Families and teachers gathered at Centre Avenue School, above, where students were welcomed back. At right, Nicole DiCarlo’s thirdgrade class at Waverly Park Elementary learned about the year ahead.
More photos, Page 2.
By AINSlEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
As the 2025-26 school year begins, the Lynbrook and East Rockaway school districts’ new budgets reflect modest spending increases and a continued focus on educational programming, student support and infrastructure improvement.
Voters in Lynbrook approved a spending plan of just over $110.1 million in May, a 3.53 percent increase over the 2024-25 budget. The additional expenditures will be funded primarily with a 2.93 percent increase in property taxes, which comprise about 72 percent of total revenue. State aid contributes roughly 19 percent, and local revenue, 8 percent.
nearly 800 survey responses. It aligns with changes at the state level, where diploma requirements are being re-examined to offer more personalized graduation pathways.
“It’s really cool. It’s about making it accessible to all kids,” Lynch said.
I t’s about making it accessible to all kids.
The district shifted teaching priorities by eliminating 15 fulltime positions through retirements and resignations, and adding a new high school business teacher in response to growing student interest in financeand career-focused courses.
PAul lYNch Superintendent of Lynbrook Public Schools
A core investment this year is a new instructional framework centered on four development areas: creative and critical thinking, real-life skills, social-emotional learning and global citizenship, Superintendent Paul Lynch said. The initiative was shaped by two years of community engagement, including
A 35.44 percent increase in transportation expenses was mostly the result of new contracts, which grew due to market fluctuations in fuel, insurance and labor costs, Lynch said. The transportation budget also includes mandated services for students attending private and parochial schools.
Voters also approved capital improvement projects including door replacement at the Marion Street and West End schools, and
Continued on page 10
Students across the Lynbrook and East Rockaway school districts returned to class this week to begin the 2025-26 academic year.
Lynbrook students at Marion Street, West End and Waverly Park elementary schools arrived with supplies in hand as they met their new teachers and classmates. Activities such as icebreakers, scavenger hunts and building tours were held to help students adjust to their new learning environments.
Kindergartners at the Lynbrook Kin-
dergarten Center began their first day on Sept. 4, participating in introductory classroom games and meeting peers and staff.
In East Rockaway, schools reopened Sept. 3. Seniors at the junior-senior high school arrived with decorated cars and nostalgic backpacks, while administrators welcomed students at the main entrance.
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
As students pour back into the halls of East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School, the buzz of a new school year carries more than the usual excitement.
It’s a season filled with purpose: from decorating lockers to chasing state championships and mapping out futures in medicine and media.
Sean Smith, 17, will enter his senior year, and said he needs to cherish memories and chase final dreams.
“I like to call this my last dance,” Smith said, referring to his final year with childhood friends. “I’ve known people for 15 years at this point, and now we’re going to be together graduating.”
A long-time athlete, Smith is deeply invested in making the most of his last basketball and baseball seasons.
“Don’t take high school for granted,” he advised. “Keep those who are closest to you, keep them with you.”
Smith sees his future behind the mic. He plans to pursue sports media, adding onto his established skillset in photography. Over the summer, he received a Congressional Art Exhibition award, hosted by Congresswoman Laura Gillen, which earned his photography piece a spot in the U.S. Capitol.
Now, with a camera in hand, he’s ready to capture East Rockaway’s fall sports, from football to volleyball and soccer.
“There are nights where I literally just sit around that kitchen table with my dad, my grandfather and my mother. All we do is just random sports facts.”
Smith will attend Nassau Community College next fall to embark on a new journey.
“Saving money is the best thing that I could do,” he said, noting the comfort of staying local. “Being able to eat my mom’s cooking and sleep in my own bed — that’s a big plus.”
For Mackenzie McCabe, 12, this year marks excitement for new routines and new spaces.
Seventh graders have the chance to use lockers for the first time, which she said heralds a new chapter of autonomy.
“It’s nice having your own personal space and decorating it,” McCabe said.
And, she’s already thinking about the future with plans to build a career as a pulmonologist.
“My grandpa was on 9/11 and he suffered from lung cancer and passed away last summer... I wanted to try and help people like that.”
She recently donated a scholarship award to a lung cancer facility in his memory.
Claire Harvey, 15, is energized by a full schedule of AP classes and electives.
“I chose culinary, drawing, and painting for the first half of the year,” Harvey said.
For the second half of the year, she’ll dive into theater and a coveted science research course, where she’ll explore complex topics with a new teacher and under the guidance of a chairperson program. Harvey also thinks she’ll major in a science-related field, such as work with genetic and vaccine research.
Time management is an essential skill for both stu-
dents. McCabe runs cross country, plays volleyball and basketball and is considering joining track. Harvey juggles volleyball and lacrosse — and finds time to study with friends on the bus.
Harvey is also a proud member of the Superintendent’s Student Council.
“Our school is really good at seeing the perspective of students,” she said. “Teachers and staff members all listen to us and like our opinions and our points of view.”
McCabe agrees: “If somebody finds a problem in the school and they go ask the principal or superintendent, they will find a way to fix the problem.”
As the 2025–2026 school year begins, the students of East Rockaway bring more than notebooks and schedules. They carry ambitions, memories and a clear sense of who they are becoming.
Anthony Capone, owner of North Star Collision and chief of the Valley Stream Fire Department, is sponsoring the Lynbrook Fire Department’s Wounded Warrior Classic Car Show on Sept. 20 at Greis Park in Lynbrook. The show will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs $20 to enter a vehicle. There is no charge for spectators. This is the second year North Star Collision is sponsoring the event.
Following the car show, the Lynbrook Fire Department will host its 14th annual Wounded Warrior End of Summer Bash at 3 p.m. at the park. Admission is $20 and includes food, live entertainment, and more than 100 raffle prizes.
Funds from both events will benefit Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2004 that assists
wounded servicemembers and their families in Nassau County and at four military hospitals along the East Coast. The organization is not affiliated with the Wounded Warrior Project.
A group of wounded soldiers from the Soldier Recovery Unit at Fort Belvoir in Virginia will attend the fundraiser to thank the Lynbrook Fire Department and community members for their support.
In a presentation ahead of the event, Capone made a donation to Kevin Bien, chairman of the Lynbrook Fire Department’s Wounded Warrior Committee, while Steve Grogan, vice chairman of Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior, presented an American flag to Capone.
Anthony Capone makes a donation to Kevin Bien, left, chairman of Lynbrook Fire Department’s wounded warrior committee, while Steve Grogan, vice-chairman of Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior presents an American flag to Capone.
• Pre-Arrangement Counseling
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Many people are unclear about financial advisors versus estate planners. In fact, many financial advisors and accountants give their clients estate planning advice even though it is not their actual area of expertise.
The main focus of a financial advisor is to manage and grow your money during your lifetime. They look at which investments are suitable for your goals and your tolerance for risk. Financial advisors also assist with retirement planning so that you have enough income later on after you stop working as well as budgeting, debt management and cash flow planning during your working years. They also assist with various forms of insurance.
Estate planners, on the other hand, focus on protecting your wealth from being devastated by long-term care costs and transferring your assets after death to whom you want, when you want and the way you want, with the least amount of taxes and legal fees possible. Estate planners are lawyers since legal documents are needed for disability and death planning -- typically wills
and trusts, powers of attorney and health care proxies/living wills.
The client often has had a long-term relationship with their financial advisor or CPA when they go in to meet the estate planning attorney for the first time. They are used to relying on those trusted professionals for advice. Keep in mind that the experienced estate planning attorney has been doing this type of work on a daily basis for many years. Most of their time is spent on exploring family dynamics and planning to effectively (financially, legally and socially) protect assets and pass on inheritances. On the other hand, the financial advisor is spending the majority of their time dealing with finances and the CPA is spending the majority of their time on filing for and saving income taxes. When it comes to protecting and passing assets, the estate planning attorney is your quarterback — they scan the field utilizing the services of your other advisors as needed, and then throw the winning touchdown pass for your family’s future well-being.
The East Rockaway Union Free School District welcomed new educators and staff members ahead of the 2025-26 school year during an orientation held
Aug. 25 at Rhame Avenue School. The orientation introduced new hires to the district’s community and provided an overview of the year’s expectations.
■ Jennifer Belfiore, science chairperson, East Rockaway High School
■ Brooke DeGiulio, special education teacher, East Rockaway High School
■ Amy Dinoff, English as a New Language (ENL) teacher, districtwide
■ Brook Goulston, academic intervention teaching assistant, Rhame Avenue School
■ Patrick Hopkins, art teacher, East Rockaway High School
■ Phil Jung, physics teacher, East Rockaway High School
■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/lynbrook
■ Lindsay Maleska, school counselor, Rhame Avenue and Centre Avenue Schools
■ Alexandra Petricca, chemistry teacher, East Rockaway High School
■ Darla Petricca, math teacher, East Rockaway High School
■ Adrian Rodriguez, Spanish teacher, East Rockaway High School
The new staff will begin their roles as the school year gets underway.
— Ainsley Martinez
622-7460
■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643
■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com
jOSh kaMa FARMINGDALE Senior FOOTBALL
IT WAS A HISTORIC 2024 season for Kama and he’s looking to follow up with a big senior campaign and lead the Dalers to the promised land after they fell just short in last year’s Nassau Conference I championship game. A deadly combination of strength, size and speed, Kama rumbled for 1,717 yards on the ground and reached the end zone 29 times. He’s also a tackling machine at running back and a top Thorp Award candidate.
Thursday, Sept. 11
Girls Soccer: Seaford at Wantagh .............................5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Carey .................................5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: C.S. Harbor at Plainedge ......................5 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 12
Girls Soccer: Kennedy at East Meadow ....................5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Clarke at South Side ...........................5 p.m.
Football: Mineola at Hewlett .....................................6 p.m.
Football: Carle Place at West Hempstead .................6 p.m.
Football: Malverne at East Rockaway ........................6 p.m.
Football: Freeport at Massapequa .......................6:30 p.m.
Football: Island Trees at Plainedge .......................6:30 p.m.
Football: V.S. North at Wantagh .................................7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Football: Oceanside at Uniondale ...........................11 a.m.
Football: Floral Park at Sewanhaka .........................11 a.m.
Football: V.S. South at Carey .....................................2 p.m.
