William Froman, left, Jason Dodd, Harry Francis and Sullivan Carroll prepared for their first day of third grade at Watson Elementary School.
Abby Vella, who is entering kindergarten, and her sister, Grace Vella, who is entering the third grade, appeared eager to start their first day at Wilson Elementary.
By AlYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
Rockville Centre lit its Village Tree gold on Sept. 2, kicking off Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month and honoring the memory of Mary Ruchalski in front of the Village Hall.
Dozens of residents gathered for the annual ceremony hosted by the Mary Ruchalski Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and supporting research into pediatric cancer.
THer daughter was an exceptional athlete, excelling in lacrosse, soccer and swimming. She was also an outstanding student at St. Agnes Cathedral School, and took part in Math Olympiad competition. Despite her challenges, she was a bright-spirited girl who never let her diagnosis get her down.
hank you for helping me and my foundation raise awareness.
“We’ve been doing this for many years in the Village of Rockville Centre,” Mayor Francis X. Murray said, “and we hope and we pray, soon there will be a cure for multiple pediatric cancers in this world.”
CARol RuChAlSkI Founder, Mary Ruchalski Foundation
Mary Ruchalski lost her life to rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of pediatric cancer, in 2018, just two days shy of her 13th birthday. Her mother, Carol Ruchalski, created the foundation in her honor, believing she had a duty to preserve Mary’s legacy.
The Rev. Michael Duffy, of St. Agnes Cathedral, offered a prayer for Mary, who was a seventh grader at the school when she died.
“Dear friends, our Jewish brothers and sisters, when somebody passes away, often they will say, ‘May their memory be for a blessing,’” Duffy said, “and I think that Mary’s memory has truly been a blessing for all of us.”
Carol Ruchalski spoke about the challenges facing pediatric cancer care. She noted that roughly one in five children will not survive their diagnosis, and that only six drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for pediatric cancer
Continued on page 12
Following the recent incident at Riverside Elementary involving a kindergartner leaving during the second day of school, district officials are taking a series of steps to strengthen safety protocols across all schools. At the Sept. 4 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Matthew Gaven addressed the community’s concerns and outlined the district’s multi-pronged response focused on investigation, supervision and campus security.
–Kelsie Radziski
Gaven expressed appreciation for the fast reaction from emergency services, as the kindergartner was reported to be found at home by the Rockville Centre Police Department 10 minutes after the call was received.
“I’m very grateful for the quick response to all local authorities who assisted us in this situation,” he said. “We are conducting a thorough investigation of the incident, as well as reviewing our supervision practices.”
Gaven said the investigation is ongoing and pledged to provide updates, emphasizing the district’s commitment to transparency.
“Once the investigation of this incident has been completed, we will keep you updated of any additional steps to further safeguard our children,” he said.
In the aftermath of the incident, Gaven outlined how district leadership met with faculty and staff to review supervision standards.
The district is also improving student management routines and assessing school security, including perimeter defenses like fencing and gates.
“These measures will reinforce the protocols our district already has in place, which include the steps listed in our district and building level safety plans,” Gaven said. While building-specific plans remain confidential, district-wide plans are public and can be viewed on the district website.
“These plans are reviewed annually and redone to reflect our best security practices,” Gaven said, calling the reviews an “ongoing and constant” process.
Moving forward throughout the school year
While no further details of the incident were released, Gaven emphasized the importance of community cooperation and family privacy during this time.
“At this juncture, there’s no more information that we’ll share,” he said. “We also want to stress the importance of respecting the privacy of the family as this process unfolds.”
The district pledged to remain proactive and transparent as it continues its investigation and implementation of safety improvements.
“I understand that this incident causes concern, and I want to assure you that we are taking every step to reinforce our safety protocols, and that the safety of our students is our top concern,” Gaven said.
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
Rockville Centre’s annual Playing on the Porch music festival drew a strong turnout, with over 40 musical acts performing throughout the village. Hosted by the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce, the event showcased artists entertaining the community from porches, lawns and driveways.
“We’ve been doing it a number of years now, and it’s proven to be such a popular event throughout the community,” Ed Asip, president of the Chamber, said. “It’s one of the events that everybody says they love going to. They love being out in Rockville Centre.”
Asip said the goal of the event is not only for people to enjoy the music, but to explore the greater community.
“The hope is that, after they visit all the houses throughout Rockville Centre, that they go into the restaurants and the shops and visit the town and see everything that Rockville Centre can offer people,” he said.
Afternoon storms required the start time to be moved up two hours, but the tunes throughout the village still brought plenty of people together to dance and celebrate.
“It’s a great event, the entire village comes out,” Mayor Francis X. Murray said. “There’s over 25 places we can go, to different residents’ houses and listen to fantastic music all afternoon. I just get so excited about it. The deputy mayor and myself go to as many houses as we can. It’s a wonderful day.”
The three-hour event showcased 43 musicians and groups spanning several different genres including rock, pop, jazz, classical, hymnal, reggae and more. Molloy University president James Lentini kicked the afternoon off at his house, with his band performing classic rock hits.
“Playing on the Porch is a fantastic tradition in Rockville Centre,” Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley said. “So many people have said it’s their favorite day in Rockville Centre. They love hearing music, live music, from every type of genre you could imagine. We love going house to house, just listening to our neighbors sing, play and have fun.”
The concept of a community-wide roaming concert series began in Ithaca, New York, where for over 15 years, local musicians and neighbors have come together to celebrate homegrown talent. Iyna Caruso brought the idea to Rockville Centre in 2019, and it has since expanded to other Long Island communities, including Long Beach and Baldwin.
The event also raises funds for the scholarship that the Chamber provides to the Rockville Centre school district – $3,000 to three graduating seniors “that show interesting commerce, marketing and community service,” Asip said.
With deep love and gratitude, we share the passing of Donna Marie Davis (née Sewell) on August 28, 2025, on Long Island, New York.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1958, Donna was the beloved daughter of Beverly Krizan, the late John Sewell, and the late Stephen “Doc” Krizan. She was the eldest of four and a cherished sister to Teresa, Russ, and Linda.
Donna built a life of love and adventure with her devoted husband, Jerry Davis, Jr. Together they raised three children — Lauren (Tim), Matt (Ke), and Kyle — and she delighted most in being “YaYa” to granddaughters Claire and Caroline. She was also a loving aunt, great-aunt, godmother, and dear friend.
She filled her days with reading, golf, tennis, baking, travel, and treasured summers in Saratoga Springs, Ocean City, and Long Island. Donna dedicated many years to South Side High School in Rockville Centre, supporting the International Baccalaureate program and shaping countless lives.
Donna will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, strength, and joy. She passed peacefully, surrounded by family, after a strong fight with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Donna Davis Scholarship at bold.org/funds/donna-davis-scholarship-fund.
Many people are unclear about financial advisors versus estate planners. In fact, many financial advisors and accountants give their clients estate planning advice even though it is not their actual area of expertise.
The main focus of a financial advisor is to manage and grow your money during your lifetime. They look at which investments are suitable for your goals and your tolerance for risk. Financial advisors also assist with retirement planning so that you have enough income later on after you stop working as well as budgeting, debt management and cash flow planning during your working years. They also assist with various forms of insurance.
Estate planners, on the other hand, focus on protecting your wealth from being devastated by long-term care costs and transferring your assets after death to whom you want, when you want and the way you want, with the least amount of taxes and legal fees possible. Estate planners are lawyers since legal documents are needed for disability and death planning -- typically wills
and trusts, powers of attorney and health care proxies/living wills.
The client often has had a long-term relationship with their financial advisor or CPA when they go in to meet the estate planning attorney for the first time. They are used to relying on those trusted professionals for advice. Keep in mind that the experienced estate planning attorney has been doing this type of work on a daily basis for many years. Most of their time is spent on exploring family dynamics and planning to effectively (financially, legally and socially) protect assets and pass on inheritances. On the other hand, the financial advisor is spending the majority of their time dealing with finances and the CPA is spending the majority of their time on filing for and saving income taxes.
When it comes to protecting and passing assets, the estate planning attorney is your quarterback — they scan the field utilizing the services of your other advisors as needed, and then throw the winning touchdown pass for your family’s future well-being.
On Sept. 6, a car fire was reported in front of 61 North Village Avenue. The fire was extinguished by members of the Rockville Centre Fire Department.
On Sept. 1, police and EMS responded to a Denton Court residence for a report of an unresponsive woman. Upon arrival, the 99-year-old resident was pronounced deceased.
On Sept. 6, a Westminster Road resident reported he lost two NYS license plates.
On Sept. 3, a Rockville Centre Parks Department employee reported damage to the bathroom doors at the RVC Sports Complex on Peninsula Boulevard.
On Sept. 2, an Arrandale Road resident reported that she was the victim of a scam in which she received a text message informing her that an account had been compromised. When she called the number as instructed in the text, she was told to transfer Bitcoin money to an account, only realizing later that it was not legitimate.
On Sept. 2, a Merrick resident reported that someone withdrew funds from her EBT account without her permission.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
The Rockville Centre Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just
August 31 – September 7
General Alarms – 4
Still Alarms – 6 Rescue – 2
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 46
Mutual Aid Fire – 2
Mutual Aid Rescue – 0
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 0
Total – 76
have questions, please visit any firehouse on Sunday mornings and speak with one of the officers or call (516) 6789320. For emergencies dial 911 or (516) 766-0400.
Year To Date
General Alarms – 321
Still Alarms – 204 Rescue – 119
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 1639
Mutual Aid Fire – 56
Mutual Aid Rescue – 1
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 6
Total – 2346
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IT WAS A HISTORIC 2024 season for Kama and he’s looking to follow up with a big senior campaign and lead the Dalers to the promised land after they fell just short in last year’s Nassau Conference I championship game. A deadly combination of strength, size and speed, Kama rumbled for 1,717 yards on the ground and reached the end zone 29 times. He’s also a tackling machine at running back and a top Thorp Award candidate.
Thursday, Sept. 11
Girls Soccer: Seaford at Wantagh .............................5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Carey .................................5 p.m.
Girls Soccer: C.S. Harbor at Plainedge ......................5 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 12
Girls Soccer: Kennedy at East Meadow ....................5 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Clarke at South Side ...........................5 p.m.
Football: Mineola at Hewlett .....................................6 p.m.
Football: Carle Place at West Hempstead .................6 p.m.
Football: Malverne at East Rockaway ........................6 p.m.
Football: Freeport at Massapequa .......................6:30 p.m.
Football: Island Trees at Plainedge .......................6:30 p.m.
Football: V.S. North at Wantagh .................................7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Football: Oceanside at Uniondale ...........................11 a.m.
Football: Floral Park at Sewanhaka .........................11 a.m.
Football: V.S. South at Carey .....................................2 p.m.
Football: Glen Cove at Baldwin .................................2 p.m.
Football: MacArthur at V.S. Central. ...........................2 p.m.
Football: North Shore at Lawrence ............................2 p.m.
Football: Garden City at Long Beach.........................2 p.m.
Football: Clarke at South Side ..................................3 p.m.
Boys Soccer: Baldwin at Oceanside..........................6 p.m.
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
After an injury plagued 2024 season led to an early playoff exit, the South Side boys soccer team is energized to extend this season into November.
The Cyclones enter 2025 with a healthy starting lineup looking to compete for a championship after failing to Jericho in the Nassau Conference AA quarterfinals last year. The returning players were driven in the offseason with a number of player practices and won the South Shore summer league.
“This group is really motivated,” said fifth year coach Patrick Corvetti. “We left a little bit on the table last year.”
Leading much of the Cyclones’ fuel for a better finish are senior co-captains Jack Darlington and Karter Kasschau. Darlington is a big piece of the offense as a center midfielder and Kasschau will help lead defense as a center back.
Senior midfielders Travis Rose and Ryan Okeeffe also bring veteran leadership to the Cyclones this fall. The versatile Rose was part of the defense in the home stretch of last season after recovering from an early season injury.
The offense close to the net will be keyed by senior forward Michael Forker, who tallied six goals last season including an unassisted tally in South Side’s 2-0 first round playoff win against Baldwin.
The backline will feature Kasschau, who moves to a defensive role after playing central midfield as a junior. The lone returner to the defense is junior Colin Levine, who was part of a unit last year that produced eight clean sheets.
Senior goalie Gavin McDaid returns for his third year as starting netminder and Corvetti is looking for him to make big strides in his final high school season.
“He had a pretty good season last year, but I definitely expected a little bit more and this year he’s been really locked in all summer and preseason so I’m looking for him to lead,” Corvetti said of McDaid, who recorded four saves in the shutout playoff win against Baldwin. “He matured a lot over the last cou-
ple of years so he’s definitely looking much better this year.”
South Side’s schedule is highlighted by a Sept. 27 Saturday afternoon home league match against Manhasset, which Corvetti expects to be a conference title contender and among the top teams in Nassau County. The Cyclones will also host a non-league match on Sept. 21 against Lawrence, who reached the Conference A finals last season.
The Cyclones compete in Conference
AA3 which also features Manhasset, Elmont, Bethpage, Carey, Clarke, Division and Malverne-East Rockaway. Last year South Side placed in third in the league with a 10-3-1 record, three points behind second place Manhasset.
“We should be competing once again as a playoff caliber team,” said Corvetti, who is looking to guide South Side to its first county title since 2014. “We should definitely be battling for the conference championship.”
Though too many homes are beyond first-time buyers’ means, there are options, the experts insist
By ROKSANA AMID, JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO & ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN of Herald Community Newspapers
Final installment in a series on housing on Long Island.
With housing costs climbing and affordability dropping across Long Island, the path to homeownership has become increasingly complex, demanding not just financial preparation but also creative solutions from nonprofit organizations, lenders and policymakers. From credit-building and grant programs to community land trusts and accessory dwelling units, real estate professionals and housing advocates agree that a variety of strategies will be required to help families achieve stability and the long-held dream of owning a home.
For Connie Pinilla, principal of the Connie Pinilla Team at Compass Greater New York, homeownership is more than a transaction — it’s a long-term investment in stability and wealth. With more than 20 years of experience in real estate and law, she has guided both agents and clients through the complexities of buying a home.
“Everybody should strive to own a home — it’s the American dream,” Pinilla said. “But the most important element isn’t just finances, it’s your credit score.”
Pinilla emphasizes that a good salary isn’t enough without good credit. “You could make $300,000 a year, but if your credit score isn’t up to par, your chances of getting a loan are very slim,” she said. “On the other hand, with an excellent credit score and even a $50,000 or $60,000 salary, there are many programs that can help you purchase a home.”
She encourages buyers to plan at least a year ahead, starting with a mortgage broker. Reducing debt, keeping credit card balances below 30 percent and paying bills on time are critical steps toward building trust with lenders.
Grants and assistance programs
In addition to personal financial discipline, Pinilla says, grants are underused tools. Some programs are government-backed, while others come from banks and credit unions.
“Bank of America runs a program where qualified buyers can get up to $75,000 in grant money,” she said. “Chase often has private grants of $5,000 for closing costs. Credit unions also have excellent incentives and often lower rates.”
Grants typically apply to first-time homebuyers. Many require completion of a homebuyer education course on budgeting, credit and financial planning. If the buyer remains in the home for a set period, usually seven years, the grant does not need to be repaid.
Pinilla often asks clients to compare the cost of rent to a mortgage. In Glen Cove, a one-bedroom apartment averages about $3,000 per month.
“Rent money is gone forever,” she
said. “With a mortgage, you’re building equity, and you can deduct interest and property taxes on your income taxes. Strategically, you may be better off owning than renting.”
Preparation is key to navigating a competitive market. Pinilla advises securing a pre-approval letter before making an offer, because sellers want proof of financial readiness.
Once an offer is accepted, buyers work with inspectors, attorneys and lenders to ensure the home is sound, the title is clear and the property is properly valued before closing.
“Every step is designed to protect the buyer,” she explained. “That’s why you hire professionals — your attorney, mortgage officer and real estate agent — to guide you.”
your future.”
Payment risks, and avoiding them
As the need for affordable housing grows on Long Island, nonprofit organizations like Community Development Long Island are fighting back. They offer resources including single-family rehabilitation, multi-family home improvement and new home construction.
Pinilla encourages buyers to focus on needs rather than wants. Starting with a modest or multi-family property can be a smart path to building wealth.
“A lot of people have built wealth starting with a two-family,” she said. “You live in one unit, rent the other, and let that income pay the mortgage. Over time, you can build equity and move on to bigger investments.”
Her message is simple: Preparation and realistic expectations make the dream of homeownership possible. “If you have your finances in order, you’re not just buying a house,” Pinilla said. “You’re building equity and security for
To support first-time homebuyers, CDLI helps reduce the risk of future foreclosures and struggles they commonly face. “We provide education and orientation around what that looks like,” President and CEO Gwen O’Shea said, “helping people think about things like building their credit, reducing debt and ensuring you know good ratios when it comes time to close on a potential property.”
The assistance doesn’t end there: CDLI supports current homeowners as well. It offers a targeted home improvement program in the Village of Hempstead, which includes a $40,000 forgivable grant for home improvements for homeowners who may not have had access to other credit. “This is a great way to make necessary health and safety improvements while also increasing the value of your home,” O’Shea said.
Renters have access to CDLI’s support as well, as the organization works with those in need of homes to find
available properties that meet their needs. “We provide incentives to landlords to participate in the program as well,” she said.
For low to middle class families, Habitat for Humanity of Long Island is fighting the expensive housing market by providing safe and affordable places to live. They are built with the help of their volunteer staff, and awarded families work with a construction team to create their homes.
These homes are sold to these families based on construction costs alone. Each family’s mortgage and taxes are no more than 30 percent of their total income, ensuring these homes are sustainable for a stable living situation.
Homes usually have two to three bedrooms, with occasional four-bedrooms, based on family size. “When we build a home and partner with a family, they have to put in 300 sweat-equity hours helping build their home and other Habitat homes,” Caroljean D’Aquila, the organization’s director of corporate and community partnerships, said.
Families must go through an application process. “They have to meet a certain income level, depending on the family size,” D’Aquila said. “They have to have decent credit. They have to have a willingness to partner, and then the last thing is based on a need.”
Habitat for Humanity of Long Island has built around 270 homes in the past 38 years, helping over 800 people. With the growing need for affordable housing, it’s hard to keep up with the demand. Twice a year, applications open
for a 14- to 16-month building period. Over 200 families apply for homes each application period, and only about three are accepted.
Ground lease agreements
One method to drive down the cost of a house is collaboration with a community land trust, as used in a new development in Uniondale.
One of the aspiring homeowners who entered the Affordable Homeownership Lottery in February will live in a newly built house without paying for the land underneath. The land is owned by the Uniondale Community Land Trust, a local nonprofit, using a ground lease agreement that dramatically reduces the house’s cost.
The 1,688-square-foot, two-story house will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has an estimated value of $620,000, but has a sale price of $275,000.
Jeannine Maynard, vice president of U-CLT, said that the program has taken great effort: the permit collection, construction planning and lottery preparation were all carefully planned.
Recently, Maynard heard of the federal Manufactured Housing Pilot Program, which assists in financing manufactured homes by waiving certain regulatory barriers.
“There was a pilot program done upstate New York,” she said. “They expedited the permitting processes — they didn’t allow those kinds of hangups. They were able to bring homes to market close to the $250,000 level.”
The program has limited accessibility, requiring candidates to be eligible for a mortgage, to be able to afford a down payment, to be a first-time buyer and to make between 50 and 80 percent of the median household income in Uniondale — just over $78,000 for a family of four.
Accessory dwelling units
Long Island Housing Partnership is an organization that creates accessory dwelling units on new or existing properties. ADUs are independent living spaces on the same plot of land as a main house, ranging from converted basements and attics to completely new structures.
Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the ADU Plus One Program, a $59 million grant to various organizations and municipalities to create roughly 500 ADUs across the state, according to the governor’s office.
The program is for two-person households that earn under $213,840, with a preference for those earning under $129,600.
LIHP President Peter Elkowitz has led efforts to build ADUs across Suffolk County. Recently the organization redeveloped homes in Bay Shore and in the Town of Islip, creating 78 ADUs.
“They’re very valuable,” Elkowitz said. “There’s extended families that live in these accessory dwelling units, with the grandparents, the parents and now the kids.”
He described ADUs as being able to financially support the owner of the
property, who would collect rent to offset their own mortgage payments and property taxes.
While ADUs do not take up more land, they do increase the population of a neighborhood, yielding more traffic and higher demand for parking in areas that may not have access to robust public transportation.
James Britz, executive vice president of LIHP, explained that the group is pursuing multiple housing solutions at once.
