Massapequa Herald 10_29_2025

HERALD MAssApequA

Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge

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Halloween Happenings

Lots of homes are all decked out for Halloween like this one at 56 Second Avenue in Massapequa Park. See Page 10 for more photos.

Oyster Bay adopts 2026 budget with 3.9% tax levy increase

By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent

At its October 21st meeting, the Oyster Bay Town Board conducted a public hearing on and adopted the Town’s Budget for 2026.

The 2026 Budget that was adopted on October 21st provides for a total tax levy of $242,211,595, an increase of $9,224,296, approximately 3.9% over the total tax levy of $232,987,299 in the 2025 Budget. It is within the New York State Tax Cap. This is the first increase in Town taxes since 2017. The Town delivered a $1.3 Million real property tax cut in 2018 and successfully froze taxes for the following seven years.

The 2026 Budget was formally presented to the Town Board at the hearing by Town Director of Finance Rob Darienzo. There were no members of the public who rose to speak about the Budget, either at the 10:00 AM session of the hearing or at the 7:00 PM session. At the conclusion of the evening session of the hearing, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the Budget.

Town sources attribute the increase to the need to absorb significant rising expenses, from inflation, health care costs and labor, and note that the increase is under the New York State Property Tax Cap.

Town Supervisor Saladino emphasized the

10 What are you looking forward to this fall?

Budget Inn demo begins in November

By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent

A long-awaited demolition is finally on the horizon for the Budget Inn property at the intersection of Carman Mill Road and Old Sunrise Highway in Massapequa, just north of Berner Middle School and adjacent to the school’s athletic fields.

After years of complaints and litigation, the Town of Oyster Bay has begun hazardous material testing at the site, the first step in the abatement and demolition process. Officials say the building is being tested for asbestos and lead paint, with demolition expected to begin by mid- to late November.

“This property has long been an eyesore for the community, and its closure last year was a tremendous victory for public safety and our suburban quality of life,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “We remain committed to removing this blight from our neighborhood

as we work to prepare a vision for the property.”

The Budget Inn was officially shut down in February 2024, when the town deemed it both a “dangerous building” and a “public nuisance” under local codes. All occupants were removed, and the property has remained boarded up since.

A legal settlement reached in July 2024 required the property owner, Om Shiv Sai Guru, Inc., to demolish the building by June 30, 2025, or consent to the town doing so at the owner’s expense. That deadline was later extended to Oct. 1, but no demolition permit was filed.

The town has since made an offer to purchase the property, which is currently under review by the owner. A June 2025 Town Environmental Quality Review Report suggested that if the town acquires the land, it should be repurposed for open space or low-intensity parkland or recreational use.

Smith, Steinberg, Anand are Democratic O.B. candidates

By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent

Daniel T. Smith, a retired school administrator from Massapequa Park, is running on the Democratic line for one of three contested seats on the Oyster Bay Town Board. Smith said he aims to bring a pragmatic, “science-driven” approach to town governance.

Smith, 56, spent most of his career in the Seaford School District, including 15 years as principal of Seaford Middle School. He said his work taught him how to unite people with opposing viewpoints.

families, emphasizing the need to balance growth with community needs.

Smith also supports shifting the town to councilmanic districts, where board members represent specific geographic areas rather than being elected at large.

“How can four board members from Massapequa out of seven dictate what’s important to someone in Greenvale?” he asked.

“Getting people who are not of the same mind to find common ground for the betterment of a common cause is what we should be doing,” he said.

Also running on the Democratic line are Ian D. Steinberg and Jyoti Anand, who did not respond to interview requests.

A key focus of Smith’s platform is housing. He wants to work with developers to convert blighted properties into affordable homes for seniors and young

He’s been vocal at recent school board meetings, speaking against policies requiring students to use restrooms based on their biological sex at birth. He has also opposed the Massapequa school district’s efforts to keep the “Chiefs” logo, referencing his own alma mater’s mascot change from Patriots to Seawolves.

“I’m still breathing—it’s OK,” he said.

Smith also backs environmental initiatives and greater transparency in local government.

“No decision should ever be made in private and without input,” he said.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Michael Morrisey, vice president of the Plainedge Board of Education; Trustee Michael Ponticello; Interim Superintendent Carol Muscarella; and Board President Joseph Beyrouty joined Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Lisa DePaola and Raymond Moore, who held a ceremonial donation check from the Brian Moore Foundation.

Plainedge Schools recognize law enforcement and first responders

The Plainedge School District hosted Law Enforcement and First Responders Day October 16.

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“On behalf of the Board of Education and Plainedge Public Schools, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the law enforcement officers and first responders who spent their afternoon with us across our schools,” said Carol Muscarella, interim superintendent of schools.

“Students loved hearing your stories, meeting the K9s, exploring safety stations, and learning about your life-saving tools and equipment. Your hands-on activities and real-life lessons made a lasting impact!”

In addition, the district thanked the Plainedge Federation of Teachers for providing a warm breakfast and lunch to welcome the first responders.

Representatives from the Nassau County Police Department’s 7th Precinct stood with members of the Plainedge Board of Education, including Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lisa DePaola and Interim Superintendent Carol Muscarella, during a recent visit recognizing school safety partnerships.

Law Enforcement and First Responders Appreciation Day.

Heckscher State Park offers family nature programs this fall

Families across Long Island can celebrate the changing seasons with nature programs offered at Heckscher State Park in East Islip, part of the New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation system.

The fall lineup includes interactive programs designed to help visitors explore Long Island’s natural beauty while learning about the environment. Programs are suitable for families and children ages 6 and older and are part

of the state’s ongoing #NatureEdventure series.

A small participation fee applies — $4 per adult and $4 per child, with children under 3 admitted free. Advance reservations are required and may be made beginning two weeks before each program date.

Officials ask participants to arrive promptly, noting that late arrivals may forfeit their place if others are waiting. Those unable to attend are encouraged

to cancel their reservation so others can join.

Fall Scavenger Hunt — Sunday, Nov. 9, 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Children can enjoy a guided walk through the park’s forest trails while discovering the sights, sounds and textures of autumn. Rangers will lead participants on a scavenger hunt for signs of the season — from colorful leaves and pinecones to animal tracks and acorns.

Winter Solstice Walk — Sunday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. to noon

Welcome winter with a brisk, familyfriendly walk through Heckscher’s scenic pathways. Participants will explore how wildlife and plant life adapt as autumn gives way to winter. The walk begins at Field 3 and is open to families of all ages. To register for any program, visit Eventbrite.com and search #NatureEdventure.

What are you looking forward to this fall?

By Christie Leigh Babirad

Teen charged in fatal Sunrise Highway crash in Massapequa

Father also indicted for allegedly serving teen liquor before the wreck

A Bay Shore teen has been indicted on vehicular homicide and assault charges stemming from an alleged drunk-driving crash on Sunrise Highway in Massapequa that killed a man and seriously injured his wife.

Brian August, 19, was behind the wheel of his father’s 2023 Bentley when he allegedly crossed several lanes of traffic and slammed into a three-wheeled Polaris Slingshot on April 19, around 9 p.m., at the intersection of Sunrise Highway and Unqua Road.

Willie Singleton, 48, who was driving the Slingshot with his wife in the passenger seat, was ejected on impact and thrown into a car waiting at a red light nearby. He was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, where he was pronounced dead shortly before 10 p.m.

Singleton’s wife suffered major injuries to her hips and legs, requiring emergency surgery. She now often relies on a wheelchair or walker, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.

In a statement, District Attorney Anne Donnelly alleged August had been drinking heavily before getting behind the wheel — some of the liquor, she said, was allegedly poured by August’s father.

“Brian August was allegedly in the driver’s seat of his father’s Bentley tossing back multiple shots of vodka in the hours before he drove onto Sunrise Highway, crashed into Willie Singleton’s Slingshot, and ended the man’s life,” Donnelly said. “Some of those shots, unbelievably, were allegedly poured and

CRIME WATCH

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

GRAND LARCENY

Massapequa: A 2019 Dodge Challenger was recovered after an attempted vehicle theft early Wednesday morning in Massapequa Park, according to Nassau County police who gave this account:

Officers from the 7th Precinct responded to a Pacific Street home around 2:55 a.m. on Oct. 22 after the vehicle’s owner reported seeing suspects push the car out of his driveway via his home surveillance system.

Police said the resident got into his pickup truck and drove after the suspects. He located his Dodge Challenger nearby, along with several individuals believed to be involved.

According to police, the victim’s truck collided with a dark-colored BMW the suspects were driving. The suspects fled

the area, and the Challenger was recovered.

No injuries were reported. The investigation is ongoing, police said.

PETIT LARCENIES

Massapequa: Someone stole Ohio state license plates from a vehicle that was parked in front of 85 Bayview Ave., Massapequa between 7 and 9 a.m., October 15. North Massapequa: An assortment of personal items was stolen from inside a vehicle that was parked in front of 255 North Elm St., on Oct. 21.

•Two unidentified males removed an assortment of items from Marshall’s at 1304 Hicksville Road on Oct 12. The report was filed at 3:42 p.m.

South Farmingdale: Representatives for Stop & Shop supermarket reported to police that an unidentified male walked in the store and took an assortment of items, leaving the store without paying for them. That theft was reported Oct. 20 at 1:30 p.m.

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.

■ WEB SITE: www.massapequapost.com / www.liherald.com/Babylon

E-MAIl: Letters and

29th Annual Golf Outing and Induction Dinner

Arnold Chevy Buick

MAJOR SPONSORS

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Smokin' Al's 516 799-4900

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Tobay-Surf Shack Jam

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Patrizia's 516 218-8400

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American Beauty Bistro

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HOLE SPONSORS, CART SPONSORS & CONTRIBUTIONS

Jeff Pravato for TOB Receiver of Taxes James Kennedy Nassau Legislature Towers of Freedom 9/11 Military Monument Joe Saladino TOB Supervisor

Lindsey Mims John K Mikulin NYS Assembly Christine Venditto In Memory of Hilary Hartung ‘62

Mike & Patty Williams Peter Piciulo Pauline Koller Gail Klubnick

Joseph Gillespie David Bossert- In Memory of Col. Phil Bossert, Jr. John Grant Anita Shorosky

Chrissy & Chris O’Brien Pampered Chef Joseph G. Pinto Daniel Thomas Moran

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Bill Baker Assemblyman Michael Durso Shirley Lenker Andy Alesi

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Nails by Joanne

On behalf of our Officers, the Board of Directors, the 2025 Inductees and the Scholarship Winners, we thank the golfers, dinner guests, sponsors and contributors who have supported our program this year. Debbie & Joe Burke, Co-Presidents

McKenna muralists mimic famed pop artist

The creativity is flowing and the collaboration is on point in the art room at McKenna Elementary School in the Massapequa School District. Students have been working on large murals inspired by artist Keith Haring.

During their visits to Melanie Sabia’s art room, children in grades 2-5 are working in groups on large art creations. The simulated murals are being made with paint sticks on 3-foot by 7-foot pieces of white paper. When all are completed, the masterpieces will hang around the school.

Students learned about Haring’s animated pop art style and message. He is the designer of the Best Buddies logo and known for the quote, “Art is for everybody.” His artwork emphasizes inclusion and kindness and McKenna’s young artists teamed up to create murals that reflect these values.

Sabia said that the project emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration. Each mural takes about three art classes to create and after the pieces are finished, students take a museum walk around the room to see everyone’s work.

Show Off Your Little Fans!

Snap a photo of your “Little Fan“ in their favorite football, hockey or any sports gear or outfit and enter our Little Fans Photo Contest!

Whether it’s your pet in a jersey or child in their favorite team’s colors, we want to see how you get into the sport spirit!

Scan the QR code to submit your photo today for a chance to win a pair of New York Islanders tickets to a game this season and be featured in your Long Island Herald.

Contest Ends 11/20/25

TOBAY hosts veterans toiletry drive through November

In recognition of Veterans Day and in support of those who served, the Town of Oyster Bay is partnering with VFW Post 6394 in Syosset to host a month-long collection drive to benefit local veterans experiencing homelessness.

Residents are encouraged to drop off toiletries at Town Hall North in Oyster Bay or Town Hall South in Massapequa through the end of November. Donations will be distributed by Help for Homeless Long Island Veterans, a not-for-profit organization serving former service members across the region.

“From Hometown Hero banners in our parks to appreciation events throughout the year, the Town of Oyster Bay is committed to honoring our veterans,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “This drive is a simple way to help bring them some much-needed comfort.”

Requested items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, Chapstick, nail clippers, combs, brushes, Q-tips, tweezers and sunscreen.

“When I learned that Help for Homeless Long Island Veterans had a ‘wish list’ of basic needs, I knew our residents would rise to the occasion,” said Town Clerk Richard LaMarca. “Thank you in advance for supporting our local heroes.”

Collection bins will be available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at:

•Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay

•Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa

For more information, call (516) 6246380 or email ealter@oysterbay-ny.gov.

Massapequa Historical Society Music Bingo

The Massapequa Historical Society will be presenting Music Bingo on Nov. 6 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Grace Church auditorium.

The cost is $25 per person. Light refreshments will be served. You are welcome to bring your own food and/ or beverages.

To reserve seats, please call Valerie at (516) 633-5024 or Gail at (516) 8042363.

For more information, visit massapequahistoricalsociety.org or email pequahistory@gmail.com

Grace Church is located at 23 Cedar Shore Drive Suite 4A, Massapequa.

Interested in Massapequa Boy Scouts? Attend

meeting November 6

Boy Scout Troop 590, based in Massapequa/Massapequa Park is holding an open house November 6. If you’d like to learn more about Troop 590, attend the meeting at 7:45 p.m. at the McKenna Elementary School Senior Center, 210 Spruce Street in Massapequa Park. The

Senior Center is located at the back of the school building. Use the entrance on 2nd Avenue, enter the parking lot behind the school and the doors to the Senior Center are right there. For questions or more information, email Troop Committee Chair Ed Ferrity at edwardferrity@gmail.com

Teen charged in fatal Sunrise Highway crash in Massapequa

court on the same date as his son.

served to him by his own father.” August pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated vehicular homicide and assault. He was arraigned Oct. 22 and remains held on $500,000 cash bail, or $1.25 million bond. Prosecutors requested that he be remanded. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 2. His father, Brian Kitchen, 42, also of Bay Shore, was indicted on a reckless endangerment charge for allegedly supplying his son with alcohol. Kitchen also pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. He is due back in

August was arrested on the night of the crash by Nassau County police. Kitchen was arrested Oct. 22, the day of their arraignments.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Russell and Deputy Bureau Chief Alexander DePalo of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Michael Bushwack and Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Litigation Division Kevin Higgins. Both defendants are represented by Jeffrey Cohen, an attorney based in Garden City.

HERALD NEIGHBORS

From carved turnips to glowing skeletons, Halloween decorating has evolved

By CAROLYN JAMES

Before front lawns became cluttered with inflatable pumpkins and motion-activated ghouls, Halloween decorations were far simpler— and far older than most people realize.

Halloween traces its roots to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated more than 2,000 years ago in what is now Ireland and parts of Scotland. Villagers would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off spirits believed to return to the earth that night. As part of the tradition, people carved faces into turnips or gourds and placed candles inside them—an early version of the modern jack-o’-lantern. These eerie faces were meant to frighten off evil.

When Irish immigrants brought these customs to America in the 19th century, pumpkins, native to North America and easier to carve, quickly replaced turnips. By the early 20th century, jack-o’-lanterns were common, and paper decorations—black cats, witches, and ghosts—began appearing in homes and classrooms.

The 1950s brought a Halloween boom, fueled by postwar suburbia and the rise of trick-or-treating. Families began decorating their front doors and windows to welcome costumed children. By the 1980s and ’90s, mass-produced plastic skeletons, glowing tombstones, and synthetic cobwebs became staples.

Today, Halloween is a multibillion-dollar industry, and for many families, decorating is as elaborate as it is for Christmas. Inflatable dragons synchronized light shows, and DIY haunted houses now fill suburban lawns—blending folk-

cjames@liherald.com

lore, pop culture, and neighborhood pride into one spooky seasonal display.

From carved turnips to fog machines, Halloween decorating has come a long way—but the spirit and fun behind it remains the same.

THE HISTORY OF TRICK-ORTREATING

Trick-or-treating became popular in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s, but it didn’t become a widespread tradition until after World War II, in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

The idea of going door-to-door for treats existed in Europe as far back as the Middle Ages through traditions like “souling” or “guising”, but these were brought over in loose form by Irish and Scottish immigrants.

In the 1920s and 30s, American towns began experimenting with costumed parades and parties to curb Halloween pranks, which were becoming increasingly destructive. Trick-or-treating started to appear to channel that mischief.

During World War II, sugar rationing put a damper on the practice. But after the war, with suburban growth and the return of candy production, trick-or-treating exploded in popularity to assume the character of the practice we are familiar with today.

By the 1950s, it was a firmly established American tradition, with kids in costume going door-to-door, and candy companies beginning to market specifically to Halloween.

So, while its origins are older and more gradual, trick-or-treating as we know it today became a national custom in the postwar 1950s.

Republicans want to continue fiscal focus

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Oyster Bay Town Councilmen Lou Imbroto, 41, Tom Hand, 65, and Andrew Monteleone, 52, are seeking reelection next week, running on records that they say demonstrate fiscal responsibility, community engagement and a commitment to preserving the town’s suburban character.

During a recent roundtable interview at the Herald offices, the three Republicans reflected on the progress made since 2017, when Imbroto, an attorney, and Hand, a senior manager at FedEx, first joined the board, and outlined their priorities should they win another term.

“We’ve overseen a large turnaround in the town of Oyster Bay,” Imbroto said. “We’ve pursued economic development initiatives, especially in our downtowns, to attract businesses to our communities, and most importantly, we’ve kept a steady hand on the town’s finances. We haven’t increased taxes a single time since taking office.”

Imbroto noted that the town had a $763 million deficit before he and Hand were elected, and during their tenure they had reduced it by 24 percent, or $185 million.

The councilmen credited financial reforms and strong fiscal management for allowing them to support programs for local businesses, such as Oyster Bay Today, an online video initiative that promotes small businesses across the town.

Hand added that the town also provided grant money to chambers of commerce during and after the pandemic to help small businesses recover.

Looking forward, Monteleone, an attorney, said the town plans to continue offering career training and workforce development programs.

Will Sheeline/Herald

Councilmen Lou Imbroto, left, Tom Hand and Andrew Monteleone shared their reelection plans on topics ranging from finances, the environment and housing.

“We have to create training places in Hicksville and Bethpage,” Monteleone said. “We’re there for the citizens in order for them to do everything they can, to help them economically.”

