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Maidenbaum lowered our property taxes. We started a vacation fun d.

Students score high at NYSSMA

learning about oyster Bay history

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Vol. 128 No. 40

oCToBER 2 - 8, 2026

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America’s Cup documentary hits big screen include Oakcliff, and then there was so much meat for the 1995 campaign, which was the first, The new documentary “The and so far only, all-women’s Mighty Mary” brings the story team to race.” Directed by Mary Mazzio, of the first all-woman team to compete in the America’s Cup the documentary combines a rch iva l fo o t a g e back to the North with interviews Shore and Oyster with more than 60 Bay’s Oakcliff Sailpeople involved in ing Center, where t h e s t o r y, R i l e y much of the film’s said. The film was present-day footage released on Sept. 11 was shot. in theaters nationL e d by D aw n wide for a limited R i l e y, n ow O a k run, and has also cl i f f ’s e xe c u t ive screened in Europe. director, the 1995 It features narraAmerica3 team tion by Elizabeth challenged the Banks and Hugh male-dominated Jackman, who also sailing establishserved as executive ment and advanced producers. further in the comThe film crew petition than many DAWN RIlEY came to Oyster Bay expected, all the Executive director, in May 2025, Riley way to the semifiOakcliff Sailing Center said, when former nal round. Riley, members of Ameriwho was the team’s captain, said that the documen- ca3 and other America’s Cup tary revisits an important teams gathered for a reunion at chapter in sailing history while Oakcliff. “We had a reunion of men and women from the ’92, highlighting the work Oakcliff ’95 and 2000 cups in Oyster Bay continues to do today. in May of ’25,” Riley said. “So “It started off being kind of like my soup to nuts, my begin- all of the modern footage in ning to moder n day,” Riley this film is shot in Oyster Bay.” said. “It was supposed to Continued on page 10

By WIll SHEElINE

wsheeline@liherald.com

Herald file photo

Mini Mart often attracts thousands, including residents of Sea Cliff, the surrounding communities and beyond.

Mini Mart returns to Sea Cliff

Oyster Bay, Locust Valley organizations will take part By JUlIA CAPITEllI jcapitelli@liherald.com

Kiwanis Sea Cliff Mini Mart is returning for its 54th year, bringing vendors, live music and food to the village. Thousands typically show up to the annual fall event, from Sea Cliff and beyond. “In the 23 years that I’ve been here, I would say that the atmosphere is just so positive and fun,” Kiwanis member Judith Rivera said. “And people get to really talk to each other and get to know the neighbors.” Mini Mart, held on the first Sunday in October, will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Artists, artisans and retail vendors line Sea Cliff Avenue, offering a variety of artwork, handcrafted items and unique pieces. According to North Shore Kiwanis Board Member Julia Salat, space at this year’s

Mini Mart is sold out with more than 200 vendors from the tri-state area. She added that Kiwanis prefers the event to be a craft fair rather than commercialized. Longtime organizers Lisa and Roger Hill have passed the responsibility to Vinny Labbate and Tony Consalvo, of Kiwanis’ Young Professionals Division. The Hills remain involved, providing support for the new organizers. Salat praised Labbate and Consalvo for their work organizing Mini Mart, selling space to vendors and mapping where each booth will be set up. “There’s always room for improvement,” Salat said, “and they’re the people that are going to be doing this.” Mini Mart is one of the largest fundraisers of the year for North Shore Kiwanis. Vendors pay for their spots, and the funds support various Kiwanis initiatives like Continued on page 6

nybody who watches this and is excited about the sport can come and train, come learn, or support.

October 1, 2026 — OYSTER BAY HERALD

What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

HERALD SchoolS Four Oyster Bay students selected for NYSSMA Four Oyster Bay High School student-musicians have earned selection to the 2026 New York State School Music Association All-State ensembles, marking the school’s highest number of All-State selections in a single year since 2006. The four students are Aari Gupta, selected for Symphonic Band on Trombone I; Abigail Rudnet, selected for Treble Chorus as Soprano 2; Maalika Mehta, selected for Symphonic Band on French Horn 4; and Samuel Brenner, selected for Wind Ensemble on Trombone 2. NYSSMA All-State selection is one of the highest honors available to New York high school musicians. Each spring, thousands of sophomores and juniors from public and private schools across the state audition through rigorous Level VI solo evaluations. Students are evaluated on areas including pitch, tone, sight-reading and technique. Only students receiving scores of 98-100 are eligible for recommendation to the All-State ensembles.

The four selections represent a milestone for Oyster Bay High School’s music program. It has been 20 years since the school last had four students selected in a single year, matching the school’s previous record set in 2006. The 2026 group also equals the total number of Oyster Bay students selected for All-State during the entire 11-year period from 2015 through 2025. For senior Aari Gupta, this year’s selection represents an additional distinction. After earning a spot in the 2025 All-State ensemble on Trombone II, he has been selected again for 2026, advancing to Trombone I. The students will travel to Rochester from Dec. 3 to 6 to participate in the 90th Annual NYSSMA Winter Conference. During the conference, they will rehearse alongside some of New York’s most accomplished high school musicians under the direction of renowned conductors, then perform at the historic Eastman Theater. –Will Sheeline

Courtesy Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District

Four Oyster Bay High School student-musicians have earned selection to the 2026 New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) All-State ensembles, marking the school’s highest number of All-State selections in a single year since 2006.

OYSTER BAY HERALD — October 1, 2026 Photos courtesy Raynham Hall Museum

The exhibition Revolutionary Oyster Bay: 275 Years at Raynham Hall Museum will be up through March 28, 2027.

Highlighting Oyster Bay’s revolutionary history Raynham Hall Museum held a cocktail reception to celebrate the launch of its first catalog, “Revolutionary Oyster Bay,” written by the museum’s Peggy N. and Roger G. Gerry Curatorial Fellow Katie Cynkar, who gave opening remarks. The Sept. 23 event featured a cocktail reception, exhibition viewing and the chance to speak with Cynkar about the catalog. The attached exhibition, titled Revolutionary Oyster Bay: 275 Years at Raynham Hall Museum, will be up through March 28, 2027.

Katie Cynkar, right, author of the catalog ‘Revolutionary Oyster Bay’ and the museum’s Peggy N. and Roger C. Gerry Curatorial Fellow, explained the histories and importance of artifacts featured in the catalog, such as this water pitcher, to attendees like her mother Kimberly.

–Will Sheeline

Katie Cynkar, the catalog’s author, gave the opening remarks at the cocktail reception.

Attendees including Lauren Brincat, Preservation Long Island’s chief curator, and Steven Baltsas, the organization’s curatorial fellow.

Community members such as James Hogarty got to view some of the historic artifacts.

Locust Valley Library

News briefs

ONGOING PROGRAMS

OCTOBER PROGRAMS

ART SHOW ART LEAGUE OF NASSAU COUNTY RECEPTION: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 AT 2 PM

For more information visit us at: www.locustvalleylibrary.org

Create and Express Wednesday, October 7 at 6 PM Relax, create art and talk about resilience with Cassandra Stoffers from CEC Health Care.

ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES EVERY MONDAY & THURSDAY 6 - 8:30 PM BEGINNER LEVEL

TV Terrors: The Making of The Night Stalker and Trilogy of Terror Tuesday, October 13 at 7 PM Explore how The Night Stalker (1972) and the Zuni doll segment of Trilogy of Terror (1975) became groundbreaking TV horror classics and changed network television. Presented by Lawrence Wolff. Brought to you by the North Shore Programming Consortium. Hosted by Locust Valley Library.

