Massapequa Herald 09_24_2025

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HERALD Massapequa

Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge p

MPK resident, teacher releases new book Page 3

9/11 Memorial ceremony at Cedar Beach

By MIKE POLANSKY

Senior Correspondent

Nearly 500 people gathered for the Town of Oyster Bay’s annual 9/11 Memorial and Walls of Honor Ceremony, honoring the memory of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and the residents who later died from 9/11-related illnesses.

The event, held at TOBAY Beach, included a large turnout of firefighters, first responders and elected officials. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino served as master of ceremonies and emphasized unity and resilience in his remarks.

“As Americans, we stand united,” Saladino said. “There is no question about that. Through our belief in freedom and democracy, and through remembrance ceremonies such as tonight, we send a clear message that we will not be defeated—not then, not now, not ever.”

The town’s 9/11 Memorial bears the names of residents who perished in the attacks. The adjacent Walls of Honor continues to expand each year, commemorating those who died from illnesses linked to exposure at Ground Zero.

Names newly added to the Walls of Honor in 2024 included Kenneth B. Campbell, Court Cousins, Peter F. DiSilvio, Arthur George Kaiser, Charles Anthony Langone, Timothy T. Motto and Richard L. Ruiz Sr. The names were read aloud by Sarah Motto, daughter of Timothy T. Motto.

Massapequa family rallies for daughter diagnosed with rare disease

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

For six joyful months, Kaitlin and Gerard Norton lived every new parent’s dream. Their baby girl, Madeline, was healthy and thriving. But after a routine wellness visit, the Massapequa couple received a phone call that changed everything.

Madeline had tested positive for a rare genetic condition called PKAN — Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration — a progressive neurological disorder that slowly robs children of their ability to walk, talk and eventually, live independently. There is no cure.

“Classic” PKAN, the form Madeline has, is often

fatal before age 10.

“We noticed some stiffness but never imagined it would lead to something like this,” Kaitlin said.

Now 9 months old, Madeline is still showing no major symptoms. She loves Mickey Mouse, food, and playing with her dogs, Dasher and Bear. Her days include visits to the local library and coffee shop with her parents — quiet moments that have taken on new meaning.

Rather than retreat, the Nortons are choosing to fight. Kaitlin, 29, and Gerard, 32, launched “Madeline’s Mission,” a social media and fundraising campaign to raise awareness and support for PKAN research. Their GoFundMe has raised more than $55,000 toward a $100,000 goal.

“Every time you talk about it, it does reopen some wounds,” Kaitlin said. “But this is how we’re going to find a cure.”

Charlie Mackie, president of the Massapequa Historical Society and Madeline’s grandfather, said that the slow progression of the disease will give scientists time to hopefully come up with genetic therapy.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

•Massapequa School District Board of Education Meeting: 8 p.m., Board Room, 4925 Merrick Rd., Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 3085000.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

•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 27

• 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)-9728829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

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

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

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

•Nassau County Legislature Meeting: 1 p.m., Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Ave., Mineola. For more information, call 516-571-6200.

•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 30

•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) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1

• 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.

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

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

Understanding your unique financial goals

Researching and recommending the best solutions

Providing ongoing guidance to help you achieve financial success

By joining Lebenthal, I now have:

Access to a wider range of financial products and services

Financial planning services at no additional cost

Greater flexibility to select the most suitable solutions for you

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

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

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

Learn More: lebenthalfinancial.com | lebenthal.com

Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Post Herald Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: cjames@liherald.com at least twothree weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but openended 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.

Town, Village officials announce ‘Shed the Meds’ Drug Take Back Day

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Massapequa Park Village Mayor Danny Pearl have announced a partnership with Drug Free Long Island and the Nassau County Police Department to host a “Shed the Meds” Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Sept. 27.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the back parking lot of Massapequa Park Village Hall.

“This Drug Take Back Day is a great opportunity to rid your medicine cabinet of old and unwanted prescription drugs,” Saladino said in a statement. “Through proper disposal of old medications, we can prevent them from contaminating the environment and also keep them out of the wrong hands and away from young people.”

The program is anonymous and offers residents a safe and responsible way to dispose of unused or expired medications. For those unable to attend, secure disposal bins

are available at all Nassau County police precincts year-round.

Participants should note the following guidelines:

•If medications are left in their original containers, all personal information should be removed from the labels.

•Liquid medications will not be accepted.

•Illicit substances are not part of this initiative.

•Intravenous solutions, injectables and syringes will be accepted.

The event is held in partnership with New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso, State Sen. Alexis Weik, Thomas’ Hope Foundation, the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD), Lions Club International and Community Action for Social Justice.

For more information, contact Drug Free Long Island at (516) 639-2386 or email info@ drugfreeli.org.

Local author Melanie Murphy releases newest book in element-based series

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

Melanie Murphy of Massapequa Park recently released the second of four books in her element-themed series. The newest installment, released on Sept. 1, focuses on the element of fire and is titled Embers and Ash. The first book, Sea of Whispers, explored the element of water.

An English teacher by day, Murphy teaches 11th and 12th grade at Division Avenue High School in Levittown. She spoke with the Herald about her latest book, how her students have influenced her writing career, and the upcoming book launch event, which is open to the public.

Please tell us about Embers and Ash, the second book in your series: So, my Sea of Whispers was water. This one is fire. In terms of genre, it’s still women’s mystery fiction with that speculative edge to it. It’s more overt in terms of the fire because I just felt like—this is fire, it must be big! It’s a mystery, but this one has almost a political thriller edge to it.

Fiona Blake is the main character, and she was born with the ability to harness fire. She’s able to start fires, but she can’t really control it. She tries to control it and convinces herself she has a handle on it—and then a tragic event happens. She can’t deny it anymore, and her whole life comes undone.

While all this is happening, a mysterious man comes into her life and offers her a way out. She must take it because the alternative is tragedy. So, she immerses herself in this new life with people who try to help her control her condition—and she changes. She becomes a completely different person, but the purposes for which she’s being used are very manipulative and sinister.

Ultimately, she must learn how to harness her powers and accept herself to take the path toward redemption.

What would you say has been the most rewarding aspect of publishing this series?

Writing has always been a bucket list item. I believe that what we put out there is eternal, so just the idea of being able to get my stories heard—to get my voice out there—means a lot. I also love connecting with read -

ers—that’s my favorite part. When people tell me they enjoyed my story, or they can’t wait for my next book to come out, or I meet people at signings and they say, “I love your book”—I love that. Being able to connect with readers is so special.

So, for me, the most rewarding part has been connecting with people through my work and overcoming the fear of putting myself out there.

How has your teaching worked symbiotically with your writing career?

My students were really the inspiration for me to start writing in general. I teach writing. I teach English. We talk a lot about the writing process and being creative, and I always share everything I write with my students.

If I give them an assignment, I do the same one myself. That willingness to be vulnerable with them and encouraging them to be vulnerable in return—it helps us connect. Writing is vulnerable for them, and I now understand that more deeply because I feel so vulnerable when I put my own work out into the world.

I also think it allows them to see me not just as a teacher, but as a multifaceted person. They’re so supportive, and I think the writing helps me relate to them on a different level—not only as a teacher of writing but as someone who is also learning the craft along the way.

It’s even influenced my teaching. I’ve incorporated a lot more creative expression into my curriculum because of my own experience as a writer. I always try to model what I teach.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on the books focused on the elements of air and earth.

I also have a book launch event on Oct. 1 at The Dark Horse in Massapequa Park, from 7 to 10 p.m.

I’m just so grateful for the support of my readers. They mean the world to me. I know there’s so much out there, so it means a lot when people take a chance on a new author. There’s a lot of competition, and I’m always thankful for every reader who picks up my book.

To learn more about Melanie Murphy and her books, visit melaniemurphyauthor.com. Her latest novel, Embers and Ash, is available for purchase on Amazon at shorturl.at/IGjwC.

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 trunks are needed. To

of her book,

and Ash.

Massapequa’s Annual

Italian Feast and Festival, Sept. 28

The Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, The Columbus Lodge, in conjunction with the Town of Oyster Bay will be hosting their annual Italian Feast and Festival on Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. along North Broadway in North Massapequa. A rain date will be scheduled for Oct. 5.

sign-up, please visit shorturl.at/ rWz95.

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

Opening ceremonies will feature the Italian National Anthem and the American National Anthem and the event will include lots of food, a classic car show

at Antoni Ravioli, vendors, local merchants, jump around party rental for rides, clowns, petting zoo and pony rides.

The North Massapequa Fire Department will also be in attendance with a first aid station, Rag-A-Muffin registration and recruitment station.

Additionally, the event will feature Spindrella and The Posers and the LI Rewind Band.

For more information, please call 516 624-6333.

Riteway Marine in Babylon

Marine operator accused of stealing hundreds of thousands from clients

A Babylon boat dealer has been indicted on grand larceny and other charges for allegedly stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients who entrusted him to sell their boats, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced.

Rory P. Hogan, 60, owner of Riteway Marine Solutions, 12 Post Pl., Babylon, was arraigned Sept. 5 on charges of second-degree

grand larceny, a Class C felony; scheme to defraud, a Class E felony; and issuing bad checks, a Class B misdemeanor.

CRIME WATCH

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

POLICE RESCUE JET SKIERS

Massapequa: The Nassau County Police Department’s Marine Bureau rescued four jet skiers who were stranded in the marsh south of Massapequa Sept. 15. Police gave this account:

Prosecutors allege that between October 2023 and April 2025, Hogan accepted boats from more than 10 clients under the false pretense that he would broker sales and remit the proceeds. Instead, authorities said, At approximately 9:27 p.m., Sept. 15 police responded to assist Town of Oyster Bay Constables in the rescue operation. A helicopter from the Nassau County Police Department Aviation Unit responded to illuminate the area. The Bay Constables and Marine Bureau Officers safely brought all 4 jet skiers back to Burns Park. No injuries were reported.