On housing, all three councilmen emphasized “protecting Oyster Bay’s suburban way of life,” an unofficial motto of Nassau Republican candidates in recent elections, while supporting appropriate development.

“My first priority — and I’m sure I speak for my colleagues — is to protect the suburban nature of our community,” Imbroto said. “That’s the reason why people want to live here. But we need to grow. We’ve pursued economic development, downtown revitalization

TOWN OF OSYTER BAY COUNCIL

and transit-oriented development.”

He pointed to the Hicksville revitalization project, which added about 500 new housing units, as an example of “smart growth.” But the councilmen also said they are firmly opposed to state housing mandates requiring dense apartment construction near train stations or allowing accessory dwellings in backyards.

Hand added that rapid, state-mandated growth would strain schools and public services.

“When you increase the population by so much so fast, there are resources and services that are required,” he said. “That’s something the state doesn’t take into consideration, and we just don’t have the resources.”

The councilmen said they favor locally driven planning, and have hosted years of meetings with civic groups in areas like Hicksville to ensure that residents have a say.

On environmental policy, the councilmen defended the town’s moratorium on large-scale lithium battery storage facilities, such as the now-halted Jupiter Power project in Glenwood Landing. Hand said the pause allows time to assess safety risks.

“You have to look at every community,” Imbroto said. “Every community is different. There’s no onesize-fits-all approach . . . but primarily, we want to remain a suburban community.”

Four years in, Blakeman points to successes

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Bruce Blakeman has had four years to make his mark as Nassau County executive — and he believes he has delivered. From boosting public safety to cutting taxes and protecting the county’s quality of life, his administration has stayed focused on core priorities. Blakeman, 70, spent his early political career in various offices in the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County. He was the commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey from 2001 to 2009, and was appointed to the Hempstead Town Board in 2015. Blakeman challenged then County Executive Laura Curran in 2021, and won.

As he seeks a second term, Blakeman told Herald reporters at a roundtable: “Now I have a record to run on.”

He acknowledged Las Vegas Sands’ withdrawal from its proposed casino project at the Nassau Hub, noting that alternative development plans are now progressing under a “Plan B” strategy. That alternate plan, Blakeman said, includes entertainment, residential, retail and hospitality components. Sands is now working with local developers to refine the new proposal, interviewing and vetting potential options, and Blakeman said he hoped to have information to present to the public in early January.

He expressed pride in the county’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — the first of its kind in the U.S. — which is using a portion of the Nassau County Correctional Center in East Meadow to hold detainees.

“I think the general public is very happy,” he said. “It’s made us a much safer county.”

In regard to the state’s takeover of Nassau University Medical Center, also in East Meadow, Blakeman said

County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is seeking re-election, touted his successes over the past four years. From public safety to quality of life, he believes he has delivered what he promised for Nassau County.

that in recent years, New York’s leadership has eliminated the hospital’s funding. It was headed in the right direction, he said, under its previous leadership, eliminating its financial deficit and maintaining its commitment to treating underserved populations. He said he believed the state’s actions suggest an intent to either close the hospital or repurpose it as a mental health facility. “I think it’s nefarious,” he said, “and I think that it’s deleterious to the health of the community.”

NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Blakeman expressed support for his civilian deputy force, which he said is not a “militia.” Under state law, he said, county executives have the right to declare emergencies and deputize people for service.

“I created nothing more than a database of people who are willing to serve, who will be willing to train without getting paid,” he said. Most are military veterans or former law enforcement, he added, and will undergo firearms training in accordance with state law.

He also defended the county’s transgender sport ban, which prevents transgender women and girls from competing on female sports teams at county-run parks and facilities. The bill, he said, received highly publicized support from Caitlin Jenner.

Blakeman also highlighted rising home values, the hiring of 600 new law enforcement officers, and seven Wall Street credit rating upgrades over the past four years — indicators, he said, of a structurally sound and fiscally responsible county budget.

Blakeman acknowledged that there is a need to address housing affordability for young people and senior citizens, but added that he disagreed with the state’s attempts to supersede local control.

“We’re densely populated, and we don’t have the land, and the public doesn’t want the density,” he said. “That’s why people move to the suburbs, and out of an urban environment.”

Koslow is focused on transparency and unity

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Seth Koslow wears many hats — husband, dad, attorney and legislator in Nassau’ County’s 5th District. This year the Democrat has taken on a new challenge: running for county executive against incumbent Bruce Blakeman. His campaign has focused on values like transparency, common-sense policies and bipartisan communication.

Koslow, 43, grew up in Baldwin, and now lives in Merrick with his wife, three children and their rescue dog, Coco. After college he worked in a variety of sales jobs before returning to law school. He started his career as a prosecutor in the Queens district attorney’s office, and now has his own law practice.

In 2023, he won an open seat in the 5th District, which encompasses Merrick, Freeport and parts of North Bellmore. When the opportunity arose for him to run for county executive, he decided to take it.

“The same way I wanted to make a difference in my district,” he told Herald reporters at a roundtable interview, “I want to make a difference in the county.”

Koslow was critical of the Blakeman administration’s communication with the Legislature’s minority caucus, and he pointed to the Nassau University Medical Center as a “perfect example” of where the county lacks transparency. The public hospital in East Meadow, which serves all patients regardless of their ability to pay for medical care, was taken over by New York state earlier this year.

“Instead of actually working with the state to save the hospital, (Blakeman) fought with them, and now we lost control,” Koslow said.

He said he had similar concerns about the Nassau

County Correctional Center, also in East Meadow. The county agreed to a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is using a portion of the jail to hold detainees. In September, a Honduran national in custody at the jail died, roughly 18 hours after he was detained.

“We don’t know what’s going on with the buildings at the jail, whether ICE is using buildings indepen -

dently,” Koslow said. “It’s a lack of transparency — it’s a lack of planning for the county.”

With Las Vegas Sands officially stepping away from its casino proposal at the Nassau Coliseum site, Koslow said that while he doesn’t have a real estate background, he is open to partnering with others to find the best path forward for the Nassau Hub. He outlined a vision that includes a convention center, a hotel and housing, elements he believes would support revenue generation, boost tourism and promote development.

Koslow was very critical of Nassau County’s “militia” — a unit of armed volunteer residents that, he said, makes the county “less safe” and raises chain-ofcommand and liability issues. Koslow said that the Nassau County Police Department does a great job, describing them as “well-trained” and “very responsive,” and he couldn’t picture a situation in which armed volunteers would be necessary.

He also disagreed with the county’s transgender sport ban, which prevents transgender women and girls from competing on female sports teams at countyrun parks and facilities.

“Let the (local) leagues handle it,” he said. “It’s not a county issue.”

Koslow said that the county needs to return to a “traditional” separation of the branches of government. If elected, he said, he would let legislators “do their jobs.”

“If I don’t necessarily like a law they pass, I have the right not to sign,” he said. “But that also gives me some leverage to negotiate.”

Local government, he said, has to work to support the people. “We’re talking about life and death here,” Koslow said. “We’re talking about your safety. We can’t play games in local politics.”

mountsinai.org/southnassau

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31

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

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2

•Farmingdale Farmers Market: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Village Green, 361 Main St., Farmingdale. The market will be open until Nov. 23. 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, NOVEMBER 3

•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, NOVEMBER 4

•Emotional Health Recovery and Sup-

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

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5

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

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

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

See if you have unclaimed funds

The New York State Comptroller’s Office of Unclaimed Funds returns more than $2 million in lost money to residents every day, according to Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

Unclaimed funds stem from sources such as dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, utility deposits, trust funds and unused gift cards.

“We’re returning more than $2 million a day to New Yorkers, and my office is working to make it easier than ever to reclaim lost money, including mailing some checks directly to their rightful owners,” DiNapoli said.

A new law championed by DiNapoli has sped up the return process for some accounts. Since January, the comptroller’s office has been mailing checks automatically to eligible individuals for newly reported accounts valued at $250 or less. As of September, nearly 106,000 checks worth more than $9.8 million have been issued.

New Yorkers can also check for unclaimed funds or file a claim through the online claiming system or by calling 1-800221-9311.

A map showing unclaimed funds by county and region, as well as other information is available at osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds.

Massapequas Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Dec. 6

Join the Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas for their annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. at Klestinec Park. The rain/snow date is scheduled for the following day, Dec. 7.

Shown in photo at the event are Robert Kiesel, Commanding Officer of

Katie Brunnhoelzl, Registrar Massapequa PAL; NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso, Police Officer Rich Pescatore, Director Massapequa PAL; Rich Lopos, President NCPAL; Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town Councilman Lou Imbroto.

Massapequa PAL opens new indoor center during fall festival

Families from across the area gathered under sunny skies on Oct. 4 to celebrate the grand opening of the Massapequa Police Athletic League’s new indoor performance center—marking a major milestone in a years-long effort to expand youth programming in the community.

New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso, a Republican from Massapequa Park, joined local officials, PAL leaders and residents at the 6th Annual Fall Festival, held at the Lou Anthony Sports Complex in Massapequa. The family-friendly celebration featured youth games, music, ballpark-style food

and a formal dedication ceremony for the new space.

The PAL complex, already home to a turf baseball field, basketball court and deck hockey rink, now includes a brandnew indoor facility complete with a turf training room, arcade, and outdoor patio area. Organizers said the space will serve as a year-round resource for children, teens and families.

“This was a day of celebration—not just for a building, but for what it represents,” said Police Officer Rich Pescatore, director of the Massapequa PAL. “This new space is a commitment to our kids, and to this community.”

