Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald 08-07-2025

Emergency training hits home Residents gather to learn how to survive disasters

By lUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Around 75 North Shore residents attended a workshop at the Sea Cliff Fire Department on July 31 designed to help them prepare for any type of natural or man-made disaster.

The workshop was a collaboration between the State’s Citizen Preparedness Corps and Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, whose office has been hosting the workshop with the state for around five years

“I thought it was a very successful event and very effective. The feedback has been terrific,” she said. “A lot of what is discussed is common sense, but it makes you really think about things, and it reminds you of

how important some things are.”

The Citizen Preparedness Corps, part of the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, aims to give residents the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster or emergency, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. The course introduces responding to natural or humancaused disasters.

“Offering these programs to our constituents is a really helpful big thing that we do and collaborating with the state makes it easier,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “I would hope that we continue to do it and educate as many people as we can.”

Workshop participants are taught to

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Minor repairs made to weir at Scudder’s Pond

By WIll SHEElINE wsheeline@liherald.com

A broken weir at Scudder’s Pond, which had led to low water levels, foul odors and rising concern among neighbors, has been temporarily repaired by the Village of Sea Cliff while Nassau County plans a permanent fix.

Residents living near the pond began noticing a sulfur-like smell beginning around July 22, with some initially mistaking it for something more serious inside their homes, such as a dead raccoon.

Tneighbors were concerned about the water height, quality, odor, and declining birdlife. She said that while the pond’s health had fluctuated over the years, she had never remembered a smell like this emanating from the water.

he weir has collapsed, which means the pond drains out into a pipe that goes

into Hempstead Harbor.

ErIc SWENSoN Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee

“At first, I was like ‘Oh, low tide,’ but then it was a very pungent, sulfurous smell” said Kate Duggan, who lives near the pond. “My house, all the windows and doors and stuff are closed, the air conditioning is on, and you could still smell it from inside the house.”

Lorraine Aguilar, who has lived on the pond for nearly three decades, said she and her

“We want to know who is actually in charge, what’s going on, what’s the reasoning?” she said. “And we don’t seem to be getting the information that we want to get, and so we thought maybe we have to be a little more forceful.”

The cause of the decreasing water levels, according to the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee’s Executive Director Eric Swenson, was a collapse of the weir, a structure similar to a dam that regulates water levels, located at the western end of the pond.

With the weir compromised, the pond has not functioned as it should, leading to lower water levels and stagnation.

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Neighbors complained of sulfurous smell from pond

Residents observed sludge, invasive Phragmites growth, and fewer birds on the water.

“We’ve been doing temporary repairs over the last couple years to try to keep the water level to where it normally is, but those temporary repairs have not stood up to Mother Nature,” Swenson said. “The weir has collapsed, which means the pond drains out into a pipe that goes into Hempstead Harbor.”

While the issue began a week prior, village officials were not made aware of the issue until July 29. Sea Cliff Village Administrator Bruce Kennedy confirmed that the same day village workers made temporary repairs by shoring up the gaps in the weir with shale, increasing the water level by roughly eight inches.

Although the pond is owned by the North Shore Country Club, both the Village of Sea Cliff and the Town of Oyster Bay hold maintenance easements on the property. However, Kennedy said Nassau County will fund the permanent replacement of the weir as part of a larger infrastructure improvement project along Shore Road and Prospect Avenue.

Sea Cliff’s temporary fix has helped restore the water level, but according to village officials this is only a short-term solution. The weir, originally installed in the 1930s and replaced in the 1980s, has outlived its life expectancy, Kennedy said. “It’s got to be replaced,” he added. The replacement becomes even more critical when taking into consideration the role the pond plays in the local ecosystem. Swenson emphasized the eco-

logical importance of the pond, which he called one of the most critical subwatersheds in the region.

“Well, it’s very important from a number of angles,” he said. “It serves as a natural bio-filter of any contaminants that may be coming off the local roadways and into the harbor.”

He added that Scudder’s Pond provides a natural habitat for numerous wildlife species, including fish, frogs, and migratory birds. Furthermore, during the winter the pond often freezes, providing an ice rink for residents and helping to add to the village’s aesthetic.

A significant restoration was undertaken about 12 years ago following the pond’s decline due to pollution with support from the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee and other local partners. That project removed invasive species, added native plants and bioswales (shallow channels designed to reduce stormwater runoff), and helped improve stormwater management.

Swenson also said that a contributing factor to the smell could have been faulty septic systems leaking into the pond. He urged residents to take advantage of the county’s grants to replace outdated septic systems, which can cover up to $20,000. For more information visit NassauWCD.org/SEPTIC.

Both Swenson and Kennedy added that Nassau County’s Department of Public Works plans to address the damaged weir as part of a larger project focused on restoring Prospect Avenue, but neither were able to provide further details on the project itself. DPW representatives did not respond to requests for interviews by time of print.

Capturing the village’s nocturnal beauty

Photographer Alan Klein’s new exhibit on display at the Sea Cliff Arts Council

By Julia Capitelli Intern

Sea Cliff is known for its beautiful views during the day, but one local photographer has found a new perspective taking pictures around the village at night.

Alan Klein started taking evening walks around Sea Cliff during the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown when he decided to use his iPhone to snap some nighttime images. This quickly turned into a multiyear project culminating in an exhibit at the Sea Cliff Arts Council.

there’s so many talented, creative people in this village

“Through My Eyes: Sea Cliff Nightscapes,” is set to open Friday at the arts council. It features more than 30 photographs taken around the village by Klein on his iPhone.

alan Klein photographer

While Klein started taking these photos during the pandemic, that is not the theme. The “eerie sense of stillness” in the town at night, according to Klein, is what propelled the project forward. The images depict primarily landscapes, nature and structures. Klein explained how everyday scenes like these look different at night.

“With streamlights or moonlight or cars going by,” he said. “Lighting up things as you’re walking, everything is transformed.”

Klein is a freelance commercial photographer whose work focuses on people; covering events, portraits and headshots. The photographer explained that he decided to use an iPhone in order to see how he could “push the limits of the technology.”

Using a phone was also more practical than using professional equipment, Klein added. He took more than 70 photos and said that the exhibit does not even include some of his favorite images due to spacing. Other photos he took will be posted on AlanKlein.com, his website.

Klein has spent a lot of time at the arts council and spoke with many of the volunteers. He said that the arts council “feels like home.”

“There’s so many people in our area that have amazing talents,” he said. “I’m thinking musicians, ceramicists, oil paint, multimedia people. There’s so many talented, creative people in this village.”

This is Klein’s first exhibit at the arts council, and he says he hopes to have another going forward. More information and events at the Sea Cliff Arts Council can be found at SeaCliffArtsCouncil.org.

Book Review: “SuperAging”

by David Cravit and Larry Wolf

Subtitled “Getting Older Without Getting Old” this new book starts with the premise “... imagine bringing a whole lifetime of knowledge, experience, skills, talent, relationships, wisdom (and, let’s face it, money) to two or three more decades ahead of you in which to leverage all those assets into an ongoing wonderful experience.” With the Baby Boomer generation far outliving and “outhealthing” any prior generation, we are in the era of the “superager”, founded upon seven pillars.

Attitude: Believing in exciting new possibilities, optimism is a major life extender. Purposes and goals are a result of an active curiosity about the potential for the gift of these years. Practice a positive thinking booster program everyday. Search for “positivity apps” and get daily positive quotes. They work!

Awareness: Whereas older adults previously accepted the advice of professionals as gospel, today’s superagers are avid consumers of information. The challenge today is the approach to information gathering and the curating of the “informational torrent”. Tips and techniques for searching and filing your information are provided.

