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Locals question Propel’s ties to state politics economy and lowering the cost of power,” Guilfoyle wrote. “New York Transco prioritizes The $3.26 billion Propel NY safety, proactive education, regE n e r g y p r o j e c t i s f a c i n g ulatory compliance, and transrenewed scrutiny over its parency in all project activities. As such, like other extensive network infrastructure develof lobbyists, consulo p e r s, we re t a i n tants, contractors experts to ensure and political connecstate and local offitions as residents cials, municipaliand local officials ties, and other stakequestion how the holders have accuproject is being rate and timely advanced and infor mation about whether their conthis complex and cerns are receiving vital project. These adequate attention. e x p e n d i t u re s a re New York Transp a i d fo r by N ew co, the developer York Transco.” behind Propel, has Guilfoyle said spent more than $1.9 that lobbying expenm i l l i o n l o b by i n g ditures are accountstate and local offied for se parately cials on Propel and from rate payer other utility matters BrUcE KENNEdy costs, and represent since 2022, including Sea Cliff village less than 0.06 permore than $327,000 administrator cent of the total in the first six project cost. T he months of this year. P r o p e l s p o k e s w o m a n project team, she added, must Marykate Guilfoyle wrote in an provide information to more email that the spending reflects than 14,000 project “abutters” the scale and complexity of the and 35 municipalities along the 90-mile project footprint. project. A s s e m bly m a n C h a rl e s “Propel NY is designed to avoid brownouts and blackouts Lavine, whose district includes while strengthening the local Continued on page 9
By WIll SHEElINE
wsheeline@liherald.com
T
photo/Herald
Flying home to long Island The Sparrows, a musical and theatrical troupe made up of musicians, actors and dancers from Locust Valley and elsewhere on Long Island, will perform at Old Westbury Gardens and other area locations after completing an Off-Broadway show. Story, more photos, Page 3.
Offering a helping hand, and a backpack, to those in need By WIll SHEElINE wsheeline@liherald.com
As families prepare for the start of another school year, People Loving People helped ease one of the many expenses that come with sending children back to the classroom at its annual backpack drive at the People’s Pantry of Oyster Bay. People Loving People, a nonprofit based in Oyster Bay, gave backpacks and school supplies on Wednesday to families who use the pantry, giving children a chance to choose a new backpack while helping parents reduce the cost of school necessities. According to Adriana Kennedy, People Loving
People’s executive director, the organization has held the backpack drive for the past four years. The effort began when volunteers and staff recognized the financial burden for families buying school supplies. “The costs of school supplies and backpacks is ridiculous,” Kennedy said. “Like, a backpack is $60.” The school supplies are donated throughout the year by community members, churches and civic organizations, including the Main Street Association and the Community Foundation of Oyster Bay. Typically, Kennedy said, People Loving People Continued on page 10
he applicant has no respect for any of the potentially affected individuals, organizations, municipalities, businesses.
Lavine presents grants at Life Enrichment The Life Enrichment Center in Oyster Bay received two grants from New York State Assemblyman Charles Lavine on Tuesday, one for $125,000 and the other for $30,000. The former will go towards improving and modernizing the restrooms at the center, while the smaller grant is to be used for programmatic funding, specifically to help secure the services of a qualified social worker. “The senior centers that we have on the North Shore are models for the nation,” Lavine said in an interview later that day,” and the Life Enrichment Center is one of the great ones.” For more information on the Life Enrichment Center, visit LifeEnrichmentCenterOysterBay.org. –Will Sheeline
Assemblyman Charles Lavine spoke with Life Enrichment Center members after awarding two grants to the organization.
Photos courtesy Office of Charles Lavine
The two grants, totalling $135,000, will go towards renovating and upgrading the Life Enrichment Center’s bathrooms, while also enabling the organization to hire a new social worker.
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OYSTER BAY HERALD — August 27, 2026 Photos courtesy The Sparrows
Although the number of Sparrows can vary depending on availability, the group features between 15-20 members.
The Sparrows return to Long Island this fall By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com
For the members of The Sparrows, theater is as much about friendship and experimentation as it is about performing. The musical and acting troupe, founded by Locust Valley native Brooke Di Spirito, has grown from a small group of friends working on creative projects into a rotating ensemble of musicians, actors, singers and dancers performing original productions across Long Island and New York City. The Sparrows officially formed in 2022, although Di Spirito said the group began taking shape in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted its plans. Since then, the group has performed at venues including Old Westbury Gardens and the Landmark Theater in Port Washington, while also taking its productions Off-Broadway. Its most recent major production was “The Opening,” a musical written by Di Spirito that ran for five weeks off Broadway. Di Spirito wrote the book and lyrics, while members of The Sparrows served as musicians and performers. For guitarist Nino Speros, the experience demonstrated how the group’s collaborative approach could translate to a larger stage. “Every show that we do is original,” Speros explained, “and we kind of make it and cater it for the performance that we’re doing, so they all kind of stand out.” The troupe’s productions frequently combine live music, acting, dancing and audience interaction. The group has also experimented with immersive theater, including a production based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Beautiful and Damned” that was staged in a New York
The Sparrows incorporate a wide range of musical instruments during their shows, which incorporate theater, dance and singing as well. City speakeasy. The Sparrows currently includes a rotating group of roughly 15 to 20 people, although individual productions generally feature fewer performers. Di Spirito said the upcoming show will include nine members. The troupe’s musicians include guitar, drums, piano, bass, saxophone and other instruments, while performers also sing, act and dance. The group embraces unusual combinations and incorporates multiple instruments into its productions. Beatrix Postley, a vocalist from Locust Valley, has known Di Spirito since high school. The two met while performing in “12 Angry Jurors” when Postley was a freshman and Di Spirito was a junior. Postley said The Sparrows have provided her with an opportunity to expand beyond her classical singing back-
ground. She is beginning a master’s degree in opera and has used her work with the group to explore jazz. That sense of experimentation extends to the group’s creative process. Di Spirito writes the productions, but said the other members regularly contribute ideas and help develop scenes and performances. “We are legitimately all best friends in real life,” Di Spirito emphasized. “We’re all really grateful that things have been progressing and working out, and that we’ve all been able to keep doing this.” Speros described the collaboration as “the most chaotic yet functional way,” with members frequently pitching ideas, jokes and practical solutions. The group’s upcoming season will include four new productions. The September show, “Heist,” is a comedy inspired by films such as “Ocean’s 11,”
The Sparrows’ next show, ‘Heist,’ a comedy inspired by films like ‘Ocean’s 11,” is coming to Old Westbury Gardens. while future productions include a Christmas show, a production commissioned by the F. Scott Fitzgerald Society and another show planned for next summer. The troupe is also expanding its musical palette. While jazz and swing remain important influences, Speros said upcoming performances will incorporate music inspired by the 1950s and 1960s, including spy music and surf rock. For Postley, the unpredictability is part of the appeal. “I think generally the thing I love about the Sparrows is that anything could happen,” Postley explained, “and sometimes we don’t even know what’s going to happen.” For more information on The Sparrows and their upcoming shows, visit TheSparrows.MyPixieSet.com.
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This mega-specialty supermarket is the ultimate athi “museum of foods.” In addition to traditional supermarket produce and products, I found aisles filled with freshly prepared or baked artisan bread, cheese, pasta, deli-counter creations, bakery treats, chocolates, and so much more. Many foods wear a “Uncle Giuseppe” (UG) label and have Italian spins. To share the overall experience, I’ll list 26 of the most innovative highlights, from A to Z: Artisan raisin walnut bread; Baked salmon; Cinnamon butter; Dieter’s Delight—shrimp with spaghetti squash; Egg creams in the espresso aisle; Family-sized black and white cookies; Glutenfree aisles; Habanero maple gourmet popcorn; Irish mozzarella; Jalapeno popper dip; Knishes; Limoncello gelato; Mortadella; Nonna’s broccoli rabe; Olive aisle; Parmesan crusted cauliflower streaks; Quiches; Ravioli with shrimp and lobster; Special diet aisles; Taleggio cheese; UG half cherry pie; White eggplants; X-tra sharp UG imported aged provolone; You’ll love the spacious dining area; Ziti baked for two.
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Wonder (6 Soundview Ave., Port Washington; 48 Great Neck Rd., Great Neck Plaza) I’d call this new type of eatery a
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“techno-food museum.” As I entered the Port Washington location, I was puzzled. A typical restaurant set-up was replaced by a computer sitting on a counter. I tapped the screen and learned I could mix and match everything from starters to sides to entrees to desserts from combinations of more than 20 different, multi-cultural restaurants. My meal would be prepared in a large kitchen on the premises and could be ready in 10-15 minutes. Many of the dishes have been created by award-winning celebrity/ Food Network chefs. So, begin your meal with Michael Symon’s za’atar carrots and broccoli bowl. Follow it with Boby Flay’s filet mignon. Add Marc Murphy’s onion rings with horseradish on the side. For dessert, munch on urow pumpkin spice pudding by Magnolia Bakery. During my visit, I ordered fried rice with tofu and pineapple. Within 12 minutes, a staff member placed it on a pickup shelf. It’s a takeout queen’s dream.