Town officials say hike is first since 2017, driven by rising costs

Town’s commitment to serving residents while responsibly budgeting for the future. “TheTown’s 2026 Budget is balanced, honest and free of gimmicks and one shot revenues, and requires no borrowing for cash-flow purposes,” he said. “The Town of Oyster Bay continues to deliver better services than ever before at a cost of only $150 a month for the average homeowner.”

Enjoy festive music and local entertainment, hot chocolate and a special visit from Santa Claus.

Klestinec Park is located at Broadway in Massapequa.

For more information, please call (516) 541-1443

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party Dec. 11

The Chamber of Commerce of the Massapequas will be hosting their holiday party on Dec. 11 at 6 p.m. at Mercato Kitchen and Cocktails.

There will be music, food and drinks. The cost is $50 for members and $55 for non-members.

Mercato Kitchen and Cocktails is located at 4958 Merrick Road, Massapequa Park.

Please register online at massapequachamber.org.

For more information, please call (516) 541-1443

A significant portion of the 2026 tax increase stems from increases in the Highway Fund, where the 2026 Budget calls for an increase from $50,359,077 in 2025 to $56,799,080. Part of this increase includes a modest increase in the snow removal budget, based on an average of the past five years plus forecasts for a higher snow total this coming winter than was experienced last winter.

Another Town District seeing significant increases in real property taxes for for 2026 is the Department of Sanitation - Solid Waste Disposal District, with an increase from $11,958,740 to $13,362,431. A good portion of that increase was a $307,836 addition in the line for “Professional Services” which, according to Town Comptroller Rob Darienzo, is attributable to the likelihood that the Town will commission a study in 2026 for the possible construction of a new

the Budget to the Town Board at the October 21st hearing solid waste/recycling complex. Parks is another area that has contributed significantly to this year’s tax increase, with a total of a $1,600,768 increase spread out among the ten Town Parks Districts.

Stuart Richner, CEO of the Long Island Herald, left, with Phyllis Quinlan, director of Holistic Services Administration at Cohen Children’s Medical Center; Amy Amato, executive director of RichnerLIVE; and Sofia Agoritsas, vice president of operations at the medical center.

Herald supports Cohen Children’s Medical Center

Herald Community Media and RichnerLIVE presented a $2,000 donation to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, the charity beneficiary of the Herald Women’s Executive Summit on Sept. 9 at the Crescent Beach Club.

The medical center is home to Long Island’s first Pediatric Heart Failure and Transplant Program and a nationally recognized team of specialists. This year the hospital earned its third con-

secutive Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, underscoring its mission to help families raise stronger, healthier kids.

Phyllis Quinlan, the medical center’s director of Holistic Services Administration, noted, “We are on track to offer over 5,000 15-minute holistic services to the CCMC staff, parents/family caregivers, and admitted pediatric patients in 2025.”

GENERAL ELECTION Candidates

Amendment to Allow Olympic Sports Complex In Essex County on State Forest Preserve Land. Allows skiing and related trail facilities on state forest preserve land. The site is 1,039 acres. Requires State to add 2,500 acres of new forest land in Adirondack Park. A yes vote authorizes new ski trails and related facilities in the Adirondack forest preserve. A no vote does not authorize this use.

Enmienda para Permitir Complejo Olímpico de Deportes En el Condado de Essex en Tierra de Reserva Forestal Estatal. Permite el esquí e instalaciones relacionadas de pistas en tierra de reserva forestal estatal. El sitio es de 1,039 acres. Requiere que el Estado añade 2,500 acres de nueva tierra forestal en el Parque Adirondack. Un voto afirmativo autoriza nuevas pistas de esquí e instalaciones relacionadas en la reserva forestal Adirondack. Un voto negativo no autoriza este uso.

November 04, 2025 NASSAU COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS

County Executive

Ejecutivo del Condado

DEM,MOD Seth I. Koslow REP,CON Bruce A. Blakeman

District Attorney

Fiscal del Distrito

(1) DEM, MOD Nicole Aloise REP, CON Anne T. Donnelly

Comptroller

Controlador del Condado

DEM, MOD Wayne H. Wink, Jr. REP, CON Elaine R. Phillips

County Clerk

Secretario

DEM, MOD Joylette E. Williams

Maureen C. O’Connell

Oyster Bay Supervisor

Supervisor

(1) DEM, MOD Sam C. Sochet REP, CON Joseph S. Saladino

Oyster Bay Town Clerk

Secretario Municipal

Oyster

County

Justice

de

for One (1) DEM, MOD Kamalveer Kaur REP, CON Richard L. LaMarca County

Your Community. Your

ELECTIon’25

actual ballot, but a composite of several sample ballots so as to reflect all the districts within the communities covered edition of the Herald. Complete reporting on candidates running in districts covered by the Herald may be found at under the Elections ’25 tab. For election results after the polls close Tuesday night, go to LIHerald.com

Oyster Bay Council Member Vote for Three (3)

REP, CON

Anand

Thomas P. Hand

D. Steinberg

County Legislator

Louis Imbroto

Daniel T. Smith

Andrew A. Monteleone

District 16

Legislador del Condado Distrito 16 Vote for One (1) REP, CON

Arnold W. Drucker

County Legislator

Jennifer Gallub Pravato

District 19

Legislador del Condado Distrito 19 Vote for One (1) REP, CON

Lynn M. Russo

James D. Kennedy

Justice of the Supreme Court

la Corte Suprema Vote for Eight (8) REP, CON

Kenny

Mark A. Cuthbertson

Margaret C. Reilly

Joseph C. Pastoressa

Steven A. Pilewski

James W. Malone

Carl J. Copertino

Bronwyn M. Black-Kelly

Surrogate Court Judge

Juez del Tribunal Sucesorio

DEM, REP, CON

David P. Sullivan

County Court Judge

Juez de la corte de

DEM, REP, CON

Nancy Nicotra Bednar

Donald X. Clavin, Jr.

Family Court Judge

Juez del Tribunal de

REP, CON

Robert E. Pipia

District Court Judge

Juez del Tribunal de

DEM, REP, CON Maria Boultadakis

Robert G. Bogle

Howard E. Sturim

HERALD

ATTENTION STUDENTS:

THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER

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

CONTEST RULES:

Who can enter: There will be 2 categories: Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12 One entry per student

Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, November 14, 2025

Requirements: All entries should have the student’s name, age, address, telephone number, email, grade and school printed on the back. Design can be reflective of all religious holidays. Entries will not be returned.

Mail or hand-deliver to:

Wrapping Paper Contest

Herald Community Newspapers

2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 OR Scan and email to:

(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted). Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 21

“Midnight Magic: Why Black Cats Deserve a Second Look”

Pets, Pets, Pets...

JOANNE ANDERSON

Black cats get a bad rap. Based on color alone, they have the hardest time finding homes — and the greatest chance of being euthanized in shelters. For years, humane societies halted black cat adoptions around Halloween to protect them from people with cruel intentions.

Thankfully, that thinking is changing. The ASPCA now says there’s no evidence that Halloween adoptions are any less safe or successful than those at any other time of year. Shelters and rescue groups have lifted the holiday ban — especially since adoption screening happens yearround. National Black Cat Day falls on Oct. 27, just four days before Halloween, and Black Cat Appreciation Day is Aug. 17.

Despite the superstitions, black cats aren’t bad luck. But they have bad luck finding homes quickly. A 2020 study found that black cats take the longest time to be adopted. Unlike dog adopters, who tend to focus on personality, cat adopters often fixate on color.

There are reasons for that — none of them the cats’ fault. Black is the most common feline coat color, and the gene that creates it — eumelanin — is dominant. If a kitten inherits just one copy of the gene, that’s enough to make its fur black. Put a roomful of solid-black and tuxedo cats together, and they blur into a sea of sameness. Each cat’s individuality gets lost in the dark.

That black coat, though, offers advantages. It helps cats blend into the night to hunt prey. It may even have made them healthier and more prolific over time — which adds to why black coats are so common in the first place.

Creative Tips

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

• Be creative & original.

• Use bright colors.

• Fill the entire page.

more information contact Ethan Kimbrell at ekimbrell@liherald.com or 516.569.4000 x 313

Still, black cats can be tough to photograph unless there’s some contrast. A bright toy, blanket or bandanna can make their glossy coats and golden eyes pop. Some cats will even let you dress them for the camera — a Halloweenready bowtie, anyone?

But superstition has a “long tail”. Cats went from being gods in ancient Egypt to villains in the Middle Ages, with black cats demonized most of all. In 10th-century Wales, killing a cat was a crime, and stealing one was, too. By 1232, though, Pope Gregory IX had linked cats to the devil, and zealots began killing them — often by burning them alive. Black cats were targeted as Satan’s sentries.

Puritans brought that fear to America, convinced black cats conspired with witches. Those caught with one could face punishment — even death. Of course, we know now that black cats have no “sympathy for the devil,” to borrow from Mr. Jagger. But centuries of superstition still echo through our culture

— and our Halloween decorations. To change that, shelters and advocacy groups have turned to creativity: “Black Cat Fridays,” “Black Cat Balls,” reduced adoption fees and “Top Ten” lists highlighting their charm.

HERE’S ONE SUCH LIST — TEN REASONS TO ADOPT A BLACK CAT:

• Black cats are always dressed for a formal event.

• They look sleek and sophisticated.

• Holding a black cat is very slimming.

• They match any décor.

• A lint brush isn’t needed for a black-tie affair.

• Black cats are parlor panthers.

