Nassau Herald 08-07-2025

Hospital staff and elected officials cut the ribbon to officially welcome the new Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum unit at Far Rockaway’s St. John’s hospital on July 31.

St. John’s opens new maternity facility

By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com

St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, in Far Rockaway, has officially opened its new Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum unit, marking a milestone in maternal care for families on the Rockaway peninsula and in the neighboring Five Towns communities.

The hospital broke ground on the project in May 2024, aiming to improve patient experience and safety while creating a welcoming, high-quality environment for expecting mothers.

An early celebration with a ribContinueD on Page 7

Holocaust survivor celebrates 100th birthday with the JCC

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Holocaust survivor Leah Goldberg celebrated her 100th birthday with a party on July 31, surrounded by family and friends, at the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC’s Chaverim program. The program provides psychosocial therapy support to Holocaust survivors.

Goldberg, a North Woodmere resident, has been a regular in the program for 15 years, and wanted to celebrate with her fellow survivors and friends before her actual birthday, Aug. 3.

“She is a very special person, extremely resilient with

everything that she’s been through,” Lisa Barnett, the JCC’s head social worker, said.

“Leah loves to come to group sessions no matter how she’s feeling. When she was younger, she loved to dance and share her story.”

Barnett, who has been involved in the Chaverim program for 25 years, said that it has been “an honor and a pleasure” to know Goldberg. “I have a special place in my heart for Leah and all the members of my group,” she added.

“Knowing how strong her inner strength is, and (her) self-determination, and wanting to be connected with her family and

friends here — that’s what makes her shine.”

Having lost her mother at a young age, Goldberg was raised by her paternal grandmother. Her family fled to Siberia from Poland when she was 3½, and she lived with her grandmother until she was 12½.

“When the war broke out, my father saw his brother leaving, so he told them to take me along,” Goldberg recalled. “He took me along and we went to the Russian side.” The family ended up in something comparable to a concentration camp, but were told they had “freedom” in Siberia.

“We lived in barracks in the

woods, and when you looked out the barracks, all you saw was trees — you couldn’t tell where is south and where is north,” Goldberg recounted.

“Every day at 6 in the morning, a man would bring rations.”

When the war was over, she was taken back to a city in Poland that bordered Germany. She stressed that the most

important thing her father said was, “When I die, I know I’m leaving two children in the world” — Leah and her older sister.

“My sister and I fulfilled my father’s wishes,” Goldberg said. “She died here in the United States two years ago.”

Leah met her husband, Abe

Cedarhurst village presents citation to Rabbi Freundlich

Rabbi Yechezkel Freundlich and Rebbetzin Rivky Freundlich were recently honored at Congregation Beth Sholom of Lawrence’s annual dinner. In

Village of Cedarhurst Trustee Dan Plaut presented them with a citation on behalf of the village.

— Melissa Berman

Five Towns cyclists gear up for Bike4Chai

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Grab your helmets and riding gloves, it’s time for the annual Bike4Chai fundraising race and Five Towns representation has expanded over the years.

Bike4Chai, is a two-day fundraising event that brings together hundreds of cyclists worldwide to help raise money for Chai Lifeline children and their families.

It originated in 2009 when Chai Lifeline volunteer Dovid Egert was told he wasn’t allowed to take his bike to Camp Simcha in upstate Glen Spey, Chai Lifeline’s summer camp that offers children with cancer and other disorders weeks of fun while battling serious illness.

Egert posted a video online indicating that he planned on biking to the camp, a 135-mile bike ride from his home in Lakewood, New Jersey, while fundraising for the camp, 16 years ago.

Five Towns team co-captains Moshe Klein and Allan Lieberman started with the organization in different ways but run their team using their experiences.

Klein, a Cedarhurst resident, started cycling in 2017 and knew of people who had volunteered with Chai Lifeline growing up.

“The former director invited me to dinner and drinks and I told him if you guys are willing to help me find the right

bike and all that stuff and get me the basic stuff to start I’ll do it,” Klein said. “I committed to raising $10,000 my first year and in 2018 I rode a little with the other guys. I was focused on the training and got tips from those involved.”

In 2019, communal teams were launched as part of the event and with it the Five Towns team was created.

“We put together more a unified conglomerate and had riders of different levels and different speeds,” he said. “Since

then I’ve been riding every year and we have around 60 guys on the team this year. Over the years we’ve had 75 to 80 consistent riders.”

The team is comprised of riders from teenagers to grandparents who ride together for the cause at hand.

“On Friday afternoon we have rides for everyone and the hardcore training is on weekends from Friday to Sunday,” Klein said.

Lieberman, a Woodmere resident,

started cycling in 2010 while attending spin classes at South Shore Bicycle, in Hewlett.

He said he was always aware of Chai Lifeline, and was interested in taking part after a business colleague who cycles told him about it.

“It had always been a dream on my bucket list to do a hundred-mile bike ride for a cause like this, I would be very interested and it happened to be I had just invested in a road bike that can go long distances,” Lieberman said.

The team is aiming to beat last year’s mark of over $700,000 raised.

“It’s an incredible feat just from the Five Towns and all together,” Lieberman added. “All of this to benefit a very large budget needed for the activities and benefits provided by Chai lifeline.”

The ride — Aug. 13 to 14 — starts at Kalahari Resort in Pennsylvania’s Poconos Mountains. This year the finish line will be at the Monticello Raceway, in Monticello. It is a 180-mile bike ride.

“This year’s ride is extremely exciting, we’ve never done this before and we are bringing camp to Monticello,” said Zevy Bamberger, director of Bike4Chai. “We’re expecting 1,000’s of people to show up Tour de France style with stores along the way giving out free stuff along Broadway in Monticello. It will be a fun filled afternoon of families of all ages.”

Riley Weiss joins campaign to fight Jewish hate

By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com

Former Hewlett High School basketball standout Riley Weiss, has partnered with the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism to become a Blue Square Athlete Ambassador.

“As a young athlete, representation is absolutely critical,” Weiss, said in a statement on July 16. “Having grown up without significant Jewish representation in basketball, I’m proud to join the Blue Square Athlete Ambassador Program to serve as that representation for the next generation of athletes. I hope to show that we can all celebrate our unique identities while continuing to strive for new levels of success.”

The Blue Square Athlete Ambassador program is part of the foundation’s broader #StandUpToJewishHate campaign, launched in 2023. The initiative aims to increase the visibility of Jewish collegiate athletes by promoting Jewish pride and humanizing the Jewish experience to combat stereotypes.

The program is a NIL partnership that pays Jewish NCAA athletes to represent the blue square and share their stories with non-Jewish audiences.

Weiss, now entering her junior year at Columbia University, was one of six student-athletes announced as ambassadors in a campaign video released July 16.

Weiss is Hewlett High’s all-time leading scorer, finishing her career with over 2,000 points. She was a four-time team captain, a 2021–22 all-state selection, two-time All-Long Island honoree, and fourtime All-County player.

Weiss also traveled to Israel in 2022 to compete in the Maccabiah Games, where she helped the

United States under-18 girls team win gold. The international competition, open to Jewish athletes from around the world, drew 10,000 participants for 42 different sports categories.

Adam Katz, president of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, said that this program will work to end all forms of hate.

“With this groundbreaking initiative, we’re aiming to increase the profile of these dedicated Jewish student-athletes to bridge divides and begin an overdue dialogue,” he said in a July 16 news release. “By championing each athlete’s unique story, we aim to show that we have more in common than what makes us different. We look forward to seeing these athletes don the Blue Square this offseason as we work toward our shared goal of eradicating antisemitism and all forms of hate.”

The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism was established in 2019 by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, with the goal of battling antisemitism and all forms of hate.

Other ambassadors selected for the program include Alan Mashensky of NYU men’s basketball, Liv Shumbres from the College of Charleston track and field team, Ethan Hott of Stanford baseball, and Ze’ev Remer of Cal Lutheran men’s basketball.

Another ambassador named by the foundation is Cornell University wrestler Meyer Shapiro, who said he’s received messages of support from around the globe for embracing his Jewish identity.

“I’ll scroll through my Instagram DMs and see messages written in Hebrew, and I’m like, ‘I can’t even respond to this,’” Shapiro said in a campaign video on July 16. “I’m like going on google translate and they’ll say, ‘We love you so much, we’re so proud of you’ — you represent so much more than just the wrestling aspect.’”

Episcopal Health expands maternal and mental care

As Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month highlights disparities in care, EHS is strengthening its commitment to maternal mental health with the opening of a new Labor and Delivery Suite and expanded behavioral health services.

The new suite, opening this summer, is designed to support both the physical and emotional needs of mothers throughout pregnancy and childbirth. This initiative is part of EHS’s broader mission to close longstanding gaps in maternal care, particularly in communities such as the Rockaways and the Five Towns.

“Mental health is just as vital as physical health during pregnancy,” Donald T. Morrish, chief executive officer of EHS wrote in a news release. “With this expansion, we’re creating a more compassionate, supportive environment for women—especially those who have historically faced barriers to care.”

The enhanced maternal health program will include culturally aligned doula and lactation support, perinatal care navigation, and universal postpartum screenings using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). EHS is also integrating behavioral health into its maternity model with screenings, therapy, and partnerships focused on wellness education, group support, and

community referrals.

“Too often, maternal mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma are left untreated,” Jacqueline Marecheau, chairperson of obstetrics & gynecology at EHS wrote in a news release. “Our goal is to create a space where every woman feels heard, respected, and safe in her motherhood journey.”

Tanya Barros, vice president of Behavioral Health Services, emphasized the system-wide nature of this care model. “We’re removing stigma, expanding access, and making sure women don’t have to choose between emotional and physical wellness—they deserve both.”

According to the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance, this expansion comes at a time when 1 in 5 mothers in the U.S. experiences mental health complications related to pregnancy. In underserved areas, that rate is often higher due to limited access, stigma, and systemic inequities.

To learn more about EHS’s maternal health services, call (718) 869-5815 or visit https://ehs.org/labordelivery. For information about behavioral health services, call (718) 869-8822 or visit https://ehs. org/behavioralhealth.

— Natalie Bellehsen

Nassau HOF class of 2025 announced

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

The Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame will hold its 2025 induction ceremony Oct. 7 at the Crest Hollow County Club. For more information and tickets, go to www.sectionviii. org. Here’s a list of local honorees.

Ray Adams (Long Beach)

For the past 28 seasons, the Long Beach wrestling program has achieved remarkable success under the direction of Baldwin alum Adams. During that span, the team has a dual meet record of 328-110-1, winning the New York State Dual-Meet championship in 2016 and 2017. Adams has led Long Beach to an incredible 16 Conference titles and five Nassau County crowns.

Adams’ dedication to developing athletes at a very high level is palpable by the 168 All-County wrestlers he has coached. Of those, 11 went on to become state champions, 48 became Nassau County champions, and 42 were AllState wrestlers. Adams’ impact on wrestling goes beyond wins and championships. A member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2022), has been greatly recognized for his contributions, earning him Nassau County Coach of the Year three times.

Steve Costello (MacArthur)

Costello has been one of Nassau County’s elite baseball coaches for more than three decades at MacArthur High School. His teams have consistently won and have experienced deep playoff runs, resulting in three Nassau County championships, two Long Island titles and a New York State Class B title in 1994 with a record of 29-0.

Costello’s incredible success throughout the past 32 seasons has made him one of the premiere baseball coaches in county history. He is in the top five all time in career wins with over 575. He also earned the Michael Kostynick Memorial Award Coach of the Year honors three times. Additionally, Costello would take over the role as MacArthur’s varsity girls soccer coach in 2022. It was no surprise that in his first year at the helm, the Generals would go 15-1-2 and capture Nassau and L.I. Class AA championships.

Gina, Vicky and Rosie DiMartino (Massapequa)

It is a genuine honor to have one member of a family become a high school soccer star.

So what is there to say about a family that produces not one, not two, not three, but an astounding four All-Long Island players. That’s what made the DiMartino sisters so special. Each was a star in her own right. Each led teams to

championships. Each earned multiple individual honors. Gina, Vicky and Rosie DiMartino followed elder sister Christina into soccer stardom. Each proved to be winners while leading Massapequa to Nassau and New York State crowns.

Gina was a sensation at Massapequa. She led the Chiefs to two state soccer titles. She set the school scoring record. She won the Mike Clarke Award as the best player in the county. She was a two-time All-Long Island selection and has been inducted into the Long Island Soccer Players Hall of Fame. Victoria (Vicky) was an All-Long Island firstteam selection as a junior in 2005 and led Massapequa to the county, regional and state titles as a senior. She was chosen for the United States Under-17 World Cup team in New Zealand.

Ronald Gustafson (Wantagh)

A common theme runs throughout

the career of “Gus” Gustafson when competed as a member of Wantagh High School’s cross-country and track & field teams: Unprecedented success. As “leader of the pack”, Gustafson’s running career was impeccable. In cross country, he led the Warriors to two Nassau County Class B team championships and he was a three-time individual champion from 1962-64. Wantagh would win the New York State cross country team title in 1962 and he would win the NYS individual championship in 1963 and 1964. In track, Gustafson was a threetime Nassau County champion in the 3200-meter race.

William ‘Bill’ Hedgecock (Wantagh & Lynbrook)

Hedgecock was a fixture in Nassau County track & field and cross country for 41 years. His former players describe Coach Hedge as more than a coach –he’s a legend, a mentor, and someone

who left a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know him. He exhibited an extensive knowledge of both sports at Lynbrook and Wantagh. His career began at Lynbrook for 11 years from 1969-80.

In 1981, Hedgecock moved over to Wantagh, where he was the head coach in cross country and spring track for the next three decades. During his tenure, Bill’s teams amassed a staggering 1,207 wins (819 in XC and 388 in track) with only 102 losses. He led his teams to 50 undefeated seasons, two New York State cross country championships at Wantagh (boys in 1986, girls in 1992) and 37 Nassau titles between the two schools.

Quint Kessenich (Lynbrook)

Aside from being an extraordinary three-sport star at Lynbrook, Kessenich, a 1986 graduate, was also a bit of an introvert. All of which is ironic since he is now a vocal ESPN broadcaster for lacrosse, wrestling, football and other sports. Kessenich was an outstanding athlete in high school. He starred as a soccer player and was a two-time Nassau wrestling champion for the Owls. However, it was on the lacrosse field that he was truly extraordinary.

Kessenich was considered to be the top high school lacrosse goaltender in the country as a junior and senior, and twice was named All-American. He starred at the collegiate level at Johns Hopkins, becoming a rare four-time AllAmerican for the Blue Jays. He also was twice the recipient of the Ensign C. Markland Kelly Award, given to the best goaltender in collegiate lacrosse.

Brian Norman/Herald

Erica Young, a mother-to-be from Far Rockaway, toured the new Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum unit during the hospital’s ribbon-cutting event on July 31.

State-of-the-art maternity unit opens in Far Rockaway

bon-cutting took place July 31, with an official opening expected around Aug. 18. Last week, community members, staff and elected officials toured the facility, on the hospital’s ninth floor.

Donald T. Morrish, CEO of Episcopal Health Services, said that the unit has been a long time coming for the hospital. “Maternity is finally here,” he said. “All the blood, sweat and tears that went on during the 12 years of getting labor and delivery finally has come to fruition. … Episcopal Health Services is on a tremendous trajectory to provide highquality care that is patient centered.”

The new unit features six 400-squarefoot rooms designed for labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care, all equipped with private showers, allowing most patients to remain in a single room throughout their birth experience. The unit also includes two operating rooms for cesarean deliveries, two recovery rooms and four triage spaces, and the focus is on patient comfort and supporting high-risk pregnancies with specialized services for mothers and newborns.

Dr. Jacqueline Marecheau, chair of obstetrics and gynecology, said the project has personal meaning for her.

“This space is a sanctuary,” she said. “This space is a love letter to the community, and it is very deep and personal to me. I, too, had preeclampsia and postpartum depression, and so for me, I empathize with all the woman in this community, and I think that this community and the surrounding community deserves a beautiful space.”

The hospital has been raising money through its ICARE Foundation, hosting

gala events and fundraisers. The hospital has also received grants from every level of government, including a $500,000 state grant made possible by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato.

“Investing in women and our health is what this labor delivery unit is going to do for us in this community,” Amato said. “I was born in St. John’s.” turning to Morrish, she added, “Don, you talked about an antiquated hospital I’m sure it was the same (in) 1966: That investment was never made. For the Far Rockaway community, this is ours. This is all of us electeds listening to the community — we have listened to you loud and clear, and this hospital has done that.”

To build awareness of maternal care, the hospital has hosted giveaways offering diapers and baby supplies, wellness sign-ups and a Women’s Health Fair in May that included workshops and conversations with mothers-to-be.

In addition to the new space, the hospital launched a doula program and a centering model for maternal health education — initiatives aimed at reducing infant mortality, pre-term births and low birth weights.

Erica Young, an expecting mother from Far Rockaway, said she was eager to deliver her baby at the new facility. “I think this new unit is important because they have technology here that they don’t have at other places,” Young said. “I think it’s important, because there’s only one hospital here, and you want to be somewhere where everything is new and clean and professional, and, again, you want to be somewhere were you have the right support, the right doctor, the right nurses. It is super important.”

neighbors

52nd annual Kiwanis Five Towns golf outing

The Kiwanis Club of the Five Towns held their 52nd annual golf outing at the Inwood Country Club, on July 28.

This event is the club’s largest fundraise of the year, with all proceeds going to the Kiwanis Foundation to fund student scholarships. The event is dedicated to Bernie Schwartz, a longtime Kiwanis member who died in 2022.

The outing is a full-day affair, starting with breakfast and check-in at 10 a.m., followed by a putting contest. The main rounds of golf ran from noon to 5 p.m.

After the golf tournament, a dinner and awards ceremony, complete with raffles, took place, including people who didn’t play golf too.

Each year, the outing honors a community member who has made a meaningful impact through public service. This year, they honored Nicole Eliopoulos, an active member of both the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association and the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce.

“I was shocked,” Eliopoulos said. “I did not think that the Kiwanis would honor me, I was very proud. I know what great work they do, I am so happy with all the scholarships they give out, they really look to stuff that is for the kids and they give back a lot too, so this honor was really humbling for me.”

— Melissa Berman

Milestone birthday for a Holocaust survivor

Goldberg, in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, in 1942, when she was 17, shortly after she immigrated to the U.S. “I didn’t understand a word of English, so my sister had to translate for me,” she said. “She gave him the address of where we lived, and it was the Fourth of July. In December of that year, we were married.”

She worked in a ladies’ garment shop in Brighton Beach until her first son, Martin, was born. After that, she was a homemaker.

She and Abe had four children, Martin, Edward, Adele and Mindy, as well as 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

After Abe did 20 years ago, she lived alone, and now she lives with her Martin, who is a widower.

“I’m very sad because I had a decent life, like anybody else, and suddenly it was taken away from me,” she said. “I don’t know what I did to deserve such a thing like that.”

Her daughter Adele Goldberg said she feels lucky to still have her mother in her life. “It’s a privilege to share her story, and now it’s up to the next generation to take it over someday,” Adele said.

One of her granddaughters, Paulina Weinreich, noted that Leah told her story to everyone. “Even when we were little, she wanted us to know her family members as if we knew them,” Weinreich said. “Even all these small details she still knows to this day, and for my whole life it’s been a narrative, as a second-generation Holocaust survivor, to share it.”

Goldberg said that turning 100 was sad for her, because she doesn’t have her entire family anymore. “It’s very sad to celebrate any happy occasion when you know that you don’t have anybody,” she said.

She was grateful for the women at the JCC who organized the party for her milestone birthday.

“I’m grateful for anything that anybody is willing to do for me, especially now, since I’m so helpless and I feel very sad,” she said. “I was told by my grandmoth-

Book Review: “SuperAging”

by David Cravit and Larry Wolf

Subtitled “Getting Older Without Getting Old” this new book starts with the premise “... imagine bringing a whole lifetime of knowledge, experience, skills, talent, relationships, wisdom (and, let’s face it, money) to two or three more decades ahead of you in which to leverage all those assets into an ongoing wonderful experience.” With the Baby Boomer generation far outliving and “outhealthing” any prior generation, we are in the era of the “superager”, founded upon seven pillars.

Attitude: Believing in exciting new possibilities, optimism is a major life extender. Purposes and goals are a result of an active curiosity about the potential for the gift of these years. Practice a positive thinking booster program everyday. Search for “positivity apps” and get daily positive quotes. They work!

Awareness: Whereas older adults previously accepted the advice of professionals as gospel, today’s superagers are avid consumers of information. The challenge today is the approach to information gathering and the curating of the “informational torrent”. Tips and techniques for searching and filing your information are provided.

Activity: Keeping fit, mentally and physically delves into the nine components, arising out of the Blue Zones Project, for extending longevity — move naturally, have a purpose (worth an extra 7 years!), downshift, the 80% rule for eating, plant-based diet, moderate alcohol, faith-based community family, social networks.

Accomplishments: Viewing post-65 as a continued opportunity to grow and achieve goals, this section outlines myriad ways to continue personal growth. As the authors point out, “Accomplishment, promoted by longevity, produces even further longevity.”

Attachment: The health risks of loneliness are well documented. Superagers reach for more connection, often digitally. New adult communities are arising right on college campuses, creating exciting new intergenerational possibilities.

Avoidance: Avoiding ageism, especially against oneself, means challenging your own and society’s outdated views on aging — stereotypes as to what older adults look and act like.

Autonomy: The dazzling new array of living options, and various means for affording them are explored, including using the home as an asset. For more, visit superagingnews.com.

er to be self-sufficient, and so she wanted me to know how to do things she did. That’s what I did for my kids.”

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Gillen visits air traffic control in Westbury

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Staffing shortages, safety concerns, the need to update equipment and aircraft noise were the topics when U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen met with Federal Aviation Administration officials and air traffic controllers in Westbury last week.

“I think everyone can agree TRACON/N90 and other air traffic control towers are understaffed, have outdated technology, long hours and compulsory overtime, which is contributing to wider spread burnout and fatigue,” Gillen said on July 29 outside the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control facility that is known by its acronym.

TRACON/N90 manages aircraft approaching and departing from the metropolitan area’s airports, generally within a 30- to 50-mile radius.

in Philadelphia.

“I’m so glad the inspector general is finally looking into the impact of moving N90 air traffic controllers, and what this has done to New York airport cancellations and the safety of our passengers,” Gillen said.

I will continue to work with Secretary Duffy in a bipartisan fashion to make sure we are keeping the skies over the busiest airways in the country safe.

LAuRA GILLeN

U.S. Representative

Gillen put pressure on the FAA and federal Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that resulted in an audit of a decision last year to relocate a dozen air traffic controllers from TRACON/N90 to an air traffic control center

The FAA relocated air traffic controllers who monitored Newark Liberty Airport, one of the busiest in the country, from TRACON/ N90 to Philadelphia. Controllers overseeing Newark subsequently experienced a roughly 90-second blackout of radar and radio contact with air traffic due to a burned copper wire on April 28. Another 90-second outage followed on May 9, caused by failures of communication infrastructure.

“The FAA’s reckless decision to relocate Newark air traffic controllers from N90 on Long Island to Philadelphia put our safety at risk and made it more difficult for our air traffic controllers to manage the nation’s busiest airspace,” said Gillen.

The incidents raised concerns about system redundancy, controller staffing and training and operational resilience. The audit will also review the FAA’s

planning and risk-assessment process and its operation response to flight delays, safety incidents and cancellations.

Gillen said she was also determined to address the issue of low staffing of air traffic controllers and the risks it poses to passenger safety.

“I will continue to work with Secretary Duffy in a bipartisan fashion to

make sure we are keeping the skies over the busiest airways in the country safe — safe for passengers, and to minimize cancellations and delays,” she said.

During a discussion of air traffic safety at a July 16 hearing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Duffy said, “Our goal is to make air travel not just safer, but also more efficient.”

Clavin resigns as town supervisor

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald X. Clavin Jr. resigned during Tuesday’s town board meeting, and Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti was appointed as the interim supervisor.

After a brief recess, Clavin returned to announce that he was stepping down after holding office since 2020.

“I want to say what an honor and a privilege and a friendship all of you have been. And to the residents, you have always been very kind to me,” said Clavin, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve all of you. Even the critics have been the nicest people in the world to me. And I wish all of you the greatest success, and God bless you and God bless America.”

Clavin, who was in his third two-year term, did not state his reasoning for his resignation. In April, he declined the Republican Party’s nomination for a fourth term and is thought to be considering a run for a judgeship. Ferretti was picked to replace him.

After his final words, he exited the meeting with a standing ovation from attendees and former fellow board members. The meeting continued after he left.

In a statement from Nassau County Republican Committee Chairman Joseph G. Cairo Jr., appointing elected officials has been done by officials in the North Hempstead, Hempstead and Babylon towns, the City of Long Beach and other municipalities.

