Oyster Bay Herald 10-17-2025

Will Sheeline/Herald

Professor Liz Suter, of Molloy University, presented the results of numerous studies on the impact of new eDNA research.

Assessing new ocean research and sharing a pint with Friends of the Bay

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

At the Friends of the Bay’s Brews and News event on Wednesday at the Oyster Bay Brewing Company, attendees got a taste of hops and cutting-edge discoveries as Liz Suter, associate professor of environmental science at Molloy University, delved into the rapidly evolving science of environmental DNA, or eDNA.

Suter, who also conducts research at the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science at Stony Brook University, has spent more than a decade studying how traces of genetic material left behind by marine organisms can unlock hidden details about ocean ecosystems.

“The ocean is a soup of its resident species’ genetic material,” she told attendees. “The concept behind environmental DNA, or eDNA, is … that as organisms move through water, they shed cells, and they shed DNA. Environmental DNA, Suter explained, works similarly to forensic DNA analysis. As organisms move through water, they shed cells, tissue and waste that contain their genetic signatures. By collecting and filtering samples of seawater, scientists can analyze this genetic material to identify species in the environment, from microbes to megafauna, without ever seeing or capturing them.

Researchers use “metabarcodes,” or molecular markers, to target groups of

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OBEN boasts rapid climb in online rankings

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District has climbed hundreds of spots in national and state education rankings. Over the past four years, it has moved up from 762nd in the nation to 286th on Niche.com, placing it in the top 3 percent of school districts in the United States. The district also rose from 142nd to 41st in New York state, reflecting years of academic and structural reform, and received higher rankings from the nonprofit GreatSchools. org as well.

Tthe kids and focus on the kids and the wonderful staff that we have,” Ianni said. “We moved up 476 spots in the entire nation.”

For Ianni, those numbers are not just data points, but indicators of a cultural and academic shift across the district. “These are not just numbers,” he said. “These are clearly a reflection of the quality of students that we have.”

hese are not just numbers. These are clearly a reflection of the quality of students that we have.

FR aNCESCo IaNNI Superintendent, O.BE.N.C.S.D.

Superintendent Francesco Ianni, who took over in January 2021, credits the district’s rise to a comprehensive restructuring of priorities, resources and instructional methods.

“When I got here in 2021, one of the commitments of the Board of Education was to bring up the test scores and to bring up the reading, which, indirectly, was a way to put a spotlight on

The district’s graduation rate has climbed from 88 percent to 100 percent since Ianni’s arrival, while the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on Advanced Placement exams rose from 62 to 84 percent. Oyster Bay High School’s college readiness score, as measured by GreatSchools.org, now stands at 9 out of 10.

Board of Education President Nancy Castrogiovanni, who has been a trustee for seven years, said the district’s improvement reflects a multi-year effort to identify and rectify weaknesses.

“When I came onto the board, CoNtiNUeD oN PAge 16

Energy projects continue to raise concerns

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Concerns over battery energy storage systems were a focus of discussion during the Oct. 7 Town of Oyster Bay board meeting, as residents and officials expressed shared frustration over the state’s handling of the proposed Propel Energy and Jupiter Power projects in Glen Head.

The projects, which would include underground cables and large-scale lithium-ion batteries, has drawn widespread opposition from residents who question its safety and necessity. Douglas Morgenthaler of Glen Head argued that the Public Service Commission, or PSC, and the governor’s office have not adequately considered community input.

“The batteries are not going away,” Morgenthaler said. “The Oyster Shore website is still up and operating. There’s new batteries being proposed in the Town of North Hempstead, in Glenwood Landing. These are integral to the use of wind power and solar power in New York State, and we now have new fire codes that are supposed to make batteries safe for us.”

Morgenthaler said that despite recent updates to state fire codes, the danger posed by lithium-based batteries remains unchanged.

“Whether it’s a new battery or an old battery, whether the codes are new or the codes are old, or the codes are written in some magical language, it still burns, and still burns at roughly 3,000 degrees,” he said. “The fires are still almost impossible to extinguish. The fire departments on Long Island are volunteer. None of them have the manpower to babysit fires that can’t be put out for days on end.”

TMorgenthaler urged the board to continue opposing the project, warning that the cables bringing power into the facility are a key link in the system. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino thanked Orgenthaler for his remarks and called Town Attorney Frank Scalera to address the issue.

Head

Scalera explained that the town has retained an outside law firm to challenge the project and examine legal, safety, and scientific concerns surrounding battery storage.

“We hired a law firm to first look at the law, then look at the safety issues and the scientific issues,” he said. “We are taking a very proactive stance. We’ve hired the law firms. We’ve hired

the experts. We are fighting every step of the way.”

He also criticized the state’s legislative process, noting that new fire codes were implemented after the law authorizing large-scale battery installations was already passed.

Scalera and Saladino encouraged residents to write letters and send emails to the PSC and Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office to demand further review of the project.

The attorney acknowledged the difficulty of the process, describing interactions with the state as dismissive.

“It almost seems like, okay, any request you’re making of the Public Service Commission or of the applicant is burdening them,” he said. “I don’t particularly like that type of attitude.”

Saladino agreed that many resident requests had been ignored.

“The people generally don’t want this,” he said, “and yet they’re being forced to tolerate it without a large level of compromise made to support the concerns and embrace the issues that the people have brought forth.”

Morgenthaler also cited recent battery fires across the country as evidence of ongoing risk.

“In the last two weeks, there have been two more battery fires,” he said. “It doesn’t make us feel any more confident that this is the right thing to be doing.”

He also raised questions about the costs of the Propel project. “They’re spending more than $36 million per mile of cable being laid, and they’re worried about cost,” he said. “That’s not enough?”

He pointed to companies developing fuel cell technologies, like Bloom Energy, as examples of innovation that could replace the need for battery storage.

Saladino thanked Morgenthaler and other residents for their persistence.

“This town board is as outraged as you are,” he said. “We are taking every step possible, including bringing in experts from an outside law firm to assist in fighting a project that doesn’t take into consideration the residents’ safety and concerns. We are with you.”

The supervisor again urged residents to take their concerns to the state level. He particularly encouraged them to write to, email and call their elected officials and state representatives, to help apply pressure on the governor’s office.

HWLC

Using eDNA to study our ocean waters

organisms, such as fish or invertebrates. They make it possible for scientists to take what Suter described as a “broad genetic snapshot” of ocean life. Early studies using this approach revolutionized the understanding of marine biodiversity.

“We discovered that there was 100 times more biodiversity than expected,” Suter said. “So we discovered that in 2006 that most of the biodiversity is driven by things that are very rare.”

The discovery sparked a wave of global research initiatives, such as the Global Ocean Sampling Expedition and the Tara Oceans Expedition, in which scientists collected and analyzed DNA from ocean water around the world. The studies helped uncover how microscopic organisms shape global processes like carbon sequestration.

Tthe ocean than even bacteria,” she said. “They’re also contributing to biogeochemical cycling.”

Her own work has taken her from the Hudson River to the Caribbean Sea and, more recently, back to Long Island’s South Shore and New York Harbor. One of her projects focuses on oxygen-limited regions of the ocean, which comprise only about 1 percent of ocean volume but are vital to understanding early life on Earth and modern biogeochemical cycles.

he ocean is a soup of its resident species’ genetic material.

Liz SuTer Associate professor of environmental science, Molloy University

“We now know that oceans contribute significantly to carbon sequestration,” Suter said, “and the amount of carbon that the ocean can soak up depends on what microbes are there.”

She also highlighted another critical finding: the existence of “cryptic cycles”: rapid, hidden biochemical exchanges between microorganisms that traditional chemical measurements had missed.

With the help of advanced genomic tools, researchers have found that many marine microorganisms produce bioactive compounds with untapped potential for use in medicine and biotechnology. Even viruses, Suter noted, play a significant role in maintaining the delicate balance of ocean chemistry.

“There’s 10 times more viruses in

“These oxygen-limited zones are expanding,” Suter said. “Their expansion is a global issue, driven by nitrogen pollution and climate change.”

Closer to home, she described a collaboration with the Billion Oyster Project, a New York Citybased restoration initiative. Her team at Molloy used DNA sequencing to study oyster microbiomes in restoration sites around the city, including Lemon Creek Lagoon and Sunset Park.

Oysters, Suter said, are critical to marine ecosystems because they filter water and provide habitat that helps protect coastlines from storm surges. Yet oysters today face microbial communities vastly different from those of the preindustrial era.

Using compact DNA sequencers, her team developed a portable genomic monitoring tool that can be used by restoration groups. In their pilot project, they compared microbiomes of healthy and unhealthy oysters, revealing how the presence or absence of certain microbial species correlated with oyster health.

A diseased oyster’s microbiome, she

said, “was primarily three different species,” including a known fish pathogen. A healthy oyster, by contrast, had a much more diverse microbial community, including beneficial probiotic species.

The findings suggest that tracking oyster microbiomes could offer early warning signs for restoration projects, potentially improving survival rates.

Suter’s research also extends to larger organisms. In partnership with the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science, she uses eDNA to study fish and other marine life in Shinnecock and Great South bays, where restoration

and aquaculture efforts are underway.

Traditional fish surveys rely on trawling, dragging nets along the seafloor, which is effective but disruptive. Suter hopes eDNA can help researchers replace or supplement trawling with a noninvasive alternative. “The eDNA is actually the better method,” she said, “especially for species that are rare or hard to capture in a net.”

In one recent project, researchers deployed an uncrewed surface vehicle, an autonomous “robot boat” equipped with an eDNA sampler, to collect water samples in Shinnecock Bay. Over the course of two weeks, it gathered nearly 100 samples, and identified more than 160 invertebrate species and 55 types of fish, including endangered rays and even a mako shark that had only been rumored by local baymen.

“Baymen had talked apocryphally about makos in the bay because they found bite marks in their cages, but nobody had ever actually seen it,” Suter said. “We can see it with the eDNA.”

The team also identified invasive species, such as the rough sea squirt, and found that more than 200 species preferred eelgrass habitats, a critical finding for restoration groups that seed eelgrass alongside shellfish.

“Eelgrass is recognized as a really important habitat for juvenile fish,” Suter said. “It’s kind of like a nursery where they go and hide.”