MATINEE THURSDAYS AT 1 PM OCTOBER 8 MOVIE: A PERFECT MURDER 1 HR, 47 MIN - RATED R OCTOBER 22 MOVIE: INVATION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS 1 HR, 20 MIN - RATED NR

Spotlight Author Talk with Mary Noe: The Man Who Shot J.P. Morgan Wednesday, October 14 at 6 PM Author Mary Noe explores one of Long Island’s dramatic crime stories. the book recounts the 1915 shooting of financier J.P. Morgan Jr. at his Gold Coast estate by a man living under an assumed identity.

Woman pleads guilty in fatal driving crash

POETRY EXCHANGE GROUP SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 AT 11 AM ALL WELCOME

Senior Self-Defense & Safety Tuesday, October 20 and/or 27 at 7 PM Empowering seniors with practical safety skills, greater confidence and effective strategies for responding to threatening situations. Curated by Marvin German. Sound Bath & Self Reflection Wednesday, October 28 at 5:30 PM or 7 PM Join Andrea Gonnella, founder of Notes & Nirvana for an immersive sound bath that nurtures both mind and body. Bring blanket and yoga mat.

MONDAY MAVENS BOOKCLUB OCTOBER 19 AT 7 PM BOOK: ALAN OPTS OUT BY COURTNEY MAUM CASUAL BOOKS WEDNESDAY,OCTOBER 14 10 AM BOOK: IN THE WOODS BY TANA FRENCH

Book to Film: Read It - Watch It - Talk About It Thursday, October 29 at 1 PM Book available at circ desk. Don’t Look Now by Daphne du Maurier 1 hour, 50 minutes - Rated R

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Darkness options are blackout blinds or curtains and covering any electronics that emit light. An eye mask can work wonders too. Outside noises or partners who snore can disturb sleep. Consider “white noise” machines or spa-like recordings to help you sleep. Like the eye mask for light, consider ear plugs for noise. While a firm, comfortable mattress and quality pillows with breathable fabrics are essential, there are other high-tech options that may assist, such as mattress and pillows that adjust their temperature as yours changes. Many people report a weighted blanket works wonders. Diet and Exercise: Caffeine and sugar are stimulants that prevent sleep. While alcohol can help you fall asleep, the sleep quality suffers. Eating earlier and drinking less will both help your body get to sleep and stay asleep. Moving around more, either by doing chores, taking a few trips up and down the stairs or simply sitting down and getting up avoids the sedentary lifestyle that causes insomnia. Few things promote sleep better than a walk outside in the fresh air. To learn more visit purple

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A Glen Cove woman pleaded guilty Monday to aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges stemming from a 2025 drugged-driving crash that killed a woman and seriously injured her husband, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. Nina Varrino, 52, pleaded guilty Sept. 28 before Judge Helene Gugerty to aggravated vehicular homicide, seconddegree assault and driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs. She is expected to be sentenced to seven to 21 years in prison when she returns to court Nov. 19. The crash occurred July 12, 2025, at about 12:49 p.m. on the South Service Road of the Long Island Expressway between New Hyde Park Road and Shelter Rock Road in North Hills. George Pelaez, 64, and his wife, Lisa Pelaez, 58, were riding a 2010 HarleyDavidson motorcycle and were planning to spend the afternoon in Port Jefferson and visit a motorcycle museum in Oyster Bay, prosecutors said. Lisa was riding behind her husband. Varrino, driving a 2025 Kia Sportage behind the couple, passed out at the wheel and struck their motorcycle, ejecting both riders, according to prosecutors. The Kia and motorcycle became engulfed in flames. Lisa Pelaez suffered blunt-force trau-

ma and was taken to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, where she died about two hours later. George Pelaez suffered multiple broken ribs, a fractured spine, fractures to both shoulders and a collapsed lung. He required intubation for about 10 days and remained hospitalized for a month. Prosecutors said Varrino had worked as an Uber driver the night before the crash and afterward stayed up drinking alcohol and using drugs. Blood taken approximately four hours after the crash showed active levels of cocaine and Xanax. About 80 minutes before the fatal collision, Varrino had been driving erratically on the Cross Island Parkway and pulled onto the shoulder, prosecutors said. Witnesses told her she should not continue driving. Roughly 12 minutes later, Varrino crashed into the rear of another vehicle on Marathon Parkway in Queens, but continued driving afterward, according to the district attorney’s office. Nassau County police detectives arrested Varrino on Feb. 18. District Attorney Anne Donnelly said the guilty plea brings the Pelaez family closer to seeing Varrino held accountable for the crash. –Roksana Amid

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The Glen Cove Public Library will host a program examining how the Revolutionary War transformed everyday life on Long Island on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 2 to 3 p.m. Glen Cove City Historian Dave Nieri will lead “Long Island During the Revolutionary War: Hard Work, Anxiety, and Taking Sides,” an in-person discussion focusing on the experiences of Long Islanders during the conflict. Through local stories and historical accounts, Nieri will discuss how families navigated British occupation, divided political loyalties and the challenges of daily survival as the war unfolded across the North Shore. ________________

Long Island was occupied by British forces for much of the Revolutionary War, placing residents in the difficult position of living amid the conflict while communities were divided between those who supported independence and those who remained loyal to the British Crown. The adult program will take place in the History Room at the Glen Cove Public Library. Registration is required, and seating is limited. Those interested in attending can register through the Glen Cove Public Library’s online events calendar. –Roksana Amid

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things to know about oyster fest

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

October means Oyster Fest is nearly here. The annual waterfront festival returns to Oyster Bay on Oct. 17 and 18, bringing food, live entertainment, shopping, carnival rides and family activities to Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Audrey Avenue.

The 43rd annual Oyster Fest is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Oyster Bay. The festival is a partnership between the Town of Oyster Bay and the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce. More than 70,000 oysters are expected to be sold during the weekend, with oysters sourced from Long Island waters. Visitors can find oysters prepared in several ways, including raw on the half shell, grilled, fried and Rockefeller style. Oyster dishes also will be incorporated into chowder and po’boy sandwiches. The festival’s annual oyster shucking and eating contests will take place Saturday on the Main Stage. Those looking to eat more than oysters will be able to enjoy a wide range of other culinary

Two stages will feature live entertainment Music will run throughout the weekend on stages at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Audrey Avenue. Saturday’s Main Stage lineup includes KAMELLOT, That 70’s Band, Simply Stapleton, Echoes of the Eagles and Crash My Party. Sunday’s performers include Ready in Ten, Vinyl Revival, Diva and the Bar Band Heroes, Glass Houses and Radio Flashback. Audrey Avenue will feature local and regional performers throughout both days. Saturday’s schedule includes Al Smith, Ape Theory, Juice, Chris Ruben Band, Dysfunktone and Miss J Experience. Sunday’s performers include Ariana Chetram, Crisis, Rob Eberle, and more. Beyond the music, visitors can enjoy the Newton Shows carnival, featuring rides and games.