Activity: Keeping fit, mentally and physically delves into the nine components, arising out of the Blue Zones Project, for extending longevity — move naturally, have a purpose (worth an extra 7 years!), downshift, the 80% rule for eating, plant-based diet, moderate alcohol, faith-based community family, social networks.

Accomplishments: Viewing post-65 as a continued opportunity to grow and achieve goals, this section outlines myriad ways to continue personal growth. As the authors point out, “Accomplishment, promoted by longevity, produces even further longevity.”

Attachment: The health risks of loneliness are well documented. Superagers reach for more connection, often digitally. New adult communities are arising right on college campuses, creating exciting new intergenerational possibilities.

Avoidance: Avoiding ageism, especially against oneself, means challenging your own and society’s outdated views on aging — stereotypes as to what older adults look and act like.

Autonomy: The dazzling new array of living options, and various means for affording them are explored, including using the home as an asset. For more, visit superagingnews.com.

News briefs

Free coupons for O.B. seniors this August

The Town of Oyster Bay and Nassau County are partnering to announce that income-eligible adults aged 60 and over can now receive free $25 coupon booklets from the New York State Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. These coupons can be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at authorized farmers’ markets and farm stands.

“We are committed to enhancing the quality of life for our senior residents,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is an excellent initiative that helps seniors maintain a healthy diet while enjoying the fresh produce our local markets have to offer. It is important for us to provide opportunities that support the well-being of our older adults, and this program does just that by making nutritious food more accessible.”

The coupon distribution will take place on Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Hicksville Community Center, located at 28 West Carl Street, Hicksville and Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the North Massapequa Community Center, located at 214 North Albany Ave., North Massapequa. Coupons will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one booklet per person per year.

Coupons can be used at Deep Roots Farmers’ Market, located at 100 Garvies

Point Road, Glen Cove, open Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (May 31 to Nov. 1), at the Country Fresh Farmingdale Farmers’ Market, located at Village Green, 316 Main Street, Farmingdale, open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (June 1 to Nov. 23), and at the Seaford Farmers’ Market, located at Seaford LIRR Parking Lot 3, Sunrise Hwy. & Washington St., open Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon (June 7 to Dec. 27).

“By participating in this program, our seniors can enjoy the benefits of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, while supporting the local economy,” added County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “I encourage all eligible seniors to take advantage of this wonderful program and experience the health benefits of fresh, locally sourced produce.”

The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and Mobile Farm Stand are sponsored by the Nassau County Office for the Aging, the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, the New York State Department of Health, the New York State Office for the Aging, and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. To find additional farmers’ markets participating in the coupon program, Agriculture.ny.gov/farmersmarkets. For more information, call the Nassau County Office for the Aging at (516) 227-8900.

Board of Ed. reorganizes for school year

Andrea Macari was re-elected president of the North Shore Schools Board of Education at its July 8 meeting. Lisa Colacioppo was also re-elected as vice president.

Trustees Lisa Cashman and Jessica Dillon were sworn in during the meeting. Trustee James Svendsen was sworn in earlier at the district’s central office.

Cashman, who was reelected with 1,665 votes on May 20, will serve in her second term on the board. Svendsen earned 1,543 votes. He was first elected in 2024 to fill out the remainder of the one year term of Marianne Russo, who

stepped down from the board earlier in the year.

Dillon, who filled the open seat left by Richard Galati after leaving the board last November, will serve her first full term on the board earning 1,541 votes.

Betty Ciampi also took the oath of office as district clerk. The first meeting of the North Shore Board of Education for the 2025-2026 school year will be in the middle school cafeteria on Aug. 27 at 7:45 p.m.

–Luke Feeney

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Attendees applaud hands-on workshop

develop family emergency plans and the importance of maintaining emergency supplies. Each attendee received a free Citizen Preparedness Corps Response Starter Kit filled with helpful items to use during an emergency such as a radio, flashlight, batteries, freshwater packets, food packs, heavy-duty gloves, tarp, emergency blanket, water container, glow stick and whistle.

State National Guard, collaborating with experts from the Division’s Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control, led the training sessions. The workshops are held at venues such as armories, community centers and other locations statewide and are coordinated with local county emergency management staff.

The state was hit by 10 climate and weather disasters last year that each caused more than $1 billion in damage across the country, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The destruction faced by New York was a part of a larger national trend as The United States experienced 27 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in 2024 just one less than the record of 26 set in 2023, according to NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. The total cost of these disasters exceeded $182.7 billion, the fourth highest on record.

around 75 north Shore residents attended a workshop at the Sea Cliff fire department on July 31 as part of a collaboration between the State’s Citizen preparedness Corps and nassau County Legislature minority Leader delia deriggi-Whitton.

The number of weather and climate disasters causing over a billion dollars in damage in the United States has risen from around three events annually during the 1980s to 19 events annually during the last 10 years, according to Climate Central; a nonprofit comprised of scientists and communicators researching and reporting the facts about the changing climate and its impacts on people’s lives.

“It is important to prepare our community and share knowledge that we’ve experienced in lessons learned,” Chief Joshua Carsons, one of the presenters, said. “So that they don’t have to go through those things themselves and they could be better prepared.”

On the same night of the training, Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for Long Island among other counties in the state after The National Weather Service warned of potential flash flooding for the New York metropolitan area. The New York Metropolitan area was hit with around 1.5-5 inches of rain, flooding Long Island Rail Road stations, subway stations, expressways, and streets.

Carsons admitted that he was concerned about the possibility of canceling the event due to the hazardous conditions but was adamant in his belief on the importance of the workshop. “I’m a servant leader,” he said. “In my humble opinion, if I have an opportunity to share and reach out to at least one person, it’s meaningful for me. So, I’m down with that.”

Response from attendees was extremely positive, with applause greeting the presenters as the workshop concluded.

Lorraine Bane, a Sea Cliff resident for

over 45 years, had attended a previous workshop hosted by the Citizen Preparedness Corps, but said she was glad she went to another one, explaining that they contain “important information,”

“I’m glad I have access to the slides because that would just help me remember the important things,” she said. “You can never predict when an emergency is going to happen. Most people are not prepared, and that’s when lives are lost.

Esther Ceedeno, a Glen Cove resident, praised the information shared during the workshop and said that she wanted “to learn more,” about preparing for an emergency. “It’s not just preparing for something that happens when I’m home,” she said. “But also, if I’m in transit. So, I need to be prepared if I’m in a restaurant, on a plane or if I’m working.”

The next workshop held by the Citizen’s Preparedness Corps in Nassau County will be at Westbury Memorial Public Library on Aug. 14 at 9 a.m. DeRiggi-Whitton said that she is looking to host workshops in Glen Head and Glen Cove and is working towards securing a location for them.

“It’s a good reminder for everyone,” she said. “It gets you trained to have everything in one place.”

things to know sea cliff’s village board meeting

Public hearings, community updates, more

By Luke Feeney

lfeeney@liherald.com

The Sea Cliff Board of Trustees addressed several key issues in Sea Cliff at its Monday night meeting with important conversations about zoning policy, facility uses and future projects in the village. The board’s next meeting will be in village hall on Sept. 2 at 6:00 p.m.

Here is a breakdown of the three top takeaways from the conversation:

Swimming pools no longer count toward floor area

The Sea Cliff Board of Trustees adopted Local Law No. 3 of 2025 at its Aug. 4 meeting, officially amending Chapter 138 of the village code. The new law removes swimming pools from the definition of “floor area,” a change that could ease zoning restrictions for homeowners with existing or planned pools.

The amendment passed following a public hearing where residents were invited to comment. Though technical, the revision could significantly impact how residential properties are assessed under zoning regulations, as it alters the formula used to calculate total floor area—a key factor in determining buildable space.