Her work underscores how eDNA is transforming marine science, offering unprecedented insight into biodiversity, ecosystem health and environmental change. The technology is increasingly affordable and accessible, allowing smaller organizations, and even citizen scientists, to take part in monitoring efforts.

For more information on Friends of the Bay and its upcoming events, visit FriendsOfTheBay.org.

The Island F.C. kicks off its future on Long Island

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

The global game is coming to Long Island as The Island F.C., an independent professional soccer club, was unveiled, alongside plans for a new stadium.

The team, launched by principal owner and chairman Mitchell Rechler and team president Peter Zaratin, is set to debut in March 2027 and will compete in MLS Next Pro, the professional development league of Major League Soccer.

“This is something that did not happen overnight,” Rechler said on Oct. 14 at the Long Island Children’s Museum in Uniondale. “We have been working on bringing pro soccer to Long Island for 18 years.”

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Island F.C., an independent professional soccer club, was unveiled, on Oct. 14 at the Long Island Children’s Museum in Uniondale.

Rechler is a managing partner of Rechler Equity Partners, one of the largest real estate developers on Long Island. Zaration, a former soccer player, is the founder and CEO of Global Concepts, a metropolitan area-based sports management company.

Rechler and Zaratin also revealed their plans to build a privately funded outdoor 2,500-seat stadium — which can be increased to fit 5,000 — at Mitchel Athletic Complex, also in Uniondale.

Preseason games for the Island FC are set to begin in January 2027. Organizers confirmed that the launch was strategically timed to build on the anticipated “national surge in soccer enthusiasm,” after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The team is estimated to be around $25 million undertaking. Around $20 million will be devoted for the new year-round training facility and around $5 million to launch the club. Stadium designs are anticipated to be released over the next few months, with the intent of breaking ground next spring.

“Over the last few years, we heard consistently about the strength, resilience and pride of Long Islanders,” MLS Next Pro President Ali Curtis said, adding that “Long Island is unique because while it’s

its own community, the special people that live here are from all over the world, and soccer brings people together and is the universal language.”

Alongside the launch of a professional team, expanding opportunities for younger players to grow and succeed is another priority of the venture. Enhanced scholarship programs and a strengthened youth-college-pro pathway will be designed to help aspiring athletes to pursue their goals.

Plans are also underway to return a professional women’s soccer team to Long Island

“We’re building a legacy for Long Island,” Zaratin said, adding that the team’s mission is to “empower aspiring soccer players through an Island-wide development pathway that ensures every player–regardless of background or gender, can reach their full potential in the game.”

Several elected officials attended the announcement. State Sen. Jack Martins, who represents North Shore communities such as Glen Cove and Oyster Bay, said he was thrilled to welcome a new professional team to Long Island.

“We are helping our youth,” he said. “We’re improving our economy, and we’re putting our efforts where they belong, because great sports bring great sportsmanship.”

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O’Connell seeks to build on 20-year record

By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

Maureen O’Connell, the Nassau County clerk since 2006, is seeking re-election, with a focus on continuing the modernization of county records and expanding services for senior citizens and non-English speakers.

A registered nurse and an attorney, O’Connell, 74, has served in public office for more than three decades, including a term in the Assembly and as deputy mayor of East Williston. In the clerk’s office, she says, she is committed to improving access and service for residents.

“When I walked into that office … there were about 2 million unprocessed documents,” she said. “We were not really modernized.”

Since then, O’Connell said, the office has undergone a significant transformation. Court and land records are now digitized and available online, allowing attorneys and members of the public to file and access documents without visiting the clerk’s office in a building on Old Country Road in Mineola that is notorious for its limited parking.

“We created an electronic database so that a lawyer who wants to start a lawsuit doesn’t have to drive over,” O’Connell said. “They can electronically file a lawsuit from their home office.”

In addition to overseeing deed and mortgage filings, the clerk also serves as the clerk of county Supreme Court. O’Connell said she implemented one of the state’s first Supreme Court filing databases, and added digital interfaces with local and state agencies to streamline access to records.

She has also led efforts to digitize historical documents, a process she refers to as “backfilling.” “The more we backfill, the better the public is served,” O’Connell said. She noted frequent visits from senior

citizens needing access to decades-old property records they have misplaced. “Sometimes that safe place is so safe they can never find it again,” she said.

To further assist homeowners, O’Connell created a Property Fraud Alert Program. Property owners can sign up to receive email alerts if any documents — such as deeds or mortgages — are filed relating to their property. The goal is to prevent fraud involving falsified documents.

“Fortunately, we have not seen a lot of it in Nassau — a very minimal amount,” O’Connell said. “But the county clerks statewide do see it in some counties.”

COUNTY CLERK

If she is re-elected, O’Connell said, she plans to focus on expanding parking at the Mineola complex and to continue efforts to digitize older records. She also hopes to expand the effort to adapting services to the growing population of residents for whom English is not their primary language. A language line, which translates conversations between clerk’s office employees and visitors in real time, has been implemented to aid communication.

O’Connell said that her dual background in nursing and law has shaped her approach to public service. “As a nurse, you like to help people,” she said. “Get the problem solved, and help them resolve whatever issues they’re in need of resolving.”

A lifelong Nassau County resident, O’Connell grew up in Mineola and now lives in East Williston. She trained at Flushing Hospital School of Nursing, and has a bachelor’s degree in health care management from St. Joseph’s College and a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. She is an assistant professor of nursing at SUNY Farmingdale, and serves on several local boards, including the Farmingdale School of Nursing advisory board and Harbor Child Care in Mineola.

She remains passionate about her work for the county. “It’s just a wonderful job,” she said. “I love working, serving in public.”

Clerk must be more accessible,Williams says

By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

Joylette E. Williams, a professor of English at Nassau Community College, is running for Nassau County clerk. A resident of the Village of Hempstead since 1993, she has built her career in education and local service, and in her campaign is emphasizing administrative experience, accessibility and modernization.

Williams has a Ph.D. in English, is completing a second doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Connecticut and is in her second term on the Hempstead Board of Education. She was first elected in 2022, and re-elected in May after community members urged her to continue her service. Her current term runs through 2028.

“It helps me to understand not only the concerns that residents have throughout the county, but it’s very, very rewarding to actually participate in those advocacy roles,” Williams said.

Her academic background, she added, which includes several master’s degrees and over two decades of teaching, has prepared her for the administrative demands of the clerk’s office, which manages the county’s legal documents, property records and business filings. She noted her experience with recordkeeping, document management and organizational leadership in higher education.

Williams served as a Hempstead village trustee from 2021 to 2022, and sits on the Town of Hempstead’s Industrial Development Agency board. She is also the assistant secretary of the Hempstead chapter of the NAACP, is active in the Hempstead Community Land Trust, the Hempstead chapter of the AARP and the Long Island chapter of the National Coalition of 100

Tim Baker/Herald

Joylette Williams has a Ph.D. in English and is completing a second doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Connecticut.

Black Women. She is a member of the Nassau Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

A central goal of her campaign is to digitize county records and to modernize the operating systems of the clerk’s office. “Right now it’s running like it’s 1974,” she said.

Williams has spoken with title insurance companies and attorneys who frequent the clerk’s office, she said, and has identified inefficiencies, including a lack

of online access to court records that makes it necessary for paralegals to visit the office in person.

The clerk’s mobile outreach van is underutilized, she added, and she has proposed increasing its presence across the county, including at libraries and senior centers. She has also proposed extending the office’s hours to 7 p.m. one day a week to accommodate working residents.

“The clerk’s office needs to be more accessible to all residents of Nassau County, and not just a few areas,” Williams said.

If elected, she plans to propose to the Legislature that fees for deed transfers and property transactions be reduced, and has identified seniors, first responders, first-time homebuyers and veterans as populations that could benefit from fee reductions or waivers.

Williams also cited the need for translators in the clerk’s office, noting a range of languages, from Spanish to Urdu, that are spoken by residents who visit the office regularly. Increased language accessibility, she said, would ensure equitable service across the county’s diverse population.

Her work in civic organizations, Williams said, has helped her better understand residents’ needs and leadership strategies. She added that she plans to request a leave of absence from Nassau Community College if she is elected, because both positions are county-funded and cannot be held simultaneously.

Williams was invited to join the ticket by the Democratic Party leadership, and underwent a vetting process that included interviews, reference checks and social media review. Her commitment to public service and community advocacy, she said, motivated her to accept the nomination.

Phillips has led county’s drive into digital era

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips traces her drive for public service to a childhood defined by independence, perseverance and the generosity of mentors who opened doors. Born in western Pennsylvania, the youngest of four daughters, she was the first in her family to attend college — a milestone achieved without guidance or financial help after her father’s death when she was 12.

“I was kind of left on my own a lot,” Phillips recalled. “There was no guidance for college.” That changed when she became a Rotary exchange student in Brazil for 13 months — an experience she described as life-changing. “It allowed me to mature and figure out who I wanted to be in life,” she said, adding that she still speaks fluent Portuguese nearly five decades later.

Phillips went on to earn both a bachelor’s degree in political science and an MBA in finance from Penn State, working as a bartender to pay tuition. Her career began in finance — first at Metropolitan Life, later at J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs, where she helped build mortgage-backed securities departments. After taking time off to raise her three daughters, she negotiated a rare job-sharing arrangement at Goldman that allowed her to balance motherhood with highstakes finance work for nearly a decade.

Public service came later. After serving as mayor of Flower Hill during Superstorm Sandy, she was elected to the State Senate in 2016, where she championed legislation closing a loophole that had allowed those convicted of domestic violence to keep certain firearms. In 2021 she was elected Nassau County’s comptroller — a role she calls both humbling and demanding.

Her signature initiative, she said, has been modernizing the county’s outdated financial system, which dates back to 1999. “We do our accounting basically

using Excel files,” Phillips said. “Departments like DPW, purchasing and accounting all had different data — none of it lined up.”

Her office led a two-year process to select CGI to implement a cloud-based enterprise resource planning system, dubbed Nassau Forward, that will unify county financial operations and automatically update accounting standards. “It’s transformative,” Phillips said. “Our goal is to go live between 2027 and 2028.”

During her tenure, the comptroller’s office also digitized vendor claims, cutting payment times from four months to less than 10 days. “There used to be paper almost to the ceiling,” she said. “Now it’s all online

COUNTY COMPTROLLER

through e-claims.” Phillips also overhauled the audit process, emphasizing collaboration and corrective action rather than punitive reports that “collected dust.”

