Attending the congressional presentation were, from left, Army Col. Bryon Linnehan, commander of the
Sustainment Brigade; Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand; Debra Willett; Reps. Tom Suozzi and Adriano Espaillat; House Speaker Mike Johnson; Reps. Joyce Beatty and Hakeem Jeffries; and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
By ROKSANA AMID
ramid@liherald.com
While leafing through World War I clippings in the Glen Cove Public Library seven years ago, Dr. Richard Harris noticed something that stopped him cold: Nearly 40 men from Glen Cove and the surrounding area had served in the Harlem Hellfighters, the famed 369th Infantry Regiment. Among them were six brothers from the Fowler family, most of whom fought side by side in France.
That moment of discovery set Harris, an assistant dean at Webb Institute, in Glen Cove, and a longtime student of military history, on a path that eventually led to the belated presentation of one of the nation’s highest honors.
On Sept. 3, at Emancipation Hall in the U.S. Capitol, the Harlem Hellfighters were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. The ceremony marked the culmination of years of local CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
Crescent Beach was once a cherished destination for families looking to cool off along the Long Island Sound. But for the past 18 years, it has been deserted due to high levels of bacterial contamination.
Now, local leaders say that years of remediation are paying off — and the beach could reopen as early as next year.
Newly released test results from the Nassau County Department of Health show that fecal coliform and enterococci bacteria — the reasons Crescent Beach was closed —
have dropped to levels far below state safety limits. The findings are the most promising since the beach was shut down in the mid-2000s, and officials say they mark a major step toward restoring one of Glen Cove’s most important recreational spaces.
“Reopening Crescent Beach has been a monumental undertaking,” Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the Legislature’s minority leader, said. DeRiggi-Whitton has led the push to address the beach’s contamination. “These latest test results are incredibly encouraging,” she added, “and I am thankful to Mayor (Pame-
la) Panzenbeck, the City Council, Glen Cove’s Department of Public Works and everyone who has kept the focus on reopening this hometown treasure for a new generation of Glen Cove families.”
The beach was first closed after routine countywide testing in the mid-2000s revealed dangerously high bacteria levels. Initially, faulty home septic systems were thought to be the cause, triggering an extensive investigation by Nassau County and state environmental agencies.
In 2018, testing by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency revealed that animal,
not human, waste was the primary source of contamination. Swans and other waterfowl living in ponds upstream from Crescent Beach were identified as a major contributor.
With the source clearer, city and county leaders worked with engineers from H2M Architects + Engineers, in Melville, to develop a remediation
plan approved by the State Department of Environmental Conservation. The strategy has included installing helix filter systems on private land to filter runoff from swan ponds, replenishing sand, and building a new culvert under Cobble Court to allow for tidal flushing of the stream that flows to the
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Cedar Creek Park in Seaford will once again start the Team DRI Walk, Run, or Ride on Saturday, an event raising money and awareness for type 1 diabetes research.
Now in its fifth year, the event allows participants to choose their own pace and distance — whether walking, running or biking — on a route stretching from the park toward Jones Beach in Wantagh.
Research Foundation, before joining DRIF about six years ago.
Since it began in 2019, the event has raised more than $350,000 for the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. Last year’s edition drew over 125 participants and raised more than $100,000. Thus far, more than $59,000 has been raised this year, event organizers said. Despite undergoing multiple amputations caused by an infection, Parant remains an active cyclist and stresses the importance of exercise.
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Organizing the event is the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, or DRIF, a nonprofit whose goal is to fund research to find a biological cure for type 1 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 38.4 million people in the United States have diabetes, or around 11.6 percent of the population.
John Carrion, chairman of the foundation’s Northeast Board who spoke to the herald about the event last year, said the park provides a scenic walkway offering a much more pleasant experience than busy local roads.
“Riding in traffic is like a whiteknuckle event,” Carrion said. “You don’t want traffic. You want to make it safe for everyone. This event is for everyone — bike riders, walkers, little kids. It’s a safe environment.”
This year’s presenting sponsor is TK.Type 1, a Huntington-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting families living with type 1 diabetes through education, emotional support and financial assistance for essential care. The nonprofit’s mission aligns closely with the goals of DRIF and with the personal journey of Westbury resident Bob Parant, a member of its Northeast Board of Directors.
Parant was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1972 as a 19-year-old college athlete. Over the decades, he built a career in pharmaceutical sales and later turned to advocacy, working with organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes
“I’m still here, 52 years later, riding the bike with one leg,” he said. “It’s very possible to live a full, adventurous life with type 1 diabetes if you have the right attitude about getting out there.”
Partnering with Carrion and Parant for the event is Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, minority leader of the Nassau County Legislature, who represents Glen Cove, Glen Head and Sea Cliff. DeRiggi-Whitton, who has served on DRIF’s Long Island and Northeast Regional boards, praised Parant for his efforts.
“As a mother of a child living with diabetes, I know how access to comprehensive treatment creates pathways to a healthy and more fulfilling life,” DeRiggi-Whitton said in a statement. “By sharing his story, advocating for affordable care, and leading by example, Bob is continuing to make a tremendous impact — and I am so proud to be working alongside him and all my friends at DRIF.”
DeRiggi-Whitton, whose child was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes around the same time, has supported the event since its inception.
“You’re not alone,” he told the Herald last year. “There’s a community out there, and we can help with care and raising money.”
The Team DRI Walk, Run or Ride will kick off at 8 a.m. at Cedar Creek Park, 3340 Merrick Rd, Seaford. For registration and sponsorship details, visit Fundraise.Givesmart.com/vf/walkrunride2025.
By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
September is National Senior Center Month, an annual observance to recognize the role senior centers play in supporting older adults by providing programs for health, wellness, social connection, and community engagement. Glen Cove Senior Center supports approximately 1,600 members and has a jam-packed calendar of events for the nationwide recognition that senior centers enjoy this month.
“We usually have a very packed schedule already,” Eric Shuman, the centers Activities Coordoinator, said “But we packed it even more so than we normally do.”
The center, open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and located at 130 Glen St Unit A, Glen Cove offers opportunities, adventures and assistance in meeting the challenges of aging to senior citizens 60 years of age and over.
“I think that what seniors have realized is really the value that the center can give them,” Christine Rice, the center’s executive director, said “and the friendships that they can give.”
On Sept. 3, seniors at the center were entertained by comedian Barbee Jean. Two days later it hosted its Golden Gallery reception spotlighting local artist Jim Rose. National Grandparents Day was marked on Sept. 5 with games, a slideshow of members with their grandchildren, a performance by magician Georgie Porgie of New York City, and a community bingo event.
The lineup continued Sept. 10 with a crooner-themed show, followed by the “Circle of Friends” evening event featuring a Rat Pack tribute band. On Sept. 12, the center will honor its volunteers at a luncheon with gifts, guest speakers, and music from the Broadway Knights duo. Cultural programming includes Polish Heritage Day on Sept. 15 and Span-
ish Heritage Day on Sept. 26, each with festive meals and live music. Other highlights this month include the center’s monthly “Mocktail and Mingle” social on Sept. 16, a screening of the documentary ‘Lives Well Lived’ on Sept. 17, a talent show and birthday celebration on Sept. 19, and a return performance by Diana Froman’s canine trick show on Sept. 23.
The month will close Sept. 30 with a 1970s celebration featuring costumes, trivia, music and film clips. Shuman said the center aims to “pack in as much joy, connection and celebration as possible” for its members throughout the year.
The center, open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and located at 130 Glen St Unit A, Glen Cove, offers opportunities, adventures and assistance in meeting the challenges of aging to senior citizens 60 years of age and over.
Shuman said the center aims to “pack in as much joy, connection and celebration as possible” for its members throughout the year.
Many people are unclear about financial advisors versus estate planners. In fact, many financial advisors and accountants give their clients estate planning advice even though it is not their actual area of expertise.
The main focus of a financial advisor is to manage and grow your money during your lifetime. They look at which investments are suitable for your goals and your tolerance for risk. Financial advisors also assist with retirement planning so that you have enough income later on after you stop working as well as budgeting, debt management and cash flow planning during your working years. They also assist with various forms of insurance.
Estate planners, on the other hand, focus on protecting your wealth from being devastated by long-term care costs and transferring your assets after death to whom you want, when you want and the way you want, with the least amount of taxes and legal fees possible. Estate planners are lawyers since legal documents are needed for disability and death planning -- typically wills
and trusts, powers of attorney and health care proxies/living wills.
The client often has had a long-term relationship with their financial advisor or CPA when they go in to meet the estate planning attorney for the first time. They are used to relying on those trusted professionals for advice. Keep in mind that the experienced estate planning attorney has been doing this type of work on a daily basis for many years. Most of their time is spent on exploring family dynamics and planning to effectively (financially, legally and socially) protect assets and pass on inheritances. On the other hand, the financial advisor is spending the majority of their time dealing with finances and the CPA is spending the majority of their time on filing for and saving income taxes.
When it comes to protecting and passing assets, the estate planning attorney is your quarterback — they scan the field utilizing the services of your other advisors as needed, and then throw the winning touchdown pass for your family’s future well-being.
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A 55-year-old Glen Cove man was arrested on Sept. 4 for petit larceny and on a Nassau County District Court arrest warrant for third-degree assault on Landing Road.
A 51-year-old Glen Cove man was arrested on Sept. 3 for fourth-degree criminal mischief on Cedar Swamp Road.
A 26-year-old Glen Cove man was arrested on Sept. 1 for aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation, and no inspection on Glen Street.
A 30-year-old Glen Cove man was arrested on Aug. 30 for criminal possession of a controlled substance on Hill Street.
A 20-year-old Oyster Bay man was arrested on Aug. 29 for obstructing governmental administration, unregistered motorcycle, no registration plates, no insurance, no inspection, and unlicensed operation of a motorcycle on Glen Cove Avenue.
