Courtesy David Norman David Norman, of Woodmere, far left, Cliff Allen, Roger Mack, Dominick Amendolari and Kenny Winkler were first responders with the New York City Police Department’s Emergency Service Unit in Lower Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2001.
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
It has been 24 years since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, left the nation in shock, and many volunteers and first responders — including several from the Five Towns — feel strong emotions to this day.
“I was like, how are we ever going to come back from this?” Matt Nelson, a North Woodmere resident and a first responder that day, recalled. “Everything was still burning, and there was debris everywhere. Everyone was trying to do something, and it wasn’t so organized, as you could imagine. We had never experienced anything of this
magnitude.”
Nelson, who’s now 60, was a lieutenant with the New York City Fire Department’s Engine Company 226 in Brooklyn for eight years before the attacks. On Sept. 9, 2001, he was promoted to captain. Two days later, word of the attacks on the World Trade Center reached him, and he was dispatched to Lower Manhattan. He remained there for two days, helping clear debris, searching for survivors and providing care where he could.
“In the moment, you’re on autopilot and just doing your job, and it really didn’t hit you because you were just so busy,” Nelson said. “Three days later, I finally got home,
It is with great pleasure that we extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all those in the communities of Cedarhurst, Hewlett, Inwood, Lawrence and Woodmere. We are thrilled to be a part of your vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, and look forward to serving as your trusted source of news and information.
At the Nassau Herald, we’re proud to be part of the place we all call home. We’re here to share the news and stories that matter most to you and your neighbors. Our team works hard to keep you informed, but just as important, we’re committed to celebrating the people, traditions and spirit that make our communities so special.
today’s fast-paced world, and you can access breaking news and our weekly stories on our website, liherald.com/fivetowns, or on Facebook at Nassau Herald.
As we strive to further strengthen our bond with the Five Towns, we invite you to share your feedback and suggestions. Send a letter to mberman@ liherald.com.
Whether it’s a school fundraiser, a town meeting or a countywide initiative, you can count on the Herald to be there.
This week’s Herald is being mailed to every home in the Five Towns, and includes a copy of our popular annual supplement, the 5 Towns Community Guide. It’s filled with great information you can use throughout the year.
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Melissa Berman Senior Reporter
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
The Cedarhurst Business Improvement District has been since overseeing the shopping and dining scene in the Village of Cedarhurst, since 1993.
The BID was born out of the Cedarhurst Business Association, a long-standing association of local merchants whose goal was to make business better in the community.
“We figured out one of the problems with the CBA was that we relied on collecting voluntary dues from storekeepers,” said Bob Block, owner of the Jewelry Showroom. “This was a very difficult task because no one wanted to cough up even a little amount so we were restrained from doing things as a group.”
Block has been in business for 50 years and is the secretary for the BID.
They took inspiration from other BID’s across the state and with the efforts of Steven Schneider, a lawyer from Woodmere, the BID was created in collaboration with the Village of Cedarhurst and New York State.
“The main benefit of the BID is that landlords can charge a common bid fee as part of the rent price,” Block said. “It’s a tax that the landlord has to collect for the Village of Cedarhurst for the BID.”
From this tax, the BID gets a yearly budget from the village to use for events.
Two of the biggest events the BID hosts every year are the Sidewalk Sale and Midnight Madness. They also use the budget for family movie nights, group advertising, banners and newspaper ads.
“Money from the budget goes to beautification, marketing and events,” he added. “Our family movie nights are a thank you to the community for shopping in Cedarhurst.”
As a longstanding business owner and BID member,
The Cedarhurst Business Improvement District has been working with the Village of Cedarhurst to improve the shopping district, since 1993.
Block said he loves when events are full of people and the streets are brought to life.
“When the sidewalk sale brings people from all over Brooklyn, West Hempstead and other part of Long Island, our efforts show results and my fellow storekeepers do well, that’s when I’m proud of the BID,” Block said.
Vice President Jeff Beja has been in business for 40 years with Central Galleries. He said that all members of the board work collectively and the titles are just a name.
“We’re all involved in the promotion and advertising and work directly with Pam who os the executive director,” Beja said.
He said that the BID’s goal is to attract people of likemindedness to the various stores in Cedarhurst and to bring in new customers.
“Everything is very transparent and we would like more participation from more merchants and everybody is welcome to the meetings we have,” he added. “Whether their on the board or not, we listen to all of our members.”
Pamela Berger, executive director owns PJ Sterling and has been in business for 30 years. She has been through
changes in the community and wants to keep Cedarhurst vibrant.
“Shopping here used to be a lot different, people used to spend the day and evening walking on the streets and that’s what we’re trying to bring back,” Berger said. “We want people to really enjoy town.”
She is currently working on updating their website, ShopCedarhurst.com to showcase their members.
“We’re trying to make it a more cohesive shopping experience,” she said. “My favorite part is seeing the community grow. It’s a nice place to live and shop, everything is on one block.”
For more information or to join the BID, email cedarhurstbusiness@gmail.com.
■ Chairman: Barry Freedberg
■ President: Robert Wengrofsky
■ Vice President: Jeff Beja
■ Executive Director/Treasurer: Pamela Berger
■ Secretary: Bob Block
■ Village of Cedarhurst Representative: Ari Brown, Deputy Mayor and State Assemblyman,
■ Board Members: Alex Beja, Bob Block, Luise Kramer, Steven Silverman and Sam Barron Sourced from Pamela Berger
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
For nearly 15 years, the HewlettWoodmere Business Association has supported local businesses, providing a network that helps them thrive and connect with community residents.
The HWBA, a local chamber of commerce, was founded in 2011, when the Hewlett Business Association and the Woodmere Merchants Association merged. The group now supports nearly 300 members from Hewlett, Woodmere, and parts of Valley Stream and Gibson.
“We have a great network of local residents, business owners, school officials and some assistance from local representatives,” David Friedman, the president of the Hewlett Woodmere Business association said. “Some of them are new businesses and some of them are existing businesses that see the benefit of getting the publicity that we offer to promote their businesses.”
Friedman added that 20 new members joined the HWBA this year, and the group is always looking for more.
The association highlights local businesses through community events, including ribbon cuttings, meetings at restaurants, and school events where member businesses serve as sponsors.
“I think (joining HWBA) for the networking opportunities is why it’s so great,” Shoshanah Findling, one of the 20 new members who joined the HWBA
this year, said. “Hewlett-Woodmere while it seems like a very small area, it’s very friendly and welcoming and the people are just lovely here and just happy to be a part of the community.”
One of HWBA’s largest annual events is the Arts Below Sunrise Street Fair.
For the past 12 years, the group has partnered with the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools Endowment Fund to host the event. Stretching from the HewlettWoodmere Public Library to Franklin
Place in Woodmere, the fair brings together local vendors, musicians and businesses.
HWBA also supports Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools, sponsoring events in art, music, robotics and athletics. The group also gives awards to Hewlett High School students for business and community service.
“We sponsor a Kids Night Out, that will have two hours for a couple to drop off their child, the parents can then go
out and support a local business, that is what we encourage with that event,” Nicole Eliopoulos, an active member of the HWBA said. “Our business association really focuses on helping businesses succeed, it is needed because in this day and age, people are looking to shop online most of the time, they’re not looking to support local business.”
To become involved with the Hewlett Woodmere Business Association, visit HWBA.org.
Episcopal Health Services announced the birth of the first baby in its new stateof-the-art Labor and Delivery Suite at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, on Aug. 20. Joannie Farris of Far Rockaway, who was also born at St. John’s, welcomed her daughter, Stella at 10:32 a.m. with father Robert Leandry by her side. Stella weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz. and measured 21.6 inches long.
“I was very nervous going through this process, especially being induced as a first-time mother,” Farris said. “But the experience was absolutely beautiful. Everyone who came in to check on me or take my vitals was so supportive, even when I was in pain. Now that I have my baby in my arms, it’s an incredible feeling, and I’m so grateful for the care I received.”
During labor, Farris recalled how the nursing team sang gospel music with her, creating a warm and uplifting atmosphere.
“I know the nurses were just doing their job, but it felt like a real family bringing new life into the world,” she added.
EHS’ Labor and Delivery Suite officially opened on Aug. 18, underscoring the
health system’s commitment to expanding high-quality, patient-centered maternal care on the Rockaway Peninsula.
“This suite demonstrates our dedication to the health and well-being of our community and our ongoing focus on advancing maternal care,” Donald T. Morrish, Chief Executive Officer at EHS wrote in a news release. “We are proud to offer families a space that combines clinical excellence with a warm, welcoming environment.”
As part of the celebration, Farris and Leandry received diapers, wipes, toys and clothes from the St. John’s ICARE Foundation.
“Bringing the Labor and Delivery Suite to life is a dream realized for everyone at EHS, and most importantly for the mothers we serve,” Jacqueline Marecheau, Chair of OBGYN at EHS wrote in a news release. “It is incredibly rewarding to provide moms with a beautiful, modern setting where they can receive the highquality care they deserve.”
To learn more about EHS’s new Labor and Delivery Suite or to schedule a tour, call (718) 869-5815 or email birth@ehs.org.
— Melissa Berman
IT WAS A HISTORIC 2024 season for Kama and he’s looking to follow up with a big senior campaign and lead the Dalers to the promised land after they fell just short in last year’s Nassau Conference I championship game. A deadly combination of strength, size and speed, Kama rumbled for 1,717 yards on the ground and reached the end zone 29 times. He’s also a tackling machine at running back and a top Thorp Award candidate.
Thursday, Sept. 11
Girls Soccer: Seaford at Wantagh .............................5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Carey .................................5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: C.S. Harbor at Plainedge ......................5 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 12
Girls Soccer: Kennedy at East Meadow ....................5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Clarke at South Side ...........................5 p.m.
Football: Mineola at Hewlett .....................................6 p.m.
Football: Carle Place at West Hempstead .................6 p.m.
Football: Malverne at East Rockaway ........................6 p.m.
Football: Freeport at Massapequa .......................6:30 p.m.
Football: Island Trees at Plainedge .......................6:30 p.m.
Football: V.S. North at Wantagh .................................7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Football: Oceanside at Uniondale ...........................11 a.m.
Football: Floral Park at Sewanhaka .........................11 a.m.
Football: V.S. South at Carey .....................................2 p.m.
Football: Glen Cove at Baldwin .................................2 p.m.
Football: MacArthur at V.S. Central. ...........................2 p.m.
Football: North Shore at Lawrence ............................2 p.m.
Football: Garden City at Long Beach.........................2 p.m.
Football: Clarke at South Side ..................................3 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Baldwin at Oceanside..........................6 p.m.
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By MARC BERMAN sports@liherald.com
In order for Lawrence boys’ soccer to duplicate last season’s gem of a season, its defense is going to have to be sturdy.
Lawrence lost two excellent defensive-minded players in middle center-back Ben Perez, who was All-State, and defensive midfielder Alex Samayoa.
In all, seven of 11 starters graduated from last season’s11-2-2 team that lost to eventual state champion Floral Park in the Nassau County A Finals.
The Golden Tornadoes allowed just 1.3 goals per game in 2024.
“This year we’re very underclassmen-heavy,’’ coach Gerard Lagasse said. “Defense was our strength but we were strong all over. I’m going to focus more on defense than offense. If the other team can’t score, we can’t lose. That’s my philosophy.’’
Senior Nelson Martinez will attempt to fill in for Perez, who plays at Nassau CC. At defensive midfield sophomore Diego Hinojosa, is going to try to fill the void despite his youth.
(Diego) will play a big role for us in the middle of the field,’’ Lagasse said. “He’s been fantastic, his work ethic is fantastic. He’s above-average technically, which is good for us. His soccer IQ is very high. He should have a nice year in an important role for us.’’
Goal scoring may be at a premium in Lawrence’s quest to dominate again after losing top scorer Kevin Mendoza. The top returning goal-scorer is senior center midfielder Corvin Pocasangre, who racked up 6 goals and 7 assists. “I’m
expecting him to have a big year offensively,’’ Lagasse said. “He’s very good on the ball. He’s good at taking players 1-on-1 and has a very good shot.’’
The Golden Tornadoes also hope to get scoring from senior Jeremy Cruz, who had a dynamic playoffs, scoring a handful of key goals. He had a couple of great scoring chances in the county finals.
“We’re going to be very young,’’ Lagasse said. “I have some players who have to step up especially for Ben.’’
The one linchpin is senior goalie, Gabriel Rosales, who has started the last two years.
“In my opinion, he’s one of the top five goalkeepers on Long Island,’’ Lagasse said. “I expect him to have a big year. He’s very athletic = which is part of his strength – and has cat-like reflexes. He can make the impossible saves look routine.’’
Lawrence has another Rosales on the roster –Andrew. The junior plays right wingback and is another important piece after recovering from an ACL injury in the playoffs. “He will be relied on to build our attack and help on the defense,’’ Lagasse said. “He is a player to watch in Nassau County.’’
Can Lawrence overtake unbeaten North Shore for the A-2 conference crown? Lawrence tied North Shore twice last season and the schools will meet in Glen Head in the conference opener.
Lagasse feels the conference could be a three-way battle between North Shore, Locust Valley and Lawrence.
“I’m not sure we’ll have the type of year as last year, but if everything works out, we’ll be right there,’’ Lagasse said.
and you’re hugging all your kids and it finally hits you. You break down, you hug them, and you’re just glad to see them. You’re lucky — you’re one of the lucky ones.”
Mark Rolon, now 64, was a volunteer firefighter with the Inwood Fire Department in 2001. He was driving west on the Queensboro Bridge on the morning of Sept. 11, headed to work in Manhattan, when he saw United Flight 175 explode into the Trade Center’s south tower. Later he joined search-and-rescue efforts, and helped deliver medical supplies.
Hhaving lived through a traumatic event.
“Of the four teams from my unit, my team was the only one that came out completely intact — you know, alive,” David Norman, an Inwood native and a first responder, said. “You definitely have a luck-or-survivor’s-guilt kind of thing, and you don’t understand why.”
ow are we ever going to come back from this?
Matt NelsoN North Woodmere
“We were doing searchand-rescue on Liberty Street,” Rolon recounted. “We were in the building, and all the ceiling tiles were hanging out and all the furniture was miniature. I came to find out it was a day care center,” he added, his voice filling with emotion. “It’s hard to put into words. I was able to help, and that was all that counted.”
According to the FBI, 2,976 people were killed that day, including 343 firefighters and 23 police officers. According to the World Trade Center Health Registry, about 10 percent of enrollees still suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, a psychological response to
Norman, 62, who now lives in Woodmere, was a member of the New York City Police Department’s Emergency Service Unit Truck One, completing a training session on East 21st Street, about 15 minutes from the World Trade Center, when American Airlines Flight 11 struck the north tower.
Norman was helping direct workers out of the North Tower when the second plane hit the south tower. He and his team set up a medical triage station on the 31st floor of the north tower, but were ordered to evacuate after the south tower collapsed. Outside, just before the collapse of the north tower, he took cover beneath nearby fire trucks to shield himself from falling debris.
Norman said he returned to ground zero on and off for more than a year to help with cleanup and recovery.