• They’re like onyx — a beautiful gem.

• They don’t care what color your hair is.

• Love knows no color.

• Adopting a black cat might just be lucky for you — and definitely lucky for them.

Midnight - a 5 month old male kitten at Last Hope in Wantagh dresses for Halloween as a plea for a home.

Famous black cat owners include Queen Victoria, Winston Churchill, John and Yoko Ono, Fred Astaire, Calvin Coolidge, Ernest Hemingway, John Travolta — and, of course, Edgar Allan Poe. And black cats? They often have the most endearing “purrsonalities.” Just ask Midnight, a five-month-old kitten at Last Hope in Wantagh. Found alone in a Farmingdale yard, he was more than happy to pose for his Halloween adoption photo — costume and all.

What are do you like best about Halloween?

By Herald Staff, Photos: Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald

Margaret Farley Massapequa

The merchants that have things set up for the children and that the children can go to the high school for “Safe Halloween.”

Stella Madero Massapequa

Seeing the kids dress up and enjoy it. I love giving kids their candy and seeing the excitement on their faces.

Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald

STEPPING OUT

Director Cindy Rosenthal steps up to the challenge of this rarely performed play, based on a story from Chaucer.

A tale of eternal friendship

Hofstra’s Shakespeare Festival takes on ‘The Two Noble Kinsmen’

By Abbey Salvemini

Shakespeare’s final — and perhaps most overlooked — play steps into the spotlight as “The Two Noble Kinsmen” arrives on Hofstra University’s celebrated Globe stage. Now in its 77th year, the annual Shakespeare Festival invites audiences to experience a production that follows the intense journey of two noble cousins, Palamon and Arcite, whose unbreakable bond is shattered when they fall in love with the same woman.

As the headline production, this tragicomedy sets the tone for a rich, two-week long festival season that includes “What Fools!,” a whimsical, one-hour version of A “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” ideal for children; also Hofstra Collegium Musicum’s concert of Elizabethan and Jacobean music inspired by Shakespeare’s era. Together, these performances promise a dynamic festival experience for audiences of all ages.

Directed by drama professor Dr. Cindy Rosenthal, the production brings to life a powerful story about friendship, competition and the messy realities of love. Whether you’re a Shakespeare devotee or new to his catalogue, this rarely-performed play offers a fresh, thought-provoking look at the Bard.

According to Rosenthal, the decision to produce “The Two Noble Kinsmen” is rooted in its relative obscurity — and its potential. She acknowledges that among her fellow theater historians, not many have studied the play or seen it performed.

“In that there is opportunity,” she says.“We may be the one production of this play that our audience members see. The question is: How can we best present this under-illuminated text by the greatest writer in the history of civilization? Let’s make the most of whatever ways we think it has value and interest. That’s the job.”

She recognizes that taking on the play is a learning curve for both herself and her students. Still, the opportunity to present something rare and meaningful made it worth the challenge.

“We would be able to offer something to our

• Now through Nov. 2

• Tickets are $15, members of the Hofstra community may receive up to two free tickets

• Visit hofstra.universitytickets. com to purchse tickets; more festival information at events. hofstra.edu

• John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus, Hempstead.

audiences that they don’t get to see — and very likely won’t see again in their lifetime.”

She’s particularly interested in exploring the play’s layered emotional dynamics and how they speak to today’s audiences. The staging doesn’t shy away from the text’s “queer sensibility,” which runs throughout, making it an integral part of the storytelling.

This play “absolutely brings forward the value and the strength of same-sex relationships,” Rosenthal says, describing the work (that Shakespeare co-wrote with John Fletcher) as a significant reflection of today’s lineage of queer love.

Hofstra’s Globe stage — considered the most authentic recreation of Shakespeare’s original stage in North America — adds a unique dimension to the production. Rosenthal refers to the stage as “a real phenomenon.”

While she has directed for previous Shakespeare festivals at Hofstra, this is her first time with the Globe replica.

“Performing on the Globe stage makes it feel like we are part of history. It’s a beautiful achievement. Just being able to engage with the set is another part of the experience I look forward to sharing with the students and our audience,” she says.

Guiding her student actors on a play that few had encountered before was both a challenge and a joy for Rosenthal. Among the aspects most interesting to all involved is how the play celebrates love, both heterosexual and queer.

“It does that all the way through the text, both with women and men. Scholars have studied and written about the queer sensibility that permeates this play. I’m excited and the students are excited to explore and bring life to the relationships among the characters,” she adds.

Anthony Avalos, of Roosevelt, is among Rosenthal’s young cast who fully embraces his director’s enthusiasm. Avalos, who does the roles of both a soldier and a knight, declared that his appreciation for the play grew with every reading of it.

“When I actually saw everyone molding these characters, that’s when I really fell in love with the story,” he says.

Rosenthal’s visual approach is designed to blend tradition with fresh interpretation.

“We want to find a way to bridge the gap and to resonate with our own community,” she notes.

Costume choices, for example, were guided by the characters’ journeys and how those stories can connect with audiences today — incorporating playful, contemporary touches into the overall aesthetic.

Rosenthal recalls visiting Hofstra’s Globe to see a performance of “Hamlet,” on a school trip as a student at Jericho High School, The experience, she says, led her to realize just how much she loved and admired both the show and Shakespeare’s language.

“It’s an amazing full-circle moment for me.”

For those who may not know the play — or Shakespeare at all — she invites them to approach it with curiosity, offering a simple message: “Have an open mind.”

Adam Glaser

The always-enthralling South Shore Symphony invites ghosts and goblins of all ages to its first Halloween Spooktacular at its longtime Madison Theatre home. Music Director and Conductor Adam Glaser leads his musicians — all decked out in costumes — in orchestral favorites. The audience is encouraged to join in the fun by wearing costumes, but are also welcome, of course, to “come as you are.” The spirited program includes six most popular and accessible works. In fact, nearly all of them will be familiar given their usage in movies, television shows and cartoons. For instance, many will instantly recognize the concert’s opening, “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice: by French composer Paul Dukas. This piece was the “soundtrack” for the beloved segment in Disney’s “Fantasia.” during which Mickey Mouse plays the role of the apprentice who begins practicing his boss’ magic tricks.

Saturday, Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. $35, $30 seniors, $10 students. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 3234444.

Orchestre National de France

Music Director Cristian Macelaru guides the Orchestre National de France on its first U.S. tour in nearly 10 years at Tilles Center, during their brief three-concert tour. Joined by pianist-extraordinaire Daniil Trifonov the orchestra performs repertoires that lie at the core of its identity: Maurice Ravel (to commemorate the 150th anniversary of his birth), Elsa Barraine and Camille SaintSaëns. This masterful program brings the listener on a picturesque journey from start to finish. The programming of Elsa Barraine’s Symphony No. 2 with its gumptous string lines that compliment the playfulness of the work’s structure sits beautifully in the program with Ravel’s Daphnis & Chloé.

Saturday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

OCT

2025 Holiday Concert Lottery

The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to enter a ticket lottery for this year’s Town Holiday Concerts, Nov. 24 and Nov. 25, at Tilles Center

• Where: LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

• Time: 7:30 p.m. both nights., with an additional matinee performance on Nov. 25 at 2 p.m.

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

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: Noon-1 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.; also Oct. 31

NOV

Ted Nash’s ‘Presidential Suite’

Ted Nash’s Big Band brings the Grammy Award-winning “Presidential Suite” to the Tilles Center stage. This fascinating program pairs historic speeches by figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, and others with bold, jazz-driven orchestrations. With Nash’s thoughtful direction and expressive playing, the hard swinging band offers a powerful and resonant performance that bridges history, music and the spirit of swing. Each movement is tied to a different speech by world leaders, giving the words new resonance through music. Presidential Suite is considered Nash’s most significant work. Inspired by great political speeches of the 20th century dealing with the theme of freedom, it is rich with social and political awareness. It involved a very creative approach; Nash transcribed the speeches for their actual musical pitches and created themes, placing them into contexts that embraced the speakers and the location and era of the speeches. A longtime member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Nash has spent 25 years blending intellect, emotion and bold creativity through his compositions. Acclaimed as one of the most innovative voices in modern jazz, he’s known for his boundless creativity as an arranger and performer. Nash leads multiple innovative projects while remaining at the forefront of the jazz scene with a demanding touring schedule as a core member of the JLCO. From pushing boundaries with the Jazz Composers Collective — of which he’s a co-founder — to appearing on “best-of” lists in the New York Times, The New Yorker and Billboard, Nash continues to redefine what jazz can be. He has that uncanny ability to mix freedom with substance, blues with intellect and risk-taking with clarity.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048 Thrift Shop Stop by Simpson United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop for some unique finds. The shop is also open on Fridays.

NOV

1

Annual Field of Honor Flag Ceremony

Through support of the community, the Farmingdale High School Key Club and the Farmingdale Boy Scouts, the Kiwanis Club of Farmingdale display a Field of Honor at the Farmingdale Public Library. The Field of Honor will stand flags to represent each branch of the U.S. Military, in addition to 100 American flags on poles from patriotic sponsors and donors.

• Where: 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale.

• Time: 11 a.m.

• Contact: kiwanisfarmingdale@ gmail.com

NOV

Farmers Market

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

• Where: 30 Locust Ave., Amityville

• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 789-2569

Splish Splash…Animal Bath

Hang out with some Long Island Children’s Museum’s “residents” at the drop-in program. Join an animal educator in the Hive Studio’s in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to learn what goes into the care of LICM’s animal “residents.”

