Massapequa Herald 09_11_2025

Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge pOsT

Another school year begins with enthusiasm

By MIKE POLANSKY

Senior Correspondent

More than 6,000 students in grades 1 through 12 in the Massapequa School District returned to school last week for the first day of classes. With clear skies and mild temperatures, students arrived by car, bus and on foot at the district’s nine school buildings, greeted by enthusiastic teachers and staff.

“Today was one of those days that reminds me why I’m so proud to be part of this community,” said School Superintendent Dr. William Brennan said. “I had the privilege of visiting all nine of our schools, and while my step counter is pushing close to 15,000, my heart is even fuller.”

Brennan described the day as “truly inspiring,” noting the excitement in classrooms and hallways as students reconnected with peers and educators. He highlighted the district’s theme for the year: A Paradigm of Potential—the Power of Connection and Community.

Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services Dr. Michelle Walsh echoed the positive sentiment.

“Parents beamed with pride, teachers greeted students with enthusiasm, and the energy throughout our buildings was truly inspiring,” she said. “New playgrounds added an extra layer of excitement, offering students fresh spaces to play, explore and build friendships.”

Family Fun Day in Amityville, Saturday, September 27

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) invites Long Islanders to its “Family Fun Day” on Sat., Sep. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event will be held at the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center, 149 Schleigel Blvd., Amityville. It is being held as part of Grandparents Appreciation Month and will feature intergenerational activities, entertainment, and a special guest appearance by former New York Giant Leonard Marshall. Entry into the event is free, advance registration is required. Families can register at afalongisland. org Free activities throughout the include creative arts, brain games, music, face painting and balloon

artists. Participants will be able to receive free memory screenings. Ice cream and snacks will be available as well.

Attendees will also be able to get autographs and photos with Leonard Marshall between noon and 2 p.m. by making a $25 donation to AFA. Marshall is a two-time Super Bowl Champion, member of the Giants Ring of Honor, and a passionate advocate for raising awareness, supporting research and helping those impacted by neurological trauma.

Raffle tickets for gift baskets will also be available for purchase.

Proceeds raised will go to support the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center’s

programs and services for Long Islanders impacted by dementia. The Center offers free, daily activity programs which encourage mind and body wellness, creative expression, and social connection through structured therapeutic support. Free memory screenings are available through the Center, with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites.

SEPTEMBER 11,

On this tragic day in history, let us remember the lives lost and the unwavering

JAMES D. KENNEDY

Nassau County Legislator, District 19 1550 Franklin Avenue - Suite 207 | Mineola, NY 11501 516-571-6219

Massapequa Superintendent Dr. William Brennan and Principal Tania Williman greeted freshmen beginning their first year of high school at the Ames Campus.

Another school year begins with enthusiasm

Board of Education President Kerry Wachter said the day unfolded smooth-

“You could feel the excitement from students, staff and families as we started a new year filled with promise and Massapequa was among 75 school

districts on Long Island, including neighboring Plainedge that opened on Tues., Sept. 2. Another 33 districts opened the following day, and 22, including Farmingdale, opened Thurs., Sept. 4. See more open school news on Page 10

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Free Senior Workshops for Town

of Oyster Bay Residents

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino is partnering with Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips to host Free Senior Workshops designed to provide valuable resources and information to the town’s senior community. Topics covered at these workshops will include possible unclaimed funds, senior discounts, emergency preparedness and self-defense tips.

“I’m proud to join with County Comptroller Elaine Phillips to offer this informative program to residents,” said Saladino. “These workshops will go over a wide variety of topics and resources our seniors should be made aware of and take advantage of. By supporting and educating our seniors, we strengthen the fabric of our entire community.”

Workshops will be offered on September 16 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Marjorie R. Post Park Community Center, 451 Unqua Road, Massapequa; and September 23 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Hicksville Community Center, 28 W. Carl Street, Hicksville.

“The health and safety of our senior residents is of the utmost importance,” said County Comptroller Elaine Phillips. “Whether you’re looking to enhance your personal safety or understand how to better utilize available senior resources, this workshop is designed to help you live more confidently and securely every day.”

For more information, please contact Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips’ Office at (516) 571-2386.

Massapequa C of C Trunk or Treat

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 2 nd Annual Trunk or Treat on October 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the McKenna Elementary Senior Center Parking Lot. Member’s are being asked to deco-

rate their trunks in the Halloween spirit and attend the event. To sign-up, visit shorturl.at/rWz95.

McKenna Elementary Senior Center is at 2 nd Ave., Massapequa Park. For information, call (516) 541-1443.

Hair DNA evidence admissible in Gilgo Beach trial

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

After nearly six months of hearings, Suffolk County Supreme Court Judge Tim Mazzei ruled in a written decision on Sept. 3 that the DNA evidence connecting alleged Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann to several victims will be admissible in trial.

“Astrea Forensic’s use of whole genome sequencing to generate SNP data and create a DNA profile,” Mazzei wrote, “is generally accepted as reliable within the scientific community,” based on the testimony of prosecution witnesses Kelley Harris, an associate professor of genome sciences at University of Washington since January 2018 and Richard Green, founder of Astrea Labs in California.

Mazzei also wrote in his opinion that “neither of the defendant’s expert witnesses controverted Astrea Forensics’ use of whole genome sequencing, to extract DNA from rootless hairs to generate SNP data and create a DNA profile.”

John O’Brien, a longtime resident of Massapequa Park, said he was pleased with the judge’s decision.

“Science moves on for the better,” he

said. “We are always finding new ways for testing things and doing things and I see no reason why we should not take advantage of this new technology in this case.”

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney praised his staff and Mazzei’s decision outside of his courtroom at the Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Court in Riverhead. “The reason why we were able to prevail was one simple reason, the science was on our side,” he said in front of several family members of victims who chose not to speak.

Prosecutors have said Astrea Forensics linked Heuermann to six of the seven killings through the testing of rootless hair found at the crime scenes and comparative analysis of those hairs to DNA samples obtained by Heuermann and family members; his defense has argued that the technology is new and unproven. Five witnesses testified in the case’s Frye hearing. The legal proceeding, also known as a general acceptance hearing, is used to determine that scientific evidence presented in court is widely accepted and considered valid within the relevant scientific community.

Assemblyman Durso hosts annual veterans’ breakfast

New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (R-Massapequa Park) hosted his 4th Annual Veterans' Appreciation Pancake Breakfast and Resource Fair on Saturday, August 23, at Massapequa American Legion Post 1066. This event was dedicated to honoring the nation's military heroes for their service and sacrifice.

Veterans from throughout the 9th Assembly District were invited to enjoy a complimentary breakfast and receive important information from a wide range of organizations supporting the veteran community. Among the participating groups were America's VetDogs, Nassau County Office of the Aging, Island Harvest Food Bank, NYS Department of Veterans' Services, Long Island Crisis Center, Nassau Vets Center, AARP, NYS Parks, Nassau County Veterans Service Agency, Family & Children's Association, Long Island State Veterans Home, Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, Community Development Long Island, Schweiger Dermatology, Central Nassau Guidance & Counseling, NYS Department of Public Service, Paws of War, Beyond The Badge NY, Long Island Cares, Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, NYS OASAS, and Friends For Life.

"I was proud to host local veterans at our 4th annual appreciation breakfast and resource fair," said Durso. "We had such an amazing turnout, and it just keeps growing each year. I want to thank all the vendors, volunteers, and the Massapequa American Legion Post 1066 for helping make this year's event a huge success. And a special thank you to our veterans for your bravery, courage, and service!"

CRIME WATCH

The following incidents have been reported by the Nassau County Police Department and other law enforcement and emergency service unites.

PETIT LARCENY

Massapequa: A homeowner on Arlyn Drive East reported that someone removed a UPS package from in front of their home. That incident occurred Aug. 24.

•Representatives of Walgreen’s pharmacy called police Aug. 27, shortly af-

ter 6 p.m., to report that an unknown male removed an assortment of items from that location and left the store without paying for them. Police did not give a description of the items nor their value.

ARRESTS

Petit Larceny: Police arrested Tamika L. McGuire, 39 of Massapequa, Aug. 25 and charged her with shoplifting at Nordstrom, 630 Old Country Rd., East Garden City.

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.

Amityville Community Garage

Sale returns Sept. 13

The Village of Amityville’s second annual community garage sale will take place Sat.y, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents looking to ‘clean up and clean out’ can also cash in, as the event offers an opportunity to earn some extra money. The sale will not count toward the village’s two-sale-per-year limit per household, and the garage sale permit fee will be waived.

Nearly 100 homes participated in last year’s event, turning Amityville into a shopper’s paradise. Bargain hunters can expect to find a wide range of items, including clothing, decorative and craft goods, books, novelties, tools, sports gear, kitchen and boating equipment, furniture and other household merchandise.

“This event attracts more visitors to the village than a single sale would,” said Mayor Michael O’Neill. “We’re excited to support our residents and hopefully also generate additional traffic to our retail shops, restaurants and many services in

the village.” A list of participating homes and an interactive map will be available in August on the village website and at Village Hall, located at 21 Ireland Place, during the week leading up to the sale. For updates and information, visit Amityville.com. In case of rain, the event will be held Sunday, Sept. 14.

The garage sale will span neighborhoods from south of Sunrise Highway to the Great South Bay, and from County Line Road on the west to the areas off Bayview and South Bayview avenues on the east.

Shoppers are reminded to drive carefully and follow all traffic rules and parking regulations, especially in residential areas.

To sign up, Amityville residents may contact Village Hall at 631-264-6000 or email Mayor@amityville.com with the subject line “Garage Sale.”

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

•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. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. For more information, call (631) 972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

•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, SEPTEMBER 13

• 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. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. For more information call (631)-972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

•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.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

•Plainedge Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting: 7 p.m., Plainedge Public Library, 1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 735-4133.

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

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

•Plainedge School District Board of Education Meeting: 7:30 p.m., High School Cafeteria, Plainedge High School, 241 Wyngate Dr., Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 992-7450.

•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 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 2207808. All calls are confidential.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

•Farmingdale School District Board of Education Meeting: 8 p.m., Howitt Middle School,70 Van Cott Ave., Farmingdale. For more information, call (516) 434-5189.

• 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) 332-0552 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. Tubers will be available for sale starting in April. 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: Beacon 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.

Self Help/Crisis Hotlines

Residential Program: Beacon House Short-term, long-term and transitional housing is provided throughout Long Island in 58 group homes, emergency shelters, and select single-family residences. Those eligible include homeless veterans, veterans with families, veterans and nonveterans with substance abuse and mental health issues, women in need of supportive housing, and those living with HIV/AIDS. Every veteran resident has access to intensive case management, transportation and daily living essentials. For assistance, call 631 665-1571.

Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

•Maryhaven Center of Hope-New Hope 24hr. substance abuse crisis center: 516-5467070; maryhaven.chsli.org/new-hope •N.C. Drug & Alcohol Hotline: 516-227-8255

•LI Crisis Center: 516-679-1111 •24/7 Behavioral health helpline: 516-227-

8255, namiqn.org/crisis-info

•AA Meetings Nassau County: For More Information on meetings and times call 866-504-6974 or go to findrecovery.com/aa_ meetings/ny/nassau-county/ Domestic Violence

N.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence Crisis services for victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault; group/individual counseling for adults and children; bilingual court advocacy; legal consultation and representation; safe emergency housing; elder abuse services; referrals and systems advocacy; community education. Eligibility criteria: Nassau County residents or non-residents seeking safe housing in Nassau. Will serve undocumented immigrants. Payments accepted free or on sliding scale. Address is 250 Fulton Avenue, Mezzanine West, Hempstead. Call 516-572-0700; 24-hour hotline is 516 542-0404.

Young students honored for Terrapin Conservation efforts

Two Unqua Elementary School third-graders were recently honored for their environmental advocacy and partnership with the town to help protect Long Island’s diamondback terrapin turtles.

Students Gia Providente and Vincent Coolball were honored for working with the Town of Oyster Bay to install awareness signs at Bayfront Park and John Burns Park in Massapequa. The signs aim to educate the public about the threatened terrapin population and the dangers the turtles face from boat strikes along the South Shore.

The students were inspired after attending the town’s Terrapin Turtle Tracker Day at Centre Island Beach. Motivated by what they learned,

they created a science fair project focused on terrapin conservation, public awareness, and education. Their project earned first place at the Massapequa District-Wide Science Discovery Fair.

“Gia and Vincent recognized the need for similar advocacy in their own South Shore community,” said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Congratulations to both of them for being true stewards of the environment at such a young age — you both have incredible futures ahead of you!”

The Town’s initiative to protect the diamondback terrapin is part of ongoing conservation efforts aimed at preserving the region’s native wildlife.

Fall Fusion Networking Luncheon

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Fall Fusion Networking Luncheon on September 25 at noon at American Legion Post 1066. The event will be proudly honoring local law enforcement officers.

The cost is $25 for member and $30

for non-members. Please bring a raffle prize.

To register and for more information, please visit massapequachamber.org or call (516) 541-1443.

American Legion Post 1066 is located at 66 Veterans Blvd., Massapequa.

josh kAmA FARMINGDALE Senior FOOTBALL

IT WAS A HISTORIC 2024 season for Kama and he’s looking to follow up with a big senior campaign and lead the Dalers to the promised land after they fell just short in last year’s Nassau Conference I championship game. A deadly combination of strength, size and speed, Kama rumbled for 1,717 yards on the ground and reached the end zone 29 times. He’s also a tackling machine at running back and a top Thorp Award candidate.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Sept. 11

Girls Soccer: Seaford at Wantagh .............................5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Carey .................................5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: C.S. Harbor at Plainedge ......................5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 12

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

Boys Soccer: Clarke at South Side ...........................5 p.m.

Football: Mineola at Hewlett .....................................6 p.m.

Football: Carle Place at West Hempstead .................6 p.m.

Football: Malverne at East Rockaway ........................6 p.m.

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

Football: Island Trees at Plainedge .......................6:30 p.m.

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

Saturday, Sept. 13

Football: Oceanside at Uniondale ...........................11 a.m.

Football: Floral Park at Sewanhaka .........................11 a.m.

Football: V.S. South at Carey .....................................2 p.m.

Football: Glen Cove at Baldwin .................................2 p.m.

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

Football: North Shore at Lawrence ............................2 p.m.

Football: Garden City at Long Beach.........................2 p.m.

Football: Clarke at South Side ..................................3 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Baldwin at Oceanside..........................6 p.m.

Nominate a “spotlight Athlete”

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

Ceiling always high for Massapequa

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

The Massapequa girls’ soccer team reached the Nassau Class AAA final last year, losing in double overtime to Oceanside.

But it was a down year for the Chiefs, who fielded a young team and finished 6-10-2 overall.

Such is the case for a program that has won 18 county titles, 11 Long Island championships, and seven New York State crowns in the last 22 years.

The expectation is excellence.

“Last year was probably the biggest struggle we’ve had in a long time,” Massapequa coach Bruce Stegner said. “And I think this year, some of those players are a year older now, and we’ve got some new players that have joined the club, and I think it’s going to make a big difference.”

There’s a strong leadership core this year of players who have been on varsity, in big roles, for four years.

Carly Schuler, who was a junior captain last year, is a St. John’s University commit who battled injuries last fall. But she’s back healthy and should be very impactful in midfield and up front.

Olivia Trojanowski, another fouryear player, is headed to Seton Hall, and she’ll be relied upon to provide a punch in the attack.

“She’s really great at striking the ball with both feet,” Stegner said. “She’s strong up top and pretty good on the ball.”

And in goal is Reese Reustle, a senior committed to Division I Stonehill.

“She’s just very dominant in the box, really good hands, physical, quick, does all those things well, good distribution as well, so she’s the full package,” Stegner said.

Anchoring the defensive midfield will be junior Julianna Domingo, a tenacious ball-winner who has a great work rate and is a good distributor.

Six players will likely see time in the back four, including senior center back Hayden Murphy, who is expected to return in October from an ACL injury.

Joining Murphy are seniors Abby

Carly

University.

is a returning captain for the Chiefs and set to

Stapleton and Grace Hoffman, juniors Natalie Byrns and Ava Primavera, and sophomore Madelyn Ferguson, whose twin sister Emma has impressed in the preseason with a change in position from last fall.

“She’s going to be really strong on the ball, great at receiving balls, keeping possession, turning, great energy, great speed,” Stegner said. “Last year, we tried to get her playing time in the back and play some of the midfield, and it was kind of new for her. It didn’t really work out as we’d hoped, but she’s really show-

ing up front to a raised level this year.”

Juniors Olivia Morgan and Olivia LoGiudice are expected to be impactful in wide positions in the midfield, and Skylar Negron, the first eighth grader on varsity in more than 15 years, will see valuable minutes in the midfield for a Massapequa team looking to play deep into the fall this year.

“We should go to challenge for the conference title,” Stegner said. “And hopefully we could do things in the playoffs that we haven’t done in the last few years.”

Meet some of our local scholars...

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

•The following students recently graduated from SUNY Delhi: Kate Martin of Farmingdale, bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology; Anthony Matheis of Farmingdale, associate degree in Construction Technology; James Pace of Farmingdale, associate degree in Electrical Construction and Utility Operations; Kourtni Aschettino of Massapequa, bachelor’s degree in Nursing; and Christopher Bruno of Farmingdale, associate degree in Residential Construction.

•The following students were recently honored with the Part-time Student Award for Academic Achievement: Alyssa D’Ambrogio of Farmingdale, majoring in Exercise Science and Matthew Gallo of North Massapequa, majoring in Early Childhood and Childhood Education B-6.

•Matthew Caliendo of Massapequa, a member of the SUNY Delhi hot food competition team, took first place at the prestigious 2025 American Culinary Federation, ACF, Student Team of the Year national competition in Las Vegas, Nevada.

•The following members of the New York Army National Guard were recently promoted: Luis Collado of Farmingdale, assigned to the Company A, NY Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion, was promoted to the rank of private 1st class and Massimo Musso of Massapequa Park, assigned to the 442nd Military Police Company, was promoted to the rank of private 1st class.

•Demarius Coleman of Massapequa recently graduated from Hobart and William Smith Colleges with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Latin American Studies.

•The following students recently graduated from the University of Rhode Island: Caitlin Brady of N. Massapequa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; Brianna Callahan of Farmingdale graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; Jacalyn Cangelosi of Massapequa graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Rachel Castonguay of Massapequa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal

Justice, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; Isabella Fontana of Massapequa graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Alyssa Gagliano of Massapequa graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Doctor of Pharmacy; Sophia Greco of Massapequa graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and a Bachelor of Arts in Film Media; Clare Hardiman of Massapequa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies; Caitlin Mann of Massapequa graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology; Christina Misita of Massapequa graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; and Olivia Scheuermann of Massapequa Park graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

•Vincent Cito of Massapequa was recently named to the Dean’s List at Western New England University.

•Zoe Galanoudis of Massapequa was recently named to the President’s List at Western New England University.

•The following students were named to the President’s List at SUNY Oswego: Kayla R. Kubelka of Massapequa Park, studying creative writing; Edward P. Leone of Massapequa, study-

ing technology education; Emma R. Milkovic of Farmingdale, studying health promotion and wellness; Zipporah F. Muse of Farmingdale, studying computer science; Steven T. Ventricelli of Massapequa, studying health promotion and wellness; and Connor J. Vignona of Farmingdale, studying marketing.

•The following students were named to the Dean’s List at SUNY Oswego: Matthew J. Hepworth of Massapequa Park, broadcasting and mass communication and Dominick V. Mezzanotte of Farmingdale, studying technology education.

Massapequa says hello to the class of 2038

Massapequa’s youngest learners took their first steps toward high school graduation in 2038 as they arrived for the first day of school on Sept. 3. In keeping with a district tradition, kindergartners started on the second day of school after a brief orientation on Sept. 2.

This time, they arrived ready for a full day of school. Backpacks were filled with supplies and their minds were full of curiosity as they explored new surroundings. For those with older siblings, it was finally their chance to go to the “big kid” school.

Across Massapequa’s six elementary buildings, 509 kindergartners are enrolled this year, ready to learn and eventually become the next generation of student leaders. With unlimited potential, their first day was filled with making connections with teachers, classmates and other friendly faces.

Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex A. Heuermann appears in Judge Tim Mazzei’s courtroom at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead on Sept. 3.

DNA evidence okayed by judge

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

The admittance of DNA by Mazzei’s ruling could create statewide precedent. Prior to the decision, Astrea’s technology had only been admitted in court in Idaho. Heuermann’s defense filed another motion based on the court’s decision, alleging that the use of Astrea Forensics for Heuermann’s DNA violates New York State health law.

“It criminalizes this very type of action,” Michael Brown, Heuermann’s court-appointed lawyer said, “which is an out of state, non permitted laboratory for profit to test and offer evidence in the state of New York on a criminal case.”

The motion was filed on Sept. 3 with a return date of Sept. 17; the same date the prosecution will also certify its case.

Afterwards, the DA’s office will answer to the motion on Sept. 22.

Heuermann’s defense has been trying to sever the cases, while the prosecution has pushed to have the whole case tried as one trial. Mazzei called all parties back to court on Sept. 23. where he anticipates ruling on both motions.

