Seaford Herald 08-07-2025

Round and round she goes

Four-year-old Ember O’Connor took a spin on the carousel during Seaford Summer Jam on July 25, at the Seaford train station, celebrating the Chamber of Commerce’s 100th anniversary. Story, more photos, Page 3.

Giving every student a voice

Ferrara earns Girl Scout Gold Award for music project

By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

A passion for music and a desire to make it accessible to children of all backgrounds and income levels have earned Seaford’s Samantha Ferrara the prestigious Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting.

Ferrara, 19, a member of Seaford Girl Scout Troop 3614 and a 2024 graduate of Seaford High School, received the award in June for her project, which focused on increasing music accessibility for young students. She was one of 48 Girl Scouts in Nassau County to earn the distinction this year, and received a $1,000 scholarship for her efforts.

Ferrara said she was proud to be recognized for the achievement, which she worked hard on.

“To sustain and continue to bring joy to the kids in my community, and help them have this creative outlet, was just something that meant a lot to me,” she said, “and it made me very happy.”

Open to scouts in the high school grades, the Gold Award is awarded for projects that address community issue with lasting impact. According to the Girl Scouts of Nassau County, a project must involve at least 80 hours of work, be sustainable, have a global connection, and reach people in the community.

As a member of the Seaford High chorus, Ferrara took part in All-State Choir as a junior.

$5,000 grant helps children at Hagedorn

By DARSH MIRCHANDANI Intern

The Hagedorn Little Village School in Seaford, which serves children with developmental delays and disabilities, has received a $5,000 philanthropy grant from the Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative to help support the school’s educational and therapeutic programs.

The publicly funded, not-forprofit school, at 750 Hicksville Road, provides services for infants, preschoolers and elementary-age children.

According to its website, the school’s mission is rooted in compassion, respect and support for families, offering comprehensive educational and therapeutic programs designed to help children reach their full potential.

zation focused on supporting Long Island communities.

Jennifer Kirincic, Hagedorn’s fundraising director, said the school did not apply for the grant but was selected by MWI and invited to attend its annual philanthropy luncheon, held in June at the Plainview Jewish Center, to receive the grant.

“We were contacted by someone on their board and invited to be a recipient,” Kirincic said. “It was a nice recognition.”

JENNIfER KIRINCIC Fundraising director, Hagedorn

Kirincic said the $5,000 grant would help cover general operating expenses and purchase essential items used by children, teachers and therapists. While no specific item has been earmarked, the funding helps ensure continuity in care and services, she said.

The Meadowbrook Women’s Initiative, or MWI, is a Nassau County-based nonprofit organi-

The school’s approach combines both educational and therapeutic services to meet the diverse and complex needs

Continued on page 15

guest column

Renewal in the light of a new day

It was one of those blazing July afternoons we all know too well on Long Island. The sun was unforgiving. People rushed from stores to cars, faces buried in phones, iced drinks in hand.

On a quiet bench off Main Street, an elderly man sat alone. His shirt was buttoned all the way up, a worn Yankees cap on his head. Beside him sat a plastic bag with a warm bottle of water.

No one stopped.

Until Alina, 18 years old, fresh out of high school, happened to glance his way. Something tugged at her. She walked past; but then she turned around.

“Are you okay, sir?” she asked gently.

of love, friendship, indignation and compassion.”

That day, Alina gave that man more than water. She gave him back his humanity.

This is what life is truly about.

We spend so much time chasing titles, screens, deadlines. But in the end, what matters is simple: Did we love? Did we lift? Did we see others; and help them feel seen?

Here on Long Island, and in every corner of this country, there are people waiting to be noticed. To be heard. To be reminded they matter. And you - yes, you have the power to be that person.

He looked up, startled, then slowly began to cry.

“I lost my wife last summer,” he whispered. “We used to sit here every day. You’re the first person who’s spoken to me in weeks.”

She sat beside him. They talked for twenty minutes. She gave him her water and her attention. When she stood to leave, he held her hand and said something she’ll never forget: “Thank you for seeing me. I thought I’d disappeared.”

Simone de Beauvoir once wrote: “One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means

Be the one who stops. The one who smiles. The one who calls. The one who shows up. Because kindness is contagious. Compassion is unforgettable. And one moment of human connection can ripple into a thousand more.

Let it start with us. Let it start here. Let it start today.

Share this. Live this. Be the reason someone believes there is still good in the world.

Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum, PhD

Rabbi Moshe Weisblum is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Tikvah in Wantagh

Educator recognized for leadership with NASTECH NASTAR award

Roseann Zeblisky, a science teacher in the Seaford School District, was recently honored with a 2025 NASTECH NASTAR award by Nassau BOCES and the Nassau Association of School Technologists, also known as NASTECH.

Zeblisky was one of 27 educators recognized at the sixth annual NASTAR awards ceremony for their leadership, innovation and support of technology initiatives in schools across Nassau County. Each recipient was selected by their district for their contributions to advancing educational technology.

The event was hosted by Nassau

BOCES NASTECH and presented by Data Privacy and Security Service Supervisor Laura Pollak and Program Specialist Barbara Deal.

The NASTECH NASTAR awards were established to acknowledge educators who have made a significant impact on instructional technology within their schools.

The 2025 awardees included teachers, principals, librarians, and technology staff from public and private schools across the county.

HERALD neighbors

Chamber marks 100 years with summer celebration

The Seaford Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 100th anniversary with a lively threeday Summer Jam event held July 25–27 at the Seaford Train Station. The celebration featured carnival rides, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities.

Children enjoyed face painting, a bounce house, and carousel rides, while local bands provided live entertainment each night. Guests sampled a wide variety of dishes from 15 food trucks stationed along the event grounds.

The milestone event was hosted by the Seaford Chamber and drew support from local businesses through sponsorships. The weekend also served as an opportunity to highlight the Chamber’s contributions to the community over the last century.

— Charles Shaw

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

News briefs

Swastikas, slur found etched into Wantagh park playground

Nassau County police are investigating a bias incident after two swastikas and a racial slur were discovered etched into playground equipment at Wantagh Park on Friday, Aug. 1.

Officers responded to the park at 1 King Road around 3 p.m. and observed the markings, each approximately 6 inches by 6 inches in size, according to police.

The investigation is ongoing. Detectives ask anyone with information to call Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244TIPS or dial 911. Callers may remain anonymous.

— Charles Shaw

Several firefighters treated for injuries after battling fire at Levittown home

Multiple fire departments responded to a house fire on Hollyhock Road in Levittown on Tuesday evening, July 29, according to Nassau County police.

Officers were called to the scene at around 7:50 p.m. The Levittown Fire Department, along with neighboring departments, worked to extinguish the flames, which caused extensive damage to the home.

Several firefighters were treated at the scene for minor injuries, police said. The Nassau County Fire Marshal and the Arson Bomb Squad also responded. The fire is not considered suspicious at this time.

Nassau HOF class of 2025 announced

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

The Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame will hold its 2025 induction ceremony Oct. 7 at the Crest Hollow County Club. For more information and tickets, go to www.sectionviii. org. Here’s a list of local honorees.

Ray Adams (Long Beach)

For the past 28 seasons, the Long Beach wrestling program has achieved remarkable success under the direction of Baldwin alum Adams. During that span, the team has a dual meet record of 328-110-1, winning the New York State Dual-Meet championship in 2016 and 2017. Adams has led Long Beach to an incredible 16 Conference titles and five Nassau County crowns.

Adams’ dedication to developing athletes at a very high level is palpable by the 168 All-County wrestlers he has coached. Of those, 11 went on to become state champions, 48 became Nassau County champions, and 42 were AllState wrestlers. Adams’ impact on wrestling goes beyond wins and championships. A member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2022), has been greatly recognized for his contributions, earning him Nassau County Coach of the Year three times.

Steve Costello (MacArthur)

Costello has been one of Nassau County’s elite baseball coaches for more than three decades at MacArthur High School. His teams have consistently won and have experienced deep playoff runs, resulting in three Nassau County championships, two Long Island titles and a New York State Class B title in 1994 with a record of 29-0.

Costello’s incredible success throughout the past 32 seasons has made him one of the premiere baseball coaches in county history. He is in the top five all time in career wins with over 575. He also earned the Michael Kostynick Memorial Award Coach of the Year honors three times. Additionally, Costello would take over the role as MacArthur’s varsity girls soccer coach in 2022. It was no surprise that in his first year at the helm, the Generals would go 15-1-2 and capture Nassau and L.I. Class AA championships.

Gina, Vicky and Rosie DiMartino (Massapequa)

It is a genuine honor to have one member of a family become a high school soccer star.

So what is there to say about a family that produces not one, not two, not three, but an astounding four All-Long Island players. That’s what made the DiMartino sisters so special. Each was a star in her own right. Each led teams to

championships. Each earned multiple individual honors. Gina, Vicky and Rosie DiMartino followed elder sister Christina into soccer stardom. Each proved to be winners while leading Massapequa to Nassau and New York State crowns.

Gina was a sensation at Massapequa. She led the Chiefs to two state soccer titles. She set the school scoring record. She won the Mike Clarke Award as the best player in the county. She was a two-time All-Long Island selection and has been inducted into the Long Island Soccer Players Hall of Fame. Victoria (Vicky) was an All-Long Island firstteam selection as a junior in 2005 and led Massapequa to the county, regional and state titles as a senior. She was chosen for the United States Under-17 World Cup team in New Zealand.

Ronald Gustafson (Wantagh)

A common theme runs throughout

the career of “Gus” Gustafson when competed as a member of Wantagh High School’s cross-country and track & field teams: Unprecedented success. As “leader of the pack”, Gustafson’s running career was impeccable. In cross country, he led the Warriors to two Nassau County Class B team championships and he was a three-time individual champion from 1962-64. Wantagh would win the New York State cross country team title in 1962 and he would win the NYS individual championship in 1963 and 1964. In track, Gustafson was a threetime Nassau County champion in the 3200-meter race.

William ‘Bill’ Hedgecock (Wantagh & Lynbrook)

Hedgecock was a fixture in Nassau County track & field and cross country for 41 years. His former players describe Coach Hedge as more than a coach –he’s a legend, a mentor, and someone

who left a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know him. He exhibited an extensive knowledge of both sports at Lynbrook and Wantagh. His career began at Lynbrook for 11 years from 1969-80.

In 1981, Hedgecock moved over to Wantagh, where he was the head coach in cross country and spring track for the next three decades. During his tenure, Bill’s teams amassed a staggering 1,207 wins (819 in XC and 388 in track) with only 102 losses. He led his teams to 50 undefeated seasons, two New York State cross country championships at Wantagh (boys in 1986, girls in 1992) and 37 Nassau titles between the two schools.

Quint Kessenich (Lynbrook)

Aside from being an extraordinary three-sport star at Lynbrook, Kessenich, a 1986 graduate, was also a bit of an introvert. All of which is ironic since he is now a vocal ESPN broadcaster for lacrosse, wrestling, football and other sports. Kessenich was an outstanding athlete in high school. He starred as a soccer player and was a two-time Nassau wrestling champion for the Owls. However, it was on the lacrosse field that he was truly extraordinary.

Kessenich was considered to be the top high school lacrosse goaltender in the country as a junior and senior, and twice was named All-American. He starred at the collegiate level at Johns Hopkins, becoming a rare four-time AllAmerican for the Blue Jays. He also was twice the recipient of the Ensign C. Markland Kelly Award, given to the best goaltender in collegiate lacrosse.

Gillen visits air traffic control in Westbury

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Staffing shortages, safety concerns, the need to update equipment and aircraft noise were the topics when U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen met with Federal Aviation Administration officials and air traffic controllers in Westbury last week.

“I think everyone can agree TRACON/N90 and other air traffic control towers are understaffed, have outdated technology, long hours and compulsory overtime, which is contributing to wider spread burnout and fatigue,” Gillen said on July 29 outside the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control facility that is known by its acronym.

TRACON/N90 manages aircraft approaching and departing from the metropolitan area’s airports, generally within a 30- to 50-mile radius.

in Philadelphia.

“I’m so glad the inspector general is finally looking into the impact of moving N90 air traffic controllers, and what this has done to New York airport cancellations and the safety of our passengers,” Gillen said.

I will continue to work with Secretary Duffy in a bipartisan fashion to make sure we are keeping the skies over the busiest airways in the country safe.

LAuRA GILLeN U.S. Representative

Gillen put pressure on the FAA and federal Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that resulted in an audit of a decision last year to relocate a dozen air traffic controllers from TRACON/N90 to an air traffic control center

The FAA relocated air traffic controllers who monitored Newark Liberty Airport, one of the busiest in the country, from TRACON/ N90 to Philadelphia. Controllers overseeing Newark subsequently experienced a roughly 90-second blackout of radar and radio contact with air traffic due to a burned copper wire on April 28. Another 90-second outage followed on May 9, caused by failures of communication infrastructure.

“The FAA’s reckless decision to relocate Newark air traffic controllers from N90 on Long Island to Philadelphia put our safety at risk and made it more difficult for our air traffic controllers to manage the nation’s busiest airspace,” said Gillen.

The incidents raised concerns about system redundancy, controller staffing and training and operational resilience. The audit will also review the FAA’s

High School Football Preview is coming!

planning and risk-assessment process and its operation response to flight delays, safety incidents and cancellations.

Gillen said she was also determined to address the issue of low staffing of air traffic controllers and the risks it poses to passenger safety.

“I will continue to work with Secretary Duffy in a bipartisan fashion to

make sure we are keeping the skies over the busiest airways in the country safe — safe for passengers, and to minimize cancellations and delays,” she said.

During a discussion of air traffic safety at a July 16 hearing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Duffy said, “Our goal is to make air travel not just safer, but also more efficient.”

RichnerLive Gala celebrates

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health and Beauty innovators

Levittown students get creative at summer STEM programs

Levittown students spent part of their summer sharpening their problem-solving skills during Camp Invention and STEM Camp, both hosted at Jonas E. Salk Middle School.

Third through fifth graders participated in Camp Invention, where hands-on learning and teamwork took center stage. Students rotated through

activity stations that challenged them to apply engineering-based thinking. Among the highlights were building cardboard claw machines, constructing ramps for toy cars and skateboards, forming DNA models with bendy wire, and attempting to balance pingpong balls while walking. High school volunteers assisted and encour-

aged students throughout the day. In STEM Camp, students worked in teams to assemble and program robots. The four-wheeled creations faced off in competitions that included pushing opponents out of makeshift courts and racing down school hallways. Another challenge tasked students with launching balloon-powered

vehicles, testing both design and propulsion techniques.

The two-week program ended with a day of outdoor, water-themed games to help students cool off while celebrating their accomplishments.

—

Firefighters convention returns to Long Island

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your HealtH and Wellness — with a focus on fitness for life

Mind yourself

Focusing on your physical and emotional wellness

By Kristen Castillo

Not so long ago self-care was considered somewhat self-indulgent. Then the pandemic altered our reality and ever since we’ve turned attention on how we engage with our world and practices to be our best, healthy selves. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself and your well-being.

“Self-care is vitally important because if you don’t take the time to stop and care for yourself, your body will stop you,” says mental health advocate Mark Henick. “If you never let your foot off the gas, you won’t keep driving forever — you’ll either run out of gas or crash. The same is true for the body and mind.”

Henick says self-care is a choice to rebalance your internal resources so you can bounce back from stressors.

Loving yourself

Self-care can range from taking “me time” breaks in your day or chatting with a friend to yoga, exercising, of course, or meditating.

“Often, we posit that self-care is about doing less, but sometimes it is about doing more — at the end of the day, it is about responding to the needs of ourselves before others,” says Darren Pierre, Ph.D., author of

“The Invitation to Love.”

“The work is difficult because we can become easily distracted from focusing on ourselves,” Pierre says, urging people to “remain disciplined in the practice of selfcare.”

Honoring your life

“Self-care is choosing to honor your inner wants and needs in order to fulfill your potential,” says therapist Kimberly Hershenson.

One of her self-care recommendations is to make a daily gratitude list. “Focusing on what is good in your life as opposed to what is ‘going wrong’ helps relieve stress,” says Hershenson, who also suggests reading positive affirmations every morning.

Snooze

Self-care isn’t necessarily tough to do, but finding the time to take care of yourself can be challenging.

“Sleep is one of the best forms of self-care because it gives your body and mind some uninterrupted time to simply repair itself,” says Henick.

Write it down

Author Carrie Aulenbacher, a busy work-

ing mom, uses journaling as a self-care tool.

“Making time to take care of me is hard,” she says.“But journaling helps me unload and address issues that affected me but got pushed aside throughout the day.”

She says everything ranging from serious writing to doodling to making lists is helpful and counts as journaling.

The business of self-care

This increased interest in self-care is a

Tbusiness boom, too.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness industry is a $6.3 trillion market, including fitness, mind and body; healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss; and spa treatments.

This figure represents a significant portion of the global economy, exceeding 6 percent of global GDP, according to the GWI. Furthermore, the industry is projected to reach $9 trillion by 2028.

That means increased opportunities for consumers to invest in themselves and their wellbeing. The wellness industry features countless self-care options, ranging from buying vitamin infused waters to planning wellness retreat vacations to scheduling fitness classes like yoga, dance and cycling.

Calendar item

“Schedule self-care time on your calendar,” says Anza Goodbar, a coach, speaker and trainer for entrepreneurs. “If it is not scheduled, it most likely won’t happen.”

She suggests starting a self-care routine in small steps, such as getting up 15 minutes early to start your day with meditation or a quiet cup of coffee or tea.

“The bottom line is to be intentional about taking care of yourself through the different stages of life,” Goodbar says.

Photo: Taking time for yourself, such as meditating or even getting a massage, is healthy, not selfish. Your body and mind will be recharged.

HEALTH MEMO

Keep Yourself Safe From Ticks Before a Hike, Run, or Round of Golf

icks are on the march and heading for you and your family—unless you take precautions.

The Fordham Tick Index, which assesses the risk of encountering ticks in the New York area, was at its highest level of 10 on a 10-point scale as of mid-July, based on an increase in the tick population and the diseases they carry, most notably Lyme disease.

Over the last three years, New York State has averaged more than 17,500 new cases of Lyme disease each year, with more than 19,000 cases reported in 2023, according to the state’s Department of Health. What is more, Suffolk County reported the highest number of Lyme disease cases in the country between 2019 and 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Long Island’s tick season runs from spring through fall, with peak activity from May to June and again from August to November. Aaron E. Glatt, MD, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Chief of Infectious Diseases and Chair of the Department of Medicine, recommends the following steps to protect yourself from illnesses spread by ticks (and mosquitoes):

• Apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothing and exposed parts of your body (be sure to follow the instructions on the product label for safe and effective use).

• When hiking or gardening, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes/sneakers to reduce exposed skin areas. For extra protection, tuck your pants into your socks when in wooded terrain or thick vegetation.

• Wear light- or bright-colored clothing, like white, tan, yellow, or orange, which makes it easier to spot ticks.

• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin insecticiderepellent. Do not apply on the skin.

• Ticks congregate in grassy and wooded areas, so stay in the

Aaron E. Glatt, MD, Chief of Infectious Diseases and

Chair

of the Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau recommends using fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick and cleaning the site and your hands thoroughly after removal.

center of trails. Avoid tall grass and leaf litter. Golfers need to be aware of their increased risk when searching for balls in heavy rough and untamed parts of the course.

• After concluding outdoor activities, check your clothing, hair/head and hairline, armpits, between and toes, and entire body for ticks.

• Take a shower as soon as possible, which can help wash off unattached ticks, and consider putting the clothing in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any attached ticks. To remove a tick, Dr. Glatt recommends the following steps:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick. Dispose of the tick by wrapping it in tape or flushing it down the toilet.

• After removing the tick, clean the bite site and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

If you are bitten by a tick, Dr. Glatt says to be on guard for these symptoms of a tick-borne illness: fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, or a rash.

“In 60-80 percent of Lyme disease cases, a rash with a bullseye center will appear around or near the site of the bite,” said Dr. Glatt. “If this rash develops as well as any other symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent more serious complications, including chronic severe headaches, painful arthritis, swelling of the joints, and heart and central nervous system problems.”

The Long Island flagship hospital of the Mount Sinai Health System, Mount Sinai South Nassau operates 911-receiving emergency departments at its Oceanside and Long Beach campuses and is the only Trauma Center on the South Shore of Nassau County. In a medical emergency, dial 911.

For more information about Mount Sinai South Nassau or a physician referral, call (516) 632-3000 or visit mountsinai. org/southnassau.

mountsinai.org/southnassau

Girl Scout’s music project hits the right notes

There she noticed that few students from less affluent communities were represented. That experience inspired her to find ways to support students who had musical talent but lacked access to lessons or couldn’t afford audition fees.

“Even though they have innate talent, they might not be at that level,” she said, “because they haven’t had the training that other students were able to get.”

For her project, which she started in the summer of 2022, Ferrara recruited and trained 25 volunteers from the music and national honor societies at Seaford High to offer free music tutoring to elementary and middle school students in the district. In return, the volunteers gained experience in music education and earned community service hours for their honor societies, she said.

“We would go to the middle and elementary schools a couple of times a week and work either one-on-one or in small groups with students, mostly on NYSSMA pieces,” Ferrara said, referring to the New York State School Music Association, which evaluates student musicians each year with graded solo performances. “We worked with students who wanted to audition for middle and high school plays, community theater, things like that.”

In addition, she assembled a library of about 100 pieces of sheet music for students to borrow from the high school, collecting donations from local bookstores, theaters and high school music students. She also created a video series for Girl Scout troops that teaches basic musical concepts and how to perform traditional Girl Scout songs, allowing troops across the country to use the videos to teach their members.

In an emailed statement to the Herald, Seaford High Principal Nicole Schnabel and Ferrara’s guidance

counselor, Suzanne Cosenza, said they were “incredibly proud” of the lasting impact her work has had on the district.

“By training student volunteers to tutor younger music students, she has not only strengthened our music program, but also built meaningful mentorships across grade levels,” the statement read. “Her creation of a sheet music lending library at the high school has

made music more accessible to all students, and her leadership continues to inspire others to give back in creative and thoughtful ways!”

Rande Bynum, CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County, said the award recipients honored in June were deeply committed to their projects, which addressed critical issues and positively impacted countless lives.

“These Gold Award Girl Scouts are changing the world today — their ingenuity enables them to meaningfully address some of the most pressing issues facing their communities and the world,” Bynum said in a news release. “We are proud of each of them for achieving their goals and creating a lasting community impact.”

Ferrara’s love of music developed early. She performed in her first NYSSMA evaluation in fourth grade, and continued to pursue her passion through high school, eventually performing at Carnegie Hall with the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra Choir. At Seaford High she was active in the chorus, jazz band and marching band. Music, she said, was more than just an extracurricular activity — it was a source of comfort and identity.

“It’s always been a place in my community where I felt safe, where I felt like I could be myself and express myself,” Ferrara said. “And that’s something that I wanted to make sure that every student had.”

She’s now preparing for her sophomore year at Binghamton University, where she sings in the choir and studies business.

She said she was grateful for the support from the Girl Scout community, which has helped her build confidence and establish lasting friendships. “Throughout the course of doing this project, everyone I’ve worked with has been so supportive,” she said. “I really appreciate that in the Girl Scout community as a whole.”

Grant will help cover school’s operating expenses

of its students. These services include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and psychological support, all integrated into a child’s school day.

According to the school’s website, the staff is committed to ensuring that every child receives the most current and effective instruction, and that families are supported throughout the process. The school works not only to educate students but also to provide support and direction to families navigating the challenges of raising a child with special needs.

“We facilitate each child in achieving their highest potential socially, educationally and emotionally,” Kirincic said. “And we provide support for the families, too.”

Part of what distinguishes the school is its holistic view of success. Rather than focusing solely on academic performance, the school looks at each child’s overall development, including the ability to function in social settings, communicate with others and build confidence. It also works closely with parents and caregivers to ensure that gains made in the classroom are carried over into the home.

In a county where resources for special education can be stretched, the school’s commitment to individualized care makes it a critical asset to the

local community, officials said, serving families across Nassau County and building a reputation as a reliable insti-

each year, this was the first time Hagedorn was selected as a recipient of the grant. MWI, which was formed in 2010 after separating from the Brandeis Women’s National Committee, is composed mostly of retired women living across Nassau, Suffolk and Queens counties. The organization focuses its philanthropic work solely on Long Island.

According to MWI President Judy Fischman, the organization’s goal is to support institutions that assist people in need and invest in long-term community outcomes.

“It is a gratifying moment to meet and listen to the recipients talking about their visions for the future,” Fischman said in a statement.

In addition to supporting medical students at Hofstra University and researchers at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research in Manhasset, MWI awards smaller grants to local organizations that provide direct services. In addition to Hagedorn, the group also chose RISE Life Services, a Riverhead nonprofit that supports people with developmental and mental health challenges through housing and counseling, for the grant this year.

tution for children requiring specialized attention.

While MWI supports several causes

“We’re grateful for the support,” Kirincic said. “But more than anything, we’re thankful that organizations like MWI are recognizing the importance of what we do.”

Seaford’s Connor Wild recognized for achieving Eagle Scout rank

State Sen. Steve Rhoads visited Seaford Troop 690 on June 28 to congratulate Connor Wild on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Rhoads was joined by Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray, Councilman Chris Schneider, and Kayla Knight, representing Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. The officials commended Wild for his leadership and service, with Rhoads recognizing the accomplishment as a milestone that reflects the core values of Scouting.

Holistic spa celebrates grand opening

State Sen. Steve Rhoads joined the grand opening of Sage & Selenite Holistic Spa & Boutique in Seaford on June 25. The new business, owned and operated by Cher LaRocca, offers personalized care and holistic wellness services. Rhoads congratulated LaRocca and her team and wished them success as they launched the spa.

STEPPING OUT

Long Islander adds “JOY” Off-Broadway

By Iris Wiener

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘My Son The Waiter’

Brad Zimmerman celebrates the 10th anniversary of his hit comedy “My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy, with a sequel; “My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy & Still Not Famous! His long journey to follow his show biz dream and his parents who suffered through it continues with plenty of laughter along way. Brad moved to New York and “temporarily” waited tables for 29 years, while pursuing his career as an actor. After many years, he finally got a role on the Sopranos and work as a comedian opening for Joan Rivers, George Carlin and Brad Garrett. He tells of his pursuit, along with stories about his childhood, family, and misbegotten love life with warmth, wit, self-deprecating humor, and wicked charm. Zimmerman also examines the trials and tribulations of waiting on tables — particularly for someone not exactly invested in that career, and with little tolerance for persnickety diners.

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

‘The Rocketman Show’

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

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

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Aug

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

Rock on

Enjoy a night of classic rock and roll with The Legendary Murphys at Levittown Public Library’s free summer outdoor concert. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved indoors with limited seating available.

• Where: Levittown Veterans Memorial Park, across from Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown.

• Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

• Contact: levittownpl.orgor call (516) 731-5728.

Aug

9

The Midtown Men

Aug

Unbox A-Saurus for Us!

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

• Where: Museum Row,

Wantagh (meet on the boardwalk west of the comfort station)

• Time: 6-6:45 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 785-2445

Bubble Magic

Check out Long Island Children’s Museum’s Bubbles exhibit for some extra sudsy fun. Through playful, hands-on experiments explore what makes a bubble form, what makes them pop and discover new creative ways to make bubbles. Stop by anytime between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to participate.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Summer tunes

‘Have the time of your life’ with Dancing Dream’s tribute to Abba at Eisenhower Park.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

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

Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Aug 20

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Music Monday

Aug

11

Enjoy live music in the parking lot of Wantagh Library as part of its Music Monday summer series. Concerts are free and open to all, just bring a lawn chair and enjoy the evening.

• Where: Park Ave., Wantagh

• Time: 6:30–8 p.m.

• Contact: wantaghlibrary.org for more information

Family

Aug 13

movie night

Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. See 2024’s live-action animated adventure “Paddington in Peru.” Paddington returns to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey. Starring Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside

Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: Movie begins at dusk

• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

League of Women Voters meeting

Join the League of Women Voters East Nassau for an evening of information and socialization. Learn about the League’s priorities and enjoy light refreshments. Open to the public.

• Where: Levittown Public Library, 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: levittownpl.org for more about the League

Bingo at Temple B’Nai Torah

Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments every Wednesday and Thursday.

• Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. –1 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:15–10 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 221-2370

Game time

Aug

14

Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks

• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.

• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Thursdays, noon-4 p.m.

• Contact: mahjonggCBT@ yahoo.com or (516) 785-2445

Thursday Night Live

Wantagh Chamber of Commerce presents a free summer block party series featuring live music, food trucks, and local vendors. Join in the fun on Railroad Avenue outside Mulcahy’s and in the parking lot behind The Irish Poet.

• Where: Railroad Avenue, Wantagh (outside Mulcahy’s)

• Time: 5 p.m., also Aug. 28

• Contact: Visit wantaghchamber.com for details

Aug

15

Pre-Shabbat on the Beach

Join Congregation Beth Tikvah for a musical Pre-Shabbat singalong at Jones Beach Field 6. Services are free, open to all and follow traditional Jewish Shabbat rituals. Bring seating, there is no parking fee after 4 p.m.

• Where: 1 Ocean Pkwy.,

Aug

16

Honey Hoopla Families are invited to “bee” amazed at Long Island Children’s Museum’s Honey Hoopla. Celebrate National Honey Bee Day with a buzz-worthy lineup of activities. Meet a local beekeeper and explore the fascinating world of bees, from their ancient history and anatomy to their vital role in our ecosystem; take part in fun bee-themed crafts; sample different types of honey; also enjoy live theater performances inspired by the book “Beezy County Fair: A Bee Tale.” Reservations are recommended to reserve your spot.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

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

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.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

AGENDA: VISIT

August 7, 2025 —

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST JAMES DILLON, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 30, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 3549 Wadena Street, Seaford, NY 11783. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Seaford, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 63 Block: 20 Lot: 694. Approximate amount of judgment $399,728.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #007076/2015. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-001721 86108 154584

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2005-B, MORTGAGE-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-B, -againstMICHAEL LOBASSO A/K/A MICHAEL LOBASSO JR, 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 March 17, 2023, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2005-B, MORTGAGE-BACKED

CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2005-B is the Plaintiff and MICHAEL LOBASSO A/K/A MICHAEL LOBASSO JR, 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 9, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2303 PINE ST, SEAFORD, NY 11783; and the following tax map identification: 006300106-00 - 00074, 00075 & 00076. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT SEAFORD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 009951/2015. Tara Mayerhofer, 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. 154921

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 28th day of July 2025, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal law. An extract of the resolution is as follows: The Wantagh Fire District has by appropriate resolution established and maintains a certain capital reserve fund, established pursuant to Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law, in an account for deposit of said Capital Reserve Fund entitled, “The Wantagh Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal “Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund “ in local banks; in which account is sufficient funds to accomplish the purposes herein after set forth, namely, the 2025 Emergency

Response Vehicle Replacement Project (labor, material, inspection and delivery), including incidental expenses, advertising, and attorney’s fees, in order to maintain the efficiency of the Wantagh Fire District in the discharge of their duties in preserving the lives and property of the residents of the Community and the said project is deemed in the best interest of the residents of the Wantagh Fire District. The resolution further provides that there be transferred from the present Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund of the Wantagh Fire District a sum not to exceed Two Hundred Fifty Thousand ($250,000.00) dollars and the District Treasurer is authorized to effect such transfer from time to time as necessary for the project.

This resolution is subject to a permissive resolution and shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, as provided by the General Municipal Law. Dated: July 28th 2025 By order of The Board of Fire Commissioner Brendan J. Narell Superintendent 154985

LEGAL NOTICE

SECTION 000200

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

NOTICE is hereby given that the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT will receive separate & independent bids for the following categories:

Contract No. 1 –General Construction and Related Work For the Maintenance Building Roof Repair to the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT STATION #6 located at 2995 Jerusalem Ave, Wantagh, NY 11793. A MANDATORY pre-bid conference walkthrough for potential Bidders and other interested parties will be held on Wednesday August 13th, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Wantagh Fire District Station #6 located at 2995 Jerusalem, Wantagh, NY 11793.

Separate & independent bids must be received on or before Monday, August 18th, 2025 @ 12:00 PM by the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT at the DISTRICT OFFICES located at 2045

Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793 at which time all bids received will publicly be opened and read aloud @ 12:00 PM in accordance with §103(2), of the General Municipal Law. No bids will be accepted thereafter. Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, drawings and specifications, may be obtained online as a download at www.revplans.com for a non-refundable fee of $100.00 (One Hundred Dollars) starting on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025.

All bids must be accompanied by either a) a certified check payable to the “Wantagh Fire District” in the amount of 5% of the bid price, or b) a bond with sufficient sureties to be approved by the “Wantagh Fire District” in the amount of 5% of the bid price. If the bid is accepted, the bidder will enter into a contract in accordance with the bid and will furnish a suitable security bond in the sum of the amount of the contract, conditioned for the faithful and prompt completion of the work specified in the contract. If the bidder neglects or refuses to execute the contract and furnish the bonds, the deposit of 5% of the bid price shall be forfeited and retained by the Wantagh Fire District as liquidated damages or, in the case of a bid bond, the Wantagh Fire District shall enforce payment of the bond for its benefit.

Performance, Labor and Material payment, and warranty bonds on the forms within the Specifications Book for the full amount of the contract are required and shall be included in the bid price.

Exclude from all bids New York State Sales Tax on materials or supplies purchased for this project.

Pursuant to §220 of the Labor Law, the contract will contain a provision that every mechanic, laborer and workman employed in or about the work contemplated by the contract shall be paid not less than the prevailing rate of wages and provided with not less than the prevailing supplement which are set forth in the Bidding Documents.

Bids are to be enclosed

Seaford filmmaker set to screen movie at music film festival

By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

Brian Stieglitz, a Seaford native and former Herald reporter, is preparing to show his documentary, D.I.Y L.I., at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame’s inaugural Music Documentary Film Festival.

The film, originally created as his senior thesis while studying journalism and creative writing at Hofstra University, follows three Long Island bands—Moon Tooth, Megaweapon, and Makeshift—and explores the experience of being part of the do-it-yourself music scene.

“It’s really about the overall experience of being in a DIY band on Long Island and being part of that community and going to shows, supporting each other, constantly gigging, not knowing what the future is going to hold for you, but doing it because you love it and because it’s what you were born to do,” Stieglitz said.

He completed the film in 2016 and first screened it at the Long Island International Film Expo in 2017. This will be the film’s second showing at a festival.

Stieglitz said he was drawn to the subject because his brother played in bands, and while he wasn’t a performer himself, he found inspiration in watching the local scene.

“There’s nothing better than going to a concert and coming early for the opening act and being introduced to a new artist that inspires you and that just makes you feel alive,” he said. “I just wanted to use my storytelling abilities to capture that and to show others and to show people watching this documentary what that world is all about.”

While filming, he said he gained a deeper appreciation for the musicians’ commitment. Musicians, he said, are disciplined and dedicated to the band, juggling multiple jobs and dealing with personal issues, all while putting on a show.

He credited Hofstra’s film program with helping him see the potential in his creative work.

“The Hofstra film department and the class I was taking, the professors and students and everything, kind of

Courtesy Brian Stieglitz Seaford native and former Herald reporter Brian Stieglitz will screen his music documentary, D.I.Y L.I., at the inaugural LIMEHOF Music Documentary Film Festival in Stony Brook.

showed me how feasible it was to turn your ideas into reality,” he said.

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame’s inaugural Music Documentary Film Festival will take place from Aug. 8 to 10 at its Stony Brook location at 97 Main St. The festival will feature 24 music documentaries from around the world, along with filmmaker Q&As, live performances, and opening and closing night events.

“The highly anticipated LIMEHOF Music Documentary Film Festival puts Long Island at the center of the global music documentary scene—featuring bold, unforgettable films that capture everything from rock legends and rising stars to hometown heroes and hidden histories,” said Tom Needham, Executive Director of the LIMEHOF Music Documentary Film Festival.

“It’s just going to be a really fun experience,” Stieglitz said, “and I’m excited for my film to be a part of it.”

in a separate sealed envelope, which shall be clearly marked:

Wantagh Fire District

Station #6

2995 Jerusalem Ave, Wantagh, NY 11793

Contract No. 1 –General Construction and Related Work. The Wantagh Fire District reserves the right to waive any informalities in, to accept or reject any or all bids, to award the contract to other than the lowest bidder or to

advertise anew if in the judgment of the Wantagh Fire District it is in their best interests to do so. No bidder shall withdraw his bid within 45 days after the formal opening thereof.

By Order of

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Typist Clerk

EDITOR/REPORTER

awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

If interested email merrickbasp@aol.com or Call (516) 379-4245.

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on

Is a doorbell camera enough? Part 2.

Spacious Bayside Home!

Q. We have a doorbell camera, and understand that it’s a deterrent to would-be burglars, but as we’re renovating our home, can we “design” in other ways to keep people from robbing it? We keep seeing reports on the neighbor app of our door camera about people checking out houses in the area, and we’re very concerned. Any ideas would be appreciated.

A. Continuing from last week, I recommend hurricane glass windows, which are a costly upgrade that resist high winds, flooding and flying debris from blowing in the window and creating instant havoc. Although fire rescue has to use a special tool to get the windows open, since they’re hard to break, the windows will deter a robber by costing them time, if they’re even successful at doing more than creating a small hole in the reinforced panes.

Remember, anything that can delay a burglar for more than 60 seconds is an advantage, because a robber wants to get in and out quickly. Bars on windows can be avoided by using hurricane glass, and I only advise installing them on basement windows, where they are less seen but useful.

If your area is considered a high-crime vicinity, steel security shutters can also be employed. To keep the appearance of your home from being compromised to look like the county jail, steel roll-down shutters can be designed into overhangs above the windows and doors, to be employed when the home is unoccupied. But I think it adds to the message that you’re away, and only advise installing them if it’s your last resort for protection.

Garages are a great entry point, often neglected. Consider that you increase a burglar’s time frame to enter with an attached garage. They lift the door, spend whatever amount of time they need to break the lock on the interior door, and once the garage door is back down, they now have a staging area to sort your jewelry, medications and expensive computers and appliances before packing up to move out. With a cellphone in hand, their getaway car is at the ready, waiting for the call. Installing security pins or locks by drilling into the garage door track(s), and remembering to use them when you’re away for a prolonged time, is a very important deterrent.

If there are roofs under upper-story windows, install alarm devices there as well when you install alarms on first-floor openings. Even though 80 percent of break-ins occur on ground floors, the other 20 percent are either basements or second floors. Burglars dressed as painters and carrying ladders often go unnoticed. According to the National Center for Policing Innovation, 40 percent of breakins use no force at all.

Clear concealing landscaping from the exterior walls of the home, especially near windows and doorways. Limit greenery to no more than two feet in height, and only install fences of the see-through variety.

There’s still more to be covered next week.

© 2025 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530,

Stuff HERALD

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements

AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-323-0160

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS!

Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry

Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Wanted To Buy

Costume Jewelry Wanted Necklaces, Earrings, Bracelets & Rings. Also Buying Gold & Silver.

$$ CASH PAID $$ 631-500-0792

Long Island / Will Travel SERVICES

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

***MASONRY & CONSTRUCTION*** EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS! GIUSEPPE MUCCIACCIARO

We Do Pavers, Cultured Stone, Concrete, Bluestone, Blacktop, Fireplace, Patio, Waterproofing, Walkways, Pool Work. Lic#H2204320000 Family Operation Over 40Years. 516-238-6287

Cable/TV/Wiring

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

Electricians

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Handyman

PAINTING & HANDYMAN SERVICE

Tired of calling a contractor & they don't call back? I will call you back the same day!

917-822-0225 Ricky

Specializing in carpentry, bathrooms, kitchens, sheetrock, flooring, electric, plumbing. Over 25 yrs exp.Lic/Ins H3805150000

Home Improvement

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159

DO YOU KNOW what's in your water?

Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728

PAVERS- CONCRETE- BLACKTOP

Book Now & Save On All Masonry Work. Driveways- Patios- Stoops- SidewalksWalkways- Stonework- Pool SurroundsOutdoor Kitchens- Family Owned/ Operated For Over 40Yrs. FREE Estimates. Lic# H1741540000.

DANSON CONSTRUCTION INC 516-409-4553; 516-798-4565 www.dansoninc.com

PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.

PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

Home Improvement

SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473

Miscellaneous

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

Power Washing

POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: Houses, Fences, Concrete/ Brick, Decks/Sealing. ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641

Services

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER?

STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Telephone Services

CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

Tree Services

T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *TREE REMOVAL *STUMP GRINDING *PRUNING. FREE ESTIMATES. 516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com

Satellite/TV Equipment

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Auctions

Auction of a Lifetime - Two Residential Development Opportunities in South Florida! Don't miss this chance to bid on real estate in South Gulf Cove and North Port. South Gulf Cove: 5 canal lots, 13 building lots, and 1 newly constructed home. North Port: 18 building lots and 6 newly constructed homes. Auction Date: September 18 at 3:00 PM. For full details, visit woltz.com or call 800-551-3588. Woltz & Associates, Inc. - Real Estate Brokers & Auctioneers, Roanoke, VA. Russell Seneff (AU4521), in conjunction with Murray R. Wise (BK3295976). 5% Buyer's Premium

Health & Fitness

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172

ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-833-641-6397

Health & Fitness

HEARING AIDS!! HIGH-QUALITY rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060

AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Autos Wanted

***AAA*** AUTO BUYERS $Highest$

pEnough with our obsession with conspiracies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buyer’s remorse is no consolation

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

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

because leadership knows that some parts of them couldn’t pass if they were presented as single bills. My friends in Congress aren’t alone in their misgivings about the Big Beautiful Bill. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley agonized for weeks over its deep Medicaid cuts, because hundreds of thousands of his state’s voters rely on Medicaid to survive. Hawley was agonizing on behalf of those hardworking citizens who don’t deserve to lose their benefits. Despite wringing his hands and suffering sleepless nights, he voted for the bill when it reached the Senate.

B ut what happens when all these budget cuts are the hot topic next year?

Two more cases in point are Maine Sen. Susan Collins and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Both went public with their concerns about the cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides food assistance to more than 40 million people nationally. For days on end, the two senators expressed their concerns about their constituents losing access to food stamps that are a life-or-death necessity. But when push came to shove, they both voted for the cuts.

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

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

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

for the losers

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

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

There is also no doubt that there are

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

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

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

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

Seaford

Established 1953

Incorporating The Wantagh/Seaford Citizen in

2

Web:

Support your local volunteer firefighters

tHERALD

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

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

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

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

letters

We need more open-minded politicians like Tom Suozzi

To the Editor:

ensure timely responses to emergencies.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

challenges these men and women face is crucial as well.

How can you show support for these selfless volunteers?

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

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

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

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

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

The town supervisor’s seat belongs to the people

imagine preparing to vote in an important election. You do your homework, weigh the positions of the candidates, and are set to make your voice heard. But before you can cast your ballot, you find out that the decision has already been made behind closed doors, without your input, without a vote, and without any accountability.

That is exactly what is happening right now in the Town of hempstead. Supervisor Donald clavin is stepping down early. That is his decision. But what is unacceptable, and frankly unethical, is the Town Board’s apparent plan to skip over the voters and quietly appoint his handpicked successor, Nassau county Legislator John Ferretti, to the job just months before an election. That is not leadership; it is manipulation.

The strategy is clear. Ferretti is already running for town supervisor in November. If the board appoints him now, he will get to run as an incumbent. That means the full benefits of the job — the title, taxpayer-funded mailers, public appearances and media coverage — all before he has earned a single vote. It is a political cheat code, and it is rigged against the public.

If this plan moves forward, it would not be the first time. In fact, it would mark the seventh time in the last 11 successions that a hempstead town supervisor was chosen not by voters, but by party insiders. This is not an isolated incident; it is a pattern. And it should concern anyone who values democracy and transparency.

w ay too often in the Town of Hempstead, the party bosses usurp the voters.

Board and the current deputy supervisor. So why look outside the board to appoint a new supervisor? Because a sitting supervisor controls the town’s messaging, appears on every official mailer and gets to shape the public narrative. Giving that platform to one candidate while denying it to the other is not just unfair, it is anti-democratic.

reform to ban these kinds of appointments in the future. Under my proposal, if a supervisor steps down early, the deputy supervisor would serve as the interim replacement, and the voters, not the board, would choose a new leader in the next scheduled election or a special one.

When people say the system is rigged, this is exactly what they’re talking about.

Let’s be clear. There is already someone in place who should step in: Senior councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, the longest-serving member of the Town

Letters

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

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

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

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

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

If you look at the history of our elec-

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

RIchARD S. KAhN Glen Cove

How about some new ideas, Jerry?

To the Editor:

Jerry Kremer’s column in the July 24-30 issue, “It’s long past time to shut down the cellphone,” highlighted exactly what is wrong with the Democratic Party today. Mr. Kremer spend the first half of his op-ed bemoaning current politics — in particular, the devastating “One Big Beautiful Bill,” especially for the most vulnerable among us — but offered no hint of a remedy. If he is illequipped to lead or advise the next generation of voters, perhaps he should step aside and allow someone who can. Instead, Kremer spent the second half of his column belittling a dynamic young Democratic candidate, Zohran Mamdani, who has energized voters with policy ideas that address the real needs of New Yorkers — many of whom are the prime targets of the cuts that so distress Kremer. If Mamdani is inexperienced, our veteran Democrats should

The truth is, this kind of one-party rule is exactly what brought us the largest tax hike in recent history. While the insiders maneuver for power behind closed doors, the public is left with the bill — literally. The same group that wants to install a supervisor without your vote just passed a property tax increase on your home of over 12 percent. That is the cost of unchecked control, and it is time we said “enough.”

This town deserves better than secret deals and insider politics. The supervisor’s office belongs to the people, not the party bosses. That’s why I have proposed straightforward ethics

Simple, fair, democratic. It is similar to what former supervisor, now U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen proposed, but was rejected by clavin’s allies on the board. That’s why we need new blood.

When the same party holds power for decades, it gets comfortable and careless. It stops asking for your vote and starts making decisions in the shadows. But democracy demands more than backroom deals and power swaps. It demands accountability. It demands integrity. And most of all, it demands that we trust the voters to decide who leads them.

To every resident in the Town of hempstead: Your vote should never be treated as a formality. It should be the only thing that matters. Let’s make sure it stays that way.

Joe Scianablo is the Democratic candidate for Town of Hempstead supervisor.

Framework by Tim Baker

be throwing their weight behind him and offering support and expertise.

I cannot fathom why institutional Democrats such as Kremer would prefer Andrew cuomo, a sexual predator, or Eric Adams, an indicted alleged criminal, over a, yes, young, but moral, galvanizing upstart. Younger Demo-

crats do not want corrupt, lecherous and unrepentant leaders, and we do not want complacency. If Kremer can’t see that, perhaps he should shut down his phone and put down his pen.

•

•

•

•