“The sergeant we were with went over the radio and said, ‘Central, notify
Many people are unclear about financial advisors versus estate planners. In fact, many financial advisors and accountants give their clients estate planning advice even though it is not their actual area of expertise.
The main focus of a financial advisor is to manage and grow your money during your lifetime. They look at which investments are suitable for your goals and your tolerance for risk. Financial advisors also assist with retirement planning so that you have enough income later on after you stop working as well as budgeting, debt management and cash flow planning during your working years. They also assist with various forms of insurance.
Estate planners, on the other hand, focus on protecting your wealth from being devastated by long-term care costs and transferring your assets after death to whom you want, when you want and the way you want, with the least amount of taxes and legal fees possible. Estate planners are lawyers since legal documents are needed for disability and death planning -- typically wills
and trusts, powers of attorney and health care proxies/living wills.
The client often has had a long-term relationship with their financial advisor or CPA when they go in to meet the estate planning attorney for the first time. They are used to relying on those trusted professionals for advice. Keep in mind that the experienced estate planning attorney has been doing this type of work on a daily basis for many years. Most of their time is spent on exploring family dynamics and planning to effectively (financially, legally and socially) protect assets and pass on inheritances. On the other hand, the financial advisor is spending the majority of their time dealing with finances and the CPA is spending the majority of their time on filing for and saving income taxes.
When it comes to protecting and passing assets, the estate planning attorney is your quarterback — they scan the field utilizing the services of your other advisors as needed, and then throw the winning touchdown pass for your family’s future well-being.
Chris Korner, left, and Matt Nelson, of North Woodmere, helped clear debris, searching for survivors and providing care where they could.
the Pentagon — the city of New York is under attack,’” Norman recalled.
“That’s when it really drove home — we realized we were at war. That’s a scary thought as a cop. You’re not a soldier — you’re a police officer, and you’re a police officer at war in the city of New
York, you know, the home streets.”
The events of Sept. 11 reshaped New York City, the nation and the world, and left lasting scars — physical, emotional and psychological — on those who rushed toward danger, from the Five Towns and beyond.
First graders Meera Singh, left, and Alaina Liz were all smiles as they held hands on the first day of school, at the Franklin Early Childhood Center.
summer vacation is over and school is back in session for Hewlett-Woodmere students.
Kids from kindergarten through 12th grade returned to their six district schools across Hewlett, Woodmere, and nearby neighborhoods, on Sept. 2.
The littlest learners got the royal treatment at Franklin Early Childhood Center, where pre-K students and their parents enjoyed a special welcome celebration, while elementary kids at Ogden Elementary were treated to waffles.
Over at Hewlett High School, the seniors had a sunrise breakfast and were greeted by the cheerleaders and new Principal Al Bauer.
Teachers across all six-district schools have been busy over the summer, preparing classroom environments and finalizing lesson plans for this day.
The district’s mission of “empowering the next generation for success in life” came alive on the first day and no problems were reported by the district.
— Melissa Berman
By BRIAN KACHARABA and AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board faced strong opposition at its headquarters in Brooklyn from Aug. 19-20, when commuters packed public hearings to challenge the agency’s plan to raise ticket and toll prices starting in January 2026.
The proposal, released July 30, would mark the MTA’s first round of increases since 2023, when both fares and tolls climbed by more than 4 percent. Officials say the changes are necessary to maintain service levels and support a transit system still recovering from the financial strain of the pandemic.
One of the more notable changes would be on the Long Island Rail Road, where the MTA is proposing an average 4.4 percent fare hike on one-way peak, monthly, and weekly tickets. Off-peak city tickets would increase by 25 cents, to $5.25, and peak city trips would rise to $7.25. Monthly tickets would be capped at $500.
This increase would also affect commuters traveling from the Five Towns, where many residents rely on the LIRR not only for daily access to Manhattan but also for service to other Long Island destinations along the network.
“I mean the reaction is always not positive, we want people going into the city, we want people encouraging businesses, restaurants, theater and we don’t want people driving into the city because that has become an issue,” Woodmere resident Yolanda Robano-Gross said. “In order to continue for families to go into the city to access the services, the arts and the culture there we don’t want to out cost, it’s expensive enough to take a couple of children into a museum or to see a show, now if we out cost because of the train, I imagine it is not a positive step towards keeping the economy in the city going well, I personally wouldn’t be happy with it.”
As of Dec. 2024, the report found nearly $700 million in revenue not collected in 2022 alone— including $44 million in railroad fare losses.
“Fares and tolls account for a significant proportion of the MTA’s annual budget revenue — almost $7 billion a year,” an MTA statement read. “But every dollar lost to evasion impairs the MTA’s financial stability, threatens reliable transit for all New Yorkers, and increases the need for alternative revenue sources, including through larger fare and toll hikes.”
In addition to the price hikes, the MTA plans to overhaul its ticketing system. All one-way mobile tickets would automatically activate upon purchase and expire within four hours. Paper tickets would follow the same rule. Currently, those tickets remain valid for up to 60 days, with 10-trip passes lasting six months. The new framework eliminates the round-trip ticket in favor of a “Day Pass,” which would allow unlimited travel until 4 a.m. the following morning. If approved, the fare changes would represent the LIRR’s first increase since August 2023, when prices rose by 4.5 percent.
Brian Norman/Herald file
Fare hikes may soon impact LIRR commuters due to proposal by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority that would increase fares and tolls starting in January 2026.
Drivers would also see higher costs. The MTA’s plan calls for a 7.5 percent toll increase on its nine bridges and tunnels for E-ZPass users. That would raise the standard crossing fee from $6.94 to $7.46 on major spans such as the RFK, Whitestone, Throgs Neck and Verrazzano-Narrows bridges, as well as the Queens-Midtown and Hugh L. Carey tunnels. The Cross Bay and Marine Parkway bridges, which carry discounted tolls, would rise from $2.60 to $2.80. The last toll increase came in 2023.
Hundreds of riders and drivers attended the forums to register their opposition, voicing frustration over higher costs at a time of rising rents, food bills, and other living expenses. But the MTA defended the plan as a necessary step to sustain reliable service.
“We strive to make fare and toll increases small and predictable,” said MTA Chief of Commercial Ventures Jessie Lazarus while re-introducing the plan during the first night of the hearings. “In fact, 15 years ago, the MTA adopted a pattern of small and predictable fare and toll increases every two years. And we’ve acted in compliance with this policy ever since, which has protected us all from those double-digit percentage increases we experienced in the 1980s and helped the MTA keep service levels steady.”
Lazarus stressed that while no one welcomes higher prices, the agency must balance affordability with operational costs. They pointed to investments in expanded service and affordability programs such as reduced fares for students and lowincome riders.
“Let’s ground ourselves in the fact that residents in the New York region have the lowest transportation costs in the country,” she said. “As the overwhelming majority of New Yorkers understand because they take public transit every day, the MTA is what keeps New York affordable. And fares and tolls are what keeps the MTA running and running frequent service.”
The proposal is subject to final approval by the MTA board this fall.
Additional Reporting by Brian Norman
(Feeds 10 Hungry People)
Sliced
Scotia, Whitefish Salad, Tuna Salad, Egg Salad, Plain and Scallion Cream Cheese and One Dozen Bagels and Bialys. Tomato, Onions, Cucumber $34000+ tax
(Feeds 14 Hungry People) Fillet Whitefish, Nova Scotia, Juicy Baked Salmon, Sable Plate, Platter of Tuna Salad and Egg Salad, Plain, Vegetable and Scallion Cream Cheese, Herring in Cream Sauce and 24 Assorted Bagels and Bialys. Tomato, Onions, Cucumber $44000+ tax
(Feeds 20 Hungry People)
Fillet Whitefish, Nova Scotia, Juicy Baked Salmon, Sable Plate, Platter of Tuna Salad and Egg Salad, Plain, Vegetable and Scallion Cream Cheese, Herring in Cream Sauce and 36 Assorted Bagels and Bialys. Tomato, Onions, Cucumber $56500+
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
Residents of Mary’s Manor in Inwood, a Catholic Charities-sponsored housing, are speaking out about their current living conditions that have become infested with mice, rats and cockroaches.
Mary’s Manor is an assisted living facility that provides care to people who require assistance with activities of daily living. The residence provides an intermediate level of care for residents who cannot live safely independently, but do not yet need around-the-clock nursing.
Jill Politano, 83, said that for months she has been seeing rats, mice and cockroaches for months around the building especially near the overflowing garbage and in apartments.
“One time a mouse came in here and I’m deathly afraid of them, when I went to tell the building super they shot me down and said they were busy,” Politano said. “The supers wife was arguing with me because I had another mouse on a trap that was alive. I had to get somebody on the outside to come in and take it out.”
Politano has been reaching out to the super for months about this and has not gotten any help or acknowledgment from him.
“They’re crawling through the whole building, I have friends on the fourth floor that are seeing them,” she said.
Courtesy Jill Politano
Residents of Mary’s Manor in Inwood, a Catholic Charities-sponsored housing, have been dealing with a rodent infestation around the overflowing garbage and in their apartments.
The building is owned by Catholic Charities and managed by Stanton Management.
Stanton Management did not respond to the Herald for comments.
“There’s so many bad things, it’s horrible,” Politano said. “It’s something that
should be addressed, and something has to get done. It’s not fair.”
There are many health risks to being near and breathing in the mouse droppings, and mice themselves. They are not a clean rodent, and can cause harm to the environment and human body.
“Wherever a mouse walks, it’s basically urinating, the do what’s called ‘micro-droplets’ so wherever they are walking they are constantly urinating,” said Rudy Hosler, manager at Arrow Exterminating. “They are also defecating over 100 times a day, per mouse, you have food contamination and surface contamination.”
Louise Morrison is a friend of Politano’s and has been living at Mary’s Manor for 14 years. She witnessed mice chew up a bag that she left on the floor.
“At night, you can hear them in the walls,” Morrison said. “I hurt myself running from them one day, I’m deathly afraid of mice.”
Morrison said that the building is not as clean as it should be and within one day she saw between two to five mice in her apartment.
“Everybody in the building is having the same problem, they run across the floor when you’re sitting there,” she added. “It’s ridiculous, we have sticky pads around to catch them and sometimes you catch one. Lately, they’ve been eating the stickers and the garbage.”
Morrison also said that the super is not helpful, does not acknowledge what the residents are dealing with and does not speak nicely to them.
“We have roaches too, even though we have an exterminator that comes but it’s not working,” Morrison said. “There’s nobody to talk to but the super and he’s not nice.”
Staying healthy is about keeping the right mindset. That’s something that Katie Ledecky and Catholic Health have in common. From wellness and prevention, to staying positive and proactive, together we’re making health care more personal for all Long Islanders – because getting great care should never be a competition. Long Live You, and Long Live Long Island.
Faye F., Hewlett resident, is a dedicated advocate for Israel and emphasizes the collective power of thousands of voices working together.
Q: Can you tell me a little about your background and what led you into Israel advocacy?
Faye: I’ve always been a Zionist and cared deeply about Israel, but after October 7, 2023 I knew I had to step it up. I began writing letters to schools, governments, and organizations pushing back on antisemitism and defending Israel. When I shared those letters online, people wanted to join in, and that’s how this work began.
Q: What was the moment that sparked the idea for Pens for Swords?
Faye: It really grew out of
necessity. I was writing letters on my own, and then people started asking to sign and send them too. Soon I set up a WhatsApp group. What began with a few hundred people is now nearly 32,000 sending 10–12 letters a day.
Q: How did it grow from a WhatsApp chat into a movement?
Faye: Just this week, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton called for an IRS investigation into a group we’d been urging officials to look into. We’ve also pushed the Education and Workforce Committee to address antisemitism, and even seen responses from public figures like Charlie Kirk to our letters. These are moments we know our work is being heard.
Q: What do you see as the biggest challenge in the path of
community advocacy?
Faye: The hardest part is keeping people motivated. Sign-
ing letters every day can be emotionally draining. But we remind each other we can’t take a day off. On the other hand, our
opportunity is huge, this shows how everyday people, working together smartly and peacefully, can have a real impact.
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
For 25 years, Geri Barish, a five-time cancer survivor, has been supporting cancer patients and their families through Hewlett House, a free resource center.
Barish turned her personal tragedy into a mission by fighting for patients’ rights and learning more about cancers causes. She lost her mother to breast cancer in 1974 and her son Michael to Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1986.
Located on East Rockaway Road in Hewlett, Hewlett House’s property is the oldest farmhouse on Long Island, built 387 years ago, according to Barish.
“Everything in this house was donated,” Barish said. “We work with all the Key Clubs and the kids organize the mastectomy bras by size. The teachers also come down and volunteer on the weekends.”
Barish emphasized that the help of the community is everything to her and the patients.
When asked what her favorite room is, Barish said the wig room because she has a special connection with the wigs and calls then her “girls”.
“I love this room because it’s so personal, when we come in I’ll go ‘so girls what’s up today?’ they’re all smiling and all happy,” she said. “They’re gorgeous these girls.”
There are 5,200 wigs organized by length and color stored around the house along with the ones on display.
“We have a storage shed and it’s amazing, every time someone takes one we replace it,” Barish said. “It makes you feel good to know that we’re really helping those in need.”
Women are allowed one wig of their choosing and most come recommended by hospitals and local beauty parlors.
“I ask people to please call if they want a wig because there’s only Ellen and I who know how to do the wigs,” she said. “I want to make sure we’re gentle
and it’s clean, I prefer them to call so they can fill out an intake form.”
In July, Hewlett House gave out 304 wigs the most she has ever seen in one month.
She explained that “everyday is a holiday” in the house, decorations for every holiday could be seen throughout the house.
Barish said that 17 years ago, she hosted a full Thanksgiving meal for a patient and his family in July because he was going to miss that the most.
“We had almost 100 people here, patients came at 5:30 in the morning to put the turkey in the oven, it was a fun thing to do and he didn’t know,” Barish said.
She stressed that the community, schools and colleges brings smiles to patients’ faces.
“I’ve never met such wonderful people working through the colleges and the schools,” she added. “The kids write cards and bring holiday cards with sayings inside as part of community service. It’s so nice, the patients’ will come in and look through the bucket and they love it.”
When Hewlett House first opened, they only helped those with breast cancer —now they see people with all types of cancer.
Over the years, Barish has helped push for and create legislation defraying the cost of cancer-related medical bills. She has led environmental studies on Long Island to diminish the use of pesticides and label the carcinogenic ones.
“We try to give as much information a we can, we never turn anybody away,” Barish said. “Here, it’s really a home, it’s warm. I love to come here, it’s peaceful.”
For more information about Hewlett House, call (516) 374-2385.
Though too many homes are beyond first-time buyers’ means, there are options, the experts insist
By ROKSANA AMID, JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO & ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN of Herald Community Newspapers
Final installment in a series on housing on Long Island.
With housing costs climbing and affordability dropping across Long Island, the path to homeownership has become increasingly complex, demanding not just financial preparation but also creative solutions from nonprofit organizations, lenders and policymakers. From credit-building and grant programs to community land trusts and accessory dwelling units, real estate professionals and housing advocates agree that a variety of strategies will be required to help families achieve stability and the long-held dream of owning a home.
