Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald 10-16-2025

lynbrook stays gold

Lynbrook High School’s Homecoming game ended in victory over Island Trees, 41-14 win. Above, the Owls took the field. At right, the cheerleaders got a special ride in the pre-game parade. More photos, Page 10.

By AINSlEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

Two suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with scamming a 74-year-old woman from East Rockaway out of $117,000 in savings, authorities said.

The victim received a message on her computer that it had been compromised. She was told her money was at risk, and between oct. 1 and Oct. 3, she withdrew the money and handed it over to several unknown men who came to her home.

The Nassau County Police Department’s Electronic Squad Fraud and Forgery Section announced the arrest of the suspects, who are allegedly tied to an elaborate elder fraud scheme that authorities say is part of a growing trend targeting the most vulnerable residents on Long Island.

third-degree attempted grand larceny and resisting arrest, according to police.

I can see how people, especially the elderly, could get easily scammed.

STACY lYNN

East Rockaway resident

He was released on an appearance ticket, but was subsequently taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after it was revealed that he is in the country illegally, and he is now facing deportation proceedings. Just days later, police announced the arrest of the second suspect, Chengxiang Jiang, 40, of Flushing, Queens. He was charged in connection with the East Rockaway scam and another incident that took place in Rockville Centre on Aug. 4, in which a 78-year-old man was defrauded out of a large sum of money. (The department did not disclose the exact amount.) That suspect is also facing deportation after being released on an appearance ticket, authorities said.

One of the suspects was identified as Jinqin Jiang, 46, of Sunset Park, Brooklyn, who was arrested in East Rockaway after a brief struggle on Oct. 6. He has been charged with

According to the Federal Trade Commission, Americans reported more than $3.4 billion in losses to imposter scams in

Continued on page 9

Student celebrates birthday with charity

By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

As her classmates at Lynbrook High School mapped out party themes for their Sweet 16s, Jazlene Ramos had a different idea in mind.

“I wanted to do something different for my 16th birthday,” said Ramos, now a senior. “I didn’t want to have like a normal 16th birthday where you get your money, you get a car, you save for college.”

With the support of her family and inspiration from a cousin, Ramos donated all of her Sweet 16 birthday money, $16,000, to build a house for a family in need in Barahona, Dominican Republic, through the New York-based nonprofit Fundapez.

Before invitations were even sent out, Ramos knew how she wanted the night to end, and she specified to friends and family to donate money instead of physical gifts.

Her parents, both immigrants from the Dominican Republic, her father from Carabacoa and her mother from the same region, were immediately supportive.

“My parents were both raised with single parents,” Ramos said. “So seeing what they went through, I knew I could help in some way.”

On August 12, Ramos traveled with her family to the southern Dominican province of Barahona to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The foundation had selected a single mother with four children, per Ramos’s request, to receive the home.

“I feel like sometimes they just need more support than normal couples,” she said of her choice to help a single mother. “I feel like the kids probably would be happier.”

She met the family for the first time when she handed them the keys.

“I was a little scared, because I didn’t know how the family was gonna feel, how the family was going to be,” she recalled. “But once I met the family, I was really happy, and I just enjoyed the moment.”

Ramos also handed out toys and clothes to local children, sharing the experience with her younger sister, Isabella.

“To show her that she should try to walk the same path,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be the same thing, but it’s nice to give back.”

For Ramos, the decision to give back was deeply rooted in family and culture.

“Being Dominican, to me, is just showing people that not everybody’s the same,” Ramos said. “Just because you have the same nationality doesn’t mean everybody’s the same.”

She credits her Dominican upbringing with instilling strong values of family and community.

“Being close to your family comes a lot from being Dominican,” she said. “I feel like not all nationalities are very close as Dominican people are. I was raised around my whole family.”

Though this was her first major act of service, Ramos is no stranger to giving. She’s a member of her school’s Culture Club, which raises money for Latin American countries by selling handmade bracelets and other items.

“To see such a selfless act, especially at such a young age, is so impressive,” Lynbrook High School principal Matthew Sarosy said. “Jazlene is an incredibly kindhearted person who is an inspiration to all of Lynbrook High School.”

She hopes to continue supporting families through charitable giving, and said she wants to inspire others to do the same.

“It seems hard to do, but it’s not,” she said. “Whatever you want to do, you just have to put your mind to it and get advice from others.”

Now, Ramos is focused on finishing her senior year and planning for the future, one that she hopes includes more opportunities to serve.

“It’s an achievement I have made,” she said. “And if I can keep doing it in the future, I will do it.”

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month elevate the Conversation

It is the 40th anniversary of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, that is a vital health initiative that was founded by the American Cancer Society in 1985.

Thanks to the wonders of search and AI, I learned that this year’s highlights included “…Live Aid for African Famine relief, the rise of Mikhail Gorbachev as Soviet leader…” and my particular favorite, “… the launch of Microsoft Windows 1.0…”

Ronald Reagan was in the White House; Mario Cuomo was New York’s governor and Frances T. Purcell was the Nassau County Executive.

Obviously, it’s been a hot minute since 1985 and yet here we are again, reminding ourselves and our loved ones that breast cancer exists and we must have a variety of strategies to fight

against it.

However, this isn’t an article about early detection and routine screenings. About monthly self-exams and yearly mammograms. Those are the discussions for you and your doctor to have.

This is an article about taking care in a busy world that focuses on “self” too often for the wrong reasons. We are so wound up in ourselves: from filming the right post with the best lighting, wearing the right on-trend looks, getting the perfect “selfie.” Maybe this is a time to reinforce the importance of self-care, that is, the unselfish actions we must take to protect our health and wellbeing.

It’s always the right time to get educated or reeducated, contribute funds for continued research and remind ourselves of what else can be done to ensure more survivors than victims of this disease, even if the month isn’t October.

It’s always the right time to keep momentum going, taking care of ourselves to take better care of those around us.

L auren L ev

In my personal calendar, there isn’t a unique day or month to focus on self. In fact, I need to remind myself that checkups, routine tests and anything else to contribute to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing doesn’t have a due date.

But in October, in this “one-monthout-of-twelve” dedicated to pink ribbons and dyed hair I think of my friend Valerie, a talented artist and cartoonist who died all too soon due to breast cancer. She was a beam of light with wit and love to share. Therefore, as I walk in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides against Breast Cancer to raise dollars to fight this disease, I will honor Val’s memory in my mind, in my heart, in my life so as not take any day or month for granted.

A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/ advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.

Car, truck and motorcycle fans gather for Fall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Mohammad Rafiq

Spectators explored rows of classic cars on display, and listened to live music, during the Town of Hempstead’s Fall Finale Show.

News brief

Ettinger Law Firm’s New Guide for Families Coping with Alzheimer’s and Dementia

When the unfortunate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia is made, the whole world shifts for the patient and their family. Uncertainty abounds. For this reason, Ettinger Law Firm has published a guide for families facing these dilemmas, available as a free download at our website, trustlaw.com.

Sections of interest are:

Communication Strategies: Adapting communication techniques to improve connection and reduce frustration.

Establishing Daily Routes: Predictability reduces anxiety, helps with orientation and promotes independence.

Creating a Safe Home Environment: Modifying the home to reduce the risk of falls and other accidents.

Medical Care and Support: The importance and benefits of early diagnosis in slowing the progress of the disease and improving quality of life, as well as a list of questions to ask the doctor. Non-Medical Interventions: Different types of therapy, both physical and

mental to support physical and mental wellbeing. Building a Care Team: Who is on the team and avoiding caregiver burnout.

Coping with Behavioral Changes: Tips on managing new and challenging behaviors, such as agitation, depression, waking and sleep disturbances.

One of the biggest mistakes we see families make is the failure to connect with an elder law attorney upon learning of the illness. We understand that it is easy to overlook the legal where there are so many other social, emotional, psychological and medical issues in play. Early legal intervention, however, allows the family to obtain all the legal documents they will need later on, such as the “prescription strength” elder law power of attorney. The earlier the family moves to protect assets from being depleted for the cost of care, the more assets will be saved. Perhaps most important of all, the elder law attorney will be able to assure the family that caregiver services will be available when needed and the home and life savings will not all be lost for care.

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

100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success

Other offices in Huntington • Melville • Islandia

Learn how to vote early for the election

Early voting for the upcoming general election in Nassau County will take place from Saturday, Oct. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 2. All polling sites are accessible to voters with physical disabilities, and any eligible voter residing in the county may vote at any early voting location during the designated days and hours. Voters who cast a ballot during early voting will not be permitted to vote again on Election Day.

Voting hours are scheduled as follows: Oct. 25 and 26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Oct. 27 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Oct. 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the Board of Elections remaining open until 8 p.m. on those two days; and Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Election Day, Nov. 4, voters must go to their assigned polling place to cast a ballot.

Early voting sites across the county include Temple Beth Am in Merrick, the Freeport Recreation Center, Massapequa Town Hall South, St. Frances de Chantal Church in Wantagh, the West Hempstead Public Library, and the Yes We Can Community Center in Westbury, among others. A complete list of early voting locations is available at NassauVotes.com or by calling (516) 571-8683.

Voters who wish to register for the

general election must do so by Oct. 25, 2025. Registration applications submitted by mail must be received by the Nassau County Board of Elections by that date, and in-person registration is available at the board’s offices or participating state agencies through Oct. 25. To learn how to apply to vote, visit Elections.NY.gov.

Any registered voter may also apply for an early mail ballot. Applications must be received by the board of elections no later than 10 days before the election, or in person by Nov. 3. Ballots will be mailed beginning 46 days before the election and will continue to be sent immediately after completed applications are processed. Voters may apply for an early mail ballot online through the state’s Early Mail Ballot Request Portal, in person at the Nassau County Board of Elections at 240 Old Country Road in Mineola, or by designating another person to deliver and return their application. Visit Elections.NY. gov/request-ballot for more.

If you’re planning to vote in person on Election Day, visit VoterLookUp.Elections.NY.gov.

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■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: lyn-ereditor@liherald.com

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Gillen weighs in on stalled funding legislation

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

With the federal government currently in shutdown, U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, who representes New York’s Congressional District 4, offered a bipartisan solution.

TGillen shared her perspective on the federal government’s shutdown at the Family and Health Center office in Uniondale on Oct. 2, calling for her Republican colleagues in the house to hear Democrats’ concerns about the budget.

Health care spending is at the center of the disagreement in the House. The budget Congress had attempted to pass, up until Oct. 1 at midnight, includes cuts to a selection of programs that Gillen called “the largest cut to health care in America’s history.”

Gillen called for both parties to seek a bipartisan solution before rising health costs contribute to the financial burden of families across her district.

“If House Republicans governed responsibly, they would have met with us,” she said. “Instead, they’ve chosen to throw our health care system into further

crisis, just months after they voted to gut Medicaid for millions of children, seniors and people with disabilities.”

The “Big Bad Bill,” according to Gillen, includes cuts that would significantly raise premiums for people who have plans under the Affordable Healthcare Act.

“A middle class family of four could see their health care bills rise by an additional $3,200 next year,” she explained. “This is really going to hurt people. We are already struggling with the cost of liv-

ing crisis, and Long Islanders cannot afford another increased bill.”

A shutdown occurs when congress does not pass a budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which is Oct. 1 for the federal government. During a shutdown, nonessential departments are halted, while vital institutions must continue working without pay.

The last government shutdown was in 2019.

Gabriel Pedeira is the legislative and

political organizer for the American Federation of Government Employees — the largest federal labor union in the country with 800,000 members. In the previous shutdown, Pedeira saw federal workers struggle with delayed pay.

“We had people going to food banks,” he said. “We had people who could not pay their utility bills at the time. We had families who couldn’t pay for childcare at the time. We had people who were forced to go to work and literally couldn’t afford the gasoline.

“This is not something that should be happening in a developed nation like the United States of America,” he continued. “I know we can do better.”

Jeffery Reynolds, president and chief executive of Family & Children’s Association, explained that suicides, divorces and other civil disruptions have been on downward treand post-coronavirus pandemic, but that progress could be at risk.

“I worry that the threats to Medicaid, the threats to the ACA to the grants that we hold here at FCA put all of that in jeopardy,” he said.

Vanessa Barid-Streeter, president and chief executive of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, urged for healthcare spending to remain a priority in the federal budget.

“They are lifelines for people, for communities and for individuals,” she said. “If we let these credits expire, we will all feel it deeply, personally and collectively.”

SARAH FLYNN

V.S. NORTH Senior SWIMMING

A KEY MEMBER OF Valley Stream Central High School District’s girls’ swim program since its inception in 2023, Flynn earned the coaches award as a sophomore and has served as a two-year captain. She has earned an appearance in the Nassau County championships in each season and reached the finals of the 100-yard butterfly as a junior. Her career-best time in the event is 1:07.02, and she also thrives in the 100 and 200 freestyle.

games to watch

Friday, Oct. 17

Girls Volleyball: V.S. North at Clarke 5 p.m.

Football: Freeport at Westbury 5 p.m.

Football: Plainview at Oceanside 6 p.m.

Football: Floral Park at South Side 6 p.m.

Football: Elmont at Hewlett 6 p.m.

Football: Bethpage at Wantagh 6 p.m.

Football: Locust Valley at Plainedge 6:30 p.m.

Girls Volleyball: Mepham at Calhoun 6:45 p.m.

Football: Sewanhaka at V.S. North 7 p.m.

Football: V.S. South at Division 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Football: Carey at Clarke 11 a.m.

Girls Volleyball: E.Meadow at V.S. Central 11:45 a.m.

Girls Volleyball: Plainedge at Elmont 11:45 a.m.

Football: Baldwin at Roosevelt 12 p.m.

Football: Massapequa at Farmingdale 1 p.m.

Football: New Hyde Park at Mepham 2 p.m.

Football: MacArthur at Calhoun 2 p.m.

Football: Long Beach at East Meadow

2 p.m.

Football: Jericho at V.S. Central 2 p.m.

Football: Kennedy at Roslyn 2 p.m.

Football: Lynbrook at Seaford 2 p.m.

Football: East Rockaway at North Shore 2 p.m.

Football: Malverne at Lawrence 2 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

Perfection lifts Lynbrook to repeat

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

The Lynbrook girls’ tennis team captured its second straight conference championship in 2025. But, this time, it did so with an exclamation point.

The Owls went a perfect 14-0 and finished two games ahead of second-place Massapequa to repeat as Conference 2B champions. Two of the singles’ players from last year’s 12-2 squad returned, as did two of their doubles’ pairs, and the newcomers filled in admirably.

Lynbrook won twice by 7-0 sweeps and six more by 6-1 scores. Unfortunately, it lost to Jericho in the playoffs 6-1 on Oct. 9, but, to coach Shari Bowes, that didn’t dampen the accomplishment.

“That was pretty awesome,” Bowes said. “These seniors have been together since really seventh grade. They have all moved up together, and I think finally, as a cohesive group, they really just clicked.

The closest the Owls came losing was on Sept. 18, when they outlasted Valley Stream Central 4-3 on their home court. The team got win from singles players Charlie Travis and Angelie Das and the second-team doubles combination of Kate Shovsky and Cathy Kim rallied to win in three sets after dropping the first 4-6.

But the fourth-doubles team of juniors Sophie Giddings and Hayley Shapiro swept their match 6-3, 6-3 in the first and only time the pair would team up together on the season.

Freshman Angie Das, the only new singles player in the lineup, lost the first set of her varsity career against Massapequa on Sept. 4, but rebounded to win that match and her next 13 in straight sets to finish undefeated. She was also the lone Owl to defeat her opponent against Jericho.

“I knew Angie was good,” Bowes said. “I thought she was going to be a little bit more timid, not as strong as a freshman mentally. So, yes, that surprised me because she was very strong mentally and she was not timid at all. She was awesome all season long. Even in the Jericho match, she dominated the

match. I thought.”

Top singles player Travis won 13 of her 14 matches in her final varsity campaign, all of them coming in straight sets.

“Charlie is just so consistent,” Bowes said. “She could get to everything. She plays such a great game. She’s such a polished player.”

Bowes reunited senior Shovsky and sophomore Kim in second doubles after the pair won eight matches last fall, and they rewarded their coach’s faith in them by going 13-0, 12 of them in straight sets.

The third doubles pairing of senior Avery Taub and Camila Montana went 13-1. They won their final seven matches after losing to Oceanside during that Sept. 18 duel.

Sophomore Lily Cooper and senior Marisa Schiller won four of their final five appearances – two of them in three sets – to finish 8-6. The usual fourth doubles team of seniors Sophia Romanowski and Elin Kim went 8-2.

Bowes envisions bigger roles for Shapiro and Giddings next year as well as sophomore Shelli Tetalman as the Owls try for a three-peat.

O’Connell seeks to build on 20-year record

By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

Maureen O’Connell, the Nassau County clerk since 2006, is seeking re-election, with a focus on continuing the modernization of county records and expanding services for senior citizens and non-English speakers.

A registered nurse and an attorney, O’Connell, 74, has served in public office for more than three decades, including a term in the Assembly and as deputy mayor of East Williston. In the clerk’s office, she says, she is committed to improving access and service for residents.

“When I walked into that office … there were about 2 million unprocessed documents,” she said. “We were not really modernized.”

Since then, O’Connell said, the office has undergone a significant transformation. Court and land records are now digitized and available online, allowing attorneys and members of the public to file and access documents without visiting the clerk’s office in a building on Old Country Road in Mineola that is notorious for its limited parking.

“We created an electronic database so that a lawyer who wants to start a lawsuit doesn’t have to drive over,” O’Connell said. “They can electronically file a lawsuit from their home office.”

In addition to overseeing deed and mortgage filings, the clerk also serves as the clerk of county Supreme Court. O’Connell said she implemented one of the state’s first Supreme Court filing databases, and added digital interfaces with local and state agencies to streamline access to records.

She has also led efforts to digitize historical documents, a process she refers to as “backfilling.” “The more we backfill, the better the public is served,” O’Connell said. She noted frequent visits from senior

citizens needing access to decades-old property records they have misplaced. “Sometimes that safe place is so safe they can never find it again,” she said.

To further assist homeowners, O’Connell created a Property Fraud Alert Program. Property owners can sign up to receive email alerts if any documents — such as deeds or mortgages — are filed relating to their property. The goal is to prevent fraud involving falsified documents.

“Fortunately, we have not seen a lot of it in Nassau — a very minimal amount,” O’Connell said. “But the county clerks statewide do see it in some counties.”

COUNTY CLERK

If she is re-elected, O’Connell said, she plans to focus on expanding parking at the Mineola complex and to continue efforts to digitize older records. She also hopes to expand the effort to adapting services to the growing population of residents for whom English is not their primary language. A language line, which translates conversations between clerk’s office employees and visitors in real time, has been implemented to aid communication.