New events coming for seniors and community builders

The board approved two community facility use requests during the meeting. The first greenlights a senior outreach event—“Age Friendly Transit Training”—set for Oct. 1 at Village Hall. The second is a “longest table” potluck and musical chairs party at Roslyn Park on Sept. 13 with a rain date Sept. 20 from the Love Your Neighbor Project, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to fostering community connections.

The proposed community potluck from the local nonprofit would take place from 4-8 p.m. and would include a disc jockey and other activities during the evening.

325 Prospect Avenue update

Mayor Elena Villafane announced that the new septic system being designed for 325 Prospect Ave. should be completed by the middle of September. She initially announced the allocation of $2,500 for the design of a new septic system at 325 Prospect Ave. at a community meeting at village hall in June.

The building, also known as the Pumphouse, was constructed in 1941. It was designed to resemble a residential structure in the colonial revival style. The village acquired the property in 2021 for roughly $600,000 as part of Sea Cliff’s settlement with New York American Water following a four-year lawsuit. The village is actively exploring uses of the building for the future, she added.

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Business Summit

RichnerLive Gala celebrates

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Herald Community Media held its first ever Health & Beauty Awards of Long Island Gala, presented by RichnerLive on July 16, people from across the Island flooded into the ballroom of The Heritage Club at Bethpage to get a glimpse of the beautiful honorees this year’s had to offer.

“This evening we celebrate the people and organizations shaping the future of health and beauty,” said Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications and publisher of Herald Community Media, “Those whose innovation, leadership and dedication are making a lasting difference in our community.”

Regarding launching this new program, RichnerLIVE Executive Director Amy Amato shared, “This is a remarkable group of professionals who do more than just excel at what they do. They uplift, empower, and heal our community every single day. Whether helping someone feel beautiful, recover their strength, or simply feel seen and supported, this work touches lives in profound ways. It’s an honor to recognize that impact here tonight.”

Over 40 honorees were presented with awards in various categories pertaining to the health and beauty industry on Long Island, including Spa 505, Tranquility 3 Spa & Salt Cave and more.

Following the VIP cocktail hour which offered networking and a shopping and vendor experience for attendees, event emcees Krista Bennett DeMaio, founder of Pretty Local and Mae Caime, CEO and transformational architect of aMAEzing Midlife and Beyond kicked off the evening’s program and ceremony with a panel discussion on the industry.

Featured panelists included Dr. Luis Fandos, founder and CEO of Alluring Age Anti-Aging and Wellness Center, Dr. Helen Hsieh, founder and medical director of Vibrance 360, and Catherine Canadeo, CEO and founder of Health and Wellness Corp, who all also received awards later in the evening.

“With the new technology that we now have available, we can identify abnormal cellular processes that are going on,” Fandos said, “And by correcting those, any beauty treatments that you do will have a much longer lasting effect.”

Hsieh discussed common myths within the health and beauty industry. “More is not always better. Just the right amount is better than more. If you eat too much, it’s not good for you,” she said.

Canadeo mentioned the importance of addressing stress for one’s health. “It’s very important to be mindful of ourselves. We get distracted on a day to day basis and our emotional wellbeing is crucial. It is essential to glow from within,” she said.

Atul Bhatara, founder and CEO of Atul Skincare was amongst the honorees for the Achiever category. His skin-

care focuses on using safer ingredients in their products. Being born with cerebral palsy, he’s been able to defy the odds and be a voice for the disabled community.

“Throughout this journey, a lot of people didn’t believe in me. Don’t let somebody else’s opinion of you become your reality,” Bhatara said, “You control your own reality. Fear is false evidence appearing real, fear does not exist. It’s just something that comes up in your mind when you get overwhelmed.”

Constance Korol, CEO of Meta 180, received an award in Holistic Integrative Health. Her business centers around helping individuals dealing with issues from anxiety to physical ailments with a holistic approach both in-person and virtually. “Most of my clients, when I’m with them for some time, they’ll say ‘I just never knew that I could feel this way.’ That’s really the best part is seeing my clients grow,” Korol said.

Honoree, Dr. Linda Harkavy, was a recipient of the Science & Skin award. Harkavy is the president and medical director of Form & Function Aesthetics

and Wellness, which uses different devices and equipment to treat various physical issues. Harkavy said, “It’s a broad based aesthetic and wellness practice. The aesthetics came along with me because looking beautiful is a part of feeling great.”

These honorees were nominated not only by RichnerLive, but by people with-

in their communities as well. To see a complete list of the winners, visit RichnerLive.com/health-beautyawards/2025-honorees.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to The Maurer Foundation. For more information on the event or other events by RichnerLive, visit RichnerLive.com.

Health and Beauty innovators

Bringing world class dance to the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast Dance Festival, hosted by New York Dance Theatre, marked its 5th annu‑ al celebration on Aug. 2, , from 6 to 8 p.m. at Morgan Memorial Park in Glen Cove. This free, community‑focused event drew several hundred attendees and showcased 15 diverse acts—fea turing performers from prestigious companies such as Alvin Ailey, New York City Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Broadway, and more. A highlight was the new Lindy Hop on the Beach workshop led by Jaime Shannon. The fes tival’s broader mission includes supporting dance education, raising community awareness, and providing resources to aspiring young art‑ ists and at‑risk youth through free workshops and scholarships.

Firefighters convention returns to Long Island

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York will host its 153rd Annual Convention Thursday through Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Long Island, in Hauppauge.

The event is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees, including volunteer firefighters from across New York, vendors and dignitaries. It will mark the 15th time the association has held its convention on Long Island since the organization was founded in 1872.

“We are very happy for the return of the FASNY convention to the Long Island region,” the organization’s president, Eugene Perry, said. “We are proud to welcome firefighters and guests from across New York state back to our vibrant and historic convention.”

Organizers estimate that the three-day event will generate about $1.1 million in economic activity for Suffolk County, with nearly 1,500 hotel-room nights expected to be booked as well as dining, social events and other spending.

The association is partnering with Discover Long Island, the region’s official tourism agency, to support the convention.

“Our organization is committed to driving economic impact through tourism, and our dedicated sales team works year-round to bring major meetings and events like these to Long Island,” Discover Long Island’s interim CEO, Mitch Pally, said. “We are proud to host these dedicated individuals who serve communities across the state, and look forward to showcasing Suffolk County’s hospitality, natural beauty and distinctive appeal.”

The convention will open with the annual golf tournament at the Wind Watch Golf & Country Club, adjacent to the Hyatt Regency. Attendees will also take part in training sessions, FASNY’s annual meetings and ceremonies honoring outstanding service.

A highlight of the event will be a keynote address by Chief Patrick Kenny, author of “Taking the Cape Off: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimagina-

ble Grief and Loss.” Kenny will speak on first responder mental health.

“I’ve heard him speak before, and his story is very moving,” Perry said. “Attendees should be ready with tissues.”

Other scheduled events include the annual Heroes Awards and a Friday-evening Tailgate for Heroes and scholarship fundraiser, featuring the Long Islandbased band Peat Moss and the Fertilizers.

Michael Barry, president of the Suffolk County Fire Chiefs Council and a 41-year member of the Medford Fire Department, said the convention is about more than celebration and tourism.

“We hope this event brings out people and they can understand the value of a volunteer fire service and all that it does,” Barry said. “It’s about compromise and sacrifice — giving up time from family to complete training and respond to calls, all to help your community.”

Perry agreed. “This year’s convention promises to be a meaningful celebration of service, tradition and unity,” he said. “We look forward to a memorable and successful event that honors firefighting and inspires the future of volunteer service.”

Perry added that the members of the FASNY board were pleased that Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine recently approved legislation that gives volunteer firefighters preference for affordable housing in the county, which will enable many young recruits to stay on Long Island, make their homes here and continue their volunteer fire service.

FASNY represents approximately 80,000 volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel statewide. For more information about the convention, visit fasny.com/ events/2025-annual-convention.

Parker Jewish Institute showcases healing power of music with Sur Sagar ensemble

Amusical ensemble at the Parker Jewish Institute brings harmony and wellness to residents and patients alike.

The ensemble is known as Sur Sagar, which means “Ocean of Melody” in Hindi. It features five women from the Institute’s long-term care residence at Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The Indian Cultural Unit is the first of its kind in the region, accommodating the rehabilitation, healthcare and cultural needs of older adults in New York’s growing Indian population.

At Parker, members of Sur Sagar come together in song to create something special. Beyond their enchanting melodies, Sur Sagar represents the therapeutic power of music in elder care. Music therapy can help reduce anxiety, improve cognitive function and provide a powerful outlet for emotional expression for older adults. While Parker’s residents and patients diligently participate in physical, occupational and speech therapies that nurture their bodies, these musical gatherings nourish their spirits, helping

them to feel at ease so that they can heal.

The enthusiasm and unity of Sur Sagar members illuminate the profound impact of culturally meaningful activities. As part of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit, these sessions incorporate familiar melodies and rhythms that resonate deeply with residents, awakening cherished memories and creating moments of pure joy.

Sur Sagar embodies the essence of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The unit fosters the understanding that healing and

care must address the physical being while also honoring cultural identity and nurturing the soul through art and expression.

About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation<

The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading provider of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. At the

Parker Jewish Institute • (718) 289-2212

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

forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), providing patients with safe, comfortable Hemodialysis treatments in a relaxed setting, as well as PRINE Health, a Vascular Center offering advanced vascular services. The Center and QLIRI further Parker’s ability to expand access to essential health-care services to adults in the greater New York metropolitan area. For more information, visit parkerinstitute. org or call (877) 727-5373.

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute offers Home Hemodialysis/

THE GREAT BOOK GuRu

Twin trouble

Dear Great Book Guru, I was at Matt’s Deli (formerly Arata’s) having a delicious breakfast with friends when the discussion turned to books. We were swapping recent favorites when someone mentioned a new book about twins, time travel, and multiple endingssort of like the Choose Your Own Adventure novel series. Have you heard of it?

Lover of Matt’s Deli

Dear Lover of Matt’s Deli, I am a huge fan of Matt’s too. “The Catch” by Yrsa Daley-Ward is an interesting mix of all the elements you mention and more. The story opens in the present with Clara, a celebrity author, recounting the huge success of her latest novel, “Evidence.”

ANN DIPIETRO

Adopted into two very different families – Clara to a wealthy, upper class couple and Dempsey to a mean-spirited difficult city councilor - the women have been estranged for many years. On the day of their thirtieth birthday, Clara sees a woman she insists is their mother shoplifting a Rolex watch. Even more bizarrely, the woman looks about thirty years old. Clara rushes to share this information with Dempsey who is skeptical at best. Soon the woman, named Serena, has insinuated herself into their lives and things become more and more sinister.

The next chapter introduces us to her twin sister, Dempsey, who is struggling as a data entry clerk living in a shabby London apartment. We learn the women were orphaned as infants when their mother drowned herself in the Thames River thirty years ago.

Along the way, we meet a myriad of colorful characters from the past and present as the sisters struggle to find out who Serena is and what happened thirty years ago. A puzzling but compelling read… recommended.

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

Fall Living & Design

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14TH |

EISENHOWER PARK

U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi joined labor unions and immigrant advocates on to urge the Department of Homeland Security to reverse its decision before the Sept. 8 deadline.

Rep. Suozzi urges reversal of TPS termination plan

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

With the federal government set to end Temporary Protected Status for thousands of Hondurans living in the United States, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi joined labor unions and immigrant advocates on July 31 to urge the Department of Homeland Security to reverse its decision before the Sept. 8 deadline.

“I want to start by applauding President Trump for securing the border and for his efforts to deport criminals. I agree with those policies. But, now I believe it has gone too far,” said Rep. Suozzi. “I think we need to work together to find some form of compromise to move forward because what is happening now is bad for business, bad for law enforcement, and it is actually very inhumane and unfair to people. I believe it is un-American.”

Speaking at the 1199 SEIU headquarters in Hicksville, Suozzi said the loss of TPS protections would uproot families, destabilize small businesses, and harm local economies. Temporary Protected Status allows nationals from countries facing armed conflict, environmental disaster or other extraordinary conditions to live and work legally in the United States. Honduras was designated for TPS in 1999 following the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch.

“There are about 50,000 Hondurans in the United States of America who have Temporary Protected Status, many who live right here in my district,” Suozzi said. “They pay taxes. They raise their families here. And right now, they are terrified.”

Two TPS recipients living on Long Island joined the press conference by phone using aliases, citing concerns about retaliation. William, who owns two businesses and employs 20 workers,

said he has lived in the U.S. for over 25 years and has two U.S.-born children.

“It’s a terrifying thing for us,” he said. “We don’t know what is going to happen to our family, the businesses we own, or the community we serve.”

Alfredo, a restaurant owner with a 17-year-old son, said he has been in the U.S. for nearly three decades and has no criminal record.

“I have been living in this country and doing the right things, paying my taxes, being a good neighbor,” he said. “To be honest, I do not know what to do.”

According to the National Immigration Forum, TPS recipients from Honduras, El Salvador, and Haiti contribute a combined $4.5 billion in annual wages to the U.S. economy and an estimated $6.9 billion to Social Security and Medicare over a 10-year period.

Arlene Gannon, of Community Care and Home Health Services, said the impact of ending TPS would be significant. Of the company’s 2,000 employees, 800 are TPS holders.

“Once your TPS is revoked, you are no longer eligible to work,” Gannon said. “So not only will this economically devastate Long Island and Queens, but this will transpire across the country.”

Nadia Marin Molina, co-executive director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, called the move to terminate TPS “arbitrary,” and said it contradicts the U.S. government’s original promise to provide safe haven.

“TPS holders have done this for decades,” she said. “The Trump Administration is breaking this promise for Honduras and many more countries.”

Suozzi and the participating organizations called on the federal government to reinstate TPS protections and allow Congress time to pursue longterm immigration reform.

STEPPING OUT

Long Islander

By Iris Wiener

Jadds “JOY” Off-Broadway

erome Vivona knew from a young age that he was meant to tell stories. From performing at his Bayville elementary school, to “West Side Story” and “Guys and Dolls” at North Shore High School, he found there was a freedom in theater that was especially unique.

An accomplished performer, writer, producer, director, and choreographer, Vivona (Broadway’s “Seussical,” “Kiss Me Kate”) returns to the New York stage, Off-Broadway, in “JOY: A New True Musical.” Running now through Aug. 17, it’s based on entrepreneur Joy Mangano. Vivona plays Judge Jeremiah Abernathy (an integral figure in Mangano’s life), and is also a standby for other roles.

Vivona is right at home with JOY, which is mostly set at Mangano’s childhood residence on Long Island. As a teenager, Vivona was an avid athlete working part-time at an East Norwich ski shop (where he once helped Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley), and initially decided to attend college on a soccer scholarship; however, thanks to the encouragement of his teachers, he found that the calling to be a dancer was stronger.

At age 17 he entered a Sea Cliff studio and said, “I want to be a professional dancer.” He trained privately for six to eight hours each day for six months until he had caught up with the more experienced dancers.

“I worked very hard, and with the studio’s tutelage I ended up at the Joffrey Ballet School,” says Vivona. “[Afterwards,] I was very fortunate to tour with ballet companies.”

His life took another incredible turn when, at 23, he first met Jerome Robbins, for whom he was about to audition for “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway.”

“He took a liking to me and I took private rehearsal sessions with him in which I learned all of the ‘West Side Story’ choreography. Working with him and his believing in me was a seminal part of my career.”

Vivona went on to tour with Robbins’ show nationally and internationally, which was followed by a turn in the Paris production of “West Story,” where he met his wife, performer and dancer Michelle Vivona. It wasn’t long before he made his Broadway debut in “Guys and Dolls.”

“JOY” entered his life through the connections and friends he’s made through the years.

Daniel G. Weiss

Jerome Vivona’s commanding presence is well suited to his latest project.

“My relationships are what brought me back and my friends having a belief that I would be the right fit. I’m really thrilled that [director] Lorin Latarro and choreographer Joshua Bergasse gave me the opportunity because the show is beautiful, powerful and uplifting.”

As he puts it: ‘JOY’ is about the dynamics of a family and how that can change your trajectory in life if you let it. It’s a powerful story about one woman who found herself in a situation where she had her back up against a wall, and she was able to create this mop that allowed her to change her family’s life and the lives of countless others. It really is ‘joy,’ and I think that what we need right now is a story that makes us feel good about humanity.”

As the only native Long Islander in “JOY,” Vivona helped with the authenticity of the actors’ dialect.

“During rehearsals we had a dialect coach who was going to play a recording for the actors to help with their speech,” Vivona says. “Instead … I was the reference for them. Whenever Betsy [Wolfe, who plays Mangano] said, ‘How do you say this?’ they would look for me and ask how to say ‘mop’ or ‘car door.’ They even asked me to record my mom saying a couple of things.”

Vivona also spoke with the production team about local towns, mascots and street names.

“Any time there was something that didn’t ring true to Long Island, I would mention it,” he says. “It feels like home [on stage], and it feels good to be representing Long Island in a show about Long Island and someone as successful as Joy. I’m proud to be telling her story.”

At 58, Vivona stands by the same values he held true when he was raising his children, who graduated from the East Meadow School District.

“I’ve always taught them that you should follow your dreams and believe in what your impact can be,” he says.“This show has taught me that I can continue to believe in myself and that being on stage telling a story is what I’m all about.

When Vivona is not performing, he and Michelle can be found in Mineola, where they own and operate American Theatre Dance Workshop, an award-winning conservatory-type performing arts school.

With new projects on the horizon, Vivona surely wouldn’t mind seeing “JOY” head to Broadway.

“I don’t think you leave the theater without a smile on your face and maybe a tear in your eye.”

“JOY: A New True Musical” is at the Laura Pels Theatre, 111 West 46th St., New York. Tickets are available at joythemusical.com or by calling (833) 274-8497.

‘My Son The Waiter’

Brad Zimmerman celebrates the 10th anniversary of his hit comedy

“My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy, with a sequel; “My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy & Still Not Famous! His long journey to follow his show biz dream and his parents who suffered through it continues with plenty of laughter along way. Brad moved to New York and “temporarily” waited tables for 29 years, while pursuing his career as an actor. After many years, he finally got a role on the Sopranos and work as a comedian opening for Joan Rivers, George Carlin and Brad Garrett. He tells of his pursuit, along with stories about his childhood, family, and misbegotten love life with warmth, wit, self-deprecating humor, and wicked charm. Zimmerman also examines the trials and tribulations of waiting on tables — particularly for someone not exactly invested in that career, and with little tolerance for persnickety diners.

Friday, Aug. 1, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 2, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 3, 2 p.m. Through Aug. 24. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.

‘The Rocketman Show’

Remember when rock was young? You will when you blast off into the stratosphere with this electrifying tribute to the Rocketman himself. With a nostalgic setlist, this is a must-see for Elton John fans — of all generations. Rus Anderson, Elton John’s official body double for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour launch, recreates an early Elton concert complete with flamboyant costumes actually worn by Elton himself. Elton’s greatest hits, wildest outfits and outrageous stage antics come to life again as Anderson brings you the magic and live persona of a young Elton like no other. He storms around the stage with a fun-loving sense of flamboyance; part diva, killer vocalist, fierce piano player, all rock ‘n roller. This is a detailedv version of Elton John’s ‘70s shows that’s not to be missed. Anderson’s painstaking attention to detail includes wearing Elton’s iconic boots, glasses and jumpsuits from 1973, as well as a sparkly Swarovski tuxedo from ‘84.

Friday, Aug 8, 8 p.m. $82, $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

On Exhibit

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

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: Ongoing

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

Through My Eyes: Sea Cliff Nightscapes

With professional assignments at a Covid standstill, a professional photographer turns to his iPhone during nightly walks through the deserted streets of Sea Cliff, offering new perspectives on the village we know so well. This is Alan Klein’s first photography exhibit. On view through September at Sea Cliff Arts Council.

•Where: 86 Roslyn Ave.

•Contact: seacliffartscouncil.org

Little Learners’ Forest Animals

Planting Fields Little Learners series continues with a wild adventure for the little ones to explore animals that live in the forest. The journey begins with a fun and engaging story all about creatures that call the woods their home. Then, explore what happens to the forest after dark — who wakes up, who goes to sleep and how the nighttime world comes to life. After that, get creative with a craft to take home. For ages 2-5. Registration required. $15 per child.

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

•Time: 10-11 p.m.

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

Aug 16

The Midtown Men

also Aug 20 •Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Ecotherapy Walk

Sands Point Preserve’s reserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the backdrop for a calming stroll with certified guide Linda. Ecotherapy, also known as Forest Therapy or Forest Bathing, is not simply hiking in the woods, or a walk on a beach. The focus of Ecotherapy is on connection and relationship, allowing the heart to open to the beauty of the natural world, and at the same time, understand our belonging in that world. Registration required. $49 per session, $135 for series of 3; $44 per session, $120 for series of 3, members.

•Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

•Time: 6-8 p.m.

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

Aug

Mindful

Morning

View Nassau County Museum of Art’s galleries in a small group session. Take time to observe, question and reflect without hurry, distraction, or judgment. Explore one or two works of art in the galleries, with intention as you focus on color, texture, form and personal connections during the series of three sessions. Join for as many sessions as you like. Each will be a different opportunity to enjoy art together. Program is capped at 12 people. $20 per session, $10 members. Registration required.

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: 10-11 a.m., also Aug. 22

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

Walking with the Olmsteads

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

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

•Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

•Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.; also Aug. 10

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

Aug

9

Gala Blanca: A Magical Night in White

Enjoy a magical evening in the beautiful Hempstead House Garden at Sands Point Preserve. Surrounded by vibrant wildflowers, with an expansive view of the Long Island Sound and a backdrop of the sun setting on Hempstead House, guests will experience an unforgettable night in a setting like no other. Get ready for free-flowing cocktails, delicious dinner, dancing under the stars, and mesmerizing entertainment. Dress in white for this joyous celebration of summer! All proceeds benefit the natural and historic gem that is the Sands Point Preserve and the Conservancy’s

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Former stars of the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning jukebox musical “Jersey Boys,” reunited as The Midtown Men, are back with their ‘60s vibe at Eisenhower Park. During their time in the mega-hit musical, these talented artists — Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award nominee J. Robert Spencer — shared the stage for over 1,000 performances. The highoctane musical tour de force that took the Jersey Boys phenomenon to Broadway and beyond, is now rocking the stage as a concert. These Broadway veterans, with their powerhouse band, are realizing the dream they brought to life as the iconic Four Seasons. The dynamic foursome now celebrates the music that defined the 1960s. The Midtown Men is the next chapter for these accomplished entertainers, making them the first vocal group ever formed by the principal cast of a high-profile Broadway show. Not only have they continued to win over audiences of all ages in nearly 2,000 live shows, their selftitled debut album, The Midtown Men: Sixties Hits was met with critical acclaim and garnered five star album reviews across iTunes and was followed by their first radio single “All Alone On Christmas” with producer Steven Van Zandt and members of Springsteen’s E Street Band.

work to maintain and uphold it as a beloved community resource.

General admission is $190, premium tickets are $350.

•Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

•Time: 6:30 p.m.

•Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or contact Melanie Dunbar at melanie.dunbar@ sandspointpreserve.org or call (516) 570-2236

Unbox A-Saurus for Us!

Dr. Patricia Osiris visits with young paleontologists-intraining at Long Island Children’s Museum’s new stage production. This interactive theatrical experience invites visitors to join the eccentric paleontologist (a.k.a. “Dr. Patti”) as she attempts to reveal a neverbefore-seen dinosaur specimen — if only she can figure out how to open the crate it’s locked in. Along the way, the audience becomes key players in solving problems, sparking laughter and exploring the world of dinosaurs in a lighthearted “scientific” comedy that blends imagination and learning. $5 with museum admission, $10 theater only.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

•Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.;

12

Set with Radio Land Boomer Band

Visit Sands Point Preserve for a yacht rock experience. Back in a big way, yacht rock is winning hearts across generations, from Boomers to Gen Z! Whether you’re reliving the soundtrack of your youth or discovering these smooth grooves for the first time, the songs in Radio Land Boomer Band’s setlist are timeless classics that everyone knows and loves. Expect an evening full of irresistible melodies, tight harmonies, and feel-good vibes. From danceable hits to iconic singalongs, their music brings together audiences of all ages — from kindergartners to grandparents — in a celebration of unforgettable tunes. Bring a picnic dinner, snack or beverage or enjoy the food truck options. Admission is $35 per car in advance; $50 per car day of concert. Purchase tickets online.

•Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

•Time: Gates open 6 p.m.; concert starts at 6:30 p.m.

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

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.

Genealogy group connects past and present

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

What started as a modest attempt to meet community demand for genealogy resources has grown into a thriving network of libraries helping Long Island residents discover their roots and share local history.

The North Shore Genealogy Collective — a partnership between six libraries in Glen Cove, Oyster Bay-East Norwich, Gold Coast, Bayville, Locust Valley, and Manhasset — marked its third anniversary this year. The group, formed during the pandemic, has become a regional hub for amateur genealogists seeking not only ancestral connections but a sense of belonging.

“The demand was always there,” said Lydia Wen Rodgers, librarian and archivist at the Glen Cove Public Library. “Forming a collective meant we could support each other and offer consistent, high-quality programming across all the libraries.”

Rodgers first launched the in-person Genealogy Round Table during the pandemic, when patrons needed access to tools like the Ancestry.com database, which could only be used on-site. Participants came masked, many bringing boxes of family records and handwritten notes.

“Three and a half years later, we’re still going strong,” she said. “At the beginning of 2025, we even expanded the name to the Genealogy and Local History Round Table because so many of our discussions veered naturally into Glen Cove’s past.”

Each month, the Round Table explores members’ family research, discusses challenges in tracing lineage, and highlights upcoming historical events and genealogy workshops. The group also takes field trips to local landmarks, including the Matinecock Masonic Historical Society and the Levittown Historical Society and Museum.

“Our members are all ages and backgrounds, but we share a love for Glen Cove,” Rodgers said. “I often look around the room and think, this is what makes this city beautiful — a cross-section of people coming together to learn from one

another.”

For club member Koorosh Leibowitz, the link between genealogy and local history is personal. Known for digging through estate sales and antique collections, he often brings in historical items to share with the group. One recent find was a bag of early 20th-century postcards he uncovered in a Glen Cove home.

“At first, I thought they were just random postcards from places like California, Jerusalem, and Rome,” Leibowitz said. “But when I flipped them over, I realized they were all addressed to a family on Duck Pond Road — the Willits family, which is a well-known name around here.”

The earliest postcard was dated 1904 and addressed to Frederick E. Willits.

“These cards are more than just souvenirs — they’re genealogical records,” he explained. “You can see where someone went on holiday, who they were writing to, and sometimes even mentions of relatives like ‘Aunt So-and-So.’ If you’re a Willits descendant, this is invaluable history.”

The collective’s impact has been lifechanging for some. Katina Csillag, a Glen Cove resident and former president of the Friends of the Library, began researching her family in 2023 using the Glen Cove Library’s Robert R. Coles History Room. Encouraged by fellow club members, she took a DNA test that revealed a half-brother she never knew existed.

“It was an emotional discovery,” Csillag told the Herald. “I’d been searching for a piece of myself for years. The library’s resources — and the people in that room — helped me find it.”

Stories like Csillag’s show the power of community-based genealogy work.

“This isn’t just about names on a chart. It’s about human connection,” she said. “Whether it’s finding a lost relative or learning how your family contributed to local history, these stories ground people in something larger than themselves.”

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Sea Cliff, Nassau County, New York, at a regular meeting held the 4th day of August, 2025, adopted the following local law:

LOCAL LAW NO. 3, YEAR 2025

A local law to amend Chapter 138 of the Code of the Village of Sea Cliff, to eliminate swimming pools from the definition of floor area.

Dated: August 4, 2025

Sea Cliff, NY

Sarah Beaudin Village Clerk 155038

LEGAL NOTICE THE INCORPORATED

VILLAGE OF BROOKVILLE

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Board of Zoning Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Brookville, Nassau County, New York, in the main administration building of AHRC located at 189 Wheatley Road in said Village on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. when all interested persons will be given an opportunity to express their views.

The hearing will be on the application of Long Island University, owner of a parcel of land known as section 18, block B, lot 250 on the Land and Tax Maps of Nassau County and commonly known as the C.W. Post Campus. Applicant seeks to amend its existing zoning permit/conditional use permit to permit the construction of a new 3 story, 30,000 sf academic facility for use as a primary College of Science research building including educational laboratory space. The building site is east of Pell Hall, west of Scholars Court Road and immediately north

of the Winnick House and northwest adjacent to the campus main green space. The existing structure on the building site will be demolished. The above application is on file at the Village office located at 18 Horse Hill Road, Brookville, NY 11545 where it may be reviewed between the hours of 9:30 am and 4:00 pm by appointment (516-626-0973) during the regular hours of the usual business days until the time of the hearing.

Dated: July 30, 2025

Scott Spector Chairman 154991

opinions

Enough with our obsession with conspiracies

politics has always been marked by conspiracy theories. There was the theory that President Franklin Roosevelt had prior knowledge of the attack on Pearl Harbor, but allowed it to happen to force the United States to enter World War II. In the 1950s, the founder of the John Birch Society wrote a manifesto concluding that President Dwight Eisenhower was a Soviet agent. More recently, there was the Sept. 11 “truther” theory that the administration of President George W. Bush had advanced notice of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and might have actually planned them.

Today, with social media and artificial intelligence, conspiracy theories are more rampant than ever. What allows these theories to thrive is that, by their very nature, they are inherently difficult, if not impossible, to disprove. They are based on assorted often unrelated facts, rumors, conjecture and speculation.

The ongoing furor over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case is a classic example of a conspiracy theory run amok and creating a conspiracy on top of itself. For years the Trump camp peddled rumors that the Biden administration was hiding FBI files to protect prominent Democrats who were involved in the Epstein scandal, and that Epstein’s jail-cell suicide was actually an inside-job murder. Once in office, however, with complete access to all Justice Department and FBI files and records, Trump administration officials had to announce that they could find nothing irregular: There was no secret list of names, and Epstein had in fact committed suicide.

no one was more surprised when Donald Trump was elected than Vladimir Putin.

The illogic of all this was, of course, that if the “files” did incriminate Trump, why didn’t the Biden administration disclose that when it had full access to the Epstein records? If congressional Democrats are so dedicated to transparency and so concerned about full disclosure, why did they do and say nothing when they were in control? And why would candidate Trump have made an issue of Epstein if he thought it would remotely incriminate him? Hopefully the Trump camp will learn that trafficking in unverified conspiracy theories is not only wrong, but it can come back to bite them.

below ground in the Capitol. There wasn’t one bit of evidence connecting the Trump campaign to Russia. There was, of course, the salacious and thoroughly discredited “Steele dossier,” which was in fact a political opposition memo prepared for Hillary Clinton’s campaign and based on false information from a former Russian spy. Yes, Russia had attempted to interfere in the 2016 campaign, as it always has. But Russia’s intention was to weaken Hillary Clinton’s expected presidency.

This caused apocalyptic shrieks of outrage from the fringes of MAGA world, led by the likes of Tucker Carlson. Now Trump officials were being accused by the president’s own supporters of likely collusion with myriad coconspirators such as former President Joe Biden, Israel and Mossad. The Democrats also feigned outrage, insisting that Trump must be covering his own guilt.

To me, the most baseless — and insidious — theory was the false narrative that there was Russian collusion with the Trump campaign during the 2016 election. The main propagators of this “Russia hoax” were former CIA Director John Brennan, former FBI Director James Comey and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. I was on the Intelligence Committee during this saga, and sat through endless months of testimony in a secure committee room three floors

No one was more surprised when Donald Trump was elected than Russian President Vladimir Putin. It’s only now, with much of this information declassified, that I can discuss details that I learned at the time. This hoax was a true threat to democracy, undermining a duly elected president and tying down his administration with intrusive investigations for more than half of his first term of office.

It’s time for Americans to ignore the conspiracy nuts on all sides and address the real and serious issues that confront our nation.

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

Buyer’s remorse is no consolation for the losers

Have you ever heard of the term “buyer’s remorse”? It’s been a while since I’ve heard those words, but lately I’ve been hearing them from some of my friends who are Republican members of Congress when they refer to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. He wanted it passed by July Fourth, and he got his way. Now that it is law, some of the Republicans who voted for it are confessing to me that maybe it went a little too far in cutting agencies and programs.

Having served in the State Legislature, I can understand what happens when a member is confronted with having to support a bill that’s nearly a thousand pages long. You may know about some of the provisions, but it’s impossible to know every section when you only have a few hours before the final vote. One of the reasons why these bills are crafted to be so thick is

because leadership knows that some parts of them couldn’t pass if they were presented as single bills.

My friends in Congress aren’t alone in their misgivings about the Big Beautiful Bill. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley agonized for weeks over its deep Medicaid cuts, because hundreds of thousands of his state’s voters rely on Medicaid to survive. Hawley was agonizing on behalf of those hardworking citizens who don’t deserve to lose their benefits. Despite wringing his hands and suffering sleepless nights, he voted for the bill when it reached the Senate. Two more cases in point are Maine Sen. Susan Collins and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Both went public with their concerns about the cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides food assistance to more than 40 million people nationally. For days on end, the two senators expressed their concerns about their constituents losing access to food stamps that are a life-or-death necessity. But when push came to shove, they both voted for the cuts.

But what happens when all these program cuts are the hot topic next year?

Hawley must have had buyer’s remorse, because a few weeks after the bill became law, he introduced his own bill, which would restore many of the Medicaid cuts. Obviously Hawley’s upset was hypocritical, because you don’t vote for such far-reaching cuts and then introduce a bill restoring them. This was a good example of the lack of conscience surrounding the actions that were taken.

The SNAP program has for years been a target of conservatives who maintain that it and other safety-net programs like it are abused and unnecessary. And there is no doubt that some SNAP beneficiaries have used food stamps to buy beer instead of milk and bread. But the vast majority of people who get food stamps are the aged or have disabilities, and who meet the tests for approval. In the months and years ahead, it will be no consolation to those who lose their benefits that their representatives in Congress voted in favor of the Big Beautiful Bill and then had pangs of guilt about its impact.

There is also no doubt that there are

some parts of the bill that are worthy of support, but mixing the good with the bad results in mostly bad for the needy and good for the people who won’t have any sleepless nights about the tragedies that will happen on the other end of the income spectrum. Few House members who voted for the bill will suffer at the ballot box. Many serve in districts that would elect Attila the Hun if he were nominated for the seat.

The problem for fair-minded House and Senate members is that the program cuts are not a secret, and will be publicized extensively next year at election time. The latest national polls show that the legislation has high negative numbers, which won’t fade from the minds of the people who are the victims of the cuts, or many other voters.

I was surprised that about a half-dozen members of Congress from New York and surrounding states expressed their unhappiness in the Big Beautiful Bill to me. Sadly, however, their buyer’s remorse may be too little, too late come November 2026.

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.

Incorporating

The Gold Coast Gazette in 2016

Will Sheeline

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HERALD

tSupport your local volunteer firefighters

he Firefighters Association of the State of New York will hold its 153rd annual convention in Hauppauge from Thursday to Saturday. While the event is an opportunity to celebrate the service and sacrifice of New York’s 80,000 volunteer firefighters, it is also a moment for reflection — a chance to confront the urgent challenges facing fire protection services in our communities.

Volunteer fire departments have long been essential to public safety across the state, which has more than 1,600 of them. On Long Island alone there are nearly 180 volunteer departments, which respond to emergencies of every kind, from house fires and highway accidents to natural disasters and medical calls. And they do it all without pay. It’s no exaggeration to say that these volunteers — and the emergency medical technicians and paramedics who work alongside them — are among the most selfless public servants we have.

Yet despite their critical importance, these departments face steep recruitment and retention challenges. The number of active volunteer firefighters in New York state has declined markedly in recent decades, from roughly 120,000 in the early 2000s, even as call volumes have nearly doubled over the past 30 years, from 750,000 to 1.4 million annually, according to state figures, and training demands continue to rise due to expanded safety regulations.

Balancing work, family and extensive training is no small feat, especially for volunteers. The result is that many departments are stretched thin, struggling to maintain robust crews and

letters

We need more open-minded politicians like

To the Editor:

Tom Suozzi

ensure timely responses to emergencies.

That’s where the state firefighters association steps in — and why its convention deserves more than ceremonial attention. For over 150 years, the organization has served as the voice and support system for volunteer fire service statewide.

FASNY advocates for funding, offers educational resources and legal guidance, provides mental health support, and promotes recruitment campaigns such as Is There a Fire In You?, which encourages everyday New Yorkers to consider joining their local department.

The Hauppauge convention will bring together more than 1,000 firefighters, instructors and leaders. Discussions will focus not just on tactics and technology, but on issues such as firefighters’ mental health, peer support programs and the evolving needs of a modern volunteer force. These conversations matter. They have real-world implications for the safety of firefighters and the resilience of the communities they serve.

Mental health, in particular, is an area that demands greater attention. Of course firefighting is dangerous, but it is also emotionally taxing. Volunteers often respond to traumatic events involving neighbors and loved ones — a severe house fire that kills or injures its occupants, or a disaster like Hurricane Sandy. Without proper support systems in place, these experiences can take a huge toll on emergency responders. FASNY has made great strides in breaking down the stigma around mental health care in the fire service, but continuing community awareness of the

Re U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi’s op-ed, “Why I care about immigration — and why all of us should,” in last week’s issue: Suozzi voiced a clear understanding of the immigration issues and called, once again, for a bipartisan solution to a problem that impacts everyone in this country. He has taken this bipartisan stand on many issues for as long as I’ve been following him, including his previous time in Congress.

I, and many others, are re-energized that Mr. Suozzi returned to Congress. Yes, I would have loved to have him replace Kathy Hochul as our governor, but he can, hopefully, do so much more good if he can generate a following in Congress for more bipartisan solutions to the problems we face.

I consider myself one of those independent voters who try to see both sides of an issue. There are times when I agree with the Democratic platform, such as on

challenges these men and women face is crucial as well.

How can you show support for these selfless volunteers?

First, get to know your local department. Attend an open house. Follow its social media accounts. Volunteer departments rely on community awareness to grow their ranks and raise funds.

Second, support the volunteers’ fundraising efforts. Many departments operate on limited budgets, depending heavily on donations and local drives to raise the money to pay for essential equipment. Whether it’s from a resident or a business, a contribution — financial or in-kind — can go a long way toward ensuring their readiness.

Third, talk to young people about the value of volunteerism. FASNY’s Junior Firefighter programs are an excellent way to introduce teens to public service and give them a sense of civic responsibility.

Finally, consider whether you might have “the fire in you.” Even if running into burning buildings isn’t for you, departments have many support roles — from administrative help to public education — for which willing hands are always needed. Simply stop in at a local firehouse or call them to learn more.

Volunteer firefighting is a tradition rooted in community, courage and compassion. As Long Island continues to grow, the need for well-supported fire departments becomes more urgent. The FASNY convention is a timely reminder that while these men and women may serve without pay, they should never serve without appreciation, resources or help.

opinions

Honoring 250 years of the U.S. Postal Service

most people who are familiar with Independence hall, in Philadelphia, know — at least — that important decisions were made there during the American Revolution. The beginning of our nation can be traced back to the debates and discussions there of a small group of men risking their lives to start and lead a rebellion against the British crown.

One of the most important meetings of the Second continental congress occurred in that hall on July 26, 1775, against a dramatic backdrop of thunderstorms, nearly a year before the Declaration of Independence and just weeks after the Battle of Bunker hill. The city was hearing shocking reports from Boston, which was being held by British forces attempting to tamp down the American rebellion by force, largely against the will of its citizens. The topic was the urgent need to establish secure and reliable communications

with the continental Army and among the colonies.

Following debate, the congress agreed to, among other points:

■ Appoint a postmaster general, with an office in Philadelphia, a $1,000 salary, $340 for a secretary and comptroller and the power to appoint deputies — local postmasters.

■ Establish a line of posts from Maine to Savannah, Georgia, with cross posts as needed.

■ Establish postage rates, to be 20 percent less than charged by the British post.

tindependence, they had their eyes on the future, methodically creating infrastructure, attuned to the mundane matters of payments and administration. They were intent on transforming their world.

he first — unanimous — choice for postmaster general? Ben Franklin.

The congress then elected a postmaster general “for one year, and until another is appointed by a future congress.” The unanimous choice was Benjamin Franklin.

After creating the Postal Service, the congress called it a day and adjourned.

Despite the personal danger — the first postmasters were risking their lives to enable the flow of information — those leaders of the day were supremely optimistic about building a nation and its institutions. Even amid the stresses and tumult of their war for

Letters

gun control, where we have absurdly allowed guns to proliferate across our nation into the hands of criminals and, worse, the mentally ill who are the predominant perpetrators of mass shootings.

And there are times I agree with Republican stands, including the recent government spending cuts, which the bipartisan Government Accountability Office has been touting for years. No, I don’t condone all of the cuts, and I’m hopeful that some will be restored as a clearer picture of what is being done comes into focus.

But the overspending that we have allowed our federal government to do for the past 50 years, under both Democratic and Republican presidents, is absurd. We need to get past the anger at President Trump, who can easily infuriate even Republicans with his outlandish rhetoric, and see that much of what he is doing will benefit the majority of people.

We need to look at the math, and whether it adds up or dilutes the benefits to all of us. I’m not convinced that Trump has done that, but shaking things up and making cuts is long overdue.

And last, I would like Suozzi to run for president in 2028. The Democrats do not have a viable candidate right now, so let me be one of the first, for whatever it’s worth, to endorse Suozzi. We need someone like him, with a vision of bringing both sides of the political spec-

trum to the table.

If you look at the history of our elections over the past 75 years, you’ll see that fringe candidates don’t win presidential elections, no matter on which side of the aisle they sit. On the other hand, some of our most effective presidents were those like John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan, who fostered bipartisan politics.

RIchARD S. KAhN

Glen Cove

How about some new ideas, Jerry?

To the Editor:

Jerry Kremer’s column in the July 24-30 issue, “It’s long past time to shut down the cellphone,” highlighted exactly what is wrong with the Democratic Party today. Mr. Kremer spend the first half of his op-ed bemoaning current politics — in particular, the devastating “One Big Beautiful Bill,” especially for the most vulnerable among us — but offered no hint of a remedy. If he is illequipped to lead or advise the next generation of voters, perhaps he should step aside and allow someone who can.

Instead, Kremer spent the second half of his column belittling a dynamic young Democratic candidate, Zohran Mamdani, who has energized voters with policy ideas that address the real

When the United States became a nation, a free press and the unhindered flow of ideas and commerce was enabled by a universally accessible Postal Service. In those early, formative years, the service was part of the bedrock of America’s economy and its democracy — and it has been ever since.

In the following decades, as postal roads traversed the country, commerce flourished on a national basis, literacy expanded dramatically and the free press created a highly informed nation. As America industrialized and cities grew and railroads crossed the nation, people became more mobile. The great connector, and sometimes the only connector, was the Postal Service.

The demands of the public evolved as the nation did. Americans in cities began getting mail delivered to their homes and businesses, and then rural

areas — secure, affordable, universal service across a far-flung nation.

The 20th century saw the Postal Service essentially shape America’s airline industry, automate on a massive scale, and connect Americans to one another on a scale unmatched in the world.

With the perspective of 250 years, we can see that the service helped our nation grow economically; it strengthened our democracy by ensuring the uncensored and unrestricted flow of communications and personal expression; and it bound the nation together. Every mail delivery today is a living reminder that our democracy, our commercial success and our unity as a nation were all shaped by the constant presence of the Postal Service in our daily lives.

And so, on the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service, perhaps as you visit your mailbox, please give a thought to those far-sighted founders in Philadelphia. They would no doubt be amazed and gratified to know that their ideals and aspirations are carried forward every day by the 630,000 men and women of the service who live, work and serve in every community in America.

Stephen Kochersperger is the historian of the United States Postal Service.

Framework by Tim Baker

needs of New Yorkers — many of whom are the prime targets of the cuts that so distress Kremer. If Mamdani is inexperienced, our veteran Democrats should be throwing their weight behind him and offering support and expertise.

I cannot fathom why institutional Democrats such as Kremer would prefer Andrew cuomo, a sexual predator, or Eric Adams, an indicted alleged

criminal, over a, yes, young, but moral, galvanizing upstart. Younger Democrats do not want corrupt, lecherous and unrepentant leaders, and we do not want complacency. If Kremer can’t see that, perhaps he should shut down his phone and put down his pen. KATE

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