“The Board’s action ensures continuity of repre-

sentation for residents of America’s largest township,” Cairo said. “What’s more, both Democrat and Republican majorities in control of local governments have employed this practice. I am confident that Supervisor Ferretti will provide excellent leadership for the town, bringing a solid record of reducing taxes and providing high quality services.”

In June, the Democrats lead by Democratic Supervisor candidate Joseph Scianablo unveiled proposed legislation to ban the practice of appointing town supervisors without a public election.

“This appointment is an insult to every voter in the Town of Hempstead,” Scianablo said in a statement. “Ferretti will now enjoy the perks of office, cars, gas, glossy mailers, and free publicity, all paid for by taxpayers, to run a campaign that was rigged from the start, not to mention a $60,000 raise.”

Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow, the Democratic candidate for county executive, aimed his anger at his Republican opponent, incumbent County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

“Don Clavin just stepped down as Hempstead supervisor — exactly as we predicted last week — so that Blakeman’s chosen crony could gain an advantage in the upcoming election,” Koslow said in a statement. “This is a shameful attempt to circumvent the will of the voters and dismantle the democratic process.”

Ferretti represented Levittown, Bethpage, North Massapequa and parts of Farmingdale. The Republican candidate for the 15th Legislative District Kayla L. Knight and the Democratic candidate is Stephen Richard Hellman.

Courtesy KerboomKidz

KerboomKidz lead instructor Drex guides groups of up to 500 children through the program’s signature dance routines.

KerboomKidz comes back to Rock Hall

By Natalie Bellehsen Intern

The Rock Hall Museum lawn is set to turn into a high-energy dance floor once again as KerboomKidz returns to the Town of Hempstead’s summer lineup of free children’s entertainment.

Known for its focus on movement, confidence building, and fun, the program is a favorite among local families, and this year it is returning on August 5th.

“The Town of Hempstead is proud to offer tons of fun throughout the summer season,” said Casey Salmon, Town of Hempstead representative. “KerboomKidz is a high-energy movement, mental health, and wellness program designed for kids of all ages, it’s a great way to engage the crowd and get the youngsters moving and grooving.”

The show stands apart from other performances the Town has hosted, which have included magicians, singers, and even exotic animal handlers.

“This is definitely a unique act where the focus is on movement, music, and motivation,” Salmon added. “It’s an exciting show that gets the whole crowd involved.”

At the center of the excitement is the lead KerboomKidz instructor, Drex, who guides groups of up to 500 children through the program’s signature dance routines.

“Our programs are very inclusive of high-energy movement and mental health awareness!” Drex said. “As the lead instructor I lead groups of kids up to 500+ at a time into our signature Kerboomkidz dance moves, giving every

dancer a chance to be a leader themselves.”

With its mix of structured choreography and spontaneous freestyle moments, KerboomKidz is built to be adaptable to all ages.

“Depending on the age, keeping up high energy is easy because children are full of energy,” Drex added. “But for even younger children like 3–5 years old, I take things much slower to match their pace and keep them engaged. Also, positive affirmations like ‘I got this!’ give a sense of determination that keeps the ball rolling.”

The music is just as important to the experience as the movement. One go-to track of theirs is “Around the World” by Daft Punk. And the kids always go wild for one move in particular: the floss.

No matter the time, place, or weather, the goal is always the same, to get kids moving and smiling.

“Assemblies can be at any time of the day or night, in the heat or cold, with many or few people so it’s always different,” Drex said. “But no matter what, my goal is that by the end of the assembly everyone’s spirits and heart rates are up!”

Following the performance, families are encouraged to enjoy all that Rock Hall Museum has to offer, from educational exhibits to historical fun.

KerboomKidz is free and open to all. No registration is required, just bring your energy, your imagination, and maybe brush up on some moves.

“Parents and kids both benefit greatly from these shows,” Salmon said. “It’s a great opportunity for families to spend some time together while enjoying a fun-filled show.”

Your HealtH and Wellness — with a focus on fitness for life

Mind yourself

Focusing on your physical and emotional wellness

By Kristen Castillo

Not so long ago self-care was considered somewhat self-indulgent. Then the pandemic altered our reality and ever since we’ve turned attention on how we engage with our world and practices to be our best, healthy selves. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself and your well-being.

“Self-care is vitally important because if you don’t take the time to stop and care for yourself, your body will stop you,” says mental health advocate Mark Henick. “If you never let your foot off the gas, you won’t keep driving forever — you’ll either run out of gas or crash. The same is true for the body and mind.”

Henick says self-care is a choice to rebalance your internal resources so you can bounce back from stressors.

Loving yourself

Self-care can range from taking “me time” breaks in your day or chatting with a friend to yoga, exercising, of course, or meditating.

“Often, we posit that self-care is about doing less, but sometimes it is about doing more — at the end of the day, it is about responding to the needs of ourselves before others,” says Darren Pierre, Ph.D., author of

“The Invitation to Love.”

“The work is difficult because we can become easily distracted from focusing on ourselves,” Pierre says, urging people to “remain disciplined in the practice of selfcare.”

Honoring your life

“Self-care is choosing to honor your inner wants and needs in order to fulfill your potential,” says therapist Kimberly Hershenson.

One of her self-care recommendations is to make a daily gratitude list. “Focusing on what is good in your life as opposed to what is ‘going wrong’ helps relieve stress,” says Hershenson, who also suggests reading positive affirmations every morning.

Snooze

Self-care isn’t necessarily tough to do, but finding the time to take care of yourself can be challenging.

“Sleep is one of the best forms of self-care because it gives your body and mind some uninterrupted time to simply repair itself,” says Henick.

Write it down

Author Carrie Aulenbacher, a busy work-

ing mom, uses journaling as a self-care tool.

“Making time to take care of me is hard,” she says.“But journaling helps me unload and address issues that affected me but got pushed aside throughout the day.”

She says everything ranging from serious writing to doodling to making lists is helpful and counts as journaling.

The business of self-care

This increased interest in self-care is a

Tbusiness boom, too.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness industry is a $6.3 trillion market, including fitness, mind and body; healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss; and spa treatments.

This figure represents a significant portion of the global economy, exceeding 6 percent of global GDP, according to the GWI. Furthermore, the industry is projected to reach $9 trillion by 2028.

That means increased opportunities for consumers to invest in themselves and their wellbeing. The wellness industry features countless self-care options, ranging from buying vitamin infused waters to planning wellness retreat vacations to scheduling fitness classes like yoga, dance and cycling.

Calendar item

“Schedule self-care time on your calendar,” says Anza Goodbar, a coach, speaker and trainer for entrepreneurs. “If it is not scheduled, it most likely won’t happen.”

She suggests starting a self-care routine in small steps, such as getting up 15 minutes early to start your day with meditation or a quiet cup of coffee or tea.

“The bottom line is to be intentional about taking care of yourself through the different stages of life,” Goodbar says.

Photo: Taking time for yourself, such as meditating or even getting a massage, is healthy, not selfish. Your body and mind will be recharged.

HEALTH MEMO

Keep Yourself Safe From Ticks Before a Hike, Run, or Round of Golf

icks are on the march and heading for you and your family—unless you take precautions.

The Fordham Tick Index, which assesses the risk of encountering ticks in the New York area, was at its highest level of 10 on a 10-point scale as of mid-July, based on an increase in the tick population and the diseases they carry, most notably Lyme disease.

Over the last three years, New York State has averaged more than 17,500 new cases of Lyme disease each year, with more than 19,000 cases reported in 2023, according to the state’s Department of Health. What is more, Suffolk County reported the highest number of Lyme disease cases in the country between 2019 and 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Long Island’s tick season runs from spring through fall, with peak activity from May to June and again from August to November. Aaron E. Glatt, MD, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Chief of Infectious Diseases and Chair of the Department of Medicine, recommends the following steps to protect yourself from illnesses spread by ticks (and mosquitoes):

• Apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothing and exposed parts of your body (be sure to follow the instructions on the product label for safe and effective use).

• When hiking or gardening, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes/sneakers to reduce exposed skin areas. For extra protection, tuck your pants into your socks when in wooded terrain or thick vegetation.

• Wear light- or bright-colored clothing, like white, tan, yellow, or orange, which makes it easier to spot ticks.

• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin insecticiderepellent. Do not apply on the skin.

• Ticks congregate in grassy and wooded areas, so stay in the

Aaron E. Glatt, MD, Chief of Infectious Diseases and

Chair

of the Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau recommends using fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick and cleaning the site and your hands thoroughly after removal.

center of trails. Avoid tall grass and leaf litter. Golfers need to be aware of their increased risk when searching for balls in heavy rough and untamed parts of the course.

• After concluding outdoor activities, check your clothing, hair/head and hairline, armpits, between and toes, and entire body for ticks.

• Take a shower as soon as possible, which can help wash off unattached ticks, and consider putting the clothing in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any attached ticks. To remove a tick, Dr. Glatt recommends the following steps:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick. Dispose of the tick by wrapping it in tape or flushing it down the toilet.

• After removing the tick, clean the bite site and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

If you are bitten by a tick, Dr. Glatt says to be on guard for these symptoms of a tick-borne illness: fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, or a rash.

“In 60-80 percent of Lyme disease cases, a rash with a bullseye center will appear around or near the site of the bite,” said Dr. Glatt. “If this rash develops as well as any other symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent more serious complications, including chronic severe headaches, painful arthritis, swelling of the joints, and heart and central nervous system problems.”

The Long Island flagship hospital of the Mount Sinai Health System, Mount Sinai South Nassau operates 911-receiving emergency departments at its Oceanside and Long Beach campuses and is the only Trauma Center on the South Shore of Nassau County. In a medical emergency, dial 911.

For more information about Mount Sinai South Nassau or a physician referral, call (516) 632-3000 or visit mountsinai. org/southnassau.

mountsinai.org/southnassau

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute offers Home Hemodialysis/ Certified Home Health Care available through Parker Jewish Institute

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), a 2025 Bests of Long Island winner and located at The Parker Jewish Institute, now offers a state-of-the-art Home Hemodialysis Program for people battling kidney disease. Those patients who also require Certified Home Health Care can access it conveniently through QLIRI’s affiliate, Parker Jewish Institute.

With QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, patients can transition from an in-center setting to receiving hemodialysis from the comfort of their home, using the Tablo Hemodialysis System. Enrolled patients are first trained by a registered nurse. The nurse provides step-by-step guidance four days a week over the course of four weeks, or longer if necessary. With this training, patients learn to use the system before transitioning to the convenience of home hemodialysis.

If needed, patients of Parker’s Certified Home Health Care Agency receive individualized nursing, medical, and rehabilitation services, so they can maintain maximum independence in the comfort of their homes. Home-care services can include skilled-nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; home-health aides; medical social services; medical supplies; and 24-hour telephone availability.

Call (718) 289-2600 with questions.

To learn more about QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, visit qliri.org.

For more on Parker’s Certified Home Health Care, visit parkerinstitute.org.

Queens Long Island

Institute • 271-11 76th Ave., New Hyde Park • (718) 289-2600

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

Parker Jewish Institute showcases healing power of music with Sur Sagar ensemble

Amusical ensemble at the Parker Jewish Institute brings harmony and wellness to residents and patients alike.

The ensemble is known as Sur Sagar, which means “Ocean of Melody” in Hindi. It features five women from the Institute’s long-term care residence at Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The Indian Cultural Unit is the first of its kind in the region, accommodating the rehabilitation, healthcare and cultural needs of older adults in New York’s growing Indian population.

At Parker, members of Sur Sagar come together in song to create something special. Beyond their enchanting melodies, Sur Sagar represents the therapeutic power of music in elder care. Music therapy can help reduce anxiety, improve cognitive function and provide a powerful outlet for emotional expression for older adults. While Parker’s residents and patients diligently participate in physical, occupational and speech therapies that nurture their bodies, these musical gatherings nourish their spirits, helping

them to feel at ease so that they can heal.

The enthusiasm and unity of Sur Sagar members illuminate the profound impact of culturally meaningful activities. As part of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit, these sessions incorporate familiar melodies and rhythms that resonate deeply with residents, awakening cherished memories and creating moments of pure joy.

Sur Sagar embodies the essence of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The unit fosters the understanding that healing and

care must address the physical being while also honoring cultural identity and nurturing the soul through art and expression.

About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation<

The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading provider of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. At the

Parker Jewish Institute • (718) 289-2212

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), providing patients with safe, comfortable Hemodialysis treatments in a relaxed setting, as well as PRINE Health, a Vascular Center offering advanced vascular services. The Center and QLIRI further Parker’s ability to expand access to essential health-care services to adults in the greater New York metropolitan area. For more information, visit parkerinstitute. org or call (877) 727-5373.

