Long Beach Herald 08-07-2025

alexandra Starr performing with Wyclef Jean at the nickelodeon Music Festival in 2010.

From Netflix to whatever’s next Alexandra Starr performs on ‘Building the Band’

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY Correspondent

Alexandra Starr, an actor and singer from Long Beach, was featured on Netflix’s new show “Building the Band” in July.

Starr has been performing since she was a youngster, including playing with Haitian rapper and singer Wyclef Jean and meeting American singer and songwriter Colbie Caillat at the Nickelodeon Music Festival in 2010.

“Building the Band” introduced a new format in reality music competitions, in which contestants are judged based on voicefirst auditions — a blind method of judging solely on vocal ability.

Bands are formed from the selected par-

ticipants and remain isolated until the later stages, when they meet in person. The series highlights tests of strategy, cohesion and trust. Chosen from among scores of contestants around the world, Starr was one of 21 girls who made it into the cast.

In preparation for the show, Starr took dance classes four times a week, as well as vocal lessons. She also prioritized proper nutrition and adequate sleep. “(It was) almost like a pop star boot camp,” she said.

The contestants went through rounds of auditions, interviews and callbacks in their journey to making the cast. Starr said it was a pleasure being on the reality show. She had the opportunity to travel to the United Kingdom, and developed an appreciation for her

Continued on page 15

top lifeguard

By MADISoN GUSlER mgusler@liherald.com

After nearly two decades patrolling the Long Beach shoreline, senior lifeguard Tim Cabasino has been named the 2025 New York State Lifeguard of the Year.

Cabasino, 34, was presented with the honor at the Long Island Lifeguard Championships at Smith Point Beach on July 28, recognizing his exceptional record as a lifeguard and an athlete. In his 19 years as a lifeguard, Cabasino has had no drownings under his watch and has represented the United States in lifesaving championship competitions across the globe.

honored. I feel like I would not be where I am today without a ton of the older lifeguards and mentors who I’ve learned from along the way.”

The annual award, presented by Smith Point Ocean Rescue, honors a lifeguard for performance, leadership and dedication to saving lives.

I get to do something that I really love, and I get to help mentor and develop young lifeguards so they can become better lifeguards.

TIM CABASINo Senior Long Beach lifeguard

“I would have never in a million years thought this was something I’d ever be worthy of receiving — I’m still kind of in shock,” Cabasino told the Herald. “More than anything, I’m

“I didn’t even know I’d be lifeguarding this long,” Cabasino said. Following years of serving as a junior lifeguard, alongside his friends and siblings, Cabasino joined as a fullfledged lifeguard for his first summer in 2007 at age 16. Working as a lifeguard allowed him to make money while attending high school and, later, college. “I just started doing this job for fun,” he said. “Now it’s a huge part of my life, and I’m grateful that I’m in the place that I am today.”

Lifeguarding runs in the

Continued on page 7

Al D’Amato, the former senator, reflects on his career and life Senator al D’amato

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Alfonse “Al” D’Amato, a longtime Island Park and current Lido Beach resident, served as U.S. Senator from New York for 18 years from 1981 to 1999, following a decade as supervisor of the Town of Hempstead. He earned the nickname “Senator Pothole” for his hands-on approach to constituent service.

Long Island’s own “Senator Pothole” turned 88 on Aug. 1. A three-term U.S. Senator, D’Amato once fillibustered for 15 hours to prevent the US government from providing financial assistance to New York City during its fiscal crisis.

Now founder of the lobbying firm, Park Strategies and a perennial voice on WABC

Radio, he reflected about his proudest achievements and today’s politics.

Q: What accomplishments from your public service career mean the most to you?

A: I loved fighting for the people of our state. I was proud to help elect Governor Pataki, and it was a great privilege to serve as supervisor of the Town of Hempstead for almost 10 years. During that time, we were able to acquire 40 acres on the ocean in Lido Beach and the Lido Beach Golf Course— both for approximately $2 million. That was extraordinary. I also worked to shut down the incinerator in Oceanside and help secure the land for the waste facility that’s there today. I moved to Island Park more

than eight years ago, and I still live nearby in Lido Beach. Many of my family members, including my daughter and grandchildren, live in or near Island Park. It’s been an honor to serve the community in ways that helped it grow and prosper.

Q: You were called “Senator Pothole.” Where did that nickname come from?

A: I loved that nickname because it meant that no issue was too small or too big. Even a pothole needed attention, and I would work to get it fixed. It was important—for the safety of the community and for showing that we cared.

Q: You held one of the longest filibusters in Senate history. What led to that?

A: Yes, it was the second or third longest filibuster in Senate history. I stood up to block a bill that would have cost New York more than 1,000 jobs. The House had left town, so I stood up and spoke to try to protect our workers. It was about doing what was right for New Yorkers.

Q: After leaving the Senate in 1999, what came next?

A: When I lost, I was very fortunate. Friends stepped in to help—one built me an office, another helped me find a house. I had no car, no place to go, but we built a very successful practice and enjoy the private sector. I now live not far from where I grew up, not to far from where I grew up in Island Park. We built a home right off the ocean, and I’ve been blessed to enjoy life with my wife and two children.

Q: What keeps you busy today?

A: I’ve helped send 17 grandchildren to college—six of them went to Notre Dame. One graduated number one in math at Notre Dame. I’m very proud of them. I also have two young children now—one is in a sophomore in high school, and the other’s a senior. I’ve been very fortunate.

Q: What’s changed most in Washington since you served?

A: They don’t work together anymore. We used to have real bipartisanship. Senator [Patrick] Moynihan and I became a team during my last two terms. Now, Democrats and Republi-

cans just fight. It’s not good for the country.

Q: What advice would you give to young people considering public service?

A: If you think you can make a difference in government, and you truly care about people, go for it. There’s no greater public service than working on behalf of the people you represent.

Beach wrestling a smash in Long Beach

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

One year after making its return to Long Beach for the first time in a dozen summers, the Reggie Jones & Paul Gillespie East Coast Beach Wrestling Tournament proved a big hit once against last Saturday with 190 participants grappling on the sand on a picture-perfect day for almost anything.

“It was an incredible vibe,” said Ray Adams, longtime Long Beach varsity wrestling coach who was unable to attend the 2024 tournament due to vacation plans but was at the 2012 version and many others held at Edwards Boulevard Beach. “I remember being on the front page of USA Today one year. It’s always been a great event and it’s awesome to have it back. This year we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. Everyone had a great time.”

Former Long Beach wrestler (1997-99) and longtime assistant coach under Adams, Miguel Rodriguez, the tournament’s head organizer, was part of the action this time and tussled for two matches, winning both. “It was an experience,” he joked. “I’ve done a few many years ago but haven’t competed in the beach tournament in over a decade.”

In addition to legendary coaches Jones and Gillespie, the tournament was dedicated to late Long Beach wrestlers and graduates Lazar LaPenna, Joshua Encarnacion, Michael Berube and Gerrin Hagen. Each of the four wrestling rings were named in their honor. Also recognized was Ed Hadler, a former Baldwin wrestler and referee who recently beat cancer, Rodriguez noted.

While there was no shortage of high school varsity and JV, and middle school-aged competitors, Adams noted the ages of wrestlers ranged from kindergartners through 60-year old Bud Linkner. Many former and current Long Beach high school wrestlers, including Miguelo’s sons Elijah and Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez, Mason and Brody Franklin, Jack Valentin, Gergory Milone, Casey Powers and Ethan Andreula.

Linkner, who was in town from Colorado for his nephew’s wedding, is a 1983 South Side graduate and the son of legendary Valley Stream South wrestling coach Bill Linkner. Bill, 84, was in Bud’s corner during what was his first beach wrestling match in 20 years.

“It was really cool,” Bud said. “Everyone was super friendly and it was great to see people of all ages competing.”

Jimmy Mustakis Jr., a 2007 East Meadow graduate who served 10 years in the United States Navy, competed in a handful of beach tournaments including the inaugural Long Beach event two decades ago. He made the journey from New Jersey with his 11-year-old son Thomas, who starred and earned one of the Most Outstanding Wrestler awards.

“It’s always special to go back to Long Island when I get a chance,” Jimmy said. “I’ve got strong ties to Long Beach and Miguel Rodriguez is like family to

me. The wrestling community there is like no other.”

Each match consisted one of threeminute period and began in the neutral position — both wrestlers stood opposite one another in the center of the ring and waited for the referee’s whistle to start grappling. That was also the case for any restart, Rodriguez said. The first wrestler to score three points

advanced. In the event of a tie at the end of three minutes, the wrestler who scored the last point was declared the winner.

“Most matches didn’t last the full three minutes, but two of the best matches of the day in my mind went the distance,” Adams said. “Jack Valentin won a great match, 3-2, over Shareef McMillian of Wantagh, and Casey Pow-

ers beat Jordan Hill of Wantagh, 3-1.”

The goal moving forward is to take the tournament up a notch on the beach wrestling stage.

“This event brings the entire wrestling community together in the heart of summer,” Adams said. “What’s better than wrestling and then washing the sand off in the ocean and then going someplace to eat on the boardwalk?”

Donald Clavin resigns from Hempstead supervisor role

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin Jr. resigned during Tuesday’s town board meeting, and Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti was appointed as the interim supervisor.

After a brief recess, Clavin returned to announce that he was stepping down after holding office since 2020.

“I want to say what an honor and a privilege and a friendship all of you have been. And to the residents, you have always been very kind to me,” Clavin said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve all of you. Even the critics have been the nicest people in the world to me. And I wish all of you the greatest success, and God bless you and God bless America.”

Clavin, who was in his third two-year term, did not state his reasoning for his resignation. In April, he declined the Republican Party’s nomination for a fourth term and is running for county court judge. Ferretti was picked to replace him.

After his final words, he exited the meeting with a standing ovation from attendees and former fellow board members. The meeting continued after he left.