“All of our homes we built now go into our community land trust,” Britz explained. “Our next major development is 32 single-family homes, all with accessory dwelling units in them, so we’ll be able to assist 32 homeowners and 32 renters in the Bellport community.”
LIHP also administers county and town payment assistance programs for
these projects, and requires affordable home programs to include ADUs in municipalities that permit their construction, according to Maynard.
With the homeless population rising in recent years, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless offers various resources, including a street outreach team and street medicine team.
A safe option support team is offered as a time-limited, evidence-based service that helps people in transition. Support services are provided for nine to 12 months, including initial outreach and engagement pre-housing. That includes multiple visits each week and a 90-day transition service after housing placement.
“We’re the lead entity of the Long Island Continuum of Care,” Paul
■ Homes are sold at construction cost, not market value.
■ Mortgages and property taxes are capped at 30 percent of a family’s income.
■ Each family contributes 300 volunteer hours toward building homes.
■ Typical builds are two- or threebedroom houses.
■ Each home is designed as a long-term residence.
Application process
■ Families must meet income guidelines, have decent credit and demonstrate need.
■ Only about three families are chosen out of more than 200 per cycle.
■ HFH has built about 270 homes on L.I. in 38 years, housing more than 800 people.
LaMarr, the organization’s policy and community planning manager, said. “We kind of are the command center for the homeless response system here on Long Island.”
To reach out directly, a helpline is available to connect with direct services and references. A boutique is available by referral for individuals to receive clothing and other home goods they may need.
An individual must be currently experiencing homelessness to receive these services. Those who qualify for programs are currently taking much longer to be housed. “I would say as a whole region it’s getting pretty stretched out, as far as our capacity as a region to adequately address and serve people who are experiencing homelessness,” LaMarr said. “The reality is that we have a lot more people entering into homelessness, and not enough housing to get people quickly housed.”
The housing crisis on Long Island is a problem at the intersection of social, economic and political stresses, and efforts to fix it must be multifaceted. Long Island’s communities differ in opinion, opportunity and solution strategies, but share a common cause in improving local living situations.
To reach the Long Island Homeless services hotline, call 211.
The Rockville Centre school district officially kicked off the 2025–2026 academic year on Tuesday, Sept. 2, as students returned to class after a long summer off.
Teachers and administrators were on hand at all five district elementary schools — Francis F. Wilson, Jennie E. Hewitt, Floyd B. Watson, William S. Covert and Riverside — to greet students with smiles and guide them to their classrooms. South Side Middle School and South Side High School also brought in
For many, the day was a joyful reunion with friends and classmates, filled with stories from summer break. For others, it marked a new beginning as they stepped into unfamiliar hallways and classrooms for the first time.
“We are excited to welcome everyone back to the 2025-2026 school year!” Superintendent Matthew Gaven said. “We look forward to an exciting year.”
While this school year brings back supportive and exciting programs across the district, it also introduces many new opportunities for students to take advantage of.
“We are excited to launch a number of new programs this year, including AP Cyber Security-Networking, AP Human Geography, IB Dance, Computational Engineering and Financial Investments courses at the high school,” Gaven said. “We are also happy to have a new fashion class at the middle school and new units of study at the elementary level.”
–Kelsie Radziski
WE ARE FUELING A CAUSE: BECAUSE OF THE SUPPORT OF OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS, WE ARE PROUD TO MAKE A DONATION OF $2000 TO THE TUNNEL TO TOWERS FOUNDATION! TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
in the past 40 years.
“Most pediatric cancer patients are treated with drugs developed in the 1950s through the 1980s, and are not tailored for children’s unique biology,” Ruchalski said.
She also offered an update on the foundation’s fundraising achievements: It has contributed almost $1 million to research grants, donated $200,000 to families affected by pediatric cancer, and is a proud sponsor of the Ronald McDonald House in New York City, sponsoring quarterly meals in Mary’s honor.
“And our proudest achievement is for our oldest daughter, Ashley, who has been appointed to the board of directors of the Children’s Cancer Therapy Development Institute under Charles Keller,” Ruchalski said, referring to the Scientific and Executive Director. “Ashley will have a direct effect on the furthering research for Mary’s cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma. Now, if that is not a sign from Mary, I don’t know what is.”
She also expressed her appreciation for the community’s continued support by participating in Play 4 Mary, where all little league softball games in Rockville Centre compete in her honor. She shared gratitude for the purchases of golden bows to display around the village as well. “All of this is made possible by all of you who continually come out and support us. Thank you for helping me and my foundation raise awareness. Thank you for the lemonade stands, the play for Mary’s, the lighting the way and displaying your bows,” she said.
“I know my Mary,” Ruchalski added, “and every single young warrior who is with her is saying, ‘Keep at it, be our voices, keep doing it and be the change.’”
The ceremony closed with the lighting of the Vil-
the rev. michael duffy, far left, marie giallombardo, assemblywoman Judy griffin, County Legislator Scott davis, gina Caggiano, mayor francis X. murray, and Carol and francis ruchalski stood by the gold-lit tree on Sept. 2.
lage Tree in shimmering gold, which will cast a glow throughout September as a symbol of remembrance and hope.
Many at the gathering had personal connections to the cause. Murray recalled how he lost his niece, Kimiko “Kimi” Schroder, to pediatric cancer. After an eight-year fight against a neuroblastoma, she died in 2019, at age 12. Kimi lived in San Diego, but stayed
with Murray during her treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan.
“We represent all those in Rockville Centre who are sick, who are passed away, and we really are trying to raise money with Carol to stop these terrible diseases of pediatric cancer,” he said.
To learn more about the foundation, visit TheMaryRuchalskiFoundation.org.
The Backyard Players & Friends is launching “Love, Nana,” a new children’s book written by Frances Carver and illustrated by James Hyland, with a community celebration set for Sept. 13.
“Love, Nana” tells the story of Joan Hyland, a warm-hearted grandmother who lovingly assembles baby bundles of essential clothing and items for new families in need. With help from the Backyard Players and members of the local community, Nana’s quiet mission of compassion grows into a powerful movement, showing how small acts of kindness can spark lasting change.
The book reflects a real-life initiative by the Backyard Players and Friends, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering young adults with developmental disabilities. Participants in the program actively help assemble baby bundles for families, gaining life skills while giving back in a meaningful way.
The book launch event will take place at the Backyard Players and Friends space, located at 215 N. Long Beach Road in Rockville Centre. The daytime portion runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes
author readings at noon and 2 p.m., along with baby bundle making, games, family-friendly activities and refreshments. An evening event follows from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring a 7:30 p.m. roundtable interview and light appetizers.
Community members are encouraged to attend, meet the creative team behind the book and learn how they can get involved in supporting the Love, Nana project.
Tea may taste good and be especially soothing on a cool day, but there are also many medical benefits to this drink.
Tea is an ancient beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries thanks to its healing benefits. An estimated three billion cups of tea are consumed across the globe every day, with many people looking to tea when they are sick or to prevent illness.
As popular as tea has become, certain misconceptions about tea have spread over the years. Read on to learn more about what’s in your cup.
Myth: Different tea varieties come from different types of tea plants.
Fact: Commercial tea comes only from the leaves of the camelia sinensis plant. Different methods of processing determine which variety of tea is produced. Black and oolong tea develops from oxidizing and fermenting tea leaves, while green tea is produced by steaming wilted leaves.
Myth: Adding milk to tea negates the health benefits.
Fact: According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the same amount of catechins, which are antioxidants associated with a reduced risk of some diseases, can be
absorbed tea that contains milk as tea that does not.
Myth: Anything with the name “tea” is true tea.
Fact: Only tea from tea plants constitutes real tea. Herbal varieties of tea are actually tisanes made from flowers and bark of other plants.
Myth: Fruits and vegetables contain more disease-fighting antioxidants than tea.
Fact: Research indicates that tea has about 10 times the amount of antioxidants of vegetables and fruit. Individuals who consume reduced-calorie diets often find tea that is a good, no-calorie source of antioxidants.
Myth: Antioxidants can turn back aging.
Fact: Antioxidants may contribute to personal longevity, but they cannot reverse signs of aging. Antioxidants have been known to neutralize free radicals in the body that can contribute to many different diseases, including various forms of cancer.
Myth: Tea never goes bad.
Fact: It may take some time for properly stored tea to spoil, but the level of antioxidants in tea does begin to diminish after a
At Oceanside Care Center, the comforts of home are right here at your fingertips, allowing you to focus on what really matters — recovering safely and quickly.
Oceanside Care Center has earned a reputation for over 50 years as a premier rehab facility, providing intensive short-term rehab as well as long-term care, seven days a week. The OCC team believes that the road to recovery is paved with compassion, and their goal is to help each resident reach their highest functional level with the help of our expertly trained staff of nurses, therapists
and physicians, all of whom are driven to build warm and compassionate bonds with residents. Together, they can develop a personalized care plan matched to specific needs and abilities, focusing on rebuilding each resident’s confidence, strength and skill, so that they can return to an independent life as quickly and safely as possible. OCC’s cutting-edge programs and therapies ensure a speedy recovery, while their five-star amenities and our kind and caring staff make you feel pampered and cared for in our beautiful, homelike environment. The comfortable
few months. Research by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry indicates catechins in green tea decrease by 32 percent in just six months. Tea is most beneficial to human health when it is consumed within six months of its production.
Myth: Tea has much less caffeine than coffee.
Fact: The amount of caffeine in tea can vary. The average amount of caffeine in tea ranges from 14 to 61 mg per eight-ounce cup. Coffee, on the other hand, can contain
between 27 and 200 mg per serving.
Myth: Hot tea is better for you than cold tea.
Fact: As long as the tea is steeped in water long enough, both hot and cold tea provide the same bang for your buck.
Courtesy American Heart Association
who are discovering the many health benefits of different types of teas.
setting allows residents to focus on regaining their strength and independence, while empowering them to enjoy fruitful lives with their families and friends. Come in for a tour today!
It’s likely that you are, or know, a woman with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a painful condition that’s disruptive to daily living and emotionally discouraging.
Many women suffer in silence from this common disorder. But help is available.
POP occurs most often in older women when pelvic organs, like the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend or protrude into the vagina due to weakness in the pelvic floor muscles and tissues that hold these organs in place. POP affects one in four women in their 40s, one in three in their 60s and 50 percent of women in their 80s.
The many painful and awkward symptoms of POP (which intensify as the muscles and tissue weaken) include:
• Bulging or feeling of a mass in the vagina
• Urinary problems, such as frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, or urine leakage when coughing or sneezing
• Constipation or fecal incontinence
• Incessant pain and pressure in the pelvic area lower back
• Increased or discolored vaginal discharge
• Decreased libido
• Lower extremity numbness or weakness (especially when POP is severe).
Women no longer have to suffer in silence. At Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, a team of physician specialists called urogynecologists led by Alan D. Garely, MD, Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Division Director of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, are using a minimally invasive, simplified surgical procedure to relieve women who are suffering silently with this burdensome condition.
Using one tiny incision, which is not visible, the procedure takes less than an hour, is done in the hospital, and is out-patient. It requires the insertion of a small anchoring device that lifts and supports pelvic organs and tissues and repositions them to their proper positions, eliminating the need to cut or remove tissue and
Alan Garely, MD, Chair of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science and Division Director of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery at Mount Sinai South Nassau utilizes a minimally invasive surgical procedure for women with pelvic organ prolapse.
insert surgical meshing. Patients don’t need to have a hysterectomy.
A study published in the March 2023 edition of the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that the procedure is an effective treatment for uterine prolapse and can be used with other common POP repair procedures.
“When pelvic floor disorders are appropriately diagnosed and treated, the outcomes can be truly remarkable and liberating for patients,” said Dr. Garely.
Dr. Garely and Mount Sinai South Nassau’s team of urogynecologists also specialize in non-surgical and surgical treatments that enable women to gain control over urologic health problems, from urinary incontinence to bladder and voiding
dysfunction.
Each member of the team is fellowship-trained in pelvic surgery, board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, and are among the first surgeons in the U.S. to be board-certified in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery. They also have advanced training in gynecologic laparoscopy (an alternative to traditional surgery that uses smaller incisions, for quicker recovery), computer-guided hysterectomy using the da Vinci® Surgical System and a special interest in outpatient care including outpatient laparoscopy (and incisionless prolapse surgery).
On average, they prescribe non-surgical treatments to successfully treat more than 50 percent of patients annually. Nonsurgical options that they prescribe include pelvic floor physical therapy, pessary use (a soft, flexible device that supports the bladder, vagina, uterus, and/or rectum), home exercise regimens, peripheral nerve stimulation (a stimulator implanted near the tailbone to treat urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urgency, frequency, and fecal incontinence) and medication.
Accreditations, designations, and awards that Mount Sinai South Nassau has received in women’s health services include The Joint Commission Perinatal Care Certification; Healthgrades’ FiveStar for Vaginal Delivery, Gynecologic Procedures and Hysterectomy; US News & World Report High Performing Rating in Maternity Care, and Baby Friendly hospital.
To schedule a consultation or for more information, call the hospital’s Division of Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery, call (516) 390-2850 or www.southnassau.org.
One Healthy Way Oceanside, NY 11572 • 877-SOUTH-NASSAU (877-768-8462) • www.mountsinai.org/southnassau
Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.
mountsinai.org/southnassau
By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
After nearly six months of hearings, Suffolk County Supreme Court Judge Tim Mazzei ruled in a written decision on Sept. 3 that the DNA evidence connecting alleged Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann to several victims, obtained through a new type of DNA testing, will be admissible in Heuermann’s trial.
“Astrea Forensics’ use of whole genome sequencing to generate SNP data and create a DNA profile,” Mazzei wrote, “is generally accepted as reliable within the scientific community,” based on the testimony of prosecution witnesses Kelley Harris, an associate professor of genome sciences at the University of Washington, and Richard Green, founder of Astrea Labs in California.
Mazzei also wrote in his opinion that “neither of the defendant’s expert witnesses controverted Astrea Forensics’ use of whole genome sequencing, to extract DNA from rootless hairs to generate SNP data and create a DNA profile.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney praised his staff and Mazzei’s decision outside the courtroom at the Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Court in Riverhead. “The reason why we were able to prevail was one simple reason: The science was on our side,” Tierney said, in front of several family members
of victims of the Gilgo murders who chose not to speak.
Prosecutors have said that Astrea Forensics linked Heuermann to six of the seven killings he is alleged to have committed over the course of at least two decades, beginning in 1993, through the testing of rootless hairs found at the crime scenes and comparative analysis of those hairs to DNA samples obtained from Heuermann and family members.
His defense team has argued that the technology is new and unproven.
Five witnesses testified in a Frye hearing, a legal proceeding — also known as a general acceptance hearing — used to determine whether scientific evidence presented in court is widely accepted and considered valid within the relevant scientific community.
The admittance of DNA by Mazzei’s ruling could create a statewide prece-
dent. Prior to his decision, Astrea’s technology had only been admitted in court in Idaho. Heuermann’s defense filed another motion based on the court’s decision, alleging that the use of Astrea Forensics to analyze Heuermann’s DNA violates New York state health law.
“It criminalizes this very type of action,” Michael Brown, Heuermann’s court-appointed lawyer said, “which is an out-of-state, non-permitted laboratory for profit to test and offer evidence in the state of New York on a criminal case.”
The motion was filed on Sept. 3 with a return date of Sept. 17 — the same date the prosecution will certify its case. The Suffolk County district attorney’s office will answer the motion on Sept. 22.
Heuermann’s defense has been trying to sever the case into separate murder cases, while the prosecution has pushed to have the whole case combined in one trial. Mazzei called all parties back to court on Sept. 23, when he anticipates ruling on both motions.
Heuermann, 61, a Massapequa Park resident, now stands charged with the murders of a total of seven people: Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen BrainardBarnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla and Valerie Mack. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, and has maintained his innocence since his July 2023 arrest.
By Karen Bloom
Autumn’s many pleasures are upon us — and nothing says fall quite like a trip to the apple orchards.
As September rolls in, the air turns crisp, leaves begin to glow and our taste buds are tempted by the flavors that define this fleeting season: juicy apples, fresh-pressed cider and, of course, pumpkins. It’s the perfect time to gather family and friends, head to a local orchard, and fill your baskets with fall’s sweetest treasures.
Apple season is now in full swing, wich picking continuing into mid-October — giving everyone a chance to savor the harvest. When it comes to choosing apples, there’s no shortage of flavor. Local orchards are brimming with varieties to suit every taste and recipe.
Best for snacking: Crisp, juicy favorites like McIntosh, HoneyCrisp, Macoun, Zestar, Granny Smith, and Paula Red are perfect eaten fresh off the tree. More adventurous pickers might enjoy Cortland, Empire, Jonagold, or Crispin (also known as Mutsu).
Best for baking: McIntosh and Cortland shine in pies, crisps, and cakes — Cortlands, in particular, need less sugar because of their natural sweetness. Rome, Empire, Fuji, Crispin, and Ginger Gold are also reliable choices. For pies, a mix of varieties such as Crispin, Cortland, Rome, Granny Smith, and Northern Spy often brings out the best flavor.
Best for sauces and more: Paula Reds cook down beautifully into applesauce, while Cortlands add flavor and color to salads. And, of course, fresh-pressed cider remains the season’s star — orchards throughout the region urge everyone to “buy local” and enjoy each batch. Once home with your bounty, make delectable apple treats.
is surely one of the definitive desserts of the season.
Filling:
• 3 pounds apples, to yield 2 pounds peeled, cored, and sliced apples; about 9 cups
• 1/4 cup (57g) rum, apple cider or juice, or water
• 1/4 to 3/4 cup (53g to 159g) light brown sugar or 1/4 cup (53g) dark brown sugar, depending on the sweetness/tartness of your apples
• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (43g) boiled cider, optional but good
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Apple Pie Spice, or 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg + 1/4 teaspoon ginger
• 3 tablespoons (20g) unbleached all-purpose flour or tapioca flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
• 3/4 cup (90g) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (45g) quick-cooking oats
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup (142g) light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 8 tablespoons (113g) butter, cold, cut in pats
• 1/2 cup (57g) diced pecans or walnuts, optional
Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9” x 9” square cake pan, or similar-size casserole pan. Slice the apples about 1/4” thick. Toss them with the remaining filling ingredients, and spread them in the pan.
To make the topping, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add the cold butter, working it in to make an unevenly crumbly mixture. Stir in the nuts, if you’re using them.
Spread the topping over the apples in the pan. Set the pan on a parchment or foil-lined cookie sheet, to catch any potential drips. Bake for about 60 minutes, till bubbling and top is golden brown.
Remove to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. If you serve the crisp hot/warm, it may be quite soft; you wait till it’s completely cool, it’ll firm up nicely.
Note: To make individual crisps, grease eight 8-ounce capacity baking dishes, and proceed with the recipe accordingly, baking the smaller crisps for 45 to 55 minutes.
New York Apple Slaw Salad
•
A tasty side with plenty of crunch.
chopped green cabbage
• 1 cup(s) sliced, finely chopped red cabbage
• 1 medium red apple, sliced thin and cut into
small matchsticks
• 1 medium green apple, sliced thin and cut into small matchsticks
• 1 cup(s) grated carrot
• 1/4 cup(s) shelled, roasted pistachios
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoon(s) apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) country Dijon mustard (such as Grey Poupon)
• 1 tablespoon(s) honey
In a cruet or jar, combine dressing ingredients and shake well. Set aside. Combine cabbage, carrot and apples into a large bowl.
Chop pistachios with a knife or use a chopper. Add chopped pistachios to the bowl. Add dressing, salt and pepper to taste, and stir well. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes; stir again before serving.
Apples and cranberries combine for a welcome ending to any meal.
• Pastry for a 2 crust deep dish 9-inch pie
• 4 cups sliced, pared tart apples (thickly sliced)
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter
Preheat oven to 425° F. Prepare pastry. In large bowl, combine sugars, flour and cinnamon. Add apples and cranberries. Mix to coat well. Turn into prepared pie pan. Dot with butter. Cover with second crust and seal to bottom crust edge by pressing edges together, then flute. Cut slits in top crust. Bake 40-45 minutes until crust is lightly browned. Cover edge of crust with foil if crust is browning too quickly. Cool.
Both Sides Now: Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen
This intimate theatrical concert explores the music and lives of longtime friends and one-time lovers, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Created by, and starring folk-rocker Robbie Schaefer and award-winning jazz vocalist Danielle Wertz, the cabaretstyle performance — developed at Washington D.C’s Signature Theatre — traverses decades alongside songs such as “A Case of You,” “Hallelujah,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Suzanne,” and many more. Both Sides Now is at once a piece of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and of right now — offering us a story about the messiness of being human, of lives persistently lived at the edge of growth, and of finding the courage to turn toward one another, again and again. Robbie, a rabbi, singersongwriter and theater-film artist, and Danielle, a storyteller-composerarranger, pair up for an unforgettable evening.
Friday, Sept. 12, 8 p.m. $39, $36, $31. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.
For over 40 years the band from Down Under continues to shine. See what critics have acclaimed as “the gold standard” of tribute acts with stunning special effects that re-create Pink Floyd’s legendary stage shows. The band performs the seminal album Wish You Were Here in its entirety, including all nine parts of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” along with tunes from The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. With colorful lighting and video, pinpoint lasers, gargantuan inflatables and flawless live sound that was the benchmark of Pink Floyd shows, the band delivers a memorable experience. Replicating music from every phase of Pink Floyd’s journey, this tour reinforces their dedication to the heritage of Barrett, Waters, Gilmour, Wright and Mason.
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 8 p.m. $105.25, $88, $77.75, $66.25, $55.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: Ongoing
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Join the launch of Frances carver’s new book with illustrations from James Hyland. With readings and roundtable interviews.
•Where: Backyard Players and Friends, 215 N. Long Beach Road, Rockville Centre
•Time: Daytime readings: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Evening roundtable: 7-9 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 351-6299
New York City-based writerperformer Joriah Kwame, a Jonathan Larson Grant recipient visits Adelphi University for a special concert appearance. Kwame, who has a deep passion for musical theater, showcases work from various projects in development. He is most known for writing the viral song “Little Miss Perfect,” of which he is developing a stage musical of the same name. His current slate of projects (both original and adaptations) ranges widely, featuring collaborations with artists like Debbie Allen, Lena Waithe, Siedah Garrett, Marcus Gardley, Lauren Gunderson, and Sam Pinkleton. Tickets start at $25, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees.
•Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center,
Get in the groove with the NYC Ska Orchestra. This 20-piece big band blends the exuberant musical layers of the jazz big band era with Jamaican roots music. The top-notch musicians, led by arranger-trumpetervocalist Kevin Batchelor deliver a lively concert that surely will lead you to want to get up out of your seat and dance. The band features star turns from celebrated octogenarian percussionist/vocalist Larry McDonald and master drummer Carl Wright. Alongside a powerhouse collective of instrumental artists from the reggae recording scene, bandmembers have performed with Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Toots & the Maytals. Together they play a non-stop selection of lush original compositions and arrangements of songs from the richly historic and culturally iconic Jamaican musical styles of 1950s and ’60s ska, mento, rocksteady and jazz. Don’t know the difference between mento and two-tone? Let this collective of musicians be your guide. The passionate team of talented musicians each bring unique energy and expertise to create an unforgettable sound experience. The band includes Pallavi Gummalam and singer/arranger Aida Brandies Hargrove, joined by top-notch pros who all combine for a hugely entertaining, danceable, unforgettable show. $42, $37 members..
1 South Ave., Garden City
•Time: 3 p.m.
•Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or call (516) 877-4000
14
•Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington
• Time: 8 p.m.
•Contact: landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444
Island Growers Market, every Sunday until Dec. 21.
•Where: 510 Sunrise Highway, across from Rockville Centre GMC dealer
•Time: 7 a.m.-noon
RVC Homemakers
All are welcome to join this friendly group. From knitting and crocheting to sewing, make some friends while making a difference in the community.
18
‘Brown Bag’ Art Conversation
Join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus her popular Brown Bag Lecture. Experience the museum’s exhibition “At Play: Artists & Entertainment” through a lively and informative presentation. Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Registration not required. First come, first seated.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: 1 p.m., also Oct. 23
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
SEPT
19
Parti-gras at the park
Poison frontman Bret Michaels and former Eagles member Don Felder bring their spirited concert to Eisenhower Park. Rock on to fan favorite tunes.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
SEPT
Long Island Promise Walk for Preeclampsia
A free family-friendly event to get moving for Preeclampsia support at South Side Middle School.
All items except jewelry are welcome to be brought in for a verbal appraisal by well known appraiser and auctioneer, Phil Weiss. All proceeds benefit the Rockville Centre Historical Society and Museum.
•Where: Phillips House Museum, 28 Hempstead Ave.
•Time: Noon-4 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 670-5737 SEPT
9/11 memorial service
Join with neighbors and friends at annual village memorial service honoring those who of the community who lost their lives on 9/11.
•Where: Village Green, Maple Ave.
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 678-9300
Farmers Market Shop at the Rockville Centre Farmers Market, run by the Long
•Contact: Ethel Terry at (631) 466-8939
Country grooves
Eisenhower Park welcomes country singer-songwriter Ashley McBryde. She delivers tales of broken hearts and the honky-tonk life.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 6 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
16
Wise Guys of Long Island: Owls with Dianne Taggart Adults can learn about all things owls with a long time birder at Rockville Centre Public Library.
•Where: 221 N Village Ave
Sea Cliff
•Time: 2-3 p.m.
•Contact: rvclibrary.org or (516) 766-6257
•Where: Rec Center, 111 North Oceanside Road
•Time: 10 a.m.
•Contact: Karen at (516) 3186771, email kaltersonk4@ gmail.com; MaryAnn at (516) 672-5815, email rvcny@aol.com
Calling all singers
A new season and a new name. Join the Long Island Community Chorus, Inc. (formally the Rockville Centre Choral Society) for auditions and rehearsals, Wednesdays. All voices are welcome. Members are from Queens, Nassau and Suffolk counties and are expanding ever year since 1984.
•Where: St. James UMC , 11 St. James Place, Lynbrook
•Time: 7:30 p.m.
•Contact: licchorus@gmail.com or call (516) 599-5705
•Where: 67 Hillside Ave., Rockville Centre
•Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 279-2229
20 Blood Drive
SEPT
21
Support the St. Agnes Knights of Columbus fall blood drive. Stop by to donate.
•Where: St. Agnes Parish Center, 29 Quealy Place, Rockville Centre
•Time: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
•Contact: (516) 306-9127
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.
Families, friends and dorm neighbors all made moving day a success for the largest class size Molloy has ever seen.
Molloy University welcomed approximately 350 first-year students into its on-campus residence halls last week, marking the largest number of residential students in school history.
The move-in marks a historic moment for Molloy as the Class of 2029 also represents the largest incoming freshman class in the university’s history, with more than 850 students. The record-breaking group hails from 22 states and four countries, reflecting the school’s continued growth and appeal.
“It’s wonderful to feel the energy and heartbeat of campus life return with our students back on campus,” Janine Biscari, Vice President for Student Affairs at Molloy University, said in a news release. “Move-In Day is always a special moment and we’re so excited to welcome our students home to Molloy and look forward to all they’ll accomplish in the year ahead.”
Students and families arrived on Sept. 1 to unload vehicles, pack rolling bins and settle into one of the university’s three residence halls. After meeting roommates and setting up their rooms, students said goodbye to their families and began their college experience at Molloy.
“We are so excited for the year ahead but especially for our first year students,” said James Lentini, President of Molloy University. “In a world full of mixed messages, college is still one of the best choices you can make. My hope is that each student finds a path that inspires them — and at Molloy, we’re here to help them do just that.”
Founded in 1955 by the Dominican Sisters of Amityville, Molloy University is an independent Catholic institu-
Friends came to campus together, smiling and getting ready for the school year ahead.
tion located in Rockville Centre. The university serves approximately 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students across programs including nursing, business, education, allied health and the arts. Molloy was recently ranked among the top 50 “Best Colleges in New York” by Niche.
–Kelsie Radziski
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH | 6:00PM
Frank’s Steaks, a well-known steakhouse in Rockville Centre, has been closed since the beginning of August.
Frank’s Steaks, a steakhouse in Rockville Centre, has temporarily closed its doors. Located on Lincoln Avenue, the restaurant shut down in early August amid a variety of code violations from the Village of Rockville Centre Building Department and a landlord-tenant dispute.
The code violations deemed the building a “dangerous unsafe structure,” according to signage posted on
the door. John Casper, the restaurant’s owner, said the restaurant was given a total of 33 violations to address. At press time, according to the village, the restaurant is awaiting further inspection from the building department.
Frank’s Steaks first opened in Rockville Centre in 2001 and has been a popular local spot since then.
–Kelsie Radziski
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF NEW YORK
MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS
MANAGEMENT SERIES
I TRUST, -againstLIONEL O.
LIVINGSTON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ESTELLA L. MITCHELL, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on June 27, 2025, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK
MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS
MANAGEMENT SERIES
I TRUST is the Plaintiff and LIONEL O.
LIVINGSTON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ESTELLA L. MITCHELL, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 6, 2025 at 2:30PM, the premises known as 65 LAKESIDE DRIVE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570; tax map identification 35-88-22 & 23; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 601445/2022. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH
COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 155538
LEGAL NOTICE
ROCKVILLE CENTRE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Directory Information
The Rockville Centre Union Free School District, pursuant to Sec. 438, Pub. L. 90-247, Title IV, Sub. 99.37 known as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), designates the following personally identifiable information contained in a student’s education record as “directory information,” which may be publicly released without prior consent: Directory Information
1. Student’s name
2. Student’s address
3. Student’s date of birth
4. Major field of study
5. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
6. Weight and height of members of athletic teams
7. Dates of attendance
8. Degrees, honors and awards received
9. Names of student’s parents
10. Most recent educational agency or institution attended by the student
11. Photography or imagery of the student (which may be released and appear to the public via mediums including, but not limited to, print and electronic media, the internet, television, or annual yearbooks published by the District). If the student from whom information is sought by the media does not want to be interviewed, photographed and/or videotaped, or if the parent/guardian of the student denies permission for media access to his/her child, such access will be denied by the building principal/designee and/or the Superintendent of Schools, upon notice of same.
Each year, parents, legal guardians or students who have attained the age of 18, may request that directory information designated above not be publicly released without their consent by writing to the District Clerk at 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, NY
11570-2298, by September 30th of each school year. The student’s name, school and grade level must be included. The request not to publicly release information expires at the end of each school year. A letter must be submitted each year in order to continue nonrelease.
All student educational records, and records that were created as a result of a student receiving special education services under Part B of IDEA, may also be released to another school or postsecondary institution at which the student seeks or intends to enroll.
ROCKVILLE CENTRE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Military Recruiters Access to High School Students and Information on Students
The District will comply with requests from military recruiters and institutions of higher education (IHEs) for access to name, address and telephone listing of each secondary school student, except for any student whose parent (or the student if he or she is at least 18 years of age) has submitted a written request to optout of this disclosure, in which case the information will not be released without the parents’ (or student’s, if he or she is at least 18 years of age) prior written consent. Parents wishing to exercise their option to withhold such information without prior written parental consent may do so by obtaining a form from the South Side High School Main Office, completing the form, and returning it to the Principal’s Office at South Side High School by September 30th of each school year.
ROCKVILLE CENTRE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Student Education Records
In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”) and Rockville Centre School District Policy, parents and students over 18 years of age have the right to inspect and review their child’s/their student education records or to request the amendment of records believed to be
inaccurate or misleading. Student education records are private unless the parent or student older than 18 consent to disclosure of personally identifiable information. FERPA authorizes disclosure of personally identifiable information without consent in limited circumstances. Procedures for such review process may be obtained from building principals or the District Clerk.
ROCKVILLE CENTRE
UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Non-Discrimination
No staff member or student in the Rockville Centre Union Free School District shall, on the grounds of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex (including gender identity or the status of being transgender), sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, military status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, or use of recognized guide dog, hearing dog or service dog, or domestic violence victim status, or any other basis prohibited by state or federal nondiscrimination laws be excluded from, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored or conducted by the School District. Inquiries regarding the Districts nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Marie Dalton and Jacqueline Rehak, Compliance Officers, Rockville Centre UFSD, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570, telephone 516-255-8928 and 516-255-8927.
ROCKVILLE CENTRE
UNION FREE SCHOOL
DISTRICT
Student Privacy Notice
The Rockville Centre Union Free School District adopted Policy 7243, Student Privacy, Parental Access to Information, and Administration of Certain Physical Examinations to Minors. Policy 7243 requires notification to all parents and guardians of specific types of surveys or activities which will be conducted during the school year and/or during the summer program in accordance with law by either
The Fourth Battalion Parade honoring the 150th anniversary of the Eureka Hook, Ladder & Bucket Company 1 will take place this Saturday, Sept. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in Rockville Centre.
The parade will step off at Maple Avenue and Jefferson Avenue, proceeding west on Maple Avenue, north onto North Park Avenue, west on Front Street, and north onto North Village Avenue. It will conclude on Washington Street, behind Terry Animal Hospital.
All local fire departments in the Fourth Battalion — which includes Rockville Centre, East Rockaway, Lakeview, Lynbrook and Malverne — are expected to participate in the event,
which is open to the public and aimed at drawing families and community members of all ages.
The official anniversary date of the Eureka Company is Sept. 25, when it will celebrate 150 years of serving the community. It was started in 1875 by 19 men who got together after a fire burned down a barn in the small hamlet of Rockville Centre, which at the time had less than 1,000 people. According to Honorary Fire Chief Steve Rakeman, the company is older than the library, the school district, the village and even the county.
–Kelsie Radziski
individual schools or the School District. If the School District or your child’s school principal plans to administer a survey or activity covered by this policy, you will be directly notified in writing prior thereto and then given ten (10) days to opt your child out of participation.
ROCKVILLE CENTRE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Identification and Register of Children with Disabilities In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), parents who believe their child may have a disability are urged to contact Marie Dalton, Assistant Superintendent for Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services, Rockville Centre UFSD, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570, telephone 516-255-8928, or Rebecca Taylor, Chairperson for the Committee on Special Education, 516-255-8928 or Dr. Janine Rose, Chairperson for the Committee on Preschool Special Education at 516-255-8815.
ROCKVILLE CENTRE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Complaints of Discrimination In accordance with Title IX/Section 504/ADA, complaints and grievances regarding discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability should be directed to the Title IX
Coordinators, Marie Dalton and Jacqueline Rehak, Rockville Centre UFSD, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 at 516-255-8928 or 516-255-8927. Dignity for All Students Act Complaints pertaining to student harassment, bullying and discrimination, in accordance with the Dignity for All Students Act, may be made to building Dignity Act Coordinators as follows: Covert School/ Michele DeMartino, and Kathy Cilento at 516-255-8916, Hewitt School/Anna McGovern and Lisa Panebianco at 516-255-8913, Riverside School/Chris Zappia and Lisa Panebianco at 516-255-8902, Watson School/Jen Pascarella and Sue Buckheit at 516-255-8904, Wilson School/Jim Duffy and Kathy Cilento at 516-255-8910, South Side Middle School/Shelagh McGinn and Katie Yamond at 516-255-8976, South Side High School/Ben Moss and Nicole Knorr at 516-255-8944. 155546
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350
Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 09/17/2025 at 9:30
A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30
A.M.
495/25. NR ROCKVILLE CENTRE - Nicholas & Christina Della Pelle, Special exception to construct partially enclosed pavilion with attached shed & gas BBQ, higher & larger than permitted, exceeding horizontal maximum on all sides, with lot area occupied & rear yard occupied variances., N/s Rose La., 203’ E/o Westminster Rd., a/k/a 413 Rose La. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.
This notice is only for new cases in Rockville Centre within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman,
the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.
155658
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 53-2025
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 3rd day of September, 2025, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. -2025, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 53-2025, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations. Dated: September 3, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk
155648
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
Bar Harbour, spectacular expanded multi-level Ranch in the heart of South Massapequa Park. Unique one-of-a-kind home offering expansive living space and luxurious details throughout including crown moldings and coffered ceilings. The main level features a family room with a fireplace, separate formal living room, an updated eat-in kitchen, spacious dining room, convenient butler’s pantry, stylish half bath,
‘How does anybody want to do business here?’
Q. Can you explain why I have to go back through a whole repeat of applying for a permit that has already been approved twice in the past 10 years for the same thing? I bought a property that I was told could be developed for multiple families. I looked up the records and found that it had been approved as recently as 10 years ago, but the person who was getting the permit must have run out of money or something. I applied for the exact same thing and was told I would have to go through applying for the permit, getting a denial, going through a board meeting with the council, and if approved, would still need to get a zoning variance that has already been given approvals twice before. I was also warned that this whole process could take three to four years. How does anybody want to do business here? Buying a property, paying the taxes, getting nothing, just shelling out loads of money on the assumption that the whole thing will be approved hardly makes it worth it. Is this avoidable? Is there another way?
Month Owner 516-637-2182
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A. Not every municipality has this long a process, but the process is generally the same in every government, no matter the size. The only way through it is to promptly apply at each stage but, unfortunately, the procedures and rules make the process extremely drawn out. In theory, each phase of approval is intended as a “checks and balances” procedure, and as long as you are writing the checks and keeping the local government’s balances, they rarely try to streamline unless you cooperate. I did recently experience an exception worthy of recognizing Long Beach for its wisdom and compassion toward a homeowner. The person had a deck built that had columns running right along the property line, which is not allowed in the zoning regulations. The owner went through the building permit and zoning variance process, but the contractor deviated from the plans once the permit was issued.
Instead of putting all the columns right along the property line, even though the second floor deck was set back the required 5 feet, the contractor only put the first two front columns on the property line, and then installed the remaining three columns 5 feet in, so that a car couldn’t park under the deck. It made no sense, but the owner can’t read plans, and didn’t know what was happening until it was too late. They questioned this with their building department, and an official looked at the problem, but instead of forcing the owner to go back through the whole process, the official recognized that this problem had a simpler solution, and only required a letter of explanation from a licensed professional, and the problem will be solved without the expensive and time-consuming burden to the owner.
So it can be done, if only compassion prevailed. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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I’m a capitalist. There, I said it. Even more than that, I’m a Democrat. In fact, I serve as a Democratic national committeeman. I have also been a partner in a small business on Long Island for more than 35 years. Capitalism is neither a threat nor just a theory to me; it is a reality that provides opportunities for me as well as our employees, vendors and clients.
As I write this confession sequestered in my undisclosed location, it is important to remember that our nation’s capitalist economy and entrepreneurial spirit are the envy of the world, attracting workers, investment and admiration. But this success wouldn’t be possible without two critical features: a social safety net that allows people to take risks, start businesses and join unions, and federal funding for research and development.
It is because of my commitment to capitalism that I stand in strong opposition to President Trump’s economic agenda.
Think about the child tax credit, the
IAffordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security — these historic programs achieved by visionary leaders during national crises protect people from the vicissitudes of the market and allow them to pursue economic opportunity. Trump is tearing up that legacy by gutting Medicaid and food assistance for tens of thousands of New Yorkers.
Trump’s economic agenda is an assault on everything from jobs to science.
His Big Beautiful Bill — a big, ugly bill — will spike health care premiums for more than 24 million households that receive health insurance through the ACA exchange, and the exorbitant expense will cost as many as 80,000 New Yorkers their coverage. It will lead to the layoffs of more than 3,000 hospital workers in our state. It will reduce aftertax income not just for the very poor and vulnerable, but also for the middle class. It will raise electricity bills, and make basic consumer goods more expensive. Our small businesses and their employees will suffer the repercussions.
The latest jobs report indicates a slumping economy, with just 22,000 jobs added in August and the unemployment rate at the highest level since October 2021. This will only get worse as the administration’s unprecedented tariffs
are fully implemented. Moreover, Trump’s decision to fire the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner over a weak jobs report and his attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, in addition to eroding the independence of the Fed, are the tactics of a banana republic that undermine American capitalism. Our fellow citizens can’t succeed when they are denied opportunities to enter the middle class and build a future for their families.
Contrary to conventional belief, the federal government has funded and developed leading technologies, such as GPS, Siri, the Covid-19 vaccines, the space program and the internet. According to a recent Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas paper, non-defense government research and development has been responsible for more than 20 percent of productivity growth since World War II. Instead of doubling down on these critical investments, the Trump administration has canceled billions of dollars in grants for the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. His research funding budget would inflict even more austerity. Put simply, this is an assault on American jobs, edu-
cation, science, health, medicine and our economic standing in the world.
There’s no question that unchecked government and unchecked capitalism are equally dangerous. Imagine two scenarios: In one, American businesses innovate, grow and compete globally, powered by a workforce with access to health care, education and financial opportunity. That leads to a future in which new industries emerge, life-changing technologies are invented and prosperity is widely shared.
In the other scenario, we watch our competitive edge erode. Entrepreneurs can’t take risks because they can’t afford to get sick. Innovation stalls. Inequality deepens. Businesses fail. Families suffer.
The choice we face isn’t between capitalism and government, but between a sustainable capitalism that works for all and a broken system that serves and favors only a few. If we are to create jobs, power local businesses, develop innovation and protect the American dream, we must rise above party labels and partisan rhetoric and respond as patriots by learning from history. The investments that have cured disease and provided economic growth have made our country the beacon of innovation. That requires standing in defense of capitalism.
Robert Zimmerman is a co-president of ZE Creative Communications in Garden City.
firmly believe that the residents of Nassau County, and the constituents I serve in Assembly District 21, appreciate good government. We have many layers of government, and we serve our constituents best when we partner and work together to resolve issues, provide essential services and take action to positively impact the lives of the people we represent. I value good government, and would like to point out the following example of it. Good government was at the forefront when we proudly celebrated the grand opening of Whelan Park, in Malverne, on Sept. 4. This was a wonderful opportunity to show how the community benefits when all levels of government work in sync on a shared goal.
The Village of Malverne’s mayor and trustees, former mayors, local and state partners, the commissioner of New York State Homes and Community Renewal and the governor collaborated over several years to bring this project to fruition. I applaud their dedicated efforts in prioritizing this project, and working
together to provide a vibrant recreational space that encourages participation in healthy activities and inspires community connection. I was happy to play a role early in the planning of this project, in 2019 and 2020.
One of the best things about Whelan Park is that it offers something for everyone, so now residents of all ages can enjoy this beautiful recreational space. I look forward to seeing my constituents enjoying the two new ball fields, the scenic pedestrian path with exercise stations and educational features, the concession stand and picnic area, the new dog park for animal lovers, and a natural habitat to explore.
To me it means the successful revitalization of Malverne’s Whelan Park.
for her proactive investment in the areas I represent. This initiative, part of the Mill River drainage program, was administered by Homes and Community Renewal at the direction of the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery in 2022. This program is vital, because its purpose is to increase the resiliency of communities along the Mill River by managing stormwater, improving habitat and water quality, and increasing recreational access to green space.
In the years following Hurricane Irene, in 2011, and Superstorm Sandy, in 2012, the state launched several programs to better address flooding. These projects included a Citizens Advisory Council, to ensure that valuable local resident input was a key component. This resulted in strengthened resiliency, fortified the waterways and shorelines against flooding, and improved access to Mill River and streams while enhancing recreational and educational facilities at Hempstead Lake State Park and adjacent areas.
Malverne has always been a village that values family, tradition and community, and I have no doubt that Whelan Park will be a cherished gathering place for generations to come. In July it was wonderful to see the park being used for a meaningful community endeavor, when American Legion Post 44 held its Walkathon there. I was thrilled to take part, and to get a sneak peek of the new park.
The extraordinary $6.3 million revitalization and renovation of the park is also an ideal example of how state investment can vastly benefit local communities. I am grateful to Gov. Kathy Hochul
This initiative not only provided a revitalized recreational facility, but also strengthened stormwater infrastructure and fortified the area adjacent to Pine Stream to reduce flooding. Although enhancing resiliency and addressing stormwater management to safeguard this area from flooding was the primary focus of the project, I value the combined initiative to benefit the local community. You wouldn’t know by looking at the impressive new ball fields that beneath them lies an underground water-retention basin to contain excess rainwater. The attractive pedestrian paths and surrounding area include permeable pavement, vegetated channels, and grading that were built as natural filters to collect stormwater.
There are so many other exciting potential projects along the shorelines and throughout the 21st District that would enhance our quality of life. I am continually working with the governor’s office, the Assembly majority and local leaders to make investments that will enrich our communities.
This is just one example of what’s possible when the people elected to serve us work together toward the betterment of citizens and our communities. Time spent collaborating and planning, with constructive intentions, almost always ends in good results for taxpayers. We need more of this in our government, and it’s not difficult to achieve. Whelan Park is a shining example of what can happen when government focuses on people, not politics.
Judy Griffin represents the 21st Assembly District.
ioften reflect on how people thought differently about the world on Sept. 10, 2001. Then, in an instant, everything changed. I remember the confusion, chaos and fear — and the extraordinary unity that followed. In the days and weeks after the attacks, we weren’t Democrats or Republicans. We were Americans, bound by grief, resolve and an unshakable sense of shared purpose.
I was buoyed by the sight of American flags flying everywhere, on cars, on homes, on buildings. They reminded us, even in our darkest hour, that we were still united as one people. That unity stands in stark contrast to the fractured and divided state of our country today. On this solemn anniversary, I believe Sept. 11 must not only be a day of remembrance, but also a day of recommitment. Let’s rededicate ourselves to the dream that is America — the proposition that all men and women are created equal, and the promise that hard work will be reward-
ed with a decent life. Let’s re-devote ourselves to faith, family, community and country.
I vividly remember those first hours. In Glen Cove, where I was serving as mayor, one of the first decisions we made was to run continuous trips of the Glen Cove Ferry to help bring people trapped in Manhattan to safety. Our crews and volunteers transported thousands of people. It was a small act of service compared with the enormity of what had happened, but it was something tangible, something immediate, something that made a difference.
Lness of those who stood ready to serve. I lost friends and neighbors that day, and I know others who survived because they decided not to go to the office that morning. One friend instead handed out my campaign literature at the train station.
et’s carry forward the spirit of unity and purpose that defined us in those dark days.
We solicited hundreds of volunteer doctors, nurses and first responders to be ferried to the city. We also coordinated with New York City emergency management and Glen Cove Hospital to bring the wounded back to our facility. Sadly, as the day wore on, the reality became painfully clear. There were no wounded. They didn’t need our hospital, or our volunteers — the devastation was so complete that there were no survivors to be saved.
That truth still weighs heavily on me, a reminder of both the cruelty of that day and the extraordinary selfless-
We must be grateful for our lives and what we have when we have it. Let’s do the work we can, while we can.
Over the years, I’ve been privileged to work closely with John Feal, of Commack, a man who turned his own tragedy into a life of service. John was working as a demolition supervisor at ground zero when a falling steel beam crushed his foot. After his injury, he was denied compensation. He made it his mission to fight for others. Through the FealGood Foundation, and with allies like Jon Stewart and many others, we’ve fought hard on behalf of first responders and survivors, ensuring that they receive the care and resources they deserve.
This year, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and I introduced the bipartisan Patriot Day Act, to establish Sept. 11 as a federal holiday. Our goal is simple: to give every American the chance to com-
memorate one of the most significant days in our history. For 24 years we have honored 9/11 in our own ways. By enshrining the day in federal law, we would affirm that remembrance is not optional; it is essential.
But remembering isn’t enough. We owe it to those we lost, and to those who rushed into the burning towers to save others, to carry forward the spirit of unity and purpose that defined us in those dark days. Let us never forget the pain that was visited upon us, the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders and the extraordinary sense of togetherness that carried us through. And most of all, let’s rededicate ourselves to the dream and promise of America, that we’re stronger together, that our differences don’t divide us, and that hope, not hatred, will define our future.
On Sept. 11, 2001, everything changed. Twenty-four years later, the memories are still raw. The grief still lingers. But so, too, does the possibility of renewal. If we remember well, and recommit ourselves, Sept. 11 will not only be a day of mourning, but also a day of resolve. That’s how we can best honor those we lost: by building a country worthy of their sacrifice.
Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.
As county executive, I am proud to announce that Nassau County has reached unprecedented levels of safety during my time in office. Despite having a larger population than 10 U.S. states, our crime numbers have continued to decline every year. After falling by 9 percent in 2024, major crimes are now down by over 13 percent in the county yearto-date in 2025. This is a massive accomplishment for our Nassau County Police Department, and it’s a major reason why we continue to be regarded as the safest county in America.
But despite our accomplishments, we know that we can never rest on our laurels. Every day we strive to find new ways to bring security and peace of mind to our residents. One of my top priorities is protecting our children from criminals who threaten their security at school. With a new academic year underway, many parents may be feeling anxious about shootings and other devastating events that have
repeatedly happened across our country. I am taking every possible step, however, to ensure that those tragedies do not happen in Nassau County.
Last month, I announced that the NCPD was creating and deploying a new Strategic Response Team specifically to safeguard our schools and mitigate any threats to students, teachers and faculty. The team is made up of dozens of dedicated police officers who work closely with school officials to identify and prevent potential threats. I’m proud to say that the team’s deployment was a complete success for this year’s back-toschool transition, and it will be a critical tool moving forward for all of the county’s educational institutions.
W
ith efforts like the largest gang takedown in the county’s history last month.
a week, with many of them known members of gangs like MS-13, the 18th Street Gang and the Trinitarios. This monumental achievement was the largest gang takedown in Nassau County history, and it helped remove illegal criminals who had no business being here in the first place. Nassau is not a sanctuary county, and we will not tolerate criminality from illegal migrants who threaten our neighborhoods.
training alongside our federal, state and local partners. The real-life scenarios and exercises they undertake there will give them the experience to handle any situation they encounter on the job with confidence.
Part of the task of keeping our children safe is ensuring that the streets they live on are free from crime. The NCPD is doing an excellent job of collaborating with local, state and federal partners to achieve this goal. Just last month, we coordinated a tactical takedown of gang members with the assistance of Immigration Customs and Enforcement officials. We arrested dozens of dangerous criminals in less than
Tackling public-safety issues is critically important to me, which is why I’ve made so many investments in our local police. While other counties and leaders are reducing their focus on public safety and seeing an increase in crime, I have authorized hiring over 600 police and correctional officers during my time in office. I plan to expand our law enforcement hires even further in the years to come, to continue giving our residents the security they deserve.
Our officers will be the best in the nation thanks to a brand new policetraining village that we opened this summer. This critical resource will ensure that the brave men and women who protect us receive the best available
In addition to the best training, my administration and the County Legislature are ensuring that our police have the necessary funding to access the most advanced equipment and resources. It’s my goal that every police officer working for the county is put in the best position to do their job effectively so they can return home safely at the end of their shift.
My administration’s commitment to the safety and well-being of our residents has never been stronger. Under my leadership, we will continue to prioritize the safety of our communities so that every resident can live, work and prosper without fear. That means not only maintaining and enhancing our law enforcement resources, but also fostering strong relationships among our police, local organizations and the community. We will engage with residents, listen to their concerns and respond proactively to keep our streets safe. Together we will ensure that Nassau County remains the best place to live for everyone.
Bruce
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For the past few weeks, the Herald has presented a series on housing and the challenges of finding an affordable place to live for Long Islanders — a necessity that seems to be slipping further from reach for so many in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
For decades, people came here to build lives rooted in family, work and community. These days, however, housing has become not just a financial burden, but also a destabilizing one that threatens health, safety and the very fabric of our towns.
Housing supply has stagnated while demand has soared. Rising rents and homes priced beyond the reach of working families are reshaping daily life. They are forcing impossible choices: whether to stay close to loved ones, whether to sacrifice health care in order to pay the rent or the mortgage, whether to leave Long Island altogether. The crisis is no longer theoretical — it is personal, urgent, and in desperate need of solutions.
Consider the story of Karen Wihlt, whom we featured in Part 2 of our housing series, “Personal stories of L.I.’s housing crisis,” three weeks ago. Wihlt, 58, lives in uncertainty with her service dog in a Bethpage hotel room. After years of building a life here, working as a chef and helping open restaurants around the area, she now faces homelessness.
She can no longer work, but her income from disability benefits — too much for her to qualify for local aid but
letters
King stirs memories of what football used to be
To the Editor:
nowhere near enough for her to afford rent or a continued hotel stay — illustrates the sobering arithmetic of survival on Long Island.
The cost of insecurity reaches beyond the wallet. As Peggy Boyd, vice president of community services and advocacy for the Family Service League, noted in that story, the trauma of losing housing often triggers depression, anxiety and hopelessness. The Family Service League is a social service agency that provides support and security to Long Islanders in need.
Children, the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population nationwide, suffer disrupted schooling, constant moves and the erosion of the routines essential for healthy development. When a child repeatedly sleeps in a car or a motel instead of a bedroom, the damage isn’t just temporary — it echoes through a lifetime.
Even middle-class professionals, long considered the backbone of Long Island, are struggling. Brandon Webber, a lieutenant in the New York City Fire Department, and his fiancée, preschool director Alexa Rubinstein, who rent an apartment in Farmingdale, embody the contradiction: two educated, hardworking adults with multiple jobs who still can’t buy a home in the communities they serve.
For some, like Denise Minicozzi, 60, the only option is to work harder by working more hours — but still never getting ahead. Minicozzi waits tables and works part-time at an assisted-living facility just to cover the $4,200 rent for a
Re Peter King’s op-ed, “College football just ain’t what it used to be,” in last week’s issue: I arrived at Dillon Hall, University of Notre Dame, a graduate of Baldwin High School, in the fall of 1966. Alan Page walked through Dillon every day from Alumni Hall to get to the south dining hall. Bob Gladieux, Rocky Bleier, Tom Schoen — all regular guys, passing through the hall. I use the term “regular guys” because they were. And they were students as well.
I always remember Tom McKinley, All-American center on the team, with a 3.97 GPA in electrical engineering, writing an article for the N.D. paper, called The Observer. He described his day, and the focus was on time management. I’m 77, and have never forgotten the clarity of time these players had to observe in terms of classes, studying, practice, meals, travel, game days.
The 1966 team was electrifying. We all gathered in the old fieldhouse for the first pep rally. The team sat
modest Bayville house — an arrangement with no security and the constant threat of increases. Like many others, she and her partner are contemplating leaving Long Island.
Too many longtime residents are reaching the same conclusion: the place they love no longer loves them back. The ripple effects are already visible. Assemblyman Charles Lavine, a Democrat who represents the 13th District, warns that without affordable housing, Long Island is “losing its future.”
Middle-class families are being priced out, young people are leaving and communities risk being hollowed out. Without a thriving middle class, schools weaken, businesses falter and neighborhoods lose their vitality.
State funding has helped, and projects near Long Island Rail Road stations hold promise. But efforts remain piecemeal, stymied by local resistance to new development and a lack of federal investment.
The solution requires bold action: regionalizing poverty thresholds so assistance matches local costs, investing in supportive housing that integrates mental health care, and building more homes and apartments where people need them. Above all, it requires the political will to overcome “not in my backyard” resistance and acknowledge the reality staring us in the face.
Housing is not just shelter. It is health care. It is education. It is stability. It is dignity. If we don’t act now, we risk losing the very essence of what has always made Long Island home.
the intrusions into the governance and operations of the University of Virginia, George Mason University, Harvard and columbia, among others, by federal and state officials contradict U.S. Supreme court precedent and undermine the integrity of higher education.
The White House and the Department of Justice threaten the withholding of federal research funds as leverage to force changes in who is admitted, who teaches and what is taught. They accuse institutions of being silent in the face of antisemitism; ignoring presidential orders limiting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and violating the Supreme court’s decision on affirmative action in Students for Fair admissions v. Harvard. In addition to reductions in federal funding, the government has threatened to limit the enrollment of international students and the employment of international scholars.
These actions, based on unproven allegations and without due process and respect for the law, expose the vulnerability of colleges and universities, despite Supreme court decisions including Dartmouth college v. Woodward
(1819) and Sweezy v. New Hampshire (1957). Both decisions affirmed that universities must remain free from government interference in their teaching, hiring, admissions and governance. Institutional autonomy and board independence are fundamental to academic freedom, educational excellence and the fulfillment of fiduciary duties, the court affirmed.
aThe attacks against universities elsewhere should raise concern on long Island. We are home to 15 colleges and universities, and all rely on federal funding for student financial aid. Some have substantial research agendas. Stony Brook University, for example, is a major recipient of federal research grants, which totaled over $16 million in 2023. adelphi, cold Spring Harbor laboratories, Hofstra, long Island University, New York Institute of Technology and Northwell Health, among others, also have active research programs that rely on government grants. Earlier this year, Newsday reported that the new federal budget could reduce research funding on long Island by over $163 million for medical, science, technology and other projects.
tion, the Department of Energy, NaSa and the Department of Education.
ence between governance and management, and questions and prescriptions.
ttacks on colleges elsewhere should raise concerns on Long Island.
like universities elsewhere, ours are governed by boards of trustees that are responsible for preserving institutional independence, academic freedom and free speech, all necessary for teaching and scholarship that challenges assumptions and assertions. Surprisingly, fewer than 15 percent of american college and university trustees have any professional experience in higher education, which underscores the need for rigorous orientation in academic governance and mission. can we imagine a public company saying its directors did not know its legal landscape, finances and markets?
Public university trustees are mostly appointed through a political process, although some states allow public elections, and most independent college and university trustees are selected with consideration given to their philanthropic capacity. Neither are generally selected for their governance acumen or knowledge of higher education. Nevertheless, the duties of trustees are threefold: care, loyalty and obedience.
The duty of loyalty: Board members must act in good faith and in the best interests of the institution, not out of self-interest or in the interest of a particular constituency.
The duty of obedience: Boards must uphold the institution’s charter and mission, maintaining public trust through honest stewardship.
Each institution has a covenant with the public that gives it a charter, its major asset. The faculty may be the heart and students the soul, but the license to award degrees and certificates is what gives the institution stature, credibility, relevance and viability. That is what trustees hold in trust as guardians of the institution.
Key federal agencies providing research funding for long Island institutions include the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the National Science Founda-
downfield, furthering the distance between himself and the Boilermaker defense. Terry Hanratty threw a pass toward the sideline where no one was until, a moment later, Jim Seymour, on a timed route, appeared out of nowhere to snag the throw. It was glorious.
Every visit to the campus brings me home, as it does with the thousands who have attended the university. But Peter King is correct: The sports landscape has changed. It’s mind-boggling to hear the play-by-play announcer name the three different schools that this or that player has attended before he landed on the team out on the field.
It’s a cliché, but how often is the answer to just about anything one word: money? It doesn’t seem like a degree in electrical engineering is in the offing. Not that these young athletes aren’t smart. They’re being offered something that may never come along again in their lifetime, and it’s hard to resist.
In some ways, people of our age resist change. We could never imagine the terms being presented to today’s players. (This goes for technology as well. I thank God our grandchildren live in town, so we can call them any time we need something that relates to
our phone, computer or TV.) Go, Irish!
BIll PIccHIoNI
Notre Dame class of 1970
MaTTHEW PIccHIoNI
Notre Dame class of 2000 Rockville Centre
To the Editor:
Workers deserve fair pay, safe working conditions, affordable health care and the freedom to retire with dignity. We deserve the right to join unions that give workers a voice; an economy that works for all families, not just the wealthy; and a democracy in which every voice is heard and every vote counts.
Workers and families deserve fully funded public schools that are safe, welcoming, relevant and engaging, as well as higher education that is accessible, affordable and free from political intrusion.
President Trump campaigned on making life better and more affordable
The duty of care: Board members must prepare diligently, participate actively and protect the institution through appropriate oversight, including guarding against external interference. Trustees need to know the differ-
Trustees are most effective when they know the history, mission and purpose, the students, local community and the comparative advantages of the institutions they serve. This is vital not only for the health of the institution but also to maintain the standards of independence that have been the hallmark of U.S. higher education. as a former university president and trustee, and as a member of PEN america’s champions of Higher Education, I believe it is my responsibility to speak out on behalf of our institutions, our students and our country’s future.
Dr. Robert A. Scott is president Emeritus of Adelphi University and Ramapo College of New Jersey, and the author of “How University Boards Work.”
for working families, and I’m sad to say that his administration has not delivered on these promises. Instead we have seen funding slashed for schools, health care, child care and more — while tax breaks are handed to the ultra-wealthy. our family members and communities will be sicker, hungrier and poorer. We deserve so much better.
Whether it’s peacefully protesting with our neighbors and co-workers in the streets, forming unions at our workplaces or engaging with elected officials in congress, let’s work together to fight for the future that all workers deserve.
claIrE laBorDE Hempstead
Join Us in Fighting Hunger on Long Island!
September is Hunger Action Month
– Together, We Can Make a Difference
This September, help us support Island Harvest Food Bank, Long Island’s largest hunger relief organization. Every can, box, and dollar collected helps families right here in our community.
Ways You Can Give:
Drop off any non-perishable donations at any Daniel Gale office throughout the month of September.
Items most needed include:
• Canned vegetables and soup
• Pasta, rice, or ramen
• Stuffing & instant potatoes
• Cereal, oatmeal, grits
• Toiletries & personal care items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, etc.)
Or you can donate online: $1 supports 2 meals
With your help, we aim to collect 10,000 lbs. of food for Island Harvest.
Your generosity will make a real impact. Together, we can feed our neighbors in need.
Rockville Centre Office
36 S Park Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 516.678.1510 | danielgale.com