Firefighters convention returns to Long Island

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York will host its 153rd Annual Convention Thursday through Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Long Island, in Hauppauge.

The event is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees, including volunteer firefighters from across New York, vendors and dignitaries. It will mark the 15th time the association has held its convention on Long Island since the organization was founded in 1872.

“We are very happy for the return of the FASNY convention to the Long Island region,” the organization’s president, Eugene Perry, said. “We are proud to welcome firefighters and guests from across New York state back to our vibrant and historic convention.”

Organizers estimate that the three-day event will generate about $1.1 million in economic activity for Suffolk County, with nearly 1,500 hotel-room nights expected to be booked as well as dining, social events and other spending.

The association is partnering with Discover Long Island, the region’s official tourism agency, to support the convention.

“Our organization is committed to driving economic impact through tourism, and our dedicated sales team works year-round to bring major meetings and events like these to Long Island,” Discover Long Island’s interim CEO, Mitch Pally, said. “We are proud to host these dedicated individuals who serve communities across the state, and look forward to showcasing Suffolk County’s hospitality, natural beauty and distinctive appeal.”

FASNY

Eugene Perry, president of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, right, spoke at last year’s convention with Ed Tase, a former FASNY president.

The convention will open with the annual golf tournament at the Wind Watch Golf & Country Club, adjacent to the Hyatt Regency. Attendees will also take part in training sessions, FASNY’s annual meetings and ceremonies honoring outstanding service.

A highlight of the event will be a keynote address by Chief Patrick Kenny, author of “Taking the Cape Off: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimagina-

ble Grief and Loss.” Kenny will speak on first responder mental health.

“I’ve heard him speak before, and his story is very moving,” Perry said. “Attendees should be ready with tissues.”

Other scheduled events include the annual Heroes Awards and a Friday-evening Tailgate for Heroes and scholarship fundraiser, featuring the Long Islandbased band Peat Moss and the Fertilizers.

Michael Barry, president of the Suffolk County Fire Chiefs Council and a 41-year member of the Medford Fire Department, said the convention is about more than celebration and tourism.

“We hope this event brings out people and they can understand the value of a volunteer fire service and all that it does,” Barry said. “It’s about compromise and sacrifice — giving up time from family to complete training and respond to calls, all to help your community.”

Perry agreed. “This year’s convention promises to be a meaningful celebration of service, tradition and unity,” he said. “We look forward to a memorable and successful event that honors firefighting and inspires the future of volunteer service.”

Perry added that the members of the FASNY board were pleased that Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine recently approved legislation that gives volunteer firefighters preference for affordable housing in the county, which will enable many young recruits to stay on Long Island, make their homes here and continue their volunteer fire service.

FASNY represents approximately 80,000 volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel statewide. For more information about the convention, visit fasny.com/ events/2025-annual-convention.

RichnerLive Gala celebrates

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Herald Community Media held its first ever Health & Beauty Awards of Long Island Gala, presented by RichnerLive on July 16, people from across the Island flooded into the ballroom of The Heritage Club at Bethpage to get a glimpse of the beautiful honorees this year’s had to offer.

“This evening we celebrate the people and organizations shaping the future of health and beauty,” said Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications and publisher of Herald Community Media, “Those whose innovation, leadership and dedication are making a lasting difference in our community.”

Regarding launching this new program, RichnerLIVE Executive Director Amy Amato shared, “This is a remarkable group of professionals who do more than just excel at what they do. They uplift, empower, and heal our community every single day. Whether helping someone feel beautiful, recover their strength, or simply feel seen and supported, this work touches lives in profound ways. It’s an honor to recognize that impact here tonight.”

Over 40 honorees were presented with awards in various categories pertaining to the health and beauty industry on Long Island, including Spa 505, Tranquility 3 Spa & Salt Cave and more.

Following the VIP cocktail hour which offered networking and a shopping and vendor experience for attendees, event emcees Krista Bennett DeMaio, founder of Pretty Local and Mae Caime, CEO and transformational architect of aMAEzing Midlife and Beyond kicked off the evening’s program and ceremony with a panel discussion on the industry.

Featured panelists included Dr. Luis Fandos, founder and CEO of Alluring Age Anti-Aging and Wellness Center, Dr. Helen Hsieh, founder and medical director of Vibrance 360, and Catherine Canadeo, CEO and founder of Health and Wellness Corp, who all also received awards later in the evening.

“With the new technology that we now have available, we can identify abnormal cellular processes that are going on,” Fandos said, “And by correcting those, any beauty treatments that you do will have a much longer lasting effect.”

Hsieh discussed common myths within the health and beauty industry. “More is not always better. Just the right amount is better than more. If you eat too much, it’s not good for you,” she said.

Canadeo mentioned the importance of addressing stress for one’s health. “It’s very important to be mindful of ourselves. We get distracted on a day to day basis and our emotional wellbeing is crucial. It is essential to glow from within,” she said.

Atul Bhatara, founder and CEO of Atul Skincare was amongst the honorees for the Achiever category. His skin-

care focuses on using safer ingredients in their products. Being born with cerebral palsy, he’s been able to defy the odds and be a voice for the disabled community.

“Throughout this journey, a lot of people didn’t believe in me. Don’t let somebody else’s opinion of you become your reality,” Bhatara said, “You control your own reality. Fear is false evidence appearing real, fear does not exist. It’s just something that comes up in your mind when you get overwhelmed.”

Constance Korol, CEO of Meta 180, received an award in Holistic Integrative Health. Her business centers around helping individuals dealing with issues from anxiety to physical ailments with a holistic approach both in-person and virtually. “Most of my clients, when I’m with them for some time, they’ll say ‘I just never knew that I could feel this way.’ That’s really the best part is seeing my clients grow,” Korol said.

Honoree, Dr. Linda Harkavy, was a recipient of the Science & Skin award. Harkavy is the president and medical director of Form & Function Aesthetics

and Wellness, which uses different devices and equipment to treat various physical issues. Harkavy said, “It’s a broad based aesthetic and wellness practice. The aesthetics came along with me because looking beautiful is a part of feeling great.”

These honorees were nominated not only by RichnerLive, but by people with-

in their communities as well. To see a complete list of the winners, visit RichnerLive.com/health-beautyawards/2025-honorees.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to The Maurer Foundation. For more information on the event or other events by RichnerLive, visit RichnerLive.com.

Health and Beauty innovators

STEPPING OUT

Long Islander adds “JOY” Off-Broadway

By Iris Wiener

Jerome Vivona knew from a young age that he was meant to tell stories. From performing at his Bayville elementary school, to “West Side Story” and “Guys and Dolls” at North Shore High School, he found there was a freedom in theater that was especially unique.

An accomplished performer, writer, producer, director, and choreographer, Vivona (Broadway’s “Seussical,” “Kiss Me Kate”) returns to the New York stage, Off-Broadway, in “JOY: A New True Musical.” Running now through Aug. 17, it’s based on entrepreneur Joy Mangano. Vivona plays Judge Jeremiah Abernathy (an integral figure in Mangano’s life), and is also a standby for other roles.

Vivona is right at home with JOY, which is mostly set at Mangano’s childhood residence on Long Island. As a teenager, Vivona was an avid athlete working part-time at an East Norwich ski shop (where he once helped Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley), and initially decided to attend college on a soccer scholarship; however, thanks to the encouragement of his teachers, he found that the calling to be a dancer was stronger.

At age 17 he entered a Sea Cliff studio and said, “I want to be a professional dancer.” He trained privately for six to eight hours each day for six months until he had caught up with the more experienced dancers.

“I worked very hard, and with the studio’s tutelage I ended up at the Joffrey Ballet School,” says Vivona. “[Afterwards,] I was very fortunate to tour with ballet companies.”

His life took another incredible turn when, at 23, he first met Jerome Robbins, for whom he was about to audition for “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway.”

“He took a liking to me and I took private rehearsal sessions with him in which I learned all of the ‘West Side Story’ choreography. Working with him and his believing in me was a seminal part of my career.”

Vivona went on to tour with Robbins’ show nationally and internationally, which was followed by a turn in the Paris production of “West Story,” where he met his wife, performer and dancer Michelle Vivona. It wasn’t long before he made his Broadway debut in “Guys and Dolls.”

“JOY” entered his life through the connections and friends he’s made through the years.

Jerome Vivona’s commanding presence is well suited to his latest project.

“My relationships are what brought me back and my friends having a belief that I would be the right fit. I’m really thrilled that [director] Lorin Latarro and choreographer Joshua Bergasse gave me the opportunity because the show is beautiful, powerful and uplifting.”

As he puts it: ‘JOY’ is about the dynamics of a family and how that can change your trajectory in life if you let it. It’s a powerful story about one woman who found herself in a situation where she had her back up against a wall, and she was able to create this mop that allowed her to change her family’s life and the lives of countless others. It really is ‘joy,’ and I think that what we need right now is a story that makes us feel good about humanity.”

As the only native Long Islander in “JOY,” Vivona helped with the authenticity of the actors’ dialect.

“During rehearsals we had a dialect coach who was going to play a recording for the actors to help with their speech,” Vivona says. “Instead … I was the reference for them. Whenever Betsy [Wolfe, who plays Mangano] said, ‘How do you say this?’ they would look for me and ask how to say ‘mop’ or ‘car door.’ They even asked me to record my mom saying a couple of things.”

Vivona also spoke with the production team about local towns, mascots and street names.

“Any time there was something that didn’t ring true to Long Island, I would mention it,” he says. “It feels like home [on stage], and it feels good to be representing Long Island in a show about Long Island and someone as successful as Joy. I’m proud to be telling her story.”

At 58, Vivona stands by the same values he held true when he was raising his children, who graduated from the East Meadow School District.

“I’ve always taught them that you should follow your dreams and believe in what your impact can be,” he says.“This show has taught me that I can continue to believe in myself and that being on stage telling a story is what I’m all about.

When Vivona is not performing, he and Michelle can be found in Mineola, where they own and operate American Theatre Dance Workshop, an award-winning conservatory-type performing arts school.

With new projects on the horizon, Vivona surely wouldn’t mind seeing “JOY” head to Broadway.

“I don’t think you leave the theater without a smile on your face and maybe a tear in your eye.”

“JOY: A New True Musical” is at the Laura Pels Theatre, 111 West 46th St., New York. Tickets are available at joythemusical.com or by calling (833) 274-8497.

‘My Son The Waiter’

Brad Zimmerman celebrates the 10th anniversary of his hit comedy “My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy, with a sequel; “My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy & Still Not Famous! His long journey to follow his show biz dream and his parents who suffered through it continues with plenty of laughter along way. Brad moved to New York and “temporarily” waited tables for 29 years, while pursuing his career as an actor. After many years, he finally got a role on the Sopranos and work as a comedian opening for Joan Rivers, George Carlin and Brad Garrett. He tells of his pursuit, along with stories about his childhood, family, and misbegotten love life with warmth, wit, self-deprecating humor, and wicked charm. Zimmerman also examines the trials and tribulations of waiting on tables — particularly for someone not exactly invested in that career, and with little tolerance for persnickety diners.

Friday, Aug. 1, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 2, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 3, 2 p.m. Through Aug. 24. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.

‘The Rocketman Show’

Remember when rock was young? You will when you blast off into the stratosphere with this electrifying tribute to the Rocketman himself. With a nostalgic setlist, this is a must-see for Elton John fans — of all generations. Rus Anderson, Elton John’s official body double for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour launch, recreates an early Elton concert complete with flamboyant costumes actually worn by Elton himself. Elton’s greatest hits, wildest outfits and outrageous stage antics come to life again as Anderson brings you the magic and live persona of a young Elton like no other. He storms around the stage with a fun-loving sense of flamboyance; part diva, killer vocalist, fierce piano player, all rock ‘n roller. This is a detailedv version of Elton John’s ‘70s shows that’s not to be missed. Anderson’s painstaking attention to detail includes wearing Elton’s iconic boots, glasses and jumpsuits from 1973, as well as a sparkly Swarovski tuxedo from ‘84.

Friday, Aug 8, 8 p.m. $82, $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Aug 7

‘Summer of Love’ Pet Adoption

The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter welcomes summer with the return of its “Summer of Love” pet adoption program. Now through Sept. 1 all pet adoption fees will be waived, making it easier than ever to adopt a pet. Each adoption includes free spaying/ neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. Additionally, there is only a $10 licensing fee for dogs. This summer, spread the love and provide a fur-ever home to these shelter animals. Check out the friendly faces of the dogs and cat before arriving at shelter. Browse photos and profiles at hempsteadny.gov/179/ animal-shelter or on the shelter’s Facebook page.