In a statement from Nassau County Republican Committee Chairman Joseph G. Cairo Jr., appointing elected officials has been done by officials in the North Hempstead, Hempstead and Babylon towns, the City of Long Beach and other municipalities.

Book Review: “SuperAging”

by David Cravit and Larry Wolf

Subtitled “Getting Older Without Getting Old” this new book starts with the premise “... imagine bringing a whole lifetime of knowledge, experience, skills, talent, relationships, wisdom (and, let’s face it, money) to two or three more decades ahead of you in which to leverage all those assets into an ongoing wonderful experience.” With the Baby Boomer generation far outliving and “outhealthing” any prior generation, we are in the era of the “superager”, founded upon seven pillars.

Attitude: Believing in exciting new possibilities, optimism is a major life extender. Purposes and goals are a result of an active curiosity about the potential for the gift of these years. Practice a positive thinking booster program everyday. Search for “positivity apps” and get daily positive quotes. They work!

Awareness: Whereas older adults previously accepted the advice of professionals as gospel, today’s superagers are avid consumers of information. The challenge today is the approach to information gathering and the curating of the “informational torrent”. Tips and techniques for searching and filing your information are provided.

Activity: Keeping fit, mentally and physically delves into the nine components, arising out of the Blue Zones Project, for extending longevity — move naturally, have a purpose (worth an extra 7 years!), downshift, the 80% rule for eating, plant-based diet, moderate alcohol, faith-based community family, social networks.

Accomplishments: Viewing post-65 as a continued opportunity to grow and achieve goals, this section outlines myriad ways to continue personal growth. As the authors point out, “Accomplishment, promoted by longevity, produces even further longevity.”

Attachment: The health risks of loneliness are well documented. Superagers reach for more connection, often digitally. New adult communities are arising right on college campuses, creating exciting new intergenerational possibilities.

Avoidance: Avoiding ageism, especially against oneself, means challenging your own and society’s outdated views on aging — stereotypes as to what older adults look and act like.

Autonomy: The dazzling new array of living options, and various means for affording them are explored, including using the home as an asset. For more, visit superagingnews.com.

“The board’s action ensures continuity of representation for residents of America’s largest township,” Cairo said. “What’s more, both Democrat and Republican majorities in control of local governments have employed this practice. I am confident that Supervisor Ferretti will provide excellent leadership for the town, bringing a solid record of reducing taxes and providing high quality services.”

In June, the Democrats lead by Democratic Supervisor candidate Joseph Scianablo unveiled proposed legislation to ban the practice of appointing town

supervisors without a public election.

“This appointment is an insult to every voter in the Town of Hempstead,” Scianablo said in a statement. “Ferretti will now enjoy the perks of office, cars, gas, glossy mailers, and free publicity, all paid for by taxpayers, to run a campaign that was rigged from the start, not to mention a $60,000 raise.”

Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow, the Democratic candidate for county executive, aimed his anger at his Republican opponent, incumbent County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

“Don Clavin just stepped down as Hempstead supervisor — exactly as we predicted last week — so that Blakeman’s chosen crony could gain an advantage in the upcoming election,” Koslow said in a statement. “This is a shameful attempt to circumvent the will of the voters and dismantle the democratic process.”

Ferretti represented Levittown, Bethpage, North Massapequa and parts of Farmingdale. The Republican candidate for the 15th Legislative District is Kayla L. Knight and the Democratic candidate is Stephen Richard Hellman.

Nassau HOF class of 2025 announced

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

The Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame will hold its 2025 induction ceremony Oct. 7 at the Crest Hollow County Club. For more information and tickets, go to www.sectionviii. org. Here’s a list of local honorees.

Ray Adams (Long Beach)

For the past 28 seasons, the Long Beach wrestling program has achieved remarkable success under the direction of Baldwin alum Adams. During that span, the team has a dual meet record of 328-110-1, winning the New York State Dual-Meet championship in 2016 and 2017. Adams has led Long Beach to an incredible 16 Conference titles and five Nassau County crowns.

Adams’ dedication to developing athletes at a very high level is palpable by the 168 All-County wrestlers he has coached. Of those, 11 went on to become state champions, 48 became Nassau County champions, and 42 were AllState wrestlers. Adams’ impact on wrestling goes beyond wins and championships. A member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2022), has been greatly recognized for his contributions, earning him Nassau County Coach of the Year three times.

Steve Costello (MacArthur)

Costello has been one of Nassau County’s elite baseball coaches for more than three decades at MacArthur High School. His teams have consistently won and have experienced deep playoff runs, resulting in three Nassau County championships, two Long Island titles and a New York State Class B title in 1994 with a record of 29-0.

Costello’s incredible success throughout the past 32 seasons has made him one of the premiere baseball coaches in county history. He is in the top five all time in career wins with over 575. He also earned the Michael Kostynick Memorial Award Coach of the Year honors three times. Additionally, Costello would take over the role as MacArthur’s varsity girls soccer coach in 2022. It was no surprise that in his first year at the helm, the Generals would go 15-1-2 and capture Nassau and L.I. Class AA championships.

Gina, Vicky and Rosie DiMartino (Massapequa)

It is a genuine honor to have one member of a family become a high school soccer star.

So what is there to say about a family that produces not one, not two, not three, but an astounding four All-Long Island players. That’s what made the DiMartino sisters so special. Each was a star in her own right. Each led teams to

championships. Each earned multiple individual honors. Gina, Vicky and Rosie DiMartino followed elder sister Christina into soccer stardom. Each proved to be winners while leading Massapequa to Nassau and New York State crowns.

Gina was a sensation at Massapequa. She led the Chiefs to two state soccer titles. She set the school scoring record. She won the Mike Clarke Award as the best player in the county. She was a two-time All-Long Island selection and has been inducted into the Long Island Soccer Players Hall of Fame. Victoria (Vicky) was an All-Long Island firstteam selection as a junior in 2005 and led Massapequa to the county, regional and state titles as a senior. She was chosen for the United States Under-17 World Cup team in New Zealand.

Ronald Gustafson (Wantagh)

A common theme runs throughout

the career of “Gus” Gustafson when competed as a member of Wantagh High School’s cross-country and track & field teams: Unprecedented success. As “leader of the pack”, Gustafson’s running career was impeccable. In cross country, he led the Warriors to two Nassau County Class B team championships and he was a three-time individual champion from 1962-64. Wantagh would win the New York State cross country team title in 1962 and he would win the NYS individual championship in 1963 and 1964. In track, Gustafson was a threetime Nassau County champion in the 3200-meter race.

William ‘Bill’ Hedgecock (Wantagh & Lynbrook)

Hedgecock was a fixture in Nassau County track & field and cross country for 41 years. His former players describe Coach Hedge as more than a coach –he’s a legend, a mentor, and someone

who left a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know him. He exhibited an extensive knowledge of both sports at Lynbrook and Wantagh. His career began at Lynbrook for 11 years from 1969-80.

In 1981, Hedgecock moved over to Wantagh, where he was the head coach in cross country and spring track for the next three decades. During his tenure, Bill’s teams amassed a staggering 1,207 wins (819 in XC and 388 in track) with only 102 losses. He led his teams to 50 undefeated seasons, two New York State cross country championships at Wantagh (boys in 1986, girls in 1992) and 37 Nassau titles between the two schools.

Quint Kessenich (Lynbrook)

Aside from being an extraordinary three-sport star at Lynbrook, Kessenich, a 1986 graduate, was also a bit of an introvert. All of which is ironic since he is now a vocal ESPN broadcaster for lacrosse, wrestling, football and other sports. Kessenich was an outstanding athlete in high school. He starred as a soccer player and was a two-time Nassau wrestling champion for the Owls. However, it was on the lacrosse field that he was truly extraordinary.

Kessenich was considered to be the top high school lacrosse goaltender in the country as a junior and senior, and twice was named All-American. He starred at the collegiate level at Johns Hopkins, becoming a rare four-time AllAmerican for the Blue Jays. He also was twice the recipient of the Ensign C. Markland Kelly Award, given to the best goaltender in collegiate lacrosse.

Veteran L.B. lifeguard is New York’s best

Cabasino family. His parents met as lifeguards in the Town of Hempstead, and all three of his siblings currently work as Long Beach lifeguards. Cabasino’s sister, Megan, 32, is a senior lifeguard patrolling Tennessee Avenue Beach, and his brother, Anthony, 28, is a senior lifeguard on the beach at Wyoming Avenue. His older brother, Philip, 37, now Long Beach’s deputy chief of lifeguards, earned the same state honor in 2015.

“It’s amazing,” Philip said. “I’m extremely proud of him. As brothers, we’ve been competing together since 2010. He’s excelled in competition, but he’s also a great person.”

Cabasino works as a senior lifeguard at the beach on National Boulevard, one of the barrier island’s busier stretches of shorefront due to its proximity to the Long Beach train station.

“As I’m getting older, I look forward to coming back to the job every summer,” Cabasino said. “It’s exciting because I get to do something that I really love, and I get to help mentor and develop young lifeguards so they can become better lifeguards, and just wellrounded people.”

He noted that for many of his young co-workers, lifeguarding is their first job — one that comes with serious responsibility. He admitted that there are slower days, but those are countered by days when more than 200 people can

be in the water.

“That’s a lot to look at,” Cabasino said. “You’re constantly looking at your water, the beach next door, at people on the beach, making sure they’re not on the rocks.

“Ultimately, lifeguards play a vital role in ensuring that every person who goes to the beach gets to go home,” he continued. “You get to provide education on what the water is doing, or why the water looks a certain way, and why the flags are up. I think to a degree, we are educators of the beach and the ocean.”

In addition to his job as a lifeguard, Cabasino teaches chemistry and IB sports and exercise health science at Long Beach High School.

“We’re just very proud of Tim, and we hope he continues to do great things,” Andrew Smith, the high school’s principal, said. “He does an amazing job in the classroom, and he’s an excellent role model for our kids.”