For Connie Pinilla, principal of the Connie Pinilla Team at Compass Greater New York, homeownership is more than a transaction — it’s a long-term investment in stability and wealth. With more than 20 years of experience in real estate and law, she has guided both agents and clients through the complexities of buying a home.
“Everybody should strive to own a home — it’s the American dream,” Pinilla said. “But the most important element isn’t just finances, it’s your credit score.”
Pinilla emphasizes that a good salary isn’t enough without good credit. “You could make $300,000 a year, but if your credit score isn’t up to par, your chances of getting a loan are very slim,” she said. “On the other hand, with an excellent credit score and even a $50,000 or $60,000 salary, there are many programs that can help you purchase a home.”
She encourages buyers to plan at least a year ahead, starting with a mortgage broker. Reducing debt, keeping credit card balances below 30 percent and paying bills on time are critical steps toward building trust with lenders.
Grants and assistance programs
In addition to personal financial discipline, Pinilla says, grants are underused tools. Some programs are government-backed, while others come from banks and credit unions.
“Bank of America runs a program where qualified buyers can get up to $75,000 in grant money,” she said. “Chase often has private grants of $5,000 for closing costs. Credit unions also have excellent incentives and often lower rates.”
Grants typically apply to first-time homebuyers. Many require completion of a homebuyer education course on budgeting, credit and financial planning. If the buyer remains in the home for a set period, usually seven years, the grant does not need to be repaid.
Pinilla often asks clients to compare the cost of rent to a mortgage. In Glen Cove, a one-bedroom apartment averages about $3,000 per month.
“Rent money is gone forever,” she
said. “With a mortgage, you’re building equity, and you can deduct interest and property taxes on your income taxes. Strategically, you may be better off owning than renting.”
Preparation is key to navigating a competitive market. Pinilla advises securing a pre-approval letter before making an offer, because sellers want proof of financial readiness.
Once an offer is accepted, buyers work with inspectors, attorneys and lenders to ensure the home is sound, the title is clear and the property is properly valued before closing.
“Every step is designed to protect the buyer,” she explained. “That’s why you hire professionals — your attorney, mortgage officer and real estate agent — to guide you.”
your future.”
Payment risks, and avoiding them
As the need for affordable housing grows on Long Island, nonprofit organizations like Community Development Long Island are fighting back. They offer resources including single-family rehabilitation, multi-family home improvement and new home construction.
Pinilla encourages buyers to focus on needs rather than wants. Starting with a modest or multi-family property can be a smart path to building wealth.
“A lot of people have built wealth starting with a two-family,” she said. “You live in one unit, rent the other, and let that income pay the mortgage. Over time, you can build equity and move on to bigger investments.”
Her message is simple: Preparation and realistic expectations make the dream of homeownership possible. “If you have your finances in order, you’re not just buying a house,” Pinilla said. “You’re building equity and security for
To support first-time homebuyers, CDLI helps reduce the risk of future foreclosures and struggles they commonly face. “We provide education and orientation around what that looks like,” President and CEO Gwen O’Shea said, “helping people think about things like building their credit, reducing debt and ensuring you know good ratios when it comes time to close on a potential property.”
The assistance doesn’t end there: CDLI supports current homeowners as well. It offers a targeted home improvement program in the Village of Hempstead, which includes a $40,000 forgivable grant for home improvements for homeowners who may not have had access to other credit. “This is a great way to make necessary health and safety improvements while also increasing the value of your home,” O’Shea said.
Renters have access to CDLI’s support as well, as the organization works with those in need of homes to find
available properties that meet their needs. “We provide incentives to landlords to participate in the program as well,” she said.
For low to middle class families, Habitat for Humanity of Long Island is fighting the expensive housing market by providing safe and affordable places to live. They are built with the help of their volunteer staff, and awarded families work with a construction team to create their homes.
These homes are sold to these families based on construction costs alone. Each family’s mortgage and taxes are no more than 30 percent of their total income, ensuring these homes are sustainable for a stable living situation.
Homes usually have two to three bedrooms, with occasional four-bedrooms, based on family size. “When we build a home and partner with a family, they have to put in 300 sweat-equity hours helping build their home and other Habitat homes,” Caroljean D’Aquila, the organization’s director of corporate and community partnerships, said.
Families must go through an application process. “They have to meet a certain income level, depending on the family size,” D’Aquila said. “They have to have decent credit. They have to have a willingness to partner, and then the last thing is based on a need.”
Habitat for Humanity of Long Island has built around 270 homes in the past 38 years, helping over 800 people. With the growing need for affordable housing, it’s hard to keep up with the demand. Twice a year, applications open
for a 14- to 16-month building period. Over 200 families apply for homes each application period, and only about three are accepted.
Ground lease agreements
One method to drive down the cost of a house is collaboration with a community land trust, as used in a new development in Uniondale.
One of the aspiring homeowners who entered the Affordable Homeownership Lottery in February will live in a newly built house without paying for the land underneath. The land is owned by the Uniondale Community Land Trust, a local nonprofit, using a ground lease agreement that dramatically reduces the house’s cost.
The 1,688-square-foot, two-story house will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has an estimated value of $620,000, but has a sale price of $275,000.
Jeannine Maynard, vice president of U-CLT, said that the program has taken great effort: the permit collection, construction planning and lottery preparation were all carefully planned.
Recently, Maynard heard of the federal Manufactured Housing Pilot Program, which assists in financing manufactured homes by waiving certain regulatory barriers.
“There was a pilot program done upstate New York,” she said. “They expedited the permitting processes — they didn’t allow those kinds of hangups. They were able to bring homes to market close to the $250,000 level.”
The program has limited accessibility, requiring candidates to be eligible for a mortgage, to be able to afford a down payment, to be a first-time buyer and to make between 50 and 80 percent of the median household income in Uniondale — just over $78,000 for a family of four.
Accessory dwelling units
Long Island Housing Partnership is an organization that creates accessory dwelling units on new or existing properties. ADUs are independent living spaces on the same plot of land as a main house, ranging from converted basements and attics to completely new structures.
Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the ADU Plus One Program, a $59 million grant to various organizations and municipalities to create roughly 500 ADUs across the state, according to the governor’s office.
The program is for two-person households that earn under $213,840, with a preference for those earning under $129,600.
LIHP President Peter Elkowitz has led efforts to build ADUs across Suffolk County. Recently the organization redeveloped homes in Bay Shore and in the Town of Islip, creating 78 ADUs.
“They’re very valuable,” Elkowitz said. “There’s extended families that live in these accessory dwelling units, with the grandparents, the parents and now the kids.”
He described ADUs as being able to financially support the owner of the
property, who would collect rent to offset their own mortgage payments and property taxes.
While ADUs do not take up more land, they do increase the population of a neighborhood, yielding more traffic and higher demand for parking in areas that may not have access to robust public transportation.
James Britz, executive vice president of LIHP, explained that the group is pursuing multiple housing solutions at once.
“All of our homes we built now go into our community land trust,” Britz explained. “Our next major development is 32 single-family homes, all with accessory dwelling units in them, so we’ll be able to assist 32 homeowners and 32 renters in the Bellport community.”
LIHP also administers county and town payment assistance programs for
these projects, and requires affordable home programs to include ADUs in municipalities that permit their construction, according to Maynard.
With the homeless population rising in recent years, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless offers various resources, including a street outreach team and street medicine team.
A safe option support team is offered as a time-limited, evidence-based service that helps people in transition. Support services are provided for nine to 12 months, including initial outreach and engagement pre-housing. That includes multiple visits each week and a 90-day transition service after housing placement.
“We’re the lead entity of the Long Island Continuum of Care,” Paul
■ Homes are sold at construction cost, not market value.
■ Mortgages and property taxes are capped at 30 percent of a family’s income.
■ Each family contributes 300 volunteer hours toward building homes.
■ Typical builds are two- or threebedroom houses.
■ Each home is designed as a long-term residence.
Application process
■ Families must meet income guidelines, have decent credit and demonstrate need.
■ Only about three families are chosen out of more than 200 per cycle.
■ HFH has built about 270 homes on L.I. in 38 years, housing more than 800 people.
LaMarr, the organization’s policy and community planning manager, said. “We kind of are the command center for the homeless response system here on Long Island.”
To reach out directly, a helpline is available to connect with direct services and references. A boutique is available by referral for individuals to receive clothing and other home goods they may need.
An individual must be currently experiencing homelessness to receive these services. Those who qualify for programs are currently taking much longer to be housed. “I would say as a whole region it’s getting pretty stretched out, as far as our capacity as a region to adequately address and serve people who are experiencing homelessness,” LaMarr said. “The reality is that we have a lot more people entering into homelessness, and not enough housing to get people quickly housed.”
The housing crisis on Long Island is a problem at the intersection of social, economic and political stresses, and efforts to fix it must be multifaceted. Long Island’s communities differ in opinion, opportunity and solution strategies, but share a common cause in improving local living situations.
To reach the Long Island Homeless services hotline, call 211.
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
The Village of Atlantic Beach hos ted a May or and Tru stee Q&A session on Aug 21, giving residents the chance to voice concerns directly to newly sworn-in May or Bar ry Fro hlinger and Trustee Joseph Pierantoni.
Q: Does the board have any plans to abolish or modify Marine recreational zoning?
Frohlinger: The four of us probably spend 20 hours a week reading legal documents and we are trying to read through the code for the village and the BZA and get competent counsel to give us advice. We are trying to figure out where the loopholes are and where someone (building developers) can see a weakness and see what they could do. Pierantoni: If we’re going to
modify the current Marine recreational code it would be to strengthen it.
Q: Can you provide an update on the Chabad settlement?
Frohlinger: So, the settlement was signed on July 1. Then there had to be a consent decree, and the judge had to sign off on the consent decree, which was signed around July 25 by all the parties — the Chabad and all the defendants named in the suit. The judge signed the decree on either July 28 or July 30, which is considered the in-effect date. Ninety days from that date, the village is obligated to make the first of two payments to the Chabad, which is $700,000.
Q: Where are the funds to pay the settlement coming from?
Frohlinger: In the current year’s budget, we have a legal budget of
“From
Smooth
–
Joseph Pierantoni, left, and Barry Frohlinger, held a Q&A session on Aug. 21 for residents to express their concerns and ask questions about ongoing issues within the village.
$622,000. We’re using $465,000 of that amount to make the $700,000 payment, which means we are short $235,000. The $235,000 is being made up by moving $235,000 from the road paving budget for this year, which was $600,000. So, the paving budget is $365,000.
Q: Where are the funds to pay the settlement coming from?
Frohlinger: I was remiss because I didn’t actually give another component to this question. On June 18, we received a notice from the Department of Justice
that they were initiating a civil investigation into the village for religious discrimination. So, at the last meeting, we announced that we had hired two new firms — one firm to help us specifically with the DOJ investigation. It is a prominent law firm in New York called Proskauer, and the fees are expensive, but we believe you get what you pay for.
Q: Can you cover the 87 percent tax increase? Is it only for one year?
Frohlinger: So there has been a
bad rumor going around that this was a one-time increase. That is absolutely untrue. On June 1 the tax increase was an 87 percent increase, that new level is not coming down. We are trying to keep it at this level, but to think that the taxes are going to come back down, whoever is suggesting that, it is absolutely untrue, it just can’t happen.
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By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
After nearly six months of hearings, Suffolk County Supreme Court Judge Tim Mazzei ruled in a written decision on Sept. 3 that the DNA evidence connecting alleged Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann to several victims, obtained through a new type of DNA testing, will be admissible in Heuermann’s trial.
“Astrea Forensics’ use of whole genome sequencing to generate SNP data and create a DNA profile,” Mazzei wrote, “is generally accepted as reliable within the scientific community,” based on the testimony of prosecution witnesses Kelley Harris, an associate professor of genome sciences at the University of Washington, and Richard Green, founder of Astrea Labs in California.
Mazzei also wrote in his opinion that “neither of the defendant’s expert witnesses controverted Astrea Forensics’ use of whole genome sequencing, to extract DNA from rootless hairs to generate SNP data and create a DNA profile.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney praised his staff and Mazzei’s decision outside the courtroom at the Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Court in Riverhead. “The reason why we were able to prevail was one simple reason: The science was on our side,” Tierney said, in front of several family members
of victims of the Gilgo murders who chose not to speak.
Prosecutors have said that Astrea Forensics linked Heuermann to six of the seven killings he is alleged to have committed over the course of at least two decades, beginning in 1993, through the testing of rootless hairs found at the crime scenes and comparative analysis of those hairs to DNA samples obtained from Heuermann and family members.
His defense team has argued that the technology is new and unproven.
Five witnesses testified in a Frye hearing, a legal proceeding — also known as a general acceptance hearing — used to determine whether scientific evidence presented in court is widely accepted and considered valid within the relevant scientific community.
The admittance of DNA by Mazzei’s ruling could create a statewide prece-
dent. Prior to his decision, Astrea’s technology had only been admitted in court in Idaho. Heuermann’s defense filed another motion based on the court’s decision, alleging that the use of Astrea Forensics to analyze Heuermann’s DNA violates New York state health law.
“It criminalizes this very type of action,” Michael Brown, Heuermann’s court-appointed lawyer said, “which is an out-of-state, non-permitted laboratory for profit to test and offer evidence in the state of New York on a criminal case.”
The motion was filed on Sept. 3 with a return date of Sept. 17 — the same date the prosecution will certify its case. The Suffolk County district attorney’s office will answer the motion on Sept. 22.
Heuermann’s defense has been trying to sever the case into separate murder cases, while the prosecution has pushed to have the whole case combined in one trial. Mazzei called all parties back to court on Sept. 23, when he anticipates ruling on both motions.
Heuermann, 61, a Massapequa Park resident, now stands charged with the murders of a total of seven people: Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen BrainardBarnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla and Valerie Mack. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, and has maintained his innocence since his July 2023 arrest.
From the beach to the books, the Lawrence Union Free School District welcomed students back to classrooms for the first day of the 2025-26 academic year, on Sept. 2.
The opening day brought pre-k to 12th graders from across Cedarhurst, Lawrence, Inwood and Atlantic Beach to the four buildings. Elementary students arrived with new backpacks and school supplies, while high school students navigated updated class schedules and locker assignments throughout the morning.
District administrators reported smooth operations during the morning arrival period, with transportation services running on schedule and breakfast programs serving students before classes began.
Teachers spent the day reviewing classroom expectations, distributing
course work, and conducting introductory activities designed to ease students back into academic routines.
“The first day of school is a meaningful milestone,” Ann Pedersen, superintendent, wrote in a news release. “It signals the start of a new chapter filled with learning, growth, and connection. Our teachers and staff have worked with great care and dedication to create a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment where every student can thrive.”
The district is encouraging families and community members to stay engaged throughout the year by attending school events, volunteering, and staying connected via the district’s website and social media channels.
— Melissa Berman
By Barry Frohlinger Mayor of Atlantic Beach
Tucked away on a barrier island, the vibrant village of Atlantic Beach, offers more than a summer escape—it’s an incredible place to call home. This community masterfully blends natural beauty, a tight-knit atmosphere, and unparalleled convenience into a rewarding year-round lifestyle.