There will be plenty to do beyond the food Families can find activities along West End Avenue, including a U.S. Army climbing wall, a New York Islanders slap shot attraction/ Arts and crafts vendors will fill the festival grounds, offering handmade jewelry, pottery, sculptures, paintings and other items. The downtown area along Audrey Avenue also will feature local businesses, vendors, food and entertainment. Because parking in Oyster Bay is limited, organizers recommend using public transportation or designated parking areas with free shuttle service. The Long Island Rail Road will provide additional service to accommodate festival visitors, while free shuttle buses will operate from Syosset station and other designated locations. Shuttles are scheduled to run from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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Oysters remain the event’s main attraction

OYSTER BAY HERALD — October 1, 2026

Celebrating shellfish in Oyster Bay

Raising money for North Shore Kiwanis Continued from page 1

Klothes for Kids, where the community’s children in need are taken back-toschool clothes shopping. Other initiatives made possible by Mini Mart funds include similar programs where children in need receive sneakers and coats, and scholarship awards. This year’s Mini Mart also features a number of organizations and businesses from Oyster Bay, Bayville and Locust Valley that will attend the event as vendors. Vendors include the Matinecock Masonic Historical Society of Oyster Bay, the Locust Valley chapter of the Foundation for Wellness Professionals, and Gooseberry Grove in Bayville, among others. Salat is also the advisor for North Shore High School’s Key Club, a Kiwanis affiliate. Key Club has its own booth at Mini Mart each year where Salat and student members bake and sell cookies. Funds go toward the club’s community service initiatives. The Sea Cliff General Store will participate for the first time, having opened in November. Laura Bonelli, who owns the store with her husband Ralph, said that the store’s booth will include one section geared toward children and another toward adults. In addition to its coffee and kombucha that the store has on tap, Bonelli said the booth will include a dirty soda bar. The customizable drink concept, which began trending nationally in 2021, includes soda, flavored syrups, creamers and garnishes. The General Store has hosted live music and participated in other community events in the village. Bonelli said that she has heard from residents and other business owners that Mini Mart is an event everyone loves. “It’s great for us to be on the other side of this to provide something unique for the community,” she added. Some of the money the General Store makes at Mini Mart will be donated to causes the owners’ children, Sofia and Luca Bonelli, have chosen. Sofia is raising money for cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Luca is doing the same for Long Island Lutheran Middle and High School’s Meal Packing initiative. Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce President Maxine Mayreis has taken a Mini Mart booth for her chiropractic practice for 35 years.

Herald file photos

Local bands play live music throughout mini mart at multiple locations each year.

Vendors like Courtney Callahan, left, and renee Swanson, from the nonprofit noSH delivers, take part in the event, along with artisans and local businesses. Mayreis is a member of the Foundation for Wellness Professionals, a nonprofit focused on educating people about holistic health and disease prevention. The foundation requires members to do community service, which is one factor that brings her to Mini Mart. She explained that her goal since starting her practice is to help “as many people as possible,” and that Mini Mart helps her do that.

“I have the opportunity to meet new people,” Mayreis said. “And you know what? It used to be that I was approaching them, but now what I find the way it’s evolved over the years is that people come up to me and say ‘Oh, you’re a chiropractor. Well, I have this pain here, I have this problem.’” Mayreis brings her massage chair to different community events, which she said is popular among attendees. She

added that it allows her to speak with potential clients about health issues they may be having and that she can then invite them in for a consultation. Other local businesses and organizations that have historically participated in Mini Mart include K. DiResta Design, Peace Soap, Still Partners, Deja Vu Consignment, Hive Market and Gallery, the Sea Cliff Glen Head Lions Club and NOSH Delivers!. Businesses located on Sea Cliff Avenue get booths set up outside their storefronts. Salat described Kiwanis’ work on the day of the event as “all hands on deck.” She added that she often arrives at 5 or 6 a.m. to begin setting up, and that the planning process is extensive. “It takes a lot of work and a lot of effort,” Salat said. “So, at each meeting, we go through a little bit about what’s going on, who’s doing what, so we really do get excited.” Rivera said that her favorite job at Mini Mart is checking in on vendors throughout the day, helping with questions or any issues that may arise. “It’s all volunteers,” she added. “That’s the thing. We are all doing this in service to the organization whose sole purpose is to help children, and that’s the beauty.” Bonelli said it feels “great” to support Kiwanis with the funds from booking space.

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North Shore Kiwanis Presents

Sea Cliff

54th Annual Mini Mart

Sunday, October 4, 2026 • 10 am – 5 pm Rain or Shine Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, NY Come and Enjoy over 200 unique Local Craft and Retail Vendors, Community and Non-Profit Groups, Delicious Tempting Foods & Sounds by Local Musicians!

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A Festival with Purpose!

Sea Cliff Mini Mart is a Kiwanis community tradition—Where every step you take helps support every booth you visit:

Stop By For A Fabulous Meal, Quality Food, and Great Service

• Scholarships for Local Students • Back to School Winter Clothing & Supplies • Kamp Kiwanis Experiences for Children • Support for Local Families • Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center

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FREE ADMISSION! Free parking at Tappen Beach (Shore Road) Free shuttle buses from Tappen Beach, 10 am – 6 pm For the safety of your dog, children, and vendors:

No dogs permitted (except service dogs)!!!

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Photos courtesy Oakcliff Sailing Center

The America3 team gathered for a reunion at Oakcliff Sailing Center in Oyster Bay, and filmed several scenes on Oakcliff vessels.

‘Mighty Mary’ documents women’s Cup team COnTinued frOm pAge 1

For Merritt Palm Keffer, one of the sailors featured in the film, the reunion was an opportunity to reconnect with teammates and revisit the experience three decades after the 1995 campaign. “The fun part for me was definitely the reunion, which occurred at Oakcliff,” Keffer said, “and Dawn and her sister and her mom and all of the Oakcliff staff worked so hard to make sure that we had awesome boats to sail (at the reunion).” Keffer, who sailed under her maiden name, Merritt Palm, grew up in the Detroit area, and began sailing as a child under Riley. She competed in sailing programs, and was running a junior program at Lauderdale Yacht Club, in Florida, when she was selected for America3. The team brought together sailors with varying levels of experience, most of whom had never taken part in the America’s Cup. The campaign, Keffer said, required the sailors to develop quickly while dealing with the pressures of competing in a male-dominated sport. “I think the story is one of resilience, one of perseverance,” she said. “I was very skeptical of how [the documentary] would work out, just because Mary Mazzio herself isn’t a sailor, but I think she did a really good job capturing the essence of our team.” The 1995 campaign also required the team to overcome significant competitive and logistical challenges. Many of

The documentary tells the story of the crew of the mighty mary during the 1995 America’s Cup, which made it to the semifinals. the women had never raced on the type of boats used in the Cup before joining the team, Riley said. The film also revisits the political and competitive controversies surrounding the 1995 series, as shown in the film. Riley described the competition as one marked by “politics and technology and strategy and shenanigans,” while Keffer said that seeing some of the events again brought back strong emotions. For Riley, the documentary also connects the accomplishments of the 1995 team and Oakcliff ’s current mission of

developing sailors and leaders. “We’re a public nonprofit,” she said. “We’re bringing attention to the sport. We’re training. We train the Oyster Bay High school sailing team. We scholarship in so that there’s never a problem with need. So that’s our mission: building leaders with sailing.” The 1995 team demonstrated that women could compete at the highest level of the sport, Keffer said, and the documentary can introduce that story to a new generation. “I think we did have an impact, and I think at the very least, it opened women sailors in particular,”

merritt palm Keffer was one of the sailors on the first all-woman Cup team. she said. “The women show that women sailing, or sailing with men in general, is a thing.” The Cinema Arts Centre, in Huntington, is planning to screen the film, although no date has been set. For Oakcliff, she hopes that viewers who are inspired by the documentary will get involved with sailing themselves. “Anybody who watches this and is excited about the sport can come and train, come learn, or support,” she said. To learn more about Oakcliff, visit OakcliffSailing.org.