Being both teacher and lifeguard can be a balancing act, Cabasino said. “I have to wear two different hats,” he said. “In one setting, I’m a teacher who has taught many of the lifeguards who have joined the patrol. Ten months out of the year, I’m the one grading their tests, then two months of the year, I’m not their teacher and we’re co-workers. Navigating those intricate relationships can be challenging.”

Before beginning his teaching career in 2015, Cabasino competed in lifeguard tournaments at the local, national and international levels. He’s won 15 Long Island championships, four national titles, and has represented the United States in four World Lifesaving Championships — in Japan, the Netherlands and New Zealand.

“I think a big misnomer about lifeguarding is that you have to be the best swimmer, the best runner, the fastest, the strongest,” Cabasino said. “A lot of times being a great lifeguard just means you’re a quick decision maker, you’re attentive, you’re on time and you can spot someone in distress very quickly.”

Cabasino offered some advice to younger lifeguards. “Be where your feet are,” he said. “A lot of times younger guards always think about where they’re going next —college, the future — they don’t realize this job is one of the best jobs they’ll ever have. This job is exciting, you’re working with friends in your community. Don’t forget to really soak in the moments you have.

“Also, don’t be afraid to make mistakes,” Cabasino continued. “When you start a new job, you’re afraid to make mistakes, afraid of being judged for making decisions you’re unsure about. Make decisions and take initiative — it’s only when you are indecisive that things can go wrong.”

RichnerLive Gala celebrates

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Herald Community Media held its first ever Health & Beauty Awards of Long Island Gala, presented by RichnerLive on July 16, people from across the Island flooded into the ballroom of The Heritage Club at Bethpage to get a glimpse of the beautiful honorees this year’s had to offer.

“This evening we celebrate the people and organizations shaping the future of health and beauty,” said Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications and publisher of Herald Community Media, “Those whose innovation, leadership and dedication are making a lasting difference in our community.”

Regarding launching this new program, RichnerLIVE Executive Director Amy Amato shared, “This is a remarkable group of professionals who do more than just excel at what they do. They uplift, empower, and heal our community every single day. Whether helping someone feel beautiful, recover their strength, or simply feel seen and supported, this work touches lives in profound ways. It’s an honor to recognize that impact here tonight.”

Over 40 honorees were presented with awards in various categories pertaining to the health and beauty industry on Long Island, including Spa 505, Tranquility 3 Spa & Salt Cave and more.

Following the VIP cocktail hour which offered networking and a shopping and vendor experience for attendees, event emcees Krista Bennett DeMaio, founder of Pretty Local and Mae Caime, CEO and transformational architect of aMAEzing Midlife and Beyond kicked off the evening’s program and ceremony with a panel discussion on the industry.

Featured panelists included Dr. Luis Fandos, founder and CEO of Alluring Age Anti-Aging and Wellness Center, Dr. Helen Hsieh, founder and medical director of Vibrance 360, and Catherine Canadeo, CEO and founder of Health and Wellness Corp, who all also received awards later in the evening.

“With the new technology that we now have available, we can identify abnormal cellular processes that are going on,” Fandos said, “And by correcting those, any beauty treatments that you do will have a much longer lasting effect.”

Hsieh discussed common myths within the health and beauty industry. “More is not always better. Just the right amount is better than more. If you eat too much, it’s not good for you,” she said.

Canadeo mentioned the importance of addressing stress for one’s health. “It’s very important to be mindful of ourselves. We get distracted on a day to day basis and our emotional wellbeing is crucial. It is essential to glow from within,” she said.

Atul Bhatara, founder and CEO of Atul Skincare was amongst the honorees for the Achiever category. His skin-

care focuses on using safer ingredients in their products. Being born with cerebral palsy, he’s been able to defy the odds and be a voice for the disabled community.

“Throughout this journey, a lot of people didn’t believe in me. Don’t let somebody else’s opinion of you become your reality,” Bhatara said, “You control your own reality. Fear is false evidence appearing real, fear does not exist. It’s just something that comes up in your mind when you get overwhelmed.”

Constance Korol, CEO of Meta 180, received an award in Holistic Integrative Health. Her business centers around helping individuals dealing with issues from anxiety to physical ailments with a holistic approach both in-person and virtually. “Most of my clients, when I’m with them for some time, they’ll say ‘I just never knew that I could feel this way.’ That’s really the best part is seeing my clients grow,” Korol said.

Honoree, Dr. Linda Harkavy, was a recipient of the Science & Skin award. Harkavy is the president and medical director of Form & Function Aesthetics

and Wellness, which uses different devices and equipment to treat various physical issues. Harkavy said, “It’s a broad based aesthetic and wellness practice. The aesthetics came along with me because looking beautiful is a part of feeling great.”

These honorees were nominated not only by RichnerLive, but by people with-

in their communities as well. To see a complete list of the winners, visit RichnerLive.com/health-beautyawards/2025-honorees.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to The Maurer Foundation. For more information on the event or other events by RichnerLive, visit RichnerLive.com.

Health and Beauty innovators

Arts and crafts festival along the boardwalk

For nearly 40 years, the City of Long Beach has held an Arts and Crafts Festival on the 2.2-mile Long Beach Boardwalk. This year’s event took place on Saturday, July 12 and Sunday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Along the boardwalk, 200 vendors were lined up selling an assortment of traditional clothing, food, jewelry, home décor and other treasures. Many local businesses and organizations also participated while thousands of visitors and residents shopped for merchandise.

–Samantha Wright

Gillen visits air traffic control in Westbury

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Staffing shortages, safety concerns, the need to update equipment and aircraft noise were the topics when U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen met with Federal Aviation Administration officials and air traffic controllers in Westbury last week.

“I think everyone can agree TRACON/N90 and other air traffic control towers are understaffed, have outdated technology, long hours and compulsory overtime, which is contributing to wider spread burnout and fatigue,” Gillen said on July 29 outside the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control facility that is known by its acronym.

TRACON/N90 manages aircraft approaching and departing from the metropolitan area’s airports, generally within a 30- to 50-mile radius.

in Philadelphia.

“I’m so glad the inspector general is finally looking into the impact of moving N90 air traffic controllers, and what this has done to New York airport cancellations and the safety of our passengers,” Gillen said.

I will continue to work with Secretary Duffy in a bipartisan fashion to make sure we are keeping the skies over the busiest airways in the country safe.

LAuRA GILLeN U.S. Representative

Gillen put pressure on the FAA and federal Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that resulted in an audit of a decision last year to relocate a dozen air traffic controllers from TRACON/N90 to an air traffic control center

The FAA relocated air traffic controllers who monitored Newark Liberty Airport, one of the busiest in the country, from TRACON/ N90 to Philadelphia. Controllers overseeing Newark subsequently experienced a roughly 90-second blackout of radar and radio contact with air traffic due to a burned copper wire on April 28. Another 90-second outage followed on May 9, caused by failures of communication infrastructure.

“The FAA’s reckless decision to relocate Newark air traffic controllers from N90 on Long Island to Philadelphia put our safety at risk and made it more difficult for our air traffic controllers to manage the nation’s busiest airspace,” said Gillen.

The incidents raised concerns about system redundancy, controller staffing and training and operational resilience. The audit will also review the FAA’s

planning and risk-assessment process and its operation response to flight delays, safety incidents and cancellations.

Gillen said she was also determined to address the issue of low staffing of air traffic controllers and the risks it poses to passenger safety.

“I will continue to work with Secretary Duffy in a bipartisan fashion to

make sure we are keeping the skies over the busiest airways in the country safe — safe for passengers, and to minimize cancellations and delays,” she said. During a discussion of air traffic safety at a July 16 hearing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Duffy said, “Our goal is to make air travel not just safer, but also more efficient.”

High School Football Preview is coming!

Your HealtH and Wellness — with a focus on fitness for life

Exercise: The best prescription for the family Everyone off the couch!

You might think that getting fit means spending hours upon hours at the gym, sweating and getting on machines may seem like tor ture devices. Cer tainly not true. In fact, reaping the benefits of exercise doesn’t have to take a huge time commitment nor does it have to be tor turous. It can actually be quite fun and something for everyone in the family to commit to!

Start with activities you love If you’ve had problems making exercise a regular par t of your life, then you probably only think of exercise as something you have to do in the gym But that’s just not true! Things like walking, dancing in your living room, bowling and even cleaning the house can count as exercise as long as you’re getting a little out of breath when you’re doing them.

So sit down and make a list of all of the active things you do and find a way to make at least one of them a par t of your day, every day. Then, after a few months of making those activities habits, try new ones or more traditional workouts like a group exercise class. As you get in the habit of being active and start to get more fit, you might just be amazed and what activities you like.

Embrace the power of 10

Think you can’t get heart-health benefits

from just 10-minute bouts of activity? Think again. Ten minutes of walking three times a day has been shown to lower blood pressure more effectively than a longer 30-minute bout of walking. Something as simple as walking before work, over lunch and after dinner is a fabulous way to squeeze in exercise no gym required!

It’s not just about cardio

When people think of heart-healthy exer-

Tcise, they generally think of aerobic or cardio activities like jogging. But did you know that strength training (think lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises like push-ups and lunges) can improve the health of your ticker, too?

When you lift weights at a moderate intensity, you get your heart rate up. This means that you’re working both your muscular system and your cardiovascular system. And when you make your muscles stronger,

HEALTH MEMO

you make your body stronger, which helps everything. So definitely do some resistance training a few times a week.

Use exercise to de-stress

Stress plays a critical role in heart health, and exercise is great at kicking stress to the curb. Learn to see exercise not as something that you have to do, but instead as something you want to do because it makes you feel good. While most workouts will pump up your feel-good endorphins, workouts like yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi are especially good for de-stressing and improving the mindbody connection. Try ‘em!

Support those efforts with the whole foods

Of course, working out as awesome as it is is only par t of the heart-health equation. Eating a nutritious diet that’s rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats is key to overall health, along with helping to give you the energy you need to power through those workouts and your everyday life.