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.

Correction:

A story in the March 26 edition announcing Jennifer Gallub Pravato’s candidacy for Nassau County Legislator in the 16th District incorrectly stated that she and her husband sold their home in Massapequa Park and downsized to a smaller residence in Farmingdale. In fact, while they currently live in Farmingdale, they still own their Massapequa Park home.

sTEfANo BoRsELLiNo HEWLETT Senior FOOTBALL

A TWO-YEAR STARTING safety, Borsellino is no stranger to the high school gridiron. Only this year, he’s stepped into Hewlett’s starting quarterback role. So far, so good. In his first-ever start under center, Borsellino guided the Bulldogs to a 35-12 win over visiting Mineola in the Conference III opener Sept. 12. He passsed for 181 yards and two touchdowns and added 109 yards rushing and a score. He also booted three extra points.

GAMES TO WATCH

Friday, Sept. 26

Boys Soccer: Uniondale at Freeport 5 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Lynbrook at V.S. South 5 p.m.

Boys Soccer: V.S. North at Wantagh 5 p.m.

Football: Uniondale at Westbury 5 p.m.

Football: Elmont at Manhasset 6 p.m.

Boys Volleyball: Elmont at Sewanhaka 6:15 p.m.

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

Football: Herricks at Farmingdale 6:30 p.m.

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

Football: North Shore at Malverne 7 p.m.

Football: Lawrence at Carle Place 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 27

Girls Soccer: South Side at MacArthur 10 a.m.

Girls Soccer: Massapequa at Garden City 10 a.m.

Girls Soccer: Syosset at Oceanside 10 a.m.

Girls Soccer: Manhasset at Long Beach 1 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Glen Cove at Hewlett 1 p.m.

Football: Kennedy at Calhoun 2 p.m.

Football: East Meadow at Garden City

Football: Hewlett at Wantagh 2

Football: Long Beach at Mepham 2

Football: Carey at South Side 2

Football: Port Washington at Oceanside 2 p.m.

Football: Sewanhaka at Clarke 6:30 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.

Post-game

Record-breaking Kama lifts Dalers

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

Josh Kama’s initials are JK, but after Friday night, they might as well be LIE.

The Farmingdale running back set a new Long Island football single-game rushing record with 495 yards to go along with seven touchdowns on 26 carries to lead the Dalers to a wild 64-57 Nassau Conference I victory at Oceanside.

The senior matched the school record for touchdowns in a game, initially set by Jordan McLune. Against Oceanside last year, Kama rushed for seven touchdowns and 376 yards on 21 carries in a 63-42 victory.

He could have easily broken the touchdown record, but he ran out of bounds at the 1-yard line to seal the win inside the final minute. That 53-yard run, which saw him emerge from a swarm of bodies, set the Long Island record for rushing yards in a single game.

The previous record was held by North Babylon’s Nathaniel Griffith, who had 38 carries for 489 yards and seven touchdowns in a 75-49 win over Smithtown West on Oct. 1, 2022.

“We’ve had plenty of good running backs at Farmingdale High School, and the way this is going, he may be in a class by himself,” Dalers head coach Buddy Krumenacker said.

Kama set the tone for Farmingdale (2-0) with a 20-yard touchdown on the Dalers’ first drive. He followed with a 60-yard touchdown to tie the score at 14.

A 70-yard touchdown gave Farmingdale a 28-14 lead with 1:50 left in the first half.

The line of James McCarthy, Jordan Petzold, Jake Kunz, Aiden Thomas, and James Queen, as well as tight end Mateo Morales and fellow running back Jovens Theodate, provided the blocking Kama needed to get to the second level, where he did the rest.

“I don’t know how I do it,” Kama said. “I really have to give it to my O-line and my running back, fullback, and tight end. They really make all the magic happen.”

Oceanside (1-1) rallied to tie the score at 35 on a 46-yard scoring reception by

Eric Dunetz/Herald

Josh Kama’s 495 yards rushing last Friday in the Dalers’ wild 64-57 win at Oceanside was a L.I. single-game record and he added 7 touchdowns.

Jacob Stern, who had nine receptions for 183 yards and four touchdowns, before Theodate (six carries, 134 yards) broke several tackles en route to an 80-yard touchdown to put the Dalers back in front 41-35 with 2:36 left in the third.

Following a 44-yard touchdown run and 2-point conversion, Kama rushed for a 55-yard score, his sixth and arguably best of the evening, to put the Dalers back in front 57-50 with 3:28 remaining.

After a key interception by Ive Mills, Kama capped the scoring for Farmingdale with a 53-yard touchdown with 2:48 left.

“Kama played lights out, physically willed himself and his team to a win,” Oceanside head coach Rob Blount said. “He’s a generational player.”

Through two regular-season games, Kama has rushed for 766 yards and 11 touchdowns to go along with a 60-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, setting the tone as the early favorite to win the Thorp Award, given annually to Nassau County’s top player.

“I hope so,” Kama said when asked if he’s wrapped up the award Friday night. “I think I did.”

Ryder Cup set to tee off at Bethpage Black

Governor Hochul announces that the course will host two PGA championships in next eight years

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

After years of preparation, the Ryder Cup is about to begin at Bethpage Black. And Long Island golf fans can anticipate even more championship golf coming to one of the country’s most popular public courses.

While visiting the Farmingdale course on Sept. 17, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that Bethpage Black will also host the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in 2028, and the PGA Championship in 2033.

“I don’t look at it just as an economic boost,” Hochul said. “I look at it as a point of pride.”

Hochul, who added that the PGA Championship will be played at Oak Hill Country Club, in Rochester, in 2035, said that she “could not be prouder,” that the state is a home to golf “and always will be.”

Bethpage Black hosted its first PGA Championship in 2019, when Brooks Koepka won his second PGA title. The last time the women’s championship was played in the state was at the Westchester Country Club in Harrison, in 2015; this is the first time it will be played at Bethpage Black.

“Bringing the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship to Bethpage Black is a significant milestone,” PGA of America President Don Rea said, adding that it reflects the PGA’s “commitment to staging this event at premier courses in major markets.”

PGA of America, based in Frisco, Texas, hosts the Ryder Cup and other major golf tournaments in the United States. This year’s biennial tournament, a matchup of the top golfers in the U.S. and Europe, is set for this weekend, beginning Friday.

A week before the first competitors teed off, Ryder

Cup Shops hosted a grand opening for the public, last Friday through Monday. Team U.S. fans can choose from over 1,500 items from more than 50 vendors at the 61,800-square-foot temporary pavilion, near Bethpage Black’s main spectator entrance. Tournament tickets are not required, and this week the shops will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Ryder Cup Shops has 70 registers and a large queuing area for customers, so fans can pick up merchan-

dise and get back to the competition quickly. There are 10 full-time staffers, 20 interns and 1,200 volunteers, according to Michael Quirk, the chief commercial officer of merchandising for Legends Global, the company overseeing tournament merchandise.

“We’ve been told the expected number (of fans) for the Ryder Cup is north of 50,000” per day, Quirk said. “When we talk about a structure this big, there’s a reason for it. This is a machine that is really built to make sure that the best premium retail experience is actually possible this week.”

Healthy habits that can benefits seniors over the long haul

Food fuels the body throughout the day, ideally providing the energy people need to make the most of each day. But the foods people eat are more than just fuel. Indeed, a delicious meal is hard to forget, and that underscores how significant a variable flavor can be when people choose the foods they eat.

Flavor is certainly important when choosing and preparing meals, but it cannot be the only variable that determines what people eat. That’s true for everyone, and especially notable for seniors. Agerelated changes to the body should affect seniors’ approach to diet. The National Council on Aging notes that metabolism slows as bodies grow older, which means seniors require fewer calories to fuel their daily activities than they needed when they were younger. That’s just one of the many notable things seniors should consider when designing their daily diets.

• Plan a well-rounded diet. School children learn the basic food groups as youngsters, and it’s good for seniors to keep those long-ago lessons in mind when planning their daily diets. The American Heart Association notes the importance of incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and proteins into daily diets. In regard to dairy, the AHA advises consuming the equivalent of three cups of low-fat (1 percent) or fat-free dairy each day. When picking a protein source, the AHA identifies eggs, fish, lean meat, legumes, nuts, and poultry as healthy and protein-rich

foods. Even polyunsaturated and monounsaturated oils like olive oil and peanut oil can be healthy.

• Resolve to read more labels. Aging adults need not study nutrition to identify what they’re putting into their bodies each time they take a bite. The NCOA notes that food labels are useful sources of information that can indicate how much fat, sodium and added sugars are in a given item. Seniors should be especially vigilant when trying to avoid foods that contain a lot of added sugars, which can contribute to weight gain. That’s notable given seniors’ naturally slower metabolisms.

• Practice portion control. It’s not necessarily the foods seniors eat but how much they eat that can derail their efforts to maintain their overall health. Seniors’ recommended daily calorie intake varies by both gender and activity levels. Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes women 61 and over who are moderately physically active should consume roughly 1,800 calories per day, while those living an active lifestyle are advised to eat around 2,000 calories per day. Moderately active men age 66 and older are advised to eat 2,400 calories per day, while active men between the ages of 61 and 75 should aim for 2,600 calories per day. When reading food labels, pay attention to calories per serving, as that can act as a useful guide to control portions. The National Institute on Aging recognizes it can be hard to control portion sizes when din-

ing out, and recommends seniors share an entrée or order from the appetizers menu when picking their main course.

The right daily dietary habits can help seniors live longer, healthier and happier

lives, and picking the right foods does not require sacrificing flavor.

Get into the spooky spirit this Halloween

Come October 31, there is extra mischief in the air, and who knows what might be lurking around those dim corners? Halloween is a time when the line between having fun and being scared is easily blurred.

While trick-or-treating and attending parties are ways to enjoy the final day of October, there are plenty of other ways to make Halloween more fun.

• Read some scary stories. There’s something to be said about reading scary stories or poems on Halloween. Readers’ imaginations take over on Halloween as they envision scary characters and scenarios. Edgar Allen Poe, author of many notably macabre works, is a popular read come Halloween.

• Go pumpkin picking. Most people already make pumpkin picking an annual treat. Don’t overlook mishappen pumpkins that can be carved into spooky jack-o’lanterns. Also, enhance Halloween decor with pitted and warty gourds that lend that scary appeal.

• Create a haunted house. Instead of going elsewhere to get chills and thrills, transform your house or yard into a spooktacular vision and invite neighbors to explore.

• Make creepy crafts. Children can get a kick out of crafting Halloween decorations. Drape a piece of muslin over a beverage bottle and spray it with laundry starch. Let sit and the muslin will stiffen when it dries. Paint on black circles for eyes and hang your “ghost” from a string.

• Whip up Halloween treats. Candied apples, extra-rich brownies and mini hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls to look like mummies are just some of the ways to create a scary Halloween feast.

• Have a costume theme. Everyone in the household can get in on the fun by planning costumes to fit a theme. For example, everyone can dress like the Addams family.

• Host a Halloween book club. Those who love to read can ensure the October gathering of a book club is one that features a discussion of a scary book. Those looking for a scare can explore horror authors like Stephen King, Anne Rice, Dean Koontz, Clive Barker, Shirley Jackson, and Tananarive Due.

Halloween can be made even more entertaining with some extra activities that appeal to people of all ages.

Massapequa family rallies for daughter with rare genetic disease

CONTINUED FROM COVER

“It is around the corner, not only for my granddaughter but for all children suffering from rare genetic diseases,” said Mackie. He added that the way his daughter and son-in-law have responded has been admirable. “And they have taught me a lot about how social media works and how to get the word out to give my granddaughter—and all children like her— the best chance. They are fighting for everybody, not just our family.”

A registered nurse at Stony Brook Hospital, Kaitlin said going public with their story wasn’t easy — especially for two people who rarely ask for help.

“We’re stepping out of our comfort zone, but it’s for Madeline,” Gerard said.

All donations from Madeline’s Mission go directly to the Loving Loic Foundation, based in Bozeman, Montana. The nonprofit was founded by Sherine Blackford after her son, Loic, was diagnosed with PKAN in 2023. The foundation is leading efforts to develop gene therapy, which researchers believe could eventually correct the genetic defect in the brain.

“We’re hopeful,” Gerard said. “That’s the biggest asset we have right now.”

The Nortons are also advocating for access to an experimental medical food designed to slow the onset of symptoms. The product is currently awaiting FDA approval. With Madeline still symptomfree, timing is critical.

“If we can get that medication approved, we can give it to her before she starts to regress,” Gerard said.

Both Kaitlin and Gerard grew up in Massapequa and said they couldn’t imagine raising Madeline anywhere else. The support from their community, family and neighbors has been overwhelming — from kind words to donations to sim-

ple acts of care.

“People we don’t even know have brought us bagels and meals,” Kaitlin said. “They don’t have to do anything, but they do — out of the goodness of their hearts.”

Madeline recently began early intervention physical therapy. One day, her therapists demonstrated how to crawl. The next, she was “all over the place,” Kaitlin said with a smile.“We are blessed to be in the situation we’re in — as hard as it is,” Gerard said. “This could be a lot worse. We’re lucky to have each other and this community. Everybody here is like family.”

For now, the Nortons are focusing on the present and cherishing every moment.

“We’re just taking it one day at a time,” Gerard said. “You don’t know what the future holds. But right now, she’s here, she’s happy, and she’s crawling around. That’s what we hold on to.”

Support for Madeline and her family is spreading far and wide. The Rockville Centre Police Department, where Gerard serves as a Police Officer recently held a fundraiser and the Amityville PBA Guardian Angel Foundation just announced that it will be holding its annual Holiday Boat Parade Sat., Nov. 15 at Amityville Beach followed by a fundraiser at the Unqua Yacht Club. All proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Norton Family “This event brings the community together to celebrate the season while supporting a family in need,” said Amityville PBA President Harold Miller.

To support Madeline’s Mission, visit GoFundMe.com/f/madelines-mission-help-fightrare-childhood-disease-pkan. Follow @madelines. mission on Instagram and TikTok or search “Madeline’s Mission” on Facebook.

To learn more about PKAN and the Loving Loic Foundation, visit lovingloic.org.

Join Us!

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

HONORING

COMMUNITY IMPACT HERO

Luv Michael

FIRST RESPONDER HEROES

Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP HERO

Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025

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

The Heritage Club at Bethpage

DISASTER HERO

Jennifer Keane

MILITARY HERO

Mel Cohen

YOUTH HEROES

Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein

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

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

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

A lively first

day

for Farmingdale students

Farmingdale School District kicked off the 2025–2026 school year on September 4, welcoming students with excitement, smiles, and plenty of sunshine.

From curious kindergartners to seniors gearing up for their final year, the halls buzzed with #DalerPride.

That same spirit will roar at Farmingdale High School’s Pep Rally and Homecoming game on Friday, September 26. Principal Jed Herman and Dale the Lion will lead a high-energy pep rally, complete with the drumline, football team introductions, and performances by the cheerleaders, Dalerettes, and Step-n-Dalers.

Later, fans at Don Snyder Stadium will cheer the Dalers on against Herricks High School, and the halftime show promises a spectacular performance by the Marching Band. With PTA support and a full season of activities ahead, the excitement is just getting started.

Marine operator accused of stealing hundreds of thousands from clients

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 said.

he sold the vessels and kept the money for himself, often lying to clients about the status of the transactions.

In one case, Hogan allegedly withheld $250,000 from the sale of a client’s boat. In another, he is accused of selling a boat for more than $70,000 and failing to pay the owner, prosecutors said.

“Instead of conducting honest business, the defendant allegedly exploited his clients’ trust, converting thousands of dollars for his personal use while leaving them empty-handed,” Tierney said. “This office will continue to pursue those who prey on consumers through fraudulent schemes.”

Between August 2024 and April 2025, Hogan also allegedly wrote checks to customers and vendors despite having insufficient funds in his accounts, including some drawn from closed accounts, prosecutors

Hogan surrendered to authorities Sept. 5 and appeared before District Court Judge Jonathan R. Bloom, who released him without bail under current New York state law, which deems the charges non-bail eligible.

Hogan faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top charge. He is represented by attorney Glenn Nugent of Amityville, who declined to comment.

Anyone who believes they may have been defrauded by Hogan is asked to contact the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office at 631-853-5602.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Miller of the Financial Crimes Bureau. The investigation was led by Special Investigator Joseph Tobia Jr. of the DA’s office, with assistance from the Suffolk County Police Department First Squad.

Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses and Non-Profits

The HIA-LI Small Business Task Force will be presenting “Funding Opportunities for Small Businesses and Non-Profits” on Oct. 21 from 8 to 10 a.m. at the LI Cares Center for Community Engagement in Hauppauge.

Join this seminar to hear directly from banks, the SBA, and other experts about grants, loans and programs available to support the growth of your small business or hto help your nonprofit secure vital funding. To register, visit hia-li.org or call (631) 543-5355.

LI Cares Center for Community Engagement is located at 75 Davids Drive, Hauppauge.

With new Time-of-Day Rates, 3 PM to 7 PM is now “me time.” By doing chores that use a lot of electricity before or after those hours on weekdays, you take advantage of the times when energy costs less to produce. So, think laundry at 12 PM. Read a book or catch up on emails at 4 PM. Dishes at 8 PM. It’s all about timing your savings and saving your time. Some of the appliances that use the most energy are shown below. For

Learn more. Scan the QR code or go to psegliny.com/timeofday.

mountsinai.org/southnassau

Whiskers: The Swiss Army Knife of Cat Senses

Whiskers do far more than add to a cat’s cuteness.

These tactile hairs help cats understand and navigate the world around them. Sensitive to even the subtlest air currents and vibrations, whiskers act as built-in measuring tools, letting cats know whether they can squeeze through tight spaces.

Whiskers are more complex than they look. Besides the familiar set beneath the nose, cats also have whiskers above their eyes, on their ears, along the jawline, and even behind their front legs. Those over the eyes act like human eyebrows, shielding the eyes from debris. And although cats can’t see well in total darkness, whiskers help them move confidently in low light — detecting nearby objects with remarkable accuracy.

JOANNE ANDERSON Pets, Pets, Pets...

hunting or on high alert, the whiskers point forward, ready to track prey.

For a complete picture of your cat’s emotional state, look at other body cues — ears, tail, posture, and vocalizations — alongside those expressive whiskers.

YES, WHISKER FATIGUE IS REAL

It might sound funny, but whiskers can experience sensory overload — a condition known as whisker fatigue. This happens when whiskers are overstimulated, even from everyday things like brushing against the sides of a deep food bowl. Over time, too much stimulation can

Think of it as a cat having “fingers” extending from its face and body.

NATURE’S BUILT-IN RADAR

Whiskers also serve as danger detectors. By sensing shifts in air currents, cats can anticipate the movement of predators or prey. The muzzle whiskers — generally as wide as the cat’s body — help gauge whether a cat can fit through a space. The small whiskers on the back of the forelegs assist with climbing, jumping, and landing with feline finesse.

Cats may be night-vision champions, but even they struggle in pitch black. In such cases, whiskers become their primary navigation tool. Blind cats, too, can rely on their whiskers to help them understand where they are and move with confidence.

A CLOSER LOOK AT WHISKERS

Whiskers are more like skin than fur. Called vibrissae (from the Latin word for “to vibrate”), each one is two to three times thicker than regular hair and is embedded deeper into the cat’s body. At the root lies a nerve-rich follicle that sends sensory information straight to the brain.

There’s even a special organ at the tip of each whisker that picks up vibrations. It’s no exaggeration to say that whiskers function like feline radar.

NEVER TRIM A CAT’S WHISKERS

Cutting, bending or pulling whiskers can be painful and disorienting for cats. It can even throw off their balance. Whiskers must be left their full length to function properly. While cats do shed and regrow whiskers naturally, trimming them should never be an option.

Most cats have about 12 whiskers on each side of the face — and they rely on every single one.

WHISKERS AS EMOTIONAL BAROMETERS

A cat’s whiskers also signal its mood. When a cat is calm, the whiskers rest loosely on either side of the face. A frightened or defensive cat will pull them back tightly, flattening them against the cheeks. When

Close-up of a tuxedo cat’s muzzle whiskers.

make a cat feel stressed or agitated. Signs of whisker fatigue include refusing to eat or drink from the usual bowl, pacing in front of food, meowing plaintively, pawing at the food or water, or even devouring treats from your hand but ignoring food in the dish.

In response, many pet supply companies now offer whisker-friendly dishes — wide and shallow bowls designed to avoid whisker contact. A simple ceramic plate or saucer at home can work just as well. However, if your cat’s eating issues persist, it’s time to see the vet.

One cat lover called whiskers the “Swiss Army knife of a cat’s sensory and communications toolkit.” That’s a purrfect description.

CATS FOR ADOPTION AT BABYLON ANIMAL SHELTER

The shelter is located at 80 New Highway, North Amityville. For more information, call 631-643-9270.

Meet Flower (#5-361), a 3-month-old female gray tabby. Or Cindy (#5-410), a smudgednose calico between 1 and 2 years old. Both are waiting for loving homes.

STEPPING OUT

Totally 80s Tribute To The Legends

American Chamber Ensemble at 60

A legacy of harmony

By Abbey Salvemini

The American Chamber Ensemble (ACE), Hofstra University’s esteemed ensemble-in-residence, reaches a musical milestone: its 60th anniversary. To commemorate six decades of musical excellence, ACE invites everyone to special anniversary concert.

The celebratory performance, upcoming on Oct. 12, at Hofstra’s Helene Fortunoff Theater, is sure to be vibrant musical occasion that exemplifies what the ensemble does so well.

ACE was founded in 1965 by two visionary young Long Island mothers — pianist Blanche Abram and clarinetist Naomi Drucker, a proud member of Hofstra University’s Class of 1957. Driven by a shared passion for music and a desire to continue performing while raising their families, then young mothers Abram and Drucker began presenting intimate concerts in local libraries and churches.

“Touring wasn’t an option for them,” explains current ACE director pianist Marilyn Lehman ’75, who is also on Hofstra’s music faculty. “ACE was the compromise that allowed them to share their artistry with audiences here on Long Island.”

What began as a grassroots effort quickly blossomed into something much greater. Over the decades, ACE evolved into a nationally acclaimed ensemble, with performances gracing prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and the National Gallery of Art. Despite this widespread recognition, both founders remained deeply rooted in their community. Abram and Drucker often expressed that the ensemble’s growth and longevity were made possible by the unwavering support of their local audiences — a loyal and appreciative community they credited as the heart of ACE’s enduring success.

“American Chamber Ensemble has been bringing diverse programs to Hofstra University, combining strings, winds, piano and voice for decades,” Tammy Hensrud, coordinator of vocal studies and adjunct professor of voice at Hofstra, shares. Hensrud has been with ACE since its founding and will also be performing that day.

Throughout the decades, the ensemble has delivered exceptional chamber music, while nurturing Hofstra talent and promoting local composers.

“It feels fantastic that we can carry on with our work,” Lehman says. Lehman and Mindy Dragovich — ACE’s clarinetist and assistant director — both studied under Drucker and Abram, who were also their instructors during their time at Hofstra. Both women, who are also mothers, continue to carry on the legacy of their mentors, who balanced motherhood with their musical careers and inspired a new generation to do the same.

The audience can look forward to a diverse repertoire and perfomances at this concert — featuring dancers, a chorus and current students. ACE offers up a dynamic program, including Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Make Our Garden Grow,’ as well as works by Beethoven, André Messager, Steven Gerber and Schumann. A special highlight is an eight-hand piano piece from Faust, showcasing the ensemble’s collaborative spirit. The performance also includes dancer Jessica Levin, who has choreographed a work to accompany Gerber’s Cocktail Music for solo piano.

• Sunday, Oct. 12, 3 p.m.

• Helene Fortunoff Theater, Hofstra University’s Monroe Lecture Center, California Avenue, South Campus

• Admission is free; registration requested

• Visit events.hofstra.edu or call (516) 463-5669

Special guest artists include the Hofstra Chamber Choir directed by Dr. David Fryling; mezzo-soprano Hensrud, soprano Karen DiMartino ’07, baritone Andrew DiMartino, and violist Todd Lowe.

“I wanted to have a collaboration with the music department because they have supported us for all these years. So I brought back some of my students to perform,” Lehman adds.

Uniondale resident and Hofstra student violinist Jared Mercado earned the opportunity to play with the ensemble through a competitive audition. He joins Lehman on stage to perform a Beethoven sonata. It’s a fun and inspiring experience for everyone, especially for those students in the audience who see their classmates and music faculty perform together.

Neither ACE’s founders nor its current musicians have ever considered their Hofstra residency to be perfunctory.

“Having our home base at Hofstra means students aren’t just sitting in an audience at our concerts,” Lehman says. “They know us. They learn and perform with us, and we build meaningful relationships with them.”

She further emphasizes the value of having a dedicated cultural space within the community where local folks can experience classical chamber concerts.

“Our mission was to bring professional artists and traditional repertoire up close and in the neighborhood,” Lehman continues.

As the ensemble celebrates this milestone, its members also look ahead with renewed purpose. The group remains committed to its founding ideals: bringing world-class chamber music to the community, fostering the next generation of musicians and building meaningful connections through performance.

This 60th anniversary concert is not only a tribute to the past but also a joyful step into the future of an ensemble that continues to inspire, educate and unite through the power of music.

Prepare to crank up the volume and turn back the clock for a high-energy night of neon nostalgia at Totally 80s — a celebration of the decade that gave us big hair and bigger hits. Featuring powerhouse performances by Bon Journey NY, Rock of 80’s and All About Joel, this electrifying concert takes you through the greatest ‘80s hits, from arena rock to synth-pop and everything in between. Keeping the party going between sets, DJ Jeff Nec spins some tracks. In the spirit of honoring creative excellence, the evening also spotlights the recipient of the Ted Fass Music Scholarship, awarded to an incoming music student at Molloy University who exemplifies the legacy of Ted Fass — a pioneer and visionary in the entertainment industry, and cornerstone of the Rockville Centre community.

Saturday, Sept. 27, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $55. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444.

‘…We will rock you’ Get ready to sing along — Queenmania is back on Long Island. Almost Queen, the acclaimed tribute band, returns to the Paramount stage, bringing with them the soaring vocals, electrifying guitar riffs, and theatrical flair that defined one of rock’s most legendary groups. Not just another cover band, their performances are carefully crafted to honor the spirit of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor while delivering a concert experience that feels fresh and alive. The lineup features Joseph Russo as the dynamic and charismatic Mercury, Steve Leonard as guitar virtuoso May, Randy Gregg as bassist Deacon, and John Cappadona as drummer Taylor. Together, they recreate Queen’s iconic sound with impeccable four-part harmonies, precise musical interludes, and the kind of stage energy that pulls audiences to their feet.

Saturday, Oct. 4, 8 p.m.

$108.75, $98.25, $76.25, $64.75, $54.25, $48.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

25

On Exhibit

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

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Ongoing

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

Billy Joel Exhibit is ‘Movin’ Out’

Now is your last chance to catch the Billy Joel Exhibit at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame. The exhibit, ‘Billy Joel: My Life, A Piano Man’s Journey,’ closes Oct. 26. Billy Joel fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance as it is anticipated that many days will sell out.

• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook

• Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Contact: limusichalloffame. org or (631) 689-5888

SEPT

Movie matinee

Visit Plainedge Public Library for a showing of the 2019 mystery thriller “Knives Out.”

Yes: ‘The Fragile 2025 Tour’

Get ready to experience an unforgettable evening of Yes at its best, on the Paramount stage, featuring its existential prog masterworks and instrumental pyrotechnics. A pioneer of progressive rock, Yes has achieved worldwide success through a prolific and enduring music career spanning 45 years and 20 studio albums. With an ever growing fan base, Yes continues to electrify audiences with its daunting virtuosity, cosmic lyrics, complex musical textures and powerful lead vocals. The band — currently comprising Steve Howe on guitars and vocals, Geoff Downes on keyboards, Jon Davison on vocals and acoustic guitar, Billy Sherwood on bass guitar and vocals, and Jay Schellen on drums — performs their iconic 1971 album “Fragile” in its entirety as part of this tour. Fans can look forward to hearing classic tracks such as “Roundabout,” “Long Distance Runaround,” and “Heart of the Sunrise,” alongside other gems from their extensive and celebrated catalog.

Society.” Maverick teacher John Keating returns in 1959 to the prestigious New England boys’ boarding school where he was once a star student, using poetry to embolden his pupils to new heights of self-expression. Starring Robins Williams and Ethan Hawke. Registration is required; for ages 18 and up.

• Where: 1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa

• Time: 6-8:30 p.m.

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

Farmingdale

SEPT

Library Cinema

6

Stop by Farmingdale Public Library for a showing of 2002 thriller “Analyze That.” The sequel to “Analyze This” reunites Robert DeNero and Billy Crystal, picking up right where Analyze This left off.

• Where: 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale

• Time: 10 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m.

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

“Fragile” holds a special place in Yes’s discography, as it not only propelled the band to headline status in the U.S. but also distinguished itself with its unique blend of musical artistry. According to Steve Howe, the collaboration with co-producer Eddie Offord during this period helped the band reach new creative heights. This tour romises to merge the auditory and visual aspects that have always distinguished Yes as a band. The concert features a video wall displaying AI-generated interpretations of Roger Dean’s iconic album artwork, designed back in 1971. Tickets are $152.25, $129.75, $118.75, $108.75, $86.50.

Doggie U K9 Academy

Howl-O-Ween Open House Event

Visit Doggie U K9 Academy for some monstrous fun. Bring your family, friends and tail-wagging pooch for lots of fun. Admission is free and the event will include a costume contest, photo ops raffles, agility and rally tryouts, meet the trainers, AKC CGC/ CGCA and Trick Dog Testing and a doggy craft.

• Where: 1515 5th Industrial Court, Bay Shore

• Time: 5-8 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 968-7972

SEPT

26 Pollinators

When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. Starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas. Registration is required; for ages 18 and up.

• Where: 1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa

• Time: 2-4 p.m.

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

Nassau County Museum of Art invites families to a Super Family Saturday program. Celebrate pollinators with us with museum educators. Enjoy story time, honey tasting, art making, and learn about native plants with a North Shore Audubon expert on the museum’s grounds. $20 non-member adults, $10 members and children.

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

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

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

Voices of Greenwich Village

Poetica Musica, Old Westbury Gardens ensemble-in-residence is back with concert inspired by Greenwich Village composers in Westbury House’s Red Ballroom. GuitaristsOren Fader and William Anderson, flautistBarry Crawford, pianist Molly Morkoski, and soprano Eleanor Valkenburg present an eclectic program. Hear Preludes for solo piano and songs by George Gershwin, History of the Tango for flute and guitar by Astor Piazzolla, Romanian Folk Dances and excerpts from 44 Duos for Violins (arranged for guitar duo) by Béla Bartók, The Alcotts from Concord Sonata by Charles Ives, along with additional selections by contemporary composers. A preconcert talk is offered 7:30 pm, and a post-concert reception, with light refreshments, follows. $30, $25 members and seniors.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 7 p.m.

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

SEPT

Town of Oyster Bay Ice Hockey Town of Oyster Bay residents can register now for fall/winter Ice Hockey

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

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

online. This program is open to children ages 6-16, and is offered at three separate locations throughout the town.

Contact: (516) 433-7465 ext. 8234 or tobhockey@oysterbay-ny. gov or oysterbaytown.com/sports

Town of Oyster Bay fall sports

The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to take part in the town’s fall athletic programs for basketball, badminton and volleyball, beginning Sept. 28-Sept. 29 at the Hicksville Athletic Center. All athletic programs run for 10 weeks, are co-ed, and open to individuals 18 and over.

• Contact: oysterbaytown.com/ sports or (516) 797-7945

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.

SEPT

Movie night

Visit Plainedge Public Library for a showing of 1989’s coming of age drama “Dead Poets

OCT

2

Windows Computer Cleanup and Security

Discuss security tools in this lecture and demo class at Massapequa Public Library. Learn how to clean up their Windows computer, improve performance and speed up tasks, protect your computer from viruses, spyware, and much more. Prerequisites: For intermediate and advanced users. Registration is required.

• Where: 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park

• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

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

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.

11 – OCT 26

How do YOU watch Sunday football?

Whether you're decked out in team colors, surrounded by game day snacks, or have the ultimate fan cave setup –We want to see it all!

Upload photos of your Sunday football experience: your lucky jersey, famous wings, decorated living room, tailgate spread, or whatever makes your game day special.

The best photos will be featured in the Herald – and the WINNER will be chosen at random to win 2 tickets to an Islanders game!

Contest runs through midnight October 12, 2025

TOBAY Holds Annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony

Additional names inscribed in recent years were read by family members: Tara Marie Cunningham, daughter of Lawrence Byrnes; Patricia Mullen, wife of Stephen John Mullen; and Jeffrey Zuzzolo, son of Arlene Zuzzolo. Saladino read the names added in 2023 and 2024.

Opening the ceremony was Maureen A. Fitzgerald, the town’s commissioner of community and youth services, whose department coordinated the event. The Nassau County Police Department Color Guard presented the colors, and the Nassau County Police Emerald Society pipe and drum band performed musical tributes.

Saladino called the annual ceremony “the most important thing the Town

does all year,” telling survivors in the crowd, “You are with family today. We are a family to support you and always be here for you.”

Local clergy also participated. Rabbi Joel Levenson, chaplain of the New York Army National Guard and rabbi at Midway Jewish Center in Syosset, delivered the opening prayer. Pastor Robert Brown of True Life Christian Worship Center in Oyster Bay offered a prayer following a video montage, and Father Christopher Costigan of St. Martin of Tours in Bethpage gave the closing prayer.

Among the elected officials in attendance were state Sen. Steve Rhoads; Town Councilmen Steve Labriola, Tom Hand and Andrew Monteleone; and Nassau County Legislators Rose Walker and Arnold Drucker.

band of the Nassau County Police Emerald Society perform.

AVISO DE REUNIÓN ESPECIAL DEL DISTRITO EN UN ÚNICO LUGAR DE VOTACIÓN, REGISTRO DE VOTANTES Y DISPONIBILIDAD DE BOLETAS POSTALES ANTICIPADAS Y DE AUSENTES

Distrito Escolar Libre Plainedge Union, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York En nombre de la Biblioteca Pública de Plainedge, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York

La Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre Plainedge Union y la Junta de Síndicos de la Biblioteca Pública de Plainedge, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, POR EL PRESENTE DAN AVISO de que se celebrará una reunión especial del distrito para los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre Plainedge Union, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en la Biblioteca Pública de Plainedge, ubicada en 1060 Hicksville Road, en North Massapequa, Nueva York, para los votantes que residen en todos los distritos electorales de dicho Distrito Escolar, el día 7 de octubre de 2025, a las 9:00 A.M. (hora local vigente), y las urnas permanecerán abiertas entre las 9:00 A.M. y las 8:00 P.M. (hora local vigente), con el fin de votar sobre la siguiente proposición: PROPUESTA DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE PLAINEDGE

¿Se deberá aprobar la siguiente resolución, a saber?

SE RESUELVE que la Junta de Síndicos de la Biblioteca Pública de Plainedge queda autorizada a demoler el edificio actual de la biblioteca y construir un nuevo edificio de biblioteca, operado por dicha Junta de Síndicos, con dirección principal en 1060 Hicksville Road, en North Massapequa, Nueva York, incluyendo mobiliario orig-

inal, equipamiento, maquinaria, aparatos, accesorios, trabajos en el sitio y otras mejoras y gastos relacionados, por un costo máximo estimado de $19,865,795, de los cuales $3,000,000 se pagarán con fondos de reserva de capital y, respecto al resto del monto de $16,865,795, la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre Plainedge Union queda autorizada a emitir obligaciones por dicho monto (junto con sus renovaciones) o tanto como sea necesario, y para lo cual dicho Distrito Escolar queda autorizado a recaudar mediante la imposición de un impuesto sobre las propiedades inmobiliarias imponibles del Distrito, y recolectado en cuotas anuales conforme a lo dispuesto en la Sección 416 de la Ley de Educación, el monto anual necesario para pagar el capital, los intereses y las primas, si las hubiere, de tales obligaciones, sin que el monto anual de dicho impuesto exceda los $1,400,000 para cubrir el servicio de dicha deuda.

Dicha proposición podrá aparecer en las máquinas de votación en forma abreviada debido a limitaciones de espacio; en ese caso, el texto completo estará disponible en el sitio de votación. Una copia del texto completo de la proposición mencionada y los planos preliminares del proyecto están disponibles en la oficina de la Junta de Síndicos del Distrito de la Biblioteca de Plainedge en 1060 Hicksville Road y en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar Libre Plainedge Union en 241 Wyngate Drive, ambas en North Massapequa, Nueva York, donde pueden ser inspeccionados por cualquier persona interesada durante el horario laboral habitual. La votación en dicha reunión especial del distrito se realizará

mediante el uso de máquinas de votación. El único lugar de votación será la Biblioteca Pública de Plainedge, 1060 Hicksville Road, en North Massapequa, Nueva York.

DETERMINACIÓN DE SEQRA. TAMBIÉN SE HACE SABER que el proyecto anteriormente mencionado ha sido clasificado como una Acción No Listada conforme a las regulaciones del Departamento de Conservación Ambiental del Estado de Nueva York según la Ley Estatal de Revisión de Calidad Ambiental (“SEQRA”), y cuya implementación, según lo propuesto, no generará impactos ambientales adversos significativos, según ha determinado la Junta de Síndicos de la Biblioteca Pública de Plainedge como agencia principal. La documentación completa de SEQRA está disponible en la oficina de la Junta de Síndicos de la Biblioteca Pública de Plainedge en 1060 Hicksville Road, en North Massapequa, Nueva York, durante el horario normal de oficina.

AVISO DE REGISTRO. TAMBIÉN SE HACE SABER que, conforme a la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación, se requiere registro personal de votantes, y ninguna persona podrá votar en dicha reunión si su nombre no figura en el registro del Distrito Escolar o si no se registra como se indica a continuación, salvo que esté calificada para votar y registrada bajo las disposiciones del Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Los votantes registrados para elecciones generales bajo dicho artículo están autorizados a votar en la reunión especial del distrito el 7 de octubre de 2025 sin necesidad de registrarse nuevamente. La Junta de Registro preparará un registro para dicha reunión especial,

Public Notices

utilizando como base el registro preparado en la última reunión o elección anual, e incluirá a todas las personas que se hayan presentado en persona para registrarse y también a aquellas previamente registradas y que hayan votado en alguna reunión o elección del distrito dentro de los últimos cuatro años calendario anteriores a la preparación del registro. El registro personal para la reunión especial del distrito se aceptará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar de Plainedge, en 241 Wyngate Drive, North Massapequa, Nueva York, durante todo el año (excepto los cinco días previos a la reunión especial del distrito), entre las 9:00 A.M. y las 3:30 P.M. en días hábiles escolares. Cualquier persona podrá registrar su nombre en dicho registro, siempre que se demuestre satisfactoriamente que está o estará calificada para votar en la reunión especial del 7 de octubre de 2025. El último día para registrarse antes de la reunión especial será el miércoles 1 de octubre de 2025. El registro se archivará en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar de Plainedge y estará disponible para inspección por cualquier votante calificado durante los cinco días previos a la reunión, entre las 9:00 A.M. y las 3:30 P.M., hora local vigente, excepto el sábado 4 de octubre de 2025 y el domingo 5 de octubre de 2025, días en los que solo se atenderá con cita previa. También se podrá revisar el registro en el lugar de votación el día de la reunión especial. BOLETAS POSTALES ANTICIPADAS Y DE AUSENTES.

TAMBIÉN SE HACE

SABER que las solicitudes de boletas postales anticipadas y de ausentes pueden realizarse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar de Plainedge,

241 Wyngate Drive, North Massapequa, Nueva York. Dichas solicitudes deben recibirse no antes de treinta (30) días antes de la reunión especial del distrito. Además, deberán recibirse al menos siete días antes si la boleta será enviada por correo, o el día anterior a la reunión si se recogerá en persona por el votante o su representante designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna, el Secretario del Distrito enviará la boleta por correo a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la reunión especial. Las boletas completadas deben ser recibidas a más tardar a las 5:00 P.M. del 7 de octubre de 2025. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se hayan emitido boletas estará disponible en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito durante los cinco días previos a la reunión (excepto el 4 y 5 de octubre, con cita previa), y también se publicará en el lugar de votación durante la reunión. Cualquier votante calificado podrá impugnar la aceptación de una boleta de cualquier persona de dicha lista, manifestando su objeción y las razones a los Inspectores Electorales antes del cierre de las urnas. BOLETAS MILITARES. Los votantes militares que aún no estén registrados pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar. Los votantes militares calificados pueden solicitar una boleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden elegir recibir formularios de registro, solicitudes de boleta o las boletas mismas por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de registro y solicitudes de boleta militar deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar antes de las 5:00 P.M. del 11 de septiembre de 2025. Ninguna boleta militar será contabilizada a menos que (1) sea recibida antes del cierre

de las urnas y tenga un matasellos del Servicio Postal de EE.UU. o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o un recibo de otra agencia del gobierno estadounidense; o (2) sea recibida a más tardar a las 5:00 P.M. del 7 de octubre de 2025, y esté firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha no posterior al día anterior a la reunión especial.

Fechado en: North Massapequa, Nueva York, 28 de julio, 2025. POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE PLAINEDGE UNION, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK. Por: /s/ Maureen Ryan Secretaria del Distrito Escolar 25-252 - 8/20, 9/3, 17, 24

NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING AT SINGLE VOTING LOCATION, REGISTRATION OF VOTERS AND AVAILABILITY OF EARLY MAIL AND ABSENTEE BALLOTS

Plainedge Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York

On behalf of Plainedge Public Library, Nassau County, New York

The Board of Education of the Plainedge Union Free School District and the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge Public Library, Nassau County, New York HEREBY GIVE NOTICE that a special district meeting of the qualified voters of Plainedge Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York, will be held at the Plainedge Public Library, 1060 Hicksville Road, in North Massapequa, New York, for voters residing in all election

districts of said School District, on October 7, 2025, at 9:00 o’clock A.M. Prevailing Time and the polls will be kept open between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 8:00 o’clock P.M., Prevailing Time, for the purpose of voting upon the following proposition:

PLAINEDGE PUBLIC LIBRARY PROPOSITION

Shall the following resolution be adopted, to wit:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge Public Library is hereby authorized to demolish the existing library building and construct a new library building operated by said Board of Trustees, with the principal address of 1060 Hicksville Road, in North Massapequa, New York, including original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus, appurtenances, site work and other improvements and expenses in connection therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of $19,865,795, with a $3,000,000 portion to be paid with capital reserve fund monies and, as to the remaining $16,865,795 portion thereof, that the Board of Education of Plainedge Union Free School District is hereby authorized to issue obligations in the amount of $16,865,795 (together with renewals thereof) or as much thereof as may be necessary therefor and for which said School District is hereby authorized to raise by the levy of a tax upon the taxable real property of said School District and collected in annual installments as provided in Section 416 of the Education Law, such amount as is necessary annually to pay principal, interest and premium, if any, on such obligations, and the library tax shall be raised, but in no event in an annual amount greater than $1,400,000 to pay such

debt service. Said proposition may appear on the voting machines in abbreviated form due to space constraints; if so, the full text of the proposition will be posted at the voting site.

A copy of the full text of the proposition referred to and preliminary plans regarding the project described in said proposition is on file in the office of the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge Library District at 1060 Hicksville Road and the offices of the Plainedge Union Free School District Clerk, located at 241 Wyngate Drive, each in North Massapequa, New York, where the same is available for inspection by any interested person during regular business hours. Voting at said special district meeting will be by the use of voting machines.

The sole polling place where such special district meeting will be held is at the Plainedge Public Library, 1060 Hicksville Road, in North Massapequa, New York.

SEQRA DETERMINATION. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the aforesaid project has been determined to be an Unlisted Action pursuant to the regulations of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation promulgated pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), the implementation of which as proposed, the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge Public Library has determined, as lead agency, will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts. Full SEQRA documentation is available at the office of the Board of Trustees of the Plainedge Public Library at 1060 Hicksville Road, in North Massapequa,

Continued

Continuedfrom previous page

New York, during normal office hours.

NOTICE OF REGISTRATION. NO -

TICE IS HEREBY

FURTHER GIVEN that, pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at said meeting whose name does not appear on the register of said School District, or who does not register as hereinafter provided, except a person who is otherwise qualified to vote and is registered under the provisions of Article 5 of the Election Law. Voters registered for general elections under said Article 5 are eligible to vote at the October 7, 2025, special district meeting without further registration. The Board of Registration shall prepare a register for said special district meeting, except that the register prepared at the last annual meeting or election shall be used as the basis therefor, and shall include all persons who shall have presented themselves personally for registration and shall also include all persons who shall have been previously registered for any annual or special district meeting or election and who shall have voted at any annual or special district meeting or election held or conducted at any time within four calendar years prior to the preparation of said register.

NOTICE OF REGISTRATION. NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that Personal Registration for the special district meeting will be accepted at the Office of the Plainedge School District Clerk, at 241 Wyngate Drive, in North Massapequa, New York, throughout the year (except for the five (5) days

preceding the special district meeting), between the hours of 9:00 A.M., and 3:30 P.M. on days when school is in session, and any person shall be entitled to have his or her name placed upon such register, provided that he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration, to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at said special district meeting to be held on October 7, 2025. The last day of registration before the special district meeting on October 7, 2025, will be Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Said register will be filed in the office of the Plainedge School District Clerk, in said School District and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter on each of the five days prior to the day set for the special district meeting, between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:30 o’clock P.M., Prevailing Time, except Saturday October 4, 2025 and Sunday, October 5, 2025 which days will be by appointment. The register will also be available for inspection on the date of the special district meeting at the polling place. EARLY MAIL BALLOTS AND ABSENTEE BALLOTS. NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that applications for early mail and absentee ballots may be applied for at the Office of the Plainedge School District Clerk, 241 Wyngate Drive, in North Massapequa, New York. Such applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the special district meeting. Furthermore, such application must be received by said School District Clerk at least seven days prior to the special district meeting, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter,

or on the date prior to the special district meeting, if the ballot is to be personally obtained by the voter of his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the special district meeting. Completed early mail ballots and absentee ballots must be received by said School District Clerk not later than 5:00 P.M., Prevailing Time, on October 7, 2025, the date of the special district meeting.

A list of all persons to whom early mail ballots and absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Office of the School District Clerk on each of the five days prior to the day of the special district meeting, except Saturday, October 4, 2025 and Sunday, October 5, 2025 which days will be by appointment, and such list shall also be posted at the voting place during the special district meeting, and any qualified voter may challenge the acceptance of the ballot of any person on such list, by making his challenge and the reasons therefor known to the Inspectors of Election before the close of the polls.

Military Ballots: Military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the School District. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or

Public Notices

ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk of the School District no later than 5:00 P.M. on September 11, 2025. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before close of the polls at the special district meeting and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign county’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt of another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 P.M. on the date of the special district meeting and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the special district meeting.

Dated: North Massapequa, New York, July 28, 2025. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE PLAINEDGE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK.

By: /s/ Maureen Ryan School District Clerk

25-251. 8/20, 9/3, 17, 24

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-25127726 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 1424 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn, NY 11576, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Edge Hospitality LTD. 25-264. 9/17, 24

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0370-25127304 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Bar/ Tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 1000 Shames Dr, Ste C, Westbury, NY 11590, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Memory Maker Event Center LLC. 25-261 9/17, 24

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-25127096 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 287 N Broadway, Hicksville, NY 11801, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at CB BROADWY DINER INC.

25-262. 9/17, 24

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-25125824 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 429 Sunrise Highway, Lynbrook, NY 11563, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Gourmology LLC. 25-263. 9/17, 24

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Notice of Formation of Premiere Homes Cleaning Services LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/08/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Olina Esmeralda Osorio: 464 Bellmore Road, Apt. A, East Meadow, NY 11554. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 25-266. 9/24, 10/1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: CL-25-10361001 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 84 Hillside Ave, Williston Park, NY 11596, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at HildebrantsStrano Corp. 25-267 - 9/24, 10/1

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-25128309 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 152 Union Ave, Lynbrook, NY 11563, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at 152 Union Inc. 25-268 9/24, 10/1

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0370-25129038 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Movie Theater under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 40 Main Street, East Rockaway, NY 11518, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Agonizingly Stubborn Productions LLC. 25-269. 9/24, 10/1

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF SUREFIX

STRATEGIES LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/12/2025. Office location: County of Nassau. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to: SureFix Strategies LLC, 236 Broadway, Massapequa Park, NY 11762. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.  25-270. 9/24, 10/1, 8, 15, 22, 29

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A better-heated kitchen, please

Q. Our kitchen is being redone, and we’re expanding into our breakfast area. We’re trying to figure out which kind of heat to put in, since our radiators will have to go to make way for the cabinets. Parts of the kitchen were always cold, and we don’t want to repeat that if we can find a better way. Our contractor said he can put in “toe space” heaters that blow warm air. Our plumber said we could do that, but they can be noisy after the break-in period. He also suggested installing either electric heat mats or water piping in-floor heating, but it could cost a lot. What’s your experience, and what do you recommend we do?

A. Keeping kitchens warm is more complicated than other spaces in your home. Of course, you could always just go stand in the corner, because most corners are 90 degrees! The most important factor in heating a kitchen is making certain kitchen walls and ceilings are well insulated, so that whatever system you choose will be the most effective for staying warm.

Old radiators were oversized as a rule of thumb, because, relatively speaking, energy sources were lower costing. Between larger radiators and smaller rooms, older home occupants were satisfied to walk around in sweaters to compensate. Today we want open spaces, removing the walls in the way to achieve a more spacious look.

Many people fear the cost and effort of a radiant floor, but radiating floors are my first choice, and the best solution. Yes, the initial investment is more, but not so much more that it’s cost-prohibitive. When you consider the time period to pay back the system, based on energy savings, it makes sense.

The other solutions are still concentrated places around the kitchen, and radiant heat is uniform to the room. Toe-kick heaters have a horizontal “squirrel cage” fan that rotates like a gerbil’s wheel, and eventually needs lubricating or replacement, unless you don’t mind the whirring sound.

Radiant heat, whether you choose a piping system or the electric matt type, distributes heat silently, and so comfortably that you can walk barefoot on the floor. People have even told me they lie on the floor and warm their sore back like a heating pad. The best part is that it’s the second most efficient type of heat distribution, after radiators (because they warm up the floor structure — even wood flooring — and retain and give off heat slowly after the boiler pauses). Together with a great insulation enclosure in the floor, below the heat, walls and ceiling, the radiant system works best.

Incidentally, the energy codes are moving to a higher performance standard as of January 2026, officials have informed me. There will be stricter adherence to proof, with calculations, of heating and cooling efficiency. Gone are the days of oversizing heating and air-conditioning or, for that matter, paying for more than you need and wasting energy. Good luck!

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In Congress, I’m fighting for Nassau County’s students

As we begin another exciting school year for so many young students across Nassau County, I’m proud to introduce the bipartisan Feed Hungry Kids Act in Congress. Earlier this month, I joined educators in Valley Stream to announce this common-sense, bipartisan legislation. As a mother, the thought of any child going hungry in school is devastating to me. Students can’t reach their full academic potential on an empty stomach. Every one of America’s children deserves a good education that sets them up for a successful life, regardless of their background or ZIP code.

We saw during the pandemic that many families struggled to put food on the table. As families struggle with the costs of health care and housing, many times, one of the first things to go is food. In Nassau County, over 15,000 households currently count on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, and other food assis-

Itance to put food on the table. Unfortunately, free and nutritious food still remains out of reach for too many across our country.

dents at no charge. The way it works is simple: If a certain percentage of kids in the school qualify, everyone gets access to meals at no cost.

dents right here in this school district and across the country.

n recent months, and perhaps for the first time in our adult lives, many of us have been worrying about the viability and survivability of the great American experiment known as democracy. It has been the only government we have known, and we assumed, perhaps naively, that freedom would ring forever across our land.

I did. I remember my young self, hand across my heart at an elementary school assembly, looking at the flag and reciting the pledge. It was such serious business. My devotion was uncomplicated. I grew up knowing I was lucky to have been born in my time and place.

My dad schooled us early and often on the opportunity America offered his immigrant parents, who fled pogroms and antisemitism in Eastern Europe. I never traveled overseas without coming back through customs and immigration thinking, “God bless America.” I never visited another country that beckoned me for more than a week or two. I think of myself as a

Increasing access to no-cost breakfast and lunch has been shown to boost students’ learning, increase test scores and improve attendance and classroom behavior.

p

rotecting healthy, no-cost school meals is especially important now.

Until recently, however, Valley Stream and other districts like it were not able to provide every student with free breakfast and lunch, no matter what. Two years ago, Valley Stream directly benefited from expanded access to an important federal program called the Community Eligibility Provision.

That’s why I’m introducing the Feed Hungry Kids Act with my Republican colleague, Rep. David Valadao, of California. This bill would protect that federal program, which has helped Valley Stream and more than 17,000 other schools across the United States ensure that they can provide meals at no cost to all of their students.

The Community Eligibility Provision allows underserved schools to offer breakfast and lunch to all stu-

This is so important for so many reasons. First and foremost, it ensures that our kids are fed during the day. Second, and equally important, CEP reduces the paperwork burden facing families and school districts, making sure that kids don’t fall through the cracks and helping our schools focus on what’s really important — educating our kids.

Originally, the threshold was 40 percent, but in the fall of 2023, the federal government lowered the participation threshold for CEP to 25 percent — meaning that if a quarter of kids in the district qualify for free school meals, every kid can benefit.

By reducing the threshold to 25 percent, an additional 17,000 schools across the country, including in the Valley Stream district, became eligible for this essential program.

That’s why I am proud to take the lead on this act, which would codify the 2023 policy expanding access to free school meals into law, ensuring that CEP meals remain available for stu-

Now, earlier this year, some in Congress shopped around the idea of not only returning the threshold for free meals to 40 percent, but raising it even further. In fact, one potential proposal would increase it to 60 percent, literally taking food away from students and schools. That would be devastating to America’s children.

Making sure our students have food in their stomachs should undoubtedly be a bipartisan issue. With this bipartisan legislation, CEP schools won’t have to worry about remaining eligible for the program and being able to keep kids fed.

Protecting healthy, no-cost meals for our nation’s students is especially important now, as we see food assistance programs nationwide, including several that keep Long Island’s children and seniors fed, being threatened by the cruel GOP tax bill passed earlier this summer along party lines.

I’m proud to fight for Nassau County in Congress, and proud to lead this bipartisan bill, to push back against any proposed cuts to food assistance that would hurt our children and our community.

Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.

Is our democracy suffering growing pains?

patriot.

When I was a college student and we philosophized about democracy, there seemed only a few and very sensible boundaries. Like don’t yell “Fire!” in a crowded theater. Otherwise, free speech felt like a particularly American right. As kids we chanted, “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but names can never harm me.”

W e thought of ourselves as a fairly egalitarian society in the pre-MAGA era.

Now, increasing restrictions on speech are disorienting. Our democracy feels destabilized. How do we speak up and support the least powerful and most in need of American justice without fear of reprisals? How have words — just words, compilations of simple letters — become “triggers” or a forbidden form of expression? Why take a word like d-iv-e-r-s-i-t-y and scrub it from policy language as if it were an epithet? It means, “The practice of including people from a range of different social and ethnic backgrounds” — a quintessentially American concept we historically have embraced.

These days, I don’t recognize us. America on its best day is far from perfect. As an educated adult, I know this. Any country that sanctioned slavery and the internment of citizens car-

ries that brand forever. But we also preserved freedom in World Wars I and II, beat back dictators and welcomed millions of immigrants who helped build the greatest country in the world. We educated the best scientists and led the world in developing vaccines for the most dreaded diseases.

The good, the bad — all of it is true, and the fabric of our nation today is richly threaded with our triumphs. We are all the stronger because we have survived dark times, like the Civil War, and built a society that has been a beacon for freedom around the world.

Within the generous embrace of America’s democratic government there have always been imperfections. Some argue that hard work pays off; others say that not everyone has equal access to either higher education or good jobs. Corruption sometimes tilts the playing field.

I don’t know how to resist the current threats to democracy, except to write and talk about them, to vote and encourage others to vote, to support fair elections. I do know we have to pay attention. Continuing to educate ourselves and encouraging open political discussions among others can only be a good

thing.

We Americans thought of ourselves as a fairly egalitarian society in the preMAGA, pre-billionaire era. There was a real thriving middle class when I was growing up, attainable through higher education or apprenticeship and hard work. Nothing seemed out of reach. The deal was that people in business or professions or trades could buy homes for growing families.

Today that deal is broken. Homes are out of reach for many young couples. Food prices are eating up family budgets. Now, only 250 years after the Declaration of Independence, we observe increasing class distinction in many elements of our culture.

Can we grow through this?

Can we agree that anyone who wants an education can still get it, and that people starting out can find affordable housing? All of it can be true and workable, but we can’t call ourselves a democracy when free speech and economic opportunity are threatened. A democracy embraces all its citizens, and in the best of worlds, welcomes newcomers.

In my lifetime, our imperfect democracy had room for everyone and was moving, in starts and stops, toward inclusivity. Now it seems stalled.

Copyright 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

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Next month, adopt a loving four-legged friend

october is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, a time to bring attention to the countless animals in need of loving homes. On Long Island we’re fortunate to have strong networks of shelters working to give dogs, cats and other animals a second chance at life. Yet despite their tireless efforts, too many pets remain behind kennel doors, waiting.

The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter and Town of Babylon Animal Shelter are major lifelines for rescue pets. There are smaller but equally dedicated operations in Long Beach and on the North Shore.

Animal shelters — such as those in our towns — are typically run by municipalities, and house stray, abandoned or surrendered pets. They are often required to take in all animals brought to them. Shelters may have paid employees, but also rely on volunteer support. Animal rescues, on the other hand, are usually nonprofit and volunteer-run. Rescues can be more selective about the animals they accept. Together, shelters and rescues form a network of care that helps countless animals find safe, loving homes.

The message next month is clear: adopt, don’t shop. And even better, adopt from your local shelter.

When people turn to breeders — or worse, puppy mills — for their next pet, they overlook the many dogs already in need of homes. These are animals with plenty of love to give, that simply need someone to open their heart and their home. Shelter pets may not always be purebred, and some may come with personality quirks, but they often make the most loyal companions. Their gratitude is evident in every wagging tail and every snuggle.

Some people worry that adopting from a shelter is expensive. In fact, it’s often the opposite. The cost of adopting a dog can be less than $100, and cats are typically under $70. Many shelters also offer

letters

Find your local shelter

Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter

3320 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh Phone: (516) 785-5220

Website: HempsteadNY.gov/179/ Animal-Shelter

Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter

150 Miller Place, Syosset

Phone: (516) 677-5784

Website: OysterBayTown.com/ AnimalShelter

Town of Babylon Animal Shelter

80 New Highway, Amityville Phone: (631) 643-9270

Website: TownOfBabylonNY. gov/132/AnimalShelter

Long Beach Animal Shelter (Operated by Posh Pets Rescue)

770 Park Place, Long Beach Phone: (516) 431-7674

Website: PoshPetsRescueNY.org

special promotions for veterans, seniors and first responders, bringing those prices down even further. When you consider what’s often included — spaying or neutering, vaccinations and microchipping — adoption is not only the compassionate choice, but also the practical one. Of course, not everyone is in a position to adopt. That doesn’t mean you can’t help. Shelters and rescues rely heavily on community support. Volunteers are always needed to walk dogs, play with cats, or simply give animals

Support the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center

To the Editor:

In this critical moment for the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County, we invite the community to join us in our Flash Membership Drive as we celebrate our 31st anniversary.

For more than three decades, the center has educated over half a million people about the lessons of the Holocaust and the importance of tolerance. Today, that mission is more urgent than ever. With rising antisemitism and hate crimes, your support is vital in helping us spread awareness, strengthen understanding and foster compassion.

the human interaction they crave. Fostering is another option, offering an animal a temporary home while the shelter supplements the costs of its care. Foster homes are especially critical for pets that don’t thrive in a kennel environment or who need extra attention before they’re ready for adoption. Fostering a pet doesn’t just save that one animal. It also opens up space for a shelter to take in another one in need.

Then there are the basic supplies that shelters are always in need of: food, blankets, toys. Monetary donations go a long way in offsetting these facilities’ medical bills for sick or injured animals. Even the smallest contribution can make a big difference.

Adopting a dog can change its life forever, and will likely improve yours. Studies cited by the American Heart Association have found that dog ownership is linked to a lower risk of death from all causes, offering benefits to both heart health and overall well-being.

While October focuses on shelter dogs, it’s worth remembering that they aren’t the only ones waiting. Cats — from kittens to seniors — make up a large portion of shelter populations. If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, keep an open mind about who that might be.

Next month is a call to action. For anyone thinking about a new pet, consider visiting a local shelter before contacting a breeder. For those who can’t adopt, find a shelter to volunteer with, foster for or donate to. Every effort helps lighten shelters’ load and brighten the future of the animals they care for.

“Saving one dog won’t change the world,” Karen Davison, an animal advocate, rescue supporter and author, likes to say, “but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.” Next month, let’s make that change happen — one adoption, one act of kindness and one wagging tail at a time.

Back-to-school eye exam can set your child up for success

protecting a child’s vision is a crucial part of their overall health and development. Just like regular checkups for their teeth and ears, early eye screenings are essential. Many common vision problems in kids can go completely unnoticed, because a child might not even realize that their vision is blurry or that something is wrong. Catching and treating these issues early is the key to preventing longterm problems that could affect their learning, behavior and social life.

The warning signs of vision problems that parents shouldn’t ignore include squinting at objects; holding books or devices too close; eye misalignment — one or both eyes turning inward or outward, particularly when tired; head tilting; avoidance of near tasks — a reluctance to read, draw or do homework; excessive tearing or light sensitivity, which may signal allergies or inflammation; and difficulty in school — struggling with reading, skipping lines or losing track while studying.

Even one of these signs can indicate that urgent treatment is necessary.

A closer look at nearsightedness in kids. Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is one of the most common eye conditions in children. It’s when a child can see things up close just fine, but things far away appear blurry.

safer than regular glasses. These should be considered essential equipment, just like helmets or mouth guards.

CIf your child’s vision is worsening quickly, there are treatments that can help slow it down. Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to be effective in slowing the progression of nearsightedness. And certain types of contact lenses are designed to help slow the worsening of a child’s vision. These treatments can make a big difference in a child’s eye health as they grow.

lear vision is about more than just seeing the board at school.

Contact lenses for kids. For active children, especially those involved in sports, contact lenses can be a game-changer. They eliminate the risk of broken glasses on the playground or field, and can give kids more confidence. That said, not every child is ready for the responsibility. Children must be mature enough to remove contacts before sleeping, and to clean and store them properly every day.

Eye safety in sports. Sports are one of the leading causes of eye injuries in children. To help reduce risks, experts recommend polycarbonate sports glasses, which are impact-resistant and far

Letters

Membership offers more than a year of free access to our permanent and special exhibits — it is a commitment to education and action. Every membership directly supports programs that reach over 30,000 Long Island students annually, as well as training for law enforcement, educators and nurses. These efforts empower our community leaders to make a positive difference in confronting prejudice and promoting inclusivity.

Members can also participate in group tours and classes that bring history to life and deepen the conversation about tolerance. Together we can be a beacon of hope, ensuring that the lessons of the past guide us toward a more compassionate future. Join us today and stand with the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County.

Dr. BErNIE FUrSHPAN Board vice chair, marketing director, HMTC Glen Cove

None of us deserves harm for our beliefs

To the Editor:

I write today outraged at the sense-

Protecting young eyes from the sun. Parents are well aware of the importance of sunscreen, but many forget that UV rays can damage children’s eyes, too. In fact, most lifetime UV exposure happens during childhood.

Wearing 100 percent UVprotection sunglasses when outdoors — especially near water, sand or snow, which reflect UV rays — can prevent damage that may later lead to cataracts or macular degeneration. Making sunglasses a daily habit helps ensure healthier eyes for life.

The dangers of eye rubbing. You may not realize it, but frequent eye rubbing can be a big problem. For kids with allergies, constant rubbing can actually damage the cornea, the clear front part of the eye.

This can lead to a condition called keratoconus, in which the cornea becomes so thin that it bulges forward into a cone shape. This causes blurry vision that can’t be fixed with regular glasses or contacts.

What can we do about it? The good news is that if keratoconus is caught early, there are treatments. A procedure

called corneal collagen cross-linking can help stop the condition from getting worse. Also, using allergy eye drops or oral medication can reduce the itchiness and the urge to rub, protecting the eyes from further damage.

A clear message for parents. Protecting a child’s vision is one of the greatest gifts parents can give. The bottom line is straightforward:

■ Screen early — ideally by age 3 to 5.

■ Watch for warning signs like squinting, head tilting or school difficulties.

■ Protect young eyes from injuries and UV damage.

■ Seek treatment early for conditions such as myopia or keratoconus.

An eye exam for your child is quick and painless, but it can make a difference that lasts a lifetime. Don’t wait for your child to complain about their vision — catching problems early is key. Add an eye exam to the list of things to do early in the school year. Clear vision is about more than just seeing the board at school; it’s about giving every child the best chance at success, safety and healthy eyes for life.

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

less murder of Charlie Kirk. When did we, as a nation, decide that political disagreement should be met with fists, bullets and blood instead of words? Debate used to be the cornerstone of democracy. Now too often it feels like dissent is treated as a death sentence.

In the late 1980s, I traveled to London, and stumbled on Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park. Anyone could climb onto a soapbox and speak their mind — on politics, faith or even hatred itself. Crowds heckled, argued and mocked, but they did not silence or assault the speaker. The unarmed Bobbies stood by only to keep the peace. It was a living model of what free expression should look like: passionate, messy, even uncomfortable — but never violent.

Charlie Kirk was a lightning rod, and at times I disagreed with his ideas — sometimes very strongly — but other times I agreed with him. That’s how democracy works: We weigh arguments, we challenge one another, we debate. But disagreement is not justification for violence. When I thought he was wrong, I wished for dialogue and enlightenment, not harm.

Instead, we are letting ourselves be manipulated by sensationalist media, rage-driven podcasts and toxic social media that thrive on division. Too many Americans now view someone who holds a different opinion not as a neighbor but as an enemy. That is poisonous — and deadly. None of us deserves harm for our beliefs. If America is to endure as a free

society, we must relearn how to argue fiercely without killing one another. Violence cannot be the answer. Debate must be.