Long Beach Herald 10-02-2025

Also serving Point Lookout & East Atlantic Beach

Thumbs up for the car show

The Fall Finale Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show at Town Park, in Point Lookout, hosted by the Town of Hempstead, closed out the area car show season in style last Sunday. Movie fans came to see iconic vehicles, including the DeLorean from “Back to the Future” and the Batmobile. At right, Luke Ramirez, 7, of Point Lookout, hung out in the kids’ area at the event. Story, more photos, Page 3.

Century-old L.B. taxi stand faces removal

By EESHA BUTT Correspondent

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s plan to remove a nearly century-old taxi stand at the city’s Long Island Rail Road station has upset the Long Beach Taxi Corporation, commuters and residents alike.

“The MTA Police Department is planning to establish a district office at the Long Beach station, so the station will have a permanent police presence,”

Aaron Donovan, the MTA’s deputy communications director, said last week.

Istation renovation, the MTA plans to remove the taxi stand. No date has been announced.

“We provide affordable and easy transportation in Long Beach,” Aaron said. “Removing us from the station is going to affect our business and the community.”

t ’s going to upset the community if they can’t

get their cabs.

Indeed, some residents view losing the taxi stand as nothing less than the loss of a community resource. “It’s going to upset the community if they can’t get their cabs,” Kristain Fennell, a Long Beach taxi dispatcher, said.

KRISTAIN FENNEll Taxi dispatcher

The taxi stand, which occupies MTA-owned property at the base of the LIRR platform at 1 West Park Ave., is a critical resource for residents and commuters.

“We do over 100,000 rides a year because we’re at the station,” the taxi company’s president, who identified himself only as Aaron, told the Herald. “People just walk over to us when they need a ride.”

As part of the Long Beach

The taxi stand also plays a vital role in the lives of senior residents.

“The seniors at the senior center — we transport them after their activities, to and from the center,” Aaron said. “We help all the seniors in Long Beach.”

The company’s fares are intended not only to be affordable for seniors, but also to benefit other patrons, because they are lower than those of competitors such as Uber. “We give great pricing — almost half, Continued on page 11

News brief

Federal grants for houses of worship

More than 40 faith leaders representing Christian, Jewish and Muslim congregations from across New York’s 4th Congressional District gathered at Hofstra University on for an informational session with Rep. Laura Gillen aimed at helping houses of worship and nonprofit faith-based organizations apply for the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

tutions and other nonprofit sites. In Fiscal Year 2024, organizations in New York’s 4th District received roughly $2.25 million in NSGP funding.

Gillen said she has been pushing federal officials to release funds in a timely manner and urged congregations to be ready to act quickly when the application window appears.

“Earlier this year, I pressed the FEMA Administrator to release these funds after months of delay, because I knew how urgently they are needed,” Gillen said. “Now, with the application window expected to be short, it’s critical that our community is ready to act quickly.”

“This is about protecting our holy places, our schools and our community centers,” Gillen said. “One of my highest priorities as your representative in Congress is ensuring that Long Islanders feel safe in their houses of worship. The truth is, if we don’t apply for these grants, those dollars will go elsewhere. Given the rise of threats facing religious communities, Long Island cannot afford to leave this funding on the table.”

The NSGP, run by the Department of Homeland Security and administered by FEMA, provides funding nonprofits may use for things such as target hardening, physical security upgrades, contracted security personnel, planning and training — measures intended to reduce the risk of violence at faith insti-

The session follows a districtwide outreach push by Gillen’s office to ensure faith communities across Hempstead, Oceanside, West Hempstead and neighboring towns understand eligibility and allowable uses for NSGP grants.

“Together we can bring more of our tax dollars back to Long Island, strengthen security at our houses of worship and give families the peace of mind they deserve,” Gillen said.

–Kepherd Daniel

Spectators explored rows of classic cars on display during the

Car, truck, motorcycle fans attend fall finale

The Fall Finale Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show at Town Park in Point Lookout hosted by the Town of Hempstead closed out the car show season in style on Sept. 28.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., spectators packed the grounds to admire an array of custom cars, motorcycles, and trucks. Gates opened early at 7 a.m., and by mid-morning the venue was filled with polished chrome, revving engines, and classic designs.

The event featured competitively judged entries, live entertainment, vendors, and a lively kids zone. Attendees also enjoyed the beer garden, “touch-a-truck” experiences, and displays of iconic movie cars. For many, one of the highlights was the chance to meet and greet well-known builders, including Martin Bros Customs, Count’s Kustoms, and Bill Carlton.

This year’s show also expanded to include a Tow Truck Show, drawing interest from industry professionals and families alike.

Spectators turned out in droves, taking advantage of free admission and ample parking. Vehicle owners who registered in advance paid $25, while day-of registration was $30.

John Ferretti, who was appointed Town of Hempstead supervisor, and other officials were on hand to welcome residents, celebrating both the impressive vehicles and the community spirit that carried the event.

With fall leaves as the backdrop, the Fall Finale served as the perfect capstone to the season, bringing together car lovers, families, and vendors for a day of horsepower and hometown pride.

–Mohammad Rafiq

News briefs

Teen charged in high school bomb threat

After two phoned threats were made to Long Beach High School in six days earlier in September, Nassau police arrested a male teenager for the Sept. 16 threat.

The other threat was on Sept. 10.

After the subsequent investigation police for that the boy, 15, was allegedly responsible for the latter bomb threat to the school in Lido Beach.

He is charged with making a terroristic threat and he was released on an appearance ticket. He is scheduled to be in Nassau County Family Court on

Taking Back Control with a Living Trust

In the fall of 1990, thirty-five years ago, your writer first heard of the proposition that if you set up a living trust your estate doesn’t have to go to court to settle – the so-called probate court proceeding for wills. Having spent the previous eleven years as a litigation attorney, and having faced numerous problems probating wills, this sounded too good to be true.

At the time, some of the best estate planning lawyers were in Florida. Perhaps you can guess why. In any event, off I went to Florida to train as an estate planning lawyer and, upon returning, closed the litigation practice and founded Ettinger Law Firm in April 1991, to keep people just like you, dear reader, out of probate court.

The reason I was so excited about the living trust, and continue to be so to this day, is the concept of taking back control from the courts and government and giving it back to you and your family. After all, who doesn’t want control over their affairs?

When you go to court, who’s in charge? The judge, right? Now tell me, does the judge

always act in your best interest? Does the judge ever make a mistake? And when the judge says jump, you know what the answer is!

Not only do you pay considerably for this privilege, but it can take many months and often years to complete the probate court proceeding. Meantime, houses cannot be sold, bank accounts accessed, or investment portfolios managed – at least without the judge’s permission which involves additional time and resources to request. Of course, that permission may be denied as well.

With a living trust, your trustee (formerly your “executor” under the will) may act immediately upon death to sell the house, pay the bills and handle the investments – no permission required! An additional benefit is, in the event you become unable to handle your affairs later in life, your trustee may take over by simply getting a letter from your doctor showing you are unable to handle your legal and financial affairs. Essentially then, a living trust gives you back the control your may have thought you had.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

• Wills & Probate • Medicaid NO-COST CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 or email info@trustlaw.com

Oct. 9.

“We are grateful for the police department’s quick and thorough investigation, and for their ongoing work in ensuring that our community is safe,” Jennifer Gallagher, Long Beach school district’s superintendent said in an email sent to district families.

“We also want to thank our students, families and staff for their patience and support during this time.”

–Jeffrey Bessen

Arrested for impersonating a police officer

A Long Beach man was arrested in Freeport on Sept. 23 after Nassau County police said he pretended to be a detective.

Officers approached a group of three people near Babylon Turnpike and Colonial Avenue around 7:30 p.m., authorities said.

As two of them walked away, officers questioned the third — later identified as Ariel Espinal, 35, of Shore Road.

Ariel espinAl

During the encounter, police say Espinal displayed a badge and identification card claiming he was a Long Beach Police Department detective.

When asked, he confirmed he worked as an officer.

Investigators later determined the badge and ID were fake, and that Espinal had no connection to the department.

Espinal was arrested and charged with criminal impersonation, forgery, and two counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument.

He was issued a summons. As of press time, no further information was available.

–Mohammad Rafiq

Reeling in the fun on Reynolds Channel

Magnola Pier, Pioneer Sports partners for fishing lessons

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY Correspondent

Children across Long Island can enjoy the riches of fishing Reynolds Channel through Youth Fishing Programs — a hands-on experience with all the equipment included.

Magnolia Pier Bait and Tackle and Pioneer Sports will offer the two-hour session. Children in grades 2 through 8 will have the opportunity to learn from experienced fishers from on Oct. 4 and Oct. 18., from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Each session costs $90, for both it is $175.