O’Connell said that her dual background in nursing and law has shaped her approach to public service. “As a nurse, you like to help people,” she said. “Get the problem solved, and help them resolve whatever issues they’re in need of resolving.”

A lifelong Nassau County resident, O’Connell grew up in Mineola and now lives in East Williston. She trained at Flushing Hospital School of Nursing, and has a bachelor’s degree in health care management from St. Joseph’s College and a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. She is an assistant professor of nursing at SUNY Farmingdale, and serves on several local boards, including the Farmingdale School of Nursing advisory board and Harbor Child Care in Mineola.

She remains passionate about her work for the county. “It’s just a wonderful job,” she said. “I love working, serving in public.”

Clerk must be more accessible,Williams says

By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

Joylette E. Williams, a professor of English at Nassau Community College, is running for Nassau County clerk. A resident of the Village of Hempstead since 1993, she has built her career in education and local service, and in her campaign is emphasizing administrative experience, accessibility and modernization.

Williams has a Ph.D. in English, is completing a second doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Connecticut and is in her second term on the Hempstead Board of Education. She was first elected in 2022, and re-elected in May after community members urged her to continue her service. Her current term runs through 2028.

“It helps me to understand not only the concerns that residents have throughout the county, but it’s very, very rewarding to actually participate in those advocacy roles,” Williams said.

Her academic background, she added, which includes several master’s degrees and over two decades of teaching, has prepared her for the administrative demands of the clerk’s office, which manages the county’s legal documents, property records and business filings. She noted her experience with recordkeeping, document management and organizational leadership in higher education.

Williams served as a Hempstead village trustee from 2021 to 2022, and sits on the Town of Hempstead’s Industrial Development Agency board. She is also the assistant secretary of the Hempstead chapter of the NAACP, is active in the Hempstead Community Land Trust, the Hempstead chapter of the AARP and the Long Island chapter of the National Coalition of 100

Tim Baker/Herald

Joylette Williams has a Ph.D. in English and is completing a second doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Connecticut.

Black Women. She is a member of the Nassau Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

A central goal of her campaign is to digitize county records and to modernize the operating systems of the clerk’s office. “Right now it’s running like it’s 1974,” she said.

Williams has spoken with title insurance companies and attorneys who frequent the clerk’s office, she said, and has identified inefficiencies, including a lack

of online access to court records that makes it necessary for paralegals to visit the office in person.

The clerk’s mobile outreach van is underutilized, she added, and she has proposed increasing its presence across the county, including at libraries and senior centers. She has also proposed extending the office’s hours to 7 p.m. one day a week to accommodate working residents.

“The clerk’s office needs to be more accessible to all residents of Nassau County, and not just a few areas,” Williams said.

If elected, she plans to propose to the Legislature that fees for deed transfers and property transactions be reduced, and has identified seniors, first responders, first-time homebuyers and veterans as populations that could benefit from fee reductions or waivers.

Williams also cited the need for translators in the clerk’s office, noting a range of languages, from Spanish to Urdu, that are spoken by residents who visit the office regularly. Increased language accessibility, she said, would ensure equitable service across the county’s diverse population.

Her work in civic organizations, Williams said, has helped her better understand residents’ needs and leadership strategies. She added that she plans to request a leave of absence from Nassau Community College if she is elected, because both positions are county-funded and cannot be held simultaneously.

Williams was invited to join the ticket by the Democratic Party leadership, and underwent a vetting process that included interviews, reference checks and social media review. Her commitment to public service and community advocacy, she said, motivated her to accept the nomination.

Elderly residents fall victim to scams

2023, with older adults accounting for the highest in total losses.

In New York alone, victims aged 60 and over lost more than $145 million last year, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Nassau and Suffolk counties have seen a steady increase in reports, with elder-targeted scams up 18 percent on Long Island since 2022, per data from the New York State Division of Consumer Protection.

Local residents expressed frustration, anger and empathy in response to the East Rockaway scam.

Stacy Lynn, of East Rockaway, reported receiving frequent spoofed phone calls that appear to come from TD Bank, noting that the caller ID even displays the bank’s name, making the scam seem more convincing.

“But they ask for my husband’s last name. I never legally changed mine, so I know it’s a scam,” Lynn said. “I can see how people, especially the elderly, could get easily scammed.”

The scams have become increasingly sophisticated, using caller ID spoofing, AI voice cloning, and even artificial videos to trick victims into handing over sensitive information or cash.

“It sickens me how many scammers are out there, and they do go mostly after the elderly because they don’t understand today’s technology,” Maria D’Andrea Frascati, also from East

Rockaway, said.

Jillian O’Connor, of Lynbrook, said she receives scam attempts daily, with the most recent one coming via text regarding the payment of E-ZPass bills.

“I could see how people could fall for it,” she said. “I get text reminders for other bill payments, why not this?”

Jenna Marie, also of Lynbrook, described how scammers use spoofed numbers to appear that they are local calls.

“I let calls go to voicemail and they just hang up, but sometimes they spoof a number to try to get information,” she said.

One Lynbrook resident, Muhammad Rehman, said he found technology to be the best defense. “iPhone’s latest version has a new feature called ‘call screening,’ which has been really useful,” Rehman said. “I used to get scam calls every one to two hours, but they’ve gone down to zero since then.”

The Nassau County Police Department has urged the public to remain vigilant, recommending never to trust unsolicited computer pop-ups or calls requesting money, and to verify any suspicious requests with a trusted friend, family member or directly with a financial institution.

More than 18 percent of Nassau County residents are over 65, according to the U.S. Census, and the threat

Tips to protect against scams

Provided by the New York State Division of Consumer Protection:

■ Hang up on suspicious calls, even if the number looks familiar.

■ Never give out personal or financial information to unsolicited callers.

■ Educate elderly family members about common scams.

■ Report incidents immediately. Time is critical.

of their falling prey to a scam is only expected to increase unless awareness and prevention measures are rapidly expanded, as reported by the Nassau County District Attorney’s office in a press release.

To report fraud, call the Nassau County Police Department’s Fraud and Forgery Section at (516) 573-2815. For more information on how to recognize and report scams, visit Consumer.FTC. gov.

Art show will shine at public library

Joan Bleyer Lazarus, a member of the Long Beach Art League, will exhibit her solo show, “It’s All About the Light,” at the Lynbrook Public Library from Oct. 16 through Nov. 20. The library is located at 56 Eldert St.

An artist reception will be held Thursday, Oct. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m., with a closing reception scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Bleyer Lazarus has practiced art for more than 50 years, studying under artists including Frank Zizzo, Mariam Dougenous and Robert Yasuda. Her work spans realism and conceptualism across media such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pencil, collage and assemblage. She has exhibited widely and taught in community programs for more than three decades, including at the Lynbrook Recreation Department and the Town of Hempstead’s Department of Senior Enrichment.

—Ainsley Martinez

Join Us!

For more than 100 years the American Red Cross on Long Island has helped the community prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.

HONORING

COMMUNITY IMPACT HERO

Luv Michael

FIRST RESPONDER HEROES

Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP HERO

Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025

8:00 A.M. TO 10:00 A.M.

The Heritage Club at Bethpage

DISASTER HERO

Jennifer Keane

MILITARY HERO

Mel Cohen

YOUTH HEROES

Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein

The American Red Cross Heroes Celebration is the signature fundraising event for the American Red Cross on Long Island, serving Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Event Co-chairs: James Quent, Greg Lavine, and Jennifer Solomon

For tickets, sponsorships, journal ads and to learn more, please visit redcross.org/LIheroes

Lynbrook claims victory over Island Trees

Lynbrook High School celebrated its Homecoming on Saturday, with a parade and a 41- 14 victory over Island Trees. The parade, which began at 1 p.m., made its way to Lynbrook High School, where festivities continued with a pep rally and the football game.

Students Cooper Cordes and Addison DiFiore were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. The East Rockaway Raiders cheerleaders, including those from both the middle and high schools, supported the team throughout the game. East Rockaway’s mascot, Rock Man, also rallied the players during the match.

Hundreds gather for Alzheimer’s awareness

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Purple, yellow, blue and orange flowers filled the Promise Garden at Eisenhower Park on Oct. 4, as hundreds came together for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The annual event is the organization’s largest fundraiser, fueling cutting-edge research while also giving families and caregivers a chance to honor loved ones and show solidarity in the fight against the disease.

Participants carried flowers of various colors — each one symbolizing a personal connection to Alzheimer’s — during the moving Promise Garden ceremony.

Tinamarie Hardekopf, the association’s director of development and director for walks in Babylon, Eisenhower Park and Fire Island, said this year’s event reflected the continued growth of the movement.

“We definitely grow every year, in numbers of attendees and as well as fundraising,” she said. “It’s really important for people to come out because it gives them an opportunity to show their support for a world without Alzheimer’s — they can also memorialize a loved one they’ve lost, or they can support someone that they’re caring for at this time.”

Post-walk, Hardekopf extended her thanks to this year’s walk participants, volunteers and sponsors.

“The funds raised will help fuel disease

research while also providing critical care and support to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia,” she said in a release shared with the Herald.

The Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter not only raises money for research but also provides a vital support network for people with Alzheimer’s, their families, friends and caretakers.

“We consider our walks the largest support group,” Hardekopf added.

“Everyone comes together and they each carry a flower that shows their connection to the disease.”

For Tanya Eldemeyer of Rockville Centre, the walk carried deep personal

meaning. Her father passed away last year from dementia, and she continues to stand as a strong advocate for the cause.

