building self-worth to giving back to the community — and activities often include crafts, storytelling and service.

On the second day, it included learning how to care for vulnerable animals.

Central to the program was Andrea Kominski, a member of the Nassau County SPCA, who introduced the children to the mission of the organization: to investigate cruelty complaints, rescue animals in need and educate the public on proper animal care.

Kominski, who has been with the SPCA for more than three years, gave the children an up-close look at what it means to rescue and rehabilitate animals.

The SPCA is a nonprofit law enforcement and rescue organization dedicated to the welfare of animals. Its officers respond to reports of abuse and neglect, often removing animals from unsafe environments and placing them in foster or adoptive homes.

The children were invited to pet and interact with the animals during the session — an experience that left many of them inspired.

“I learned that bunnies need help, love and care,” said 9-year-old Esther Diaz, who is attending Kindness Camp for the second year in a row.

Last year, she said she was too shy to talk much. This year, she approached the event with confidence. “I kept coming because I felt more comfortable — and I wanted to honor Howie.”

Howie, Camacho’s father and the namesake of the organization, was revered by Camacho and her two siblings, Melissa Cox and James Conklin, for his kindness and compassion toward animals. His legacy lives on through the

Children and volunteers gather for a group photo during the bunny-themed craft and rescue bunny event, hosted by

and the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, to educate kids about animal care and compassion.

work of Howie’s Heart, which has been serving the community for over a year.

Another camper, 9-year-old Taya Farkas, said the presentation taught her that animals need “more attention and care.” Already a dog owner, Taya admitted the bunny stole her heart and made her consider getting one herself. She also described kindness as “paying attention and being kind to each other.” Kindness Camp weaves these simple but profound lessons into each day of programming. The day before the SPCA event, campers read a story about “fill-

ing invisible buckets” — a metaphor for emotional wellness — and created cards and care packages for other children. They were each given a book to keep and another to give away, encouraging acts of kindness beyond the camp’s walls.

Camacho said the camp’s goal is to help children “feel like their buckets are full,” while giving them opportunities to fill the buckets of others. Whether through crafts, books or the SPCA’s animal rescue presentation, each moment is designed to foster compassion.

Alejandro Curbelo gently pets one of the rescue bunnies, learning how to approach and interact with animals calmly and kindly.

Esther said the camp was more than just fun — it was a place to grow. “It helps you become a kinder person,” she said. For Kominski and the SPCA, partnering with Howie’s Heart is about planting seeds of empathy that can grow into lifelong habits of care. By bringing rescued animals into these community spaces, Kominski said, the SPCA gives children a chance to see firsthand the impact of kindness and rescue — and to understand their role in protecting those who can’t protect themselves.

Cashing in Your Life Insurance Policy

Everyone knows that you may surrender a life insurance policy at any time for the “cash surrender value”. However, a better option may be a “life settlement” which pays more than the cash surrender value.

In a life settlement, you sell the policy to a third party instead of cashing it in. Here, the payment will be something greater than the cash surrender value but less than the death benefit. The buyer assumes the policy, pays the premiums and receives the death benefit.

There are many reasons why people want to cash in their policy. Paying the premiums have become a burden, they no longer need or want the death benefit or the money is needed for some other purpose.

There are some tax advantages to cashing in as well. Any money paid into the policy as premiums comes back to the seller tax-free (since the money used to pay the premiums was already taxed).

The purchaser of the policy will

determine the amount they are willing to pay for the policy based on the amount, if any, of the cash surrender value and the age and health of the seller. Since there are numerous companies out there you may “shop around” for the best offering. Some companies offer a “life settlement calculator” where you may go online, plug in all your information, and receive a quote within twenty-four hours.

You may hear of the term “viatical settlement” when exploring the issue of whether or not to cash in your policy. Viatical settlements generally pay more than life settlements but are limited to terminally ill policy holders with less than two years of life expectancy as determined by a medical professional.

Finally, if you want to do the best you can with your policy, but do not have the time or inclination to shop around, there are “life settlement brokers” who, for a fee, will do the shopping for you.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

News brief

Democratic legislators criticize illegal fees

Democratic legislators criticized a vote by the Republican majority to approve $3.2 million in additional funding for outside legal counsel to defend county-imposed fees that have previously been ruled unlawful or unconstitutional by state courts.

According to a news release from the Nassau County Legislative Democratic Caucus, the vote, which passed 4–3 along party lines in legislative committees, authorizes new legal contracts to support the county’s defense of several controversial fees, including the $270 tax map verification fee, the $300 mortgage recording surcharge, and the $45 Driver Responsibility Fee once attached to redlight camera violations.

The contracts will allocate taxpayer funds to outside law firms tasked with continuing legal challenges related to these surcharges, the news release said. State courts have previously ruled the fees to be excessive, improper, or unlawful.

County Legislator Seth Koslow and Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, both Democrats, reiterated their call for Nassau County to refund residents who

were charged the disputed fees. They also renewed support for legislation introduced by the Minority Caucus that proposes:

■ Reducing the tax map verification fee from $270 to $50;

■ Lowering the mortgage recording surcharge from $300 to $50;

■ Repealing the Driver Responsibility Fee and decreasing other Traffic and Parking Violations Agency processing fees from $45 to $15.

Despite prior court decisions and what the release described as “growing public concern” over the cost of living in Nassau, the Republican majority moved forward with the contracts. Each passed with only Republican legislators voting in favor and Democratic legislators opposed.

The legislative action comes amid ongoing litigation and public scrutiny over Nassau County’s use of fee-based revenue structures.

–Renee DeLorenzo

Bethpage Black preps for Ryder Cup

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

The Ryder Cup is coming to Bethpage State Park’s Black Course in Farmingdale Sept. 26 to 28 and preparations are in full swing for one of golf’s premier international events.

After three years of planning, work to install viewing stands, including two triple-deckers and eight double-deckers, with some flanking the first and 18th fairways, bleachers, hospitality tents and a large merchandise area began May 19 and will continue up until the first practice round Sept. 23.

“We’re expecting 50,000 fans per day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” 2025 Ryder Cup Director Bryan Karns said during a press conference held at Bethpage Black July 24. “Living in New York for the past few years and attending Jets, Yankees and Mets games, it’s an incredibly passionate fan base. Any time a major championship has come to Bethpage, the crowds have been remarkable. Fans are going to understand this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and they’re really going to value what it means to attend a Ryder Cup.”

