Uniondale Herald 10-02-2025

Knights lead the parade in Harlem

By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

The unmistakable sound of Uniondale High School’s Marching Knights led the 56th African American Day Parade in Harlem on Sept. 21, marking the district band’s first time at the front of the procession and its fifth year of participation in one of the most prominent celebrations of African American culture in the country.

The parade, which began in 1968 and is held every third Sunday in September, was livestreamed on WABC-TV ConTinUeD on PAge 10

Kellenberg welcomes two four-legged experts in stress reduction

By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

The Kellenberg Phoenix, Kellenberg Memorial High School’s student newspaper, once joked that the “Kellenberg dogs” might be one of the biggest reasons students choose the Catholic school.

Around its Uniondale campus, it’s perfectly normal for a dog to wander into a classroom with its handler — and many would say the dogs are really the ones in charge. Currently there are five dogs and they have become a defining part of the school’s everyday life.

After the deaths of two of them, 12-year-old Tobit, in 2019,

and Beato, 7, in August, two new puppies joined the school community this fall — Magnus, an 11-weekold Samoyed, and Frassati, a 24-week-old miniature Bernese mountain dog.

“Magnus and Frassati are loving life at Kellenberg Memorial, and we love that they’re here,” Father Dan Griffin, chaplain of Chaplain & Assistant Principal for Mission and Marianist Identity and the owner of Frassati.

Brother Kenneth Hoagland, Kellenberg’s principal, is Magnus’s handler. The dogs are officially owned by the Province of Meribah and the Marianist community, which also provides the funds for their care.

The Society of Mary, known as the Marianists, is a 200-year-old Catholic religious congregation of brothers and priests. All of the dogs’ names have reflected the school’s Catholic identity.

Magnus name comes from the Latin “magnanimous,” meaning “great soul.” Frassati is named after Pier Giorgio Frassati, who was canonized as a saint by Pope Leo XIV on Sept 7.

Other dogs that are part of the school include Assistant Principal of Activities Bro. Roger Poletti’s Matthias, the Apostle, an 8-year-old Yorkie, and Chaplain Fr. Thomas Car-

done’s 9-year-old miniature golden doodle, Goretti, named after St. Maria Goretti.

“It is our firm belief that atmosphere educates — the dogs only further that belief, serving as a calming presence and welcomed sight,” Tara O’Donoghue, Kellenberg’s communications director, said.

“The new dogs joined our family right around the time

Hempstead native debuts Creole fest in DUMBO

By STACY DRIKS

sdriks@liherald.com

After four years of planning, the Creole Food Festival — founded by Fabrice Armand — was staged in Brooklyn, right under the Brooklyn Bridge at Emily Roebling Plaza.

More than 700 people attended the event, which has grown over seven years into a celebration of cuisines from across the African diaspora. The festival showcased top chefs of color from the Caribbean, South America, Africa and Latin America.

“We’ve always done it in Manhattan … but it is the first one for us, and we’ve always wanted to do Brooklyn,” Armand said.

Born in Haiti, Armand came to the United States as a child, spending summers in New York before moving permanently at 14. He attended Benjamin Cardozo High School in Queens and later became the first African American student body president at St. John’s University.

Looking back on his years growing up in Hempstead, he called it “a great community, very community-centric.”

As for the venue, Armand said the timing was right. “It’s not that we did not want to choose Brooklyn before,” he explained. “You just have to understand that Brooklyn has a different energy, you don’t enter Brooklyn around foodies and people that love flavor and culture any type of way.”

Because of a partnership with the city’s Parks Department, the event allowed people to enter for free, though food and drinks were sold separately. “Never before have we ever done that,” he said.

A collaboration with Time Out Market — a DUMBO-based food hall known for celebrating culinary diversity — was also key. While the permits came through the Parks Department, Armand credited Time Out Market’s backing with making access to the coveted plaza possible.

“I don’t think I would have ever gotten the Emily Roebling Plaza without Time Out Market,” he said. “Because of who they are and their trust in us,

we were able to get it.”

The founder said diversity and inclusion are central to the festival’s mission — but sustaining that mission has become harder.

“In a time where the federal government is taking away DEI initiatives, what Time Out Market provides for us ,” he said. “They were able to help us bridge that gap,” He also noted sponsorships have dropped sharply. “Normally we do about $20,000 in sponsorships. Easily. This year, we’ve only been able to do $6,000,” he said. To make it work, he and his business partner took out an extra loan.

Still, the festival continues to grow. Along with New York, it now runs in Miami, New Orleans, Atlanta — and soon, Washington, D.C. Long Island may be next.

“I love Long Island. I want to do it in Long Island,” Armand said.

But you have to enter Long Island properly.”

Families pack ‘Long Island Family Day’ for fun and learning Event at Cradle of Aviation offered activities, resources, and community connections.

Families flocked to the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Sept. 21 for Long Island Family Day, a lively afternoon presented by New York Family.

The museum atrium buzzed with activity as children lined up for bounce houses, face painting, raffles, and giveaways.

Parents and grandparents joined in, meeting representatives from local schools, after-school programs, and community organizations that shared resources ranging from STEM and STEAM activities to parenting tips and educational tools.

The event blended fun and learning, giving kids a chance to burn off energy while families connected with programs designed to support growth and curiosity.

— Stacy Driks

Protecting Your Future

Taking Back Control with a Living Trust

In the fall of 1990, thirty-five years ago, your writer first heard of the proposition that if you set up a living trust your estate doesn’t have to go to court to settle – the so-called probate court proceeding for wills. Having spent the previous eleven years as a litigation attorney, and having faced numerous problems probating wills, this sounded too good to be true.

At the time, some of the best estate planning lawyers were in Florida. Perhaps you can guess why. In any event, off I went to Florida to train as an estate planning lawyer and, upon returning, closed the litigation practice and founded Ettinger Law Firm in April 1991, to keep people just like you, dear reader, out of probate court.

The reason I was so excited about the living trust, and continue to be so to this day, is the concept of taking back control from the courts and government and giving it back to you and your family. After all, who doesn’t want control over their affairs?

When you go to court, who’s in charge? The judge, right? Now tell me, does the judge

always act in your best interest? Does the judge ever make a mistake? And when the judge says jump, you know what the answer is!

Not only do you pay considerably for this privilege, but it can take many months and often years to complete the probate court proceeding. Meantime, houses cannot be sold, bank accounts accessed, or investment portfolios managed – at least without the judge’s permission which involves additional time and resources to request. Of course, that permission may be denied as well.

With a living trust, your trustee (formerly your “executor” under the will) may act immediately upon death to sell the house, pay the bills and handle the investments – no permission required! An additional benefit is, in the event you become unable to handle your affairs later in life, your trustee may take over by simply getting a letter from your doctor showing you are unable to handle your legal and financial affairs. Essentially then, a living trust gives you back the control your may have thought you had.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

ELDER LAW ESTATE PLANNING SINCE 1991 trustlaw.com

Trusts & Estates • Wills & Probate • Medicaid NO-COST CONSULTATION: 516-327-8880 or email info@trustlaw.com

100 Merrick Rd., Rockville Centre • 3000 Marcus Ave., Lake Success

Other offices in Huntington • Melville • Islandia

Crime watCh

a rrests in r oosevelt Field m all

On Aug. 22 Vasiliki Spanaki, 29,from North Merrick was arrested for shoplifting at Macy’s.

On Aug. 25 Tamika McGuire, 39, from Massapequa was arrested for shoplifting at Nordstrom.

On Aug. 27 Gabriel Gil, 18, from Elmont and Madison Frade, 18, from Franklin Square were arrested for shoplifting at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

On Aug. 28 a victim reported an unknown male removed a bicycle from a location in Uniondale.

On Aug. 28 Jefereson Ordonez Gonzalez, 18, from Hempstead was arrested for shoplifting at Target in Westbury.

On Aug. 28 a victim reported unknown individuals removed assorted items from Nordstrom Rack.

On Aug. 30 a victim reported an unknown male removed four breakfast sandwiches from a 7-Eleven in Uniondale.

On Aug. 31 Janneth Naula, 50, and Rosa Barrera Calderon, 70, both from Port Washington, were arrested for shoplifting at JCPenney.

On Aug. 31 Raphael Jimenez, 56, from Uniondale was arrested for shoplifting at Macy’s in Manhasset.

On Sept. 2 Jose L. DeJesus, 31, from Hempstead was arrested for shoplifting at Walmart in Westbury.

On Sept. 7 Zhaohang Wang, 61, from Franklin Square was arrested for shoplifting at Macy’s

On Sept. 8 Salvador Alexander Hernandez Canales, 20 from Lindenhurst was arrested for shoplifting with Alan Lennin Funez Lopez, 20, at Dicks Sporting Goods.

On Sept. 9 a victim reported two unknown females remove assorted items from Primark.

On Sept. 9 Dimitrios Safetis, 29, from Hicksville was arrested for shoplifting at Macy’s.

On Sept. 18 Niukka Sanchez Torres,48, from Queens Village was found shoplifting at Nordstrom Rack.

On Sept. 18 a victim reported two unknown male subject remove assorted items from Dicks Sports Goods.

On Sept. 19 Marcos Ramirez Segura, 29, and Juan Arias Giral, 28, both from Queens, Jamaca were found shoplifting at Macy’s.

Petit l ar C eny

On July 10, a victim reported an unknown male subject remove assorted items from a Walgreens

On July 1 a victim repored a male remove assorted items from a Walgreens

On Sept. 5 Jean Joseph, from Uniondale was arrested for shoplifting at a Home Depot on Hempstead Turnpike.

On Aug 18. Harry Gardner from Uniondale was arrested for shoplifting at a Target at 999 Corporate Dr.

On Aug 21 a victim reported an unknown male subject remove four packages of pepper spray from a 7-Eleven on Oak Street.

Criminal m is C hie F

On Sept. 1 a victim reported that four unknown males damaged her padlocks at a location in Uniondale.

On Sept. 24 Milayan Morales Bustillos, 45, from Hempstead was arrested for criminal mischief at 718 Decatur St.

dwi a rrest

On Aug. 31 Manuel Chavez, 54, from Uniondale was arrested for driving while intoxicated near Walter Street and Armond Street.

Cost rise for LIRR riders and drivers by 4 percent in 2026

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board unanimously approved fare and toll increases that will take effect Jan. 1, raising costs for Long Island Rail Road riders and motorists using the area’s bridges and tunnels.

The vote came during the agency’s Sept. 30 meeting in Brooklyn following a public comment session.

The proposal, released July 30, marks the first round of increases since 2023, when both fares and tolls rose by more than 4 percent. Officials said the changes are needed to maintain service levels and support a transit system still recovering from the financial strain of the pandemic.

For LIRR riders, monthly and weekly ticket prices will rise by an average of 4.4 percent, excluding city zones. Even with the increase, the MTA said the cost of a monthly ticket will remain under $500, still lower than pre-pandemic levels.

The MTA had considered shortening the validity of one-way tickets to four hours after purchase, but after hearing customer feedback, tickets will instead remain valid until 4 a.m. the following day. Riders must activate tickets before boarding, and those purchased on board will carry an additional $2 surcharge.

Discounts will expand as well. The MTA will reduce ticket prices for

seniors, people with disabilities and Medicare recipients, regardless of travel time. Children ages 5-17 may ride for $1 when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, including during the morning peak.

A new day pass will replace the round-trip ticket and will also be valid until 4 a.m. the next day. On weekdays, the pass will cost 10 percent less than two one-way peak tickets; on weekends, it will cost the same as two one-way offpeak tickets.

The 10-trip ticket will be discontinued in favor of a “pay-as-you-go” mobile discount. After 10 peak or offpeak trips within 14 days, customers using mobile tickets will receive an 11th one-way trip free in the same period. Unlike the current plan, the new option does not require riders to pre-pay for discounts.

“Transit is one of the few things that makes New York affordable,” said MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber. “And I respect those who

oppose the fare increase. But we’re talking about something that is 15 percent of the cost of owning an automobile. In New York, I think the gap between transit and auto ownership is even larger, and because of that, New Yorkers spend a lot less of their household income on transportation than people in the rest of the country. We are determined to keep it that way while also making sure we can fund our operation.”

Tolls at the RFK, Whitestone, Throgs Neck and Verrazzano Bridges, as well as the Queens-Midtown and Hugh L. Carey Tunnels, will rise 52 cents to $7.46 with E-ZPass. The Cross Bay and Marine Parkway Bridges will go up 20 cents to $2.80.

Board member Melva Miller voted for the increases but said she struggled with the decision.

“On one hand, I know our operating budget depends on these revenues, and as a board member, I recognize the importance of this and that approving this increase is the fiscally responsible thing to do and, ultimately, necessary to ensure the long-term health of the MTA,” she said. “But I also know firsthand that I’ve lived the realities of people who ride our system every single day and haven’t always had financial security, myself included, sometimes as I was only a few paychecks away from real vulnerability.”

LUKE MARTINI

WANTAGH Sophomore FOOTBALL

IT WAS A HISTORIC 2024 for Martini and the Warriors as they captured both the Nassau Conference IV and Long Island Class IV titles. One of a handful of returning starters and a rise to Confernece III, Martini is being counted on to produce even more. So far, so good. He led a 35-7 victory at Elmont Sept. 20 with four rushing touchdowns, all coming in the second half. He finished with 195 yards on the ground with his longest score covering 78.

GAMES TO WATCH

Friday, Oct. 3

Football: Carey at V.S. North 4:30 p.m.

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

Girls Soccer: Calhoun at Seaford 5 p.m.

Football: Mepham at Glen Cove

Football: Baldwin at V.S. Central

Football: Plainedge at Lynbrook

Football: Seaford at East Rockaway 6 p.m.

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

Football: South Side at Bethpage 6:30 p.m.

Football: Farmingdale at Freeport 7 p.m.

Football: Garden City at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 4

Girls Soccer: Garden City at Wantagh 2 p.m.

Football: Syosset at Uniondale 3 p.m.

Football: Lawrence at West Hempstead 3 p.m.

Football: Hempstead at Hicksville 3 p.m.

Football: Manhasset at V.S. South 3 p.m.

Football: Mineola at Sewanhaka 3 p.m.

Football: Wantagh at Clarke 3 p.m.

Football: Hewlett at Division 3 p.m.

Football: Roosevelt at East Meadow 3 p.m.

Football: Jericho at Kennedy 3 p.m.

Football: C.S. Harbor at North Shore 3 p.m.

Football: Floral Park at Elmont 3 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

Uniondale rallies past Freeport

By PATRICK MOQUIN sports@liherald.com

Trailing by a goal for most of the first half, Uniondale boys’ soccer overwhelmed Freeport in the late stages to complete a 2-1 comeback victory last Friday.

Forward Alberto Pineda scored the go-ahead goal with 11 minutes remaining to keep the Knights atop the Conference AAA standings with a 6-1-1 record.

“It was really lucky but we always needed a goal,” Pineda said. “It wasn’t just me, it was the whole team. Fighting for everything, going for everything.”

Uniondale was in control of the match from the start, producing multiple scoring opportunities without capitalizing early in the first half. Freeport, now 4-4-1, had to rely on its defense and counter-attack, which led to a prime opportunity when sophomore forward Jesus Sorto drew a penalty with 23 minutes to go until halftime.

On the Red Devils’ first attempt taken by midfielder Kevin Leon, Uniondale goalkeeper Herley Jean appeared to make an outstanding save but was ruled to have left the line early. Sorto stepped in to take the shot himself on the second attempt and slipped it just past Jean’s fingers on the right side to give Freeport a 1-0 lead.

The Knights went right back on the attack, relentlessly prodding in search of an equalizing chance. Freeport goalkeeper Kleybersson Corado remained stout all game, limiting Uniondale chances and flipping the field with booming clearance

kicks. But with time nearly expiring at the end of the half, a miscue behind the goalkeeper allowed Uniondale’s Anthony Alvaranga to

steal the ball and knock in an easy score to tie the game 1-1.

If the Red Devils could have hung on for another minute before the first buzz-

er sounded, they might have sustained enough momentum to hold off the Knights in the second half. But with the score even exiting halftime, Uniondale coach Nelson Cohen made the approach abundantly clear for his players.

“Besides scoring goals, we have to show the grit,” Cohen said. “By the end, 26 players matter in the match, because the energy from the bench to the field is what really transpired. Yes, we scored goals, the passing was good, the possession was good. But more importantly, we showed a lot of grit, and I think that was the essence of the victory.”

After knocking on the doors for the better part of the second half, Pineda finally got his opportunity directly in front of the goal. His header hit the crossbar and careened into the back of the net, sending a small army of Uniondale players in tight celebratory formation behind their long-awaited scorer.

Freeport desperately tried to rally in the closing minutes but could not find a chance to equalize the score. Red Devils coach Craig Klasson described the game as a learning experience for his developing players.

“We played hard, and this is a team that we circle when we get the schedule,” Klasson said. “This season, we just didn’t play our best game.”

Since losing to Farmingdale in its first game, Uniondale has not been defeated despite running into several stubborn opponents. In four straight games decided by one goal or less, the Knights have earned three victories and one draw.

Sewing StorieS

By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

The Herald sat down with Patti [Last Name], a Merrick resident, Uniondale High School alumna and Adelphi-trained artist, to discuss her love for art, her journey into quilting, and how the craft became her lifelong passion.

Q: How did quilting get its start, and why do you think it’s coming back now?

A: On the prairie, women took of old clothing they didn’t have time to go to the store and buy fabric they were going to buy fabrics for dresses not blankets. As clothing wore out, would cut small scraps of fabric and save them and would sew the pieces together to make blankets to keep them warm in

the winter. People in their 60s and 70s were interested but their children weren’t. However, their grandchildren are interested. They want to create, fashion design is such a big thing now and people sell them online.

Q: What makes quilting so personal?

A: I make quilts from men’s ties, T-shirts, even dress shirts. When my husband passed, my children gave him shirts like “pop the man” I cut up those T-shirts and made giant pillows for my grandchildren – their grandpa’s T-shirts. I did the same with a quilt for my two daughters. It’s sentimental.

Do you sell your quilts?

A: Yes. I sell at shows — like Water Mill in the Hamptons — and through Instagram. I don’t have an Etsy shop yet, but I take orders for people.

Q: What first inspired your

love of art?

A: I’ve had a love of art since I was a very young girl. My mom said that when I was five years old, I saw a show and it was about Rip Van Winkle and him sleeping by a rock. And when the show was over, I drew this picture and my mom said this is fantastic. And from that day on, my parents encouraged me.

Q: What’s your process when designing a quilt?

A: Every quilt starts with an “inspiration fabric.” If it’s a big print, I don’t cut it into small pieces — you’d lose the focus of the pattern. So then you start thinking in your head, what would go good with this? How would this work? What colors will complement this?

Q: How long does it take to make one?

A: It depends. A baby quilt could take a few days. A large piece, like a kaleidoscope quilt, might take three weeks at four to five hours a day. Tie quilts, made from neckties, are extremely labor intensive — they can take months.

Long Island’s best gather for Excellence in Healthcare awards

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Long Island is home to some of the nation’s most skilled medical practitioners, the best of whom were honored at the Herald’s fourth annual Long Island Excellence in Healthcare Awards.

The ceremony — at the Heritage Club at Bethpage on Sept. 17 — brought together almost 40 groups representing hospitals, researchers and independent practices.

Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications and publisher of the Herald, began the gala evening by praising Long Island’s medical community for their unrivaled research and innovative programs and services.

“We’re here tonight to honor the doctors, nurses, hospital executives, educators, caregivers, and so many others who keep our families and our communities healthy, safe and informed,” he said. “Our honorees tonight are sources of both strength and inspiration, walking alongside us at some of the lowest and highest moments in life.”

Emmy award-winning investigative journalist Kristin Thorne, the creator of Hulu’s first true crime series “Missing,” emceed the ceremony.

Keynote speaker Dr. Purna Prasad, CEO of Vedi Robotics in Hicksville, led off the night’s awards segment preceding the distribution of honors.

“Our evolution in Vedi Robotics has made us who we are today,” he said. “We identified one problem that is always a challenge for healthcare: a deficit of workforce.”

During his tenure of 30 years at Stanford and Northwell, Prasad observed machine learning and artificial intelligence mature as a field of study. After two and a half years, his team produced a robotic platform that is ready for deployment; it can check in patients, process their paperwork and take their vitals.

“That whole concept of home-grown, state-of-the-art technology — you could say we are a flagship for that,” he said.

Vedi Robotics received the Trailblazers in Technology special award.

“What we’re trying to do is we’re trying to bring a curated artificial intelligence into the arena that is only going to be beneficial,” Vedi Robotics COO John Power added.

A portion of ticket proceeds from the event will benefit the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities Center at Stony Brook University. The LEND program, recipient of the Community Health Champions special award, provides interdisciplinary training to prepare the next generation — along with professionals, families and self-advocates — to lead in their fields as providers of high quality care for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities.

“Our team truly excels, in an interdisciplinary fashion, to deliver health care for individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families,” LEND Program Director Michelle Ballan said. “We offer hundreds of hours of training for people with disabilities and healthcare professionals to learn how to work effec-

tively with this group.”

Kerri Anne Scanlon, president of Northwell’s Glen Cove, Syosset and Plainview hospitals, received the Healthcare Visionary special award alongside CEOElect John D’Angelo; Northwell CEO Michael Dowling was honored with the Healthcare Legacy special award.

“I think the foundation of Northwell is really the incredible culture,” Scanlon said. “It’s a culture that truly invests in its employees. It’s a culture about worrying about someone as much as yourself, and then building that engagement so that we can give the best care to our patients.”

Carolyn Quinn, the director of Northwell Health’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center, received the Community Health Champions special award. The pediatric hospital was honored for providing outstanding long-term care for children.

“The team is just over the moon,” she said. “They are an amazing group of women, just an amazing group made up of three nurses and three certified holistic nurses and four Reiki Masters who are also certified and gifted in other holistic services. There’s quite a menu of services that we offer.”

Anne Petraro. founder and CEO of

The team is just over the moon.

CAROLyN QuiNN Director of Cohen Childrens’ Medical Center

Mending Hearts Counseling in Elmont, was honored with a Community Health Champions award for establishing an Article 31 MHOTRS clinic during the pandemic to aid underserved communities, specializing in brain care.

“I would love to change the face of mental health,” she said. “There’s so much stigma against it. And I guess by starting this agency, we’re kind of coming with a different approach, more of like a private practice feeling where everyone feels at home.”

Co-founders Linda Harkavy and Mitchell Goldstein of Form & Function Aesthetics and Wellness in East Meadow received the Power Couple special award.

“We’re focused on now, rather than disease management and crisis management, keeping people well and getting them well and having them enjoy their best lives,” Harkavy said. “We engage in wellness, not only body but mind.”

Their practice now offers Exomind, an advanced non-invasive brain therapy designed to help patients with depression, anxiety and OCD.

“We’ve been doing health care here in Long Island for 40 years, and it’s been our great pleasure helping so many people over these decades,” Goldstein said. “We’ve taken it now to the next level with state of the art medical care and devices to improve people’s longevity and wellness — Nassau County deserves that.”

The following individuals were each recipients of Excellence in Healthcare awards.

Alla Shenkman is the former medical

director of PM Pediatrics in Syosset. After 10 years in the role, she stepped down to return to work as a regular physician.

“It’s my passion,” Shenkman said. “I love it. PM Pediatrics is a great — probably largest — urgent care for pediatric patients in the country, and I’ve been there since day one. I certainly want to thank all my colleagues. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. It was a mutual effort to bring PM Pediatrics to where we are today.”

Howard Goodman, better known as the Long Island Weight Loss Doctor, is the recipient of numerous Herald honors: two Long Island Choice, one Long Island Health and Beauty, and now two Excellence in Healthcare awards.

“All these awards put us on the map,” he said.

Goodman uses all-natural methods to help patients reach their ideal weight while combating common internet misinformation.

“We’re fixing the damage that’s caused by these erroneous medications,” he said.

Brian Caberas is the COO of the People’s Arc of Suffolk, a nonprofit that provides services to people with disabilities across Suffolk County.

“We offer them residential alternatives and the ability to find jobs out in the community and a multitude of other services as well,” he said. “We want the People’s Arc of Suffolk to become the premier provider for people with disabilities.”

Sponsors of the event include Northwell Health, Episcopal Health Services, Henry Schein, Cohen Children’s Medical Center Northwell Health, The Speech Language Place, Brightview Senior Living, Stony Brook University LEND Center, Mending Hearts Counseling, Veda Robotics, LiveOnNY, People’s Arc of Suffolk, Long Island Nurses Honor Guard, PM Pediatric Care, Bellmore Dermatology, The Stroke & Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island, Harmony Healthcare Long Island and the New York Institute of Technology.

To view a complete list of honorees and photos, visit richnerlive.com/healthcare-awards/honorees.

Principal Brown sees parade as lesson in pride

Channel 7. It featured R&B music, the waving of African flags and a large, enthusiastic crowd.

Along with a variety of schools and organizations, the borough presidents of the Bronx and Manhattan, Vanessa Gibson and Mark Levine, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and members of the City Council were among the marchers.

Amaya Grier, 17, a senior at Uniondale High and the Marching Knights’ drum major, said the parade flew by for the musicians.

“We were all pretty proud of our performance — it’s the first time we had such a big turnout,” Grier said. “Afterwards we were all like, this is going to be a great school year, especially because it’s the first parade of the season.”

More than 100 Uniondale students — including musicians, members of the kickline and flag bearers — marched up Seventh Avenue — also known as Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard — from 111th to 137th street, and gave a performance that many in the crowd won’t soon forget. Spectators lined the parade route, cheering and filming on their phones as the band passed.

The Uniondale band performs “show style” — a Southern-inspired, high-energy style of marching that enhances R&B hits with horn swings and other coordinated movements. For the incoming freshmen, the participation, energy and excitement of the crowd was something brand new.

“I think a lot of them were amazed at the crowd participation and the energy,” Colton Wynter, a co-director of the Marching Knights, along with Joe Boardman, said. “They really did a great job — the freshman are so talented,” added Wynter, who has led the program for 20 years.

‘Show style’

The band plays a variety of R&B songs, emulating the sound and energy of Southern bands at historically black colleges and universities like North Carolina A&T and Howard and Hampton universities. The Marching Knights are proud to bring that tradition to Long Island.

“That’s what makes us different from every other band,” Grier said.

Freshmen learn show-style marching at a district band camp in mid-August, in preparation for large-scale parades like the African American, St. Patrick Day Parade and Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“All the freshmen, and other people that have already been in the band, come together during band camp,” Keyla Gomez, 16, a senior at the high school and band member, said. “And then when school starts, we keep practicing — even on holidays — because we all want our band to grow.”

“I feel like our band stole the show,” Shawn Brown, second-year principal of the high school and one of the marshals of the parade, said. “The way they per-

formed, I wish I was walking with them instead of all the other marshals, because they were phenomenal.”

Brown, who actually has Panamanian roots, said the band’s performance reflected more than just musical excellence — it reflected the values and pride of the Uniondale school district. Before the parade began, he listened as various cultural leaders spoke, which left a strong impression on him. He also took to the podium to share a few words.

“I spoke about the honor of knowing and being taught about the history of African American culture, and what I represent for the African American culture — specifically in education,” Brown said.

He described his education as an obligation to his ancestors and to those who have invested in him, and called district Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil one of his mentors.

As for his students, Brown said,

“They look at me, and sometimes they learn through observation, not necessarily through lectures and speeches. I change the idea about what’s possible for them just by being in this position.”

Among those in the cheering crowd on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard were Brown’s family — his wife, Jennifer, and their three children, Shawn Jr., 19, Jonathan, 17, and Kaitlyn, 11.

“Looking at them in a crowd got me emotional, because I know that these are going to be core memories that they carry on into their future,” Brown said.

Grier said that seeing her principal help lead the parade wasn’t strange, because he is always a leader in his students’ eyes.

Both Grier and Gomez have marched in the parade since their freshman year, balancing band with packed schedules that include classes, sports, family responsibilities and extracurriculars.

“I play volleyball, softball, basketball

Who

led the parade?

Grand marshals

■ Tony Allen, president, Delaware State University

■ Sandra Bookman, anchor, WABCTV Eyewitness News

■ Patricia Ramsey, president, Medgar Evers College

■ Bob Lee, radio personality and community affairs director

■ Martin Lemelle Jr., president, Grambling State University

■ Karyn White, singer Marshals

■ Shawn Brown, principal, Uniondale High School

■ Francina Yaw-Costello, principal, Amber Charter School

■ Jean E. Jeanty, principal, Pugsley Preparatory Academy

—African American Day Parade Inc

— I’ve been boxing on Sundays,” Grier said. “I make sure I manage my time very well, doing work whenever I can. All your free time is dedicated to all the stuff that you signed up for.”

Gomez, who helps care for her younger siblings, echoed that balancing act.

“I hope students see what dedication, hard work, commitment can lead to and grow from it as an ensemble,” Wynter said. “These kids work hard to do what they do, and people outside Uniondale appreciate and look forward to what they give to the world.”

Town proposes 18 percent tax cut for 2026

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Just under six weeks before Election Day, the Town of Hempstead unveiled an 18 percent tax cut in its general fund as part of its 2026 budget.

The tax cut is anticipated to reduce the overall tax levy by $5 million, according to town officials, by “directly putting that money back into the pockets of every single taxpayer,” said John Ferretti, who was appointed town supervisor on Aug. 5 after Don Clavin resigned.

The announcement was made at Hempstead Town Hall on Sept. 25, 50 days after Ferretti was appointed.

“This budget is the result of fiscal responsibility, bipartisan collaboration and a deep commitment to preserving the suburban quality of life that makes the Town of Hempstead so special,” he added.

The budget was crafted to provide relief to families struggling with inflation and rising costs, Ferretti said, without compromising essential town services.

He described unfunded state mandates totaling $15 million as a significant challenge to town finances. Those services and programs, which the state requires but doesn’t pay for, directly impact the town’s budget.

“I’m intently focused on preserving

18 percent tax cut for the proposed 2026 budget.

our community’s suburban dream of an affordable quality of life,” Ferretti said.

“The town’s $576 million budget still manages to cut taxes while preserving vital services, investing in infrastructure and supporting residents of all ages.”

Joe Scianablo, the Democratic candidate for supervisor, agrees that Hempstead residents deserve lower taxes, but he contends that they also deserve more

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025

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

The Heritage Club at Bethpage

transparency from the town.

“If Ferretti and his Republican allies truly wanted to save taxpayers’ money, the first thing they’d do is return the hefty raises they quietly gave themselves,” Scianablo wrote in a news release. “If you are going to set the fire and then claim credit for putting the fire out, then go the entire distance.”

Ferretti noted that 4 cents of every property tax dollar goes to the town, and

Join Us!

the rate is less than 1 cent per dollar for those living in incorporated villages. Town services include maintaining 1,200 miles of roadway; managing over 200 parks and recreational facilities; and providing sanitation services for 85,000 homes, clean water for over 121,000 customers and programs for more than 200,000 senior residents, as well as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, building permits, code enforcement, and much more.

Oceanside resident Danielle Asher said she was perplexed about how the town could cut taxes 18 percent now, after a substantial tax increase was implemented earlier this year.

“I need an explanation of how the problems were resolved that made them raise our taxes 12 percent in the first place,” Asher wrote on Facebook. “If the budget is remaining flat, then who is splitting the bill?”

Richard Schurin, of Island Park, shared those sentiments. “Their budgeting practice makes absolutely no financial sense and appears to be politically motivated,” Schurin posted on Facebook.

The 2026 town budget will be presented to the Town Board for possible adoption on Oct. 16. Public hearings are scheduled for that day, at 2:30 and 7 p.m., in the Nathan L.H. Bennett Pavilion at Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington St., Hempstead.

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

HONORING

COMMUNITY IMPACT HERO

Luv Michael

FIRST RESPONDER HEROES

Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP HERO

Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize

DISASTER HERO

Jennifer Keane

MILITARY HERO

Mel Cohen

YOUTH HEROES

Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein

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

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

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

HERALD

ATTENTION STUDENTS:

THE HERALD IS HOLDING A CONTEST TO DESIGN HOLIDAY WRAPPING PAPER

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

CONTEST RULES:

Who can enter: There will be 2 categories: Students in grades k-5. Students in 6-12

One entry per student

Deadline: Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025

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

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

Mail or hand-deliver to:

Wrapping Paper Contest

Herald Community Newspapers

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

(No Photos of Artwork Will Be Accepted).

Winners will be notified by email or phone by November 14

HELPFUL HINTS

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

• Be creative & original.

• Use bright colors.

• Fill the entire page.

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

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

Sept

Congresswoman Laura Gillen visits school district

On Sept. 12 congresswoman Laura Gillen paid a visit to Uniondale High School to talk about improvements and college readiness programs.

“We’re excited that the Congresswoman wants to come into our school districts and meet with educational leaders to talk about issues that are on our minds,” said Monique Darrisaw-

Akil, the schools superintendent in a school board meeting on Sept. 9. Gillen will make another visit to the community on Oct.3 with Jeff Reynolds CEO of the Family and Children’s Association Long Island discussing healthcare For more information visit, gillen.house.gov — Stacy Driks

x

STEPPING OUT

Doing it ‘His Way’ with the Nassau Pops

By Karen Bloom

ANew York moment arrives on the Tilles Center stage when Maestro Louis Panacciuill and his orchestra return with their popular gala musical in support of the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County. This year the orchestra welcomes back Tony Danza and his band as their guest performers.

The concert continues to feature the Nassau Pops signature blend of popular and classical music as well as an inspiring moment with Creation, the CP Nassau vocal team. This heartwarming tradition dellights both musicians, guest performers and the audience.

“This is one big lovefest,” says Panacciulli, the orchestra’s longtime musical director. I’m so glad to be back at Tilles Center during our 42nd season. So many wonderful people have crossed this stage. It’s always exciting to be here.”

The connection between the Nassau Pops and CP Nassau is special for Panacciulli and the orchestra. He credits his mother, Panacciulli who was a member of the CP auxiliary in Valley Stream, for this special connection.

“When we first started performing, we decided we wanted to do more than just play music. We wanted to do something meaningful,” he recalls.

“In the past we had done benefits for Special Olympics, pop concerts for hospitals. This came about one day when I was discussing with her the idea of doing a benefit concert for CP Nassau. I’m thrilled to carry on Mom’s legacy. Plus it means a lot to the musicians. We’re leaving something behind long after the notes have faded away.”

And he’s delighted to have Danza, who performed with the Nassau Pops in 2023, back to share the stage.

“Tony dances, plays the ukele, always tells a corny joke or two,” Panacciulli says. “He’s very engaging, a wonderful entertainer.”

This collaboration brings a unique twist to Danza’s acclaimed cabaret show, “Sinatra and Stories.” Combining his trademark wit, charm, storytelling, with a dash of soft

Yes:

‘The Fragile 2025 Tour’

Get ready to experience an unforgettable evening of Yes on the Paramount stage, featuring its existential prog masterworks and instrumental pyrotechnics. Throughout a prolific and enduring music career spanning 45 years and 20 studio albums, Yes has electrified audiences with daunting virtuosity, complex musical textures and powerful lead vocals. The band — currently comprising Steve Howe on guitars and vocals, Geoff Downes on keyboards, Jon Davison on vocals and acoustic guitar, Billy Sherwood on bass guitar and vocals, and Jay Schellen on drums — performs their iconic 1971 album “Fragile” in its entirety. “Fragile” holds a special place in Yes’s discography, as it propelled the band to headline status in the U.S.

Tony Danza stars in the return of the orchestra’s gala benefit concert

shoe, he offers up his take on the music of the legendary ‘Ol Blue Eyes, with whom Danza had a personal relationship. Some might not realize that Danza, who grew up on Long Island and attended Malverne High School, is a well-established song and dance man, in addition to his acting chops in television, film and on stage.

Throughout his 60-plus minute set, Danza blends personal anecdotes with Sinatra’s unforgettable tunes.

“He always has a big smile on his face. He’s certainly having a good time. And I guarantee the audience will as well,” Panacciulli says.

The tone is set from the moment the orchestra strikes up their first note.

“We like to start out with something hot and jazzy,” Panacciulli adds.

• Sunday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m.

• Tickets start at $30; available at npso.org/tickets or tillescenter.org

• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post Campus, Brookville

Certainly the addition of a sax section gets the vibe going, as the orchestra opens the show with a medley of Big Band tunes.

As always, the musicians are joined by Creation — the singing duo who participate in CP Nassau’s Life Options Program — in a heart-warming segment during the concert’s opening. Each has their moment in the spotlight. David Tindal sings Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration,” while Chris Wawrzonek does “Till There Was You” from the Broadway classic The Music Man.

Tindal and Wawrzonek have ‘grown up’ with the orchestra.

“I’m filled with such a sense of gratitude that I can affect two lives by giving them a chance to perform in front of a full orchestra and a large audience,” Panacciulli says. “We share something special, when we share music together. They’re wonderful people and the audience gives them standing ovations every time. It’s just nice to see how they’ve grown up. They’re always smiling and in good humor.”

And for Panacciulli, a Franklin Square resident, who has been at the helm of the Nassau Pops since 1984 (and is on Nassau Community College’s music faculty where he serves as band director) that surely is the concert’s defining moment.

“Creation is a byproduct the wonderful work that CP Nassau does. It does my heart good to help them and give back to the community through the gift of music.”

Panacciulli gratefully acknowledges Long Island-based credit union Jovia (formerly NEFCU), the gala’s title sponsor since 2012. Proceeds from every ticket sold are donated directly to CPNassau.

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. $152.25, $129.75, $118.75, $108.75, $86.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Roomful of Blues

The renowned, horn powered, Grammy-nominated, houserocking “little big band” is ready to celebrate STEPPIN’ OUT!, their first new album in five years. With this album, Roomful of Blues brings something new to the table. After 19 releases with male singers, STEPPIN’ OUT! is the first to feature a female vocalist, the sublime D.D. Bastos. Her powerhouse, soul-stirring voice and her charismatic stage presence bring a whole new spirit to the Roomful sound. For over 50 years, this beloved, iconic and much honored band has been delivering wildly infectious, hard-swinging blues. Guided by guitarist-bandleader Chris Vachon since 19989, Roomful remains a defining musical force in the blues world, with their sound rooted in tradition, but their sights reaching far into the future.

Thursday, Oct. 9, 8 p.m. $38. My Father’s Place in Roslyn, 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. Tickets available at mfpproductions.com or (516) 5800887.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

On Exhibit

OCT

2

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 FoliesBergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Ongoing

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

OCT

4

OCT 16

Kate Kortum: The Music of ‘Wild Woman’

a lifelong singer or just finding your voice, you belong here! Visit lics.org for more.

• Where: Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City

• Contact: Schedule an audition by calling (516) 652-6878 or via e-mail at audition.info@lics.org

OCT

7

Firefighters badge of courage

Nassau Reptile Expo

Step into over 50,000 square feet of handson adventure at the Nassau Reptile Expo! Check out snakes, lizards, turtles, tarantulas, and amphibians up close — more species than you’ll find at the zoo. Kids will love exploring the exhibits, while parents can browse enclosures, supplies, and feeders at special show prices. With top breeders from across the East Coast and plenty of opportunities to learn, shop, and meet other animal lovers, it’s a day of excitement and education for all. Museum passes must be purchased to enter, including the expo ticket.

• Where: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Contact: nassaureptileexpo.com

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create with kids at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art when it resumes following the summer hiatus. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10

Tilles Center’s Atrium becomes an intimate lounge, showcasing 23-year-old Kate Kortum, one of the most exciting breakout artists in the jazz world. Hailing from Houston, Texas, her warm, distinctive sound blends bebop, blues, the Great American Songbook, and musical theater with captivating, storydriven lyrics. Her artistry bridges tradition and innovation, offering audiences a fresh, contemporary take on the jazz vocal legacy. Kortum discovered her passion for music at Houston’s legendary High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where she studied flute and saxophone before ultimately falling in love with singing. She went on to earn a degree in jazz voice from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music and a master’s degree from the Juilliard School, studying with some of the leading voices in modern jazz. Critics have praised her ability to revitalize jazz with authenticity and daring. “Wild Woman,” her sophomore album. featuresreimagined standards and originals that explore a woman’s relationship with complex emotions like obsession, promiscuity, self-pride, and hatred. She gives her audience a glimpse into the past, present, and future of jazz through her unique arrangements and improvisatory deliveries.

child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. $20, $10 child; members free.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Noon-3 p.m.

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

2025 Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Support the Alzheimer’s Association their annual walk, the largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, in 600 communities nationwide, including Eisenhower Park.

• Where: Eisenhower Park Parking Lot 6/6A

• Time: 9 a.m. check-in; 10 a.m. ceremony

• Contact: alz.org/longisland

OCT 5

Splish Splash… Animal Bath

Hang out with some Long Island Children’s Museum’s “residents” at the drop-in program. Join an animal educator in the Hive Studio’s in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to learn what goes into the care of LICM’s animal “residents.” Observe animal bath time.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

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

Latin American tunes

Discover the rich heritage of Hispanic music through a journey of rhythm, melody, and cultural fusion at Uniondale Public Library. From the smooth sway of Bossa Nova to the passion of Tango — and the countless styles that bridge them — explore the iconic works of Jobim, Velázquez, and more. Learn how Latin sounds traveled beyond Central and South America, blending into jazz, blues, and the vibrant jambalaya of the Southeastern United States, shaping the very heart of American music.

• Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale

• Time: 2-3 p.m.

• Contact: uniondalelibrary.org

In concert

Pianist Philip Edward Fisher returns to Adelphi University for an afternoon of music for solo piano. He performs three of Chopin’s works: Variations Brilliantes, Fantasie in F minor and Sonata No 2

• Where: Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100

in B-flat minor. The program also include Haydn’s Fantasia in C Major, along with works by Corigliano, Mompou and Scriabin. Fisher is widely recognized as a unique performer of refined style and exceptional versatility. Tickets start at $35, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees.

• Where: Adelphi University’s Westermann Stage, 1 South Ave., Garden City

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or call (516) 877-4000

OCT 6

Long Island Choral Society Auditions

Audition now and be part of something bigger, a bold, inclusive future for choral music. The Long Island Choral Society holds its final auditions for new members for their 96th season. The 2025-26 season includes Let’s Go to the Movies, a celebration of choral music in film, Schubert’s Mass in G as well as Handel’s Messiah and a variety of other musical performance opportunities throughout the coming year. Auditions are by appointment only. Whether you’re

The Nassau County Firefighters Museum hosts its annual Badge of Courage Celebration honoring firefighters and community members during Fire Prevention Month. The fundraiser supports the museum’s educational programs focused on reducing property damage, preventing injuries and saving lives. Business attire; Class A requested.

• Where: Nassau County Firefighters Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: info@ncfiremuseum.org

OCT

10

Sculpture Stroll

Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for an hour for discovery and conversation. Explore a selection of sculptures sited across the museum property. Each stop on the tour delves into the choices, inspirations and material of the artists and their sculptures. Registration required. $20, $10 members.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 5-6 p.m.

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

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.

Frassati and Magnus carry on proud legacy

our new students did,” Griffin said. “It’s definitely fun to witness the personalities of both the pups and these young minds emerge simultaneously.”

Hoagland and Griffin live on campus with their canine companions in the Marianist Residence — home to the Marianist brothers and priests who live and work at the school — and the animals are rarely out of their sight. Dogs have been part of the fabric of Kellenberg since its founding in 1987.

“They serve as companions to our brothers, the Marianist leaders of our school,” O’Donoghue explained, “and over time have become a fully integrated part of their day. Magnus will be outside Brother Ken’s office and will have a line of students waiting to pet him, because students don’t want to go home without saying goodbye.”

Students are encouraged to interact with the dogs, but always with caution. While the new pups are now acclimated to the school environment, O’Donoghue said that it took a few weeks. Frassati was very shy at first, but now he knows what it means to take a walk with a few students and “petted” It’s not uncommon to see lines of students waiting to greet the new companions before or after classes — and the dogs are eager for the attention.

“When the dogs are ready, we equip our students with the proper guidelines

Frassati, left, a 24-week-old miniature Bernese mountain dog, and Magnus, an 11-week-old Samoyed, were welcomed at the beginning of the school year.

to walk and spend quality time with them,” O’Donoghue said. “Our students have handled these responsibilities beautifully.”

The dogs, she added, “are among the most treasured members of the Kellenberg Memorial family. They have become a staple of our community and are constantly sought out by students and parents alike.”

SHOW US YOUR GAME DAY!

How do YOU watch Sunday football?

Whether you're decked out in team colors, surrounded by game day snacks, or have the ultimate fan cave setup –We want to see it all!

Upload photos of your Sunday football experience: your lucky jersey, famous wings, decorated living room, tailgate spread, or whatever makes your game day special.

The best photos will be featured in the Herald – and the WINNER will be chosen at random to win 2 tickets to an Islanders game!

Contest runs through midnight October 12, 2025

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Joyce Nolan Library Trustee Election

The annual election for the Board of Trustees of Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, New York 11553, will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m., at the library. Two seats are up for election: One for a five (5) year term beginning January 1, 2026 and One for a two (2) year term beginning January 1, 2026 to fill the unexpired term of a trustee who resigned before the end of the term.

Eligible voters are residents who have resided in the Uniondale Public Library District for 30 days prior to the election and who are registered voters, qualified to vote in the preceding general election.

Candidates

One 5-Year Term

Beginning January 1, 2026

Deborah R. Mabry

One 2-Year Term

Beginning January 1, 2026

Cynthia L. Bohanan

Maureen Wright 156076

AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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

LEGAL NOTICE

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA

CONTACTA: Joyce Nolan

Elección de Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca

La elección anual de la Junta de Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca Pública de Uniondale, 400 Uniondale Avenue, Uniondale, New York 11553, va a tener lugar el jueves, 16 de octubre de 2025, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m., en la biblioteca. Hay dos escaños para la elección: Un escaño para un mandato de cinco años que comenzará el 1 de enero de 2026 y un escaño para un mandato de dos años que comenzará el 1 de enero de 2026 para llenar el mandato no vencido de un fideicomisario que renunció antes del final del mandato.

Votantes elegibles son residentes que han vivido en el Distrito de la Biblioteca Pública de Uniondale por 30 días antes de la elección y que son votantes inscritos, calificados para votar en la elección general anterior.

Candidatos Un Mandato de 5 Años que Comenzará el 1 de enero de 2026

Deborah R. Mabry Un Mandato de 2 Años que Comenzará el 1 de enero de 2026

Cynthia L. Bohanan

Maureen Wright 156077

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF LEGAL POSTPONEMENT OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST MICHAEL CARROLL, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 22, 2025, 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 October 8, 2025 at 2:30 pm, premises known as 617 Wellelein Road, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, SBL# 36-140-19. Approximate amount of judgment $700,140.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011317/2011. Original Sale Date: October 1, 2025 Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee Tromberg, Miller, Morris & Partners, PLLC 39 Broadway, Suite 1250 New York, NY 10006 25-001120 87420 155991

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: InDwelling Properties, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 05/15/2025.

NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 447 Clarendon Road, Uniondale, NY 11553. Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 156004

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-A, Plaintiff, vs. CARLOS H. MARTINEZ, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 11, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as premises known as 124 Lawrence Street, Uniondale a/k/a Hempstead, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 44, Block 66 and Lot 19. Approximate amount of judgment is $543,602.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615119/2023. Cash will not be accepted. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 155675

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2006-2, ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES,

SERIES 2006-2, -againstANA MENDEZ, 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 July 11, 2025, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2006-2, ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-2 is the Plaintiff and ANA MENDEZ, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 9, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 32 3RD AVENUE, WESTBURY, NY 11590; tax map identification 11-110-138; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 603094/2021. Christine M. Grillo, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 155687

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, -against-

JEANINE L. SALLEY, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN SALLEY 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 July 31, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and JEANINE L. SALLEY, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN SALLEY JR, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 14, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 771 NEW STREET, UNIONDALE, NY 11553; tax map identification 50-016-265; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT UNIONDALE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 606762/2023. Scott H. Siller, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION

OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 155681

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU LONGBRIDGE FINANCIAL, LLC, -againstNIANETTE JACKSON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF PEGGY A. WASHINGTON, 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 July 28, 2025, wherein LONGBRIDGE FINANCIAL, LLC is the Plaintiff and NIANETTE JACKSON, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF PEGGY A. WASHINGTON, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 15, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 42 MARGARET DRIVE, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575; tax map identification 55-550-16; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED AT ROOSEVELT (UNINCORPORATED AREA) IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 603289/2023. Lisa Segal Poczik, Esq., as Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310,

Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 155683

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST ROMUALDO BONILLA, EMMA BONILLA, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 31, 2024, 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 October 16, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 159 Ruxton Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 50 Block: 13 Lot(s): 4, 5, & 6. Approximate amount of judgment $498,740.87 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604141/2020. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Adrienne Flipse Hausch, Esq., Referee Tromberg, Miller, Morris & Partners, PLLC 39 Broadway, Suite 1250 New York, NY 10006 25-000436 86580 155743

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR ONITY LOAN ACQUISITION TRUST 2024-HB2, Plaintiff AGAINST GAY B. DINGLE BUTLER AS TRUSTEE TO THE THOMAS JAMES WALKER, JR. LIVING TRUST DATED JANUARY 27, 2010, PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF NASSAU COUNTY AS ADMINISTRATOR TO THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. WALKER, JR. AKA THOMAS JAMES WALKER, JR., ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 23, 2025, 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 October 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 728 Martin Drive, Hempstead, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, S ection 50 Block 371 and Lot 20. Approximate amount of judgment $495,578.82 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610757/2021. Tara Mayerhofer, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-007420 87159 155865

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The challenges of building next to open water

Q. We were given two options for building a new building next to a saltwater bay where there are great views. The first option is to build a wood building with siding, and the second is to build a metal building that comes in a kind of kit form, with the option to have the company selling the parts also assemble the building. Which type would you recommend, considering the salt spray we will get, and will we need helical piles in the ground? We were told that we could just build on a 6-inch concrete slab.

A. If you remember the story of the three little pigs, you’ll also remember the big, bad wolf, who huffed and puffed … Salt spray is just one of the natural issues you’re dealing with. If you’re concerned about possible rust, verify with the company engineering the metal system that the building will be subjected to salt.

If the steel components are galvanized, zinc-coated, anodized or stainless steel — that is, treated to resist salt — then the best choice is the steel system, for many reasons. Consider all the elements your building must resist, not just salt. Wind, water and weight settlement are also factors that any professional building designer, either an architect or engineer, would examine as well.

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A wood building, by the standards of state building codes, would still require metal connections to hold places where wood parts are joined to meet wind-resistance requirements. Wood-to-steel connections aren’t as strong as steel-to-steel connections, generally, due to the reactions of the dissimilar materials. Those reactions include internal expansion and contraction that can loosen wood fibers, warping, twisting and the loss of fiber strength due to changes in moisture of the fibers. The fibers loosen as they expand with moisture, so metal screws or nails can pull out in extreme conditions.

Metal-to-metal will hold together better, because the reactions are similar in metal-to-metal connections. In similar expansion and contraction, the screw connections will stay connected. After virtually every tornado and hurricane disaster, investigators uncover evidence that steel-to-steel connectors held together, while wood connections often failed.

As for the foundation, consider that a helical pile is like a screwed-down fastener and a tree root system combined. Whoever told you that a building next to an open body of water need only be attached to a concrete slab was misleading and uninformed about the power of any large body of water in motion. Just by researching the height of ocean surges on your smartphone, you can educate yourself to the fact that the ocean height rose as much as 32 feet and moved inland at levels between 12 and 15 feet in Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Once the surge contacts land, it can reduce to 7 feet from that greater surge and spill inland, reducing in height to where some people experienced 3 to 4 feet while others saw only ankle-deep water. Good luck!

2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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Trump meets with the king and mixes it up at the U.N. p

resident Trump’s state visit to Great Britain and his meetings with foreign leaders at the United Nations General Assembly emphasized the continued significance of personal diplomacy in international affairs.

Trump’s royal welcome by King Charles III at Windsor Castle demonstrated the lasting relationship between the United States and Great Britain. (I say this as an Irish-American who severely criticized British policy in Ireland in the years before the signing of the historic Good Friday Agreement in 1998.) The reality is that beyond a common language, Americans and Brits share common values emanating from the Magna Carta. British leaders have demonstrated firmness and strength at key moments in our history.

Winston Churchill stood alone, defending Western civilization against Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany in the dark early days of World War II, and then, in the postwar years, alerted the U.S. and the world to the growing menace of Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union’s Iron Curtain.

Margaret Thatcher allied with Presi-

dent Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II to bring down the Soviet empire.

Tony Blair stood with President George W. Bush and America in the aftermath of 9/11. I observed Blair behind the scenes during the negotiations leading to the Good Friday Agreement, and was struck by his extraordinary courage and leadership. That British leadership continues today, as Britain provides weapons to Ukraine and deploys RAF fighter jets to Poland to help the nations resisting Russian aggression.

The state dinner Charles hosted for Trump was more than pomp and ceremony. It was a dramatic affirmation of the special relationship between our nations. This show of unity was particularly vital when totalitarian states — Russia, China and North Korea— threaten world security. In his remarks, Charles urged the U.S. and Great Britain to stand strong against Russian aggression in Ukraine, as we did against Hitler. (My wife, Rosemary, and I met then Prince Charles in Washington in 2011. He was very engaging and down to earth.)

ing, friendly relationship. Their meeting certainly appeared to go well, with Starmer emphasizing the importance of the U.S. and Europe standing with Ukraine.

By all accounts, the president’s visit to Great Britain was a solid success.

F for the General Assembly, a classic performance on the world stage.

The following week, he was in New York for the annual opening of the U.N. General Assembly. Trump was the first major leader to speak, and it was a classic Trump performance brought to the world stage. He began by mercilessly critiquing the U.N. for being consistently ineffective, exemplified that morning by the malfunctioning of an escalator and his teleprompter.

al concessions to Putin).

Just hours after his General Assembly speech — which went three times longer than his allotted time — Trump met with Zelensky, and went beyond just criticizing Russia and Putin. He made a full reversal. Informed by a key adviser, Gen. Keith Kellogg, how weak Russia was after having suffered more than a million casualties, taken control of only 1 percent of Ukraine and with its economy in shambles, Trump hailed Ukraine’s courage and fighting ability. With allied support, he said, Ukraine could win the war and regain its lost territory, and that NATO countries should shoot down Russian planes that violate their air space.

I have supported Ukraine from the start, not just because its position is just, but because it’s in America’s national interest for Russia’s aggression to be stopped.

The following day, Trump met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Though Starmer is a member of the Labor Party and has a number of policy and ideological differences with Trump, the two are known to have a good work-

Not content to assail the organization itself, Trump verbally attacked countries individually and continents collectively. He was particularly critical of Russia and its dictator, Vladimir Putin, for its continued attacks on Ukraine, especially its innocent civilians. Significantly, one country that was spared Trump’s caustic criticism was Ukraine (in stark contrast with Trump’s White House encounter earlier this year with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he criticized for continuing to wage what Trump thought was a futile battle against Russia, because Ukraine had “no cards” left to play and would have to make territori-

British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain’s failure to stop Hitler at Munich because it was a “faraway” war led to World War II and millions of deaths, including more than 400,000 Americans. I believe that Trump’s visit with our closest ally was a reminder of the necessity to follow Churchill’s example, stand with Europe against Russian imperialism and not let the tragic failures of appeasement and isolationism be repeated.

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

There are many reasons not to embrace Mamdani

Over the past few weeks, Democrats have been having a slugfest over the question of the obligation of party officials to endorse the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani. The debate was triggered by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to endorse Mamdani. State Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs angrily pledged that he would not support Mamdani, in an obvious break with the governor. So who’s right and who’s wrong?

power in the House of Representatives. A state chair’s endorsement of a controversial mayoral candidate could reverberate around the state. and beyond.

First of all, to quote my parents, it’s a free country. You’re entitled to endorse whomever you want, and Jacobs has the right to break from Hochul. She has yet to explain why she endorsed Mamdani, but I have no doubt that she has her own bona fide reasons to do so.

And Jacobs has a lot of reasons to disagree with her endorsement. Next year there will be dozens of congressional races that will decide the balance of

The more I’ve thought about Mamdani’s candidacy, the more I’m convinced that there are lots of reasons why some Democrats will rightly shun him. He made a decision to run for mayor after analyzing the field of potential opponents, and had the backing of the Working Families Party and the Democratic Socialists of America. He had the endorsements of other socialist and progressive groups that have the ability to organize voterturnout operations and have helped elected a number of members of the State Assembly. They’re especially effective when moderate Democrats are sound asleep.

Tmedia and old-time get-out-the-vote operations to win the nomination. He had a story to tell right out of the socialist playbook.

He focused on the high cost of living in the city, and pledged free bus rides, a rent freeze and public grocery stores. While these promises aren’t realistic, they appealed to thousands of young voters, many of whom had never voted in a primary.

he failure of some prominent Democrats to endorse him is no surprise.

Mamdani saw that his Democratic rivals would likely be former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams. Both had a ton of political problems that would affect their chances — indeed, Adams suspended his campaign on Sunday — and that gave Mamdani a clear field to tell his story, and utilize social

Another facet of the campaign is that the vast majority of moderate voters don’t vote in city primaries. They show up in November for the general election, but don’t understand that the primaries determine who the candidates will be in November. It’s no surprise that all of these factors combined to help Mamdani win a decisive victory, which stunned Democratic elected leaders as well as party officials. While they privately conceded that Mamdani won fair and square, they simply couldn’t believe that a socialist might be the next mayor. Aside from the fact that Mamdani wasn’t a moderate candidate, once the primary was over, the media began exploring his views on Israel, and focused on his

Muslim background. He had made numerous controversial statements on the war in Gaza. In the past he has also advocating defunding the police. Post-primary, he has backtracked on a number of previous positions, including that one, but he has failed to satisfy his critics, and he has made other controversial statements that have kept the political pot boiling. In my political lifetime I have often noted that retractions only make things worse, and that the public rarely changes its views after the first missteps.

So the failure of some prominent Democrats to endorse Mamdani is no surprise. Embracing him could be fatal for a moderate member of the party. Other than having won its primary, Mamdani isn’t a traditional Democrat, and there’s no reason to believe that he would act like one come next January. He will temper his past comments now, but he is rumored to be selecting lots of people who are pleasing to him and the socialist movement. In the past, I’ve gone against my party on some major occasions. If I were still in office, I wouldn’t endorse Mamdani, either.

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

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Protecting Long Island from invasive species

asilent invasion is making its way across Long Island. From beetles boring through forests to aggressive weeds choking native plants, invasive species pose an urgent and growing threat to the natural beauty, the economy and the very identity of our region.

As these pests encroach on farmland, damaged crops mean higher food prices and struggling farms. Infested woodlands mean fewer tourists and diminished property values. And the loss of treasured natural spaces — from forests and meadows to backyards and parks — erodes the very character of Long Island.

The recent detection of the redbay ambrosia beetle in Suffolk County, likely imported accidentally from Asia and bringing with it a tree-killing fungus, only increases the volume of our collective wake-up call. The question before us is simple: Will we act now to defend our communities, or will we watch as our landscapes steadily degrade and our land-based livelihoods slowly unravel?

Invasive species aren’t a new problem, but their spread has accelerated dramatically in recent decades. Increased global trade, climate change and urbanization have opened doors for pests and plants that don’t belong here, allowing them to thrive in places where native species have no natural defenses. The result is widespread ecological disruption.

In Nassau County, we already know the damage invaders can do. The spotted lanternfly, a deceptively attractive insect with mottled wings, feeds on more than

letters

70 species of plants. Its favorite targets include vineyards, orchards and hardwood forests — ecosystems that support industries that have helped Long Island grow. Left unchecked, lanternfly infestations can cripple agriculture and rob us of the fall foliage many tourists come here to see.

The plant kingdom has its own wellknown adversaries. Japanese knotweed, with its bamboo-like stalks and dense root systems, is nearly impossible to eradicate once it takes hold. It smothers native plants, leaving wildlife without food or shelter, and even undermines human infrastructure, pushing up through sidewalks, driveways and foundations. Its spread is a quiet but relentless reminder that invasive species are as much an economic challenge as an ecological one.

And then there’s the southern pine beetle — a small insect with an outsized appetite that can be found across the Island. This pest can wipe out acres of pine forest, reducing green woodlands to brown arboreal graveyards. The loss is not only aesthetic; forests are essential for carbon storage, stormwater absorption and wildlife habitat.

Together, these threats underscore a sobering reality: Invasive species weaken biodiversity, strain local economies and diminish our quality of life. Each unchecked outbreak increases the costs borne by everyone from homeowners to landscapers to farmers, while also endangering industries like agriculture and tourism that are the backbone of Nassau and Suffolk’s economies.

A tale of three cities, and two socialist mayors — so far

To the Editor:

Jerry Kremer warns in his Sept 18-24 Herald column, “The battle of egos in the Big Apple,” that “all of New York City and state will suffer” if Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor in November. “Many people, city and suburban voters, have been transfixed by fear about the possibility” of Mamdani becoming the city’s first socialist leader, Kremer notes.

In terms of dynamism and attractions, New York has only a few peers among cities worldwide. London and Paris are two of them. So it could come as a surprise — or, one hopes, a reassurance — to Kremer and others fearful of a Mamdani victory that both London and Paris have been governed by socialists for the past nine and 11 years, respectively.

And voters in those European cities seem quite satisfied with the performance of their progressive mayors. London’s Sadiq Khan was elected to an unprecedented third term last year by an 11-point margin over a Conservative Party opponent. Paris’s Anne Hidalgo won a second six-year term in 2020 by 15 percentage points over a conservative rival.

Khan, a Muslim of Pakistani descent, is a member of a Brit-

The earlier an invasive species is detected, the greater the chance of stopping it before it becomes a living feature of the landscape. Funding for local monitoring programs isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Public education is equally critical. Residents are often the first line of defense against invasive species. With the right tools and training, they can help identify and report harmful insects and plants before they spread out of control. Imagine how much better off we’d be if every homeowner could recognize lanternflies and every gardener knew how to prevent knotweed from hitching a ride in soil or mulch.

State and local governments, environmental nonprofits, research institutions and industry leaders must work together to create a unified strategy. Protecting Long Island’s agriculture, landscaping and tourism sectors requires pooling resources, sharing knowledge and mobilizing communities. A fragmented, haphazard response will only give invasive species more opportunities to occupy new territory.

By investing in prevention, monitoring and education today, we have the power to preserve our island’s future. The rising tide of invasive species is controllable — but only if we act decisively. Long Islanders have always taken pride in protecting our shoreline, parks and communities. Now we must extend that vigilance to these less visible, but no less dangerous, invaders among us. Our environment, economy and way of life depend on it.

ish political organization roughly equivalent to Democratic Socialists of America, to which Mamdani belongs. Hidalgo, a Spanish-French politician, is a prominent figure in France’s Socialist Party.

Has violent crime run rampant in London and Paris under left-wing

leadership? The London police recorded a total of 110 murders in 2023. That’s 10 fewer than in 2015, the final year of Boris Johnson’s tenure as that city’s Conservative Party mayor.

Urban crime rates are difficult to measure in France because such sta-

opinions

I was proud to be a reporter — but things have changed

iwent to a Herald reunion at Garden Social, in East Meadow, a few weeks ago. It’s been 20 years since I worked at the newspaper as an editor, and I got to see some faces I thought I might never see again.

The five years I spent as a journalist were some of the best years of my life. I met so many interesting people, and most of them were the reporters, editors and photographers I worked with.

It was great to see everyone. We talked about the old times and drank ourselves some beers. The conversation was light. What have you been up to? Where do you live now? How many kids do you have? That sort of thing.

I wish we’d spent some time talking about how drastically different the media, and indeed our world, is nowadays.

When we all worked together, we were dedicated to informing, educating

and, at times, entertaining our readership. Today it seems the media’s job is to do nothing but incite, prod and provoke. John O’Connell, who was the executive editor of the Herald when I left in 2005, was at the reunion. John’s a teddy bear of a guy — a great journalist, photographer and person. Our viewpoints didn’t always align when we worked together. John’s were mostly on the right, while mine leaned left. He supported the United States’ invasion of Iraq in 2003. I didn’t. There were spirited debates in our office. But those differences never cost us our mutual respect for each other, or our ultimate goal to report what was true. Today we live in nasty, divisive, misinformed times, and I hold the media, in its current incarnation, squarely responsible. There aren’t many places people can turn to for honest, objective news. The Herald, and other publications like it, are thankfully still there. But increasingly, people get their information from cable news talking heads who present opinions as facts. Even worse, people shape their realities on

LeTTers

tistics are kept primarily on a national rather than the local level. But according to a compilation used by the publication World Population Review, Paris was the 23rd safest city in the world in 2024. Safer than Brussels, Madrid, Barcelona and Rome.

Mamdani, meanwhile, has retracted his call for defunding the NYPD — a stance he took at the height of the Black Lives Matter agitation. He has pledged to make public safety a top priority of his mayoralty, along with making New York City more affordable for all of its residents.

Instead of freaking out over political labels, Kremer and other fearmongers should calm down and see how Mamdani actually governs.

Closer to home: I lived in Burlington, Vermont, when Bernie Sanders was mayor. A socialist who had held no previous elected office, Sanders made Vermont’s largest city a more equitable and prosperous place. Burlington’s business community came to regard him as an outstanding mayor.

KEVIN J. KELLEY Atlantic Beach

The fight against smoking isn’t over

To the Editor:

As partners in the New York State Tobacco Control Program, Health Systems for a Tobacco-Free NY and the

posts they see on Facebook and Instagram, or in videos on TikTok, with little to no regard for their validity. And it has eroded our society’s common sense and civility.

Too many people fell for the story about the litter box in the school bathroom.

A year or two ago, my daughter Adriana came home and informed me that Woodland Middle School had placed a litter box in a bathroom for a student who identified as a cat. I knew it was utter nonsense, but I pressed my daughter for more information.

Have you seen the litter box? I asked. No, she replied. And who is this child who identifies as a cat? I don’t know, I think some sixthgrader, she said. Though she was sure it was true, I assured her it was likely just a rumor. I explained the danger of believing anything without evidence, and left it at that.

A few weeks later, my friend Tim exasperatedly texted me that his daughter had told him her school had placed a litter box in the bathroom for a student who identified as a cat. I chuckled to myself, and replied that my daughter had told me the same thing, and that it

was hogwash. He swore it wasn’t.

Not long after that, my colleague Erin and I were grabbing lunch when she told me that a friend of hers who worked in security at a local school said they had put a litter box in the bathroom. She was apoplectic, and sure it was true. It was only after I told her of my two previous encounters with this legend that she accepted that it might be false.

Apparently, several politicians and media personalities perpetuated this hoax on posts and podcasts in 2022. It’s not that we didn’t have urban legends back in my Herald days; it’s just that the media didn’t spread them. What’s more, they didn’t incite such vitriol.

I wish I could turn the clock back to the early 2000s, when I used to see those familiar faces every morning in the Herald offices. I wish I could get rid of the talking heads, the social media posts and the viral videos that dominate the media landscape, but I can’t.

The best I can do is implore people to think critically, and not take anything they see and hear at face value. Chances are if you’re reading this, you already do. Encourage others to do so. Politely.

Nick Buglione, who lives in East Meadow, is a teacher, freelance journalist and former editor of the East Meadow Herald.

Tobacco Action Coalition of Long Island work together to reduce the burden of commercial tobacco use and support a healthier, tobacco-free Long Island. Since the inception of the state’s comprehensive Tobacco Control Program 25 years ago, cigarette smoking among adults in the state has dropped dramatically, from 23.2 percent in 2001 to 9.3 percent in 2023. Nassau and Suffolk counties have achieved two of the five lowest smoking rates in the state. There has also been a striking decrease in youth smoking since 2000, when 27.1 percent of high school youth reported cigarette use. The latest data show a 92 percent drop, to just 2.1 percent.

Nonetheless, the tobacco industry continues to harm New Yorkers. Industry documents reveal how tobacco companies have deliberately marketed menthol cigarettes to specific populations, including LGBTQ, Black and Hispanic communities, for decades. Data from the Adult Tobacco Survey highlight these disparities: Menthol cigarette use was highest among adults who identify as Black or African American (88 percent) and those who identify as Hispanic (70 percent).

The use of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches is on the rise, especially among youth. Vaping exposes users to serious health risks such as heart disease, lung cancer, asthma attacks and long-term effects from toxic metals. Nicotine can harm the developing brains of adolescents, and nearly one in five high school students in our state report vaping. Add-

ing to the concern, social media have begun promoting pouches as a cheaper alternative to weight-loss drugs.

The closing of the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health puts years of progress at risk. Without this support, states will have a harder time keeping prevention and quit-smoking programs strong. These programs have helped countless families in New York and around the country live healthier lives. The cuts will hit vulnerable communities the hardest.

Here in New York, funding cuts have led to the layoff of more than a dozen key members of the state’s tobacco

control program. This could weaken our free State Quitline services, reduce support for the Health Systems program and limit several other vital tobacco-control initiatives.

It’s imperative that we continue to employ comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to prevent and reduce tobacco product use and nicotine addiction. The decline in cigarette smoking is worth celebrating, but there is still more work to be done.

Reviving Hope: A Breakth rough Approach to Treating Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

"Several years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy treatments. I'm now in remission and blessed to still be here, but I was in so much pain. My feet and hands were constantly burning - a tingling sensation, almost like when your leg or arm falls asleep," shared Mary of Westbury.

Mary was suffering from Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy or CIPN. While chemotherapy drugs kill cancer cells, they are not exactly discriminating in what they destroy. The smaller nerves, specifically those in your hands and feet, are some of the first to be harmed. Those suffering from peripheral neuropathy have described this pain as “burning,” “tingling,” “like walking on sharp rocks,” or like Mary explained, that fuzzy, tingling pain you experience during paresthesia (the technical term for when a limb “falls asleep”).

"Standing all day was not just a challenge, it caused me physical agony. Keeping up with my busy schedule - forget about it. I couldn't even go for walks on the beach." Mary, like so many others, was prescribed Gabapentin to help with the pain and told there was nothing anyone could do. In their words: “There is no treatment for neuropathy.”

Fortunately for Mary, where Western medicine fails, Westbury Acupuncture tends to prove itself. Jae Won, National Board-Certified Acupuncturist, has been blending the timetested science of acupuncture with modern, medical technology to design a real solution for peripheral neuropathy that doesn’t involve invasive surgeries or prescription medications with uncomfortable side effects.

specific to Westbury Acupuncture and its network of certified providers, actually treat neuropathy versus attempting to mask its symptoms.

"Acupuncture is incredible at restoring blood flow and stimulating damaged nerves. It’s been used for centuries to treat peripheral neuropathy and similar conditions” tells Jae Won. “We take our treatments a step further by integrating ATP Resonance BioTherapy , which targets specific nerves in the body using microcurrent. ATP Resonance BioTherapy is akin to watering a plant. This treatment stimulates the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with the proper nutrients and energy they need to repair and recover.”

ATP Resonance BioTherapy was originally designed by NASA to speed up healing and recovery. “To have access to this kind of technology has been life changing for our

the incredibly compassionate Patient Care Technicians at Westbury Acupuncture. “We even have people asking if they can take the equipment home, so we’re working on developing some at-home options for our less mobile patients.”

After only four weeks of treatment, Mary is already seeing incredible improvement.

"I've taken the handicap placard off my rearview mirror and I'm finally back to walking on the beach. I can't wait to see how I feel at the end of my program! I used to think that the neuropathy pain was just the price I have to pay for still being alive. Jae Won has really given me hope for a better life!"

Jae Won L.Ac and the staff at Westbury Acupuncture have a 90% success rate in reversing peripheral neuropathy, and not just that caused by chemotherapy. They also have tremendous success in treating diabetic neuropathy and neuropathy of undetermined origin, otherwise known as idiopathic neuropathy.

suffer with neuropathy during her final years and it broke my heart when she was told there was nothing they could do. This condition is one of the main reasons I went into medicine. Since then, I’ve been on a quest to help people truly thrive in their golden years.”

The number of treatments needed to allow the nerves to fully recover will vary from person to person and can only be determined after a comprehensive consultation and detailed neurological evaluation.

If you or someone you love is suffering from peripheral neuropathy, call (516) 500-8281 to schedule.

For new patients, an initial consultation is complimentary. Simply visit www.WestburyAcupuncture.com for more information and to take advantage of this offer.