The program will take place at Magnolia Pier, at 198 West Bay Drive, on Reynolds Channel, a major migration route for most of the species that frequent the barrier island waters. This includes fish such as bass, fluke, black seabass, and blowfish.

Justin Kula, a Long Beach resident and founder of Magnolia Pier Bait and Tackle, started the business from empty parking spots littered with garbage. When asked about the impact his business has on the community, he called the opportunity a “community-like atmosphere.”

“All the kids I’ve taught back in the day are now helping out,” Kula said of the camaraderie of fishing. “You learn [and then] help others.”

Kula was approached by Pioneer Sports’ Tom Falcone after meeting through a mutual business relationship — a meeting which Kula was pleased with because of the common goal they share: providing young children with a valuable outdoor experience.

“They wanted to provide a fishing outlet for

inland Long Islanders, and felt we were a perfect fit,” Kula said.

Pioneer Sports is an organization that works with children to deliver engaging and fun activities. Serving over 20,000 children, they’ve supported over 100 after-school activities, sports clinics and camps across Long Island.

When Pioneer Sports contacted Kula about a potential partnership, his response was a simple “as long as there are fish.”

Falcone, who helped co-found Pioneer Sports 15 years ago, said that one of the many motivations for organizing children’s activities is to “get kids away from the video games, and get them outdoors.”

Falcone also added that he believes Covid had a damaging effect on children — being more isolated with regular interactions with friends, regressing their social skills — an impact that he hopes to rectify.

“We want kids to just be kids,” he said.

Mike Brothers has been frequenting the Magnolia Pier for the last three decades shares that sentiment. A Queens-turned-Long Beach resident, he also shares in the value of getting the children outdoors–something that is lost to people who live in cities and suburbs away from the waters.

“Besides learning how to fish safely, [children can] learn about the fish and the water,” Brothers said in regards to the outdoor experience. “Justin [Kula] is a good guy, great family. He’s doing a great job.”

To register for the fishing program, go to Pioneersports.leagueapps.com.

LUKE MARTINI WANTAGH Sophomore FOOTBALL

IT WAS A HISTORIC 2024 for Martini and the Warriors as they captured both the Nassau Conference IV and Long Island Class IV titles. One of a handful of returning starters and a rise to Conference III, Martini is being counted on to produce even more. So far, so good. He led a 35-7 victory at Elmont Sept. 20 with four rushing touchdowns, all coming in the second half. He finished with 195 yards on the ground with his longest score covering 78.

GAMES TO WATCH

Friday, Oct. 3

Football: Carey at V.S. North 4:30 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Farmingdale at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Seaford 5 p.m.

Football: Mepham at Glen Cove

Football: Baldwin at V.S. Central 6

Football: Plainedge at Lynbrook 6 p.m.

Football: Seaford at East Rockaway 6 p.m.

Football: Oceanside at Massapequa 6:30 p.m.

Football: South Side at Bethpage 6:30 p.m.

Football: Farmingdale at Freeport 7 p.m.

Football: Garden City at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 4

Girls Soccer: Garden City at Wantagh 2 p.m.

Football: Syosset at Uniondale 3 p.m.

Football: Lawrence at West Hempstead 3 p.m.

Football: Hempstead at Hicksville 3 p.m.

Football: Manhasset at V.S. South 3 p.m.

Football: Mineola at Sewanhaka 3 p.m.

Football: Wantagh at Clarke

Football: Hewlett at Division

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

Football: Roosevelt at East Meadow 3 p.m.

Football: Jericho at Kennedy 3 p.m.

Football: C.S. Harbor at North Shore 3 p.m.

Football: Floral Park at Elmont 3 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

Mepham shuts down Long Beach

By NICK MONGIOVI sports@liherald.com

Mepham’s defense told the tale of last Saturday’s Nassau Conference II football matchup against visiting Long Beach.

Even though sophomore quarterback Adam Erlichman picked apart the Marines’ secondary and tossed two touchdowns, it was the four turnovers forced by the Pirates that highlighted a 24-0 victory.

“We’re coming back off of last year being a two seed this year and I said, ‘we’re gonna have the target on our back,” Mepham head coach Tom Mazeika said. “I tell the kids every day to embrace that pressure. You want the pressure. We want to be in these situations and playing in these types of games.”

Mepham junior defensive back Tyler Gaskin intercepted a pass early in the second quarter, setting up the Pirates (3-0) with solid field position at their own 47-yard line. Erlichman then hooked up with senior Erijon Kraki for a 32-yard pickup, and then junior Lucas Eagleston for a 14-yard touchdown to get the hosts on the scoreboard. Eagleston had eight grabs for 86 yards.

“Playcalling was amazing,” said Erlichman, who completed 16 of 21 passes for 150 yards. “Wide receivers executed, offensive line executed. Blocks were perfect and I just delivered. We knew we had to pass the ball with a run heavy defense and all our receivers did an amazing job and I put the ball where it needed to be.”

Ryan Beyer, who a week earlier kicked a game-winning 29-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to beat MacArthur, gave Mepham a 10-0 halftime lead over Long Beach with a 28-yarder.

Early in the third quarter, senior Braeden Kehoe’s interception continued Mepham’s momentum. Senior Patrick Cloudman added a 1-yard touchdown run in the third, and senior Jack Webber caught a 12-yard touchdown strike from Erlichman in the fourth.

Of the 29 offensive plays run by Long Beach’s offense, Mepham had three interceptions, forced a fumble and allowed just 101 yards. Senior Mike Grizzard recorded an interception, while Junior Paulie Genovese finished with five tackles and one sack. Junior Will Braun recovered the fumble on special teams, with senior Jack Webber and junior Will Entler each recording a sack.

“They have some very good receivers, some electric guys,” Mazeika said of Long Beach. “The biggest thing was just trying to limit those guys and keep things in front of us and not give up big plays. We always say, ‘bend, don’t break,’ and I think we did that today.”

Receiver/defensive back Zack Silva

had a fumble recovery and four catches for 35 yards for the Marines, who fell to 1-2. Junior running back Brody Riedel was a bright spot on offense.

“They’re both [Silva and Riedel] both very explosive players,” Long Beach head coach Scott Marti said. “They play really hard. At the end Riedel had that screen play. But Riedel made some big hits, he had some good tough yardage runs and would have liked to get him the ball in the air a little bit more. He’s a leader out there.”

Long Beach will look to even its record this Saturday when it hosts New Hyde Park at the Middle School at 3 p.m. The Pirates travel to Glen Cove Friday for a 6 p.m. kickoff.

Music, food, crafts to fill Kennedy Plaza

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY Correspondent

Take in the joys of autumn with children’s activities, and more than 40 food and craft vendors at the 27th annual Long Beach Fall Festival in Kennedy Plaza.

The City of Long Beach will be hosting the event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12. The festival will also include a costume parade, marching from Veterans Memorial Park to Kennedy Plaza on Oct. 11 at noon.

“The City of Long Beach Fall Festival is a celebration of what makes Long Beach special — community,” Michael Reinhart, a City Council member, said of the impact of the event. “It’s steeped in more than a quarter century of tradition and it’s a great way to celebrate the season with friends, family and neighbors.”

Vendors will be serving internationalfare themed food, fresh bread and pies, cakes and pickles. Craft vendors will offer festivalgoers with an outdoor jewelry and home décor shopping experience.

Those over 21 are invited to visit the Food and Wine tent for wine tastings and modestly priced samplings from local restaurants.

Beach Liquor will provide wine tastings, and samplings will include specialties from restaurants in Long Beach, including the Jetty Bar and Grill, Feli -

cia’s Restaurant & Bar, Beginnings, and Borrelli’s Taproom.

Tastings will cost $10, and will take place in front of City Hall.

There will be live music from groups such as Wrong Sister, Rusty Spur, and T’baZco Road, as well as an individual performance by Brendan Michaelis.

Children’s activities will include a pumpkin patch that could make Linus jealous, as well as a pumpkin-themed Bounce House. Other attractions include a carousel, Ferris wheel, as well

as swinging chairs. Kids can also enjoy a hay wagon, as well as fire engine rides. Also returning this year will be the fall-related craft project tent —a staple from years past.

The costume parade will be open to children grades 5 and under. All participants will receive a trick-or-treat bag filled with goodies, including passes for a free public skating session at the Long Beach Ice Arena.

Line up and registration will take place at 11 a.m. at the Recreation Center

Campus on Magnolia Boulevard and the bay. Participants can compete for the best costume, and will be awarded on the bandwagon at the end of the parade.