“I basically was his sole caregiver,” she said. “It was such a difficult road… There are people out there that are in the same situation, and I felt like this was a way that I could continue my dad’s legacy and help those that may not have someone fighting and advocating for them.”

Eldemeyer carried a purple flower during the Promise Garden ceremony, symbolizing the loss of her father.

Courtney Henley, an advocate with the organization whose father died form early-onset Alzheimer’s said, “My family has been attending the Nassau Walk for more

than 20 years and it has grown tremendously. The sense of community and enthusiasm is inspiring to see, motivating you to make a difference in your local community. It is such a fun walk with alot of incredible people.”

According to the Long Island Chapter, more than 426,500 New Yorkers aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s Dementia, and over 7 million across the country. While symptoms of the disease often appear later in life, the brain changes that cause Alzheimer’s can begin decades earlier — making early awareness and intervention critical.

Ed Miller, vice chair of the Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter Board of Directors, has played a leading role in Nassau County’s walk for the past three years. He joined the chapter after his own father was diagnosed with dementia in 2019, and he said the community’s involvement provides real hope.

“There’s been a lot of breakthroughs that have come out in the news over the course of the last couple of years,” Miller said in a prior conversation with the Herald. “These are treatments that aren’t going to eradicate the disease at this point, but they are treatments, and there is hope.”

As of press time, this year’s walk has raised over $349,000 toward the chapter’s $385,000 goal. For more on the organization and its efforts, visit Act.ALZ.org/ Nassau.

Phillips has led county’s drive into digital era

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips traces her drive for public service to a childhood defined by independence, perseverance and the generosity of mentors who opened doors. Born in western Pennsylvania, the youngest of four daughters, she was the first in her family to attend college — a milestone achieved without guidance or financial help after her father’s death when she was 12.

“I was kind of left on my own a lot,” Phillips recalled. “There was no guidance for college.” That changed when she became a Rotary exchange student in Brazil for 13 months — an experience she described as life-changing. “It allowed me to mature and figure out who I wanted to be in life,” she said, adding that she still speaks fluent Portuguese nearly five decades later.

Phillips went on to earn both a bachelor’s degree in political science and an MBA in finance from Penn State, working as a bartender to pay tuition. Her career began in finance — first at Metropolitan Life, later at J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs, where she helped build mortgage-backed securities departments. After taking time off to raise her three daughters, she negotiated a rare job-sharing arrangement at Goldman that allowed her to balance motherhood with highstakes finance work for nearly a decade.

Public service came later. After serving as mayor of Flower Hill during Superstorm Sandy, she was elected to the State Senate in 2016, where she championed legislation closing a loophole that had allowed those convicted of domestic violence to keep certain firearms. In 2021 she was elected Nassau County’s comptroller — a role she calls both humbling and demanding.

Her signature initiative, she said, has been modernizing the county’s outdated financial system, which dates back to 1999. “We do our accounting basically

using Excel files,” Phillips said. “Departments like DPW, purchasing and accounting all had different data — none of it lined up.”

Her office led a two-year process to select CGI to implement a cloud-based enterprise resource planning system, dubbed Nassau Forward, that will unify county financial operations and automatically update accounting standards. “It’s transformative,” Phillips said. “Our goal is to go live between 2027 and 2028.”

During her tenure, the comptroller’s office also digitized vendor claims, cutting payment times from four months to less than 10 days. “There used to be paper almost to the ceiling,” she said. “Now it’s all online

COUNTY COMPTROLLER

through e-claims.” Phillips also overhauled the audit process, emphasizing collaboration and corrective action rather than punitive reports that “collected dust.”

She credited her staff for the county’s recognition by the Government Finance Officers Association with its Triple Crown award for excellence in financial reporting — the only county in New York state to earn it. Nassau has also received seven bond-rating upgrades during her term.

Looking ahead, Phillips said her top priorities, if re-elected, would be completing the Nassau Forward project, hiring additional accountants and expanding electronic systems for retirees’ benefits. “We’re still sending out paper checks to some retirees,” she said. “We want to move to direct deposit — it’s safer and more efficient.”

She acknowledged ongoing challenges balancing employee wages and benefits with affordability for residents. “You want to pay your employees a fair wage and provide good health care,” Phillips said. “But you also want to make sure people can still afford to live here.”

Reflecting on her career, she credited her success to teamwork. “I’m as good as the people around me,” she said. “You always want to do more — to make government more efficient, save taxpayers money, and keep Nassau in strong fiscal shape.”

Wink: Comptroller must be ‘fiscal watchdog’

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

Wayne Wink says Nassau County is once again standing on shaky financial ground — and he believes the comptroller’s office should be the first line of defense. The longtime public servant, attorney and former legislator is challenging incumbent Comptroller Elaine Phillips, arguing that the county needs more transparency, oversight and independence from the administration.

“I’ve always spoken truth to power,” said Wink, 58, who currently serves as minority counsel to the County Legislature. “What we need is a fiscal watchdog. What we have is a fiscal lapdog.”

A Hofstra University and St. John’s University School of Law graduate, Wink grew up in Uniondale, in what he describes as a “barely middle-class” household, and was the first in his family to go to college. He was elected to public office for the first time in the early 2000s and went on to serve 20 years in local government — including as a North Hempstead town councilman, county legislator and town clerk.

Among his legislative accomplishments, Wink cites the creation of Nassau’s Silver Alert law, modeled after the Amber Alert system but designed to locate missing seniors with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. “We’ve had a number of people saved because of that program,” he said. He also helped establish North Hempstead’s domestic partner registry before same-sex marriage was legalized in New York. and pushed for “right-sizing” government by transferring underused county assets to towns that could better manage them.

Jeff Bessen/Herald

Among his legislative accomplishments, Wink cites the creation of Nassau’s Silver Alert law, modeled after the Amber Alerts system.

Now, as he seeks to return to countywide office, Wink says that Nassau’s biggest problems aren’t new — they’re just unresolved. “When I left the Legislature in 2013, I came back 10 years later and found the same issues: the college, the medical center, the jail, assessments,” he said. “They’re all repackaged, but the same issues.”

One of his top concerns is the county’s ongoing fiscal oversight by the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, which was created more than 20 years ago amid

budget turmoil. “No county our size with our affluence and abilities should still be under a control board,” he said, adding that sustainable budgeting and stronger auditing practices could allow the county to regain autonomy.

Wink has been especially critical of the county’s use of American Rescue Plan Act funds to plug operating deficits. “The only way they’re balancing the 2025 budget is to take $120 million of Covid money,” he said. “We’re spending down reserves that were built up under Laura Curran,” he added, referring to the former county executive. “It’s unsustainable.” He said that Nassau faces a structural deficit of $200 million to $250 million per year in its four-year plan.

Wink argues that genuine transparency begins with full disclosure of how public money is spent — including vendor identities. “The county’s ‘open checkbook’ lists every transaction except who got the money,” he said. “That’s not transparency.”

If elected, he said, his first priority would be to restore field audits, which he claims have disappeared under the current administration. “The comptroller is there to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” Wink said. “We need to get back to real audits, in the weeds, to find waste, fraud and abuse.”

He also called for greater oversight of county contracts, jail operations and agencies such as the Nassau University Medical Center, which he says have faced mounting financial and management issues.

“The county is slowly fading into the fiscal abyss again,” Wink said. “We’ve been here before — and if we keep the status quo, we’ll be back there again. Nassau needs new eyes, real accountability, and leadership willing to tell the truth.”

News briefs

Hempstead continues free car seat safety

The Town of Hempstead is continuing its Child Car Seat Safety Inspection Program this fall, offering families free opportunities to ensure their car seats are properly installed and safe for children.

According to national data, more than half of car seats are not installed correctly, and even small mistakes — such as a loose harness, a wrong angle, or outdated equipment — can dramatically reduce their effectiveness in protecting children during a crash.

The inspections, run by the town’s Department of Public Safety, are conducted by professionals trained through Safe Kids Worldwide. During each 30-minute appointment, technicians review the installation, check for recalls or defects, and confirm that the seat is appropriate for a child’s age, weight, and height. Parents must provide that information, along with the car seat’s model, so technicians can give the most accurate guidance.

givers leave knowing how to reinstall the seat correctly themselves.

Councilman Tom Muscarella said the program’s accessibility is a major strength. “We’re making it easy and convenient for families to get expert guidance without any added cost,” he said.

In past years, many parents who attended inspections discovered issues they had not noticed on their own — from expired or recalled seats to something as simple as a loose strap. Each session also provides one-on-one education, so care-

Remaining inspection dates are Oct. 15 at Rath Park in Franklin Square, Oct. 22 at Uniondale Park in Uniondale, Oct. 26 at Forest City Community Park in Wantagh, and Oct. 29 at Maclaren Stadium in Levittown. Appointments are required and available between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Families can schedule by calling the Department of Public Safety at (516) 5381900 ext. 7709, Monday through Friday, or by visiting hempsteadny.gov/218/childcar-seat-safety-program.

NCC provides pathway to free tuition

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

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

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

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

Nassau Community College has seen strong interest in the program. For the

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

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

“If students can get a two-year degree for free, that’s huge,” Kornbluth said. “It opens doors to jobs, career advancement, and the option to continue toward a fouryear degree if they choose.”

Kornbluth, who previously taught mathematics and statistics at Nassau Community College and rose to full professor before moving into administration, noted the initiative could expand to additional degree programs in the future if successful.

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

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MTA approves fare, toll hikes for LIRR

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

Discounts will expand as well. The

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

A new day pass will replace the round-trip ticket and will also be valid

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

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

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

peak tickets.