Heuermann, 61, a Massapequa Park resident, now stands charged with the murders of seven people in total: Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen BrainardBarnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla, and Valerie Mack. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has maintained his innocence since his July 2023 arrest.

Educators of note nominations open

Do you know an educator in a public or private school, college or studio who demonstrates a commitment to music education? Does this person play an active role in the community? If so, the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame wants to know.

If you would like to nominate an individual for the Long Island Music and

Entertainment Hall of Fame’s Educator of Note, please download the following application at shorturl.at/mWs9q or contact Tom Needham, LIMEHOF’s Education Advisory Board chairman at info@limusichalloffame.org. Nominations must be postmarked by October 3.

For more information, please call (631) 689-5888.

Government Contracting 101

Presented by New York Small Business Development Centers Business Advisor Lauren Linakis, there will be several free virtual workshops this October, beginning October 7, including Government Contracting 101, Success Through Certification, Marketing to The Government and How to Respond to an RFP.

You may register for one workshop or for all. The classes take place on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to noon.

To register, visit eventbrite.com/cc/ government-contracting-webinar-series-4602113.

For more information, please call (934) 420-2765 or email sbdc@farmindale.edu

ASHLEY M c BRYDE

Seeking housing solutions on Long Island

Though too many homes are beyond first-time buyers’ means, there are options, the experts insist

By ROKSANA AMID, JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO & ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN of Herald Community Newspapers

Final installment in a series on housing on Long Island.

With housing costs climbing and affordability dropping across Long Island, the path to homeownership has become increasingly complex, demanding not just financial preparation but also creative solutions from nonprofit organizations, lenders and policymakers. From credit-building and grant programs to community land trusts and accessory dwelling units, real estate professionals and housing advocates agree that a variety of strategies will be required to help families achieve stability and the long-held dream of owning a home.

For Connie Pinilla, principal of the Connie Pinilla Team at Compass Greater New York, homeownership is more than a transaction — it’s a long-term investment in stability and wealth. With more than 20 years of experience in real estate and law, she has guided both agents and clients through the complexities of buying a home.

“Everybody should strive to own a home — it’s the American dream,” Pinilla said. “But the most important element isn’t just finances, it’s your credit score.”

Pinilla emphasizes that a good salary isn’t enough without good credit. “You could make $300,000 a year, but if your credit score isn’t up to par, your chances of getting a loan are very slim,” she said. “On the other hand, with an excellent credit score and even a $50,000 or $60,000 salary, there are many programs that can help you purchase a home.”

She encourages buyers to plan at least a year ahead, starting with a mortgage broker. Reducing debt, keeping credit card balances below 30 percent and paying bills on time are critical steps toward building trust with lenders.

Grants and assistance programs

In addition to personal financial discipline, Pinilla says, grants are underused tools. Some programs are government-backed, while others come from banks and credit unions.

“Bank of America runs a program where qualified buyers can get up to $75,000 in grant money,” she said. “Chase often has private grants of $5,000 for closing costs. Credit unions also have excellent incentives and often lower rates.”

Grants typically apply to first-time homebuyers. Many require completion of a homebuyer education course on budgeting, credit and financial planning. If the buyer remains in the home for a set period, usually seven years, the grant does not need to be repaid.

Pinilla often asks clients to compare the cost of rent to a mortgage. In Glen Cove, a one-bedroom apartment averages about $3,000 per month.

“Rent money is gone forever,” she

said. “With a mortgage, you’re building equity, and you can deduct interest and property taxes on your income taxes. Strategically, you may be better off owning than renting.”

Preparation is key to navigating a competitive market. Pinilla advises securing a pre-approval letter before making an offer, because sellers want proof of financial readiness.

Once an offer is accepted, buyers work with inspectors, attorneys and lenders to ensure the home is sound, the title is clear and the property is properly valued before closing.

“Every step is designed to protect the buyer,” she explained. “That’s why you hire professionals — your attorney, mortgage officer and real estate agent — to guide you.”

your future.”

Payment risks, and avoiding them

As the need for affordable housing grows on Long Island, nonprofit organizations like Community Development Long Island are fighting back. They offer resources including single-family rehabilitation, multi-family home improvement and new home construction.

Pinilla encourages buyers to focus on needs rather than wants. Starting with a modest or multi-family property can be a smart path to building wealth.

“A lot of people have built wealth starting with a two-family,” she said. “You live in one unit, rent the other, and let that income pay the mortgage. Over time, you can build equity and move on to bigger investments.”

Her message is simple: Preparation and realistic expectations make the dream of homeownership possible. “If you have your finances in order, you’re not just buying a house,” Pinilla said. “You’re building equity and security for

To support first-time homebuyers, CDLI helps reduce the risk of future foreclosures and struggles they commonly face. “We provide education and orientation around what that looks like,” President and CEO Gwen O’Shea said, “helping people think about things like building their credit, reducing debt and ensuring you know good ratios when it comes time to close on a potential property.”

The assistance doesn’t end there: CDLI supports current homeowners as well. It offers a targeted home improvement program in the Village of Hempstead, which includes a $40,000 forgivable grant for home improvements for homeowners who may not have had access to other credit. “This is a great way to make necessary health and safety improvements while also increasing the value of your home,” O’Shea said.

Renters have access to CDLI’s support as well, as the organization works with those in need of homes to find

available properties that meet their needs. “We provide incentives to landlords to participate in the program as well,” she said.

For low to middle class families, Habitat for Humanity of Long Island is fighting the expensive housing market by providing safe and affordable places to live. They are built with the help of their volunteer staff, and awarded families work with a construction team to create their homes.

These homes are sold to these families based on construction costs alone. Each family’s mortgage and taxes are no more than 30 percent of their total income, ensuring these homes are sustainable for a stable living situation.

Homes usually have two to three bedrooms, with occasional four-bedrooms, based on family size. “When we build a home and partner with a family, they have to put in 300 sweat-equity hours helping build their home and other Habitat homes,” Caroljean D’Aquila, the organization’s director of corporate and community partnerships, said.

Families must go through an application process. “They have to meet a certain income level, depending on the family size,” D’Aquila said. “They have to have decent credit. They have to have a willingness to partner, and then the last thing is based on a need.”

Habitat for Humanity of Long Island has built around 270 homes in the past 38 years, helping over 800 people. With the growing need for affordable housing, it’s hard to keep up with the demand. Twice a year, applications open

‘Everybody should strive to own a home’

for a 14- to 16-month building period. Over 200 families apply for homes each application period, and only about three are accepted.

Ground lease agreements

One method to drive down the cost of a house is collaboration with a community land trust, as used in a new development in Uniondale.

One of the aspiring homeowners who entered the Affordable Homeownership Lottery in February will live in a newly built house without paying for the land underneath. The land is owned by the Uniondale Community Land Trust, a local nonprofit, using a ground lease agreement that dramatically reduces the house’s cost.

The 1,688-square-foot, two-story house will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has an estimated value of $620,000, but has a sale price of $275,000.

Jeannine Maynard, vice president of U-CLT, said that the program has taken great effort: the permit collection, construction planning and lottery preparation were all carefully planned.

Recently, Maynard heard of the federal Manufactured Housing Pilot Program, which assists in financing manufactured homes by waiving certain regulatory barriers.

“There was a pilot program done upstate New York,” she said. “They expedited the permitting processes — they didn’t allow those kinds of hangups. They were able to bring homes to market close to the $250,000 level.”

The program has limited accessibility, requiring candidates to be eligible for a mortgage, to be able to afford a down payment, to be a first-time buyer and to make between 50 and 80 percent of the median household income in Uniondale — just over $78,000 for a family of four.

Accessory dwelling units

Long Island Housing Partnership is an organization that creates accessory dwelling units on new or existing properties. ADUs are independent living spaces on the same plot of land as a main house, ranging from converted basements and attics to completely new structures.

Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the ADU Plus One Program, a $59 million grant to various organizations and municipalities to create roughly 500 ADUs across the state, according to the governor’s office.

The program is for two-person households that earn under $213,840, with a preference for those earning under $129,600.

LIHP President Peter Elkowitz has led efforts to build ADUs across Suffolk County. Recently the organization redeveloped homes in Bay Shore and in the Town of Islip, creating 78 ADUs.

“They’re very valuable,” Elkowitz said. “There’s extended families that live in these accessory dwelling units, with the grandparents, the parents and now the kids.”

He described ADUs as being able to financially support the owner of the

property, who would collect rent to offset their own mortgage payments and property taxes.

While ADUs do not take up more land, they do increase the population of a neighborhood, yielding more traffic and higher demand for parking in areas that may not have access to robust public transportation.

James Britz, executive vice president of LIHP, explained that the group is pursuing multiple housing solutions at once.

“All of our homes we built now go into our community land trust,” Britz explained. “Our next major development is 32 single-family homes, all with accessory dwelling units in them, so we’ll be able to assist 32 homeowners and 32 renters in the Bellport community.”

LIHP also administers county and town payment assistance programs for

these projects, and requires affordable home programs to include ADUs in municipalities that permit their construction, according to Maynard.

Fighting for the homeless

With the homeless population rising in recent years, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless offers various resources, including a street outreach team and street medicine team.

A safe option support team is offered as a time-limited, evidence-based service that helps people in transition. Support services are provided for nine to 12 months, including initial outreach and engagement pre-housing. That includes multiple visits each week and a 90-day transition service after housing placement.

“We’re the lead entity of the Long Island Continuum of Care,” Paul

How Habitat for Humanity builds homes, and hope

Affordable ownership

■ Homes are sold at construction cost, not market value.

■ Mortgages and property taxes are capped at 30 percent of a family’s income.

Sweat equity

■ Each family contributes 300 volunteer hours toward building homes.

Family-sized homes

■ Typical builds are two- or threebedroom houses.

■ Each home is designed as a long-term residence.

Application process

■ Families must meet income guidelines, have decent credit and demonstrate need.

■ Only about three families are chosen out of more than 200 per cycle.

Impact

■ HFH has built about 270 homes on L.I. in 38 years, housing more than 800 people.

LaMarr, the organization’s policy and community planning manager, said. “We kind of are the command center for the homeless response system here on Long Island.”

To reach out directly, a helpline is available to connect with direct services and references. A boutique is available by referral for individuals to receive clothing and other home goods they may need.

An individual must be currently experiencing homelessness to receive these services. Those who qualify for programs are currently taking much longer to be housed. “I would say as a whole region it’s getting pretty stretched out, as far as our capacity as a region to adequately address and serve people who are experiencing homelessness,” LaMarr said. “The reality is that we have a lot more people entering into homelessness, and not enough housing to get people quickly housed.”

The housing crisis on Long Island is a problem at the intersection of social, economic and political stresses, and efforts to fix it must be multifaceted. Long Island’s communities differ in opinion, opportunity and solution strategies, but share a common cause in improving local living situations.

To reach the Long Island Homeless services hotline, call 211.

Vote for “my niece”Audrey the Afghan Hound in NJ contest

My voting request has nothing to do with Election Day or politics. I am asking you to vote, possibly more than once, depending on when you read this. Please VOTE for AUDREY to become one of six New Jersey dogs chosen to appear on a new NJ Lottery scratch-off ticket. Everyone can vote once a day from now until 11:59 p.m., Sept. 12. You do not have to live in New Jersey. It’s easy and quick. To vote for Audrey, go to: jerseystopdogs. com/?entry=2145

Pets, Pets, Pets...

JOANNE ANDERSON

Why Afghan Hound, Audrey Smith?

She is a rescued Afghan. When this brindle beauty and her adopters, Annette and Rick Smith, found each other six years ago, both Audrey and her pup parents won the “ Dog Adoption Lottery” because they complemented each other so well.

In 2019, pup Audrey wound up in a Florida municipal shelter. Annette, of Toms River, New Jersey, is a longtime, rescued Afghan owner and saw the online post about Audrey in the shelter. She arranged for the dog’s transport to her in New Jersey. Annette’s sister, Alberta, lives near the Florida shelter so she was able to visit Audrey there before Annette planned the complex transport with foster stops along the way.

Audrey and Annette are family to me: Annette and I met when I brought her an Afghan Hound, Hutch, to foster that was taken from a Long Island town shelter. Hutch was placed with a doting couple in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Annette and I didn’t become “family” until we rescued sibling Afghans. In 2008, her Rebecca and my Edgar Afghan Poe were among the 67 Afghans seized from a hoarder in Santa Fe. Later another Afghan named Jasmine was signed over to me after her owner died and was adopted by Annette.

We traveled to Alabama for three years so Jasmine and Edgar could perform with other Afghans in the “Angel Dance” scene of the Muttcracker by the Birmingham Ballet. Our dogs adored each other. From then on, every Afghan lucky enough to live with Annette and Rick becomes my niece or nephew. (Family ties are not unique to Afghan owners.)

My niece Audrey’s accomplishments: Under Annette’s tutelage, Audrey earned a CGC-Canine Good Citizen title, therapy dog certification, AKC performance titles in FastCat and rally. FastCat is a coursing ability test. Dogs are timed during a 100-yard dash following a lure. The AKC (American Kennel Club) ranks the 20 fastest dogs in each breed. The lists are constantly changing because this sport is so popular. Audrey also makes therapy dog visits to nursing homes, schools, and reading programs. She represents Afghan Hounds at AKC Meet the Breeds in New York City.

Taller than most female Afghans, Audrey is a leggy, super model. She does print and televison ads. In one car commercial, the wife mistook Audrey for the “other

woman.” Audrey and her brother did a comedy skit during the 2024 National Dog Show broadcast by NBC on Thanksgiving. Audrey posed at fashion shoots for Anthropologie and more. As in other breeds, the Afghan Hound world is interconnected. When Annette brought Audrey to Toms River, her breeder recognized Audrey on Annette’s social media, especially since her name was the same. Audrey had fallen off her radar. She sold Audrey to a pet home because the Hound was too tall to go to a show home. Audrey’s original owners were not answering the breeder’s requests for updates. Instead, they surrendered her

to a municipal shelter—a violation of the contract they signed—probably because this spirited dog had more energy than they could manage. If they couldn’t keep Audrey, they were supposed to return her to the breeder. Reputable breeders take their dogs back. Annette and Audrey’s breeder stay in touch. The breeder is so proud of her pup, now grown up, and recently joked: “Audrey must have gotten the brains of the litter.”

Symbolism of New Jersey dog lottery scratch-off:

Audrey is happy with her busy life plus being at home, running in the yard with her siblings Herman and Sarah. Last week, Sarah was Audrey’s Afghan understudy for an online video filmed in Greenwich Village for designer Rachel Antonoff. Audrey doesn’t know about the frenzied voting or her huge canine competition in the contest.

There is no prize money or steak at Sardi’s. However, after her 2019 rescue, Audrey won the life lottery, and would make a perfect spokesdog on the New Jersey lottery ticket scratch-off. She stands for all dogs that shine when they reach their pup potential with people who understand and appreciate them. Please Vote for Audrey each day through Sept. 12. Ask your friends to vote too.

STEPPING OUT

A taste of the season in every bite

By Karen Bloom

Autumn’s many pleasures are upon us — and nothing says fall quite like a trip to the apple orchards.

As September rolls in, the air turns crisp, leaves begin to glow and our taste buds are tempted by the flavors that define this fleeting season: juicy apples, fresh-pressed cider and, of course, pumpkins. It’s the perfect time to gather family and friends, head to a local orchard, and fill your baskets with fall’s sweetest treasures.

Apple season is now in full swing, wich picking continuing into mid-October — giving everyone a chance to savor the harvest. When it comes to choosing apples, there’s no shortage of flavor. Local orchards are brimming with varieties to suit every taste and recipe.

Best for snacking: Crisp, juicy favorites like McIntosh, HoneyCrisp, Macoun, Zestar, Granny Smith, and Paula Red are perfect eaten fresh off the tree. More adventurous pickers might enjoy Cortland, Empire, Jonagold, or Crispin (also known as Mutsu).

Best for baking: McIntosh and Cortland shine in pies, crisps, and cakes — Cortlands, in particular, need less sugar because of their natural sweetness. Rome, Empire, Fuji, Crispin, and Ginger Gold are also reliable choices. For pies, a mix of varieties such as Crispin, Cortland, Rome, Granny Smith, and Northern Spy often brings out the best flavor.

Best for sauces and more: Paula Reds cook down beautifully into applesauce, while Cortlands add flavor and color to salads. And, of course, fresh-pressed cider remains the season’s star — orchards throughout the region urge everyone to “buy local” and enjoy each batch. Once home with your bounty, make delectable apple treats.

is surely one of the definitive desserts of the season.

Filling:

• 3 pounds apples, to yield 2 pounds peeled, cored, and sliced apples; about 9 cups

• 1/4 cup (57g) rum, apple cider or juice, or water

• 1/4 to 3/4 cup (53g to 159g) light brown sugar or 1/4 cup (53g) dark brown sugar, depending on the sweetness/tartness of your apples

• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons (43g) boiled cider, optional but good

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Apple Pie Spice, or 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg + 1/4 teaspoon ginger

• 3 tablespoons (20g) unbleached all-purpose flour or tapioca flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping:

• 3/4 cup (90g) unbleached all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup (45g) quick-cooking oats

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2/3 cup (142g) light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 8 tablespoons (113g) butter, cold, cut in pats

• 1/2 cup (57g) diced pecans or walnuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9” x 9” square cake pan, or similar-size casserole pan. Slice the apples about 1/4” thick. Toss them with the remaining filling ingredients, and spread them in the pan.

To make the topping, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add the cold butter, working it in to make an unevenly crumbly mixture. Stir in the nuts, if you’re using them.

Spread the topping over the apples in the pan. Set the pan on a parchment or foil-lined cookie sheet, to catch any potential drips. Bake for about 60 minutes, till bubbling and top is golden brown.

Remove to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. If you serve the crisp hot/warm, it may be quite soft; you wait till it’s completely cool, it’ll firm up nicely.

Note: To make individual crisps, grease eight 8-ounce capacity baking dishes, and proceed with the recipe accordingly, baking the smaller crisps for 45 to 55 minutes.

New York Apple Slaw Salad

A tasty side with plenty of crunch.

small matchsticks

• 1 medium green apple, sliced thin and cut into small matchsticks

• 1 cup(s) grated carrot

• 1/4 cup(s) shelled, roasted pistachios

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sweet and Sour Cider Dressing

• 2 tablespoon(s) apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon(s) country Dijon mustard (such as Grey Poupon)

• 1 tablespoon(s) honey

In a cruet or jar, combine dressing ingredients and shake well. Set aside. Combine cabbage, carrot and apples into a large bowl.

Chop pistachios with a knife or use a chopper. Add chopped pistachios to the bowl. Add dressing, salt and pepper to taste, and stir well. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes; stir again before serving.

Fall’s Best Apple Cranberry Pie

Apples and cranberries combine for a welcome ending to any meal.

• Pastry for a 2 crust deep dish 9-inch pie

• 4 cups sliced, pared tart apples (thickly sliced)

• 2 cups fresh cranberries

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons butter

Both Sides Now: Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen

This intimate theatrical concert explores the music and lives of longtime friends and one-time lovers, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Created by, and starring folk-rocker Robbie Schaefer and award-winning jazz vocalist Danielle Wertz, the cabaretstyle performance — developed at Washington D.C’s Signature Theatre — traverses decades alongside songs such as “A Case of You,” “Hallelujah,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Suzanne,” and many more. Both Sides Now is at once a piece of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and of right now — offering us a story about the messiness of being human, of lives persistently lived at the edge of growth, and of finding the courage to turn toward one another, again and again. Robbie, a rabbi, singersongwriter and theater-film artist, and Danielle, a storyteller-composerarranger, pair up for an unforgettable evening.

Friday, Sept. 12, 8 p.m. $39, $36, $31. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show

•

•

Preheat oven to 425° F. Prepare pastry. In large bowl, combine sugars, flour and cinnamon. Add apples and cranberries. Mix to coat well. Turn into prepared pie pan. Dot with butter. Cover with second crust and seal to bottom crust edge by pressing edges together, then flute. Cut slits in top crust. Bake 40-45 minutes until crust is lightly browned. Cover edge of crust with foil if crust is browning too quickly. Cool.

For over 40 years the band from Down Under continues to shine. See what critics have acclaimed as “the gold standard” of tribute acts with stunning special effects that re-create Pink Floyd’s legendary stage shows. The band performs the seminal album Wish You Were Here in its entirety, including all nine parts of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” along with tunes from The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. With colorful lighting and video, pinpoint lasers, gargantuan inflatables and flawless live sound that was the benchmark of Pink Floyd shows, the band delivers a memorable experience. Replicating music from every phase of Pink Floyd’s journey, this tour reinforces their dedication to the heritage of Barrett, Waters, Gilmour, Wright and Mason.

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 8 p.m. $105.25, $88, $77.75, $66.25, $55.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

SEPT

On Exhibit

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

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: Ongoing

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

9/11 Remembrance

Mayor Daniel Pearl and the Massapequa Park Village Board of Trustees welcome all to a remembrance ceremony to honor and remember those we have lost.