Photo:You want long-term health — for body and mind? Move, move, move. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiorespiratory exercise five days a week or 20 minutes of high-intensity exercise three days per week.

Keep Yourself Safe From Ticks Before a Hike, Run, or Round of Golf

icks are on the march and heading for you and your family—unless you take precautions.

The Fordham Tick Index, which assesses the risk of encountering ticks in the New York area, was at its highest level of 10 on a 10-point scale as of mid-July, based on an increase in the tick population and the diseases they carry, most notably Lyme disease.

Over the last three years, New York State has averaged more than 17,500 new cases of Lyme disease each year, with more than 19,000 cases reported in 2023, according to the state’s Department of Health. What is more, Suffolk County reported the highest number of Lyme disease cases in the country between 2019 and 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Long Island’s tick season runs from spring through fall, with peak activity from May to June and again from August to November. Aaron E. Glatt, MD, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Chief of Infectious Diseases and Chair of the Department of Medicine, recommends the following steps to protect yourself from illnesses spread by ticks (and mosquitoes):

• Apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothing and exposed parts of your body (be sure to follow the instructions on the product label for safe and effective use).

• When hiking or gardening, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes/sneakers to reduce exposed skin areas. For extra protection, tuck your pants into your socks when in wooded terrain or thick vegetation.

• Wear light- or bright-colored clothing, like white, tan, yellow, or orange, which makes it easier to spot ticks.

• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin insecticiderepellent. Do not apply on the skin.

• Ticks congregate in grassy and wooded areas, so stay in the

Aaron E. Glatt, MD, Chief of Infectious Diseases and Chair of the Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau recommends using fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick and cleaning the site and your hands thoroughly after removal.

center of trails. Avoid tall grass and leaf litter. Golfers need to be aware of their increased risk when searching for balls in heavy rough and untamed parts of the course.

• After concluding outdoor activities, check your clothing, hair/head and hairline, armpits, between and toes, and entire body for ticks.

• Take a shower as soon as possible, which can help wash off unattached ticks, and consider putting the clothing in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any attached ticks. To remove a tick, Dr. Glatt recommends the following steps:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick. Dispose of the tick by wrapping it in tape or flushing it down the toilet.

• After removing the tick, clean the bite site and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

If you are bitten by a tick, Dr. Glatt says to be on guard for these symptoms of a tick-borne illness: fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, or a rash.

“In 60-80 percent of Lyme disease cases, a rash with a bullseye center will appear around or near the site of the bite,” said Dr. Glatt. “If this rash develops as well as any other symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent more serious complications, including chronic severe headaches, painful arthritis, swelling of the joints, and heart and central nervous system problems.”

The Long Island flagship hospital of the Mount Sinai Health System, Mount Sinai South Nassau operates 911-receiving emergency departments at its Oceanside and Long Beach campuses and is the only Trauma Center on the South Shore of Nassau County. In a medical emergency, dial 911.

For more information about Mount Sinai South Nassau or a physician referral, call (516) 632-3000 or visit mountsinai. org/southnassau.

mountsinai.org/southnassau

Your HealtH and Wellness — with a focus on fitness for life

Eat up Summer’s best superfoods

Summer is arguably the best season for eating fresh produce, and it’s a top time to fill up on superfoods.

Though it’s not an official scientific category, superfoods are noted by nutrition specialists as foods that are especially nutritionally dense, and offer multiple benefits in each serving. Superfoods can help with building a strong immune system, support gut health, and do so much more.

Here are the best summer superfoods to stock up on ASAP all summer long.

Cherries

Nothing hits like a ripe summertime cherry.

“Cherries are great for snacking poolside, and easy on the go,” says Joanna Gregg, RD at MyFitnessPal. “They’re full of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protec t the body from cell damage.”

They ’re also high in potassium and vitamin C.

“Cherries have a lower glycemic index than many other fruits, ” adds Jennifer House MSc, RD and founder of First Step Nutrition. “They are rich in polyphenol compounds, which may protec t against metabolic syndrome.

Plus, cherries contain anthoc yanins, which may contribute to brain health and protec t against cancer.”

Sweet Corn

Is any summer meal complete without corn in some form? And yes, corn is a summer superfood.

“It’s a good source of vitamins and minerals, and one medium ear has 2 grams of fiber, ” Gregg says, noting that this fiber acts as prebiotics to aid digestion and gut health.

Tomatoes

An abundance of tomatoes is great for your tastebuds and health.

“Tomatoes get their bright red color from lycopene, a potent antioxidant that reduces inflammation throughout the body and may improve conditions such as diabetes, skin and bone diseases, heart complications, and prevention of certain types of cancers, according to a 2020 review in Antioxidants,” explains Lauren Fleck, MS, RD.

Another antioxidant, lutein, is linked to improved eye health, heart health, and sustained cognitive function, Gregg notes. She recommends adding fresh tomatoes to salads or sandwiches, or enjoying small tomatoes as a snack.

Mint

This bountiful herb can be a great flavor agent in summer cook ing and drink recipes, and is also a superfood.

“Mint is an aromatic herb that is in-season throughout summer and packed with nutrients such as vitamin A and other antioxidants to protec t against cell damage,” Fleck says.

According to a 2022 review in the Journal of Herbal Medicine, menthol a key component of mint leaves may help relieve mild digestive concerns such as gas, bloating, and indigestion. Fleck recommends adding it to fruit salads, carbonated water, or brewing it in hot water for tea or iced tea.

Mushrooms

Eat fungus in abundance this summer!

“Mushrooms are one of the few food sources of vitamin D,” says House. “They are low calorie and very nutrientdense, containing 12 vitamins and minerals”

Mushrooms are also one of the few sources of the amino acid ergothioneine, which is an antioxidant that suppor ts brain health. Grilled portobello mushrooms make a great burger bun [or burger] alternative in the summer.

Blueberries

Fill up on blueberries all season, they’re so good for you.

“Anthocyanins are antioxidants that give blueberries their deep color and provide numerous health benefits, such as prevention of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cognitive decline, and support of a healthy gut,” says Fleck.

Add blueberries to yogur t, salads, and smoothies, or simply enjoy them on their own.

Photo: Get your fill of the season’s bounty.

HEALTH MEMO

Compassionate care that enriches lives

The only skilled nursing facility in Oceanside, Oceanside Care Center is a 100-bed rehabilitation and nursing center that has been a part of the community’s fabric for more than 50 years. Their unique approach allows them to provide patient-centered care in a way that no other facility can. OCC specializes in an array of different services, from short-term rehab to long-term care.

Oceanside Care Center provides unrivaled residentcentered care. Under the guidance of the highly skilled, professional staff, the team customizes a care plan matched to specific needs and abilities. The nursing team consists of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants who are driven to build warm and compassionate bonds with residents.

The unique and intimately sized facility attracts many residents who enjoy a meaningful relationship forged between devoted staff members, residents and their families. Many staff members have worked at Oceanside Care Center for over

25 years and take great pride in the compassionate care they provide every single day.

With private and semi-private rooms, OCC offers many comforts that create a homelike atmosphere, including complimentary flat screen TVs in every room and three home cooked meals a day. Residents enjoy numerous activities and

events that take place daily, and the kind and caring staff make it feel as if they never left home. The comfortable setting allows residents to focus on regaining their strength and independence while empowering them to enjoy fruitful lives with their families and friends.

Come in for a tour today!

Actor, singer works on being a role model

fellow artists.

“To be in that pool of talent was special,” she said. “I was with so many talented singers. My mouth was on the floor.”

Starr, who was coy about her age, said she developed a passion for singing in college, was discovered for “Building the Band” through social media. A casting director approached her after seeing a promotional video for her 2022 single “YFU.”

As yet unsigned and unrepresented, Starr has spent a lot of time building her image on social media, pitching the mantra, “No label, no manager, no PR, just me and the dream.”

Promoting her carefree and spirited personality, she has curated videos promoting her songs at locations like the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach in California, where she now lives.

When she’s back in Long Beach, Starr takes to New York City’s Washington Square Park and the High Line, as well as the subway and other public areas, with her mother and brother, Julie and Jordan Brodsky. Their videos have drawn the attention of celebrities including Snoop Dogg, Jack Harlow and George Lopez.

Starr has spent countless hours promoting herself. She performs in restaurants and small entertainment venues. When she was in high school, she performed at spots in Long Beach including Brixx & Barley, Speakeasy and the Cabana.

“You can’t sit and wait for the spotlight,” she said. “You need to find it.”

Starr credits her inspiration and work ethic in part to her father, Eric Brodsky, who died in 2021 after a battle with cancer. “Go for your dreams,” he

told her.

She also credits her resiliency to standing up to “haters.” She was, and still is, a subject of criticism and bullying, she said. She has been made fun of for her accent, and for her outgoing and flamboyant personality. Amateur critics, on social media on in person, have told her to “Give up on music!” and “You suck!”

“Once you go through loss, it changes everything,” she said, referring to her father. “You’ve already experienced the worst pain.”

Julie Brodsky confirmed that her daughter is no shrinking violet. “She has no fear of the camera, being in the public spotlight — full of energy,” Brodsky said, adding that when Alex was younger, she would “light up the room every time she walked in, and made her presence known.”

Starr hopes to be a role model for younger children, especially in Long Beach. “There are kids out there who need to see what hard work looks like,” she said.

And there is evidence that she is reaching people.

“I watched you at Speakeasy,” Brittany Jez wrote in a direct message to Starr on Instagram. “Now I’m watching you on Netflix. It’s just inspiring.”

The first four episodes of “Building the Band” premiered on Netflix on July 9, episodes five through seven aired on July 16, and the finale episodes initially aired on July 23. Contestants competed for a $500,000 prize, which ultimately went to 3QUENCY, an all-girl group.