Football: Glen Cove at Baldwin .................................2 p.m.
Football: MacArthur at V.S. Central. ...........................2 p.m.
Football: North Shore at Lawrence ............................2 p.m.
Football: Garden City at Long Beach.........................2 p.m.
Football: Clarke at South Side ..................................3 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Baldwin at Oceanside..........................6 p.m.
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.
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Finishing winless in a dozen games a year ago means there’s only one place for Malverne/East Rockaway’s boys’ soccer program to go and that’s up.
And coach Robert Anderson believes the Rockin’ Mules can rise as high as the Nassau County playoffs for the second time in five years after no postseason appearances in forever.
“Everything just spiraled downhill last year after two terrible preseason injuries,” Anderson said. “This is a new season and there’s excitement. When we had all the kids at summer league, we played well and the kids saw what we’re capable of. We have skill and we’re more experienced.”
Defense should keep Malverne/East Rockaway in almost every game. Junior goalkeeper Nick Cornell from East Rockaway emerged last fall and earned All-Conference honors. He brings a huge leg that will ignite the transition game, Anderson said, and serves as the quarterback of a four-pronged back end.
“He’s tall, athletic and in great shape,” Anderson said. “He has a booming leg and his clearing ability is an offensive weapon.”
In the back, it’ll be junior Josh Bernade and senior newcomer Joe Arning in the center and seniors Liam Whitehouse and Ayo Adenike on the outside. Bernade is up from JV but runs like a deer, Anderson noted, and has solid distribution skills. Arning brings incredible touch
and smoothness and is great in space, the coach said. Whitehouse is 6-foot-3 and wins most 50-50 balls in the air, while Adenike is a
strong, quick and reliable leader according to the coach.
The additions of Bernade an Arning to the defense
allows the Rockin’ Mules to deploy senior Johnny Staubitz to midfield. “Johnny is being unselfish and making the move to help our team,” Anderson said. “He’s a runthrough-the-ball type of player.”
Also in the midfield is junior Jeremiah Arning, Joe’s younger brother who’ll add the ability to distribute and field vision. High energy comes in the form of junior middie Jose Gomez, who brings a non-stop motor and some nifty moves. “Jose isn’t big but he packs a punch,” Anderson said of Gomez. “He’s a fierce competitor and fun to watch.”
Up from the middle school level is freshman Sebastian Rueda, who’s expected to get a ton of minutes at midfield. “We rarely pull a freshman up to varsity, but he has excellent footwork and knows the game so well,” Anderson said.
The biggest scoring threat on the roster is Malverne senior Jayden Mora, who was dynamic during summer league. “He’s aggressive with the ball and can break through multiple defenders,” Anderson said. “He has a blistering shot.” Also at forward is junior Devin Leicch, the JV’s leading scorer in 2024 with a dozen goals. “He has a natural gift of finding ways to put the ball in the back of the net,” Anderson said.
The first three games — Manhasset, Carey and Clarke — will provide the coach with an accurate measuring stick. “Those early games are going to dictate where our talent sits in the conference,” Anderson said.
Though too many homes are beyond first-time buyers’ means, there are options, the experts insist
By ROKSANA AMID, JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO & ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN of Herald Community Newspapers
Final installment in a series on housing on Long Island.
With housing costs climbing and affordability dropping across Long Island, the path to homeownership has become increasingly complex, demanding not just financial preparation but also creative solutions from nonprofit organizations, lenders and policymakers. From credit-building and grant programs to community land trusts and accessory dwelling units, real estate professionals and housing advocates agree that a variety of strategies will be required to help families achieve stability and the long-held dream of owning a home.
For Connie Pinilla, principal of the Connie Pinilla Team at Compass Greater New York, homeownership is more than a transaction — it’s a long-term investment in stability and wealth. With more than 20 years of experience in real estate and law, she has guided both agents and clients through the complexities of buying a home.
“Everybody should strive to own a home — it’s the American dream,” Pinilla said. “But the most important element isn’t just finances, it’s your credit score.”
Pinilla emphasizes that a good salary isn’t enough without good credit. “You could make $300,000 a year, but if your credit score isn’t up to par, your chances of getting a loan are very slim,” she said. “On the other hand, with an excellent credit score and even a $50,000 or $60,000 salary, there are many programs that can help you purchase a home.”
She encourages buyers to plan at least a year ahead, starting with a mortgage broker. Reducing debt, keeping credit card balances below 30 percent and paying bills on time are critical steps toward building trust with lenders.
Grants and assistance programs
In addition to personal financial discipline, Pinilla says, grants are underused tools. Some programs are government-backed, while others come from banks and credit unions.
“Bank of America runs a program where qualified buyers can get up to $75,000 in grant money,” she said. “Chase often has private grants of $5,000 for closing costs. Credit unions also have excellent incentives and often lower rates.”
Grants typically apply to first-time homebuyers. Many require completion of a homebuyer education course on budgeting, credit and financial planning. If the buyer remains in the home for a set period, usually seven years, the grant does not need to be repaid.
Pinilla often asks clients to compare the cost of rent to a mortgage. In Glen Cove, a one-bedroom apartment averages about $3,000 per month.
“Rent money is gone forever,” she
said. “With a mortgage, you’re building equity, and you can deduct interest and property taxes on your income taxes. Strategically, you may be better off owning than renting.”
Preparation is key to navigating a competitive market. Pinilla advises securing a pre-approval letter before making an offer, because sellers want proof of financial readiness.
Once an offer is accepted, buyers work with inspectors, attorneys and lenders to ensure the home is sound, the title is clear and the property is properly valued before closing.
“Every step is designed to protect the buyer,” she explained. “That’s why you hire professionals — your attorney, mortgage officer and real estate agent — to guide you.”
your future.”
Payment risks, and avoiding them
As the need for affordable housing grows on Long Island, nonprofit organizations like Community Development Long Island are fighting back. They offer resources including single-family rehabilitation, multi-family home improvement and new home construction.
Pinilla encourages buyers to focus on needs rather than wants. Starting with a modest or multi-family property can be a smart path to building wealth.
“A lot of people have built wealth starting with a two-family,” she said. “You live in one unit, rent the other, and let that income pay the mortgage. Over time, you can build equity and move on to bigger investments.”
Her message is simple: Preparation and realistic expectations make the dream of homeownership possible. “If you have your finances in order, you’re not just buying a house,” Pinilla said.
“You’re building equity and security for
To support first-time homebuyers, CDLI helps reduce the risk of future foreclosures and struggles they commonly face. “We provide education and orientation around what that looks like,” President and CEO Gwen O’Shea said, “helping people think about things like building their credit, reducing debt and ensuring you know good ratios when it comes time to close on a potential property.”
The assistance doesn’t end there: CDLI supports current homeowners as well. It offers a targeted home improvement program in the Village of Hempstead, which includes a $40,000 forgivable grant for home improvements for homeowners who may not have had access to other credit. “This is a great way to make necessary health and safety improvements while also increasing the value of your home,” O’Shea said.
Renters have access to CDLI’s support as well, as the organization works with those in need of homes to find
available properties that meet their needs. “We provide incentives to landlords to participate in the program as well,” she said.
For low to middle class families, Habitat for Humanity of Long Island is fighting the expensive housing market by providing safe and affordable places to live. They are built with the help of their volunteer staff, and awarded families work with a construction team to create their homes.
These homes are sold to these families based on construction costs alone. Each family’s mortgage and taxes are no more than 30 percent of their total income, ensuring these homes are sustainable for a stable living situation.
Homes usually have two to three bedrooms, with occasional four-bedrooms, based on family size. “When we build a home and partner with a family, they have to put in 300 sweat-equity hours helping build their home and other Habitat homes,” Caroljean D’Aquila, the organization’s director of corporate and community partnerships, said.
Families must go through an application process. “They have to meet a certain income level, depending on the family size,” D’Aquila said. “They have to have decent credit. They have to have a willingness to partner, and then the last thing is based on a need.”
Habitat for Humanity of Long Island has built around 270 homes in the past 38 years, helping over 800 people. With the growing need for affordable housing, it’s hard to keep up with the demand. Twice a year, applications open
for a 14- to 16-month building period. Over 200 families apply for homes each application period, and only about three are accepted.
Ground lease agreements
One method to drive down the cost of a house is collaboration with a community land trust, as used in a new development in Uniondale.
One of the aspiring homeowners who entered the Affordable Homeownership Lottery in February will live in a newly built house without paying for the land underneath. The land is owned by the Uniondale Community Land Trust, a local nonprofit, using a ground lease agreement that dramatically reduces the house’s cost.
The 1,688-square-foot, two-story house will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has an estimated value of $620,000, but has a sale price of $275,000.
Jeannine Maynard, vice president of U-CLT, said that the program has taken great effort: the permit collection, construction planning and lottery preparation were all carefully planned.
Recently, Maynard heard of the federal Manufactured Housing Pilot Program, which assists in financing manufactured homes by waiving certain regulatory barriers.
“There was a pilot program done upstate New York,” she said. “They expedited the permitting processes — they didn’t allow those kinds of hangups. They were able to bring homes to market close to the $250,000 level.”
The program has limited accessibility, requiring candidates to be eligible for a mortgage, to be able to afford a down payment, to be a first-time buyer and to make between 50 and 80 percent of the median household income in Uniondale — just over $78,000 for a family of four.
Accessory dwelling units
Long Island Housing Partnership is an organization that creates accessory dwelling units on new or existing properties. ADUs are independent living spaces on the same plot of land as a main house, ranging from converted basements and attics to completely new structures.
Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the ADU Plus One Program, a $59 million grant to various organizations and municipalities to create roughly 500 ADUs across the state, according to the governor’s office.
The program is for two-person households that earn under $213,840, with a preference for those earning under $129,600.
LIHP President Peter Elkowitz has led efforts to build ADUs across Suffolk County. Recently the organization redeveloped homes in Bay Shore and in the Town of Islip, creating 78 ADUs.
“They’re very valuable,” Elkowitz said. “There’s extended families that live in these accessory dwelling units, with the grandparents, the parents and now the kids.”
He described ADUs as being able to financially support the owner of the
property, who would collect rent to offset their own mortgage payments and property taxes.
While ADUs do not take up more land, they do increase the population of a neighborhood, yielding more traffic and higher demand for parking in areas that may not have access to robust public transportation.
James Britz, executive vice president of LIHP, explained that the group is pursuing multiple housing solutions at once.
“All of our homes we built now go into our community land trust,” Britz explained. “Our next major development is 32 single-family homes, all with accessory dwelling units in them, so we’ll be able to assist 32 homeowners and 32 renters in the Bellport community.”
LIHP also administers county and town payment assistance programs for
these projects, and requires affordable home programs to include ADUs in municipalities that permit their construction, according to Maynard.
With the homeless population rising in recent years, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless offers various resources, including a street outreach team and street medicine team.
A safe option support team is offered as a time-limited, evidence-based service that helps people in transition. Support services are provided for nine to 12 months, including initial outreach and engagement pre-housing. That includes multiple visits each week and a 90-day transition service after housing placement.
“We’re the lead entity of the Long Island Continuum of Care,” Paul
■ Homes are sold at construction cost, not market value.
■ Mortgages and property taxes are capped at 30 percent of a family’s income.
■ Each family contributes 300 volunteer hours toward building homes.
■ Typical builds are two- or threebedroom houses.
■ Each home is designed as a long-term residence.
Application process
■ Families must meet income guidelines, have decent credit and demonstrate need.
■ Only about three families are chosen out of more than 200 per cycle.
■ HFH has built about 270 homes on L.I. in 38 years, housing more than 800 people.
LaMarr, the organization’s policy and community planning manager, said. “We kind of are the command center for the homeless response system here on Long Island.”
To reach out directly, a helpline is available to connect with direct services and references. A boutique is available by referral for individuals to receive clothing and other home goods they may need.
An individual must be currently experiencing homelessness to receive these services. Those who qualify for programs are currently taking much longer to be housed. “I would say as a whole region it’s getting pretty stretched out, as far as our capacity as a region to adequately address and serve people who are experiencing homelessness,” LaMarr said. “The reality is that we have a lot more people entering into homelessness, and not enough housing to get people quickly housed.”
The housing crisis on Long Island is a problem at the intersection of social, economic and political stresses, and efforts to fix it must be multifaceted. Long Island’s communities differ in opinion, opportunity and solution strategies, but share a common cause in improving local living situations.
To reach the Long Island Homeless services hotline, call 211.
‘general Support’ includes administration and facilities; ‘instruction’ covers teaching, special education and student services; ‘pupil transportation’ accounts for student travel; ‘employee Benefits’ reflects staff-related costs; and ‘other ‘includes community services, debt payments and interfund transfers.
a roof replacement and a new elevator at Lynbrook High School.
Employee benefits increased to nearly $26 million, with the district projecting an increase in health care costs of 10 percent per year.
The East Rockaway district’s budget of $46.97 million is 3.72 percent larger than the year just completed. It is funded primarily with a property tax levy of just over $34 million, about 72.5 percent of the total. The tax levy increased by 1.95 percent, which is below the state tax cap. Non-tax revenue, including state aid, payments in lieu of taxes and local sources, totals nearly $12.9 million, or roughly 27.5 percent of the spending plan.
Instruction continues to be the largest spending category. Michael Van Wart, assistant superintendent for finance and operations, explained that personnel costs drove much of the instructional budget increase, reflecting contractual salary obligations and staffing additions.
More than half of the district’s employees are teachers, represented by a bargaining unit with predictable year-toyear salary increases. The district added special education staff, increased full-time equivalents for certain roles and continued programs such as summer enrichment and the Summer Boost initiative for elementary students.
Photos courtesy Lynbrook Public Schools a flier introduces Lynbrook schools’ new instructional framework, which emphasizes creative and critical thinking, real-life skills, social-emotional learning and global citizenship as part of this year’s budget priorities.
Van Wart described the timing of revenue inflows as one of the more difficult aspects of managing district finances. While the fiscal year begins on July 1, the district doesn’t begin receiving property tax revenue until October. State aid, he added, is paid out according to a schedule set by the State Education Department. State aid calculations are based on enrollment and financial data submitted the previous year, and are subject to revisions later in the year.
So Van Wart prepares monthly projections of revenue and expenditures, to help the district determine whether it can invest in new programming or needs to control spending. The updates allow district lead-
ers to respond to changes — such as unexpected weather events or enrollment shifts — without jeopardizing financial stability. Contingency funds in areas like special education and transportation provide additional flexibility.
“At first, it’s getting kids from point A to point B,” Van Wart said of the first week of school.
East Rockaway is also finalizing a district-wide energy performance contract that has already funded upgrades including motion-sensor lighting systems in school hallways.
More information on the budgets and initiatives is available at LynbrookSchools.org and EastRockawaySchools.org.
By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
East Rockaway High School has implemented recent New York legislation that requires all school districts with a high school to select a student Board of Education representative. From East Rockaway, junior Sofia Ferkov, 17, will serve as the district’s first student representative; her swearing-in ceremony occurred at the Board of Education meeting on July 8.
Signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in September, Legislation S.9018A/A.9855A requires each student representative to serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the board. The student must have attended their high school for at least one year prior to being considered.
The Herald spoke with Ferkov about how she earned the position, her goals for the year, and her hopes for student voice in education.
Herald: How did you get involved with the student representative position for the school board?
Ferkov: Well, it is our first time doing it here at East Rockaway, I’m sure you know, but our administrators came into our class and took a period to explain the position and the role. Whoever was interested filled out an application, and then there was a round of interviews. That’s how I ended up learning about and earning the position.
Herald: What kind of sparked your interest to get involved in this?
Ferkov: I definitely wanted to take on a bigger role within the school. My main goal as I get older is to make an impact on my community. I already do community service, but I just wanted to take more of a role in our education system.
Herald: What community service organizations are you part of?
Ferkov: I volunteer a lot for our local library, and I also work at Camp Anchor. There’s also a new program opening up in our school for nursing, and we have a club for that. I want to be a psychiatrist when I’m older, so anything medical field-related interests me. I also want to get more involved with Rock Rivalry and other school events.
Herald: I saw that you already participated in one board meeting. Have you done others since that first one?
Ferkov: Yes, I did the initiation, and then I was there last week for a board meeting. It was very brief, but we took a tour of the school to see all the new updates. I also went to a BOCES program for training for the role—just this past Friday. That went well, and there’s more
Sofia ferkov
to come.
Herald: Since this is a non-voting position, what do you think you can offer the most insight on? Are there areas you think the district could improve or expand on?
Ferkov: I think a lot of times when you look at school boards, it’s important to know that not everybody is getting information directly from students. As an adult, you can’t always do that—especially across elementary, middle and high school.
I think it’s important to have a student leader to express concerns and communicate what the community needs. Those things should be brought to the table before policies are considered or implemented. Everyone should have a voice.
Herald: What are you most excited about for this upcoming school year?
Ferkov: Just taking opportunities to grow. I feel like junior year is going to come with a lot of responsibility, but it’s also going to give me time to learn how to manage things and take new skills with me.
Herald: I know New York State recently announced changes to graduation requirements, like eliminating Regents exams and focusing more on key skills like critical thinking. Do you think that will affect your experience this year or next?
Ferkov: The Regents change doesn’t affect me because I’ve already started the exams. The policy is that if you start them, you have to finish them. But I do think it will impact future students. We talked about it at the board meeting. There was a model—like a tree—with specific qualities listed. I think the district might try to implement those more this year, which is a good thing. Everyone should have qualities that help them succeed in the real world, not just school. I’m excited to see how that plays out.
By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
After nearly six months of hearings, Suffolk County Supreme Court Judge Tim Mazzei ruled in a written decision on Sept. 3 that the DNA evidence connecting alleged Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann to several victims, obtained through a new type of DNA testing, will be admissible in Heuermann’s trial.
“Astrea Forensics’ use of whole genome sequencing to generate SNP data and create a DNA profile,” Mazzei wrote, “is generally accepted as reliable within the scientific community,” based on the testimony of prosecution witnesses Kelley Harris, an associate professor of genome sciences at the University of Washington, and Richard Green, founder of Astrea Labs in California.
Mazzei also wrote in his opinion that “neither of the defendant’s expert witnesses controverted Astrea Forensics’ use of whole genome sequencing, to extract DNA from rootless hairs to generate SNP data and create a DNA profile.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney praised his staff and Mazzei’s decision outside the courtroom at the Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Court in Riverhead. “The reason why we were able to prevail was one simple reason: The science was on our side,” Tierney said, in front of several family members
of victims of the Gilgo murders who chose not to speak.
Prosecutors have said that Astrea Forensics linked Heuermann to six of the seven killings he is alleged to have committed over the course of at least two decades, beginning in 1993, through the testing of rootless hairs found at the crime scenes and comparative analysis of those hairs to DNA samples obtained from Heuermann and family members.
His defense team has argued that the technology is new and unproven.
Five witnesses testified in a Frye hearing, a legal proceeding — also known as a general acceptance hearing — used to determine whether scientific evidence presented in court is widely accepted and considered valid within the relevant scientific community.
The admittance of DNA by Mazzei’s ruling could create a statewide prece-
dent. Prior to his decision, Astrea’s technology had only been admitted in court in Idaho. Heuermann’s defense filed another motion based on the court’s decision, alleging that the use of Astrea Forensics to analyze Heuermann’s DNA violates New York state health law.
“It criminalizes this very type of action,” Michael Brown, Heuermann’s court-appointed lawyer said, “which is an out-of-state, non-permitted laboratory for profit to test and offer evidence in the state of New York on a criminal case.”
The motion was filed on Sept. 3 with a return date of Sept. 17 — the same date the prosecution will certify its case. The Suffolk County district attorney’s office will answer the motion on Sept. 22.
Heuermann’s defense has been trying to sever the case into separate murder cases, while the prosecution has pushed to have the whole case combined in one trial. Mazzei called all parties back to court on Sept. 23, when he anticipates ruling on both motions.
Heuermann, 61, a Massapequa Park resident, now stands charged with the murders of a total of seven people: Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen BrainardBarnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla and Valerie Mack. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, and has maintained his innocence since his July 2023 arrest.
It’s likely that you are, or know, a woman with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a painful condition that’s disruptive to daily living and emotionally discouraging.
Many women suffer in silence from this common disorder. But help is available.
POP occurs most often in older women when pelvic organs, like the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend or protrude into the vagina due to weakness in the pelvic floor muscles and tissues that hold these organs in place. POP affects one in four women in their 40s, one in three in their 60s and 50 percent of women in their 80s.
The many painful and awkward symptoms of POP (which intensify as the muscles and tissue weaken) include:
• Bulging or feeling of a mass in the vagina
• Urinary problems, such as frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, or urine leakage when coughing or sneezing
• Constipation or fecal incontinence
• Incessant pain and pressure in the pelvic area lower back
• Increased or discolored vaginal discharge
• Decreased libido
• Lower extremity numbness or weakness (especially when POP is severe).
Women no longer have to suffer in silence. At Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, a team of physician specialists called urogynecologists led by Alan D. Garely, MD, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Division Director of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, are using a minimally invasive, simplified surgical procedure to relieve women who are suffering silently with this burdensome condition.
Using one tiny incision, which is not visible, the procedure takes less than an hour, is done in the hospital, and is out-patient. It requires the insertion of a small anchoring device that lifts and supports pelvic organs and tissues and repositions them to their proper positions, eliminating the need to cut or remove tissue and
Alan Garely, MD, Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science and Division Director of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery at Mount Sinai South Nassau utilizes a minimally invasive surgical procedure for women with pelvic organ prolapse.
insert surgical meshing. Patients don’t need to have a hysterectomy.
A study published in the March 2023 edition of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that the procedure is an effective treatment for uterine prolapse and can be used with other common POP repair procedures.
“When pelvic floor disorders are appropriately diagnosed and treated, the outcomes can be truly remarkable and liberating for patients,” said Dr. Garely.
Dr. Garely and Mount Sinai South Nassau’s team of urogynecologists also specialize in non-surgical and surgical treatments that enable women to gain control over urologic health problems, from urinary incontinence to bladder and voiding
dysfunction.
Each member of the team is fellowship-trained in pelvic surgery, board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and are among the first surgeons in the U.S. to be board-certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. They also have advanced training in gynecologic laparoscopy (an alternative to traditional surgery that uses smaller incisions, for quicker recovery), computer-guided hysterectomy using the da Vinci® Surgical System and a special interest in outpatient care including outpatient laparoscopy (and incisionless prolapse surgery).
On average, they prescribe non-surgical treatments to successfully treat more than 50 percent of patients annually. Nonsurgical options that they prescribe include pelvic floor physical therapy, pessary use (a soft, flexible device that supports the bladder, vagina, uterus, and/or rectum), home exercise regimens, peripheral nerve stimulation (a stimulator implanted near the tailbone to treat urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urgency, frequency, and fecal incontinence) and medication.
Accreditations, designations, and awards that Mount Sinai South Nassau has received in women’s health services include The Joint Commission Perinatal Care Certification; Healthgrades’ FiveStar for Vaginal Delivery, Gynecologic Procedures and Hysterectomy; US News & World Report High Performing Rating in Maternity Care, and Baby Friendly hospital.
To schedule a consultation or for more information, call the hospital’s Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, call (516) 390-2850 or www.southnassau.org.
One Healthy Way Oceanside, NY 11572 • 877-SOUTH-NASSAU (877-768-8462) • www.mountsinai.org/southnassau
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
mountsinai.org/southnassau
Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), a 2025 Bests of Long Island winner and located at The Parker Jewish Institute, now offers a state-of-the-art Home Hemodialysis Program for people battling kidney disease. Those patients who also require Certified Home Health Care can access it conveniently through QLIRI’s affiliate, Parker Jewish Institute.
With QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, patients can transition from an in-center setting to receiving hemodialysis from the comfort of their home, using the Tablo Hemodialysis System. Enrolled patients are first trained by a registered nurse. The nurse provides step-by-step guidance four days a week over the course of four weeks, or longer if necessary. With this training, patients learn to use the system before transitioning to the convenience of home hemodialysis.
If needed, patients of Parker’s Certified Home Health Care Agency receive individualized nursing, medical, and rehabilitation services, so they can maintain maximum independence in the comfort of their homes. Home-care services can include skilled-nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; home-health aides; medical social services; medical supplies; and 24-hour telephone availability.
Call (718) 289-2600 with questions. To learn more about QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, visit qliri.org.
For more on Parker’s Certified Home Health Care, visit parkerinstitute.org.
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
Amusical ensemble at the Parker Jewish Institute brings harmony and wellness to residents and patients alike.
The ensemble is known as Sur Sagar, which means “Ocean of Melody” in Hindi. It features five women from the Institute’s long-term care residence at Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The Indian Cultural Unit is the first of its kind in the region, accommodating the rehabilitation, healthcare and cultural needs of older adults in New York’s growing Indian population.
At Parker, members of Sur Sagar come together in song to create something special. Beyond their enchanting melodies, Sur Sagar represents the therapeutic power of music in elder care. Music therapy can help reduce anxiety, improve cognitive function and provide a powerful outlet for emotional expression for older adults. While Parker’s residents and patients diligently participate in physical, occupational and speech therapies that nurture their bodies, these musical gatherings nourish their spirits, helping
them to feel at ease so that they can heal.
The enthusiasm and unity of Sur Sagar members illuminate the profound impact of culturally meaningful activities. As part of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit, these sessions incorporate familiar melodies and rhythms that resonate deeply with residents, awakening cherished memories and creating moments of pure joy.
Sur Sagar embodies the essence of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The unit fosters the understanding that healing and
care must address the physical being while also honoring cultural identity and nurturing the soul through art and expression.
The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading provider of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. At the
Parker Jewish Institute • (718) 289-2212
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), providing patients with safe, comfortable Hemodialysis treatments in a relaxed setting, as well as PRINE Health, a Vascular Center offering advanced vascular services. The Center and QLIRI further Parker’s ability to expand access to essential health-care services to adults in the greater New York metropolitan area. For more information, visit parkerinstitute. org or call (877) 727-5373.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH |
EPIC Long Island, which is headquartered in East Meadow, and Nassau BOCES have partnered to launch a new program to train direct support professionals, who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
East Meadow-based EPIC Long Island has teamed up with Nassau BOCES
Adult Education to launch a new training program aimed at bolstering the next generation of certified direct support professionals, who care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Direct support professionals, or DSPs, play a vital role in assisting people with a variety of needs, from transportation and personal care to individualized support, cooking and cleaning, program organizers said in a press release shared with the Herald. The new program, beginning this fall at Nassau BOCES Career and Technical Education Center in Westbury, will be open to adults 18 and older.
“With direct support in healthcare being one of the biggest industries on Long Island, there is a need for these professionals,” Brad Slepian, Nassau BOCES Adult Education supervisor, said. “We are excited to partner with EPIC LI to bring this training to our students. These professionals will ultimately assist people in realizing their full potential and help them become integrated and engaged in their community.”
EPIC Long Island, part of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, operates a day habilitation program in East Meadow, 18 group homes across Nassau and Suffolk counties, and clinical services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Nassau BOCES provides programs for learners of all ages and abilities while offering cost-effective services for school districts and municipalities. Its programs range from alternative and special education to career and technical training, adult education and professional development, supporting teaching and learning across Long Island. The agency
also delivers technology services that function as the backbone of many districts’ infrastructure and plays a leading role in implementing state education reforms.
The course, which runs about three months, combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Students will study everything from the direct support professional’s code of ethics to strategies for creating a person-centered culture, best practices for teamwork, and stressmanagement techniques. EPIC staff will also provide instruction on topics such as incident management and reporting.
Graduates will leave prepared to enter one of Long Island’s most in-demand fields. Those who complete the program will be interviewed for openings at EPIC and will also have opportunities to apply with other state-certified providers. Nassau BOCES said it would continue to support graduates as they transition into the workforce.
“The direct support professional role is the backbone of quality care for people with disabilities,” Lisa Burch, president and CEO of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, said. “We are proud to partner with Nassau BOCES to offer this training program, strengthening Long Island’s workforce and addressing the urgent need for skilled DSPs in our region. Graduates will leave with the certification, training and skills to support the independence and quality of life of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
The new program, agency leadership said, comes as the need for DSPs continues to rise across Long Island, where these caregivers are critical in helping individuals live independent, fulfilling lives.
For more information on the program, run dates and how to apply, visit NassauBOCES.org. To learn more about EPIC Long Island and its myriad of services, visit EPICLI.org.
By Karen Bloom
Autumn’s many pleasures are upon us — and nothing says fall quite like a trip to the apple orchards.
As September rolls in, the air turns crisp, leaves begin to glow and our taste buds are tempted by the flavors that define this fleeting season: juicy apples, fresh-pressed cider and, of course, pumpkins. It’s the perfect time to gather family and friends, head to a local orchard, and fill your baskets with fall’s sweetest treasures.
Apple season is now in full swing, wich picking continuing into mid-October — giving everyone a chance to savor the harvest.
When it comes to choosing apples, there’s no shortage of flavor. Local orchards are brimming with varieties to suit every taste and recipe.
Best for snacking: Crisp, juicy favorites like McIntosh, HoneyCrisp, Macoun, Zestar, Granny Smith, and Paula Red are perfect eaten fresh off the tree. More adventurous pickers might enjoy Cortland, Empire, Jonagold, or Crispin (also known as Mutsu).
Best for baking: McIntosh and Cortland shine in pies, crisps, and cakes — Cortlands, in particular, need less sugar because of their natural sweetness. Rome, Empire, Fuji, Crispin, and Ginger Gold are also reliable choices. For pies, a mix of varieties such as Crispin, Cortland, Rome, Granny Smith, and Northern Spy often brings out the best flavor.
Best for sauces and more: Paula Reds cook down beautifully into applesauce, while Cortlands add flavor and color to salads. And, of course, fresh-pressed cider remains the season’s star — orchards throughout the region urge everyone to “buy local” and enjoy each batch. Once home with your bounty, make delectable apple treats.
crisp is surely one of the definitive desserts of the season.
Filling:
• 3 pounds apples, to yield 2 pounds peeled, cored, and sliced apples; about 9 cups
• 1/4 cup (57g) rum, apple cider or juice, or water
• 1/4 to 3/4 cup (53g to 159g) light brown sugar or 1/4 cup (53g) dark brown sugar, depending on the sweetness/tartness of your apples
• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (43g) boiled cider, optional but good
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Apple Pie Spice, or 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg + 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 3 tablespoons (20g) unbleached all-purpose flour or tapioca flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
• 3/4 cup (90g) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (45g) quick-cooking oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup (142g) light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 8 tablespoons (113g) butter, cold, cut in pats
• 1/2 cup (57g) diced pecans or walnuts, optional
Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9” x 9” square cake pan, or similar-size casserole pan. Slice the apples about 1/4” thick. Toss them with the remaining filling ingredients, and spread them in the pan.
To make the topping, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add the cold butter, working it in to make an unevenly crumbly mixture. Stir in the nuts, if you’re using them.
Spread the topping over the apples in the pan. Set the pan on a parchment or foil-lined cookie sheet, to catch any potential drips. Bake for about 60 minutes, till bubbling and top is golden brown.
Remove to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. If you serve the crisp hot/warm, it may be quite soft; you wait till it’s completely cool, it’ll firm up nicely.
Note: To make individual crisps, grease eight 8-ounce capacity baking dishes, and proceed with the recipe accordingly, baking the smaller crisps for 45 to 55 minutes.
York Apple Slaw Salad
A tasty side with plenty of crunch. •
•
•
small matchsticks
• 1 medium green apple, sliced thin and cut into small matchsticks
• 1 cup(s) grated carrot
• 1/4 cup(s) shelled, roasted pistachios
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoon(s) apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) country Dijon mustard (such as Grey Poupon)
• 1 tablespoon(s) honey
In a cruet or jar, combine dressing ingredients and shake well. Set aside. Combine cabbage, carrot and apples into a large bowl.
Chop pistachios with a knife or use a chopper. Add chopped pistachios to the bowl. Add dressing, salt and pepper to taste, and stir well. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes; stir again before serving.
Apples and cranberries combine for a welcome ending to any meal.
• Pastry for a 2 crust deep dish 9-inch pie
• 4 cups sliced, pared tart apples (thickly sliced)
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter
Preheat oven to 425° F. Prepare pastry. In large bowl, combine sugars, flour and cinnamon. Add apples and cranberries. Mix to coat well. Turn into prepared pie pan. Dot with butter. Cover with second crust and seal to bottom crust edge by pressing edges together, then flute. Cut slits in top crust. Bake 40-45 minutes until crust is lightly browned. Cover edge of crust with foil if crust is browning too quickly. Cool.
Both Sides Now: Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen
This intimate theatrical concert explores the music and lives of longtime friends and one-time lovers, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Created by, and starring folk-rocker Robbie Schaefer and award-winning jazz vocalist Danielle Wertz, the cabaretstyle performance — developed at Washington D.C’s Signature Theatre — traverses decades alongside songs such as “A Case of You,” “Hallelujah,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Suzanne,” and many more. Both Sides Now is at once a piece of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and of right now — offering us a story about the messiness of being human, of lives persistently lived at the edge of growth, and of finding the courage to turn toward one another, again and again. Robbie, a rabbi, singersongwriter and theater-film artist, and Danielle, a storyteller-composerarranger, pair up for an unforgettable evening.
Friday, Sept. 12, 8 p.m. $39, $36, $31. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.
For over 40 years the band from Down Under continues to shine. See what critics have acclaimed as “the gold standard” of tribute acts with stunning special effects that re-create Pink Floyd’s legendary stage shows. The band performs the seminal album Wish You Were Here in its entirety, including all nine parts of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” along with tunes from The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. With colorful lighting and video, pinpoint lasers, gargantuan inflatables and flawless live sound that was the benchmark of Pink Floyd shows, the band delivers a memorable experience. Replicating music from every phase of Pink Floyd’s journey, this tour reinforces their dedication to the heritage of Barrett, Waters, Gilmour, Wright and Mason.
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 8 p.m. $105.25, $88, $77.75, $66.25, $55.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: Ongoing
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
13
Join in the Long Island-wide awareness campaign to support overdose prevention, education and treatment at Jones Beach.
•Where: Jones Beach, Field 1, Wantagh
•Time: 9 a.m.
•Contact: Marsha Radulov at MarshaRadulov@opiny.org
New York City-based writerperformer Joriah Kwame, a Jonathan Larson Grant recipient visits Adelphi University for a special concert appearance. Kwame, who has a deep passion for musical theater, showcases work from various projects in development. He is most known for writing the viral song “Little Miss Perfect,” of which he is developing a stage musical of the same name. His current slate of projects (both original and adaptations) ranges widely, featuring collaborations with artists like Debbie Allen, Lena Waithe, Siedah Garrett, Marcus Gardley, Lauren Gunderson, and Sam Pinkleton. Tickets start at $25, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees.
•Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City
•Time: 3 p.m.
•Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or call (516) 877-4000
Get in the groove with the NYC Ska Orchestra. This 20-piece big band blends the exuberant musical layers of the jazz big band era with Jamaican roots music. The top-notch musicians, led by arranger-trumpetervocalist Kevin Batchelor deliver a lively concert that surely will lead you to want to get up out of your seat and dance. The band features star turns from celebrated octogenarian percussionist/vocalist Larry McDonald and master drummer Carl Wright. Alongside a powerhouse collective of instrumental artists from the reggae recording scene, bandmembers have performed with Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Toots & the Maytals. Together they play a non-stop selection of lush original compositions and arrangements of songs from the richly historic and culturally iconic Jamaican musical styles of 1950s and ’60s ska, mento, rocksteady and jazz. Don’t know the difference between mento and two-tone? Let this collective of musicians be your guide. The passionate team of talented musicians each bring unique energy and expertise to create an unforgettable sound experience. The band includes Pallavi Gummalam and singer/arranger Aida Brandies Hargrove, joined by top-notch pros who all combine for a hugely entertaining, danceable, unforgettable show. $42, $37 members.
In concert
Eisenhower Park welcomes country singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde. She delivers tales of broken hearts and the honky-tonk life.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 6 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Lynbrook Village Board meets
Stay updated on village issues by attending the next meeting.
•Where: 1 Columbus Drive
• Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: LynbrookVillage.net
Create a festive fall garland during this quick craft session at East Rockaway Public Library.
•Where: 477 Atlantic Ave.
•Time: 7-7:45 p.m.
•Contact: eastrockawaylibrary.org
RVC Homemakers meet
Local women meet weekly to discuss cooking, crafts and
•Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington
• Time: 8 p.m.
•Contact: landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444
more. Previous events have been in conjunction with Lynbrook Restorative. Open to neighboring areas and residents.
•Where: 111 North Oceanside Road, Oceanside
• Time: Noon- 2 p.m.
Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce
Casino Night Don’t miss out on a fun evening support the Lynbrook community. With casino games, food, drinks, and raffles. Delicious food, drinks and great company. Try your luck at the poker table, roll the dice and more. Sponsors are needed.
•Where: Knights of Columbus, 78 Hempstead Ave.
• Time: 6-9 p.m.
•Contact: lynbrookusa.com or Audrey Donaldson at (516) 6702057
The Oceanside Chorale is looking for new members in all sections to sing in our 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
SEPT
18
Join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular Brown Bag Lecture. Experience the museum’s exhibition “At Play: Artists & Entertainment” through a lively and informative presentation. Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Registration not required. First come, first seated.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: 1 p.m., also Oct. 23
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Poison frontman Bret Michaels and former Eagles member Don Felder bring their spirited concert to Eisenhower Park. Rock on to fan favorite tunes.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
SEPT
20
East Rockaway High School
Class of ’75
50th Reunion
Meet up with friends and classmates to celebrate the Class of 1975. Enjoy dinner, drinks and classmates at Grandpa Tony’s.
•Where: 101 Althouse Ave.
• Time: 7-10 p.m.
Old Westbury Garden’s Gatsby Weekend celebration the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby,” continues with a family adventure. The jazz artists are late for Gatsby’s big bash and lost in the gardens! Hunt for jazz players hidden in the landscape. Check off your findings then and return to Westbury House for a special prize.
•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Get the kids ready to join in an oversized “block” party at Long Island Children’s Museum! Stack them, crawl through them or team up to make dream designs come true. Back by popular demand these giant, lightweight blocks turn playtime into extraordinary adventures. Construct castles, mazes, fantastical creatures or secret hideaways in this incredible exhibit experience. Imagination Playground blue blocks provide a blank canvas for children to express their creativity and bring their ideas to life. Giant and lightweight, these blocks encourage hands-on exploration and problem-solving, collaboration and spatial awareness. Through Nov. 2.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 10 a.m.-5 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.
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Nassau Community College recently hosted the first graduation of Rebound on the Road, a program led by former NBA star Jayson Williams that helps people recovering from addiction and incarceration earn commercial driver’s licenses and start new careers.
The initiative came to Long Island last fall after Nassau County officials approached the college about providing space for Williams’ nonprofit to expand.
“The county executive reached out to me and asked if the college would like to participate,” Jerry Kornbluth, NCC’s vice president of community and government relations said. “We were just providing space for him. We gave him three parking lots for the trucks, a classroom, and office space for staff, including a psychologist and psychiatrist.”
Williams, a standout at St. John’s University and former New Jersey Net, developed the program after serving 27 months in prison. Drawing on his recovery journey and his father’s ties to the trucking industry, he launched Rebound on the Road in Florida before expanding to Nassau.
appreciative they were,” Kornbluth said. “For the first time, possibly in their lives, they saw their child turning around and becoming a productive member of society.”
The program extends beyond CDL training. Each day begins with greetings and a “word of the day” discussion. Participants are expected to respect classmates, maintain attendance, and follow staff guidance from professionals including a psychologist and psychiatrist. Those who miss classes are removed from the cohort but may try again later.
“It’s not just about teaching folks how to drive tractor-trailers,” Kornbluth said. “There’s a religious component, a mental health component, and tremendous camaraderie within the group.”
Williams’ personal history makes him a powerful role model, Kornbluth added.
“Helping people that you know probably can never, ever repay you is one of the best feelings you can ever have,” Williams said. “I tell people all the time, they ask what gives me peace these days, and I say, when people can depend on me.”
He said that while playing in the NBA All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden was a career highlight, the work he is doing now carries a deeper meaning. Helping people who need a second chance, he explained, has given him a greater sense of peace and purpose.