Salt and Honey Café (320 Sea Cliff Ave., Sea Cliff) I’d call this cool, new, contemporary coffee shop a “neighborhood food museum.” You’ll feel a very friendly vibe as you check out a menu that features organic, espresso blends. Drip coffee, iced coffee, flash brew, espresso, and cappuccino are just a few of the inventive choices. Many beverages can be served as hot or iced lattes, matchas, or teas. I couldn’t resist two of the specialty drinks created with house made syrups: the Banana Bread Latte (which tastes like real banana bread), and the Strawberry Cacao Chip latte with a creamy, whipped topping. Pair them with locally baked muffins, scones, cakes, everything cream cheese croissants, and my favorite: Sugar Daddy Baker jumbo cookies! See you next month!
oyster bay _______________
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MAIN PHONE: (516) 569-4000 ■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/oysterbay ■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: llane@liherald.com ■ EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 327 E-mail: oysterbayeditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: subscriptions@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4942 ■ ClASSIFIED ADVERTISING: Ext. 286 E-mail: ereynolds@liherald.com Fax: (516) 622-7460 ■ DISPlAY ADVERTISING: Ext. 249 E-mail: rglickman@liherald.com Fax: (516) 569-4643 ■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com The Oyster Bay Herald USPS 416660, is published every Friday by Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Periodicals postage paid at Garden City, NY 11530 and additional mailing offices. Postmaster send address changes to Oyster Bay Herald, 2 Endo Blvd. Garden City, NY 11530. Subscriptions: $52 per year auto pay or $65 one time payment within Nassau county (excluding qualified zip codes) or $76 outside of Nassau County or by qualified request in zip codes 11709, 11732, 11765, 11771. Copyright © 2026 Richner Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
THE GREAT BOOK GuRu police commander in the village, Callie is a victim of subtle and not so subtle acts of insubordination. This arrest only complicates a very awkward situation. We then go back in time to 1993 and the disappearance of twin sisters, Annabelle and Sabrina. Many of the same charSettling into September acters from this time still play active roles in village Dear Settling into September, life. I just finished a novel you As Callie learns more might like: “Heather” by about the present drug dealCaitlin Mullen. Set in 1990 ings and coverups, she sees and 2023, it is told from the connections to past crimes. perspectives of three women. The town she thought she Callie is a newly commisknew so well harbors many ANN sioned superintendent of frightening secrets. DIPIETRO police in a small village on The Pine Barrens’ history the outskirts of the New Jeras a place of violent endings sey Pine Barrens. Annabelle serves as yet another characis a twin who has been missing for ter. Throughout, we wonder how these many years, Blair is a young woman many disparate characters and crimes whose role remains a mystery for most will come together. Recommended. of the book. Would you like to ask the Great Book The story opens in 2023 with Callie’s Guru for a book suggestion? Contact her arrest of her mother, Jennie, on drunk at annmdipietro@gmail.com. driving charges. As the first woman ear Great Book Guru, As summer comes to an end, I have started thinking about getting into a good reading regimen. A literary mystery is always a favorite - any recommendations?
O O P! C S
OYSTER BAY HERALD — August 27, 2026
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BRINGING LOCAL SPORTS HOME EVERY WEEK
HERALD SPORTS Hofstra looks to kickstart winning season By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
Hofstra University’s women’s soccer team encountered plenty of gridlock during last year’s 6-5-7 season that featured seven straight ties and is seeking a breakthrough fall that yields a deep postseason run. The Pride’s historic draw streak lasted a month from Aug. 28 to Sept. 28 as part of a frustrating campaign in which Hofstra finished 3-3-3 in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) and qualified for the conference tournament with a 3-2 win at Stony Brook in the regularseason finale. The Seawolves ended Hofstra’s season four days later with a 2-1 overtime win in the CAA North Division quarterfinals created plenty of hunger for the Pride’s 14 returning players. “They were disappointed in the way it ended,” said 21st-year Hofstra head coach Simon Riddiough. “They have all worked very hard and had good energy in the preseason but we are very young with a lot of new players.” Hofstra will look for more wins with a largely new roster that includes 13 newcomers. The Pride lost nearly 80 percent of last year’s scoring. The top returning scorers are junior forward Hailey Moschitta and senior defender Alexia Des Croisselles, who each tallied two goals apiece. Riddiough said he hopes for a collective scoring effort this fall with a number of potential goal scorers in Maggie Peterson, Kendyl Peterson and Jadyn Hsu at the forward position along with freshman midfielder Mia Claro, an AllState player from Kellenberg. Veteran fifth-year midfielder Amy Meadows also could be a key offensive force and she tallied Hofstra’s lone goal in a season-opening 3-1 loss at St. Joseph’s on Aug. 15. Senior midfielder Alexia Bromfield, who came off bench to score a late tying goal in Hofstra’s 1-1 draw with Columbia on Aug. 21, adds to Hofstra’s offensive depth. “We’re going to be relying on a collective team effort,” Riddiough said. “Set pieces are going to be especially important.” The backline is anchored by senior fender Sasha McTiffin, a preseason AllCAA honorable mention selection. The defense also returns Des Croisselles, junior Emma Johnson and sophomore Jessica Martin. Senior Jill Conlon, a former two-time All-County player at Calhoun High School in North Merrick, adds depth to the defensive roster after missing last season with an injury. Freshman Ryann Zydor, who earned All-State honors at Oceanside High School, is another local product who could see playing time on
Hofstra’s defense is anchored by senior Sasha McTiffin, a preseason All-CAA honorable mention selection. the backline. The defense will be aided by the return of junior goalkeeper Lilly Bailey, a Perth, Australia native, who posted four shutouts and 52 saves last season. “She’s very good with her feet and is very athletic,” Riddiough said of Bailey. “She needs to become a bit more commanding with her communication, but outside of that I’m pretty content with how she is as a goalkeeper.” Hofstra will next host Fordham Aug.
Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications
Goalkeeper Lilly Bailey posted four shutouts a year ago.
27 at 7 p.m. and then return home on Sept. 13 to face Ivy League power Brown for a Sunday matinee starting at 1 p.m. The Pride kickoff CAA play on Sept. 20 against Towson at 1 p.m. The Pride were picked to finish third in the CAA’s six-team North Division behind Stony Brook and Monmouth and ahead of Towson, Northeastern and Drexel. A top three standings finish would qualify Hofstra for a 10th straight CAA playoffs and 19th time in 21 years since Riddiough took com-
mand of the program with a chance to earn an automatic qualifier into the NCAA Tournament. “There’s going to be a lot of parity and hopefully by the time conference play starts we’ve got ourselves sorted and we can challenge people and get ourselves into the playoffs again,” Riddiough said. “We’re a young team and we’re going to learn and take our lumps early and hopefully by conference season we’ll be ready to get some results.”
7
OYSTER BAY HERALD — August 27, 2026
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Gupta seeks easier access to town services By MIKE POLANSKY Senior correspondent
Democrat Shreya Gupta is challenging Republican incumbent Richard LaMarca for Oyster Bay town clerk, saying she wants to improve efficiency in the office and make its services easier for residents to navigate. The town clerk serves a two-year term as the custodian of town records, and handles a range of services for residents, including Freedom of Information Law requests, licenses and permits. Gupta, 27, faces an uphill battle, with Republicans accounting for 35.5 percent of registered voters in the town, compared with 30.8 percent Democrats and 29.4 percent unaffiliated voters, with the remainder registered with other parties. LaMarca won re-election in 2025 with 64 percent of the vote. He had to run again because of a state ruling that moved many county and town elections to even-numbered years. A Queens native who now lives in Bethpage, Gupta graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in upstate Troy, in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in civil engineering. She works for an international engineering firm specializing in transportation infrastructure. Gupta said that her professional background has shaped both her approach to problem-solving and her decision to seek public office. After hearing concerns from residents and through her own experiences, she said, she believes town government could be more responsive to infrastructure and other quality-of-life concerns. “You shouldn’t have to hit a pothole every time you drive,” Gupta said, referring to the condition of some town roads, which she described as “pretty bad.” Although infrastructure work is not among the town clerk’s responsibilities, Gupta said that such concerns
Oyster Bay tOwn clerk
Carolyn James/Herald
Shreya Gupta said that her engineering background would bring an analytical, problem-solving approach to the Oyster Bay town clerk’s office. fed her interest in becoming more involved in local government. If elected, she said, she would rely on the experience of the town clerk’s existing staff while looking for ways to streamline the office’s operations. Among her priorities would be making Freedom of Information Law requests and the permitting process easier for residents to understand and navigate. Gupta also said she would seek additional funding for the office if needed, arguing that additional staffing could help it handle the volume of requests and
services it provides. Her goal, she said, would be “to make life better for our residents.” Her engineering career, Gupta said, has taught her to approach problems analytically while considering how projects and decisions affect the people who rely on them. “I’m a structural engineer,” she said, “and my job requires me to be a critical thinker, and also requires me to care a lot about the well-being of the people who are affected by what I do. I would bring that to the position of town clerk.” She said she also wants residents to have a clearer understanding of what services the town clerk’s office provides and how they can access them. Gupta said her immediate goal is to serve Oyster Bay and focus on the responsibilities of the town clerk. At the same time, she views the position as a possible starting point for a broader career in public service. “It’s a good place to start for me,” she said, “and I don’t intend on holding on to a position very long if I have outgrown it.” Her candidacy, she said, is rooted in a belief that local government should be accessible and responsive to the people it serves. For her, she added, that begins with making the town clerk’s office easier for residents to navigate and ensuring that its services are delivered efficiently.
LaMarca touts a modernized clerk’s office By MIKE POLANSKY Senior correspondent
Republican Richard LaMarca, who is seeking his fourth two-year term as Oyster Bay town clerk, points to the modernization of the office and expanded online services as accomplishments he hopes to build on in another term. Republicans account for more than 35 percent of registered voters in the town, compared with just under 31 percent who are Democrats. LaMarca, 61, won re-election in 2025 with 64 percent of the vote. He has to run again because of a state ruling that moved many county and town elections to even-numbered years. LaMarca, a lifelong Oyster Bay resident, lives there with his wife, Justine, their 10-year-old twins and three adult children. He graduated from Oyster Bay High School, where he played running back and defensive back on the school’s 1982 county co-champion football team. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Villanova University. LaMarca began his career in financial services, and eventually joined New York Life, where he served as acting head of human resources. His work took him around the world before he finished his career with the company in domestic operations. He entered the public sector in 2012 as the town’s director of labor management. He also served as president of the Oyster Bay Civic Association and as a member of the Chamber of Commerce board of directors. After Joseph Saladino became town supervisor in 2017, LaMarca worked with his administration on several initiatives, including efforts to increase transpar-
Carolyn James /Herald
Richard LaMarca points to the digitization of town records and expanded remote services as key accomplishments of his tenure as Oyster Bay town clerk. ency at Town Hall. Two years later, Saladino asked LaMarca to run for town clerk on the Republican ticket. He won that November, and has served in the position ever since. “This job has fulfilled my life,” LaMarca said. “I love what I do and I love helping people, and this job lends itself to that, not only in the office but in the
things I can do for local communities.” LaMarca said that one of his greatest challenges — and accomplishments — came shortly after he took office, when the coronavirus pandemic forced the town to change how it provided services. “I was going into the office seven days a week by myself,” he recalled. The pandemic accelerated LaMarca’s push to make more clerk services available remotely. When Town Hall was unavailable for weddings, he began performing ceremonies at the bandstand and gazebo at Oyster Bay Beach. Since then, he has overseen the digitization of vital records, including marriage licenses and death certificates. He said he is now working toward a system that would allow residents to complete licensing and permitting processes online without visiting the clerk’s office. His biggest disappointment, LaMarca said, is that it has taken six years to reach this point. He is also working to convert a town-owned building on Spring Street into a museum where historic town documents and artifacts could be displayed for the public. LaMarca said he expects the clerk’s office’s 2027 budget to come in slightly below its 2026 total of $1.752 million. Several longtime employees are expected to retire, he said, and their replacements would likely begin at lower salaries. As he seeks another term, LaMarca said, his top priorities remain expanding access to town services, preserving town records and helping residents resolve problems they bring to his office. “The greatest thing I can get is the compliment that ‘You made my day, and thank you for getting this done for me,’” he said.
BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN presents NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE
OYSTER BAY HERALD — August 27, 2026
Elected officials voice concerns about Propel
9
Continued from page 1
FREE SUMMER
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propel nY energy representatives continue to emphasize the necessity of the project, but many residents and elected officials remain unconvinced. Bruce Kennedy said the village’s concerns extend beyond lobbying and political relationships to what he described as a lack of direct communication. “Neither Propel nor their representatives have ever directly reached out to the Village of Sea Cliff for anything,” Kennedy said. “They’ve never asked for a meeting.” Kennedy said that the village has received mailings and legal notices, but has not been directly consulted about its concerns. “The applicant has no respect for any of the potentially affected individuals, organizations, municipalities, businesses,” he said. “They have proceeded forward as if this was all a predetermined outcome, and that they’re just going through the motions.” Propel disputes that characterization. Guilfoyle wrote that the project team has engaged with local communities for over two years, and has modified the project in response to stakeholder input, including moving portions of the route off a residential road on the North Shore and limiting construction near schools during bus arrival and dismissal times. The project also remains subject to regulatory approvals. Construction cannot begin, Guilfoyle said, until required approvals are obtained, including a state certificate, Environmental Management and Construction Plans and a notice to proceed, in addition to federal permits. As the Public Service Commission continues its review, the dispute over Propel’s political relationships and community outreach remains intertwined with the larger disagreement over whether the project is necessary. Kennedy said the central question remains, “What is the public need for this project?” Guilfoyle reiterated in her email that the need has been established by the New York Independent System Operator, citing reliability concerns, transmission congestion and rising demand for electricity.
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much of the North Shore route, said that New York’s lobbying disclosure laws provide transparency into such spending. “Well, the law is such, and we helped pass that law, that lobbyists have to report the amounts they’ve spent, and who they’ve spent that funding on, and with whom they have interacted,” Lavine explained. “So the transparency is there. I’m not altogether sure what more could be done to provide greater transparency, and the fact that these issues are well known by the public indicates that there is sufficient transparency.” Lavine’s son, Gregory Lavine, works for McBride Consulting and Business Development Group, which Propel has retained for stakeholder outreach and regulatory matters. Guilfoyle wrote that Gregory Lavine does not work on the Propel project. Charles Lavine said he has taken steps to communicate the concerns of Propel’s opponents to state regulators. His office, he said, has submitted opponents’ petitions to the state Public Service Commission, and he has sent his own letters expressing concern about the project. Glen Head resident Christine Panzeca, a prominent opponent of Propel, said that the project’s political relationships raise questions about whether residents’ concerns are receiving sufficient attention. “I think that our three town supervisors here in Nassau County have done a wonderful job in representing the interests of their residents, whether it be battery storage or whether it be the lack of transparency and accountability related to Propel, based upon the press release that they issued,” Panzeca said, “and I feel very fortunate that we have members of our legislature here in Nassau County that represent our interests and have spoken out publicly with regards to Propel.” Panzeca specifically praised U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz and Nassau County legislators who have opposed or questioned aspects of the project. Suozzi’s office provided a statement saying that he opposes the project in its current form. “Congressman Suozzi believes the Propel proposal does not address the legitimate concerns raised by local residents,” it reads, “including: (1) protecting the harbors that the community and he have worked so hard to restore; (2) the impacts on surrounding neighborhoods and businesses; and (3) whether reasonable alternative routes have been fully considered. After listening closely to community members, Congressman Suozzi opposes the proposal in its current form because too many critical questions remain unanswered and too many potential impacts have yet to be fully evaluated.” Sea Clif f Village Administrator
August 27, 2026 — OYSTER BAY HERALD
10
People’s Pantry hosts fifth backpack giveaway COnTInued frOm Page 1
gives away 120 to 130 backpacks, but this year the pantry had about 350 — enough to accommodate additional families, including some g randparents who picked up backpacks for their grandchildren. The organization planned to share any extra supplies with other communities in need. “Whatever we have left over from our families, we share them with … any community that needs them,” Kennedy said. “We’d rather help them now, and next year we worry about next year.” People Loving People’s assistant director, Ariana Sainez, said that donations — of notebooks, loose-leaf paper, binders, pens and pencils, sharpeners, erasers, highlighters, tape, pencil cases and other necessities, as well as Taryn Peel backpacks — Volunteer, come from a variPeople Loving People ety of sources, and are brought together at the Oyster Bay pantry. It’s important, Sainez said, that children have a variety of supplies to choose from — backpacks, for example, that feature their favorite characters and designs. “I look at it as like a shopping experience,” she said. “So it’s like if a kid were to go to a store and wants to choose their backpack, they should be able to have the same experience here.” Kennedy also described the effort as a dignified way for families who are struggling financially to shop for their kids. And, she said, giving children a choice of backpacks can help shield them from the stigma associated with needing assistance. “It’s nice to be able to have the kids just come in and choose their backpack,” she said. “Do they want a Mario? Do they want a Barbie? Do they want, you know, a simple black one?” Taryn Peel, a volunteer who has worked at the pantry for about six years, said that the backpack drive grew out of a recognized need among the children and families the facility serves. Peel got involved when the First Presbyterian Church, in Oyster Bay, where she is a congregant, offered the pantry space for its operations during the coronavirus pandemic. The community’s involvement, Peel said, extends beyond donations. Some people who initially come to the pantry for assistance later return as volunteers after getting back on their feet. “For these wonderful people that are working hard and trying to give back, we have people that give and then give back again,” Peel said. “It’s a community of volunteers. I didn’t know any of these people till I came here, and we all become so close working together, supporting each other, and just giving back in a way that you love.” Kendria Norman, an Oyster Bay resident for 18 years, came to the pantry
I
t’s a community of volunteers.
Will Sheeline/Herald photos
This year, People Loving People collected more than 300 backpacks to support families in need with back-to-school preparation.
The organization serves people from Oyster Bay, Locust Valley and Bayville. Wednesday to pick up backpacks for her children. It was the second year she has taken advantage of the drive. With three children, Norman said, the assistance helps offset the rising cost of everyday expenses. “It’s very helpful,” she said. “A lot of things are getting expensive, and so it does help with bills and stuff. It helps you meet those little ends and odds. It’s not everything, but it does help.” Norman added that the pantry’s work also reflects the willingness of Oyster Bay residents to help one another. For Kennedy, the backpack drive represents a broader mission of making families feel supported. “It’s giving the families dignity and respect,” she said. “Like it could be any of us, any given day.” For more information about People Loving People, visit PeopleLovingPeople.net.
In addition to the backpack giveaway, People Loving People operates the People’s Pantry, in Oyster Bay, which provides food to hundreds of families.
Suozzi backs bills to combat human trafficking ramid@liherald.com
Two survivors of human trafficking are using their experiences to push for federal legislation designed to prevent others from enduring the exploitation they survived. Hollie Nadel and Sheena Dume joined U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi at a news conference in Williston Park on Aug. 20 to call for congressional action on two bipartisan anti-trafficking bills focused on prevention, education and protections for survivors. “It’s happening right here in our backyard,” Suozzi, a Democrat from Glen Cove, said. “This is very real, and it’s happening right here on Long Island every single day.” Long Island accounts for nearly 70 percent of New York state’s prostitution and unlicensed massage arrests. Nearly 400 spa workers have been arrested for allegedly selling sex in the region since 2021, while the men accused of purchasing sex have largely avoided prosecution. The news conference came a day after Jacquelyn Comiskey pleaded guilty in Suffolk County Court to sex trafficking a 14-year-old Long Island girl who had been missing for 25 days. For Nadel, 41, the issue is personal. Nadel, who grew up in Searingtown and now lives in Virginia, said she was trafficked for more than eight years across 11 states after people who initially befriended her gained her trust. She said her traffickers eventually garnished her wages and forced her into labor and sex trafficking. “My traffickers befriended me,” Nadel said. “They gained my trust. Initially, they were very kind.” Nadel said traffickers can identify vulnerabilities
Roksana Amid/Herald
Two survivors of human trafficking are pushing for federal legislation designed to prevent others from enduring the exploitation they survived. and exploit them, gradually gaining greater control over their victims. “My traffickers didn’t just exploit me; they forced me to commit crimes on their behalf,” she said. “Instead of recognizing me as a victim, the criminal justice system treated me like a criminal, leading to years of additional victimization.” Nadel was charged with conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud after, she said, her traffickers opened thousands of accounts in her name. She received a presidential pardon in January. Now an advocate in Washington, D.C., Nadel worked for passage of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which became law in January and helps trafficking survivors clear criminal records stemming from their exploitation.
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“Our goal should be to build systems that prevent exploitation before a survivor ever needs a champion,” Nadel said. Dume, 33, of Connecticut, said she was trafficked for two years after being lured by promises of a modeling career. She now works as an advocacy program manager for Protect All Children from Trafficking. “The experience showed me how trafficking can exist behind closed doors, in ordinary communities,” Dume said, adding that people involved often do not fit common stereotypes about trafficking. She said criminalization remains one of the most overlooked obstacles facing survivors, who can be arrested and prosecuted for crimes they were forced to commit. Suozzi is supporting the Preventing Child Trafficking Act and is a co-sponsor of the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act. The Preventing Child Trafficking Act would strengthen coordination between the U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Health and Human Services and improve collaboration aimed specifically at preventing child trafficking. The Senate unanimously passed the legislation in December, but it has stalled in the House. The Frederick Douglass legislation, introduced by Republican Rep. Christopher Smith of New Jersey, would reauthorize anti-trafficking programs and provide additional assistance for trafficking victims. It, too, has stalled in Congress. For Dume, moving the legislation forward means recognizing that trafficking is not a distant problem. “Human trafficking is not confined to one city or one neighborhood,” she said. “It affects communities across Long Island, New York, and every state in our nation.”
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News briefs The 40th Annual Town of Oyster Bay Bluefish Tournament is returning to the hamlet on Sept. 20. The post-tournament tailgate party will take place on the beach at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay. “The Bluefish Tournament is a great all-day sporting event with wonderful prizes and great camaraderie,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino wrote in a statement. “Join us for this fun day of tranquility on the water, the adrenaline rush of feeling that first big tug on your fishing line and the spirit of competition as you try to beat the tournament record and compete for prizes.” The tournament runs from 4:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to anglers of all ages. All contestants must be pre-registered. The entrance fee for the tournament is $40 per fisherman. All those who register before Sept. 14 will receive a tournament long-sleeved shirt, and all participants will be automatically entered into the door prize raffle. There will be a grand door prize raffle of an inflatable boat and motor courtesy of Property Tax Reduction Consultants. Registration can be found online at OysterBayTown.com/sports. In-person
registration is offered at Causeway Bait & Tackle in Wantagh, Hi-Hook Bait & Tackle in Huntington, and Duffy’s Bait & Tackle in Glenwood Landing. The Town of Oyster Bay is also hosting an in-person registration from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 19, at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park. Registration forms can also be mailed to: Town of Oyster Bay Department of Parks Attn: Jackie Devlin Bluefish Tournament 977 Hicksville Road Massapequa, NY 11758. Along with plaques, winners of 1st through 15th Places will receive gift certificates in the following amounts: 1st Place – $2,000; 2nd Place – $750; 3rd Place – $500; 4th Place – $400; 5th & 6th Places – $300; 7th & 8th Places – $100; 9th & 10th Places – $100; 11th thru 15th Place – $100. Prizes subject to increase based on registration. Raffle winners must be present to receive their prizes, which will be presented at the tailgate party scheduled for 4:15 p.m. For further information, contact the Town of Oyster Bay Parks Department, Recreation Division, at (516) 797-7945.
BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN presents NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE
OYSTER BAY HERALD — August 27, 2026
Bluefish tournament returns this September
FREE SUMMER
CONCERTS TUESDAY,
SEPTEMBER 1 | 7:00PM
–Will Sheeline
Town to host 9/11 memorial at TOBAY Town of Oyster Bay residents are invited to the town’s annual Sept. 11 memorial ceremony scheduled for Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. at TOBAY Beach. “This year marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, and to honor those we have lost we invite all residents to join us at our annual Sept. 11 memorial ceremony. This remembrance ceremony features music, religious readings, a light tribute, and a reading of the names inscribed on the Town’s 9/11 wall,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino wrote in a statement. “We will also unveil new names inscribed on both the town’s Sept. 11 Memorial and the ‘Walls of Honor,’ recognizing those who made
the ultimate sacrifice due to 9/11-related illness.” The town’s 9/11 Memorial – featuring a steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center – is inscribed with the names of residents lost on September 11, 2001. The Walls of Honor monument expands each year with newly inscribed names of those who lost their battle with 9/11-illness caused by exposure at Ground Zero. For more infor mation, visit the town’s website at OysterBayTown.com or contact the town’s Department of Community & Youth Services at (516) 797-7925. –Will Sheeline
Last chance for late taxpayers to settle up treasurer will be mailing notices to all property owners with taxes in arrears. Town of Oyster Bay Receiver Jeffrey Pravato advises homeowners who fall under those circumstances to contact the Nassau County Treasurer at (516) 571-2090 to determine the amount due. They may also visit the Treasurer’s office at 1 West Street in Mineola. “Taxpayers in the Town of Oyster Bay are already paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation,” Pravato wrote in a statement, “and I want to make sure that our residents do not pay more out of pocket than they have to.” –Will Sheeline
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Town of Oyster Bay residents who missed the Aug. 10 deadline for paying their 2026 general taxes can still pay the bill by Aug. 31 with the state-mandated two percent late payment penalty while avoiding additional interest and fees from accruing on their property. Late payers should immediately contact the Receiver of Taxes’ office at (516) 624-6400 if they did not receive a second notification with a delinquent tax bill. Payments postmarked after Aug. 31 cannot be accepted since the collection warrant will have expired. Those payments must be sent to the Nassau County Treasurer at 1 West Street, Mineola, New York 11501. In September, the Nassau County
August 27, 2026 — OYSTER BAY HERALD
14
Love, local ingredients on the North Shore style booth on Sundays. The business is registered and licensed with the New York State Department of Agriculture. “My daughter hates the name,” Kocis For Sea Cliff resident Bill Kocis, baking has always been a family affair. He joked. The business took on its current began his cookie business roughly six name because Kocis is a single dad who years ago and brought it to Sea Cliff when he moved to the village a year and loves to bake. “My daughter calls me Papa,” he a half ago. Kocis’ business, Sugar Daddy Baker, said. “But I couldn’t call it Sugar Papa, so the whole thing just sells cookies six ounces or became a play on words.” larger. Many of the flavor Kocis bakes cookies while combinations may not be wearing a suit, something he found in the mainstream. considers a unique and speKocis said that coming from cial part of his brand. Coman Italian background, his ing home from work in New interest in baking began as a York City, he immediately “family thing.” puts on his apron and gets to “My grandmother was an work in the kitchen. He startawesome baker, and my mom ed by just baking for his is a really good baker,” he daughter after work. added. “Some of her recipes “And then her friends’ have trickled down and sort BILL KoCIs parents were like, ‘What’s of became a part of my busithat cookie? What’s that ness now.” Kocis grew up outside New York, in cookie?’” Kocis said. “So, it became this places like Burlington, Vermont and whole thing.” It all began with what is now known Greenwich, Connecticut. He has lived in New York City and on Long Island. He as the “Big as your head” chocolate waland his daughter, Maddie, moved to Ros- nut chunk cookie, which Kocis refers to lyn after the Covid-19 pandemic. After as the “launching pad.” He explained renting in Sea Cliff, a house on the same that the chocolate walnut cookie is a street went up for sale, and Kocis combination of a crispy edge and gooey center, making it “the best of both bought it. Sugar Daddy Baker takes online worlds.” Kocis said there is a lot of experiorders and operates as a farm stand-
By JULIA CAPITELLI
jcapitelli@liherald.com
Courtesy Bill Kocis
Sugar Daddy Baker offers cookies that are at least six ounces in a variety of flavors. mentation involved with introducing new cookie flavors, and emphasized that all of his ing redients are locallysourced. Sugar Daddy Baker offers a peanut butter, pickle and pretzel cookie. Kocis joked that the pickle will not have customers saying, “what the hell is that?” “It’s a little after note, but it’s definitely there,” he said, “and it just adds the nice salty kind of umami situation, and
it pairs really well with peanut butter.” Working in real estate in a corporate setting, Kocis described getting to bake once he gets home as “such a relief.” He added that so far, community feedback in Sea Cliff has been positive, and he has gained loyal customers. “It honestly brings me so much joy,” he said. “I’m very grateful for what I get to do. People really have enjoyed the product and the whole story behind it.”
15
OYSTER BAY HERALD — August 27, 2026
BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN presents NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE
LONG ISLAND
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Jolson ’ Story is timeless
Jolson Festival marks 80 years By Iris Wiener
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or many, Al Jolson is forever embraced as “The World’s Greatest Entertainer,” and honoring his legacy has become an annual tradition. Celebrating him every year is an unmissable moment for so many. As Jolson himself once said, “A responsive audience is the best encouragement an actor can have.” Judging by the enduring enthusiasm for his music and legacy, there will be no shortage of that encouragement at this year’s celebration. Fans of legendary entertainer Al Jolson will travel from as far away as Kentucky, Ohio, Massachusetts, and New Jersey when the Long Island • Saturday, Sept. 26, Jolson Festival returns next 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • To purchase tickets and for month, on Sept. 26. The more information, call Jan annual celebration takes Hernstat at (516) 678-3524 on added significance as it • Lambrou’s Catering Hall, marks the 80th anniversary 4073 Austin Blvd., Island Park of “The Jolson Story,” the beloved film that inspired generations of Jolson admirers and serves as the theme of this year’s event. With the 27th festival in a span of more than 32 years, the event has grown into a national gathering for devotees of Jolson’s music and legacy. Jan Hernstat, who has served as president of the Al Jolson Society for more than 24 of those years, expects visitors from to make the pilgrimage to Lambrou’s Catering Hall in Island Park with gusto. According to Hernstat this year’s milestone anniversary has inspired even more people to attend. “Because this is the 80th anniversary of ‘The Jolson Story,’ it’s really about the movie and the love for Al Jolson,” he enthusiastically says. For Hernstat, the connection is deeply personal. As a child home sick from school, he stumbled upon “The Million Dollar Movie” and repeated television broadcasts of “The Jolson Story,” and found himself captivated. “They used to play the same movie eight or nine times in a row,” he recalls. “I must have watched ‘The Jolson Story’ five or six times, and that was it. I was hooked.” He notes that while Jolson dominated Broadway from 1911 through the mid-1920s, few living fans remember those performances firsthand. Instead, it was the Academy Awardwinning film that introduced audiences to his remarkable story and unforgettable songs. “Nobody’s alive to say they saw him on Broadway,” Hernstat says. “Why are people alive who can say they are Jolson fans? Because they saw ‘The Jolson Story.’ That movie took this old guy who was no longer relevant and made him
a superstar all over again.” Courtesy Jan Hernstat This year’s Al Jolson in a scene from his film “The Singing Kid” in 1936. It entertainment lineup has was his final lead role in a musical film. been carefully built around that cinematic celebration. Tony Babino, known as “The Heart of Al Jolson,” is back, performing the film’s signature hits, while Richard Halpern will sing the songs featured during Jolson’s childhood scenes in the movie. Music historian Ed Greenbaum will present rare outtakes and songs that were considered for “The Jolson Story” but never made the final cut, offering fans a glimpse into what might Courtesy Iris Wiener have been. The festival Tony B., joined by Society President Jan Hernstat, left, wows also features Brian Gari, the crowd with his lively take on Jolson standards. grandson of entertainer Eddie Cantor; Noah Diamond portraying Groucho Marx; Bob Greenberg performing as Lou Costello, Curly Howard, Ralph Kramden and Oliver Hardy; Angelo Capone as Jerry Lewis; and comedian Jeff Greenberg. Hernstat especially enjoys his own playful interaction with “Groucho Marx” throughout the annual auction portion of the day. The inclusion of Jerry Lewis is especially fitting. Lewis and Dean Martin were lifelong Jolson admirers, and Lewis famously said that meeting Jolson was the only time he had ever been speechless. Hernstat relates that Jolson’s influence stretched far beyond one generation of entertainers. “He was the first superstar before the phrase was even coined,” he says. “He had universal appeal. He was a star in Europe and all over because of ‘The Jazz Singer.’” Yet even after decades of studying Jolson’s career, Hernstat still finds new discoveries. “You would think I’ve heard every song he ever recorded, but I haven’t. I don’t rush to hear and see everything, because when I discover something new, it’s exciting.” Looking back over more than three decades of organizing the festival, Hernstat shares that the greatest reward has been the people. He treasures the opportunity to meet classic entertainers who have attended over the years, along with the friendships formed among fans who return annually. He has begun to appreciate the broader impact of his work. “I am doing something that is making people feel good and helping people,” he reflects “I never looked at it like that when I started doing it, but now I know that’s what it is.” As the lights go up on another Long Island Jolson Festival, the celebration honors more than an entertainer — it will celebrate the film that ensured his music, charisma, and remarkable story would live on. Eighty years after “The Jolson Story” rekindled America’s love affair with Al Jolson, fans continue to gather for the same reason Hernstat did as a child: to relive the movie that first made them believe they were witnessing the world’s greatest entertainer.
Melissa Etheridge Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Melissa Etheridge (“I’m the Only One” “Come to My Window,” “I Want to Come Over.”) has remained one of America’s favorite female singers since bursting onto the scene in 1988. Etheridge performs songs from her new album, Rise, and her hits. “I chose to survive,”she sings on “Being Alive,” the powerful, exuberant opening song on her 17th studio album. Her concerts usually move between bigger sing-along songs, slower emotional moments, and the kind of tracks that let her voice really take over the room. That balance is a big reason her live shows connect so strongly with the audience. The Rise Tour carries that same feel, with a set that blends the songs fans know best with newer material.
Tuesday, Sept. 1, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
Troy Ramey Troy Ramey is part troubadour, part crooner and all heart — an artist who blends emotional depth with timeless soul, captivating audiences with every note. With a voice that moves effortlessly between vulnerability and power, Troy doesn’t just perform — he shares pieces of his life, inviting listeners into the story with him. Raised in a music-filled household, Troy initially pursued athletics until the sudden loss of his father led him to discover the healing power of music. From singing at open mics in Boston to performing on national television as a Top 12 finalist on “The Voice,” Troy’s journey has been one of reinvention and resilience.
Wednesday, Sept. 16, 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet. org or (516) 767-6444. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington.
OYSTER BAY HERALD — August 27, 2026
‘The
August 27, 2026 — OYSTER BAY HERALD
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the mind. In addition to facilitating these monthly groups, Hildur offers support with establishing a home meditation practice. No feeling is final. $17 per class.
Louis Comfort Tiffany: Artist of the Gilded Age brings together the Nassau County Museum of Art’s unparalleled collection of more than 130 oil and watercolor paintings by one of America’s most celebrated artists. This landmark exhibition marks the first time the museum presents the full scope of its Tiffany paintings — an extraordinary group made possible through a generous, anonymous gift that represents the largest private collection of Tiffany paintings. This exhibit highlights a rarely seen dimension of his artistic practice: the paintings that he personally created at the beginning of his career. Through Nov. 8. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: Ongoing • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
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Summertime grooves
Visit West Harbor beach in Bayville for an evening with the Mad Cowboys, presented by the Bayville Village Arts Council. Bring chairs, coolers and snacks. • Where: West Harbor Beach, Bayville • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: ArtsCouncil@bayvilleny. gov or call (516) 628-1439
Behind the Velvet Ropes Step into a bygone era with an exclusive, private group tour of Planting Fields Park’s historic Main House, where you’ll be guided by an expert docents on a journey behind the velvet ropes to explore the home’s stunning rooms up close. This immersive experience will deepen your understanding of the Coe family’s fascinating legacy, the iconic estate they built, and the remarkable history that surrounds it. All ages welcome. $18, $17 seniors (62+), $5 children 6-1, children ages 5 and under are free. Registration required. • Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay • Time: 11 a.m. and noon, also Aug. 29 • Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210
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Notes In Nature: Summer Symphonies
Visit Planting Fields for the next concert in the “Notes in Nature” series. Experience the vocal and virtuosic essence of the Long Island Chamber Music collective set against the picturesque backdrop of Planting Fields. The program
CALENDAR • Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point • Time: 6-7 p.m. • Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901
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Australian Pink Floyd Show
The Australian Pink Floyd Show arrives at the Paramount on The Happiest Days Of Our Lives – Greatest Hits 26 Tour, bringing the complete Pink Floyd Experience with a stunning laser show, massive inflatables, and more! The Australian Pink Floyd Show will take the stage with a collection of greatest hits that resonate deeply with Pink Floyd fans worldwide. Performing the music of Pink Floyd with note for note perfection, this critically acclaimed tribute show has been astonishing audiences worldwide for nearly 40 years. Striving to reproduce the Pink Floyd experience and bring the music to new audiences, the show continues to include a stunning light and laser show, video animations, state-ofthe-art LED screen technology and other special effects. Featuring a new stage set and video animation, cutting-edge lighting, precision lasers, massive inflatables, and impeccable live sound, TAPFS promises to offer an unforgettable experience for both long-time fans and newcomers. The Australian Pink Floyd Show gave its first concert in Adelaide, Australia in 1988. Since then, they have performed in over 35 countries worldwide; played at David Gilmour’s 50th birthday celebration and were even joined on stage by David Gilmour and Rick Wright. Covering music from every era of Pink Floyd’s evolution, this tour highlights TAPFS’s unwavering commitment to the legacy of Barrett, Waters, Gilmour, Wright, and Mason, delivering an authentic and heartfelt tribute to the legendary Pink Floyd productions. In addition and in true Pink Floyd tradition, • Where: The Paramount, 370 huge inflatables include a giant pig, and their own unique Pink Kangaroo. Reproducing the New York Ave., Huntington complete Pink Floyd experience and bringing the music to new audiences, TAPFS inspired a whole new genre of acts. So much more than a tribute band, The Australian Pink Floyd Show • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: ticketmaster.com is the first Pink Floyd tribute show that took the concept into the worldwide arena circuit. or paramountny.com
opens with Grieg’s Praeludium from The Holberg Suite, a vibrant burst of Baroque-inspired brilliance. Holst’s St. Paul’s Suite follows, then Florence Price’s Andante Cantabile, a graceful, singing work. The evening closes with Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings. $45 per person in advance, $50 at the door. Limited seating available. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for additional seating. • Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay • Time: 5:30-7 p.m. • Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210
Great Nature Play Day Festival Celebrate the wonders of the natural world at Planting Fields Park, where curiosity, creativity and the outdoors come together. Kids and families can explore the 409-acre grounds while enjoying hands-on activities, crafts and nature-inspired adventures. With special programming, including storytime session and bird walks. Food trucks are also onsite. Regular admission is $15 per child, parents and guardians free. • Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay • Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., also Aug. 30 • Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210
Tunes with Jack Megale Jack Megale performs at The Audrey: Kitchen and Bar in Oyster Bay for an evening of live music with The New York-based singer-songwriter creates acoustic and guitar-driven indie and folk-pop music. • Where: 34 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: theaudreyob.com or call (631) 358-3522
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Beauty’s Back(pack) to School Bash
Families are invited to Castle Gould at Sands Point Preserve to join Princess Beauty, Rapunzel, and the Mermaid Princess for a magical celebration to kick off the new school year in royal style. The annual event includes princess performances, interactive story time, dancing, games, and more. Each child receives a backpack to decorate and take home — perfect for starting school with a sparkle! Plus, enjoy sweet treats, a royal meet-and-greet, and photo opportunities.. Registration required. Limited tickets available. $55 child, $17 adult. • Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point • Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and
1-2 p.m. • Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901
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Oyster Bay Cruise Nights
The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce hosts Cruise Nights in Oyster Bay on Tuesdays. The car show, celebrating more than 20 years, attracts more than 250 vehicles and more than 1,000 attendees each week. • Where: Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay • Time: 5:30 p.m., through Sept. 8. • Contact: visitoysterbay.com or call (516) 259-1842
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First Fridays: The Buzz on Biodiversity
Spend a morning immersed in the natural beauty of Planting Fields exploringe the fascinating world of pollinators, monarch butterflies, and the diverse insects that support healthy ecosystems. This guided walk uncovers the important relationships between plants and pollinators while examining the challenges posed by invasive species. Participants take part in hands-on citizen science activities, including monarch butterfly tagging, and learn how everyday observations can contribute to conservation efforts. $25 per person. For ages 8+.Registration required. • Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay • Time: 10-11 a.m. • Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210
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‘Brown Bag’ Art Chat
Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” at the museum. Discover the beauty, innovation and enduring legacy of the art of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Through Riva’s engaging and insightful presentation, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the exhibition and the remarkable artistry of one of America’s most celebrated designers and creative visionaries. No reservations. First come, first seated. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: 1 p.m., also Oct. 15 • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Monthly meditation
Sands Point Preserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the backdrop for an evening of nature-based mindfulness and meditation with Hildur Palsdottir, first Thursday monthly. Classes are held in the beautiful rooms of the Preserve’s mansions, or in the Hempstead House Garden when weather permits. Explore techniques specifically aimed at stress reduction. Hildur adapts ancient Buddhist teachings to modern applications for calming
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.
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. EMIGRANT BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH EMIGRANT SAVINGS BANK-LONG ISLAND, Plaintiff -againstSEYMOUR COHEN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on April 1, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on September 8, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Brookville, Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, known and designated as SBL# 17,9,173. Said premises known as 11 EVANS DRIVE, GLEN HEAD a/k/a 11 EVANS DRIVE, BROOKVILLE, NY 11545 Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 610162/2023. PAUL L. MELI, ESQ., Referee Terenzi & Confusione P.C. Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 401 Franklin Avenue, Suite 304, Garden City, NY 11530 {* OYSTER BAY*} 161462
the envelope. Bids opened prior to the date and time indicated are invalid. No phone, fax, or email bids will be accepted. Beginning Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the Contract Documents may be examined at the District Administration Building, Oyster BayEast Norwich Central School District, 1 McCouns Lane, Oyster Bay, New York 11771 (516-624-6500), between 9:00am and 3:30pm Monday through Thursday, and may be obtained upon a deposit of One Hundred ($100.00) Dollars for each complete set. Checks for deposits shall be made payable to the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District and may be uncertified. The bid deposit will be returned upon receipt of plans and specifications, in good condition, within thirty days after the bid date, except for the lowest responsible bidder, whose check will be applied toward a printing allowance.
BOARD OF EDUCATION Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District
The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, or the proposals will be rejected within 45 days of the date of opening proposals. Bids shall be subject, however, to the discretionary right reserved by the School District to waive any informalities in, accept or reject any alternatives, reject any proposals and to advertise for new proposals, if in its opinion the best interest of the School District will thereby be promoted.
PUBLIC NOTICE: is hereby given for separate sealed bids for: Terraced Seating for Athletic Field at Oyster Bay High School.
Each bidder may not withdraw its bid until forty-five (45) days after the bid opening, except in accordance with General Municipal Law Section 103(11).
Bids will be received by the School District, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the District Administration Building, 1 McCouns Lane, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771, and at said time and place publicly opened and read aloud. Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District is not responsible for bids opened prior to the bid opening if contract name, contract number, and opening date do not appear on
Each proposal submitted must be accompanied by bid security in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid, as set forth more fully in the Instructions to Bidders.
LEGAL NOTICE Invitation to Bidders
If restrictions applicable to construction activities in the Owner’s facilities are imposed as a result of State, Federal, or Local orders, laws, regulations or rules, and the duration of any
such restrictions, the Owner may modify the construction schedule, including the anticipated start date, set forth in the Contract/ Bid Documents. By submitting a bid, the Bidder consents to any such schedule modification and further acknowledges and agrees that there shall be no additional compensation for the schedule modification caused directly or indirectly by such restrictions. The Bidder further acknowledges and agrees that the sole remedy for any schedule modifications or delays caused directly or indirectly by such restrictions shall be an extension of time, to be determined in the sole discretion of the Owner. Dated: August 26, 2026 By Order of: The Board of Education Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District 161984 To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232
LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE INC. VILLAGE OF LAUREL HOLLOW -BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a public hearing and meeting will be held by and before the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Inc. Village of Laurel Hollow, Nassau County, New York, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. at the Village Hall, 1492 Laurel Hollow Road, Laurel Hollow, NY to consider the following: ZV1-2026.: The continuation of the public hearing on the application of Daniel Luden to construct an accessory garage make alterations to his residence and construct a second story addition at 1707 Route 25A, Laurel Hollow, NY where the proposed structures do not comply with the following sections of the Laurel Hollow Zoning Code: 1. No accessory building shall be erected at a distance less than the same distance from the front lot line to the principal building as per Section 145-5 (B)(2) of the Laurel Hollow Zoning Code.
The proposed garage, which is an accessory structure, is located at a distance closer to the front lot line than the principal building. The garage is setback 239.24 feet from the front lot line. The existing principal building is set back 339.88 feet from the front lot line. 2. N o accessory building shall be erected at a distance less than the same distance from the front lot line to the principal building as per Section 145-5 (B)(2) of the Laurel Hollow Zoning Code. The application seeks to maintain two existing sheds, which are accessory structures, located at a distance closer to the front lot line than the principal building. One shed is setback 250.29 feet from the front lot line and the second shed is setback approximately 310 feet from the front lot line. The existing principal building is set back 339.88 feet from the front lot line. 3. An accessory building or structure having a building area of up to 500 square feet shall be set back at least 40 feet from every lot line not abutting a street, according to Section 145-5 B.(2) of the Laurel Hollow Zoning Code. The application seeks to maintain two existing sheds, which are accessory structures, located closer than 40 feet to the northern side property line. One shed is setback 7.16 feet from the northern side property line and the second shed is setback approximately 1.75’ feet from the northern side property line. 4. No accessory building shall exceed 25% of the building area of the principal building, and in no event shall the building area of an accessory building exceed 1,000 square feet as per Section 145-5 A.(1)(c) of the Laurel Hollow Zoning Code. The proposed garage has a building area of 990 square feet, which represents 48.3% of the building area of the principal dwelling (2,046.11 square feet). 5. An accessory building or structure having a building area of more than 500 square feet up to 1,000 square feet shall be set back at least 50 feet
Support the troops by donating DVD’s The Town of Oyster Bay is partnering with Massapequa-based Big Hy for Heroes organization to collect DVDs for those deployed and serving overseas in the United States Armed Forces as well as movies for children’s hospitals. Donations will be accepted during the month of September and then delivered to chaplains, commanding officers, sergeant majors and Sergeants around the globe to distribute to troops and arrange movie nights this holiday season. The Big Hy for Heroes organization was founded in 2002 by Massapequa resident and WWII veteran Hyman Strachman who, along with his son Arthur Strachman, personally began sending DVDs to U.S. troops overseas. Over the years, Big Hy for Heroes has shipped hundreds of thousands of DVDs all
around the world and continues to do so today. Exciting, suspenseful, comedy and classic DVDs are among the most requested by the troops for movie nights. Children’s movies are needed for local hospitals. Residents can donate DVDs at any of the following locations from Sept. 1 – 30: ■ Town Hall North – 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay ■ Town Hall South – 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa For more information on the DVD Collection Drive for U.S. Troops and local children’s hospitals, call (516) 624-6380. –Will Sheeline
Public Notices
from every lot line not abutting a street as per Section 145-5 B.(2). The proposed garage is greater than 500 square feet and is set back 35.46 feet from the northern side property line and is set back 48.46 feet from the southern side property line. 6. According to Section 145-5 A. (1) (d) of the Laurel Hollow Zoning Code, the total surface coverage shall not exceed 20% of the lot area (11,141 square feet). The surface coverage proposed is 24.2 % (13,479.66 square feet). 7. A principal building shall be set back at least 60 feet from every street line and 40 feet from every other lot line as per Section 145-5 (B)(1) of the Laurel Hollow Zoning Code. The existing residence is nonconforming as it is setback 22.75’ from the northern side property line. The application seeks to exacerbate that nonconformity by adding second story space that will raise the roof height within that required setback. This property is designated as Section 25 Block 64 Lots 30 & 36 on the Land and Tax Map of Nassau County. ZV10-2026: The public hearing on the application of Arnold Montag on behalf of Stephen Marchese to maintain a shed at 8 Springwood Path,
Laurel Hollow, NY where the structure does not comply with the following sections of the Laurel Hollow Zoning Code:
1. Section 145-5 B. (2) of the Laurel Hollow Zoning Code states that an “accessory building or structure … must be set back at least 100 feet from every lot line abutting a street”. The applicant seeks to maintain a shed, which is an accessory structure, in its current location, which is set back 64.8 feet from the lot line abutting Springwood Path. This property is designated as Section 14 Block 25 Lot 10 on the Land and Tax Map of Nassau County. ZV11-2026: The public hearing on the application of Michael Wallin on behalf of Matthew Sharpe to construct additions and renovate the existing residence at 1540 Laurel Hollow Road, Laurel Hollow, NY where the proposed construction does not comply with the following section of the Laurel Hollow Zoning Code: 1. Section 145-5 B. (1) of The Laurel Hollow Zoning Code states that … no building or structure shall hereafter be erected, altered or enlarged in the Residence District unless: (1) If it is a
principal building, it shall be set back at least 60 feet from every street line and 40 feet from every other lot line. The applicant seeks to exacerbate an existing non-conformity wherein a proposed second story addition would be constructed over an existing first story that is set back 25.6 feet from the northerly side yard lot line where 40 feet is required. 2. Section 145-5 B. (1) of The Laurel Hollow Zoning Code states that … no building or structure shall hereafter be erected, altered or enlarged in the Residence District unless: (1) If it is a principal building, it shall be set back at least 60 feet from every street line and 40 feet from every other lot line. The applicant proposes to construct a one-story addition that is set back 29.9 feet from the northerly side yard lot line where 40 feet is required.
This property is designated as Section 26 Block A Lots 252A and B on the Land and Tax Map of Nassau County. By Order of the Board of Zoning Appeals Russell Mohr, Chairman August 6, 2026 161985 PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST XUECHENG YANG, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 17, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 25, 2026 at 2:00 pm, premises known as 692 Donna Drive, Oyster Bay, NY 11771. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Upper Brookville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 24 Block: 19 Lot: 9. Approximate amount of judgment $991,496.00 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #601248/2023. For sale information, please visit ServiceLink Auction at https://www.servicelink auction.com or call (866) 539-4173. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, NY 14614 PNNY162SL 91037 161922
OYSTER BAY HERALD — August 27, 2026
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n two weeks we will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 — the deadliest attack on American soil in the nation’s history. Nearly 3,000 innocent people were killed that day, and the death and suffering didn’t end there. In the years that followed, thousands more became ill and, in many cases, died from the toxic dust in and around the World Trade Center. Each year, as Sept. 11 approaches, I think back to that day, and how it began so beautifully and uneventfully. I was in Washington, in a car with my chief of staff, Rob O’Connor, heading toward the Capitol. The sky was exceptionally clear — great for flying, I thought. I figured my wife, Rosemary’s, plane would be right on time. That night was to be the annual congressional barbecue on the south lawn of the White House — the first of George W. Bush’s presidency. Most members of Congress and their spouses
would be there. Rosemary was due to land at D.C.’s Reagan National Airport at about 9:40 a.m. The morning traffic wasn’t particularly heavy. The Capitol dome was in clear sight as I scanned the morning paper. Then Rob’s cellphone rang. It was my press secretary, Kevin Fogarty, telling us matter-offactly that he’d heard on “The Today Show” that a commuter plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. Then we heard on the radio that the plane had hit high on the north tower, exploding “like a bomb.” That didn’t sound like a commuter plane. I feared that Rosemary’s 8:30 flight out of LaGuardia might have been near Lower Manhattan about the time of the crash. Kevin called back to say that the flight had been held and was on the runway, but he had no further details. My daughter, Erin, called. She had just spoken with her husband, John, who worked four blocks north of the trade center and had seen the crash. “It’s just massive,” he told her. “Flames and black smoke shooting out. Debris flying through the air.”
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I got out at the Cannon Building, walked up to my fourth-floor office and opened the door to the reception area. It was 9:03. I looked up toward the television on top of a bookcase, and watched as a huge jet flew directly into a tower and exploded in soaring flames. At first I thought it was a video of the north tower crash, but then I realized it was a second plane. Erin called again. John had seen the plane coming in his direction before it hit the south tower, and he began to run down from his 28th-floor office. Still no word from Rosemary. My calls went directly to her voicemail. I managed to contact my son, Sean, who worked at the Commerce Department. As we were talking, at 9:21, Rosemary called. Having no idea what was happening, she complained about her plane being taken back to the terminal and the airport being shut down. “How am I supposed to get to the White House tonight?” she asked. “New York is under attack,” I told her. “Terrorists have attacked the World Trade Center.” Just then I heard the pilot of her plane making that announcement,
y wife had no idea why her flight from LaGuardia was grounded.
and passengers shrieking. My district office director, Anne Rosenfeld, who was very pregnant, drove to LaGuardia to pick up Rosemary. Erin was concerned that she hadn’t heard again from John. But at 9:35 she called with the good news that he had found a cab that took him to the 59th Street Bridge, and was now taking another cab home. At 9:43, CNN reported an attack on the Pentagon. We were at war. Capitol police were evacuating the Cannon Building, and there was a report of an explosion near the Commerce Department. I called Sean, but his line was dead. He called at 9:55. The report was false, and I breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment I allowed myself to think all was well. But of course, it wasn’t. The next report was of the crash of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pa. For days, weeks and months there would be news of friends, neighbors and so many more who had died. The funerals were endless. Our lives would never be the same. Most important, though, America never wavered. We fought back, and the struggle continues. Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Trump owns the war in Iran. That’s not good news.
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ike it or not, the war with Iran will soon enter its seventh month. It may be true that the war was started with the express purpose of taking away Iran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon, but as of now that goal has proved elusive. Iran has been a clever and resilient foe, and it’s possible that the current battle will last far into the future. The longer it lasts, the longer Americans will pay a hefty price for gasoline, fertilizer and other badly needed consumer products. On numerous occasions, President Trump has displayed a chart highlighting the fact that the Iran war hasn’t lasted anywhere near as long as the Vietnam War, the war in Afghanistan or the Korean War, and on that he is correct. The Vietnam War lasted from 1955 to 1975. The war in Afghanistan lasted 20 years, and the Korean War lasted from 1950 to 1953. The problem with the White House chart is that it fails to point out the fact that the wars in Vietnam and Afghani-
stan were total failures, and the Korean War is considered a draw and not any kind of victory. Many of us who were alive during the 20 years of strife in Vietnam still remember the photo of desperate evacuees reaching for a helicopter ladder as the U.S. Army left the capital. By all accounts, Vietnam was a terrible loss. Our military failed to prevent Communist forces from taking over South Vietnam, culminating in the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the unification of the country under a Communist government. Another indelible image from that war is the dramatic photo of children, one of them naked, fleeing a napalm attack. The war in Afghanistan was another embarrassment for our nation. Failing to consider the loss of over 15,000 Soviet soldiers, we forged ahead and ultimately withdrew after 20 years, leaving the country to the Taliban, the same group we tried to oust in 2001. That war cost the lives of more than 2,400 U.S. military personnel, and an additional 20,700 were wounded. An estimated 66,000 to 69,000 Afghan national military and police officers were killed. The Korean War was supposed to
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result in the unification of that country, but ended with an armistice agreement. It’s estimated that the U.S. lost 33,700 members of the military, and 103,000 were wounded. When America entered that war, it didn’t anticipate that China would contribute hundreds of thousands of troops, transforming a relatively local battle into an international showdown. The strategic location of South Korea has been of major importance to the United States, which makes the current situation in that country so confusing. Trump recently pulled back U.S. support for strategic war games, apparently as a favor to North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. Trump is seeking to renew what he describes as a friendship with Kim, which experts agree is, at best, a waste of time. Our adventure in Iraq should be added to the list of doubtful wars conducted by the U.S. military. While we succeeded in removing Saddam Hussein, a brutal dictator, there were setbacks. We started the war with the goal of finding stockpiles of so-called weapons of mass destruction, but none were ever found. In addition, the failure to
e’s compared it with Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan. Not the best idea.
recruit the Iraqi army to our side turned their soldiers into our sworn enemies and triggered a civil war. America lost more than 4,400 troops. The U.S. has won a number of significant conflicts in recent decades — the invasions of Grenada (1983) and Panama (1989-1990) and the Gulf War (19901991). Of course, whether we “win” sometimes depends on how you define a military victory. Occasionally these wins end with political solutions. What would you call the war with Iran? It’s currently a standoff, with the Strait of Hormuz still closed. Trump is now considering declaring the strait some kind of American property, but that idea isn’t exactly acceptable to everyone else in the region. In the meantime, the Iranians feel emboldened by virtue of the fact that there is a stalemate. Trump has declared a number of times that the warring parties are close to a deal, but it never happens. Historians tend to attach presidents’ names to lost wars, and there’s little doubt that Trump will own the Iran War. Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.
OYSTER BAY HERALD — August 27, 2026
A morning I will never — ever — forget
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Herald editorial
OYSTER BAY
HERALD August 27, 2026 — OYSTER BAY HERALD
Established 1899
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Solving the who-needs-to-know mystery
nformation has never been easier to share — and somehow, it has never been easier to misunderstand. A text message can reach a dozen people in seconds. Emails can be forwarded with a click. Group chats keep families, friends and co-workers connected. Businesses communicate through websites, social media, apps and automated messages. Yet confusion remains remarkably common. Often, the problem isn’t that people disagree. It’s that they’re working with different information. One person thinks the family gathering starts at 2, while another was told 3. Two employees complete the same task because no one clearly assigned responsibility. A customer expects one thing, because that’s what a website says, only to hear something different from an employee. A plan changes, but the people affected never get the message. Then come the assumptions. People fill in gaps when information is missing. They guess what someone meant. They assume someone else handled a task. When things go wrong, frustration can quickly become anger or resentment. We should advocate for something simple but too often overlooked: better coordination and clearer communication. That doesn’t mean turning every decision into a meeting, copying everyone on every email or creating another group chat. It means being intentional. Who needs to know? What do they need to know? Who is responsible? Has
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letters How much did county residents pay for that presidential rally? To the Editor: Re President Trump’s rally at the Nassau County Police Department’s training facility on Aug. 14 (“A high-profile Blakeman backer pays a visit,” Aug. 20-26): The rally’s theme was public safety, and how Nassau County is the safest county in the U.S. The truth is that our county first achieved that accolade under the leadership of then County Executive Laura Curran. As I watched the rally on television, it sure looked like a campaign event, with everyone running for office on the Republican ticket invited up to the stage to receive the president’s endorsement. The backdrop for all of this was the hundreds of police officers and trainees who were cheering on the same president who pardoned the folks who attacked police officers on Jan. 6, 2021,
something changed? If it has, have the affected people been told? Consider your family. Planning a birthday party, a holiday gathering or a weekend outing can get complicated when several people make arrangements independently. Maybe someone buys food that someone else already bought. A guest is given one time, while everyone else has another. A few minutes spent making sure everyone has the same information can prevent hours of frustration. The same applies to friends and coworkers. When plans change, people need to know. When responsibilities are divided, everyone should understand who is doing what. When there’s uncertainty, asking a question is almost always better than making an assumption. Businesses and organizations have a responsibility, too. Customers shouldn’t have to navigate conflicting information depending on whether they visit a website, receive an email or speak with an employee. If hours change, services become unavailable or procedures are different, that information should be updated where customers are most likely to find it. Clear communication also means acknowledging when something has changed. Too often, people continue operating according to an outdated plan because no one made the extra call, sent the email or had the necessary conversation. A few minutes of communication can head off lots of unnecessary work. Communication is a two-way respon-
sibility. Sending information isn’t enough; sometimes we need to make sure it was understood. That can be as simple as asking, “Does everyone understand the plan?” or “Are we all on the same page?” Clarity builds trust. When people know what is expected, who is responsible and where things stand, they’re more likely to feel respected and confident. When information is unclear, people are left to guess — and guessing is where misunderstandings begin. There’s a broader lesson for our communities. Schools, municipalities, civic organizations, nonprofits and businesses are more likely to earn cooperation when people understand what is happening and why. Clear communication makes it easier for residents and customers to participate and understand decisions. The answer isn’t necessarily more emails, meetings or messages. It is better information delivered to the right people at the right time, with clear responsibility for what happens next. Before assuming someone else handled something or becoming frustrated because someone “should have known,” we should first ask whether they were actually told. In our families, friendships and workplaces and our dealings with businesses and organizations, we can all do a better job of making sure the right people have the right information. It takes little effort — and can save us a lot of time, frustration and aggravation.