She credited her staff for the county’s recognition by the Government Finance Officers Association with its Triple Crown award for excellence in financial reporting — the only county in New York state to earn it. Nassau has also received seven bond-rating upgrades during her term.

Looking ahead, Phillips said her top priorities, if re-elected, would be completing the Nassau Forward project, hiring additional accountants and expanding electronic systems for retirees’ benefits. “We’re still sending out paper checks to some retirees,” she said. “We want to move to direct deposit — it’s safer and more efficient.”

She acknowledged ongoing challenges balancing employee wages and benefits with affordability for residents. “You want to pay your employees a fair wage and provide good health care,” Phillips said. “But you also want to make sure people can still afford to live here.”

Reflecting on her career, she credited her success to teamwork. “I’m as good as the people around me,” she said. “You always want to do more — to make government more efficient, save taxpayers money, and keep Nassau in strong fiscal shape.”

Wink: Comptroller must be ‘fiscal watchdog’

By ROKSANA AMID

ramid@liherald.com

Wayne Wink says Nassau County is once again standing on shaky financial ground — and he believes the comptroller’s office should be the first line of defense. The longtime public servant, attorney and former legislator is challenging incumbent Comptroller Elaine Phillips, arguing that the county needs more transparency, oversight and independence from the administration.

“I’ve always spoken truth to power,” said Wink, 58, who currently serves as minority counsel to the County Legislature. “What we need is a fiscal watchdog. What we have is a fiscal lapdog.”

A Hofstra University and St. John’s University School of Law graduate, Wink grew up in Uniondale, in what he describes as a “barely middle-class” household, and was the first in his family to go to college. He was elected to public office for the first time in the early 2000s and went on to serve 20 years in local government — including as a North Hempstead town councilman, county legislator and town clerk.

Among his legislative accomplishments, Wink cites the creation of Nassau’s Silver Alert law, modeled after the Amber Alert system but designed to locate missing seniors with cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. “We’ve had a number of people saved because of that program,” he said. He also helped establish North Hempstead’s domestic partner registry before same-sex marriage was legalized in New York. and pushed for “right-sizing” government by transferring underused county assets to towns that could better manage them.

Jeff Bessen/Herald

Among his legislative accomplishments, Wink cites the creation of Nassau’s Silver Alert law, modeled after the Amber Alerts system.

Now, as he seeks to return to countywide office, Wink says that Nassau’s biggest problems aren’t new — they’re just unresolved. “When I left the Legislature in 2013, I came back 10 years later and found the same issues: the college, the medical center, the jail, assessments,” he said. “They’re all repackaged, but the same issues.”

One of his top concerns is the county’s ongoing fiscal oversight by the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, which was created more than 20 years ago amid

budget turmoil. “No county our size with our affluence and abilities should still be under a control board,” he said, adding that sustainable budgeting and stronger auditing practices could allow the county to regain autonomy.

Wink has been especially critical of the county’s use of American Rescue Plan Act funds to plug operating deficits. “The only way they’re balancing the 2025 budget is to take $120 million of Covid money,” he said. “We’re spending down reserves that were built up under Laura Curran,” he added, referring to the former county executive. “It’s unsustainable.” He said that Nassau faces a structural deficit of $200 million to $250 million per year in its four-year plan.

Wink argues that genuine transparency begins with full disclosure of how public money is spent — including vendor identities. “The county’s ‘open checkbook’ lists every transaction except who got the money,” he said. “That’s not transparency.”

If elected, he said, his first priority would be to restore field audits, which he claims have disappeared under the current administration. “The comptroller is there to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely,” Wink said. “We need to get back to real audits, in the weeds, to find waste, fraud and abuse.”

He also called for greater oversight of county contracts, jail operations and agencies such as the Nassau University Medical Center, which he says have faced mounting financial and management issues.

“The county is slowly fading into the fiscal abyss again,” Wink said. “We’ve been here before — and if we keep the status quo, we’ll be back there again. Nassau needs new eyes, real accountability, and leadership willing to tell the truth.”

things to know About fAll foliAge on long islAnd

Don’t worry leaf peepers – the fall colors will appear soon

Although it’s mid-October, most trees across Long Island are still holding onto their green leaves, a sign that the region’s fall color is arriving later than usual this year. Unseasonably warm temperatures and above-average rainfall have slowed the transformation, but nature’s annual show is just beginning. Over the next few weeks, the Island’s parks, arboretums, and scenic byways will start to glow with yellows, oranges, and deep reds — and for those who know where and when to look, it’s one of the most rewarding times of year to explore the outdoors.

n Peak color hits in mid to late October

While the Hudson Valley and Adirondacks often burst into color weeks earlier, Long Island’s trees tend to turn later thanks to its coastal climate. Typically, the Island’s peak foliage arrives between Oct. 20 and Oct. 30, when cooler nights and bright, dry days combine to ignite the leaves into a fiery mix of red maples, golden oaks, and copper beeches. This year’s delayed transition means that the most striking colors may extend into early November — a rare treat for leaf-peepers. Watching the change unfold gradually across Nassau and Suffolk counties also allows residents to enjoy multiple weekends of fall beauty before the leaves drop for good.

n State parks offer the best views

For those planning a fall outing, Long Island’s state parks provide some of the best opportunities to experience the season up close. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve in Lloyd Harbor boasts miles of wooded trails, meadows, and saltwater vistas where gold and crimson leaves contrast against the blue of Long Island Sound. Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale offers wide fairways and walking paths that make for easy, colorful strolls. Out east, Caleb Smith State Park in Smithtown and Connetquot River State Park in Oakdale are ideal for spotting wildlife against the backdrop of changing trees. Even smaller gems like Sagamore Hill and Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay turn into painterly landscapes, perfect for photography, picnics, or quiet reflection.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025

8:00 A.M. TO 10:00 A.M.

The Heritage Club at Bethpage

— Brian Kacharaba

n Foliage reports help you plan your trip

If you’re wondering when to grab your camera or plan a weekend drive, the New York State “I LOVE NY” foliage tracker is your best resource. Updated every Wednesday through late October, it compiles on-the-ground reports from parks and tourism agencies statewide. The map highlights which regions are “just starting,” “near peak,” or “past peak,” helping travelers find the perfect timing for fall color. For Long Islanders, that might mean a scenic drive east along Route 25A through Cold Spring Harbor, Northport, and Huntington, or down the Long Island Expressway toward the North Fork wine trail. By keeping an eye on the tracker, residents can make the most of autumn’s brief but brilliant display — before the wind and rain sweep it all away.

Join Us!

For more than 100 years the American Red Cross on Long Island has helped the community prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.

HONORING

COMMUNITY IMPACT HERO

Luv Michael

FIRST RESPONDER HEROES

Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP HERO

Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize

DISASTER HERO

Jennifer Keane

MILITARY HERO

Mel Cohen

YOUTH HEROES

Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein

The American Red Cross Heroes Celebration is the signature fundraising event for the American Red Cross on Long Island, serving Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Event Co-chairs: James Quent, Greg Lavine, and Jennifer Solomon

For tickets, sponsorships, journal ads and to learn more, please visit redcross.org/LIheroes

Oyster Bay welcomes autumn’s arrival

Color is beginning to return to Oyster Bay as the trees, bushes and all manner of plant and animal life change with autumn’s arrival. With the changing season also come the crisp fall breeze, fresh apples, holidays and local fairs and events.

and

A legacy of support

For more than four decades, the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program has been a lifeline for patients and survivors across Long Island and New York State. It remains one of the oldest breast cancer programs in the country staffed by professionally trained and supervised volunteers — many of whom are survivors themselves. Their empathy, compassion, and understanding provide hope to those navigating one of life’s most difficult challenges.

In 2025, the American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 316,950 women —and approximately 2,800 men — will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

Guided by its powerful motto, “You are not alone,” Adelphi’s Breast Cancer Program offers free, comprehensive support to those affected by breast cancer — through every stage of the journey. Services include a 24/7 hotline staffed by more than 65 trained volunteers, a Peer-toPeer program, professional counseling provided by licensed social workers (in English and Spanish), crisis intervention, referrals, and support groups available in person, by phone, and via Zoom. Educational forums and community events are also held throughout the year to empower patients, survivors, and their families.

At the heart of Adelphi’s mission are its volunteers — the voices of understanding on the hotline, the compassionate peers who lead groups, and the advocates who share their stories to inspire others. Many first came to Adelphi seeking support during their own diagnoses and now give back so that others never have to feel alone. Their courage and generosity remind us of the power of community and connection.

Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve outcomes, and Adelphi encourages everyone to stay informed, perform regular self-exams, and schedule annual screenings.

Read on to learn about the hotline’s compassionate volunteers. Their inspiring stories truly reflect that we are all a powerful community that stands strong — together.

To learn more about the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program, call (800) 877-8077 or visit breast-cancer.adelphi.edu.

Finding Purpose After Breast Cancer

By the numbers

Stay vigilant and know the facts

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women (excluding skin cancer) and second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women. About 1 in 8 women, or approximately 13 percent of the female population in the U.S., will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime and 1 in 833 men.

In 2025, an estimated 316,950 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the U.S. In addition, 59,080 new cases of non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) will be diagnosed. As of Jan. 1, there were more than 4.3 million women in the U.S. with a history of breast cancer. The ACS projects this number will increase to 5.3 million by 2035. Chances are, you know at least one person who has been personally affected by breast cancer.

But there is hope. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the fiveyear relative survival rate is 99 percent. Advances in early detection and treatment methods have significantly increased breast cancer survival rates in recent years.

• An estimated 2,800 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in the U.S.

Sandee Janin, Long Beach

Age at diagnosis: 65

Diagnosed in 2016

In 2016, at the age of 65, I found a lump in my breast. A visit to my doctor confirmed my worst fear — I had Stage 3C breast cancer. During my career, I worked in downtown Manhattan, just a mile from the World Trade Center. My treatment plan was aggressive and included a double mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy.

To this day, that diagnosis remains one of the most traumatic experiences of my life — something that still affects me daily. Even after successful treatment, I continue to live with lymphedema from the removal of lymph nodes. It impacts what I can wear and how I feel in my body — a constant reminder of my cancer journey.

