Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald 09-11-2025

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Village hosts its first triatholon Page 3

Sea Cliff will honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks with its annual memorial ceremony, set for Thursday morning in front of the memorial clock at the Sea Cliff Children’s Library.

Sea Cliff marks 9/11 with solemnity

Longtime emcee Phil Como to lead one last time

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Sea Cliff will honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks with its annual memorial ceremony, set for Thursday morning in front of the memorial clock at the Sea Cliff Children’s Library.

The ceremony begins at 8:46 a.m., the same time that hijackers deliberately crashed American Airlines Flight 11 into floors 93 through 99 of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Now a longstanding tradition in the village, the event brings together residents, local organizations, and public servants in a solemn tribute to in the victims of the attacks and their aftermath.

“This is a tough day in our history,” Phil Como, a former village trustee and deputy mayor, who will emcee the event, said “We have to treat it right.”

The event will open with a brief welcome followed by a prayer from Reverend Jesse Lebus of Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Sea Cliff. Rabbi Irwin Huberman, who has served Congregation Tifereth Israel since 2006, will deliver remarks. Sea Cliff resident Cathy Virgilio will sing ‘Amazing Grace,’ and Mayor Elena Villafane will give a speech as well.

Como, 80, was serving on the village board when the attacks occurred. He recalled sitting at Memorial Park, watching plane after plane land at LaGuardia Airport

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Moratorium on battery storage systems extended

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

The Oyster Bay Town Board unanimously voted on Sept. 9 to extend its moratorium on battery energy storage systems — the fourth such extension — for another six months, following strong support from Glen Head residents citing health and safety concerns.

ITown of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino said he was “proud,” to cast his vote to extend the ban. Saladino said he was concerned over “the fact that the state has not come up with the proper instruction and direction,” regarding how to protect the environment, firefighters, and residents.

public hearing.

“Placing a BESS here is not just a bad idea,” Glen Head resident Karen Yanelli said. “It is a violation of the public trust and of the duty of our state government to protect the families who call this place home.”

t is a violation of the public trust and of the duty of our state government to protect the families who call this place home.

KAREN YANELLI

Glen Head resident BESS facilities

He also highlighted testimony that the board has received from experts in science and fire safety as helping to shape his view on the issue. Several Glen Head residents voiced their support of extending the town’s moratorium during the

Oyster Bay, Hempstead, and North Hempstead—the three townships in Nassau County—have moratoriums in place on BESS.

The Town of Oyster Bay’s BESS moratorium was originally enacted in February 2024, and effective as of April 2024. It was extended for another six months in October 2024. The Nassau County Planning Commission voted in favor of the town’s moratorium on April 10, and the board extended the ban for a third consecutive time from April 30 until Oct. 30. at its April 24 meeting.

The Town of Hempstead Board voted to enact a yearlong moratorium on Feb. 25 in response to a proposed

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

DNA ruled admissible in Gilgo Beach case

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

After nearly six months of hearings, Suffolk County Supreme Court Judge Tim Mazzei ruled in a written decision on Sept. 3 that the DNA evidence connecting alleged Gilgo Beach killer Rex Heuermann to several victims, obtained through a new type of DNA testing, will be admissible in Heuermann’s trial.

“Astrea Forensics’ use of whole genome sequencing to generate SNP data and create a DNA profile,” Mazzei wrote, “is generally accepted as reliable within the scientific community,” based on the testimony of prosecution witnesses Kelley Harris, an associate professor of genome sciences at the University of Washington, and Richard Green, founder of Astrea Labs in California.

Mazzei also wrote in his opinion that “neither of the defendant’s expert witnesses controverted Astrea Forensics’ use of whole genome sequencing, to extract DNA from rootless hairs to generate SNP data and create a DNA profile.”

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney praised his staff and Mazzei’s decision outside the courtroom at the Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Court in Riverhead. “The reason why we were able to prevail was one simple reason: The science was on our side,” Tierney said, in front of several family members

of victims of the Gilgo murders who chose not to speak.

Prosecutors have said that Astrea Forensics linked Heuermann to six of the seven killings he is alleged to have committed over the course of at least two decades, beginning in 1993, through the testing of rootless hairs found at the crime scenes and comparative analysis of those hairs to DNA samples obtained from Heuermann and family members.

His defense team has argued that the technology is new and unproven.

Five witnesses testified in a Frye hearing, a legal proceeding — also known as a general acceptance hearing — used to determine whether scientific evidence presented in court is widely accepted and considered valid within the relevant scientific community.

The admittance of DNA by Mazzei’s ruling could create a statewide prece-

dent. Prior to his decision, Astrea’s technology had only been admitted in court in Idaho. Heuermann’s defense filed another motion based on the court’s decision, alleging that the use of Astrea Forensics to analyze Heuermann’s DNA violates New York state health law.

“It criminalizes this very type of action,” Michael Brown, Heuermann’s court-appointed lawyer said, “which is an out-of-state, non-permitted laboratory for profit to test and offer evidence in the state of New York on a criminal case.”

The motion was filed on Sept. 3 with a return date of Sept. 17 — the same date the prosecution will certify its case. The Suffolk County district attorney’s office will answer the motion on Sept. 22.

Heuermann’s defense has been trying to sever the case into separate murder cases, while the prosecution has pushed to have the whole case combined in one trial. Mazzei called all parties back to court on Sept. 23, when he anticipates ruling on both motions.

Heuermann, 61, a Massapequa Park resident, now stands charged with the murders of a total of seven people: Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen BrainardBarnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Megan Waterman, Jessica Taylor, Sandra Costilla and Valerie Mack. He has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, and has maintained his innocence since his July 2023 arrest.

Hundreds participate in inaugural triathlon

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

145 people swam, biked and ran throughout Sea Cliff during the village’s inaugural triathlon on Sept. 6.

The race consisted of a 400-meter swim at Tappen Beach, over six miles of biking throughout the village and finishing with a two-mile run to the finish line against the backdrop of Hempstead Harbor. Its overall winner was Wantagh resident Jack White, who finished the race with a time of 42:36.

The event was organized by Dan Flanzig, an avid triathlete for the past seven years. He partnered with Race Awesome, the same running and multisport organizer responsible for hosting the Great Gatsby Triathlon to put on the inaugural race in Sea Cliff.

“We could not have asked for a more perfect race,” he said. “The weather was fantastic and the water was beautiful.”

The highlight of his day, according to Flanzig, was competing alongside his 12-year-old daughter Shelly Flanzig and his 10-year-old son Andrew Flanzig.

“That was my favorite part of everything,” he said, “competing with my children.”

Flanzig works as a personal injury lawyer specializing in representing cyclists and what he called “vulnerable road users,” at Flanzig & Flanzig, LLP, which he leads alongside his sister Cathy Flanzig.

He added that he hopes to make the triathlon a yearly event in the village. Next year he hopes to make it bigger, incorporating local vendors and turning it into more of a festival. “I just can’t wait to do it again next year,” he said. “The feedback was fantastic from both the residents and the participants.”

Sea Cliff officials praised the race and Flanzig’s organizational efforts at the village’s Sept. 8 board meeting. “It was very smooth,” Mayor Elena Villafane added about the race.

Looking to the future, Flanzig said he hopes to make the triathlon a yearly event in the village.

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Walking to cure diabetes

By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

Cedar Creek Park in Seaford will once again be the starting point for the Team DRI Walk, Run, or Ride on Saturday, an event raising money and awareness for type 1 diabetes research.

Now in its fifth year, the event allows participants to choose their own pace and distance — whether walking, running or biking — on a route stretching from the park toward Jones Beach in Wantagh.

Organizing the event is the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, or DRIF, a nonprofit whose goal is to fund research to find a biological cure for type 1 diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 38.4 million people in the United States have diabetes, or around 11.6 percent of the population.

John Carrion, chairman of the foundation’s Northeast Board who spoke to the herald about the event last year, said the park provides a scenic walkway offering a much more pleasant experience than busy local roads.

“Riding in traffic is like a white-knuckle event,” Carrion said. “You don’t want traffic. You want to make it safe for everyone. This event is for everyone — bike riders, walkers, little kids. It’s a safe environment.”

Partnering with the organizers for the event is Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, minority leader of the Nassau County Legislature, who represents Glen Cove, Glen Head and Sea Cliff. DeRiggi-Whitton, who has served on DRIF’s Long Island and Northeast Regional boards, praised Parant for his efforts.

“As a mother of a child living with diabetes, I know how access to comprehensive treatment creates pathways to a healthy and more fulfilling life,” DeRiggiWhitton said in a statement. “By sharing his story, advocating for affordable care, and leading by example, Bob is continuing to make a tremendous impact — and I am so proud to be working alongside him and all my friends at DRIF.”

For Carrion, finding a cure for the disease is a personal mission. In 2002, his 4-year-old son Jake was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which inspired Carrion’s involvement in diabetes advocacy.

DeRiggi-Whitton, whose child was also

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diagnosed with type 1 diabetes around the same time, has supported the event since its inception.