Long Beach native alexandra Starr understands that self-promotion is part of her job as a performer.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14TH |

STEPPING OUT

Long Islander adds “JOY” Off-Broadway

By Iris Wiener

Jerome Vivona knew from a young age that he was meant to tell stories. From performing at his Bayville elementary school, to “West Side Story” and “Guys and Dolls” at North Shore High School, he found there was a freedom in theater that was especially unique.

An accomplished performer, writer, producer, director, and choreographer, Vivona (Broadway’s “Seussical,” “Kiss Me Kate”) returns to the New York stage, Off-Broadway, in “JOY: A New True Musical.” Running now through Aug. 17, it’s based on entrepreneur Joy Mangano. Vivona plays Judge Jeremiah Abernathy (an integral figure in Mangano’s life), and is also a standby for other roles.

Vivona is right at home with JOY, which is mostly set at Mangano’s childhood residence on Long Island. As a teenager, Vivona was an avid athlete working part-time at an East Norwich ski shop (where he once helped Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley), and initially decided to attend college on a soccer scholarship; however, thanks to the encouragement of his teachers, he found that the calling to be a dancer was stronger.

At age 17 he entered a Sea Cliff studio and said, “I want to be a professional dancer.” He trained privately for six to eight hours each day for six months until he had caught up with the more experienced dancers.

“I worked very hard, and with the studio’s tutelage I ended up at the Joffrey Ballet School,” says Vivona. “[Afterwards,] I was very fortunate to tour with ballet companies.”

His life took another incredible turn when, at 23, he first met Jerome Robbins, for whom he was about to audition for “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway.”

“He took a liking to me and I took private rehearsal sessions with him in which I learned all of the ‘West Side Story’ choreography. Working with him and his believing in me was a seminal part of my career.”

Vivona went on to tour with Robbins’ show nationally and internationally, which was followed by a turn in the Paris production of “West Story,” where he met his wife, performer and dancer Michelle Vivona. It wasn’t long before he made his Broadway debut in “Guys and Dolls.”

“JOY” entered his life through the connections and friends he’s made through the years.

Jerome Vivona’s commanding presence is well suited to his latest project.

“My relationships are what brought me back and my friends having a belief that I would be the right fit. I’m really thrilled that [director] Lorin Latarro and choreographer Joshua Bergasse gave me the opportunity because the show is beautiful, powerful and uplifting.”

As he puts it: ‘JOY’ is about the dynamics of a family and how that can change your trajectory in life if you let it. It’s a powerful story about one woman who found herself in a situation where she had her back up against a wall, and she was able to create this mop that allowed her to change her family’s life and the lives of countless others. It really is ‘joy,’ and I think that what we need right now is a story that makes us feel good about humanity.”

As the only native Long Islander in “JOY,” Vivona helped with the authenticity of the actors’ dialect.

“During rehearsals we had a dialect coach who was going to play a recording for the actors to help with their speech,” Vivona says. “Instead … I was the reference for them. Whenever Betsy [Wolfe, who plays Mangano] said, ‘How do you say this?’ they would look for me and ask how to say ‘mop’ or ‘car door.’ They even asked me to record my mom saying a couple of things.”

Vivona also spoke with the production team about local towns, mascots and street names.

“Any time there was something that didn’t ring true to Long Island, I would mention it,” he says. “It feels like home [on stage], and it feels good to be representing Long Island in a show about Long Island and someone as successful as Joy. I’m proud to be telling her story.”

At 58, Vivona stands by the same values he held true when he was raising his children, who graduated from the East Meadow School District.

“I’ve always taught them that you should follow your dreams and believe in what your impact can be,” he says.“This show has taught me that I can continue to believe in myself and that being on stage telling a story is what I’m all about.

When Vivona is not performing, he and Michelle can be found in Mineola, where they own and operate American Theatre Dance Workshop, an award-winning conservatory-type performing arts school.

With new projects on the horizon, Vivona surely wouldn’t mind seeing “JOY” head to Broadway.

“I don’t think you leave the theater without a smile on your face and maybe a tear in your eye.”

“JOY: A New True Musical” is at the Laura Pels Theatre, 111 West 46th St., New York. Tickets are available at joythemusical.com or by calling (833) 274-8497.

‘My Son The Waiter’

Brad Zimmerman celebrates the 10th anniversary of his hit comedy “My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy, with a sequel; “My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy & Still Not Famous! His long journey to follow his show biz dream and his parents who suffered through it continues with plenty of laughter along way. Brad moved to New York and “temporarily” waited tables for 29 years, while pursuing his career as an actor. After many years, he finally got a role on the Sopranos and work as a comedian opening for Joan Rivers, George Carlin and Brad Garrett. He tells of his pursuit, along with stories about his childhood, family, and misbegotten love life with warmth, wit, self-deprecating humor, and wicked charm. Zimmerman also examines the trials and tribulations of waiting on tables — particularly for someone not exactly invested in that career, and with little tolerance for persnickety diners.

Friday, Aug. 1, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 2, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 3, 2 p.m. Through Aug. 24. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.

‘The Rocketman Show’

Remember when rock was young? You will when you blast off into the stratosphere with this electrifying tribute to the Rocketman himself. With a nostalgic setlist, this is a must-see for Elton John fans — of all generations. Rus Anderson, Elton John’s official body double for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour launch, recreates an early Elton concert complete with flamboyant costumes actually worn by Elton himself. Elton’s greatest hits, wildest outfits and outrageous stage antics come to life again as Anderson brings you the magic and live persona of a young Elton like no other. He storms around the stage with a fun-loving sense of flamboyance; part diva, killer vocalist, fierce piano player, all rock ‘n roller. This is a detailedv version of Elton John’s ‘70s shows that’s not to be missed. Anderson’s painstaking attention to detail includes wearing Elton’s iconic boots, glasses and jumpsuits from 1973, as well as a sparkly Swarovski tuxedo from ‘84.

Friday, Aug 8, 8 p.m. $82, $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

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

Aug

8

The Midtown Men

music trio The Castellows.

•Where: Grand Boulevard Beach

•Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Wellness Shabbat

Rock on at the park

Get in the groove with The Boss Project, the Bruce Springsteen tribute band at Eisenhower Park.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

•Time: 7:30 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Aug

9

Magical evening with Gene Silver Long Beach native and former lifeguard

Gene Silvers brings his magic to help preserve the city’s history, hosted by the Long Beach Historical & Preservation Society at the Long Beach Hotel. $60, $55 members

•Where: 405 East Broadway, Long Beach

•Time: Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar, 6:30 p.m.; show, 7:30 p.m.

•Contact: longbeachhistoricalsociety.org/ event/gene-silvers-magic-show

photography and fine art. The weekly art festival will be in Kennedy Plaza every Saturday through Oct. 25.

•Where: Kennedy Plaza, 1 W. Chester St.

•Time: Weekly, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Unbox A-Saurus for Us!

Dr. Patricia Osiris visits with young paleontologists-intraining at Long Island Children’s Museum’s new stage production. This interactive theatrical experience invites visitors to join the eccentric paleontologist (a.k.a. “Dr. Patti”) as she attempts to reveal a neverbefore-seen dinosaur specimen — if only she can figure out how to open the crate it’s locked in. Along the way, the audience becomes key players in solving problems, sparking laughter and exploring the world of dinosaurs in a lighthearted “scientific” comedy that blends imagination and learning. $5 with museum admission, $10 theater only.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

•Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Aug 20

•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Aug

10

Lifeguard Memorial Swim

The City of Long Beach, in cooperation with the Beach Patrol, hosts the 12th Annual Lifeguard Memorial Swim. The one-mile swim is in honor of all the deceased men and women who have served on the Beach Patrol. All swimmers over the age of 14 who can swim one mile in 55 minutes or less, are invited to participate. In-person pre-race entry fee is $35, must by received by Aug. 8 at 4 p.m. Day of race entry fee is $45 (checks payable to: City of Long Beach).

Active Long Beach Lifeguard entry fee is $20. Entry fee includes t-shirt (first 200) bathing cap and refreshments.

•Where: Riverside Boulevard Beach

•Contact: (516) 431-3890

Beach grooves

The city’s free summer concert series welcomes Scott Mitchell in a tribute to Elvis Presley.

•Where: Grand Boulevard Beach •Time: 7 p.m.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Former stars of the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning jukebox musical “Jersey Boys,” reunited as The Midtown Men, are back with their ‘60s vibe at Eisenhower Park. During their time in the mega-hit musical, these talented artists — Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award nominee J. Robert Spencer — shared the stage for over 1,000 performances. The highoctane musical tour de force that took the Jersey Boys phenomenon to Broadway and beyond, is now rocking the stage as a concert. These Broadway veterans, with their powerhouse band, are realizing the dream they brought to life as the iconic Four Seasons. The dynamic foursome now celebrates the music that defined the 1960s. The Midtown Men is the next chapter for these accomplished entertainers, making them the first vocal group ever formed by the principal cast of a high-profile Broadway show. Not only have they continued to win over audiences of all ages in nearly 2,000 live shows, their selftitled debut album, The Midtown Men: Sixties Hits was met with critical acclaim and garnered five star album reviews across iTunes and was followed by their first radio single “All Alone On Christmas” with producer Steven Van Zandt and members of Springsteen’s E Street Band. Aug

your computer or laptop? Want to learn more about Zoom, streaming movies, or downloading ebooks to your device? Join Long Beach Library’s Tech Guy, every Wednesday, to get answers to your pressing tech questions.

•Where: 111 W. Park Ave.

•Time: Ongoing Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m.

Family movie night

Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. See 2024’s live-action animated adventure

“Paddington in Peru.” Paddington returns to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey. Starring Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

•Time: Movie begins at dusk

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Summertime tunes

•Contact: longbeachlibrary.org Ask the tech guy

Eisenhower Park welcomes the neotraditional country

Do you have questions about

Temple Emanu-l of Long Beach welcomes all to free senior wellness

Shabbat. Oneg guest speaker is Debbie Pugliese, the deputy commissioner for Nassau County’s Department of Human services, Office of the Aging.

