Massapequa Herald 07_23_2025

HERALD Massapequa ___________

pOsT

Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge

MFD fights on numerous fronts July 4

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The Massapequa Fire Department had a busy July 4th, responding to several fires before and after marching in the Massapequa Park Village’s Independence Day Parade.

The day’s work began at 6:50 a.m. with a report of a car fire on Sunrise Highway. After handling the incident, firefighters joined the village parade. Shortly after the parade concluded around 11:30 a.m., they responded to a mutual aid request from the South Farmingdale Fire Department.

Later that evening, at 10:30 p.m., Massapequa firefighters were dispatched to a house fire on East Cedar Street. First-arriv-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

‘Shootout for Soldiers’ lacrosse marathon raises over $100K for veterans

By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent

TThe 11th Long Island edition of the “Shootout for Soldiers” lacrosse marathon drew 55 teams and raised more than $100,000 for veterans-related charities during a 24-hour event held July 8–9 at the Field of Dreams in East Massapequa.

The annual fundraiser featured back-to-back one-hour games beginning at 8 a.m., with teams representing either the “Free” or the “Brave.” The cumulative score from all games reflected the spirit of unity and competition. Participants ranged from youth players and high school athletes to college

students, adults and senior citizens.

Special one-hour games were held for veterans, wheelchair athletes, and goalies—who played out of position in an “AllGoalie Game” that delighted spectators.

This year’s shootout kicked off with a matchup between the Pequa 2030 team—a group of Massapequa middle school girls and alumni of the Massapequa Mohawk Program—and the True 30B team of middle school girls from South Huntington, Commack, West Islip, Wantagh and other Long Island communities.

Pequa 2030 was coached by Frank D’Agostino, who had

begun working with the team when the players were in first grade as part of the Massapequa PAL Program. D’Agostino, a longtime supporter of the event and participant in every Long Island Shootout since its inception, also played in a late-night game this year as part of the Pequa Dads, a team he founded five years ago.

Notable youth teams included the Sharpshooters, a ninthgrade girls’ travel team with players from Oceanside, Rockville Centre, Lindenhurst and other South Shore communities, and the Hitmen, a Seafordbased team of middle school boys. Hitmen coach Andrew Searing said he was proud to

have his team participate in an event supporting veterans.

First responder teams were also featured, including contests between Suffolk and Nassau County police departments, NYPD and FDNY, and a game between the NYPD women’s team and the Pequa Moms. Some games were canceled due to lightning late in the event.

At 5 p.m., play paused for

a special ceremony honoring Long Island Vietnam veterans. Twenty veterans were presented with recognition medals in a program chaired by retired U.S. Air Force Col. Bill Stratemeier, treasurer of the Long Island Air Force Association.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino captured the spirit of the event in his remarks.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Car blaze, parade, house fires keep MFD volunteers busy on July 4

ing chiefs Conor McCaffrey and Robert Kennedy reported that the fire began on the home’s exterior and had spread inside. Initial reports indicated that no one was home at the time.

“Despite that, firefighters went inside the home to check for occupants, but determined that no one was at home,” said Fire Chief Jeffrey Friedland, who arrived shortly after the fire began and assumed command at the scene.

Approximately 70 personnel responded, including mutual aid from the Seaford, Amityville, and South Farmingdale fire departments. The fire was brought under control in about 90 minutes. No injuries were reported.

Less than 45 minutes after clearing the East Cedar Street scene, firefighters were dispatched to Fairview Road, where a homeowner reported a fire on the exterior of his house.

The fire was extinguished by the homeowner before firefighters arrived. Crews determined the fire had been contained to the siding, which sustained significant damage. The cause remains under investigation.

“The volunteers did a tremendous job during a grueling day, protecting lives and property,” Friedland said. He also thanked the assisting departments for their support.

Field of Dreams marathon raises over $100K for veterans charities

“We are a community that stands tall for the American flag and thanks God for our troops,” Saladino said. “That’s what today is about.”

Also in attendance were Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy, Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand, and State Assemblyman Steve Stern.

“Shootout for Soldiers” began in Baltimore in 2012; Long Island joined in 2014. The 2025 event is one of eight nationwide, with additional shootouts taking place in Baltimore, Kansas City, Virginia, Ohio, Massachusetts, Colorado and Canandaigua, N.Y.

The Long Island event is co-chaired

by Mike Nelson and Tom Campolettano, with support from Chair Emeritus Harry Jacobs, who founded the Long Island edition. Nelson praised this year’s turnout and the Field of Dreams venue.

“It fits our needs very well, and we’re happy to be here,” he said.

This year’s proceeds will benefit the Long Island Air Force Association, Strongpoint Theinert Ranch—a veteran wellness retreat in New Mexico—and the Warrior Ranch Foundation, which offers equine-assisted therapy for veterans.

For more information on the program go to: shootoutforsoldiers.com.

After 40 years of serving as your trusted financial advisor, I am excited to share an important update about my practice. I have joined Lebenthal Financial Services, Inc., an independent broker-dealer based in Jericho, NY, to better serve my clients with expanded resources and greater flexibility.

My commitment remains the same, guided by these core principles:

Understanding your unique financial goals

Researching and recommending the best solutions

Providing ongoing guidance to help you achieve financial success

By joining Lebenthal, I now have:

Access to a wider range of financial products and services

Financial planning services at no additional cost

Greater flexibility to select the most suitable solutions for you

A broader array of investment options to diversify and strengthen your portfolio

I look forward to this next chapter and continuing to help you achieve your financial goals.

Contact Me: 516-606-5752 | Email Me: GSlavin@lebenthal.com

Learn More: lebenthalfinancial.com | lebenthal.com

Nassau, Suffolk police officers honored at Sagamore Hill

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Nassau County Police Officer Alexa Crimaudo knew something was wrong with her body.

She was experiencing body aches, exhaustion and constant illness. After months of trying to solve what was wrong with her body, a CT scan revealed enlarged lymph nodes in her chest. She found out through a pet scan in June 2024 that the nodes were enlarged also in her neck..

Crimaudo was diagnosed with stage 2 classic Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in July of that year; she had to decide between treating the cancer right away or delaying it to begin in vitro fertilization. She chose to move forward with IVF last August, but had to be hospitalized for five days for pain management because of a complication known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. That’s a painful condition resulting from an exaggerated response to excess hormones used to stimulate egg growth, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Crimaudo then began chemotherapy two days after her August 20 release from Winthrop Hospital and completed her treatment in November 2024. During her three months of chemotherapy, she only used eight sick days; she was told that her cancer was in remission in December of last year.

Crimaudo and Suffolk County Police Detective Timothy Thrane were the 31st recipients of this year’s Theodore Roosevelt Police Award. The award is given annually by the Theodore Roosevelt Association to police officers nationwide who have overcome significant adversity similar to how Roosevelt overcame the severe asthma that plagued him as a child through

improving his lifestyle and dedicating himself to physical fit-ness.

The two law enforcement officials were honored at a recent ceremony at Sagamore Hill, attended by elected officials as well as the commissioners and members of each police department.

“Alexa, we are so proud of you, because you had to endure these treatments and this terrible, terrible ill-ness,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. “You overcame it and you did it with bravery, dedication, and distinction.”

“The courage it takes to wear this uniform each day is only matched by the strength it takes to rise up after being knocked down,” Crimaudo said. She thanked her family, friends and members of the Nassau County Police Department.

Thrane, the Suffolk award recipient, was struck by a drunk driver in November 2021. He sustained several serious injuries after being hit, including a skull fracture, a life-threatening brain bleed, fractures in his arm as well as hand and torn knee ligaments.

Thrane spent nearly a month in a coma after suffering setbacks from his surgeries. He returned to work full time in October 2022 and was promoted to detective in November 2023.

“This is an event I look forward to each and every year, and it’s supported by so many citizens in and around Long Island,” Jonathan Parker, superintendent of the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site said.

He described Sagamore Hill as “a home that was deeply active as to the local community” and added that “home, family, honor, public service” were core values held.

CRIME WATCH

The following incidents have been reported by the Nassau County Police Department’s 7th and 8th precincts and other law enforcement and emergency service units.

STORE THEFTS

Massapequa—Police report that an unknown person removed 75 electrical outlets from 45 Anchor Drive July 2. The incident was reported at 6 p.m.