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

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

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

HERALD

ATTENTION STUDENTS:

THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER

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

CONTEST RULES:

Who can enter: There will be 2 categories:

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

One entry per student

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

Friday, October 31, 2025

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

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

Mail or hand-deliver to:

Wrapping Paper Contest

Herald Community Newspapers

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

(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).

Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 14

HELPFUL HINTS

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

• Be creative & original.

• Use bright colors.

• Fill the entire page.

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

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

STEPPING OUT

At the mock store modeled after Freeport’s Two Cousins Fish Market, kids role play as fishmongers and customers.

Visitors are introduced to the exhibit’s many components.

THE SEA IS CALLING

Children’s Museum’s ‘Saltwater Stories’ is rooted in local maritime traditions

By Abbey Salvemini

Long Island Children’s Museum sets sail on a bold new chapter with “Saltwater Stories: We Need the Sea and the Sea Needs Me,” its first new permanent exhibition in over a decade. The 1,900-square-foot immersive installation, which officially opened last week, invites families to explore Long Island’s rich nautical heritage, celebrating the people, traditions and cultures that have long relied on the sea.

Our coastal identity comes to life through storytelling, interactive play and local traditions. Kids (and grown-ups!) can climb into a full-size bay house, sort the day’s catch in a bustling fish market, explore the wonders under the sea and even hop inside a 500-pound hand-carved canoe. That canoe — a mishoon (Indigenous dugout canoe) commissioned by the museum — was created through the collaboration of Shinnecock Cultural Steward Chenae Bullock, her mentor Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and apprentice Shane Weeks of the Shinnecock Nation. Welcomed by the museum in June, it now takes up residence within “Saltwater Stories.”

A culmination of more than 15 years of museum programming and partnerships with local fishermen, Indigenous communities and historians, it anchors Long Island’s past to its future with creativity and care. The concept first took shape several years ago, sparked by the museum’s long-running partnerships with tradition bearers and a desire to give families a more personal connection to the natural world around them.

Museum President Erika Floreska describes the exhibit as “authentic, playful and beautiful.”

Director of Exhibits Margo Malter traces its roots back to weekend programs begun in 2009, when local baymen and fishermen shared firsthand stories about life on the water. Over the years, those early conversations grew into a deeper exploration of Long Island’s maritime culture. The turning point came in 2019, when the museum received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. That funding allowed the team to assemble a cohort of community advisors — fisherfolk, Indigenous leaders, historians, and educators — whose voices helped shape Saltwater’s foundation.

“We like to say the exhibit is informed by community, for the community,” Floreska adds.

From the stories of generations of baymen to the bustling fish markets of the Nautical Mile, the exhibit’s components are rooted in the everyday lives of Long

Anthony Rodia

Anthony Rodia is back with his “Laugh Till It Hurts” tour. Building on the success of his previous outing, this is his biggest and most ambitious yet. Born and raised in Westchester, Rodia came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. With a background steeped in family traditions, Italian-American culture and the ups and downs of modern life, Anthony’s comedy feels like a conversation with your funniest friend. His blend of observational humor, self-deprecation and witty impressions has led him on his path as one of the most exciting rising stars on the comedy scene.

Saturday, Oct. 18, 7 and 9:30 p.m.

Islanders past and present. It also highlights the connections between the traditions of immigrant communities who share seaside cultures, offering opportunities for shared experiences and dialogue.

Visitors are welcomed by a nine-foot high immersive, stylized wave tunnel. Visible from the three entries to the museum’s second floor, this wow-moment hooks you into the gallery and recreates that first introduction to the sea for many of us — a day at the beach. Lighting and sound effects give a transportive transition into “Saltwater Stories.”

• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Among the exhibit’s many features, young visitors can role-play life on the bay in a walkin replica of a bay house, where a “magic window” lets them observe real-time changes in weather, tides and marsh life. Nearby, in a classic Long Island fish market, you can sort, weigh and sell the day’s catch — mimicking the work of generations who lived off the sea. Also everyone will enjoy “Lifting the Ocean’s Lid,” an early learner area where kids can get a close-up look at what lives under the sea.

• View the events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

For Floreska, Saltwater’s heart lies in its ability to tell a local story while providing a playful, hands-on space that’s deeply connected to the real world — something she describes as both unique and meaningful.

“It gives visitors of all ages a chance to connect with a cultural richness that defines Long Island,” she says.

Integrating new technology felt like a natural next step in the evolution of the museum’s approach to storytelling, according to Malter. She highlights the bay house installation as a standout example, where digital features are used to make the environment feel dynamic and real.

To create the immersive “magic window,” the team hired a videographer to capture time-lapse footage of a local marsh over the course of several days, including scenes at night and during a storm. With the push of a button, kids can change the view outside the window — transforming from day to night or calm to stormy — making the experience both magical and grounded in the real world.

“Observing the natural world was a big educational goal for me,” Malter explains.

By blending real footage with playful interaction, young visitors notice environmental details they might otherwise overlook — fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity rooted in the rhythms of local life.

The phrase “we need the sea and the sea needs me” serves as the exhibit’s guiding inspiration.

Even the quintessential Long Island Islander — Billy Joel — has a place here. Everyone can watch a video of his “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’,” commercial fishing’s unofficial anthem.

To help families turn inspiration into action, a resource guide on the museum website provides ideas for local, family-friendly activities that extend the learning into the home. Floreska points to community programs like Freeport-based “Operation Splash,” where families can participate in cleaning up local shorelines.

As a permanent fixture now, “Saltwater Stories” continues the museum’s commitment to ignite curiosity, encourage stewardship and strengthen our bond with the environment — reminding us all that the sea’s story is deeply intertwined with our own.

$144.75, $108.75, $98.25, $86.50, $76.25, $64.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra Gala

Maestro Louis Panacciulli and the Nassau Pops Orchestra return to the Tilles Center for their annual gala supporting the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, joined again by Tony Danza and his band. Danza’s latest cabaret show, “Sinatra and Stories,” blends personal anecdotes, humor and some classic tunes. He pays tribute to the music of ‘Ol Blue Eyes, whose music formed the soundtrack of his childhood. He brings his trademark charisma and storytelling — along with touch of soft shoe and ukulele-strumming — to his selection of Sinatra’s timeless classics. Swing into an afternoon of great tunes and fascinating stories — all to benefit this vital organization.

Sunday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $30. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post Campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at npso.org/tickets or tillescenter.org.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

OCT

16

‘It’s All About the Light’ Opening Reception

Join Joan Bleyer Lazarus for the opening reception to her exhibit at Lynbrook Public Library.

• Where: Community Room, 56 Eldert St.

• Time: 6-8 p.m.

• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org

OCT

Paint with Joan Joan guides adults (18+) step-by-step through a painting at Lynbrook Public Library. No experience needed; supplies included. Space is limited and registration required.

• Where: Community Room, 56 Eldert St.

• Time: 2-4 p.m.

• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org

Spooky Fest is back at the Center for Science Teaching & Learning, through the month. Celebrate the season with Halloween for all. Be scared if you dare or enjoy not-sospooky thrills with the younger folks.

• Where: 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre

• Time: 6-9:30 p.m., also Oct. 18-Oct. 19

• Contact: cstl.org or (516) 764-0045

Halloween Costume Giveaway

Calling all kids and parents who need a Halloween costume!

Come to Lynbrook Public Library and pick one out to keep during library hours. Donations of gently used or new costumes are welcome.

• Where: Community Room, 56 Eldert St.

• Time: Ongoing during library hours, through Oct. 31

• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org

OCT

18 Spooky Fest

On-Site Shredding East Rockaway Library invites all to safely shred personal documents. All papers must be out of binders.

• Where: East Rockaway Library Parking Lot, 477 Atlantic Ave.

• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: eastrockawaylibrary. org

Community Fall Garage Sale

Two-day village-wide garage sale event throughout East Rockaway. Register by Oct. 15. $15 fee for one day, $25 for both days.

• Where: Throughout the community

• Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., also Oct. 19

• Contact: VillageofEastRockaway.org

Ghostly Gala

Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum’s annual Halloween celebration. Enjoy the

OCT

25

Little Feat

One of America’s most distinctive and longest-running rock bands, Little Feat is back in a big way with a revitalized lineup, a stellar new record — its first album of original material in over a decade The venerable six-piece is touring in support of ‘Strike Up the Band,” their first new studio album reliant on new material since 2012’s Rooster Rag. It’s Little Feat’s triumphant return to rock ‘n roll with plenty of swampy Southern soul. The band builds on a deep, over 50-year history. Little Feat used a combination of elite musicianship and brilliant, idiosyncratic songwriting to create a repertoire that transcends all boundaries. California rock, funk, folk, jazz, country and rockabilly mixed with New Orleans swamp boogie led to a powerful sound that has kept the audience dancing for decades. Their groove — in songs like “Dixie Chicken,” “Spanish Moon,” “Fat Man in the Bathtub,” and “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now” — was so infectious it allowed them to endure and press on even when losing their founder, Lowell George, and founding drummer, Richie Hayward. They’re in top form now with Scott Sharrard on lead/vox and Tony Leone on drums/vox, and with founder Bill Payne on keys/vox, Fred Tackett on guitars/vox, Kenny Gradney on bass, and Sam Clayton on percussion/vox. Fifty years on, they’ve been up and they’ve been down and they know where they belong — standing or sitting behind their instruments, playing for you. And anything’s possible, because the end is not in sight. Tickets are $141.25, $120.25, $99.75, $77.75, $66.25

holiday in a fun, safe and spooky (not scary) way! Show off your costumes and dance moves in a Monster Mash Dance Party. Visit the Spooky Studio and meet mysterious underwater creatures. Also make some cool and creepy crafts. Start offyour spooky night by decorating a bewitching trick-or-treat bag, then collect ghostly goodies from the museum’s roaming staff. Also a special showing of “Uncle Vlad’s Pumpkin Patch” in the LICM theater. $16, $14 members; show $5.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 6-9 p.m.