•Where: Monument in front of Village Hall, 151 Front St., Massapequa Park

•Time: 7-7:30 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 798-0244

SEPT

12

Roald Dahl’s Birthday Party Families with kids in grades 2-5 are invited to a funfilled party themed around popular author Roald Dahl at Plainedge Public Library. Parents/guardians of children 10 years and younger attending library programs need to remain in the building during the program. Registration is required.

•Where: 1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa

• Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

•Contact: plainedgelibrary.org or (516) 735-4133

SEPT

13

Tunes in the library

Phil Costa and the Something Special Big Band return to take you down memory

NYC Ska Orchestra

SEPT

Get in the groove with the NYC Ska Orchestra. This 20-piece big band blends the exuberant musical layers of the jazz big band era with Jamaican roots music. The top-notch musicians, led by arranger-trumpetervocalist Kevin Batchelor deliver a lively concert that surely will lead you to want to get up out of your seat and dance. The band features star turns from celebrated octogenarian percussionist/vocalist Larry McDonald and master drummer Carl Wright. Alongside a powerhouse collective of instrumental artists from the reggae recording scene, bandmembers have performed with Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Toots & the Maytals. Together they play a non-stop selection of lush original compositions and arrangements of songs from the richly historic and culturally iconic Jamaican musical styles of 1950s and ’60s ska, mento, rocksteady and jazz. Don’t know the difference between mento and two-tone? Let this collective of musicians be your guide. The passionate team of talented musicians each bring unique energy and expertise to create an unforgettable sound experience. The band includes Pallavi Gummalam and singer/arranger Aida Brandies Hargrove, joined by top-notch pros who all combine for a hugely entertaining, danceable, unforgettable show. $42, $37 members.

lane at Massapequa Public Library. Enjoy exciting and jazzy music of the big band era. Registration required. for this event.

•Where: 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park

• Time: 2-3:45 p.m.

•Contact: massapequalibrary.org or (516) 798-4607 ext. 6304

Farmers Market

Schneider’s Farm Farmingdale 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.

Annual Art in the Park

Come see local artists work at Farmingdale’s Annual Art in the Park at Farmingdale Village Green. Rain date is Sept. 21.

•Where: 361 Main St., Farmingdale

•Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 249-0093 or francie1112@aol.com

Farmingdale

•Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington

• Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444

SEPT

16

Public Library

Cinema

Stop by Farmingdale Public Library for a showing the 1981 romantic comedy “Arthur,” starring Dudley Moore and Liza Minnelli.

•Where: 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale

•Time: 10 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m.

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

SEPT

20

Gatsby’s Swingin’ Scavenger Hunt

Old Westbury Garden’s Gatsby Weekend celebration the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby,” continues with a family adventure. The jazz artists are late for Gatsby’s big bash and lost in the gardens! Hunt for jazz players hidden in the landscape. Check off your findings then and return to Westbury House for a special prize.

•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

bring their ideas to life. Giant and lightweight, these blocks encourage hands-on exploration and problem-solving, collaboration and spatial awareness. Through Nov. 2.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

•Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

Junior Architect: A Kid’s Tour of Westbury House

Families are invited to explore Old Westbury Gardens’ Gold Coast mansion through the lens of 1920s history and Art Deco design. Includes an interactive guided tour and an art activity where kids create their own art deco architecture. Registration required. $18, $13 child,

•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

•Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

Treasures

from the Attic

Gatsby in the Gardens: Art Deco Perspectives

Experience the glamour and bold design of the Roaring Twenties through contemporary artwork inspired by the opulence of Long Island’s Gold Coast. This juried exhibition at Light Court Hallway celebrates the era’s iconic fashion, architectureand luxury in true Art Deco style.

•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

•Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

Block Party With Imagination Playground

Get the kids ready to join in an oversized “block” party at Long Island Children’s Museum! Stack them, crawl through them or team up to make dream designs come true. Back by popular demand these giant, lightweight blocks turn playtime into extraordinary adventures. Construct castles, mazes, fantastical creatures or secret hideaways in this incredible exhibit experience. Imagination Playground blue blocks provide a blank canvas for children to express their creativity and

Discover the value and story behind your treasure at Nassau County Museum of Art’s Antique Appraisal Day. Bring your antiques, artwork and heirlooms to the museum and meet several of the world’s leading art and antiques experts. These esteemed appraisers will provide verbal fair market value estimates, and you may be surprised at what you learn. Up to 5 items per registrant. Spots are limited and online registration required. $40 per item, $30 members. Fee includes exhibit admission.

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

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

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.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

6:00-9:00PM

The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale, New York

TO PURCHASE

TICKETS VISIT

richnerlive.com/ healthcare-awards or scan here

HEALTHCARE LEGACY AWARD

MICHAEL J. DOWLING

President & CEO Northwell Health

HEALTHCARE VISIONARIES AWARD

JOHN K. D’ANGELO, MD, FACEP

CEO-elect Northwell Health

KERRI ANNE SCANLON, MSN, RN, FAAN

SVP & President

Glen Cove, Plainview, and Syosset Hospitals Northwell Health

KIMON BEKELIS, MD, FAANS, FACS, FAHA

Director

The Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island THE TEAM AT LIVEONNY

DONALD T. MORRISH, MD, MMM

CEO

Episcopal Health Services

DYNAMIC DUO AWARD

VANESSA BAIRD-STREETER

President & CEO

Health and Welfare Council of Long Island

LORI ANDRADE

Executive Vice President

Health and Welfare Council of Long Island

POWER COUPLE AWARD

LINDA HARKAVY, MD

Founder, CEO and Medical Director

Form & Function Aesthetics and Wellness

MITCHELL GOLDSTEIN, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon and Co-Founder Form & Function Aesthetics and Wellness

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

THE CASEY SKUDIN 343 FUND

COMMUNITY HEALTH CHAMPIONS AWARD

INTEGRATIVE HOLISTIC CENTER TEAM

Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Northwell Health

THE MENDING HEARTS COUNSELING TEAM

THE LEND TEAM

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities

Stony Brook University

TRAILBLAZERS IN HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY AWARD

THE TEAM AT VEDI ROBOTICS INC.

EXCELLENCE IN HEALTHCARE HONOREES

JESSICA COLON BOHANNON

Founder & Board President Long Island Nurses Honor Guard, Inc.

JORDAN BRODSKY, MD, FACR

Rheumatologist

Rheumatology Consultants

BRIAN CABEZAS

COO

People’s Arc of Suffolk

NICHOLAS DIPIETRO

Clinic Director, Family Treatment and Recovery Centers

Family & Children’s Association (FCA)

JOSEPHINE FITZPATRICK

Founder & CEO, Innovation Healthy Market | Author & Nutrition Expert

Innovation Weight Loss and Healthy Market

HOWARD GOODMAN, DC

Weight Loss Doctor

The Long Island Weight Loss Doctor

DANIELLE HAMILTON, RN, MSN

Director of Wellness

Sayville Brightview Senior Living

LON HECHT

CEO

CARE2U

JONATHAN JASSEY, DO, FAAP

Founding Pediatrician

Concierge Pediatrics

ANNE Y. F. LIN ’84P, ’86PHARM.D., FNAP

Dean & Professor

College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

St. John’s University

ROB MILLER

General Manager & SVP

CITIZ3N Government Solutions, A Softheon Company

VANESSA MORILLO, LCSW

Lead Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Harmony Healthcare Long Island

KELLY MURPHY

SVP & General Counsel

Henry Schein

KAREN PAIGE, MBA, RN, CPHQ, CPPS, CPXP, OCN

EVP & COO

Episcopal Health Services

DIMITRIA PAPADOPOULOS, MD

Founder Bellmore Dermatology

SAMANTHA RENIERIS, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD

Speech-Language Pathologist

The Speech Language Place

BERNADETTE RILEY, DO, MS

Professor and Director, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / Hypermobility Treatment Center

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

ALLA SHENKMAN, MD

PM Pediatric Care

ROUMIANA T. TZVETKOVA, DDS, DMD

Owner

Aspen Dental - Deer Park

Exercises to keep seniors fit, healthy and happy

Physical activity is crucial for people who aspire to maintain their overall health as their bodies age. Exercise improves flexibility, contributes to a healthy weight, reduces the risk for chronic illnesses, and may even help seniors maintain their independence well into their golden years.

The good news is that exercising regularly doesn’t have to be high-impact or strenuous to make an impact. Plenty of exercises are geared toward seniors that feature gentle yet powerful movements, and address specific needs like strength, bone health, cardiovascular health, and balance. Although many fitness routines are safe, it is best to consult with a doctor or another health care professional prior to beginning a new regimen so seniors learn which activities are appropriate for their individual needs and health conditions. As seniors prepare for those discussions, they can explore the following exercises many of their peers already enjoy.

Cardiovascular activities

It’s important that seniors elevate their heart rates and improve or maintain their endurance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. These activities fit the bill for boosting the heart.

• Brisk walking: Walking is a simple activity that requires no equipment and can be done almost anywhere… even in

front of a television. Walk at a brisk pace to raise your heart rate.

• Swimming: Swimming and waterbased activities are enhanced by the buoyancy of water, which reduces stress on the joints.

• Cycling: Whether riding on a stationary bike or a traditional one, cycling is a low-impact way to boost cardiovascular health and strengthen leg muscles.

• Chair marching: Individuals with limited mobility can march in place while seated, an activity that can still elevate the heart rate.

Strength training

The CDC advises engaging in strength training at least two days per week for older adults. This doesn’t necessarily have to involve lifting weights. Bodyweight exercises are quite effective, too.

• Stand up: From a seated position, standing up without using hands and sitting back down works the legs, hips and core.

• Wall push-ups: This modified push up builds upper body strength without putting strain on shoulders or wrists.

• Resistance bands: Using these bands in varying strengths can effectively work arm and leg muscles.

Balance

Seniors need to focus on exercises that promote balance, which can help prevent dangerous falls.

• Single-leg stands: Standing on one leg while holding on to a chair or counter for

support is a start, with a gradual buildup for longer lengths of time.

• Sobriety walk: Individuals can walk a straight line as if they are proving sobriety to a police officer, by placing the heel of one foot directly in front of the toes of another.

• Gentle hop: Hopping (or stepping)

gently from one foot to another is another balance technique to master. These are just some of the exercises that are ideal for seniors who are returning to exercise or new to daily fitness. People also can work with trainers who are experienced at helping seniors get fit.

Notice of formation of SANTA OF LONG ISLAND LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 07/18/2025. Office located in NASSAU. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC 18 S 5TH STREET, LOCUST VALLEY, NY, 11560. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

25-250. 8/13, 20, 27, 9/3, 10, 17

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as successor-in-interest to all permitted successors and assigns of JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, as Trustee for Specialty Underwriting and Residential Finance Trust Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2005-BC2, Plaintiff AGAINST Eddie Maiorino a/k/a Eddie A. Maiorino; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 5, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 25, 2025, at 2:00PM, premises known as 45 Beverly Place, Massapequa, NY 11758. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and

Public Notices

being at Massapequa, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 65 Block 101 Lots 2314, 2315, 2316, and 2317. Approximate amount of judgment $590,059.64 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 614095/2017. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine."

John Kennedy, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: August 6, 2025 25-256. 8/27, 9/3, 10, 17

Notice of Self Storage Sale

Please take notice

Safeguard Self Storage #190113 located at 6000 Sunrise Highway Massapequa NY 11758 intends to hold a sale of the property stored in the below listed Storage Spaces. The public sale shall occur as an online auction via HYPERLINK www. storagetreasures. com on 9/25/2025 at 10:30AM. Unless listed below, the contents consist of household goods, furnishings and garage essentials. Danielle Layer unit #0116; Darron Yelling unit #1444; Quantiah Gaines unit #2405; Owen Stanton unit #2708; Daniel Jacob unit #3472. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. See manager for details. 25-258. 9/10, 17

Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals

TOWN HALL, AUDREY AVENUE, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 11771-1592TELEPHONE: (516) 624-6232 – FAX: (516) 624-6149

RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman – LOIS

SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman –

KATHLEEN MULLIGAN

REBECCA M. ALESIA –LISA CIC-

COLELLA – FLORESTANO GIRARDI – BRIAN GRIFFIN

**********************

**********************

PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on SEPTEMBER 18, 2025, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 25-212

MASSAPEQUA SIMON MIDDLE-

TON: (A) Variance to allow existing deck and shed exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing shed having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o Ohio Ave., 117 ft. E/o Hicksville Rd., a/k/a 71 Ohio Avenue, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-241

MASSAPEQUA 581 HICKSVILLE RD. LLC: Variance to construct a new dwelling on subdivided lot

having less width from front property line to required rear yard, lot area, average front yard setback (Chicago Avenue), side/front yard setback (Hicksville Road) and exceeding maximum building coverage than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters. PARCEL B

NW/ cor. of Hicksville Rd. & Chicago Ave., a/k/a 581 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-243

MASSAPEQUA

581 HICKSVILLE RD.

LLC: Variance to construct a new dwelling on subdivided lot having less width at street, width of lot from front property line to required rear yard, lot area, exceeding maximum building coverage and gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. PAR-

CEL A

NW/ cor. of Hicksville Rd. & Chicago Ave., a/k/a 581 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-301

MASSAPEQUA

JOSEPH DANIELE:

(A) Variance to reconstruct a new 74.5 ft. by 33 ft. dwelling on partial existing and partial new foundation having less average front yard setback (Ocean Avenue), average side/ front yard setback (Clinton Place) and roof pitch than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters.

(B) Variance to reconstruct a new 74.5 ft. by 33 ft. dwelling on partial existing and partial new foundation and allow existing roof-over exceeding maximum building coverage and gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance.

(C) Variance to allow existing raised plat-

form having less rear yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (D) Variance to allow existing roof-over exceeding maximum height than permitted by Ordinance. (E) Variance to allow existing roof-over and bar counters having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance. (F) Variance to construct circular driveway having less side/front yard setback (Clinton Place) than permitted by Ordinance. (G) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 22-290 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated July 21, 2022.

SW/ cor. of Clinton Pl. & Ocean Ave., a/k/a 67 Clinton Place, Massapequa, NY

ZONING

BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING OF 09/18/25

APPEAL NO. 25-189

SEAFORD

AISHA BAGA: Variance to allow an existing second kitchen in a one-family dwelling for use as a PARENT/ CHILD residence.

E/s/o Maywood Dr., S/o Sandra Ln., a/k/a 4053 Maywood Drive, Seaford, NY

SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 25-259 9/10

FARMINGDALE

UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Farmingdale, NY NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for: FARMINGDALE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT ROOFING RESTORATION AT FARMINGDALE

HIGH SCHOOL SED No.: 28-05-22-03-0007-050

ALBANY AVENUE ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL SED No.: 28-05-22-03-0-003029

NORTHSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SED No.: 28-05-22-030-008-028

SALTZMAN EAST

MEMORIAL

SCHOOL SED No.: 28-05-22-03-0-009028

WOODWARD PARKWAY SCHOOL SED No.: 28-05-22-030-006-027

CONTRACT G –GENERAL CONSTRUCTION WORK

Description: Will be received until 11:00 AM prevailing time on Monday September 29 th , 2025 at the Central Administrative Conference Room of Farmingdale UFSD, located at 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, New York 11735, at which time and place where all bids received will be publicly opened and read and where the identity of all offerers will be publicly disclosed. Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, drawings, and specifications, may be obtained online beginning Monday, September 15th, 2025 as a download at the following website: melville.h2mplanroom. com

Complete sets of Bidding Documents, Drawings and Specifications, may be obtained from REVplans, 28 Church Street, Unit 7, Warwick, NY 10990 Tel: 1-845-651-3845, upon depositing the sum of $100 (One Hundred Dollars) for each combined set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to Farmingdale School District. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Instructions to Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs.

Please note REVplans (melville.h2mplanroom.com) is the designated location and means for distributing and obtaining all bid package information. Only those Contract Documents obtained in this manner will enable a prospective bidder to be identified as an official plan holder of record. The Provider takes no responsibility for the completeness of Contract Documents obtained from other sources.

Contract Documents obtained from other sources may not be accurate or may not contain addenda that may have been issued. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at melville. h2mplanroom.com

Plan holders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda.

Bids must be made in the standard proposal form in the manner designated therein and as required by the Specifications that must be enclosed in sealed envelopes bearing the name of the job and name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to: FARMINGDALE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, clearly marked on the outside: Bid For: Roofing Restoration at Various Buildings. Each proposal submitted must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the FARMINGDALE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid, as a commitment

by the bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it will enter into a contract to perform the work and will execute such further security as may be required for the faithful performance of the contract. Certification of bonding company is required for this bid, see Instructions for Bidders section. Each bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for forty-five (45) days after the formal bid opening. There is no scheduled pre-bid conference and walk through for this project. If potential bidders require a site visit, they can request it with the district’s construction manager, School Construction Consultants at the following number 631-567-0200. It is the Board’s intention, and it reserves its right to award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, providing the required security who, to the Board’s satisfaction, meets the experience, technical, budget and all specification requirements and has references and responses from references that are deemed acceptable by the Board. The Board reserves the right to waive any irregularities and/or noncompliance with the bid specifications for any bid or bids, or to reject any and all bids and re-advertise to invite new bids, or to accept the whole or part of any bid or bids from one or more Bidders, which in the Board’s judgement, is in the best interests of the School District. By Order: Board of Education Farmingdale Union Free School District Farmingdale, New York 11735 Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York Dated of Insertion: Wednesday – Massapequa Post 9/10/25 Thursday – Nassau Observer 9/11/25 25-260. 9/10

HomesHERALD

Expanded Luxury Ranch

Bar Harbour, spectacular expanded multi-level Ranch in the heart of South Massapequa Park. Unique one-of-a-kind home offering expansive living space and luxurious details throughout including crown moldings and coffered ceilings. The main level features a family room with a fireplace, separate formal living room, an updated eat-in kitchen, spacious dining room, convenient butler’s pantry, stylish half bath, and a laundry room—all thoughtfully laid out for everyday comfort and entertaining. The upper levels boast a primary suite complete with a full bath and generous walk-in closets, two oversized bedrooms with double closets and a shared full bath, and an additional level offering two

‘How does

anybody want to do business here?’

Q. Can you explain why I have to go back through a whole repeat of applying for a permit that has already been approved twice in the past 10 years for the same thing? I bought a property that I was told could be developed for multiple families. I looked up the records and found that it had been approved as recently as 10 years ago, but the person who was getting the permit must have run out of money or something. I applied for the exact same thing and was told I would have to go through applying for the permit, getting a denial, going through a board meeting with the council, and if approved, would still need to get a zoning variance that has already been given approvals twice before. I was also warned that this whole process could take three to four years. How does anybody want to do business here? Buying a property, paying the taxes, getting nothing, just shelling out loads of money on the assumption that the whole thing will be approved hardly makes it worth it. Is this avoidable? Is there another way?

A. Not every municipality has this long a process, but the process is generally the same in every government, no matter the size. The only way through it is to promptly apply at each stage but, unfortunately, the procedures and rules make the process extremely drawn out. In theory, each phase of approval is intended as a “checks and balances” procedure, and as long as you are writing the checks and keeping the local government’s balances, they rarely try to streamline unless you cooperate. I did recently experience an exception worthy of recognizing Long Beach for its wisdom and compassion toward a homeowner. The person had a deck built that had columns running right along the property line, which is not allowed in the zoning regulations. The owner went through the building permit and zoning variance process, but the contractor deviated from the plans once the permit was issued.

Instead of putting all the columns right along the property line, even though the second floor deck was set back the required 5 feet, the contractor only put the first two front columns on the property line, and then installed the remaining three columns 5 feet in, so that a car couldn’t park under the deck. It made no sense, but the owner can’t read plans, and didn’t know what was happening until it was too late. They questioned this with their building department, and an official looked at the problem, but instead of forcing the owner to go back through the whole process, the official recognized that this problem had a simpler solution, and only required a letter of explanation from a licensed professional, and the problem will be solved without the expensive and time-consuming burden to the owner.

So it can be done, if only compassion prevailed. Good luck!

© 2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tag Sales

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i’m a capitalist. There, I said it. Even more than that, I’m a Democrat. In fact, I serve as a Democratic national committeeman. I have also been a partner in a small business on Long Island for more than 35 years. Capitalism is neither a threat nor just a theory to me; it is a reality that provides opportunities for me as well as our employees, vendors and clients.

As I write this confession sequestered in my undisclosed location, it is important to remember that our nation’s capitalist economy and entrepreneurial spirit are the envy of the world, attracting workers, investment and admiration. But this success wouldn’t be possible without two critical features: a social safety net that allows people to take risks, start businesses and join unions, and federal funding for research and development.

It is because of my commitment to capitalism that I stand in strong opposition to President Trump’s economic agenda.

Think about the child tax credit, the

“AConfessions of a democratic capitalist

Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security — these historic programs achieved by visionary leaders during national crises protect people from the vicissitudes of the market and allow them to pursue economic opportunity. Trump is tearing up that legacy by gutting Medicaid and food assistance for tens of thousands of New Yorkers.

Trump’s economic agenda is an assault on everything from jobs to science.

His Big Beautiful Bill — a big, ugly bill — will spike health care premiums for more than 24 million households that receive health insurance through the ACA exchange, and the exorbitant expense will cost as many as 80,000 New Yorkers their coverage. It will lead to the layoffs of more than 3,000 hospital workers in our state. It will reduce after-tax income not just for the very poor and vulnerable, but also for the middle class. It will raise electricity bills, and make basic consumer goods more expensive. Our small businesses and their employees will suffer the repercussions.

The latest jobs report indicates a slumping economy, with just 22,000 jobs added in August and the unemployment rate at the highest level since October 2021. This will only get worse as the administration’s unprecedented tariffs

A secure, accessible future for voting opinions

bsentee voting leads to fraud!” “Absentee voting is essential to protect the right to vote!” We hear these arguments passionately made by politicians across the spectrum. But what if we didn’t have to choose? What if we could ensure both easy access to voting and robust security — so that only registered citizens vote, every ballot is accurately counted, and results are announced promptly?

This isn’t a pipe dream. The technology exists, and is already in use globally. Let’s explore how it could work here, in our communities.

Every day, trillions of dollars move securely across the internet. You likely shop on Amazon, pay bills with online banking and transfer funds between accounts. These systems work because they’re designed to ensure that money goes exactly where it’s intended, with

are fully implemented. Moreover, Trump’s decision to fire the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner over a weak jobs report and his attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, in addition to eroding the independence of the Fed, are the tactics of a banana republic that undermine American capitalism. Our fellow citizens can’t succeed when they are denied opportunities to enter the middle class and build a future for their families.

Contrary to conventional belief, the federal government has funded and developed leading technologies, such as GPS, Siri, the Covid-19 vaccines, the space program and the internet. According to a recent Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas paper, non-defense government research and development has been responsible for more than 20 percent of productivity growth since World War II. Instead of doubling down on these critical investments, the Trump administration has canceled billions of dollars in grants for the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. His research funding budget would inflict even more austerity. Put simply, this is an assault on American jobs, education, science, health, medicine and our

economic standing in the world.

There’s no question that unchecked government and unchecked capitalism are equally dangerous. Imagine two scenarios: In one, American businesses innovate, grow and compete globally, powered by a workforce with access to health care, education and financial opportunity. That leads to a future in which new industries emerge, lifechanging technologies are invented and prosperity is widely shared.

In the other scenario, we watch our competitive edge erode. Entrepreneurs can’t take risks because they can’t afford to get sick. Innovation stalls. Inequality deepens. Businesses fail. Families suffer.

The choice we face isn’t between capitalism and government, but between a sustainable capitalism that works for all and a broken system that serves and favors only a few. If we are to create jobs, power local businesses, develop innovation and protect the American dream, we must rise above party labels and partisan rhetoric and respond as patriots by learning from history. The investments that have cured disease and provided economic growth have made our country the beacon of innovation. That requires standing in defense of capitalism.

Robert Zimmerman is a co-president of ZE Creative Communications in Garden City.

safeguards against fraud and error.

It’s not just money. Many of us renew passports, file taxes, manage health records and sign legal documents online. We trust the internet with sensitive tasks because secure systems make it possible.

So why not apply this to voting? Here’s how a secure online voting system could work:

1. Voter registration and authentication. Every voter would register once, providing proof of identity and citizenship. They would receive a unique digital key — perhaps biometric, like facial recognition or a fingerprint scan, features already built into most smartphones. This registration would be valid for life, updated only when they moved to a new jurisdiction, like from one county to another.

authentication would protect against tampering or impersonation, much like safeguards for online banking.

3. Instant tabulation and verification. Votes would be encrypted, transmitted and counted in real time. Results could be announced within minutes after polls close, eliminating delays and reducing opportunities for confusion or manipulation.

E lections in the U.S. should follow the lead of Brazil, Estonia and Switzerland.

2. Secure voting interface. Voters would access a platform using their digital key. The system would ensure that only eligible voters cast ballots — and only once. Encryption and multi-factor

Countries such as Estonia, Switzerland and Brazil already use versions of these systems. Estonia has offered secure online voting in national elections since 2005. Switzerland has piloted it in several regions, and Brazil’s electronic voting machines tabulate results quickly and securely. If they can do it, surely the United States, with its technological leadership, can, too. Of course, there are concerns that would have to be addressed. Privacy is a core right that we cherish. Voters must trust that their ballots are secure, anonymous and accurately counted. No one — not election officials, hackers or third-party vendors — should be able to

trace a vote to an individual. Cost is another concern. Building an online voting system wouldn’t be cheap, but we don’t need to start from scratch. We can adapt proven technologies that are in use in other countries, saving time and resources. Over time, such a system could reduce the costs of printing ballots, staffing polling stations and mailing absentee forms — savings that could benefit our local budgets.

Accessibility is a major advantage. Online voting would make it easier for seniors, people with disabilities, rural residents and those with demanding schedules to vote without traveling or waiting in lines. Imagine a farmer in our county casting a ballot from home or a nurse voting between shifts. We don’t have to settle for outdated systems or false choices between access and security. With investment and political will, we can build a voting system that’s secure, accessible and worthy of our democracy. Let’s bring the future of voting to our communities — because every voice deserves to be heard, safely and fairly.

Howard Kopel represents Nassau County’s 7th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s presiding officer.

ioften reflect on how people thought differently about the world on Sept. 10, 2001. Then, in an instant, everything changed. I remember the confusion, chaos and fear — and the extraordinary unity that followed. In the days and weeks after the attacks, we weren’t Democrats or Republicans. We were Americans, bound by grief, resolve and an unshakable sense of shared purpose.

I was buoyed by the sight of American flags flying everywhere, on cars, on homes, on buildings. They reminded us, even in our darkest hour, that we were still united as one people. That unity stands in stark contrast to the fractured and divided state of our country today. On this solemn anniversary, I believe Sept. 11 must not only be a day of remembrance, but also a day of recommitment. Let’s rededicate ourselves to the dream that is America — the proposition that all men and women are created equal, and the promise that hard work will be reward-

Protecting our kids and keeping Nassau County safe opinions Every Sept. 11 should be a day of resolve

As county executive, I am proud to announce that Nassau County has reached unprecedented levels of safety during my time in office. Despite having a larger population than 10 U.S. states, our crime numbers have continued to decline every year. After falling by 9 percent in 2024, major crimes are now down by over 13 percent in the county yearto-date in 2025. This is a massive accomplishment for our Nassau County Police Department, and it’s a major reason why we continue to be regarded as the safest county in America.

But despite our accomplishments, we know that we can never rest on our laurels. Every day we strive to find new ways to bring security and peace of mind to our residents. One of my top priorities is protecting our children from criminals who threaten their security at school. With a new academic year underway, many parents may be feeling anxious about shootings and other devastating events that have

ed with a decent life. Let’s re-devote ourselves to faith, family, community and country.

I vividly remember those first hours. In Glen Cove, where I was serving as mayor, one of the first decisions we made was to run continuous trips of the Glen Cove Ferry to help bring people trapped in Manhattan to safety. Our crews and volunteers transported thousands of people. It was a small act of service compared with the enormity of what had happened, but it was something tangible, something immediate, something that made a difference.

Lness of those who stood ready to serve.

I lost friends and neighbors that day, and I know others who survived because they decided not to go to the office that morning. One friend instead handed out my campaign literature at the train station.

et’s carry forward the spirit of unity and purpose that defined us in those dark days.

We solicited hundreds of volunteer doctors, nurses and first responders to be ferried to the city. We also coordinated with New York City emergency management and Glen Cove Hospital to bring the wounded back to our facility. Sadly, as the day wore on, the reality became painfully clear. There were no wounded. They didn’t need our hospital, or our volunteers — the devastation was so complete that there were no survivors to be saved. That truth still weighs heavily on me, a reminder of both the cruelty of that day and the extraordinary selfless-

We must be grateful for our lives and what we have when we have it. Let’s do the work we can, while we can.

Over the years, I’ve been privileged to work closely with John Feal, of Commack, a man who turned his own tragedy into a life of service. John was working as a demolition supervisor at ground zero when a falling steel beam crushed his foot. After his injury, he was denied compensation. He made it his mission to fight for others. Through the FealGood Foundation, and with allies like Jon Stewart and many others, we’ve fought hard on behalf of first responders and survivors, ensuring that they receive the care and resources they deserve.

This year, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and I introduced the bipartisan Patriot Day Act, to establish Sept. 11 as a federal holiday. Our goal is simple: to give every American the chance to com-

memorate one of the most significant days in our history. For 24 years we have honored 9/11 in our own ways. By enshrining the day in federal law, we would affirm that remembrance is not optional; it is essential.

But remembering isn’t enough. We owe it to those we lost, and to those who rushed into the burning towers to save others, to carry forward the spirit of unity and purpose that defined us in those dark days. Let us never forget the pain that was visited upon us, the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders and the extraordinary sense of togetherness that carried us through. And most of all, let’s rededicate ourselves to the dream and promise of America, that we’re stronger together, that our differences don’t divide us, and that hope, not hatred, will define our future.

On Sept. 11, 2001, everything changed. Twenty-four years later, the memories are still raw. The grief still lingers. But so, too, does the possibility of renewal. If we remember well, and recommit ourselves, Sept. 11 will not only be a day of mourning, but also a day of resolve. That’s how we can best honor those we lost: by building a country worthy of their sacrifice.

Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.

repeatedly happened across our country. I am taking every possible step, however, to ensure that those tragedies do not happen in Nassau County.

Last month, I announced that the NCPD was creating and deploying a new Strategic Response Team specifically to safeguard our schools and mitigate any threats to students, teachers and faculty.

W

ith efforts like the largest gang takedown in the county’s history last month.

The team is made up of dozens of dedicated police officers who work closely with school officials to identify and prevent potential threats. I’m proud to say that the team’s deployment was a complete success for this year’s back-toschool transition, and it will be a critical tool moving forward for all of the county’s educational institutions.

Part of the task of keeping our children safe is ensuring that the streets they live on are free from crime. The NCPD is doing an excellent job of collaborating with local, state and federal partners to achieve this goal. Just last month, we coordinated a tactical takedown of gang members with the assistance of Immigration Customs and Enforcement officials. We arrested dozens of dangerous criminals in less than

a week, with many of them known members of gangs like MS-13, the 18th Street Gang and the Trinitarios. This monumental achievement was the largest gang takedown in Nassau County history, and it helped remove illegal criminals who had no business being here in the first place. Nassau is not a sanctuary county, and we will not tolerate criminality from illegal migrants who threaten our neighborhoods.

Tackling public-safety issues is critically important to me, which is why I’ve made so many investments in our local police. While other counties and leaders are reducing their focus on public safety and seeing an increase in crime, I have authorized hiring over 600 police and correctional officers during my time in office. I plan to expand our law enforcement hires even further in the years to come, to continue giving our residents the security they deserve.

Our officers will be the best in the nation thanks to a brand new policetraining village that we opened this summer. This critical resource will ensure that the brave men and women who protect us receive the best available

training alongside our federal, state and local partners. The real-life scenarios and exercises they undertake there will give them the experience to handle any situation they encounter on the job with confidence.

In addition to the best training, my administration and the County Legislature are ensuring that our police have the necessary funding to access the most advanced equipment and resources. It’s my goal that every police officer working for the county is put in the best position to do their job effectively so they can return home safely at the end of their shift.

My administration’s commitment to the safety and well-being of our residents has never been stronger. Under my leadership, we will continue to prioritize the safety of our communities so that every resident can live, work and prosper without fear. That means not only maintaining and enhancing our law enforcement resources, but also fostering strong relationships among our police, local organizations and the community. We will engage with residents, listen to their concerns and respond proactively to keep our streets safe. Together we will ensure that Nassau County remains the best place to live for everyone.

Bruce

Massapequa

Ira

2 Endo

pOsT

L.I.’s housing crisis costs us more than homes

For the past few weeks, the Herald has presented a series on housing and the challenges of finding an affordable place to live for Long Islanders — a necessity that seems to be slipping further from reach for so many in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

HERALD

For decades, people came here to build lives rooted in family, work and community. These days, however, housing has become not just a financial burden, but also a destabilizing one that threatens health, safety and the very fabric of our towns.

Housing supply has stagnated while demand has soared. Rising rents and homes priced beyond the reach of working families are reshaping daily life. They are forcing impossible choices: whether to stay close to loved ones, whether to sacrifice health care in order to pay the rent or the mortgage, whether to leave Long Island altogether. The crisis is no longer theoretical — it is personal, urgent, and in desperate need of solutions.

Consider the story of Karen Wihlt, whom we featured in Part 2 of our housing series, “Personal stories of L.I.’s housing crisis,” three weeks ago. Wihlt, 58, lives in uncertainty with her service dog in a Bethpage hotel room. After years of building a life here, working as a chef and helping open restaurants around the area, she now faces homelessness.

She can no longer work, but her income from disability benefits — too much for her to qualify for local aid but

letters

King stirs memories of what football used to be

To the Editor:

nowhere near enough for her to afford rent or a continued hotel stay — illustrates the sobering arithmetic of survival on Long Island.

The cost of insecurity reaches beyond the wallet. As Peggy Boyd, vice president of community services and advocacy for the Family Service League, noted in that story, the trauma of losing housing often triggers depression, anxiety and hopelessness. The Family Service League is a social service agency that provides support and security to Long Islanders in need.

Children, the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population nationwide, suffer disrupted schooling, constant moves and the erosion of the routines essential for healthy development. When a child repeatedly sleeps in a car or a motel instead of a bedroom, the damage isn’t just temporary — it echoes through a lifetime.

Even middle-class professionals, long considered the backbone of Long Island, are struggling. Brandon Webber, a lieutenant in the New York City Fire Department, and his fiancée, preschool director Alexa Rubinstein, who rent an apartment in Farmingdale, embody the contradiction: two educated, hardworking adults with multiple jobs who still can’t buy a home in the communities they serve.

For some, like Denise Minicozzi, 60, the only option is to work harder by working more hours — but still never getting ahead. Minicozzi waits tables and works part-time at an assisted-living facility just to cover the $4,200 rent for a

Re Peter King’s op-ed, “College football just ain’t what it used to be,” in last week’s issue: I arrived at Dillon Hall, University of Notre Dame, a graduate of Baldwin High School, in the fall of 1966. Alan Page walked through Dillon every day from Alumni Hall to get to the south dining hall. Bob Gladieux, Rocky Bleier, Tom Schoen — all regular guys, passing through the hall. I use the term “regular guys” because they were. And they were students as well.

I always remember Tom McKinley, All-American center on the team, with a 3.97 GPA in electrical engineering, writing an article for the N.D. paper, called The Observer. He described his day, and the focus was on time management. I’m 77, and have never forgotten the clarity of time these players had to observe in terms of classes, studying, practice, meals, travel, game days.

The 1966 team was electrifying. We all gathered in the old fieldhouse for the first pep rally. The team sat

modest Bayville house — an arrangement with no security and the constant threat of increases. Like many others, she and her partner are contemplating leaving Long Island.

Too many longtime residents are reaching the same conclusion: the place they love no longer loves them back. The ripple effects are already visible. Assemblyman Charles Lavine, a Democrat who represents the 13th District, warns that without affordable housing, Long Island is “losing its future.”

Middle-class families are being priced out, young people are leaving and communities risk being hollowed out. Without a thriving middle class, schools weaken, businesses falter and neighborhoods lose their vitality.

State funding has helped, and projects near Long Island Rail Road stations hold promise. But efforts remain piecemeal, stymied by local resistance to new development and a lack of federal investment.

The solution requires bold action: regionalizing poverty thresholds so assistance matches local costs, investing in supportive housing that integrates mental health care, and building more homes and apartments where people need them. Above all, it requires the political will to overcome “not in my backyard” resistance and acknowledge the reality staring us in the face.

Housing is not just shelter. It is health care. It is education. It is stability. It is dignity. If we don’t act now, we risk losing the very essence of what has always made Long Island home.

opinions University trustees must serve as guardians

the intrusions into the governance and operations of the University of Virginia, George Mason University, Harvard and columbia, among others, by federal and state officials contradict U.S. Supreme court precedent and undermine the integrity of higher education.

The White House and the Department of Justice threaten the withholding of federal research funds as leverage to force changes in who is admitted, who teaches and what is taught. They accuse institutions of being silent in the face of antisemitism; ignoring presidential orders limiting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and violating the Supreme court’s decision on affirmative action in Students for Fair admissions v. Harvard. In addition to reductions in federal funding, the government has threatened to limit the enrollment of international students and the employment of international scholars.

These actions, based on unproven allegations and without due process and respect for the law, expose the vulnerability of colleges and universities, despite Supreme court decisions including Dartmouth college v. Woodward

(1819) and Sweezy v. New Hampshire (1957). Both decisions affirmed that universities must remain free from government interference in their teaching, hiring, admissions and governance. Institutional autonomy and board independence are fundamental to academic freedom, educational excellence and the fulfillment of fiduciary duties, the court affirmed.

aThe attacks against universities elsewhere should raise concern on long Island. We are home to 15 colleges and universities, and all rely on federal funding for student financial aid. Some have substantial research agendas. Stony Brook University, for example, is a major recipient of federal research grants, which totaled over $16 million in 2023. adelphi, cold Spring Harbor laboratories, Hofstra, long Island University, New York Institute of Technology and Northwell Health, among others, also have active research programs that rely on government grants. Earlier this year, Newsday reported that the new federal budget could reduce research funding on long Island by over $163 million for medical, science, technology and other projects.

tion, the Department of Energy, NaSa and the Department of Education.

ence between governance and management, and questions and prescriptions.

ttacks on colleges elsewhere should raise concerns on Long Island.

like universities elsewhere, ours are governed by boards of trustees that are responsible for preserving institutional independence, academic freedom and free speech, all necessary for teaching and scholarship that challenges assumptions and assertions. Surprisingly, fewer than 15 percent of american college and university trustees have any professional experience in higher education, which underscores the need for rigorous orientation in academic governance and mission. can we imagine a public company saying its directors did not know its legal landscape, finances and markets?

Public university trustees are mostly appointed through a political process, although some states allow public elections, and most independent college and university trustees are selected with consideration given to their philanthropic capacity. Neither are generally selected for their governance acumen or knowledge of higher education. Nevertheless, the duties of trustees are threefold: care, loyalty and obedience.

The duty of loyalty: Board members must act in good faith and in the best interests of the institution, not out of self-interest or in the interest of a particular constituency.

The duty of obedience: Boards must uphold the institution’s charter and mission, maintaining public trust through honest stewardship.

Each institution has a covenant with the public that gives it a charter, its major asset. The faculty may be the heart and students the soul, but the license to award degrees and certificates is what gives the institution stature, credibility, relevance and viability. That is what trustees hold in trust as guardians of the institution.

Key federal agencies providing research funding for long Island institutions include the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the National Science Founda-

Letters

downfield, furthering the distance between himself and the Boilermaker defense. Terry Hanratty threw a pass toward the sideline where no one was until, a moment later, Jim Seymour, on a timed route, appeared out of nowhere to snag the throw. It was glorious. Every visit to the campus brings me home, as it does with the thousands who have attended the university. But Peter King is correct: The sports landscape has changed. It’s mind-boggling to hear the play-by-play announcer name the three different schools that this or that player has attended before he landed on the team out on the field.

It’s a cliché, but how often is the answer to just about anything one word: money? It doesn’t seem like a degree in electrical engineering is in the offing. Not that these young athletes aren’t smart. They’re being offered something that may never come along again in their lifetime, and it’s hard to resist.

In some ways, people of our age resist change. We could never imagine the terms being presented to today’s players. (This goes for technology as well. I thank God our grandchildren live in town, so we can call them any time we need something that relates to

our phone, computer or TV.) Go, Irish!

BIll PIccHIoNI

Notre Dame class of 1970

MaTTHEW PIccHIoNI

Notre Dame class of 2000 Rockville Centre

Workers aren’t getting what Trump promised

To the Editor:

Workers deserve fair pay, safe working conditions, affordable health care and the freedom to retire with dignity. We deserve the right to join unions that give workers a voice; an economy that works for all families, not just the wealthy; and a democracy in which every voice is heard and every vote counts.

Workers and families deserve fully funded public schools that are safe, welcoming, relevant and engaging, as well as higher education that is accessible, affordable and free from political intrusion.

President Trump campaigned on making life better and more affordable

The duty of care: Board members must prepare diligently, participate actively and protect the institution through appropriate oversight, including guarding against external interference. Trustees need to know the differ-

Trustees are most effective when they know the history, mission and purpose, the students, local community and the comparative advantages of the institutions they serve. This is vital not only for the health of the institution but also to maintain the standards of independence that have been the hallmark of U.S. higher education. as a former university president and trustee, and as a member of PEN america’s champions of Higher Education, I believe it is my responsibility to speak out on behalf of our institutions, our students and our country’s future.

Dr. Robert A. Scott is president Emeritus of Adelphi University and Ramapo College of New Jersey, and the author of “How University Boards Work.”

for working families, and I’m sad to say that his administration has not delivered on these promises. Instead we have seen funding slashed for schools, health care, child care and more — while tax breaks are handed to the ultra-wealthy. our family members and communities will be sicker, hungrier and poorer. We deserve so much better.

Whether it’s peacefully protesting with our neighbors and co-workers in the streets, forming unions at our workplaces or engaging with elected officials in congress, let’s work together to fight for the future that all workers deserve.

claIrE laBorDE Hempstead

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