•Three Steel Series headsets were stolen from Game Stop at 6150 Sunrise Hwy., July 6. The theft was reported at 4:15 p.m.,

North Massapequa—Hamburgers and buns were stolen from Stop & Shop supermarket at 702 Hicksville Road July 2. The report of the theft was filed at 2 p.m.

Massapequa Park: An assortment of items, a description of which was not filed with the police report, were stolen from DXL Big and Tall at 5000 Sunrise Highway July 5.

South Farmingdale—An assortment of items, a description of which was not noted by police in their report, was stolen from Stop & Shop at 55 Motor Avenue. July 7. The theft was reported at 8:20 a.m.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Farmingdale: Someone damaged the front door at an apartment complex at 400 Main Street July 2. No other damage was noted and there was no entry to the apartment.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Cops charge NYC man in elaborate scam bilking local woman out of $260K

A 79-year-old Massapequa woman was defrauded of more than $260,000 in an elaborate scam involving fake emails, phone calls and multiple in-person pickups of gold coins, Nassau County police reported last week.

A New York City man has been charged in the incident.

The victim told police she first received a suspicious email on May 1, 2025, claiming to be from PayPal and stating she had been charged $364. Believing the message to be legitimate, she called the customer service number listed and spoke with an unknown man who directed her to download an app called RNVC Connect.

While on the app, the caller told her a $50,000 overpayment had been made to her account and instructed her to return the money in the form of gold coins. The woman went to her bank, wired $50,000 to a coin dealer, picked up the coins, and brought them home. On May 9, a man came to her residence and collected the gold.

The scam escalated. On May 14, the victim was contacted again and told

more money was owed. She withdrew additional funds and purchased $171,600 in gold coins. A different man picked up those coins at her home on May 19.

A third request came on May 30, when the woman was instructed to buy another $41,000 worth of gold, which was picked up by yet another individual. It was after this transaction that she realized she had been scammed and contacted the police.

Following an investigation by the Electronics Squad Fraud and Forgery Section, police arrested Siarhei Radyna, 49, of Prall Avenue in Staten Island. He was charged with second-degree grand larceny and was scheduled to be arraigned July 11 at First District Court in Hempstead.

The Nassau County Police Department is urging the public to stay alert and talk to elderly family members, friends and neighbors about the risk of scams and fraud.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim should contact the Nassau County Fraud and Forgery Squad at 516573-2815 or call 911. All calls are anonymous.

Summer sports camps are skill-based in Massapequa

The start of the fall season may still be several weeks away, but the athletic facilities in the Massapequa School District are still getting plenty of use. The popular Summer Sports Camps ensure that children gain foundational skills in more than a dozen sports.

The five-week program runs from June 30 to Aug. 1, with a majority of camps lasting one week. Sports include baseball, basketball, cheerleading, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, track and field, volleyball and wrestling. There is also a speed and agility camp for high school athletes that focuses on fitness training.

Most camps take place on the fields or in the gymnasiums at Massapequa High School and Berner Middle School. The programs are led by coaches of the respective sports as well as current and former Chiefs athletes. They work with youngsters to teach the fundamentals of each sport, and organize games that allow them to put their skills into practice through competition.

The everyday first aid tips that could save a

Knowing basic first aid could mean the difference between life and death in many emergency situations, according to first aid expert Blake Steinson.

“Basic first aid knowledge allows people to act quickly during an emergency before professional help arrives,” Steinson said. “Most serious incidents happen at home or in familiar surroundings where immediate action can save someone’s life.”

Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shows that proper first aid training helps individuals recognize potential hazards and respond appropriately dur-

1

“If someone collapses suddenly and is unresponsive, check for breathing. If they aren’t breathing normally, assume it’s cardiac arrest. Call 911 immediately before starting chest compressions. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest, about two inches deep, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

2

Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth, towel, or even your hand if nothing else

ing emergencies.

“Most people freeze during emergencies simply because they don’t know what to do,” Steinson said. “Basic training gives you the confidence to act when seconds count.”

The CDC’s emergency response guidelines emphasize the importance of responding quickly in trauma situations. The agency notes that appropriate initial care can significantly improve patient outcomes and recommends that adults refresh their first aid skills every two years through formal training.

“Many people take a course once and never return, but techniques change and skills fade

is available. Press firmly and keep doing so until emergency services arrive. For limb wounds, elevate the injured area above the heart if possible while maintaining pressure.

3

The FAST method helps identify strokes quickly: face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911. Minutes matter with strokes, so recognizing these signs allows for faster treatment and increases the chance of a better outcome.

4

without practice,” Steinson said. “Regular refresher training keeps these lifesaving skills sharp.”

He noted that most first aid courses take only a few hours and provide knowledge that lasts a lifetime.

“You don’t need medical training to be a first responder in an emergency,” he said. “You just need basic knowledge and the willingness to help. This combination can save lives while waiting for professional medical help to arrive.”

Here are several critical first aid techniques that can be used to address five different emergencies:

For someone who can’t breathe, cough, or speak, stand behind them and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand, place the thumb side against the middle of their abdomen just above the navel. Cover your fist with your other hand and pull inward and upward with quick, forceful thrusts until the object is expelled.

5

Automated external defibrillators are designed for anyone to use, even with no training. Simply follow the voice prompts— the machine will analyze the heart rhythm and won’t deliver a shock unless it’s needed. These devices dramatically increase survival rates when used within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.

Steinson is president of Fundamental

Sister Mary Janetta, Dominican Sisters educator, at 96

Sister Mary Janetta (Gloria Claire) McAlevey, a Dominican Sister of Amityville who devoted more than seven decades to education and ministry, died July 4, 2025. She was 96.

Sister Janetta served for 78 years with the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville, including time teaching elementary education at St. Martin of Tours in Amityville.

Born Feb. 5, 1929, in Brooklyn, she was the third child of John and Florence (McVarish) McAlevey. She grew up in Brooklyn with her brother, John, and sister, Florence, and attended St. Agatha School in her home parish.

After graduating from Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School in January 1947, she worked for six months at Coty Perfumes alongside her classmate and future fellow sister, Maureen Cronin. According to family, it was a joyful time for the two young women.

On Sept. 7, 1947, she entered the Sisters of St. Dominic, driving her parents and sister to the motherhouse while her brother followed on his motorcycle. She took her final vows on Aug. 7, 1952.

Sister Janetta studied mathematics at St. John’s University and Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and received National Science

Foundation grants for further study at Brooklyn College and Fordham University.

Her career in education spanned numerous institutions. In addition to teaching at St. Martin of Tours, she taught at St. Agnes Academic High School in College Point and at St. Joseph Mountain School in Sullivan County, where she also served as high school principal. She later ministered at Dominican Commercial High School, serving as teacher, math department chair and assistant principal.

For more than a decade, she was an adjunct math instructor at Molloy College (now Molloy University) in Rockville Centre, where she became the first recipient of the Caritas Medal for volunteer service.

In 1990, Sister Janetta began ministry in the Archdiocese of New York, serving as District School Superintendent and later as director of two educational programs: the William E. Simon Fund for Education Opportunities and the Be a Student’s Friend Program, both of which offered leadership training and tuition assistance for innercity students.

In 1997, she became finance director at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish in

Brooklyn, followed by 11 years as a volunteer librarian at Most Holy Trinity and Blessed Sacrament schools, also in Brooklyn.

“Janetta’s love for and dedication to the poor were the hallmark of her life in ministry,” a spokeswoman for the Sisters of St. Dominic said. “She was an asset in her local communities— prayerful, helpful, and enjoyable.”

In her spare time, Sister Janetta was an avid reader and skilled at knitting, crocheting, sewing and quilting.

She was predeceased by her parents, siblings, and several nieces and nephews: Catherine, Jane, Peter, and grandniece Pernilla. She is survived by members of the McAlevey and Rothbert families—Bri, Ben, John, Tom, Mitch and Cliff—and by the Goodwin family: Claire, Loretta and Paul.

A wake and funeral Mass were held Thursday, July 10, at Queen of the Rosary Chapel in Amityville. Burial followed at St. Dominic Cemetery.

ATTENTION FAMILIES AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Family members and funeral directors may submit obituary notices to us at: Massapequa Herald Post, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 or may call us at 516-569-4000 ext. 329.