Three years ago, as I was preparing to retire, a friend told me about the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program. They were looking for volunteers, and I thought it might be a meaningful way to spend my time. During my own diagnosis, I had felt so alone. I wanted to be a source of comfort and understanding for others who were just beginning their journeys.

Now, as a volunteer, I help callers navigate their diagnoses and treatments. I’ve found that they often learn from my experience just as much as I learn from theirs. Supporting others has been healing for me, and I often wish I had known about the program when I was in treatment.

As I approach the 10-year anniversary of my diagnosis in 2026, it feels like a kind of graduation — a milestone that comes with both gratitude and uncertainty. For nearly a decade, I’ve seen my oncologist regularly while on hormone therapy, and now I’m learning what it means to move forward.

Looking back, I’m deeply grateful for my husband, who cared for me throughout my treatment, and for the perspective breast cancer has given me. It’s taught me to be more mindful of time and intentional about how I spend it. Today, I’m honored to devote that time to supporting other breast cancer patients.

If I could share one piece of advice with someone newly diagnosed, it would be this: This too shall pass.

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2025, it’s estimated that approximately 30% of all new female cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer.

• On average, every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States.

• Approximately 66 percent of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage, before cancer has spread outside of the breast, when it is easiest to treat.

• The five-year relative survival rate for cancer diagnosed at the localized stage is 99 percent.

• Approximately 15 percent of women diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer. Those with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer are nearly twice as likely to develop breast cancer themselves.

• Breast cancer death rates have dropped by 41 percent since 1989, as a result of earlier detection through increased awareness and mammography screening, as well as advances in treatments. Despite this drop, Black women are 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer than white women overall and are twice as likely to die if they are younger than age 50.

• There are more than four million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. today, including those who have completed treatment and those still undergoing treatment. More than 150,000 of these survivors are living with metastatic breast cancer.

• Half of U.S. women who develop breast cancer are 62 years of age or younger when they are diagnosed.

• About 9% of all new breast cancer cases in the U.S. are diagnosed in women younger than 45 years old.

• Younger people, particularly those under age 35 at the time of their original breast cancer diagnosis, face a higher risk of breast cancer recurrence.

• Evidence is growing that regular physical activity reduces breast cancer risk, especially in women after menopause. Exactly how physical activity might reduce breast cancer risk isn’t clear, but it may be due to its effects on body weight, inflammation, hormones, and energy balance

Courtesy American Cancer Society

From the director’s desk: Knowledge paves the way to empowerment

By Reyna Machado

At the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program, we’ve always believed that no one should have to face breast cancer alone. For more than 40 years, our dedicated volunteers — many of them survivors themselves — have walked beside thousands of individuals through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Each call, counseling session, and support group is a testament to the power of community, compassion and connection.

Since 1980, the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program has provided free support and resources for women on Long Island and across New York State, including access to our 24/7 hotline, bilingual counseling and early detection services at no cost. Early detection truly saves lives, and we encourage everyone to take charge of their breast health by scheduling regular screenings, learning how to perform selfexams, and advocating for their care.

When found early, breast cancer is highly treatable — and that knowledge can make all the difference. Our mission is to ensure that every individual has access to the information, healthcare, and sup-

port they need to detect breast cancer early and navigate their journey with confidence.

Recognizing that survivorship looks different for everyone, Adelphi recently launched the Survivorship, Treatment, Education, and Peer Support (STEP) Program to meet the unique psychosocial

needs of young women diagnosed with breast cancer, metastatic breast cancer patients, and their loved ones — helping improve quality of life and foster resilience.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we extend our deepest gratitude to our volunteers, who remain the heart of our program. Many have personally benefited from Adelphi’s services and now find fulfillment in giving back — offering hope, resources and encouragement to others who are just beginning their journey. They are the bridge between awareness and action — the reassuring voices who remind callers to schedule mammograms, who share their stories to ease fear, and who embody the message that healing and hope are always possible.

Whether it’s answering calls on the hotline, providing education at community outreach events, or inspiring others through their survivorship, our volunteers truly make a difference every day.

Together, we’re not just raising awareness — we’re building a community where no one faces breast cancer alone.

Reyna Machado MA, MBA, is Executive Director of the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program

The Parker Jewish Institute re-opens outdoor pickleball court

At the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, adaptive pickleball is back in session. The Parker Jewish Institute has re-opened its 26-by-30-foot outdoor pickleball court, on its patio level, for patients and residents.

This popular activity is modified by Parker’s recreational leaders to help participants have fun while achieving their physical- and occupational-therapy goals. An easy sport for beginners to learn, pickleball also promotes social interaction.

As the fastest-growing sport in America, pickleball offers older adults a host of benefits. This includes both functional and cognitive-related improvements, as well as a reduction in self-reported pain.

On Parker’s pickleball court, participants must wear appropriate footwear, for safety. Parker’s recreational leaders begin each session with simple movement and stretching, followed by an explanation of rules and goals. During the warm-up, participants get ample opportunity to practice with equipment, whether it’s swinging a paddle or practicing serves.

Parker’s Director of Therapeutic Recreation works with patients and residents

who want to schedule court-time. In this adaptive version of the sport, participants are escorted to the court and seated, and for those in wheelchairs, the chair is locked as a safety measure. Recreational staff stand ready on either side of the nets, providing safety reminders and helping to keep the ball in play. Staff members offer hydration during play, and follow each participant’s plan of care.

“We are thrilled to re-open Parker’s

pickleball court and offer another season of healthy, outdoor fun for our residents and patients,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, president and CEO of Parker Jewish Institute.

“Our residents and patients enjoy spending time in the fresh air, together. And by playing adaptive pickleball, they are also building strength, endurance and range of motion. At Parker, people look forward to their sessions, while also improving their overall wellbeing,”

Parker Jewish Institute • (718) 289-2212 • lscacco@parkerinstitute.org

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

HEALTH MEMO

About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation

The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading provider of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. At the forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), led by an interdisciplinary team of experienced Nephrologists and Dialysis Registered Nurses, a Renal Social Worker, and a Registered Renal Dietitian.

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute Offers Home Hemodialysis; Certified Home Health Care available through Parker Jewish Institute

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

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

If needed, patients of Parker’s Certified Home Health Care Agency receive individualized nursing, medical, and

rehabilitation services, so they can maintain maximum independence in the comfort of their homes. Home-care services can include skilled-nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; home-health aides; medical social services; medical supplies; and 24-hour telephone availability. Call with questions! 718-289-2600. To learn more about QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, visit qliri.org. For more on Parker’s Certified Home Health Care, visit parkerinstitute.org.

H.S. graduation rate up to 100 percent

our graduation rate was in the high 80s,” Castrogiovanni recalled. “Knowing the caliber of the students we have, the teaching staff and the community, there was a disconnect. ‘Why are not enough students graduating? Why is our percentage where it is?’”

To address these issues, the district conducted what Castrogiovanni described as “root cause analysis,” examining student data to pinpoint the barriers to academic success. That method extended into the classroom, where teachers began analyzing test performance at the granular level.

“They were seriously at the point of looking at question by question on an AP exam to see, were there certain topics that our students didn’t do as well on?” Castrogiovanni said. “The teacher could then modify their teaching plan to make sure that we gave extra support.”

Ianni said the administration’s focus was on making every resource count. “We restructure the administration,” he said. “We restructure everything that we do to take every ounce of resource that we have and put it towards the students. Anything that we can reallocate so that the students could have all the initiatives that they need to be successful.”

The results are visible not only in the district’s rankings, but also in its expanding programs. It now has four sections of universal pre-kindergarten, each with 18

the

interviewed alumnus and baseball commentator Ken rosenthal, is an example of the educational options that have helped boost the district’s rankings.

students who benefit from early exposure to structured learning.

“When those 72 kids get into kindergarten, they already have been in school,” Ianni said. “Their success is almost guaranteed, because they’re already used to the schedule, to the routine. They take science, they take phys. ed., they take arts, they take music.”

The academic improvements, Castrogiovanni said, have been matched by investments in facilities and new opportunities. The district recently completed major construction projects funded by a community-supported bond, including a new music wing at James Vernon School, an addition to the Roosevelt School for

pre-K expansion, and renovations to the Vernon School.

“I’m extremely proud of the community supporting our bond that was put forward,” she said. “The extensive work we did at the high school, a complete extension onto the Roosevelt School and the music wing — these all enhance our facilities and space for our students.”

Castrogiovanni credited Ianni and Assistant Superintendent Maureen Raynor for managing the bond projects “more than $2 million under budget.”

At the high school, the new broadcasting studio has quickly become one of its most popular programs.

“We’ve never had opportunities for stu-

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dents that may want to go into college and study communications,” Castrogiovanni said, “and now we have all these students learning what it’s like to be behind the camera — some on the camera — opening up opportunities for them.”

The district has also expanded its STEM and robotics programs, introduced an orchestra at the James H. Vernon School, and continued to strengthen its athletics and arts programs.

Even as the district celebrates its rapid ascent, both Ianni and Castrogiovanni emphasized that the goal is sustained progress. For Ianni, the district’s rise in the rankings is about more than bragging rights.

“When you have a school that is doing very well, it brings the morale up, because, obviously, you’re proud of the place that you call home,” he said. “It’s twofold: the pride of being in a place that’s recognized nationally, and the benefit of going to college and being prepared.”

He added that recognition from sites like Niche and GreatSchools helps reinforce the community’s confidence in the district’s mission. “All these ratings are a reflection of the work that they do,” he said. “They benefit our students, our staff and the entire community.”

The focus remains the same, Ianni said, with district schools “on the move.” “We’re making amazing progress,” he concluded.

Ear Works Audiology: Patient-Centered Hearing Care

When it comes to hearing healthcare, one size does not fit all. At Ear Works Audiology, providers take the time to understand each patient’s unique experience — whether it’s a child hearing clearly in class or a grandparent reconnecting with family.

“Hearing loss is a very individualized disorder,” says Dr. Anne Capogna, audiologist with Ear Works Audiology. “People can have the exact same level of hearing loss and have very, very different experiences with it…so, as an audiologist, our first job is to diagnose the level of the hearing loss. But then we really spend a lot of time working

one-on-one with our patients to see how this hearing loss is impacting their life and what their situations they have the most difficulty with.”

That means looking beyond the test results. “We strive to improve their quality of life through better hearing,” Dr. Capogna says. Empathy plays a key role. “There’s a level of vulnerability to explain why you need help…that’s why I’m very vocal in encouraging my patients to give me as much feedback as possible. The more the patient shares about their hearing difficulties, the better I can assist and improve their communication goals.”

Follow-up visits are where real progress happens. “It is during these appointments that we can really fine tune the hearing aid to meet all of our patients’ needs,” she explains. “Helping [patients] is the most important part of my day.”

At Ear Works, it’s not just about better hearing — it’s about better living.

THE GREAT BOOK GuRu

Faustian bargain

Dear Great Book Guru, My friends and I have decided this Fall we are going to meet every two weeks to discuss a challenging book - something good –maybe controversial – but really interesting fiction. The book to start us off need not be new - just something that will get us off to a good start.

Falling into Fall

Dear Falling Into Fall, I read Dave Eggers’s “The Circle” many years ago, but I think about it often and it might be just the book for your group. It opens with Mae, a young woman a few years out of college who has been dispiritedly living home with her parents and seemingly stuck at a deadend job when her fairy godmother of sorts appears - Annie, a close friend from school.

suddenly life is golden. The Circle is magical - everyone is young, beautiful, smart, and very, very friendly. The company motto is “to share is to care.”

Soon Mae is caught up totally in the company culture - her parents (and she, of course) are given the best health insurance imaginable, her meals are prepared by gourmet chefs, her every needknown and unknown - is met. So, what could be wrong? Nothing really, just that she has no private thoughts. Everything is shared and rated. The company keeps score of these ratings or “likes” which run into the multi-millions.

The novel has echoes of George Orwell’s 1984 or a Faustian bargain with the devil… a terrifying look into the present and future. Highly recommended.

Annie has a coveted position with the Circle, a company which bears a strong resemblance to Google, Facebook, or perhaps Amazon. Annie hires Mae and

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

NEws BRiEfs

Town to host passport weekend

To help residents looking to obtain new passports, the town clerk’s office will offer a special one-stop passport weekend on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Town Hall North in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South in Massapequa. Residents are required to book appointments in advance.

“Residents looking to apply for a new passport are invited to visit town hall during passport weekend to receive assistance,” said Town Clerk Rich LaMarca. “We can help you with organizing your documents, obtaining a photo and submitting the documents for approval.”

Requirements for applying for a passport include:

One 2×2 color photograph with a clear view of the applicant’s face against a plain white or light colored background. Photos will also be available for $10 at both Town Halls North and South during Passport Weekend.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship – Previously issued undamaged U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Consular Report

of Birth Abroad or Certification of Birth, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship.

Proof of Identity – Naturalization Certificate, Valid Driver’s License (cannot have been issued or renewed in the last six months), Current Government ID (city, state or federal), Current Military ID (military and dependents)

This service does NOT apply to Adult Renewals unless your Passport is expired for 5+ years.

The town clerk has offices located at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa. Passport appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and during this special passport weekend. For appointments in Oyster Bay, call (516) 624-6324. For appointments in Massapequa, call (516) 797-7962. For information on passport requirements and processing times, as well as instructions for passport renewals, visit Travel.state.gov.

News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to

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HERALD SchoolS

O.B.H.S. senior named Commended Student

Oyster Bay High School senior Julia Milos has been recognized as a Commended Student by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This prestigious honor is awarded to students who rank among the top 50,000 scorers nationwide on the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. While Commended Students do not advance to the Finalist level, their performance on the exam demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and places them in an elite group of students across the country.

— Will Sheeline

STEPPING OUT

At the mock store modeled after Freeport’s Two Cousins Fish Market, kids role play as fishmongers and customers.

Visitors are introduced to the exhibit’s many components.

THE SEA IS CALLING

Children’s Museum’s ‘Saltwater Stories’ is rooted in local maritime traditions

By Abbey Salvemini

Long Island Children’s Museum sets sail on a bold new chapter with “Saltwater Stories: We Need the Sea and the Sea Needs Me,” its first new permanent exhibition in over a decade. The 1,900-square-foot immersive installation, which officially opened last week, invites families to explore Long Island’s rich nautical heritage, celebrating the people, traditions and cultures that have long relied on the sea.

Our coastal identity comes to life through storytelling, interactive play and local traditions. Kids (and grown-ups!) can climb into a full-size bay house, sort the day’s catch in a bustling fish market, explore the wonders under the sea and even hop inside a 500-pound hand-carved canoe. That canoe — a mishoon (Indigenous dugout canoe) commissioned by the museum — was created through the collaboration of Shinnecock Cultural Steward Chenae Bullock, her mentor Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and apprentice Shane Weeks of the Shinnecock Nation. Welcomed by the museum in June, it now takes up residence within “Saltwater Stories.”

A culmination of more than 15 years of museum programming and partnerships with local fishermen, Indigenous communities and historians, it anchors Long Island’s past to its future with creativity and care. The concept first took shape several years ago, sparked by the museum’s long-running partnerships with tradition bearers and a desire to give families a more personal connection to the natural world around them.

Museum President Erika Floreska describes the exhibit as “authentic, playful and beautiful.”

Director of Exhibits Margo Malter traces its roots back to weekend programs begun in 2009, when local baymen and fishermen shared firsthand stories about life on the water. Over the years, those early conversations grew into a deeper exploration of Long Island’s maritime culture. The turning point came in 2019, when the museum received a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. That funding allowed the team to assemble a cohort of community advisors — fisherfolk, Indigenous leaders, historians, and educators — whose voices helped shape Saltwater’s foundation.

“We like to say the exhibit is informed by community, for the community,” Floreska adds.

From the stories of generations of baymen to the bustling fish markets of the Nautical Mile, the exhibit’s components are rooted in the everyday lives of Long

Anthony Rodia

Anthony Rodia is back with his “Laugh Till It Hurts” tour. Building on the success of his previous outing, this is his biggest and most ambitious yet. Born and raised in Westchester, Rodia came out of the womb making people laugh. In his 20s he tried a few open mics, but ultimately took a different career path. In 2019, Rodia returned to comedy and left his day job to become a full-time stand-up comic. With a background steeped in family traditions, Italian-American culture and the ups and downs of modern life, Anthony’s comedy feels like a conversation with your funniest friend. His blend of observational humor, self-deprecation and witty impressions has led him on his path as one of the most exciting rising stars on the comedy scene.

Saturday, Oct. 18, 7 and 9:30 p.m.

Islanders past and present. It also highlights the connections between the traditions of immigrant communities who share seaside cultures, offering opportunities for shared experiences and dialogue.

Visitors are welcomed by a nine-foot high immersive, stylized wave tunnel. Visible from the three entries to the museum’s second floor, this wow-moment hooks you into the gallery and recreates that first introduction to the sea for many of us — a day at the beach. Lighting and sound effects give a transportive transition into “Saltwater Stories.”

• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Among the exhibit’s many features, young visitors can role-play life on the bay in a walkin replica of a bay house, where a “magic window” lets them observe real-time changes in weather, tides and marsh life. Nearby, in a classic Long Island fish market, you can sort, weigh and sell the day’s catch — mimicking the work of generations who lived off the sea. Also everyone will enjoy “Lifting the Ocean’s Lid,” an early learner area where kids can get a close-up look at what lives under the sea.

• View the events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

For Floreska, Saltwater’s heart lies in its ability to tell a local story while providing a playful, hands-on space that’s deeply connected to the real world — something she describes as both unique and meaningful.

“It gives visitors of all ages a chance to connect with a cultural richness that defines Long Island,” she says.

Integrating new technology felt like a natural next step in the evolution of the museum’s approach to storytelling, according to Malter. She highlights the bay house installation as a standout example, where digital features are used to make the environment feel dynamic and real.

To create the immersive “magic window,” the team hired a videographer to capture time-lapse footage of a local marsh over the course of several days, including scenes at night and during a storm. With the push of a button, kids can change the view outside the window — transforming from day to night or calm to stormy — making the experience both magical and grounded in the real world.

“Observing the natural world was a big educational goal for me,” Malter explains. By blending real footage with playful interaction, young visitors notice environmental details they might otherwise overlook — fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity rooted in the rhythms of local life.

The phrase “we need the sea and the sea needs me” serves as the exhibit’s guiding inspiration.

Even the quintessential Long Island Islander — Billy Joel — has a place here. Everyone can watch a video of his “The Downeaster ‘Alexa’,” commercial fishing’s unofficial anthem.

To help families turn inspiration into action, a resource guide on the museum website provides ideas for local, family-friendly activities that extend the learning into the home. Floreska points to community programs like Freeport-based “Operation Splash,” where families can participate in cleaning up local shorelines.

As a permanent fixture now, “Saltwater Stories” continues the museum’s commitment to ignite curiosity, encourage stewardship and strengthen our bond with the environment — reminding us all that the sea’s story is deeply intertwined with our own.

$144.75, $108.75, $98.25, $86.50, $76.25, $64.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra

Maestro Louis Panacciulli and the Nassau Pops Orchestra return to the Tilles Center for their annual gala supporting the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, joined again by Tony Danza and his band. Danza’s latest cabaret show, “Sinatra and Stories,” blends personal anecdotes, humor and some classic tunes. He pays tribute to the music of ‘Ol Blue Eyes, whose music formed the soundtrack of his childhood. He brings his trademark charisma and storytelling — along with touch of soft shoe and ukulele-strumming — to his selection of Sinatra’s timeless classics. Swing into an afternoon of great tunes and fascinating stories — all to benefit this vital organization.

Sunday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m. Tickets start at $30. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post Campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at npso.org/tickets or tillescenter.org.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

OCT

17

Little Learners: Pumpkins Planting Fields

Little Learners series continues with a pumpkinthemed adventure. Begin with a fun and festive story to spark imaginations. Next, children create their a pumpkin craft to take home. Then, head outside for some hands-on discovery in the garden for close-up look at real pumpkin plants! From curly vines to growing gourds, it’s a sensoryrich experience that brings the season to life. 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

In concert

Bayville Village Arts Council hosts the A Carrella Quartet. Their program features the American Jazz Songbook.

• Where: Bayville Arts Center, 88 Bayville Ave., Bayville

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 628-1439

OCT

18

Oyster Fest

Historic Oyster Bay hosts its annual weekend of family fun, food and festivities. As always the event features oyster eating and shucking contests, entertainment, food, crafts, vendors, rides, and more. This waterfront celebration is not to be missed. Also Oct. 19.

• Where: 63 Larrabee Ave., Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park

• Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Contact: theoysterfest.org

Fall Foliage Walking Tour

Explore Sands Point Preserve’s natural environment on a guided tour. Examine the preserve’s unique physical features and wildlife, as well as critical conservation issues and helpful practices to create a healthy, sustainable environment.

Environmental educator Hildur Palsdottir engages everyone in hands-on nature discovery activities as participants observe the changing season. Meet at Castle Gould’s Clock Tower.15, $10 members; children $5, free for members.

• Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

• Time: 10-11:30 a.m.

• Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901

Little Feat

One of America’s most distinctive and longest-running rock bands, Little Feat is back in a big way with a revitalized lineup, a stellar new record — its first album of original material in over a decade The venerable six-piece is touring in support of ‘Strike Up the Band,” their first new studio album reliant on new material since 2012’s Rooster Rag. It’s Little Feat’s triumphant return to rock ‘n roll with plenty of swampy Southern soul. The band builds on a deep, over 50-year history. Little Feat used a combination of elite musicianship and brilliant, idiosyncratic songwriting to create a repertoire that transcends all boundaries. California rock, funk, folk, jazz, country and rockabilly mixed with New Orleans swamp boogie led to a powerful sound that has kept the audience dancing for decades. Their groove — in songs like “Dixie Chicken,” “Spanish Moon,” “Fat Man in the Bathtub,” and “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now” — was so infectious it allowed them to endure and press on even when losing their founder, Lowell George, and founding drummer, Richie Hayward. They’re in top form now with Scott Sharrard on lead/vox and Tony Leone on drums/vox, and with founder Bill Payne on keys/vox, Fred Tackett on guitars/vox, Kenny Gradney on bass, and Sam Clayton on percussion/vox. Fifty years on, they’ve been up and they’ve been down and they know where they belong — standing or sitting behind their instruments, playing for you. And anything’s possible, because the end is not in sight. Tickets are $141.25, $120.25, $99.75, $77.75, $66.25

Enchanted Forest

Nassau County Museum of Art invites families to another Super Family Saturday program. This magical adventure includes hands-on art activities themed around transformation, fantasy, and discovery, plus a special trail through the site’s fall forest.. $20 non-member adults, $10 members and children.

• Where: Manes Center, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Session 1, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Session 2, 1-2:30 p.m.

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

Ghostly Gala

Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum’s annual Halloween celebration. Enjoy the holiday in a fun, safe and spooky (not scary) way! Show off your costumes and dance moves in a Monster Mash Dance Party. Visit the Spooky Studio and meet mysterious underwater creatures. Also make some cool and creepy crafts. Start off your spooky night by decorating a bewitching trickor-treat bag, then collect ghostly goodies from the museum’s roaming staff. Also a special showing of “Uncle Vlad’s Pumpkin Patch” in the LICM theater. $16, $14 members; show $5.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 6-9 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Princesses and villains meet-up

Bring the family to Sands Point Preserve for a trick-or-treat adventure like never before! The Princesses are back at Hempstead House, and this time, they’re bringing 10 enchanting characters! Your favorite princesses and four mischievous villains will be joining in on the fun! Little princes and princesses will kick off the celebration by decorating their own trick-or-treat bags, then embark on an exciting journey through the castle’s magical rooms. In each room, they’ll meet a different beloved character or villain, collect sweet treats to fill their bags, and capture unforgettable memories with royal portraits. Reservations required. $70 per child, includes access to event and grounds, adults free.

• Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

• Time: Sessions at noon, 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m.

• Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901

Trick or Treat at Planting Fields

Bring your little ghosts, goblins, and superheroes for a spooktacular self-guided trick or treat adventure inside the historic Main House. Kids will use a treasure map to explore room by room, collecting treats, prizes, and fun facts about the Coe family and their home along the way. Costumes welcome! Whether spooky, silly, or sparkly, dress up for the occasion. For ages 2-16. $15, $14 seniors, $5 ages 6-17.

• Where: Main House, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

• Time: 1-4 p.m.; Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Oct 26, 1-4 p.m., with last admittance at 3:30 p.m.

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

Gold Coast Business Association Car Show

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

OCT

23

‘Brown Bag’ Art Conversation

Join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular Brown Bag Lecture. Experience the museum’s exhibition “At Play: Artists & Entertainment” through a lively and informative presentation. Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Registration not required. First come, first seated.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 1 p.m.

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

OCT

24

Historic spirits tour

Tour Raynham Hall and three generations of Townsend family occupants with Samantha Lynn Difronzo. $36, $26 members.

• Where: Raynham Hall Museum, 20 West Main St., Oyster Bay

• Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

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

Check out the 2nd Annual Glen Head Car Show, where shiny chrome meets community spirit. Whether you’re into hot rods, vintage cruisers, or one-of-a-kind customs, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly event. This year vintage fire trucks are added to the show lineup! Come see the engines that made history, alongside over 50 classic and custom cars.

• Where: Glen Head LIRR station

• Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Contact: goldcoastbusinessassocation. com or call (516) 860-5176

Halloween Pet Parade

Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for a parade of beloved costumed friends around the museum’s grounds. The event includes food, family art making, and more. Awards will be given for the most creative and inventive costumes! $25 per family, $20 members.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

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.

HERALD

ATTENTION STUDENTS:

THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER

THE WINNING DESIGNS WILL BE PRINTED AS HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP IN 12/4/25 & 12/11/25 ISSUES OF YOUR HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

CONTEST RULES:

Who can enter: There will be 2 categories: Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12 One entry per student

Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025

Grand prize: Winners will have their design printed as wrapping paper in the Herald and will be featured in an article in their local Herald newspaper.

Entry format: Please use an 8 1/2 by 11 inch piece of unlined paper. All entries should have the student’s name, age, address, telephone number, email, grade and school printed on the back. Design can be reflective of all religious holidays. Entries will not be returned.

Mail or hand-deliver to:

Wrapping Paper Contest

Herald Community Newspapers

2 Endo Boulevard, Garden City, NY 11530 OR Scan and email to: ekimbrell@liherald.com

(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).

Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 14

HELPFUL HINTS

• Must use 8 1/2 x 11” unlined paper, copy paper or construction paper.

• Be creative & original.

• Use bright colors.

• Fill the entire page.

• Choose paint, crayon, chalk, markers, pens, or other creative materials.

• Remember your design will be used to make a real sheet of wrapping paper.

News briefs

Harbor cleanup returns to Oyster Bay

Town of Oyster Bay residents are invited to participate in the fall Oyster Bay Harbor Cleanup, scheduled for Oct. 25 at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park in Oyster Bay near the gazebo. Hosted in partnership with Friends of the Bay, this event offers volunteers – individuals, families, companies and organizations – an opportunity to give back to the environment by removing litter and debris from the shoreline. Certificates are available upon request for students seeking to fulfill volunteer requirements.

“This is a great opportunity to roll up your sleeves, protect our environment, and have fun while learning more about our local marine life,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino.

Volunteers are invited to participate in the cleanup, which will run from 9 a.m. to noon. The central meeting place will be Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park launching ramps and waterfront gazebo off of Larrabee Avenue in Oyster Bay. Additional cleanup locations

include Stehli Beach in Bayville and Centre Island Beach in Bayville; however, all volunteers should check in at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park. Typically, in year’s past, harbor and beach clean-up events have resulted in 40,000lbs of debris being collected by volunteers and town workers.

“Each year, we find paper, food, plastics and other trash discarded on beaches or dumped overboard from boaters,” said Town Councilwoman Laura Maier.

“Allowing this litter to remain on our shorelines will only lead to increasingly worse damage for the environment. We thank all of our volunteers for their assistance in this great event.”

Individuals and groups who are interested in registering for this environmental cleanup should contact the town’s Department of Environmental Resources at (516) 677-5943 or visit OysterBayTown.com/volunteer

G.C. Chamber presents awards in Bayville

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

The Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce will host its 23rd Annual Awards Celebration on Oct. 24, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Soundview Caterers, at 45 Bayville Ave. in Bayville. This year’s theme — A Masquerade Cocktail Affair — promises an evening of recognition, community and celebration, honoring individuals and businesses whose leadership and vision have

LEGAL NOTICE

strengthened Glen Cove.

The chamber’s annual awards ceremonies began under the leadership of current chamber President Dr. Maxine Mayreis and Mary Stanco, who first chaired the event committee. Mayreis said that the evening remains one of the chamber’s most anticipated events.

“It promises to be a really fun evening, and these people have been invested in Glen Cove and supporting the businesses and the community at large,” Mayreis

Public Notices

NOTICE OF FORMATION of VAP SUNNYSIDE LLC.

Articles of Organization filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/25/2025. Office location: Nassau Co. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to P.O. Box 285, Syosset, NY 11791. Purpose: any lawful purpose 156087

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association, Plaintiff AGAINST Francine Slade a/k/a Francine A. Slade; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 22, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 12, 2025, at 2:00PM, premises known as 6 Hidden Pond f/k/a part of 206 Brookville Road, Muttontown, NY 11545. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 16 Block B Lot 1761 formerly part of Lot 1544. Approximate amount of judgment $3,135,146.69 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 011213/2010. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

John P. Clarke, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: September 24, 2025 156184

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BROUGHAM FUND I TRUST, Plaintiff against ANNABELLA GELBARD, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered August 22, 2025, 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 November 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 5 Carol Lane, Glen Head a/k/a Upper Brookville, NY 11545. Sec 18 Block A Lot 980. 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 Upper Brookville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $882,978.90 plus interest, fees, and

costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 608863/2023.

During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 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.”

Frank Scalera, Esq., Referee File # NY201700000151-1 156177

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Sale

Supreme Court: Nassau County Point 62 LLC v Carol Gordon et al. Defts Index 605518/2022 Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale filed and entered September 12, 2023 I will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr. Mineola NY 11501 on November 20, 2025 at

said. “That’s why they were selected.”

She emphasized that the purpose of the annual celebration is to “recognize and elevate the people in our community.”

Kris Baker, recipient of the Corporate Pinnacle Award, will be honored for his achievements and leadership in corporate and humanitarian endeavors. Baker grew up learning the HVAC trade from his father, later served with the U.S. Army Military Police, and founded Baker Air in 2011. His company provides heating and cooling services in Glen Cove, Port Washington and the surrounding communities.

2:00 pm premises known as School District 306 a/k/a BA-6, Section 66, Block 124 Lot 61, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York Sold subject to the terms of sale and filed judgment of foreclosure. Bank Checks Only, must be payable to the Referee for 25% of Bid Price, No Cash Accepted. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Covid-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health and safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.

Ronald J Ferraro, Esq., Referee 156349

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE FOR FORMATION of a limited liability company (LLC). The name of the limited liability company is LV ROSS III, LLC. The date of filing of the articles of organization with the Department of State was September 16, 2025. The County in New York in which the office of the company is located is Nassau. The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the company upon whom process may be served, and the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process against the company served upon him or her to The LLC, 2 Morris Lane, Oyster Bay Cove, New York 11771. The business purpose of the company is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under the laws of the State of New York. 155960

Allen Hudson III, principal of Glen Cove High School, will receive the Leadership Award for his nearly three decades of service in education and his deep commitment to local youth. A 1991 graduate of the high school, Hudson has spent much of his career giving back to his hometown. During the pandemic, he partnered with Island Harvest and NOSH to create the Glen Cove High School Food Pantry, which supported more than 450 families.

Hudson’s work extends beyond the school, to programs such as Game 7 AAU Basketball, Alumni for Youth, and the I Am My Brother and I Am My Sister initiatives. His belief that “people will never forget how you made them feel,” inspired by Maya Angelou, continues to guide his leadership.

Adam and Ian Siegel, owners of The Shoppe by Trubee Hill, will receive the Small Business Achievement Award. The couple created their candle company, By Trubee Hill, in 2020, during the pandemic, selling handpoured soy wax candles at local markets. In 2022 they opened The Shoppe by Trubee Hill — the first retailer in Glen Cove’s Village Square — expanding their offerings to home décor, pantry goods, and gifts for every season.

WScoop N Fruit Ice Cream, will receive the New Business Award, which celebrates entrepreneurial vision and community involvement. The couple moved to Glen Cove in 2016, determined to open a business that would serve their neighbors and families. “We didn’t want to move anywhere else,” Antonio said. “The reason why we opened up the business here is because we wanted our friends, families and our kids to have something in the community, and not have to go somewhere else.”

e didn’t want to move anywhere else

ANtONIO MAzIlu Scoop N Fruit co-owner

Their commitment to community engagement includes frequent charity shopping events. The business has been voted Best Gift Shop on Long Island in the Herald’s Long Island Choice Awards for four consecutive years.

Dean Mayreis, recipient of the Community Service Award, has spent decades volunteering around Glen Cove. Known for his behind-the-scenes dedication, Mayreis, who is married to Maxine, has offered vital support to chamber events, including Culinary Delights, fairs and festivals.

“Glen Cove, during the summer, is very busy, with all kinds of activities and events,” Mayreis said. “It takes a lot of volunteers to do that, so I’m just one of them.”

He added that volunteering helps connect residents with one another. “If everybody in town volunteered one, two or three days a year,” he said, “they could enjoy the rest of the year while other people volunteer, and make it just a continuous party.”

Antonio and Olga Mazilu, founders of

Their dessert shop, on School Street, offers New Zealand-style, real fruit ice cream blended with fresh fruit, along with crepes, waffles and seasonal specialties like a cinnamon and Honeycrisp apple flavor. “Our kids go to school here, and the community is great,” Antonio said. “We’re right by the water. This reminds me of Romania. It felt like home.”

Maxine Mayreis said the awards night is designed to celebrate the honorees’ accomplishments and foster community pride. “The people who are coming are there to support the honorees,” she said. “They do want to spend the time to praise them and hear all that they do and create excitement around it. It’s their time to shine in the spotlight.”

Residents can support the event by attending or purchasing sponsorships. “People can show their appreciation and their support to these individuals by showing up and attending the event,” Mayreis added. “We have sponsorships at different levels and a video display ad. People can take them out individually, to support their honoree, or they can join together.”

Guests will enjoy a three-hour cocktail affair featuring hors d’oeuvres, a grazing and carving station, soft drinks, coffee, tea, raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle. A cash bar will be available. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the occasion — masks are welcome, and will also be provided.

We will remain the leader of the free world

American foreign policy is at a watershed moment, comparable to the critical years after World War II, when the United States and our allies were forced to accept that the euphoria of victory over Nazi Germany and imperial Japan had been supplanted by the reality of the Iron Curtain and the threat of Soviet expansion. The Cold War had begun.

The NATO alliance was formed to prevent Joseph Stalin from emulating Adolf Hitler’s march through Europe after the Munich Conference capitulation in 1938, which had given Hitler virtually free rein to invade and seize Czechoslovakia. A decadeslong struggle would continue through various iterations and crises until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 — a struggle that today’s isolationists would have labeled an “endless war.” Fortunately, neither American political party elected isolationists during those defining 45 years. Pre-World War II isolationism had long since been consigned to the ash heap of history.

The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 created a sense of euphoria similar to

Ithat of 1945 and ’46. Eastern Europe was liberated from the yoke of Soviet communist rule, and the Soviet republics declared their independence from Moscow. One of them was Ukraine, which, tragically, had been brutalized for centuries by Russia.

TUkraine was also left with thousands of Soviet nuclear weapons. In 1994, in keeping with the spirit of the Soviet demise, Ukraine gave up those weapons in return for guarantees of security from the United States, Britain and Russia, in what was known as the Budapest Agreement. All indicators seemed to foresee a reformed Russia, and no aggression of the type that drew the U.S. into the two world wars of the 20th century.

rump’s turnabout with Zelensky and Putin sends a clear message to China.

There would be fits and starts with Russia during the later Bush years, including an incursion into Georgia, and then a promise by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2009 that the Obama administration would “reset” the relationship with Russia. That reset never worked, and Russia seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. There was no Russian aggression during the first Trump administration, but then, in February 2022, Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine — the first invasion of a sovereign European nation since the end of World War II.

defeating Russian aggression, having supplied more funding to Ukraine than the U.S. Unfortunately, President Trump has shown reluctance to stand with Ukraine, ascribing equal blame for the war to Zelensky — even berating him in the White House, telling him he had no cards to play.

I accompanied President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to Moscow in September 1998 for meetings with Russian President Boris Yeltsin and other Russian officials to strengthen economic and cultural ties between our two nations. The dialogue between the leaders was extremely positive. Then, after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the newly elected Russian president, Vladimir Putin, was among the first foreign leaders to pledge President George W. Bush his full support.

Staying sane in the age

’m tired. In fact, I’m exhausted. I’m overwhelmed. It’s not from going to the gym. It’s not from being glued to my TV, watching my favorite baseball team trying to survive the playoffs.

It’s the torrent of information that has been drowning me 24 hours a day, with no promise of abating. Is there any hope that the flood will end and that I’ll have a respite from information overload? Is there any hope that the barrage will shut down over the weekend, when we try to pay less attention to our laptops and cellphones? Or are we doomed to being perpetually overwhelmed by the greatest avalanche of facts, figures, news, emails, text messages and robocalls since the dawn of the high-tech era?

There is no one culprit that we can identify whose elimination would give us a reprieve from the onslaught. One of the biggest offenders of them all is,

Aof course, the White House, which engages in a strategy known as Flood the Zone. Every day, it releases so many “hot” news items that it would take you or me two or three days just to get through them. In addition to the media flood, President Trump holds freewheeling news conferences that can last well over an hour. Generally, those events generate other news stories on top of the daily pressroom output.

Then there’s the smartphone app challenge. I checked my phone and found that I am attached to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X and have subscriptions to the Daily News, the New York Post, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Newsday, Newsday TV, the Huffington Post, Apple News, The Hill, CNN, The Weather Channel and some others that I’ve forgotten. I know that over the course of the day, I tap into every one of those outlets for some type of information.

Ukraine, under its newly elected reform president, Volodymyr Zelensky, was expected to succumb in days or weeks. President Joseph Biden even offered to have American jets provide Zelensky safe passage out of Ukraine. But with the U.S. and NATO countries supplying weapons and logistical support, Zelensky and Ukraine have fought Russia to a stalemate for over three and a half years — longer than America’s war against Nazi Germany.

Russia has suffered more than a million casualties, and has had to resort to using North Korean troops. Its economy is in shambles. NATO has admitted two previously neutral nations, Sweden and Finland, and remains committed to

Trump met with Putin in Alaska, and implored him to meet with Zelensky to reach a compromise. Putin implied that he would, but reneged. Realizing he was being played, Trump denounced Putin in his speech to the United Nations General Assembly last month, and just hours later, met one on one with Zelensky. Then, going full circle, Trump released a statement hailing Zelensky’s leadership, saying that Ukraine was in a position to “fight and win,” and pledging to continue to supply weapons to NATO for Ukraine’s use against Russia.

Trump’s turnabout will prevent a catastrophic replay of Munich and halt Putin’s attempt to rebuild the Russian empire. This defeat of Russian aggression in Europe will simultaneously send a clear message to China not to move against Taiwan or other Pacific nations such as the Philippines and Japan. The United States will remain the leader of the free world.

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

of information overload

imagine waiting at a bus stop for six hours. It’s a long time.

ll ‘breaking’ news all the time — and for goodness’ sake, don’t forget podcasts.

Beyond all these challenges is the introduction of artificial intelligence into our lives. No matter how hard you try, there’s no way to escape the onslaught of articles, studies, memos and office talk about AI. Just a few years ago, if someone had uttered the words artificial intelligence, they would have been largely ignored. These days, those words hover over us like a threatening storm cloud, with most of us having no idea whether it will help or harm us.

program. How many times in a halfhour can there be so much “breaking” news? And the repetition of the same stories can be head-splitting.

Last, but by far not least, is the introduction into our space of the podcast. Today, almost every media, political, religious, sports or entertainment personality has a podcast of some kind. They have rotating guests, and offer a mountain of opinions on the subjects of the moment. Many of them are interesting and informative, but how many hours in a day do we have to partake in this newest information vehicle?

Once a week, I get a text telling me that, on average, I’m on my phone for a minimum of six hours a week. That doesn’t sound like a lot of hours, but

Once upon a time, watching television was a respite from the pressures of the day. Today, watching TV can leave you dazed and confused by hour after hour of commercials for countless drugs, all of which, apparently, will save humanity. On top of the drug tsunami, there are countless other ads that dominate the time you would like to just sit back and watch your favorite show, uninterrupted.

To add to the desperation for some chill time, there’s today’s typical news

So that is my ongoing nightmare. It is mine, but it’s the nightmare that we all face. We’re just human beings; we’re not robots. At least for now, they can’t implant a chip in our brain to help us fend off the cascade of facts, figures, opinions, ideas, theories and concepts that flood our every waking hour. So we’ll have to find new ways to help ourselves live a normal life, and still be adequately informed people.

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.

Established 1899

Incorporating the Oyster Bay Guardian in 2010

Will Sheeline Senior Reporter

luke Feeney

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Vice President - Sales ■ oFFice

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Phone: (516) 569-4000

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iHerald editorial

Real journalists, reporting real stories

n an age of uncertainty and skepticism toward the media, one mission has remained unwavering: to inform, empower and connect our community with journalism rooted in truth and integrity.

That mission defines Herald Community Media, publisher of 27 community weekly newspapers serving Nassau and Suffolk counties and a touch of New York City. It is the foundation of everything we do — every story we report, every question we ask and every issue we print.

The Herald’s purpose has never been clearer or more vital, especially now, during election season. Across the nation, trust in media has declined as misinformation spreads faster than facts and as social media platforms blur the line between opinion and truth. Yet despite this turbulence, the need for reliable local journalism has never been greater. We know you depend on us not only to tell you what’s happening, but also to help you understand why it matters — to your neighborhood, your family and your future.

This summer, the Pew Research Center published “How Americans View Journalists in the Digital Age,” an indepth look at how the public perceives our profession. Pew surveyed nearly 9,400 U.S. adults and convened a number of focus groups, and found both optimism and concern. Most Americans still believe journalists are vital to our soci-

letters

There’s often been bias in journalism

To the Editor:

Re Nick Buglione’s column in the Oct. 2-8 issue, “I was proud to be a reporter — but things have changed”: I, too, would like to put to rest the argument that Facebook, Instagram, Tik-Tok and other social media have any role in serious journalism. It’s indeed unfortunate that so many people rely on these geysers of rumor, gossip, misinformation and lies for their news.

But the journalism profession has never been as idealistic and innocent as Mr. Buglione seems to suggest it once was. In fact, long before social media invaded our world, the press’s coverage of important events was at times nakedly partisan, ignorant and dishonest.

In the 19th century, for example, some newspapers accepted hefty sums of money from politicians for favorable coverage of their campaigns. At least one paper from that era, William Randolph Hearst’s New York Journal, ran sensationalized stories about Spanish atrocities in Cuba, which, many believe, helped drum up support for American involvement in the Span-

ety’s well-being — but many also express frustration, feeling that the media’s credibility and influence have declined amid political division and technological upheaval.

Yet within those findings lies a message of hope and direction. Americans say what they value most in their news providers is honesty, intelligence and authenticity — qualities that have guided the Herald’s reporting since its founding in 1964. Our journalists live by those values every day. We verify information carefully, we listen with compassion and we report with clarity and context. We are not distant observers; we are your neighbors, your fellow community members and your partners in truth.

At a time when the term “media” often evokes distrust, the Herald reaffirms its promise: to deliver accurate, objective and trustworthy local journalism. That means being transparent about how we report, being accountable when we err, and being authentic in how we connect with you.

Authenticity, as editors across the country have noted, may be the most powerful defense against today’s flood of misinformation and artificial intelligence-generated content. Real, local journalism can’t be practiced from behind a desk or from a distant city. It requires trained professionals who show up in the community, ask hard questions and share the stories of other real-life

people.

Every week, Herald journalists attend school board meetings, interview local business owners, chronicle civic debates, and celebrate the achievements of neighbors doing extraordinary things. We are not reporting on the community from afar — we are reporting within it, with care, empathy and purpose.

Readers deserve to know how stories come together — how sources are verified, why certain facts are included and how conclusions are drawn. We are committed to correcting mistakes quickly and publicly, because credibility is not earned by claiming perfection but by demonstrating honesty.

As Pew’s research highlights, Americans long for media that is clear, fair and accountable. The Herald’s commitment to those ideals has not wavered for more than six decades, and it will not waver now. Our mission — to inform, empower and connect our community with journalism rooted in truth and integrity — is our responsibility, our calling and our promise. As a locally owned family business, our commitment is to our communities, not to Wall Street.

In a world increasingly driven by algorithms and artificial noise, the Herald’s voice remains steady: local reporting by real journalists, telling real stories that matter. That is how we serve. That is how we strengthen our community. And that is how we continue.

A clearer view: understanding and treating cataracts

Have you noticed that your vision is becoming a little hazy, like you’re looking through a foggy window? If so, you might be experiencing the effects of cataracts.

contact lens prescription, or double vision in one eye.

What, exactly, is a cataract? Imagine the lens of your eye is like the lens of a camera. It’s a clear, natural part of your eye that focuses light onto the retina, which is at the back of your eye. The retina then sends signals to your brain, creating the images you see.

A cataract is simply the clouding of this natural lens. It’s a bit like a clear camera lens becoming frosted over. This clouding prevents light from passing through properly, leading to blurry, hazy or dim vision. Cataracts typically develop slowly and painlessly, so you might not even notice a change in your vision at first. As they progress, however, you may experience cloudy or blurry vision, the fading or yellowing of colors, an increased sensitivity to light, difficulty with night vision, halos around lights, frequent changes in your eyeglass or

The most common cause of cataracts is aging, but other factors can also contribute to their development, including family history, medical conditions, previous eye injury or surgery, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight.

When cataracts begin to interfere with your daily life, making it difficult to read, drive or watch TV, it’s time to consider cataract surgery. It’s one of the most common and routinely successful surgical procedures performed today.

Tdistance (i.e. driving, watching a Broadway show). You will likely still need glasses for reading, using a computer and other close-up tasks.

Toric lenses (astigmatism correction): Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is shaped more like a football than a baseball, causing blurry or distorted vision. Toric IOLs have a special design that corrects both your cataract and your astigmatism in a single procedure.

hey’re a normal part of aging, but they don’t have to define your vision.

The surgeon makes a tiny incision in the eye, and then uses a special tool to break up and remove the cloudy natural lens. Then a new, clear artificial lens — called an intraocular lens, or IOL — is implanted in its place. The new lens becomes a permanent part of your eye and requires no special care.

With modern cataract surgery, you have options for your new lens. Your doctor will help you choose the best one to fit your lifestyle and needs.

Monofocal IOL: This is the most common type of IOL. It provides clear vision at a single distance, usually for

LeTTers

ish-American War.

Closer to our time, the press remained curiously silent about the 1940s Levittown covenant restricting home ownership in that community to white people. And in 2002, when President George W. Bush justified our invasion of Iraq by insisting that the country’s weapons of mass destruction posed a threat to America, few newspapers questioned his claim.

I’m sure Mr. Buglione enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with his Herald colleagues 20 years ago. And while I’ve no reason to doubt his statement that Herald reporters were genuinely committed to presenting the news accurately, we’d be hard-pressed to find a time when the press — in general — has been entirely squeaky clean.

RICHARd J. COnWAY Massapequa

Koslow’s a better choice than Blakeman

To the Editor:

It can be an easy win for a candidate with name recognition who has enough money and government power to bombard us with fliers, signs and TV ads

each day. Bruce Blakeman, our current n assau County executive, has this power. We need to look beyond the hype. It’s time for a more centrist candidate. Blakeman and his team are entrenched in national politics, pleasing President Trump by doing such things as training a group of our county police officers to work in tandem with the president’s controversial ICE force, setting aside cells in our county jail for nonviolent ICE detainees, and creating a volunteer, private militia that Blakeman can use when and how he decides.

On the other hand, Seth Koslow is a centrist candidate for county executive with years of experience as a Queens district attorney, a private-practice lawyer and a current member of the nassau County Legislature. He has lived in n assau County his entire life, and is raising his family here. He is very concerned about our taxes in nassau, and has said that he would order a full, independent audit of county spending to see where our money is being spent.

Koslow has stated that he would share ideas with his Republican counterpart in Suffolk County, because he believes in the idea of people on both sides working together for the benefit of the county. He has said he would disband Blakeman’s private militia because he believes that our excellent

Extended depth of focus lenses: These lenses create a single, elongated focal point to provide a continuous range of vision. They offer excellent distance vision and a solid range of intermediate vision — great for computer work or seeing a car dashboard — with a lower chance of nighttime glare or halos than other multifocal designs. You may still need glasses for very fine print.

Light adjustable lenses: These are the only IOLs that can be customized after they have been implanted. The lenses are made of unique, photosensitive material. After a few weeks of healing, your surgeon uses a special light-delivery device to fine-tune the lenses’ power to your exact visual needs (distance, near or a blend), eliminating any small remaining prescription errors. Once

the optimal vision is achieved, the lens is “locked in” and the adjustments are permanent. This offers the highest level of precision and customization.

Femtosecond cataract surgery: precision with lasers: While traditional cataract surgery is very safe and effective, many surgeons now offer laser-assisted surgery. It uses a highly precise, computer-controlled laser to perform several key steps of the surgery that were traditionally done by hand with a blade. The laser creates the tiny incision, opens the lens capsule and even softens the cataract before it is removed. This allows for extraordinary accuracy and consistency, can lead to a more predictable outcome and a faster recovery, and is a safer procedure for certain patients.

Cataracts are a normal part of aging, but they don’t have to define your vision. With simple preventive measures and highly effective surgical options, you can look forward to a world that is once again clear, vibrant and full of light. If you have any concerns about your vision, don’t hesitate to speak with your eye doctor.

Dr. Carolyn Shih is an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, and works at South Shore Eye Care, a member of the Northwell Health Eye Institute.

county police force is more than capable of handling our citizens’ safety.

The bottom line is that Seth Koslow is a highly qualified local resident who would concentrate solely on the needs

of our county. This makes him and his team best suited to run our county.