Observe animal bath time.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

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

2 Farmingdale Library Cinema Stop by Farmingdale

• Where: 361 Main St., Farmingdale

• Time: Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

4

Public Library for a showing of “The Accountant 2,” starring Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal. Christian Wolff applies his brilliant mind and illegal methods to reconstruct the unsolved puzzle of a Treasury NOV

chief’s murder. This film is rated R.

• Where: 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale

• Time: 10 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m.

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

Fall Festival

Plainedge Public Library welcomes families to a fall festival. With a petting zoo, games, snacks and crafts. Each child who attends receives a goody bag of prizes. No registration is required.

• Where: 1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa

• Time: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

NOV

5

Farmingdale BOE meets Farmingdale School District holds their next meeting. All are welcome to attend.

• Where: Howitt Middle School, 70 Van Cott Ave., Farmingdale

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 434-5189

Emotional Health Recovery

The Emotional Health Recovery

• Time: 6:30-9:30 p.m.

• Contact: Valerie at (516) 6335024 or Gail at (516) 804-2363.

Intro to Google Forms

This hands-on class at Massapequa Public Library provides instruction on Google‘s free app “Forms.” Learn to create surveys, quizzes, registrations for events, as well as how to customize with images and colors. Also learn to import form data into a spreadsheet for easy access. No prerequisites are required. Registration required.

• Where: 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park

• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Contact: massapequalibrary.org or (516) 799-0770

NOV

8

• Where: Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100

and Support group meets weekly online. This is a free 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. All calls are confidential.

• Where: Online

• Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

• Contact: Steve at (631) 3320552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808

NOV

6

Farmingdale Chamber General Meeting

The Farmingdale Chamber holds their luncheon meeting to elect officers and directors. $30 per person prior to noon on Nov. 5, $35 after.

• Where: 1815 Broad Hollow Road, #6, Farmingdale

• Time: Noon-1:30 p.m.

• Contact: farmingdaleny chamber.org or (516) 200-1228

Massapequa Historical Society Music Bingo

The Massapequa Historical Society welcomes all to Music Bingo. Light refreshments served. All are welcome to bring your own food and/or beverages. Reservations required.

• Where: Grace Church Auditorium, 23 Cedar Shore Drive, Suite 4A, Massapequa

‘Once Upon A Song!’

Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance. In this spirited show books in a library are brought to life in song and dance. A cast of 40 keeps the action moving along, with a live band. The singers and dancers perform current hits, oldies and tunes from the Broadway stage, with a tribute to Woodstock and “Wicked.” With refreshments and post-show dancing until 1 A.M. Seating is night-club style at round tables. $30 per person, available in advance or at the door.

• Where: Temple B’nai Torah, 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh

• Time: 7:30 p.m., also Nov. 15

• Contact: licabaret@aol.com or (516) 946-7207

Flip Your Lid Families are invited to commemorate America Recycles Day at Long Island Children’s Museum by upcycling mason jar lids into beautiful works of art, at the dropin program. Free with museum admission. For ages 3+.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1-3 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 NOV 8

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.

Notice of formation of Rapid Analytical LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/19/2025

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 process served to:

Rapid Analytical LLC, 11 Stephen Ln, Hicksville NY 11801

Purpose: any lawful act.

25-279. 10/8, 15, 22, 29, 11/5,12

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 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

Notice of formation of BusStopCafeNY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 5/7/25. Office located in Nassau.

SSNY has been designated for service of process.

SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to legal zoom as registered agent at 7014 13th Ave #202 Bklyn NY 11228

Purpose: any lawful purpose.

25-286. 10/22, 29, 11/5,12, 19, 26

Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals

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

RITA BYRNE, Chairwoman – LOIS SCHMITT, Vice Chairwoman –KATHLEEN MULLIGAN

REBECCA M. ALESIA –LISA CICCOLELLA – FLORESTANO GIRARDI – BRIAN GRIFFIN

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

PUBLIC HEARING CALENDAR

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING BY THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to the provi-

sions of Chapter 246, Section 246-12 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay, notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a public meeting, which will take place in the Town Hall Meeting Room, Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, New York, on NOVEMBER 6, 2025, at 7:00 P. M., to consider the following appeals: BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

APPEAL NO. 25-283

MASSAPEQUA

CYNTHIA NA -

KASHIAN: (A) Variance to allow existing second story rear deck with steps to grade having less side yard setback, rear yard setback, exceeding maximum building coverage and gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Amend Specific Plan as presented for Appeal No. 65-420 and granted by Decision of the Zoning Board of Appeals, dated August 19, 1965.

N/s/o Neptune Pl., 100 ft. W/o Alhambra Rd., a/k/a 121 Neptune Place, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-288

MASSAPEQUA

JOHANNA GOMEZ: (A) Variance to allow existing 6 ft. high fence exceeding maximum height across all front yards (Melrose Avenue, New Street & Margaretta Avenue) than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing shed having less front yard setback (Margaretta Avenue) than permitted by Ordinance.

NW/ cor. of Melrose Ave. & New St., a/k/a 120 Melrose Avenue, Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-303

NORTH MASSAPEQUA

Public Notices

FRANK COMMIS-

SO: (A) Variance to construct second floor addition having less aggregate side yards than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to allow existing driveway having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o N. Detroit Ave., 170 ft. E/o N. New York Dr., a/k/a 161 N. Detroit Ave., North Massapequa, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-237

FARMINGDALE

TARA FUCALORO:

(A) Variance to construct second story addition and one story rear roof over having less side yard setback and exceeding maximum gross floor area than permitted by Ordinance. (B) Variance to construct second story addition having less aggregate side yards than permitted by Ordinance; also encroachment of eaves and gutters. (C) Variance to install air conditioning units having less side yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

N/s/o Alexander Dr., 185.57 ft. E/o Scholl Dr., a/k/a 11 Alexander Drive, Farmingdale, NY

APPEAL NO. 25-289

FARMINGDALE

MAURICIO OREL-

LANA: Variance to construct second floor addition having less average front yard setback than permitted by Ordinance.

S/s/o Chester Ln., 537.94 ft. E/o W. Zorraine Dr., a/k/a 4 Chester Lane, Farmingdale, NY

ZONING

BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING OF 11/06/25

APPEAL NO. 25-333

MASSAPEQUA

JPM OWNERS, LLC: Direct Appeal for an

interpretation pursuant to Chapter 246 Section 12.3.6 of the Code of the Town of Oyster Bay. SE/ cor. of N. Broadway & N. Kentucky Ave., a/k/a 1132 N. Broadway, Massapequa, NY

OCTOBER 27, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, OYSTER BAY, NEW YORK 25-287 10/29

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-25132532 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 95 Hudson Ave, Freeport, NY 11520, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Star on the Hudson LLC. 25-288. 10/29, 11/5

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0343-25132749 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Hotel under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 333 S Service Rd, Plainview, NY 11803, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Plainview Social LLC. 25-289. 10/29, 11/5

Notice is hereby given that the fiscal affairs of the Plainedge Union Free School District for the period beginning July 1, 2024 and

ending on June 30, 2025, have been examined by an independent public accountant and have been filed in my office where it is available as a public record for inspection by all interested persons. Pursuant to Section 35 of the General Municipal Law, the governing board of the Plainedge Union Free School District may, in its discretion prepare a written response to the report of external audit or management letter by independent public account and file any such response in my office as a public record for inspection by all interested persons. Dated: October 22, 2025

Plainedge Union Free School District Massapequa, New York 11758 By: Noreen A. Greene District Clerk 25-292. 10/29

PUBLIC NOTICE AT&T proposes to modify their existing facility (new tip heights 92.5’) on the building at 240 Old Country Rd., Mineola, NY (20250853). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

25-291 - 10/29

Notice of formation of FOUR SEASON FACILITY CARE, LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/20/2025 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 process served to:  The LLC, 1609 Jane St, Wantagh NY 11793

Purpose: any lawful act.

25-290. 10/29, 11/5, 12, 19, 26, 12/3

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation

1. Publication Title: MASSAPEQUA POST HERALD.

2. Publication No. 333440.

3. Filing Date: October 1, 2025

4. Issue Frequency: Weekly.

5. No. of Issues Published Annually 52.

6. Annual Subscription Price: $50.

7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 2 ENDO BLVD, GARDEN CITY, NY 11530

8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530.

9 Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor. Publisher: Richner Communications, Inc., Stuart Richner, 2 ENDO BLVD, GARDEN CITY, NY 11530. Editor: CAROLYN JAMES 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530. Managing Editor: JEFF BESSEN, 2 ENDO BLVD, GARDEN CITY, NY 11530.

10. Owner: Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530; Clifford Richner, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530; Stuart Richner, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530.

11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None.

12 Not applicable.

13. Publication Title: MASSAPEQUA POST HERALD.

14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: SEPTEMBER 25, 2025.

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: a. Total No. Copies: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 2500; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 2300.

b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 178; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 174. (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 1374 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 1330. (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, and Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 255; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 276. (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0. c. Total Paid Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 1807; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 1780. d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution( by Mail and Outside the Mail) : (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0 (2)Free or Nominal In-County as Stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0 (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other classes Mailed Through the USPS: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0. (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 300; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 300. e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 300; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 300 f. Total Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 2107 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 2080. g. Copies Not Distributed: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 393; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 220 h. Total: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 2500 Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 2300.

i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 85.76%; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 85.58%.

16. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the October 30, 2025 issue of this publication.