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

Enchanted Forest

Nassau County Museum of Art invites families to another Super Family Saturday program. This magical adventure includes hands-on art activities themed around transformation, fantasy, and discovery, plus a special trail through the site’s fall forest.. $20 non-member adults, $10 members and children.

• Where: Manes Center, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Session 1, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Session 2, 1-2:30 p.m.

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

OCT 19

‘Gloria’s Miami Nights’

Plaza Theatrical invites to all to its stage at Elmont Memorial Library for dazzling tribute to Gloria Estefan, Kikki Torres and a pulsating troupe of musicians, singers, and dancers to celebrate the music and career of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine. $40, $35 seniors.

• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

• Time: 2:30 p.m.

• Contact: PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870

Lynbrook Village Board Meeting

The Village Board meets in public session.

• Where: 1 Columbus Drive

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: lynbrookvillage.net

RVC Homemakers Meeting

Local women meet weekly to discuss cooking, crafts and more. Previous events have been in conjunction with Lynbrook

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Restorative. Open to neighboring areas and residents.

• Where: 111 North Oceanside Road

• Time: Noon- 2 p.m.

• Contact: Karen Alterson at KAltersonk4@gmail.com

Movie matinee

Stop by Lynbrook Public Library to see the 2025 British comedy-drama “The Ballad of Wallis Island.” A strange lottery winner who lives alone on a secluded island, tries to make his fantasies come true by getting his favorite singer, Herb McGwyer, to perform. Starring Tom Basden, Tim Key, Sian Clifford. PG-13.

• Where: Community Room, 56 Eldert St.

• Time: 2-4:15 p.m.

• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org

Family

Halloween

Story Craft

OCT

25

24 East Rockaway Winter Festival registration open Outdoor vendor event with seasonal merchandise and community activities under a heated tent. Open to merchandise and community organizations selling water, snacks, flowers, and handmade items.

• Where: TBD

• Time: 3-6 p.m.

• Contact: NLanderer@ villageofeastrockaway.org

Dog Days Weekend

Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), With fall dog parade and costume contest on Sunday. Prizes awarded to best dog costumes, including Prettiest, Most Handsome, Most Original, Best Duo or Group, Funniest. Costume contest participants must register.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury.

• Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: also Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with costume parade/contest, 3-5 p.m.

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

Having an event?

Kids are invited to listen to a spooky tale and make a haunted craft with Ms. Renee at Lynbrook Public Library. Registration required.

• Where: Storytime room, 56 Eldert St.

• Time: 4-4:45 p.m.

• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org OCT 23

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.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook will hold a Public Hearing to consider the addition of Village Code Chapter 252 (Zoning) at §252-12 (Prohibited Uses) and at§252-28 (Prohibited Uses); and under SEQRA Regulations, to determine whether the proposed use would constitute a significant negative impact on the environment; said Public Hearing will be held at 7PM on October 20, 2025 at the Village Hall, One Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, New York. All interested persons will be heard during the Public Hearing at the time and place aforementioned.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

JOHN GIORDANO, VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR

LYNBROOK, NEW YORK

DATED: SEPTEMBER 29, 2025 156121

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON TRUST, NA, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE F/B/O HOLDERS OF STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II INC., BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST 2007-3, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-3, Plaintiff AGAINST SONIA F. GARNES AKA SONIA GARNES, ORLANDO FINDLAYTER

INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF YVETTE FINDLAYTER, ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 23, 2019, 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 November 12, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 67 Lawrence Avenue, 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, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and

State of New York, Section 38, Block 54, Lot 219. Approximate amount of judgment $516,776.20 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #003213/2017. George Esernio, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-000730 87259 156102

LEGAL NOTICE Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE INDEX #: 607257/2023 PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION

Plaintiff, vs CINDY A. VOYES AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF AUDREY HAMILTON, DEBORAH A. SIEBER AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF AUDREY HAMILTON, STEVEN C. SAMMIS AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF AUDREY HAMILTON, TEDD SAMMIS AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF AUDREY HAMILTON, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF AUDREY HAMILTON IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES,

LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, DISCOVER BANK, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ELMER YOUNG IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE IRS, NASSAU COUNTY CLERK, THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO FLEET NATIONAL BANK, VALERIE A CLEMENTS AKA VALERIE ANN CLEMENTS AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF ELMER YOUNG, TINA M WENSLEY AKA TINA MARIE WENSLEY AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF ELMER YOUNG, MELANIE JANE

MAGRUDER AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF ELMER YOUNG, REBECCA ANNE LUDKE AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF ELMER YOUNG, THERESA L WHITLOCK AKA THERESA LYNN WHITLOCK AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF ELMER YOUNG “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the Subject Property described in the Complaint, Defendant(s).

MORTGAGED

PREMISES: 16 Sampson Street East East Rockaway, NY 11518

To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Nassau. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Unknown Heirs of Audrey Hamilton, Unknown Heirs Defendants In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Jeffrey A. Goodstein of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Seventeenth day of September, 2025 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, in the City of Mineola. The object of this action is to foreclosure

News brief

Ceremony to honor shipwreck victims

The Historical Society of East Rockaway and Lynbrook and the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Nassau County will host their annual memorial ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Bristol and Mexico Monument in Rockville Cemetery, 45 Merrick Road.

The event honors 139 victims — many of them Irish immigrants — who perished in two shipwrecks off Long Island’s South Shore during the winter of 1836–37. The victims are buried in a mass grave at the site, which

a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by Audrey Hamilton (who died on February 8, 2022, a resident of the county of Nassau, State of New York) dated the April 28, 2006, to secure the sum of $480,000.00 and recorded at Book 30530, Page 566 in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk on May 24, 2006. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed September 13, 2017 and recorded on September 20, 2017, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book 42392, Page 796. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed July 14, 2022 and recorded on July 28, 2022, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book 46765, Page 235. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed June 11, 2024 and recorded on June 19, 2024, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Instrument Number 2024-37387Book 475747, Page 793. The property in question is described as follows: 16 Sampson Street East, East Rockaway, NY 11518 NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be

was named the Mariners Burying Ground by Town of Hempstead residents shortly after the tragedies. In 2023, the Town of Hempstead granted landmark status to the monument recognizing its historical significance.

The ceremony is held rain or shine. For more information, call 516-5935791.

— Ainsley Martinez

entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

DATED: September 24, 2025 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 87489 156096

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. SENECA J. VETRANO, NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER, Defts. Index #610074/2024. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered April 14, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on November 20, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. premises k/a Section 42, Block 235 Lot 32. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The foreclosure sale will be held, “rain or shine.” PAUL MELI, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021. #102579 156282

LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village Board of the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, Monday, the 20th day of October 2025 at 7:00 P.M., will conduct a Public Hearing under Village Code #212-1.1 at which time the Board will take proof of the unreasonably dangerous condition of sidewalks, curbs, etc. contiguous to the properties set forth below and will determine whether said conditions must be repaired by the owner(s) of said properties or, upon failure to so repair, that the Village will do so with the cost thereof to be assessed against said properties:

House Number and Street Section, Block and Lot

74 Merrick Road 13-01-213

3 Hampton Road 17-05-01

134 Scranton Avenue 28-06-21

1 Berry Street 42-01-05

362 Scranton Avenue 42-01-04

43 Rolling Street 05-01-15

By Order of the Board of Trustees

John Giordano, Village Administrator Lynbrook, New York 156333

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALTS, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2004-24CB, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-24CB, Plaintiffagainst- CRISTA A. BELLEAU, MICHAEL D. BELLEAU; MARIA NUNEZ, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated August 26, 2024 and entered on September 5, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on October 28, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, County of Nassau and State of New York; known and designated as SBL# 42-21203-5. Said premises known as 3 DOROTHY PLACE, LYNBROOK, NY 11563 Approximate amount of lien $418,018.83 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 611569/2022. LINDA AGNEW, ESQ., Referee Pincus & Tarab Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* LYNBROOK N*} 155729

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Stunning Euro Chic Home

Apartments For Rent

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

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WEST HEMPSTEAD: RENOVATED

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This stunning, fully rebuilt four bedroom, two and a half-bath Euro Chic home, rebuilt in 2008, offers high-end finishes and an open floor plan perfect for indoor and outdoor entertaining and is situated on over a half acre. The features include a brand-new primary bath, smart appliances, Nest thermostat, central AC, and sliding barn doors. Enjoy a heated saltwater pool, stone patio, retractable awning, outdoor shower, and owned solar panels. Additional upgrades are the whole-house generator, new sprinkler system with mosquito control, full water and pool filtration, fresh exterior paint (2024), newer roof, two sheds, and security cameras. This is an elegant movein-ready home blending style, comfort, and efficiency. Asking $1,850,000

Why can’t the architect

Q. We’re trying to figure out how a mess started right at the beginning of our renovation. The plans were permitted, so we believe they were properly reviewed, but the mason and the contractor built something different than what was in the plans. The contractor is a friend who we trust. They have told us that the architect made mistakes, and they couldn’t build it the way the plans show, so they did something different.