We will also consider publishing clear black and white or color photos with the articles.

Amity Farmers Market now open

The Amityville Farmers Market has returned to its bucolic setting on the lawn next to First United Methodist Church. Located at 25 Broadway (aka Route 110), the lawn provides room for shoppers to stroll around while patronizing the vendors at the Market.

The Market operates on Saturdays from 9 a.m., to 1 p.m. through October 25. Check both the Amityville Farmers Market Facebook and Instagram pages (@amityvillevillagefarmersmarket) or the Bay Village Civic Association Facebook page (@bayvillagecivicassocia-

tion) for any updates (weather related or other concerns).

Our amazing farmer (Dobler Farms) is joined by Horman’s Pickles, Baked at Home (Simply Delicious treats), Sal & Jerry’s Breads, Queen Ann Ravioli, and more enticing food and beverage vendors, including Montauk Smoked Fish, AfroGato Coffee, and Jessy’s Empanadas on various dates.

Wonderful craft vendors join them, some on alternating weeks. Stop in to see who is there.

Meet some of our scholars...

The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:

•Jeanna Boltz of Farmingdale was recently named to the Dean’s List at Tufts University.

•Matt Hynes of Farmingdale recently graduated from Roger Williams University with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and was named to the Dean’s List.

•The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at SUNY Delhi: Matthew Caliendo of Massapequa and Kate Martin of Farmingdale.

•The following students recently graduated from SUNY Oneonta: Sarah Green of Massapequa Park, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design; Jordan Cook of Farmingdale, Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies; Graziella DiDio of Farmingdale, Bachelor of Science in Biology; Kristina Helrigel of N. Massapequa, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Childhood Education (B-6); Shannon Lowney of Massapequa, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood/Childhood Education (B-6); Justin Molina of Farmingdale,

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice; and Victoria Parez of Massapequa Park, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

•The following students recently completed graduate programs at SUNY Oneonta: Patricia Augeri of Massapequa, Master of Science in Education for completing the Literacy Education (B-6) program and Sarah Creaven of Massapequa Park, Master of Science in Education for completing the Literacy Education (B-6) program.

•Leann Nicholas of Farmingdale was recently named an America East Presidential Scholar for the 2024-25 school year. Nicholas is majoring in Interdisciplinary-Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

•The following members of the New York Army National Guard were recently promoted: Christopher Maddalone of Massapequa Park, assigned to the 1108th Ordnance Company, was promoted to the rank of sergeant; Raymond Bretana of Farmingdale, assigned to the Company B, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, was promoted to the rank of chief

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The following are a list of public meetings and special events for the coming week: Please note: All meetings are subject to change without notice.

THURSDAY, JULY 24

•The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information, call (631) 972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

•Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: 7 p.m., Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information, call (516) 624-6333.

FRIDAY, JULY 25

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569.

SATURDAY, JULY 26

•The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631)-972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

SUNDAY, JULY 27

•Farmingdale Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Village Green, 361 Main St., Farmingdale. For more information, call (516) 249-0093.

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust

Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.

MONDAY, JULY 28

•Massapequa Fire District Regular Monthly Meeting: 7:30 p.m., District Administration Building, 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 798-9849.

TUESDAY, JULY 29

•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30

• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 3320552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

•The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631) 972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Post Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.

• In-depth coverage of local schools

• Award-winning sports coverage

• Things to do and places to go

• The best in local shopping and dining

• Coverage of local government

• News about your PTAs, houses of worship, clubs, fraternal organizations & more.

Massapequa native proudly serves aboard Navy’s oldest commissioned warship

By ASHLEY CRAIG

Petty Officer First Class Raymond Minami, a Massapequa native, was one of more than 60 sailors marking the nation’s 249th Independence Day aboard the USS Constitution, the U.S. Navy’s oldest commissioned warship.

Minami, a communications specialist, earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2022 and graduated from Syracuse University’s advanced military visual journalism program in 2019.

“Growing up, I learned how to take a loss and keep pushing forward,” he said. “Something my leadership sees in me today is the ability to recover quickly from failure — that resiliency comes from Massapequa.”

A Navy sailor for 12 years, Minami said he joined the service because he was looking for something more. “I needed to accelerate my life,” he said. “I looked into other branches, but when I stepped into the Navy recruiting office, it felt like a puzzle piece fitting.”

USS Constitution was launched from a Boston shipyard in October 1797. As the only surviving ship of the Navy’s original six frigates and the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, it earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs reportedly bounced off its hull. Constitution remained undefeated in battle, capturing or destroying 33 enemy vessels over nearly 60 years of active duty.

Now, 227 years after its launch, Constitution serves primarily as an educational and outreach vessel, drawing more than 500,000 visitors annually. Its crew of more than 70 sailors is handpicked to preserve the ship and promote naval history and maritime heritage, while also reinforcing the Navy’s enduring role in defending American interests and safeguarding maritime commerce.

This year, the Navy also celebrates its 250th anniversary. Navy officials note that “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”

With 90 percent of global trade carried by sea and the world’s internet depending on secure undersea fiberoptic cables, officials say U.S. prosperity depends on a strong Navy and a diverse, talented force drawn from all over the country.

Minami pointed to his proudest achievements in uniform: “Becoming a journalist, serving as USS Constitution’s communications director, and teaching at the Defense Information School. One of my former students recently landed a job at the White House. Others have advanced in the military — seeing them excel is fantastic. We always share a big hug when we reconnect.”

He added that his wife, who also entered the Navy family, has been a key support. “We married when I was teaching at DINFOS,” he said. “I’m lucky to have someone who joins me on this

Navy journey.”

Minami said serving in the Navy allows him to defend his country, support his community and build lifelong friendships. He expressed gratitude to former shipmates and mentors: “I want to thank the crew of USS Bataan during my 2014–17 deployment. That combat cruise in 2017 tested my limits and showed me what I’m capable of. I also thank my wife, my leaders and friends at DINFOS and Defense Media Activity, my professors at Syracuse University, and The Explorers Club for shaping my aspirations.”

From left, standing, Jennifer

Jean

President Antoinette

Joann

Pat

Carol

Woman’s Club of Massapequa hosts Welcome Tea

The Woman’s Club of Massapequa recently hosted a “Welcome Tea,” coor -

dinated by membership chairs Monica Rea and Janet Peters. Club President

Meet some of our scholars...

•Joseph Zawol of Massapequa recently graduated from Emporia State University with a Master of Science in Health, Physical Education and Coaching.

•The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at Purchase College: Andrew Pantoja of Massapequa; An-

nalise Taylor of Massapequa Pk; Ryan Loughlin of Farmingdale; Kylie Halpin of Massapequa; and Connor Cartafalsa of Massapequa.

•Ryan Gaudioso of Massapequa, attending the University of Scranton, took part in a crime competition through a study abroad program in Spain. Gaudioso is a cybercrime and homeland security major.

for new members

Antoinette LaBonte presided over the event, which featured an array of desserts and warm conversation. Peters generously opened her home to host the gathering.

Continuing a long-standing tradition, newly installed members, their sponsors, and department chairs were invited to attend. The event served as an opportunity for new members to learn more about the club’s standing committees and departmental roles.

One example is the Child Welfare Department, which is unique in its

purely philanthropic mission. It operates with its own treasurer and committee members.

Other departments within the club include Gallivanting Gals, Great Decisions, Italian Discussion and Language, Literary, Needlework and Crafts, Rummy Kub, and Staying Fit.

During the event, Rea announced that nine new members have been installed so far this year.

For more information about the Woman’s Club of Massapequa, call 516-541-4114.

How dogs watch and react to what’s on television

Dogs can and do watch TV! While your pup’s interest level depends on breed and personality, many dogs like to relax and watch the action with their owners. Dogs cannot follow storylines the way we can, but noises and movement do attract their attention.

Pets, Pets, Pets...

According to a 2013 animal cognition study, dogs recognize TV dogs as their species. They also realize cartoon characters are not real animals because the movement is different. There are other ways canine TV viewing is different from ours.

Canine Vision:

JOANNE ANDERSON

First, dog eyesight is not as sharp as human. Theirs is closer to 20/75 than 20/20. This may explain why they like to be closer to the TV than us. The image becomes clearer. Dogs also distinguish fewer colors. They can make out blue, yellow, and gray shades, but struggle with red and orange. In addition, dogs can process visual information faster than humans. Therefore, a dog would have a heightened awareness if a squirrel ran across the TV screen.

Breed and other Sensory Factors:

Terriers and Herding breeds are more apt to react to animals on TV. Terriers have been bred to hunt fast, small vermin, while Herding dogs are hardwired to make sure no member of the flock strays. This is why Shelties can get agi-

tated when kids on bicycles pass their house. They view the kids as lost lambs. Also, TV is not “smell-e-vision”, so dogs, especially scent Hounds, do not get to use their keen noses to discern what is happening during the TV show.

Auburn University

Dog TV Study:

There has been an increase in dog-specific television programming in recent years and the frequency with which dogs are exposed to different forms of media is increasing. For example, my friend’s Borzois have their own living room that she watches by remote camera while she is at work. The dog TV channel is always on for their enjoyment.

Until this Auburn study, recently published in Scientific Reports, there had been no systematic assessments of how dogs engage with TV programs. Lane Montgomery and colleagues recruited 453 dog owners and constructed a viewing scale to observe dog viewing habits based on responses from the owners. The dog age range was two months to 16 years old. 300 dogs were purebreds, while 153 were mixed breeds.

The survey investigated trends in the dogs’ TV viewing habits, including whether the owner tried to teach the dog to watch TV, the average number of hours per week the owner’s TV is switched on,

and the average amount of time the dog pays attention to the TV. Dogs were assessed for their reactions to animal stimuli, non-animal stimuli, and the extent to which they followed objects on-screen.

As a group, the dogs in the study were far more likely to respond to other animals on screen than objects such as cars. Canine watching sessions tended to average at just over 14 minutes.

From a personal perspective, my Afghans were tuned into the dogs on TV, but they were easily confused. When the two Dobermans on Magnum PI appeared on the screen and barked, my goofballsAlan and Trevor- ran into the kitchen and looked out the window, expecting to see the Dobermans standing there. If wolves were howling on a nature show, Edgar Afghan Poe felt obliged to reply with a plaintive cry.

The Auburn study revealed that dogs have distinct preferences for television content, with 88.3% of surveyed dogs actively responding to TV. The research

found that excitable dogs are more likely to follow movement on screen, while anxious dogs react strongly to non-animal content like human voices or doorbells.

Understanding these viewing patterns could have practical applications for dog welfare. Shelters could use tailored TV programming to enrich the environment for confined dogs.

However, the Auburn findings leave me with one dog TV mystery. My parents owned Morgan. a Lhasa from Babylon Shelter for 17 years. Why did he sing along to the Final Jeopardy jingle each night in a high-pitched voice? Did he know the answer, but no one ever gave him a chance to respond?

Last Hope Dogs for Adoption:

Available at 3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh 11793. Call 631-671-2588 for more info. Chico is a lovable, eight-year-old Chihuahua, weighing eight pounds, while Anna is a sweet, 11-month-old Bearded Collie mix. She is going to the groomer this week so her hairdo will be different.

Last Hope Poster Pups for Adoption:

ANNA-female 11 month old Bearded Collie mix

CHICO- male 8 year old Chihuahua

STEPPING OUT Forever ‘Wild about Harry’

The beat goes on in the annual tribute to the beloved musician

By Karen Bloom

Decades have passed since Harry Chapin’s tragic death, still his music and philanthropic initiatives remain at the heart of Long Island’s collective consciousness. Stuart Markus, the longtime mainstay of the local folk and acoustic scene, is committed to guardianship of the Chapin legacy, organizing what are now two memorial concerts each year.

Markus, based in Malverne, is clearly as fervent about Chapin’s music and humanitarian zeal as when he took on the role of organizing the tribute 22 years ago. From its start at Hall’s Pond Park in West Hempstead in 2004 to what became its longtime home at Chapin’s namesake theater in Eisenhower Park, and now in its second year at the Chapin Rainbow Stage at Huntington’s Heckscher Park, the concert’s appeal continues to grow. So much so that a second show has been added — at the Landmark theater in Port Washington on Dec. 2.

“Sunday Morning Sunshine.”

Meanwhile over 30 musicians will gather with fans, on Sunday, to share in the joy of the man and his music.

“Sometimes it’s hard to believe I’m still at this,” he reflects. “[After the first concert] I thought it would be cool to do this for a couple of years. Ultimately it became a cultural phenomenon.”

Folks livestream the event around the world, according Markus, who relates an unexpected email he received from a fan in Scotland.

“He wanted to plan a vacation around the concert, Markus says, chuckling, about the international response. “As long as there is enthusiasm, then I’ll keep doing it.”

Certainly that fervor shows no signs of waning.

“I’ve long thought it would be wonderful and extremely appropriate to do the show in Huntington, where Harry and Sandy lived and raised their family,” Markus says. “Harry is still held in such beloved regard by residents and public officials at all levels.”

Chapin’s shocking death on the Long Island Expressway en route to that ill-fated Eisenhower Park performance in July 1981 is very much rooted this tribute — for performers and the audience. In fact, several show regulars were among the crowd when what was supposed to be a joyous event turned into a vigil, according to Markus.

“Harry is so beloved in memory on Long Island,” Markus says. “You don’t have to look too hard to find someone who met him, whose school he did a benefit for, or someone who’s been helped by one of his charities. It’s so meaningful for the music community to come together and, in effect, do the concert he might have given.”

The troubadour’s catalogue always gets a creative interpretation by each act.

“I’ve always encouraged everyne to make the songs fresh and treat them as their own, however they imagine them. They’re not just reproducing them the way Harry did.”

Markus excited to include guitarist Gerald Bair, a longstanding member of Huntington’s folk scene, in this year’s lineup. Bair performs his rendition of

“A fan favorite, it’s an optimistic happy song about being in love,” Markus says.

Cantor Lisa Wharton, of Temple Beth Emeth in Mount Sinai, who performs with her husband Akiva Wharton, a percussionist, and Cantor Judy Merrick, of Plainview Jewish Center, return for their second appearance. They’ll do “I Wonder What Would Happen,” which Markus describes as an appropriately chosen “spiritual, gospel-feeling song.”

“They were a well-received addition last year and we’re glad to have them back, he adds.

The trio is, of course, joined by staples of the area’s music community. Returnees include Judith Zweiman, Martha Trachtenberg, Karen Bella, Roger Silverberg, Debra Lynne, Patricia Shih and Stephen Fricker, Roger Street Friedman, Media Crime, Christine Solimeno, Grand Folk Railroad, Robinson Treacher, Wonderous Stories, Toby Tobias, Mara Levine and Matthew Ponsot, in various ensembles.

As is their signature, Markus, with his trio Gathering Time, arrive on stage as the show nears its conclusion. Markus, with Christine Sweeney and Gerry McKeveny, perform their annual rendition of the iconic “Cat’s in the Cradle.” By then everyone is singing along.

Finally, as always, in the true spirit of Harry Chapin, all the musicians join together on stage for “Circle,” Chapin’s traditional closing.

“It’s such a philosophical but uplifting song and a fitting end,” Markus adds.

Just the way Chapin would want it.

More than just a concert, the free event, of course, involves a food drive. Concertgoers are asked to bring donations of nonperishable items to support Long Island Cares, the regional food bank and humanitarian organization founded by Chapin in 1980. Long Island Cares’ staff and volunteers will collect donations at a tent near the entrance to the stage.

Bring seating to the show, which is held rain or shine. It will also be livestreamed on Facebook and the Harry Chapin Foundation YouTube channel.

Magical

Mystery Doors

If you missed Magical Mystery Doors during the band’s spring visit to Long Island, now’s your chance to check out this unique tribute act. The tight bandmates blend and layer the music to create something new and unique. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and The Doors changed the face of music as we know it. Their melodies have moved people everywhere to “Come Together” in their love of music. And that’s what happens at an MMD concert. Throughout the concert, the band combines some of these classic tunes in ways that surprise and delight time and time again. The melody from The Doors’ “Hello, I Love You” laying atop Led Zeppelin’s “Misty Mountain Hop.” The pounding beat of Zep’s “When The Levee Breaks” coupled with the serene strumming of The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence.” Also the thematic sequence of “The Rain Song” – “Riders On The Storm” – “Here Comes The Sun.” These arrangements take you on an unexpected and exhilarating journey. Friday, July 25, 8 p.m. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or call (516) 323-4444.