This year’s presenting sponsor is TK.Type 1, a Huntington-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting families living with type 1 diabetes through education, emotional support and financial assistance for essential care. The nonprofit’s mission aligns closely with the goals of DRIF and with the personal journey of Westbury resident Bob Parant, a member of its Northeast Board of Directors.

Parant was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1972 as a 19-year-old college athlete. Over the decades, he built a career in pharmaceutical sales and later turned to advocacy, working with organizations such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, before joining DRIF about six years ago.

“I’ve been working with John and Keith Adwar, who serves on the DRIF Northeast Board of Directors, for the last four years, and it is a great way of getting word out about DRIF to the community and showing the greater Long Island community what we’re doing,” Parant said. Since it began in 2019, the event has raised more than $350,000 for the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation. Last year’s edition drew over 125 participants and raised more than $100,000. Thus far, more than $59,000 has been raised this year, event organizers said. Despite undergoing multiple amputations caused by an infection, Parant remains an active cyclist.

“I’m still here, 52 years later, riding the bike with one leg,” he said. “It’s very possible to live a full, adventurous life with type 1 diabetes if you have the right attitude about getting out there.”

At last year’s walk, Carrion highlighted the progress made in diabetes care, noting the improvements in treatment and the quality of life for patients like his son, thanks to fundraising efforts such as the walk.

“You’re not alone,” he told the Herald last year. “There’s a community out there, and we can help with care and raising money.”

The Team DRI Walk, Run or Ride will start at 8 a.m. at Cedar Creek Park, 3340 Merrick Rd, Seaford. For more details, visit Fundraise.Givesmart.com/vf/walkrunride2025.

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JOSH KAMA FARMINGDALE Senior FOOTBALL

IT WAS A HISTORIC 2024 season for Kama and he’s looking to follow up with a big senior campaign and lead the Dalers to the promised land after they fell just short in last year’s Nassau Conference I championship game. A deadly combination of strength, size and speed, Kama rumbled for 1,717 yards on the ground and reached the end zone 29 times. He’s also a tackling machine at running back and a top Thorp Award candidate.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Sept. 11

Girls Soccer: Seaford at Wantagh .............................5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Carey .................................5 p.m.

Girls Soccer: C.S. Harbor at Plainedge ......................5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 12

Girls Soccer: Kennedy at East Meadow ....................5 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Clarke at South Side ...........................5 p.m.

Football: Mineola at Hewlett .....................................6 p.m.

Football: Carle Place at West Hempstead .................6 p.m.

Football: Malverne at East Rockaway ........................6 p.m.

Football: Freeport at Massapequa .......................6:30 p.m.

Football: Island Trees at Plainedge .......................6:30 p.m.

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

Saturday, Sept. 13

Football: Oceanside at Uniondale ...........................11 a.m.

Football: Floral Park at Sewanhaka .........................11 a.m.

Football: V.S. South at Carey .....................................2 p.m.

Football: Glen Cove at Baldwin .................................2 p.m.

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

Football: North Shore at Lawrence ............................2 p.m.

Football: Garden City at Long Beach.........................2 p.m.

Football: Clarke at South Side ..................................3 p.m.

Boys Soccer: Baldwin at Oceanside..........................6 p.m.

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.

North Shore revamps after huge year

By MARC BERMAN sports@liherald.com

The soccer was never better along the shores of Hempstead Harbor last fall.

North Shore’s boys team made the Glen Head/Sea Cliff area proud with an unbeaten regular season at 9-0-3. The Vikings went on to the Nassau Class A semifinals, losing to Floral Park 1-0.

Turns out that wasn’t a bad loss. Floral Park marched on to win the state championship. That’s how close North Shore was to true greatness.

“We had a great season,’’ said Vikings coach Mike Bishop, who will start his 10th season. “It was our best season since the 1990s. It was a big year for us. We fell a little short but it was still a good year.’’

The year after is not as clear-cut as eight starters graduated, including creative stars, forward Leno Leighton, and midfielder Griffin Pinter.

The 2025 Vikings will be spearheaded by seniors Henry Cardoza, Lorenzo Riccuiti and Amos Wright.

“I‘ve been pleasantly surprised,’’ Bishop said. “The juniors from last year are very good players and I’m surprised with the 10th graders coming up playing well. I think we’ll be competitive.’’

The top returning goal scorer is Cardoza, who notched 8 tallies during the unbeaten run. Cardoza played midfield last season but in need of pure goal-scoring, Bishop may use him some at forward.

“He’s a very strong player, very technical player,’’ Bishop said. “He’s very skilled on the ball, a good, smart player.’’

Cardoza and Riccuiti will be in charge of creating an attack. “(Riccuiti) is a midfielder who is all over the field,’’ Bishop said. “He’s got great vision and also is very technical.’’

Senior Amos Wright is also midfielder but Bishop may use him as a defender with so many defenders having graduated. “He’s a very smart player and we’ll need him to start multiple positions,’’ Bishop said. “Very talented player.’’

The Maroon may be just as strong in goal with Finn Duffy, who played sparingly in 2024. Since-graduated Tristan Segal was last season’s starter, barely beating out Duffy.

“We’re not going to be too much of a drop,’’ Bishop said. “He’ll be a very good keeper. He was ready last year. We decided to go with Tristan. It was a close competition between the two.’’

Seniors Colin Davison and Kaiden Smith highlight the defensive corps. Davison started some games at centerback but Bishop said, “It was tough to get him in there. He’s a tough defender with good instincts, likes to win the ball and is strong in the air.’’

Last season, North Shore posted three ties Lawrence twice and Plainedge. Those two schools probably will be factors in the race for the Conference A2 title.

“It’s tough to know,’’ Bishop said of winning the conference title. “We’ve had a good opening to the preseason. A lot of guys have arrived in good shape so I think we’re going to have a good season. A lot depends on the other teams in the conference, how strong they are.’’

Village officials: important to never forget attacks

after President George W. Bush grounded air travel nationwide.

“It was a quiet day, and it sort of became ominous,” he said, adding that he remembered thinking to himself, “What a sad day. Who the hell knows what’s happened here beyond the obvious?”

AThe idea of the memorial came when Como observed a fundraising effort to get the clock installed at the junior library. Como asked Dan Maddock, the village administrator at the time, for the clock to be the location for the village’s 9/11 Memorial.

fter 23 years, somebody else should do it. But I’m going to do it again this year for the last time

“You lean back on the old line, those who fail to recognize and pay attention to history are condemned to repeat it,” Como said. “That, I think, is a pretty good indicator of why we should pay attention to history.”

After Villafane’s speech, the bell in front of the village hall and library will ring, concluding with a performance of ‘Taps’ and final speeches.

“If we don’t memorialize it every year,” Villafane said after the village board’s Sept. 8 meeting, “we’ll forget.”

While acknowledging the devastation of the attacks, Villafane said that the unity demonstrated nationwide after

the attack is an example “to remind ourselves and all those around us that we as a country are better when we pull together,”

Deputy Mayor Nick Pinto described the ceremony as somber and important.

“It was a stark reminder to us that we’re not as safe and secure as we always believe,” he said. “But it also had the opposite effect of having a lot of different groups of people pulling together and working together.”

Village officials pointed beyond the short-term impact of the attacks. The noted the devastating health effects that

first responders suffered as a result of the heavy contamination of ground zero with a mix of pulverized building materials such as cement, glass, asbestos, and drywall as well as combustion products from jet fuel, fires, and building fires.

“No one was told that was toxic air they were breathing,” Villafane said, adding that those first responders “were basically seeding cancers that went on to kill them 20 years later.”

According to Village Administrator Bruce Kennedy, what makes the attacks of Sept. 11 different from other trage-

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dies is the concentration of the attack on civilians; rather than military personnel and equipment.

“You ended up with a lot of orphans,” he said, “People lost parents and lost their children, and these weren’t military people,” he explained, adding that “it was unlike anything that had ever occurred.”

This will be Como’s last year emceeing the memorial service. “I’m a big believer in turnover,” he said “After 23 years, somebody else should do it, but I’m going to do it again this year for the last time.”

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Seeking housing solutions on Long Island

Though too many homes are beyond first-time buyers’ means, there are options, the experts insist

By ROKSANA AMID, JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO & ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN of Herald Community Newspapers

Final installment in a series on housing on Long Island.

With housing costs climbing and affordability dropping across Long Island, the path to homeownership has become increasingly complex, demanding not just financial preparation but also creative solutions from nonprofit organizations, lenders and policymakers. From credit-building and grant programs to community land trusts and accessory dwelling units, real estate professionals and housing advocates agree that a variety of strategies will be required to help families achieve stability and the long-held dream of owning a home.

For Connie Pinilla, principal of the Connie Pinilla Team at Compass Greater New York, homeownership is more than a transaction — it’s a long-term investment in stability and wealth. With more than 20 years of experience in real estate and law, she has guided both agents and clients through the complexities of buying a home.

“Everybody should strive to own a home — it’s the American dream,” Pinilla said. “But the most important element isn’t just finances, it’s your credit score.”

Pinilla emphasizes that a good salary isn’t enough without good credit. “You could make $300,000 a year, but if your credit score isn’t up to par, your chances of getting a loan are very slim,” she said. “On the other hand, with an excellent credit score and even a $50,000 or $60,000 salary, there are many programs that can help you purchase a home.”

She encourages buyers to plan at least a year ahead, starting with a mortgage broker. Reducing debt, keeping credit card balances below 30 percent and paying bills on time are critical steps toward building trust with lenders.

Grants and assistance programs

In addition to personal financial discipline, Pinilla says, grants are underused tools. Some programs are government-backed, while others come from banks and credit unions.

“Bank of America runs a program where qualified buyers can get up to $75,000 in grant money,” she said. “Chase often has private grants of $5,000 for closing costs. Credit unions also have excellent incentives and often lower rates.”

Grants typically apply to first-time homebuyers. Many require completion of a homebuyer education course on budgeting, credit and financial planning. If the buyer remains in the home for a set period, usually seven years, the grant does not need to be repaid.

Pinilla often asks clients to compare the cost of rent to a mortgage. In Glen Cove, a one-bedroom apartment averages about $3,000 per month.

“Rent money is gone forever,” she

said. “With a mortgage, you’re building equity, and you can deduct interest and property taxes on your income taxes. Strategically, you may be better off owning than renting.”

Preparation is key to navigating a competitive market. Pinilla advises securing a pre-approval letter before making an offer, because sellers want proof of financial readiness.

Once an offer is accepted, buyers work with inspectors, attorneys and lenders to ensure the home is sound, the title is clear and the property is properly valued before closing.

“Every step is designed to protect the buyer,” she explained. “That’s why you hire professionals — your attorney, mortgage officer and real estate agent — to guide you.”

your future.”

Payment risks, and avoiding them

As the need for affordable housing grows on Long Island, nonprofit organizations like Community Development Long Island are fighting back. They offer resources including single-family rehabilitation, multi-family home improvement and new home construction.

Pinilla encourages buyers to focus on needs rather than wants. Starting with a modest or multi-family property can be a smart path to building wealth.

“A lot of people have built wealth starting with a two-family,” she said. “You live in one unit, rent the other, and let that income pay the mortgage. Over time, you can build equity and move on to bigger investments.”

Her message is simple: Preparation and realistic expectations make the dream of homeownership possible. “If you have your finances in order, you’re not just buying a house,” Pinilla said. “You’re building equity and security for

To support first-time homebuyers, CDLI helps reduce the risk of future foreclosures and struggles they commonly face. “We provide education and orientation around what that looks like,” President and CEO Gwen O’Shea said, “helping people think about things like building their credit, reducing debt and ensuring you know good ratios when it comes time to close on a potential property.”

The assistance doesn’t end there: CDLI supports current homeowners as well. It offers a targeted home improvement program in the Village of Hempstead, which includes a $40,000 forgivable grant for home improvements for homeowners who may not have had access to other credit. “This is a great way to make necessary health and safety improvements while also increasing the value of your home,” O’Shea said.

Renters have access to CDLI’s support as well, as the organization works with those in need of homes to find

available properties that meet their needs. “We provide incentives to landlords to participate in the program as well,” she said.

For low to middle class families, Habitat for Humanity of Long Island is fighting the expensive housing market by providing safe and affordable places to live. They are built with the help of their volunteer staff, and awarded families work with a construction team to create their homes.

These homes are sold to these families based on construction costs alone. Each family’s mortgage and taxes are no more than 30 percent of their total income, ensuring these homes are sustainable for a stable living situation.

Homes usually have two to three bedrooms, with occasional four-bedrooms, based on family size. “When we build a home and partner with a family, they have to put in 300 sweat-equity hours helping build their home and other Habitat homes,” Caroljean D’Aquila, the organization’s director of corporate and community partnerships, said.

Families must go through an application process. “They have to meet a certain income level, depending on the family size,” D’Aquila said. “They have to have decent credit. They have to have a willingness to partner, and then the last thing is based on a need.”

Habitat for Humanity of Long Island has built around 270 homes in the past 38 years, helping over 800 people. With the growing need for affordable housing, it’s hard to keep up with the demand. Twice a year, applications open

‘Everybody should strive to own a home’

for a 14- to 16-month building period. Over 200 families apply for homes each application period, and only about three are accepted.

Ground lease agreements

One method to drive down the cost of a house is collaboration with a community land trust, as used in a new development in Uniondale.

One of the aspiring homeowners who entered the Affordable Homeownership Lottery in February will live in a newly built house without paying for the land underneath. The land is owned by the Uniondale Community Land Trust, a local nonprofit, using a ground lease agreement that dramatically reduces the house’s cost.

The 1,688-square-foot, two-story house will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It has an estimated value of $620,000, but has a sale price of $275,000.

Jeannine Maynard, vice president of U-CLT, said that the program has taken great effort: the permit collection, construction planning and lottery preparation were all carefully planned.

Recently, Maynard heard of the federal Manufactured Housing Pilot Program, which assists in financing manufactured homes by waiving certain regulatory barriers.

“There was a pilot program done upstate New York,” she said. “They expedited the permitting processes — they didn’t allow those kinds of hangups. They were able to bring homes to market close to the $250,000 level.”

The program has limited accessibility, requiring candidates to be eligible for a mortgage, to be able to afford a down payment, to be a first-time buyer and to make between 50 and 80 percent of the median household income in Uniondale — just over $78,000 for a family of four.

Accessory dwelling units

Long Island Housing Partnership is an organization that creates accessory dwelling units on new or existing properties. ADUs are independent living spaces on the same plot of land as a main house, ranging from converted basements and attics to completely new structures.

Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the ADU Plus One Program, a $59 million grant to various organizations and municipalities to create roughly 500 ADUs across the state, according to the governor’s office.

The program is for two-person households that earn under $213,840, with a preference for those earning under $129,600.

LIHP President Peter Elkowitz has led efforts to build ADUs across Suffolk County. Recently the organization redeveloped homes in Bay Shore and in the Town of Islip, creating 78 ADUs.

“They’re very valuable,” Elkowitz said. “There’s extended families that live in these accessory dwelling units, with the grandparents, the parents and now the kids.”

He described ADUs as being able to financially support the owner of the

property, who would collect rent to offset their own mortgage payments and property taxes.

While ADUs do not take up more land, they do increase the population of a neighborhood, yielding more traffic and higher demand for parking in areas that may not have access to robust public transportation.

James Britz, executive vice president of LIHP, explained that the group is pursuing multiple housing solutions at once.

“All of our homes we built now go into our community land trust,” Britz explained. “Our next major development is 32 single-family homes, all with accessory dwelling units in them, so we’ll be able to assist 32 homeowners and 32 renters in the Bellport community.”

LIHP also administers county and town payment assistance programs for

these projects, and requires affordable home programs to include ADUs in municipalities that permit their construction, according to Maynard.

Fighting for the homeless

With the homeless population rising in recent years, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless offers various resources, including a street outreach team and street medicine team.

A safe option support team is offered as a time-limited, evidence-based service that helps people in transition. Support services are provided for nine to 12 months, including initial outreach and engagement pre-housing. That includes multiple visits each week and a 90-day transition service after housing placement.

“We’re the lead entity of the Long Island Continuum of Care,” Paul

How Habitat for Humanity builds homes, and hope

Affordable ownership

■ Homes are sold at construction cost, not market value.

■ Mortgages and property taxes are capped at 30 percent of a family’s income.

Sweat equity

■ Each family contributes 300 volunteer hours toward building homes.

Family-sized homes

■ Typical builds are two- or threebedroom houses.

■ Each home is designed as a long-term residence.

Application process

■ Families must meet income guidelines, have decent credit and demonstrate need.

■ Only about three families are chosen out of more than 200 per cycle.

Impact

■ HFH has built about 270 homes on L.I. in 38 years, housing more than 800 people.

LaMarr, the organization’s policy and community planning manager, said. “We kind of are the command center for the homeless response system here on Long Island.”

To reach out directly, a helpline is available to connect with direct services and references. A boutique is available by referral for individuals to receive clothing and other home goods they may need.

An individual must be currently experiencing homelessness to receive these services. Those who qualify for programs are currently taking much longer to be housed. “I would say as a whole region it’s getting pretty stretched out, as far as our capacity as a region to adequately address and serve people who are experiencing homelessness,” LaMarr said. “The reality is that we have a lot more people entering into homelessness, and not enough housing to get people quickly housed.”

The housing crisis on Long Island is a problem at the intersection of social, economic and political stresses, and efforts to fix it must be multifaceted. Long Island’s communities differ in opinion, opportunity and solution strategies, but share a common cause in improving local living situations.

To reach the Long Island Homeless services hotline, call 211.

HERALD NEIGHBORS

Sea Cliff welcomes new residents

The Sea Cliff Civic Association welcomed new residents to the village at their annual Newcomers Party, hosted at the DiPietro’s house on Sept. 7. The newest members of the Sea Cliff family met with elected officials, community organizers, neighbors and more as they got to know the community they recently moved into.

New residents of all ages met with neighbors, community leaders and the people who make Sea Cliff run smoothly.

All three L.I. townships hold moratoriums

40-megawatt lithium Battery Energy Storage System slated to be installed at 4200 Industrial Place in Island Park. The Town of North Hempstead voted to implement a year-long moratorium in December 2024, which is set to expire Dec. 3.

Jupiter Power, a Texas-based battery storage company owned by BlackRock, cancelled its contract to build the proposed Oyster Shore Energy Storage facility in May.

The proposed facility, a 275-megawatt battery energy storage system, at the site of the current Global Energy facility on the corner of Glenwood Road and Shore Road, drew substantial pushback from North Shore residents; who expressed serious concerns about safety, environmental impact, and the project’s proximity to homes, schools, and Hempstead Harbor.

Despite Jupiter’s decision to cancel the project, residents cited the possibility of another developer using the current Global Petroleum terminal at the corner of Glen Head Road, Shore Road, and Glenwood Road near Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing as cause for concern.

John Fabio, president of the Greenvale Civic Association said to “keep these facilities out of the town of Oyster Bay” the board should pass a zoning restriction banning the development of

The Oyster Bay Town Board unanimously voted on Sept. 9 to extend its moratorium on battery energy storage systems for another six months for the fourth time.

battery energy storage systems.

Michael Montesano, the town attorney’s office’s special counsel, explained the legal complications that could arise if the board pursued an outright ban.

“We just can’t broadly zone out certain categories,” he said, “of applicants or places the zoning is more fit to particular use areas.”

The state has been trying to increase its renewable energy supply since the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act was signed into law in July 2019. The legislation requires New York to reduce greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide by 40 percent by

2030 and no less than 85 percent by 2050.

Battery energy storage systems are crucial to help reach those statewide renewable energy goals, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, a publicbenefit corporation that provides information, programs, and funding to promote clean energy and energy efficiency statewide.

Proponents of Battery Energy Storage Systems highlight their ability to reinforce the power grid, improve grid stability, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, while also offering backup power and potentially

reducing costs for consumers.

Speakers at the public hearing, however, argued that the systems present health and safety concerns to residents. Pointing to potential fire hazards that could result from the facilities.

Several speakers referenced the fire that hit the oldest group of batteries installed at Moss Landing, a 300-megawatt array in California this January. The incident resulted in the evacuation of more than 1,000 residents, road closures, and a wider emergency alert warning residents nearby to stay indoors.

“Could we even evacuate if this happened here?” Glen Head resident Linda DelGuadio asked the board. She added that “this facility would be a half a mile to a mile from our schools, endangering our children for health and safety,” concluding that the board should continue the moratorium “for the sake of our communities.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, since 2020, BESS failure incidents have decreased. After the Moss Landing fire, air quality monitoring and sampling occurred and found no risks to public health per the agency’s website.

There was no testimony spoken or written that was submitted supporting either ending the moratorium or the development of battery energy storage systems in the Town of Oyster Bay.

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/ Certified Home Health Care available through Parker Jewish Institute

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), a 2025 Bests of Long Island winner and located at The Parker Jewish Institute, now offers a state-of-the-art Home Hemodialysis Program for people battling kidney disease. Those patients who also require Certified Home Health Care can access it conveniently through QLIRI’s affiliate, Parker Jewish Institute.

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

If needed, patients of Parker’s Certified Home Health Care Agency receive individualized nursing, medical, and rehabilitation services, so they can maintain maximum independence in the comfort of their homes. Home-care services can include skilled-nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; home-health aides; medical social services; medical supplies; and 24-hour telephone availability.

Call (718) 289-2600 with questions. To learn more about QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, visit qliri.org.

For more on Parker’s Certified Home Health Care, visit parkerinstitute.org.

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

DASHLEY M c BRYDE

THE GREAT BOOK GURU

‘80’s Angst

ear Great Book Guru, Last weekend I was at the Sea Cliff Civic Association’s annual Newcomers Welcoming Party…. such fun! Lots of the guests were talking about a new book about New York City in the 1980’s. It sounded fascinating – thoughts?

Newcomer to Sea Cliff Dear Newcomer to Sea Cliff, “The Gods of New York” by Jonathan Mahler is a truly compelling book. Mahler follows, over four years, a group of New Yorkers who played enormously powerful roles in New York City and the nationmany of whom are still alive and continue to hold positions of huge importance.

Linda Fairstein and David Dinkins are some of these characters who interact throughout book. This feels like a page-turner of a novel rather than a work of non-fiction. Many of the events were recorded and exploited in the tabloids of the day, and the book has that same fast-paced, feverish quality.

ANN DIPIETRO

From a local Queens politicianDonald Manes to real estate mogul Donald Trump - the book is filled with tales of these power brokers who ruled New York City. Al Sharpton, Anthony Fauci, Rudy Giuliani, Ed Koch, Mario Cuomo, Spike Lee,

Most of the action is focused on the AIDS epidemic, crime, and race with many of the characters playing roles in each. We revisit the shocking cases of Tawana Brawley, Yusuf Hawkins, Bernard Goetz, Howard Beach, the Preppy Murderer, and the Central Park Five and see the roles the “gods” played and the power they wielded, still reverberating forty years later - highly recommended.

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

STEPPING OUT

A taste of the season in every bite

By Karen Bloom

Autumn’s many pleasures are upon us — and nothing says fall quite like a trip to the apple orchards.

As September rolls in, the air turns crisp, leaves begin to glow and our taste buds are tempted by the flavors that define this fleeting season: juicy apples, fresh-pressed cider and, of course, pumpkins. It’s the perfect time to gather family and friends, head to a local orchard, and fill your baskets with fall’s sweetest treasures.

Apple season is now in full swing, wich picking continuing into mid-October — giving everyone a chance to savor the harvest. When it comes to choosing apples, there’s no shortage of flavor. Local orchards are brimming with varieties to suit every taste and recipe.

Best for snacking: Crisp, juicy favorites like McIntosh, HoneyCrisp, Macoun, Zestar, Granny Smith, and Paula Red are perfect eaten fresh off the tree. More adventurous pickers might enjoy Cortland, Empire, Jonagold, or Crispin (also known as Mutsu).

Best for baking: McIntosh and Cortland shine in pies, crisps, and cakes — Cortlands, in particular, need less sugar because of their natural sweetness. Rome, Empire, Fuji, Crispin, and Ginger Gold are also reliable choices. For pies, a mix of varieties such as Crispin, Cortland, Rome, Granny Smith, and Northern Spy often brings out the best flavor.

Best for sauces and more: Paula Reds cook down beautifully into applesauce, while Cortlands add flavor and color to salads. And, of course, fresh-pressed cider remains the season’s star — orchards throughout the region urge everyone to “buy local” and enjoy each batch. Once home with your bounty, make delectable apple treats.

Apple crisp is surely one of the definitive desserts of the season.

Filling:

• 3 pounds apples, to yield 2 pounds peeled, cored, and sliced apples; about 9 cups

• 1/4 cup (57g) rum, apple cider or juice, or water

• 1/4 to 3/4 cup (53g to 159g) light brown sugar or 1/4 cup (53g) dark brown sugar, depending on the sweetness/tartness of your apples

• 2 tablespoons (28g) butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons (43g) boiled cider, optional but good

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Apple Pie Spice, or 1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg + 1/4 teaspoon ginger

• 3 tablespoons (20g) unbleached all-purpose flour or tapioca flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Topping:

• 3/4 cup (90g) unbleached all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup (45g) quick-cooking oats

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2/3 cup (142g) light brown sugar or dark brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 8 tablespoons (113g) butter, cold, cut in pats

• 1/2 cup (57g) diced pecans or walnuts, optional

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9” x 9” square cake pan, or similar-size casserole pan. Slice the apples about 1/4” thick. Toss them with the remaining filling ingredients, and spread them in the pan.

To make the topping, whisk together the flour, oats, salt, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder. Add the cold butter, working it in to make an unevenly crumbly mixture. Stir in the nuts, if you’re using them.

Spread the topping over the apples in the pan. Set the pan on a parchment or foil-lined cookie sheet, to catch any potential drips. Bake for about 60 minutes, till bubbling and top is golden brown.

Remove to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. If you serve the crisp hot/warm, it may be quite soft; you wait till it’s completely cool, it’ll firm up nicely.

Note: To make individual crisps, grease eight 8-ounce capacity baking dishes, and proceed with the recipe accordingly, baking the smaller crisps for 45 to 55 minutes.

New York Apple Slaw Salad

A tasty side with plenty of crunch.

small matchsticks

• 1 medium green apple, sliced thin and cut into small matchsticks

• 1 cup(s) grated carrot

• 1/4 cup(s) shelled, roasted pistachios

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sweet and Sour Cider Dressing

• 2 tablespoon(s) apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon(s) country Dijon mustard (such as Grey Poupon)

• 1 tablespoon(s) honey

In a cruet or jar, combine dressing ingredients and shake well. Set aside. Combine cabbage, carrot and apples into a large bowl.

Chop pistachios with a knife or use a chopper. Add chopped pistachios to the bowl. Add dressing, salt and pepper to taste, and stir well. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes; stir again before serving.

Fall’s Best Apple Cranberry Pie

Apples and cranberries combine for a welcome ending to any meal.

• Pastry for a 2 crust deep dish 9-inch pie

• 4 cups sliced, pared tart apples (thickly sliced)

• 2 cups fresh cranberries

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 2 tablespoons butter

Both Sides Now: Music and Lives of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen

This intimate theatrical concert explores the music and lives of longtime friends and one-time lovers, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Created by, and starring folk-rocker Robbie Schaefer and award-winning jazz vocalist Danielle Wertz, the cabaretstyle performance — developed at Washington D.C’s Signature Theatre — traverses decades alongside songs such as “A Case of You,” “Hallelujah,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” “Suzanne,” and many more. Both Sides Now is at once a piece of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and of right now — offering us a story about the messiness of being human, of lives persistently lived at the edge of growth, and of finding the courage to turn toward one another, again and again. Robbie, a rabbi, singersongwriter and theater-film artist, and Danielle, a storyteller-composerarranger, pair up for an unforgettable evening.

Friday, Sept. 12, 8 p.m. $39, $36, $31. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show

•

•

Preheat oven to 425° F. Prepare pastry. In large bowl, combine sugars, flour and cinnamon. Add apples and cranberries. Mix to coat well. Turn into prepared pie pan. Dot with butter. Cover with second crust and seal to bottom crust edge by pressing edges together, then flute. Cut slits in top crust. Bake 40-45 minutes until crust is lightly browned. Cover edge of crust with foil if crust is browning too quickly. Cool.

For over 40 years the band from Down Under continues to shine. See what critics have acclaimed as “the gold standard” of tribute acts with stunning special effects that re-create Pink Floyd’s legendary stage shows. The band performs the seminal album Wish You Were Here in its entirety, including all nine parts of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” along with tunes from The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. With colorful lighting and video, pinpoint lasers, gargantuan inflatables and flawless live sound that was the benchmark of Pink Floyd shows, the band delivers a memorable experience. Replicating music from every phase of Pink Floyd’s journey, this tour reinforces their dedication to the heritage of Barrett, Waters, Gilmour, Wright and Mason.

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 8 p.m. $105.25, $88, $77.75, $66.25, $55.75. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

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

SEPT

13

Wilderness workshop

Survival experts

Eric Powers and Mike Evans will lead a hands-on outdoor session Sands Point Preserve. Topics include covering emergency preparedness, bushcraft, and more. Adults and teens 14 and older (accompanied by an adult) are welcome. Bring gloves, sturdy shoes and a towel. $45, $40 members.

•Where: 127 Middle Neck Rd, Sands Point

•Time: 10-noon

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

Jazz night

Sea Cliff Arts Council hosts a jazz trio with Matthew Schneider, James Guarnieri and Frank Ferrara. Enjoy jazz standards, originals and new takes on songs. $20.

•Where: 86 Roslyn Ave., Sea Cliff

•Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: seacliffartscouncil.org

SEPT

16

Composting workshop

Cornell Compost Committee Master Gardeners visit Sea Cliff Library for a presentation on the uses and

NYC Ska Orchestra

SEP

Get in the groove with the NYC Ska Orchestra. This 20-piece big band blends the exuberant musical layers of the jazz big band era with Jamaican roots music. The top-notch musicians, led by arranger-trumpetervocalist Kevin Batchelor deliver a lively concert that surely will lead you to want to get up out of your seat and dance. The band features star turns from celebrated octogenarian percussionist/vocalist Larry McDonald and master drummer Carl Wright. Alongside a powerhouse collective of instrumental artists from the reggae recording scene, bandmembers have performed with Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Toots & the Maytals. Together they play a non-stop selection of lush original compositions and arrangements of songs from the richly historic and culturally iconic Jamaican musical styles of 1950s and ’60s ska, mento, rocksteady and jazz. Don’t know the difference between mento and two-tone? Let this collective of musicians be your guide. The passionate team of talented musicians each bring unique energy and expertise to create an unforgettable sound experience. The band includes Pallavi Gummalam and singer/arranger Aida Brandies Hargrove, joined by top-notch pros who all combine for a hugely entertaining, danceable, unforgettable show. $42, $37 members..

benefits of compost. Registration required.

•Where: 300 Sea Cliff Ave.

•Time: 2-3:30 p.m.

•Contact: seaclifflibrary.org

SEPT

17

Sea Cliff poets meet

Sea Cliff poets are returning from summer break. Sea Cliff Arts Council hosts their next session. Those interested in attending should bring 15 copies, no more than a page long, about some aspect of Hempstead Harbor.

•Where: 86 Roslyn Ave., Sea Cliff

•Time: 5-6 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 305-0230 or victoria@vbbllc.com

‘Ceaselessly into the past: ‘The Great Gatsby Tour and Talk’

Explore Sands Point Preserve’s Hempstead House, one of the grand Gold Coast mansions that provided the inspirational backdrop for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” on a guide tour. Then, instructors from The Story Round lead a table discussion on the novel’s lasting

impact on the North Shore and Port Washington. $25, $20 members.

•Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington

• Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: 1 p.m., also Oct. 23

•Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

•Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

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

SEPT

Board of Education meeting

The North Shore Board of Education meets. Stay informed on district issues.

•Where: 505 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head

•Time: 7:45 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 277-7801

‘Brown Bag” Art Conversation

Join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for f 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.

24

Explore Sea Cliff Avenue

Check out local restaurants and shopping when Sea Cliff Avenue is transformed into a hub of outdoor activity for a final time for the season.

•Where: Sea Cliff Avenue

•Time: 5-10 p.m.

•Contact: info@seacliff-ny.gov

SEPT

28

Film screening

Sea Cliff Arts Council hosts a screening of “Stranger/ Sister,” a 41-minute documentary exploring the powerful alliance between Muslim and Jewish women fighting hate together. The film follows the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom and their grassroots efforts to build unity. $20.

•Where: 86 Roslyn Ave., Sea Cliff

•Time: 4-5:30 p.m.

•Contact: seacliffartscouncil.org

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

SEPT

20

Paint Sea Cliff

The Sea Cliff Arts Council, in partnership with Sherman Art Conservation, hosts Paint Sea Cliff: a plein air event. $50 fee. Registration required.

•Where: 86 Roslyn Ave., Sea Cliff

•Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

•Contact: seacliffartscouncil.org

Costal cleanup

The Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor participates in the international coastal cleanup at four sites throughout the North Shore. Prior registration is required. Bring rakes, gloves, and pails to help clean the Town of North Hempstead Beach Park, Tappen Beach, Sea Cliff Beach and Morgan Park Beach.

•Where: Multiple locations

•Time: 9-11 a.m.

•Contact: cshh.org or (516) 801-6792

SEPT

29

Board of Trustees meet

The Sea Cliff Board of Trustees meets to update residents on the ongoing work on revamping the villages zoning code.

•Where: 253 Glen Ave., Sea Cliff

•Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 671-0080

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.

THINGS TO KNOW SEA CLIFF IN SEPTEMBER

End of summer programs, author talks and more

The Village of Sea Cliff has plenty going on as the seasons transition from summer to fall. From the end of some summer-exclusive village programs to the beginning of new activities, here are three things happening in the village this month.

—Luke Feeney

n Summer dining winds down for the year

Sea Cliff Avenue becomes a destination for people looking for food, music and shopping Wednesdays during the summer as part of the “Sea Cliff Summer Nights” event. The village will hold its last two outdoor dining nights on Sept. 17 and 24.

Attendees are advised to make reservations. The evening is part of a greater effort by the village to connect with its business community. Five years ago, the village introduced outdoor dining on Friday and Saturday nights in 2020 as part of its reopening of the economy after Covid-19 lockdown.

At the time, the village did not allow live music during outdoor dining. Restaurants had to set up outdoor tables six feet apart, which limited customers. The six-foot rule is no longer in effect, and live music is now part of the event.

n Author talk at Sea Cliff Arts Council

Sea Cliff resident and poet Lilli Scott will present a reading and book signing for her newest collection, ‘Journey Through The Maze’

The signing will be hosted by Sea Cliff Arts Council alongside drinks and refreshments on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 3 to 5 p.m. Scott’s work has been praised as “celebrating the beauty of nature and joys of writing poetry” by former Nassau County Poet Laureate Evelyn Kandel, and described by Sea Cliff poet Barbara Segal as “powerful and insightful,” with a strong emphasis on metaphor and imagery. Admission is $10, and books will be available for purchase at the event.

n Zoning update meeting

Sea Cliff will hold its first public meeting on the village’s zoning update Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, 253 Glen Ave. The update follows the recently adopted Comprehensive Plan and aims to incorporate smart growth principles, balance land use recommendations, and address economic growth while protecting environmental resources. A Zoning Advisory Committee of residents, board members and village staff is guiding the year-long process, supported by funding from the New York State Department of State Environmental Protection Fund’s Smart Growth Program. The meeting will introduce preliminary ideas, explain zoning’s role, and invite public questions. For more information, head to SeaCliffZoningUpdate.com

NEWS BRIEFS

Town to host waterfront festival, concert

The Town of Oyster Bay will host a free waterfront festival and outdoor concert on Sept. 14th at TOBAY Beach Marina. This event will feature marine and outdoor exhibits, a children’s snapper derby, police boat demonstrations, food concessions and a free concert featuring Captain Cool Band with yacht rockin’ hits. The festival will run from noon to 4 p.m.

“The town is thrilled to offer a free day of family-fun and live music at TOBAY Beach. Bring your family to Waterfront Festival for a great outdoor concert, edu-

cational exhibits and foods and drinks as the summer ends,” said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “This free festival also provides a great opportunity to introduce children to recreational sport of fishing, as all equipment will be provided along with professional assistance and guidance.”

The Town of Oyster Bay Free Waterfront Festival and Concert is presented by Optimum and made possible through its sponsors. For more information about the waterfront festival, call (516) 797-4121 or visit OysterBayTown.com.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE WAMU MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES

11,

2004-AR13, -againstHARRY E. HUNT, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on September 26, 2018, wherein

DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE WAMU MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES

2004-AR13 is the Plaintiff and HARRY E. HUNT, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on September 23, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 16 THE BOULEVARD, SEA CLIFF, NY 11579; and the following tax map identification: 21-A-31. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT SEA CLIFF, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 010293/2015. Jane P. Shrenkel, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310,

Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 155190

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, NA, successor to The Bank of New York Trust Company, NA, as trustee, for the Chase Mortgage Finance Trust Multi-Class Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-S3, Plaintiff AGAINST Horace Patrick; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 10, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 25, 2025, at 2:30PM, premises known as 2502 Cedar Swamp Road, Glen Head, NY 11545. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section: 17. Block: 14 Lot: 1. Approximate amount of judgment $1,785,886.15 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 601382/2018. Willis Carman, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: July 29, 2025 For sale information, please visit Servicelinkauction.com or call (866) 539-4173 86671 155339

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Sea Cliff will hold a public hearing with respect to the application of Peter Ruff of 11 Carpenter Place to raise chickens in his rear yard.

Date: October 14, 2025

Time:7:00 pm

Place:Village Hall, 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, New York

The proposed application is available for public inspection at the Village Clerk’s office at 300 Sea Cliff Avenue, Sea Cliff, New York, between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday except legal holidays. All interested persons will have an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing.

Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participation in the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation.

Dated: September 8, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR AND TRUSTEES

Sarah Beaudin, Village Clerk 155719

LEGAL NOTICE

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF BROOKVILLE

18 Horse Hill Road Brookville, N.Y. 11545

516-626-0973

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that a public hearing will be held before the Architectural Review Board (ARB) of the Incorporated Village of Brookville, NY on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 6:00 PM at 18 Horse Hill Road in Brookville. The Architectural Review Board will be hearing the following applications:

1.Wang/2 Paddock Court Roof mounted solar panels

2.Greenfield/28 Meadowood Lane

False reverse gable to rear of house New siding

3.5 Brookville Road Owner, LLC/9 Brookville Road Driveway entry gate Landscape lighting plan The above applications are on file at the Village Office, 18 Horse Hill Road, Brookville, and may be viewed Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until the time of the hearing. All interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard.

September 8, 2025

Edward Haleman Chairman 155718

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

Downtown Sounds ends season with final show

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

This summer, Glen Cove’s beloved Downtown Sounds concert series lit up Village Square with eight electrifying Friday nights of free live music, drawing large crowds and showcasing a dynamic mix of genres— from nostalgic 80s hits and U2 tributes to Latin rhythms and Motown classics. The final show was held on Aug. 29, but for over two decades the summer concert series amplified the city’s vibrant community spirit, with performances by standout acts like Unforgettable Fire, SonMilanes, and Dr. K’s Motown Revue. Hosted by the Glen Cove Downtown BID, the series not only brought thousands together under the stars but also reinvigorated the downtown district with dancing, dining, and a celebration of music’s power to unite.

READ THEM

OPINIONS

Confessions of a democratic capitalist

I’m a capitalist. There, I said it. Even more than that, I’m a Democrat. In fact, I serve as a Democratic national committeeman. I have also been a partner in a small business on Long Island for more than 35 years. Capitalism is neither a threat nor just a theory to me; it is a reality that provides opportunities for me as well as our employees, vendors and clients.

As I write this confession sequestered in my undisclosed location, it is important to remember that our nation’s capitalist economy and entrepreneurial spirit are the envy of the world, attracting workers, investment and admiration. But this success wouldn’t be possible without two critical features: a social safety net that allows people to take risks, start businesses and join unions, and federal funding for research and development.

It is because of my commitment to capitalism that I stand in strong opposition to President Trump’s economic agenda.

Think about the child tax credit, the

Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security — these historic programs achieved by visionary leaders during national crises protect people from the vicissitudes of the market and allow them to pursue economic opportunity. Trump is tearing up that legacy by gutting Medicaid and food assistance for tens of thousands of New Yorkers.

Trump’s economic agenda is an assault on everything from jobs to science.

His Big Beautiful Bill — a big, ugly bill — will spike health care premiums for more than 24 million households that receive health insurance through the ACA exchange, and the exorbitant expense will cost as many as 80,000 New Yorkers their coverage. It will lead to the layoffs of more than 3,000 hospital workers in our state. It will reduce after-tax income not just for the very poor and vulnerable, but also for the middle class. It will raise electricity bills, and make basic consumer goods more expensive. Our small businesses and their employees will suffer the repercussions.

The latest jobs report indicates a slumping economy, with just 22,000 jobs added in August and the unemployment rate at the highest level since October 2021. This will only get worse as the administration’s unprecedented tariffs

are fully implemented. Moreover, Trump’s decision to fire the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner over a weak jobs report and his attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, in addition to eroding the independence of the Fed, are the tactics of a banana republic that undermine American capitalism. Our fellow citizens can’t succeed when they are denied opportunities to enter the middle class and build a future for their families.

Contrary to conventional belief, the federal government has funded and developed leading technologies, such as GPS, Siri, the Covid-19 vaccines, the space program and the internet. According to a recent Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas paper, non-defense government research and development has been responsible for more than 20 percent of productivity growth since World War II. Instead of doubling down on these critical investments, the Trump administration has canceled billions of dollars in grants for the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. His research funding budget would inflict even more austerity. Put simply, this is an assault on American jobs, education, science, health, medicine and our

economic standing in the world. There’s no question that unchecked government and unchecked capitalism are equally dangerous. Imagine two scenarios: In one, American businesses innovate, grow and compete globally, powered by a workforce with access to health care, education and financial opportunity. That leads to a future in which new industries emerge, lifechanging technologies are invented and prosperity is widely shared.

In the other scenario, we watch our competitive edge erode. Entrepreneurs can’t take risks because they can’t afford to get sick. Innovation stalls. Inequality deepens. Businesses fail. Families suffer.

The choice we face isn’t between capitalism and government, but between a sustainable capitalism that works for all and a broken system that serves and favors only a few. If we are to create jobs, power local businesses, develop innovation and protect the American dream, we must rise above party labels and partisan rhetoric and respond as patriots by learning from history. The investments that have cured disease and provided economic growth have made our country the beacon of innovation. That requires standing in defense of capitalism.

Robert Zimmerman is a co-president of ZE Creative Communications in Garden City.

Protecting seniors and youth from scammers and fentanyl

Americans lost more than $10 billion to scams last year alone. At the same time, fentanyl overdoses claimed more young lives nationwide than car accidents and gun violence combined. These two threats may seem unrelated, but both are devastating families right here on Long Island. Seniors are being conned out of their life savings. Parents are losing children to a drug their loved ones never intended to take. As Oyster Bay town supervisor, keeping our community safe is my highest priority. That’s why I’m proud to be partnering with Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly this fall on two urgent initiatives: seminars to protect seniors from scammers, and programs to educate families about the fentanyl crisis.

Scams targeting seniors have become alarmingly sophisticated. Fraudsters impersonate banks, government agen-

cies, and even family members. With artificial intelligence, they can now mimic voices on the phone, making their deception even more convincing. Too many seniors, especially those who live alone, have been pressured into wiring money or buying gift cards for criminals pretending to be loved ones in trouble.

ITo fight back, District Attorney Donnelly and I are hosting senior scam prevention seminars this month. These sessions will teach residents how to recognize red flags, report suspicious activity, and protect their personal information. Knowledge is the best defense — and when it’s shared with friends and neighbors, it can stop scams from spreading.

Marjorie Post Park Community Center, 451 Unqua Road in Massapequa.

’m proud to team up with Nassau D.A. Anne Donnelly on two urgent initiatives.

The fentanyl crisis is just as urgent. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin, is now the leading cause of overdose deaths in the United States. What makes it so dangerous is that most victims don’t know they’re taking it. Counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl look identical to real medication. A young person experimenting at a party may think they’re taking Xanax or Adderall — but instead they ingest a dose of fentanyl so powerful it can kill instantly.

■ Monday, Oct. 6, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the North Massapequa Community Center, 214 N. Albany Ave. in Massapequa.

■ Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Hicksville Community Center, 28 W. Carl St. in Hicksville.

Both initiatives are about more than sharing information. They are about strengthening our community. When seniors warn friends about scams, when parents talk openly with their children, when neighbors look out for one another, we build a safety net no scammer or drug dealer can penetrate.

The scam prevention seminars will be held:

■ Thursday, Sept. 18, at 1:30 p.m., at the William P. Bennett Hicksville Community Center, 28 W Carl St. in Hicksville.

■ Friday, Sept. 26, at 1:30 p.m., at the

For parents, it’s a scary world. That’s why District Attorney Donnelly and I will also host Not My Child fentanyl awareness seminars in October. These presentations will give parents, students and community members the tools to recognize warning signs, prevent overdoses, and connect loved ones to treatment and recovery resources.

The fentanyl awareness seminars will be held:

Government cannot solve these problems alone. But by working together with residents, law enforcement and community organizations, we can protect the vulnerable, save lives and preserve the quality of life that makes Oyster Bay such a special place to call home.

I encourage every resident to attend, learn, and share this knowledge. Together, we can outsmart scammers, fight fentanyl, and keep our community safe for every generation.

Joseph Saladino is supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay.

OPINIONS Every Sept. 11 should be a day of resolve

Ioften reflect on how people thought differently about the world on Sept. 10, 2001. Then, in an instant, everything changed. I remember the confusion, chaos and fear — and the extraordinary unity that followed. In the days and weeks after the attacks, we weren’t Democrats or Republicans. We were Americans, bound by grief, resolve and an unshakable sense of shared purpose.

I was buoyed by the sight of American flags flying everywhere, on cars, on homes, on buildings. They reminded us, even in our darkest hour, that we were still united as one people. That unity stands in stark contrast to the fractured and divided state of our country today. On this solemn anniversary, I believe Sept. 11 must not only be a day of remembrance, but also a day of recommitment. Let’s rededicate ourselves to the dream that is America — the proposition that all men and women are created equal, and the promise that hard work will be reward-

ed with a decent life. Let’s re-devote ourselves to faith, family, community and country.

I vividly remember those first hours. In Glen Cove, where I was serving as mayor, one of the first decisions we made was to run continuous trips of the Glen Cove Ferry to help bring people trapped in Manhattan to safety. Our crews and volunteers transported thousands of people. It was a small act of service compared with the enormity of what had happened, but it was something tangible, something immediate, something that made a difference.

Lness of those who stood ready to serve. I lost friends and neighbors that day, and I know others who survived because they decided not to go to the office that morning. One friend instead handed out my campaign literature at the train station.

et’s carry forward the spirit of unity and purpose that defined us in those dark days.

We solicited hundreds of volunteer doctors, nurses and first responders to be ferried to the city. We also coordinated with New York City emergency management and Glen Cove Hospital to bring the wounded back to our facility. Sadly, as the day wore on, the reality became painfully clear. There were no wounded. They didn’t need our hospital, or our volunteers — the devastation was so complete that there were no survivors to be saved.

That truth still weighs heavily on me, a reminder of both the cruelty of that day and the extraordinary selfless-

We must be grateful for our lives and what we have when we have it. Let’s do the work we can, while we can.

Over the years, I’ve been privileged to work closely with John Feal, of Commack, a man who turned his own tragedy into a life of service. John was working as a demolition supervisor at ground zero when a falling steel beam crushed his foot. After his injury, he was denied compensation. He made it his mission to fight for others. Through the FealGood Foundation, and with allies like Jon Stewart and many others, we’ve fought hard on behalf of first responders and survivors, ensuring that they receive the care and resources they deserve.

This year, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and I introduced the bipartisan Patriot Day Act, to establish Sept. 11 as a federal holiday. Our goal is simple: to give every American the chance to com-

memorate one of the most significant days in our history. For 24 years we have honored 9/11 in our own ways. By enshrining the day in federal law, we would affirm that remembrance is not optional; it is essential. But remembering isn’t enough. We owe it to those we lost, and to those who rushed into the burning towers to save others, to carry forward the spirit of unity and purpose that defined us in those dark days. Let us never forget the pain that was visited upon us, the bravery and sacrifice of our first responders and the extraordinary sense of togetherness that carried us through. And most of all, let’s rededicate ourselves to the dream and promise of America, that we’re stronger together, that our differences don’t divide us, and that hope, not hatred, will define our future.

On Sept. 11, 2001, everything changed. Twenty-four years later, the memories are still raw. The grief still lingers. But so, too, does the possibility of renewal. If we remember well, and recommit ourselves, Sept. 11 will not only be a day of mourning, but also a day of resolve. That’s how we can best honor those we lost: by building a country worthy of their sacrifice.

Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.

Protecting our kids and keeping Nassau County safe

As county executive, I am proud to announce that Nassau County has reached unprecedented levels of safety during my time in office. Despite having a larger population than 10 U.S. states, our crime numbers have continued to decline every year. After falling by 9 percent in 2024, major crimes are now down by over 13 percent in the county yearto-date in 2025. This is a massive accomplishment for our Nassau County Police Department, and it’s a major reason why we continue to be regarded as the safest county in America.

But despite our accomplishments, we know that we can never rest on our laurels. Every day we strive to find new ways to bring security and peace of mind to our residents. One of my top priorities is protecting our children from criminals who threaten their security at school. With a new academic year underway, many parents may be feeling anxious about shootings and other devastating events that have

repeatedly happened across our country. I am taking every possible step, however, to ensure that those tragedies do not happen in Nassau County.

Last month, I announced that the NCPD was creating and deploying a new Strategic Response Team specifically to safeguard our schools and mitigate any threats to students, teachers and faculty.

W ith efforts like the largest gang takedown in the county’s history last month.

The team is made up of dozens of dedicated police officers who work closely with school officials to identify and prevent potential threats. I’m proud to say that the team’s deployment was a complete success for this year’s back-toschool transition, and it will be a critical tool moving forward for all of the county’s educational institutions.

Part of the task of keeping our children safe is ensuring that the streets they live on are free from crime. The NCPD is doing an excellent job of collaborating with local, state and federal partners to achieve this goal. Just last month, we coordinated a tactical takedown of gang members with the assistance of Immigration Customs and Enforcement officials. We arrested dozens of dangerous criminals in less than

a week, with many of them known members of gangs like MS-13, the 18th Street Gang and the Trinitarios. This monumental achievement was the largest gang takedown in Nassau County history, and it helped remove illegal criminals who had no business being here in the first place. Nassau is not a sanctuary county, and we will not tolerate criminality from illegal migrants who threaten our neighborhoods.

Tackling public-safety issues is critically important to me, which is why I’ve made so many investments in our local police. While other counties and leaders are reducing their focus on public safety and seeing an increase in crime, I have authorized hiring over 600 police and correctional officers during my time in office. I plan to expand our law enforcement hires even further in the years to come, to continue giving our residents the security they deserve.

Our officers will be the best in the nation thanks to a brand new policetraining village that we opened this summer. This critical resource will ensure that the brave men and women who protect us receive the best available

training alongside our federal, state and local partners. The real-life scenarios and exercises they undertake there will give them the experience to handle any situation they encounter on the job with confidence.

In addition to the best training, my administration and the County Legislature are ensuring that our police have the necessary funding to access the most advanced equipment and resources. It’s my goal that every police officer working for the county is put in the best position to do their job effectively so they can return home safely at the end of their shift.

My administration’s commitment to the safety and well-being of our residents has never been stronger. Under my leadership, we will continue to prioritize the safety of our communities so that every resident can live, work and prosper without fear. That means not only maintaining and enhancing our law enforcement resources, but also fostering strong relationships among our police, local organizations and the community. We will engage with residents, listen to their concerns and respond proactively to keep our streets safe. Together we will ensure that Nassau County remains the best place to live for everyone.

Bruce Blakeman is Nassau County executive.

2 Endo Boulevard

Phone:

Web:

City, NY 11530

L.I.’s housing crisis costs us more than homes

For the past few weeks, the Herald has presented a series on housing and the challenges of finding an affordable place to live for Long Islanders — a necessity that seems to be slipping further from reach for so many in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

HERALD

For decades, people came here to build lives rooted in family, work and community. These days, however, housing has become not just a financial burden, but also a destabilizing one that threatens health, safety and the very fabric of our towns.

Housing supply has stagnated while demand has soared. Rising rents and homes priced beyond the reach of working families are reshaping daily life. They are forcing impossible choices: whether to stay close to loved ones, whether to sacrifice health care in order to pay the rent or the mortgage, whether to leave Long Island altogether. The crisis is no longer theoretical — it is personal, urgent, and in desperate need of solutions.

Consider the story of Karen Wihlt, whom we featured in Part 2 of our housing series, “Personal stories of L.I.’s housing crisis,” three weeks ago. Wihlt, 58, lives in uncertainty with her service dog in a Bethpage hotel room. After years of building a life here, working as a chef and helping open restaurants around the area, she now faces homelessness.

She can no longer work, but her income from disability benefits — too much for her to qualify for local aid but

LETTERS

King stirs memories of what football used to be

To the Editor:

nowhere near enough for her to afford rent or a continued hotel stay — illustrates the sobering arithmetic of survival on Long Island.

The cost of insecurity reaches beyond the wallet. As Peggy Boyd, vice president of community services and advocacy for the Family Service League, noted in that story, the trauma of losing housing often triggers depression, anxiety and hopelessness. The Family Service League is a social service agency that provides support and security to Long Islanders in need.

Children, the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population nationwide, suffer disrupted schooling, constant moves and the erosion of the routines essential for healthy development. When a child repeatedly sleeps in a car or a motel instead of a bedroom, the damage isn’t just temporary — it echoes through a lifetime.

Even middle-class professionals, long considered the backbone of Long Island, are struggling. Brandon Webber, a lieutenant in the New York City Fire Department, and his fiancée, preschool director Alexa Rubinstein, who rent an apartment in Farmingdale, embody the contradiction: two educated, hardworking adults with multiple jobs who still can’t buy a home in the communities they serve.

For some, like Denise Minicozzi, 60, the only option is to work harder by working more hours — but still never getting ahead. Minicozzi waits tables and works part-time at an assisted-living facility just to cover the $4,200 rent for a

Re Peter King’s op-ed, “College football just ain’t what it used to be,” in last week’s issue: I arrived at Dillon Hall, University of Notre Dame, a graduate of Baldwin High School, in the fall of 1966. Alan Page walked through Dillon every day from Alumni Hall to get to the south dining hall. Bob Gladieux, Rocky Bleier, Tom Schoen — all regular guys, passing through the hall. I use the term “regular guys” because they were. And they were students as well.

I always remember Tom McKinley, All-American center on the team, with a 3.97 GPA in electrical engineering, writing an article for the N.D. paper, called The Observer. He described his day, and the focus was on time management. I’m 77, and have never forgotten the clarity of time these players had to observe in terms of classes, studying, practice, meals, travel, game days.

The 1966 team was electrifying. We all gathered in the old fieldhouse for the first pep rally. The team sat

modest Bayville house — an arrangement with no security and the constant threat of increases. Like many others, she and her partner are contemplating leaving Long Island.

Too many longtime residents are reaching the same conclusion: the place they love no longer loves them back. The ripple effects are already visible. Assemblyman Charles Lavine, a Democrat who represents the 13th District, warns that without affordable housing, Long Island is “losing its future.”

Middle-class families are being priced out, young people are leaving and communities risk being hollowed out. Without a thriving middle class, schools weaken, businesses falter and neighborhoods lose their vitality.

State funding has helped, and projects near Long Island Rail Road stations hold promise. But efforts remain piecemeal, stymied by local resistance to new development and a lack of federal investment.

The solution requires bold action: regionalizing poverty thresholds so assistance matches local costs, investing in supportive housing that integrates mental health care, and building more homes and apartments where people need them. Above all, it requires the political will to overcome “not in my backyard” resistance and acknowledge the reality staring us in the face.

Housing is not just shelter. It is health care. It is education. It is stability. It is dignity. If we don’t act now, we risk losing the very essence of what has always made Long Island home.

up above the “madding crowd” as Coach Ara Parseghian

Captain Jim Lynch

The frenetic and wild cheering never ebbed.

OPINIONS University trustees must serve as guardians

The intrusions into the governance and operations of the University of Virginia, George Mason University, Harvard and Columbia, among others, by federal and state officials contradict U.S. Supreme Court precedent and undermine the integrity of higher education.

ROBERT A. SCOTT

The White House and the Department of Justice threaten the withholding of federal research funds as leverage to force changes in who is admitted, who teaches and what is taught. They accuse institutions of being silent in the face of antisemitism; ignoring presidential orders limiting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and violating the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. In addition to reductions in federal funding, the government has threatened to limit the enrollment of international students and the employment of international scholars.

These actions, based on unproven allegations and without due process and respect for the law, expose the vulnerability of colleges and universities, despite Supreme Court decisions including Dartmouth College v. Woodward

(1819) and Sweezy v. New Hampshire (1957). Both decisions affirmed that universities must remain free from government interference in their teaching, hiring, admissions and governance. Institutional autonomy and board independence are fundamental to academic freedom, educational excellence and the fulfillment of fiduciary duties, the court affirmed.

AThe attacks against universities elsewhere should raise concern on Long Island. We are home to 15 colleges and universities, and all rely on federal funding for student financial aid. Some have substantial research agendas. Stony Brook University, for example, is a major recipient of federal research grants, which totaled over $16 million in 2023. Adelphi, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, Hofstra, Long Island University, New York Institute of Technology and Northwell Health, among others, also have active research programs that rely on government grants. Earlier this year, Newsday reported that the new federal budget could reduce research funding on Long Island by over $163 million for medical, science, technology and other projects.

tion, the Department of Energy, NASA and the Department of Education.

ence between governance and management, and questions and prescriptions.

ttacks on colleges elsewhere should raise concerns on Long Island.

Like universities elsewhere, ours are governed by boards of trustees that are responsible for preserving institutional independence, academic freedom and free speech, all necessary for teaching and scholarship that challenges assumptions and assertions. Surprisingly, fewer than 15 percent of American college and university trustees have any professional experience in higher education, which underscores the need for rigorous orientation in academic governance and mission. Can we imagine a public company saying its directors did not know its legal landscape, finances and markets?

Public university trustees are mostly appointed through a political process, although some states allow public elections, and most independent college and university trustees are selected with consideration given to their philanthropic capacity. Neither are generally selected for their governance acumen or knowledge of higher education.

Nevertheless, the duties of trustees are threefold: care, loyalty and obedience.

The duty of loyalty: Board members must act in good faith and in the best interests of the institution, not out of self-interest or in the interest of a particular constituency.

The duty of obedience: Boards must uphold the institution’s charter and mission, maintaining public trust through honest stewardship.

Each institution has a covenant with the public that gives it a charter, its major asset. The faculty may be the heart and students the soul, but the license to award degrees and certificates is what gives the institution stature, credibility, relevance and viability. That is what trustees hold in trust as guardians of the institution.

Key federal agencies providing research funding for Long Island institutions include the Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, the National Science Founda-

LETTERS

downfield, furthering the distance between himself and the Boilermaker defense. Terry Hanratty threw a pass toward the sideline where no one was until, a moment later, Jim Seymour, on a timed route, appeared out of nowhere to snag the throw. It was glorious. Every visit to the campus brings me home, as it does with the thousands who have attended the university. But Peter King is correct: The sports landscape has changed. It’s mind-boggling to hear the play-by-play announcer name the three different schools that this or that player has attended before he landed on the team out on the field.

It’s a cliché, but how often is the answer to just about anything one word: money? It doesn’t seem like a degree in electrical engineering is in the offing. Not that these young athletes aren’t smart. They’re being offered something that may never come along again in their lifetime, and it’s hard to resist.

In some ways, people of our age resist change. We could never imagine the terms being presented to today’s players. (This goes for technology as well. I thank God our grandchildren live in town, so we can call them any time we need something that relates to

our phone, computer or TV.) Go, Irish!

BILL PICCHIONI

Notre Dame class of 1970

MATTHEW PICCHIONI

Notre Dame class of 2000

Rockville Centre

Workers aren’t getting what Trump promised

To the Editor:

Workers deserve fair pay, safe working conditions, affordable health care and the freedom to retire with dignity. We deserve the right to join unions that give workers a voice; an economy that works for all families, not just the wealthy; and a democracy in which every voice is heard and every vote counts.

Workers and families deserve fully funded public schools that are safe, welcoming, relevant and engaging, as well as higher education that is accessible, affordable and free from political intrusion.

President Trump campaigned on making life better and more affordable

The duty of care: Board members must prepare diligently, participate actively and protect the institution through appropriate oversight, including guarding against external interference. Trustees need to know the differ-

Trustees are most effective when they know the history, mission and purpose, the students, local community and the comparative advantages of the institutions they serve. This is vital not only for the health of the institution but also to maintain the standards of independence that have been the hallmark of U.S. higher education. As a former university president and trustee, and as a member of PEN America’s Champions of Higher Education, I believe it is my responsibility to speak out on behalf of our institutions, our students and our country’s future.

Dr. Robert A. Scott is president Emeritus of Adelphi University and Ramapo College of New Jersey, and the author of “How University Boards Work.”

for working families, and I’m sad to say that his administration has not delivered on these promises. Instead we have seen funding slashed for schools, health care, child care and more — while tax breaks are handed to the ultra-wealthy. Our family members and communities will be sicker, hungrier and poorer. We deserve so much better.

Whether it’s peacefully protesting with our neighbors and co-workers in the streets, forming unions at our workplaces or engaging with elected officials in Congress, let’s work together to fight for the future that all workers deserve.

CLAIRE LABORDE Hempstead

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