Residents enjoy a pristine sandy beach that serves as an oasis and a backdrop for daily life. The rhythm of the Atlantic Ocean defines the pace here, whether for morning bike rides, surfing consistent waves, or simply listening to the waves crash. This connection to the water fosters a permanent resort-like atmosphere. Safety is paramount, thanks to a dedicated team of lifeguards and rescue professionals whose vigilant coordination ensures a secure environment for all.
Beyond the sand, Atlantic Beach is a remarkably connected community. It offers effortless access to the amenities of Nassau County and the buzz of New York City, while maintaining its own unique charm with a collection of beloved local establishments. Beginnings Restaurant is a dining spot featuring a literary theme via decor, a bookshelf backdrop and themed dinners. Gio’s Atlantic Beach is a fresh take on traditional Italian cuisine. They
pride themselves on their ability to stay true to what they love. Dino’s Villa Mare is Italian dining in a comfy space with a bar serving pizza, seafood, steak, and more. Boardwalk Bagel for friendly
Carefully curated items and the whole place is such a vibe! Get a dirty matcha; it is delicious! Or stop in at the Atlantic Beach Café Deli. Don’t leave without getting the AB Special.
Beyond dining, the Village is blessed with best of class beach clubs. In addition, residents and non-residents wanting personal training services can use the Atlantis Personal Training for oneon-one training. And don’t forget all the films shot in Atlantic Beach including Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, with Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet.
The village’s true strength lies in its powerful sense of community. It’s a place where neighbors know each other by name, and family-friendly energy thrives. Seasonal events, from summer concerts to bonfires on the beach, create cherished traditions.
greeting and quick service and incredible bagels. If you like Russ & Daughters or Kossar’s, you’ll love Boardwalk Bagel. And don’t miss Sea City Vintage. An adorable vintage shop AND cafe!
This spirit is supported by dedicated volunteers in organizations like AB Rescue and AB Fire Rescue, who are committed to community safety, providing EMS and rescue support for the community. Further enriching village life is the Atlantic Beach Village Garden, a hub for volunteers that hosts annual events like the Garlic and Shallot Festival. And AB Cats, dedicated to promoting humane methods to control the Atlantic Beach cat population. In essence, Atlantic Beach is not just a place to live; it’s a vibrant way of life.
By Samuel Nahmias Mayor of Lawrence
As the Mayor of the Village of Lawrence, I’m often asked what makes our village such a special place to live. My answer is always the same—it’s everything. From our rich history to our vibrant community life, Lawrence is more than just where I live; it’s where I feel most at home.
Our village, founded by the Lawrence brothers and incorporated in 1897, has grown into a thriving and beautiful community, home to nearly 2,400 households and thousands of residents. Yet, despite our growth, we’ve held onto the charm, warmth, and tight-knit feel that have defined Lawrence for generations.
One of the defining features of our village is the Lawrence Country Club—owned by the village itself and beloved by our residents. It’s more than just a stunning property; it’s a community gathering space. Whether it’s weddings, bar mitzvahs, milestone celebrations, or holiday events, the country club is a place where memories are made. The golf course is pristine, the tennis courts are always buzzing with activity, and the marina provides a peaceful waterfront escape just minutes from home.
Our village is also rich in culinary diversity and quality. Dining in Lawrence is an experience in itself. Whether you’re enjoying a premium steak at Prime Bistro, savoring the excitement of tableside cooking at our Hibachi spot, gathering with friends at Traditions, or grabbing a dairy delight from Sunflower or the Coffee Bar, there’s truly something here for every palate. These establishments not only serve great food—they add flavor to our community’s personality.
But what truly makes Lawrence stand out isn’t just our amenities or our restaurants—it’s our people. This village is made up of residents who care deeply about their neighbors and
their community. Whether it’s through volunteer work, involvement in local organizations, or simply showing up for one another in times of need, there’s a spirit of connection here that is hard to find elsewhere.
As a village, we also take pride in preserving our history while building toward the future. We respect the legacy left by the Lawrence brothers and those who came before us, and we work every day to ensure that our children and grandchildren can enjoy the same quality of life that we cherish now.
Living in Lawrence means living in a place where history meets community, where elegance meets warmth, and where every resident plays a role in shaping our collective future. Whether you’re enjoying a sunset over the marina, a round of golf with friends, a quiet dinner at your favorite local restaurant, or a stroll through our tree-lined streets— you’ll feel what I feel every day: a deep love and appreciation for this incredible village.
It is an honor to serve as mayor of such a unique and vibrant community. Lawrence isn’t just a place—it’s a way of life. And I couldn’t imagine calling anywhere else home.
The Village of Lawrence is modernizing public parking access by installing over 250 new, solar-powered digital parking meters across 400 parking spots in municipal lots and along Central Avenue.
Whether visiting the Village for its fine dining, boutique shopping, or professional services, residents and visitors alike will now enjoy a more convenient, user-friendly parking experience.
The new digital meters accept multiple forms of payment, including coins, credit cards, and mobile payments via the “Passport” app—eliminating the need to carry change or worry about running back to the meter. The rates will not be changed in this update: 25 cents for 30 minutes in high traffic areas. Powered by solar energy, these meters are designed for long-term sustainability and efficiency.
In addition to greater convenience for drivers, the meters offer enhanced enforcement capabilities. Code Enforcement personnel will now be able to digitally scan and verify parking records in real time, reducing frustrating errors and helping ensure fair and consistent compliance.
“It makes us much more efficient as a Village,” Mayor Samuel Nahmias wrote in a news release. “And it helps mitigate a lot of tickets that get dismissed just by error and the way they’re written.”
— Melissa Berman
DONATE: Your donation, no matter the size, will contribute to a more festive New Year for all. guraljcc.org/shop-campaign
By Robert H. Shmerling, M.D.
Have you met your step goals today? If so, well done! Monitoring your step count can inspire you to bump up activity over time.
But when it comes to assessing fitness or cardiovascular disease risk, counting steps might not be enough. Combining steps and average heart rate (as measured by a smart device) could be a better way for you to assess fitness and gain insights into your risk for major illnesses like heart attack or diabetes. Read on to learn how many steps you need for better health, and why tagging on heart rate matters.
Steps alone versus steps plus heart rate
First, how many steps should you aim for daily? There’s nothing special about the 10,000steps number often touted: sure, it sounds impressive, and it’s a nice round number that has been linked to certain health benefits. But fewer daily steps — 4,000 to 7,000 — might be enough to help you become healthier. And taking more than 10,000 steps a day might be even better.
Second, people walking briskly up and down hills are getting a lot more exercise than those walking slowly on flat terrain, even if they take the same number of steps.
So, at a time when millions of people are carrying around smartphones or wearing watches that monitor physical activity and body functions, might there be a better way than just a step count to assess our fitness and risk of developing major disease?
According to a new study, the answer is yes.
Get out your calculator:
A new measure of health risks and fitness
Researchers publishing in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a simple ratio that includes both heart rate and step count is better than just counting steps. It’s called the DHRPS, which stands for daily heart rate per step. To calculate it, take your average daily heart rate and divide it by your average daily step count. Yes, to determine your DHRPS you’ll need a way to continuously monitor your heart rate, such as a smartwatch or Fitbit. And you’ll need to do some simple math to arrive at your DHRPS ratio.
The study enrolled nearly 7,000 people (average age: 55). Each wore a Fitbit, a device that
straps onto the wrist and is programmed to monitor steps taken and average heart rate each day. (Fitbits also have other features such as reminders to be active, a tracker of how far you’ve walked, and sleep quality, but these weren’t part of this study.)
Over the five years of the study, volunteers took more than 50 billion steps. When each individual’s DHRPS was calculated and compared with their other health information, researchers found that higher scores were linked to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension); coronary atherosclerosis, heart attack, and heart failure; stroke.
The DHRPS had stronger associations with these diseases than either heart rate or step count alone. In addition, people with higher DHRPS scores were less likely to report good health than those who had the lowest scores. And among the 21 study subjects who had exercise stress testing, those with the highest DHRPS scores had the lowest capacity for exercise.
In this study, DHRPS scores were divided into three groups:
√ Low: 0.0081 or lower
√ Medium: higher than 0.0081 but lower than 0.0147
√ High: 0.0147 or higher.
How to make daily heart rate per step calculations
Here’s how it works. Let’s say that over a onemonth period your average daily heart rate is 80 and your average step count is 4,000. That means your DHRPS equals 80/4,000, or 0.0200. If the next month your average heart rate is still 80 but you take about 6,000 steps a day, your DHRPS is 80/6,000, or 0.0133. Since lower scores are better, this is a positive trend.
Should you start calculating your DHRPS?
Do the results described in this study tempt you to begin monitoring your DHRPS? You may decide to hold off until further research confirms actual health benefits from knowing that ratio.
This study merely explored the relationship between DHRPS and risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease like heart attack or stroke. This type of study can only establish a link between the DHRPS and disease. It can’t determine whether a higher score actually causes them.
Can soft drinks, sports drinks and energy drinks fit into a healthy diet?
By Heidi McIndoo
The healthy beverage business is booming. You can find flavored seltzers, vitamin-infused water, all sorts of “sports drinks” and now, prebiotic sodas. Yep, the same ones you may have seen all over social media. In looking for an alternative to sugar-laden sodas, many turn to those sports drinks, energy drinks, and some of the newer “healthy” sodas. But are those beverages actually a better choice to wash down your lunch?
Traditional sports drinks were developed for a college football team practicing all day in the hot sun. There’s no shortage of neon-colored sport and electrolyte drinks sitting on store shelves. Those bottles are filled with promises of improved physical performance, faster workout recovery and less fatigue.
There’s no shortage of those neon-colored sport and electrolyte drinks sitting on store shelves. They are filled with promises of improved physical performance, faster workout recovery and less fatigue.
They’re made up of sugar, sodium, and more to replace what’s lost in sweat during intense workouts. If you’re not working out intensely for hours, consider these drinks glorified sodas. A 20-ounce bottle of Gatorade provides the equivalent of 8 1/2 teaspoons of added sugar, just shy of the 9 3/4 teaspoons in a 12-ounce can of soda.
Most have sugar-free options that use artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, but excessive amounts of those may contribute to digestive distress. Many energy drinks pose the same concerns.
When it comes to prebiotic sodas and the like, most actually contain far less added sugar and have a bonus of fiber and beneficial prebiotics. These specialized sodas and flavored sparkling waters could be a tasty alternative if you’re looking for some bubbly sweetness in your drink.
Helpful hints
Keep some of these ideas in mind when choosing your next drink. Can you drink just one? Some of these drinks provide two or more servings per bottle. If you down a full bottle in one sitting, be aware you may be getting more calories and sugar than you think.
Water it down. If you really want a sugar-sweetened drink, consider diluting it with water to cut sugar intake but still get some of that flavor. Need a pick-me-up? Consider choosing a simple coffee and some fruit for healthy carbs and caffeine but not the potential 13-plus teaspoons of sugar from an energy drink.
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 Renal Institute • 271-11 76th Ave., New Hyde Park • (718) 289-2600
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It’s likely that you are, or know, a woman with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a painful condition that’s disruptive to daily living and emotionally discouraging.
Many women suffer in silence from this common disorder. But help is available.
POP occurs most often in older women when pelvic organs, like the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend or protrude into the vagina due to weakness in the pelvic floor muscles and tissues that hold these organs in place. POP affects one in four women in their 40s, one in three in their 60s and 50 percent of women in their 80s.
The many painful and awkward symptoms of POP (which intensify as the muscles and tissue weaken) include:
• Bulging or feeling of a mass in the vagina
• Urinary problems, such as frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, or urine leakage when coughing or sneezing
• Constipation or fecal incontinence
• Incessant pain and pressure in the pelvic area lower back
• Increased or discolored vaginal discharge
• Decreased libido
• Lower extremity numbness or weakness (especially when POP is severe).
Women no longer have to suffer in silence. At Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, a team of physician specialists called urogynecologists led by Alan D. Garely, MD, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Division Director of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, are using a minimally invasive, simplified surgical procedure to relieve women who are suffering silently with this burdensome condition.
Using one tiny incision, which is not visible, the procedure takes less than an hour, is done in the hospital, and is out-patient. It requires the insertion of a small anchoring device that lifts and supports pelvic organs and tissues and repositions them to their proper positions, eliminating the need to cut or remove tissue and
Alan Garely, MD, Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science and Division Director of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery at Mount Sinai South Nassau utilizes a minimally invasive surgical procedure for women with pelvic organ prolapse.
insert surgical meshing. Patients don’t need to have a hysterectomy.
A study published in the March 2023 edition of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that the procedure is an effective treatment for uterine prolapse and can be used with other common POP repair procedures.
“When pelvic floor disorders are appropriately diagnosed and treated, the outcomes can be truly remarkable and liberating for patients,” said Dr. Garely.
Dr. Garely and Mount Sinai South Nassau’s team of urogynecologists also specialize in non-surgical and surgical treatments that enable women to gain control over urologic health problems, from urinary incontinence to bladder and voiding
dysfunction.
Each member of the team is fellowship-trained in pelvic surgery, board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and are among the first surgeons in the U.S. to be board-certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. They also have advanced training in gynecologic laparoscopy (an alternative to traditional surgery that uses smaller incisions, for quicker recovery), computer-guided hysterectomy using the da Vinci® Surgical System and a special interest in outpatient care including outpatient laparoscopy (and incisionless prolapse surgery).
On average, they prescribe non-surgical treatments to successfully treat more than 50 percent of patients annually. Nonsurgical options that they prescribe include pelvic floor physical therapy, pessary use (a soft, flexible device that supports the bladder, vagina, uterus, and/or rectum), home exercise regimens, peripheral nerve stimulation (a stimulator implanted near the tailbone to treat urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urgency, frequency, and fecal incontinence) and medication.
Accreditations, designations, and awards that Mount Sinai South Nassau has received in women’s health services include The Joint Commission Perinatal Care Certification; Healthgrades’ FiveStar for Vaginal Delivery, Gynecologic Procedures and Hysterectomy; US News & World Report High Performing Rating in Maternity Care, and Baby Friendly hospital.
To schedule a consultation or for more information, call the hospital’s Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, call (516) 390-2850 or www.southnassau.org.
One Healthy Way Oceanside, NY 11572 • 877-SOUTH-NASSAU (877-768-8462) • www.mountsinai.org/southnassau
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
mountsinai.org/southnassau
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.
Hewlett High School students in the CTeen program at the Chabad of the Five Towns celebrated their Jewish pride at Six Flags Great Adventure.
CTeen 5 Towns, led by Rabbi Meir Geisinsky, of the Chabad of the Five Towns, brought a group of 30 Hewlett High School teens to Six Flags Great Adventure for a day of fun and Jewish pride.
The trip was part of a larger CTeen gathering, where Jewish teens from chapters across the tri-state area came together to connect and strengthen their sense of belonging to something greater than themselves.
“CTeen is about giving Jewish teens a space where they can have fun, feel
proud of who they are, and connect with others who share the same values,” Rabbi Geisinsky wrote in a news release. “This trip was the perfect balance.” The trip left the teens energized and inspired, reinforcing CTeen’s mission of empowering the next generation through social, educational and community experiences.
For more information about upcoming CTeen events contact CTeen director Hadassah Geisinsky at (516) 458-3694.
— Melissa Berman
The Five Towns Jewish community is buzzing with first-day excitement as students across the area’s numerous Jewish day schools return to their classrooms for the 2025-26 academic year.
From preschoolers taking their first steps into formal Jewish education to high school seniors preparing for their final year, the community’s rich educational landscape is coming alive once again.
The Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway welcomed back its students across pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. HAFTR continues its mission of providing dual-curriculum education that seamlessly blends secular studies with Jewish learning.
Over at Brandeis Hebrew Academy, their first day holds extra significance as students get to meet Rabbi Aharon Bain, their new rabbi. The school’s teaching approach balances rigorous academics with deep Jewish learning, creating an environment where students can grow both intellectually and spiritually.
The Hebrew Academy of Long Beach’s first through eighth grade students were welcomed back after a summer off from learning. HALB is dedicated to developing academic excellence in both Judaic and general studies.
— Melissa Berman
Joseph Petraro, 12, is in the running to be Sports Illustrated’s Youth Athlete of the Year.
The winner will receive a feature in a 3BRAND as in Sports Illustrated along with $25,000.
Petraro, a Woodmere resident, has found in sports a way to manage his Tourette’s syndrome and OCD while inspiring others who face similar challenges.
When asked what he loves most about playing sports, he explained how athletics provide him with freedom and belonging. “Sports make everything else disappear,” he said.
His mother Annie adds, “Whether he’s running, on the court, or in the field, he feels free. He thrives on the challenge, the teamwork, and the chance to show that being different doesn’t hold him back, it drives him.”
For Petraro, sports serve as a safe space where his conditions don’t define him but instead reveal his determination and joy.
His inspiration comes from those who persevere despite being underestimated.
“Joey is inspired by anyone who’s ever been counted out but kept going,” Annie said. “From athletes who play through adversity to kids who show up even when it’s hard, they remind him that greatness isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being real.”
Beyond his personal athletic journey, Petraro has channeled his experiences into helping others by starting Sports4All, his own nonprofit organization focused on inclusion in athletics.
“He may not always be the best on the team, but he’s always the most authentic,” Annie said. “He uses every game to learn, lead, and lift others.”
To vote for Joseph Petraro, go to athleteoftheyear.org.
— Melissa Berman
Chabad of the Five Towns Woodmere Middle School Jewish girls group came together for an evening to “Pack It Forward.”
The girls packed and decorated backpacks with iron-on patches, filling them with school supplies for local girls in need. Each backpack also included a handwritten personal note, offering words of care and friendship to the recipient.
“Each backpack was filled with heart, creativity, and kindness,” Hadassah Gei-
sinsky, organizer of the event wrote in a news release. “It was a beautiful way to start the school year by giving to others, reminding our girls that their small acts of care have a big impact.”
Beyond the supplies, they gave the gift of connection, showing that kindness, when shared, can ripple far beyond one evening. The event aimed to ensure every child begins the school year with confidence, encouragement, and support.
— Melissa Berman
In the dynamic world of real estate, one name is prominent: Richard Baumel. Richard’s commitment to his clients and deep connection to the neighborhoods he serves set him apart. With a lifetime of experience living in Far Rockaway, Atlantic Beach, Long Beach, Cedarhurst, Manhattan, and Woodmere, Richard brings unmatched local knowledge to his work. He goes beyond selling homes; he creates legacies, nurtures dreams, and builds communities. Choosing Richard means gaining more than a realtor – you gain an ally, a neighbor, and a friend who will guide you towards your future.
your
Lawrence School District kicked off the 2025–2026 school year with a New Staff Orientation for its newest educators.
Lawrence Primary School Principal Kristen Panzarella and Guidance Counselor Stephanie Henderson led the event.
Held in the days leading up to the start of school, the orientation provided an in-depth look into the district’s mission and vision, emphasizing a unified commitment to student achievement, equity, and educational excellence. New educators engaged in sessions focused on curriculum planning, instructional technology platforms, and the collaborative culture that defines the Lawrence learning community.
Panzarella and Henderson guided staff through the district’s core values, instructional priorities, and available resources ensuring each new team member felt supported, connected, and empowered to begin their journey.
“We are building the road to success, brick by brick,” Panzarella wrote in a news release. “Our goal is to ensure that every educator, from their first day, has the tools and guidance they need to inspire students and help them reach their Wildly Important Goals.”
Courtesy Lawrence School District
New Lawrence School District educators
Drake Gallo, back left, Marissa Bucaro, Jessica Mallozzi, Danielle Simpson, and Alexandria Falco. Jamie Romano, front left, Kristin Conroy, Elizabeth Betz, and Christina Franceschini at the New Staff Orientation.
The orientation highlighted the district’s investment in both student outcomes and educators’ professional growth and sense of belonging.
“Lawrence looks forward to the contributions these new professionals will bring to the classroom and the broader school community,” according to the press release.
— Melissa Berman
Golf’s biggest international showdown is coming to Long Island, and fans without tickets won’t have to miss a moment of the action.
The Ryder Cup, the biennial men’s golf competition that pits the best players from the United States against Europe, will be played Sept. 26–28 on the storied Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale. Organizers expect roughly 25,000 spectators each day as the American team looks to reclaim the cup after Europe’s victory in 2023 in Rome.
For those who couldn’t land passes to Bethpage, Nassau County is bringing the excitement just a few miles south to East Meadow. A free, open-air watch party will unfold on the Kite Field at Eisenhower Park from noon to 6 p.m. each day of the tournament.
Large screens will stream live coverage while fans spread out on the lawn with blan-
kets and chairs. Food trucks and casual concessions are expected, and no advance registration or tickets are required.
The weekend will kick off with a concert and fireworks on Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. On Sept. 26, there will be a Steve Aoki concert at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. Friday and Saturday’s watch parties will also include ticket giveaway drawings and more.
The watch party also gives out-of-town visitors a reason to explore beyond the fairways. Nassau County tourism highlights range from Gold Coast mansions and local museums to scenic waterfronts and gourmet markets, offering plenty of ways to round out a golf-themed weekend.
For more details, visit Nassau County’s tourism site, NassauCountyTourism.com.
—Jordan Vallone
Built in the roaring 20’s, 220 Woodside Drive has hosted nearly a century of style, grace, and unforgettable moments. It is more than just a home; it’s a testament to timeless elegance and modern convenience.
This coastal home is your ultimate summer retreat. With its waterfront views, private dock, in ground pool, and access to private beaches, this Atlantic Beach home has everything you need to make memories that last a lifetime.
Steven Kramer and his team are recognized for delivering exceptional results for almost two decades. Known for their integrity, market insight, and results-driven approach, the team specializes in premier resales and new developments across Manhattan and Long Island. From first-time buyers to high-profile clients, they deliver a seamless, successful experience.
Don’t miss your chance to make either of these remarkable homes your own! Reach out today to schedule a private showing.
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Estate
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
Three New York State senators called for a forensic audit of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority during a press conference at the Mineola train station on Sept. 8, blasting the agency’s plan to raise Long Island Rail Road fares and have fourhour expiration limits on single-ride tickets.
The MTA proposal, released July 30, would mark the agency’s first increases since 2023, when both fares and tolls climbed by more than 4 percent. Officials say the changes are necessary to maintain service levels and support a transit system still recovering from the financial strain of the pandemic.
For the LIRR, the MTA is proposing an average 4.4 percent fare hike on one-way peak, monthly, and weekly tickets. Offpeak city tickets would increase by 25 cents, to $5.25, and peak city trips would rise to $7.25. Monthly tickets would be capped at $500.
In addition, all one-way tickets would automatically activate upon purchase and expire within four hours.
State Sen. Jack Martins said commuters are being “gouged” while the MTA, which he says operates on a $19.9 billion budget, has failed to demonstrate cost-cutting measures.
“I have yet to see a time when the MTA
has come out and said, ‘We’re cutting our expenses, we’re cutting costs,’” Martins said. “Let’s put the burden on the MTA, and frankly, on the governor and Albany, to show some real leadership and finally bring that $19.9 billion budget into some sense of sanity.”
Martins noted that a round-trip peak fare from Mineola to Penn Station currently costs $29, which could exceed $30 if the increase takes effect in January 2026.
“For those who don’t commute daily, that’s a steep cost for a simple trip into the city,” he said.
State Sen. Steve Rhoads echoed Martins’ concerns, describing the MTA as “addicted to spending.” He cited recurring structural deficits — nearly $2 billion last year — and a $70 billion capital plan, that he says “half of which they didn’t have the funding for.”
“If you give your kids $20 allowance on Sunday and they ask for another $20 on Thursday, you’d want to know where the first $20 went,” Rhoads said. “The governor and legislature never ask those questions of the MTA.”
Rhoads called the proposed four-hour expiration policy on single-ride tickets “absurd,” arguing that it serves no purpose other than squeezing more money from commuters.
“Stop the stupidity of trying to balance our tax on commuters,” he said.
Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
They both have a strong commitment to supporting individuals and families aligned with Tempo’s mission, and will provide strategic guidance as Tempo Group Counseling Services continues to expand its
and
stressed that the MTA should address fare evasion, which she said costs the agency an estimated $700 million annually, rather than hiking prices for law-abiding riders.
“We keep going back to the same well,” she said. “Make sure we look at our expenses, try to cut the expenses, instead of just increasing the revenue on the backs of Long Island Rail Road commuters.”
To make matters worse for commuters, LIRR unions are threatening to strike as early as Sept. 18, after contract negotiations with the MTA stalled. Five unions, representing nearly half of the LIRR’s 7,000 employees, are seeking a 15 percent wage increase over three years, while the MTA is holding to an offer of 9.5 percent over the same period.
If the strike goes forward, it could shut down the entire commuter rail system, stranding the roughly 300,000 riders who rely on it each weekday. The MTA is preparing contingency plans, including shuttle buses to connect LIRR stations with subway hubs in Queens, and encouraging remote work for those who can.
A strike could still be avoided if a federal Presidential Emergency Board is appointed to mediate the dispute, a process available under federal law governing railroads. So far, no requests have been made by the unions, the MTA, or Gov. Kathy Hochul to trigger that step.
“Perhaps it’s time for the governor to reach out to the president and ask for a
Brian Kacharaba/Herald New York State Senators Steve Rhoads, from left, Jack Martins, and Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, are calling for an audit on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s finances.
mediator to be appointed to avert the strike that’s really on the horizon, September 18th, right around the corner,” Martins said. “So, I hope that all sides come together because this region can’t afford a Long Island Rail Road strike.”
As the strike deadline approaches, the state is weighing on how best to keep the region moving if talks collapse.
“Let’s be clear: Long Islanders are now facing the possibility of a labor action on the LIRR because the Trump administration took the unprecedented and reckless step of ending federal mediation early,” said Gordon Tepper, Hochul’s Long Island press secretary. “It’s now up to the unions to come to the table and negotiate in good faith with the MTA.”
By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com
Over the past year, a drivethrough coffee chain has rapidly expanded across Long Island — and soon, Five Towns residents will get their first sip.
Ready Coffee, a Hudson Valley–based chain, is opening its newest location at 1600 Broadway, Hewlett. The drivethrough will replace Dairy Barn, a Long Island convenience store chain founded in 1939 and acquired by Ready Coffee in 2024.
Although no official opening date has been announced, Ready Coffee Chief Executive Officer Jed Bonnem said the Hewlett location is nearly finished, and the chain is aiming for a grand opening by the end of September.
“We will conduct a grand opening, that will be free drinks all day, it’s like the grand openings we have done at our other locations, it is something that the communities really love, it’s fun, it’s energizing, it brings everybody out,” Bonnem said. “We always think of the community first, our goal is to bring something
Ready Coffee, a drive-through coffee chain, plans to open its newest Long Island location in Hewlett near the end of September.
really great to the community, if we could do that while turning something old into something new, it’s even better.”
The chain opened its first store in Wappingers Falls in 2019 and now operates four locations in the Hudson Valley.
Since acquiring Dairy Barn in 2024, Ready Coffee has launched five Long Island stores — in Baldwin, Glen Cove, Lynbrook, North Baldwin and Freeport.
The new Hewlett location has already received support
from many residents and organizations throughout the Five Towns.
David Friedman, president of the Hewlett-Woodmere Business Association, said he and the group have already connected with Ready Coffee and
invited the chain to join.
“I think that it will be a plus for the community,” Friedman said. “I know that we have had a lot of local residents and business owners who used to love the original Dairy Barn, who have asked when we would have something convenient like this where they can do a drive- through. We have invited Ready Coffee to join the business association and offered to do a ribbon cutting for them.”
Some neighboring businesses have also expressed their support for the incoming business.
“I think it is going to be great for the area,” Terri Maher the head of human resources at Phill’s Body Works said. “I hate to see any places empty. I am looking forward to it because there is really not a close place to get a cup of coffee around here unless you go to 7/11.”
For updates on the grand opening, visit Ready Coffee’s Instagram page, @readycoffeeco.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH | 6:00PM
As Nassau Community College kicks off its fall semester, the school is seeing its strongest growth in years.
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
As Nassau Community College kicks off its fall semester, Vice President of Community and Governmental Relations Jerry Kornbluth said the school is seeing its strongest growth in years — and is preparing to launch its first career and technical education program in construction.
“Enrollments are up actually, as of right now, close to 6 percent,” Kornbluth said. “We projected flat enrollment, so being up six by double of what we were every semester for the last three years, that’s extremely encouraging.”
Data obtained by the Herald confirmed that from last year to this year, enrollment rose nearly 7 percent. The increase comes despite a tuition hike of $190 this year, keeping the annual cost below $6,000.
The college has also made visible campus improvements. Kornbluth pointed to new sidewalks, more green space, and other upgrades aimed at creating a welcoming environment for students. Athletic programs are also underway, with a new football coach taking the field this season.
In addition, Nassau secured reaffirmation of its accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that the education it provides continues to meet all required standards.
On the curriculum side, NCC will launch its first workforce development program in basic construction skills this October — a course Kornbluth described as a gateway to expanded offerings in trades and technical education.
“It prepares students for entry-level
positions on project sites, providing the basics in safety, hand and power tools, construction math, materials handling, construction drawings, rigging and employable skills,” Kornbluth said. “Once you get the first step in, it makes it easy. We know we’re going to be successful because we did a lot of homework and spoke to a lot of people.”
The program, developed in consultation with school superintendents, labor unions, and local industry leaders, is designed to connect students directly with job opportunities. NCC is already partnering with firms such as H2M and the Hauggland Group, as well as regional water districts, to create internship pathways.
“Folks in those careers right now are at the end of their career,” Kornbluth said. “They don’t have people they can hand off these skills to. So they’re definitely looking for a new breed of students that want to enter into these careers.”
Beyond workforce training, Nassau is also expanding its culinary arts program. A new culinary building, now under construction with county and state funding, will allow the school to grow enrollment from about 45 to more than 200 students. The project is expected to be completed within two years.