17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Stuart Richner, Owner; Date: October 1, 2025 I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material information requested on the form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). 10/29/25

Fairfield Elementary School third grader showed off their paper ghosts filled with positive character traits about them, written by their classmates.

Fairfield students celebrate

each other’s boo-tiful qualities

Giving a compliment isn’t so scary, third graders learned in an early Halloween activity at Fairfield Elementary School in the Massapequa School District. On Oct. 9, students in Christine Russo’s class walked around the room to write positive character traits on each other’s paper ghosts. The project started with children coloring their paper ghosts and adding legs. Then, it was time for their peers to contribute. Students were tasked with visiting every desk to write a word that reflected a positive character trait of that specific classmate. They were encouraged to think outside of the box and use more complex and detailed

adjectives.

Russo said that in preparation for the project, students have been learning about character traits in fiction books. They read several books from the Jory John and Pete Oswald series including “The Good Egg,” “The Bad Seed” and “The Smart Cookie.”

When all the ghosts were filled with words, students came up to the front of the room one by one to share the positive character trait that most defined them. In addition to building a classroom community centered on kindness, Russo said that she hopes that children will incorporate their expanded vocabulary into their own writing.

Home Happens Here

Apartments For Rent

A house makes the scary sounds of the season

Q. Our home seemed very normal when we first moved in, but little by little, things began to happen that we couldn’t explain. Doors would open and close, floors creaked with nobody in the room, a particular wall “sweats” one day a year, and we keep hearing a low moaning sound followed by tapping coming from our den. We’ve had a handyman come and try to assess some of the door squeaks and things, but is any of what I described normal, or could some of it truly be a sign of something unexplainable?

A. When things go bump in the night, you can’t always run to your mummy. It seems we humans have always had a fascination with death, and our minds create endless possible scenarios.

The first two things I was taught in architecture school were that we need to always be concerned about water and movement. How water affects our lives as a gas, liquid or solid is fascinating, and maybe a little spooky. Materials like the center of a tree trunk, when exposed, sanded and coated, become reactive to humidity we can’t easily see, which causes the wood to re-swell. The fibers in wood were once a set of feeding tubes, drawing water from the roots to the leaves, before someone came along and cut the tree down, stripped, sliced and kiln-dried it. Nature is super and natural, so it’s no wonder that it seems supernatural for wood to want to regain its former capability, and creak and moan as it delightfully regains its former life.

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Some things can’t be explained easily, like why someone doesn’t check to see that a door is hung correctly, to be plum in the horizontal and vertical, so that the slightest breeze or pressure change makes it seem to move on its own. When heated or cooled water moves through a metal pipe (more so than through a plastic pipe), it expands or contracts it. If the pipe hangers holding it in the floor structure or the holes it snakes through are only the size of the pipe, the materials push and pull against each other, making banging and tapping sounds or, in some cases, squealing sounds.

I’ve often explained that homes are, in many ways, just like other living things, possessing a nervous system (their electric wiring), a skeleton, a skin and the ability to breathe in and out. Even though your home may have “good bones,” it still gets creaky and expands and contracts with the heat and cool cycles, when it’s hit with the hot sun and cool winds. Every day, your home lifts itself out of the ground, expands outward toward the sun and then, as you lie in bed in the darkness, you hear the materials all move past each other as they contract, settling in for the night, just like you.

Just remember, if you don’t pay your exorcism bill when it comes due, you run the risk of being

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Trump has written first chapter of a new Mideast history

president Trump’s achievement of reaching an agreement to end the two-year war in Gaza is a truly historic moment. It is a tribute to Trump’s leadership, and to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s determination to stand firm against an amalgam of critics ranging from the simply misinformed to virulent anti-Israel and/or antisemitic voices.

The return of the hostages who are still alive and the enactment of a ceasefire are critical and monumental. Even more significant in the quest for a lasting peace is how the major Arab nations, and a leading nonArab Muslim country like Turkey, have lined up against Hamas. Trump capped off the significance of the moment by delivering a fiery speech to the Israeli Knesset before jetting to Egypt for a Gaza agreement signing ceremony with the Arab leaders and President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey.

Just months ago, all this would have been deemed improbable, if not impossible. But as important as these monumental steps are, they are only first

steps. Much difficult work remains for Trump’s overall plan to succeed.

Who will carry out the weapons inspections to ensure that Hamas has fully disarmed? How and when will a transition government for Gaza, without Hamas, be formed?

Which of the nations will provide the troops for the peacekeeping force that will maintain the agreement? How much will it cost to rebuild Gaza? All of these questions are real, but should not be allowed to derail the agreement, which has provided the greatest opportunity for real peace since Israel’s creation as a nation state in 1948.

But any reluctance to remain fully engaged will incentivize Hamas.

ist organization is fanatical and suicidal, and will take whatever disruptive action it can. If it refuses to show evidence of complete disarmament, the United States must support the Israel Defense Forces going in to forcibly take away Hamas’s weapons. If Arab nations don’t provide the necessary troops for the international peacekeeping force, Trump must do what he does best, and bring to bear whatever pressure is required for them to live up to their obligations.

Trump will have to stand strong behind the agreement that he formulated and brought to fruition. It is clearly in America’s national interest to make it work. The president will have to resist the anti-Israel/antisemitic attacks and the isolationist rants from uninformed elements in his MAGA base. Any reluctance to remain fully engaged will incentivize Hamas and lead to the crumbling of Arab nations’ support for the agreement.

Now that we are so fully engaged, the United States cannot afford to back away. Hamas realizes that if this agreement survives, Hamas won’t. The terror-

As for bringing together a Hamas-free transition entity, the United States must work with Israel and other key regional countries to have our intelligence agencies coordinate an effective vetting process to ensure that Hamas does not infiltrate the transitional governing body that must be created. Trump would be well advised to work with Britain’s former Prime Minister Tony Blair throughout this process, and make use of his proven diplomatic and peacekeeping abilities.

Rebuilding Gaza is essential. Gaza is wrecked, much of it reduced to rubble. Rebuilding it seems insurmountable. But so did rebuilding Germany and Japan after World War II. The United States realized that it was in our national and economic interests to have those coun-

Presidents make mistakes, but this

Long Island is a populous region. It is estimated to have a combined two-county population of just under 3 million people. The island boasts many famous names, including Billy Joel and Billy Crystal. One name that keeps cropping up, not in the category of highly respected people, is that of former U.S. Rep. George Santos a wellknown regional figure for all the wrong reasons. In August 2024 Santos pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud and identify theft. In April he was sentenced to seven years in a federal prison — and Long Islanders were able to turn their attention to other, more serious matters. That was so until two Fridays ago, when President Trump announced in a Truth Social post that he was issuing a commutation of Santos’s sentence. Sadly, within hours, Santos was freed from prison after having served less than three months.

There aren’t many news items that

can jolt Long Islanders, but that commutation hit many like a ton of bricks. For the better part of 2024, the media had had a field day with Santos. While he had been a member of Congress, representing the Island’s North Shore, friends from as far away as Florida and California flooded my phone with inquiries about whether I knew Santos, and what he was like. Other than being familiar with his name and the allegations, I was glad that our paths never crossed.

During my many years on earth I have heard of hundreds of pardons and commutations, issued by presidents and governors, but very few have stunned me like this one. I can cite name after name of people who have benefited from this variety of kindness. Presidents of both parties have pardoned or commuted the sentences of such famous names as the late New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, and Patty Hearst. Any American with a knowledge of history knows of President Gerald Ford’s pardon of the disgraced President Richard Nixon.

N ot many news items jolt Long Islanders, but George Santos’s pardon did.

The first recorded act of American governmental discretion was the amnes-

tries rebuilt and stabilized, and formulated the Marshall Plan to coordinate the rebuilding of Germany. In Japan, Gen. Douglas MacArthur was given the power to create a democratic government and a free economy. With American leadership, these two nations created strong democratic societies while rebuilding their countries with vibrant economies. None of this came easy. President Harry Truman had to fight off resistance from isolationists and remnants of the discredited America First movement, which had kept the United States from being fully prepared for World War II. Truman was able to effectuate this by coordinating efforts with national security-minded Republicans to rebuild Europe and establish NATO, which, over the course of four decades, deterred Soviet aggression, overwhelmed the Russian economy and led to the collapse of the Communist government there, the disintegration of the Iron Curtain and the liberation or Eastern Europe’s captive nations. Today’s isolationists have no sense of history, and naively claim that “nation building” must be disregarded. Trump must stand firm behind his Gaza agreement and solidify his position in history as a true peacemaker.

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

one was a doozy

ty issued to participants in the Whiskey Rebellion in the early 1790s. George Washington granted relief to those who were convicted. Bill Clinton pardoned financier Marc Rich and Roger Clinton, his half- brother. President Biden issued a blanket pardon of a number of members of his family. To date, Trump has pardoned or commuted the sentences of more than a dozen present or former public officials.

So what’s the big deal about George Santos? No figure from our region has been the subject of so much public scorn from so many people in both political parties. Republican County Executive Bruce Blakeman and County Chair Joe Cairo both called for Santos’s expulsion from Congress. Wellknown Democrats including Congress members Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen asked for similar action.

Regrettably, Santos has become the poster boy for conduct that we have never experienced in our fairly closeknit community. His exaggerations about his record, when he presented himself to the Island’s voters, are now part of our political folklore. He claimed so many false things about his life that

there are too many to recite in one column. But his mistruths eventually caught up with him, and he wound up being sentenced to federal prison. Santos’s release following his presidential gift continued to attract political scorn from Republican Congressmen Andrew Garbarino and Nick LaLota, who were among those who had called for his expulsion from the House. Since he was released, he has claimed that he would consider becoming a “prison reform” advocate. Absent proof in the future, his post-prison remarks very much resemble his original exaggerations.