Half a million fans registered for a lottery system used to purchase tickets said Evan Crowder, PGA of America Operations Manager. Tickets for the three scoring rounds of the tournament are sold out, though a handful remain for the Sept. 23 and 24 practice rounds.

Renowned for its degree of difficulty and rich history that includes hosting the U.S. Open (2002 and 2009) and PGA Championship (2019), Bethpage Black will have a slightly different look for the Ryder Cup with the tee box of the first hole — a 430-yard, par-4 — moving 30 yards closer to the pin and about 20 yards to the north for a clearer path to the green.

“The five most important holes at the Ryder Cup are the first, and 15 through 18 where the majority of matches are decided is set up incredibly well,” Karns said.

Added Kenny Kurzendoerfer, 2025 Ryder Cup Operations Manager: “This is where you want to be as a fan, where the first tee box and 18th green are in close proximity. It’s definitely a bucketlist moment to experience the first tee at a Ryder Cup. It’s truly unlike anything you’ve seen before in golf. I’ve been lucky to be a part of a few of them now and it still gives me chills.”

In terms of transportation to and from the course for fans, Jones Beach lots 4 and 5 will serve as the main public parking areas where shuttle service will be provided to Bethpage. Shuttles will also run from both the north and south side of the Farmingdale LIRR station, Crowder said. There will also be a ride-

share lot on site at Yellow Course No. 11.

The Ryder Cup dates back to 1927, when the inaugural matchup was held at Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts. Initially a contest between the United States and Great Britain, the format expanded in 1979 to include players from continental Europe. The U.S. played host to the event in 2016 and most recently in 2021.

The event features 28 matches across three formats – foursomes, fourballs, and singles. Teamwork and strategy are essential to winning.

Although the 12-player rosters for both teams have yet to be announced,

some of the top U.S. players include Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, and Collin Morikawa, with Europe featuring Rory McIlroy, Rasmus Hojgaard, Matt Wallace and Tyrrell Hatton.

The U.S. team selection is based on a points system, where points are awarded based on performance in PGA Tour events and major championships. Automatic qualifiers, with Scheffler already being one, will be the top six in points after the BMW Championship on Aug. 17. Captain Keegan Bradley will select the remainder of the roster Aug. 27, Karns noted.

Summer program offers fun in education

Over 450 students from the Elmont School District took part in the Summer Academic and Enrichment Program at Covert Avenue School, according to a news release from the district.

The free program ran Mondays through Thursdays from July 7–24, offering students in pre-K through fifth grade a mix of academic review and enrichment activities. The program, the news release said, aimed to reinforce lessons from the past school year and prepare students for the year ahead.

According to the release, participants engaged in hands-on learning in STEAM, art, music, physical education and social-emotional development. Each day included two enrichment activities tailored to the specific grade level.

Pre-K, kindergarten and first grade students moved to the rhythm in Cardio Music and explored their creativity in STEAM Art. They also planted grass, sunflowers, marigolds and lima beans as part of a projectbased learning model garden.

Second and third graders, the news release continued, focused on teamwork and problem solving through robotics, while also beginning Spanish language instruction. Fourth and fifth graders worked with drones and learned about the stock market to develop real-world skills.

The program also featured a themed Spirit Week titled “Elmont Road Trip,” with each day highlighting a different location in the U.S. — including Washington, D.C., Florida, California, and Elmont — with related dress-up activities.

This year’s program included off-campus field trips, as well. According to the release, students in grades 3–5 went on a bowling trip, while students in grades K–2 attended the “Ocean Paradise” show at the Cradle of Aviation. On July 10, all grades participated in an

Kindergarten students get their hands dirty while planting lima beans and sunflowers for their

garden, combining science and fun through project-based learning.

in-school Mad Science show, featuring live demonstrations with bubbles and dry ice.

All students also took part in the STEAM Read Aloud Challenge, the news release said, combining STEAM and Project-Based Learning. This year’s theme focused on air travel. Students read “Rosie Revere, Engineer” by Andrea Beaty and “Violet the Pilot” by Steve Breen. Then, students built wooden airplanes or projects centered on air travel, such as hot air balloons.

The program concluded with a Summer Showcase and Art Exhibit on July 23, where students presented their STEAM projects, demonstrated their work with robotics and drones, and displayed artwork.

The Summer Academic and Enrichment Program is led by principals Rita Johnson and Samantha Magaraci, and Assistant Principal Arielle Parisi.

–Renee DeLorenzo

By Herald Staff

Michela Argento-Serra Lynbrook

My favorite part of summer is being outdoors, whether it is in my yard, a local restaurant or Lynbrook Cruise Nights on Thursdays!

What’s your favorite aspect of summer on Long Island?

Gelena Oren Valley Stream

My favorite part of summer on Long Island is relaxing in my backyard, opening up the pool and soaking in the warm weather.

Sean Smith, age 17 East Rockaway

Being able to spend quality time with family and friends, whether it be traveling with my family or sharing the court with my friends. School not being in session also helps.

Mikayla Oren, age 13 Valley Stream

My favorite part is probably going to the beach because I can go with my family or my friends and it’s always fun. I like it because it’s very clean and you can bring your dog there.

Nelly Oren Valley Stream

My favorite part of summer is being by the water, laying out, and swimming. I feel like everyone is in better mood in the summer too. And honestly, the seafood on Long Island is better when it’s warm out.

Step by Step rocks Rath Park at concert

The Johnny Maestro tribute band brought music of the 1950s and ‘60s to residents of all ages

By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com

The sounds of the 1950s and ‘60s filled Rath Park on a warm summer evening as Step by Step, a Johnny Maestro tribute band, performed oldies and classics for hundreds of residents during the Town of Hempstead’s Neighborhood Concert Series.

The concert began at 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot next to the pool, where a crowd of attendees arrived early with blankets and lawn chairs to claim a spot for the show. The event drew music lovers not only from Franklin Square but from across Long Island.

Families and friends gathered under the open sky to enjoy wistful tunes from the golden era of rock ’n’ roll. Some danced along to the music, including children who twirled and clapped beside their families throughout the night.

For John Rigrod, who travelled to Rath Park from Northport just for the concert, said it was his first time seeing Step by Step and was impressed with how well they performed Johnny Maestro’s extensive discography, which he found nostalgic.

“If you lived during that time as a kid,” Rigrod said, “it was a whole different meaning.”

He remembered many of the songs the band played that evening, and while he believes the music can be considered “outdated” by some, the upbeat tunes still get people of all different ages out of their seats and dancing.

Margaret Morphis and her husband, John Morphis, travelled all the way from Bayville – a trip that took them about an hour – to see the band. Not only are they longtime fans of Step by Step, but they have visited Rath Park several times for concerts and events.

“The music is great and everyone is nice,” Margaret said.

“It’s just so much fun,” John added.

Councilman Tom Muscarella was in attendance, joining residents and guests for the free community event. He attends many of the town’s concert series and explained that the bands are chosen as per the community’s musical tastes and requests.

The evening was made possible in part by the support of Maspeth Federal Savings and Ridgewood Savings Bank, both of which helped sponsor the event. Volunteers from both banks were present to support the celebration and engage with community members.

The concert was part of the Town of Hempstead’s ongoing effort to bring accessible arts and entertainment to local neighborhoods during the summer season. The next show in Franklin Square will be Sir Duke, a Stevie Wonder tribute band, on Aug. 5 at Averill Park, starting at 7:30.

A beloved deli and bakery shuts its doors

years — travel with his wife.

The store employs about 40 people and sees an estimated 500 customers a day. Despite its popularity, Martensen said no one from either his or Dawideit’s families is interested in taking over the operation.

“It’s a tough business,” he said. “Working holidays, weekends, not seeing your family — it’s not something many people want to take on anymore.”

For many residents, Valley Caterers was more than a store.

DelliPizzi, who has lived in Franklin Square for over 25 years and runs a real estate business in town, remembers Valley Caterers as a vital part of community events. As a chamber of commerce member for over two decades and president from January 2020 to December 2023, she organized the annual “Getting to Know You and Business Networking Event”, which the store participated in consistently over the course of 35 years by donating trays of food and gift certificates for raffle prizes.

“They catered to everyone — barbecues, holidays, you name it,” she said. “Countless clients of mine used them for catering. They loved their pies. They loved their food. They were absolutely a staple in the community.”

No official public announcement has been made as to how the real estate will be used next, and DelliPizzi said the property is still available for purchase.

For Gina Zalud, who has lived in Franklin Square since 1990, Valley Caterers became a part of her weekly routine starting three years ago, after she moved to the south side of Hempstead Turnpike.

“I had passed it a million times, but I had always gone to the deli closer to my house,” she said.

Once she started going, however, she was hooked — frequenting the store several times a week for prepared meals, hot food, cold cuts, and baked goods. The staff is friendly and helpful, she noted, and her hus-

band bought baked goods often.

“It’s the best place to get prepared meals,” Zalud said.

Despite her relatively recent connection to the store, Zalud echoed the widespread sentiment of loss.

“I honestly don’t even know where I’m going to go now,” she said. “It’s going to leave a big hole.”

The news of the closure came as a shock to her. She had heard vague rumors through local Facebook groups and initially believed the business might be sold rather than shut down entirely. The confirmation that it would be closing left her disheartened, especially given the lack of comparable options nearby.

Zalud fondly recalled one product in particular: “They’re the only place that sells the German Swiss cheese they got me addicted to. I’m literally in tears thinking I’m never going to have it again.”

Both Zalud and DelliPizzi agreed that there’s no other business like it in Franklin Square.

“I would like it to come back in some reincarnation of its former self,” Zalud said.

Though Martensen is ready to move on, he said what he’ll miss most are the regulars.

“Seeing the regular customers that come in on a daily basis, weekly basis, is probably the thing I’m going to miss the most,” he said. “The satisfaction of surviving a busy holiday — that was always a good feeling.”

As Valley Caterers prepares for its final day of service on Aug. 17, residents are stopping by for one last pie, one last sandwich, and to say goodbye to a place that, for so many, felt like home.

“It was a place that put smiles on people’s faces,” DelliPizzi said. “It was more than a business — it was part of the fabric of Franklin Square.”

Students enjoy summer program recreation

The halls and fields of John Street, Polk Street and Washington Street schools were filled with energy as the Franklin Square School District hosted its annual Summer Recreation Programs.

Roughly 580 students participated in the programs this year, according to a news release about the program, which ran Mondays through Thursdays, from July 7 to today.

Open to all district students entering

kindergarten through those who have completed sixth grade, the news release said the programs offer a wide variety of activities, including outdoor games, gym sessions, arts and crafts, field trips and special events, including a presentation by the Center for Science Teaching and Learning at Tanglewood Preserve Students also get the chance to cool off twice a week by playing in the sprinklers.

–Renee DeLorenzo

Students create colorful tie-dye T-shirts during the Franklin Square School District’s Summer Recreation Programs, one of many hands-on activities offered during the month.

STEPPING OUT A instoryevery step

Celebrate culture and community at the Gold Coast Dance Festival

By Roksana Amid

As sundown takes hold at Morgan Memorial Park on Aug. 2, artists representing a rich spectrum of dance styles — from classical ballet and folklorico to tap, contemporary and hip-hop — take to a stage. The fifth annual Gold Coast Dance Festival — set against the backdrop of the Long Island Sound — is a grand celebration of culture, movement and community connection.

Hosted by New York Dance Theatre, the free event attracts folks to see a varied lineup of dancers from Alvin Ailey, Dance Theatre of Harlem, New York City Ballet, Broadway, and more. This year’s edition also includes Ballet Nepantla, a returning favorite known for blending traditional Mexican folklorico with contemporary dance.

“Ballet Nepantla are an astounding company,” Festival Executive Producer Nicole Loizides Albruzzese says. “They’ve been noted as embodying the in-between-ness of those who live on the borderland, mixing in cultures and gaining a little bit from either side.”

Founded in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, this began as an informal gathering of dancers organized by Albruzzese, a professional performer and Glen Cove resident. She invited a few colleagues to Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay as a way to decompress from the emotional toll of the lockdown. This experience inspired her to bring a professional dance festival to Glen Cove the following year.

“Because the world just stopped talking to one another, stopped dining together, we wanted to create something that brought people together without the need for words,” Albruzzese says. “Dance can do that.”

Since then, the festival has grown to involve dozens of performers and companies, including John Manzari, a renowned Broadway tap dancer and featured artist from “So You Think You Can Dance,” and MorDance, a contemporary ballet company based in Yonkers. This will be MorDance’s first appearance here.