Looking ahead, Kornbluth said the college intends to build on its momentum by expanding its nursing and allied health programs while phasing out outdated offerings.
“We want to expand the programs that are really productive for students,” he said. “Students can come here, get a two-year degree, and get a job if they don’t want to continue their education. We want to fulfill the mission of what a community college should be like.”
By Karen Bloom
Autumn’s many pleasures are upon us — and nothing says fall quite like a trip to the apple orchards.
As September rolls in, the air turns crisp, leaves begin to glow and our taste buds are tempted by the flavors that define this fleeting season: juicy apples, fresh-pressed cider and, of course, pumpkins. It’s the perfect time to gather family and friends, head to a local orchard, and fill your baskets with fall’s sweetest treasures.
Apple season is now in full swing, wich picking continuing into mid-October — giving everyone a chance to savor the harvest. When it comes to choosing apples, there’s no shortage of flavor. Local orchards are brimming with varieties to suit every taste and recipe.
Best for snacking: Crisp, juicy favorites like McIntosh, HoneyCrisp, Macoun, Zestar, Granny Smith, and Paula Red are perfect eaten fresh off the tree. More adventurous pickers might enjoy Cortland, Empire, Jonagold, or Crispin (also known as Mutsu).
Best for baking: McIntosh and Cortland shine in pies, crisps, and cakes — Cortlands, in particular, need less sugar because of their natural sweetness. Rome, Empire, Fuji, Crispin, and Ginger Gold are also reliable choices. For pies, a mix of varieties such as Crispin, Cortland, Rome, Granny Smith, and Northern Spy often brings out the best flavor.
Best for sauces and more: Paula Reds cook down beautifully into applesauce, while Cortlands add flavor and color to salads. And, of course, fresh-pressed cider remains the season’s star — orchards throughout the region urge everyone to “buy local” and enjoy each batch.
Once home with your bounty, make delectable apple treats.
is surely one of the definitive desserts of the season.
Filling:
• 3 pounds apples, to yield 2 pounds peeled, cored, and sliced apples; about 9 cups
• 1/4 cup (57g) rum, apple cider or juice, or water
• 1/4 to 3/4 cup (53g to 159g) light brown sugar or 1/4 cup (53g) dark brown sugar, depending on the sweetness/tartness of your apples
• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (43g) boiled cider, optional but good
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Apple Pie Spice, or 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg + 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 3 tablespoons (20g) unbleached all-purpose flour or tapioca flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
• 3/4 cup (90g) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (45g) quick-cooking oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup (142g) light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 8 tablespoons (113g) butter, cold, cut in pats
• 1/2 cup (57g) diced pecans or walnuts, optional
Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9” x 9” square cake pan, or similar-size casserole pan. Slice the apples about 1/4” thick. Toss them with the remaining filling ingredients, and spread them in the pan.
To make the topping, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add the cold butter, working it in to make an unevenly crumbly mixture. Stir in the nuts, if you’re using them.
Spread the topping over the apples in the pan. Set the pan on a parchment or foil-lined cookie sheet, to catch any potential drips. Bake for about 60 minutes, till bubbling and top is golden brown.
Remove to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. If you serve the crisp hot/warm, it may be quite soft; you wait till it’s completely cool, it’ll firm up nicely.
Note: To make individual crisps, grease eight 8-ounce capacity baking dishes, and proceed with the recipe accordingly, baking the smaller crisps for 45 to 55 minutes.
New York Apple Slaw Salad
•
A tasty side with plenty of crunch.
chopped green cabbage
• 1 cup(s) sliced, finely chopped red cabbage
• 1 medium red apple, sliced thin and cut into
small matchsticks
• 1 medium green apple, sliced thin and cut into small matchsticks
• 1 cup(s) grated carrot
• 1/4 cup(s) shelled, roasted pistachios
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoon(s) apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) country Dijon mustard (such as Grey Poupon)
• 1 tablespoon(s) honey
In a cruet or jar, combine dressing ingredients and shake well. Set aside. Combine cabbage, carrot and apples into a large bowl.
Chop pistachios with a knife or use a chopper. Add chopped pistachios to the bowl. Add dressing, salt and pepper to taste, and stir well. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes; stir again before serving.
Apples and cranberries combine for a welcome ending to any meal.
• Pastry for a 2 crust deep dish 9-inch pie
• 4 cups sliced, pared tart apples (thickly sliced)
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter
Preheat oven to 425° F. Prepare pastry. In large bowl, combine sugars, flour and cinnamon. Add apples and cranberries. Mix to coat well. Turn into prepared pie pan. Dot with butter. Cover with second crust and seal to bottom crust edge by pressing edges together, then flute. Cut slits in top crust. Bake 40-45 minutes until crust is lightly browned. Cover edge of crust with foil if crust is browning too quickly. Cool.
Both Sides Now: Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen
This intimate theatrical concert explores the music and lives of longtime friends and one-time lovers, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Created by, and starring folk-rocker Robbie Schaefer and award-winning jazz vocalist Danielle Wertz, the cabaretstyle performance — developed at Washington D.C’s Signature Theatre — traverses decades alongside songs such as “A Case of You,” “Hallelujah,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Suzanne,” and many more. Both Sides Now is at once a piece of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and of right now — offering us a story about the messiness of being human, of lives persistently lived at the edge of growth, and of finding the courage to turn toward one another, again and again. Robbie, a rabbi, singersongwriter and theater-film artist, and Danielle, a storyteller-composerarranger, pair up for an unforgettable evening.
Friday, Sept. 12, 8 p.m. $39, $36, $31. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.
For over 40 years the band from Down Under continues to shine. See what critics have acclaimed as “the gold standard” of tribute acts with stunning special effects that re-create Pink Floyd’s legendary stage shows. The band performs the seminal album Wish You Were Here in its entirety, including all nine parts of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” along with tunes from The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. With colorful lighting and video, pinpoint lasers, gargantuan inflatables and flawless live sound that was the benchmark of Pink Floyd shows, the band delivers a memorable experience. Replicating music from every phase of Pink Floyd’s journey, this tour reinforces their dedication to the heritage of Barrett, Waters, Gilmour, Wright and Mason.
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 8 p.m. $105.25, $88, $77.75, $66.25, $55.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: Ongoing
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
SEPT
New York City-based writer-performer Joriah Kwame, a Jonathan Larson Grant recipient visits Adelphi University for a special concert appearance. Kwame, who has a deep passion for musical theater, showcases work from various projects in development. He is most known for writing the viral song “Little Miss Perfect,” of which he is developing a stage musical of the same name. His current slate of projects (both original and adaptations) ranges widely, featuring collaborations with artists like Debbie Allen, Lena Waithe, Siedah Garrett, Marcus Gardley, Lauren Gunderson, and Sam Pinkleton Tickets start at $25, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees.
Get in the groove with the NYC Ska Orchestra. This 20-piece big band blends the exuberant musical layers of the jazz big band era with Jamaican roots music. The top-notch musicians, led by arranger-trumpetervocalist Kevin Batchelor deliver a lively concert that surely will lead you to want to get up out of your seat and dance. The band features star turns from celebrated octogenarian percussionist/vocalist Larry McDonald and master drummer Carl Wright. Alongside a powerhouse collective of instrumental artists from the reggae recording scene, bandmembers have performed with Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Toots & the Maytals. Together they play a non-stop selection of lush original compositions and arrangements of songs from the richly historic and culturally iconic Jamaican musical styles of 1950s and ’60s ska, mento, rocksteady and jazz. Don’t know the difference between mento and two-tone? Let this collective of musicians be your guide. The passionate team of talented musicians each bring unique energy and expertise to create an unforgettable sound experience. The band includes Pallavi Gummalam and singer/arranger Aida Brandies Hargrove, joined by top-notch pros who all combine for a hugely entertaining, danceable, unforgettable show. $42, $37 members..
•Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington
• Time: 8 p.m.
•Contact: landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444
McGready explores the decade or so before the Revolutionary War in New York, and the long years that followed at Rock Hall.
•Where: 199 Broadway, Lawrence
•Time: 1:30 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 239-1157
This presentation — part lecture, part live performance — invites all to take a deeper dive into just over a half dozen songs by the Beatles at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library. Obtain a better understanding of the band as musicians, songwriters and artists.
15
Empire Safety Defense Driving Course
Empire Safety holds a defensive driving course for all nearby residents at Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library. Improve driving skills, obtain insurance discounts and reduce points. Class is limited to 25 participants. The instructor collects payment of $33 via cash, check or money order, payable to “Empire Safety Council” –during the first class. Registration required.
•Where: 1125 Broadway
•Time: 5:45-8:45 p.m., also Sept. 16
•Contact: hwpl.org
•Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City
•Time: 3 p.m.
•Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or call (516) 877-4000
14
13 New York City’s American Revolution Speaker Blake
•Where: 1125 Broadway
•Time: 2:30-4 p.m.
•Contact: hwpl.org
Eisenhower Park welcomes country singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde.
She delivers tales of broken hearts and the honky-tonk life.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 6 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
16
Hybrid Book Discussion meets
Join Esther Davidson for an engaging discussion of Colm Tóibín’s “Long Island” at Peninsula Public Library. This sequel to “Brooklyn” follows Eilis Lacey as she navigates a crisis in her marriage to Tony Fiorello and her return to Ireland after 20 years.
Registration required.
•Where: 280 Central Ave., Lawrence
•Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
•Contact: peninsulapublic.org or call (516) 239-3262
Movie matinne
SEPT 17
Stop by Peninsula Public Library to see 2024’s “Mean Girls,” a reboot of the 2004 film. It stars Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Auli’i Cravalho, and Christopher Briney. Tina Fey and Tim Meadows reprise their roles from the original film.
•Where: 280 Central Ave., Lawrence
•Time: 1-3 p.m.
•Contact: peninsulapublic.org or call (516) 239-3262
The Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education holds its monthly regular meeting. Keep up with the school district.
•Where: 1 Johnson Place
•Time: 7:30 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 374-8100
Lawrence Board of Trustees meet The Village Board holds its next meeting.
•Where: 196 Central Ave.
•Time: 8 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 239-4600 SEPT
Hewlett Elementary School Students are invited to come back to school for a Glowin Back to School party.
•Where: 1570 Broadway Hewlett
•Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 792-4500
Join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular Brown Bag Lecture. Experience the museum’s exhibition “At Play: Artists & Entertainment” through a lively and informative presentation. Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Registration not required. First come, first seated.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: 1 p.m., also Oct. 23
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
SEPT 19
Parti-gras at the park
Poison frontman Bret Michaels and former Eagles member Don Felder bring their spirited concert to Eisenhower Park. Rock on to fan favorite tunes.
•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.
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
East Meadow-based EPIC Long Island has teamed up with Nassau BOCES Adult Education to launch a new training program aimed at bolstering the next generation of certified direct support professionals, who care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Direct support professionals, or DSPs, play a vital role in assisting people with a variety of needs, from transportation and personal care to individualized support, cooking and cleaning, program organizers said in a press release shared with the Herald. The new program, beginning this fall at Nassau BOCES Career and Technical Education Center in Westbury, will be open to adults 18 and older.
“With direct support in healthcare being one of the biggest industries on Long Island, there is a need for these professionals,” Brad Slepian, Nassau BOCES Adult Education supervisor, said. “We are excited to partner with EPIC LI to bring this training to our students. These professionals will ultimately assist people in realizing their full potential and help them become integrated and engaged in their community.”
EPIC Long Island, part of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, operates a day habilitation program in
East Meadow, 18 group homes across Nassau and Suffolk counties, and clinical services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Nassau BOCES provides programs for learners of all ages and abilities while offering cost-effective services for school districts and municipalities. Its programs range from alternative and special education to career and technical training, adult education and professional development, supporting teaching and learning across Long Island. The agency also delivers technology services that function as the backbone of
many districts’ infrastructure and plays a leading role in implementing state education reforms.
The course, which runs about three months, combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Students will study everything from the direct support professional’s code of ethics to strategies for creating a person-centered culture, best practices for teamwork, and stress-management techniques. EPIC staff will also provide instruction on topics such as incident management and reporting.
Graduates will leave prepared to
enter one of Long Island’s most indemand fields. Those who complete the program will be interviewed for openings at EPIC and will also have opportunities to apply with other state-certified providers. Nassau BOCES said it would continue to support graduates as they transition into the workforce.
“The direct support professional role is the backbone of quality care for people with disabilities,” Lisa Burch, president and CEO of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, said. “We are proud to partner with Nassau BOCES to offer this training program, strengthening Long Island’s workforce and addressing the urgent need for skilled DSPs in our region. Graduates will leave with the certification, training and skills to support the independence and quality of life of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
The new program, agency leadership said, comes as the need for DSPs continues to rise across Long Island, where these caregivers are critical in helping individuals live independent, fulfilling lives.
For more information on the program, run dates and how to apply, visit NassauBOCES.org. To learn more about EPIC Long Island and its myriad of services, visit EPICLI.org.
EPIC Long Island’s headquarters are at 1500 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow.
The Lawrence School District held a district-wide Staff Development Day to kick off the 2025–2026 school year, offering targeted training sessions designed to equip staff with essential tools, strategies, and certifications to support student success.
Educators, specialists, and staff from all schools and departments gathered at various district locations for a full day of hands-on workshops, data analysis, curriculum training, and collaborative planning sessions.
Superintendent Ann Pedersen and district leaders emphasized the importance of ongoing professional learning and collaboration across departments.
“Our Staff Development Day reflects
our belief that every staff member plays a critical role in student achievement,” Pedersen wrote in a news release. “By investing in training, technology, and teamwork, we ensure our staff are ready to meet the diverse needs of our students from day one.”
The day reflected the district’s commitment to continuous professional growth, safety, innovation, and instructional excellence.
“The Lawrence School District is proud to begin the school year with a renewed commitment to excellence and innovation,” according to the news release.
— Melissa Berman
LEGAL NOTICE
SURROGATE’S COURT, NASSAU COUNTY
CITATION
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,
By the Grace of God Free and Independent
TO:Grassi & Co. ,Office of the New York State Attorney General, Jasper Surety, Maria Fiorello, Rosario Musso, Angela Oliveri, Giuseppe Badalamenti, Angela Fiorello Migliore, Giuseppa Fiorello, Giuseppe Fiorello, Tony Fiorello, Angela Fiorello DeLuca, Antonino Passalacqua, Vincenza Passalacqua, Mario Fiorello, Dino Fiorello, Antonio Badalmente, Pietro Musso, Patricia Finlayson, Stephen Codoluto, Joseph Monterosso, Jr., Joseph Montrose, Frank Montrose, Diane Montrose, Sandra Montrose, Marie Monterosso, Gloria Mcerlean, Dennis Shanley, Estate of Nancy Shanley, Vincenza Musso, any and all unknown persons whose names or parts of whose names and whose place or places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, distributees, heirs-atlaw and next-of-kin of the said Frank Fiorello, deceased, and if any of the said distributees named specifically or as a class be dead, their legal representatives, their husbands or wives, if any, distributees and successors in interest whose names and/or places of residence and post office addresses are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained.
A petition having been duly filed by Nassau County Public Administrator, who is domiciled at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York 11501.
YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, on October 8, 2025, at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why the account of Nassau County Public Administrator, a summary of which has been served herewith, as Administrator of the estate of Frank Fiorello, should not be judicially settled.
[X] Further relief sought (if any):
1.Releasing and discharging the Petitioner from all liability, responsibility, and accountability as to all matters set forth in the account of proceedings;
2.Allowing the commissions of the Petitioner in the amount of $ 15,907.38 pursuant to SCPA 2307(1) and the reasonable and necessary expenses of the office in the amount of $ 3,969.12 pursuant to SCPA 1207(4);
3.Fixing and determining the attorney’s fees and disbursements of Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC attorney for petitioner in the amount of $ 38,500.00, of which $13,500.00 has been paid and $ 25,000.00 is unpaid;
4.Fixing and determining the accounting fees of Grassi & Co, CPA’s, PC in the amount of $6,000.00, NONE of which has been paid and $ 6,000.00 is unpaid;
5.Releasing and discharging the surety;
6.Directing each of you claiming to be a distributee of the Decedent to establish proof of your kinship, and show cause why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship or deposited with the New York State Comptroller on account for the unknown next of kin of Frank Fiorello, decedent, should said alleged distributees default herein or fail to establish proof of kinship, and further directing the share determined to be payable to Estate of Nancy Shanley, if any, be deposited with the New York State Comptroller on account for the unknown next of kin of Nancy Shanley, post deceased alleged distributee, should said alleged distributees default herein, or fail to establish proof of kinship;
7.Granting such other and further relief as to the Court is just and proper.
Dated, Attested, and Sealed, August 6, 2025 (Seal)
HON.HON. MARGARET
C. REILLY
s/ Debra Keller
Leimbach Chief Clerk
Richard T. Kerins, Esq.
Signature of Attorney
Print Name of Attorney Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC
Firm Name (516) 538-1111
Telephone 254 Nassau Boulevard South, Garden City South, New York 11530
Address rkerins@mmkolaw.com
Email (optional)
NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you, and you or your attorney may request a copy of the full account from the petitioner or petitioner’s attorney. 155258
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST HEINRIC ROSENBLUM AKA HEINRICH ROSENBLUM, SARA HAMER AKA SHERRI SARA HAMER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 16, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 9 Park Circle, Cedarhurst, NY 11516. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Cedarhurst, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 39 Block 122 and Lot 69. Approximate amount of judgment $699,167.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #606257/2023.
Adrienne Flipse Hausch, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-000053 86739 155218
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, September 11, 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 August 28, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR
Lisa James VILLAGE CLERK 155548
LEGAL NOTICE
INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LAWRENCE NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING and PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there will be a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Lawrence, at Lawrence Village Hall, 196 Central Avenue, Lawrence, New York 11559, on the 18th day of September, 2025, at 6:30 PM, Eastern Standard Time, and one (1) Public Hearing with respect to the following matter: Public Hearing re: Proposed Local Law #9 of 2025 “ A Local Law to amend the Village Code regarding Planning Board members
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT copies of the proposed items described above are on file/available in the office of the Village Clerk of the Village of Lawrence, NY, where the same is available for public inspection during regular office hours.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard on all meeting matters at the place and time aforesaid. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the
Woodmere’s Avi Fertig named Director of Career Services at Touro University’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences.
Avi Fertig, Woodmere resident, was appointed Director of Career Services at Touro University’s Lander College of Arts & Sciences.
Fertig is a public affairs professional who has spent his decades-long career solving problems and connecting people with opportunities. He will lead career services for undergraduate students, guiding them from career exploration to employment through advising, workshops and events.
Fertig previously served as executive director of the 47th Street Business Improvement District and led communications, marketing, and nonprofit initiatives across government, private, and community sectors. He held roles as Communications Director and Special Assistant to the Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, Deputy Press Secretary for New York City Council and Director of Community Affairs for the Nassau County Legislature.
“Throughout my professional career in a range of settings from politics to marketing, I have worked to develop creative approaches to solving and
Village Clerk at least 5 days before the meeting.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to the requirements of the Open Meetings Law of the State of New York, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Lawrence will
convene in public meeting at the place and time aforesaid for the purpose of conducting a regular meeting where general business will be conducted.
Dated: September 2, 2025 By Order of
resolving issues people face,” Fertig wrote in a news release. “I’m excited by the opportunity to work with young people to hear their challenges and come up with solutions that will impact their lives and careers for years to come.”
In his new role, Fertig plans to build partnerships with employers, alumni, and faculty to expand internships and job opportunities, while preparing students with resumes and LinkedIn support, interview coaching and networking skills.
“We are thrilled to have Avi Fertig on board as our new Director of Career Services,” Dean Robert Goldschmidt of Touro University wrote in a news release. “We know his experience building coalitions and guiding organizations will serve Touro well as he uses those well-honed skills to engage with students, employers and stakeholders ensuring that Touro graduates are positioned for long-term success in whatever field they choose to enter.”
— Melissa Berman
Bar Harbour, spectacular expanded multi-level Ranch in the heart of South Massapequa Park. Unique one-of-a-kind home offering expansive living space and luxurious details throughout including crown moldings and coffered ceilings. The main level features a family room with a fireplace, separate formal living room, an updated eat-in kitchen, spacious dining room, convenient butler’s pantry, stylish half bath, and a laundry room—all thoughtfully laid out for everyday comfort and entertaining. The upper levels boast a primary suite complete with a full bath and generous walk-in closets,
‘How does anybody want to do business here?’
Q. Can you explain why I have to go back through a whole repeat of applying for a permit that has already been approved twice in the past 10 years for the same thing? I bought a property that I was told could be developed for multiple families. I looked up the records and found that it had been approved as recently as 10 years ago, but the person who was getting the permit must have run out of money or something. I applied for the exact same thing and was told I would have to go through applying for the permit, getting a denial, going through a board meeting with the council, and if approved, would still need to get a zoning variance that has already been given approvals twice before. I was also warned that this whole process could take three to four years. How does anybody want to do business here? Buying a property, paying the taxes, getting nothing, just shelling out loads of money on the assumption that the whole thing will be approved hardly makes it worth it. Is this avoidable? Is there another way?
A. Not every municipality has this long a process, but the process is generally the same in every government, no matter the size. The only way through it is to promptly apply at each stage but, unfortunately, the procedures and rules make the process extremely drawn out. In theory, each phase of approval is intended as a “checks and balances” procedure, and as long as you are writing the checks and keeping the local government’s balances, they rarely try to streamline unless you cooperate. I did recently experience an exception worthy of recognizing Long Beach for its wisdom and compassion toward a homeowner. The person had a deck built that had columns running right along the property line, which is not allowed in the zoning regulations. The owner went through the building permit and zoning variance process, but the contractor deviated from the plans once the permit was issued.
Instead of putting all the columns right along the property line, even though the second floor deck was set back the required 5 feet, the contractor only put the first two front columns on the property line, and then installed the remaining three columns 5 feet in, so that a car couldn’t park under the deck. It made no sense, but the owner can’t read plans, and didn’t know what was happening until it was too late. They questioned this with their building department, and an official looked at the problem, but instead of forcing the owner to go back through the whole process, the official recognized that this problem had a simpler solution, and only required a letter of explanation from a licensed professional, and the problem will be solved without the expensive and time-consuming burden to the owner.
So it can be done, if only compassion prevailed. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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i’m a capitalist. There, I said it. Even more than that, I’m a Democrat. In fact, I serve as a Democratic national committeeman. I have also been a partner in a small business on Long Island for more than 35 years. Capitalism is neither a threat nor just a theory to me; it is a reality that provides opportunities for me as well as our employees, vendors and clients.
As I write this confession sequestered in my undisclosed location, it is important to remember that our nation’s capitalist economy and entrepreneurial spirit are the envy of the world, attracting workers, investment and admiration. But this success wouldn’t be possible without two critical features: a social safety net that allows people to take risks, start businesses and join unions, and federal funding for research and development.
It is because of my commitment to capitalism that I stand in strong opposition to President Trump’s economic agenda.
Think about the child tax credit, the
Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security — these historic programs achieved by visionary leaders during national crises protect people from the vicissitudes of the market and allow them to pursue economic opportunity. Trump is tearing up that legacy by gutting Medicaid and food assistance for tens of thousands of New Yorkers.
Trump’s economic agenda is an assault on everything from jobs to science.
His Big Beautiful Bill — a big, ugly bill — will spike health care premiums for more than 24 million households that receive health insurance through the ACA exchange, and the exorbitant expense will cost as many as 80,000 New Yorkers their coverage. It will lead to the layoffs of more than 3,000 hospital workers in our state. It will reduce after-tax income not just for the very poor and vulnerable, but also for the middle class. It will raise electricity bills, and make basic consumer goods more expensive. Our small businesses and their employees will suffer the repercussions.
The latest jobs report indicates a slumping economy, with just 22,000 jobs added in August and the unemployment rate at the highest level since October 2021. This will only get worse as the administration’s unprecedented tariffs
are fully implemented. Moreover, Trump’s decision to fire the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner over a weak jobs report and his attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, in addition to eroding the independence of the Fed, are the tactics of a banana republic that undermine American capitalism. Our fellow citizens can’t succeed when they are denied opportunities to enter the middle class and build a future for their families.
Contrary to conventional belief, the federal government has funded and developed leading technologies, such as GPS, Siri, the Covid-19 vaccines, the space program and the internet. According to a recent Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas paper, non-defense government research and development has been responsible for more than 20 percent of productivity growth since World War II. Instead of doubling down on these critical investments, the Trump administration has canceled billions of dollars in grants for the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. His research funding budget would inflict even more austerity. Put simply, this is an assault on American jobs, education, science, health, medicine and our
economic standing in the world.
There’s no question that unchecked government and unchecked capitalism are equally dangerous. Imagine two scenarios: In one, American businesses innovate, grow and compete globally, powered by a workforce with access to health care, education and financial opportunity. That leads to a future in which new industries emerge, lifechanging technologies are invented and prosperity is widely shared.
In the other scenario, we watch our competitive edge erode. Entrepreneurs can’t take risks because they can’t afford to get sick. Innovation stalls. Inequality deepens. Businesses fail. Families suffer.
The choice we face isn’t between capitalism and government, but between a sustainable capitalism that works for all and a broken system that serves and favors only a few. If we are to create jobs, power local businesses, develop innovation and protect the American dream, we must rise above party labels and partisan rhetoric and respond as patriots by learning from history. The investments that have cured disease and provided economic growth have made our country the beacon of innovation. That requires standing in defense of capitalism.
Robert Zimmerman is a co-president of ZE Creative Communications in Garden City.
As Atlantic Beach works to untangle its finances and accept the arrival of Chabad of the Beaches, residents have an opportunity — indeed, a duty — to consider what went wrong, and to demand accountability from those responsible. This reflection should take the form of a long look in the mirror.
Atlantic Beach’s 1,700 fulltime residents are not individually to blame for the village’s wasted expenditure of $2 million-plus on the misbegotten attempt to prevent Chabad from opening an outreach center. Nor are they the direct instigators of the avoidable 87 percent local property tax increase imposed in June. That astronomical rate rise resulted primarily from a decade-long failure by local officials to correctly implement Nassau County’s apportionment of tax liability.
Several homeowners have recently expressed their anger and chagrin over
both of these costly bungles. The monthly meetings of the village’s five-member board of trustees have been comparatively well attended this year, with a few vocal locals sharply criticizing those in power. Similarly, turnout was exceptionally high for the June 17 village election in which an incumbent trustee was soundly defeated and two avowed reformers were swept to victory. These dramatic displays of participatory democracy stand in damning contrast, however, to the political quiescence and acquiescence that characterized public affairs in Atlantic Beach in previous years. Village elections had generally gone uncontested since George Pappas defeated longtime incumbent Mayor Stephen Mahler in 2014. Pappas drew a challenger in only one of his five subsequent bids for re-election, including last year, in the midst of the Chabad embarrassment. Contests for the other four trustee seats likewise resulted in most instances in the automatic re-election of unchallenged incumbents.
A pathy prevailed in the village until the Chabad controversy erupted in 2021.
unusual for the monthly board meetings to be attended by fewer than 40 residents, and for the adjournment to take place less than 45 minutes after recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Apathy had been the prevailing attitude in the village until the Chabad controversy erupted in 2021. Even then, 90 percent of village residents didn’t bother to show up at board meetings.
It’s not true that Pappas and his allies on the board — which is to say, all four other members — deliberately set out to dishevel the village’s ledgers and to sully its reputation.
It’s rather the case, with very few exceptions, that they lacked the capacity to handle complex budgetary issues. And why should unvetted volunteers be expected to act as experts on fiscal matters, or any other topic?
A couple of trustees did make antisemitic comments in response to Chabad’s effort to take control of property it had purchased. But there’s no basis for presuming that the former mayor and most of his trusty trustees are religious bigots.
the disasters that befell the village during their tenures. Pappas and his board generally acted in a cliquish, opaque and arrogant manner. They made little or no effort to involve residents in the village’s affairs. The new mayor, Barry Frohlinger, has demonstrated during his first month in office how a public servant ought to operate — that is, with openness, inclusiveness and a degree of humility.
But it will be essential to hold Frohlinger and each of the other new trustees to account. Democracy doesn’t work well when those in power do not have to answer regularly to well-informed constituents. And the governed have an obligation to take part in their government — not necessarily as candidates for office (although that would be a laudable initiative), but definitely as active agents in local affairs.
This is a prescription that should be filled by residents in all of Nassau County’s political jurisdictions, not just Atlantic Beach. Costly fiascos can — and often will — erupt anywhere that citizens fail to exercise due vigilance.
In most of the 10 years in which I have lived in Atlantic Beach, it was not
At the same time, these public officials must not be absolved of blame for
Kevin J. Kelley, a retired journalist and journalism professor, ran unsuccessfully for the Atlantic Beach board of trustees in 2019.
ioften reflect on how people thought differently about the world on Sept. 10, 2001. Then, in an instant, everything changed. I remember the confusion, chaos and fear — and the extraordinary unity that followed. In the days and weeks after the attacks, we weren’t Democrats or Republicans. We were Americans, bound by grief, resolve and an unshakable sense of shared purpose.
I was buoyed by the sight of American flags flying everywhere, on cars, on homes, on buildings. They reminded us, even in our darkest hour, that we were still united as one people. That unity stands in stark contrast to the fractured and divided state of our country today. On this solemn anniversary, I believe Sept. 11 must not only be a day of remembrance, but also a day of recommitment. Let’s rededicate ourselves to the dream that is America — the proposition that all men and women are created equal, and the promise that hard work will be reward-
ed with a decent life. Let’s re-devote ourselves to faith, family, community and country.
I vividly remember those first hours. In Glen Cove, where I was serving as mayor, one of the first decisions we made was to run continuous trips of the Glen Cove Ferry to help bring people trapped in Manhattan to safety. Our crews and volunteers transported thousands of people. It was a small act of service compared with the enormity of what had happened, but it was something tangible, something immediate, something that made a difference.
Lness of those who stood ready to serve. I lost friends and neighbors that day, and I know others who survived because they decided not to go to the office that morning. One friend instead handed out my campaign literature at the train station.
et’s carry forward the spirit of unity and purpose that defined us in those dark days.
We solicited hundreds of volunteer doctors, nurses and first responders to be ferried to the city. We also coordinated with New York City emergency management and Glen Cove Hospital to bring the wounded back to our facility. Sadly, as the day wore on, the reality became painfully clear. There were no wounded. They didn’t need our hospital, or our volunteers — the devastation was so complete that there were no survivors to be saved.
That truth still weighs heavily on me, a reminder of both the cruelty of that day and the extraordinary selfless-
We must be grateful for our lives and what we have when we have it. Let’s do the work we can, while we can.
Over the years, I’ve been privileged to work closely with John Feal, of Commack, a man who turned his own tragedy into a life of service. John was working as a demolition supervisor at ground zero when a falling steel beam crushed his foot. After his injury, he was denied compensation. He made it his mission to fight for others. Through the FealGood Foundation, and with allies like Jon Stewart and many others, we’ve fought hard on behalf of first responders and survivors, ensuring that they receive the care and resources they deserve.
This year, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and I introduced the bipartisan Patriot Day Act, to establish Sept. 11 as a federal holiday. Our goal is simple: to give every American the chance to com-
memorate one of the most significant days in our history. For 24 years we have honored 9/11 in our own ways. By enshrining the day in federal law, we would affirm that remembrance is not optional; it is essential.
But remembering isn’t enough. We owe it to those we lost, and to those who rushed into the burning towers to save others, to carry forward the spirit of unity and purpose that defined us in those dark days. Let us never forget the pain that was visited upon us, the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders and the extraordinary sense of togetherness that carried us through. And most of all, let’s rededicate ourselves to the dream and promise of America, that we’re stronger together, that our differences don’t divide us, and that hope, not hatred, will define our future.
On Sept. 11, 2001, everything changed. Twenty-four years later, the memories are still raw. The grief still lingers. But so, too, does the possibility of renewal. If we remember well, and recommit ourselves, Sept. 11 will not only be a day of mourning, but also a day of resolve. That’s how we can best honor those we lost: by building a country worthy of their sacrifice.
Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.
As county executive, I am proud to announce that Nassau County has reached unprecedented levels of safety during my time in office. Despite having a larger population than 10 U.S. states, our crime numbers have continued to decline every year. After falling by 9 percent in 2024, major crimes are now down by over 13 percent in the county yearto-date in 2025. This is a massive accomplishment for our Nassau County Police Department, and it’s a major reason why we continue to be regarded as the safest county in America.
But despite our accomplishments, we know that we can never rest on our laurels. Every day we strive to find new ways to bring security and peace of mind to our residents. One of my top priorities is protecting our children from criminals who threaten their security at school. With a new academic year underway, many parents may be feeling anxious about shootings and other devastating events that have
repeatedly happened across our country. I am taking every possible step, however, to ensure that those tragedies do not happen in Nassau County.
Last month, I announced that the NCPD was creating and deploying a new Strategic Response Team specifically to safeguard our schools and mitigate any threats to students, teachers and faculty. The team is made up of dozens of dedicated police officers who work closely with school officials to identify and prevent potential threats. I’m proud to say that the team’s deployment was a complete success for this year’s back-toschool transition, and it will be a critical tool moving forward for all of the county’s educational institutions.
W
ith efforts like the largest gang takedown in the county’s history last month.
a week, with many of them known members of gangs like MS-13, the 18th Street Gang and the Trinitarios. This monumental achievement was the largest gang takedown in Nassau County history, and it helped remove illegal criminals who had no business being here in the first place. Nassau is not a sanctuary county, and we will not tolerate criminality from illegal migrants who threaten our neighborhoods.
training alongside our federal, state and local partners. The real-life scenarios and exercises they undertake there will give them the experience to handle any situation they encounter on the job with confidence.
Part of the task of keeping our children safe is ensuring that the streets they live on are free from crime. The NCPD is doing an excellent job of collaborating with local, state and federal partners to achieve this goal. Just last month, we coordinated a tactical takedown of gang members with the assistance of Immigration Customs and Enforcement officials. We arrested dozens of dangerous criminals in less than
Tackling public-safety issues is critically important to me, which is why I’ve made so many investments in our local police. While other counties and leaders are reducing their focus on public safety and seeing an increase in crime, I have authorized hiring over 600 police and correctional officers during my time in office. I plan to expand our law enforcement hires even further in the years to come, to continue giving our residents the security they deserve.
Our officers will be the best in the nation thanks to a brand new policetraining village that we opened this summer. This critical resource will ensure that the brave men and women who protect us receive the best available
In addition to the best training, my administration and the County Legislature are ensuring that our police have the necessary funding to access the most advanced equipment and resources. It’s my goal that every police officer working for the county is put in the best position to do their job effectively so they can return home safely at the end of their shift.
My administration’s commitment to the safety and well-being of our residents has never been stronger. Under my leadership, we will continue to prioritize the safety of our communities so that every resident can live, work and prosper without fear. That means not only maintaining and enhancing our law enforcement resources, but also fostering strong relationships among our police, local organizations and the community. We will engage with residents, listen to their concerns and respond proactively to keep our streets safe. Together we will ensure that Nassau County remains the best place to live for everyone.
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For the past few weeks, the Herald has presented a series on housing and the challenges of finding an affordable place to live for Long Islanders — a necessity that seems to be slipping further from reach for so many in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
For decades, people came here to build lives rooted in family, work and community. These days, however, housing has become not just a financial burden, but also a destabilizing one that threatens health, safety and the very fabric of our towns.
Housing supply has stagnated while demand has soared. Rising rents and homes priced beyond the reach of working families are reshaping daily life. They are forcing impossible choices: whether to stay close to loved ones, whether to sacrifice health care in order to pay the rent or the mortgage, whether to leave Long Island altogether. The crisis is no longer theoretical — it is personal, urgent, and in desperate need of solutions.
Consider the story of Karen Wihlt, whom we featured in Part 2 of our housing series, “Personal stories of L.I.’s housing crisis,” three weeks ago. Wihlt, 58, lives in uncertainty with her service dog in a Bethpage hotel room. After years of building a life here, working as a chef and helping open restaurants around the area, she now faces homelessness.
She can no longer work, but her income from disability benefits — too much for her to qualify for local aid but
letters
King stirs memories of what football used to be
To the Editor:
nowhere near enough for her to afford rent or a continued hotel stay — illustrates the sobering arithmetic of survival on Long Island.
The cost of insecurity reaches beyond the wallet. As Peggy Boyd, vice president of community services and advocacy for the Family Service League, noted in that story, the trauma of losing housing often triggers depression, anxiety and hopelessness. The Family Service League is a social service agency that provides support and security to Long Islanders in need.
Children, the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population nationwide, suffer disrupted schooling, constant moves and the erosion of the routines essential for healthy development. When a child repeatedly sleeps in a car or a motel instead of a bedroom, the damage isn’t just temporary — it echoes through a lifetime.
Even middle-class professionals, long considered the backbone of Long Island, are struggling. Brandon Webber, a lieutenant in the New York City Fire Department, and his fiancée, preschool director Alexa Rubinstein, who rent an apartment in Farmingdale, embody the contradiction: two educated, hardworking adults with multiple jobs who still can’t buy a home in the communities they serve.
For some, like Denise Minicozzi, 60, the only option is to work harder by working more hours — but still never getting ahead. Minicozzi waits tables and works part-time at an assisted-living facility just to cover the $4,200 rent for a
Re Peter King’s op-ed, “College football just ain’t what it used to be,” in last week’s issue: I arrived at Dillon Hall, University of Notre Dame, a graduate of Baldwin High School, in the fall of 1966. Alan Page walked through Dillon every day from Alumni Hall to get to the south dining hall. Bob Gladieux, Rocky Bleier, Tom Schoen — all regular guys, passing through the hall. I use the term “regular guys” because they were. And they were students as well.
I always remember Tom McKinley, All-American center on the team, with a 3.97 GPA in electrical engineering, writing an article for the N.D. paper, called The Observer. He described his day, and the focus was on time management. I’m 77, and have never forgotten the clarity of time these players had to observe in terms of classes, studying, practice, meals, travel, game days.
The 1966 team was electrifying. We all gathered in the old fieldhouse for the first pep rally. The team sat
modest Bayville house — an arrangement with no security and the constant threat of increases. Like many others, she and her partner are contemplating leaving Long Island.
Too many longtime residents are reaching the same conclusion: the place they love no longer loves them back. The ripple effects are already visible. Assemblyman Charles Lavine, a Democrat who represents the 13th District, warns that without affordable housing, Long Island is “losing its future.”
Middle-class families are being priced out, young people are leaving and communities risk being hollowed out. Without a thriving middle class, schools weaken, businesses falter and neighborhoods lose their vitality.
State funding has helped, and projects near Long Island Rail Road stations hold promise. But efforts remain piecemeal, stymied by local resistance to new development and a lack of federal investment.
The solution requires bold action: regionalizing poverty thresholds so assistance matches local costs, investing in supportive housing that integrates mental health care, and building more homes and apartments where people need them. Above all, it requires the political will to overcome “not in my backyard” resistance and acknowledge the reality staring us in the face.
Housing is not just shelter. It is health care. It is education. It is stability. It is dignity. If we don’t act now, we risk losing the very essence of what has always made Long Island home.
the intrusions into the governance and operations of the University of Virginia, George Mason University, Harvard and columbia, among others, by federal and state officials contradict U.S. Supreme court precedent and undermine the integrity of higher education.
The White House and the Department of Justice threaten the withholding of federal research funds as leverage to force changes in who is admitted, who teaches and what is taught. They accuse institutions of being silent in the face of antisemitism; ignoring presidential orders limiting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and violating the Supreme court’s decision on affirmative action in Students for Fair admissions v. Harvard. In addition to reductions in federal funding, the government has threatened to limit the enrollment of international students and the employment of international scholars.
These actions, based on unproven allegations and without due process and respect for the law, expose the vulnerability of colleges and universities, despite Supreme court decisions including Dartmouth college v. Woodward
(1819) and Sweezy v. New Hampshire (1957). Both decisions affirmed that universities must remain free from government interference in their teaching, hiring, admissions and governance. Institutional autonomy and board independence are fundamental to academic freedom, educational excellence and the fulfillment of fiduciary duties, the court affirmed.
aThe attacks against universities elsewhere should raise concern on long Island. We are home to 15 colleges and universities, and all rely on federal funding for student financial aid. Some have substantial research agendas. Stony Brook University, for example, is a major recipient of federal research grants, which totaled over $16 million in 2023. adelphi, cold Spring Harbor laboratories, Hofstra, long Island University, New York Institute of Technology and Northwell Health, among others, also have active research programs that rely on government grants. Earlier this year, Newsday reported that the new federal budget could reduce research funding on long Island by over $163 million for medical, science, technology and other projects.
tion, the Department of Energy, NaSa and the Department of Education.
ence between governance and management, and questions and prescriptions.
ttacks on colleges elsewhere should raise concerns on Long Island.
like universities elsewhere, ours are governed by boards of trustees that are responsible for preserving institutional independence, academic freedom and free speech, all necessary for teaching and scholarship that challenges assumptions and assertions. Surprisingly, fewer than 15 percent of american college and university trustees have any professional experience in higher education, which underscores the need for rigorous orientation in academic governance and mission. can we imagine a public company saying its directors did not know its legal landscape, finances and markets?
Public university trustees are mostly appointed through a political process, although some states allow public elections, and most independent college and university trustees are selected with consideration given to their philanthropic capacity. Neither are generally selected for their governance acumen or knowledge of higher education. Nevertheless, the duties of trustees are threefold: care, loyalty and obedience.
The duty of loyalty: Board members must act in good faith and in the best interests of the institution, not out of self-interest or in the interest of a particular constituency.
The duty of obedience: Boards must uphold the institution’s charter and mission, maintaining public trust through honest stewardship.
Each institution has a covenant with the public that gives it a charter, its major asset. The faculty may be the heart and students the soul, but the license to award degrees and certificates is what gives the institution stature, credibility, relevance and viability. That is what trustees hold in trust as guardians of the institution.
Key federal agencies providing research funding for long Island institutions include the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the National Science Founda-
downfield, furthering the distance between himself and the Boilermaker defense. Terry Hanratty threw a pass toward the sideline where no one was until, a moment later, Jim Seymour, on a timed route, appeared out of nowhere to snag the throw. It was glorious. Every visit to the campus brings me home, as it does with the thousands who have attended the university. But Peter King is correct: The sports landscape has changed. It’s mind-boggling to hear the play-by-play announcer name the three different schools that this or that player has attended before he landed on the team out on the field.
It’s a cliché, but how often is the answer to just about anything one word: money? It doesn’t seem like a degree in electrical engineering is in the offing. Not that these young athletes aren’t smart. They’re being offered something that may never come along again in their lifetime, and it’s hard to resist.
In some ways, people of our age resist change. We could never imagine the terms being presented to today’s players. (This goes for technology as well. I thank God our grandchildren live in town, so we can call them any time we need something that relates to
our phone, computer or TV.) Go, Irish!
BIll PIccHIoNI
Notre Dame class of 1970
MaTTHEW PIccHIoNI
Notre Dame class of 2000 Rockville Centre
To the Editor:
Workers deserve fair pay, safe working conditions, affordable health care and the freedom to retire with dignity. We deserve the right to join unions that give workers a voice; an economy that works for all families, not just the wealthy; and a democracy in which every voice is heard and every vote counts.
Workers and families deserve fully funded public schools that are safe, welcoming, relevant and engaging, as well as higher education that is accessible, affordable and free from political intrusion.
President Trump campaigned on making life better and more affordable
The duty of care: Board members must prepare diligently, participate actively and protect the institution through appropriate oversight, including guarding against external interference. Trustees need to know the differ-
Trustees are most effective when they know the history, mission and purpose, the students, local community and the comparative advantages of the institutions they serve. This is vital not only for the health of the institution but also to maintain the standards of independence that have been the hallmark of U.S. higher education. as a former university president and trustee, and as a member of PEN america’s champions of Higher Education, I believe it is my responsibility to speak out on behalf of our institutions, our students and our country’s future.
Dr. Robert A. Scott is president Emeritus of Adelphi University and Ramapo College of New Jersey, and the author of “How University Boards Work.”
for working families, and I’m sad to say that his administration has not delivered on these promises. Instead we have seen funding slashed for schools, health care, child care and more — while tax breaks are handed to the ultra-wealthy. our family members and communities will be sicker, hungrier and poorer. We deserve so much better.
Whether it’s peacefully protesting with our neighbors and co-workers in the streets, forming unions at our workplaces or engaging with elected officials in congress, let’s work together to fight for the future that all workers deserve.
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Owner
Aspen Dental - Deer Park
We are proud to have matched thousands of home buyers and sellers across Long Island and Queens. Thank you for your continued support and allowing us to serve our communities over the last century.