•Where: 3320, Beltagh Ave., Wantagh

•Time: Ongoing

•Contact: at hempsteadny. gov/179/animal-shelter or (516) 785-5220

On Exhibit

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

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: Ongoing

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

Tunes with The Traditions

These seasoned professionals bring the sound of doo-wop to Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library’s courtyard for an unforgettable summer evening.

•Where: 1125 Broadway

•Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: hwpl.org

The Midtown Men

Summer grooves

Enjoy Jennie Esposito’s Sixties Chicks at Grant Park.

•Where: 1625 Broadway, Hewlett

•Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Family movie

Emjoy a movie under the stars at North Woodmere Park. See “Journey: The Mysterious Island.” Sean Anderson partners with his mom’s husband on a mission to find his grandfather, who is thought to be missing on a mythical island. Starring Josh Hutchersonm Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine.

•Where: North Woodmere Park, 750 Hungry Harbor Road

• Time: Begins at dusk

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Aug

13

“Wicked” presentation

Join John Kenrick at Peninsula Public Library for a look at the making of “Wicked” and the story behind its success.

•Where: 280 Central Ave.

• Time: 11 a.m.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Former stars of the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning jukebox musical “Jersey Boys,” reunited as The Midtown Men, are back with their ‘60s vibe at Eisenhower Park. During their time in the mega-hit musical, these talented artists — Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award nominee J. Robert Spencer — shared the stage for over 1,000 performances. The highoctane musical tour de force that took the Jersey Boys phenomenon to Broadway and beyond, is now rocking the stage as a concert. These Broadway veterans, with their powerhouse band, are realizing the dream they brought to life as the iconic Four Seasons. The dynamic foursome now celebrates the music that defined the 1960s. The Midtown Men is the next chapter for these accomplished entertainers, making them the first vocal group ever formed by the principal cast of a high-profile Broadway show. Not only have they continued to win over audiences of all ages in nearly 2,000 live shows, their selftitled debut album, The Midtown Men: Sixties Hits was met with critical acclaim and garnered five star album reviews across iTunes and was followed by their first radio single “All Alone On Christmas” with producer Steven Van Zandt and members of Springsteen’s E Street Band. Aug

Aug

8

Kids in the kitchen

Children are invited to Rabbi Tenenboim’s Home to help with Shabbat dinner.

•Where: 1446 Stevenson Circle, Hewlett

•Time: 5 p.m.

•Contact: jewishhewlett.com

Rock on at the park

Get in the groove with The Boss Project, the Bruce Springsteen tribute band at Eisenhower Park.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

•Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Mindful Morning

View Nassau County Museum of

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

Registration required.

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: 10-11 a.m., also Aug. 22

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

Aug

9

Unbox A-Saurus for Us!

Dr. Patricia Osiris visits with young paleontologistsin-training at Long Island Children’s Museum’s new stage production. This interactive theatrical experience invites visitors to join the eccentric paleontologist (a.k.a. “Dr. Patti”) as she attempts to reveal a neverbefore-seen dinosaur specimen — if only she can figure out how to open the crate it’s locked in. Along the way, the audience becomes key players in solving problems, sparking laughter and exploring the world of dinosaurs in a lighthearted “scientific” comedy that blends imagination and learning. $5 with museum admission, $10 theater only.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

•Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Aug 20

•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Aug

11

Health and wellness workshop

Learn to speak up, handle conflict, and advocate confidently with Janice Imbrogno at Peninsula Public Library.

•Where: 280 Central Ave, Lawrence

•Time: 11 a.m.

•Contact: peninsulapublic.org or call (516) 967-5777

Gardening:

A Lesson in Life

Visit Rock Hall Museum for a fascinating workshop.

•Where: 199 Broadway, Lawrence

• Time: 10-11 a.m.

•Contact: (516) 239-1157

Aug

12

Summertime sounds

The Cedarhurst Concert Series continues with A Night of Jewish Music. Settle in for a relaxing evening.

•Where: 235 Cedarhurst Ave.

•Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 295-5570

•Contact: peninsulapublic.org or call (516) 967-5777

Breakfast Connect

Want to network your business?

Attend the Breakfast Connect group’s get together. The breakfast meeting is free and open to everyone.

•Where: Hewlett Firehouse, 25 Franklin Ave., Hewlett

•Time: Ongoing Wednesdays, 8-9 a.m.

•Contact: Call or text Andrew Leibowitz at (516) 790-4829

Aug

14

Summertime tunes

Eisenhower Park welcomes the neotraditional country music trio The Castellows.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Having an event?

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

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: Nymble AI LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 03/13/2025. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 231 Polo Lane. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 154574

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST JOSEPH DELUCA, PAULA DELUCA, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 6, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 27, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 11 Avon Road, Hewlett, NY 11557. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Hewlett, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, Section 39, Block 439, Lot 15. Approximate amount of judgment $661,525.22 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #002527/2017. Dan Blumenthal, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-000653 86308 154701

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON MORTGAGE

SECURITIES CORP.,

CSAB MORTGAGEBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-2, Plaintiff AGAINST ELLIOT RINDENOW, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of

Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 15, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 770 West Broadway, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being near Cedarhurst, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section 39, Block 197, Lot 72, and Section 39, Block 197, Lot 76, and Section 39, Block 197, Lot 82. Approximate amount of judgment $1,428,888.33 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #006374/2009. No cash will be accepted by the referee as a deposit. Bank or certified check must state payee David S. Zeidman, Esq., as Referee. No endorsed or third party checks. David S. Zeidman, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-143727 86203 154699

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor will hold a Public Hearing to consider the enactment of Chapter 130 of the Hewlett Harbor Village Code which will ban Synthetic Grass and Artificial Turf throughout the Village; and under SEQRA Regulations, to determine whether the proposed would constitute a significant negative impact on the environment; said Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on August 14, 2025 at the Village Hall, 449 Pepperidge Road, Hewlett Harbor, New York. All interested persons will be heard during the Public Hearing at the time and place aforementioned.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

LISA JAMES, VILLAGE CLERK

HEWLETT HARBOR, NEW YORK

DATED: 154894

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR NOTICE OF MONTHLY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Hewlett Harbor will meet in both public and via Zoom on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time, for the purpose of holding the Village’s regular monthly meeting. All residents wishing to attend via Zoom can visit www.hewlettharbor.go v for instructions. Residents wishing to speak via Zoom or in person must notify the Village Clerk in advance.

Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York July 18, 2025

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST JOSE C. MARTINEZ, MARIA S. ALVARENGA, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 28, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 26, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 102 Roger Avenue, Inwood, NY 11096. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in Inwood, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 40, Block 146, Lot 126-129. Approximate amount of judgment $824,643.25 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604014/2020. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 20-000073 86175 154697

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR

Lisa James VILLAGE CLERK 154845

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ALBERT D. SUROWIECKI A/K/A ALBERT SUROWIECKI, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 6, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 966 Singleton Avenue, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Woodmere in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 41, Block 028 and Lots 105 and 823. The approximate amount of judgment is $530,294.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609151/2021. Cash will not be accepted.

Peter J. Famighetti, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 154833

Sealed bids will be received until 10:00 AM, prevailing time, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the office of the Interim Business Administrator, Mr. Joseph DiBartolo, One Johnson Place, Room 308, Woodmere, NY 11598, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. The bid number and title must be clearly marked on each envelope, along with bidder name and address, and the date and time of the bid opening.

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids, or to accept that bid which, in its judgment, is in the best interest of the School District.

Any bid submitted will be binding for FORTY FIVE (45) days after the formal opening thereof, and no bid shall be withdrawn during that time, pending the award decision of the Board of Education.

The bid specifications may be examined and obtained between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM Monday through Thursday at the Office of the Interim Business Administrator, Mr. Joseph DiBartolo, One Johnson Place, Room 308, Woodmere, NY 11598 beginning on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

Bid specifications may also be examined and obtained on the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools website under the Bids/RFP’s section by visiting: https://www.hewlettwoodmere.net/district/ businessoffice/purchasing beginning on Thursday, August 7, 2025.

By Order of BOARD OF EDUCATION Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School District

Town of Hempstead Woodmere, NY 11598

Place: Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Subject: Case #25-04-6810

Charles G. and Patricia Nyman 2164 Bay Boulevard. Atlantic Beach, New York 11509.

Applicants propose to construct a 10’-6” X 15’-10”, 2’/12’ pitched roof over an existing patio. The applicants are seeking relief from the following section of the Zoning Code: Section 250-108 Prohibited and restricted uses. (J) Buildings within the Village of Atlantic Beach shall be constructed with a peaked or gable roof only. Required minimum slope 4/12, proposed 2/12 pitch. Premises are also known as Section 58, Block 02, Lots 25-28 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map. All the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter. All relevant documents may be inspected at the Building Department, 65 The Plaza during normal business hours.

Dated: July 31, 2025. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

Josie Ficeto, Building Clerk 154999

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter: Agency: Board of Zoning Appeals Incorporated Village of Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Date: August 20, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM Place: Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Notice is hereby given that the HewlettWoodmere Public Schools, in accordance with Section 103 of Article 5-A of the NYS General Municipal Law, invites the submission of sealed bids for: Bid # Coff-Serv-02 COFFEE SERVICES FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR

Joseph DiBartolo Purchasing Agent TO BE PUBLISHED: Thursday, August 7, 2025 in Nassau Herald 154979

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter: Agency: Board of Zoning Appeals Incorporated Village of Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Date: August 20, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM

Subject: Case #24-01-6423. Chabad of the Beaches, 2025 Park Street, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509. Applicant proposes to change the use of the premises from business (bank) to a religious/community center use with an accessory café with additions to the building and covered front porch. The proposed use requires a special exception permit (a) to permit the use and a drive-thru café pursuant to Village Code §250-108.1(C)(1), subject to certain maximum hours of

operation and time limitations, and (b) 250-81 and Chapter 185 to permit a sign. Applicant also seeks variances of the following sections of the Village Code: (a) 185-4(B) and 250-81, to permit a sign of 13 feet by 2.75 feet, where no sign may exceed 12 square feet, (b) 250-125(A)(3), to permit the facility to contain 7 on-site parking spaces, where 11 are required, (c) 250-125(F), to permit parking within the front yard, where no such parking is permitted, (d) 250-22(B), to permit a drive-thru canopy and Albany Boulevard canopy within the front yard, provided that the drive-thru canopy remains within the 22 foot footprint of the existing canopy, where no such canopy is permitted in a front yard, (e) 250-25(A)(2), to permit an open porch encroaching into the side yard by 12.385 feet with the canopy depth no greater than 5 feet, (f) 250-16.2(A), to permit an accessory structure to exceed the maximum square footage and height, (g) 250-16, to permit a 0.1 foot setback to the rear addition and a 6.45 foot setback to the front awning, where a minimum of 20 feet is required, and (h) 250-4, to permit an expansion of a nonconforming use, where no such expansion is permitted. Premises are also known as Section 58, Block 60, Lots 5-9 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map. All the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter. All relevant documents may be inspected at the Building Department, 65 The Plaza during normal business hours.

Dated: July 2, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

Josie Ficeto, Building Clerk 154998

LEGAL NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter: Agency: Board of Zoning Appeals Incorporated Village of Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Date: August 20, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM

Place: Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Subject: Case #25-03-6772

David Koch 110 Flamingo Street Atlantic Beach, New York 11509. Applicant proposes to construct a new twostory single-family dwelling. The applicant is seeking relief from the following sections of the Zoning Code: Section 250-20 Height.(A) In the case of a single-family dwelling, no building shall be greater in height than 2 1/2 stories, with a maximum height of 26 feet to peak for properties west of the street center line southbound of the west side of The Plaza and west of Acapulco Street north of Atlantic Boulevard and 28 feet to peak for properties east of the street center line southbound of the west side of The Plaza and the east side of Acapulco Street north of Atlantic Boulevard. Proposed height 27.6 feet. Section 250-21 Lot coverage - The lot coverage shall not exceed 30% of the lot area, Proposed lot coverage 40.61% Section 250-24 Rear yards. There shall be a rear yard, the depth of which shall be at least 25 feet, provided that, if at the time this chapter becomes effective any lot is held in single and separate ownership with a depth of less than 100 feet, the required depth of the rear yard may be diminished by three inches for each foot of difference between 100 feet and the depth of the plot, but in no case shall the depth of the rear yard be less than 15 feet. Required rear yard setback 21.3 feet, proposed 18.6 feet to landing and stairs. Section 250-25 Permitted encroachments (A)(7). Stairs no greater than four feet in width and secondary landings no greater than four feet by four feet projecting into the front yard setback shall be permitted, shall not count towards lot coverage. Proposed width of stairs 5-4 feet. Section 250-108 Prohibited and restricted uses. (P) In any use district HVAC equipment shall be prohibited in the front yard setback and within five (5) feet of the side and rear

August 7, 2025 —

Public Notices

property lines.

Proposed HVAC side yard setback 1-6 feet. Premises are also known as Section 58, Block 14, Lots 35-36 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map. All the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter. All relevant documents may be inspected at the Building Department, 65 The Plaza during normal business hours.

Dated: July 31, 2025.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, Josie Ficeto, Building Clerk 155001

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter: Agency: Board of Zoning Appeals Incorporated Village of Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Date: August 20, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM Place: Village Hall, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, New York 11509

Subject: Case #25-03-6796

David and Joy Koegel 141 Cayuga Avenue Atlantic Beach, New York 11509. Applicants propose to construct an 8’-6” X 28’ roof over a patio in the side yard and a 6’ high fence in the front yard setback. The applicants are seeking relief from the following section of the Zoning Code: Section 250-21 Lot coverage. The lot coverage shall not exceed 30% of the lot area. Proposed 31.18%. Section 250-24 Rear yards. There shall be a rear yard, the depth of which shall be at least 25 feet, provided that, if at the time this chapter becomes effective any lot is held in single and separate ownership with a depth of less than 100 feet, the required depth of the rear yard may be diminished by three inches for each foot of difference between 100 feet and the depth of the plot, but in no case shall the depth of the rear yard be less than 15 feet. Required rear yard setback 21.3 feet. Proposed 20 feet.

Section 250-119 Fences and planting screens (A)(1 A fence not exceeding six feet in height shall be permitted on the rear

lot line and those linear portions of the side lines enclosing a rear yard and side yard; provided, however, that the six-foot fencing and its relationship to the street fronting upon the premises shall not exceed a greater distance frontward to the street than the average front building line of adjacent dwellings on either side. For purposes of interpretation, a front building line shall refer only to the principal structure and shall not include patios, porches or other extensions thereto. Fencing for all other lot lines shall not exceed five feet in height. Any fence which has a finished side, and an unfinished side shall be installed with the finished side facing the abutting property. In every case, the finished or “good” side of the fence shall face outward facing a legal street. Proposed height of the fence in the front yard is 6 feet high. Premises are also known as Section 58, Block 74, Lots 10-13 & 110 on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map.

All the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matter. All relevant documents may be inspected at the Building Department, 65 The Plaza during normal business hours.

Dated: July 31, 2025. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

Josie Ficeto, Building Clerk 155000

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor will hold a Public Hearing to consider the amendment of Chapters 145-38 through 145-46 of the Hewlett Harbor Village Code which would amend the Village’s code with respect to the construction and use of Tennis Courts and Pickleball Courts; and under SEQRA Regulations, to determine whether the proposed would constitute a significant negative impact on the environment; said Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on August 14, 2025 at the Village Hall, 449

Pepperidge Road, Hewlett Harbor, New York. All interested persons will be heard during the Public Hearing at the time and place aforementioned.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

LISA JAMES, VILLAGE CLERK HEWLETT HARBOR, NEW YORK

DATED: August 1, 2025 154995

LEGAL NOTICE Village of Lawrence

Legal Notice NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the Board of Building Design of the Incorporated Village of Lawrence will hold a work session beginning at 6:30 P.M. followed by a public meeting on August 18th, 2025 at the Lawrence Village Hall 196 Central Ave Lawrence, New York 11559 beginning at 7:00 P.M. to conduct the following Public Hearings and to attend to such other matters as may properly come before the Board: Sod-7 Manor LaneProposed New House Design Herskovitz-456 Ocean Avenue Proposed New House Design Fishman-191 Harborview NProposed New Low Stone Wall

Eisner-32 Beechwood Drive- Proposed New House Design

The order in which the listed applications are heard shall be determined the night of the meeting. The applications and accompanying exhibits are on file and may be inspected at the Village Office during normal business hours between 8:00a.m. and 4:00p.m. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the Village Clerk at least 5 days before the hearing. All interested parties will have the opportunity to be heard By Order of the Board of Building Design

Barry Pomerantz Chairman Dated: July 28th, 2025 154989

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matters: Agency: Board of Trustees, Village of Hewlett Bay Park Date: August 25 2025

Time: 5:30 PM

Place: Village Hall, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York

Subject:

HBP Bill 25-03A A local law to amend Section 146-9.4 of the Code of the Village of Hewlett Bay Park regarding Piers

HBP Bill 25-05E - A local law amend Section 146-9©(6) of the code of the Village of Hewlett Bay park regarding fences

HBP Bill 25-06A- A local law to amend the regulations relating to lot coverage requirements

At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matters.

The proposed laws is an Unlisted Action under SEQRA, as to which no environmental determination has been made by the Board of Trustees

Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participation in the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation.

All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York, during regular business hours.

Dated: August 7, 2025 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Michelle Blandino, Village Clerk 154988

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC BID NOTICE

Incorporated Village of Cedarhurst 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516

INVITATION TO BID: SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF HORNBEAM TREES

Bid Number:

TI-2025-002

Issue Date: July 31, 2025

Submission Deadline: August 15, 2025, 3:00 PM EDT

Contact: Village Clerk, Jacob Plaut, (516) 295-5770, village@cedarhurst.gov

Project Description

The Incorporated Village of Cedarhurst invites sealed bids to supply and install approximately 62 Hornbeam trees on public sidewalks along

Cedarhurst Avenue and Central Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516, to replace removed trees.

Scope of Work

1. Tree Supply:

a) Supply 62 Hornbeam trees (20-gallon, 2-inch caliper, 8-10 feet high).

b) Trees must be healthy, disease-free, and sourced from a reputable nursery with quality certification.

2. Tree Installation:

a) Plant 62 Hornbeam trees on public sidewalks along Cedarhurst Avenue and Central Avenue, in Village-designated locations.

b) Use proper planting techniques, including soil preparation, staking, and mulching.

c) Coordinate with the Village to align with prior stump grinding.

3.Contractor

Responsibilities:

a) Fully responsible for damage to underground utilities (e.g., water, gas, electric) caused during planting, including repair costs.

b) Plywood use is prohibited to protect sidewalks and curbsunless specified by VOC Building Commissioner.

c) Liable for damage to public infrastructure (e.g., sidewalks, curbs) caused during work, with repairs or replacements at contractor’s expense.

4. Site Conditions:

a) Work is on public sidewalks along Cedarhurst Avenue and Central Avenue.

b) Verify soil conditions and utility locations with the Village and utility providers before planting.

5. Maintenance:

a) Provide initial watering and care instructions to the Village.

b) Ensure planting maximizes tree survival without irrigation.

Bid Requirements

1. Qualifications:

a) Must be licensed and insured in Nassau County, NY, and comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

b) Provide proof of general liability insurance ($1,000,000 minimum per occurrence) and workmen’s compensation insurance per New York State law.

2. References: a) Provide contact information for three references from similar tree planting projects.

3. Pricing:

a) Submit a cost breakdown for

supplying and installing 62 Hornbeam trees, including trees, labor, materials.

b) Include potential costs for utility or infrastructure repairs.

4. Warranty:

a) One-year warranty guaranteeing tree survival, subject to Village maintenance.

5. Timeline:

a) Complete work by October 15, 2025.

b) Provide a schedule with delivery and installation dates.

6. Safety: a) Comply with OSHA and local safety regulations.

b) Submit a safety plan for workers, pedestrians, and public property and roadway traffic.

Submission Instructions

1. Format: Submit three hard copies and one PDF copy.

2.Address: Incorporated Village of Cedarhurst, Attn: Village Clerk, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516.

3. Labeling: Mark envelope “Bid for Supply and Installation of Hornbeam TreesTI-2025-002.”

4. Statement of NonCollusion: A signed statement of noncollusion must be submitted with the bid. Statements can be obtained via email or from the Village Clerk during operating hours.

5. Deadline: August 15, 2025, 3:00 PM EDT. Late bids will not be accepted. 154993

removing approximately 62 curb trees and grinding their stumps to prepare for new tree plantings.

Scope of Work

1. Tree Removal:

a)Remove approximately 62 curb trees on public sidewalks along Cedarhurst Avenue and Central Avenue.

b) Safely remove trees, branches, and debris without damaging sidewalks, curbs, roadways, or infrastructure. This is the contractor’s responsibility.

2. Stump Grinding:

a) Grind stumps to a depth needed for root ball preparation below ground level to facilitate new tree plantings.

b) Contractor is responsible for removing and properly disposing of all debris and grindings. Disposal at Village DPW or dump is not permitted.

3.Contractor Responsibilities:

a) Fully responsible for damage to underground utilities (e.g., water, gas, electric, communications, sprinklers) caused during planting, including repair costs.

b) Plywood use is prohibited to protect sidewalks and curbsunless specified by VOC Building Commissioner.

c) Liable for damage to public infrastructure (e.g., sidewalks, curbs) caused during work, with repairs or replacements at contractor’s expense.

4. Site Conditions:

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC BID NOTICE

Incorporated Village of Cedarhurst 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516

INVITATION TO BID: TREE REMOVAL AND STUMP GRINDING SERVICES

Bid Number: TI-2025-001

Issue Date: July 31, 2025

Submission Deadline: August 15, 2025, 3:00 PM EDT

Contact: Village Clerk, Jacob Plaut, (516) 295-5770, village@cedarhurst.gov

Project Description The Incorporated Village of Cedarhurst invites sealed bids for tree removal and stump grinding on public sidewalks along Cedarhurst Avenue and Central Avenue. The project consists of

b) Prevailing wage applies.

c) No detailed breakdown of costs for tree removal, stump grinding, labor, or potential repairs is required.

4. Warranty: a) Provide a one-year warranty ensuring stumps are ground to the specified depth with no regrowth.

5. Timeline: a) Complete work by September 15, 2025.

b) Provide a schedule with start and completion dates.

6. Safety: a) Comply with OSHA and local safety regulations.

b) Submit a safety plan for workers, pedestrians, public property and roadway traffic.

Submission Instructions

1. Format: Submit three hard copies and one PDF copy.

2.Address: Incorporated Village of Cedarhurst, Attn: Village Clerk, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516.

3. Labeling: Mark envelope “Bid for Supply and Installation of Hornbeam TreesTI-2025-001.”

4. Statement of NonCollusion: A signed statement of noncollusion must be submitted with the bid. Statements can be obtained via email or from the Village Clerk during operating hours.

5. Deadline: August 15, 2025, 3:00 PM EDT. Late bids will not be accepted.

154992

a) Work is on public sidewalks along Cedarhurst Avenue and Central Avenue.

b) Verify utility locations with the Village and utility providers prior to work commencement.

Bid Requirements

1. Qualifications:

a) Must be licensed and insured in Nassau County, NY, and comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

b) Provide proof of general liability insurance ($1,000,000 minimum per occurrence) and workmen’s compensation insurance per New York State law.

2. References:

a) Provide contact information for three references from similar tree removal projects.

3. Pricing: a) Submit a total bid price for the entire project.

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF GREENVILLE

BCS Insurance Company, 4 Ever Life Insurance Company, Plaintiffs, vs. Insurance Applications Group, Inc., CT Corporation System, as representative, Corporation Service Company, as representative, Truist Bank, Fox Funding Group, LLC, MNY Capital, LLC Velocity Capital Group, LLC, Throttle Funding, LLC, Defendants. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS Case No. 2025-CP-23-

News briefs

Woodmere native Wesley Kozinn

died at 78

Wesley Parker Kozinn, of South Whitehall Township, PA died at 78 in his home on July 26.

Born in Brooklyn on November 11, 1946, Kozinn grew up in Woodmere in the heart of the Five Towns.

He graduated from Woodmere Academy before going on to Brown University and The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where he graduated first in his medical class.

After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Montefiore Hospital, he became the first Infectious Disease Specialist at Easton Hospital, PA in 1978.

Throughout his 40-year career, colleagues, residents, students, patients and friends knew him as a compassionate and caring physician whose gentle demeanor and unwavering dedication set a standard of excellence in medicine.

Kozinn was an avid photographer and

lover of classical music. He found joy in nature and took every opportunity to appreciate beauty, whether in the Lehigh Valley where he made his home or during his travels around the world.

His wife Beth, and children Benjamin, Spencer and Rachel survive him. Along with seven grandsons, Jack and Dean Kozinn, Wylie, Max and Owen Kozinn and Joseph and Alex Brill; daughter-inlaw Julie Kozinn and son-in-law Jonathan Brill; sister Nancy Falchuk and brother Andrew Kozinn.

A service was held at Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes in Allentown, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, Temple Beth El in Allentown or St. Luke’s University Hospital, Bethlehem, PA.

— Melissa Berman

Holocaust survivor shares testimony at nursing center

The Five Towns Premier Rehabilitation and Nursing Center welcomed Beth Katznelson, deputy national director of Yad Vashem, Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust and home to the world’s largest repository of Holocaust documentation.

During this poignant visit, 102-yearold Holocaust survivor Marvin Jacobs shared his personal testimony of surviving the atrocities of the Holocaust. His daughter Susan Stevens and son David Jacobs accompanied him. His account will be formally recorded as part of the official testimonies in the Yad Vashem archives, preserving his story for generations to come.

“We are honored to work hand in hand with Yad Vashem to preserve the legacy of those who perished, and to ensure that the voices of survivors like

Mr. Jacobs are never forgotten,” Joe Benden, administrator for The Five Towns Premier wrote in a news release.

“Our facility is home to many Holocaust survivors, and we are deeply privileged to serve them in their final chapters — whether as long-term residents or during short-term rehabilitation.”

The collaboration with Yad Vashem reflects The Five Towns Premier’s ongoing commitment to remembrance, dignity, and compassionate care for its residents, many of whom carry with them the indelible memories and legacies of history.

For more information about the Five Towns Premier Rehabilitation and Nursing Center please call (516) 3749300.

— Melissa Berman

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9, 2025, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint on the subscribers at their offices, 2 West Washington Street, Suite 1100, Greenville,

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Is a doorbell camera enough? Part 2.

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WQ. We have a doorbell camera, and understand that it’s a deterrent to would-be burglars, but as we’re renovating our home, can we “design” in other ways to keep people from robbing it? We keep seeing reports on the neighbor app of our door camera about people checking out houses in the area, and we’re very concerned. Any ideas would be appreciated.

A. Continuing from last week, I recommend hurricane glass windows, which are a costly upgrade that resist high winds, flooding and flying debris from blowing in the window and creating instant havoc. Although fire rescue has to use a special tool to get the windows open, since they’re hard to break, the windows will deter a robber by costing them time, if they’re even successful at doing more than creating a small hole in the reinforced panes.

Remember, anything that can delay a burglar for more than 60 seconds is an advantage, because a robber wants to get in and out quickly. Bars on windows can be avoided by using hurricane glass, and I only advise installing them on basement windows, where they are less seen but useful.

If your area is considered a high-crime vicinity, steel security shutters can also be employed. To keep the appearance of your home from being compromised to look like the county jail, steel roll-down shutters can be designed into overhangs above the windows and doors, to be employed when the home is unoccupied. But I think it adds to the message that you’re away, and only advise installing them if it’s your last resort for protection.

Garages are a great entry point, often neglected. Consider that you increase a burglar’s time frame to enter with an attached garage. They lift the door, spend whatever amount of time they need to break the lock on the interior door, and once the garage door is back down, they now have a staging area to sort your jewelry, medications and expensive computers and appliances before packing up to move out. With a cellphone in hand, their getaway car is at the ready, waiting for the call. Installing security pins or locks by drilling into the garage door track(s), and remembering to use them when you’re away for a prolonged time, is a very important deterrent.

If there are roofs under upper-story windows, install alarm devices there as well when you install alarms on first-floor openings. Even though 80 percent of break-ins occur on ground floors, the other 20 percent are either basements or second floors. Burglars dressed as painters and carrying ladders often go unnoticed. According to the National Center for Policing Innovation, 40 percent of breakins use no force at all.

Clear concealing landscaping from the exterior walls of the home, especially near windows and doorways. Limit greenery to no more than two feet in height, and only install fences of the see-through variety.

There’s still more to be covered next week.

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

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Honoring 250 years of the U.S. Postal Service

Most people who are familiar with Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, know — at least — that important decisions were made there during the American Revolution. The beginning of our nation can be traced back to the debates and discussions there of a small group of men risking their lives to start and lead a rebellion against the British crown.

One of the most important meetings of the Second Continental Congress occurred in that hall on July 26, 1775, against a dramatic backdrop of thunderstorms, nearly a year before the Declaration of Independence and just weeks after the Battle of Bunker Hill. The city was hearing shocking reports from Boston, which was being held by British forces attempting to tamp down the American rebellion by force, largely against the will of its citizens. The topic was the urgent need to establish secure and reliable communications

with the Continental Army and among the colonies.

Following debate, the Congress agreed to, among other points:

■ Appoint a postmaster general, with an office in Philadelphia, a $1,000 salary, $340 for a secretary and comptroller and the power to appoint deputies — local postmasters.

■ Establish a line of posts from Maine to Savannah, Georgia, with cross posts as needed.

■ Establish postage rates, to be 20 percent less than charged by the British post.

Tindependence, they had their eyes on the future, methodically creating infrastructure, attuned to the mundane matters of payments and administration. They were intent on transforming their world.

he first — unanimous — choice for postmaster general? Ben Franklin.

The Congress then elected a postmaster general “for one year, and until another is appointed by a future Congress.” The unanimous choice was Benjamin Franklin.

After creating the Postal Service, the Congress called it a day and adjourned. Despite the personal danger — the first postmasters were risking their lives to enable the flow of information — those leaders of the day were supremely optimistic about building a nation and its institutions. Even amid the stresses and tumult of their war for

When the United States became a nation, a free press and the unhindered flow of ideas and commerce was enabled by a universally accessible Postal Service. In those early, formative years, the service was part of the bedrock of America’s economy and its democracy — and it has been ever since.

In the following decades, as postal roads traversed the country, commerce flourished on a national basis, literacy expanded dramatically and the free press created a highly informed nation. As America industrialized and cities grew and railroads crossed the nation, people became more mobile. The great connector, and sometimes the only connector, was the Postal Service.

The demands of the public evolved as the nation did. Americans in cities began getting mail delivered to their homes and businesses, and then rural

Hate will never stop at the Jews —

Hatred that begins with the Jewish people never ends there.

Anyone who hates Israel and the Jews will not hesitate to turn that same rage against Christians, families and every American who dares to live by faith and stand for freedom. Here in New York, a state with one of the largest Jewish populations in the world, antisemitism is not rare — it’s all too common. Yet the political establishment too often turns a blind eye.

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, has a history of antiIsrael rhetoric. His Not On My Dime bill, which sought to sever the city’s ties with Israeli companies, was more than a cheap stunt — it was a direct strike at the Jewish people’s ties to Israel. Despite his record, the Democratic Party did nothing to hold him accountable. Silence speaks volumes.

Mamdani is not alone. Rashida Tlaib

areas — secure, affordable, universal service across a far-flung nation.

The 20th century saw the Postal Service essentially shape America’s airline industry, automate on a massive scale, and connect Americans to one another on a scale unmatched in the world.

With the perspective of 250 years, we can see that the service helped our nation grow economically; it strengthened our democracy by ensuring the uncensored and unrestricted flow of communications and personal expression; and it bound the nation together. Every mail delivery today is a living reminder that our democracy, our commercial success and our unity as a nation were all shaped by the constant presence of the Postal Service in our daily lives.

And so, on the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, perhaps as you visit your mailbox, please give a thought to those far-sighted founders in Philadelphia. They would no doubt be amazed and gratified to know that their ideals and aspirations are carried forward every day by the 630,000 men and women of the service who live, work and serve in every community in America.

Stephen Kochersperger is the historian of the United States Postal Service.

it will come for us all

Wopenly calls Israel an apartheid state and champions the boycott movement, while Ilhan Omar recycles antisemitic tropes about Jewish money and loyalty. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stands with protesters who chant, “Globalize the intifada,” yet ignores the growing harassment of Jewish students on campuses she claims to represent. None of these members face real consequences from their party’s leadership.

Look across the Atlantic, and we see where this kind of tolerance leads. In cities like Bradford, Birmingham, and parts of London, local governments have turned a blind eye to radical protests that make Jewish families feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods. London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, dismisses concerns about these protests, while synagogues require armed guards to hold services. A country once known for its heritage now struggles to protect basic religious freedoms.

e learned that when no one else will stand up for you, you stand up for yourself.

vard, Columbia and NYU have all seen pro-Israel students targeted, with university groups blaming Israel outright for regional conflicts. Meanwhile, Christian pastors who support Israel face slurs and vandalism, and churches holding vigils for Israeli victims have been defaced.

During a debate, a Democratic committee chair responded dismissively to a colleague’s call for more action against antisemitism. I stood up and pointed out that I had introduced nine bills to protect Jewish students, houses of worship and families — yet none were allowed out of committee. That’s the truth we face: empty words from Democrats who don’t really care to act.

Generations of Jewish families know that promises alone never protected us. Israel exists because our people learned that when no one else will stand up for you, you stand up for yourself. The same lesson applies here at home. If Israel falls, if Jewish families are silenced, then no church, no faith community, no free citizen is safe.

On college campuses here at home, Jewish students face harassment, threats and even physical assaults for expressing pride in their heritage. Har-

History teaches us that hatred excused today will target all faiths tomorrow. The rage that shouts “From the river to the sea!” against Israel will soon turn on churches and every American family that refuses to bow to radical hatred.

This is not about party politics — it’s about whether we have the courage to confront hate before it turns violent.

I stand for the truth that religious freedom and national security are nonnegotiable. I will fight for laws that protect synagogues, churches, schools and families of every faith. I will challenge any colleague — Democrat or Republican — who tries to water that down or bury it for the sake of the next news cycle. Hatred that starts with Israel and the Jews does not stop until it tears at the core of who we are as Americans. Families — Jewish, Christian, and every neighbor who still believes in freedom — expect leaders who will hold the line. They expect us to speak plainly and act firmly when hate knocks at the door. The next generation is watching. They will remember who spoke up and who looked away. They will inherit whatever we fail to confront. I do not intend to fail them.

Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.

pEnough with our obsession with conspiracies

olitics has always been marked by conspiracy theories. There was the theory that President Franklin Roosevelt had prior knowledge of the attack on Pearl Harbor, but allowed it to happen to force the United States to enter World War II. In the 1950s, the founder of the John Birch Society wrote a manifesto concluding that President Dwight Eisenhower was a Soviet agent. More recently, there was the Sept. 11 “truther” theory that the administration of President George W. Bush had advanced notice of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and might have actually planned them.

Today, with social media and artificial intelligence, conspiracy theories are more rampant than ever. What allows these theories to thrive is that, by their very nature, they are inherently difficult, if not impossible, to disprove. They are based on assorted often unrelated facts, rumors, conjecture and speculation.

The ongoing furor over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case is a classic example of a conspiracy theory run amok and creating a conspiracy on top of itself. For years the Trump camp peddled rumors that the Biden administration was hiding FBI files to protect prominent Democrats who were involved in the Epstein scandal, and that Epstein’s jail-cell suicide was actually an inside-job murder. Once in office, however, with complete access to all Justice Department and FBI files and records, Trump administration officials had to announce that they could find nothing irregular: There was no secret list of names, and Epstein had in fact committed suicide.

no one was more surprised when Donald Trump was elected than Vladimir Putin.

The illogic of all this was, of course, that if the “files” did incriminate Trump, why didn’t the Biden administration disclose that when it had full access to the Epstein records? If congressional Democrats are so dedicated to transparency and so concerned about full disclosure, why did they do and say nothing when they were in control? And why would candidate Trump have made an issue of Epstein if he thought it would remotely incriminate him? Hopefully the Trump camp will learn that trafficking in unverified conspiracy theories is not only wrong, but it can come back to bite them.

below ground in the Capitol. There wasn’t one bit of evidence connecting the Trump campaign to Russia. There was, of course, the salacious and thoroughly discredited “Steele dossier,” which was in fact a political opposition memo prepared for Hillary Clinton’s campaign and based on false information from a former Russian spy. Yes, Russia had attempted to interfere in the 2016 campaign, as it always has. But Russia’s intention was to weaken Hillary Clinton’s expected presidency.

This caused apocalyptic shrieks of outrage from the fringes of MAGA world, led by the likes of Tucker Carlson. Now Trump officials were being accused by the president’s own supporters of likely collusion with myriad coconspirators such as former President Joe Biden, Israel and Mossad. The Democrats also feigned outrage, insisting that Trump must be covering his own guilt.