OYSTER BAY HERALD — October 1, 2026

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And while we are proud to be nationally ranked for cardiac care, our high level of excellence is clearly recognized across a number of services. With exceptional physicians, leading-edge clinical expertise, and a patient-centered approach, St. Francis sets the standard for outstanding care.

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October 1, 2026 — OYSTER BAY HERALD

News brief Giving back to Oyster Bay’s shellfish The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents looking to help the environment and preserve local waterways to take part in the town’s shell recycling initiative at the upcoming Oyster Festival, taking place Oct. 17 and 18 in Oyster Bay. “We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to be a vital part of our environmental mission to help protect our harbor and improve our waterways,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino wrote in a statement. “As a shell collection station attendant, volunteers will contribute their time to help divert oyster and clam shells from landfills, which will instead be recycled and used for habitat restoration and growing new oysters.” Volunteers at this year’s festival will be asked to commit to working in threehour shifts. Available time slots will be from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. on both days of the festival. Responsibilities will include identifying oyster and clam shells, overseeing a shell collection station with separate bins for general trash and for shells, guiding festival goers in correctly sort-

ing their waste, and answering questions about the shell recycling program and educating attendees about its environmental benefits. Those interested in participating will receive giveaways, as well as community service hours for their participation. “This is a great initiative that not only helps with recycling efforts but also restores shellfish populations in our harbor while improving water quality,” Town Councilman Andrew Monteleone wrote in the same statement. “The program ensures shells don’t go to waste and once they are ready to go back into the harbor, they provide an excellent source of habitat for young shellfish to grow.” Anyone interested in volunteering for the shellfish recycling program can contact the Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943 or by emailing Environmental@oysterbay-ny. gov. For more information about the program, visit OysterBayTown.com/ shellrecycling. –Will Sheeline

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–Will Sheeline

Photos courtesy Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District

Oyster Bay High School seniors Elise Kim, left, was named a National Merit Semifinalist, while her classmates Samuel Brenner and Aari Gupta have been named National Merit Commended Students. The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes scholastic achievement and encourages academic excellence.

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Oyster Bay High School announced that three seniors have earned recognition in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. Elise Kim has been named a National Merit Semifinalist, while Samuel Brenner and Aari Gupta have been recognized as National Merit Commended Students. Established in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes scholastic achievement and encourages academic excellence. Students enter the program by taking the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year. Semifinalists represent fewer than one percent of U.S. high school seniors and are among the highest-scoring students in their respective states. As a semifinalist, Kim now has the opportunity to advance to Finalist standing by completing a detailed scholarship application. The selection process considers academic records, leadership, participation in school and community activities, and a recommendation from a high school official. Approximately 7,500 Finalists will ultimately receive National Merit Scholarships. Brenner and Gupta earned Commended Student recognition by placing among the top 50,000 students nationwide who took the PSAT/NMSQT. While Commended Students do not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, the distinction recognizes their outstanding academic performance on a national level.

OYSTER BAY HERALD — October 1, 2026

HERALD SchoolS O.B.H.S. seniors earn National Merit honors

October 1, 2026 — OYSTER BAY HERALD

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things to know ABoUt ADhD AwAREnEss Month By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

October is ADHD Awareness Month, an annual observance focused on increasing understanding of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and providing accurate information about a condition that affects millions of children and adults. The ADHD Awareness Month Coalition says the observance is intended to share reliable information, elevate the experiences of people with ADHD and improve access to support throughout a person’s life. The coalition includes Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, the Attention Deficit Disorder Association and the ADHD Coaches Organization. Here are three things to know:

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder? Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, is a developmental disorder characterized by ongoing symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that can interfere with everyday life. ADHD symptoms begin in childhood, but the disorder does not affect only children. Symptoms can persist through adolescence and adulthood, and the way ADHD presents can change as a person gets older. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that ADHD can look different in adults than it does in children. Diagnosis is made by a health care professional and involves determining whether symptoms meet established criteria and interfere with functioning.

How common is ADHD, and does it only affect children?

Why is ADHD Awareness Month important?

Millions of Americans have been diagnosed with ADHD. According to the CDC, an estimated 7 million U.S. children ages 3 to 17, or 11.7 percent, had a current ADHD diagnosis based on data collected in 2024. Another CDC measure found that 12 percent of children ages 3 to 17 had received an ADHD diagnosis at some point in their lives in 2024. The rate was 15.6 percent among boys and 8.2 percent among girls. ADHD also affects adults. More than half of adults with ADHD included in a CDC national survey reported receiving their diagnosis during adulthood, illustrating that the condition may not always be identified during childhood.

One goal of ADHD Awareness Month is to counter misconceptions about the disorder with evidence-based information. The ADHD Awareness Month Coalition describes awareness as a way to reduce stigma and conflict experienced by people with ADHD. Throughout October, the coalition encourages schools, libraries, community organizations and individuals to distribute educational materials, hold programs and direct people to reliable ADHD resources. The coalition also encourages people with ADHD to share their own experiences. Organizers say combining scientific information with the experiences of people living with the disorder can help others better understand ADHD.

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OYSTER BAY HERALD — October 1, 2026

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making regular donations important. Waiting until an emergency occurs to donate may be too late for patients who need blood immediately. A consistent supply allows hospitals to respond to emergencies while continuing to meet the needs of patients receiving routine and specialized medical care. For eligible donors, giving blood is a relatively simple way to help people in the community. A single donation can be separated into components that may be used to help different patients, depending on their individual medical needs. The upcoming blood drive will provide Glen Cove residents with an opportunity to contribute to the local blood supply while taking part in a community event. Breakfast will be available to donors, and the “Pint for a Pint” voucher offers an additional thank-you for those who participate. The drive will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 17 at the Glen Cove Fire Department, 10 Glen Cove Ave. Those interested in donating can register by calling Pete at (516) 606-0014. Donors are encouraged to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before giving blood. Every donation helps strengthen the blood supply and critical support when it is needed most.

The Glen Cove Fire Department will host a community blood drive on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., giving residents an opportunity to help replenish the blood supply and support patients who depend on transfusions. The blood drive will be held at the Glen Cove Fire Department, 10 Glen Cove Ave. Breakfast will be served by the fire department during the event. Residents interested in donating can sign up by calling Pete at (516) 606-0014 or by scanning the event’s QR code. All donors will also receive a voucher for a “Pint for a Pint” from Garvies Point Brewery in Glen Cove. Blood donations are an essential part of health care because donated blood cannot be manufactured and must come from volunteer donors. Hospitals rely on blood donations for patients undergoing surgery, receiving treatment for serious illnesses, recovering from traumatic injuries and facing medical emergencies. Maintaining an adequate blood supply is especially important when emergencies occur. Serious accidents, traumatic injuries and other unexpected events can create an immediate need for blood, while hospitals must continue treating patients who require transfusions as part of planned procedures or ongoing care. Blood also has a limited shelf life,

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October 1, 2026 — OYSTER BAY HERALD

STEPPING OUT

Alexander Sovronsky

Bobby Conte

Miyuki Miyagi

From Long Island to Dickens:

‘Copperﬁeld!’