A 38-year-old Hempstead man was arrested on Aug. 30 for aggravated unlicensed operation, inadequate lights, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on The Place.
A 44-year-old Glen Cove man was arrested on Aug. 28 for criminal possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct on Glen Cove Avenue on a Glen Cove City Court arrest warrant.
A 54-year-old Glen Cove woman was arrested on Aug. 28 for aggravated unlicensed operation, failure to signal a turn, unsafe lane change, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle on Elm Avenue.
A 60-year-old Glen Cove man was arrested on Aug. 27 for criminal pos-
session of a controlled substance on Ravine Avenue.
A 36-year-old Great Neck man was arrested on Aug. 24 for driving while intoxicated on Albin Street.
A 44-year-old Glen Cove man was arrested on Aug. 23 for possession of an open alcoholic beverage Mason Drive.
A 30-year-old Oyster Bay man was arrested on Aug. 23 for obstructing governmental administration, an unregistered motorcycle, unlicensed operation and not having an inspection on Glen Cove Avenue.
A 36-year-old Great Neck man was arrested on Aug. 2, for Driving While Intoxicated on Albin Street.
A 37-year-old Hempstead man was arrested on Aug. 30 for two counts of aggravated unlicensed operation, unlicensed operation, and inadequate lights on The Place.
A 44-year-old Glen Cove man was arrested on Aug. 23, for possession of an open alcoholic beverage on Mason Drive.
A 44-year-old Glen Cove man was arrested on Aug. 28 for Glen Cove warrants and for criminal possession of stolen property, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct on Glen Cove Avenue.
A 54-year-old Glen Cove woman was arrested on Aug. 28 for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle unsafely changing lanes , failure to signal turn and unlicensed operation on Elm Avenue.
A 61-year-old Glen Cove man was arrested on Aug. 27 for criminal possession of a controlled substance on Knoll Place.
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.
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By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
After nearly six months of hearings, Suffolk County Supreme Court Judge Tim Mazzei ruled in a written decision on Sept. 3 that the DNA evidence connecting alleged Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann to several victims, obtained through a new type of DNA testing, will be admissible in Heuermann’s trial.
“Astrea Forensics’ use of whole genome sequencing to generate SNP data and create a DNA profile,” Mazzei wrote, “is generally accepted as reliable within the scientific community,” based on the testimony of prosecution witnesses Kelley Harris, an associate professor of genome sciences at the University of Washington, and Richard Green, founder of Astrea Labs in California.
Mazzei also wrote in his opinion that “neither of the defendant’s expert witnesses controverted Astrea Forensics’ use of whole genome sequencing, to extract DNA from rootless hairs to generate SNP data and create a DNA profile.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney praised his staff and Mazzei’s decision outside the courtroom at the Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Court in Riverhead. “The reason why we were able to prevail was one simple reason: The science was on our side,” Tierney said, in front of several family members
of victims of the Gilgo murders who chose not to speak.
Prosecutors have said that Astrea Forensics linked Heuermann to six of the seven killings he is alleged to have committed over the course of at least two decades, beginning in 1993, through the testing of rootless hairs found at the crime scenes and comparative analysis of those hairs to DNA samples obtained from Heuermann and family members.
His defense team has argued that the technology is new and unproven.
Five witnesses testified in a Frye hearing, a legal proceeding — also known as a general acceptance hearing — used to determine whether scientific evidence presented in court is widely accepted and considered valid within the relevant scientific community.
The admittance of DNA by Mazzei’s ruling could create a statewide prece-
dent. Prior to his decision, Astrea’s technology had only been admitted in court in Idaho. Heuermann’s defense filed another motion based on the court’s decision, alleging that the use of Astrea Forensics to analyze Heuermann’s DNA violates New York state health law.
“It criminalizes this very type of action,” Michael Brown, Heuermann’s court-appointed lawyer said, “which is an out-of-state, non-permitted laboratory for profit to test and offer evidence in the state of New York on a criminal case.”
The motion was filed on Sept. 3 with a return date of Sept. 17 — the same date the prosecution will certify its case. The Suffolk County district attorney’s office will answer the motion on Sept. 22.
Heuermann’s defense has been trying to sever the case into separate murder cases, while the prosecution has pushed to have the whole case combined in one trial. Mazzei called all parties back to court on Sept. 23, when he anticipates ruling on both motions.
Heuermann, 61, a Massapequa Park resident, now stands charged with the murders of a total of seven people: Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen BrainardBarnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla and Valerie Mack. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, and has maintained his innocence since his July 2023 arrest.
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Though too many homes are beyond first-time buyers’ means, there are options, the experts insist
By ROKSANA AMID, JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO & ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN of Herald Community Newspapers
Final installment in a series on housing on Long Island.
With housing costs climbing and affordability dropping across Long Island, the path to homeownership has become increasingly complex, demanding not just financial preparation but also creative solutions from nonprofit organizations, lenders and policymakers. From credit-building and grant programs to community land trusts and accessory dwelling units, real estate professionals and housing advocates agree that a variety of strategies will be required to help families achieve stability and the long-held dream of owning a home.
For Connie Pinilla, principal of the Connie Pinilla Team at Compass Greater New York, homeownership is more than a transaction — it’s a long-term investment in stability and wealth. With more than 20 years of experience in real estate and law, she has guided both agents and clients through the complexities of buying a home.
“Everybody should strive to own a home — it’s the American dream,” Pinilla said. “But the most important element isn’t just finances, it’s your credit score.”
Pinilla emphasizes that a good salary isn’t enough without good credit. “You could make $300,000 a year, but if your credit score isn’t up to par, your chances of getting a loan are very slim,” she said. “On the other hand, with an excellent credit score and even a $50,000 or $60,000 salary, there are many programs that can help you purchase a home.”
She encourages buyers to plan at least a year ahead, starting with a mortgage broker. Reducing debt, keeping credit card balances below 30 percent and paying bills on time are critical steps toward building trust with lenders.
Grants and assistance programs
In addition to personal financial discipline, Pinilla says, grants are underused tools. Some programs are government-backed, while others come from banks and credit unions.
“Bank of America runs a program where qualified buyers can get up to $75,000 in grant money,” she said. “Chase often has private grants of $5,000 for closing costs. Credit unions also have excellent incentives and often lower rates.”
Grants typically apply to first-time homebuyers. Many require completion of a homebuyer education course on budgeting, credit and financial planning. If the buyer remains in the home for a set period, usually seven years, the grant does not need to be repaid.
Pinilla often asks clients to compare the cost of rent to a mortgage. In Glen Cove, a one-bedroom apartment averages about $3,000 per month.
“Rent money is gone forever,” she
said. “With a mortgage, you’re building equity, and you can deduct interest and property taxes on your income taxes. Strategically, you may be better off owning than renting.”
Preparation is key to navigating a competitive market. Pinilla advises securing a pre-approval letter before making an offer, because sellers want proof of financial readiness.
Once an offer is accepted, buyers work with inspectors, attorneys and lenders to ensure the home is sound, the title is clear and the property is properly valued before closing.
“Every step is designed to protect the buyer,” she explained. “That’s why you hire professionals — your attorney, mortgage officer and real estate agent — to guide you.”
your future.”
Payment risks, and avoiding them
As the need for affordable housing grows on Long Island, nonprofit organizations like Community Development Long Island are fighting back. They offer resources including single-family rehabilitation, multi-family home improvement and new home construction.
Pinilla encourages buyers to focus on needs rather than wants. Starting with a modest or multi-family property can be a smart path to building wealth.
“A lot of people have built wealth starting with a two-family,” she said. “You live in one unit, rent the other, and let that income pay the mortgage. Over time, you can build equity and move on to bigger investments.”
Her message is simple: Preparation and realistic expectations make the dream of homeownership possible. “If you have your finances in order, you’re not just buying a house,” Pinilla said. “You’re building equity and security for
To support first-time homebuyers, CDLI helps reduce the risk of future foreclosures and struggles they commonly face. “We provide education and orientation around what that looks like,” President and CEO Gwen O’Shea said, “helping people think about things like building their credit, reducing debt and ensuring you know good ratios when it comes time to close on a potential property.”
The assistance doesn’t end there: CDLI supports current homeowners as well. It offers a targeted home improvement program in the Village of Hempstead, which includes a $40,000 forgivable grant for home improvements for homeowners who may not have had access to other credit. “This is a great way to make necessary health and safety improvements while also increasing the value of your home,” O’Shea said.
Renters have access to CDLI’s support as well, as the organization works with those in need of homes to find
available properties that meet their needs. “We provide incentives to landlords to participate in the program as well,” she said.
For low to middle class families, Habitat for Humanity of Long Island is fighting the expensive housing market by providing safe and affordable places to live. They are built with the help of their volunteer staff, and awarded families work with a construction team to create their homes.
These homes are sold to these families based on construction costs alone. Each family’s mortgage and taxes are no more than 30 percent of their total income, ensuring these homes are sustainable for a stable living situation.
Homes usually have two to three bedrooms, with occasional four-bedrooms, based on family size. “When we build a home and partner with a family, they have to put in 300 sweat-equity hours helping build their home and other Habitat homes,” Caroljean D’Aquila, the organization’s director of corporate and community partnerships, said.
Families must go through an application process. “They have to meet a certain income level, depending on the family size,” D’Aquila said. “They have to have decent credit. They have to have a willingness to partner, and then the last thing is based on a need.”
Habitat for Humanity of Long Island has built around 270 homes in the past 38 years, helping over 800 people. With the growing need for affordable housing, it’s hard to keep up with the demand. Twice a year, applications open
for a 14- to 16-month building period. Over 200 families apply for homes each application period, and only about three are accepted.
Ground lease agreements
One method to drive down the cost of a house is collaboration with a community land trust, as used in a new development in Uniondale.
One of the aspiring homeowners who entered the Affordable Homeownership Lottery in February will live in a newly built house without paying for the land underneath. The land is owned by the Uniondale Community Land Trust, a local nonprofit, using a ground lease agreement that dramatically reduces the house’s cost.
The 1,688-square-foot, two-story house will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has an estimated value of $620,000, but has a sale price of $275,000.
Jeannine Maynard, vice president of U-CLT, said that the program has taken great effort: the permit collection, construction planning and lottery preparation were all carefully planned.
Recently, Maynard heard of the federal Manufactured Housing Pilot Program, which assists in financing manufactured homes by waiving certain regulatory barriers.
“There was a pilot program done upstate New York,” she said. “They expedited the permitting processes — they didn’t allow those kinds of hangups. They were able to bring homes to market close to the $250,000 level.”
The program has limited accessibility, requiring candidates to be eligible for a mortgage, to be able to afford a down payment, to be a first-time buyer and to make between 50 and 80 percent of the median household income in Uniondale — just over $78,000 for a family of four.
Accessory dwelling units
Long Island Housing Partnership is an organization that creates accessory dwelling units on new or existing properties. ADUs are independent living spaces on the same plot of land as a main house, ranging from converted basements and attics to completely new structures.
Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the ADU Plus One Program, a $59 million grant to various organizations and municipalities to create roughly 500 ADUs across the state, according to the governor’s office.
The program is for two-person households that earn under $213,840, with a preference for those earning under $129,600.
LIHP President Peter Elkowitz has led efforts to build ADUs across Suffolk County. Recently the organization redeveloped homes in Bay Shore and in the Town of Islip, creating 78 ADUs.
“They’re very valuable,” Elkowitz said. “There’s extended families that live in these accessory dwelling units, with the grandparents, the parents and now the kids.”
He described ADUs as being able to financially support the owner of the
property, who would collect rent to offset their own mortgage payments and property taxes.
While ADUs do not take up more land, they do increase the population of a neighborhood, yielding more traffic and higher demand for parking in areas that may not have access to robust public transportation.
James Britz, executive vice president of LIHP, explained that the group is pursuing multiple housing solutions at once.
“All of our homes we built now go into our community land trust,” Britz explained. “Our next major development is 32 single-family homes, all with accessory dwelling units in them, so we’ll be able to assist 32 homeowners and 32 renters in the Bellport community.”
LIHP also administers county and town payment assistance programs for
these projects, and requires affordable home programs to include ADUs in municipalities that permit their construction, according to Maynard.
With the homeless population rising in recent years, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless offers various resources, including a street outreach team and street medicine team.
A safe option support team is offered as a time-limited, evidence-based service that helps people in transition. Support services are provided for nine to 12 months, including initial outreach and engagement pre-housing. That includes multiple visits each week and a 90-day transition service after housing placement.
“We’re the lead entity of the Long Island Continuum of Care,” Paul
■ Homes are sold at construction cost, not market value.
■ Mortgages and property taxes are capped at 30 percent of a family’s income.
■ Each family contributes 300 volunteer hours toward building homes.
■ Typical builds are two- or threebedroom houses.
■ Each home is designed as a long-term residence.
Application process
■ Families must meet income guidelines, have decent credit and demonstrate need.
■ Only about three families are chosen out of more than 200 per cycle.
■ HFH has built about 270 homes on L.I. in 38 years, housing more than 800 people.
LaMarr, the organization’s policy and community planning manager, said. “We kind of are the command center for the homeless response system here on Long Island.”
To reach out directly, a helpline is available to connect with direct services and references. A boutique is available by referral for individuals to receive clothing and other home goods they may need.
An individual must be currently experiencing homelessness to receive these services. Those who qualify for programs are currently taking much longer to be housed. “I would say as a whole region it’s getting pretty stretched out, as far as our capacity as a region to adequately address and serve people who are experiencing homelessness,” LaMarr said. “The reality is that we have a lot more people entering into homelessness, and not enough housing to get people quickly housed.”
The housing crisis on Long Island is a problem at the intersection of social, economic and political stresses, and efforts to fix it must be multifaceted. Long Island’s communities differ in opinion, opportunity and solution strategies, but share a common cause in improving local living situations.
To reach the Long Island Homeless services hotline, call 211.
K’s
Revue is made up of seven talented musicians and five vocalists who have honed their skills to recreate the sound of
This summer, Glen Cove’s beloved Downtown Sounds concert series lit up Village Square with eight electrifying Friday nights of free live music, drawing large crowds and showcasing a dynamic mix of genres—from nostalgic 80s hits and U2 tributes to Latin rhythms and Motown classics. The final show was held on Aug. 29, but for over two decades the summer concert series amplified the city’s vibrant community spirit, with performances by standout acts like Unforgettable Fire, SonMilanes, and Dr. K’s Motown Revue. Hosted by the Glen Cove Downtown BID, the series not only brought thousands together under the stars but also reinvigorated the downtown district with dancing, dining, and a celebration of music’s power to unite.
beach. New plantings along the stream corridor help filter contaminants before they reach the Sound.
“The bacteria levels have been trending very positive, and we’re more than hopeful to reopen in summer of 2026,” Panzenbeck said. “There have been days when we could have opened, but we couldn’t promise a continued period when the beach would remain safe. We want to be absolutely sure before we reopen permanently.”
The remediation has required significant investment. DeRiggi-Whitton secured nearly $1 million in county bonds to fund the upgrades, and private estate owners covered the cost of installing helix filters on their properties. The culvert project alone cost about $250,000.
Even with large-scale environmental fixes in place, maintaining the beach will require ongoing effort. DeRiggiWhitton is pursuing a $108,740 intermunicipal agreement for a Caterpillar compact track loader, which the city would use to grade the sand on the beach and prevent divots where water stagnates.
Roksana Amid/Herald
After two decades, tests of bacteria levels show promising results, and Crescent Beach may be able to reopen full-time.
“The county has paid for all of these improvements other than the helix filters, which homeowners covered,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “It’s been a major ask of mine for years. Crescent is one of Glen Cove’s only three public beaches, and it deserves to be open and safe.”
In addition to addressing contamination, the city has invested in infrastructure improvements on the beach. Spiro Tsirkas, Glen Cove’s director of youth services and recreation, said that new stairs and an Americans with Disabili-
ties Act-compliant ramp have been installed to replace aging stone steps, restrooms have been upgraded, and a snow fence has been added to protect the dunes.
For longtime residents, Crescent Beach is a special place. Panzenbeck
recalled visiting it as a child, and bringing her own children there before it closed.
“Like so many Glen Cove families, I have wonderful memories at Crescent Beach,” she wrote in a statement. “I appreciate Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton’s commitment to this effort, and I’m proud the city has played a role in moving us toward reopening a beach that means so much to our community.”
The water was tested three times a week this summer, with consistent improvements noted after the culvert was completed. According to DeRiggiWhitton, by late summer, bacteria levels had dropped so low that the beach could have reopened if the season hadn’t ended.
The priority now, she said, is to ensure that improvements are consistent through consecutive summer seasons so the city can reopen the beach with confidence. In the meantime, city and county officials are optimistic that the decades-long effort is finally nearing its conclusion. Panzenbeck said the city would continue working closely with the Health Department to evaluate test results.
“These are the best continuous results we’ve gotten in a long time,” the mayor said. “The county was very happy with the progress, and their guidance looks very promising.”
Amusical ensemble at the Parker Jewish Institute brings harmony and wellness to residents and patients alike.
The ensemble is known as Sur Sagar, which means “Ocean of Melody” in Hindi. It features five women from the Institute’s long-term care residence at Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The Indian Cultural Unit is the first of its kind in the region, accommodating the rehabilitation, healthcare and cultural needs of older adults in New York’s growing Indian population.
At Parker, members of Sur Sagar come together in song to create something special. Beyond their enchanting melodies, Sur Sagar represents the therapeutic power of music in elder care. Music therapy can help reduce anxiety, improve cognitive function and provide a powerful outlet for emotional expression for older adults. While Parker’s residents and patients diligently participate in physical, occupational and speech therapies that nurture their bodies, these musical gatherings nourish their spirits, helping
them to feel at ease so that they can heal.
The enthusiasm and unity of Sur Sagar members illuminate the profound impact of culturally meaningful activities. As part of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit, these sessions incorporate familiar melodies and rhythms that resonate deeply with residents, awakening cherished memories and creating moments of pure joy.
Sur Sagar embodies the essence of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The unit fosters the understanding that healing and
care must address the physical being while also honoring cultural identity and nurturing the soul through art and expression.
About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation<
The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading provider of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. At the
Parker Jewish Institute • (718) 289-2212
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), providing patients with safe, comfortable Hemodialysis treatments in a relaxed setting, as well as PRINE Health, a Vascular Center offering advanced vascular services. The Center and QLIRI further Parker’s ability to expand access to essential health-care services to adults in the greater New York metropolitan area. For more information, visit parkerinstitute. org or call (877) 727-5373.
Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), a 2025 Bests of Long Island winner and located at The Parker Jewish Institute, now offers a state-of-the-art Home Hemodialysis Program for people battling kidney disease. Those patients who also require Certified Home Health Care can access it conveniently through QLIRI’s affiliate, Parker Jewish Institute.
With QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, patients can transition from an in-center setting to receiving hemodialysis from the comfort of their home, using the Tablo Hemodialysis System. Enrolled patients are first trained by a registered nurse. The nurse provides step-by-step guidance four days a week over the course of four weeks, or longer if necessary. With this training, patients learn to use the system before transitioning to the convenience of home hemodialysis.
If needed, patients of Parker’s Certified Home Health Care Agency receive individualized nursing, medical, and rehabilitation services, so they can maintain maximum independence in the comfort of their homes. Home-care services can include skilled-nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; home-health aides; medical social services; medical supplies; and 24-hour telephone availability.
Call (718) 289-2600 with questions.
To learn more about QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, visit qliri.org.
For more on Parker’s Certified Home Health Care, visit parkerinstitute.org.
Queens Long Island Renal Institute • 271-11 76th Ave., New Hyde Park • (718) 289-2600
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
research, grassroots organizing and political persistence that began in part with Harris’s determination to ensure that Glen Cove’s soldiers were not forgotten.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH | 6:00PM
Harris recalled that instead of filing the discovery away, he felt compelled to act. “I saw that there were families that had sent multiple sons to the war, and some had been decorated by the French,” he explained. “Instead of just saying, oh, that’s interesting, I thought, let me go after that — let me find what stories there might be here.” His curiosity led to a 2018 exhibit at the North Shore Historical Museum featuring his collection of Harlem Hellfighters artifacts, which drew strong community interest. That momentum spurred Harris and local veterans to form the Harlem Hellfighters Recognition Committee, setting the stage for broader advocacy.
For Debra, the moment carried the weight of generations. Born in Oyster Bay in 1895, her grandfather served in France from 1917 to 1919, alongside his cousin Marston Willett and other relatives. After he was wounded, he returned home to raise a family, work as a handyman and pass on a love of boxing that his descendants carried forward. He died decades before receiving official recognition.
“Our families have been neighbors and allies with the Suozzis for over 100 years,” Debra Willett said, noting how moved she was to see Harris, another neighbor, who had no family connection to the regiment, devote years to ensuring that African American soldiers from Long Island were remembered. “I thank him for that over and over again,” she said.
I thank him for that over and over again.
The effort drew the attention of U.S. Rep Tom Suozzi, who took up the cause in Washington. In 2019, the Willett family, of Glen Cove and Oyster Bay, approached Suozzi, seeking help in obtaining a Purple Heart for Sgt. Leander Willett, who had been bayoneted and gassed in France in World War I, but survived. After initial denials due to incomplete records, Suozzi’s office found documentation proving Willett’s injuries. He had died in 1956. In November 2019, Suozzi presented Willet’s family with a posthumous Purple Heart in a ceremony at the North Shore Museum.
The North Shore Historical Museum continues to keep the story alive. Georgie Connett, president of its board of directors, called the Capitol ceremony “a truly long journey for this well-deserved recognition that began in the First World War.” She traced its origins back to the museum’s 2018 exhibit, and a Glen Cove City Council resolution in 2021 declaring Feb. 17 Harlem Hellfighters Remembrance Day in the city.
“We learned there were 31 men from Glen Cove who fought for our freedom and were never recognized for their bravery and service,” Connett said. The exhibit, she added, is now part of the museum’s permanent collection.
That experience deepened Suozzi’s commitment. He introduced legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the entire Hellfighters regiment, enlisting the support of Harlem’s congressional representative Adriano Espaillat, as well as the Congressional Black Caucus, veterans from both parties, and senators including New York’s Kirsten Gillibrand. The bill quickly gained momentum, earning more than 300 co-sponsors and passing unanimously. President Joseph Biden signed it into law in 2021.
For Suozzi, the Sept. 3 ceremony was the fulfillment of years of work. “Who would’ve thought you’d get Tom Suozzi, Hakeem Jeffries, Speaker (Mike) Johnson, and (Defense) Secretary (Pete) Hegseth all on the same page, praising African American soldiers from World War I?” he reflected afterward. “It was really a remarkable example of people working together for something we all believe in.”
The medal was accepted by Col. Bryon Linnehan, commander of the 369th Sustainment Brigade of the New York National Guard, and by Debra Willett, Sgt. Leander Willett’s granddaughter and senior library assistant and education coordinator for special sections at Hofstra University.
City Councilwoman Marsha Silverman also attended the Sept. 3 ceremony. “It was amazing to travel to Washington, D.C., to witness the bipartisan recognition of a group of highly successful African American soldiers, many of whom were from Glen Cove,” Silverman said. “As co-chair of the Memorial Day Parade, I am aware of the importance of appreciating those who sacrifice for our freedoms.”
The Harlem Hellfighters’ heroism remains extraordinary even by wartime standards. Assigned to the French Army because white American troops refused to fight alongside them, the Hellfighters were issued French rifles, helmets and belts, but wore American uniforms. They endured 191 days in combat — the most of any American regiment —and earned accolades from French and German forces alike. Yet when they returned home, they faced the same racism they had left behind.
The Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor, has been awarded to fewer than 200 individuals and groups since the American Revolution. The Hellfighters are only the third African American military group to receive it, joining the Tuskegee Airmen and the Montfort Point Marines.
By Karen Bloom
Autumn’s many pleasures are upon us — and nothing says fall quite like a trip to the apple orchards.
As September rolls in, the air turns crisp, leaves begin to glow and our taste buds are tempted by the flavors that define this fleeting season: juicy apples, fresh-pressed cider and, of course, pumpkins. It’s the perfect time to gather family and friends, head to a local orchard, and fill your baskets with fall’s sweetest treasures.
Apple season is now in full swing, wich picking continuing into mid-October — giving everyone a chance to savor the harvest. When it comes to choosing apples, there’s no shortage of flavor. Local orchards are brimming with varieties to suit every taste and recipe.
Best for snacking: Crisp, juicy favorites like McIntosh, HoneyCrisp, Macoun, Zestar, Granny Smith, and Paula Red are perfect eaten fresh off the tree. More adventurous pickers might enjoy Cortland, Empire, Jonagold, or Crispin (also known as Mutsu).
Best for baking: McIntosh and Cortland shine in pies, crisps, and cakes — Cortlands, in particular, need less sugar because of their natural sweetness. Rome, Empire, Fuji, Crispin, and Ginger Gold are also reliable choices. For pies, a mix of varieties such as Crispin, Cortland, Rome, Granny Smith, and Northern Spy often brings out the best flavor.
Best for sauces and more: Paula Reds cook down beautifully into applesauce, while Cortlands add flavor and color to salads. And, of course, fresh-pressed cider remains the season’s star — orchards throughout the region urge everyone to “buy local” and enjoy each batch. Once home with your bounty, make delectable apple treats.
is surely one of the definitive desserts of the season.
Filling:
• 3 pounds apples, to yield 2 pounds peeled, cored, and sliced apples; about 9 cups
• 1/4 cup (57g) rum, apple cider or juice, or water
• 1/4 to 3/4 cup (53g to 159g) light brown sugar or 1/4 cup (53g) dark brown sugar, depending on the sweetness/tartness of your apples
• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (43g) boiled cider, optional but good
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Apple Pie Spice, or 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg + 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 3 tablespoons (20g) unbleached all-purpose flour or tapioca flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
• 3/4 cup (90g) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (45g) quick-cooking oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup (142g) light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 8 tablespoons (113g) butter, cold, cut in pats
• 1/2 cup (57g) diced pecans or walnuts, optional
Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9” x 9” square cake pan, or similar-size casserole pan. Slice the apples about 1/4” thick. Toss them with the remaining filling ingredients, and spread them in the pan.
To make the topping, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add the cold butter, working it in to make an unevenly crumbly mixture. Stir in the nuts, if you’re using them.
Spread the topping over the apples in the pan. Set the pan on a parchment or foil-lined cookie sheet, to catch any potential drips. Bake for about 60 minutes, till bubbling and top is golden brown.
Remove to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. If you serve the crisp hot/warm, it may be quite soft; you wait till it’s completely cool, it’ll firm up nicely.
Note: To make individual crisps, grease eight 8-ounce capacity baking dishes, and proceed with the recipe accordingly, baking the smaller crisps for 45 to 55 minutes.
New York Apple Slaw Salad
•
A tasty side with plenty of crunch.
chopped green cabbage
• 1 cup(s) sliced, finely chopped red cabbage
• 1 medium red apple, sliced thin and cut into
small matchsticks
• 1 medium green apple, sliced thin and cut into small matchsticks
• 1 cup(s) grated carrot
• 1/4 cup(s) shelled, roasted pistachios
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoon(s) apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) country Dijon mustard (such as Grey Poupon)
• 1 tablespoon(s) honey
In a cruet or jar, combine dressing ingredients and shake well. Set aside. Combine cabbage, carrot and apples into a large bowl.
Chop pistachios with a knife or use a chopper. Add chopped pistachios to the bowl. Add dressing, salt and pepper to taste, and stir well. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes; stir again before serving.
Apples and cranberries combine for a welcome ending to any meal.
• Pastry for a 2 crust deep dish 9-inch pie
• 4 cups sliced, pared tart apples (thickly sliced)
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter
Preheat oven to 425° F. Prepare pastry. In large bowl, combine sugars, flour and cinnamon. Add apples and cranberries. Mix to coat well. Turn into prepared pie pan. Dot with butter. Cover with second crust and seal to bottom crust edge by pressing edges together, then flute. Cut slits in top crust. Bake 40-45 minutes until crust is lightly browned. Cover edge of crust with foil if crust is browning too quickly. Cool.
Both Sides Now: Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen
This intimate theatrical concert explores the music and lives of longtime friends and one-time lovers, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Created by, and starring folk-rocker Robbie Schaefer and award-winning jazz vocalist Danielle Wertz, the cabaretstyle performance — developed at Washington D.C’s Signature Theatre — traverses decades alongside songs such as “A Case of You,” “Hallelujah,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Suzanne,” and many more. Both Sides Now is at once a piece of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and of right now — offering us a story about the messiness of being human, of lives persistently lived at the edge of growth, and of finding the courage to turn toward one another, again and again. Robbie, a rabbi, singersongwriter and theater-film artist, and Danielle, a storyteller-composerarranger, pair up for an unforgettable evening.
Friday, Sept. 12, 8 p.m. $39, $36, $31. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.
For over 40 years the band from Down Under continues to shine. See what critics have acclaimed as “the gold standard” of tribute acts with stunning special effects that re-create Pink Floyd’s legendary stage shows. The band performs the seminal album Wish You Were Here in its entirety, including all nine parts of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” along with tunes from The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. With colorful lighting and video, pinpoint lasers, gargantuan inflatables and flawless live sound that was the benchmark of Pink Floyd shows, the band delivers a memorable experience. Replicating music from every phase of Pink Floyd’s journey, this tour reinforces their dedication to the heritage of Barrett, Waters, Gilmour, Wright and Mason.
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 8 p.m. $105.25, $88, $77.75, $66.25, $55.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: Ongoing
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
9/11 Sunset Remembrance Ceremony
The City of Glen Cove welcomes all to honor 24th anniversary of 9/11 with a solemn Sunset Remembrance Ceremony. This ceremony is a time for the community to come together in reflection and remembrance.
•Where: Pratt Park (next to the Glen Cove Fire Department)
•Time: 6:30 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 676-2004
13
Shop fresh and local at the Deep Roots Farmers Market!
Enjoy a vibrant selection of Long Island-grown produce, artisanal goods, fresh baked items, handmade crafts, and more. The market also features live music, family-friendly activities, and community vendors. Come support local farmers and makers, rain or shine!
•Where: 100 Garvies Point Road
• Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 676-6666
Jr. Soccer Parade
Celebrate the kickoff of the youth soccer season at the Glen Cove Jr. Soccer Parade.Join players, coaches, families, and fans as they march from Finley Middle School in a spirited display of community pride
Get in the groove with the NYC Ska Orchestra. This 20-piece big band blends the exuberant musical layers of the jazz big band era with Jamaican roots music. The top-notch musicians, led by arranger-trumpetervocalist Kevin Batchelor deliver a lively concert that surely will lead you to want to get up out of your seat and dance. The band features star turns from celebrated octogenarian percussionist/vocalist Larry McDonald and master drummer Carl Wright. Alongside a powerhouse collective of instrumental artists from the reggae recording scene, bandmembers have performed with Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Toots & the Maytals. Together they play a non-stop selection of lush original compositions and arrangements of songs from the richly historic and culturally iconic Jamaican musical styles of 1950s and ’60s ska, mento, rocksteady and jazz. Don’t know the difference between mento and two-tone? Let this collective of musicians be your guide. The passionate team of talented musicians each bring unique energy and expertise to create an unforgettable sound experience. The band includes Pallavi Gummalam and singer/arranger Aida Brandies Hargrove, joined by top-notch pros who all combine for a hugely entertaining, danceable, unforgettable show. $42, $37 members.
and team spirit. A great way to support local youth athletics!
•Where: Finley Middle School, 1 Forest Ave.
•Time: 10-11 a.m.
Glen Cove Street Fair
Enjoy a day of pure fun at the Annual Glen Cove Street Fair. With food, vendors and entertainment.
•Where: Glen Street and School Street
•Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 676-2000
E-Waste Collection
Drop off your electronic waste at Glen Cove’s fall E-Waste event. Items such as desktops, tablets, printers, and other electronics under 100 lbs will be accepted. Proof of residency required.
•Where: Winters Bros. Waste Systems, Morris Ave.
•Time: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 676-4402
‘Drawing Parallels with Simon Deng’ The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County hosts
“Drawing Parallels with SEPT
•Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington
• Time: 8 p.m.
•Contact: landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444
Simon Deng.” Deng, a South Sudanese-American human rights activist and former child slave, has dedicated his life to fighting modern-day slavery and promoting freedom. Enslaved at age nine during a militia raid, he escaped after three years and later found refuge in the United States, where he became a prominent voice against human rights abuses in Sudan and Darfur. Deng uses his story to raise awareness and inspire action. In recent years, he has also become an outspoken advocate for Israel and the release of hostages held by Hamas, drawing parallels between his experiences and contemporary struggles for justice and liberation.
•Where: Inn at Great Neck, 30 Cutter Mill Road, Great Neck
• Time: 5-6 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 571-8040
Casino Night
Enjoy an exciting evening filled with casino games, a cocktail hour, full dinner, open bar, live music and a silent auction at the Casino Night Fundraiser benefiting Cove Animal Rescue. Each general admission ticket includes $200 in play money for the casino tables (for guests 18 and older), access to the full event experience, and an opportunity to connect with fellow animal lovers in a beautiful beachfront setting. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for individuals or businesses looking to make an even greater impact.
•Where: The Crescent Beach Club, 333 Bayville Ave, Bayville
•Time: 7:30-11:30 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 676-5913
provided. The “themed” lunch is “Back-to-School-Lunchbox” plates, sides, snacks and desserts.
•Where: 170 Buckram Road, Locust Valley
•Time: 10 a.m.
•Contact: Larraine Tassis, ltassis@aol.com, or (516) 759-5694
‘Ceaselessly into the past: ‘The Great Gatsby Tour and Talk’ ‘Ceaselessly into the past: ‘The Great Gatsby Tour and Talk’ Explore Sands Point Preserve’s Hempstead House, one of the grand Gold Coast mansions that provided the inspirational backdrop for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” on a guide tour. Then, instructors from The Story Round lead a table discussion on the novel’s lasting impact on the North Shore and Port Washington. $25, $20 members.
•Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point
•Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
•Contact: sandspointpreserve conservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901
Treasures from the Attic Discover the value and story behind your treasure at Nassau County Museum of Art’s Antique Appraisal Day. Bring your antiques, artwork and heirlooms to the museum and meet several of the world’s leading art and antiques experts. These esteemed appraisers will provide verbal fair market value estimates, and you may be surprised at what you learn. Up to 5 items per registrant. Spots are limited and online registration required. $40 per item, $30 members. Fee includes exhibit admission.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Having an event?
The City Council meets at Glen Cove City Hall.
•Where: 9 Glen St.
• Time: 7:30–8:30 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 676-2000 SEPT
Visitors and potential new members are welcome to The Garden Club’s next meeting. Participate in “Tatakizome - Japanese Hammer Art,” led by program chair Jane Benstock, Use garden blossoms to create beautiful small art pieces at the hands-on session. Bring a hammer; all other materials
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.
As students prepare to head back to school and college campuses reopen across the state, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is offering fire safety tips to help prevent accidents in dorms, classrooms and offcampus housing.
Store e-bikes, e-scooters, and batteries away from exit doors, and anything that can get hot or catch fire. Never store in hallways. It is best to store these battery-powered devices and their batteries outside your home or any structures like a garage, if possible. Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the device. Do not leave devices plugged in and charging overnight or unattended for long periods of time. Avoid overcharging. Keep batteries/devices at room temperature and do not place them in direct sunlight. For your personal safety, ALWAYS wear a helmet when operating an e-bike and stay VISIBLE.
Candle safety is incredibly important. Though banned in most
According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than half of all dormitory fires occur between 4 p.m. and midnight, with unattended equipment being the leading cause. Additionally, four out of five fire-related deaths on college campuses take place in off-campus housing.
dorm rooms and on college campuses, it is still important to be aware of the dangers that candles bring when lighting them. Always keep a burning candle within sight and never leave it unattended. Be sure to never light a candle near flammable materials like curtains, paper and clothing. If a candle starts smoking or flickering excessively, it is time to extinguish it.
3
Fire Extinguishers
When checking off packing lists for college apartments, especially off -campus ones, ensure that you have at least one fire extinguisher within the apartment. It is key to keep one in the kitchen if there is an oven or stove fire. It is also important to make sure that there is one nearby in the case that there is an electrical fire, or laundry unit fire. Keeping such a basic, but necessary tool, could save a student’s life.
“As families prepare for the new school year, we urge everyone to make fire safety a priority,” FASNY officials said. “Simple precautions can make a life-saving difference.”
4
Smoke Detectors
This reminder is extremely timely because unfortunately, according to the United States Fire Administration, New York State ranks third in states with fire deaths throughout the country thus far in 2025. Twothirds of fire deaths occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or nonfunctioning smoke alarms. Smoke detectors provide an early warning of a threat and allow occupants precious extra minutes to evacuate their homes, which can be lifesaving.
5
Know where emergency exits are located
Practicing an escape plan will ensure that each person is as prepared as possible. Since most fatal fires happen between midnight and 8 a.m., it is impor-
tant to be prepared before the emergency occurs. To help this process, once moving into the building, locate the closest emergency exit and make yourself aware of the distance from door to door. It is also very important to not block emergency exits or the hallways or routes that lead to them. Store extra items or things you aren’t currently using in a proper storage area in your residence hall, apartment building or private home. Also consider renting an off-site storage unit to safely store these extra items during the semester.
For more safety and fire information go to fasnyny.com
September 11, 2025 —
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
MTGLQ Investors, L.P., Plaintiff AGAINST Adventure Corp.; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 13, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 22, 2025, at 2:00PM, premises known as 53 Robinson Avenue, Glen Cove, NY 11542. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the City of Glen Cove, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 21 Block 19 Lot 129.
Approximate amount of judgment $660,029.98 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 015093/2007.
Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine”
Maria Sideris, Esq., Referee
LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: August 6, 2025
For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 155302
LEGAL NOTICE
CITY OF GLEN COVE
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a PUBLIC HEARING will be held by the Glen Cove Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers, City Hall, 9 Glen Street, Glen Cove, New York, when all interested persons will be given an opportunity to express their views.
The hearing will be on the application of Shore Auto Sales, Inc. for an appeal of a Stop Work Order issued for the property located at 6/8 Chadwick Street,
Glen Cove, NY, in the B-2 Central Commercial District, and designated on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map as Section 22, Block N-1, Lot 488.
The above application is on file at the city offices located at 9 Glen Street, Glen Cove, NY where it may be seen during regular business hours of the usual business days until the time of the hearing.
Dated: September 4, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS OF THE CITY OF GLEN COVE TERI MOSCHETTA, CHAIRPERSON 155721
LEGAL NOTICE
CITY OF GLEN COVE PLANNING BOARD
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a PUBLIC HEARING will be held by the City of Glen Cove Planning Board on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., at the Council Chambers, City Hall, 9 Glen Street, Glen Cove, New York 11542, when all interested persons will be given an opportunity to express their views.
The hearing will be on the application of New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T) for a special use permit and site plan approval for the installation and collocation of a stealth rooftop wireless telecommunications facility. The stealth wireless facility is to be placed on the roof of the Glen Cove Shopping Center located at 189 Forest Avenue, Glen Cove, New York, identified on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map as Section 30, Block D, Lots 1473 and 1436. The above application is on file at the city offices located at 9 Glen Street, Glen Cove, NY where it may be seen during regular business hours of the usual business days until the time of the hearing.
Dated: August 25, 2025
ANDREW KAUFMAN
Chairman
GLEN COVE PLANNING BOARD 155722
by the Glen Cove Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers, City Hall, 9 Glen Street, Glen Cove, New York, when all interested persons will be given an opportunity to express their views.
The hearing will be on the application of Dan and Julia de Roulet, residing at 14 Morgan Lane, Glen Cove, N.Y., seeking variances from Section 280-55 R-1 One-Acre Residence District B(6) of the Glen Cove Zoning Code to construct a new basement entrance on the west side of the existing house. The applicants are proposing a side yard setback of 9 feet 3 inches, where a minimum of 25 feet is required; the existing house is already nonconforming, with a current side yard setback of 15 feet 6 inches. The subject property is located at 14 Morgan Lane, Glen Cove, N.Y., and is designated on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map as Section 23, Block 70, Lot 9B. The property is located within the City’s R-1 One-Acre Residence District. The above application is on file at the City offices located at 9 Glen Street, Glen Cove, NY where it may be seen during regular business hours of the usual business days until the time of the hearing.
Dated: August 26, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS OF THE CITY OF GLEN COVE TERI MOSCHETTA, CHAIRPERSON 155720
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION, -againstEDWARD MAXWELL, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS MAXWELL, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on June 25, 2025, wherein PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION is the Plaintiff and EDWARD
MAXWELL, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS MAXWELL, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 14, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 16 KEMP AVENUE, GLEN COVE, NY 11542; tax map identification 21-251-8; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE CITY OF GLEN COVE, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 618505/2022. Ellen Durst, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 155706
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PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
By WILL SHEELINE & ROKSANA AMID wsheeline@liherald.com
When May Pang unveils her photography exhibition The Lost Weekend –The Photography of May Pang at the Long Island Picture Frame & Art Gallery of Oyster Bay Sept. 19–21, visitors will see rare, intimate glimpses of John Lennon during one of his most creative periods. For Glen Cove resident and Vietnam War veteran Howard Stillwagon, the Beatles are more than history — they are the soundtrack of his life. Stillwagon, who grew up in Glen Cove listening to the radio long before he had access to television, vividly remembers when the Beatles arrived on the scene in the early 1960s. “When the Beatles came, well, everything changed,” he recalled. “It was a big, big change in the music industry, and it was for the better.”
Pang’s perspective
Vdown mood, and when I heard that song, I thought of going to Vietnam and that I might get killed and my family would never see me again,” he said quietly. “It’s a great song, but I still don’t listen to it. It just tears me up.”
A gallery of stories
Gallery owner Jim Perna said what makes Pang’s photographs unique is the intimacy. “When you look at May’s photography, you gotta understand something. She was a young kid when she shot these photos,” Perna said. “She was capturing her friends. She was capturing her lover. Very rarely do you see those kinds of candid photos of the Beatles out there, because famous photographers are shooting those photos and they want the perfect shot. She wasn’t even thinking about a perfect shot.”
ery rarely do you see those kinds of candid photos of the Beatles out there, because famous photographers are shooting those photos and they want the perfect shot.
Pang, who spent 18 months with Lennon from 1973 to 1975 during his socalled “Lost Weekend,” said her photographs offer a glimpse into the Beatle’s quieter, more personal side. “The whole idea of this exhibition started a couple of years ago when Scott Siegelbaum, who’s my business partner, came to me and said, ‘You know, I think you should show some of those photos of yours, of John that a lot of people have never seen,’” Pang explained. “I never thought for a million years it was going to be for a gallery showing years later. This is just under my bed for many years.”
JIM PERNA owner,
Long
Island Picture Frame & Art Gallery
Her collection includes Lennon signing the 1974 papers dissolving the Beatles, Lennon with his son Julian, and one of the final images of Lennon and Paul McCartney together. She even snapped everyday scenes, like Lennon eating hot and sour soup while watching television. “That was his favorite pastime,” Pang said with a smile. “You can see him eating and watching television — and then blowing his nose after the soup made it run.”
Stillwagon remembers his own milestones marked by Beatles songs. He recalls hearing She Loves You and I Want to Hold Your Hand on repeat, the Beatles’ performance on the Ed Sullivan Show, and the frenzy of their Shea Stadium concerts.
But one song remains deeply personal. On New Year’s Eve 1968, just days before he shipped out to Vietnam, Stillwagon sat alone in a bar when Hey Jude came on the radio. “I was kind of in a
Perna added that Pang’s return to Oyster Bay is something special for Long Island. “She’s a draw,” he said. “People love the stories behind the photos. It’s a personal connection. It’s just not showing the artwork — the photographer was there, the person that lived it was there.”
Pang echoed that sentiment. “I always try to urge people to see the documentary The Lost Weekend: A Love Story before coming to the gallery, because it goes hand in hand. It tells the story,” she said. “And my photos I put in there are those photos that people are going to see in real life. It puts context to it.”
For Stillwagon, who has collected and sold thousands of records over the years — including Beatles albums he still keeps — exhibitions like Pang’s preserve more than just history. They keep the music alive for those who grew up with it and introduce it to younger generations. “They’re a big part of my growing up, from being 12 years old in 1960 to now,” he said. “Music is such a big part of my life.”
Pang agreed that her work offers something universal. “Well, I think we all are Beatles fans, and you know, when we started out, they changed the world,” she said. “But they never got a chance to be themselves until much later, and I got the John that was that for me. This is my time with him.”
The exhibition runs Sept. 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Sept. 20 from noon to 5 p.m., and Sept. 21 from noon to 4 p.m. at 20 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. Admission is free. More information is available at LIPF.com and MayPangPhotography.com.
I’m a capitalist. There, I said it. Even more than that, I’m a Democrat. In fact, I serve as a Democratic national committeeman. I have also been a partner in a small business on Long Island for more than 35 years. Capitalism is neither a threat nor just a theory to me; it is a reality that provides opportunities for me as well as our employees, vendors and clients.
As I write this confession sequestered in my undisclosed location, it is important to remember that our nation’s capitalist economy and entrepreneurial spirit are the envy of the world, attracting workers, investment and admiration. But this success wouldn’t be possible without two critical features: a social safety net that allows people to take risks, start businesses and join unions, and federal funding for research and development.
It is because of my commitment to capitalism that I stand in strong opposition to President Trump’s economic agenda.
Think about the child tax credit, the
PAffordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security — these historic programs achieved by visionary leaders during national crises protect people from the vicissitudes of the market and allow them to pursue economic opportunity. Trump is tearing up that legacy by gutting Medicaid and food assistance for tens of thousands of New Yorkers.
Trump’s economic agenda is an assault on everything from jobs to science.
His Big Beautiful Bill — a big, ugly bill — will spike health care premiums for more than 24 million households that receive health insurance through the ACA exchange, and the exorbitant expense will cost as many as 80,000 New Yorkers their coverage. It will lead to the layoffs of more than 3,000 hospital workers in our state. It will reduce after-tax income not just for the very poor and vulnerable, but also for the middle class. It will raise electricity bills, and make basic consumer goods more expensive. Our small businesses and their employees will suffer the repercussions.
The latest jobs report indicates a slumping economy, with just 22,000 jobs added in August and the unemployment rate at the highest level since October 2021. This will only get worse as the administration’s unprecedented tariffs
are fully implemented. Moreover, Trump’s decision to fire the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner over a weak jobs report and his attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, in addition to eroding the independence of the Fed, are the tactics of a banana republic that undermine American capitalism. Our fellow citizens can’t succeed when they are denied opportunities to enter the middle class and build a future for their families.
Contrary to conventional belief, the federal government has funded and developed leading technologies, such as GPS, Siri, the Covid-19 vaccines, the space program and the internet. According to a recent Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas paper, non-defense government research and development has been responsible for more than 20 percent of productivity growth since World War II. Instead of doubling down on these critical investments, the Trump administration has canceled billions of dollars in grants for the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. His research funding budget would inflict even more austerity. Put simply, this is an assault on American jobs, education, science, health, medicine and our
economic standing in the world.
There’s no question that unchecked government and unchecked capitalism are equally dangerous. Imagine two scenarios: In one, American businesses innovate, grow and compete globally, powered by a workforce with access to health care, education and financial opportunity. That leads to a future in which new industries emerge, lifechanging technologies are invented and prosperity is widely shared.
In the other scenario, we watch our competitive edge erode. Entrepreneurs can’t take risks because they can’t afford to get sick. Innovation stalls. Inequality deepens. Businesses fail. Families suffer.
The choice we face isn’t between capitalism and government, but between a sustainable capitalism that works for all and a broken system that serves and favors only a few. If we are to create jobs, power local businesses, develop innovation and protect the American dream, we must rise above party labels and partisan rhetoric and respond as patriots by learning from history. The investments that have cured disease and provided economic growth have made our country the beacon of innovation. That requires standing in defense of capitalism.
Robert Zimmerman is a co-president of ZE Creative Communications in Garden City.
olling statistics regularly reflect that people, in general, don’t trust the government. I hear it myself, and it’s simply because career politicians spin information, regardless of truth or accuracy. That was the case with the recent financial release of Glen Cove’s 2024 financials.
The city administration touted an $88,000 “surplus” at the end of 2024. While it’s better to have a positive balance — a surplus — than a negative one — a deficit — when the books close at the end of the year, it’s important to understand the underlying drivers to get a full picture.
Digging into the 2024 audited financial statements, I saw that Glen Cove’s long-term liabilities — its debts — totaled $195.8 million, an increase of $912,698 from the year before. In other words, the city increased the amount it borrowed by almost $1 million in 2024. It was the borrowed money that led to the “surplus.” That’s like taking out a cash
advance on your credit card, spending most of it, but saving a small amount and claiming that you’re flush with cash. The so-called surplus wasn’t an operating surplus of revenue, but rather just more debt to be paid back with interest. To call this $88,000 a surplus was completely misleading.
Lack of transparency in governmental actions erodes public trust faster than anything.
People also lose faith in the government when a government action is portrayed as a benefit, but the result is the opposite. Let’s use payments in lieu of taxes, or PILOTs, as another example. Glen Cove administrations have consistently rationalized that such tax breaks will benefit the city. In 2024, nine local properties received PILOTs. Had those properties paid the standard tax rate applied to their assessed values, like all other properties are required to do, the city would have collected an additional $6 million — and not just in 2024, but in every year for the duration of the PILOTs.
The standard tax rate is calculated to cover the services provided to each property. When one property doesn’t pay its fair share, the remaining property owners must effectively subsidize it by
paying more to cover all the city services the PILOT-granted properties enjoy. The granting of PILOTs over the past several years has negatively impacted the taxpayers of our city, forcing them to pay higher taxes to cover the lower payments of those granted the PILOTs. More misleading information given to the public.
Lack of transparency in governmental actions erodes public trust faster than anything. Regardless of party, the administration of Glen Cove has a responsibility to share information with all duly elected representatives. During this election year, and even before now, the Democratic and independent members of the City Council have been iced out of many important conversations, and given information only at the last minute, when called on to vote. This prevents those council members from doing due diligence on behalf of the public.
It’s the job of the mayor to share all information with all council members at the same time. How else can this body, elected by the people, operate in the best interests of the city? It can’t, plain and
simple. And that does a disservice to Glen Cove.
A set of standard operating procedures would go a long way to promote transparency in our government. This city doesn’t have SOPs. The questions I raise at meetings are invariably about a lack of process or a lack of information. It’s the job of your representatives to make sure decisions are properly vetted to mitigate risk, prevent liability and ensure fairness and objectivity — not just to vote aye or nay. That is what the public deserves, and what the public should demand.
Democracy only works with public participation. It is incumbent on the public to be involved, to attend or watch public meetings and research issues to get to the truth.
I will continue to ask the hard questions, demand all the information required to make common-sense decisions, and work with everyone to help make Glen Cove the best it can be for everyone. Hold me and every one of your elected officials accountable, because getting the truth from us is critical to restoring trust in government. Voting is the only way we get the government we deserve.
Marsha Silverman is a Glen Cove city councilwoman.
Ioften reflect on how people thought differently about the world on Sept. 10, 2001. Then, in an instant, everything changed. I remember the confusion, chaos and fear — and the extraordinary unity that followed. In the days and weeks after the attacks, we weren’t Democrats or Republicans. We were Americans, bound by grief, resolve and an unshakable sense of shared purpose.
I was buoyed by the sight of American flags flying everywhere, on cars, on homes, on buildings. They reminded us, even in our darkest hour, that we were still united as one people. That unity stands in stark contrast to the fractured and divided state of our country today. On this solemn anniversary, I believe Sept. 11 must not only be a day of remembrance, but also a day of recommitment. Let’s rededicate ourselves to the dream that is America — the proposition that all men and women are created equal, and the promise that hard work will be reward-
ed with a decent life. Let’s re-devote ourselves to faith, family, community and country.
I vividly remember those first hours. In Glen Cove, where I was serving as mayor, one of the first decisions we made was to run continuous trips of the Glen Cove Ferry to help bring people trapped in Manhattan to safety. Our crews and volunteers transported thousands of people. It was a small act of service compared with the enormity of what had happened, but it was something tangible, something immediate, something that made a difference.
Lness of those who stood ready to serve. I lost friends and neighbors that day, and I know others who survived because they decided not to go to the office that morning. One friend instead handed out my campaign literature at the train station.
et’s carry forward the spirit of unity and purpose that defined us in those dark days.
We solicited hundreds of volunteer doctors, nurses and first responders to be ferried to the city. We also coordinated with New York City emergency management and Glen Cove Hospital to bring the wounded back to our facility. Sadly, as the day wore on, the reality became painfully clear. There were no wounded. They didn’t need our hospital, or our volunteers — the devastation was so complete that there were no survivors to be saved. That truth still weighs heavily on me, a reminder of both the cruelty of that day and the extraordinary selfless-
IWe must be grateful for our lives and what we have when we have it. Let’s do the work we can, while we can.
Over the years, I’ve been privileged to work closely with John Feal, of Commack, a man who turned his own tragedy into a life of service. John was working as a demolition supervisor at ground zero when a falling steel beam crushed his foot. After his injury, he was denied compensation. He made it his mission to fight for others. Through the FealGood Foundation, and with allies like Jon Stewart and many others, we’ve fought hard on behalf of first responders and survivors, ensuring that they receive the care and resources they deserve.
This year, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and I introduced the bipartisan Patriot Day Act, to establish Sept. 11 as a federal holiday. Our goal is simple: to give every American the chance to com-
memorate one of the most significant days in our history. For 24 years we have honored 9/11 in our own ways. By enshrining the day in federal law, we would affirm that remembrance is not optional; it is essential.
But remembering isn’t enough. We owe it to those we lost, and to those who rushed into the burning towers to save others, to carry forward the spirit of unity and purpose that defined us in those dark days. Let us never forget the pain that was visited upon us, the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders and the extraordinary sense of togetherness that carried us through. And most of all, let’s rededicate ourselves to the dream and promise of America, that we’re stronger together, that our differences don’t divide us, and that hope, not hatred, will define our future.
On Sept. 11, 2001, everything changed. Twenty-four years later, the memories are still raw. The grief still lingers. But so, too, does the possibility of renewal. If we remember well, and recommit ourselves, Sept. 11 will not only be a day of mourning, but also a day of resolve. That’s how we can best honor those we lost: by building a country worthy of their sacrifice.
Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.
n an era of widespread economic uncertainty, a challenging job market and skyrocketing tuition costs, questioning the wisdom of pursuing a four-year degree at a private university is understandable. Recent headlines about high-profile universities facing lawsuits and funding losses add to these concerns.
Given the questionable return on investment and the risk of overwhelming student debt, now more than ever seems to be the time to earn an affordable associate’s degree from one of New York state’s community colleges. Community colleges across the SUNY system, including Nassau Community College, offer a variety of programs in highdemand fields that give students a competitive edge in today’s economy. Courses in the expanding medical industry, such as nursing, physical therapy and radiology, have become immensely popular, as have technology programs in cybersecurity and IT. We have also
recently launched an entrepreneurship program to equip students with the skills they will need to start or grow a business. This fall, we’re introducing our first career and technical education program in construction, with plans for more programs next year.
In an age of soaring tuition costs, community colleges remain an affordable gateway to opportunity. The cost of college has more than doubled in this century, with an average student expected to pay nearly $59,000 a year at a private, nonprofit university. That amounts to upward of $500,000 for a bachelor’s degree when you factor in loan interest, as reported by the nonprofit Education Data Initiative. With these high costs comes more debt. Even after accounting for federal financial aid and grants, 57 percent of graduates from private universities end up with debt averaging $28,400, according to the College Board. Many of these graduates carry that debt into retirement, with borrowers over age 50 accounting for 23 percent of the federal student loan balance as of 2021.
tuition for a community college in New York is around $5,900, according to Community College Review. As living costs rise, community colleges like ours provide a crucial, affordable alternative for students seeking quality education.
N assau C.C. and others offer programs that give students a competitive edge.
In contrast, the average annual
It’s important to note that community colleges have faced their share of challenges over the past decade. According to the American Association of Community Colleges, U.S. community colleges lost more than 1 million students, or 14.4 percent, between 2010 and 2017. The pandemic exacerbated this decline, with an additional 773,000 students, or 16 percent, disappearing from 2019 to 2022, as reported by the Association of Community College Trustees. In New York, the situation has been similarly dire, with a SUNY-wide enrollment decline of 14 percent over the past 15 years, driven largely by falling community college numbers, according to State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s office. The loss of students has also led to a decrease in funding. Like many community colleges nationwide, ours faced a significant fiscal challenge. While other
institutions responded with mass layoffs and drastic cuts to programs, our college took a different approach. Despite a $14 million deficit, we implemented a careful reorganization plan that not only erased the shortfall, but also secured a $10 million positive fund balance, all without sacrificing tenured staff and largely preserving our broad course catalog.
Enrollment has rebounded at our college, with an average increase of 3 percent every semester over the past three years. While this uptick is partly due to regional trends, it also reflects our commitment to providing students with an education they can directly leverage for success. Additionally, the college recently earned reaccreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that the education we provide meets all necessary standards. Although the country’s top private universities may continue to face challenges, the future looks increasingly bright for community colleges, both nationwide and here at home. We are preparing the next generation of workers who will not only be on stronger financial footing, but also poised to stay and work right here on Long Island.
Dr. Maria Conzatti is chief administrative officer of Nassau Community College.
Glen
Incorporating
2
Phone: (516) 569-4000
Fax: (516)
For the past few weeks, the Herald has presented a series on housing and the challenges of finding an affordable place to live for Long Islanders — a necessity that seems to be slipping further from reach for so many in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
For decades, people came here to build lives rooted in family, work and community. These days, however, housing has become not just a financial burden, but also a destabilizing one that threatens health, safety and the very fabric of our towns.
Housing supply has stagnated while demand has soared. Rising rents and homes priced beyond the reach of working families are reshaping daily life. They are forcing impossible choices: whether to stay close to loved ones, whether to sacrifice health care in order to pay the rent or the mortgage, whether to leave Long Island altogether. The crisis is no longer theoretical — it is personal, urgent, and in desperate need of solutions.
Consider the story of Karen Wihlt, whom we featured in Part 2 of our housing series, “Personal stories of L.I.’s housing crisis,” three weeks ago. Wihlt, 58, lives in uncertainty with her service dog in a Bethpage hotel room. After years of building a life here, working as a chef and helping open restaurants around the area, she now faces homelessness.
She can no longer work, but her income from disability benefits — too much for her to qualify for local aid but
King stirs memories of what football used to be
To the Editor:
nowhere near enough for her to afford rent or a continued hotel stay — illustrates the sobering arithmetic of survival on Long Island.
The cost of insecurity reaches beyond the wallet. As Peggy Boyd, vice president of community services and advocacy for the Family Service League, noted in that story, the trauma of losing housing often triggers depression, anxiety and hopelessness. The Family Service League is a social service agency that provides support and security to Long Islanders in need.
Children, the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population nationwide, suffer disrupted schooling, constant moves and the erosion of the routines essential for healthy development. When a child repeatedly sleeps in a car or a motel instead of a bedroom, the damage isn’t just temporary — it echoes through a lifetime.
Even middle-class professionals, long considered the backbone of Long Island, are struggling. Brandon Webber, a lieutenant in the New York City Fire Department, and his fiancée, preschool director Alexa Rubinstein, who rent an apartment in Farmingdale, embody the contradiction: two educated, hardworking adults with multiple jobs who still can’t buy a home in the communities they serve.
For some, like Denise Minicozzi, 60, the only option is to work harder by working more hours — but still never getting ahead. Minicozzi waits tables and works part-time at an assisted-living facility just to cover the $4,200 rent for a
Re Peter King’s op-ed, “College football just ain’t what it used to be,” in last week’s issue: I arrived at Dillon Hall, University of Notre Dame, a graduate of Baldwin High School, in the fall of 1966. Alan Page walked through Dillon every day from Alumni Hall to get to the south dining hall. Bob Gladieux, Rocky Bleier, Tom Schoen — all regular guys, passing through the hall. I use the term “regular guys” because they were. And they were students as well.
I always remember Tom McKinley, All-American center on the team, with a 3.97 GPA in electrical engineering, writing an article for the N.D. paper, called The Observer. He described his day, and the focus was on time management. I’m 77, and have never forgotten the clarity of time these players had to observe in terms of classes, studying, practice, meals, travel, game days.
The 1966 team was electrifying. We all gathered in the old fieldhouse for the first pep rally. The team sat
modest Bayville house — an arrangement with no security and the constant threat of increases. Like many others, she and her partner are contemplating leaving Long Island.
Too many longtime residents are reaching the same conclusion: the place they love no longer loves them back. The ripple effects are already visible. Assemblyman Charles Lavine, a Democrat who represents the 13th District, warns that without affordable housing, Long Island is “losing its future.”
Middle-class families are being priced out, young people are leaving and communities risk being hollowed out. Without a thriving middle class, schools weaken, businesses falter and neighborhoods lose their vitality.
State funding has helped, and projects near Long Island Rail Road stations hold promise. But efforts remain piecemeal, stymied by local resistance to new development and a lack of federal investment.
The solution requires bold action: regionalizing poverty thresholds so assistance matches local costs, investing in supportive housing that integrates mental health care, and building more homes and apartments where people need them. Above all, it requires the political will to overcome “not in my backyard” resistance and acknowledge the reality staring us in the face.
Housing is not just shelter. It is health care. It is education. It is stability. It is dignity. If we don’t act now, we risk losing the very essence of what has always made Long Island home.
up above the “madding crowd” as Coach Ara
never ebbed.
Glen Cove is a city on the rise — and the progress we’ve made in the past three years is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together with purpose and pride. From financial stability to community celebrations, our community is seeing the results of focused leadership and shared commitment.
Fiscal responsibility and a strong foundation. For the first time since 2017, Glen Cove has achieved a surplus. This is more than a financial milestone — it’s a turning point. After years of deficits, we are now living within our means while still investing in the services and infrastructure that matter most.
The surplus reflects careful planning, responsible governance and a renewed focus on long-term sustainability. In 2024 the city received a No Fiscal Stress designation from the state comptroller’s office based on our 2023 financial results — the first time since 2017. Last year, Moody’s Investor Services upgraded our credit rating from Baa2 to Baa1, the highest in more than 20 years.
All this has been done while we’ve
maintained our workforce and made major improvements to all city buildings and facilities. We have provided our first responders with necessary vehicles and equipment, and provided our Department of Public Works with new vehicles and equipment.
Investing in parks and public spaces. Our parks and recreational facilities are the heart of our community, and we’ve made exciting improvements across the city. Stanco Park now has new tennis and pickleball courts, and the city’s Beautification Commission landscaped Pascucci Field beautifully.
Morgan Park, Pryibil Beach and John Maccarone Stadium have all seen upgrades that will benefit families for years to come. Our golf course continues to thrive, thanks to ongoing investments that enhance both play and aesthetics. A new sprinkler system is set to be installed in early November.
a destination. This summer we held a ribbon-cutting for Port Tiki Glen Cove, bringing boat cruises around Long Island Sound, and welcomed the Never Enuff Fishing Fleet, now sailing from our ferry terminal. These attractions not only boost our economy, but also showcase the natural beauty that makes Glen Cove so special.
L ast year we received a No Fiscal Stress designation for the first time since 2017.
A thriving business community. Glen Cove’s downtown and waterfront are alive with new energy and welcoming diverse businesses. From the ribboncutting at Green Eats Café to the opening of Kelly’s Music Center on School Street, each new venture adds to the fabric of our community.
Our waterfront continues to grow as
downfield, furthering the distance between himself and the Boilermaker defense. Terry Hanratty threw a pass toward the sideline where no one was until, a moment later, Jim Seymour, on a timed route, appeared out of nowhere to snag the throw. It was glorious.
Every visit to the campus brings me home, as it does with the thousands who have attended the university. But Peter King is correct: The sports landscape has changed. It’s mind-boggling to hear the play-by-play announcer name the three different schools that this or that player has attended before he landed on the team out on the field.
It’s a cliché, but how often is the answer to just about anything one word: money? It doesn’t seem like a degree in electrical engineering is in the offing. Not that these young athletes aren’t smart. They’re being offered something that may never come along again in their lifetime, and it’s hard to resist.
In some ways, people of our age resist change. We could never imagine the terms being presented to today’s players. (This goes for technology as well. I thank God our grandchildren live in town, so we can call them any time we need something that relates to
Celebrating community and culture. We began the year with Glen Cove featured on the cover of Newsday’s Feed Me magazine as a top culinary destination, and we were recently named one of “America’s Hidden Gems” by Business View magazine. These honors reflect what we already know — this is a place where people want to live, visit and invest.
Our calendar has been packed — from the Island Vibes Food Truck Festival to the Memorial Day Parade, the 5th Battalion Fire Department Parade, and the Kids’ Bike Parade, our streets have been filled with celebration. Each year, we celebrate July Fourth with a spectacular fireworks show and concert that brings the entire community together. We also celebrated our community spirit on National Night Out, honoring Police Chief Bill Whitton. The Glen Cove High School softball team won the Nassau County championship. Our junior baseball and softball teams have
won multiple championships, our soccer programs continue to excel, and our junior football team won the county title. A junior cheer program rounds this out.
The Downtown Sounds concert series and the Morgan Park Summer Music Festival fill our parks and plazas with music and joy. These gatherings bring neighbors together, support small businesses and remind us that Glen Cove is a city that celebrates culture, champions community and keeps its downtown vibrant.
Honoring our past, building our future. Throughout the year, we’ve taken time to honor our veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring that their legacy lives on in our hearts and in our city. We’re proud to boast an award-winning Senior Center and the Age-Friendly designation that Glen Cove holds. Our Youth Bureau offers after-school programs, mentoring, Summer Youth Employment and summer camps for school-age children.
Looking ahead with confidence. As your mayor, I’m proud of our accomplishments. I’m even more excited about what lies ahead. With continued focus, strong leadership and the dedication of our residents, Glen Cove’s future is bright. Let’s keep moving forward together. Let’s keep the momentum going.
Pamela Panzenbeck is mayor of Glen Cove.
our phone, computer or TV.) Go, Irish!
BILL PICCHIONI
Notre Dame class of 1970
MATTHEW PICCHIONI
Notre Dame class of 2000
Rockville Centre
To the Editor:
Workers deserve fair pay, safe working conditions, affordable health care and the freedom to retire with dignity. We deserve the right to join unions that give workers a voice; an economy that works for all families, not just the wealthy; and a democracy in which every voice is heard and every vote counts.
Workers and families deserve fully funded public schools that are safe, welcoming, relevant and engaging, as well as higher education that is accessible, affordable and free from political intrusion.
President Trump campaigned on making life better and more affordable
for working families, and I’m sad to say that his administration has not delivered on these promises. Instead we have seen funding slashed for schools, health care, child care and more — while tax breaks are handed to the ultra-wealthy. Our family members and communities will be sicker, hungrier and poorer. We deserve so much better.
Whether it’s peacefully protesting with our neighbors and co-workers in the streets, forming unions at our workplaces or engaging with elected officials in Congress, let’s work together to fight for the future that all workers deserve.
CLAIRE LABORDE Hempstead