The Long Beach Nursing and Rehab, Mount Sinai South Nassau, Long Beach CSEA, the Commanding Officers Association and the Long Beach Professional Firefighters sponsor this year’s costume parade.

“The Fall Festival and the costume parade highlight the creativity, enthusiasm, and character of our great city,” Sam Pinto, union president for the Long Beach Professional Firefighters said in a statement. “We hope to see a lot of kids dressed as firefighters in the parade!”

Admission will be free to the public, and the festival will be held rain or shine. Attractions will cost $4, and there will be non-transferrable, pay-one-price wristbands available for purchase–providing access to all attractions.

Festivalgoers can purchase a wristband for Saturday or Sunday, starting at $30. Those who will be attending on both Saturday and Sunday can purchase a multi-day wristband for $50.

Parking will be available in the center malls along Park Avenue, and is available for free at the Long Island Rail Road parking deck. Festivalgoers are encouraged to follow the festival parking signs.

For more information, go to Long Beachny.gov/fall.

OPEN HOUSE

Long Island’s best gather for Excellence in Healthcare awards

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Long Island is home to some of the nation’s most skilled medical practitioners, the best of whom were honored at the Herald’s fourth annual Long Island Excellence in Healthcare Awards.

The ceremony — at the Heritage Club at Bethpage on Sept. 17 — brought together almost 40 groups representing hospitals, researchers and independent practices.

Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications and publisher of the Herald, began the gala evening by praising Long Island’s medical community for their unrivaled research and innovative programs and services.

“We’re here tonight to honor the doctors, nurses, hospital executives, educators, caregivers, and so many others who keep our families and our communities healthy, safe and informed,” he said. “Our honorees tonight are sources of both strength and inspiration, walking alongside us at some of the lowest and highest moments in life.”

Emmy award-winning investigative journalist Kristin Thorne, the creator of Hulu’s first true crime series “Missing,” emceed the ceremony.

Keynote speaker Dr. Purna Prasad, CEO of Vedi Robotics in Hicksville, led off the night’s awards segment preceding the distribution of honors.

“Our evolution in Vedi Robotics has made us who we are today,” he said. “We identified one problem that is always a challenge for healthcare: a deficit of workforce.”

During his tenure of 30 years at Stanford and Northwell, Prasad observed machine learning and artificial intelligence mature as a field of study. After two and a half years, his team produced a robotic platform that is ready for deployment; it can check in patients, process their paperwork and take their vitals.

“That whole concept of home-grown, state-of-the-art technology — you could say we are a flagship for that,” he said.

Vedi Robotics received the Trailblazers in Technology special award.

“What we’re trying to do is we’re trying to bring a curated artificial intelligence into the arena that is only going to be beneficial,” Vedi Robotics COO John Power added.

A portion of ticket proceeds from the event will benefit the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Center at Stony Brook University. The LEND program, recipient of the Community Health Champions special award, provides interdisciplinary training to prepare the next generation — along with professionals, families and self-advocates — to lead in their fields as providers of high quality care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities.

“Our team truly excels, in an interdisciplinary fashion, to deliver health care for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families,” LEND Program Director Michelle Ballan said. “We offer hundreds of hours of training for people with disabilities and healthcare professionals to learn how to work effec-

tively with this group.”

Kerri Anne Scanlon, president of Northwell’s Glen Cove, Syosset and Plainview hospitals, received the Healthcare Visionary special award alongside CEOElect John D’Angelo; Northwell CEO Michael Dowling was honored with the Healthcare Legacy special award.

“I think the foundation of Northwell is really the incredible culture,” Scanlon said. “It’s a culture that truly invests in its employees. It’s a culture about worrying about someone as much as yourself, and then building that engagement so that we can give the best care to our patients.”

Carolyn Quinn, the director of Northwell Health’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center, received the Community Health Champions special award. The pediatric hospital was honored for providing outstanding long-term care for children.

“The team is just over the moon,” she said. “They are an amazing group of women, just an amazing group made up of three nurses and three certified holistic nurses and four Reiki Masters who are also certified and gifted in other holistic services. There’s quite a menu of services that we offer.”

Anne Petraro. founder and CEO of

The team is just over the moon.

CAROLyN QuiNN Director of Cohen Childrens’ Medical Center

Mending Hearts Counseling in Elmont, was honored with a Community Health Champions award for establishing an Article 31 MHOTRS clinic during the pandemic to aid underserved communities, specializing in brain care.

“I would love to change the face of mental health,” she said. “There’s so much stigma against it. And I guess by starting this agency, we’re kind of coming with a different approach, more of like a private practice feeling where everyone feels at home.”

Co-founders Linda Harkavy and Mitchell Goldstein of Form & Function Aesthetics and Wellness in East Meadow received the Power Couple special award.

“We’re focused on now, rather than disease management and crisis management, keeping people well and getting them well and having them enjoy their best lives,” Harkavy said. “We engage in wellness, not only body but mind.”

Their practice now offers Exomind, an advanced non-invasive brain therapy designed to help patients with depression, anxiety and OCD.

“We’ve been doing health care here in Long Island for 40 years, and it’s been our great pleasure helping so many people over these decades,” Goldstein said. “We’ve taken it now to the next level with state of the art medical care and devices to improve people’s longevity and wellness — Nassau County deserves that.”

The following individuals were each recipients of Excellence in Healthcare awards.

Alla Shenkman is the former medical

director of PM Pediatrics in Syosset. After 10 years in the role, she stepped down to return to work as a regular physician.

“It’s my passion,” Shenkman said. “I love it. PM Pediatrics is a great — probably largest — urgent care for pediatric patients in the country, and I’ve been there since day one. I certainly want to thank all my colleagues. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. It was a mutual effort to bring PM Pediatrics to where we are today.”

Howard Goodman, better known as the Long Island Weight Loss Doctor, is the recipient of numerous Herald honors: two Long Island Choice, one Long Island Health and Beauty, and now two Excellence in Healthcare awards.

“All these awards put us on the map,” he said.

Goodman uses all-natural methods to help patients reach their ideal weight while combating common internet misinformation.

“We’re fixing the damage that’s caused by these erroneous medications,” he said.

Brian Caberas is the COO of the People’s Arc of Suffolk, a nonprofit that provides services to people with disabilities across Suffolk County.

“We offer them residential alternatives and the ability to find jobs out in the community and a multitude of other services as well,” he said. “We want the People’s Arc of Suffolk to become the premier provider for people with disabilities.”

Sponsors of the event include Northwell Health, Episcopal Health Services, Henry Schein, Cohen Children’s Medical Center Northwell Health, The Speech Language Place, Brightview Senior Living, Stony Brook University LEND Center, Mending Hearts Counseling, Veda Robotics, LiveOnNY, People’s Arc of Suffolk, Long Island Nurses Honor Guard, PM Pediatric Care, Bellmore Dermatology, The Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island, Harmony Healthcare Long Island and the New York Institute of Technology.

To view a complete list of honorees and photos, visit richnerlive.com/healthcare-awards/honorees.

Ryder Cup, concert thrills in the park

As the Ryder Cup unfolded at Bethpage State Park, golf fans gathered at Eisenhower Park from Sept. 26 to 28 for a weekend of watch parties, concerts, and celebrations.

Hosted on the Kite Field by Nassau County, the free public event brought live-stream coverage of the tournament on a giant screen, golfthemed games, food vendors, and Ryder Cup ticket giveaways.

The festivities began with a watch party on Thursday, followed by another watch party and an electric Steve Aoki performance on Sept. 26 at the lakeside stage.

Crowds packed the park throughout the weekend to enjoy the mix of sports, entertainment, and community spirit, as East Meadow became a hub for fans eager to experience the Ryder Cup atmosphere close to home.

–Jordan Vallone

Plan to remove taxi stand sparks a petition

maybe a third of Uber’s rates,” Aaron added, “to make sure elderly people can commute within Long Beach, because parking is really tough.”

“Uber is more expensive, and (the taxi stand) is very convenient for people coming off the train,” Larry Cuocci, a resident of Long Beach for 13 years, said.

“We didn’t realize how much we’re needed until residents started asking us to do something about it, because they need us here,” Aaron said.

Isigned the petition because the service is needed.

Larry CuoCCI Long Beach

The taxi stand had a subleasing agreement with the LIRR that has been terminated. The cab company received an eviction notice in January.

“We’re trying to make sure that the City of Long Beach residents can easily access taxi cabs,” Aaron said.

In response to the news, residents and the company created a petition in an effort to save the stand. “I signed the petition, because the service is needed,” Cuocci said.

For its part, the MTA maintains that a police presence at the station will increase security in the area. “This is consistent with the MTA’s ongoing efforts to improve safety,” Donovan said.