For those inspired to dance themselves, join Jamie Shannon of Kilowatt Dance Theater for an introductory Lindy Hop class on the beach at 4:30 p.m., open to all ages and skill levels, before performances begin.

“Lindy Hop is one of America’s beloved early social dances, stemming from jazz and Harlem and a beautiful social era,” Albruzzese explains. “Bring your dinner down, enjoy a class, and go see a show. You get a more intimate look at the artists beforehand, and then you get to see them on stage.”

New York Dance Theatre, which is celebrating its 51st year, produces the festival through its nonprofit mission to make high-level dance accessible to all audiences.

Aug. 9

• Morgan Memorial Park, Germaine Street, Glen Cove

•

announcements

and

The company also runs the Développé program, a a scholarship initiative that provides free yearlong dance education to atrisk youth, foster families and English-language learners across Long Island.

Développé partners with community organizations, including Options for Community Living, which supports families experiencing homelessness and financial hardship. One of the newest scholarship recipients is an 11-year-old girl who had never taken a dance class before this summer.

“She leaves the studio glowing,” Albruzzese says. “She’s one of the most graceful dancers in the class. Starting classical dance between the ages of 11 and 14 can be intimidating, but she’s handling it so beautifully.”

A suggested festival donation of $20 supports the Développé program. Contributions help fund workshops, lectures, performances and scholarships provided by NYDT throughout the year.

Albruzzese says the festival is designed to be inclusive, welcoming people of all backgrounds and abilities.

“A woman came up to me last year and said, ‘It’s not so often I find something to do with my mom or my grandmother,’” she recalls. “Her grandmother was 92 and squealing with excitement watching the performances. That’s what this is about. You can just grab a park bench, sit on the grass and stay for five minutes or the entire evening.”

‘So in love with you am I’

Last year’s featured performers represented Haiti, China, Iraq, and Mexico. Each year’s lineup is curated to reflect global traditions and storytelling through movement, according to Albruzzese.

“I think because we offer such a huge, diverse array of cultural programming, everyone leaves loving something. We birthed a star, and it’s shining everywhere. It’s benefiting the artists, the audience and our local cultural institutions,” she adds enthusiastically.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs and picnic dinners.

Check out a stylized concert version of the classic golden age musical. Egotistical leading man-directorproducer Fred Graham (Broadway’s Charlie Marcus) is reunited with his ex-wife, Lilli Vanessi (Broadway talent Christina DeCicco, of Rockville Centre) when the two are forced to play opposite one another in a new production of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.” The battle of the sexes continues onstage and off, as it becomes clear that, as much as this couple profess to hate each other, they are also still in love. Throw in a number of cases of mistaken identity, the mob, and comedic routines into the mix and you get “Kiss Me, Kate” — a dazzling Broadway classic that earned the very first Tony award for Best Musical. A cast of 30 brings this “concert” production to life with limited costumes and scenic elements. The dynamic performers include Molloy’s renowned CAP21 Musical Theatre Conservatory students and also alumni.

Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2-3, 3 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or call (516) 323-4444.

Magic Rocks!

Illusionist Leon Etienne has sold out venues all over the world with his blockbuster performances of Magic Rocks! Now he arrives here 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. Etienne’s performance style attracts worldwide attention; join in this unforgettable night of magic and you’ll see why.

Sunday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m. $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $31.25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

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JULY

31

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 entertainmentrelated 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

AUG

2

In concert 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

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for another storybook adventure Stroll the gardens and enjoy a telling of Eva Moore’s “Lucky Ducklings.” With a take-home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage.

•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

Autism Fundraiser

Kindness in Action, Inc., joins with the Neighborhood Barber Shop to help raise donations for local families navigating the challenges of AUG

3

‘The Rocketman Show’

Remember when rock was young? You will after this enthralling show, on the Paramount stage. Blast off into the stratosphere with this electrifying tribute to the Rocketman himself. With a nostalgic setlist that’ll take you right back to when rock was young, this is a must-see for Elton John fans — of all generations. Rus Anderson, Elton John’s official body double for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour launch, recreates an early Elton concert complete with flamboyant costumes actually worn by Elton himself.

Elton’s greatest hits, wildest outfits and outrageous stage antics come to life again as Anderson recreates the magic and live persona of a young Elton like no other. He storms around the stage with a fun-loving sense of flamboyance; part diva, part soccer player, killer vocalist, fierce piano player, all rock ‘n roller. This is a detailed re-creation of Elton John’s ‘70s shows that’s not to be missed. Anderson’s painstaking attention to detail includes wearing gorgeous, colorful and spectacular costumes, including Elton’s iconic boots, glasses and jumpsuits from 1973, as well as a sparkly Swarovski tuxedo from 1984. $82, $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $35.

autism in Franklin Square. With barbecue, food, music, a car show and more!

•Where: 517 Franklin Ave., Franklin Square

•Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 354-9277

Franklin Square

Museum Open House

Bring the family to check out local history, hosted by the Franklin Square Historical Society. Free admission.

•Where: 861 Naple Ave., Franklin Square

• Time: 2-4 p.m.

•Contact: Visit fshistoricalsociety.org or call (516) 775-7260

Unbox A-Saurus for Us!

Dr. Patricia Osiris visits with young paleontologists-intraining at Long Island Children’s Museum’s new stage production. This interactive theatrical experience invites visitors to join eccentric paleontologist

Dr. Patricia Osiris (a.k.a. “Dr. Patti”) as she attempts to reveal a never-before-seen dinosaur specimen — if only she can figure out how to open the crate it’s locked in. Along the way, the audience becomes key players in solving problems, sparking

laughter and exploring the world of dinosaurs in a lighthearted “scientific” comedy that blends imagination and learning. $5 with museum admission, $10 theater only.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

•Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Aug 6

•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Military

notes

Eisenhower Park welcomes the 42nd Infantry Division Band and the N.Y. Army National Guard.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

AUG

4

Franklin Square Library Board meets Residents are invited to attend the Franklin Square Public Library Board meeting. These meetings provide an opportunity for the commuity to stay informed about library operations, upcoming programs, and strategic initiatives. Public participation is welcomed and encouraged.

AUG

6

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

•Where: 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square

•Time: 6 p.m.