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opinions
he last column I wrote was an obituary for my husband, don, who died in July. this month I hoped to move on to my usual subjects like politics, or the life and times of my grandkids, or the weird and wonderful touchstones of our evolving culture. In 40 years of column writing, I’ve never been at a loss for words. But this loss is different. I discovered that I’m not myself anymore; more challenging, I’m not sure who I am. When you’re a partner in a 58-year-long marriage, identity becomes somewhat fluid. We were a “we” and now I’m an “I.” the reminders are constant, some profound, some silly. When would I ever buy one banana? How do I change the lightbulbs? I’d like to step out to dinner, but I’ve never sat across from an empty chair. I walk the dog and realize that no one would know if I fell into the bushes and spent the night alfresco.
I’m not feeling sorry for myself, just observing from an emotional distance how the scenery, the characters and the story have changed completely. And I’m not yet sure what part I’m playing. I explored not doing what I ordinarily do. I ate a sweet potato and a bowl of Haagen dazs for dinner. no protein-starch-vegetable pyramid. I stayed up all night and slept all morning. I went to the mailbox in our building and realized I couldn’t reach it. that was donnie’s job. Sometimes I find myself wondering where he could’ve gone. How is this possible? We have A.I. Why hasn’t someone figured this out? I see signs in nature and out of nature, like the perfect, long-stemmed red rose that came floating my way in the ocean. I’m a super-grounded person, yet I’m willing to let my thoughts take flight. of course, I’m reading all the grief literature and, of course, on facebook, thanks to its mind -reading algorithms, everything that has ever been published about grief is on my page. I’ve heard more from elizabeth Kubler-ross
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’m told I need to join widows’ groups. But I prefer the couples we hung out with.
Letters at the U.S. Capitol. I wonder how much of our county funds, raised by residents’ taxes, were spent on salaries and overtime to have those police in the stands, provide protection for the president and close our streets and highways for the convoy of vehicles through our county that day. Is that the wisest way to use our county tax dollars? How does this help our citizens and communities? BIll YoUngfert Franklin Square
A stronger grid for Long Island to the editor: this month marked the 23rd anniversary of the northeast blackout that left 50 million residents in the dark. the event is a stark reminder of what can happen when critical transmission infrastructure fails, and why projects like Propel nY are essential. electric transmission is the backbone of our energy system, moving electricity long distances from where it’s generated to the communities that depend on it. While we have made progress since the 2003 blackout, the lesson from that historic event remains clear: our grid is only as strong as its weakest link. the state’s grid operator, new York
in the past month than in my entire life, and she’s been dead for 22 years. “Uplifting” poetry and exotic mourning rituals fill my page. Strangest of all, I’ve heard from people out of the past — the way, way past. People I knew in college or my first job, people who heard from a friend of a friend and just wanted to say what a champ my donnie was. How sweet that so many people stop for a moment and write down words that will land in my mailbox and lighten the weight of these days, even briefly. this is part of what I do now in these early days: I curate the memories of our life together. My kids and I try to figure out the unfathomable. We distract ourselves with activity and open books we never actually read. My other job is saying yes. According to the experts, I must say yes to every opportunity to see people, even though they may be irritating nudniks who were never part of my life. And I need to join widows’ groups, friends advise. But wait; I want to embrace my old friends. I like the cou-
Independent System operator, has been sounding the alarm about growing reliability challenges on long Island and in the downstate region. Winter cold snaps and summer heat waves are putting enormous strain on the grid, requiring emergency procedures to keep the lights on. Without investment, the region faces increasing risk to energy reliability. Propel nY is a key solution to ensure that long Island and the downstate region have the necessary infrastructure to deliver power for our growing needs. Put simply, Propel is designed to avoid brownouts and blackouts while strengthening the local economy and lowering the cost of power. our transmission network operates like a highway system, and it’s now experiencing bumper-to-bumper traffic. Power that could serve the area can’t get here efficiently or economically due to bottlenecks on aging transmission lines. Picture the throgs neck and Whitestone bridges at rush hour, with deadstopped traffic. Propel is the equivalent of adding three new “bridges” between long Island and the statewide grid to create new pathways for power flows. It will reduce congestion, lower electricity costs and significantly reduce the risk of power interruptions. Propel doesn’t rely on one generation source — whatever power is available and less expensive can move on Propel. this provides the nYISo with more flexibility to power the region with modern underground cables, even under
ples, the women and men with whom we dined and hung out. they, especially, share my memories. no friendship possibility need be exclusionary. the categorization of women whose partner has died is problematic. I have always had difficulty with the word “widow.” there is something about the word, which comes from old english and meant “lonely,” “separate” and “divide.” And, of course, the spider. I don’t think we need to be identified by our marital status. recently I was filling out a form, and it asked if I was married, single, widowed, divorced. And I thought, nobody’s damn business. My husband’s death should not change my official identity. except maybe for Social Security. for my next column, I promise, I’ll stay anchored in the everyday world. Maybe back to politics. When I wrote don’s obituary, I received dozens of supportive, loving notes from readers, and I thank you all. this has set a new standard for me. ordinarily when I open an email, I’m expecting big-time political push back. this was a sweet, healing interlude, connecting with readers heart to heart. let it be. Copyright 2026 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
Framework by Emma Bellissimo
On the sand by a beloved amusement park — Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
challenging circumstances. Wi t h g row i n g p owe r d e m a n d , extreme weather and grid congestion, investing in modern, resilient transmission systems isn’t optional. every mile of upgraded line and every new
substation bring us closer to a future where blackouts are history. JorIS VeldHoVen President, NY Transco
OYSTER BAY HERALD — August 27, 2026
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Traveling the road solo and with no GPS
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For Sale | Brookville, NY
For Sale | Glen Cove, NY
For Sale | Glenwood Landing, NY
15 Dogwood Hill | MLS# 1027379 | $3,799,000 Damian Ross, c.516.369.5868
9 Robert Rd | $1,149,000 John Langone, c.516.901.9116 Deana Langone Roper, c.516.369.3144
3 Woodland Ave | MLS# 1039571 | $998,639 John Langone, c.516.901.9116 Deana Langone Roper, c.516.369.3144
For Sale | Glen Cove, NY
For Rent | Commercial | Greenvale, NY
For Rent | Multiple Units | Roslyn, NY
17 Harmony Ln | MLS# 1018243 | $775,000 Damian Ross, c.516.369.5868
90 Glen Cove Rd | $38.08/sq. ft. Michael Tucker, c.516.428.9505
24 Lumber Rd, Units #1, #2, #3 | Starting At $5,300/mo. Saffet “Pinar” Ogeturk, c.516.754.3162
For Rent | Glen Cove, NY
For Rent | Sea Cliff, NY
For Rent | Glenwood Landing, NY
11 Miller Street, Unit #2 | MLS# 999887 | $3,200/mo. Damian Ross, c.516.369.5868
5 Titus Rd, Unit #2 | MLS# 1034031 | $3,200/mo. Vivian Parisi, c.516.236.0537 Rory Aledort, c.516.661.0028
3 Rams Hill Rd, Unit #1 | MLS# 1034329 | $3,450/mo. Vivian Parisi, c.516.236.0537 Rory Aledort, c.516.661.0028
Pending | Glen Cove, NY
Sold | Sea Cliff, NY
Sold | Glen Cove, NY
5 Central Ave | MLS# 1025751 | LP: $879,000 Deana Langone Roper, c.516.369.3144 (Seller Side) Amy Tempesta, c.617.669.8826 (Buyer Side)
24 Maple Ave | MLS# 999191 | LP: $789,000 Barbara Sinenberg, c.516.650.2758 (Seller Side) Amy Tempesta, c.617.669.8826 (Buyer Side)
87 Robinson Ave | MLS# 998395 | LP: $779,000 Barbara Sinenberg, c.516.650.2758
Sea Cliff Office | 329 Glen Cove Ave, Sea Cliff, NY | 516.674.2000 | danielgale.com
Each office is independently owned and operated. Select images feature AI-assisted editing.
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August 27, 2026 — OYSTER BAY HERALD
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