At home on the Off-Broadway stage

By Iris Wiener

hat does “home” mean? For Bobby Conte, Alexander Sovronsky, and Miyuki Miyagi, this question is close to their hearts. Each performer brings a unique connection with Long Island to “Copperfield!,” the new Off-Broadway musical now playing at The Duke on 42nd Street at New 42 Studios. Based on Charles Dickens’ coming-of-age classic, the show allows these performers to draw on their families, communities, and artistic experiences that helped shape their journeys to the stage. “Copperfield!” tells the story of a young man looking back on his life and trying to understand family, identity, perseverance, and where he belongs. Before Conte (Broadway’s “A Bronx Tale”), Sovronsky (Broadway’s “Cyrano de Bergerac”) and Miyagi (Off-Broadway’s “Beau the Musical”), found themselves bringing his story to life, their paths were touched by various lessons inspired by their local roots. Conte, who leads the musical as David Copperfield, sees the idea of home through the lens of the people who helped shape him. His grandparents live in Manhasset, and Long Island became an important part of his life, particularly after college, when he lived with them while auditioning and saving money for his first job. “They were the best roommates ever,” he says. His grandfather, who operated a pharmacy in Manhasset and New York City, was also a passionate supporter of the arts. His customers included Broadway performers like Ethel Merman due to his unique concoction of a remedy for sore throats. Conte considers his grandfather a lasting influence on his own decision to pursue acting. “He’s the forever inspiration of anything that I do,” he says. “Whatever life he’s built over 90plus years affords me the opportunity to take a risk and try to be an actor.” For Sovronsky and Miyagi, the Long Island connection began with music. Sovronsky grew up in Syosset, and began playing violin at the age of 3, studying Suzuki violin with the

Children’s Orchestra Society and in programs in Oyster Bay and Glen Cove. He later attended Syosset High School and became involved in theater, eventually finding a way to combine the two disciplines he had been told could not coexist professionally. “I didn’t want to choose,” he sayd. “People said you can’t do both, you have to choose. And I was like, ‘Watch me!’” Miyagi, who hails from Glen Cove and attended Portledge School in Locust Valley, also discovered her artistic identity early. She began playing violin at 3 (potentially crossing paths with future co-star Sovronsky with the Children’s Orchestra Society) and danced throughout her childhood. “I fell in love with theater in elementary school and thought, ‘Well, I’m going to be an actor,’” she says. “No one took me seriously, but I meant it very seriously.” Her parents’ Japanese restaurants —Asahi Tokyo in Glen Cove and later Maguro in Roslyn — provided another lesson in determination. Watching her parents navigate the demands and uncertainty of the restaurant business, she says, prepared her for the similarly unpredictable life of a theater performer. “They trained me to persevere,” Miyagi says. Those Long Island experiences have become an unexpected throughline in a production centered on finding one’s place in the world. But “Copperfield!” is also an unusually collaborative theatrical experience. The production uses an actor-musician approach in which the company members do far more than act. They sing, play instruments, portray multiple characters, and help create the sound and physical world of the story in full view of the audience. “It’s really rare that you get everyone touching instruments,” Sovronsky says. “That’s a really exciting, unifying element.” For Conte, the musicality of the company has been one of the most remarkable parts of the rehearsal process. He recalled watching performers switch instruments during a rehearsal and somehow make the arrangement sound even better. “I’m constantly surprised at the abilities of the people in the room,” he says. “You are watching the creative people create something before your eyes,” Conte says. That philosophy also informs the performers’ work with multiple characters. Sovronsky plays four different roles, using accents, vocal qualities, and physicality to distinguish them. Miyagi, a swing, covers multiple tracks, requiring her to move among characters with their own voices and physical identities. Musically, the production avoids the conventional amplified sound of many contemporary musicals. Instead, the acoustic score incorporates strings, winds, piano, and live Foley effects, creating a soundscape that complements the period setting. Sovronsky sees “Copperfield!” as ultimately a story about “finding your home and finding joy and the positivity in things.” Conte adds that the story’s themes serve as an important reminder: “When you’re dealt the cards you have, can you still find hope, purpose, and a reason to want to connect with other people?” As he puts it, the power of theater may ultimately lie in its ability to remind audiences that everyone is deserving of “grace and patience and forgiveness,” and that, even after a difficult journey, there is always the possibility of finding a way forward. The performers’ Long Island experiences are helping them tell a story about a young man doing exactly what they have done in their own ways: looking at where David Copperfield came from, discovering who he is, and finding the people and places that make him feel at home. “Charles Dickens’ Copperfield! The New Musical” runs through Dec. 6. Visit copperfieldthemusical.com to purchase tickets.

Queen-mania is coming back to Long Island. Almost Queen’s highvoltage tribute to one of rock’s most legendary bands is complete with soaring vocals, Brian May-style guitar riffs, four-part harmonies and the theatrical swagger that made Queen unforgettable. Fronted by Joseph Russo as the charismatic Freddie Mercury, with Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor, Almost Queen delivers a meticulously crafted recreation of the Queen experience. From the authentic costumes to faithful renditions of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “Somebody to Love,” every detail is designed to capture the grandeur, precision and sheer fun of a Queen concert. It’s a full-throttle trip into the world of Queen. Expect big vocals, bigger guitar and plenty of reasons to get out of your seat.

Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.

Curtain up on the Great White Way Broadway’s biggest hits take the spotlight at the Madison Theatre in “Give Our Regards to Broadway: A Salute to the 21st Century Musical.” The focus is on 2000s favorites, with showstoppers from “Wicked,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “In the Heights” and Disney classics. Add Broadway guest stars Nichelle Lewis and Harris Matthew “Molloy University’s talented CAP21 Musical Theatre students and the soaring South Shore Symphony, and the result is a production packed with big voices, memorable songs and Broadway ﬂair.

Sunday, Oct. 4, 3 p.m. $45-$65. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444. Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre.

OYSTER BAY HERALD — October 1, 2026

‘Havin’ a good time’…

October 1, 2026 — OYSTER BAY HERALD

Your Neighborhood OCT

On exhibit

CALENDAR OCT

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

OCT

Secret Spot Golf Cart Tour

Held Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 30, Planting Fields Arboretum hosts hour-long golf cart tours through some of the most “secret” spots on the grounds. Designed for groups of up to five, the experience offers access to spots visitors may miss. $60 per person. • Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay • Time: 11 a.m. • Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

First Fridays: Planting Fields as Palimpsest, An Archival Walking Tour

Explore the hidden layers of architectural history at Planting Fields on this special walking tour that uncovers the traces of structures, landscapes, and eras that have shaped the estate over time, led by Director of Collections and Research Marie Penny. A palimpsest refers to the layers of history embedded within a place, where remnants of the past continue to influence the present. Throughout its history, Planting Fields has been home to remarkable buildings that have since disappeared. Discover how the estate has transformed across generations and how each era has left its mark. $25 per person. Registration required. • Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay • Time: 10-11 a.m. • Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

OCT

Autumn Sculpture Stroll Join Dr. Einav Dembin, Director of Education and professional art historian, for an

Sculpture and Movement

Experience Nassau County Museum of Art’s Sculpture Garden in a whole new way as art comes to life through movement, creativity, and imagination! Join Dance Visions NY for an outdoor workshop and performance exploring sculpture and dance. Discover how sculpture inspires movement through activities and dancer demonstrations, then create movement responses! $20, $10 children and members. Rain date is Oct. 17. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

OCT

Notes in Nature: Serenade & Celebration

A blast from the ‘80s

Tease that hair, dig out the neon and get ready to party like it’s 1985. Jessie’s Girl is bringing its wildly entertaining “Back to the Eighties” concert experience back to the Paramount, with a high-energy blast of pop, rock and pure ‘80s nostalgia. The New York City-based band features top rock and pop musicians and four powerhouse vocalists who transform into the era’s biggest icons, complete with signature looks, choreography and plenty of attitude. Expect hits from the decade’s biggest stars, delivered with a full live band and the kind of over-the-top production that makes Jessie’s Girl a concert — and a party — rolled into one. Add audience participation, colorful costumes, props, bubbles and a • Where: The Paramount, 370 blizzard of confetti, and you’ve got an all-out throwback celebration that keeps the New York Ave., Huntington crowd singing, dancing and reaching for those neon leg warmers. Whether you lived • Time: 8 p.m. through the ‘80s or simply wish you had, Jessie’s Girl knows how to take you back. • Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com engaging journey through Nassau County Museum of Art’s scenic grounds to discover a selection of sculptures nestled throughout the landscape. Along the way, uncover the stories behind each work as you explore the artists’ inspirations, creative processes, and choice of materials. Experience these remarkable sculptures from new perspectives while enjoying the beauty of the museum’s outdoor setting at a relaxed and leisurely pace. Rain date is Oct. 10. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

Inspired Jazz Selections The Bayville Village Arts Council welcomes Aja Marlowe to the Bayville Community Center. Admission is free, and the performance will take place in a theatrical setting. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. • Where: 88 Bayville Ave., Bayville • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: (516) 628-1439

OCT

Art Talk

Nassau County Museum of Art welcomes Tiffany expert Arlie Sulka. She explores the

enduring influence of the celebrated artist and designer, whose works are the subject of the current exhibition Sulka is the owner of the worldrenowned Tiffany gallery, Lillian Nassau LLC in New York City. Lillian Nassau, the gallery’s founder, has been credited with reviving interest in and creating the market for the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany. A recognized specialist and dealer in late 19th- and early 20th-century decorative arts, Sulka has been a devoted student of the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany and Tiffany Studios for over 45 years. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students, members free. Limited seating; registration required. • Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor • Time: 3 p.m. • Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

OCT

Town board meets

The Oyster Bay Town Board holds its next public meeting at Town Hall North. Residents are encouraged to attend. • Where: 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay • Time: 10 a.m. • Contact: (516) 624-6380

OCT

Cove Animal Rescue’s Casino Night Benefit

Cove Animal Rescue welcomes all to its annual casino night at Crescent Beach Club. Enjoy an evening featuring a cocktail hour, dinner, music and dancing, casino tables, an open bar and silent auctions. $165 per person. $140 per person for first responders. Proceeds benefit homeless dogs and cats at Cove Animal Rescue. Register online or by phone. • Where: 333 Bayville Ave., Bayville • Time: 6:30 p.m. • Contact: coveanimalrescue.org or cakk (516) 676-5913

OCT

Jazz concert

The Bayville Village Arts Council welcomes the Carella Quartet at the Bayville Community Center. Admission is free. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. • Where: 88 Bayville Ave., Bayville • Time: 8 p.m. • Contact: (516) 628-1439

Planting Fields Notes in Nature series continues with a woodwind quintet program that moves between refined elegance and lively celebration, each instrument shining with its own irresistible personality. It opens with Jacques Ibert’s Trois Pièces brèves, a set of sparkling miniatures that showcases the ensemble at its most playful. The energy deepens with Mozart’s Serenade in C minor; Valerie Coleman’s Tzigane brings a burst of rhythmic fire and folk-inspired flair. Registration required. $45 per person in advance; $50 at the door if seats are available. Includes a complimentary glass of wine. • Where: Main House, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay • Time: 7-8:30 p.m. • Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

Fall Festival in Thomas Park

The Locust Valley Chamber of Commerce invites all to its annual fall family event. With children’s activities, games, face painting, henna tattoos, shopping, raffles, food trucks and live music. Rain date Oct. 11. • Where: 10 Elm St., Locust Valley • Time: 11 a.m. • Contact: LocustValleyChamberOfCommerce. com

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.

OYSTER BAY HERALD — October 1, 2026 Julia Capitelli/Herald photos

The North Shore’s Visual Cliff performed at Cafe Wha?, where several iconic artists have performed, on Sunday night.

Bringing North Shore sound to New York City Friends, family and music lovers packed New York City’s Cafe Wha? as the North Shore indie rock band Visual Cliff took to the stage. With Luca Antinori on guitar and vocals, Ethan S. Snyder on bass and vocals, Aidan Arevalo on second guitar and Angelo Antinori on drums, the band played mostly original music, and some covers, on Sunday night. Visual Cliff secured the Cafe Wha? gig by winning Gotham Battle of the Bands, hosted by Gotham City Networking, in June. Six bands were selected to compete in the battle, held at Club Groove in New

York City. Several iconic musicians played at Cafe Wha? in the early stages of their careers, including Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. Visual Cliff played originals from across the band’s repertoire, including some songs from several years ago and others that were written more recently, like “Look Around,” which the band members have described as the best song they have written. –Julia Capitelli

Aidan Arevalo, right, is Visual Cliff’s newest member, playing guitar alongside Luca Antinori.

Public Notices

LOBG1 1002

Visual Cliff was started by Ethan S. Snyder, left, and Luca Antinori, second from right, in 2020.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. LOAN FUNDER LLC, SERIES 48848, Pltf. vs. 19 TIFFANY RD HOMES HOUSE 58 INC., et al, Defts. Index #600544/25. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Jan. 9, 2026, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on October 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 19 Tiffany Road, Oyster Bay, Ny 11771 a/k/a Section 26, Block A, Lots 752 & 753. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,267,502.77 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The foreclosure sale will be held, “rain or shine.” SCOTT H.

SILLER, Referee. DEUTSCH & SCHNEIDER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 79-37 Myrtle Ave., Glendale, NY 11385. File No. LF-570 - #103170 162346

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR THE FLIC RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 1, Plaintiff against RAJNI MISRA, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP, 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224, Syosset, NY 11791.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered August 24, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 27, 2026 at 2:30PM. Premises known as 7 Wellington Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560. Sec 23 Block B Lot 364. 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 Matinecock, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $1,805,846.82 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to

provisions of filed Judgment Index No 606591/2025. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Kenneth L Gartner, Esq., Referee File # 24-0881 162504 PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

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“W

e represent over 2,000 individuals from Nassau and Suffolk counties who have developed four types of cancer — liver, kidney, thyroid and testicular cancers — and also ulcerative colitis, in litigation involving PFAS,” said Jeffrey Guzman, a founding member of the Wall Street law firm Krentsel Guzman Herbert. Guzman knows the issues associated with PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals,” well. He has a home on Long Island where wells have been impacted by PFAS. Thousands of water suppliers across the United States, including the Suffolk County Water Authority, have filed lawsuits against companies involved with PFAS. Last year the 3M Company agreed to a settlement of $10.3 billion. SCWA expects to receive $170 million of that. It got an initial payment of $34 million last year. Smaller settlements were reached with other companies, including DuPont, which developed PFAS in 1938 and patented its creation as Teflon.

But Guzman noted that this was “remediation litigation seeking money for the cost of cleaning up the PFAS that are already in the water. It did not intend to compensate any individuals who suffered as a consequence of their exposure.” He added, “Those who have suffered health impacts from PFAS are entitled to compensation from these companies, which knew it was carcinogenic.” On the Krentsel Guzman Herbert website, kglawteam.com, there are a series of pages detailing the firm’s PFAS litigation seeking compensation for those victims. They’re titled “Long Island’s PFAS Water Crisis: Your Health’s on the Line.” Under “What Are Forever Chemicals, and Why Are They So Dangerous?” the explanation begins: “Forever Chemicals, or PFAS, are toxic chemicals tainting your tap … Long Island’s drinking water ranks among the most contaminated. A federal database shows 19 water suppliers detected PFAS. In 16 districts, levels exceeded 20 [parts per trillion], one hitting 146 ppt, over double the 70 ppt seen nationwide, per Citizens Campaign for the Environment” — the organization based in Farmingdale. “That’s your water,” the website goes

on to say. “You’ve been drinking it for years, cooking with it, and bathing in it. Each sip and shower adds toxins to your body.” Under “The Effects of PFAS on Your Body,” the details continue: “These manufactured chemicals don’t break down — not in the environment, not in your body. They build up in your bloodstream over time, and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) warns they’re linked to serious diseases. Long Island’s exposure is worse than most in the U.S.” Under “Am I Eligible for Compensation for PFASRelated Cancers,” there’s this: “Yes. If you’ve lived on Long Island for years, drinking, washing and bathing in tap water, that’s exposure. Studies show PFAS increase your risk of cancer.” In July, as I reported two weeks ago in “New York state takes on the ‘forever chemicals,’” state Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court, charging corporations involved with PFAS — including 3M and DuPont — with being in violation of many state laws. James cited corporate documents in which the companies acknowledge that they knew about PFAS’ threats to human health and the environment, but still pushed

ne busy lawyer has a home on L.I. where wells have been impacted by PFAS.

products made with the chemicals anyway. Meanwhile, despite action by the state and private litigation targeting PFAS, the Trump administration is moving in the opposite direction. The Environmental Protection Agency — headed by Long Island resident Lee Zeldin, of Shirley — is seeking “rollbacks on regulations,” according to a letter of complaint that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer sent to Zeldin last month. And the EPA just approved the licensing of “two new pesticides that contain PFAS,” Food & Water Action, a Washington, D.C-based organization, reports. It issued a statement saying, “PFAS don’t readily break down in our environment and are linked to serious health concerns like cancer. They don’t belong anywhere near our food.” FWA included a message that it encouraged people to sign and send to Zeldin, saying, “I demand that you rescind the approval of isocycloseram and cyclobutrifluram, deny future approvals of PFAS pesticides, and update the EPA’s definition of PFAS to fully reflect this dangerous class of chemicals.” Karl Grossman has been an investigative reporter in a variety of media for more than 50 years. He is a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury.

The books that challenge us belong on shelves

n a world driven by the overconsumption of technology and social media, one thing I’ve always prided myself on is my love of books. I was raised to enjoy reading — scouring pages for enjoyment, an escape from reality or, perhaps most important, a new perspective on life. In 2025 I read 70 books, my highest total in recent years and an uptick from 55 in 2024. This year I set out to at least match that accomplishment, but for some reason I’ve found myself consistently dejected by many things I’ve tried to read. I’ve hit a “reading slump” in the past, but never one that’s lasted for what feels like months on end. And don’t get me wrong — there’ve been some gems this year — but mostly I’ve been particularly unmoved by the material I’ve chosen. A few weeks ago, I was compiling a weekly calendar for the East Meadow Herald and included a “Bestsellers Book Discussion” at the East Meadow library. The book of choice for September was

“James,” by Percival Everett, a historical novel that retells Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” from the perspective of one of that landmark book’s two main characters, the enslaved Black man named Jim. Several friends have read and enjoyed “James,” and rightfully so: It was awarded the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for fiction. I figured if anything were to yank me out of my rut, surely it could be a novel like “James.” I haven’t yet finished the book, but I can tell you that it’s exactly the kind of historical story that normally piques my curiosity. Thus far I’ve been captivated by the way Everett challenges the stereotypes historically used to portray enslaved people, depicts the relationship between a young white boy and a Black man, and explores what freedom truly means. In my early reading of “James,” a thought occurred to me: Could a book like this end up being banned? I turned to Google, where I was informed that no, it isn’t currently widely censored or flatout banned, although the novel possesses the qualities of books that have previ-

ously been challenged, including the use of rough language and a raw depiction of slavery. As it turns out, others — lots of readers — had wondered the same thing. Everett spoke with “CBS Sunday Morning” in 2024 about the possibility of “James” being censored, calling the banning of any book a “performative act by small and frightened people in an attempt to control a world that they can’t control.” Everett’s words were powerful. It’s troubling that we live in a world where an author must consider how censorship might affect the reception of his work. I share this with you because we’re approaching Banned Books Week, which will be observed Oct. 4-10. This year’s theme is “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.” The annual event seeks to bring attention to the issue of censorship, uniting librarians, educators, authors and readers against organized attempts to restrict access to information. PEN America, a nonprofit that protects free expression, has tracked nearly 23,000 instances of books being banned

anned Books Week begins Sunday. I urge you to look up a list of them and read one.

in the U.S. since 2021. Florida, Texas and Tennessee lead the country, with the highest volume of restrictions and removals. The books that make those lists often feature LGTBQ themes, discussions of race and racism and big-picture American history, warts and all. Censorship, in any form, undermines everyone’s ability to think freely, explore challenging topics, and learn. As I’ve learned this year, not every book speaks to every reader. But everyone deserves the chance to decide that for themselves. I’m not writing this to tell you to read “James,” although it may just turn out to be the book that gets me out of my slump. I do, however, think it’s the type of book that people who are looking to expand their worldview and interact with diverse perspectives should read. Ahead of Banned Books Week, I urge you to look up a list of novels that have been challenged, removed or restricted. Choose one and read it. Even if it isn’t your next favorite, it might show you something you hadn’t thought to look for. And remember: A book doesn’t have to be comfortable for it to be worth reading. Jordan Vallone is the deputy managing editor of Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? Jvallone@liherald.com.