•Contact: Visit franklinsquarepl. org or call (516) 488-3444

AUG

Annual National Night Out Against Crime

Everyone is invited to the annual communitybuilding campaign that promotes police-community partnerships in the neighborhood, hosted by the Nassau County Police Department at Rath Park pool parking lot.

•Where: 849 Fenworth Blvd., Franklin Square

•Time: 6-8 p.m.

•Contact: Visit nassauda.org for more information

Community Game Night

Back by popular demand! Enjoy the company of friends and neighbors at Franklin Square Public Library’s community game night. No registration needed. Refreshments provided by Holiday Farms.

•Where: 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square

• Time: 6-8 p.m.

•Contact: franklinsquarepl.org or call (516) 488-3444

Howie’s Woofles and Ice Cream

Join a tail-waggin’ birthday bash and ice cream paw-ty as Franklin Square Public Library celebrates Dogust, which is the universal birthday for all shelter and rescue animals. Make woofles, dog friendly waffles, and stuff goody bags for the animals! Ages 10 and up. Registration required.

•Where: 19 Lincoln Rd., Franklin Square

•Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

•Contact: Visit franklinsquarepl. org or call (516) 488-3444

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

Family movie night

Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. Enjoy Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” Set more than three decades after the first film, it follows Lydia Deetz, now a mother, struggling to keep her family together in the wake of a loss as Betelgeuse returns to haunt her. Starring Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Michael Keaton.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

•Time: Movie begins at dusk

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

AUG

Summer sounds Enjoy Lady Supreme, a Diana Ross Experience, at Eisenhower Park.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

•Time: 7 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.

July 31, 2025 —

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

Public Notices

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR NEW CENTURY HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2005-C, ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff, Against

JEAN PIERRE FORTURE, REBECCA FORTURE; ROSE FORTURE, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 05/08/2024, 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 8/12/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 54 Biltmore Avenue, Elmont, New York 11003, and described as follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0032 Block 00426-00 Lot 36, 37, 38 and 139. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $437,474.19 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 602172/2020 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.

Brian Davis, Esq., Referee.

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

Dated: 6/4/2025 File Number: 19-302406 CA 154547

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COUT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU; Index No: Index No.: 610219/2023 Filed June 28, 2023

MORTGAGE ASSETS

MANAGEMENT, LLC

V.

UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MARY BARATTA; JOSEPH BARATTA, HEIR-ATLAW; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; JUDITH CAMDRY; AUBIN LOUISSAINT; JOHN DEOLIVIERA; PUBLICATION TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MARY BARATTA

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Amended 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 to 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 Amended Complaint.

NOTICE

YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this Supplemental Summons and Amended 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 publication and protect your property. Sending 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 ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

To the above named defendants: The foregoing Publication is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Hon. Elizabeth FoxMcDonough , J.S.C, a Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of N.Y., dated June 26, 2025 and filed along with the supporting papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office.

This is an action to foreclose a mortgage on the property located 1412 Kiefer Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003 Section: 32 Block: 521 Lot: 125 Nassau County is designated as the place of trial based upon the location of the property being foreclosed. Attorneys for Plaintiff: STERN & EISENBERG, PC, 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 T:(516) 630-0288. 154528 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, EASTON CAPITAL CORP., Plaintiff, vs. 745 ANDERSON CORP., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 26, 2023, 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 12, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 745 Anderson Avenue, Franklin Square, NY 11010. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 35, Block 577 and Lot 25. Approximate amount of judgment is $811,299.70 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608851/2017. Michael Langer, Esq., Referee

Kevin P. Finn, Esq., 400 Post Avenue, Suite 305, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff 154526

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR ARGENT SECURITIES INC., ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006M1, Plaintiff, Against LYSTRA M. RAMRATTAN AS HEIR AND ADMINISTRATRIX TO THE ESTATE OF SURDASH RAMRATTAN; RANDALL S. RAMRATTAN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SURDASH RAMRATTAN; LYSTRA M. RAMRATTAN AS GUARDIAN OF CHELSEA K. R. RAMRATTAN WHO IS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SURDASH

RAMRATTAN; ET AL Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 01/10/2019, 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 8/19/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1069 Concord Street, Franklin Square, New York 11010, 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 Franklin Square in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. Section 33 Block 380 Lot 260

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $882,483.61 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 003792/2015 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. Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 6/11/2025

File Number: 17-300381 CA 154635

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 08/06/2025 at 9:30

A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 406/25. FRANKLIN SQUARE - Jovia Financial FCU, Renewal of grant to maintain double-faced, illuminated, detached, pylon sign, setback 8’ from Hempstead Tpke., N/E cor. Hempstead Tpke. & Carl Ave., a/k/a 648 Hempstead Tpke. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Franklin Square within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 154815

LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners, Franklin Square & Munson Fire District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York at a special meeting thereof held on July 22, 2025 subject to Permissive Referendum as provided by Town Law. An abstract of the resolution is as follows: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, shall expend additional monies for the purchase, design and renovation of the new EMS building in an amount not to exceed two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000.00). Said funds to be expended from Capital Reserve for Buildings and Grounds as authorized by Section 6-g of the General Municipal Law. This resolution shall take effect 30 days from the date hereof, unless within 30 days a valid petition, as provided for in the Town Law is filed with the Fire District Secretary requesting a Permissive Referendum.

BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS FRANKLIN SQUARE & MUNSON FIRE DISTRICT

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD Attest: Kerry Santina District Secretary July 22, 2025 154849

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. SAMMY TORRES, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 5, 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 September 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 9436 241st Street, Floral Park, NY 11001. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bellerose in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 32, Block 009 and Lot 132. Approximate amount of judgment is $495,482.82 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604678/2023. Cash will not be accepted.

Adrienne Flipse Hausch, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 154793

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE ASSET BACKED SECURITIES CORPORATION HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES AMQ 2006-HE7 ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES AMQ 2006-HE7, Plaintiff, vs. JANET BARNES, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 17, 2018, and an Ex Parte Order Amending Judgement of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 3, 2023, 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 September 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 746 Meacham Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situated, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 0032, Block 00699-00 and Lot 00031. Approximate amount of judgment is $620,821.14 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #001699/2015. Lawrence Weinreich, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 154795

Help Wanted

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

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

$22 - $27/ Hour

Bell Auto School

516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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. 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 commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

NYSED Fingerprint Clearance required Candidates should email a letter of interest and resume to: Ms. Dana Zawol Personnel Department dzawol@rvcschools.org

Is a doorbell camera enough?

Where Style Meets Drama

Mark Stempel

CEO/Licensed Real Estate Broker Mobile: (646) 678-2875 •  Phone: (516) 613-3600

Email: Mark@blueislandhomesny.com 2878 Merrick Road Bellmore, New York 11710 BlueIslandHomesNY.com

Q. We have a doorbell camera, and understand that it’s a deterrent to would-be burglars, but as we’re renovating our home, are there other ways we can “design” in ways to keep people from robbing it? We keep seeing reports on the neighbor app of our door camera about people checking out houses in the area, and we’re very concerned. Any ideas would are appreciated.

A. People often plan the latest technology items into renovations, and I learn from my clients, all the time, about ideas they’ve researched, from locations for hidden cameras to sensor devices that tell them when people are approaching. Some clients ask about electronically controlled driveway gates, and I advise them that unless the fencing is also monitored, all they’re stopping is a vehicle.

When you have a very long driveway to the house, gates make sense, even if just to give the impression that the property is more secure, but when you can see the entrance from the street from the front door or windows, it’s a moot point to have a controlled driveway gate, because 80 percent of the time, burglars approach a home on foot, slipping around a gate, or over a short fence, to get to a more secluded spot to enter without being seen. With that in mind, outside areas of buildings that create hidden corners should be planned out of the design.

According to the National Center for Policing Innovation, the average burglar will spend no more than 60 seconds breaking in. If you can delay a break-in for 90 seconds or longer, a burglar may get nervous and leave. A hiding spot gives them extra time.

Fortify exterior doors with deadbolts that extend at least an inch and a half into the door frame. Glass doors in the front or back of a dwelling can be fortified by installing “hurricane”-strength glass instead of standard glazed doors, and sliding doors with a metal track rod can be effective. Hurricaneglass windows are much more costly than regular windows, but protect your home from burglars as well as storms.

Remember that even with an alarm system, which can be a deterrent, if a burglar has already had a look at the interior of your home and knows where to go, they will be in and out before any law enforcement gets there.

I was impressed that the police came to my home quickly when a door accidentally blew open, and checked every closet and potential hiding place before pronouncing the home secure. So if you come home to an open door or window, it’s advisable not to enter without calling the police for a safety check. It could save you from injury or worse, confronting a burglar.

Pet doors measuring more than six inches across should be avoided. Silly as it sounds, some burglars actually use a child to squeeze through a pet door and open the doors from the inside. More to come.

send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com,

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Why

I

care about immigration —

and why all of us should

people often ask me why I care so much about immigration.

Of course, my constituents care about it; they want to stop the chaos at the southern border and fix the asylum system, and they want to see people treated like human beings.

I agree with them. More than that, though, immigration is personal for me.

I look at America through the lens of the immigrant story — the story of my family, and the story of the American dream. My father came to this country as an infant. His parents — my grandparents — came from Italy with nothing. And yet, through hard work and devotion to family, they built a life here. Their son went to law school on the GI bill after serving in World War II, rising to become a mayor and a State Supreme Court justice. Their grandson is a member of the United States Congress.

An article that hung in my grandfather’s home, from Nov. 10, 1960, is titled “Success Story.” A segment reads:

“Glen Cove can be proud of its Mayor

Joseph A. Suozzi, who was elected to the State Supreme Court on Tuesday . . .

“Judge Suozzi came to these shores as an infant, the son of immigrant parents. Their lot was not an easy one, in a strange land, but Mr. and Mrs. Michael Suozzi raised a fine family, and while they lived comfortably, they did not gain great material wealth. But they did gain another kind of wealth which no Depression, no misfortune can ever take away from them. They devoted their lives to their family and their success of their children is their great fortune.

ieven wrote to the president, asking him to work with me on comprehensive reform.

“Now their boy, Joe, will soon be a Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. How proud they must be! And we who know them share their pride.

“Mike and Rosa Suozzi certainly made good in America. God bless them.”

That’s why I care about immigration. Through my own family, I’ve seen the promise of America fulfilled. But I also see how that promise is at risk — because our immigration system is broken, and Congress has failed to fix it. It’s painful for me that this issue by which I define my American experience has become such a negative, controversial force in our politics.

Congress has failed for decades to pass comprehensive immigration reform because too many politicians have weaponized immigration policy for political gain without doing a thing to fix it. Even when bipartisan solutions emerge, they’re often derailed by political forces more interested in scoring points than solving problems.

Reasonable people should agree that violent criminals who are here illegally should be deported. But what’s happening now is far more chaotic. Parents who’ve lived here for years, send their kids to school with my kids, work six days a week and go to church on Sunday are living in fear. We need to figure out a way for people who work, pay taxes and follow the rules to stop having to look over their shoulder. Families that have been here for decades deserve legal status so they can build lives for their children and grandchildren, like our family did. We must secure the border, fix the broken asylum system, and create legal pathways for Dreamers, farm workers, TPS holders, essential workers in fields like health care and hospitality, and residents who’ve been here for over a

decade.

Democrats and Republicans must come together. While President Trump has had remarkable success securing the border, he has done so through executive orders, which can easily be overturned. Real progress must come from Congress.

I’ll continue to do my part. I’ve worked toward comprehensive immigration reform as co-chair of the Democrats for Border Security Taskforce, as co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, and through the bipartisan coalition I built of “business, badges and the Bible” — members of the business, law enforcement and religious communities who have longstanding stakes in American immigration policy.

I even wrote a letter to the president, asking him to work with me and make a deal on comprehensive reform. I’ve reached out, and I hope he reaches back.

We can uphold the law and our values. We can protect our borders and treat people with dignity. We can be safe and fair.

That’s the America my grandparents believed in when they arrived in this country. It’s the America I still believe in. And it’s the one we have to keep fighting for — together.

Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.

How will the summer of ’25 be remembered?

it is said that each of us, if we’re lucky, gets 80 summers. Some folks prefer winter or the rebirth vibe of spring, but for most, it is summer, the short season of our years, that seems sweetest.

Summers have telescoped lives of their own. Whatever our age, summer begins in our minds as hopes and expectations, is realized in the days from June 21 to Sept. 21 and is remembered ever after.

The very first summer I remember was 1951, at Rockaway Beach, where we rented a bungalow on 54th Street. That was the Summer of My Sister, who had recently been born and, for some reason, expected to come along on our vacation. The fireworks on the boardwalk every Wednesday night were my big-sister treat, and best memory. There was the Summer of New Hampshire, when our parents took us on a much-hyped car trip to the Granite State. I was 8, my sister was 4 and our

grandmother, who sat in the back seat, was ancient, I guess in her 50s. My father had made all the arrangements via mail, writing to Stonybrook Farms to set up our holiday. We drove 10 hours, pumped with excitement. When we drove through the broken gates, the moment collapsed on itself like a black hole. The cabins were like chicken coops. My mother started to sob. But Dad had a plan. We stayed one night, skipped out in the predawn hours and drove all the way to Canada. That summer I learned to have a Plan B, and how to skip out under cover of darkness.

i lived through the Summer of Love, but this summer is not feeling like love.

The Summer of Robert English was a doozie. I was about 15, living in Cedarhurst, and my mother’s best friend invited her nephew, 16, to visit for the summer from New Mexico. I fell wildly in love with Robert the second I saw him. Which was also how he felt when I introduced him to my best friend, Jackie. I barely survived their romance.

The Summer of Working for Dad was like pinning a golden moment in time. My dad was a dentist, and after my

freshman year in college, I worked in his office in Brooklyn. Chairside assistant. Holder of hands. But it wasn’t the work that made the summer remarkable; it was getting to know my father. We went out to lunch every day and we talked. Without the context of our regular family life, he became a real person to me.

Also, one of his patients gave me a $10 tip.

I remember the Summer of the Diet Doctor, when I answered an ad for an assistant in a diet-pill practice. The doctor was 48 and his wife was 18, my age. I remember that summer because I lied to get the job, not revealing that I was going back to college in the fall.

By July I couldn’t stand it; I told them the truth. They asked me to stay on. That was the good part. The bad part was that the doctor was a groper. Quite a few life lessons were learned.

Our best summers were the Montana Summers, the five years we traveled the state, from Missoula to Glacier Park, from Flathead Lake to White Fish to Helena. We hiked and learned to fly fish and, as a family and for the first time,

leaped out of our comfort zone and found footing in new terrain.

More recently, the Summer of Covid was, for us, not deadly, but frightening. We stayed at our place in Florida through the summer, hidden away inside, except for late afternoon, when we went down to the beach and into the Gulf. Every day, the same routine. We didn’t see our children and grandchildren for months. We think of that summer with gratitude, for our family surviving, and even for the endless open expanses of time to think and read and test ourselves against the unknown.

What will the Summer of ’25 be remembered for? I lived through the Summer of Love in 1967, high on freedom and music and just being young. We protested the war in Vietnam and sat in on sit-ins and danced to the Dead. But this summer is not feeling like love. Political strife ramped up by bad actors has supercharged the atmosphere.

I’ll keep calling out the threats to our freedoms and democracy, but that’s not a full-time job. I will also find the joyful moments, hold on to them and try not to let go.

Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

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iBecome a rescuer, not a bystander

t happened in an instant. One moment, 9-year-old Robbie Levine, of Merrick, was rounding the bases in a 2005 Little League game; the next, he collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest.

Teammates, coaches and parents could only watch in horror. There was no automated external defibrillator available on the field, no trained bystander able to keep the boy’s heart beating until help arrived. Robbie never made it home.

Sudden cardiac arrest doesn’t wait — not for an ambulance, and not for advanced age. It strikes without warning, even in children and young athletes who seem perfectly healthy. That’s why learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and ensuring rapid access to an AED, can mean the difference between life and death.

Every minute without intervention in a cardiac emergency decreases survival by 10 percent, according to the American Heart Association, yet far too many public athletic fields — so many of them used by kids — remain unprepared for the worst.

Nassau County is taking a critical step with the proposed Robbie’s Law, legislation that would require AEDs at all county-run athletic fields. Named in memory of Robbie Levine, the measure underscores the urgent need to equip public spaces with lifesaving tools. It is unclear when the Legislature will vote on it.

This effort shouldn’t be controversial: AEDs are relatively easy to use, with clear voice instructions, designed for anyone — even those without medical training — to operate. When paired with immediate CPR, a defibrillator can increase a victim’s survival rate by more than 70 percent, according to the American Red Cross.

The American Heart Association estimates that nearly 90 percent of cardiac arrests that occur outside hospitals are fatal, often because bystanders don’t act quickly enough. Every second matters, because emergency medical services often take six to eight minutes to arrive in heavily populated areas. Brain death begins in as little as four minutes. Those first critical minutes belong to those on the scene and whatever tools they have on hand. Without AEDs, families lose loved ones not because paramedics were late, but because no one nearby was ready.

The AHA’s Nation of Lifesavers campaign aims to change that by making CPR training a more regular part of American life. Members of Duke University’s men’s basketball and football teams were recently trained in handsonly CPR — a streamlined method that doesn’t involve mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and can be mastered in under an hour. If elite college athletes can take the time to learn this lifesaving skill, so can

letters

Nassau County is showing signs of becoming a police state

Editors’ note: This letter was sent on Monday to the Nassau County Legislature.

Nassau County’s government structure mirrors that of the federal government, with three equal branches: the county executive, the Legislature and the judicial branch. Like Congress, the Nassau Legislature crafts laws, controls the county’s purse strings, and oversees the county executive and various government entities. Therefore, it’s up to you to hold the reins on a county executive who overspends and writes policies that put your constituents in danger.

A police state is characterized by an overwhelming government control that permeates civil society and liberties. There is typically little distinction between the law and the exercise of political power by the executive, and the deployment of internal security and police forces play a heightened role in governance. A police state is a characteristic of an authoritarian government, typically in one-party governments. Nassau County is showing signs of becoming such a state.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman took the safest county in the nation, with a police force that is beyond reproach, and decided that it is not good

the rest of us.

Nassau’s Robbie’s Law must be just the beginning. CPR training should be as universal as learning to swim, or drive. Schools should make it a part of health class curriculums. Community centers, youth sports leagues and workplaces can host free or low-cost training sessions. The more people who know what to do when a heart stops, the more likely it is that bystanders will become confident rescuers.

AEDs should be as common as fire extinguishers — not just in gyms and schools, but also in parks, libraries, shopping centers and other places where people gather. They must be easy to locate, clearly marked, and regularly maintained. Nassau should follow the lead of Suffolk County, where at least 135 AEDs have been deployed across the county. The cost is modest; the value of a saved life is immeasurable.

We teach children to look both ways before crossing the street, to buckle their seat belts and to wear helmets when they ride bikes. CPR and AED familiarity deserve the same emphasis. No family should endure the heartbreak the Levines carry to this day.

Call your county legislator and tell them to support Robbie’s Law. To find your legislator, go to NassauCountyNy. gov/489/County-Legislature. And to find out where you can be trained in CPR and the use of an AED, go to RedCross.org.

enough. With the establishment of a personal militia, Blakeman’s authoritarian tendencies have raised significant concerns about public safety and accountability.

It is imperative for the Legislature to illuminate the financial implications of this decision, not only in terms of direct costs associated with maintaining such a force, but also the potential

As ticks thrive on L.I., Lyme disease is on the rise

nearly three decades ago, after reporting on severe Lyme disease cases on Long Island, I chose to receive a series of newly available vaccinations designed to prevent the illness following a tick bite.

In 1998, SmithKline Beecham introduced LYMErix, the first vaccine to help protect against Lyme disease. I received three doses from my family physician. I experienced no side effects, and although I was bitten by ticks in the years that followed, I never contracted Lyme disease.

In 2002, however, LYMErix was withdrawn from the market following a class-action lawsuit filed by 121 people who claimed they experienced adverse reactions, including arthritis, after being vaccinated.

Since then, Lyme disease has continued to surge across Long Island.

Testing now shows that about half of all deer ticks in the region carry the disease. Many physicians no longer wait for the telltale bull’s-eye rash before starting treatment — instead, they prescribe antibiotics immediately when they confirm a tick bite.

Tick-borne diseases, including Lyme, have also spread worldwide. Climate change has contributed to the problem, with warmer winters leading to fewer cold days that might otherwise reduce tick populations.

aborne diseases in the U.S. has more than doubled.”

While no Lyme vaccine is currently available in the United States, several are under development. One candidate uses OspC protein antigens to provoke an immune response, and could be released in the coming years.

nd my experience helps make the case that a vaccine can work.

An article published last month in New Scientist, titled “Ticking Time Bomb,” described the global rise of tick-borne illnesses. It stated that ticks “represent a vast and growing reservoir of viral, parasitic and bacterial pathogens” and currently “carry more human-infecting pathogens than any other disease-carrying organism.”

The report noted that tick populations are expanding rapidly, and bringing a growing number of diseases with them. “In the past 20 years,” it said, “the annual number of cases of tick-

Letters

human and monetary liabilities that could arise from trigger-happy citizens who enjoy playing cop. The community deserves transparency regarding how taxpayer dollars are being allocated, especially when it comes to the exorbitant fees paid to politically connected attorneys defending unconstitutional policies. And the Legislature must investigate whether using our tax dollars to pay outside attorneys has been the purpose all along.

The Nassau County Police Department has long been regarded as a model of integrity and excellence in law enforcement, earning the trust and respect of the community it serves. However, there is a shortage of detectives on our streets. Knowing this, it is unconscionable that the Legislature permitted Blakeman to reassign 10 detectives from their vital roles to serve as ICE officers, compromising the safety of your constituents.

How much is this costing taxpayers? When will our Legislature take the initiative to hold hearings and investigate the repercussions of such decisions on our community’s safety? It is imperative that we prioritize the well-being of our neighborhoods and ensure that our law enforcement resources are effectively deployed to protect and serve all residents.

The NCPD’s mission statement promises to “strengthen and expand the partnerships between the police and the communities we serve.” Yet Blakeman’s cozy collaboration with ICE has thrown

a wrench into the NCPD partnership with the communities it serves. Parents are gripped by fear, hesitating to send their children to school or venture out for basic necessities like food or health care. The irony is inescapable: The very people who are supposed to protect us are now viewed with suspicion. Immigrants are hesitant to call for help in times of need.

Your constituents need to know where the money is going from the 1,400 immigrants detained in Blakeman’s mini-internment camp. With each staying for three days at $195 a day, Nassau is reaping profits from the deportation of primarily hardworking, taxpaying residents, many of whom have been contributing to the community for years and have no criminal record. If you intended to go into the prison business, shouldn’t it have been brought to a vote? The county should not be making money off deporting our immigrant neighbors and then turning a blind eye to the needs of the families left behind.

Out of an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, only 3 percent have criminal records, with 20 percent of those records consisting of minor traffic violations. Immigrants contribute 21 percent to the overall economy. Yet amid their tireless efforts as house cleaners, landscapers and restaurant workers, many are being suddenly swept away while their children — who may or may not be citizens — are left in school, wondering where their parents have gone.

A June article in Newsday reported that New York-based Pfizer Inc. and the French pharmaceutical company Valneva have developed a Lyme vaccine called VLA15. It is in latestage clinical trials, and could be submitted for Food and Drug Administration approval as early as 2026.

Still, the article noted that vaccine hesitancy may pose a barrier to widespread acceptance. “If this sounds familiar, that’s because it is,” the article stated, referencing the public pushback that followed LYMErix’s release in the late 1990s.

“A new shot for Lyme could face pushback,” the Newsday article’s headline, featured mixed public opinions. A retired police detective from East

Yaphank said, “I don’t get any shots.”

A woman from Bay Shore, however, said she would “for sure” get the new vaccine if it is approved by the FDA.

Additional resources on tick safety and disease prevention are available on Suffolk County’s Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory website, under the section “Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases.”

Meanwhile, the State Legislature recently passed a resolution unanimously requiring the state Department of Health and other agencies to publish a report detailing tick populations and tick-borne illnesses by county. The measure was introduced by Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., with co-sponsorship by Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni, of Sag Harbor.

“We need to fight this, and the only way to do so is to have timely and correct information at our fingertips,” Schiavoni said.

Carl Grossman has been an investigative reporter in a variety of media for more than 50 years. He is a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury whose courses include investigative reporting and environmental journalism.

Framework by Tim Baker

This is happening in Nassau County.

The Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club is calling on the Legislature to fulfill its responsibilities of oversight and hold the reins on Blakeman’s authoritarian tendencies for a police state; investigate whether forming a private militia, taking detectives off the street, creating an internment camp and

masking law enforcement make us safer. Further, the Legislature must disclose to the public how tax dollars are being allocated to fund these unconstitutional initiatives and their defense.

CLAUDIA BOrECKY President, Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club

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