But many argue that a police station is unnecessary, since the Long Beach Police Department is just a short walk away. “I think this is an incredibly stupid idea and a waste of resources,” Cuocci said. “We have more than enough police officers who are doing an excellent job.”

an mta district police office is expected to replace the taxi stand at Long Beach’s Long island rail road station.

“The taxi stand has been here for a long time,” said 12-year resident David Martinez. “If they shut it down, everybody is going to be upset. We already have a police precinct close by, so this is unnecessary.”

“I’m not for it,” Island Park resident Michael Mulqueen added. “I’d rather have the taxi company there — it’s convenient.”

Long Beach Taxi remains hopeful as it continues discussions with the MTA and LIRR to find a solution.

“It’s been a long couple of months,” Aaron said. “Hopefully we have a long future here, and we’ll figure it out.”

“We have re-evaluated month-to-month leases with certain vendors,” Donovan said.

To view the petition, go to Bit.ly/3IAOz1a.

Have an opinion on the taxi stand’s removal? Send a letter to jbessen@liherald.com.

SHOW US YOUR GAME DAY!

How do YOU watch Sunday football?

Whether you're decked out in team colors, surrounded by game day snacks, or have the ultimate fan cave setup –We want to see it all!

Upload photos of your Sunday football experience: your lucky jersey, famous wings, decorated living room, tailgate spread, or whatever makes your game day special.

The best photos will be featured in the Herald – and the WINNER will be chosen at random to win 2 tickets to an Islanders game!

Contest runs through midnight October 12, 2025

Scan Here to submit

HERALD

ATTENTION STUDENTS:

THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER

THE WINNING DESIGNS WILL BE PRINTED AS HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP IN 12/4/25 & 12/11/25 ISSUES OF YOUR HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

CONTEST RULES:

Who can enter: There will be 2 categories:

Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12

One entry per student

Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m.

Friday, October 31, 2025

Grand prize: Winners will have their design printed as wrapping paper in the Herald and will be featured in an article in their local Herald newspaper.

Entry format: Please use an 8 1/2 by 11 inch piece of unlined paper. All entries should have the student’s name, age, address, telephone number, email, grade and school printed on the back. Design can be reflective of all religious holidays. Entries will not be returned.

Mail or hand-deliver to:

Wrapping Paper Contest

Herald Community Newspapers

2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 OR Scan and email to: ekimbrell@liherald.com

(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).

Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 14

HELPFUL HINTS

• Must use 8 1/2 x 11” unlined paper, copy paper or construction paper.

• Be creative & original.

• Use bright colors.

• Fill the entire page.

• Choose paint, crayon, chalk, markers, pens, or other creative materials.

• Remember your design will be used to make a real sheet of wrapping paper.

STEPPING OUT

Doing it ‘His Way’ with the Nassau Pops

By Karen Bloom

ANew York moment arrives on the Tilles Center stage when Maestro Louis Panacciuill and his orchestra return with their popular gala musical in support of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County. This year the orchestra welcomes back Tony Danza and his band as their guest performers.

The concert continues to feature the Nassau Pops signature blend of popular and classical music as well as an inspiring moment with Creation, the CP Nassau vocal team. This heartwarming tradition dellights both musicians, guest performers and the audience.

“This is one big lovefest,” says Panacciulli, the orchestra’s longtime musical director. I’m so glad to be back at Tilles Center during our 42nd season. So many wonderful people have crossed this stage. It’s always exciting to be here.”

The connection between the Nassau Pops and CP Nassau is special for Panacciulli and the orchestra. He credits his mother, Panacciulli who was a member of the CP auxiliary in Valley Stream, for this special connection.

“When we first started performing, we decided we wanted to do more than just play music. We wanted to do something meaningful,” he recalls.

“In the past we had done benefits for Special Olympics, pop concerts for hospitals. This came about one day when I was discussing with her the idea of doing a benefit concert for CP Nassau. I’m thrilled to carry on Mom’s legacy. Plus it means a lot to the musicians. We’re leaving something behind long after the notes have faded away.”

And he’s delighted to have Danza, who performed with the Nassau Pops in 2023, back to share the stage.

“Tony dances, plays the ukele, always tells a corny joke or two,” Panacciulli says. “He’s very engaging, a wonderful entertainer.”

This collaboration brings a unique twist to Danza’s acclaimed cabaret show, “Sinatra and Stories.” Combining his trademark wit, charm, storytelling, with a dash of soft

Yes:

‘The Fragile 2025 Tour’

Get ready to experience an unforgettable evening of Yes on the Paramount stage, featuring its existential prog masterworks and instrumental pyrotechnics. Throughout a prolific and enduring music career spanning 45 years and 20 studio albums, Yes has electrified audiences with daunting virtuosity, complex musical textures and powerful lead vocals. The band — currently comprising Steve Howe on guitars and vocals, Geoff Downes on keyboards, Jon Davison on vocals and acoustic guitar, Billy Sherwood on bass guitar and vocals, and Jay Schellen on drums — performs their iconic 1971 album “Fragile” in its entirety. “Fragile” holds a special place in Yes’s discography, as it propelled the band to headline status in the U.S.

Tony Danza stars in the return of the orchestra’s gala benefit concert

shoe, he offers up his take on the music of the legendary ‘Ol Blue Eyes, with whom Danza had a personal relationship. Some might not realize that Danza, who grew up on Long Island and attended Malverne High School, is a well-established song and dance man, in addition to his acting chops in television, film and on stage.

Throughout his 60-plus minute set, Danza blends personal anecdotes with Sinatra’s unforgettable tunes.

“He always has a big smile on his face. He’s certainly having a good time. And I guarantee the audience will as well,” Panacciulli says.

The tone is set from the moment the orchestra strikes up their first note.

“We like to start out with something hot and jazzy,” Panacciulli adds.

• Sunday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m.

• Tickets start at $30; available at npso.org/tickets or tillescenter.org

• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post Campus, Brookville

Certainly the addition of a sax section gets the vibe going, as the orchestra opens the show with a medley of Big Band tunes.

As always, the musicians are joined by Creation — the singing duo who participate in CP Nassau’s Life Options Program — in a heart-warming segment during the concert’s opening. Each has their moment in the spotlight. David Tindal sings Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration,” while Chris Wawrzonek does “Till There Was You” from the Broadway classic The Music Man.

Tindal and Wawrzonek have ‘grown up’ with the orchestra.

“I’m filled with such a sense of gratitude that I can affect two lives by giving them a chance to perform in front of a full orchestra and a large audience,” Panacciulli says. “We share something special, when we share music together. They’re wonderful people and the audience gives them standing ovations every time. It’s just nice to see how they’ve grown up. They’re always smiling and in good humor.”

And for Panacciulli, a Franklin Square resident, who has been at the helm of the Nassau Pops since 1984 (and is on Nassau Community College’s music faculty where he serves as band director) that surely is the concert’s defining moment.

“Creation is a byproduct the wonderful work that CP Nassau does. It does my heart good to help them and give back to the community through the gift of music.”

Panacciulli gratefully acknowledges Long Island-based credit union Jovia (formerly NEFCU), the gala’s title sponsor since 2012. Proceeds from every ticket sold are donated directly to CPNassau.

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. $152.25, $129.75, $118.75, $108.75, $86.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Roomful of Blues

The renowned, horn powered, Grammy-nominated, houserocking “little big band” is ready to celebrate STEPPIN’ OUT!, their first new album in five years. With this album, Roomful of Blues brings something new to the table. After 19 releases with male singers, STEPPIN’ OUT! is the first to feature a female vocalist, the sublime D.D. Bastos. Her powerhouse, soul-stirring voice and her charismatic stage presence bring a whole new spirit to the Roomful sound. For over 50 years, this beloved, iconic and much honored band has been delivering wildly infectious, hard-swinging blues. Guided by guitarist-bandleader Chris Vachon since 19989, Roomful remains a defining musical force in the blues world, with their sound rooted in tradition, but their sights reaching far into the future.

Thursday, Oct. 9, 8 p.m. $38. My Father’s Place in Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. Tickets available at mfpproductions.com or (516) 5800887.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

On Exhibit

OCT

2

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the FoliesBergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Ongoing

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

OCT

4

OCT 16

Kate Kortum: The Music of ‘Wild Woman’

pressing tech questions.

• Where: 111 W. Park Ave.

• Time: Ongoing Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m.

• Contact: longbeachlibrary.org

OCT

9

Planning Board meets

The Planning Board holds a public hearing to review and make recommendations on various development applications, including new construction, enlargements, subdivisions, and mixed-use projects. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion of future developments in their neighborhood.

• Where: City Hall, 1 W. Chester St.

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: longbeachny.gov

Arts in the Plaza crafts fair

Arts in the Plaza welcome all to check out the scene. Arts in the Plaza features handcrafted art by local artists including custom jewelry, unique handmade gifts, 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.

Farmer’s Market

Every Wednesday and Saturday farmers, artisans, bakers and makers who bring their best to share with the community. From fresh, locally grown produce to handmade goods and unique treats, every vendor has a story worth discovering.

• Where: Kennedy Plaza

• Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Youth Fishing Clinic at Magnolia Pier

Pioneer Sports, in partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and Magnolia Pier Bait and Tackle, hosts a youth fishing clinic. This hands-on program offers kids 16 and under a safe, fun introduction to fishing, with rods, bait and expert instruction provided. Open to

Tilles Center’s Atrium becomes an intimate lounge, showcasing 23-year-old Kate Kortum, one of the most exciting breakout artists in the jazz world. Hailing from Houston, Texas, her warm, distinctive sound blends bebop, blues, the Great American Songbook, and musical theater with captivating, storydriven lyrics. Her artistry bridges tradition and innovation, offering audiences a fresh, contemporary take on the jazz vocal legacy. Kortum discovered her passion for music at Houston’s legendary High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where she studied flute and saxophone before ultimately falling in love with singing. She went on to earn a degree in jazz voice from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and a master’s degree from the Juilliard School, studying with some of the leading voices in modern jazz. Critics have praised her ability to revitalize jazz with authenticity and daring. “Wild Woman,” her sophomore album. featuresreimagined standards and originals that explore a woman’s relationship with complex emotions like obsession, promiscuity, self-pride, and hatred. She gives her audience a glimpse into the past, present, and future of jazz through her unique arrangements and improvisatory deliveries.

beginners and young anglers alike, it’s a great way to connect with the outdoors and the local fishing community, while kids learn angling skills.

• Where: Magnolia Pier

• Time: Also Oct. 18

• Contact: magnoliapier.com

2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Support the Alzheimer’s Association their annual walk, the largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, in 600 communities nationwide, including Eisenhower Park.

• Where: Eisenhower Park Parking Lot 6/6A

• Time: 9 a.m. check-in; 10 a.m. ceremony

• Contact: alz.org/longisland

In concert

OCT 5

Pianist Philip Edward Fisher returns to Adelphi University for an afternoon of music for solo piano. He performs three of Chopin’s works: Variations Brilliantes, Fantasie in F minor and Sonata No 2 in B-flat minor. The program also include Haydn’s Fantasia in C Major, along with works by Corigliano, Mompou and Scriabin.

Fisher is widely recognized as a unique performer of refined style and exceptional versatility. Tickets start at $35, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees.

• Where: Adelphi University’s Westermann Stage, 1 South Ave., Garden City

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or call (516) 877-4000

Splish Splash…

Animal Bath

Hang out with some Long Island Children’s Museum’s “residents” at the drop-in program. Join an animal educator in the Hive Studio’s in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to learn what goes into the care of LICM’s animal “residents.” Observe animal bath time.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

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

OCT

7

City Council Meeting

Long Beach City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month. Public comments are welcome during

• Where: Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100

the meeting and during Good and Welfare, which follows each regular session. Meeting agendas are available two business days in advance from the Office of the City Clerk.

• Where: City Hall, 1 W. Chester St.

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: longbeachny.gov

Voices Needed

OCT

8

The Oceanside Chorale is looking for new members in all sections to sing in their next concerts: Veterans Day Concert (Nov. 8), Holiday Concert (Dec. 10) and Light up the Holidays (Dec. 14). Rehearsals are Wednesdays.

• Where: Fulton Avenue School, 3252 Fulton Ave.. Oceanside

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: Marie at (516 )459-8513 or email oceansidechorale@gmail.com for further information

Ask the tech guy Do you have questions about 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

OCT

10

Sculpture Stroll

Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for an hour for discovery and conversation. Explore a selection of sculptures sited across the museum property. Each stop on the tour delves into the choices, inspirations and material of the artists and their sculptures. Registration required. $20, $10 members

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 5-6 p.m.

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

OCT

11

Halloween Costume Parade

City of Long Beach welcomes all to its Annual Kids

Halloween Costume Parade, a beloved tradition for nearly 50 years. Children are invited to dress in their favorite costumes and parade from the Recreation Center to Kennedy Plaza. Awards will be given for best costumes, and every child in costume will receive special treats!

• Where: Recreation Center to Kennedy Plaza

• Time: Noon

• Contact: longbeachny.gov

Having an event?

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

LIRR commuters will pay more next year

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board unanimously approved fare and toll increases that will take effect Jan. 1, raising costs for Long Island Rail Road riders and motorists using the area’s bridges and tunnels.

The vote came during the agency’s Sept. 30 meeting in Brooklyn following a public comment session.

The proposal, released July 30, marks the first round of increases since 2023, when both fares and tolls rose by more than 4 percent. Officials said the changes are needed to maintain service levels and support a transit system still recovering from the financial strain of the pandemic.

For LIRR riders, monthly and weekly ticket prices will rise by an average of 4.4 percent, excluding city zones. Even with the increase, the MTA said the cost of a monthly ticket will remain under $500, still lower than pre-pandemic levels.

The MTA had considered shortening the validity of one-way tickets to four hours after purchase, but after hearing customer feedback, tickets will instead remain valid until 4 a.m. the following day. Riders must activate tickets before boarding, and those purchased on board will carry an additional $2 surcharge.

Discounts will expand as well. The MTA will reduce ticket prices for

US!

seniors, people with disabilities and Medicare recipients, regardless of travel time. Children ages 5-17 may ride for $1 when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, including during the morning peak.

A new day pass will replace the round-trip ticket and will also be valid until 4 a.m. the next day. On weekdays, the pass will cost 10 percent less than two one-way peak tickets; on weekends, it will cost the same as two one-way off-

peak tickets.

The 10-trip ticket will be discontinued in favor of a “pay-as-you-go” mobile discount. After 10 peak or off-peak trips within 14 days, customers using mobile tickets will receive an 11th one-way trip free in the same period. Unlike the current plan, the new option does not require riders to pre-pay for discounts.

“Transit is one of the few things that makes New York affordable,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber. “And

I respect those who oppose the fare increase. But we’re talking about something that is 15 percent of the cost of owning an automobile. In New York, I think the gap between transit and auto ownership is even larger, and because of that, New Yorkers spend a lot less of their household income on transportation than people in the rest of the country. We are determined to keep it that way while also making sure we can fund our operation.”

Tolls at the RFK, Whitestone, Throgs Neck and Verrazzano Bridges, as well as the Queens-Midtown and Hugh L. Carey Tunnels, will rise 52 cents to $7.46 with E-ZPass. The Cross Bay and Marine Parkway Bridges will go up 20 cents to $2.80.

Board member Melva Miller voted for the increases but said she struggled with the decision.

“On one hand, I know our operating budget depends on these revenues, and as a board member, I recognize the importance of this and that approving this increase is the fiscally responsible thing to do and, ultimately, necessary to ensure the long-term health of the MTA,” she said. “But I also know firsthand that I’ve lived the realities of people who ride our system every single day and haven’t always had financial security, myself included, sometimes as I was only a few paychecks away from real vulnerability.”

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of the Annual Fire District Budget Hearing

LEGAL NOTICE

WHEREAS, on the 16th day of September, 2025, pursuant to Section 105 of the Town Law and Section 181 of the Town Law, the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District confirmed that the Annual Fire District Budget Hearing will be conducted with reference to the Annual Fire District Budget for the fiscal year 2026 on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 commencing at 7:00 P.M. at the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District’s Headquarters Building located at 102 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout, New York, and WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners is required to adopt a proposed budget at least 21 days before October 21, 2025 so that it is available for public inspection prior to the budget hearing.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District has adopted a proposed Annual Fire District Budget for 2026 as of this date for purposes of discussion and review at the Budget Hearing to be held on October 21, 2025 and a copy of the proposed budget is available at the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead and at the office of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District Secretary at 102 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout, New York where it may be inspected by any interested person during office hours. In addition, a copy of the proposed budget is posted on the fire district’s website, PLLFD.ORG/District Records and copies of the proposed budget will be available on the night of the said hearing.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District will hold the Annual Fire District Budget Hearing to be conducted with reference to the Annual Fire District Budget for fiscal year 2026 on Tuesday October 21, 2025 commencing at 7:00 P.M. at the Lido and Point Lookout Fire

District’s Headquarters Building located at 102 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout, New York. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the aforesaid budget will be presented to the residents and taxpayers of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District and to the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District, for their respective consideration at this public hearing and for the purpose of considering the said budget and hearing all persons interested in the subject concerning same on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 commencing at 7:00 P.M. at the Fire District’s Headquarters Building located at 102 Lido Blvd., Point Lookout, New York. This notice is being publicized and posted in accordance with the provisions of Public Officers Law and the Town Law of the State of New York by order of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Lido and Point Lookout Fire District. Dated: Point Lookout, New York September 16, 2025 Terri Ryan, District Secretary Lido and Point Lookout Fire District 156080

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. 1900 CAPITAL TRUST II, BY US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE, Pltf. vs ROBERT PRINCE, et al, Defts. Index #610845/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered July 7, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on October 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 37 Anchor Road, Long Beach, NY 11561 a/k/a 35-37 Anchor Road, Lido Beach, NY 11561 a/k/a Section 60, Block 59, Lot 3. Said property lying and being at Lido Beach, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of NY, known and designated as Lot No.3 in Block 59 as shown on a certain map entitled, “Map of Channel Homes,

Section No, 1 surveyed January 1956 by Donald C. Voorhies, C.E. & S.” and filed in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on March 29, 1956 as Map No. 6643. Approximate amount of judgment is $590,476.88 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

TIFFANY

FRIGENTI, Referee. HILL WALLACK LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940-941, New York, NY. File No. 020292-01432#102517 155692

LEGAL NOTICE

OBJECTION TO NOTICE OF SALE. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that I, Martin Piotr Nowak object to the foreclosure sale scheduled for 10/2/2025 under case# 602421/2019, Supreme Court, Nassau County concerning 113 New York Avenue, Long Beach, New York 11561 (Section-59, Block-265, Lot-28). Objection is made on equitable grounds: legal and equitable title of said property are vested in me as grantee absolute by acceptance of the deeds; permanent equitable interest, equitable redemption, and subrogation have been exercised, and thus no bona fide purchaser for value may arise in this matter. Supporting instruments are of record at: Whiteside County, Illinois (Instrument#: 2025-02803; 2025-02804; 2025-02773; 2025-02356); and Columbia County, New York (Instrument#: 20250006005, 20250006008, 20250006010, 20250002136). Any attempt to proceed with sale or transfer contrary to this notice shall give rise to further equitable action 155690

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST 2004-13,

MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-13, -againstBETTE RICHMAN, 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 December 17, 2018, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, AS SUCCESSOR TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST 2004-13, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-13 is the Plaintiff and BETTE RICHMAN, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 21, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 1514 BEECH STREET, ATLANTIC BEACH, NY 11509; tax map identification 58-61-55; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT LONG BEACH, TOWN OF HOMESTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 004724/2015. Rita Solomon, 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. 155833

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

Free tuition program for returning students

Nassau Community College is joining a statewide initiative to make higher education more accessible for adults seeking to complete an associate degree. The program, SUNY Reconnect, offers free tuition to New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 who do not already hold a college degree.

Jerry Kornbluth, vice president for Community and Governmental Relations at Nassau Community College, said the program allows students to return to school without financial barriers, providing flexibility for full- or parttime study. Students must enroll in at least six credits per semester and can complete their degree within 10 semesters. A one-year leave of absence is allowed without losing eligibility.

I

strong interest in the program. For the fall semester, about 251 students enrolled, with roughly 224 documented in internal reporting. Preliminary data shows 71 percent of participants are female, largely reflecting concentrations in nursing and education, and the largest age group is 25 to 34. About 60 percent attend parttime, while 40 percent attend full-time.

f students can get a two-year degree for free, that’s huge. Jerry Kornbluth vice president, Community and Governmental Relations

“This is a really solid program,” Kornbluth said. “It’s designed for students returning to college after time away, giving them an opportunity to pursue high-demand careers while balancing work and family.”

SUNY Reconnect focuses on fields where workforce demand is high, including nursing, healthcare, cybersecurity, health information technology, and teacher education. Kornbluth said these areas were chosen because current professionals are retiring or there are not enough trained workers entering the field.

Nassau Community College has seen

Students are required to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to receive financial support. Kornbluth said the program provides an economic boost to the state by helping adults earn degrees without accruing debt.

“If students can get a twoyear degree for free, that’s huge,” Kornbluth said. “It opens doors to jobs, career advancement, and the option to continue toward a fouryear degree if they choose.” Kornbluth, who previously taught mathematics and statistics at Nassau Community College and rose to full professor before moving into administration, noted the initiative could expand to additional degree programs in the future if successful.

SUNY Reconnect is available at all SUNY community colleges, and a parallel program exists at CUNY community colleges.

Hernesto Galdamez

HomesHERALD

Stunning Home, Great Location

This custom built brick Colonial home invites you in through a grand foyer, leading to a gracious living room and formal dining room, with beautiful hardwood floors throughout. The huge gourmet kitchen with Caesarstone countertops and stainless steel appliances adjoins a sunlit breakfast room, while off to the side is the casual den with a fireplace, and a half bath. Upstairs you'll find a fabulous primary en-suite, with closets galore & a

The challenges of building next to open water

Q. We were given two options for building a new building next to a saltwater bay where there are great views. The first option is to build a wood building with siding, and the second is to build a metal building that comes in a kind of kit form, with the option to have the company selling the parts also assemble the building. Which type would you recommend, considering the salt spray we will get, and will we need helical piles in the ground? We were told that we could just build on a 6-inch concrete slab.

Two 11x12 Glass Offices Flexible Lease New Paint And Carpeting $1,450/ Month Owner 516-637-2182

Timeshares

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back yard features a wonderful large multi-level deck. There are 2 central air conditioning systems, a full house generator, and a sprinkler system. This beauty is convenient to everything, beach, shopping, restaurants and public transportation.

A. If you remember the story of the three little pigs, you’ll also remember the big, bad wolf, who huffed and puffed … Salt spray is just one of the natural issues you’re dealing with. If you’re concerned about possible rust, verify with the company engineering the metal system that the building will be subjected to salt.

If the steel components are galvanized, zinc-coated, anodized or stainless steel — that is, treated to resist salt — then the best choice is the steel system, for many reasons. Consider all the elements your building must resist, not just salt. Wind, water and weight settlement are also factors that any professional building designer, either an architect or engineer, would examine as well.

A wood building, by the standards of state building codes, would still require metal connections to hold places where wood parts are joined to meet wind-resistance requirements. Wood-to-steel connections aren’t as strong as steel-to-steel connections, generally, due to the reactions of the dissimilar materials. Those reactions include internal expansion and contraction that can loosen wood fibers, warping, twisting and the loss of fiber strength due to changes in moisture of the fibers. The fibers loosen as they expand with moisture, so metal screws or nails can pull out in extreme conditions.

Metal-to-metal will hold together better, because the reactions are similar in metal-to-metal connections. In similar expansion and contraction, the screw connections will stay connected. After virtually every tornado and hurricane disaster, investigators uncover evidence that steel-to-steel connectors held together, while wood connections often failed.

As for the foundation, consider that a helical pile is like a screwed-down fastener and a tree root system combined. Whoever told you that a building next to an open body of water need only be attached to a concrete slab was misleading and uninformed about the power of any large body of water in motion. Just by researching the height of ocean surges on your smartphone, you can educate yourself to the fact that the ocean height rose as much as 32 feet and moved inland at levels between 12 and 15 feet in Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Once the surge contacts land, it can reduce to 7 feet from that greater surge and spill inland, reducing in height to where some people experienced 3 to 4 feet while others saw only ankle-deep water. Good luck!

© 2025 Monte Leeper

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

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

EAST ROCKAWAY: 38 FIRST AVENUE (Off North Blvd.) 10/4 And 10/5, 10AM-4PM. Many Items!

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COSTUME JEWELRY WANTED Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets & Rings. Also Buying Gold & Silver. $$ CASH PAID $$ 631-500-0792 Long Island / Will Travel

CARGO CARRIER, FOR rooftop, Soft, used once, call for specs, $50. (516)225-9191

METAL MUSIC SHEET stand up to 42", blue lamp, burlap shade, 18". $20 each 516-857-5804

PICTURE FRAMES, ALL shapes, sizes, colors etc. Under $3.00 each or all $30. 516-225-9191

TEETER INVERSION TABLE: Excellent Condition, $99. 516-650-4942

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Trump meets with the king and mixes it up at the U.N.

president Trump’s state visit to Great Britain and his meetings with foreign leaders at the United Nations General Assembly emphasized the continued significance of personal diplomacy in international affairs.

Trump’s royal welcome by King Charles III at Windsor Castle demonstrated the lasting relationship between the United States and Great Britain. (I say this as an Irish-American who severely criticized British policy in Ireland in the years before the signing of the historic Good Friday Agreement in 1998.) The reality is that beyond a common language, Americans and Brits share common values emanating from the Magna Carta. British leaders have demonstrated firmness and strength at key moments in our history.

Winston Churchill stood alone, defending Western civilization against Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany in the dark early days of World War II, and then, in the postwar years, alerted the U.S. and the world to the growing menace of Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union’s Iron Curtain.

Margaret Thatcher allied with Presi-

dent Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II to bring down the Soviet empire.

Tony Blair stood with President George W. Bush and America in the aftermath of 9/11. I observed Blair behind the scenes during the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement, and was struck by his extraordinary courage and leadership. That British leadership continues today, as Britain provides weapons to Ukraine and deploys RAF fighter jets to Poland to help the nations resisting Russian aggression.

The state dinner Charles hosted for Trump was more than pomp and ceremony. It was a dramatic affirmation of the special relationship between our nations. This show of unity was particularly vital when totalitarian states — Russia, China and North Korea— threaten world security. In his remarks, Charles urged the U.S. and Great Britain to stand strong against Russian aggression in Ukraine, as we did against Hitler. (My wife, Rosemary, and I met then Prince Charles in Washington in 2011. He was very engaging and down to earth.)

ing, friendly relationship. Their meeting certainly appeared to go well, with Starmer emphasizing the importance of the U.S. and Europe standing with Ukraine.

By all accounts, the president’s visit to Great Britain was a solid success.

F for the General Assembly, a classic performance on the world stage.

The following week, he was in New York for the annual opening of the U.N. General Assembly. Trump was the first major leader to speak, and it was a classic Trump performance brought to the world stage. He began by mercilessly critiquing the U.N. for being consistently ineffective, exemplified that morning by the malfunctioning of an escalator and his teleprompter.

al concessions to Putin).

Just hours after his General Assembly speech — which went three times longer than his allotted time — Trump met with Zelensky, and went beyond just criticizing Russia and Putin. He made a full reversal. Informed by a key adviser, Gen. Keith Kellogg, how weak Russia was after having suffered more than a million casualties, taken control of only 1 percent of Ukraine and with its economy in shambles, Trump hailed Ukraine’s courage and fighting ability. With allied support, he said, Ukraine could win the war and regain its lost territory, and that NATO countries should shoot down Russian planes that violate their air space.

I have supported Ukraine from the start, not just because its position is just, but because it’s in America’s national interest for Russia’s aggression to be stopped.

The following day, Trump met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Though Starmer is a member of the Labor Party and has a number of policy and ideological differences with Trump, the two are known to have a good work-

Not content to assail the organization itself, Trump verbally attacked countries individually and continents collectively. He was particularly critical of Russia and its dictator, Vladimir Putin, for its continued attacks on Ukraine, especially its innocent civilians. Significantly, one country that was spared Trump’s caustic criticism was Ukraine (in stark contrast with Trump’s White House encounter earlier this year with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he criticized for continuing to wage what Trump thought was a futile battle against Russia, because Ukraine had “no cards” left to play and would have to make territori-

British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s failure to stop Hitler at Munich because it was a “faraway” war led to World War II and millions of deaths, including more than 400,000 Americans. I believe that Trump’s visit with our closest ally was a reminder of the necessity to follow Churchill’s example, stand with Europe against Russian imperialism and not let the tragic failures of appeasement and isolationism be repeated.

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

There are many reasons not to embrace Mamdani

Over the past few weeks, Democrats have been having a slugfest over the question of the obligation of party officials to endorse the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani. The debate was triggered by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to endorse Mamdani. State Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs angrily pledged that he would not support Mamdani, in an obvious break with the governor. So who’s right and who’s wrong?

power in the House of Representatives. A state chair’s endorsement of a controversial mayoral candidate could reverberate around the state. and beyond.

First of all, to quote my parents, it’s a free country. You’re entitled to endorse whomever you want, and Jacobs has the right to break from Hochul. She has yet to explain why she endorsed Mamdani, but I have no doubt that she has her own bona fide reasons to do so.

And Jacobs has a lot of reasons to disagree with her endorsement. Next year there will be dozens of congressional races that will decide the balance of

The more I’ve thought about Mamdani’s candidacy, the more I’m convinced that there are lots of reasons why some Democrats will rightly shun him. He made a decision to run for mayor after analyzing the field of potential opponents, and had the backing of the Working Families Party and the Democratic Socialists of America. He had the endorsements of other socialist and progressive groups that have the ability to organize voterturnout operations and have helped elected a number of members of the State Assembly. They’re especially effective when moderate Democrats are sound asleep.

Tmedia and old-time get-out-the-vote operations to win the nomination. He had a story to tell right out of the socialist playbook.

He focused on the high cost of living in the city, and pledged free bus rides, a rent freeze and public grocery stores. While these promises aren’t realistic, they appealed to thousands of young voters, many of whom had never voted in a primary.

he failure of some prominent Democrats to endorse him is no surprise.

Mamdani saw that his Democratic rivals would likely be former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams. Both had a ton of political problems that would affect their chances — indeed, Adams suspended his campaign on Sunday — and that gave Mamdani a clear field to tell his story, and utilize social

Another facet of the campaign is that the vast majority of moderate voters don’t vote in city primaries. They show up in November for the general election, but don’t understand that the primaries determine who the candidates will be in November. It’s no surprise that all of these factors combined to help Mamdani win a decisive victory, which stunned Democratic elected leaders as well as party officials. While they privately conceded that Mamdani won fair and square, they simply couldn’t believe that a socialist might be the next mayor. Aside from the fact that Mamdani wasn’t a moderate candidate, once the primary was over, the media began exploring his views on Israel, and focused on his

Muslim background. He had made numerous controversial statements on the war in Gaza. In the past he has also advocating defunding the police. Post-primary, he has backtracked on a number of previous positions, including that one, but he has failed to satisfy his critics, and he has made other controversial statements that have kept the political pot boiling. In my political lifetime I have often noted that retractions only make things worse, and that the public rarely changes its views after the first missteps.

So the failure of some prominent Democrats to endorse Mamdani is no surprise. Embracing him could be fatal for a moderate member of the party. Other than having won its primary, Mamdani isn’t a traditional Democrat, and there’s no reason to believe that he would act like one come next January. He will temper his past comments now, but he is rumored to be selecting lots of people who are pleasing to him and the socialist movement. In the past, I’ve gone against my party on some major occasions. If I were still in office, I wouldn’t endorse Mamdani, either.

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.

Protecting Long Island from invasive species

asilent invasion is making its way across Long Island. From beetles boring through forests to aggressive weeds choking native plants, invasive species pose an urgent and growing threat to the natural beauty, the economy and the very identity of our region.

As these pests encroach on farmland, damaged crops mean higher food prices and struggling farms. Infested woodlands mean fewer tourists and diminished property values. And the loss of treasured natural spaces — from forests and meadows to backyards and parks — erodes the very character of Long Island.

The recent detection of the redbay ambrosia beetle in Suffolk County, likely imported accidentally from Asia and bringing with it a tree-killing fungus, only increases the volume of our collective wake-up call. The question before us is simple: Will we act now to defend our communities, or will we watch as our landscapes steadily degrade and our land-based livelihoods slowly unravel?

Invasive species aren’t a new problem, but their spread has accelerated dramatically in recent decades. Increased global trade, climate change and urbanization have opened doors for pests and plants that don’t belong here, allowing them to thrive in places where native species have no natural defenses. The result is widespread ecological disruption.

In Nassau County, we already know the damage invaders can do. The spotted lanternfly, a deceptively attractive insect with mottled wings, feeds on more than

letters

70 species of plants. Its favorite targets include vineyards, orchards and hardwood forests — ecosystems that support industries that have helped Long Island grow. Left unchecked, lanternfly infestations can cripple agriculture and rob us of the fall foliage many tourists come here to see.

The plant kingdom has its own wellknown adversaries. Japanese knotweed, with its bamboo-like stalks and dense root systems, is nearly impossible to eradicate once it takes hold. It smothers native plants, leaving wildlife without food or shelter, and even undermines human infrastructure, pushing up through sidewalks, driveways and foundations. Its spread is a quiet but relentless reminder that invasive species are as much an economic challenge as an ecological one.

And then there’s the southern pine beetle — a small insect with an outsized appetite that can be found across the Island. This pest can wipe out acres of pine forest, reducing green woodlands to brown arboreal graveyards. The loss is not only aesthetic; forests are essential for carbon storage, stormwater absorption and wildlife habitat.

Together, these threats underscore a sobering reality: Invasive species weaken biodiversity, strain local economies and diminish our quality of life. Each unchecked outbreak increases the costs borne by everyone from homeowners to landscapers to farmers, while also endangering industries like agriculture and tourism that are the backbone of Nassau and Suffolk’s economies.

A tale of three cities, and two socialist mayors — so far

To the Editor:

Jerry Kremer warns in his Sept 18-24 Herald column, “The battle of egos in the Big Apple,” that “all of New York City and state will suffer” if Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor in November. “Many people, city and suburban voters, have been transfixed by fear about the possibility” of Mamdani becoming the city’s first socialist leader, Kremer notes.

In terms of dynamism and attractions, New York has only a few peers among cities worldwide. London and Paris are two of them. So it could come as a surprise — or, one hopes, a reassurance — to Kremer and others fearful of a Mamdani victory that both London and Paris have been governed by socialists for the past nine and 11 years, respectively.

And voters in those European cities seem quite satisfied with the performance of their progressive mayors. London’s Sadiq Khan was elected to an unprecedented third term last year by an 11-point margin over a Conservative Party opponent. Paris’s Anne Hidalgo won a second six-year term in 2020 by 15 percentage points over a conservative rival.

Khan, a Muslim of Pakistani descent, is a member of a Brit-

The earlier an invasive species is detected, the greater the chance of stopping it before it becomes a living feature of the landscape. Funding for local monitoring programs isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Public education is equally critical. Residents are often the first line of defense against invasive species. With the right tools and training, they can help identify and report harmful insects and plants before they spread out of control. Imagine how much better off we’d be if every homeowner could recognize lanternflies and every gardener knew how to prevent knotweed from hitching a ride in soil or mulch.

State and local governments, environmental nonprofits, research institutions and industry leaders must work together to create a unified strategy. Protecting Long Island’s agriculture, landscaping and tourism sectors requires pooling resources, sharing knowledge and mobilizing communities. A fragmented, haphazard response will only give invasive species more opportunities to occupy new territory.

By investing in prevention, monitoring and education today, we have the power to preserve our island’s future. The rising tide of invasive species is controllable — but only if we act decisively. Long Islanders have always taken pride in protecting our shoreline, parks and communities. Now we must extend that vigilance to these less visible, but no less dangerous, invaders among us. Our environment, economy and way of life depend on it.

ish political organization roughly equivalent to Democratic Socialists of America, to which Mamdani belongs. Hidalgo, a Spanish-French politician, is a prominent figure in France’s Socialist Party.

Has violent crime run rampant in London and Paris under left-wing

leadership? The London police recorded a total of 110 murders in 2023. That’s 10 fewer than in 2015, the final year of Boris Johnson’s tenure as that city’s Conservative Party mayor.

Urban crime rates are difficult to measure in France because such

opinions It used to be that words couldn’t hurt us

“sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

We all grew up repeating that rhyme. And as cliché as it may now sound, it actually conveyed some valuable lessons. It promoted emotional resilience and, in true Stoic tradition, taught children that they have the power to rise above criticism and control their reactions to others’ words. It was a calm but clear reminder that the answer to words might be more words, but never fists or fighting.

At some point along the way, we lost that thread. Today, we’re told, “words are violence.”

We’re told, “silence is violence.” And by intentionally blurring the line between words and actions, we’ve somehow justified real violence and made it easier to excuse. If you believe an opinion is truly an “attack,” then retaliation in

the form of physical violence starts to seem almost rational.

The consequences of this thinking are no longer hypothetical. The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a grim reminder of what violence really looks like. It is a life stolen, a family shattered and a nation further divided.

BSadly, Kirk’s murder isn’t an outlier. We’ve now seen assassination attempts against President Trump; two Israeli embassy staffers gunned down in Washington, D.C., after attending a Jewish event; and the tragic murder of Minnesota State Legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband — different victims, different circumstances, but all united by the same thing: political violence.

protected by our Founding Fathers became the trigger for violence.

Even more disturbing? Some people cheer this behavior on and view it as appropriate.

y blurring the line between words and actions, we’ve justified violence.

Making these attacks more chilling is that none of these victims was engaged in any violence themselves. Their opinions and ideas were the only things that incited attacks against them. Each of these heinous crimes was, at its core, a reaction to speech. The very right that was enshrined and

LeTTers

tistics are kept primarily on a national rather than the local level. But according to a compilation used by the publication World Population Review, Paris was the 23rd safest city in the world in 2024. Safer than Brussels, Madrid, Barcelona and Rome.

Mamdani, meanwhile, has retracted his call for defunding the NYPD — a stance he took at the height of the Black Lives Matter agitation. He has pledged to make public safety a top priority of his mayoralty, along with making New York City more affordable for all of its residents.

Instead of freaking out over political labels, Kremer and other fearmongers should calm down and see how Mamdani actually governs.

Closer to home: I lived in Burlington, Vermont, when Bernie Sanders was mayor. A socialist who had held no previous elected office, Sanders made Vermont’s largest city a more equitable and prosperous place. Burlington’s business community came to regard him as an outstanding mayor.

KEVIN J. KELLEY Atlantic Beach

The fight against smoking isn’t over

To the Editor:

As partners in the New York State Tobacco Control Program, Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free NY and the

Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island work together to reduce the burden of commercial tobacco use and support a healthier, tobacco-free Long Island.

Since the inception of the state’s comprehensive Tobacco Control Program 25 years ago, cigarette smoking among adults in the state has dropped dramatically, from 23.2 percent in 2001 to 9.3 percent in 2023. Nassau and Suffolk counties have achieved two of the five lowest smoking rates in the state. There has also been a striking decrease in youth smoking since 2000, when 27.1 percent of high school youth reported cigarette use. The latest data show a 92 percent drop, to just 2.1 percent.

Nonetheless, the tobacco industry continues to harm New Yorkers. Industry documents reveal how tobacco companies have deliberately marketed menthol cigarettes to specific populations, including LGBTQ, Black and Hispanic communities, for decades. Data from the Adult Tobacco Survey highlight these disparities: Menthol cigarette use was highest among adults who identify as Black or African American (88 percent) and those who identify as Hispanic (70 percent).

The use of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches is on the rise, especially among youth. Vaping exposes users to serious health risks such as heart disease, lung cancer, asthma attacks and long-term effects from toxic metals. Nicotine can harm the developing brains of adolescents, and nearly one in five high school students in our state report vaping. Add-

But consider this: Our right to free speech is the very first of our freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights for a reason. It is the foundation on which every other right is built. If Americans can’t disagree without fear, then all of our other freedoms collapse. Of course words can hurt feelings and divide people. Of course arguments can be traumatic. But the moment we redefine speech as “violence,” we invite actual, physical violence into our politics. Violence is not a metaphor. Violence is not a feeling. It is blood, it is broken bones. It is a 31-year-old husband and father of two murdered by a shot to the neck in front of the whole world. Ask yourself, if we can’t tell the difference between speech and assault, what kind of country will we become? And is that truly the country we want to leave to our children?

Like many of you, I am well past the age for mincing words or beating around the bush. When you’ve lived a little and suffered some yourself, you come to understand that empathy is a much better guide than a “cause.”

So here’s the call to action: Don’t play along with the lie that everything is violence. Push back when someone tells you that speech is violence or that silence is an attack. Speak, debate, disagree — but don’t confuse barbs with brutality. We need to understand the plain meaning of the words we use: Words are words. Silence is silence. Violence is violence.

Because once a society fails to recognize the distinction, it won’t be long before the only arguments left are made through force. And that’s a pretty scary place to be. The freedom to speak freely, with civility, courage and conviction, is what keeps democracy alive. We owe it to the next generation to demand civility, to defend that courage, to draw the line clearly against all forms of violence and to insist that ideas be met with other ideas, and not with an assassin’s bullet.

Jack Martins represents the 7th State Senate District.

ing to the concern, social media have begun promoting pouches as a cheaper alternative to weight-loss drugs.

The closing of the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health puts years of progress at risk. Without this support, states will have a harder time keeping prevention and quit-smoking programs strong. These programs have helped countless families in New York and around the country live healthier lives. The cuts will hit vulnerable communities the hardest.

Here in New York, funding cuts have led to the layoff of more than a dozen key members of the state’s tobacco

control program. This could weaken our free State Quitline services, reduce support for the Health Systems program and limit several other vital tobacco-control initiatives.

It’s imperative that we continue to employ comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco product use and nicotine addiction. The decline in cigarette smoking is worth celebrating, but there is still more work to be done.