Earlier this month, 12 participants completed NCC’s first eight-week cohort. The program ran seven days a week, and all graduates secured full-time jobs immediately after finishing, with starting salaries of about $75,000.
“They all had their families there, and it was extremely emotional to watch how
“He doesn’t put himself above the students. He’s been there, and they can relate to him,” he said. “Even though they’re not traditional students, participants are on a college campus, and that gives them a sense of connection. This is another example of Nassau Community College opening its doors to provide support.”
The college hopes to expand the program statewide through the SUNY community college system, calling it “a strong engine for workforce and economic development.”
The next class is scheduled to begin in September.
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LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK TRUST
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST WILLIAM G. BREVAIRE, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 9, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 76 Driving Park Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38 Block 54 Lots 12 and 112. Approximate amount of judgment $698,018.56 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605725/2023. John Boklak, Esq., Referee Gross Pol owy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003337 86612 155210
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU.
CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff -againstSTACEY N. LAMOREAUX A/K/A
STACEY N. MCGLAUN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 8, 2019 and entered on August 23, 2019, 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 Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the
northeasterly side of Wood Street, distant 150 feet northwesterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the northeasterly side of Wood Street and the northwesterly side of Acom Place formerly known as Oak Place; being a plot 50 feet by 135 feet by 50 feet by 135 feet.
Section: 37 Block: 303 Lot: 35
Said premises known as 11 WOOD STREET, LYNBROOK, NY 11563
Approximate amount of lien $633,497.53 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 1320/2014.
SCOTT SILLER, ESQ., Referee David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030
File# 5025.1313 {* LYNBROOK N*} 155202
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON MORTGAGE SECURITIES CORP., HOME EQUITY ASSET TRUST 2006-6, HOME EQUITY PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-6, -againstELIZABETH WOLK, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on June 6, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON MORTGAGE SECURITIES CORP., HOME EQUITY ASSET TRUST 2006-6, HOME EQUITY PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-6 is the Plaintiff and ELIZABETH WOLK, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the
undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on September 25, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 259 FOREST AVENUE, LYNBROOK, NY 11563; and the following tax map identification: 38-464-28A & 28B. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 605955/2022.
Louis B. Imbroto, Esq.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. 155394
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, MILL CITY MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2017-1, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST AS TRUSTEE, Plaintiff, vs. ANGELICA GOMEZ, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 30, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 90 Charles Street, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38,
Block 62 and Lots 26-27. Approximate amount of judgment is $483,754.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614337/2022.
Maria Sideris, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 222279-1 155363
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, -againstEDWARD J. GORSKY, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on June 18, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and EDWARD J. GORSKY, 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 7, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 2 QUAY COURT, EAST ROCKAWAY, NY 11518; tax map identification 42-23-220; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT HEWLETT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 612044/2021. Brian J. Davis, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York
At its monthly board meeting, the Village of Lynbrook formally proclaimed September as Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. The proclamation underscores the village’s support for national awareness efforts, honoring families affected by childhood illnesses and recognizing advances in research.
As part of the local observance, the Lighting of the Gold Tree will take place on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall, encouraging the community to “Light the Way & Go Gold.” Gold bows are available for purchase at Ar Flower & Gift Shoppe at 41 North Village Ave. in
Rockville Centre, and gold lanterns will be sold at the tree lighting. All proceeds will benefit the Mary Ruchalski Foundation for pediatric cancer research. Approximately 9,550 children under age 15 in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025, according to the American Cancer Society. Today, the five-year survival rate for childhood cancer has reached about 85%, reflecting decades of progress in research and treatment.
— Ainsley Martinez
News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com
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. 155536
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 53-2025
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 3rd day of September, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. -2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 53-2025, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.
Dated: September 3, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 155648
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS will hold a PUBLIC HEARING and DECISIONS on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 5:30 P.M. in the Court Room at the Village Hall, One Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, NY 11563, on the following cases: HEARINGS: #1023Arlene Gorman, 59 Buckingham Place - § 252-16 Height Restrictions; Height & Dimensions of Garages - Permitted Square Footage: Two Car Garage, 450 sq. ft., Proposed Sq. Footage: Two Car Garage, 698 sq. ft., #1024 - Edward Vigotty, 16 Melrose Avenue - § 252-14 Required Frontage & Living Area - Required
Frontage at Street Line: 55 feet, Proposed Frontage at Street Line: 40 ft., Required Lot Area, 5500 sq. ft., Proposed Lot Area: 4000 sq. ft., Permitted Lot Coverage: 35%, Proposed Lot. Coverage: 36.3%.
#1025 - Alva II LLC, 11 Atlantic Avenue - § 252-54 Off-Street Parking RequirementsRequired Off Street Parking Spaces: 71 spaces, Existing Off Street Parking Spaces: 3 spaces, 68 space parking variance required. § 252-30 Prohibited uses. (28) Amusement centers containing more than two amusement center games, as defined in Chapter 66, Amusements. All interested parties should appear at the Public Hearing and may view case files at the Building Department on Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00AM and 3:00PM. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, Ginger Fuentes, Chair Person of the Board of Zoning Appeals, Brian Stanton, Superintendent, Department of Buildings Lynbrook Publish 1X 155670 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MATRIX FINANCIAL SERVICES CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST MICHAEL HEALEY, KATHLEEN ROSE HEALEY, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December
19, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 65 Highland Boulevard, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37 Block 135 Lots 18, 19 and 20. Approximate amount of judgment $488,553.62 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615187/2023. Joshua D. Brookstein, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-001000 87017 155638
To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad
Bar Harbour, spectacular expanded multi-level Ranch in the heart of South Massapequa Park. Unique one-of-a-kind home offering expansive living space and luxurious details throughout including crown moldings and coffered ceilings. The main level features a family room with a fireplace, separate formal living room, an updated eat-in kitchen, spacious dining room, convenient butler’s pantry, stylish half bath, and a laundry room—all thoughtfully laid out for everyday comfort and entertaining. The upper levels boast a primary suite complete with a full bath
‘How does anybody want to do business here?’
Q. Can you explain why I have to go back through a whole repeat of applying for a permit that has already been approved twice in the past 10 years for the same thing? I bought a property that I was told could be developed for multiple families. I looked up the records and found that it had been approved as recently as 10 years ago, but the person who was getting the permit must have run out of money or something. I applied for the exact same thing and was told I would have to go through applying for the permit, getting a denial, going through a board meeting with the council, and if approved, would still need to get a zoning variance that has already been given approvals twice before. I was also warned that this whole process could take three to four years. How does anybody want to do business here? Buying a property, paying the taxes, getting nothing, just shelling out loads of money on the assumption that the whole thing will be approved hardly makes it worth it. Is this avoidable? Is there another way?
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A. Not every municipality has this long a process, but the process is generally the same in every government, no matter the size. The only way through it is to promptly apply at each stage but, unfortunately, the procedures and rules make the process extremely drawn out. In theory, each phase of approval is intended as a “checks and balances” procedure, and as long as you are writing the checks and keeping the local government’s balances, they rarely try to streamline unless you cooperate. I did recently experience an exception worthy of recognizing Long Beach for its wisdom and compassion toward a homeowner. The person had a deck built that had columns running right along the property line, which is not allowed in the zoning regulations. The owner went through the building permit and zoning variance process, but the contractor deviated from the plans once the permit was issued.
Instead of putting all the columns right along the property line, even though the second floor deck was set back the required 5 feet, the contractor only put the first two front columns on the property line, and then installed the remaining three columns 5 feet in, so that a car couldn’t park under the deck. It made no sense, but the owner can’t read plans, and didn’t know what was happening until it was too late. They questioned this with their building department, and an official looked at the problem, but instead of forcing the owner to go back through the whole process, the official recognized that this problem had a simpler solution, and only required a letter of explanation from a licensed professional, and the problem will be solved without the expensive and time-consuming burden to the owner.
So it can be done, if only compassion prevailed. 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.
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I’m a capitalist. There, I said it. Even more than that, I’m a Democrat. In fact, I serve as a Democratic national committeeman. I have also been a partner in a small business on Long Island for more than 35 years. Capitalism is neither a threat nor just a theory to me; it is a reality that provides opportunities for me as well as our employees, vendors and clients.
As I write this confession sequestered in my undisclosed location, it is important to remember that our nation’s capitalist economy and entrepreneurial spirit are the envy of the world, attracting workers, investment and admiration. But this success wouldn’t be possible without two critical features: a social safety net that allows people to take risks, start businesses and join unions, and federal funding for research and development.
It is because of my commitment to capitalism that I stand in strong opposition to President Trump’s economic agenda. Think about the child tax credit, the
IAffordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security — these historic programs achieved by visionary leaders during national crises protect people from the vicissitudes of the market and allow them to pursue economic opportunity. Trump is tearing up that legacy by gutting Medicaid and food assistance for tens of thousands of New Yorkers.
Trump’s economic agenda is an assault on everything from jobs to science.
His Big Beautiful Bill — a big, ugly bill — will spike health care premiums for more than 24 million households that receive health insurance through the ACA exchange, and the exorbitant expense will cost as many as 80,000 New Yorkers their coverage. It will lead to the layoffs of more than 3,000 hospital workers in our state. It will reduce aftertax income not just for the very poor and vulnerable, but also for the middle class. It will raise electricity bills, and make basic consumer goods more expensive. Our small businesses and their employees will suffer the repercussions.
The latest jobs report indicates a slumping economy, with just 22,000 jobs added in August and the unemployment rate at the highest level since October 2021. This will only get worse as the administration’s unprecedented tariffs
are fully implemented. Moreover, Trump’s decision to fire the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner over a weak jobs report and his attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, in addition to eroding the independence of the Fed, are the tactics of a banana republic that undermine American capitalism. Our fellow citizens can’t succeed when they are denied opportunities to enter the middle class and build a future for their families.
Contrary to conventional belief, the federal government has funded and developed leading technologies, such as GPS, Siri, the Covid-19 vaccines, the space program and the internet. According to a recent Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas paper, non-defense government research and development has been responsible for more than 20 percent of productivity growth since World War II. Instead of doubling down on these critical investments, the Trump administration has canceled billions of dollars in grants for the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. His research funding budget would inflict even more austerity. Put simply, this is an assault on American jobs, edu-
cation, science, health, medicine and our economic standing in the world.
There’s no question that unchecked government and unchecked capitalism are equally dangerous. Imagine two scenarios: In one, American businesses innovate, grow and compete globally, powered by a workforce with access to health care, education and financial opportunity. That leads to a future in which new industries emerge, life-changing technologies are invented and prosperity is widely shared.
In the other scenario, we watch our competitive edge erode. Entrepreneurs can’t take risks because they can’t afford to get sick. Innovation stalls. Inequality deepens. Businesses fail. Families suffer.
The choice we face isn’t between capitalism and government, but between a sustainable capitalism that works for all and a broken system that serves and favors only a few. If we are to create jobs, power local businesses, develop innovation and protect the American dream, we must rise above party labels and partisan rhetoric and respond as patriots by learning from history. The investments that have cured disease and provided economic growth have made our country the beacon of innovation. That requires standing in defense of capitalism.
Robert Zimmerman is a co-president of ZE Creative Communications in Garden City.
firmly believe that the residents of Nassau County, and the constituents I serve in Assembly District 21, appreciate good government. We have many layers of government, and we serve our constituents best when we partner and work together to resolve issues, provide essential services and take action to positively impact the lives of the people we represent. I value good government, and would like to point out the following example of it. Good government was at the forefront when we proudly celebrated the grand opening of Whelan Park, in Malverne, on Sept. 4. This was a wonderful opportunity to show how the community benefits when all levels of government work in sync on a shared goal.
The Village of Malverne’s mayor and trustees, former mayors, local and state partners, the commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal and the governor collaborated over several years to bring this project to fruition. I applaud their dedicated efforts in prioritizing this project, and working
together to provide a vibrant recreational space that encourages participation in healthy activities and inspires community connection. I was happy to play a role early in the planning of this project, in 2019 and 2020.
One of the best things about Whelan Park is that it offers something for everyone, so now residents of all ages can enjoy this beautiful recreational space. I look forward to seeing my constituents enjoying the two new ball fields, the scenic pedestrian path with exercise stations and educational features, the concession stand and picnic area, the new dog park for animal lovers, and a natural habitat to explore.
To me it means the successful revitalization of Malverne’s Whelan Park.
for her proactive investment in the areas I represent. This initiative, part of the Mill River drainage program, was administered by Homes and Community Renewal at the direction of the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery in 2022. This program is vital, because its purpose is to increase the resiliency of communities along the Mill River by managing stormwater, improving habitat and water quality, and increasing recreational access to green space.
In the years following Hurricane Irene, in 2011, and Superstorm Sandy, in 2012, the state launched several programs to better address flooding. These projects included a Citizens Advisory Council, to ensure that valuable local resident input was a key component. This resulted in strengthened resiliency, fortified the waterways and shorelines against flooding, and improved access to Mill River and streams while enhancing recreational and educational facilities at Hempstead Lake State Park and adjacent areas.
Malverne has always been a village that values family, tradition and community, and I have no doubt that Whelan Park will be a cherished gathering place for generations to come. In July it was wonderful to see the park being used for a meaningful community endeavor, when American Legion Post 44 held its Walkathon there. I was thrilled to take part, and to get a sneak peek of the new park.
The extraordinary $6.3 million revitalization and renovation of the park is also an ideal example of how state investment can vastly benefit local communities. I am grateful to Gov. Kathy Hochul
This initiative not only provided a revitalized recreational facility, but also strengthened stormwater infrastructure and fortified the area adjacent to Pine Stream to reduce flooding. Although enhancing resiliency and addressing stormwater management to safeguard this area from flooding was the primary focus of the project, I value the combined initiative to benefit the local community. You wouldn’t know by looking at the impressive new ball fields that beneath them lies an underground water-retention basin to contain excess rainwater. The attractive pedestrian paths and surrounding area include permeable pavement, vegetated channels, and grading that were built as natural filters to collect stormwater.
There are so many other exciting potential projects along the shorelines and throughout the 21st District that would enhance our quality of life. I am continually working with the governor’s office, the Assembly majority and local leaders to make investments that will enrich our communities.
This is just one example of what’s possible when the people elected to serve us work together toward the betterment of citizens and our communities. Time spent collaborating and planning, with constructive intentions, almost always ends in good results for taxpayers. We need more of this in our government, and it’s not difficult to achieve. Whelan Park is a shining example of what can happen when government focuses on people, not politics.
Judy Griffin represents the 21st Assembly District.
ioften reflect on how people thought differently about the world on Sept. 10, 2001. Then, in an instant, everything changed. I remember the confusion, chaos and fear — and the extraordinary unity that followed. In the days and weeks after the attacks, we weren’t Democrats or Republicans. We were Americans, bound by grief, resolve and an unshakable sense of shared purpose.
I was buoyed by the sight of American flags flying everywhere, on cars, on homes, on buildings. They reminded us, even in our darkest hour, that we were still united as one people. That unity stands in stark contrast to the fractured and divided state of our country today. On this solemn anniversary, I believe Sept. 11 must not only be a day of remembrance, but also a day of recommitment. Let’s rededicate ourselves to the dream that is America — the proposition that all men and women are created equal, and the promise that hard work will be reward-
As county executive, I am proud to announce that Nassau County has reached unprecedented levels of safety during my time in office. Despite having a larger population than 10 U.S. states, our crime numbers have continued to decline every year. After falling by 9 percent in 2024, major crimes are now down by over 13 percent in the county yearto-date in 2025. This is a massive accomplishment for our Nassau County Police Department, and it’s a major reason why we continue to be regarded as the safest county in America.
But despite our accomplishments, we know that we can never rest on our laurels. Every day we strive to find new ways to bring security and peace of mind to our residents. One of my top priorities is protecting our children from criminals who threaten their security at school. With a new academic year underway, many parents may be feeling anxious about shootings and other devastating events that have
ed with a decent life. Let’s re-devote ourselves to faith, family, community and country.
I vividly remember those first hours. In Glen Cove, where I was serving as mayor, one of the first decisions we made was to run continuous trips of the Glen Cove Ferry to help bring people trapped in Manhattan to safety. Our crews and volunteers transported thousands of people. It was a small act of service compared with the enormity of what had happened, but it was something tangible, something immediate, something that made a difference.
Lness of those who stood ready to serve.
I lost friends and neighbors that day, and I know others who survived because they decided not to go to the office that morning. One friend instead handed out my campaign literature at the train station.
et’s carry forward the spirit of unity and purpose that defined us in those dark days.
We solicited hundreds of volunteer doctors, nurses and first responders to be ferried to the city. We also coordinated with New York City emergency management and Glen Cove Hospital to bring the wounded back to our facility. Sadly, as the day wore on, the reality became painfully clear. There were no wounded. They didn’t need our hospital, or our volunteers — the devastation was so complete that there were no survivors to be saved. That truth still weighs heavily on me, a reminder of both the cruelty of that day and the extraordinary selfless-
We must be grateful for our lives and what we have when we have it. Let’s do the work we can, while we can.
Over the years, I’ve been privileged to work closely with John Feal, of Commack, a man who turned his own tragedy into a life of service. John was working as a demolition supervisor at ground zero when a falling steel beam crushed his foot. After his injury, he was denied compensation. He made it his mission to fight for others. Through the FealGood Foundation, and with allies like Jon Stewart and many others, we’ve fought hard on behalf of first responders and survivors, ensuring that they receive the care and resources they deserve.
This year, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and I introduced the bipartisan Patriot Day Act, to establish Sept. 11 as a federal holiday. Our goal is simple: to give every American the chance to com-
memorate one of the most significant days in our history. For 24 years we have honored 9/11 in our own ways. By enshrining the day in federal law, we would affirm that remembrance is not optional; it is essential. But remembering isn’t enough. We owe it to those we lost, and to those who rushed into the burning towers to save others, to carry forward the spirit of unity and purpose that defined us in those dark days. Let us never forget the pain that was visited upon us, the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders and the extraordinary sense of togetherness that carried us through. And most of all, let’s rededicate ourselves to the dream and promise of America, that we’re stronger together, that our differences don’t divide us, and that hope, not hatred, will define our future.
On Sept. 11, 2001, everything changed. Twenty-four years later, the memories are still raw. The grief still lingers. But so, too, does the possibility of renewal. If we remember well, and recommit ourselves, Sept. 11 will not only be a day of mourning, but also a day of resolve. That’s how we can best honor those we lost: by building a country worthy of their sacrifice.
Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.
repeatedly happened across our country. I am taking every possible step, however, to ensure that those tragedies do not happen in Nassau County.
Last month, I announced that the NCPD was creating and deploying a new Strategic Response Team specifically to safeguard our schools and mitigate any threats to students, teachers and faculty. The team is made up of dozens of dedicated police officers who work closely with school officials to identify and prevent potential threats. I’m proud to say that the team’s deployment was a complete success for this year’s back-toschool transition, and it will be a critical tool moving forward for all of the county’s educational institutions.
a week, with many of them known members of gangs like MS-13, the 18th Street Gang and the Trinitarios.
This monumental achievement was the largest gang takedown in Nassau County history, and it helped remove illegal criminals who had no business being here in the first place. Nassau is not a sanctuary county, and we will not tolerate criminality from illegal migrants who threaten our neighborhoods.
W ith efforts like the largest gang takedown in the county’s history last month.
Part of the task of keeping our children safe is ensuring that the streets they live on are free from crime. The NCPD is doing an excellent job of collaborating with local, state and federal partners to achieve this goal. Just last month, we coordinated a tactical takedown of gang members with the assistance of Immigration Customs and Enforcement officials. We arrested dozens of dangerous criminals in less than
Tackling public-safety issues is critically important to me, which is why I’ve made so many investments in our local police. While other counties and leaders are reducing their focus on public safety and seeing an increase in crime, I have authorized hiring over 600 police and correctional officers during my time in office. I plan to expand our law enforcement hires even further in the years to come, to continue giving our residents the security they deserve.
Our officers will be the best in the nation thanks to a brand new policetraining village that we opened this summer. This critical resource will ensure that the brave men and women who protect us receive the best available
training alongside our federal, state and local partners. The real-life scenarios and exercises they undertake there will give them the experience to handle any situation they encounter on the job with confidence.
In addition to the best training, my administration and the County Legislature are ensuring that our police have the necessary funding to access the most advanced equipment and resources. It’s my goal that every police officer working for the county is put in the best position to do their job effectively so they can return home safely at the end of their shift.
My administration’s commitment to the safety and well-being of our residents has never been stronger. Under my leadership, we will continue to prioritize the safety of our communities so that every resident can live, work and prosper without fear. That means not only maintaining and enhancing our law enforcement resources, but also fostering strong relationships among our police, local organizations and the community. We will engage with residents, listen to their concerns and respond proactively to keep our streets safe. Together we will ensure that Nassau County remains the best place to live for everyone.
Bruce
For the past few weeks, the Herald has presented a series on housing and the challenges of finding an affordable place to live for Long Islanders — a necessity that seems to be slipping further from reach for so many in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
For decades, people came here to build lives rooted in family, work and community. These days, however, housing has become not just a financial burden, but also a destabilizing one that threatens health, safety and the very fabric of our towns.
Housing supply has stagnated while demand has soared. Rising rents and homes priced beyond the reach of working families are reshaping daily life. They are forcing impossible choices: whether to stay close to loved ones, whether to sacrifice health care in order to pay the rent or the mortgage, whether to leave Long Island altogether. The crisis is no longer theoretical — it is personal, urgent, and in desperate need of solutions.
Consider the story of Karen Wihlt, whom we featured in Part 2 of our housing series, “Personal stories of L.I.’s housing crisis,” three weeks ago. Wihlt, 58, lives in uncertainty with her service dog in a Bethpage hotel room. After years of building a life here, working as a chef and helping open restaurants around the area, she now faces homelessness.
She can no longer work, but her income from disability benefits — too much for her to qualify for local aid but
letters
King stirs memories of what football used to be
To the Editor:
nowhere near enough for her to afford rent or a continued hotel stay — illustrates the sobering arithmetic of survival on Long Island.
The cost of insecurity reaches beyond the wallet. As Peggy Boyd, vice president of community services and advocacy for the Family Service League, noted in that story, the trauma of losing housing often triggers depression, anxiety and hopelessness. The Family Service League is a social service agency that provides support and security to Long Islanders in need.
Children, the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population nationwide, suffer disrupted schooling, constant moves and the erosion of the routines essential for healthy development. When a child repeatedly sleeps in a car or a motel instead of a bedroom, the damage isn’t just temporary — it echoes through a lifetime.
Even middle-class professionals, long considered the backbone of Long Island, are struggling. Brandon Webber, a lieutenant in the New York City Fire Department, and his fiancée, preschool director Alexa Rubinstein, who rent an apartment in Farmingdale, embody the contradiction: two educated, hardworking adults with multiple jobs who still can’t buy a home in the communities they serve.
For some, like Denise Minicozzi, 60, the only option is to work harder by working more hours — but still never getting ahead. Minicozzi waits tables and works part-time at an assisted-living facility just to cover the $4,200 rent for a
Re Peter King’s op-ed, “College football just ain’t what it used to be,” in last week’s issue: I arrived at Dillon Hall, University of Notre Dame, a graduate of Baldwin High School, in the fall of 1966. Alan Page walked through Dillon every day from Alumni Hall to get to the south dining hall. Bob Gladieux, Rocky Bleier, Tom Schoen — all regular guys, passing through the hall. I use the term “regular guys” because they were. And they were students as well.
I always remember Tom McKinley, All-American center on the team, with a 3.97 GPA in electrical engineering, writing an article for the N.D. paper, called The Observer. He described his day, and the focus was on time management. I’m 77, and have never forgotten the clarity of time these players had to observe in terms of classes, studying, practice, meals, travel, game days.
The 1966 team was electrifying. We all gathered in the old fieldhouse for the first pep rally. The team sat
modest Bayville house — an arrangement with no security and the constant threat of increases. Like many others, she and her partner are contemplating leaving Long Island.
Too many longtime residents are reaching the same conclusion: the place they love no longer loves them back. The ripple effects are already visible. Assemblyman Charles Lavine, a Democrat who represents the 13th District, warns that without affordable housing, Long Island is “losing its future.”
Middle-class families are being priced out, young people are leaving and communities risk being hollowed out. Without a thriving middle class, schools weaken, businesses falter and neighborhoods lose their vitality.
State funding has helped, and projects near Long Island Rail Road stations hold promise. But efforts remain piecemeal, stymied by local resistance to new development and a lack of federal investment.
The solution requires bold action: regionalizing poverty thresholds so assistance matches local costs, investing in supportive housing that integrates mental health care, and building more homes and apartments where people need them. Above all, it requires the political will to overcome “not in my backyard” resistance and acknowledge the reality staring us in the face.
Housing is not just shelter. It is health care. It is education. It is stability. It is dignity. If we don’t act now, we risk losing the very essence of what has always made Long Island home.
the intrusions into the governance and operations of the University of Virginia, George Mason University, Harvard and columbia, among others, by federal and state officials contradict U.S. Supreme court precedent and undermine the integrity of higher education.
The White House and the Department of Justice threaten the withholding of federal research funds as leverage to force changes in who is admitted, who teaches and what is taught. They accuse institutions of being silent in the face of antisemitism; ignoring presidential orders limiting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and violating the Supreme court’s decision on affirmative action in Students for Fair admissions v. Harvard. In addition to reductions in federal funding, the government has threatened to limit the enrollment of international students and the employment of international scholars.
These actions, based on unproven allegations and without due process and respect for the law, expose the vulnerability of colleges and universities, despite Supreme court decisions including Dartmouth college v. Woodward
(1819) and Sweezy v. New Hampshire (1957). Both decisions affirmed that universities must remain free from government interference in their teaching, hiring, admissions and governance. Institutional autonomy and board independence are fundamental to academic freedom, educational excellence and the fulfillment of fiduciary duties, the court affirmed.
aThe attacks against universities elsewhere should raise concern on long Island. We are home to 15 colleges and universities, and all rely on federal funding for student financial aid. Some have substantial research agendas. Stony Brook University, for example, is a major recipient of federal research grants, which totaled over $16 million in 2023. adelphi, cold Spring Harbor laboratories, Hofstra, long Island University, New York Institute of Technology and Northwell Health, among others, also have active research programs that rely on government grants. Earlier this year, Newsday reported that the new federal budget could reduce research funding on long Island by over $163 million for medical, science, technology and other projects.
tion, the Department of Energy, NaSa and the Department of Education.
ence between governance and management, and questions and prescriptions.
ttacks on colleges elsewhere should raise concerns on Long Island.
like universities elsewhere, ours are governed by boards of trustees that are responsible for preserving institutional independence, academic freedom and free speech, all necessary for teaching and scholarship that challenges assumptions and assertions. Surprisingly, fewer than 15 percent of american college and university trustees have any professional experience in higher education, which underscores the need for rigorous orientation in academic governance and mission. can we imagine a public company saying its directors did not know its legal landscape, finances and markets?
Public university trustees are mostly appointed through a political process, although some states allow public elections, and most independent college and university trustees are selected with consideration given to their philanthropic capacity. Neither are generally selected for their governance acumen or knowledge of higher education.
Nevertheless, the duties of trustees are threefold: care, loyalty and obedience.
The duty of loyalty: Board members must act in good faith and in the best interests of the institution, not out of self-interest or in the interest of a particular constituency.
The duty of obedience: Boards must uphold the institution’s charter and mission, maintaining public trust through honest stewardship.
Each institution has a covenant with the public that gives it a charter, its major asset. The faculty may be the heart and students the soul, but the license to award degrees and certificates is what gives the institution stature, credibility, relevance and viability. That is what trustees hold in trust as guardians of the institution.
Key federal agencies providing research funding for long Island institutions include the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the National Science Founda-
downfield, furthering the distance between himself and the Boilermaker defense. Terry Hanratty threw a pass toward the sideline where no one was until, a moment later, Jim Seymour, on a timed route, appeared out of nowhere to snag the throw. It was glorious. Every visit to the campus brings me home, as it does with the thousands who have attended the university. But Peter King is correct: The sports landscape has changed. It’s mind-boggling to hear the play-by-play announcer name the three different schools that this or that player has attended before he landed on the team out on the field.
It’s a cliché, but how often is the answer to just about anything one word: money? It doesn’t seem like a degree in electrical engineering is in the offing. Not that these young athletes aren’t smart. They’re being offered something that may never come along again in their lifetime, and it’s hard to resist.
In some ways, people of our age resist change. We could never imagine the terms being presented to today’s players. (This goes for technology as well. I thank God our grandchildren live in town, so we can call them any time we need something that relates to
our phone, computer or TV.) Go, Irish!
BIll PIccHIoNI
Notre Dame class of 1970
MaTTHEW PIccHIoNI
Notre Dame class of 2000 Rockville Centre
To the Editor:
Workers deserve fair pay, safe working conditions, affordable health care and the freedom to retire with dignity. We deserve the right to join unions that give workers a voice; an economy that works for all families, not just the wealthy; and a democracy in which every voice is heard and every vote counts.
Workers and families deserve fully funded public schools that are safe, welcoming, relevant and engaging, as well as higher education that is accessible, affordable and free from political intrusion.
President Trump campaigned on making life better and more affordable
The duty of care: Board members must prepare diligently, participate actively and protect the institution through appropriate oversight, including guarding against external interference. Trustees need to know the differ-
Trustees are most effective when they know the history, mission and purpose, the students, local community and the comparative advantages of the institutions they serve. This is vital not only for the health of the institution but also to maintain the standards of independence that have been the hallmark of U.S. higher education. as a former university president and trustee, and as a member of PEN america’s champions of Higher Education, I believe it is my responsibility to speak out on behalf of our institutions, our students and our country’s future.
Dr. Robert A. Scott is president Emeritus of Adelphi University and Ramapo College of New Jersey, and the author of “How University Boards Work.”
for working families, and I’m sad to say that his administration has not delivered on these promises. Instead we have seen funding slashed for schools, health care, child care and more — while tax breaks are handed to the ultra-wealthy. our family members and communities will be sicker, hungrier and poorer. We deserve so much better.
Whether it’s peacefully protesting with our neighbors and co-workers in the streets, forming unions at our workplaces or engaging with elected officials in congress, let’s work together to fight for the future that all workers deserve.
claIrE laBorDE Hempstead