OYSTER BAY HERALD — October 1, 2026

Taking action against ‘forever chemical’ companies

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Celebrating newspapers and local reporting

ational Newspaper Week, Oct. 4–10, is an opportunity to focus attention on something Long Islanders experience every day but can easily take for granted: the value of having journalists paying attention to your own community. Long Island is home to roughly 2.9 million people, divided among two counties and 285 distinct communities, which include two cities, 13 towns, 97 villages and 173 hamlets and two cities. There are hundreds of school districts, libraries, fire departments and civic organizations, too. Being sure that the important stories in all of these municipalities, organizations and more are adequately covered sounds like a job for Superman. In this case, however, the brigade of Clark Kents and Lois Lanes show up in the form of journalists, from newspapers big and small. A reporter covering a village board meeting might be the only journalist in the room when trustees debate a zoning change, a development proposal, a new law or a decision that could affect your property taxes. A reporter covering a school district might follow a proposed budget, ask questions about spending and report on decisions that directly affect students and their families. Those stories may never attract national attention. They may not go viral on social media. But for the people who live in those communities — the readers the Herald serves — these stories matter. The same is true of county government, town boards, planning and zoning

Your Your opinion opinion Matters Matters

The strengthofofour ourcommunity community Thestrength community The comes fromopen dialogue. comesfrom opendialogue. dialogue. comes We invite residents tosubmit submit We submit We invite residents toto letters tothe theeditor onissues issues lettersto editoron on issues letters affecting ourneighborhoods, neighborhoods, affectingour neighborhoods, affecting schools,businesses and local schools, businessesand andlocal local schools, government. government. government. Letters name and Lettersmust your name and Letters mustinclude includeyour your name and contact information for verification. contact information for verification. contact for verification. Send Sendlettters lettterstotoexeceditor@liherald.com execeditor@liherald.com Send lettters execeditor@liherald.com Be of the conversation. Beheard. heard.Be Bepart part Be heard. Be part of of the the conversation. conversation.

boards, libraries, parks and recreation departments and local elections. Hyperlocal journalism puts a spotlight on decisions that can have an immediate effect on where people live, work, send their children to school and spend their tax dollars. And that coverage creates accountability. Public officials know that their actions are being observed and reported. School administrators know that budget decisions will be examined. And community members have a place to turn when they want to understand what is happening in their own backyard. That doesn’t mean local newspapers exist simply to scrutinize government. Some of the most important work community journalists do has little to do with politics or public policy. Local newspapers celebrate accomplishments that might otherwise go unnoticed. At the Herald, one of our favorite things to do is introduce readers to neighbors who are making a difference. Local newspapers chronicle local businesses, community organizations, libraries, charitable efforts and cultural events. We cover high school sports, from championship teams to the performance of individual student-athletes. Those stories become part of a community’s history. Years from now, today’s newspaper stories can help residents understand what their town, village or school district was like, who its leaders were, what issues mattered and how the community responded to challenges and celebrated successes. That historical role is easy to over-

look when the newspaper arrives each week or a story appears online. But the cumulative record created by community journalism is one of its most important contributions. Local journalism also provides something increasingly difficult to find in an era of information overload: a trusted focus on place. Readers can find thousands of stories about Washington, Albany, national politics and international affairs with a few taps on a phone. But there is no substitute for a journalist who knows the local neighborhood, recognizes the people involved and understands why a particular issue matters to the community. Supporting local journalism can be as simple as subscribing to the Herald, visiting our website, sharing stories with friends and neighbors and paying attention to the reporting that keeps a community informed. Businesses and civic organizations can support local publications through advertising and partnerships. National Newspaper Week is a reminder that journalism doesn’t happen only in major newsrooms or on national television. It happens in village halls, school board rooms, town halls, courtrooms, athletic fields, community centers and Main Streets all across Long Island. The Herald is there wherever people gather to make decisions, solve problems, celebrate accomplishments and build their communities. If you appreciate our work, please let us know. And if we can do better, let us know that, too. Reach out to execeditor@ liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 201.

opinions

t’s time to turn the spotlight on our roadways toward the growing use of e-bikes and electric scooters. This has become one of the most frequent concerns I hear from residents lately. The increase in the numbers of these vehicles has made driving and walking through our community feel at times like navigating an obstacle course. Riders speed, weave through traffic, ignore stop signs and enter roadways without warning. This endangers everyone who may have only a split second to react. Although much of the concern focuses on young riders, this isn’t just a young-person issue. There are adults operating e-bikes and scooters carelessly, riding against traffic or on sidewalks, and ignoring traffic controls. Everyone operating one of these vehicles must follow the rules of the road and respect those around them. I’ve seen children who appear to be as young as 10 darting across streets with little awareness of other vehicles or

pedestrians. Many aren’t wearing helmets, while others carry passengers on vehicles not designed for more than one person, increasing the possibility that a moment of carelessness will result in serious injury, or tragedy. The number of e-bikes in New York City increased from roughly 96,000 in 2020 to more than 272,000 in 2023. Some doctors are calling the use of e-bikes a public health crisis due to the surge in pediatric trauma cases. Stony Brook University Hospital reports an increase of as much as 900 percent in hospitalizations resulting from the use of “micro-mobility devices,” which in 2025 accounted for 30 percent of all pediatric trauma emergency cases. Although we don’t have specific data showing how many e-bikes and scooters are being operated locally, I believe most residents would agree that we’ve seen a major increase. They are now a regular presence throughout our neighborhoods. These aren’t simply toys. They are motorized vehicles capable of reaching speeds that can cause severe injuries. They must be operated with the same attention, caution and respect for traffic laws that we expect from everyone using our roads.

In Amityville, the e-bike speed limit is 20 mph, and it’s 15 mph for electric scooters. Scooter operators must also be at least 16 years old. State lawmakers are considering additional protections. Legislation sponsored by State Sen. Jeremy Zellner and Assemblyman William Conrad III would require every e-bike and scooter operator to wear an approved helmet. Safe operation is only one of the riders’ responsibilities. Lithium-ion batteries can create a serious fire hazard if damaged, modified or improperly charged. Owners should only purchase bikes, scooters and batteries tested and certified by an accredited laboratory, use the manufacturerapproved battery and charger, and never leave a battery charging unattended or overnight. Batteries should be taken out of service immediately if they overheat, swell, leak, emit an unusual odor or show signs of damage. There have been two incidents in which improperly disposed-of lithium-ion batteries have caught fire, creating a difficult situation for our Fire Department. Our Police Department shares these concerns. It is actively conducting public outreach and ramping up enforce-

t’s up to parents to know what their child is riding and where it can legally be used.

ment of the laws governing e-bikes and scooters, but enforcement can be challenging. These vehicles are highly mobile, violations may occur quickly, and officers generally must see the unsafe behavior or identify the rider. They can’t be on every street at every moment, which is why education, parental involvement and cooperation from residents remain essential. Officers can respond to complaints, speak with riders and contact the parents of younger riders. It is parents’ responsibility to know what type of vehicle their child is riding, whether they can legally operate it, how fast it can travel and where it may be used. And adult riders must understand that traffic laws apply to them, and that pedestrians have the right to feel safe. The rules should be clear: Wear a helmet that fits properly, obey stop signs and traffic signals, stay off sidewalks, don’t carry passengers, remain visible and never assume that a driver sees you. E-bikes and scooters can be useful and enjoyable forms of transportation. The goal is not to prevent their responsible use, but to ensure that they’re operated safely and respectfully. This is a community-wide responsibility, and every rider must do their part to prevent serious or life-changing accidents. Michael O’Neill is the mayor of Amityville.

Framework courtesy Teresa Eberhart

A destination wedding: Leanne Eberhart, second from right, and Renato Gamboa, of Lindenhurst, with Eberhart’s parents, Darren and Teresa, of Freeport, in Machu Picchu, Peru.

OYSTER BAY HERALD — October 1, 2026

E-bikes and scooters: Safety is everyone’s responsibility

October 1, 2026 — OYSTER BAY HERALD

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