Best of Broadway

Sounds of the Great White Way return to Eisenhower Park with Neil Berg’s “100 Years of Broadway.” Back for its annual celebration of the greatest songs from the finest shows, the acclaimed touring Broadway concert never disappoints. The lively musical revue, hosted by Neil Berg, on piano, brings performers to light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred. He presents creatively revived arrangements of Broadway classics as well as thrilling numbers from some of the newest hits, along with his fascinating commentary and historical notes in between songs. This gorgeous, guided tour of the American art form that is musical theater, is a production both hypnotic and historical. The dazzling new edition is sure to have everyone humming along. Berg, an awardwinning composer-lyricist-producer, and his cast of vocal powerhouses brings everyone to their feet time and again.

Saturday, July 26, 7 p.m. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Contact nassaucountyny.gov for more.

July 23,

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

JULY

Town of Oyster Bay Workforce Partnership

Job training opportunities are currently available through the Town’s Workforce Partnership. The Workforce Partnership offers eligible job seekers the opportunity to advance their career with grant funding for training and certification through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act. Training opportunities are available in various fields.

• Contact: (516) 797-4560, shorturl.at/lJv0r

On Exhibit

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

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Ongoing

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

JULY

25

Mindful Morning View Nassau County Museum of Art’s galleries in a small group session. Take time to observe, question and reflect without hurry, distraction, or judgment. Explore one or two works of art in the galleries, with intention as you focus on color, texture, form and personal connections during the series of three sessions. Join for as many sessions as you like. Each will be a different opportunity to enjoy art together. Program is capped at 12 people. $20 per session, $10 members. Registration required.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

AUG 3

Magic Rocks!

Town Park. The program’s theme is Celebrating Broadway’s Anniversary Milestones 2025. For comfort, residents may bring blankets, chairs and coolers. Performances are subject to change and will be held weather permitting.

• Where: 45 Motor Ave., Farmingdale

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 797-7925 or oysterbaytown.com/summer

JULY 31

Family movie fun

Town of Oyster Bay Summer Movies by Moonlight series invites all to watch Disney-Pixar’s beloved “Toy Story” at Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park. Residents are welcome to bring blankets and chairs. All movies are held weather permitting. Come early for seating and pre-movie activities, including character meet and greets at select movies, inflatables and games.

• Where: 45 Motor Ave., Farmingdale

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

• Time: 7 p.m.

Illusionist Leon Etienne has sold out venues all over the world with his blockbuster performances of Magic Rocks! Now he arrives on Long Island with his jaw-dropping, critically acclaimed hit show. You’ve seen him on “America’s Got Talent,” “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon, “Masters of Illusion,” and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us!” Hailed by critics as “America’s Rock Illusionist,” Leon is a worldwide hit with audiences, critics and producers. He’s recognized for his onstage charisma, a fast-paced, high energy, rock n’ roll performance style — and his no-nonsense approach to magic. This interactive, family-friendly spectacular showcases mind-blowing tricks, award-winning sleight of hand and non-stop laughter. Perfect for audiences of all ages, it’s an immersive experience filled with wonder, laughter and jaw-dropping moments you won’t soon forget. From Radio City Music Hall to Planet Hollywood Casino and from Studio City Casino in Macau to his very own theater on the beautiful island waters of Saipan, Etienne’s performance style attracts worldwide attention. Join in this unforgettable night of magic and you’ll see why. $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $31.25.

JULY

26

Summer grooves discostyle

The Town of Oyster Bay’s Music Under The Stars series continues with Disco Unlimited at Ellsworth W. Allen Town Park. For comfort, bring blankets, chairs and coolers. Performances are subject to change and will be held weather permitting.

• Where: 45 Motor Ave., Farmingdale

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 797-7925 or oysterbaytown.com/summer

JULY

27

Farmers Market

Schneider’s Farm Farmers Market is open weekly until Nov. 23, weather permitting, at Farmingdale Village Green.

• Where: 361 Main St., Farmingdale

• Time: Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 249-0093

Music for Sunday Afternoon

The Cambiata Cello Duo, Suzanne Mueller and Paul Lawrence

Finkelstein, close out the series with a program spanning centuries and styles. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab a spot and soak in the sounds and scenery at the lawn at The Barn. Concert is included with admission and reservations are not required.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 3-4 p.m.

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

JULY

28

Volunteering workshop

Join a representative of Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands program at Parker Jewish Institute to learn about the benefits of volunteering at Farmingdale Public Library. Registration is required.

• Where: 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale

• Time: 10 -11 a.m.

• Contact: farmingdalelibrary.org or call (516) 249-9090

JULY

29

Farmingdale Library Cinema Farmingdale Public Library invites everyone to cool off with a showing of “Last Breath,” starring Woody

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

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Harrelson and Simu Liu. Based on a true story. the film follows seasoned deep-sea divers as they battle the raging elements to rescue their crew mate trapped hundreds of feet below the ocean’s surface.

• Where: 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale

• Time: 10 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m.

• Contact: farmingdalelibrary.org or call (516) 249-9090

Calling all Swifties

The Town of Oyster Bay’s Music Under The Stars series continues with “Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience” at John J. Burns Town Park. For comfort, residents may bring blankets, chairs and coolers. Performances are subject to change and will be held weather per mitting.

• Where: 4990 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 797-7925 or oysterbaytown.com/summer

Pops in the park Town of Oyster Bay’s Music Under the Stars series welcomes Dean Karahalis and the Concert Pops of Long Island to Ellsworth W. Allen

JULY

• Contact: (516) 797-7925 or oysterbaytown.com/summer

AUG

11

Vacation Bible School

Registration is ongoing now for VBS at Community United Methodist Church in August, open to ages 4-11. VBS adventures include daily deepsea voyages into Bible fun with stories, games, crafts, mission work, water science, snack and music. All children must be toilettrained. $25 per child if registered prior to Aug. 3; $30 after that date. Payment is by cash or check and is due the first day of camp.

• Where: 100 Park Blvd., Massapequa

• Time: Aug. 11-15, 9:15 a.m.12:45 p.m.

• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Having an event?

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

Courtesy / MassapequaChamber of Commerce

The following officials took part in presenting the event: NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso; Sal Polito, first vice president; Dana Durso, village trustee; Robin Hepworth, chamber president; Greg Massimi, third vice president; Todd Svec, village trustee; Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino; Isabelle Rapacuillo, board of directors; Lou Imbroto, TOB councilman; Jeff Pravato, TOB receiver of taxes; Lucrezia Falacara, second vice president; and Tom Hand, TOB councilman.

Massapequa Park Chamber sponsored July 4 fireworks with $5K donation

The Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas sponsored this year’s Village of Massapequa Park Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Mansfield Park, presenting a $5,000 check during the event.

Chamber President Robin Hepworth, also a longtime resident of the village, spoke during the festivities.

“I am also a proud resident of this

amazing community for the past 30 years,” Hepworth said. “My husband, Andrew, and I raised our two boys right here in Massapequa Park, and coming to the fireworks has always been one of our favorite yearly traditions. Supporting community traditions like this one is a big part of what we do — and we’re honored to have helped light up the sky.”

ULTIMATE TICKETS SWEEPSTAKES

One lucky member of the audience will WIN 2 TICKETS to watch New York Mets vs San Francisco Giants at Citi Field.

Sunday, August 3 at 1:40 p.m.

Contest ends July 27 at midnight with the winner chosen on July 28

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

One lucky member of the audience will WIN 4 TICKETS to watch Long Island Ducks vs Hagerstown Flying Boxcars at Fairfield Properties Ballpark.

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

Contest ends August 10th

midnight with the winner chosen on August 11th

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

Scan this QR code

BUSINESS BEAT

Schoolhouse Play and Café opens in Farmingdale

NYS Sen. Steve Rhoads joined Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes Jeff Pravato, Assemblyman John Mikulin recently with the Farmingdale Chamber of Commerce recently to visit the Schoolhouse Play and Café which opened recently on Main Street in Farmingdale.

This family-friendly space, owned and operated by Taylor Carner, a teacher with more than 10 years experience, blends education and play, offering hands-

on activities like crafts, music, and imaginative exploration. It’s designed to help families learn, grow, and have fun together.

The officials extended their best wishes to Carney and her team as they launch this new addition to the community.

The center is located at 441 Main St., Farmingdale. It can be reached at 516-667-6993, or online at schoolhouseplaycafe.com.

LMAS1

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0370-25119115 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Bar/ Tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 3490 Merrick Road, Seaford, NY 11783, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at RKA Hospitality Corp. 25-234. 7/16. 23

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0267-25119684 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Bar/ Tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 1500 Old Country Road, Spaces 243 and 244, Westbury, NY 11590, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Long Island Board Game Cafe LLC. 25-235. 7/16, .23

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-25118939 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 3100 Whaleneck Drive, Merrick, NY 11566, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Saltshaker 1 LLC. 25-236. 7/16, 23

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-25120545 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 684 Fulton Ave, Hempstead, NY 11550, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Sabor Garifuna LLC.

25-237. 7/23, 30

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-25120474 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 7903 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Buteras Woodbury Inc.

25-238 7/23, 30

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0240-25120659 for beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 96 W Old Country Road, Hicksville, NY 11801, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Pavirin Corporation. 25-239 7/23, 30

Notice of Formation of CoreClinical LLC.   Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on [5/5/2025].   Office location: Nassau County.   SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.   SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to: CoreClinical LLC, 41 Hollins Road, Hicksville, NY, 11801

Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 25-240. 7/23, 30, 8/6, 13, 20, 27

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted Administrative Assistant P/T Leading To F/T Various Office Duties Must Be Proficient In Word And Outlook Will Train Right Candidate $20/Hour Email Resume To: jwpersonal@ wilsoncollegeconsulting.com No Phone Calls Or In-Person Inquiries

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT

DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

The Merrick Before/After School Program is hiring for the 2025-26 school year.

We require mature individuals to provide quality childcare to elementary school aged children between the hours of 2:30pm to 6:00pm weekdays. Minimum 3 afternoons per week Experience helpful Competitive hourly wage

If interested email merrickbasp@aol.com or Call (516) 379-4245.

Part-time

Paraprofessionals

$19.30/hr.

• Monday-Friday; Shifts are assigned to the employee based on availability (8:15am-11:45 am, 10:45am-2:15pm, 11:30am-3:00pm)

Lunch/Recess Monitors

$17.00/hr.

• Monday-Friday; 10:50am-1:30pm

Daily Substitute Teachers

$125/day

• Monday-Friday as needed; 8:15am-3:15pm

APPLY ONLINE

• www.olasjobs.org or www.recruitfront.com

• Email: HR@northbellmoreschools.org

Call: (516) 992-3000 ext.3023

Sprawling Ranch

Welcome to 156 Lefferts Road, a beautiful residence nestled in one of Woodmere’s most desirable neighborhoods. Situated on an expansive 0.35acre lot, this home offers over 3,500 square feet of living space, perfect for comfortable family living and entertaining. Featuring 6 generously sized bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this home provides ample space for a growing family or hosting guests. The layout is both functional and inviting, with bright, open living areas and well-proportioned rooms throughout. Located in an ideal, central location, this property offers convenient access to houses of worship, schools, shopping, and public transportation—all while maintaining a quiet, suburban charm. With its generous proportions, gracious layout, and prime location, 156 Lefferts Road is a rare offering—perfect for the discerning buyer seeking elegance, space, and timeless appeal in Old Woodmere .

Real Estate Salesperson

In today’s world, bomb shelters are part of the conversation

Q. We live in Israel and, yes, we read your column. Our apartment building is just blocks from where a missile strike hit another apartment building and our hospital. Strange times we live in, when we have to run to our bomb shelter on the sixth floor when we hear sirens, just like you would run to the basement if a tornado siren went off. I was wondering, after neighbors were killed by missiles, is it possible to build a stronger safe room, because we need it and don’t want to die just because of where we live?

A. Fascinating question. I follow the news, and see the damage and fear from the sense of vulnerability you feel. When I received your question, I was, ironically, touring the behind-the-scenes research and testing facilities at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, just two days before bomber jets, like the B-2 stealth bomber I was standing under the wings of, were deployed to take out Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The massive impact of a missile is hard to resist, and although there are many military and non-military studies on bomb-proofing, there’s no one-size-fits-all scenario. The key to building a shelter that can resist a bomb is based on two basic premises. One principle of survival is to repel a bomb, and the other is to absorb the impact.

It’s interesting that engineers, whom I believe have played a strong role in our freedom over the centuries, studied, and succeeded in creating, designs that saved the lives of sailors on vulnerable P.T. boats. Those boat hulls were made of the same construction as concrete (gunite) pools. Gunite concrete has some of the highest construction strength achievable, at over 6,000 pounds per square inch.

The pools and P.T. boats are as strong as steel, and when all of the layers of steel reinforcement rods are contoured into the shape of a boat hull, they ships prove capable, as they did in World War II, of catching exploding torpedoes and absorbing the impact. In some cases, torpedoes survived, embedded in the boats’ hulls, so the boats had to be abandoned rather than return to port, and then the torpedoes were detonated. Most important, the sailors survived.

Missiles are another matter, however. I’m not aware of any building that sustains a direct hit being able to survive, so the important principle is to sacrifice the building for the sake of the occupants — just like sacrificing those P.T. boats. In the case of a bomb shelter, engineers have to approach the design by developing several feet of redundant shells, layered with shock-absorbing gel layers of material. The inner shell needs to be extremely strong steel or gunite — reinforced concrete — to resist the shock. I employed impact design when developing a high-security station for our military in Saudi Arabia, and then for a gun range project. You would need the area and money for such a lifesaving project. I hope you remain safe!

© 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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements

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

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS!

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

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Miscellaneous For Sale

DINING SET: 6 Chairs, Breakfront/ Drawers, $300neg. WHITE WICKER TWIN

BEDROOM: Mirror, Nightstand, 2 Dressers, $200neg. KITCHEN SET: Octagon Formica Table, 4 Chairs, $150neg. 516-868-8017

ELIPTICAL MACHINE SOLE E95 With Manuel. Hardly Used. Good Condition $450 516-652-3146

Wanted To Buy

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

Long Island / Will Travel

FREON WANTED Certified buyer looking for R12, R22 & more! Call Peter at 312-500-4275

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

CHAIRS: 3 METAL HIGH back beige patio $22. ea. 3 White Plastic Chairs $5. ea. 516-546-0275

DRESSERS: TWO BLACK Wood. Single drawer, 2 doors w/shelf. Formica top. W-32"xH-30"xD-18" $75 Both. 516-320-1906

GRACE FOODS, JAMAICAN style BBQ gift basket. List $49. Sell $20. Valley Stream. (516)209-7970.

HOOVER HOUSEHOLD HEAVY DUTY

RUG SHAMPOO Machine with all Attachments, and Cleaning Supplies. $85 516-486-7941

LAMPS: TWO OFF white End Table Lamps, Perfect Condition $85.00. Call 516-270-4783.

QUARTERS: ALL FIFTY STATES: Uncirculated, in presentation folders. 3 sets all 50 States. $50. 516-486-7941

Finds Under $100

RECUMBENT BIKE, MARCY, indoor, manual $99 516-816-7383, Wantagh,

WOOD DESK WITH hutch. 59" high x 57." $75. Call Joan 516..868..8017

SERVICES

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

***MASONRY & CONSTRUCTION*** EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS!

GIUSEPPE MUCCIACCIARO

We Do Pavers, Cultured Stone, Concrete, Bluestone, Blacktop, Fireplace, Patio, Waterproofing, Walkways, Pool Work. Lic#H2204320000 Family Operation Over 40Years. 516-238-6287

Cable/TV/Wiring

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

Electricians

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

Handyman

PAINTING & HANDYMAN SERVICE

Tired of calling a contractor & they don't call back? I will call you back the same day! 917-822-0225 Ricky Specializing in carpentry, bathrooms, kitchens, sheetrock, flooring, electric, plumbing. Over 25 yrs exp.Lic/Ins H3805150000

Home Improvement

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

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

PAVERS- CONCRETE- BLACKTOP Book Now & Save On All Masonry Work. Driveways- Patios- Stoops- SidewalksWalkways- Stonework- Pool SurroundsOutdoor Kitchens- Family Owned/ Operated For Over 40Yrs. FREE Estimates. Lic# H1741540000.

DANSON CONSTRUCTION INC 516-409-4553; 516-798-4565

www.dansoninc.com

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

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

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

Miscellaneous

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

Power Washing

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

Services

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER?

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

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

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

Telephone Services

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

Wanted

Tree Services

T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE

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

Satellite/TV Equipment

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Health & Fitness

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

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

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

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Autos For Sale

LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK 4, 1974. All Black, 80K Miles. Best Offer. Call 516-242-3635

opinions

Admiration of a former president from across the aisle

When I was elected to Congress in 1992, I certainly didn’t anticipate the close working relationship I would have with Bill Clinton, who was elected president that year. I was a lifelong Republican from New York, elected with strong Conservative Party support. Clinton was a staunch Democrat from Arkansas with roots in the anti-war movement.

I had met him in Manhattan in April 1992, two days before New York’s Democratic presidential primary. I was still the Nassau County comptroller, and had not yet announced my candidacy for Congress. A group of New York Irish-American Democrats led by elder statesman Paul O’Dwyer had scheduled a meeting with Clinton and his remaining challenger, Jerry Brown, the former California governor. Though we were far apart on the political spectrum, O’Dwyer and I were good friends.

When Clinton arrived, I was standing in the rear of the room. He made a brief opening statement before answering questions from a panel of four. What I

It’s

iquickly noted was his relaxed familiarity with Ireland’s 800-year struggle with Britain and its most recent iteration, the more than two decades of war being waged in the streets and hills of Northern Ireland, euphemistically labeled “the Troubles.” There were no pandering references to green beer or shamrocks. Nor did he make the ritualistic denunciation of terrorism.

HIn an answer to a burning issue that would have lasting consequences later, Clinton said he would grant a visa to Gerry Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein, the political party affiliated with the Irish Republican Army. He also said the United States had the obligation to speak out against human rights violations even if the offending nation was Britain, our closest ally. More than what he said was his ease in dealing with an issue that rendered most politicians tongue-tied or made them fall back on timeworn clichés.

comptroller was — and with both of us being entirely unaware how much our lives would be interlocked over the next several years, and not just on the Irish issue.

onoring Carolyn McCarthy recently, Bill Clinton was as eloquent as ever.

Remaining in the back of the room while photos were being taken near the front, I waited until Clinton was leaving the room by the rear door. I shook his hand, and said, “Good job, Governor.” He smiled, thanked me and walked on, not having the slightest idea or caring in the least who the Nassau County

Clinton went on to become the 42nd president, and just a year later kept his campaign promise when he granted Adams a visa to enter the United States, which was followed by meetings with Adams in the White House and Congress, which caused seismic reactions throughout the British government and the American State Department as well. But Clinton’s leadership and determination, which included unprecedented presidential visits to the most dangerous locations in Northern Ireland, on which I accompanied him, as well as the diplomatic alliances he forged with British and Irish Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern, led to the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in April 1998, ending that brutal 800-year-long struggle.

There was more to the Clinton years than Ireland. There was also his decisive action that successfully ended the Balkan wars in Bosnia and Kosovo. Domestically, he worked across the aisle with Newt Gingrich to achieve welfare reform as well as the only balanced bud-

get in the more than three decades since.

While all this was happening, of course, Clinton faced the first presidential impeachment in more than 130 years, and until then only the second in American history. While he had made serious mistakes in judgment, I strongly believed that what he was accused of did not meet the Constitution’s requirements for impeachment, or for removing from office the duly elected president, and would set a dangerous precedent for future presidencies. I was proud to stand with Clinton as one of only two Republicans who voted against all four articles of impeachment. And I have never questioned that decision.

All this and more came rushing back to me several weeks ago, when I joined Clinton as one of the speakers at the Celebration of Life for former Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy, who died last month. Though he had been out of office for almost 25 years, the former president was as eloquent as ever, movingly describing his admiration and affection for McCarthy’s heroism and strength of character in overcoming horrific personal tragedy to achieve so much good for America. Once again, President Clinton came through.

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

long past time to shut down the cellphone

am a person of infinite patience. My friends compliment me on my ability to patiently listen to ideas from both sides of the aisle. I love watching the daily news on my laptop and on my cellphone. I read opinion columns, and occasionally get to read a nonfiction book on some current topic. But I must confess that I am now in a state of news overload.

I’m not quite sure when this illness kicked in, but if you think about all of the news events in recent weeks, you’ll easily understand why I, or anyone, could easily fall into a state of media-nausea. I think the first story that engulfed my ability to digest facts was President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Shortly after it passed in the House of Representatives, my phone began ringing off the hook with calls from important clients, asking about the impact of the budget cuts on Medicaid, SNAP and

other significant programs.

Alerted to the terms of the bill, I began a line-by-line review, and became more horrified once I understood the scope of the cuts. I couldn’t understand how the House could find billions of dollars to cut from Medicaid and claim that they were all related to rooting out “waste, fraud and abuse.”

Taking food away from children isn’t the way to save taxpayers real money. By mid-June I was wilting under the barrage of calls asking for advice on how to get the attention of the region’s federal officials.

F

irst the bill, then the primary, then Epstein. It’s time to escape, and to ditch the device.

Come July, the Senate bill was ready for a formal vote, and its contents were even uglier. Rather than scale back the Medicaid cuts, the Senate found ways to increase them. The promised expansion of the SALT cap was altered to providing three years of an expanded credit and then reducing it to the old $10,000 cap. The elimination of taxes on Social Security disappeared, and the no-taxes-on-tips provision is scheduled to expire after 2028.

Now, weeks later, I’m being asked who I favor in the contest between Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams. I have no preference between the two, but there appears to be no way to beat Mamdani unless there is one independent candidate. At this point, neither Adams nor Cuomo shows any signs of getting out of the race in the interest of harmony. If both stay in, there’s no chance that Mamdani can be stopped.

Always looking on the bright side, I was pleased that the bill included such items as raising the state-and-local-taxes deduction cap to $40,000, and reduced taxes on tips and Social Security and many other goodies that were consistent with promises Trump made. I assumed that the Senate would support many provisions of the House bill and trim the Medicaid cuts. I assured many of my callers that there was hope that cooler heads would prevail, and the Senate bill would be palatable.

The torrent of calls asking for my opinion had just about ended when New York City Democrats chose the inexperienced Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani as their nominee for mayor. When the final results came in on primary night, I shut down my cellphone. Dozens of friends and neighbors wanted to know how to stop Mamdani. Ironically, many of them didn’t vote in the primary because they were registered Republicans or independents, and in some cases they were registered Democrats who failed to vote. I refused to console any qualified voter who failed to vote.

Burdened by all of these panicked calls, I decided that the best thing I can do for my wife, Suzan, and I is to go away for a week or so and maybe shut down my phone. I can check messages from time to time, but that’s it. We’re leaving in search of a change of scenery.

No sooner I had made our airline reservations than the Jeffrey Epstein saga erupted. I told callers that we weren’t interested in visiting Epstein’s island or anywhere else attached to his name. My cellphone is now in the freezer, so don’t bother calling.

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.

Massapequa

pOsT

Ira L. Cahn - Founder

Established 1951

Incorporating Massapequa Post in 2024

CaroLyn James

Associate Publisher / Editor

Donna Consola

JessiCa Kleiman

maryann Heins

Multi Media Marketing

2

offiCe

Phone: (516) 569-4000

E-mail:

Fax: (516) 569-4942

Copyright

HERALD

Long Island’s water needs to be protected

long Island water users just won a major legal battle — but we are still far from winning the war for clean water.

A $10.5 billion national settlement with the multinational chemical manufacturer 3M over the widespread contamination of drinking water with PFAS — so-called “forever chemicals” — includes over $250 million for public water providers in Nassau and Suffolk counties. This hard-fought-for financial relief will help cover the staggering cost of removing toxic substances from our drinking water. But it will be payment for damage already done, not a fix for what still threatens our sole-source aquifer every day.

Long Islanders rely entirely on a single underground water source, an aquifer that provides drinking water to more than 2.8 million people. It has been under assault for decades by chemical pollutants that seep through soil, spill into drainage systems and leach from landfills and industrial sites.

Among the most dangerous threats are PFAS compounds, man-made chemicals used in everything from firefighting foam to non-stick cookware that do not break down over time and accumulate in both the environment and our bodies. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to health problems such as decreased fertility, developmental complications in children and an increased risk of some cancers and immune system issues.

In more than a few of our communities, these pollutants have created brownfields — usually industrial or commercial sites that are abandoned,

letters

Lights of Hope against cancer

To the Editor:

I would like to thank the Herald for its support of the first annual American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Lights of Hope celebration at Glen Cove’s Morgan Memorial Park on July 12. The evening was a celebration of cancer survivors as well as a remembrance of those who have passed. By adding the event to your calendar, and printing a well-thoughtout story, you helped to raise awareness of the event.

I would also like to thank the City of Glen Cove and the wonderful people in the area for their support. And I would like to thank Loggia 1016 of the Sons and Daughters of Italy for their sponsorship. The event would not have been possible without the community support.

I’m happy to report that donations exceeded expectations, and we will definitely be back

vacant or under-used, and where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by the presence or potential presence of at least one, if not more, contaminants.

The settlement is a victory for local water providers, many of whom have led the charge in holding chemical companies accountable. But it also shines a light on an uncomfortable truth: Long Island is already paying dearly for decades of environmental neglect.

Since 2017, more than $1 billion has been spent on installing and maintaining sophisticated water-treatment systems, according to federal estimates. And even with this financial award, residents and ratepayers will continue to bear the burden of ongoing operating costs.

So, while restitution is essential, it is not enough. The fight for clean water cannot begin at the filtration plant. It must begin at the source — with laws, oversight and habits that will keep our groundwater clean in the first place.

To policymakers: This is your moment to act. Strengthen oversight of chemical manufacturing, storage and disposal. Expand groundwater protection zones, especially near vulnerable recharge areas. Invest in forward-thinking, sustainable water infrastructure that protects our aquifer before contaminants reach it. Laws must reflect the seriousness of the threat, the indispensability of the resource and the fact that the water cannot be replaced.

To state and local agencies and appointed officials: It’s time to audit the regulatory framework governing industrial, agricultural and even residential activities that affect water quality. Permitting and enforcement must be rigor-

ous. No project, permit or loophole should be allowed to jeopardize our only supply of drinking water.

Long Island residents and business owners are part of the solution. Everyday actions matter — from how you dispose of household chemicals to the fertilizers and cleaning agents you use. Learn about the long-term impact of routine habits. Information is available from a variety of sources, beginning with local and state health departments. Support local clean-water initiatives. Vote for leaders who prioritize the environment. And above all, treat water conservation not as a suggestion, but as a shared responsibility.

This is not alarmism. It’s realism. The aquifer beneath Long Island cannot be replaced, rerouted or remade. We have no second source to draw from if it becomes too polluted or depleted. Every gallon of water pumped from below is a gallon we must protect with vigilance, policy and foresight.

Yes, the 3M settlement is a victory — but it should also be a warning. We cannot afford to celebrate a payout while the source of our water remains under threat. Financial settlements help heal wounds, but they do not prevent the next injury. That requires a cultural shift — from passive reliance to proactive stewardship.

Clean water is the foundation of our health, our economy and our communities. Long Island must now recommit — urgently, and collectively — to safeguarding the aquifer that sustains us all. Let’s make sure that in the future, headlines about our water celebrate prevention, not just compensation.

As ticks thrive on L.I., Lyme disease is on the rise

nearly three decades ago, after reporting on severe Lyme disease cases on Long Island, I chose to receive a series of newly available vaccinations designed to prevent the illness following a tick bite.

In 1998, SmithKline Beecham introduced LYMErix, the first vaccine to help protect against Lyme disease. I received three doses from my family physician. I experienced no side effects, and although I was bitten by ticks in the years that followed, I never contracted Lyme disease.

In 2002, however, LYMErix was withdrawn from the market following a class-action lawsuit filed by 121 people who claimed they experienced adverse reactions, including arthritis, after being vaccinated.

Since then, Lyme disease has continued to surge across Long Island.

Testing now shows that about half of all deer ticks in the region carry the disease. Many physicians no longer wait for the telltale bull’s-eye rash before starting treatment — instead, they prescribe antibiotics immediately when they confirm a tick bite.

Tick-borne diseases, including Lyme, have also spread worldwide. Climate change has contributed to the problem, with warmer winters leading to fewer cold days that might otherwise reduce tick populations.

aborne diseases in the U.S. has more than doubled.”

While no Lyme vaccine is currently available in the United States, several are under development. One candidate uses OspC protein antigens to provoke an immune response, and could be released in the coming years.

nd my experience helps make the case that a vaccine can work.

An article published last month in New Scientist, titled “Ticking Time Bomb,” described the global rise of tick-borne illnesses. It stated that ticks “represent a vast and growing reservoir of viral, parasitic and bacterial pathogens” and currently “carry more human-infecting pathogens than any other disease-carrying organism.”

The report noted that tick populations are expanding rapidly, and bringing a growing number of diseases with them. “In the past 20 years,” it said, “the annual number of cases of tick-

Letters

next year. Proceeds from Lights of Hope go toward cancer prevention, education and advocacy.

PETEr O’CONNOr American Cancer Society volunteer

Editors’ note: The American Cancer Society’s 32nd annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Long Island walk will take place on Oct. 19, from 7 to 10:30 a.m., at Jones Beach’s Field 5. For more information, go to MakingStridesWalk.org/LongIsland.

We’re safeguarding wildlife and waterways

To the Editor:

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of the state’s Environmental Conservation Law, protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York. Last year, the Division of Law Enforcement fielded more than 105,700 calls, resulting in Environmental Conservation police officers and investigators across the state responding to more than 30,000 complaints and working on cases that resulted in 15,755 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal mining, the illegal pet

trade, and excessive emissions.

On July 7, three officers partnered with the Nassau County Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard for a boat patrol on the Long Island Sound. The officers checked boats and anglers for compliance with state fishing regulations, navigation law and overall boater safety. They inspected a vessel north of Glen Cove, and discovered an expired fire extinguisher, expired flares, and only four personal flotation devices for the five people on board. The officers issued a ticket and warning to the boat captain, terminated the voyage, followed the vessel back to a nearby marina and advised the captain that they could take the boat back out if they brought another PFD on board.

In separate incidents that day across the Sound, officers ticketed anglers for possessing undersized porgy and fluke, including one angler who had more than two dozen undersized porgy, the smallest measuring 8.5 inches. Porgy must be at least 11 inches to be kept when fishing from a vessel.

DEC officers are on patrol to safeguard the state’s air, water, wildlife and public safety. To report an environmental violation or incident, call (844) 332-3267 for 24-hour dispatch, or report non-urgent violations at dec.ny.gov.

A June article in Newsday reported that New York-based Pfizer Inc. and the French pharmaceutical company Valneva have developed a Lyme vaccine called VLA15. It is in latestage clinical trials, and could be submitted for Food and Drug Administration approval as early as 2026.

Still, the article noted that vaccine hesitancy may pose a barrier to widespread acceptance. “If this sounds familiar, that’s because it is,” the article stated, referencing the public pushback that followed LYMErix’s release in the late 1990s.

“A new shot for Lyme could face pushback,” the Newsday article’s headline, featured mixed public opinions. A retired police detective from East

Yaphank said, “I don’t get any shots.”

A woman from Bay Shore, however, said she would “for sure” get the new vaccine if it is approved by the FDA.

Additional resources on tick safety and disease prevention are available on Suffolk County’s Arthropod-Borne Disease Laboratory website, under the section “Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases.”

Meanwhile, the State Legislature recently passed a resolution unanimously requiring the state Department of Health and other agencies to publish a report detailing tick populations and tick-borne illnesses by county. The measure was introduced by Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., with co-sponsorship by Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni, of Sag Harbor.

“We need to fight this, and the only way to do so is to have timely and correct information at our fingertips,” Schiavoni said.

Carl Grossman has been an investigative reporter in a variety of media for more than 50 years. He is a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury whose courses include investigative reporting and environmental journalism.

Framework by Tim Baker

Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore

The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.

The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.

To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion