Oyster Bay Herald 09-19-2025

Courtesy Town of Oyster Bay

the Milana family owns several restaurants in oyster Bay, including its newest, L’etoile, which is on the site of the historic Snouder’s drug Store.

Milana family to be honored by O.B. Historical Society

By WIll SHEElINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The Oyster Bay Historical Society will honor the Milana family with its Legacy Award at the organization’s annual History in the Making dinner, celebrating the family’s transformative impact on the hamlet’s historic downtown.

The event, which will be held next Wednesday at the Crescent Beach Club, will feature live music by Gino Dabbicco and remarks from community leaders. It will mark the third year of the Legacy Award, which recognizes individuals or families whose efforts have helped shape the charac-

ter and future of Oyster Bay while honoring its past.

Denice Sheppard-Evans, director of the historical society, said that the idea for the award arose shortly after she became director in 2017, with the first award, presented in 2023, posthumously recognizing Elizabeth Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt’s first cousin twice removed, for her extensive contributions to local cultural organizations.

“I wanted to highlight and promote the achievements of the community or people within the community of Oyster Bay based on their dedication to making this community a better place,” Sheppard-Evans said. “I

Continued on page 8

L.V. residents oppose state on gender issue

By WIll SHEElINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The Locust Valley Central School District Board of Education meeting Monday night drew a large crowd, and numerous attendees pressed the board to reject Gov. Kathy Hochul’s requirements regarding transgender students under Title IX. The emotionally charged meeting also marked the board’s first since a perceived shooting threat forced its Sept. 10 session to be abruptly canceled.

HVasiliou explained that he had informed his colleagues about the threat, and that additional information about the voicemails surfaced as the meeting was about to begin, leading the board to cancel it and evacuate the building.

aving boys in girls’ locker rooms and bathrooms, in my opinion, I’m sorry, is disgusting.

BaRBaRa VIVoNa Bayville

Board President George Vasiliou opened the meeting by addressing the events of last week, when two voicemails prompted concerns about a possible threat to the district. The messages, which referenced the assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, came hours after a school shooting in Colorado and on the eve of the Sept. 11 anniversary.

“As a father myself of two children in this district, and all of us with children in the district — we had an athletic event going on up in the gymnasium, and we had a building with families and parents and students,” Vasiliou recounted. “That will always be this board’s absolute number one priority, the safety and well-being of our students and our families. We stand by that decision.”

He added that law enforcement had investigated, and deemed it safe to reopen schools the next day, and that security was increased. He rejected claims circulating online that the board had canceled the meeting to avoid pub-

Continued on page 2

Many call for district to sue state, risking funding

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

lic discussion of Title IX.

“It’s a sad day in democracy if we cannot have civil, respectful discourse,” Vasiliou said. “It does not matter what side of the discussion point you sit on. If we are incapable of having a discussion here as adults and hearing each other out, and we devolve to voicemails like were left on our voice fellowship, that is a terrible example for our students.”

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Once public comment began, several residents turned their attention to the district’s policies for transgender students, saying they opposed following the state’s interpretation of Title IX and urging the board to adopt the federal definition backed by the Trump administration.

Locust Valley does not track the number of transgender students in the district, although there is at least one. Last year the district built a new girls’ locker room at the high school, which has a separate, gender-neutral space for nonbinary and gender-nonconforming student athletes.

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of Bayville, said, mentioning to a 2021 case in Virginia in which a female student was assaulted by a transgender classmate. “One incident like this is too much. Where I come from, this would be beyond the pale. You would have 100, 200 fathers up here raising almighty hell.”

Board trustee Lauren Themis, who chairs the district’s Policy Committee, reviewed the history of the district’s policy on gender identity. It was adopted in 2019, she said, based on guidance from the New York State School Boards Association, and was reviewed in 2023, with the aim of aligning it with federal Title IX guidelines.

W

hen you say these things, you’re speaking to my child, and as far as students, he’s one of the best that you have.

Bayville resident Lisa McLaughlin was among the first to speak, and criticized Vasiliou and Superintendent Kristen Turnow for their handling of the perceived threat on Sept. 10 and accusing them, without evidence, of using it to avoid public discussion of transgender policy.

CARRIE LAMB

Themis explained that the district had hired an attorney to draft policy changes, but the effort stalled late last year, and was halted in April, after administrators advised the board to follow the state’s guidelines.

Locust Valley parent

“Locust Valley has made all of the major newspapers, but for all the wrong reasons,” McLoughlin said. “You exploited the pain and fear of the LVCSD community so you wouldn’t have to face comments from the public about the district’s policy on trans students.”

She argued that the district should have discussed the issue publicly, and focused on overnight arrangements for an upcoming eighth-grade trip as a cause for concern. McLoughlin also called for Vasiliou’s and Turnow’s resignations. She had previously called for the resignations of unspecified board members at the board’s August meeting, when she claimed that the district’s capital project to build a new artificial-turf field at Bayville Intermediate was illegal.

Several other speakers said the district should join the Massapequa school district’s lawsuit opposing Hochul’s order requiring schools to allow transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity. Some parents cited safety and privacy concerns, but provided no data to support their arguments.

“Having boys in girls locker rooms and bathrooms, in my opinion, I’m sorry, is disgusting,” Barbara Vivona,

“It was the board’s position at that time, unanimously, that we were looking to move to the federal version of Title IX,” Themis said. “We have been told that the state will come after us and take the (grant) money, and they will kick us off the board, and the federal government has also made it very clear that they will remove our federal funding.”

The Policy Committee, she said, will consider whether to abolish, amend or replace the district’s current policy. For now, Themis confirmed, the district allows transgender students to use restrooms and locker rooms aligned with their gender identity.

Trustee Matthew Barnes said he empathized with parents’ concerns, but cautioned that any policy change could provoke severe financial penalties from the state.

“Something that really concerns me is how punitive and draconian the state can be if they catch wind of us trying to do something that upsets them,” Barnes said. “At the same time, I have to be fiscally responsible to this entire community, and just tell you the truth about the hurdles that we face.”

Carrie Lamb, the mother of a transgender student in the district, called on her fellow residents to show empathy for her child and for other transgender children.

“I think one of the most important things is that the parents and people here should know these students,” Lamb said. “They should know my student. I’m just showing you who I am. You’re speaking to me. When you say these things, you’re speaking to my child, and as far as students, he’s one of the best that you have.”

No votes were taken Monday on the Title IX policy.

Oyster Bay honors the victims of 9/11 attacks

By LUKE FEENEY

lfeeney@liherald.com

More than 100 residents gathered at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park on Sept. 11 to honor the 25 individuals from Oyster Bay and East Norwich who were killed in the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center.

State Sen. Jack Martins described the attacks as “one of the toughest moments in our country’s history,” but added that “the resilience that we showed in caring for each other and the support we gave each other in the aftermath, once we truly realized the cost of that day in human life,” remain one of the most enduring lessons Martins said he learned from the attacks.

The memorial was organized by Martins.The ceremony was launched by former state Sen. Carl Marcellino, who represented Oyster Bay from 1995 to 2018. Local officials and civic leaders were in attendance, including members of the Syosset VFW, who led the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Firefighters from the Oyster Bay, Bayville, Atlantic Steamer Fire Co. No. 1, Locust Valley and East Norwich departments participated, as did members of Oyster Bay Boy Scouts Troop 253.

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino acknowledged the loss suffered on the day of the attacks and in the years that followed. But he also emphasized the strength of the country and its people.

“We’re here to say thank you to our firefighters who make such a difference, and we’re here to ensure that democracy stands strong,” he said. “We are united as Americans, and our beliefs and freedom are earned in so many ways, including with the bloodshed of others and our veterans among everyone here today.”

The Oyster Bay Community Band, led by lifelong resident Stephen Walker, provided music for the ceremony, playing “The Star Spangled Banner,” “Evening Prayer,” “Hymn to the Fallen,” and

“Taps.”

Other speakers at the memorial include Rabbi Jason Fruithandler, who leads the Woodbury Jewish Center and Ava Walia, a Syosset eighth-grader who was named the National All-American Miss Nassau County Pre-Teen. The names of those from Oyster Bay and East Norwich who died in the Sept. 11 attacks were read aloud byBrookville Mayor Daniel Serota and Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard Lamarca. Each name was followed by the ringing of a bell: Joshua Todd Aron, Timothy Byrne, Christopher Ciafardini, Michael A. Friedman, Peter Victor Genco, Wade Green, Brooke Alexandra Jackman, Joseph A. Kelly, Thomas A. Mahon, Lester Vincent Marino, Edward J. Papa, Bernard E. Patterson, Laurence Polatsch, Bart J. Ruggiere, Jonathan S. Ryan, Francis John Sadocha, John “Pepe” Salerno, Lt. Michael Shea, Adriane V. Scibetta, Christopher Paul Slattery, Michael Taddonio, Daniel P. Trant, Frederick Thomas Varacchi, Joshua S. Vitale, Gabriela Silvina Waisman.

The remaining days of our lives

Astatistic that recently occurred to me will either upset or empower you.

After performing some quick math, I realized that if each of us possesses the capacity to live into our late 80s, we will wake up about 32,000 times.

For many of us, our early days passed in a flash.

We were busy having fun, establishing and maintaining relationships, building careers, raising families, and navigating this often-challenging world.

Understanding that, in Judaism, this is the time of year to ponder that reality. For indeed, Judaism is less a faith and more a system of living.

Jewish holidays have helped pace us, providing us with opportunities to rejoice, express gratitude, acknowledge sadness and celebrate freedom.

Protecting Your Future

“Protecting Your Future” has been Ettinger Law Firm’s motto since we began in 1991. These words have deep meaning to us and our clients. Following are eight ways an Ettinger Elder Law Estate Plan protects your future:

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6. Prevents assets you leave to your heirs from being lost to divorces, lawsuits and creditors and makes sure those assets pass by blood, instead of to in-laws and their families.

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Rather than chase the next passion or experience, how can we pursue meaning in our lives?

And perhaps most importantly, what is holding us back?

And so, on Rosh Hashanah, which launches the 10-day period culminating on Yom Kippur, we ask, “Are there things we need to let go of?”

“Are there times when I lose my patience too quickly?”

“Who am I holding responsible for my own situation?”

Rabbi iRwin HubeRman

And once a year for a 10-day span, Judaism observes a period to ponder our very existence. In short, it asks, “Why are we here – and what are we supposed to be doing with our lives?”

The Talmud, our collection of ancient laws and stories, asks this question and answers in the words of the Prophet Micah – only to “do justice, love goodness and walk humbly with your God.”

On Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, we take these three concepts a bit deeper: How many of our 32,000 days do we have left? And during that precious time, how can we do the most good for ourselves, our family, our community and the world?

The late newspaper columnist Ann Landers, defined holding onto these negative feelings as having someone “live rent-free in your head.” Indeed, do our grudges come with an expiry date? And is that date now?

It doesn’t make that recent or past act acceptable, but it asks, whether it is helping us -- in the long run – to hold on to it.

More than anything, it reminds us that we have a few thousand days remaining in our lifetime.

How do we wish to spend it – within an environment of blame or deflection – or with an attitude of positivity and forgiveness that will carry us in peace for the rest of our days.

Rosh Hashanah presents us with options. Shall we embrace life’s blessings or perceived curses?

Ultimately, during this time of the year, our tradition teaches, “the choice is ours.”

Rabbi Irwin Huberman is the spiritual leader of Congregation Tifereth Israel in Glen Cove.

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City’s fall soccer season begins with parade

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

The Glen Cove Junior Soccer League opened its fall season last Saturday with a parade through the city, followed by the first games of the year. Children marched in their team uniforms, many carrying country flags that matched their teams, before heading to the fields.

Although the program is headquartered in Glen Cove, it has become a regional draw. “It serves the entire community. Everyone is welcome to register and participate from anywhere,” said league president James Greenberg. “We have kids as far away as Uniondale, Bayville, Locust Valley, you know, the surrounding areas. But we also have kids that come from Elmont, all over town.”

The league runs two sessions annually. “We have a fall season and a spring season,” Greenberg said. “During the fall season, it’s a larger program. We play at City Stadium, and most of the kids play twice a week. They play during the week, in the evening, because we have lights at Maccarone Stadium, and then they play on Saturday.”

This year, the fall program features 48 teams, from the Pre-K “Tiny Tots” division beginning at age three, through eighth grade. Divisions are split by gender beginning in first grade. “For the beginning of the season, we emphasize learning the kids to have fun. Every

child gets to play, whether they mispractice or what have you,” Greenberg said. “We don’t keep a record. We don’t keep standings. We just want the coaches to concentrate on teaching the kids.”

The fall season culminates with Soccer Fest, set for Nov. 1. “It starts at 8 in the morning and it ends at 7 o’clock at night. It’s a full one-day tournament,”

Intramural soccer players on Team England are sponsored by The Med Station. They sponsor a boys and girls team.

Greenberg said. Teams compete in uniforms representing countries, with sponsors helping offset costs.

Between intramural and travel divisions, the league has grown to more than 700 players. “All of the volunteers, even in the travel program, we’re all volunteers. No one’s paid,” Greenberg said.

Spring registration will open in early

October, and remains open through February 2026. Families can sign up online or in person during fall events, including Soccer Fest. “The cost is only $80, around $80 or $90. It ends up being like $10 per game, which is pretty affordable for a fun season,” Greenberg said.

First L.I. Heroes breakfast set for Oct. 22

Hosted by American Red Cross on Long Island at Farmingdale’s Heritage Club at Bethpage

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

A celebration of Long Island heroes is back — with a twist. On Oct. 22, the annual event hosted by the American Red Cross on Long Island will take place in the morning: The inaugural two-hour breakfast will be held at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, in Farmingdale, at 8 a.m.

And after years of having three or so honorees, the Red Cross will honor six heroes in categories including Community Impact Hero, First Responder Hero, Global Citizenship Hero, Disaster Hero and Military Hero. “This was just brought to our attention by our wonderful board and volunteers saying, ‘There are a lot more people that deserve some recognition,’” the organization’s CEO, Jose Dominguez, said.

Luv Michael is the Community Impact Hero honoree this year. Founded in 2015, Luv Michael is a nonprofit created by Michael Kessaris and his parents, Dr. Dimitri Kessaris and Dr. Lisa Liberatore, which is dedicated to producing meaningful work and independent living opportunities for young adults on the autism spectrum.

This year’s First Responder Heroes are Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling. These graduates of the

Nassau County Police Academy demonstrated exceptional bravery on Jan. 5, when they responded to an off-duty crash involving a fellow officer, and swiftly provided lifesaving care while awaiting EMS.

Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize is the Global Citizenship Hero being honored. The president of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the founding chair of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Iroku-Malize dedicated her career

North Shore School District

to expanding accessibility to family medicine and shaping a more inclusive future for health care.

The Disaster Hero of the year is Jennifer Keane. When a referee collapsed mid-game, Keane quickly prepared an automated external defibrillator and made a lifesaving intervention. As an athletic director and a certified athletic trainer, she had the ability to stay in control under pressure.

Mel Cohen is this year’s Military Hero honoree. A U.S. Air Force veteran

and a retired Suffolk County police officer, Cohen has spent his life serving the community in honor of his brother Gerald, who died in Vietnam. He supports veterans across New York state, as well as Gold Star families, while staying active in various organizations including Vietnam Veterans of America and Wreaths Across America.

Along with the six honorees, two teens will be honored as Youth Heroes. Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein founded the HERO Project, a peersupport group for grieving students, after both experienced personal losses. The group allows middle and high school students to experience and share their grief in a safe space.

Active on Long Island for over 100 years, the American Red Cross on Long Island continues to serve the area and recognize its local heroes. “The mission of the Red Cross is to alleviate human suffering in so many different categories,” Dominguez said. “It is possible through the generosity of our donors and the time of our volunteers.”

All proceeds raised during the fundraiser will allow the Red Cross to continue its mission of helping those affected by disasters like hurricanes, fires and other crises. For more information on the organization and on attending the event, visit RedCross.org/LIHeroes.

Dinner theme is ‘History in the Making’

felt that it was a great idea to start the legacy dinner with (Roosevelt), because she put so much effort and time into the historical society, not only there or here, but in other places throughout the community.”

This year, the society’s Benefit Committee, led by Maryalice Mazzara, proposed the Milana family for the award. The Milanas own and operate several downtown establishments, including Stellina Ristorante, Stellina Bakery & Café, the Audrey and, most recently, L’Etoile, in the historic former Snouder’s Drug Store building.

Sheppard-Evans said that recognizing the Milanas aligns with the historical society’s mission to preserve local history while fostering a sense of community.

“To have a family that has been involved in a community that offers so much, whether it be regular food or baked goods and all these different items that can touch different people,” she said. “So whether you’re a French restaurant, Italian restaurant, a bakery, you know, these are all things that I think (give) people the option of seeing or feeling or eating what makes them feel good. And that’s one way of bringing people together.”

For the Milanas, the recognition came as a surprise. Adriana Milana said they first heard about the honor from

Mazzara.

“She has been a great supporter of our restaurants and bakeries, literally from the get-go …,” Adriana said. “And so then, she approached us in late spring, and said, ‘We would like to honor your family at the Oyster Bay Historical Society, because of everything that you guys are doing in Oyster Bay.’ It’s about the history, but also about just honoring Oyster Bay and

moving forward in Oyster Bay.”

Although they weren’t very familiar with the historical society, the Milanas said they were impressed when they met Sheppard-Evans and learned more about its work. They were also deeply touched to be recognized by a group dedicated to preserving the hamlet’s heritage.

“We don’t really like too much attention on us,” Adriana said. “We like to do good things, but we try to, you know, not

let it focus on us. But we just feel that the community of Oyster Bay has really welcomed us and opened up their arms to us, that this was one honor that we couldn’t say no to.”

She added that receiving an award tied to the town’s history makes it especially meaningful. “Well, the more we became involved with Oyster Bay, the more we learned about its history, you know, with Teddy Roosevelt and some other things,” Milana said. “And it just made it feel like we are part of something bigger than us. That there was history there. There aren’t actually too many small towns on Long Island I can think of that have as much history, and the fact that we can be part of it and help revitalize it and bring the history to the forefront, you know, that’s really what it meant to us.”

Thomas Milana said the family never expected to become such an integral part of the community when they first arrived in Oyster Bay five years ago.

“When we moved to Oyster Bay, we had zero intentions of doing what we’ve done the past five years, and it just happened, and I’m glad it did,” he said. “For me, it’s very nice to be part of a community again … like a small town, and a community that is really special.”

Tickets for the History in the Making Legacy Award dinner can be purchased at the historical society’s website, OysterBayHistorical.org.

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

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Nassau County marks Sept. 11 anniversary

Nassau County paused to remember the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, as hundreds gathered at Eisenhower Park last week for the 24th anniversary of the attacks. The annual memorial service, held at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, combined music, reflection and solemn tributes against the backdrop of the county’s lakeside memorial.

The ceremony featured remarks from county leaders, including Executive Bruce Blakeman, as well as parents who lost children in the attacks. Chris Macchio, an internationally recognized tenor, led the audience in musical performances that underscored the evening’s tone of remembrance.

At the heart of the memorial are two semi-transparent aluminum towers symbolizing the fallen World Trade Center, alongside the inscribed names of 344 Nassau County residents who perished that day.

–Jordan Vallone

LIRR strike on stays on hold…for now

Unions seek federal mediation with MTA, but will continue to operate lines in the meantime

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

A potential Long Island Rail Road strike that was looming on Sept. 18 has been paused for now after the five unions threatening to halt service announced they are requesting intervention from the Presidential Emergency Board.

The move means negotiations will continue under federal mediation, postponing any immediate threat of a strike.

The development comes amid mounting tension between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the five remaining unions that have yet to reach a contract agreement with the railroad. These unions represent more than half of the LIRR’s workforce, and their decision earlier this month to pursue a strike authorization alarmed the MTA and the commuters who depend on the system every day.

More than 270,000 daily riders would be affected by a walkout. While the latest action delays that possibility, the disputes over wages and work rules remain unresolved, leaving the long-term outlook uncertain.

The MTA quickly responded to the unions’ decision.

“After months of radio silence, these outlier unions have finally admitted that they weren’t serious about negotiating,” said John J. McCarthy, the MTA chief of policy and external relations, in a statement. “They never had a plan to resolve this at the bargaining table.

“If these unions wanted to put riders first, they would either settle or agree to binding arbitration,” he continued. “And if they don’t want to strike, they should say so -- and finally show up to the negotiating table. This cynical delay serves no one.”

During a Sept. 11 news conference at Penn Station, MTA President Rob Free said negotiations had broken down after the National Mediation Board expedited the release of the unions. That opened the door to a strike that could have begun at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 18.

The last LIRR strike occurred in 1994.

“We have attempted to negotiate in good faith with these five remaining labor organizations,” Free said. “A fair offer has been made and accepted by the majority of all the other represented employees at the Long Island Rail Road, including the largest union, SMART, and four others.”

The five unions still holding out include the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the Transportation Communications Union. Collectively, they form the Long Island Rail Road Bargaining Coalition, representing 55 percent of the unionized workforce at the LIRR.

According to the MTA, its current proposal calls for a 9.5 percent wage

increase over three years. But the unions are pushing for an additional 6.5 percent raise on top of the existing deal, without giving ground on work rules that management says are ‘outdated.’

“Locomotive engineers make over $49 an hour currently. The average salary is over $160,000 a year, with top earners above $300,000,” Free said. “That’s largely the result of antiquated work rules that allow multiple days’ pay for one day of work. And now they want a bigger raise while keeping those rules in place.”

The BRS’s 809 members voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike as talks stalled. About 600 BLET workers also approved a work stoppage.

“[The] Long Island Rail Road has not negotiated in good faith and has not been serious from the onset of bargaining,” said BRS Vice President of Commuters and Passengers Tim Tarrant in a Sept. 11 statement. “[The] LIRR’s ontime performance has never been better and it’s time for them to recognize their hard-working men and women by offering a fair contract that keeps up with the cost of living in New York.”

BRS General Chairman Mike Sullivan echoed the frustration.

“Our members will not stand for a contract that results in a loss of real wages, and we are prepared to use all means available to achieve a fair contract,” he said in the same statement.

While the Taylor Law prohibits public employees in New York from striking, LIRR workers are covered under the federal Railway Labor Act. That law allows for strikes under certain conditions, though it also provides a process for federal mediation—such as the Presidential Emergency Board request now underway.

The MTA has repeatedly stressed its

tle bus service from three LIRR stations—Bellmore, Hicksville, and Ronkonkoma—running every 10 minutes during peak hours to subway connections in Queens.

Riders were also encouraged to use Nassau Inter-County Express buses for connections to Jamaica and Flushing.

“We couldn’t possibly replace the full service that LIRR runs every day, but we are trying our best to accommodate those essential workers in an effort to not leave anyone stranded,” said Shanifah Rieara, MTA senior adviser for communications and policy.

The MTA also announced that monthly ticket holders would be eligible for prorated refunds on strike days, subject to board approval.

The strike would have also affected the upcoming Ryder Cup, scheduled for Sept. 23–28 at Bethpage Black.

“Does the union really want to disrupt that and have that on their heads— that they caused Long Island to miss out on this huge economic boom?” Free asked.

desire to resolve the dispute without disruption and was preparing contingency plans in case of a walkout. The plan would have included limited shut-

With the gap between the MTA’s offer and the unions’ demands unresolved, the dispute is far from settled. The intervention may provide some breathing room, but the risk of a future work stoppage remains unless both sides can settle their differences.