Those of us who live in the political world are very cognizant of the quality of the people who sign their sworn oath of office and promise to abide by the Constitution of our republic. We ask that they be true to us in order to gain our trust. They sometimes stray from their path, but most of them toe the line and don’t ignore their pledge to America.

Santos was a big disappointment, and all of Long Island regrets the leniency he was given that he didn’t deserve.

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

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Massapequa

When disaster strikes, the Red Cross responds

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When disaster strikes — from Amityville to Alaska — the American Red Cross answers the call. It’s one of the most recognized humanitarian organizations in the world, yet its reach is often most powerful in our own neighborhoods.

HERALD

On Long Island, the Red Cross stands as a beacon of compassion and readiness, providing aid when emergencies leave families shattered and communities reeling.

The Red Cross exists to meet human need, fast. Whether it’s a house fire in Baldwin, flooding in Freeport or a snowstorm that knocks out power across Nassau and Suffolk counties, the American Red Cross on Long Island mobilizes within hours to provide food, blankets and shelter. The organization’s volunteers are often the first to arrive and the last to leave. They help displaced families find stability, deliver health services and connect victims with longer-term recovery resources.

Beyond disaster relief, the Red Cross supports hospital networks and local blood drives, trains residents in lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid, and educates communities about home safety. Perhaps its most impactful local program is the Sound the Alarm campaign, in which free smoke alarms are installed in homes

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across Long Island. These simple devices have saved hundreds of lives nationwide and dozens here at home — tangible proof that prevention is just as important as emergency response.

The organization’s effectiveness stems from its people. Across Nassau and Suffolk, the Red Cross is powered by volunteers from all walks of life — doctors who lend their expertise in medical emergencies, retired police officers who bring calm to chaos and educators who teach safety preparedness in schools.

Among them is Jennifer Keane, athletic director and trainer in the Wantagh School District. Keane was one of the Long Island chapter’s heroes for helping to save the life of referee Joe Gaskin at a Nassau County boys’ basketball finals game in March. With a medical team administering CPR and Keane using an automated external defibrillator, they revived Gaskin after he collapsed. Keane stayed by his side, reassuring him and helping to calm him as he regained consciousness.

The results speak for themselves. Every year the American Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters nationwide. In the Greater New York region that includes Long Island, the organization responds to roughly 2,300 emergencies each year, from building collapses to home fires to flooding.

The shutdown is ‘malpractice’ by both parties

To the Editor:

Re U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi’s op-ed in last week’s issue, “How does this shutdown finally end?”: The question should be, How was this made to happen from the beginning? We have military personnel serving and not getting paid. We have air traffic controllers and other federal employees working and not getting paid. Yet we have a Congress not working and getting paid.

Are they truly representing the people, or their party affiliations and their own selfish interests?

When leverage is discussed, it isn’t about the people affected, but the perception of which party thinks it has the upper hand. We have politicians who, when they were the majority party, were for continuing resolutions, and now, because they are the minority party, are against them. How much damage of people’s personal lives are they willing to hold out for?

There are issues that should be discussed, but shutting down the government isn’t the way to go about it. This is not only an embarrassment, but a disgraceful malpractice committed by both parties toward the citizens of this country.

TONY GIAMETTA Oceanside

Thanks to those smoke alarm installations, the Red Cross has prevented tragedies before they could happen.

These outcomes ripple far beyond the crises at hand. Each act of service strengthens community resilience, teaching residents how to prepare for the next emergency and ensuring that no one faces it alone. The Red Cross model proves that organized compassion, backed by training and teamwork, can turn heartbreak into hope.

The success of that mission depends on all of us. You don’t need a medical degree or a uniform to make a difference. You can join a disaster response team, train to install smoke alarms, or simply contribute funds to support relief efforts. Every dollar, every hour volunteered helps save lives and restore dignity to those in need.

When a crisis strikes, the Red Cross shows that humanity’s greatest strength lies in our willingness to help. On Long Island, it’s not just an organization; it’s a community of neighbors ready to act. In moments of disaster, the Red Cross doesn’t just respond. It reminds us who we are — a region, and a nation, defined by generosity, courage and the unyielding belief that no one should face tragedy alone.

To learn more or to become a Long Island volunteer, call (516) 747-3500, or go to RedCross.org.

Authoritarianism is the shadow we choose not to see

election season is a fitting time to take stock — not only of what our leaders have and have not done, but also of what we have tolerated from them, and from ourselves.

Truth be told, there’s an unease in the air — not just about elections or economics, but about something deeper: the slow erosion of trust, the hardening of contempt, the growing sense that truth itself has become negotiable. These aren’t the hallmarks of a confident democracy. They’re the early shadows of something dangerous. When people hear the word “totalitarian,” they imagine parades and police states, not school boards or town councils. But the most enduring form of authoritarianism doesn’t arrive with tanks; it creeps in through the corrosion of truth-telling, respect and shared responsibility. Totalitarianism, in its embryonic stage, works to silence disagreement, to treat opponents as enemies, to bend institutions toward personal or partisan ends. It begins when loyalty to a leader becomes more prized than integrity, and when public life becomes less about dialogue than domination.

That, increasingly, is the shadow stretching across our civic landscape. We are losing the antibodies that protect us from tyranny.

At the federal level, we’ve seen the guardrails of restraint weaken. Laws once thought firm are now bent to accommodate personal power. Agencies created to serve the public are recast as instruments of political loyalty. Facts — about elections, pandemics or climate — are recast as matters of opinion. At the state level, officials redraw district maps to predetermine election outcomes, Boards of Education decide which books and histories may be taught. The civic contract — our shared assumption that good-faith debate is possible — is fraying.

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ruption scandal fades because “they all do it.” Cynicism replaces vigilance. And soon the line between disappointment and danger blurs.

t begins when loyalty to a leader becomes more prized that integrity.

The response to this drift isn’t louder slogans or angrier partisanship. It’s reclaiming the daily practices of citizenship. Voting is one, but only one. Equally vital are reading beyond sources that simply echo what we already believe, defending the legitimacy of local journalism and supporting honest education even when it challenges our comfort. It means expecting integrity from leaders — not because they share our ideology, but because they serve the public.

anism is no friend to those, either. Where power consolidates, corruption follows. Unpredictable governance and politicized law breed instability. Investors and entrepreneurs, like citizens, rely on the predictability of fair rules. When those rules are warped by loyalty or fear, commerce and civic peace both suffer.

The defense of democratic institutions isn’t a liberal or conservative cause; it’s a stability cause. It is in everyone’s self-interest to preserve the conditions in which disagreement remains peaceful, contracts remain reliable and the law applies equally.

Even in our towns and neighborhoods, the tone has changed. School board meetings devolve into shouting matches. Civic volunteers are harassed. Journalists and teachers second-guess whether candor is worth the backlash. Citizens withdraw, exhausted, convinced that their voices no longer matter.

History teaches that authoritarianism rarely arrives announced. It spreads through small acts of indifference. A lie goes unchallenged because correcting it seems tedious. A cruel remark passes as “just politics.” A cor-

LeTTers

Sharing memories of Woodmere with Randi

To the Editor:

I loved Randi Kreiss’s column last week, “Returning to autumn in New York, 2025.” I grew up in Woodmere myself. We lived off West Broadway, on a little dead-end street called Crestwood Road. The street contains some seven houses. Four guys, including me, who grew up there still get together for lunch now and then.

I graduated from George W. Hewlett High School in 1957, and remember Woodmere Dock and the rowboat rentals. I remember it as Simon’s dock. Thanks for the memories, Randi!

KEN WALKER Amityville

Sharing memories of grandparents with Jordan

To the Editor:

Thanks to Jordan Vallone for her recent column, “My grief for my late grandma is love imploding.” I’m now 79 years young, but still miss my Harry and Nanny, my Bronx maternal grandparents. That bond is unbreakable. Thanks to what they gave me, I now have a similar bond with my youngest grandson, Jackson, 5. One way to honor the departed loved ones is to pass the love on. This makes the days with the little guy very special. So I hope Vallone enjoys and rejoices in the memories of her grandmother. Such wonderful relationships make the world a better place.

RICK HERMAN Lido Beach

That same principle applies to law enforcement and border security. A nation must protect its citizens, but it must also protect its character. The rule of law loses its legitimacy when it is enforced with cruelty or indifference to human dignity.

We can also reclaim the moral vocabulary that once anchored our public life — words like decency, fairness, humility and truth. These aren’t partisan terms; they are the language of citizenship. They’re the quiet, everyday antidotes to authoritarian temptation.

Some people hear warnings about democracy’s decline and shrug. They prefer to focus on tangible things: business, markets, growth. Yet authoritari-

Ordinary citizenship takes courage — the courage to insist on truth when it’s inconvenient, to practice civility when it’s unfashionable, to defend fairness even when it costs us something. The survival of democracy has always depended on the willingness of ordinary people to do the unglamorous work of maintaining it.

The future of this country won’t be decided by the loudest voices; it will be decided by those who keep faith with the idea of shared citizenship. The health of our democracy doesn’t depend on who holds office next year; it depends on whether we still believe, collectively, that truth and decency are worth defending.

Michael Blitz is professor emeritus of interdisciplinary studies at the City University of New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

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