•Where: 455 Neptune Blvd.

•Time: 7:30 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 431-4060 Aug

Summer tunes

‘Have the time of your life’ with Dancing Dream’s tribute to Abba at Eisenhower Park.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

•Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Aug 16

Lifeguard Memorial Swim

Families are invited to “bee” amazed at Long Island Children’s Museum’s Honey Hoopla. Celebrate National Honey Bee Day with a buzzworthy lineup of activities. Meet a local beekeeper and explore the fascinating world of bees, from their ancient history and anatomy to their vital role in our ecosystem; take part in fun beethemed crafts; sample different types of honey; also enjoy live theater performances inspired by the book “Beezy County Fair: A Bee Tale.” Reservations are recommended to reserve your spot.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

•Time: 11 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

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

Having an event?

Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.

Firefighters convention returns to Long Island

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York will host its 153rd Annual Convention Thursday through Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Long Island, in Hauppauge.

The event is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees, including volunteer firefighters from across New York, vendors and dignitaries. It will mark the 15th time the association has held its convention on Long Island since the organization was founded in 1872.

“We are very happy for the return of the FASNY convention to the Long Island region,” the organization’s president, Eugene Perry, said. “We are proud to welcome firefighters and guests from across New York state back to our vibrant and historic convention.”

Organizers estimate that the three-day event will generate about $1.1 million in economic activity for Suffolk County, with nearly 1,500 hotel-room nights expected to be booked as well as dining, social events and other spending.

The association is partnering with Discover Long Island, the region’s official tourism agency, to support the convention.

“Our organization is committed to driving economic impact through tourism, and our dedicated sales team works year-round to bring major meetings and events like these to Long Island,” Discover Long Island’s interim CEO, Mitch Pally, said. “We are proud to host these dedicated individuals who serve communities across the state, and look forward to showcasing Suffolk County’s hospitality, natural beauty and distinctive appeal.”

The convention will open with the annual golf tournament at the Wind Watch Golf & Country Club, adjacent to the Hyatt Regency. Attendees will also take part in training sessions, FASNY’s annual meetings and ceremonies honoring outstanding service.

A highlight of the event will be a keynote address by Chief Patrick Kenny, author of “Taking the Cape Off: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimagina-

PRESENTS ULTIMATE TICKETS

ble Grief and Loss.” Kenny will speak on first responder mental health.

“I’ve heard him speak before, and his story is very moving,” Perry said. “Attendees should be ready with tissues.”

Other scheduled events include the annual Heroes Awards and a Friday-evening Tailgate for Heroes and scholarship fundraiser, featuring the Long Islandbased band Peat Moss and the Fertilizers.

Michael Barry, president of the Suffolk County Fire Chiefs Council and a 41-year member of the Medford Fire Department, said the convention is about more than celebration and tourism.

“We hope this event brings out people and they can understand the value of a volunteer fire service and all that it does,” Barry said. “It’s about compromise and sacrifice — giving up time from family to complete training and respond to calls, all to help your community.”

Perry agreed. “This year’s convention promises to be a meaningful celebration of service, tradition and unity,” he said. “We look forward to a memorable and successful event that honors firefighting and inspires the future of volunteer service.”

Perry added that the members of the FASNY board were pleased that Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine recently approved legislation that gives volunteer firefighters preference for affordable housing in the county, which will enable many young recruits to stay on Long Island, make their homes here and continue their volunteer fire service.

FASNY represents approximately 80,000 volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel statewide. For more information about the convention, visit fasny.com/ events/2025-annual-convention.

SWEEPSTAKES

Sunday, August 17 at 5:05 p.m.

Contest ends August 10th midnight with the winner chosen on August 11th

Directions for ticket acquisition will be explained when winner is contacted.

https://www.liherald.com/mets-tickets-contest.html?#//

August 7, 2025 —

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU.

THE BOARD OF MANAGERS OF THE AZORES II CONDOMINIUM, Plaintiff against BRIDGITTE SHORT

A/K/A BRIDGETTE

LOBBAN, et al

Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 14, 2024 and entered on August 22, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Unit No. 14 and Tax Unit No. 14 in the Building No. 2 together with an undivided 5.95% interest in the common elements. Section 59 Block 205 and Lot 238U Unit 14 and CA 0158 Said premises known as 779 SHORE ROAD, UNIT 799, LONG BEACH, NY 11561

Approximate amount of lien $6,934.26 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 618823/2023.

LAUREL R. KRETZING, ESQ., Referee Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, Peddy, P.C. Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Garden City Plaza, Garden City, Suite 320, NY 11530 * LONG BEACH*} 154194

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

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Sale

Supreme Court: Nassau County T11 Funding v Raymond Layden et al. Defts Index 606230/2021. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale filed and entered June 3, 2025. I will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr. Mineola NY 11501 on August 14, 2025 at 2:00 pm premises known as School District 28, Section 59, Block 15 Lot 31, City of

Long Beach, County of Nassau, State of New York Sold subject to the terms of sale and filed judgment of foreclosure. Bank Checks Only, must be payable to the Referee for 10% of Bid Price, No Cash Accepted. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Covid-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health and safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.

Russell S. Burman, Esq. Referee 154665

& LEGAL NOTICES To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff - againstMICHAEL D’ANTONI

A/K/A MICHAEL DANTONI A/K/A MICHAEL E. D’ANTONI

A/K/A MICHAEL

EDWARD D’ANTONI, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on May 26, 2022. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 26th day of August, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the City of Long Beach, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 30 Delaware Avenue, Long Beach, (City of Long Beach) NY 11561. (SBL#: 59-260-13)

Approximate amount of lien $292,309.67 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 608466/2019. Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618

Tel. 585/760-8218

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: June 17, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 154693

AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that a Restaurant Wine License, NYS Application ID NA-0240-25-119748 has been applied for by Oishi Sushi 116 LLC to sell beer, wine and cider at retail in a restaurant. For on premises consumption under the ABC law located at 116 E Park Ave Long Beach NY 11561-3533. 154811

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that a license, number CL-25-100168-01 for BEER AND CIDER license has been applied for SAI QUICKSTOP INC to sell BEER AND CIDER at retail in an EATING PLACE BEER establishment under the Alcohol Beverage Control Law at 123 West Park Avenue, Long Beach, NY 11561 for on-premises consumption. 154958

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION

MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-BC5, -againstPATRICIA BERKELEY, 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 January 3, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-BC5 is the Plaintiff and PATRICIA BERKELEY, 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 September 10, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 520 LAURELTON BOULEVARD, LONG BEACH, NY 11561; tax map identification 59-56-1, 2, 3, 4 & 5; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 610508/2020; James Pascarella, 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. 154925

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

AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

Place A Notice Call

Adelphi University’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business has been named one of the nation’s top MBA programs in The Princeton Review’s 2025 rankings.

Adelphi’s business school earns top-tier recognition

Adelphi University’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business has been named one of the nation’s top MBA programs in The Princeton Review’s 2025 rankings, reinforcing its growing national profile for excellence in graduate business education.

The school was recognized in two major categories — Best On-Campus MBA Programs and Best Online MBA Programs —highlighting Adelphi’s commitment to high-quality learning across both traditional and digital platforms. Only 213 schools made the prestigious on-campus MBA list.

The annual rankings are based on survey data from 390 business schools and 34,700 students nationwide. The methodology includes more than 60 data points ranging from academic rigor and faculty credentials to student satisfaction, career services and experiential learning opportunities.

“Being named one of the best MBA programs in the country is a tremendous honor that reflects the strength of our curriculum and the dedication of our faculty, staff and students,” MaryAnne Hyland, dean of the Willumstad School of Business, said in a news release. “We prepare our students to

lead with agility and strategic insight in a global business landscape shaped by innovation and AI.”

The Princeton Review’s profile of Adelphi praises the MBA program’s flexibility for working professionals, personalized approach, and careerfocused curriculum. Students surveyed cited the program’s supportive faculty, strong alumni network, and real-world business training as standout features. Rob Franek, editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review, said all schools on the 2025 list excel in four key areas: strong academics, hands-on learning, career services, and high student satisfaction.

“We highly recommend Adelphi University’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business,” he said, in the release. Adelphi, a nationally ranked doctoral research university in Garden City, continues to earn accolades. In addition to this recognition, the university has been named a 2025 Best College, Best Value College, and Top Performer in Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal also rank it the top private university on Long Island.

–Jeffrey Bessen

News brief

Fire department rescues three swimmers

In the wake of eight people being rescued by the Long Beach emergency lifeguard patrol and the city’s fire department on July 17, fire department officials said that three swimmers were rescued from a jetty near Monroe Boulevard at 8 p.m. on July 30.

The trio was reported stuck at the

end of the jetty, officials said. They suffered injuries, but their conditions were unknown.

This rescue and the multiple ones earlier in July all occurred after Long Beach lifeguards went off duty at 6 p.m.

–Jeffrey Bessen

Help Wanted

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

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

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

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

$22 - $27/ Hour

Bell Auto School

516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

Grill Person F/T

Counter Person F/T-P/T Experience Preferred Busy Lido Beach Deli Call Peter or Evelyn 516-432-2736

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

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours

Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and

Is a doorbell camera enough? Part 2.

Spacious Bayside Home!

Estate

WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

WApartments For Rent

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

ISLAND PARK: 1 BR, suitable one, ground floor, all renovated, water/heat included. No Pets. $1700/ month. 516-316-6962

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

A. Continuing from last week, I recommend hurricane glass windows, which are a costly upgrade that resist high winds, flooding and flying debris from blowing in the window and creating instant havoc. Although fire rescue has to use a special tool to get the windows open, since they’re hard to break, the windows will deter a robber by costing them time, if they’re even successful at doing more than creating a small hole in the reinforced panes.

Remember, anything that can delay a burglar for more than 60 seconds is an advantage, because a robber wants to get in and out quickly. Bars on windows can be avoided by using hurricane glass, and I only advise installing them on basement windows, where they are less seen but useful.

If your area is considered a high-crime vicinity, steel security shutters can also be employed. To keep the appearance of your home from being compromised to look like the county jail, steel roll-down shutters can be designed into overhangs above the windows and doors, to be employed when the home is unoccupied. But I think it adds to the message that you’re away, and only advise installing them if it’s your last resort for protection.

Garages are a great entry point, often neglected. Consider that you increase a burglar’s time frame to enter with an attached garage. They lift the door, spend whatever amount of time they need to break the lock on the interior door, and once the garage door is back down, they now have a staging area to sort your jewelry, medications and expensive computers and appliances before packing up to move out. With a cellphone in hand, their getaway car is at the ready, waiting for the call. Installing security pins or locks by drilling into the garage door track(s), and remembering to use them when you’re away for a prolonged time, is a very important deterrent.

If there are roofs under upper-story windows, install alarm devices there as well when you install alarms on first-floor openings. Even though 80 percent of break-ins occur on ground floors, the other 20 percent are either basements or second floors. Burglars dressed as painters and carrying ladders often go unnoticed. According to the National Center for Policing Innovation, 40 percent of breakins use no force at all.

Clear concealing landscaping from the exterior walls of the home, especially near windows and doorways. Limit greenery to no more than two feet in height, and only install fences of the see-through variety.

There’s still more to be covered next week.

© 2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City,

AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-323-0160

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry

Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Wanted To Buy

Costume Jewelry Wanted Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets & Rings. Also Buying Gold & Silver.

$$ CASH PAID $$ 631-500-0792

Long Island / Will Travel SERVICES

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

***MASONRY & CONSTRUCTION*** EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS! GIUSEPPE MUCCIACCIARO We Do Pavers, Cultured Stone, Concrete, Bluestone, Blacktop, Fireplace, Patio, Waterproofing, Walkways, Pool Work. Lic#H2204320000 Family Operation Over 40Years. 516-238-6287

Cable/TV/Wiring

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

Electricians

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Home Improvement

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159

Home Improvement

DO YOU KNOW what's in your water?

Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728

PAVERS- CONCRETE- BLACKTOP Book Now & Save On All Masonry Work. Driveways- Patios- Stoops- SidewalksWalkways- Stonework- Pool SurroundsOutdoor Kitchens- Family Owned/ Operated For Over 40Yrs. FREE Estimates. Lic# H1741540000. DANSON CONSTRUCTION INC 516-409-4553; 516-798-4565 www.dansoninc.com

PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.

PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473

Miscellaneous

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

Power Washing

POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: Houses, Fences, Concrete/ Brick, Decks/Sealing. ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641

Services

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER?

STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Telephone Services

CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

Tree Services

T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *TREE REMOVAL *STUMP GRINDING *PRUNING. FREE ESTIMATES. 516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com

Satellite/TV Equipment

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Auctions

of a Lifetime - Two Residential Development Opportunities in South Florida! Don't

and

structed

Auction Date: September 18 at 3:00 PM. For full details, visit woltz.com or call 800-551-3588. Woltz & Associates, Inc. - Real Estate Brokers & Auctioneers, Roanoke, VA. Russell Seneff (AU4521), in conjunction with Murray R. Wise (BK3295976). 5% Buyer's Premium Health & Fitness

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172

ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-833-641-6397

HEARING AIDS!! HIGH-QUALITY rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Autos Wanted

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$ Ca$h Paid$. All Years/ Conditions! WE VISIT YOU!

pEnough with our obsession with conspiracies

olitics has always been marked by conspiracy theories. There was the theory that President Franklin Roosevelt had prior knowledge of the attack on Pearl Harbor, but allowed it to happen to force the United States to enter World War II. In the 1950s, the founder of the John Birch Society wrote a manifesto concluding that President Dwight Eisenhower was a Soviet agent. More recently, there was the Sept. 11 “truther” theory that the administration of President George W. Bush had advanced notice of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and might have actually planned them.

Today, with social media and artificial intelligence, conspiracy theories are more rampant than ever. What allows these theories to thrive is that, by their very nature, they are inherently difficult, if not impossible, to disprove. They are based on assorted often unrelated facts, rumors, conjecture and speculation.

The ongoing furor over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case is a classic example of a conspiracy theory run amok and creating a conspiracy on top of itself. For years the Trump camp peddled rumors that the Biden administration was hiding FBI files to protect prominent Democrats who were involved in the Epstein scandal, and that Epstein’s jail-cell suicide was actually an inside-job murder. Once in office, however, with complete access to all Justice Department and FBI files and records, Trump administration officials had to announce that they could find nothing irregular: There was no secret list of names, and Epstein had in fact committed suicide.

no one was more surprised when Donald Trump was elected than Vladimir Putin.

The illogic of all this was, of course, that if the “files” did incriminate Trump, why didn’t the Biden administration disclose that when it had full access to the Epstein records? If congressional Democrats are so dedicated to transparency and so concerned about full disclosure, why did they do and say nothing when they were in control? And why would candidate Trump have made an issue of Epstein if he thought it would remotely incriminate him? Hopefully the Trump camp will learn that trafficking in unverified conspiracy theories is not only wrong, but it can come back to bite them.

below ground in the Capitol. There wasn’t one bit of evidence connecting the Trump campaign to Russia. There was, of course, the salacious and thoroughly discredited “Steele dossier,” which was in fact a political opposition memo prepared for Hillary Clinton’s campaign and based on false information from a former Russian spy. Yes, Russia had attempted to interfere in the 2016 campaign, as it always has. But Russia’s intention was to weaken Hillary Clinton’s expected presidency.

This caused apocalyptic shrieks of outrage from the fringes of MAGA world, led by the likes of Tucker Carlson. Now Trump officials were being accused by the president’s own supporters of likely collusion with myriad coconspirators such as former President Joe Biden, Israel and Mossad. The Democrats also feigned outrage, insisting that Trump must be covering his own guilt.

To me, the most baseless — and insidious — theory was the false narrative that there was Russian collusion with the Trump campaign during the 2016 election. The main propagators of this “Russia hoax” were former CIA Director John Brennan, former FBI Director James Comey and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. I was on the Intelligence Committee during this saga, and sat through endless months of testimony in a secure committee room three floors

Buyer’s remorse is no consolation

Have you ever heard of the term “buyer’s remorse”? It’s been a while since I’ve heard those words, but lately I’ve been hearing them from some of my friends who are Republican members of Congress when they refer to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. He wanted it passed by July Fourth, and he got his way. Now that it is law, some of the Republicans who voted for it are confessing to me that maybe it went a little too far in cutting agencies and programs.

Having served in the State Legislature, I can understand what happens when a member is confronted with having to support a bill that’s nearly a thousand pages long. You may know about some of the provisions, but it’s impossible to know every section when you only have a few hours before the final vote. One of the reasons why these bills are crafted to be so thick is

because leadership knows that some parts of them couldn’t pass if they were presented as single bills. My friends in Congress aren’t alone in their misgivings about the Big Beautiful Bill. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley agonized for weeks over its deep Medicaid cuts, because hundreds of thousands of his state’s voters rely on Medicaid to survive. Hawley was agonizing on behalf of those hardworking citizens who don’t deserve to lose their benefits. Despite wringing his hands and suffering sleepless nights, he voted for the bill when it reached the Senate.

B ut what happens when all these budget cuts are the hot topic next year?

Two more cases in point are Maine Sen. Susan Collins and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Both went public with their concerns about the cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides food assistance to more than 40 million people nationally. For days on end, the two senators expressed their concerns about their constituents losing access to food stamps that are a life-or-death necessity. But when push came to shove, they both voted for the cuts.

No one was more surprised when Donald Trump was elected than Russian President Vladimir Putin. It’s only now, with much of this information declassified, that I can discuss details that I learned at the time. This hoax was a true threat to democracy, undermining a duly elected president and tying down his administration with intrusive investigations for more than half of his first term of office.

It’s time for Americans to ignore the conspiracy nuts on all sides and address the real and serious issues that confront our nation.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

for the losers

Hawley must have had buyer’s remorse, because a few weeks after the bill became law, he introduced his own bill, which would restore many of the Medicaid cuts. Obviously Hawley’s upset was hypocritical, because you don’t vote for such far-reaching cuts and then introduce a bill restoring them. This was a good example of the lack of conscience surrounding the actions that were taken.

The SNAP program has for years been a target of conservatives who maintain that it and other safety-net programs like it are abused and unnecessary. And there is no doubt that some SNAP beneficiaries have used food stamps to buy beer instead of milk and bread. But the vast majority of people who get food stamps are the aged or have disabilities, and who meet the tests for approval. In the months and years ahead, it will be no consolation to those who lose their benefits that their representatives in Congress voted in favor of the Big Beautiful Bill and then had pangs of guilt about its impact.

There is also no doubt that there are

some parts of the bill that are worthy of support, but mixing the good with the bad results in mostly bad for the needy and good for the people who won’t have any sleepless nights about the tragedies that will happen on the other end of the income spectrum. Few House members who voted for the bill will suffer at the ballot box. Many serve in districts that would elect Attila the Hun if he were nominated for the seat.

The problem for fair-minded House and Senate members is that the program cuts are not a secret, and will be publicized extensively next year at election time. The latest national polls show that the legislation has high negative numbers, which won’t fade from the minds of the people who are the victims of the cuts, or many other voters.

I was surprised that about a half-dozen members of Congress from New York and surrounding states expressed their unhappiness in the Big Beautiful Bill to me. Sadly, however, their buyer’s remorse may be too little, too late come November 2026.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.

ellen frisch

2 Endo Boulevard

City, NY 11530

Phone: (516) 569-4000

Fax: (516) 569-4942

Web: www.liherald.com

E-mail:

Support your local volunteer firefighters

the Firefighters Association of the State of New York will hold its 153rd annual convention in Hauppauge from Thursday to Saturday. While the event is an opportunity to celebrate the service and sacrifice of New York’s 80,000 volunteer firefighters, it is also a moment for reflection — a chance to confront the urgent challenges facing fire protection services in our communities.

HERALD

Volunteer fire departments have long been essential to public safety across the state, which has more than 1,600 of them. On Long Island alone there are nearly 180 volunteer departments, which respond to emergencies of every kind, from house fires and highway accidents to natural disasters and medical calls. And they do it all without pay. It’s no exaggeration to say that these volunteers — and the emergency medical technicians and paramedics who work alongside them — are among the most selfless public servants we have.

Yet despite their critical importance, these departments face steep recruitment and retention challenges. The number of active volunteer firefighters in New York state has declined markedly in recent decades, from roughly 120,000 in the early 2000s, even as call volumes have nearly doubled over the past 30 years, from 750,000 to 1.4 million annually, according to state figures, and training demands continue to rise due to expanded safety regulations.

Balancing work, family and extensive training is no small feat, especially for volunteers. The result is that many departments are stretched thin, struggling to maintain robust crews and

letters

We need more open-minded politicians like

To the Editor:

Tom Suozzi

ensure timely responses to emergencies.

That’s where the state firefighters association steps in — and why its convention deserves more than ceremonial attention. For over 150 years, the organization has served as the voice and support system for volunteer fire service statewide.

FASNY advocates for funding, offers educational resources and legal guidance, provides mental health support, and promotes recruitment campaigns such as Is There a Fire In You?, which encourages everyday New Yorkers to consider joining their local department.

The Hauppauge convention will bring together more than 1,000 firefighters, instructors and leaders. Discussions will focus not just on tactics and technology, but on issues such as firefighters’ mental health, peer support programs and the evolving needs of a modern volunteer force. These conversations matter. They have real-world implications for the safety of firefighters and the resilience of the communities they serve.

Mental health, in particular, is an area that demands greater attention. Of course firefighting is dangerous, but it is also emotionally taxing. Volunteers often respond to traumatic events involving neighbors and loved ones — a severe house fire that kills or injures its occupants, or a disaster like Hurricane Sandy. Without proper support systems in place, these experiences can take a huge toll on emergency responders. FASNY has made great strides in breaking down the stigma around mental health care in the fire service, but continuing community awareness of the

Re U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi’s op-ed, “Why I care about immigration — and why all of us should,” in last week’s issue: Suozzi voiced a clear understanding of the immigration issues and called, once again, for a bipartisan solution to a problem that impacts everyone in this country. He has taken this bipartisan stand on many issues for as long as I’ve been following him, including his previous time in Congress.

I, and many others, are re-energized that Mr. Suozzi returned to Congress. Yes, I would have loved to have him replace Kathy Hochul as our governor, but he can, hopefully, do so much more good if he can generate a following in Congress for more bipartisan solutions to the problems we face.

I consider myself one of those independent voters who try to see both sides of an issue. There are times when I agree with the Democratic platform, such as

challenges these men and women face is crucial as well.

How can you show support for these selfless volunteers?

First, get to know your local department. Attend an open house. Follow its social media accounts. Volunteer departments rely on community awareness to grow their ranks and raise funds.

Second, support the volunteers’ fundraising efforts. Many departments operate on limited budgets, depending heavily on donations and local drives to raise the money to pay for essential equipment. Whether it’s from a resident or a business, a contribution — financial or in-kind — can go a long way toward ensuring their readiness.

Third, talk to young people about the value of volunteerism. FASNY’s Junior Firefighter programs are an excellent way to introduce teens to public service and give them a sense of civic responsibility.

Finally, consider whether you might have “the fire in you.” Even if running into burning buildings isn’t for you, departments have many support roles — from administrative help to public education — for which willing hands are always needed. Simply stop in at a local firehouse or call them to learn more.

Volunteer firefighting is a tradition rooted in community, courage and compassion. As Long Island continues to grow, the need for well-supported fire departments becomes more urgent. The FASNY convention is a timely reminder that while these men and women may serve without pay, they should never serve without appreciation, resources or help.

Hate will never stop at the Jews — it will come for us all

Hatred that begins with the Jewish people never ends there. Anyone who hates Israel and the Jews will not hesitate to turn that same rage against christians, families and every American who dares to live by faith and stand for freedom. here in New York, a state with one of the largest Jewish populations in the world, antisemitism is not rare — it’s all too common. Yet the political establishment too often turns a blind eye.

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York city, has a history of antiIsrael rhetoric. his Not On My Dime bill, which sought to sever the city’s ties with Israeli companies, was more than a cheap stunt — it was a direct strike at the Jewish people’s ties to Israel. Despite his record, the Democratic Party did nothing to hold him accountable. Silence speaks volumes.

Mamdani is not alone. Rashida Tlaib

openly calls Israel an apartheid state and champions the boycott movement, while Ilhan Omar recycles antisemitic tropes about Jewish money and loyalty. Alexandria Ocasio-cortez stands with protesters who chant, “Globalize the intifada,” yet ignores the growing harassment of Jewish students on campuses she claims to represent. None of these members face real consequences from their party’s leadership.

w

e learned that when no one else will stand up for you, you stand up for yourself.

Look across the Atlantic, and we see where this kind of tolerance leads. In cities like Bradford, Birmingham, and parts of London, local governments have turned a blind eye to radical protests that make Jewish families feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods. London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, dismisses concerns about these protests, while synagogues require armed guards to hold services. A country once known for its heritage now struggles to protect basic religious freedoms.

On college campuses here at home, Jewish students face harassment, threats and even physical assaults for expressing pride in their heritage. har-

Letters

on gun control, where we have absurdly allowed guns to proliferate across our nation into the hands of criminals and, worse, the mentally ill who are the predominant perpetrators of mass shootings.

And there are times I agree with Republican stands, including the recent government spending cuts, which the bipartisan Government Accountability Office has been touting for years. No, I don’t condone all of the cuts, and I’m hopeful that some will be restored as a clearer picture of what is being done comes into focus.

But the overspending that we have allowed our federal government to do for the past 50 years, under both Democratic and Republican presidents, is absurd. We need to get past the anger at President Trump, who can easily infuriate even Republicans with his outlandish rhetoric, and see that much of what he is doing will benefit the majority of people.

We need to look at the math, and whether it adds up or dilutes the benefits to all of us. I’m not convinced that Trump has done that, but shaking things up and making cuts is long overdue.

And last, I would like Suozzi to run for president in 2028. The Democrats do not have a viable candidate right now, so let me be one of the first, for whatever it’s worth, to endorse Suozzi. We need someone like him, with a vision of bringing both sides of the political spectrum to the table.

If you look at the history of our elec-

vard, columbia and NYU have all seen pro-Israel students targeted, with university groups blaming Israel outright for regional conflicts. Meanwhile, christian pastors who support Israel face slurs and vandalism, and churches holding vigils for Israeli victims have been defaced.

During a debate, a Democratic committee chair responded dismissively to a colleague’s call for more action against antisemitism. I stood up and pointed out that I had introduced nine bills to protect Jewish students, houses of worship and families — yet none were allowed out of committee. That’s the truth we face: empty words from Democrats who don’t really care to act.

history teaches us that hatred excused today will target all faiths tomorrow. The rage that shouts “From the river to the sea!” against Israel will soon turn on churches and every American family that refuses to bow to radical hatred.

This is not about party politics — it’s about whether we have the courage to confront hate before it turns violent.

Generations of Jewish families know that promises alone never protected us. Israel exists because our people learned that when no one else will stand up for you, you stand up for yourself. The same lesson applies here at home. If Israel falls, if Jewish families are silenced, then no church, no faith community, no free citizen is safe.

I stand for the truth that religious freedom and national security are nonnegotiable. I will fight for laws that protect synagogues, churches, schools and families of every faith. I will challenge any colleague — Democrat or Republican — who tries to water that down or bury it for the sake of the next news cycle. hatred that starts with Israel and the Jews does not stop until it tears at the core of who we are as Americans. Families — Jewish, christian, and every neighbor who still believes in freedom — expect leaders who will hold the line. They expect us to speak plainly and act firmly when hate knocks at the door. The next generation is watching. They will remember who spoke up and who looked away. They will inherit whatever we fail to confront. I do not intend to fail them.

Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.

Framework by Tim Baker

tions over the past 75 years, you’ll see that fringe candidates don’t win presidential elections, no matter on which side of the aisle they sit. On the other hand, some of our most effective presidents were those like John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan, who fostered bipartisan politics.

RIchARD S. KAhN Glen Cove

How about some new ideas, Jerry?

To the Editor:

Jerry Kremer’s column in the July 24-30 issue, “It’s long past time to shut down the cellphone,” highlighted exactly what is wrong with the Democratic Party today. Mr. Kremer spend the first half of his op-ed bemoaning current politics — in particular, the devastating “One Big Beautiful Bill,” especially for the most vulnerable among us — but offered no hint of a remedy. If he is illequipped to lead or advise the next generation of voters, perhaps he should step aside and allow someone who can. Instead, Kremer spent the second half of his column belittling a dynamic young Democratic candidate, Zohran Mamdani, who has energized voters with policy ideas that address the real needs of New Yorkers — many of whom are the prime targets of the cuts that so

distress Kremer. If Mamdani is inexperienced, our veteran Democrats should be throwing their weight behind him and offering support and expertise.

I cannot fathom why institutional Democrats such as Kremer would prefer Andrew cuomo, a sexual predator, or Eric Adams, an indicted alleged criminal, over a, yes, young, but moral,

galvanizing upstart. Younger Democrats do not want corrupt, lecherous and unrepentant leaders, and we do not want complacency. If Kremer can’t see that, perhaps he should shut down his phone and put down his pen.

•

•

•

•