NEWS BRIEF

Town of O.B. offers drug take back day

The Town of Oyster Bay has announced a partnership with Drug Free Long Island and the Nassau County Police Department to host ‘Shed the Meds’ Drug Take Back Day at Massapequa Park Village Hall on Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

In cooperation with Drug Free Long Island and the Nassau County Police Department, the town and Village of Massapequa Park will host this event at Massapequa Park Village Hall, in the back parking lot. This program is anonymous. For those who cannot attend this Drug Take Back Day, disposal containers are located at all police precincts throughout the county for safe deposit.

For those looking to turn in unused or expired medication, be sure to make sure of the following:

■ If left in original container, please remove all personal information from label.

■ Liquid medication will not be accepted

■ Illicit substances are also not part of this initiative.

■ Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and syringes will be accepted.

This event is in partnership with New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso, New York State Senator Alexis Weik, Thomas’ Hope Foundation, LICADD, Lions Club International and Community Action for Social Justice.

For more information about the ‘Shed the Meds’ Drug Take Back Day, call Drug Free Long Island at (516) 6392386 or email info@drugfreeli.org.

News brief

Ryder Cup Youth Day is Sept. 25

The PGA of America will host Youth Day at the 2025 Ryder Cup on Sept. 25, at Bethpage Black, furthering its commitment to helping the game grow through PGA Jr. League and local youth initiatives.

PGA Jr. League players from the Metropolitan PGA Section and local high school students are invited to attend free of charge with a ticketed adult. Youth Day provides access to Ryder Cup practice rounds and the decisive Junior Ryder Cup singles matches, featuring the top 24 junior golfers from the U.S. and Europe.

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald Youth Day at the 2025 Ryder Cup is on Sept. 25. Above, volunteers Sara Blau and Andres Diez picked up their uniforms last month.

The Junior Ryder Cup, established in 1997, has launched the careers of some of golf’s biggest stars, including Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, Lexi Thompson, Rose Zhang and Rory McIlroy.

A select group of participants will also take part in Beyond the Green, a career exploration program led by the PGA of America REACH Foundation. The event will feature New York-based sports organizations and brands, with youth representatives from groups such as First Tee of Metropolitan New York, The Bridge Golf Foundation and 100 Black Men of New York. Youth Day attendees will also be invited to the Ryder Cup opening ceremony that evening.

As part of the PGA’s mission to

increase inclusion and participation, juniors ages 15 and under receive free admission on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of Ryder Cup week with a ticketed adult (limit two juniors per adult). Tickets for juniors are available only at the Main Spectator Entrance on the day of play.

Additionally, PGA Jr. League Day at Ryder Cup Live will take place on Sept. 27, at Rockefeller Center. Players wearing their PGA Jr. League jerseys will enjoy a watch party, simulator competition, activities, prizes and raffles. For more, go to Bit.ly/3VaI8EN.

For more information, visit RyderCup.com.

–Jeffrey Bessen

STEPPING OUT

‘Love’ is all around us

Photos from the streets on view at Hofstra Museum

By Abbey Salvemini

Hofstra University Museum of Art opens its gallery to “Love Is The Message: Photography by Jamel Shabazz,” an inspiring exhibition honoring the decades-long creative output of the renowned street photographer. With his keen eye, Shabazz’s powerful images reflect pop culture, fashion and especially hip-hop, spanning the 1980s through today. The exhibit is on view in the Emily Lowe Gallery though Dec. 16.

Shabazzz’s striking black-and-white and color photography radiates joy and human connection, offering a deep sense of empathy and cultural pride. Alongside his photographs, visitors can also explore his personal collection of cameras, artwork and memorabilia.

“Jamel Shabazz is history, and it is a real gift that we are able to share this with our community,” Museum Director Sasha Giordano says.

As Giordano puts it, so thoroughly articulated in her forward in the exhibition catalogue: “Community is the heart of a museum.”

The exhibit was conceived with this spirit and curated by “Team Love,” a collective partnership composed of Shabazz; Robert Dupreme Eatman; Dr. Bilal Polson, principal of Northern Parkway School in Uniondale, Erik Sumner, art educator at Northern Parkway School; and the Hofstra University Museum of Art. Over two years, slowly and carefully, through meeting after meeting, the exhibition took shape from concept to fruition.

With Team Love’s valuable insights, “Love Is The Message”honors 50 years of Jamel Shabazz’s artistic achievement and is his first solo exhibition on Long Island — a fitting location as he is a longtime resident of Hempstead.

“Love Is the Message” explores how Shabazz’s work occupies a vital space at the intersection of art, activism and cultural storytelling. Deeply influenced by trailblazers like Gordon Parks, Shabazz embraces the camera not just as a creative tool, but as a means of witnessing everyday life within Black and Brown communities. Shabazz centers dignity, resilience, and beauty in his portraits by capturing not only how his subjects look, but how they live and love. His lens is one of empathy, inviting viewers not simply to observe but to feel and to witness the quiet strength of a

father holding his child, the joy in a group of friends dressed for a block party, or the pride in a young person striking a confident pose. In this way, Shabazz’s work does more than document; it cultivates understanding, mends division and illuminates the shared humanity that connects us all.

“Jamel wanted the team to put fourth an exhibition that showed love of community, friends, family and music,” Giordano explains.

As for Shabazz, he considers this retrospective a significant honor.

“When I look at the current situation of the country and the world, this exhibition is one of the most important shows of my life because we need love in the world right now,” he says. “I’m sharing my work to help inspire the next generation by using this universal global language of photography to create conversation.”

• Now through Dec. 16

• Programs require advance registration; call (516) 463-5672 to register

• Emily Lowe Gallery, behind Emily Lowe Hall, Hofstra University’s South Campus, Hempstead

Shabazz commutes to his day job daily but returns to his Hempstead studio, where he immerses himself in reflection and creativity.

“The Town of Hempstead offers me a space where I can get into deep thought and develop my ideas,” he says.

Among the many photographs and artifacts on view, Shabazz shares that a photograph of his mother holds especially deep meaning for him. Entitled “‘The Giver of Life,’ it’s the work of which he is most proud.

“I went out to Jones Beach with my mother and I caught an incredible photograph of her with bread in her hand as the seagull approaches her. She’s never experienced anything like that before.”

Beyond that moment, his eye offers his special perspective on the world around us.

“My objective was to contribute to the preservation of culture for this generation. It is my hope that the younger generations can look at my work and get a glimpse of the style and culture of back in the day. I want young people to understand the importance of love and see the power of photography,” he adds.

As always, related programming enhances the viewing experience. Upcoming on Oct. 1, 6-7:30 p.m., join Giordano for an exhibition tour. She’ll discuss the community collaboration that shaped the exhibit, offering insight into the artist’s creative process and the legacy of love reflected in the work.

Meet the man behind the camera at “Love Is the Message: A Conversation with Jamel Shabazz,” on Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-noon. He’ll talk about his creative process, personal influence and the impact of his work documenting everyday life in Black and urban communities. It’s followed by an audience Q&A session.

The events schedule also includes “Feel the Love – Experience the Photography of Jamel Shabazz with a Heart Meditation,” on Nov. 6. Denise Peterson, of Denise Peterson Yoga, brings mindfulness and meditation techniques to the art experience.

NYC Ska Orchestra

The NYC Ska Orchestra blends the exuberant musical layers of the jazz era with Jamaican roots music. The top-notch musicians, led by arranger-trumpeter-vocalist Kevin Batchelor, deliver a lively concert that surely will lead you to want to get up out of your seat and dance. This 20-piece big band features star turns from celebrated octogenarian percussionist/vocalist Larry McDonald and master drummer Carl Wright. Alongside a powerhouse collective of instrumental artists from the reggae recording scene, band members have performed with Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Toots & the Maytals. Together they play a non-stop selection of lush original compositions and arrangements of songs from the richly historic and culturally iconic Jamaican musical styles of 1950s and ’60s ska, mento, rocksteady and jazz.

Friday, Sept 26. 8 p.m. $42, $37 members. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Soulful notes with Vincent Ingala

Contemporary jazz saxophonist/ multi-instrumentalist Vincent Ingala and his electrifying band bring their funky grooves to the Madison Theatre. Declared by Jazziz Magazine as “one of the most exciting artists to emerge this past decade,” Ingala remains an unstoppable, creative force in urban contemporary jazz. His career includes10 #1 Billboard hits, 23 Top 10 singles, with more to come from his latest release and eighth album, “Escape With Me.” Ingala’s unique dual ability to electrify fans while connecting emotionally with them has made him one of the genre’s most popular talents on the scene today. He draws the audience in; becoming part of an exciting musical experience that bridges the gap between the music of his father’s R&B, funk and soul collection ( which he was heavily immersed in) and Ingala’s well executed horn lines.

Saturday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

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

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: Ongoing

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

Unfinished Revolutions

Visit Raynham Hall Museum for a talk with the artists behind the Unfinished Revolutions exhibit. Hear from Roz Dimon, Fred Fleisher, Hiroko Saigusa, and Zak Vreeland, followed by a closing reception. No admission.

•Where: 30 W Main St., Oyster Bay

• Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

•Contact: raynhamhallmuseum. org or (516) 922-6808

Little

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Learners: All About Fall Planting Fields Little Learners series continues as we welcome the magic of fall. Families are invited to enjoy seasonal story time that celebrates the changing colors, sounds, and feelings of autumn. Surrounded by the beauty of the gardens and historic landscape, little ones will enjoy a cozy read-aloud, create their own leaf-themed craft and embark on a playful fall scavenger hunt through the grounds. For ages 2-5. Registration required. $15 per child.

•Where: Education Center, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

• Time: 10-11 a.m.

•Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

OCT 4

‘…We will rock you’

Get ready to sing along — Queen-mania is back on Long Island. Almost Queen, the acclaimed tribute band, is set to return to the Paramount stage, bringing with them the soaring vocals, electrifying guitar riffs, and theatrical flair that defined one of rock’s most legendary groups. Almost Queen isn’t just another cover band. Their performances are carefully crafted to honor the spirit of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor while delivering a concert experience that feels fresh and alive. The lineup features Joseph Russo as the dynamic and charismatic Mercury, Steve Leonard as guitar virtuoso May, Randy Gregg as bassist Deacon, and John Cappadona as drummer Taylor. Together, they recreate Queen’s iconic sound with impeccable four-part harmonies, precise musical interludes, and the kind of stage energy that pulls audiences to their feet. Attention to detail sets the band apart. From authentic costumes to faithful renditions of classic hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Somebody to Love,” the band captures both the power and the playfulness of Queen’s original shows. Their devotion to accuracy — paired with undeniable chemistry on stage — has earned them a loyal following that grows with every tour. $108.75, $98.25, $76.25, $64.75, $54.25, $48.75.

WaterFront Center’s 25th Anniversary Benefit

Join in a celebration at the historic Wooden Boat Shop (Building J) on Oyster Bay’s western waterfront, the site where the Ida May was built and the oyster sloop Christeenwas restored. The gala honors Fritz Coudert, The WaterFront Center founder, and other key individuals who established the organization. Enjoy a look back at 25 years of impact, hear plans for the future, and support efforts to keep waterfront education and recreation programs accessible to all.

•Where: Wooden Boat Shop of Oyster Bay, West End Ave.

•Time: 6-9 p.m.

•Contact: thewaterfrontcenter.org

Walking with the Olmsteds

Step into a world where history and horticulture intertwine on this guided walking tour of Planting Fields. Explore the stunning landscapes shaped by the renowned Olmsted Brothers firm and discover how W.R. Coe’s vision transformed this estate into a living masterpiece. As you wander through lush gardens, winding

pathways, and historic structures, you’ll uncover stories of the Coe family’s lasting influence and the artistic brilliance of the Olmsteds’ naturalistic designs. From vibrant seasonal blooms and majestic trees to elegant architectural details, each stop reveals a new chapter in this extraordinary estate’s history. Also take the time to visit the Main House.

•Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

•Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.; also Sept. 21

•Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

Creative Spirits: An evening with Sam Van Aken

Visit Planting Fields for an evening with contemporary artist Sam Van Aken. His innovative work bridges art, agriculture, and environmental research. Van Aken discusses the Planting Fields Stand, his sitespecific project that brings history to life through a unique grouping of four multi-grafted trees. This living artwork traces the fruit-growing history of Planting Fields, from its origins as a Matinecock agricultural landscape to its time as the Coe family estate and up to the present day. Blending art, horticulture, and history, the installation serves as a

“operate” locomotives through the museum’s state-ofthe-art simulators, take a short train ride on a restored 100 year-old caboose situated on an operating turntable, experience historic exhibits and a Garden Railway. With entertainment, face painting, demonstrations, food truck, vendors, railroad artifacts and merchandise for purchase. Join in at noon for a ceremony celebrating the museum’s 25th anniversary and dedication of the “Dinky” locomotive. $10, $5 ages 6-16.

•Where: Museum Display Yard, intersection of Bay and Bayview Avenues, (Landmark Station, 1 Railroad Ave.)

•Time: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

•Contact: obrm.org or (516) 558-7036

SEPT

Oyster Bay Market

21

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

living archive, preserving centuriesold fruit varieties and engaging the community in a conversation about cultural heritage, sustainability, and the evolving relationship between people and the land. Registration required. Space is limited. $35.

•Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

•Time: 6-8 p.m.

•Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

Fall Festival

Heritage Farm & Garden’s Annual Fall Festival invites all to enjoy the season. With feature a corn maze, crafts, games, farm animals, seasonal treats, and more. Tickets are $10.

•Where: 6050 Northern Blvd, East Norwich

•Where: Daily from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., through Nov. 2

•Contact: heritagefarmandgarden.com or call (516) 922-1026

All Aboard Rail Fest 2025!

Oyster Bay Railroad Museum invites everyone to a unique day of adventure and fun at Rail Fest. Visitors have an opportunity to

Check out the Oyster Bay Market, a vibrant, open-air community market co-hosted by Mockingbird Wings and the Oyster Bay Main Street Association. Find a diverse selection of fresh local produce, handcrafted goods, baked treats, and artisanal products from regional makers and small businesses.

•Where: Audrey Avenue

•Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 922–6982

End Of Year

SEPT

25

Gala

Oyster Bay Main Street Association host its benefit, with an evening of lively music and delightful cocktails, all set against the elegant backdrop of the Mill River Club. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased at galabid.com.

•Where: 103 Mill River Road, Oyster Bay

•Time: 6-9 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 922-6982

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.

EXCLUSIVE PRESENTING SPONSOR - $25,000

• Naming Rights & prominent recognition

• 15 Gala tickets, VIP reception

• Premium full-page digital journal ad

• Logo on all promotional materials, signage

• 30-sec presentation video

• Press & media announcements

STRONG SPONSORSHIP - $15,000

• 12 Gala tickets, VIP reception

• Prominent logo on materials & signage

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SMART SPONSORSHIP - $10,000

• 10 Gala tickets, VIP reception

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• Logo on materials, signage & social media

BOLD SPONSORSHIP - $5,000

• 5 Gala tickets

• Full-page digital journal ad

• Prominent logo on materials & signage

• Social media mentions

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 6, 2025 6:30 - 10 PM THE HERITAGE CLUB AT BETHPAGE FOR INFO OR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT: JCAPELLABROWN@GIRLSINCLONGISLAND.ORG

CHAMPION FOR GIRLS - $2,500

• 3 Gala tickets

• Half-page digital journal ad

• Logo on signage & social media

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THE GREAT BOOK GURU

Sea Cliff by Sea Cliff

ear Great Book Guru, I was at the Love Your Neighbor Long Table event and a new friend told me there is a fascinating book recently published about a famous Sea Cliff resident and written by a Sea Cliff author. Any ideas … I’d love to read it!

Lover of All Things Sea Cliff

Dear Lover of All Things Sea Cliff,

What a beautiful past weekend we had here in Sea Cliff, but I did venture a few miles south to Cedarmerethe lovely Nassau County park that houses the home of William Cullen Bryant, 19th century poet, abolitionist, and newspaper editor - where Margaret Brucia was giving a reading of her book “The Key to Everything: May Swenson, A Writer’s Life.”

detailed look into the forces that shaped one of the most important poets of the twentieth century.

ANN DIPIETRO

May Swenson lived in Sea Cliff for twenty years before her death in 1989. Brucia, a long-time Sea Cliff resident, gives us an intimate portrait of this much acclaimed poet based on her diaries and letters. While not an analysis of her poetry, this book gives us a

Her early childhood in Utah, as part of a strong Mormon community, and the role her parents - especially her fatherplayed in creating her strong sensibilities is presented in exquisite detail. The bulk of the book however focuses on 1936 to 1959 - her time in New York City - during the Depression, her work with the Federal Writers’ Project, her life in Greenwich Village, and her friendship with The New Yorker editor Harold Ross among other literary notables.

Over sixty of her poems were published in The New Yorker, a record-breaking number. The immense number of personal anecdotes Brucia gleaned from Swenson’s diaries and letters make for a fascinating look into the life and creative process of this iconic figure. Highly recommended.

Would you like to ask the Great Book Guru for a book suggestion? Contact her at annmdipietro@gmail.com.

How do YOU watch Sunday football?

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

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

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

Contest runs through midnight October 12, 2025

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU INDEX # 007672/2013

Filed Date: 08/25/2025

Supplemental Summons Nassau County is designated as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the mortgaged premises.

Premises: 342 Lattingtown Rd Locust Valley, NY 11560

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST

COMPANY AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE INVESTMENT TRUST

2007-1 MORTGAGEBACKED NOTES AND GRANTOR TRUST CERTIFICATES SERIES

2007-1, Plaintiff,against- VICTORIA DEARING AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF GERALD B. DEARING; CHARLOTTE DEARING

INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF GERALD B. DEARING if living, and if dead, the respective heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignors, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and their respective husbands, wives or widow, if any, and each and every person not specifically named who may be entitled to or claim to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the verified complaint; all of whom and whose names and places of residence unknown, and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained by the Plaintiff; CHANDLER DEARING AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF GERALD B. DEARING if living, and if dead, the respective heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignors, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or

claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and their respective husbands, wives or widow, if any, and each and every person not specifically named who may be entitled to or claim to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the verified complaint; all of whom and whose names and places of residence unknown, and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained by the Plaintiff; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” 1 THROUGH 50, intending to be the Unknown Heirs, distributees, devisees, grantees, trustees, lienors, creditors, and assignees of the estate of Gerald B. Dearing, who was born in 1940 and died on May 22, 2017, a resident of Los Angeles county, whose last known address was 1737 Wellesley drive, Santa Monica, California 90405, their successors in interest if any of the aforesaid defendants be deceased, their respective Heirs at Law, Next of Kin, and Successors in Interest of the aforesaid classes of person, if they or any of them be dead, and their respective husbands, wives or widows, if any, all of whom and whose names and places are unknown to the Plaintiff; JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.; LATTINGTOWN HARBOR PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; MEENAN OIL CO., INC.; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; Defendants. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other

manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING

A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. This action was commenced to foreclose a mortgage against 342 Lattingtown Rd Locust Valley, NY 11560. You are named herein because you may have an interest in this property.

McCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC By: Caren Bailey, Esq. Attorneys for Plaintiff One Huntington Quadrangle, Suite 4N25 Melville, NY 11747 631-812-4084 8 55-845-2584 facsimile File # 17-300234 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT

CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and nonprofit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or visit the Department`s website at www.dfs.ny.gov RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. You have the right to stay in your home during the foreclosure process. You are not required to leave your home unless and until your property is sold at auction pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale. Regardless of whether you choose to remain in your home, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY and pay property taxes in accordance with state and local law.

FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner`s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE 16-12-20* 155594

NEWS BRIEF

Carolyn James/Herald

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman speaks at press conference after receiving the endorsement of all the major local police unions.

Blakeman receives police endorsements

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, joined by law enforcement unions from across New York, endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for re-election on Sept. 9 in Massapequa Park.

PBA president Tommy Shevlin praised Blakeman’s support of officers, noting his record on recruitment, training and pay. “Many people say they ‘Back the Blue,’ but Bruce Blakeman doesn’t just say it — he acts upon it,” Shevlin said, adding the union looks forward to another four years of partnership.

Blakeman, a Republican incumbent, has made public safety central to his campaign. U.S. News & World Report named Nassau County the safest community in the nation in 2024, citing crime and injury rates along with spending on health and emergency ser-

vices. The county spends roughly $1,148 per capita on public safety, compared with a roughly $440 national average.

“These numbers are not by accident,” Blakeman said, crediting cooperation among multiple police agencies. He also highlighted his 2022 executive order declaring Nassau a non-sanctuary county and a first-of-its-kind agreement with ICE. “We are not spending vital public resources on people who are not vetted,” he said.

Blakeman faces Democrat Seth Koslow, a county legislator representing the 5th District, in the Nov. 4 general election. Koslow criticized the endorsement, saying Blakeman “cares about publicity stunts and whatever advances his political career.”

He argued Nassau law enforcement faces “severe shortages” that Blakeman has failed to address.

Early voting runs from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2. For election details, visit NassauCountyny.gov/566/Board-of-Elections.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF LEGAL POSTPONEMENT OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff AGAINST GLENN A. SPELLMAN AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF WESSIE V. SPELLMAN WHO WAS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF GEORGE HENRY SPELLMAN, GEORGE H. SPELLMAN, III AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF WESSIE V. SPELLMAN WHO WAS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF GEORGE HENRY SPELLMAN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 19, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North

Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 28 Cross Street, Locust Valley, NY 11560. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Locust Valley, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section 30, Block 7, Lot 139 & 141. Approximat e amount of judgment $355,697.69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604609/2019. Original Sale Date: September 2, 2025. Michele Bencivinni, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy,

LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-002006 87219 155736

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, JOVIA FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION F/K/A NASSAU EDUCATORS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. JOSEPH W. BUFFA, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Other Relief duly entered on April 4, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 20, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 5 Hilltop Drive, Bayville, NY 11709. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Bayville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 29, Block 12 and Lots 67, 68 and 69. Approximate amount of judgment is $356,936.14 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #617497/2022. Keith Lavallee, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 231850-1 155825

Projct Engneer I (Bellport, NY): Rview & anlyze blueprnts & drawngs of steel manfacturr & heavy constrctn contrctor. Reqs: Mastr or equiv in Civl Engnerng, Constrctn Mgmt or rel & 1 yr exp as Projct Engneer, Civl Engneer, or rel psition. Alterntively, emplyr also accpts Bach or equiv in Civl Engnerng, Constrctn Mgmt or rel & 2 yrs exp as Projct Engneer, Civl Engneer, or rel psition. Salry: $100,131/yr. Mail resume to: HR, Integrated Structures Corp., 4 Pinehurst Dr, Bellport, NY 11713.

OPINIONS

On the stump and on the field, the pressure builds

We’re just past the midway point of September, the month that traditionally signifies key flashpoints in two very competitive American pastimes: Major League Baseball and American politics.

Before MLB initiated division play and wild cards, there were just two leagues, the National and American, and the team with the best record in each league at the close of the regular season, at the end of September, made it to the World Series. That made the league pennant races do-or-die. Sudden death. No “postseason” or second chances.

There were years in which the pennant race had as much drama and tension as the World Series. In 1951, for instance, the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants finished the regular season in a dead heat, necessitating a three-game playoff, which the Giants won on Bobby Thompson’s three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 3 — the fabled “shot heard

Baround the world.” That was one of the most famous moments in baseball history, and the fact that the Giants went on to lose the World Series to the Yankees is barely a footnote.

Now there six divisions, and 12 teams qualify for the postseason, taking away the suddendeath aspect. The flip side of the coin is that with more teams in the hunt and more games to be played, there’s sustained fan interest almost to November. That’s especially welcome news for New York fans this year, since neither the Yankees nor the Mets will win their division, but both are good position to be wild card teams.

TLabor Day. Voters are back from vacation or home from the beach. All that went before was but a prelude to the nine-week race that won’t end until late on election night, Nov. 4.

This campaign run to the finish is both a sprint and a marathon. Having run for elective office 19 times, I can tell you that a campaign is both exhilarating and exhausting. A candidate who has run a serious race should have nothing left at the end.

he candidates and the playoff contenders head down the stretch.

And the postseason is a brand new ball game. Last season, the Mets won postseason series over the Brewers and the Phillies, both of which had finished ahead of the Mets in the regular season. The Mets then pushed the Dodgers to six games before finally succumbing, falling short of the World Series by just two games. This year’s September challenge for the Mets is to make sure they nab a wild card slot so they can go on to October, where anything can happen.

Much like baseball, the American political season begins in earnest after

This is especially true in Nassau County, where there are few easy races. I assure you that despite Bruce Blakeman’s excellent record as county executive, with Nassau being rated the safest county in the United States and no tax increases, he is not taking his re-election for granted. Yes, polls show that Blakeman has a solid lead over his challenger, Democratic County Legislator Seth Koslow, but he also knows there are 100,000 more registered Democrats than Republicans in Nassau County.

Blakeman remembers just four years ago, when he was the challenger and incumbent County Executive Laura Curran was the frontrunner, clearly leading in the polls. But Blakeman waged a strong, hard-fought campaign,

and on election night in November 2021, he was victorious.

Similarly, in the race for county district attorney that same year, Democratic State Sen. Todd Kaminsky was the clear favorite over career prosecutor Anne Donnelly, a Republican. The consensus among political insiders was that Kaminsky would use the D.A.’s office as a steppingstone to state attorney general, and then governor. But Donnelly ran as a strict law-and-order candidate, opposed to the so-called “bail reform” legislation supported by Kaminsky. Election night saw a landslide win for Donnelly.

While national and statewide races get the most media attention, it’s county and town races that are closest to, and most intense for, voters. There are no flyover candidates or Rose Garden campaigns. The candidates are right there in our communities, at local events. We see them up close, and get to know who they are and what they stand for. And the issues are ones that affect us directly: safe streets and neighborhoods, support for our police, preventing tax increases and creating jobs. All of it leading to Nov 4, Election Day, the World Series of politics.

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

The battle of egos in the Big Apple

eing a former elected official, I am asked frequent questions about political matters. Some are about national developments or personalities, but lately, almost all are about New York City’s mayoral contest. For most of this year, many people, city and suburban voters, have been transfixed by fear about the possibility that a total unknown, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, could become the city’s first socialist mayor.

My initial comments have been intended for city dwellers who failed to show up at the June Democratic primary and are now brooding about the potential of having someone so controversial and unqualified running a city of more than 8 million people. I remind them that the city primary elections now use a ranked-choice voting system, which favors unknown candidates, who may have little funding but know how to run a campaign. Mamdani was able to raise a substantial amount of money through

small donations, and ran a professional campaign that is now the envy of the political establishment. The first political shockwave was on primary night, when, early in the evening, it became evident that he would be the clear winner. He won so handily that his opponent, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, made an early concession speech.

UBy the time the sun was up the following day, my telephone was ringing off the hook. While the summer months are usually la-la time, the inquiries continued on a daily basis. In August I switched my responses from “I don’t know” to “Let’s see who will run against Mamdani,” hoping that Mayor Eric Adams, Cuomo and the Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa, would agree on one independent challenger who could give Mamdani a real contest.

have massive egos, there has been a lot of pushback, though Adams has appeared to leave the door open to “a challenge where my country calls me.”

nless there’s a show of humility, New York City will be led by a political novice.

The “country” Adams is referring to is President Trump, who has made it clear that he doesn’t want Mamdani to win. Even though having a socialist mayor would give Republicans a great issue against traditional Democrats, the president is a New Yorker at heart and has many interests to protect if the city were to take a downturn. It’s possible that Adams will be enticed to drop out, and that may have happened by the time this appears, but even then the picture would still be cloudy if Curtis Sliwa stays in the race.

is hard-nosed, and the winner will be Mamdani.

There is another facet to this New York City battle. Few city elections have ever attracted national attention, but this one is attracting national and even international poll watchers. The Republican Party would love for Mamdani to win, so they could label all Democrats socialist sympathizers. Gov. Kathy Hochul endorsed Mamdani over the weekend, but many other major Democratic officeholders have yet to take a position on the race. The few who have were almost forced to act, because their party base is made up of all factions, which include socialist backers.

But now the September clock is ticking, and there is daily buzz about who will stay in the race and who will drop out. Behind the scenes, prominent conservatives, such as the philanthropist Ronald Lauder and the supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis, have been trying to get either Adams or Sliwa, or both, to drop out. But because both men

A recent Siena Research/NY Times poll concluded that if the only candidates in the race were Cuomo and Mamdani, Mamdani would win 48 percent of the vote, and Cuomo 44 percent. But those figures may not take into account how, in a race that tight, voters in all political parties might coalesce around Cuomo because of their fear of the Democratic designee. I expect that on Election Day it will be a three-person contest, because Sliwa

The November date of destiny is coming at us quickly. There are an impressive number of young voters in the city who have been smitten by Mamdani’s pledge of free buses, rent freezes and public grocery stores. But they don’t pay the real estate taxes and support the infrastructure that make New York the most important city in the world. And if the political novice gets elected, all of New York City and state will suffer.

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

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Established 1899

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Will Sheeline Senior Reporter

luke Feeney

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Our disagreements must stop at debate

The United States has long prided itself on being a nation in which political differences are aired by way of ballots, not bullets. In recent years, however, violence has too often invaded our public square, shattering lives, feeding a general atmosphere of fear and distrust, and undermining the democratic ideals we claim to cherish.

As we count down to Election Day on Nov. 4, we must recommit to the principle that civil political discourse — not intimidation, assault or bloodshed — is the only legitimate path forward.

Consider the troubling list of recent events. On Jan. 6, 2021, rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, brutally attacking police officers in an effort to halt the peaceful transfer of power to then President-elect Joseph Biden, a Democrat. Five people died in the rioting. Since then, President Trump, a Republican, has survived two assassination attempts.

In 2022, Paul Pelosi, the husband of former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was bludgeoned with a hammer in the Pelosis’ home in San Francisco. In April of this year, a man attempted to burn down the residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a fellow Democrat.

In June, Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, was killed in a targeted attack at her home, along with

LETTERS

Blakeman has a narrow definition of ‘safe’

To the Editor:

Re County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s op-ed last week, “Protecting our kids and keeping Nassau County safe”: Blakeman’s myopia ought not be ours. Though the Nassau County Police Department is top-notch in both competence and compensation, “safety” is a far broader sentiment than armed personnel.

With the most foreclosures in the metropolitan region, Nassau is not a safe place for those who can’t keep up with the Joneses. Our growing population of residents dependent on food bank services, absentee landlords and gig work surely appreciate our police, but don’t feel safe from economic predation. And neither drivers nor pedestrians are especially safe in Nassau, and the roadways themselves would win no awards.

Our famed police are no comfort to anyone viewed through ICE-eyes as dusky, dusty or dawdling. We are not yet saved from Nassau’s dual-action dysfunctional

her husband, Mark Hortman. In a separate incident, Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife were wounded, allegedly by the same gunman.

On Sept. 10, one day before our national commemoration of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk shook the nation.

All of these acts, though politically motivated in different ways, shared a tragic theme: a rejection of reasoned debate in favor of violence. The perpetrators’ actions defied both justice and ethics. Political leaders, regardless of party, must unequivocally denounce violence not only when it is directed at their allies, but also when it strikes their adversaries.

The answers to bitter disagreements can be found instead in the very foundation of American law: our Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech, association and petition. These rights were spelled out so that individuals and groups could argue, persuade and organize without fear of reprisal.

Violence, by contrast, seeks to silence opponents permanently. It is not an expression of political conviction but rather a repudiation of it — an attempt to destroy debate rather than contribute to it. That is why every civilized society criminalizes assault, murder and terrorism. To resort to such methods is not

only to break the law but also to tear at the moral fabric that holds communities together.

Violence corrodes democracy itself. When citizens and leaders live under constant threat, they retreat from public engagement. Ordinary people withdraw from activism. Elected officials alter decisions out of fear for their families’ safety. Journalists censor themselves to avoid becoming targets. These chilling effects shrink the civic space, and create an atmosphere of suspicion and anger.

The way forward requires a cultural shift that emphasizes respect, empathy and resilience even in the face of profound disagreements. Everyone from students to business executives to politicians to the media should refuse to share disinformation, avoid demonizing those with whom we have differing opinions and welcome calm, reasoned argument that can change minds more effectively than threats ever could.

Passionate debate is fine. Disagreement is natural in a diverse society, and progress often emerges from that vigorous discussion. In stark contrast, every time a political leader is targeted, every time a citizen is attacked for his or her beliefs, the American experiment itself is weakened.

At this point in our country’s history, the stakes could not be higher. We must choose civility over cruelty, and persuasion over violence.

OPINIONS

Legislation that’s critical to L.I. firefighters’ safety

Firefighters across Long Island, especially volunteers, face growing risks not just in the line of duty, but also from the very gear meant to protect them. That’s because many of the region’s fire departments — including those in Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as Brooklyn and Queens — have relied on turnout gear and firefighting foam that contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, a class of synthetic chemicals now strongly linked to a variety of serious health problems. As a result, many fire service personnel around the region deal with repeated and prolonged exposure to toxic compounds, often without access to safer alternatives.

The issue has become even more concerning as PFAS have leached into the water and soil, which ultimately caused widespread contamination. While federal and state agencies have begun to address this ongoing issue, the occupational health risks tied specifically to firefighters remain insufficiently prioritized.

The PFAS Alternatives Act — first introduced in Congress in July 2023 — presents a targeted and science-driven response. By investing in the development of PFAS-free turnout gear and training programs focused on reducing exposure, the legislation advances measures that protect not only full-time firefighters, but also volunteers.

ESince the 1950s, PFAS have become a staple in various commercial goods because of their remarkable resistance to extreme temperatures and moisture. The problem is that, because of their strong carbon-fluorine bond, these so-called “forever chemicals” don’t break down easily. Instead, they accumulate in the environment and even the human body, triggering many catastrophic illnesses, including cancer, immunosuppression, liver damage, Type 2 diabetes in women, and developmental delays in children. These medical facts prompted the Environmental Protection Agency to issue an advisory stating that no level of PFAS is considered safe, and even the slightest exposure can have serious repercussions.

ments in Nassau County and over 100 in Suffolk County. Despite their critical roles in safeguarding their communities, these brave firefighters are often forced to respond to emergencies using contaminated equipment.

quipment meant to protect them contains harmful ‘forever chemicals.’

This public health issue has also led to a big wave of legal battles involving the firefighting community. Thousands of firefighters nationwide have filed lawsuits in multidistrict litigation to hold chemical manufacturers, such as 3M and DuPont, accountable for distributing hazardous products without providing proper warnings about the dangers. As of early last month, there were more than 12,000 active cases. Although this mounting legal pressure indicates a growing awareness among victims of their right to hold chemical manufacturers liable, it also underscores the urgent need for legislative solutions.

safety. The bipartisan group that initiated it included Long Island Reps. Andrew Garbarino and Michael Lawler, as well as former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, all of whom signed on as cosponsors, recognizing the urgent need for action in New York state.

The latest iteration of the legislation prioritizes a vital investment of $25 million annually, through fiscal year 2029, for the innovation and testing of PFASfree turnout gear. Besides this, a $2 million yearly budget is likewise set to be allocated during the same period to support training programs that will help first responders reduce PFAS exposure while safer gear is being developed. This funding is particularly critical on Long Island, where many volunteer fire departments continue using contaminated equipment simply because affordable alternatives are unavailable.

Unfortunately, this danger is almost unavoidable for hundreds of firefighters on Long Island, in nearly 70 fire depart-

LETTERS

property-tax regime, its failed bus patrol tax, its Nassau University Medical Center mess nor wasteful BLAKEMAN signage. Nassau’s water safety is in question. Discoveries of buried chemical toxins and depleted shorelines threaten real estate, and the police cannot arrest viruses. Nassau has enough police, but not enough security.

BRIAN KELLY

Rockville Centre

Honoring veterans through service and support

To the Editor:

On Sept. 12, the day after 9/11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance, PSEG Long Island, National Grid and the nonprofit General Needs came together to host the first-ever Veteran Warm Up event, serving more than 100 local veterans. At this drivethrough event, veterans received bedding, pillows, heaters, LED light bulbs and information about financial and energy-efficiency

programs designed to help them keep warm when the weather gets colder.

Why would PSEG Long Island step into this role? The answer is simple: because veterans are our neighbors, and many are among the most vulnerable members of our communities. Long Island is home to one of the largest populations of veterans in the country, and too many of them face challenges related to housing, health and employment. At PSEG Long Island, we believe our responsibility goes beyond keeping the lights on — we have a duty to support the well-being of the communities we serve.

That’s why, year after year, our employee-volunteers give their time, energy and compassion at events that provide direct aid to veterans and other neighbors in need. Collaborating with organizations like General Needs amplifies that impact, ensuring that resources reach those who need them most.

This commitment to community is an extension of our mission: to provide safe, reliable energy while also strengthening the fabric of the neighborhoods we call home. By supporting veterans, we

The PFAS Alternatives Act is a crucial federal initiative aimed at tackling the severe health risks firefighters are compelled to confront because of their prolonged exposure to PFAS. First introduced by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in July 2023 and reintroduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell and other lawmakers this May, the bill reflects a longstanding and even growing concern over firefighter

But for the region and the entire state to fully benefit from this legislation, local leaders must strongly support its immediate ratification and effective implementation. Until PFASfree equipment becomes standard statewide, firefighters will continue to confront serious risks from the very gear that’s supposed to safeguard them.

Jonathan Sharp is chief financial officer of the Environmental Litigation Group, a firm that helps fast-track compensation claims filed by victims of toxic exposure and their families.

the

of

sunrise Sept. 11 memorial service — Town Park Point Lookout

honor their service and sacrifices while building a culture of understanding and respect that benefits us all.

The Veteran Warm Up event is just one example of how PSEG Long Island strives to live out its values of safety, security and

service. We do this because it’s the right thing to do — for our veterans and for our communities.

DAVID LYONS

Interim president and chief operating officer, PSEG Long Island

Join Us in Fighting Hunger on Long Island!

Daniel Gale Foundation x Island Harvest Food Bank

September is Hunger Action Month

– Together, We Can Make a Difference

This September, help us support Island Harvest Food Bank, Long Island’s largest hunger relief organization. Every can, box, and dollar collected helps families right here in our community.

Ways You Can Give:

Drop off any non-perishable donations at any Daniel Gale office throughout the month of September. Items most needed include:

• Canned vegetables and soup

• Pasta, rice, or ramen

• Stuffing & instant potatoes

• Cereal, oatmeal, grits

• Toiletries & personal care items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, etc.)

Or you can donate online: $1 supports 2 meals

With your help, we aim to collect 10,000 lbs. of food for Island Harvest.

Your generosity will make a real impact. Together, we can feed our neighbors in need.