AMITYvIlle
Suffolk County officials honored
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
The Crest Hollow Country Club was filled to capacity June 18 as Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey and S.C. Exec. Ed Romaine were among those honored at the 24th annual Smart Growth Awards, hosted by Vision Long Island. The two were recognized for their efforts in bringing forward the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act. The Act includes bills creating a fund to restore clean water by connecting
Amityville Rotary applauds three women at its Gift of
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Three outstanding women were honored by the Rotary Club of Amityville at its annual Gift of Life Gala, held June 4 at The Piermont in Babylon.
“The awards we present here tonight showcase the Rotary motto, ‘Service Above Self,’” said Michele Camilleri, president of the Rotary Club of Amityville. “We are an organization of volunteers dedicated to making the world a better place, one service project at a time.”
The Rotary’s Gift of Life program is a global humani -
tarian effort that provides lifesaving cardiac care to children with congenital heart defects. Recognized for their commitment to service were:
•Dr. Erin Hurme, a doctor of acupuncture and Oriental medicine, specializing in sports medicine, oncology and internal Chinese herbal medicine for more than 20 years. She is dedicated to making holistic healthcare accessible to those in need and continues to advocate for integrative oncology care. She practices in Amityville.
•Carolyn Dodd, a former teacher and longtime Amityville Rotarian who is president of the Amityville Le Bourget Alliance, bringing together the people of Amityville and LeBourget France through the twin city project. The project includes visits between the two communi -
CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD/Herald
Trudy Fitzsimmons, chairwoman for Vision Long Island; Hon. Edward Romaine, Suffolk County Executive; Hon. Kevin McCaffrey, Suffolk County Presiding Officer; Tawaun Whitty, Co-Director at Vision Long Island; and Misolino Silva, Small Business Outreach Director at Vision Long Island.
Michele Camilleri with Dr. Erin Hurme Carolyn Dodd and Michele Camilleri
Amityville Rotary honors three at annual Gift of Life gala
ties, which has enhanced and broadened their outlooks and created lifelong friends.
Following her retirement from the Amityville School District, she was elected to the school board which, under the leadership of Dr. Mary Kelly, superintendent of schools, brought the district through many challenges, including gaining community approval for a bond issue that was used to renovate and add space to the Ami -
tyville High School.
Looking forward, she said; “What I appreciate now is that there will be endless possibilities, never missing an opportunity to be generous, just or kind,” she said. “I want to continue to make a difference, maybe touch a heart or inspire a soul.”
•Kathleen Thorn, a retired Amityville school teacher who served as a mentor for newly hired teachers and was a teacher representative for the
Steve Sachs/Herald
(L-R) Gerrry Compitello, Kathleen Thorn, and Colleen Kretz.
Jeff Gootkin, club treasurer, with Laura Orticelle and Jane Lineham.
North Amityville celebrates Festival Day in style
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
The North Amityville community came together for a day of faith, fun, and family during its 51st annual Festival Day and parade, drawing residents and neighbors to Bolden Mack Park for food, music, and celebration.
Dozens of local organizations participated in the June 7 parade, which made its way through the streets of North Amityville. Community members lined the sidewalks, cheering and waving as floats, marching bands, and honorees passed by.
“It was a wonderfully successful day,” said Madeline Quintyne-McConney, who once again organized the event. “I want to express my sincere gratitude to all our North Amityville residents for always lining the streets with cheers and laughter. This incredible community inspires us every year with support and dedication. As we step into our 51st year with motivation fueled by your generosity, we ensure that our children will see a better tomorrow.”
This year’s celebration also recognized several individuals and organizations for their contributions to the community.
Among those honored were:
The Amityville Teachers Association (ATA): Represented by its president, Nakia Wolfe, the ATA has served educators in the district since 1960. The organization has played a vital role not only in representing teachers but in supporting students and families throughout Amityville. Both as a collective and through individual member efforts, the ATA has partnered with local organizations to educate, empower and uplift the community.
Frederick Combs Jr.: Combs is a program director for Family Development
at the Economic Opportunity Council (EOC) of Suffolk, a nonprofit that promotes self-sufficiency and assists families and children in need. A graduate of Dowling College and Michigan State University, he holds a degree in family and child development.
Cherrell Crews, professionally known as Crews Control: A music producer, engineer, musician and songwriter, Crews grew up in Amityville, where her passion for music began in local schools. She played drums, piano and saxophone, and was awarded a gold medal in the NAACP ACT-SO competition. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in music with a concentration in audio engineering from City College of New York.
Sasha R. Grandison: A graduate of Copiague High School and the University of the District of Columbia’s law school, Grandison practices general litigation, representing contractors, property owners and management firms in labor law matters. She has been recognized as one of the Top 100 National Black Lawyers.
Bishop Walter C. White: The founder and pastor of the Prayer Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Amityville. He built the church from the ground up, spearheading a campaign in 1984 to totally satisfy the church’s mortgage. In 2017, he was consecrated as a Bishop in the Church of God in Christ during the 110th Holy Convocation. In May of 2020 he helped form the Clergy Forum, which networked with more than 100 pastors to help their communities navigate through the Covid-19 crisis. In 2024 he was given the President Lifetime Achievement Award by President Joe Biden.
To see a video of the parade, go to: https://shorturl.at/OUVmW
Carolyn James/Herald
North Amityville Fire Department members step out in the parade.
Annette Brown and Virvinia Pieou of North Amityville enjoy the parade.
Members of the Bethesda Eagle Pathfinders, a local charitable organization have a strong presence at the festival.
Maliyah Gonedon enjoys an ice cream cone.
Dennis Brewster represents the Native American heritage that is part of the community.
CRIME WATCH
The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police Department and other emergency service units:
MOTHER ARRESTED AFTER CHILD FOUND IN CAR
Deer Park: Suffolk police arrested a woman for allegedly leaving her toddler unattended in a car at the Tanger Outlets June 12. Police report that at approximately 11:15 a.m., Yesenia Pinilla, 36, of Greenlawn left her 21-month-old child in a Nissan Rogue in the parking lot at 152 The Arches Circle for approximately 20 minutes. The incident was reported to police by Tanger Security who was alerted by a passerby. When police arrived, Pinilla returned to her vehicle and was placed under arrest. The child was unharmed. Child Protective Services was notified and the child was placed in the custody of his father. Pinilla was charged Endangering the Welfare of a Child, held overnight at the Fourth Precinct and arraigned June 13.
MAN DIES IN HIT-AND-RUN
Wyandanch: Police have identified the victim of a hit-and-run accident that occurred on Wyandanch Av-enue Fri., June 13. Police gave this account of the incident. At approximately 7:29 p.m. that evening Hillel Fuld, 19, of Teaneck, New Jersey, was walking along Wyandanch Avenue, west of Mount Avenue, when he was struck by a vehicle heading eastbound on Mount Avenue. The driver fled the scene.
Fuld was taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, where he was pronounced dead. Police continue to investigate the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call Major Case at 631-852-6555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 220-TIPS.
MAN HIT BY BOAT PROPELLER
Fire Island: Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers helped rescue a man after he fell off a boat and was struck by its propeller in Sailer’s Haven Sun., June 15. At approximately 3:30 p.m, police said, an opera-tor was backing out a 30-foot aluminum barge at Sailer’s Haven Boat Basin when an
occupant lost his bal-ance and fell off, striking the propeller.
The occupant suffered a leg injury and was removed from the water before the police arrived. Multiple Marine Bureau officers responded, and Officer Joseph Riviello applied two tourniquets to the man’s leg.
The unidentified man, 18, of Utah, was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
ARRESTS
Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired: Maldane Cockett, 35, of Straight Path, Lindenhurst; Ishiah Gallo-way, 21, of 18 Cassata Ct., West Babylon; Cesar Polanco, 40, of 109 W. Bay Shore Rd., Baywood; Miguel Fer-nandez Alvarez, 32, of 130 Merrill St., Brentwood; Katherine Livatova, 29, of 239 Baynor St., Staten Island.
Assault: Starrief Green, 27, and Dorian Green, 50, both of 41 W. Booker Ave., Wyandanch; Erika Cruz, 23, of 1089 Ferndale Blvd, Central Islip; Sara Hernandez, 23, of 117 Chapel Hill Dr., Brentwood.
Menacing With a Weapon: Najeeb Khan, 35, of 27 Central Ave., North Babylon.
Petit Larceny: Bryan Schilling, 63, of 327 51st St., Lindenhurst; Dawn Smith, 54, of 834 Sunrise Service Rd., West Bay Shore; James Wilson, 34, 564 Fire Island Ave., Babylon.
Robbery: Jeshaun Berry Stephens, 30, of 880 W. Jericho Tpke., Smithtown; Rohmel Palmer, 41, no address listed and Eddie Telfort, 53, of 847 Broadway, Amityville.
Burglary: Travis Green, 30 of 40 Curtis Ave., Bellport.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
Amityville Rotary recognizes volunteers at Gift of Life gala
Amityville Parent-Teacher Council. She is a lifelong resident, a member of the Amityville Woman’s Club where she serves on various committees and recently became a Gallon Club blood donor. She also works for Long Island Cares, where she distributes food bags on weekends to students in need through the Amityville Teachers Association.
Camilleri summed it all up, “We wouldn’t be able to help all the children without the support of generous people who want to make the world a better place.”
Since its founding in 1975, the Rotary’s Gift of Life program has helped more than 40,000 children in over 80 countries. It operates through partnerships with hospitals, medical professionals and Rotary clubs, focusing both on direct care and long-term healthcare capacity through training.
Amityville Rotary has contributed $93,000 to the program over the past decade through events such as its annual gala, Duck Race and Applefest. For information on the Amityville Rotary Club, call Kevin Batcher at 516-659-3489 or go to amityvillerotaryclub.com
Leg. McCaffrey and S.C. Exec. Ed Romaine honored by Vision Long Island
homes and businesses to sewers and finance clean water septic system replacements.
The event also recognized more than 25 other individuals, organizations and projects that promote downtown revitalization and infrastructure improvements across Long Island. This year’s awards focused on such key areas as transit-oriented development, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, traffic calming, transportation upgrades, clean energy and community-based planning.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be here again at the Smart Growth Awards,” McCaffrey said. “I’m proud to be a part of something that’s going to live on for many years to come — the work we did to ensure our drinking and surface waters are where they should be.”
The ceremony also highlighted a
transit-oriented development project in Babylon Village. Zucaro Construction is building new apartments at 32-36 Deer Park Ave., featuring 27 residential units above seven retail spaces. The breakdown includes one two-bedroom unit, one studio and 25 one-bedroom apartments.
“We think this is going to be incredible for the Village of Babylon,” said Andrew Zucaro, managing member of Zucaro Construction. “They’re very selective about what gets approved, and I know they’re happy with what we’re doing.”
Zucaro praised the village’s character and community support.
“The feel you get is incredible,” he said. “This project is probably one of the biggest things to ever happen in the village, and the community is raving about it.”
Kevin Batcher Jr., and Michele Camilleri
Rev. Randolph Jon Geminder, St. Mary’s Church, Amityville with Master of Ceremonies John DiLiberto and Rotary President Michele Camilleri.
Rain didn’t dampen spirits of ‘No Kings’ protesters at Babylon Town Hall
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Rain didn’t stop local residents from gathering outside Babylon Town Hall on June 14 as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest, a demonstration opposing what organizers describe as authoritarian overreach by President Donald Trump and his allies.
According to the volunteer-organized group’s website, nokings.org, “We’re showing up evrywhere he isn’t—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
Organizers said they have watched as Trump and his administration cracks down on free speech, detains individuals for their political views, threatens to deport American citizens, and defies the courts.
The protest drew thousands in cities and towns across the country on the same day Trump held a military parade in Washington, D.C. to honor the U.S. Army on its anniversary and his birthday.
At Babylon Town Hall, where drivers honked in support of the banners protesters held by the roadside, those who spoke to The Herald said they were motivated by a deep concern for the future of the country.
“Everything brought me out today,” said Gina Valenzuela. “It’s watching my friends and family worried for their safety and where we’re going to be if we don’t do anything.”
“I’m here because I hate what’s going on,” said Sue Rubenstein. “Everything he’s doing right now is against the law.”
“We have a criminal who’s ruining the country and wants to be a dictator, taking away our freedoms and democracy,” said
Georgia Raber.
“The whole scene brought me out today, and I hope we have a great showing today for our country,” said Michael O’Sullivan.
“These are not my words, but they seem appropriate — ‘Government of the people, by the people and for the people,’” said Joe DeMott.
While the White House did not issue a formal release in response, the President called the demonstrations a “complete and utter failure.”
Asked by a reporter for his thoughts on the rotests, Trump replied: “I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.”
For more information about the movement, visit nokings.org
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One lucky member of the audience will WIN 2 TICKETS to watch New York Mets vs San Fransisco Giants at Citi Field.
Sunday, August 3 at 1:40 p.m.
Contest ends July 27 at midnight with the winner chosen on July 28
Directions for ticket acquisition will be explained when winner is contacted.
Above: Georgia Raber, Kathy Lopez, Judy Roehrig and Sue Poulos.
Right: Gina Valenzuela
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald
Driving the future:
Southern State upgrades and the role of responsible driving
By MADISON GUSLER & CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD of the Heralds
Final part in a series on the Southern State Parkway.
State.
In April, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $7 million plan to reconfigure ramps at Exit 15 of the parkway. The state will eliminate the southbound exit ramp, and all traffic will exit via a redesigned northbound ramp. Exit 15N will consolidate both north- and southbound traffic entering the intersection at Corona Avenue. The changes aim to improve traffic flow for the more than 8,000 vehicles that use those ramps each day.
The Southern State Parkway is one of the busiest highways in New York state. It opened in 1927, and its original design has not been able to meet the demands of Long Island’s increased population and consistent roadway congestion, which has resulted in many deadly crashes.
Nearly 100 years later, work on the 25.3-mile parkway has ramped up, in an effort to ensure the roadway’s safety, and longevity.
Stephen Canzoneri, a public information officer for the state Department of Transportation Region 10, noted that New York has one of the most aggressive road and bridge renewal programs in the United States, and that it is investing more in the modernization of its transportation infrastructure now than at any point in the state’s history.
Upgrading Infrastructure to improve safety
Canzoneri explained that a $34.1 billion, five-year capital plan adopted in 2022 to invest in major infrastructure projects is the largest of its kind in state history. This plan, which is entering its fourth year, includes substantial investments in modernizing roads and bridges on Long Island, including the Southern
At the end of the ramp, a new traffic signal will be installed, as well as crosswalks, a pedestrian refuge island, and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalk ramps. The westbound connection to the parkway from Corona Avenue will be enlarged for easier left turns, accompanied by improved signage to better direct drivers.
There will also be a reconfiguring of Exit 13, with a new single exit ramp providing access to both Central Avenue and Linden Boulevard. The entrance ramp from Central Avenue to the eastbound Southern State will be rebuilt, the traffic signal will be updated with pedestrian countdown timers, and the sidewalks along Central Avenue, between Stuart Avenue and Linden Boulevard, will be improved. This project is currently in the design phase, with construction expected to begin construction in 2027 Enhancements at Exit 41A, from the eastbound Southern State to the northbound Sagtikos State Parkway, include increased safety measures. In 2024, new
reflective signs were installed and pavement markings were added. This year the ramp will undergo concrete pavement work, and a new concrete barrier will be installed.
Between 2021 and 2024, a significant portion of the parkway and several ramps were resurfaced with new asphalt, and highly reflective pavement markings were installed in an effort to increase driver safety. In an email to the Herald, Assemblyman Michael Durso, whose District 9 encompasses towns in both Nassau and Suffolk counties, wrote that in 2023, Wrong Way and Do Not Enter signs were refreshed or installed at all parkway ramps.
“Safety is always the top priority of the New York State Department of Transportation,” Canzoneri said. “We
continuously review safety measures in place on all our highways on Long Island and across the state, implementing enhancements wherever it is necessary.”
Safety improvements rely on responsible driving Canzoneri noted that safety is everyone’s responsibility.
“Working with our partners in law enforcement, local government and the community, we will continue to do our part to ensure the safety of our roadways. But motorists must do their part,” he said. “We urge everyone to obey the rules of the road, drive responsibly and remain alert, especially in work zones.”
Durso echoed Cazoneri’s sentiment
Traffic building on a typical day on the westbound Southern State Parkway.
Office of Congresswoman Laura Gillen
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen speaking on driver safety.
Planners hope to create a safer Southern State
that safety is a shared responsibility, writing that “all of the wrong way crashes that occur along the Southern State Parkway have involved impaired drivers.”
However, Durso noted an ongoing effort to address roads that have become unsafe. “As Assemblyman, I continue to work with the New York State Department of Transportation to pass along concerns from constituents and identify areas that can be improved,” he said. “Safety is my top priority.”
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, who represents the 4th Congressional District, which includes Exits 13 to 28 on the parkway, serves on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as well as the Science, Space and Technology Committee. Gillen recently sent an open letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about a spike in traffic fatalities.
Working with our partners in law enforcement, government and the community, we will continue to do our part to ensure the safety of our roadways, but motorists must do their part.
STEPHEN CANzONERI
State Dept. of Transportation
“Traffic crashes are the single leading cause of accidental death among young people on Long Island, and the second-leading cause for all residents under the age of eighty,” she wrote. “Every seven minutes on average, a serious traffic accident happens on Long Island. The failure to secure our roads has led to thousands of lives being cut short, families being ripped apart, and a terrible void left in too many communities.”
Gillen urged Duffy and the DOT to open an investigation into these accidents, and advocated for larger investments to improve roadways and increase driver safety. She is also pushing for the state to lower the legal blood alcohol limit.
“Many road safety groups have endorsed lowering our drunk-driving limit to a blood alcohol content of .05,” Gillen wrote in an email to the Herald, noting evidence that lowering the limit reduces the number of accidents and saves lives. She noted that the state of Utah, which lowered its drunk-driving threshold to .05 in 2018, saw a nearly 20 percent drop in fatal car crashes over the next calendar year.
“There is already a push to bring this limit to New York at the state level, and I’m exploring federal options to make this the law of the land across America,” she wrote.
Gillen also mentioned distracted
SOUTHERN STATE PARKWAY - EXIT 15
New York State Department of Transportation
a draft of plans for the Southern State parkway’s exit 15, where two exits are being replaced by one.
the parkway near exit 13. “We need to increase high-visibility traffic enforcement,”
driving and speeding motorists. “My plan to make our roads safer includes stepping up enforcement on reckless and dangerous driving,” she wrote.
“That means giving our law enforcement agencies the tools and resources to police unsafe driving.”
Gillen stated that it’s crucial that
drivers reduce their speeds. “No matter what day or time you drive on the Southern State Parkway, there are people recklessly speeding and street racing,” she wrote. “We need to increase highvisibility traffic enforcement, and I’ll continue to push for New York State to increase the number of troopers on the
Southern State Parkway and other Long Island roads to keep people safe.”
“It’s important to remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility,” Durso wrote. “We remind residents to abide by the posted speed limit, put down your cellphone, and never drink and drive.”
Tim Baker/Herald
u.S. rep. Laura gillen says.
VFW Post 7223 honors Amityville’s three winners of Patriot’s Pen contest
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) annually hosts the Patriot’s Pen youth essay competition, a nationwide initiative that challenges middle school students to express their views on American patriotism. Open to students in grades 6 through 8, the contest requires a 300- to 400-word essay based on a yearly patriotic theme. This year, 68,000 students across America participated and were recognized with $1.4 million in awards.
The competition promotes civic responsibility and encourages young writers to explore the foundational values of the United States. Local VFW posts sponsor contests across the country, with top entries advancing to district, state and national levels. The national winner receives a $5,000 award, with additional scholarships distributed among finalists.
Past themes have included topics such as “What Makes America Great” and “How Are You Inspired by America?” Essays are judged on clarity of expression, originality and adherence to the theme.
This year’s theme was “My Voice in American Democracy,” and once again the Sgt. John Kreyer VFW Post 7223 worked with Amityville students participating in the national competition.
This year’s local winners were: first place, Ibrahima Niang; second place, Emma Vasquez, and
third place, Grayson Egan.
The three winners, Ibrahima Niang, Emma Vasquez and Grayson Egan, are joined by
members Dave Heller, Mike and Alice Riordan, Jim Westpfahl, Juan Leon and Chuck Vinciulla, the Commander, along with Amityville Village Trustees Robert Russo and Owen Brooks, Village Justice Joseph Calabrese, Trustee Roger Smith and veteran Chris Levi.
In his essay, Ibrahima said that democracy plays an important role in his life “by allowing me to have a say in decisions that impact on me, my family and my community.
“In my community, democracy allows for open discussions, decisionmaking processes and the education and protection of individual rights.”
Grayson said when he gets old enough to vote, he will use his voice to encourage the government to pay attention to environmental activists and other activists who want to change the world for the better. “By educating my peers to exercise their voice in democracy, maybe we can create and share our knowledge with others to make sure we have good leadership in America,” he said.
Commenting on the essays and the students who wrote them, VFW
Commander Chuck Vinciulla said that he and the other veterans are always moved by the thoughts and ideas raised by the young writers.
“I like to believe that this is why we served our country,” he said.
The Patriot’s Pen program complements the VFW’s broader educational mission, including the Voice of Democracy audio essay contest for high school students. Together, these programs reach tens of thou-sands of youths each year.
Post 7223 was chartered in 1946 and has served both country and community continuously. The post is active and participates in community activities and supports the U.S. military
More information is available on the VFW’s official website or contact Post 7223 by email at: kreyer1092@yahoo.com.
Carolyn James/Herald
(l. to r.) VFW
Emma Vasquez with her mom, Regina Miranda, her brother, Andrew, and her father, Don Vasquez. Aliou Nang, with Ibrahima and his teacher, Jessica Byrd.
Grayson Egan with his mother, Jessica, and Susan and Ken Egan.
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
•Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-3012.
•Amityville Rotary Club Meeting: 8 a.m., Brownstones Coffee, 55 Merrick Road, Amityville. For more information, call President Michele Camilleri at (631) 598-1700 or email amityvillerotaryclub@gmail.com
• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631) 972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.
•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com .
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.
•St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville, en -
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
ter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631) 464-4899.
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
•Amityville Village Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For more information, call (631) 264-6000.
•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com
•St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville, enter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631) 464-4899.
• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information, call (631) 972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.
SUNDAY, June 29
•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more informa -
Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Record Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.
tion, call (631) 789-2569. MONDAY, JUNE 30
•Town of Babylon Planning Board Meeting: 7 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-4434.
TUESDAY, JULY 1
•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All
calls are confidential.
•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2
•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.
Last Hope Animal Rescue Awarded $10K Grant From Petco Love
Great news! Last Hope Animal Rescue has received a $10,000 grant from Petco Love to help cover veterinary care for special needs cats and dogs in its adoption program.
The funding will be used for medical care beyond routine procedures such as spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations and flea treatments — the largest expense for many animal rescues.
Pets, Pets, Pets...
JOANNE ANDERSON
Established in 1981, Last Hope specializes in accepting cats and dogs that require advanced veterinary care, including heartwormpositive dogs, animals with epilepsy or eye issues, and pets needing orthopedic surgery. The organization also treats contagious illnesses like kennel cough and respiratory infections that can spread quickly in multi-animal settings and sometimes require hospitalization. Since the pandemic, veterinary costs have soared, while Last Hope’s intake has increased 15% from 913 animals in 2020 to 1,038 in 2024. Procedures that once cost $1,000 may now cost double. In 2023, the organization spent about $55,000 on veterinary care for special needs animals. In the first six months of 2024, costs have already surpassed $35,000.
An increasing number of pets also ar-
rive with dental issues.
“Last year, a dental procedure for a 5-year-old cat named Baxter cost over $3,000. Poor Baxter had 18 rotted teeth removed,” said Linda Stuurman, president of Last Hope.
Sometimes we know about the medical problems a pet has before accepting the dog or cat into our adoption program; but often, we have no knowledge until the pet begins to display abnormal behavior or exhibit physical symptoms while in our care. In many cases, we seek the expertise of a specialist veterinarian which is quite costly.
About Petco Love
Petco Love, formerly the Petco Foundation, is a national nonprofit dedicated to making communities and pet families healthier by investing in lifesaving animal welfare efforts. Since its founding in 1999, Petco Love has invested $421 million in lifesaving efforts, and helped place more than 7 million pets in loving homes through partnerships with Petco and more than 4,000 animal welfare organizations across North America.
Our investment in Last Hope is part of more than $15 million in investments recently announced by Petco Love to power local organizations across the country as part of our commitment to create a
future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, president of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only part of our strategy to empower animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us.”
Last Hope cats are available for adoption at Petco locations in Wantagh and Plainview.
Featured Pets for Adoption
•Tulip, a beautiful 2-year-old calico found nursing kittens in Hewlett.
•Fender, a 9-year-old Beagle originally from the Town of Brookhaven Shelter. He enjoys outdoor adoption events. Adoption Information
Location: 3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh, NY 11793. Phone: 631-671-2588
LAST HOPE POSTER PETS:
Fender - 9 year old
Beagle
- 2 year old
Calico
STEPPING OUT
From fire to water
Embracing Indigenous tradtion at Long Island Children’s Museum
By Danielle Schwab
The proud culture and legacy of Shinnecock Nation will be full display soon, representing the region’s cherished heritage. Everyone is invited to celebrate the arrival of a newly crafted dugout canoe at the museum, on June 30.
The Arrival Ceremony — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — is an opportunity for connection with our Indigenous community. Traditional songs, music and remarks from community leaders and culture bearers provide gratitude, context and a spiritual welcome as the canoe is greeted at its new home. Families can also participate in hands-on activities and sample traditional Native foods.
• June 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
The 10-foot 500-pound white pine mishoon, commissioned by Long Island Children’s Museum, was created through the collaboration of Shinnecock Cultural Steward Chenae Bullock, her mentor Darius Coombs of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe and apprentice Shane Weeks of the Shinnecock Nation.
Named “Pewea Koowa,” or “Little Pine,” the vessel reflects the enduring relationship between Long Island’s waterways and the Indigenous communities who have lived in balance with the region’s waterways for generations.
“One of the most important things is for us to understand that the indigenous population is still here, as an active, living part of our community. We’re often taught ‘that’s the old times’ or ‘that was hundreds of years ago,’ when actually, no, they’re here. They’re part of us,” Museum President Erika Floreska says.
Carving the mishoon involves deep care — rooted in ancestral knowledge. It was crafted by hollowing out a 1,700-pound white pine tree using fire, controlled burning and hand tools — a method passed down through the generations.
“The best way to learn is to be an apprentice, because you have to know how to identify the right tree for the vessel,” says Bullock, who guided the project (her seventh mishoon) as lead artisan.
“You strip the bark off. You get the log right where you want it to be. Then, you roll it over and begin to start the fire on top of the log,” Bullock explains. “Once you light that fire, your eyes do not leave that mishoon at all. You are on that mishoon until it is complete.
“Paddling a mishoon in Shinnecock waters was a profoundly special experience for me. Throughout my life, I have crafted numerous mishoons, participated in a handful of maiden voyages, and paddled in many of them. However, this particular journey was unparalleled, as it took place in my home waters. Water holds memory, and I believe that in this moment, we unlocked memories for our community, as well as for the land and water that we cherish.”
Symbols carved into the vessel offer further cultural meaning. Bullock added a whale tail to honor the importance of whales in Indigenous life here.
“It begins to teach the kids what these mishoons were used for. It’s kind of hard for people to think about how our ancestors took these mishoons and actually hunted whales. Whales are a big part of our culture,” Bullock adds.
The mishoon will be placed in the museum’s upcoming permanent exhibit, “Saltwater Stories: We Need the Sea and the Sea Needs Me”, opening In October.
“It’s important to celebrate what makes Long Island unique and this connection to the ocean, but also our responsibility for taking care of it. The mishoon is a really good representation of the history, the ecology and the climate,” Floreska says.
In the spirit of reciprocity, resources for a second mishoon will be gifted to the Shinnecock community in September.
“The tradition of gifting and showing reciprocity in relationships is very important to represent the balance between each other. The idea of them gifting [the mishoon] to us, us gifting to them, is very symbolic,” she adds.
Everyone can also contribute to the making of a wampum belt from quahog clam shells, led by artist and educator Tecumseh Caesar during the event.
This ongoing collaboration between Indigenous communities and the museum offers meaningful ways for families to explore deep connections — not only to the land and water, but to histories that continue to shape the present.
“There’s a whole culture that we’ve inherited and that we have a responsibility to include and think about as we all work together to shape the future,” Floreska reminds us all.
finished
Get The Led Out
Led Zeppelin fans, rejoice! Get The Led Out returns with “A Celebration of the Mighty Zep,” for two electrifying nights of classic rock, The six veteran musicians who make up the Philadelphia-based group delivers Led Zeppelin live with the all passion and fury these bluessoaked, groove-driven rock anthems deserve. Hailed for their powerful tribute to what many consider the greatest rock band of all time, the band delivers a faithful and highoctane recreation of Zeppelin’s iconic sound. From thunderous anthems to mystical acoustic ballads, GTLO captures the full range of Led Zeppelin’s brilliance — complete with the layered instrumentation and soaring dynamics that the band rarely performed live. . With no wigs or phony accents, just pure musical passion, GTLO focuses on the legendary band’s early years and dives deep into beloved hits and rare cuts alike. Their approach is reverent and precise, more like a classical concert than a cover band — a true celebration of timeless rock.
Friday and Saturday, June 27-28, 8 p.m. $75, $45, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Paula Poundstone
Get ready for an evening of razor-sharp humor and brilliantly unpredictable comedy with the one and only Paula Poundstone. When she’s not dishing out laughs as a beloved panelist on NPR, she’s hosting her wildly popular podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone. It’s a quirky “comedy field guide to life,” filled with offbeat segments like taste tests, “cat of the week” tributes, and interviews. Her stand-up résumé is as robust as it is hilarious, with HBO specials like “Cats, Cops and Stuff, Goes to Harvard” and “Look What the Cat Dragged In.” In 2017, she added “bestselling author” to her list of accomplishments with “The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness “— a laugh-out-loud account of her quirky quest for joy. Oh, and if her voice sounds familiar to your kids? That’s because she played Forgetter Paula in “Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out.”
Friday, June 27, 8 p.m. $65, $55, $45. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
26
LIMEHOF Summer Band Camp
High school vocalists and musicians can participate in the Summer Band Camp Program. Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, LIMEHOF, hosts its first All-Star Band Camp for high school students in grades 9-12. The week-long program runs from July 28 through Aug. 1, 9-11:30 a.m. each day and concludes with a final concert on Aug. 3 at 3 p.m. $350 fee. To apply, email student’s name, age, specific instrument or vocalist, and contact information to Tom Needham. The application deadline has been extended to June 30.
• Contact: (631) 689-5888, info@limusichalloffame.org
Babylon Soldier Ride
Registration is now open annual Soldier Ride in Babylon on July 18. Take part in this unique 25-mile cycling event as you ride alongside the brave men and women who served our country and support their journey to recovery.
• Contact: soldierride.org/Babylon
BACCA TV
Join the launch of BACCA TV. The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts, BACCA, is assembling a team of visionary content creators and video producers for their new digital platform. It’s free to join. Tackle fresh creative challenges, premiere your work on their online channel and be honored at the inaugural BACCA TV Video Awards. Put “BACCA TV” as the subject line in your email.
• Contact: info@babylonarts.org
JUNE
27
St. Martin of Tours School Annual Carnival
An event that is fun for all ages, with food, games and rides, featuring, Zorlenzan’s Amusements.
• Where: St. Martin of Tours School, 30 Union Ave., Amityville
• Time: Friday and Saturday, 5-11 p.m.; Sunday, 1-9 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 264-7166
Teen Movie and Pizza
Join Copiague Memorial Public Library for a Teen Movie and Pizza Night. Enjoy the 20205 animated superhero comedy “Dog Man.” Registration required.
• Where: 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague
• Time: 6-8 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 691-1111, shorturl.at/jOlaQ
He said, she said
JULY 10
and Russian Alaska. Registration required.
• Where: 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague
• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 691-1111 or copiague.librarycalendar.com/ event/sea-shining-sea-52042
JULY
Celebration and Street Fair
3
Amityville Village hosts a July 3rd Celebration and Street Fair. Enjoy music by the Byrne Unit.
• Where: Amityville Village
• Time: 5-10:30 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 552-5673
Stargazers
• Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 767-6444 or landmarkonmainstreet.org
Share in some lively repartee when four stand-up comedians — two men, two women, two are married, two are single — sling comedy barbs at one another in The Ivy League of Comedy’s “Skirmish of the Sexes.” The troupe — known for their elite brand of clever comedy as seen on late-night TV and Comedy Central appearances — is armed and ready with high-brow, clean fun. Laugh the night away wty tales of love and not-love, bad dinners and good dates, broken cars and unbroken dreams. Check out this lively comic take on the age-old dichotomy of who’s right and who’s wrong — done with panache and good humor. The lineup features Tony Deyo, known for his sharp, quick material and near-perfect comedic timing almost certainly gained from his years as a professional symphony musician; Calise Hawkins, a single mom who stands out with her hair, but also her smile and her onstage likability. Also Shaun Eli, rightfully called one of America’s smartest comics. Whether it’s a story about dining with a vegetarian or successfully fighting a parking ticket in criminal court, master storyteller Shaun Eli shows you that there’s hilarity in the ordinary. And Ophira Eisenberg (pictured), host of the comedy podcast Parenting Is A Joke with iHeart and Pretty Good Friends, who delivers a unique blend of smart irreverent standup and storytelling. $40, $30.
Town of Babylon Summer Concert Series
Rock on with Classic Stones Live at Tanner Park. In the event of inclement weather, check the Town of Babylon Parks Facebook page for the status of the concert. All Town of Babylon Summer Concerts are free.
• Where: 400 Baylawn Ave., Copiague
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 893-2100
Fridays on the Greene
Come out for some outdoor music, food and craft beers from local establishments. It will be a night of live entertainment and food, Amityville-style. This event is free.
• Where: Greene Ave. and Broadway, Amityville
• Time: 6-10 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 552-5673
Farmers Market
JUNE 28
The Amityville Village Farmers Market is ongoing Saturdays until Oct. 25 at First United Methodist Church.
• Where: 25 Broadway, Amityville
• Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 264-6000
Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame honors
LIMEHOF inducts Long Island’s own 1960s era seminal rock-soul group, The Hassles, who are best known as Billy Joel’s first major record label band. LIMEHOF inductee Liberty DeVitto (of Billy Joel’s band) is expected to officially induct the group. With performances from LIMEHOF inductees, including the hit-making duo The Alessi Brothers, and two-time inductee drummer Mike Ricciardella of Barnaby Bye and The Illusion. $50.
• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: limusichalloffame.org
JUNE 29
Kiwanis Bicycle Challenge
Ride in support of others. The Nassau Bicycle Challenge (formerly Nassau to Suffolk Bicycle Challenge) supports the work of the Kiwanis Club of North Shore Foundation. It supports charities such as Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center, Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation, Kamp Kiwanis, NOSH, Boys and Girls Club and charities aligned with those of Kiwanis International “Serving the Children of the World”, including Kiwanis’
signature programs of Klothes 4 Kids, Koats 4 Kids and Kicks 4 Kids. The beautiful ride through the Gold Coast features picturesque vistas and water views. Choose from a 25 mile loop with 1,060 feet of vertical climb or the more challenging ride with an additional 10 mile loop, totalling 35 miles, with 1,600 feet of vertical climb. Routes are clearly marked and ride is equipped with a rest stop. Snacks and water provided. Sponsorships also available. Online registration ends June 24, but walk-ins are welcome. Online registration is $50, day of is $60.
• Where: Starting at Harry Tappen Beach, Sea Cliff
• Time: Staggered starts, rain or shine
• Contact: n2nbc.org
JUNE
30
‘From Sea to Shining Sea’ Join Author Evan Weiner for an informative presentation on James Polk at Copiague Memorial Public Library. Polk was considered a dark horse Presidential candidate in 1844 and he had a few issues he wanted to settle as president including making Texas a state and acquiring all the land he could from the Mexican territory
Join members of the Astronomical Society of Long Island for a nighttime skywatching session at Old Westbury Gardens. Free with admission.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
JULY
5
Storybook Stroll
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for another storybook adventure Stroll the gardens and enjoy a telling of Arnold Lobel’s “The Rose in My Garden” With a take-home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
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.
Notice of formation of Sunny Shore Occupational Therapy Services PLLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on (03/26/2025.) Office location: (SUFFOLK ). SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the PLLC to 11 CAPARI COURT, DIX HILLS , NY -11746).
Purpose: Any lawful purpose .
25-319. 5/21, 28, 6/4, 11, 18, 25
Notice of Formation of 1564 Noyack LLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 5/6/2025.
Office: Suffolk County SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 216 East State Street, Suite 100, Trenton, NJ 08608 Purpose: any lawful purpose.
25-318. 5/21, 28, 6/4, 11, 18, 25
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST GEORGE TORRUSIO, KIMBERLY TORRUSIO, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 20, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East
Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on July 9, 2025 at 10:30 AM, premises known as 90 30th Street, Copiague, NY 11726. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100 Section 200.00 Block 03.00 Lot 043.001. Approximate amount of judgment $581,835.16 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611879/2024. Richard Lavorata, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Wi lliamsville, NY 14221 24-000685 85699
25-334. 6/11, 18, 25, 7/2
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR NOMURA ASSET ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1, Plaintiff AGAINST CHRISTINE SPENCE INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF WILLIAM SPENCE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 4, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on July 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM, premises known as 41 Madison Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being
in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 164.00, Block 03.00, Lot 049.000. Approximate amount of judgment $639,422.62 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611124/2015. Richard Lavor ata Jr., Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 15-003253 85861
25-335. 6/11, 18, 25, 7/2
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids subject to all instructions, terms and conditions herein and pursuant to the specifications, will be received by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Copiague Fire District at the Office of said District located at Fire Headquarters, 320 Great Neck Road, Copiague, New York 11726, until 8:00 p.m., on July 9, 2025, where they will be opened publicly and read aloud after 8:00 p.m.. prevailing time, on the said date for the service as specified and the contract awarded as soon thereafter as practical for :
SALE OF A 1989 CHEVROLET VAN
The van is available for inspection by interested bidders at the Fire District building between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. Bidders interested in inspecting the van must contact the District Manager at (516) 852-2524 in order to schedule an appointment to inspect the van. Interested bidders will be required to submit their bid in
Public Notices
a sealed envelope marked with the words “Sale of Van”. The actual bid must be in writing and included in the sealed envelope stating the amount that the prospective bidder is willing to pay to the District for the van. It must be signed by the bidder and state his or her name, address and telephone number. There is a minimum bid of $1,500.00. Interested bidders will be required to deliver a certified check or official bank check payable to the Copiague Fire District as a down payment for the van in the amount of ten (10%) percent of the amount bid in the sealed envelope that contains his or her bid.
The successful bidder will be required to deliver the balance of the purchase price in the form of a certified check or official bank check payable to the Copiague Fire District within two (2) weeks of notification by the Fire District Secretary that he or she is the successful bidder, the Fire District has accepted the offer, and the van is available for pickup. The successful bidder’s failure to meet this deadline or refusal to complete the transaction on a timely basis will result in forfeiture of the down payment that accompanies the bid. This van will be sold in “as is” condition and the Fire District will give to the successful bidder no warranties express or implied relative to the condition of the van.
The Copiague Fire District as seller reserves the right to award this sale contract or to reject all of the bids submitted
or any part of any bid submitted if it determines at the discretion of the Board of Fire Commissioners that to do so is in the best interests of the Fire District.
Issue date: June 11, 2025
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
COPIAGUE FIRE DISTRICT 25-339. 6/25
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON ACCESSORY APARTMENT REVIEW BOARD
Pursuant to provisions of Local Law # 9 of the Babylon Town Code, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Accessory Apartment Review Board will hold a public hearing in the Town Board Meeting Room in the East Wing of Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York on Tuesday eve, July 22, 2025. Public hearings begin 6:00pm.
NEW APPLICATION:
•Govindra & Jean Persaud
349 W. 20th Street Deer Park, NY 11729
SCTM#0100-85-347
•Juan Baez-Rodriquez
27 East Gate Lane Copiague, NY 11726
SCTM#0100-1973-25
•Yalcin Avcu 26 Toysome Lane Deer Park, NY 11729
SCTM#0100-91-217
•Savan Yavasca
750 Deer Park Ave N. Babylon, NY 11703
SCTM#0100-146-241.002
• Peter Jablonski
32 Milton Road Babylon, NY 11702
SCTM#0100-2313-67
Printing Instructions:
RENEWALS BY AFFIDAVIT APPLICANTS, ARE NOT REQUIRED TO APPEAR. ALL NEW CASES WILL BE HEARD IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE ADVERTISED.
All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Sandra Thomas, Chairperson, Accessory Apartment Review Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York.
Amityville Record: Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 25-340 6/25
NOTICE OF FILING OF ASSESSMENT ROLL (Pursuant to Section 516 of the Real Property Tax Law) and (THE SUFFOLK COUNTY TAX ACT)
Notice is hereby given that the Assessment Roll for the Town of BABYLON, Suffolk County, New York, for the year 2025/2026, has been completed and verified by the undersigned Assessor, and a certified copy thereof will be filed in the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Babylon located at 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York, on the 1st day of July . The Town Clerk will deliver the Certified Roll to the Supervisor of the Town of Babylon, on the 4th day of August , thirty (30) days after the date of this publication. The Final Roll is available for your inspection on the Town of Babylon's web-site: www. townofbabylon.com.
Matthew R. Cronin, IAO, Assessor
Town of Babylon 25-341. 6/25
ASSESSOR'S OATH
(Pursuant to Section 514 of the Real Property Tax Law) STATE OF NEW YORK )
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK )
TOWN OF BABYLON )
I, the undersigned, do depose and swear that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the foregoing final assessment roll for 2025/2026 conforms in all respects to the tentative assessment roll with the exception of changes made by the Board of Assessment Review and assessments made by the Commissioner of Real Property Services.
Matthew R. Cronin, IAO Assessor Town of Babylon 25-342. 6/25
NOTICE is hereby given that the PLANNING BOARD of the Village of Amityville will hold a Public Hearing in the Court Room of Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY at 6:00 P.M. on THURSDAY, July 10, 2025.
Application of Raymond Reddy on behalf of Don Jerimiah of Yoga Anand Ashram Inc. Applicant seeks review and approval for the proposed installation of an additional wall sign pursuant to Section 24-6 A (1) (j) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the North side of Merrick Road approximately 60 feet East of Broadway (Route 110) in a “B-2 Business” District, known as 152-154 Merrick Road a/k/a SCTM #101-7-5-7.5. Application of Kevin
P Bertolini on behalf of Kimberly Coffey. Applicant seeks site plan and architectural review and approval for the proposed construction of a 4-unit multiple dwelling pursuant to Sections 24-16 A. (1), (4), and (5), as well as 24-6 A. (1) (b) and (h) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the Southwest corner of West Oak Street and Ketcham Avenue in a “Residential B” district known as 95 West Oak Street a/k/a SCTM #1015-1-10.
Application of G&R Building Corp on behalf of Ian Campbell Laing Revocable Trust. Applicant seeks approval to subdivide (2) existing parcels which contain a single family dwelling, garage, and shed on (1) parcel and (1) vacant parcel into a (3) conforming parcels which will maintain the existing structures on (1) parcel and create (2) parcels for the construction of (2) new single family dwellings as well as the site plan and architectural review of (1) proposed single family residence pursuant to Section 183-136 (B), 24-6 A. (1) (a), 24-6 A. (1) (b), and 24-6 A. (1) (h). Premises located on the South side of Sterling Place approximately 716 feet East of County Line Road in a “Residential B” district known as 126 Sterling Place a/k/a SCTM # 1013-3-10 and North side of Willis Avenue approximately 312’ West of Burch Avenue known as SCTM # 101-3-3-9.2. By Order of the Planning Board, Village of Amityville Catherine Murdock, Clerk/Treasurer 25-344. 6/25, 7/2
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF BABYLON - ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to Chapter 213, Article II of the Building Zone Ordinance of the Town of Babylon, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing at TOWN BOARD ROOM
(Located in the East Wing) at Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York on THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025
BEGINNING AT 6:00
P.M.
6:00 p.m.
1. Application #25094 William C. Raven III and Danielle Raven, 577 Heathcote Road, North Lindenhurst, NY. Permission to increase total building area from 20% to 32.45% (over by 617.8 sq. ft.). All in connection with a proposed inground pool. Property located on the north side of Heathcote Road, 100’ east of Monroe Drive, Lindenhurst, NY.
SCTM#0100-1553-4
Zoning District: Residence B
6:05 p.m.
2. Application #25-095 Matthew Siegfried, 154 Marcy Street, West Babylon, NY. Permission to increase total building area from 20% to 30.21% (over by 611.75 sq. ft.). All in connection with a proposed rear yard pool deck. Property located on the south side of Marcy Street, 126.01’ east of Babylon Boulevard (a/k/a Bond Street), West Babylon, NY.
SCTM#0100-1422-72
Zoning District: Residence B
6:10 p.m.
3. Application #25-
Public Notices
097 Oktay Top, 344 West 8th Street, Deer Park, NY. Permission to diminish rear yard setback from 30’ to 8’ (for second-story deck and stairs); diminish distance to east side lot line from 6’ to 2.6’ (for shed). All in connection with legally maintaining a shed and a rear second-story deck and stairs. Property located on the southeast end of West 8th Street, Deer Park, NY.
SCTM#0100-86-310
Zoning District: Residence C
6:15 p.m.
4. Application #25-099 Gabriel R. Reynoso Ramos and Niurkaury A. Minaya Aybar, 30 Lincoln Street, Copiague, NY. Permission to diminish front yard setback from 30’ to 21’. All in connection with the erection of a two-story addition, one-story addition, and secondstory addition and to legally maintain an existing roofed over front stoop. Property located on the south side of Lincoln Street, 160’ east of Grant Avenue, Copiague, NY.
SCTM#0100-1931-31
Zoning District: Residence C 6:20 p.m.
5. Application #25096 Osamudiamen and Christy Eghafona, 5 Autumn Lane, Amityville, NY. Permission to diminish front yard setback from 30’ to 15.8’ (on Sunshine Lane); increase total building area from 20% to 29.44% (over by 946.2 sq. ft.); diminish distance to rear lot line from 2’ to 1.2’ (for shed); diminish distance to north side lot line from 2’ to 1.1’ (for shed); allow a 6’ high fence beyond the front building line on Sunshine Lane. All in connection with a proposed second-story addition and a onestory addition and to
legally maintain a shed and fence. Property located on the northeast corner of Autumn Lane and Sunshine Lane, Amityville, NY.
SCTM#0100-1732-43
Zoning District: Residence B
6:25 p.m.
6. Application #25098 Angela Remsen, 8 Venetian Boulevard, Lindenhurst, NY. Permission to diminish front yard setback from 30’ to 27.41’; diminish north side yard setback from 10’ to 7.46’; diminish total side yards from 25’ to 11.38’; increase total building area from 30% to 41.56% (over by 462.51 sq. ft.); allow an eave encroachment; diminish distance to south side lot line from 2’ to 1.6’ (for shed); diminish distance to north lot line from 2’ to 0’ (for patio). All in connection with the erection of a onestory front addition and to legally maintain a shed and masonry patio. Property located on the east side of Venetian Boulevard, 340’ north of Maple Avenue, Lindenhurst, NY.
SCTM#0100-2263-128
Zoning District: Residence C 6:30 p.m.
7. Application #25101 Curtiss-Wright (applicant)/JMDH Real Estate of Babylon, LLC (prop. owner), 1966 Broad Hollow Road, East Farmingdale, NY. Permission to allow off premise advertisement for one (1) sign; increase number of ground signs per parcel from one (1) to two (2); increase area of ground sign from 32 sq. ft. to 44.8 sq. ft. All in connection with the erection of a non-conforming ground sign. Property located on the west side of Broad Hollow Road, 772.42’ north of Price Highway,
Farmingdale, NY.
SCTM#0100-33-112
Zoning District: Industry G 6:35 p.m.
8. Application #25102 LG Lindenhurst Associates, LLC (applicant)/LJC Wellwood Corporation (prop. owner), 720 East Palisade Avenue, Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Permission to increase number of directory signs per parcel from one (1) to two (2); diminish distance to front property line from 10’ to 5’ – 6’’; increase height of directory sign from 15’ to 22’; increase area of directory sign from 50 sq. ft. to 116 sq. ft. All in connection with the erection of a nonconforming directory sign. Property located on the southeast corner of Wellwood Avenue and Spiegelhagen Avenue, North Lindenhurst, NY.
SCTM#0100-2073-3.005
Zoning District: Business E Subject Premises: 600 North Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst, NY
ALL PERSONS OR THEIR DULY APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE MUST APPEAR IN PERSON AT THE ABOVE HEARING. ALL CASES WILL BE HEARD IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE ADVERTISED, TO BE FOLLOWED BY ADJOURNED CASES. BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
MICHAEL KANE, CHAIRMAN
Dated: Babylon Town Hall Lindenhurst, New York
June 13, 2025 25-343 6/25
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AND/OR INFORMATIONAL HEARINGS
BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON PLANNING BOARD
Pursuant to Chapter 186, Site Plan Review, and Chapter 213, Zoning, of the Babylon Town Code and Section 276 of the Town Law, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Planning Board will hold public and/or informational hearings(s) at the Babylon Town Hall, Town Board Room, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York, on the Monday, June 30, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time or as soon thereafter as can be heard to consider the following application(s):
PUBLIC HEARING/ SITE PLAN REVIEW
JOB# 25-08A; 471 Oak Street, LLC: SCTM# 0100-178-01-040, 0100-178-01-041, 0100-178-01-046, 0100-178-01-047 and 0100-178-01-048: Zone – Downtown Copiague (DC): SEQRA – Unlisted Action, Uncoordinated Review: Applicant proposes to demolish existing structures in order to construct an 11,250sf (footprint), three-story multiple residence building for 29 apartment units (19 one-bedroom, 10 twobedroom), along with associated site improvements.: Property is located on the north side of Oak Street, 105’ west of Great Neck Road, Copiague, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York
All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Patrick Halpin, Chairperson of the Planning Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York
PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS
Amityville Record 06-25-25 25-345. 6/25
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the fiscal affairs of the COPIAGUE FIRE DISTRICT for the period beginning January 1, 2024 and ending on December 31, 2024, have been examined by an independent public accountant, R.S. Abrams & Co. LLP and that the report of the external audit by the independent public accountant has been filed in my office where it is available as public record for inspection by all interested persons.
Pursuant to Section 181-b of the Town Law and Section 35 of the General Municipal Law, the governing board of the COPIAGUE FIRE DISTRICT shall prepare a written response and corrective action plan to the report of the external audit prepared by independent public accountant and file any such response/ plan in my office as a public record for inspection by all interested persons not later than ninety (90) days from the date hereof.
DATED: June 19, 2025
Donna Marano District Secretary Copiague Fire District Town of Babylon 25-346. 6/25
Arts Beats and Eats Amityville Street Fair
Amityville’s annual Street Fair will be taking place on July 3 from 5 to 10:30 p.m. in downtown Amityville, Broadway and Park Ave., from Oak St. to Ireland Place.
Hosted by the Amityville Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature live music, food vendors and patriotic fun. For more information, please call (631) 552-5673.
Meet some of our local scholars...
The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:
•Aidan Richards of Amityville, a member of Kellenberg Memorial High School’s Class of 2025, recently earned a Bloomberg Market Concepts Certification.
•Andrew Dicianni of Copiague was recently named to the Dean’s List and President’s List at the University of Hartford.
•The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at Hofstra University: Arleni Alvarez Almonte of Copiague, majoring in Nursing; Jaydyn Davis of Amityville, majoring in Computer Science and Cybersecurity; Sydni Fonville of Amityville, majoring in Television Production and Studies; Martha Gonzalez of Amityville, majoring in Accounting; Gisele Graziose of Amityville, majoring in Health Science; Elizabeth Gribbon of Amityville, majoring in Early Childhood and Childhood Education; Diana Imbert of Amityville, majoring in Marketing; Jordana Jagnarine of Copiague, majoring in Television Production and Studies; Joshua Jagnarine of Copiague, majoring in Finance; Angelina Olivo of Copiague, majoring in Criminology; Stephanie Pajaro of Amityville, majoring in Management; Jonatan Salmeron of Copiague, majoring in Computer Science; Eric Vila of Copiague, majoring in Business Analytics; and Matthew Zylberberg of Amityville, majoring in Psychology.
•Ava Tucciarone of Amityville was recently named to the Provost’s List at Hofstra University. Tucciarone is majoring in Management.
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Q. Our house was damaged by a fire over 10 years ago, renovated and finished. We are now refinancing, and discovered we have no “closed” permits for the work. Our bank says that they can’t continue processing until plumbing, electrical and building permits are finalized and we give the bank a copy of our certificate of occupancy. We aren’t sure why this happened, and we can’t reach the contractor or the plumber. We got a certificate that our electric was inspected. Can you explain what to do, how this happened and how long this could take? The bank is pushing us to get this done.
A. Speed and control of the project are the reason this happened. People doing construction need to get in, get out and get paid, and often there is little attention to documentation. Construction, with permits, has many steps that can be ignored. It’s rewarding to work with people in construction who respect the process.
Even with your emergency repair, the whole job, from planning to final paperwork, had to be done completely. The concern about time, and how quickly plans can be made and a permit received, sets the tone for the rest of the work. In his “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” Benjamin Franklin phrased it well: “Haste makes waste.” Rushing through planning can lead to delays if the plans are incomplete.
At each step, it seems, speed is of utmost importance. Banks, lawyers, insurance companies, contractors, real estate salespeople and building officials all have an interest, at some point, in moving you through the process of pushing for plans to be finished, a permit to be obtained and the construction work commenced. But plans and permits aren’t done by pushing a button on a computer. By diminishing this part of the process and only concentrating on getting the work done, other important parts are also ignored.
The back end of the job is making sure that each step of the work was inspected, and passes inspections. Covering up work before it is inspected is very common and done with purpose, often to avoid losing time, covering up inferior work or because the customer isn’t as important as their wallet.
You needed a full outline, a checklist, to follow through. The checklist would have shown you needed a final electrical inspection, for which you received a written certificate; a final plumbing inspection, which your plumber was required to arrange; and a final building inspection, which your contractor should have arranged. After the final inspection, you would have then received the final document you needed.
You’ll need to call your building department and confirm what inspections are needed. If you can’t find the plumber, you’ll need to either request the final plumbing inspection or spend the money to have another plumber follow through with starting the paperwork over again. Once these have been done, you’ll request the final building inspection walk-through, and hopefully thereafter receive the final certificate of completion. 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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opinions Saying goodbye to Bernie Kerik
Former New York City Police
Commissioner Bernie Kerik died recently. In many ways, Bernie’s death marked the beginning of the passing of an era. He was the commissioner when New York was attacked by terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001, and he became a symbol of New York’s resistance and courage with his leadership in the days, weeks and months afterward.
Before becoming commissioner, he was a heroic police officer and detective, receiving numerous departmental awards, including the Medal of Valor.
Rosemary and I were proud to call Bernie our friend, in good times and bad. And there were some bad times, primarily when he was imprisoned for ethical crimes for which he was later pardoned. A number of us believed that he had been targeted for prosecution, and that his sentence was excessive. But Kerik would be the first to admit he was no saint. He did his time and went on with his life. Besides occasionally getting together with him for dinner, I looked forward to the massive barbecues he hosted for police officers and veterans
at his home in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. I believe in judging people on the entirety of their lives. For those who knew him or even just observed him, Kerik passed that test. The respect and admiration for him were amply demonstrated by the crowd of mourners at his funeral Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, who shared memories of Bernie — especially his loyalty to friends, his patriotism and his unwavering leadership after 9/11.
In addition to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the attendees included law enforcement officials, government leaders and well-known New Yorkers.
HCairo and I went after President Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally. On the day of the funeral, Kash described Kerik as a “titan among men” and “our warrior in the Colosseum when the world needed saving.”
e came to symbolize New York’s courage in the aftermath of Sept. 11.
The day of the funeral, Rosemary and I arrived early. Among the first people we met outside the cathedral was famed journalist and media personality Geraldo Rivera, a longtime friend of Kerik’s. Rivera and I spoke about the times we spent with Bernie during his tough days, and how tough he was during those days.
Also outside the cathedral was FBI Director Kash Patel. The last time I had seen Kerik was with Patel last October at Il Milano Restaurant in Manhattan, where County Executive Bruce Blakeman, county Republican Chairman Joe
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and FDNY Commissioner Tom Von Essen, the city officials who were closest to Kerik in leading New York back after 9/11, appeared heartbroken and devastated. Current Mayor Eric Adams also attended, and I commended him for authorizing this ceremonial tribute to Kerik.
I also spoke with the NYPD’s longest-serving commissioner, Ray Kelly, and current Commissioner Jessica Tisch. Kelly succeeded Kerik, and served for 12 years as commissioner. I met Tisch when she served as Kelly’s deputy commissioner for information and technology.
The NYPD Pipes & Drums performed, and many hundreds of NYPD officers lined up to pay their respects. Before the Mass began, Rosemary and I had the chance to meet in the cathedral with Dolan, a true man of God and a man for all seasons who always supports the efforts of the men and women in blue.
The hearse carrying Kerik’s remains arrived outside the cathedral as the bag-
pipes blared. Then the flag-draped coffin was carried up the steps of the cathedral to be blessed by Dolan, who led the funeral procession of family members and friends up the center aisle to the altar. Rosemary and I sat with Joe Lhota, formerly Giuliani’s deputy mayor, who is now chief of staff at NYU Langone Medical Center.
The funeral was definitely a celebration of Kerik’s life, best summarized by an opening sentence of NYPD Chaplain Msgr. David Cassato’s eulogy, which elicited laughter and knowing smiles as he patted the coffin: “Each of us has a Bernie Kerik story.” Kerik’s brother and his son Joe, a hero Newark SWAT team cop, also delivered moving eulogies.
At the conclusion of the funeral, Kerik’s coffin was carried from the cathedral. Taps was played. The American flag was taken from the coffin and presented to Bernie’s widow, Halla, by Patel and Giuliani. Accompanied by the pipe band playing “America the Beautiful,” the hearse headed slowly south on Fifth Avenue. A man who had done so much to lead New York through its darkest hour was leaving the arena. But the memories would remain. Bernie Kerik, R.I.P.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
We need to stop the attacks on America’s elected leaders
Alot of people are upset about the recent reports of the murder of the former speaker of the Minnesota legislature. If there is a list of concerned citizens, please put me at the top. Having served in elected office for 23 years, I have good reason to be worried about the fate of thousands of public officials who dedicate their lives to serving us. We are living in very sick times, and it’s time for the American people to become a part of the solution and not the problem. Less than two weeks ago, a deranged man took it upon himself to launch a carefully orchestrated campaign to kill elected officials in Minnesota. He created an enemies list and armed himself with AK-47s and other deadly weapons. You will note that I do not describe his victims and intended targets as Democratic lawmakers because party affiliation does not give potential murderers a free pass to kill only certain people. The Minnesota horror show coincid-
Ded with the eighth anniversary of the mass shooting during a practice session for the Congressional Baseball Game in Alexandria, Virginia. U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise, a Republican, suffered serious injuries that have left him with permanent disabilities. His attacker also shot three other people. It is coincidental that Scalise’s attacker was angry with Republicans, and the Minnesota killer had grievances with Democrats.
These events are part of a long history of people acting out of hatred for elected officials. In January 2011, U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords was shot during a constituent meeting in Casas Adobes, Arizona. Six innocent people were killed that day. The assassin was Jared Lee Loughner, who had a longstanding grievance with Giffords. He is currently serving a life sentence in prison.
today, whether you’re a Democratic or Republican official, there’s a target on your back and there are an abundance of people out there who want to harm you.
emocrat or Republican, there are lots of people out there who want to harm you.
Some people think the solution to this madness is providing more security guards for certain officials. That easy fix would cost taxpayers billions of dollars, and is not the solution. Instead, the first step is to voice loud criticism of anyone who supports violence against any elected official. Shortly after the Minnesota slaughter of two innocents, Utah Republican Sen. Mike Lee baselessly suggested that their assassination was connected to the political left.
The second solution to this constant wave of horror is very much in the hands of the political establishment, starting with President Trump, who has escaped two attempts on his life. It is incumbent on him to set a new tone against violence by either side. While the nation might be split politically, a president who speaks out on this issue is doing all Americans a favor.
Aside from my worry for the people who currently serve the people, I am deeply concerned about the impact these attacks will have on potential candidates for public office. I think if I were interested in running for the first time, my family would be begging me to reconsider. If qualified people decide that being an elected official is too dangerous, the country, and our system of government, will be the losers.
Since that time there have been countless cases of violence against public officials. President Trump has been the target of two assassination attempts, and just two months ago, another deranged person attempted to kill Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro by setting fire to the governor’s mansion. Sadly,
“This is what happens when Marxists don’t get their way,” Lee wrote on his personal X account with an image of suspected murderer Vance Boelter. In a follow-up tweet, he wrote “Nightmare on Waltz Street” in a misspelled reference to Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Waltz. Lee’s comments were met with a firestorm of complaints, but to date he has not retreated from his inflammatory remarks. If they go uncensored by the Senate leadership, America is the loser.
It is my fervent hope and prayer that this cycle of violence will end, but it won’t be without all Americans being a part of a new crusade.
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.
Jerry Kremer
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SSummer is too deadly for teen drivers
ummer should be a time of freedom, fun and new experiences for young people. But for teenage and young-adult drivers, the warmest months of the year come with a chilling nickname: the 100 Deadliest Days.
During this span, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, fatal crashes involving teen drivers spike significantly. The reasons are numerous and well documented — but the solutions are equally clear and achievable, if families and communities act with urgency.
Between 2019 and 2023, 13,135 people nationwide were killed in crashes involving teen drivers. One more person per day died in those crashes during the summer than at any other time of the year, according to an American Automobile Association analysis of accident data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Why is this time of year so deadly for young drivers?
The first and most obvious reason is increased time on the road. School is out, teens have more freedom, and that translates to more hours behind the wheel — many of them without adult supervision. This newfound autonomy can lead to increased exposure to risky situations, especially for drivers still learning the nuances of safe vehicle operation, who often create those situation.
Then there are the social factors. Summer is filled with gatherings, beach trips and late nights with friends. Often, teen drivers are not alone in the car, so
letterS
Suozzi gets it
To the Editor:
It was refreshing to see a Democrat, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, offering ideas about the concerns of everyday people in his op-ed last week, “Centrist Democrats need to listen, learn and lead.”
Suozzi wrote a column not once bashing President Trump.
He went one step further. He sent a letter to the president about working together to address border security, immigration reform and a path to legalization, and the release of a bagel manager from Port Washington who was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Working with the president may not make Suozzi popular with his fellow Democrats, but the majority of the people approve of both parties cooperating.
It’s what the people want, not about the power of the parties.
Recent developments involving Iran are more reasons why we should heal our divi -
each fatal crash involving a teen has the increased chance of claiming a number of lives. The distractions of conversation, music, phones and peer pressure can divert a driver’s attention at exactly the wrong moment. Reading and sending text messages, as well as watching and recording TikTok and Instagram videos, while driving are accidents waiting to happen, too.
Inexperience compounds the problem. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted, teen drivers are still developing the judgment and skills they need to respond to rapidly changing road conditions. They may fail to recognize hazards, misjudge distances or respond too late to hazardous situations. Add common behaviors such as speeding and driving under the influence, and it becomes clear why summer teen crash statistics rise so predictably.
Other risks are more situational, but just as serious: unfamiliar routes, fatigue from erratic summer sleep schedules, heat-related vehicle problems and heavy seasonal traffic. Each of those factors can test a teen’s ability to maintain control behind the wheel.
What can, and should, parents do without unnecessarily limiting their children’s freedom? First, set clear rules about when, where and with whom they can drive. That includes enforcing curfews and limiting the number of passengers that can accompany them. Research has consistently shown that the presence of more than one teenager in a car increases the risk of a
crash.
Second, lead by example. Teens model the behavior they see. Parents should avoid using phones while driving, follow traffic laws and show that safe driving is a lifelong habit — not just the subject of a lecture.
Open, honest communication is also vital. Conversations about the dangers of drinking, drugs and distracted driving should be ongoing, not one-time talks. When teens understand the reallife consequences of risky driving, they’re more likely to make responsible choices.
Technology can help, too. Apps that provide driving feedback and location tracking — like those recommended by Family1st GPS — offer an added layer of safety and accountability. These tools aren’t about spying; they’re about creating a support system.
Emphasize safety basics: always wearing a seatbelt, obeying speed limits, and keeping eyes on the road and off the phone.
The 100 Deadliest Days will continue to claim many more lives than they should until families, schools and communities step up. Public service campaigns, driver education refreshers and localized policies — like New York state’s Zero Tolerance law, which dramatically reduced the allowable blood alcohol content for drivers under age 21 — can make an impact.
This summer, let’s treat teen driving safety like the urgent public health issue it is — and make sure that the road to adulthood isn’t cut short by tragedy.
Freedom for, freedom from, freedom to: What is freedom?
the Fourth of July is a day of celebration, with picnics and fireworks. Sometimes, however, it seems that we have forgotten the purpose of the celebration, with little attention given to the cost and meaning of national independence, or freedom, and the obligations of citizenship in a free society. It is worth remembering what some patriots have said about freedom and its attendant responsibilities.
James Madison said, “The advancement and diffusion of knowledge is the only guardian of true liberty.” Yes, liberty means freedom, just as liberal arts education is about learning to be a free citizen.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed, it must be achieved.” That is, it must be educated, exercised and shared.
Freedom is neither easily obtained nor easily retained. As the radio newscaster Elmer Davis said, “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”
When we celebrate freedom, what do we mean? Does liberty mean we can do
anything we please, free from restraints? If everyone was free to do anything they pleased, we would have chaos, anarchy. These are not the conditions necessary for the rule of law, stability and community, which means respecting the common good.
them:
• Be informed (see accurate information; distinguish between fact and opinion);
• Get involved (yes, vote, but also attend public meetings);
oWhich form of freedom is celebrated, or even acknowledged? We want freedom of speech, but we also want to be free from hate speech and harassing behavior. We want the freedoms of entrepreneurship, but must recognize that others want freedom from polluted waters and poisoned produce. The pursuit of freedom requires a broader view, a community view, not just an individual view.
n July Fourth, we should keep in mind the cost, and the meaning, of freedom.
Perhaps the most famous recitation of freedom was articulated by FDR in a speech on Jan. 6, 1941, memorialized by a Norman Rockwell painting and the memorial at the south end of Roosevelt Island. In it, he outlined the four fundamental freedoms of speech, worship and freedom from want and fear. These are two freedoms for and two freedoms from. There is also freedom to, often thought of in terms of rights. But rights involve obligations, as well expressed by Richard Haass in his book “The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens. In it, he delineates
Letters
sions. There are many external actors who would like to see our country torn apart. We shouldn’t make it so easy for them.
TONY GIAMETTA Oceanside
Enough of subminimum wages
To the Editor: Organizations in New York can pay a person with a disability as little as 5 cents hour, and it is legal. This must end.
It’s time for the state to eliminate the subminimum wage and treat people with disabilities with the fairness they deserve. The State Senate has passed Bill S.28 to do just that, and now it’s time for the Assembly to act before their session ends.
As the father of a young man with Down syndrome, I’ve seen firsthand what people with differing abilities can accomplish when given the chance. My son,
John Cronin, co-founded a business with me, John’s Crazy Socks, and we have learned that hiring people with differing abilities isn’t charity; it’s good business. More than half of our employees have a disability. They work hard, produce extraordinary results, and earn the same wage as their colleagues.
The subminimum wage law, a relic of 1938, allows people with disabilities to be paid as little as 5 cents an hour. That’s not just outdated, it’s wrong. It tells people that their labor, and their lives, are worth less.
New York should lead the nation by ending this discriminatory practice. No more secondclass workers. No exceptions. I urge the Assembly to pass S.28 and help build a more inclusive and just future for all.
MARk X. CRONIN
Cofounder and president, John’s Crazy Socks Farmingdale
• Stay open to compromise (you can be right without my being wrong);
• Remain civil (calling others names or shouting over them does not advance communication);
• Reject violence (need I say more?);
• Value norms (respect others, wait your turn, stop at the red light even when there are no other cars around);
• Promote the common good (we all benefit when everyone respects the rule of law);
• Respect government service (we created government to protect rights, promote peaceful resolutions, tend to the common defense and provide services in areas and ways that others cannot or will not);
• Support the teaching of civics (citizenship requires preparation and continuing education as well as participation); and
• Put country first (the whole is greater than the sum of the parts). We must balance individual rights with the obligations of good citizenship.
We want freedom, the absence of obstacles, to aspire, to seek, to think, to act, but we also need to acknowledge the right of government to protect the larger community and the aspirations of others that may be contrary to the majority. We must balance the pursuit of autonomy with the responsibility to respect the rights of others. People may be free to act as they please as long as their actions do not impinge on the freedom of others.
Nevertheless, one of our freedoms is to test the boundaries of societal constraints by challenging norms and laws. In a democracy, the public, either individually or through elected representatives, elects those who will assess and balance competing claims on freedom. If necessary, the courts intervene.
On July Fourth, we may celebrate with banners and hot dogs, but we should also contemplate the meaning and responsibility of what it means to be a free people. We need to balance personal liberty with respect for others, for they, too, have liberty. Remember what Abraham Lincoln said, “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”
Robert Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate.”
robert A. scott
FrAmework by Tim Baker