To me, the most baseless — and insidious — theory was the false narrative that there was Russian collusion with the Trump campaign during the 2016 election. The main propagators of this “Russia hoax” were former CIA Director John Brennan, former FBI Director James Comey and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. I was on the Intelligence Committee during this saga, and sat through endless months of testimony in a secure committee room three floors

Buyer’s remorse is no consolation

Have you ever heard of the term “buyer’s remorse”? It’s been a while since I’ve heard those words, but lately I’ve been hearing them from some of my friends who are Republican members of Congress when they refer to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. He wanted it passed by July Fourth, and he got his way. Now that it is law, some of the Republicans who voted for it are confessing to me that maybe it went a little too far in cutting agencies and programs.

Having served in the State Legislature, I can understand what happens when a member is confronted with having to support a bill that’s nearly a thousand pages long. You may know about some of the provisions, but it’s impossible to know every section when you only have a few hours before the final vote. One of the reasons why these bills are crafted to be so thick is

because leadership knows that some parts of them couldn’t pass if they were presented as single bills. My friends in Congress aren’t alone in their misgivings about the Big Beautiful Bill. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley agonized for weeks over its deep Medicaid cuts, because hundreds of thousands of his state’s voters rely on Medicaid to survive. Hawley was agonizing on behalf of those hardworking citizens who don’t deserve to lose their benefits. Despite wringing his hands and suffering sleepless nights, he voted for the bill when it reached the Senate.

B ut what happens when all these budget cuts are the hot topic next year?

Two more cases in point are Maine Sen. Susan Collins and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Both went public with their concerns about the cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides food assistance to more than 40 million people nationally. For days on end, the two senators expressed their concerns about their constituents losing access to food stamps that are a life-or-death necessity. But when push came to shove, they both voted for the cuts.

No one was more surprised when Donald Trump was elected than Russian President Vladimir Putin. It’s only now, with much of this information declassified, that I can discuss details that I learned at the time. This hoax was a true threat to democracy, undermining a duly elected president and tying down his administration with intrusive investigations for more than half of his first term of office.

It’s time for Americans to ignore the conspiracy nuts on all sides and address the real and serious issues that confront our nation.

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

for the losers

Hawley must have had buyer’s remorse, because a few weeks after the bill became law, he introduced his own bill, which would restore many of the Medicaid cuts. Obviously Hawley’s upset was hypocritical, because you don’t vote for such far-reaching cuts and then introduce a bill restoring them. This was a good example of the lack of conscience surrounding the actions that were taken.

The SNAP program has for years been a target of conservatives who maintain that it and other safety-net programs like it are abused and unnecessary. And there is no doubt that some SNAP beneficiaries have used food stamps to buy beer instead of milk and bread. But the vast majority of people who get food stamps are the aged or have disabilities, and who meet the tests for approval. In the months and years ahead, it will be no consolation to those who lose their benefits that their representatives in Congress voted in favor of the Big Beautiful Bill and then had pangs of guilt about its impact.

There is also no doubt that there are

some parts of the bill that are worthy of support, but mixing the good with the bad results in mostly bad for the needy and good for the people who won’t have any sleepless nights about the tragedies that will happen on the other end of the income spectrum. Few House members who voted for the bill will suffer at the ballot box. Many serve in districts that would elect Attila the Hun if he were nominated for the seat.

The problem for fair-minded House and Senate members is that the program cuts are not a secret, and will be publicized extensively next year at election time. The latest national polls show that the legislation has high negative numbers, which won’t fade from the minds of the people who are the victims of the cuts, or many other voters.

I was surprised that about a half-dozen members of Congress from New York and surrounding states expressed their unhappiness in the Big Beautiful Bill to me. Sadly, however, their buyer’s remorse may be too little, too late come November 2026.

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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tSupport your local volunteer firefighters

he Firefighters Association of the State of New York will hold its 153rd annual convention in Hauppauge from Thursday to Saturday. While the event is an opportunity to celebrate the service and sacrifice of New York’s 80,000 volunteer firefighters, it is also a moment for reflection — a chance to confront the urgent challenges facing fire protection services in our communities.

Volunteer fire departments have long been essential to public safety across the state, which has more than 1,600 of them. On Long Island alone there are nearly 180 volunteer departments, which respond to emergencies of every kind, from house fires and highway accidents to natural disasters and medical calls. And they do it all without pay. It’s no exaggeration to say that these volunteers — and the emergency medical technicians and paramedics who work alongside them — are among the most selfless public servants we have.

Yet despite their critical importance, these departments face steep recruitment and retention challenges. The number of active volunteer firefighters in New York state has declined markedly in recent decades, from roughly 120,000 in the early 2000s, even as call volumes have nearly doubled over the past 30 years, from 750,000 to 1.4 million annually, according to state figures, and training demands continue to rise due to expanded safety regulations.

Balancing work, family and extensive training is no small feat, especially for volunteers. The result is that many departments are stretched thin, struggling to maintain robust crews and

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ensure timely responses to emergencies.

That’s where the state firefighters association steps in — and why its convention deserves more than ceremonial attention. For over 150 years, the organization has served as the voice and support system for volunteer fire service statewide.

FASNY advocates for funding, offers educational resources and legal guidance, provides mental health support, and promotes recruitment campaigns such as Is There a Fire In You?, which encourages everyday New Yorkers to consider joining their local department.

The Hauppauge convention will bring together more than 1,000 firefighters, instructors and leaders. Discussions will focus not just on tactics and technology, but on issues such as firefighters’ mental health, peer support programs and the evolving needs of a modern volunteer force. These conversations matter. They have real-world implications for the safety of firefighters and the resilience of the communities they serve.

Mental health, in particular, is an area that demands greater attention. Of course firefighting is dangerous, but it is also emotionally taxing. Volunteers often respond to traumatic events involving neighbors and loved ones — a severe house fire that kills or injures its occupants, or a disaster like Hurricane Sandy. Without proper support systems in place, these experiences can take a huge toll on emergency responders. FASNY has made great strides in breaking down the stigma around mental health care in the fire service, but continuing community awareness of the

The Herald must use ‘Zionism’

more carefully

To the Editor:

I was reading with interest your article last week about the teen volunteer in Israel (“Lawrence teen volunteers in Israel for first time,” Page 14), but was stopped in my tracks when I read your description of Zionism. The Jewish homeland need not be created; Zionism (no need to put it in quotation marks) is the right of the Jewish people to self-determination of their existing sovereign nation, in their indigenous and ancestral homeland — the land of Israel.

The description you used in the article showed a lack of awareness of and sensitivity to your readership. I imagine it did not please the family or the young lady you wrote about.

It may not have been intentional, and I do appreciate the fact that you wrote about her expe-

challenges these men and women face is crucial as well.

How can you show support for these selfless volunteers?

First, get to know your local department. Attend an open house. Follow its social media accounts. Volunteer departments rely on community awareness to grow their ranks and raise funds.

Second, support the volunteers’ fundraising efforts. Many departments operate on limited budgets, depending heavily on donations and local drives to raise the money to pay for essential equipment. Whether it’s from a resident or a business, a contribution — financial or in-kind — can go a long way toward ensuring their readiness.

Third, talk to young people about the value of volunteerism. FASNY’s Junior Firefighter programs are an excellent way to introduce teens to public service and give them a sense of civic responsibility.

Finally, consider whether you might have “the fire in you.” Even if running into burning buildings isn’t for you, departments have many support roles — from administrative help to public education — for which willing hands are always needed. Simply stop in at a local firehouse or call them to learn more.

Volunteer firefighting is a tradition rooted in community, courage and compassion. As Long Island continues to grow, the need for well-supported fire departments becomes more urgent. The FASNY convention is a timely reminder that while these men and women may serve without pay, they should never serve without appreciation, resources or help.

opinions

The town supervisor’s seat belongs to the people

imagine preparing to vote in an important election. You do your homework, weigh the positions of the candidates, and are set to make your voice heard. But before you can cast your ballot, you find out that the decision has already been made behind closed doors, without your input, without a vote, and without any accountability. That is exactly what is happening right now in the Town of hempstead. Supervisor Donald clavin stepped down early, on Tuesday. That is his decision. But what is unacceptable, and frankly unethical, is the Town Board’s plan to skip over the voters and appoint clavin’s handpicked successor, nassau county legislator John Ferretti, to the job just months before an election. That is not leadership; it is manipulation.

The strategy is clear. Ferretti is already running for town supervisor in november. Appointed now, he will get to run as an incumbent. That means the full benefits of the job — the title, taxpayer-funded mailers, public appearances and media coverage — all before he has earned a single vote. it is a political cheat code, and it is rigged against the public.

w ay too often

in the Town of Hempstead, the party bosses usurp the voters.

As this plan moves forward, it won’t be the first time. in fact, it will mark the seventh time in the last 11 successions that a hempstead town supervisor was chosen not by voters, but by party insiders. This is not an isolated incident; it is a pattern. And it should concern anyone who values democracy and transparency.

When people say the system is rigged, this is exactly what they’re talking about.

let’s be clear. There is already someone in place who should step in: Senior councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, the longest-serving member of the Town Board and the current deputy

Letters

rience, but please use your words more carefully next time.

Michelle cohen Lawrence

We need more open-minded politicians like Tom Suozzi

To the editor:

Re U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi’s op-ed, “Why i care about immigration — and why all of us should,” in last week’s issue: Suozzi voiced a clear understanding of the immigration issues and called, once again, for a bipartisan solution to a problem that impacts everyone in this country. he has taken this bipartisan stand on many issues for as long as i’ve been following him, including his previous time in congress.

i, and many others, are re-energized that Mr. Suozzi returned to congress. Yes, i would have loved to have him replace Kathy hochul as our governor, but he can, hopefully, do so much more good if he can generate a following in congress for more bipartisan solutions to the problems we face.

i consider myself one of those independent voters who try to see both sides of an issue. There are times when i agree with the Democratic platform, such as on gun control, where we have absurdly allowed guns to proliferate across our nation into the hands of

supervisor. So why look outside the board to appoint a new supervisor? Because a sitting supervisor controls the town’s messaging, appears on every official mailer and gets to shape the public narrative. Giving that platform to one candidate while denying it to the other is not just unfair, it is anti-democratic.

The truth is, this kind of one-party rule is exactly what brought us the largest tax hike in recent history. While the insiders maneuver for power behind closed doors, the public is left with the bill — literally. The same group that wants to install a supervisor without your vote just passed a property tax increase on your home of over 12 percent. That is the cost of unchecked control, and it is time we said “enough.”

This town deserves better than secret deals and insider politics. The supervisor’s office belongs to the people, not the party bosses. That’s why i have proposed straightforward ethics

Framework

criminals and, worse, the mentally ill who are the predominant perpetrators of mass shootings.

And there are times i agree with Republican stands, including the recent government spending cuts, which the bipartisan Government Accountability office has been touting for years. no, i don’t condone all of the cuts, and i’m hopeful that some will be restored as a clearer picture of what is being done comes into focus.

But the overspending that we have allowed our federal government to do for the past 50 years, under both Democratic and Republican presidents, is absurd. We need to get past the anger at President Trump, who can easily infuriate even Republicans with his outlandish rhetoric, and see that much of what he is doing will benefit the majority of people.

We need to look at the math, and whether it adds up or dilutes the benefits to all of us. i’m not convinced that Trump has done that, but shaking things up and making cuts is long overdue.

And last, i would like Suozzi to run for president in 2028. The Democrats do not have a viable candidate right now, so let me be one of the first, for whatever it’s worth, to endorse Suozzi. We need someone like him, with a vision of bringing both sides of the political spectrum to the table.

if you look at the history of our elections over the past 75 years, you’ll see that fringe candidates don’t win presidential elections, no matter on which

reform to ban these kinds of appointments in the future. Under my proposal, if a supervisor steps down early, the deputy supervisor would serve as the interim replacement, and the voters, not the board, would choose a new leader in the next scheduled election or a special one.

Simple, fair, democratic. it is similar to what former supervisor, now U.S. Rep. laura Gillen proposed, but was rejected by clavin’s allies on the board. That’s why we need new blood.

When the same party holds power for decades, it gets comfortable and careless. it stops asking for your vote and starts making decisions in the shadows. But democracy demands more than backroom deals and power swaps. it demands accountability. it demands integrity. And most of all, it demands that we trust the voters to decide who leads them.

To every resident in the Town of hempstead: Your vote should never be treated as a formality. it should be the only thing that matters. let’s make sure it stays that way.

Joe Scianablo is the Democratic candidate for Town of Hempstead supervisor.

by Tim Baker

side of the aisle they sit. on the other hand, some of our most effective presidents were those like John F. Kennedy, lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan,