In the Village of Malverne, Whelan Field officially opened as Whelan Park on Sept. 4.
The grand opening marked the culmination of a nearly $7 million in renovations, along with years of planning and construction work. Whelan Park now includes new Little League baseball fields, a threequarter mile jogging path, exercise stations, benches, lights, bleachers, dog parks, rest rooms, a picnic area and an accessible parking lot.
The name of the official project that made these upgrades possible was the “Pine Brook Storm Water Drainage Improvement Project at Whelan Park.” Funded by the former Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, now the New York State Office of Resilient Homes and Communities, the project centered on storm water drainage.
Beneath the new baseball fields at Whelan Park are water-retention basins that collect water that would normally run off into Pine Stream. This helps with storm water management and protects the local ecosystem, as the water is filtered before entering into the stream.
“We’re fortunate to have had a number of good partners on this project,” Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan said. “And one of them that stands out is the village’s architectural firm H2M.”
H2M architects + engineers, a consulting firm, has worked with the village since 2022, when it was awarded the contract to provide drainage and architectural improvements to what was then Whelan Field. They firm worked with the village to create new infrastructure throughout the entire park.
“It was a great project,” Matthew Mohlin, H2M vice president, said. “It was really fun working on this one.”
At the Village of Malverne board of trustees meeting on Nov. 5, Mohlin presented a commemorative plaque, donated to the village by H2M, to honor the official grand opening of Whelan Park.
“I came to the dedication,” Mohlin said. “I really could not believe the amount of people that came out from the community and the positive feedback I received from the people that I met that day. It was really nice to see and I’m happy to have been a part of that.”
Madison Gusler/Herald
At the Nov. 5 trustee board meeting, Matthew Mohlin, Vice President at H2M architects + engineers, presented a commemorative plaque to the Village of Malverne.
Teen honors veterans with library project
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
Eyal Traeger, 17, decided to honor Veterans Day by organizing Project Mission Military at the West Hempstead Public Library.
Participants in the project were asked to write a letter to active, reserve and military veterans. They could also cut out coupons to be used on base.
“The whole thing is basically helping support the military, whether it’s financially through coupons or emotionally through the letters,” he said. “I’ve always been taught to do the right thing and help people out.”
Traeger provided all the materials for letter-making and coupon-cutting, and set up the station at the library on Thursday night. Between Nov. 7 and 10, students in grades six through 12 were invited to participate in the project during library hours, receiving an hour of community service in return.
“My great grandfather served in the U.S. military, so it led me to do these kind of things,” Traeger said. “It’s important to bring awareness to how influential the military is and how much they impact our lives.”
To collect coupons, Traeger contacted various coupon companies with details about his project and asking for donations.
“I got a whole bunch of coupons,” he said. “Some people just donated them or brought them from their house.”
The coupons will be donated to Troopons, a program that collects coupons and provides them to overseas and domestic military families to help them save money. The letters will be sent through A Million
Thanks, a non-profit letter writing network that distributes millions of handwritten messages to active duty service members and veterans around the world, expressing gratitude and supporting emotional wellness in the military community.
of
heavily involved with the West Hempstead
Library and, as a member of the Teen Council, he helps organize volunteer programs through out the year.
Veterans Day blood drive at OLL church
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
During services on Nov. 9, Our Lady of Lourdes Church held its annual Veterans Day Blood Drive in the church basement. Parish members are encouraged to participate in the event.
The blood drive honors veteran Peter Zullo, a prominent member of the Malverne community and former commander of the Malverne American Legion Post #44, who passed of leukemia in 2017.
To honor Zullo, blood donated at the OLL blood drive is earmarked to benefit veterans.
Brian Owen, a member of the OLL Parish and Malvernite, is a regular blood donor who always donated to the church’s blood drive. “I had reached out to Sally Schutta, whose been running this event for several years, to see when the blood drive would be held, and found out she wasn’t doing it this year.”
Owen decided he would spearhead the blood drive, reaching out to Schutta’s contacts at the New York Blood Center and getting everything organized.
“I always thought it was a great cause,” Owen said. “It saves lives. It’s a tradition I always really liked at my local church, and I wanted to keep it going.”
In the United States, every two seconds someone is in need of a blood donation, according to the American Red Cross. Because of the high demand, there’s always a shortage of available blood.
“You never know who needs blood,” Greg Small, donor specialist with New York Blood Center, said. “Stuff happens every day and there’s always a blood shortage, so that’s why we always encourage
people to donate.”
Donating one-pint of blood could save multiple lives, as plasma, platelet, and red blood cells can be extracted from whole blood donations to help more people.
Before donating, volunteers must meet the basic eligibility requirements — donors must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be at least 16 or 17 years old (with parental consent in some states). It’s also important to eat a healthy meal, drink plenty of water, and bring a form of ID.
At the blood drive, donors complete a health screening and answer a few questions about their medical history. “We make sure your blood pressure, your hemoglobin, and your pulse are all in good standing,” Small said. “After that you come sit down, we take a pint of blood from you, and that’s it.”
Afterward, donors enjoy snacks and light refreshments to help replenish nutrients and restore their energy. Most people feel fine and can return to normal activities within a day.
With each donation, donors are potentially saving multiple lives — making it one of the most impactful ways to give back to the community. Donating blood can help patients in need during surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care, sickle cell treatments and more.
“If you ever have the time and opportunity to come and donate, definitely come in,” Small said. “It will be very beneficial to the people who desperately need it, and you never know, you might need it one day.”
Our Lady of Lourdes hosts this annual blood drive every year on the Sunday before Veterans Day. Organizations like The New York Blood Center offer online tools to help locate nearby events.
The Hebrew Academy
Nassau County senior is
Public
Madison Gusler/Herald
Eyal Traeger, 17, organized Project Mission Military at the West Hempstead Public Library for Veterans Day.
Tim Baker/Herald
Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church in Malverne held a Blood Drive for Veterans Day.
YOUR CHANCE TO WIN BIG — JUST FOR BEING PART OF OUR LONG ISLAND COMMUNITY!
At Herald Community Newspapers, we’re celebrating you — with an exciting opportunity to take home $15,000 in cash!
It’s simple and completely free to enter.
Just fill out the entry form and submit your details for your chance to win.
Scan the QR code to enter!
Contest Ends: 12/10/25
Imagine what you could do with $15,000:
Take that dream vacation
Pay down bills or student loans
Upgrade your home
Treat your family to something special
Planning For and Executing Inheritances (Part Two)
Early on, we learned the estate planning phrase “There’s nothing so unequal as the equal treatment of unequals.” Who has children that are all the same?
Some children have received significant help from parents during their lifetimes while others haven’t. Many parents choose the “forgiveness provision” to address this situation at death, to either “equalize” any gifts made to some children during lifetime with those who did not or, in the alternative, to “forgive” any loans made to children and then make a gift in like amount to each of the other children by inheritance, before the estate is divvied up in equal shares. Conversely, lifetime gifts may also be ignored. Next up is the problem of children who are partially or wholly estranged. Many clients wish to leave them a token amount but there are pitfalls to consider. One who is left considerably less than their siblings will often be angry and upset. They may demand that their siblings disclose what they received and even to pony up an equal share. Not only that, but the burden of telling that estranged child
Liberty working to improve water service in the village
Liberty New York Water is replacing 1,100 feet of the 100-year-old water mains in the Village of Malverne. The project is expected to reduce discolored water and improve water pressure and fire service capabilities for the area around the four dead ends on Walker, Coolidge, Home, and Clinton Streets.
Over the years, minerals build up on the walls of the water mains, reducing their diameter. The new six-inch mains will replace the original two-inch mains, allowing for better water flow.
”One of the highest priorities of our residents is safe and reliable infrastructure,” Malverne Mayor Timothy Sullivan said. “Clean water and road restoration have been two of the top priorities of our Board and we are grateful to have partnered with Liberty over the past two years to exceed our goals. We have aggressively addressed our infrastructure needs and we appreciate Liberty’s cooperation and continued investment in our village.”
they are getting less and delivering the paltry amount is left to the children who you wish to favor!
In our view, it is sometimes better to leave an estranged child out altogether than to stir up all the issues surrounding an inheritance much smaller than equal.
There are many valid reasons, however, to treat children differently. Some may have alcohol or substance abuse issues, learning disabilities or special needs, they may be immature and irresponsible, poor at handling money or a “soft touch” and, finally, they may have a spouse that dominates them and you do not want to see that controlling spouse get your money.
Sometimes parents leave more to the “needy” child, the old adage being that “the tongue always turns to the aching tooth”. If so, other children’s feelings may need to addressed. A letter to be opened after your death, explaining what you did and why, may go a long way towards soothing hurt feelings and avoiding misunderstandings, what we term the “emotional legacy”.
“This infrastructure project will improve the water service that customers in this neighborhood receive.” Deborah Franco, New York Water president, said in a press release. “We are pleased to work cooperatively with the Village of Malverne to support such improvements.” The main replacements are scheduled in conjunction with the village’s road repaving schedule.
This water main replacement is expected to be complete by mid-November, upon approval from Nassau County Department of Health. The work includes installation of the water main, chlorination, water quality sampling, and the replacement of service lines to homes, including those that are lead service lines.
–Madison Gusler
or email
■ WEB
Courtesy Liberty
Teams from Liberty and the Village of Malverne visit a work site to discuss the progress of a project to replace 100-year-old water mains and improve service to customers.
Set
With new Time-of-Day Rates, 3 PM to 7 PM is now “me time.” By doing chores that use a lot of electricity before or after those hours on weekdays, you take advantage of the times when energy costs less to produce. So, think laundry at 12 PM. Read a book or catch up on emails at 4 PM. Dishes at 8 PM. It’s all about timing your savings and saving your time. Some of the appliances that use the most energy are shown below.
Learn more. Scan the QR code or go to psegliny.com/timeofday.
For the complete terms and conditions, go to psegliny.com/timeofday/terms.
Ra proposes extending the tax deadline
With the ongoing federal government shutdown leaving thousands of employees temporarily without pay, Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti and Assemblyman Ed Ra announced on Nov. 3 they will be working together to extend property tax payment deadlines for furloughed or nonpay federal workers.
Ra represents New York State’s 19th Assembly District, which includes East Meadow, Franklin Square, West Hempstead, Garden City, and Mineola.
Ra introduced state legislation authorizing local governments to grant up to a 90-day property tax payment extension for affected employees after the federal shutdown ends. This would ensure the federal employees are not penalized by late fees or interest while they go without pay.
“My priority has always been protecting Hempstead taxpayers,” Ferretti said. “Furloughed federal employees shouldn’t be penalized for missing a paycheck through no fault of their own. This plan gives them time to get back on track while we stand with them as a community.”
Ra said the proposal ensures local governments have the flexibility to deliver timely relief to residents affected by the shutdown.
“When government employees are furloughed, the impact reaches right into our neighborhoods,” Ra said.
“This legislation will allow towns like Hempstead to extend property tax deadlines and provide a safety net for families waiting for their paychecks to resume.”
Under the proposal, qualifying federal employees — as well as their spouses or domestic partners — who provide documentation of furlough or non-pay status would be eligible for a property tax payment extension. Payments made during the approved grace period
would be free from penalties and interest, and the measure would remain in effect through June 1, 2026, unless renewed by the State Legislature.
–Madison Gusler
Courtesy Office of Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti
Receiver of Taxes Jeanine C. Driscoll, left, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Town Supervisor John Ferrretti, and Assemblyman Ed Ra show their support for furloughed federal employees on Nov. 3.
LIPA chief discusses L.I.’s energy future
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
At the Long Island Association’s Energy and Environment Committee meeting on Nov. 5, Carrie Meek Gallagher, the new CEO of the Long Island Power Authority, spoke about the future of energy on Long Island.
“Energy is very significant to our economy, our businesses and just our way of life here on Long Island,” Matt Cohen, LIA president and CEO, said. LIA is a nonprofit association that works to ensure Long Island’s economic vitality.
Gallagher, who took over at LIPA from John Rhodes in June, spoke with dozens of energy experts and local business owners about her priorities for the public authority, which owns the electric transmission and distribution system serving Long Island and the Rockaway peninsula. She has over 25 years of experience
Gallagher said that her priorities are to ensure that there is a clean, reliable and affordable power supply, and to strengthen LIPA’s partnership with PSEG Long Island, which provides electrical service to customers.
“We need power — we need energy to run our economy,” she said. “We know affordability is really critical right now, so that’s something we’re continuing to
focus on.”
Entering contract negotiations with local and outof-state energy providers over the next three years, Gallagher said she is focused on cutting costs without impacting performance. She has also continued outreach about LIPA’s Time-of-Day program, which allows customers to choose when they use electricity, at varying rates.
Gallagher assured attendees that LIPA is prepared for days of high-energy demand. “We have enough capacity on any given day to meet even our peak demands,” she said.
Clean energy — which, she said, Long Island is very committed to — helps relieve the grid in times of high demand. South Fork Wind, she said, has been providing LIPA with power for over a year. She said that Long Island leads the state in solar installations, with nearly 100,000 customers and businesses receiving solar energy. While federal tax incentives for solar power will expire at the end of the year, Gallagher said that LIPA is working with state and local partners to create an alternative option for residents looking to go solar.
“Solar works here,” she said. “We know Long Islanders are willing to adopt it, and we want to continue that momentum, as it really does make a difference.”
According to the state Department of Public Service’s 2024 Electric Reliability Performance Report, Gallagher said, LIPA has outperformed all other overhead electric utilities in New York for five years. This shows that the agency has consistently provided energy to Long Islanders, and, she added, it continues to invest in ensuring that it can provide reliable and affordable service in the future.
Madison Gusler/Herald
Long Island Power Authority’s new CEO, Carrie Meek Gallagher, spoke at the Long Island Association’s Energy and Environment Committee meeting on Nov. 5.
HERALD SchoolS
Chestnut Street hosts annual Fall Festival
On Oct. 29, Chestnut Street School in West Hempstead celebrated the season with its annual Fall Festival, bringing together pre-K and kindergarten students for a day of outdoor fun and games.
The festival included a pumpkin patch, where students selected their own pumpkins to take home. Children also enjoyed classic fall games including a hula-hoop relay race, beanbag toss and pumpkin sweep.
Members of the West Hempstead Historical Society joined the event to share and display a collection of historical items relating to Chestnut Street School’s history. Students were invited to view the artifacts up close.
–Madison Gusler
On Oct. 29, students at Chestnut Street School in West Hempstead celebrated the season with its annual Fall Festival.
NewS briefS
of
Malverne students for suicide prevention
On Oct. 26, members of the Malverne High School Suicide Prevention Committee participated in the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk at Jones Beach. Organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the annual event brings communities together to raise awareness about suicide prevention, support those affected by suicide, and promote mental health education and advocacy.
Malverne students, staff and families walked to show solidarity, compassion and hope for a brighter future. Through their involvement, the Suicide Prevention Committee continues to spread an important message — that every life matters and together we can help prevent suicide.
–Madison Gusler
On Oct. 24, senior Benjamin Mora, right, met Grammy-winning flutist Brandon Patrick George.
Student meets Grammy-winning flutist
West Hempstead Secondary School senior Benjamin Mora had the opportunity to meet Grammy-winning flutist Brandon Patrick George on Oct. 24. Mora received a special invitation to Adelphi University’s Performing Arts Center where he observed George and received valuable tips for his own musical endeavors. Currently the flut-
ist of Imani Winds, George is also a soloist and chamber musician. He has been a guest artist with various orchestras such as the Atlanta, Baltimore and Albany symphonies, American Composers Orchestra, and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, among others.
Courtesy West Hempstead school district
Courtesy Malverne school district
Members
the Malverne High School Suicide Prevention Committee participated in the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk at Jones Beach.
–Madison Gusler
Courtesy West Hempstead school district
Isles awarded 2027 NHL All-Star Weekend
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
The next National Hockey League All-Star Game will be played at UBS Arena in Elmont.
For only the second time in franchise history, the New York Islanders will host the NHL’s All-Star game. The league announced Oct. 24 UBS Arena will be the site of the 2027 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend. The event is scheduled for Feb. 5, 6 and 7, and the weekend’s festivities will be broadcast by ESPN and ABC. Additional information on the midseason showcase, including ticketing and broadcast information, will be announced when available.
Islanders season ticket members will receive priority access to the event.
“We have been looking forward to UBS Arena playing host to one of our major League events since before construction of this wonderful arena began,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. “We have every confidence that the Islanders organization, led by Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky, will deliver a celebration that will make the greater New York region and the NHL proud.”
Tim Baker/Herald
UBS Arena in Elmont will host the NHL All-Star Weekend Feb. 5-7, 2027, the league announced Oct. 24.
The Islanders had originally been awarded the 2026 All-Star Weekend, but that was cancelled this past spring when the league decided not to hold the game in the same year as the Winter Olympic Games taking place in Milan, Italy. The idea then became to turn the weekend into a pre-Olympics event, but the NHL decided to nix that as well to allow players to focus on travel and preparation for the Olympics.
It is now expected each NHL Club will organize an Olympic Winter Games send-off for its respective players traveling to Italy, with more details to be announced in the near future.
Islanders forward Mathew Barzal, who has appeared in the NHL All-Star
Game three times (2019, 2020 and 2024) and in 2020 won the fastest skater competition, is excited about the event coming to Elmont.
“It’s exciting that the All-Star Game is coming to Long Island,” Barzal said. “UBS Arena is one of the best buildings in the league so it will be great to show off the dressing room and the amenities we have as players. It’s going to be great for our fans to see the best of the best take the ice on the island.”
Fans can sign up to receive news and updates on the 2027 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend by going to nhl.com/events/ all-star/nhl-all-star-weekend.
The NHL experienced a new wave of interest last winter when the traditional All-Star Game was replaced by the 4 Nations Face-Off, a four-team tournament contested by winners Canada, the United States, Sweden and Finland.
The 2027 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend will mark just the second time the Islanders will host NHL All-Star activities, with the first being the 1983 edition, featuring the Campbell Conference AllStars defeating the Wales Conference All-Stars 9-3, and Wayne Gretzky claiming NHL All-Star MVP honors at Nassau Coliseum with a then-record four goals. It’ll also mark the first All-Star Game in the state of New York since 1994, when the New York Rangers hosted it at Madison Square Garden.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR
NOV
13
Pickle tasting
West Hempstead Public Library holds pickle tasting for National Pickle Day. Taste kosher pickles from the Pickle People, vote for your favorite and find out which wins.
• Where: 500 Hempstead Ave.
• Time: 4 p.m.
• Contact: whplibrary.org or (516) 481-6591
Music Showdown
Ages 14-22 are invited to perform at Lakeview Public Library. Show off your musical talents or come cheer on your favorite. All are welcome to watch. Prizes awarded to winners.
• Where: 1120 Woodfield Road, Lakeview
• Time: 6-7:45 p.m.
• Contact: lakeviewlibrary.org or (516) 536-3071
NOV
15
‘Once Upon A Song!’
Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance. In this spirited show books in a library are brought to life in song and dance. A cast of 40 keeps the action moving along, with a live band and and a special appearance by Steve Mitchell as Elvis. The singers and dancers perform current hits, oldies and tunes from the Broadway stage, with a tribute to Woodstock and “Wicked.” With refreshments and post-show dancing until 1 A.M. Seating is night-club style at round tables. $30 per person, available in advance or at the door. Refreshments provided; guests can bring in your own food (just no pork or shellfish).
Get ready to enjoy all the thrills of the snowy season, while staying warm and cozy as Long Island Children’s Museum’s popular “Snowflake Sock Skating rink returns, Slip on “sock skates” and take a spin on the indoor rink, made from a high-tech synthetic polymer surface that lets kids slide around without blades. Kids can stretch, twirl and glide. As visitors step off the “ice” they can jump into winter dramatic play in Snowflake Village. Become a baker in the holiday sweet shop, step inside a giant snowman and serve up some hot cocoa, take a turn in the rink “ticket booth” and “warm up” around a rink side “fire pit.” With special opening weekend activities.
• Where: Museum Row,
BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet
‘Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical’ Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes back this delightful production, based on Mo Willems’ award-winning “Pigeon” picture books. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party. It’s not easy being the Pigeon — you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, this show is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Nov. 29, Dec. 3-Dec. 4
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
DEC
• Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: landmarkonmainstreet. org or (516) 767-6444
For 50 years, two-time Grammy winner BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been hailed as the best Cajun band in the world. The band has been making some of the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet. Born out of the rich Acadian ancestry of its members, and created and driven by bandleader Michael Doucets spellbinding fiddle playing and soulful vocals, BeauSoleil is notorious for bringing even the most staid audience to its feet. Their distinctive sound derives from the distilled spirits of New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, country and bluegrass, captivating listeners from the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans, to Carnegie Hall, then all the way across the pond to Richard Thompsons Meltdown Festival in England. They are joined on this special tour by their good friend Richard Thompson. An iconic figure in British folk-rock, Thompson is arguably the genre’s greatest triple threat: a dazzling guitarist, an outstanding songwriter, and a strong and evocative vocalist. As one of the founding members of the group Fairport Convention, Thompson would have a seismic impact on both U.K. folk and rock, incorporating elements of traditional music (most effectively on 1969’s Liege and Lief) in a way that sparked a new interest in authentic British folk. He left the group by age 21, which was followed by a decade long musical partnership with his then-wife Linda, to over 30 years as a highly successful solo artist. A wide range of musicians have recorded Thompson’s songs including Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, R.E.M., Sleater-Kinney, Del McCoury, Bonnie Raitt, Tom Jones, David Byrne, Don Henley, Los Lobos, and many more. Thompson wavered between acoustic projects (2005’s Front Parlour Ballads) and more robust full-band efforts (2013’s Electric), but despite his status as an elder statesman of the singer/songwriter community, he remained active and engaged as a writer and musician, releasing the powerful 13 Rivers in 2018, when he was 69-years-old. $75, $65, $55.
Garden City
• Time: Opening drop-in programs start at 1 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
NOV
16
Pictures with Santa
Santa visits the Malverne Historical and Preservation Society. Bring your own camera. $10 suggested donation per family. Pets are not allowed unless they are service animals.
• Where: Malverne Historical House, 369 Ocean Ave
• Time: 1-3 p.m.
• Contact: malvernehistory.org
Library concert
West Hempstead Public Library hosts Marc Berger’s “Ride.” Seating is on a first come basis.
• Where: 500 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Contact: whplibrary.org or (516) 481-6591
NOV 17 Library Board meets The West Hempstead Public Library Board of Trustees holds its
monthly meeting.
• Where: 500 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: whplibrary.org or (516) 481-6591
18
West Hempstead BOE Meeting
• Where: 1120 Woodfield Road, Lakeview
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: lakeviewlibrary.org or (516) 536-3071
NOV
7
Holiday at Halls West Hempstead Community Support Association invites all to the annual Holiday at Halls Children’s Party and Tree lighting ceremony. During the event Santa arrives on the Lakeview Fire Department Truck. Children can enjoy crafts, bouncy house, face painting, and hot chocolate and cookies. In case of inclement weather, this event will be moved to West Hempstead Secondary School’s North Campus lunchroom.
• Where: 671 Nassau Blvd. West Hempstead
• Time: 2- 5 p.m., tree lighting at 4:30 p.m.
Holiday Lighting Kick-Off
• Contact: President@ westhempsteadcivic.org
The West Hempstead Board of Education meets. Stay up to date with issues affecting the district.
• Where: West Hempstead Secondary School, 400 Nassau Blvd., West Hempstead
• Time: 7:30 p.m. NOV
Malverne BOE meets The Malverne Board of Education holds its monthly session.
• Where: Malverne Performing Arts Center, 80 Ocean Ave.
• Time: 8 p.m.
19
Lakeview Library Board meeting The Lakeview Public Library board of trustees holds its monthly meeting. NOV
22
The Village of Malverne begins the Holiday season with its Holiday Lighting Kick-Off and Downtown Decorating. Enjoy refreshments, live music, and a barbecue. Advance sign up required by Nov. 15.
• Where: Malverne LIRR
• Time: 10 a.m.-noon
• Contact: malvernevillage.org
NOV
28
Library book sale
West Hempstead Public Library invites all to check out books that you can keep forever in your home collection. Take home a bag of books for $1.
• Where: 500 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead
• Time: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Contact: whplibrary.org or (516) 481-6591
OLL Christmas Boutique Stop by Our Lady of Lourdes for a Christmas Boutique. Shop from local vendors, enjoy delicious food and bring the kids for fun holiday activties.
• Where: School Hall, 76 Park Blvd., Malverne
• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
NOV
Tax Forum at West Hempstead library
Hempstead Town Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll greeted Pedro and Sylvia Gueuara of West Hempstead during a Town of Hempstead Taxpayer Forum on October 17, 2025 at the West Hempstead Library. Driscoll explained to residents how they can lower their property tax bills by applying for tax exemption programs. She also provided an overview of new payment features, paperless billing, payment reminders, tax discounts and more.
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, November 14, 2025
Requirements: 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:
(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).
Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 21
Creative Tips
• Must use 8 1/2 x 11” unlined paper, copy paper or construction paper.
• Be creative & original.
• Use bright colors.
• Fill the entire page.
Courtesy Town of Hempstead
Baking Company in malverne, and Benjamin ng, owner of paymore West Hempstead, received Chamber of Commerce Businessperson of the Year award for their respective Chambers.
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL ELECTION
WEST HEMPSTEAD FIRE DISTRICT
December 09, 2025
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that the Annual Election of the West Hempstead Fire District will take place on Tuesday, December 09, 2025 between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M. at the Fire Headquarters Building located at 295 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, New York, for the purpose of electing one (1) Commissioner for a five (5) year term, commencing January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2030. All duly registered voters residing in the West Hempstead Fire District shall be eligible to vote. Residents must be registered to vote with the Nassau County Board of Elections by November 17, 2025, twenty-three (23) days before December 09, 2025 and be a resident of the Fire District for 30 days preceding the election in order to be eligible to vote.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that Candidates for District office shall file their names in proscribed petition form with the District Clerk of the West Hempstead Fire District at the Fire
District Office located at 295 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, New York, no later than November 19, 2025, twenty (20) days before the date of such election. Said petition is available from the District Clerk, and must include the signatures of at least 25 registered voters of the Fire District.
Christine Raymond District Clerk West Hempstead Fire District 156784
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 11/19/2025 at 9:30 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.
Small business owners honored by Chamber
ness owners, then the businesses in the community become stronger, and money stays in the community. So it’s important for us to build the businesses.”
Ng was named West Hempstead’s Businessperson of the Year. His PayMore, on Hempstead Turnpike, is part of a chain that buys, sells, trades and recycles used electronics in neighborhood stores. He has helped the community recycle more than 2,000 devices in just over a year. With over 15 years in the retail industry, Ng’s leadership has driven the company’s growth and expansion.
He discovered PayMore when he and a friend were discussing franchise business opportunities on Facebook, and the conversation persuaded him to become a franchisee. Looking ahead, Ng’s vision for PayMore West Hempstead includes expanding its reach into other locations on Long Island and Queens, and continuing to lead the way in repurposing used electronics for better use.
“I have not only witnessed his commitment to his store, but to the community at large,” Anderson said. “He is involved. He’s excited to be a part of the chamber. He has a willingness to better the West Hempstead community.”
Fitzpatrick, who has always enjoyed baking, created baked goods that mimicked widely available treats so her son wouldn’t feel left out or restricted by his dietary needs. Family members and friends enjoyed them as well, and would ask Fitzpatrick to bring enough for everyone at a party to enjoy.
“More and more people were asking for items, (so) I was able to turn it into an official business,” she said. Fitzpatrick received a home processing registration from the state that allows her to sell her goods as retail in agricultural farm venues, and in 2023 she established Rare Treats.
Everything she sells is dairy- and nut-free, and she also makes glutenfriendly and egg-free items, and can accommodate other dietary restrictions upon request. “The number of food allergies and restrictions for kids is just so high,” Fitzpatrick said. “For me to be able to support people locally who have those restrictions is just really important to me.”
586/25. - 588/25. WEST
HEMPSTEAD - C & R Studios, Inc. c/o Brenda Picone, Renewal of grants to maintain retail store in Res. “B” district; Maintain retail store & single family dwelling attached thereto in Res. “B” district; Waive offstreet parking., W/s Nassau Blvd., 56.55’ N/o Jefferson St., a/k/a 666 Nassau Blvd. 592/25. WEST
HEMPSTEAD - Elianna & Barry Bazian, Variances, lot area occupied, side yards aggregate, construct dwelling (demolish existing dwelling)., N/s Colonade Rd., 97.64’ W/o Linder Pl., a/k/a 680 Colonade Rd. THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M.
609/25. WEST
HEMPSTEAD - Prit M. & Harbans Singh, Variances, subdivision of lot, side yards aggregate, maintain dwelling on a lesser lot (demolish existing garage) Plot A (Rehearing of case # 664/23)., N/s Maple St., 125’ E/o Kent Pl., a/k/a 603 Maple St. 610/25. WEST
HEMPSTEAD - Prit M. & Harbans Singh, Variances, subdivision of lot, front width from & on street line part of the distance to front setback line, construct dwelling with garage
(Plot B) (Re-hearing of case # 665/23)., N/s Maple St., 200’ E/o Kent Pl. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in West Hempstead within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.
Fitzpatrick was the Malverne chamber’s choice for Businessperson of the year. Her Rare Treats Baking Company, is a home-based, dairy-free and nut-free bakery. She launched the business after her son Logan was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic inflammation of the esophagus.
“When he was diagnosed back in 2019, we were told he couldn’t have foods with certain nuts and foods that contained dairy products,” Fitzpatrick explained. “So I started to create treats for him that we could bring to birthday parties, holidays and other events so I knew they were safe for him to eat.”
Rare Treats products can be found at Kookaburra Coffee Company and in the farm store at Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s. Several other local businesses, including Collective Beauty Skincare Studio and Believer Hands Nail & Spa, offer Fitzpatrick’s baked goods as part of their packages.
“We couldn’t be prouder to see one of Malverne’s own recognized for her hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to our community,” Malverne Chamber President Elizabeth Krull wrote to the Herald.
Fitzpatrick is currently preparing to launch a consulting arm of Rare Treats to help food establishments strengthen their allergy protocols and create safer, more welcoming dining experiences. For more about her consulting or baking, visit www.raretreatsbaking.com or email raretreatsbaking@gmail.com.
News brief
Puppy Yoga raises money for animal rescue
Peaceful Yoga in Malverne held two sold-out Puppy Yoga classes in October, raising $900 to support Pawsitive Possibilities Rescue, Inc.
Pawsitive Possibilities Rescue, Inc. is a Lindenhurst-based organization dedicated to saving and re-homing dogs in need.
Participants enjoyed an afternoon of gentle yoga surrounded by six playful, adoptable puppies.
The event not only offered students a chance to unwind, but to help raise awareness and learn about animal adoption and the work of Pawsitive Possibilities Rescue, Inc.
“We wanted to create something that lifted people’s spirits while giving back to a cause that deeply matters,” Mari-
anne Bochilo, owner of Peaceful Yoga, said. “The love and laughter in the room was contagious, and knowing it helped support these amazing animals made it even more special.”
All proceeds from the event were donated to Pawsitive Possibilities Rescue, Inc. to assist with veterinary care, food and shelter for the rescued dogs.
Peaceful Yoga plans to host another Puppy Yoga session in the near future. For more information about Peaceful Yoga or any upcoming community events, visit PeacefulYoga.net.
–Madison Gusler
Continued from page 1
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Stephanie f itzpatrick, owner of the rare treats
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Costs have gone up how much?
Q. We’re wondering what to do, whether to act now or wait to redo our kitchen and bathroom. We got estimates last spring, but thought we should wait because of the way the economy is going. Our contractor now says costs may have doubled since then. How can that be? We know some materials have gone up, but enough to nearly double? What are you seeing, since you’re involved in this, and are there any suggestions you can make? Our bathroom plumbing is leaking and our kitchen is at least 70 years old, with cabinet doors that are ready to fall off the hinges. Is there any reason to wait?
A. I doubt that, for the foreseeable future, you’ll get a great price to do the work you describe, unfortunately. We’re experiencing a “perfect storm” event in slow motion, and unless people start making themselves heard by either voicing their concerns to those with power or responding by not paying the higher prices, this spiral of rising costs is going to take time to reverse.
There are many parts to any project. Let’s start with planning. I’ve seen that many people naively believe they can just hire somebody or do the job themselves. They believe that within the walls of their home they can do anything. Well, you can — until you get caught. When trucks with a company name, a dumpster or a delivery are spotted in front of your house, a roaming official may show up to inspect, then give you an unreasonable time frame, like 14 to 30 days, to get plans submitted by a licensed architect or engineer or face fines. So you hire the professional and, little by little, learn of things you didn’t know you needed, like a permit for your air conditioning and higher costs for insulation to pass the energy code. Your design professional must submit a detailed set of energy-compliance pages showing how your new work will meet strict requirements. These are already three expenses you may not have expected. A fourth extra cost could be for legalizing, with a time-involved zoning variance, the outdoor A.C. unit if the installers never bothered to check or inform you that where they put the unit won’t pass local zoning requirements, and they avoided the permit you now need.
Now you’re ready for estimates. One will be almost double the others, because competition does that. But you want great quality and Americanmade. So the price rises back up to nearly the level of the higher bidder. Why? Labor increased due to obvious shortages of employees who will work for less. Materials were affected by tariff reactions, and energy costs have risen. Many homeowners are trying to get work done in a mild panic, so demand causes shortages in supplies, which were just catching up after the pandemic.
It may take a groundswell of people choosing not to do work to change things, but historically, prices won’t drop significantly. Good luck!
Local triumphs on a night Republicans didn’t expect
nassau County Republicans scored outstanding victories in last week’s elections, which, with the other exception of our neighbors in Suffolk County, were a political disaster for Republicans across the country. And those Nassau victories didn’t come easily, or without tension. Anyone who has ever jumped into the political caldron and run for elective office knows the surreal experience and anxiety of election night. Everything that could have been done has been done. It’s all over but the waiting — for either the joy of victory or the agony of defeat.
As is the tradition under county party Chairman Joe Cairo, Republicans held their electionnight gathering at the Coral House in Baldwin. The crowd began gathering about 8:30 p.m., a half-hour before the polls closed. Within an hour, the ballroom was filled to capacity. In a private room at the rear of the building, candidates and party leaders waited to receive and analyze vote tallies from the hamlets, villages, towns and cities that
comprise the nation’s oldest suburbs.
In the lead-up to election night, Nassau Republicans were as upbeat as they could be. The ticket was led by Bruce Blakeman, who was seeking re-election as county executive after a very successful first term. Blakeman had held the line on taxes and, most important, the county was judged the safest in America. Amid growing concern that the anti-police proposals of the favorite to become New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani, would increase the crossover crime from Queens into Nassau, Blakeman’s proven propolice, anti-crime policies had strongly resonated with the Nassau electorate. To buttress his strong law-and-order stand, there were District Attorney Anne Donnelly, a career prosecutor, and Police Commissioner Pat Ryder, who stood 24/7 with his men and women in blue.
Tmore than an outside chance. Instead, barely an hour after the polls closed, Democrat Abigail Spanberger was declared the winner in what appeared to be a landslide. Not a good omen.
he election wasn’t proving to be the quick knockout that we anticipated.
But New Jersey would be different, we thought. Polls had shown Republican Jack Ciattarelli closing the gap on Democrat Mikie Sherrill (whom I’d served with in Congress). The final pre-election polls showed Sherrill with just a 2-point lead, and Ciattarelli having all the momentum. Instead, as soon as the state’s polls closed, Sherrill jumped to an immediate lead, which steadily grew.
was always a commanding presence at these moments, had not yet appeared. Shortly after 10 p.m., he entered the room, explaining that he was “under the weather” and been feeling rotten all day. He did, however, have numbers showing that with about 60 percent of the votes counted, Republicans were holding all our current offices, and might possibly pick up one or two more. There was a huge sigh of relief.
But all did not go smoothly on election night. The Nassau results came in slowly, so our attention was focused on the governors’ races in New Jersey and Virginia as possible indicators of what Nassau’s results might be. While the Virginia race had been expected to lean Democratic, Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears was thought to have
Then, just after 9 p.m., there was more bad news. Mamdani was headed to a clear victory over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, as Curtis Sliwa siphoned off votes that might have made the difference. In Nassau the votes were still barely trickling in, and all we could see was a blue wave everywhere. There was a feeling of foreboding about what might await us amid reports that the turnout in some Republican areas had been less than expected. This night wasn’t proving to be the quick knockout victory that had been anticipated.
Adding to the concern, Cairo, who
Cairo cautioned, though, that the night wasn’t over until all the votes were counted, saying, “There’s nothing more meaningless than the score at halftime.” About a half-hour later, he returned to announce that the Republican trend had continued. In fact, we had swept every contested seat on the City Council in Long Beach, where Democratic voters have a 7-1 majority, for the first time since 1971.
About 11:30, led by Blakeman and Cairo, Republicans made their way through the Coral House ballroom onto the stage to claim victory, to acknowledge the roaring crowd and to thank them for their efforts and support.
Another election night was in the books. It wasn’t easy, but the blue wave had been stopped at the Nassau border!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Getting elected looks easy. Governing is the hard part.
The die is cast. New York City will have a new mayor, Zohran Mamdani. But it’s one thing to campaign for public office, and another thing altogether to run one of the biggest cities in the world, with a demanding populace and innumerable challenges. It reminds me of the Robert Redford movie
“The Candidate.”
On the morning after he succeeds in winning his senatorial election, Redford’s character, Bill McKay, asks,
“What do we do now?”
Having observed a number of mayoral contests, I feel qualified to opine on what first steps a new mayor must take that will make or break his years in office. While there are many positions that Mamdani must fill starting Jan. 1, the most important one is budget director. New York City has a somewhat shaky financial picture, and having someone who can crunch the numbers and package the spending plan will be life or death for him.
The next-most-visible job is that of police commissioner. The New York City Police Department currently has an intelligent and respected leader in Jessica Tisch, who has served with distinction since November 2024. Prior to that she was commissioner of the city Department of Sanitation, where she won the respect of union leaders, who admired her smarts and her approach to the job.
M amdani, like
Robert Redford’s Bill McKay, may wonder, ‘What do we do now?’
At this stage, Tisch has nothing new to prove. She works well with the police rank-and-file, and has never run afoul of law enforcement unions. She could easily take a job in the private sector and get a big pat on the back for a job well done. On the other hand, she may be willing to continue in the police commissioner’s job until such time as the mayor asks her to take some action that she finds objectionable. Mamdani hasn’t offered many opinions on how the Police Department should operate, other than suggesting that mental health professionals should accompany officers on patrol on calls involving people with mental health issues. He hasn’t offered any opinions on such programs as Stop and Frisk, or
on departmental staffing levels. During the mayoral campaign, both former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mamdani pledged to hire 5,000 new patrolmen, a pledge easier made than accomplished. The city needs thousands of new police officers to replace the large number who have opted to retire in recent years, but building up the department isn’t an easy job. Because of the city’s low starting salaries, the pay is unattractive. Many current members of the department have decided to take jobs in the suburbs, where entry-level pay is typically much higher. A new mayor can make all kinds of promises, but the key to getting new cops is higher pay, and as few policy challenges as possible. An overbearing mayor with too many liberal policies will chill the force’s future.
One of the city’s current weaknesses is its Law Department. The corporation counsel’s office is badly in need of staff to handle the thousands of challenges it faces annually. There are about a thousand people in the department, but because it’s understaffed, taxpayers wind up paying a price in lost cases.
I’ve heard a variety of views about Mayor Eric Adams’s record in office, and there’s no question that he has had a number of ethical issues. Key commissioners and their assistants have been forced to resign due to conflicts and questionable actions. His most ardent supporters claim that the ethics issues have been overstated, but the record is there for everyone to examine, and it doesn’t look good.
The path forward for the new mayor will be most challenging. He is a neophyte, and knows nothing about the city’s true challenges. If he chooses qualified people for his administration, their successes will speak for themselves. If he makes serious mistakes, the Republican establishment will broadcast to the entire world that “we told you so.” Even though Nassau is a borderline county and Suffolk is even more distant, we need a New York City that has low crime rates and is fiscally sound. An old political sage once told me that “when New York City sneezes, Long Island catches a cold.” Let’s hope the adage doesn’t hold true.
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.
Malverne/West
Also serving Lakeview
Incorporating:
Hochul must sign police radio access bill
at a time when we are grappling with an erosion of public trust, a new threat to transparency is emerging. Across New York, police departments are encrypting their radio systems — cutting off journalists, and, by extension, the public, from critical, real-time information.
It’s not just a press freedom issue. It’s a public safety issue.
From Atlantic Beach to Babylon, Long Islanders deserve to know what’s happening in their communities, especially during moments of crisis — a school lockdown, a shooting or a natural disaster. Instead, we are increasingly forced to rely on rumor, fragmented updates or, worse, no information at all.
In the age of social media misinformation, that’s not just frustrating. It’s dangerous.
Fortunately, state lawmakers have passed a bill that seeks to reverse this perilous trend. The legislation, S.416/A.3516, sponsored by two Democrats in the Legislature, Sen. Mike Gianaris and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes, would guarantee credentialed journalists secure, real-time access to encrypted police radio communications.
It is now on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk, awaiting her signature. She must sign it.
letters
Let’s hear about the other sides of Trump, Peter King
To the Editor:
I have always respected Peter King’s political opinions, although I may not have agreed with some of them. I especially appreciate his efforts in bringing about the Good Friday Agreement and peace in Northern Ireland in the late 1990s.
In his op-ed in the Oct. 30-Nov. 5 issue, “Trump has written the first chapter of a new Mideast history,” King praises President Trump, and rightly so, for his excellent work in bringing together a number of countries and leaders to bring an end to the horrific war in Gaza. Let’s hope it holds. Now, I hope King devotes a column to Trump’s actions (or lack thereof) and behavior as our “domestic” president. We are currently more than 40 days into a government shutdown in which military personal and federal workers are not being paid (but Congress is!), 42 million people have lost most of their SNAP benefits and health insurance prices will double in January. Surely our president could use his power — and he loves doing that — to bring solutions to these important issues. He could order his puppet, Mike Johnson, the speaker of the
For nearly a century, journalists have monitored police radio frequencies and alerted the public to developing emergencies. That’s how people on Long Island and beyond have learned about major accidents, crimes in progress and natural disasters. In some cases, lives have been saved thanks to timely, verified information reported by local media.
Now that lifeline is being cut off.
Proponents of encryption argue that it protects sensitive information and personal privacy. That’s a valid concern — but this legislation addresses it. Under the bill, access would be password-protected, monitored and limited to credentialed journalists. Reporters would not be able to transmit on the channels or interfere in any way. If anyone were to abuse the privilege, his or her access would be revoked. Critically sensitive communications would remain encrypted.
This is not about giving journalists a backstage pass to law enforcement. It’s about making sure the public isn’t left in the dark when seconds count.
We’ve already seen the consequences of delayed information. In Chicago, a delay in releasing police communications during a courthouse shooting in July prevented timely warnings to the
public.
Police departments that initially embraced full encryption are rethinking the policy. In 2022, the Palo Alto Police Department, in California, reversed its policy of encrypting police radio communications and restored real-time access for the public and the press. The reversal came after the department had encrypted its radio feeds in January 2021, citing a state memo that required the protection of personal identifying information.
New York should learn from that example. At a time when trust in institutions is fragile, blocking information — especially during emergencies — only fuels suspicion and confusion. It invites misinformation to fill the vacuum, and puts lives at risk.
Journalists are not adversaries of public safety. In many cases, they are its allies, helping to get accurate information to people who need it. Whether it’s a car crash that shuts down the Southern State Parkway or a threat that necessitates a school lockdown, the public has a right to know — and know quickly.
Hochul has long described herself as a defender of open government and transparency. Now she has a chance to prove it.
House, to reconvene Congress, negotiate and end this disgrace.
Also, I hope King will address the president’s manner and words in dealing with people. Shouldn’t a president try to unite people, and not mock and insult them, as he
has done on many, many occasions and probably will continue to do?
I look forward to those columns.
JIM HAWKINS Baldwin
opinions When Long Island changed history
Long Island is well known for its beaches, the Hamptons, our pizza places and diners. But we harbor certain secrets — places where generally unknown events shaped history in big ways.
I stumbled on one several years ago, and it triggered the writing of my newest novel, “The Einstein Conspiracy.” It’s a historic thriller based on actual events that occurred on Long Island just as the world was descending into World War II. The secret I uncovered was actually hidden in plain sight: a modest cottage overlooking a harbor on the North Fork. I’d read that Albert Einstein rented the home in the summer of 1939, and there he composed a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt that changed the world.
The letter itself is well known to followers of Einstein. He and a colleague,
Letters
We need journalists now more than ever
To the Editor:
Your editorial in the Oct. 16-22 issue, “Real journalists, reporting real stories,” on the vital importance of journalism, resonated with me. I subscribe to three newspapers: the Herald, Newsday and the Daily News. I am a strong believer in the First Amendment, and the power and freedom of the press. We need you now more than ever.
The skepticism for the media lies in the current regime’s constantly labeling it “fake news.” It’s only “fake” when it doesn’t conform to the regime’s edicts. The man in the White House is unilaterally imposing his will, bullying universities, corporations, law firms and the press, and sending troops into states to suppress crime that doesn’t exist.
Our democracy is fragile. We must continue to use our voices and peacefully protest the eroding of our rights and freedoms, the inhumane treatment of non-criminal immigrants, and so much more, lest we become an autocracy. I will continue to support the press, and I thank you for your truth, integrity, honesty and hard work.
MARGUERITE WESTBROOk Lynbrook
Leo Szilard, drafted it to warn FDR that Germany was researching the production of an atomic bomb, and that the science of a chain reaction leading to massive destruction was feasible. At that point, the Holocaust was expanding in intensity, and Germany was planning war across Europe. While an atom bomb in Hitler’s arsenal was unthinkable, the United States government had no serious research program.
A
My fascination with that cottage ignited the spinning of my own imagination. I spent two years researching Einstein’s stay on Long Island. He arrived on the North Fork on May 1, 1939, right after giving a speech on opening night of the World’s Fair in Flushing. He brought his rickety 14-foot sailboat, which was named Tinef — Yiddish for junk, trash or rubbish. He sailed the Peconic, shopped locally, strolled on the beach at Nassau Point, played the violin with the neighbors. Einstein’s life wasn’t entirely idyllic. He had fled deadly persecution by the
Nazis, including several threats on his life. In America he sought freedom and tolerance. But it wasn’t long before Hitler’s dark shadow reached him.
fter Albert Einstein spent some quality time in a cottage here, we built the bomb.
In February 1939, a proNazi rally in Madison Square Garden attracted 20,000 people. In Yaphank, 32 miles from Einstein’s North Fork cottage, the Aryan residents of a restricted neighborhood flew swastika flags, trained children to be American storm troopers and named their roads after Hitler, Goebbels and Goering. The community campgrounds were used for pro-Nazi demonstrations and rallies. They were so popular that the Long Island Rail Road ran a train from Penn Station called the Camp Siegfried Special. Meanwhile, in New York City, the FBI pursued an extensive, widespread network of Nazi spies seeking to penetrate our military facilities, defense plants and government offices.
As a member of Congress, I occasionally dabbled in the arts of spin and embellishment. The skill came in handy
FrAmework by Tim Baker
in the writing of “The Einstein Conspiracy.” In the weeks after my first encounter with the old Einstein cottage — now privately owned — I began my own spinning of a novel that pits two FBI agents against a Nazi undercover agent trying to stop Einstein from warning Roosevelt about Hitler’s bomb. It’s based on real places, people and events.
Nearly three months after Einstein and Szilard began drafting their letter, it was finally delivered to FDR on their behalf. A mutual friend insisted on reading it aloud in the Oval Office. The president responded, “What you are after is to see that the Nazis don’t blow us up.” That night, a committee was formed to coordinate a response. An embryonic atomic research program was organized to race Adolf Hitler to an atom bomb.
In time, it became known as the Manhattan Project.
Conceived right here, on Long Island.
Steve Israel represented Long Island in Congress for 16 years, and now owns Theodore’s Books in Oyster Bay. Information on his latest novel is available at einsteinconspiracy.com. He is currently on a national book tour.
NOVEMBER 19 • 5:30-9:00PM
The Heritage Club at Bethpage
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
ISAO “SAMMY” KOBAYASHI PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CANON U.S.A., INC.
ELECTRIC
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
ISAO “SAMMY” KOBAYASHI
President & CEO
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ACCOUNTING
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Managing Partner
EY Long Island Office
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Chief People Officer
CLA
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EDUCATION
EDWARD T. BONAHUE, PH.D.
President
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MARIA CONZATTI, PH.D.
Chief Administrative Officer
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RACQUEL A. BROWN
Associate Dean Administrative & Fiscal Affairs
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TIMOTHY E. SAMS, PH.D.
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Managing Attorney
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RONALD FATOULLAH, ESQ.
CELA , Chair Elder Law Practice Group, Partner Trusts & Estates Practice Group Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP
