Rockville Centre Herald 10-16-2025

ROCKVILLE CENTRE

HERALD

Tim Baker/Herald

Blazing a trail for fire safety

Nathan Li, 2, visited the Rockville Centre Fire Department headquarters on Oct. 11 to learn about fire safety from Floodlight Rescue Company No. 1. Story, more photos, Page 3.

South Park Ave. development plan denied by Zoning Board

By KElSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

A proposal to construct a three-story mixeduse building on South Park Avenue was denied last week by the village Zoning Board of Appeals, following months of vocal opposition from residents, business owners and the Rockville Centre Civic Association.

The application, submitted by property owner Joseph DiFigueroa, sought multiple zoning variances to allow for no front setback, no off-street parking and a substantial occupancy permit for a restaurant. The proposal included a groundfloor restaurant, and office space on the second and third floors.

In a 3-2 vote, the zoning board denied the application, and in its official letter, it cited conflicts with village code, including a required

10-foot front yard setback in Business A districts and a shortfall of 42 parking spaces.

“We certainly believe that we met the criteria needed to justify the approval of the variances sought, but clearly the board didn’t feel the same way,” William Bonesso, the attorney representing DiFigueroa, said.

Meghan Kearns, president of the civic association, said that community members had been following the project since it was first brought before the zoning board last November. An earlier version of the project, which included a rooftop restaurant, was withdrawn in March after meeting with similar public disapproval.

The revised proposal, with the restaurant on the ground floor, was presented to the Nassau County Planning Commission in May. The commission issued a “local determination,” meaning

By AlYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Matt Nolan, of Rockville Centre, will once again run in the New York City Marathon next month — in memory of his mother, Arlene, who died of breast cancer in 2017 at 64 years old, and to raise funds for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

The 41-year-old Nolan will join Fred’s Team, MSK’s official marathon team, in what will be his eighth NYC Marathon overall since his first in 2015, marking his first time back since 2022.

it as a blessing that because of the care she got, we had all that extra time with her that otherwise we might not have,” Nolan said. “I’m equally thankful that I have one parent who’s still here, one who has passed on but to say that I owe countless gratitude and thankfulness to a place like MSK for what they do.”

I really discovered I had a love

for

running and the peace that it brings and the discipline required.

MATT Nol AN

Supporting the cancer center holds deep meaning for Nolan, since both of his parents were longtime patients there. His father Joseph Nolan successfully underwent throat cancer treatment in the 1980s and is still a survivor today, and his mother lost her 14-year battle with stage-four breast cancer.

NYC Marathon runner and Rockville Centre resident

“While it’s sad she’s no longer with us, I prefer to think of

Nolan’s mother was a familiar presence throughout the Rockville Centre school community and was very involved in her children’s activities, including the PTA, soccer club and her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. She helped plan prom parties, fashion shows and other South Side High School events.

“She was part of groups and organizations, and was just always a fixture all around town,” Nolan said. “All over so many different people knew her and still asked me about her. So she was somebody that many people had memories with all throughout town, Continued on page 11

Joan Ward celebrates 100 at Sandel Center

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

The Sandel Center in Rockville Centre hosted its monthly birthday celebration — but this one came with an extra special milestone. Joan Ward, a longtime Rockville Centre resident and beloved Sandel Center member, was honored for turning 100 years old.

Members of the center, local officials and Ward’s loved ones gathered for a birthday brunch on Oct. 10, with speeches and memories shared to mark the occasion.

“Today we celebrate an extraordinary milestone, 100 years of life, love and wisdom. Joan, your journey inspires us all and reminds us how truly special our Centennials are to the Sandel Center family and the Rockville Centre community,” Nancy Codispoti, Director of Senior Services, said. “We honor your strength, spirit and the joy you bring to our community each and every day, and to all of you here today celebrating our October birthdays, may you find peace and joy today and forever you have lived a life well lived. Let’s continue to celebrate our beloved members and family and friends.”

Mayor Francis X. Murray attended the celebration, along with other village leaders. Trustee Gregory P. Shaughnessy presented Ward with a proclamation from the village, reading

it aloud to guests.

“The Village of Rockville Centre is proud to recognize and celebrate the remarkable milestone of Joan Ward, who marks her 100th birthday on October 6, 2025,” he said. “Joan Ward was born in Ridgewood Queens in 1925 and after marrying James Ward made Rockville Centre her home, where together they raised four wonderful children. Joan’s life has been filled with love,

family and community, and she is the proud grandmother of 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.”

“Joan joined the Sandel center at the age of 90, where she has become a cherished member and a dear friend to many, crediting her long and happy life to friendships she made here, And she always says to never skip dessert,” he continued. “Joan’s 100 years are a testament to a life well lived and filled with

kindness, laughter and devotion to family, friends and community. The Village of Rockville Centre hereby extends its best wishes to Joan on her 100th birthday with sincere congratulations for many more happy, productive years on this day.”

Ward followed with a few words of gratitude.

“I really appreciate everything you said,” she said, “It’s quite a shock to me that I lived to 100, but here I am. I’m most excited for the fact that I’m still alive and I got a big family, and they were all coming this weekend to celebrate all 17 of my greats. I’m very lucky to begin with to even make it this far.”

Lunch was served after the speeches, provided generously by Ward. Entertainment followed, with other October birthday celebrants taking part in the festivities.

Each month, Sandel Center members often contribute donations or food to mark their birthdays. The center offers a variety of programs, including seasonal activities like Halloween parties, pumpkin painting and wreath making. It also organizes group trips throughout the year.

Ward remains an active member, volunteering every Tuesday to help sign in attendees and manage activity signups.

To learn more about the Sandel Center, visit RVCNY.gov/Senior-Services.

RVCFD geared up for fire prevention

By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

The Rockville Centre Fire Department welcomed community members to its second annual open house, combining family fun with hands-on demonstrations in honor of Fire Prevention Week.

The event, hosted by Floodlight Rescue Company No. 1, also marked the company’s 85th anniversary.

“To continue our fundraising and to encourage some recruitment, which means to hopefully bring in some members and things like that, we have the open house to offer some demonstrations on what we do,” said Lieutenant Kim Martino of the department. “Bring in who we work with, county wise, and just to kind of make it a family fun day.”

The open house featured a wide array of activities designed to educate the public on fire safety and emergency response. A highlight was the various demonstrations, like the drone demonstration to show the community how useful it can be to see from above during emergencies, and the department’s “smoke house,” a trailer outfitted with lights and fog to simulate how smoke fills a room during a fire.

“We have the smoke house in the back to demonstrate how smoke does fill a room,” Martino said. “We do have lights in there that simulate what a plane would look like in a smoky condition. So that way we can crawl low and go.”

Other demonstrations included ambulance tours, firefighting gear exhibits and rescue vehicle displays, all of which showcased the department’s various emergency response capabilities. Floodlight Rescue Co. No. 1 currently has 52 members, according to Martino, who serve the community.

The event also served as an opportunity for junior firefighters to engage with the community and share their experience.

Joseph Martino, Lt. Martino’s son, said firefighting runs in the family and he joined as a junior firefighter two years ago. Now 16, he has two more years to go before he can become a full member of the department.

As part of the open house, Joseph and fellow junior members helped explain different components of the department’s work, including structure fire response, emergency medical service operations and vehicle rescues.

“We’re really just showing off what we can do inside structure fires,” he said.

Families came to visit the fire house throughout the four hour event. Veronica Marallo, who came with her husband and two children, said her family just moved to Rockville Centre with her husband and two young daughters, and this event was a good way to connect with local emergency services.

“We just moved to the area a few months ago, and we were excited to just come see a community event,” she said. “My kids have been wanting to see a fire house.”

Fall fire safety tips

■ Place space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything flammable, like curtains, bedding and furniture. Fire pits should be set up far from decks, siding and overhanging branches.

■ Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets (not extension cords), and place them on flat, stable surfaces. For fire pits, use nonflammable ground like stone or brick.

■ Never leave space heaters or fire pits unattended. Always turn heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed, and keep an eye on open flames outside.

■ Keep a hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies, whether indoors or out.

■ Choose space heaters with automatic shut-off features. For fire pits, fully extinguish the fire using water, stir the ashes and repeat until cool.

The department hopes the event inspired interest in fire safety and in volunteering.

“We’re just hoping to raise awareness and maybe bring in some new members,” Martino said.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering with the Rockville Centre Fire Department can visit RVCFD.org.

Ettinger Law Firm’s New Guide for Families Coping with Alzheimer’s and Dementia

When the unfortunate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia is made, the whole world shifts for the patient and their family. Uncertainty abounds. For this reason, Ettinger Law Firm has published a guide for families facing these dilemmas, available as a free download at our website, trustlaw.com.

Sections of interest are:

Communication Strategies: Adapting communication techniques to improve connection and reduce frustration.

Establishing Daily Routes: Predictability reduces anxiety, helps with orientation and promotes independence.

Creating a Safe Home Environment: Modifying the home to reduce the risk of falls and other accidents.

Medical Care and Support: The importance and benefits of early diagnosis in slowing the progress of the disease and improving quality of life, as well as a list of questions to ask the doctor. Non-Medical Interventions: Different types of therapy, both physical and

mental to support physical and mental wellbeing. Building a Care Team: Who is on the team and avoiding caregiver burnout.

Coping with Behavioral Changes: Tips on managing new and challenging behaviors, such as agitation, depression, waking and sleep disturbances.

One of the biggest mistakes we see families make is the failure to connect with an elder law attorney upon learning of the illness. We understand that it is easy to overlook the legal where there are so many other social, emotional, psychological and medical issues in play. Early legal intervention, however, allows the family to obtain all the legal documents they will need later on, such as the “prescription strength” elder law power of attorney. The earlier the family moves to protect assets from being depleted for the cost of care, the more assets will be saved. Perhaps most important of all, the elder law attorney will be able to assure the family that caregiver services will be available when needed and the home and life savings will not all be lost for care.

1991 trustlaw.com

Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid NO-COST CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 or email info@trustlaw.com 100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success Other offices in Huntington

Crime watCh

Leaving the SCene of an aCCident

On Oct. 10, a motorist reported their vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which then fled the scene, while driving on N. Long Beach Road.

On Oct. 10, a motorist reported their vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which then fled the scene, while driving on Sunrise Highway.

On Oct. 11, a motorist reported their vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which then fled the scene, while parked on N. Long Beach Road.

On Oct. 12, a motorist reported their vehicle was struck by another vehicle, which then fled the scene, while driving on Randall Avenue.

haraSSment

On Oct. 7, a pedestrian reported they were verbally threatened by an unknown person while at Long Island Railroad Rockville Centre Station.

On Oct. 8, an employee of a S. Park Avenue restaurant reported they received numerous unwanted text messages from a former employee, causing them annoyance and alarm.

LarCeny

On Oct. 8, a bicyclist reported someone stole their bicycle from the Long Island Railroad Rockville Centre Station.

SCamS and fraud

On Oct. 9, a resident reported they were the victim of a phone scam.

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.

fire watCh

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

October 5 – October 12

General Alarms – 10

Still Alarms – 5 Rescue – 2

Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 25

Mutual Aid Fire – 1

Mutual Aid Rescue – 0

Mutual Aid

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 – 368 Still Alarms – 233 Rescue – 136 Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 1854 Mutual Aid Fire – 61 Mutual Aid Rescue – 1 Mutual Aid Ambulance – 7 Total – 2660

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Senator Siela Bynoe hosts Health Fair

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

New York State Senator Siela Bynoe, in partnership with Mayor Francis X. Murray, offered a Senior Health Fair at the John A. Anderson Recreation Center in Rockville Centre. This free event was created for connecting older residents with well-informed and healthy resources.

“Our seniors are the pillars of the community,” Bynoe said. “That’s why it is important that we create access and elevate awareness regarding important services related to senior health.”

Dozens visited the recreation center on Oct. 3 to take in all that was offered. Numerous vendors, including Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, came out to share their resources with the community. The Hospital provided Flu vaccines and health screenings such as cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI, diabetes risk assessment and stroke risk assessment.

Abigail Fromm, Director of Community Education at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, discussed the importance of coming out into the community: “It’s really hard for other people to go to healthcare facilities. We know that access is really not that easy anymore, whether it’s something due to insurance, transportation or other reasons.”

A wide variety of organizations set up tables within the center to offer information and resources connecting them to the healthcare and wellbeing residents may need. Among those was the Sandel Senior Center, which provides senior residents of Rockville Centre with essential services for them and their families.

“Our senior citizens in our community are very important,” Debbie Cuevas, a senior citizen program

development aid at Sandel Senior Center, said. “They have a wealth of knowledge and I feel that to be around our seniors is something that you just can’t replace. It’s very crucial to our community and for our young people to learn from their experience and carry on their traditions.”

When it comes to legalities, Rhonda L. Maco, managing attorney, was there to help seniors with elder care and life estates services. “I assist with overall health and just making sure you have the appropriate documents and in place for your family,” she said. “That way you can protect your assets, understand

what type of benefits you may be qualified for and just making sure that you have all the things in place so that way you and your next of kin will be protected.”

Attendees walked through the fair over four hours to take the provided information and resources offered to them.

“We showcased information about medical alert systems, Able-Ride, and free health screenings and flu shots,” Bynoe said. “It’s wonderful that local healthcare providers like Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital and Nassau University Medical Center were able to offer their services.”

SARAH FLYNN

V.S. NORTH Senior SWIMMING

A KEY MEMBER OF Valley Stream Central High School District’s girls’ swim program since its inception in 2023, Flynn earned the coaches award as a sophomore and has served as a two-year captain. She has earned an appearance in the Nassau County championships in each season and reached the finals of the 100-yard butterfly as a junior. Her career-best time in the event is 1:07.02, and she also thrives in the 100 and 200 freestyle.

games to watch

Friday, Oct. 17

Girls Volleyball: V.S. North at Clarke 5 p.m.

Football: Freeport at Westbury 5 p.m.

Football: Plainview at Oceanside 6 p.m.

Football: Floral Park at South Side 6 p.m.

Football: Elmont at Hewlett 6 p.m.

Football: Bethpage at Wantagh 6 p.m.

Football: Locust Valley at Plainedge 6:30 p.m.

Girls Volleyball: Mepham at Calhoun 6:45 p.m.

Football: Sewanhaka at V.S. North 7 p.m.

Football: V.S. South at Division 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Football: Carey at Clarke 11 a.m.

Girls Volleyball: E.Meadow at V.S. Central 11:45 a.m.

Girls Volleyball: Plainedge at Elmont 11:45 a.m.

Football: Baldwin at Roosevelt 12 p.m.

Football: Massapequa at Farmingdale 1 p.m.

Football: New Hyde Park at Mepham 2 p.m.

Football: MacArthur at Calhoun 2 p.m.

Football: Long Beach at East Meadow 2 p.m.

Football: Jericho at V.S. Central 2 p.m.

Football: Kennedy at Roslyn 2 p.m.

Football: Lynbrook at Seaford 2 p.m.

Football: East Rockaway at North Shore 2 p.m.

Football: Malverne at Lawrence 2 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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.

South Side runs past Wantagh

By NICK MONGIOVI sports@liherald.com

In a much-anticipated Nassau Conference III football showdown between two run-heavy offenses in Wantagh and South Side last Saturday, the Cyclones’ backfield combination of junior AJ Magaraci and sophomore Ethan Johnson got the upper hand against the Warriors’ talented due of sophomore Luke Martini and senior Joseph Nicholson.

South Side took the matchup featuring four of the county’s best running backs, 24-14. Both teams are 3-2.

Both teams were coming off tough losses. The Cyclones fell to Bethpage, 8-2, while Wantagh was stunned by Clarke, 36-34.

Magaraci and Johnson gashed Wantagh’s defense with more than 250 yards combined. Magaraci finished with 180 yards on the ground on 19 attempts, capping off his second-highest total of the season with a touchdown. Johnson ran for 72 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.

“It’s great when you have one very good running back; we happen to have two,” South Side head coach Phil Onesto said. “I can’t stress enough how well the offensive line played today, how the receivers made their downfield blocks. We wanted to execute offensively, it was something we didn’t do last week and we did a very good job this week of doing it.”

Already leading 7-0 on Owen Marigliano’s 12-yard touchdown grab off a toss from sophomore quarterback Rob Cesario, the Cyclones capped off a 13-play drive in the second quarter with a 7-yard touchdown run from Magaraci and led 14-0 at halftime. Thanks to gaping holes from the offensive line in senior left tackle Jayden Johnson, junior left guard Jalen Hurt, junior center Patrick Lamparello, senior right guard Ryan Healey and senior right tackle Jack Sciallis.

“Just following [Johnson] lead blocking me, or just getting a nice cut and trusting my offensive line to make their blocks,” Magaraci said regarding his

Media Origin Inc./Herald

AJ Magaraci was instrumental in South Side’s win at Wantagh last Saturday with 180 yards rushing and a touchdown.

dominant season. “And my receivers hold their blocks on the outside, holding their blocks long enough just for me to get by the corners.”

Wantagh threatened to score on its opening drive of the second half, until South Side sophomore Kieren Vetter recovered a fumble. Ethan Johnson converted the turnover into points with a 17-yard touchdown run to take a commanding 21-0 lead. Johnson added five tackles, making his presence felt on both sides of the ball.

“It’s really just about keeping your head in the game and if I screw up, I have to have short-term memory and go into the next play,” Johnson said.

Wantagh got on the board in the third quarter, thanks to a 45-yard touchdown pass from senior Carter Loughman to senior Devin Paccione. “Devin’s just a great athlete, [with] great work ethic,” said Wantagh head coach Keith Sachs. “He showed a little bit of everything.”

Martini, who came into this one as the county’s second-leading rusher, was held to 59 yards. Nicholson, who was Nassau’s 16th leading rusher, ran for 48 yards. Both made their presence felt in the receiving game, as well as on defense. Nichelson recorded 54 yards on five catches and a touchdown, to cut the deficit to 28-14 in the fourth quarter. Each of them intercepted a pass on defense, as well.

“Those three guys [Martini, Nichelson and Paccione] are everything to us,” Sachs said. “They show what athletes they are.”

The Cyclones sandwiched a 2-yard touchdown run from junior running back Reagan Petrone in between the Paccione and Nicholson touchdown grabs.

South Side is back in action Friday at 6 p.m. against Floral Park (4-1) at home, while Wantagh hosts Bethpage (5-0) Friday at 6:30 p.m.

O’Connell seeks to build on 20-year record

By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COUNTY CLERK

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

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

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

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

Clerk must be more accessible,Williams says

By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

Tim Baker/Herald

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Property owner deciding on next steps

that it did not object to the project, though its recommendation was non-binding, because it left the ultimate decision up to the village.

Still, Kearns said, the civic association remained opposed to the plan and made its case to the zoning board on several fronts, from aesthetics and scale to foot traffic and parking.

“The building itself would be the only three-story building on the block,” she said, referring to the block south of Merrick Road, “and it would be the only mixed-use building that would incorporate a restaurant and commercial space on top. The other mixeduse buildings on the block have a restaurant on the bottom and residential on top, and it would be the biggest building and the only building of its kind, and so therefore it did not fit in the neighborhood, and it was out of place and too intensive of a use for that particular site.”

Kearns said that eight members of the civic association spoke in opposition at the zoning board hearing on Oct. 8. Two of them were David and Gina Wuestmann, Rockville Centre residents and co-owners of the Let It Brie cheese shop, three storefronts south of the property on South Park.

David conducted and submitted an independent parking study documenting available parking in municipal Field 4, behind South Park. He said his key concern was that “the added two floors of office space will bring additional owners, employees and others fighting for limited parking spaces at the expense of existing businesses and residents surrounding Parking Lot 4.”

Wuestmann walked through the lot on 26 days, usually at mid-day, and counted the number of available

the South park avenue site was the former location of the historic Civil War-era home, which was demolished in february. now it is the focus of an ongoing debate over a proposed office building.

spaces. He recorded his findings in a spreadsheet to show how limited parking is in the area, which he submitted to the zoning board.

According to Wuestmann, there were seven or fewer shopper parking spaces available 81 percent of the time, and resident and employee parking availability

was similarly constrained.

“There’s only, on average, like, four spots available, and now you’re going to add even more competition,” he said. “So that’s going to be off-putting to residents that have to park there every day.”

Gina Wuestmann highlighted the potential strain on Parking Field 8 nearby, which is frequently used by residents of the co-ops along Lenox Road, where she and her husband live. Both expressed their disapproval of the proposal due to the parking issues, as well as how the building would impact the character of the area.

“A three story building with zero-foot setback would be uncharacteristic on South Park Avenue, and that was one of the aesthetic problems with their proposal, as well as parking,” David said. “It is uncharacteristic for the rest of the street, something that tall with a zero-foot setback, and I think that factored into the decision by the zoning board as well.”

Bonesso said that DiFigueroa was “very disappointed with the decision.”

“The board has decided the case, so that that ends the application to the Board of Appeals,” Bonesso said, “and it’s now up to my client to decide what he wants to do next.”

The civic association, Kearns said, hopes the decision sends a message to future developers. “We think that the Zoning Board of Appeals made the right decision in denying the applicant,” she told the Herald, “and we hope that, going forward, developers who want to come to Rockville Centre and invest in our community are willing to work with our community and work with the Civic Association and see if there are ways in which we can come to an agreement on what would be best and what people would like to see

Raising steins in support of the Backyard

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Hundreds of supporters filled the St. Agnes Parish Center in Rockville Centre on Saturday, Oct. 11, to celebrate Oktoberfest and support an organization with a heartfelt mission.

The annual fundraiser, hosted by the Backyard Players and Friends, featured live music from The Switch, German tasting stations from Parmagianni and Churchill’s of RVC, raffles, gift baskets, and a vibrant beer garden. Attendees danced and mingled throughout the evening, helping raise money for the group’s programs serving teens and adults with neurodiverse needs.

“We have had other fundraisers in the past, but the Oktoberfest seems to be, you know, the one that people enjoy the most,” Cristine Daly, one of the directors of The Backyard Players and Friends, said. “We hold classes and programs for teens and adults with neurodiverse abilities, 14 and older, and the Oktoberfest is one of the biggest fundraisers that we have to raise funds to support our programs.”

This year’s Oktoberfest held extra meaning as the group honored Tommy Montemarano and presented the MaryAnn Nesdill Legacy Award to Patricia Harmon.

The event also supported the expansion of Love, Nana, a growing initiative that provides baby bundles — clothing and essentials for infants up to 24 months — to families in need.

“People at the Oktoberfest have an opportunity to help us with that expansion by purchasing some of the items that we might need for love Nana,” Daly said. “We’re putting it out there with Nana and she has been making baby bundles for babies up to 24 months. And we work with about 28 organizations who receive our bundles. So we’re moving from a 274 square foot space to something that’s three times the size. So we’ll be able to have more background players working there.”

Tickets to the event were $80 per person, with additional sponsorships available. Residents from Rockville Centre and beyond packed the parish center for an evening of camaraderie and community giving.

Susan Gorecki of East Rockaway came out to support the cause and honor her friend Montemarano. “He’s such a charitable man,” she said, “and we have another family who we’re friends with, whose son is here because he belongs to the group.”

Floral Park resident Jed Golden attended in support of his two daughters who work with the Backyard Players and Friends. “We’ve been supporters for years,” he said. “I’m looking forward to just the camaraderie and the positive energy and the way that BYP provides wonderful services. Watching the different people enjoy themselves and the dancing.”

For more information on The Backyard Players and Friends, visit BYPAndFriends.com

Nolan is lacing up his sneakers for MSK

so it’s nice to be back in town.”

A South Side High School graduate, Nolan was a runner throughout school and was crowned the New York State champion in the pentathlon in 2002. He went on to attend Binghamton University, graduating in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, politics and law, with a minor in history. During his college career, he played several sports, including soccer, track and field and lacrosse. Despite his active background, he pursued a career in Broadway following graduation.

“I toured the country with different Broadway shows,” he said. “I was on the national tour of ‘Hairspray.’ I did the national tour of ‘Grease’ as Danny Zuko. And then I met my wife when I did the national tour of ‘Rock of Ages.’ So we did that show together. And then when I was done performing, I started working at Barry’s (Bootcamp).”

Nolan was born and raised in Rockville Centre, and after living in Queens with his wife, Welsey, they decided to move back in 2021 to his hometown with their two children Eli, 6, and Lucille, 3. They moved into a house not too far from where Nolan grew up, which was on his old running route from his childhood.

“I always remembered it,” he said. “So it was this weird moment of seeing the house and having memories of growing up and running past it.”

Nolan is currently in training for this year’s marathon, which will be held on Nov. 2. Even though he has not participated in a marathon since 2022, he has stayed fit and active as a result of working at Barry’s Bootcamp, a fitness boutique with locations across Long Island. He’s been

able to pick up right where he left off three years ago, practicing for the grueling 26.2-mile, five-borough event with a 21-mile run last weekend.

“With marathon training, in particular, it’s been very important for me to just make sure I’m finding that nice balance of running four days a week, which is my schedule, hitting the appropriate amount of miles I need to hit in a certain week, while also, with kids now, being able to be flexible,” he said.

Nolan’s running goal is quite different from most runners taking part in the marathon. This year’s earning goal is $16,000, since 16 is his lucky number, and thus far, he has raised more than $14,000. Throughout the years, he has raised more than $50,000 for Fred’s team running for MSK.

“It’s a no-brainer of just how important MSK has been to myself, my family, and will continue to be to others,” he said.

Nolan finished his last NYC Marathon in 3 hours, 30 minutes, with a personal best of 2 hours, 54 minutes in 2019. But what is more important to him than his running times is the experience.

“The last marathon I did, my goal was to take as many selfies with as many of the people I knew on the race course as possible,” he said. “So I definitely did that, and I took my time. I enjoyed myself, and that’s my goal again this year. I’m no longer interested in trying to hit a particular time. I’ve hit some fast times in the past that I’m proud of. Now I just really want to enjoy it. They say the New York City Marathon is a party, and I believe that.”

For more information on Matt Nolan’s run, visit MSKCC.Convio.net/goto/mattnolanruns2025.

Join Us!

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

HONORING

COMMUNITY IMPACT HERO

Luv Michael

FIRST RESPONDER HEROES

Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP HERO

Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025

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

The Heritage Club at Bethpage

DISASTER HERO

Jennifer Keane

MILITARY HERO

Mel Cohen

YOUTH HEROES

Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein

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

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

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

Phillips has led county’s drive into digital era

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COUNTY COMPTROLLER

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

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

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

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

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

Wink: Comptroller must be ‘fiscal watchdog’

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

Jeff Bessen/Herald

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aidan Warshavsky/Herald

were joined in discussion by over 60 library patrons in celebration of O’Neill’s debut novel, The Irish Goodbye on Oct. 2.

Heather Aimee O’Neill visits the RVC Library

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY Correspondent

The Rockville Centre Library welcomed Heather Aimee O’Neill, a developmental editor and assistant director, to discuss the debut of her new novel, “The Irish Goodbye.”

The library’s Helen Krauss room hosted over 60 patrons in a seminar-like discussion on Oct. 2, featuring On The Road Book Event’s Carol Hoenig, a fellow author and publishing consultant.

O’Neill, who grew up in Huntington, is a winner of the University of Southern California’s Gold Line Press Award. Her novel has also been selected by the Today Show’s Jenna Bush as the official “Read With Jenna” book club pick for October.

When O’Neill had discovered she had been selected, she was “shocked,” describing the moment to the library audience as “beyond anything she expected.”

“There’s a lot of grit and beauty (here), which makes it a beautiful landscape to use,” O’Neill said of the different social classes.

O’Neill explained that she wanted to write a book about the grief of the Sept. 11 attacks, as her family dealt with the passing of her cousin, Peter. “I saw the impact of that grief on a national, familial, and individual level,” she said.

However it wasn’t until O’Neill attended a suicide prevention event at the Jed Foundation that she realized her full story idea.

I t’s an enormous gift, the alchemy that made this happen, I am extraordinarily grateful

HeAtHeR AImee O’NeIll Author, The Irish Goodbye

“I thought I had done something wrong,” O’Neill joked, reminiscing on the phone call she received from her editor. “It’s an enormous gift, the alchemy that made this happen, I am extraordinarily grateful.”

Her new novel, “The Irish Goodbye,” follows a story about three sisters returning to their family home on the shores of Long Island for Thanksgiving, each carrying the traumas of their brother’s death years earlier. When a guest from their past arrives, long-buried feelings resurface, threatening to shatter their already fragile reunion.

The discussion opened with a question-and-answer-like format between O’Neill and Hoenig, before the floor opened to questions from the audience.

O’Neill uses Long Island as the setting for her novel, which she said highlights the “interesting mix” of people.

“I didn’t want it to just be about grief, I wanted it to be about a family I recognized and speak with the same language that I speak,” she said of her inspiration.

O’Neill expressed her desire to make the story relatable and authentic, dealing with topics both controversial and not–but with nuance:

“I wanted to write about characters facing difficult decisions in their lives, but to try and have empathy.”

This desire was well received, especially by Hoenig, who referred to a “comfortability” with the characters and scenes in the novel. This included references to the German game Hammerschlagen, and being able to relate to the perspectives of the characters.

That desire is also what the librarians at Rockville Centre look for, as they look to continue to provide readers with these “meet the author” opportunities.

“I am so proud to be able to bring this type of event to the community,” Susan Finck, the Library Director said as she expressed her satisfaction with the event. “They are amazing readers and we’re going to continue to try to bring great events like this to them whenever possible.”

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News brief

Paws and prayers at annual pet blessing

Dozens of animals, including dogs, cats and even a rabbit, received blessings during the annual Blessing of the Animals event held Saturday morning at United Church of Rockville Centre.

The event, hosted in front of the church at 430 Morris Avenue, welcomed pets and their owners to take part in the tradition, which honors the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. Animals were blessed in person, through photos, via FaceTime and even in the form of stuffed animals. Each pet received a certificate and treats as part of the celebration.

Blessing of the Animals events are typically held on or near Oct. 4 in memory of Saint Francis’s love for all creatures. The custom has become increasingly popular in the United States as part of the broader recognition of animal companions in religious and spiritual life.

The United Church of Rockville Centre is a congregation of the United Church of Christ, a Protestant Chris tian denomination with approximately

Rock Hall Country Fair

es across the U.S. Formed in 1957, the UCC is known for its progressive legacy and inclusive values, tracing its roots to

News brief

Ace Hardware prepares to close in RVC

Schaefer’s Ace Hardware in Rockville Centre will close its doors at the end of October, ending nearly two decades of service to the local community.

The store, located on Sunrise Highway, has been a go-to for tools, paint, supplies and local expertise since it opened in 2006. According to store managers, the closure will take effect by the end of the month.

Owned by husband-and-wife team Mike Pecoraro and Cristy Schaefer, the Rockville Centre location was part of a six-store Ace franchise that began with the family’s original shop in Howard

Beach, Queens — a hardware store that dates back more than 65 years.

Within 11 months between 2010 and 2011, the couple expanded their reach across Long Island, opening locations in Commack, Glen Cove and Hewlett. They also relocated the Howard Beach store to a larger space and opened a sixth store in Bayville.

As of press time, it remains unclear what will replace the Rockville Centre store once it closes.

–Alyssa R. Griffin

HERALD

ATTENTION STUDENTS: THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER

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

CONTEST RULES:

Who can enter: There will be 2 categories:

Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12

One entry per student

Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m.

Friday, October 31, 2025

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

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

Mail or hand-deliver to:

Wrapping Paper Contest

Herald Community Newspapers

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

(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).

Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 14

HELPFUL HINTS

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

• Be creative & original.

• Use bright colors.

• Fill the entire page.

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

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

STEPPING OUT

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

Visitors are introduced to the exhibit’s many components.

THE SEA IS CALLING

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

By Abbey Salvemini

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anthony Rodia

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

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

16, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra

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

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

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

OCT

17

Spooky Fest

Spooky Fest is back at the Center for Science Teaching & Learning, through the month. Celebrate the season with Halloween for all. Be scared if you dare or enjoy not-so-spooky thrills with the younger folks.

• Where: 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre

• Time: 6-9:30 p.m., also Oct. 18 and Oct. 19

• Contact: cstl.org or (516) 764-0045

Molloy

University’s Family and Alumni Weekend

Enjoy a weekend-long activities. Registration required.

• Where: Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 5:30 p.m., Oct. 18-19, 11 a.m.

• Contact: molloy.edu

OCT

18

Korean Culture Day

Celebrate the vibrant traditions of Korea at Old Westbury Gardens at the 3rd Annual Korean Culture Day Celebration. This family-friendly event brings together the sights, sounds and flavors of Korea in the beautiful garden setting. Enjoy authentic Korean foods and flavors, dance performances, Tae Kwon Do demonstrations, and more. Whether you’re discovering Korean culture for the first time or reconnecting with cherished traditions, this afternoon offers something for everyone. Free with Gardens admission.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 2-5 p.m.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

Ghostly Gala

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

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 6-9 p.m.

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

OCT

25

Little Feat

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

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

OCT

19

Halloween Mural Painting Contest

This spooky, creative mural event is fun everyone in grades 3-8. Hosted by the RVC Rec Center. $30 fee per team.

• Where: Rockville Centre Recreation Center, 111 N. Oceanside Road

• Time: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Contact: RockvilleCentre. RecDesk.com

OCT

22

Voices

needed

The Oceanside Chorale is looking for new members in all sections to sing in their next concerts: Veterans Day Concert (Nov. 8), Holiday Concert (Dec. 10) and Light up the Holidays (Dec. 14). Rehearsals are Wednesdays.

• Where: Fulton Avenue School, 3252 Fulton Ave.. Oceanside

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: Marie at (516 )459-8513 or email oceansidechorale@gmail.com for further information

OCT

23

‘Brown Bag’ Art Conversation

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

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 1 p.m., also Oct. 23

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

OCT

24

RVCBCC 2025 Fashion Show

Support the fashion show and see fabulous honorees and models in honor of breast cancer awareness.

• Where: Garden City Hotel, 45 7th St, Garden City

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: info@rvcbcc.org

OCT

25

‘Uncle Vlad’s Pumpkin Patch: Under New Management’ Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes all to its latest theater production. Horrible news! The Mountain Boo Soda Company has their eyes on a piece of property for their new factory — Uncle Vlad’s pumpkin patch! Join Uncle Vlad, his nephew Chad, and their freakish friends as they team up to protect their Halloween home from the bony fingers of big business. The company is run by a skeleton, after all! With puppeteers and actors from LICM’s Theater, this musical adventure will tickle your funny bone as a Halloween treat for the whole family. $5 with museum admission ($4 members). $10 theater only.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., also Oct. 26

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Dog Days Weekend

Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), With fall dog parade and costume contest on Sunday. Prizes awarded to best dog costumes, including

Prettiest, Most Handsome, Most Original, Best Duo or Group, Funniest. Costume contest participants must register.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury.

• Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.: also Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with costume parade/contest, 3-5 p.m.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

Haunted Halloween

Step back in time at Old Bethpage Village Restoration for some Halloween fun. Enjoy safe trick or treating, a kids’ costume parade and contest, witch-broom making, pumpkin painting, and other family fun. Meet the Headless Horseman and listen to a reading of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”

Enjoy the spooky fun while you appreciate the colors and beauty of the fall season in the farms, woods, and fields of the historic site. $15, $12 seniors and children 5-12.

• Where: 1303 Round Swamp Rd., Old Bethpage

• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Contact: oldbethpagevillagerestoration. org or call (516) 572-8409

OCT 26

Suicide Awareness Walk

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Long Island Chapter holds their Long Island Out of the Darkness Community Walk at Jones Beach. Register to walk or become a sponsor.

• Where: Field 5, 2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh

• Time: 10 a.m.

• Contact: Carrie Aronson at (516) 865-3944 or afsp.org/ longislandwalkwest

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.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE INDEX #: 609200/2025

WILMINGTON

SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE OF CIM TRUST 2023-R3 Plaintiff, vs GEORGE HILL AKA GEORGE W. HILL IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY

DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, COUNTY

FEDERAL SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOCIATION, PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE IRS

JOHN DOE (Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees,

executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.)

Defendant(s) MORTGAGED PREMISES: 34 Hawthorne Avenue Rockville Centre, NY 11570 To the Abovenamed Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the d ay of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Nassau. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Defendant In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON.

Jeffrey A. Goodstein of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Eighteenth day of September, 2025 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, in the City of Mineola. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by George Hill AKA George W. Hill and Jod ie Jacobs-Hill dated the October 3, 2007, to secure the sum of $386,000.00 and recorded at Book 32474, Page 604 in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk on November 2, 2007. The mortgage was

subsequently assigned by an assignment executed September 9, 2014 and recorded on September 12, 2014, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book 39912, Page 85. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed November 1, 2018 and recorded on December 13, 2018, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book 43197, Page 554. Said Mortgage was subsequently modified by a Loan Modification Agreement executed by George Hill AKA George W. Hill and Jodie Jacobs-Hill on January 4, 2019 and recorded April 8, 2019 in Book 43379, Page 513 in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed September 9, 2019 and recorded on October 7, 2019, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book 43719, Page 959. The mortgage was subsequ ently assigned by an assignment executed February 18, 2020 and recorded on April 7, 2020, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book 44130, Page 179. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed February 25, 2025 and recorded on March 6, 2025, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book 47884, Page 57. The property in question is described as follows: 34 Hawthorne Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU

MUST RESPON D BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

DATED: September 23, 2025 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221

The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 87469 155989

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notice to Bidders

Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre One College Place, Room 204, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on OCTOBER 30, 2025 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: PRINTING OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE NEWSLETTERS

Bid No. 2510G1(1170)

The bid documents and specifications can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at Lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than October 23, 2025. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids, or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.

Purchasing Department

Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 156334

Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000

First Talent Solutions Summit comes to Molloy

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Molloy University’s inaugural Talent Solutions Summit hosted leaders from the business, education, finance, healthcare, manufacturing and workforce development worlds in the Larini Room of the Public Square Building at the university.

The Sept. 30 panel discussion began with a welcoming message celebrating the school’s 70th year from James Lentini, President of Molloy University, followed by Moderator Edward Thompson, Vice President for Advancement of Molloy University.

“More than ever, we need to be thinking together with the university and employers to create what’s really needed for the workforce on Long Island,” said Lentini. “Rather than just create courses that may suit people’s needs, let’s create opportunities to develop the kind of coursework needed to fill jobs that are available in the world today.”

Amongst the panelists were President and Chief Executive Officer of Long Island Association Matt Cohen, Vice President for External Affairs and Strategic Engagement of Haugland Group and former Suffolk County Commissioner of Labor Rosalie Drago, Vice President & Chief Transformation Officer of Catholic Health Joe Lamantia, Senior Vice President of Business-toBusiness, CORE Education Scott Miller, Executive Director of Ignite Long Island Jamie Moore, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs of Molloy University Michelle Piskulich and Board Chair of ADDAPT Long Island John Spiezio.

Cohen discussed the importance of connecting the right people with the right work. “Employers of all shapes and sizes have hiring challenges,” he said. “We’re trying to do our best to match the employers to academia to the labor force. Everyone’s talking to each other and communicating.”

When speaking on the flows in the industry for supply and demand, Drago spoke on her experience. “That’s natural and it’s going to stay that way,” she said. “It’s what we do with that gap, send folks for training during the gap.”

Piskulich spoke on the need for assisting those with higher education within the workforce world. “Community colleges have been doing workforce development for many years, but it hasn’t been something that really was the focus of four year institutions,” she said. “We certainly are committed to those four year degrees and our advanced degrees here, but we also see the need to keep our kids here on Long Island and to have the jobs and to help the employers to accelerate their ability to retain talent.”

When it comes to using AI to the workforce’s advantages, Moore spoke on that matter involving the Department of Defense. “There’s hundreds of millions of dollars being spent by the DoD right now, and some of it’s being spent in New York, but it’s really going to come down to who can provide the best people to do programming and understand how AI learns and decide the proper data to give to the AI systems that they’re developing, because that’s where they’re faltering right now.” he said. “They have great hardware, but some of the AI systems are not working properly when they put them into a simulated battlefield space, and that is something that’s going to be really, really important, and a lot of dollars are going to come out of that from the DOD.”

In bridging the universities connection with the business, education, finance, healthcare, manufacturing and workforce development worlds, this summit Grounded Molloy’s belief in the inherent dignity of work and education, pushing to erase the divide between “blue-collar” and “white-collar” learning whether through different paths such as micro-badges, certificates, targeted noncredit training, or others that can stack toward degrees.

The discussion lasted over an hour with a closing statement from Lentini, where he said, “Everything is changing on Long Island, so the demographics are changing,” he said. “We are now a Hispanic serving institution. That inclusivity part shows we are serving the demographic, the numbers are exactly the same as the region around us. So as we look at those communities and think about who we’re serving, the kind of employment and the kind of acceptability and the kind of inclusiveness and welcoming that those families have at Molloy, we’re really paying attention to that. I think that’s really important.”

For more information on Molloy University and the Talent Solutions Summit, visit Molloy.edu.

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TWhy can’t the architect and the contractor be friends?

Q. We’re trying to figure out how a mess started right at the beginning of our renovation. The plans were permitted, so we believe they were properly reviewed, but the mason and the contractor built something different than what was in the plans. The contractor is a friend who we trust. They have told us that the architect made mistakes, and they couldn’t build it the way the plans show, so they did something different.

We don’t want to stop the job, but the architect came by and said that there are many problems now, because the structure isn’t going to work the way the contractor made changes, and because the structure had to be a certain way. The contractor keeps sending us texts showing different ways to do the job, complete with sketches. The architect is saying that the work will be unsafe the way the contractor is proposing the changes. What should we do?

A. When plans aren’t followed, which happens all too frequently, the job has to stop while the design is reassessed by the architect. If you take that authority away from the architect, you set yourself up for a prolonged set of problems that can go on and on, delaying the work and possibly not even getting the outcome you were looking for.

The contractor is not given the authority to change the design or construction. Most construction plans have clauses stating that the contractor is not to deviate from them, and also instruct the contractor to contact the architect with questions, or to get clarification on any issues or discrepancies before any work starts. Once the work starts, the contractor will often begin to point fingers at the architect for anything not clear and misunderstood. I refer to this as “divide and conquer,” a common practice in which the contractor, empowered to run the construction job, alienates the architect from the owner, creating an often permanent rift.

Contractors and building inspectors have told me it is rare to see an architect on a construction site, but I recommend that the architect look at the work — especially foundation forms — before a concrete pour and also framing. During demolition is an important time to see previously hidden structure, especially because older homes were often built with bare-minimum beams — hence the explanation for sagging floors that people often point out before the architect starts redesigning. You need to listen to the architect before this problem becomes harder, and more expensive, to undo.

If you have doubts about the architect, especially about structure, bring in a structural engineer to meet with the architect. One of the biggest reasons these problems occur is because of a lack of communication. You, the owner, should have brought everyone, including the architect, contractor, subcontractors — especially the mason — together and had a team meeting. Letting everyone do their own thing with the assumption that everything would run smoothly was the first problem. But it’s not too late. 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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We will remain the leader of the free world

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Staying sane in the age of

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

information overload

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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iHerald editorial

Real journalists, reporting real stories

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

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

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

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

letters

There’s often been bias in journalism

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

people.

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

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

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

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

opinions Keeping RVC safe: a promise of continued excellence

The safety of our residents and visitors remains our top priority. Every decision made by this administration, every investment in infrastructure and every hour of training by our Police Department reflects one shared goal, to ensure that Rockville Centre continues to be one of the safest and most welcoming places in New York.

Under the leadership of Police Commissioner Randy Dodd, a 27-year veteran of the Police Department and a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the department continues to set the highest standards for professionalism and service. Dodd leads a team of 55 officers along with a support staff of nine full-time and 26 part-time civilians. Together they embody the dedication, responsiveness and care that define our village.

While we may not be the largest department in the state, few can match the service, professionalism and commitment our officers demonstrate every day. They take great pride in knowing the community they serve and in responding with compassion and fairness.

To support their mission, the village

ish-American War.

invested in a new 10,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art police facility, which opened in 2022. It has an upgraded communications and dispatch center, a secure booking area and a dedicated training space. This facility provides the tools and environment our officers need to serve at the highest level.

BIn 2024 alone, officers completed 2,326 hours of training, a reflection of their ongoing commitment to professional development, preparedness and public safety. That dedication helped our department earn the AAA Gold Award for Community Traffic Safety, and become the first in New York certified as sensory inclusive, ensuring that all residents feel safe and supported when interacting with our officers.

ehind every success stoy is the dedication of the men and women in uniform.

Our police officers, administrative staff and public-works crews have helped create a community where safety, dignity and opportunity go hand in hand. Our Police Department is also one of only 18 accredited police departments on Long Island, which includes the State Police and SUNY Police. Accreditation reflects our department’s commitment to accountability, transparency and excellence.

So far this year, the department has responded to nearly 14,000 calls for service, including aided cases, arrests, impounds, car stops, school visits and parking enforcement. Each call represents an act of service and a moment of trust between our officers and the people they protect.

streets for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike.

Behind every success story is the dedication of the men and women who wear the uniform. Their countless hours of training, community engagement and service make Rockville Centre not only one of the safest villages in New York, but also one of the most connected. Their work is demanding, and their commitment is extraordinary.

We will continue to pursue every opportunity to strengthen and support our Police Department. The importance of effective policing can’t be overstated. It is the foundation of public trust, the safeguard of our families and the reason residents can live, and thrive, in peace.

Rockville Centre was recently recognized as one of the state’s safest and most prosperous communities in a report by GOBankingRates. The study ranked municipalities on household income, crime rates and overall livability, and the village placed first among suburbs for balancing high income, low crime and quality of life. We also recorded significantly lower rates of violent and property crime than state averages.

This recognition belongs to every person who lives, works and serves here.

LeTTers

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

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

RICHARD J. CONWAY Massapequa

Koslow’s a better choice than Blakeman

To the Editor:

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

each day. Bruce Blakeman, our current Nassau County executive, has this power. We need to look beyond the hype.

It’s time for a more centrist candidate. Blakeman and his team are entrenched in national politics, pleasing President Trump by doing such things as training a group of our county police officers to work in tandem with the president’s controversial ICE force, setting aside cells in our county jail for nonviolent ICE detainees, and creating a volunteer, private militia that Blakeman can use when and how he decides.

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

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

Public safety depends on innovation and vigilance. Our department uses license plate readers and digital speed signs to help enforce road safety. Security cameras have been installed at footbridges, Mr. B’s Park and other key locations to deter crime and enhance patrol efforts. Through grant funding, we have also purchased three new police vehicles and expanded camera coverage throughout the village.

Road safety remains a top priority. By combining technology, enforcement and community education, we continue to reduce traffic accidents and create safer

As mayor, I pledge that we will keep seeking grants and outside funding to provide our officers with the resources and equipment they need. We will continue to advocate for additional support from the state and federal governments, because local governments like ours shoulder an enormous responsibility when it comes to public safety.

Our success is built on a true partnership between our police officers and residents. Together we share a commitment to keeping Rockville Centre safe, strong and united. As we look ahead, we will continue to safeguard our village with pride, vigilance and steadfast dedication.

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

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

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

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