We don’t want to stop the job, but the architect came by and said that there are many problems now, because the structure isn’t going to work the way the contractor made changes, and because the structure had to be a certain way. The contractor keeps sending us texts showing different ways to do the job, complete with sketches. The architect is saying that the work will be unsafe the way the contractor is proposing the changes. What should we do?

A. When plans aren’t followed, which happens all too frequently, the job has to stop while the design is reassessed by the architect. If you take that authority away from the architect, you set yourself up for a prolonged set of problems that can go on and on, delaying the work and possibly not even getting the outcome you were looking for.

Cemetery Plots

FAMILY HEADSTONE WITH 8 Plots For Sale In Beth David Cemetery, Elmont, NY. First Row Facing Belmont Racetrack. Sold Together. $60,000.00/ Neg. Please Email stein@nova.edu

To Place Your Ad in the Herald Classifieds. Call 516-569-4000, press 5 to speak to an Account Executive.

HIRING?

Place Your Ad in the Herald Help Wanted Classifieds. Call 516-569-4000, press 5 to speak to an Account Executive.

The contractor is not given the authority to change the design or construction. Most construction plans have clauses stating that the contractor is not to deviate from them, and also instruct the contractor to contact the architect with questions, or to get clarification on any issues or discrepancies before any work starts. Once the work starts, the contractor will often begin to point fingers at the architect for anything not clear and misunderstood. I refer to this as “divide and conquer,” a common practice in which the contractor, empowered to run the construction job, alienates the architect from the owner, creating an often permanent rift.

Contractors and building inspectors have told me it is rare to see an architect on a construction site, but I recommend that the architect look at the work — especially foundation forms — before a concrete pour and also framing. During demolition is an important time to see previously hidden structure, especially because older homes were often built with bare-minimum beams — hence the explanation for sagging floors that people often point out before the architect starts redesigning. You need to listen to the architect before this problem becomes harder, and more expensive, to undo.

If you have doubts about the architect, especially about structure, bring in a structural engineer to meet with the architect. One of the biggest reasons these problems occur is because of a lack of communication. You, the owner, should have brought everyone, including the architect, contractor, subcontractors — especially the mason — together and had a team meeting. Letting everyone do their own thing with the assumption that everything would run smoothly was the first problem. But it’s not too late. 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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$$ CASH PAID $$ 631-500-0792

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BRAND NEW HOLLY Pattern Vase, Vintage Statues (Christmas), Christmas ornaments, excellent. (516)579-9089 under $25.00 all

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GIRLS SIZE 10, Hoodies, Long-sleeve tops & pants, New with Tags $10. Text (917) 420-5814

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GRACE FOODS, JAMAICAN style BBQ gift basket. $15. Valley Stream. (516)209-7970.

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Finds Under $100

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NEW BASEBALL H.O.F. "UNTUCKit" black shirt, large, $25 (Retail $50). (516)705-8398."

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opInIons

We will remain the leader of the free world

American foreign policy is at a watershed moment, comparable to the critical years after World War II, when the United States and our allies were forced to accept that the euphoria of victory over Nazi Germany and imperial Japan had been supplanted by the reality of the Iron Curtain and the threat of Soviet expansion. The Cold War had begun.

The NATO alliance was formed to prevent Joseph Stalin from emulating Adolf Hitler’s march through Europe after the Munich Conference capitulation in 1938, which had given Hitler virtually free rein to invade and seize Czechoslovakia. A decadeslong struggle would continue through various iterations and crises until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 — a struggle that today’s isolationists would have labeled an “endless war.” Fortunately, neither American political party elected isolationists during those defining 45 years. Pre-World War II isolationism had long since been consigned to the ash heap of history.

The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 created a sense of euphoria similar to

Ithat of 1945 and ’46. Eastern Europe was liberated from the yoke of Soviet communist rule, and the Soviet republics declared their independence from Moscow. One of them was Ukraine, which, tragically, had been brutalized for centuries by Russia.

TUkraine was also left with thousands of Soviet nuclear weapons. In 1994, in keeping with the spirit of the Soviet demise, Ukraine gave up those weapons in return for guarantees of security from the United States, Britain and Russia, in what was known as the Budapest Agreement. All indicators seemed to foresee a reformed Russia, and no aggression of the type that drew the U.S. into the two world wars of the 20th century.

rump’s turnabout with Zelensky and Putin sends a clear message to China.

There would be fits and starts with Russia during the later Bush years, including an incursion into Georgia, and then a promise by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2009 that the Obama administration would “reset” the relationship with Russia. That reset never worked, and Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. There was no Russian aggression during the first Trump administration, but then, in February 2022, Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine — the first invasion of a sovereign European nation since the end of World War II.

defeating Russian aggression, having supplied more funding to Ukraine than the U.S. Unfortunately, President Trump has shown reluctance to stand with Ukraine, ascribing equal blame for the war to Zelensky — even berating him in the White House, telling him he had no cards to play.

I accompanied President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to Moscow in September 1998 for meetings with Russian President Boris Yeltsin and other Russian officials to strengthen economic and cultural ties between our two nations. The dialogue between the leaders was extremely positive. Then, after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the newly elected Russian president, Vladimir Putin, was among the first foreign leaders to pledge President George W. Bush his full support.

Ukraine, under its newly elected reform president, Volodymyr Zelensky, was expected to succumb in days or weeks. President Joseph Biden even offered to have American jets provide Zelensky safe passage out of Ukraine. But with the U.S. and NATO countries supplying weapons and logistical support, Zelensky and Ukraine have fought Russia to a stalemate for over three and a half years — longer than America’s war against Nazi Germany.

Russia has suffered more than a million casualties, and has had to resort to using North Korean troops. Its economy is in shambles. NATO has admitted two previously neutral nations, Sweden and Finland, and remains committed to

Trump met with Putin in Alaska, and implored him to meet with Zelensky to reach a compromise. Putin implied that he would, but reneged. Realizing he was being played, Trump denounced Putin in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly last month, and just hours later, met one on one with Zelensky. Then, going full circle, Trump released a statement hailing Zelensky’s leadership, saying that Ukraine was in a position to “fight and win,” and pledging to continue to supply weapons to NATO for Ukraine’s use against Russia.

Trump’s turnabout will prevent a catastrophic replay of Munich and halt Putin’s attempt to rebuild the Russian empire. This defeat of Russian aggression in Europe will simultaneously send a clear message to China not to move against Taiwan or other Pacific nations such as the Philippines and Japan. The United States will remain the leader of the free world.

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

Staying sane in the age of information overload

’m tired. In fact, I’m exhausted. I’m overwhelmed. It’s not from going to the gym. It’s not from being glued to my TV, watching my favorite baseball team trying to survive the playoffs.

It’s the torrent of information that has been drowning me 24 hours a day, with no promise of abating. Is there any hope that the flood will end and that I’ll have a respite from information overload? Is there any hope that the barrage will shut down over the weekend, when we try to pay less attention to our laptops and cellphones? Or are we doomed to being perpetually overwhelmed by the greatest avalanche of facts, figures, news, emails, text messages and robocalls since the dawn of the high-tech era?

There is no one culprit that we can identify whose elimination would give us a reprieve from the onslaught. One of the biggest offenders of them all is,

Aof course, the White House, which engages in a strategy known as Flood the Zone. Every day, it releases so many “hot” news items that it would take you or me two or three days just to get through them. In addition to the media flood, President Trump holds freewheeling news conferences that can last well over an hour. Generally, those events generate other news stories on top of the daily pressroom output. Then there’s the smartphone app challenge. I checked my phone and found that I am attached to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X and have subscriptions to the Daily News, the New York Post, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Newsday, Newsday TV, the Huffington Post, Apple News, The Hill, CNN, The Weather Channel and some others that I’ve forgotten. I know that over the course of the day, I tap into every one of those outlets for some type of information.

imagine waiting at a bus stop for six hours. It’s a long time.

ll ‘breaking’ news all the time — and for goodness’ sake, don’t forget podcasts.

Beyond all these challenges is the introduction of artificial intelligence into our lives. No matter how hard you try, there’s no way to escape the onslaught of articles, studies, memos and office talk about AI. Just a few years ago, if someone had uttered the words artificial intelligence, they would have been largely ignored. These days, those words hover over us like a threatening storm cloud, with most of us having no idea whether it will help or harm us.

program. How many times in a halfhour can there be so much “breaking” news? And the repetition of the same stories can be head-splitting.

Last, but by far not least, is the introduction into our space of the podcast. Today, almost every media, political, religious, sports or entertainment personality has a podcast of some kind. They have rotating guests, and offer a mountain of opinions on the subjects of the moment. Many of them are interesting and informative, but how many hours in a day do we have to partake in this newest information vehicle?

Once a week, I get a text telling me that, on average, I’m on my phone for a minimum of six hours a week. That doesn’t sound like a lot of hours, but

Once upon a time, watching television was a respite from the pressures of the day. Today, watching TV can leave you dazed and confused by hour after hour of commercials for countless drugs, all of which, apparently, will save humanity. On top of the drug tsunami, there are countless other ads that dominate the time you would like to just sit back and watch your favorite show, uninterrupted.

To add to the desperation for some chill time, there’s today’s typical news

So that is my ongoing nightmare. It is mine, but it’s the nightmare that we all face. We’re just human beings; we’re not robots. At least for now, they can’t implant a chip in our brain to help us fend off the cascade of facts, figures, opinions, ideas, theories and concepts that flood our every waking hour. So we’ll have to find new ways to help ourselves live a normal life, and still be adequately informed people.

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

Established 1994

Incorporating

Rockaway Observer

Lynbrook

Ainsley MArtinez Editor rhondA GlickMAn

2 Endo Boulevard

City, NY 11530

Phone: (516) 569-4000

Fax:

iHERALD

Herald editorial

Real journalists, reporting real stories

n an age of uncertainty and skepticism toward the media, one mission has remained unwavering: to inform, empower and connect our community with journalism rooted in truth and integrity.

That mission defines Herald Community Media, publisher of 27 community weekly newspapers serving Nassau and Suffolk counties and a touch of New York City. It is the foundation of everything we do — every story we report, every question we ask and every issue we print.

The Herald’s purpose has never been clearer or more vital, especially now, during election season. Across the nation, trust in media has declined as misinformation spreads faster than facts and as social media platforms blur the line between opinion and truth. Yet despite this turbulence, the need for reliable local journalism has never been greater. We know you depend on us not only to tell you what’s happening, but also to help you understand why it matters — to your neighborhood, your family and your future.

This summer, the Pew Research Center published “How Americans View Journalists in the Digital Age,” an indepth look at how the public perceives our profession. Pew surveyed nearly 9,400 U.S. adults and convened a number of focus groups, and found both optimism and concern. Most Americans still believe journalists are vital to our soci-

letters

There’s often been bias in journalism

To the Editor:

Re Nick Buglione’s column in the Oct. 2-8 issue, “I was proud to be a reporter — but things have changed”: I, too, would like to put to rest the argument that Facebook, Instagram, Tik-Tok and other social media have any role in serious journalism. It’s indeed unfortunate that so many people rely on these geysers of rumor, gossip, misinformation and lies for their news.

But the journalism profession has never been as idealistic and innocent as Mr. Buglione seems to suggest it once was. In fact, long before social media invaded our world, the press’s coverage of important events was at times nakedly partisan, ignorant and dishonest.

In the 19th century, for example, some newspapers accepted hefty sums of money from politicians for favorable coverage of their campaigns. At least one paper from that era, William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal, ran sensationalized stories about Spanish atrocities in Cuba, which, many believe, helped drum up support for American involvement in the Span-

ety’s well-being — but many also express frustration, feeling that the media’s credibility and influence have declined amid political division and technological upheaval.

Yet within those findings lies a message of hope and direction. Americans say what they value most in their news providers is honesty, intelligence and authenticity — qualities that have guided the Herald’s reporting since its founding in 1964. Our journalists live by those values every day. We verify information carefully, we listen with compassion and we report with clarity and context. We are not distant observers; we are your neighbors, your fellow community members and your partners in truth.

At a time when the term “media” often evokes distrust, the Herald reaffirms its promise: to deliver accurate, objective and trustworthy local journalism. That means being transparent about how we report, being accountable when we err, and being authentic in how we connect with you.

Authenticity, as editors across the country have noted, may be the most powerful defense against today’s flood of misinformation and artificial intelligence-generated content. Real, local journalism can’t be practiced from behind a desk or from a distant city. It requires trained professionals who show up in the community, ask hard questions and share the stories of other real-life

people.

Every week, Herald journalists attend school board meetings, interview local business owners, chronicle civic debates, and celebrate the achievements of neighbors doing extraordinary things. We are not reporting on the community from afar — we are reporting within it, with care, empathy and purpose.

Readers deserve to know how stories come together — how sources are verified, why certain facts are included and how conclusions are drawn. We are committed to correcting mistakes quickly and publicly, because credibility is not earned by claiming perfection but by demonstrating honesty.

As Pew’s research highlights, Americans long for media that is clear, fair and accountable. The Herald’s commitment to those ideals has not wavered for more than six decades, and it will not waver now. Our mission — to inform, empower and connect our community with journalism rooted in truth and integrity — is our responsibility, our calling and our promise. As a locally owned family business, our commitment is to our communities, not to Wall Street.

In a world increasingly driven by algorithms and artificial noise, the Herald’s voice remains steady: local reporting by real journalists, telling real stories that matter. That is how we serve. That is how we strengthen our community. And that is how we continue.

A clearer view: understanding and treating cataracts

Have you noticed that your vision is becoming a little hazy, like you’re looking through a foggy window? If so, you might be experiencing the effects of cataracts.

contact lens prescription, or double vision in one eye.

What, exactly, is a cataract? Imagine the lens of your eye is like the lens of a camera. It’s a clear, natural part of your eye that focuses light onto the retina, which is at the back of your eye. The retina then sends signals to your brain, creating the images you see.

A cataract is simply the clouding of this natural lens. It’s a bit like a clear camera lens becoming frosted over. This clouding prevents light from passing through properly, leading to blurry, hazy or dim vision. Cataracts typically develop slowly and painlessly, so you might not even notice a change in your vision at first. As they progress, however, you may experience cloudy or blurry vision, the fading or yellowing of colors, an increased sensitivity to light, difficulty with night vision, halos around lights, frequent changes in your eyeglass or

The most common cause of cataracts is aging, but other factors can also contribute to their development, including family history, medical conditions, previous eye injury or surgery, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight.

When cataracts begin to interfere with your daily life, making it difficult to read, drive or watch TV, it’s time to consider cataract surgery. It’s one of the most common and routinely successful surgical procedures performed today.

Tdistance (i.e. driving, watching a Broadway show). You will likely still need glasses for reading, using a computer and other close-up tasks.

Toric lenses (astigmatism correction): Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is shaped more like a football than a baseball, causing blurry or distorted vision. Toric IOLs have a special design that corrects both your cataract and your astigmatism in a single procedure.

hey’re a normal part of aging, but they don’t have to define your vision.

The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the eye, and then uses a special tool to break up and remove the cloudy natural lens. Then a new, clear artificial lens — called an intraocular lens, or IOL — is implanted in its place. The new lens becomes a permanent part of your eye and requires no special care.

With modern cataract surgery, you have options for your new lens. Your doctor will help you choose the best one to fit your lifestyle and needs.

Monofocal IOL: This is the most common type of IOL. It provides clear vision at a single distance, usually for

LeTTers

ish-American War.

Closer to our time, the press remained curiously silent about the 1940s Levittown covenant restricting home ownership in that community to white people. And in 2002, when President George W. Bush justified our invasion of Iraq by insisting that the country’s weapons of mass destruction posed a threat to America, few newspapers questioned his claim.

I’m sure Mr. Buglione enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with his Herald colleagues 20 years ago. And while I’ve no reason to doubt his statement that Herald reporters were genuinely committed to presenting the news accurately, we’d be hard-pressed to find a time when the press — in general — has been entirely squeaky clean.

RICHARd J. COnWAY Massapequa

Koslow’s a better choice than Blakeman

To the Editor:

It can be an easy win for a candidate with name recognition who has enough money and government power to bombard us with fliers, signs and TV ads

each day. Bruce Blakeman, our current n assau County executive, has this power. We need to look beyond the hype. It’s time for a more centrist candidate. Blakeman and his team are entrenched in national politics, pleasing President Trump by doing such things as training a group of our county police officers to work in tandem with the president’s controversial ICE force, setting aside cells in our county jail for nonviolent ICE detainees, and creating a volunteer, private militia that Blakeman can use when and how he decides.

On the other hand, Seth Koslow is a centrist candidate for county executive with years of experience as a Queens district attorney, a private-practice lawyer and a current member of the nassau County Legislature. He has lived in n assau County his entire life, and is raising his family here. He is very concerned about our taxes in nassau, and has said that he would order a full, independent audit of county spending to see where our money is being spent.

Koslow has stated that he would share ideas with his Republican counterpart in Suffolk County, because he believes in the idea of people on both sides working together for the benefit of the county. He has said he would disband Blakeman’s private militia because he believes that our excellent

Extended depth of focus lenses: These lenses create a single, elongated focal point to provide a continuous range of vision. They offer excellent distance vision and a solid range of intermediate vision — great for computer work or seeing a car dashboard — with a lower chance of nighttime glare or halos than other multifocal designs. You may still need glasses for very fine print.

Light adjustable lenses: These are the only IOLs that can be customized after they have been implanted. The lenses are made of unique, photosensitive material. After a few weeks of healing, your surgeon uses a special light-delivery device to fine-tune the lenses’ power to your exact visual needs (distance, near or a blend), eliminating any small remaining prescription errors. Once

the optimal vision is achieved, the lens is “locked in” and the adjustments are permanent. This offers the highest level of precision and customization.

Femtosecond cataract surgery: precision with lasers: While traditional cataract surgery is very safe and effective, many surgeons now offer laser-assisted surgery. It uses a highly precise, computer-controlled laser to perform several key steps of the surgery that were traditionally done by hand with a blade. The laser creates the tiny incision, opens the lens capsule and even softens the cataract before it is removed. This allows for extraordinary accuracy and consistency, can lead to a more predictable outcome and a faster recovery, and is a safer procedure for certain patients.

Cataracts are a normal part of aging, but they don’t have to define your vision. With simple preventive measures and highly effective surgical options, you can look forward to a world that is once again clear, vibrant and full of light. If you have any concerns about your vision, don’t hesitate to speak with your eye doctor.

Dr. Carolyn Shih is an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, and works at South Shore Eye Care, a member of the Northwell Health Eye Institute.

county police force is more than capable of handling our citizens’ safety.

The bottom line is that Seth Koslow is a highly qualified local resident who would concentrate solely on the needs

of our county. This makes him and his team best suited to run our county.